No Need to Panic Over COVID-19, Says Moph Over 3,000 Tested for Virus: Ofﬁcials No Plans to Close Down Schools in Qatar

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Sheikha Moza openS QF’S eQuine Veterinary Medical center No need to panic over COVID-19, says MoPH Over 3,000 tested for virus: Ofﬁcials No plans to close down schools in Qatar

CATHERINE W GICHUKI DOHA

MORE than 3, 000 people have been tested for coronavirus (COVID-19) so far in Qa- tar and only 12 of them tested positive for the virus, Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) officials said at a press conference on Saturday. The officials assured that there is no need to panic as Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, Chairperson of Qatar Foundation, officially opened Al Shaqab’s all the suspected cases were Equine Veterinary Medical Center on Saturday. The world-class equine healthcare and research facility is the put at quarantine facilities on first of its kind in the Middle East, offering specialised medical services as well as research programmes to their arrival in Doha and they promote veterinary sciences. During a tour of the Education City-based centre — a member of Qatar Foun- never had any interaction with Ministry of Public Health officials address a press conference in Doha on Saturday. dation — to mark its opening, Sheikha Moza was given an insight into its services, technologies, and equine anyone. healthcare practices, while also meeting members of its team. (HHOPL/AR AL BAkeR) PAGE 2 All indicators on the possi- Regarding travelling, he bility of spread of the virus in said people who are above 60 the country remain low, they One more tests positive for virus years old, or with or without added. in Qatar, total cases reach 12 chronic diseases to postpone Director of Public Health their travel plans. Department Sheikh Dr Mo- THe Ministry of Public Health “It is better for them not to hammed bin Hamad al Thani on Saturday reported a new travel and they can lower the Many firms in pipeline said the cases that have tested confirmed case of coronavirus burden on us to bring them positive so far are those who (COVID-19) in Qatar, taking back, in case they fall sick. Here, for QSE listing: Official returned from Iran. the total number of cases in we have the treatment, system, “The patients who tested the country to 12. and wait and see what is com- SATYENDRA PATHAK positive for the virus are being The infected patient – a ing in the next few months.” DOHA treated at the Communicable Qatari citizen who recently He stressed that the cur- Disease Center (CDC). All the returned from Iran --- is under- rent situation does not require QATAR Stock Exchange (QSE) infected patients are in stable going treatment at the Com- his arrival. The chances of the closing schools given that the is in talks with a good number condition,” he said, adding municable Disease Center disease outbreak in Qatar are chances of spread of the dis- of companies that are serious that, “We are giving them all under complete quarantine. still low, it added. ease in Qatar remains low. about getting listed on the lo- the protocols of the disease to His condition is stable, the The MoPH has reiterated He said they are constant- 70 trapped as cal bourse, the exchange’s list- ensure that there is no sudden MoPH said. that its coronavirus contact ly evaluating the ministry’s quarantine hotel ing director has said. deterioration of health.” In a statement, the MoPH centre is ready to receive measures and its effectiveness “Good number of local He said so far not a single confirmed that the patient reports or inquiries related to in stopping the spread of the in China collapses companies is in the pipeline case has been reported from the has not had any contact with the virus around the clock on virus. AROunD 70 people were to get listed on QSE. The files some of these family-owned community and the chances of community members since the toll-free number (16000). trapped after the collapse are at different stages of listing companies especially those the virus spread are very low. Continued on page 2  of a hotel used as a coro- process. The listing process who have applied to be listed navirus quarantine facility in takes more than a year from are currently at an advanced eastern China on Saturday, the date of submission of the stage. officials said. At least 38 files. Some of the files are at Emadi said that QSE has Quarantine facilities offering best care: Officials people have so far been advanced stages of listing pro- taken various initiatives to rescued from the rubble cess. As soon as they are ready, increase the number of listed CATHERINE W GICHUKI said all suspected cases being can order from outside.” place to prevent those offer- of the 80-room Xinjia hotel we are all prepared to welcome companies by raising aware- DOHA kept at the quarantine facilities Several buildings across ing services at the quarantine in coastal Quanzhou city. them on the exchange,” Qatar ness of the benefits of listing enjoying excellent services. the country and a hotel have facilities getting infections. Officials have yet to confirm Stock Exchange (QSE) Listing on the exchange. THE quarantine facilities in “They have their phones, been turned into quarantine “Different swabs are taken whether anyone died in the Director Abdul Aziz al Emadi Besides holding seminars Qatar are of world-class and WiFi, and they can speak facilities, he said. from them before they leave accident. Quanzhou authori- told Qatar Tribune. and workshops in association the patients are being offered to their families. They are “We have big and small that place. We also have peo- ties said over 700 rescue A number of family busi- with our partners, he said, excellent services, according served well,” he said, adding areas that can accommodate ple from different companies workers had been deployed nesses in Qatar have shown the exchange has also initi- to health officials. that they can call if they need hundreds of people for quar- who serve these people and to the scene along with growing interests to turn their ated one-to-one talks with the Sheikh Dr Mohammed bin to be served any kind of food antine,” he said. have to follow the protocol ambulances, excavators companies into public share- owners of family-owned com- Hamad al Thani, Director of they want. He said all necessary and ready to be tested if need and cranes. (AFP) holding entities, Emadi said, panies to persuade them to go the Public Health Department, “Food or anything, they measures have been put in be,” he said. adding the discussions with public. PAGE 8

Doha Oasis experiential theme Saudi Arabia detains king’s brother, park to open soon nephew in crackdown: Reports audi Arabia has detained comment by Saudi authorities. question his ability to lead Stwo senior members of the The detentions mark the following the 2018 murder of royal family — Prince Ahmed latest crackdown by Crown prominent journalist Jamal bin Abdulaziz, the younger Prince Mohammed bin Sal- Khashoggi by Saudi agents and brother of King Salman, and man, King Salman’s son and a major attack on Saudi oil in- Mohammed bin Nayef, the the de facto ruler of the king- frastructure last year, sources NMoQ wins two king’s nephew — according dom. have told Reuters news agency. to reports citing sources with Prince Mohammed, also The sources said royals knowledge of the matter. known as MBS, has moved to seeking to change the line of LCD Berlin Awards The Wall Street Journal consolidate power since re- succession view Prince Ahmed, THe national Museum of Qatar (nMoQ) reported the detentions of the placing his cousin, Moham- King Salman’s only surviv- has become the only cultural destination two royals on Friday and said med bin Nayef, as heir to the ing full brother, as a possible in the world to have won two prestigious they related to an alleged coup throne in 2017. Later that year, choice who would have the LCD Berlin Awards: the new Culture Des- attempt. Bloomberg also re- he arrested dozens of royals support of family members, tinations of the Year award in the ‘Middle ported the detentions, quoting and business people, in what the security apparatus and THe Doha Oasis Quest, the ‘Jewel in the Crown’ indoor, experiential theme park, east and Africa’ category and the Leading a source as saying that the pair was billed as a move against some Western powers. located at the heart of the Doha Oasis project is in the final stages of construction. Culture Destinations of the Year award for were accused of “treason”. corruption that was draining In late 2018, a video Quest consists of 22 attractions featuring a mix of seven thrill-based, eight family- Best Museum Shop. now in their sixth edi- Mohammed bin Nayef’s state coffers. emerged of Prince Ahmed fac- oriented and seven kid-focused attractions. The project consists of a stand-alone tion, the LCD Awards highlight the world’s younger brother, Prince Nawaf But the crown prince has ing protesters outside his Lon- seven-star luxury hotel, a three-storey shopping mall, elliptically shaped luxury best established and emerging cultural bin Nayef, had also been de- fuelled resentment among don residence and in which he residential suites, and a state-of-the-art, fully climatised indoor Themed experience destinations, recognising their exceptional tained, according to the New some prominent branches of seemed to criticise King Sal- Centre (TeC). The TeC will be open soon. (TNN) contribution to cultural life. PAGE 3 York Times. the ruling family by tightening man and his crown prince for There was no immediate his grip on power and some the war in Yemen. (AL JAZEERA) 02 Sunday, March 8, 2020

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amir sends condolences to tunisian president Sheikha Moza officially opens QF’s THe Amir HH Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al Thani on Saturday sent a cable of condolences to President of Tunisia kais Saied on the victims of terrorist bombing that took place near the uS embassy in Tunisian capital, Tunis, leading to the death of a security serviceman and wound- equine Veterinary Medical center ing several others. In the cable, HH the Amir expressed his strong con- demnation of the criminal act, stressing Qatar’s rejection of extremism, violence and terrorism, regardless of the motives and reasons. (QNA) The facility offers world-class equine healthcare, creates new knowledge through research and provides learning opportunities deputy amir sends condolences to TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK tunisian president DOHA THe Deputy Amir HH Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad al Thani on Saturday HH Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, sent a cable of condolences to President of Tunisia kais Saied on the Chairperson of Qatar Foun- victims of terrorist attack near the uS embassy in Tunisian capital, dation, officially opened the Tunis, on Saturday, leading to the death of a security serviceman and Equine Veterinary Medical wounding several others. HH the Deputy Amir wished the injured a Center (EVMC) – a regionally speedy recovery. (QNA) unique facility designed to provide the highest standard of pM sends condolences to tunisian healthcare for horses while also counterpart advancing veterinary science. During a tour of the Edu- PRIMe Minister and Minister of Interior He Sheikh khalid bin khalifa bin cation City-based centre – a Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, Chairperson of Qatar Foundation, officially opened Al Shaqaba’s Equine Veterinary Medical Center Abdulaziz al Thani on Saturday sent a cable of condolences to Prime member of Qatar Foundation (EVMC). The world class equine healthcare and research facility is the first of its kind in the Middle East, offering specialised medical services Minister of Tunisia elyes Fakhfakh on the victims of the terrorist bomb- – to mark its opening on Sat- as well as research programmes to promote veterinary sciences. ing near the uS embassy in Tunis on Saturday, wishing the injured a urday, HH Sheikha Moza was speedy recovery. (QNA) given an insight into its ser- Center provides for this symbol groundbreaking research, pro- benefits it is already bringing services include surgery, inter- vices, technologies and equine of our nation and region reflects vide opportunities for both to Qatar’s equine community nal medicine, rehabilitation, deputy commander of the amiri air Force healthcare practices, while also its enduring, central role in our postgraduate students and and the positive response to dentistry, diagnostic imaging meeting members of its team. society,” said Khalifa al Attiya, scientists, and raise awareness the services it provides, the role and pain management, with the meets tunisian air Force chief HH Sheikha Moza was ac- executive director of Al Shaqab, of the veterinary profession in it performs and the message it centre also offering a round- DePuTY Commander of the Amiri Air Force Brigadier-general (Pilot) companied on the tour of the QF’s equine and equestrian cen- Qatar. sends.” the-clock emergency service. Hazza nasser al Shahwani met on Saturday with Chief of Staff of the medical centre by ministers tre where the EVMC is based. “From healthcare, educa- The EVMC houses an Meanwhile, EVMC’s re- Air Force in Tunisia Brigadier general Mohamed Hajjem. During the and VIP guests. “The Arabian He added, “As well as pro- tion and innovation to help- equine referral hospital, a vet- search programme is aiming meeting, they reviewed the bilateral relations between the two countries horse breed is a respected, ad- viding an exceptional standard ing to preserve and promote a erinary diagnostic laboratory to make scientific advances in and the ways to enhance them. The meeting was held on the sidelines mired and much-loved corner- of equine healthcare for horse- vital aspect of Qatari and Arab and a clinical research labora- the field of equine medicine of the opening ceremony of the International Aerospace and Defence stone of the cultural heritage of owners throughout Qatar and culture, the Equine Veterinary tory, with its team of veteri- through collaborations and exhibition on the Tunisian island of Djerba, in the presence of President Qatar and the Arab world, and beyond, the centre aims to be Medical Center reflects the narians employing advanced clinical research projects, while of Tunisia kais Saied. The exhibition saw wide international participa- the world-class health care that at the forefront of creating new mission of Qatar Foundation, treatments and techniques to the centre also offers education- tion. (QNA) the Equine Veterinary Medical knowledge in this field through and we are delighted to see the care for horses. Its specialised al programmes. ‘MoPH fully transparent about COVID-19’ Continued from page 1  He noted that the responsibility addition to having airport clinic regarding the spread of information equipped with medical teams to The Ministry of Public Health is shared between the ministry and conduct screening and to assess all places students’ health at the top of members of society, highlighting passengers coming from endemic its priority, he said, reiterating that the public’s awareness of the im- countries.” conditions, as they stand, do not re- portance of seeking out informa- For his part, co-chair of the Na- quire the closing of schools. tion from official sources. tional Epidemic Preparation Com- “Other countries took the deci- Director of Health Protection mittee Dr Abdullatif al Khal said sion to close schools because they and Communicable Disease Con- the risk of the disease spreading in suspected that there were cases in trol at the Public Health Depart- Qatar is very low. the community. In Qatar, all the ment and co-chair of the National Regarding the shortage of cases are imported and in the quar- Epidemic Preparation Committee masks and sanitisers in pharma- antine,” he added. Dr Hamad al Rumaihi assured the cies, the officials said the MoPH The ministry is fully transpar- community that MoPH is taking all would assure the public that it is ent regarding the disease and is the required measures to deal with in contact with local agents for committed to providing the public COVID-19. medical supplies in Qatar to im- with accurate information. He said, “We have heightened port sufficient quantities of medi- He called on the public to stick our vigilance, for instance con- cal masks and sterilisers and pro- to obtaining information from offi- ducting thermal scanning for all vide them in pharmacies as soon cial sources and avoid rumours. inbound passengers to Doha, in as possible. QC panel reviews private sector efforts to tackle the coronavirus

QNA DOHA

QATAR Chamber’s Health Commit- tee held its first meeting this year to discuss the efforts undertaken by the private sector to confront the coronavirus (COVID-19). The meeting reviewed government requirements from the private sector to support the state’s procedures in dealing with the coronavirus, the role of the private sector in combating the virus, and the private sector’s preparedness to pro- sector through raising community pared by the committee in deal with vide relevant medical supplies. awareness and dissemination of the virus. The meeting was presided over by health culture of staff and visitors to Nora al Mulla said she represent- QC Board Member and Chairperson health centres and hospitals to reduce ed a link between the governmental of the Committee Ibtihaj al Ahmada- the spread of the virus. She affirmed and private sector, affirming that ni in the presence of the Director of the importance of enhancing com- the Health Ministry and its staff are Facilities Licensing at the Ministry of munication between the ministry continuously working to improve the Public Health Nora Abdulla al Mulla and the private health sector to help business environment of the private and the committee’s Vice Chair- centres and hospitals learn about the sector. manKhalid al Emadi. latest developments and instructions Mullaadded that the Communi- Ahmadani stressed the role issued by the official authorities in the cable Disease Center (CDC) under played by the committee in address- country. Hamad Medical Corporation is the ing issues related to the private health She noted that the committee authorised institution in the state to sector, noting that it contacts with all prepared a proposal of action plan treat patients suspected of the coro- bodies concerned in the country to including preventive actions for tack- navirus, noting that hospitals and face any obstacles. ling the virus, pointing out to that it centres only do the initial assessment She praised the Ministry of Public would be circulated to hospitals and of cases and transfer them to the CDC. Health’s interaction with the commit- medical centres soon. With regard of procedures for tee’s efforts to streamline the business Khalid al Emadi noted that the licensing of private hospitals and environment of the private health sec- committee praised efforts made by medical centres, Mulla said that pro- tor during the current circumstances. the committee to contribute to the cedures are currently being reviewed Ahmadani also emphasised that state’s efforts to counter the virus for more ease in order to help build the committee seeks to highlight the spread, underlining the importance an appropriate business environ- preventive role of the private health of the proposed plan of action pre- ment. nation Sunday, March 8, 2020 03 Public Administration course to help German embassy urges holidayers to complete prepare cadres for govt entities: CCQ visa procedures early The programme seeks to get graduates ready for roles in administration, finance and human resources, among others TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK the Visa Application Centre can TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK DOHA be obtained within 1 of 2 days. DOHA During the summer travel sea- WITH the travel season about to son, especially in June and July, THE Community College of Qatar begin, the German Embassy in waiting time for appointments (CCQ) held an orientation day on its Doha has advised Qatari citizens could be one week or more due to Public Administration programme and expatriates in the country, the high demand,” the embassy for officials from various govern- who wish to choose Germany pointed out. ment entities. as their summer destination in For Qatari nationals, the The event, held under the patron- 2020, to start the visa procedures minimum processing time of visa age of the Ministry of Administrative early to avoid difficulties. will be 3-5 working days from the Development, Labour and Social Af- “In 2019 we witnessed a date the application arrives at the fairs, served as a framework to en- considerable increase in the embassy. For other nationalities, hance ties between the college and number of visas issued by the it could take up to 15 days. the country’s ministries and govern- German Embassy in Doha, un- “In accordance with the ment institutions by highlighting the derlining Germany’s position as Schengen Code, a Schengen visa ways the programme can benefit Qa- key partner for Qatari citizens for a short stay of up to 90 days tari professionals working or plan- and their families for holiday, has to be applied for through the ning to work across these entities. leisure and medical visits. The embassy of the country which is Those present at the event in- expatriates in Qatar are also your main destination,” the em- cluded Abdulah Musalam al Dosari, showing greater interest in Ger- bassy said. The main destination assistant undersecretary of Admin- many for holiday, trade fair and is the country where the applicant istrative Development Affairs at the The event was held under the patronage of the Ministry of Administrative Development, Labour and Social Affairs. business visits,” said the embas- intends to spend the longest time Ministry of Administrative Devel- sy in a press statement. or where the main purpose of the opment, Labour and Social Affairs, services provided by the State.” Since 2018, VFS Global Qatar journey is carried out. in addition to a number of human He added, “The purpose of the has been the only German visa “However, for your entry and resources and training and develop- Public Administration programme, application centre authorised departure, you may cross any ment managers from a number of which is the only programme of its by the embassy. All applicants Schengen border to reach your government institutions. kind offered in Qatar, is to provide are required to book a prior ap- destination with a visa issued by The event featured a discussion enrollees with the education and pointment through their website any Schengen Member State,” the session, led by CCQ faculty, that ex- skillset necessary to improve the www.visa.vfsglobal.com/qat/ embassy explained. plored contemporary issues in Pub- State’s efficiency and effectiveness, en/deu in order to keep waiting Anybody entering Ger- lic Administration, a segment where in support of the Human Develop- times as short as possible, said many from a non-European graduates of the programme shared ment pillar of Qatar National Vision the embassy. Union country carrying cash, their experiences and a specialised 2030, whether across the govern- “Unfortunately, some private gold, jewellery or other valu- session entitled ‘Challenges and ment sector, non-profit and civil persons and agencies are claim- ables worth a total amount of Hopes’ with the participation of stu- society organizations, or volunteer ing to render visa or messenger €10,000 or more is obliged to dents enrolled in the Public Adminis- entities.” services to German Schengen declare this to the German cus- tration Department. Development, Labour and Social He appreciated QCC for its ef- Among the courses offered as part customers, without being en- toms office in writing. CCQ’s Public Administration Affairs, the Ministry of Interior, the forts, achievements and contribu- of the programme are ‘Governmental dorsed by the German Embassy. “Travellers who intend to programme, which is offered as an Qatar Armed Forces, Hamad Medi- tions to the qualification of national Agencies’, ‘Public Relations in the Please be cautious of the prices bring an amount of €10,000 or Associate or Bachelor’s degree, is cal Corporation, the Primary Health cadres working in ministries and Public Sector’, ‘Public Sector Man- and quality of service of such more in cash or valuables per among the college’s academic offer- Care Corporation and Kahramaa. other state institutions. agement’, ‘Ethics in the Public Sec- agencies since various complaints person to Germany can down- ings, which distinguish it from Qa- Addressing the gathering, Do- CCQ President Dr Mohamed al tor’ and ‘Introduction to Emergency have been received about over- load the cash declaration at tar’s higher education institutions. sari emphasised the importance of Naemi said, “At the forefront of our in- Management’, as well as courses in priced services and wrong visa www.zoll.de prior to their trip To date, the programme has human resources to national de- stitution is our commitment to provid- human resources, politics, statistics information,” the embassy said. and present the completed dec- graduated close to 1,000 female and velopment as the primary means to ing highly-qualified national cadres ca- and emergency management. Visas can be applied for up laration form upon arrival to male students, over 90 percent are achieving development goals in the pable of making valuable contributions The programme will help prepare to 6 months prior to the planned the German customs officers to employed across diverse government economic, industrial, environmental to Qatar, future leaders who make graduates for roles in administra- date of departure. facilitate entry procedures,” the ministries and institutions, includ- and other sectors as it is a prerequi- ethical and transparent decisions that tion, finance and human resources “Currently, appointments at embassy added. ing the Ministry of Administrative site for overall development. raise the standards of administrative among others. NMoQ wins two LCD Berlin awards

TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK given citizens, residents and visitors a unique opportunity DOHA to engage in the country’s history and development. “We are honoured that LCD Berlin has chosen the mu- THE National Museum of Qatar (NMoQ) has become the seum and its gift shop to be the recipient of the New Culture only cultural destination in the world to have won two Destinations of the Year (Middle East/Africa) and Leading prestigious LCD Berlin Awards: the New Culture Desti- Culture Destinations of the Year – Best Museum Shop.” nations of the Year award in the ‘Middle East and Africa’ In a joint statement, the jury said, “The 2020 LCD category and the Leading Culture Destinations of the Year Berlin Awards shine a light on culture, art and travel, award for Best Museum Shop. showcasing unique cultural Now in their sixth edition, experiences around the the LCD Awards highlight the world. From local to global world’s best established and perspectives, the winners of emerging cultural destinations, the 2020 awards offer new recognising their exceptional and exciting opportunities contribution to cultural life. The to explore our relationship The New Culture Destinations with public spaces, tradition of the Year awards highlight and identity. the significant role of culture “Over the years, the in changing the perception of LCD Awards have offered towns and cities and influenc- a unique platform for the ing their future development, winners to showcase their while the Leading Culture Des- cultural assets and reach tinations of the Year awards global travellers wishing to highlight the experiential shift immerse themselves in arts of cultural destinations into social hubs where visitors can and culture. These winning destinations and institutions explore, dine, shop, work and even sleep. showcase just how deep the symbiosis between art, culture Designed by Pritzker Prize-winning architect Jean and travel is.” Nouvel, the National Museum of Qatar tells the story of The winners of the LCD Berlin Awards 2020 were the country’s heritage and culture through commissioned selected by a distinguished international jury comprised of films and artworks, storytelling, artefacts and music, com- Matthew Anderson, European culture editor for The New bining wide-ranging scholarship with the voices of the York Times; Helena Egan, tourism and place-making spe- people of Qatar. cialist; Dr Martin Heller, cultural advocate and arts pa- The museum is organised as a thematic and chrono- tron; Oliver Jahn, editor-in-chief, AD Architectural Digest; logical sequence of galleries, which take the visitor on a Meryanne Loum-Martin, founder of AFREculture.org; Dr 1.5-km (9-mile) journey through immersive, multisensory Thierry Morel, director, curator-at-large and board mem- experiences. ber of the Hermitage Foundation; artist Ahmet Ogut; and Ahmad al Namla, CEO of Qatar Museums, said: “Since Salma Tuqan, deputy director of the DelfinaFoundation. the National Museum of Qatar opened last year, it has The winners of the LCD Berlin Awards were an- been widely acclaimed as leading example of modern ar- nounced at an awards ceremony in Berlin on March 4 dur- chitecture which, through its exhibitions and offerings, has ing LCD Berlin. Qatar Steel holds blood-donation drive

TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK DOHA

QATAR Steel recently organised a blood-donation campaign at its headquarters in Mesaieed Industrial City (MIC) in collaboration with the Blood Donor Centre of Hamad Medi- cal Corporation. The humanitarian drive was held as part of enhancing the commitment ficer Issa Hassan al Hajri. “We are “We hope we have contributed of Qatar Steel and its employees to- proud to cooperate with the Blood to enhancing awareness of the im- wards the community. The campaign Donor Centre of Hamad Medical portance of blood donation and aimed to raise awareness of the im- Corporation and this act is of prime volunteer work. This campaign is portance of blood donation as a hu- significance to the community up- an important part of the company’s manitarian initiative. liftment. I would like to thank all social responsibility concept. It also “This campaign is part of the employees for their valued volun- spreads the concept of humanitarian company’s strategic goals,” said Qa- teering in the campaign to make it a giving culture and volunteer work in tar Steel Chief Human Capital Of- great success.” the society,” he added. 04 Sunday, March 8, 2020 nation Ashghal receives Government Sustainability Initiative Award QF’s QGBC honours 29 groups for TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK DOHA promoting sustainable initiatives THE Public Works Authority (Ashghal) won the ‘Govern- The Qatar Sustainability Awards 2020 entries were reviewed and decided by an expert jury ment Sustainability Initia- tive’ Award presented by the TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK Qatar Green Building Coun- DOHA cil (QGBC), a member of the Qatar Foundation, during the QATAR Green Building Coun- Annual Qatar Sustainability cil (QGBC) honoured 29 win- Awards ceremony. ners of the Qatar Sustainabil- Ashghal won the award for ity Awards 2020, at an awards applying best environmental fields towards a better future stakeholders from consult- ceremony and gala dinner re- practices in projects imple- for next generations and to ing companies, contractors, cently. mentation works. achieve the Qatar National suppliers, workers and oth- The awards, organised Engineer Issa bin Mo- Vision 2030 sustainable de- ers, and encouraging them to by QGBC, a member of Qatar hammad al Mohannadi, velopment goals aimed at adopt positive environmental Foundation (QF), recognise chairman of the Board of Di- achieving a balance between practices, create solutions and the efforts, commitment and rectors of the Qatar Green economic growth and envi- new methods, and apply them contributions of individuals, Building Council, handed ronment preservation, espe- during the stages of project institutions and organisations the award to Ashghal in the cially in light of the growing implementation.” in furthering sustainable de- presence of representatives environmental challenges The ‘Government Sustain- velopment and environmental of governmental and private around the world. ability Initiative’ Award comes protection in Qatar and the wouldn’t be possible without institutions, non-profit or- “We appreciate the efforts in recognition of Ashghal’s ef- region. the concerted endeavours of ganisations, universities, of the QGBC to shed light on forts in the field of environ- Featuring 29 award cat- our trusted partners and sup- schools and other participants government initiatives in Qa- mental sustainability, and in egories, which highlight in- porters who continue to rally of whom are interested in the tar, as this has an important the context of several initia- novation and best practices in behind our green cause.” field of sustainability and en- impact in educating the com- tives by the authority within green buildings, green hospi- For his part, Dafer Mustafa vironment. munity and encouraging more the roads and infrastructure tality, green events, green cor- Hallawa, chairman and CEO of The award was received by entities to engage in activities projects implemented by the porate, green service providers, Tadmur Holding, the exclusive Engineer Salem al Shawi, as- related to sustainability and Roads Projects Department. sustainability initiatives and sponsor of the Qatar Sustain- sistant manager of the Roads intensify cooperation in this Through these projects, building products and technol- ability Awards 2020, said: “The Projects Department at Ash- field.” asphalt is recycled and used ogies, the Qatar Sustainability responsibility of supporting ghal in recognition of the de- He added, “We are proud in the asphalt foundation Awards 2020 entries were re- our beloved Qatar to achieve partment’s efforts in the field of this award which reflects the layer of roads under construc- viewed and scored by an expert its goals and objectives in ac- of sustainability. commitment of the authority tion, with a percentage of not jury, including senior sustain- complishing Qatar National Vi- Shawi said, “Promoting to the environmental side dur- less than 15 percentage of this ability and green building ex- ity Awards is the culmination an environmentally conscious sion 2030 belongs to all of us: sustainability and recycling ing the implementation of its layer, which contributes to perts, professional practition- of the year-round efforts of a community. The awards are individuals, institutions and is an essential goal within projects and not only the con- reducing the waste of imple- ers and academic researchers. growing base of stakeholders about recognising their efforts society groups at governmental Ashghal’s Corporate Strategy struction side. It also reflects mentation works and reduc- Commenting on the and participants from both in achieving sustainable devel- and private levels. Let’s make 2018-2022, which is in line our keenness to implement ing emissions resulting from awards, QGBC Director En- the public and private sectors opment in Qatar. sustainability a state of mind, a with the efforts of various ongoing programmes and ini- the transfer of old asphalt to gineer Meshal al Shamari and reflects the diversity of “At QGBC, we are proud lifestyle. Let this be our legacy institutions and in various tiatives aimed at engaging all landfills. said, “The Qatar Sustainabil- initiatives and achievements of of how far we’ve come, which for future generations.” QNL registers 42,854 new members in 2019: Report TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK Book Forum, which has wel- DOHA comed more than 5,000 attendees to date, is developing young QATAR National Library (QNL) scientists from across Qatar continues to inspire as a beacon through informative lectures. of knowledge for those seek- In addition to offering a path ing to rekindle their quest for to the future, the library also growth as 42,854 new members continues to provide a fascinat- registered in 2019. ing window to the past. Several The services and resources exhibitions, including the in- the library offers to everyone progress ‘Qatar, India and the malomatia sponsors BSides in Qatar, and particularly to Gulf: History, Culture and So- members, are the backbone of ciety’, use items from the Herit- Doha conference meeting its mission to spread the light of age Library and other partner knowledge in Qatar. institutions to tell stories about TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK between the public and pri- In 2019, the library built Qatar’s past and its interactions DOHA vate sectors from government, on the momentum of its highly presented in cooperation with with the wider world. corporate bodies, universities successful first year by expand- Qatar national library recordS Sidra Medicine, the Qatar Reflecting on the year that MALOMATIA, a leading IT and research centres. This is ing its services and program- Nanny Training Academy and lies ahead, Abeer al Kuwari, di- services & solutions provider, the main goal of such forums ming to reach all communities ● More than 762,000 visits recorded the Wifaq Family Consulting rector of Research and Learning participated in the Bside Doha and initiatives as they bring to- in Qatar. ● Supporting 517 authors from 38 Qatari institutions Center. Services at QNL, said: “In 2020, conference as a lead sponsor. gether all these spectra, form- Enthusiasm for the library The library’s international we will continue to build on the The conference featured in- ing the first threshold of secu- is borne out by steady growth ● Members borrowed more than 780,000 books outreach culminated in the wonderful achievements of last tense discussions, demos and rity by enriching cybersecurity in visitors and memberships: ● Hosting of the country’s first global literature festival, Jaipur hosting of the country’s first in- year, which saw the Library interactions from participants awareness.” the newly released 2019 An- ternational literature festival, emerge as a central a place for and many speakers interested Khalifa al Mannai, direc- nual Report highlights a sig- Literature Jaipur Literature Festival, JLF knowledge development in Qa- in information security. tor of Marketing and Commu- nificant swell in membership, Doha, from December 12 to 14. tar. malomatia CEO Yousef al nication at malomatia, said: with more than 762,000 visits More than two dozen glob- “The beginning of a new Naama said, “BSides Doha is a “At malomatia, we are keen and 42,854 new members reg- is a place where children and tion, nonfiction, children’s and ally celebrated writers attended year is a time to reflect on what great community-driven event to support community-driven istering in the past year. Both parents can read together at young adult books. Members this first Middle East edition of has passed and set a course for that combines security exper- initiatives such as BSides Doha numbers are a testament to the weekly Story time for Children borrowed more than 780,000 the Jaipur Literature Festival, the future, and our programs at tise and industry profession- 2020, where supporting of library’s full evolution into a sessions. books in 2019, and the library’s one of the most renowned liter- the Library in 2020 promise to als, and allows them to share such gatherings and initiatives modern hub of creative, educa- For students, Homework collections are still expanding as ary festivals in the world, and inspire everyone to learn new ideas and insights of the next is within the framework of our tional and social activities. Club offers a place where they members’ needs and user feed- hundreds of people from across things, try new adventures and big things of information secu- social responsibility.” From a variety of book ti- can seek help on assignments in back are continuously assessed. Qatar took part in a lively ex- push themselves to do better.” rity and developing long stand- Khalid al Kubaisi, Cyberse- tles across diverse genres and several subjects. For research- Recognising that lifelong change of ideas, art and litera- To kick off the New Year, the ing relationships with others in curity Practice head at malo- languages, exhibitions, inter- ers, the library offers practical learning begins at home, li- ture. Library has already concluded the community.” matia, said: ”Bsides Doha is national festivals, bookclubs, support to disseminate their brarians provided parents and Opportunities abound to its successful participation at He added, “In the time a great gathering that help talks and classical music nights, work — in 2019, 455 research caregivers with numerous ses- carry forward these valuable ex- the Doha International Book when all of us are looking for- to grow and mature Qatar’s the library members and visi- articles were funded through sions throughout the year to changes in 2020 and beyond. Fair and opened “Between ward to the World Cup 2020, Information Security. From tors enjoyed an abundance of the library’s open access pro- help them encourage children, The Qatari Authors’ Forum, East and West: Biblioteca An- we realise that the digital our position as a cybersecu- choice in how to make use of gramme, thus supporting 517 including those with disabilities, launched by the library in 2018, gelica in Doha” exhibition. The world is rapidly changing with rity trusted partner in Qatar, the library’s valuable resources authors from 38 Qatari institu- to start reading for pleasure at a continues to engage emerging Library also announced its a huge risk of security threats we have equipped entities with and facilities to pursue lifelong tions since it was launched. young age. writers to learn from successful program of events for March, and attackers. The responsibil- state-of-art services and solu- learning and their personal or Each day, users continue to These programmes, and Qatari authors such as Ali bin which includes workshops, lec- ity of addressing these attacks tions to assist them combat professional goals. take advantage of the library’s others relating to child safety, Towar al Kuwari, Saleh Gharib tures, musical performances and threats comes as partici- ever-increasing cybersecurity For families, the library multilingual collection of fic- health and development, were and Jamal Fayez. The Science and much more. patory and collective efforts threats.” QBRI’s 6th SRP in two batches from May 3 to June and May 17 to July 9 TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK to developing and delivering DOHA the programme. It is exciting for our scientists to mentor AS part of its commitment to and influence students who capacity building and develop- come with an open mind and ing future generations of sci- a natural enthusiasm for bio- entists and researchers, Qatar medical research, and will go Biomedical Research Institute on to become future scien- (QBRI) at Hamad Bin Khalifa tists.” University will run the 6th The application process cycle of its successful Sum- for Qatar Biomedical Re- mer Research Program (SRP) search Institute’s Summer in two distinct batches from Research Program can be May 3 to June 25 and May 17 found at https://www.hbku. to July 9. edu.qa/en/srp2020. Taking place each year, sitates full-time participation. their educational goals and In keeping with Qatar’s the SRP offers intensive re- The programme is de- career development. National Health Strategy and search training opportunities signed to develop students’ Speaking about the pro- the Qatar National Research in specific fields of biomedi- supervision of distinguished organised by QBRI and other of 3.0. critical thinking, as well as gramme, Dr Omar El-Agnaf, Strategy, QBRI aims to im- cal research including can- QBRI researchers in a sup- Qatar-based institutes. Applications will be evalu- enhance communication and executive director at QBRI, prove and transform health- cer, diabetes and neurologi- portive and knowledge-based To be considered, appli- ated by QBRI’s selection team-building skills. In addi- said: “We are proud to build care through innovation in cal disorders for exceptional environment. cants must be enrolled in a committee based on specific tion, participants will receive on the continuous success of prevention, diagnosis, and undergraduate students. This Participants will also take relevant undergraduate pro- criteria, including academic invaluable mentoring and ca- our Summer Research Pro- treatment of diseases affect- includes hands-on laboratory part in seminars, workshops gramme and have a minimum performance. The intensive na- reer counseling throughout gram for the sixth consecutive ing the Qatari population and research experience under the and more informal activities graduate point average (GPA) ture of the programme neces- the programme to support year. We always look forward the region. Gulf / Middle east / africa Sunday, March 8, 2020 05 Turkey says no violations in Syria’s Idlib ceasefire Iranian commander killed

DPA ish border. ISTAnBuL Russian President near Damascus: Monitor Vladimir Putin and his Turk- A CEASEFIRE in the north- There have been no ish counterpart Recep Tayyip AFP said that Dabirian had been Russian jets took back the an- west of Syria’s Idlib, agreed violations since the Erdogan agreed on Thursday BeIRuT “martyred”, without specify- cient town in 2017. by Russia and Turkey, holds ceasefire went into effect. to a ceasefire for Idlib that ing his rank or whether he was The Britain-based Obser- into its second day, Turkish We will continue to be a went into effect at midnight. AN Iranian commander has a member of the IRGC. vatory called the death an “as- Defence Minister Hulusi Akar Russia and Turkey have been shot dead south of the It said he was tasked with sassination” but did not sug- said. deterrent force to prevent also agreed to observe a se- Syrian capital, a war monitor guarding a Shiite shrine south gest who was responsible. “There have been no viola- ceasefire violations curity corridor along a major reported on Saturday. of the Syrian capital. Iran has The Guards hold sway over tions since the ceasefire went highway in Idlib. Farhad Dabirian was killed deployed personnel from the myriad militia groups whose into effect,” Akar said on Sat- Turkish Defence Minister A Russian military del- on Friday in the Sayyida Zein- IRGC in Syria to support Pres- ranks include fighters from Af- urday in the border town of Hulusi Akar egation is expected in Ankara ab neighbourhood outside ident Bashar al-Assad. ghanistan, Iraq and Lebanon. Hatay, according to state news Turkish Defence Minister next week, Turkish Defence Damascus, the Syrian Ob- Both Fars and the Obser- The head of the IRGC’s for- agency Anadolu. of staff and land and air force Hulusi Akar Minister Hulusi Akar said, servatory for Human Rights vatory said Dabirian had par- eign operations arm, Qasem “We will continue to be commanders. adding Turkey started work said, identifying him as a com- ticipated in battles against the Soleimani, was killed in a a deterrent force to prevent He added that Ankara military observation posts and on planned joint patrols on mander in Iran’s Islamic Revo- Islamic State group in the de- United States drone strike on ceasefire violations,” Akar will retaliate in the “harshest” troops in Idlib, Syria’s last re- the security safety corridor lutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). sert town of Palmyra. Baghdad airport at the begin- said, accompanied by the chief manner against attacks on its bel stronghold, near the Turk- along M4 highway. Iran’s Fars news agency Syrian troops backed by ning of the year.

news Iran COVID-19 death toll jumps in brief Sacked congo general died by ‘hanging’, says president

