Tuesday February 2, 2021 Jumada Al-Akhirah 20, 1442 Vol.14 no. 5171 qR 2

Fajr: 4:58 am Dhuhr: 11:48 am fine Asr: 2:56 pm Maghrib: 5:20 pm High : 25°C LOW : 16 °C Isha: 6:50 pm

Pre-sales for Qatar World Cup hospitality packages hit record $90 mn within hours Hospitality packages available from Feb 1 Jaime Byrom, Executive The launch of global Chairman of MATCH Hos- Amir condoles CATHERINE W GICHUKI and select groups. hospitality packages pitality, said even before the DOHA MATCH is the only com- for the FIFA World Cup launch of the sales they have with Saudi king pany appointed by FIFA to Qatar 2022 brings us another already surpassed their tar- MATCH Hospitality exclusively promote and sell, step closer to delivering an gets. “We are delighted to con- QNA (MATCH), the worldwide ex- either directly or via a network extraordinary tournament in firm that demand for the FIFA Doha clusive rights holder of the of sales agents, official ticket- just under two years’ time. World Cup is stronger than FIFA Hospitality Programme, inclusive commercial hospi- We have always said that ever. The remarkable global His Highness the Amir on Monday announced that tality packages for the FIFA response we have had to our of State of Qatar Sheikh pre-sales for FIFA World World Cup Qatar 2022. Qatar 2022 will set new global pre-sales and the enthusi- Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani Cup Qatar 2022 hospital- In addition, MATCH an- benchmarks for the delivery of asm and professionalism with on Monday sent a cable of ity reached the unprecedented nounced the conclusion of its mega-events, and hospitality is which our long-standing sales condolences to the Custodi- level of $90 million. worldwide sales agent tender no exception. agents have responded to our an of the Two Holy Mosques The hospitality packages, process, where reputable and — Nasser Al Khater, CEO of the invitation to tender has fur- King Salman bin Abdulaziz including guaranteed match leading international sports FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 ther cemented our belief that Al Saud of the Kingdom of tickets, are available for pur- travel and hospitality agencies despite the unprecedented Saudi Arabia on the death chase globally from February have been appointed to sell events of recent months due to of HH Princess Noura bint 1, 2021 and will provide cus- FIFA World Cup hospitality the global pandemic, there re- Fahd bin Mohammed bin tomers with unique access to services around the world. The amount sets another FIFA World Cup Brazil and stadiums such as gourmet ca- mains unwavering enthusiasm Abdurrahman Al Saud. Qatar’s FIFA World Cup next The tender process re- FIFA World Cup record, far 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia. tering, premium beverages, and interest in the FIFA World year. sulted in the appointment of exceeding the sales targets The hospitality programme preferential parking, enter- Cup Qatar 2022 Official Hos- The hospitality pre-sale 27 agents across 39 territories, secured by MATCH for the will offer guests hospitality tainment and gifts, as well as pitality Programme.” purchase period was conduct- who have collectively commit- equivalent sales agent ten- packages which include offi- additional ancillary services, ed by MATCH and offered to ted financially to sales targets der processes conducted by it cial match tickets plus a wide including accommodation and Oman reports FIFA’s Commercial Affiliates exceeding $260 million. in connection with the 2014 range of on-site services at the air transportation. Continued on page 2  6 cases of new COVID-19 strain QNA Muscat Committees ramp up plans to Qatar World Cup will see

Six confirmed cases of the new rapidly spreading tackle COVID-19 surge: Official packed stadiums: FIFA chief coronavirus strains were recorded in the Sultanate Tribune News Network of Oman on Monday. In Doha The increase h e FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 will be the press conference on in COVID-19 played at packed stadiums, FIFA President Monday, Omani Minister of With Qatar witnessing a cases is still TGianni Infantino has said. Health Dr Ahmed bin Mo- surge in COVID-19 infections in its infancy and can “We’re going back to where we need to be,” hammed Al Saidi said the in recent days, committees be considered as a stressed Infantino while speaking at a virtual most common new strains dealing with the coronavirus warning bell. If correct meeting from Geneva. of the coronavirus in the have reactivated their plans to measures are taken, the “Next year, the Qatar 2022 world cham- world is the British strain, tackle the pandemic, a senior current situation can be pionship will have an audience, we hope stressing that the Sultanate health official has said. controlled.” that the COVID pandemic will be a thing of has advanced capabilities “The committees set up to the past and we will all be able to see it in to detect it, whether in the deal with COVID-19 have now — Dr Ahmed Al person. I’m really, really confident. We will laboratories of the Ministry reactivated their preparations Mohammed enjoy the same magic that unites the whole of Health or Sultan Qaboos for the virus,” Dr Ahmed Al world,” he said. University, or private univer- Mohammed, Head of Internal Dr Al Mohammed said, FIFA has teamed up with the World Health sities. Medicine Department at HMC tation in the virus has led to “Things are easier now than it Organization (WHO) to promote the need for and Medical Director of Hazm the emergence of new strains was in the past. We now have fair access to COVID-19 vaccines, treatments Mebaireek General Hospital, more capable of spreading, the capabilities to receive large and diagnostics, and to encourage people to said on Monday. which led to an increase in the number of patients, whether keep practicing life-saving, everyday public He said if the required pre- number of infections,” he said. in terms of equipment or other health measures to prevent the spread of the Myanmar coup: cautions are taken, the result “The increase in COVID-19 capabilities. We have trained coronavirus. will not appear tomorrow or cases is still in its infancy and and prepared medical staff.” The FIFA chief continued, “We have been everyone, the footballers, the referees, the Suu Kyi detained the day after, as it takes at least can be considered as a warn- He stressed on the need working with the WHO since last year on a coaches, the public. And whatever we do, we as military seizes two weeks to see a decrease in ing bell. If correct measures to adhere to preventive meas- protocol for the return to football.” will do it following health protocols that do the number of infections. are taken, the current situ- ures. “Health is a priority, when we play foot- not put anyone at risk,” Infantino said. control (PG 7 ) “The laxity in adhering ation can be controlled,” he ball what we want is to protect the health of (Agencies) page 13 to precautions and the mu- pointed out. Continued on page 2  HMC shifts Al Wakra hosp’s Only individual outdoor sporting activities Women’s Emergency Dept allowed this National Sport Day: Panel QNA The intended works, “Starting from February QNA not to establish centres for activities or Doha which pertain to security and 8, patients seeking care at the Doha events that would cause congestion and safety procedures at the hos- Department will have to pro- overcrowding, which violate the preven- The Women’s Emergency pital, are expected to last for ceed to Gate No 6 instead of The Organising Committee of the Na- tive protocols set by the Ministry of Public Department at Al Wakra two consecutive months start- Gate No 2 to reach the tempo- tional Sports Day has amended the guide- Health to ensure public health and ensure Hospital will be temporarily ing from February 8. After rary location. lines for the activities and sporting events the safety of all members of society. transferred to Pediatric Emer- that, services would resume as Services at the Paediat- of the National Sport Day (NSD) this year. The committee also urged all mem- gency Department at the same usual at the original location. ric Emergency Department The decision was taken in coordination bers of society and authorities in the hospital. Head of Obstetrics & Gy- will not be affected by the with the Ministry of Public Health on the country to invite its workers to invest In a statement on Mon- necology Department at Al temporary transfer of Wom- public health indicators of the new coro- in the Sports Day and benefit from it by day, Hamad Medical Corpora- Wakra Hospital Dr Lolwa en’s Emergency Department navirus. practicing sports on this day individually tion (HMC) said the Women’s Al Ansari said the Women’s where the PED will be fully In a statement on Monday, the com- The Public Health Protocol prohibits or in limited groups as mentioned previ- Emergency Department will Emergency Department treats operational throughout the mittee said all sporting activities this year holding sporting events or activities in- ously in accordance with the preventive continue to provide health- 80-120 patients daily. It pro- expansion and renovation should be individual and outdoors only. side closed halls. As per the amendment, protocol and requirements set by the care services to patients at the vides expectant women with period. Women’s Emergency The number of players or participants it is not allowed to hold group activities Ministry of Public Health. The protocol temporary location until some urgent obstetric, gynecologic, Patients will have a separate should not exceed four in one group, such as matches and others that require file can be downloaded and viewed by vis- necessary expansion and ren- and other medical emergen- entrance,” Dr Al Ansari ex- while adhering to the safe distance, which contact with other players. iting the Ministry of Culture and Sports ovation works are completed. cies healthcare services 24/7. plained. is not less than three metres. The committee called on all parties website www.mcs.gov.qa. 02 Tuesday, February 2, 2021

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Quick read Deputy Amir sends condolences Shura discusses draft law on endowment to king of Saudi Arabia QNA well as the IPU’s support for The Global The Deputy Amir His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Doha Organization of Parliamentarians Against Hamad Al Thani on Monday sent a cable of condo- Corruption (GOPAC), which elected the lences to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques The Shura Council, at a meeting chaired Shura speaker as its chairman and Doha as King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud of Saudi Arabia by Speaker Ahmed bin Abdullah bin Zaid its General Secretariat headquarters. on the death of HH Princess Noura bint Fahd bin Al Mahmoud on Monday, discussed a draft Meanwhile, the Information and Mohammed bin Abdurrahman Al Saud. (QNA) law on endowment (Waqf) that includes Cultural Affairs Committee of the Shura nine chapters and 58 articles on provisions Council held a meeting chaired by its Rap- PM sends condolences to king of related to the establishment of the endow- porteur HE Saqr bin Fahd Al Muraikhi on Saudi Arabia ment, its distributions and conditions, the Monday. Prime Minister and Minister of Interior HE Sheikh civil endowment and the supervision of the During the meeting, the committee Khalid bin Khalifa bin Abdulaziz Al Thani on Monday endowment, its maintenance, architecture continued studying the proposal submit- sent a cable of condolences to the Custodian of and investment. ted by the Shura Council member HE Mo- the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al The draft will replace Law No 8 of 1996 hammed bin Ali Al Henzab on promoting Saud of Saudi Arabia on the death of HH Princess regarding endowment in the framework of values, principles and morals in the soci- Noura bint Fahd bin Mohammed bin Abdurrahman Al updating legislation to keep pace with de- a number of issues of mutual interest. of the Shura Council participated, focused ety and decided to complete its study in its Saud. (QNA) velopments in this regard. He also briefed the Council on the re- on strengthening the relationship and the next meeting. The Legal and Legislative After the discussion, the Council de- sults of his meeting with President of the ways to improve the performance of the Affairs Committee of the Shura Council PM, Kuwaiti counterpart confer on phone cided to refer the draft law to the Legal and Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Duarte IPU’s work and confirm its role as an ex- held its first meeting on Monday within the Prime Minister and Minister of Interior HE Sheikh Legislative Affairs Committee to study it Pacheco following the previous session of pression of people’s aspirations in various 49th ordinary session of the Council. Khalid bin Khalifa bin Abdulaziz Al Thani held a and submit a report to the Council. the Council. countries of the world. At the outset of the meeting, the com- telephone call with Prime Minister of Kuwait Sheikh The Shura speaker then briefed the He described the meeting as fruitful, The discussions also included areas of mittee unanimously elected HE Nasser bin Sabah Khalid Al Mohammad Al Sabah on Monday. Council on his meeting on Sunday with adding that it opened new horizons for support provided by the IPU to the UN- Rashid bin Saree Al Kaabi as its rapporteur During the telephone conversation, they reviewed First Vice-President of the Transitional developing and expanding cooperation be- OCT Programme Office on Parliamentary for the session. the strong fraternal relations between the two coun- Sovereignty Council of Sudan Lieutenant- tween the Council and the IPU. Engagement in Preventing and Counter- During the meeting, the committee tries and the means of developing them, in addition General Mohamed Hamdan Daglo during The Shura speaker explained that the ing Terrorism, which was agreed to be studied a draft law on endowment and to regional and international developments. (QNA) which they reviewed the relations between discussions, in which deputy speaker of the headquartered in Doha and its activities decided to complete its study in its next the two countries and exchanged views on Shura Council and a number of members will cover the parliaments of the world, as meeting.

Qatar attends GCC Secy-Gen’s Meeting ‘Qatar promises to deliver with GCC missions heads in Iraq amazing world tournament’ Continued from page 1  hospitality services in private gramme has a proven track no exception. suites, lounges and temporary record of delivering a fantastic “Making guests feel wel- He said, “Qatar promises to structures located within the range of products and in late come and entirely at home is a deliver an amazing tourna- security perimeter next to the 2022, we will open the door central tenet of Arab and Mid- ment that will capitalise on its stadium bowls. MATCH offers to world-class services and dle Eastern culture, alongside principal attributes. The close a range of hospitality experi- memorable experiences for our partners, we look forward proximity of its eight stadiums ences in the luxury, business hospitality clients,” he added. to greeting our fans and visi- which are all located in or with- and leisure categories which Nasser Al Khater, CEO tors with a once-in-a-lifetime in a short driving distance of cater to individual client pref- of the FIFA World Cup Qa- experience when they come Doha, a fascinating region with erences, needs and budgets. tar 2022, said: “The launch to Qatar and help them make unique attractions, spectacular “We are delighted to see of global hospitality packages memories they will never state-of-the-art stadiums and such extraordinary interest for the FIFA World Cup Qa- forget.” traditional Arabic hospital- in the FIFA World Cup Qatar tar 2022 brings us another MATCH Hospitality, ity. The unique attributes of 2022, when following chal- step closer to delivering an whose portfolio also includes this FIFA World Cup will en- lenging times, the world can extraordinary tournament in other major high-profile able MATCH to deliver a truly come together for a global fes- just under two years’ time. sports events, is based in Zu- ground-breaking and unprece- tival of football,” said FIFA Di- We have always said that Qa- rich with offices in Doha, dented hospitality experience.” rector of Commercial Revenue tar 2022 will set new global London, Manchester, Dublin, MATCH has the exclu- Nick Brown. benchmarks for the delivery of Valencia, Moscow, Johannes- sive right to deliver onsite “The FIFA Hospitality Pro- mega events and hospitality is burg and Rio de Janeiro. Qatar took part in the meeting held by GCC Secretary-General Dr Nayef Falah Al Hajraf with heads of the GCC diplomatic missions in Iraq during his official visit to Baghdad. Qatar was represented at the meeting by Acting Charge d’Affaires of Qatar’s Embassy in Iraq Hussein bin Ali Al Fudala. The meeting discussed the relations between the GCC countries and Iraq and the ways of promoting them. (QNA) QRCS provides life-changing surgery for Gaza patient A plastic surgery specialist hired by Qatar vation at the Limb Reconstruction Unit Red Crescent Society (QRCS) in Gaza, Dr of the Nasser Medical Complex. “He is Ahmed Al Maghrabi, has saved a 65-year- receiving post-procedure care,” said Dr old man from the risk of a lower limb am- Maghrabi. “He is in good health, with no ‘Act responsibly to avoid putation. complications.” The patient suffered from a previous The surgery was performed under the injury during an ankle disarticulation, Gaza Specialist Surgical Services Support exposure to coronavirus’ which caused severe ulcers and a soft tis- project, co-executed by QRCS and Pales- sue injury (STI). As a result, the wound tine’s Ministry of Health (MOH) in Gaza. Continued from page 1  Dr Mohammed said mix- countries went through a remained open until the patient was It involves specialist surgical interven- ing at weddings and events, second wave. brought to the Nasser Medical Complex. tions in orthopaedics, cardiovascular sur- “We all must act with full going out without a mask “The precautions and Dr Maghrabi described the serious skin with a skin graft fed by a blood vessel gery, pulmonology and urology. responsibility and every per- and greeting people with preventive measures were case: “Medical examinations showed to take blood to the injured part, and re- At a total cost of $1.4 million, other ac- son must understand the handshakes or by kissing are strict at that time, which that the wound did not heal properly due moved all ulcers and dead tissues to pre- tivities of the project include support for role assigned to him at the among the things that have reflected in the health field. to the nature of the body itself. The soft vent chronic inflammations that can lead patients with phenylketonuria (PKU), as level of protecting himself contributed to the rise in the The pressure on the health tissues could not get self-repaired, so a to amputation.” well as training programmes for medical and his family members, so number of new cases. sector decreased to the point surgical intervention was required. In a This, Dr Maghrabi explained, is a professionals, such as Master of Health that we do not expose our- He said Qatar was able that we reduced the number two-hour procedure, we reconnected the significant surgery in Gaza. According to Policy and Administration, and Anaes- selves or others to the virus,” to flatten the curve during of beds allocated to COV- Achilles tendon, replaced the patch of him, the patient is currently under obser- thesia and Intensive Care Diploma. (TNN) he added. previous months, while most ID-19 patients,” he said. MME launches campaign to rehabilitate Fuwairit Beach The Ministry of Municipal- He pointed out that the ity and Environment (MME), inventory and monitoring op- represented by the Depart- erations of the turtle nesting ment of Protection and Wild- process during the past years life, has launched a campaign showed a remarkable in- to rehabilitate the Fuwairit crease in turtle nesting oper- Beach in preparation for the ations in the Fuwairit Beach turtle nesting season 2021, in area and the surrounding collaboration with the Natu- natural areas. ral Reserves Department, the The campaign will contin- General Cleanness Depart- ue until March 3, 2021, dur- ment, the Mechanical Equip- ing which the beach cleaning ment Department, the Public and waste removal operations Relations Department and Al will be carried out at the site, Shamal Municipality. beside removing the growth Director of the Depart- and extensions of mangroves ment of Protection and Wild- outside the main forest, re- life at the MME Talib Khalid of the exceptional prepara- decision of the complete clo- tles and sea birds to preserve is part of the ministry’s keen- the endangered hawksbill sea moving unwanted weeds Al Shahwani said the event tions for this year’s turtle sure of the beach and turn it them from extinction. ness to provide a suitable turtle, which is globally clas- and forest maintenance and comes within the framework nesting season, based on the into a special reserve for tur- He added that the move environment for nesting of sified in the red list. cleaning. (QNA) Nation Tuesday, February 2, 2021 03

