Thursday May 27, 2021 Shawwal 15, 1442 Vol.14 no. 5269 QR 2

Fajr: 3:18 am Dhuhr: 11:31 am fine Asr: 2:56 pm Maghrib: 6:20 pm High : 42°C LOW : 32 °C Isha: 7:50 pm

World 7 Business 9 Sports 13 UK foreign minister pledges Lulu set to open region’s biggest Qatar Athletics Federation Gaza support, calls for peace store in Bu Sidra President affirms readiness

FM meets Ethiopian minister Amir directs $500 mn grant Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs HE Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani met with Minister of State for Foreign Affairs of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia Redwan Hussien on Wednesday. The meeting dealt with bilateral cooperation, developments in the Horn of Africa, and the importance of resolving any differences peacefully and diplomatically. (QNA) for Gaza reconstruction QNA ous support to Palestinians, based on Doha the bonds of brotherhood between the Qatari and Palestinian people. His Highness the Amir of State of Qa- In a tweet, Deputy Prime Minister tar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and Minister of Foreign Affairs HE has directed the allocation of a financial Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman grant of $500 million for the recon- Al Thani said, “Under the directives struction of Gaza Strip. of His Highness the Amir of State of This grant is to help the Palestinian Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al people in the besieged Gaza Strip and Thani, Qatar announces $500 million help them face the challenges posed as in support for the reconstruction of a result of the recent Israeli attacks. It Gaza. We will continue to support our is to contribute to the reconstruction brothers in Palestine in order to reach of service facilities in Gaza, especially a just and lasting solution by establish- in the health, education and electricity ing their independent state in accord- sectors, in addition to the homes that ance with the Arab Peace Initiative and were destroyed in the attacks. the relevant international legitimacy The grant is part of Qatar’s continu- references.”

People must follow COVID Cabinet okays lifting of COVID curbs measures: QNA the same house. Doha Individual sports such as Dr Al Khal Decisions to come into effect from Friday walking, running and cycling The Cabinet has issued direc- are allowed, while playgrounds Tribune News Network tives for the gradual lifting of ● Restaurants and cafes can ● Educational centres and private and sports equipment in those Doha COVID-19 restrictions after operate at a maximum capacity training centres can operate at places will remain closed.. Pri- examining the report of Su- of 30 percent in open air areas a maximum 30% capacity vate beaches will be allowed to Qatar is proceeding ahead preme Committee for Crisis open at a maximum of 30 per- with the gradual lifting of COV- Management and to ensure ● Restaurants and cafes ● Museums and public libraries cent of its capacity. ID-19 restrictions as planned, the safety of all members of that have the Clean Qatar can operate at a maximum No car is allowed to have Dr Abdullatif Al Khal, Chair of the society. The decision will certification can operate capacity of 30% more than four passengers the National Health Strategic come into effect from Friday indoors at a maximum including the driver, with the Group on COVID-19, has said. (May 28). capacity of 30%, provided all ● Health clubs, gyms, massage exception of family members “We are proceeding with The Cabinet, chaired by workers are fully vaccinated services, steam and jacuzzi residing in the same house the gradual lifting of restric- Prime Minister and Minister ● Driving schools can operate at services, and Moroccan and when leaving and moving in tions, as previously planned. of Interior HE Sheikh Khalid ● No wedding parties in open and Turkish baths can operate at 30% vehicles. Gradual lifting of restrictions bin Khalifa bin Abdulaziz Al 30% capacity. All workers in the Buses must continue to does not mean laxity in the Thani, took the decision after closed spaces schools must have completed capacity (for fully-vaccinated) operate at half their capacity, their COVID-19 vaccination application of precautionary listening to the explanation ● ● while taking the precautionary measures, abandonment of provided by HE the Minister Metro and public transport Swimming pools and water measures. the mask and social distanc- of Public Health on the latest services will be allowed at a ● Cinemas and theatres can parks can operate at a maximum Metro services and public ing,” Dr Al Khal told Qatar developments regarding the maximum capacity of 30% operate at 30% capacity 30% capacity outdoors transport services will be al- throughout the week TV. steps taken to curb the spread ● lowed at a maximum capac- “About 60 percent of the of COVID-19. ● Private healthcare facilities Indoor pools and water parks ity of 30 percent throughout the eligible population have re- As per the decision, a ● Buses must continue to operate can provide medical services can operate at 20% capacity (for week, while closing the smoking ceived at least one dose of the maximum of 50 percent of the at half their capacity at a maximum 80% capacity fully-vaccinated customers) areas and banning eating and vaccine, and more than one employees in both the govern- drinking inside these services. million people have received ment and the private sectors Driving schools can oper- both the doses,” he said, add- in each business entity are al- sectors. when leaving the house, unless Ministry of Public Health and ID-19 vaccine, or five people ate at a maximum capacity of ing that the vaccination is safe, lowed to work from the office, Meetings for employees the person is driving a vehicle the Ministry of Endowments who have not completed or 30 percent. All workers in the and the side effects disappear with the rest working remotely and workers in both the gov- with his family. and Islamic Affairs will deter- did not receive doses of the schools must have completed within two days. or upon request depending on ernment and private sectors All citizens and residents mine the other precautionary COVID-19 vaccine in outdoor their COVID-19 vaccination. All strains that appeared the circumstances. The Minis- will be held with the attend- must have Ehteraz app on measures. homes and councils. Cinemas and theatres can recently did not affect the ef- try of Commerce and Indus- ance of a maximum 15 people, their smartphones when leav- A maximum of five peo- Weddings continue to be operate at a maximum capac- fectiveness of vaccines that are try, in coordination with the who must have completed both ing the house for any reason. ple, who have completed both banned, whether indoors or ity of 30 percent, but only for being used in Qatar, he said. authorities concerned, will the doses of the COVID-19 Mosques will continue to the doses of the COVID-19 outdoors. those who have taken the two “We advise all travellers to identify the necessary activi- vaccine. Those who haven’t remain open for daily and Fri- vaccine, are allowed to be in Gatherings or sitting in doses of the COVID-19 vac- take both doses of the vaccine ties that are excluded from this got the vaccine can only attend day prayers, but children un- closed places in homes and public parks, beaches, and the cines. Children under 12 are and to check the conditions of decision. the meeting remotely. der 12 are not allowed in. councils, and a maximum of corniche will be allowed for not allowed in. travel in the countries they in- The exceptions are the All citizens and residents Toilets and ablution facili- 10 people who have completed a maximum of five people or tend to going,” he added. military, security and health must continue to wear masks ties must remain closed. The both the doses of the COV- family members residing in Continued on page 2  Ashghal to construct region’s largest electric charging station ‘Workers & clients at salons, QNA ● specifications. eateries offering indoor Doha Ashghal begins installing 653 The station will also have chargers, 713 inverters at 41 217 double gun electric charg- services must be vaccinated’ As part of the state’s strategy to charging stations for electric ing devices for buses with a shift to clean energy, the Public buses capacity of 150 kilowatts, in Tribune News Network workers must receive the vac- Works Authority (Ashghal) has addition to five electric fast Doha cination and pass the 14-day announced the beginning of ● Ashghal will build electrical chargers for buses with a ca- stage, whether they are work- installing 653 electric chargers charging points inside and pacity of 300 kilowatts. Ayed Al Qahtani, Director of ers or clients,” Al Qahtani and 713 inverters at 41 charg- outside Doha Head of Public Projects at the Commercial Registration told Qatar TV. ing sites under construction for Building Projects Department and Licenses Department at “The goal is how to get the Public Bus Infrastructure ● High-efficiency solar cell shades Eng Abdulhakim Al Hashimi the Ministry of Commerce past this stage, so that there Programme. The facilities will will be established containing clarified thatA shghal will pro- and Industry, has called on are no COVID-19 infections serve the fleet of electric buses 10,720 solar panels that will vide necessary infrastructure the owners of establishments and go to the other stages to operate according to the plan generate 4 megawatts per day for charging buses and install and stores to follow the rules of lifting restrictions, and I set by Ministry of Transport various types of chargers includ- of the first phase of lifting think the people understand and Communications. ing double gun chargers, single COVID-19 restrictions. the situation,” he said. He Ashghal will build vari- structure to connect chargers tion in the region. High-effi- day. They will work alongside chargers to charge buses from He said the focus will be added that barbershops, sa- ous electrical charging points with electrical transformers ciency solar cell shades will be traditional sources (power sta- any side, and pantographs for on indoor places, whether lons and gyms will be opened inside and outside Doha and and power stations. established containing 10,720 tion) to feed the energy need- charging from topside. restaurants, salons or barber- on Friday. provide all electrical utilities Ashghal will construct the solar panels that will gener- ed to operate the project with shops. and other necessary infra- largest electric charging sta- ate 4 megawatts power per highest standards and latest Continued on page 3  “Our focus is that all Continued on page 3  02 Thursday, May 27, 2021 Nation

News in brief Educational and private training

Amir congratulates president of Georgia The Amir His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani on centres to work at 30% capacity Wednesday sent a cable of congratulations to President of Georgia Salome Zourabichvili on her country’s Independence Continued from page 1  week with a maximum capacity ments contracting with them Day. (QNA) of 30 percent. Children under 12 during working hours with a Educational centres and are not allowed in. maximum capacity of 30 per- Deputy Amir congratulates private training centres will be Beauty Salons and barber- cent. president of Georgia allowed to provide their services shops can operate at a maximum The Ministry of the Interior, at a maximum capacity of 30 capacity of 30 percent, provided the Ministry of Public Health, The Deputy Amir His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad Al percent, provided that all the that all workers in these facilities the Ministry of Commerce and Thani on Wednesday sent a cable of congratulations to Presi- instructors working at in these and clients have completed tak- Industry and other government dent of Georgia Salome Zourabichvili on her country’s Inde- centres have taken both doses of ing both the doses of the COV- agencies, each within their juris- pendence Day. (QNA) the COVID-19 vaccine. ID-19 vaccine. diction, will take the necessary Nurseries will be allowed to Open air amusement parks measures in this regard, to en- PM sends greetings to open and they can provide their and entertainment centres will sure compliance with health re- Georgian counterpart services at a maximum capac- be allowed to open at a maxi- quirements and the established ity of 30 percent, provided all mum capacity of 30 percent. precautionary measures. Prime Minister and Minister of Interior HE Sheikh Khalid bin workers take both doses of the Indoor amusement parks and The Cabinet took note of the Khalifa bin Abdulaziz Al Thani on Wednesday sent a cable of COVID-19 vaccine. entertainment centres will op- measures taken regarding the congratulations to Prime Minister of Georgia Irakli Garibashvili Museums and public librar- erate at a maximum capacity of adoption of the integrated edu- on his country’s Independence Day. (QNA) ies can operate at a maximum 20 percent provided all custom- cation system for all public and capacity of 30 percent. ers are fully vaccinated against private universities, schools and Sulaiti receives message Centres for people with spe- COVID-19. kindergartens, and the current from Iranian minister cial needs can continue to hold Health clubs, gyms, mas- travel and return policy to Qatar. their educational capacity for a sage services, saunas, steam and The Cabinet called on all Minister of Transport and Communications HE Jassim bin maximum of five people a ses- jacuzzi services, and Moroccan members of society to adhere Saif Al Sulaiti received on Wednesday a written message from sion, provided all workers take and Turkish baths can operate at to the precautionary measures Minister of Roads and Urban Development of Iran Mohammad both doses of the COVID-19 vac- a maximum capacity of 30 per- in order to take the necessary Eslam, pertaining to cooperation between the two countries in cine. cent, provided that all workers decisions to activate the second the fields of transport, ports, and civil aviation, and the ways to Professional sports train- in these facilities and customers phase of the plan to gradually enhance them. The message was delivered by Ambassador of ing will be allowed both indoors have completed both the doses lift the restrictions imposed by Iran to Qatar HE Hamid Reza Dehghani during his meeting with and outdoors. Preparatory train- of the COVID-19 vaccine. the coronavirus pandemic, after the Minister of Transport and Communications. (QNA) ing for local and international both the doses of the COVID-19 renting boats and tourist yachts Swimming pools and water three weeks, based on the posi- tournaments approved by the vaccine. will continue with exception to parks can operate at a maximum tive results of the epidemic indi- Health minster meets Ministry of Public Health will be All conferences, exhibitions rentals for family members re- capacity of 30 percent for out- cators. Russian counterpart allowed without allowing the at- and events will be delayed. siding in the same house, pro- door pools and waterparks. Afterwards, the cabinet ap- tendance of the public. Malls can operate at a maxi- vided that all workers on these Indoor pools and waterparks proved a draft regulation on the Minster of Public Health HE Dr Hanan Al Kuwari on Wednes- The training of amateurs mum capacity of 30 percent, boats and yachts have complet- can operate at a maximum ca- Supreme Committee for Deliv- day met with Russian Health Minister Mikhail Murashko with a maximum of 10 people but children under 12 are not ed both doses of the COVID-19 pacity of 20 percent provided all ery and Legacy’s auctions and through visual communication technology. During the meeting, will be allowed in open spaces allowed in. Prayer areas and vaccine. customers are fully vaccinated tenders. they reviewed relations between the two countries and ways to who have completed both the changing rooms in malls must Owners of boats and per- against COVID-19. It also approved g a draft enhance them, especially in the health fields. (QNA) doses of the COVID-19 vaccine, remain closed, along with food sonal yachts are obligated, in Private health care facilities decision amending some provi- and a maximum of 5 people in- courts. Restaurants in food the event that they are used, that can provide medical services at sions of decision no 17 of 2014, Head of Italian-Qatari Friendship doors, provided they also take courts can accept take-out and only members of their family re- a maximum capacity of 80 per- establishing a national commit- Group thanks Qatar for role in the two doses of the COVID-19 delivery orders only. siding in the same house are al- cent. tee for explosives’ affairs. vaccine. The public are not al- Restaurants and cafes are al- lowed on board, or a maximum Cleaning and hospitality The Cabinet also approved ceasefire in Palestine lowed to attend these training lowed to operate at a maximum of 10 non-family members, with companies are allowed to pro- a draft Minister of Interior deci- Head of the Italian-Qatari Friendship Group Ugo Cappel- sessions either. capacity of 30 percent in open at least eight having received the vide their services whose work- sion on special numbers. lacci has thanked Qatar for its efforts that contributed to Hosting of local and inter- air areas. COVID-19 vaccine. ers have completed both doses of It approved a draft Minister reaching a ceasefire in the occupied alestinianP territories. national sporting events will be Restaurants and cafes that Popular souqs can continue the COVID-19 vaccine, whether of Municipality and Environ- Cappellacci praised the diplomatic intervention of Qatar to allowed after obtaining the ap- have the Clean Qatar certifica- working throughout the week in one or more homes. ment decision establishing a reach a ceasefire between Israelis and Palestinians, adding proval of the Ministry of Public tion can operate indoors at a with a maximum capacity of 30 Cleaning and hospital- committee supervising support- that everyone needs to work together to achieve durable Health, with the presence fans maximum capacity of 30 per- percent. Children under 12 are ity services whose workers have ing zones. peace. (QNA) not surpassing 30 percent capac- cent, provided all workers com- not allowed in. completed both the doses of the The Cabinet then approved a ity of the open-space venue, pro- plete taking both doses of the Wholesale markets can con- COVID-19 vaccine can provide draft air services agreement be- vided that they have completed COVID-19 vaccine. The ban on tinue working throughout the their service to the establish- tween Qatar and Seychelles. Nation Thursday, May 27, 2021 03 Qatar Charity distributes Kahramaa launches relief aid in the West Bank survey to evaluate its Tribune News Network and hospitals to accommodate Doha the greatest number of patients and injured. customer satisfaction Qatar Charity’s office in Pal- As donations for the ‘Help estine, with the help of Qatar’s Palestine’ campaign are still generous people, has distrib- being accepted, Qatar Charity The surveys will be conducted between May and October 2021 uted relief food aid to those urges the generous people of in need in the West Bank of Qatar to contribute to this relief Tribune News Network The survey, being conduct- prevalent COVID-19 situation Palestine. The aid, which was drive in order to assist Palestin- Doha ed by Nielsen consultancy LLC and as part of the preventa- delivered as part of Qatar Char- ian families in the Gaza Strip on behalf of Kahramaa, shall tive measures applied by Kah- ity’s ‘Help Palestine’ campaign, and the West Bank in meeting Qatar General Electricity cut across all its customer seg- ramaa, the surveys shall be benefited 250 families in the their basic needs and benefiting & Water Corporation (Kah- ments, including residential, conducted through telephone West Bank governorates of the greatest number of those ramaa) has launched its Cus- commercial and bulk/indus- and online channels. How- Jenin, Tulkarm, Ramallah, and affected by the resent crisis, tomer Satisfaction Survey for trial customers. The assess- ever, some surveys shall also Nablus, with an average of five which has caused massive dis- 2021 as part of its persistent ment also seeks out feedback be conducted face-to-face at members per family. The ben- sectors, particularly the health recent Gaza Strip crisis. Previ- placements and left thousands efforts to achieve one of its from the licensed electrical Kahramaa Customer Service eficiaries are the worst-affected sector, which will be provided ously, it had provided blankets of victims. central corporate objectives of consultants and contractors, Centers, while observing all families, particularly workers’ with the necessary medicines, and mattresses to hundreds of Donations can be made excelling at Customer Service. who represent customers in precautionary and social dis- families. medical consumables, and beds the of the displaced. via QC’s website, mobile app, The annual customer sat- the building permit and ser- tancing protocols as advised As part of the campaign, for beneficiaries. The Qatar Charity’s ‘Help branches, and collection points isfaction survey allows Kah- vice connection processes, in by the Ministry of Public Qatar Charity continues to carry Qatar Charity, in collabora- Palestine’ campaign, which has across the country, as well as by ramaa to stay abreast with the order to gain further insight Health (MoPH). out urgent relief projects in the tion with the Palestinian Min- received an overwhelming re- dialing 44667711. prevalent customer sentiment into Kahramaa’s efficiency in The surveys are scheduled Gaza Strip and the West Bank to istry of Social Development, sponse from businesses and in- Donations can also be made and to seek valuable feedback these critical areas. to be conducted between May provide food, shelter, and medi- has recently distributed food dividuals, is focusing on provid- by sending an SMS. To donate to enable its relentless pursuit The survey is designed to and October 2021. cine to those in need. parcels to affected people in the ing immediate food and health QR50, QR100, and QR250, to enhance and improve the comprehensively assess the Given the profound contri- Qatar Charity is preparing Gaza Strip’s five governorates, aid, distributing personal hy- donors can send an SMS with customer experience. satisfaction levels across Kah- bution that such surveys have to implement additional relief benefiting nearly 1,000 fami- giene kits in light of the ongoing the Palestinian flag symbol to Kahramaa places its cus- ramaa’s key services and the towards Kahramaa making projects in the Gaza Strip in the lies. This is Qatar Charity’s sec- coronavirus, and rehabilitating 92632, 92642, and 92023, re- tomers and their interests at channels - customer service incremental and impactful im- coming days to support various ond project since the start of the and equipping health centers spectively. the front and centre of its busi- centres, Kahramaa call centre, provements to its services and ness. Achieving and maintain- online channels, Kahramaa channels, Kahramaa encour- ing a high customer satisfac- mobile app etc - that these ser- ages all its customers to partic- tion level represents one of its vices are offered through. ipate in the survey and provide Restaurant, cafe owners to be Ashghal set to construct special main corporate objectives. In consideration of the their invaluable feedback. notified if capacity is above 30% chambers for feeder transformers Continued from page 1  and beyond. Continued from page 1  30 percent capacity. If he All the concerned entities are responds to us, we will Ashghal will also construct working together to implement a “We will make sure that the not close the place, but if special chambers for feeder strategy to shift to clean energy in procedures are adhered there’s no response, then transformers with provision of transportation sector, to reduce to. We will have intensive legal measures will be tak- electrical installations with a carbon emissions from tradition- campaigns on commercial en and closure is required,” length of about 100 kilometres. al vehicles and improve quality centres and shops, and vio- he said, adding: “We look Eng Hashimi added that the of the general climate in Qatar. lators will be punished seri- forward to cooperating executing company of this pro- One important goal of this strat- ously,” he said. with the shop owners”. ject is a local firm as part of the egy is to support public transport “We do not make a de- He stressed that peo- states endeavour to support the operations during the conduc- cision to close except based ple “give us information local private sector. tion of FIFA World Cup Qatar on a study and an increase about the failure of shops The Public Bus Infrastruc- 2022, making Qatar the first in in cases,” Qahtani said. or stores to apply the pre- ture Programme aims at in- the world in hosting the tourna- “The owner of the res- cautionary measures, tegration with various public ment by using environmentally taurant or cafe will be no- which indicates the public’s transport systems, especially for friendly electric vehicles, while tified if we find the occu- awareness and understand- supporting transport operations integrating with various means pancy exceeds the required ing of the procedures.” for FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 of public transport systems.

