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WEDNESDAY Vol. XXXXII No. 11974 July 14, 2021 Dhul-Hijjah 4, 1442 AH

GULF TIMES www. gulf-times.com 2 Riyals

Amir condoles with Deputy Amir meets Saudi envoy Iraqi president, PM His Highness the Amir Sheikh ICAO agrees for new Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani and His Highness the Deputy Amir Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad al-Thani sent yesterday cables of condolences to Iraqi President Dr Barham Salih and Doha airspace FIR Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi on the victims of the fire that broke out at Al-Hussein Teaching Hospital By Alex Macheras in Dhi Qar governorate, wishing Aviation Analyst Decision is of great importance for the injured a speedy recovery. HE the Prime Minister and Minister of future of civil aviation: al-Sulaiti Interior Sheikh Khalid bin Khalifa bin he International Civil Aviation Abdulaziz al-Thani also sent a similar Organisation (ICAO), a United “The proposal by Qatar to establish airspace and, to optimise safety and cable of condolences to Prime TNations special agency for a Doha FIR/SRR is of a great eff iciency of the regional airspace, Minister al-Kadhimi. (QNA) aviation has, in its most recent meet- importance for the future of civil other contiguous airspace over the ing, formally “achieved the decision” aviation, not only in the Middle East high seas. 92 die in Iraq Covid for Qatar to establish a new, expanded region, but the entire world and is The proposal of Qatar also hospital fire airspace area, known as a Doha ‘FIR’, fully consistent with the objectives included its intention to withdraw for the fi rst time in history. of the Chicago Convention,” HE from the current arrangement The ICAO is the UN agency with the Minister of Transport and whereby it has delegated to the authority to delegate which coun- Communications (MoTC) Jassim Bahrain the provision of air try is responsible for the operational Seif Ahmed al-Sulaiti, told the ICAO navigation services over its control of a given ‘fl ight information council meeting. sovereign territory in accordance region’ known in the industry as an A statement issued by the MoTC with paragraphs 2.1.1 of Annex 11 to ‘FIR’ — essentially, an airspace area said the International Civil Aviation the Chicago Convention. His Highness the Deputy Amir Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad al-Thani met at on the map of the skies. Organisation Council has agreed, The council acknowledged during the Amiri Diwan off ice yesterday with ambassador of the sisterly Kingdom of For decades, the skies above the in principle, during the meetings its meeting the right of Qatar to Saudi Arabia Prince Mansour bin Khalid bin Abdullah al-Farhan al-Saud. During Middle East have been dispropor- of the ICAO Council 223rd Session request the establishment of a Doha the meeting, they reviewed co-operation relations between the two brotherly tionally divided. While most regions that began on June 18th, 2021 with FIR/SRR over its sovereign territory countries and aspects of their development in various fields, in addition to a on earth have airspace split up equally the establishment of a Doha Flight and contiguous airspace consistent number of issues of common interest. (QNA) among countries, airspace in the Information Region (FIR) and Doha with Article 1 of the Chicago The death toll from a fire that tore Gulf is unusually shaped. Bahrain, Search and Rescue Region (SRR) Convention and in accordance through a coronavirus hospital in the smallest of all Gulf states, has drawing on Qatar’s proposal, which with Assembly Resolution A40-4, Amir receives message from Chad president southern Iraq rose to 92, health held control of most of the airspace would include Qatar’s sovereign Appendix G. Page 7 off icials said yesterday, as authorities above the Gulf with its ‘Bahrain FIR’ faced accusations of negligence that stretches from Kuwait, across from grieving relatives and a doctor the Gulf, to the bordering FIR of the 1971. Airspace in the region had previ- ration countries, and being members who works there. More than 100 United Arab Emirates. ously been determined based on where of ICAO’s Transit Agreement which people were injured in the blaze on The decision for Bahrain to retain military radars had been installed, and permits freedom of the skies), Qatar Monday night in Nassiriya, off icials control of most of the skies above the with a history of good, ‘brotherly’ re- had agreed for Bahrain to continue to said. An investigation showed the Gulf dates to when Bahrain gained its lations between Qatar and Bahrain, control and manage its disproportion- fire began when sparks from faulty independence from Great Britain in (and both being Gulf Council Corpo- ately large area of airspace. To Page 7 wiring spread to an oxygen tank that then exploded, police and civil defence authorities said. It was Sheikh Joaan visits Refugee Olympic Team’s training camp Iraq’s second such tragedy in three months, and the country’s president yesterday blamed corruption for both. A statement from the prime minister’s off ice called for national mourning. Page 11 WHO warns against mixing Covid vaccines The World Health Organisation’s chief scientist has advised individuals against mixing and His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani has received a written matching Covid-19 vaccines from message from the President of Chad’s Transitional Military Council Lieutenant diff erent manufacturers, saying such General Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno, pertaining to bilateral relations between decisions should be left to public the two countries and the means of supporting and strengthening them. health authorities. “It’s a little bit of The message was received by HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Interior a dangerous trend here,” Soumya Sheikh Khalid bin Khalifa bin Abdulaziz al-Thani, during a meeting with Chadian Swaminathan told an online briefing Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC) President HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad al-Thani speaks to Refugee Olympic Team Minister of Foreign Aff airs Cherif Mahamat Zene yesterday. During the meeting, on Monday after a question about athletes during their training camp at Aspire Zone yesterday. QOC Secretary-General HE Jassim Rashid al-Buenain and they reviewed co-operation relations between the two countries and ways to booster shots. “It will be a chaotic Aspire Zone Foundation CEO Mohamed Khalifa al-Suwaidi were also present on the occasion. Sport Page 1 enhance them. (QNA) situation in countries if citizens start deciding when and who will be taking a second, a third and a fourth dose. Individuals should not decide for themselves, public health agencies can, based on available Ehteraz registration ‘Family and Friends’ packages launched data,” she said in the tweet. US warns of Xinjiang as Qatar reopens for tourism business risks optional for residents The US government yesterday ith Qatar now open for through Discover Qatar’s exclusive strengthened its warnings to Ayman Adly tourism to fully vaccinated packages.” businesses about the growing risks of Staff Reporter Wtravellers, Discover Qatar, The ‘Family and Friends’ pack- having supply chain and investment the destination management division ages start at QR1,721 per person and links to China’s Xinjiang region, citing of Qatar Airways, has partnered with are available for a fi ve-, seven- or forced labour and human rights re-registration on the Ehteraz Qatar Airways Holidays and launched 10-night stay at leading luxury hotels abuses there. “Given the severity and platform is now optional for specially curated packages to wel- in Qatar such as Hilton Doha, Hilton extent of these abuses, businesses Pcitizens and residents arriving come international travellers visit- Salwa Beach Resort, The Ritz-Carlton and individuals that do not exit supply in Qatar but remains mandatory for ing friends and family in Qatar for a Doha, Mondrian Doha, the Westin chains, ventures, and/or investments visitors, the Ministry of Public Health much-awaited reunion. Doha Hotel & Spa and Al Messila Re- connected to Xinjiang could run a (MoPH) has announced. As part of the conditions of entry, sort. high risk of violating US law,” the State “To ease the precautionary measures Qatar has mandated that all tour- Each package is inclusive of a com- Department said in a statement. previously announced for those enter- ist arrivals must have a confi rmed plimentary daily breakfast, 20% dis- ing Qatar, the MoPH announced that hotel reservation. To help meet this count on food and beverages at the Cuba curbs access to registration on the Ehteraz platform is requirement, Discover Qatar, in part- hotel, and airport transfers. A four- now optional for citizens and residents, nership with Qatar Airways Holidays, hour ‘Discover Doha’ city tour to the social media while registration and obtaining prior is off ering “exclusive deals with sig- most iconic attractions and land- Cuba has restricted access to social approval remains mandatory for visi- Dr Yousef al-Maslamani spoke to Qatar nifi cant savings on a range of hotels Surrounded by crystal waters and a marks, and an “exciting tour” through media and messaging platforms tors,” the ministry tweeted yesterday. TV over the phone yesterday. that will enhance customers’ family unique biodiverse ecosystem, Qatar the desert to one of Qatar’s hidden including Facebook, Instagram, Speaking to Qatar TV on this issue and friends’ experience, helping them has so much to off er when it comes gems - the scenic Inland Sea, are also WhatsApp and Telegram since yesterday, Hamad General Hospital other relevant data, on the platform. make new memories as they reunite to rediscovering nature, stellar ar- included. Monday, global Internet monitoring medical director Dr Yousef al-Masla- This was done so that travellers do in Qatar”, according to a press state- chitecture and off ering a world that is Children under the age of 12 years firm NetBlocks said yesterday, amid mani said pre-registration through not have to wait in queues to get their ment. inspired by modernism and traditions accompanying their families can widespread anti-government protests. Ehteraz (http://ehteraz.gov.qa) was documents checked upon arrival at the Qatar Airways Group chief execu- alike. stay for free with their families. Cus- NetBlocks, based in London, said on its launched to ease the procedures for airport in Doha, he said. tive HE Akbar al-Baker said: “We are “The city and desert tours will al- tomers are also able to add exclusive website that the platforms in Cuba were those arriving in Qatar and provide an When they register on Ehteraz and very proud to be playing our part in low our passengers to enjoy every meet and assist off ers to their pack- still partially disrupted. Thousands easier travel experience by enabling get the necessary approval, they can the reopening of our country to visi- step of their journey with us, and we age, to ensure their arrival experi- of Cubans joined demonstrations them to upload all related informa- board the aircraft smoothly and go di- tors in the safest way possible and hope many get to experience Qatar’s ence at Hamad International Airport in cities and towns throughout the tion and documents, such as vaccina- rectly to the Immigration counters af- supporting the next step in the devel- renowned hospitality, culture and is as comfortable and seamless as country on Sunday. Page 11 tion certifi cates, PCR test results and ter arriving at the airport. To Page 8 opment of Qatar’s tourism industry. heritage, and the vibrant city of Doha possible. To Page 7

Gulf Times 4 Wednesday, July 14, 2021 QATAR

FM’s message for Italian counterpart Al-Sulaiti meets with Italian minister Official HE the Minister of Transport and Communications Jassim Amir sends Seif Ahmed al-Sulaiti has held talks with Italian greetings to Minister of Sustainable Montenegro Infrastructures and Mobility Enrico president Giovannini in Rome. Held at the offices of the His Highness the Amir Sheikh Ministry of Sustainable Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani and Infrastructures and His Highness the Deputy Amir Mobility of Italy, the Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad meeting discussed al-Thani sent yesterday cables of aspects of co-operation congratulations to Montenegro between the two friendly President Milo Djukanovic on countries in the fields of his country’s Statehood Day. HE transportation, maritime the Prime Minister and Minister transport, ports and civil aviation, and ways of further enhancing them, in addition to discussing the possible of Interior Sheikh Khalid bin benefiting from investment opportunities available in mobility and maritime works, the Ministry of Transport Khalifa bin Abdulaziz al-Thani and Communications said in a statement. The two officials also discussed several other matters of common also sent a similar cable of con- interest. The meeting was attended by Qatar’s ambassador to Italy Abdulaziz bin Ahmed al-Malki. gratulations to Prime Minister Dr Zdravko Krivokapic. — QNA

Italian Minister of Foreign Aff airs and International Co-operation Luigi Di Maio received yesterday a written message from HE the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Lawyers committee holds meeting Al-Muraikhi meets Aff airs Sheikh Mohamed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani, pertaining to bilateral relations and the means to enhance them. The message was delivered by Qatar’s ambassador in Rome Chinese ambassador Abdulaziz bin Ahmed al-Malki, during his meeting with Undersecretary for Foreign Aff airs and International Co-operation Manlio Di Stefano.

