Sunday March 28, 2021 Shaban 15, 1442 Vol.14 no. 5217 QR 2

Fajr: 4:14 am Dhuhr: 11:39 am fine Asr: 3:07 pm Maghrib: 5:49 pm High : 31°C LOW : 22 °C Isha: 7:19 pm

World 5 Business 8 Sports 12 Over 90 killed in Qatar posts trade Haydos double sees Myanmar’s deadliest surplus of QR13.2 bn Qatar rally to quell day since coup in February Azerbaijan challenge 2-1

Amir to meet Turkish president, FM review bilateral Congo prez ties, developments in Syria & Libya 2nd drive-through tomorrow QNA Doha vaccination centre His Highness the Amir of State of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani will meet with President of the Democratic Republic of set to open today Congo Felix Tshisekedi at the Amiri Diwan on Monday. The president of the Drive-through centre in Al Wakra will further propel Democratic Republic of Congo will arrive on Sunday National COVID-19 Vaccination Programme on an official visit. QNA We are now HH the Amir and the Doha administering President of the Democratic more than Republic of Congo will dis- The second drive-through 130,000 vaccine doses cuss bilateral relations and COVID-19 vaccination centre a week in more than 35 the means to enhance and President of Turkey Recep Tayyip Erdogan met with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign is all set to open in Al Wakra vaccination sites across support them, in addition to Affairs HE Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani on Saturday. The FM conveyed the greetings on Sunday, following the suc- Qatar. The opening of a issues of common interest. of His Highness the Amir of State of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani to the Turkish president, cess of the first one in Lusail. second drive-through centre wishing the Turkish people further progress and prosperity. For his part, the Turkish president entrusted This was announced by Minis- in Al Wakra will enable us the FM with his greetings to HH the Amir, wishing him health and happiness and the Qatari people ter of Public Health HE Hanan to continue to expand the continued development and prosperity. The meeting reviewed bilateral cooperation and the latest Mohamed Al Kuwari on Satur- vaccination programme.” developments in the region, particularly in Syria and Libya. (QNA) day. The minister praised the iLife Digital, in great efforts made by Qatar — HE Hanan Mohamed Al Kuwari to expand the national vac- partnership with cination programme against COVID-19. ABA Holding, to The drive-through vac- open first laptop Qatar’s first encyclopedia of cination centre in Al Wakra would further strengthen the manufacturing National COVID-19 Vaccina- plants launched at AgriteQ tion Programme and boost facility in Qatar access to vaccines for people ILife Digital has partnered Tribune News Network living in Al Wakra and the sur- with Qatar’s Prime Tech- Doha rounding areas. to protect Qatar’s population day of their second dose. nologies to set up a 3,000 “Since opening at the end from the threat of COVID-19,” Dr Al Khal stressed that square metres production The Ministry of Municipal- of February, the Lusail COV- she added. people should not visit the facility at Qatar Free Zone ity and Environment (MME), ID-19 Drive-Through Vac- “The Al Wakra COVID-19 drive-through centres before – Umm Al Houl to meet in collaboration with the Gulf cination Centre has provided Drive-Through Vaccination the due day of their second the growing demand for Organisation for Research & a convenient way for tens of Centre will operate in the dose. its next-gen stylish and Development (GORD), has thousands of people to receive same manner as the Lusail “Our vaccination teams affordable products. Prime launched the first-of-its-kind their second vaccine dose and Centre, with both facilities will not administer the sec- Technologies is a subsidiary Encyclopedia of Native & has been an important part of catering for people receiving ond dose earlier than the due of Ali Bin Ali (ABA) Holding, Non-Native Plants in Eastern our strategy to expand the vac- their second dose of either the date as this could negatively one of the largest conglom- Arabia at the 8th edition of cination programme,” said Al Pfizer and BioNTech or Mod- impact the effectiveness of the erates in Qatar. Qatar International Agricul- Kuwari. erna vaccine,” said Dr Abdul- vaccine. Individuals who have The new facility located tural Exhibition (AgriteQ) at “Due to the recent avail- latif Al Khal, Chair of the Na- received the Pfizer vaccine in Doha will feature a state- Doha Exhibition & Conven- ability of larger quantities of tional Health Strategic Group should attend for their sec- of-the-art production and tion Center. vaccines we have been able to on COVID-19. ond dose 21 days after the first R&D facility along with a It took seven years of re- significantly increase the pace PHCC will notify eligible dose, and for those receiving logistics and customer search to prepare the encyclo- of the vaccination programme people if their second dose will the Moderna vaccine the sec- solutions centre. Produc- pedia. Along with the explora- Dignitaries during the inauguration of the Encyclopedia of Native & and we are now administering be administered at one of the ond dose is given 28 days after tion will begin from August tion of hundreds of specialised Non-Native Plants in Eastern Arabia at AgriteQ on Saturday. more than 130,000 vaccine drive-through centers, a pri- the first dose,” he explained. 2021. Initially, it will manu- scientific publications, field doses a week in more than 35 mary health centre or Qatar The Al Wakra Drive- facture laptops, desktops research was conducted by a guide on cultivating plants in servation status, worldwide vaccination sites across Qatar. National Convention Center. Through Center is located and tablet PCs — with an group of experts at GORD. Qatar’s desert terrain. distribution, nativity to the The opening of a second drive- People do not need a time-spe- behind Al Janoub Stadium expected output of ap- The encyclopedia com- The encyclopedia features region, lifespan, adaptability, through centre in Al Wakra cific appointment to attend the and is operational from 11am proximately 350,000 units prises six volumes covering a collection of plant species ar- cultivation and plant forms. will enable us to continue to drive-through centers, they to 10pm, 7 days a week. Last annually. (TNN) page 4 approximately 2,500 pages, ranged systematically with de- expand the vaccination pro- can attend at any time during entrance to the Center is 9pm and provides a comprehensive scriptive details such as con- Continued on page 16  gram and support our efforts operational hours on the due daily.

Lights go off to mark Earth Hour Qatar-funded initiative wins UN award Lights switched off for one hour from 8.30pm to 9.30pm on Saturday at Kah- Education for Justice initiative aims to prevent crime through educational activities ramaa and Planning and Statistics Authority buildings to mark Earth Hour, a global initiative to spread awareness about environment and climate change. Several QNA In a message sent to the United government buildings, including ministries, public sector companies, leading hotels New York Nations Office in Vienna, UN Sec- and malls took part in the initiative by switching off the lights for one hour. Earth retary-General Antonio Guterres Hour is an annual tradition in which people switch off their lights to spread aware- The “Education for Justice” ini- expressed his sincere appreciation ness about sustainability and climate change. (TNN) tiative of the Global Programme and gratitude for the generous of the Doha Declaration issued by contributions made by Qatar to the Thirteenth Congress on Crime implement what was stated in the Prevention and Criminal Justice global program of the Doha Dec- 2015 and funded by Qatar, award- laration. ed the United Nations Secretary- Guterres said that he and Ex- General 2020 Innovation Award. ecutive Director of the UNODC The Global Programme of the Ghada Waly were looking forward Doha Declaration, implemented to moving together towards a new by the Vienna-based United Na- generation of initiatives based on tions Office on Drugs and Crime this successful experience. (UNODC), includes four main ar- UNODC Executive Director eas: judicial integrity, education Ghada Waly said the award grant- for justice, protection of youth ed by the UN Secretary-General from crime through sport, and the to the “Education for Justice” ini- rehabilitation of prisoners. tiative is a “welcome recognition The “Education for Justice” in- “Education for Justice” initiative was chosen to receive the award from among of UNODC’s capabilities and the itiative aims to prevent crime and 194 projects submitted by 52 organs of the United Nations. potential to innovate within our establish a culture of lawfulness mandates as we contribute to UN through educational activities spe- receive the award from among 194 due to its dimensions and impli- system-wide support to achieve cifically designed for the primary, projects submitted by 52 organs of cations at the global level and its the Sustainable Development secondary and university levels of the United Nations. It is the first achievement of impressive results Goals”. education. time that a project of the UNODC despite difficult conditions caused The initiative was chosen to received a high award of this kind by COVID-19 pandemic. Continued on page 2  02 Sunday, March 28, 2021

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

Minister of justice issues Be more security conscious to training rules for Center for Legal and Judicial Studies curb crimes, CID urges public QNA quired training programmes Doha within the competence of the centre. The director can accept Minister of Justice and the implementation of pro- Lieutenant Al Shammari defines the sense of security as ‘the ability to recognise danger’ Acting Minister of State for gramnes not included in the Cabinet Affairs HE Dr Issa bin annual training plan accord- IKOLI VICTOR and personal belongings identity. To avoid its mis- Saad Al Jafali Al Nuaimi has ing to the training require- Doha such as the Qatar Identity use for telecom operations, issued Decision No 4 of 2021 ments and the needs of the Card (QID) and bank cards, avoid handing your ID card on training regulations of the authorities, and the training The Criminal Investiga- stressing that the risk sens- to anyone for the comple- Center for Legal and Judicial package includes theoretical tion Department (CID) has ing process begins with no- tion of any transaction. You Studies at the Ministry of Jus- and practical training, educa- urged members of the public ticing any unusual or suspi- can also use the Ooredoo and tice. tional materials, accompany- to maintain a sense of se- cious behaviour, which is Vodafone apps to verify the The training regulations ing education resources, and curity and be more security then monitored. misuse of your ID number by stipulated that the centre rules for evaluation according conscious in order to protect According to him, the anyone.” would implement training to training curriculum. their homes, complexes, and concept of a sense of security Lt Shammari poited out programmes for judges and On the issuance of the personal belongings. does not only apply to secu- that anyone found drunk or their assistants, members of training regulations of the Speaking at a virtual sem- rity personnel but also to all engaging in indecent acts the Public Prosecution and Center for Legal and Judicial inar organised by the Minis- members of the public, add- on public roads faces a six- their assistants, and candi- Studies, Dr Nuaimi stressed try of Interior’s Public Rela- ing that, “the sense of securi- month prison sentence and a dates from the Supreme Judi- the importance of this regula- tions Department recently, ty is a collective responsibil- Lieutenant Mashari Abdulrahman Jameel Al Shammari fine of up to QR3,000, add- ciary Council or the Attorney- tions for developing and up- Lieutenant Mashari Abdul- ity that benefits all members ing that the import, export, General for appointment to dating the training system at rahman Jameel Al Shammari of society”. Lt Shammari urged peo- to be a police officer is not sale or promotion of alcohol the functions of the judiciary the centre, explaining that it defined the sense of security He advised residents to ple dealing with bank trans- wearing a police uniform, is punishable with a three- and the public prosecution. took into account the prepa- as “the ability to recognise keep their home address actions to be cautious and request that he shows his year prison sentence and a The training programmes ration of the training list the danger or any strange behav- handy in case of an emergen- not to leave cash in their ve- identification. If he refuses, fine of up to QR10,000. in accordance with the regu- opinions of the stakeholders iour or manifestations that cy, urging people to secure hicles, stressing that when disregard whatever he says Concerning the COV- lations will also train legal from governmental agencies breach security”. their entire home, if possi- cash is withdrawn from and contact 999.” ID-19 preventive measures, professionals in government and other entities that can The seminar, titled ‘Pre- ble, to instal alarms and sur- banks, people should go di- He added that the public he urged people to cooperate or other agencies, lawyers, at- benefit from training pro- vention is Better than Cure’ veillance cameras. rectly to their company’s or can contact the emergency with private security guards torneys under training, expert grammes to meet the needs of organised as part of a series On vehicle security, he specified locations to drop number, 999, to report any by showing their Ehteraz app judges, translators, court re- the various bodies. of community awareness said, “Don’t leave unoccu- the cash, rather than stop- suspected cases or make use before entering shopping porters, judicial officers and The minister added that programmes, was attended pied vehicles running, even ping for other businesses of Metrash2 to register a malls, public institutions any other categories approved the training plan aims to Qa- by about 500 representatives if only for a short period of along the way. complaint. and ministries for their safe- by the minister. tarise the training staff at the from various business and time, because it invites theft. He warned the public not Regarding QID, he said, ty and the safety of others. Under the provisions of centre to benefit from the na- community organisations. Don’t leave valuables or to become a victim of people “Residents should always He advised people to the regulations, the director tional expertise in this field, Lt Shammari provided large sums of money inside impersonating police offic- carry their ID cards with maintain all precaution- of the Center for Legal and welcoming national cadres advice on how to secure ve- the vehicle while it is parked ers, saying, “You have to be them because it is the official ary measures to prevent the Judicial Studies approves the who can contribute to the hicles, homes, complexes in a public place.” brave. If the person claiming document that proves their spread of the COVID-19. implementation of the re- training work at the centre. ‘Doha Declaration aims to address challenges facing the rule of law’

Continued from page 1  Crime Branch at the United Nations Of- and transparent criminal justice systems, fice on Drugs and Crime Brigitte Strobel- he said. She said the Global Programme for the Shaw affirmed that the UnitedN ations He affirmed that the Global Pro- Implementation of the Doha Declaration Office provided values-based education gramme for the Implementation of the is distinguished by its comprehensive ap- and professional training for people Doha Declaration, which was implement- proach that focuses on people in general, around the world to become activists in ed from 2016 to 2020, is the first pro- aiming to address many interrelated chal- support of the rule of law and the achieve- gramme adopted by the host country of lenges facing the rule of law. ment of justice for all. the Crime Prevention Conference to con- She added that this programme was Major-General Dr Abdullah Yusuf Al vert the political declaration into projects built on the experiences of the United Na- Mal, Advisor to HE the Minister of Interi- on the ground. tions Office on Drugs and Crime around or and Head of the Follow-up Committee He also noted that this international the world, and on its wide field presence for the Global Programme for the Imple- programme is the largest programme to provide assistance at the time and place mentation of the Doha Declaration, said funded by one state in the history of The EAA cheque being handed over. required, with the office’s focus on the the great successes achieved by the pro- the United Nations Office in Vienna, property rights of states, in order to move gramme were behind the ‘Education for with the distinction of being multidis- towards inclusive and resilient societies, Justice’ initiative, which is a major com- ciplinary, and its four components are LuLu Hypermarket hands over and to enhance access to justice with in- ponent of this programme, receiving the closely related to each other, namely, tegrity and accountability. UN Secretary-General 2020 Innovation judicial integrity, education for justice, Director, Division for Treaty Affairs, Award, granted each year for outstanding and crime prevention among young peo- QR2 million donations to EAA UNODC John Brandolino said, “Innova- ple through sports and the rehabilitation tion Award is given every year for distin- of prisoners. Tribune News Network around the world face to the fun- tives. guished work carried out by one of the Brandolino thanked Qatar for its The latest UN statistics reveal that two Doha damental right to quality educa- Since 2017, LuLu Hyper- United Nations agencies, which contrib- commitment and support to the and a half million people from 190 coun- tion. market Qatar has contributed utes to the creation of promising pros- United Nations Office in Vienna over tries have benefited from the activities of In line with its contributions to “This contribution will go a QR3.65 million per year from pects that have a great impact that un- the past years, looking forward to the Global Programme, while its educa- children’s education since 2017, long way in impacting children’s 2017 to 2020 to EAA’s Educate locks potentials for creativity.” strengthening the strategic partner- tional materials have reached more than LuLu Hypermarket Qatar has lives through enrolment who A Child (EAC) programme to In his email message addressed to the ship with it through the continua- 1.4 million students. collected and delivered dona- may otherwise could not access support its mission to transform Permanent Mission of Qatar to the United tion of consultations on initiatives More than 170,000 people from 187 tions of QR2 million to Educa- education and have missed out millions of lives by improving Nations and international organisations countries benefited from direct capac- tion Above All (EAA) Founda- on key learning and develop- access to education – a com- in Vienna, Brandolino said the UN Sec- that fall within the basic issues of ity building activities of the programme, tion’s Together Project. ment opportunities. We also mitment that has been renewed retary-General chose the ‘Education for the rule of law and develop and while more than 11,000 young people The Together Project has so extend special thanks to all the for QR14.6 million over the next Justice’ initiative from among 194 pro- support youth empowerment and were trained on crime prevention through far provided access to education customers and members of four years from 2021 to 2024. jects submitted by 52 organs of the United inspire others to take the initiative sport, and more than 1,500 judges and to over 2,000 children through our community, who offered As part of this, funds allo- Nations from 44 UN organisation’s work public prosecutors were trained on issues scholarships across various their donation to the fundrais- cated to the EAA/UNICEF USA sites for the 2020 award. of judicial integrity, as well as a global net- community and private schools ing campaign and helped chil- project targeted enrolment of an Brandolino thanked Qatar for its com- work. work for judicial integrity was launched, in Qatar. In an official ceremony dren unlock their full potential additional 3 6 6 , 2 8 6 mitment and support to the United Na- He said the Global Programme for the and 55 training sites on tools for judicial attended by representatives of through education.” Syrian out-of-school children tions Office in Vienna over the past years, Implementation of the Doha Declaration integrity ethics were set up. both EAA Foundation and Lulu, Dr Mohamed Althaf, direc- in the conflict-affected country looking forward to strengthening the reflected the wisdom and foresight of the Major-General Dr Abdullah Yusuf Al LuLu Hypermarket formally tor of Lulu Group, said: “We are through psychosocial support, strategic partnership with it through the country’s political leadership under the Mal affirmed that the programme has presented QR2 million cheque delighted to extend our support provision of learning materials, continuation of consultations on initia- Amir His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin proven successful in implementing its to EAA Foundation. and the incredible contributions teacher training and classroom tives that fall within the basic issues of the Hamad Al Thani and Qatar’s belief in projects over the past years, especially The fundraising campaign of our customers to Education rehabilitation/construction. rule of law and develop and support youth pluralism in international work, and its in developing the work mechanisms of ran since October 2020 via ac- Above All Foundation and its Launched in 2017, EAA’s empowerment and inspire others to take endeavour to convert international po- the United Nations Office on Drugs and tive customer donations at LuLu mission to provide equal learn- Together Project is dedicated the initiative. litical commitments into projects on the Crime, capacity development and train- Hypermarket stores across the ing opportunities to children to identifying and addressing He pointed out that the tradition fol- ground. ing processes within a multi-dimensional country, aimed at raising money facing various compounded bar- the barriers that keep deserving lowed during the past years is based on After the impressive success of the strategy. to overcome gaps in education riers to education. Every child children in Qatar from enrolling arranging a ceremony at the headquar- Thirteenth Congress on Crime Preven- He said this strategy was directed and financial barriers in line deserves access to quality edu- in school. Through the scholar- ters of the United Nations to present the tion and Criminal Justice held in Doha towards making a long-term impact in with EAA’s mission to provide cation that can help them grow ships and enrolment, Together award, but because of the coronavirus in April 2015 and the issuance of its po- combating crime, consolidating the rule equal access to quality education into productive and fulfilled so- Project has addressed barriers pandemic, the Secretary-General only litical declaration, the Doha Declaration, of law, enhancing the preparedness and for all learners. ciety members. Each donation to education and ensured edu- sent a video message to the United Na- HH the Amir ordered the funding of an effectiveness of member states to address Mubarak Al Thani, commu- carries a transformational, real- cational access for over 2044 tions Office in Vienna informing them of international programme to implement transnational organised crime, drugs, nication manager and head of life impact on the next genera- children. this honor, and also instructing the use of the Doha Declaration in cooperation with corruption and terrorism, developing Advocacy at EAA Foundation, tion.” LuLu Hypermarket will con- the certificate in any of a future indication the United Nations Office on Drugs and criminal justice institutions as well as said: “We are pleased for our The generous donation tinue to play an active role in cre- of the achievements of the Global Pro- Crime, with the aim of assisting coun- the programme’s role in using education partner’s, LuLu Hypermarket’s comes as an extension to LuLu ating opportunities for children gram for the Implementation of the Doha tries, particularly developing countries, in in order to prevent crime, raise public extraordinary support in recog- Hypermarket’s longstanding to access quality education and Declaration. addressing organised crime, corruption, awareness of its risks and enhance the in- nition of the barriers children commitment to EAA’s initia- unlock a better future. Chief of the Corruption and Economic drugs and terrorism, and building solid tegrity of the judiciary. Nation Sunday, March 28, 2021 03 College of Health at HBKU organises webinar on advances in early detection of heart, brain diseases Tribune News Network dram Parva, assistant professor in especially in patients who present In Qatar, where cardiovascu- Doha Radiology at Boston University and with sub-clinical active diseases lar disease is the leading cause lecturer at Harvard Medical School, such as atherosclerosis. Specific of death from noncommunica- The College of Health and Life Sci- delivered the CPD-accredited webi- efforts are required to raise aware- ble diseases, early detection is a ences (CHLS) at Hamad Bin Khalifa nar. ness among healthcare profession- top priority. As a result, we are University (HBKU) held an online Dr Antoniades discussed the als that vascular-related disease determined to support the devel- webinar on March 23 for physi- development of a new biomarker outcomes can be improved through opment of such a cadre of health cians on the early detection of car- that detects inflammation in the novel noninvasive imaging early professionals through academic diovascular and brain diseases, human coronary arteries by analys- detection techniques.” programs and seminars that pro- demonstrating its commitment to ing changes in the attenuation of Dr Edward Stuenkel, founding vide knowledge and insights into providing essential educational and perivascular fat tissue on comput- dean of CHLS, said after the webi- the most recent tools, approaches, research training. erised tomography (CT). Dr Parva nar, “We remain focused on sup- and solutions to pressing health- Dr Charalambos Antoniades, also spoke to participants about the porting the delivery of high-quality care challenges.” professor of Cardiovascular Medi- most recent advances in early de- diseases. ated the webinar, said, “Early de- healthcare through highly-trained Please visit chls.hbku.edu.qa cine at the University of Oxford, tection technologies, such as MRI Dr Ayman Al Haj Zen, assistant tection of vascular disease is critical medical professionals in order to for more information on the Col- where he also heads the Acute Vas- imaging of perivascular spaces to professor and Chair of the CPD because it allows for faster action fulfill the Qatar National Vision lege of Health and Life Sciences’ cular Imaging Centre, and Dr Pe- aid in the diagnosis of various brain committee at CHLS, who moder- and prevention of complications, 2030.” work. Bedaya invites entrepreneurs to ‘Ramadan Online Market’ Tribune News Network Doha