MoCI recalls Ikea plates, bowls, and mugs, including HEROISK and TALRIKA models waved. work with the dealer to monitor Ministry recalls Meanwhile, the ministry in the maintenance and repair work, collaboration with Porsche Cen- as well as communicate with cus- Porsche Macan, VIN tre Doha Al Boraq Automobiles, tomers to ensure that the neces- of affected vehicles a Porsche dealer in Qatar, has sary repairs were completed. announced the recall of the Por- The ministry urged all custom- models of 2015-2018 sche Macan, VIN of affected ve- ers to report any violations to its hicles WP1AA2A50HLB09641 / Consumer Protection and Anti- tribune news network WP1AA2A51HLB07851, models Commercial Fraud Department, doha 2015-2018, due to the possibility which processes complaints, in- that the triggering mechanism of quires and suggestions through The Ministry of Commerce and In- the vehicle’s airbags on the pas- the following channels: dustry, in cooperation with Hamad senger’s side (front, side, curtain Call center: 16001 and Mohamad Al-Futtaim, an Ikea airbags) may be inoperative. Email: [email protected] dealer in Qatar, has announced the The recall campaign is part Social media accounts: recall of Ikea plates, bowls, and of the ministry’s ongoing efforts Twitter: @MOCIQATAR mugs, models HEROISK and to protect consumers and ensure Instagram: MOCIQATAR TALRIKA, due to the possibil- dealers follow up on product de- Ministry of Commerce and ity of breaking and causing burns fects and repairs. Industry mobile app for android due to hot content or when micro- The ministry said that it will and IOS: MOCIQATAR Qatar’s ambassador to China organises World Cup 2022 promotional exhibition

QNA Doha

Ambassador of Qatar to China HE Mohammed bin Abdullah Al Dehaimi held a promotional ex- hibition for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, at his residence in the Chinese capital, Beijing. The exhibition was attended by Secretary-General of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Vladimir NOROV, 65 ambassa- dors from diplomatic missions accredited in China and a number of opinion leaders and community figures. Ambassador Dehaimi presented the most important measures taken by Qatar regarding workers’ rights, the most important of which is the abolition of exit visas and the adop- tion of a minimum wage. He reviewed the Qatari meas- ures to preserve the health and safety of workers during the coro- navirus pandemic, provide health care services without exception to all workers and expand the scope of responsibility of the Workers’ Wel- fare Unit to include services asso- ciated with hosting major events by adopting a comprehensive ap- proach to protect workers in ma- jor projects such as World Cup 22 projects. Holiday Villa Hotel & 04 Thursday, May 27, 2021 Nation Residence Doha is growing its Chefs of Qatar wraps up 6-week business with major expansion festival of gastronomic offerings n The virtual food festival received 6,924 orders through talabat, oliday Villa Hotel & Residence with each order contributing QR7 to Qatar Charity Doha (Holiday Villa Doha) is work- Hing towards major expansion in n 12 foodies bagged free return air tickets from Qatar Airways multiple business interests. The brand is now managing a hotel, serviced apart- Tribune News Network number 442987273) ments, restaurants, a fitness centre, an Doha 4. Mark Allan (order number event venue and a penthouse restau- 442201421) rant. Qatar National Tourism Coun- 5. Rana Qadi (order number A new commercial building namely cil’s (QNTC) first-of-its-kind 443911226) Icono View is going to house Holiday Chefs of Qatar virtual food festi- 6. Maryam Mattar (order Villa Doha’s latest penthouse restau- val concluded after a successful number 444389968) rant, the Icono View Restaurant and a six week run. 7. Abdelrahman Orabi (order new event venue, the Majestic Ballroom CitiVilla Service Residence with its beautiful rooftop infinity pool Launched by QNTC on April number 449598904) at its Ground Floor. Icono View Res- 1 in collaboration with talabat, 8. Karima Jamal (order taurant is not a typical penthouse res- Qatar Airways and Qatar Chari- number 449326032) taurant. It features unique walkway of ty, the festival saw a record 6,924 9. Hasin Mansour (order luscious greeneries from vertical garden orders placed with talabat’s ex- Gina, Vinay Kumar, Mert Du- number 440152548) structures built along the pathway to- clusive Chefs of Qatar collection, ran, Sezar Esper Eliass, Timur 10. Gregory Encinas (order wards the restaurant entrance. Patrons with each order automatically Fazilov, Marios Papadopoulos, number 440871500) can expect a breathtaking view while lei- contributing QR 7 towards Qatar Steffen Schnetzke, Marc Fery, 11. Mariana Diaz (order surely heading for lunch or dinner and Charity’s meal fund. Kamal Mers, Friedemann Hein- number 456045502) probably stop for awhile to pose for an A weekly raffle draw saw a to- rich, Steven Peter, Elias Ge- 12. Mirjana Lakicevic (order Instagram-perfect picture. The restau- tal of 12 lucky customers winning mayel, Maroun Gebrael, Hisham number 456499702) rant accommodates up to 470 patrons, two free return flight tickets each AlBrahim, Chaiwat Kawikitpra- While celebrating Ramadan serving international cuisines and al- to any destination that is part of phat and Surjan Singh Jolly. with Chefs of Qatar, residents fresco dining where diners will be able the airline’s global network. The festival’s delivery partner were able help those in need, and to appreciate the sunset in the evening. Haya Al Noaimi from QNTC talabat featured a special tab for with each order placed on tala- It also offers eight private rooms with Marketing & Promotions Depart- Chefs of Qatar that listed special bat, a donation of QR 7 was au- karaoke system for private functions or Majestic Ballroom, new event venue in Doha which offers massive LED screen up to mentsaid, “We are pleased with menus from participating res- tomatically contributed towards private gatherings. 12m x 2.5m the public’s response to Chefs of taurants, with options for Three- Qatar Charity’s meal fund. Majestic Ballroom will be a new Qatar. Occurring virtually, this course meals as well as iftar-dinner Ali Al Ghareeb, director of the event venue in Doha, with a capacity go. Commuters would be able to enjoy food festival aimed to enrich of- combos, all at promotional prices. Local Development Department of 500 banquet seating. Located at the combo meals serving fried rice, noodles, ferings for customers while sup- Francisco Miguel de Sousa, at Qatar Charity, said: “We com- Ground Floor of Icono View building, sushi and dim sum. Customers may opt porting the hospitality sector managing director of talabat Qa- mend the virtual ‘Chefs of Qa- this new ballroom offers magnificently for ala minute sandwiches, wraps, sal- during Ramadan. tar, said: “We are thrilled to have tar’ festival that highlighted Qa- huge LED screen a maximum set up ads and pastries as well. Snips X’press “Through it, we highlighted hosted the first online food festi- tar’s fine dining offerings during size of 12m (W) x 2.5m (H). With an is a male only barber on the go that Qatar’s local and international val. Chefs of Qatar has brought Ramadan and also gave back to ultra modern look and state of the art gives haircut and shaving services for culinary talents and provided an a taste of Qatar’s fine cuisine to the community through donating facilities to suit every event that assures commuters at the Al-Doha Al-Jadeeda innovative and safe experience the homes of our customers. We meals to the less fortunate. a spectacular event of choice. Metro Station. for citizens and residents. We are would like to thank all our cus- “I would take this opportu- Holiday Villa Doha started its first Icono View Restaurant with its unique Leveraging on the current trend grateful to our festival partners tomers for participating in this nity to thank QNTC, talabat and hotel and serviced apartment in Qatar vertical garden walkway. of healthy lifestyle in Qatar, X’Clusive for their contribution towards special event and for making it a Qatar Airways for their coopera- about 12 years ago in 2009. The busi- Fitness Centre was officially launched making it a success.” success.” tion with Qatar Charity in activa- ness expansion started since 2018 with be opened before the end of 2021. Also in September 2019. It is located along Nineteen celebrated chefs Qatar Airways, the festival’s tions with humane cause. Qatar the opening of D-Villa Residence, a expected to be opened in the mid-2022 the C-Ring Road adjacent to the new representing 29 top restaurants airline partner, gave away 12 Charity looks forward to partner- serviced apartment which is merely a is the ViVilla Resort & Residence, an Icono View building. Hailed to be one of - all Qatar Clean certified – par- return tickets during the festi- ing with all sectors and public 5 minutes drive away from the current elegant garden villa for the opulence the largest fitness centre inD oha, with ticipated in the festival, allow- val. Two winners were chosen entities to demonstrate solidarity main hotel building. It has 58 units of lifestyle. an impressive 3-storey building that ing residents to enjoy the chefs’ through a raffle draw each week, by supporting our humanitarian beautifully furnished 1, 2 and 3-bed- Within a span of one year in 2019 housed state of the art gym equipment, signature dishes at home while receiving two return tickets each projects.” room. Soon Holiday Villa Doha will be and 2021, Holiday Villa Doha launched sauna, spa, two workout studios, desig- restaurants remained closed for that will be valid for travel for As Qatar prepares for the eas- opening another serviced apartment four new businesses in the Doha Metro nated yoga and Pilates floor as well as a dine-in services. one year. ing of restrictions commencing namely CitiVilla Service Residence Stations, namely D’Chopstix Noodle & rooftop jogging. Two hotels had exclusive col- The winners of Qatar Airways on May 28, QNTC will continue located at the Al-Mansoura business Sushi, Grab and Go eateries at the Al- Holiday Villa Doha is all geared up laborations with Qatari chefs to return tickets are: to work with the Ministry of Pub- area which features 42 fully furnished Msheireb, DECC and Hamad Hospital to welcome back its guests and patrons introduce local delicacies in their 1. Naim Hachem (order lic Health (MoPH) to implement apartment units. It has a rooftop pano- stations as well as Snips X’Press, a bar- as all its outlets are going to be reopened Chefs of Qatar menus. number 439486013) the Qatar Clean programme ramic infinity swimming pool, a gym- ber shop at the Al-Doha Al-Jadeeda Sta- this 28th May 2021. For bookings and Participating chefs included 2. James Hammonds (order across hotels and restaurants to nasium with steam and sauna rooms tion. D’Chopstix Noodle & Sushi offers inquiries, call +974 4408 4888. Website Hasan AlIbrahim, Noor AlMaz- number 438868796) ensure the health and safety of as well as a juice bar. It is expected to light snacks or fast meals while on the at www.holidayvilladoha.com. roei, Salvatore Silvestrino, Chef 3. Ousmane Coulibaly (order residents. Nation Thursday, May 27, 2021 05 Al Jazeera named 2021 Qatar Airways to resume Málaga flights from July 2 ‘Telly Company of Year’ Tribune News Network DOHA Tribune News Network Doha The key holiday destination of Málaga returns to Qatar Air- Al Jazeera Media Network ways’ (QA) route network as has won more than 140 Telly Spain begins to ease travel re- awards in the field of televi- strictions for tourists. Málaga sion and video, including 25 is a firm favourite with holiday- gold awards in various me- makers around the world and dia fields, awarding the net- fully vaccinated travellers will work ‘Company of the Year’ soon be able to visit once again at the 42nd annual session while also enjoying QA’s award- and becoming the first non- winning hospitality and service. network in June 2018 and will check-in and boarding plus ac- US media organisation to QA Group Chief Executive be served by flights on Friday crual and redemption of miles, win the title since the award Akbar Al Baker said: “As the and Sunday from Doha, utilis- across the partner carriers’ net- was established in 1979. world begins to open up again, ing one of the airline’s modern, works. This year’s awards fea- we at Qatar Airways stand sustainable and young Airbus Qatar Airways operates one tured Al Jazeera Arabic ready to take the lead in sup- A350-900 aircraft with seating of the youngest, most fuel ef- Channel winning more than porting the global economic for 36 in Business Class and ficient fleets in the sky, and is 60 Gold, Silver and Bronze and social recovery as demon- 247 in Economy Class. committed to delivering a sus- awards in different catego- strated by our support for tour- The seasonal service will tainable and environmentally- ries. The Organising Com- ism in Spain. Spain has always operate from July 2 to Sep- responsible travel experience mittee of the Telly Awards been a strategically important tember 12. QA operates a to- for its customers. The airline praised the artistic and crea- Al Jazeera Media Network won several awards at the 42nd annual Telly Awards held in the US recently. country for our airline, as re- tal of 19 weekly flights to and operates a total 53 A350 air- tive levels of a number of flectedby our deep partnership from Spain, with daily Barce- craft with an average age of just the Channel’s programmes, explainers, short documen- cial media platforms to raise with Iberia and steady rebuild lona flights, ten weekly Madrid 2.7 years. Qatar Airways has series and documentaries, taries, virtual reality (VR) The Organising Committee of awareness about injustices of our Spain network. flights and the soon to resume also recently launched a new including ‘About Cinema’ se- documentaries and news and the Telly Awards praised the and promote solidarity for “Our global network con- two weekly Málaga flights. programme that enables pas- ries, ‘Women’s Voices’, ‘The current affairs explainers. artistic and creative levels of movements, as well as geo- tinues to rebuild and expand QA recently expanded its sengers to voluntarily offset the Traveler’ and ‘Rest of the The Investigation Unit a number of the channel’s graphical, like developing even in these challenging times. strategic partnership with fel- carbon emissions associated Story’. won 23 awards, including fully remote pipelines for Passengers booking with Qatar low oneworld member, Iberia. with their journey at the point In the news industry, the five gold awards; the Creative programmes, series and doc- dispersed teams.” Airways can do so with com- The expanded commercial of booking. Channel’s coverage of the directorate won a range of umentaries, including ‘About The Telly Awards are plete confidence that they can cooperation will increase the As travellers return to the US election has won a num- awards, including three gold Cinema’ series, ‘Women’s ranked among the most im- make changes to their book- number of destinations avail- skies with Qatar Airways, they ber of awards and the Chan- awards; and both Al Jazeera Voices’, ‘The Traveler’ and portant awards specialised ing should factors outside their able to Iberia passengers from can take comfort knowing that nel’s reports have won other English and AJ+ won awards ‘Rest of the Story’ in evaluating video content control disrupt their travel 29 to 36 on QA’s network, in- they are travelling with the only awards, including several for in many categories. and visual production pre- plans.” cluding new destinations in An- airline in the world that has, to- an Augmented Reality report Dr Mostefa Souag, act- pared for broadcast on tel- Málaga is a beautiful and gola, Australia, Mozambique, gether with its state-of-the-art on coronavirus transmission ing director-general of Al ious international channels evision and across various cosmopolitan city nestled along New Zealand and South Africa. global hub Hamad Internation- and its origin. Jazeera Media Network, and production companies. broadcast platforms. This Spain´s Costa del Sol in the QA passengers will also benefit al Airport, achieved four 5-Star In terms of programmes, said: “Al Jazeera’s numerous I hope this success will drive year, its jury included more southern Spanish region of An- from additional connectivity, Skytrax ratings – including ‘Rest of the Story’ won five award wins, including the us to provide more outstand- than 200 experts from in- dalusia. The city offers a wide with the ability to book travel the prestigious 5-Star Airline Gold awards, ‘The Trave- 2021 Telly Award for ‘Com- ing production, including ternational media organisa- variety of activities for visitors to and from an additional four Rating, 5-Star Airport Rating, ler’ won three Gold awards, pany of the Year’, represents documentaries and pro- tions, channels and produc- to enjoy, such as exploring the destinations on Iberia’s net- 5-Star COVID-19 Airline Safety ‘Women’s Voices’ won two a new testament to the excel- grammes.” tion companies. historic Roman fort, basking work in Brazil, Chile, El Salva- Rating and 5-Star COVID-19 Gold awards and ‘About Cin- lent content produced by our Sabrina Dridje, Telly In addition to Al Jazeera, on one of Málaga’s wonderful dor, Guatemala and Senegal. Airport Safety Rating. ema’ series won two Gold various platforms and chan- Awards Executive Director, the list of award winners Mediterranean beaches or vis- As Oneworld alliance partners, Málaga schedule starting awards. nels. said: “In the face of a year included a number of well- iting one of its many museums. Qatar Airways Privilege Club July 2 (Friday and Sunday): Al Jazeera Digital also “These awards reflect like no other, the visual sto- known channels, media or- Many travellers also combine and Iberia Plus members are Doha (DOH) to Malaga scooped 40 awards – three well upon the network’s lead- rytelling community has con- ganisations and companies, a trip to Malaga with a visit to ensured recognition of their (AGP) QR 155 departs 08:00 gold, 22 silver and 15 bronze ership and the ability to keep tinued to defy the limitations including Netflix, CBS, HBO, the Southern Spain hotspots of tier status with benefits includ- arrives 14:40 medals– for its diverse video pace with media develop- of our new world. Achieve- BBC Global, Disney, Apple, Marbella and Puerto Banus. ing access to lounges world- Malaga (AGP) to Doha product in English and Ara- ment in all its various fields ments have been both soci- Microsoft, Adobe, PlaySta- Málaga became the third wide, through check-in, extra (DOH) QR 156 departs 15:55 bic. Winners included video and to outperform prestig- etal, such as embracing so- tion, among others. Spanish destination for QA baggage allowance, priority arrives 23:55 HBKU’s TII, Finland’s Opisto ink pact to share Arabic language expertise Tribune News Network demic activities. nership that leads to meaningful society-renewing, transformative Doha Leveraging the training expertise academic exchanges in several areas. learning approach to learning, which at the TII Language Center, the MoU We are seeing the demand to learn we see reflected in the programs led The mission of the College of Hu- objectives include the development Arabic growing, and we welcome the by CHSS. We are therefore delighted manities and Social Sciences (CHSS) of teaching and tutoring activities in chance for TII to apply its strengths to have this new framework for co- at Hamad Bin Khalifa University the Arabic language for Opisto. Other in language teaching and learning to operation in place that will lead to (HBKU) to enrich communities areas of cooperation identified are enhance their programs. We are cer- sharing expertise and experience and through interdisciplinary educational the delivery of Arabic language cours- tain to have an innovative and crea- offer our students and teaching fac- experiences has been boosted by the es at all levels for students, including tive partnership over the next two ulty rewarding growth opportunities signing of a Memorandum of Under- advanced and business Arabic, and years.” especially in Arabic language compe- standing (MoU) between its Transla- training for their teachers. Ulla Huhtilainen, CEO of Jout- tency.” tion and Interpreting Institute (TII) Speaking after the signing, Dr seno College, Joutsenon Opisto, also The College of Humanities and and Joutsenon Opisto, Finland. Nima Nazari, director of the Lan- said: “We are very pleased to estab- Social Sciences currently offers virtu- The two institutions agreed to an exchange between the TII Lan- Arabic language learning. Potential guage Centre at CHSS, said: “We’re lish this agreement with the College al courses in 12 languages. To find out build a partnership in different aca- guage Center and Joutsenon Opisto opportunities for cooperation include looking forward to working with of Humanities and Social Sciences more information, visit chss.hbku. demic areas with the aim of starting that develops teaching expertise and face-to-face training and other aca- Joutsenon Opisto to develop a part- at HBKU. At Opisto, we support a edu.qa

BPS launches web chess competition series for students Tribune News Network Doha

Birla Public School (BPS) launched an online series of chess tournaments for its students of all grades from I to XII. For grades I and II, the tournament was held on May 20. BPS Principal A P Sharma inaugurated the tournament. Vice-Principal Rajesh Pillai motivated the students and encouraged the little ‘grandmasters’. The students took part in the competition in sev- en rounds on Laches platform. Vaishnav Ashok Kumar of Grade II bagged the first place, while Oliver Joseph of Grade II secured the 2nd place. Rajesh Chinta of Grade II and Sindhudevi Ravi- kumar of Grade II finished in the 3rd and 4th plac- es, respectively.

