Sunday March 14, 2021 Shaban 1, 1442 Vol.14 no. 5205 QR 2

Fajr: 4:29 am Dhuhr: 11:43 am p artly cloudy Asr: 3:08 pm Maghrib: 5:43 pm High : 27°C LOW : 17 °C Isha: 7:13 pm

World 7 Business 8 Sports 14 11 killed as protests Qatar, China sign protocol Al Gharafa win Amir Cup against Myanmar to amend avoidance of basketball title, complete military escalate double taxation domestic treble

Amir attends Qatar ExxonMobil Open final Milipol Qatar to begin tomorrow 143 companies, including 53 percent of the Amir greets 72 from Qatar, will take entities taking part Pope Francis part in the exhibition in the expo are new Ashraf Siddiqui QNA Doha Doha Under the patronage of His His Highness the Amir Highness the Amir of State of of State of Qatar Sheikh Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Ham- Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani ad Al Thani, the Milipol Qatar on Saturday sent a cable will begin at the Doha Exhibi- of congratulations to Pope tion and Convention Center Francis on the occasion (DECC) on Monday. A total of of the national day of the 143 companies, including 72 Vatican City State. His Highness the Amir of State of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani attended the final of from Qatar, will take part in the 29th Qatar ExxonMobil Open 2021 for men’s tennis at the Khalifa International Tennis and the exhibition. Squash Complex on Saturday. HH the Amir watched the final match between Nikoloz Basilashvili Organised by the Ministry of Georgia and Roberto Bautista Agut of Spain, which ended with a 7-6, 6-2 win for the Georgian. of Interior (MoI) in coopera- HE Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani crowned the Georgian player with the champi- tion with Paris-based interna- Maldives prez to onship cup and the Spanish player with the runner’s-up cup. (QNA) tional event organiser Com- Chairman of the Milipol Qatar Committee Major General Nasser bin exposium, the international Fahd Al Thani and Milipol Events Director Marie Lagrenee address a arrive today event for homeland security press conference in Doha on Saturday. QNA Doha Basilashvili wins Qatar ExxonMobil Open ● Milipol Qatar will showcase latest President of the Republic Milipol Qatar signs deals with of Maldives Ibrahim Mo- products and innovations hamed Solih will arrive in dedicated to homeland Barzan Holdings and Al-Hazm Doha on Sunday, on an of- security and public safety ficial visit to the country. His in the Middle East region The Milipol Qatar Exhibition Committee has signed an agree- Highness the Amir of State ment with Barzan Holdings as a strategic sponsor of the of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin ● The expo will host five exhibition, and another agreement with Al-Hazm as the diamond Hamad Al Thani will meet international pavilions sponsor of the exhibition. The two agreements were signed at the Maldivian President at representing Brazil, the Officers Club of theG eneral Directorate of Civil Defense on the Amiri Diwan on Monday France, Germany, the UK Saturday on the sidelines of the press conference announcing to discuss bilateral relations and the US the launch of the 13th edition of the Milipol Qatar 2021 Exhibi- and the ways to support tion. page 2 and develop them.

and civil defence is one of the has succeeded in attracting a the growing security needs of first in the region this year to wide range of exhibitors de- Qatar in line with its national Qatar to provide focus on homeland security spite the challenges of the cur- vision 2030, in addition to its COVID-19 jabs to and civil defence. The event, rent health crisis in the world. role in providing the wider re- all members of which takes place every two A total of 143 companies, gional needs. He said that the MotoGP family years, is being held with organ- including 71 international exhibition allows countries isers taking all precautionary companies from 17 countries and entities to explore the lat- Qatar has ramped-up measures to limit the spread of along with 72 local companies, est innovations and products its COVID-19 vaccination the coronavirus. will attend the event, he said, in the world related to civil programme, and as a result, The expo, which represents adding that the percentage of defense and internal security, it is able to offer all travelling Nikoloz Basilashvili of Georgia defeated Roberto Bautista Agut of Spain 7-6(5), 6-2 to lift the a link between global manufac- new entities in the current edi- and it opens the door for many members of the MotoGP Pad- 29th Qatar ExxonMobil Open title on Saturday. HE Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al turers, users, and security and tion reached 53. deals. dock access to the vaccine. Thani, accompanied by Chairman of the Organizing Committee of the tournament Nasser safety experts, will showcase Milipol Qatar 2021 will As one of the leading des- This season Qatar will host bin Ghanim Al Khelaifi and director of the tournament Karim Al Alami, crowned the Georgian the latest products and inno- host five international pa- tinations for mega sporting pre-season testing for all player with the championship cup and the Spanish player with the second place cup. page 12 vations dedicated to homeland vilions representing Brazil, events, Qatar seeks to take ad- classes of the champion- security and public safety in France, Germany, the UK and vantage of the latest technical ship, as well as the first two the Middle East region. the US, in addition to individu- systems to enhance the safety Grands Prix, with the entire Chairman of the Milipol al international companies. and security of huge interna- MotoGP family being present Qatar Committee Major Gen- In terms of its response tional events, such as the 2022 in Qatar for up to five weeks. eral Nasser bin Fahd Al Thani to the current challenges, he FIFA World Cup, he said. (QNA) page 13 Six dead at Jordan hospital after oxygen supply runs out (PG 5) on Saturday told a press con- stressed that this internation- ference that the current edition al event meets a large part of Continued on page 2 

WEF names Sheikha Alanoud Temperature to drop as Young Global Leader after a hot weekend Sheikha Alanoud bint Hamad Al Thani, Managing Director of Tribune News Network between 22 and 29 degrees Business Development at Qatar Doha Celsius while the minimum Financial Centre (QFC) Authority, will hover around 12-19°C, has been selected to join the Weather has swung back QMD said in a tweet. World Economic Forum’s Young to being not-too-cold-or-hot The southern region of Global Leaders (YGL) for the after a rather sultry week- the country may experience class of 2021. end. The Qatar Meteorol- even colder conditions, it The recognition makes ogy Department said the added. Weather was moder- her the youngest and the only weather saw a noticeable ate to relatively hot during Qatari to join this year. Each drop in temperature across daytime last week, with tem- year, the Forum of Young Global Qatar on Saturday and that perature hitting upper thir- Leaders identifies the world’s Sheikha Alanoud bint Hamad Al it would continue this way ties in some areas. It rose most promising leaders under Thani. for the next two days. significantly on Friday dur- the age of 40 who are driving The maximum tem- ing daytime; with mercury innovation for positive change Leaders Class of 2021. perature is likely to range rising to 40°Celsius. Al Thaqab Fort restoration is now complete across civil society, arts, cul- As a Young Global Leader, ture, government, and business. Sheikha Alanoud will be taking HE Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Sheikha Alanoud is one of only part in a five-year programme Qatar Museums, has announced the complete restoration of Al Thaqab Fort and the discovery 112 driven researchers, innova- that offers executive educa- of artifacts in it. In a tweet, Sheikha Al Mayassa said, “Al Thaqab Fort has been completely tive entrepreneurs, activists, tion courses, expeditions, and QF and Al-Attiyah Foundation join hands to restored, and pieces of pottery and glassware that may date back to the nineteenth century or and promising political leaders opportunities to collaborate help Qatar combat climate change (PG 16) earlier were found.” (TNN) representing 56 countries to be and test ideas among a trusted selected for the Young Global network of peers. page 8 02 Sunday, March 14, 2021

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Quick read MoTC, Doha Institute sign deal to boost national digital skills Deputy Amir congratulates Pope Francis Tribune News Network oping high-efficient manage- trends affecting the needs of dig- The Deputy Amir His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Doha rial and leadership capacities in ital skills in Qatar, fully prepared Hamad Al Thani on Saturday sent a cable of con- technology domains with a view to share and offer its academic gratulations to Pope Francis on the occasion of the The Ministry of Transport of enhancing the execution of experience and conduct training National Day of the Vatican City State. (QNA) and Communications (MoTC) the objectives of the Qatar Digi- courses, as well as provide aca- and Doha Institute for Gradu- tal Government Strategy and demic staff who have regional PM congratulates Vatican City ate Studies (DI) have signed a digital transformation plans in and global experience. State counterpart memorandum of memorandum Qatar. He added that the Doha In- (MoU) to boost ties of construc- She said, “We are pleased to stitute has assets and achieve- Prime Minister and Minister of Interior HE Sheikh tive cooperation, exchange of sign this MoU with Doha Insti- ments in the field of training Khalid bin Khalifa bin Abdulaziz Al Thani on Saturday information and expertise, and tute for Graduate Studies and provided by the Excellence sent a cable of congratulations to Prime Minister, develop joint activities in the broaden the scope of coopera- Center for Training and Consult- Secretary of State of the Vatican City Cardinal Pietro field of developing digital skills ducting research and studies of Digital Government Training tion and scientific, knowledge ing, adding that signing of the Parolin on the occasion of the National Day of the in Qatar. common interest and exchang- Program of MoTC will continue and research exchange with one MoU will allow the exchange of Vatican City State. (QNA) The MoU was signed by ing academic resources in the to collaborate with partners and of the most reputed Qatari insti- scientific, knowledge, expertise MoTC Assistant Undersecretary field. They will be also cooper- best technology service provid- tutions in the field of research and experts, especially in scien- PM sends condolences to Turkish of Digital Society Development ating in organising workshops ers to provide high-quality train- projects and scientific and tific research and training. interior minister HE Reem Mohammed Al Man- and symposia on developing the ing and boost the opportunities knowledge production. We are As per the MoU, DI students soori and Associate Professor, professional and executive skills of accessing international certi- confident this cooperation will will be able to participate in the Prime Minister and Minister of Interior HE Sheikh Khalid Dean of the School of Public Ad- and leadership of Qatari nation- fications in the field of IT for ICT serve the digital transformation training courses QDGTP pro- bin Khalifa bin Abdulaziz Al Thani on Saturday sent a ministration and Development als to contribute to the digital personnel working in the gov- plans in the country.” vides and QDGTP beneficiaries cable of condolences to Minister of Interior of Turkey Economics at DI Prof Hamid Ali. transformation of the country. ernment sector. From his part, Prof Ali said will have access to the profes- Suleyman Soylu on the death of his mother. (QNA) As per the MoU, the two par- Commenting on the MoU, This, she noted, could guar- the DI is a leading institution for sional training and programs ties will be cooperating in con- Mansoori said that the Qatar antee the continuity of devel- research on social and economic that DI provides.

Milipol Qatar opens today Ooredoo sponsors Milipol Milipol Qatar signs sponsorship Qatar as diamond sponsor Tribune News Network an aspirational leader in ICT Doha solutions. The sponsorship agreements with Barzan, Al Hazm package is particularly rel- Ooredoo Qatar, the re- evant given Ooredoo’s spe- Ashraf Siddiqui ship agreement with Milipol for the gion’s leading provider of cific focus on cyber security, Doha second time. Barzan, along with its digital enterprise, has an- its work on large-scale pro- projects, partners and subsidiaries, nounced it will serve as the jects and its role as Managed Milipol Qatar Exhibition Commit- contributes to the realisation of Qa- diamond sponsor of Milipol Security Services Provider tee has signed agreements with Bar- tar National Vision 2030, developing Qatar 2021, the internation- (MSSP). zan Holdings as a strategic sponsor, infrastructure, building capabilities al event for homeland secu- Ooredoo will present its and Al-Hazm as a diamond sponsor and acquiring knowledge that en- rity and civil defense in the ICT platforms at Milipol Qa- of the exhibition. hances Qatar’s sovereign capabili- Middle East. tar 2021: its Managed Securi- The agreements were signed on ties. We join hands and cooperate The upcoming exhibi- ty Services, including Securi- the sidelines of the pre-event press together to achieve these goals and tion at the Doha Exhibition ty Operations Centre, DDoS conference announcing the arrange- build a prosperous future for our and Convention Center in mitigation suite, Cloud Web ments details for the 13th edition of country.” Qatar will take place from Security and Web Applica- Milipol Qatar 2021. The exhibition Emadi expressed happiness at 15-17 March 2021. (DECC). tion Firewall; its Data Center will commence on Monday, March 15 signing the partnership agreement The State of Qatar launched & Cloud, which includes Cy- (today). with the Milipol Qatar 2021. its first event on homeland ber Recovery Solution, Cloud The agreements were signed by He affirmed their support to con- security in the Middle East Backup and Microsoft Azure Major-General Nasser bin Fahd Al tribute to the success of the current under the Milipol trademark services; and its Internet of Thani, chairman of Milipol Qatar edition of the exhibition, which has in 1996. Things solutions, including Exhibition Committee, and Nasser become a leading international des- Milipol Qatar 2021 co- Fleet Management and IoT Al Naimi, president and Executive tination in the region in the areas of incides with an increasing Connect; Board member of Barzan Holdings internal security and civil defence. number of cyber attacks Sheikh Nasser Bin Ham- on behalf of Barzan Holding and Mo- The agreements were signed on the sidelines of pre-event press conference announc- “Al-Hazm believes that support- worldwide. Ooredoo’s pro- ad Bin Nasser Al Thani – hammed Abdul Karim Al Emadi, CEO ing arrangement details for the 13th edition of Milipol Qatar 2021, which will begin on ing internal security is a shared re- posal includes end-to-end Chief Commercial Officer at of Al Hazm on behalf of the company. Monday, March 15 (today). sponsibility that requires concerted security solutions capable Ooredoo – said: “Yet again, Major-General Nasser said, “Our efforts by the government and pri- of fully securing operations Ooredoo’s extensive experi- cooperation with Barzan Holdings as the exhibition aims to highlight Qa- anticipated features of the future.” vate sectors to enhance the stabil- and monitoring the infra- ence in the events industry a strategic sponsor of the exhibition tar’s firm commitment to this event, On his part, Nuaimi said, “We are ity and security enjoyed by Qatar,” structure of the customer. has helped to secure a part- and Al Hazm as a diamond sponsor of which addresses the challenges and happy to sign the strategic partner- Emadi said. The national carrier aims to nership with a major exhibi- create a secure and digitally tor. Moreover, this is par- hyper-connected environ- ticularly relevant within the ment in support of the Qatar homeland security sphere, ‘Milipol strengthened position as a global business platform’ National Vision 2030, us- given our history of sup- ing an innovative global ap- plying crucial services and Continued from page 1  On the health measures, he tries. Milipol Qatar is already case a wide range of equip- vide a safe environment for proach to digital services as solutions for safeguarding stressed that the Milipol Qatar strengthening its presence as ment, systems, products and its citizens, residents, tourists a key partner in all aspects nationwide infrastructure He said the exhibition con- 2021, which is expected to wit- a serious business generation provide consultations for the and visitors alike, adding that of corporate digital services and networks, as well as tributes to providing busi- ness a large turnout, will take platform as it focuses on the internal security and civil de- this exhibition contributes to and security, providing vital technical provision critical nessmen and investors with a into account all the procedures industry, she added. fence sector. strengthening its strategies in tools for government and to resilience and crisis man- comprehensive idea about the and protocols of the Ministry Lagrenee said the expo’s The expo has strong sup- this regard. military use. agement.” future of the internal security of Public Health to limit the international reputation ena- port at the local level, she said, On the sidelines of the The sponsorship of this “Our unique combina- and civil defence sectors in the spread of COVID-19. bled it to attract a range of ex- noting the participation of exhibition, three specialised key regional security event tion of ISP and ICT capabili- post-COVID-19 time, and al- Milipol Events Director hibitors from 17 countries from Barzan Holdings, the strategic seminars will be held on cyber reflectsO oredoo’s primary ties can provide flexible busi- lows communication with new Marie Lagrenee affirmed that all regions and continents of partner of Milipol Qatar 2021, security and cyberthreats, civil position in two key areas: ness models to support the international partners to sup- Milipol Qatar has strengthened the world, from Scandinavia, which is at the top of the list of defence and the large events both as a national carrier State and local businesses, ply and develop technologies its position in the security mar- Europe, the UK, the eastern Qatari entities participating in security management, with providing secure and se- overcoming even the most and systems that will enhance ket as one of the most impor- Mediterranean, the Middle the exhibition. the participation of a group of cure network and connec- critical challenges — as seen the readiness of these sectors tant platforms for business at East, the Far East and the In- Lagrenee praised the role the most prominent specialists tivity services in line with during the recent pandem- in the future. the level of international indus- dian subcontinent, that show- of Qatar and its ability to pro- and experts in the three fields. military standards and as ic,” he added. ADGS to display machine learning security software at Milipol

Tribune News Network “STROKK leaves random your unique typing signature percent after a second attempt. number at Milipol Qatar 2021 Doha password guessing attacks and checks it each time you log This increases the password is H057. obsolete, and stolen creden- in — keeping attackers out of security by a factor of 10,000 “ADGS was founded with An Artificial Intelligence soft- tials entirely insignificant,” your system. Even if hackers at least. the mission to develop ethical ware – STROKK – that in- said ADGS CEO Christophe guess or steal your password, STROKK is currently de- algorithms for computers to creases the security level of any Billiottet. “STROKK learns they can’t type it the same way ployed at a Cyber Defence analyse and reproduce human password by a factor of 10,000 the neuromuscular speed you do because every single Center and several banks in behaviour without ever using has been developed by Deep processes between your brain person has a unique, inimita- the Middle East and America. private data,” said Billiottet. Technology start-up, ADGS and your fingers by means of ble way of typing. At Milipol Qatar 2021 to “STROKK is one of our most Qatar, and will be demonstrat- a regular computer keyboard. Using Machine Learning be held from March 15 to 17, outstanding examples and out- ed during the Milipol Qatar It then clearly recognises you and proprietary Artificial In- ADGS is challenging visitors to comes of this commitment.” 2021 exhibition. from anyone else.” telligence algorithms, ADGS is try and beat STROKK. “We are waiting for mem- STROKK provides a trans- STROKK is a second fac- proud to demonstrate that its The start-up will offer a bers of the public to accept our parent second factor authenti- tor authentication scheme ADGS President Hassan Al Ansari ADGS CEO Christophe Billiottet solution is the most accurate QR5,000 prize to anybody that STROKK challenge at the up- cation and additional layer of based on keystroke dynamics currently available worldwide, can successfully log into a com- coming Milipol Qatar exhibi- security based on the concept for hardening user passwords impostor that masquerade as tion. with less than 0.01 percent puter protected by STROKK. tion and wish them good luck,” of behavioural biometrics or transparently and a system for valid users are unable to access STROKK builds a behav- false positive and 1.8 percent The password will be publicly said ADGS President Hassan neuromuscular behaviour. secure access control, ensuring private or corporate informa- ioural biometric template of false negative, lowered to 0.2 displayed. The ADGS stand Al Ansari. Nation Sunday, March 14, 2021 03 MME enhances value of local products, improves marketing methods: Officials QNA country since 2012. amount of vegetable sales has tributed to distributing the sup- from December 2020 to Febru- ties supplied by farmers in con- well as the local ones, by applying Doha They distribution yards are reached about 8,000 tonnes, ply to various marketing outlets ary 2021, with a total value of formity with the specifications the Gulf standard specifications Al Mazroua, Al Khor and Al an increase of about 34 percent and improving the value of the purchases amounting to QR11.8 are purchased without returning to meet the needs of consumers. The Ministry of Municipality Thakhira, Al Wakra, Al Shamal compared to the same period of offered products and selling million and an average pur- any consignments. For his part, General Man- and Environment (MME) con- and Al Shahaniya, with the aim the previous season, he added. prices, he added. chase price estimated at about He said the Ministry of Mu- ager of Mahaseel Mohammed tinues to work to enhance the of providing farmers with an op- Yafei added that the Distin- He pointed out that the QR5 per kg, which is considered nicipality and Environment has Ali Al Ghaithani said the compa- value of local vegetable products portunity to sell their products guished Vegetables Programm ministry has implemented a a very appropriate price during published guidelines for farm ny had marketed approximately and improve marketing meth- directly to consumers without was launched in 2017 and the pre-contracting programme the season. owners to direct them to organ- nin million kilograms of veg- ods for farm owners through an intermediary or commis- Qatar Farms Programme in with farmers (Daman), in co- The MME official pointed ise the production process, as it etables in the local market since a package of proposed pro- sion, he said, adding that this 2018, which were launched by operation with Mahaseel for out that the daily supply pro- has been observed that farmers the beginning of this year with a grammes and initiatives, said has contributed to improving the ministry in cooperation with Marketing and Agricultural gramme was launched by the focus on producing specific va- purchase value of about QR29 Assistant Director of the Agri- the marketing method, reduc- the Ministry of Commerce and Services Company (Mahaseel), ministry in cooperation with rieties in abundance during the million, an average price of cultural Affairs Department at ing vegetable losses, improving Industry in order to link farm in a manner that ensures that Mahaseel, through which the months of the season, without about QR3 per kg. The number MME Adel Al Kaldi Al Yafei. production quality and selling owners with large sales outlets all contracting farmers obtain owners of all farms supplying taking into account the diversi- of farmers exceeds 350 produc- In a press statement, Yafei prices of farm owners’ products. in the country. He said about appropriate prices for the prod- the company are given prices fication of their production and tive farms and the products were said the ministry had launched He added that about 159 farms 150 farms are participating in ucts supplied to the company that give them a higher profit the prolongation of the season. marketed through 95 outlets in many marketing initiatives that are benefiting from this initia- the two programmes. within this programme. margin than the auction prices He added that the min- the country, he added. farms can benefit from, such as tive during this season. From the beginning of Yafei said 70 farms have in the central market ranging istry, in cooperation with the Ghaithani stressed that the opening direct marketing out- Since the beginning of the the year 2021 until the end of registered for the Daman pro- between 10 to 15 percent of the Food Safety and Environmental services provided by the com- lets like the Qatari agricultural current season that started at February 2021, they marketed gramme this season, he said, auction price for the most im- Health Department at the Minis- pany to farmers aim to motivate product yards with five distribu- the end of October 2020 until about 7,000 tonnes in all con- adding that about 2,359 tonnes portant vegetables. try of Public Health, monitors the them to increase local produc- tion yards in various parts of the the end of February 2021, the sumer complexes, which con- of vegetables were supplied He noted that all the quanti- quality of imported vegetables as tion and improve its quality. HMC, WHO experts call for insurance to meet tobacco cessation treatment cost