The Lawyers Admission Committee held a meeting under the chairmanship of HE the Minister of Justice Masoud bin Mohamed al-Ameri, at its permanent headquarters at the Ministry of Justice. Three new lawyers took the oath before the committee. The committee accepted a number of requests for new lawyers under training and considered the requests for the registration of new lawyers of similar occupations, and requests for transferring the registration of lawyers in the lists of working lawyers. They accepted the formation of a sub-committee for complaints, in HE the Minister of State for Foreign Aff airs Sultan bin Saad al- order to activate the mechanisms for deciding on complaints from the Muraikhi met yesterday with Chinese ambassador to Qatar Zhou administration. Jian. During the meeting, bilateral relations were reviewed.

‘Opening of air travel between Qatar, France welcome step’

he “historically based” vided that they abide by the condi- have reached now a signifi cantly French-Qatari relation- tions set by the Qatari authorities.” advanced stage. This World Cup, a Tship lays the foundation for a Gellet said: “The historically based fi rst time in the Arab world, will un- promising future for the two coun- French-Qatari relationship lays the doubtedly be of great success.” tries, French ambassador Franck Gel- foundation for a promising future for The bilateral relationship is also let has stressed. He made the state- the two countries. I would like, in the based on ongoing cultural exchang- ment on the occasion of the French same context, to thank the Qatari au- es, he said. “The cross-cultural year, National Day, which falls on July 14. thorities for the confi dence they have which was unfortunately hit by the “Once again, the 14th of July placed in the industrial French engi- occurrence of the pandemic in 2020, comes with a specifi c characteristic neering, which will accompany the will continue this year with major because of the health situation that French ambassador Franck Gellet. development projects of the Qatari events. I am thinking of the exhibi- forces us to be cautious. However, economy. Based on this, an impor- tions, ‘Paris Moderne’ and ‘Dior’ or it is with great pleasure that I note to welcome in France our Qatari tant name from the French industry even the ‘Night of the Poetry’, which that the pandemic that has shaken friends and residents of the state was selected this year to engineer one will be encompassed in Qatar’s cul- our lives for more than a year now who have completed the full cycle the most complex gas installations, tural agenda next autumn.” is ebbing as a result of the eff ective of vaccination and who produce a which at the same time, is the most “Once again, on behalf of all the measures that have been imple- negative PCR test of no less than strategic for Qatar.” French residents of Qatar, I would like mented in both of our countries, in 72 hours at the time of departure,” The envoy said: “As we are less to extend my thanks to His Highness the hope that the ongoing contain- the ambassador noted. “Moreover, than 500 days away from the big the Amir of the State as well as the ment will be followed by a near vic- I am delighted with the recent re- sport event, which is the FIFA Qatari authorities for their greatly tory over the disease,” he said. sumption of Capago’s services that World Cup, France is determined appreciated hospitality, notably at “I am also pleased to witness the welcome Qatari nationals and resi- to be at the side of Qatar in organ- the height the health crisis,” he said. opening of the borders between our dents of Qatar who wish to travel to ising the global event and ensuring “I wish a happy National Day to the two countries, which allows us to France. On the other hand, and as of its security. Furthermore, I would French citizens in Qatar and to all our meet whether in France or in Qatar. July 12th, French nationals wishing like to congratulate the Qatari au- Qatari friends. Long live the friend- Indeed, starting June 9, we are able to visit Qatar can come to Doha pro- thorities on their preparations that ship between France and Qatar.”

Qatar delegation performs cochlear implants for 22 children in Kyrgyzstan

QNA Bishkek

Qatari medical delegation from the Ministry of En- dowments (Awqaf) and Islamic Aff airs and Hamad AMedical Corporation carried out cochlear implan- tation surgeries for 22 hearing-impaired children in the Kyrgyz capital. This came within the framework of the co-operation agreement signed between the Ministry of Endowments and Islamic Aff airs, represented in the General Adminis- tration of Endowments, and the Ministry of Health, repre- sented in Hamad Medical Corporation, in response to the wishes of the endowers, and their conditions stipulated in their endowment arguments in particular, who provided their endowments to the Endowment Bank for Healthcare. General Administration of Endowments assistant direc- tor-general Saad bin Omran al-Kuwari said that the number of children reached 10 males and 12 females, aged between three and six, adding that based on the fi ve-year agreement, which includes Kyrgyzstan and Gaza, 100 children will be treated equally every year. Al-Kuwari said that the cost of treatment ranges between QR40,000 and 45,000, and the value of each implanted device is QR32,000 which is con- sidered a special price by the company as a contribution to this charitable work, as this amount constitutes a major ob- stacle for needy families in those countries. He affi rmed that all kinds of endowment initiatives are important, whether real estate or cash, stressing on the vital role it can play in providing treatment and provid- ing eff ective health solutions to needy groups, noting that the number of people in need of cochlear implants in Kyr- gyzstan alone is about 250 children so far. Gulf Times Wednesday, July 14, 2021 5 QATAR

Chief of Staff meets Omani counterpart Foreign ministry’s secretary-general meets UNODC official HE the Secretary-General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dr Ahmed bin Hassan al-Hammadi met yesterday with the visiting Director of the Division of Treaty Affairs for the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) John Brandolino. During the meeting, they reviewed co-operation ties between HE the Chief of Staff of Qatar Armed Forces Lieutenant General (Pilot) Ghanem bin Shaheen Qatar and the United Nations. al-Ghanem met with the visiting Chief of Staff of the Sultan’s Armed Forces of Oman Rear (QNA) Admiral Abdullah bin Khamis al-Raisi. At the meeting, bilateral military relations were reviewed and means to enhance them. The meeting was attended by a number of ranking officers of the Qatari and the Omani armed forces. (QNA) Bulgarian PM meets Qatar’s envoy Bulgarian Prime Minister Stefan Yanev met yesterday with the outgoing Qatari ambassador in Sofia Mesaieed Hospital discharges Rashid bin Ali al-Khater. During the meeting, the prime minister thanked the ambassador for his eff orts in last group of Covid patients strengthening bilateral relations, and praised the distinguished co-operation between the two friendly countries, The hospital has started and Chief of Tertiary Hospitals Group Ali al- wishing him success in all his future regular outpatient services Janahi explained how the hospital expanded its tasks. (QNA) original capacity to support the high demand for fter providing high-quality medical care hospital care. “Before the fi rst wave of Covid-19, to large numbers of Covid-19 patients Mesaieed Hospital had a capacity of 120 acute Athroughout the second wave of the virus in care beds, yet thanks to the eff orts of our plan- Qatar, Mesaieed Hospital has discharged its last ning and facility teams, the hospital capacity was Serbian PM meets Qatar’s envoy Covid-19 patients and began normal outpatient dramatically expanded to provide 610 acute beds services, QNA reported from Doha. and 45 intensive care beds using every available Serbian Prime Mesaieed Hospital was one of seven Hamad space. Minister Ana Brnabic Medical Corporation facilities dedicated to car- “Expanding the hospital to this scale is testa- met yesterday ing for patients with Covid-19 since the start of ment to the commitment and expertise of our with the outgoing the pandemic. In the last six weeks, four of these healthcare teams and enabled Mesaieed Hospi- Qatari ambassador facilities – Surgical Specialty Center, Ras Laff an tal to provide care to large numbers of male and in Belgrade Sheikh Hospital, Al Wakra Hospital and Hazm Mebaireek female patients throughout both waves, includ- Mubarak bin Fahad General Hospital – have all recommenced deliv- ing specialist mental health services for those al-Thani. During ery of normal services following their designa- patients who required psychological support,” the meeting, they tion as Covid-19 facilities. added al-Janahi. reviewed bilateral With the number of Covid-19 cases declining With the fi nal Covid-19 patients discharged, relations. (QNA) consistently over the past few months, there is Mesaieed Hospital is now preparing to recom- now signifi cantly less demand for hospital care as mence normal outpatient services, as Acting a result of the virus. Medical Director of Mesaieed Hospital Dr Ihab At the peak of the second wave there were more El Madhoun explained: “I am proud to have been than 2,000 patients admitted to the hospital with part of this remarkable team of healthcare pro- El Salvador official moderate or severe Covid-19 symptoms. fessionals at Mesaieed Hospital throughout our Thanks to the combined eff orts of the govern- role as a Covid-19 facility. Around 900 healthcare meets Qatar’s acting ment and the community to suppress the spread staff , including doctors, nurses, pharmacists, en- charge d’affaires of the virus, there are currently fewer than 160 gineers, and hospitality and administration staff Covid-19 patients admitted to hospital. have worked together towards a common goal of The President of Legislative Assembly Throughout both waves of the virus, Mesaieed delivering the highest-quality care to patients of El Salvador, Ernesto Castro, met Hospital and its dedicated staff have played a vi- with Covid-19. Soon, Mesaieed Hospital will with Acting Charge d’Aff aires at Qatar’s tal role in ensuring the healthcare sector has suf- switch its focus and reopen outpatient services to embassy in San Salvador, Tariq Othman fi cient capacity to care for every Covid-19 patient support Al Wakra Hospital in delivering a range of al-Othman. During the meeting, bilateral in need of treatment. clinics for people in Mesaieed, Al Wakra and the relations were reviewed. (QNA) HMC’s Acting Assistant Managing Director surrounding areas.” Gulf Times 6 Wednesday, July 14, 2021 QATAR Qatar Charity to mark World Youth Skills Day 2021 tomorrow ‘Reimagining Youth Skills Post-Pandemic’ is the theme of World Youth Skills Day 2021, which will be marked tomorrow (July 15)

he celebration of this day will Taqat with Etlaqq Business Management and again take place in a challenging Qatar Charity is working to provide Bedaya Centre. Tcontext due to the ongoing appropriate job opportunities for youths The program targets individuals COVID-19 pandemic. The International in several countries of the world. Qatar with ideas and small projects, those in Labor Organization said that global Charity has managed to train and hire need of training to enter the market, and youth employment fell 8.7% in 2020. more than 50,000 youths, both male and persons with special needs, in addition to The World Youth Skills Day female, in Palestine, through its ‘Taqat’ those affected by the Covid-19 pandemic 2021 will celebrate the resilience and initiative, which is one of the world’s and those willing to have a project that creativity of youth through the crisis. unique humanitarian initiatives. ensures a steady source of income for a It aims to focus attention on how The initiative contributes to more stable life. technical and vocational education and reducing the unemployment rate, Income-Generating Projects training (TVET) systems have adapted improving the economic situation of Qatar Charity also attaches to the pandemic, participate in the Palestinian families, and strengthening significant attention to income- recovery, and imagine priorities they the role of creative youths. This generating projects that aim to improve should adopt for the post-COVID-19 initiative is an opportunity for poverty the living conditions of families with low world. and unemployment-stricken youths, incomes and help them to be self-reliant. Qatar Charity launched many especially in the problematic economic These projects are implemented flagship programs in and outside conditions in Palestinians, particularly in the fields of agriculture, animal the State of Qatar, as it believes in in the Gaza Strip. husbandry, trade, transportation and the importance of providing job Tamken others. opportunities and enhancing the Qatar Charity launched ‹Tamken›, an Qatar Charity has implemented 10,000 economic empowerment projects skills and capabilities of young people integrated training program to enhance the economic, social and psychological during 2018-2020, benefiting 55,000 through training in these exceptional skills of individuals, in cooperation people. circumstances.

