Wednesday December 16, 2020 Jumada Al-Awwal 1, 1442 Vol.14 no. 5130 qR 2

Fajr: 4:50 am Dhuhr: 11:29 am p artly cloudy Asr: 2:27 pm Maghrib: 4:47 pm High : 26°C LOW : 18°C Isha: 6:17 pm

World 9 Business 12 Sports 17 Boko Haram claims Qatar-Austria trade Voting to decide kidnapping of hundreds volume exceeds 2030 Asian Games of Nigerian students $210 mn: QC chief host city today

Qatar-USA 2021 Year of Culture All security preparations for QND logo unveiled parade completed: Committee Organising Committee allocates 2,569 seats Fireworks will be held on the Doha for the invitees in four platforms Corniche at 8:30 pm on Friday Ashraf Siddiqui members of society. adding that no citizen or resident Doha The Organising Committee ● Families of health sector who does not hold an invitation has allocated 2,569 seats for the personnel and participating card will be allowed to enter. All the preparations have been invitees in four platforms. bodies will only be allowed He said the committee is completed for the National Day He said the entry will be for to witness national parade concerned with ensuring se- parade at Doha Corniche on Fri- invitees only as one permit for curity of the parade that starts day. The National Day parade one person, and the attendees through special invitations from the General Secretariat of will be held this year under strict must show the Ehteraz applica- ● Parking spaces are also the Council of Ministers cover- preventive and precautionary tion in green status. allocated for the guests ing the entire Corniche until measures against coronavirus They are required to adhere the Sheraton Hotel intersection (COVID-19). to precautionary and health in three locations — and then towards the direction This was announced by the measures and physical distanc- Western Bidda parking, of Al Fardan Tower and then to Chairperson of the Board of Trustees of QND Security Committee at a ing. He said they must stay in southern Bidda parking Al Barzan Tower, from there to Qatar Museums HE Sheikha Al Mayassa press conference on Tuesday. their seats and not move till the lots, and northern Bidda the Theater intersection, then bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani shared the Head of the Security Com- end of the parade, and avoid parking lots to the Wadi Al-Sail Fire Sta- logo of Qatar-USA 2021 Year of Culture on mittee Brigadier Dr Ali Khujaim smoking, chanting or singing, tion intersection, after which her social media accounts on Tuesday. Al Adbi said the families of the and should adhere to the desig- Head of the Security Committee ● Entry is only permitted for it heads to the Al Mannai un- “So excited to share the logo for the health sector personnel and the nated paths to the parking spac- Brigadier Dr Ali Khujaim Al Adbi has those authorised through derpass, then to the Souq Wa- #QatarUSA2021 Year of Culture, which participating bodies only will be es as specified in the invitation said the parade will be held under invitations to attend qif signal, to the Amiri Diwan celebrates the strong relationship between allowed to witness the national cards. strict preventive and precautionary intersection in the direction of both countries. Looking forward to a year parade this year through spe- He said the health measures measures against COVID-19. (Fanar), then to Qatar National full of amazing events and partnerships cial invitations in compliance are aimed at preventing COV- Bank signals and to the General between our nations. Stay tuned for more with the exceptional precaution- ID-19 spread, and to maintain be taken, and they must wear He also called upon all those Secretariat again. information about the upcoming cultural ary and preventive measures to the safety of the public. The body face masks, maintain safe dis- invited not to accompany any events, ideas, competitions and much ensure health and safety of all temperature of the attendees will tance, and use hand sanitiser. people with them to the parade, Continued on page 6  more!,” Sheikha Al Mayassa said on her officialI nstagram account. Qatar Museums (QM) had announced in September that the US will be the of- ficial partner nation for the 2021 Year of Over 37,000 healthcare Culture. (TNN) workers have taken flu Qatar slams attack on oil vaccine so far: MoPH QNA tion.” tanker in Jeddah port Doha Dr Al Romaihi said healthcare workers care for elderly and at- risk pa- Qatar has condemned the attack on an More than 37,000 healthcare per- tients who are not able to generate the oil tanker in Jeddah port in the Kingdom sonnel in Qatar have taken the flu vac- same level of protection from the flu of Saudi Arabia, describing it as an act of cine, an increase of 56 percent over vaccine, stressing that these vulnerable sabotage that is contrary to all international the previous years, according to the patients rely on the immunity of those norms and laws, which would seriously af- Ministry of Public Health (MoPH). who care for them to keep them safe. fect the freedom of navigation, security and The flu vaccine is recommended “Seeing so many healthcare work- stability of energy supplies. In a statement for healthcare workers to protect ers taking this vaccine this year is set- on Tuesday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs them from getting flu and ting a great example for the reiterated Qatar’s firm stance of rejecting to reduce transmission of wider community and also violence, and criminal acts, regardless of the the virus. demonstrates their com- motives and reasons. (QNA) “More healthcare mitment to keeping their workers than ever are now patients safe,” he added. vaccinated against the sea- “As we continue to bat- Ashghal completes services for 3,000 sonal flu,” said Dr Hamad tle COVID-19, it was more sub-divisions in Al Wukair South Eid Al Romaihi, Director important than ever for Action against 87 for not of Health Protection and healthcare workers and the The Public Works Authority “Ashghal” has completed services for about 3,000 sub-divisions as part Communicable Diseases at Ministry community to get the flu vaccine this wearing masks of the Roads and Infrastructure Development Project for New Citizens’ Sub-divisions in Al Wukair of Public Health. “It is important that year. A flu shot won’t protect against The designated authorities on Tuesday South. The Roads and Infrastructure Development Project for New Citizens’ Sub-divisions in Al healthcare workers get vaccinated as COVID-19 but it does reduce the risk referred 87 people to the Public Prosecution Wukair South, known as Muaither Al Wukair, is one of the roads and infrastructure development early in the flu season as possible. As of becoming infected with the influenza for not wearing masks in places where they projects implemented by Ashghal in Al Wakra Municipality, in order to meet the needs of the grow- in previous years, we started vaccinat- virus,” Dr Al Romaihi said. are mandatory. They also referred 10 others ing population in the area. The project covers an area of 1,338 hectares. Besides residential plots, ing healthcare workers earlier than the “Some people do get the flu despite to the Public Prosecution for violating the it serves 16 schools, 32 mosques and 17 commercial entities. The infrastructure elements provided public and this strategy have proven having had the vaccine. However, they rule of maximum four people in a vehicle for these plots include high quality safe road networks of 221 km, sewage networks of 100 km, to be successful again,” he said, add- often have milder symptoms and short- including the driver, except for cases when storm water drainage networks of 114 km, drinking water lines of 123 km, electricity and streetlight ing that “Most of those vaccinated are er illnesses than those who go unvacci- they are members of one family. (QNA) lines, and associated facilities. (QNA) page 20 working at Hamad Medical Corpora- nated. This is why it is so important to tion and Primary Health Care Corpora- get your flu shot this year.”

SC pledges support for Qatar’s HIA awarded Best Airport in Middle East by Global Traveler AFC Asian Cup 2027 bid The Hamad International Airport (HIA) has been voted as the “Best Airport in the Middle East” for the fourth con- The Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy (SC), the organisation charged secutive year by Global Traveler’s GT Tested Reader Survey with delivering the infrastructure, operations and legacy for the FIFA World Cup Awards. One of the most prestigious and respected acco- 2022, has pledged its full support for Qatars AFC Asian Cup 2027 bid, which was lades in the business travel industry, the award honours the launched by the Qatar Football Association earlier this year. SC Secretary-General sustained, outstanding customer service offered by HIA in Hassan Al Thawadi said, “Qatar 2022’s legacy programmes are anchored in our its passenger-oriented airport experience. page 20 football for development philosophy. We believe in football’s power to connect cul- tures, level the playing field, and advance communities and businesses worldwide. It is a legacy of sustainable development far beyond sport and in 2027, it will be the AFC Asian Cups to own and take to new heights.” Qatar, which previously hosted the tournament in 1988 and 2011, are the reigning AFC Asian Cup cham- pions after claiming the title for the first time in 2019. The win means that Qatar will follow in the footsteps of Japan by hosting the FIFA World Cup as the reigning champions of Asia. (QNA) page 17

04 Wednesday, December 16, 2020 Nation EU envoy hails Qatar’s efforts Health minister, Spanish official Al Gharaffa and in fighting coronavirus effects discuss ways to boost relations Muaither health QNA licly welcomed the progress made by QNA (WHO) in the ‘Sports Security Doha Qatar in the domain of the human Doha and Health’ initiative. centres resume rights, he added. During the meeting, the European Union (EU) Ambassa- The ambassador pointed to the Minister of Public Health Spanish delegation commend- dor to Qatar HE Cristian Tudor has visit of the EU Special Representa- HE Dr Hanan Mohamed Al ed Qatar’s health system, full operations hailed Qatar’s efforts in fighting the tive for Human Rights to Doha re- Kuwari met with Director- state-of-art medical facilities Tribune News Network effects of COVID-19, noting that the cently. The visit’s objectives included General of Sports of the Su- and Qatar’s successful man- Doha country’s assistance in the repatria- reinforcing the cooperation between preme Council for Sports agement of the COVID-19, tion of EU citizens during the first the EU and the ILO Office in Doha. in Spain Joaquin Maria de which led to the low number The year 2020 has seen quick actions and pre- wave of the pandemic will not be for- “The EU looks forward to further Aristegui La Bordi and his of deaths, stressing the impor- cautions taken by Qatar in the healthcare sector gotten. reinforcing its bilateral relations accompanying delegation on tance of learning from Qatar’s to prevent and limit the spread of COVID-19. In a statement to QNA on the oc- with Qatar in 2021 and increasing Tuesday. successful plan during the Earlier in March, the Primary Health Care casion of Qatar National Day, Tudor cooperation via organising the Sen- The meeting reviewed the pandemic. Corporation (PHCC), in collaboration with noted Qatar progress in the domain ior Officials’ Meeting and the Human bilateral relations between the Hanan Al Kuwari The meeting was attended Hamad Medical Corporation, the Ministry of of labour rights and the disman- Rights Dialogue in Doha, as well as two countries and the ways to by Ambassador of Spain to Qa- Public Health (MoPH) and partners, desig- tling of the ‘kafala’ system which strengthening cooperation in the strengthen them, especially in cussed Spain’s desire to co- tar HE Belen Alvaro Hernan- nated four of its health centres as test & hold was considered as a priority area of areas of mutual interest such as Re- the field of health. operate with Qatar and the dez and a number of Ministry facilities for all suspected cases of COVID-19. EU-Qatar cooperation. The EU pub- search and Innovation,” he added. The meeting also dis- World Health Organization of Public Health officials. With Qatar now entering the recovery phase, PHCC has proceeded to phase out the arrangement and resume normal services to provide complete healthcare services to the pa- tients registered at its health centres. To this end, two health centres ‘Muaither Hospital expansion, testing facilities helped Qatar and Al Gharrafa’ out of the four dedicated COVID-19 health centres will be deactivated as a COVID-19 dedicated swab facility, and Raw- dat Al Khail and Umm Slal health centres will handle COVID-19 challenges, says Dr Mohammed continue providing their services as a dedicated COVID-19 test & hold facilities. Dr Samya Abdulla, executive director of Sheikh Dr Mohammed said the COVID-19 COVID-19 pandemic. Operations, said: “The COVID-19 pandemic MoPH organises virtual pandemic has become a real test for many Dr Mohammed that one of the lessons created a multitude of challenges for health- aspects of healthcare systems and their learned from the COVID-19 pandemic is to care delivery, including the need for care public health forum general readiness in particular. remain prepared in advance to face any cri- redesign and the requirement to abandon It shows that public health monitoring sis at the individual and institutional levels. conventional practices, whether it was the QNA programmes and the infrastructure avail- For her part, Dr Dalia Samhouri, direc- proactive setup of dedicated COVID-19 test Doha able at the regional and global levels are not tor of programme, Country Health Emer- & hold health centres or innovation and ad- consistently perfect in many cases, he said. gency Preparedness and International vancement of digital services in the form of Qatar succeeded in handling the COV- He added that digital technologies are Health Regulations at the Regional Office virtual consulting, home delivery of medicine ID-10 pandemic challenges and introduced used to support the public health response for the Eastern Mediterranean at the World and e services. rapid and timely national public health to the COVID-19 pandemic around the Health Organization, spoke about the role “Primary Health Care Corporation has measures, with the rapid expansion of hos- world, including conducting population of technology in curtailing the pandemic in worked round-the-clock, tirelessly to support pital capacity and the testing of quarantine Sheikh Dr Mohammed bin Hamad Al Thani. surveys, identifying cases, contact tracing the Eastern Mediterranean Region. the community and patients during these chal- and isolation facilities, which led Qatar to and assessing interventions based on mo- The forum held many sessions during lenging times. Now, we are phasing into full succeed in maintaining one of the lowest Health Strategy 2017-2022, which aims to bility data and communicating with the which many important topics were dis- operations mode to provide complete services mortality rates of COVID-19 in the world, establish an integrated and comprehensive public, while these rapid responses take cussed, including the main roles of new for the people.” said Director of the Public Health De- system that provides effective solutions to advantage of billions of mobile phones and technologies in containing the COVID-19 The Al Gharaffa Health Center has beeen partment at the Ministry of Public Health current and future public health challenges. large data sets over the Internet, connected pandemic and supporting public health in deactivated as a COVID-19 dedicated swab (MoPH) Sheikh Dr Mohammed bin Hamad The forum aimed at enhancing the con- devices, relatively low-cost computing re- general. facility from December 13, 2020, while the Al Thani. tribution of key stakeholders in planning sources and advances in machine learning. The forum’s opening session discussed Muaither Health Center will be deactivated as a He was speaking at a virtual public for the future of public health in Qatar, He noted that technology has proven the achievements of Qatar in containing the COVID-19 dedicated swab facility from Decem- health forum organised by MoPH under the providing diverse insights on public health to be a useful and necessary tool to help COVID-19 pandemic and the role played ber 20, 2020. title ‘The role of technology in public health solutions and challenges, participation and ensure that all entities in Qatar, including by frontline medical staff, while the second PHCC encourages everyone registered at response to pandemics’, with the participa- communication within the public health the Ministry of Public Health, the Ministry session discussed the role of technologies in these two facilities – Al Gharaffa Health Center tion of representatives from governmental community, and involving key stakeholders of Interior, the Ministry of Education and the context of the public health response to and the Muaither Health Center - to return to and non-governmental stakeholders. in the relevant business enterprises. Higher Education and others, can continue help contain the epidemic and maintain the care and avail of full healthcare services at their The forum was part of the Qatar Public During the opening of the forum, to provide basic public services during the quality of health services across Qatar. registered health centres.

06 Wednesday, December 16, 2020 Nation Qatar’s UN mission hosts training to enhance youth participation in SDGs

QNA strategy by hosting the FIFA opment, as well as promoting The training course is de- velopment. New York World Cup 2022, which will sustainable behaviour among signed to provide an in-depth Moreover, the course will young people in the region be- youth in Qatar and throughout analysis of the 2030 Agenda, provide a workshop to prepare Organised by the Perma- ing represented through foot- the region. Those who advo- through an introduction to young people to assume lead- nent Mission of Qatar to the ball programmes. cate for youth not only con- the post-2015 process, the 17 ership positions, through sim- United Nations, the Genera- Sheikha Alya pointed out sider youth the driving force SDGs and their challenges, ulation exercises. The work- tion Amazing and the United that the Supreme Committee for positive change, but also a the integration of sustainable shop will provide a unique Nations Institute for Train- for Delivery and Legacy (SC), key factor in finding solutions development goals policies, opportunity for practices and ing and Research (UNITAR), as the leading government en- to social issues, she added. and the implementation of receiving feedback to enhance a three-day virtual training tity in Qatar responsible for Sheikha Alya said the the 2030 Agenda. It will also young people’s skills in leader- course began on Monday with implementing and coordinat- course is specifically held to set contexts for how youth can ship and negotiation. the aim to enhance youth par- ing the infrastructure, services provide youth advocates with contribute to the SDGs and the The training course was led ticipation in the Sustainable and programmes, is imple- a deeper understanding of the role the young generation will by UNITAR New York Head of Development Goals (SDGs) menting this strategy through 2030 Agenda, the enabling play in the future. Office Marco Suazo.T he open- and the 2030 Agenda. the launch of the ‘Generation role that sport plays in its It will also determine how ing of the course was attended In a speech inaugurating Amazing’ initiative. Permanent Representative of Qatar to the UN Ambassador HE implementation, and the key sport, especially football, con- by SC Secretary-General Has- the course, Permanent Rep- She explained that the Sheikha Alya Ahmed bin Saif Al Thani importance of youth participa- tributes to sustainability and san Al Thawadi and Ambas- resentative of Qatar to the Generation Amazing aims to tion in the successful imple- how FIFA World Cup 2022, sador and Permanent Repre- UN Ambassador HE Sheikha use football initiatives for de- in countries with specific includes establishing commu- mentation of the 2030 Agenda hosted by Qatar, sets stand- sentative of the Principality of Alya Ahmed bin Saif Al Thani velopment goals to address so- needs, in line with the SDGs. nity soccer pitches and provid- and the Paris Agreement on ards for social, human, eco- Monaco to the UN HE Isabelle reviewed Qatar’s sustainable cial issues by involving youth The programme, she said, ing football training for devel- Climate Change. nomic and environmental de- Picco.

QM official highlights role of public art, urges help of communities in anti-vandalism drive

Ailyn Agonia our goal of specifically target- DOHA ing local artists and inviting emerging, established and be- As new murals and street art ginner artists to activate spaces have emerged on different across the city.” walls across Qatar through The new public artworks Qatar Museums’ (QM) ‘Jedari- are being promoted on QM’s Art’ initiative, Abdulrahman social media and website plat- Kahramaa works to enhance water security in the country by switching to the use of treated wastewater instead of using potable water in all district cooling plants. Al Ishaq, QM’s acting director forms to raise awareness for of Public Art Department, has the activation of these walls. underlined the important role According to Al Ishaq, the of public art in a society, while uniqueness of JedariArt ini- also sought the help of the tiative is that it allows the local Kahramaa delegation inspects district communities in protecting all audience to not only experi- public art across the city from ence the end result but the vandalism. entire process of making the The JedariArt brings to- murals from start to finish. gether 17 local artists to add He said, “You may find the cooling system at Al-Rayyan Stadium vibrancy and character to the chosen artists and location via walls in different locations our website to stay up to date across the city starting from with the daily Jedariart activi- Al-Rayyan Stadium uses district cooling technology through a central station with a cooling capacity of 16,000 tonnes the Fire Station Doha to other ties. Also, the engagement and selected locations. The art- support of high profile partners Tribune News Network district cooling system used in the works serve as the country’s give the programme the cred- Doha stadium cooling is an innovative and new touristic attraction. ibility and visibility it needs for environmentally friendly technol- “Public Art is a powerful next year and we hope more Qatar General Electricity and Wa- ogy and one of the most efficient and way of engaging local and in- artists and partners join us for ter Corporation (Kahramaa), rep- energy-saving systems, making it the ternational audiences to ad- the coming edition.” resented by Engineer Abdulaziz Al most sustainable solution as it saves dress different topics such as Al Ishaq also reiterated Hammadi, director of District Cool- about 40 percent of electricity and politics, environment and val- the ongoing anti-vandalism ing Services Department, and engi- 98 percent of drinking water when ues. We generally categorise campaign of QM launched in neers from the department visited compared to traditional cooling solu- our public artworks as being September aimed at protecting the Energy Center at Al-Rayyan Sta- tions. either of high or deep impact public art across Qatar. dium to inspect the cooling system at Kahramaa works to enhance wa- – ‘high impact’ being more “We have an ongoing anti- the stadium in preparations for host- ter security in the country by switch- visible internationally through vandalism campaign, and we ing the Amir Cup final. ing to the use of treated wastewater world-renowned artists, while seek the communities’ help in Al-Rayyan Stadium uses district instead of using potable water in all ‘deep impact’ focuses on or- protecting all public art across cooling technology through a cen- district cooling plants, which is con- ganically advancing the artistic the city from vandalism so tral station with a cooling capacity sidered the best system in the region scene of the local community. others can enjoy the art as of 16,000 tonnes. The station dis- in terms of supporting the sustain- Both categories delve into the it was intended. Those who tributes chilled water to the stadium ability of water resources, in addition social and cultural context with wish to participate in murals through a power station and from to using the latest equipment and key consideration of site-spec- are welcome to submit their there to a large number of air treat- monitoring and control systems. ificity and place-making,” the proposals and if selected they ment units distributed in the stadium The district cooling services de- QM official told Qatar Tribune could have their work pre- to ensure the required temperature partment at Kahramaa works with during an interview. sented at highly visible loca- for the fan stands area and the floor standards of sustainability of water irrigate green spaces in Al Rayyan all district cooling service providers He said QM worked closely tions. But it must be done in of the stadium. resources by employing a technology Stadium park and its facilities. in Qatar to improve cooling systems, with key partners in allocating a legal way, as vandalism is The station relies on environ- that allows treated wastewater to be This contributes to providing safe ensure the efficient use of resources appropriate walls for the Je- punishable by law. mentally friendly materials in the used directly for cooling purposes, drinking water and helps sustain and achieve many benefits for the dariArt initiative. “This year’s “We hope that our com- construction process and follows the and the treated water is also used to water resources in the country. The society. partners include ASHGHAL, munity enjoy the murals Woqod and Qatar Rail who all around Doha as they stum- have walls across the city. With ble upon them. The chosen the help of these our partners, walls are beautifully spread we are able to provide artists out across the city, allowing Corniche waterfront to be closed for QND celebrations a safe and legal way to create residents from various parts street art and activate spaces. of Doha to experience a new Continued from page 1  authorised through invita- He said parking spaces are the Northern Bidda parking Brigadier Dr Adbi added The programme has exceeded sense of place with vibrant tions to attend, as each in- also allocated for the guests with 563 lots. that the fireworks will be our projections for this year. walls close to home. We also The waterfront from the vitee is given an invitation in three locations - Western There will be medical units held on the Doha Corniche at Seventeen local artists are par- ask that our local community Corniche will be completely card includes a barcode that Bidda parking near Qatar on the Corniche to deal with 8pm on Friday. He urged the ticipating and some of them to document the making of closed and the public will not determines the direction of Bowling Center with 792 lots, any emergency situations in public to follow health re- are creating more than one art- these walls with the hashtag be allowed to enter it. Entry the car’s path to the parking Southern Bidda parking lot addition to the presence of quirements and precaution- work. We feel that we achieved #OurPublicArt.” is only permitted for those directly, he added. with 739 parking spaces and civil defence teams, he said. ary measures. Fenix launches e-scooter transport service in Qatar Tribune News Network Middle East region to trans- IQ Sayed, co-founder and the vehicles boast many out- they can easily ‘unlock’ the Doha form the way cities move and CTO of Fenix, said: “We are standing features, including e-scooters and manage their to ignite impactful commerce. confident that our ground- large wheels, great suspen- rides. Fenix provides clear Fenix, the Middle East’s We want mobility to be easier, breaking new commuting sion, in addition to the indus- in-app safety instructions and leading e-scooter operator, cheaper and quite simply re- solution is going to revolu- try’s best braking system and local guidelines on how to use has entered Qatar as a pio- designed, so we can all reach tionise the transportation long battery life with batteries the vehicles legally and re- neering licensed micromobil- our potential. The 20th centu- scene in Qatar. Fenix is not that can be swappable on-site, sponsibly. ity solution to officially launch ry model of cities built around only an incredibly convenient contributing to reducing car- The App is available in in the state. cars has gone as far as it can and cost-effective transporta- bon emissions. Every Fenix both English and Arabic lan- In coordination with the go. tion service, but also one that ride is insured with personal guages, and allows users to Ministry of Transport and “A fundamental shift to serves as a mobility facilita- accident, third-party liability unlock, pay and ride with a Communications (MoTC), building cities for people tor, acting to improve the ur- and product liability insur- base fare of QR3 to unlock Fenix is starting operations in does not require more cars ban environment, decongest ance. the e-scooter followed by QR1 key areas across Doha that are and more roads, but more in- the roads and help make the Within the COVID-19 per minute of use. Offering a commuter friendly, including novative and free navigation. cities more sustainable. Fenix pandemic context, Fenix e- greater inclusive transporta- West Bay, West Bay Lagoon, These are universal needs e-scooters will offer a safe, scooters is the safest solution tion option in Qatar, frequent Onaiza and Legtaifiya. around the world and Qatar is enjoyable and liberating ex- for shared transportation in users can sign up for value Jaideep Dhanoa, co- no different in our need for af- perience to explore Qatar and Doha. saving monthly packages founder and CEO of Fenix, fordable, convenient mobility complement Doha’s public The Fenix service offers with up to 70 percent off. The said: “We created Fenix with options. Increasing mobility transportation network.” visitors and residents the Fenix app includes safety in- a mission to unleash urban connectivity creates a more Fenix e-scooters are pur- opportunity to experience structions, navigational tips, Fenix e-scooters are purpose-built for continuous shared use. De- potential and propel com- productive, inclusive econo- pose-built for continuous their pioneering e-scooters guidelines, online and safe signed with safety elements at the core, the vehicles boast many munities forward. Fenix is my and facilitates local com- shared use. Designed with through the user-friendly Fe- payment options, tutorials outstanding features committed to Qatar and the merce in our communities.” safety elements at the core, nix mobile application where and more. Nation Wednesday, December 16, 2020 07 Qatar Airways celebrates National Day with bespoke cuisine and special offers