Students participate in the Birla Public School online chess tournaments for grades I and II. 06 Thursday, May 27, 2021

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

Was George Floyd’s Death In Vain? Despite Massive Losses, olice kill about 1,000 Americans each year, and while the greatest number of dead are white, a disproportionate num- Pber are Black — about 30%, even though Black Americans make up only 14% of the population. So the killing of a Black man, Palestinians Have Altered George Floyd, by a Minneapolis police officer one year ago was in some ways no different from hundreds of other killings that hap- pen every year in this country. What seemed different was how the killing unfolded so slow- ly and so brutally, from the moment Derek Chauvin pressed his The Course Of History knee against Floyd’s neck through the ensuing nine minutes and 29 seconds that he kept it in place amid Floyd’s cries for help. Un- like a police shooting — over in a split second, with no time for reflection or reassessment of the situation — the aggression was Palestinians emerged from the rubble of Israeli bombs as a whole and as a continuous. It called to mind centuries of knees, police batons and ropes on and around the necks of Black people. It was also differ- nation determined to win its freedom at any cost ent because it was deemed illegal. Perhaps it was the slow cruelty, the righteous outrage, the civil Dr Ramzy Baroud at Al-Aqsa Mosque, who were protest- protests (and the violent ones) and the sustained public attention, ing against the ethnic cleansing of the but in any event, the killing was followed by a trial in which the ap- Sheikh Jarrah neighbourhood in East propriate outcome was largely a matter of nationwide consensus: he “Palestinian Revolt of 2021” Jerusalem, he was merely attempt- Chauvin was a murderer. It would have been shocking for the jury will go down in history as one ing to gain some political credibility to find otherwise. of the most influential events to among Israel’s most chauvinist right- The paradox of the Floyd case is that while it opened up an have shaped collective thinking wing constituencies. He also wanted opportunity to discuss the numerous other instances of deadly irreversibly in and around Pal- to remain in power or, at least, to avoid force exercised by police against Black Americans, few of those estine.T Only two other events can be prison following his upcoming trial on other killings have been or will be found to have violated the law. compared with what has just tran- corruption and fraud charges. Floyd’s death and Chauvin’s conviction make insufficient head- spired: the revolt of 1936 and the He did not anticipate, however, way against police violence because the nation’s racial and polic- 1987 First Intifada. that he was unleashing one of the most ing problems have less to do with illegal police conduct and more The general strike and rebellion of historic events in Palestine, one that to do with reprehensible conduct that lawmakers, the courts and 1936-39 were momentous events be- would ultimately resolve a seemingly the Constitution have made perfectly legal. cause they represented the first unmis- impossible Palestinian quandary. True, Consider, for example, the killing last year of Breonna Taylor takable expression of collective Pales- Netanyahu’s assault on the largely ci- in her own home in Louisville, Ky. Police burst into the apartment tinian political agency. Despite their vilian population of Gaza killed hun- with a battering ram in the middle of the night in order to serve isolation and humble resistance tools, dreds of people, including women and a search warrant — a dangerous and unnecessary act, but one the Palestinian people rose across Pal- children, and wounded thousands. The deemed lawful under the Constitution. A startled occupant fired estine to challenge the combination of violence he perpetrated in the West at the intruders, and police returned fire, killing Taylor — deemed British and Zionist colonialism. Bank and in Arab neighbourhoods in a lawful act of self-defense, even though it was the officers them- The Intifada of 1987 was also his- Predictably, the already power- cally. It seemed that Israel had finally Israel killed scores more. However, on selves who had precipitated the danger. No charges were filed in toric. It was the unprecedented sus- ful Israel became more emboldened, gained the upper hand and this time it 20 May, it was the Palestinians who Taylor’s death, although one officer facestrial for shooting into an tainable collective action that unified tripling the number of its illegal colo- was for good. claimed victory when the uncondition- adjacent apartment. the occupied West Bank and Gaza nies in the West Bank along with the Desperate to see Palestinians rise al ceasefire came into force; hundreds Or consider the death a year earlier in Aurora, Colo., of Elijah after the Israeli occupation of what population of its illegal settlers. Pales- again, many called for a third Intifada, of thousands of people rushed onto the McClain, who like Taylor was accused of no crime, but instead was remained of historic Palestine in 1967. tine was segmented into tiny, isolated including intellectuals and political streets to declare their triumph as one apprehended because he was observed wearing a ski mask and That legendary popular revolt, though South African-style Bantustans, each leaders. It was as if the flow of history, unified, proud nation. waving his arms. Police put McClain in a chokehold, cutting off costly in blood and sacrifices, allowed carrying a code — Areas A, B and C in Palestine — or elsewhere — adheres Winning and losing wars of na- the flow of blood and oxygen to his brain, while paramedics inject- Palestinians to regain the political ini- — and the movement of Palestinians to fixed academic notions or is com- tional liberation cannot be measured ed ketamine into his neck. He died several days later. No charges tiative and, once more, to speak as one. within their own homeland became pelled by the urging of some individual by gruesome comparisons between were filed against officers in McClain’s death. The Intifada was eventually conditioned on obtaining various col- or organisation. the number of dead or the degree of Or consider the disabling shooting last year in Kenosha, Wis., thwarted by the signing of the Oslo oured permits from the Israeli mili- The rational answer was, and re- destruction inflicted on each side. If of Jacob Blake, by a police officer, in the back, seven times. No Accords in 1993. For Israel, Oslo was tary authorities which controlled the mains, that only the Palestinian peo- this was the case, no colonised nation charges were filed. a gift from the Palestinian leadership bizarrely-named “Civil Administra- ple will determine the nature, scope would ever have fought for and won its In these and other cases, the law and the Constitution grant that allowed it to suppress the Intifada tion”. Women giving birth at military and direction of their collective action. freedom. extraordinary power to police officers to use potentially deadly and use the then newly-created Pal- checkpoints in the West Bank, cancer Popular revolts are not the outcome of The Palestinians won because, force when other responses may be available. estinian Authority (PA) to serve as a patients dying in Gaza while waiting wishful thinking but of circumstances, once more, they emerged from the The Constitution and the law, widely thought by a majority buffer between the Israeli military and for permission to cross the nominal the tipping point of which can only be rubble of Israeli bombs as a whole, a of Americans to be bulwarks against excessive government intru- the occupied, oppressed Palestinians. border for hospital treatment and decided by the people themselves. nation determined to win its freedom sion, instead protect that intrusion. The history of Palestine has fol- more became the everyday reality of This month, May 2021, was that at any cost. This realisation was sym- That will come as no surprise to many Black Americans when lowed a dismal trajectory ever since; Palestine and the Palestinians. very tipping point. Palestinians rose in bolised in the many scenes of Palestin- they recall that the Constitution and the law protected slavery for one of disunity, factionalism, politi- In time, the Israeli occupation of unison from Jerusalem to Gaza, across ian crowds celebrating while waving the nation’s first nine decades, then segregation for a century after cal rivalry and, for the privileged few, Palestine became a marginal issue on every inch of occupied Palestine, as the banners of all of the factions, with- that. So do the Constitution and the law, in granting superpowers massive wealth. Nearly four decades the international diplomatic agenda. well as Palestinian refugee communi- out prejudice and without exception. to police, continue to perpetuate anti-Black racism? have been wasted on a self-defeating Meanwhile, Israel cemented its re- ties throughout the Middle East and, in Finally, it can be asserted une- political discourse centred on US-Is- lationship with numerous countries doing so, they also resolved an impos- quivocally that the Palestinian resist- raeli priorities, mostly concerned with around the world, including many in sible political equation. The Palestinian ance scored a major victory, arguably “Israeli security” and “Palestinian ter- the Southern hemisphere which had “problem” was no longer the Israeli oc- unprecedented in its proud history. rorism”. historically stood in alongside Pales- cupation of the West Bank, Gaza Strip This is the first time that Israel has Old but befitting terminology such tine. and East Jerusalem alone, but the Is- been forced to accept that the rules of as liberation, resistance and popular Even the international solidarity raeli racism and apartheid which have the game have changed, most likely struggle were replaced with the more movement for Palestinian rights be- targeted the Palestinian communities forever. It is no longer the only party “pragmatic” language of the “peace came confused and fragmented, itself a inside Israel as well. It was also about able to determine political outcomes in process”, “negotiation table” and direct expression of Palestinian confu- the crisis of the Palestinian leadership occupied Palestine, because the Pales- “shuttle diplomacy”. According to this sion and fragmentation. In the absence and the deep-seated factionalism and tinian people are finally a force to be misleading discourse, the Israeli oc- of a unified Palestinian voice amid the political corruption. reckoned with. cupation of Palestine was depicted as prolonged political feud, many took the When Israeli Prime Minister Ben- a “conflict” and “dispute”,as if basic liberty of lecturing Palestinians on how jamin Netanyahu decided on 8 May to (Ramzy Baroud is a journal- human rights were subject to political to resist, what “solutions” to fight for unleash hordes of police and Jewish ist and the Editor of the Palestine interpretation. and how to conduct themselves politi- extremists on Palestinian worshippers Chronicle)

Redefining Normal Life As We Emerge From COVID Isolation LYNNE AGRESS person according to many studies, older says Ms. Rodriguez, found that “trauma Times, saying that staying at home during students, including retirees, have marveled reemerges amid stress brought about by the pandemic, he found himself becoming one among us have been spared at opportunities to learn online. I, myself, the pandemic.” “more relaxed” in body and mind; sleeping the effects of COVID-19; from illness have loved teaching on Zoom. In my Johns Of course, the most obvious negative better and feeling more peaceful and well and death to disrupted routines, we Hopkins short story course in the fall, two result of COVID was the loss of more than overall. Thus, he advocates retooling our have all been touched by it to vary- of my former college classmates participat- half a million US citizens, and more than 3 perceptions in order “to shape a better fu- ing degrees. Fortunately, however, ed: one living in New York City, the other in million people around the globe, including ture for us all.” Good advice. manyN of us have now been vaccinated, and Coral Gables, Florida. family, friends, co-workers and neighbours. Many of us, while trying to make sense life is slowly returning to normal. But what In my spring novels course, there were Each Friday night on “PBS NewsHour,” an- of this crazy new world have been, and still is normal? As we reemerge, we realize that two women from California: one an old chor Judy Woodruff has profiled five inter- are, reading more, exercising more (espe- things have changed — some for the better, friend and the other someone who simply esting and diverse men and women who cially walking) and enjoying nature. When I others for the worse. read about my course online. Elaine, my lost their lives to this deadly virus. think of being out in nature, I am reminded On the plus side, we can see our friends friend in Oregon, takes at least a dozen on- Many healthcare workers lost their of Emily Dickinson’s famous poem: and relatives again — in person. We can go line courses each semester. lives as well, and the toll this has taken on Hope is the thing with feathers to restaurants and resume many outdoor Although we were physically distant, their families will likely last forever. To be that perches in the soul activities, including concerts and sports. many families have grown closer. For some, sure, psychiatrists, psychologists and so- and sings the tunes without the words We no longer have to depend on Amazon adult children moved back in with older cial workers have never been busier, treat- and never stops at all. but can actually shop in real stores. parents to combine forces. Emma, a retired ing people who lost family, friends, jobs As we reemerge, like the cicadas, we can As a result of the lockdowns and social obstetrician/gynaecologist, found herself and homes as a result of COVID. Indeed, a make all our lives better by respecting our- distancing rules, many people began work- caring for two young grandchildren, while new book by Oprah Winfrey and Dr. Bruce selves and others and retooling our percep- ing on Zoom and other video platforms. I her daughter and son-in-law worked from Perry, called “What Happened to You?” and tions, so that we never stop singing the song cannot imagine what the real estate market her home online, having left their New York subtitled “Conversations on Trauma, Resil- of hope. will look like in major cities when lawyers, apartment for her large home in Hunt Val- According to Amanda Rodriguez, executive ience and Healing,” has quickly topped the accountants, engineers and many other ley. In other families, couples reconnected director of TurnAround, which provides bestseller lists. (Lynne Agress, who teaches in professional and technical people prefer to now that both spouses were home most of support to victims of sexual assault, domes- One of the most sensitive pieces I read the Odyssey Program of Johns Hop- continue working at home, totally or par- the time. My friend Frances told me that for tic violence and sex trafficking, her organi- about reemerging after COVID came from a kins, is president of BWB-Business tially. the first time in years, she and her EC O hus- zation received approximately 800 calls former minister from Santa Fe, New Mexico, Writing At Its Best Inc. and author While young students — elementary band ate dinner together every night. reporting domestic violence in October of who described himself as a 6-foot-tall, 200 of “The Feminine Irony” and “Work- and middle, especially, but also high school Sadly, however, other families have suf- 2020, compared to 80 in October 2019. pound Black man with an Afro hairstyle. He ing With Words in Business and Le- and college-age students — learn better in fered greatly because of too-close quarters. “Clients who dealt with past trauma,” wrote a letter to the editor of the New York gal Writing”)

THE VIEWS EXPRESSED ON THE OPINION AND ANALYSIS PAGES ARE THE AUTHORS’ OWN. QATAR TRIBUNE BEARS NO RESPONSIBILITY. World Thursday, May 27, 2021 07

News UK foreign minister pledges in brief As Pakistan vaccinates, fears grow Afghan refugees will miss out Islamabad: Pakistan is taking moves to expand its coronavi- rus vaccination programme, but fears are growing that millions Gaza support, calls for peace of Afghan refugees will slip through the cracks because they do not have the necessary local identification required to register for the jab. Hamas chief Yehya al-Sinwar rejects latest plans to reconstruct Gaza Strip The National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC), the body responsible for the country’s response to the pandemic, dpa Raab’s visit followed more said on Wednesday that registration for a jab will be open to London than a week of military esca- anyone aged 19 and up. The policy will go into effect on Thurs- lation that left more than 250 day, Planning Minister Asad Umar said. Britain’s foreign secretary people dead in Gaza and 13 Pakistan is getting ready to roll out China’s single-dose underlined his support for a in Israel. CanSino, which Pakistan has been allowed to produce locally. two-state solution as he met Meanwhile, Yehya al- However, nearly 3 million Afghan refugees are believed with leaders in Israel and Pal- Sinwar, the head of Hamas in to lack the required registration. Pakistan hosts one of the estine to discuss the conflict, the Gaza Strip, has rejected world’s largest Afghan refugee communities. (dpa) and pledged millions in sup- reconstruction plans that aim port for Gaza. to edge out the Islamist group Foreign Secretary Dominic that rules the coastal enclave China to gift 1 million coronavirus Raab landed in Israel on Tues- in favour of the Palestinian Au- vaccine doses to Nepal day evening where he called thority (PA) headed by Presi- for an end to the cycle of vio- dent Mahmoud Abbas. Kathmandu: China has announced that it will give 1 million lence and progress towards a US Secretary of State An- vaccine doses to Nepal, the latest international assistance to lasting peace. tony Blinken pledged his coun- the impoverished Himalayan nation reeling from the impact of During his one-day visit, try’s help in rebuilding Gaza on COVID-19. Raab met with Israeli Prime Tuesday, but stressed that the Chinese President Xi Jinping made the announcement dur- Minister Benjamin Netanyahu aid must not benefit Hamas. ing a telephone conversation with his Nepali counterpart, Bidya in Jerusalem and Palestinian Israel is said to be con- Devi Bhandari, said Hou Yanqi, China’s ambassador to Nepal, President Mahmoud Abbas in cerned that any aid deliveries in a tweet on Wednesday. Ramallah. He also held talks to the blockaded coastal terri- Earlier, China had gifted 800,000 doses of Sinopharm jabs with Israeli Foreign Minister tory could be misused to arm to Nepal. So far, Nepal has inoculated around 2 million of its Gabi Ashkenazi and Defence Islamist Hamas, as happened around 30 million people, mainly with vaccines granted by India Minister Benny Gantz. He then after the last Gaza war in 2014. and China. The second wave has been fuelled mainly by new met Palestinian Prime Minis- Palestinian President Mahmud Abbas (right) and Britain’s Foreign Minister Dominic Raab greet each other The idea is instead to work variants of the virus first discovered in neighbouring India, with ter Mohammad Shtayyeh and in the West Bank city of Ramallah on Wednesday. (AFP) with the PA, reducing the risk which Nepal shares roughly 1,770 kilometres of open, poorly Foreign Minister Riyad al- of abuse and strengthening regulated border. Nepal on Wednesday logged 6,714 new Maliki. the authority vis-a-vis Hamas, cases and 145 related deaths. (dpa) On Wednesday morning, Blinken lauds Egypt’s efforts for Gaza ceasefire which is considered a terrorist he told Ashkenazi that Britain organization by the US as well 62 freed as Afghan commandos raid supported a two-state solution Cairo: US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has held talks in Cairo with Egyptian President Abdel- as the European Union. in the region. He also under- Fattah al-Sissi as part of the top US diplomat’s efforts to prop up a ceasefire in place between Sinwar told reporters Taliban prison in northern region lined the importance of resur- Israel and the Gaza Strip’s ruling Islamist Hamas group. in Gaza on Wednesday that Kabul: Afghanistan’s Defence Ministry said on Wednesday recting the nuclear deal with Blinken hailed Egyptian efforts to reach and stabilise the ceasefire that went into effect on Blinken’s remarks were aimed that the army’s commando forces carried out a raid on a Tali- Iran. Friday, ending 11 days of bloody fighting between Israel and Palestinians in Gaza, according to an at widening the divide between ban prison in the north of the country, freeing 62 captives. In a meeting with Gantz, Egyptian official.A t the meeting, Sissi also emphasized the importance of working to restart long- Hamas and the PA. “ The captives, which included 26 civilians and 36 members Raab said Britain supported stalled direct negotiations between Israelis and Palestinians “with effective US engagement,” the We will never fall for this of the country’s security forces, were released overnight from the ceasefire but also “rec- official said.B linken flew into Egypt after talks with Israeli and Palestinian leaders as part of his trick and lash out at each oth- a Taliban jail in Baghlan-e Markazi district of northern Baghlan ognised Israel’s right to current Middle East tour that is also taking him to Jordan. Egypt and Jordan are traditional regional er,” he said. province, the ministry said in a statement. Commando forces self-defence.” Raab said he allies of the US. (dpa) Abbas’ moderate Fatah killed four prison guards during the operation, the statement and Netanyahu “discussed party has clashed with Hamas added. The Afghan military has conducted several raids on the the flourishing UK and Israel for years; Hamas drove Fatah militants’ prisons in the past couple of months freeing dozens relationship, the importance ing with Abbas, he emphasized Britain had pledged 3.2 million Agency for Palestine Refugees out of Gaza in 2007, and the of captives. Officials confirmed on Tuesday that 41 people of a durable ceasefire in Gaza Britain’s support for the cease- pounds (4.5 million dollars) in in the Near East (UNRWA) to latter has since ruled only in including 19 soldiers were also released from a Taliban prison and the need to fight anti- fire and a two-state solution. emergency aid to the United support those in Gaza affected parts of the West Bank that are in the country’s western province of Herat. (dpa) Semitism.” During his meet- Later, Raab tweeted that Nations Relief and Works by recent hostilities. not administered by Israel. Bashar al-Assad set to win fourth term as Syrians head to polls