MURAIKHI MEETS SUDAN FOREIGN MINISTER-DESIGNATE Ministry recalls Qatar, India hold political consultations GMC Yukon, Sierra 2019-2021 models The Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoCI), in co- operation with Mannai Trad- ing Company W.L.L, dealer of GMC in Qatar has recalled GMC Yukon, Sierra models of 2019-2021 because the seat- belt brackets are not secure to the seat frame in the front- row centre seating position which may cause the seat belt not to function properly. The recall campaign comes within the framework The foreign ministries of Qatar Ministry of Foreign Affairs HE Expatriate Affairs Sanjay Bhat- of the ministry’s efforts to and India held a session of polit- Dr Ahmed bin Hassan Al Ham- tacharyya led the Indian side. Minister of State for Foreign Affairs HE Sultan bin Saad Al Muraikhi met with Sudan’s Foreign Minister- protect consumers and en- ical consultations through visual madi headed the Qatari side, During the political consul- designate Omar Gamar Aldin Ismail in Doha on Monday. During the meeting, they reviewed bilateral sure that car dealers follow communication technology on while Secretary of the Ministry tations round, they reviewed the relations and other issues of common concern. (QNA) up on vehicle defects and re- Monday. of External Affairs for Consu- bilateral relations and other is- pairs. (tnn) Secretary-General of the lar Affairs, Passports, Visas and sues of common concern. (qna) Healthcare students from Qatar & UK collaborate on first int’l virtual debate The two-hour event discussed the pros and cons of making COVID-19 vaccine mandatory for all Tribune News Network Doha Winners of the progamming competition Qatar University’s (QU) Health Interprofessional Edu- cation Program, represented CMU-Q hosts first Int’l by the Interprofessional Edu- cation Students’ Association in Qatar, and the UK Centre for Collegiate Programming the Advancement of Interpro- fessional Education (CAIPE) collaborated on their first competition in Qatar international virtual debate titled ‘Whether governments Tribune News Network to bring the competition to should make COVID-19 vac- DOHA Qatar for nearly two years, cine mandatory’. but with the pandemic gath- The two-hour event was The Carnegie Mellon Univer- ering restrictions, January attended by around 200 stu- sity in Qatar (CMU-Q), a Qatar 2021 was the first opportu- dents and registered more Foundation (QF) partner uni- nity to host the event. than 780 views on QU’s You- versity, hosted the first Inter- Reis, who is an assistant Tube channel. national Collegiate Program- teaching professor of com- The event started with an ming Contest (ICPC) in Qatar. puter science at CMU-Q, not- overview of the association’s Ten teams of university stu- ed the importance of a Qatar vision, mission and activities The online programme was attended by around 200 students and registered more than 780 views on QU’s YouTube channel. dents in Qatar participated national contest: “Our teams presented by the President of in the online event, including used to travel to Oman as ‘un- the IPE Student Association ing their evidence-based argu- tar was announced the winner for Student Affairs and QU structured points, justifying students from College of the official participants’ in their and QU’s third year medical ments for or against the mo- at the end of the debate. Health Chair of Interprofes- the reasoning and importance North Atlantic in Qatar, Qatar national competition. Even if student Jawaher Baraka. tion with enthusiasm.” The judges included QU sional Education program Dr for the public to legally, ethi- University and CMU-Q. our teams won, they couldn’t QU Vice-President for The debate was moderated CMED Associate Professor of Alla El-Awaisi said: “We are cally and morally exercise ICPC is the oldest, larg- replace an Omani team at Medical and Health Sciences by the former president of the Microbiology and Immunol- truly honoured to have had this their rights to choose if they est and most prestigious regionals. Now, Qatar com- and Dean of the College of IPE Student Association Saw- ogy Dr Susu Zughaier, Sen- great collaboration with CAIPE wish to have the COVID-19 programming contest in the puter science students can Medicine (CMED) Dr Egon san Al Mukdad. ior Scholar from WHO Col- in the UK to allow healthcare vaccine. The debate allowed world. National ICPC com- participate fully and officially Toft welcomed the audience, Members of the affirma- laborating Centre on Health students from both UK and Qa- the students to understand petitions are held around the represent Qatar at regionals.” participants and judges. He tive side from Qatar included Workforce Planning & Re- tar to debate a very timely top- each other’s remits within globe, with the winners ad- The first national contest, expressed his pleasure at see- QU Pharmacy student Ayesha search (Dalhousie University) ic. We hope this activity was a their own professions while vancing to regional competi- which was held online, was ing the debate, which started Ahmed, QU Medicine student Dr John Gilbert and Glasgow great learning opportunity for also exploring others.” tions and ultimately the ICPC hotly contested. Eventually, at the local level, moving to Menatalla Said and University Caledonian University Associ- healthcare students from both Menatalla Said of the Qa- World Finals. two top teams emerged, both international level. of Calgary- Qatar Nursing stu- ate Dean for Learning, Teach- teams to learn and collaborate tar team said: “It was an ex- Khaled Harras, area head from CMU-Q. The students Dr Richard Pitt, CAIPE dent Sharon Benjy. ing and Quality from School with each other.” traordinary experience for for the Computer Science on the winning team are Mo- chair, welcomed all partici- Members of the oppos- of Health and Life Sciences Amira Chaudhry, CAIPE me, filled with excitement and Programme and a teach- hammed Al Jawaheri, Igli Ml- pants stating CAIPE has been ing team from UK included and CAIPE Board Member Dr Board member and Student enthusiasm. It was a pleasure ing professor of computer loja and Abubakr Mohamed. a global leader for over 30 King’s College London (KCL) Nichola McLarnon. Working Group lead, made meeting healthcare students science at CMU-Q, noted: The second-placed team in- years in the promotion and Nursing student Alisha Khan, The debate provided the the closing remarks, saying: from the UK. The debate was “Competitions like this simu- cludes Stefan Baumann, Eui development of IPE and works Medicine student Konstan- students with an opportunity “The CAIPE Student Work- informative and fruitful. I look late a full cycle of solving a Suh (John) Jeong and Radu to improve quality of educa- tinos Lioulois and London to observe the perspectives of ing Group has thoroughly en- forward to more debates to en- practical problem, but at a Revutchi. tion, practice and the organi- School of Economics student other healthcare students and joyed collaborating with the hance our critical thinking and small scale. They offer an op- Both teams will advance sation and delivery of services. Sally Berry. allowed the participants to Qatar University and IPE stu- analysis as medical students as portunity to integrate what to the African-Arab regionals He said: “At CAIPE, we are The audience were allowed increase their knowledge on dent society in our first live- this will help us be more aware students have learnt in dif- in March, representing Qatar. delighted to engage in this in- to ask questions to the teams the different issues concern- streamed student activity. in the future.” ferent courses, all within a Students in the CMU-Q ternational interprofessional after the debate and the judges ing COVID-19 that is currently The debate brought together The debate can be viewed single setting.” Computer Science Programme student debate on a very con- gave their recommendations affecting the lives globally of students from multiple pro- through the link: https:// CMU-Q co-organisers Gi- study the top-ranked curricu- tentious subject. Both teams and feedback for both teams. everyone. fessions and vocations allow- www.youtube.com/watch?v=c selle Reis and Eduardo Feo lum from the Carnegie Mellon are very articulate in present- The affirmative team from Qa- QU-CPH Assistant Dean ing them to articulate well- GqGREVq21U&t=523s Flushing had been working School of Computer Science. Worldwide exclusive: QDF, Dior launch Tobacolor at HIA Tribune News Network wide exclusivity of Tobacolor, DOHA the latest iconic fragrance from Maison Christian Dior, Qatar Duty Free (QDF) has created by François Demachy, announced the worldwide ex- our Perfumer-Creator.” clusive launch of Tobacolor at Passengers flying with Qa- a grand unveiling ceremony at tar Airways in February will the Dior boutique at Hamad receive personalised invites International Airport (HIA). to visit the Dior boutique to Tobacolor, an oud in- discover Tobacolor and will spired by notes and tones be offered a complimentary from the Middle East, marks engraving on the purchase of the first-ever launch of a Mai- any 250 ml bottle of the Mai- son Christian Dior fragrance son Christian Dior fragrance. within travel retail and will be The airline’s Premium exclusively available at QDF Class passengers are also in- in February before becoming vited to collect a discovery size available worldwide. bottle of Tobacolor from the The event was attended boutique. For those looking by VIP guests and officiated for a unique gift, all travel- by Qatar Airways Group Chief lers passing through HIA can Executive Akbar Al Baker, tional Airport and Qatar Air- Airways to elevate the pas- diverse experiences.” to work with our brand part- tinue to build on our strong purchase customised ‘Qatar’ Hamad International Airport ways in partnership with Dior. sengers’ experience through- HIA and QDF have devel- ners to bring amazing and brand and product portfolio to gifting sets featuring Arabic Chief Operating Officer Engr Within our enviable trinity, we out their entire journey. This oped pioneering partnerships unique personalised experi- create a world-class shopping calligraphy along with their Badr Al Meer, QDF Vice-Pres- strive for excellence and in- exclusive launch speaks of with leading luxury brands ences to our customers at experience for our travellers.” purchase of the Tobacolor fra- ident Operations Thabet Mu- novation in all areas. Product our ever-expanding offerings to bring travellers the world’s every stage of their journey. It Dagher said, “At Christian grance. sleh, General Manager Travel exclusives are an important that bring the finest names in best in airport entertainment, is because of this and the re- Dior, we have always been Tobacolor can be found at Retail, LVMH Perfumes and part of our world-class retail luxury retail together under leisure and attractions. silience of Qatar Airways and passionate about perfume and the Dior Boutique inside the Cosmetics Frank Dagher and offer, giving our passengers one roof for our passengers Musleh said, “We are HIA - both awarded the 5-Star it is part of our history. In ad- Beauty Store of QDF’s South French Ambassador to Qatar another reason to fly with us to enjoy. As we expand to ac- proud to once again partner COVID-19 Airline Safety Rat- dition to our love for fragranc- node retail plaza, which in- HE Franck Gellet. via the best airport in the Mid- commodate more passengers with Maison Christian Dior to ing by Skytrax - that QDF was es, we have built a unique cludes an impressive selection Baker said, “I am delight- dle East.” in the coming years, we will launch their latest fragrance, the preferred partner for Dior relationship with the Qatar of global brands such as Dolce ed to unveil a worldwide ex- Eng Meer said, “We continue to deliver on Qatar’s Tobocolor, at Qatar Duty Free and to host the worldwide Airways group for many years & Gabbana, Tom Ford, Estee clusive for our trinity of Qatar continue to work with our well-earned reputation as a as a worldwide exclusive. We launch of the amazing Toba- now. Today, I am delighted to Lauder, Lancôme, and Yves Duty Free, Hamad Interna- partners at QDF and Qatar destination of authentic and are delighted to be positioned color. We are delighted to con- be here to launch the world- Saint Laurent. 04 Tuesday, February 2, 2021 Nation Registration open QF’s QBG, PICE, FPEA plant for upcoming DIFI international meet 100 trees in Education City Tribune News Network Tribune News Network Doha Doha The Qur’anic Botanic Garden The Doha International Fam- (QBG), the first garden in the ily Institute (DIFI) has opened world to exhibit all 60 plant registration for its upcoming species mentioned in the Holy international conference on Qur’an, Hadith and Sunnah, ‘Marriage: Formation and Con- recently planted 100 trees stituents of Stability’, which will with the Qatar chapters of the be held on February 23-25, in Philippine Institute of Civil partnership with the League of Engineers (PICE) and Filipino Arab States as well as regional Planning Engineers Associa- and national partners. Dr. Sharifa Noaman Al Emadi, tion (FPEA) as part of its an- The conference will bring executive director, DIFI nual Ghars campaign. together policy makers, social The event highlighted scientists and researchers, as in Arab societies. We hope that QBG’s vital role in the envi- well as representatives of civil the discussions yield recom- ronmental restoration and society and non-governmental mendations and action plans conservation of the country’s organizations and youth, on a that will strengthen the mar- natural habitats and its bid to digital platform to discuss the riage institution.” provide the expertise and tools subject of marriage in the mod- The conference programme required to every member of ern era, the challenges it poses includes 10 sessions on marriage the community to become ac- and the tools to support it. in the Arab world, including: tive contributors to Qatar’s Dr. Sharifa Noaman Al Marriage and Socioeconomic sustainable development and narrated by Anas bin Malik. It hope of a cleaner and a greener Emadi, Executive Director of Challenges; Age and Marriage: the environmental pillar of aims to encourage members environment, a hope that each DIFI, a member of the Qatar Between Early and Late Mar- Qatar National Vision 2030. of the community to practise grown tree casts a shadow, Foundation, said: “The impor- riage; Happy Marriage Founda- As part of the ceremony, agriculture and tree planting, where future generations can tance of this conference stems tions; Cross-Border Marriage QBG, PICE and FPEA com- as well as raise environmental comfortably take rest. ‘Keep on from the importance of the in- Experiences and Challenges; Is munity members planted 100 awareness and protection in planning, keep on planting’ is stitution of marriage itself as the Technology the Doom of Mod- Sidra, Samra, Ghaf and Awsaj the face of climate change and the phrase that guides us.” foundation on which societies ern Marriage? ; Overcoming the trees at the Education City. The desertification. Additionally, in a bid to are built and in which genera- Disability and Marriage Chal- ceremony adhered to social Commenting on the event, support the Environmental De- tions are raised. We must there- lenges; The Future of Marriage distancing regulations. QBG Director Fatima Al Khu- velopment pillar of QNV 2030, fore study how to support it, ad- Policies; Extended Families The tree-planting event is laifi said, “QBG has a long- protect ecosystems and em- dress the current challenges it and Marital Stability; Marriage part of QBG’s Ghars campaign, standing relationship with both power community members to faces, protect marital relations in the Time of COVID-19; and which aims to plant 2,022 the PICE and FPEA, and we are be active contributors to these and safeguard it in all possible Marriage in Conflict Zones. trees in the leadup to the FIFA delighted to partner with them efforts, QBG recently launched ways through policies and in- Registration for the confer- World Cup Qatar 2022. The once again to make valuable its free-of-charge ‘Home Gar- tervention programmes. ence is available on the DIFI campaign is well on track to contributions to Qatar’s sus- den Phone Helpline’. “In light of the problems website, https://event.difi.org. successfully complete the chal- tainable development and in- Qatar is not only focused on Foundation. We are so excited The initiative enables the and obstacles we have been go- qa/. lenge with the latest number crease its green spaces. We look the advancement of our mem- and proud to have planted and public to pose any home gar- ing through recently that make The DIFI International Con- of trees planted by QBG now forward to collaborating on bers but also the promotion of left our mark on the endemic dening questions directly to the idea of marriage daunting, ference 2021 aligns with QF standing at 1,993, following similar initiatives in the future.” social responsibility of each in- species of trees that QBG has QBG experts by calling +974 or make it more vulnerable to efforts to foster healthy, edu- the event. The Ghars campaign Sheila Medel, 2020 Chap- dividual to have a balanced life. spared for us to grow.” 3091 8519 every Monday from termination, we feel an urgent cated societies, underpinned by was launched in 2011 and is de- ter President, PICE Qatar, said: Part of that is the tree-planting Shielu Manantan, FPEA 9am to 12:30pm, and every need to extensively discuss the strong cohesive families in Qa- rived from the Arabic transla- “Planting trees is like planting activity, which we have been secretary, said: “Our aim to Wednesday from 12:30pm to marital institution, specifically tar and the region. tion of ‘Planting’ from a Hadith your hope for the future. PICE holding for five years at Qatar plant trees is in line with the 2:30pm.

QC provides relief aid to Ethiopian refugees in Sudan BPS wunderkind is 2021 Tribune News Network Gavelier World Champion Doha Tribune News Network Qatar Charity (QC) has pro- Doha vided assistance to refugees in the Al-Tanideba camp to Afreen Macksood of Grade reduce their hardship, espe- VII held high the flag of Birla cially during the severe win- Public School (BPS) and Qatar ter. This comes as part of the to become the 2021 Gavelier efforts to provide humani- World Champion, competing tarian assistance to Ethio- against contestants from 125 pian refugees in Sudan on a Gavel Clubs from 17 countries lazy and overconfident. frequent basis. at the Global Youth Gaveliers Discussing the topic Sudanese authorities have World Championship 2021 ‘Strings of Life’, she empha- praised the support extended Speech Contest. sised how parents are the by Qatar Charity to Ethiopian The competition was or- strings that pull their children refugees fleeing the conflict in ganised on virtual platform by out of the difficult situations the Tigray region in search of the Global Youth Gavel Clubs when they make mistakes and safe places. gee Housing in Gadaref, said pian refugees have thanked and 2,600 blankets for refu- the beginning of November, Group. fall apart in life. She said par- The aid included 600 that Qatar Charity has been Qatar Charity for its contin- gees in the Umm Rakobeh more than 56,000 Ethiopian Macksood enthralled the ents are worried about their tents while 1,500 more tents at the forefront of support- ued support. camp on the eastern border refugees have fled to neigh- audience by talking about the wards and their future. are expected to be distrib- ing refugees since their mas- Qatar Charity has pre- of Sudan in the early days of boring Sudan. present scenario and the cas- Macksood’s young mind uted soon in the Al-Tanideba sive displacement and transit viously made its first relief the refugee wave. Some 800 Qatar Charity has already ual attitude of children who with a mature approach, su- camp, in addition to food aid through the Sudanese territo- effort to shelter Ethiopian people crossed from the Tig- carried out a number of relief have taken the virtual learning perb performance and confi- for the refugees. ries, indicating it would con- refugees fleeing the conflict ray region of Ethiopia to east- interventions in Sudan, in- platform as an easy way to es- dent speaking has paved the Abdul Hafeez Muham- tinue to support them in the in the Tigray region to Su- ern Sudan in just the first few cluding relief efforts during cape from studies and school, way for this accolade – a life- mad Khalil, director of Refu- coming period. Many Ethio- dan. It provided 100 tents days of the New Year. Since the worst flood of a century. for playing pranks, for being time achievement. Mowasalat supports FIFA Club World Cup Qatar 2020 Tribune News Network Doha

Mowasalat (Karwa), the leading transport provider in Qatar, will be offering its services to the teams of the participating clubs, includ- ing players, officials and the organising committee staff, as Qatar hosts the FIFA Club World Cup for the second time in a row from February 4 to 11. FIFA organises this in- ternational tournament be- buses, luxury coaches, buses tween the six continental equipped with ramps for champions from across the wheelchair users, as well as Carrefour Qatar officials participate in the beach clean-up in Doha recently. world, in addition to the eco-friendly CNG and elec- champions of the host coun- tric buses to serve the needs try, meaning Al Duhail team of all of our guests. Highly from Qatar will take part this trained professional drivers Carrefour Qatar partners Al Wakra year. and technicians complete our In close collaboration turnkey transport solutions.” with the local authorities and He added: “In our contin- Municipality to host beach clean-up the organising committee, uous fight against COVID-19 Mowasalat will also shuttle and to ensure safe travel for Tribune News Network sue throughout 2021. ble, self-sufficient business. As preciate the participation of the big numbers of football Fahad Saad Al Qahtani, Karwa our passengers, we have also DOHA The beach clean-up saw a we grow, we strive to enhance our colleagues and all the vol- lovers and fans to and from Chief Executive Officer developed an integrated plan positive turnout with 30 peo- our surrounding communities unteers who participated.” the FIFA World Cup stadi- for the cleaning and sterili- Carrefour Qatar hosted ple. by giving them the opportu- Carrefour’s sustainabil- ums that host the matches. the capacity and know-how sation of all our vehicles, in a beach clean-up in Al Wakra Laurent Hausknecht, nity to take an active part in ity plan includes a number of Fahad Saad Al Qahtani, to service a major interna- accordance with the highest recently, in collaboration with country manager of Carrefour environmental conservation initiatives, such as cleaning Mowasalat (Karwa) CEO, tional event like the FIFA international sanitary stand- Al Wakra Municipality. Qatar, said, “We continue to events.” beaches, not running plastic said: “This event is a prelude Club World Cup in Qatar. ards. We look forward to a The event is one of many organise initiatives that align He added: “We thank the days in-store, and encourag- to Qatar World Cup 2022. Our company owns a diverse thrilling and successful tour- sustainability initiatives that with our mission to set stand- Al Wakra Municipality for ing customers to shop with re- We are proud that we have fleet of buses including city nament!” Carrefour has set out to pur- ards for sustainable, responsi- their partnership and we ap- usable bags. Tuesday, February 2, 2021 05

The Show Must Go On! Qatar Foundation schools-wide professional musical theatre production Showtime! moves from stage to screen

