SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT 3 FRIDAY 5 JUNE 2020 YEARS OF DIGNITY AND PROSPERITY

Citizens, residents unite behind the leadership to triumph the siege 02 FRIDAY 5 JUNE 2020

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yearsy of DIGNITY & 3PROSPERITY THE DOHA METRO One of the largest public infrastructure projects in the world

world-class achievement not matched anywhere else in the world.

The Doha Metro has been a huge hit with the people of Doha. There have been more than 17 million passenger trips since the start of opera- tions, exceeding all ridership expectations.

The Doha Metro will soon be joined in operation by the new Lusail Tram, which will service the Lusail development with passenger services from this year.

Qatar Rail moved quickly and decisively to mit- igate and manage huge risks to delivery. These actions were extremely successful, resulting in no eventual impact on the schedule and the first set of Doha Metro trains arrived 3 months earlier than the set schedule.

Qatar Rail identified all affected materials and equipment and worked with its contractors to establish alternative delivery routes and/or sup- pliers. This exercise was completed in just a matter of weeks, with all materials since then delivered directly to Qatar by sea or air.

In addition, Qatar Rail seized the opportunity to support the move of a number of manufacturing and assembly activities to Qatar which created an added benefit of developing local industry. Metro customers can view available metrolink The opening of the station at award winning routes and plan their journey by downloading the Hamad International Airport enables a seamless Qatar Rail mobile app or by visiting the website. “Plane to Train” experience for those arriving into Qatar, offering fast and frequent services from the Customers can now also save time, with no need airport to the major cultural, tourist and business to queue at the station by using the Debit Card districts of Doha, meaning it’s now easier than Top Up on the App to add travel credit to their ever for visitors to explore everything the city has Travel Card before they leave home. to offer. New service for Debit Card Top Up will be available on our App when the Metro service In Commissioning the Doha Metro, additional resumes seamless connectivity has been provided for cus- tomers by metrolink, Qatar Rail’s feeder bus Ridership has grown steadily since the launch of service (operated by our partner Mowasalat). the Metro exceeding all expectation metrolink services act as a seamless facilitator for customers getting to and from metro stations and By January 2020 daily ridership had exceeded HIGHLIGHTS OF DOHA METRO their surrounding areas 145k

The Doha Metro is one of the largest public infra- Whilst we are waiting to welcome our customers structure projects in the world. The State of Qatar Doha Metro also launched the Doha Metro metro- back on board when the Doha Metro resumes set itself a most ambitious goal – to complete the express, a complimentary ride sharing service in service, we have updated our service offer to project from concept design to passenger service the West Bay area to enable customers to travel ensure the highest levels of cleanliness and 84% in just 7 short years. This enormous task was seamless to and from the key stations in the area sanitisation entrusted to Qatar Rail and its strategic partners. Local business Qatar Rail’s world-class delivery team overcame participation was every challenge to complete the project on time a core objective and under budget, setting new benchmarks for and 84% of all performance and delivery, whilst maintaining the metrolink highest standards of safety, quality and contracts were governance. awarded to the local private Local business participation was a core objective metrolink and 84% of all contracts were awarded to the services act as sector. In local private sector. In addition, an entire gener- addition, an ation of young Qatari engineers and project man- a seamless entire generation agers have benefited from working on the project. facilitator for of young Qatari The project was closely coordinated with the customers engineers and massive construction drive across the country in getting to and preparation for the FIFA 2022 World Cup. These from metro project managers projects, and the Doha Metro in particular, have have benefited transformed Doha for future generations. stations and from working on their The project required over 750 million man-hours surrounding the project. to complete and achieved an industry-beating accident frequency rate of just 0.012 – a truly areas 04 FRIDAY 5 JUNE 2020

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Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani visited a number of countries from east to west in the last three years where he received rousing welcome and numerous heads of governments/states visited Qatar which was a solid expression of world’s trust on Qatar and its regional, international role in spheres of economy, diplomacy and pol- itics. H H the Amir addressed the opening sessions of UN General Assembly in 2017, 2018 and 2019 which were widely covered by Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani international media giving a speech at the General Debate of the and hugely praised by 74th session of the UN General Assembly. the world leaders. Qatar’s global stature enhanced THE PENINSULA UK, Germany and talked on almost all regional/global media outlets to hen the unjust present Qatar’s case with full force with blockade was the help of facts to beat blockading imposed on Qatar in countries fake-news tactics. June 2017 the block- Along the Ministry of Foreign ading countries Affairs, the other institutions of the Wplanned, with the help of false accu- State of Qatar like the Shura Council sations, to isolate Qatar from the world also defeated blockading countries community but all of their designs plan of isolating Qatar from the world ended in fiasco. community. The Shura Council, Qatar under wise leadership of National Human Rights Committee, the Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Ministry of Interior, and the Ministry Al Thani has not only proved all alle- of Defence hosted a number of global gations levelled against the country events in Qatar which were attended wrong at every forum of the world but by the parliamentarians, human rights has also succeeded in winning global activists, top security experts, dip- support in favour of its stance on the lomats, academia among others from Gulf crisis. Qatar in the last three years across the world which was another has emerged as an important and expression of world’s trust on Qatar respectable member of world com- and its leadership. The Speaker of the Shura Council, H E Ahmed bin Abdullah bin Zaid Al Mahmoud, (centre), with Gabriela Cuevas Barron munity further enhancing its position Dozens of high-profile cultural (left), President of International Parliamentary Union (IPU); and Martin Chungong, Secretary-General of IPU; addressing and role in global organizations events held during last three years also the 140th Assembly of the IPU held at the Sheraton Grand Doha Resort and Convention Hotel in April 2019. including the United Nations. brought Qatar closer to world nations. H H the Amir visited a number of Qatar-Germany 2017 Year of Culture, countries from east to west in the last Qatar-Russia 2018 Year of Culture, three years where he received rousing Qatar-India 2019 Year of Culture were welcome and numerous heads of gov- marked with great success while ernments/states visited Qatar which Qatar-France 2020 Year of Culture is was a solid expression of world’s trust being celebrated this year. on Qatar and its regional, international Qatar’s mediation efforts to end the role in spheres of economy, diplomacy war in Afghanistan crossed a major mile- and politics. H H the Amir addressed stone on February 28, 2020 when the the opening sessions of UN General United States and the Taliban signed an Assembly in 2017, 2018 and 2019 which agreement in Doha for bringing peace were widely covered by international to the country in the presence of US Sec- media and hugely praised by the world retary of State, Mike Pompeo. leaders. The governments of the State of Through Qatar’s active and vibrant Qatar and the United States held the diplomacy, Deputy Prime Minister and inaugural Strategic Dialogue in Wash- Minister of Foreign Affairs, H E Sheikh ington D.C. in January 2018 while the Mohamed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, second Strategic Dialogue was held in Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, H E Sheikh Mohamed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, and other dignitaries defeated blockading countries propa- Doha in January 2019. at the opening of the 16th Ministerial Meeting of the Member States of the Asia Cooperation Dialogue (ACD), in Doha. ganda onslaught against Qatar. Imme- Also in February 2020, Qatar hosted diately after imposition of blockade the second high-level meeting of the Against Corruption (GOPAC). world. Minister of Foreign Affairs participated against Qatar, H E the Minister of Global Judicial Integrity Network. The Earlier in April 2019, the 141st Deputy Prime Minister and Min- in a discussion panel in the Munich Foreign Affairs visited dozens of coun- meeting was hosted by the Supreme Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary ister of Foreign Affairs, H E Sheikh Security Conference (MSC) on February tries to present country’s principled Judiciary Council under the title ‘Past, Union (IPU) and its related meetings Mohamed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, 17, 2019. stance on the crisis. H E the Minister of Present, Future’. On December 9-10, were held in Doha which was attended on May 1, 2019 opened the 16th Min- National Human Rights Committee Foreign Affairs also addressed 2019, Qatar hosted 7th Conference of by over 400 participants (Speakers, isterial Meeting of the Member States (NHRC) was appointed on three leading important think tanks in the US, the Global Organisation of Parliamentarians Parliamentarians) from across the of the Asia Cooperation Dialogue (ACD) positions during the General Assembly in Doha. meeting of the Global Alliance of Deputy Prime Minister and Min- National Human Rights Institutions ister of State for Defence Affairs, H E (GANHRI) on March 5, 2019. Dr. Khalid bin Mohammed Al Attiyah, On December 16, 2018 in 18th Doha took part in the meeting of Defence Forum which was also attended by UN Ministers of countries contributing Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, troops to Nato’s Resolute Support Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of mission in Afghanistan, which was held Foreign Affairs H E Sheikh Mohamed in the headquarter of the North Atlantic bin Abdulrahman Al Thani announced Treaty Organization (Nato) in Brussels that the State of Qatar provided support on June 8, 2019. to the financing of United Nations In June 2019, Qatar was also organisations in the amount of $500m. selected as an observer member in the H E Sheikh Mohammed bin Latin American and Caribbean Par- Abdulrahman Al Thani attended on liament (LACP). September 28, 2018, the signing of Deputy Prime Minister and Min- an agreement between Qatar Fund ister of Foreign Affairs, H E Sheikh For Development and the Office of Mohamed Abdulrahman Al Thani, with the Special Representative of the UN Chairman of the African Union (AU) Secretary-General for Children and Commission witnessed the signing of Armed Conflict to open and finance a memorandum of understanding on a centre for children and armed con- January 14, 2019 through which the flict in Doha, on the sidelines of the State of Qatar would provide a grant meetings of the UN General Assembly of $20m as a restricted grant for in New York. On September 28, 2018, victims of irregular migration and Qatar took over the presidency of the (left) US Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation, Zalmay Khalilzad and Taliban co-founder, Mullah Abdul human trafficking. Asian Cooperation Dialogue (ACD) Ghani Baradar, during the Agreement Signing for Bringing Peace to Afghanistan held at Sheraton Doha Hotel. H E the Deputy Prime Minister and for 2019. FRIDAY 5 JUNE 202020 05

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Minister of Education and Higher Education, H E Dr Mohammed bin Abdulwahed Ali Al Hammadi opening the 5th campus of CCQ in Al Khor. RIGHT: H E the Minister touring the campus of CCQ in Al Khor. Education sector excels, plays stellar role

THE PENINSULA improving pre-school edu- cation, and linking higher edu- naffected by the cation with the job market. three-year-long The aim of these programs blockade on Qatar, and projects is to achieve the the Ministry of results of the Ministry’s strategy Education and and objectives, with a focus on UHigher Education not only suc- raising the level of performance ceeded in opening many gov- of students and their academic ernment and private schools to achievement and preparing meet the growing demand of them to move successfully seats but also launched univer- between different stages of sities of international standards. study, to achieve the internal The Ministry continues with and external efficiency of the the implementation of its education system. strategy for 2017-2022, given it In terms of higher edu- is the road map for developing cation, there are over 24 higher a world class educational education institutions in Qatar, system. The strategy focuses on including universities, colleges providing suitable training for and institutes of international teachers, who make major con- status in terms of academic and tribution in providing high research programs and best quality education, and boosting practices. the core values and traditions The Lusail University, first The Lusail Uni- of the Qatari society at the same Qatari national private uni- Undersecretary of the Ministry of Education and Higher Education, H E Dr. Ibrahim bin Saleh Al Nuaimi, versity, first time. versity was launched in March who is also a member of the Board of Trustees of Lusail University; President of Lusail University, Qatari national There are also a host of pro- 2020 offering a number of pro- Dr. Mahmoud Khaled Al Musafer, and Fatima Al Musleh, Assistant Dean of Student Affairs addressing grammes the grammes for Qatari and expa- the press conference. private uni- Ministry is triate students. versity was undertaking, The programmes include and Gas Management, Bachelor The decision also called for preparatory and secondary including Bachelor of Law, Bachelor of Oil of Marketing and Distribution the opening of a secondary levels in the areas of Al Wakrah, launched in Technology, Bachelor of French school for girls in the Al Ebb Muaither, Al Kheesa, Old Airport March 2020 Studies and Bachelor of area, called Al Ebb Secondary and Al Manaseer. offering a The Ministry of Education and Higher Teaching English. School for Girls, Al Hedaya In March 2019, the Ministry Education continues with the implemen- An Indian university (a School for Special Needs for of Education and Higher Edu- number of pro- tation of its strategy for 2017-2022, given it campus of Savitribai Phule Pune Boys in a new Kindergarten cation allocated three gov- grammes for University in Qatar) is expected Building in Al Hilal area, and Al ernment-owned land plots for Qatari and expa- is the road map for developing a world class to open the forthcoming aca- Hedaya School for Special the construction and operation educational system. The strategy focuses on demic year 2020-21. The Min- Needs for Boys and Girls in of private schools. triate students. providing suitable training for teachers, istry also received two more Bdayat Center Kindergarten The objective is to give a applications for opening inter- Building in Al Sakhama Area. greater role to the private sector who make major contribution in providing national university of Far-East The academic year 2019-20 in the economic developmental private schools and kinder- high quality education, and boosting the and Western countries. witnessed the projects in the State of Qatar. gartens and three public schools The Minister of Education opening of five The three land plots were which provide more than 5,065 core values and traditions of the Qatari and Higher Education H E Dr. new schools awarded on a competitive basis classrooms, bringing the society at the same time. Mohammed bin Abdulwahed Ali for primary, after studying and evaluating number of public schools and Al Hammadi in September 2019 bids submitted by investors kindergartens to 272, according issued a Ministerial Decision to developing private schools and to the figures issued in 2018. open seven new schools in the following a series of interviews The number of private schools country to meet the growing In terms of higher before announcing the winning and kindergartens reached 282, demand of seats. education, there are bids. with a total enrolment of According to the decision, a The allocation of the land 190,644 students. primary school for boys opened over 24 higher edu- comes in line with the efforts of The Ministry opened Qatar in the Old Airport area called cation institutions Ministry of Education and Science and Technology School Ahmad bin Rashid Al Muraikhi in Qatar, including Higher Education to provide under its plan for developing Primary School for Boys; a diverse, innovative and high- technical education and primary school for boys in the universities, col- quality educational opportu- improving services for students southern Muaither area called leges and institutes nities for students and their with disabilities and for gifted Muaither Primary School for of international parents. students as well. Boys; a primary school for girls The Ministry of Education The Ministry ensured a in Al Morra area, called Fatima status in terms of and Higher Education number of things, including the bint Al Khattab Primary School academic and announced in August 2018 to capacity of classes, the availa- for Girls, and a secondary research programs open 14 new schools and kin- bility of transport, the readiness school for girls in Al Wukair, dergartens (KGs) will be opened of school cafeterias, as well as called Al Wukair Secondary and best practices. in the academic year 2018-19. ensuring that maintenance was School for Girls. The new schools include 11 done for schools.