kInSHASA: DR Congo’s sacked former deputy chief of military to 145, govt lashes out at US intelligence, who was under european union sanctions, died by hanging, President Felix Tshisekedi said on Saturday. Delphin kahimbi, 50, a close associate of former presi- Iran reports 21 new deaths and 1,076 additional cases while more than 16,000 are currently hospitalised as suspect cases dent Joseph kabila, had died of a heart attack on February 28 at home in kinshasa, his wife and media reports said. But AFP rumours abounded that he was killed or committed suicide. TeHRAn Tshisekedi ordered a probe into the death, and the pre- liminary findings were made public on Saturday after a cabinet IRAN’S official death toll from meeting. “According to the evidence ... it turns out to be a the new coronavirus rose by hanging,” a statement quoted the president as saying. 21 on Saturday, with a law- Tshisekedi said he wanted the probe to be wrapped up maker among the latest fa- quickly to “bring relief to the bereaved family”. (AFP) talities, while the government accused Washington of ham- pering Tehran’s response to algerian police arrested around the virus. ten anti-govt demonstrators Health ministry spokesman Kianoush Jahanpour ALgIeRS: Algerian police arrested around ten demonstrators said that the 21 deaths took at an anti-government protest in Algiers on Saturday, an AFP the country’s total death toll journalist said. to 145, while 1,076 additional nearly 300 protesters tried to march in the capital, cases had been confirmed in prompted by calls online by the “Hirak” protest movement that the past 24 hours, bringing has gripped Algeria for over a year. But large numbers of police the total number of confirmed dispersed the marchers, the journalist said. cases to 5,823. Prominent Hirak activist Samir Benlarbi was among those “More than 16,000 peo- detained, according to a prisoner support association. ple are currently hospitalised Hirak normally holds weekly protests on Friday, while as suspect cases,” Jahanpour students march on Tuesdays. But for the past three weeks said during a televised news protesters have also gathered on Saturdays in Algiers. conference. Following a march last Saturday, Amnesty International Iran’s Foreign Minister criticised the “arbitrary” arrest of 56 protesters. (AFP) Mohammad Javad Zarif later said American sanctions -- reimposed from 2018, after South africa reports second Washington pulled out of a coronavirus case multilateral nuclear deal -- were undermining Iran’s bat- JOHAnneSBuRg: South Africa on Saturday confirmed a second tle against coronavirus. case of the novel coronavirus, a 39-year-old woman who had US President Donald travelled to Italy as part of a group with the first confirmed case. Trump “is maliciously tighten- The South African authorities said the woman had come ing US’ illegal sanctions with into direct contact with the first case when they travelled back the aim of draining Iran’s re- in a group of 10 from Italy on March 1. sources needed in the fight Iranian fire fighters and municipality workers disinfect a street in the capital Tehran for COVID-19 recently. (AFP) On Thursday, the authorities said a man who was part of against #COVID-19 -- while that group was the first case in the country. our citizens are dying from it” Fatemeh Rahbar, 55, were in Mazandaran, a popu- ireza Vahabzadeh, some locals country’s healthcare system. “The second patient who has now tested positive for COV- Zarif tweeted on Saturday. served as a lawmaker from lar tourist destination on the were bypassing the restric- “Iran has one of the 19 will now be immediately admitted to a public health facil- “The world can no longer 2004 to 2016 and won a seat in Caspian sea. tions by giving non-residents strongest healthcare systems ity... that the government has identified as one of the hospitals be silent as US #EconomicT- February’s legislative election. Jahanpour said that the lifts across provincial borders. of all the countries in the east- that are ready to receive COVID-19 positive patients,” the errorism is supplanted by its Seven other politicians and province had been hit by peo- Like all areas of Iran’s ern Mediterranean region,” health ministry said in a statement. #MedicalTerrorism,” he said. government officials have died ple travelling there for holi- economy, the health sector said delegation head Richard Health Minister Zweli Mkhize told national broadcaster Jahanpour said Saturday in Iran’s outbreak. days, which he described as has struggled in the face of re- Brennan at a press conference SABC that the patient was being isolated at Charlotte Maxeke that 1,669 people who were The capital Tehran remains ill-avised. Several provinces, newed US sanctions. in Tehran. “Elements of the re- Hospital in Johannesburg. (AFP) sick with the COVID-19 illness the worst-hit province in the including in northern and cen- Humanitarian goods, es- sponse here (to the outbreak) have recovered. country, although all 31 prov- tral Iran, have said they will pecially medicine and medi- have progressed further than The Islamic republic is bat- inces have reported infections. not accomodate tourists in an cal equipment, are technically in a number of other coun- tling one of the world’s dead- Iran has closed schools effort to dissuade people from exempt. But international tries,” he added. liest outbreaks of the disease and universities until early travelling. purchases of such supplies are WHO’s representative in outside China. April, and suspended major Police in Gilan and forestalled by banks wary of Iran, Christoph Hamelmann, War-torn Yemen at a On Saturday, a newly cultural and sporting events. Mazandaran from Friday conducting any business with said his organisation can help elected conservative Tehran The number of infections is started preventing cars with- Iran for fear of falling foul of cushion “the impact of unilat- lawmaker became the second climbing in northern provinces out local license plates from the US sanctions. eral sanctions on the health ‘critical juncture’: UN legislator to be killed by the in particular, Jahanpour said. entering the provinces. Representatives of the sector, mainly through assis- virus, state news agency IRNA More than 300 of the new But according to an ad- World Health Organization tance with procurement and AFP in de-escalation. reported. cases reported on Saturday viser to the health minster Al- currently in Iran praised the supply of essential medicines.” DuBAI But efforts to resume a political process appear to be YEMEN is at a crossroads, the unravelling. United Nations’ envoy to the The International Com- war-torn country said on Sat- mittee of the Red Cross (ICRC) urday, as tens of thousands said the fighting between the Saudi Arabia reopens area around sacred Kaaba amid virus measures of people fled the northern warring parties in Al-Jawf has province of Al-Jawf after fierce displaced tens of thousands of AFP were seen rotating around mercial trucks will be allowed clashes. people to Marib province. MeCCA, SAuDI ARABIA the Kaaba, but the area be- to cross by land, it added. Iran-backed Houthi insur- “The ICRC and the Yemen tween two hills that pilgrims The newly established gents seized provincial capital Red Crescent Society have SAUDI Arabia reopened on must go between seven times ministry of sports said it Al-Hazm earlier this month af- helped around 70,000 people, Saturday the area around to complete umrah remained would “suspend public at- ter heavy fighting with govern- or 10,000 families, by provid- the sacred Kaaba in Mecca’s closed. Barricades blocked tendance” at all sports events ment troops, ending a relative ing food, tents, blankets, jerry- Grand Mosque, Islam’s holi- access to the Kaaba, draped starting Saturday, reflecting lull in violence that had raised cans, basins and hygiene kits,” est site, reversing one of a se- in a gold-embroidered black calls across the Gulf to cancel hopes for a more permanent the agency said in a statement ries of measures introduced to cloth, while men in green uni- mass gatherings. de-escalation. on Saturday. combat the coronavirus out- forms cleaned the white-tiled Some 2.5 million faith- “Yemen is, in my view, at a “In Al-Jawf governorate, break. floor. ful travelled to Saudi Arabia critical juncture: we will either increased clashes have ham- Saudi authorities this Authorities had emptied from across the world in 2019 silence the guns and resume pered efforts to help patients week suspended the year- the Grand Mosque for sterili- to take part in the hajj, which the political process, or we will and those in need.” round umrah pilgrimage, sation on Thursday. all Muslims must perform at slip back into large-scale con- The loss of the strategic during which worshippers The unprecedented sus- least once in their lives if able. flict,” Martin Griffiths said dur- city of Al-Hazm means the circle the Kaaba seven times, pension of the umrah has The event is a massive ing a visit to Marib province. rebels now threaten oil-rich and also announced the tem- raised uncertainty over the logistical challenge for Saudi “Fighting needs to stop Marib. porary closure of the area annual hajj pilgrimage, authorities, with colossal now. Military adventurism At least 2,100 displaced around the cube structure. scheduled for the end of July. crowds cramming into rela- and the quest for territorial families reached Marib on But King Salman has “al- The suspension has left tively small holy sites, making gains are futile,” he told re- March 1, the UN humanitarian lowed for the opening of the thousands of Muslim pil- This combination of pictures created yesterday shows a small crowd attendees vulnerable to con- porters, according to a tran- coordination agency OCHA Mataf (where people circle grims in limbo. Around two- of worshippers around the sacred Kaaba in Mecca’s Grand Mosque tagion. script provided by his office. said last week. the Kaaba) for non-umrah thirds of the 18.3 million um- on March 7, 2020 and a large crowd of worshippers around the Already reeling from “They will only drag Yemen to Al-Jawf has been mostly performers” starting on Sat- rah participants in 2018 were Kaaba (Tawaf al-Wadaa) during pilgrimage on August 13, 2019. (AFP) slumping oil prices, the Saudi many more years of conflict.” controlled by the Houthis, but urday at dawn, the official citizens and residents of the kingdom risks losing billions The latest clashes in its capital -- only 150 kilome- Saudi Press Agency (SPA) re- kingdom, according to gov- entry into Saudi Arabia from be “temporarily” restricted to of dollars annually from re- northern Yemen came after tres (90 miles) south of the ported. ernment statistics. the United Arab Emirates, three airports in Riyadh, Jed- ligious tourism as it tightens a months-long relative lull in border with Saudi Arabia -- Hundreds of Muslims On Saturday, SPA said Kuwait and Bahrain would dah and Dammam. Only com- access to the sites. violence as the warring parties had been in the hands of the showed an apparent interest government. 06 Sunday, March 8, 2020

ESTABLISHED SEPTEMBER 3, 2006 opinion hamad bIn suhaIm al ThanI CHAIRMAN adel alI bIn alI MANAGING DIRECTOR dr hassan mohammed al ansarI EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Biden, Sanders Now Fighting For The Soul Of Their Party On Coronavirus, Trump Whoever wins the nomination to contest Trump, Should Swallow His Hunches Democrats must unite around their nominee if they want to recapture the presidency HE Democratic presidential primary If Democrats hope to recapture the And Let The Experts Work has shifted from a battle over individual presidency, they must remember those Tcandidates to a fight for the soul of the swing voters in those swing states. At the party. This is now a race between former same time, they, and Biden in particular, ig- Vice President Joe Biden and US Senator nore and dismiss Sanders and his coalition By undercutting medical experts and risking coronavirus expansion, Bernie Sanders. Democrats have a clear at their peril. Hillary Clinton learned that choice between a moderate who wants to lesson the hard way in 2016. the US president is blatantly betraying the public trust reach across the political aisle to build a bi- There’s a bloc of Sanders voters who partisan campaign to defeat Donald Trump have no party loyalty and jumped to Trump TRUDY RUBIN and unite the country, and a self-described in the 2016 general election. And there are TRIBUNE NEWS SERVICE democratic socialist who wants to blow up younger voters who turn out for Sanders the political status quo. rallies but didn’t show up at N mid-March, I was supposed to at- For us, it’s hard to im- the polls with the same intend a conference in northern Iraq agine the latter strategy be- The United States needs a tensity on Tuesday. near the border with Iran, which is one ing successful. Yet, to win president who can heal the To be successful, Demo- of the countries hardest hit by the cor- the White House, Demo- nation’s deep political divide crats need both those groups onavirus outside China. No surprise, crats need to find a way as well as the centrists who theI conference was cancelled. — who can work with, and to bridge the internal gap appeal to, members of both are the core of Biden’s sup- Across that border, at least 107 Ira- while expanding support port. Bridging the gap won’t nians have died from the disease, and beyond their party. parties and independents be easy. The gulf between 3,500 are known to be infected, includ- As we said last month, Sanders supporters and ing a female vice president who sits right the United States needs a president who other Democrats was revealed in last week’s near President Hassan Rouhani at cabinet can heal the nation’s deep political divide — UC Berkeley poll of likely California voters. meetings. The regime’s slow response and who can work with, and appeal to, members By nearly a 2-1 margin, Sanders sup- disinformation about the spread of coro- of both parties and independents. porters are looking for a candidate who navirus (which the Iranian Revolutionary We said that as we urged support for most agrees with them on the issues rather Guard Corps blames on a US biological at- Klobuchar, who seemed to provide the than the person who has the best chance of tack) have shaken public trust in the aya- party’s best chance of victory in November. beating Trump. For other Democrats, it was tollahs’ ability to stop it. But Klobuchar, fresh off her stronger-than- just the opposite and by roughly the same The trust deficit is equally glaring in expected showing in New Hampshire, never margin. And for 80 percent of Biden sup- the coronavirus heartland, China, where managed to gain political traction again. porters, beating Trump was the priority. Xi Jinping’s Communist Party is pass- Meanwhile, Biden, whose campaign Similarly, 86 percent of Sanders sup- ing the buck (Chinese call it “tossing the take time, especially since the outbreak in the long term. But that will depend on seemed on life support, has catapulted to porters want a candidate who advocates wok”) rather than confronting the po- began in China, where the total number of how many people actually contract the the front of the delegate pack with a Super major policy changes even if they are harder litical blunders that enabled this virus infected persons is still unknown and the virus and how well the world contains it. Tuesday surge few thought possible. to enact rather than incremental changes to explode. Which brings us to the US, data may not be trustworthy. Moreover, it That is information we do not have now. Moderates have coalesced. They have that are more likely to be enacted. Con- where disease control demands a leader was China’s rigid party control and cen- A responsible leader could have said found their candidate. versely, at least two-thirds of voters who who can talk frankly to Americans while sorship that enabled the virus to spread in (correctly) that the 3.4 percent fatality Biden isn’t California Democrats’ first were supporting the moderate candidates deferring to his scientific experts to pro- the first place. rate is factually based on around 90,0000 choice, but the election in November isn’t prefer an incremental approach. vide the data. Instead, President Donald Back in the US, we are just (belatedly) cases, and around 3,000 deaths as cur- about this state. It’s about Wisconsin, Mich- Biden’s challenge in the primary and, Trump talks up his hunches. He views beginning to test on a wide scale, given rently reported worldwide. The virus igan, Pennsylvania and Florida — states if he wins the nomination, in the general the virus as a blame-the-Democrats cam- that preparedness was lacking. (Former will not bring Armageddon, and appears that backed Barack Obama in 2008 and election will be finding a way to reconcile paign issue. national security adviser John Bolton mainly to threaten the elderly, especially 2012 but Trump won in 2016, each by mar- those two sets of disparate approaches. It Hopefully, the professionals at the eliminated the White House health se- those with compromised health. Moreo- gins of less than 1.2 percentage points. won’t be easy. Centers for Disease Control and Preven- curity team responsible for preparing ver, the fatality rate may ultimately turn tion and other government health agen- for pandemics.) Until we know more, it out to resemble that from a severe season- cies can control the outbreak despite is crucial to have a president who treats al flu, below 1percent, as hypothesized in Trump’s bloviation. But, by undercutting the public with respect, letting the experts a recent journal article by Anthony Fauci, his experts and risking coronavirus ex- provide the details regularly to the public. head of the National Institute of Allergy pansion, Trump is blatantly betraying the Moreover, in this case even the expert-al- and Infectious Diseases, and part of the public trust. lergic Trump had to pull together a group White House coronavirus team. That’s because — despite the mod- of top scientists. But Fauci also said this week that coro- est number of US cases and fatalities so But, Trump just cannot resist contra- navirus could become “one of those things far — the public requires straightforward dicting the scientists and treating the epi- we look back on and say boy, that was and clear information delivered regularly demic like a campaign prop. bad.” It all depends on how the adminis- from the White House, in order to avoid Thus we have the president and al- tration handles the epidemic, how soon wider spread. Especially when people are lies weaponising the virus by blaming the the US can test broadly, and whether the unsure whether or not to fly, whether to Democrats for exaggerating the threat for White House encourages an effective pub- attend large gatherings or sports events political reasons. We have Senator Tom lic response by offering honest informa- and how to ensure the safety of their chil- promoting the Iran-worthy conspiracy tion. By shooting his mouth off and ignor- dren. Not everyone has the leisure to sift theory that the virus is a Chinese bio- ing his experts, Trump undermines trust through the web and search reports on fa- weapon. And we have Trump telling Fox among much of the public, while encour- tality rates or number of cases. host Sean Hannity that, according to “his aging his devoted followers to be careless. “We’re still operating in something hunch,” the World Health Organization’s We are not China. We are not Iran. of an information vacuum,” says Dr Neil assessment of the current global death There is no excuse for blowing the public Fishman, chief medical officer of Penn rate from the virus as 3.4 percent is “a trust on this one, and if he does, Trump Medicine in Philadelphia, “and this has false number” and he thinks the real num- will pay at the polls later this year. fostered additional anxiety. We don’t ber “is way under 1 percent.” have a full understanding of the entire In truth, the president’s “hunches” — (Trudy Rubin is a columnist spectrum of the disease.” which no doubt come from briefings he and editorial-board member (Tribune News Service) And gaining full understanding will did take — might turn out to be correct for the Philadelphia Inquirer) 7 Ways Startups Should Be Preparing For Covid-19 An investor and serial entrepreneur shares what he has learned speaking with epidemiologists and founders JESSICA STILLMAN his qualifications to write on the topic - he Zero tolerance sick policy. “Any- TRIBUNE NEWS SERVICE offers to pass on “what I have seen larger one who is sick, or starting to feel sick, companies quietly adopt” and notes he’s should take a sick day or work from ILL coronavirus become a pandem- been on “a number of small group calls home.” It will help a lot if employees have ic? What would that mean for the with some of the epidemiologists work- paid sick leave. Weconomy? What are businesses and ing on this” - before summarising what Avoid travel. If it can be done over a the government doing to prevent (or at we know about the disease (the CDC is a video call, do it over a video call. Also, be least slow) its spread? good source for the latest info; everything particularly cautious about both visiting My Inc.com colleagues are all over is in flux as more data comes in). and receiving visitors from places with se- these questions, reporting on possible All of this is worth checking out if you rious outbreaks, such as China, South Ko- knock-on effects of the outbreak, offering haven’t been following closely, but the rea, Italy, and Iran (the latest advice from advice on mastering remote work, taking most valuable part of the post may be his the CDC is here). “If an employee is re- you inside Amazon’s battle against price advice on what companies should be do- turning from one of these countries, they gouging, and even updating us on how the ing to prepare: may want to consider self-quarantine for virus is impacting sales of Corona beer Encourage hand-washing. This is 14 days,” Gil adds. (fear not, they are modestly up). a no-brainer and you’ve no doubt heard Plan for more remote work. I But what about more nuts-and-bolts this advice before (but maybe you didn’t point you to my colleague Jason Aten’s advice on what startups should be doing know all these fun songs have 20-second guide on this. right now to prepare? While each com- choruses, so you can hum something be- Expect a second wave. President pany will have to sort out individual sup- sides ‘Happy Birthday’ to yourself as you Trump may be out there reassuring ply chain issues and assess local risk for scrub for the recommended time). the public that this all goes away with themselves, there are a few things just Wipe down work areas regular- the arrival of warmer weather, but evi- about every business can do. Serial entre- ly. “There is some evidence suggesting dence from past outbreaks strongly sug- preneur Elad Gil’s rounded them up in a the virus may stick around for at least a Encourage flu vaccination. Again, crease health burden on hospitals and gests that virus will come back when the helpful recent blog post. few hours, if not more, on surfaces. You like hand washing, this is something we also prevent people from getting the flu weather cools again or our vigilance flags. What your business should be doing may also want to wipe your phone down should have been doing anyway, but it’s and thinking they have COVID-19,” Gil So don’t think we’re all out of the woods to prepare? In kicks off with a note about on a regular basis,” Gill points out. even more important now. “This will de- explains. come May.

THE VIEWS EXPRESSED ON THE OPINION AND ANALYSIS PAGES ARE THE AUTHORS’ OWN. QATAR TRIBUNE BEARS NO RESPONSIBILITY. World Sunday, March 8, 2020 07

The EU-Turkey migration deal is dead: Greek PM turkey’s erdogan to travel to brussels for talks on migrants DPA migrants and refugees to leave The conservative leader, ATHenS and go to Europe. in power since July, said that DPA Friday would not specify the Turkey stopped blocking Turkey was “systematically as- ISTAnBuL nature of his talks nor who THE agreement the European migrants from the land and sisted people on land and sea” Erdogan would meet in the Union struck with Turkey four maritime border with Greece a to reach the border and at- TURKISH President Recep Belgian capital. years ago to curb the inﬂow of week ago. Since then, beefed- tempt to cross it illegally. Tayyip Erdogan will pay a Thousands of refugees migrants is now dead, Greek up Greek security forces have Mitsotakis stressed that one-day working visit on amassed at Turkey’s border Prime Minister Kyriakos Mit- regularly clashed with people he acknowledges Turkey’s Monday to Brussels where with Greece after Ankara sotakis said, blaming Turkish trying to cross the border and burden of hosting millions of he is expected to discuss an last week said it will no long- President Recep Tayyip Er- continue to wealthy European Syrian refugees and supports ongoing migrant crisis at its er bar refugees from heading dogan for its collapse. countries. assistance for that. border with Greece, state to Europe, arguing the EU “Let’s be honest, the agree- “Turkey has the obligation “But this is not going to broadcaster TRT reported. failed to honour a 2016 mi- ment is dead,” Mitsotakis said to stop people from reaching happen in the situation of The planned visit comes gration pact. Turkey already in an interview with broad- the coastline ... and whatever blackmail. Europe is not going amid a stand-off between hosts 4 million migrants, 3.6 caster CNN late on Friday. it can to contain the smugglers to blackmailed over this prob- Turkey and the European million of them from Syria. The Greek PM said the and prohibit people from il- Migrants take cover behind a trash container, a bathtub and a wooden lem,” he said. Union, Greece in particular, Greek police used tear 2016 deal fell through be- legally crossing into Greece,” board as Greek police use water cannons to block them trying to break Ankara and Athens have over the recent migrant in- gas to stave off any entries cause Erdogan’s authorities Mitsotakis said. fences in the Turkey-Greece border province of Edirne on Saturday. (AFP) separately traded accusa- ﬂux at Turkey’s borders with while Turkey deployed a instigated the present crisis on “This is exactly what the tions of mistreating the mi- the bloc. 1,000-strong special force the Greek-Turkish borders by agreement says, and Turkey they have systematically as- people in their effort to cross grants and spreading false The TRT report on late police to stem pushbacks. spurring on and even assisting has been doing the opposite: sisted, both at land and at sea, into Greece,” he added. information.

coronaViruS SpreadS to 94 nationS and territorieS news Pope’s Sunday prayer in brief to be livestreamed as coronavirus spreads Covid-19 cases hit 102,000; ROMe: Pope Francis’s Angelus prayer on Sunday will be livestreamed in a break with centuries-old tradition, the Vatican death toll crosses 3,500 announced, as the number coronavirus cases topped 100,000. The Angelus prayers -- nor- The Who has urged mally delivered by the pontiff “that all countries from his window -- will “be broadcast via livestream by make containment Vatican news and on screens in Saint Peter’s Square,” the of the outbreak their Vatican said. highest priority” (File photo) The wrecked cockpit of the Malaysia Airlines flight The Vatican, which has MH17 during a presentation of the final report on the cause of reported its first coronavirus AFP its crash at the Gilze Rijen airbase in Netherlands. (AFP) case, had promised to review BeIJIng the 83-year-old pontiff’s sched- dutch trial for Mh17 plane crash a step ule “to avoid the dissemination” THE number of cases from towards justice, says australian pM of the new disease. (AFP) the new coronavirus topped 100,000 worldwide as official CAnBeRRA: Ahead of the trial in the netherlands of the four sus- data on Saturday showed a pects in the 2014 downing of the Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17 President of Italy’s significant hit to Chinese ex- over war-torn ukraine, Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison ports after the deadly outbreak has said it will be a step towards achieving justice and account- governing party brought much of the country ability. Three Russians and a ukrainian rebel commander catches Covid-19 to a halt. are to be tried in absentia starting on Monday on suspicion of The World Health Organi- involvement in shooting down the airliner on July 17, 2014. ROMe: nicola Zingaretti, the zation called the spread of the All 298 people - most of them Dutch - on board the Boeing president of Italy’s governing virus “deeply concerning” as 777, en route from Amsterdam to kuala Lumpur, were killed, in- Democratic Party (PD), has a wave of countries reported cluding 38 Australian citizens and residents, in the incident caught the new coronavirus, their first cases of the disease involving a Russian-made missile. making him the first major -- which has now killed more “While nothing can bring back those who lost their lives, political figure in europe to be than 3,500 people and infect- Australia will continue to fight for justice for the victims of diagnosed with Covid-19. ed more than 102,000 across MH17 and their families,” Morrison said. (DPA) In a Facebook video posted 94 nations and territories. on Saturday, Zingaretti says, “It The US was battling to con- has arrived. I have the coronavi- tain an outbreak on a cruise polish president torrential rain rus too.” He renewed calls on the ship where 21 people have approves subsidy kills at least 20 public not to panic, adding that tested positive for the virus. for state media in pakistan he felt fine and would be under The Grand Princess has Chocolate maker Jean-François prepares an easter egg shaped like a novel coronavirus, the cause of the home isolation, not in hospital. been stranded off San Francis- COVID-19 outbreak, made of white chocolate coloured in black and red coloured almonds, in his shop in WARSAW: Two months before PeSHAWAR: At least 20 peo- The number of people infect- co since Wednesday -- when it Landivisiau, western France, on Saturday. (AFP) the presidential election in ple in Pakistan are dead and ed with the novel coronavirus in was supposed to dock -- after it Poland, the incumbent, Andrzej dozens more injured after tor- Italy rose to 5,883 on Saturday, emerged that two people who nesses and disrupting global 7,000 on Saturday -- the high- In China, the number of Duda, signed into law a contro- rential rainstorms collapsed an increase of more than 1,000 had been on the ship during its supply chains. est in the world outside China. new cases reported Saturday versial bill that will give public several homes, officials said on the day before. (DPA) previous voyage had contract- The negative impact was Two apartment blocks in nationwide was the lowest in TV and radio broadcasters a on Saturday. Heavy rains have ed the virus. One later died. shown in official data Sat- Daegu -- the fourth-largest weeks. The Chinese govern- subsidy of nearly 2 billion zloty lashed stretches of the coun- US Vice President Mike urday, with China’s exports city and the epicentre of its ment has hinted it may soon (over 500 million dollars). try near the Afghan border Maldives reports first Pence said the ship will be plunging 17.2 percent in the outbreak -- have been quaran- lift the quarantine imposed on The decision was an- since Thursday. coronavirus cases brought to a non-commercial first two months of the year. tined after dozens of residents Hubei province -- the locked- nounced by Duda at a press Fourteen children and dock this weekend and all WHO chief Tedros Adha- tested positive. down epicentre where some conference late on Friday. three women were killed in COLOMBO: Two hotel employ- 3,533 passengers and crew will nom Ghebreyesus has urged Iran on Saturday reported 56 million people have been The bill spurred immense “rain-related incidents” in ees tested positive for the novel be tested. “that all countries make con- 21 new deaths from the novel effectively housebound since controversy in the country as northwest khyber Pakhtunkh- coronavirus at a luxury resort The Grand Princess be- tainment their highest prior- coronavirus and 1,076 fresh late January. public TV broadcaster TVP wa province. The national in the Maldives, the govern- longs to Princess Cruises, the ity.” Colombia, Costa Rica and cases in the past 24 hours, For the second consecutive has been accused by Duda’s Disaster Management Author- ment said on Saturday marking same company which oper- Malta have announced their bringing the overall tolls to 145 day, there were no new cases opponents of openly support- ity confirmed those deaths, the first cases reported in the ated the coronavirus-stricken first cases. dead and 5,823 infected. reported in Hubei outside Wu- ing the governing Law and adding that three more upmarket holiday destination. ship held off Japan last month Florida confirmed on Fri- The number of cases re- han, the province’s capital. Justice (PiS) party and the people had died in southwest Health ministry said two un- on which more than 700 peo- day two deaths from the virus corded in France rose to 716 But the number of infec- president, while fiercely at- Balochistan province. named foreign national workers ple tested positive. -- the first US fatalities outside with 11 deaths. tions beyond the epicentre tacking opposition parties. In the worst single inci- were checked after an Italian In China, where the out- the west coast states of Wash- Italy, meanwhile, began re- rose for the third straight day, Opponents view the dent, five children were killed tourist who had holidayed at break began in December, ington and California -- taking cruiting retired doctors on Sat- fuelling fears about cases be- planned subsidy as a direct when the roof of their home their resort tested positive upon the virus has wreaked havoc the country’s death toll to 16. urday as part of urgent efforts ing brought into the country contribution to Duda’s re- collapsed in northern Dargai his return home. The resort was on the world’s second-largest The number of infections to bolster the healthcare system from overseas. There have election campaign. (DPA) town. (AFP) on lockdown Saturday. (AFP) economy, shutting down busi- in South Korea breached with 20,000 additional staff. now been 60 imported cases.