Ailyn Agonia job and I’ve never felt that I worked a day DOHA in my life. You don’t always get the job that you want but when you do its such a re- ith the vision of reviving the per- warding experience.” forming arts platform for QF stu- He also talked about the impact of the dents, QF’s Pre-University Educa- pandemic to the theatre industry. He said, tion (PUE) division has enlisted “Especially in London, all kinds of theatres the support of theatre production just stopped. There has been a whole indus- Wprofessionals for the ambitious project en- try that has been affected by the pandemic. titled Showtime! It has been very difficult during this time. Seventy-five of the most talented stu- We would love to do a show here but we dents and staff members from across QF can’t have the crowd and the gathering yet schools are headlining the tailor-made so this project is a perfect alternative where show accompanied by the Qatar Philhar- the kids are able to perform. monic Orchestra. “Hopefully, with the vaccine and eve- The creative team is led by Steve and rything going on, it wouldn’t take much Jane Griffiths, the father-daughter duo longer and we can start to have gather- behind the musical productions for Qatar ings again and we can start to think about Academy Doha produced between 2000 live theatre which is essential for peo- and 2010, along with West End choreogra- ple’s growth and well-being. It’s one of pher Chris Piper. the things that made the whole year even Originally intended for a grand live per- darker because people cannot gather and formance, the Showtime! musical creative- enjoy and go to live theatres.” ly adapts to a COVID-19 world and takes on a virtual approach. While the creative team commended Five music videos will soon be released the developments and level of commitment featuring some of the most well-loved mu- of the cast members- of which a major- sicals from Broadway and the West End in- ity have never sang or performed on stage cluding “One Short Day” from The Wicked, before- the students were also all praises to “Step in Time” from Mary Poppins and the invaluable training and experience in “Naughty” from Matilda. working with professionals in the field. It will showcase the homegrown talents “I’ve done drama before in my pre- in a production of a magnitude never seen vious school but not in Qatar Academy. before within QF schools. Photos taken during rehearsals. The music videos will be staged in five iconic locations across the Education City. And so when this musical happened I “The goal of the project is to give the was very excited and intrigued. I thought students a professional musical experi- virtual showcase of QF.” PUSHING BOUNDARIES its just going to be a normal school mu- ence,” said Yara Darwish, Co-Curriculum Highlighting the importance of such The professional calibre of the musical sical but it was so much bigger than that Activities Specialist within PUE’s Academic project in bridging the QF community, Yara was brought to new heights by having Chris and its one of the best experiences in my Affairs department. said she looks forward to making the musi- Piper on board. The English dancer and life. Mary Poppins is a great character A proud product of Qatar Academy cal theatre project a permanent and annual By just filming the show on a stage choreographer is the resident director of to play and I’m very honoured. It really Doha, Yara is the driving force behind the programme of the PUE platform to serve as after it was postponed, I felt that it the London production of Charlie and the represents me as a person. With profes- revival of the excitement and interest in the an outlet for students who are passionate would not give them that kind of Chocolate Factory and casting director of sionals in the team like Jane and Chris, I performing arts at schools under the um- about music and the performing arts. professional, memorable experience. the acclaimed show Matilda. was encouraged to do more and be more brella of PUE. So I decided to make QF our stage. He expressed excitement over working expressive and confident. They really al- “I still remember being really young THEATRE IN A NEW NORMAL with the wealth of talents at QF schools. lowed a new part of me to shine and it and watching these amazing performances The team behind Showtime! did not ex- The show becomes a virtual He said, “I can’t believe the growth of the was amazing,” said 17-year old student that was happening and always waiting to pect the overwhelming response of the QF showcase of QF. students in a year since we begun this pro- Insaf Arredouani be old enough to be part of it. And so, when community to the initiative. Around 200 ject, how much the kids have grown in con- Another senior student at Qatar I graduated I came back to work at PUE, students and staff from all ages auditioned fidence and how much their performance Academy Doha Abdulla Yasser said, “I’ve which provides incredible co-curricular to be part of the production. skills have grown. It’s been amazing to see done musicals before but I have never programmes, however I noticed the ab- “We were actually astounded by the re- how this whole experience has changed and been in a project of this magnitude and sence of opportunities in the performing sponse. We could not, unfortunately, take enabled them to grow. I’ve been amazingly with such amazing people like Jane, Ste- arts and so we decided to revive that plat- 200 participants and so in the end we took surprised at the talent we’ve got here and ve and Chris. I thought coming in to this, form. We brought Steve and Jane as crea- around 75 students and staff. We wanted the attitude, enthusiasm and the en- I already have the experience tive consultants because they understand this all along. My father and I are ad- ergy. It was really a nice surprise.” and the knowledge but Chris the culture and the landscape here. vocates of having collaborations be- On shifting the project from has changed the way I see We were working with a blank can- tween students and staff and hav- stage to screen, he noted the silver things. The level of intrica- vas and didn’t know yet the skills ing them work together and learn lining to the unexpected changes. cies of the dancing and cho- set of the students. We have no together,” said Jane Griffiths. Chris said, “The changes from the reography is to a level I never idea what we are in for,” she said. Jane and her father Steve stage to camera has given them a thought I can reach.” The music videos will be have been producing musical professional filming experience. It While Al Anoud al Khulaifi staged in five iconic locations productions in Qatar Academy Yara Darwish, Co-Curriculum Activities is a once in a lifetime kind of op- added, “I thought the idea of across QF including at the Rem Doha from 1999 until 2010 when Specialist within PUE’s Academic Affairs portunity for them. It’s great to this musical is very interest- Koolhaas masterpiece, the Qatar it was just the school under the QF department, is the driving force behind the see their growth over the last ing and its going to be such National Library, the Education umbrella. revival of performing arts at schools under year and hopefully this is a a good experience and City’s green space Oxygen “We wanted to make the umbrella of PUE. momentum they can build an opportunity to Park and the Ceremonial the show bigger and on while the perform- be involved. It Court at QF. even better. We All of those things can only be a positive ing art scene can grow was a cool ex- Yara said, “By wanted to bring thing for child of any age,” she remarked. naturally and con- perience to do just filming the back the impor- The intensive rehearsal period tinue to expand.” this with my show on a stage tance of music, started in January 2020 and unfortu- This is the first friends. I am after it was post- drama and nately the performance that was set for time for Chris to happy that I poned, I felt that performance the first week of April 2020 needed to work on a pro- joined and it would not give into the be postponed due to COVID-19. The ject in Qatar. He overall it them that kind children’s team have decided to transform the lauded the expe- was a very of professional, life. There’s dis- performance into professional musi- rience of work- fun experi- memorable experi- cipline involved cal videos to allow students to have the ing with QF and ence.” ence. So I decided to that gets people exposure they deserve without a live the support pro- make QF our stage. to be in rehears- performance. vided to them The show becomes a als on time, On working on such a project at a in bringing the to learn their time of a global health crisis, Jane not- project to life. Jane Griffiths and her steps and their ed, “It was about adapting the show for Sharing his West End father Steve, lead of lines. All these camera because looking at the stage is career journey, choreographer Showtime! creative things are life much different than through the lens of he said, “I love Chris Piper team, have planned skills and it’s the camera. So there were a lot of ad- what I do. I feel takes the large scale musical a great deal of aptations to make it work for a music like I’m very for- professional productions for Qatar fun and that’s video. But it was a great experience for tunate to be able calibre of the Academy between the bottom the kids to have that another angle of to have a job that production to 2000 and 2010. line really. a professional production experience.” doesn’t feel like a new heights. 06 Tuesday, February 2, 2021

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

The New ‘Buy American’ Is Bad News For Americans Will Technology Reinvent t best, President Joe Biden’s directly contending for govern- new commitment to “Buy ment business. AAmerican” is largely sym- Worst of all, the U.S. wants, ‘The New Normal’ in bolic and won’t change much or ought to want, other countries in practice. At worst, it marks a to open their own procurement real intention to raise new im- to American suppliers. It played a port barriers, and poses a threat key role in developing the World to international cooperation on Trade Organization’s Agreement Qatar in 2021? trade. In either case, it represents on Government Procurement, a failure to explain to the country which aims to do the opposite of where its interests really lie. what Biden has chosen to advo- On the face of it, Biden is say- cate. The GPA promotes competi- While 2020 has brought significant and unexpected changes, 2021 will begin to shape a ing that President Donald Trump tion in a global procurement mar- society that is more trustworthy, empathetic, patient and flexible was right about trade, but should ket worth some $1.7 trillion — and have gone further. Alongside U.S. firms and their workers have a other policies to restrict imports, big stake in that business. Biden’s Mohammed Amin Trump beefed up the existing pro- announcement won’t encourage Doha tectionist rules on government other countries to lower their bar- procurement; now Biden is tight- riers. If other governments decide he year 2020 can ening them further. His new plan to follow America’s lead and tight- only be described calls for goods bought by the fed- en their own procurement rules, as an unpredictable eral government to have more U.S. jobs will be lost. year, and one that U.S.-made content. In addition, Trump considered formally brought with it, some the rules will be more stringently withdrawing from the GPA, but ofT the most dramatic shifts applied. As things stand, suppliers was apparently talked out of the we’ve seen in the way we can be granted waivers based on a idea. What Biden intends is un- live and work. In a year lack of reasonably priced domes- clear. The GPA sets limits on the of uncertainty, it’s safe to tic alternatives and other factors. administration’s ability to put say that technology was Biden’s order says these exemp- protectionist restrictions on big the one constant – the tions should be harder to obtain. federal contracts. If he honors platform that transformed Mohammed Amin A lot will depend on how vigor- the spirit of the agreement, the the fundamentals of com- ously this system is enforced — but, changes he’s announced will be merce, healthcare, educa- taken together, the new rules could somewhat muted; if he intends tion and financial services in Qatar and across force the government to buy more his policy to make a mark, he’ll be the world. expensive and/or lower quality led to question not just the GPA I’ve also always believed that disruption is goods. If that happens, it’s taxpay- but also the country’s wider com- a process that plays out over time; sometimes experiences. According to IDC, the worldwide grades in functionality. ers and users of U.S. public servic- mitment to the WTO and global slowly, edge computing market will reach $250.6 billion 5. AI disruption will unlock human po- es who’ll suffer the consequences. commerce. That path would com- but completely and the pandemic proved in 2024 with a compound annual growth rate of tential: Technology will enable a greater sense Failing to promote cost-effec- pound Trump’s mistakes — and this to be true. It showed that it’s imperative 12.5% over the 2019–2024 forecast period. This of connectivity in a time where we’re working and tive government is only the be- could be disastrous for the U.S. for organizations to invest in a holistic and means we’ll see even more investments into sim- learning further apart from our homes. AI and ginning of what’s wrong with this and its partners. strategic approach to respond to the pace of pler and faster to deploy distributed technology automation will reimagine the division of labor approach. Federal procurement This is the bind you get into disruption. This investment calls for the con- infrastructure, particularly within the education between humans and machines. In this region, has knock-on effects across the when you fail to make the case for vergence of technologies, to connect, collabo- and healthcare sectors. AI, IOT and other new interfaces are already economy, because the firms that competition. Protectionist bar- rate and create new services that will ultimate- 3. The promise of 5G: The pandemic may changing how organizations and governments supply the government have their riers are a proven failure when it ly help weather disruption. have slowed the deployment of 5G networks in operate, with the annual growth in the contribu- own supply chains to manage. comes to promoting good jobs and As we head into 2021, my conversations non-GCC markets, however 5G leaders such as tion of AI expected to range between 20-34% per When the government imposes it- raising living standards. Other with our customers and partners in Qatar are Qatar in the GCC have continued to invest in year across the region according to PWC, with self on these systems — especially policies — especially investing in centered around one common theme – how to the technology, and 5G activities in non-GCC the fastest growth in the UAE followed by KSA. when it allows itself wide discre- skills, mobility, innovation and transform for the long term. countries are expected to gather pace again from AI is also expected to contribute over US$135.2 tion in choosing how and when to infrastructure — would be vastly 2020 brought with it an accelerated pace 2021 according to the GSMA. Effective manage- billion in 2030 to the KSA economy alone. We’ll act — it causes disruption and un- more effective. Biden needs to of digital transformation, so the question we ment of spectrum is key to maximizing this op- offload more thinking tasks to AI instead of just certainty across a wide front. The set his face against trade barriers, must ask is what are some of the major oppor- portunity, and mobile network operators will in- mechanical ones, leading to faster, deeper and damage won’t be confined to the concentrate on what can work, tunities and shifts that will dominate the busi- vest in modern IT that “cloudifies” their network more meaningful insights than enables us to suppliers, domestic and foreign, and tell the country why. ness landscape? And more importantly, can architecture – bringing us closer to widespread shift our focus to greater innovation, purposeful organizations rise to take advantage of these connectivity and edge processing made possible work and human connections. market dynamics? Here are the broad seg- by 5G. While 2020 has brought significant and un- ments within technology that we expect will 4. Intelligent PCs will make work and expected change, 2021 will begin to shape a soci- play out in the year ahead. play more seamless, intelligent and en- ety that is more trustworthy, empathetic, patient 1. Hybrid cloud for the hybrid work- joyable: A Dell commissioned Forrester Con- and flexible. I am optimistic and excited about force: A recent IDC survey showed that across sulting survey revealed that remote work is likely what the new year holds for Qatar, especially as the Middle East, Turkey, and Africa region, at to become the norm, with 67% of decision mak- we see technology play a fundamental role in least one third of CIOs are planning to increase ers extending remote working arrangements for strengthening the regional economy. Digitali- their spending on cloud. Investments in cloud some employees even after the pandemic, and zation will accelerate the transformation of key operating models that span public, private and 57% introducing more flexible work-from-home sectors and help boost recovery over the com- edge environments will continue to grow, ena- policies. As people adapt to hybrid remote work- ing year, as well as allow for innovation to once bling rapid scale and management of IT every- ing models, technology will continue to evolve as again be central to the regional growth agenda. where, with the security and visibility organiza- well. We’ll see a combination of AI, cloud and In short, this is the year we will see technology tions need to keep their data protected. improved connectivity merge to improve user have a stronger impact on the world with the 2. Edge opportunity comes into focus: experiences with devices. AI will make PCs more changes driven by a stronger sense of purpose. The increase in remote work and learning com- seamless, customized and hassle free. Intelligent It is this change is society that I am most excited bined with data-powered smart applications has software will help your device understand when about and which gives me a sense of hope and meant that data workloads need to be managed you do not want to be seen in a video conference optimism for what’s to come in 2021. and analyzed in real-time at the edge. Across and new apps and services will continue to make every industry, organizations are now looking to collaboration easier and more organic, and the (The author is Sr Vice-President – (Tribune News Service) edge technology to improve agility and customer systems we’re using will also start to see up- MERAT, Dell Technologies)

Suu Kyi: From Political Prisoner To Pariah And Back Again

ung San Suu Kyi was two years old style. But on July 20, 1989, she was placed “fake news” and eventually travelling to The when her father, the independence hero under house detention, days after deliver- Hague in 2019 to defend Myanmar against AAung San, was assassinated by gunmen ing a speech in which she openly criticized a charge of genocide. in Myanmar’s then-capital Yangon. General Ne Win, who ruled Myanmar from That decision destroyed what was left of Her status as the daughter of a nation- 1962 to 1988. her reputation as a democracy icon abroad. al martyr came to define her entire life. In She was to spend 15 of the next 21 years But she remained enormously popular 1988, as student-led protesters rose up under house arrest. Suu Kyi was under de- inside Myanmar, where the state’s anti- against military rule, Suu Kyi quickly be- tention during the May 1990 general elec- Rohingya propaganda goes almost entirely came their leader. tion, which her National League for Democ- unchallenged. After the uprising was bloodily re- racy (NLD) party won resoundingly. But In November 2020, Myanmar held its pressed, she was placed under house arrest, the junta blocked the party from assuming second openly contested election since the where she spent a total of 15 years before power. political transition began. Suu Kyi’s party finally being freed in 2010, when Myanmar Over the next two decades, she became won an even larger landslide than in 2015, began transitioning to partial civilian rule. an iconic figure abroad, especially in West- securing 83 per cent of the elected seats in “She never for one moment forgot that ern democracies, and won the Nobel Peace parliament. After that the military, support- she was the daughter of Burma’s national Prize in 1991. ed by its political wing, the Union Solidarity hero, Aung San,” her husband Michael Aris She was finally freed on November 13, and Development Party, repeatedly sought wrote in the foreword to her book, Freedom 2010, days after fresh elections brought the to de-legitimize the result with unfounded From Fear, in 1991. prospect of political reform in Myanmar, led claims of voter fraud. The couple married in 1972 and had two by the new President Thein Sein. That came to a head on February 1 children, Alexander and Kim, who saw little He allowed Suu Kyi to re-enter main- when, just hours before the new parliament of their mother after 1988. Aris died in 1999 stream politics and run in by-elections, November 2015 election, she used her un- tile military, which under the constitution was due to convene, soldiers detained Suu in Britain. when she won a seat in Kawhmu, south of challenged power within the party to install was guaranteed a quarter of all parliamen- Kyi and other top government officials in Suu Kyi spent most of her youth abroad Yangon, and became the opposition leader one of her closest advisors as president, and tary seats and control of key ministries. pre-dawn raids. The last time Suu Kyi was studying in India and later at Oxford in the in parliament. herself as state counsellor - a new post cre- But her biggest challenge came when the a political prisoner she benefited from over- UK, and only returned to Yangon in 1988 as Her path to greater political power was ated especially for her. military launched a brutal 2017 offensive whelming support from Western govern- mass demonstrations were rocking the city, unclear, however, as she was blocked from She also held the post of foreign minis- against the Rohingya minority that interna- ments and others who elevated her to saint- leaving her family behind. being president by Myanmar’s military- ter and another position in the President’s tional prosecutors said killed thousands of like status for her bravery and fortitude. She emerged from political obscurity to drafted constitution, which states that no Office, ensuring that she could stay across innocent people and amounted to genocide. However, after spending much of her instant celebrity, bolstered by the Aung San one who has children with foreign citizen- much of the government’s work. Suu Kyi chose to staunchly defend the time in power lashing out at “foreign inter- name and a certain similarity to her father ship can be president. For five years she maintained an uneasy military, echoing its claims that internation- ference,” she is unlikely to enjoy the same in her looks and straightforward speaking After the NLD’s landslide victory in a power sharing agreement with an often hos- al media reports about the atrocities were level of international backing. (DPA)

THE VIEWS EXPRESSED ON THE OPINION AND ANALYSIS PAGES ARE THE AUTHORS’ OWN. QATAR TRIBUNE BEARS NO RESPONSIBILITY. World Tuesday, February 2, 2021 07

News Myanmar army seizes power in in brief Afghan army abandons 200 outposts amid US coup, detains leader Suu Kyi troop drawdown Kabul: Afghan forces have abandoned close to 200 The military has declared a year-long state of emergency and appointed former general Myint Swe as acting president checkpoints in the southern Kandahar province to the dpa “The results of the elec- Taliban, an American watch- Phnom Penh tions were credible and re- dog said on Monday. flected the will of the majority The report by the US Myanmar’s military on of voters,” the statement said. Special Inspector General Monday pledged the country NLD spokesman Myo for Afghanistan Reconstruc- would hold fresh elections in Nyunt told dpa Monday tion (SIGAR) comes as one year, shortly after arrest- morning, as he was confirm- US troop numbers in Af- ing de facto leader Aung San ing the detentions of Suu Kyi ghanistan fall to their lowest Suu Kyi and seizing power in and other party officials, that levels since 2001. a coup. he expected security person- The province has been Speaking via the military- nel to detain him soon. rocked by heavy fighting owned broadcaster Myawad- “I am waiting for their ar- between government forces dy, military representatives rival now,” he said. “I don’t and Taliban insurgents in said the army would uphold think anyone can guess what recent months, prompting “discipline-flourishing de- will happen next.” Brad Ad- thousands of civilians to mocracy” and allow the win- ams, Asia director at Human flee their homes. ner of the election to take Rights Watch, said he feared Afghanistan has ap- power. for activists inside the coun- proximately 6,000 check- The army has declared try. points manned by 95,000 a year-long state of emer- “We are especially con- soldiers and police officers, gency and appointed former cerned for the safety and se- representing one-third of the general Myint Swe as acting curity of activists and other country’s security forces, president, who has handed critics of the military who SIGAR said in its last quar- control to commander-in- may have been taken into terly report for 2020. chief Min Aung Hlaing. custody,” he said. Representatives of Suu Kyi and numerous “The military should rec- the internationally-backed other government officials, ognize that it will be held government and the Tali- along with prominent activ- accountable for its actions, ban have been engaged in ists, were detained in pre- including any mistreatment peace talks in Qatar since dawn raids across the country in custody and excessive use mid-September. (dpa) on Monday morning. of force. We urge concerned In a statement issued by governments to speak out her National League for De- forcefully against the mili- Hezbollah claims mocracy (NLD) party after tary’s actions and consider it downed Israeli she was detained, Suu Kyi Myanmar migrants hold up portraits of Aung San Suu Kyi as they take part in a demonstration outside the Myanmar embassy in Bangkok on targeted sanctions against drone in Lebanon urged the people of Myanmar Monday. (AFP) those responsible.” to resist the military. Myanmar spent almost Beirut/Tel Aviv: The pro- “The public is urged to Bangladesh calls for Myanmar Myanmar spent almost five five decades under military Iranian Hezbollah movement fully oppose the military decades under military rule rule before beginning a po- said on Monday it had coup and resoundingly resist to continue Rohingya repatriation before beginning a political litical transition in 2010 that downed an Israeli drone against it,” she said. The public is urged to fully saw many political prisoners which had entered Leba- Shortly after the dawn Dhaka: Bangladesh on Monday called on Myanmar to continue transition in 2010 that saw freed and ushered in partial nese airspace. raids, internet and phone oppose the military coup efforts to move forward the stalled process of repatriation of many political prisoners civilian rule. The drone was downed lines went down as soldiers and resoundingly resist Rohingya Muslims living in Bangladeshi camps despite a military freed and ushered in partial Suu Kyi, who spent 15 at the outskirts of the bor- appeared on the streets in against it coup. Bangladesh expects to continue “in earnest” its collabora- civilian rule years under house arrest and der village of Blida in south major cities. Communication tion with Myanmar for the voluntary repatriation of the Rohingya, is a Nobel Peace laureate, was Lebanon, a statement by channels have since been re- Aung San Suu Kyi the Bangladeshi Foreign Ministry said in a statement. among those freed. Hezbollah said. stored. The statement came hours after Myanmar’s military seized ber, though they did not pro- She came to power in the The Israeli military also Army trucks were parked also among those detained, power in a coup against the democratically elected govern- vide any direct evidence. country’s freest election in said a drone had fallen in in front of City Hall in Yan- Wai Wai Nu, an activist from ment of Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi. The army imposed Suu Kyi rejected the call decades in 2015 amid a wave Lebanese territory, adding gon and troops were seen in Myanmar’s Rohingya minor- a year-long state of emergency and arrested Suu Kyi along with for a delay and other requests of intense optimism sparking that there had been no risk the country’s capital, Naypyi- ity, said on Twitter. other senior leaders of her ruling National League for Democracy during a high-level meeting widespread hopes for a new of an informational breach. taw. The raids came just hours party. Bangladesh called for “peace and stability” in the neigh- with the military last week, democratic era. The border between The country had been before a newly elected parlia- bouring country, according to the statement. according to The Irrawaddy She was barred from be- Israel and Lebanon is gripped by fears of a coup for ment was due to convene in Bangladesh has been hosting more than 1 million Rohingya news website, which quoted coming president under a always tense as the two days amid escalating tensions Naypyitaw. Muslims after they fled a brutal 2017 military offensive that an unnamed source. widely opposed 2008 con- countries remain technically between the military and the The military had called for international prosecutors said killed thousands of innocent Local election observers stitution written by the mili- in a state of war. Hezbol- NLD, with the army refusing a postponement of the new people and amounted to genocide. The two countries signed an said in a statement last week tary, but had been serving lah mainly has posts in all to rule out taking over and term after claiming to have agreement for the voluntary repatriation of Rohingya in Novem- that they found no major ir- as state counsellor, a role villages located close to the suggesting it could revoke the uncovered potential wide- ber 2017. Since then, two repatriation attempts failed after the regularities during Novem- akin to prime minister which border with Israel in south- constitution. spread voter fraud during the refugees said they feared for their safety in Myanmar. (dpa) ber’s poll, which the NLD was created to help her lead ern Lebanon. (dpa) Regional ministers were general election in Novem- won by a landslide. through a puppet president.