Fawzia Al Khater, Assistant Undersecretary for Educational Affairs at the Ministry of Education and Higher Education, during her visit to the school. 06 FRIDAY 5 JUNE 2020

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Minister of Municipality and Environment H E Abdullah bin Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Subaie opening the fifth winter vegetable market in Al Shahaniya in February 2019. Qatar achieves self-sufficiency in food sector

THE PENINSULA three sub-indicators including con- sumer’s ability to afford food, food he State of Qatar ensured availability, and food safety and food security successfully, quality. It was an indication that this thanks to the National national plan had contributed signifi- Strategy for Food Security cantly to achieving food self-suffi- which helped in brushing ciency, with the aim of improving the asideT the impact of three-year-long level of food security in the country. blockade on the country. The MME supported farmers in The food strategy of Qatar is based installing many greenhouses some of on four points which include local pro- which had begun the production. duction, strategic reserve, international The Ministry aimed to set up 3,500 trade and supply in local market. greenhouses on an area of 110 hectares The strategy helped Qatar to with the production capacity of 10,000 achieve self-sufficiency in the pro- tonnes and contributing an increase of duction of a number of fresh food items 15 percent vegetables production. by boosting the local food production The Animal Resources Department with the help of advanced technologies is working on implementing a strategy like vegetables, dairy, meat and fish. that will last for 5 years, with the aim A number of new projects in coop- of preventing transitional and epidemic eration with private companies were diseases affecting livestock. also launched to increase the self-suf- The department also seeks during ficiency rate of Qatar in fresh food pro- the coming period to develop the halal duction to meet the existing and future numbering system, to contribute sig- demands. As a result, the production nificantly and serve as an early local vegetables has reached 28 warning for any epidemic disease that percent of the total need of the country may affect animals and controlling it and it is planned to achieve self-suffi- before it occurs, as well as contributing ciency of up to 70 percent in vegetable to the development of the system of production in coming years. The State of Qatar maintained the first rank in the Arab Two projects for fish farming in veterinary laboratories in a way that Qatar achieved high level of self- floating cages with a capacity of 4,000 helps in taking decisions in this regard sufficiency in a number of fresh local world, and jumped to the 13th position globally after it tonnes a year and a project for farming to preserve animal wealth. products including milk (117 percent) was ranked 22 in 2018, according to the World Food about 1,000 tonnes year of prawns The Fish Affairs Department has a and chicken (125 percent). Security Index. This remarkable jump from 22nd to were also launched last year. national strategy 2018-22 aimed at A number of projects were Qatar’s vegetable production reaching self-sufficiency in fresh fish and launched to increase the production 13th globally was in just one year, after the adoption of jumped to 74,000 tonnes in 2019 from maintaining fish stocks, and the estab- of a number of fresh products including the National Food Security Strategy, which was 55,000 tonnes in 2017, recording a 27 lishment of a number of fish and shrimp table eggs and vegetables. percent self-sufficiency. farms. The department developed a stra- The projects were also launched adopted in 2018. The index is based on three sub-indi- The production of local dates has tegic plan emanating from the National for fish farming on floating cages which cators including consumer’s ability to afford food, food also increased 29,500 tonnes in 2019 Food Security Plan for the Agriculture will help to increase self-sufficiency availability, and food safety and quality. from 28,000 tonnes in 2017, achieving and Fisheries Affairs Sector, to create rate of Qatar from 85 percent currently 84 percent self-sufficiency. The milk harmony and flexibility to 93 percent in coming years. By the production in Qatar increased from in work and achieve end of 2023, the local fresh food pro- 60,000 tonnes in 2017 to 230,000 the targeted goals. duction will witness remarkable which was developed setting new goals. of Municipality and Environment tonnes in 2019, recording over 106 growth as projects which were Qatar after the crisis worked to (MME), has exceeded the target in percent self-sufficiency. launched at the start of the strategy are diversify the sources of import, and this achieving self-sufficiency in various Fresh chicken production grew about to start producing soon. was achieved in record periods; as a fresh food products, including vege- from 11,000 tonnes in 2017 to 28,000 Qatar, represented by Qatar had had a strategy for food result of the country’s good economic tables, meat and fish in 2019. The tonnes in 2019, covering over 124 the Ministry of Munic- security before the crisis of the siege of position, in addition to investment achievement of the target of 2019 set percent of total demand of the country Qatar, but it targeted different rate of arms such as Hassad Food Company under the National Strategy for Food for fresh chicken. The production of ipality and Envi- self-sufficiency , and after the siege it was and Qatar Airways. Security 2019-23 is a big step by the table eggs increased 4,000 tonnes in ronment (MME), has necessary to develop a new strategy, Qatar, represented by the Ministry country towards realisation of food 2017 to 9,000 tonnes in 2019, achieving exceeded the target in self-sufficiency goals. over 28 percent self-sufficiency. The Agriculture and Fisheries Affairs Qatar’s red meat production rose achieving self-suffi- Sector launched many projects in 2018 8,000 tonnes in 2017 to 10,000 tonnes ciency in various fresh which helped increasing agricultural in 2019. Fish production reached about food products, produce significantly raising the self-suf- 15,000 tonnes in a year, representing ficiency in a number of products. In 2019, about 74 percent self-sufficiency in including vegetables, the Ministry launched 10 projects for pro- fresh fish. meat and fish in 2019. ducing vegetables in greenhouses with The State of Qatar maintained the The achievement of a total capacity of 21,000 tonnes vege- first rank in the Arab world, and tables a year. jumped to the 13th position globally the target of 2019 set Two projects were also launched after it was ranked 22 in 2018, under the National for producing camel milk with a according to the World Food Security Strategy for Food capacity of 3,000 tonnes in a year. Four Index. This remarkable jump from projects for table eggs were launched 22nd to 13th globally was in just one Security 2019-23 is a with the financing of Qatar Devel- year, after the adoption of the National big step by the country opment Bank having a capacity of pro- Food Security Strategy, which was towards realisation of ducing 180 million eggs in a year. adopted in 2018. The index is based on food self-sufficiency goals. FRIDAY 5 JUNE 202020 07

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Qatar has become an example in the Blockading countries failed to world with its successes: meet their targets: Al Baker

Dr. Hamad bin Abdulaziz Al Kuwari THE PENINSULA Elaborating the challenges things our country has to offer, faced by him to manage the for when restrictions are relaxed. fter three years of operation of a large fleet of air- Asked how did he see the e have nothing illegal blockade on craft with limited airspace after future growth outlook of Qatar but remember Qatar, the blockading the neighbouring countries shut Airways as the global aviation clearly that day countries have not met their airspace for the Qatar industry has been facing such an three years ago, Aany of their targets that they Airways, the Group Chief Exec- unprecedented situation due to Wwhen we were surprised and sought to achieve. “We have not utive said: “I am pleased to say the COVID-19, Al Baker replied without any reason they capitulated, we have not given that thanks to our robust it is far too early to anticipate imposed land, sea and air the in to any demands," H E Akbar business planning, swift actions what changes will become more blockade on our country, and Al Baker, the Group Chief Exec- in the face of the crisis, our pas- permanent as these will be this came from our partners utive of Qatar Airways has said. senger-focused solutions and driven by the availability of vac- in the Gulf Cooperation Speaking to The Peninsula dedicated staff, the impact has cinations, consumer behaviour, Council and the closest coun- on the occasion of completing been minimised - and has cer- airport and health protocols. tries to us geographically, three years of illegal blockade tainly not been as negative as “Air travel has always socially and economically. on Qatar, H E Al Baker said: “In the blockading countries may rebounded after every upheaval. Personally, I remember fact, it worked as a catalyst for have hoped for.” I think we will again start growing, the details of the matter, us that made us more inde- Asked how, as the chief of but how quickly we will start moment by moment, because pendent. It has made us more the Qatar National Tourism grow is a question I don’t think I was involved in an election proud and has showed the Authority, is he trying to use the any chief exec- campaign to reach the world that no matter how small Qatar Airways’ extensive oper- utive can for summit of the World Organ- a country you are, when it ations to boost the number of sure answer,” H ization for Education, Culture comes to sovereignty, when it inbound tourist arrivals Al E Al Baker said. and Science (UNESCO). comes dignity, when it comes Baker commented: “As you may On that day, at the to self-respect, that even a know, there are travel restric- beginning of the blessed small nation can stand up to big tions on Qatar right now due “We have built a month of Ramadan, I woke nations and be very proud.” to the pandemic. These wise strong level of trust up early to prepare to con- The blockade has also made measures were taken early on tinue my nomination cam- Qatar more efficient and provided by the Qatari government to with passengers, paign, which I had no doubt the country with an amount of prevent the spread of corona- governments, about its success. flexibility and expertise in dealing virus in the country....However trade partners, In good faith, I was H E Dr. Hamad bin Abdulaziz Al Kuwari with current COVID-19 situation as travel restrictions ease, we thinking that the election of better than anybody else. “We will of course be delighted to and airports as a an Arab from the Gulf to the Hamad Al Thani, quickly the continuation of the devel- have built a strong level of trust welcome visitors back to reliable player highest position of UNESCO overcome the first shock of opment process, and even in with passengers, governments, Qatar.” during this crisis and the problems between the siege, realized the danger its ability to provide support trade partners, and airports as a In the meantime, QNTC is the Gulf people real-time dif- and prepared an integrated and assistance to brothers or reliable player during this crisis as continuing to work hard to show as we continue to ferences, and it is a summer plan to deal with the siege friends who need it. we continue to fly people home.” the world all the wonderful fly people home.” cloud which will end rapidly. locally, regionally and Today our country faces On the role of Qatar With the passing of the internationally. as the entire world faces the Airways, especially its subsidiary hours, and I do not say the From all political, eco- coronavirus pandemic. For- Qatar Cargo, in overcoming the days, the situation became nomic and social aspects, the tunately, our country faces impact of the blockade, H E Al clear, and the matter was entire people are positioned the pandemic, and it has Baker said Qatar Airways is very planned at night, and the goal firmly behind the leadership, gained experience in proud to say that Qatar Airways was to undermine our coun- and our country started the dealing with challenges and Cargo undertook a massive airlift try’s sovereignty, and perhaps march of challenge and dem- crises. of food and other essential items even its existence if they were onstrated its confidence on That is why, and due to when the illegal blockade started able to do so. itself and its ability not only the experience, we have in June 2017. “Thanks to our Of course, the matter to withstand but to develop acquired, we repeat (though excellent team, world-class facil- relating to my candidacy at the country and adapt with it is hateful to you. But you ities and modern fleet, Qatar UNESCO was not an the extraordinary circum- may hate a thing although it Airways helped to ensure resi- exception, but they resorted stances imposed on it. is good for you), and we are dents did not go without essential to every means to impede my With the time, Qatar has now repeating the same supplies. Qatar Airways Cargo is access to the position. become an example in the expression that we have pre- now the world’s largest cargo But our country, led by world with its successes and viously when the blockade carrier, flying a young and modern Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin its great ability in ensuring imposed on us. fleet of 28 freighters to more than 60 cargo destinations.” H E Akbar Al Baker, the Group Chief Executive of Qatar Airways Qatar turned the blockade into victory by achieving economic miracle: QU President THE PENINSULA countries in coordination with applications were open to them authentic social and human the Ministry of Education and until July 4, 2017. values in the Qatari society, and atar University Pres- Higher Education in the State Qatar University adopted which were expressed by Amir ident Dr Hassan of Qatar, and had also and solved the problem of the H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Rashid Al Derham developed a preliminary plan students studying in the block- Al Thani, in his two important has said that Qatar for accepting students. ading countries facilitated them speeches; the speech of stead- turned the unjust “Qatar University’s steps in to expedite the exams so that fastness delivered by His Qblockade into a the area of combating the they could take the test before Highness on Friday, July 21, victory by achieving economic blockade continued through the 14-day deadline for leaving 2017, and the speech of pride miracle and amazing growth in preparing curricula that Qatar.” and dignity that was delivered multiple dimensions. discuss the topic of the Moreover, he said, Qatar at the opening session of the “The unjust blockade is an blockade and the mechanisms University confirmed that Gulf United Nations General act which is rejected by all laws to combat it.” students from the blockading Assembly at its seventy-second and has an impact on all aspects To a question if people had countries are welcome to Qatar session on Tuesday, September of life and not only limited to really left the topic of the University just as the rest of the 19, 2017, where the section the psychological side,” said blockade behind them and no Gulf Cooperation Council coun- included the speech stead- Qatar University President Dr. one was interested in it tries, Arab, Islamic and friendly fastness in the Arabic language Hassan Rashid Al Derham in an anymore, he emphasized that countries. course 1 and the speech of pride exclusive interview with The the government and the Giving more details, Dr. Al and dignity in the Arabic lan- Peninsula. people in Qatar have been able Derham said that the office of guage course 2. “But Qatar dealt with this to adapt to the blockade and the President of Qatar Uni- Regarding a question about blockade very well and con- remove its economic impact versity sent an email to all uni- important achievements made verted it into a victory, on the growth process in the versity employees on how to by the university during the past Qatar University President achieving an economic miracle country or influence the role deal with what was being cir- years, he said that over the past Dr. Hassan Rashid Al Derham In the scientific and its growth has amazed both and status of Qatar regionally culated on social media on the three years, Qatar University friends and enemies,” he said. and internationally. field, Qatari edu- crisis in the context of Qatar had maintained its advanced “Hamad International Port “As for the interest in it, it strong bilateral relations with cational institu- University’s commitment to the pace in international rankings, was established as the largest still exists and will remain as regional countries as is the case tions increased directives of H H the Amir. hosted more than one interna- port in the region and more than long as this unjust siege remains of Qatar-Turkey relations. “In “The College of Law at tional conference on education, the country’s need was achieved because a person naturally the scientific field, Qatari edu- their capacity Qatar University announced and raised its annual evaluation in the field of food security in rejects injustice from the cational institutions increased and conducted that it had introduced a special in many indicators. various agricultural and animal enemies. So how (it can be tol- their capacity and conducted scientific course in the fall semester on “Qatar University has main- fields. As well the field of medi- erated) if this injustice is from scientific research on issues that the topic “the legal dimensions tained its position as the first cines and other vital areas which relatives and brothers,” he matter the most to the country research on of the blockade of Qatar from institution in Qatar in terms of were given priority by the State noted. for establishing a true issues that the perspective of interna- the number of graduates and achieved impressive results that About the lessons that can knowledge economy in Qatar. tional law”, and this course the number of programs it made it exceed the needs of the be learnt from this experience In the social field, the bond matter the most aimed to involve a number of offers to society, therefore the country and heading to exports. in light of what has been between the citizens and the to the country for college students registered in university was able for years to Also, the Qatari presence at the achieved on the ground in all residents strengthened and eve- establishing a the course in scientific discus- adapt its programs. international and regional levels fields, Dr. Al Derham said: ryone has realized that they are sions and exchanged legal It was ranked 276 according increased more than it was “Qatar has benefited from this one body. Thus, we realize that true knowledge opinions supported by the to the rankings of the Quac- before the siege,” Dr. Al Derham blockade a lot at all levels. From through the efforts of sincere economy principles and provisions of quarelli Symonds (QS) for the said. the economic perspective, Qatar Qatari cadres, and residents, the in Qatar. international law on the topic world universities for 2020. It He said that Qatar Uni- went to industrialisation and State was able to overcome the the siege,” he said. ranked 36th according to the versity has had a prominent role achieved self-sufficiency in siege and achieved many In a very important educa- ratings of Quacquarelli in facing the blockade from the various fields, which achieved accomplishments,” he said. tional and academic move, Dr. Symonds (QS) for modern world very first day. Dr. Al Derham further growth for the national Responding to a question countries, Dr. Al Derham said: Al Derham said that the universities in 2019. added that to solve the crisis of economy and strong dynamism about his evaluation of the “A committee was formed to Department of Arabic Language “The University was students affected by the that the economies of the block- efforts of Qatar University to consider the applications for at the College of Arts and Sci- ranked 408 according to the blockade, Qatar University had ading countries did not tackle the siege measures, and admission of Qatari students ences at Qatar University tar- rankings of The Times Higher prepared a mechanism to achieve.” how it ensured the continuity who were studying in the block- geted the Qatar University stu- Education Institute for Inter- accommodate the Qatari stu- On the other hand, he said, of education for students who ading countries, and the uni- dents studying general require- national Universities for 2019,” dents affected by the blockading Qatar succeeded in creating were excluded from the siege versity announced that the ments to connect them with the he said. 08 FRIDAY 5 JUNE 2020

yearsy of DIGNITY & 3PROSPERITY

Qatar’s robust and rapidly expanding energy industry made remarkable achievements