Qatar Charity’s training helps Palestinian fisherman overcome unemployment

he 33-year-old Palestinian fisherman Ahmed Abu Hamada from the Gaza Strip did not surrender to poverty and unemployment, Tespecially in light of the difficult economic conditions and restrictions experienced in the region. Abu Hamada holds a bachelor’s degree in social research and is a breadwinner a family of seven. He did not give up when he was unable to get a job in the field of his study, but rather resorted to fishing. “Thanks to the capability development and training project implemented by Qatar Charity for the benefit of fishermen’s children eight years ago, I became familiar with the rules for fishing equipment maintenance, and since that time I have been working in this profession, in addition to my fishing work.” He pointed out that whenever he is not able to work in the fishing profession that he inherited from his father, he resorts to working in the equipment maintenance profession, which helps him earn a living. He thanked Qatar Charity for supporting the fishing sector, which suffers from a lack of potential, noting that Qatar Charity’s training contributed to developing his capabilities and enabling him to support his family. (Note: 280 children of fishermen benefited from the training) Qatar Charity signs CP agreement with FMM atar Charity signed a cooperation agreement with Facilities Management & Maintenance Company (FMM), under which FMM obtained the Charity Partner Q(CP) trademark in the bronze category within the social responsibility programs of Qatar Charity. The pact was signed as part of the company’s keenness to participate, as a charity partner, in the programs and activities organized by Qatar Charity, and in view of Qatar Charity›s firm commitment to providing the necessary support to relevant bodies, based on its social responsibility towards society. The agreement was signed by Mr. Ahmed Saleh Al-Ali, director of Media at Qatar Charity, and Irene Vidal, CEO of FMM. Mr. Ahmed Saleh Al-Ali, Director of Media at Qatar Charity, welcomed FMM’s joining to the CP trademark, noting that the CP certificate is given to companies willing to support humanitarian work as part of corporate social responsibility. He also added that Qatar Charity seeks to expand cooperation with institutions, bodies and individuals in the country to implement social responsibility programs and initiatives and serve the local community, stating that Qatar Charity believes in the importance of the role that companies and institutions play in the community development. “As a company, we believe in giving back to the Qatari community, and within the framework of our corporate social responsibility, we continue our efforts in various areas such as health, education, workplace inclusion, and the environment,” said Irene Vidal, CEO of FMM, pointing out that the company aims to expand its community initiatives, which was a key reason for cooperation with Qatar Charity by signing this agreement. Vidal praised Qatar Charity›s humanitarian efforts and capabilities to implement large- scale projects that have a significant positive impact on the lives of others, thanking Qatar Charity for signing the cooperation agreement that will provide service to this country and vulnerable communities around the world. CP is a special mark given by QC to companies, various bodies and institutions under strategic partnerships, according to different conditions and levels related to the social returns and positive impact of these partnerships on those who benefit from Qatar charity worldwide. CP shows the commitment of these bodies to their responsibilities towards society. It is also one of the ways to support development projects by allocating a certain percentage of revenues from products or services that obtain this mark. Gulf Times Wednesday, July 14, 2021 7 QATAR

Tunisian PM visits Qatari field hospital Qatar takes part in ministerial meeting of WHO regional office

Qatar yesterday participated in the ministerial briefing meeting of the Regional Off ice for the Eastern Mediterranean at the World Health Organisation (WHO), which was held remotely, QNA reported. Qatar was represented at the meeting by HE the Minister of Public Health Dr Hanan Mohamed al-Kuwari. During the meeting, the health ministers of the countries of the region were briefed on the latest developments on the coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic, the status of Covid-19 vaccination, the update on vaccine production in the Eastern Mediterranean Region and ways Tunisian Prime Minister and Acting Minister of Interior Hichem Mechichi visited the field hospital sent of progress, in addition to the establishment of a working by Qatar. The prime minister, accompanied by Qatar’s ambassador in Tunis Saad bin Nasser al-Hamidi, group of member states on strengthening preparedness was briefed on the components of the hospital. He thanked the Qatar government and praised the and response to WHO health emergencies, and task force on working group that supervised the installation of the field hospital. (QNA) sustainable financing. ICAO agrees Hakkasan marks 20 years with anniversary set menu

‘in principle’ to ward-winning Canton- for a minimum of two guests, ese restaurant Hakkasan the set menu will see diners Ahas announced the ar- start with Hakkasan’s signa- rival of a special celebratory set ture Dim sum trio (Scallop shui menu, available at all locations mai, langoustine har gau, aba- globally – including Hakkasan lone and chicken parcel), before Qatar proposal Doha, located at the St Regis moving onto the steamed scal- Doha – to celebrate the restau- lops with browned butter black Qatar has proposed to tion 1944 with high professional- a high level of safety and qual- rant’s 20th anniversary. bean sauce and Oatmeal Dover establish a Doha Flight ism in terms of the peaceful use of ity. During the ICAO Air Navi- The menu will run from sole. Information Region (FIR) airspace, freedom of navigation gation Commission’s review of July 21 and will be available This will be followed by stir- and Doha Search and Rescue and protection of the environ- the technical aspects of the pro- throughout the summer, ac- fry black pepper beef served Region (SRR) ment. posal, it was acknowledged that cording to a press statement alongside Golden mixed vege- Qatar’s proposal also included Qatar possesses the capabilities issued by Alfardan Hospital- table yam ring with macadamia he International Civil Avi- its intention to withdraw from and qualifi cations necessary to ity. Since the first Hakkasan nut. The stand-out dish will ation Organisation (ICAO) the current arrangement where- manage air traffi c safely and ef- opened in Hanway Place in be the Supreme stock braised TCouncil has agreed, ‘in by it has delegated to Bahrain the fectively, and to provide leading 2001, the brand has expand- lobster, encased in egg noodle principle’, to Qatar’s proposal to provision of air navigation serv- services in the fi eld of search and ed globally with 10 locations Hakkasan’s special celebratory set menu will be available from July 21. nests and served with lobster establish a Doha Flight Infor- ices over its sovereign territory rescue. Both Qatar and Bahrain around the world, including wontons. mation Region (FIR) and Doha in accordance with paragraphs were invited by the ICAO coun- Hakkasan Doha, which opened Moreover, Hakkasan re- for Doha and currently over- To fi nish, guests will enjoy Search and Rescue Region (SRR). 2.1.1 of Annex 11 to the Chicago cil, as well as surrounding states its doors in 2013, marking the ceived five FACTt Dining seen by Group executive chef the peach and vanilla caramel- Qatar’s proposal, which is Convention. The ICAO council with an interest in this matter, to third restaurant in the region Awards for ‘Best Chinese Res- Andrew Yeo,” the statement ised chocolate cream dessert. aimed at optimising safety and acknowledged the right of Qa- discuss co-operatively under the following the success of Hak- taurant’ with the latest award pointed out. For those who cannot resist effi ciency of the regional air- tar to request the establishment auspices of the president of the kasan Abu Dhabi and Dubai. won this year. In accordance with this, Hakkasan’s “much-loved” sig- space and other contiguous of a Doha FIR/SRR over its sov- council, to agree on appropri- Immediately after its open- “Hakkasan has become re- Hakkasan will celebrate its 20th nature dishes, few items will airspace over the high seas, was ereign territory and contiguous ate technical arrangements for ing, Hakkasan Doha gained nowned for its modern take anniversary with the introduc- be available to order as a sup- given the ‘in principle’ approval airspace consistent with Article the implementation of the Doha popularity and recognition for on authentic Cantonese cui- tion of a limited-edition set plementary option. Guests can during the meetings of the ICAO 1 of the Chicago Convention and FIR/SRR, and to report the out- its impressively highest din- sine, which places a focus on menu that will highlight the enjoy Hakkasan’s 20th year Council 223rd Session that be- in accordance with Assembly come of these discussions to the ing standards and won many using the finest, meticulously most popular dishes since the celebratory set menu from gan on June 18, 2021. Resolution A40-4, Appendix G. council at its 224th session for prestigious awards, including sourced ingredients and has restaurant’s inauguration and July 21 and are invited to place “The proposal by Qatar to es- The proposal of Qatar aims to approval of the amendment of ‘Best Restaurant’ five times been making tremendous im- will be served alongside newer their reservations by calling tablish a Doha FIR/SRR is of a support the development of safe the Air Navigation Plan – Middle from ‘Timeout Doha’ as well pacts in Doha’s fine dining favourites, showcasing the 44460170 or by sending an e- great importance for the future and sustainable air transport op- East Region. as ‘Restaurant of the year’ culinary scene with signature journey of the brand. mail to reservation.hakkasan@ of civil aviation, not only in the erations in the region, and rein- Based on the ICAO council’s twice, the statement noted. dishes created specifically Priced at QR488 per person, stregis.com. Middle East region, but the en- forces Qatar’s commitments to decision, co-ordination has al- tire world and is fully consistent the global aviation sector. ready begun to hold a technical with the objectives of the Chicago The ICAO Council empha- meeting with Bahrain to com- Convention,” HE the Minister of sised that amendments of re- plete what has been reached by it New layout Transport and Communications gional air navigation plans and to prepare an implementation Jassim Seif Ahmed al-Sulaiti, told depend upon good relations, col- plan for the decisions made by the for R/A in the ICAO council meeting. He said laboration and mutual respect council, HE al-Sulaiti said, adding Qatar since joining the ICAO has between states, and that these Qatar is looking forward to mutual Industrial been committed to applying the elements are fundamental to co-operation to implement the principles of the Chicago Conven- ensuring seamless services with decisions in a timely manner. Area