Tribune News Network DOHA

Qatar Airways (QA) is cel- ebrating Qatar National Day (QND) by creating special moments inspired by Qatari Ooredoo provides free culture and local traditions on board and at the Hamad International Airport’s Al customer gifts in promo Mourjan Business Lounge. Qatar National Day com- for Qatar National Day memorates the founding of Qatar on December 18, 1878 Tribune News Network or loved one via the Ooredoo by Sheikh Jassim bin Mo- Doha App. hammed bin Thani under National Day, the airline Baker said, “Despite the on- vours of the country to cus- The airline is committed Sabah Rabiah Al Ku- whom Qatar became a sin- has also introduced bespoke going global pandemic and tomers with Qatari-inspired to the development of young Ooredoo has announced a wari, director PR at Oore- gle, coherent nation and an touches at the Al Mourjan disruption across the world, dishes using local ingredients Qataris through its Al Darb new promotion to celebrate doo, said: “We’re delighted independent, unified coun- Business Lounge at Hamad we are delighted to be cel- at Harrods Tea Room – the Qatarisation Programme. Al the upcoming Qatar National to once again be running a try. International Airport. Upon ebrating Qatar National Day menu includes Qatari farmed Darb is a Qatari word that Day 2020. promotion to celebrate Qa- On flights from Doha, all arriving at the lounge, pas- and offering our passengers seabass, machboos, slow means ‘The Pathway’ and Customers can get free tar National Day, with this passengers will be taken on a sengers will be welcomed a variety of special offerings cooked braised lamb shank, highlights the different paths gifts by using their Oore- year’s promotion also giv- journey of flavours with Qa- with Arabic coffee and dates and arrangements onboard spring chicken, orange bas- that individuals can take doo App to snap a picture ing customers a great rea- tari cuisine, a limited- edi- and will enjoy decorations of and on the ground. This pre- boosa, saffron cake and rose with Qatar Airways through of Ooredoo’s Qatar Nation- son to explore the recently- tion menu card representing white and burgundy roses, cious occasion gives us the umali, along with afternoon initiatives such as its Sum- al Day ads around town. revamped Ooredoo App. We the iconic Qatar National which resemble the colours opportunity to celebrate to- tea. mer Internship Programme Gifts are on offer from the pride ourselves on offering Museum and a dessert in- of the national flag of Qatar. gether as one nation, dem- The wider Qatar Airways and Graduate Developee wide range of Nojoom part- complete customer satisfac- spired by the renowned de- When passengers are onstrating our pride to our Group will be celebrating Programme. With a total of ners from December 15 to tion and offering even more sert rose. On select flights, ready to dine, they can taste beloved home, Qatar.” the occasion of Qatar Na- eight Al Darb programmes, 17, 2020, while the gifts on value with our products passengers in premium an array of main dishes and In addition to Qatar Air- tional Day with a range of national students and grad- December 18, 2020 will be and services. We wish all cabins will be treated to tra- desserts from the buffet or ways’ onboard and lounge digital-led activities for its uates are provided with real- 100MB free data and a gift our customers a very happy ditional Arabic coffee and à-la-carte menu that take in- activities, Hamad Interna- employees around the world. life projects that add to their from Nojoom. Qatar National Day and we dates, and will also receive a spiration from local Qatari tional Airport will be dressed The Qatari flag will also be work experience and prepare Customers on an unlim- hope they enjoy their cele- commemorative magnet as a cuisine. with the Qatar National Day displayed across the façade them for a successful career ited data plan can gift their brations with family, friends keepsake. Qatar Airways Group slogan and flags. Qatar Duty of the airline’s Doha-based with the national carrier of 100MB free data to a friend and loved ones.” In celebration of Qatar Chief Executive Akbar Al Free will also bring the fla- buildings. the State of Qatar. Qatar Charity extends Mall of Qatar to mark QND with special National Day educational & leisure activities greetings to Qatari leadership, people The Amir Cup final will be broadcast and the ‘Pick and Choose’ shopping festival raffle draw will be organised Tribune News Network Tribune News Network of Qatar is proud to organise Doha Doha exciting activations such as the Flag Museum that reflect Qatar Charity (QC) has ex- Mall of Qatar (MoQ) is the day’s theme and spread tended its heartfelt congratula- marking Qatar National Day knowledge of Qatar’s his- tions and greetings to the Amir 2020 with a series of cultural tory excitingly. We will stay HH Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad and entertainment activations committed to Qatar’s various Al Thani, the Government and that celebrate the spirit of the events and national occasions the people of the State of Qatar nation and its people, all while and will always endeavour on its National Day, December taking precautionary meas- to enhance our relationships 18, and in commemoration ures to maintain the safety of with our community.” of the historic day when the visitors. MoQ has continuously founder of the State of Qatar, ‘The Nation’s Mall’ will enhanced the shopping ex- Sheikh Jassim bin Moham- shine bright with its spectacu- perience in Qatar to out- med bin Thani, established the lar decorations and artistic standing levels, cementing its pillars of the modern State of He added that the love of light displays. Its facade will position as the preferred des- Qatar. benevolence is an integral part carry projections celebrating tination in Qatar and the re- Yusef bin Ahmed Al-Ku- of all the people of Qatar, who Qatar with the flag colours, gion. It encompasses more wari, Chief Executive Officer are always eager to extend a while the mall’s Oasis and than 500 world-class retail, of Qatar Charity, said, “I am helping hand to every needy hallways will have stunning lifestyle, dining, entertain- honoured to convey my sin- person in the world. decorations reflecting various ment and leisure experiences cere congratulations and best He said, “Qatar Charity is aspects of the Qatari culture in one genuinely great des- wishes to the Amir of the State eager to continue its humani- including camels, dhows, pi- tination with sophistication of Qatar His Highness Sheikh tarian and development role, geon towers and much more. culture, MoQ organised the the final match ofA mir’s Cup place on Thursday evening and elegance. Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, aiming to enhance the mental Starting December 17, the annual School Art Competi- taking place at the adjacent for a BMW 320 car, the raf- MoQ supports the strate- Father Amir His Highness image of the State of Qatar, mall will present the ‘Flag tion under the theme ‘How Al Rayyan Stadium -- one fle draw for the second Grand gic goals of the 2030 Qatar Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al which is known for extending Museum’ which documents Does Qatar 2022 Look Like of FIFA 2022 stadiums. For Prize will be held on Derem- National Vision that aims to Thani, and the people of Qatar, humanitarian support to fight Qatar’s Flag progression from to You?’ to encourage stu- those who don’t have the ber 18 at 4pm, with one lucky create a diversified economy on behalf of myself and all of crises.” its birth until its current state. dents to show their talent chance to watch the match in winner driving away in a lux- by providing a luxurious tour- Qatar.” Al Kuwari added, “We also Screens accompanied by a in creative way. A total of the stadium, MoQ will broad- ury BMW X7. ist destination suited for the Qatar always enjoys securi- look forward every year to pro- sound and visual effects will 16 schools have participated cast the match live on the gi- Emile Sarkis, general visitors of Qatar and the re- ty, welfare and prosperity, Al- viding more assistance to the educate and entertain visitors with 20 pieces of arts, and the ant screens at the Oasis stage. manager of the MoQ, stated: gion at large. The mall con- Kuwari said, calling upon Allah needy all over the world, espe- about the history of the flag winners to be announced on Moreover, visitors can enjoy “We extend our warm con- tributes to diversifying the the Almighty to protect it from cially in light of the coronavi- and the country it represents. December 21 by a dedicated delicious meals in the sur- gratulations and greetings to economy, backing economic epidemics and diseases, and to rus, in addition to continuing Visitors can visit the Flag judging panel that includes rounding restaurants. the wise leadership and peo- development and enhancing make it a gateway to goodness the implementation of relief Museum on the ground floor Qatari artists. While the weekly raffle ple of Qatar and wish them Qatar’s image in the region as and giving to humanity, so that and development projects, es- next to Pari Gallery. On December 18, fans draw of ‘Pick and Choose’ a glorious National Day. On a centre of excellence for high- it may remain a supporter of pecially in countries suffering Appreciating arts and will gather onsite to watch shopping festival will take this special occasion, the Mall end shopping. the sorrowful and needy. from conflicts and disasters.” JW Marriott Marquis Doha celebrates National Day with fine art

Tribune News Network @JWDoha with the hashtag Doha #JWLovesQatar to enter for a chance to win incredible luxury In celebration of Qatar Nation- prizes, including culinary expe- al Day, JW Marriott Marquis riences, wellness sessions and City Center Doha is launching a staycations. range of exciting #JWLovesQa- Mai Almannai, founder of tar Campaign activities spread Mai Design Studio graduate of over a course of seven days. the Virginia Commonwealth This marks the 49th Qatar University School of the Arts National Day and includes a in Qatar, is inspired by the city series of activaties from a Na- she’s from, Doha and includes tional Day Designed Campaign the Qatari elements in pop art Car that merges culture and illustration style. community to a memorable “I’m proud to be part of Qatar National Anthem per- this art-inspired activation. I formance by Qatar Youth and have combined this design as Junior Choir and more. a graphic artist and my love Young Qatari artist Mai Al- for Qatari culture which repre- best place to watch the air show pleased to present JW Loves lighted to be part of the art mannai designed a car inspired sents the new Qatari soul in a and fireworks on December 18 Qatar Art Car Campaign, cel- car project and host the Qatar by cultural heritage, traditions, transformation of modern art- with breathtaking views of the ebrating culture, art and the Youth and Junior Choir for this rituals and people of Qatar re- work in a vintage form,” said city from the rooftop helipad heritage of Qatar. At JW Marri- special occasion.” flecting modern art with a vin- Mai. on 48th floor, offering an un- ott Marquis City Center Doha, She thanked all Qatar Na- tage twist. Mai Almannai’s spe- The Qatar National An- forgettable Qatar National Day we aim to creatively activate tional Day celebrations’ part- cial featured design campaign them performance by the Qa- experience. unique art projects, making art ners and sponsors, including car will be touring the city be- tar Youth and Junior Choir will “It’s the 49th Qatar Na- more accessible to our guests Castle Limousine service in tween December 15 and 22. take place at the hotel. The re- tional Day and we are excited and the local community,” said Doha. JW Marriott Marquis City cording will be released on the to celebrate the heritage of Esra Parin, general manager The seven-day-long cel- Center Doha invites all resi- Qatar National Day as part of this remarkable country that of JW Marriott Marquis City ebrations are one of the high- dents to spot the JW Loves Qa- the celebrations. we call home. In collaboration Center Doha. lights of this year’s Qatar Na- tar car, post the photo and tag The hotel also offers the with Mai Almannai, we are Esra added, “We are de- tional Day. 08 Wednesday, December 16, 2020 Nation Potential.com, HSBC’s joint initiative ‘Tatawwar’ set to empower Qatari students Vodafone covers Tribune News Network Doha Al Rayyan Stadium More than 3,000 students from Qatar and other Arab countries are taking the oppor- with 5G network tunity to become the next lead- ing social innovator in the region Tribune News Network As Qatar’s preparations for by participating in ‘Tatawwar: Doha the 2022 World Cup acceler- Building Tomorrow’s Minds,’ a ate, the fans will expect super- joint programme of HSBC and In another 5G milestone, fast connectivity. The ability to Potential.com. Vodafone Qatar announced share videos, photos and mes- The third edition of ‘Tataw- that it has expanded its 5G sages with people online will be war’ saw an increase in the num- network to cover the Al Rayy- an important part of the fans’ ber of participants, reflecting an Stadium, paving the way experience, and with more than the growing interest of young for a truly incredible experi- a million people expected to people in working towards a we hope to empower students on three of the United Nations’ vide a greater range of options, the top 20 projects eligible for ence for fans during the 2022 travel to the first MiddleE ast brighter future and giving prior- to come up with innovative so- Sustainable Development Goals, as well as speed and agility, to a the final round where students Qatar FIFA World Cup and all World Cup, the level of connec- ity to sustainable business. This lutions. We encourage teachers namely climate action, human world adapting to the aftermath will be asked to further develop other local and international tivity and sharing will be excep- edition also saw increased en- to register and support their health and well-being, and clean of COVID-19, ensuring the next their projects with the support sporting events to take place tional. gagement with leading govern- students through this initiative,” water and sanitation. generation have the right skills and extensive coaching of key in- in the stadium. The incredibly fast speed ment institutions, such as min- said Shadi Banna, Chief Empow- As an interactive platform, to adjust to the new demands of dustry leaders. Three prototypes The country will have its and ultra-low latency that 5G istries of education and youth, erment Officer of Potential.com. ‘Tatawwar’ provides a variety of the ‘Great Reset’.” will be chosen as winners and first glimpse of a visually stun- technology provides for fans to from across the region. Recent studies have shown activities for students between Students, schools, parents, receive cash prizes. ning and culturally important stay seamlessly connected dur- Organisers call on schools that almost eight out of ten the ages of 15 and 18 to explore NGOs and any other partners Since ‘Tatawwar’ began, 40,000 capacity venue on 18 ing the tournament will be a and their teachers to register young people in the Middle East their skills and talents with the willing to help empower the a total of nine winners and December, when the stadium major part of providing an un- as soon as the deadline is 31 have a high level of optimism support of schools, parents and next generation of social inno- 30 ambassadors have already hosts Al Sadd and Al Arabi forgettable experience for those December 2020 and to take about their future and confi- the business community. vators in the region can register graduated from the program. and spectators can capture the inside the 2022 venues. Voda- advantage of the opportunity dence in their ability to compete Sabrin Rahman, Regional via www.tatawwar.com. Once These students have under- highlights of the event via 5G fone Qatar is fully prepared to to engage their students in the in global labor markets. Head of Sustainability, Middle registered, they will have until gone extensive mentoring to smartphones powered by Voda- deliver this experience not only development of their hard and Through ‘Tatawwar,’ stu- East, North Africa and Turkey, 15 January 2021 to submit their help them improve their social fone Qatar’s incredibly fast 5G in the stadiums, but throughout soft skills. dents are encouraged to develop HSBC, said: “The closure of innovation solutions. This gives entrepreneurship, financial lit- network. the country. Since the company “Innovation plays a crucial soft skills such as creativity, col- schools and universities has af- teachers the opportunity to start eracy and employability skills. Al Rayyan Stadium is the switched to its 5G network two role in improving people’s lives laboration, adaptability and fected youth across the region a new term in their schools with ‘Tatawwar’ continues to gain third Qatar 2022 stadium to be years ago, Vodafone’s 5G net- in a sustainable and efficient emotional intelligence, and to and has significantly changed a project-based activity that the prominence as an interac- covered with Vodafone GigaNet work has rapidly expanded to manner, as well as in address- use innovation and creativity how they live and learn during school can submit to the pro- tive platform, considering the 5G, following Al Janoub and cover 75% of Doha and other ing many of the challenges we to create projects that promote and post the pandemic. Social gramme. practicality and effectiveness Education City. key areas outside the capital. face today. Through ‘Tatawwar,’ a sustainable future, focusing entrepreneurship skills can pro- A panel of judges will select of online learning.