Pakistan receives Chinese vaccine Election process for Libyan gift as deaths drop, schools reopen interim govt starts in Switzerland

dpa Umar said the international dpa power sharing or dividing the live-streamed so that Libyan Islamabad vaccine-sharing alliance Co- Geneva cake,” the US diplomat told audiences can learn about the vax confirmed that delivery the assembled delegates. candidates’ answers to ques- A military plane loaded with of AstraZeneca vaccine would The election process for a The Libyan people are tions from citizens. Chinese coronavirus vaccine start in February. transitional Libyan govern- backing this process, Williams The resulting transitional landed in Pakistan on Monday The vaccine breakthrough ment started on Monday with government is set to be re- as the country saw a signifi- comes as the country wit- hearings for the 45 candidates. placed by a democratically cant drop in COVID-19-relat- nessed a steady decline in The interim leaders are Libya has been in turmoil elected government following ed deaths and tens of thou- Covid-19 related deaths. meant to steer the conflict- since long-time ruler the elections scheduled for sands of students got back to Only 24 deaths were re- torn country until nation-wide Moamer Gaddafi was top- December 24. classes after months at home, ported on Sunday after nearly elections in December. pled in 2011. It has two Libya has been in turmoil officials said. three dozens on Saturday, low- The Libyan Political Dia- main competing administra- since long-time ruler Moamer The plane transported half est number in weeks. Pakistan logue Forum (LPDF) is gath- tions: a UN-backed one in Gaddafi was toppled in 2011. a million doses of the vaccine is among the top 15 worse af- ered in Switzerland until Fri- It has two main competing manufactured by the Chinese fected countries with more day to choose a three-member Tripoli and another based in administrations: a UN-backed Sinopharm company from than half a million coronavirus presidency council and a the country’s east, led by one in Tripoli and another Beijing to Islamabad ahead of cases so far and more than 11, prime minister. military strongman Khalifa based in the country’s east, led a national inoculation cam- A man fixes a face mask of his child upon arrival at a school in Kara- 000 related deaths. The 75 LPDF delegates, Haftar by military strongman Khalifa paign planned for later this chi on Monday. (AFP) Also on Monday, on- which span Libya’s fractured Haftar. week, health chief Faisal Sul- campus classes at universities political forces, should work The country has also be- tan said. China, a neighbour and istry announced late Saturday and elementary schools re- for the future of their coun- said. “They need you to suc- come a proxy battleground for Health workers will be political ally, has announced that the country had also se- sumed after three months as try and not for their own in- ceed Don’t let them down.” Al- rival forces, and several for- first in line. At least 400,000 that it is donating the first cured 17 million doses of the tens of thousands of students terests, UN Libya mediators though the location of the elec- eign powers including Russia health workers have registered batch of the vaccine to Paki- AstraZeneca vaccine. streamed back to educational Stephanie Williams said. tion meeting was kept secret, and Turkey have been drawn for vaccination. stan. Pakistan’s health min- Planning Minister Asad institutions. “This project is not about the candidate hearings are into the conflict.

Bobi Wine challenges Uganda presidential poll result in court Somali forces end terrorist siege on Mogadishu hotel

dpa lice and soldiers patrolling the dpa rity guards, hotel security had been taken to hospital, Kampala streets around the Supreme Mogadishu personnel, a suicide bomber police said. Court in the capital Kampala, and three other attackers are The Sunni terrorist militia Ugandan opposition leader where Wine’s lawyers present- Somali security forces have among the dead, according to al-Shabaab on its Andalus ra- Bobi Wine on Monday filed a ed the petition. ended a terrorist siege on a the police. dio station claimed responsi- petition to challenge the re- “The petition cites irregulari- popular hotel in the capital The terrorist attack began bility for the attack. election of long-term president ties, intimidation, ballot stuffing Mogadishu during which at on Sunday afternoon when a The hotel is popular with Yoweri Museveni. and disfranchisement,” among least 17 people were killed, po- suicide car bomb struck the politicians, clan elders, jour- Wine, a pop star turned other reasons, one of Wine’s law- lice said on Monday. entrance of Hotel Afrik, in the nalists, civil society members, politician, says the results of yers, Hamza Sekiddo, told dpa. The attackers - fighters heart of Mogadishu, and was government workers and gov- the January 14 presidential Media access to the court of Islamist terrorist group al- followed by massive gunfire, ernment officials. poll, which saw Museveni gar- building had been restricted Shabaab - were killed around according to a dpa reporter Al-Shabaab repeatedly ner 58 percent of the vote and on Monday due to the COV- midnight, ending the attack, who was at the scene at the carries out attacks in Somalia. Wine 35 percent, were rigged. ID-19 pandemic, according to police officer Ahmed Bashane time of the explosion. They often target hotels where Images on television on Information Minister Judith told dpa. Up to 30 people were in- politicians, security forces, but Debris remain at the blast site from the day before at the side of Afrik Monday showed armed po- Nabakooba. Several civilians, secu- jured during the attack and also civilians meet. Hotel in Mogadishu on Monday. (afp) 08 Tuesday, February 2, 2021 World FIGHT AGAINST COVID Poland unlikely to administer AstraZeneca vaccine to seniors dpa is likely to be closer to six Warsaw million, Dworczyk said. At the press confer- Poland is unlikely to in- ence, Health Minister Adem oculate senior citizens with Niedzielski said the country the AstraZeneca coronavi- needs to be careful in lifting rus vaccine, a government the coronavirus restrictions official responsible forthe as it cannot afford a situa- vaccination programme tion in which the vaccina- said on Monday. tion programme coincides The final decision on with a third wave of the how to use the British- pandemic. Swedish producer’s vaccine As of Monday, Poland will be made upon the rec- allowed shopping malls and ommendation of the Medi- museums to reopen, while cal Council, an advisory hotels, restaurants, bars, body to the prime minister, cinemas, gyms and swim- Michal Dworczyk said dur- ming pools are to remain ing a press conference in Warsaw. In recent days, Germa- ny’s Robert Koch Institute People walk past a closed shop front with posters advertising a Corona test centre in Berlin’s Kreuzberg district on Monday. (AFP) for disease control said the data currently available is not sufficient to recommend AstraZeneca’s vaccine for use among older patients. German firms pledge vaccine boosts Poland expects the first shipments of the AstraZen- eca vaccine around Febru- ary 9. To date, Poland has administered nearly 1.2 mil- File photo of a vial of the as Merkel holds emergency talks lion vaccine doses, mostly AstraZeneca/Oxford Covid-19 from Pfizer/BioNTech. This vaccine. (AFP) dpa the end of 2021. are expected to pick up signifi- deals with manufacturers. number includes more than Berlin Health Minister Jens cantly from the second quarter “By the end of summer, we 200,000 people who have closed at least until mid- Spahn noted that the CureVac onwards, according to a docu- can get to 70 per cent vaccina- already received two doses. February. Poland’s larg- German companies an- vaccine provided long-term ment from the Health Ministry. tion of our adult population,” The country has so far vac- est opposition alliance, the nounced plans to provide mil- prospects, for example if peo- Some 18.3 million doses are Kyriakides said. cinated 94 per cent of its Civic Coalition (KO), has lions more COVID-19 vaccine ple need booster shots later in Millions of expected to arrive this quarter, Merkel’s video conference, doctors and 80 per cent of demanded a broader reo- doses on Monday as Chancel- the year. followed by 77.1 million doses billed as a “vaccine summit,” nursing home residents, pening of the economy. lor Angela Merkel began a con- “Following discussions extra doses in the second and 126.6 million includes the premiers of Ger- Dworczyk said. “We demand to reopen ference with government and with the German government, in the third, the document says. many’s 16 states, as well as Still, the official com- the economy with restric- industry representatives in a it has become clear that current Some 18.3 million doses are Another 100.2 million representatives from vaccine plained about the pace of tions so that Poles are able bid to ramp up the country’s manufacturing capacities for expected to arrive this quarter, doses are expected in the final producers and the European vaccine deliveries. to work; to finally bring sluggish vaccination roll-out. vaccines need to be increased, followed by 77.1 million doses quarter of 2021, the ministry Commission, which buys vac- Poland was supposed to some relief, since the gov- Pharmaceuticals heavy- particularly for potential vari- in the second and 126.6 estimates. cines on behalf of EU member receive around nine million ernment [has] failed to do weight Bayer is to venture into ants of the SARS-CoV-2 virus,” million in the third, the The EU has been forced to states from various companies. doses of the vaccine by the so,” KO politician Ceary vaccine production by extend- Stefan Oelrich, president of document from the Health defend its vaccine strategy in Ahead of the meeting, Ber- end of the first quarter of Tomczyk told a press brief- ing an existing partnership Bayer’s pharmaceuticals divi- Ministry says recent weeks, particularly af- lin Mayor Michael Mueller 2021, but the actual number ing in Warsaw. with CureVac, which plans to sion, said in an online confer- ter logistical problems forced called for a national vaccina- submit its COVID-19 vaccine ence together with CureVac British-Swedish company As- tion plan for Germany. to regulators in the coming and government officials. which has partnered up with traZeneca to announce that Currently, state admin- months. Bayer has not yet manu- US pharmaceuticals giant it would initially provide far istrations are responsible for CureVac chief executive factured vaccines but Oelrich Pfizer to deliver its vaccine, has fewer doses than promised of planning and executing the in- Franz-Werner Haas hopes insisted it has the “necessary pledged to ramp up deliveries its vaccine. oculation drive in their regions. Trump nominated for Nobel that Bayer’s involvement in skills and capabilities ... to to the European Union by up to EU Health Commissioner Several regional officials manufacturing will lead to manufacture CureVac’s mR- 75 million additional doses in Stella Kyriakides defended the have demanded clarity on the Peace Prize by right-wing “several hundred million” NA-based vaccine.” the second quarter. EU approach during the online quantity and timing of vaccine doses of his company’s drug Meanwhile, German vac- Overall, deliveries of COV- meeting, saying the bloc had deliveries so that vaccination Estonian lawmaker being made available towards cine developer BioNTech, ID-19 vaccines to Germany negotiated the best possible centres can better plan. dpa President Gitanas Nauseda, Riga though a spokesperson re- IMPEACHMENT TRIAL fused to comment on the re- News Former US president Don- port. ald Trump has been nominat- Proposals for this year’s in brief ed for the Nobel Peace Prize by Nobel Peace Prize were ac- Donald Trump hires new defense team a right-wing populist lawmak- cepted until the end of Janu- Flood warning in er from Estonia. ary. Nominations may only be Paris as Seine dpa that the trial against Trump is uncon- Jaak Madison, a mem- made by certain individuals, bursts its banks Washington stitutional. A large majority of Repub- ber of the Estonian People’s including members of parlia- licans in the Senate also recently took Conservative Party as well ment, heads of state and pre- Paris: Officials in arisP Former US president Donald Trump this view. as the European Parliament, vious prize winners. closed several sections has hired a new defense team shortly be- Trump is facing an unprecedented explained on Monday that The Norwegian Nobel on the banks of the river fore his second impeachment trial is due second impeachment trial over the deadly Trump was the first president Institute does not reveal the Seine on Monday due to to start. storming of the Capitol building on Janu- in 30 years not to start a war candidates, as a matter of the danger of flooding.T he The defence will be led by David Sch- ary 6. while in office. principle. The winner is to be river’s water levels have risen oen and Bruce Castor, Trump’s office said Lawmakers have accused Trump of “Also, under his leadership, announced in October. The to above 4 metres, according late Sunday. inciting an insurrection after a violent there have been several peace prize, first awarded in 1901, to information provided by Broadcaster CNN had reported earlier mob of his supporters attacked the Con- agreements in the Middle East, was endowed by the Swedish the city. Some pathways and that Trump’s initial defence team of five gress building following one of his rallies, contributing to peace and sta- inventor of dynamite, Alfred underpasses near the river lawyers would not be representing the Re- leading to the deaths of five people. bility in the region,” Madison Nobel. were completely flooded and publican after all, citing differences over File photo of former US President Donald The trial, which is similar to a court wrote in a post on Facebook. The World Food Organi- some stairways leading down his legal strategy. Trump. (AFP) proceeding with the senators functioning Also nominated for the prize zation (WFP), the United to the Seine were cordoned CNN cited sources as saying Trump as jurors, is set to begin during the week was Belarusian opposition Nations’ food aid agency, off. Pedestrians stopped on wanted the attorneys to pursue unsub- The attorneys had so far not received of February 8. leader Svetlana Tikhanovs- was awarded the 2020 Nobel many of the city’s bridges stantiated allegations of electoral fraud any advance payments, and no letter of A two-thirds majority is needed to ob- kaya, the BNS news agency re- Peace Prize for its “efforts to gaze down at the rising instead of questioning the legitimacy of intent was ever signed, according to CNN. tain a conviction in the Senate and sub- ported, citing sources. to prevent the use of hun- waters, as the river flooded impeachment proceedings against a pres- The announcement from Trump’s sequently bar Trump from running for The nomination is said to ger as a weapon of war and areas where Parisians usu- ident who has already left office. office said that Schoen and Castor agree office again. have come from Lithuanian conflict.” ally sit, walk or jog. (dpa) EU wants to tighten border for non-EU countries Kremlin defends security forces after pro-Navalny protests Brussels: The 27 EU governments agreed on dpa the “full severity of the law.” and protesting against corrup- Navalny was arrested at a Monday to tighten border Moscow More than 5,100 demonstra- Russia tightens law against online tion and arbitrary justice. Moscow airport on January 17 restrictions for travellers tors were taken into police activism amid Navalny protests The protests were unau- immediately after his return entering the bloc, including The Kremlin on Monday de- custody in at least 87 cities thorized. Detentions could re- from Germany, where he had requiring proof of negative fended the behaviour of Rus- across Russia, the rights portal Moscow: A law came into force in Russia on Monday obliging sult in a fine or jail terms. been recovering from a poison Covid-19 tests not more sian security forces over the OVD said late on Sunday. operators of social networks to seek out and block access to attack for five months. than 72 hours before weekend during mass arrests Among them was Naval- online invitations to join unauthorized demonstrations. Police used stun guns The 44-year-old blames departure. This also applies of protesters attending rallies ny’s wife Julia Navalnaya, who Content about terrorism and state secrets should also no President Vladimir Putin to travellers who come in support of jailed dissident was fined 20,000 rubles (264 longer be accessible online, the legislation states. against protesters and and the domestic secret ser- to the bloc on journeys Alexei Navalny. dollars). Instructions on how to produce drugs, child pornography, more than 50 people were vice FSB for the crime. Putin deemed essential, such as “Of course, the police The group complained encouragement of suicide and statements that disregard the reportedly beaten by and the FSB have denied the for urgent family or profes- must take action against about “disproportionately Russian constitution should also be blocked. police while being charge. sional reasons. Non-essen- participants in these ille- brutal actions” by security Russian authorities have moved against social networks in detained, with upwards of On Tuesday, a court in tial travel is already largely gal rallies,” said Kremlin forces against peaceful dem- recent days after calls for protests in support of imprisoned dis- 90 journalists taken into Moscow will decide whether banned, although excep- spokesman Dmitry Peskov in onstrators and said this was sident Alexei Navalny were spread online. custody in 31 cities a suspended sentence against tions apply to EU citizens comments carried by the In- the most mass arrests since it Fines have already been imposed on Facebook, Twitter and Navalny should be converted or their family members. terfax agency. was founded more than nine YouTube, for example. Navalny is known for being particularly into a real jail term. However, if tests prior to There was a “quite large years ago. active on social media. (dpa) The demonstrations come The attorney general has departure are not possible, number” of hooligans and Police used stun guns a week after around 4,000 advocated the imposition of travellers should be allowed provocateurs who displayed against protesters and more people were detained during a prison sentence. As a rule, to do the test on arriving in “more or less aggressive be- than 50 people were reported- in 31 cities. the protests,” OVD said. Dem- mass protests in Russia, ac- the public prosecutor’s office the bloc, according to the haviour” towards the authori- ly beaten by police while being “The police deliberately onstrations were held in more cording to human rights activ- complies with their demand. recommendation. (dpa) ties, said Peskov, adding that detained, with upwards of 90 interfered with the work of the than 100 cities on Sunday call- ists. The authorities have not The opposition has called for it had been necessary to apply journalists taken into custody press that wanted to report on ing for the release of Navalny confirmed these numbers. renewed protests. What lies ahead for Qatar’s real estate market in 2021? pg 11

Tuesday, February 2, 2021

30,328.05 10,473.59 48600.61 1,863.10 +345.43 pts +0.09 pts +2314.84 pts Gold +0.69 % India unveils budget to boost Dow QE sensex economy battered by COVID-19 pg 12 Price percentage Price percentage 28.97 Brent 56.36 +2.40 % WTI 53.57 +2.62 % Silver +7.62 % Qatar supports all efforts to boost intra-Islamic trade: QC

Tribune News Network It also aims at supporting Doha cooperation among the busi- ness sector in the countries Qatar highly supports all ef- of the Organization through forts being made to enhance diversifying commercial prod- First Lieutenant Eng. Abdulaziz Mohamed Al Kaabi from the Ministry economic integration among ucts among themselves in of Interior addresses a virtual awareness seminar on ‘Prevention of Islamic countries, Qatar order to achieve economic in- Financial and Cyber Crimes’ in Doha on Monday. Chamber Chairman Sheikh tegration and economic and Khalifa bin Jassim Al Thani social development therein. said on Monday. ICCIA also seeks to achieve Speaking at the 31st meet- the development of industrial Shop only from ing of the board of directors of and agricultural products in the Islamic Chambers of Com- the countries of the Islamic merce, Industry and Agricul- world and promotion of the ture (ICCIA) held virtually on concept of quality and com- trusted, secure Monday, Sheikh Khalifa said, petitiveness through the is- “The Islamic chamber plays suance of certificates of qual- a key role in strengthening ity relating to the methods of websites: MoI economic and commercial co- enterprises management and operation among 57 -member states of the Organisation of Satyendra Pathak or messages asking to share Islamic Cooperation.” The Islamic chamber plays Doha your personal or financial Sheikh Khalifa, who is also a key role in strengthening information from unknown the first vice-chairman of IC- economic cooperation Shop only from trusted and sources. CIA, headed QC’s delegation among 57 member states secure websites and do not “Personal information at the meeting. The QC delega- of the Organisation of provide any confidential data should not be disclosed by e- tion included its board mem- Islamic Cooperation to untrusted e-commerce mail such as name and credit bers Abdulrahman Abdul Jalil Qatar Chamber Chairman Sheikh Khalifa bin Jassim Al Thani and other dignitaries take part in the 31st websites to avoid becoming a card numbers. One should Abdul Ghani and Mohamed meeting of the board of directors of ICCIA held virtually on Monday. victim of cybercrimes, an of- always try to memorise the Gawhar Al Mohamed. the quality and characteris- ficial of Ministry of Interior card’s PIN number and avoid Sheikh Khalifa highlighted tics of products in accordance (MoI) said on Monday. writing it. If the payment is the importance of enhancing with the standards and criteria Addressing a virtual made in a restaurant or any- cooperation and coordination adopted by the Chamber in ac- awareness seminar on ‘Pre- where, one must ask the staff among the member states of cordance with the provisions vention of Financial and Cy- there to bring the mobile pay- ICCIA and facilitating proce- of these Statute. ber Crimes’ in Doha, First ment device and not to give dures for exchanging goods It also aims to promote Lieutenant Eng. Abdulaziz the card and the password,” and services in a way that con- the identification of nutritive Mohamed Al Kaabi, an of- he said. tributes to developing intra- products that conform to Is- ficial of Gen. Directorate Kaabi also advised to pro- Islamic trade and achieving lamic Shariah (halal) and ap- of Criminal Investigation, tect one’s online accounts the common Islamic market. proving them, including the Economic and Cyber Crimes such as bank accounts, social The meeting’s agenda preparation of standards for Combating Department at media profiles and emails by included recommendations guidance, standards for issu- the Ministry of Interior, said, using a strong password and of the 63rd session of the fi- ing certificates of conformity “One must make sure to use changing them periodically. nance committee, the report of the nutritive product with safe and regular sites while “Use updated security of the general secretariat, the the rulings of Islamic Shariah using bank cards and no pur- tools on computers such as explanatory memorandum (halal) and the trademark dis- chase should be made from anti-virus programmes and prepared for the general secre- tinguishing the certification fake or unknown sites.” firewalls. Do not open suspi- tariat regarding the position of of halal issued by the ICCIA, “The bank must be di- cious or anonymous attach- president, and the approval of and accrediting the agencies rectly informed in case of any ments in e-mails,” he said. the final report of the meeting. that issue such certificates fraud and theft and then a “Always perform a two- It is worth mentioning and licensing the use of the complaint should be filed at step verification process to se- that ICCIA is an affiliated in- aforementioned trademark, the Economic and Electronic cure email access. Additional stitution of the Organisation and increasing the volume Crime Prevention Depart- security measures should be of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) of inter-state trade of the ment,” Kaabi said. set up in the e-mail such as and represents the private It aims at strengthening formation technology, insur- investment opportunities and products bearing the trade- The official advised not phone number and a backup sector of 57 Member Islamic closer collaboration in the ance and reinsurance, ship- joint ventures in the member mark distinguishing the halal to respond to messages say- mail. Do not open links from Countries. field of trade, commerce, in- ping, banking, promotion of countries. certification. ing that you have won a prize untrusted sources,” he said.

