BUSINESS | Page 1 SPORT | Page 1 Barshim in shortlist for top INDEX DOW JONES QE NYMEX 2-7, 24 COMMENT 22, 23 QFC is eyeing IAAF prize REGION 8 BUSINESS 1-7, 12-16 Turkish businesses 23,552.33 8,014.71 57.09 ARAB WORLD 8 CLASSIFIED 8-12 +13.14 -112.18 +1.45 INTERNATIONAL 9-21 SPORTS 1-8 +0.06% -1.38% +2.61% in a big way Latest Figures

TUESDAY Vol. XXXVIII No. 10630 November 7, 2017 Safar 18, 1439 AH

www. gulf-times.com 2 Riyals GULF TIMES

Emir meets Volkswagen chairman

New decree In brief offers big QATAR | Religion Prayer for rain to be performed on Thursday The Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs has called on all Muslims in the incentives State to perform Istisqa (rain-seeking) prayer on Thursday (20 Safar 1439/ November 9) in line with the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). In a statement, the ministry called His Highness the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani met yesterday at the Emiri Diwan with Volkswagen Group Supervisory for the performance of the prayer at Board Chairman Hans Dieter Poetsch. The meeting dealt with boosting co-operation ties. the State’s at 06.01am. to investors

QATAR | Event  Emir issues Decree Law No 21 of 2017, amending some Safety and security provisions of Law No 34 of 2005 on Investment Free Zones meet kicks off today is Highness the Emir Sheikh ated the local, regional and interna- Under the patronage of HE the Prime Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani is- tional developments for achieving Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Qatar Airways buys 9.6% H sued yesterday Decree Law No the nation’s economic targets and at- Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa al- 21 of 2017, amending some provisions tract local and foreign investments. Thani, the First Major Event Safety and of the Law No 34 of 2005 on Invest- The amendments were also aimed at Security Conference kicks off today at ment Free Zones. enhancing the business environment St. Regis . The two-day conference The decree law is effective starting in the country and meet the chal- is organised by the Security Committee stake in Cathay Pacific from its date of issue and is to be pub- lenges and changes in the economic of the Supreme Committee for Delivery lished in the official gazette. field. “This would further boost the & Legacy (SC) in collaboration with Commenting on the new law, HE authenticity of state organisations to Interpol. Page 7  It’s national carrier’s first major acquisition in an Asian airline the Prime Minister and Interior Min- attain Qatar National Vision 2030 and ister Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin its national strategies and economic

QATAR | Education By Pratap John share capital. Completion of the trans- in International Airlines Group, 10% in- Khalifa al-Thani, said the amend- orientations based on freeing up trade New QNL building Chief Business Reporter action is expected to take place later to- vestment in LATAM Airlines Group and ments were recommended by the and economy, and give room for the

day in Hong Kong.” 49% investment in Meridiana.” Cabinet based on the Emir’s in- private sector to play a pioneering role opens to public today Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive For Cathay Pacific, the Qatar Airways structions to speed up economic de- in the economic activities in the coun- The new Qatar National Library (QNL) atar Airways has broadened its Akbar al-Baker said: “Qatar Airways is stake will give it a third strategic share- velopment and investment, besides try.” building in Education City will open global reach by purchasing a very pleased to complete its financial holder behind Swire Pacific Ltd and Air providing the highest possible ad- He said creating a conducive invest- its doors to the public for the first Q9.61% stake in Cathay Pacific, investment in Cathay Pacific. Cathay China Ltd and under the terms of the vantages to both Qataris and foreign ment atmosphere is a joint responsibil- time today. QNL contains the latest the national carrier’s first major stake in Pacific is a fellow oneworld member Cathay deal, Qatar Airways will buy investors. “Accordingly, the Cabinet ity of the State and the private sector. advances in digital technology in the an Asian airline. and is one of the strongest airlines in the about 378.2mn shares. had worked throughout the past pe- HE Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser world of information and libraries. It Qatar Airways, which is the world’s world, respected throughout the indus- A Reuters’ dispatch quoted Hong riod on the strategy to advance the pointed out that the free investment give residents access to more than fastest-growing airline, yesterday said it try and with massive potential for the Kong’s Kingboard Chemical Holdings economic development policy of the zones offered excellent investment op- 1mn books, periodicals, and special “entered into an agreement to purchase future. and said it had sold the stake to Qatar country through effective and inno- portunities and would lead to increase collections, in addition to the heritage an amount of 378,188,000 shares of “This investment further supports Airways for HK$5.16bn ($661mn), mak- vative means and to benefit from the in GDP, the volume of investment and library, and a special collections for Cathay Pacific Airways Limited, being Qatar Airways investment strategy, ing the Middle Eastern carrier the third- available opportunities.” trade, as well as the creation of job op- children and young people. Page 2 approximately 9.61% of the total issued which already includes 20% investment largest shareholder in Cathay. To Page 4 The premier said the Cabinet evalu- portunities. To Page 24