Prestigious joint QNRF-TÜBITAK grants ‘HBKU College of Law awarded to HBKU’s College of Science empowers students to Tribune News Network Scientific and Technological Doha Research Council of Turkey, in 2015. The awards benefit joint The Faculty of Science and En- research and development pro- make a difference in gineering (CSE) at Hamad Bin jects in areas of mutual inter- Khalifa University (HBKU) has est and intensify cooperation been awarded two substantial between Turkish and Qatari the society they live in’ three-year research grants un- entities in science and industry der the Qatar National Research through academia and industry Tribune News Network Fund (QNRF)-TÜB-TÜB-TAK cooperation. Doha Joint Funding Programme. The Dr. Mounir Hamdi, Found- competitive third cycle of the pro- ing Dean, CSE, said: “We are In an exclusive interview, Hind gramme was organised under more than honored for our fac- Khier, a second-year Juris Doctor the theme ‘Smart Cities.’ ulty at CSE to be recognised (JD) student at Hamad Bin Khali- HBKU’s Dr. Marwa Qaraqe, through support from the Qa- fa University’s (HBKU) College of Principal Investigator, and Dr. tar National Research Fund- Law, talked about her future as- David Yang, Principal Investiga- TÜBİTAK program. The grants pirations and why the JD was her tor, both Assistant Professors at address major research issues programme of choice. the Information and Technology of priority to HBKU and Qatar Computing Division at CSE, with Foundation, as well as Qatar’s Please tell us about your area of faculty from Texas A&M in Qatar efforts to advance its smart cities study at HBKU (TAMUQ) as Principal Investiga- with their role in actualizing the I am currently pursuing a profes- Hind Khier, second-year Juris Doctor tors, received a grant for the “In- country’s developmental agenda. sional Juris Doctor (JD) degree, which student at HBKU telligent Public Safety Platform It is our hope that the two pro- covers general law subjects, such as Con- for Smart Cities.” The grant value jects will drive innovation and stitutional Law, Torts, Contracts Law, I was fortunate enough during my is estimated at $825,000 for Qa- Associate Professors at CSE, for $600,000 for Ankara Yildirim encourage emerging startups in Business Law, Civil Procedures, Property studies to have met professors who took tar team and $592,000 for Gebze their project “SkyCubesNet: A Beyazit University, Turkey, and this area. Leveraging the innova- Law and Advocacy Skills. The purpose of the time to invest in, nurture and en- Technical University and Ozyegin Ka-band Cubesat based Com- $750,000 for the Qatar team, tive potential of the shared exper- the JD is to prepare students with a well- hance my knowledge on the rules of law. University, as Turkish collabora- munications Infrastructure for with co-funding to be provided by tise of our research partners from rounded knowledge of the legal system Thus, I would want to pass on the torch tors.. Smart Cities of the Future”. local stakeholders, Barzan Hold- Turkey, the outcomes are certain and laws that govern our society. The JD by creating a similar experience for future The second QNRF-TÜBİTAK Dr. Tamer Khattab, Professor ings and the Ministry of Interior. to ensure unique contributions to- will add a practical element to real-life students. It is particularly important in a project was awarded to HBKU of electrical engineering at Qatar QNRF, a member of Qatar ward cutting-edge solutions that training and emphasise applying logical male-dominated field to represent the le- Principal Investigators Dr. Aiman University, is the Lead Principal Foundation, established the meet the needs of Qatar and have solutions to complex problems. gal profession from a female perspective Erbad and Dr. Saif Al Kuwari, Investigator. The award includes programme with TÜBİTAK, the an impact further afield.” and encourage more females to study law. What motivated you to pursue this area of study at HBKU? What was the highlight of your Throughout my undergraduate time at HBKU, and why? study, I became particularly interested in In retrospect, throughout my aca- Qatar’s early pandemic response was non-profit work, and I started to conduct demic experience, I felt the one thing I research on Qatari law. Furthermore, I was most grateful for was meeting ex- took elective law courses to expand my ceptional peers, who consistently in- knowledge. spired and supported me. Having people key to economic recovery: GU-Q don to lean on and learn from were essential What are your short-term and to my experience. Tribune News Network strategic framework of Qatar’s des highlighted the need for di- long-term aspirations? Doha economic priorities, which he versification by focusing on sec- My short-term aspiration is to join In what ways did your HBKU said includes “the need to diver- tors where Qatar has competitive UCLA’s law school after graduation, pur- experience differ from your expec- Ambassadors of 17 European sify the economy and preserve advantage, including “operating sue an LLM and take the bar exam in the tations when you first joined? Union (EU) member states in wealth for future generations, the shipyard for a growing fleet of US. My long-term aspiration is to then Prior to joining HBKU, I was aware Qatar were recently briefed on create enough private-sector LNG carriers, establishing a hub return to Qatar and give back through of the challenges the course would bring. the state of Qatar’s economy as jobs for a young population, and in the two smart cities Msheireb teaching the younger generations and However, I was pleasantly surprised to well as the impact of the COV- attract foreign direct investment Downtown Doha and Lusail for help develop the legal profession in the see the overwhelming support of the fac- ID-19 pandemic at a talk by Dr into the country”. autonomous vehicles research country. In addition, one of my life goals ulty and my peers, who made the entire Alexis Antoniades, associate Regarding the current eco- and development, and exploiting is to become a founder and help estab- journey more fulfilling and helped me professor and director of Inter- nomic slowdown, Dr Antoniades the presence of world class uni- lish an NGO dedicated to supporting view the world through a different lens. national Economics at George- cited several contributing factors versities to deliver programmes women’s education in war zones. town University in Qatar (GU- including the drop in oil prices on data analytics and artificial Any additional thoughts for po- Q), a Qatar Foundation-partner Dr Alexis Antoniades since the end of 2015, a drop in intelligence, thus capturing a How have your studies helped tential HBKU applicants? institution. purchasing power and a phasing significant market share of the you develop and advance your ca- This journey helped me change my In his talk, titled ‘Qatar’s measures, he said, “helped con- out of spending on massive in- global demand for such skills”. reer? mindset for the better. This unique ex- Economy Post-COVID’, Dr An- strain the pandemic’s adverse frastructure projects as they near He concluded by encourag- I have gained a wide range of knowl- perience has also exposed me to differ- toniades cited Qatar’s ability to impact on businesses and state completion, stressing the point ing the ambassadors to explore edge in law, and I have been exposed ent legal systems, spanning European, contain the spread of the pan- finances that were felt in econo- that “these trends are not caused the potential for future collabo- to more opportunities that will set the American and Qatari law. Not only do demic, including early measures mies across the world.” by the blockade”. Instead, the rations with various initiatives foundation for my career. In particular, you feel the support of your peers, but taken to support local businesses The GU-Q economics expert blockade offered authorities in and institutions in Qatar, includ- the courses allow me to explore a spec- you also benefit from professors who and to tighten the state’s budget was hosted by the ambassador of Qatar “the opportunity to push ing Qatar Financial Center, the trum of legal systems that will prepare take pride in building lawyers with a to control unnecessary expenses, Germany to Qatar and the chair fast policies and initiatives aimed Qatar Foundation, Qatar Sci- me to work anywhere in the world. good conscience, strong ethics and mor- as key measures that “helped of the local EU presidency HE Dr at strengthening the regulatory ence and Technology Park, the al code. If you have a passion for law, I shield the economy to some de- Claudius Fischbach, in coopera- and legal framework for foreign Free Zones Authority and the What is the impact you see encourage you to apply to this great pro- gree and enhance the likelihood tion with the ambassador of Cy- investors and at establishing lo- newly established Qatar Invest- yourself making in your society in gramme that will empower you to make that the post-COVID economy prus HE Dr Michalis A Zachario- cal manufacturing”. ment Promotion Agency, among the future? a difference in your society. will recover quickly”. These glou. He began by discussing the Looking ahead, Dr Antonia- others. World Wednesday, December 16, 2020 09 Missing Students Japan’s ‘Twitter killer’ sentenced to death for 9 murders

Tokyo trampled upon,” the judge afp reportedly added. NHK said 435 people A Japanese man dubbed turned up to watch the ver- the “Twitter killer” was sen- dict, even though the court tenced to death by a Tokyo only had 16 seats available court Tuesday for murder- for the public. ing and dismembering nine Shiraishi used Twitter people he met online. to contact users who posted Takahiro Shiraishi, 30, about taking their own lives, admitted killing and butch- telling them he could help ering his young victims -- them in their plans -- or all but one of whom were even die alongside them. women -- who he met on the The father of one social media platform. 25-year-old victim said in His lawyers had ar- court last month that he gued he should receive a “will never forgive Shiraishi prison sentence because his even if he dies”, NHK re- victims, aged between 15 ported at the time. and 26, expressed suicidal “Even now, when I see thoughts on social media a woman of my daughter’s and so had consented to age, I mistake her for my death. daughter. This pain will nev- But on Tuesday “the er go away. Give her back to death sentence was handed me!” he said. down” to Shiraishi, a court Japan is one of few de- official told AFP. veloped nations to retain the A view of an empty classroom with school bags and wares belonging to pupils at the Government Science school in Kankara, Nigeria on Tuesday. (afp) “None of the nine vic- death penalty, and public tims consented to be killed, support for it remains high. including silent consent,” Years usually pass be- the judge said, according to tween sentencing and ex- public broadcaster NHK. ecution, and the last execu- Boko Haram claims kidnapping “It is extremely grave tion was in December 2019, that the lives of nine young when a Chinese man was people were taken away. The hanged for the murder of a of hundreds of Nigerian students dignity of the victims was family of four.

ence to a similar hashtag used gion, especially after fighters At least 333 students are still missing after Boko Haram abducted Attack claiming to be in the north- since the attack on a school on Friday 276 girls in 2014 in Chibok, in More than 100 west released a propaganda northeastern Nigeria. gunmen on video pledging allegiance to The weekend attack was Abubakar Shekau earlier this AFP Nigeria. initially blamed on armed motorcycles stormed year. Kano, Nigeria “I am Abubakar Shekau groups locally known as “ban- the rural school north Buhari has made the fight and our brothers are behind dits”, who are active in the of Kankara town, against Boko Haram a priority Boko Haram on Tuesday the kidnapping in Katsina,” unstable region where kidnap- forcing students to of his adminstration, but the claimed it was behind the ab- the leader of Boko Haram said pings for ransom are common. flee and hide in the security situation in northern duction of hundreds of stu- in a voice message. The army has said it has surrounding bush Nigeria has deteriorated since dents in northwestern Nigeria, More than 100 gunmen on located the hideout of the his 2015 election. A sketch drawing shows Takahiro Shiraishi (centre), at Tokyo in what appears to be a ma- motorcycles stormed the rural “bandits”, and that a military Angry residents heckled District Court Tachikawa Branch in Tachikawa, Tokyo. (afp) jor expansion of the jihadist school north of Kankara town, operation was under way. groups in northwest Nigeria. the Katsina state governor group’s activities into new ar- forcing students to flee and The kidnappings occurred Boko Haram, and a splin- during a visit to the area on eas. hide in the surrounding bush. in the home state of President ter group, the Islamic State Saturday, while protesters At least 333 students are A number of boys were Muhammadu Buhari, who in West Africa Province greeted a government delega- still missing since the attack able to escape, but many were condemned the attack and or- (ISWAP), are waging an insur- tion led by Defence Minister late on Friday on the all-boys captured, split into groups dered security stepped up in gency in the northeast of Ni- Bashir Salihi-Magashi on Sun- Bomb kills deputy Government Science Second- and taken away, residents told schools. In Katsina, all schools geria and are thought to have day. ary School in Katsina state AFP. were closed. only a minor presence in the Osama Aminu Maale was -- hundreds of kilometres #BringBackOurBoys has Tuesday’s claim of respon- northwest. one of the students who es- governor in Kabul (miles) from Boko Haram’s been trending on social media sibility marks a major turning But concerns have grown caped the abductors and re- stronghold in northeastern since the weekend in refer- point in the advance of jihadist of jihadist inroads into the re- turned to his parents. AFP official said. Kabul Violence has raged across the country since the Tali- A deputy governor of Kabul ban and Afghan government TOUGH ACTION AGAINST ABUSE OF WOMEN, CHILDREN province and his aide were launched peace talks in Qatar UK’s Johnson killed on Tuesday by a bomb in September. in the Afghan capital, officials Afghanistan -- and espe- to visit India Pak president approves new anti-rape law said, the latest in a wave of tar- cially Kabul -- have seen a geted killings in the country. spate of murders of prominent in first major AFP tests, with activists demand- children which must be com- assess her sexual history. Mahbobullah Mohebi died figures, including journalists, Islamabad ing the government do more pleted within four months. According to data pro- when a bomb attached to his clerics, politicians and rights to stop violence against The ordinance prohibits vided by the government this vehicle detonated while he was activists. trip as PM Pakistan’s president on women. the identification of rape vic- year, 11 rape cases are re- on his way to his office, the inte- Last week a female news Tuesday approved a new anti- Sex crimes such as rape tims and creates a nationwide ported every day in Pakistan, rior ministry said. anchor was shot dead in the AFP rape law which will speed up carry social stigma in conserv- registry of rape offenders. while authorities admit the Mohebi’s secretary, who eastern city of Jalalabad, the London convictions and launch the ative Pakistan, where victims It also establishes anti- true figure is much higher. was travelling with him, was second journalist to be mur- country’s first national sex find it hard to get justice. rape cells across the country Pakistan is a deeply also killed, and two bodyguards dered in less than a month. British Prime Minister Bo- offenders registry. “The ordinance will help for conducting initial inves- conservative and patriarchal were wounded. The capital has been hit by ris Johnson will travel to India The law, which goes expedite cases of sexual abuse tigations, and medical ex- nation where victims of sexual Hours later, in the central rockets twice this month and next month in his first major into effect immediately but against women and children,” aminations within six hours of abuse often are too afraid to province of Ghor, a similar recently battled major attacks bilateral visit to another coun- must be ratified by parlia- a statement from President filing a police complaint. speak out, or where criminal bomb killed Abdul Rahman on educational centres, includ- try since taking power last year, ment within three months, Arif Alvi’s office said Tuesday. The law will also abolish complaints are frequently not Akshan, the deputy chief of the ing a massacre of students at a his office said on Tuesday. was prompted by the gang The new law -- first put an invasive medical examina- investigated seriously. provincial council. university campus. During the trip, Johnson rape of a mother in front of forward by Prime Minister tion known as the two-finger Following the motorway Akshan was killed and his In a separate attack in Kabul will invite India to join next her children on the side of a Imran Khan -- orders the es- virginity test for rape victims. rape, a police official seemed two bodyguards were wounded on Tuesday, a policeman was year’s G7 summit, which Brit- motorway in September. tablishment of special courts The test involves a medical to blame the victim because when a “sticky bomb” attached killed and two others wounded ain is hosting, as one of three The case caused outrage to try cases of rape and sexual officer inserting two fingers she was driving at night with- to his vehicle detonated in when gunmen attacked their guest countries, alongside and led to nationwide pro- abuse against women and into a rape victim’s vagina to out a male companion. the city of Feroz Koh, a local checkpoint, officials said. South Korea and Australia. The Indian trip is aimed at strengthening bilateral trade ties and investment, and co- operation in various areas including defence, security, Turkey avoids the worst from long-mooted US sanctions health and climate change. The visit, to coincide with AFP against the dollar after it be- its 2014 annexation of Crimea for Turkish-American engage- India’s annual Republic Day Istanbul came clear that Turkey’s pun- and other abuses. ments during the Biden era, celebrations on January 26, ishment for acquiring Russian Best friend? “Compared to the sanctions which will highly likely start will also come just weeks after US sanctions against Turkey S-400 air defence batteries in Trump developed a person- options which could have been with a period of policy review the UK leaves the European over its Russian air defence 2019 was narrowly targeted al friendship with Erdogan chosen, say Iran sanctions are a on Turkish-US relations,” said Union single market on De- system purchase were lighter against its SSB military pro- and resisted imposing 10 and Russia 3 out of 10, these Dalay, who is also a non-resi- cember 31, and as it seeks new than feared, sparing its econo- curement agency. sanctions for Turkey’s deci- were something less than 0.5,” dent fellow at Brookings Doha trade deals post-Brexit. my and offering the NATO ally The sanctions banned all sion to buy arms from a Ash said. Centre. “I am absolutely delighted a chance to start afresh with new US export licenses and Most analysts agreed that Analysts believe Biden will to be visiting India next year at President-elect Joe Biden, ex- loan credits to SSB, and barred country NATO was created Biden -- who once called Er- have some incentive to mend the start of an exciting year for perts say. the agency’s executives from President of Turkey Recep Tayyip to fight in the Cold War dogan an “autocrat” for his fences with Turkey after its Global Britain, and look for- Officials in Ankara re- visiting or holding assets in the Erdogan. (AFP) approach to human rights and feuds with traditional Western ward to delivering the quan- sponded to Monday’s an- United States. political dissent -- could have allies over a host of interna- tum leap in our bilateral rela- nouncement from Washing- Yet they kept in place all Joe Biden.” ated to fight in the Cold War. found himself in a position to tional disputes. tionship that Prime Minister ton -- in the works for several existing military programmes Turkey turned to Russia Monday’s announcement take a much tougher line. Turkey has developed a (Narendra) Modi and I have years but triggered by Donald and avoided hitting either after failing to come to terms came only after Congress “If these sanctions were im- transactional relationship with pledged to achieve,” Johnson Trump’s administration in one Turkish banks or Erdogan and with Barack Obama’s admin- passed a defence spending bill posed as the first thing by the Russia that finds the two pow- said in a statement. of its closing acts -- with care- his inner circle. istration about the purchase that compelled Trump to either Biden administration, it would ers on opposite sides of region- “As a key player in the fully calibrated anger. “Despite short-term risks, of US Patriots -- the air de- take the punitive measures or have contaminated the whole al conflicts while cooperating Indo-Pacific region, India is Turkish President Recep Trump’s move is a blessing for fence system of choice for most fight them with a veto. atmosphere of Turkish-Ameri- on arms sales. an increasingly indispensable Tayyip Erdogan’s press aide President Recep Tayyip Er- NATO member states. BlueBay Asset Manage- can relations from the start of “One of the easiest US wins partner for the United King- Fahrettin Altun called them dogan,” Eurasia Group analyst Trump developed a person- ment analyst Timothy Ash said the Biden term,” said Galip Da- over Russia for Biden would dom as we work to boost jobs “unreasonable, fruitless, and Emre Peker said. al friendship with Erdogan and the sanctions were significantly lay, a Richard von Weizsäcker be pulling Turkey back from and growth, confront shared ultimately incompatible with “Trump’s decision to pull resisted imposing sanctions for lighter that those imposed Fellow at the Robert Bosch the clutches of Putin and back threats to our security and the spirit of our partnership”. the trigger removes a key ob- Turkey’s decision to buy arms on Iran over its nuclear pro- Academy. firmly into the Western fold,” protect our planet.” But the lira held steady stacle to reset relations under from a country NATO was cre- gramme or on Russia following “In a sense it cleared the air said Ash. 10 Wednesday, December 16, 2020

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

Thank You To Everyone, Even Don’t Blame African Americans Trump, Who Made A COVID Vaccine In 2020 Possible For Fearing The COVID-19

or the past eight years, December 14 ficials who worked to limit the bureaucratic has marked one of the most tragic mo- red tape that typically makes vaccine devel- Vaccine. Blame America Fments in recent American history. On opment a years-long process, and for doing this day in 2012, a disturbed young man it without compromising safety controls. walked into Sandy Hook Elementary And thanks, too, to President Trump. The way America had treated the Black people has returned to haunt America School in Newtown, Conn, with a semiau- That’s right. Though the Trump admin- tomatic firearm and killed 26 people, 20 of istration bungled so much about the COV- as more than half of African Americans said they would not get the vaccine whom were children. ID-19 response, making the US a global From this year on, however, Dec. 14 embarrassment and the world’s leader in won’t be known only as the anniversary of cases, hospitalizations and deaths, its Op- Dahleen Glanton one of the deadliest outbreaks of a decades- eration Warp Speed delivered. Launched Tribune News Service long plague that the US can’t seem to solve. in May, the private-public initiative mar- It will be also be known as the day in which shaled the resources of government, sci- here aren’t many African Ameri- the nation’s efforts to stop another deadly ence, the military and the pharmaceutical cans who don’t know about the scourge bore fruit, as the first COVID-19 industry to rapidly develop, produce and Tuskegee Syphilis Study. At some vaccine doses were administered to health- distribute a COVID-19 vaccine. By invest- point, someone told us about the care workers around the country, giving a ing $14 billion in research and develop- hundreds of Black men from rural downcast nation hope that the end of this ment and the pre-purchase of vaccines, and TAlabama who were forced to suffer from deadly scourge is finally in sight. allowing concurrent trials in the second untreated syphilis. Hours after the US Food and Drug and third phases, the administration was They didn’t have to suffer. During the Administration approved emergency use able to truncate a years-long process into 40-year period, penicillin became widely of a Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine just months. accepted as an effective treatment for the on Friday, 3 million doses were on trucks “In order to achieve this goal, we har- sexually transmitted disease. But the gov- and planes headed nessed the full pow- ernment deliberately withheld treatment to hospitals across er of government, in order to see what would happen. the US One of those the genius of Ameri- It was done without the men’s knowl- shipments arrived can scientists and edge and consent. In return, the govern- late Sunday at Los the might of Ameri- ment provided them with burial insurance. Angeles Internation- can industry to save Long before President Bill Clinton al Airport via FedEx. millions and mil- apologized on behalf of the nation, the The firstimmuniza - lions of lives all over story was told to generations of African America is asking Black people once again to put the past behind and look toward the future tions were adminis- the world,” Trump Americans, handed down from great- — for the country’s sake. Many of us will roll up our sleeves because we know that if we don’t, tered to healthcare said last week. grandparents to grandparents to parents our people will continue to die from COVID-19 at higher rates than anyone. (TNS) workers soon after, It’s astonishing to children. and more will follow not only that the It has long haunted African Americans. same. “African Americans should never A public service ad by a Black celebrity in the coming days. government could Now it has circled back to haunt America. take a vaccine.” won’t do it. Nor will a video showing the By the end of the move so quickly but The US Food and Drug Administra- It doesn’t matter whether it’s a flu first African American president rolling up week, a second vac- that it did so at the tion last week approved the first vaccine shot, a shingles shot, a hepatitis shot, a his sleeve to receive the vaccine. cine candidate that behest of a chaotic for COVID-19. The groundbreaking vac- COVID-19 shot or even an HIV shot if Dr Anthony Fauci, the nation’s top uses the same mRNA A UPS driver delivers 2,900 doses of the administration that cine is seen as a powerful front-line of- one should become available. This fear infectious disease expert, suggested at technology, this one COVID-19 vaccine to John Sealy Hospital at the undermined science fense against the virus that has killed has forced Black people to stay away from a National Urban League event that Af- from Moderna, is University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston, and proved unable more than 298,000 Americans and crip- clinical trials and all types of medical stud- rican Americans should be reassured expected to get FDA Texas, on Tuesday, 2020. (AFP) to muster the co- pled the nation. ies, even if our community is ravaged by because a Black woman, Dr Kizzmekia approval. By early ordinated public- But it won’t work unless enough people disease. The reasoning is simple. “The Corbett, helped lead the development of next year, there are health response that take it to establish herd immunity. More government wants to experiment on Black the vaccine. likely to be even more vaccines, including America has desperately needed. than half of African Americans said they people to see what could happen to white African Americans lit into him on so- those without the same cold storage re- Of course, Trump’s narrow focus on would not get the vaccine, according to a people. They don’t care if we get sick from cial media. While Fauci likely had good in- quirements of these initial doses. getting a vaccine to the exclusion of other recent Pew Research Center poll. That’s a it. They don’t care if we die.” tentions, his words pointed to the govern- It’s not the end of the COVID-19 pan- initiatives came with a cost. Another sad huge problem for the government. The Tuskegee study was the ultimate ment’s severe miscalculation of the depth demic by a long shot. But with the launch note for December 14 is that it is the day in The Tuskegee story is not a fable from betrayal of a race of people that continues of African American distrust. Monday of the most ambitious immuniza- which the US reached 300,000 COVID-19 long ago. It happened during our lifetime, to endure more mistreatment from their Tuskegee is a story of deep betrayal, tion operation in US history, the end is in deaths. from 1932 to 1972. Some of us might have country than anyone deserves. It was proof not just by the US government but also by sight. No matter how much credit Trump gets known the victims. And we know other that our government had no qualms about our own people who collaborated in this Barring unforeseen problems with pro- for helping to usher in a COVID-19 vaccine, stories, as well. sacrificing us for the greater good of the inhumane act. No one could be trusted. duction, distribution or safety, vaccines it doesn’t absolve him of all the other ways There is the legacy of Henrietta Lacks, nation. We always have been asked to give Both Black and white doctors perpe- will be available to the general public in late in which his leadership has failed spectacu- the Black woman who died of cancer in more than we receive. trated the syphilis experiment. It involved spring or summer. Until then, we still have larly. Imagine how many lives might have 1951 as doctors and scientists experiment- America never particularly cared a historically Black university, the former months to go during which social distanc- been saved if a similar public-private ini- ed with cells that were taken from her body whether Black people decided to get a flu Tuskegee Institute. More than 120 Black ing, face masks and restrictions on gather- tiative had been launched for testing and without her knowledge. shot. Though encouraged, protecting one- medical students helped conduct the ings and businesses will be necessary. contact tracing at the outset; if uniform And there was the era of 20th century self from the flu largely is considered a per- study. African American doctors in the That we have reached this point just a standards for infection control had been eugenics, where thousands upon thou- sonal choice. area agreed not to treat the men if they year after SARS-CoV-2 was first identified applied; or if Trump had simply modeled sands of African American women who Likewise, the US Centers for Disease came in on their own. is a remarkable feat of science, political good behavior, like mask wearing and so- went to state health facilities for routine Control and Prevention ignored HIV/ America is asking Black people once will and government mobilization. And for cial distancing, from the get-go. medical procedures were sterilized with- AIDS in the Black community for years again to put the past behind and look to- this we are profoundly grateful to the many That Trump simultaneously acceler- out their knowledge. during the early onset as it spread out of ward the future — for the country’s sake. people whose hard work, vision and per- ated both the deadliness of this pandemic To most white people, the Tuskegee control. But COVID-19 is different. Eve- Many of us will roll up our sleeves because sonal sacrifice made it possible. and its potential cure will be one of the study is, of course, considered tragic. But ryone needs to take the vaccine in order we know that if we don’t, our people will Thank you to the scientists who started many enduring contradictions of his it was no more significant than Juneteenth to rid the country of the virus and get the continue to die from COVID-19 at higher working on the vaccine in February, even presidency. or Black History Month. Such apathy — or economy going again. rates than anyone. before it was clear how widespread the pan- For now, the takeaway is that the Amer- ignorance — made it more tragic. Now, it Suddenly, everybody is talking about The consequences of refusing to do demic would become. ican government — supporting scientists has put all Americans at risk. the Black anti-vaccine problem. The gov- what America asks are much steeper Thank you to the thousands of clinical and experts, free of interference — can still These stories are as ingrained in Afri- ernment is scrambling to figure out how for Blacks than for others. But do not trial volunteers who risked their health to do great things. We hope that underlying can American culture as deeply as the his- to get Black people to trust the safety of a blame those who are too terrified to trust take an experimental vaccine for the benefit insight can now be applied to the many torical narratives of slaves and sharecrop- COVID-19 vaccine that was quickly devel- America. of others. Thank you to the government of- other massive problems our nation faces. pers. The details may have been altered oped. But the larger question is this: “How Trust must be earned. And America over time as it went from one tongue to does America get Black people to trust has given Black people very little reason to (TRIBUNE NEWS SERVICE) another, but the message has remained the America?” believe anything it says.