Tribune News Network cil for GCC shown that the cost of Doha treating smoking related diseases in 2016 in Qatar were around $895 The Tobacco Control Center million. at Hamad Medical Corporation As many as 142 specialists Sheikh Ali bin Abdullah bin Thani Al Thani Dr Khaled bin Ibrahim Al Sulaiti (HMC) participated in a virtual ses- attended the session, including sion held by the World Heath Or- speakers from WHO in Geneva ganization recently to discuss the such as Dr Rodger Karsh, head cost coverage of treating the effects of Health Awareness; Dr Robert of smoking, especially the cost of Totans from social determinants consultations, visits and treatment. for health and Dr Leah Strorges, The session is part of the activi- senior consultant in Smoking Ces- ties prepared by WHO to celebrate sation in New Zealand. Attendees the International Day for Smoking stressed the importance of covering Cessation 2021 under the slogan the costs of treatments by health ‘Commit to Smoking Cessation’. insurance companies as smoking The session discussed the primary cessation is strongly related to the Ali bin Khatem Al Mehshadi Farouk Al Ejli role of health or social insurance Head of HMC’s Smoking Cessation Center Dr Ahmad Al Mulla presents a reduction of health services costs in companies to cover the costs of brief on smoking cessation services in Qatar. countries and recommended a sup- consultations and to provide treat- port and activation by WHO. Al Gannas Society develops genetic test to ment for smokers. sented a brief on smoking cessation them quit smoking, which results HMC’s Smoking Cessation Experts from WHO in Geneva services in Qatar, which are pro- in reducing treatment costs caused Center urges smokers to benefit determine identity of falcons, breed purity participated in the session along vided by Hamad Medical Corpo- by smoking and the negative effects from the services its provides to with an expert from New Zealand. ration, including all the necessary of smoking. help them quit smoking. People Tribune News Network Falcon Genome Project and a specialist in Dr Ahmad Al Mulla, head of HMC’s medications provided to citizens A recent study conducted in can contact the centre by calling Doha genomics, stated that the examination was Smoking Cessation Center, pre- and residents free of charge to help cooperation with the health coun- 40254981 or 50800959. based on the latest advances in genetics us- The Qatar Falcon Genome Project of the ing state-of-the-art scientific technologies, Qatari Al Gannas Society has announced which has allowed access to high-quality the development of a highly accurate ge- genetic information of several species of netic examination, the first of its kind, to falcons in international bio-information re- VCUarts Qatar launches mobile app identify falcon breeds and detect cross- positories, followed by a large-scale survey breeding ratios of captive-bred falcons. of falcon populations. Dr Khaled bin Ibrahim Al Sulaiti, gen- Al Ejli explained that the genetic exami- Tribune News Network ly. We are focused on providing students eral manager of the Cultural Village Foun- nation accurately uncovers the proportions Doha with one easy location to go for information dation (Katara), affirmed that the accom- of crossbreeding in falcons in captivity in and questions. It was designed to make the plishment is a significant scientific success, breeding farms across the world. Virginia Commonwealth University lives of our students easier as they engage which shows the extent of the development “The aim of developing the examination School of the Arts in Qatar (VCUarts Qa- with the breadth of opportunities from the in Qatar at all levels. is to enable falcon conservation projects in tar) – a Qatar Foundation partner uni- safety of their home,” she explained. He explained that Katara always pro- Qatar and abroad to detect the crossbred versity - has launched a mobile app called The app was designed by the university’s motes such achievements related to reviv- populations and exclude them from the Mobile VCU, with students as the primary Technology Services team, in conjunction ing Qatari heritage and enhancing Qatari breeding process to ensure the reproduc- user-audience for the app’s pilot phase. with the home campus and the Student Af- identity. He also emphasised that the sci- tion of only pure breeds, especially the The app is free for students, faculty and fairs and Communications departments in entific discovery would consolidate the role endangered ones, in preparation for their staff of VCU and VCUarts Qatar, and is Qatar, and it operates on the same platform of Qatar and its global pioneering position release to the wild based on their genetic available for iOS or Android devices. being used by its home campus in Rich- in preserving the heritage of falconry, which fingerprints, without risking to disturb the The app, which is based on that used mond. It has the same look and feel, but is registered in the UNESCO, and practising wild gene pool. The project also reached by students at the art and design univer- with a VCUarts Qatar option. the hobby of falconry on scientific grounds. many important results especially in the sity’s home campus in Richmond, Vir- “We suggested and incorporated strate- It will also help researchers to provide care context of efforts to preserve falcons, their ginia, allows students to access a wide gies that would maximise student engage- for falcons and treat them according to the health and fitness.” variety of information on everything from ment,” said Sarah Faheem, VCUarts Qatar’s highest standards, he said. Muhammad bin Abdul Latif Al Misnad, the university’s student clubs to events, interim director of Student Life and Engage- Ali bin Khatem Al Mehshadi, chairman vice-chairman of Al Gannas Society, said: COVID-19 updates, its academic calendar, ment. “We held numerous student focus of the Board of Directors of the Qatari Al “We are proud of this scientific attainment course schedules, equipment booking and group discussions to identify which features Gannas Society, commented: “The Qatar of the Qatar Falcon Genome Project, which so much more. would best be used by students, and we also Falcon Genome Project has been a dream was launched by the society in January Students can also use the app to order designed a social media campaign to intro- for many years in order to preserve falcons 2016, as is one of the most important rec- books from the Art and Design Library, duce the app to the student body once it was and wildlife and ensure the ecological bal- ommendations by the Second Qatar Inter- reserve space and equipment in the Inno- with students. We know we all use our ready.” ance by scientifically studied methods. national Falcon Veterinary Conference.” vative Media Studios or Fabrication Lab, cellphones, so we are reaching students “Our mobile device has become the easi- Eventually, due to the relentless efforts by Sheikh Ali bin Abdullah bin Thani Al book a consultation with the Materials in their virtual world,” said Dr Katherine est portal for students and a bridge into the the project and agreements concluded by Al Thani, owner of the Umm Heesh Reserve Library, apply for positions in the univer- Wildman, assistant dean of Student Affairs physical world,” said Chief Technology Of- Gannas Society with local and international for breeding Houbara and falcons, said sity’s Student Employment Programme, at VCUarts Qatar. “The launch was given ficer Mirza Baig. “With the interactive ex- entities including Qatar University, repre- that the achievement is a major scientific contact the IT Helpdesk or contact the Of- greater impetus by the COVID-19 pandem- periences of this mobile app, we are giving sented by the Biomedical Research Center, discovery, through which falcons and their fice of Personal Development and Counsel- ic and the remote learning that resulted our students, faculty and staff quick access to cooperate in the research and scientific genes can be examined, distinguishing ling Services. from the lockdown.” to the kinds of information they are look- projects specialised in falcons, we witness their strains, which is a major move for “We created the VCUarts Qatar Mo- “The soft launch took place late last year ing for.” today this impressive result.” the Qatar and the countries of the world to bile VCU experience in 2020 because we and we wisely used the time since then to Mobile VCU can be downloaded from Farouk Al Ejli, director of the Qatar preserve and enhance falcon populations. are looking for innovative ways to engage make the app more efficient and user friend- the Apple App Store or Google Play.

QATAR’S MEDICAL AID REACHES EQUATORIAL GUINEA

In implementation of the directives of the Amir His High- ness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, urgent medical aid was delivered to the Republic of Equatorial Guinea to contribute to the relief efforts following the explo- sion that occurred in the city of Bata. The aid included a field hospital equipped with all supplies with an integrated logistical and medical team, and a search and rescue team of the Lekhwiya force. (QNA) 04 Sunday, March 14, 2021 Nation Marriot Marquis City Center Doha Hilton The Pearl appoints launches ‘tee-rific’ spots at ECGC new director of restaurants Tribune News Network Tribune News Network DOHA Doha

With two distinct dining facili- Hilton Doha The Pearl Hotel ties at the Education City Golf and Residences, a leading hos- Club, the Marriott Marquis City pitality chain’s largest property Center Doha offers exceptional in Qatar, has appointed Denzil restaurants and lounges for the Pereira to manage its five varied local community. F&B outlets. Green Restaurant and Café Pereira, who holds a bach- 34 Doha will serve golf club elor’s degree in hotel and hospi- members, guests, non-golfers tality management from Goa’s and groups who enjoy pano- Institute of Advanced Studies, ramic views of the prestigious is a hotelier with 14 years’ expe- golf courses and the Education rience across major hospitality City World Cup football sta- dium. The Green, located on the venues for the beauty of a well- Denzil’s career track record first floor of the clubhouse with maintained course,” said Rick is exemplary and in Dalian indoor and outdoor balcony Enders, multi-property general seating, offers a wide range of manager, Marriott Marquis City he instigated numerous new international specialties, from Center Doha. F&B and leisure concepts, salads, sandwiches, sushi com- “We have consistently sought including the launch of the bos to vegetarian options, des- to offer our guests exceptional city’s first molecular dining serts and drinks that excite the service and relish the fact that we concept five senses. Open seven days a can offer the same 5-star luxury week with breakfast on week- and dining experience beyond Hassan El Wahidi, GM Denzel Perreira, the new director of restaurants at Hilton Doha The ends, lunch and early dinner, the confines of our hotels,” he Pearl Hotel and Residences Green is the perfect setting for a added. delicious family-style dining ex- Michael Braidwood, general from China where he spent 30 nessing his creativity to further perience. Green is also ideal for manager of Education City Golf brands in the Far East, Middle successful months as Cluster boost the guest service within celebrations, private functions, Club, said, “We are excited to be East and India. Operations Manager for the our varied F&B offering to en- business meetings or corporate working alongside Marriot Mar- An Indian national hailing Conrad Dalian & Hilton Dalian. sure our place as the hospitality events with adjacent meeting ings, family and birthday cel- “We are very excited to take quis City Center Doha to provide from Goa, Denzil Pereira brings “Denzil’s career track record hotspot of Doha.” rooms. ebrations and much more. Marriott Marquis City Center our members and guests with ex- with him a wealth of exper- is exemplary and in Dalian he At Hilton Doha The Pearl Green also provides private The most casual of the two Doha’s well-known internation- ceptional dining experiences at tise in streamlining hospitality instigated numerous new F&B Hotel and Residences, Denzil function spaces where the club venues, Cafe 34, is right in the ally inspired culinary scene to the Golf Club. We look forward functions, spearheading major and leisure concepts, includ- Pereira will now manage the life experience goes far beyond heart of the club. This is the the Education City Golf Club to welcoming everyone to the events and launches, and im- ing the launch of the city’s first functions across the hotel’s La the 18th green. ideal spot to enjoy a light bite, a and expend our partnership on golf club to taste the delights of proving guest satisfaction with molecular dining concept,” Pergola Pool Bar, the Levantine The clubhouse can accom- healthy meal, coffee and refresh- golf lovers and their guests to our refurbished outlets.” an over-riding passion for de- said Hassan El Wahidi, gen- Lebanese restaurant, the styl- modate any type of event, from ing drinks, a visit with friends, enjoy the same top-notch dining Visit marriottmarquisdoha. livering exceptional customer eral manager, Hilton Doha The ish Lobby Café, the Mulberry corporate outings and team or a quick snack between golf experience common across our com and ecgolf.com for more service. Pearl Hotel and Residences. Tavern and the contemporary, building events to social gather- rounds. hotel’s award-winning dining information. He joins the Doha property “We look forward to har- casual The Kitchen Restaurant. Al Jalsa Garden Lounge launches McDonald’s Qatar brings you a new set menu for its breakfast ‘A Spice for every Taste!’ delight Tribune News Network Doha Tribune News Network Doha There is a new breakfast op- tion in the city! Al Jalsa Garden McDonald’s is taking you on a Lounge at InterContinental Doha roller coaster of spices with their The City has launched enhanced exciting new Spicy Chicken range breakfast set menus for those featuring a variety of chicken looking for a delicious start of the dishes. day. The smallest Spicy of the scale One can choose from the three being Spicy Chicken McNuggets, options of the set menus: Arabic, every bite will gently tingle your Western or Healthy. The set men- taste buds. Then comes the Spicy us consist of breakfast favourites Chicken Burger to add a little more with innovative twists, all made heat and a lot more flavor, followed with fresh ingredients and lots of by the enticing Spicy McChicken, culinary love. spiced just to make the spicy lovers Be it the Honey Curd and smile! homemade granola bars from the us we enjoyed making them.” Do you still feel like you’re go- healthy menu or Za’atar Saj from Located on the ground level, ing the extra mile? We’ve got what the Arabic menu, the breakfast just off the lobby, Al Jalsa Garden it takes to light up your spicy fire spread is sure to impress you. Lounge is a beautiful Lounge with with the Grand Chicken Spicy, the “The breakfast at Al Jalsa Gar- an impressive blend of traditional spiciest of them all! You might find a den Lounge is a complete pack- and modern features. Guests can favorite or you might find it hard to age. From delicious food to the enjoy breakfast as the morning choose one, but rest assured, there’s hygiene and customer well-being.” your home through the McDonald’s ambience, we are sure that our sun shines through the retracta- a mouth-watering spice available for Hurry and challenge your taste App. guests would love their experi- ble roof. With strategically placed every taste. buds to the spiciest of McDonald’s While you’re waiting for your ence,” said Roger Marti, the new- fountains and green landscape, be Always looking to delight their experiences, and don’t forget to order, McDonald’s is offering you ly appointed executive assistant ready to be transported to a lush customers, McDonald’s has ensured grab your Spicy Chicken McNug- a chance to win amazing valuable manager - F&B. garden oasis. that there are a variety of options gets and Spicy Chicken Burger as prizes. All you need to do is down- “We have put a lot of thoughts Al Jalsa Garden Lounge is for their diverse customer base. As they’re only available for a limited load the McDonald’s App to take and love into creating this simple open daily from 6:30am to 11am Mithqal Abu Nasser, General Man- time! Make your way to a McDon- part in the ‘Spice It Up’ challenge yet delicious selection of break- with QR99 per set menu ager of McDonald’s Qatar, said, ald’s restaurant, or order your fa- and maybe you could be one of the fast items and we hope the guest À la carte options are avail- “Quality is our top priority, coupled vorite Spicy Chicken meal from lucky winners. will enjoy the breakfast as much able. with an ongoing focus on food safety, your office, or get the comfort of Let’s start spicing it up! FENIX launches 1st e-scooter private BPS student Vishnu excels in JEE (Main) subscription service in the country Tribune News Network Doha Tribune News Network proud to augment our shared FENIX will change multimodal Doha scooter service in the region transportation journeys making Vishnu Tirth Bysani of Birla with this first-of-its kind holistic it more inclusive, efficient and Public School scored another FENIX, the newly launched offering in Qatar.” added Jaid- 100 percent sustainable and sterling record in the recently micromobility operator with a eep. safe.” held JEE (Main) in his first at- mission to unleash urban po- MyFENIX offers commut- FENIX has the largest fleet tempt as he fetched 96.6 per- tential and propel communities ers free insurance on every ride, of electric scooters in the Mid- centile. forward, is the first company in free vehicle upgrades every year dle East and each scooter is In the Physics part of the the Middle East to introduce a and free cancellation at any equipped with the world’s first JEE, he scored 100 percent, private subscription service for time. Residents and visitors in integrated hand sanitisation 98.6 percent in Chemistry and electric scooters. Qatar can locate their personal packs. Users can avail the My- 99.1 percent in Mathematics. FENIX entered Qatar in De- e-scooters, monitor battery lev- FENIX subscription packages He said he was going to try cember as a pioneering licensed nected e-scooter for an afford- leash urban potential. Private e- els and lock/unlock the digital via the FENIX mobile applica- the same entrance again with micromobility solution to offi- able weekly or monthly fee, scooters have taken off all over lock via the FENIX mobile ap- tion available on the iOS and the aim of further improving Vishnu Tirth Bysani of Birla cially launch in the state. inclusive of unlimited rides, a Qatar and now with MyFENIX, plication. Google Play stores. his overall score, according to Public School In coordination with the smart app to lock and locate the consumers have another afford- IQ Sayed, co-founder of FE- Andy Ryan, CEO of ARC a statement from the school.. Ministry of Transport and Com- scooter,and free maintenance able, no-commitment option NIX, said: “We want to trans- Group, said: “We are delighted Apparently, the sky is not the “Every student has a munications (MoTC), FENIX with no-questions-asked vehi- in place of paying thousands of form the way we move in cities to have FENIX as part of the limit for this scientifically tem- magnificent inspiration operates shared e-scooters in cle replacements in less than riyals to buy a scooter upfront and ignite impactful commerce. ARC Group Family. Their pride pered student who dreams of from him and every school key areas across Doha that are 24 hours. Available for QR150 that they may not use or that This means empowering com- in their work, passion for ex- becoming an aerospace scien- prays for the best of all for commuter friendly, including per week or QR300 per month, may break due to poor quality.” muters to have freedom and cellence and innovative spirit tist. this brilliant and diligent West Bay, West Bay Lagoon, MyFENIX is accessible across “MyFENIX is the first mi- access to affordable, convenient truly makes them stand out and Vishnu had already as- role model of BPS,” the Onaiza and Legtaifiya. all areas of Qatar to private sub- cromobility subscription solu- and sustainable transportation MyFENIX will be a real game tounded all of them by scor- statement added. After the successful launch scription users. tion in the region that provides options. changer. It is a pleasure to be ing 100% in the SAT Exami- The Joint Entrance Ex- of shared e-scooters in Qatar, Jaideep Dhanoa, co-found- insurance for every ride, free “The MyFENIX service is a associated with a company that nations. amination (JEE) – Main, FENIX is doubling down on the er and CEO of FENIX, said: service and maintenance, annu- game-changer for mobility ac- is as fresh, exciting and innova- The management, the formerly All India Engineer- market with the introduction of “At FENIX, we aim to provide al vehicle upgrades and a smart cess, offering a price point and tive as FENIX and that is a real principal and all the school ing Entrance Examination, MyFENIX. commuters with a range of mi- app for your scooter. These add- level of convenience that is contributor to the improvement stakeholders congratu- is an all India examination MyFENIX offers com- cromobility services that best ed benefits are not available to- within reach of the majority of of communities and sustain- lated the lucky parents and conducted by the National muters their own FENIX con- meet their daily needs and un- day for a scooter buyer. We are the population. We believe My- ability efforts in Qatar” teachers. Testing Agency. World Sunday, March 14, 2021 05