death toll after Trump replaces White House Trump campaign sues Zelensky gives Russia ultimatum CNN in the latest libel to seek peace in eastern Ukraine kabul attack chief of staff with staunch ally suit on Russia articles rises to 33 WASHIngTOn: uS President DPA DPA AFP Donald Trump’s campaign kIeV According to the Ukranian kABuL WASHIngTOn on Friday filed a libel suit leader, the deadline for the against Cnn, accusing the UKRAINIAN President Volody- ultimatum is December, on THE death toll from Friday’s at- US President Donald Trump broadcaster of publishing myr Zelensky has given Russia the anniversary of the tack on a commemorative cer- announced on Friday he had “false and defamatory” an ultimatum to find peace in emony in the Afghan capital has chosen staunch ally Mark statements about seeking the conflict in eastern Ukraine. Ukraine summit in Paris risen to 33, the Interior Minis- Meadows to be his new chief Russia’s help in the upcom- An agreement should be found try said on Saturday. Another of staff -- the fourth person to ing election. within a year, he told Saturday’s ment’s Committee on Interna- 81 were injured, the ministry hold the position since he took The article named in the edition of The Guardian. tional Affairs, called Zelensky’s spokesman Nasrat Rahimi said. office. suit against Cnn, published “The government can deadline theatrical and unhelp- Two assailants armed with Meadows, a Republican last June, stated that the spend one year on the entire ful. For something to change, rocket-propelled grenades and congressman from North Car- Trump campaign “assessed agreement. Then it should be Kiev had to implement the machine guns opened fire from olina, will replace the ultra- the potential risks and implemented. Any longer is peace agreement, he tweeted. a nearby building on hundreds conservative Mick Mulvaney, benefits of again seeking prohibited,” he said. Zelensky again stated in of people including high-profile who had been serving as acting Russia’s help in 2020 and The clock is ticking, Zelen- the Guardian interview that politicians gathered in the city’s chief of staff since Trump fired (File photo) US Representative Mark Meadows, Republican of North has decided to leave that sky said. He wants to concen- he wanted to make changes to west to mark the life of an eth- John Kelly in December 2018. Carolina, speaks to the press during a recess in the impeachment trial option on the table.” trate on domestic problems. the Minsk peace plan agreed nic former Shia political leader “I have known and worked of President Donald Trump at the US Capitol in Washington. (AFP) “Cnn was aware of the “If it lasts longer, we need to in 2015. Russia has already re- Abdul Ali Mazari who was mur- with Mark, and the relation- falsity at the time it pub- change the format and choose jected that. dered by Taliban forces in 1995. ship is a very good one,” Envoy for Northern Ireland.” In October, in the midst of lished them, but did so for another strategy,” he said, The implementation of the The commemoration cer- Trump tweeted, making In December, Meadows, the impeachment proceedings the intentional purpose of without elaborating. plan agreed in the Belarusian emony has come under attack the announcement. “I want 61, announced he would retire against Trump, Mulvaney was hurting the campaign, while According to Zelensky, the capital is progressing slowly. for three consecutive years. The to thank Acting Chief Mick from Congress. But “my work criticised for his admission misleading its own readers deadline for the ultimatum is Zelensky insisted he did terrorist group Islamic State Mulvaney for having served with President Trump and his during a press conference that in the process,” according December, on the anniversary not want to use the five years claimed to have perpetrated the the Administration so well,” administration is only begin- the president had tied military to a statement on Trump’s of the Ukraine summit in Paris. that the Ukrainian people gave attacks. Most of the victims are Trump added. “He will be- ning,” he said in a statement aid for Ukraine to Kiev opening campaign website. (DPA) In a tweet Leonid Slutsky, him to work exclusively on the Hazara, one of Afghanistan’s come the United States Special posted to his website. a probe into the Democrats. chairman of the Russian parlia- Minsk deal. largest ethnic minorities. As demand crunch worsens how far can oil plummet? paGe 10

Sunday, March 8, 2020

DOW25,864.78 QE 9,309.39 SENSEX 37,576.62 GOLD 1,673.83 Solid US economy bracing for -256.50 PTS -10.71 PTS -893.99 PTS +0.10% coronavirus infection paGe 9 PRICE PERCENTAGE PRICE PERCENTAGE 17.26 BRENT 45.27 -9.44% WTI 41.28 -10.07% SILVER -0.75%

US Fed quarantines cash from Asia Ooredoo partners with Huawei to

AFP WASHIngTOn DOLLAR bills from China are provide 5G services in 5 nations going into quarantine due to the coronavirus epidemic, as In 2020, Ooredoo will the Federal Reserve is putting In 2020, ooredoo will launch 5G services launch 5G commercial ser- extra precautions on money vices in additional countries coming into the United States. in countries across its footprint across the Ooredoo footprint. The new procedures “pro- Waleed al Sayed, Deputy vide for a longer holding pe- TRIBUNE NEWS NEWORK Group Chief Executive Of- riod” so that currency coming DOHA ficer and CEO of Ooredoo from China or anywhere in Asia Qatar, said, “With Huawei’s will be held for at least “seven OOREDOO Group and Hua- leading 5G network solution, to 10 days before the deposits wei have announced a strate- we will be able to improve are processed,” a Fed spokes- gic partnership to make the High-speed our network’s operation ef- woman confirmed Friday. Ooredoo Supernet fully 5G- ficiency and provide limitless enabled with the goal of en- 5G tech opportunities to our custom- hancing people’s digital lives ers. Users will enjoy a more Currency coming from asia across five countries – Kuwait, using Huawei’s high-speed streamlined and personalised will be held for at least 7 Oman, Indonesia, Tunisia and and low-latency 5g advanced experience and businesses to 10 days before the Maldives – over the next five technology, Ooredoo can meet will be empowered to develop deposits are processed years, a statement said on Sat- growing data traffic demands, the smart, connected cities of urday. and deliver high-quality mobile the future.” Ooredoo will leverage broadband and fixed wireless Using Huawei’s high- The cash handling proce- Huawei’s world-leading 5G experiences. speed and low-latency 5G ad- dures took effect on February SingleRAN radio solution vanced technology, Ooredoo 21. In normal circumstances, with advanced massive MIMO can meet growing data traffic bills would be held for any- technology, and 5G Cloud demands, and deliver high- where from five to 60 days, the Core solution with a conver- quality mobile broadband and spokeswoman said. gent platform to achieve a full fixed wireless experiences. If the epidemic continues digital transformation and With Huawei’s leading 5G Huawei will share global to spread and US health au- modernisation of its existing network solution, we will be best practices in its multi- thorities or the State Depart- mobile networks. able to improve our standard and single-architec- ment “identifies specific ad- The network upgrade will network’s operation ture, which provides high 5G ditional countries of risk, the provide customers with the efficiency and provide performance with the big ca- Fed is prepared to implement latest 5G technologies and ser- pacity and the low energy con- Waleed al Sayed, Deputy Group CEO and CEO of Ooredoo Qatar with Huawei officials at an event in Doha additional modified proce- vices. limitless opportunities to sumption. on Saturday. dures.” 5G services and devices our customers Ryan Ding, Executive Di- Have no fear: there is un- have been launched earlier by Waleed al Sayed, CEO of rector of the Board and Presi- port Ooredoo to achieve high Saif Wang, President of rich innovative services for the likely to be a shortage of cash Ooredoo in Kuwait in collabo- dent of Carrier BG, Huawei, 5G performance services for Key Account Ooredoo at Hua- customers and provides more as the Fed “always has a con- ration with Huawei. Ooredoo Qatar said, “It is our pleasure to consumers, households and wei, said, “Our partnership business opportunities to ac- tingency stock of new currency Currently, Ooredoo is cooperate with Ooredoo, the vertical industries in line with with Ooredoo aims to enrich celerate the digitization of in- that can be circulated to the speeding up the delivery of Oman, which will offer about world’s leading operator of 5G our commitment to build a people’s digital life in these five dustries. Huawei will continue public should the need ever more network stations to 100 times faster download services. Through this strate- fully connected and intelligent countries through our latest to support Ooredoo to build a arise.” be 5G-ready in Kuwait and speed than 4G networks. gic partnership, we will sup- world.” 5G innovation. 5G promises world-class infrastructure.” Lebanon says will restructure Several firms in pipeline for debt amid financial crisis Qatar exchange listing: Emadi AFP Lebanon’s debt burden, he said. BeIRuT long among the largest in the According to local media world, is now equivalent to reports, Lebanese banks have SATYENDRA PATHAK will be listed,” he said. LEBANON said on Saturday nearly 170 percent of its gross recently sold a chunk of their DOHA Emadi said that work on it would default on its Eu- domestic product (GDP). Eurobonds to foreign lenders. listing companies on QSE’s robond debt for the first time Despite a series of crises, Anti-government demon- QATAR Stock Exchange (QSE) junior index ‘QE Venture and seek out restructuring the country has never be- strators who have remained is in talks with a good number Market’ is also going on and agreements amid a spiralling fore defaulted, but in recent on the streets since October of companies that are serious some of the small and medi- financial crisis that has hit months it has grappled with have lobbied against repay- about getting listed on the loum-sized enterprises (SMEs) foreign currency reserves. its worst economic turmoil ment, fearing a depletion of cal bourse, the exchange’s list- are expected to be listed. The country, hit by a se- since the 1975-1990 civil war. reserves could further limit ing director has said. Talking about the impact vere liquidity crunch and Foreign currency inflows access to their savings. “Good number of local of coronavirus on Qatar’s months of anti-government have slowed, Lebanon’s “We shouldn’t have to companies is in the pipeline stock exchange, Emadi said, protests, was due on March pound has plunged in value pay the price of government to get listed on QSE. The files “Global stock markets have 9 to repay a $1.2-billion Eu- and banks have imposed shortcomings,” said Nour, a are at different stages of list- fallen sharply as investors robond, while another $700 tough restrictions on dollar 16-year-old demonstrator, ing process. As we all know, continue to worry about the million matures in April, and withdrawals and transfers. during a rally outside the cen- the listing process takes more broader economic effects of a further $600 million ma- Local banks, which own a tral bank’s headquarters in than a year from the date of coronavirus. In Qatar, how- tures in June. chunk of the Eurobonds ma- Beirut. submission of the files. Some ever, the impact is not serious But Prime Minister Has- turing on March 9, had argued Rallies were held across of the files are at advanced as the share prices are down san Diab said that foreign against a default, saying it the country on Saturday to stages of listing process. As marginally. I don’t see it con- currency reserves have fallen would pile added pressure on a decry deteriorating living soon as they are ready, we Qatar Stock Exchange Listing Director Abdul Aziz al Emadi tinuing for a long and things to “a worrying and dangerous cash-strapped banking sector conditions. are all prepared welcome will be on track soon.” level which pushes the Leba- and compromise Lebanon’s Lebanon’s sovereign debt them on the exchange,” Qatar companies especially those and workshops in association It is worth mentioning that nese government to suspend ties with foreign creditors. rating slid into junk territory Stock Exchange (QSE) Listing who have applied to be listed with our partners, he said, Qatar Stock Exchange (QSE) payment of the March 9 Eu- According to Marwan long ago, but investor confi- Director Abdul Aziz al Emadi are currently at an advanced the exchange has also initi- main index decreased by a robond maturity because of a Barakat, head of research at dence has fallen further since told Qatar Tribune. stage. ated one-to-one talks with the marginal 180.75 points, or 1.9 need for these funds.” Bank Audi, Lebanese banks the mass protests erupted. A number of family busi- Emadi said that QSE has owners of family-owned com- percent during last week to “The Lebanese state will owned $12.7 billion of the Credit rating agencies nesses in Qatar have shown taken various initiatives to panies to persuade them to go close at 9,309.39 points. The seek to restructure its debts, country’s outstanding $30 have warned of further down- growing interests to turn increase the number of listed public. bourse’s market capitalisa- in a manner consistent with billion Eurobonds as of the grades in the event of a de- their companies into public companies by raising aware- “We have received good tion fell by 1.1 percent to reach the national interest, by en- end of January. fault, but economists have shareholding entities, Emadi ness of the benefits of listing response from them. It might QR520.3 billion as compared tering into fair negotiations... The central bank held $5.7 stressed the need to protect said adding the discussions on the exchange. take a bit long, but I am con- to QR526 billion at the end of with all creditors,” he said in a billion and the remainder was Lebanon’s foreign currency with some of these family Besides holding seminars vinced that a number of them the previous week. live address. owned by foreign creditors, reserves. China’s foreign trade down 11% to $591 bn as coronavirus slows economy DPA first time the GAC has re- The drop is due “mainly ary’s import and export fig- people under lockdown. whole decreased, some goods States suffered, falling by 14 BeIJIng leased such figures since the to the effects of the novel ures to be released in March Exports of manufac- bucked the trend. percent, 15 percent, and 19 new coronavirus broke out in coronavirus outbreak and the instead. tured goods in particular Coal imports were up 33 percent respectively, trade CHINA’S foreign trade plum- China in December. Spring Festival holiday,” ac- The figures have been an- saw dramatic drops in the percent, crude oil imports between China and ASEAN meted 11 percent year-on- Exports dropped 17.2 cording to a notice from the ticipated as a barometer for past two months. Steel ex- climbed 5 percent, and im- nations and its partners in year in the first two months percent and imports fell 4 customs administration. how the world’s second-larg- ports dropped 27 percent, ports of soybeans, a key part the Belt and Road Initiative of 2020 to 591.99 billion percent compared to Janu- China’s trade data for est economy has suffered due data processing equipment of the US-China trade deal grew. Imports from ASEAN dollars, according to statis- ary and February last year, January was expected to be to the coronavirus outbreak, and parts fell 26 percent, finalised in December, in- nations increased nine per- tics released by the General settling at 292.45 billion and released early last month, but which has caused the closure and toy exports were down creased 14 percent. cent and trade between Chi- Administration of Customs 299.54 billion dollars respec- the GAC announced it would of workplaces nation-wide 26 percent. While trade with Eu- na and the BRI nations grew (GAC) on Saturday. It is the tively. be combining it with Febru- and put tens of millions of Although imports as a rope, Japan and the United by 1.8 percent. economy & business Sunday, March 8, 2020 09 World’s finance Solid uS economy bracing chiefs open taps for virus fightback for coronavirus infection AFP transfers from Beijing to LOnDOn virus-hit regions. Hong Kong’s govern- despite a surge in employment, economists warn the us economy is not inoculated against the coronavirus AFTER a fortnight of car- ment is giving a handout nage on global markets, of HK$10,000 (US$1,280) Europe is under pressure to every permanent resi- to join the US and Asia in dent, battling to overcome drastic action on spending a recession brought on by and interest rates to con- months of popular protests front the coronavirus crisis. and now exacerbated by the Investors are looking to coronavirus outbreak. a meeting of the European The Bank of Japan, Central Bank next week for which meets later this reassurance that monetary month, issued a rare state- policymakers have a grip on ment on Monday assuring the epidemic’s deepening investors it would “strive to impact on companies and provide ample liquidity and the economy at large. ensure stability in financial But an emergency rate markets”. cut this week by the US Indonesia, Singapore, Federal Reserve did noth- South Korea and Thailand ing to stem market losses. are also looking at plough- And analysts say there is a ing billions of dollars in limit to what central banks extra stimulus into their can do after years of easy- export-driven economies. money policies since the Australia, heavily de- 2007-08 financial crisis. pendent on Chinese de- As governments also mand for its raw materials, step up budgetary interven- has cut interest rates and is tions following a G7 prom- expected to roll out its own ise of action, AFP surveys stimulus measures next some of the policy respons- week. es around the world this week: EUROPE Italy, the worst-hit NORTH AMERICA country in Europe, is ready- Wall Street has tumbled in recent days as the outbreak spread and undermined the view that the US economy is inoculated against the danger. US lawmakers on ing a spending splurge of Thursday passed an $8.3 7.5 billion euros ($8.4 bil- AFP paid sick leave, meaning they 100,000 worldwide, with targeted stimulus measures to billion spending bill to lion) after the outbreak all WASHIngTOn may go to work while infected 3,400 deaths. help businesses and individu- combat the coronavirus, as but shut down its industrial with the virus or lose money “Overall, these are great als “in areas that have been hit the number of cases surged and financial heartland in HIRING is surging and wages they would otherwise spend if It’s not a health pandemic numbers, but unfortunately the worst” including “people in the country’s northwest the north. are rising in the United States they take time off. yet... it’s what I call an this is news from another who may be stranded at home and deaths reached double Eurozone finance min- as the year begins, but the “It’s not a health pan- economic pandemic. The planet,” Ian Shepherdson of and will lose pay.” figures. isters have promised to coronavirus is poised to in- demic yet... it’s what I call an Pantheon Macroeconomics “We’re not looking at big, The Fed’s policy-setting use all available tools to fect the economy and hamper economic pandemic,” Diane global effect of all these said in an analysis. expensive macro cash rebates, committee on Tuesday support growth. Ahead of President Donald Trump’s re- Swonk of Grant Thornton said things happening “Pre-virus, the labor mar- helicopter money from the slashed its key interest rate its meeting on Thursday, election bid. on CNBC. “The global effect of simultaneously is ket was strong, if weather- sky. That never works,” Kud- by a half point to a range of the ECB has said it stands Wall Street has tumbled all these things happening si- compounding the impact assisted. Now, trouble is com- low said on Fox Business Net- 1.0-1.25 percent -- its first ready to “take appropriate in recent days as the outbreak multaneously is compounding and the fallout for the ing, fast.” work. inter-meeting cut since late and targeted measures as spread and undermined the the impact and the fallout for In fact, a Fed survey re- Wall Street shrugged off 2008. necessary”. view that the US economy is the United States.” United States. leased Wednesday contained the positive economic data, Canada’s central bank Germany is often criti- inoculated against the danger. Trump on Friday once Diane Swonk of Grant dozens of mentions of the vi- plunging on Friday before a also cut its key lending cised for hoarding budget The White House has tried again demanded the Federal Thornton rus outbreak, with widespread late rally helped to close with rate by 50 basis points this surpluses, but senior mem- to downplay the impact, and Reserve lower borrowing rates impact already seen across only modest losses. Stocks are week. bers of Chancellor Angela Trump on Friday even made to stimulate the economy, the country, including people down more than 12 percent The World Bank says it Merkel’s coalition will hold the extraordinary claim that even though the central bank January figure was revised up refusing to go to Chinese res- from the peak on February 12. has $12 billion available to talks on Sunday to discuss US businesses are benefitting announced an emergency rate to show the same increase, ac- taurants. The jobs report also help countries respond to potential stimulus meas- from people staying in the cut on Tuesday. cording to the closely-watched And the report said “pro- showed average hourly earn- the threat, especially the ures. country while predicting “The Fed should cut and Labor Department report. ducers feared further disrup- ings increased by nine cents poorest and least equipped Finance Minister Olaf stocks would bounce back. the Fed should stimulate,” The back-to-back surges tions in the coming weeks.” compared to the prior month nations. Scholz has said Berlin “has But private economists Trump told reporters as he blew away all expectations. to $28.52, and are up 3.0 per- The International Mon- the means” to unleash bil- warn the positive data pre- signed a bill providing $8.3 The strong hiring put the cent over the past 12 months, etary Fund is making $50 lions of euros in public sents an outdated picture, and billion for the coronavirus re- unemployment rate at 3.5 per- ‘Temporary and short- outstripping inflation, accord- billion in aid available for spending, while Economy more real-time gauges of eco- sponse. cent, dipping from 3.6 percent lived’ ing to the data. such countries, warning Minister Peter Altmaier nomic activity already show In fact, most economists -- in January, near a 50-year White House economic Unseasonably warm win- that global growth could raised the prospect of help- the spreading alarm. and financial markets -- over- low. advisor Larry Kudlow ac- ter weather saw construc- now slip below last year’s ing companies with tax That is all the more dan- whelmingly expect Trump will The job gains mean the knowledged there would be tion companies add another 2.9 percent. relief. France is looking at gerous in an economy domi- get what he wants: another monthly average for 2020 some effects on the economy 42,000 workers in February, similar relief for compa- nated by the services sector: half-point chop to the Fed’s was 273,000, far outpacing but urged calm. after hiring 49,000 in January ASIA nies. In its first budget since factories can ramp up pro- benchmark policy interest the 178,000 monthly pace in “I’ve argued and I will con- -- far surpassing the 2019 av- China, ground zero of quitting the EU, Britain on duction once the danger is rate. 2019. tinue to argue economic prob- erage of 13,000 a month, the the outbreak with more Wednesday is expected to passed, but if people stop go- But that was before the lems are going to be tempo- report said. than 3,000 deaths, has cut plough ahead with major ing to movie theaters, sport- Calm before the storm major shutdowns caused by rary and short-lived,” he said But in a potential early interest rates and vowed a spending plans for infra- ing events and hotels, those The US economy pro- the outbreak that began in on CNBC. “The virus is not sign of a virus impact, the range of measures includ- structure despite the virus’s earnings are lost forever. duced another blockbuster China before spreading to going to last forever.” transportation and warehous- ing tax cuts and more fiscal impact. And workers in many of hiring spree in February, add- numerous countries. Infec- But he said the adminis- ing sector lost 13,000 jobs in those businesses do not have ing 273,000 new jobs, and the tions now number more than tration is considering some the month.