Top fashion school planned for Qatar

By Ramesh Mathew well as a fashion destination in coming Heya Arabian Fashion Exhibition being Staff Reporter years as there is enormous interest in held in Doha (November 3-7). “There its people. was an impressive turnout of young The famed Italian designer, who has fashion lovers and my inquiries found prestigious fashion school of in- excelled in diverse areas of fashion over some of the locals want to deliver spe- ternational standards would be the years is hopeful that the school cific apparels to suit the needs and re- A opened in Qatar next year, a top would be offering a series of activities quirements of the region’s populace. visiting Italian designer has said. round the year as a number of Qatari With a little more exposure, experi- Rome-based Valeria Mangani, who men and women are evincing interest ence and better skills the local students has perfected and created an array of in acquiring better knowledge and in- could also launch quality costumes designs in such areas as apparels, bags, formation in different areas of fashion. that could make a mark even in the in- accessories and jewels, told Gulf Times “This is becoming more evident from ternational market,” feels the famous that “a move in that direction (estab- the presence of a large number of top designer. lishing a fashion school) is going on brands in Doha,” she said. While replying to queries about the and the institute is likely to be a real- Fashion, said Mangani, is a 360-de- Italian fashion world, Mangani said ity, most probably in the first half of gree umbrella but a large number of though some of the local connoisseurs 2018”. people feel it deals only with apparels know it too well that the institutes in She said a number of “quality and and costumes. “It also covers such ar- Rome are deeply rooted in traditions useful” lessons in fashion and design- eas as bags and similar personal leather and culture, they are not exactly famil- ing would be imparted to the country’s accessories, quality footwear, writing iar with the day- today developments fashion buffs by well-experienced pro- instruments, and jewels among others.” in the industry there. “As a result, a fessionals from Italy. Mangani said she Mangani is extremely happy at the perceivable gap exists and that is ex- is quite optimistic that Qatar would do response her session received at the pected to be bridged with the arrival of a fashion school of international stand- ards in Doha,” she said while revealing her plans for a show involving some of the upcoming Italian brands next sum- mer. The designer said her country had a colourful record in the fashion arena since the Renaissance and its influence is felt all over the European and Medi- terranean regions. “Now, more than 2.8mn people are employed at different levels in the fashion industry,” she said adding that since the early 70s , a large number of modern trends have origi- nated from Milan. Along with Mangani, Marco Coretti, the Vice- President of the Chamber of High Fashions, is also in Doha. Chamber of High Fashions, run by the Ministry of Economic Development of Italy, is a reputable institution, providing sup- port to people at different levels of the fashion world. Valeria Mangani and Marco Coretti in Doha. Page 24 Gulf Times 24 Tuesday, November 7, 2017 QATAR ‘Qatar Welcomes the World’ Unique options attract tourists to Qatar shores