Ethiopia rejects FUTURE UNKNOWN At 25,000 India top US official’s records worst allegation of daily virus ethnic cleansing cases in 2021 dpa Johannesburg dpa New Delhi Allegations by the US sec- retary of state that Ethiopia is India has recorded engaging in ethnic cleansing 24,882 new Covid-19 cas- in the country’s recent conflict es in the past 24 hours, with rebels in Tigray is not an its highest daily rise so accurate portrayal of the facts, far this year, government the Foreign Ministry in Addis data showed on Saturday, Ababa said on Saturday. amid worries over the re- The ministry described An- surgence of the virus in tony J Blinken’s Wednesday the country. testimony to the House Foreign India, which at 11.3 Affairs Committee as “a com- million has the largest pletely unfounded and spurious virus caseload after the verdict against the Ethiopian United States, saw a down- government.” “Nothing during ward trend in infections at or after the end of the main law the end of 2020, but the enforcement operation in Tig- numbers have been rising ray can be identified or defined again in recent weeks. by any standards as a targeted, The western state of intentional ethnic cleansing Maharashtra mainly con- against anyone in the region,” tributed to the surge in the ministry said in a statement. cases in the country, ac- Ethiopia launched a mili- counting for 15,817 of the tary offensive on its northern new infections, the Health region of Tigray in November to Ministry said. diminish the power of the Tig- On a pan-Indian level, ray People’s Liberation Front fresh infections were al- (TPLF), which rules the region most 7 per cent higher and has been critical of the gov- than Friday, when the ernment. Syrian children pose for a picture in the back of an abandoned truck, with neutralised mortar shells at a metal scrapyard on the outskirts of Maaret Misrin town in the northwestern country registered 23,285 The government declared Idlib province, recently. (afp) cases. Another 140 deaths the conflict ended in earlyD e- took the total number of cember, though there are re- fatalities to 158,446. ports of pockets of ongoing The number of infec- fighting, including involvement tions reported on Satur- by troops from neighbouring As war enters 10th year, Syrians day is the highest daily Eritrea and assorted militias. rise since December 19, The Foreign Ministry also when as many as 26,624 reiterated Ethiopia’s com- new infections were re- mitment to international law corded, according to data and said Prime Minister Abiy see little hope of end to conflict on the Johns Hopkins Ahmed’s government was University website. working with the United Na- Besides Maharashtra, tions Office of the High Com- dpa he is in the process of apply- civilians, according to the ly after the Syrian pound has which imposed partial missioner for Human Rights Beirut ing for asylum in the Nether- Whether displaced in their Britain-based Syrian Observa- lost more than 90 percent of lockdowns and restric- and the African Union’s African lands. war-torn homeland or liv- tory for Human Rights, a war its value. Not everything you tions to contain infec- Commission on Human and For Malek Massalmeh, a Syr- United Nations agencies ing as refugees abroad, monitor. want is available due to the tions, eight more states Peoples Rights to investigate ian man who lost both legs have said that half of Syria’s Syrians continue to bear A record 12.4 million Syr- Western sanctions,” added including Kerala, Punjab, allegations of human rights and part of an arm in the war pre-war population of 22 mil- the brunt of the devastat- ians - nearly 60 per cent of the woman, who declined to Karnataka, Gujarat and abuses. in his homeland, the struggle lion has been displaced inside the population - are now food give her full name. Tamil Nadu have reported The Ethiopian Human to survive lingers on without the country as well as scat- ing conflict that has insecure, the UN World Food Despite their plight, Syr- an upward trend in cases. Rights Commission is also in- any glimpse of hope in the tered across neighbouring destroyed their homeland. Programme recently reported. ians are set to continue their India expanded its vestigating allegations of ethnic near future. countries and Europe. As the crisis enters its “The situation has never decade-old revolt until al-As- Covid-19 vaccination drive cleansing, sexual abuse and ci- Massalmeh, in his 30s, In neighbouring Lebanon, 10th year, many Syrians been worse. After 10 years sad and his family quit power, from March 1 to cover peo- vilian deaths. is one of millions of Syrians roiled by an acute financial see no sign of an end to of conflict, Syrian families said Abdel-Kareem Omar, an ple over 60 years of age, The investigation includes who were forced to flee their crisis and political upheaval, their sufferings have exhausted their sav- activist from the rebel strong- after launching the cam- the Mai Kadra massacre, which country due to the ravages of things are not easier for some ings as they face a spiralling hold of Idlib in north-western paign mid-January by in- took place in November in the a war now in its 10th year, and Syrian refugees. economic crisis,” said Sean Syria. “Syrians have already oculating frontline work- town near the Sudanese border, economic deterioration. “We can hardly live here in took to the streets, demand- O’Brien, the WFP representa- paid a high price,” Omar add- ers and health care staff. the statement said. “I cannot go back to Syria Lebanon,” Abu Ahmad, a Syr- ing democratic reforms amid tive and country director in ed. More than 2 million “It is of deep concern to us, until the regime of [Bashar] ian refugee, told dpa. “Eco- widespread protests in the Syria, in a statement. “We have nothing more vaccinations were carried with the very credible reports of al-Assad is gone,” said Mas- nomic hardships have hit us Arab world that toppled dic- Syria’s deepening eco- to lose. All solutions in the out on Friday. Overall, human rights abuses and atroc- salmeh, who is now living in like our Lebanese brothers. tators in Tunisia, Libya and nomic crisis has also affected presence of al-Assad will lead 28.2 million doses have ities in Tigray are deeply trou- the Netherlands. We have no choice. We Egypt. people living in areas under to nowhere,” he said. Al- been administered so far, bling, deeply disturbing and He hails from the south- can’t go back to Syria without The Syrian government government control, where Assad’s forces have regained the Health Ministry said. ongoing as far as we can tell,” ern province of Daraa, the an international peace solu- brutally cracked down on many people are seen stand- almost two-thirds of the coun- Experts say the pace Blinken told the House Foreign birthplace of the anti-govern- tion to the conflict,” he said. peaceful protesters. ing in long queues to buy try from West-backed rebels of vaccinations need to Affairs Committee earlier this ment uprising that erupted in Ahmad, who fled toL eba- The crisis soon evolved bread, food supplies and fuel. and Islamist militants. be accelerated further to week. March 2011. Massalmeh said non in 2012 from Hama in into an all-out civil war that “Everything is very ex- With support from allies meet the government’s The US top diplomat also he had participated in the ear- northern Syria, added: “We has drawn a motley of foreign pensive,” said Zeina, a Syrian Iran and Russia, Syrian gov- target of inoculating 300 called for the removal for Eri- ly protests against al-Assad in don’t trust the regime, which fighters too. The conflict has housewife living in the capi- ernment forces continue to million people by early trean and Amhara regional Daraa. is still in power in Syria.” since claimed the lives of at tal, Damascus. “People across battle to seize the last rebel August. forces from the region. Massalmeh told dpa that On March 15, 2011, Syrians least 400,000 people, mostly Syria are struggling, especial- stronghold in the north-west. Six dead at Jordan hospital Western powers slam changes to HK electoral system dpa pro-Beijing committee power ocratic institutions,” Austral- Hong Kong,” Secretary of State after oxygen supply runs out Sydney to appoint more of the city’s ia’s Foreign Minister Marise Antony Blinken said, calling lawmakers, reducing the pub- Payne said in a tweet on Friday. Beijing’s decision “a direct at- Australia, the United lic’s role in the government. “It is essential that Hong tack on autonomy promised dpa States, Canada and Britain Beijing has stated that it Kong people have channels to people in Hong Kong under Cairo have attacked changes made wants only what it calls “patri- to exercise their fundamental the Sino-British Joint Declara- this week by Beijing to Hong ots” to govern in Hong Kong, freedom of political expres- tion.” Six patients died on Saturday Kong’s electoral system. namely politicians who sup- sion.” The United States, Can- “These actions deny Hong at a Jordanian state hospital The National People’s Con- port the central Chinese Com- ada Britain and the European Kongers a voice in their own due to a shortage of oxygen gress (NPC), China’s ceremo- munist government. Union also expressed concern governance by limiting po- supplies, said Health Minis- nial rubber-stamp legislature, “Australia is seriously con- over the move. litical participation, reducing ter Nathir Obeidat, who later on Thursday endorsed a plan cerned about changes by Bei- The US condemned Chi- democratic representation, offered his resignation. to “improve” Hong Kong’s jing to Hong Kong’s electoral na’s “continuing assault on and stifling political debate,” The six Covid-19 patients electoral system by giving a system, which weaken its dem- democratic institutions in Blinken said in a statement. died at the Salt Public Hospi- tal after suffering a shortage of oxygen, head of Jordan’s state National Centre for Fo- rensic Medicine, Adnan Ab- Kabul confirms participation in bas, said. All the six were aged 40 summits in Russia, Turkey and older, he told Jordan’s of- ficial news agency Petra. dpa Moscow is planning to host Prime Minister Bisher Kabul a high-level conference on Af- Khasawneh ordered an urgent ghanistan on March 18. Invita- investigation into the prob- A senior Afghan government tions have been extended to the lem, the agency reported. official confirmed on Saturday Afghan government, political “I have presented my resig- Members of Jordan’s Darak forces keep demonstrators away outside that Kabul will attend upcoming leaders, the Taliban, and repre- nation to the prime minister. I al-Hussain New Salt Hospital in the town of Salt on Saturday. (AFP) Afghan peace summits that are sentatives of the United States, shoulder moral responsibility scheduled to be held in Russia China and Pakistan. for what has happened,” Obei- normal at the hospital, which the Salt Hospital is a calamity and Turkey. The diplomatic bid by Rus- dat said, according to Petra. lies west of Amman. and a painful neglect that can- Speaking at a weekly press sia comes amid intensified US He added that the hospi- Later Saturday, King Ab- not be justified,” she added in conference, the country’s na- efforts to accelerate the Afghan tal’s intense care units (ICUs) dullah II went to the hospital a post. tional security advisor Hamdul- peace process ahead of a po- had run out of oxygen for an and ordered the facility’s di- Petra reported that parlia- lah Mohib said Kabul putting tential withdrawal of US troops hour early on Saturday. rector be sacked, Jordanian ment would conduct an emer- together delegations for both from the country on May 1. “As a result of this disrup- newspaper al-Ghad reported gency session on the hospital events. The new US administration tion, six deaths happened. An online. problem. However, Mohib said the under President Joe Biden has investigation is under way,” Online footage showed the In recent weeks, Jordan makeup of the delegations will officially proposed a high-level Obeidat added. monarch angry as he spoke to has seen a surge in coronavi- depend on the Taliban’s level of UN-led conference between the According to media re- an unidentified official at the rus infections. participation as well as repre- Taliban and Afghan politicians ports, the dead included four hospital. The country has so far sentatives from other countries. in Turkey next month to “final- men and two women. Queen Rania called the confirmed a total of 464,856 A Taliban spokesman told ize a peace agreement” by nego- Obeidat said that the oxy- incident a “calamity.” “What virus cases, resulting in 5,224 dpa the group had not made a tiating a political settlement and gen supply had returned to has happened to our people at deaths. final decision on its attendance. ceasefire. 06 Sunday, March 14, 2021

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

Biden Should Return To Engagement With Cuba Biden Should Open The It would benefit ordinary Cubans and put Door For Trump-Denied the onus on the regime to respond ouse Democrats are report- public health to combat the pan- edly pressing President Joe demic and restart talks on security HBiden to reverse US policy issues. Diversity Visa Winners on Cuba once again, returning to Further opening should focus the detente that prevailed before for now on improving the lives Donald Trump took office. Biden of Cubans on and off the island. should indeed take the first steps The administration should lift re- US President must help winners of diversity visa lotteries who were denied entry toward renewed openness — and strictions on remittances. And it put the onus on Cuba’s leaders to should allow travel to the island under former President Trump’s so-called Muslim ban respond. because American visitors are As with so many of his prede- good for local enterprise. That Scott Martelle cessor’s policies, Trump was quick means permitting flights to cities Tribune News Network to declare the Obama administra- other than Havana and people- tion’s rapprochement with Cuba a to-people exchanges, while draw- HERE’S a fairly wide universe of people who “bad deal” and began dismantling ing up a shorter “restricted list” of were damaged by inhumane policy decisions it wholesale, imposing or reimpos- entities with which Americans are by the Trump administration, particularly ing more than 200 restrictions on forbidden to do business. immigrants and would-be immigrants whose travel, trade and financial and dip- Cuba shouldn’t expect the US dreams of becoming Americans were, for lomatic ties. to lift more targeted sanctions, powerfulT Trump officials, personal nightmares. Cuba’s Communist regime re- however, let alone the decades-old The Biden administration has begun unscram- mains firmly entrenched. If any- embargo unless it begins to move, bling some of the worst of those policies, but it’s thing, it’s grown even more de- too. Among other things, that not going to be easy. And it’s not going to be a com- pendent on US rivals Venezuela, means addressing certified claims plete success, either. Russia and China. Hard-liners for property seized after the 1959 A case in point: Diversity visa lottery winners in Havana have revolution, now who lost their shot at the American Dream when continued to crack estimated at near- the Trump administration denied entry to people down on dissent. Cuba’s leaders should ly $9 billion with from more than a dozen nations, many of them Cuban entrepre- remember two things. interest. home to high proportions of Muslims (which is neurs flourishedFirst, all these measures Cuba’s lead- why critics called it a “Muslim ban”). President when Americans ers should play a Biden rescinded the ban shortly after taking of- were allowed to are in their nation’s own constructive role fice and directed theS tate Department to come visit the island, but best interests. Second, in resolving the up with a plan for dealing with some 40,000 peo- the combined im- any thaw in relations will Venezuelan crisis ple who had been excluded. pact of revived US be temporary unless Biden and improve their On Monday, the department announced that restrictions and the can point to results record on human people from the banned countries whose visas pandemic have left rights at home. had been denied or rescinded prior to Jan. 20, them struggling. The government 2020, (a year before Biden took office) could None of this serves US in- recently took some steps to ra- reapply, but would have to pay a fresh round of terests. Under former President tionalize the country’s currency application fees to do so — hundreds of dollars, Barack Obama, the US and Cuba system and promote the private depending on the type of visa sought. struck more than 20 agreements sector, but should do more to open Those denied after that date could seek a re- that addressed US security con- the economy to outside invest- view of the government’s decision without going cerns, on issues ranging from ment. through the process again. counter-narcotics to the environ- The Communist Party transi- But winners of the “diversity lottery” — a pool ment. Biden should open the door tion next month, when 89-year- of 50,000 visas a year set aside for immigrants President Biden has rescinded the ban shortly after taking office and directed the State Department to come to renewing such cooperation. old Raul Castro is scheduled to from countries that historically send few people up with a plan for dealing with some 40,000 people who had been excluded. That will require lifting Cuba’s step down, offers a moment for to the US — affected by the ban are out of luck be- designation as a state sponsor of the regime to affirm its intention cause of a quirk in immigration law that requires thing — helping those damaged by an inhumane migrant rights advocates say would allow them to terrorism, which the Trump ad- to reform. lottery winners to obtain their visa within the fis- policy — runs up against the shoals of what seems move to the US legally. ministration imposed in its closing Stubborn and suspicious as cal year for which they were selected. to be clear immigration law. But there are some It’s an impermanent status, and an imper- days with no real justification. they might be, Cuba’s leaders Now those folks have no recourse other than steps the Biden administration can take. manent solution, but it would give them a foot Biden will also need to restore should remember two things. to again try their luck in the lottery — or pursue One would be to work with Congress on leg- in the door and the chance to pursue other frayed diplomatic ties — appoint- First, all these measures are in refugee status, also a long shot. islation that would grant special permission to avenues for permanent legal status, such as ing an ambassador, staffing up the their nation’s own best interests. The decision to not offer a reprieve to the immigrate to those for whom the US opened the through employer-sponsored visas, seeking US Embassy (taking additional se- Second, any thaw in relations will barred diversity visa winners “threatens to for- door only to slam it shut in their faces, presum- asylum, or other parts of our broad and byzan- curity precautions while the cause be temporary unless Biden can ever prevent thousands of Black and Brown im- ing they pass the usual background checks and tine immigration statutes. of a mysterious illness that struck point to results. migrants who meet all of the legal requirements clear other established hurdles. But getting such This is about more than just undoing a US diplomats in recent years re- The Cuban regime made a big to immigrate to the United States from doing so, a measure through even a (slightly) Democratic Trumpism. It is about the US fulfilling broken mains under investigation) and mistake in failing to build on Oba- perpetuating the effects of the discriminatory Congress faces tough odds. promises. resuming consular services so Cu- ma’s initiative. The next detente ban,” said Manar Waheed, the ACLU’s senior leg- The government also could use its existing bans can travel to the US again. will fail unless it benefits Ameri- islative and advocacy counsel. authority to grant humanitarian parole to the de- (Scott Martelle is an editorial writer The two sides should cooperate on cans and Cubans alike. This is a situation in which doing the right nied lottery winners, a mechanism that some im- for the Los Angeles Times) The Power Of A Meal Shared, While Separated It’s an act that allows us to bestow a tactile, impactful gesture of friendship and love while we must, still, remain apart

Ben Mims ner always pleaded with me to make less, ed to our friends and families in times of TCA/DPA both to save money and because our tiny distress or need. If there was a death in fridge could hold only so many leftovers. a family or someone you knew had been OR many of us, one of the natural con- But doing so seemed antithetical to the in a car accident or had an extended stay sequences of this past year of quar- type of gregarious hospitality I had been in the hospital, you delivered large trays Fantine has been the need to cook less raised in. of food - lasagna, pot roast, macaroni food. Once the shutdown took effect, all When the pandemic hit, though, my and cheese and any number of one-pan food media outlets promptly pivoted to outlet for the excess food suddenly hit an baked casseroles. These dishes could be providing recipes for one or two people. impediment. In the shock of the transi- portioned, rewarmed and eaten for sev- With families separated and dinner tion, I cooked less for about a month but eral meals, so the recipient was taken parties being a thing of the past, cooking then quickly ricocheted back to my default care of for days on end. large batches of food to share was now un- of needing to cook for a party as an outlet Even good times can come with chal- necessary, even dangerous. But as some- for the stress. Many professional bakers lenging circumstances. Moving into a one who has a pathological inability to and cooks in LA and across the US also did home where the kitchen wasn’t opera- cook small meals, it was the one part of this, scraping together small pop-ups and tional was the prime opportunity to give our new world I couldn’t adapt to. new businesses to get their food to paying a meal to friends so they didn’t need to Growing up in a Southern family, big customers. rely on fast food for a week. And any fam- meals were the norm. Every meal for my It was in an effort not only to make ily with a newborn can attest to the power nuclear family of four provided enough money, of course, but to scratch the itch that a lovingly-prepared meal brings to food for eight. Each Sunday, when we for putting their love and creativity into new moms or couples faced with sleep- drove to my grandmother’s rural home a medium that feeds and nourishes those less nights and isolation that can feel like for post-church lunch, there was enough who needed it the most. a prison. It’s just one less thing to worry fried chicken, collard greens, cornbread But instead of cooking a lot and then about. and layer cakes on the banquet-style ta- simply eating the leftovers - something I That small act can bring exponentially ble to feed the congregation we’d just left. can’t do and plan to speak with my thera- larger amounts of joy to anyone in this Serving a surplus of food was the way we pist about one day - I devised a new solu- pandemic - a collective life trauma hitting showed love to one another, especially tion that worked with my ethos of showing everyone at the same time, and in mostly when vocalizing it was not our strong suit. love through food: Bringing the extras as the same ways, with endless amounts of Having more than enough was a gen- meals to my friends. Instead of bringing my friends a sad prior. That big pork roast, three-tiered stress. But when so much is so bad all the erous act; having too little conveyed al- Several of my friends lived alone, plastic container of leftovers, though, I’d layer cake or pan of roasted squash quar- time, it’s easy to forget how something as most a moral failing. didn’t like cooking or had lost jobs be- make “homemade takeout,” packing up ters? They all found a home with my seemingly small as a gifted meal brought In my adult life before the pandemic, cause of the pandemic, so bringing them the food in foil containers intended to be friends who would never have made that the greatest relief in past tough times. this tradition stayed with me. When hav- food helped not only me but also helped fully-cooked or warmed in the oven or mi- food for themselves. And in our state of adversity, it’s an act ing only another couple over for dinner, them in a practical, necessary way - it was crowave so the dishes were at their prime, This aspect of giving food is not new, that allows us to bestow a tactile, impact- I’d make more food than the four of us both fuel and fellowship but without the not reconstituted of course. During my own upbringing in ful gesture of friendship and love while we could finish in three meals each. My part- religious associations. versions that saw their best lives days Mississippi, large meals were often gift- must, still, remain apart.