‘phoneS don’t Stop rinGinG’ For French hand gel producer, an opportunity and challenge

we realise the best margins and we Fears of catching coronavirus have sparked a run Huge sales have transferred some cosmetic on masks as well as sanitising hand gel in France production to less efficient lines in ● gilbert, which says it is the order to free up production capac- second-largest producer of gels ity,” he said. AFP tracting the virus without the need by sales in pharmacies in The coronavirus “is not good CAen, FRAnCe for running water. France, has sold 1.7 million news for the economy,” he added. Governments have insisted bottles in the last six weeks With the French government THE production lines are whirling that while such alcohol-based gels compared with 800,000 for all announcing it will impose a ceiling at Gilbert, one of France’s main are helpful, it is just as effective to of 2019. on the price of gels, Lecomte in- producers of sanitising gels, in a properly wash hands. sisted that the company would not bid to meet the soaring demand ● But despite the ramped up be raising prices for the product. for the bottles by people hoping to ‘No comparison’ production, demand at “We took the decision that fend off infection in the face of the This family-owned business, pharmacies is still exceeding prices would not be increased, coronavirus outbreak. which mainly supplies pharmacies production. “We have sold out that we would follow our pricing But executives warn against and hospitals, produces 80,000 to strategy. We did not take advan- seeing the boom as a win-win situ- 100,000 plastic bottles of gel every since Saturday when we sold 20 tage of or speculate on the growing ation for producers, saying it is a day at three sites in the region. bottles in a single day. demand for the hydroalcoholic struggle to keep up with demand Dominique Lecomte, its dep- gel,” he said. for a product that is far less profit- uty director, said even the surge The French government an- able than high-end cosmetics. in demand during the 2009 swine An employee of the pharmaceutical laboratory “Laboratoires Gilbert” monitors company’s activities, accounting nounced a price ceiling of 3 euros “The phones don’t stop ring- flu pandemic was nothing like the a production chain of hydroalcoholic solution in Plouedern, northwestern France. for just one percent of its annual ($3.50)for a 100 ml (3.4 fl oz) ing. This morning we had the current clamour for the product. (LOIC VenAnCe/AFP) sales of around 200 million euros. bottle Friday in the latest edition schools, the town halls, the public “With the H1N1 outbreak, Its most successful product is a of its official gazette. with a ceiling transport company,” said Muriel we had a considerable increase cies is still exceeding production. more employees for now, and also saline solution. of 2 euros for 50ml and 5 euros for Jehanne, the telephone operator in production. But what we are “We have sold out since Saturday plans to keep production lines But on Monday it will open a 300ml. at Laboratoires Gilbert in Herou- seeing now has no comparison,” when we sold 20 bottles in a single running on a Saturday. new production line for gels at its Those prices will be guaran- ville-Saint-Clair, outside the city of he said. day,” said the director of a phar- The company expects to plant in Plouedern, which pro- teed until the end of May, where- Caen in northern France. Gilbert, which says it is the macy close to the factory. produce up to 4.3 million plastic duces 65 bottles a minute. upon the government said it would “Everyone wants gel. We are second-largest producer of gels by “If there are 20,000 pharma- bottles in the first five months of Lecomte would not be drawn assess the market situation with under siege,” she said. sales in pharmacies in France, has cies in France and if 10 bottles are this year -- five times more than on what kind of financial profit consumer priority its priority. Pharmacies and shops have sold 1.7 million bottles in the last sold every day, you are going to for all of 2019. the company would make on the Paris added that retailers reported major shortages of sani- six weeks compared with 800,000 need to produce 200,000 a day,” ramped-up gel production, but who had acquired stock at a price tising gel as people seek an instant for all of 2019. added one local pharmacist, who ‘Not the best margins’ indicated it was not to be seen as a which would cause them to make a and quick hand cleaner to protect But despite the ramped up asked not to be identified. Until now sanitising gels repre- straightforward windfall. loss could request an indemnity to themselves from the risk of con- production, demand at pharma- Gilbert has taken on some 30 sented just a minuscule part of the “It is not the product on which make up the difference. 10 Sunday, March 8, 2020 economy & business

Qnb econoMic coMMentary Fed surprises with emergency As demand crunch worsens cut to respond to coronavirus how far can oil plummet?

he US Federal Reserve (the Fed) unanimously If the virus-induced Tagreed to an emer- demand fall persists, gency cut of their policy rate by 50 basis points (bp) to oil market could a range of 1.0% - 1.25% on March 3. This was perhaps continue to suffer an attempt at a “shock and from oversupply awe” policy announcement, like the co-ordinated interest rate cuts by six major AFP global central banks in neW YORk response to the 2008 global financial crisis. OIL prices have plummeted However, the market by more than 30 percent response was far from since the start of the year but positive, with stock markets for producers the worst may falling by nearly 3% despite be yet to come, warn experts, the yield on 10 year Treas- as the coronavirus epidemic uries falling below 1% for weighs heavily on demand. the first time. Markets may The OPEC cartel of oil- have reacted badly because producing countries and its theFed moved alone rather allies failed to reach a deal on than co-ordinated multilat- production cuts Friday, after eral action.Indeed, arecent Moscow refused to tighten Red Cross medics wait to check the temperature of participants of the 178th meeting of the Organization conference call of G7 finance supply to counter the effects of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) in Vienna, Austria, on March 6, 2020. (ALeX HALADA/AFP) ministers concluded by of the outbreak, sending oil pledging action to be taken prices tumbling. and Brent ended at their low- day, with Saudi Arabia offer- rather than the other way individually by each nation. OPEC nations -- led by est levels since April 2016. ing 400,000 barrels of “vol- around,” he said. The statement accom- the world’s third-largest oil untary” cuts. With the slowdown in panying the emergency producer Saudi Arabia -- had ‘Scorched earth’ Prices were already under global growth caused by the Fed cut was remarkably agreed the day before to rec- A priority for Russia, the pressure at that point from coronavirus, market players brief, making two main ommend “a further adjust- world’s second-largest oil abundant reserves and weak expect the plunge to continue. points: “The fundamentals ment of 1.5 million barrels per producer, is to avoid ceding global growth. “Recession risk is high. If of the U.S. economy remain day until 30 June 2020.” ground to the top producer, The cuts announced in you look at history, recessions strong. However, the coro- The 10 allies that join the the United States, which ex- December initially had the cause low oil prices,” said navirus poses evolving risks member nations in the group- tracts more than 13 million desired effect of an uptick in James Williams of WTRG to economic activity.”We ing known as OPEC+ would barrels a day and exports be- prices but the epidemic has Economics, who estimates will now discuss thesetwo have taken on 500,000 bar- tween three and four million. since sent them plunging low- that global oil consumption main points before noting rels of the cuts, with the 13 “The Russians have decider again. will fall by nearly four million the implications for mone- OPEC members themselves ed to employ a scorched-earth “If there (are) no more barrels in the first quarter. tary and fiscal policy around shouldering the rest. policy,” said John Kilduff of production cuts, it means that “Unless the Chinese econ- the world. But Russia “didn’t take the Again Capital, adding that the surplus into the second, omy recovers very rapidly, it’s In contrast to the Fed, bait,” Andrew Lebow of Com- Moscow was “at a point where and possibly into the third, going to cascade throughout our view is that economic modity Research Group told they’re wondering why they quarter is clearly going to be the world, particularly in Eu- momentum was dissipating AFP. are supporting US produc- higher than what the market rope and the US,” Williams even before the impact of “They’ve got a different ers.” had thought just at the begin- said. the virus. This was mainly view of the market than the Under such conditions, ning of the week, when we American producers could as a result of a maturing Saudis or OPEC,” he said, the oil market could continue were going into this OPEC be among the main victims of labour market and firms adding that the Russian econ- to suffer from oversupply in meeting,” Lebow said. a more pronounced decline in remainingcautious about omy is more diversified than the coming months, especial- the price of oil. committing to hiring and that of most OPEC nations, ly since the current cuts ex- High recession risk While low prices in prin- investment. With the un- and less dependent on oil. pire at the end of March and Too much supply is likely ciple favor consumption, they employment rate at multi- As a result of Russia’s re- their renewal appears more to put downward pressure on are detrimental to the compa- decade lows, hiring activity jection of the deal, the US than a little uncertain. prices, with some experts pre- nies that have to finance their has softened over the past benchmark futures contract, OPEC+ nations have been dicting oil in New York could operations. 12 months (Chart 1). Also, West Texas Intermediate for bound since the beginning of soon fall below $40. “We may start seeing leading indicators for real delivery in April, ended at 2017 by a voluntary reduction “We haven’t seen the some bankruptcies and con- domestic activity have weak- $41.28 a barrel, down a huge agreement of 1.2 million bar- worst yet of the demand solidation,” said Lebow. ened, with the February 10.1 percent for the day. rels per day. crunch,” said Kilduff, who be- “At the very least, there PMI in contractionary terri- stability. The virus had al- ministers and central bank In London, Brent oil fu- At their last meeting in lieves OPEC has been playing will be some negotiating on tory at 49.6(Chart 2). Busi- ready weakened the outlook governors are beginning to tures for delivery in May fin- December, the producers with fire in Vienna. the loans. The capital is al- ness investment contracted for both global growth and take the virus more seri- ished down 9.4 percent at agreed to cut production by “They overpromised and ready tight.” by 1.5% in Q4, declining for asset prices, which will act ously. Hiking interest rates $45.27 per barrel. Both WTI a further 500,000 barrels per now they underdelivered a third consecutive quarter, as further headwinds for aggressively in 2017 and as slower global growth, lin- the US economy and would 2018 gave the Fed policy gering trade tensions, and have push down on employ- space, which it is now using policy uncertainty contin- ment and inflation in the US to lead the global economic ued to take their toll. without a policy response policy response to the virus The United States has from the Fed. in the absence of co-ordi- Yes Bank failure exposes India to credit risk arguably been one of the The emergency rate nated multilateral action. AGENCIES banking sector and sent the third-biggest economy, with The RBI put the blame countries least impacted cut implies a significant Lower US interest rates will rupee falling to its weakest growth slowing for seven on “serious governance is- by the virus relative to and rapid deterioration of encourage and enable other EVEN as the government and level since 2018. consecutive quarters before sues and practices in recent the size of the economy the outlook as the Fed had central banks to also lower the Reserve Bank of India People queued outside picking up in late 2019. years” but said there was “no and population,with only unanimously agreed to hold interest rates to avoid cur- (RBI) try to put together a Yes Bank branches after the Yes Bank’s exposure to need to panic”. 117 confirmed cases and at its January meeting and rency appreciation. And, as rescue arrangement for YES announcement late Thurs- the shadow banking sector However, customers 7 deaths reported so far. effectively adopted a ‘wait- we have argued, lower inter- Bank, global investment firm day that customers can only is particularly large and it waiting to get their money However, it is becoming and-see’ stance. Indeed est rates provide govern- Nomura has warned that these withdraw 50,000 rupees has been struggling for some were far from reassured. increasingly clear that the financial markets went ments with more space to repeated relief measures are ($678) over the next 30 days time to raise fresh capital to “It’s not clear at the mo- virus is a major headwind from pricing in no change engage in fiscal stimulus. symptomatic of wider credit while the RBI tries to put to- free itself of a mountain of ment, and that is making for the whole global econo- to policy rates two weeks The virus is a tough risks that still lurk in India’s gether a rescue. bad loans in order to quell some people panic a bit,” De- my as indicated by the sharp before the January meeting challenge for policymak- financial system. The news added to liquid- worries about its viability. vika, a student and Yes Bank fall in the Global PMI (Chart to fully pricing in a 50bp ers because it hits both the Shares in Yes Bank ity concerns about India’s fi- “Investors have turned account holder, told AFP as 2). Indeed, global financial at the March meeting just supply side and demand plunged as much as 85 per- nancial system more than a risk averse and the conta- she queued at a branch in markets have now really before the emergency rate side of the economy. Mon- cent on Friday after the cen- year after the near-collapse gion is likely to hit smaller New Delhi. woken up to risk, including cut (Chart 3). Markets now etary policy is certainly tral bank seized control and of IL&FS, one of the nation’s bank and non-bank finance “I had purchased 15 to corporate earnings and expect a further 50bp cut no panacea and has argu- imposed withdrawal limits biggest “shadow banks” -- fi- companies,” said Abhimanyu shares of Yes Bank at 150 ru- commodity demand, posed at the March meeting and a ably become less effective. to prevent the collapse of nance houses responsible for Sofat at IIFL Securities. pees per share and now they by the virus. cut to zero by the middle of Nevertheless it still has an the country’s fourth-largest significant consumer lend- “How soon the RBI final- are at 15 rupees. It’s a huge The Fed has a clear 2020. important role to support lender. ing. ises the rescue plan is key as dent on my investments and mandate to support both It is clear from the G7 demand and confidence in The move by the Reserve A resulting reluctance of persistent operational curbs even my deposits are locked US employment and price statement that finance these difficult times. Bank of India (RBI) sparked banks to lend money has ex- increase uncertainty,” Sofat in,” Varsha Gandhi, a Mum- a sell-off across the troubled acerbated the woes of Asia’s told Bloomberg News. bai-based lawyer, told AFP. ‘It’s pandemonium’: Coronavirus panic-buying hits Los Angeles

AFP all water, out of hand sani- repeatedly stopped by new sive sparkling Perrier bottles LOS AngeLeS tizer.” customers grabbing what they remained, to the disappoint- One person has died so far could. ment of several shoppers. SPRINTING shoppers, rain California, which as of Fri- Even Costco’s famous free But some shoppers, tioned mineral water and not day had registered 69 corona- food samples had been sus- though concerned, managed a roll of toilet paper to be seen: virus cases -- second in the US pended for fear of spreading to see the lighter side of the panic-buying sparked by the only to nearby Washington the virus, another employee situation. new coronavirus soared in Los state. confirmed. “I’m guarded,” said emer- Angeles this week. Despite officials’ pleas for “With the madness here, gency responder Andrew, Two days after California restraint, Californians have it’s starting to really set in,” who did not want to give his declared a statewide emer- begun emulating the panic- said Lisa Garcia, a 30-year- last name, wheeling a trolley gency, wholesale stores visit- buying seen across swathes of old retail worker who admit- filled with water, paper tow- ed by AFP on Friday were un- Asia and other regions. ted she was growing seriously els, limes and ginger ale. able to keep up with soaring “It’s been nuts,” Costco worried. “I want to make sure we demand for a range of staple CFO Richard Galanti told an- “We were thinking of have the essentials -- some items, as citizens prepare for alysts on a call Thursday. stocking up on paper prod- mixers, some wines, you the worst. The same day, police in ucts, but look at those empty know, so if things go bad I can “It’s pandemonium -- our San Bernardino County, near shelves!” she told AFP. make a drink.” numbers are double the usu- Los Angeles, were called to At another nearby “I’m here just in case the al,” said Rene, an employee at one store after customers be- People begin to panic-buy and stockpile essentials from fear that supplies will be affected by the spread of branch, employees reported apocalypse is going to hap- a Costco supermarket in Bur- came enraged by the lack of the Covid-19 coronavirus outbreak across the country, in Los Angeles, on Feb 29, 2020. (AFP) shoppers dashing at full pace pen,” joked Carlos Gonzalez, bank. supplies. through the doors as the a 35-year-old student. “Today has been out of On Friday, Costco shop- four the previous day. ters confiscated at checkout, A worker wheeling an store opened, desperate to “I guess they’ve found control. That’s why we’re out pers were restricted to two Several tried to ignore the leading to “some pushing, a overloaded cart of confiscated grab supplies. a good way to sell a lot of of toilet paper, out of almost crates of water, down from rule and saw their extra wa- little bit,” an attendant said. bottles back to their shelf was By midday, only expen- stuff.” Spaniard Jorge Campillo holds a one-shot lead on the penultimate day of CB Qatar Masters golf paGe 14

Sunday, March 8, 2020

SHEIKHA MOZA, SHEIKH JOAAN HONOUR LONGINES GLOBAL CHAMPIONS TOUR DOHA 2020 WINNER, RUNNERS-UP

Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, Chairperson of Qatar Foundation, HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad al Thani, President, Qatar Olympic Committee, and Honorary President Longines Global Champions Tour, and Jan Tops, President, Longines Global HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad al Thani, President, Qatar Olympic Committee, and Honorary President Longines Global Champions Tour, with the LGCT Grand Prix of Doha podium finishers at Al Shaqab on Saturday. Champions Tour, honours young riders who won the children’s competition during the LGCT event at Al Shaqab. deusser tops longines Global champions tour Grand prix of doha in great style