dpa Damascus

Syrians headed to polling sta- tions across government-held ar- eas of the country on Wednesday, in a presidential election expected to hand incumbent Bashar al-Assad a fourth term in office. Syrian state television showed long queues of people at polls, which opened at 7 am (0400 GMT). The broadcaster interviewed some al- Assad loyalists. “We are proud to- day to come and take part in this election as it is our national duty,” a woman told Syrian television in Aleppo, the second-largest city in Syria. The broadcaster also showed Syrian President Bashar al-Assad (centre) and his wife Asma (left) greet supporters some loyalists dancing and wav- after casting their votes at a polling station in Douma on Wednesday. (afp) ing the Syrian flag, as well as pho- tographs of al-Assad displayed Al-Assad, 55, is facing few serious Bashar al-Assad,” activists said. outside polling stations in various rivals and is virtually certain to win On the eve of the vote, the sec- areas in Damascus and Sweida, in in the one-day vote. retary of state of the United States, south-western Syria. Syrian Information Minister the foreign secretary of Britain, and Al-Assad cast his ballot in Imad Sarah described the turnout the foreign ministers of France, Douma, a former rebel stronghold “as very high,” without giving spe- Germany, and Italy issued a joint on the outskirts of the capital, Syr- cific figures. statement of condemnation against ian state television reported. Meanwhile, in Idlib, the last the “fraudulent election.” Douma is part of the eastern rebel stronghold in north-western The five nations said they “sup- Ghouta region, where a suspected Syria, hundreds of people Wednes- port the voices of all Syrians, in- chemical attack took place in 2018 day protested against the presiden- cluding civil society organizations and was blamed on the Syrian gov- tial vote, calling it “mockery and and the Syrian opposition, who ernment. comedy.” have condemned the electoral pro- “Douma’s visit and the election The demonstrators chanted slo- cess as illegitimate.” More than 18 provide confirmation that Syria is gans against al-Assad, reiterated million Syrians are eligible to vote not a region against a region or a their support for the Syrian revo- in and outside the country, Syr- sect against a sect,” al-Assad was lution and called for freedom and ian Interior Minister Mohammed al quoted as telling Syrian television. unity against “the killer regime of Rahmoun said. Pak journo critical of military attacked dpa The journalist is being treated by the army’s interference. Islamabad at a hospital where he is said to be Last month, a gunman shot and in a stable condition. The journal- wounded another journalist famous A Pakistani journalist known for his ist works as producer for a popular for his blunt criticism of the military criticism of the country’s powerful show at Pakistani broadcaster Aaj outside his house in Islamabad. military was tortured and threat- television and runs his own You- Last year, a criminal case was ened in the second attack against Tube channel Asad Toor Uncen- registered against both Toor, Alam media members in two months. sored. In his vlog, Toor reports and another journalist for defam- At least three unknown individ- and discusses issues avoided on ing the military, but a high court in uals armed with guns stormed Asad Pakistani mainstream media, which Islamabad ordered authorities to Ali Toor’s apartment in Islamabad is controlled by Pakistan’s military drop charges. on Tuesday night, the journalist told with a tight censorship policy. No one was ever arrested and in- police in a statement. The attack is latest in the series vestigations were never completed The attackers gagged Toor, tied of assaults against journalists criti- in several attacks against journalists him up, punched him, kicked him cal of the military since the govern- in recent years despite calls by the and hit him with guns, leaving him ment of Prime Minister Imran Khan national and global bodies to end injured. took over in 2018 elections tainted impunity and punish perpetrators. 08 Thursday, May 27, 2021 World Powerful Cyclone Yaas wallops pandemic-stricken India’s east coast dpa tions in low-lying areas along army and the navy were at been uprooted in Balasore around midnight. “Around New Delhi the coast of Odisha and neigh- work. and Bhadrak districts and one lakh (100,000) people bouring West Bengal before Banerjee said it would road clearing work has started have been evacuated in May- A powerful storm hit India’s the cyclone arrived. take at least another 72 hours as the wind speeds have come urbhanj, specially along banks east coast on Wednesday, flat- Officials from the two to make an assessment of the down in the coastal areas,” of rivers as we fear there may tening houses, uprooting trees states said sea surges and damage as roads were blocked Odisha special relief commis- be flash floods due to the and electric poles, breaking flooding brought on by tor- and vast areas flooded. She sioner Pradeep Jena said. heavy rains,” Jena said. down sea embankments and rential rainfall had inundated said two people had died when An IMD evening bulletin “The extent of damage will flooding large tracts of land. thousands of villages. Com- a tornado associated with said the storm was weaken- also be clear only after the Cyclone Yaas, classified as bined with a lunar high tide, the cyclone snapped electric- ing, with wind speeds down storm passes,” Jena said. “So “a very severe cyclonic storm” this led to waves as high as 4 ity lines, and one person died to 80 to 100 kilometres per far we have received reports by India’s Meteorological De- metres. when he went out fishing. hour, and it was expected to of only one death from a tree partment (IMD), made a land- In West Bengal, at least Indian army personnel wades through the flooded village roads carrying More than 5,000 people weaken further over the next fall and minor injuries.” All fall along the coast of eastern 300,000 homes, mostly mud people to safety ,in Ramnagar on Wednesday. (AFP) were marooned in three sea- few hours. airports in the region, includ- Odisha state with windspeeds and thatch, had been dam- side villages in Odisha’s Bal- The storm was now mov- ing in West Bengal’s capital of 130 to 140 kilometres per aged and hundreds of villages She said at least 10 million restoration workers from local asore district and efforts were ing north-west across Odi- Kolkata and Odisha’s capital hour gusting up to 155. inundated, West Bengal chief people had been affected by administrations, as well as po- on to rescue them, officials sha’s Mayurbhanj district and Bhubaneswar, are closed. At Nearly 2 million people minister Mamata Banerjee the storm. lice, fire brigade, the National said. was expected to cross into least 40 long-distance trains were evacuated from habita- said at a briefing. Teams of relief, rescue and Disaster Response Force, the “Hundreds of trees have neighbouring Jharkhand state have been cancelled.

SERIES OF SERIOUS CLAIMS WhatsApp goes to court, says India’s new Ex-aide to UK PM attacks govt’s rules violate privacy

dpa a grievance response mecha- New Delhi nism. handling of coronavirus pandemic The rules said social me- WhatsApp has filed a legal dia intermediaries that have dpa his home in London to his par- challenge against the Indian over 5 million users and offer London ents’ house in Durham during government’s new rules that messaging services will have the first wave of the pandemic come into effect Wednesday to enable identification of The former aide of British in April, despite a strict stay and require the messaging the first originator of content Prime Minister Boris Johnson at home order being in force platform to trace and identi- that could harm the coun- has savagely attacked how the across England. fy the originator of particular try’s interests. government handled the onset In a press conference last messages. The government said the of the coronavirus pandemic May, he admitted that he and “Civil society and techni- new guidelines specified cas- in Britain. his wife were suffering with cal experts around the world es in which the order to trace Dominic Cummings was coronavirus at the time and have consistently argued that the first originator could be chief adviser to Johnson from said he undertook the journey a requirement to ‘trace’ pri- given. July 2019 to November 2020, to test his eyesight and see if it vate messages would break These were only for pur- and gave him advice on how was affected by the virus. end-to-end encryption and poses of prevention, inves- to handle the coronavirus out- Cummings’ decision to lead to real abuse,” a What- tigation and punishment of break when it struck Britain in leave London and subsequent- sApp spokesperson said. offences relating to India’s March last year. ly not face any action from “WhatsApp is committed sovereignty, integrity and At times he was seen as the Johnson for it dampened the to protecting the privacy of security, incitement of public second most powerful man in nation’s trust in the govern- people’s personal messages order, offences related to rape the country after Johnson. ment and undermined further and we will continue to do all and sexually explicit material He had been called to give rules implemented for citizens. we can within the laws of In- or child sexual abuse, a gov- evidence before parliament During the weekly prime dia to do so.” ernment release said. into how the government han- minister’s questions event in The Indian government The Indian government dled the outbreak and subse- the House of Commons on on Wednesday accused was committed to ensuring quent British lockdowns. Wednesday, held in the mid- WhatsApp of filing the legal the right of privacy to all its During his question- dle of Cummings’ questioning, challenge at the last min- citizens as well as having the ing, Cummings made a se- opposition leader Keir Starm- ute to avoid implementing means and information to ries of serious claims against er accused Johnson of being the guidelines which it said maintain law and order, In- the government, includ- “complacent” over the threat were aimed at protecting In- formation Technology Min- ing that Johnson initially Former number 10 special advisor Dominic Cummings speaking at a committee hearing in Portcullis of the coronavirus as a result dia’s security and preventing ister Ravi Shankar Prasad described the outbreak as house in London on Wednesday. (afp) of Cummings’ claims. harmful and abusive content. said. “the new swine flu” and dis- “I don’t think anybody The guidelines issued in He said the debate over missed it as a “scare story,” ly derailed because the nation- still don’t have a proper border could accuse this government February require internet- whether encryption would while also saying Health Sec- al security people came in and Allegation policy, in my opinion,” he said. of being complacent over the based platforms like Face- be maintained or not was retary Matt Hancock should said ‘[former US president He later stated he did hear threat of this virus,” Johnson book, Google and Twitter not misplaced. “It is What- have been sacked for “lying to Donald] Trump wants us to Cummings also claimed Johnson say he would rather said. to follow several new regu- sApp’s responsibility to find everybody in multiple occa- join the bombing campaign in Johnson told cabinet see “bodies pile high in their “We have worked flat-out latory measures, including a technical solution, whether sions in meeting after meeting the Middle East tonight and we members he was going thousands” than order a third to minimize loss of life, to pro- appointing a compliance of- through encryption or other- in the cabinet room and pub- need to start having meetings to get England’s chief national lockdown and added tect the [National Health Ser- ficer in India and setting up wise, that both happen.” licly.” about that’ ... so everything medical officer to ‘inject Johnson was more concerned vice] ... we have got on with the He also claimed Johnson to do with [Johnson’s cabinet him on live TV with about recovering the economy job, protecting people of this told cabinet members he was meeting] on COVID that day coronavirus’ to show than coronavirus in April. country from one of the worst going to get England’s chief was completely disrupted.” people it was nothing to During the questioning, pandemics in living memory.” medical officer to “inject him Britons were later told be concerned about Cummings also apologized for In a briefing with journal- on live TV with coronavirus” to start social distancing on his “failings” during the pan- ists, a spokesperson for John- News to show people it was nothing March 16, 2020, and the four demic, including not taking son refuted the claims against to be concerned about. nations went into lockdown on action sooner and for a jour- the coronavirus border policy in brief Describing when the gov- March 23, 2020. ing that stated closing the bor- ney he undertook while Eng- and declined to comment on ernment tried to hold meetings Cummings also claimed ders would make no sense in land was in lockdown. the claims over sacking Han- Half of US adults fully vaccinated initially over how to handle the that prior to April 2020, no curbing the spread of the virus. He faced severe criticism cock in April last year and that against coronavirus outbreak last March, Cum- border policy was in place due “As of today, look at the last year after it was revealed Johnson wanted to get infect- mings said: “We got complete- to advice Johnson was receiv- whole thing with variants, we he drove 425 kilometres from ed with coronavirus on live TV. Washington Tuesday, the United States reached a major milestone in its vaccination efforts as 50 percent of the adults in the country have been fully vaccinated. Across the country, 25 states and the District of Columbia Three in custody have fully vaccinated at least 50 percent of their adult popula- tion, and nine states have recently crossed the threshold of 70 following Italian Activist on plane forced to land was percent of adults with at least one shot, White House Senior Advisor for COVID Response Andy Slavitt said at a routine brief- cable car accident ing to provide pandemic update. dpa a ‘terrorist’: Belarus’ Lukashenko Slavitt said that in the days after Ohio Governor Mike Rome DeWine introduced the 1-million-dollar Vax-A-Million lottery cam- dpa Belarus threatened to react paign to encourage people to get vaccinated, the state saw Three people were in custody Moscow to sanctions with ones of its a 55 percent increase in its vaccination rate among younger following a cable car accident own, though Prime Minister Americans in the 20 to 49 age group. (dpa) in which 14 people lost their Belarus’ long-time presi- Roman Golovchenko said the lives, news agency ANSA re- dent, Alexander Lukashenko, decision would not be made ported on Wednesday. on Wednesday defended his hastily. New York walks back masks for kids in The accident happened on internationally slammed deci- “We suggest soberly think- summer camps after backlash Sunday in Italy’s Piedmont re- sion to force the landing this ing again before you go down gion, west of Lake Maggiore, on weekend of a passenger plane the slippery slope of an eco- Albany, New York New York is walking back a mask mandate a line that links the resort town with a dissident journalist on nomic war in which there will for kids at summer camps and daycares following outrage from of Stresa with the 1,500-metre- board. be no winners,” he said, add- parents and local officials. high Mount Mottarone. “I acted lawfully by pro- ing that the measures would The state will now “encourage” - but not require - unvac- The cable car’s engineer, tecting people - according to be painful but leaving open cinated children over 2 years old to wear face coverings in director of the service and op- all international rules,” Lu- whether they would apply to childcare settings. erative head of the service were kashenko told the parliament Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko in Minsk on Wednesday. (AFP) goods or oil and gas transport “This mandate was never based in science or simple detained. in Minsk. to Europe. common-sense, especially at a time when he (Governor Andrew The three individuals, in- Authorities used Sunday’s plane, which was on its way More than 100 people were Cuomo) was signalling that mask wearing will soon be a thing cluding Luigi Nerini, who landing to have dissident Bela- to Lithuania from Greece, was on board the Ryanair flight of the past for many adults,” state Senate Minority Leader manages the Mottarone cable rusian journalist Roman Pro- diverted to Minsk with the as- that was forced to land, includ- Robert Ortt said in a statement. (dpa) car, carried out a “conscious tasevich arrested at the airport sistance of a fighter jet. I acted lawfully by ing Protasevich and his part- action,” ANSA cited the pub- in Minsk. “That the plane was forced protecting people - accord- ner. Both were arrested. lic prosecutor of the province Protasevich is a “terrorist,” to land by a MiG-29 fighter jet Their fate is uncertain. Five people arrested in connection with of Verbania, Olimpia Bossi, as added Lukashenko, who said is an absolute lie!” said Lu- ing to all international rules Lukashenko made other shooting of BLM activist saying following questioning the 26-year-old blogger was kashenko. Belarus acted for Alexander Lukashenko claims about Protasevich’s overnight. planning a “bloody uprising” safety reasons, he said, be- past, including that he had London Five people have been arrested after a Black Lives She said investigators in Belarus. cause the plane flew over the fought on the side of govern- Matter (BLM) activist was shot at a house party in London at the found that a safety braking sys- “There was a terrorist on country’s nuclear power plant. North Atlantic Council said the ment forces in eastern Ukraine weekend. The Metropolitan Police said on Wednesday a 17-year- tem had been “tampered with” board the plane,” he said, The European Union “unacceptable act seriously and had “a lot of experience as old was arrested on suspicion of possession of an offensive in order to avoid delays of the claiming that it was his coun- has launched new sanctions violated the norms governing a mercenary.” weapon and possession with intent to supply class A drugs. cable car service. try’s sovereign right to detain against the power apparatus civil aviation and endangered Protasevich had reported Further investigations led officers to an address in the Bossi said that, to avoid a its own citizens. in Belarus because of the ac- the lives of the passengers and from Ukraine in 2014, when south London district of Peckham, where three further men stoppage of the service, a de- Lukashenko initially said, tion, including a landing ban crew.” the war between pro-Russian were arrested, a statement from the force said. vice that deactivates the emer- without elaborating, that Bela- for former Soviet republic’s Pratasevich and his part- forces and the central govern- A 18-year-old, a 19-year-old and a 28-year-old were all gency brakes was kept in place, rus had received information airlines and sanctions on lead- ner, Sofia Sapega, should be ment in Kiev was breaking out. arrested on suspicion of affray and possession with intent to which meant that when the that there was an explosive de- ership. released and there should be However, it has never been supply drugs. A fifth man, aged 25, was later arrested following cable snapped, the emergency vice on the plane. NATO condemned the ac- an “urgent independent inves- proven that he engaged in a police pursuit of a car in Peckham. (dpa) system could not be activated. Therefore, he said, the tion on Wednesday. The body’s tigation,” the council said. combat. How vaccine passports for travellers will work page 12

Thursday, May 27, 2021

34,323.05 10,628.25 51017.52 1,899.00 +10.59 pts +19.33 pts +379.99 pts Gold -0.08 % Sadarah, iFarm to advance vertical Dow QE sensex farming in Qatar page 10 Price percentage Price percentage 27.78 Brent 68.82 +0.25 % WTI 66.17 +0.15 % Silver -1.00 % Lulu set to open region’s Nomination for MoTC biggest store in Bu Sidra Qatar Digital Business Bu Sidra store first to be based on the principles of sustainability: Althaf Awards 2021 opens Satyendra Pathak Tribune News Network Doha Doha The global pandemic Hypermarket giant LuLu The Ministry of Transport created a contactless Group is all set to open the and Communications (MoTC) world, bringing the need region’s biggest and largest has announced the opening of hypermarket in Qatar, the the nominations for the Qatar for digital transforma- Group’s top official in the coun- Digital Business Awards 2021 tion into sharp focus. try has said. to be held under the patronage Many of the In an interview with Qa- of the Minister of Transport technologies we as a tar Tribune recently, Lulu and Communications HE Jas- society have adopted Group International Director sim Seif Ahmed Al Sulaiti. during the past year are Mohamed Althaf said, “LuLu The awards, now in its Group is going to open its big- sixth edition, target all com- here to stay. gest and the largest hypermar- panies operating in the digital ket in the region in the Bu Sidra industry in Qatar. It comes Reem Al Mansoori area of Qatar. It’s almost ready within the framework of the and we are expected to open it Ministry of Transport and for the public in the next couple Communications’ keenness to of months.” honour and appreciate small, Besides being the largest medium and emerging en- and the biggest in the region, terprises and companies that Althaf said, the Bu Sidra hy- have contributed to the devel- permarket will have a number opment of the digital sector of new features making it one during 2019-2021. of the most developed and Those wishing to partici- modern hypermarkets in the pate must complete their ap- country. plications on the website www. “Everything we have tried qitba.qa no later than July 17, with this hypermarket is new. 2021, while the winners will be We have tried to improve upon announced in August 2021. everything that we have done Due to the significant im- in the past. It will have a num- Lulu Group International Director Mohamed Althaf at the recently concluded British Food Festival in Doha. pact of the COVID-19 crises, ber of new departments,” Al- last year’s awards were post- thaf said. going to be the most exciting in percent of our staff in Qatar are way for expansion of its e-com- poned. This year, Qatar Digital Making Bu Sidra hyper- terms of our expansion plans. fully vaccinated. In the eligible merce facilities by introducing Business Awards are back with market significant in the region As many as four major outlets category, he said, almost 100 dedicated facilities. a restructured format adapted will be its sustainability fea- are almost ready to be opened percent are vaccinated. “We want to be well pre- in line with the government’s tures, he said adding that this this year.” Althaf also revealed that pared before the start of 2022 health and safety framework. will be the first store based on “Construction work on the Group was in talks to build FIFA World Cup in the country. In line with the precau- the principles of sustainability. all our upcoming branches in a huge commodity storage fa- Qatar has always been a very tionary measures and meas- “The store is designed in a Ain Khalid, Salwa Road and cility in Qatar to help ensure a good market for us. With all the ures related to the health and way that we minimise, reduce the one in the upcoming Doha certain level of food security in developments taking place in safety due to the COVID-19 and eliminate carbon footprint Mall is almost complete. I am the country. the country, Qatar has become pandemic, winners will be an- Solution of the Year, Innova- “We now enjoy greater ac- from the food industry. It has quite hopeful that the new hy- “We are also going to have a a hotspot for many of the global nounced electronically via the tive Fintech Solution of the cess to digital tools and tech- got a lot of innovation from permarkets will be operational storage facility for online prod- players. So we are expanding Internet with the addition of a Year, ICT Exporter of the Year, nology that bridge the gap the sustainability perspective. this year,” Althaf said. ucts in the Qatar Free Zone. our footprint, deepening our new category for the most in- and the Most Valuable Innova- created by social distancing, It’s basically a green store. We “Most of the preparations It will ensure that all essen- relationship and further devel- novative solution to respond tion Response to COVID-19. and these important devel- are going to brand it as the first to open the new store are tial items are delivered in the oping our infrastructure in the to COVID-19. Commenting on the opments have enabled busi- sustainable store in the region. done. We are in the process of country without any delay and country,” Althaf said. The 2021 Qatar Digital launch of the awards, MoTC nesses and society to remain “There will be lots of re- hiring staff to start operations. disturbance. Work on our cold Lauding Qatar for its Business Awards have 11 cat- Assistant Undersecretary for resilient. This year’s awards filling stations, environment- While we try to look for diver- storage facility in Wukair is also self-sufficecy efforts, Althaf egories open for entry. The Digital Society Development recognize and celebrate com- friendly practices inside the sity in hiring, we are looking going well,” he said. said that 85 percent of prod- categories are Service Provider Sector Reem Al Mansoori said, panies that have brought store. I hope it will become a to bring people from India, Sri With a view to address the ucts sourced earlier from of the Year, Systems Integra- “The global pandemic created new technology to life as a global benchmark in sustain- Lanka, Nepal and the Philip- changing customer demands, neighbouring countries are tor of the Year, Mobile App a contactless world, bringing response to COVID-19 or able retail,” he said. pines,” he said. the Lulu Group has also fur- now sourced from within of the Year, Cloud Solution of the need for digital transfor- adapted their current servic- Talking about the other Special care will be taken ther developed its existing e- the country. “The local prod- the Year, Digital Startup of the mation into sharp focus. Many es to help fight the pandemic expansion plans, Althaf said, to ensure that all the newly re- commerce operations by adding ucts have also become very Year, Smart Solution of the of the technologies we as a so- or limit any health, social and “Right now we have fourteen cruited staff are vaccinated, Al- more vehicles to its current fleet. popular among the buyers,” Year, SME Digital Transforma- ciety have adopted during the economic damage to Qatar,” outlets in Qatar. This year is thaf said adding that almost 90 Further, plans are under- he said. tion of the Year, E-Commerce past year are here to stay.” Mansoori said. GCC funding needs to fall sharply in 2021: S&P