THE PENINSULA Qatar Petroleum’s solidarity with its past few months. counterparts in China as part of its gov- Minister Al Kaabi also announced he ill-advised blockade ernment’s efforts to contain the coro- that the confirmed gas reserves of the against Qatar by the Saudi navirus and to alleviate its impact on North Field exceed 1,760 trillion cubic Arabia-led Arab-quartet (the the population and the economy. feet, in addition to more than 70 billion UAE, Bahrain and Egypt) Early this year on January 5, Qatar barrels of condensates, and massive which intended to inflict sig- Petroleum and Kuwait Petroleum Cor- quantities of LPG, ethane, and helium. Tnificant financial and economic losses poration (KPC) entered into a long term The Minister said: “These are very on the energy-rich country terribly Sale and Purchase Agreement for the important findings, which will have a failed to hinder the country’s progress supply of up to 3 million tonnes per great positive impact on Qatar’s gas and overall development. As Qatar is annum of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) industry, and which will move it marking the fourth year of the siege to Kuwait. Under the 15-year forward into bigger and wider imposed on June 6, 2017, its extraor- agreement, LNG deliveries to Kuwait’s horizons. These results will also enable dinary economic progress and con- new LNG receiving terminal at Al Zour us to immediately commence the nec- tinued industrial diversification itself Port will commence in 2022 to support essary engineering work for two addi- prove that the siege failed to achieve meeting Kuwait’s growing energy tional LNG mega trains with a com- its goals. needs and demand, particularly in the bined annual capacity of 16 million Qatar, under the visionary lead- power generation sector. tonnes per annum. This will raise ership, and as a result of meticulous The agreement reinforces the solid Qatar’s LNG production from currently planning and well-thought out strategy, brotherly relationship between Kuwait 77 million tonns to 126 million tons per transformed the challenges into oppor- and Qatar and further strengthens the annum by 2027, representing an tunities. Today the economy has ties between Kuwait Petroleum Cor- increase of about 64 percent. It will also become more robust, self-sufficient H E Saad Sherida Al Kaabi, the Minister of State for Energy poration and Qatar Petroleum. raise Qatar’s overall hydrocarbon pro- almost in every sector, including the On November 25, 2019, Qatar duction to about 6.7 million barrels oil rapidly expanding energy industry. Affairs, and the President and CEO of Qatar Petroleum Petroleum announced that it will further equivalent per day.” Qatar’s oil and gas sector has made raise Qatar’s LNG production capacity On November 19, 2019, Qatar remarkable achievements and expan- hydrocarbon prospects in water depths annum (Mtpa) to 110 Mtpa. The second to 126 million tonnes per annum (mtpa) Petroleum announced the successful sions within Qatar as well as interna- ranging from 1,000 to 2,000 meters, phase of the North Field LNG by 2027, representing an increase of 64 start-up of the Egyptian Refining tionally, over the last few years despite 35 kilometers from shore and about Expansion Project, called the North percent from the current 77 mtpa. It is Company (ERC) Refinery project the blockade. Some of the milestones 100 kilometers from nearby Foxtrot, Field South Project (NFS), will further worth mentioning that the latest North located in Mostorod, north of the achieved by Qatar Petroleum, the Espoir and Baobab fields. increase Qatars LNG production Field appraisal well (NF-12) was drilled Egyptian capital Cairo. QP owns 38.1 state-owned energy giant, and its sub- On May 6, QP announced to have capacity from 110 Mtpa onshore in the Ras Laffan Industrial City, percent in the Arabian Refinery sidiaries over the last one year are as entered into three farm-in agreements to 126 Mtpa. about 12 kilometers from shore and Company, which in turn owns 66.6 follows: to acquire about 30 percent of Totals Qatar Petroleum underwent extensive testing over the percent in ERC. This week Qatar Petroleum entered participating interest in blocks 15, 33 had earlier awarded a The successful startup of the ERC into three big agreements to reserve and 34 located in the Campeche basin, number of contracts for refinery has further strengthened Qatar LNG ship construction capacity in the offshore Mexico. jack-up drilling rigs to "The confirmed gas reserves of the Petroleum’s international downstream Republic of Korea to be utilized for QP said in a statement that each of be utilized for the footprint through this vital project, Qatar Petroleum’s (QP) future LNG the farm-in agreements is subject to drilling of 80 devel- North Field exceed 1,760 trillion cubic which is its largest investment in an carrier fleet requirements of over 100 customary regulatory and other opment wells for the feet, in addition to more than 70 Arab country as well as in Africa. The units, including those for the ongoing approvals by Totals existing partners NFE. The installation of billion barrels of condensates, and refinery project will support Egypt’s expansion projects in the North Field and the government of Mexico. the first four Offshore plans to increase the resilience of its and in the United States. Under the The three offshore blocks are sit- Jackets in Qatari waters massive quantities of LPG, ethane, domestic hydrocarbon supply chain agreements, the “Big 3” Korean ship- uated in the Campeche basin and is underway and is and helium. These are very important and reduce dependence on imports. yards - Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine within 30 to 90 kilometers of the giant expected to be com- Qatar Petroleum has participated Engineering (DSME), Hyundai Heavy Cantarell and KMZ oil fields. The total pleted by the end of this findings, which will have a great pos- in this project since 2012, which has Industries (HHI) and Samsung Heavy area covered by the blocks is approx- month. itive impact on Qatar’s gas industry, cost $4.4bn with the aim to process Industries (SHI) - will reserve a major imately 2,300 square kilometers, with On February 13, the and which will move it forward into around 4.7 million tonnes per annum portion of their LNG ship construction water depths ranging from about 10 Minister of State for of mainly atmospheric residue feed capacity for Qatar Petroleum through meters to 1,100 meters. Energy Affairs, and bigger and wider horizons. These from the adjacent Cairo Oil Refinery the year 2027. On April 22, Qatar Petroleum President and CEO of results will also enable us to immedi- Company. It will mainly produce Euro With the conclusion of these mile- announced that it has entered into an Qatar Petroleum, H E ately commence the necessary engi- V refined products (such as diesel and stones agreements, QP has everything agreement to reserve LNG ship con- Saad bin Sherida Al jet fuel), which are intended for con- in place to commence the largest LNG struction capacity in China to be uti- Kaabi, had expressed neering work for two additional LNG sumption primarily in Cairo and sur- shipbuilding programme in history. QP lized for Qatar Petroleum’s future LNG mega trains with a combined annual rounding areas. have secured approximately 60 carrier fleet requirements, including capacity of 16 million tonnes per On October 8, 2019 Qatar percent of the global LNG shipbuilding those of its ongoing North Field Petroleum commissioned a carbon capacity through 2027 to cater for their expansion projects. annum. This will raise Qatar’s LNG capture and storage plant which aims LNG carrier fleet requirements in the The agreement was entered into production from currently 77 million to sequester 5 million tonnes of carbon next 7-8 years, which could reach 100+ between Qatar Petroleum and tonnes to 126 million tonnes per from its liquefied natural gas (LNG) new vessels with a programme value Hudong-Zhonghua Shipbuilding Group facilities by 2025. On February 10, in excess of QR70bn. (Hudong), a wholly owned subsidiary annum by 2027, representing an 2020 Qatargas Operating Company The agreements were signed by H of China State Shipbuilding Corpo- increase of about 64 percent. Limited (Qatargas) announced the E Saad Sherida Al Kaabi, the Minister ration Limited (CSSC). signing of a new, long-term Liquefied of State for Energy Affairs, and the Pursuant to the agreement, a sig- Natural Gas (LNG) Sale and Purchase President and CEO of Qatar Petroleum, nificant portion of Hudong’s LNG ship Agreement (SPA) with Shell to deliver in a virtual signing ceremony attended construction capacity will be reserved 1 million tonnes per annum of LNG to by H E Sung Yun-mo, the Minister of for Qatar Petroleum through the year Kuwait, commencing this year. The Trade, Industry & Energy of the 2027. SPA provides for the supply of LNG Republic of Korea. Also attending were On April 15, Qatar Petroleum made from Qatar Liquefied Gas Company Sheikh Khalid Bin Khalifa Al Thani, yet another big announcement to start Limited (4) (Qatargas 4), a joint venture CEO of Qatargas, the CEOs of the the development drilling campaign for between Qatar Petroleum (70 percent) Korean shipyards, senior representa- the North Field East Project, or NFE and Shell (30 percent). tives from Korea’s Ministry of Trade, (previously known as the North Field On February 5, Qatargas achieved a Industry & Energy, as well as execu- Expansion Project). major milestone with its North Field tives from Qatar Petroleum, Qatargas, The first of 80 NFE development Bravo (NFB) Living Quarters Expansion and the three Korean shipyards. wells was spudded on March 29 by the (LQX) Project as it safely and success- On May 17, 2020, QP entered into jack-up rig “GulfDrill Lovanda”, which fully completed the onshore fabrication a farm-in agreement with Total, the is managed and operated by GulfDrill, of the living quarters structure by French energy major, to acquire a 45 a joint venture between the Qatar Nakilat-Keppel Offshore Marine percent participating interest in blocks based drilling champion, Gulf Drilling (N-KOM) at the Erhama Bin Jaber Al CI-705 and CI-706, located in the Ivo- International, and Seadrill Limited. Jalahma Shipyard. The project is signif- rian-Tano basin, offshore the Republic This phase of the North Field icant for Qatar as it is for the first time of Côte d’Ivoire. The two blocks cover expansion project will increase Qatar’s that a major offshore living quarters an area of approximately 3,200 square liquefied natural gas (LNG) production structure has been entirely fabricated at kilometers, and present multi-target capacity from 77 million tons per a local yard in the country. FRIDAY 5 JUNE 202020 09

yearsy of DIGNITY & 3PROSPERITY Expanding network: Ashghal completes many projects ahead of schedule

THE PENINSULA

he unjust blockade failed to make any effect on devel- opment projects of the Public Works Authority (Ashghal) Tduring past three years as the pace of work continues as usual according to the plans laid out. Ashghal relied mainly on the local component, through locally produced materials and local companies, achieving a tangible boom in the country’s Dr. Engineer Saad bin Ahmed Al Muhannadi, President of the Public infrastructure sector. Works Authority (Ashghal) About 790km of highway network have been completed, multi-level interchanges and 80 internal streets of the area and which is considered as a good interchanges with traffic raise the level of safety in addition testimony to the fact that the signals) with over 910km of to developing infrastructure facil- construction process was not pedestrian and cycle paths ities to meet the requirements of affected by the unjust siege. along highways, as well as cul- the population and urban devel- The opening of Tilted Interchange on October 5, 2019 Under five-year Ashghal opened most of tivation of greeneries on over 5 opment in the future. highway network during the million square meters on both Ashghal’s Roads and Infra- plan (2018-2022), siege period, which caused a sides of highways, making more structure Project in Doha Indus- health projects including fields, Ashghal launched in Ashghal will qualitative shift in the than 95 percent of the highway trial Area (Package 3) and the Muaither Health Center, Al Wajba cooperation with the Qatar implement 25 movement of goods and people network ready to serve the 2022 Roads and Infrastructure Health Center, Al Waab Health Development Bank a ‘rehabili- in all parts of the country, espe- FIFA World Cup stadiums. Project in West Muaither Center, Nawfar Health Center tation’ initiative. The initiative plans related to cially in and around strategic Ashghal also launched new (Package 3) won two Interna- and Al Muhakat Health Center. aims to rehabilitate and accredit the evaluation areas, ports, Hamad Interna- projects such as Sabah Al tional Safety Awards with a Ashghal implemented 22 existing national factories, in tional Airport, Industrial Area Ahmad Corridor which reached Merit from the British Safety projects for the Ministry of order to provide an opportunity and follow-up of and other vital facilities. an advanced stage and parts of Council in recognition of its Awqaf and Islamic Affairs for Qatari manufacturers to par- road safety, The key achievements of it were opened. Parts of Umm commitment to keeping its including mosques, Holy Quran ticipate in the implementation including Ashghal in road development and Lakhba Intersection, Al Watiat workers and workplaces learning centers, and homes for of Ashghal’s programs and infrastructure projects are Intersection and Makkah Inter- healthy and safe during 2019. imams and muezzins. projects, and inclusion of achieving safety at opening of all roads leading to section Bridge also opened. Ashghal won the Gov- The work started to develop national companies in the supply work sites, man- Ahmed bin Ali Stadium, popu- As much as 95 percent ernment Sustainability Initiative five new health centers chain approved by the authority. aging traffic con- larly known as the Al Rayyan works of Khalifa Avenue Project Award presented by the Qatar including Al Khor Health So far, Ashghal rehabilitated Stadium and the roads sur- and 87 percent of Mesaimeer Green Building Council (QGBC), Center, South Al Wakra Health over 155 Qatari suppliers and gestion, building rounding Al Bayt Stadium, to Intersection have been com- a member of the Qatar Foun- Center, Al Sadd Health Center, approved 221 materials that are an intelligent ensure traffic flow in these areas pleted. Al Shamal Bridge on dation, for applying best envi- Al Mashaf Health Center, and being used in infrastructure transportation and facilitate access to the two Duhail Intersection also opened. ronmental practices in project Ain Khaled Health Center and development projects. Ashghal stadiums that will host a number Ashghal signed 10 new con- implementation works. construction of the National is adding the main contractors, system, road of 2022 FIFA World Cup matches. tracts for road and infra- Ashghal also completed the Health Laboratory building. The subcontractors and consulting design safety, These two projects are pro- structure development projects upgrade works of Al Rufaa work of the development of Al offices to its approved supplier traffic safety. viding access to bus and car on citizens’ lands, with a total Intersection (known as Sana Ruwais Health Center was com- list, where in 2019 it signed parking around the two sta- value of approximately QR4bn Intersection) and it is fully pleted in 2020. Three parks in seven new contracts with a total diums, and connect with many to serve over 8,400 housing opened to traffic within the Rawdat Al Khail, Al Gharafa and value of QR3.2bn to serve 3,090 design safety, traffic safety. important arterial roads such plots in 10 areas across the project of the A-Ring Road Umm Al Sanim were inaugu- plots of land. Maintenance and Ashghal followed interna- as Al Khor Road, Al Aqdah country, including South Al Development Project, which rated after renovation. re-paving of roads with a total tional standards to ensure traffic Street, Dukhan Highway and Al Duhail, Umm Lakhba, Jeryan improves the intersection The most prominent recent length of more than 500km safety in the roads surrounding Ihtefalat Street. Najima, South Al Mashaf, Al Ab- capacity and facilitates work was the establishment of a were completed in 2019 through schools. Priority has been given The unjust blockade could Labib, Al Marad, Southwest of movement and access to many medical isolation hospital within contracts across the country. this year to approximately 515 not stop the development of Al Muaither, Al Kharaitiyat, residential areas that witness 72 working hours at the request of Under five-year plan (2018- schools across the country. State of Qatar, as Ashghal com- Izghawa, Simaisma West, Al heavy traffic such as Umm Ghu- the Ministry of Public Health and 2022), Ashghal will implement Ashghal completed until the end pleted the work of about 790km Uqdah, Al Hadan and Al Khor. wailina, Al Hitmi, Al Ghanem Al in cooperation with the Ministry of 25 plans related to the evaluation of 2019 the improvement of the of the highway network, such The work on the projects of Ateeq and Doha Jadeed. Municipality and Environment. and follow-up of road safety, roads around 80 percent of the as Al Khor Road, Al Majd Road, road and infrastructure devel- Since 2017 several projects As part of its efforts to max- including achieving safety at total number of schools within and Lusail Road, to name a few. opment Simaisma West (First have been completed, such as 15 imize dependence on Qatari work sites, managing traffic con- the program to enhance traffic The development work also Package) also began recently. The schools and kindergartens in resources and capabilities and gestion, building an intelligent safety in the areas surrounding included 156 interchanges (76 project aims to develop the many areas of the country, 5 achieve self-sufficiency in all transportation system, road the schools. Qatar 2022 stadiums continue to take shape

he Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy remains on track to deliver all eight stadiums for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ Twell ahead of schedule. Khalifa International Stadium was the first tournament venue to open following an extensive redevelopment in 2017. Al Janoub Stadium was the first venue to be built from scratch when it opened in May 2019. Three more stadiums are set to be completed by the end of 2020: Al Bayt and Al Rayyan, and the third tournament-ready venue for Qatar 2022 in Education City. The remaining venues will be delivered well in advance of the tournament, which will kick off on 21 November 2022. Three more stadiums Here are the latest updates from each Qatar 2022 stadium. For the are set to be com- latest news about Qatar 2022 prep- pleted by the end of arations visit www.qatar2022.qa. 2020: Al Bayt and Al Khalifa International Stadium: Following an extensive redevel- Rayyan, and the third opment, the stadium re-opened on tournament-ready 19 May 2017 when it hosted the Amir venue for Qatar 2022 completed ; Underground utilities are Cup final; During 2019, the stadium works completed; Installation of Qatar Civil Defence testing and com- 71% complete; Fabrication of the steel hosted the IAAF World Athletics stadium envelope, seats, arch finishes missioning is 91% complete in Education City. The structure is 95% complete and the Championships, along with matches and roof structure completed; Al Bayt Stadium: remaining venues development of the bowl steel is 50% during both the 24th Arabian Gulf Cup Mechanical, engineering and ŭƔP¢ã²Æ¬Ɣ²ÆÝ㍿¿ã²ÌÆÝƔÆžƔ«²Æ- will be delivered well complete; Overall container fabri- and FIFA Club World Cup Qatar plumbing works completed; Testing ishing works almost complete ; cation progress is 97% complete; The 2019™; Stadium boasts a strong and commissioning almost Inspections from local authorities in advance of the total container scope is 973, of which hosting history, including the 2006 completed arranged for stadium, energy centre tournament, which 949 are completed and delivered to Asian Games, FIFA World Youth Al Rayyan Stadium: and precinct areas; Testing and com- will kick off on 21 site. 505 containers have already been Championship Qatar 1995 and Asian Installation of roof standing seam/ missioning in progress for the stadium installed at the stadium Football Confederation roof membrane and windscreen com- and energy centre ; Mechanical, engi- November 2022. Al Thumama Stadium: competitions pleted; Gym equipment installed neering and plumbing works almost ŭƔLÌÌ«ƔãÙèÝÝƔÆžƔ™˜¿²Æ¬ƔòÌÙ½ÝƔ Al Janoub Stadium: within precinct; Mechanical, engi- completed completed ; Roof membrane instal- Stadium opened on 16 May 2019 neering and plumbing works 99% Lusail Stadium: Stadium pitch development is 21% lation of 680 panels completed; when it hosted the Amir Cup final; complete; Internal finishing in ŭƔ&ÆÝ㍿¿ã²ÌÆƔÌ«ƔÝèÖ¢ÙÝãÙè™ãèÙ¢ůƔ complete ; Installation of spectator Façade membrane installation com- During 2019, the stadium hosted progress; Installation of external precast units and roof compression seats has commenced ; Interior and pleted in all 40 bays ; Bleacher instal- matches during the 24th Arabian Gulf render, curtain wall glazing, fiberglass ring completed; De-propping of roof exterior works are 40% complete ; lation completed; Installation of Cup; Third tournament-ready venue façade panels, pavers and precinct compression ring completed; Instal- Infrastructure works are 45% seating is 56% complete ; Mechanical, for Qatar 2022 in Education City; turf completed; Installation of Asphalt lation of golden triangular façade is complete engineering and plumbing works are Stadium completion to be officially wearing course complete ; Precinct 21% complete ; Mechanical, electrical Ras Abu Aboud Stadium: 73% complete ; Finishing work 53% announced on 15 June 2020; Building training pitch turf is 50% complete ; and plumbing works 52% complete ; ŭƔ
¿¿ƔÝãÙè™ãèٍ¿Ɣ«Ìèƞã²ÌÆÝƔÙ¢Ɣ complete 10 FRIDAY 5 JUNE 2020