Let 2020 Be The Year To Ditch Glossy Perfection On Holiday Cards

Elline Lipkin porch portrait” suddenly was a thing. My holiday card has evolved — and the visual the photos. Let this year be the one when Tribune News Service social media stream filled with pictures language of announcing life changes with- we’re all in the picture, as our disheveled, of families gathered outside their homes. out words. What counted as a breach of beautiful, surviving selves. ’ve always been ambivalent about the hol- When a woman in a local parenting group convention, such as revealing illness by not I’m sure there will still be some wind- iday photo card — the snapshots of “here offered to document our community, I hiding medical equipment, showed how swept beach scenes, at least in Southern Iwe are casually walking down a coun- signed up. During our brief session, my strongly the boundaries have been set for California, where a photographer can shoot try road” or the ones on a beach at sunset husband, our 8-year-old son and I stood smiling kids and perfect backgrounds. this scene from afar. But I’m hoping the where every family member just happens to looking dolefully at our photographer well This year offers a moment to peel back 2020 cards show the kind of dour honesty be wearing white. over 12 feet away. from the code of visual perfection, allow- this year has forced on us. We’re using our They are the Instagram equivalent of After we got the proofs, my husband ing us to reveal our flaws. During one porch portrait and letting our unsmiling fac- the holiday letter — a rosy-cheeked, Pho- quipped, “Well, I think we got our holi- emotionally dark winter when I was try- es be what represents us. I’ll write a hopeful toshopped version of a family’s year. A day card photo for this year!” And, yes, ing to get pregnant and not succeeding, message but acknowledge how bad things crying kid on Santa’s lap is an allowable we’re using it. When I looked on photo I stood by a trash can and tore into tiny have been. transgression, with tears still in service of sites to order up prints, I was glad to see card show what it feels like to see an elderly pieces the holiday cards that “announced Honesty never was the point of the maximizing adorableness. new greetings being offered: “Well, that parent only through the window of an as- with joy” a baby’s first Christmas orH a- holiday card, but there is unity in a shared Now that 2020 has left us all depleted, was crazy!” “We tried.” “Good riddance sisted-living facility? nukkah. Then I cinched up the trash bag experience of isolation and anxiety. Maybe wrung out with grief and disappointment, 2020!” and “It’s a merry, all around crazy The holiday photo card seems akin to and took it outside. Even the torn scraps the pandemic will have lessened our need to this season seems like the perfect time to sheltered Christmas.” the college alumni magazine entry, often seemed to hurt me, lying like fallen puzzle pose on all levels. Maybe in this year’s photo do away with the pretense of it all. In my They are a stride toward honesty. This just about highlighting accomplishments. pieces, representing something I so badly greetings, I will see friends and family tell- mailbox this year, I am hoping to see do- year, we have seen the fragility and futility Where are the pithy comments about job wanted but didn’t have. This year, there ing me, “This is where we stood and waited it-yourself haircuts, pants without zippers, of all those hopeful “this year I will” goals set loss or breakups? Illness or deep disap- will be no pictures of children on Santa’s for this to pass.” and yes, the quarantine 15 that all that in January. I wonder how holiday cards can pointment? Perhaps that’s just not the lap. And I hope, for once, my friends will home baking piled on. render the heartbreaking absence of loved point; it’s not the place to reveal a raw or put themselves in the frame and not just (Elline Lipkin is a research scholar Soon after the baking craze started in ones. Will this year’s cards — delivered unphotogenic moment. let images of their kids stand in for their at the UCLA Center for the Study of May, after the initial wave of lockdown postelection and pre-inauguration — have There was an intriguing article in the whole family. Since I can’t see my friends Women and teaches creative writing shock started to crest, the “pandemic markers of political joy or anger? Can any Wall Street Journal last year about how the in person, I want to at least see them in for Los Angeles Writing Classes)

THE VIEWS EXPRESSED ON THE OPINION AND ANALYSIS PAGES ARE THE AUTHORS’ OWN. QATAR TRIBUNE BEARS NO RESPONSIBILITY. World Wednesday, December 16, 2020 11 US regulator upbeat on Moderna Covid-19 vaccine

AFP EU regulator moves meeting on Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine to Dec 21 the immune system -- which Washington occurred in 1.5 percent of the AFP European Commission chief Ursula von der vaccinated population com- The US Food and Drug Ad- The Hague Leyen welcomed the announcement, saying it pared to 1.1 percent of the ministration on Tuesday re- meant vaccinations would likely start before the non-vaccinated. leased a positively-worded The European Medicines Agency said on Tuesday it end of the year. But there were none that briefing document about the had moved forward a meeting to decide on authori- “Every day counts -- we work at full speed to were classed as severe or ana- Moderna Covid-19 vaccine, a sation for the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine by more than authorise #COVID19 vaccines that are safe and phylactic. strong sign that a group of ex- a week to December 21. effective,” she said on Twitter. Throughout the follow- perts that meets in two days The announcement of a change to the previ- “I welcome @EMA_News bringing forward its up period to date, there have could vote to approve it. ous date of December 29 came after mounting meeting to discuss the @pfizer/BioNTech vaccine, been three reports of Bell’s The agency said there pressure on the regulator from European countries before Christmas. Likely that the firstE uropeans palsy -- a facial paralysis con- were “no specific safety con- desperate for a vaccine, particularly Germany. will be vaccinated before end 2020!” dition -- in the vaccine group cerns identified that would The Amsterdam-based agency said it had Germany had earlier piled pressure on the and one in the placebo group. preclude issuance of an EUA received “additional data” from the company on EMA, saying it wanted it to approve the vaccine The Pfizer trial saw four (emergency use authoriza- Monday that was requested by the EMA committee “before Christmas”. people get Bell’s palsy in the tion” and confirmed an over- File photo of the logo of Moderna biotech company. (afp) that examines medicines for human use. “The goal is to get approval before Christmas,” vaccine group, and none in all efficacy of 94.1 percent. “An exceptional meeting of the (committee) German Health Minister Jens Spahn told a press the placebo group. Rollout of the Pfizer- fered the clearest look yet the placebo group. has now been scheduled for 21 December to con- conference in Berlin. “We want to start vaccinating In both cases, the FDA BioNTech vaccine began into the Moderna vaccine, Efficacy was 95.6 percent clude if possible,” the EMA said in a statement. in Germany before the end of the year.” said there was insufficient in- on Monday and if the FDA which was co-developed with for people aged 18-65; 86.4 formation to determine that convened panel green lights the National Institutes of percent among those aged 65 the vaccine was the cause of Moderna’s, its distribution Health. and older; and 94.1 percent second shot, which is taken pain in 60 percent, joint pain swollen lymph nodes oc- this paralysis, which normally could start as early as next It showed the two-dose overall. 28 days after the first. in 45 percent and chills in 45 curred in 1.1 percent of the resolves within three months. week. regimen protected younger Importantly, of 30 cases The most common side percent. vaccine group compared to The frequency of serious It comes as more than people slightly better than it of severe Covid-19, all oc- effects associated with the Few of these effects were 0.6 percent of the placebo events which would be con- 300,000 people have died did older people. curred in the placebo group. drug, called mRNA-1273, classed as “severe” and when group. sidered life-threatening were from the virus in the US, and In a clinical trial of 30,400 The FDA also looked at were injection site pain in they were that tended to oc- There was an imbalance low, around one percent in cases continue to surge across people, 196 fell ill with Cov- detailed safety data, at a me- roughly 90 percent of cases; cur more in the young than in in “hypersensitivity” events each group, and there was no much of the country. id-19 by November 21 -- 11 in dian of nine weeks after par- fatigue in 70 percent, head- the old. -- which refers to allergic or suggestion that the vaccine The FDA document of- the vaccine group and 185 in ticipants had received the ache in 60 percent, muscle Lymphadenopathy, or inflammatory reactions by was the cause.

Israel court allows extradition of sex abuse suspect to Australia Joe Biden lashes out at Trump AFP nuel settlement in the occupied Jerusalem West Bank. Israeli Justice Minister Aviv Israel’s highest court on Nissenkorn welcomed the su- Tuesday rejected an appeal preme court ruling. against extradition to Australia “After long and agonising after election win confirmed of Malka Leifer, a former Jew- years, the time has come to do ish ultra-Orthodox school prin- justice to Leifer’s victims,” he AFP Republican leader cipal accused of sexual abuse of tweeted in Hebrew. Washington many of her pupils there. “I intend to sign the extradi- of US Senate “With the issuance of our tion order without delay.” Joe Biden said on Monday congratulates Biden judgement, all the arguments The court noted the years that US democracy proved on election win are closed and the declaration in which Australia’s extradition “resilient” against Donald of extradition takes final ef- request had been bogged down Trump’s “abuse of power” AFP fect,” said the Supreme Court in Israeli courts. after the Electoral College Washington ruling, published by the justice “More than six years have confirmed him as the next ministry. passed since a request was filed president, shutting the door Republican Senate Major- Leifer is accused of child sex in the Jerusalem district court further on unprecedented ef- ity Leader Mitch McConnell abuse while she was a teacher to declare the appellant extra- forts to overturn the results. congratulated President-elect and principal at an ultra-Ortho- dited to Australia,” it said in its In his first extended attack Joe Biden on Tuesday, dealing dox school in Melbourne, where Hebrew-language ruling. on Trump since the election, a blow to any lingering hopes she had emigrated from her na- Since then, it continued, Biden said in his hometown of Donald Trump may have tive Israel. “there is no proceeding that the Wilmington, Delaware, that had of reversing his election According to Australian me- appellant has not taken” to pre- the president and his allies defeat. dia, she faces 74 counts of child vent her extradition. “refused to respect the will of “The Electoral College sex abuse against girls. Extradition agreements the people, refused to respect has spoken,” the powerful After allegations against her signed by Israel “must be re- the rule of law, and refused to senator from Kentucky said surfaced in Australia in 2008, spected and anyone seeking to honor our constitution.” in a speech on the Senate Leifer and her family left for flee justice will not find sanctu- Biden was referring to floor. S“ o today I want to Israel and moved to the Emma- ary in Israel,” it said. a Republican lawsuit, sup- congratulate President-elect ported by Trump, that sought Joe Biden.” to overturn the results in sev- McConnell also con- eral key states, before it was US President-elect Joe Biden in Wilmington, Delaware on Monday. (AFP) gratulated California Senator rejected unanimously by the Kamala Harris on her election Paris given ‘absurd’ fine for Supreme Court last Friday. saults from the powerful pres- protesters, while in Georgia as Vice President. Biden praised voters for ident and much of his party. footage showed armed activ- “Beyond our differences, employing too many women casting ballots in record num- Biden only needed 270 ists in camouflage parading all Americans can take pride bers on November 3 despite Trump maintained his of the 538 Electoral College at the state Capitol to support that our nation has a female AFP laughed the Socialist, who was fears of Covid-19 and “enor- stream of threats and votes, which are divided up Trump’s claims. Vice President-elect for the Paris re-elected for a new term at mous political pressure, ver- among the 50 states and he Polls show as few as one in first time,” McConnell said. the helm of Paris last year. bal abuse and even threats unsubstantiated claims on was headed for a total of 306 four Republican voters accept Members of the Electoral Paris city authorities have According to the text of the of physical violence” against Twitter on Monday, citing against Trump’s 232. Count- the election results. College met around the coun- been fined for employing too ruling cited by Le Monde daily, those running the election. ‘massive VOTER FRAUD’ and ing was underway all day and Trump maintained his try on Monday and delivered many women in senior posi- city hall violated a rule dating “The flame of democracy declaring that certifying when it got to California, the stream of threats and unsub- 306 votes to Biden and 232 tions, a decision mocked as to 2013, which stipulates said was lit in this nation a long election results would be ‘a Democrat went over the mini- stantiated claims on Twitter to Trump, who has refused “absurd” by mayor Anne Hi- one sex should not account for time ago. And we now know severely punishable crime’ mum amount, making him on Monday, citing “massive to concede the November 3 dalgo on Tuesday. more than 60 of nominations nothing, not even a pandemic officially the president-elect VOTER FRAUD” and declar- election and claimed falsely The fine of 90,000 euros to management positions. or an abuse of power can ex- from that point on. ing that certifying election that it was marred by fraud. ($110,000) was demanded by - ‘Finance concrete ac- tinguish that,” Biden said. victory, even if his lawyers California’s electors burst results would be “a severely Many leading Republicans France’s public service minis- tions’ -Hidalgo said that she “Our democracy -- have not persuaded one court into applause as the presiding punishable crime.” lawmakers have refused so try on the grounds that Paris would take the cheque for pushed, tested, threatened that they have a case. officer read out the tally. The legal Electoral College far to acknowledge Biden’s city hall had broken national the fine to the government in -- proved to be resilient, true, On Monday he announced Biden, Barack Obama’s vote, however, puts an official win, but McConnell’s remarks rules on gender parity in its person, along with her depu- and strong.” that Attorney General Bill former vice president, will be stamp on what voters already are a clear signal to the White 2018 staffing. ty mayors and all the women Biden said that Trump has Barr, who contradicted his sworn in as the 46th presi- decided on November 3. House that further efforts to “I am happy to announce working for her. had full opportunity to con- fraud claims, would leave his dent on January 20. “Although I supported challenge the result are futile. that we have been fined,”H i- Taking a more serious test the results in court and post next week. Disinformation spear- President Trump, the Elec- dalgo told a city council meet- tone, she added: “This fine “in every case no cause or evi- “Bill will be leaving just headed by the president and toral College vote today ing, adding she had been filled is obviously absurd, unfair, dence was found to reverse or before Christmas to spend spread by popular commen- makes clear that Joe Biden is course, and he and the rest of with “joy” when she learned of irresponsible and danger- question or dispute.” the holidays with his family,” tators on Fox News and new now President-Elect,” tweet- the Republican Party can help the penalty. Hidalgo said she ous”, adding that women in With the Electoral College Trump tweeted. conspiracy theory-mongering ed a Republican senator, the country and themselves was faulted because 11 women France should be promoted having formalized his victory The Electoral College outlets like Newsmax means Rob Portman, signalling the by acknowledging the result and only five men were named with “vigour because the lag just hours earlier, Biden told vote, a formality confirming many Americans have all but changing tide. and moving on,” it said. to management positions in everywhere in France is still the bitterly divided country: the will of voters expressed at given up faith in their own in- In another shift, the Ahead of Biden’s inaugu- city hall in 2018, meaning that very great”. “It’s time to turn the page.” the polls, is usually ignored by stitutions. staunchly Trump-supporting ration one major formality 69 percent of the appoint- “Yes, to one day achieve “I’m convinced we can all but hardcore politics buffs. Thousands of Trump sup- editorial board of The Wall remains, when Congress, pre- ments went to women. parity, we must speed up the work together for the good of This year, the somewhat porters, including members Street Journal told Trump sided over by Vice President “The management of the tempo and ensure that more the nation,” he said. arcane procedure took center of far-right groups, protested that his time is up. Mike Pence, opens up and city hall has, all of a sudden, women are appointed than Trump continues to main- stage as the US election sys- in Washington at the week- “President Trump’s le- counts the electoral votes on become far too feminist,” men,” she said. tain that he was cheated of tem withstood weeks of as- end, brawling with counter- gal challenges have run their January 6. Russian MC-21 jet completes breakthrough test flight

AFP country back in the highest sanctions barring US compa- following a period of economic facturers, barely sold abroad. Moscow league of civil aviation”, said nies from exporting products instability in the wake of the The fleet has experienced Rostec CEO Sergei Chemezov. to around a dozen Russian Soviet Union’s collapse. a slew of technical problems Russia’s next-generation The jet was fitted with a companies in 2018, mainly The plane aims to compete since it took flight and has suf- MC-21 plane completed fully Russian-produced PD-14 over Moscow’s annexation of with European aircraft manu- fered several fatal accidents. its first test flight using a engine, developed after US Crimea in 2014. facturer Airbus’s A320 and On Tuesday, Industry Russian-made engine, state sanctions barred deliveries of The MC-21 is now sched- Boeing’s 737 passenger jet. Minister Denis Manturov said corporation Rostec said on essential parts for the project uled to come into service in In 2011, Russia commis- the MC-21 test flight illustrated Tuesday, after the aircraft’s to Russia. 2021, as the global aviation in- sioned its first civilian jet after Russia’s successes in the avia- rollout was delayed by US The MC-21 plane made its dustry suffers severe setbacks the fall of the Soviet Union, tion sector. sanctions. first test flight in May 2017 and because of the coronavirus which it named the Sukhoi “We have trained a new The medium-range plane’s was due to enter into circula- pandemic. Superjet 100. generation of builders and test flight from the Siberian tion at the end of 2018 until Officials hoped the aircraft But the plane, which was workers, and we are seeing the The MC-21-310 passenger plane with Russian-produced PD-14 engines city of Irkutsk lasted one hour, the sanctions forced a delay. would symbolise the rebirth produced in conjunction with fruits of the labour of tens of is seen during its test flight in Irkutsk on Tuesday.( AFP) 25 minutes, and put “our Washington imposed the of Russia’s aviation industry a variety of European manu- thousands of people,” he said. AAB launches new Lexus IS 2021 page 14

Wednesday, December 16, 2020

30,230.46 10,480.69 46263.17 1,855.50 +368.91 pts -1.27 pts +9.71 pts Gold +1.28 % 4 startups emerge winners of Dow QE sensex QBIC’s 2nd wave of LMP page 13 Price percentage Price percentage 24.63 Brent 50.77 +0.95 % WTI 47.63 +1.36 % Silver +2.42 % Qatar-Austria trade volume exceeds $210 mn: QC chief 36 Austrian companies including three wholly-owned operational in Qatar Tribune News Network Doha

Qatar Chamber Chairman Sheikh Khalifa bin Jassim Al Thani participated in the General Assembly Meeting of the 29th Session and 30th Meeting of the Board of Di- rectors of the Arab-Austro The 26th session of the Partnership Summit 2020 kicked off in Mumbai on Tuesday. Chamber of Commerce (AACC) held on Tuesday via videoconference. The meetings discussed a Kuwari chairs Qatar’s team report on the economic and commercial cooperation be- tween Arab countries and Aus- at Partnership Summit 2020 tria, in addition to other topics identified in the agenda. Tribune News Network held under the theme “Partner- Additionally, the summit For his part, Sheikh Doha ships for Lives, Livelihood, and features looking into expand- Khalifa underscored the im- Growth”, is aimed at discussing ing business partnership op- portance of economic coop- Qatar Chamber Chairman Sheikh Khalifa bin Jassim Al Thani participates in a meeting of Arab-Austro Minister of Commerce and ways to enhance trade and in- portunities in various sectors eration between both sides, Chamber of Commerce held online on Tuesday. Industry HE Ali bin Ahmed vestment cooperation channels of common interest. noting that the AACC plays a Al Kuwari chaired the Qatari between Qatar and India, shed- The Partnership Summit vital role in this regard, and as strengthen cooperation these relations. and three companies with delegation that participated ding light on Qatar’s investment had 25 previous sessions, wit- acts as a bridge between Arab prospects between business The two countries’ bilateral full Austrian capital, he said. in the 26th session of the environment, as well as the nessing the participation of a states and Austria. sectors for the good of both trade amounted to $ 210 mil- Founded in 1989, AACC Partnership Summit 2020. promising investment opportu- number of ministers, senior Pointing out the strong countries’ economies. lion last year, while it reached aims to strengthen the eco- Held through videoconfer- nities that would contribute to officials, decision-makers, relation between Qatar and Qatar and Austria en- $138 million at the end of the nomic and commercial ties ence, the four-day summit attracting more foreign direct business leaders, political Austria, he underlined the joy close and multi-faceted third quarter of 2020. between Austria and the began in Mumbai on Tuesday. investments and enhancing Qa- leaders, investment organisa- interest of both countries to relations, he noted adding There are about 33 Aus- Arab countries, as well as en- The participation of Qatar tar’s competitive position in the tions, investors, and experts promote their investment that the private sectors in trian companies operating in hance communication in sci- in this year’s summit, which was region and beyond. in industrial field. and trade cooperation, as well both sides sought to support Qatar with Qatari partners ence, art and technology.