the past, leading to increased rather than liquidated their GCC deficit expected to decline spending or delays in planned assets to fund their deficits. fiscal reforms. The path to We assume that the $355 sharply to about $80 bn in 2021 significantly narrowing GCC billion of financing required fiscal deficits remains con- over 2021-2024 will be Tribune News Network report said. tingent upon the direction of roughly split 50:50 between Doha “The aggregate GCC cen- government policy responses debt issuance and asset draw- tral government deficit did as much as it does on oil pric- downs. We base this projec- The aggregate Gulf Coopera- not deteriorate by as much in es,” the report said. tion on the financing trends tion Council (GCC) central 2020 as it did in 2016. This “Since the structural de- of the past few years, govern- government deficit will fall is despite a slightly lower av- cline in oil prices, many GCC ments’ explicitly stated policy sharply to about $80 billion erage Brent oil price of $42 sovereigns have posted siza- decisions, and our view of in 2021 (5 percent of GDP) per barrel in 2020, compared ble central government defi- the availability of assets. We from $143 billion in 2020 (10 with $44 in 2016, and the cits. These increased funding expect that Bahrain, Oman, percent of GDP), S&P Global GCC economies being hit by needs prompted total GCC and Saudi Arabia will finance Ratings has said in its latest the additional shock of the government debt issuance most of its deficits through report. COVID-19 pandemic. The in local and foreign cur- debt, while Abu Dhabi, Ku- According to the rating data indicates that while Ku- rency of $90 billion in 2016 wait and Qatar will draw more agency, lower deficits will wait’s fiscal deficit was much Lower deficits in GCC will be supported by higher oil prices in 2021. and close to $100 billion in on their assets,” it said. be supported by higher oil larger in 2020 and Bahrain’s 2017. GCC government debt Thanks to their hydrocar- prices, fiscal consolidation deficit was broadly in line hydrocarbons. Value added tral government deficit-to- May 2021 OPEC+ agreement. increased by much less in bon wealth, the report said, measures, and a higher level with the 2016 outturn, other tax (VAT) was introduced in GDP ratio of 20 percent in In our forecasts, we assume 2020 ($70 billion), due to some GCC governments have of economic activity as COV- GCC countries experienced Saudi Arabia and the UAE in 2021, followed by Bahrain an average Brent oil price fiscal constraints and more accumulated large pools of ID-19 restrictions are lifted. stronger budgetary perfor- 2018, in Bahrain in 2019, and and the UAE at 6 percent, of $60 for the remainder of diversified government reve- financial assets that they “We estimate that cen- mance,” the report said. Oman in 2021. The stronger Saudi Arabia at 5 percent, 2021, $60 in 2022, and $55 nue sources. Looking ahead, can use to fund their fiscal tral government deficits will “Many GCC states have regional outturn in 2020 Oman at 4 percent, and Qa- in 2023 and beyond,” the re- we expect total annual debt deficits. reach about $355 billion shown spending restraint in compared with 2016 was tar,” the report said. port said. issuance to average about “Government assets in cumulatively between 2021 response to the double ex- significantly driven by Saudi “We expect fiscal deficits “Higher oil prices are sup- $50 billion over 2021-2024, Kuwait, Abu Dhabi, Qatar, and 2024. About 60 percent ternal shocks of 2020, given Arabia, where the VAT rate will reduce over 2021-2022 portive of our GCC govern- with higher borrowing in the Saudi Arabia, and Ras Al of this relates to Saudi Ara- their already large fiscal defi- increased to 15 percent from and widen again in 2023- ment ratings but are by no outer years, when we assume Khaimah exceed government bia followed by Kuwait with cits going into the year. Some 5 percent to shore-up govern- 2024 given our oil price as- means the only factor we con- lower oil prices,” the rating debt, in some cases by a wide 25 percent, the United Arab have also made inroads to di- ment revenue,” it said. sumptions, as well as the sider. Indeed, higher oil pric- agency said. margin. For Bahrain, Oman, Emirates with 7 percent, and versifying their government “We expect that Kuwait gradual tapering of oil pro- es derailed GCC governments’ “GCC governments have and Sharjah, their debt ex- Oman with 4 percent,” the revenue streams away from will register the highest cen- duction cuts in line with the fiscal consolidation plans in borrowed, for the most part, ceeds their assets,” it said. 10 Thursday, May 27, 2021 Economy & Business COVID-19 fuels Japanese stock investors talk rising commercial insurance costs up benefits of shelving Olympics across MENA Foreign investors sold more than $9.2 billion of Japanese stocks in net during the second week of May Tribune News Network cept, reduced capacity, the Doha resetting of underwriting Agencies requirements, and greater The COVID-19 pandemic application of internation- For any country, hosting the and resulting economic ally accepted standards. Olympics is a major deal, both slowdown has adversely Cyber insurance rates politically and economically. affected insurers globally continued to rise, due to an Yet, in a world ravaged by the and is contributing to com- increase in frequency and COVID-19 pandemic, going mercial insurance pricing severity of global ransom- ahead with the Tokyo Games increases and reduced ca- ware claims. is starting to look like a dan- pacity across many lines While the pandemic has gerous gamble on both counts. of business. This is affect- increased demand for med- Ominously, a growing ing the insurance markets ical coverage, rates remain number of investors in Japa- across the Middle East and competitive. nese stocks now believe that North Africa (MENA) – at Motor insurance rates canceling the Games is better a time when companies are in Qatar increased due to for the market, intensifying focused on reducing costs inflationary claims trends. the pressure on Prime Minister – according to the MENA Globally, commercial Yoshihide Suga who is already Insurance Market Update insurance prices increased facing stiff public opposition to released by Marsh, the 18% in the first quarter of the global showcase event. world’s leading insurance 2021, according to Marsh’s The potential political broker and risk advisor. latest Global Insurance damage to Suga, and resulting The MENA region – Market Index. The quarter uncertainty, from staging the which comprises the Unit- is the first to show a moder- Games ahead of an election ed Arab Emirates, Saudi that must be held by October is Arabia, Bahrain, Oman, The MENA region has making investors nervous, sev- Egypt, and Qatar – has ex- eral fund managers and traders perienced rising commer- experienced rising com- told Reuters. cial insurance rates over the mercial insurance rates Investors also worry about last 12 months, including over the last 12 months the added risk that the event in the construction, cyber, could spur a fresh COVID-19 trade credit, professional ation in the average rate of outbreak at a time the country liability, and energy and increase since the index re- is struggling to contain a fourth power lines of business. Ac- ported the first rise in glob- wave of infections. cording to Marsh’s report, al pricing since Q4 2017. “An increasing number these increases are largely It follows year-on-year of people think not holding it a consequence of the tran- average increases of 22% is better for Japanese stocks, sitioning global insurance in the fourth quarter and than doing it and ending up A man walks by posters to promote the Olympic Games planned to start in the summer of 2021, in Tokyo, on Monday. market and COVID-related 20% in the third quarter of with political instability,” said claims. 2020. Arihiro Nagata, general man- Compared to three months The benchmark Nikkei dividend a year after the 2012 COVID-19 variants, and mar- Highlighting its key Christos Adamantiadis, ager of global investment at ago, when domestic coronavi- closed at 28,554 on Tuesday, London Olympics. ket players say the very pres- findings, the report said, di- CEO, Marsh Middle East Sumitomo Mitsui Bank. “And rus-related strains were largely more than 7% below its 30- But for Japan, analysts say ence of such a risk is enough to rectors and officers (D&O) and Africa, said: “While because we won’t have any in- contained, an increasing num- year high of 30,714. the economic cost of cancela- stop investors from buying. liability insurance rates there are signs that global bound tourists, economic ben- ber of traders and fund manag- Foreign investors are al- tion would be limited due to “If the government de- continued to increase con- insurance pricing increases efits will be limited.” Tokyo has ers said they view the Games as ready starting to fret about the Games’ scaled-back format. cides to cancel or postpone the siderably across the region moderated in the first quar- already banned foreign visitors a risk for Japanese equities. Suga’s fate, said Hiromichi The maximum economic Olympics, then the govern- (and globally), with insur- ter, we expect insurance to the event, and many inves- The Tokyo stock market Shirakawa, vice chairman and boost from the Olympics will ment can take more measures ers particularly concerned markets across the MENA tors expect it could be held has underperformed in recent chief economist for Credit Sui- be about 1.9 trillion yen, or on curbing infections and will about COVID-19’s impact region to continue to be without any spectators at all. months, hurt by the combina- sse in Japan. 0.3% of Japan’s annual gross trigger a market rally. Perhaps on liquidity risk and future challenging throughout the Suga, however, remains tion of slow vaccine rollouts, “They are now at the stage domestic product (GDP), said the Nikkei could rise to around insolvencies. remainder of 2021. adamant that the Games on a fresh outbreak of infections of assessing political risks. Takayuki Miyajima, senior 32,000,” said Soichiro Monji, Property rates across “Therefore, it is vital July 23, already postponed and growing concerns about They haven’t reduced Japanese economist at Sony Financial chief strategist at Nishimura the MENA region are ris- that clients approach the from last year, must proceed the risks of staging the Olym- stocks that much yet but they Holdings, based on assump- Securities. ing, especially for organiza- risks they face and how they even though 60-80% of voters pics in the midst of a once-in- think there is a high chance of tion provided by its organizers. Miyajima of Sony Financial tions with poor loss experi- manage them with renewed want it canceled or delayed, a-century pandemic. Suga quitting.” The Interna- That dwarfs the 3.7 trillion concurs. ences, high asset values, or vigor, as they reassess their recent polls by domestic media Foreign investors sold tional Olympic Committee says yen consumption the Japanese “Whether we hold the high-risk exposures. This is business priorities, start showed. Support for the prime more than 1 trillion yen ($9.20 the 2016 Games in Rio helped tourism sector has lost during Olympics or not does not have due to (re) insurers impos- to recover from COVID-19 minister has also fallen to the billion) of Japanese stocks in boost Brazil’s tourism revenue last summer due to the pan- a vital impact on the economy. ing more restrictions on the pandemic, and shift their lowest levels since he took of- net during the second week of by 6.2% in that year and the UK demic, he said. But a prolonged period of in- risks they are willing to ac- focus towards growth.” fice last September, around 32- May, the biggest since March economy reaped a 9.9-billion All of that would be moot fections is clearly negative for 43% depending on the survey. last year. pound trade and investment if the Games bring in multiple the economy.” Amazon to buy MGM, studio behind James Bond and ‘Shark Tank’

Agencies media industry that’s aimed at Amazon said Wednesday can’t watch elsewhere in order and a revolving door of owners Its other upcoming mov- boosting streaming services to that it would use MGM’s vast to standout and be competitive. while its new releases dwin- ies include Paul Thomas An- Online shopping giant Ama- compete against Netflix and library, which includes famous “There is an arms race to dled. Long up for sale, MGM’s derson’s next film,“Soggy zon is buying MGM, the movie Disney+. AT&T and Discovery characters such as Rocky, Rob- get what you can while the win- It’s going to be a lot of fun desirability was lessened, not Bottom,” starring Bradley and TV studio behind James announced last week that they oCop and Pink Panther, to cre- dow is open,” she said. Plus, the work. People who love just because of its partially auc- Cooper; Ridley Scott’s “House Bond, “Legally Blonde” and would combine media compa- ate new movies and shows. price tag is just a tiny fraction stories are going to be the tioned-off library, but because of Gucci,” with Lady Gaga and “Shark Tank,” with the hopes nies, creating a powerhouse “It’s going to be a lot of fun of Amazon’s valuation, which is big beneficiaries. its prized property — James Adam Driver; and the upcom- of filling its video stream- that includes HGTV, CNN, work,” said Amazon founder nearing $2 trillion. Bond — isn’t owned outright. ing Aretha Franklin biopic “Re- ing service with more stuff to Food Network and HBO. Jeff Bezos, during the com- Known for its roaring lion Amazon founder Jeff Bezos MGM splits ownership of it spect,” with Jennifer Hudson. watch. Amazon doesn’t say how pany’s shareholder meeting on logo, MGM is one of the oldest with Barbara Broccoli and Its library still includes more Amazon is paying $8.45 many people watch its Prime Wednesday. “People who love studios in Hollywood, founded Michael G. Wilson, who have than 4,000 movies, including billion for MGM, making it the Video streaming service, but stories are going to be the big in 1924 when films were still with the Wind,” which is now ultimate control over the fran- “Silence of the Lambs” and company’s second-largest ac- more than 200 million people beneficiaries.” silent. But its shine has faded owned by Warner Bros. And chise. The release of the latest “Thelma & Louise,” and 17,000 quisition after it bought grocer have access to it because they Sucharita Kodali, an eCom- considerably over the years. In its sprawling California lot was James Bond entry, “No Time to TV shows, such as reality TV Whole Foods for nearly $14 bil- pay for Prime membership, merce analyst at Forrester the mid-1980s, it sold much of bought by Sony. Die,” has been on hold through staples “Shark Tank” and “The lion in 2017. which gives them faster ship- Research Inc., said streaming its pre-1948 catalog, including For much of the past dec- the pandemic, with a fall re- Real Housewives of Beverly The deal is the latest in the ping and other perks. companies need shows people “The Wizard of Oz” and “Gone ade, MGM juggled bankruptcy lease now planned. Hills.”

commercial-scale indoor farm Sadarah partners with iFarm to advance sustainable vertical farming in Qatar

Tribune News Network monitor crop health and manage in food production by 2023, as Trade Advisory (QRITA) acted as Doha A multi-year partnership will yields. Thus, combining Agrico’s outlined in Qatar’s National Food an advisor in establishing the part- optimize indoor growing of know-how and technology for Security Strategy. nership and will continue to work Sadarah (Qatar), owner of leafy greens, strawberries and farming in arid environments with “Vertical farming is a key to with iFarm and Sadarah to develop Agrico Organic Farm, and iFarm, edible flowers, contributing to iFarm’s state-of-the-art vertical boosting food security in Qatar, their joint venture further. a Finland-headquartered AgTech the implementation of Qatar’s farming solution will enable to where conventional agricultural Oleg Chizh, Managing Director company with operations in Rus- improve the quality of crops and production is extremely challeng- and CEO of QRITA, said: “We are sia, Europe and globally, joined National Food Security to maximize the yield in one of the ing due to the country’s hot and pleased to facilitate the integration forces to build and manage a com- Strategy world’s harshest environments. arid climate. We are excited to of the advanced agricultural tech- mercial-scale indoor farm based The second phase of the joint tap into Agrigo’s long-standing nology by iFarm into the food se- on iFarm’s latest vertical farming Sadarah/Agrico. “Strawberries project entails commercial distri- expertise in the region and work curity framework in Qatar and the technology in Qatar. The multi- and most lettuce varieties are bution of the produce to the local together toward helping Qatar MENA region, in partnership with year partnership will optimize the now 100% imported and in many Qatar market and the expansion achieve its ambitious goals of Sadarah - one of the leading diver- growing of leafy greens, strawber- cases of a low quality and lacking of the vertical farming technology food independence”, said Kirill sified conglomerates in the region, ries, and edible flowers and help freshness. Once the development to other farms in Qatar and its Zelenski, CEO of iFarm - Intellec- with a long-standing history in the ensure a steady year-round supply is ready we will jointly be deliver- regional neighbours. tual Farm, OY. “I believe that it’s food and agriculture space. This is of fresh produce to the tables of ing the freshest strawberries and Both Sadarah and iFarm are the beginning of a long-term and consistent with QRITA’s mission Qatari people. lettuces available anywhere in the focused on delivering the most fruitful collaboration. The role of to enable impactful cross-border “This partnership brings one of world.” flavourful, nutritious, fresh leafy iFarm won’t be limited to simply partnerships between the Russia/ the world’s most advanced vertical The first phase of Sadarah- greens, strawberries and edible supplying equipment and software CIS and GCC regions. We look farming technologies to our coun- iFarm partnership involves devel- flowers at any time throughout at the construction phase, but we forward to supporting the partners try. Combining Agrico and iFarm’s oping a commercial trial farm at the year. The partnership will also will help oversee the farm after it’s in launching this pilot project and, capability will deliver consumers Sadarah’s Agrico Farm in Al Khor, help Qatar reduce its heavy reli- up and running and provide sup- hopefully, many subsequent pro- even more of the freshest produce Qatar. This will be the first deploy- ance on food imports and bring the port to our partners in managing jects. We are honored to contribute on the same day,” said Mr Ahmed ment in GCC of an AI managed country closer to achieving the goal iFarm’s cutting-edge technology.” to promoting sustainable urban Hussain Al-Khalaf, Chairman of vertical farm that uses drones to of reaching a 70% self-sufficiency Qatar-Russia Investment and farming in Qatar.” Thursday, May 27, 2021 11 Economy & Business Can West Africa lead the way in creating a more sustainable textiles industry? The textile and fashion industry is a key contributor to climate change, accounting for around 10 percent of global carbon emissions

Tribune News NEtwork Doha

With textiles and fashion expected to constitute an important post-Cov- id-19 growth driver for West Africa, stakeholders and key players in the industry are exploring ways to im- plement sustainable practices and make the sector more environmen- tally friendly, according to the Ox- ford Business Group. While one might not instinctively include it among the world’s heaviest polluters, the textile and fashion in- dustry is a key contributor to climate change, accounting for around 10% of global carbon emissions. Indeed, with pre-pandemic an- nual emissions of 1.2bn tonnes, the industry is the second-largest indus- trial polluter behind the oil and gas industry, surpassing emissions from all international flights and maritime shipping put together. A major factor behind the indus- try’s carbon footprint is the water needed for cotton production. For example, it can take an estimated 20,000 litres of water to produce 1 kg of cotton, or one t-shirt and a pair of jeans. In addition, with up to 8,000 chemicals used to turn raw materi- als into clothes, the World Bank es- timates that 20% of global industrial water pollution comes from dyeing and finishing fabrics. Another major factor behind the environmental footprint of the indus- try is the sheer mass of clothes pro- duced to meet the needs of modern “fast fashion”. An estimated $500bn in value is lost every year from clothes that are worn for a short period of time and not recycled, with much of it ending up incinerated or in landfill.

Pushing for environmental sus- tainability Around three-quarters of the Africa’s cotton is produced in West Africa. However, most of this is shipped to South and East Asia for processing, meaning that West African countries miss out on much of the To combat the environmental value-added economic benefits traditionally associated with the textile industry. impact of the textiles and fashion in- dustry, a number of industry players tive developed by the African Devel- boon to the region as countries con- cotton-producing nations Benin, are turning towards more sustainable opment Bank, aims to develop a sus- tinue their recoveries from Covid-19. Burkina-Faso and Mali export 1.8m means of operation. tainable textile value chain and help Highlights Indeed, in April the African Circu- tonnes of unprocessed cotton worth For example, Jendaya, a UK- create business models that will keep ● Textile and fashion is the world’s second-largest industrial polluter, lar Economy Alliance, a government- $922m, but then import $2.4bn in based, Africa-focused online fashion garments in use, make use of renew- behind oil and gas led coalition that promotes environ- finished cotton textiles and apparels. retailer avoids plastic and ships goods able materials and recycle old clothes mentally and socially sustainable In an effort to address the situa- in recyclable cardboard packaging. into new products. ● Concerted efforts are being made to create more sustainable solutions for economic development, tion, Arise’s textile park in Togo aims The company is also one of a Another company driving sus- business models identified the textiles and fashion in- to convert 56,000 tonnes of cotton growing number supporting smaller tainable solutions across the entire dustry as one of the “Five Big Bets” – fibres valued at $73m into apparel designers who produce clothes in value chain in West Africa’s textiles ● Two solar-powered, sustainable textile plants under construction in alongside food systems, the built en- worth $1.5bn. The company says the smaller capacities on a made-to-order industry is the India-headquartered Togo and Benin vironment, electronics and packaging construction and running of the site basis, reducing waste and the amount Arise. – that could drive the continent’s sus- will create 20,000 direct and 80,000 of clothing that is consigned to land- On top of existing industrial pro- ● Increased cotton processing could mean value-added textile earnings tainable development in the future. indirect jobs, ensuring that much of fill. jects in Gabon, Mauritania and Côte stay in West Africa The issue is particularly pertinent the profit will filter into local commu- Other examples of African com- d’Ivoire, the company is in the pro- to West Africa. Around three-quarters nities. panies promoting local production cess of constructing two textiles parks of the continent’s cotton is produced Meanwhile, in Benin, where the using natural materials under made- in Togo and Benin. The sites, which in Togo include processing 100% sus- national certifications when it comes in the region; however, most of this cotton industry accounts for 12% of to-order models include Nehanda & source raw materials, gin cotton, and tainably sourced cotton, under Cotton to dyeing and finishing fabrics. is shipped to South and East Asia for GDP and 60% of industrial earnings, Co in Zimbabwe, Naked Ape in South process and manufacture final prod- Made in Africa standards, and using processing, meaning that West Afri- the government is playing an active Africa, Nkwo in Nigeria and Awa Mei- ucts, will emphasise environmental, 100% renewable electricity, offsetting Economic benefits can countries miss out on much of the role in promoting domestic produc- té in Mali. social and governance (ESG) factors 20 tonnes of carbon emissions per The benefits of such an approach value-added economic benefits tra- tion, implementing a ban on 30% of There are also efforts to support across all aspects of the operation. day. The site will also reuse 90-95% are not just environmental. Increas- ditionally associated with the textile cotton lint exports by the end of 2021, this approach on an institutional For example, some of the sustain- of the water used during processing ing textile production on the conti- industry. with this figure rising to 70% by 2022 level. Fashionomics Africa, an initia- ability credentials of the textile park and comply with independent inter- nent will also provide an economic Every year leading West African and 100% by 2023.