The Bedaya Centre for En- trepreneurship and Career Development (Bedaya Cen- tre), a joint initiative by Qatar Development Bank and Silat- ech, has announced it’s now receiving applications from entrepreneurs owning start- up businesses or small enter- prises looking to register for the ‘Ramadan Online Market’. The online market will be held from April 15 to May 15 and will be conducted in col- laboration with ‘Snoonu’, one Muna Fadel Al Sulaiti, executive director of QRCS’s Volunteering and Local Development Division, and Hussein Ahmed Mahdi, assistant general of the prominent integrated manager at Ansar Gallery, signed the agreement in Doha on Saturday. applications in town for pro- viding food delivery and a host of other services that are aimed at meeting the daily QRCS and Ansar Gallery join hands needs of consumers. Registration can be done through Bedaya Centre’s website www.bedaya.com or to help needy families in Ramadan through its Instagram page https://www.instagram.com/ bedayaqa. All products must Tribune News Network be related to the Holy month Doha of Ramadan. All the partici- pating businesses must have Qatar Red Crescent Society active commercial registra- (QRCS) and Ansar Gallery have tion. signed a cooperation agreement The participation is lim- on charitable projects during ited to youth projects, which this year’s Ramadan 1442 AH. are not older than three years. The agreement was signed The design of the products by QRCS CEO Engineer Ibra- and their packaging must be him Abdullah Al Malki and appropriate and of high qual- Ansar Gallery Deputy General ity. While these are just some Manager Mohamed Khaldoun of the prerequisites of partici- Al Mulqi. pation, entrepreneurs are ad- The signing ceremony was vised to carefully read through ing a free photo session service sure business continuity and attended by Muna Fadel Al the terms & conditions listed for the participating products, to overcome the difficulties Sulaiti, executive director of on the website. along with unlimited market- they have been facing under Volunteering and Local Devel- This initiative was concep- ing support for these products the current circumstances. opment Division at QRCS; Hus- tualised by Bedaya Centre to through the app’s social media With this endeavour, we are sein Ahmed Mahdi, assistant provide sustainable solutions platforms. pleased to announce the open- general manager at Ansar Gal- via the internet to help the Commenting on this initia- ing of registration for entre- lery; Hamed Afifi, PR manager; entrepreneurs in continuing tive, Abdulla Faleh Al Saeed, preneurs to help them display and Mahmoud Mahrous, out- through any Ansar Gallery ian projects implemented by sein Saadat, the group’s CEO. their entrepreneurial journey. Board member and general their products related to the door sales executive. branch across the country. QRCS. He praised QRCS as a land- The participants will be manager of Bedaya Centre, Holy Month of Ramadan via Under the agreement, the With this, the beneficiaries He talked about greater po- mark of local and international able to avail of additional said, “Through our strategic the Snoonu App. We are con- two sides will work together to will find it easier to secure their tential of cooperation in provid- humanitarian action, with its perks such as providing free partnership with Snoonu, we fident that more and more Qa- implement the Ramadan Pro- food and daily needs through- ing foreign humanitarian aid, prestigious position as an “in- storage space of 1 sq.m. for were able to come up with tari entrepreneurs will come visions project, which involves out the Holy Month of Rama- inspired by the principles of vestor in giving”. each project, and a 20 percent sustainable entrepreneurial forward to be a part of this distributing prepaid vouch- dan. humanitarian partnership and “We already have ties with discount on additional storage solutions, through which we unique initiative and make ers to poor families registered Eng Malki welcomed the corporate social responsibility QRCS, supplying local assis- spaces. Snoonu will give prior- launched a new initiative to the most of this opportunity. I with QRCS’s social assistance partnership with Ansar Gallery (CSR). tance items,” said Mulqi. “We ity to delivery for all products provide an electronic platform convey my best to all the par- programmes. With these cou- and hoped it would continue be- He conveyed the greetings have donated two walkthrough of the projects affiliated with for start-ups, small enterprises ticipants and wish you all have pons, the recipients can pur- yond Ramadan to cover a wide of Dr Ali Akbar Sheikh, chair- sanitisation gates as a compli- Bedaya, in addition to provid- and home businesses to en- a great Ramadan month.” chase food and consumer items range of social and humanitar- man of Ansar Gallery, and Hus- mentary gift to QRCS.” GWC virtual events focus on climate change issues on Earth Hour day The company participated in the initiative by turning off the lights in all of its office and logistics facilities for 60 minutes

Tribune News Network in the annual event, where Doha lights are turned off in all its office and logistics facilities GWC (Q.P.S.C), a leading for 60 minutes. logistics provider in Qatar, This year, it was marked held virtual events to spread on Saturday, March 27, 2021 awareness of climate change at 8:30pm local time. By issues among employees participating in this event, through various activities for the company exemplified its Earth Hour 2021, in addi- commitment to its environ- tion to demonstrating proper mental duty while emphasis- methods and steps to maxim- ing the care it provides for its ise the potential of sustain- employees, clients and stake- able energy at homes and in holders. the workplace. “Earth Hour is a remind- During the events, the er that small changes can GWC invests in several tion optimisation. the GSAS1 standard. Logistics Provider for the Earth Hour is now one of the employees shared sugges- achieve great results.” said active and passive measures GWC’s international Jawaher added, “Sus- FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 world’s largest grassroots tions on how to protect na- GWC Director of Marketing for more sustainable opera- quality standards, includ- tainability is one of Qatar’s and with the national vision movements for the environ- ture and the various environ- and Communications Jawa- tions, including paperless ing the ISO 14001:2015 for core objectives, most clearly an integral part of our pur- ment. Held every year on mental initiatives that could her Al Khuzaei on the event. processes, vehicle route op- Environment Management through a commitment to pose, GWC renews its com- the last Saturday of March, promote a better future. “This is not just about timisation, reduce-reuse-re- Systems, hold sustainability hold the most sustainable mitments to achieving these Earth Hour engages mil- The initiative to support turning the lights off for one cycle initiatives, energy con- at its core, and most recently edition of the FIFA World goals.” lions of people in more than Earth Hour falls under the hour, but rather spreading servation, including natural GWC’ Regional Logistics Hub Cup and by establishing it as Started by WWF and 180 countries and territories, framework of the company’s the awareness for genera- or energy saving light initia- in Ras Bufontas Free Zone a pillar of the Qatar National partners as a symbolic lights- switching off their lights to support and participation tions to come.” tives, and resource consump- was developed according to Vision 2030. As the Official out event in Sydney in 2007, show support for our planet. 04 Sunday, March 28, 2021 Nation Bangladesh Embassy marks Golden Jubilee of country’s independence Tribune News Network the president, prime minis- Minister Sheikh Hasina. bilee of independence. Doha ter, foreign minister and state In the evening, a reception In his speech, Ambassador minister for foreign affairs of was hosted at a local hotel to Mohammad Jashim Uddin The Embassy of Bangladesh Bangladesh were read out and mark the day. Minister of Ad- mentioned the socio-econom- in Qatar celebrated the Gold- a video message delivered by ministrative Development, ic successes made by Bangla- en Jubilee of Bangladesh’s In- Prime Minister Sheikh Hasi- Labour and Social Affairs HE desh in its 50 years of history dependence and National Day na was played. Yusuf Mohammed Al Othman and urged to fulfil the dream on March 26 with an array of In his remarks, Ambassa- Fakhroo graced the reception of the Father of the Nation events. dor Md. Jashim Uddin paid as the Guest of Honour. under the leadership of Prime The day’s activities began deep respect to the Father Director of Protocol Am- Minister Sheikh Hasina. with the hoisting of the na- of the Nation Bangabandhu bassador Ibrahim Yousif Ab- The Bangladesham- tional flag by Bangladesh’s Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and dullah Fakhroo, dean of the bassador pledged to work Ambassador to Qatar HE Md. all the martyrs of the Great diplomatic corps, and embas- closely with Qatar to further Jashim Uddin on the embassy Liberation War. He said the sy officials were present on the strengthen the excellent bi- premises. 50th anniversary of inde- occasion. lateral relations by exploring A discussion meeting was pendence is an important The event began by playing and expanding new avenues held on the significance of milestone in Bangladesh’s na- the national anthems of the of cooperation. The pro- the Golden Jubilee of Bang- tional life and highlighted the two countries followed by the gramme was broadcast live on ladesh’s independence. On successes achieved under the unveiling of a commemorative digital platforms for the expa- the occasion, messages from visionary leadership of Prime plaque to mark the golden ju- triate Bangladeshis in Qatar.

Eman Al Khater is new chief human Turkish Airlines introduces unlimited resources officer at Ooredoo Qatar tickets changing rights ‘Flexible Travel’ sation as part of Qatar Nation- Tribune News Network Ooredoo committed to attracting al Vision 2030. Doha Eman Al Khater will also and nurturing local talents be ensuring that the company Turkish Airlines has intro- continues to offer a clear learn- duced unlimited changing Tribune News Network ing path for consolidating and rights to ensure that passengers Doha expanding the skills and com- enjoy maximum peace of mind. petencies needed to sustain The Flexible Travel oppor- Ooredoo, Qatar’s leading and grow professional capac- tunities are opened until March telecommunications operator, ity. 31, 2022 for tickets bought until has announced the appoint- “We are committed to at- December 31, 2021. ment of Qatari national Eman tracting, retaining and devel- With the offer, passengers Al Khater as Chief Human Re- oping the brightest of talents can enjoy unlimited freedom sources Officer, demonstrat- and the most driven, ambitious for travels booked between ing its strong commitment to employees as a core element March 21, 2020 and December in-house human capital devel- of our corporate development 31, 2021. If their travel plans opment. strategy,” said Ms Al Khater. “I change, they can exchange online channels (for interna- The company’s core corpo- am excited about the opportu- flight tickets with a new one or tional flight tickets only) and the rate strategy, dubbed “Building nities ahead, and in particular convert dated ticket to an open agencies from which the ticket Capabilities for the Future,” about the potential to further ticket. Passengers can also enjoy was purchased. prioritises Human Resources Eman Al Khater, Ooredoo Chief advance the career progres- unlimited change rights for new  For tickets booked be- as a key focus area for its devel- Human Resources Officer sion of women across all levels travel until March 31, 2022. tween March 21, 2020 and De- opment in the coming years, of the organisation. At Oore- The Flexible Travel appli- cember 31, 2021, passengers can with human capital viewed as professional mentors. A Qa- doo we pride ourselves on our cation offers purchase of tick- make unlimited changes until an essential component to en- tarisation program that cre- longstanding commitment to ets by December 31, 2021 to March 31, 2022. suring future success. ates opportunities for Qatari our workforce, and I welcome benefit fromunlimited change  In order to change to an Eman Al Khater, the newly nationals and allows them to the challenge of continuing the rights until March 31, 2022. Open Ticket, the reservation appointed Chief Human Re- advance their careers as part excellent work carried out by If the passengers have must be cancelled before the date sources Officer, will seek to of a winning team is especially my predecessors as we drive plans but have not yet con- of flight. guide the Ooredoo workforce important. the company forward.” firmed their trip, they can  In order to change the throughout Qatar’s transition By recruiting, training and Al Khater joins Ooredoo purchase ticket by December ticket to an Open Ticket, cancel- to a knowledge-based econ- retaining talented Qataris – Qatar as Chief Human Re- 31, 2021 to enjoy unlimited lations must be performed via omy, as part of the country’s including through the use of sources Officer, having previ- changing rights until March safe with Flexible Travel. Please tination can be made only within the Turkish Airlines call cen- drive to achieve Qatar Vision a Qatari Graduate Develop- ously worked for Group Stra- 31, 2022. They can also change review the terms and conditions the region groups specified by tre, sales offices or the agencies 2030. ment programme, internships, tegic Sourcing as Director of their ticket whenever you want to find out how Flexible Travel the International Air Transport from which the ticket was pur- Ooredoo’s recent HR ini- scholarships and sponsorships Sourcing Capabilities, Perfor- from one route to another. For works! Association (IATA). Fare differ- chased. tiatives are aimed at assisting – the company aims to address mance, and Partnerships. She instance, a trip to London can  Ticket change for not ences incurred will be applied  Fare differences incurred employees in exploring and skill gaps and continue to fos- has extensive experience in the be changed to Paris or Amster- flown tickets can be made for a but there shall be no penalties by taxes, exchange rates or fare developing their potential in ter a fair, diverse and flexible telecommunications indus- dam. different destination, provided charged. class differences will be applied. a dynamic and performance- workforce, committed to the try, having previously worked Terms and Conditions that the fare difference is paid.  Change requests can be  Does not apply for flights driven work environment, challenges of the 21st century for both Ooredoo Group and  No matter how many For partially flown tickets, the performed through the Turkish arriving to / departing from supported by best-in-class and the drive towards digitali- Ooredoo Qatar. times your plans change, you are ticket change for a different des- Airlines sales offices, call center, China.

iLife Digital, Ali Bin Ali Holding to open BPS celebrates Annual first laptop manufacturing facility in Qatar Day 2021 with fervour Tribune News Network Tribune News Network year on year. We will con- Doha Doha tinue to invest and develop quality products, which are Birla Public School (BPS) Doha celebrated its iLife Digital, a developer both trendy and affordable. Annual Day of Primary I and II wings on March for innovative technologies, We are glad to be associated 26 with great fervour. has partnered with Qatar’s with Ali Bin Ali Holding’s Adapting to the new situation, this academic Prime Technologies to set Prime Technologies. This year witnessed the first-ever online Annual Day up a 3000-square-metre strategic partnership will of the BPS. The evening began with the school production facility at Qatar help us deliver our commit- band officially welcoming the guests of the day Free Zone – Umm Al Houl ment to our customers and and was the curtain-raiser of the function. to meet a growing demand increase our presence in the Academic Director of CBSE Dr Joseph Em- for its next-generation styl- region.” manuel was the chief guest on the occasion. ish and affordable products. Speaking about the Prominent people who attended the function Prime Technologies is partnership, Mohammad included BPS Chairman Gope Shahani, Direc- a subsidiary of Ali Bin Ali Imran, general manager of tors of the School Board C V Rappai, Lukose Holding, one of the largest Prime Technologies, said: K Chacko, and Management representatives conglomerates in Qatar. “We are happy to partner Chindhu Antony Rappai and Nevile Lukose. The new facility located with iLife. It reiterates our The leadership team of BPS, parents, students in Doha, will feature a state- commitment towards our and teachers attended the function virtually. of-the-art production and customers in offering ex- The event was telecast live on YouTube. research and development ceptional products and ser- Shruti, headmistress of Primary-I, wel- (R&D) facility along with a vices. Our association with comed the gathering. logistics and customer solu- iLife dates back to 2018 BPS Principal AP Sharma congratulated Students and teachers with five years of per- tions centre. and since then the brand the students for their academic achievements fect attendance were honoured. Production will begin has seen a record growth which brought laurels to the school. The evening saw the online felicitation cer- from August 2021; initially in the Qatari market. iLife’s Rajesh Pillai, vice-principal, praised the emony of the academic and non-academic staff manufacturing its award- innovative and award-win- students for their co-scholastic achievements. who have rendered a decade of service to the winning flagship products ning products, designed for Chief guest Dr Joseph Emmanuel said that school. of laptops, desktops and budget-smart consumers, BPS Qatar is one of the leading schools affili- The spectacular cultural programmes start- Tablet PCs with an expect- coupled with our market ated to the CBSE and expressed his happiness ed with ‘Chalk, Cheese and Camera’, a presen- ed output of approximately network, have helped pave on being a part of the celebration. tation of the glimpses of the teaching-learning 350,000 units annually. the way for the brand’s pop- CV Rappai lauded the efforts of the stake- process during the pandemic year and was a iLife Senior Vice-Presi- the region. Due to the ongo- addition of the new manu- ularity in the region . The holders for switching to e-learning and said, tribute to all the teachers. dent Anshuman Rath said, ing shortage in supply of PC facturing plant, our output introduction of the manu- “Do not weep at the past nor worry about the The band of musicians consisting of stu- “The effects of the COV- components, a large por- would increase by 30 to 35 facturing facility opens a future, concentrate on our present”. dents and teachers of Primary I enthralled the ID-19 pandemic, which tion of notebook demand percent.” new chapter in our already Chacko said the motto of Birla Public School attendees with the song ‘Tell me Why’ throwing caused large portion of the remains unfulfilled till date. Rath added, “This new solid relationship.” “Enlightenment through Education” is set with up a thoughtful message to the entire world. end users to work and study “Consequently, the in- factory demonstrates that iLife aims to ship its a vision and thereby advised the stakeholders The musical dance drama “Mulan” by Pri- from home, continue to ventory levels in channel we are at the leading edge products to the entire Mid- to uphold true human values, especially in the mary II students presented the incredible story drive demand for personal remains low across many of innovation. Demand for dle East and Africa from the present challenging conditions. of dignity, honour and perseverance. The Day 1 computing devices across parts of the region. With the our products have grown new facility by end of 2021. Students who brought laurels to the school function concluded, with the vote of Thanks by were felicitated. Primary II Coordinator Bhayatri Pillai. World Sunday, March 28, 2021 05