MoCI-New Economy & Business Wednesday, December 16, 2020 13 QND an occasion to celebrate 4 startups emerge winners achievements, praise values of solidarity, unity: Kuwari of QBIC’s 2nd wave of LMP

QNA Mohsin Al Shaikh’s Oxy Tank, Khalifa Al Thani’s Biscuit Factory, Hassan Al Doha Ansari’s Arkana and Beehive from Sarah Al Dorani and Eliana are the winners Minister of Commerce and Industry HE Ali bin Ahmed Al Kuwari affirmed that Qa- Tribune News Network tar National Day is an occasion to celebrate Doha the huge and honorable achievements thanks to the vision of the wise leadership The Qatar Business Incuba- and a milestone for maintaining the values tion Center (QBIC) has suc- of solidarity, unity and patriotism, which cessfully concluded the sec- were established by the founder Sheikh ond wave of its newly formed Jassim bin Mohammed bin Than. The Lean Manufacturing Program founder laid the foundation for establishing (LMP), following an event the State of Qatar that turned the State into streamed live from QBIC’s a cohesive society and a united and inde- headquarters in Doha. pendent country. The seven-week pro- In an exclusive statement to the Qatar gramme, which is the first of News Agency (QNA) on the occasion of the its kind in the country, has National Day, the minister said the slogan Minister of Commerce and Industry HE Ali bin seen several promising in- of the National Day this year “We praise Ahmed Al Kuwari dustrial startups and rapidly you, the Lord of the Throne”, is taken growing manufacturing com- from poetic verses from the founder of the panies take part in practical State of Qatar. The leaders and sons of the workshops and developmental country who were raised in the spirit of online sessions. what the slogan signifies believed that the The LMP team received path of victory could not be achieved except applications from more than with determination, patience and making ‘Inspiring devp policies’ 40 startups, out of which five massive sacrifices with the help of God teams were selected to pitch Almighty. Minister of Commerce and Industry HE Ali their ideas before a panel of The minister explained that the lead- bin Ahmed Al Kuwari said that Qatar has expert judges. The four win- experts. sion. Another successful wave tional seminars by the team ers of the State, since its establishment, pursued inspiring development policies that ners for the second wave of the The LMP is designed to of the LMP concludes today, at Fab-Lab. Participants were have exerted everything that would raise ensure self-reliance, cooperation and programme were Oxy Tank build the capacity of compa- but we are excited to continue also given the opportunity to the country and its people, and the State international openness as strategic (Mohsin Al Shaikh), which nies that are aiming to manu- supporting Qatari talent to visit Jahiz factories and QBIC of Qatar today has become a civilized, principles to raise various regional and produces watertank coolers; facture products and goods in achieve maximum potential industrial workshop where developmental and economic model to be global challenges, especially the economic Biscuit Factory (Khalifa Al Qatar. Participants in the LMP within the manufacturing in- they received advice and guid- emulated. repercussions of the global COVID-19 Thani), a made-in-Qatar bis- are trained to develop their dustry.” ance from factory owners on He pointed out that Qatar has pursued pandemic. He stressed that Qatar, thanks cuit production startup; Arka- ideas alongside invaluable Within this programme, how to scale their operations. inspiring development policies that ensure to the guidance of its wise leadership, has na (Hassan Al Ansari) which insights provided by interna- entrepreneurs and busi- Graduates of the LMP can self-reliance, cooperation and international demonstrated its ability to deal with one of has an innovative approach to tional experts and partners, ness owners gain a thorough, now transfer their knowledge openness as strategic principles to raise air conditioning, and Beehive as QBIC continues to deliver hands-on understanding and skills to empower indi- various regional and global challenges, the most difficult challenges by adopting a (Sarah Al Dorani and Eliana), world-class content that is rel- of the holistic manufactur- viduals currently within the especially the economic repercussions of flexible strategy that places the health and bringing the number of ideas evant to the local market. ing process through a series industrial and manufacturing the global COVID-19 pandemic. safety of citizens and residents at the top of started by LMP to 16. Hamad Dashin Al Qahta- of practical sessions that are sector, as they pave the way to He stressed that Qatar, thanks to the its priorities and has directed an important QBIC will support the win- ni, General Manager at QBIC, based on the lean methodol- leading change within the sec- guidance of its wise leadership, has dem- part of its efforts to preserve the strength ners by providing each with said. “It is a pleasure to see ogy. tor in Qatar. Program gradu- onstrated its ability to deal with one of the and durability of its national economy. a workshop space at a sub- more aspiring entrepreneurs During the programme, ates leave with the skills and most difficult challenges by adopting a sidised rate and a dedicated participating in the LMP. This participants visited Fab-Lab knowledge to efficiently scale flexible strategy that places the health and office space, in addition to is proof that we are stead- at QBIC to learn more about their operations and grow into safety of citizens and residents at the top of gradually lifted in line with the stages set by on-going coaching and men- ily achieving self-sufficiency digital manufacturing and the next stage of the produc- its priorities and has directed an important the Supreme Committee for Crisis Man- torship services by industry in line with the nation’s vi- received a number of inspira- tion cycle. part of its efforts to preserve the strength agement, the minister pointed out, adding and durability of its national economy. that in parallel with this, an important The minister said the country has set of awareness-raising campaigns about moved forward towards continuing its sound business and health practices were march to achieve Qatar National Vision launched to intensify inspection campaigns 2030, as it adopted an inspiring model in on various commercial activities in the QFTH announces Wave 2 of flagship programmes crisis management by adopting integrated country. mechanisms and procedures that ensured He confirmed the ministry’s direc- Tribune News Network empowering services to fuel the financial service ecosystem the sustainability of the economy and tion, through the committee concerned Doha the digital transformation of in Qatar”. business continuity and enabled recovery with studying and addressing the private the markets across the region “The announcement of and restoration of growth within a record sector’s obstacles, towards coordinating Qatar FinTech Hub (QFTH), and globe. the second wave of the pro- period. cooperation with the various concerned co-founded by Qatar Develop- QFTH aims to develop the grammes shows our commit- Qatar succeeded in maintaining its government agencies in order to approve a ment Bank (QDB) and estab- Fintech industry in Qatar, in ment towards the develop- credit rating, with the testimony of stud- set of exemptions in support of the private lished to support the growth of accordance with the Qatar Na- ment of the financial service ies conducted by international institutions sector, such as canceling the rental value of the FinTech industry in Qatar, tional Fintech Strategy created ecosystem in Qatar,” conclud- for 2020 that unanimously affirmed the industrial land for a period of 6 months for has announced that registra- by Qatar Central Bank (QCB), ed Al Khalifa. country’s high credit rating and confirmed factories in the Small and Medium Enter- tion for Wave 2 of its flagship and to contribute and reiter- Upon the completion of the stable future outlook for its economy, prises Zone and Mesaieed, in addition to Incubator and Accelerator ate Qatar’s position as a lead- the programmes, eligible par- Kuwari added, indicating in the same exempting operating factories from paying Programmes is now open. ing international FinTech hub ticipants will also be referred context that the IMF confirmed in its latest electricity and water fees for a period of 6 Both programmes are set to in the region, as outlined in to QCB’s Sandbox where they reports on promising prospects for the Qa- months. start in March and will run un- QDB CEO Abdulaziz bin Nasser Qatar’s National Vision 2030. will receive support on licens- tari economy, which is expected to achieve He pointed out that an important quali- til June 2021. Al Khalifa The first wave of the Incubator ing needs in Qatar, in addition growth of 3 percent between 2021-2022. tative leap had been achieved in the path of Catering to both local and and Accelerator Programs are to benefiting from a fee waiver He noted that these economic indica- supporting national companies, referring global FinTech entrepreneurs USD$250,000 with bespoke centered around payments in on registration. Licensing op- tors translate the speedy measures taken to the role of the recently issued Public- and startups who are looking mentoring and training pro- alignment with the Qatar Fin- portunities from Qatar Finan- by the State, which balanced between Private Partnership Law (PPP law) in for a launchpad and a hub in vided by QFTH in the form Tech Strategy, and in synergy cial Center (QFC) as well as strengthening the immunity and integrity framing the contribution of private sector the Middle East to acceler- of investment. Additionally, with QCB - Sandbox and up- the opportunity to collaborate of financial and banking markets and the institutions and motivating them to partici- ate their growth at an inter- this investment will ensure coming regulations. with over 17 local financial general budget on the one hand, and sup- pate in the implementation of the country’s national level, the FinTech a long-term relationship be- Commenting on the antici- institutions and regulators porting the private sector on the other. major development projects, especially Programmes will comprise of tween the hub and the FinTech pated Wave 2 of the FinTech who are part of the QFTH In this regard, the minister said Qatar projects related to the 2022 FIFA World an Incubator for early-stage to help them navigate the local Programmes, Abdulaziz bin task force including Dukhan allocated about QR75 billion in financial Cup organization. startups, and an Accelerator financialservice ecosystem in Nasser Al Khalifa, Chief Ex- Bank, the QFC and Ooredoo. and economic incentives to private sector The minister affirmed that the ministry for mature FinTechs. Qatar and also support them ecutive Officer of Qatar Devel- In addition to this, a range of enterprises, including small, medium and will continue to work to raise all challenges The highly anticipated in raising the future rounds of opment Bank & Fintech Task business development oppor- micro-enterprises, which contributed to that would face the various components FinTech programmes in Wave funding. Force Chairman, said: “The tunities on the global scale will reducing their burdens and encouraging of the private sector and support them 2 will focus on emerging tech- During the current pro- first wave of the QFTH Incu- also be made available to the them to maintain the continuity of their in the economic recovery phase from the nologies for financial services. gramme of Wave 1, interna- bator and Accelerator Pro- successful FinTechs. business under the current circumstances. pandemic and direct them towards prior- The call for applications tional and local FinTechs are grams received an overwhelm- As part of its commitment Regarding the role of the Ministry of ity economic sectors based on technology, will open during middle of taking part in a series of high- ing response with over 750 to offer world-class expertise Commerce and Industry during the pan- scientific research and development as December 2020 for a period level Business Development applicants from 72 countries, to participating FinTechs, demic, the minister explained that the they are considered the locomotive of the of 8 weeks. FinTechs applying meetings and specialized Mas- including Qatar, UK, USA, QFTH is continuously collab- ministry, in turn, was keen to accelerate the national economy towards achieving Qatar to the programmes will get an terclasses conducted by QFTH India, Singapore, Turkey, Ni- orating with strategic stake- response to the repercussions of COVID-19 National Vision 2030. opportunity to be part of a 12- partners and renowned speak- geria, Germany, Russia, Indo- holders within the FinTech and to organize commercial and industrial Kuwari extended congratulations to week incubation or accelera- ers from across the world. The nesia, and Australia. Follow- ecosystem including financial activities in accordance with the procedures HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad tion journey that will provide structure of the program en- ing a thorough and multilevel institutions, technology pro- and measures adopted to limit the spread Al Thani, HH the Father Amir Sheikh essential support required to forces a refined early selection evaluation process, 11 early- viders, payment networks, of the pandemic and protect the health and Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani and HH the establish their businesses lo- process which in turn is maxi- stage startups and 12 mature Global FinTech Hubs, aca- safety of citizens and residents. Necessary Deputy Amir Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad cally, regionally, and interna- mizing value for all stakehold- FinTechs were chosen to join demia, and regulators. Recent decisions and circulars were issued to stop Al Thani, expressing honor in renewing the tionally. ers. With Demo Day scheduled the ongoing partnerships include Amazon, some commercial activities and then the covenant and loyalty to HH the Amir and Each participating Fin- in January 2021, the Wave 1 programmes. Progress Soft, Vodafone, and restrictions imposed on these sectors were determination to serve the State. Tech will receive financial FinTechs are well on their way “The FinTechs have been Global Positioning System and in-kind support of up to to launch a host of new and welcomed with open arms by (GPS) to name a few. Qatari laws strengthen arbitration institutions, says Sheikh Thani Al Thani

Tribune News Network Commerce’s (ICC) Court of ties enjoy a broad freedom 2021, the ICC New Rules of ald, Senior Associate Pinsent Doha International Arbitration, was to agree on arbitration pro- Arbitration shall enter into Masons, and Thomas Wil- addressing a virtual forum of cedures which are character- force, he said, stressing that liams, Partner of Sultan Al- The issuance of Law No 2 of the ICC Young Arbitrators Fo- ised with efficiency, flexibil- they focus on efficiency, flex- Abdulla & Partners. 2017 promulgating the civil rum (YAF) under the theme ity, and confidentiality,” he ibility, and transparency to Moderated by ICC YAF and commercial arbitra- ‘Arbitration in Qatar: Current said. keep the rules attractive and Qatar Representative Saad tion and Qatar becoming a Issues & The Next Generation Underscoring the impor- innovative. Hegazy, the online webinar seat of arbitration in several Opportunities’. tance of arbitration, Sheikh “The New rules embrace explored the current issues cases attest to the impor- “The Qatari Arbitration Thani noted that arbitration virtual hearings as an option and the future of interna- tance the country attaches to Law strengthens the role of and other forms of ADR are to the parties due to Covid-19 tional arbitration in Qatar, dispute resolution, Sheikh arbitration institutions and gaining popularity and con- pandemic.” HE said. and the opportunities for Dr Thani bin Ali Al Thani their authority in adminis- fidence by the contracting Speakers included Dr young international arbitra- has said. trating the procedures. It parties, whether public or Nader Ibrahim, Professor tion practitioners, as well as Shiekh Thani, a member contains only few mandatory private entities. of Law College of Law Qatar the current issues commonly of International Chamber of rules. This means that par- With the approach of Sheikh Dr Thani bin Ali Al Thani University; Pamela McDon- experienced in Qatar. 14 Wednesday, December 16, 2020 Economy & Business Building sales dominate property deals Decarbonisation crucial to cement last week: Ezdan report position of gas in energy mix: GECF

Tribune News Network Doha GECF’s third annual workshop discusses impact of climate action and initiatives on energy and gas markets

Real Estate deals worth Tribune News Network According to him, decar- QR373.7 million took place Doha bonising natural gas is gaining between December 6 and 10 momentum and companies are in Qatar, the latest Ezdan Real As the world gets increasingly exploring alternative options, Estate report has said, cit- committed to limiting global including carbon offsets in the ing figures from the country’s warming to well below 2C de- LNG market, as evidenced by Real Estate Registration De- grees, the success of various the recent announcement by partment. Of this, building initiatives to decarbonise natu- Qatar Petroleum in its sales sales during the period gen- ral gas will be key to ensure agreement with Singapore’s erated QR 210 million and that this fastest growing and Pavilion Energy. 56.2 percent of the sale trade the cleanest hydrocarbon fuel “Consequently, decarbon- value. Meanwhile, the sale of remains prevailing in the fu- ising natural gas is becoming vacant land lots saw transac- ture energy mix, participants of increasingly important for the tion worth QR163.6 million, a recently-held Workshop on gas industry. The resilience of representing 43.8 percent of Environmental Advantages of natural gas in the energy mix the total, the report, which is Natural Gas heard. will depends on success of de- sponsored by SAK Partner- Organised by the Gas Ex- carbonising it,” concluded Di ships, said. porting Countries Forum Odoardo. All seven municipalities (GECF), the 3rd annual edi- The final speaker of the — Umm Salal, Al-Khor, Al- tion of the workshop was held workshop, the Policy and Envi- Thakhira, Doha, Al-Rayyan, virtually and in the backdrop ronment Analyst at the GECF, Al-Shamal, Al-Daayen and of COVID-19 pandemic when Sid-Ahmad Hamdani, shared Al-Wakrah, saw property countries are juxtaposed be- key insights from the perspec- sales during the period. The tween the need to restore tive of developing an Energy deals included sale of vacant economies and implement en- Sustainability Index (ESI). land lots, residences, multi- vironmental safeguards. The An ESI aggregates several use buildings and mixed-use importance of environmental GECF Secretary General Yury Sentyurin (top) , (L-R) Wood Mackenzie’s Global Gas Analysis VP Massimo Di Odoardo, Head of GECF’s Energy Econom- indicators on different energy- pace and residential build- protection in energy systems ics and Forecasting Department Dmitry Sokolov and GECF Policy and Environment Analyst Sid-Ahmad Hamdani address the GECF virtual workshop. sustainability dimensions. It ings. was evident in the workshop’s allows ranking of countries Al-Daayan municipality size, whose participants have climate policy orientations that ed the prospects for energy- targets of the Paris Agreement quarter of global gas demand,” according to the sustainability witnessed the highest deals been increasing in numbers will unfold in the future. “The related CO2 emissions in the and more and more efforts are noted Di Odoardo. of their energy systems and as- in terms of value by selling a since the first edition. world hopes to maintain emis- 2020 edition of the Global Gas needed to reach the UN SDGs”. “With COP26 in Glasgow sesses the position of natural multi- use land lot in Jeryan The event was opened by sions on a decreasing trend Outlook 2050. This landmark The Secretariat official also scheduled for November next gas in different countries not Jenayhat. The transaction the Secretary General of the through sustainable means annual publication is based added, that “switching from year, others might follow suit. only on the environmental generated up to QR16.5 mil- Forum, Yury Sentyurin, who with activities running and on the most comprehensive coal-to-gas, and oil-to-gas in A new, more ambitious climate dimension, but also through lion at a price of QR13,750 outlined the ongoing efforts of economic prosperity on track. modelling tool available today transport, for instance, will al- change goal might well be on considering other criteria in- per square foot. The land lot the GECF Secretariat to moni- That is where natural gas is – the GECF Global Gas Model low the world to significantly the horizon, perhaps supported cluding energy access, compet- extends over an area of 1200 tor climate actions and ini- supporting nations globally.” – and allows the Secretariat to reduce CO2 emissions on a by a new Biden (the US Presi- itiveness and affordability. square meters. tiatives, assess their impact on “Although there is a con- provide energy balances with a global scale.” dent-elect) administration.” According to the expert, Rental rates energy and gas markets and sensus around the need to full forecast on energy-related The subject of how to de- It should be noted that net- the framework for GECF’s ESI The report highlighted the highlight the inherent features achieve a transition towards emissions for all energy sectors carbonise natural gas and zero emissions and carbon- takes into consideration six rental rates of Ezdan Real Es- of natural gas that make this more efficient, less carbon- up to 2050. make it a zero-emission source neutral system don’t mean criteria: access to modern en- tate developments in Doha, energy source compatible with intensive and sustainable en- “Countries that adopted of energy was also tackled by that fossil fuels, including gas, ergy, availability and reliabil- namely “Msheireb” com- the UN Sustainable Develop- ergy systems, countries need natural gas immediately bene- the Vice President of Wood will cease to exist to ensure ity of supply, affordability and pounds, which are ones of the ment Goals and Paris Agree- to consider energy options that fitted from a reduction of emis- Mackenzie’s Global Gas Analy- zero greenhouse gas emissions competitiveness, reduction of most key residential projects. ment provisions. allow for achieving the appro- sions. For 2020, we of course sis, Massimo Di Odoardo, who (GHGs). Carbon sinks, includ- GHGs, pollution mitigation They enjoy a premium loca- The GECF is working with priate balance between envi- understand that reduction of outlined the various challenges ing carbon capture and seques- from energy-related activities, tion in the center of Doha, in the most reputable interna- ronmental and climate-related CO2 emission is mostly due and options that different play- tration, and carbon offsets, will and cooperation between en- vicinity from the Doha Cor- tional institutions such as the commitments on one side, and to the slowdown of the global ers are currently exploring. be key to achieve carbon neu- ergy stakeholders. niche. The complexes include UNFCCC, UNECE, UNESCO, social and economic progress economy, but this process is “2020 will be remembered trality. “A balanced energy solu- about 803 residential units, G20, BRICS in a broad dia- on the other side,” added Sen- also due to the effect of pen- as the year when China, Japan “But obviously, renewables tion is one that enables a stable all consisting of two rooms. logue on the essential role of tyurin. etration of more natural gas and South Korea have pledged and other emerging zero and and synchronised progress of The monthly rent for a fur- natural gas in achieving the The welcoming remarks into the global economy,” said to achieve a carbon neutral low-carbon energy, including all these criteria. This is why nished apartment QR3900, ambitious targets. were followed by Head of the Sokolov. energy system, following an- hydrogen, will gain traction, we want to assess and score while the monthly rent for an According to him, the COV- GECF’s Energy Economics “However, any progress (on nouncement from the UK and providing substantial down- different energy options based unfurnished apartment starts ID-19 pandemic has triggered a and Forecasting Department, emissions) between 2010 and the EU in 2019. Those coun- side risk to natural gas in the on these criteria,” noted Ham- at QR3750. large debate on the energy and Dmitry Sokolov, who present- 2019 is not enough to meet the tries together represent about a long term,” he added. dani. Sports sedan redefined: AAB launches new Lexus IS 2021