Defiant Ghosn pins hopes on French probes to clear his name

Agencies tions of financial misconduct He said he voluntar- — hidden in a box stashed in lion euros ($16.5 million) in and fled to Lebanon a year ily agreed to undergo days the hold of a Turkey-bound compensation. Auto magnate-turned-fu- later. He now faces multiple of questioning in Beirut next private jet, according to Japa- Ghosn has vowed to ap- gitive Carlos Ghosn is cam- legal challenges in France af- week by French magistrates nese officials — embarrassed peal. paigning to clear his name, ter the Japanese accusations investigating allegations of fi- Japanese authorities and has Ghosn, who has French, and hopes a visit by French triggered scrutiny of his activ- nancial misconduct in France allowed him to evade trial Brazilian and Lebanese citi- investigators to his home in ities there. Meanwhile, several that led to the seizure of mil- there. zenship, contended he was exile in Lebanon will be his associates are in jail or on trial lions of euros of his assets. Now an international fugi- the victim of a character as- first real opportunity to de- in Japan and Turkey, in cases The outcome could result in tive on Interpol’s most-want- sassination campaign led fend himself since the bomb- related to his financial activi- preliminary charges being ed list, the 67-year-old Ghosn by Nissan with the complic- shell arrest that transformed ties or escape. handed to him or in the cases lives in self-imposed exile in ity of the Japanese govern- him from a visionary to a “There has been a lot of being dropped. his native Lebanon, where he ment, aided by accomplices in prisoner overnight. collateral damage . . . but I The French investigators teaches a weekly university France. In an interview with The don’t think I’m responsible for are looking into the financ- business course and is fight- In the AP interview, he Associated Press, the embat- that. The people responsible ing of lavish parties Ghosn ing other legal fires. mounted a robust defense of tled former chairman of the for that are the people who or- threw at the Versailles cha- He told the AP he was a former Nissan executive, Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi ganized the plot” to bring him teau — complete with period Fugitive ex-auto magnate Carlos Ghosn “shocked” after a Dutch court American Greg Kelly, who alliance dissected his legal down, Ghosn said Tuesday. costumes and copious Cham- last week rejected his wrong- was arrested the same day as troubles in Japan, France and Ghosn has denied accu- pagne — as well as 11 million nese that I don’t understand,” said he fled the country after ful dismissal claim against an Ghosn and is standing trial the Netherlands, detailed how sations of underreporting his euros in spending on private he said. “Now I will be speak- it became clear he would have Amsterdam-based alliance in a Tokyo District court on he plotted his brazen escape compensation and misusing planes and events arranged ing in French, and I’ll have my “zero” chances of a fair trial. between Nissan and Mitsubi- charges of under-reporting from Osaka, and reflected on company funds, contending by a Dutch holding company, lawyers present. Of course, I His arrest drew international shi, and ordered him to repay Ghosn’s compensation. He his new reality in crisis-hit he was the victim of a corpo- and subsidies to a car dealer- have much more confidence scrutiny and criticism of Ja- the nearly 5 million euros ($6 would not talk about two oth- Lebanon, where he is stuck for rate coup linked to a decline in ship in Oman. Ghosn denies in the French legal system pan’s legal system and its 99% million) salary he received in er Americans who allegedly the foreseeable future. Nissan Motor Co.’s financial any wrongdoing. than in the Japanese system.” conviction rate. 2018. The ruling came in a helped him escape, Michael Mending his reputa- performance as the Japanese “In Japan, you had a Japa- Ghosn was kept in soli- In late 2019, Ghosn fled case in which Ghosn sought Taylor and his son, Peter. tion will be an arduous task. automaker resisted losing nese person interrogating me, tary confinement in Japan for Japan after jumping $14 mil- to have his 2018 sacking from They are in a Japanese jail Ghosn was arrested in Japan autonomy to French partner writing in Japanese and want- months without being allowed lion bail in a Hollywood-style Nissan-Mitsubishi B.V. over- awaiting trial after their ex- in November 2018 on accusa- Renault. ing me to sign things in Japa- to speak with his wife. He has caper. The improbable escape turned and demanded 15 mil- tradition from the U.S. 12 Thursday, May 27, 2021 Economy & Business

Digitisation driving tax transformation and How vaccine passports for tech agenda across ME businesses: PwC global travellers will work or no I’m not vaccinated,” Tribune News Network Vaccination pass- he said, adding that vaccine Doha The technology gap ports would add passports would help avoid With tax authorities the “logistical nightmare” of PwC Middle East on in the region increasingly another digital layer multiple COVID-19 tests Eu- Wednesday launched its adopting new technolo- to the multitude of ropeans face when visiting first Middle East Tax Lead- gies, a key finding of PwC’s other EU countries. ers Survey, titled ‘The busi- report is that less than 10% existing coronavirus ness perspective on tax of organisations report hav- What about fakes? transformation’. ing a mature tax technology health and contact Phony paper COVID-19 The report explores system and almost 50% re- tracing apps document s sold by fraud- three critical areas tax func- port serious issues with tax sters have been a problem tions face and the impact of data quality, an issue that during the pandemic but de- an increasingly complex tax requires immediate action velopers say digital versions environment in the region, to address. Agencies have safeguards that make particularly due to indirect Jay Riche, Tax Digital them hard to fake. taxes. And is a timely pulse Solutions Leader, PwC Mid- Boarding pass, suitcase, IATA says it doesn’t veri- check of how organisations dle East stated: “Regulatory passport and ... digital vacci- fy test results or vaccination and their tax functions in the developments combined nation certificate? status but acts as the conduit Middle East are respond- with advancing technology Keen to avoid losing an- for registered labs to securely ing to changing regulations, means there’s an urgent other summer of holiday send those details to travel- embracing digitisation and need for organisations to revenue to the coronavirus ers whose identity the app developing productive, col- fully understand the tax pandemic, the European can match to the person who laborative relationships rules - but there can be sig- Union, some Asian govern- took the test or vaccination. within the business, and ex- nificant challenges because ments and the airline indus- The app scans a traveler’s ternally with regulators. poor quality data doesn’t try are scrambling to develop face using the phone camera support their interpreta- so-called COVID-19 vaccine and matches it to passport The risk factor tion of the rules, potentially passports to help kickstart in- biometric details, and there The Middle East has further complicating prob- ternational travel. are checks to prevent some- long been considered a ‘no- lems.” Adding “ It is crucial They’re working on sys- one else using their identity. tax/low tax environment’, that companies take steps tems that would allow travel- however, in recent years to upgrade their tools, how- ers to use mobile phone apps Security and privacy significant developments in ever, some see a resistance to prove they’ve been vacci- Vaccination passports are tax policy has resulted in a to investing in tax technolo- nated, which could help them a polarizing topic, with on- significant increase in the gy with 39% stating they do avoid onerous quarantine re- line discussion highlighting complexity of tax manage- not have adequate budget quirements at their destina- unfounded fears that they’ll ment and compliance. The to invest, and 30% report- tions. be used to control people, implementation of new tax ing major system integra- But the multiple efforts Arriving passengers walk past a sign in the arrivals area at Heathrow Airport in London. (File) restrict freedom and erode laws and the modernisation tion issues.” underscore the lack of one privacy. Developers stress of tax systems can give rise He added: “This is a central international system China and Japan are all bution of vaccines, even as it the EU certificates. Common- that minimal personal data is to confusion and penalties no mistakes environment; to electronically verify vac- working on their own digi- consults on interim guidance Pass says users will be able to kept on phones, and the only for non-compliance create organisations must start cination status. The projects tal vaccination certificates for developing a “Smart Vac- import vaccine credentials by thing that gets transmitted tax risk. to embrace, and invest in, also face technical chal- for cross-border travel. The cination Certificate.” mid-June. are encryption keys allowing In the survey of senior technology to increase ac- lenges in working together, U.K., meanwhile, updated its Amid a pandemic- information to be exchanged tax decision makers in 10 curacy and align to evolv- while questions about pri- National Health Service app Travel apps dimmed travel outlook, securely. countries and operating ing Middle East tax sys- vacy and vaccine inequality last week to let fully vacci- Travelers also need a vaccine passports will only “If done correctly, this in 12 jurisdictions across tems.” linger. nated users prove their sta- smartphone app to carry any become more widespread, doesn’t bring an additional the Middle East, responses The latest Middle East Vaccination passports tus when traveling abroad, eventual official vaccination said Paul Meyer, CEO of The level of privacy risk because showed that managing tax Tax Leaders survey high- would add another digital coinciding with an easing of certificates. Commons Project, the non- you’re just putting in a cre- risk is a critical area of fo- lights the risks and com- layer to the multitude of ex- travel rules. The EU’s project includes profit behind CommonPass. dential status of yes or no,” cus with organisations re- plexities around the tax isting coronavirus health and Testing is under way for open source technology Eu- “Our expectation is it will re- said Kevin Trilli, chief prod- porting a low tolerance for environment in the region contact tracing apps many the EU’s digital certificate, ropean countries can use to main a requirement for inter- uct officer at ID verification tax risk and that managing and the work that needs countries and U.S. states have which will also confirm COV- build their own official mo- national travel.” company Onfido, whichis risk is their biggest external to be done if tax functions rolled out. Their use domesti- ID-19 test results or recovery bile wallets. working on vaccination cards tax challenge. Within the are not only to protect their cally to reopen local econo- from the virus and is set to go The International Air What travellers want? technology. last year, almost half have businesses from the impact mies has been hotly debated, live by the end of June, allow- Transport Association, an Business travelers like There’s also the ques- faced a tax challenge or dis- of exposure, but contribute with many opposed to requir- ing residents to reunite with airline industry group, has British public relations ex- tion of how well various vac- pute. positively to strategic direc- ing them for pubs, concerts friends and relatives living its smartphone IATA Travel ecutive Richard Fogg wel- cine credential systems will Mark Schofield, Tax and tion. With the right invest- and sporting events. Howev- across 30 European coun- Pass, which airlines includ- come vaccine passports. work together and whether Legal Services Leader, PwC ment and support from the er, there’s more momentum tries. It’s still unclear where ing Qantas, Japan Airlines, Fogg’s firm scaled back plans countries will recognize each Middle East, commented: top, the tax function can be to use them for international and how exactly travelers in Emirates, British Airways to attend a major telecom others’ certificates. The U.K. “Governments across the a positive, proactive force travel, especially as countries the EU, which doesn’t have and Virgin Atlantic have trade show in Barcelona next government has warned that Middle East are developing at the center of a successful like Iceland open their bor- internal border checkpoints, signed up to. A rival effort, month, given quarantine not many countries currently robust tax regulatory sys- organisation. ders to vaccinated visitors will have their certificates CommonPass, has gained rules for people returning to accept proof of vaccination tems that closely align with and others like Saudi Ara- checked. Officials in Brus- traction with carriers like Ca- the U.K. from travelers. international best practice, The collaboration ad- bia start allowing vaccinated sels say that will be up to in- thay Pacific, JetBlue, United “Those 10 days of quaran- “You can’t have an in- and are determinedly en- vantage citizens to travel abroad. The dividual countries. The idea and Lufthansa. tine will have negative busi- teroperable system on day forcing regulations. Tax Business activities have EU’s decision last week to is that travelers will flash a Travelers can already use ness implications – there’s zero,” but over time the authorities here are well- one or multiple tax conse- open its borders to fully vac- QR code on their phones so the apps to verify that their no way around it,” Fogg said, kinks will be worked out, funded and technology- quences, therefore tax is- cinated travelers adds even it can be scanned at, say, an COVID-19 test results are ac- while acknowledging trade- which helps lay the ground- driven, moving the region sues should be at the heart more urgency. airport or train station, using cepted at their destination. offs including concerns about work for the next pandemic, toward becoming one of the of decision-making. The Here’s a look at how vac- an official verification app Travel Pass and Common- data privacy. Trilli said. most digitally advanced in survey reveals that only a cine passports work: that checks with national da- Pass are so far only available Eymeric Segard, CEO of What about people who the world. Businesses need third say the function is tabases, via an EU technical to travelers on airlines that Geneva-based private jet bro- don’t have smartphones? Or robust tax functions at the fully integrated within the Official efforts “gateway.” are using them. Both can ker Lunajets, noted travelers families that don’t have a de- heart of their organisations business. Building a posi- The first part of a vaccina- The World Health Or- also be integrated into airline already hand over passports vice for each member? IATA in order to keep pace and tive relationship with tax tion passport is the user’s of- ganization doesn’t recom- travel apps so users can ver- with personal data on arrival. and EU officials say they’re mitigate the risk of penal- authorities should also be a ficial or approved electronic mend vaccination proof as a ify their vaccine status when “Personally, you know, I are working on solutions, ties.” priority. immunization record. requirement for international they check in online. Both are would be happy to tell any- including paper-based op- The European Union, travel, citing unequal distri- also expected to work with body, yes, I am vaccinated tions. Shell told to make deeper Huawei MateBook D 15: A faster and smarter notebook and faster emissions cuts Tribune News Network at its thickest point, travel- MateBook D 15 performs sta- Doha ling with it is effortless, and bly under load. Furthermore, Agencies world, according to the cli- the rich array of ports along it has a new Wi-Fi 6 network matecasechart.com database. Huawei Consumer Busi- the sides of the notebook will interface card featuring a du- Royal Dutch Shell was or- The Shell verdict could have ness Group (BG) announced satisfy most everyday usage al-antenna design to provide dered by a Netherlands court a powerful ripple effect, not the new Huawei MateBook D scenarios. faster and more stable Inter- to slash its emissions harder least among its European 15, the latest notebook pow- To young consumers, a PC net connectivity. and faster than planned, deal- peers including BP and To- ered by a new 10th Gen Intel is not only a tool to get work For smarter experiences, ing a blow to the oil company tal. Those companies have Core processor. The notebook done with, but also an enter- the improved Huawei Share that could have far-reaching set similar emissions targets, is expected to deliver vastly tainment platform. MateBook functionality continues to consequences for the rest of which have also been criti- improved speed over its pre- D 15 is powered by a new 10th offer cross-device, cross- the industry. cised by campaigners for not decessor and supports multi- Gen Intel Core Processor built platform features that enable Shell has pledged to re- going far enough. screen collaboration making it on the 10nm SuperFin tech- users to take advantage of duce its emissions of green- Shell already has targets smarter than before. Designed nology. The quad-core, eight- Windows and Android devic- house gases by 20 per cent to reduce its greenhouse gas with the needs of young con- thread processor has faster es at once. With a single tap, a by 2030 and to net-zero by emissions. But so far those sumers in mind, MateBook performance than its prede- smartphone can be connected 2050. That’s not enough, a figures have only come down D 15 is engineered to provide cessors to effortlessly handle to the MateBook D 15, and be court in The Hague ruled on thanks to the impact of the incredible performance across everyday usage scenarios, and controlled with peripherals Wednesday afternoon, order- coronavirus pandemic as well all scenarios, from virtual lec- to a smart companion that reduce eye strain related to features integrated Intel Iris connected to the notebook. ing the oil producer to slash as selling oil and gas assets. tures and productivity on-the- young consumers will find in- prolonged display use. Xe Graphics to provide graph- Users can edit documents emissions by 45 per cent by While divestments reduce go to multimedia experiences. dispensable across school and Exemplifying Huawei’s ics performance rivalling saved on either device on the 2030, compared to 2019 lev- the oil company’s own emis- Alongside a more powerful everyday activities. “Pure Shape” design philoso- entry-level discrete counter- PC, drag files across inter- els. sion profile, those pollutants processor, MateBook D 15 can MateBook D features a 15- phy, the new MateBook D 15 parts. The new notebook can faces to initiate file transfers, While only legally binding are still pumped into the at- also be configured with the inch Full HD IPS anti-glare has a minimalist design with be configured with up to 16GB and seamlessly pick up regu- in the Netherlands, the ruling mosphere and can sometimes all-new Intel Iris Xe Graph- display that retains the series’ clean, refined linesrunning DDR4 for faster read and lar and video calls through may be scrutinised in other even increase. ics to power faster graphics signature FullView design, of- through the metal body, cre- write, and features a NVMe the notebook. In addition, countries amid a new era of “Judges around the world processing performance. Fur- fering an 87 percent screen- ating an understated appear- PCIe high speed SSD to fur- MateBook D 15 supports up litigation related to climate are being confronted by cli- thermore, innovative tech- to-body ratio with a 16:9 ance in either classic Space ther improve the overall sys- to three concurrently active change. Shell, which can ap- mate change cases and are nologies such as Multi-screen aspect ratio for immersive Grey or an elegant Mystic Sil- tem performance. With a click mobile apps and maximises peal the decision, wasn’t able looking to other judges for Collaboration, Fingerprint cinematic experiences. The ver colourway. of the Fn and P keys, users can the benefits of cross-device to immediately comment on points of reference,” Michael Power button, Dual Antenna display also has passed TÜV This notebook attests to enable Performance Mode for productivity. the matter. Burger, executive director of Wi-Fi 6 and Reverse Charg- Rheinland Low Blue Light Huawei’s dedication to quality more demanding apps. An ad- Innovative Huawei tech- There are currently Columbia Law School’s Sabin ing combine to fundamentally certification and Flicker Free and achieving manufacturing vanced cooling system featur- nologies such as Fingerprint 1,800 lawsuits related to cli- Centre for Climate Change enhance the user experience, certifications for a more com- excellence. With the notebook ing high-density Shark fin fan Power Button and Recessed mate change being fought Law which collates the data- while elevating the notebook fortable viewing experience. weighing as light as 1.62kg and two heat pipes leverages Camera are also featured on in courtrooms around the base, said before the verdict. from being a productivity tool The low blue light level helps and measuring only 16.9mm the bionic design to ensure the MateBook D 15. QatarTribune Qatar_Tribune QatarTribuneChannel qatar_tribune Nasser Al Attiyah upbeat as Jordan Rally begins today page 15 THURSday, MAY 27, 2021

Qatar’s Ambassador to China, hosts promotional reception for FIFA World Cup 2022

His Excellency Mohamed bin Abdullah Al Dehaimi, Ambassador of the State of Qatar to the People’s Republic of China, hosted a promotional reception for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 at his residence in Beijing. Rojas ready to fly again in Doha