yearsy of DIGNITY & 3PROSPERITY Massive government support to private sector

The private sector succeeded in avoiding the disruption of goods that were imported from THE PENINSULA budgetary allocation for the mega projects and huge siege countries to the Qatari market by land he unwavering spending in social sectors such by securing the necessary needs of the local support extended by as health and education, under market and developing industry sector that the government to the national budget for 2020, the country’s vibrant coupled with the Qatar Petro- has witnessed a steady growth in the number private sector during leum’s investments within the of factories and increase in the productive Tthe blockade years, underscores country, helped the private capacity of existing factories. the government’s conviction in sector in a big way to face the the role of private companies blockade impact. in the economic sustainable In a communiqué issued by development of the country and the Qatar Chamber to mark the establishment of some 293 new real estate sector. The intro- the challenges facing its growth. third year of blockade, the QC factories during the siege years, duction of more freehold zones The government firmly stood Chairman Sheikh Khalifa bin including 162 factories in the indicates greater efforts from behind the private sector and Jassim Al Thani has said that the first year of siege in 2017, 72 the Qatari government to extended full support to success- unjust blockade imposed on factories in the second year diversify away from oil revenue. fully navigate the initial hardships Qatar three years ago has not 2018, and 59 factories in the And incentives by the gov- faced by the blockade. only miserably failed to slow third year 2019. ernment to boost industry The support from the gov- down the rapid growth of Qatari Qatar’s well-calibrated e outside of the hydrocarbons ernment helped many private economy, but the country has economic strategy, in line with sector is seeing investment sector companies to expand also managed to transform its its ambitious Qatar National trickle into logistics and man- their footprints to foreign negative impacts into benefits. vision 2030, helped the country ufacturing, which will offer markets. The government has He revealed that about achieve significant economic great opportunities for the taken a lot of initiatives and 47,000 new companies have development during the post- private sector. measures to support the private been established in Qatar blockade era, which helped The recently ratified PPP sector to overcome the kind of during the years of siege, Qatar Chamber Chairman Sheikh Khalifa bin Jassim Al Thani increase the private sector con- law will also help the private limitations and impact they assuring that the blockade tribution to the national GDP at sector will play a bigger role in faced after the siege. Qatar has period witnessed establishing factors helped the country trade relations with friendly a significant rate. the delivery and operation of actually moved with a much more foreign investments, defeat the siege and transform countries. Qatar’s wise leadership major public sector projects. faster pace to achieve its goals especially in the light of legis- it into economic benefits, The private sector suc- wanted to ensure that private Public sector will enable gov- and long term vision after the lations and incentives offered including the economic and leg- ceeded in avoiding the dis- sector is playing a greater role ernment to pay for assets over blockade. by the state. islative environment, sound ruption of goods that were in the economic development a number of years or allow the The country, under its wise QC Chairman strategic plans as well as co- imported from siege countries of the country and ensured the asset to pay for itself, with user leadership, coupled with the said several operation among all bodies, and to the Qatari market by land by participation of the private demand risk passed to the firm determination of gov- securing the necessary needs of sector companies in all the gov- private sector developer. ernment entities and private the local market and developing ernment-supported mega With the new law, we can sector, proved that the block- industry sector that has wit- projects. The private sector expect more efficient asset ading countries failed in their The government firmly stood behind the nessed a steady growth in the played lead role over the past delivery and performance - lev- move. The Qatari economy not private sector and extended full support to number of factories and three years to open up new eraging the experience and only remained resilient despite successfully navigate the initial hardships increase in the productive channels of communication expertise of specialist private the adverse impact of the capacity of existing factories. with foreign markets. QBA sector developers and operators blockade, rather it transformed faced by the blockade. The support from the Regarding the industrial hosted a large number of high- to raise the quality and effi- the challenges into opportu- government helped many private sector com- sector, the QC Chairman noted level trade delegations with the ciency of public infrastructure nities in its favour. panies to expand their footprints to foreign that the siege has helped in support of the government and and services. The private sector believes accelerating the state’s showcased the huge investment The new law will also help that the blockade has worked markets. The government has taken a lot of approach toward encouraging opportunities in Qatar. These attract foreign investors and as a catalyst for the country’s initiatives and measures to support the local industry and facilitating meetings also help private com- lenders into local economies - progress. It motivated the private sector to overcome the kind of limita- procedures for new panies in Qatar to expand their by offering fixed return low risk private businesses and accel- industries. operations to foreign markets. long term investment opportu- erated the pace of economic tions and impact they faced after the siege. About 1,464 industrial The amendment of the law nities, with a guaranteed diversification. The economic Qatar has actually moved with a much faster establishments operating and allowing foreign investors to repayment structure backed by blockade against Qatar lev- pace to achieve its goals and long term vision licensed were registered by the hold full ownership in Qatar’s a sovereign entity; and building eraged the country’s com- end of 2019 in all industrial residential and commercial better and more transparent mitment to become a sus- after the blockade. sectors, compared to 1,171 by the sectors, is expected to give a relationships between the tainable economy. The massive end of 2016. This means the massive boost to the country’s public and private sectors.

Mohamed Al Sadah, its investment strategy and Blockade forced Qatar to push Hassad CEO, said acquired shares in major inter- the company has national food businesses like, plans to invest Sunrise Foods International, for top spot in food security QR200m in the as well as its investment in fodder sector over downstream seafood sector in the next three “Global Seafood Company” in THE PENINSULA announced an expansion in agricultural season. It cur- years, to develop 15 Oman. Additionally, Hassad the company’s investment rently markets 30 different additional new owns shares in other invest- oday marks three portfolio during the blockade vegetable variety in the local pivots on 1,200 ments in Oman like “A’Saffa years since the Arab years. This expansion included market, through 44 hyper- hectares, to foods”. quartet imposed an funding the development of markets outlets around the produce 25,000 Al Sadah said: “On the first illegal blockade on central markets, to create inte- country. Moreover, 200 local tons of green fodder day of the blockade, Hassad TQatar. During the pre- grated marketing platforms, farms are registered with annually, to con- was tasked with supplying the blockade era, the country was as well as establishing a Mahaseel, to benefit from the tribute in achieving local market with the needed depending on foreign coun- number of local companies, in marketing and agricultural self-sufficiency. strategic products in a tight tries to meet an estimated half addition to acquiring shares in services provided to them. As for the timeframe. We immediately of its domestic food supplies major international food busi- Hassad also funded the poultry sector, started coordinating with demand. The blockade years nesses, to support the needs of development of the three new Hassad developed more than 10 countries, and witnessed Qatar’s heavy the local market and to con- central markets in A’Sailiya, Al Mohamed Al Sadah, Hassad CEO and expanded the the first shipment arrived to investments in food pro- tribute in achieving food Wakra & Um Salal, as well as operations of the the local market on sixth of duction and technology that security for the State of Qatar. established “Aswaq for Food the local fodder sector over the “Arab Qatari Company for June, following that day, helped the country emerge as In 2018, Hassad estab- Facilities Management” to past years, through Alaaf Qatar Poultry Production — Al Hassad supplied the local one of the highest-ranked lished Mahaseel for Marketing manage the markets, in order (a subsidiary of Hassad) - Waha”, which the company market with shipments via countries in food security in and Agri. Services Company to to satisfy the needs of the pro- which was established in 2017, owns 46 percent in it and airfreight daily, and through the region. support the local farmers by ducer, trader and consumer. to support the local livestock supervises on its operations. sea, land-sea routes. During The abrupt closure of marketing their produce, with All three central markets are sector by supplying and pro- Al-Sadah explained that post peak days Hassad supplied borders prompted significant the aim to increase the air-conditioned, to preserve the ducing green fodder, vitamins blockade, Hassad developed the local market with more private investment in Qatar’s quantity and enhance the quality of products during daily and salts to the local market an expansion plan that con- than 1000 tonnes of fresh own food industry; domestic quality of local produce, as auctions and showrooms, as in suitable quantities and sists of two phases of opera- vegetables and dairy products production has reportedly well as ease the burden of the well as provide a suitable prices. tions, in order to develop Al on a daily basis”. He con- increased four-fold since the marketing process. shopping environment for In a statement issued on Waha’s operations and firmed that the company is blockade was introduced. Mahaseel’s successfully consumers. the occasion of Qatar’s third increase its production. prepared to take on any task Hassad, Qatar’s premier marketed 15 million kilos of Furthermore, Hassad year of its illegal blockade by As for the international assigned to the company at investor in food sector vegetables during the current invested around QR100m in a few neighbouring countries, investments, Hassad advanced any time. FRIDAY 5 JUNE 202020 11

yearsy of DIGNITY & 3PROSPERITY QDB played key role in Qatar’s renaissance on industrial, food, health, and educational fronts

atar Development Bank a reflection of the determination of implementation of our wise leader- (QDB) aims to promote a QDB provides support Qatari business leaders to enable Qatar ship’s directives to support this sector culture of entrepre- to small and medium- to achieve self-sufficiency. during these challenging times,” he neurship within the Al Khalifa said that Qatar has suc- said. private sector in Qatar sized businesses, aims ceeded, even with the unjust blockade “Our first initiative was the delay and seeks to localize to promote a culture of in place, in continuing to build a strong of loan repayments for SMEs without Qopportunities for small entrepreneurship entrepreneurial sector and a compet- any interest fees or charges for a period and medium enterprises (SMEs). In an itive business climate capable of devel- of six months, and the exemption of interview with The Peninsula, Abdulaziz within the private oping local SMEs on one hand, and tenants in Al Furjan Markets, Jahiz 1, bin Nasser Al Khalifa, CEO of Qatar sector to small and attracting foreign SMEs on the other. and Jahiz 2 factories, plus the six- Development Bank said that food medium-sized busi- He pointed out that Qatar has advanced month exemption of rental fees for security projects gained momentum 18 spots in the national level of entre- spaces allocated at Qatar Business after the blockade. QDB is offering spe- nesses, aims to preneurial activity, as the country Incubation Center (QBIC),” he added. cialized programs and services amid promote a culture of secured the 15th rank globally and 2nd Since then, and in line with the pandemic outbreak. entrepreneurship in the MENA region for the Total Early- directives of Amir H H Sheikh Tamim Abdulaziz bin Nasser Al Khalifa Stage Entrepreneurial Activity (TEA) bin Hamad Al Thani, and under the (pictured), CEO of Qatar Development within the private index, according to the Global Entre- guidance of H E the Prime Minister and Bank, said that the bank, which pro- sector. preneurship Monitor (GEM) Report Minister of Interior to support and vides support to small and medium- 2019/2020. This is in comparison to its provide financial and economic incen- sized businesses, aims to promote a previous rank of 33rd globally, as listed tives that amount to QR75bn to the culture of entrepreneurship within the semi-governmental agencies, as well latest edition attracted more than 60 in the 2018/2019 edition of the report. private sector, the National Guarantee private sector. It also aims to provide as private entities, and enables SMEs companies currently operating in the He added that Qatar ranks 3rd glo- Program was launched. services that promote development, to tap into these opportunities. domain. bally and 1st in the MENA region in the The program now plays a pivotal growth, and economic diversification In 2019, by linking local companies Abdulaziz bin Nasser Al Khalifa also National Entrepreneurship Context role in reducing the burdens of private by offering access to information, with domestic buyers, QDB enabled noted that following the embargo on Index (NECI). sector companies with regards to over- embracing Qatari entrepreneurs and SMEs to secure local contracts that Qatar, QDB developed a Situation The GEM report, considered to be coming the challenges they face during bolstering their skills, and facilitating amounted to nearly 2.4 billion Qatari Room dedicated to support SMEs in the most accurate and comprehensive this period. access to funding through direct and Riyals. QDB also seeks to empower finding alternative export markets, global comparative on entrepre- “At QDB, we have also launched indirect financing, and investments. SMEs to overcome obstacles by which contributed to the continuity of neurship activity, has praised the several other initiatives within the QDB also seeks to localize oppor- increasing the prospects for cooper- these companies and strengthening of economic reforms implemented by framework of our endeavor to min- tunities for small and medium-sized ation between local companies and the national economy. the government since 2017. The imize the impact of the pandemic on companies to tap into, and to offer buyers. Through the Qatar Export Devel- report highlighted their positive the business community in Qatar,” he Qatari exporters access to global In this context, QDB has been the opment Agency “Tasdeer”, QDB impact on the country’s entrepre- said. These initiatives include issuing markets, in addition to insuring and strategic partner of the “Made in Qatar” played a key role in the renaissance neurship climate, as the reforms con- a special guide for SMEs on how to deal financing exports, Abdulaziz said. exhibition, which has achieved great of Qatar, Abdulaziz added, noting that tributed significantly to the devel- with the crisis, launching our digital He further stressed that the bank success over eight editions, including the bank has established a strategy opment of SMEs, as well as to the consulting services for SMEs and entre- plays an essential role in Qatar’s ren- five exhibitions held in Qatar and three for developing and promoting Qatari progress of the State of Qatar in a preneurs, all the way to launching the aissance on the industrial, food, health, abroad. The “Buy Local Products” exhi- products in global markets after number of important international Covid-19 Hackathon to help develop and educational fronts. The QDB CEO bition, on the other hand, aims to holding 35 bilateral meetings in rankings pertaining to the business innovative solutions to address the also highlighted the many ways that encourage SMEs to expand their oper- several countries, in addition to par- climate. pandemic. the bank assists SMEs and provides ations and seek local procurement ticipating in 52 international trade Such remarkable rankings posi- “One of the main initiatives under- support for projects that add value to opportunities. This aligns with QDB’s shows through the Export Devel- tively reflect the many efforts made taken by QDB, which we actually con- the national economy through a variety mission to bolster the development of opment Program. This resulted in by the State of Qatar through its sider to be the backbone of our of financial and advisory products and the private sector and the diversifi- securing deals worth over QR1bn in various institutions, including QDB. COVID-19 response, is the relaunch of services that advance Qatar’s economic cation of the economy by assisting the first quarter of the year. Al Khalifa highlighted the our Situation Room, which we initially diversification. Qatari manufacturers in expanding The bank’s CEO highlighted that strategy of Qatar in dealing with the launched during the first few days of In the wake of the unjust blockade their industries. following the blockade, QDB was pre- economic impact of the epidemic on the unjust blockade on Qatar”. on Qatar, the national economy wit- The first edition of the exhibition dominantly being approached with SMEs, noting the full cooperation The Situation Room deals with nessed an industrial renaissance and attracted 70 local companies across business projects within the food among various government agencies various aspects of the crisis, such as a boost in self-sufficiency, as Qatari various sectors, while the second security sector, indicating a positive to provide integrated support managing supply chain disruptions products not only fulfilled local edition witnessed the participation of trend among entrepreneurs that packages to private sector companies for SMEs, as well as providing the demand but also proved competitive more than 150 local companies. developed as a direct result of the in response to the pandemic. necessary technical support through in global markets. Building on the success of the first embargo. “QDB has played a significant role instant consultation services and any The bank’s CEO emphasised that two editions, QDB organized the third In 2019, food security projects grew in this regard since the onset of the other measures needed to deal with QDB aims to identify commercial and edition of the exhibition in cooperation by 65 percent compared to 2018, while crisis by supporting the private sector all developments of the crisis to investment opportunities offered by with the Qatar General Electricity and seven new food factories were estab- and entrepreneurs in facing the chal- ensure business continuity and cor- both governmental and Water Corporation, Kahramaa. The lished as part of the Jahiz 2 program, lenges spawned by COVID-19, in porate productivity.