Tribune News Network Doha Bold exterior AAB launched the new Lexus ● New model features bold IS in Education City Golf Club. exterior styling and athletic The event was attended by silhouette AAB Acting CEO RK Murugan, Senior Marketing Manager Fi- ● New 10.3-inch ras Mufti and Senior Manager touchscreen multimedia (Lexus National Sales) Ahmed system with Apple CarPlay Abusaad, in addition to senior and Android Auto AAB managers, staff and Lex- compatibility us Brand ambassador Amal Ameen, along with Media rep- ● Vehicle incorporates resentatives and influencers. state-of-the-art Welcoming the guests, technologies including the Firas Mufti said, “Today is a latest Lexus Safety special day because not only System+ are we launching a new vehi- cle but we are perfecting the Lexus brand and DNA with East. The latest version of the “Previous generations of duction. rear fenders blend into the ture. Owners can choose from (AHB). this bold and athletic vehicle.” popular vehicle remains true the IS already enjoy a strong The suspension stabilizer extended, lowered rear deck, two engine options; an up- The vehicle also includes RK Murugan added: “Since to its foundation as a front-en- reputation among drivers, bar has also been optimized creating a low stance and em- dated 2.0-liter, turbocharged comprehensive safety fea- the debut of its first genera- gine, rear-wheel-drive sports and we are confident that the using a new material to pro- phasizing the L-shaped full- and intercooled inline four- tures designed to protect tion in 1999, the IS has been sedan, while expanding on many refinements our design vide a 17 percent weight re- width rear light. cylinder engine delivering 241 its occupants, such as 8 renowned for its exhilarat- the qualities that have built its and engineering teams have duction. The new model’s distinct hp and 350 Nm of torque, and SRS airbags, Vehicle Stabil- ing driving performance and loyal following. made, created a performance The new bold exterior styl- personality is completed by a sophisticated 3.5-liter V6 ity Control (VSC), Traction sporty styling and has sold “What we had foremost that everyone can be passion- ing and athletic silhouette of its exquisite interior, which engine that produces 311 hp Control (TRC), Anti-lock more than a million units over in mind when developing the ate about. I’d like to thank our the 2021 IS signifies the agile invites drivers and passengers and 380 Nm of torque. The Braking System (ABS) with two decades. With the unveil- new IS was to create a vehicle loyal customers in the region changes that have taken place to enjoy a range of advanced two engines are paired with Electronic Brakeforce Dis- ing of the 2021 model, it is that excelled in communicat- for continually inspiring us as below the surface. features for a refined cabin an eight-speed sport direct- tribution (EBD), Brake As- clear that careful craftmanship ing with the driver, regardless we strive to create Amazing The new IS evokes lower, experience. These include a shift automatic transmission sist (BA), Blind Spot Monitor and countless hours of testing of the road conditions or driv- Experiences by transforming wider proportions with mus- new 10.3-inch touchscreen that offers superb drivabil- (BSM), Parking Support Alert have gone into developing the ing situation,” said Chief Engi- performance into passion and cular fenders, reflecting the multimedia system featuring ity, together with outstanding (PKSA), Rear Cross-Traffic best IS to date. We are excited neer Naoki Kobayashi. technology into imagination.” vehicle’s high performance. Apple CarPlay and Android fuel efficiency and quietness Alert (RCTA), Active Corner- to launch the new Lexus IS in “We retained the well-re- One of the first things that The sleek lines are also com- Auto compatibility, a 4.2-inch even at high speed. ing Assist (ACA), and Hill- Qatar, a vehicle that combines ceived compact body, and set Lexus’ engineers targeted was plemented with aggressive color multi-information dis- As with any Lexus vehi- start Assist Control (HAC), luxury and performance in out to deliver exceptional ride to enhance the IS’s body ri- sharpness carved into the side play (MID), and a dual-zone cle, safety is a top priority for among many others. perfect harmony.” comfort while offering a high gidity. This not only helps to and shoulder character lines. automatic climate control the new Lexus IS. Drivers can Further adding to its styl- Following the reveal of level of control. The longer reduce unwanted noise and vi- The 2021 IS’s newly de- system with touch-sensitive enjoy complete peace of mind ish visual appeal, the 2021 the all new Leux IS, the guests the new IS is driven, the more bration, but also improves ride signed spindle grille features controls. The vehicle also of- thanks to the Lexus Safety Lexus IS comes in a refined participated in the Golf clinic, one can experience the fun of comfort and contributes to an intricate pattern that em- fers SmartAccess with push- System+, an advanced safety range of color options that organized by the Education driving – we wanted people to dynamic driving performance phasizes a sense of presence, button start, a 17-speaker technology package that in- allow discerning owners to City Golf Club coaches where feel the aspirations of the team through enhanced steering re- while the slender headlamps Mark Levinson sound system, cludes Pre-Collision System customize their vehicles ac- they had the chance to com- who created it.” sponse. and daytime running lights a powered moonroof, 8-way (PCS) which include Auto- cording to their tastes. Cus- pete with one another in a Kei Fujita, Chief Repre- To complement these with a sharp L-shape signa- adjustable powered and ven- matic Emergency Braking tomers can choose from casual and fun setup and win sentative, Middle East and enhancements, multiple re- ture have been redesigned to tilated front seats, as well as (AEB) and Emergency Steer- seven distinctive exterior col- some exclusive prizes. Central Asia Representative finements were made to the complement the low-profile ample luggage space thanks ing Assist (ESA), Daytime ours. Meanwhile, the interior Striking a perfect balance ‎Office, Toyota Motor Corpo- suspension setup. The new IS hood. New rocker panels ac- to the 60:40 split-folding rear Pedestrian Detection (DPD), comes in three elegant col- between sportiness and so- ration, said, “We are excited features coil springs that are cent a side profile that features seats. all-speed range Dynamic Ra- ours — Ocher, Dark Rose, and phistication that embodies the to launch the new Lexus IS in 20 percent lighter than the a sharper contour and carries The new Lexus IS’s eye- dar Cruise Control (DRCC), the universal Black. Two new- aspirations of customers in the the region, a vehicle that com- outgoing model, as well as new into the muscular shoulders catching looks are comple- Lane Departure Alert (LDA), ly developed wheel designs region, the 2021 Lexus IS has bines luxury and performance forged aluminum A-arms that over the rear wheel wells. At mented by its balanced, linear Lane Tracing Alert (LTA), and have also been introduced in been launched in the Middle in perfect harmony. offer an 18 percent weight re- the back of the vehicle, the and confident driving signa- Adaptive High-beam System 18-inch and 19-inch sizes. Wednesday, December 16, 2020 15 Economy & Business

Auto Class Cars launches all-new Maxus vehicles in Qatar The launch includes the new Maxus V80, as well as all-new V90 (Deliver 9), the G50 MPV and the D60 mid-size SUV Satyendra Pathak High-performance, The All-New Maxus D60 Doha MAXUS D60 is an all-new SUV great design launched by SAIC-MAXUS. The To meet the growing demand for new car is positioned in a medium- eco-friendly Maxus brand of ve- The all-new Maxus V90 is sized SUV and offers 7-seat layout. hicles in Qatar, Auto Class Cars, a completely new minivan The D60 made its global debut the authorised general distribu- that employs cutting-edge with a 1.5-liter turbocharged en- tor of Maxus in Qatar, launched design with its large, gine mated to a seven-speed DCT four new Maxus vehicles in Doha octagonal and chrome- under its hood. This setup gener- on Monday. laden grille and smaller ates a decent 159hp and 250Nm The launch included the new and more defined LED of torque. Its massive octagonal 12-seater bus Maxus V80, and three lights grille up front features a honey- all-new vehicles – the 16-seater bus comb-like design. This is flanked Maxus V90, the G50 MPV compact ● The new Maxus V80 has by aggressive-looking swept-back vehicle, and the seven-seater mid- now a shorter wheelbase that headlamps as well as a pair of size D60 SUV – that are introduced accommodates 12 seats sporty fog lamps. for the first time in Qatar. The D60 also gets a gigantic Speaking at the launching cer- ● The all-new Maxus G50 is a 8-inch infotainment display up emony, Nasser Bin Khaled Group compact MPV with seven front, complemented by a 12.3-inch Managing Director- Auto Sheikh seats for executive luxury full LCD digital instrument panel. Faleh bin Nawaf Al Thani “The transportation As a mid-sized SUV for the family, launch of four new vehicles from it considers more on practicality in the renowned Maxus brand is in ● Maxus D60 is positioned in the interior design. A large area of line with our strategy to bring to medium-sized SUV and offers soft material is used above the cent- Qatar the best and latest prod- 7-seat layout er console to highlight the excellent ucts the meet expectations of our texture. customers.” Nasser Bin Khaled Group Managing Director- Auto Sheikh Faleh bin Nawaf Al Thani with senior officials of Auto Class Cars Sheikh Faleh said, “Maxus is at the launch of all-new Maxus vehicles in Doha on Monday. The New Maxus V80 globally known for its reliability The new Maxus V80 has now a and sustainability. The brand has shorter wheelbase that accommo- always responded to the needs of dates 12 seats. It is equipped with customers in terms of individual standard headlamps that come with use, family use or transportation tilt adjustability and LED Daytime use. These vehicles add great value Running Light. to the Maxus portfolio in Qatar.” In terms of Interior design, the Auto Class Cars General Man- Maxus V80 is distinguished with its ager Hesham Al Sahn, who also Humanized Design Interior. From addressed the gathering on the front to back, Maxus V80 gives you occasion, said the launch of three efficiency and comfort. With its Vari- all-new models from Maxus is a ous Space Arrangement, the incred- clear indication of the ambitious ible boot space and various styles of plans that Auto Class Cars has for seat arrangement allow V80 in pro- the brand in Qatar. viding various setting possible for “This launch is part of Auto different occasion. The Centre Con- Class Cars and Maxus expansion sole is simple that facilitates the ease plan in Qatar that aims to meet of usage in a modern way. the increasing demand for reli- The All-New Maxus V90 touchscreen display. All mod- compact MPV with seven seats for minimal effort, and while bigger Its surging power comes from able and eco-friendly transport The all-new Maxus V90 (Deliver 9) els also feature electrically-assisted executive luxury transportation. than a typical MPV. an advanced, economical 2.5-litre solutions,” he said. is a completely new minivan that power steering, rear doors that open The G50 is equipped with a 12- The technology also includes turbo-diesel engine that gener- “These new vehicles are distin- employs cutting-edge design with 260 degrees and a choice of normal, inch infotainment system, pano- USB, AUX, and Bluetooth con- ates 134hp of power and 330Nm guished with their quality, design, its large, octagonal and chrome- eco and power driving modes. ramic sunroof, LED headlamps, nectivity options, rear parking of torque. Besides, the new ver- feature and 5-star safety ranking, laden grille and smaller and more Propulsion comes in the form of automatic air-conditioning and sensors, automatic climate con- sion is equipped with Automated making them the perfect fit for eve- defined LED lights. The 16-seat bus a brand-spanking 2-litre Turbo Die- power tailgate. trol, a keyless entry system with Mechanical Transmission (AMT), ry day’s use. With the new vehicles, is an ideal solution for transport. sel Direct injection engine produc- Powering and motivating the push-start, steering wheel audio the computer-controlled automat- Maxus enters a new era of produc- From inside it is similarly stylish ing 148hp and 375Nm for European G50 is a 1.5-liter turbocharged en- controls, and cruise control among ic system based on the dry clutch tion, and together with Auto Class with its ‘panoramic’ and curved customers, with torque peaking as gine that produces 159hp and 250 other features. The G50 is also and manual transmission. Com- Cars, we are confident that this dashboard which employs a mix of low as 1,500rpm. Interestingly, a Nm of torque, making for decent equipped with power-adjustable pared with traditional ATAMT, the brand will maintain its top position hard and soft-touch plastics. Its in- lot of work has gone into improv- performance over naturally aspi- seats for select variants. new AMT is simpler, more stable as one of the favourite brands in terior appears to now be one of the ing the NVH (noise, vibration and rated rivals. The engine is mated to Safety for all variants includes and its volume is smaller than the Qatar,” he said. smartest and most car-like of any harshness) with rubber-molded and a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission driver and front passenger airbags, previous version. The launching ceremony, large van on sale giving the sense of foam covers surrounding the en- that courses the power to the front 3-point seatbelts for all passen- Formerly known as Leyland which took place at Auto Class Cars a surprisingly classy product. gine. The engine is hooked to a new wheels. gers, electronic stability control, DAF Vans, Maxus is one of the showroom at Salwa Road, was also V 90 has been furnished with 6-speed manual transmission with The G50 comes with electronic ABS with electronic brake assist, products of Shanghai Automotive attended by Auto Class Cars Mar- all the latest tech. Comfort and con- rear-wheel drive. power steering, which allows this hill hold control, a tyre pressure Industry Corporation (SAIC). It is keting and Communications Head venience features include keyless MPV to be piloted with absolute monitoring system, and an engine among the most respected compa- Karim Monir and Maxus Brand entry and ignition, adaptive cruise The All-New Maxus G50 MPV ease. Steering feel is not that appar- immobiliser as well as ISOFIX nies for light passenger and cargo Manager in Qatar Tamer Abdallah. control, dual-zone AC and a 10-inch The all-new Maxus G50 is a ent, however, the wheel turns with tethers. transport.

Maxus V90 Maxus G50 Maxus D60 Maxus V80 16 Wednesday, December 16, 2020 Economy & Business Volkswagen Lawmakers push US stimulus buries hatchet in boardroom battle plan to break stubborn deadlock AFP horns with Bernd Osterloh, Frankfurt the head of the group’s in- The bills worth $908 bn to help unemployed, small businesses and state and local governments fluential works council. Car giant Volkswagen’s su- As recently as June, an pervisory board on Monday attack by union representa- announced a deal to end tives cost the chief executive infighting overtop jobs and his role as head of the flag- strategy that risked top- ship VW brand, after they pling chief executive Her- accused him of “massive bert Diess, saying the boss’s failures of management” in strategy had their “full sup- launching two crucial new port”. models. Diess, 62, has come into Now there is “total conflict with VW’s powerful agreement between the su- worker representatives over pervisory board, the board his plans for the massive of management and the carmaker to shift towards electric vehicles and break decades-old power struc- tures that many observers blame for its “dieselgate” emissions cheating scandal. The company said in a The tiff statement that the super- visory board “unanimously chief executive Herbert resolved to give its full sup- Diess, 62, has come into port to the strategy, in par- conflict with VW’s powerful ticular the orientation of worker representatives over the company towards elec- his plans for the massive tromobility and digitalisa- carmaker to shift towards tion. electric vehicles and break “In the upcoming years, decades-old power the board of management... structures that many will implement the strategy observers blame for its In this file photo, the US Treasury Department building is seen in Washington, DC.(Eric BARADAT/AFP) with Herbert Diess at the “dieselgate” emissions top,” it added. cheating scandal. AFP plans. tration and from Republican Steven Mnuchin, who unveiled Press reports suggested Washington The proposal would follow Senate Majority Leader Mitch a proposal last week costing that Diess had demanded up on the $2.2 trillion CARES McConnell is unclear, but Contents $916 billion. an extension of his contract employee representatives” US lawmakers introduced a Act rescue package passed in Democratic House Speaker ● The latest proposal However, that attracted lit- beyond its current end date on VW’s objectives, Oster- pair of stimulus proposals cost- the Covid-19 pandemic’s early Nancy Pelosi last week indicat- contains elements of the tle support from Democrats, in 2023 as proof he had the loh was quoted as saying. ing $908 billion that have the days, which was credited with ed she was open to the group’s and another suggestion from non-executives’ backing. VW is pumping more support of Democratic and Re- keeping the US economy from idea. original CARES Act, including McConnell that aid to state and While the company did than 35 billion euros ($43 publican lawmakers and rep- a more severe downturn. expanded $300-per-week local governments as well as li- not grant the former BMW billion) into electric vehi- resent a final push to get new But its main provisions Flurry of proposals unemployment payments for ability protections be excluded executive that vote of con- cles and plans to sell 26 aid for the pandemic-ravaged expired in recent months, and Lawmakers are up against 16 weeks and a refresh of from the package was also fidence, it did confirm his million cars from a range of economy approved before as the United States faces sky- two deadlines: the end of the the Paycheck Protection turned down. nominees to top roles. 70 electric models by 2030. Congress heads home for the rocketing Covid-19 cases, law- week, when their session ends, Programme of loans and The US economy has seen Arno Antlitz, finance Diess has publicly stat- holidays. makers from both parties as and December 26, when the grants to small businesses. mass layoffs and a sharp con- chief at high-end subsidiary ed his objective is to catch The bills would fund pro- well as the Trump administra- last benefit programs paid for traction in growth caused by Audi, will take control of up with US competitor Te- grammes to help the unem- tion have been unable to agree by the CARES Act that support ● Also included is $160 the Covid-19 pandemic, and the entire group’s finances sla. ployed, small businesses and on how much to spend in a new millions of unemployed people billion in funding for state despite signs of recovery in re- from June. Also in Monday’s state- state and local governments stimulus measure, and what to will expire. and local governments to cent months, analysts fear the Meanwhile Thomas ment, the supervisory while offering liability to some spend it on. The latest proposal con- help them recover from the resurgent virus will cause a Schmall will move from board said sportscar maker employers, but their chances “Let’s not go home for tains elements of the original pandemic renewed downturn just as the Volkswagen Components Lamborghini and motor- for passage in the final weeks Christmas, without passing CARES Act, including expand- first vaccines are being rolled to take responsibility for bike company Ducati would of President Donald Trump’s this much-needed relief for the ed $300-per-week unemploy- out. Also on lawmakers’ minds “technology” across the both remain part of the VW term remain unclear. American people,” said Repub- ment payments for 16 weeks well as liability protections for is Democratic President-elect group, while Murat Aksel group, although press re- “We have people hurting lican Senator Susan Collins, and a refresh of the Paycheck businesses facing lawsuits over Joe Biden’s inauguration in will become group head of ports and analysts regularly right now. We have an emer- who is part of the 50-member Protection Programme of loans Covid-19 exposure -- both con- January, and two elections in purchasing on top of the suggest the two world-fa- gency, so let’s do what we need bipartisan Problem Solvers and grants to small businesses. troversial issues in the negotia- Georgia that same month that same role at the VW brand. mous brands could be sold to do to take care of the emer- Caucus that backs the meas- Also included is $160 bil- tions. will decide whether Republi- Diess’ push for change off or floated separately on gency,” Republican Senator ures. lion in funding for state and lo- Others have weighed in cans maintain their majority in at VW has seen him lock the stock market. Mitt Romney said in a press The proposal’s support cal governments to help them with plans in recent weeks, the Senate or if Democrats win conference announcing the within the Trump adminis- recover from the pandemic, as including Treasury Secretary a knife-edge lead.

heradling a new era Porsche Centre Doha welcomes all-electric Taycan Tribune News Network and modern styles. For the first Doha time, the brand also offers an entirely leather-free interior. New Porsche Centre Doha, Al Boraq colours and an optional interior Automobiles Co. w.l.l., has entered accent package give customers a a new era with Tuesday’s official wide choice. For an even higher launch of the brand’s first fully degree of personalisation, Por- electric sports car, the Taycan, at sche Exclusive Manufaktur of- its showroom in Medina Centrale, fers around 90 finishing options The Pearl-Qatar. exclusively for the new four-door Available in three models com- sports saloon. prising the 4S, Turbo and Turbo S, the all-new Taycan links the Por- Charging sche heritage to the future, offer- The Taycan is the first produc- ing typical Porsche performance, tion vehicle with a system voltage everyday usability combined with of 800 volts. This is a particular cutting-edge innovations of Por- advantage when high-power sche E-Performance. charging access is available, allow- Commenting on the arrival of The new Taycan at Porsche Centre Doha L-R: Salman Jassem Al Darwish, Chairman and CEO of Porsche Centre Doha ing exceptionally short charging Porsche’s all-new Taycan, Salman and Ahed Dawood, Brand Manager of Porsche Centre Doha, with the new Taycan times. All Taycan drivers can com- Jassem Al Darwish, Chairman and fortably charge their car with up CEO of Porsche Centre Doha said: on either side house the new-look to 11kW AC charger at home with “The future of high-performance LED matrix headlights, while at the Porsche Mobile Charger Con- motoring has arrived in our coun- Taycan 4S QR411,200 the rear, a full width illuminated nect, at work on a fast industrial try, as we welcome the all-electric light bar pays its respects to the charger, or at any public charging Porsche Taycan to our showroom. Taycan Turbo QR573,100 first 911 Turbo. point while running errands. The Our new four-door sports saloon Taycan Turbo S QR44,600 On the inside, the early 1963 Taycan can be charged on either writes a new chapter in the brand’s Porsche dash provided the inspi- side using alternating current (AC) 70-year history as a genuine sports ration for the Taycan’s curved, or by using direct current (DC) on car for the age of electromobility.” free-standing 16.8-inch instrument the right side. He added: “Unlike a car with a Basic prices cluster atop the steering column “The launch of our first all- conventional internal combustion with the rounded look that’s typi- electric model comes at a time engine, the Taycan boasts high- cal of Porsche. when there is a strong focus by the powered electric motors which de- The upper and lower sections Government of Qatar on promot- liver their full torque instantly for The Turbo S is among the most further enhanced by the world’s of the dashboard stretch across ing e-mobility in a sustainable breath-taking acceleration. Thanks powerful production models in first two-speed transmission in the entire width of the vehicle in living environment,” said Salman to the lowest centre of gravity and the Porsche range, generating 761 an EV, installed on the rear axle, Future-oriented design the shape of a wing, featuring a Jassem Al Darwish. the lowest drag co-efficient in the PS (560 kW) overboost power in enabling fast acceleration and The Taycan ushers in a new central 10.9-inch infotainment This governmental initiative brand’s entire model range, the combination with Launch Control, high-end speed. The Taycan Turbo design direction with a minimalis- display and an optional passenger is supported by Porsche Centre Taycan feels like a Porsche in every while the Turbo delivers 680 PS and Turbo S share the same top tic theme that looks to the future display. Doha through the continuous sense, true to the badge on its (500 kW) and the 4S follows with speed of 260 km/h, with the 4S but at the same time pays homage The black panel replaces expansion of the local charg- bonnet.” 571 PS (420 kW) when equipped coming in at 250 km/h. According to the brand’s past. The Porsche- many hardware controls, such as ing infrastructure. At present, a with the Performance Battery to WLTP tests, all three derivatives typical ‘flyline’ that curves from switches and buttons, with on- network of AC chargers have been True sports car performance Plus, which is part of the standard feature a generous driving range. the roof down to the tail is carried screen, haptic-touch menus that set up at local Porsche facilities The Taycan Turbo S matches equipment for Qatar. When equipped with the Perfor- over from the 911. The car sits low are intuitive and can be operated and strategically located destina- the iconic 911 GT2 RS acceleration Power comes via two perma- mance battery Plus, the Taycan 4S at just 1,380mm tall and wide at by the simple voice command of tion partners. The organisation time from zero to 100 km/h in nently excited synchronous mo- leads the range with a driving range 1,966mm, giving it a purposeful “Hey Porsche”. is working on further plans to just 2.8 seconds, while the Turbo tors, one mounted on each axle, of up to 463 km, followed by the sports car stance, underlined by a The Taycan is available with a expand the charging network for completes this in 3.2 seconds and making the four-door saloon an Turbo derivative with 450 km and sloping bonnet reminiscent of the wide range of interior and exterior customers and owners of electric the 4S covers it in four seconds. all-wheel drive. Performance is the Turbo S with 412 km. 911. Two highly pronounced wings configurations, in both traditional or hybrid vehicles. Neto strikes as Wolves bite back to beat Chelsea page 18