HBKU research student gets opportunity to share LNG findings with GECF experts

Tribune News Network Doha

In a first-of-its-kind event, a student researcher at the Do- ha-based Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU) had a unique opportunity to share the preliminary results of his findings with the experts of the Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF), marking a Qatargas’ Helium 2 Plant, which is the largest helium production facility in the world, started production doorstep for future collabo- in June 2013. rations between the academ- ia and the real world of the energy market in Qatar. A PhD researcher Abel Qatargas delivers 10,000th Meza Talavera’s study ‘En- ergy Transitions and the Po- committed to involving more to continue in the future as it Division at HBKU that oper- tential Implications on the students and young people in would be beneficial for our ates under QF, echoed Senty- cargo from Helium 2 plant LNG Markets and Qatar’ is the forum’s activities to make member countries and our urin’s comments on increas- being co-sponsored by Mo- them aware of the credentials experts,” Sentyurin said. ing collaboration between Tribune News Network storage and loading facilities world, started production in hammed bin Saleh Al-Sada, of natural gas and its impor- Sada, who is a member the university and the GECF Doha located in Ras Laffan. Cur- June 2013 and the 5000th Qatar’s former minister of tance to member countries of the board of directors of as mutually beneficial for re- rently, it operates Helium 1 cargo from Helium 2 was energy and industry, and such as Qatar.” Qatar Foundation (QF) and alising the main spirit of the Qatargas Operating Com- and 2 plants, which have a loaded in May 2017. Qatargas HBKU Sustainability Divi- The GECF carries out a chairman of the joint adviso- Qatar National Vision, which pany Limited (Qatargas) combined production capac- also operates the Helium 1 sion Founding Professor and wide variety of scientifically- ry board of Texas A&M Uni- envisions a knowledge-based reached a significant mile- ity of 2.2 billion standard cu- plant, which started produc- Head Muammer Koc. guided research work, which versity at Qatar expressed his society by 2030. stone when it loaded the bic feet (bscf) per year. tion in September 2005. It examines the future informs the vast majority of pleasure at the opportunity The GECF currently has 10,000th cargo of helium With the start of the He- Helium has high-value prospects of liquefied natural important decisions taken being presented to Talavera 19 Member Countries span- from its Helium-2 plant, fur- lium-3 plant in 2021, Qatar- applications in science, medi- gas (LNG) against a spate of by it’s 19 member countries by the GECF experts who ning four continents, which ther demonstrating Qatar’s gas will account for approxi- cine and high-tech industries, challenges and how the LNG that happen to be some of provided rich feedback on together represent 71 percent position as one of the leading mately 35 percent of world including semiconductors, market and Qatar, the world’s the world’s leading produc- various aspects of the study. of proven natural gas re- helium producers and export- helium production with an magnetic resonance imaging largest LNG exporter can har- ers and exporters of this low- Sada also shared his serves, 44 percent of its mar- ers in the world, with a proven overall production capacity of (MRI), space exploration and ness the opportunities. emission fossil fuel. views on the current devel- keted production, 53 percent record for safety, reliability 2.6 bscf per year. fibre optics.G lobal demand Speaking on the occasion, “We consider this event opments in the energy world of pipeline and 57 percent and quality. Qatargas’ Helium 2 Plant, for helium is forecast by the GECF Secretary General Yury the start of a very positive with the audience. Koc, who of LNG exports across the Qatargas is the operator which is the largest helium industry to continue to grow Sentyurin said, “The GECF is practice, one that we are keen founded the Sustainability world. of Qatar’s helium production, production facility in the at 2-3 percent per annum. 10 Tuesday, February 2, 2021 Economy & Business

Siemens to US economy host ‘Qatar to return to its Energy Days’ pre-virus size conference by mid-2021 Agencies Tribune News Network Doha The US economy will return to its pre-pandemic size by Siemens Energy in Qatar mid-2021, the Congressional is hosting its first virtual Budget Office said, raising its conference, entitled “Qatar expectation for the rebound. Energy Days,” from Febru- The new projections from ary 15 to 17, 2021. the office, which is nonparti- The three-day confer- san and issues regular budg- ence will be free to attend etary and economic forecasts, and will include partici- are an improvement from the pants from governments, office’s forecasts last summer. as well as the energy and Officials told reporters on industrial sectors, to bring Monday that the brightening together a wide variety of outlook was a result of large viewpoints and perspec- sectors of the economy adapt- tives from thought lead- ing better and more rapidly to ers, to help shape the en- the pandemic than originally ergy of tomorrow. expected. They also reflect in- Qatar Energy Days will creased growth from a $900 highlight evolving trends billion economic aid package in the local energy in- that Congress passed in De- dustry, innovation in the cember. regional and global eco- Meanwhile, analysts said systems as well as indus- China is set to overtake the try best practices to help United States as the world’s the Gulf country meet its largest economy a few years energy goals under Qa- earlier than anticipated due to tari Vision 2030. Qatar’s the coronavirus pandemic government is making it The US reported last week a priority to find harmony China’s manufacturing sector expanded at the slowest pace in seven months in January. Despite the slowdown, activity will remain strong in the near-term. that gross domestic product between economic growth in 2020 contracted by 2.3% to and protecting the envi- $20.93 trillion in current-dol- ronment in order to miti- lar terms, based on a prelimi- gate the effects of pollu- nary government estimate. tion and global warming. In contrast, China said its “This event will bring China’s manufacturing sector GDP expanded by 2.3% last together thought lead- year to 101.6 trillion yuan. ers in the energy industry That’s about $14.7 trillion, with decision makers to based on an average exchange talk about Qatar’s energy rate of 6.9 yuan per U.S. dollar, transition and how we can growth moderates in January according to Wind Informa- move towards a greener tion data. That puts China’s life for our future gen- economy at only $6.2 trillion erations,” said Herbert behind the U.S., down from Klausner, Managing Di- The slowdown in manufacturing is not surprising given that output was already well above trend $7.1 trillion in 2019. rector of Siemens Energy “This (divergence in in Qatar. DPA-AFX of domestic epidemic preven- firms generally commented growth) is consistent with our The conference, which Beijing tion amid the ongoing pan- Dutch growth rises Russia recovers that purchasing rose in line view that the pandemic has demonstrates Siemens demic, and look at how to The Dutch manufacturing Russia’s manufactur- with sales. been a much larger blow to Energy’s commitment to China’s manufacturing sec- bring new momentum to the sector rose slightly in ing sector expanded in Notably, the latest upturn the US economy than China’s Qatar’s long-term goals, tor expanded at the slowest Chinese economy as uncer- January, after contracting was the weakest since the cur- economy,” Rob Subbaraman will provide a virtual pace in seven months in Janu- tainties over overseas demand January, survey results rent period of recovery began of Nomura said in an email platform for interactive ary amid a slowdown in out- continue,” Wang Zhe, a senior from IHS Markit showed in the previous month, last May. Friday. “We believe that on conversation, knowledge put and new orders growth, economist at Caixin Insight on Monday. The NEVI survey data from IHS At the same time, stocks of reasonable growth projections transfer and best practice survey results from IHS Group said. manufacturing Purchasing Markit showed on Monday. purchases fell moderately af- the size of China’s economy in sharing between Siemens Markit showed Monday. Manufacturers signalled Managers’ Index, or PMI, The headline seasonally ter a slight increase at the end USD terms will overtake the Energy’s leaders and lo- The Caixin manufacturing a sustained rise in output in rose to 58.8 in January adjusted IHS Markit Russia of 2020. US in 2028.” cal experts in generation, Purchasing Managers’ Index January, to extend the cur- from 58.2 in December. Manufacturing purchasing Stock shortages at suppli- If the Chinese currency transmission, and indus- fell to 51.5 in January from rent period of expansion to 11 Any reading above 50.0 managers’ index rose to ers and shipping delays led to strengthens further to around trial applications. 53.0 in December. A reading months. However, the rate of indicates expansion in the 50.9 in January from 49.7 a further increase in delivery 6 yuan per U.S. dollar, China Discussions during the above 50 indicates expan- growth was the least marked sector. Output rose at the in December. Any reading times for inputs, the survey could surpass the U.S. two conference will address sion. since last April. above 50.0 indicates showed. years earlier than anticipated questions such as how can The slowdown in manu- The slowdown coincided sharpest since September Low stock availability and — in 2026, Subbaraman said. 2018 and backlogs of expansion in the sector. Qatar accelerate the en- facturing is not surprising with a weaker increase in to- Production rose for the higher raw material prices The yuan began strength- ergy transition and meet given that output was already tal new work at the start of the work accumulated for the lifted operating expenses. ening against the U.S. dollar in the growing demand for well above trend - capac- year as there was a renewed second month in a row. first time since September Moreover, the rate of infla- the last six months to levels not electricity while protect- ity utilization rates in indus- drop in export orders, which The number of employed last year and expansion tion eased only slightly from seen in more than two years. ing the environment; what try hit an eight-year high fell for the first time in six increased in January, but in output led to stronger December’s three-year high. Covid-19 first emerged will future power grids last quarter, Julian Evans- months. the rate of job creation client demand and rise in Manufacturers raised their in late 2019 in the Chinese will look like, amid the Pritchard and Sheana Yue, Respondents cited the re- remained mild. new orders. selling prices at the steepest city of Wuhan. In an effort to rise of renewables and dis- economists at Capital Eco- surgence of the coronavirus rate since June 2018. control the virus, authorities tributed energy resources, nomics, said. globally as the reason for the Although manufacturers shut down more than half of and how can the oil and Despite the slowdown, ac- reduction. pany restructuring and the accumulation in backlogs of in China generally expect out- China’s economy in February gas sector decarbonize op- tivity will remain strong in the Employment decreased in non-replacement of voluntary work for eight months. Goods put to rise over the next year, 2020 and urban unemploy- erations and harness the near-term. January, albeit only marginal. leavers. producers recorded a softer the degree of positive senti- ment hit a record high of 6.2% power of digitalization. “This year, we should pay Lower staff numbers were At the same time, manu- expansion of buying activity ment edged down to an eight- that month. GDP contracted attention to the effectiveness generally attributed to com- facturers recorded the slowest at the start of the year, with month low in January. by 6.8% in the first quarter. Amazon algorithms promote vaccine misinformation, study finds

TCA/DPA Safe and Effective is Lying,” by search results. Seattle the British conspiracy theorist Some platforms have tak- Vernon Coleman, and “The en action to reduce the spread As vaccine misinformation has Vaccine-Friendly Plan,” a book of health misinformation prompted some to say they will purporting to show a nonex- through their sites. refuse to be inoculated against istent causal relationship be- Facebook and Twitter an- the coronavirus, the world’s tween vaccination and autism Marketplace of lies? nounced last month that they largest online retailer remains co-authored by Oregon physi- The top eight search results Thursday afternoon for the phrase would begin removing vaccine a hotbed for anti-vaccination cian Paul Thomas. “vaccine” in Amazon’s online bookstore, for instance, were misinformation, a measure conspiracy theories, according The Oregon Medical Board vaccine denialist tomes - including books like “Anyone Who Tells taken as public health officials to a new study by University of last year suspended Thomas’ You Vaccines Are Safe and Effective is Lying,” by the British began ramping up mass vac- Washington researchers. license for misleading parents conspiracy theorist Vernon Coleman, and “The Vaccine-Friendly cination campaigns to control Amazon’s search algo- about vaccine safety and fail- Plan,” a book purporting to show a nonexistent causal the spread of COVID-19. Both rithm boosts books promot- ing to adequately vaccinate have previously taken steps to ing false claims about vaccines patients, including a child who relationship between vaccination and autism delete posts with false corona- over those that debunk health later contracted tetanus and virus information. misinformation, the research- was hospitalized for 57 days. ment. “Our shopping and dis- “immunization” and “autism” books that claimed to contain ist books, a review of the first Previously, Google and ers found - and as customers “This book confirmed eve- covery tools are not designed are misinformative, according cures for autism. five pages of search results for YouTube have said they would engage with products espous- rything I have suspected about to generate results oriented to to the UW study, which exam- During last summer’s “vaccine” shows. deprioritize health misin- ing bogus science, Amazon’s vaccines,” one verified pur- a specific point of view and we ined books, audiobooks and bump in coronavirus cases, Plenty of those are avail- formation in their search al- recommendation algorithms chaser commented earlier this are always listening to custom- e-books, as well as products NPR documented that peo- able for free to Kindle Unlim- gorithms and pull ads from point them to additional health week below Coleman’s book, er feedback.” Amazon recently including dietary supplements ple searching Amazon for ited subscribers, which gives anti-vaccination conspiracy misinformation. which is sold by Amazon. added a banner linking to the and even apparel - like shirts “coronavirus supplement” - a members access to more than theories. Amazon is a “marketplace com. “Read this book!” In the federal government’s fact page with the slogans “Anti-Vax medically inaccurate term, as 1 million e-books for the flat Amazon recently curbed of multifaceted health misin- context of the ongoing mass on COVID-19 vaccines above Mom” and “NO Medical Tyr- no dietary supplements have price of $9.99 a month. Some sales of products promoting formation,” wrote co-authors COVID-19 vaccination cam- results for searches with the anny.” Amazon has previously been proven to cure COVID-19 of the results are “sponsored,” neo-Nazi views and the QAnon Prerna Juneja, a Ph.D. student paign, “battling against anti- keyword “vaccine.” Other aca- faced scrutiny over the sale on - might see results for elder- meaning the seller paid Ama- conspiracy theories after the at UW’s Information School, vax misinformation has never demics have examined how its platform of pseudoscien- berry capsules, an echinacea- zon to list them higher in the Jan. 6 riot at the U.S. and professor of social com- been more important,” Juneja the result-ranking algorithms tificdietary supplements and and-garlic tincture and a col- search rankings. Capitol. Many members puting Tanu Mitra in the new said in an interview Thursday. of search providers like Google media promoting vaccine con- loidal silver liquid. None of Platforms like Amazon of the mob were adherents of paper, which will be presented “This is the most urgent time.” and social networks like Face- spiracy theories. After a 2019 those products is an effective have a responsibility to adjust those beliefs, authorities said. at a conference on human- Amazon provides “custom- book and Twitter contribute to CNN report described the ex- remedy against the coronavi- their algorithms to not favor In a first for a company that computer interaction in May. ers with access to a variety of the spread of misinformation, tent of anti-vax falsehoods on rus. misinformation, Juneja said, has long defended its right to The top eight search results viewpoints. but the UW researchers believe Amazon.com, a sharply word- But unlike the market for because “people trust the re- sell books many would find Thursday afternoon for the We’re committed to pro- their study is one of the first to ed letter from Rep. dietary supplements, which sults that search engines show questionable, Amazon earlier phrase “vaccine” in Amazon’s viding a positive customer ex- apply similar methodologies to Adam Schiff, D-Calif., is dominated by third-party to them.” Previous research this week prohibited the sale online bookstore, for instance, perience and have policies that the realm of e-commerce. prompted Amazon to yank vendors using Amazon’s Mar- from the University of Wash- of “inappropriate or offensive” were vaccine denialist tomes - outline what products may be Overall, more than 10% of some products from its plat- ketplace platform, Amazon ington and Microsoft, for books, including those con- including books like “Anyone sold in our stores,” a company Amazon products returned for form, including the fake-sci- itself is selling many of the instance, indicates that peo- taining hate speech and con- Who Tells You Vaccines Are spokesperson said in a state- search terms like “vaccine,” ence film “Vaxxed” and two top-ranked vaccine denial- ple rarely look at low-ranked tent “glorifying terrorism.” Economy & Business Tuesday, February 2, 2021 11 GameStop saga may provide early test of What lies ahead for Qatar’s the ethics pledges of Biden administration real estate market in 2021? Agencies edent. Real estate market sees positive sentiments with lifting of blockade & regulatory changes “This example is a good Arguably the last thing test of Biden’s ethics execu- Tribune News Network paved the way for e-commerce new U.S. Treasury Secretary tive order and the transpar- Doha and Tech-companies to foray Janet Yellen wants to take up ency that follows, but it also into the Qatari market. during her first days in office highlights the revolving door The year 2021 will see Qatar’s Disruptive technologies is a financial market imbro- and why restrictions are nec- demand for real estate, ware- have propelled the use of spe- glio involving one of her last essary to protect the integ- housing and data centres pick- cialized solutions in real estate private sector business rela- rity of government missions, ing up, workplace evolving and property management in- tionships. policies, and programs,” said and technology playing a more dustry, the report said. But as hedge fund Cita- Scott Amey, general coun- key role, according to KPMG. The scope of PropTech del LLC emerges as one of sel at Project On Govern- The financialconsultancy has expanded significantly to the key actors in the trading ment Oversight, a nonpar- has identified these four as include information transpar- frenzy last week involving tisan government watchdog the big trends in its “What ency, AI-powered valuations, GameStop Corp - and ques- group. lies ahead for Qatar’s Real virtual viewings, online list- tions arise over whether the The Treasury secretary Estate Market in 2021?” re- ings and block-chain transac- activity exposes deeper risks normally does not get in- port, written by KPMG Direc- tions, among others. Many for the financial system - volved in matters involving tor (Strategy and Real Estate public sector agencies in the Yellen could find herself individual stocks and con- Advisory) Anurag Gupta and region can be seen embracing pulled into the fray. centrates instead on broad Associate Consultant (Real PropTech in expediting their Citadel, together with systemic risks to the finan- Estate Market Research) Sid- daily functions. another fund, extended a cial system, which the de- dhant Vernekar. Siddhant Vernekar said, $2.75 billion financial life- partment monitors through With the regional ties com- “Though the PropTech indus- line to hedge fund Melvin daily market surveillance. ing back to normal, affirma- try Qatar is still developing, we Capital Management, which “Secretary Yellen of tion of the COVID-19 vaccine believe the use of technology had suffered heavy losses by course will abide by her and Qatar winning the bid to in real estate is only going to betting against GameStop. ethics agreement and eth- host Asian Games in 2030, the the report said. accelerate in 2021. From de- Citadel also pays for the right ics pledge in all instances,” market sentiments are reach- “These companies are pro- velopers to brokers, the indus- to process Robinhood users’ Treasury spokesman Calvin ing a new high, the report said. moting ‘less-densified’ office try is now transforming digi- trades, a practice that has Mitchell said. With the lifting of block- spaces with ‘professional dis- tally – from remote viewings, drawn some concern from Like many former gov- ade, positive regulatory chang- tancing’ that are strategically digital contracts, and rental investor advocates. ernment officials, including es, possibility of organised real located to help employees get platforms, the wave of digital The White House has here her Federal Reserve estate concepts such as REITs, back to work safely and quick- transformation is spreading said Yellen is among a hand- chair predecessor Ben Ber- Qatar is set to witness higher ly. In our opinion, professional across the sector and soon ful of officials monitoring nanke, Yellen took speaking influx of invested people, the services firms, start-ups, small will be seen embracing these the fracas. As head of the fees from private companies report said. businesses, e-commerce and technologies and demonstrat- Financial Stability Oversight after she left government. “With more opportunities tech-companies will be huge ing prudence and future readi- Council (FSOC), Yellen is Yellen filed an ethics in the market and increased beneficiaries of this new nor- ness. broadly responsible for the agreement with the Office inflow of white-collared work- mal,” Anurag Gupta said. Gupta added: “While we health of the entire trading of Government Ethics in force, there can be a positive Qatar is also witnessing have looked into the likely and investing system. December saying she would upturn in the demand for resi- Anurag Gupta Siddhant Vernekar greater demand for warehous- changes in the real estate land- A sticking point for her “seek written authoriza- dential housing over the next ing facilities originating pri- scape and identified the key to clear, though, may be tion to participate person- short to middle term, provid- witness a movement from a fice of the future will promote marily from the manufactur- trends for the year ahead, we $700,000 in speaking fees ally and substantially in any ing a much-needed fillip to the rental based real estate to a health benefits to the employ- ing and logistics sector, the believe, Qatar is still in the pro- she accepted from Citadel, particular matter” related to sector.” capital (sales) based economy, ees and provide opportunity report said. cess of identifying a strategy as recently as last fall. Yellen any companies that paid her Qatar is also experiencing it added. for new ways of collaborating Qatar Free Zones Authority that will have a profound and has pledged not to involve speaking fees prior to joining increased real estate transac- Shedding light into Qatar’s and building relationships,” can be seen attracting signifi- lasting implications on real es- herself in an official capacity President Joe Biden’s ad- tions, it added. evolving workplace, the re- they added. cant investments from around tate investment and develop- in matters involving the firm ministration - for a year after During the last six months, port said the year 2020 was all Globally, the concept of co- the globe in setting up busi- ment. However, Qatar must without first seeking a writ- her last speech to each firm. the value of real estate deals about remote working. working spaces is growing and nesses in Qatar. For instance, continue to enhance its strong ten waiver from Treasury Yellen spoke several exceeded QR15 billion. Pro- “While many corporates many companies are focusing France’s Gaussin Advance Mo- economic fundamentals that ethics officials. times at Citadel, most re- jects such as Qetaifan Island can be seen adopting and on curtailing their real estate bility Company along with Al will help sustain growth over Ethics experts say that cently on an Oct. 27 webinar, and Lusail Seef are attracting getting comfortable with the requirements by incorporat- Attiya Motors established the the long term. With confidence pledge is not a hard wall for according to the filing. She considerable interest from work from home concept, we ing the flexible approach. first assembly plant of electric returning to the market and her to scale should the need was paid at least $700,000 buyers as well as investors, the believe the dynamic/hybrid In Qatar, co-working spac- vehicles at Ras Bu Fontas Free the industry undergoing a se- arise. After ethics violations in speaking fees by the Cita- report said. workplace model will become es providers such as Servcorp, Zone. GWC opened their latest ries of fundamental shifts, it is dogged the Trump adminis- del while she was in private Moreover, with Qatar a new normal even post pan- Regus, and Workinton are logistics hub spanning across likely that the political stabil- tration, some groups are urg- practice at the Brookings In- opening its property market to demic,” the authors wrote in reimagining the workspace 6,000 sqm at Ras Bu Fontas ity and unity in the region will ing Yellen to pre-emptively stitution think tank, another foreigners and rewarding buy- the report. of the future by providing Free Zone. remain Qatar’s biggest growth seek a waiver, and set a prec- disclosure shows. ers with permanent residency, “With greater emphasis on employers with flexibility in In addition, Qatar’s digi- driver, and Qatar real estate Qatar residential market will flexibility and safety, the of- terms of space and geography, tal transformation agenda has will emerge a key beneficiary.”