Worldathletics 47.50 and 47.68 respectively when finishing behind Benja- hirty-two athletes min at Mt SAC, are also in the Twho earned medals at the line-up. World Athletics Champion- Two of the greatest all- ships Doha 2019 – including round sprinters in history will 12 champions – will return to clash at their specialist distance the Qatari capital on Friday for when Michael Norman takes the second Wanda Diamond on Fred Kerley over 400m. League meeting of 2021. Norman, the world leader Every scoring discipline in 2019 and 2018, is undefeat- on the programme includes ed at 400m this year. World at least one world medallist, bronze medallist Kerley, HE Dr. Thani bin Abdulrahman Al Kuwari, President, Qatar Athletics while four of the disciplines – meanwhile, has impressed at a Federation, and Second Vice-President Qatar Olympic Committee. the women’s triple jump, pole range of distances, clocking a vault, discus and steeplechase 100m PB of 9.91 and an indoor – boast the full complement 400m best of 45.03. Qatar Athletics of podium finishers from the The US duo’s head-to-head 2019 World Championships. record currently stands at 3-3. All eyes will be on the tri- Norman won two of their three Federation prez ple jump after world cham- clashes in 2019, but Kerley pion Yulimar Rojas bounded took the US title ahead of Nor- out to a world-leading 15.43m man that year with both men affirms readiness at the World Athletics Conti- dipping inside 44 seconds. nental Tour meeting in Andu- QOC success. jar last week. Her leap is the Venezuelan athlete Yulimar Rojas – Olympic silver medallist and two time world champion in triple jump – Obiri and Cheruiyot target Doha He underlined that Doha same distance as her world bounded out to a world-leading 15.43m at the World Athletics Continental Tour meeting in Andujar last week. triumphant return is ready to host this global indoor record and just seven Kenyan distance duo Timothy HE Dr. Thani bin Abdulrah- sporting event, and is able to centimetres – which, if you’re burn and Kenya’s Hyvin Ki- Cheruiyot and Hellen Obiri man Al Kuwari, Second Vice- fulfill this challenge through reading this on a smartphone, yeng – are also in the line-up, struck gold in Doha two years President of the Qatar Olym- the great cooperation with the is roughly the width of your along with world bronze med- ago and will be aiming to come pic Committee and President Ministry of Public Health and device – away from the long- allist Gesa Felicitas Krause, out on top again this weekend. of Qatar Athletics Federation, the responsible and relevant standing world record. Asian champion Winfred Yavi, Obiri will contest the affirmed full readiness to host authorities in the country, as The last time Rojas was in Ugandan record-holder Peruth 3000m, the event she won the Wanda Diamond League well as the full commitment Doha, she won the world title Chemutai and sub-nine-min- at last year’s Doha Diamond 2021 (Doha Round) which will to local and international re- with 15.37m. The Venezue- ute performer Norah Jeruto. League meeting, and she’ll be be held at Suheim Bin Hamad quirements and the health lan will be reunited with the The women’s pole vault is of up against world 5000m silver Stadium at Qatar Sports Club protocol required to make top five finishers from that a similarly high standard and is medallist Margaret Chelimo on Friday. this edition of the Diamond occasion, including Olympic essentially a replay of the 2019 Sha’Carri Richardson lines up the field. Kipkemboi and 2017 world In a statement on Tuesday, League a success in the best champion Caterine Ibarguen, World Championships, featur- against world champion Shelly- The men’s 400m hurdles cross-country bronze medal- HE Dr. Al Kuwari said that the possible way. He noted that all world silver medallist Shanie- ing the top eight finishers from Ann Fraser-Pryce over 100m. has been one of the hottest list Lilian Rengeruk. All three Doha Round will, as usual, wit- participants will be subjected ka Ricketts, Commonwealth that competition. Their previous outing, at disciplines on the Wanda Dia- Kenyan women have set their ness a wide participation from to the safe medical bubble sys- champion Kimberly Williams, World champion Anzhe- the Wanda Diamond League mond League circuit in recent 3000m PBs in Doha. world and Olympics cham- tem to keep everyone safe. and 2011 world champion lika Sidorova returns to Dia- opener in Gateshead, was held years, and it makes its 2021 While Cheruiyot has domi- pions, where medal holders For his part, Deputy Di- Olga Saladukha. USA’s Ketu- mond League action for the in heavy rain and run into a debut in Doha with world sil- nated the 1500m on the Wan- of the last world champion- rector of the Tournament, rah Orji and Dominica’s Thea first time in almost two years. strong headwind with Rich- ver medallist Rai Benjamin da Diamond League circuit ships, which was held in Doha Khalifa Abdul-Malik, said that LaFond, both of whom have She vaulted 4.90m during the ardson clocking 11.44 (-3.1m/ lining up against world bronze in recent years, he has yet to in 2019, and medal holders of all preparations are going well set national records this year, indoor season but hasn’t com- s) and Fraser-Pryce a few hun- medallist Abderrahman Sam- win at the Doha meeting. He the last Olympic Games in Rio at Suheim Bin Hamad Sta- are also in the line-up. peted since then. dredths behind in 11.51. ba – half the members of the hopes to rectify that on Fri- de Janeiro 2016, will compete dium, stressing that the wide As with the triple jump, World indoor champion Conditions in Doha will be event’s sub-47-second club. day, though, when he takes on through 13 competitions to participation of international the women’s steeplechase also Sandi Morris and 2019 Dia- be far more conducive to fast Benjamin looked extreme- the lines of Australian record- qualify for the upcoming Olym- athletics champions confirms features the top five finishers mond League winner Katerina times. Fraser-Pryce owns the ly comfortable when racing to holder Stewart McSweyn, pic Games in Tokyo, scheduled the reputation that the State of from the World Champion- Stefanidi – both with season’s Qatari all-comers’ mark with the a world-leading 47.13 at the world indoor champion Sam- from July 23 to August 8. Qatar enjoys in this field, es- ships, led by a world champion bests of 4.80m – are also slat- 10.71 she recorded to win the Continental Tour Gold meet- uel Tefera, Ugandan record- The QFA president ex- pecially in light of the facilities and world record-holder. ed to compete, but Katie Na- 2019 world title. Richardson, ing at Mt SAC earlier this holder Ronald Musagala and pressed his happiness at host- which participants will find Beatrice Chepkoech hasn’t geotte may start as the slight meanwhile, holds the world- month. Samba hasn’t con- world indoor 3000m bronze ing the Doha Diamond Round, since their arrival at Hamad contested a steeplechase so favourite. The US vaulter re- leading mark at 10.72 and looks tested a hurdles race since the medallist Bethwell Birgen. which he described as a major International Airport, along far this year, but the Kenyan cently cleared a world-leading primed to go even faster. 2019 World Championships World silver medallist global event watched by millions with the luxurious accommo- has shown great form on flat PB of 4.93m, moving her up World bronze medallist final, but a 45.43 clocking on Amel Tuka and world bronze of people around the world, in dations and world-class train- events, clocking a world 5km one place to equal fifth on the Marie Josee Ta Lou, Nigeria’s the flat in South Africa two medallist Ferguson Cheruiyot light of these exceptional cir- ing facilities. record of 14:43 in February, world all-time list. Blessing Okagbare, world months ago shows the Qatari Rotich will square off in the cumstances the world is going Abdul-Malik indicated followed three days later by an indoor champion Murielle hurdler is in good form. men’s 800m. Britain’s Daniel through due to the outbreak of that the Doha Round is an ide- indoor 3000m PB of 8:31.72. Richardson takes Ahoure, World Indoor Tour Kyron McMaster of the Rowden, who made a break- the Coronavirus (COVID-19). al opportunity for the national The two women who pre- on Fraser-Pryce winner Javianne Oliver and British Virgin Islands and Ali- through last year with some Al Kuwari emphasized the team to strengthen its pres- ceded Chepkoech as world For the second time within the USA’s Hannah Cunliffe add son Dos Santos of Brazil, who notable international victo- full readiness and ability of the ence in the Olympic Games in champion – USA’s Emma Co- space of a week, world leader further depth and quality to recorded national records of ries, will make his 2021 debut. local organizing committee Tokyo by achieving the neces- to make this championship a sary qualifying scores. Barshim and Drouin to resume duel or the first time in almost winning the world title in sen- All three world medallists Ffour years, world cham- sational style on home soil, in the women’s discus – Yaime pion Mutaz Barshim will com- while Drouin has been out of Perez, Denia Caballero and pete against Olympic cham- action since 2017 and is only Sandra Perkovic – will be in pion Derek Drouin in the high just returning to top-flight action on Friday. The pres- jump at the Wanda Diamond competition, having cleared ence of USA’s Valarie Allman league in Doha on Friday. 2.24m at a low-key meeting means the line-up contains The duo racked up a last week. three women with 70-metre- stack of medals and Dia- World bronze medallist plus PBs. mond League wins between Ilya Ivanyuk, who cleared In the men’s shot put, 2012 and 2017, both joining a world-leading 2.37m last meanwhile, two-time world the exclusive 2.40m club in weekend, also competes, as indoor champion Tom Walsh the process, but their careers does European indoor cham- takes on Serbian record-hold- were hampered by injuries in pion Maksim Nedasekau and er Armin Sinancevic, Croatia’s World high jump champion Mutaz Barshim will competing against recent years. 2018 Diamond League winner Filip Mihaljevic and Poland’s The Suhaim Bin Hamad Stadium at Qatar Sports Club will play host to Olympic champion Derek Drouin For the first time in almost four years. Barshim returned in 2019, Brandon Starc. Konrad Bukowiecki. the Doha Round of Wanda Diamond League 2021 on Friday. 14 Thursday, May 27, 2021 Sports

Yousuf Hassan added to Qatar squad for games against India and Oman: FIFA WC 2022 & AFC 2023 Qualifiers Expectations high, but situation hasn’t been ideal: India coach Stimac ANI in Doha. “We are thankful to New Delhi you President and all in the AIFF for providing us the op- All India Football Federa- portunity to come earlier, and tion President Praful Patel also taking our cause with the on Wednesday met senior Government of Qatar and ar- members of the Indian sen- ranging for us to train even ior national team via video- during quarantine.” conferencing to get a feel of “The expectations are high their preparations in Doha but realistically the situation ahead of the FIFA World Cup hasn’t been ideal,” he added. Qatar 2022, and AFC Asian India are scheduled to play Cup China 2023 Qualifiers, Asian Champions Qatar on slated to be played from June June 3, Bangladesh on June Yousuf Hassan (left) has been called up to the Qatar national football team ahead of the games against India and Oman in the joint qualifiers for FIFA World Cup 2022 and AFC 3 onwards. 7, and Afghanistan on June Asian Cup 2023. (On right) Qatar coach Felix Sanchez imparts intructions during a training session on Tuesday. The AIFF President en- 15 with all three matches to be couraged the players to stay fit played at the Jassim Bin Ham- and wished them good luck. ad Stadium, Doha. “More power to all of you. The players in unison also I wish all of you good health expressed their gratitude to Chelsea and strength. We are ex- Patel for his endeavour in tremely proud of you,” Patel helping the squad, and ex- return unsold said, as reported by official pressed their commitment, Kiel on brink of website of AIFF. despite “the preparation not Champions “We spoke to the Qatar being an ideal one owing to the government and we were lucky current circumstances.” League final that they didn’t insist on the “We are making the most 10-day quarantine, and that of the circumstances,” talis- tickets: Report has allowed the squad to as- manic captain Sunil Chhetri Bundesliga after semble in Doha and begin our maintained, only to be com- DPA training sessions,” he added. plemented by Sandesh who London Speaking about the up- quipped: “The confidence in coming matches, Patel said: the squad is high. We have Chelsea have returned “This has been a terrible time. done it earlier and there’s no more than 800 tickets for Sat- play-off win We have not had any normal- reason why we can do it again. urday’s Champions League cy as such. The format of the We have grown as a team and final against Manchester City leagues was also different - all we need to take it forward to- in Porto, the BBC reported on DPA played from inside the bubble. gether.” Wednesday. Cologne (Germany) I understand and appreciate Gurpreet Singh Sandhu UEFA gave Chelsea 5,800 the concern of Igor and the said: “We understand that the tickets. The unsold tickets Holstein Kiel are just 90 entire team arising out of the preparations have not been are part of a charter package, minutes away from a maiden difficult circumstances.” ideal but we are confident in which included flights. promotion to the Bundesliga Head coach Igor Stimac our abilities as a team. We are Chelsea Supporter Trust after super-sub Simon Lorenz thanked the President for not scared, and moving into the board member Dan Silver headed the only goal of their helping the squad arrive early qualifiers, that’s important.” was quoted as saying by the promotion play-off first leg at BBC: “UEFA’s insistence on Cologne on Wednesday. having charter flights – ini- Lorenz had been on the tially linked to 90 per cent pitch less than 60 seconds of tickets which the clubs when he nodded the decisive pushed back on - spending 59th minute goal and Kiel will only 24 hours in Portugal defend their 1-0 lead at home with added Covid testing and on Saturday. additional costs have made it Cologne saved themselves very prohibitive. from automatic relegation “Selling tickets for up to late in the final round of the 400 euros (489 dollars) for a Bundesliga regular season last limited access final with un- weekend but face the drop re- necessary travel is outrageous gardless unless they can make when there were obvious solu- play-off history. tions closer to home.” Since the clash between the Porto’s Dragao Stadium third-placed side in the second is allowed to have 16,500 division and third last in the fans under coronavirus pro- Bundesliga was reintroduced tocols. in 2009, no side has triumphed The final was meant to be having lost the first leg. in Istanbul but after Britain put “Seeing the whole game, Turkey on its red list of coun- a draw would have been tries, effectively banning travel fair,” Cologne captain Jonas from there, UEFA moved the Hector told DAZN. “I’m disap- India’s head coach Igor Stimac with the team during a training ses- venue at short notice. pointed we’ve lost the game.” sion in Doha. India are scheduled to play Asian Champions Qatar on Chelsea and City fans had Cologne coach Friedhelm Holstein Kiel’s German defender Simon Lorenz (Up 3rd R) heads the ball during the German relegation June 3, Bangladesh on June 7, and Afghanistan on June 15 with all wanted the all-English final in Funkel remained confident, Bundesliga match against first division team 1 FC Cologne in Cologne on Wednesday. The retour relega- three matches to be played at the Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium. Britain but coronavirus entry saying: “We have half-time tion match will take place on May 29. (AFP) rules made it too complicated now. There is nothing at all for UEFA sponsors. decided.” Kiel have never second division side. spring. maintained their lead by clear- UEFA could face similar previously played in the Bun- “We have nothing to lose Cologne made the bet- ing Jonas Hector’s free kick issues at the continent-wide desliga and failed to secure because we’re already in the ter start but could only make from the lined and completing Quick read Euros in June and July, where automatic promotion on the second division. I think the half chances before they fell a brilliant block on Sebastian London’s Wembley is due to last two games of the second pressure is on Cologne.” Pro- behind against the run of play. Andersson’s follow up. Swedish star Ibrahimovic fined host the semis and final. division season. They also lost motion would conclude an Lee Jae Sung headed a cor- Should Cologne’s two- Germany has also banned play-offs in 2018 and 2020. astonishing Kiel campaign ner back across goal and Lor- year stay in the top-flight end, Berlin: Zlatan Ibrahimovic has been fined 50,000 euros travel from Britain for non- “The first stage is done. which included a run to the enz, about 20 seconds after they will join fellow fallen ($61,000) for holding a financial stake in a betting company in German residents, potentially We’ll take confidence and the German Cup semi-finals hav- entering the pitch, scored with giants Schalke and Werder breach of UEFA rules, the European football governing body said causing havoc for a Munich 1-0 score,” said Kiel midfield- ing eliminated champions his first touch. Bremen in a strong second di- Wednesday. The 39-year-old attacker was also ordered to give up quarter-final which will have a er Fin Bartels while coach Ole Bayern Munich and a long Janni Serra rattled the bar vision next season which also his interest in the firm, previously reported by theA ftonbladet paper team who played at Wembley Werner insisted “we still have spell out of action following as Kiel tried to make things includes former European as being the Malta-based Bethard. His club AC Milan were fined in the previous round. the situation that we’re the a coronavirus outbreak in safe before Phil Neumann champions SV Hamburg. 25,000 euros for their player’s infringement of the regulations. (dpa) Aspetar to provide medical support at Diamond League Doha 2021 Tribune News Network sporting events in Qatar. throughout the event at the Club. In addition, the provision Doha Aspetar will play a piv- venue and in the hotel which of medical services to the work- otal role as an official medical houses the participants.” force and media professionals Doha will host the second partner for the tournament by The competitions this year at events will be coordinated round of the Diamond League providing all medical services are conducted according to a with the Qatar Red Crescent at for Athletics for 2021 on Friday, at the event, and emphasizing health protocol that has been various other locations. to be held at Suhaim Bin Ham- the provision of comprehen- approved by the organizers It is worth noting that As- ad Stadium at Qatar Sports sive and high-quality services in accordance with the deci- petar and Qatar Athletics Fed- Club, and is expected to witness to the participants in vari- sions of the Ministry of Pub- eration signed a cooperation the participation of the most ous places of the tournament, lic Health and in compliance agreement early this year un- prominent stars of the world, such as the residence of del- with health and precautionary der which Qatari athletes will in a fierce competition in order egations, as well as during the measures in light of the COV- benefit from the distinguished to win and qualify for the Tokyo competitions. ID-19 pandemic, as Aspetar medical services provided by 2020 Olympic Games . The CEO of Aspetar Ab- will conduct tests to detect the Aspetar and the latest scientific For the ninth year in a row, dulaziz Jaham Al-Kuwari, said: coronavirus (COVID-19) for research and sports sciences. Aspetar, the Orthopedic and “Athletics is one of the most all athletes participating in the Qatari athletics stars will Sports Medicine Hospital, will popular sports in Qatar, and tournament in coordination benefit from comprehensive be providing their world-class through the Diamond League with the Qatar Athletics Fed- medical support in prepara- medical services to local and competition we seek to provide eration, and it was decided to tion for the Tokyo Olympics, international athletes partici- excellent services to athletes by For the ninth year in a row, Aspetar, the Orthopedic and Sports Medicine Hospital, will be providing their hold the championship (with- to confirm their merit, espe- pating in the event with the aim providing them with compre- world-class medical services to local and international athletes participating in the event. out fans) due to the pandemic. cially after the successful or- of providing medical coverage hensive medical support.” Aspetar will provide medi- ganization of the IAAF World for the Diamond League - Doha He added: “We are pleased achieved by the Qatari athlet- this beloved sport. team consisting of doctors, cal support services for athletes Athletics Championships 2019 Round, which is an example to be partners in this distin- ics champions in international “Aspetar has a medical nurses, physiotherapists and and IAAF officials at athletes’ organized by the International of Aspetar’s commitment to guished annual event. We are competitions and we are hap- clinic at Qatar Club stadium masseuses, who provide medi- hotels and during training and Athletics Federation and the support athletes during major also proud of the successes py to continue our support for led by a qualified medical cal care to the participants competition at Qatar Sports positive results achieved. Sports Thursday, May 27, 2021 15 Jamie Murray attacks French Open for cash cut and ‘toilet’ hotel DPA London

Jamie Murray has launched an attack on the French Open for cutting doubles prize mon- ey, while also calling the offi- cial hotel an “absolute toilet.” The clay-court grand slam starts next week and the 35-year-old Scot is due to play in the men’s doubles tourna- condition of the official tourna- ment with Brazilian partner ment hotel in Paris. Bruno Soares. He said on Twitter: “On Due to the ongoing corona- top of twice moving their event virus pandemic, the tournament dates to suit themselves, The has been moved for the second @FFTennis continues their successive year - starting a week “we don’t give a ****” mental- later than usual, while the over- ity by cutting the doubles prize all prize money has been cut by fund by 23%. around 10 per cent. “Thanks for actively sup- Team technicians prepare Qatar’s ace rally driver Nasser Saleh Al Attiyah’s car in Jordan. However, the coffers for porting all players across the the doubles competitions have tour. Ps. Your official hotel had a 23 per cent cut which for doubles players is absolute has angered Murray. toilet. He accused the French Ten- “Pps. Thanks for allowing nis Federation (FFT) of adopt- us the opportunity to bring ing a “we don’t give a **** men- one team member to support Jordan Rally gets underway tality” while also criticising the us during the event.”

Eng vs NZ: Edgbaston Test at Dead Sea from today to accommodate 18,000 Tribune News Network Meshari Al Thefiri is bid- spectators each day DEAD SEA (JORDAN) ding to continue his remark- able run of successes in the ANI Cricket wrote: “We CANNOT The 2021 edition of the world- MERC2 category with his Birmingham wait to have you back with us!” renowned Jordan Rally, round Mitsubishi Lancer Evo X. The As per the report, the pro- two of this year’s FIA Middle Kuwaiti said: “Everything is The second Test between cess has been agreed by Culture East Rally Championship, gets excellent. We tested the car England and New Zealand at Secretary Oliver Dowden and underway at the Dead Sea on on Monday in the Panorama Edgbaston will be the first pilot supported by Public Health Thursday afternoon. stage before we went to the event within the second phase of England, the England & Wales Record-breaking Qatari ral- recce. We did a 30-kilometre the government’s world-leading Cricket Board, Birmingham ly driver Nasser Saleh Al Attiyah test to fine tune everything and Events Research Programme City Council and Edgbaston’s will be aiming to rewrite his own the plan was to do another test and have crowds coming in for own Safety Advisory Group. history and win the event for a today. The stages look good. the June 10 to 14 encounter. “Whilst public health is the 14th time as he bids for a 17th The organisers have done a re- As per a report on edgbas- priority, the first stage pilots regional rally title and a 78th ally good job of planning. We ton.com, the stadium will be have shown how people can victory on a round of the cham- have won the Group N catego- able to accommodate around safely start to enjoy the things pionship since 2003. ry in the last three years and, 18,000 spectators each day, they love; live sport and mu- Speaking during the recce of course, we want to finish the 70 per cent of total stadium sic. It will be great to welcome Al Attiyah said: “We are really rally without problems.” capacity. Each individual tick- cricket fans to Edgbaston and happy to come back here to Jor- Several of the leading et holder must present a nega- give the England team a huge dan after the rally was cancelled drivers will attend the official tive COVID-19 result from an boost as nothing beats the at- last year because of COVID-19. pre-event press conference NHS Rapid Lateral Flow Test, mosphere that crowds create Thanks to the organisers and on the podium before the first completed within 24 hours in here,” Stuart Cain, Chief Ex- Prince Feisal to make this hap- car crosses the Dead Sea start advance of the day they are at- ecutive at Edgbaston, said. pen. It is very important for our ramp from 16.20hrs on Thurs- tending, and give consent to Tom Harrison, Chief Ex- region. Me and Matthieu are Abdullah Al Rawahi tests his Ford Fiesta in Jordan. day afternoon. take part in the programme. ecutive of the ECB, said: “Hav- excited to be here. The competitive action will The pilot event will have ing crowds back into cricket “I have a lot of nice memo- to compete in the Middle East nine nations. They completed ing Abdullah Al Rawahi and then take place over 10 gravel fans following all COVID-19 grounds is so important. The ries here. My start of racing Championship. I hope all the their two days of stage recon- Hamed Al Wahaibi of the special stages on Friday and protocols and the programme last 15 months have shown just was here in Jordan in 1989 in drivers continue to come back naissance today (Wednes- Oman Rally Team, also man- Saturday. will be used to collect informa- how big a role cricket plays in the Desert Challenge. We are each year.” day) before cars pass through aged to fit in a shakedown of Support for the event tion on the risk of transmis- many people’s lives, and we can- ready and are so happy to see The Jordan event has at- the mandatory FIA technical their cars at the start of the comes from Zain Jordan, sion of coronavirus at mass not wait to welcome a growing our friend Hamed Al Wahaibi tracted 13 entries in the FIA checks on Thursday morning. week to iron out any last min- Guarantee Travel Group and participation events. number of fans back to our sta- come back to do the race and category and competitors from Several drivers, includ- ute issues. Nestle Waters Jordan. On Twitter, the England dia over the coming months.”