THE VIEWS EXPRESSED ON THE OPINION AND ANALYSIS PAGES ARE THE AUTHORS’ OWN. QATAR TRIBUNE BEARS NO RESPONSIBILITY. World Sunday, March 14, 2021 07

News 11 killed as protests against in brief Million of Italians to go back into lockdown as South Tyrol opens Myanmar military escalate Munich: While 5 million people in Italy are going back into lockdown at the start of next week, the region of South Tyrol dpa is slowly easing restrictions, local authorities announced on Yangon Saturday. From Monday, children in South Tyrol can go back to kinder- At least 11 people were killed garten and primary school and hair and beauty salons may open and several others injured again, the local administration said in a statement. One week on Friday and Saturday in an later, businesses are to be allowed to open again. ongoing crackdown by Myan- Stricter, nationwide rules will however kick in temporarily dur- mar’s military on protesters ing the Easter holidays, between April 3 and 5, a step the gov- denouncing a coup, local me- ernment is taking to try to control the disease during a holiday dia and witnesses reported. that often sees people take trips or go on family visits. (dpa) In the former capital and biggest city, Yangon, three people were killed when se- Brazil overtakes India to become country curity forces cracked down on with second-highest COVID caseload demonstrators in several parts of the city late on Friday, local Rio de Janeiro: Brazil has surpassed India as the world’s coun- journalists told dpa early on try with the second-highest coronavirus caseload, according to Saturday. official figures. Witnesses said police of- The Health Ministry in Brasilia said 85,663 new coronavirus ficers smashed cars and local infections were reported on Friday, bringing the total number businesses, threatened civil- of cases to 11,363,380 - compared to around 11,333,000 in ians and detained protesters India, which had previously occupied the second spot. in the neighbourhood of Tha- The Health Ministry added that 275,105 people have so far keta. Three men were brutally died from Covid-19 in Brazil, a country of 210 million inhabitants hit after being detained, wit- that has been hit especially hard by the pandemic. The health nesses said. Protesters stood Protesters hold up their mobile phones as they take part in a candlelight vigil to honour those who have died during demonstrations against system has collapsed in several cities, including Manaus, the outside the police station to the military coup in Yangon on Saturday. (AFP) capital of the state of Amazonas, and is threatening to break demand their release, but “po- down in more places, including some southern states that gener- lice fired into the crowd,” a ally have better infrastructure and health institutions. According witness said. a non-profit organization in to news portal G1, hospitals in 53 cities of the wealthy state Four other demonstrators German embassy demands access to detained journo Myanmar. of Sao Paulo have reached 100-percent capacity. At least 45 were killed on Saturday during Despite a night-time cur- Covid-19 patients died while waiting for a bed on an intensive protests in the city of Manda- few, tens of thousands of peo- care station, G1 reported. (dpa) lay in the country’s centre, ac- Yangon: The German embassy in Yangon has called on the authorities in Myanmar to ensure that a ple took to the streets in differ- cording to a witness and a dpa detained journalist working for the German Press Agency dpa receives “fair and humane treatment.” ent parts of the country late on journalist. Polish journalist Robert Bociaga was arrested by security forces in Taunggyi in the centre of Myanmar Friday to protest against the Around 200 detained in Russian raid on Two demonstrators were on Thursday. military junta. opposition meeting also killed in protests on Sat- “The Embassy has, also on behalf of the Polish Embassy in Bangkok, formally requested the In the Hledan district of urday in Pyay, a township lo- Myanmar side to inform about the exact whereabouts of the detained Polish citizen, to grant immedi- Yangon, thousands gathered Moscow: Russian security forces broke up an opposition cated some 260 kilometres ate consular access to him, and to give written information about the reason for his detention and for a night-time vigil, The Ir- gathering on Saturday and detained around 200 people, north-west of Yangon, Radio charges delivered,” it said in a statement posted on Facebook on Saturday. rawaddy and other local me- or almost everyone who attended, according to the Interior Free Asia reported. The 30-year-old was allegedly beaten and injured during his arrest, a reporter from Khit Thit dia reported. Many held ban- Ministry. Two more were killed Media said on Facebook. Photos showed Bociaga being surrounded by about a dozen uniformed men ners calling for the release of The meeting, planned to last two days, was intended in Twantay, a town near Yan- and protectively holding up his hands. Suu Kyi. to help opposition politicians get to know each other and gon, according to witnesses “As every detainee, he is entitled to legal representation, and as a foreign detainee, to consular “We are here tonight to collaborate ahead of parliamentary elections due in about and media reports. protection. The Embassy is expecting from the Myanmar side its adherence to the applicable Vienna protest peacefully and pray six months’ time. The opposition wants to remove long-time Since a military coup at the Convention on Consular Relations, a swift answer and a fair and humane treatment of the detained for the victims of the revolu- President Vladimir Putin from power. Dozens of people, beginning of February, there person,” said the German Embassy, which also represents the consular interests of Polish citizens in tion after the military coup,” including journalists covering the event, were temporarily have been daily mass dem- Myanmar. (dpa) Nyi Min, a protester, told dpa. detained in the hotel where the meeting was taking place. onstrations in Myanmar. The “We want justice and we want Several prominent opposition politicians and activists protesters are demanding the peace, and we will never ac- were among those taken into custody with prisoner trans- release of ousted leader Aung ernment. The military is re- Scores have been killed rested, according to estimates cept another such horrible port vehicles, including Vladimir Kara-Murza, Alexei Pivo- San Suu Kyi and the rein- sponding to the protests with since the beginning of the by the Assistance Association dictatorship,” the 36-year-old varov, Ilya Yashin and Yevgeny Roizman. (dpa) statement of her civilian gov- increasing brutality. protests and about 1,900 ar- for Political Prisoners (AAPP), added.

Ex-president Minneapolis reaches $27 mn settlement with Floyd’s family of Bolivia dpa tion, members of the victim’s wrongful death case in US continued in the trial of Derek Washington family and their lawyers. history, makes a statement Chauvin, the white officer who arrested on Floyd, an unarmed black that George Floyd deserved kneeled on Floyd’s neck and The city of Minneapolis, Min- man, died in May after Minne- better than what we witnessed has since been expelled from coup charges nesota on Friday reached a apolis police pinned him to the on May 25th, 2020. That the police. $27 million settlement with ground for over eight minutes George Floyd’s life matters, Chauvin has pleaded not dpa the family of George Floyd, as he begged for his life. and by extension black lives guilty to second-degree unin- Rio de Janeiro almost a year after the black His death, which was matter,” Floyd family attorney tentional murder and second- man’s death. filmed by bystanders, sparked Ben Crump said in the press degree manslaughter charges. Jeanine Anez, the former The Minneapolis City an unprecedented nation- conference. He has also pleaded not guilty interim president of Bolivia, Council unanimously ap- wide protest movement to “This is a message that to third-degree murder, which is under arrest, government proved the agreement to address systematic racism and the unjust taking of black was reinstated in the case on officials announced on Sat- settle the civil lawsuit filed by police brutality in the United lives will no longer be written Thursday. urday as several members Floyd’s family, Mayor Jacob States. off as trivial, unimportant or The three other officers of Anez’s government were Frey said at a press confer- “This historic agreement, unworthy of consequences,” who held Floyd down have rounded up on charges linked ence attended by representa- the largest pre-trial settle- George Floyd’s brother Philonise Floyd raises a fist as he speaks at a Crump said. been charged with aiding and to their 2019 rise to power. tives of the city’s administra- ment in a police civil rights press conference in Minneapolis, Minnesota on Friday. (afp) Meanwhile jury selection abetting murder. “I am informing the Boliv- ian people that Mrs Jeanine Anez has been detained and is now in the hands of the po- lice,” wrote Goverment Min- Norway highlights new ister Carlos Eduardo del Cas- Six EU nation leaders warn of ‘huge tillo on Twitter on Saturday. Anez, who was arrested bleeding issues after in Trinidad and then taken to disparities’ in vaccine distribution the capital La Paz, according to a report by the ABI news dpa more vaccine doses per capita The country receives vac- AstraZeneca jabs agency, had tweeted on Fri- Vienna/Brussels than countries like Bulgaria or cines through the designated day that “the political perse- Croatia. EU mechanism, but makes use dpa side effects are only com- cution has begun” after news The leaders of six European The European Commis- of leeway granted by the bloc, Oslo pounding problems for the of her arrest warrant became Union countries called on Sat- sion negotiated six vaccine a Health Ministry told dpa. vaccine’s reputation, which public. urday for high-level EU talks supply contracts with phar- If a country waives its right Three young people who has suffered because of sup- At issue is the 2019 trans- on the equitable distribution maceutical companies on be- to its full allocation, other received the coronavirus vac- ply problems to the European fer of power after contested of coronavirus vaccine doses, half of the 27 member states, countries can gain access to it, cine manufactured by Astra- Union. elections in which incum- saying the current system which could opt in or out of as the Netherlands had done, Zeneca subsequently devel- Norway also recorded bent president Evo Morales would create “huge dispari- each preorder and choose how the spokesperson pointed out. oped internal blood clots or multiple cases of young peo- claimed victory. But ques- ties” among member states by many doses to buy. Around 1.4 million resi- bleeding in the brain, Nor- ple who developed bruises or tions about the election out- the summer. The EU executive branch dents of the Netherlands have way’s public health institute burst blood vessels after re- come led to an uprising that The leaders of Austria, said on Saturday that the rea- received at least one vac- Folkehelseinstituttet said on ceiving the AstraZeneca vac- forced Morales to resign and Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, son for differences in dose al- cine dose so far. More than Saturday. cine, said Sigurd Hortemo of leave the country. Latvia and Slovenia said in a locations was down to mem- 400,000 have already re- All three work in health the Folkehelseinstituttet. Anez then took power, but letter to EU officials that the ber states’ own decision not to ceived both jabs, which corre- care, and the health agency That could indicate a re- was accused during her time current system “would con- take on all of their population- sponds to about 2.5 per cent of said it would investigate duced number of platelets, in office of abusing her author- tinue creating and exacerbat- weighted share. the population. whether there was a link. leading to internal bleeding. ity and lashing out at political ing huge disparities among European Commission President If an EU country decides Malta also rejected similar “Something like this is Health authorities in Nor- opponents. Then, in elections member states by this sum- Ursula von der Leyen not to take up all of its pro allegations. Maltese Health rare, but very serious,” Stein- way are now asking people last year, Morales’ left-wing mer, whereby some would be rata allocation, “the doses are Minister Chris Fearne said the ar Madsen, head of Norway’s under 50 who received the MAS party led by Luis Arce able to reach herd immunity with distribution of available redistributed among the other country had procured its doses medicines agency, told broad- AstraZeneca shot in the last returned to power, setting the in a few weeks, while others doses linked to population interested member states,” through the EU distribution caster NRK. two weeks to watch out for stage for Morales’ return from would lag far behind.” Croatia size. spokesperson Stefan De mechanism. The news out of Norway any side effects of bleeding, exile in Argentina. also joined the initiative later But Austrian Chancellor Keersmaecker said in a writ- The EU countries have is the latest instance of health and to go to a doctor if neces- MAS officials say what on Saturday. Sebastian Kurz said on Fri- ten statement. each opted for different mixes officials eyeing AstraZeneca’s sary. happened in 2019 was a coup. The letter, addressed to day that doses were not be- “It would be up to the of vaccines, some preferring to Covid-19 vaccine nervously. Norway administered Anez accused MAS of en- EU Council President Charles ing handed out proportionally member states to find an buy more of the cheaper and Bulgaria, Denmark, Iceland 121,820 AstraZeneca doses gaging in an “act of abuse Michel and Commission Pres- among EU member states, as agreement if they wished to easier-to-store AstraZeneca and Norway have already sus- before suspending its use on and political persecution” on ident Ursula von der Leyen, additional supply contracts return to the pro rata basis,” shot, for example. pended its use temporarily Thursday. The decision was Twitter. On Friday, she had called on EU officials “to hold were being agreed upon as the De Keersmaecker said. But major production dif- while research is conducted prompted by a case in Den- used Twitter to share a war- a discussion on this important result of non-transparent ne- On Saturday, the Neth- ficulties affecting the Brit- into possible health problems. mark, where a person died rant that included charges matter among leaders as soon gotiations in an EU steering erlands rejected Austria’s al- ish-Swedish pharmaceutical Multiple medical agen- of a thrombosis shortly after of terrorism, incitement and as possible.” According to the group. legations that it had procured firm’s EU supply chain have cies, including the World getting inoculated. conspiracy. Multiple mem- bloc’s vaccine strategy, all EU According to Kurz, Den- additional vaccination doses severely hampered deliveries, Health Organization, have ar- However, Danish authori- bers of her administration countries get access to ap- mark and the Netherlands outside the scope of EU agree- putting national governments gued that the vaccine is safe. ties have not been able to were named. proved shots at the same time, have access to significantly ments. under pressure. However, the worries about show a link. Dukhan Bank announces winners of March page 10

Sunday, march 14, 2021

32,778.64 10,224.92 50792.08 1,719.80 +293.05 pts -47.19 pts -487.43 pts Gold -0.16 % How Toyota thrives when the Dow QE sensex chips are down page 11 Price percentage Price percentage 25.91 Brent 69.22 -0.59 % WTI 65.61 -0.62 % Silver -1.08 % Sheikha Alanoud youngest Over 50 Qatari firms take part Qatari to join WEF’s YGL in QDB meet Alanoud will be joining YGL community of 1,400 members and alumni from over 120 countries QNA ability of Qatari companies to Doha compete globally,” he said. Tribune News Network ship abilities. She said, “By work- The 2021 coordination Doha ing together, we can become more Qatar Development Bank meetings witnessed a large responsible, strategic, and impactful (QDB) hosted the second edi- global participation with the Qatar Financial Centre (QFC) Au- leaders, and do more to better our tion of the virtual coordina- presence of more than 130 in- thority Business Development Man- communities, launch ground-break- tion meeting programme un- ternational partners from 40 aging Director Sheikha Alanoud bint ing initiatives, revolutionise tradi- der the theme ‘Fostering New countries such as the Gulf Co- Hamad Al Thani has been selected tional ways of doing business, define Partnerships and Driving the operation Council, Africa and to join the World Economic Forum’s new innovative ideas, and ensure Future Together’. QDB’s ex- the European Union, adding Young Global Leaders (YGL) for the that our voices are heard by decisions port programme ‘Tasdeer’ the number of participants class of 2021. This recognition makes makers worldwide. But equally im- organised the event in part- exceeded that of the previous her the youngest and the only Qatari portant is our commitment to in- nership with the European virtual edition. to join this year. spire younger generations of future Enterprise Network, with the Each year, the Forum of Young leaders.” aim of gathering senior Qa- Global Leaders identifies the world’s Launched by Klaus Schwab of the tari manufacturers with in- most promising leaders under the World Economic Forum in 2004, the ternational buyers and simi- 130 partners age of 40 who are driving innova- Young Global Leaders are governed lar partners from around the ● The 2021 coordination tion for positive change across civil by a board of twelve world and in- world to discuss prospects for meetings witnessed a society, arts, culture, government, dustry leaders, ranging from Queen cooperation and joint work, large global participation and business. Alanoud is one of only Rania of Jordan to Marissa Mayer and to learn about Qatari with the presence of more 112 driven researchers, innovative of Yahoo! and Wikipedia co-founder manufacturing capabilities. entrepreneurs, activists, and prom- Jimmy Wales. Young Global Leaders More than 50 Qatari in- than 130 international ising political leaders representing participate in the annual meeting of dustrial companies partici- partners from 40 countries 56 countries to be selected for the the New Champions, established in pated in this year’s edition such as the Gulf Young Global Leaders Class of 2021. 2007 and known informally as “Sum- and registered in more than Cooperation Council, Africa As a Young Global Leader, Sheikha mer Davos”, alongside Global Growth 1100 coordination meetings, and the European Union Alanoud will be taking part in a five- Companies and other delegations to the QDB said and added year programme that offers execu- the World Economic Forum. that the digital platform for Tasdeer Executive Direc- tive education courses, expeditions, “We are delighted to welcome the the meetings recorded more tor Hamad Salem Mejegheer and opportunities to collaborate and Class of 2021 at a time when cultivat- than 98,000 visitors, and the highlighted the remarkable test ideas among a trusted network ing responsible leadership is needed shared digital space created increase in both the number of peers. more than ever to steer us through by coordination meetings of participating Qatari manu- She will be joining the YGL com- the multiple challenges the world is provides many distinct com- facturing companies and the munity of 1,400 members and alumni facing,” said Nicole Schwab, board mercial opportunities and international presence in from more than 120 countries includ- member of the Forum of Young Glob- fruitful partnerships. their various sectors of work. ing prime ministers Jacinda Ardern al Leaders, in a released statement. QDB CEO Abdulaziz bin “Through the programme and Sanna Marin, President Carlos Prior to her current position, Nasser Al Khalifa stressed the of coordination meetings, we Alvarado Quesada of Costa Rica, ac- Sheikha Alanoud held the roles of importance of these meet- aspire to attract regional and tor Yao Chen, lawyer Amal Clooney vice president of Strategic Alliances, ings and their role in raising international interest to learn and filmmaker Wanuri Kahiu. CEO Office, and associate director the competitiveness of Qatari about the industrial capabili- QFC Authority Chief Executive of Economic Affairs for the MENA exporting companies in the ties of Qatari companies, and Officer Yousuf Mohamed Al Jaida region. She also previously served international market. to extend the national econ- said, “We are proud to have the as the Qatar Country Director for Si- QDB is working to create omy with new tributaries, QFC’s Managing Director of Business latech, a Qatar-based social initiative the appropriate platform to in line with Qatar’s national Development, Sheikha Alanoud, rec- that connects young people to em- reconcile the exports of Qa- vision and a diversified and ognised as a ‘Young Global Leader’, ployment opportunities across the tari companies with global open economy,” he said. representing an inspirational and Arab region. demand, he said. The meetings covered successful role model not only for Sheikha Alanoud bint Hamad Al Thani The QFC is an onshore jurisdic- “The coronavirus (COV- many prominent Qatari in- young generations in Qatar but for tion that allows registered companies ID-19) pandemic has a global dustrial sectors in areas such the entire world. This recognition is proud to join other members from a that continue to drive positive change to enjoy competitive benefits, such economic impact, but with as information and commu- also an acknowledgement of the out- diverse mix of nations, in shaping a around the world. It is that commit- as up to 100 percent foreign own- virtual coordination meet- nication technology services, standing business environment in more inclusive and sustainable future ment to making a better world for all ership, 100 percent repatriation of ings, the QDB was able to building materials and the Qatar, and particularly of the QFC, across borders and sectors. This is that inspires me to pursue my dreams profits, 10 percent corporate tax on create a distinctive commu- electricity sector, paper prod- which is designed to nurture youth also a testament to the success of Her relentlessly and to achieve my goals.” locally sourced profits, and an ex- nication channel for Qatari ucts, plastic and packaging empowerment, entrepreneurship, Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser The London School of Econom- tensive double taxation treaty net- companies. Through the re- industries, food and bever- and leadership.” and our leadership in leading and im- ics and University of Oxford graduate work with over 80 countries, a legal markable attendance, the ages, chemicals, medical in- Sheikha Alanoud said, “I am plementing ambitious human devel- hailed the opportunity to collabo- environment based on English com- large number of meetings struments, pharmaceutical humbled to represent Qatar as one of opment reforms through education rate with members of her cohort and mon law and the right to trade in any and unparalleled interest, the industries, and light consum- this year’s Young Global Leaders and and youth empowerment initiatives to continue developing her leader- currency. QDB is fully confident in the er goods.