BLOODBATH CONTINUES US sanctions News hitting import in brief of COVID-19 Taliban kill nine policemen in vaccines: Iran south Afghanistan dpa Tehran Kabul (dpa) - At least nine policemen were killed after US sanctions imposed on Iran Taliban militants attacked over its nuclear programme a security checkpoint in are continuing to impede the Afghanistan’s southern import of coronavirus vac- Helmand province, a cines, Iranian President Has- security official told dpa on san Rowhani said on Saturday. Saturday. “We order the vaccines, The insurgents carried out also pay for them, but before the attack before sunrise importation we are told that on a checkpoint along the the manufacturers are still Kandahar-Herat highway in afraid of the US sanctions,” he Nahr-e-Saraj district, the said, adding that this caused official added. delays or even cancellations. However, provincial “This economic terrorism that police spokesman Moham- [former US president Don- mad Zaman Hamdard told ald] Trump has imposed on reporters that only three po- us is still going on,” Rowhani licemen, including a senior added. police official, were killed Despite the end of Trump’s and two others wounded term, Iran is still facing trade during the clashes. issues, especially concerning The attack was carried the vital Covid-19 vaccines, out by two “infiltrator muja- Rowhani said. hideen,” Taliban spokesman Rowhani didn’t provide Qari Yousuf Ahmadi said in details but was reportedly re- a statement, adding that all ferring to problems with India, weapons and equipment at where prosecutors blocked the the checkpoint were seized. export of 370,000 doses last Despite ongoing peace Protesters take part in a demonstration against the military coup in Yangon’s Hlaing township on Saturday. (afp) talks between the repre- sentatives of the Afghan So far, the country was able government and the Taliban to import about 2 million in Doha, violence continues vaccine doses from Russia, Over 90 killed in Myanmar’s in the country. (dpa) China and India, enabling vaccinations mainly in the Philippines govt health care sector announces strict lockdown as virus deadliest day since coup cases hit record week because of US sanctions. Trump withdrew in 2018 Manila (dpa) - The Philip- from the Vienna nuclear The European Union mission in Myanmar described Saturday as ‘a day of terror and dishonour’ pine government announced agreement, designed to re- on Saturday that Metro strict Iran’s nuclear activities, dpa force “completely unaccepta- tea shop in Insein township, “The killing of unarmed civil- Myanmar residents are partici- Manila and four neighboring and imposed new economic Yangon ble.” While it is impossible to neighbours told dpa. ians, including children, are in- pating in regular protests, de- provinces will return to a sanctions against the country. independently verify the death The United States and Eu- defensible acts. The EU stands manding that the government strict lockdown starting on Since Joe Biden came to Myanmar security forces toll because of Myanmar’s ropean Union were among by the people of Myanmar and headed by Aung Sang Suu Kyi Monday as the country saw the White House, there have killed dozens of people on crackdown on journalists, a those denouncing the brutality calls for an immediate end of be returned to power. a record number of daily been signs of possible nego- Saturday in the deadliest day tally by the independent Myan- on display in the streets of the violence and the restoration The army has had her COVID-19 infections. tiations on a US return to the since February’s military coup, mar Now news portal reported South-East Asian nation. of democracy,” the delegation under house arrest since President Rodrigo Du- agreement, but Tehran had sparking a global wave of con- 91 killed in 40 towns and cities. wrote. February 1. terte placed Metro Manila, also hoped that he would lift at demnation led by the United A count by the Irrawaddy At least 328 have been British ambassador Dan The military’s command- Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna least part of the sanctions. Nations. newspaper put the toll at 59 Chugg said on Twitter that the er-in-chief and Myanmar’s and Rizal under enhanced However, this hasn’t The UN “is horrified by the dead, among them three chil- killed in the protests since security forces had “disgraced new ruler, Min Aung Hla- community quarantine, the been the case, Rowhani said. needless loss of life today with dren aged 7, 10 and 13 years. the February 1 coup while themselves by shooting un- ing, on Saturday reiterated a first level of lockdown, until “Therefore, while we are try- reports of dozens of people shot Protests took place in large more than 3,000 have been armed civilians.” promise to hold elections as April 4, spokesman Harry ing everything we can to get dead by the military across the parts of the country, including arrested A broadcast on state news well as allegations that the Roque said. the mass vaccinations done as country, in the bloodiest day the commercial metropolis of channel MRTV on Friday even- NLD had acted unlawfully as The Philippines on quickly as possible, not every- since the coup,” a statement Yangon, northern Mandalay ing had issued a veiling warn- big parades were held in Nay- Friday reported an all-time thing is within our control,” he said. region and the southern city of “On Myanmar’s Armed ing that civilians should learn pyidaw. high of 9,838 new Covid-19 added. Myanmar’s military cele- Bago. Military personnel and Forces Day, security forces are from the deaths of others that While many countries now cases. On Saturday, active Iran has recorded over brated Armed Forces Day with police officers are said to have murdering unarmed civilians, “you can be in danger of getting consider Myanmar a pariah, cases reached a record high 62,000 Covid-19-related parades and speeches on Sat- used live ammunition and were including children, the very shot in the head and back.” Russia was among those who of 118,122, as 9,595 new deaths and more than 1.8 mil- urday, turning a deaf ear to the shooting to kill. people they swore to protect. At least 328 have been sent a high level representa- infections brought the total lion coronavirus infections increasingly deadly and non- Among the victims was This bloodshed is horrify- killed in the protests since the tive to attend Saturday’s large tally since the start of the since the start of the pandemic. stop protests against its seizure Chit Bo Nyein, a 21-year-old ing. These are not the actions February 1 coup while more military parade in Naypyitaw. pandemic to 712,442. The So far, the country was of power last month. team captain from the Han- of a professional military or po- than 3,000 have been arrested, Deputy Defence Minister total death toll stood at able to import about 2 million The UN in Myanmar said tharwady United U-21 team, lice force,” a US embassy state- according to the Assistant As- Alexander Fomin was among 13,159. The strict lock- vaccine doses from Russia, the escalation of violence who was shot dead by the mili- ment said. sociation for Political Prisoners the dignitaries in attendance down comes as capacity at China and India, enabling vac- showed that the military had tary’s armed forces on Satur- The EU mission in Myan- (AAPP). at the celebration of Myan- hospitals is reaching high to cinations mainly in the health “turned against its own peo- day morning in Yangon while mar described Saturday as “a Despite the growing death mar’s forces, according to Rus- critical-risk levels. (dpa) care sector. ple,” calling the use of deadly he was helping in his family’s day of terror and dishonour.” toll and threats, thousands of sian state news agency Tass. India kicks off major regional At least 8 dead after building collapses in Egypt dpa the building for more victims, elections amid COVID-19 crisis Cairo the report added. District prosecutors or- A residential building collapsed dered the formation of a techni- dpa in Cairo on Saturday, killing cal committee to determine the New Delhi at least eight people, Egyptian cause of the collapse, privately media reported. owned newspaper al-Watan re- Elections across major In- Twenty-nine others were ported. dian states began on Saturday, injured in the collapse of the Deadly collapses of residen- even as the country recorded 10-floor building in the area of tial buildings are not uncom- over 62,000 new COVID-19 Jisr al-Suez in eastern Cairo, mon in Egypt. They are often cases in its biggest single-day state-run newspaper al-Ahram blamed on poor maintenance of spike in more than five months. wrote. Civil defence teams con- ageing buildings and violations More than 180 million vot- Rescue workers rush a victim to a vehicle in Cairo on Saturday. (AFP) tinue searching in the rubble of of construction regulations. ers are eligible to cast their ballots in the polls till April 29 across the populous states of West Bengal, Kerala, Assam and Tamil Nadu, as well as the Iran, China sign long-term federally administered territory of Puducherry. A volunteer checks the body temperature of a voter in West Bengal’s Results are expected on Purulia district on Saturday. (AFP) cooperation agreement May 2. News channels showed voters wearing masks as offi- brand leader Mamata Banerjee as well as laxity in observing dpa Iran is facing a crippling eco- cials carried out temperature and her regional Trinamool safety measures, were behind Tehran nomic crisis due to sanctions checks and tried to maintain Congress party that’s been in the surge in cases. physical distancing in queues power for two terms now. On Saturday, India record- Iran and China inked a long-term imposed by the US in 2018 as the first phase of polls began Sporadic incidents of vio- ed 62,258 new cases in the past cooperation agreement in Tehran in Bengal and Assam on Satur- lence between political activists 24 hours, the biggest single-day on Saturday, state television re- with China as strategic and said day morning. were reported from the tightly jump since October 16, taking ported. that the new agreement will deep- “Urging those eligible to contested state, media reports the total caseload to over 11.9 The comprehensive agreement en this partnership even further. vote in record numbers. I par- said, adding claims of murder million. Fresh infections were signed by Iranian Foreign Minis- “We want China to be a major ticularly call upon my young of a BJP worker were rejected 5.3 per cent higher than on Fri- ter Mohammad Javad Zarif and trading partner,” he said during friends to vote,” Prime Minister by the ruling party. day. 291 deaths were recorded his Chinese counterpart, Wang Yi, his meeting with Wang Yi on Sat- Narendra Modi said in tweets In Assam, a BJP-led alli- pushing the total death count to aims to expand bilateral coopera- urday. as voting opened. ance pitched against a strong 161,240. tion in various fields in the next 25 Iran is facing a crippling eco- The polls, the biggest elec- coalition of parties led by the Amid the worrying rise in years. nomic crisis due to sanctions im- toral exercise in the country Indian National Congress is at- infections, the major Indian The agreement paves the way posed by the US in 2018, which since the beginning of the coro- tempting to retain power. cities of New Delhi and Mum- for billions in Chinese investment have been exacerbated by the navirus pandemic and a four- Officials have expressed bai have announced random in Tehran, and in return, Iran coronavirus pandemic. With US month-long farmers’ agitation, concerns over huge crowds Covid-19 tests and barred pub- wants to supply oil to Beijing at fa- President Joe Biden seemingly un- are a test of Modi’s popularity. at elections rallies amid the lic celebrations and gatherings vourable prices. Military coopera- willing to lift sanctions in the short In Bengal, Modi’s Hindu emerging second peak of the during Holi, the popular fes- tion is also part of the plans. term, the government in Tehran nationalist Bharatiya Janata pandemic. Health experts sug- tival of colours, which falls on Iranian President Hassan has been aligning itself more close- Party (BJP) is challenging fire- gest that variants of the virus, March 29. Rowhani described cooperation ly with Russia and China. 06 Sunday, March 28, 2021

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

Boulder Mass Shooting: The When It Comes To What Counts, Latest Tragic Reason For Increased Gun Control Biden Strong And Focused In hat if Ahmad Al Aliwi Alissa had all gun buyers. It is what needs to be done never gotten his hands on the mili- to prevent further destructive, and often First Press Conference Wtary style assault weapon police say spontaneous, mass acts of violence and, he used in a murderous shooting spree as Biden said, to saves lives. this week at a Boulder, Colorado, gro- But once again, any change is already Biden talked about the future in bold terms, describing a global battle between autocracy and cery store that killed 10 people, includ- at risk of derailment as Republicans dig ing a police officer who left seven chil- in their heels on their staunch and nar- democracy. And he spoke with much detail about a $3 trillion infrastructure plan he is about to dren behind? The Ruger AR-556 pistol row position of protecting Americans’ was one of two guns found near Alissa right to bear arms. Already, we have unveil, which will mean jobs and better airports, water ports and roads for Americans when police apprehended him. Perhaps heard the typical deflective arguments: if the 21-year-old, who has been charged Weapons don’t commit crimes, people with 10 counts of first-degree murder, do, and stricter gun control won’t stop had not been able to buy the weapon six shootings. Gun stores are again bracing days earlier, we as a country wouldn’t be for a run on sales as Americans worrying mourning the second mass shooting in- their gun purchasing access will be legis- side of a week, an act of violence that has lated away. And where has this strategy become part of the culture of America of doubling down against common sense and proven again that lives are less im- gun control measures gotten us? Ask all portant than gun rights. the people who don’t feel safe going to su- The city of Boulder tried to prevent permarket anymore. Ask the families of this type of destruction from happening. the victims in Colorado — and in Atlanta, In 2018, the city banned assault weapons where another shooter killed eight people like the military-style model carried by six days earlier. Alissa, only for the law to be challenged It is time Congress stop letting the in court by the National Rifle Association. NRA and supposed gun rights activ- And now, the country finds itself again in ists hold them hostage and twist a real mourning, and embroiled in a conten- need for gun safety into a false argument tious debate about gun rights and wheth- about abolishing the Second Amend- er restrictions would stop such crimes. ment. Lawmakers must start listening This time we hope it doesn’t end the way to the people; research has consistently it always does, with talk fading away until shown that most Americans want tighter the next mass shooting. restrictions. It is time that the country We can’t say it enough: It shouldn’t be lose the distinction of having one of the simple to buy a gun in America; they are highest rates of deaths from gun vio- weapons designed to kill, and with their lence in the world. ownership comes a great level of respon- If Congress isn’t prepared to take sibility. Their purchase should require a strong stance, the White House has hoops and hurdles to clear. And no one signaled it is. The Biden administra- needs access to an assault-style weapon, tion is exploring taking executive action, unless they are on the front lines of a war including classifying as firearms ghost zone. No one. guns, kits that allow a gun to be assem- President Joe Biden demanded bled from pieces, according to The New Tuesday that Congress once and for all York Times. Another measure would ban assault weapons and high-capacity fund community violence intervention US President Joe Biden ends his first news conference in the East Room of the White House on Thursday. magazines. He also pressed the Senate to programs, and another strengthen back- follow the lead of the House and immedi- ground checks. The administration may David Zurawik their role in it. In Thursday’s news conference, Trump had allowed that to happen. That is the ately pass legislation that expands back- need to take such bold action, making Biden once again returned to the story of his decent, humane president millions of Ameri- ground checks on the sale of firearms, in- sure it passes legal muster, to bypass an- resident Joe Biden met the press working class father in bed at night “staring cans voted for. cluding one that extends the background other potential stalemate and get quick for just over an hour Thursday, and at the ceiling” wondering whether he was go- But he also talked about the future in bold check review period from three to 10 days action on the gun restrictions the country demonstrated a firm grasp on the ma- ing to be able to pay the rent or what would terms, describing a global battle between au- and another that applies such checks to so desperately needs. jor challenges facing the nation and his happen if he or his wife got sick because they tocracy and democracy in answer to a ques- plans on how to deal with them and didn’t have health insurance. tion about China. And he spoke with much Pmove the country to a better place. That’s where Biden lives, and Thursday he detail and enthusiasm about a $3 trillion in- Forget the small stuff of whether he fum- showed how that shapes his agenda when he frastructure plan he is about to unveil, which bled a bit with the list of names of reporters he preceded again referencing his father’s eco- will mean jobs and better airports, water ports was supposed to call on, or if he paused occa- nomic anxiety by saying, “I want to change and roads for Americans. sionally in mid-thought to consider how far he the paradigm. I want us to reward work not This was not an over-the-hill, one-term wanted to go in sharing details of future plans. wealth.” He later went on to say he wants to caretaker at the podium Thursday. This was After four years of TV performances and “rebuild the backbone of this country, the someone who seemed not just fit for the many bald-faced lies from Donald Trump, what we middle class.” Hurrah for that. known challenges of today, but also the un- saw on television Thursday was a leader with Biden made some news saying he expect- known and perhaps even bigger challenges of a rock-solid political center and a big vision ed to run again in 2024 and to do so with Vice the future. that could rival Franklin Roosevelt or Lyndon President Kamala Harris. He said his admin- Johnson when it comes to improving the lives istration is moving 1,000 children from what (David Lee Zurawik is an American of middle- and working-class Americans. he called “god-awful facilities” on the border journalist, author, professor, and One way to judge a politician is by their to Fort Bliss. He said he is not going to let un- Republican critic. He has been the core narratives, the stories they return to time attended immigrant children sit at the border TV and media critic at The Baltimore and again to show how they see the world and and “starve,” adding that no president except Sun) Listen To Workers On Coronavirus When workplaces become coronavirus hotspots, the virus spreads to neighbourhoods and communities

Michael Felsen & Alejandro Zuniga The guidance highlights what we’ve their numbers fell to the lowest point since known for a long time: employers of every 1975. Rescue Plan earmarks of at least $5 ne of us (Alejandro) nearly died shape and size need to listen to their work- million for COVID-19 workplace safety from carbon monoxide poisoning ers. They know the shop floor, the class- enforcement will help. So will hiring new Owhile working as a janitor and now room, the warehouse conditions better inspectors with the language and cultural spends his days on street corners in Hou- than anyone. Recognizing that fundamental skills needed to engage with workers, who ston helping day laborers protect them- truth, the new standard requires that every are often not fluent inE nglish. selves on the job. The other (Michael) workplace have a COVID-19 prevention The fight against COVID-19 isn’t over spent a career enforcing federal labor program — and that workers be engaged in yet — and workers are being called to laws, including those intended to assure every phase of its development and imple- the front. OSHA’s guidance recognizes that workers return home from their job mentation. how crucial it is that workers talk to each with life and limb intact. Workers, particularly those in high-haz- other, learn about effective ways to pro- Too many employers cut corners if they ard, low-paying jobs, are often understand- tect against COVID-19 and other infec- think they can get away with it, and workers ably reluctant to voice concerns about safety tious diseases, and take those concerns to pay the price. issues. From Texas to New England, work- their employers. At the same time, OSHA We have seen the havoc that coronavi- ers are routinely assigned to dangerous jobs can only benefit by deepening its engage- rus (COVID-19) can wreak in the workplace. with little or no safety training or personal ment with workers, COSH (Coalitions for And we know that when workplaces become protective equipment. And they often face Occupational Safety and Health) groups, coronavirus hotspots, the virus spreads retribution when they complain, particu- and worker centers, rebuilding the trust to our neighborhoods and communities. larly immigrants and workers of color. and information-sharing that has frayed That’s why making our workplaces safer is The result is that dangerous conditions in recent years. crucial to keeping all of us safe. go unreported, with deadly consequences. These collaborations — among work- It’s also why we’re eagerly awaiting the That’s why loud, clear messaging that it’s ers, and between workers and government Occupational Safety and Health Adminis- against the law to retaliate against work- General documents a surge in alleged re- spector General recently said as much in — are proven ways to reduce workplace tration’s (OSHA) announcement of an en- ers who voice workplace safety concerns taliation complaints during the pandemic, another report on OSHA’s shortcomings hazards. We still need to use every means forceable new emergency temporary stand- — whether or not these are related to COV- a reduced workforce to handle them, and in stemming COVID-19 workplace haz- available to bring this pandemic under ard for COVID-19. Judging from guidance ID-19 — is key to any safety program’s suc- serious delays in addressing them. ards under the Trump administration’s control. Workers’ eyes, ears and voices issued on January 29, the new rule will cess. When issued, the new standard’s safety watch, finding that “reduced and remote may be the sharpest tools in the kit. likely give workers a leading role in ensur- Alongside a strong anti-retaliation requirements will need to be vigorously, inspections leave U.S. workers’ safety at ing safety in their own workplace. That will message is the need for amplified whistle- and visibly, enforced. Too many employers increased risk.” (This column was produced for the signify a hard-fought victory for worker ad- blower enforcement. An August 2020 au- cut corners if they think they can get away For appropriate enforcement to occur, Progressive Media Project, which is vocates. dit by the Labor Department’s Inspector with it, and workers pay the price. The In- OSHA needs more inspectors. Last year, run by The Progressive magazine.)