The Public Works Authority (Ashghal) has announced ICAO agrees for new Doha airspace FIR a new layout for the roundabout linking Street From Page 1 the Doha FIR. Following three proposal stated that the State of 33 and Al Kassarat Street years of technical assessments, Qatar “possesses the capabili- in the Industrial Area. It was also acknowledged that the organisation’s council has ties and qualifi cations necessary This will be in place while Bahrain would continue to profi t this summer given Qatar the go- to manage air traffi c safely and keeping two lanes open from overfl ight fees (the fees ahead for implementation. eff ectively.” The ICAO council for six months from July airlines must pay for passing The establishment of the new also acknowledged that Bahrain 16, Ashghal has said in a through a country’s airspace) of Doha FIR (airspace) will include “had provided safe and effi cient tweet. The roundabout one of the busiest transit areas in Qatar’s existing sovereign air- air navigation services over sev- will be converted into a the world. space (which is essentially the eral decades in the Middle East two-level interchange In 2017, the sudden blockade skies above the land of Qatar) region.” as part of the Street 33 on Qatar pushed the unusual and will expand further out to- Qatar has now started work upgrade project and this distribution of airspace in the wards its neighbours the UAE, with Bahrain, and the ICAO, to will be implemented in co- Gulf into the spotlight for the Bahrain, and Iran. The new FIR co-ordinate the implementation ordination with the General very fi rst time. will see Bahrain return a small of the Doha FIR. It’s a techni- Directorate of Traff ic. While UAE, Saudi Arabia and part of its airspace to Qatar, and cal process that will ultimately Egypt joined Bahrain in an- the current airspace arrange- redraw the busy skies above the nouncing the immediate closure ment will end. Gulf. of their airspaces to all Qatari Responding to the emerg- Following ICAO’s green light, registered aircraft (found later ing aerospace and geopolitical Qatar will go on to gain much- Cleanup drives on three islands to be a breach of ICAO’s Chicago development in its 223rd ses- needed airspace independence, Convention), the announcement sion, the ICAO described the and the country can maxim- of the closure of Bahrain’s air- green-light as an “achievement ise the effi ciency of air travel space had been the most critical of a decision in principle on the around Qatar to better meet the for Qatar. establishment of a Doha Flight country’s air travel sustainabil- A little over six months into Information Region” ity goals and expand its existing the blockade in early 2018, Qa- As the offi cial summary of air navigation services to ben- tar launched a formal proposal decision’s reveal, the ICAO Air efi t other carriers overfl ying the to the ICAO for the establish- Navigation Commission review new airspace fl ight information ment of its airspace, known as of the technical aspects of the region.

‘Family and Friends’ packages launched as Qatar reopens for tourism From Page 1 cover the Icons of Qatar’ tours. Customers who wish to take advantage of Discover Qatar’s ‘Family and Discover Qatar is also giving guests special off ers Friends’ packages can book directly on the Qatar Air- on its “renowned city tours and excursions with ways Holidays website at https://www.qatarairway- The General Cleanliness Department has carried out regular cleanup incredible savings”. Customers can book a tour for sholidays.com/qa-en/off ers/family-and-friends/. campaigns on Al Safliya, Ishat and Shra’wa islands as part of a programme two people for the price of one on the ‘Discover The airline continues to rebuild its network, adopted by the department for the maintenance and upkeep of the islands in Qatari Culture’, ‘Discover the Mangroves of Qatar’, which currently stands at over 140 destinations. order to enable them to receive visitors. Sixteen workers, inspectors, off icers ‘Discover Regional Cuisine’, ‘Discover Souq Waqif’ With more frequencies being added to key hubs, and supervisors have taken part in the campaigns using two boats, and and ‘Discover Arabic Coff ee Traditions’ tours. Qatar Airways off ers “unrivalled connectivity to around seven tonnes of waste were removed in the process, the Ministry of Alongside these packages, visitors can also book ei- passengers, making it easy for them to change their Municipality and Environment said. This included four tonnes from Ishat, two ther of these tours for three people for the price of two travel dates or destination if they need to”, the tonnes from Shra’wa and one tonne from Al Safliya Island. including, the ‘Discover Luxury Shopping’ and ‘Dis- statement added. Gulf Times 8 Wednesday, July 14, 2021 QATAR

Palestinian physicians on QRCS scholarships save lives in Gaza At the Department of Paediatric subspecialties and intensive train- the Abdel-Aziz Rantisi Specialist Oncology, Abdel-Aziz Rantisi ing in Jordan, in order to develop Hospital for Children, considered Specialist Hospital in Gaza City, their capabilities and improve the the return of Dr al-Din as a signifi- Dr Mo’men Zain al-Din stood quality of health services provided cant addition to the department, watching some lab samples of for patients in Gaza. which now has several medical children with cancer. Since his return to Gaza two professionals who were trained Then, he went to the outpatient months ago, Dr al-Din started his as per international protocols. clinic, where Ahmed, 9, a leukae- work at the Abdel-Aziz Rantisi He emphasised the importance mia patient, was waiting for him Specialist Hospital for Children, to of making use of this exchange of to give consultation using the treat the patients, alleviate their experience on ways to deal with right medical protocols that he suff ering, and reduce the need to diff erent cases, thus upgrading learned during his specialised travel for treatment abroad. the services received by patients. studies in Jordan. In co-ordination with the medical According to him, the hospital “I was granted a three-year schol- staff , he works to ensure better is considering an expansion of arship by Qatar Red Crescent health services for patients, cancer health services to cover Society (QRCS) to study the despite the challenges faced by 650-700 children with blood specialty of haematology and cancer patients in Gaza, due to disorders and/or cancer in Gaza. oncology at King Hussein Cancer lack of many medications and This would require the engage- Centre in Jordan, under the radiotherapy, following 15 years ment of all experienced medical project of supporting specialised the methods of diagnosis and thalassemia and hemophilia, and Sponsored by QRCS, the istry of Health (MoH). It involves of blockade. professionals, who would make a medical education programme treatment for patients with cancers, like leukaemia and solid $476,000 project is implemented nine scholarships for Palestinian Consultant Dr Mahmoud Shubair, big diff erence in saving the lives for physicians in Gaza. I learned inherited blood disorders, like tumors,” Dr al-Din said. in partnership with Palestine’s Min- physicians from Gaza to pursue head of cancer department at of the patients.

Qatar Charity to mark World Youth Qatar Fund for Development, ICSS Skills Day 2021 project to empower youth in Libya

atar Charity (QC) will ‘Taqat’ contributes to reduc- QNA mark World Youth Skills ing the unemployment rate, Doha QDay 2021, themed ‘Reim- improving the economic situa- agining Youth Skills Post-Pan- tion of Palestinian families, and demic’, tomorrow. strengthening the role of crea- atar Fund for Develop- “The celebration will again tive youths. It is an opportunity ment (QFFD) and the take place in a challenging for poverty and unemployment- QInternational Centre context due to the ongoing stricken youths, especially in the for Sport Security’s (ICSS) Covid-19 pandemic. The Inter- problematic economic condi- Save the Dream have signed a national Labour Organisation tions in Palestinians, particu- grant agreement, aimed at em- said global youth employment larly in the Gaza Strip. powering youth and promot- fell 8.7% in 2020,” QC said in  Tamken: QC launched ing peace and development a statement. The event will ‘Tamken’, an integrated training in Libya through sports. The celebrate the resilience and programme to enhance the eco- signing took place at a virtual creativity of youth through the nomic, social and psychological ceremony. crisis, focusing on how techni- skills of individuals, in co-oper- The joint project will serve as cal and vocational education ation with Etlaqq Business Man- an in-depth study to assess the and training (TVET) systems agement and Bedaya Centre. situation of the Libyan youth, now increasingly advocating for which a joint initiative on Sport sion, Deputy Director General of been selected by the Qatar Fund have adapted to the pandemic, The programme targets in- their aspiration, and their po- the recognition and use of sports for Development and Peace in Strategic Planning in QFFD, Ali for Development (QFFD) to ini- participate in the recovery and dividuals with ideas and small tential role in post-confl ict re- as an eff ective tool in humani- Darfur, Sudan, was implement- al-Dabbagh, said “it is a top pri- tiate a project which utilises the imagine priorities they should projects, those in need of train- construction as agents of posi- tarian, development, and peace ed whereby several activities ority for us to create an enabling power of sports to bring about implement for a post-Covid-19 ing to enter the market, and tive change. building eff orts. and workshops were held in rural environment that supports chil- positive changes in the lives of world. persons with special needs, in The project also aims to The new initiative comes areas to support Internally Dis- dren’s well-being and provides youth and children in Libya. On this occasion, QC stressed addition to those aff ected by the capitalise on the potential of within the ongoing partner- placed Persons and host com- opportunities for a better future. “Within the framework of our that it has launched many fl ag- Covid-19 pandemic and willing sports as a tool to facilitate ship between QFFD and Save munities, implemented by Qatar Together, we can build healthy Save the Dream initiative and ship programmes within and to have a project that ensures a skills development, re-integra- the Dream, a global non-profi t Charity. new generations that can con- building on our previous expe- outside Qatar, as it “believes in steady source of income. tion in post conflict situations movement of organisations, The agreement reaffi rms Qa- tribute to a large spectrum of rience acquired in the Mediter- the importance of providing job  Income-generating and social cohesion for youth people and athletes who believe tar’s ongoing eff orts in confl ict the community’s development ranean Basin, we will undertake opportunities and enhancing the projects: QC also attaches sig- and children. in the power of sport to build resolution and peacebuilding goals.” an in-depth needs assessment in skills and capabilities of young nifi cant attention to income- Acknowledging that sport- more fair and inclusive socie- around the world and highlights Meanwhile, CEO of ICSS and the coming weeks, particularly people through training in these generating projects that aim to ing activities can present op- ties. its role to enhance the peace- Save the Dream, Massimiliano focusing on sports in schools exceptional circumstances”. improve the living conditions portunities for promoting social The strategic collaboration keeping process. Montanari, said: “We are both and more in general at the grass-  Taqat: QC is working to of families with low incomes cohesion and harmony, QFFD is was started in 2018 through Commenting on the occa- proud and honoured to have roots level.” provide appropriate job oppor- and help them to be self-reliant. tunities for youths in several These projects are implemented countries of the world. It man- in the fi elds of agriculture, ani- aged to train and hire more than mal husbandry, trade, transpor- 50,000 youths, both male and tation, and others. female, in Palestine, through its Qatar Charity implemented Kahramaa Annual ‘Taqat’ initiative, which is one of 10,000 economic empowerment the world’s unique humanitarian projects during 2018-2020, ben- initiatives. efi ting 55,000 people. Planning Forum starts Kahramaa tweeted that the two-day forum will discuss various plans and objectives of the corporation

he activities of the Annual Planning Forum 2021 of the Qatar General Electricity & Water Corporation (Kah- Tramaa) started yesterday in the presence of Kahramaa president Essa bin Hilal al-Kuwari and the directors of dif- ferent affairs and departments. Kahramaa tweeted that the two-day forum will discuss various plans and objectives of the corporation. Also, all developments within the corporation will be reviewed while discussing the annual and fi ve-year plans based on new data. This will be done to achieve the highest levels of quality and institutional effi ciency. Kahramaa has set a plan that enables customers, assets, sys- tems and processes to attain a global benchmark for perform- ance, technological innovation, environmental sustainability and social responsibility in the electricity and water sectors by 2030.