QNA Doha

ourism in Qatar brings together mod- ern and traditional styles in its ar- Tchitectural designs which visitors to Qatar can see in the old markets, museums, skyscrapers, unrivalled sports venues, ho- tels and malls. All these refl ect Qatar’s cul- tural movement, rich in local identity and open to the cultures of the world. Qatar is an inspiring land of peace, secu- rity and authentic hospitality that gives a visitor an unforgettable experience. In the midst of this development and modernisation, cities in Qatar combine an- A dhow prepares to sail in Doha. A fleet of taxis branded ‘Qatar Welcomes the World’ has been stationed around the ExCel Centre in cient past and fascinating present, as visi- London. The mobile advertisements form part of Qatar’s latest destination promotion campaign, tors who stay in one of the skyscrapers can Rakayat is the Arabic word for ‘well’ and it by the famous architect I M Pei, visually dif- encouraging those attending the 37th World Travel Market (WTM) at the ExCel Centre, as well as enjoy visiting the remains of ancient villages is believed that the fort was built to protect ferent of ering in Qatar . London’s visitors and residents, to discover more about Qatar and its attractions. The fleet will and castles in the Qatari towns and con- the essential sources of water in the area. The museum features a variety of cultural continue to carry the campaign’s designs into 2018. The WTM, which kicked of yesterday in London, template some of its Arab-Qatari-Islamic It is a typical of desert forts, with three events and exhibitions throughout the year. is the global tourism industry’s most anticipated annual event. The three-day event held at the ExCel without forgetting the pleas- rectangular towers and one cylindrical one. Activities outside the main building ex- Centre, brings together more than 50,000 senior travel industry professionals, tourism industry ure of the popular markets, which the state Three sides of the central courtyard are tend to the adjacent garden, which is a social leaders, government of icials and international press. is making great ef orts to maintain, as they aligned with narrow rooms without win- venue with activities all year round, includ- tells important chapters of the history of dows and doors that open onto the light and ing fi lm shows, sports activities, art work- Qatar in architecture, art, commerce and old spacious courtyard. shops and other events. life in general. There are other ancient forts on the The collection of ‘Mathaf: Arab Museum Qatar enjoys a rich cultural diversity that north-western coast of Qatar that can also of Modern Art’ is a unique survey of 20th gives the visitor a unique experience. be visited in Freiha, , Yousufi ya, Bir and 21st century modern and contemporary The communities in the country from Hussain, Thaqab and Zikrit. art from the Arab World, the , International peers complement dif erent nations add more cultural variety, On the eastern coast, there are forts at Al and wider geographies of Africa, Asia and refl ecting the depth of communication and Huwaila, Zarqa and Athba, and in the areas Europe that are historically connected to openness to dif erent cultures. surrounding Doha, at Al Koot, Umm Salal Qatar and the Arab Peninsula. local talent at Heya Fashion expo In addition to this amazing cultural diver- Mohamed and Al Wajbah, Qatar’s oldest fort. Sports in Qatar have a museum which is sity, museums and archaeological sites in the The popular markets in Qatar, Doha’s Qatar Olympic and Sport Museum, that un- country add another dimension to tourism. Souq Waqif and Wakrah’s Souq Waqif pro- doubtedly embodies Qatar’s relationship to nternational designers are Qatar Museums actively and ef ectively vide an unforgettable experience. sport. complementing local tal- enrich cultural tourism and focus heavily on They have been restored to preserve his- Even before its opening, the museum has Ient at the 12th Heya Arabian engaging the local community and foreign torical monuments, and to form spaces for begun organising temporary exhibitions Fashion Exhibition, which con- visitors to enter the world of cultural life by citizens, residents and visitors, but with the that present sport in a cultural spirit. cludes today. The event is pre- providing self-guided tours to them and of- taste of Qatar’s history and culture. The museum is expected to be a widely senting shopping opportunities fering visitors a personal journey through Doha’s Souq Waqif, with its winding recognised national and international cen- from more than 150 abaya and the museums and galleries of Qatar muse- stone-paved corridors, and its various res- tre for sports history, heritage and knowl- modest fashion brands from Qa- ums and heritage sites. taurants of ering dishes from the East and the edge, promoting and encouraging academic tar and around the world. For example, historical sites gives a his- West, becomes a centre for special souvenirs, research. Complementing a wealth of torical view of the past of Qatar and the re- or for lovers of carpets and textiles, Qatar’s Orientalist Museum is the only in- quality Qatari collections, brands gion in general. Arab cof ee pots, incense