THE VIEWS EXPRESSED ON THE OPINION AND ANALYSIS PAGES ARE THE AUTHORS’ OWN. QATAR TRIBUNE BEARS NO RESPONSIBILITY. World Sunday, March 28, 2021 07 Brazil marks new record with 3,650 UK PM sees ‘nothing in the coronavirus deaths data’ to halt lockdown easing dpa G1 reported citing the Funda- Rio de Janeiro cao Oswaldo Cruz (Fiocruz) re- dpa autumn, including one pro- search institute. London tecting against three different Brazil has marked a new The German air force is de- variants in a single dose. daily record with 3,650 coro- livering 80 ventilators to the British Prime Minister Boris A number will reportedly navirus deaths in 24 hours, city of Manaus in Amazonas Johnson has warned that he is be manufactured in the UK, the health ministry in Brasilia state in a bid to help alleviate wary of the prospects of rising which could ease the pressure said Friday. the strain. coronavirus infection rates, on supplies amid tensions with It comes just days after Bra- An aircraft is expected on but said he sees “absolutely the European Union as it faces zil passed the grim milestone of Saturday afternoon with the de- nothing in the data’’ to halt the shortages from AstraZeneca. 3,000 Covid-19 related deaths. livery. Brazilian President Jair easing of the lockdown. Asked when the booster pro- The full death toll in Bolsonaro has played down the The prime minister ac- gramme would begin, Zahawi the country now stands at threat posed by the virus, but knowledged cases could again told the newspaper: “The most 307,112, with more than 12.4 somewhat softened his tone spiral as restrictions are re- likely date will be September. million cases of coronavirus recently. The new health min- laxed, with the “stay local” Dr Mike Tildesley, who ad- have been confirmed. ister Marcelo Queiroga spoke order having ended in Wales vises the Government on the Only the United States has of a “fatherland of masks” as and larger outdoor meetings Spi-M modelling group, said recorded higher figures. he called for the public to wear being permitted in England it was “good news” that Sep- Brazil is a country of 210 nose and mouth coverings. from Monday. But he said on tember has been suggested for million people. After the Instituto Butan- Saturday that the “key differ- boosters, but warned the ar- The health system has col- tan research institute, which is ence” this time is that the rise rival of new variants must be lapsed or is on the verge of col- affiliated with the state of Sao in prevalence should be “suf- stalled. lapse in many areas. Paulo, announced the develop- ficiently mitigated” by the suc- “In the shorter term, we Medication, including intu- ment of a vaccine, the govern- cessful vaccine rollout. are worried about new vari- bation for Covid-19 patients, is ment also wants to start pro- However, there were warn- ants, but if we can keep these running out. ducing a jab. ings that more must be done out for a longer period of time, The latest data indicates an The University of Sao Paulo to prevent the import of new Britain’s Prime Minister Boris Johnson in west London recently. (AFP) enough time for these boost- increase in the disease among in the city of Ribeirao Preto is variants from overseas as vac- ers to be developed, then that younger people, news portal developing the vaccine. cines minister Nadhim Zahawi now protected against death see absolutely nothing in the should hopefully protect us as raised the prospect of booster and serious disease, that’s my data to dissuade me from con- we go into the winter,” he told shots beginning in September. hope, my hunch. tinuing along our road map to Times Radio. During a discussion at the “But we haven’t yet seen In just a few days’ time, I’m freedom, unlocking our econ- Ministers were facing Conservatives’ virtual spring the real conclusive proof in finally going to be able to omy and getting back to the pressure to protect the success forum, the prime minister said the sense that we haven’t seen go to the barbers life we love.” of the vaccination programme that a “third wave” is being a take-off in infection rates Meanwhile, vaccines min- against the import of new vari- witnessed in parts of Europe that hasn’t been accompanied Boris Johnson ister Nadhim Zahawi said the ants from overseas, with the and “bitter experience” has by a lot of hospitalisations first booster doses would go to Guardian reporting officials taught him that this could hit and deaths. That’ll be the key marked to reopen. the top four priority groups, met on Friday to consider ex- the UK “three weeks later.” difference this time round, if “In just a few days’ time, including the over-70s care panding the travel “red list” “The question is - is it go- we’re lucky.” I’m finally going to be able to home staff, NHS workers and mandating hotel quarantine. ing to be, this time, as bad it Johnson, however, re- go to the barbers,” he said in a the clinically extremely vul- Labour’s shadow home has been in the past? Or have mained optimistic that his subsequent speech. “But more nerable. secretary Nick Thomas-Sy- we sufficiently mitigated, muf- roadmap to easing England’s important than that, I’m going He told the Telegraph that monds said: “Ministers need fled, blunted the impact by the restrictions can continue, say- to be able to go down the street this would likely begin in Sep- to do everything possible to vaccine rollout?” he added. ing there is a “good chance’’ of and cautiously, but irrevers- tember and was said to have stop new variants reaching the Patients affected by the COVID-19 coronavirus remain at a field hospital set “There’s lots of promising allowing non-essential retail ibly, I’m going to drink a pint added that the government is UK - and move to a compre- up at a sports gym, in Santo Andre, Sao Paulo state, Brazil, on Friday. (AFP) evidence that a lot of people reopening on April 12, when of beer in the pub. expecting up to eight differ- hensive hotel quarantine sys- who could be vulnerable are hairdressers are also ear- “And as things stand, I can ent jabs to be available by the tem now.” Mexican police rescue 87 migrants locked in German health minister calls for Biden invites 40 leaders house by smugglers up to 14 days of strict lockdown to climate summit, dpa The smugglers were ap- dpa Mexico City parently supposed to bring Berlin including Putin and Xi the group north to the city of Mexican police have freed San Luis Potosi, but left them German Health Minister dpa of Washington’s new push to 87 migrants who were locked behind at the house. Jens Spahn on Saturday said he Washington meet the goals of the Paris cli- up by people smugglers. Two men and a woman thinks a lockdown lasting 10 to mate agreement. The group of Central who were conducting surveil- 14 days is necessary to get the US President Joe Biden has Biden urged other leaders Americans - including chil- lance of the property were de- country’s ballooning coronavi- extended invitations to 40 world to use the summit as a forum dren - were heading towards tained, police said. rus outbreak under control. leaders for an online summit in which to outline their own the United States when they Further details of the case “If we take the figures, in- on the climate crisis hosted by new, more forceful contribu- were held for three days in were not immediately clear. cluding the developments to- his administration next month tions. The next UN climate Amozoc, the Secretariat of There has been a signifi- day, we actually need at least - with rivals Vladimir Putin of conference is in Glasgow, Security and Civilian Protec- cant increase in the number another 10 or 14 days in which Russia and Xi Jinping of China Scotland, in November. tion in the state of Puebla of migrants travelling across we really shut down our con- on the guest list. In one of his first acts as said Friday. Mexico towards the US re- tacts, our mobility,” he said. The White House said on president, Biden re-entered the A Honduran migrant who cently. According to Spahn, Ger- A homeless woman pushes a shopping trolley with her belongings Friday that the summit - sched- US to the 2015 Paris accord, was able to make an emergen- In recent weeks, US Presi- many needs a lockdown over amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic in Berlin on Saturday. (afp) uled for April 22 and 23 - is which was negotiated during cy call from the house sound- dent Joe Biden’s administra- next week’s Easter holidays intended to underscore the ur- the Obama administration’s fi- ed the alarm. tion has come under increas- similar to what occurred last of infections. A mix of hard it had stood at 119,1. gency with which the world nal term in office, when Biden Authorities launched a ing pressure over the issue. year, when Germans were clear- lockdown, vaccinations and Germany’s coronavirus must act and highlight the eco- was vice president. search and found 45 women, Accommodating the many ly told to stay at home and avoid testing is necessary to “prevent strategy was thrown into con- nomic benefits of going green. Former president Donald 26 men and 16 children from unaccompanied minors is all contacts. intensive care units from being fusion earlier this week, when European leaders includ- Trump took the US out of the Honduras, El Salvador, Gua- posing a particular challenge Spahn also said that Germa- overflowed,” the head of the the government of Chancellor ing German Chancellor Angela accord in 2017, arguing that it temala and Nicaragua. for US authorities. ny would likely begin adminis- German Interdisciplinary As- Angela Merkel made a spec- Merkel, French President Em- put too many limits on what US tering the single-shot corona- sociation for Intensive Care and tacular U-turn on a plan to manuel Macron and British businesses could do. virus vaccine developed by US Emergency Medicine, Christian tighten an existing nationwide Prime Minister Boris Johnson Still, a long lag time meant manufacturer Johnson & John- Karagiannidis, told the Rheinis- lockdown over Easter, citing were invited. that the US did not formally son starting in mid-April, giving che Post daily. legal and logistical problems in So were Saudi King Salman exit the deal until November Germany’s so-far slow vaccine He called on politicians to implementing it. bin Abdelaziz, Brazilian Presi- 2020. Official chinaware to roll-out a boost. put an immediate stop to any The uncertainty has caused dent Jair Bolsonaro, Indian Biden named former sec- The European Union’s planned openings in light of discord among the premiers of Prime Minister Narendra Modi retary of state John Kerry as commemorate Queen’s medicines regulator endorsed the rapidly rising case num- Germany’s 16 federal states, and Turkish President Recep his special envoy for climate the vaccine - the fourth to be ap- bers. “I ask politicians not to some of whom are refusing to Tayyip Erdogan. change, and gave him a role proved in the bloc - on March 11, abandon hospital staff,” added go along with a plan to return The event is to be streamed on the US National Security 95th birthday goes on sale but deliveries have yet to start. Karagiannidis. to a harder lockdown in ar- live on the internet for public Council. dpa race Garden at the queen’s Earlier on Saturday, Ger- The Robert Koch Institute eas where the infection rate re- viewing. Kerry has been working to London home, and the delicate par- many’s intensive care doctors (RKI) for disease control on mains comparatively low. The US will announce an re-launch US-EU cooperation tridge-eye outline patterning said a two-week hard lockdown Saturday reported its highest Merkel often appeals for a “ambitious” new 2030 emis- on climate, meeting with Ma- Official chinaware with is based on the Sevres porce- was the only way to avoid over- seven-day incidence rate per unified response but Germany’s sions target for the country by cron and European Commis- a pink rose design inspired lain in the Royal Collection. whelming hospitals as the coun- 100,000 inhabitants since mid- federal system gives the states the time the summit gets under sion President Ursula von der by those at Windsor Castle Items will range in price try grapples with a third wave January: 124.9. The day before, significant leeway to set rules. way, the White House said, part Leyen, among others. has gone on sale to celebrate from the teacups and saucers Queen Elizabeth II’s forth- at 65 pounds (90 dollars) to coming birthday. tea towels, tea caddies, and The commemorative rose and almond biscuit sets range, which includes tea- at 9.95 pounds each. N Korea deems Biden’s response to missile tests a ‘provocation’ cups and saucers complete Each item of chinaware with handmade 22-carat has been handmade in Stoke- dpa Pyongyang, and pledged a firing marked North Korea’s gold features, is available to on-Trent using methods Seoul response if the rogue nuclear second launch in a week, buy from Saturday, ahead of which have remained un- nation continues to escalate though the two missiles fired the queen’s 95th birthday on changed for 250 years, and North Korea deemed US tensions. on Sunday were non-ballistic April 21. the tea towels were printed in President Joe Biden’s criti- Ri Pyong Chol, secretary cruise missiles. Other items, including Northern Ireland. cism of its missile tests this of the North Korean Work- The launches came in a cotton tea towel, a corgi The sweet treats have week a wrong first step, in a ers’ Party’s central commit- the wake of joint military decoration and tins of short- been made across the UK: in- statement released on Satur- tee, called Biden’s remarks a exercises by South Korean bread, are also available for cluding Scottish shortbread, day by state media. “provocation” and an “undis- and US armed forces. The purchase from the Royal Col- confectionary from Sheffield, Pyongyang on Thursday guised encroachment on our nine-day command exercise, lection Trust. The chinaware and biscuits from Lancashire. test-fired what it described state’s right to self-defence.” which did not include field range comprises celebra- From the development of ini- as “new-type tactical guided “I think that the new US ad- training, ended on Thursday tory mugs, tankards and side tial designs and individual missiles,” in a show of force to ministration obviously took last week. plates bearing the Royal coat moulds to the manufacture the new US administration. its first step wrong,” Ri said, North Korea is banned of arms and national em- of the special packaging, the Japan and South Korea as cited by North Korean from testing ballistic mis- blems of the United Kingdom production process has in- said they were short-range state media outlet KCNA. siles by UN resolutions and including shamrocks and volved 50 craftspeople from ballistic missiles. “If the US continues has been slapped with tough thistles. several English Potteries fac- Biden on Friday said he with its thoughtless re- international sanctions to The pink, floral design tories. All profits from sales was prepared for diplomacy marks without thinking of deter it from continuing to draws inspiration from the will go to the Royal Collection but that dialogue must be the consequences, it may be develop rockets that could People watch a television screen showing news footage of North roses growing in the East Ter- Trust charity. contingent on the end goal faced with something that is be equipped with nuclear Korea’s latest tactical guided projectile test at Suseo railway station in of denuclearisation by not good.” Thursday’s test- warheads. Seoul on Friday. (AFP) Nissan Quick Service Centre opens in Umm Slal page 10

Sunday, march 28, 2021

33,072.88 10,168.27 49008.50 1,734.70 +453.40 pts -44.86 pts +568.38 pts Gold +0.43 % QIC confirms status as opt-in Dow QE sensex court of arbitration page 9 Price percentage Price percentage 25.11 Brent 64.57 +4.23 % WTI 60.97 +4.12 % Silver +0.27 % Agrico meeting 170% demand for organic products in Qatar: Khalaf  Agrico in advanced stages of negotiations to develop hydroponic farms in South Australia and Malaysia  Shrimp production to start in six months

Satyendra Pathak all our products are sold as organic Doha products,” he said. Meanwhile, the company is Agrico, the largest organic produc- working on adding new products to ers for vegetables and fruits in Qatar, its portfolio. is meeting 170 percent demand for or- Khalaf said that Agrico is in the ganic products in the local market, the process of setting up a huge farm for company’s managing director has said. shrimp production in Qatar. In an interview with Qatar Trib- “We are in the process of shrimp une on the sidelines of AgriteQ production at our farm. Hopefully, 2021, Agrico Managing Director our shrimp will be available in Qa- Nasser Ahmed Al Khalaf said, “We tar’s market in the next six months,” are producing more than the market he said. requirement for organic products in The production Qatar. In terms of organic products will be around like tomatoes, cucumber, zucchinis, 350 tonnes per mushrooms, eggplant, and capsi- year of fresh- cum, we are supplying the market water shrimp, with full capacity.” Khalaf said “As we are not exporting cur- adding it will Agrico’s pavilion at the Qatar International Agricultural and Environmental Exhibition (AgriteQ) 2021 that concluded on Saturday. rently, we are unable to sell all of meet at least our products in the Qatari market as one-third annually. Agrico is expanding this know- ers in Qatar need to be educated as tional greenhouses for both commercial organic products. To sell the rest af- of the local Khalaf also revealed how both locally and in partnership they have been using a certain sys- and domestic usage. All our greenhous- ter meeting the local demand for or- demand that the company has with international firms, Khalaf said. tem for a long time. es are equipped with a weather station ganic, we have to sell them as normal estimated ventured into aqua- “We have international partners “We are also in talks with govern- for monitoring temperature, humidity, products,” Khalaf said. at 1,000 ponics and started fish for technology in irrigation, raw ma- ment bodies to spread this knowl- solar radiation, wind speed, wind direc- While the demand for organic tonnes production. terial, weather stations, controllers, edge across the country that will en- tion, and PH Irrigation station is used products is growing in Qatar, Khalaf Qatar’s ag- and monitoring software to manage sure year-round production,” he said. to supply irrigation to a different type of said, Agrico’s growth has outpaced riculture sec- farms,” he said. With the extensive experience houses based on irrigation on demand the market growth. tor has risen Khalaf, however, said that Agrico that Agrico possesses in the agricul- technology, automated timer-based “We are producing 4,500 tonnes above various has developed most of the technology tural sector especially in hydroponic and manual operation divided in to per year of different types of crops challenges related to greenhouse locally. greenhouse technology, he said, “We multiple zones,” he said. and we are increasing every year. with an in- “We have developed greenhouse are able to offer solutions to the needs Besides developing farms in Qa- We are increasing almost 100 creasing system ourselves, without help from of our customer in the particular cli- tar, Khalaf said, Agrico has started percent every year. So hope- number of any expert companies,” he said. mate conditions of Qatar.” exporting its hydroponics farming fully next year our production companies “We have a patent to develop “We have developed several technology to other countries also. will increase by another 2000 utilising Agrico model of greenhouses. Our farms in Qatar. For Al Safwa Park, “We are developing a 1 mil- tonnes,” he said. cutting-edge model is the only one that produces we have developed some of their lion square meter farm in Oman in “We are fully prepared to technologies around the year. We have been pro- greenhouses. For Al Waha Park, we partnership with the government of sell a large volume of our or- and new busi- ducing every single day since 2015 have developed 100 percent of their Oman. We are also in the advanced ganic products in the interna- Agrico Managing Director ness mod- in a commercial way,” Khalaf said. farm which is around 20 hectares stages of negotiations to develop tional market once exports for Nasser Ahmed Al Khalaf els to bring In terms of self-sufficiency, he (200,000 square meters). It is 100 such kinds of farms in South Aus- such products from Qatar are re- the country said, Qatar has made a great deal percent hydroponic and of the larg- tralia and Malaysia. So we are actu- sumed. We have been talking to the closer to food of progress. est firms today in Qatar,” he said. ally exporting our technology to for- government to start export so that security. He, however, said that all farm- “We provide wide range of excep- eign countries,” he said. Qatar posts trade surplus Doha Bank closes $500 mn bond with strong demand of QR13.2 bn in February Tribune News Network Doha Tribune News Network Doha Doha Bank, rated A by Fitch and Baa1 by Moody’s, successfully completed a $500 mil- Qatar’s foreign merchan- lion five-year senior unsecured bond at a yield dise trade balance, which of 2.431 percent per annum, which is equiva- represents the difference be- lent to a credit spread of 150 basis points over tween total exports and im- five-year Mid Swap Rate. ports, showed a surplus of The transaction was executed under QR13.2 billion in February the bank’s $2 billion EMTN Issuance Pro- this year, the Planning and gram which is listed on the London Stock Statistics Authority (PSA) Exchange, UK. has said in its latest report re- Doha Bank Chairman Sheikh Fahad bin leased on Sunday. Mohammad bin Jabor Al Thani said, “Doha According to preliminary Bank is very pleased with the success of this figures of the value of exports transaction, which highlights the confidence of domestic goods, re-exports placed by investors in Qatar, the bank’s and imports for February 2021 board, management team and its strategic released by PSA, the trade sur- direction. This was the first bond issuance in plus in February 2021 shows some time by the bank and we are apprecia- a decrease of about QR0.3 tive for the international investor base that billion, or 1.9 percent, com- has supported us.” pared to February 2020 and Moving forward, he said, the debt capital decrease of nearly QR0.3 bil- markets will play a bigger role in the bank’s lion, or 2.3 percent, compared funding strategy as the bank seeks to further to the previous month. Total exports of goods from Qatar amounted to around QR20.6 billion in February this year. diversify its funding base. In February 2021, the total The success of this transaction came on the exports of goods including ex- The year-on-year decrease Korea was at the top of the bojets, Turbo propellers and back of a two-day marketing strategy aimed at ports of goods of domestic ori- in total exports was mainly countries of destination of Other Gas Turbines; Parts updating international and regional investors gin and re-exports amounted to due to lower exports of petro- Qatar’s exports with close to Thereof’ with QR0.3 billion, with Doha Bank’s strategy and financial per- around QR20.6 billion, show- leum gases and other gaseous QR3.7 billion, a share of 17.7 showing a decrease of 48.3 formance. ing a decrease of 2.8 percent hydrocarbons (LNG, conden- percent of total exports, fol- percent and in third place was The management team held a global inves- compared to February 2020, sates, propane, butane, etc.) lowed by Japan with almost ‘Parts of Aeroplanes or Heli- tor call with institutional investors from Asia and decreased by 3.2 percent reaching QR13.4 billion in QR3.6 billion and a share of copters’ with QR0.2 billion, a and Europe prior to placing the bond. Inves- compared to January 2021. February 2021, a decrease of 17.5 percent and India with decrease of 25.5 percent. tor demand was strong and the order book On another hand, the im- 3.4 percent, petroleum oils and about QR 3.5 billion, a share In February 2021, China peaked at $1.1 billion, representing slightly ports of goods in February oils from bituminous minerals of 17 percent. was the leading country of more than 2 times oversubscription. 2021 amounted to around (crude) reaching QR2.5 billion The group of ‘Motor Cars origin of Qatar’s imports with In terms of allocation to investors, 57 per- The headquarters of Doha Bank in West Bay. QR7.4 billion, showing a de- nearly, a decrease of 21.3 per- and Other Motor Vehicles about QR1.2 billion, a share cent were asset managers, 31 percent were crease of 4.4 percent over cent, and increase in the pe- for The Transport of Persons’ of 16.5 percent of the imports, banks including private banks, 7 percent in- percent to Europe, and 4 percent to Asia. February 2020. On a month- troleum oils and oils from bi- was at the top of the imported followed by the United State surance and 5 percent others. The transaction was led by ING as the sole on-month (M-o-M) basis, tuminous minerals (not crude) group of commodities, with of America with almost QR0.8 More importantly, the investor base was global coordinator and joint lead manager and the imports decreased by reaching 1.3 billion, increased QR 0.3 billion, showing an in- billion, a share of 11.1 percent, diversified geographically with 48 percent of Barclays, Credit Suisse, Deutsche Bank, JP 4.7 percent compared to by 23.8 percent. crease of 23.2 percent. and Belgium with QR0.5 bil- the bond issuance being allocated to the Unit- Morgan, Mizuho Securities, MUFG and QNB January 2021. In February 2021, South In second place was ‘Tur- lion, a share of 6.4 percent. ed Kingdom, 35 percent to the Middle East, 13 Capital as joint lead managers. Economy & Business Sunday, March 28, 2021 09 Qatar International Court confirms status as opt-in court of arbitration

Tribune News Network performing various support- the Qatar International Court come enactment of Law No 2 Doha Note on Ruling following ive and supervisory functions would be the Court of the seat of 2017, parties who seat their case of C v D clarifies in relation to the arbitration of arbitration. As a result, the arbitrations in Qatar have Strengthening parties’ parties can select Qatar proceedings as required. Court determined that it had been able to elect the Qatar confidence in selecting the International Court as the In C v D, the applicant the jurisdiction to deal with International Court as the Qatar International Court competent court of the applied for interim relief in the application, although it competent court of arbitra- and Dispute Resolution Cen- arbitration by virtue of an circumstances where it had declined to grant the relief tion. We have published, on tre (QICDRC) as a competent not yet been possible to com- sought. the QICDRC website, a mod- court of arbitration, its First arbitration agreement mence arbitration proceed- A number of legal practi- el clause that parties can use Instance Circuit has issued where neither party is a ings in accordance with the tioners in Qatar have already for this purpose. The recent a Note of its Ruling in the QFC-registered entity arbitration agreement con- welcomed the ruling, observ- ruling confirmsthe Court’s case of C v D, clarifying its cluded between the parties. ing that it brings clarity to an jurisdiction to act as the com- jurisdiction under the new Although neither party was area of the law that was pre- petent judicial authority once Arbitration Law in Civil and to elect the First Instance registered in the Qatar Fi- viously untested. the parties have elected it to Commercial Matters (No 2 of Circuit of the Qatar Interna- nancial Centre (QFC), they QICDRC Chief Execu- perform that role, regardless 2017). tional Court as the “compe- had, by virtue of their arbitra- tive Officer Faisal Rashid Al of where the parties them- The law allows parties tent court” of the arbitration, QICDRC Chief Executive Officer Faisal Rashid Al Sahouti tion agreement, decided that Sahouti said: “Since the wel- selves are located.”