runaway Rally success

Land Cruiser continued to dominate the Produc- tion Car category, with Toyota celebrates another outstanding the Toyota Auto Body team claiming a spec- tacular one-two victory performance at Dakar 2021 Tribune News Network (Al Ula – Yanbu). Al-Attiyah and Baumel Doha headed into the final stage in second place, just over fifteen minutes behind the lead- The victories Toyota has proved once again the capa- ing car. Despite closing the gap during the bilities of its vehicles on all terrains, and 200-kilometer-long stage from Yanbu to ● Unprecedented eight harsh climatic conditions, with a spectacu- Jeddah, the No. 301 GR Toyota Hilux fin- consecutive victories for Land lar performance at the world’s most ex- ished Dakar 2021 in second place overall. Cruiser in Dakar Rally treme motorsports event, the Dakar Rally. Nasser Al-Attiyah, Driver of the No. Toyota’s iconic Land Cruiser continued 301 GR Toyota Hilux, commented: “This ● Auto Body’s Land Cruisers to dominate the Production Car category, is a fantastic result for us. I’m really proud secured a 1-2 victory in the with the Toyota Auto Body team claiming of the team and would like to thank the Production Car category a spectacular one-two victory. Akira Miura entire GR team for the hard work they’ve and Laurent Lichtleuchter took first place put in to make this a reality.” ● GAZOO Racing’s Hilux claimed in the No. 340 Toyota Land Cruiser, while Akira Miura, Driver of the No. 340 second place in the Four-Wheel teammates Ronald Basso and Jean-Michel Toyota Land Cruiser, said: “In this year’s Drive category Polato finished as runners-up in the No. Dakar Rally, I maintained a positive 345 Toyota Land Cruiser. This incredible outlook every day, and I really enjoyed the milestone means that the Land Cruiser driving in a very good way. I believe this is has now achieved eight consecutive cham- why we were able to win. I could strongly pionship wins at the Dakar Rally. feel how much everyone contributed to Meanwhile, GAZOO Racing (GR)’s creating an environment that enabled a Nasser Al-Attiyah and navigator lux proved a runaway success at this year’s cant day for the automobile industry to be focus on the driver. I am overwhelmed Mathieu Baumel achieved rally, with various drivers winning eight able to compete at a rally held under such with gratitude.” second place in the out of the 12 stages behind the wheel of challenging circumstances. Taking advan- Over the years, Toyota has been Four-Wheel Drive the model at the legendary race. tage of this experience, we at Toyota will participating in many different forms of category after Akio Toyoda, President, Toyota Motor continue our efforts to make ever-better motorsports, ‎including Formula One, the securing five Corporation, commented: “Congratula- cars. We’re grateful to all the fans and World Endurance Championship (WEC), stage victories tions to all Team Land Cruiser Toyota appreciate your continued support. Thank and the Nürburgring 24 ‎Hours endurance in the No. Auto Body team members for their eighth you very much to all our fans everywhere.” race. Toyota’s participation in these events 301 GR straight victory, and to Miura san and The 2021 edition of the Dakar Rally was overseen by separate ‎entities within Toyota Lichtleuchter for winning the champion- was held in Saudi Arabia and kicked off the company until April 2015, when Toy- Hilux. ship! I would also like to congratulate with a Prologue on January 2 to deter- ota established GR, ‎to consolidate all its The Al-Attiyah and Baumel for taking on the mine starting positions on the outskirts motorsport activities under one in-house Hi- challenge in the Hilux, finishing second of Jeddah. Al-Attiyah and Baumel, who brand. Representing ‎Toyota’s belief that overall. I think it’s a wonderful result have previously won the 2019 Dakar Rally ‘the roads build the people, and the people because they never gave up and continued and took second place last year, got off to build the cars,’ GR highlights the role of to trust their partners, the team, and the best possible start in the No. 301 GR motorsports as a fundamental pillar of people who supported them.” Toyota Hilux after finishing fastest on the Toyota’s commitment to ‎making ‘ever- Toyoda continued: “I 11-kilometre route. better’ cars. Harnessing years of experi- think this year’s Dakar The GR duo went on to secure wins in ence gained under the extreme ‎conditions was very unique. Stage 2 (Bisha – Wadi Ad-Dawasir), Stage of various motorsports events, GR aims to It was a very 3 (Wadi Ad-Dawasir –Wadi Ad-Dawasir), forge new ‎technologies and solutions that signifi- Stage 4 (Wadi Ad-Dawasir – Riyadh), bring the freedom, adventure, and joy of Stage 8 (Sakaka – Neom), and Stage 11 driving to everyone. 12 Tuesday, February 2, 2021 Economy & Business Silver swept up by GameStop retail frenzy, prices surge to five-month high

Agencies The move into silver, fol- bullion, posted an “EXTREME ing and it’s been sparked by The craze hit fever pitch does suggest that the impact of lowing thousands of Reddit DEMAND ALERT” banner this subreddit,” said Nicho- last week when the GameStop messaging in social media is Silver prices surged to a five- posts and hundreds of You- across its homepage, and an- las Frappell, global general pile-on resulted in a “short becoming much more signifi- month high on Monday, silver- Tube videos suggesting that a nounced it restricted orders to manager at ABC Refinery in squeeze,” which turned price cant,” said Michael McCarthy, mining stocks leapt and coin- rise in the physical price could between $1,000 and $10,000. Sydney, adding such custom- gains stratospheric as hedge strategist at broker CMC Mar- selling websites were swamped hurt large investors with bets “The Reddit crowd has ers liked to buy kilogram bars funds with bets against the kets in Sydney. as small-time investors piled in on it falling, is a foray in to a turned its sights on a bigger or smaller because of the con- stock desperately bought it at Global short interest in sil- to the metal, the latest target of much bigger and more liquid whale in terms of trying to venience. high prices to close their posi- ver, or the cumulative value of a retail-trading frenzy that has market. catalyze something of a short The Perth Mint said it tions. bets it falls in price, is equiva- set financial markets on edge. Spot silver leapt as much squeeze in the silver market,” noticed elevated demand for Discussion turned to silver lent to about 900 million Organized in online fo- as 7.4% in Asia to $28.99 an said Kyle Rodda, an analyst at silver in the United States via late last week as Reddit posts ounces - just short of global rums and traded with fee-free ounce, taking gains to about brokerage IG Markets in Mel- online dealers. suggested that higher prices annual production. brokers, such as Robinhood, 15% since last Wednesday and bourne. The popularity of dabbling could hurt big banks with large Banks and brokers hold the phenomenon has driven the price to its highest since “This is their big, bold in stock markets has grown short positions, and said buying most of that, with about 610 a 1500% rally in the shares of mid August. Moby Dick moment,” he said. during the COVID-19 pandem- easy-to-access exchange-traded million ounces, though it is video game retailer GameStop Silver mining stocks soared Volumes in small miners’ actually produce silver, topped ic as volatility, stimulus checks silver funds could quickly ramp not clear whether they are net as the crowd targets assets in Australia and China and stock in Australia were unprec- 90%. Bullion dealers had brisk and lockdowns have driven up the metal’s value. short on the metal or whether big fund managers had bet Money Metals, an online ex- edented and jumps in some ex- trade. account openings and invest- “(The) gain in silver prices their bets offset very big physi- against. change for precious coins and ploration firms, which do not “Yeah, we’re seeing buy- ment. is a very solid lift ... it certainly cal holdings.

Sensex surges 2,315 points as India unveils budget to boost budget proposals enthuse investors economy battered by COVID-19 Agencies Sitharaman also said the government would in- Healthcare Indian equity bench- fuse 20,000 crore rupees spending up by marks on Monday recorded into public sector banks their best performance on (PSBs) in 2021-22, to meet 137% with $30.6 a budget day in over two the regulatory norms. decades after finance min- She also announced that billion outlay ister Nirmala Sitharaman the government will set up announced a slew of meas- a company to manage bad DPA ures to revive the pandem- debt for banks, which is ex- New Delhi ic-hit economy, while bond pected to reach record lev- yields jumped sharply on els this year. India’s government on Mon- the government’s plans to The firm will hold prob- day unveiled a budget aimed raise more funds from the lem loans for banks, which at reviving its pandemic-bat- market. can then be sold on to inves- tered economy, with a focus The Sensex and Nifty tors at a reduced price, ac- on vaccinations and doubling surged as Sitharaman an- cording to the plan outlined on health care spending. nounced schemes for vari- by the finance minister in India’s economy shrank by ous sectors and categories of her budget speech on Mon- an eye-watering 23.9 per cent people. In terms of points, day. in the first quarter of last year the Sensex jumped by over According to Reserve and is projected to record its 2,000 points at 48,226 and Bank of India’s Financial worst-ever annual recession Nifty surged 462.5 points Stability Report published - a contraction of 7.7 per cent to trade above the 14,000- last month, the non-per- - in the current financial year mark. forming assets will rise to ending March 31. On the Sensex, In- 13.5 per cent of total ad- “I want to confidently state dusInd Bank was the top vances by the end of Sep- that our government is fully gainer, rallying over 10 tember from 7.5 per cent a prepared to support and fa- per cent, followed by ICICI year ago. cilitate the economy’s reset. Bank, HDFC, Bajaj Finserv, After carrying out the This budget provides every M&M and SBI. merger of various govern- opportunity for our economy Vendors wait for customers at a wholesale vegetable market in Chennai on February 1, 2021. India unveiled a massive spending plan focused To push growth via in- ment banks in 2019 that re- to race and capture the pace on healthcare and infrastructure on February 1. (AFP) frastructure creation, Si- duced the number of large that it needs for a sustainable tharaman proposed raising state banks to 12 from 27, growth,” Finance Minister ture at the primary, secondary year, which includes the cash- in the throes of a slowdown the government’s capital the government has been Nirmala Sitharaman told par- and tertiary level over the next strapped national carrier, Air even before the pandemic, an- expenditure for FY 2021-22 looking to reduce its stake liament. six years. India. alysts said the budget provided by 34.5 per cent to 5.5 lakh in some lenders to raise “Now, just as it happened Sitharaman also commit- This budget provides every After an estimated 7.7-per- much-needed stimulus. “On crore rupees. much-needed cash. after the two World Wars, ted 4.81 billion dollars to de- opportunity for our economy cent contraction, various sur- the whole it is a pretty positive there are signs that the politi- veloping vaccines as well as for to race and capture the veys have projected a rebound signal and a pro-investment cal, economic and strategic re- the vaccination programme, in excess of 11 per cent for the budget,” Sujan Hajra, chief lations in the post-Covid world adding that two further Indian pace that it needs for a Indian economy in the upcom- economist at Anand Rathi Se- are changing. This moment in vaccines were likely to be an- sustainable growth. ing financial year beginning curities, said. history is the dawn of a new nounced this year. India Finance Minister April 1 that would make In- “Given the relatively low era, one in which India is well- India has the world’s sec- dia one of the fastest-growing outlay by the government last poised to truly be the land of ond largest coronavirus case- Nirmala Sitharaman economies in the world. year, India… had the space to promise and hope,” she added. load after the United States, However, economists say provide more stimulus.” But The government will al- with a total of more than 10.75 ment in the insurance sector that this is partly due to statis- some also warned that mil- locate 30.6 billion dollars to- million infections and 154,392 from 49 per cent to 74 per tical reasons and would mean lions of poorer workers left ward health care spending, deaths. There has been a de- cent, adding that foreign own- a growth in real GDP by 2.4 jobless during the virus shut- marking an increase of 137 cline in new cases in recent ership and control with safe- per cent over the absolute level down needed more support. per cent, Sitharaman said. months. guards would be allowed. of 2019-20, implying the econ- “The budget does not ade- This was a big boost for India’s Sitharaman said the There was a 34-per-cent omy would take two years to quately address concerns over health sector that is often ne- Covid-19 relief packages an- increase in capital expenditure surpass pre-pandemic levels. inequitable growth,” HDFC glected with public health ex- nounced in 2020 were like compared to last year and a In its annual economic Bank chief economist Abheek penditures at just 1.3 per cent mini-budgets, with a total push to large-scale infrastruc- survey, the government said Barua said in a note. “There of its domestic product (GDP). impact of 371 billion dollars, ture projects in Indian states. there would be a “V-shaped” has… not been any cushion A new federal scheme will which amounts to 13 per cent The government also plans recovery after the severe con- provided for households-es- be launched with an outlay of of GDP. an ambitious 24-billion-dol- traction, forecasting growth to pecially in the informal sector about 8.8 billion dollars to up- The government also lar divestment target from hit 11 percent in 2021-22. With that has been hit the most by grade health care infrastruc- raised foreign direct invest- state-owned companies this Asia’s third-largest economy the pandemic.”