supply and greatly enhancing industrial and service activities. Qatar University: March towards The blockade countries have lost credibility and failed to obtain domestic or global support for their claims. Also, their security, military educational excellence continues and economic crises have worsened. She added that the State of Qatar won the support and sympathy of the international com- despite blockade munity gaining respect and strengthening its position globally. The third anniversary of the siege has comes at the time when the first psychological trauma has disappeared while morale, confidence has he experience of the past years of progressive and continued as normal, regardless increased and unity behind the leadership has blockade was a challenge that Qatar to the consequences of the blockade, she told The become much stronger and solid, Al-Maadeed University (QU) proved capable of Peninsula. stressed. facing in more than one field. QU con- About the cohesion between the leadership Nevertheless, Qatar has affirmed its tinued to complete its research and and the people on the one hand and between cit- keenness, in the past, present and will do in Teducational plans and develop them in the best izens and residents during the past three years future, on unity of the Gulf in the framework of way. of siege, she said: “By the grace of Allah Almighty constructive dialogue, respect for sovereignty, “We have proven our active presence in inter- and wisdom and determination of wise leadership non-interference in the internal affairs of states national forums and participated in various activ- and the solidarity, sincerity of citizens and resi- avoiding conspiracy and dictation, Professor ities and events and have won prestigious awards dents, we have overcome the blockade”. Mariam Al-Maadeed underlined. and patents,” said Professor Mariam Al-Ali Al- All security, political, military, economic and “We sincerely hope that the quartet will Maadeed, Vice-President for Research and media campaigns they carried out against Qatar return to their senses and adhere to the prin- Graduate Studies. came to nothing, she said, noting that Qatar has ciples of international law, ethics, good neigh- Speaking to The Peninsula, Professor Al- turned the blockade into disappointment for bourliness and belongingness”. Maadeed said: “We have also developed plans blockading states by failing their conspiracies, Speaking about families separated from their and cooperated with the state authorities in Qatar has turned the blockade which have been unable to affect the consensus loved ones because of the measures taken by addressing the risks and challenges of the corona into disappointment for block- and unity of Qataris in loving their country, firm the siege countries, Professor Al-Maadeed said pandemic in all its aspects. We expanded uni- ading states by failing their stand with their leadership, and willingness to the blockade revealed its ugly, inhuman and versity and research institutions, including the make sacrifices for the sovereignty and integrity immoral face, especially with regard to families, establishment of the QU’s publishing house and conspiracies, which have been of their country. students and patients. “It is indeed a painful point opened the Water Research Center in partnership unable to affect the consensus The blockade has become a catalyst for the that we deeply regret and we hope to overcome with the Ministry of Environment and Munici- State of Qatar to strengthen its diplomatic ties, it as soon as we can,” she added. pality. We also launched research and educa- and unity of Qataris in loving building its defence capabilities and enhancing “The siege struck the Gulf’s social fabric, tional programs with UNESCO that addressed their country, firm stand with its economic and media capacities in refuting the afflicted mixed families, caused separation and our national environmental and water priorities, their leadership, and will- lies and the false accusations of the blockade severed social ties, and even destroyed the unity and we are looking for more.” countries. of the Gulf. The blockading countries instilled a Professor Al-Maadeed said the research ingness to make sacrifices for Citizens and residents stood together to con- spirit of division and enmity among the brothers centers have achieved their targets in research the sovereignty and integrity of front the hostility of the siege and defeat the plots, and violated the rights of movement, education, and creativity programs, and the number of stu- their country. turning the challenges into opportunity by accel- health, work, freedom of opinion and dents has increased, and added that QU has erating the pace of development, said Professor residence. excelled in terms of the quality and quantity of Mariam Al-Ali Al-Maadeed, Vice President for “In Qatar we are against all forms of rupture research production and higher education, due Professor Mariam Al-Ali Al- Research and Graduate Studies. of social ties between the Gulf people regardless to the recognition of universities’ rankings. Maadeed, Vice-President for She stated: “I can say that we are now fine to the difference and positions of the countries. “Our research partnerships with various Research and Graduate Studies. without the siege countries, which have harmed We continue to adhere to the ties of blood, higher education institutions in the region and themselves more than they did to us. It was like belonging and brotherhood in compliance with the world have increased and we have a magic turned against the magician, and the our Arab, Islamic and human values” said strengthened existing partnerships, giving them ordeal turned into a blessing." Al-Maadeed. new horizons,” Al-Maadeed said. parties. They were allowed to continue their edu- Furthermore, QU’s Vice-President for ‘We consider the blockade a blatant attack Professor Mariam Al-Maadeed pointed out cation in various fields of specializations, pro- Research and Graduate Studies, believes that the on our Gulf people and even on human rights that the QU issued around 5,600 joint research viding them with various academic and admin- blockade has become a mere memory and some- everywhere,” she added. papers with about 2,675 cooperating institutions istrative support, said Professor Al-Maadeed. thing from the past, since Qatar has managed to The blockade and the current COVID-19 pan- during the past three years. “We also provided the necessary assistance avoid its repercussions and stave off its chal- demic did not prevent Qatar from commitment On the other hand, QU contained the crisis of to the students of the blockading countries and lenges, and ensured self-sufficiency. to its principles and values, where the State of Qatari students who were forced to disrupt their dealt with them with humanity and concern for It may be enough, she said, to mention the Qatar had honorable stances when this epidemic university education in the blockading countries, their future, as we did for the future of our stu- launch of major projects in the food, pharma- spread across the world, bringing death and con- in cooperation with the Ministry of Education dents”. The university’s achievements in research ceutical and other industries sectors, along with fusing global health systems, the Vice-President and Higher Education and other concerned and higher education are exploration of alternative markets, sources of for Research and Graduate Studies said. 12 FRIDAY 5 JUNE 2020

yearsy of DIGNITY & 3PROSPERITY After 3 years of unjust siege, Qatar stronger than ever

he State of Qatar Rights Committee, the total US President Donald Trump stands on the number of violations of human has emphasized, on more than threshold of the rights committed by the block- one occasion, that Qatar is a key fourth year of ading countries amounted to partner in the fight against ter- the unjust 4,275 cases, he stressed. rorism, and that Doha hosts the blockade Speaking to The Peninsula, The Qatari people stood firmly behind field headquarters of the Central imposed by the the Managing Editor of Al their leadership and the Amir H H Sheikh Military Command from which quartet on June 5, 2017. Qatar Raya, pointed out that the Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, and made the the operations of the Interna- Tappears more powerful than quartet sought to invade Qatar tional Coalition to Combat Ter- ever, after turning the after- — as revealed by H H Sheikh blockade to crumble on the rock of Qatari rorism and ISIS are launched. effects of blockade into a cat- Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al- resistance and under wise management of On the other hand, Al-Marri alyst for economic inde- Sabah, Amir of the State of added the violations of the pendence, strengthening part- Kuwait — to undermine its the crisis by exposing the claims of the blockading countries and their nerships with the states, the UN sovereignty and control its blockading countries, and refuting their hostile media campaigns and and international organizations political decision. However, he frail justifications that were not based on their attempts to politicise the in the world, said Abdullah added the blockading coun- economy, art, culture, sports Talib Al-Marri, Managing tries were surprised by the even a single evidence. and religion, have foiled but not Editor of the sisterly daily solid position of Qataris who — Abdullah Talib Al-Marri , Managing stopped. newspaper Al Raya. rejected any violation to their Editor of the Al Raya newspaper Despite all the efforts made On June 5, 2017 Qatar was country’s sovereignty and by the blockading countries awakened by the news of the national dignity, as has been against Qatar, we can say with Quartet imposing land, sea and clearly made by the Qatari even a single evidence. understanding (MoUs) with the Global Forum on Combating confidence: That Qatar has air blockade. The move was leadership which completely After 3 years of siege, said major countries and interna- Terrorism, which is a global overcome the political and eco- aimed at imposing economic, rejected the 13-point demand Abdullah Talib Al-Marri, Qatar tional organizations, thereby multilateral platform to nomic implications of the political blockade which led to made by the blockading coun- supported the mediation led by strengthening its position as a enhance mutual cooperation, blockade, and has become “a violations of the right to tries, considering them unac- H H Amir of Kuwait, which was key partner on combating ter- implementation and support for thousand times better without movement, residence, own- ceptable dictations. based on unconditional dia- rorism globally. the United Nations counter-ter- them”, Al Marri emphasized. ership, education, health, work The Qatari people stood logue that does not violate In affirmation of rejection rorism strategy. According to the Managing and litigation, said Al-Marri. firmly behind their leadership national dignity, sovereignty of extremism and terrorism in Therefore, he said, Qatar’s Editor of Al Raya, the most This unjust siege also led to and the Amir H H Sheikh and interference in internal whichever way, Qatar has serious steps to strengthen the hurting element to the Qatari violations of the right to family, Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, affairs. developed anti-terrorism laws efforts to combat terrorism, citizens is the humanitarian and right to practice religious rites, said Al Marri and made the Qatar has dealt successive and signed important MoUs and earned praises of the UN and social impacts of the blockade, reunification, freedom of blockade to crumble on the severe blows to the attempts letters of intent to strengthen international envoys, including which has separated the mixed- opinion and expression, arbi- rock of Qatari resistance and of the blockading countries to global counter-terrorism efforts the Under-Secretary-General families and made communi- trary detention, enforced dis- under wise management of the tarnish its image accusing it of with the United States in July of the UN Counter-Terrorism cation between them difficult, appearance, incitement to vio- crisis by exposing the claims supporting terrorism he said, 2017, France in December 2018 Office, Vladimir Voronkov, who despite claims made by these lence and hatred. of the blockading countries, adding that Qatar signed and Britain in July 2018. confirmed that Qatar is one of countries that they have put in According to the latest and refuting their frail justifi- unprecedented agreements Al-Marri underlined that the largest donors to the UN place mechanisms to facilitate report of the National Human cations that were not based on and memorandums of Qatar is a founding member of Counter-Terrorism Office. communication. Unjust blockade a new stab Qatar succeeded in in the back of Qatar providing major lesson in

THE PENINSULA steady diplomatic attitudes of the gains ever is what Qatar achieved political diplomacy young political leadership in at the economic level. The r Kamal Hamidou, Qatar have earned the love and blockade enabled the State of Head of the respect of Qatari citizens for that Qatar to liberate its economy Department of Mass leadership, which has increased from dependency on neigh- Communication at their loyalty to it, frustrating the bouring countries in exceptional Qatar University, aspirations of those who bet on circumstances, after the state “Qatar has also succeeded in deep- Dsaid that the unjust blockade on a possible rift between the lead- established, in a short time, fac- ening loyalty and belonging in a Qatar is a new stab in the back ership and its people, he added. tories and small and medium of the nation, because it is not a Giving more details, he noted: enterprises, and an infrastructure way that all the Qatari society have constructive act that contributes “More than that, the mask has that provided Qatari consumers become involved in this, regardless to the stability of the people of fallen from the face of many and Qatari investors food items of the ages of citizens" the region and does not con- blockading countries that have and services that were being tribute to the path of growth, not hidden their efforts to divide imported from neighbouring Professor Dr. Fatma Al Sowaidi, prosperity and progress. the Arab region and to forget the countries, and that too with Associate Dean for the Languages, It was aimed at tightening the Palestinian issue. The respect for better quality. screws on Qatar economically, the Arab opinion of Qatar has “These companies and insti- Media and Translation College of Arts diplomatically, and socially in grown more in the eyes of the tutions are contributing to and Sciences at Qatar University order to subjugate it and Arab people, after realizing who achieving the self-sufficiency and influence its sovereign decision, is really with justice and who is food security of the state, as well he said. against it.” as they are actively contributing THE PENINSULA Speaking to The Peninsula on As for international relations, to building the foundations for the difference between the right holder the occasion of the three years he said that the State of Qatar has diversification of the Qatari rofessor Fatma Al Sowaidi (pic- and the aggressor is large, and the matter of Qatar’s siege, Hamidou said: also emerged victorious in its economy and its sources of tured) , Associate Dean for Lan- has gone beyond the media campaigns to “Three years after the piracy con- battle against the siege. The income, in preparation for the guages, Media and Translation the international courts, which has spiracy, which was one of a series dynamic movement of Qatari post-oil and gas phase. College of Arts and Sciences, has exposed theirt piracy, and the man- of justifications to legitimize diplomacy has known how to “We have seen the positive Psaid that great success achieved by Qatar agement of funds to distort Qatar’s. All Qatar’ siege, and after three years weave an international relations results of the improvement of the during the siege represents strengthening these things have showed their real face at the regional and international network that has made Qatar’s Qatari economy during the global of concept of a modern state and the to the world. “Everyone can see what they levels have shown us, beyond any diplomacy at the center of inter- crisis due to coronovirus pan- support of Qatari citizens to the state. have published in their media ranging from doubt, that what actually hap- national politics. demic, during which the Qatari “Qatar has also succeeded in deepening laws that ban sympathy with Qatar, and pened was part of a broader plan, For the success of the Qatari economy was able to withstand loyalty and belonging in a way that all the laws issued against their citizens if they whose ultimate goal was to force diplomacy, he said: “For the con- the supply shock in the basic Qatari society have become involved in this, are found to deal with Qatar that may be Qatar to join the plans of the new tribution of Qatari diplomacy in materials and production of regardless of the ages of citizens, " said Al treated treason against the state,” she said. Middle East. It was also aimed to resolving many issues, such as drugs,” Hamidou said. Sowaidi. In an interview with The Peninsula On the demands of the blockading create a doubt of its positions negotiations between the Afghan He also emphasized that all about the third anniversary of the Qatar countries for resolving the crisis, Al Sowaidi towards Arab and Islamic issues.” Taliban, the Afghan government indications, then, point out that blockade and the lessons learned from it, noted that they are dictations (not condi- He said the scenarios upon and the United States, to name Qatar has become stronger after she emphasized that Qatar has succeeded tions) that do not take into account the which the blockading countries just a few, is a good indication of the siege than it was before, and in providing a major lesson in political minimum level of state sovereignty, and its depended on failed and the the success of the Qatari by its insistence and fixed posi- diplomacy through the wise leadership of interference with internal affairs. They also blockade has become a trouble diplomacy.” tions that are not subject to bar- the country; not only at the level of crisis alleged that Qatar is supporting terrorism, for the besieged countries and a On the other hand, the State gaining. It has gained respect management, but at the level of promoting and the reality is that we find that interna- boon for the State of Qatar. At the of Qatar has succeeded in diver- among even its worst enemies, a country-specific policy that does not ignore tional institutions, which monitor the prac- internal political and social level, sifying its strategic relations, in and thus its words in regional and ethics for the sake of political purpose. tices of the blockading countries, have clas- the strength of east and west, by providing it international forums will be more On whether Qatar has taken economic sified their practices as if they are sponsors the Qatari com- with diversified allies that it can influencing than before. independence decision from the siege coun- of terrorism. munity was solid. count on in international forums. However, he said, the most tries, Al Sowaidi said: “This is normal in light The GCC was the umbrella for the Gulf The just and However, he added, the biggest important is that the government of the crisis; from my point of view the countries, she said and added however weak and people of Qatar have shown political vision will take this matter into the performance, it represents a comprehensive a high degree of maturity in future, even if the relations with these coun- umbrella that expresses the Gulf voice. But State of Qatar has also dealing with the fake information tries return to the level seen before June, 5, the worst thing in the crisis, she said is the one emerged victorious in its released by the siege countries. 2017. So far, the regional and international related to families which were separated and From the first sight of the guarantees were not sufficiently available divided: “The blockade is causing biggest battle against the siege. The crisis, official and unofficial sides to allow real partnerships.” On whether the impact on the suffering of the Gulf families, dynamic movement of of the country have not resorted siege countries have benefited from the siege who are banned to meet each other. This is Qatari diplomacy has known to rhetoric or to argue other’s on the political and economic levels, she said the biggest real crisis that the Gulf community opinion. The State of Qatar has that they had benefited many things, but will need a great time to eliminate its effects. how to weave an interna- demonstrated the development unfortunately they are all negative. On the Al Sowaidi said that it is not normal for tional relations network that of its morals as a state and the political level, they have taken confused the crisis to continue, and this is what we has made Qatar’s diplomacy morals of its people. They are the political steps that are not sufficiently clear. read in the Qatari speech; Governmental and ones who respect all the appreci- On the economic level, they have gained non-governmental. The ideal scenario, in at the center of international ation of the people of the entire weak public budgets, exorbitant loans, and my view, should come under the umbrella politics. Gulf Cooperation Council, based a decline in the economic development. of the GCC. “The Qatari position on the crisis -Dr Kamal Hamidou, Head on their awareness that the people About who succeeded in persuading is clear, and Qatar will not respond to the of the Gulf Cooperation Council the public opinion of its position and jus- demands of these countries if they violate of the Department of Mass are an extension of same people tifications? Al Sowaidi pointed out that it its sovereignty, or affect the dignity of Qatari Communication at QU whose blood and tribes mixed, is Qatar, as the comparison confirms that residents.” despite the differences. FRIDAY 5 JUNE 202020 13

yearsy of DIGNITY & 3PROSPERITY Resilient people of Qatar flourish despite blockade: Qatar Foundation academics