Commercial Bank Islamic banking to take centrestage webinar to highlight at QICCA’s ‘Legal Week’ starting today Turkish investment Tribune News Network and Dr Yousef Al Sulaili will Doha talk about Arabic arbitration and foreign investment. opportunities The Qatar International Ibrahim Shahbeek, QIC- Center for Conciliation and CA’s Assistant Secretary-Gen- Tribune News Network Arbitration (QICCA) at the eral, will moderate the discus- Doha The webinar will feature Qatar Chamber is organis- sions. a number of high-level ing the activities of the “Legal The focus on the fourth In line with its relentless Turkish dignitaries and Week” from March 28 to April day will be on arbitration efforts to make world class subject experts provid- 1 through video conferencing practice updates in Qatar, in products and services avail- ing valuable information with the participation of sev- which Mrs. Claudia Al Hajj able to its valuable custom- eral prominent legal experts. talks about the Qatari courts ers, Commercial Bank on to customers about The first day will see dis- position in respect of arbitra- Wednesday (March 31) will Turkey as an investment cussion on “Islamic banks tion, Jonathan Packer focuses host an exclusive webinar, destination and the and means of dispute settle- on virtual hearing, Pamela “A Window of Investment Citizenship by ment, with Dr Ali Mohi Eddin MacDonald speaks about re- Opportunities in Turkey Investment Programme Al Qaradaghi addressing the cent trends influencing the through Commercial Bank.” pros and cons of arbitration arbitration industry in Qatar, The webinar will be in Islamic banks, Dr Abdel Thomas Williams discusses hosted by Reham Sabri “Citizenship by Investment Salam Balaji taking about the the costs of arbitration, and Thawabi, AGM - Head of Program”; experience of Islamic banks in Mr. Matthew Faubin focuses Sadara Premium Banking •Kaan Gür, CEO of Al- Morocco, Dr Ashraf Moham- on the enforcement of foreign at Commercial Bank, and ternatif Bank, giving a brief ed Doulieh delving into devel- judgment. The sessions will will feature a number of introduction of Alternatif opment of Islamic products be moderated by Dr Minas high-level Turkish dignitar- Bank, and and Dr. Shaaban Muhammad Khachadurian, counsellor at ies and subject experts pro- •Levent Güven, EVP Islam Barwazi reviewing the QICCA. viding valuable information and Head of Treasury and legal instruments and con- Speakers of the fifth day, to customers about Turkey Financial Institutions, trols and their effects on the titled “Legal laws and cy- as an investment destina- speaking about the services infrastructure. The first day’s bersecurity requirements” tion and the “Citizenship by and products offered by Al- sessions will be moderated by and moderated by Dr Dia Investment Programme.” ternatif Bank, a subsidiary Dr Asma Al Qarahdaghi. Noaman, include Dr Yasser The comprehensive list of Commercial Bank. The second day will focus Al-Lami who talks about the of speakers will include: Commenting on the up- on arbitration updates in Qa- protection of personal data •Joseph Abraham, coming event, Commercial tar and will discuss emergency between reality and expecta- Commercial Bank’s GCEO, Bank’s EGM and Head of arbitration by lawyer Lahdan tions, Dr. Mona Kamel Turki presenting the opening re- Retail Banking, Amit Sah, Al Mohannadi, in which Dr talks about legal controls on marks; said: “We are always on the Mona Al Marzouki will speak legal security, Dr Abdul Mo- •HE Dr. M. Mustafa lookout for unique opportu- about “Judicial Applications nem Abdul Hafez reviews Göksu, Ambassador of the nities that can benefit our on Qatari Arbitration Law,” the effects on cybercrimes in Republic of Turkey to the clients and support their lawyer Issa Al Sulaiti will re- free arbitration in Qatar. The features of arbitration in the Mohamed Abdelwasea will Arab countries, and Dr. Omar State of Qatar, discussing aspirations. This webinar, view nullity of arbitration sessions will be moderated by Arab world”, in which Dr Ri- review COVID-19 and the ar- Al-Khatayba discusses reha- economic relations be- which grants our custom- award, and Eng. Khalid bin Dr Mansour Al Saadi. yadh Fakhry will speak about bitration agreement, lawyer bilitation of lawyers and the tween Turkey and the State ers access to the best advice Ahmed Mubarak Al-Nasr will The discussions of the the online arbitration dur- Ahmed Al-Werfalli will focus impact of this on the cyberse- of Qatar; and expertise from a num- discuss practical problems in third day will focus on “the ing COVID-19, Dr Abdelbaset on the arbitration dispute, curity of justice. •Burak Dağlıoğlu, Presi- ber of esteemed speakers, is dent of the Investment Of- a chance for our customers fice of the Presidency of to start investing in Turkey the Republic of Turkey, and benefit from the many discussing investment envi- openings the country has to ronment and opportunities offer.” MG Qatar presents special offer on MG 6 sedan in Turkey and Turkey’s eco- Reham Thawabi, AGM nomic reforms; and Head of Sadara Premi- Tribune News Network •Abdullah Deniz, Pro- um Banking at Commercial Doha ject Director for the MENA Bank, commented on the Region at the Investment event saying: “I am really MG Qatar has launched a spe- Office of the Presidency looking forward to hosting cial offer on the MG6, the fasci- of the Republic of Turkey, the webinar, as I am confi- nating sporty sedan with sleek presenting reasons to in- dent it will be of great add- design and quality features. vest in Turkey; ed value to our premium Valid until April 12, the •Ammar Sadiklar, customers. This is an un- offer avails customers to buy founder of Kolay paralleled opportunity for MG6 starting from QR46,000, Danışmanlık and con- our customers to diversify saving up to QR15,000, and sultant, giving a detailed their investments safely in enjoy six years or 200,000 km framework of the Turkish foreign markets.” of manufacture warranty. The MG 6 along with MG line-up of cars are available now at Auto Class Cars show- room on Salwa Road.

The sleek, dynamic profile The sleek, dynamic profile cabin with a smartly configured on MG’s reputation for provid- Performance of the all-new MG 6 is boosted dashboard and central con- Highlights ing extremely generous levels The MG 6 will be equipped by carbon fibre trim on the sole, complemented by stylish of equipment. An 8-inch colour with a 1.5-litre turbo engine, front bumper, headlamps fea- leather-wrapped seats boasting ● MG 6 starting from touch screen with Apple Car- mated to a 7-speed Dual Clutch turing a ‘London Eye’ design a black and red interior on top- QR46,000, save up to Play, push start button, keyless Transmission (DTC). This concept, twin chrome exhaust of-the-range models. QR15,000 entry, auto hold function, tyre efficient petrol unit delivers pipes and a ‘Star Rider’ front pressure monitoring system, maximum power of 169hp and grille, which takes inspiration High-end technology ● Available Now at Auto rear parking camera, and a maximum torque of 250Nm. from the brand’s expressive de- In addition to offering the Class Cars Showroom on dual-zone cool climate control Since its acquisition of MG Mo- sign language. The sporty, pre- most interior space in its seg- Salwa Road system featuring rear air-con- tor, SAIC Motor has opened a mium vibe continues inside the ment, the all-new MG 6 builds ditioning vents. new chapter for the MG brand. China erasing H&M from internet amid Xinjiang backlash Agencies and JD.com following calls by after state media criticized the jing Winter Olympics planned H&M’s approximately 500 state media for a boycott over brands for expressing concern for February 2022. stores in China didn’t show H&M disappeared from the the Swedish retailer’s decision about Xinjiang. Tencent, which operates up on ride-hailing app Didi internet in China as the gov- to stop buying cotton from Xin- Brands are struggling to games and the popular WeChat Chuxing or map services oper- ernment raised pressure on jiang. That hurts H&M’s ability respond to pressure abroad message service, announced it ated by Alibaba and Baidu. Its shoe and clothing brands and to reach customers in a coun- to distance themselves from was removing Burberry-de- smartphone app disappeared announced sanctions Friday try where more than a fifth of abuses without triggering Chi- signed costumes from a popu- from app stores. against British officials in a spi- shopping is online. nese retaliation and losing ac- lar mobile phone game. It wasn’t clear whether raling fight over complaints of Shockwaves spread to cess to one of the biggest and In a high-tech version companies received orders to abuses in the Xinjiang region. other brands as dozens of ce- fastest-growing markets. That of the airbrushing used by erase H&M’s online presence, H&M products were miss- lebrities called off endorse- pressure is rising as human China and other authoritar- but Chinese enterprises are ing from major e-commerce ment deals with Nike, Adidas, rights activists are lobbying ian regimes to delete political expected to fall in line without platforms including Alibaba Burberry, Uniqlo and Lacoste sponsors to pull out of the Bei- enemies from historic photos, being told. 10 Sunday, March 28, 2021 Economy & Business

QcNB E onomic commentary China’s fast recovery ‘Qatar’s position stable in energy allows for a gradual market despite fluctuating oil’ withdrawal of policy stimulus ICC Qatar Refinitiv hosts webinar to discuss resilience of Qatar’s oil and gas industry Tribune News Network During the panel discus- hina has been for Doha sion on the effects of the years one of the main blockade on the oil and gas Cengines of growth Despite the fluctuation of oil industry, Elsafty said “Qa- for the global economy. prices worldwide as a result tar’s response to the political In fact, China’s expan- of the COVID-19 pandemic, turmoil showed a leadership sion amounted to more the country has managed brilliance through their de- than 40% of total global to maintain its position as a velopment of business conti- growth over the last ten leading player in the global nuity management systems years. More recently, as energy market, Sheikha Tam- and resilience programs, at the world started to move ader Al Thani, the Director of its best, at all levels of the towards a post-pandemic International Relations and country, especially its oil and economic recovery, China Chamber Affairs of ICC Qatar, gas sector, resulting in speedy continued to lead the way. has said. recovery from major block- After a sudden collapse Besides, Qatar demon- aid incident, ending up with in demand and activity in strated its commitment to Qatari economy becoming Q1 2020, when China’s strengthening its position by stronger, more efficient, and GDP contracted by 6.8% signing major agreements more effective”. year-on-year, the country with countries such as China, Bevan revealed that performed an impressive one of the largest consumers “competition for gas from recovery. of oil in the world, she added other generation fuels will According to the IMF, while addressing a webinar. undoubtably increase. Qatar China is estimated to have The online event, held LNG has a good competitive been the only large econo- on Wednesday under the ti- position because of econo- my to present positive GDP tle ‘Resilient and Resurgent: mies of scale. The change to growth last year. Moreover, Qatar Oil and Gas Overview’, hydrogen as a fuel is a pos- positive momentum from tend to be less efficient, was organised by the Interna- sibility. Here, Qatar is also in the last few quarters is often contributing to create tional Chamber of Commerce a good position as methane is expected to continue and inadequate levels of indebt- Qatar (ICC Qatar) in partner- a source of hydrogen which is the country is set to show a edness and overcapacity. ship with Refinitiv. readily available. Transporta- significant performance in Thus, economic authorities The webinar comprised tion using ammonia or meth- 2021, with GDP expanding are keen to look for and a panel discussion about Qa- anol are technologies that are by 8.1%. China is therefore to promote new drivers of tar’s oil and gas industry, how well understood and already not only going to outper- growth. the blockade has changed its implemented in Qatar.” form the major economies Moving forward, we ex- foreign trade dynamics, the Petrosyan noted the par- of the G-7 (US, Japan, pect to see two new drivers emergence of alternative and ticularly diverse discussion Germany, France, UK, Italy of growth in China. cleaner sources of energy and touching upon oil and LNG, and Canada) but also the First, as Covid-19 the impact of COVID-19 on the short-term and long-term dynamic emerging market restrictions are lifted and the energy sector. Oil Analyst at Refinitiv as presented an overview of liq- ter’s spike in Asian LNG spot developments in the energy economies of the ASEAN-5 domestic traveling be- The panel also included well as Kristine Petrosyan, uefied natural gas (LNG) in prices and expectations of a markets. (Indonesia, Thailand, tween Chinese provinces Hatem Elsafty, Partner at Oil Market Analyst at Inter- Qatar. gradual tightening of the LNG “The webinar benefitted Malaysia, Philippines and resumes, migrant workers Mazars; Howard Bevan, Head national Energy Agency (IEA) Brevik pointed to the re- market balance over the next from the diverse backgrounds Vietnam). will be able to move around of Energy at Al Attiyah Foun- who moderated the session. cent sanctioning of Qatar few year, should support the of the participants, well-bal- China’s economic more easily again in search dation; Sudharsan Sarathy, At the start of the webinar, Petroleum’s North Filed Ex- willingness of importers to anced between fundamental strength can be explained for higher-paying urban Senior Oil Analyst at Refini- Anne Kat Brevik, Director and pansion Phase 1. “The tim- sign up for LNG supply con- analysis and geopolitical dis- by several factors, includ- jobs. This will support tiv; Abhishek Kumar, Senior LNG Researcher at Refinitiv, ing seems good. Last win- tracts,” she added. cussion”. ing an outstanding capac- a recovery in domestic ity in handling the health consumption and ease the crisis through mass testing, labor shortage in some ur- virus tracking and effective ban areas, favouring both social distancing as well the retail and manufactur- as resilient exports, driven ing sectors. Mastercard recognises QIB’s Ooredoo co-branded cards by strong demand for Second, the “great glob- pharmaceuticals, personal al post-pandemic open-up” Tribune News Network to settle their suppliers’ pay- Nadia Ghissassi, Country strategy, as is providing ever protective equipment and will buoy Chinese exports, Doha ments, utility bills and day-to- Manager for Qatar, Oman, more innovative solutions, work-from-home related as rising demand from day expenses. The Cards are Kuwait and Iraq, Mastercard, and we’re proud to be work- electronics. general consumer products Mastercard has recog- adaptable, and can be used in said: “For a while now, Mas- ing with QIB and Mastercard Another key element of should more than offset any nised Qatar Islamic Bank combination with corporate tercard and QIB have enjoyed on this initiative.” the Chinese recovery was decline in demand from (QIB) for the launch and out- reporting and expense man- a long-term strategic part- QIB’s Ooredoo co-brand- the massive policy stimulus Covid-19 related goods. standing performance of its agement solutions. They have nership in Qatar, and we’re ed corporate credit cards in- launched last year. Fiscal These new growth driv- Ooredoo co-branded corpo- also driven better visibility proud to recognize the bank clude different types of cards: policy became paramount. ers are expected to support rate credit cards, the first-of- and efficiency into corporate today for this exceptional purchasing cards: a B2B pay- The government decided weaker segments of the their-kind corporate payment purchasing decisions and gen- achievement. Our corporate ment solution that enables to promote real estate Chinese market, allowing solutions in Qatar that have eral expenditures. credit card solutions are tai- corporates to manage their growth and invest in public economic authorities to been designed to help large Commenting on the lat- lor-made to assist businesses purchasing and business ex- infrastructure in order to gradually tighten up ac- corporates and SMEs manage est recognition, Tarek Fawzi, in managing all their pur- penses, and world cards: a offset the negative effects commodative policy meas- their business purchases and QIB’s Wholesale Banking market leaders of corporate chases and expenses, which in perfect offering for business of the Covid-19 crisis on ures. In 2021, the public general expenses. Group General Manager said: credit cards, has always been turn can improve their overall travel and tailored for busi- household consumption sector deficit is expected Launched in partnership “We are pleased to once again fruitful in introducing innova- efficiency and transparency. ness owners and senior cor- and private investments. As to contract to 13.3% of with Mastercard in late 2019, be recognized for the innova- tive and tailored solutions that We will continue to leverage porate executives. such, the public sector defi- GDP, which will be a step QIB’s Ooredoo co-branded tive and exclusive solutions respond to all the business our partnerships to offer busi- The cards also come with cit increased, reaching 16% towards economic policy corporate credit cards are the we offer to all our corporate needs of our corporate cus- nesses innovative solutions multiple benefits and re- of China’s GDP in 2020. “normalization.” firstI slamic co-branded cor- customers. As the leading Is- tomers, including market-first for them to scale and grow.” wards, such as allowing cor- While public invest- All in all, with new porate credit cards in Qatar. lamic Bank in Qatar, QIB is payment solutions such as our Sabah Rabiah Al Kuwari, porate customers to earn No- ments were important drivers of growth and less The innovative payment solu- committed to offering the best Ooredoo co-branded corpo- Director PR at Ooredoo Qa- joom Points on every spend, a to support the economy policy stimulus, the Chi- tions allow corporate custom- payment solutions to both rate credit cards. We would tar, said, “We’re delighted profit free period of up to 45 during the pandemic, they nese recovery will likely ers to have full control over large corporates and our SME like to thank Mastercard for to be recognised for our in- days, the option to carry for- are not expected to be a continue. We expect Chi- their expenses and improve customers, and to take part in their recognition today, and volvement in launching the ward the balance at a monthly sustainable source of long- na’s GDP to grow by 8.1% their policy compliance for helping them efficiently man- we will continue building on Ooredoo co-branded QIB cor- profit rate of 1 percent on Mu- term growth. China’s infra- in 2021 and over 6% in the further efficiencies. age their expenses in a way our fruitful cooperation to of- porate credit cards recently. rabaha basis, as well as the structure is already highly coming years, contributing QIB’s innovative corporate that eases the achievement of fer more innovative services Forging partnerships that option of only paying a mini- developed and additional to boost global economic payment solutions have also their business targets.” to all our corporate custom- enable us to enhance the ser- mum payment of 5 percent investments in the sector activity. been instrumental in assisting Fawzi added: “Our part- ers, and to be their trusted vices we offer our customers for a better cash flow manage- large companies and SMEs nership with Mastercard, the banking companion.” is a key part of our corporate ment.

‘Continuing to Drive Customer Convenience’ Saleh Al Hamad Al Mana Co opens Nissan Quick Service Centre in Umm Slal

Tribune News Network service centres brings us closer Doha to our customers, enabling Saleh Al Hamad Al Mana Co., to bolster Saleh Al Hamad Al Mana Co, our customer relationships and the exclusive agent of Nissan in deliver best in class service solu- Qatar, has strengthened its af- tions.” tersales service network with the The Nissan 2S after-sales opening of its 10th Nissan Quick facility at Umm Slal is part of the Service Centre and a Genuine growing network of aftersales Parts outlet in Umm Slal. service and parts centres that are This new Nissan 2S facility being established to support Nis- (Service & Spare Parts), which san customers across the State of is adjacent to Umm Slal North Qatar. This latest centre showcas- Road, offers Nissan customers es the growth of the brand in the residing in and around Umm region, and further boosts Saleh Slal, convenient access to Nissan Al Hamad Al Mana Co.’s reputa- service, genuine parts, and acces- tion for excellence. sories. The Umm Slal Nissan Service The Umm Slal Nissan 2S and Parts facility is open from facility has six dedicated service 8am – 10pm from Saturday to bays and a Spare Parts section Thursday. equipped with genuine parts parts, a team of highly trained hicle processing time from receipt Saleh Al Hamad Al Mana Co, Quick Service Centre. Nissan Customers who would like to and accessories. It is equipped technicians, and a service advi- to release on a prior appointment said, “We are extremely pleased customers located in and around take advantage of the centre’s ex- with the latest state-of-the-art sory team. Customers can enjoy basis. to strengthen our network of Umm Slal are now able to enjoy press service are advised to book diagnostics equipment, world- using Nissan’s Express Service, Nassim Mourani, General aftersales centres with our lat- easier access to our service and ahead via the company’s website: standard tools, Nissan genuine with a promise of a 60-minute ve- Manager – Automotive Group, est addition, Umm Slal Nissan parts facilities. This expansion of Nissanqatar.com. Sunday, March 28, 2021 11 Economy & Business