Qatar, China sign protocol to amend avoidance of double taxation Double taxation avoidance agreement between Qatar and China to focus on lifting tax restrictions on air cargo and passenger transport activities

Tribune News Network Doha

Qatar and China have signed the protocol amending the agreement for the avoid- ance of double taxation and preventing financial evasions concerning income taxes be- tween governments of the two countries at the General Tax Authority’s headquarters in Doha on Thursday. The protocol was signed by General Tax Authority President Ahmed bin Issa Al Mohannadi and China’s Am- bassador to Qatar HE Zhou General Tax Authority President Ahmed bin Issa Al Mohannadi and China’s Ambassador to Qatar HE Zhou Jian sign the agreement. Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Officer Akbar Al Baker also attended the event in Doha. Jian. The signing ceremony was attended by Qatar Air- countries’ tax authorities tunities, and strengthen eco- investments and operations in range development objec- potential will provide a new strong relations between the ways Group Chief Executive will have positive effects on nomic relations between the China. Since last year, despite tives through the year 2035, strategic opportunity for our two countries.” OfficerA kbar Al Baker. several trade and investment two countries.” the impact of the COVID-19 in order to foster a new de- pragmatic cooperation. I am “Qatar Airways has dem- Mohannadi said, “The aspects between the two na- Jian said, “I am delighted pandemic, China-Qatar eco- velopment pattern centring fully optimistic and confident onstrated its continued com- signed protocol amending tions. The amending protocol to sign the protocol on behalf nomic and trade cooperation on domestic circulation with in this,” he said. mitment to China, and looks the agreement to avoid dou- aims to grant Qatar Airways of the Chinese government, has kept growing. China be- domestic and international Baker said, “We are forward to further developing ble taxation and prevent fis- tax exemptions on air freight, which is good news for en- came for the first time Qa- markets promoting each pleased that the tax authori- its presence in the Chinese cal evasion with China would passenger transport. It also terprises from both countries tar’s largest trading partner other, thus fully enhancing ties of Qatar and China have market as COVID-19 restric- strengthen the existing eco- aims to strengthen efforts and will help create a bet- in 2020, which highlights the domestic consumption and signed a new bilateral agree- tions ease,” Baker said. nomic relations between the regarding double taxation ter business environment for resilience and vitality of the bi- expanding China’s opening ment. China is an impor- Qatar has signed several two countries. China is one between the two countries, them and provide in particu- lateral pragmatic cooperation.” up to a higher level. Obvi- tant and significant player agreements to avoid double of the most important trade encouraging trade exchange, lar stronger momentum for “Currently, China is im- ously, China’s huge market of in the economic world, and taxation and prevent fiscal partners of Qatar. The co- increasing capital movement, Qatari companies, including plementing its 14th Five-Year 1.4 billion populations and its this cooperation will further evasion with other friendly operation between the two enhancing investment oppor- Qatar Airways, to expand their Plan, and setting out its long- corresponding consumption strengthen the warm and countries. Economy & Business Sunday, March 14, 2021 09 Building sales generate QR266 mn in a week: Ezdan report Euro drops as ECB to boost pace of bond purchases Tribune News Network the report said. few minutes away from the project philosophy is based Doha Seven municipalities — Sales of vacant land lots Doha Corniche, features 803 on coupling strength and suc- DPA-AFX per cent. The marginal lending Umm Salal, Al Khor, Al Tha- generated QR184.2 mil- residential units, all of them cess of any project. Brussels facility rate is at 0.25 per cent. Registered property sales kira, Al Doha, Al Rayyan, Al consisting of two rooms. The “Whether you are a land- The Governing Council in Qatar between February Shamal, Al Daayen, and Al lion, or 40.9 percent of monthly rent for a furnished lord for a vast or small land The euro drifted lower against retained the pandemic emer- 28 and March 4 generated Wakra — saw property sales the total sales value apartment starts at QR,3900, lot, suitable for developing its most major counterparts gency purchase programme at QR450.7 million, the latest during the period. The deals while the monthly rent for an a residential or commercial in the European session on 1.85 trillion euros. Ezdan Real Estate report has included sale of vacant land The property is 5,903 square unfurnished apartment starts complex, building or tower, Thursday, after the European The purchases under the said, citing figures from the lots, residences, multi-use metres in area and was sold at at QR3,750. or even a hospital or school, Central Bank left its key inter- PEPP will be conducted at a country’s Real Estate Regis- buildings and multi-use land a price of QR1,013 per square The report also highlight- Sharekna offers you feasibil- est rates unchanged and sig- significantly higher pace in the tration Department. lots and residential buildings, foot. ed the smart real estate pro- ity studies, licenses and good nalled that it would accelerate next quarter than during the Sales of buildings domi- the report, which is sponsored The report highlighted ject Sharekna developed by planning by specialized engi- purchases under the pandemic first months of this year. nated these deals, generating by SAK Partnerships, said. Ezdan Real Estate’s milestone the SAK Partnerships. Share- neers and experts, as well as emergency purchase pro- Net asset purchases under QR266.5 million and making Doha municipality came projects. kna is developed as a solution secures funds for undertaking gramme in the next quarter to the PEPP will be conducted up 59.1 percent of the total on top in terms of transac- Msheireb Towers, one for landlords with vacant land the project and construction counter the rise in bond yields. until at least the end of March sales value during the period. tion value through the sale of the most important resi- lots. The project enables them in a record time at a prime The Governing Council 2022 and, in any case, until Sales of vacant land gen- of a multi-use land lot in Old dential projects in Qatar, to transform the land lots into cost only, without calculat- maintained the main refi rate the Governing Council judges erated QR184.2 million, or Airport area. The transaction and enjoys a vital location in real estate projects that gen- ing any profit margin for Sak at a record low of zero per cent that the coronavirus crisis 40.9 percent of the total, said generated QR64.3 million. the centre of Doha, as it is a erate continuous gains. The Partnership,” the report said. and the deposit rate at -0.50 phase is over.

QNB ECONOMIC COMMENTARY Is Fed going to tweak Bitcoin surpasses $60,000 in monetary policy to contain rising record high as rally accelerates long-dated yields? The digital currency is up over 80% this he US post-pandemic economic recovery is proving year and 570% to be durable, lasting for several quarters and not Tshowing any signs of receding. In fact, the US weekly higher over the last leading index of economic activity, which is a composite of high-frequency data that tends to predict the business 12 months cycle by 3 to 10 months, still points to a rapid acceleration in activity at least for the next quarters. Macro-sensitive US Treasuries confirmed the positive Agencies backdrop. After recession fears and the Covid-19 shock that pushed the benchmark spread between 10-year and Bitcoin, the world’s biggest 3-month Treasuries to negative territory, the economic cryptocurrency, on Satur- recovery produced a healthy steepening of the yield curve. day crossed a record high of This tends to be a positive leading indicator of economic $60,000. expansions as lower short yields imply monetary stimulus Bitcoin has risen sharply and higher long yields imply higher growth or inflation this year, broadly outper- expectations. forming conventional asset But in mac- classes, partly due to broader roeconomics, acceptance as a form of pay- one can have too ment. much of a good In recent weeks, compa- thing. The strong nies have taken advantage of US recovery is its strength to raise hundreds starting to sug- of millions of dollars in fund- gest a build-up ing, capitalizing on improved of new economic market sentiment. imbalances. A $1.5 billion bitcoin bet Aggressive fis- last month by Tesla Inc saw cal stimulus is Elon Musk’s electric car com- driving inves- pany join business software tors to “price in” firm MicroStrategy Inc and an overheating Twitter boss Jack Dorsey’s economy where payments company Square Bitcoin briefly rose above $60,000 for the first time on Saturday, as the world’s most popular virtual currency continued its record-breaking run. inflation runs Inc in swapping some tradi- too fast. This is starting to lead to an abrupt spike of long- tional cash reserves for the leads a move into value and its plunge as the COVID-19 be hot topics when the U.S. Prices for U.S. crude are dated US yields. digital coin. economically sensitive stocks outbreak took its toll on the Federal Reserve meets on up 35% year-to-date. Should this trend of a disorderly rise in long-dated US Coinbase, the biggest U.S. that has gripped the equity economy. Tuesday and Wednesday. Investors are watching yields continue, financial conditions will likely tighten, cryptocurrency exchange, market. How much further “Shares are being bid up Ample crude supply that supply dynamics as another potentially leading to a “hard landing” of equity prices filed last month for a Nasdaq that run continues could because there are expecta- weighed on global oil prices catalyst for crude prices and and slower economic growth in the future. Higher yields listing. Regulatory approval hinge on the success of the tions for greater demand,” and concerns over a push energy stocks. could be detrimental to the highly leveraged US corporate would represent a landmark economic recovery, supply said Michael Arone, chief toward “green energy” were The Organization of the and government sectors, increasing rollover risks and the victory for cryptocurrency ad- dynamics in oil markets and investment strategist for among the factors pulling Petroleum Exporting Coun- overall debt burden. Importantly, access to cheap credit is vocates seeking mainstream whether companies can stay State Street Global Advisors. down energy stocks for most tries and its allies last year a sine qua non condition to the survival of large swaths of endorsement. disciplined on spending. “We need to see the follow- of the past decade. Oil prices cut output substantially as the US corporate sector. Amid rising customer The near doubling in the through.” plummeted in the coronavi- demand collapsed due to the Within this context, the US Federal Reserve (Fed) is demand to own and invest price of crude has helped The outlook for energy rus-fueled downturn amid pandemic. under increasing pressure to address the issue of rising in bitcoin, Goldman Sachs make shares of oil and gas shares is at the center of a global travel restrictions and The group earlier this yields sooner rather than later. Some analysts expect mon- Group Inc. said this week that companies - for years a losing number of market themes, shutdowns but roared higher month agreed to extend most etary policy actions to contain spikes in long-dated yields it is exploring how to serve bet - one of the best perform- including how long the eco- in recent months, buoyed by output cuts into April. already in the upcoming Federal Open Market Committee those clients while remaining ing areas of the market, with nomic “reopening” trade breakthroughs in vaccines Any efforts by President (FOMC) meeting of March 16-17. on the right side of regulation. outsized gains in the stocks of can last, whether energy and against COVID-19. Joe Biden’s administration There are three monetary policy tools that the Fed can It recently restarted a crypto- companies such as oil major other value stocks can con- Recent data has shown to regulate U.S. drilling could use to cap or contain long-dated yields. First, the Fed can currency trading desk and Exxon Mobil Corp and Dia- tinue outperforming tech and signs of an economic recov- support prices by keeping deploy Japanese-style Yield Curve Control (YCC), a policy this month it started dealing mondback Energy Inc, which growth shares and if the mar- ery continuing to gain mo- supply in check, investors whereby the monetary authority would target some long- bitcoin futures and non-deliv- have surged 89% and 231%, ket is primed for a potential mentum. The number of said. “There is more likely to dated yield and pledge to buy enough long-term bonds to erable forwards. respectively, since early No- rise in inflation. Americans filing new claims be an aggressive regulatory keep yields from rising above the target. This policy meas- vember. With the benchmark S&P for jobless benefits dropped regime, which would rein in ure is perceived as aggressive as there is no notional limit Energy shares look for next With a gain of over 80% 500 nearing the 4,000 level to a four-month low last supply, which would be a pos- of resources to be deployed in achieving the target rate. spark in that time, the S&P 500 en- for the first time, the health week, while U.S. consumer itive for commodity prices,” Second, the Fed can enact a “twist” operation, by which Investors betting on U.S. ergy sector is back to levels of the economy, the pace of sentiment improved in early said Burns McKinney, port- it would sell part of its stock of short-term Treasury bills to energy shares have enjoyed a last seen in February 2020, inflation and a recent rise in March to its strongest in a folio manager at NFJ Invest- reinvest in long-dated Treasury notes and bonds. The net blistering rally, as the sector when the stock market began bond yields are expected to year. ment Group. effect would be a flatter yield curve with slightly higher bill yields and lower yields for notes and bonds. The objective of “twist”-type operations is to contain or lower long-dated yields without increasing the balance sheet of the Fed with new purchases of assets. Australia’s Cormann to become new OECD head Third, the Fed can introduce a “duration extension” to its existing USD 120 billion monthly asset purchase pro- gram, whereby it changes the composition of purchases DPA At the beginning of March, of his predecessors. towards more long-dated securities and away from short- Paris Cormann and the former EU The 50-year-old has Bel- dated bills. trade commissioner Cecilia gian roots: he was born in Eu- In our view, the Fed will likely resort to a combination Australia’s former finance Malmstrom from Sweden re- pen near the border with Ger- of “twist” operation and “duration extension” to the exist- minister Mathias Cormann mained in the running. many, went to school in Liege ing asset purchase program. This would be a smoother was set to become the new The term of office of the and studied law in Namur and transition from the current Fed policies and would give all secretary-general of the Or- new OECD head begins on Leuven. economic agents time to evaluate the path of the current ganization for Economic Co- June 1 and runs for five years. Cormann has lived in recovery and operation and Development The member states are Australia since 1996. Shortly the inflation (OECD). committed to democracy and afterwards, he became politi- trajectory. All The 50-year-old received the market economy. cally active and he has been in all, the Fed is the most support in a vote of The OECD is an impor- an Australian citizen since likely to tweak representatives of member tant international think tank. 2000. its monetary states, British OECD Ambas- In the global tug-of-war over From 2003 to 2004, he policy over sador Christopher Sharrock, taxation of large digital cor- was vice-chairman of the Lib- the coming who had led the selection pro- porations, it plays a central eral Party in the state of West- months, but a cess, said in a statement on role. ern Australia. During his time Japanese-style Friday evening. “I am pleased to congratu- as finance minister, he was YCC policy The OECD council still late Mathias Cormann on his also deputy government lead- seems too ag- has to give its formal approv- appointment as the first Sec- er in the Senate from 2015. gressive for the al. A date for this initially re- retary-General of the OECD Former Australian finance minister senator Mathias Cormann Cormann is seen as a con- current circum- mained open. from our Indo-Pacific region,” sistent advocate of lower tax- stances. Ten candidates were nom- Australian Foreign Minister to international cooperation Cormann was Australia’s fi- es, smaller government, open inated last year to succeed Marise Payne tweeted on Sat- has never been more impor- nance minister for the Liberal markets and free trade. Activ- the incumbent, Angel Gurria urday. tant, particularly as we re- Party from 2013 to 2020 and ists had criticized him over from Mexico. “Australia’s contribution spond to the Covid-19 crisis.” was in office longer than any Australia’s climate policy. 10 Sunday, March 14, 2021 Economy & Business India’s draft e-comm CEO of China’s Ant Group leaves policy calls for equal treatment of sellers after failed IPO prompts revamp Agencies ple with direct knowledge. On Saturday, top gov- India will require e-com- ernment officials from vari- Simon Hu’s departure is the first major management change since the IPO was scrapped merce firms to treat sellers ous departments, including equally on their platforms the commerce ministry, met and ensure transparency, to discuss the e-commerce Agencies according to a draft policy policy. The timeline of pub- that follows criticism against lication and whether it will China’s Ant Group Chief Ex- business practices of big on- be subject to further changes ecutive Officer SimonH u has line companies. were not immediately clear. unexpectedly resigned amid a India has been delib- Indian traders have also regulatory-driven overhaul of erating a new e-commerce complained about steep the financial technology giant’s policy for months amid discounts offered by online business, the first top manage- complaints from brick-and- companies which smaller re- ment exit since a scuppered mortar retailers who allege tailers have not been able to $37 billion initial public offer- online giants like Amazon match. Amazon and Flipkart ing. and Walmart’s Flipkart flout Hu, who was named chief federal regulations. The com- executive of the Alibaba Group panies have denied the alle- Holding affiliate in 2019, will gations. be replaced by company vet- A special report last eran and Executive Chairman month revealed that Ama- Eric Jing, Ant said in a state- zon has for years given pref- In a nutshell ment on Friday. erential treatment to a small Hu’s exit from the com- group of sellers on its India A special report last month pany comes as Ant is working platform and used them to revealed that Amazon has on plans to shift to a financial circumvent the country’s for- for years given preferential holding company structure fol- eign investment rules. treatment to a small group lowing intense regulatory pres- The latest draft of the pol- of sellers on its India sure to subject it to rules and icy document says operators platform and used them to capital requirements similar to should be impartial in their circumvent the country’s those for banks. dealings with sellers. foreign investment rules. That pressure abruptly “E-commerce operators The latest draft of the policy scuttled Ant’s IPO last year, must ensure equal treatment document says operators which would have been the of all sellers/vendors regis- should be impartial in their world’s biggest. tered on their platforms and Hu resigned for personal not adopt algorithms which dealings with sellers reasons, Ant said in a state- result in prioritizing select ment, without elaborating. vendors/sellers,” it says. have said they comply with “Following the board’s A spokesman for the all laws. thorough discussions, we have commerce ministry declined E-commerce firms must decided to respect Simon’s Simon Hu, the CEO of Ant Group who resigned, delivers a speech at the INCLUSION Fintech Conference in Shanghai, China. to comment. The policy will “bring out clear and trans- personal request and support apply to Amazon and Flipkart parent policies” on online him fully in his new mission,” been tightening scrutiny of The change in manage- aires or billionaires. - two top e-commerce play- discounts, the draft docu- Jing said in an internal memo. the country’s technology sec- ment also comes days after Although Ma has stepped ers in India - as well as do- ment says. Jing will continue in his tor, with Alibaba taking much New CEO some Ant staff expressed frus- down from corporate posi- mestic players like Reliance The Reuters special re- current role as chairman, he of the heat. The regulator ● Simon Hu, who was tration on social media for not tions and earnings calls, he re- Industries, which has plans port last month - based on said. launched an official anti-trust named chief executive of being able to sell the company tains significant influence over to expand its JioMart online internal Amazon documents U.S.-listed shares in bil- probe into Alibaba in Decem- shares they own after Chinese Alibaba and Ant and promotes platform. All three firms did dated between 2012 and lionaire Jack Ma’s Alibaba ber. the Alibaba Group Holding regulators abruptly halted the them globally at business and not immediately respond to a 2019 - showed the company dropped as much as 3.9% in Ma, who is not known for affiliate in 2019, will be company’s market debut. political events. request for comment. helped a small number of the morning trade on Friday. shying away from the lime- replaced by company Jing told Ant employees Hu joined Ant in 2005 and Separately, India is also sellers prosper on its India Hu’s departure is the first light, disappeared from the veteran and Executive that the company would re- has worked in various roles in considering changes to for- platform, giving them dis- major management change public eye for about three Chairman Eric Jing view its staff incentive pro- the group as well as at Alibaba, eign investment rules that counted fees and helping one since the IPO was scrapped. He months, prompting frenzied grammes and roll out some according to his LinkedIn pro- could prompt players includ- cut special deals with big tech was one of the key executives speculation about his wherea- ● According to Ant, Hu measures starting from April file. ing Amazon to restructure manufacturers. responsible for managing the bouts. He re-emerged in Janu- resigned for personal to help solve their financial Jing has been Ant’s ex- their ties with some major Amazon has said it “does company’s mega dual-listing ary in a 50-second video ap- reasons; Jing to continue problems, according to two ecutive chairman since 2018 sellers, Reuters reported in not give preferential treat- in Hong Kong and Shanghai. pearance. in his current role as people who saw the messages. and before that he held vari- January. ment to any seller on its mar- Ma’s business empire has Ant’s financial holding chairman The listing in November of ous positions at the company Government officials are ketplace,” and that it “treats been at the centre of a crack- structure is expected to weigh Ant, whose businesses include including president and chief set to hold talks next week all sellers in a fair, transpar- down following an Oct. 24 on its valuation, as the fintech consumer lending and insur- operating officer, according to with industry executives on ent, and non-discriminatory speech in which he blasted firm was valued as a technol- valuations are much higher ance products distribution, his profile on the World Bank such rules, according to peo- manner.” China’s regulatory system. ogy firm in its previous fun- on technology firms than on would have made some of the website. He joined Alibaba in Regulators have since draising rounds. Typically, financial companies. company’s employees million- 2007. Thara’a draw: Dukhan Bank announces winners of March each and 42 with QR5,000 Alnaimi, Housine Karmous, draw picks two winners for Coupled with cash prizes Two Dukhan customers win each. The latest winners of Maysaa Al-Mulla, Fahid Al- QR25,000 each and two oth- and a reward scheme, Thara’a QR5,000 are: Khaldi, Amal Al-Haddad, Dijin ers for QR50,000 each. Annu- is a product full of value-added QR10,000 each, 42 get QR5,000 each Ibrahim Sedaqat, Kumar, Seham Balawni, Fadi ally, the draw picks one for the benefits and services. Thara’a Mahmoud Asran, Shaikha Al- Madi, Ali Salatt, Shaikha Al- grand prize of QR1 million. The offers account holders access Tribune News Network ning QR5,000 each. Mass, Omar Ghadawi, Malik Saai, Ahmad Mohamad, Shay- draw has so far rewarded 365 to Dukhan Bank’s innovative Doha Thara’a is the bank’s Shari- Mendoza, Bibibakhiyar Ma- maa Mohamed, Hassan Al- winners with QR3.2 million. banking channels. ah-compliant savings account, houdinowdaz, Ali Al-Tamimi, Malki,Salman Murikkinkadan, The latest round of the Customers may learn about Dukhan Bank customers Ab- which rewards its customers Hesham Elghannam, Alaa Mohammed Al-Kuwari, Salwa draws was also conducted un- the many benefits of Thara’a dul Essa and Mohamed Saheb through raffle draws held on Hammad, Zeyad Elarir, Ab- Sakr, Mazhar Taha, Mariam der the supervision of a rep- savings account by visiting have won QR10,000 each in monthly, quarterly and annual dulla Al-Mohammadi, Adel Al- Riad, Thibault Martinez, Neetu resentative of the qualitative Dukhan Bank’s website, www. the latest round of the bank’s basis. Azazi, Ibrahim Qusad, Saoud Mehta, Shahad Faisal Al-Malki hammad Reyad Mohammad license and market control dukhanbank.com, or by call- Thara’a raffle draw, which also The monthly draw rewards Alrewaily, Elasyed Salem, ,Sharefa Almansoori, Rabie and Khalid Alkubaisi. department at the Ministry of ing the Contact Centre on 800 saw 42 other customers win- two customers with QR10,000 Khaled Aldakhin, Mohammed Khaldi, Mohd Alsayed, Mo- Every quarter, the Commerce and Industry. 8555.