QFCRA in deal with Turkey fin regulator Factory performance mixed as pandemic impact lingers Qatar Financial Centre Regulatory Authority (QFCRA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Capital Markets Agencies Vistesen at Pantheon Macro- But in other parts of Eu- tor for at least the next few South Korea’s exports jumped Board of Turkey to strengthen cooperation between the two economics. rope activity accelerated, with months,” said Alex Holmes, 11.4% in January from a year institutions. Under the MoU, the two institutions will Global manufacturing ac- “Manufacturing is still of- France, Italy, the Nether- emerging Asia economist at earlier to mark a third straight exchange consultations, information, expertise and tivity remained resilient in fering support and it will con- lands, Switzerland and some Capital Economics. month of gains due in part cooperation in technical fields.(QNA) January although some coun- tinue to do so.” countries in the east of the Takeshi Okuwaki, an to surging sales of memory tries suffered amid a resur- In the euro zone, IHS continent recording stronger economist at Dai-ichi Life chips. gence in coronavirus infec- Markit’s final Manufacturing numbers. Research Institute in Tokyo, In India, factory activ- tions, underscoring the fragile Purchasing Managers’ Index Factory activity quick- said Japanese manufacturers ity expanded at its strongest and uneven nature of the eco- (PMI) fell to 54.8 in Janu- ened in major chip exporters may slash output as the state pace in three months, fuelled nomic recovery. ary from December’s 55.2, South Korea and Taiwan, as of emergency will unavoidably by a continued recovery in de- Facebook to test letting Factories across parts of although that was a touch they benefited from continued hurt the economy. mand and output. Europe, as well as in China above the initial 54.7 “flash” brisk demand for semicon- “A shortage of chip supply Manufacturing activity in and Japan, struggled as re- estimate. A reading above 50 ductors crucial to work-from- will take time to fix, whichwill Indonesia increased at a faster advertisers avoid topics newed lockdown measures indicates growth. home IT goods. also weigh on Japan’s auto- pace and activity stopped con- Agencies News Feed next to certain top- alongside supply shortages A gauge of British manu- But China’s manufactur- mobile production,” he said. tracting in the Philippines but ics based on their brand suit- hurt activity, surveys showed. facturing growth was at its ing activity expanded at the China’s Caixin/Markit shrank in Malaysia and rose at Facebook says it is working ability preferences,” Facebook With coronavirus infec- slowest in three months in slowest pace in seven months Manufacturing PMI dropped a slower pace in Vietnam, PMI on a way to let advertisers avoid said. The internet giant gave tions soaring again countries January as the combined im- in January, weighed down by to 51.5 in January, its lowest data showed. having marketing messages ap- the example of a children’s toy have forced vast swathes of pact of COVID-19 and Brexit falling export orders. level since June last year and China’s economy expand- pear in feeds alongside content company being given the op- their service industries to shut weighed on new export orders Japan also saw factory broadly aligned with Beijing’s ed a faster-than-expected they’d rather not be associated tion of not having its ads ap- their doors, leaving manufac- and there were signs of dis- activity slip back into con- official PMI, which showed 6.5% in the fourth quarter last with. pear along with content that turing to support economies ruption of supply chains. traction as a new state of the recovery in factory activ- year, as factories raced to fill A small group of advertis- falls into a “crime and tragedy” as factories have largely re- Factories in Germany, Eu- emergency hit operating con- ity slowing as local COVID-19 overseas orders. ers will soon start testing new category. mained open. rope’s biggest economy, had ditions. cases rose. But recovery hopes are be- “topic exclusion controls” being The move comes with the “In general manufacturing been humming along during “PMI readings for Asia That was in stark contrast ing dampened by a sharp in- honed by the leading social net- massive social network facing is doing okay. You see some the pandemic on higher de- suggest that manufacturing to South Korea, where factory crease in COVID-19 cases as work, according to a post. pressure from advertisers seek- supply side constraints com- mand from abroad but also sectors improved further in activity rose at its fastest pace authorities impose lockdown “These controls will help to ing to avoid toxic content and ing through but production suffered from increasing sup- most places. Buoyant global in a decade thanks to soaring measures to curb the spread address concerns advertisers abusive content on the plat- and new orders are still grow- ply delays and another hard demand for electronics should exports. of the virus in the country’s have of their ads appearing in form. ing quite strongly,” said Claus lockdown. continue to support the sec- Separate data showed north. QatarTribune Qatar_Tribune QatarTribuneChannel qatar_tribune Hertha Berlin sign World Cup winner Khedira; Bayern loan out pair TUESday, FEBRUARY 2, 2021 page 14 Qatar World Cup will see packed stadiums: FIFA chief Infantino

Agencies/fifa Geneva FIFA & WHO launch public The FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 will be played at packed awareness campaign ahead of stadiums, football governing body FIFA President Gianni FIFA Club World Cup Qatar 2020 Infantino said on Monday. “We’re going back to where we need to be,” stressed Infan- tino while speaking at a virtual meeting from Geneva. “Next year, the Qatar 2022 world championship will have an audience, we hope that the COVID pandemic will be a thing of the past and we will all be able to see it in person. “I’m really, really confi- dent. We will enjoy the same magic that unites the whole world,” he said. FIFA has teamed up with the World Health Organiza- tion (WHO) to promote the need for fair access to COV- ID-19 vaccines, treatments and diagnostics, and to en- courage people to keep prac- ticing life-saving, everyday public health measures to pre- Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, World Health Organisation (WHO) Director-General (left), and football governing body FIFA President Gianni Infantino at the virtual news conference from Geneva on Monday to launch vent the spread of the corona- the FIFA and WHO #ACTogether campaign for global access to vaccines, treatments and diagnostics in the fight against new coronavirus (COVID-19). virus and to protect health. The FIFA President con- professionals will we be able tinued: “We have been work- Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director- to eliminate the threat posed ing with the WHO since last General, thanked FIFA and the players for helping by COVID-19, and I call upon Health is a priority, when we year on a protocol for the re- raise awareness on life saving interventions that everyone to follow these steps turn to football. play football what we want in their daily lives. This advice “Health is a priority, when is to protect the health of all people can follow, and of the importance of not only protects you, but also we play football what we want everyone, the footballers, intensified global support for the ACT Accelerator protects your loved ones and is to protect the health of eve- the referees, the coaches, to ramp up development and equitable allocation those around you. In deliver- ryone, the footballers, the ref- of vaccines, treatments and tests. ing these messages during the erees, the coaches, the public. the public. And whatever we FIFA Club World Cup, I ap- And whatever we do, we will do, we will do it following preciate the support given by do it following health protocols health protocols that do not munity to #ACTogether to treatments and tests to reduce the participating teams and that do not put anyone at risk. put anyone at risk. ensure a level playing field in severe disease and deaths their players, coaching staff “Of course, we must find a relation to access to vaccines, caused by the coronavirus and other officials in respect- balance, but we must respect FIFA President Gianni Infantino treatments and diagnostic pandemic. ing the protocols that need to the laws and regulations of the tests across the globe,” Infan- “Fairness is the founda- against COVID-19. But our motional videos being broad- be followed in order to play countries,” he said. WHO are launching a public tino said during the video con- tion of football and all other goal now is to ensure equitable cast during the FIFA Club this tournament, and to en- “We already have the awareness campaign involv- ference prior to the kick-off of sports, and this also must be access and continued refine- World Cup. In the videos, sure that we keep the football protocol and we are going ing star footballers, through TV the FIFA Club World Cup. the same when it comes to ment of these tools.” competing club captains reit- flame flickering brightly dur- to monitor the situation in and in-stadium messaging, to Dr. Tedros Adhanom health,” said Dr. Tedros Adha- Dr. Tedros added: “WHO erate the key steps for every- ing these challenging times.” the coming weeks, the situa- further promote the Access to Ghebreyesus, WHO Director- nom Ghebreyesus. is grateful to FIFA for team- one to follow in order to tackle The video awareness cam- tion is evolving, international COVID-19 Tools (ACT) Acceler- General, thanked FIFA and “The rules of the COVID-19 ing up with health partners and defeat the coronavirus paign will feature players matches are going to be held ator initiative launched in April the players for helping raise challenge are simple: all peo- around the world to promote by focusing on hands, elbow, and head coaches from the from March, but it is clear that 2020, and to urge people to awareness on life saving in- ple at risk from the coronavi- the need for the fair distribu- face, distance, symptoms, competing teams at the FIFA we will not endanger anyone’s practice mask wearing, physical terventions that all people can rus in all countries must have tion of the tools needed to de- masks and opening windows. Club World Cup Qatar 2020 health,” he concluded. distancing and hand hygiene. follow, and of the importance equitable access to life-saving feat the coronavirus.” “It is important that we together with FIFA Legends, In conjunction with the “We all have to play our of intensified global support vaccines, treatments and di- The new FIFA-WHO col- do not forget that health and will be published on vari- FIFA Club World Cup 2020, part in the battle against the for the ACT Accelerator to agnostics. In just nine months, laboration will amplify life- comes first,” said the FIFA ous FIFA, WHO and club digi- being held in Qatar from 4 to coronavirus. We are also call- ramp up development and eq- the world has established these saving messages to a global President. “Only by follow- tal channels, with the support 11 February 2021, FIFA and ing on the international com- uitable allocation of vaccines, three powerful lines of defence audience with a series of pro- ing the advice of our medical of broadcasters worldwide. We will play to honour our country and Al Duhail: Almoez Tribune News Network Doha

Al Duhail’s start player Al- moez Ali is confident of the Qatar club’s chances against Al Ahly ahead of their FIFA Club World Cup 2020 match to be played at at the Educa- tion Stadium on Thursday. The Qatari champions received a bye into the sec- ond round their scheduled first-round opponents, New Zealand side Auckland City, pulled out of the tournament due to the nation’s coronavi- rus restrictions. That does not mean to say, however, Duhail will have it easy in their bid to go far in the competition. Their first oppo- nents will be reigning African Al Duhail’s star striker Almoez Ali (2nd left), and the team members during training sessions ahead of the FIFA Club World Cup Qatar 2020. Al Duhail play Al Ahly at the Education City Stadium on Thursday. champions Al Ahly, a team with considerable Club World to play,” the Qatari forward the league. found a big support from all tion in the Club World Cup as Cup experience, having made said. “We will face a quality Al Almoez admitted though the Qatari fans. a ‘big honour’. five previous appearances in Ahly team, which will make us that Duhail have to play their “Now we are participating “Our participation in this the competition. prepare in the perfect way. We best football in recent times and we hope to get the same championship is an honour for But Almoez said the team will play to honour our coun- at the FIFA Club World Cup. support from Qatar football us and it is representing Qatar was excited to play in such try and Al Duhail,” he added. “Our first appearance in this fans, because we are not just and it is one of the club’s ambi- a high profile tournament The Red Knights experi- championship has motivated representing our team but we tions,” he said. held at home and has set his enced a dip in results and per- us to give our best. are representing Qatar. We “The team is going in the sights on a meeting with Ger- formance this season, prompt- “We will have to prepare are waiting for the fans’ sup- right direction. We have been man giants Bayern Munich in ing the club’s management to better than recent times, be- port and their presence in the unlucky in recent matches but the semi-finals. “The team is appoint Sabri Lamouchi as cause the level of all the par- stadium will motivate us,” he that does not mean that the ready for this competition and head coach back in October. ticipating clubs will be high. noted. team will not give its best. We it is the first time for the club The Frenchman has bought We have to be at the same level victory and reaching the semi- Qatar to rally behind them. Meanwhile, Duhail’s for- are coming after a short break and most of the players and some consistency in the team’s as the, Against Al Ahly we will finals,” the 23-year-old said. “In the previous edition ward Ismail Mohamed de- and are refreshed, so the team certainly everyone is excited results as they are second in surprise our fans by achieving Almoez urged the fans in Al Sadd club participated and scribed the team’s participa- is confident,” Mohamed said. 14 Tuesday, February 2, 2021 Sports Hertha Berlin sign A motivated Messi World Cup winner Khedira; Bayern could spell bad news loan out pair DPA Berlin for Granada in the cup Former Germany midfield- er Sami Khedira joined Her- tha Berlin on Monday in what The divulging of was the big signing on Bun- Lionel Messi’s contract desliga transfer deadline day while champions Bayern Mu- details seemed to nich sent young talents Chris have served to give Richards and Joshua Zirkzee out on loan. him extra motivation Khedira was announced to prove his worth in shortly after the 6 pm (1700 the league at the GMT) transfer deadline by Hertha with all the details of weekend. Ronald his move from Italian cham- Koeman hopes that pions Juventus confirmed by continues in the cup the cut-off. Hertha also secured the as Barcelona face services of Serbia internation- Granada al midfielder Nemanja Radon- Juventus’ German midfielder jic on loan from French side Sami Khedira who will play for DPA Olympique Marseille. German Bundesliga club Hertha Barcelona Richards and Zirkzee Berlin, the club announced on meanwhile left Bayern Munich February 1, 2021. (AFP) Barcelona will hope Lionel on loan to get match experi- Messi keeps proving his worth ence at Hoffenheim and Parma Record champions Bayern this Wednesday when they on a day which was quiet by and some others haven’t made take on Granada in the Span- previous deadline standards as any signings but the Bavarians ish Cup quarter-finals. clubs stayed cautious amid the agreed a deal with Hoffenheim A story that appeared in coronavirus pandemic. and let Richards go. Spanish newspaper El Mundo Hertha are outside the Bun- “The aim is to offer the on Sunday detailed Messi’s desliga danger zone only on 20-year-old defensive player contract and suggested the goal difference after a 3-1 de- the opportunity to gain more money the club pay him is the feat at Eintracht Frankfurt on match practice in the German reason why they are in finan- Saturday and experienced 2014 top flight,” Bayern said in a cial straits. World Cup winner Khedira, statement, while Hoffenheim “Another game where who however has not played said Richards will “cover the Messi proves his worth” was Barcelona’s Argentinian forward Lionel Messi (left) scores during the Spanish League match against Athletic Club Bilbao at the Camp Nou since June, is a major capture. injury-ravaged defence.” the headline on the front of stadium in Barcelona on Sunday. (AFP) “In Sami Khedira we are “I’m looking forward to Marca on Sunday after Messi getting a atop player who has taking the next steps in my scored goal number 650 of his can put that right this week “We had chances but just published to one side but we the game at the Nuevo Los Car- been under contract with some development in Hoffenheim. Barcelona career in the team’s against Granada. couldn’t take them,” he said af- know it is difficult. Messi is a menes stadium in a bid to take of Europe’s top clubs,” said It’s important I pick up more 2-1 win over Athletic club. Granada warmed up for ter the frustrating goalless draw. great player. Without Leo we Barcelona to the semi-finals. Hertha sporting director Arne match practice in the Bundes- “That’s quite a question,” the big match at home with a This is another big chance cannot aspire to much.” That Of the other duels to reach Friedrich. “He will help us im- liga now,” the player said. said Antoine Griezmann after 0-0 draw against Celta Vigo for him to make his mark in was a variation on something the last four the stand out fix- mediately with his experience Richards will reunite with the game when he was asked but it was clear from his team the cup. Last season Granada he had said in his press con- ture comes on Thursday when in the Champions League, coach Sebastian Hoeness what price he would put on selection just how much im- came close to reaching the ference on Friday: “With the last season’s finalistsA thletic Serie A, La Liga and also with after they worked together Messi. “He is the best player portance coach Diego Martin- final but were denied byA th- players we have we know we Bilbao host Real Betis. the national team at the World last season when Bayern un- in the world and we just want ez is putting in the cup. letic Bilbao in the semi-finals. cannot aspire to win much.” Manuel Pellegrini’s side Cup and European Champi- der-23 team won the third him to stay here as long as pos- He rested centre-back Ger- Martinez’ Granada side Barcelona are still 10 points have improved of late and onships,” Khedira, 33, last league title. sible.” Elsewhere “Priceless man Sanchez and left centre- will have to deal with a moti- behind Atletico Madrid in the would love to stay in the cup played in the Bundesliga with Another Bayern talent, Messi” was the headline on Di- forward Roberto Soldado on vated Messi. league despite having won all alongside city rivals Sevilla VfB Stuttgart before joining striker Leon Dajaku, was sent ario Sport after the Argentine’s the bench until the last half Barca Ronald Koeman said their league games in January. who go to Almeria on Tuesday. Real Madrid in 2010. on loan to Union Berlin in 12th league goal of the season. and hour of the game against after the win over Athletic: “We The Cup remains their best The other quarter-final “Hertha made great ef- January also in order to get He is yet to score in the Celta. Both are likely to start have to be united. We need to chance of winning something sees Villarreal visit neighbours forts to sign me and offered more playing time in the Bun- current cup campaign but he against Barcelona. put the things that have been this season and Messi will start Levante on Wednesday. me the opportunity to return desliga while 19-year-old Zirk- to the Bundesliga,” he said. “I zee made the move to Serie A feel great physically would like strugglers Parma. to use the experience I have “We hope that he can de- Brighton sign Caicedo, Liverpool close to deal for defenders gained in recent years to help liver something in Parma so the team and lead Hertha to they’re not relegated,” Bayern LONDON: Brighton & Hove ing Virgil van Dijk, Joel Matip in the summer for 18 million Ainsley Maitland-Niles. Clubs remains subject to international more sporting success.” Her- chairman Karl-Heinz Rum- Albion signed Moises Caicedo and Joe Gomez. Ben Davies, has been agreed between the seem to be moving cautiously clearance but boss Graham tha did not give immediate de- menigge told Sky Sports news. from Independiente del Valle of currently at Preston North End, two clubs. West Bromwich with finances impacted by the Potter sees a lot of potential in tails of the move for Khediria, Parma have an option to make Ecuador’s top-flight on Monday is a reported target with a price Albion also confirmed a season- coronavirus pandemic and while Caicedo, who made his interna- whose Juventus contract was the move permanent for 15 mil- in what has been the biggest tag of up to two million pounds long loan deal for Turkish practical things like meeting tional debut for Ecaudor last Oc- set to expire in summer. lion euros (18.1 million dollars). deal of a slow transfer deadline (2.7 million dollars) as well as international Okay Yokuslu from potential signings face-to-face is tober. “He has done very well in While Khedira is a high- The biggest early deal of day so far. Turkish defender Ozan Kabak in Spanish club Celta Vigo. It is much harder given the ongoing Ecuador and made his debut for profile capture for Hertha, the window was RB Leipzig Premier League champi- an initial loan from Bundesliga West Brom’s third signing of the health restrictions. his country at just 18,” Potter Bundesliga clubs have gen- signing forward Dominik Szo- ons Liverpool were looking to bottom side Schalke. Reports window after Robert Snodgrass The 19-year-old midfielder said. “He’s an exciting signing, erally been shy during the boszlai from Red Bull Salzburg complete a deal for a defender in England suggest a fee of one from West Ham and Mbaye Caicedo has committed to a but it is important we give him winter transfer period due to for 20 million euros as they at- after a number of first-choice million pounds with an option to Diagne along with a reported four-year deal with Brighton time to adjust.” financial issues caused by the tempt a first league and Ger- centre backs are injured includ- make Kabak’s move permanent move for Arsenal defender that runs until 2025. The deal (DPA) coronavirus. man Cup title. Fans urged to plan ahead before attending FIFA Club WC matches fore kick-off and the Doha Metro will be running 17:00) the necessary permit. a full service each day. Sunday 7 February – Match 4 (kick-off Taxi: Kareem, Karwa and Uber services Al Mawlawi continued: “We encourage all 18:00) able to access dedicated taxi area near the spectators to arrive at least one hour before Monday 8 February – Match 6 – qualifier vs stadium. kick-off. Be prepared to follow any social dis- FC Bayern Munich (kick-off 21:00) Storage: Limited storage facilities tancing measures – wear a mask, show your Metro: Later metro services will be or- Ehteraz app when prompted and don’t get too ganised after Match 6 to allow fans to return T ravel advice for those not attending close to anyone who is not from the same home. Please listen for announcements matches household. We are also advising people not Parking: Parking will be available a short Doha Metro and local roads are expected to be in a rush to leave the stadium after the walk from the stadium. Please be aware tempo- to be busier than usual immediately before and match ends. Traffic is likely to be heavy and rary local road restrictions will be in place near after each match, while temporary road restric- people may need to wait to board the Doha the stadium and may not be picked up by your tions will also be in place near each stadium. ans planning to attend FIFA Club World Metro due to social distancing measures. in-car navigation. Please refer to our access It is recommended you avoid travelling at the Cup Qatar 2020 matches are being ad- Metro services will be running much later maps for your best route. Education City Station (Green Line) busiest times. vised to take the Doha Metro and arrive than usual to help ensure fans have a smooth Accessible parking: Accessible parking is FCWC 2020 matches: Thursday 4 Febru- Roads: Expected to be busier than usual at least one hour before kick-off. journey back home.” available but must be arranged in advance by ary – Al Duhail SC vs Al Ahly SC (kick-off 20:30) around each stadium for about two hours FQatar will host the 17th edition of the Al Mawlawi also advised anyone not attending those that qualify. When you collect your match Sunday 7 February – Match 5 (kick-off before and two hours after each match. tournament from 4-11 February. The tourna- matches to allow extra time for their journey ticket from QNCC please ask about accessible 21:00) Metro: Green Line is expected to be busier ment was due to be played in December but by road or metro. He also pointed out that parking and you will be provided with the neces- Thursday 11 February – Third-place play-off than usual at the following times. was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. temporary road restrictions would be in place sary permit. (kick-off 18:00) Thursday 4 February Matches will take place at two FIFA World Cup around each stadium on match days. Taxi: Kareem, Karwa and Uber services will Thursday 11 February – Final (kick-off Services toward Al Riffa station from 14:00 2022™ stadiums: Ahmad Bin Ali and Education be able to access the dedicated taxi area near 21:00) to 16:00 and services from Al Riffa station City, with a maximum capacity of 30% at each the stadium. Metro: Later metro services will be organ- after 19:00. venue due to COVID-19 precautions. Storage: Limited storage facilities ised to allow fans to return home. Please listen Services towards Education City station In order to help fans to plan their journeys, for announcements. from 17:30 to 19:30 and services from Educa- the FIFA Club World Cup Qatar 2020 Local Parking: Parking is available to the south tion City station after 22:30. Organising Committee (LOC) has announced a and east of the stadium. From the Southern Sunday 7 February range of key advice – including to arrive early, Car Park, it is a 5-10-minute bus journey to/ Services towards Al Riffa station from respect social distancing and be aware of from the stadium. From the Eastern Car Park, 15:00 to 17:00 and services from Al Riffa sta- temporary road restrictions in the vicinity of it is a 10-15-minute bus journey or a 40-45 tion after 20:00. tournament venues. minute walk. Please consider walking, particu- Services towards Education City station Abdulaziz Al Mawlawi, the LOC’s Host Coun- larly after the match, as buses are expected from 18:00 to 20:00 and services from Educa- try Operations Director, said: “Our main mes- to be busy. Also, please be aware, temporary tion City station after 23:00. sage to fans is to plan ahead before you travel. local road restrictions will be in place near the Monday 8 February Check the official channels and social media stadium and may not be picked up by your in- Services towards Al Riffa station from for any updates in relation to road closures, Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium car navigation. 18:00 to 20:00 and services from Al Riffa sta- public transport and COVID-19 protocols.” Distance from central Doha: 22km Accessible parking: Accessible parking tion after 23:00. Fans will be able to travel to all matches by Doha Metro: Within walking distance of Al is available but must be arranged in advance Thursday 11 February the Doha Metro, car or taxi. Each stadium will Riffa Station (Green Line) Education City Stadium by those that qualify. When you collect your Services towards Education City station open three hours before kick-off. Parking and FCWC 2020 matches: Thursday 4 Febru- Distance from central Doha: 13km match ticket from QNCC please ask about ac- from approximately 15:00 and services from taxi areas will be available from three hours be- ary – Tigres UANL vs Ulsan Hyundai FC (kick-off Doha Metro: Within walking distance of cessible parking and you will be provided with Education City station after 23:00. (SC) Sports Tuesday, February 2, 2021 15