Commentary LNG shipping costs: Backlog grows amid A roller coaster in early 2021 after efforts to refloat ship depression in 2020 blocking Suez Canal of $124,000 per day for the month of Janu- ary (Figure 2). The previous record was set in January 2013, with charter rates touching Around 321 ships $119,000 a day. are currently Surging LNG charter rates, coupled with rising shipping fuels prices, resulted in waiting to transit a sharp increase in LNG shipping costs in January 2021, with the cost of transporta- through the canal tion from the U.S. to Japan reaching $3.2 mmBtu and from the U.S. to Europe to $1.5 mmBtu. Agencies A shortage of LNG carriers was driven by various factors, including due to a rise in Efforts to dislodge the LNG supply from the U.S., which requires huge container ship stuck in more LNG carriers, as LNG deliveries from the Suez Canal intensified Dr Aydar Shakirov the U.S. to Asia result in longer trips. In Saturday as the backlog of Gas Transportation and Storage December 2020 and January 2021, U.S. ships at either end of the cru- Analyst LNG exports tripled compared to July 2020 cial waterway grew, heighten- Gas Market Analysis Department to reach a record 6 million tonnes (mt). ing concerns over the impact GECF Secretariat Rising supply from the U.S. put high of the blockage on global sup- For most of 2020, the LNG shipping pressure on LNG shipping through the ply chains. market was in a depressed state like many Panama Canal, which is critical for LNG The Ever Given, a contain- other segments of the global gas industry. transportation to Asia. In January 2021, er ship almost as long as the LNG export cargoes fell by 0.2% y-o-y in LNG carrier transit in the waterway reached Empire State Building is tall, This satellite shows tug boats and dredgers attempting to free the MV Ever Given in the Suez Canal. 2020 to reach 5,682 shipments, driven a record 58 passages, including both laden ran aground in the Egyptian by a slowdown in LNG demand amid the and ballast voyages. That resulted in delays canal on Tuesday after being stalled their efforts, he said. If the latest attempt to Covid-19 pandemic. The commissioning of the passage of LNG carriers there and caught in 40-knot winds and The container ship, which In contrast to the pilot’s refloat the ship fails, the ves- of various LNG carriers around the world reduced the amount of carriers available for a sandstorm. is longer than four football comment, Rabie outlined an- sel -- which measures 400 exacerbated that trend. Between the period spot chartering. Some carriers had to wait Since then, dredgers have fields, has been wedged other scenario that would re- meters (1,312 feet) long and 2018 and 2020, the market witnessed the up to 10 days to pass through the Panama been working to remove vast diagonally across the entire quire them to lighten the ship 59 meters (193 feet) wide -- record commissioning of LNG carriers, with Canal. Most of the delays were driven by quantities of sand and mud canal since March 23, load by removing containers, could still be freed by “early 134 LNG carriers coming on line, with 41 higher-than-expected LNG traffic, weather from around the port side of shutting the waterway in a time-consuming and pains- next week,” according to of those being commissioned in 2020. As a disruptions and a large number of vessels the 224,000-ton vessel’s bow. taking process to which they plans laid out by the head of a result, at the beginning of 2021, there were passage through the waterway at that time. A senior Suez Canal pilot both directions. “hopefully” would not have to Dutch salvage company. over 600 LNG carriers operating in the The congestion at the Panama Canal forced told CNN the gigantic con- resort. Peter Berdowski of Boska- global market. various LNG suppliers to refrain from tainer ship could be dislodged the official told CNN: “This is Around 321 ships are lis, a sister company of SMIT This subdued demand for LNG carriers passing through the waterway in favour of by Saturday evening. our only option now.” currently waiting to transit Salvage, told Dutch TV news- resulted in the decline in LNG spot charter bypassing the Cape of Good Hope or sailing The pilot -- who is not Speaking at a news confer- through the canal with no de- cast “Nieuwsuur” on Friday rates during the first three quarters of 2020, via the Suez Canal, which takes far longer authorized to speak to the ence Saturday, SCA chairman tours from inside the channel that a more thorough inves- with the average rate for steam turbine LNG and results in higher LNG shipping costs. media but works for the Suez Osama Rabie gave details of at this point, he said. tigation has shown that the carriers reaching US$24,000 per day in After the Canal’s authorities took meas- Canal Authority (SCA) -- be- the rescue operation, which Rabie said the reasons be- ship’s stern is “not entirely June and July 2020 -far below the break- ures to ease the congestion at the waterway, lieves that several factors are he described as “technically hind the accident remain un- pushed into the clay.” even rate. As a result, LNG shipping costs delays in the passage reduced. That, coupled now contributing to the an- difficult” and “involving many clear. “There are many factors That would allow heavy dropped significantly last year. For instance, with a slowdown in LNG demand, resulted ticipated success of the rescue factors.” or reasons, fast winds and the tug boats to take advantage of operation including the near “We are facing a difficult sandstorm could have been a “lever power” by pulling at the completion of the dredging and complicated situation, we reason but not the main rea- stern, he said. work, the expected high tides work in a rocky soil, the tides son -- it could have been a He said the hope was and the availability of power- are very high, in addition to technical mistake or human that their pulling power -- ful tug boats. the huge size of the ship and error,” he said. “There will be combined with the dredging High tide, expected at 10 the number of containers that further investigations.” work, a high tide of 40 to 50 p.m. local (4 p.m. ET), is an make it difficult,” he said. “We Rabie added that a num- centimeters next week, and important factor in the rescue cannot set a specific date for ber of countries including the the lever power of the ship’s operation. Several other at- the ship to float, it depends on United States, China, Greece stern being relatively free -- tempts over the past few days the ship’s response.” and the United Arab Emirates would be enough “to release have failed. The ship was “very re- had offered assistance in dis- the ship sometime early next A team of expert salvors sponsive” on Friday, leading lodging the ship. week.” from Dutch firm SMIT Sal- to optimism that the job could The US Navy in the Mid- If that fails, the next step vage and Japan’s Nippon be completed that night, he dle East planned to send an would be removing up to Salvage -- who have worked said. However, the operation assessment team of dredging 600 containers. “In parallel, on several high-profile opera- had to be halted because of experts to the Suez Canal as we are already mobilizing a tions in the past -- have been the tides. soon as Saturday to advise lo- crane,” Berdowski said. “This appointed to help the SCA Around 9,000 tons of cal authorities, according to will also be delivered this re-float the ship, the charter ballast water have been re- two US defense officials. weekend, which will enable company Evergreen Marine moved from the ship, Rabie The blockage, in what is us to remove containers from said in a statement. said, with the dredging taking one of the world’s busiest and the front of the ship.” Authorities say they have place during low tides while most important waterways, His optimistic fore- managed to remove almost 14 tugs worked during high could have a major impact on cast will be welcome news 706,000 cubic feet of sand to tides. Rescue teams man- already stretched global sup- to many. Shipping experts free the Ever Given. aged to temporarily restart ply chains, with disruption warned earlier this week that Asked if authorities had the rudder and propellers on escalating with each day that it could take days or even other plans in case of failure, Friday night before a low tide passes. weeks to free the ship.

LNG shipping costs from the U.S. to Japan in a decrease in LNG shipping costs, with fell to $1 mmBtu (from $1.9 mmBtu in the average spot charter rate for steam January 2020) and from the U.S. to Europe turbine LNG carriers falling to $47,000 per Big Tech’s outsized influence draws pushback in US – to $0.5 mmBtu (from $0.9 mmBtu in day in February 2021. Moreover, a slow- January 2020). down in LNG demand, coupled with a rise Agencies ture. It would set a new legal However, in the fourth quarter of in shipping availability, resulted in charter antitrust standard — ’“abuse 2020, the LNG shipping market started re- rates falling to $16,000 per day in mid- New York state Sen. Michael of dominance” — and allow covering, driven by the seasonal patterns, March 2021. Gianaris was ecstatic when class-action lawsuits under mainly the increasing LNG demand and Nevertheless, a shortage of LNG car- Amazon named Long Island state laws. growing usage of LNG carriers for float- riers and the congestion at the Panama City in 2018 as a front-run- “Our antitrust laws have ing storage in anticipation of the winter Canal may recur in the next winter seasons, ner for its new headquarters, atrophied and they’re not season. In December 2020, the average especially taking into account the rising a project that would bring equipped to handle the 21st spot charter rate for steam turbine LNG U.S. supply to Asia, which may raise charter 25,000 jobs and $2.5 billion century and anti-competitive carriers reached $90,000 per day, the rates and LNG shipping costs. in construction spending to practices,” he said. “Tradi- record high for that month. That helped to Because of a drop in gas inventories in his district in Queens. tional antitrust enforcement improve the situation on the LNG shipping Europe and Asia during the current winter But his support faded doesn’t work because Big market for the full 2020 year, with the season, driven by colder-than-usual weath- quickly when he learned that Tech has become too big and average LNG charter rate declining by 11% er, these two major gas importing regions state and city leaders had too powerful.” y-o-y to $43,000 per day, the lowest level will have a higher-than-usual demand promised one of the world’s Tech companies aren’t since 2017. for gas imports in the upcoming summer richest companies tax breaks New York State Senator Michael Gianaris calls on supporters to re- content to play defense. Their Early 2021 witnessed a strong rebound season to replenish underground storage in worth $3 billion in secretive move the Amazon app from their phones and boycott the company, as lobbyists are pushing state in the regional LNG markets, with Asian case of Europe and LNG storage in the case negotiations. A public back- he address a coalition rally and press conference, in New York. lawmakers to oppose restric- spot LNG prices hitting over $30 mmBtu of Asia. In this context, we may anticipate lash led Amazon to cancel the tions they deem onerous. In and European hub-based spot prices reach- the growing supply of LNG in the short investment altogether, but to wield influence over so much bated in dozens of statehous- other cases, the companies ing almost $10 mmBtu, which was impres- term. Gianaris the episode still illu- of everyday life. es, where lawmakers of both are working to write their sive compared to the $2 mmBtu experi- It will be quite competitive to pipeline minated the massive power of Normally that task would major parties are proposing own, more favorable bills. On enced in summer of 2020. Such a dramatic gas supply, taking into account that the tech companies that dominate fall to the federal government. new regulations related to an- many issues, they also would jump in prices was mainly driven by an costs of LNG transportation have been their industries, overwhelm But while the Justice Depart- titrust, consumer privacy, app prefer federal legislation over uptick in LNG demand, amid a colder-than- coming back down to baseline, with spot traditional businesses and use ment and the Federal Trade store fees and taxes on digital a patchwork of state laws. usual winter season in Asia and Europe, as charter rates expected to stabilise in the that leverage to expand their Commission have filed ma- ad sales. Republican lawmak- Of particular concern to well as the stagnation of global LNG supply, range of $30,000-40,000 per day in sum- reach even further. jor antitrust actions against ers also are pushing back two of the biggest companies which was at the same level as in Janu- mer. Given the competitive advantages of Consumer activists, small Google and Facebook — both against what they claim with- is legislation being consid- ary 2020. Skyrocketing LNG charter rates, GECF Member Countries in LNG supply, business owners and state with widespread state support out evidence is an attempt to ered in several statehouses driven by a shortage of LNG shipping capac- including their low-cost of production and lawmakers across the U.S. — Congress remains stalled stifle conservative voices on that would limit the ability of ity as well as delays at the Panama Canal, geographical proximity to major LNG im- are increasingly calling for when it comes to making new social media. Apple and Google to collect also contributed to a surge in LNG prices, porting regions, we may expect them to fill measures to rein in compa- laws related to Big Tech. Gianaris, a Democrat, is large shares of the consum- with charter rates reaching the record highs the supply-demand gap. nies such as Amazon, Apple, So scores of so-called pushing a landmark antitrust er transactions in their app Facebook and Google that “techlash” bills are being de- bill in the New York Legisla- stores. Nasser Al Ghazali is QatarTribune Qatar_Tribune Big Tour Longines QatarTribuneChannel qatar_tribune Hathab 2020-21 champion page 13

SUNday, MARCH 28, 2021 Haydos double sees Qatar rally to quell Azerbaijan challenge 2-1

Agencies Debrecen, Hungary

Hassan al Haydos struck a second-half double as Qatar scored their second victory on the trot in the European qualifiers for the 2022 FIFA World Cup with a delightful come-from-behind 2-1 win over Azerbaijan at the Nagy- erdei Stadium in Debrecen, Hungary, on Saturday. Earlier in the week, Qatar had opened their account on their European sojourn with a 1-0 win over Luxembourg. Qatar, who automatically qualify for the 2022 World Cup as hosts, are playing Hassan Al Haydos celebrates scoring one of his two goals against Azerbaijan in Debrecen, Hungary, on alongside European hopefuls Saturday. as a guest team although their matches are officially classi- and dominated possession, the thick of the action again had only two. fied as friendlies. they had to wait until the 55th three minutes later, taking ad- Felix Sanchez made five Qatar fell behind early in minute for the equalizer. vantage of a Prdro Miguel as- changes to the team that beat An Azerbaijan players vies for the ball in possession of Qatar during their FIFA World Cup 2022 European the match yesterday when That also came via a pen- sist and scoring with a cracker Luxembourg on Wednesday, Qualifiers friendly on Saturday. Ramil Seydeyev struck from alty, with Haydos making no of a shot smashed into the top opting to test the younger the penalty for Azerbaijan in mistake from the spot after corner of the net. players in the team. Moham- Salman, Karim Boudiaf and rak, Mohamed Waad and As- Scoreline: Qatar 2 (Hassan the 16th minute. Almoez Ali was fouled inside Qatar had 54 percent ball ed Muntari, who scored the Abdulaziz Hatem were left sim Madibo started the match. Al Haydos 55’ (P), 58’) bt But although the Asian the box by Sartan Taskin possession and six shots at winner against Luxembourg, out. Homam Al-Amin, Ahmed Qatar play Ireland next on Azerbaijan 1 (Ramil Cup champions never gave up The Qatar captain was in the goal, while Azerbaijan Abdulkarim Hassan, Tarek Alaaeldin, Abdulsalam Al Ah- Tuesday. Sheydayev 16’ (P)) Ducati’s Francesco Bagnaia takes maiden MotoGP pole with Losail lap record

Tribune News Network Doha

Ducati’s Francesco Bagnaia set the fastest ever lap at the Losail International Circuit to claim his maiden MotoGP pole for the season-opening Barwa Qatar Grand Prix yesterday. Yamaha’s Fabio Quarta- raro had taken the provisional pole with a 1:53.215 lap, but with three minutes remaining, Italian Bagnaia set a blister- ing 1m 52.772s to secure top spot. Quartararo’s teammate Maverick Vinales completed the front row after nudging out Italian veteran Valentino Rossi of Yamaha satellite team SRT, late in the session. Australian Jack Miller (Ducati) and Frenchman Jo- hann Zarco (Ducati-Pramac) will also start from the second row. After facing electrical dif- QMMF President Abdulrahman bin Abdullatif Al Mannai honours Dorna Sports CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta. ficulties with hisS uzuki, reign- ing champion Joan Mir ended up 10th fastest. Paris Saint-Germain president Nasser Al Khelaifi poses with Yamaha rider Fabio Quartararo after presenting In the first qualifying ses- him the club’s jersey on the sidelines of the Barwa Grand Prix of Qatar at the Losail International circuit sion, two rookies in the form on Saturday. of Jorge Martin (Pramac Rac- ing) and Enea Bastianini (Es- Starting Grid cord holder at 362.4km/h, his ponsorama Racing) both took last flying lap was his best and turns leading the session, Grids for Sunday’s Barwa Qatar Grand Prix Moto2 it ensured him of a P6 starting MotoGP Front row with Mir returning to P1 by Front row 1. Sam Lowes (GBR/Kalex) 1:58.726 slot, it was a time that knocked just 0.005s with his best lap 1. Francesco Bagnaia (ITA/Ducati) 1:52.772 2. Raul Fernandez (ESP/Kalex) 1:58.866 Morbidelli onto the third row. of the weekend. 2. Fabio Quartararo (FRA/Yamaha) 1:53.038 3. Bo Bendsneyder (NED/Kalex) 1:58.959 The Italian spearheads Row After setting two red sec- 3. Maverick Vinales (ESP/Yamaha) 1:53.088 2nd row 3 and he’s joined by Aleix Es- 2nd row 4. Marco Bezzecchi (ITA/Kalex) 1:59.052 tors, Martin then crashed 4. Valentino Rossi (ITA/Yamaha-SRT) 1:53.114 5. Joe Roberts (USA/Kalex) 1:59.168 pargaro. Eighth place for the unhurt on his last lap with 5. Jack Miller (AUS/Ducati) 1:53.215 6. Remy Gardner (AUS/Kalex) 1:59.197 Spaniard and Aprilia is a job Bastianini unable to improve. 6. Johann Zarco (FRA/Ducati-Pramac) 1:53.286 well done and when you put 3rd row Moto3 Out of nowhere, Takaaki Nak- 7. Franco Morbidelli (ITA/Yamaha-SRT) 1:53.313 Front row things into perspective, it’s even agami (LCR Honda) snatched 8. Aleix Espargaro (ESP/Aprilia) 1:53.315 1. Darryn Binder (RSA/Honda) 2:04.075 more impressive: the top eight P1 in Q1 on his final flyer to 9. Alex Rins (ESP/Suzuki) 1:53.490 2. Izan Guevara (ESP/Gas Gas) 2:04.278 were all under Marc Marquez’s demote Bastianini out of a Q2 4th row 3. John McPhee (GBR/Honda) 2:04.358 old lap record – that includes 10. Joan Mir (ESP/Suzuki) 1:53.682 2nd row promotion place. That 0.005s 11. Takaaki Nakagami (JPN/Honda-LCR) 1:53.721 4. Jeremy Alcoba (ESP/Honda) 2:04.437 the elder Espargaro. Something deficit to Mir proved to be the 12. Pol Espargaro (ESP/Honda) 1:53.930 5. Jaume Masia (ESP/KTM) 2:04.498 to be extremely proud of and difference. Mir edged through 6. Kaito Toba (JPN/KTM) 2:04.673 something to really build on for to Q2 by the skin of his teeth, the Noale camp. with Bastianini and Martin Alex Rins (Team Suzuki well and truly announcing rider unleashed a mindblowing into Turn 1, as Rossi joins two of Ecstar) is the final member themselves on the premier Ducati’s Francesco Bagnaia in action at the Losail International Circuit on way to his maiden MotoGP pole lap to return to P1 by 0.266s. his three Yamaha counterparts on Row 3 in P9, with Mir be- class scene in a wonderful first for the season-opening Barwa Grand Prix of Qatar on Saturday. Rossi’s effort put him P3 as The inside the top four. A 1:53.114 ing forced to settle for P10 15 minutes of qualifying. Nak- Doctor demoted Vibales off the is by far the fastest Rossi has – 0.910s back from pole posi- agami and Mir joined the fast- the timing screens were lit up shot to P1 with a 1:53.038 – an- (Yamaha SRT). front row, but the Spaniard lapped in Losail. tion. Work to do on a Sunday est 10 riders from Free Prac- with red sector times. other all-time lap record. New rubber was then fitted then returned the favour to his Joining the 42-year-old on for both Suzukis again, but if tice for Qualifying 2. Bagnaia didn’t improve on After the first couple of fly- for the second set of Q2 barn- old teammate on his final lap to the second row is Miller and there’s one thing we learned And it took Bagnaia one lap his next lap but teammate Mill- ing laps, it was a Yamaha and storming laps. Vinales was the displace Rossi to P4. Zarco. The two Bologna bullets in 2020, never discount the to break the all-time lap record, er did, the Aussie went P1 but Ducati fest at the top, with Aleix leader on the road and the first Bagnaia had said on Friday, will have been hoping for more GSX-RR duo in race trim. Na- a 1:53.273 was set by the Italian Quartararo was an astonishing Espargaro placing his Aprilia to show us what he had left in “We will beat the record in Q2”, in Q2 as the Australian couldn’t kagami is the leading Honda which set us up for a phenom- four tenths under at Sector 3. Racing machine in P6 ahead his locker, the Spaniard made and he stuck to his word. Quar- improve on his first run, but ahead of the opening race of enal first qualifying session of The straight-line speed in Sec- of Zarco. Ahead of those two it a factory Yamaha 1-2. Atten- tararo and Vinales were pleased the middle of the second row is 2021, he and Pol Espargaro the season. Despite the P1 time tor 4 saw the Frenchman lose sat Quartararo, Miller, Vinales, tion turned to Bagnaia who had with front row starts and will be far from a disaster. For Zarco, (Honda Team) will fire off the being an all-time lap record, some time but Quartararo still Bagnaia and Franco Morbidelli Rossi in tow, and the Ducati hoping to beat Bagnaia’s missile the new MotoGP top speed re- line in P11 and P12. Sports Sunday, March 28, 2021 13 Nasser Al Ghazali, Cherif and Al Khaldi emerge Longines Hathab champions of the season Mubarak Al Rumaihi bags final round Big Tour honours; Business Trading claim overall teams’ title Vinay Nayudu Doha