Total Covid recoveries rise to 221,549: MoPH

QNA highly contagious and highly virulent strains of the Doha virus that are actively circulating in the community. The third phase of the gradual lifting of precaution- Qatar Charity has launched many flagship programmes within and ary restrictions began July 9 and is part of a four-stage outside Qatar, as it “believes in the importance of providing job he Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) yes- plan to be implemented over the coming months. opportunities and enhancing the skills and capabilities of young people terday reported 79 new confi rmed cases of The date of implementation and the duration of through training in these exceptional circumstances”. TCovid-19 among the community and 63 each phase will depend on the pandemic indica- among travellers. tors which depend to a great extent on the degree The MoPH recorded 149 recoveries from the of compliance of the community members with Ehteraz registration optional for residents virus during the past 24 hours, bringing the total the current measures, restrictions and guidance number of cases recovered in Qatar to 221,549. by the government. From Page 1 The National Covid-19 Vaccination Pro- gramme Data revealed: However, as some travellers faced some diffi culties in the registra-  3,428,791 Covid-19 vaccine doses have been 126 face action for Covid violations tion process, this would no longer be a mandatory requirement for administered since the start of the programme. The designated authorities referred 126 people to the Qataris as well as expatriates from now, Dr al-Maslamani said. Regis-  20,368 Covid-19 vaccine doses have been ad- prosecution for non-compliance with the preventive tration through Ehteraz continues to be mandatory for visitors. ministered in the past 24 hours. and precautionary measures in place in the country Though not compulsory for citizens and residents any more, Dr al-  78.1% of the eligible population has now re- to limit the spread of Covid-19. Among them, 104 Maslamani strongly advised people to pre-register on Ehteraz as this ceived at least one dose of the vaccine. were referred to the prosecution for not wearing would ease entry procedures at the airport in Qatar. He also said work  98.6% of over 60s (the most vulnerable pop- masks in places where these are mandatory and 22 is under way to link Ehteraz with the e-gates. ulation group) have been vaccinated with at least for not adhering to social distancing norms. The PCR test is also a mandatory requirement for entry into the one dose, while 93.5% have received both doses. The measures are in line with the Cabinet deci- country for all travelers, including Qataris and expatriates. In recent weeks the combined impact of Cov- sion and Decree Law No 17 of 1990 on infectious The Government Communications Offi ce tweeted about the re- id-19 restrictions and increasing vaccination diseases, and the precautionary measures in force vised rule following yesterday’s MoPH announcement, saying: rates, and the overwhelming support of the com- in the country to contain the spread of Covid-19. The “The State of Qatar has launched a pre-registration platform to munity, has resulted in a consistent reduction in designated authorities called on the public to adhere expedite entry into the country. It is mandatory for all visitors, and the number of new daily infections in the country. to the precautionary measures in place to ensure the optional for Qatari citizens and residents, to register on the platform However, it is still important to be cautious as the safety of themselves and others. (QNA) prior to their arrival: http://ehteraz.gov.qa” second wave is not yet over and there are still two Gulf Times Wednesday, July 14, 2021 9 QATAR Palestinian trained by QF’s QatarDebate forms Gaza’s fi rst debate club  Ismail al-Rzzi has set up a club for dialogue that aims to promote awareness of the Palestinian people’s struggle against occupation and aggression Ismail al-Rzzi

nspired by the challenges his training in the art of debate face of aggression, oppression sieged Gaza was not easy, as al- standable, adaptable and imple- try, including their own, and to Al-Rzzi also highlights the he has overcome on his own in Qatar in 2012, but his journey and exclusion, saying: “Be- Rzzi explains. “The fi rst diffi cul- mentable.” return to their country.” importance of social media in Ijourney of knowledge, a from Gaza to Doha took several cause I grew up in Gaza, I be- ties we faced when establishing Al-Rzzi had to face challenges Speaking about the impor- conveying the voice of young Palestinian student trained by years instead of several hours lieve that I was born as a voice the club was the diffi culty of of his own to complete his train- tance of debating in raising people. “The truth is that I ad- Qatar Foundation (QF)’s Qa- due to the closure of borders. for what I consider to be the communication between uni- ing at QatarDebate. “I arrived awareness of the Palestinian mire how young people have tarDebate has established the After a long journey that in- most just cause on the face of versity students and youth in the in Qatar after a tiring and ardu- cause, al-Rzzi said: “One of the resorted to an alternative real- fi rst debate club in Gaza with the volved stops at several stations, the earth. Gaza Strip and the West Bank, ous journey,” he recalled. “My most important goals that any ity on social media to hold their aim of promoting awareness and he eventually reached Qatar to “My absolute belief that the given the continuous closure of journey from Gaza to Qatar was debate achieves is to raise aware- dialogue and debates there,” dialogue of the struggle against complete his debating career by logic of argument is the civilised the crossings by the Israeli oc- not easy; for many years, I was ness, which is what the Palestin- he said. “Today, young people oppression and aggression that joining QatarDebate, where he alternative in the face of the oc- cupation, as well as the diffi culty waiting for a call that said that ian situation needs in various have succeeded in influencing his people continue to face. attended training and arbitra- cupation of Palestine was a mo- of travelling from the Gaza Strip the crossing was open, but to no issues, such as political division global opinion through social Ismail al-Rzzi dreamed of tion workshops for debating in tive for me to work on building to participate in tournaments avail. and the relationship with the Is- media. completing his higher education the Arabic language, and was bridges between Palestinian fac- held outside the country, and the “The crossings remained raeli occupation. “Young people exposing the and achieving his goals in life, also trained in managing debate tions, to promote dialogue and lack of previous experience in closed, and one opportunity af- “Usually, debates are between occupation, and new applica- but the diffi culties he faced when tournaments. bring perspectives to our issues the fi eld of debate in Palestine at ter another ended. Everyone has two equal parties and there are tions and means of communica- seeking to travel created an ob- Al-Rzzi said that, since his – and I was able to establish Ori- the time. the right to freedom of move- diff erences in views between tion, have contributed to ampli- stacle that threatened his pros- childhood, he has believed that ent Debating Club, the fi rst de- “But I overcame all these ment and residence within the them, but the truth is that the is- fying the voice of the Palestinian pects of achieving this dream. debate, dialogue and logic pro- bate club in Gaza.” challenges through the clarity of borders of each state. Everyone sue with the Israeli occupation is people and their calls for their He was invited to complete mote the values of peace in the Forming a debate club in be- the idea, which made it under- has the right to leave any coun- not a diff erence of views.” rights.” Violations at auto electrical workshops ISO stamp for Qeeri’s calibration, testing labs

atar Environment and consultants worked with our Energy Research In- team in advising best practices Qstitute (Qeeri), part of and training until we reached Hamad Bin Khalifa University this goal.” (HBKU), has received accredi- This most recent ISO/IEC tation under ISO 17025:2017 on 17025 accreditation follows Doha Municipality, in co-operation with the Ministry of Commerce and Industry and the Traff ic selected methods for its Corro- Qeeri’s certifi cation in 2020 Patrol and Investigation Department, has carried out joint inspection campaign at automobile sion, Energy and Environment for its Integrated Management workshops doing electrical works. These resulted in the issuance of 42 violation reports in addition and Sustainability Centres System (IMS) under the ISO to 23 warning notices, the Ministry of Municipality and Environment said. The campaign covered from International Accredita- 9001:2015, ISO 14001:2015 and Umm Ghuwailina, Doha Jadeed, Bin Mahmoud, Madinat Khalifa, Najma, Al Muntazah, Al Mansoura tion Services (IAS-USA). ISO 45001:2018 standards. and the Airport area. ISO/IEC 17025 is the high- Congratulating the ISO team est globally recognised qual- and Qeeri staff on the latest ity standard for calibration and milestone, Dr Marc Vermeer- testing laboratories. “With the sch, executive director of Qeeri, accreditation, Qeeri proves that said: “The accreditation, along they produce precise and accu- with receiving the ISO certifi - rate results from their research cation, underpins Qeeri’s com- laboratories and can operate mitment to excellence, and to Qeeri upholds global standards as the national RDI institution competently, in supporting the being a leading player when it tackling Qatar’s water, energy and environment challenges. cutting-edge interdisciplinary comes to research and technol- research undertaken at Qeeri’s ogy development activities in centres,” a press statement the region. noted. “We owe these achievements “We are very proud of each to the perseverance and com- team’s hard work that resulted mitment of our teams that got in this advanced accreditation. us here, along with the backing With existing government- of both Qatar Foundation and mandated laboratory regula- HBKU upper management. We Dodge Durango, Mercedes-Benz Arocs and Zetros models recalled tions, Qeeri upholds the high- look forward to serving Qatar The Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoCI), in that car dealers follow up on vehicle defects and est standards of testing and in tackling the grand challenges co-operation with United Cars Almana, dealer of repairs. The ministry has said it will co-ordinate with plays a pivotal role in contrib- related to energy, water and en- Dodge in Qatar, has recalled Dodge Durango models the dealers to follow up on the maintenance and uting to research and develop- vironment. We will continue to of 2020-2021 due to possible malfunctions in the repair works, and will communicate with customers ment toward national energy, provide world-class technol- side airbags of the vehicle. Also, in co-operation with to ensure that they have carried out the necessary water security and climate ogy and supporting services to Nasser Bin Khaled Automobiles, dealer of Mercedes- repairs. The MoCI has urged all customers to report change,” said Dr Mohamed Ak- our partners and stakeholders.” Benz in Qatar, the MoCI has announced the recall of any violations to its Consumer Protection and Anti- mal Rana, Quality Management Sustainability is a key driver Mercedes-Benz Arocs and Zetros models of 2020 Commercial Fraud Department, which processes director at Qeeri. infl uencing the research that due to a possible malfunction in the neutral position complaints, enquiries and suggestions through Dr Rana also expressed grati- Qeeri undertakes through its (N) in vehicles with manual transmission, which may the call centre: 16001, email: [email protected], tude to Excelledia Quality Con- work across its various centres lead to the vehicle moving. The recall campaigns Twitter: @MOCIQATAR, Instagram: MOCIQATAR, sulting, who supported Qeeri and programmes. For more in- come within the framework of the MoCI’s and the ministry’s mobile app for Android and iOS: throughout the implementa- formation, one can visit www. continuous eff orts to protect consumers and ensure MOCIQATAR tion journey. “Their competent hbku.edu.qa/qeeri.