WEDNESday, DECEMBER 16, 2020

Sheikha Hind visits Doha Majlis

HE Sheikha Hind bint Hamad Al Thani, Vice Chairperson and CEO of Qatar Foundation with Jassim Al Buenain, CEO, Doha2030 HH Sayyid Fatik bin Fahr Al Said of Oman with Jassim Al Buenain, CEO, Doha2030 Bid Committee and Secretary-General of Bid Committee and Secretary-General of Qatar Olympic Committee at the Doha 2030 Majlis in Muscat, Oman, on Tuesday. Qatar Olympic Committee, and others at the Doha 2030 Majlis in Muscat, Oman, on Tuesday. Voting to decide 2030 Asian Games host city

QNA Qatar has a pioneering Muscat (Oman) experience in organising the Asian Games, as it has host- The Olympic Council of Asia ed the Doha Asian Games in (OCA) will choose the host city 2006, which was one of the for the 2030 Asian Games at its best events. It was praised by The Doha2030 hospitality lounge – the Doha Majlis – in Oman which 39th General Assembly in Mus- all and considered by the OCA is showcasing Qatar’s 2030 Asian Games where ‘We All Belong.’ cat, Oman, on Wednesday. as a milestone in the organis- Doha and Riyadh are com- ing process, and its opening peting to host the 2030 Asian ceremony was and still among Innovative Doha 2030 Games, and it is first time in the most amazing events of all the history of the Games that those that were held earlier. the selection of the host city The OCA Executive Office lounge showcases will be through an online vote. meeting was held on Tuesday HE OCA President Sheikh and attended by HE Second Ahmad Al Fahad Al Sabah will Vice-President of the Qatar inclusive Games vision preside over the General As- Olympic Committee and OCA sembly with the participation Vice-President Dr. Thani bin Tribune News Network Doha 2030’s masterplan, al- of the heads and delegates of Abdulrahman Al Kuwari. Doha lowing the OCA family to get the 45 Asian National Olympic During the meeting, the a true sense of the bid’s com- Committees. The 24 repre- team of the Qatar 2030 file The Doha 2030 Asian Games pact, sustainable and world- sentatives of National Olym- made a presentation on what Bid Committee today contin- class offering. NOCs have been pic Committees in Asian coun- will be provided at the up- ued to welcome members of able to see for themselves how tries will attend the meeting in coming Asian Games, and it the Olympic Council of Asia Doha 2030 will make full use Muscat, while 21 committees Doha and Riyadh are competing to host the 2030 Asian Games, and it is first time in the history of the was a distinguished presenta- (OCA) family to its hospital- of the city’s existing state-of- will participate via video con- Games that the selection of the host city will be through an online vote. tion and highlighted the great ity lounge – the Doha Majlis the-art venues and transport ference due to the outbreak of Qatari ambition and desire – and discussed its vision for network. the coronavirus pandemic. ise the Asian Games, especially be built for this matter, as well grounds at the highest level that to host the Asian Games for a an Asian Games where ‘We All In doing so, Doha 2030 Doha has very high potential the mega sports facilities such as the presence of giant sports have been praised by sports fig- second time in the history of Belong.’ is able to guarantee minimal to help it win the right to organ- as the sports village which will complexes, halls and play- ures on more than one occasion. the Games. travel times and minimal im- pact on the environment while maximising the opportunities to deliver a meaningful and immediate legacy for Asian NOCs. Supreme Committee pledges support Qatar Olympic Commit- tee’s Secretary-General and Doha 2030 CEO HE Jassim Bin Rashid Al Buenain said: for Qatar’s AFC Asian Cup 2027 bid “It has been our privilege to welcome our friends from Asia’s NOCs to our Doha Ma- QNA most compact edition of the jlis in Muscat. Doha FIFA World Cup in mod- “In Qatari culture, a Majlis ern history and would offer a is a traditional meeting place The Supreme Committee for similar experience in 2027. for friends and families and Delivery & Legacy (SC), the Fans will have the chance to so we could think of no better organization charged with attend more than one match place to discuss and present delivering the infrastructure, a day during the early stages our Asian Games bid to our operations and legacy for the of the tournament. They will brothers and sisters from our FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, also benefit from flying into OCA family. has pledged its full support for one airport and requiring only “We wanted to ensure Qatar’s AFC Asian Cup 2027 one accommodation mean- Asia’s NOCs feel the sense of bid, which was launched by ing a more accessible and af- warmth and belonging that the Qatar Football Association fordable experience, and one they will experience in Doha earlier this year. which will reduce the carbon The Doha Majlis, set-up and see we have developed HE Hassan Al Thawadi, footprint of the event. on the side-lines of the OCA plans for a world-class Asian Secretary General, SC, said, Players meanwhile will General Assembly in Muscat, Games that is focused on their “Qatar 2022’s legacy pro- benefit from no internal flights combines the sense of commu- needs and priorities. grammes are anchored in our and the opportunity to stay nity and belonging associated “We have received very football for development phi- and train at a single venue with a traditional Qatari Maj- positive feedback from the losophy. We believe in foot- helping them remain in peak lis, with the forward-thinking OCA family in recent days and balls power to connect cul- condition throughout the and innovative approach that weeks. But we take nothing for tures, level the playing field, tournament. is key to the Doha 2030 bid. granted and will continue to and advance communities and Should Qatar’s AFC Asian Representatives from Asia’s use every minute of the time businesses worldwide. It is a Cup 2027 bid be successful, National Olympic Commit- we have left. legacy of sustainable develop- Qatar emerged as champions at the AFC Asian Cup in 2019. fans and players in would ben- tees (NOCs) have been warmly “Tomorrow’s presenta- ment far beyond sport and in efit from Qatars FIFA World welcomed to the Majlis to tions during the OCA General 2027, it will be the AFC Asian national legacy have grown ums, the technology, the peo- ing AFC Asian Cup champions Cup infrastructure, including learn more about the bid and Assembly will be our last op- Cups to own and take to new ever more intertwined. World- ple, the experience, and most after claiming the title for the state-of-the-art training sites share their thoughts ahead of portunity to convey our vision heights.” class infrastructure, expertise importantly, the passion to first time in 2019. The win and stadiums. The training the 2030 Asian Games Host to our fellow NOCs and we Commenting on the bid, and talent are coming together host an AFC Asian Cup 2027 means that Qatar will follow in sites are outfitted with an ar- City election tomorrow. hope they will agree that Doha Nasser Al Khater, Chief Ex- to deliver the worlds largest of global scale and impact.” the footsteps of Japan by host- ray of facilities, including FI- Using the latest interac- 2030 is the Asian Games that ecutive Officer, FIFA World sports tournament and at that, Qatar, which previously ing the FIFA World Cup as the FA-compliant floodlit natural tive technologies, the Majlis, Asia deserves and needs in Cup Qatar 2022 LLC, said, an enduring legacy far beyond hosted the tournament in reigning champions of Asia. grass pitches, gyms and media features a touch screen map of these uncertain times.” “Since 2010, our football and football. We have the stadi- 1988 and 2011, are the reign- Qatar is set to host the facilities. 18 Wednesday, December 16, 2020 Sports Sainz exacts revenge on Attiyah with fastest opening stage time HAIL BAJA II

Tribune News Network Hail (Saudi Arabia)

The duel between Mini’s Car- los Sainz and Toyota’s Nasser Saleh Al Attiyah was rekindled in explosive fashion on the opening Baqqa selective sec- tion of Hail Baja 2 on Tuesday. The triple Dakar winners continued the fight for su- premacy that they had begun at the fourth round of the FIA World Cup for Cross-Country Bajas last weekend. The Spaniard and co-driv- er Lucas Cruz moved in front of their rival after around one third of the day’s 311.57km stage – after the Toyota Hi- lux driver stopped to change a puncture – and went on to win the special by 2min 20sec. Carlos Sainz deals with the Saudi Arabian desert in his Mini at Hail Baja II on Tuesday. Nasser Saleh Al Attiyah in action in his Toyota Hilux on Tuesday. Sainz’s stage win deprived Attiyah and his French co- tions. We keep trying different position again. Then I have got a puncture again on a fast Wednesday 4. Yazeed Al Rajhi (SAU)/Ditk drive 3hr 48min 42sec driver Matthieu Baumel of things, but all is okay.” second puncture before the right-hander. The tyre was Competitors will tackle a von Zitzewitz (DEU) Toyota Hilux 13. Essa Al-Dossari (SAU)/Szy- half a point, as they try and Sainz’s teammate finish, around 80km. After, I off the rim and we needed to shorter stage of 180.29km to Overdrive 3hr 24min 54sec mon Gospodarczyk (POL) Nissan hunt down Russian Vladimir Stephane Peterhansel pipped was scared because I did not change it.” draw a curtain on the 2020 5. Vladimir Vasilyev (RUS)/Dm- Navara 3hr 57min 01sec Vasilyev (Mini) and Dutch- early stage leader Yazeed Al have more spare tyre. But the Yasir Seaidan bounced FIA Baja series. Ater a liaison itro Tsyro (UKR) MINI JCW Rally 14. Viktor Khoroshavtsev man Bernhard Ten Brinke Rajhi (Toyota) to the third speed is there. This, the first back from a disappointing section of 108.38km, the first 3hr 28min 07sec (RUS)/Anton Nikolaev (RUS) (Toyota) to snatch the FIA fastest time and a late surge time I drive this new car. Now Hail Baja 1 in his SRT Centu- FIA car is due to start the sec- 6. Jakub Przygonski (POL)/Timo MINI JCW Rally 3hr 57min Baja title. But second place pushed Vasilyev into fifth I have a good feeling for Dakar ry Buggy to record the eighth tion at 10.00hrs from Dlehan, Gottschalk (DEU) Toyota Hilux 07sec was sufficient for Attiyah to spot, with Ten Brinke slip- and that is important. Tomor- fastest time - a puncture cost to the west of Hail, on a route Overdrive 3hr 28min 08sec 15. Saleh Al-Saif (SAU)/Laurent claim one bonus point for his ping behind his Overdrive row I will push a little bit to try him a potential fifth or sixth that winds its way through the 7. Bernhard Ten Brinke (NLD)/ Lichtleuchter (FRA) Can-Am Mav- runner-up spot. Toyota team-mate Jakub Pr- and get third position.” place - and Czech driver Mar- desert before looping back to Tom Colsoul (BEL) Toyota Hilux erick X3 3hr 57min 17sec “Today was a good run zygonski into seventh after a Ten Brinke said: “We had tin Prokop (Ford) and Erik finish 58.63km from the city. Overdrive 3hr 28min 14sec 16. Alexandre Leroy (FRA)/Nico- but we had two flat tyres (one late puncture. a puncture after 40km and van Loon (Toyota) rounded off The official finishing cere- 8. Yasir Seaidan (SAU)/Alexey las Delangue (FRA) SRT CR6 wheel off rim) and we stopped Peterhansel said: “It was lost one and a half minutes. the top 10. mony will then take place from Kuzmich (RUS) SRT CR6 Buggy Buggy 4hr 00min 21sec and we changed,” said Attiyah. again an interesting day. The Then Nasser passed us. It Saudi driver Saleh Al-Saif 15.00hrs. 3hr 33min 30sec 17. Khalifa Al-Attiyah (QAT)/ “We lose more than four min- end was a little bit fast. The was quite impressive that he completed the stage in 15th Hail Baja 2 – FIA (SS1 - 9. Martin Prokop (CZE)/Viktor Paulo Ceci (ITA) Can-Am Maver- utes. After that, we came to the navigation was not too easy. passed us already after 45km. overall and claimed the bo- unofficial): Chytka (CZE) Ford Raptor RS ick X3 4hr 03min 13sec finishand we are only 2min We continue to do testing and We followed Nasser until the nus points for the fastest time 1. Carlos Sainz (ESP)/Lucas Cross-Country 3hr 38min 48sec 18. Vasily Gryazin (RUS)/Oleg 20sec to Carlos. It is okay. To- training. It is a very good op- neutralisation. He did a good in the FIA T3 section in his Cruz (ESP) MINI JCW Buggy 3hr 10. Erik van Loon (NLD)/Sebast- Uperenko (RUS) Can-Am Maver- day we tested the new tyres for portunity to be here.” job to be first car and we fol- Can-Am Maverick X3. Sec- 19min 41sec ien Delaunay (FRA) Toyota Hilux ick X3 4hr 05min 04sec Dakar. We need to have more Fourth-placed Al Rajhi lowed him. We are both fight- ond place for Vasily Gryazin 2. Nasser Saleh Al-Attiyah Overdrive 3hr 40min 10sec 19. Kees Koolen (NLD)/Jurgen experience of these tyres.” added: “Today, after 97km, we ing for our own titles. It is a keeps the Russian firmly on (QAT)/Matthieu Baumel (FRA) 11. Denis Krotov (RUS)/Kon- van den Goorbergh (NLD) Can-Am Stage winner Sainz said: were leading. After, I catch Pe- free fight. The second part, we course for the title, but Guil- Toyota Hilux 3hr 22min 01sec stantin Zhiltsov (RUS) Mini All4 Maverick X3 4hr 07min 58sec “It was okay, no problems. terhansel, I see him and I have were together, Nasser. Vasily- laume de Mevius’s challenge 3. Stephane Peterhansel (FRA)/ Racing 3hr 45min 21sec 20. Yousef Al-Shammeri (SAU)/ Some sandy tracks and some a flat tyre. I fix it and go and ev and me and we were push- hangs in the balance after de- Edouard Boulanger (FRA) MINI 12. Ronan Chabot (FRA)/Gilles Abdullah Al-Suqairi (SAU) Nissan small dunes and fast sec- we push and we touch third ing. 50km from the finish, I lays on the stage. JCW Buggy 3hr 24min 11sec Pillot (FRA) Toyota Hilux Over- Patrol 4hr 20min 33sec. Neto strikes as Wolves bite back to beat Chelsea AFP But Podence produced a Wolverhampton moment of magic as he twisted and turned inside the Chelsea Pedro Neto’s struck five box to find space for a shot and minutes into stoppage time as his effort deflected off Reece Chelsea missed the chance to James and inside Edouard go top of the Premier League Mendy’s near post. for the second time in four Chelsea’s record signing days when Wolves fought back Havertz had another night to to win 2-1 at Molineux. forget. The German interna- Olivier Giroud’s eighth tional was replaced by Mateo goal of the season put the visi- Kovacic, while Tammy Abra- tors in front early in the sec- ham replaced the injured ond-half, but Daniel Podence Giroud as Lampard went in equalised before Neto’s pur- search of a winner. poseful run and precise finish Yet, it was Wolves who condemned Chelsea’s to a sec- looked the more likely winners Borussia Dortmund star and Norwegian national team player Erling ond successive defeat. in the closing stages. Haaland during his rehabilitation programme at the Aspetar Ortho- Frank Lampard’s men Semedo wasted a glorious paedic and Sports Medicine Hospital in Doha. remain in fifth, three points chance to kickstart his time in adrift of Tottenham and Liv- the Premier League by trying erpool at the top, ahead of a to cross when one-on-one with clash between the top two at Mendy. Haaland’s rehab Anfield on Wednesday. Neto then thought he had Victory was no more than won a penalty when driving Nuno Espirito Santo’s men de- Wolverhampton Wanderers’ Portuguese midfielder Pedro Neto is mobbed by teammates after he scored past James, but after a VAR at Aspetar ends served as they bounced back the team’s second goal during the English Premier League match against Chelsea at the Molineux review referee Stuart Attwell from two consecutive defeats Stadium in Wolverhampton, England, on Wednesday. (AFP) overturned his original deci- since losing top scorer Raul sion as there was no contact on Tribune News Network to Aspetar last week for check- Jimenez to a fractured skull. Other than bursts from Mason Mount’s corner off the over the line. the Portuguese winger. Doha ups and intensive treatment at Lampard himself called Christian Pulisic past the crossbar and Giroud was too Going behind awakened However, Neto was not one of the best sports medicine into question the Blues title struggling Nelson Semedo, slow to the react to the re- Wolves and Fabio Silva was to be denied on the counter- Borussia Dortmund star hospitals in the world. credentials after a 1-0 loss to Lampard’s men created pre- bound as the ball ricocheted denied his first Premier League attack deep into stoppage time and Norwegian national team Borussia Dortmund re- Everton on Saturday. There cious little from open play. off the French striker and be- goal since a 40 million euro as he accelerated past Zouma player Erling Haaland ends vealed that they have given was more evidence that Chel- Set-pieces caused Wolves hind for a goal-kick. ($47 million £36 million) move and drove low into the far cor- his rehabilitation programme star striker Erling Braut Haal- sea are still a team in transition more problems as Giroud The 34-year-old was ra- from Porto by an offside flag. ner to move Wolves into the at Aspetar, Orthopaedic and and permission to receive after a £220 million ($294 mil- headed over when he should zor sharp four minutes into Wolves had not scored top half of the table and within Sports Medicine Hospital after treatment in Qatar. lion) transfer spending spree as have hit the target from Ben the second-half as he volleyed in two games since losing three points of the top four. he sustained and injury with Aspetar has become an two of their big money signings, Chilwell’s corner. Chilwell’s cross towards goal Jimenez to a sickening head Scoreline: Wolves 2 (Podence his club. ideal treatment and reha- Timo Werner and Kai Havertz, Just before the break, Kurt and the ball slipped through knock suffered in a 2-1 win at 66, Neto 90+5) Chelsea 1 During his treatment at bilitation destination for elite again failed to sparkle. Zouma rose highest to crash Rui Patricio’s grasp and just Arsenal. (Giroud 49). Aspetar, Haaland said: “The athletes from Europe, includ- facilities and the clinicians I ing French world champions, met at Aspetar were excellent. Mbappe, Dembele and Um- I have recovered from my inju- titi. Aspetar’s experts have ry looking forward to be play- also provided treatment for Air Quality monitoring station at Al Rayyan Stadium for Amir Cup final ing matches soon”. the Brazilian injured player The Norwegian player came Neymar last year. QNA A technical team from the National Strategy projects Doha Department, in coordination which included managing air with the Supreme Committee quality through a national The Ministry of Municipality for Delivery and Legacy, stud- network, and ensuring the and Environment, represented ied the available places and maintaining the quality of air by the Department of Monitor- chose a suitable site for moni- in the country and the areas ing and Environmental Labo- toring air quality in accord- surrounding the stadiums and ratory of the Environmental ance with the international sports activities venues. Affairs Sector, has moved the standards. The efforts reflect Qatar’s mobile station dedicated to Qatar is among the first great interest in ensuring air monitoring ambient air qual- countries to pay a great at- quality in accordance with ity to Al Rayyan Stadium, in tention to preserving and the highest international preparation for the Amir Cup sustaining the environment standards. 2020 final which will bring to- in general, and monitoring The efforts also represent a gether Al Sadd with Al Arabi and measuring air quality in live experiment in preparation on Friday. particular, through its Second for the FIFA World Cup 2022. Sports Wednesday, December 16, 2020 19

QATAR NATIONAL DAY Qatar Olympic Committee to organize exceptional edition of Flag Relay

QNA ipate will also have the oppor- to some schools, Ooredoo’s Doha tunity to participate this year building, Qatar Olympic through the QOC accounts on Committee, the Doha Cor- As part of the State’s celebra- social media platforms. niche, then Qatar Founda- tions on the National Day The QOC is keen on organ- tion and Katara. 2020, Qatar Olympic Com- ising the Flag Relay despite The tour concluded at mittee (QOC) will organize a the challenges of the current Hamad International Airport, virtual fourth edition of the condition as it express loyalty where the flag was handed Flag Relay on Friday, in line and pride in the homeland. over for a captain of an aircraft with the precautionary meas- The third edition of the heading to Tokyo where the ures taken against the spread Flag Relay saw the partici- Qatar team was due to partici- of the coronavirus. pation of about 5000 people pate in the Summer Olympic A number of Qatari ath- from different groups of so- Games (Tokyo 2020), which letes with take part in the ciety in carrying the Qatari has been postponed until next event. Those wishing to partic- flag in the tour that passed year 2021.