Al Shamal SC set up Qatar Cup final clash with Al Gharafa

Qatar Motor and Motorcycle Federation (QMMF) Abdulrahman bin Abdullatif Al Mannai. QMMF president elected to FIM Board of Directors QNA round of the MotoGP World Geneva Championship for 13 con- secutive times, and 17 times President of Qatar Mo- since it first hosted it in 2004. tor and Motorcycle Federa- In a statement on this oc- tion (QMMF) Abdulrahman casion, Al Mannai expressed bin Abdullatif Al Mannai has his pride as a Qatari and Arab been elected to the Board of citizen for the achievement of Directors of the Internation- winning membership of the al Motorcycling Federation International Motorcycle Fed- (FIM) for the next four years. eration, pointing out that ob- Al Mannai was chosen dur- taining this great international ing the by-elections for three position confirms the impor- Al Shamal scored a thrilling 74-73 win over Al Sadd in the semi-final of the Qatar Cup basketball tournament to set up a final clash with Al Gharafa SC, who earlier defeated Qatar seats held during the first on- tance and weight of the State of SC 83-72. The semi-finals were played at the Al Gharafa Sports Club on Monday. The final between Al Shamaal and Al Gharafa will be played at 6pm on Wednesday. Al Gharafa will line edition of the FIM’s Gen- Qatar at the international level. be looking to win Qatar Cup for a fourth time in the eighth edition. Meanwhile, Al Shamal will be looking to secure their first-ever title. Al Gharafa is the only team to have won the eral Assembly that took place He stated that winning cup more than once, having emerged champions in 2014, 2015, and 2017. (TNN) over two days in Geneva, this position was not a co- Switzerland. incidence, but rather it was Al Mannai won 51 votes, a result of tireless work and while President of the Ar- effort throughout the past gentine Federation Ignacio period since assuming the Fernandez received 56 votes, task of the president of the and President of the Swedish QMMF, stressing that dur- Federation Hakan Lyman, ing his term in the Interna- Pliskova, Serena power ahead 50 votes. tional Federation, he will try The Qatari candidate’s to build bridges of trust and winning was as a result of his cooperation with all federa- excellent electoral program, tions in various continents of which focused mainly on the world. the talented youth, through Al Mannai considered his in Yarra Valley Classic the Qatar Mechanical Sports new position as a great chal- Academy, which was offi- lenge, while affirming at the WTA “Overall, I want to move cially launched in October same time his ability to take Melbourne better, but everything comes 2018 and has a great number responsibility. He added that with a better feeling when you of young talents from around development and progress Two former World No.1s en- trust yourself a little more. the world, in addition to the achieved in various fields of joyed straightforward passage Without too many matches, leading role of the State of sport in the past few years through to the third round of you’re thinking maybe a little Qatar in motorcycle sport, prove the Qatari capabilities the Yarra Valley Classic on bit too much, but I think I did as it hosted the inaugural on the ground. Monday as No.3 seed Karo- a good job today. I just want lina Pliskova and No.5 seed to build on that and keep im- Serena Williams each secured proving.” straight-set victories in their Up next for Pliskova is a tournament debuts. match against No.13 seed and First through between the former Australian Open semi- Qatar’s Marzo top-scorer pair was Pliskova, who struck finalist Danielle Collins, who seven aces and 30 winners in eased to a 6-1, 6-2 victory over at Handball Worlds total to dispatch 20-year-old Serbia’s Nina Stojanovic. Italian Elisabetta Cocciaretto, “We’ve never played, and Serena Williams (right) of the US and Australia’s Daria Gavrilova touch the racquets after their Yarra Valley QNA the second Arab player to 6-3, 6-2. Over the course of there aren’t many players like Classic women’s singles match in Melbourne on Monday. (AFP) Cairo win the World Handball the one hour, 17-minute affair, this for me except the young Championship top scorer Pliskova earned a whopping ones,” Pliskova said. After saving four break was really good and it felt good third career meeting, winning Qatari handball team player title after Tunisian Wissam 18 break point chances, con- “It’s going to be an interest- points in the opening game to clinch that in the end.” eight of the first nine games in Frankis Carol Marzo won the Hammam, who won the title verting on five of them. ing match and I’m looking for- of the match, Williams largely There was little trouble on just over 30 minutes played. top scorer title in the 27th in the 2005 edition. “I feel like I need some ward to it. She’s playing well had it all her own way against offer for the No.11 and No.14 Though Doi put up some World Men’s Handball Cham- The Denmark national matches so I’m definitely here always every year, so it’s the 26-year-old, who compet- seeds in their tournament de- late resistance in the second pionship, which concluded on team won the World Champi- happy that I’m through to the going to be a nice match.” ed hard in an effort that might buts, as Anastasia Pavlyuchen- set - she got back even from a Sunday in Egypt. onship for the second time in next round,” the Czech said af- On Margaret Court Arena, not have been completely re- kova and Nadia Podoroska com- 4-2 deficit - she proved unable Marzo scored 58 goals in 7 a row after winning the final ter the match. “I felt like I did Williams extended her domi- flected on the scoreboard. bined to lose just nine games in to push ahead. matches for the Qatari nation- match against Swedish coun- a good job in the second set nance against former Top 20 “It was a good match for me. their first round matches. The left-hander dropped al team, which left the tourna- terpart (26-24). The Span- especially... and as the match player Daria Gavrilova in an It wasn’t easy at all. It was lots The Russian, noted lover serve for a fourth time in the ment in the quarter-finals. ish national team took third went on, I felt I was playing hour and 34 minutes thanks of rallies and lots of movement, of the courts at Melbourne penultimate game and was The Norwegian top goal place after winning against better and better. I just need to to a 6-1, 6-4 victory - extend- and she’s from here, so she ob- Park as a three-time quarterfi- unable to convert either of two scorer Sander Sagosen came French counterpart (35-29) in find the rhythm again of play- ing her career head-to-head viously always plays hard,” the nalist at the Australian Open, break point chances to extend second with 54 goals. a match to determine the third ing tournaments and I thought against the Aussie to 4-0 with- American added in her post- raced out of the gates against the match, securing the Rus- Frankis Carol Marzo is and fourth places. it was a good start. out the loss of a set. match press conference. “So it the Japanese No.3 in their sian her 350th WTA victory.

Another dimension to Paris Saint-Germain & Jordan Brand Grateful Barty rested New PSG shirt, lifestyle collection now at Villagio and ready to fire Agencies Melbourne

Ashleigh Barty gritting her teeth, fist-pumping from the stands is one of the endearing off-court images in sport from a Covid-stifled 2020. It came during Barty’s Australia’s Ashleigh Barty. extended stint back home in Brisbane, having drawn a line “I never thought I’d see the through her season – includ- day where there would be a ing her French Open title de- grand final at the Gabba, that fence – as the pandemic wors- I’d be home to watch it and the ened abroad. Tigers were in it, as well. The The fist pump was reserved stars aligned for me in a fan’s for her beloved Richmond Ti- perspective with football. gers during their premiership “It was nice to be home. run in Brisbane – a scene usual- I felt like I got to do a lot of ly played out in front of a patchy things last year that I don’t get PSG’s star player Kylian Mbappe sports the new jersey. live stream or, at best, a televi- to do while I’m travelling, so I sion while on the road abroad. certainly had to enjoy that and Tribune News Network as the first club of the new Barty relished the chance take the silver lining from the Doha generation, the range also un- to cheer on her team live with cards that were dealt.” derlines the will of a club that family and friends. The cherry For the second straight Paris Saint-Germain and dares, a club that is avant- on top came when she pre- year, Barty heads into her Jordan Brand, exclusive gardist and pioneering, push- sented the premiership cup at home Grand Slam as the top partners since 2018, are re- ing the limits and innovating Models reflect the new PSG and Jordan Brand exclusive Spring-Summer lifestyle collection 2021. the Gabba last October. seed. Despite having elected to leasing a Spring-Summer internationally, creating and The Tigers’ run only fuelled skip the French and US Opens, 2021 lifestyle collection. De- inspiring. by millions of fans across the and Black colors bringing the “PARIS”, based on the NASA Barty’s competitive fires to re- Barty was able to protect her veloped around a visionary This new kids, women and globe, and already the 20/21 theme to life. The jersey and space shuttle typeface, as Paris turn to professional competi- standing at No.1. fourth jersey inspired by the men’s collection – including collection’s success in winning shorts use a unique mesh that Saint-Germain projects itself tion on home soil. The Queenslander man- Milky Way, this collection il- an Air Jordan 1 Zoom and a over retailers in France and echoes the mythical Elephant into the future while relying “Overall I’m a competitive aged an exhibition match lustrates the new dimension fourth jersey – expresses the abroad is extraordinary. Print created for the Air Jor- on the past. person. I bring competition against Simona Halep last in which the capital’s club is constant creativity of Paris The two ranges, Perfor- dan 3 in 1987. The collection is now avail- into my training, into my hob- week. evolving. Saint-Germain and Jordan. mance and Lifestyle, are based The Performance range able to residents of Qatar ex- bies. Certainly watching the It was a taste of the crowds Symbolizing the ambi- This audacity has been ac- on a spatial universe, with the is completed by a training kit clusively at Villaggio Mall in Tigers from a fan’s perspective she expected would again tion of Paris Saint-Germain claimed for several seasons Hyper Pink, Psychic Purple featuring a new monogram the Paris Saint-Germain store. was incredible,” Barty said. build at Melbourne Park. 16 Tuesday, February 2, 2021 The Last Word Qatar National Library provides ‘colourful insights’ into our past

speeches. servation, the first edition of “The importance of pre- Pigments and dyes spotlighted as forum at Among the experts who the forum drew a huge crowd serving items from the past QNL examined rare manuscripts and objects gave talks were Amelie Cou- of over 600 specialists and cannot be overstated, as these vrat Desvergnes, paper and enthusiasts from all around documents are simply irre- Tribune News Network dyes used in manuscripts book researcher and conser- the world, who enjoyed our placeable. I thought the fo- Doha and heritage items. Audience vator, Dr Mandana Barkeshli, delivery of the lectures in both rum was a wonderful event members also learned about conservation scientist and English and Arabic. It was and I’m now looking forward Ancient manuscripts and the most important spectro- principal fellow at the Univer- an honour to work with Qa- to being part of similar events heritage objects were put un- scopic techniques for non- sity of Melbourne, Dr Antoni- tar National Library on such at our library over the course der the spotlight when Qatar invasive and non-destructive no Cosentino, cultural herit- a successful event and I am of this year – hopefully when National Library (QNL) played analysis of precious docu- age scientist, Maxim Nasra, looking forward to our con- our visitors will be able to at- host to a special six-day event. ments and objects, which has book conservation specialist tinued cooperation on other tend in person.” The ‘Scientific Applications an impact on fundamental at QNL, and Dr Sadra Zekr- important initiatives that con- The Scientific Applica- in Cultural Heritage Forum’, knowledge, interpretation and goo, materials conservation tribute to heritage preserva- tions in Cultural Heritage Fo- launched online on January conservation. scientist at the University of tion in the Arab region and the rum comes in the framework 25 and attracted a sold-out au- The forum also featured Melbourne. Middle East.” of the library’s mission to dience who enjoyed a series of lectures on Arabic and Persian On what the future holds Nasra said: “It was delight- preserve the nation’s and re- lectures and practical sessions pigments and how they were for the forum and the dis- ful to engage in an immersive gion’s heritage by developing led by renowned historians made; the various dyestuffs processes encountered with National Commission for Ed- cussions it has started, Dr Al intellectual exchange with an innovative programmes and and conservation experts from used for Arabic manuscripts, pigments and dyes found in ucation, Culture and Science, Sulaiti said: “Owing to the enthusiastic audience around services that are delivered in a several fields of interest. extraction methods and dye- Islamic manuscripts. and Stephane Ipert, director significance of the issues and such fascinating topics, and I trusted information environ- The principal focus of the ing processes; and conserva- Dr Hamda Al Sulaiti, sec- of Distinctive Collections at techniques discussed and believe all of those participat- ment and a technologically event was on pigments and tion issues and deterioration retary-general of the Qatari QNL, delivered opening day their impact on heritage con- ing got a great deal out of it. exceptional setting. Sidra Medicine gets new set of ACGME-I WCM-Q students receive accreditations for its fund for ecology research paediatric specialities The students will document the flora and fauna in the area and conduct comparison studies Tribune News Network Tribune News Network in the entire Middle East Doha Doha and so we hope our paper encourages future research Sidra Medicine, a Qatar Students at Weill Cornell in the area on constructed Foundation entity, has been Medicine–Qatar (WCM-Q) wetlands.” awarded new accreditations have received funding for The cataloguing of the for its fellowship programmes their research cataloguing species at Al Karaana La- from the Accreditation the biodiversity of lagoons goons will take place at both Council for Graduate Medi- created at a wastewater day and night and may dem- cal Education-International treatment plant. onstrate the importance of (ACGME-I). The rehabilitation of the lagoons for migratory The ACGME-I is a body Al Karaana Lagoons by birds. When Ashghal con- directly aligned with ACGME, the Public Works Author- ducted a study in September the international best practice ity (Ashghal) began in 2017, 2015, they found 48 bird standard that accredits the Prof Ibrahim Janahi, chair of Medi- augmented by a package species associated with the majority of graduate medical cal Education at Sidra Medicine domestic wastewater treat- site, but this was before the training programmes for doc- ment plant in the vicinity. water was treated to such a tors in the United States. The accreditation demon- Since then, the area, which high standard to remove all The accreditation dem- strates that Sidra Medicine’s is approximately 60km contaminants. onstrates that Sidra Medi- southwest of Doha off Salwa Dr Chen said it would be cine’s graduate medical graduate medical education Road, has become a haven very interesting to see the education programmes have programmes have met for wildlife and is particu- results and was a valuable met ACGME-I’s established ACGME-I’s established larly rich in bird life. learning experience for the standards for institutional, standards for institutional, Mentored by the Divi- students involved. foundational and advanced foundational and advanced sion of Pre-medical Educa- She said, “Qatar is obvi- speciality education. speciality education tion’s Associate Professor ously a dry, desert country The latest ACGME-I ac- of Biology Dr Kuei-Chiu with no standing freshwater creditations at Sidra Medi- Chen, students at WCM-Q but it is on the flight path cine include paediatric sur- healthcare organisation. will now document the flora of thousands of migratory gery, paediatric radiology, Prof Ibrahim Janahi, chair and fauna found in the area birds. It will be interesting to paediatric nephrology and of Medical Education at Sidra and compare the statistics see how many species have neo-natal-perinatal medi- Medicine, said: “The ACGME- to those from 2015 and 2017 started taking advantage cine. These are in addition to I employs a comprehensive, before the water was cleaned of the lagoons as a resting existing ACGME-I accredi- peer-review process not only to such a high standard. to the treatment plant for a process, following the waste I had underestimated its di- point since their creation. tations that Sidra Medicine to evaluate but also to improve The pre-medical stu- long time and it definitely as it arrived to the plant un- versity.” “From an educational already has for paediatric and publicly recognise pro- dents visited the site during was a great way to contex- til the last stage where we Ayaterahman hoped point of view, the study will pulmonology, paediatric car- grammes and sponsoring in- the college’s winter break tualise all the research we were shocked to see the final the rehabilitation of the Al be an invaluable educational diology, paediatric neurol- stitutions in graduate medical to see how the wastewater had made into the process product looked as clear as Karaana lagoon and the tool, introducing students ogy and child and adolescent education that meet, and often is treated and watch it be by seeing with our own eyes. drinking water. work on monitoring any to the concept for research mental health. exceed, standards of educa- pumped into the lagoons, We first got briefed on the She added, “The main changes in biodiversity will and allowing them to take The accreditation process tional quality. and have recently been overarching waste decon- purpose of the study is to soon see it opened up to the responsibility for it. I will be for the new fellowship pro- “For Sidra Medicine, awarded a grant from WCM- tamination process and the observe any changes in bio- public as an educational rec- there to provide mentorship, grammes included a compre- the ACGME-I accreditation Q’s Student Research Men- many steps required as the diversity of the Al Karaana reational area. but we really want them to hensive evaluation of Sidra means that we are develop- torship Programme to help engineers explained how the Lagoon after its environ- She said, “We expect take ownership of this re- Medicine, its academic and ing a stronger and well-es- them complete the study. entire plant functioned. mental rehabilitation, which that the success of the la- search. As qualified doctors, administrative effectiveness, tablished learning environ- Ayaterahman Draidia, “Afterwards, we were we will do by collecting data goon as a constructed wet- WCM-Q expects them to with a specific focus on the ment for medical trainees in is one of the students tak- given a tour of the entire on various organisms, start- land encourages such wet- conduct their own medical robustness of its internal Qatar. Our programmes will ing part in the study along plant, where we were able ing with birds. As a lifelong lands to be considered more research and to embrace the quality assurance system. continue to build on our aca- with Momina Tareen and to take a close look at all of resident of Qatar, I was sur- often as viable methods of ideas of lifelong learning and This includes policies, prac- demic credibility in order to Nuran Bayaktar. the different tanks and gen- prised by how little I knew maintaining biodiversity. As knowledge creation, so this tices and how they impact strengthen our standing as a She said, “I had been erators involved. We were about the country’s bird of now, our study is prob- is their first step towards the quality of all the medical premier teaching hospital in looking forward to our trip taken through the entire population and how greatly ably the only one of its kind that goal.” programmes offered by the the region.” Msheireb Museums announces winners of design competition The winning designs will be displayed in the museum gift shop

Tribune News Network Doha

Msheireb Museums, the cul- tural and tourist destination at Msheireb Downtown Doha, has announced the winners of the Msheireb Museums Design competition, launched in last September targeting creative designers in Qatar. The judging panel com- prised Eng Ali Al Kuwari, acting First-prize winner Nimrah Kabiruddin (second left) and other winners with Msheireb Museums officials at the awards ceremony. CEO of Msheireb Properties, Dr Hafez Ali Msheireb Museums competition Nimrah Kabirud- the four heritage houses and for showcasing proficiency and their achievement as a starting venir product that represents ative youth, explore new talents director, and Amir Berbić, VCU din reserved the first place for releasing different smells that creativity. Their designs will be point in their future careers. Msheireb Museums or Msheir- and preserve the Qatari nation- Arts Qatar Dean. The submit- her design that captures the carried their memories. Nima displayed with their names in Msheireb Properties are proud eb Downtown Doha, which can al heritage and legacy. ted designs were evaluated ac- structure of Msheireb mosque Noorudin was selected for the Msheireb Museums Gift Shop. of such initiatives that come be showcased and sold in the Msheireb Museums organ- cording to specific criteria, such using laser-cut plywood with- third place for designing an We will continue to support under our social responsibility Msheireb Museums’ gift shop. ises creative exhibitions that as uniqueness and creativity of out any adhesive. Coming in oil diffuser made of wood and and promote youth creativity to support the creative commu- The invitation was open to shed light on Qatari heritage the invention, use of Msheireb second place, Hamzah Al Mu- marble in gold finish. and innovation. nity, especially the youth.” all designers, innovators, stu- and history. The gift shop at Museums and or Msheireb jahed presented his design Dr Hafez Ali delivered the “The competition received Msheireb Museums De- dents and the general public Msheireb Museums is a perfect Downtown Doha concepts. titled ‘Memories’ reflecting awards and gifts to the winners, many entries, and it was chal- sign competition required all aged 18 years and above who space to display and buy tradi- The competition received Msheireb Museums using four commenting: “Msheireb Muse- lenging to decide the winners. participants to submit a crea- are residents of Qatar. Its main tional gifts representing Qatar’s 207 designs, and after fierce different candles representing ums congratulates the winners We hope the winners consider tive design for a unique sou- objective was to inspire the cre- identity and heritage.