VINAY NAYUDU DOHA

GERMAN showjumper Dan- iel Deusser, a bronze medalist at Rio Olympics, rose to the occasion in grand style at the gleaming Longines arena at Al Shaqab on a full moon Sat- urday to claim the blue riband Longines Global Champions Badr al Darwish, Secretary-General, Qatar Equestrian Federation Tour Grand Prix of Doha event. awards the Hathab Big Tour podium finishers at Al Shaqab. The 38-year-old combined with his 10-year-old mare Kill- er Queen VDM, with whom he had won the CHI Al Shaqab Grand Prix class just last week, to sizzle in the jump-off of the 1.60m speed class. The duo returned flawless and fastest ride in 42.54secs to claim the top podium spot and a grand prize of euros 123,750. Deusser’s super ride Ali al Rumaihi, Event Director, Hathab, honours the dressage winner pipped a much younger Bel- and runners-up at Al Shaqab. gian Nicola Philipppaerts by a good margin. Nicola riding one Results of the famed horses Katanga VH Dingeshof (10-year-old Longines Global Champions Tour Grand Prix of Doha La Tour Vidal) 0; 73.04; 0; 82.82; Gregory Wathelet bay mare) needed 44.08secs Int. jumping competition with jump-off (1.60 m) (Indago) 0; 70.57; 0; 84.45; Team Total: 167.27; Table A, FEI Art. 238.2.2 - CSI5* €25,185 to clear the 16 obstacle course German Daniel Deusser in action on Killer Queen VDM during the Longines Global Champions Tour Grand Prix of Doha CSI5* international 1. Daniel Deusser (GER); Horse: Killer Queen VDM; Pen: 3. Berlin Eagles: Marco Kutscher (Chaccorina) 0; with no penalties. jumping competition with jump-off (1.60 m) event at Longines Arena at Al Shaqab, Member Qatar Foundation, on Saturday. 0; Time: 74.41 sec; J.Off Pen: 0; Time: 42.54 secs; Prize: 72.30; 4; 83.31; Philipp Weishaupt (Coby) 0; 74.52; Jerome Guery on Quel €123.750; 2. Nicola Philippaerts (BEL); Katanga v.h Philipp Weishaupt (Che Fantastica) 0; 72.41secs Homme de Hus (14-yr-old Grand Prix qualifies for the a great experience and even Queen VDM. Mohammed Saeed Haid- Dingeshof; 0; 75.59 secs; 0; 44.08 secs; €75.000; 3. Team Total: 4; 157.83; €21,300 Jerome Guery (BEL); Quel Homme de Hus; 0; 76.99 HATHAB BIG TOUR bay stud) finished third in season-ending Super GP. So more special to win it front of Germany’s Philipp an on his mount Miss Chili secs; 0; 46.27 secs; €56.250; 4. Marcus Ehning (GER); Nat. jumping competition against the clock 46.27secs. being able to qualify for that them,” he added. Weishaupt topped the charts finished as runner-up in Funky Fred; 0; 74.46 secs; 4; 42.79 secs; €37.500. (1.30/1.45m) Table A, Art.238.2.1 The winner and runners- in the first event of the season As many as world’s top 12 on Coby while Italian Ema- 60.28secs. Hamad Nasser al Global Champions League - Individual classification 1. Kamil Sabitov(KGZ); Horse: Quintendro; Pen: 0; Time: Int. jumping competition against the clock (1.55 m) 58.35 secs; Prize:QR8.750,00; 2. Mohammed Saeed up were awarded by Her really takes a lot of pressure riders had made the jump-off nuele Gaudiano riding Chalou Qadi riding SIEC Lonnie was Table A, FEI Art. 238.2.1 - CSI5* Haidan (QAT); Miss Chili; 0; 60.28 secs; QR7.000; 3. Highness Sheikha Moza bint off me going forward. But that of the 1.60m event from the finished second. third clocking 66.88 secs. 1. Philipp Weishaupt (GER); Coby; 0; 74.52 secs; Hamad Nasser al Qadi (QAT); SIEC Lonnie; 0; 66.88 Nasser, Chairperson of Qatar doesn’t mean I don’t want to overall 35 who rode the event. The same day earlier saw The Hathab Open Class €23.750; 2. Emanuele Gaudiano (ITA); Chalou; 0; secs; QR5.250; 4. Salman Mohammed al Emadi (QAT); Foundation, and HE Sheikh win again. The big crowd at Longines the domestic equestrian series (Against the clock 1.15/1.25 m) 76.68 secs; €19.000; 3. Daniel Deusser (GER); Killer The Toymaker; 0; 67.18 secs; QR3.500. Queen VDM; 0; 77.76 secs; €14.250; 4. Hans-Dieter OPEN CLASS Joaan bin Hamad al Thani, “I haven’t decided which Arena at Al Shaqab earlier ap- Hathab take place where Ka- was won by Dreher (GER); Prinz; 0; 78.31 secs; €9.500. Nat. jumping competition against the clock President, Qatar Olympic events to take part in next, but plauded an equally exciting zakh Kamil Sabitov excelled Nasser al Ghazali on What Global Champions League of Doha Table A, FEI Art. (1.15/1.25m) Table A, Art.238.2.1 Committee, and Honorary I want to be competitive and Global Champions League on Quintendro on the grand a Pleasure, ahead of Moham- 238.1.2.1 - Against the clock (1.55/1.60m) 1. Nasser al Ghazali (QAT); What a Pleasure; 0; 53.92 President Longines Global win more Grand Prix events – CSI5* individual jump- stage to emerge as best in the mad Hazim Abara, who rode 1. London Knights: Olivier Philippaerts (H&M Extra) Pen: 0; secs; QR3.750; 2. Mohammad Hazim Abara (QAT); Time: 82.33secs; Nicola Philippaerts (Katanga V.H. Ambre de Beaufour; 0; 56.05 secs; QR3.000; 3. Champions Tour. this season. ing competition against the National jumping competition Ambre de Beaufour. Ghanim Dingeshof) 0; 67.45; 0; 80.12; Olivier Philippaerts (Zayado) Ghanim Nasser al Qadi (QAT) Numero Uno-T; 0; 57.23 An overwhelmed Deusser The crowd was fantastic clock (1.55 m) where Deusser against the clock (1.30/1.45m) Nasser al Qadi on Numero 0; 74.43secs; Team Total: 162.45; Prize: €30,042 secs; QR2.250; 4. Ghanim Nasser al Qadi (QAT); Dark later said, “The winner of each and fully behind us. It was had finished third with Killer event in 58.35secs. Uno-T was third. 2. Paris Panthers: Penelope Leprevost (GFE Excalibur De Dalida; 0; 57.61 secs; QR1.500. London Knights triumph in Global Champions League Doha after Pirates drama

TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK well-deserved second place. straight away in Doha.” pionship. Spectators, in- DOHA Speaking just before the After GCL Round One St cluding hundreds of Qatari prize-giving ceremony under Tropez Pirates were in pole and international children THE opening leg of the 2020 the soaring architecture of position starting today. But watched their show jump- Global Champions League the Longines Al Shaqab Are- star striker Pieter Devos dra- ing idols up close from the series in Doha saw London na, Olivier Philippaerts said, matically put them out of con- impressive grandstand and Knights stamped their author- “The pressure is on. We have tention when his mare Claire ringside cafes as the event ity after a last minute drama won the last two years, but we Z refused at the narrow white continues to grow in popular- crushed the hopes of closest started off with a win so that wall leaving new teammate ity as a regular fixture on the rivals St Tropez Pirates. gives great motivation for the Daniel Deusser to deliver a Doha sporting calendar. Twin brothers Nicola and next few shows. The season is necessary clear round to keep Jan Tops, Founder and Olivier Philippaerts emerged still very long but we choose them in the top tier finishers. President of LGCT and GCL, triumphant in the opening our best horses for the events After a blistering GCL said: “The sport, everything, GCL competition of the new and we hope to do well again season last year, team own- is just fantastic. It was a re- season with an impressive in the Super Cup, all the teams ers and managers decided to peat from last year, London clean scoresheet and an un- work towards it.” field their heavyweights to try Knights won the overall very beatable time. Paris Panthers, Nicola Philippaerts said: to gain maximum advantage strongly last year and again featuring Gregory Wathelet “It’s really cool to win with at the first event of 2020. It we have the same team, and new signing Penelope my brother for the first time. was a clear sign of the intense great riders and they started Leprevost, were the only other Global Champions League opening Doha leg podium finishes with Qatar Equestrian Federation President We’re very happy, both horses motivation to get ahead in off the season again with team to produce a full set of Hamad bin Abdulrahman al Attiyah and Jan Tops, President, Longines Global Champions Tour and Global jumped very well. It’s very nice the early stages of the high a amazing result. All four clear rounds giving them a Champions League at Al Shaqab on Saturday. to have a kick off here and win adrenaline GCL team cham- rounds were clear.” 12 Sunday, March 8, 2020 Sports

Ecuador upset Japan to make kom fires al rayyan to ‘clasico’ Davis Cup ﬁnals

AFP TOkYO win; al duhail maintain lead UNDERDOGS Ecuador swept their Davis Cup qualifier against AYENI OLUSEGUN QSL Standings Nam Tae-Hee could only sky Japan on Saturday in a match DOHA his effort. played behind closed doors due Club MP W D L GF GA GD Pts Al Sadd thought they had to the coronavirus outbreak, FRANCK Kom’s ninth minute 1. al duhail 17 13 3 1 33 14 19 42 pulled level on 66th minute while elsewhere Australia beat strike sent Al Rayyan six points 2. al rayyan 17 11 5 1 34 14 20 38 but Bounedjah was right- Brazil and Kazakhstan elimi- ahead of Al Sadd and four be- ly ruled to be offside. The 3. al sadd 17 10 2 5 45 27 18 32 nated the Dutch. hind leaders Al Duhail as the chances kept coming for The The hosts took to the court race for the QNB Stars League 4. al Gharafa 17 8 4 5 29 24 5 28 Wolves as substitute Moham- in Japan’s western Miki city title heats up. 5. al arabi 17 6 5 5 27 24 3 24 med Waad al Bayati flashed a without two star players – Al Rayyan beat Al Sadd 6. al sailiya 17 7 2 8 19 22 -3 23 shot narrowly wide. injury-hit Kei Nishikori and 1-0 in the ‘Clasico’, while Al 7. al Wakrah 17 5 4 8 24 27 -3 19 Boli should have put the world number 48 Yoshihito Duhail held off Al Sailiya 2-1 8. al ahli 17 5 4 8 22 29 -7 19 game to bed for The Lions when Nishioka, who decided not to on Saturday. a quickly taken freekick found 9. Qatar sC 17 4 5 8 16 22 -6 17 join his team to avoid a pos- Al Sadd on the back of two the striker unmmarked but his sible virus quarantine on his straight draws against Umm 10. al Khor 17 3 5 9 19 27 -8 14 volley bounced off the side off Al return to the United States. Salal and Al Arabi, knew a loss 11. umm salal 17 3 5 9 15 33 -18 14 Dosari’s post. Gonzalo Escobar and Diego at their great rivals would see 12. al shahania 17 1 7 9 17 37 -20 10 Abdulaziz Hatem in added Hidalgo outplayed home duo their chances of retaining the time saw his shot saved by Do- Ben McLachlan and Yasutaka Falcon Shield fade. ing matches, and we must con- sari and on the other end substi- Uchiyama 7-6 (7-3), 6-3 in the The Wolves are now 10 tinue to work and develop. We tute Hashim Ali’s cross bounced decider to give 27th-ranked points behind Al Duhail with controlled some periods of the off the crossbar as Al Rayyan Ecuador a 3-0 victory. five matches to play this season. match, and the three points is held on for a famous win. Uchiyama said it was hard Al Rayyan however, began the most important for us, and I League leaders Al Duhail to concentrate while playing the match brightly and Rodrigo know that these matches will be maintained their lead in the title in a nearly empty arena, “but Tabata could have put his side recorded in history. race as they beat Al Sailiya 2-1. I don’t want to use it as an ex- one goal up earlier but his shot “Our focus will be maxi- Han Kwang-Song and Ka- cuse.” hit the post as Diego Aguirre’s mum points in the remaining rim Boudiaf scored for the Red A limited number of jour- men asked questions of the Al five games,” Aguirre said. Knights as Mbarak Boussoufa’s nalists and other spectators Sadd defence. Minutes later, Bounedjah’s 90th minute penalty did little to were permitted to enter the Al Rayyan were not to be de- header from Abdelkarim Has- hurt Walid Regragui’s side. arena once they had their nied as the early pressure finally san’s cross was pushed out by Al Duhail dominated the body temperature checked, paid off nine minutes in. Al Rayyan goalkeeper Fahad proceedings throughout espe- with some organisers wearing A long freekick from the Al Younis before Gabriel Mercado cially through Paulo Edmilson. facemasks. Rayyan half found Franck Kom was forced to clear off the line Han opened the scoring by John Millman was Austral- in the box and the midfielder from another Bounedjah effort. thumping home the rebound ia’s hero in Adelaide with a sec- showed composure to control It was a classic derby with after Edmilson’s curler hit the ond fighting win in the singles, the ball on his chest before crunching tackles as both upright. wearing down Thiago Monteiro sending his volley across goal teams constantly attacked and Boudiaf scored the second 6-7 (6/8), 7-6 (7/3), 7-6 (7-3) in past Saad al Dosari who got a Yohan Boli missed a great op- goal for Duhail off Edmilson’s three hours and five minutes to hand on the ball. portunity to add a second but Al Rayyan midfielder Franck Kom shoots to score against Al Sadd defender Abdelkarim Hassan during free-kick. give the home side a winning “We deserved to win the it wouldn’t have counted as he their QNB Stars League match at the Al Sadd Stadium on Saturday. Al Sailiya were awarded a 3-1 lead. The victory echoed Clasico, and winning has a dif- was offiside initially. penalty in the last minute of his earlier come-from-behind ferent feeling against Al Sadd. I Bounedjah had clear chanc- way off his clinical self, while Just before halftime, well beaten. regular time after Ali Afif han- three-set win over Thiago Sey- hope that the team will continue es to pull his side level but the Akram Afif headed wide with Tabata’s freekick bounced off Al Sadd started the sec- dled Karim Ansari’s header for both Wild in Friday’s singles. at the same level in the upcom- league’s highest goalscorer was the goalie at his mercy. the crossbar with Al Dosari ond half on the front foot but Boussoufa to convert easily.

iSG tigers win al bayt Workers’ Aussies take on India, eye fifth T20 world title cup cricket tournament AFP inck and Ellyse Perry. MeLBOuRne After beating Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, they edged AUSTRALIAN captain Meg New Zealand before overcom- Lanning says her team are ing South Africa in a nerve- “pumped” for their defence of shredding and rain-affected the women’s Twenty20 World semi-final. Cup against India on Sunday “It’s been a hard road, cer- with hopes high that more tainly not smooth, but we’ve than 90,000 fans will cram given ourselves a chance,” said the cavernous Melbourne Lanning, who is wary of the Cricket Ground. threat posed by India. They go into the final as fa- “They’re a class side, they’ve vourites, courtesy of being the been playing excellent cricket sport’s dominant side, winning through the tournament.” four of the six tournaments so India went through the far, in contrast to Harmanpreet group phase as the only un- Kaur’s India, who are in their Australian captain Meg Lanning (right) speaks with coach Matthew beaten side, on the back of first decider. Mott ahead of the Twenty20 women’s World Cup final.(AFP) quality spin bowling and the But with large numbers exploits of teenage batting of Indian fans expected in the 110,000 are said to have at- “So hopefully there is prodigy Shafali Verma. After 100,000-capacity arena, there tended the Mexico-Denmark 90,000 people there. Every- upsetting Australia, they beat The Qatar Cricket Associa- will be little in the way of home women’s World Cup Champi- thing’s been done that could Bangladesh, New Zealand and tion (QCA) hosted the Al Bayt advantage. onships final in 1971, but it was possibly be done, and we’re just then Sri Lanka before auto- Workers’ Cup Tournament at Organisers have set their not a sanctioned event. really pumped we get to be out matically making the final as the Al Bayt Stadium, one of the sights on beating the official Pop superstar Katy Perry, in the middle and play in front Group A winners after their venues for the 2022 FIFA World world attendance record for a who this week revealed she is of everyone.” semi-final against England was Cup. In the final, ISG Tigers beat women’s sporting fixture on pregnant, has been recruited The final will be a repeat of washed out. Samko Blasters, who made just Sunday, to coincide with Inter- to help get punters through the the tournament opener, when “Rather than thinking 41 runs. Maqsood was named national Women’s Day. turnstiles, performing before India upset Australia by 17 about what is going to trouble the Player of the Final for his That was set at the 1999 and after the game. runs after leg-spinner Poonam us, it’s only about being there, all-round performance of 12 football World Cup final, when “It seems like it has sort of Yadav ran riot. enjoying the moment and giv- runs and two wickets. His team- 90,185 watched the United fallen into place a little bit, and It made every game after- ing our best,” said Kaur. mates Waqas made 14 and States beat China at the Rose Sunday is going to be massive,” wards a virtual must-win for “One thing we have to keep Majid hit 13 runs in the Bowl in California. said Lanning ahead of Austral- Lanning’s team, and they rose in mind, Sunday is a fresh day, six-over-a-side tournament. While widely accepted as ia playing their sixth successive to the task despite tournament- a fresh start. We have to start the benchmark, an estimated final. ending injuries to Tayla Vlaem- from ball one.” Liverpool bounce back as Arsenal close gap on top four AFP The runaway league lead- woodwork and Bernd Leno ther their dreams of Cham- LOnDOn ers still needed a miracu- made a string of saves from pions League football next lous goal-line clearance from Michail Antonio and Sebast- season thanks to captain Billy LIVERPOOL moved to with- James Milner to deny Ryan ien Haller, but it was Arsenal Sharp’s winner to beat bot- in nine points of claiming Fraser an equaliser, but defeat who made the breakthrough tom-of-the-table Norwich 1-0. the Premier League title by leaves Bournemouth still ma- 12 minutes from time. Roy Hodgson celebrated coming from behind to beat rooned in the bottom three. Mesut Ozil was originally his new contract as Crystal Bournemouth 2-1 as Arsenal “We are not geniuses, but flagged offside as he latched Palace boss with a 1-0 win boosted their charge towards we can really fight and that’s onto Pierre-Emerick Au- over Watford as the Eagles the Champions League places all we have to do until the end bameyang’s deflected shot moved into the top half of the with a 1-0 win over West Ham. of the season and see what we and headed down for Laca- table. Jurgen Klopp’s men had get from it,” said Klopp. zette to sweep home. Newcastle also secured suffered three defeats in four The spread of coronavirus But the goal was finally the win that should guarantee games in all competitions, in- could have a big impact on given after a delay of several their survival courtesy of Allan cluding their first in the Pre- the Reds’ title celebrations in minutes to move Arsenal to Saint-Maximin’s strike to beat mier League for 45 matches the weeks to come with the within five points of the top 10-man Southampton 1-0. at Watford last weekend. possibility of games being four. Moussa Djenepo gave the Callum Wilson’s contro- played behind closed doors. Wolves missed the chance Saints a mountain to climb versial early opener threat- But the abandonment of to move into the top four as when he was shown a straight ened another major upset. the normal pre-match ritual a disappointing 0-0 draw at red card for a lunge of Isaac But all of Liverpool’s setbacks of handshakes was the only home to Brighton left them Hayden on 28 minutes. of late have come away from disruption to the Premier still two points adrift of Chel- Alex McCarthy kept Anfield and they set an Eng- League calendar this week- sea in fifth. Southampton in the game lish top-flight record for 22 end. Liverpool’s Senegalese striker Sadio Mane celebrates scoring his team’s second goal during their English A vital point for the Sea- as he saved Matt Ritchie’s consecutive home league Despite the coronavirus Premier League match against Bournemouth at Anfield in Liverpool on Saturday.(AFP) gulls edges them two points penalty, but Saint-Maximin wins as two quickfire goals risk there was no halt to play- clear of the relegation zone. stabbed home the winner 11 from Mohamed Salah and ers celebrating wildly with Lacazette after a long VAR re- West Ham were made to the relegation zone on goal Sheffield United moved minutes from time to take the Sadio Mane turned the game each other and Arsenal play- view of the Frenchman’s win- rue a series of missed chances difference. above Manchester United and Magpies eight points clear of around. ers piled on top of Alexandre ner at the Emirates. as they remain just outside Jarrod Bowen hit the Tottenham into sixth to fur- the drop zone. Sports Sunday, March 8, 2020 13 roberts grabs maiden Suzuki wins pole at Qnb Grand prix Moto3 pole American in thriller TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK er’s Darryn Binder lost out Racing rider DOHA slightly as he was the man pushed back off the front row remains the THERE were a few nerves late to fourth, with the first fastest on for Tatsuki Suzuki in quali- man in the session, Ai Ogura, man to beat in fying at the QNB Grand Prix of slotting into fifth. Leopard Qatar, but the SIC58 Squadra Racing’s Jaume Masia com- Qatar Moto2 Corse rider nevertheless took pletes the second row. his second career pole position Sky Racing Team VR46’s race as he takes as he ended Q2 0.008 ahead of Andrea Migno fronts row Friday’s fastest man Raul Fer- three of the grid ahead of the the first pole nandez (Red Bull KTM Ajo) - best performing rookie Deniz and after coming through Q1. Öncü (Red Bull KTM Tech position in a It’s also despite the Japa- 3), who took eighth, and the nese rider missing the chance experienced head of Petro- decade at a final flying lap due to a nas Sprinta Racing’s John delay getting out, the num- McPhee. Rivacold Spiners TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK ber 24 left to wait and see if Team’s Tony Arbolino com- DOHA anyone could beat his best. pletes the top ten and will Fernandez tried and only sit alongside Jeremy Alcoba JOE Roberts (American Rac- just came up short, with fel- (Kömmerling Gresini Moto3) ing) slammed in a stunning low KTM rider Albert Arenas and Kaito Toba (Red Bull KTM 1:58.136 in Moto2 Q2 at the (Aspar Team Gaviota) com- Ajo) on row four. QNB Grand Prix of Qatar to pleting the top three after, With the top 14 separat- set a new lap record and earn like the polesitter, coming ed by just seven-tenths of a his maiden Grand Prix pole through Q1 on Saturday. second, tomorrow’s season- position, thus giving the USA It was Gabriel Rodrigo opening Moto3™ race looks their first intermediate class (Kömmerling Gresini Moto3) like being another classic un- and Grand Prix pole in a dec- who topped Q1 ahead of Suzu- der the lights. However, eve- ade on Saturday. ki, with rookie Jeremy Alcoba ryone on the grid will be wary The Free Practice pace- (Kömmerling Gresini Moto3) of the fact that the last, and setter’s qualifying time was third quickest and Arenas the only, time Suzuki sat on pole exactly the same as second last of those to move through. position at Misano last year, place Luca Marini’s (Sky Rac- From there, the fight for pole he went on to win the Grand ing Team VR46), however, so Joe Roberts of American Racing on the way to winning the Moto2 pole at the QNB Grand Prix of Qatar in Losail on Saturday. was truly on, and it was Ai Prix. Don’t miss the 18-lap he also shares the new lap re- Ogura (Honda Team Asia) epic at 14:20 (GMT+3) local cord, but Roberts’ second best who set the first fast lap. time on Sunday. lap was faster to give him pole. MOTO2 QUALIFYING RESULTS The only man to then beat Enea Bastianini (Italtrans The moto2 qualifying results (top 10) it was Suzuki as the number 24 MOTO3 QUALIFYING Racing Team) impressed to Pos. rider nation Team bike Time took over at the top, and that take P3 and complete the first 1. Joe ROBERTS USA American Racing Kalex 1’58.136 was actually the battle over - moto3 qualifying results (top five) Moto2 front row of the season. 2. Luca MARINI ITA SKY Racing Team VR46 Kalex 1’58.136 but the tension remained to 1 - Tatsuki Suzuki - (SIC58 Squadra Under the Losail lights, 3. Enea BASTIANINI ITA Italtrans Racing Team Kalex 1’58.243 the wire. He wouldn’t take part Corse) - Honda - 2’04.815 the Moto2 pace was electrify- 4. Jorge NAVARRO SPA Beta Tools Speed Up Speed Up 1’58.316 however, as he failed to make 2 - Raul Fernandez - (Red Bull KTM Ajo) ing from the off as qualifying 5. Bo BENDSNEYDER NED NTS RW Racing GP NTS 1’58.410 it back out and over the line as - KTM - +0.008 began. In Q1 Marcel Schröt- 6. Remy GARDNER AUS Onexox TKKR SAG Team Kalex 1’58.457 the grid thundered around for 3 - Albert Arenas - (Aspar Team Gaviota) ter (Liqui Moly Intact GP) 7. Marco BEZZECCHI ITA SKY Racing Team VR46 Kalex 1’58.513 a final push... - KTM - +0.110 went just a thousandth of a 8. Jorge MARTIN SPA Red Bull KTM Ajo Kalex 1’58.532 Fernandez made his leap 4 - Darryn Binder - (CIP Green Power) - second of Roberts’ Friday lap 9. Lorenzo BALDASSARRI ITA Flexbox HP 40 Kalex 1’58.582 up the timesheets, Arenas KTM - +0.211 record and at the beginning 10. Xavi VIERGE SPA Petronas Sprinta Racing Kalex 1’58.626 likewise, but Suzuki would 5 - Ai Ogura - (Honda Team Asia) - Honda of Q2, fellow Q1 graduate remain in the clear for his - +0.250 Jorge Navarro (Beta Tools second pole. CIP Green Pow- Speed Up) set a 1:58.396 Jorge Martin (Red Bull KTM to really set the scene for a The Free Practice paceset- Ajo) and Q1 graduate Lorenzo cracking first Moto2 qualify- ter’s qualifying time was Baldassarri (FlexBox HP 40) on ing of 2020. exactly the same as sec- the third row. Xavi Vierge (Pet- Tucked in behind team- ond place luca marini’s ronas Sprinta Racing) stuck in mate Marco Bezzecchi, Marini (sky racing Team Vr46), a late flyer to grab a top 10 slot then went P2 as the Sky Rac- however, so he also shares on the Qatar GP grid, putting in ing Team VR46 duo sat P2 the new lap record, but a red sector before his laptime and P3 in the early stages, but roberts’ second best lap started to fade... it was an ever-changing affair (From left) Luca Marini, Joe Roberts and Enea Bastianini on the podium It was a day to forget for a on the timing screens. of the Moto2 qualifying at the Losail International Circuit on Saturday. was faster to give him pole. couple of key names including After impressing in Free Tom Lüthi (Liqui Moly Intact Practice, Bo Bendsneyder anybody’s guess as to who was though, as ‘The Beast’ turned GP) as the Swiss veteran and (NTS RW Racing GP) then going to grab pole. up the wick in the east to pro- race – that’s the Dutchman’s expected challenger was P18 went just 0.014 off Navarro’s Marini launched an at- pel himself into P3. Bastianini best Moto2™ qualifying re- after a tough qualifying. But time to launch himself to a tack next, the Italian setting ended up just over a tenth shy sult. Despite having suffered he’s nearly within a second and provisional front row start, a new lap record to go P1 with of Roberts and Marini to se- two crashes in Free Practice, only six tenths split Roberts to but Roberts – having pitted in seven minutes remaining. But cure his first Moto2™ front Remy Gardner (Onexox TKKR 16th place Aron Canet (Aspar the early stages in the session Roberts wasn’t done, and the row. SAG Team) kept it rubber side Team) in Q2 as we get set for – was setting red sectors. On American then flashed across Heading Row 2 is Navarro, down in qualifying to earn an what looks to be a monumen- his opening flyer, lapping by the finish line and set the exact the Spaniard will be happy impressive P6 and complete tally good opening intermedi- himself, the number 16 went same time as his counterpart – with that having come through the second row. ate class race of the year. Tune to P3 as 0.051 split the lead- but taking pole, with a quicker Q1, with Bendsneyder doing a Bezzecchi got his best lap in at 18:00 local time (GMT+3) Tatsuki Suzuki (SIC58 Squadra Corse) wins the pole position of the ing trio halfway through the second fastest lap. sterling job on the NTS bike to time in on his final lap to start to watch Roberts and co. do Moto3 class during the QNB Grand Prix of Qatar for Honda in Losail session, although it remained It still wasn’t over then sit P5 on the grid for Sunday’s from P7, the Italian leading battle under the lights. on Saturday. Twenty years on, QGF prepares for FIG Artistic World Cup TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK DOHA