90,000 baby hamour fi sh released into Qatari waters Hyatt Regency Oryx Doha The Ministry of Municipality and Environment (MME)’s Fisheries Department, launches exclusive Eid off ers in co-operation with the Protection and Wildlife Department, yatt Regency Oryx Doha, will be displayed at the dessert cinated guests are welcome to has released 90,000 the fi rst Hyatt Regency station. Eid Brunch will be avail- dine indoors and use the hotel baby hamour fish Hbrand in Qatar, has an- able from 12.30pm until 4pm, facilities while non-vaccinated weighing 2gm each nounced its Eid al-Adha off ers. and Eid Dinner from 6.30pm guests can access Al Nafourah into the Qatari “Hyatt Regency Oryx Doha until 10pm. Garden and the hotel’s outdoor waters at selected is known for its sublime food & For those looking for al fresco pool. locations. The fish beverage dining options and in- dining with a picturesque view Julien Gonzalvez, general were produced at novative theme nights. In cel- of water fountains and palm manager of Hyatt Regency Oryx Kebab Nights at Al Nafaourah Garden. the Aquatic Research ebration of Eid al-Adha, Choices trees, Al Nafourah Garden’s Eid Doha, said: “We make every get- Centre in Ras - the hotel’s all-day dining res- al-Adha Kebab Night is “just together a stress-free and mem- Matbakh. This marks taurant, and Al Nafourah Garden the right option” for friends and orable experience, and Eid is one a continuation of - the Lebanese/Middle Eastern family celebrations. “Succulent of the well-sought-after events the programme to restaurant, will be launching and perfectly fl avoured kebab in the Middle East. Therefore, enrich the country’s special Eid off erings,” the hotel grilled to your liking and part- we make sure to prepare a cel- fish stock, which said in a press statement. nered with a fresh za’atar salad ebratory taste of Eid al-Adha involves the local “Experience Eid in Qatar like and traditionally cooked vermi- in our food & beverage venues production of fish of no other. Eid Brunch and Din- celli rice for QR99 per person, through a delightful meal. On high economic value ner at Choices will be fi lled with starting from 6pm,” the state- behalf of my team and myself, and releasing the traditional Middle Eastern spe- ment added. may this Eid al-Adha bring joy, baby fish into local cialties ranging from hot & cold With the third phase of the safety and prosperity to every- waters to enhance the mezza, mixed grill seafood & gradual lifting of Covid-19 re- one.” stock of such types of meats, slow-cooked lamb Ouzi, strictions under way, Hyatt Re- Guests can also choose to stay fish and achieve food Qatari chicken machboos and gency Oryx Doha said it “is glad and dine for QR450 when they security, the MME has selections of International dish- to be welcoming all its guests use the code HyattNightIn, and said. es,” the statement noted with strict adherence to the a hotel stay is inclusive of buff et Homemade Arabic sweets, regulations specifi ed by Qatar breakfast at Choices for a week- cakes and other local favourites National Tourism Council”. Vac- day or weekend stay. Choices at Hyatt Regency Oryx Doha. Gulf Times 10 Wednesday, July 14, 2021 COMMENT

CHAIRMAN Abdullah bin Khalifa al-Attiyah EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Faisal Abdulhameed al-Mudahka Deputy Managing Editor K T Chacko P.O.Box 2888, Doha, Qatar [email protected] 44350478 (News), 44466404 (Sport), 44466636 (Home delivery) 44350474 facebook.com/gulftimes twitter.com/gulftimes_Qatar GULF TIMES People’s Bank of China aims to boost economic recovery

The People’s Bank of China’s move to cut the amount of cash banks must hold as reserves is releasing around 1tn yuan ($154.19bn) in long-term liquidity to support its post-Covid economic recovery. The central bank says its prudent monetary policy remains unchanged. Even with the support for small and mid-sized businesses, there’s no sign of a broad reversal in the disciplined stimulus approach authorities have taken since the crisis began. But China’s V-shaped economic rebound from the pandemic is slowing, sending a warning to the rest of world about how durable their own recoveries will prove to be, according to a Central banking, Bloomberg report. While the PBoC said the move isn’t a renewed stimulus push, the breadth of the 50 basis-point reserve requirement ratio (RRR) cut comes as a surprise. Data on Thursday is expected to show growth eased in the second quarter to 8% from the record gain of 18.3% in Q1, fast and slow according to a Bloomberg poll. Key readings of retail sales, industrial production and fi xed asset investment are all set to The big labour-market is to think of a road trip. In the car are available) show that there are a record In the meantime, policymakers must moderate, too. two groups that agree on three things: number of job openings in the US – be mindful of the risks associated with puzzle is that, despite the “destination” is to achieve high, more than nine million – labour-force any given course of action – including In a wider sense, the economy was expected to descend from durable, inclusive, and sustainable participation remains stubbornly low, inaction. In the face of such uncertainty, the heights hit during its massive demand, the economic growth; the route to get there and unemployment high, compared to it is wise to ask not just what could go initial rebound and as last labour market is unable is far from straight; and the car has good pre-pandemic levels. wrong but also what the consequences China’s $14.7tn year’s low base eff ect washes forward momentum. To explain this gap, some point of a policy mistake would be. Under the to match unemployed current conditions, a wrong move could out. But economists say the After that, the two camps disagree. One to temporary and reversible factors economy, workers to jobs group believes that much of the remaining such as school closures, enhanced have far-reaching and lasting eff ects. softening has come sooner journey will be uphill and is therefore not unemployment insurance benefi ts, and Those favouring a continuation of second only to than expected, and could too worried about the curves along the insuffi cient childcare, whereas others pedal-to-the-metal monetary policies now ripple across the world. By Mohamed A El-Erian way. It would prefer to keep its foot on the worry about longer-term issues such as argue that central bankers still have the US, accounts “There is no doubt that Cambridge accelerator, pedal-to-the-metal, lest the an altered propensity to work and skills tools to overcome infl ation should it vehicle decelerate or stall. mismatches. In any case, the labour persist. But as the downhillers are quick for almost a the impact of a slowing The other passengers anticipate a market’s persistent malfunctioning – to point out, those tools have become China on the global conomic-policy discussions in downhill journey with many treacherous particularly employers’ struggle to fi nd increasingly ineff ective and diffi cult third of global economy will be bigger than the eurozone, the United King- curves. With the vehicle gaining speed, employees – is likely to lead to higher to calibrate. As such, a central bank it was fi ve years ago,” said dom, and the United States this group would prefer to ease off the wage growth, a possibility that fuels that falls behind may be forced to slam increasingly revolve around accelerator and avoid risking a sudden concern about the second issue. on the brakes, risking an economic growth each Rob Subbaraman, head of E the question of when and how quickly “economic handbrake turn,” as Andy How “transitory” is today’s infl ation? recession and fi nancial-market year global markets research at central banks should pull back the Haldane, the Bank of England’s former The pedal-to-the-metal camp has a instability. The risk of inaction (or Nomura Holdings. “China’s uber-stimulus measures implemented chief economist, recently put it. surprisingly strong conviction that the inertia) in this case may be larger than ‘fi rst-in, fi rst-out’ status from Covid-19 could also infl uence last year in response to the Covid-19 Whether you are an uphiller or a current uptick in infl ation will sharply that of acting early. market expectations that if China’s economy is cooling now, pandemic. downhiller depends mainly on your reverse itself. As the year progresses, In the current policy debate, this There are no easy answers. Both assessment of three current issues: the they expect base eff ects to wash out decision-making framework off ers others will soon follow.” parts of the question call for fi nely labour market, the surge in infl ation, together with the supply and demand greatest clarity at the edges. For The Group of 20 fi nance ministers, in meeting in Venice on balanced judgment calls to account for and the risk of not being able to recover mismatches. example, there is a compelling case for Saturday, signalled alarm over threats that could derail a fragile uncertainties that remain in play. Policy quickly in the event of a policy mistake. Others, including me, are not the US Federal Reserve to start easing global recovery. New variants of the coronavirus and an uneven changes by major central banks can have The big labour-market puzzle is that, so sure, owing to the likelihood of its foot off the accelerator. Economic far-reaching implications for economic despite massive demand, the labour persistent supply bottlenecks, changes growth is buoyant, fi scal policy is also pace of vaccination could undermine a brightening outlook for and fi nancial well-being, aff ecting not market is unable to match unemployed in supply chains, and lasting inventory extremely expansionary, and businesses the world economy. just those directly involved but also workers to jobs. The situation is management challenges. We will and households alike have signifi cant China’s state media also cited several analysts, saying the many countries that will end up particularly stark in the US. While probably need many more months of accumulated savings that they will now domestic growth will slow in the second half because of an “importing” the eff ects of the decisions. Job Openings and Labour Turnover data before we can off er convincing be spending down. The conditions are A simple way to frame the debate Survey data for April (the most recent assessments of these variables. now ripe for the Fed to start reducing uncertain global recovery. – gradually and carefully – its bond- For sure, there is not a sector of the global economy buying program from its current rate of untouched by Covid-19. $120 billion per month. As policymakers, analysts and investors take into account the The European Central Bank, however, degree of uncertainty now in play to factor in the longer-term is in a diff erent position. While eurozone growth is picking up, the level impact of the pandemic, China’s economic outlook is of global of fi scal support is not as strong as in signifi cance. the US, and the private-sector recovery China’s population is ageing and there are fewer working-age is not as advanced. adults to drive output. The hardest case to call is the UK. With growth, fi scal support, and the The economy is loaded up on debt, too. Slower growth may private sector’s prospects more fi nely challenge China’s ability to stem the buildup of its government, balanced, it is no wonder two highly corporate and household debt, which according to Bloomberg respected central bankers, Haldane and Economics, is on track to add up to more than 300% of GDP BoE Governor Andrew Bailey, found themselves on opposite sides of the by 2022. debate this month. For sure, the country is a key driver of global growth. Other central bankers around the China’s $14.7tn economy, second in size only to the US with a world may be tempted to think that $20.9tn heft, accounts for almost a third of global growth each they are simply spectators in all this. year. That makes it a vital driver of job creation and improved They are not. The Fed, the ECB, and the BoE are systemically important: their living standards across the world. actions often have meaningful spillover And the PBoC’s swift move to lower banks’ RRR is one way of eff ects (both positive and negative) on making sure the recovery stabilises from here, rather than stumbles. the global economy. As such, central bankers elsewhere should be running their own scenario analyses and formulating appropriate To Advertise response plans. There is nothing wrong with hoping that three systemically [email protected] important central banks will get to their destination smoothly. But the Display journey is far from over, and the risk of 44466621 44418811 someone slipping is not negligible. — Project Syndicate Classified 44466609 44418811  Mohamed A El-Erian, President of Queens’ College, University of Subscription Cambridge, is a former chairman of US President Barack Obama’s Global [email protected] Development Council. He is the author of The Only Game in Town: Central BOTTOM-LINE: Policy changes by major central banks can have far-reaching implications for economic and financial well-being, Banks, Instability, and Avoiding the © 2021 Gulf Times. All rights reserved aff ecting not just those directly involved but also the many countries that will end up “importing” the eff ects of the decisions. Next Collapse. Gulf Times Wednesday, July 14, 2021 11 WORLD