THE PENINSULA VCUartsQatar, who arrived in Qatar here last summer says that Qatar has atar continues to shown remarkable resilience and flourish and people have a more focused, energized overcome chal- and vibrant approach to life. lenges despite a “I arrived in Qatar last summer, It has been remarkable to see all of us — blockade that has well after the blockade began, and it community leaders, the Qatari people been under way for was quickly apparent to me that not three years. The only is daily life not affected by the and those from other countries that call country with its cit- blockade, but somehow there is an Qatar home — come together to help the Qizens and residents even more focused, energized and country adapt and thrive over the past were resilient and have found the way vibrant approach to life here,” he said. through challenges and adopted a new “Qatar has shown remarkable resil- three years. The blockade has created normal life, say deans and senior aca- ience, innovation and creativity in new demands for nearly every sector to demics at Qatar Foundation response to its challenges over the last innovate. Within the academic com- campuses. three years and has seen tremendous Citizens and residents of Qatar development across many sectors, munity in Education City, we have found have come together, adapt and thrive including design and the arts. We have that Qatar’s tremendous response has over the past three years, said Michael seen openings of amazing museums and offered ready examples for our students Trick, Dean of Carnegie Mellon Uni- galleries, unveiling of stunning public versity in Qatar. “It has been art, and the staging of hundreds of exhi- in areas such as leadership and business, remarkable to see all of us — com- bitions of artist’s work from Qatar and technology, science and entrepre- munity leaders, the Qatari people and around the world. Qatar continues its neurship, lessons we have used to bring those from other countries that call generous support of the study of art and Qatar home — come together to help design at VCUartsQatar, ensuring the theory to life for our students. the country adapt and thrive over the ongoing development of homegrown — Michael Trick, Dean of Carnegie Mellon past three years. The blockade has artists, designers, creatives and art University in Qatar. created new demands for nearly every scholars. As a newcomer to this country, sector to innovate. Within the aca- I am deeply thankful that my family has demic community in Education City, been warmly welcomed and we have we have found that Qatar’s tre- found a home here,” said Dean Berbić. mendous response has offered ready Dr Marc Owen Jones, Assistant examples for our students in areas Professor in the Middle East Studies such as leadership and business, tech- and Digital Humanities Department, nology, science and entrepreneurship, College of Humanities and Social Sci- lessons we have used to bring theory ences at Hamad Bin Khalifa University, to life for our students,” he said. has said that a new normal has been Texas A&M University at Qatar is proud to "Qatar’s resilience throughout the established in the country. report that the quality of the world-class blockade has been a strong inspiration “The sudden blockading of Qatar and motivation for many of our resulted in human rights violations for engineering education we offer did not graduates.” numerous people living across the suffer because of the blockade, and the The blockade has made engi- GCC, a fact documented by Amnesty situation has not affected our student neering a patriotic career in Qatar International and Human Rights because of the role engineers will play Watch. Families were torn apart, stu- enrollment. We have also graduated our in building the nation and moving it dents’ education cut short, and many 1,000th engineer since establishing our to a knowledge-based economy, said lost their jobs. Three years on a new campus here in Qatar. These graduates Dr César Octavio Malavé, Dean, Texas normal has been established, but A&M University at Qatar. justice and restitution for those are moving into leadership positions “Texas A&M University at Qatar is affected remains a long way off,” he throughout Qatar, starting their own proud to report that the quality of the said. companies here and around the world, world-class engineering education we Dr Steven Wright, Associate Pro- offer did not suffer because of the fessor and Associate Dean, College of and some are even part of our faculty blockade, and the situation has not Humanities and Social Sciences at now, helping to educate the next gener- affected our student enrollment. The Hamad Bin Khalifa University, has said ation of engineering leaders in Qatar. blockade has made engineering a that the illegal blockade of Qatar patriotic career in Qatar because of the remains, to this day, one of the darkest — Dr César Octavio Malavé, Dean, Texas role engineers will play in building the episodes in the history of the region. A&M University at Qatar. nation and moving it to a knowledge- “It has divided families, imposed based economy. Since the beginning restrictions on the freedom of of the blockade, we have had record movement of peoples, uprooted stu- enrollment of Qatari students and our dents from their degree programs, and student body is now 50 percent female all of this has been perpetuated by a in the traditionally male-dominated hostile media campaign that rests on field of engineering,” he said. disinformation. With thousands of “We have also graduated our human rights violations documented, 1,000th engineer since establishing our each case is a tragedy, and it has campus here in Qatar. These graduates affected citizens and expatriates both are moving into leadership positions in Qatar and the countries that are Qatar has shown remarkable resilience, throughout Qatar, starting their own taking these illegal actions,” he said. innovation and creativity in response to its companies here and around the world, “These unlawful practices leave challenges over the last three years and and some are even part of our faculty psychological and social scars, and this now, helping to educate the next gen- is a deeply rooted trauma that will take has seen tremendous development across eration of engineering leaders in Qatar. a considerable amount of time to heal. many sectors, including design and the Our research program is addressing Yet, it is important to recognize that arts. We have seen openings of amazing real-world, relevant problems and there is a difference between these Qatar’s Grand Challenges and contrib- illegal politically motivated actions museums and galleries, unveiling of uting to Qatar’s fight against the and the ties that exist between fam- stunning public art, and the staging of COVID-19 coronavirus, and our inno- ilies within the Gulf region. Dialogue hundreds of exhibitions of artist’s work vative STEM programs are enhancing and taking incremental steps to regain the classroom learning of school stu- trust will be an essential part of any from Qatar and around the world. Qatar dents in Qatar who are this country’s moves toward seeing the end to such continues its generous support of the study future engineers. hostility, but we should always be of art and design at VCUartsQatar, “We are still engineering leaders mindful that the ties between families in Qatar and the region, and we con- crosscut the region, are deeply rooted, ensuring the ongoing development of tinue our mission of teaching, research and it is this foundation that can help homegrown artists, designers, creatives and service to the State of Qatar and relations improve especially as the world,” Dr Malavé said. regional cooperation is needed more and art scholars. — Amir Berbic, Amir Berbić, the now than ever before,” said Dr Wright. the Dean of VCUartsQatar Dean of

The sudden blockading of Qatar resulted in human rights viola- tions for numerous people living across the GCC, a fact docu- The illegal blockade of Qatar remains, to mented by Amnesty International this day, one of the darkest episodes in the and Human Rights Watch. Fam- history of the region. Dialogue and taking ilies were torn apart, students’ incremental steps to regain trust will be an education cut short, and many essential part of any moves toward seeing lost their jobs. Three years on a the end to such hostility, but we should new normal has been established, always be mindful that the ties between but justice and restitution for families crosscut the region, are deeply those affected remains a long way rooted, and it is this foundation that can off. — Dr Marc Owen Jones, help relations improve especially as Assistant Professor in the Middle regional cooperation is needed more now East Studies and Digital Human- than ever before. ities Department, College of — Dr Steven Wright, Associate Professor Humanities and Social Sciences and Associate Dean, College of Humanities at Hamad Bin Khalifa University and Social Sciences at Hamad Bin Khalifa University 14 FRIDAY 5 JUNE 2020

yearsy of DIGNITY & 3PROSPERITY Qatar Foundation: Unlocking human potential with outstanding achievements

Khalifa Essa Al Kubaisi, Manager of Media Relations and Press Office, Qatar Foundation The achievements THE PENINSULA In February 2019, QF launched Academiyati, A progressive school of QF includes from atar Foundation (QF) has offering a globally unique learning establishing new continued to play a stra- model of education. It is the first of its schools to encour- tegic role in education, kind in Qatar. research and innovation QF announced the launch of a new aging global dia- in the past three years. It Science, Technology, Engineering, and logue on pressing Qalso enables young people to acquire Mathematics (STEM) school under the issues. the necessary skills necessary for the umbrella of QF’s PUE, in April 2018. knowledge-based economy, though Qatar Academy for Science and Tech- its campuses and world class research nology (QAST) offer a program focused International Family Institute (DIFI) is facilities. The achievements of QF on STEM learning, hands-on science integral to ensuring a cornerstone of includes from establishing new schools skills, and innovative thinking, which Arab society – the family unit – to encouraging global dialogue on will allow students to apply their remains robust, cohesive, and equipped pressing issues. knowledge to real-world challenges to deal with the challenges that modern “Qatar Foundation has always using both traditional and modern life presents. drawn inspiration from the Qatari methods. In 2018, DIFI initiated and funded community and its ability to adapt, a book on Arab family studies, with resist and deal with crises, and even Hamad bin Khalifa University contributions from 28 scholars, to help turn challenges into opportunities. This Hamad bin Khalifa University bridge gaps in global knowledge in this is a key part of QF’s mission to unlock (HBKU) QF’s homegrown university area; and unveiled its Civil Society human potential. Human potential is celebrated the graduation of its Class Statement on Parenting, later pre- crystallized in times of challenges, as of 2018, witnessing the graduation sented at the United Nations Head- people take crises as an incentive for of its first cohorts of science and engi- technology with expert training most ambitious greenfield hospital quarters in New York as DIFI hosted a creativity, innovation and the pursuit neering PhD students and Juris opportunities and includes a women- developments of its kind, addresses ‘Doha Briefing’ panel at the 57th of sustainability and moving forward Doctor law program graduates. The only tuition area, as the club seeks to the growing need for specialist chil- Session of the Commission for Social in achieving the accomplishments that university also reinforced its year- support the growth of women’s golf dren’s and maternity care by offering Development. they aspire to achieve,” Khalifa Essa on-year growth by graduating its in Qatar. Its nine-hole course is services previously unavailable in Al Kubaisi, Manager of Media Relations largest class to date.nHBKU also floodlit, enabling people to enjoy a Qatar and, in many cases, across Doha Debates and Press Office, Qatar Foundation told announced the launch of six new aca- round of night-time golf, with the MENA region. A new dimension on global dialogue The Peninsula. demic degrees, including both Mas- club also providing a range of fitness is now being provided to the world by QF, “Since the beginning of the unjust ter’s and Doctoral programs. The new classes and offering golf lessons for WISH through the relaunched Doha Debates – blockade, we have proven at Qatar degrees under HBKU’s College of individuals, groups, and children. Building a healthier world through bringing fresh voices and viewpoints to Foundation, our readiness and ability Islamic Studies include a Master of global collaboration is the goal of the topics and themes that shape our world. to deal with challenges at various Science in Islamic Art, Architecture Equine Veterinary Medical Center World Innovation Summit for Health Six years after the last airing of the levels, through our prior preparations and Urbanism; a Master of Arts in Equine Veterinary Medical Center (WISH), a QF initiative that has created original Doha Debates, the QF production and our immediate and efficient Islam and Global Affairs; and a PhD (WVMC) – a regionally unique facility an international healthcare community returned in February 2019 with its inau- response to ensure that education for in Islamic Finance and Economy. The designed to provide the highest caliber united in its dedication to addressing gural live event, showcasing its innovative our students of different nationalities new programs under HBKU’s College of healthcare for horses while also today’s most pressing health chal- new concept and its goal of unlocking continues at the same quality. Also, to of Science and Engineering are a advancing veterinary science, opened lenges. In November 2018, almost solutions to global challenges through continue to work on research, devel- Master of Data Analytics in Health on March 7. The EVMC houses an 2,200 healthcare experts, innovators diverse, rigorous, and honest debate. opment and innovation that is bene- equine referral hospital, a veterinary and entrepreneurs, health ministers, Doha Debates’ approach includes live ficial to the State of Qatar and the Education City Golf Club diagnostic laboratory, and a clinical and policymakers, lent their voices to debates, digital videos, a TV series, blogs, region. We have also moved forward The Education City Golf Club research laboratory, with its team of these conversations at the 2018 edition podcasts, and majlis-style conversations in launching more community initia- opened in March this year as it hosted veterinarians employing advanced of the WISH Summit in Doha, the designed to bridge differences, build con- tives and projects aimed at building its first international tournament, the treatments and techniques to care for largest to date. Its opening ceremony sensus, and tackle urgent global issues societies,” he added. Commercial Bank Qatar Masters horses. Its specialized services include reflected Qatar’s commitment to through discourse and the exchange of 2020. Comprising 18-hole, nine-hole, surgery, internal medicine, rehabili- healthcare innovation and the perspectives. QF’s Pre-University Education and six-hole courses, the Education tation, dentistry, diagnostic imaging, advancement of precision medicine, Its debut event at Qatar National In the beginning of this year, H H City Golf Club also houses a state-of- and pain management, with the center as H H Sheikha Moza bint Nasser was Library saw speakers from Qatar and the Father Amir, and H H Sheikha Moza the-art learning and practice facility also offering a round-the-clock emer- presented with the first ‘Q-chip’, high- abroad share and debate suggestions for bint Nasser, Chairperson of Qatar within its Centre of gency service. Meanwhile, EVMC’s lighting the progress made by QF’s alleviating the global refugee crisis. Foundation officially opened Tariq Bin Excellence, which research program is aiming to make Qatar Genome Programme and Qatar Further debates have since focused on Ziad School, under the umbrella of QF’s combines modern scientific advances in the field of Biobank in developing the first gene whether Artificial Intelligence’s benefits Pre-University Education (PUE) equine medicine through collabora- array based on data from thousands outweigh its risks; the arguments sur- Tariq Bin Ziad School, which came tions and clinical research projects, of Qatari genomes. rounding globalization; water scarcity; under the umbrella of QF’s PUE at the while the center also offers educational Unfolding over seven days imme- capitalism; and loss of trust in start of the current academic year, “Qatar Foundation has programs. diately before the WISH 2018 Summit, institutions. offers a bilingual co-educational and attended by more than 10,000 As well as taking place in Qatar, Primary Years Programme that follows always drawn inspi- Sidra Medicine people, the festival’s 54 activities raised Doha Debates’ live events have been the International Baccalaureate cur- ration from the Qatari Sidra Medicine, a brand new chil- awareness of health resources in Qatar held in Edinburgh and Cape Town, and riculum, with additional aspects that community and its dren’s and women hospital welcomed and encouraged the local community at the Paris Peace Forum 2019. Each reflect the importance and the its first patients to the main hospital to embrace healthy, active lifestyles. debate sees an international audience enduring relevance of Qatari heritage. ability to adapt, resist building in January 2018.One of the have the opportunity to suggest their and deal with crises, WISE own ideas and solutions, before the live and even turn chal- In the context of education, the audience vote on those proposed by world came together at QF in the debate participants. lenges into opportu- November 2019 for the World Inno- In February 2019, Doha Debates nities. This is a key part vation Summit for Education (WISE) also hosted a series of talks, in of QF’s mission to 2019 – with the goal being to explore partnership with TED, during the how the future of learning can be reim- TED Salon ‘Up for Debate” in New unlock human agined. More than 3,200 educators, York City. Speakers in the US city potential. decision-makers, and experts, repre- were joined by five groups of senting 100-plus countries – a record people from Qatar, Rwanda, attendance - attended the latest edition Afghanistan, the US, and Mexico, of the WISE Summit, held under the who shared their views in real time theme UnLearn, ReLearn: What It via walk-in shopping containers Means To Be Human. equipped with audiovisual devices, known as Portals - another DIFI example of how Doha Debates is Through its research, its role in combining the Arab tradition of influencing policy, and its capacity to discourse with innovation and create international networks of technology to inspire a new gen- knowledge, QF member Doha eration of change-makers. FRIDAY 5 JUNE 202020 15

yearsy of DIGNITY & 3PROSPERITY Quality Qatar’s healthcare sector has seen many remarkable develop- ments in the last three years. Despite the healthcare blockade imposed on Qatar, the healthcare sector is firmly com- mitted to providing for all the highest levels of medical care for eve- ryone, and over the years Qatar has made significant invest- ments in health care infrastructure, as well as promoting a com- prehensive approach to the health of eve- ryone in Qatar.