IT’S been a good twenty long It will be the 13th years since the Qatar Gymnas- consecutive year when tics Federation (QGF) was es- Doha will play host to the tablished in 2001. Since then, gymnastics spectacle. the sports body has come a This year’s event will be a long way establishing Doha as one of the world’s top destina- special one as we are tion for gymnastics. celebrating 20 years The hosting of the World since the Qatar Gymnastics Championships of Gymnas- Federation was formed. tics a few months ago in 2019 proved the organisational Qatar Gymnastics Federation abilities of QGF as the worlds President Ali al Hitmi were successfully hosted in the Middle East and the region for the first time. play host to the gymnastics QGF has all along been spectacle. This year’s event hosting several top gymnastics will be a special one as we are events like the numerous FIG celebrating 20 years since the ising committee will take max- After the qualification Derwael are the regular visi- World Cup editions. Qatar Gymnastics Federation Qatar Gymnastics Federation President Ali al Hitmi while speaking to imum precautions for safety of rounds, the finals will be held tors to the Qatari capital. QGF will mark its 20th an- was formed,” QGF President media ahead of the FIG Artistic Gymnastics World Cup at Al Bidda Tower. all the participants. on the last two days of the com- The 2018 FIG World Gym- niversary with the hosting of Ali Al Hitmi told reporters at “Health safety is our pri- petition – March 20 and 21. nastics Championships in the 13th FIG Artistic Gymnas- Al Bidda Tower. QGF has received confirmation petition among the athletes. ority and we will make all the All the top gymnasts, who Doha, which saw participation tics World Cup later this month. “We are looking forward from around 250 gymnasts, who “The FIG World Cup in possible arrangements to en- rate Doha as one of their fa- of gymnasts from 78 countries, The FIG World Cup is to host a successful event. will represent 44 countries. Doha will carry points for To- sure safety of the gymnasts. vourites venues, are expected was rated as one of the best in one of the highly-anticipat- Many countries have already “We have received confir- kyo Olympics qualification and We are in constant touch with to feature in the upcoming history of the competition. ed events in Qatar’s vibrant confirmed their participation mation from 156 male and 91 we can expect thrilling perfor- our Health Ministry for guid- event. During the event, Ameri- sports calendar with this and we are expecting a big female gymnasts so far. Team mance from gymnasts during ance. We will do our best to Star athletes like World’s can prodigy Simone Biles be- year’s event set to take place at number of gymnasts in ac- QGF has a vast experience of the event,” he informed. provide such an environment oldest Olympian Oksana Chu- came the first gymnasts from state-of-the-art Aspire Dome tion at Aspire Dome,” said the organising top-notch events Speaking on the coronavi- for the athletes that they will sovitina of Uzbekistan, Olym- the US to win medal in every from March 18 to 21. QGF president. and we are confident to host this rus outbreak which is affecting only have to focus on their per- pic star Epke Zonderland of event at a single World Cham- “It will be the 13th con- While the entries are still event in a befitting way,” he said sports competitions world- formance and nothing else,” the Netherlands and Belgium’s pionships and the first woman secutive year when Doha will open, Al Hitmi informed the before predicting a tough com- wide, Al Hitmi said the organ- the QGF President said. reigning world champion Nina to do so in 31 years. 14 Sunday, March 8, 2020 Sports

commercial bank Qatar Masters 2020 Chowrasia ends poor run in CBQM, looks headed for best ﬁnish by an Indian

RAAJIV TRIPATHI I have been playing well over DOHA the first three days. A minus three today makes a good A shift in the Commercial score for me. I’m now look- Bank Qatar Masters ven- ing forward to the last day. Campillo on ue has brought a positive Lets us hope for the best.” change in fortunes of India’s Chowrasia did not ex- SSP Chowrasia. He ended pect this kind of round and the third day with three un- that too in Qatar, where the der par 68 to be locked at gusts are the biggest chal- the ninth spot with four oth- lenge for any player. “When ers and looks a strong bet to I came here, it was so windy. the top of tight become the best Indian fin- I was wondering like ‘oh isher in Qatar. how I would play in these THIRD DAY’S SCORES Former Asia Tour Or- conditions’. der of Merit winner Jyoti “It is always so tough in scores from the european Tour Qatar masters on Randhawa is credited with the windy conditions, but saturday -14 Jorge Campillo (Spain) 66 66 67 two highest finishes in this I’m delighted that I man- -13 David Drysdale (Scotland) 67 69 64 tournament – a tied seventh aged good scores. I am re- leaderboard Jeff Winther (Denmark) 66 69 65 in 2008 and a shared 12th in ally enjoying my game after 2005. a long time,” added Chow- -12 Benjamin Poke (Denmark) 68 67 66 -11 Alexander Björk (Sweden) 70 63 69 Having 47th as the best rasia. Pablo Larrazábal (Spain) 72 67 63 result in previous eight ap- Comparing the ECGC pearances and after miss- with the previous venue, -10 Kalle Samooja (Finland) 70 67 66 Leader Jorge Campillo of Spain hits a shot on the third Jack Senior (England) 69 66 68 ing cuts for three successive he said, “The DGC course day of the Commercial Bank Qatar Masters at the years from 2017 at the Doha is tougher because of the Education City Golf Club on Saturday. -9 Marcus Armitage (England) 67 71 66 Golf Club, the 41-year-old wind. We always have S.S.P. Chawrasia (India) 67 69 68 Kolkata golfer came with an strong winds. On the first Thomas Detry (Belgium) 72 66 66 Scott Jamieson (Scotland) 67 68 69 aim to stay till the weekend three days of the week, I was Andy Sullivan (England) 66 66 72 in the 23rd edition, which is under pressure as we faced being played at a new facil- gusts during the practice An exciting final day on the card at ECGC today -8 Lorenzo Gagli (Italy) 66 70 69 ity in the Qatar Foundation rounds. -7 Matthew Jordan (England) 70 67 69 Marcus Kinhult (Sweden) 68 65 73 - the Education City Golf “But as the tournament TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK enth after a lovely approach, Chris Paisley (England) 69 70 67 Club now. began, the conditions were DOHA he led by two. Thomas Pieters (Belgium) 66 70 70 After having achieved less hostile on the first two A 40-foot putt at the ninth Adrien Saddier (France) 69 70 67 the primary objective a days. The wind has been A part of nine-player bunch moved him three ahead and Sami Valimaki (Finland) 70 71 65 day before, the diminutive blowing but it did not cause that finished runner-up to while Winther holed from 15 -6 George Coetzee (South Africa) 70 68 69 player had his best start damage and I got good Justin Harding last year, feet at the 11th to trim the lead, Justin Harding (South Africa) 70 67 70 with four shots saved in the scores under the prevailing Jorge Campillo contrived a a Campillo chip-in at the tenth Romain Langasque (France) 69 64 74 first seven holes. But he suf- conditions,” Chowrasia ex- Niklas Lemke (Sweden) 68 69 70 five under 67 on the third day opened the lead back up to Wilco Nienaber (South Africa) 68 70 69 fered a bogey on the ninth plained. to carry a slender one-shot three. Matthias Schwab (Austria) 70 70 67 – something which he did Talking about the final advantage into the last day of Campillo three-putted the Lars Van Meijel (Netherlands) 70 66 71 on the first two days as well, hole, he said, “Luckily, I got the 2020 Commercial Bank 12th but needed only two on -5 Nino Bertasio (Italy) 72 69 67 before regaining a stroke. the free drop. I executed a Qatar Masters. the par five next to stay three Dean Burmester (South Africa) 69 67 72 He was looking steady good chip and went on to The Spaniard, who secured ahead of a group of players Alejandro Cañizares (Spain) 71 69 68 and parred the next three par the hole for a satisfy- his first European Tour title in that now included Drysdale. Darren Fichardt (South Africa) 67 68 73 holes. However, a slight ing round. But it would be Stephen Gallacher (Scotland) 72 68 68 the Trophee Hassan II last year The 44-year-old birdied the Nicolai Hojgaard (Denmark) 64 71 73 drop in concentration led to difficult for me to pick my in 229 starts, was in a strong first, second, fifth and sixth to Joost Luiten (Netherlands) 65 68 75 another bogey on the 15th. best shot. I made a couple of touch from the fifth tee as he turn in 32, and saw his eagle Robert MacIntyre (Scotland) 68 72 68 The Indian regrouped him- good putts today like on the grabbed five shots in six holes putt lip out as he made a birdie Matthieu Pavon (France) 70 69 69 self and off the par-four final sixth, seventh and 11th. Antoine Rozner (France) 69 69 70 to move three ahead at the Ed- on the 13th. Fabrizio Zanotti (Paraguay) 69 68 71 hole, he was a bit fortunate “I was four under af- ucation City Golf Club course. Another gain came on to get a free drop. ter seven holes at a stage. I But facing some gusty the next to put him in a share -4 Oliver Farr (Wales) 74 64 71 Chowrasia played a su- was expecting more birdies conditions on the back nine, of second and he put his ap- Oliver Fisher (England) 69 64 76 perb chip to get within about but minus three I feel it is Benjamin Hebert (France) 67 70 72 he lost a couple of strokes but proach to the 17th to tap-in Sebastian Heisele (Germany) 68 72 69 two and a half feet to roll the still good for me. I’ll try to managed a level par to total range to become the nearest Søren Kjeldsen (Denmark) 72 69 68 putt easily for a three under use the flow and go as high a 14 under total to lead Scot challenger. Campillo three- Joakim Lagergren (Sweden) 70 71 68 card for the day, aggregating as possible on Sunday. I’m David Drysdale and Dane Jeff putted from just off the green Zander Lombard (South Africa) 70 69 70 minus nine 204. going to stick to the same James Morrison (England) 73 68 68 Winther, both looking for their Jeff Winther of Denmark is sharing the second spot with David at the 15th to see his lead cut Carlos Pigem (Spain) 66 71 72 A smiling and relieved gameplan and if I can have maiden Tour triumphs. Drysdale one shot behind leader Jorge Campillo on Saturday. to one and Winther holed a Richie Ramsay (Scotland) 70 71 68 Chowrasia commented after a better round, it would be “It’s a nice position to be 10-footer on the 17th to join Robert Rock (England) 72 69 68 his round, “It was a good day. nice,” added Chowrasia. in,” Campillo commented after gle dropped shot in a 65. Anoth- he looks for a maiden victory, Drysdale. Jordan L Smith (England) 69 69 71 his round. “I’d been playing aw- er Dane in Benjamin Poke was while a win for Winther would Poke birdied the second, -3 Laurie Canter (England) 72 69 69 ful lately. With new caddy, I’ve then at 12 under, a shot clear come at the 97th attempt as he sixth and seventh but dropped Ross Fisher (England) 68 73 69 been working on a few things of Swede Alexander Bjork and establishes himself fully on the a shot on the ninth before Gavin Green (Malaysia) 70 69 71 Masahiro Kawamura (Japan) 76 65 69 and it’s working out well. Spaniard Pablo Larrazábal, European Tour after three suc- making gains on the tenth and Sihwan Kim (Korea Republic) 72 69 69 “Hopefully, if I can keep the 2019 Alfred Dunhill cessful trips to the Qualifying 13th. A huge putt on the 15th Yassine Touhami (Morocco) 68 71 71 playing like this, I’ll prob- Championship School. and a 12-footer on the 17th had ably have a good chance winner. Winther had a racy start, him within one but he failed to -2 Steven Brown (England) 71 70 70 Maximilian Kieffer (Germany) 69 71 71 to win. If not, I’ll try next Drys- firing three birdies in a row get up and down from the sand Jason Scrivener (Australia) 70 71 70 week. Still 18 more holes dale is to to share the lead and keep- on the last. Brandon Stone (South Africa) 71 68 72 to go. It’s going to be playing ing his place at the top of the Larrazábal fired two eagles Jeunghun Wang (Korea Republic) 70 69 72 tough day tomorrow.” his 498th leaderboard with a 30-footer and six birdies as he matched -1 Pedro Figueiredo (Portugal) 70 71 71 Campillo also said the European on the fifth. After starting with the lowest round of the week - David Horsey (England) 69 69 74 Morocco win may helping Tour event four pars, Campillo holed from and the fledgling course record Kyung-Jun Moon (Korea Republic) 67 70 75 him on the final day. “If this week as eight feet at the fifth to get back - with a 63, while Björk made Haydn Porteous (South Africa) 73 68 71 I had not won before, I’d into a tie. three birdies and a bogey in a Sebastian Soderberg (Sweden) 74 66 72 Clément Sordet (France) 72 66 74 have been a little nerv- A 15-footer on the seventh 69. Brandon Robinson Thompson (England) 72 68 72 ous. But after the victory, put Winther out in front but Finn Kalle Samooja and Toby Tree (England) 71 69 72 it is a familiar position. Campillo laid up and put his England’s Jack Senior were at Though still a bit nerv- third to three feet at the par ten under, a shot clear of two 0 David Coupland (England) 68 68 77 Sean Crocker (USA) 71 70 72 ous, I’ll try to do my five sixth to get to 12 under. more Englishmen in Marcus Tae Hee Lee (Korea Republic) 70 70 73 best and hopefully, I Winther found the water on Armitage and Andy Sullivan, Cormac Sharvin (Northern Ireland) 71 69 73 can win another title,” the seventh to surrender a bo- India’s SSP Chawrasia, Belgian +1 Renato Paratore (Italy) 69 71 74 added Campillo. gey and when Campillo made a Thomas Detry and Scotland’s Hennie du Plessis (South Africa) 72 69 73 Drysdale was bo- third gain in a row on the sev- Scott Jamieson. gey free in a 64, while +3 Julien Guerrier (France) 72 69 75 SSP Chowrasia tees off during the third day of the Commerical Winther also made David Drysdale of Scotland is in a joint second place after the third +5 Grégory Havret (France) 68 71 79 Bank Qatar Masters on Saturday. seven birdies with a sin- day’s play on Saturday. Team Drysdale eyes long-awaited victory

“The first couple of seasons nice putts. In the middle of ing. I look forward to it. ‘We’re getting older together but worked very well. I haven’t the round I struggled a wee bit “We had good fun, good played the best the last 14 and hit a lot to 40 or 50 feet playing partners are always enjoying each other’s company’ months or so, I’ve been grind- but managed to two putt them good to have and you can lean ing away, but we haven’t fallen and move on and capitalise on on your caddie as well. We TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK achieved David’s third runner out yet.” my good shots.” just enjoyed it and played very DOHA up finish at the 2019 Alfred A stunning second to tap- Jeff Winther is alongside well. I putted very well as well Dunhill Championship. in range at the 17th put the ic- Drysdale at 13 under as he too and that’s a big factor. DAVID Drysdale and wife A bogey free 64 on day ing on a wonderful round, and looks for a maiden victory in “It’s wide and I like it. I Vicky have formed one of the three at Education City Golf Drysdale was delighted with his 96th European Tour ap- need a bit of help off the tee at European Tour’s most famous Club moved them within his performance. pearance. the moment but otherwise teams and they will head into one of 54 hole leader Jorge “I was pretty aggressive off The Dane has graduated than that I really like it. the final round of the 2020 Campillo and a long awaited the tee (at the 17th), I hit driv- from the European Challenge The greenkeepers have Commercial Bank Qatar Mas- victory would be the perfect er, most guys would hit three Tour and come through the done very well this ters looking for victory at the present for Vicky, who cele- wood off there,” he said. “Got Qualifying School three times week, it’s phenom- 498th attempt. brated her birthday this week. it down on a good number, 160 as he looks to establish himself enal to putt on.” David played his first Eu- “It was good fun,” said Da- into the breeze, and it was per- on Tour, and he insists he will ropean Tour event in 1999 vid. “It’s my birthday in a cou- fect - four inches short. That’s be treating day four in the de- and while Vicky may have only ple of weeks so we’re getting the sort of birdie putt you like. sert like any other round. David Drysdale and been on the bag for the past older together but we’re enjoy- “I started quite well, I was “I’ll keep doing the same,” his wife Vicky at few seasons, they have formed ing each other’s company on four under through six holes he said. “I’m going to try not to the ECGC course on a formidable pairing and the golf course. and I just holed a couple of think about it and it’ll be excit- Saturday. Sunday, March 8, 2020 15 Reports by Ailyn Agonia For events and press releases email [email protected] or Ailyn Agonia kabayan corner Ailyn Agonia call (974) 4000 2222 Ailyn Agonia