burners, traditional stitution of its kind. It is dedicated to Orien- from the Middle East, Central Sitting on the coast of northern Qatar is copper tools, jewelled jewellery boxes, mini- talism — an infl uential period in art history, America, Europe, Asia and North Zubarah, an ancient town located 100km from ature models for sailboats and artisan crafts. based around Western artists’ fi rst experi- Africa are participating in the Doha. It is one of the most important histori- It is also an art square that hosts musical ences and impressions of the ‘oriental’ East. show, including of erings from cal landmarks in the State of Qatar that in- festivals in dif erent seasons of the year, like All these museums and others refl ect the , , , Turkey, cludes also an archaeological fort that is itself Souq Waqif Spring, Eid Al Fitr and Eid Al new concept and goal pursued by Qatar Lebanon, Indonesia, Morocco, a landmark that tells the history of the city. Adha festivals and other musical festivals by Museums Authority (QMA), which is to be Mexico, Spain, Sri Lanka, Ger- Zubarah was once a fl ourishing port bus- the Arab artists, as well as various bouquets a cultural catalyst for a new generation of many, Italy, the UK, France and, tling with fi shermen and merchants, and of heritage and entertainment activities for creators through cultural activities and in- for the fi rst time, Hong Kong. Models showcase a German designer’s of erings at the fashion show. was one of the largest trade points in the families. ternational art exhibitions. New and returning brands region, particularly for pearl trade. The area Wakrah, located south of the capital, has The Fire Station Artist in Residence sits from around the world are avail- of Culture’ — with Germany, in In addition, visitors partici- was registered in 2009 as a protected area. its own Souq Waqif traditional market. at the heart of Doha’s fl ourishing art com- able to shoppers at Heya, includ- partnership with the embassy, pated in the forum, ‘The Trends In 2013, the There is also an old market in Doha known munity. It provides the perfect springboard ing Bocan and Lale Devri from German brand PerretSchaad in Italian Fashion’, by industry inscribed the Zubarah Archaeological Site as the Omani market, containing tradition- for creativity. Turkey; May Sobh Couture and hosted a catwalk show, two veterans Matteo Scarparo and into the Unesco World Heritage List. al, and agricultural products such as dates In addition to these cultural monuments Samar Secret from Lebanon; workshops and a forum. Valeria Mangani. The site includes three major features, the and herbs treated for livestock and others. and archaeological sites, there is the Cul- Doris Dorothea from Indonesia; The workshops looked at ‘Social Haute couture designer Marco largest of which are the archaeological re- Museums in Qatar are another tourist at- tural Village Foundation – Katara with its Nirraamyaa and KD Boutique Media and Fashion; A Powerful Coretti also hosted a workshop mains of the town, dating back to the 1760s. traction, and another destination for visi- unique location on the banks of the Gulf and from India; Caftan lalla Salman Combination’ and ‘The Rhythm this week on ‘The Sublimation Connected to it is the settlement of Qal’at tors looking for the past. its unique design that imitates old neigh- and Ayahs Kaftan from Morocco, of Fashion, How Does It Work?’ of Fashion.’ In addition, with the Murair, which was fortifi ed to protect the The Museum of Islamic Art in Doha con- bourhoods. It always hosts cultural and ar- Pineda Covalin from Mexico, The sessions acted as a general help of the Mexican embassy, city’s inland wells. Zubarah Fort was built tains collections and masterpieces belonging tistic activities. Since the year 150 AD, ‘Ka- Luna’s Abaya, Wlns Cashmere introduction to the fashion busi- Cristina Pineda presented its col- in 1938 and is the youngest, most prominent to dif erent communities, collected from the tara’ was the fi rst and most ancient name and Soya Eyewear from Italy, and ness, rhythm of seasons and how lection at a catwalk show at Heya. feature at the site. houses of princes, kings and ordinary people. designated for Qatar Peninsula in geograph- PerretSchaad from Germany. to work successfully with social Designer Ricardo Covalín Built in the heart of the desert 110km Although the pieces in the Museum’s col- ic and historical maps. Responsible for delivering Heya, media as a fashion brand. showcased his collection of northwest of Doha is the Rakayat Fort, dates lections are primarily related to , many Years ago, Qatar attracted the world by Design Creationz’s spokesperson In addition, the forum hosted an modest wear, based on promot- back to the 19th century. A freshwater well of them refl ect patterns of art. organising the top sports events, and host- Esraa Abel said: “As Heya contin- energetic debate on ‘Trending Now: ing Mexico’s culture through the sits in the fort and the scattered remains of a The museum not only impresses with its ing many major tournaments, such as ten- ues to evolve and grow, we have The ‘Perks’ of Online Business’. production and distribution of village can be found nearby. possessions, but