THE PENINSULA

rom being named one of the best in the world to launching new hospitals and world-class medical Fservices, Qatar’s healthcare sector has seen many remarkable developments in the last three years. Despite the blockade imposed on Qatar, the several hospitals and other facil- healthcare sector is firmly com- ities during this period. mitted to providing the highest HMC has completed a major levels of medical care for eve- part of renovation and upgrade ryone, and over the years Qatar works at the Surgical Specialty has made significant invest- Center, located in the former ments in health care infra- Women’s Hospital, has been structure, as well as promoting completed and it was aiming to a comprehensive approach to make it fully operational by the health of everyone in Qatar. early 2021. Qatar’s health sector was Once completed, several quick to respond to the surgical services will be relo- COVID-19 pandemic with prep- cated to the new facility, arations to tackle the situation, including orthopaedic surgery, the efforts varied from estab- vascular surgery, urology, and lishing field hospitals, quar- organ transplantation. antine mechanisms, and prep- In the beginning of 2020, arations in the intensive care the Daam Specialised Care units. The strategy of the Min- Center was officially opened. istry of Public Health (MoPH) to The new specialist facility contain COVID-19, reduce mor- provide round-the-clock care tality, and clinical readiness to to elderly Qatari patients who the deal with the increased no longer need to be in hospital number of cases while empha- but require long-term, inpatient sising the preservation of the medical care. The new facility provide occupational therapy, achieving the “Gold Seal” of Shortly afterwards, HMC sionate care. elderly, and this goes in parallel will accom- recreational therapy, physio- approval in recognition of their officially opened its Stroke Besides, the Primary Health with the increase in examina- modate 68 therapy, and medical and quality of care. Of the 13 facilities, Service Unit, which is part of the Care Corporation (PHCC) tions and investigation teams patients and nursing care, all in a com- eight, including the Hamad new Neuroscience Institute at opened a number of new health that aim to find infection chains. fortable environment. The Dental Center and the Mental Hamad General Hospital. The centres across Qatar. Last year, The health sector has Daam Specialised Care Center Health Service, received the facility features a Rapid Access PHCC opened new centres in developed from being the best joins HMC’s existing Enaya Spe- accreditation for the first time. Stroke Unit and a Secondary Muaither, Al Wajba, Al Waab in the region to adding new Within the three cialised Care Centers, which The Trauma System has also Stroke Prevention Clinic, which and Qatar University. In facilities and service to cater the years of the have been caring for patients been successfully reaccredited combined to provide an inno- addition, PHCC has continued need of people. Legatum since 2010. by Accreditation Canada Inter- vative and comprehensive to expand its Bowel and Cancer Institute, a London-based think blockade, a By end of 2019, HMC national (ACI) and awarded the approach to stroke care through Screening suites. tank declared Qatar’s healthcare number of strat- opened the new Trauma and Trauma Distinction Award of early diagnosis and faster PHCC continued to offer its system the best in Middle East egies have been Emergency Centre, providing a Excellence. assessment and treatment. services and rolled out the and the fifth best in the world. number of services to patients. HMC’s new Tobacco Control By the ends of 2018, opened family medicine concept all Qatar is the only country in the launched and The new centre one of the Center opened in 2019, playing an Hazm Mebaireek General Hos- across the health centres. The region to feature on the top 5 list implementation largest in the region will lead to important role in the fight to curb pital, bringing care closer to the siege also failed to make any of the Legatum Prosperity Index, started including a significant expansion of smoking in the community. workers in Industrial Area . impact in the pharmaceuticals behind Singapore, Luxembourg, trauma and emergency services In June 2018, HMC inaugu- In December 2018, new sector as well. Japan and Switzerland in 2019. the Qatar National in Qatar, ranging from trauma, rated two new services, Central Clinical Laboratories at Despite having its tradi- Also Qatar was ranked 13th in the Health Strategy urgent and critical care, to short including a state-of-the-art the Qatar Rehabilitation tional sources of supply from world in 2018. 2018-2022, Qatar stay and walk-in services. Cardiac MRI Suite at Heart Hos- Institute were inaugurated. some blockading countries The Hamad Medical Corpo- In May 2019, HMC’s 13 facil- pital and a new chemotherapy HMC also opened phase two before the blockade, the health ration (HMC), the premier National Dementia ities and services were accredited robotic pharmacy at the of Hamad General Hospital’s sector suffered no shortage of healthcare provider, has moved Plan 2018-22, by the US-based Joint Com- National Centre for Cancer Care state-of-the-art surgical services any medicine. The country was from strength to strength opening Qatar National mission International (JCI) by and Research. expansion, which was part of successful in finding alternative HMC’s busiest expansion pro- supply sources, by striking deals Mental Health gramme in more than a decade. with bigger pharma companies Strategy 2018- It included 16 rooms to across the world. They were 2022 and PHCC receive patients from wards, 30 willing to export high-quality recovery rooms, a dedicated medicines to Qatar at cheaper Corporate Strategy nurse’s station, coference room rates than those supplied by Plan 2019-2023, and enhanced staff areas. companies in the blockading among others. Three state-of-the-art facil- countries. ities opened at the Hamad Within the three years of the Medical City complex, in blockade, a number of strat- December 2017, the year when egies have been launched and the blockade began. implementation started They included the Qatar including the Qatar National Rehabilitation Institute, the Health Strategy 2018-2022, Ambulatory Care Centre and Qatar National Dementia Plan Women’s Wellness and 2018-22, Qatar National Mental Research Centre, providing Health Strategy 2018-2022 and patients with access to an PHCC Corporate Strategy Plan unprecedented level of care by 2019-2023, among others. increasing bed capacity, Sidra Medicine, part of improving services and granting Qatar Foundation and an ult- faster access to specialised rahigh tech speciality hospital treatment. for women, young and children The new hospitals repre- became fully operational with sented the biggest expansion of its official opening in November healthcare facilities in the 2018. Some of the services at history of Qatar and were a Sidra are available for the first central part of the country’s time in the country and the commitment to providing region and has conducted a patients with the safest, most many complicated surgeries effective and most compas- and procedures successfully. 16 FRIDAY 5 JUNE 2020

yearsy of DIGNITY & 3PROSPERITY Qatar’s ports played key role in defeating siege

Qatar’s maritime sector wrapped up a successful year by setting new volume and productivity benchmarks in 2019. Hamad Port, Ruwais Port and Doha Port received 4,082 vessels and handled 1.34 million Twenty-Foot Equivalent Units containers during the year.

THE PENINSULA million TEU and five million tonnes of cargo at Hamad Port until the end of atar’s ports, espe- October 2018. cially Hamad Spread over 28.5 square kilo- Port, have played metres, Hamad Port’s basin is 4km crucial role in long, 700 metres wide and 17 metres defeating unjust deep — specifications that enable it to siege by ensuring receive the world’s biggest ships. continuing supply The capacity of Hamad Port is to of goods. The reach 7.5 million TEU annually on com- crucial contri- pletion of all construction phases. It Qbution of Hamad has a general cargo terminal with a Port, Ruwais Port and Doha Port in capacity of 1.7 million tonnes annually, maintaining the country's economic a terminal for cereals with a capacity growth is evident from their strong of one million tonnes annually, a ter- performance. minal to receive vehicles with an Opening of Hamad Port, entailing annual capacity of 500,000, a terminal investment of QR27.5bn, played a key for livestock, a terminal for coastguard role in breaking the blockade as it vessels and a terminal for marine ensured normal supply goods in the support and backup. country. Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Port has a uniquely Hamad Al Thani patronised the official designed port control tower at a height medical clinics and the offices required zone has been established adjacent to services in Phase 1 of Hamad Port. inauguration of Hamad Port in Umm of 110 metres, a customs inspection for port operation. Additionally, as Hamad Port. Qatar’s maritime sector wrapped Al Houl on September 5, 2017. area for rapid cargo clearance (5,600 part of Qatar’s major steps toward Hamad Port has been designed in up a successful year by setting new Hamad Port witnessed com- containers per day), a ship inspection increasing its non- a way that makes it expandable. Its volume and productivity benchmarks mencement of new services in 2018, platform and multiple maritime facil- petroleum exports and infrastructure has been designed cre- in 2019. Hamad Port, Ruwais Port and which further strengthened the port’s ities, in addition to other utilities such building manufac- atively using latest technologies to guar- Doha Port received 4,082 vessels and connectivity to Asian and European as storage units, mosques, rest areas, turing industries, a free antee infrastructure will always be handled 1.34 million Twenty-Foot destinations with representation from resilient and developable in a way that Equivalent Units (TEUs) containers all major global lines. It was the first contributes to reducing expansion cost during the year. year that a port in Qatar handled 1 Despite blockade, expansion plans for Hamad Port in the future. Qatar’s maritime sector is expected million (Twenty-Foot Equivalent Units) continue without interruption. The second Container After the blockade was imposed, the to witness another year of strong TEU landmark and came in the ranks Ministry of Transport and Communi- growth as various steps have been of the select container terminals Terminal is expected to become operational this year. cations and the Qatar Ports Man- taken by the concerned authorities to around the world handling this volume. Hamad Port, one of the largest ports in the Middle agement Company (Mwani Qatar) boost goods traffic at the ports. One of In March 2018, Hamad Port cele- East, has led from the front in boosting Qatar mar- responded by launching new shipping the major steps include expansions of brated handling of its first one million routes, connecting Hamad Port directly Hamad Port. TEUs containers. The Port achieved this itime sector as it occupied the lion’s share in the with several marine destinations. Mwani Qatar had also signed a con- feat in less than 14 months, which is overall port traffic. Hamad Port is already making a Mwani Qatar in cooperation with its tainer services agreement in November well ahead of its expected schedule. paradigm shift in Qatar’s economic diversification partners launched a number of new 2018, with the Mediterranean Shipping Later in November 2019 , the Min- direct shipping lines between Hamad Company (MSC) to use Hamad Port as istry of Transport and Communications and competitiveness, import and re-export of goods. Port and various ports of the region and a regional hub to manage transship- celebrated the handling of over two beyond in the last three months. ments for up to 150,000 TEUs per year, Despite blockade, expansion plans growing to one million TEUs by 2023. for Hamad Port continue without inter- The agreement will play ruption. The second Container Terminal important role in transforming Qatar is expected to become operational this into a vibrant regional trading hub in year. QTerminals has been awarded the the region. The agreement will also design, develop and operation contract help in attracting more trans- for the second container terminal. Last shipment containers and encourage month QTerminal had received cables more international shipping lines to from a local company. add Hamad Port to their regional QTerminals, in November 2018, had routes and sign similar agreements received approval to design, develop in the future. and operate second Container Terminal Hamad Port, one of the largest of Hamad Port. The second terminal, ports in the Middle East, has led from with berth length of 1,200m and a 17m the front in boosting Qatar maritime draft alongside, will have annual sector as it occupied the lion’s share in capacity of 2 milion TEUs (twenty-foot the overall port traffic. Hamad Port is equivalent units). already making a paradigm shift in One of the key aspects of CT2 devel- Qatar’s economic diversification and opment is the use of environmental competitiveness, import and re-export friendly technologies to facilitate sus- of goods. tainable development. The Quay Cranes Qatar’s ports delivered an being procured are regenerative type, impressive performance in 2018 also which will be generating electricity with all-round growth in all segments. during the lowering cycles. The Rubber The ports had achieved highest annual Tyre Gantries are of Hybrid Type, which performance in containers, vessels and will be utilizing electric drives along livestock in 2018. Hamad Port, Ruwais with the conventional engine. Port and Doha Port received 4,781 The second Container Terminal vessels and handled 1.34 million con- development at Hamad Port is located tainers during the year. The ports also immediately to the north of the existing handled 1.4m tonnes of general cargo; Container Terminal – 1. QTerminals 71,173 vehicles; 324,248 tonnes of provides container, general cargo, building materials and 957,487 heads RORO, livestock and offshore supply of livestock in 2018. FRIDAY 5 JUNE 202020 17

yearsy of DIGNITY & 3PROSPERITY

Qatar Airways overcame blockade with growth and success

THE PENINSULA

atar Airways Continuing its record of being one of the overcame the world’s fastest-growing airlines, Qatar unjust blockade by Airways launched a range of new destina- accomplishing new feats and setting tions in 2019, namely: Davao, Philippines; Qnew records. The Gaborone, Botswana; Izmir, Turkey; national carrier of Qatar con- tinued with its strategy of Langkawi, Malaysia; Lisbon, Portugal; network expansion, receiving Mogadishu, Somalia; Rabat, Morocco; and new aircraft deliveries and Valletta, Malta, increasing the carrier’s winning awards in the last three years since unjust blockade was network to over 160 destinations. In imposed on Qatar. addition, the airline signed a number of In the beginning of this year in January, Qatar Airways new or extended codeshare agreements announced its plans to add eight with world-class airline partners, additional destinations to its that it had converted 10 of its In addition, the airline new orders for Boeing aircraft, including IndiGo Airlines, LATAM, China network in 2020. Airbus A321neo order to the signed a number of new or Gulfstream Executive Jets and In 2019, the airline con- A321LR, a longer range variant extended codeshare agree- GE Engines. December her- Southern, and SriLankan Airlines. tinued its strategy of investing which will allow it to connect ments with world-class airline alded the announcement of an in the world’s most technolog- with new growing markets from partners, including IndiGo Air- agreement with Republic of ically advanced aircraft to drive Doha. lines, LATAM, China Southern, Rwanda to develop, invest and Times) in 2019 and was also on-board its ambitious route network Continuing its record of and SriLankan Airlines. operate in a new international runner-up for the ‘Global Air magazine, growth. Through the course of being one of the world’s fastest- Qatar’s national carrier con- airport at a ceremony in Kigali.. Cargo Brand of the Year’ and lounges and the year, 32 aircraft were growing airlines, Qatar Airways tinued its enviable record of The airline will own 60 per cent ‘International Cargo Airline of more. delivered to its Doha head- launched a range of new desti- winning awards with a host of of the new airport with the the Year in Africa’ awards. Qatar Airways launched 11 quarters, including its 250th, an nations in 2019, namely: Davao, accolades during the year. remainder being held by the These awards recognise the car- new destinations in 2017, Airbus A350-900 in March. By Philippines; Gaborone, Bot- Along with the ‘World’s Best Government of the Republic of rier’s continued drive and including Auckland, New the close of the year, the total swana; Izmir, Turkey; Airline’ prize – for a record fifth Rwanda. emphasis on innovation, cus- Zealand – the world’s longest combined fleet size of pas- Langkawi, Malaysia; Lisbon, time - it also won ‘World’s Best Qatar Airways Cargo con- tomer centricity, and service commercial flight - Nice; senger, cargo and Qatar Exec- Portugal; Mogadishu, Somalia; Business Class’, ‘Best Business cluded a very successful 2019, excellence. France; Dublin, Republic of utive (QE) was 259. Rabat, Morocco; and Valletta, Class Seat’, and ‘Best Airline in taking delivery of six new Qatar Airways added 25 air- Ireland; Skopje; Sohar, Oman; In January, Malta, increasing the carrier’s the Middle East’ at the 2019 Boeing 777 freighters and craft to its fleet in 2018 and the Kyiv, Ukraine; Prague, Czech the airline network to over 160 World Airline Awards, managed launching new freighter desti- airline added 25 new destina- Republic, Sarajevo, Bosnia and announced destinations. by international air transport nations Almaty, Guadalajara, tions to its network during the Herzegovina; Adana, Turkey; rating organisation Skytrax. and Singapore along with year, showing that the unjust Chiang Mai, Thailand and St. The annual Trip Advisor capacity increases to several blockade has failed in denting Petersburg, Russia. Qatar’s national carrier continued its awards gave more cause for destinations. The airline also its expansion plans. The airline Qatar Airways took delivery celebration with the airline added Hanoi and Singapore on also named World’s Best of 19 new aircraft in 2017, taking enviable record of winning awards with a picking up five more prizes, its popular and high-demand Business Class’ by the 2018 its total fleet to 212 aircraft. host of accolades during the year. Along namely the ‘World’s Best transpacific route connecting World Airline Awards, managed Qatar Airways had launched its Business Class’ by Trip Advisor, Asia directly to the Americas. by international air transport new Business Class seat, Qsuite, with the ‘World’s Best Airline’ prize – for a ‘Middle East Best Airline’, Cargo capacity was also rating organisation, Skytrax and at ITB Berlin in March 2017 to record fifth time - it also won ‘World’s Best ‘Middle East Best Major’, ‘Middle introduced to nine new belly- won several other accolades. outstanding global acclaim, Business Class’, ‘Best Business Class Seat’, East Best Business Class’ and hold destinations, demon- Despite a challenging bringing a First Class experience ‘Middle East Best Economy strating the carrier’s com- regional environment, the to the Business Class cabin. and ‘Best Airline in the Middle East’ at the Class’. mitment to its customers and airline continued to deliver Qatar Airways also worked 2019 World Airline Awards, managed by The portfolio and the growing global trade. For beyond expectations hand-in-hand with the Qatar international air transport rating organi- investment strategy of the Qatar the financial year 2018-19, throughout 2017, accelerating National Tourism Council Airways Group continued to Cargo revenue witnessed new routes, doubling fre- (QNTC) to promote the nation. sation Skytrax. The annual Trip Advisor progress and diversify in 2019. growth of 16.8 percent with quencies and capacity to Events like Qatar Live where awards gave more cause for celebration In January, the on-market pur- cargo capacity (Available Tonne numerous destinations and global superstars such as chase of certain A shares and H Kilometres) growing 11.8 launching its award-winning Maroon 5, Katy Perry and with the airline picking up five more shares of China Southern Air- percent annually. Qatar Airways new Business Class seat, Qsuite. Maluma performed to thou- prizes, namely the ‘World’s Best Business lines Company Limited (“China Cargo also placed an order for At a time when many airlines sands of fans, the Qatar Inter- Class’ by Trip Advisor, ‘Middle East Best Southern Airlines”) resulted in five more Boeing 777 freighters are scaling back, Qatar Airways national Food Festival and the an aggregate holding of approx- at the Paris Air Show in June continued to thrive, showcasing Doha Jewellery and Watches Airline’, ‘Middle East Best Major’, ‘Middle imately 5 per cent of the total 2019. to the world its award-winning, Exhibition are a vital part of East Best Business Class’ and ‘Middle East issued share capital. The cargo carrier bagged best-in-class cabins, the airline’s work and a A busy summer saw the the prestigious ‘Global Air Cargo catering, in-flight enter- prelude to the next year where Best Economy Class’. airline commit to significant Airline of the Year’ (STAT Trade tainment, passengers will be given even more reasons to visit the country.