Worst violence US personnel in years spreads sent to protect in South Africa Cuba curbs access to embassy after Haiti attack Crowds clashed with police Facebook, messaging Grief, anger as and ransacked or set ablaze The United States sent a small shopping malls in cities across number of personnel to shore South Africa yesterday, with apps amid protests up security at its embassy in dozens of people reported Haiti after the assassination of killed, as grievances unleashed President Jovenel Moise, three by the jailing of ex-president Reuters US off icials said yesterday. 92 dead in Iraq Jacob Zuma boiled over into Havana The killing of Moise on July the worst violence in years. 7 by a squad of gunmen at Protests that followed Zuma’s his home in Port-au-Prince arrest last week have widened uba has restricted access to social media and messaging plat- pitched Haiti deeper into an into looting and an outpouring forms including Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp and Tel- already fraught political crisis. of general anger over the Cegram since Monday, global Internet monitoring fi rm Net- While it is not uncommon Covid unit fi re hardship and inequality that Blocks said yesterday, amid widespread anti-government protests. for the United States to persist 27 years after the end NetBlocks, based in London, said on its website that the platforms send additional security of apartheid. Poverty has been in Cuba were still partially disrupted yesterday, which was “likely to forces, include Marines, to its exacerbated by severe social limit the fl ow of information from Cuba.” embassies around the world and economic restrictions The government did not immediately respond to a request for com- during times of crises, the aimed at blocking the spread ment. Neither did Telegram and Facebook Inc, which owns Instagram deployment highlights the of Covid-19. Security off icials and WhatsApp. Social platform Twitter Inc said it found no blocking level of uncertainty in the said the government was of its service. aftermath of Moise’s killing. working to halt the spread Thousands of Cubans joined demonstrations in cities and towns The off icials, speaking on of the violence and looting, throughout the country on Sunday to protest Cuba’s economic crisis condition of anonymity, said which has spread from Zuma’s and handling of the pandemic, with some calling for an end to com- fewer than a dozen personnel home in KwaZulu-Natal munism. were deployed in the days province to the country’s The government has said the demonstrations were orchestrated by after the killing and it was not biggest city Johannesburg US-fi nanced counter-revolutionaries, manipulating frustration with immediately clear how many and surrounding Gauteng an economic crisis largely caused by the decades-old US trade em- had since returned to the province, and to the Indian bargo. United States. Haiti has also Ocean port city of Durban. Underscoring the government’s concern, state-run media reported requested the deployment of Soldiers have been sent onto yesterday that Raul Castro, who stepped down as head of the ruling US troops in the country to the streets to try to contain Cuban Communist Party in April, attended a meeting on Sunday of help secure key infrastructure the unrest. Zuma, 79, was the political bureau to address the “provocations.” after the assassination. sentenced last month for Party leader and President Miguel Diaz-Canel said in April he A letter from the off ice of defying a constitutional court would continue to consult Castro on matters of utmost importance. Interim Prime Minister Claude order to give evidence at an US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said on Monday that believ- Joseph to the US embassy inquiry investigating high-level ing the demonstrations were US-directed would be a “grievous mis- in Haiti reviewed by Reuters, corruption during his nine take” and show the government was not listening to the voices of the requested the dispatch of A man reacts at the ravaged coronavirus isolation ward of Al-Hussein hospital after a massive fire years in off ice until 2018. Cuban people. troops. overnight in Nasiriyah yesterday. (AFP)

Reuters dent in the making. Government investigators Nassiriya “The hospital lacks a fi re arrived in Nassiriya yesterday, Facial recognition tech fights coronavirus in Chinese city sprinkler system or even a sim- according to a statement. Their ple fi re alarm,” he told Reuters. fi ndings would be announced Facial recognition tech linked to personal a QR code system to log test results and Ruili discovered 155 cases over the past he death toll from a “We complained many times within a week, Kadhimi’s offi ce health codes has been rolled out in a track contacts. But this is the first publicly week in one of the worst virus flareups in fi re that tore through a over the past three months that said. Chinese city bordering Myanmar as reported instance of facial recognition recent months to hit China, according to Tcoronavirus hospital in a tragedy could happen any mo- A Nassiriya court said it had authorities seek to squash a coronavirus being used to track a person’s movements data published yesterday. “Security tools southern Iraq rose to 92, health ment from a cigarette stub but ordered the arrest of 13 local outbreak. China is one of the world’s most and health status as they enter and exit such as facial recognition cameras, smart offi cials said yesterday, as au- every time we get the same an- offi cials in connection with the surveilled countries, with the government residential areas, supermarkets, transport door locks and road barriers (run by police thorities faced accusations of swer from health offi cials: ‘we fi re. rushing to install more than 200 million hubs and other public places. “Everyone or community volunteers) have been put in negligence from grieving rela- don’t have enough money’.” President Barham Salih on CCTV cameras to “cover all public spaces” who comes in and out needs to have their place in key areas,” local authorities said in a tives and a doctor who works While some bodies were col- Twitter said both fi res were in the past five years. Surveillance has (health) code and face scanned to pass,” statement. The scanners can also check the there. lected for burial, with mourn- “the result of endemic corrup- been widely used to combat Covid-19 in off icials in Ruili, in Yunnan province, told temperatures of individuals, China National More than 100 people were ers weeping and praying over tion and mismanagement that China, which was the first country to adopt reporters. Radio reported. injured in the blaze on Monday the coffi ns, the remains of more disregards the lives of Iraqis”. night in Nassiriya, offi cials said. than 20 badly charred corpses At the city’s morgue, anger An investigation showed the required DNA tests to identify spread among people gathered US off icials say vaccinated fi re began when sparks from them. as they waited to receive their faulty wiring spread to an oxy- The head of Iraq’s semi-offi - relatives’ bodies. EU reviewing J&J Covid don’t need booster right now gen tank that then exploded, cial Human Rights Commission “No quick response to the police and civil defence author- said Monday’s blast showed fi re, not enough fi refi ghters. US health off icials, after meeting with vaccine ities said. how ineff ective safety meas- Sick people burned to death. vaccine for rare nerve maker Pfizer, have reiterated that Americans who It was Iraq’s second such ures still were in a health system It’s a disaster,” said Mohamed have been fully vaccinated do not need to get a tragedy in three months, and crippled by war and sanctions. Fadhil, waiting to receive his booster shot at this time, a spokesperson for the the country’s president yester- “To have such a tragic inci- brother’s body. disorder aft er US warning Health and Human Services Department said. day blamed corruption for both. dent repeated few months later The blaze trapped many pa- Pfizer said last week it planned to ask US A statement from the prime means that still no (suffi cient) tients inside the coronavirus The European Medicines Agency for Disease Prevention and Control. regulators to authorise a booster dose of its minister’s offi ce called for na- measures have been taken to ward who rescue teams strug- (EMA) said yesterday it was In its decision to add a warning label, Covid-19 vaccine, based on evidence of greater risk tional mourning. prevent them,” Ali Bayati said. gled to reach, a health worker analysing data on rare cases of a the FDA said 100 preliminary reports of infection six months after inoculation and the Rescue teams were using The fact that the hospital told Reuters on Monday before nerve disorder reported among of GBS included 95 serious cases spread of the highly contagious Delta variant. a heavy crane to remove the had been built with lightweight entering the burning building. recipients of Johnson & Johnson’s that required hospitalisation and one HHS off icials had a briefing from Pfizer on Monday charred and melted remains of panels separating the wards had In Najaf, around 155 miles Covid-19 vaccine, after the United reported death. regarding their latest, preliminary data on the part of the city’s al-Hussain made the fi re spread faster, lo- northwest of Nassiriya, an an- States added a warning label to the The EMA said its review was part of vaccinations and will continue to discuss when and hospital where Covid-19 pa- cal civil defence authority head gry Imad Hashim sobbed after shot. regular summary safety reports for if booster shots will be needed in the future, the tients were being treated, as Salah Jabbar said. losing his mother, sister-in-law The “EMA’s safety committee J&J’s shot, and didn’t give any details spokesperson said. Pfizer said it planned to publish relatives gathered nearby. Health and civil defence and niece. (PRAC) is analysing data provided about potential GBS cases in Europe. “more definitive data” in a peer-reviewed journal. A medic at the hospital, who managers in the city and the “What should I say after los- by (J&J) ... on cases of Guillain- Britain’s MHRA drug regulator said “Both Pfizer and the US government share a declined to give his name and hospital’s manager had been ing my family,” the 46-year- Barre syndrome (GBS) reported separately yesterday it was also sense of urgency in staying ahead of the virus whose shift ended a few hours suspended and arrested on old said. “No point demanding following vaccination,” the European reviewing cases of GBS in vaccinated that causes Covid-19, and we also agree that before the fi re broke out, said Monday on the orders of Prime anything from a failed govern- medicines regulator said in a people, but said that so far, “our the scientific data will dictate next steps in the the absence of basic safety Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi, ment. Three days and this case statement to Reuters. “PRAC has review has not established that rigorous regulatory process that we always follow,” measures meant it was an acci- his offi ce said. will be forgotten like others.” requested (Johnson & Johnson) to these vaccines increase the risk said Pfizer spokesperson Sharon Castillo. provide further detailed data.” of GBS”. AstraZeneca’s vaccine is On Thursday, National Institutes of Health director The EMA scrutiny comes after the widely used in Britain, though J&J’s Francis Collins touted a study showing that Modi warns against overcrowding at tourist spots US Food and Drug Administration shot has yet to be deployed there. people who received the Pfizer or Moderna Inc (FDA) on Monday added a warning GBS is a rare neurological condition vaccines may not need another shot “for quite for GBS to the fact sheet for J&J’s in which the body’s immune system some time, unless Sars-CoV-2 evolves into new Prime Minister Narendra Modi warned yesterday acknowledging the tourism industry has been shot, and after the EMA four attacks nerve fibres’ protective forms or variants that can evade this vaccine- against overcrowding at tourist sites and called badly hit by lockdowns. India’s coronavirus days ago included a warning for coating. Most cases follow a induced immunity.” A top CDC scientist also said for faster vaccinations against the coronavirus caseload of 30.91 million infections is the world’s AstraZeneca’s Covid-19 shot for bacterial or viral infection. Most more study is needed to determine whether even as off icial figures indicated a slower second-highest behind the United States. Its people to be on alert for potential people fully recover from GBS. additional shots could raise people’s risk of serious spread of new infections. The Indian Medical off icial tally of deaths is 410,784, many of them side eff ects. AstraZeneca’s and J&J’s shots, side eff ects. The spread of the Delta variant, first Association (IMA) said on Monday it feared coming in a brutal second wave of infections Around 12.8 million people have which rely on a viral vector to detected in India and now the dominant form of gathering of tourists and pilgrims could become in April and May when people died outside received J&J’s one-dose vaccine deliver genetic information to kick new coronavirus infections in many countries, has super spreader events that fuel a deadly third hospitals as they waited for beds and bodies in the United States, while J&J off the body’s immune response to raised concerns over whether available vaccines wave of infections and it warned against were washing up on the banks of the holy has distributed 18.6 million doses Covid-19, already include warnings off er enough protection. Several experts say a complacency. “I will say very emphatically Ganges river. Yesterday, authorities reported to European Union countries, about very rare, but potentially booster shot would be warranted if there is a that it is not OK to have huge crowds in hill 32,906 new cases — the lowest daily tally since according to the European Centre deadly, blood clotting. substantial increase in hospitalisations or deaths stations, markets, without wearing masks,” mid-March — compared with some 400,000 a among vaccinated people. Modi said in comments posted on Twitter while day at the height of the second wave.