Never thought I’d experience NBA D/N Test, says Mandhana ANI Lakers even series against Phoenix Suns New Delhi TCA/DPA Porzingis the only Mavericks India women’s opening batter Phoenix (Arizona) defender between him and Smriti Mandhana has said that the rim, the Clippers’ other she never felt that she would After Kentavious Caldwell- All-Star forward pulled a spin experience a day-night Test. Pope accused his team of not move that left him wide open India Women will play being ready for Game 1 of for a layup as Porzingis looked against Australia Women in a their first-round playoff series the other direction. day-night Test later this year at against the Suns, the Lakers Take a time machine back the WACA, Perth. The match bullied Phoenix on Tuesday, two years to the moment the would be played from Septem- playing with a different level Clippers acquired the star duo, ber 30-October 3. “Frankly, of physicality than they had and this was the kind of per- when I used to watch day-night when losing the opener. formance the franchise would Tests of men, I actually never The Lakers would be ready have dreamed of. felt that I will be able to experi- for what the Suns had to offer Leonard scored 30 points ence this moment - it is wrong in Game 2, pulling out a 109- before halftime Tuesday night to say ‘I’ at the moment - that 102 victory Tuesday night to in Game 2 of this first-round the Indian team will be able to Smriti Mandhana. even the best-of-seven series. playoff series, his most in any experience the moment. So, But even with the Lakers play- half of the postseason in his when it got declared, I was like one Test match on this tour. ing much sharper basketball, decorated career. - Oh, wow. That’s going to be “When we got to know of the Suns proved that the Lak- George, determined to crazy,” ESPNcricinfo quoted the first Test, againstE ngland, ers’ mere attendance wouldn’t bounce back from his off night Mandhana as saying. the whole team was really ex- be enough in this series. in Game 1, scored his team’s “I remember playing my cited. We all were looking for- Behind Andre Drum- first three baskets and had 17 first day-night one-day or T20 ward to it. The last Test match mond’s bulk and Anthony Da- by halftime, to pull the Clip- match. I was pretty excited, I was part of was in 2014, so vis’ length, the Lakers built a Andre Drummond #2 of the Los Angeles Lakers and Jae Crowder #99 of the Phoenix Suns reach for a pers out of a nine-point hole like a small kid. I was like, it’s been quite a long time, we double-digit lead. But the Suns’ jump-ball during the second half of Game Two of the Western Conference first-round playoff series at to trail by just two after two ‘Wow, we’ll be able to play a haven’t gone out in whites, so Cameron Payne caught fire in Phoenix Suns Arena in Phoenix, Arizona, on Tuesday. (Getty Images/AFP) quarters. day-night match’ and all of that excitement of playing a the fourth, leading the Phoenix Leonard finished with 41 that,” she added. Test match after nearly seven comeback and ensuring that a proved again that he’s wor- night, finishing with 24 points, dribbles with Paul George’s points while George had 28. Talking further about the years was on another level,” blowout wouldn’t happen. thy of almost instant double Caldwell-Pope and Kyle Kuz- right hand: the first going to Reggie Jackson was the only day-night Test, Mandhana said Mandhana. Davis - who had 34 points teams, while Ayton continued ma struggled for the second his right, then immediately other Clipper in double figures said: “Now that we are going “It’s too early at the mo- and 10 rebounds - and LeB- to feast around the basket. straight game, combining to pulling it back left. with 15 points. to play a day-night match, we ment. It is just going to be ron James scored 16 of the The Lakers’ shooting again shoot 1-for-8 and score one But they happened so Their performances were have lots of things to work a process. You have to get Lakers’ last 18 points. James failed to show up, the team basket. quickly, and the change of di- why everything else about on but there is a lot of excite- adapted to it. It’s too early for finished with 23 points and spending long chunks of ac- Marc Gasol gave a small rection was so unexpected for Game 2, a slugfest between ment...excitement about being us to start the pink-ball prepa- nine assists, while Drummond tion clanging open 3s, with lift off the bench, but the Lak- Kristaps Porzingis, that Dallas’ stars, was so concerning for the part of a day-night Test match, rations because the match is contributed 15 points and 12 Caldwell-Pope even hitting ers’ reserves were out-scored 7-foot-3 [2.21-meter] center Clippers. They needed every and that too in Australia, three-four months later. At rebounds. the side of the backboard on a by Payne, who was nearly out lost his footing and tipped single point from their stars just against Australia; it is always a the moment it’s more about While the Lakers were big- clean corner look. of the NBA before the Suns over onto his backside, help- to stay within 10 points early in good challenge. It’s going to be the England Test match, the ger and definitely stronger, the But the Lakers did get to signed him late last season. less as the Clippers forward the fourth quarter. But the Clip- a great moment for the Indian Duke’s ball, and all of that Suns were game for the fight. the foul line, led by Davis, who Game 3 is Thursday in Los took one long stride past him pers’ rally late that pulled them women’s cricket team.” stuff, so let’s see,” she added. With Chris Paul limited, made up for a bad night from Angeles. Tuesday for a second-quarter, within four points fell short, India Women will first play Recently, BCCI unveiled his injured shoulder taped, the perimeter with a good volume-raising basket at Sta- and a 127-121 loss Tuesday left against England in a multi-for- annual contracts for the wom- Devin Booker and Deandre night from the stripe. Clippers fall again to ples Center. them trailing the Mavericks 2-0 mat series this June-July. Mith- en’s players and Mandhana was Ayton gave the Lakers’ defense While Dennis Schroder Mavericks, trail 2-0 Only minutes later, it was in the best-of-seven series. ali Raj’s side will also be playing placed in the Grade A category. problems. The Suns guard had an excellent offensive Los Angeles: It was just two Kawhi Leonard’s turn. With Game 3 is Friday in Dallas. 16 Thursday, May 27, 2021 The Last Word CMoQ announces Schlumberger as founding family member Children’s Museum of Qatar will provide children with a distinctive place for learning through inclusive open-ended play, exploration and experimentation Tribune News Network the museum will be dedicated DOHA to the continuous enrichment of the lives of children and their The Children’s Museum of families. It is being designed to Qatar (CMoQ) has announced nurture, challenge and inspire Schlumberger as a founding Qatar’s future leaders and care- family member of its initia- takers. Fuelling their creativity tive. The museum, which is the and encouraging their empathy first publicly funded national and understanding, educating entity, will focus on educating children on sustainability is a future generations on how to key benefit of the museum. contribute confidently to a sus- “Contributing to Qatar’s tainable future. The museum social and cultural develop- will provide children and their ment through collaboration families with a distinctive place and investment in the com- for learning through inclusive munity is core to who we are open-ended play, exploration as a company,” added Amit and experimentation. Chairperson of Qatar Museums HE Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani with officials of Qatar Museums and Schlumberger at the agreement-signing ceremony. Singh, managing director Qa- Commenting on the agree- tar, Schlumberger. “Schlum- ment with Schlumberger, proud to welcome Schlumberg- as a founding family member and corporations will directly 1948. Schlumberger maintains universities to provide access berger supports sustainabil- HE Sheikha Al Mayassa bint er to the Children’s Museum of of the Children’s Museum contribute to the launch of an a strong commitment to com- to new technology for the ben- ity through its dedication to Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, Qatar Founding Family—be- of Qatar. We are grateful for impactful institution.” munity development, social re- efit of students’ learning and developing STEM based skills Chairperson of Qatar Muse- cause this company represents their support and look for- Schlumberger is the world’s sponsibility and sustainability. development. in future generations utilizing ums, said: “Schlumberger is a the qualities of family support, ward to working alongside leading provider of digital so- In Qatar, Schlumberger part- The development of Chil- active learning. We are proud company that began with two knowledge, imagination, and them to launch a pioneering lutions and innovative tech- ners with key schools and uni- dren’s Museum of Qatar is to be a founding family mem- brothers, a supportive father global awareness that the Mu- institution that is steadfastly nologies for the global energy versities to encourage Science, aligned with the Qatar Na- ber of the Children’s Museum and a brilliant, advanced tech- seum offers our youth.” committed to nurturing the industry. The company has Technology, Engineering and tional Vision 2030, which is of Qatar which will support nological innovation. On this Ahmad Musa Al Namla, learning and development served as a local partner for the Mathematics (STEM) learning focused on advancing goals for human and social develop- basis, the company grew into CEO of Qatar Museums, said: of children of all ages. As Qatar oil and gas industry for and knowledge transfer to the human, social, economic and ment locally, both of which a giant on the international “We at Qatar Museums wel- Qatar’s first publicly funded over 70 years, beginning with youth in Qatar. It also has sev- environmental development. are pillars of Qatar’s National stage. This is why we are so come Schlumberger on board museum, all donors, families the first well log of Dukhan 7 in eral active programs with local With sustainability at its core, Vision 2030.” QF graduate designs a child-friendly ‘Our QF journey has been filled version of Qatar National Vision 2030 with challenges and memories’ Tribune News Network Doha As they graduate, QF students speak about how they aim to Through the launch of Qatar’s Na- drive change in their societies tional Vision (QNV) 2030, Maryam and make a positive impact on Nasser Sultan Al Muftah, a recent the world graduate of Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts in Qatar Tribune News Network (VCUarts), a Qatar Foundation partner Doha university, realised the power of con- tribution that each citizen can make in When Dina Abdelazeem joined the role of developing their country. Qatar Foundation (QF) partner uni- This realisation inspired her to Maryam Nasser Sultan Al Muftah’s final year project at VCUarts aims to motivate versity Carnegie Mellon University Dina Abdelazeem Maryam Al-Darwish Andrew Edward work on a mega project that could children to take part in the country’s future. in Qatar (CMU-Q) four years ago, help children – the leaders of tomor- her goal was “expand my horizons “The pandemic allowed me to curity. “QF has prepared me for it,” row – to not only understand the key For the human development pil- by way of storytelling through the du- of knowledge and build my charac- appreciate all the little things more, she said. “As our professor Khaled pillars of Qatar’s National Vision 2030 lar, Muftah created a doll kit called gong – the brand character – who ex- ter as a young adult getting ready to and realise that the most impor- Hurras used to tell us: ‘Don’t work through art and design, but also to en- ‘Dream’. The kit contains a grey-col- plains that there is a life similar to that enter the global business field and tant factor in the success – and the hard, work smart’, and I have learnt vision what they can do to serve the oured ragdoll – grey to break skin col- of humans in the ocean, and that we make an impact”. charm – of CMU-Q is the new batch how to study smart and use my country in the future. our stereotypes – along with markers need to take care of each other to co- Now, as she graduates, she of young adults that come through knowledge in a way that means I “Our nation has a great vision,” and papers, instructions, and card for exist on our shared planet. looks back on her time as a student its door every year and carry along can apply it in real-life situations.” said Muftah, “yet, I have noticed that quotes. The Dream kit allows children “I believe that art and design unite at Education City and says: “During the torch of Tartan spirit from the Realising his passion for design- kids and teenagers don’t always un- to create their own designs on the doll, people; it creates a sense of ownership these years, I have gone through a generation before.” ing digital experiences, and their derstand what it is exactly about. As where the doll could have any goal or within the community. As a designer lot of experiences – from learning Before joining CMU-Q, Maryam role in strengthening the relation a designer and an artist, I felt that the aspiration. and an advocate of Qatar’s National Vi- and challenging myself, creating Al-Darwish took some computer between humans and technology, language, iconography, symbols and The second project ‘Grow’ is a sion 2030, who is wishing to lead next long-lasting friendships, to travel- science courses that the university Andrew Edward decided to enrol to signs relevant to our country’s vision plant kit which helps children under- generations of artists within the con- ling and utilising my leadership offered for high school students, CMU-Q to study information sys- are not easily understandable to kids. stand the value of their environment text of this vision, I chose children as an skills. On the day of my graduation, and realised this field was what she tems. And as he graduates, he feels This is when I was inspired to dedicate and surroundings. It helps them in audience for my thesis research about I feel that I have achieved a lot, and wanted to study for the next four proud that his choice was right. my project to this important group of grasping what sustainability means by our country’s vision. I want to inspire I aspire for more. years. “The journey since I joined society.” teaching them how to grow a plant and them to imagine what they can achieve “Although there have been “During my freshman year, I QF has been packed with so many Muftah’s project looked at creating take care of it. nine years from now,” said Muftah. some challenges in my academic found out that it was going to be beautiful achievements and memo- a version of the Qatar National Vision The kit consists of a pot that can be “I consider Qatar’s vision an inspi- career, I acquired many skills and hard,” she says. “We used to spend ries - it was challenging, but that is 2030 for children that consists of four decorated with paints and comes with ration for social change that brings so- much knowledge, which I will look the whole day at CMU-Q, and even how we grow,” he says. sub-projects under a brand she called a bag of soil, shovel and mystery seeds lutions for future challenges. Studying to invest in society after gradua- when I went back home, I always “In these four years, we have ‘Imagine’. Why the name “Imagine”? – the seeds could be of tomatoes, fava design has given me the stage to create tion. Within the labour market, I had an assignment to do. travelled to three continents, hosted Because she believes it is the starting beans or sunflower. It also contains a ideas, tap into the future and inspire will prove that I can make a positive “At one point, I almost changed the biggest student-led Hackathon point of everything. card that includes a quote about envi- others to join the vision through art change.” my major, but with the support of in the history of CMU-Q, met with “The brand was developed based ronmental sustainability and a diary and creativity,” she added. According to CMU-Q business the QF community, I decided to give the President of Rwanda to discuss on three principles: sustainability, cul- for the child to write what he or she Muftah found her interest in art at administration graduate Dina, myself another chance - the chance the future of education in Rwanda tural conservation and future visions. observes and feels towards their plant. a very young age. Her parents discov- graduating during an ongoing pan- that enabled me to get to this point and Africa, won one of the most Sustainability is represented in green The third project ‘Preserve’ is a ered her painting the walls of their liv- demic meant that it is important and graduate.” iconic football leagues in the history and blue colours, which reflect Qatar’s playing cards game for all ages and is ing room in maroon nail polish. And to for students to realise how they can Working towards graduation of CMU-Q, and met new friends sustainable practices and the growth of linked to the social development pillar. her surprise, she wasn’t punished! On cope with the challenges posed by amid COVID-19 has created new from around the world. its nation; while cultural conservation The game’s objective is to match cards the contrary, her parents encouraged these times, focus on the positives, challenges for QF’s Class of 2021, After graduation, Andrew aims is represented in maroon, reflecting of animals, plants or historical places her to continue. and not let the negatives define and for Maryam one of the most to work in User Experience Design the pride of Qatar, and future visions in Qatar with its correct name. This “It was a big splash of colour on the their university experience. noticeable aspects of this challenge for digital products, making sure is in brown, resembling the sands of game aims to help children discover wall right in front of the main door. I “Although our time on campus has been making the switch from the digital world is accessible to time, much like the sands of Qatar,” Qatar’s culture and heritage. wanted to enliven the boring wall. And was cut short due to the pandem- studying in groups to studying in- everyone. And he says: “I am so she said. The fourth project is a child-friend- since then, my parents knew I had a ic, it made us stronger,” she says. dividually. But, she says, there have lucky and privileged that I was a Muftah chose a dugong as the ly book that explains Qatar’s National special interest in art and they have “We have now mastered the skill of been positive aspects to this. CMU-Q student. I owe the fact that brand character, as dugongs have been Vision 2030 in a simplified manner. provided me with endless support and adapting to a world which is con- After graduating, Maryam plans I am the person I have now become known to inhabit Qatari waters for sev- The book aims to help children under- belief. For that, I attribute everything I stantly changing, and which is now to pursue her studies in the US and to my university – a university eral decades. stand the main pillars of Qatar’s vision am today to them.” changing at an even faster pace. obtain a Master’s degree in cyber se- that, for me, has been home.” VCUarts Qatar physicist’s research wins 2nd place in QNRF competition The honour recognises QF partner-university faculty’s research using nanoparticles to measure blood glucose levels using a breathalyser

Tribune News Network sor for the direct detection of diabetes who have to monitor acetone – but only at high oper- sensitive and selective to ac- schools across Qatar submitted Doha blood glucose levels in the dia- their levels regularly. ating temperatures. This means etone – making a more sustain- a total of 705 research projects. betic patients’. The project was “Our aim was to offer a that if we created a device it able and cost-effective model.” Out of these, 153 outstanding A Virginia Commonwealth also recently selected to repre- non-invasive alternative to the would require high levels of en- Qatar National Research projects were shortlisted to University School of the Arts sent Qatar in the Intel ISEF re- more common procedure used ergy to detect traces of acetone. Fund (QNRF) and the Ministry participate in the competition. in Qatar (VCUarts Qatar) fac- search competition. to measure the level of glucose “We targeted this specific of Education and Higher Edu- Of the 153, only 25 received ulty member, along with two In 2019, the research pro- in the blood – a process that in- issue,” says the researcher. “We cation (MoEHE) established awards. Dr Saoud’s was one of high school students from posal was one of the first pro- volves a pin prick to draw blood, manipulated the structure of the annual National Scientific these. These projects were se- Qatar Academy Doha (QAD), posals involving high school usually from the tip of a finger,” nanoparticles so that they could Research Competition (NSRC), lected based on their originality has been placed second in students to receive funding Dr Saoud said. detect the presence of acetone a series of competitions for and potential to propose ingen- the ‘Chemistry and Material from QNRF. The VCUarts Qatar physicist at room temperature, requiring schools across Qatar, in 2015. ious solutions to solve the fore- Science’ category of the Qa- Dr Saoud and the two QAD says that globally, the concept of only normal energy input or bat- As part of NSRC, QNRF and most challenges faced by Qatar, tar National Research Fund’s students succeeded in altering using a breathalyser to measure Dr Khaled Saoud tery sources. MoEHE jointly launched the the region, and the world. (QNRF) National Science Re- nanoparticles to detect traces glucose in the human body is “In this specific case, our High School Research Experi- The Intel International search Competition (NSRC). of acetone – a key biomarker currently being explored by re- “What makes our research material is based on using a ence Programme (HSREP). Dr Science and Engineering Fair Dr Khaled Saoud, professor of abnormal glucose levels – in searchers, but a fully functional stand out is the use of nanotech- combination of noble metals Saoud selected two high school (Intel ISEF), a programme of of Physics, Liberal Arts and Sci- the exhalation of human be- physical product has yet to be nology,” he says. “Nanoparticles such as silver, copper and gold students through HSREP, to Society for Science & the Public ences, VCUarts Qatar, a Qatar ings, using a breathalyser. The introduced into the market. can be manipulated to be sensi- nanoparticles supported on participated in the research for (the Society), is one the world’s Foundation (QF) partner-uni- success of the research holds Dr Saoud’s research would not tive (down to ppm) and selec- metal oxides such as tungsten the breathalyser project. largest and most prestigious versity, and the QAD students, potential for those seeking a merely be offering a non-inva- tive to acetone in the breath. In oxide would provide a practical This year, the NSRC started international pre-college sci- were awarded the honour for non-invasive process to meas- sive alternative, it would also be this case, we knew that semi- operational temperature that in December 2019 and con- ence competitions. Intel ISEF is their project, ‘Fabrication of Na- ure glucose levels in the human providing a more sustainable conductor nanoparticles such uses a minimal amount of ener- tinued until February 2020, hosted each year in a different notechnology-based nanosen- body, especially for those with and affordable option. as metal oxides could detect gy but at the same time is highly during which students from city in the US.