Engr. Sheila Medel womenProud Filipino

Aisha al Baker

engr Sheila Medel effective communication and lastly, tol- Senior Technical engineer/ currenT erance. In the celebration of Interna- PreSidenT of The PhiliPPine inSTiTuTe of tional Women’s Day, I encourage you all civil engineerS (Pice) QaTar chaPTer thriving in Qatar to make every memorable event count In this world full of men, especially and truly productive so that, our friends, being in the engineering profession is not loved ones and children would be able to easy. Challenges are up and just around pass on how we are able to create long- every corner wherever you maybe, at work here are many successful Filipino women who have smashed the so-called term impact to our current society. and even in every organisation you belong. One of the critical challenges is that some Tglass ceilings in different fields and opened the doors of opportunities wider Aisha al Baker or maybe most of the men think they can reSTauraTeur/ enTrePreneur do better than the women. This is always a for those who follow them. Women are perfect in all aspects challenge to consider for most of the wom- of appearance and most beautiful gift en especially when they are consumed by Many of them are thriving in different parts of the world, including in Qatar, as of God. Women today are blessed with the thought of being inferior to men. Be- entrepreneurs, managers, engineers, doctors, nurses, educators, chefs and more. many opportunities to explore their pas- ing a leader of a prestigious organisation sions and make their mark. We can be a such as PICE Qatar is another enormous On the occasion of the International Women’s Day celebrated in many caretaker of our family and can be en- challenge as I am surrounded by a vast trepreneur in our own ways. array of civil engineers along with other countries on March 8 and National Women’s Celebration marked in the professionals. As I walk through these Layla Bernal challenges, I learned to unfold my hidden Philippines for the entire month of March, Qatar Tribune talked to some of enTrePreneur/ communiTy leader skills and traits which initially I am not A woman’s ability is limitless. She aware of. Earning new personal develop- these Pinay achievers on their thoughts on the essence of the celebration, the can do whatever her heart sets on. She ment to myself makes me feel like a dif- can be tough and soft at the same time. ferent person. Every mishap is a lesson for challenges they face in their chosen professions, and the qualities women of She can be strong-willed and relentless me to carry and to move forward. today must develop and enhance to be more globally competitive and continue to in chasing her dreams or choose to be Working as a Senior Technical En- laid-back and be perfectly content with gineer where most of my colleagues are flourish in their respective fields. doing her own thing. Our power lies in men who shout their heart out when sim- our ability to adapt easily to what is re- ple complication arises, I have to sit back quired by the moment. These qualities and be calm in dealing with them to pre- propel us to success in various fields in- vent the issue from blowing out of propor- cluding in business. tion. Such traits work to my advantage in Happy International Day to all the my line of work. women in the world and to everyone Women are like butterflies as I’d like who protects, fights and pushes for to say, we undergo the process of chang- women’s rights and defending for their ing from an immature form into an adult equality and freedom! May your light form through a series of period that re- always serve as an inspiration and guid- quires persistence, forbearance and even ance to all of us. Women are the light hardships until our wings emerge. Thus, of the world, let’s be in this together to I urge my fellow women to strive to turn keep the light shin- into a beautiful full-grown butterfly that ing all throughout can freely soar. For me, modern day our days ahead. women must have wit, confidence and always cloth themselves with strength and dignity. Whatever her generation is, she must always be kind but tough enough in order to survive.

engr. aileen abejero-Buenaflor Layla QuanTiTy Surveyor/ firST female PreSidenT of Bernal Pice QaTar chaPTer For women to survive in this crucially demanding world, she needs to be adapt- able. She needs to be able to address the Chef Frances Anne Montilla Mildred Ngoaban Bhem Ranoco Asperilla needs of the ever-changing times with te- nacity and faith in God. Women are per- tinue doing great. I believe, women are and home-mom, auntie, sister or best friend; Salute to the women of the world, formers and achievers. For them to better always will be the stronger gender. There we can also be our own boss and run a in pursuing the continuing empower- perform in whatever field they choose, they really is no competition, just facts. Even company. Whatever path we choose, we ment of their rights toward justice and must just be persistent. Taking occasional the most celebrated strong men in society are not limited as long as we do not seek equality! Salute to the international pauses along the way to take a breather is came from and raised by women. And so, validation for who we are and what we working women who are striving hard- fine, but always go back on track and con- this month, let’s celebrate! Cheers to all are capable of. We can rule with care and er amid vulnerabilities to provide eco- strong women out there! empathy, and when women empower an- nomic development to their families other— remarkable things happen. and every nation. Chef Frances Anne Montilla cake deSigner and enTrePreneur Mildred Ngoaban Bhem Ranoco Asperilla Women are naturally resilient. We oPeraTionS manager aT al Jaber oPTicianS megaworld inTernaTional TerriTory are like wild flowers, we continue to grow Women with innate special and head/vice PreSidenT for SaleS of mea1 beautifully amidst the chaos and distrac- competitive skills survive or do better Women in different fields will tions of a modern-day society. We con- in their chosen fields. Independence be facing many new challenges in tinue to thrive wonderfully when a whole and willingness to learn in every op- the coming days in many aspects of lot is expected from us, in the work force, portunity builds strong women, polish- their engagements - career, family, at home and our communities. It is im- ing their capability to solve problems at relationships and health. In order portant that we are aware of who we are any rate by themselves. Consider goal to meet these challenges, women and what we are capable of. To be fear- setting skills as mandatory for every must be able to understand their less in the pursuit of reaching our visions, working women to learn and apply at role that they play in the society. dreams and aspirations. To be unapolo- home and at work. The woman-ability Thus, I would like to share some im- getic for being our authentic self, but also to uphold the values inculcated in the portance skills that women must ac- being able to strike a balance— at work, working place and empowering other quire in order to survive. First, the abil- our family life and our own personal time women makes women perform better in ity to multi-task, second, execute tasks Engr. Aileen Abejero-Buenaflor for self-care. We can be a wife, stay-at- any field. with high impact leadership skills, third,

9th Guardians Legion Qatar Inter-Branch Friendship Cup opens

ILIPINO brotherhood taking part in the league ball toss with the chairman, Guardians Legion Qatar representing different commissioner, advisers, ref- F(GLQ) officially opened branches of GLQ, namely erees and team representa- the ninth edition of GLQ GBHI/1Ganap, GPII-SUC tives. It also featured a pa- Inter-Branch Friendship Ram, SGBI, GGBAI and GBI rade of team muses wherein Cup Basketball league at TBBG-Persian Gulf Chapter, team RUGBII bagged the the Cambridge School in GBI TBBG-Alamid Qatar Best Muse award. While Mamoura area recently. Chapter, GFCII, RUGBII, team GFCII went home with GLQ President Joey Dale GPII-ACO, and GSSI. the Best in Uniform recogni- Allado led the event which Speaking on the occa- tion. was also attended by Engr sion, Allado proposed for Games will be held every Rolan Nevado who shared the launch of Basketball Friday. Aside from the bas- the history of the GLQ tour- President’s Cup the soonest ketball cup titles, special nament and urged the con- possible. He also thanked awards will also be give away tinuous support of members the members of GLQ Sports at the end of the tournament in his inspirational remark. Committee headed by Ro- such as the Most Valuable The tournament is aimed meo Tiolo for their efforts in Player of the Game, Rooking at enhancing the brother- putting the league together. of the Year, mythical team, hood and unity among the The opening ceremony defensive players, best coach members. Nine teams are kicked off with a ceremonial and sportsmanship awards. 16 Sunday, March 8, 2020 the Last Word INteRNAtIoNAL WoMeN’s DAy A salute to the pivotal role of women in building Qatar and the world

AILYN AGONIA sation going beyond the March 8.” tional economy continues to grow HE STEFANIE MCCOLLUM, and inspirational gender equality been working hard to achieve parity DOHA Dr Malki said that globally, many as a result of this great educational Ambassador of Canada to Qatar change-makers, both in Canada and in representation of women in public institutions are still male dominated achievement.” Ambassa- globally. The embassy and the Uni- office and I am also extremely proud N the occasion of Inter- and many laws remain biased and Dr Emadi urged women to en- dor Canada to versity of Calgary in Qatar will joint- of the newly-introduced ‘Feminist national Women’s Day, discriminatory against women. She gage more in the public sphere, ex- Qatar HE Ste- ly celebrate International Women’s Foreign Policy’ that has been en- some of the most influ- urged women to fight these rigid pand their potential through edu- fanie McCol- Day and the International Year of dorsed by our Minister of Foreign ential women in Qatar systems that alienate women and cation and be more ambitious. She lum hailed the the Nurse and Midwife. The event Affairs Marcelo Ebrard. This vision, exemplify the signifi- reduce their worth within any filed. said, “Leadership is not a male trait, progress that will celebrate the accomplishments that I personally welcome and sup- cantO progress Qatari women have She said the most important weap- neither is it a masculine attribute. women have of two distinguished Qatari women port, seeks to strengthen a transver- made in the last few decades. on for the modern-day woman is her Women have proven to be excel- been mak- -- WISH CEO Sultana Afdhal and sal gender perspective in our foreign Many of them, who are at the education and her knowledge about lent leaders in various businesses ing in Qatar, Dr Nabila al Meer, deputy chief policy by integrating principles such helm of advocating for a more gen- her rights to be able to claim them. and work domains. Women should including as- for Continuing Care Services and as substantive equality, the elimina- der-balanced world, are harping on not fear about or shy away from suming leadership positions across MOPH Nursing Affairs. The envoy tion of structural inequalities and the important role played by Qatari DR SHARIFA AL EMADI, Executive putting themselves forward for op- various industries, as an important said she would like to continue the the eradication of discrimination women as the country continues to Director of Doha International portunities; they should be bold in and necessary step. She attributed tradition and honour more Qatari against women.” assume international influence and Family Institute (DIFI) seeking promotion and leadership the significant advancement in sta- women at future events. global leadership. The head of Qatar’s global policy positions.” tus of Qatari women to the wise DR DEBORAH WHITE, Dean, Univer- As fearless women leaders, they and advocacy institute working to leadership and vision of the country HE GRACIELA GOMEZ-GARCIA sity of Calgary in Qatar also send out a strong message of advance knowledge on Arab fami- DR SARA ABDULLA, Research Fel- in investing in education which she Ambassador of Mexico to Qatar Dean of support for more women standing lies has stressed equality as the fun- low at Qatar Biomedical Re- said resulted in the fact that many Ambassador of Mexico to Qa- the Univer- up for their rights and claiming their damental principle of the normative search Institute young Qatari women are graduating tar HE Graciela Gomez-Garcia has sity of Cal- voices in the society. framework of Qatar. She underlined Dr Sara with distinction from universities. expressed admiration to the result gary in Qatar how the laws in the country have Abdulla de- “For example, I was very pleased of Qatar’s vision in promoting edu- Dr Deborah DR AMAL AL MALKI, Founding Dean, been evolving to enhance the cohe- scribed Qa- to see many young women were cation and health in the country. White has College of Humanities and Social sion of the Qatari family and sup- tari women as being honoured during last week’s She said, “I have been pleasantly emphasised Sciences at the HBK University port working mothers to pursue leaders, en- Education Excellence Award event. surprised about the growing role of the contri- The their jobs and family responsibilities trepreneurs, In addition, the recent graduation of women in Qatar. Since I took office bution of first Qatari simultaneously. Similarly, she cited motivational the first Qatari female combat pilot, last September, I have met numer- women in national to the measures taken by local institu- speakers, in- Lieutenant Aljazi Nasser Mohamed ous intelligent, successful and com- Qatar in leading and innovating the hold a facul- tions such as Qatar Foundation to fluencers and al Nasr, was a major accomplish- mitted women in leadership roles country’s healthcare system. She ty appoint- support working mothers, as well as educators, among others. She at- ment. We look forward to seeing who are transforming the country.” said, “International Women’s Day ment in the efforts of DIFI in advocating for tributes these countless accom- more Qatari women taking up key The envoy underlined that with is a day of recognition and achieve- Education creating a more conducive environ- plishments to the opportunities leadership roles, including in areas the changes in societies across the ment, an opportunity to look back City has ment for women in the workplace. accorded by the country to Qatari traditionally dominated by men,” world, em- in history of accomplishments, ac- emphasised On the increasing role of Qatari women. the envoy said. powering knowledge the current and look for- the major role of education in boost- women in their society, Dr Emadi “I am lucky and proud to be able She underlined that women al- girls and ward to the untapped potential and ing women’s confidence in their stressed the high level of education to witness a movement in Qatar ready have the qualities that allow women is opportunities for future generations abilities, as well as the impact of achieved by Qatari women. She said, that supports the education, growth them to be competitive globally. essential to make dreams and ambitions a re- role-modelling, as Qatari women “In the academic year 2016-2017, and development of Qatari women, She said the challenge has been that in order to ality. I would be remiss if today I did have strategic role models who have the number of students enrolled in setting a stage for them to excel. I women continue to face barriers to achieve pros- not acknowledge the founder of mod- paved the way for others to follow. university education amounted to personally have benefited from this achieving their full potential. Ac- perity, well- ern nursing, Florence Nightingale. Dr Malki said, “Qatari women 31,000, of which the females share movement, and I can’t express the cording to the envoy, achieving gen- being and a Nurses in Qatar are following Night- have been playing an integral role in made up gratitude I have for it. Qatari wom- der equality requires challenging so- sustainable development. ingale’s example and using their ex- the national economy, contributing 68.8 percent en’s accomplishments are being cial norms and gender stereotypes “Women represent a growing perience, education and courage to to the different fields and assuming compared recognised. With each new genera- that not only limit opportunities for proportion of the workforce and it is advance the well-being of the nation.” multiple roles. It is common now with 31.2 tion of graduates, I am constantly women and girls but also restrict imperative that we create the condi- Further highlighting the impact to see a 25-year old young woman percent for impressed and see a bright future men and boys to specific roles. tions to attract, nurture and retain made by a woman in changing the with a young child pursuing her males. The for Qatari women and their contri- “Empowering women and girls female talent. Every country should landscape of the world’s healthcare, career and a graduate degree. Qa- total number butions to our growing country,” she to equally participate in the econom- provide quality and affordable day Dr White said, “One of Nightingale’s tari women are making history on a of graduates said. ic, social and political life benefits all care so that young professional many accomplishments was the es- daily basis.” was 5,521, Dr Abdulla advised women to people. It increases economic pros- mothers can work knowing that tablishment in 1860 of the Night- She added, “Qatari women can- of which the female share was 66.4 focus more on their goals and as- perity, promotes peace and security, their children are in good hands. ingale Training School in London, not be reduced to one type or image, percent, compared with the 33.6 pirations and less on how others upholds fairness and justice in our I also believe in using technology England – the world’s first nursing and the realities of today demand percent for males for the same aca- perceive them to be and how they society, and ultimately creates hap- so that we can have more flexible school, a school is still in existence that we embrace the qualities that demic year. This statistics affirms should be. She also urged institu- pier and healthier communities,” working hours and to be able to and is considered to be one of the make us both alike and different. the growing role of Qatari women tions to raise awareness of male and said Ambassador McCollum. even working from home. Finally, I world’s top nursing programmes. An internal dialogue among wom- and demonstrates their commit- female employees about the nega- She also shared that Canada am passionate about the models in She was a true pioneer in the women needs to take place via multiple ment to completing university edu- tive effects of gender biases, exclu- chose #BecauseOfYou as this year’s which women empower other women’s movement and in demonstrat- venues: social, cultural, educational, cation. The contribution of Qatari sions and the importance of having International Women’s Day theme, en to succeed,” the envoy said. ing to the world that women can be digital, etc., so let’s keep the conver- women to the society and the na- diversity in workplace. which pays tribute to the diverse She added, “In Mexico, we have healthcare leaders.”

Panellists at Future 318 event call for elimination of gender inequality NAWIC members TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK Sweden to Qatar; Greg Loayon, HE Bengtcen pointed out that gender equality and pointed the Zeinab Hammoud, director of DOHA general manager & senior execu- Gender Equality has been on the steps her organisation has pro- Sales & Marketing, Centara Ho- tour facilities at tive officer, Zurich International top of the Swedish political agenda posed. She also talked about vari- tel, said , “Raising awareness and A panel discussion organised by Life; Dr Hala al Ahmadi, acting for at least five decades. Although ous researches that DIFI has un- discussing ‘Why gender inequal- Al Janoub Stadium Future 318 recently highlighted director of Family Policy De- Sweden has made some progress, dertaken to highlight the need for ity exists’ is extremely important the need for political commitment partment at Doha International Ambassador Bengtcen said that gender equality. for the development of our soci- TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK and more awareness about gender Family Institute (DIFI); Joseph there is further distance to go. He Varghese spoke about the ety and future generations. Cen- DOHA equality to provide equal opportu- Varghese, senior journalist, Gulf said, “Gender equality is the right need for more efforts by govern- tara West Bay Residences & Suites nities for women across the world. Times; Mariame Farqane, found- thing to do; the challenge is to do ments to provide equal opportu- Doha team is extremely happy to IN celebration of the International Women’s Day Held at Centara West Bay Res- er, Pallas Arts ; and Arwa al Su- the right thing and that is to put nities for women in all areas. be part of such important mes- (IWD), NAWIC Qatar, the first chapter of the Na- idences & Suites Doha, the panel laiti, fitness enthusiast & trainer. the legislation and the systems in Arwa al Sulaiti described the sage and will certainly take part in tional Association of Women in Construction in the discussion titled ‘Why Gender In- The session was moderated by place.” Loayon , “In the corporate status of women in Qatar and how any future activities that can help Middle East, organised a site visit to Al Janoub Sta- equality Exists’ was the first of a Lia Bonfio, founder of Just Wow world, there are fewer women in the situation has changed in the change the community under- dium in Al Wakra recently. series of activities that will culmi- Qatar. the board than men. More needs last several decades in favour of standing of stereotype behaviours Thanks to the Supreme Committee of Delivery nate in the Doha Women’s Forum The forum aimed to get in- to be done to bring equal pay to women with better amenities and and direct it towards a better life- and Legacy, around 20 NAWIC members were able 2020 to be held in September this sights from the participants, learn women vs men for doing the same higher living standards. She also style.” to visit the first fully air-conditioned stadium in the year. from one another and create job.” pointed out the great role women Future 318 and Doha Women world, under the guidance of Abdulaziz Abdullah Speakers at the event were HE awareness on the importance of Dr Ahmadi highlighted the are playing in different walks of Forum founder, Conchita Ponce Jabir al Ishaq, project director, Al Janoub Stadium Anders Bengtcen, ambassador of gender equality in the society. policies necessary to promote life in the country. welcomed the gathering. & Precinct. The NAWIC members were delighted to be able to visit the first stadium in the world designed by a woman, late Dame Zaha Mohammad Hadid. In- spired by the sand dunes of the Qatari desert and by the sails and sea shells of the Doha shore, the architect was able to imagine a truly unique design Alwadi Hotel Doha MGallery’s special offer for IWD and shape which has now become a landmark for the town of Al Wakra. During the two-hour tour, TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK their dreams and revisit later to see if they design which forms the foundation of the NAWIC’s women (and four men) working in the DOHA had come true. while hotel look and feel. building industry were able to learn all the vari- Hani Akkari, acting general manager Mashrabiya is an Arabic feminine de- ous aspects in the construction process of the only ALWADI Hotel Doha MGallery will be of the Alwadi Hotel MGallery, said the sign and architecture latticework element 4-star GSAS (Global Sustainability Assessment Sys- celebrating female guests on International hotel has been designed and run with the developed centuries ago. The designs not tem) certified stadium in the world so far: From the Women’s Day (IWD) with a range of offers female guests and feminine enrichment only provided shelter from the sun but also air-conditioning to the seats for the supporters. and special treats. firmly at the forefront. allowed the ladies of the house to look out The group was allowed to walk on the grass Drawing from MGallery’s innova- “We want to celebrate women, their on the street while others can’t see them. pitch, visit the athletes’ facilities as well as some of tive ‘Inspired by Her’ programme, Alwadi role in our society and the special The hotel is also decorated in gold the VIP areas. They were also able to listen to the Hotel MGallery has developed an exciting place our female guests have and purple colours throughout the prop- sound system and read the lyrics of Qatar’s national range of offers and activities to honour its at our hotel. We want to give erty and the distinctive, special henna Anthem on the big screens above the arena. female guests. something back to women in designs on the carpets in the corridors The impact of the visit on NAWIC’s members International Women’s Day is cel- our community. So, it was and in our rooms as well as pearl inspi- has been very positive as everyone left with a long ebrated globally on March 8 and is a day important for us to bring in rations around building. The colours lasting feeling of inspiration. that honours women and their important feminine touches to enrich and designs have been carefully chosen NAWIC president Billie Teshich shared her place in our society. the guest experience. But this to reflect MGallery’s Inspired impressions with the crowd in the press room in MGallery’s Inspired by her is a selec- is not just on International by Her ethos. company of one of NAWIC’s founding members, tion of products, services and experiences Women’s Day, it is Female in-house Carly-Jane Figgis. She said: “This building clearly designed by women for women and wholly every day. At Alwa- guests are also treated to summarises how Qatar’s efforts as the host country dedicated to women’s wellbeing while trav- di MGallery, we are special touches such as a of FIFA 2022 World Cup have paid off. Al Janoub elling in MGallery hotels around the world. truly Inspired by stylish Inspired by Her Stadium clearly shows how Qatar invested in in- On Sunday, March 8, 2020, Alwadi Her,” Akkari said. bracelet presented at novations in order to become a pioneer in building Hotel Doha MGallery’s female guests will The building’s check in and other Sports infrastructure.” be treated to a 50 percent discount at the discount on a facial treatment at M|Spa, unique design amenities, includ- After its first event ‘Intelaqa 2020’ hosted in popular SOFRA restaurant, which will be where women are invited to relax and be has incorporated ing a make-up mir- January, the tour of the famous stadium was NA- offering special menu items with a femi- pampered on this special day. feminine touches ror, a high quality WIC’s first site visit since its creation in November nine touch as well as a complimentary wel- Alwadi Hotel MGallery is also encour- – starting with the hair dryer, a choice 2019. The location was chosen carefully as the late come drink, ‘Inspired by Her’. aging female guests to visit and contribute intricate and be- Hani Akkari of teas and infusions late Dame Zaha Mohammad Hadid was also fea- The hotel will also offer a 50 percent to ‘Dream Book’ – where they can write spoke Mashrabiya available in room. tured at the launch of NAWIC as a source of inspiration for women in construction.