Nasser Al Ghazali emerged as the overall Longines Qatar Equestrian Tour Hathab Big Tour champion for season 2020-21 on Saturday. Aiming for a sizzling fin- ish, he faltered a bit in the final and 12th round of the fourth season at Al Shaqab and had to be content with a third spot on the podium but that wasn’t a disappointment as he had sealed the title much earlier in the annual equestrian series. The winners were crowned by His Excellency Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani, President, Qatar Olympic Committee. It was the initiative of HE Sheikh Joaan that saw the Hathab series take shape in 2017, its first season. This is the second time that Nasser Al Ghazali has won the overall Big Tour title. He was first champion in the inaugu- His Excellency Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani, President, Qatar Olympic Committee, awarded the overall Longines Qatar Equestrian Tour Hathab 2020-21 champions of various categories Big Tour, Medium Tour, ral season in 2017-18. Small Tour, Teams’ competition, Dressage and Future Riders with their prizes at the indoor arena of Al Shaqab on Saturday at the end of Round 12 of Hathab’s fourth season. This season, after the end of 12 rounds, Ghazali had a whop- QR14,000. tition and more promotion of clock, FEI Art. 273.3.3.1 | ping 196 points in the Big Tour Faleh Suwead Al Ajami on this sport, especially as fami- 100/115cm | Prize-Money while Cyrine Cherif emerged Ulano returned with times of lies and friends of the riders QR25,000 winner of the Medium Tour 70.74secs and 43.44secs to be support the participants in a 1. Rider: Alqaqa Adel Nassar; overall title with 198 points. the runners-up for a prize of wonderful way,” he said. Horse: Fito R; Faults: 0; Time: Khalifa Abdullah Al Khaldi QR11,500. Al Rumaihi added, “We are 63.26secs; Faults: 0; Time: was the Small Tour champion Nasser Al Ghazali, who has working at the Qatar Equestri- 38.77secs; Prize: QR6,250 having garnered 200 points. stood out throughout the year an Federation and Al Shaqab 2. Hussain Saeed Haidan; The Teams’ title was with his excellent showjump- to provide everything to make Viahipi D’Auzay; 0; 61.38secs; claimed by the Business Trad- ing, was a tad unlucky to pick the championship a success 0; 39.43secs; QR5,000 ing team having bagged 194 four faults in the second round and we count on to promote 3. Hamad Ali Al Attiyah; Calgary points throughout the season. which saw him slip to third the organization and develop- VD Haterbeek Z 0; 65.33secs; Earlier, Maryam Ahmed position on the position in ment of all equestrian tourna- 0; 44.20secs; QR3,750 Al-Semaitt and Asma Yasser the 12th round of the domes- ments in Qatar. The aim is to Medium Tour | Table A. Two Muhammad were named as tic annual equestrian series. expand the equestrian base rounds against the clock, FEI the dressage champions while He won QR8,750 besides the and to integrate the society Art. 273.3.3.1 | 120/135cm | Hadi Mansour Al Shahwani valuable points in determining with all its spectrums within Prize-Money QR35,000 and Cain Monty were the Fu- the overall series champions the sport to serve the citizens 1. Cyrine Cherif; Brennus ture Riders champions. of the the season. and residents.” Villelongue; 0; 60.52secs; 0; At the Longines Indoor The contest in the final Abdullah Muhammad Al 38.44secs; QR8,750 Arena of Al Shaqab on Satur- round of the Medium Tour Nasser Al Ghazali in action in the Big Tour during Round 12 of Longines Hathab at Al Shaqab on Saturday. Marri, Director for Future 2. Rashid Towaim Al Marri; day evening, Mubarak Yousuf was enthralling too and saw Riders, expressed delight at Lamm Addiction Z; 0; Al Rumaihi chose the occasion exciting close finishes. Each In a bid to be swift, Jaber of the Table A, Table A. Two achieved the desired goals. the good show of the young 60.79secs; 0; 39.03secs; of the finale to show his skills routine drew big applause and Rashid Al Amri astride his rounds against the clock, FEI Al Rumaihi appreciated riders throughout the champi- QR7,000 as he claimed the Round 12 fleeting whistles from the lim- grey stallion Canavaro De Art. 273.3.3.1 | 100/115cm the the distinguished success onship. 3. Jaber Rashid Al Amri; Ca- Big Tour title. ited but knowledgeable crowd. Muze (E.T.) collected four class. of the championship, and Al Marri stressed that the navaro De Muze (E.T.); 0; The rise of Longines In a strong field of 15 rid- faults clipping one of the bar- Hussain Saeed Haidan, wished that it would continue young riders have lived up to 61.82secs; 4; 44.24secs; Hathab and its growing ers, it was Cyrine Cherif who riers and had to settle for the riding Viahipi D’Auzay, was in the coming years thanks to the expectations with confi- QR5,250 popularity was on display as kept her nerves as she skillfull third place having clocked second clocking 39.43secs, the partnership between the dence achieving good results. Big Tour | Table A. Two rounds Mubarak Al Rumaihi com- guided chestnut stud Bren- 44.24secs. while Hamad Ali Al Attiyah on Qatar Equestrian Federation Their talents have emerged against the clock, FEI Art. bined superbly with his nine- nus Villelongue flawlessly Delighted at her triumph, Calgary VD Haterbeek Z fin- and Al Shaqab based on the through the tournament with 273.3.3.1 | 130/145cm | year-old chestnut gelding past some tricky turns and Cyrine said, “I am very happy ished third in 44.20secs. directives of His Excellency many emerging as champions Prize-Money QR50,000 Casal Des Forets to stand out challenging obstacles to win that all the hard work put has Commenting on the tight Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al in various categories. 1.Mubarak Yousuf Al Ru- in the Table A. Two rounds with a time of 38.44secs in the resulted in the success. Thanks final round contest,A li Yousef Thani, President of the Qatar He praised Al Ittihad and maihi; Casal Des Forets; 0; against the clock, FEI Art. Table A. Two rounds against to my coach, and my team- Al Rumaihi, Event Director Olympic Committee. Al Shaqab’s support for the 63.45secs; 0; 41.61secs; 273.3.3.1 | 130/145cm class the clock, FEI Art. 273.3.3.1 | mates for all their support.” and Organizing Committee “The organizing commit- future riders in providing QR14,000 under lights. His flawless rou- 120/135cm class. The Small Tour too threw Member, Longines Hathab, tee shall continue to review them with all incentives to 2. Faleh Suwead Al Ajami; tines saw him clocking swift She was just 19 seconds up some exciting results with and Secretary-General, Qatar the whole season just like the stay focued and to excel in the Ulano; 0; 70.74secs; 0: 63.45secs and 41.61secs in ahead of second-best Rashid R Alqaqa Adel Nassar on his Equestrian Federation, said, earlier three seasons and look sport. 43.44secs; QR11,500 the two rounds to emerge as Towain Al Marri who took mount Fito emerging best be- “The final rounds and the at the positives. The increase Results (Round 12) 3. Nasser Al Ghazali; Quel the best on the day. The effort 39.03secs with his dark brown ing flawless and with a time of overall Hathab championship in the number of riders in the Small Tour | Table A, Table Homme; 0; 67.93secs; 4; fetched him the top prize of mare Lamm Addiction. 38.77secs in the second round was strong and exciting, and sport will lead to more compe- A. Two rounds against the 41.29secs; QR8,750. Amsterdam Talent&Pro win FIBA 3x3 World Tour Doha Masters 2021

Tribune News Network team all the way to the final. DOHA New addition Strahinja Milo- sevic led his squad in scoring Amsterdam Talent&Pro in Doha with 31 points. of the Netherlands won their In the individual contests, first-ever FIBA 3x3 World Tour Piotr ‘Grabo’ Grabowski (POL) Masters after defeating 4-time won the Elite Air Dunk Contest World Tour winners Novi Sad while Darius Tarvydas (Sakiai of Serbia 21-19 in the final of Gulbele, LTU) dominated the the Doha Masters on Saturday. McDonalds Shoot-out Con- With the game tied at 19 test. All the health and safety with a few seconds to go in measures requested by local the game, new recruit Maksim and national authorities and Kovacevic swished an amazing the Guidelines for the Return shot off the handoff from out- to Basketball, developed by the side the arc to give Amsterdam FIBA Medical Advisory Group Talent&Pro their first-ever (MAG) were implemented. title on the World Tour. He Arvin Slagter (Amsterdam Talent&Pro, NED) was named MVP of the scored a whopping 13 points FIBA 3x3 World Tour Doha Masters after topping all scorers and DOHA MASTERS STANDINGS: in the championship game. leading his squad to its first-ever Masters win. On his second year 1. Amsterdam Talent&Pro (NED); His teammate Arvin on the World Tour, the 1.92m (6ft. 4in.) sharpshooter won his first 2. Novi Sad (SRB); 3. Liman Slagter topped all scorers at MVP trophy. He also led all players in player value at the event (32.9). (SRB); 4. Riga (LAT); 5. Ub (SRB); the event with 35 points and Second in the scoring charts was his teammate Maksim Kovacevic. 6. Graz (AUT); 7. Piran (SLO); 8. was named MVP. The former Liman player scored two Tissot buzzer beaters in Doha, NY Harlem (USA); 9. Edmonton The number one 3x3 play- including the title-clincher. The Serbian star finished the event with 34 (CAN); 10. Princeton (USA); 11. er in the world Dusan Bulut points. The brand new Novi Sad player Strahinja Milosevic finished 3rd Sakiai Gulbele (LTU); 12. Lusail did not win this time but he Amsterdam Talent&Pro of the Netherlands beat 4-time World Tour winners Novi Sad of Serbia on unbeliev- in scoring with 31 points, followed by the number one 3x3 player in (QAT); 13. Manila Chooks TM still led a new-look Novi Sad able Tissot buzzer beater 21-19 in the final of the FIBA 3x3 World Tour Doha Masters 2021 on Saturday. the world, Dusan Bulut (29). (PHI); 14. Doha (QAT). 14 Sunday, March 28, 2021 Sports

Foil Grand Prix Doha 2021 Rio Olympics bronze medalist Boubakri, World No. 30

Red Bull’s Dutch driver Max Verstappen drives during the qualifying session on the eve of the Bahrain Formula One Grand Prix at the Bahrain International Circuit in the city of Sakhir on Saturday. (AFP) Walczyk fall by the wayside Verstappen takes Tribune News Network Doha brilliant pole position Tunisia’s Ines Boubakri, the bronze medalist at the 2018 Rio Olympics, and the World for Bahrain GP No. 30 Julia Walczyk of Po- land sensationally failed to DPA Charles Leclerc’s Ferrari com- make the round of 64 at the Sakhir (Bahrain) pletes the second row of the end of the preliminary rounds grid. of the women’s event of the Max Verstappen of Red Bull Pierre Gasly was fifth for International Fencing Fed- took a brilliant pole position Alpha Tauri ahead of both eration (FIE) Foil Grand Prix for Sunday’s season-opening McLarens, for whom new boy Doha 2021 at the Aspire Dome Formula One Bahrain Grand Daniel Ricciardo edged out in Doha on Saturday. Prix by beating reigning world Lando Norris. More than 260 fencers champion Lewis Hamilton by Carlos Sainz with eighth from 51 countries are com- around 4 tenths of a second. on his Ferrari debut while peting for points that help Verstappen clocked 1 two-time world champion towards qualification for the minute 28.997 seconds in Fernando Alonso was ninth Tokyo Olympics at the three- Saturday’s qualifying on the on his return with Alpine after day tournament, which ends 5.412-kilometre International two years away. Lance Stroll of on Sunday. Circuit in Sakhir as tempera- Aston Martin completed the Unlike the men’s event on tures began to cool in the Bah- top 10. Friday, the first stage of the rain evening. Red Bull had less success qualifying rounds (the pool It was Verstappen’s fourth with Sergio Perez, who failed stage) involved 128 female career pole position and was to get out of Q2 as his runs on fencers with the top-16 fin- delivered on his final flying lap the medium tyres left him 11th ishers automatically securing where he put together his fast- by a fraction. their last-64 tickets, where est times in all three sectors of Antonio Giovinazzi (Alfa they joined the world’s top-16 the track. Romeo), Yuki Tsunoda (Alpha ranked athletes who got the the women’s event of the International Fencing Federation (FIE) Foil Grand Prix Doha 2021 at the Aspire Dome in Doha on Saturday. Verstappen topped all Tauri), Kimi Raikkonen (Alfa preliminary rounds bye. The three practice sessions but the Romeo) and George Russell rest qualifiers from the open- nature of his pole is the biggest (Williams) also exited in Q2. ing stage slugged it out for the indication yet he can challenge Sebastian Vettel’s endured remaining 32 slots. Hamilton and Red Bull could a disappointing start with new In the end, Jacqueline Du- threaten the dominance of team Aston Martin as he fin- brovich (USA), Eleanor Har- seven-time reigning champion ished 18th after his final fly- vey (Canada), Leyla Pirieva Mercedes throughout the mar- ing lap was hindered by Nikita (Russia), Valentina From athon 23-race season to come. Mazepin spinning his Haas Costanzo (Italy), Fanni Kre- Red Bull emerged the and then Sainz slowing for a iss (Hungary), Erica Cipressa strongest looking team from brief engine problem. (Italy), Elisa Vardaro (Italy), pre-season testing, also held Russia’s Mazepin was 20th Maia mei Weintraub (USA), in Sakhir, while Mercedes have with team-mate Mick Schu- Minami Kano (Japan), Anne struggled but Hamilton was macher, son of German F1 leg- Sauer (Germany), Qingyuan competitive in qualifying before end Michael, one spot better Chen (China), Morgan Patru losing out by 0.388 seconds to as the pair debuted. (England), Coralie Brot (Eng- Verstappen’s final push. Esteban Ocon (Alpine) and land), İrem Karamete (Tur- Valtteri Bottas was third Nicholas Latifi (Williams) also key), Camilla Mancini (Italy) in the other Mercedes while exited in Q1. and Anita Blaze (France) all made it straight into the Last- 64 from their pools. While it was a smooth sail for most of the top-ranks, Bowling form a worry as Kohli Boubakri and Walczyk failed to make it. & Co gear up for final challenge Boubakri, the highest- ranked Arab fencer, succeeded ANI admit that it was a decent total out of her pool, but she later Pune (INDIA) and rued the lack of execution fell 15-7 to South Korea’s Mi by the bowlers. Hye Oh in the last round. On Down 1-0, England made a The India skipper also re- the other hand, Walczyk could Women fencers being briefed ahead of their event at the Aspire Dome in Doha. thrilling comeback in the ODI fused to take the credit from not make it past the pool stage series as the visitors registered the English side for the en- as she could only manage to from the initial stage if not that as she could qualify from the tives - Amira Boujbara, Lina tournaments, though not on a crushing six-wicket win over thralling win. secure the fifth position with she finished joint- fifteenth African continental qualifiers Al Buainain, Ghraiba Dhahi, this scale, which have contin- India on Friday. After conced- On the other hand, despite her 20 points from Pool 10. overall with Mancini and to be staged later in the year. and Rana Ibrahim – could not ued to receive praises both at ing the game from an advan- having conceded 336 runs, Walczyk’s pool, which Blaze with the same points, The 32- year-old left-handed make it out of the pool stage. the regional and international tageous position, Virat Kohli there was no dent in England’s comprised 53rd-ranked Yana and the subsequent decider fencer is the defending cham- In the meantime, Feras level. We are happy to extend and boys will now look to confidence. Alborova of Uzbekistan and went in favour of Blaze. pion of Africa. Btaddini, Head Of Aspire the partnership with the Qa- make amends when they take The visitors in the first Brazil’s Ana Beatriz Bulcao, However, the teen sensa- Meanwhile, Egypt’s Noura Academy Venues & Facilities, tar Weightlifting and Fencing the field in the series-deciding half of their chase replicated ranked 83, was surprisingly led tion confirmed that her pool Mohamed was dumped by said, “Aspire Academy is ac- Federation even further. We third ODI on Sunday. what they did in the first ODI by 16-year-old Kristina Petrova stage performance was no Italy’s Elisabetta Bianchin in customed to the challenges as- look forward to an exciting While India did score a but ensured the English side from Ukraine, ranked 275; who fluke as she secured a 15-9 the second stage, while her sociated with hosting a high- finale on Sunday,” Btaddini, mammoth 336/6 in the sec- didn’t collapse in a must-win garnered a total of 27 points victory over France’s Ilona compatriot Hany Noha, who profile event of this nature. We who is also a member of the ond ODI, the total was built game on Friday. as against 24 for Alborova and Henaff in the third round to defeated Slovakia’s Kitti Bit- are happy that the competition Grand Prix Doha 2021 Organ- on a slow start which saw the Team India might do some 16 for Bulcao. The 27-year-old eventually earn her well-de- terova 14-13 in the second has been going on smoothly izing Committee, added. hosts scoring just nine runs chopping and change going Bulcao, a bronze medalist at the served qualification forS un- stage, was eventually defeat- considering the challenges of The competition ends Sun- in the first four overs.I t was into the series decider keeping 2019 Pan American Games in day’s round of events. ed 15-6 in the last stage by hosting such a large number day with the men and women’s KL Rahul’s ton and Rishabh in mind the two things they Lima, also failed to go beyond For Boubakri, the first Tu- Japan’s Sumire Tsuji to put of contingents in this period Last 64 to quarter-finals events Pant’s blistering fifty that need to focus on – a firing start the pool stage. nisian fencer ever to win an paid to the hopes of the Arab of the global pandemic.” “We taking place in the morning, helped Team India finish on with the bat and a good show Petrova could have quali- Olympic medal, the road to athletes at the competition as have successfully hosted 17 with the semi-finals and finals a high. And skipper Kohli did with the ball in the powerplay. fied directly for the Last-64 Tokyo still remained opened the four Qatari representa- editions of the Grand Prix from 6pm at the same venue. Osaka extends her winning streak in Miami, Halep withdraws

DPA gressed, with the latter coming Osaka will next face Ser- in her third match back from Halep withdraws Berlin from a set behind to beat An- bian qualifierN ina Stojanovic Achilles surgery, was knocked Simona Halep has with- drea Petkovic. in the third round. out by Russian qualifier Lud- drawn from the Miami Open Second seed Naomi Osaka Osaka extended her win- World number 14 Brady milla Samsonova 6-2 6-1 in- due to a shoulder injury. picked up where she left off at ning streak to 22 matches, al- succumbed to in-form Mon- side an hour. Halep beat Caroline Garcia last month’s Australian Open, though it was not easy against terrey Open semi-finalistS or- Fourth seed and last year’s in the second round in Florida winning her first match since Tomljanovic. ribes Tormo 3-6 6-4 6-1. Australian Open champion on Thursday, but an issue with lifting the title in Melbourne. The Japanese got the edge Brady had a dream run Kenin responded after los- the world number three’s right Osaka earned her place in 7-6 (7-3) 6-4, firing down 36 to the final at the Austral- ing the first set to defeatA n- shoulder prevented her from the Miami Open third round winners, including 13 aces in ian Open last month but came drea Petkovic, winning 6-7 facing Anastasija Sevastova. on Friday with a hard-fought a match lasting one hour, 38 back to earth with a thud (6-8) 6-1 6-3. The match was The two-time Grand Slam straight-sets victory over Aus- minutes. against the Spaniard, who has Kenin’s first since appendix champion said: “I’m very sorry tralian Ajla Tomljanovic. “This is my first match won 10 of her past 11 matches. surgery. to I have to pull out of the sin- Australian Open run- since Australia, so I just really The match lasted two Sixth seed Pliskova com- gles and doubles at the Miami ner-up Jennifer Brady was wanted to play well,” Osaka hours, 22 minutes, with Sor- fortably got past Zheng Saisai Open, but my injury doesn’t knocked out in the second said in her on-court post- ribes Tormo finding the edge 6-2 6-1 and 2019 US Open let me play here as expected. round by 58th-ranked Sara match interview. in the last as Brady’s first- champion Andreescu tri- “I’m sad that I can’t con- Sorribes Tormo. “I kind of feel like I’m at serve percentage dropped to umphed over Tereza Martin- tinue, I wanted to come here Brady’s defeat was the ma- home here, because I grew 30.8 per cent. cova 7-6 (7-5) 6-2. to give my best and play many jor surprise on Friday, with up (near here) for most of my Brady’s defeat comes a few Seeds Elena Rybakina, matches but unfortunately I Sorribes Tormo fighting back life.” weeks after being humbled by Kontaveit, Maria Sakkari, Ons can’t. Hopefully next year I will from a set down to win. Tomljanovic did not go Anett Kontaveit in less than an Jabeur and Amanda Anisimo- come back healthy and better.” Top 10 seeds Karolina down without a fight but was Naomi Osaka of Japan during her singles second round match against hour in the Qatar Open first va all won, with 20th seed Pet- Sevastova will face either Pliskova, Bianca Andreescu let down by 24 unforced er- Ajla Tomljanovic of Australia on Day 5 of the 2021 Miami Open in round. ra Martic and Sloane Stephens Iga Swiatek or Ana Konjuh in and Sofia Kenin also pro- rors. Gardens, Florida, US, on Friday. (Getty Images/AFP Tenth seed Kiki Bertens, both knocked out. the round of 16. Sunday, March 28, 2021 15 Reports by Ailyn Agonia For events and press releases email [email protected] or ASEAN Kaleidoscope call (974) 4000 2222 Choosing Qatar as a study destination