Explainer What’s this craze for ‘non-fungible tokens’ all about, anyway?

Agencies digital art or, well, pretty much any- wold, who started an NFT fund in fame sold 90,000 virtual trading “They’re investors, they’re tech en- thing else that comes in digital form 2019. “You have property rights in cards last year for $1 each. Elec- trepreneurs, they’re in that world.” A digital art piece, tweaked using — audio files, videoclips, animated the physical world. Why don’t we tronic musician Grimes sold $6 cryptocurrency technology to make stickers, this article you’re reading. have property rights in the digital million worth of her digital art last But who would spend $70 million on it one-of-a-kind, sold at auction this NFTs confirm an item’s owner- world?” Some NFT issuers give full month, including a video clip fea- one? week for nearly $70 million. That ship by recording the details on a copyrights to the buyer, though oth- turing winged cherubs floating in Christie’s on Friday identified transaction made global headlines digital ledger known as a blockchain, ers do not. pastel dreamscapes that went for the buyer of Beeple’s work as the fi- and buoyed already-mushrooming which is public and stored on com- $389,000. Clips of NBA star LeB- nancer of a digital art fund who goes interest in these kinds of digital ob- puters across the internet, making it So what’s a Beeple? ron James dunking are selling for as by the pseudonym Metakovan, an jects — known as non-fungible to- effectively impossible to lose or de- Beeple is an American digital much as $225,000. Actress Lindsey announcement that could fuel con- kens, or NFTs — that have captured stroy. artist based in South Carolina whose Lohan sold an image of her face. You cerns of a bubble in the cryptocur- the attention of artists and collec- At the moment, these tokens are real name is Mike Winkelmann. can also buy virtual land in video rency art market. The buyer founded tors alike. white-hot in the collecting world, This undated photo released by Chris- He’s been creating digital sketches games and meme characters like Metapurse, described as the world’s where they’re being used to solve tie’s on Thursday shows a digital col- using 3D tools on a daily basis for the Nyan Cat. largest NFT fund, which is likely to A non-what token? a problem central to digital col- lage titled “Everydays: The First 5,000 past 13 years. Auction house Chris- Digital artist Anne Spalter start- benefit from the heightened atten- In economics jargon, a fungi- lectibles: how to claim ownership Days,” by an artist named Beeple. tie’s calls his work “abstract, fantas- ed out as an NFT skeptic but has tion. ble token is an asset that can be of something that can be easily and tical, grotesque or absurd.” He has now sold multiple artworks using The British auction house said exchanged on a one-for-one basis. endlessly duplicated. One purpose of NFTs is that they 1.9 million followers on Instagram. the tokens. The latest was a video the purchase makes Beeple’s piece Think of dollars or bitcoins — each can be used to trace an object’s digi- In December, the first extensive called “Dark Castles” -- of mysteri- the third-most valuable artwork ever one has the exact same value and Can’t anyone just copy digital stuff tal provenance, allowing a select few auction of his art brought in $3.5 ously distorted castles generated by sold by a living artist, behind works can be traded freely. A non-fungible off the internet? to prove ownership. In the broader million, an eye-catching amount artificial intelligence technology – by Jeff Koons and David Hockney. object, by contrast, has its own dis- Sure, anyone can download a picture, it’s a way to create scarcity -- that was surpassed by this week’s that sold for $2,752. Spalter said she expects this bub- tinct value, like an old house or a copy of Beeple’s art from his social albeit artificial — so that you can sell record-shattering sale of his collage “NFTs have opened up art to a ble to pop, though she still believes classic car. media feed, print it out, and hang it something for higher prices thanks “Everydays: The First 5,000 Days” whole bunch of people who never NFTs hold promise for artists as a Cross this notion with crypto- on the wall. Just like you can take a to its scarcity. for nearly $70 million, paid in a digi- would have gone to a gallery in way to reduce fraud and misattribu- currency technology known as the photo of the Mona Lisa in the Louvre “All the time, money and effort tal currency known as Ethereum. New York,” said Spalter, who pio- tion of works. blockchain and you get NFTs. These or buy a print from the museum gift you spend in your digital life, you neered digital fine arts courses at “I’m still mystified by the prices are effectively digital certificates of shop. But that doesn’t mean you own can create value for that,” said Chi- So who else is selling NFTs Brown University and the Rhode Is- and how high they are,” she said. “I authenticity that can be attached to those original artworks. cago fund manager Andrew Stein- William Shatner of “Star Trek” land School of Design in the 1990s. think there will be a correction.” Sunday, March 14, 2021 11 Economy & Business How Toyota thrives when the chips are down After the Fukushima disaster, Toyota came up with a business continuity plan that required suppliers to stockpile two to six months’ worth of semiconductor chips

Agencies

Toyota may have pioneered the just-in-time manufacturing strategy but when it comes to chips, its deci- sion to stockpile what have become key components in cars goes back a decade to the Fukushima disaster. After the catastrophe severed Toyota’s supply chains on March 11, 2011, the world’s biggest automaker realized the lead-time for semicon- ductors was way too long to cope with devastating shocks such as nat- ural disasters. That’s why Toyota came up with a business continuity plan (BCP) that required suppliers to stockpile any- where from two to six months’ worth of chips for the Japanese carmaker, depending on the time it takes from order to delivery, four sources said. And that’s why Toyota has so far been largely unscathed by a global shortage of semiconductors follow- ing a surge in demand for electrical goods under coronavirus lockdowns that has forced many rival automak- ers to suspend production, the sourc- es said. “Toyota was, as far as we can tell, the only automaker properly equipped to deal with chip shortag- es,” said a person familiar with Har- man International, which specializes in car audio systems, displays and driver assistance technology. Toyota surprised rivals and in- vestors last month when it said its output would not be disrupted sig- nificantly by chip shortages even as Volkswagen, General Motors, Ford, Honda and Stellantis, among others, have been forced to slow or suspend some production. Toyota, meanwhile, has raised its vehicle output for the fiscal year end- ing this month and jacked up its full- year earnings forecast by 54%. The source familiar with Har- man said the company, part of South Toyota surprised rivals and investors last month when it said its output would not be disrupted significantly by chip shortages even as Volkswagen, General Motors, Ford, Honda and Stellantis, among others, have Korea’s Samsung Electronics, was been forced to slow or suspend some production. experiencing shortages of central processing units (CPUs) and power ter were so severe it took six months Inventories of MCU chips - which “This basic approach sets us of semiconductors to prepare for the management integrated circuits as for Toyota to get production outside often combine multiple technolo- Reaping rewards apart,” said one of the sources, a launch of its successful Prius hybrid early as November last year. Japan back to normal levels, having gies, CPUs, flash memory and other Toyota engineer. in 1997. While Harman doesn’t make done so at home two months earlier. devices - are held for Toyota by parts ● At a time when supply chain “From what causes flaws in semi- Years before, it poached engi- chips, because of its continuity deal It was a big shock to Toyota’s just- suppliers such as Denso, which is risk is now front and centre in conductors to gory details about pro- neering talent from the chip industry with Toyota, it was obliged to prior- in-time system because a smooth partially owned by Toyota Group, almost every industry, the move duction processes like what gases and opened a semiconductor plant in itize the carmaker and ensure it had flow of components from suppliers chip makers like Renesas and Tai- shows how Toyota was ready to and chemicals you use to make the 1989 to help design and manufacture enough semiconductors to maintain to factories to assembly lines - as well wan Semiconductor Manufacturing, process work, we understand the MCUs used to control Prius power- supplies of its digital systems for four as lean inventories - were central to and chip traders. throw out its own rule book when technology inside and out. It’s a dif- train systems. months, or more, the source said. its emergence as an industry leader While there are different kinds it came to semiconductors - and ferent level of knowledge that you Toyota designed and manufac- The chips in especially short sup- for efficiency and quality. of MCUs, those in short supply now is reaping the rewards can’t simply gain if you’re just buying tured its own MCUs and other chips ply now are microcontroller units At a time when supply chain risk are not cutting-edge chips but more ● those technologies.” for three decades until it transferred (MCUs) which control an array of is now front and centre in almost mainstream ones with semiconduc- Toyota has another advantage its chip-making plant to Denso in functions such as braking, accelera- every industry, the move shows tor nodes ranging from 28 to 40 na- over some rivals when it comes ‘Losing out grip?’ 2019 to consolidate the supplier’s tion, steering, ignition, combustion, how Toyota was ready to throw out nometers, the sources said. to chips thanks to its There has been an explosion in operations. tire pressure gauges and rain sen- its own rule book when it came to Toyota’s continuity plans for long-standing policy of ensuring it the use of semiconductors and digi- The four sources said Toyota’s sors, the four sources told Reuters. semiconductors - and is reaping the chips has also cushioned it from understands all the technology tal technologies by automakers this early drive to develop a deep under- However, Toyota changed the rewards. the impact of natural disasters ex- used in its cars, rather than century thanks to the rise of hybrid standing of semiconductor design way it buys MCUs and other mi- A Toyota spokesman said one of acerbated by climate change, such relying on suppliers to provide and fully electric vehicles, as well as and manufacturing processes was a crochips after the 2011 earthquake, the goals of its lean inventories strat- as fiercer typhoons and rain storms ‘black boxes’ autonomous driving and connected major reason why it has managed to which caused a tsunami that killed egy was to become sensitive to inef- which often cause floods and land- car functions. avoid being hit by the shortages, in more than 22,000 people and trig- ficiencies and risks in supply chains, slides across Japan, including the Those innovations require even addition to its continuity contracts. gered a deadly meltdown at Fuku- identify the most potentially damag- southern Kyushu region manu- because of rising demand as cars more computing power and use in Two of the sources, however, said shima’s nuclear power plant. ing bottlenecks and figure out how to facturing hub where Renesas also become more digital and electric, as part a new category of semiconduc- they were worried the Denso deal In the aftermath of the quake, avoid them. makes chips. well as fierce rivalry for chips from tors called system on a chip, or SoC, might indicate that Toyota was fi- Toyota estimated its procurement of “The BCP for us was a classic lean One of the sources involved in makers of smart phones to comput- which roughly speaking combines nally willing to ditch its no black box more than 1,200 parts and materials solution,” he said. semiconductor supply, said Toyota ers to aircraft to industrial robots. multiple CPUs on one logic board. approach, even though the supplier might be affected and it drew up a Toyota pays for its stockpiling and its affiliates had become “extra The sources said Toyota has an- The technology is so new and is part of the broader Toyota Group. list of 500 priority items that would arrangement with chip suppliers by risk averse and sensitive” to the im- other advantage over some rivals specialized many carmakers have “We were okay this time, but who need secure supply in the future, returning a portion of the cost cuts it pact of climate change. But natural when it comes to chips thanks to its left it to big parts suppliers to man- knows what awaits us in the future?” including semiconductors made by demands from them each year dur- disasters and are not the only threat long-standing policy of ensuring it age the risks. one source said. “We may be losing key Japanese chip supplier Renesas ing the life cycle of any car model on the horizon. understands all the technology used In keeping with its no black box our grip on technology in the name Electronics. under so-called annual cost-down Automakers fear there will be in its cars, rather than relying on approach, however, Toyota devel- of technological development effi- The repercussions of the disas- programs, the sources said. more disruptions to chip supplies suppliers to provide “black boxes”. oped a deep in-house understanding ciency.” Tape that: Dutch inventor of audio cassette dies at age 94

Agencies ment department when he was to be, making it a lot recorders also could run on began work on an alternative handier than the bulky tape batteries, making them very Lou Ottens, the Dutch in- for existing tape recorders recorders in use at the time.” user-friendly and, ultimately, ventor of the cassette tape, with their cumbersome large The final product created Lou loved technology, when portable. the medium of choice for spools of tape. in 1962 later turned into a he talked about that his “Everybody could put millions of bedroom mix His goal was simple. worldwide hit, with more eyes began to twinkle. music in their pocket,” Ot- tapes, has died, said Philips, Make tapes and their players than 100 billion cassettes tens said. the company where he also far more portable and easier sold, many to music fans Olga Coolen, director of the The prototype wooden helped develop the compact to use. who would record their own Philips Museum in the south- block never made it to the disc. “During the development compilations direct from the ern city of Eindhoven company’s museum. Ottens Ottens died Saturday at of the cassette tape, in the radio. Its popularity waned used it to prop up his jack age 94, Philips confirmed. early 1960s, he had a wooden with the development of the when replacing a wheel with A structural engineer who block made that fit exactly in compact disc, an invention plicity, Ottens said in an a flat tire and left it by the trained at the prestigious his coat pocket,” said Olga Ottens also helped create as interview published by the side of a road, Coolen said. Technical University in Delft, Coolen, director of the Philips supervisor of a development Philips Museum. “Lou loved technology, he joined Philips in 1952 Museum in the southern city team, Philips said. “It was a breakthrough when he talked about that his and was head of the Dutch of Eindhoven. “This was how The cassette tape’s suc- because it was foolproof,” he eyes began to twinkle,” mu- Lou Ottens holding an audio cassette poses for a photo. company’s product develop- big the first Compact Cassette cess stemmed from its sim- said, adding that players and seum director Coolen said. Al Gharafa win Amir Cup basketball title, complete domestic treble page 14 SUNday, MARCH 14, 2021 Basilashvili caps a dream week with Qatar ExxonMobil Open title Georgian tops Soaniard Agut in straight sets

Tribune News Network Doha

Nikoloz Basilashvili entered the Qatar ExxonMobil Open 2021 with just two wins from his past 16 matches, but the Georgian found his best level in Doha to clinch his fourth ATP Tour title at the Khalifa International Tennis & Squash Complex on Saturday. The effort saw Basilashvili win the Falcon Trophy besides $103,070 and 250 ATP points. The World No. 42 did not face a break point, as he pow- ered through heavy winds on Saturday to defeat Roberto Bautista Agut 7-6(5), 6-2. Basi- lashvili, who saved a match point to defeat Roger Federer in the quarter-finals, has now won his past four ATP Tour championship matches (4-2). “I am somehow managing to play good in tougher condi- tions and tougher matches,” said Basilashvili. “This tournament was one of the toughest ATP 250s I have ever seen, probably. We had three Top 10 players. It is interesting [to ask] why I am playing good in the big tourna- ments and big matches. (It is) surprising. At the same time, (I am) happy.” Basilashvili entered the Nikoloz Basilashvili of Georgia (left) and Spaniard Roberto Bautista Agut – the singles winner and runners-up of Qatar Exxomobil Open 2021 with thei trophies at the Khalifa International Tennis & Squash Complex in final with a 1-3 ATP Head- Doha on Saturday evening. 2Head record against Bautista Agut, but he improved to 2-0 somehow found a way to deal ond break to capture the title. the ATP 250, dating back to against the fifth seed on hard with the stressful moments. I Sheer delight “[There were] very strong the start of his title run in 2019. courts with his victory in the am very happy to get through gusts today, but I had good Bautista Agut defeated top final. Both of the 29-year-old’s [to the title].” This tournament was mindset. From the beginning, seed Dominic Thiem and third wins against Bautista Agut In windy conditions on one of the toughest ATP I was accepting things very seed Andrey Rublev in back- have come in the Middle East. Centre Court, both players 250s I have ever seen, good,” said Basilashvili. “I was to-back matches to reach his Basilashvili also defeated the needed time to adjust to the probably. We had three concentrated on just playing 18th tour-level final (9-9). Spaniard in Dubai in 2019. conditions. Top 10 players. I am the game and just looking at “I don’t like to lose. I think I “[I am] super happy. I was The set was dominated super happy. I was not the ball and moving a lot. It could have played a better but, not expecting that but, at the by serve, but the opening six expecting that but, at was tough physically, as well, today, it was his final.I want to same time, I was working a points of the tie-break were because for sure you have to congratulate Basilashvili,” Bau- lot,” said Basilashvili. won by the returning player. the same time, I was move twice as hard and I man- tista Agut said in an on-court “I was feeling good on the Basilashvili was rewarded working a lot. aged that.” interview. “He played great. He court. I was playing the last for taking risks on his backhand Bautista Agut was attempt- played very aggressive. Now it is half a year with a lot of stress side, as he punished short balls Nikoloz Basilashvili ing to lift his 10th ATP Tour time to recover, to keep working, in my body. I was not able to to strike winners and force his and he took his chance to close cross-court backhand winners title. The 32-year-old entered to keep improving and hopefully put 100 per cent on the court opponent into errors. first two break points of the in on victory. The four-time to take a 4-2 lead and, two the championship match on a I can come back next year and in any matches. This week, I Basilashvili earned the match at 3-2 in the second set, ATP Tour titlist ripped two games later, he earned a sec- nine-match winning streak at try to get the title again.” Russians Rublev, Karatsev claim Coach Sanchez picks Qatar doubles title without dropping a set squad for European qualifiers QFA Agencies Doha Qatar national Doha football team Coach Felix Sanchez has coach Felix Aslan Karatsev and Andrey named a squad of 28 play- Sanchez. Rublev have made waves on ers who will be travelling to the singles court in recent Hungary for Qatar’s European months. But on Friday even- qualifiers for the 2022 FIFA ing at the Khalifa Internation- World Cup. al Tennis & Squash Complex The squad will start train- in Doha, they claimed a dou- ing at the Aspire Academy fol- bles title together. lowing the conclusion of the The Russian ATP Cup team- 19th round of the QNB Stars mates defeated in-form doubles League matches before flying pair Marcus Daniell and Philipp out for Hungary on March 20. Oswald 7-5, 6-4 to win the Qa- The Asian champions will tar ExxonMobil Open after one join Group A – alongside UEFA take on Luxembourg in their second match will be against hour and 21 minutes. Euro 2016 winners Portugal, first match on March 24. The Azerbaijan on March 27. “It’s only my second [dou- Serbia, Republic of Ireland, bles] title, so it’s a great feel- Luxembourg, and Azerbaijan. ing,” Rublev said. “We’ll see Qatar will play their The Squad how I’m going to do in Dubai. ‘home’ fixtures on Europe- Pedro Miguel, Salem Al Hajri, Tariq Salman, Abdelkarim Now I’m focussed on next Aslan Karatsev (left) and Andrey Rublev of Russia with their doubles trophies at the Khalifa International an soil in order to facilitate Hassan, Boualam Khokhi, Hassan Al Haydos, Youssef week and I hope I can show Tennis & Squash Complex in Doha on Friday evening. shorter travel times for their good tennis there.” group opponents. Abdelrazzaq, Ahmed Suhail, Musab Khader and Muhammad Karatsev and Rublev had “It feels great. It’s my first of the five break points they 250, where they beat reigning As the FIFA World Cup Waad (Al Sadd). Salah Zakaria, Bassam Al Rawi, Asim Madibu, never played a tournament ATP title, so it’s an unbeliev- faced in the final. Australian Open champions 2022 host nation, Qatar has together before this ATP 250. able feeling,” Karatsev said. Rublev and Karatsev will Ivan Dodig and Filip Polasek as already qualified for the tour- Mu`zahin, Karim Boudiaf, Ismail Muhammad, Muhammad They competed as a duo in one “It’s great to play with Andrey each depart Doha with 250 well as top seeds Juan Sebas- nament. Though Qatar au- Muntari, and Abdullah Abd al-Salam (Al Duhail). Ahmed Ala Al match at the ATP Cup, losing Rublev.” FedEx ATP Doubles Rankings tian Cabal and Robert Farah. tomatically qualify being the Din, Humam Al Amin, Muayyad Hassan and Tamim Al Muhaizeh in straight sets. The unseeded The Russians, who also points and a share of $38,470. Last year’s Sardinia hosts but are taking part in pair had no such difficulties defeated fourth seeds Marcelo Daniell and Oswald did not champions add 150 points to the qualifying to get match (Al Gharafa) Ahmed Fathi and Mahmoud Abu Nada (Al Arabi) this week, surging to the title Melo and Jean-Julien Rojer en win the title, but they enjoyed their tally and they will split practice in the lead up to the Abdul Aziz Hatem (Al Rayyan) Khaled Munir (Al Wakrah). without dropping a set. route to the trophy, saved four a tremendous run at this ATP $27,550. 2022 FIFA World Cup. Qatar Sports Sunday, March 14, 2021 13 Gutsy Fichardt hits the front at Qatar Masters Agencies Doha