also its building, designed nis, squash and rally competitions seen a great response from the in- Berlin-based fashion duo Jo- pieces inspired by art. ternational community. New part- hanna Perret and Tutia Schaad of Further, new to Qatar and nerships have allowed us to cre- PerretSchaad designs comment- Heya this year, Hong Kong- ate valuable knowledge-sharing ed on their participation at Heya: based brand Fine n’ Rhine hosted workshops and forums for lively “We were honoured to be asked a catwalk show of ering viewers debates on pressing trends and is- to come to Heya 12. We have nev- an insight into the one-stop shop sues across the fashion industry.” er been to Qatar and were excited for desirable accessories, cloth- Big incentives for investors The partnerships forged with to see the city, meet the people, ing, luxury handbags and shawls. the Italian, Germany and Mexi- and see the fashion for women.” Held under the patronage of can embassies presented catwalk Popular Italian collections HE Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Ha- From Page 1 shows, and hosted forums and from Wlns Cashmere and Soya mad bin Khalifa al-Thani, the workshops, to help nurture and Eyewear were part of the eclec- fashion event at Doha Exhibition Investments in free zones enjoy a variety develop local design talent. tic mix of catwalk shows at the and Convention Centre will ring of advantages and incentives in accordance As part of Qatar’s 2017 cultural opening of Heya, through the down the curtain for the public at with the free zones law, most important exchange programme — ‘Year Italian embassy collaboration. 10pm today. of which are: no limits on the the capital, freedom to choose the legal outline of the project, freedom to put price tags for prod- ucts and profi t rates, and the exemption of capital assets, and production, imports and exports from taxes and other charges. Also, Arab world ‘benefi ts’ from Qatar initiatives the projects at the free investment zones are given various guarantees, most importantly freehold ownership. atar has always sought the benefi t of the FIFA World Cup bid and He further af rmed that the amend- Arab world, whether it’s through ventures said Qatar has always main- ments would create new zones, eradicate Qin arts, language, business or sports, found- tained this was a victory for all hurdles to capital infl ow, allow the entry er of Solanki Mission Group (Mission20) Amanat everyone in the region. of modern technology and develop the ex- Solanki said yesterday. “From Day 1, Qatar has isting free zones. It would also give special Speaking on Qatar Urdu Radio’s live show said the 2022 World Cup is incentives to logistic services and projects Haqeeqat, the young entrepreneur and social ac- for the Arab people and the that use local components. tivist talked about the initiatives taken by Qatar to region will collectively ben- He also stressed that the free zones au- support entrepreneurs and businesses in the region. efi t from the promotion of thority would facilitate the issue of licenses “When it comes to startups for young entrepre- football here,” he noted. to save investors’ time and ef orts. It would neurs, Qatar has not only supported initiatives of Haqeeqat, which aims also provide plots equipped with all the people based here but also backed people in other to engage and interact with necessary facilities to set up projects. The An artistic rendition of a free zone. countries, including Egypt,” Solanki said, citing the large South Asian ex- free zones authority will also help in get- Qatar Business Incubation Centre, Qatar Science & patriate community in ting visas for investors and the recruitment sim bin Mohamed al-Thani said the new another law would be issued regarding the Technology Park and the Digital Incubation Centre Amanat Solanki was Qatar, is a joint venture of of the necessary workforce. law would strengthen the economy of the partnership between the public and the pri- among the landmark research and development cen- a guest on Haqeeqat Gulf Times and Qatar Me- The free investment zones in Qatar in- country and attract foreign and local in- vate sectors. He said that all the economic tres in the region. “Qatar is also committed to pro- yesterday. dia Corp Urdu Radio. It is clude the Manateq and Hamad Interna- vestments. It would also help in developing legislations would be reviewed aiming at mote the Arabic language and it is heavily investing broadcast from Sunday to tional Airport which are being set up at an the private sector in the country. achieving the desired economic diversifi ca- in that sector, which shows that it collectively looks Thursday on FM107. Log on to Qatar Urdu Radio on estimated cost of QR50bn. He stated that in addition to this law, tion and equip the private sector to face the at the benefi t of the Arab world,” he added. Facebook and ‘@QatarUrduRadio’ on Twitter for Meanwhile, HE the Minister of Economy amendments are being made to the law challenges of low oil prices and the geopo- Solanki recalled the time Qatar won the 2022 feedback and comments about the show. and Commerce Sheikh Ahmed bin Jas- of investment of non-Qatari capital, and litical and environmental changes.