Skills test for horseback ‘Bring it on’ - Australia plot India’s archery downfall under Adelaide lights competition as a team we are very well Both teams grapple prepared.” today with injuries, ‘Tough decisions’ Fouad Al Madhahka, who participated for Qatar in the World Horse selection dilemmas Warner’s injury is one of a Shooting Championship in South Korea in 2019, is a member of the or- as they head into series of setbacks Langer has ganizing committee along with Ali Yousef Al Rumaihi, Asst Gen-Secretary, faced in recent weeks with Qatar Equestrian Federation, for the Al Nashaab Championship. their first ever day- concussed Will Pucovski, who night Test in Adelaide was set to take his place, also ruled out. Tribune News Network Fouad Al Madhahka (Director from Thursday Marcus Harris has been re- Doha of Foreign Medical Projects, As- AFP called as cover, but who opens petar) and Abdulaziz Al Qahtani Adelaide (Australia) remains to be seen. The Qatar Equestrian Federa- (Engineer at Qatar Petroleum), Incumbent Joe Burns is tion (QEF) will be conducting participated in the 15th edi- Top-ranked Australia are horribly out of form with Mat- a skill test today (Wednesday, tion of World Horse Shooting plotting revenge in their first thew Wade firming as the best December 16) at the QEF’s out- Championship in South Korea day-night Test against fel- option to replace him. door arena for riders who are in 2019, where they achieved low powerhouse India from That would open the door seeking to qualify for the first good results. Thursday, as both teams grap- for red-hot young all-rounder horseback archery competition The team was participat- ple with injuries and selection Cameron Green, who Langer to be held on December 28. ing for a third time in this event dilemmas. said would definitely play if he Called the Al Nashaab held at Sokcho in South Korea Virat Kohli’s men clinched recovers from a mild concus- Championship, the competi- and had 69 competitors from their maiden series in Australia sion. tion will be held in co-operation 22 countries. in 2018-19, triumphing 2-1, but “We’ve got tough decisions with Qatar’s Horseback Archery Al Madhahka said that the the hosts were without leading to make, but tough decisions Society, it was announced by team was proud of the results batsmen Steve Smith and David India’s Cheteshwar Pujara (Center) attends a training session with teammates at the Adelaide Oval on are good decisions because it members of the Oragnizing and the appreciation they re- Warner who were serving year- Tuesday, ahead of the first Test against Australia which starts December 17.(AFP) means there is competition for Committee Ali Yousef Al Ru- ceived from the international long bans for ball-tampering. spots,” Langer added. maihi, Asst Gen-Secretary, federation for developing the Smith, the world’s number Green will make Test debut if fit after concussion, says Langer Their all-star bowling attack QEF, and Fouad Al Madhahka game in the Arab region. one batsman, is back and in is set in stone with quicks Josh of Horseback Archery Society, a Qatar has been working on form, although in a massive AFP definitely play,”L anger said on a which is very, very exciting for Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc and fortnight ago. developing the sport in the re- blow Warner has been ruled Sydney Zoom call. Australian cricket, for him and Pat Cummins complemented For the qualification skill gion for the past five years and out of the opening Test with a “We’re just going through his family.” by spinner Nathan Lyon, Aus- test, participants will have to a specialized training centre groin injury. Young Australian all-rounder the concussion protocols. With regular opener David tralia’s top wicket-taker in the aim at targets from a horseback has also been established, he “It’s a great rivalry... bring Cameron Green will make his We all saw, it was a very unu- Warner out injured and his last series. in a 90m arena. informed. it on,” Australia coach Justin debut in the firstT est against sual incident that happened replacement Will Pucovski India won the opening Test Participants need to have a “The sport is popular not Langer said Tuesday ahead India if declared fit after a mild with him.” also recovering from a con- at Adelaide in 2018 largely on passport for their horses who only in Qatar but in the Gulf of day one at Adelaide Oval, concussion, coach Justin Langer The lanky Green, described cussion, Matthew Wade looks the back of Pujara, who ground must be vaccinated and will be in general. It started with me where more than 20,000 fans said on Tuesday. by Greg Chappell as the best set to be pushed up the order out 123 then 71 to set up a 31- required to clear a test before personally, and now we have -- 50 percent capacity, due to Green, who hit an unbeaten he has seen since Ricky Pont- to open the innings and make run win. the event. Participants must Kuwait, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia coronavirus restrictions -- are 125 against India A, took a ing, burst onto the scene this way for Green. He again shapes as key, par- also obtain a rider’s ID from the and Qatar with seven horseback expected. fierce blow to the head when season, with his form making Wade would potentially part- ticularly with Rohit Sharma out technical office of the QEF, or- archery schools. This has been “We have a very senior team bowling last week after a power- him hard to overlook. ner either out-of-form Joe Burns injured. ganisers said. a 10-year long effort. The first now and can’t wait to get the ful drive down the wicket by “He’s a terrific young bloke, or Marcus Harris, who was re- Superstar skipper Kohli will The QEF said that junior Arab country to excel in this was show on the road.” Jasprit Bumrah. he’s obviously an excellent called to the side after Pucovski want to make his mark in his riders must be in the 12-18 age Jordan. Despite losing the last se- But the 21-year-old has talent, he’s earned the right for was ruled out last week. only Test of the series, before category, while male riders in- “I focused on spreading ries, Australia head into the joined the squad in Adelaide selection through his perfor- Incumbent Burns is on a heading home for the birth of tending to take part in the sen- this sport as a culture in 2011. four-Test showdown, where the ahead of the opening day Thurs- mances through Sheffield Shield horror run, scoring just 62 runs his first child. ior event should be 18 or above. I bought a farm in 2013 and in Border-Gavaskar trophy and day and will be in the side if cricket,” said Langer. from nine first-class knocks this Ajinkya Rahane, who will Entrants must wear the hel- 2014 for training and partici- ICC World Test Championship given the all-clear by doctors. “If he’s fit and available summer, putting his place under assume the captaincy when met and horse riding shoes over pated in the first tournament in points are at stake, with an ap- “If he’s passed fit he’ll then he’ll make his Test debut, serious threat. Kohli leaves, is a lock in the traditional wear and the horse Malaysia where I benefited from parent advantage before a ball middle order alongside Vihari. must be over five-years-old.A the experience and got to know is bowled. But their opening combi- maximum of two players may the world champions. I then be- They are the world’s most They thrashed Bangladesh Pant (103 not out) and Hanuma it... I’m sure being the profes- nation remains in flux. Prithvi participate on one horse. gan training and participating successful team in day-night in just over two days, limiting Vihari (104 not out) all capital- sionals they are, they’ll be very Shaw and Agarwal are the cur- Horseback archery is con- in tournaments professionally,” Tests, having played seven and their exposure to twilight condi- ised. well equipped,” he said, while rent openers but Gill’s com- sidered as one of the impor- explained Al-Madhahka. won the lot, including four in tions where visibility can be an India’s two best batsmen, admitting getting used to day- posed 65 under lights gave se- tant upcoming sports activity “We are now looking to have Adelaide. issue and the ball tends to swing Kohli and Cheteshwar Pujara, night cricket was “a challenge”. lectors plenty to ponder. in Qatar. The organizers aim to more young amateur horseback In contrast India, who were as the sun sinks. sat out the match but Vihari “The twilight time when the Like Australia, India have attract youth with such skills to archers who can excel with long reluctant to embrace the India did enjoy a day-night insisted their lack of pink-ball lights are on, it (the ball) does what Sachin Tendulkar last take up the sport. more training. The sport has a concept, remain novices, play- warm-up in Sydney at the week- cricket would not hinder them. a little bit in the air and off the week called “a complete” bowl- A team from the Horseback historic and Islamic connection ing just one day-night Test in end, where Shubman Gill (65), “We’ve played a pink-ball wicket.” ing attack, despite missing the Archery Society, represented by and is linked to our heritage.” Kolkata last year. Mayank Agarwal (61), Rishabh Test before, so they’re used to But Vihari added: “I feel injured Ishant Sharma.

Bangladesh confirm Windies tour dates Federer in ‘race against time’ to play Australian Open AFP about how the tour could pro- Dhaka ceed in the best way,” he said. AFP to be delayed from January to practising on court. According to an itiner- Geneva February over coronavirus re- On Sunday, he posted an Bangladesh on Tuesday ary released by the BCB, the strictions. ATP promotional video with said international cricket will tourists will arrive on January Swiss tennis great Roger “It’s a race against time. Of the message, “Excited for return to the country in January 10 and quarantine for seven Federer said he was in a “race course it would help if I had a what’s to come.” with a tour by the West Indies days before a warm-up match against time” to be fit for the little bit more time. But it’s go- Federer said the coming after the Covid-19 disruption. against a local selection on Australian Open as his recov- ing to be close,” Federer said at months were “immensely im- The Caribbeans will play January 18. ery from two rounds of knee an awards ceremony in Swit- portant” as he contemplates a three one-day internation- The first two ODIs of the surgery takes longer than ex- zerland, according to Swiss busy 2021 including the Tokyo als and two Tests against the series will be held in Dhaka on pected. media. Olympics, where he is targeting home side in January and January 20 and 22. The 39-year-old has been “I would have hoped that a first singles gold medal. February in what would be the Chittagong will host the out of action since February, I’d be at a 100 percent already “I wish I’d made more pro- first series in the country since finalOD I on January 25 be- when he underwent keyhole in October. But I’m not at this gress, but I’m nevertheless sat- March, said the Bangladesh fore a four-day warm-up surgery on his right knee. In level even today. It will be a isfied with where I am,” he said. Cricket Board. match and the first Test from June, Federer revealed a fol- close call for the Australian “My second knee surgery “We have planned to keep February 3-7. low-up operation and called off Open,” he added. was a huge setback, but in the them strictly in a bio-secure Dhaka’s Sher-e-Bangla Na- his 2020 season. Federer even set off specu- past months things have gone environment during the tional Stadium will host the fi- But despite months of re- lation about his future when he for Federer, who had to watch French Open. steadily forward. tour,” BCB chief executive of- nal Test from February 11-15. habilitation, the 20-time Grand said: “I hope there is still some- from afar as his frequent nem- He has given few updates “We’re taking our time, but ficer Nizamuddin Chowdhury Zimbabwe were the last in- Slam champion said he was still thing to see of me in the new esis, Rafael Nadal, matched his on his progress, but in early the next two, three months will told AFP. ternational team to visit Bangla- not “100 percent” for the Aus- year. We will see.” record haul of 20 Grand Slam November he tweeted, “Back become immensely important “We are now working with desh in February-March before tralian Open, which looks likely It’s been a frustrating year titles with his 13th victory at the to work” with a picture of him for me.” West Indies Cricket Board the COVID-19 pandemic. 20 Wednesday, December 16, 2020 The Last Word QNL team adapts to new normal to serve community amid pandemic During the international suring the continued success pages of their books.” COVID-19 has drastically changed the panel discussion, which Eiman of the library during the pan- Obtaining postgraduate library services and the role of librarians moderated, the group analysed demic. Eiman explains how the degrees in the field of librari- these new services libraries lockdown allowed the library anship enabled Eiman to learn have launched in the face of to expedite ideas they had har- different research methods to Tribune News Network world have changed due to the the global pandemic. Changes boured for some time: “We are study libraries and publishing Doha pandemic. include giving access to profes- always working to improve our in the field of knowledge acqui- Eiman Al Shamari, an In- sional training programmes, services, regardless of whether sition. In the future, she hopes The outside world, as we formation Services Librarian mental health programming we’re able to work in the build- to establish a research centre know, has changed irrevoca- at QNL, moderated the event, and support, and supplemen- ing itself. We had been discuss- dedicated to learning and li- bly in 2020, as has the role which looked at changing ser- tal support for the census, tax ing the idea of holding online brarianship. “With social and of Qatar National Library’s vices in Singapore, Lebanon forms and elections. events for years in order to cognitive studies in Qatar, we (QNL) team of expert librar- and the US, as well as her At the library, the ‘Ask reach the most people possible. can draw different scenarios ians, whose roles transformed home in Qatar. Our Librarians’ service was The pandemic created an envi- and strategies for developing significantly during the COV- Her bread-and-butter expanded, allowing patrons ronment where we could throw society, whether COVID-19 is ID-19 pandemic. role at QNL is as an informa- to contact experts remotely everything into making sure we around or not,” she adds. Services are gradually re- tion specialist for social sci- Eiman Al Shamari to enquire about a variety of could offer the maximum value The current pandemic has turning to what patrons would ences, where she provides re- subjects. Eiman says of the to our members and the larger been a catalyst for change in view as recognisable at the search services, establishing time I devoted to my research book full of motivational post- service: “It enabled us to com- community. The response has library services in Qatar and library’s beautiful building. programmes and events for duties increasing, and my feel- ers. I dedicate half my time to municate more easily with re- been overwhelmingly positive. across the world, and the key Members can once again visit the Qatari community, and ing of giving better value to our daily tasks and half to working searchers who needed support, “Libraries should invest role that libraries play in facili- the building, albeit currently conducting research to help users, who are even more hun- toward the library’s long-term particularly when there might as much time and resourc- tating learning, curating pro- by appointment only, with res- academics. gry for knowledge.” goals. I also recharge my en- be threats to funding or access es into their information grammes and engaging with the taurant and cafeteria services Speaking about how her What did a normal day ergy by reading academic ar- to important information is re- professionals as they do in public has evolved significantly also open to the public. role at the library changed for Eiman look like during ticles about libraries and how stricted. Our team’s ability to books, collections and other in a short time. Librarians such Fittingly, the library re- since the beginning of the pan- the pandemic? “My day dur- libraries around the world quickly expanded the service programmes. The best librar- as Eiman are still at the very cently hosted an international demic, Eiman says: ing lockdown began with my have changed their practices was vital to allow the continua- ies have as much knowledge heart of this process, and as cu- panel discussion examining “I think the role has email review, my to-do list re- to serve their patrons during tion of our services.” in the minds of their librar- rators of knowledge, they con- how library services across the changed significantly, with the view, and the blog in my note- the pandemic.” Innovation was key to en- ians as they do within the tinue to evolve as well. QA shows gratitude to HMC’s HIA awarded Best Airport in the Middle East for 4th year frontline healthcare workers in a row by Global Traveler HMC’s swab centre has conducted thousands of COVID-19 precautionary tests for QA staff Tribune News Network plemented the latest technologies Tribune News Network DOHA like fully autonomous disinfectant DOHA robots, advanced thermal screen- Hamad International Airport ing helmets, ultraviolet disinfec- Qatar Airways (QA) has extended its (HIA) has been voted as the ‘Best tion tunnels for all checked-in pas- gratitude to the frontline healthcare Airport in the Middle East’ for the senger luggage and an in-house professionals at the Swab and Research fourth consecutive year by Global developed face mask detection Center of Hamad Medical Corporation Traveler’s GT Tested Reader Sur- system to ensure the use of masks. for their unwavering support to the air- vey Awards. HIA’s Smart Airport Programme line during the COVID-19 pandemic. One of the most prestigious utilises self-service and biometric On Tuesday, Qatar Airways’ medi- and respected accolades in the technology to provide passengers cal team led by Qatar Airways Group business travel industry, the award with a safe and contact-free check- Medical Director Dr John Roberts honours the sustained, outstand- in and bag-drop experience. visited Hamad Medical City to offer ing customer service offered by HIA has also added a suite of their thanks and appreciation to the HIA in its passenger-oriented air- services and facilities to improve dedicated healthcare staff for their in- port experience. its passenger experience. It intro- fluential efforts to both the airline and For the 17th consecutive year, International Airport on upholding duced a sleep lounge earlier this the nation. Global Traveler asked its distin- its role as the avant-garde force in year with sleep pods and cabins, To date, the centre has conducted guished readers to vote for their delivering an outstanding airport where visitors can pay by the hour thousands of precautionary COVID-19 favourite travel products and expe- experience in the region.” to relax between flights. It also in- swab tests for Qatar Airways staff, in- riences. An estimated 72 percent of Engr Badr Mohammed Al troduced new food and beverage cluding cabin crew and pilots, and has Global Traveler’s readers frequent- Meer, chief operating officer at options at the terminal including worked around the clock to provide ly travel in first and business class. HIA, said: “We would like to thank the exclusive Harrods Tea Room test results in short notice. The Swab HIA’s commitment to en- the distinguished readers of Global and a vegan café with a healthy and Research Center’s work for Qatar hancing passenger wellbeing Traveler Magazine for voting for and innovative menu. The airport Airways is just one part of the support has allowed the airport to place us for the fourth year in a row. To has also opened a variety of high- it has provided to Qatar and its peo- Qatar Airways’ medical team visited Hamad Medical City to thank the healthcare staff. passengers at the heart of its be recognised for our efforts in end luxury retail outlets offering ple, having also provided research and airport experience. Amidst the ensuring the comfort and peace of products available exclusively to testing services for the public, embas- the dedication, kindness and profes- time possible for Qatar Airways staff. COVID-19 pandemic, HIA has mind of our passengers, especially HIA’s passengers. sies, private and government entiti- sionalism of the Hamad Medical Cor- Our healthcare sector remains dedi- implemented numerous safety, during this unprecedented time, is Hamad International Airport is ties, schools and other companies with poration staff who have demonstrated cated to its comprehensive measures security and wellbeing measures, an honour that bolsters us to con- continuing its expansion project to their remarkable services. unwavering efforts within the commu- to confront COVID-19 and protect Qa- along with new lifestyle offerings tinue improving our passengers’ increase its capacity to more than Dr Roberts said, “We are very nity, which is a testament to the coun- tar’s population.” that aid in alleviating the stress airport experience. In our role as 60 million passengers annually. It grateful for the ongoing support we try’s admirable vision to promote the Earlier this year, Qatar Airways caused by travelling during such a gateway to the world, we at HIA also focuses on offering elevated have received from the Swab and Re- health and well-being of all residents.” launched a global initiative to give times of crises. are committed to the wellbeing of retail and lifestyle experiences. search Center of Hamad Medical Cor- Executive Director Corporate away 100,000 complimentary tickets Francis X Gallagher, publisher our passengers, which has allowed Based in the US, Global Trave- poration since the beginning of the Quality Patient Safety and Principle to frontline healthcare professionals as and CEO, FXExpress Publications us to lead the charge in facing the ler is a renowned source of global pandemic. The centre’s management Manager Swab Research Center Dr a goodwill gesture for their heroic work Inc, said: “It is a testament to Ham- COVID-19 pandemic with proac- premium travel expertise. The and staff have been heroically dedi- Moza Abdulatif Alishaq said, “We are looking after people during the COV- ad International Airport’s dedica- tive safety measures and innova- publication’s readers’ surveys are cating their time every day to support proud to be supporting Qatar Airways ID-19 pandemic. Healthcare workers tion to a holistic passenger experi- tive technologies.” a prestigious source of informa- Qatar Airways staff and the wider com- and our wider community throughout from every country in the world were ence that our readers have chosen As part of HIA’s swift and com- tion and cover other aspects of the munity to keep us safe during these un- the COVID-19 pandemic, and have eligible for fully flexible tickets to trav- HIA as the Best Airport in the Mid- prehensive steps towards passen- travel industry, such as First- and precedented times. administered seamless processes to el anywhere on the airline’s expanding dle East for the fourth consecutive ger and employee safety against Business Class Surveys and Best “It is our great honour to witness conduct the swab tests in the shortest global network. year. Congratulations to Hamad the pandemic, the airport has im- Airport in the World. Ashghal completes services for 3,000 sub-divisions in Al Wukair South Tribune News Network metres of sewage networks and Doha 34 kilometres of rainwater and groundwater drainage network The Public Works Author- have been completed serving ity (Ashghal) has announced 1,026 plots. the completion of services for As for package two, which about 3,000 sub-divisions as serves 1,052 plots, 22 kilome- part of the Roads and Infra- tres of sewage networks and structure Development Project 25.8 kilometres of rainwater for New Citizens’ Sub-divisions and groundwater drainage net- in Al Wukair South. works were completed, besides This comes within Ash- 72 kilometres of the drinking ghal’s commitment to fulfil its water network and 52 kilome- plan to develop roads and in- tres of roads. frastructure in various regions The completed works of Qatar to deliver integrated within package three included infrastructure for new citizens’ 20 kilometres of drainage net- lands to facilitate building 32 mosques and 17 commer- with New Al Wakra Road and metres of surface and ground stituency 20, described the with 65 percent of local materi- work, 29 kilometres of storm their homes. cial entities. Al Wukair Main Road within water drainage networks, completion of project works as als.” water and groundwater drain- Engineer Salem Al Shawi, The infrastructure elements other Ashghal projects under 22-kilometre-long sewage something to be proud of, be- He added, “Ashghal was age network, internal and ex- assistant Roads Projects De- provided for these plots include pipeline to be awarded soon. network and a two-kilometer- cause it includes everything a keen to accelerate the pace of ternal roads network of about partment manager at Ashghal, high-quality safe road networks Engineer Ahmed Al Obaid- long TSE network. citizen needs to build his home, works, motivating contractors 75 kilometres, to serve 349 resi- said the Roads and Infrastruc- of 221 kilometres, sewage net- ly, head of South Areas Section During a field visit to including roads, streetlight, and urging them to deliver pro- dential plots. ture Development Project for works of 100 kilometres, storm of Roads Projects Department, the project site, Abdul Hadi walkways, drainage networks, jects as per schedule. Ashghal Package four of the project New Citizens’ Sub-divisions water drainage networks of said Ashghal will start to im- Khamis, director of Public Af- potable water and other infra- achieved the works in all four served 809 plots and included in Al Wukair South, known as 114 kilometres, drinking water plement a new project next fairs Department in Al Wakra structure needs of the area. packages of the project with a completion of 28-kilometre- Muaither Al Wukair, is one of lines of 123 kilometres, electric- week, which is Package 8 of the Municipality, expressed de- Engineer Hamad Al Me- record of 11 million man hours long drainage network, 27.4 the roads and infrastructure ity and streetlight lines, and as- Roads and Infrastructure Pro- light to see the developed area, jaba, project manager in Roads without lost time injuries (LTI).” kilometres of rainwater and development projects imple- sociated facilities. ject in Al Mashaf West, to serve which was previously a desert Projects Department, said: It is noteworthy that pack- groundwater drainage net- mented by Ashghal in Al Wakra Eng Shawi added that the about 1,462 plots, of which without any service, but now “Owing to Ashghal’s commit- age one of the project included work, 20 kilometres of potable Municipality in order to meet project works included devel- around 650 plots are within Al transformed to a place with ment to support local manu- construction of internal road water network and construc- the needs of population growth opment of two main roads at Wukair South. integrated infrastructure, moti- facturers and products, most network, sewage network, elec- tion of 57 kilometres of internal in the area. North and West of the project The project is valued at vating citizens to start building of the works in all the above tricity network and drinking and external roads network, He said the project cov- to facilitate traffic flow within QR515 million and includes their homes straightaway. packages of Roads and Infra- water network to serve all resi- besides communications and ers an area of 1,338 hectares, the area, reducing travel time road works of about 41 kilo- Jaber bin Muhammad Al structure Development Project dential and commercial units. electricity networks to serve adding that besides residen- for residents and visitors, as metres, 1,737 lighting poles, Suwaidi, member of Central for Citizens’ Sub-divisions in Out of this, 37 kilometres of all residential and commercial tial plots, it serves 16 schools, the roads will be linked soon 650 parking slots, 64 kilo- Municipal Council for Con- Al Wukair South were executed road network, about 28 kilo- units in the area.