Darren Fichardt used all of his experience in very difficult windy conditions to card a 70 and open up a one-shot lead heading into the final round of the 2021 Commercial Bank Qatar Masters at the Education City Golf Club on Saturday. The South African won this event in 2003 and has racked India’s Bhullar in up four other victories in his 398 European Tour appear- ances before this week at Edu- contention; Sharma cation City Golf Club. Leaderboard (Top 10) The venue may be a little Pos Player Score R1 R2 R3 R4 Total also makes cut further in land than Doha Golf 1. Darren Fichardt (RSA) -7 68 68 70 - - Club where Fichardt lifted 2. Jack Senior (ENG) -6 68 68 71 - - Tribune News Network Sharma birdied second the Mother of Pearl trophy 18 3. Gaganjeet Bhullar (IND) -5 67 73 68 - - Doha but triple bogeyed seventh. He years ago, but the windy con- 4. Antoine Rozner (FRA) -4 69 72 68 - - dropped three more bogeys ditions are similar and the 45- India’s Gaganjeet Bhullar but also birdied 14th for his 75. 5. Jamie Donaldson (WAL) -4 68 68 73 - - year old moved to seven under stayed steady despite gusty “I had a good start to the to lead the way by one shot 6. Joachim B. Hansen (DEN) -4 66 71 72 - - conditions at the Education tournament, 4- under 67 on from England’s Jack Senior, 7. Chris Paisley (ENG) -3 67 70 73 - - City Golf Club on Saturday to day one was pretty solid. Yes- who carded a level par 71. 8. Brandon Stone (RSA) -3 69 68 73 - - return an impressive 3-un- terday I hit the ball pretty good On a day when just four 8. Thomas Detry (BEL) -3 66 72 72 - - der 68 and to rise from T-28 and gave myself a lot of birdie players were under par, In- 10. Jeff Winther (DEN) -2 67 67 77 - - to Tied-third at the end of the opportunities,” Bhullar said. dia’s Gaganjeet Bhullar carded third round of the Commercial “I made a few silly mistakes a 68 to move up 28 places and South African Darren Fichardt carded a 70 to open up a one-shot lead heading into the final round of the 2021 Commercial Bank Qatar Bank Qatar Masters. in the beginning, but played sit at five under, a shot clear of Masters 2021 at the Education City Golf Club on Saturday. The 32-year-old Bhullar well on the back nine. I hit the Welshman Jamie Donaldson, (67-73-68) is now 5-under and ball well today and gave myself Dane Joachim B. Hansen and just how it is. tee at the par five 13th and af- al presented by Fiji Airways two shots behind the leader, a lot of opportunities, I drove Frenchman Antoine Rozner. “I think the guys who are Final round ter hitting a poor chip and three champion made his move up Darren Fichardt (70) of South the ball okay and didn’t miss The difficulty of the condi- trying to win their first event, putting from off the green, a the leaderboard with birdies on Africa. England’s Jack Senior too many fairways and kept tions over days two and three they are trying to win. If you’ve Tomorrow (Sunday) will double bogey had him back the third, fifth and sixth, drop- (71) is lying second at 6-under. the ball in play. It always comes was shown with the lead hav- won a few times you know it’s be quite a fight. We’ll alongside Winther at six under. ping a shot on the 12th and then India’s Shubhankar Sharma down to Sunday afternoon. The ing not moved from seven un- about doing the best you can take whatever comes Senior had dropped four picking it back up on the 16th to shot 75 despite a crippling triple man with nerves of steel will be der after day one. do. The sun shines on every- our way and see shots in six holes but he drained come home in level par. bogey on Par-4 fifth and three the one to win. The goal is to Fichardt claimed his last one, if it’s your week, it’s your what happens. a monster on the 13th to rejoin Rozner matched Bhullar’s other bogeys between 12th and give 100 per cent.” victory at the 2017 Joburg week. It’s about doing the best the lead, with Fichardt three score as he made an eagle on 16th, and was placed T-28. Bhullar, who finished 2020 Open but lost his card in 2019 you can do. Darren Fichardt putting ahead at the 14th. the 13th and birdies on the His earlier rounds were with a win in his home circuit, only to claim it straight back “Tomorrow (Sunday) will Winther found a nasty second, sixth and 18th to go 71-68. The third Indian in the the Tata Steel PGTI Tour, is at the Qualifying School, and be quite a fight. We’ll take position off the tee at the par with dropped shots on the fifth field, SSP Chawrasia missed coming off a pair of missed he is now on the verge of Eu- whatever comes our way and drop back into a share and was three 15th and a three putt and ninth. Donaldson carded the cut with rounds of 70-75. cuts in the Desert Swing. “This ropean Tour win number six, see what happens.” soon joined by Fichardt. after failing to find the green a 73, with a double, two bogeys Bhullar going out early in week in Qatar the game has just 11 days short of the 20th Overnight leader Jeff Win- The 18-time Sunshine with his second attempt led to and two birdies, while Hansen the second group this morn- looked good. The confidence anniversary of his first. ther put his tee shot on the par Tour winner had bogeyed the a triple bogey. started bogey-bogey and then ing, birdied third, fifth and I got from the win in India is “It’s tough because you can five second into the desert to fourth but he hit a stunner to Fichardt recovered from made a gain on the sixth be- sixth and was three-under in beginning to show. In Abu hit a great putt or shot and drop a shot and playing part- tap-in range at the fifth and his stumble with a birdie at the fore registering 12 consecutive six holes. Dhabi and Dubai, I gave away still end in disaster,” he said. ner Senior made a birdie from then holed from 15 feet at the 16th after a brilliant shot from pars in a 72. Thereafter he kept his too much, and even this week “You have to commit to what- inside ten feet to join the lead. tenth to get to seven under. the fairway bunker, and he Belgian Thomas Detry, Eng- calm amidst howling winds I felt that I have played well ever you are going to do, stick Senior then spun his tee Another bride from 12 feet added another from the fringe land’s Chris Paisley and South and dropped just one shot on in difficult conditions but not through with it and where the shot on the next back to three at the 11th put him in the solo on the next to take the solo lead. African Brandon Stone were 12th but also picked a birdie made use of the easier holes ball went, it went. feet and when he two putted lead and with Senior dropping The relative struggles for at three under, a shot clear of a on 16th and parred the rest. and when conditions have “Not put too much thought the par five sixth from 87 feet, shots at the 11th and 12th, and the final groups just made Bh- group of eight players includ- On a day when just four play- been better,” he explained. into it or get down on myself. he led by two. Winther also stumbling at the ullar’s 68 - which matched the ing Winther, who carded a 77, ers were under par, Bhul- In his previous two ap- I’m doing my best and if I’m But the 32-year-old missed 12th after only just clearing lowest round of the day – all and defending champion Jorge lar and Frenchman Antoine pearances at the Qatar Mas- making a big number then I’m a short one on the next and the water, Fichardt led by two. the more remarkable. Campillo - the fourth man to go Rozner (T-4) carded the day’s ters, Bhullar was T-22 in 2014 making a big number, that’s then three putted the ninth to But he found sand off the The 2018 Fiji Internation- round in red figures after a 70. best of 68. and T-31 in 2019.

Mourinho expects Kane Milivojevic’s penalty sends to be fit to face Arsenal West Brom closer to relegation

DPA DPA volley brilliantly denied by London London Baggies goalkeeper Sam John- stone moments after the pen- Jose Mourinho expects Harry Luka Milivojevic’s first-half alty incident and was able to Kane to be fit for Sunday’s north penalty helped Crystal Palace get the better of him this time London derby against Arsenal take another step to safety with to open his account for the after he picked up a knock in a 1-0 win over relegation-threat- season. Tottenham’s 2-0 Europa League ened West Brom on Saturday. While it was harsh on the win over Dinamo Zagreb. Wilfried Zaha, who pre- visitors, it was almost 2-0 just The England captain con- match became the first Pre- two minutes into the second tinued his sensational season mier League player not to period. with both goals in the last-16 take the knee, won the spot- Christian Benteke and first-leg win against the Croa- kick and Roy Hodgson saw Ebere Eze combined outside tian side on Thursday night, his players keep a third clean the area, but the former saw but was taken off in the final sheet from their last four his rising effort excellently 10 minutes and was later seen games to secure a vital victory. tipped over by Johnstone. on the touchline with ice on It was a different story for Palace were almost left his knee. the visitors who lacked a cut- to rue their profligacy when He looked to be moving ting edge and look certain to Conor Townsend picked out better at the full-time whistle be in the Championship next Matt Phillips in the 53rd min- and Mourinho says it would season. ute and yet he blazed over on take something special to keep The Baggies were un- the volley after Patrick Van Qatar to provide COVID-19 Kane out of a game he loves changed while the hosts re- Aanholt had mistimed his playing in. called Zaha in place of Andros jump at the back post. vaccinations to all members Asked whether he will be fit Townsend at Selhurst Park. As the heavens opened in for Sunday, Mourinho said: “I After Palace’s top goalscor- south London, Albion’s man- hope so, I believe so. It is a big er marked his return from a ager had seen enough and in- of the MotoGP family match, only big problems stop hamstring injury with a cameo troduced Hal Robson-Kanu in him to be there. Let’s see the at Tottenham last weekend, he place of the ineffective Matheus QNA has offered MotoGP access to reaction tomorrow but I am was back in the starting XI and Pereira while Robert Snodgrass Doha COVID-19 vaccines. sure he will be fine.” It was an- it gave him the chance to stand was also soon summoned. All members of the cham- other impressive display from at kick-off instead of taking The downpour showed no The State of Qatar has signifi- pionship, including those Kane, who took his tally to 26 the knee. signs of slowing and it made cantly ramped-up its COVID-19 working and travelling within goals for the campaign, hav- Zaha stated last month the life difficult, which neatly vaccination program in 2021, the MotoGP paddock, will ing also added 16 assists and pre-match gesture - brought in summed up West Brom’s and as a result of this progress, have the chance to be vacci- Dinamo Zagreb coach Zoran by the Premier League in June chances of survival with time it is able to offer all travelling nated against COVID-19. Mamic called him a “master as an anti-racism message when running out. members of the MotoGP Pad- The vaccination program of football.” Mourinho agreed football resumed - had lost its Crystal Palace’s Serbian midfielder Luka Milivojevic takes a penalty While the rain did eventu- dock access to the vaccine. is aimed at increasing the with that assessment. meaning and in a statement on and scores his team’s first goal during the English Premier League ally stop, the Baggies were un- This season Qatar will host personal safety of all those “He is. He is very intelli- Saturday said “it doesn’t mat- match against West Bromwich Albion at Selhurst Park in London on able to find leveller and fired all pre-season testing for all on-site. It will offer increased gent. His football is an intelli- ter whether we kneel or stand, Saturday. (AFP) another blank to suffer a 20th classes of the Championship, protection for those in the Mo- gent football,” Mourinho said. some of us still continue to re- league defeat of the campaign. as well as the first two Grands toGP paddock and all those “Some strikers score lots ceive abuse.” Once the Eagles Okay Yokuslu should have Central to the opener was It left Allardyce’s men sec- Prix, with the entire MotoGP that come into contact with it of goals and that is the most attacker had stood at kick-off, done better in the 20th min- Zaha, who saw a cross blocked ond from bottom and eight family being present in Qatar as the sport travels the world important thing in football while the 21 other players on ute when he fired over from a by the arm of defender Dar- points from safety with nine for up to five weeks. this season. for a striker, which he does, the pitch took the knee, play got promising position. nell Furlong and following a fixtures left, but the picture is To ensure the health and Qatar and MotoGP have but apart from that he under- under way but chances were few Sam Allardyce, who had a lengthy VAR check, referee brighter for Palace who are up safety of the entire tour while been partners since 2004, when stands every tip we give him, and far between. five-month spell in charge of Simon Hooper pointed to the to 11th and on 37 points - a to- they are in Qatar and on their Losail International Circuit first in terms of his positioning, It was West Brom who en- Palace back in 2017, saw his old spot after using the pitchside tal which has been enough to continued travels around the joined the calendar, and Qatar movement, he understands joyed the better of the early team make his current side pay monitor. avoid the drop in each of the world this season, the gov- has opened the MotoGP calen- the game very well,” he added. exchanges and the impressive the penalty in the 37th minute. Milivojevic had a superb last four seasons. ernment of the State of Qatar dar every year since 2007. 14 Sunday, March 14, 2021 Sports Al Gharafa win Amir Cup basketball title, complete domestic treble

Tribune News Network Doha

Al Gharafa completed a do- mestic clean sweep by adding the prestigious Amir Cup to their league and Qatar Cup titles at the Al Gharafa Sports Complex on Saturday. In a remarkable coinci- dence they beat Al Wakrah in all three finals, with a 77- 70 win in the Amir Cup final. They earlier won the Qatar Basketball Federation (QBF) League and Qatar Cup. Tyler Harris and Abdul- rahman Saad were the heroes yesterday as Al Gharafa edged all quarters, leading for almost 35 minutes of the match. Both Harris and Sadd had 22 points, while Franklin Ses- sion had 17 and Nedim Muslic 12. For Al Wakrah, Brandon Spearman and Julius Coles had 21 points each and Erfan Saeed chipped in with 11. Al Gharafa were quick on the break, scoring 14 fast- break points, while Al Wakrah had only five.

The Al Gharafa team holds up the HH Amir Cup trophy as they pose for a picture with the officials on Saturday evening. Harimoto holds off Filus for FINA/CNSG Marathon Swim World Series 2021 Doha WTT Star Contender title Olympian Olivier, world champ Double delight Cunha seal thrilling victories for Ito in Tribune News Network women’s race Doha Tribune News Network Marc-Antoine Olivier Doha (FRA) and Ana Marcela Cunha (BRA) posted exciting Top-seeded Japanese wins in the season-opening Tomokazu Harimoto and 10km FINA/CNSG Marathon Mima Ito cruised to men’s and Swim World Series 2021 Doha women’s titles respectively at (QAT) held at Katara Beach on the World Table Tennis (WTT) March 13. Star Contender tournament Olympic bronze medalist at the Losail Sports Arena on Olivier took 1:52:02.4 to bag Saturday. his second consecutive title in The 17-year-old Harimoto the Qatari capital, while five- held off a valiant effort from time World Champion Cunha German qualifierR uwen Fi- edged Oceane Cassignol (FRA) lus 11-9, 11-9, 12-14, 11-5, 7-11, in a photo finish, clocking 11-8 in the men’s final. QTTA President Khaleel Al Mohannadi (right) and ITTF CEO Steve 2:01:30.3 to regain her Doha Earlier, Ito made it a dou- Dainton (left) with men’s World Table Tennis (WTT) Star Contender title after the 2019 triumph. ble delight for Japan as the champion Tomokazu Harimoto (second right) of Japan and runner-up Qatar Olympic Commit- 20-year-old claimed her sec- Ruwen Filus of Germany at the Losail Sports Arena, on Saturday. tee (QOC) Secretary-General ond title in a week with a 10- Jassim bin Rashid Al Buain- 12, 12-10, 11-7, 11-8, 11-6 vic- ain was present for men’s tory over Singapore’s fifth seed race presentation. Husain Feng Tianwei. Al Musallam, FINA 1st Vice- As anticipated, the men’s President awarded medals final was a clash of styles which to women athletes. Qatar delivered incredible moments Swimming Association (QSA) throughout the match. World President Khaleel Al Jabir and No. 5 Harimoto’s pace and ag- Secretary-General Talal Mo- Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC) Secretary-General Jassim bin Rashid Al Buainain was present for men’s gression inflicted significant hammed Al Darwish also at- race presentation. Husain Al Musallam, FINA 1st Vice-President awarded medals to women athletes. Qatar damage as always, yet Filus tended the medal ceremonies. Swimming Association (QSA) President Khaleel Al Jabir and Secretary-General Talal Mohammed Al Dar- caught the eye at times with In the men’s race – the fi- wish also attended the medal ceremonies. his defensive play leading to nal event of the day starting some wonderful rallies away at 2pm - 2019 FINA World from the table. Championships gold medal- Filus was presented with ist (5km) Kristof Rasovszky his fair share of chances, fail- (HUN) was ahead in the first ing to convert an 8-4 lead in two laps before Olivier picked game two, while also coming pace to set up the victory. close to throwing away an ex- Rasovszky finished second traordinary third game despite with a time of 1:52:05.5 while World champion Ana Marcela leading 8-2. Olympic and World champi- Cunha of Brazil won the women’s However, Harimoto is on Gregorio Paltrinieri (ITA) race in photo finish. built for the big occasion and completed the race in 1:52:07.9 ultimately emerged the de- for a bronze medal. gap between the two athletes served champion, after having Olivier, 24, termed his vic- throughout the contest. lost in the semi-finals atC on- Japan’s Mima Ito is all smiles with the trophy on the podium. tory in the season-opening However – Cunha, also a tender event last weekend. race important. silver medalist in Doha last Meanwhile, Ito was tested ing after this. But I felt like I Defeat for the Koreans in “It was a difficult race be- year – managed to keep her early by 34-year-old Feng, who played decently and handled the mixed doubles final, but cause of high waves and I am so slim lead over the French dur- saved a game point to take the certain parts of the game well. Lee and Jeon enjoyed better happy to win here again. I start- ing all the five laps for her sec- opening game. But the Japa- The first few games were lost luck earlier on day six with ed slowly and picked pace [in ond gold medal in Doha. nese came back strongly as she when the score was very close; positive outings in the day’s the last three laps], as I followed Cassignol finished the race saved a game point herself to I didn’t play very well during opening two fixtures. the last year’s plan in which I in 2:01:30.8 for a second place, level the tie. Momentum had crucial points and could’ve In the women’s doubles was successful,” he said. with Lea Boy (GER) clinching On the return of World Rio 2016 silver medalist shifted sides and Ito refused taken some chances better,” final Jeon and teenage sensa- “This first meet was so im- the bronze medal with a time Series, the 28-year-old said: Rachele Bruni (ITA) and Eu- to let go of it, needing just the Feng said. tion Shin Yubin, 16, combined portant because it is an Olym- of 2:01:31.9. “I want to thank Qatar for ropean champion Arianna Bri- five games in the end to seal Chinese Taipei’s Lin Yun- to devastating effect, seeing off pic year and my win here is Brazilian star Cunha was organizing the race. It is very di (ITA) claimed the next two the triumph. Ju and Cheng I-Ching emerged Japanese no.1 seeds Kasumi crucial,” Olivier added. elated with her close victory in exciting to come back here and spots with times of 2:01:33.2 Playing in her first wom- victorious in the mixed dou- Ishikawa and Miu Hirano 11- Qatari swimmers Nour Doha that marked the return compete in the World Series. and 2:01:34.4 respectively. en’s singles final since the bles final, fighting back from a 6, 12-10, 11-8. Eddine Kheddache, Ahmad of Marathon Series after over During quarantine, we had A total of 35 athletes fin- 2017 Korea Open, Feng fell one-game deficit to beat South Meanwhile, Lee and part- Samara, Mohamed Mahmoud, a year. “The level of the race more time to train. It is nice ished the women’s race. short to Ito and the Singapore- Korea’s Lee Sangsu and Jeon ner Jeoung Youngsik lived up Salama A Kareem Salah and in presence of athletes who to come here and put that to QSA, which will host an admitted she is still playing Jihee 10-12, 11-8, 11-9, 11-6. to expectations with the top Tameea Elhamayda also par- are preparing for the Olympics practice.” the Doha 2023 FINA World catch-up with the top-ranked It was Lin and Cheng’s sec- seeds in the men’s doubles ticipated in the race. was very tough. There was a lot Last year’s winner in Doha, Championships, organized the paddlers. ond title success in consecutive draw edging past Spain’s Al- Earlier, in the women’s race of wind but I like swimming in Leonie Beck (GER) missed out event by adhering to all COV- “I was able to see the gap weeks, after the pair had won varo Robles and Romania’s kicking off at 9am, Cunha and these conditions. These condi- a medal after touching the fin- ID-19 protocols advised by with Ito in today’s match so the mixed doubles trophy at last Ovidiu Ionescu at the final hur- Cassignol were neck and neck tions make the race tougher for ish-line in 2:01:32.8, claiming the Ministry of Public Health we’ll have to get back to train- week’s WTT Contender event. dle 2-11, 11-6, 11-8, 8-11, 11-3. as there was not even a second’s every contender,” Cunha said. fourth position. (MoPH). Sunday, March 14, 2021 15 Reports by Ailyn Agonia For events and press releases email [email protected] or ASEAN Kaleidoscope call (974) 4000 2222