Russia says India will produce 300mn Sputnik V Wildfi res rage across million acres as US, Canada hit doses each year

AFP ous temperatures were continu- seasonal norms — were recorded The developers of Russia’s Los Angeles ing in the region for the early Monday north of Vancouver in Sputnik V coronavirus vaccine part of the week, with tempera- British Columbia, where some said yesterday a deal had been tures up to 116F (47C) recorded 300 wildfi res were active across struck with Indian vaccine ildfi res were burn- in southern California yesterday, the Canadian province. maker the Serum Institute to ing across more than and a heat advisory issued for In California — where more produce 300mn doses annually. Wone million acres of communities outside Los Ange- than twice as many acres have “The parties intend to produce the western United States and les. burned this year compared to over 300mn doses of the Canada yesterday, as scorching The NWS said overall tem- the same point in 2020’s record- vaccine in India per year with temperatures held their grip on peratures were beginning to dip, breaking season — a large fi re the first batch expected in areas reeling from a brutal week- with breezes arriving in northern near Lake Tahoe expanded on September 2021,” the Russian end heat wave. California and storms in Arizona Monday, spurred by the heat, in- Direct Investment Fund (RDIF) Some 850,000 acres were on and New Mexico on Monday, creased winds, low humidity and said in a statement. fi re in the United States — main- but excessive heat warnings re- dry vegetation. Sputnik V was registered by ly in western states such as Or- mained in eff ect “for most areas A study by a group of lead- Russia in August last year — the egon, California and Arizona — through yesterday evening.” ing climate scientists found that first of four vaccines developed while more than 300,000 acres Particularly high overnight those conditions would have in the country — and the RDIF smouldered in Canada’s British temperatures have robbed many been “virtually impossible” says it is approved for use in 67 Columbia alone, according to heat-struck regions of much- without human-caused climate countries. wildfi re offi cials. needed respite, and more swel- change. The World Weather At- Its hasty development and After a brief lull from late tering forecasts lie in store for tribution group said that global distribution for use ahead of June’s previous heat wave, ex- the coming days. warming, caused by greenhouse late-stage trials meant the treme temperatures in recent “Luckily the hot spots will gas emissions, made the June jab was initially greeted with days reached as far inland as the start cooling down after today. heat wave at least 150 times more scepticism. edge of the Rocky Mountains Enjoy it while it lasts because we likely to happen. Sputnik V has since won over — part of a dramatic trend that are looking at more heat starting The scorching conditions saw experts, in a scientific and experts attribute directly to cli- this weekend,” tweeted the NWS the all-time record daily tem- geopolitical victory for President mate change. Los Angeles service. perature broken three days in a Vladimir Putin, who announced The US National Weather Across the border, tempera- row in British Columbia. Flames on the side of highway after a bushfire broke out near St George, Arizona, in this still image late last month he had been Service (NWS) warned danger- tures of around 98F — well above from a social media video. (Reuters) inoculated with the vaccine. Gulf Times 12 Wednesday, July 14, 2021 QATAR World Cup Qatar 2022 postage stamps showcase iconic venues  Qatar Post unveils 2nd edition of FIFA architecture of the eight stadi- chairman of the Technical De- ums that will host the matches of livery Offi ce at the SC, added: “It World Cup Qatar 2022 off icial stamps the fi rst-ever FIFA World Cup to is a source of great pride that our be played in the region, in Qatar,” stunning stadiums are featured  All eight stadiums depicted in latest the Qatar Post statement noted. on this latest set of stamps. Each Faleh al-Naemi, chairman and of our tournament venues has an Qatar Post designs managing director of Qatar Post, incredible story to tell and we are said: “We are pleased to present sure that people across the coun- atar Postal Services Com- colours and designs of the brand to the world a set of stamps for try and beyond will enjoy col- pany (Qatar Post) has an- and bring to life Ahmad Bin Ali the 2022 FIFA World Cup sta- lecting these designs.” Qnounced the launch of the Stadium, Lusail Stadium, Ras diums. These distinctive and Qatar Post said it will con- FIFA World Cup Qatar stadiums Abu Aboud Stadium, Al Janoub uniquely designed masterpieces tinue to design stamps in com- stamp set, which is the second Stadium, Khalifa International are inspired by our authentic memoration of every stage of edition of the FIFA World Cup Stadium, Al Thumama Stadium, Qatari heritage and rich culture. preparation for the FIFA World Qatar 2022 offi cial stamps. Education City Stadium and Al This edition, featuring the eight Cup Qatar 2022, which simulta- This comes as part of the Bayt Stadium. stadiums that will host the tour- neously highlight the rich legacy agreement signed with FIFA, un- The second edition was re- nament matches, highlight the and history of Qatar in the fi eld of der which Qatar Post became the vealed at a special ceremony on stadiums’ aesthetics and high- football. Only a few months ago, Offi cial Licensee in the stamps July 12 in the presence of FIFA end architecture. “We are proud Qatar Post had launched the fi rst category for the tournament that offi cials as well as delegates from to co-operate with FIFA and the edition of the FIFA World Cup will be hosted by Qatar. the SC and Qatar Post. Qatar Supreme Committee for Delivery Qatar 2022 offi cial stamp, which The second release of the FIFA Post will sell stamps for mailing & Legacy to launch this series of is distinguishable for its unique World Cup Qatar 2022 Phila- purposes to local fans, with in- editions, which falls within the design that takes the form of Qa- telic Programme brings fans one ternational fans able to get in on Off icials at the launch ceremony. Qatar Post programme to docu- tar’s map and bears the offi cial step closer to the tournament the action with commemorative ment all events, occasions and logo of the tournament. with stamps depicting the eight designs from FIFA Branded Li- the public for QR28. In the fi rst “Similar to the fi rst set, the Post mandate to document all preparations related to hosting Qatar Post has invited its cus- spectacular stadiums that will censee MDM Münzhandelsges- stage, 20,000 copies, 2,000 launch of the FIFA World Cup events, celebrations and prepa- the most-anticipated and the tomers and philatelic collectors host next year’s event, the Su- ellschaft mbH & Co KG Deutsche fi rst-day issue envelopes, 3,000 2022 stadiums stamp set comes rations managed by Qatar to host biggest football tournament in in Qatar and around the world to preme Committee for Delivery & Münze. postcards and 2,000 folders have in co-operation with FIFA, the of the upcoming tournament. the world.” enjoy the newly released edition Legacy (SC) said in a statement. The FIFA World Cup 2022 been printed, Qatar Post said in a Supreme Committee for Delivery Through distinctive designs, Yasir al-Jamal, chairman of as part of the celebration of the The stamps feature the dramatic stadiums stamp will be sold to related statement. & Legacy, and within the Qatar each stamp embodies the unique the Operations Offi ce and vice- FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.

The prizes were given for the Qatar 2022 emblem launch and the inauguration of both Al Janoub and Ahmad Bin Ali stadiums. SC and QVision claim seven prizes at Eventex Awards ’21

he Supreme Committee  Organisations receive gold, silver and which helped to build excitement for Delivery & Legacy (SC) on the road to 2022 and the fi rst Tand Qatar Vision (QVision) bronze awards for successful delivery FIFA World Cup in the Middle were among the big winners at of three FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 East and Arab world. Huge praise the Eventex Awards 2021 thanks must go to the SC’s Marketing di- to the impact of three FIFA World milestones vision, who worked closely with Cup Qatar 2022 milestones. QVision to successfully deliver The organisations received Janoub and Ahmad Bin Ali sta- the industry, the Eventex Awards these events.” seven awards at this year’s cer- diums. In total, the SC and QVi- are considered esteemed prizes Sharif Hashisho, QVision’s emony, which recognises events sion won two gold awards, three in the world of events and expe- CEO, said: “We are honoured to and experience marketing excel- silver and two bronze. This is the riential marketing. support Qatar’s preparations for lence, the SC said in a statement 11th year of the Eventex Awards, Nasser al-Khater, CEO of FIFA the World Cup. It is a real hon- yesterday. which this year received 561 en- World Cup Qatar 2022 LLC, said: our to receive these awards and major milestones.” “Receiving and Qatar Vision. Every accolade So, huge congratulations to the The prizes were given for tries from 37 countries. Founded “We are very proud to receive testament to the hard work of the an Eventex award is tremendous is based entirely on merit and SC and QVision,” added Ovanes the Qatar 2022 emblem launch in 2009 to celebrate creativity, these awards. All three mile- SC and QVision, who collaborat- recognition for the Supreme acknowledges fantastic creativ- Ovanessian, co-founder of the and the inauguration of both Al innovation and eff ectiveness in stones were tremendous events ed successfully to deliver these Committee for Delivery & Legacy ity, fl exibility and innovation. Eventex Awards. Fire Station announces Youth Summer Programme

he Fire Station: Artist in Resi- to help create a personal visual language. will introduce participants to illustra- dence has announced its annual Fatma Alnaimi: Recycle and Re- tion techniques such as composition, TYouth Summer Programme for purpose Paper to Create Art light and shadow, background design, young artists in Qatar to explore new Date: August 8, 10 and 12 and simple colour theory. It will also mediums and work under the guidance In this workshop, participants will provide an introduction to the princi- of local multidisciplinary artists. learn the basic steps of manual paper- ples of animation to create simple ani- Starting from August, Fatma Alnaimi, making techniques by using recycled mations. Nayla Ahmed, Amna Albaker and Mar- paper. In a press statement, Fire Station di- iam al-Shaikh will mentor artists aged Mariam al-Shaikh (BOTO): A rector Khalifa al-Obaidly said: “The 16-25 years who will have the opportu- New Form of Expression Fire Station is a contemporary art space nity to learn from these creatives in dif- Date: August 15, 17 and 19 committed to supporting artists through ferent areas of art and design. In this workshop, participants will various programmes. Our Youth Sum- Each mentoring artist will present a learn how to repurpose plain objects into mer Programme provides a unique op- three-day workshop during each week functional art pieces. portunity for young and aspiring art- of August. The workshops comprise the Amna Albaker: Digital Illustra- ists to explore their creative aspirations following: tion and Animation Techniques Us- while working closely under the guid- ing Procreate ance of established artists. Nayla Ahmed: It’s Personal Date: August 22, 24 and 26 “The mentors will each deliver a spe- Date: August 1, 3 and 5 During the three sessions, partici- cifi c workshop that demonstrates their This hands-on workshop invites par- pants will learn the basics of digital il- individual creative process while intro- The annual Youth Summer Programme aims to ticipants to explore what makes them lustration and animation using the Pro- ducing participants to new artistic me- Artists aged 16-25 years will have the opportunity to learn from local explore new mediums. unique using various playful techniques create software on iPad. The workshop diums.” artists.