Qatar has been attracting students from different countries who are drawn to the world-class education ecosystem in the country and the vast learning opportunities for them through a host of top-notch universities

s an education hub, it is essential that everything they family especially spending time trolleys filled with home-cooked to study in Hamad Bin Khalifa various programmes from Rec- Qatar continues to need is available and accessible in with her twin who is currently meals, to inviting us to their University (HBKU) said it was reational and Sport Center such as attract students from Education City whether its medi- studying in Malaysia, watching her homes and introducing us to Qa- his intent to bring his career to playing badminton, table tennis, different countries. cal needs, entertainment or his little sister grow into a teenager, tari food (that actually has quite the next level that inspired him swimming, sauna & jacuzzi with Many of them are groceries need. He also lauded the and missing home-food. a few similarities with desi food). to study abroad. his peers in QF. Moreover, he took drawnA to the world-class educa- welcoming community at North- She added, “I feel blessed to I’ll never forget the funny but According to Hendriyadi, a part in various student organi- tion ecosystem in the country and western Qatar. live in a time where video calls are sweet memory of us having “dua- since graduating from university sations, acting as Public Relation vast learning opportunities being “I like all the opportunities easily accessible but of course it’s circles” before our pre-medical in 2011 and gaining eight years Coordinator at International Stu- home to a host of top-notch uni- studying in Qatar provides, wheth- still not the same as being home. exams, where they would lead of professional and volunteer- dent’s Club at HBKU, Vice Presi- versities offering a wide range of er that’s academically, profession- What really helped me deal with the duas, praying for us all to do ing experiences with various dent at HBKU Toastmaster and degree programmes and research ally and just socially. You can study the homesickness was being able amazing in our exams.” women and youth development Debate Club. facilities as well as its highly- subjects from numerous prestig- to meet the best people and make She also added that while she programmes he has been keen to “I really enjoy the volunteer- qualified faculty. ious, highly-ranked universities the best friends in Qatar, who were always thought that Singapore was expand his technical knowledge ing activities. ‘Born to be a vol- Among the international stu- while pursuing internships or stu- not only my friends but my family unique in its diversity and open- of women and girls development. unteer’ is my life mantra, and dents who speak high of their ex- dent jobs that help you grow im- away from home.” ness to different cultures, living in “In Indonesia, many of women I believe in the power of youth perience as a foreign student in mensely in the professional world She also pointed out, “I re- Qatar made her realised that Arab and girls are trapped under the volunteerism. Furthermore, as Qatar is Darrell Pinontoan. He and then end your day hanging out ally appreciated all the welcome countries are more diverse than poverty line, low school partici- Coordinator of programmes at came to the country in 2018 from with friends from every continent events when I first came to Qatar you’d assume as an outsider. pation and prone to violence and the Indonesian Student Associa- Indonesia to take up a journalism in the world to enjoy meals that exploitation. Against this back- tion of Qatar (PPI Qatar), I lead course at Northwestern University you may have never heard about ground, I believe that I need to several community services pro- in Qatar (NU-Q). before. It’s a microcosm of the expand my skills and knowledge gramme, especially on promot- “I had previously lived in the whole world in one, unique and about global development and ef- ing Education City and HBKU Gulf region and was raised here special place!” he fondly remarked. fective policies and programme for programmes with the young peo- for most of my life, so that was a For Tehniyat Baig, a Singa- I like all the opportunities women and girls, both theoreti- ple in Indonesia in collaboration major draw for me to return to a porean national studying at Weill studying in Qatar provides, cally and practically,” he said. with the Indonesian Embassy of place I’ve called home for so long,” Cornell Medicine–Qatar (WCM- whether that’s He also stressed that Qatar Qatar and other institutions in Darrell told Qatar Tribune. Q), her desire to study abroad is Foundation provides a unique op- Indonesia such as Kejar Mimpi He has expressed fondness driven by personal development. academically, professionally portunity for young leaders from and Indiehome Papua,” he said. for the diversity and uniqueness She said, “I grew up in a few and just socially. You can all the over the globe with high Talking about what he likes the of Qatar. He praised the facili- different countries and although study subjects from quality of education curriculum most about the experience of stud- ties and education opportunities it was hard moving around, I felt numerous prestigious, with Middle East settings. ying in Qatar, Hendriyadi stressed provided by Qatar Foundation. that each country that I lived in “Qatar Foundation’s commit- the exciting new possibility to not He said, “Northwestern is such a helped me grow into the person I highly-ranked universities ment in carefully nurturing tomor- only progress as an academic but prestigious and well-known insti- am today. Even though Singapore while pursuing internships rows problem solvers ignited my to develop as a complete individu- tution, and to have a place like that is still my favorite country and it or student jobs that help desire to study in one of its part- al who can fit unerring in multicul- to study in Qatar was an instant has great universities, there was a ner universities. Notwithstand- tural environments. answer to me. The opportunity to part of me that felt that getting my you grow immensely in ing, HBKU is an institution that He said, “First, I admire the also take courses at all the other education not only outside of Sin- the professional worlds has a glittering recommendation dynamic educational structure of amazing universities in QF was gapore, but away from my family, throughout the MENA region for HBKU, where teaching and learn- an incentive I had never heard of was going to help me grow further Darrell Pinontoan is from Indonesia and is studying journalism at the its incredibly work in innovation, ing is not just top-down but highly in any other universities around in ways I couldn’t have predicted.” Northwestern University in Qatar. and more importantly creating a decentralised. This approach to the world. As a Third Culture Kid Tehniyat arrived in Qatar in unique educational environment teaching and learning creates an raised abroad for most of my life 2015. She said she found a bro- to navigate Education City and “I’ve made many good memo- where international students can opportunity where each student and living amongst international chure from WCM-Q in her school Doha and meet students from not ries the last few years I’ve been in thrive impeccably. can express his views and learn communities, I had a passion to and from that point she researched only my university but the other Qatar. Education City doesn’t just “I wanted to form part of the about other colleagues’ ideas as study a subject that dealt with peo- more about the university and neighbouring universities as well. feel like a place of learning, but it’s HBKU’S growing trajectory and well. Even though the mode of ple and how they interact. NU-Q’s Qatar Foundation. Having students as front desk as- become a home for me. I appreci- that was why I chose that uni- teaching is currently computer- journalism programme was an “I thought it was amazing that sistants (FDAs) and community ate the diversity of amazing stu- versity. Also, the perfect blend mediated at the moment, the opportunity to do all that, and in not only could I get an American development advisors (CDAs) also dents I’ve met, the student center, of women issues, society and classes are still very interactive. a place that provides interactions education in the Middle East, but really helped create a friendly and the fancy dorms, Qatar National culture of the MENA wregion The provocative teaching atmos- with people from all around the that there were so many differ- welcoming environment in the Library right opposite WCM-Q, the gapped my attention to the pro- phere, coupled with the endless yet globe and opportunities that no ent top US universities right next dorms. It was nice knowing there new metro station, and my favorite gramme I am currently studying. timely intellectual discussions and other place could offer.” to each other in a little city for were students you could reach out place for late night walks – Oxygen That said, the scholarship oppor- objective criticism from both pro- Sharing on the adjustments he students from all different back- to, especially when you’re coming Park. As a Muslim, I’ve also en- tunities offered by the QF, with fessors and students just pushes had to make as a foreign student, grounds. I was specifically drawn to a new country where you don’t joyed being able to eat anything the genuine aim of supporting me outside my comfort zone and Darrell said since he had already to WCM-Q because I knew I want- know anyone.” without have to double check the students throughout their stay in propel me to always do my best. lived in the region for a long time, ed to do Medicine and was drawn In addition, Tehniyat said be- ingredients or ask the restaurant if Qatar, played an inestimable role “Also, HBKU is an institution the adjustment was not hard for to their accelerated programme ing exposed to a different culture they have halal food, it also helps in making my choice to study at that holds in extreme regard for him at all. In fact, he even de- of two years of undergrad (pre- has opened her eyes on some of that all the food I’ve had in Qatar HBKU,” said Hendriyadi. collaborative learning. I find this scribed his experience as a “joyful medical) and four years of medical the remarkable elements of the has been great. Also, compared to As someone who arrived approach very good because it adjustment”. school, compared to four years of Arab culture. She said, “I re- Singapore, it’s nice to experience in Qatar during the pandemic, helps bring students from diverse According to him, “It was like undergrad in the US prior to ap- member before coming to Qa- more than just one season (not Hendriyadi said going through academic, social and cultural coming home for me. This time, plying to medical school,” the fu- tar, that people would say Qatari including monsoon season). Even the quarantine process is part of backgrounds together to share I wasn’t around my parents, so I ture doctor said. people are “snobby”, but after if that means enduring the intense his adjustments to his new en- their distinctive perspectives missed them and missed home Sharing about the adjustments living here I can confirm that is summer heat for the pleasant win- vironment. He also mentioned about various concepts. I find that way, but I was happy to be in she went through in choosing to so far from the truth. The Qataris ters,” Tehniyat remarked. missing his family including his this extremely useful because it the place that I had called home for study away from her home coun- that I have met during my time Meanwhile, Hendriyadi Bah- 15-month old son. exposes me to diverse forms of so long and where I felt I thrived.” try, Tehniyat mentioned missing here have been so welcoming, tiar Daeng Sila who arrived in To cope with homesickness, thoughts and also deepens my Darrell also pointed out that the comfort of going home to her humble and kind. From bringing Qatar last year from Indonesia Hendriyadi involved himself to critical thinking ability.”

I thought it was amazing that not only could I get an American education in the Middle East, but that there were so many different top US universities right next to each other in a little city for students from all different backgrounds. I was specifically drawn to WCM-Q Qatar Foundation’s commitment in carefully because I knew I wanted to do nurturing tomorrow’s problem solvers Medicine and was drawn to ignited my desire to study in one of its their accelerated programme of partner universities. Notwithstanding, HBKU two years of undergrad and four is an institution that has a glittering years of medical school, recommendation throughout the MENA compared to four years of region for its incredibly work in innovation, undergrad in the US prior to and more importantly creating a unique applying to medical school educational environment where international students can thrive impeccably

Tehniyat Baig is a Singaporean national studying to be a doctor at Weill Cornell Medicine–Qatar. Hendriyadi Bahtiar Daeng Sila, who arrived in Qatar last year from Indonesia, is pursuing higher studies at HBKU. 16 Sunday, March 28, 2021 The Last Word

Curtain comes down on AgriteQ 2021 AgriteQ witnesses signing of over 150 agreements Next edition will be held from March 22 to 26, 2022

Tribune News Network Doha

The Ministry of Municipal- ity and Environment (MME) successfully concluded the ac- tivities of the 8th Qatar Inter- national Agricultural Exhibition 2021 (AgriteQ) and the 2nd Qatar International Environ- companies. cess despite the circumstances mental Exhibition (EnviroteQ), On the final day of the exhi- caused by the COVID-19 pan- which witnessed wide participa- bition, Minister of Municipality demic. He praised the inter- ‘A reference tool for professionals’ tion from local and internation- and Environment HE Eng Ab- national participation in the al companies from agriculture, dullah bin Abdulaziz bin Turki exhibition from more than 42 Continued from page 1  AgriteQ is for it to reach a wide tions to follow. In this context, Founding Chairman of veterinary, fisheries and envi- Al-Subaie honoured a number countries through their embas- spectrum of local and interna- the Encyclopedia of Native & GORD Dr Yousef Alhorr said, ronment fields over five days. of farmers, who own the most sies and commercial offices in With economic, medicinal, tional audiences attending Qa- Non-Native Plants in Eastern “Just like tech exchange, At the closing ceremony, the productive farms in the coun- Qatar, pointing out that the vir- landscaping and environmen- tar’s largest agricultural trade Arabia has emerged as an as- knowledge transfer is crucial MME announced that the next try, as well the livestock breed- tual forum held on the sidelines tal uses consolidated in one show. set for professionals working for sustainable agriculture. To edition of the exhibitions would ers, herders and the organising of the conference over a period place, the book serves as a ref- Director of Public Parks in relevant fields. We congrat- this end, the Encyclopedia of be held from March 22 to 26, committee of the exhibition. of three days witnessed the par- erence tool for professionals Department at MME Moham- ulate the Gulf Organisation Native & Non-Native Plants 2022. Engineer Muhammad Ali ticipation of more than 1,200 dealing in diverse sectors such med Ali Al Khoury said, “The for Research & Development in Eastern Arabia will guide The exhibition witnessed Al-Khoury, director of the Pub- people from different parts of as architecture, health, medi- Public Parks Department has (GORD) for taking the lead agriculturists and engineers the signing of 150 contracts and lic Parks Department at the the world. The exhibition also cine and landscape engineer- invested years of research and successfully developing in responsible selection and memoranda of understanding MME and head of the exhibi- witnessed the launch of three ing to name a few. and experiments to reach a this pioneering work the bene- optimum treatment of flora in between the MME and a num- tion organizing committee, said major books related to agricul- The rationale behind this level of documentation that fits of which transcend a range the context of sustainable de- ber of local and international the exhibition was a great suc- ture and environment, he said. encyclopedia’s launch during serves as a legacy for genera- of sectors.” velopment.” QRDI Council, Hassad Food in pact QatarDebate announces 5th Int’l to enhance innovation in agriculture Schools Debating Championship Tribune News Network tor entities will be supported by Tribune News Network Doha Qatar’s knowledge institutions Doha with talent, technical know-how The Qatar Research, Develop- and specialised equipment. This QatarDebate Centre, a ment and Innovation (QRDI) is part of the drive to create the member of Qatar Foundation Council has signed a memoran- ecosystem conditions required for Education, Science and dum of understanding (MoU) for the emergence of new R&D Community Development, with Hassad Food to enhance intensive industries central to a has announced that it will innovation in the food and agri- knowledge-based economy. conduct the 5th International culture sector in Qatar. For his part, Engineer Sa- Schools Debating Champion- The MoU was signed by Sec- dah said, “It is our pleasure to ship from April 3 to 7. retary-General of QRDI Council sign this MoU with QRDI, as The event will see the par- Engineer Omar Ali Al Ansari we constantly seek to support ticipation of students from and Chief Executive Officer at the local innovation efforts with 100 countries across the Hassad Food Engineer Moham- the aim to advance the local ag- world. For the first time in ed Al Sadah. riculture sector and achieve self- the centre’s history, the World The event will witness the the world. It also consolidates The agreement with Hassad Secretary-General of QRDI Council Engineer Omar Ali Al Ansari and sufficiency.” Schools Debating Champion- the belief of educational insti- Food is one of several initiatives Chief Executive Officer at Hassad Food Engineer Mohamed Al Sadah To complement the Qa- ship in English will be organ- participation of students tutions and students in trans- planned by QRDI Council in at the agreement-signing ceremony. tar National Vision 2030 and ised, in which 50 countries from 100 countries across forming the problem into an 2021, as driven by the mission of the Second National Develop- will participate, along with the world. For the first time opportunity for transcending the National Research, Develop- therefore cannot be addressed tivise new and existing private ment Strategy, QRDI Council the Debating Championship in the centre’s history, the challenges with promising ment and Innovation Strategy, by simply using off-the-shelf so- sector entities such as local and developed the Qatar Research, in Arabic, which will see the World Schools Debating youth skills.” QRDI 2030. The strategy sup- lutions. This is where innovative international start-ups, SMEs Development and Innovation participation of 50 countries. Registration to participate ports the country’s broader goal products and services, devel- and multi-national companies Strategy 2030 (QRDI 2030), This championship is a Championship in English will in the championship was in of building a knowledge-based oped by our local RDI ecosys- to develop innovative solutions. which seeks to build the nation’s distinguished lobal event that be organised, in which 50 two phases: the first is from economy, as stipulated by the tem, can play a key role.” This will be done by identi- resilience and prosperity by brings students from all over countries will participate, February 14 to 25, 2021, and Qatar National Vision 2030. He said QRDI Council will fying unique challenges, open- creating pathways toward excit- the world through the digital along with the Debating the second is from February The partnership aims to work closely with large local en- ing facilities for piloting of new ing job opportunities for future space to debate in Arabic and Championship in Arabic, 28 to March 4, 2021, includ- identify opportunities for inno- terprises such as Hassad Food to technologies and creating mech- generations and enhancing the English on the most impor- which will see the participa- ing the registration of the par- vation that support the food and create opportunities and an ear- anisms for co-development of competitiveness of Qatar’s local tant societal and global issues. ticipating teams. agriculture sector in Qatar and ly marketplace that will incen- technologies. These private sec- enterprises. It also provides an oppor- tion of 50 countries With the announcement the models appropriate to lever- tunity for debaters around of the championship, Qa- age that innovation. the world to get to know one teams under the supervision tarDebate has published a Commenting on the agree- another and exchange experi- of the Centre’s trainers Mo- guide for registration and ment, Eng Ansari said, “This ences, building communica- hammad Khader and Mubar- participation, which includes MoU furthers our efforts to sup- tion bridges that are based on rat Wassey. all important information to port the sustainable manage- dialogue and logic, in addition Dr Hayat Abdullah those wishing to join this in- ment of Qatar’s environmen- to focusing on the status of the Maarafi, executive director of ternational event. tal, food and water resources Arabic language as an enrich- the QatarDebate Centre, said: The centre will provide through innovation and tech- ing cultural mediator. “This championship, in its training workshops for adju- nology. We recognise that cer- The national team, An- version, is a distinctive pio- dicators, team trainers and tain challenges faced by the food nabi Debates, has integrated neering event in light of the participants, in cooperation and agriculture sector in Qatar and distinctive participation current situation imposed by with the centre’s ambassadors are unique to our conditions and with two Arab and English the COVID-19 pandemic on and elite members. Qatar University organises third Youth Research Forum 2021

Tribune News Network undergraduate and postgradu- research outputs will help both is to contribute to promoting Doha ate students from Qatar and public and private entities con- tourism and culture in Qatar, from many Islamic countries cerned in preserving the Qatari through their contributions to Qatar University’s (QU) such as Morocco, Oman, Alge- cultural and traditions, by which the competent authorities in the Young Scientists centre, in ria and Libya participated in the we build bridges of commu- country to highlight the archae- cooperation with the Qatar forum, where they presented nication with various cultures ological and heritage sites for National Commission for Edu- the results of their distinguished and nations, support Qatar’s tourists and visitors, and work cation, Culture and Science, research that enriches the youth vision and its cultural and tour- to diversify the tourism product has organised the third Youth experience. ism strength, and provide the to attract new segments of visi- Research Forum 2021 entitled The forum aims to achieve requirements of a modern life,” tors and tourists to the State of ‘Identity and Cultural Tour- several goals, such as to provide she said. Qatar, where cultural tourism is ism: Towards a Culture and a a platform for effective com- Dr Hamda Al-Sulaiti, sec- considered In our time, one of Sustainable Legacy’ in line with munication between youth, retary-general of the Qatari the most popular types of tour- the strategic plans set by QU to researchers and community National Committee for Edu- ism in the world,” she said. develop youth capabilities in institutions, and to consolidate cation, Culture and Science, Dr Noora Al-Thani, direc- scientific research in postgradu- youth awareness of their promi- said that the third edition of the tor of the QU Young Scientists ate studies. nent role in the development Youth Research Forum, which Centre, said in a speech, “We The two-day forum kicked and advancement of society has become a common ground, are pleased to be partners in off at a virtual ceremony in the through scientific research. Education, Culture and Science, the challenges of identity and VP for Research and Graduate through which youth energies establishing the activities Doha presence of a large number of In addition to exploring the QU Young Scientists Centre globalisation, medicine, phar- studies at QU, said that the fo- were able to meet, so that this Capital of Culture in the Islamic attendees and researchers. research capabilities of young has launched a research com- macy and community health. rum, with its rich sports, herit- forum became a starting point World 2021, and to link Re- The Third Research Forum people with regard to consoli- petition to share studies and The research posters were age, economic and social topics, for unique and new research searchers from the State of Qa- was included in the activities dating concepts of culture and research on identity issues and evaluated based on several cri- and its ambitious national and ideas and projects that blended tar and the Islamic world”. She of Doha Capital of Culture in identity, and promoting the cul- to encourage scientific research. teria, such as the quality of the humanitarian goals is in line the creative vision with modern added, “We QU Young Scien- the Islamic World 2021, which ture of scientific research and Universities, institutes and re- research, methodology, use of with QU’s plans to embrace technology. tists Centre, seek to contribute was launched in March 2021. linking it to historical events. searchers inside and outside field research techniques, dis- young talents, and enable them “Thanks to our sons and significantly to strengthening The forum is an important plat- This forum also represents an Qatar were invited to partici- cussion of results and proper to conduct genuine research daughters who participate in the Qatari identity among our form for presenting scientific opportunity to create a data- pate. The researches submit- documentation of references. that enhances youth loyalty to their research in this important young students, and to invest research and projects that focus base of distinguished youth in ted are within the areas of the The first three winners of the the homeland and society and youth forum from Oman, Alge- efforts and resources to prepare on the role of youth in spread- the fields of research and with World Cup facilities and the Best Research competition illuminate their professional ria, Morocco, Libya and from competent Qatari researchers ing and preserving Qatari cul- high capabilities in specialised sustainability of the Qatari her- were honoured, and prizes and and personal future. Qatar. I wish them success and who are able to serve their coun- ture and the sustainability of and inter-disciplinary studies. itage, the role of museums in certificates of appreciation were “This forum is a platform repayment. I emphasise that try and excel in various fields of the Qatari heritage and youth In collaboration with the promoting cultural identity, the presented to them. for the youth creativity that will the basic role that young peo- industry, energy, health, envi- efforts. A group of researchers, Qatari National Committee for economy and cultural tourism, Prof. Mariam Al Maadeed, continue long after the event. Its ple are required to play, which ronment, history and culture.”