Promoting Indonesian culture one dance at a time Puspa Qinarya, an Indonesian dance body supported by the Indonesian Embassy in Doha, is at the forefront of telling the story of the country to Qataris and expat communities

s a form of art, dance proudly representing Indonesia in tournament, as well as other com- conveys and interprets diplomatic and international events. munity and corporate events. We social message. More “We had our first performance in regularly made appearances during so, cultural dances were the Indonesian Ambassador’s resi- International Day in many inter- any performance, we usually modify patience, commitment and love to made to tell the tale of a dence on May 2012. At first, we prac- national schools all over Qatar to a dance depending on the audience. dance beautifully. We always wel- Anation. ticed only to pass time in a positive promote Indonesia. During the pan- Because it might be hard for us to do come non-Indonesian students, if With every hand and body move- way. We did not realise that it would demic, we have also made a virtual full traditional dance since the origi- they want to learn. So far they have ment, facial expression, costume grow bigger and even represent our performance in the Virtual Festival nal dance can be 15 to 20 minutes only come and gone,” she remarked. worn, rituals and traditions por- country in many major local events. Indonesia Perth 2020,” Margi said. long. After performances, usually During this time of pandemic, trayed, folk dancers can take their We have performed during ASEAN Sharing more about the intrica- people who are interested will con- Puspa Qinarya has resorted to doing audience places, introduce them to Festival, International Coffee Exhi- cies and uniqueness of Indonesian tact us to join. They only pay for petty practices via zoom which has proved new cultures and let them experience bition, and Cultural Diversity, all of traditional dances, Margi said each cash since we are not a commercial to be challenging, especially for chil- a nation’s unique identity. which were held in Katara Cultural dance tells a different story about the culture. It is your identity. As Indo- group. It will be used later for cos- dren, in terms of properly learning “Indonesia has 17,000 islands, Village. The group also performed cultures of difference islands com- nesians who live abroad, we have tumes and benefits for the members,” the uniqueness of the body positions, consisting of hundreds of different at a charity event, A Night for Nepal, prising the archipelagic country of few chances to immerse ourselves in Margi detailed. fingers and head movements. Margi native ethnicity and linguistics. Not the opening of the Emir Cup Indonesia. our culture. Especially for children, As to whether Puspa Qinarya said they took a long hiatus during the only is our culture rich, but Finals, the Asian football She said, “Indonesian who only know a fraction about their has been willing to train even non- peak of pandemic in the country and most of the culture is also local culture is strongly in- country thanks to summer holidays. nationals, Margi pointed out that the only resume practicing in January. very different from each oth- fluenced by religions, be- Other than that, they’ve only ever group has always been welcoming However, with the recently introduced er in many aspects, such as in liefs and foreign influences, known international education. to foreigners who are keen to learn restrictions, the group once again put how it looks, rules, and tra- especially in the big cities. That’s where Puspa Qinarya comes Indonesian traditional dances. How- a halt in the classes they hold. The ditional meanings. For in- Most of the dances are usu- in. It’s a place for us to experience In- ever, she added, non-nationals who teachers, she stressed, are still trying stance, a welcoming dance ally part of an ethnic ritual donesian heritage and promote it to have tried at some point to learn In- to practice so they can further hone in Central Java portrays re- like harvesting, wedding an international audience.” donesian dances were not able to sus- their knowledge and skills. spect by performing ceremonies or welcoming an The group gathers its members tain their trainings. Margi has been teaching in long hours of sacred important guest. For instance, once a week, more often if there’s “Traditional dance is not easy Puspa Qinarya since 2016. She dance in the Balinese dance has different an upcoming performance. In the to learn, even for Indo- had learned some Balinese, Java- ceremony. type of dances in its every absence of an actual nesians. We need time, nese and Melayu dances back in her While, village. The traditional school campus, Puspa elementary school years. Most of in Betawi dances that we repre- Qinarya conducts it her performing background is (Jakarta), the sent usually showcase practice sessions for from her high school and uni- Sirih Kun- our friendly nature, housewives’ class, most of versity dance teams and learning ing dance welcoming our guests the time, in a member’s more about backstage when is festive with beautiful colour- house or clubhouse. she was working. and playful with more people, ful attires, traditional While children and teen- On her deep love of dance music and colours,” Margi Listi movements and warm agers’ classes are held at and vision for Puspa Qinar- Wirasani, current principal of the smiles.” the Embassy prem- ya, Margi said, “Dancing is Indonesian dance community in Aside from providing non-na- ises. a form of expression us- Doha called Puspa Qinarya, told tionals a peek into the colourful and “We try to ing your body. I love the Qatar Tribune. diverse Indonesian culture, Puspa introduce the never ending journey to per- The independent organisation Qinarya has also effectively serves dance through fec- tion. There’s al- supported by the Indonesian Embas- as a platform for Indonesians based contemporary ways something sy in Doha is at the forefront of tell- abroad to be reminded of their roots and more play- you can correct. ing the story of the Southeast Asian and for Indonesian children born ful dance pieces As for the vision country to Qataris and expat com- and raised outside their home coun- for children so it of the organisa- munities since 2012. What started as try to get to learn about the history of will be easier to tion, we want to a vision of an Indonesian housewife their race. learn. For adult classes, make Indonesian named Siti Alami Betayanti to gather Margi said, “Knowing your roots we are learning dance more popular like the ladies in her community with the is as important as education. Our both contem- ballet dance that people all same love of traditional art, become roots distinguish us as citizens of the porary and full over the world are eager a well-recognised group in Doha world. It’s not only about the art and traditional. For to learn!” On giving back to society and serving the community

iving back is the basis of responsibilities expected of me. I community service or volun- have discovered I have what it takes Gteering. It is a noble calling to unite people and groups from var- that requires not just a certain set ious background. I also learned my of skills but a genuine passion for weaknesses in leadership that I will helping others. have to work on moving forward. Engineer Henry A. Dimaano, a prominent leader of the Filipino com- What are the leadership lessons munity in Qatar, is among those who you have learned in the COV- have been at the fore of community ID-19 crisis? leadership in the country. The COVID-19 crisis is the tough- Since forming the advocacy est leadership test. I have learned a lot group HERO Qatar (Helping, Em- but the most important is taking bold powering, Recognizing OFWs) in decisions and stepping up when help 2015, he has spearheaded many is most needed. outreach programmes and af- you should be ready to accept that the country to deliver the food boxes ter being elected chairman of the not all your actions and decisions will provided by the Qatar government United Filipino Organization in be popular to all. You can’t please all was even more challenging during Qatar, his community service ex- people and its okay. You have to ac- that time. We have also provided plat- panded to uniting Filipino com- Filipino community leader Engineer Henry A. Dimaano. cept it and learn from it. forms to communicate to the commu- munity groups with diverse inter- nity important health and safety an- ests and mission. Tribune, Dimaano talked about ef- serve. And you serve from the heart. What are the most important nouncements from the government In his current capacity as ad- fective leadership, the dynamics of decisions you make as a leader viser to his community and com- community service and why he in- What are the challenges of com- of a big expat community? What is one mistake you witness munity coordinator for various tends to carry on with this noble call- munity service? Leading a very dynamic and di- leaders making more frequently government agencies including the ing no matter what. In community service you deal verse Filipino community is a big re- than others? National Human Rights Commit- with different people from various sponsibility that I am honoured to be As a leader you always put the tee, Dimaano represents the voice What makes an effective com- background. As such, it is important able to do. We, as a community, have common good ahead of your own. of more than 200,000 Filipino ex- munity leader? that you communicate and approach gone through a lot in the past and Some leaders overlook this and only pats and leads in raising the aware- An effective community leader is members in consideration of their faced different challenges. But I con- harm communities and people. ness of his compatriots to the many not just about managing a project or unique situation and experience. sider stepping up to lead the outreach initiatives and important reforms leading the community to a common Uniting different groups towards initiatives during the peak of the pan- What have you discovered about in Qatar as well as stepping up to goal. It requires being a good listener a common goal is also a challeng- demic last year as an important deci- yourself? the plate during this critical time of and a good follower all at the same ing task. I am fortunate to be able sion for me. Mobilising people who In my years of experience in pandemic. time. You reach out to the community to do it in many local initiatives but can assist us and reaching out to our community service, I have learned In an interview with Qatar not the other way around. You lead to it took time and a lot of work. Also, kababayan from different parts of to go beyond the duties and 16 Sunday, March 14, 2021 The Last Word DFI’s Qumra 2021 goes live to expand support for promising film talents connection between the crea- shops, consultations and one- director and screenwriter Jes- 150 industry leaders tive energy of the Arab world on-one meetings for projects in sica Hausner and Academy from 41 countries and industry communities development; and work-in-pro- Award-winning sound designer around the world, Qumra con- gress screenings and feedback Mark Mangini are the Qumra are set to mentor 48 tinues to serve a central role in sessions for projects in post- Masters this year, who will identifying and nurturing cin- production. Qumra supports share their invaluable insights film projects ematic talent. the script-to-screen journey and with the participants during “After an incredibly chal- beyond and with the inclusion their master-classes. Tribune News Network lenging past year not only for of VoD and online platforms, al- Guests also include ac- Doha the film industry, but for all of lowing filmmakers explore con- claimed film directors, produc- humanity, our focus has been ventional and unconventional ers, film festival directors, pro- Qumra, the Doha Film In- to ensure that our support to platforms to take their projects grammers, consultants, fund stitute’s (DFI) annual talent promising cinematic voices to a wider audience. managers, sales professionals, incubator for Arab cinema, remains uninterrupted. This Fatma Al Remaihi A one-of-a-kind profession- acquisition heads, script experts, took its largest virtual edition year’s virtual edition underlines al incubator, Qumra is a part distributors, video on demand live on Friday with more than that no matter where we are in pursue their passion for cine- whose contribution, Qumra ers from the Arab world and of DFI’s mission to nurture the (VoD) platforms and broadcast- 150 industry experts from the world and the turmoil we ma. “I salute their commitment would not be possible.” beyond, Qumra 2021 serves as success of filmmakers from the ers, and other industry profes- 41 countries converging to are experiencing, the medium and dedication to the art of film, Palestinian filmmaker and a vibrant platform for dialogue region and beyond and prepare sionals. Qumra has now evolved mentor 48 cinematic projects of cinema will continue to up- and I am confident that Qumra DFI’s Artistic Advisor Elia among young and experienced them to bring their projects to as the premiere talent hub and directed by first and second- hold freedom of expression, will serve as a beacon of hope Suleiman said he hopes to be filmmakers. The Qumra 2021 audiences around the world. project incubator for new voices time filmmakers. bring understanding across cul- and confidence that together inspired from Qumra this year, programme includes projects Legendary French auteur Claire and compelling stories in Arab Welcoming the filmmakers tures and backgrounds, and in- we will overcome the challenges having been working person- from 21 countries including 30 Denis, BAFTA and Academy and world cinema. at this year’s virtual opening, spire optimism for the future.” and build ourselves stronger. ally on his new film in the past features, 12 shorts and six series Award-nominated cinematog- To buy the Qumra Pass, Fatma Hassan Alremaihi, chief She said the real credit for We are also extremely humbled months, and had been impa- including five new Qatari fea- rapher Phedon Papamichael, view the entire programme executive officer of the DFI, the success of Qumra goes to by the unfailing commitment of tiently waiting for this edition. tures in development. internationally celebrated direc- and ticket details visit: www. said: “As an initiative launched the young filmmakers, who our 2021 Qumra Masters and Presenting new perspec- The sessions are presented tor and Cannes veteran James dohafilminstitute.com/qumra/ to strengthen the powerful prove their determination to Filmmaking Mentors, without tives from emerging filmmak- in two parts: tutorials, work- Gray, Silver Lion winning film qumrapass. QF, Al Attiyah foundation Esme Vie unveils Ramadan Spring Summer 21 collection inspired by muse Amal Ameen join hands to help Qatar Tribune News Network Doha

Combining traditional beau- combat climate change ty and modern elegance, Esme Vie’s latest Spring Summer 21 collection embodies the pursuit Collaboration will focus on knowledge, education, research and raising of the beauty inspired by its awareness, as well as organising a Qatar climate change conference muse Amal Ameen. Amal Ameen is a Qatari entrepreneur who portrays to perfection the Esme Vie wom- an: bold elegance and timeless beauty interwoven by the kind- est heart. “The four pieces were in- spired of what our muse will wear for different occasions. The collection inspired by her is every bit the perfect ode to femminity, capturing the es- sence of luxury by marrying the simple silhouettes with a touch of wearable art,” said a press re- Abdullah bin Hamad Al Attiyah HE Sheikha Hind bint Hamad Al Thani lease from Esme Vie. “The Amal day dress in Tribune News Network we all share,” said HE Sheikha tions is leveraged to contribute white, her favourite colour as Doha Hind bint Hamad Al Thani, toward a zero carbon world.” it reflects the pure heart she “The Amal plissè dress is distinct clientele. the first piece conceived for Vice Chairperson and CEO of The firstproject under the has, is what she would wear our masterpiece dedicated to “The Amal Cala dress in- her as our muse. It is a vision Raising awareness of the need QF, who signed an MoU be- partnership between The Al- for a perfect afternoon tea at her in a very conceptual way. spired by her simple and hum- of royalty, elegancy itself. It is for action to tackle one of the tween the two parties to launch Attiyah Foundation and QF will the terrace of the Museum of This couture piece embraces ble elegance portrays what she what our dear Amal will wear planet’s most urgent challenges the collaboration. be to engage with all sectors of Islamic art. That perfect mo- what she is: Free. Inspired by will wear to a dinner. With no to a Ball gown paired with a will be the focus of a newly- She continued: “We must the economy and the public in ment where the sun touches her never-ending voyage, trav- need to overshow nothing but piece of her diamond collec- formed partnership between empower people to recognise Qatar in a joint climate change the sea with the perfect Doha elling all around the world’s timeless beauty with a simple tion to make a match made in Qatar Foundation (QF) and en- our collective responsibility in conference later this year. This sky colours. We picture our most beautiful places, gazing look made with the world’s heaven. It’s couture silk in lilac ergy and sustainable develop- protecting the environment conference will focus on issues muse seating just as a piece of and collecting like a bird, it’s most precious silk, turning the dream, elegantly imponent but ment think tank The Al-Attiyah for future generations. This relating to Qatar’s commitment art with this simple yet elegant treasures to bring back to her dress into a masterpiece as the smoothen with a light colour Foundation. empowerment comes through in terms of the Paris Agreement dress with a beautiful hand- beloved Doha all the Avant- silk it’s the luxury itself.” reflects to perfection Madame The two organisations are addressing the root causes, – an international treaty on cli- made flower brooch in silk. Gard of fashion and style to her “The Amal Ball gown was Amal Ameen,” added Esme Vie. joining forces to amplify their educating and opening up op- mate change which came into contribution to shaping a sus- portunities for everyone to be an force in 2016 – and on its efforts tainable future for the country active steward of the Earth. to address climate change. and its people, through a col- “Through this partnership, By regularly publishing laboration that spans education, and the climate conference we technical reports on climate research and hosting a joint cli- will be jointly hosting later this change topics that have particu- Amal becomes 1st Qatari muse of Esme Vie mate change conference in Qa- year, QF and The Al-Attiyah lar relevance to Qatar, QF and Tribune News Network heart we have ever known”. design. Also, she has an ad- the recognition of her work tar later this year. Foundation aim to provide the The Al-Attiyah Foundation in- Doha The collection is every bit vanced certificate inA rts, among the fashion scene elite, Through the partnership, empowerment, the education tend to form an in-depth study the perfect ode to feminin- Communication, Etiquette it does not come as a surprise QF and the Foundation aim to and the impetus that supports a of the global climate change pic- Inspired by traditional ity, capturing the essence of and Protocol that has al- that a brand like Esme Vie develop a new bank of knowl- concerted, national climate ac- ture, and the actions being taken beauty and modern elegance, luxury by marrying the sim- lowed her to manage multiple wishes to look into her image edge on key climate change top- tion effort in Qatar.” to combat it, to support Qatar’s Esme Vie’s latest Spring Sum- ple silhouettes with a touch events along her career. as a point of inspiration for ics that can support policies and Abdullah bin Hamad Al policymakers and industries. mer 21 collection for Rama- of wearable art; and the four Over the last few years, the coming collection. actions in Qatar, as well a digital Attiyah, chairman of The Al- The climate change knowl- dan embodies the pursuit of pieces were inspired in what Amal Ameen has built her own Amal Ameen is not only platform that will provide peo- Attiyah Foundation, who also edge website that will also be the beauty inspired by their Amal would wear for differ- empire and a reputation in the an inspiration for Esme Vie ple in Qatar with climate change signed the MoU, said: “It gives developed through the part- muse Amal Ameen. The ent occasions. international fashion weeks but to young generations of information customised for the me great pleasure to see The nership is designed to fill gaps luxury Italian fashion house Amal Ameen Al Mehain worldwide due to the launch- Qatari women. The com- country, elevating public aware- Al-Attiyah Foundation work in in Qatar-tailored information believes that the Qatari entre- graduated in 2004 from the ing of the fashion division of ing collection reflects the el- ness of the issue. close partnership with QF to en- about the path that climate preneur portrays to perfection Virginia Commonwealth her group: Triple Trend De- egance and sophistication of “Just as climate change af- sure a better future for all. This change is taking and how it can the Esme Vie woman: “Bold University School of the Arts sign House. With the success her personality and the im- fects every single person on our collaboration will be the first be counteracted, and to act as elegance and timeless beauty in Qatar; and holds a bach- of La Boutique Blanche and pact she has around her and planet, the responsibility of tak- step to ensuring that the con- both a knowledge hub and an interwoven by the kindest elor of fine arts and interior Amici di Moda and due to in the fashion world. ing care of the planet is one that vening power of both Founda- educational tool. MoQ opens over 20 new stores with regional, international brands

Tribune News Network Luxury Signature, the unique Doha concept store which houses watches, jewellery, accessories, Mall of Qatar (MoQ) recently art pieces, luxury goods and announced the opening of new home accessories of luxurious stores, giving customers an ex- lifestyle; and XIMI VOGUE for citing choice of new regional and fashion and accessories. international leading brands. More fashion stores to open The new range of unique their doors soon inclue Nir- fashion, cosmetics, spa and din- ramaaya, the traditional ethnic ing options highlight the mall’s women’s fashion brand; Per Lei commitment to enhancing the Couture, the luxury multi-brand experiences of its visitors. boutique; Petit Bateau for men MoQ General Manager and children’s fashion; and Alz- Emile Sarkis said, “We would zay Al Maghribi kiosk that dis- like to welcome the new join- “The new stores feature dif- can try new flavours atM aia chocolate maker along with the soon, including Wooden Bak- ple can work, laugh or bond in a plays a selection of Moroccan ers from international and re- ferent categories that appeal to Lounge, serving the best confec- most delectable of desserts. In ery, the well-recognised brand place to call home. and oriental abayas. gional leading brands to our our customers’ needs and ex- tionaries, chocolate and Turkish addition, Kaldi café is welcom- in the Middle East which offers Fashion enthusiasts can Perfume lovers now have rich portfolio at the mall, which pectations and we will continue delights with outdoor seating; ing customers to serve a selec- products such as Arabic bread, now enjoy the introduction of the chance to try scents from will add significant value to our to set new standards in retail Mestooran Restaurant, a pre- tion of coffee, along with deli- French bread, soft buns, salty new brands including the first the international perfume brand customers’ experiences and offerings and respond to Qatar’s mium authentic Persian cui- cious breakfast options. pastries; Dairy Queen, one of Bianca Nera department store Fratelli Diamanti, while ladies give them easy access to new growing market demands.” sine facing the Oasis stage; and Besides, Mall of Qatar cus- the world’s favourite quick-ser- in the region, englobing the can experience a wide range of and trending brands at their With the existing and new Debauve and Gallais that of- tomers will enjoy an array of vice restaurant; and Bo’s Coffee, renowned brands Almanova, spa treatments and services at favourite destination. dining outlets, customers fers luxury chocolates from the new options that will be opening the exemplary café where peo- Aura, Hera, Ava & Scapre; Micha Beauty Center.