Qatar Airways Cargo con- cluded a very successful 2019, taking delivery of six new Boeing 777 freighters and launching new freighter desti- nations Almaty, Guadalajara, and Singapore along with capacity increases to several destinations. The airline also added Hanoi and Singapore on its popular and high- demand transpacific route connecting Asia directly to the Americas. 18 FRIDAY 5 JUNE 2020

HIA emerges as world-class airport

HIA announced its multi-phased airport expansion plan in 2019. Phase A of the expansion is set to comprise of a central concourse linking concourses D and E and will increase the airport’s capacity to more than 53 million passengers annually by 2022. Phase B, which will be completed after 2022, will extend concourses D and E to further enhance the airport’s capacity to more than 60 million passengers annually. The expansion project will also feature a 10,000 sqm indoor tropical garden, a 268 sqm water feature, 11,720 sqm of land- scaped retail and F&B space and 9,000 sqm of world- class Al Mourjan lounge.

THE PENINSULA operational excellence. During 2019, landscaped retail and F&B space and viding passengers with a truly auton- wearable intelligent helmet, which is the airport served a record 38,786,422 9,000 sqm of world-class Al Mourjan omous travel experience. portable, safe and effective, and amad International passengers, the most since the airport lounge. HIA was voted as the “Best Airport enables contactless temperature meas- Airport (HIA) has began operations in 2014. HIA expansion will also see the in the Middle East” for the third con- urement. This helmet uses multiple emerged as world-class Qatar’s airport invests in upskilling construction of a new cargo terminal secutive year in 2019 at the 16th Annual advanced technologies such as infrared airport driven by various its people and building local talent. HIA that will increase capacity handled to Global Traveler’s GT Tested Reader thermal imaging, artificial intelligence proactive steps taken in recently launched ENJAZ, its national an estimated 3.2 million tons per year. Survey Awards in Los Angeles, recog- and AR (augmented reality) display. It the past three years. The talent development programme The state-of-the-art terminal is slated nising it for its outstanding per- can also enable implementation of HAirport won several awards and con- created to grow, nurture and build its to be ready by 2023, and will be a formance in providing an exceptional mobile deployment-based control tinued with its expansion plans despite talent. The programme focuses on multi-level facility with 85,000 sqm experience to travellers. It received the scenarios. unjust blockade imposed on Qatar. training and developing nationals in building footprint, across three levels “Best Passenger Experience Initiative” HIA has also invested in disin- This month, Hamad International order to meet their role requirements as well as three mezzanine levels pro- silver award at the Future Travel Expe- fectant robots, which are fully auton- Airport was ranked the “Third Best in various departments of the airport viding approximately 323,000 sqm of rience (FTE) Asia Awards 2019 in Sin- omous mobile devices Airport in the World”, among 550 air- to enhance job performance and build gross floor area. gapore in November 2019 in recog- emitting concentrated ports worldwide, by the SKYTRAX expertise, in cooperation with associ- HIA also introduced innovative nition for the second phase of its Smart UV-C light, which are World Airport Awards 2020. Rising ations in the field of aviation, in solutions in 2019 to achieve opera- Airport Program. It was also named the known to be effective from fourth position in 2019 to third addition to prestigious local and inter- in 2020, HIA has been steadily rising national educational institutions to in the ‘World’s Best Airports’ rankings provide expanded development plans Hamad International since the start of its operations in 2014. for national cadres. Aside from an excellent third Hamad International Airport has Airport has served a position in the global ratings, the served a record 38.78 million pas- record 38.78 million airport had success in numerous other sengers in 2019, which is the most passengers in 2019, worldwide product and service cate- number of passengers it has served gories such as transit airport (3rd), since the start of its operations in 2014, which is the most immigration processing (10th), baggage making 2019 HIA’s most successful number of passengers delivery (10th), terminal cleanliness year yet. This also shows a year-on- (5th), and leisure amenities (7th). Doha year growth of 12.44% compared to it has served since the Hamad was also the best overall airport passenger numbers in 2018. start of its operations serving 30 to 40-million passengers. Eight new passenger destinations in 2014, making 2019 In addition, HIA has been voted the were added to HIA’s global network in ‘Best Airport in the Middle East’ for the 2019 which were Davao- Philippines, HIA’s most successful sixth year in a row and ‘Best Staff Service Rabat- Morocco, Izmir-Turkey, year yet. This also in the Middle East’ for the fifth year in a Gaborone-Botswana, Langkawi- shows a year-on-year row. Malaysia, Mogadishu-Somalia, Malta and HIA also continues to retain its five- Lisbon- Portugal. Three new cargo des- growth of 12.44% com- star airport classification since 2017. tinations were also added to HIA’s pared to passenger These achievements are a result of the network which are namely Istanbul, New numbers in 2018. hard work and determination demon- York and Almaty. strated by the airport staff, to make HIA Fifteen airlines operating at HIA the ‘world’s fastest growing airport’. increased their weekly flight frequencies HIA’s rankings are also a result of its including Kuwait Airways, Salam Air, tional excellence and enhanced pas- “Best Airport for Passenger Experience” in eliminating majority of infectious Philippine Airlines, Oman Airand Air senger experience in the terminal. The for the second consecutive year in a microorganisms. The robots are being India Express. HIA also welcomed two airport implemented advanced study by AirHelp, the world’s leading air deployed in vulnerable high passenger new airline partners, namely, Air India software solutions for passenger fore- passenger rights specialist. flow areas to reduce the spread of and Tarco Aviation. This lead to HIA han- casting and queue measurement which Hamad International Airport, in pathogens. dlinga total of 232,917 aircraft move- provides real time passenger traffic 2019, launched the second phase of its All passengers are being provided ments in 2019, which is 5.57% more than forecasting as well as calculating innovative Smart Airport program. with hand sanitisers readily available at the previous year. waiting times and throughputs which Hamad International Airport is now key locations. The airport will continue HIA announced its multi-phased are visualized on a live dashboard, using robotics and advanced thermal to maintain 1.5m social distancing across airport expansion plan in 2019. Phase allowing the airport to keep waiting screening helmets as part of the all passenger touch points around the A of the expansion is set to comprise times in check. The software has measures being introduced for the airport, through floor markings, signage of a central concourse linking con- enabled the operational staff to be post-COVID-19 era. The airport has and distance seating. All HIA retail and courses D and E and will increase the proactive and stay agile in the termi- implemented the latest technologies food and beverage outlets will encourage airport’s capacity to more than 53 nal’s dynamic environment. to optimize passenger and employee cashless transactions through cards and million passengers annually by 2022. Along with HIA’s self-check-in and safety in preparation for post- is considering introducing online or Phase B, which will be completed after self-bag-drop kiosks, which were COVID-19 travel. in-app purchases in the future. Fur- 2022, will extend concourses D and E introduced in the terminal to provide Using the latest technology and thermore, HIA has invested in ultraviolet to further enhance the airport’s passengers with a faster and smoother tools, HIA will continue to conduct disinfection tunnels that will be used to capacity to more than 60 million pas- check in process, HIA recently intro- thermal screening and disinfection disinfect all checked-in passenger sengers annually. The expansion duced ten automated security gates at procedures for all staff and passengers. luggage (departing, arriving and trans- project will also feature a 10,000 sqm the pre-immigration area, so pas- Travellers at HIA will be screened using ferring). The airport will also conduct indoor tropical garden, a 268 sqm sengers can scan their own boarding thermal and temperature screening. regular disinfection of all baggage water feature, 11,720 sqm of cards and proceed to immigration, pro- The Smart Screening Helmet is a trolleys and tubs. FRIDAY 5 JUNE 202020 19

yearsy of DIGNITY & 3PROSPERITY

THE PENINSULA In December last Qatar, the 2022 FIFA World Qatar maintains dominance as Cup hosts, has put no limit to year, football fans their sporting ambitions. in the country and Despite an illegal blockade top sport nation in the region the region got a imposed on Qatar by Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain and sneak preview of Egypt since June 5, 2017, the Qatar’s prepara- Gulf state continues to create tions to host the its own sporting legacy, hosting and delivering top 2022 FIFA World international events just as it Cup when it had been doing so since the staged the 2019 90s. In fact, Qatar thrived in FIFA Club World sports in the last three years Cup from like never before, maintaining December 11 to 21. its dominance as the top sport nation in the entire region. From hosting global, conti- nental and regional events by FIFA Club World Cup on its leaving a lasting legacy to soil. winning accolades at the The two finalists Liverpool world stage, Qatar achieved it and Flamengo were joined by all despite the illegal blockade. Qatar giants Al Sadd, Saudi And there is no stopping as powerhouse, Espérance de Qatar is aiming higher and Tunis, Monterrey and bigger when it comes to future Hienghène Sport in the 10-day events. event which will be held in Just last month, Doha Qatar for the second time in threw its hat in the ring for December this year. another shot at hosting the During these two high Asian Games, this time aiming profile sports events, Qatar for the 2026 edition. even managed to revive the Fans would remember spirit of brotherhood among Mutaz Essa Barshim delighted the home crowd by becoming the high jump world champion at the Khalifa International Stadium. Doha put on a spectacular the Arab football family by show of pomp and pageantry hosting the 24th Gulf Cup at when it staged the Asian injury woes to win the bronze two venues - Al Janoub Games in 2006, hosting over medal in 400m hurdles. Stadium and Abdullah Bin 10,000 athletes and officials In December last year, Khalifa Stadium. for the two-week sporting gala football fans in the country The eight-team event was that included riveting opening and the region got a sneak won by Bahrain after a hard- and closing ceremonies at the preview of Qatar’s prepara- fought win over Saudi Arabia iconic Khalifa International tions to host the 2022 FIFA in the final. The November 24 Stadium. World Cup when it staged the to December 6 tournament Also last month, Qatar 2019 FIFA Club World Cup saw fans from all participating confirmed it was also aiming from December 11 to 21. countries landing in Qatar and to host the 2027 edition of the An extra-time strike by enjoying their favourite sport AFC Asian Cup, the region’s Roberto Fermino powered for almost two weeks. biggest national team football Liverpool to a fighting 1-0 win Exactly two years prior to tournament that it won after over Brazilian giants Fla- hosting the 24th Gulf Cup, beating Japan in the title clash mengo and annex their Qatar - who had been set to played on UAE soil in February maiden FIFA Club World Cup host the 23rd edition in 2019. title at the Khalifa Interna- December 2017 - produced a Qatar, currently busy in tional Stadium. sporting gesture and allowed completing all stadiums for Brazilians, cheered on by Kuwait to become the host of 2022 FIFA World Cup, has some 15,000 loyal fans, who the region’s popular event hosted the AFC Asian Cup in made all the noise and created after blockading countries Liverpool's Alisson lifts the trophy as they celebrate after winning 1988 and 2011. a samba like atmosphere Saudi Arabia, the UAE and the Club World Cup in Doha on December 21, 2019. And yes, Qatar truly has inside the stadium, could not Bahrain refused to participate world-class sporting infra- deny Liverpool winning the the event on Doha soil. structure to bring the sports rake in top aviation ratings for Federations (IAAF) Lord 2019) for the Organising Com- trophy as Qatar concluded the fans to Qatar for the two mega its world-class services, han- Sebastian Coe praised the role mittee in Qatar and the IAAF, first of two editions of the P21 events, provided it wins the dling millions of passengers on of the Supreme Organising and I believe it reflects the two respective bids. the ground and in the air every Committee for the IAAF World scale of achievement that we The Hamad International year. Athletics Championships Doha achieved together during the Airport and national carrier With the launch of the 2019, saying: “Qatar’s edition organisation of this tour- Qatar Airways continue to state-of-the-art rail transport of the World Athletics Cham- nament. We are proud of this last year in May, commuters pionships was an exceptional great success andand thanktthanank eve-eeve Qatar’sQatar s editionedittio of the World have been connected with just one by all standards in terms ryone who contributedntribubuted to It was the same about every sporting venue of organisation, technical it with work andndn effort,efff orrt, Athletics ChampionshipsChampi was an story of success and tourist destination in the level, and high quality. I can’t from the workk team,team, exceexceptionalptional one byb all standards country. The hotel industry is remember a World Champi- and we thankk QatarQatar in terms ofof organisation,organisa technical when Doha hosted just as robust, easily accom- onships actually that has for providing us withwitth the IAAF World modating the thousands of delivered at this level for a all facilities.” level,level, andand highhigh quality. I can’t Athletics Champi- visitors who arrive in Qatar long time. I think the tour- Qatar’s hihigh-gh- rememberremember a WWorldo Champion- every year. nament had another jumper Mutaztazz EEssassa shshipsips aactuallyc that has onships - the first It was the same story of dimension in the field of sus- Barshim clinchedhed tthehe hhis-iis- in the Middle East success when Doha hosted the tainability, which made it a toric gold mmedaledal aafterfter delideliveredve at this level - at the Khalifa IAAF World Athletics Cham- unique edition throughout the coming back fromrom a ffor a long time: pionships - the first in the history of all the World Cham- career-threat-at- IAAF President International Middle East - at the Khalifa pionships. I received the ening injuryy LLord Sebastian Stadium in International Stadium in award (the IAAF bagged the while Adber-- October last year. Award of the Best Press Facil- rahmann Coe October last year. President of the Interna- ities which the body provided Samba alsoo tional Association of Athletics to the media during Doha overcamee

Khalifa International Stadium in Doha during the closing ceremony of the IAAF World Athletics Championships - the first in the Middle East. PICTURE: ABDUL BASIT/THE PENINSULA 20 FRIDAY 5 JUNE 2020

FROM PAGE 19

In the week after the IAAF Worlds, Doha hosted the five-day ANOC World Beach Games, also known as Qatar 2019, that kicked off with a spectacular opening ceremony at the Beach side of the President of the Qatar Katara Cultural Village in Doha Olympic Committee, on October 12. Over 1,200 athletes from 97 NOCs, representing all H E Sheikh Joaan the five continents, featured at the bin Hamad Al Thani event considered an “Olympics congratulating Mutaz for Beach Sports”. Essa Barshim after ANOC World Beach Games the Qatari became included 13 sports across 14 dis- the world high jump ciplines. Featured sports included champion during aquathlon, 3X3 basketball, the IAAF Worlds on climbing bouldering, beach October 4, 2019. handball, karate kata individual, kitefoil racing, skateboarding, shooters from 36 nations were in The official 2022 beach soccer, open water 5km contention for 38 quota places for FIFA World Cup Qatar swimming, beach tennis, beach next year’s Tokyo Olympics. logo flashes on an volleyball 4X4, waterski, wake- Hosts won three medals electronic billboard board and beach wrestling. including a place in the Tokyo at Time Square in Ishaq Al Hashmi, Director of Games after Mohamed Al Rumaihi New York City on Sports Committee for the LOC of secured the gold in Men’s Trap September 3, 2019 in ANOC Beach Games, said: “One event as the competition heaped New York City. Qatar of the great legacies of hosting praise from global sport bodies unveiled the logo for Qatar 2019 is the benefits to beach for its successful organisation. The the 2022 World Cup sports in Qatar. We have beau- same month Qatar also hosted a by displaying it in tiful beaches all around the blockbuster PSA World Squash public spaces in Doha country and I believe we’ll be wit- Championship, with Egypt’s and cities around the nessing interests from the pop- World No.3 Tarek Momen world. ulace in beach sports in Qatar winning the crown at the Khalifa State-of-the-art football going forward. We’ve been doing International Tennis and Squash well in some of the disciplines like Complex. stadiums in the making volleyball and handball, where In October 2018, American we’ve conquered the continent of sensation Simone Biles set the several occasions, now it is the venue ablaze with her perform- time for us to have major impacts ances at the 48th Artistic Gym- in other disciplines as well and nastics World Championships balance beam to wrap up Doha the competition will definitely Doha 2018, the first one of its kind Worlds with a total of six medals help us in achieving that.” to be held in the Middle East. at the Aspire Academy, the In November last year, Qatar Biles, marking her return to world’s largest indoor sports hosted the 14th Asian Shooting international competitions after facility. Championships at the Losail a 14-month break, secured floor She returned home with four Doha hosted an Shooting Range where more 1522 gold and a bronze medal in gold medals, one silver and a amazing World bronze medal. Over 600 gym- Championships. nasts from 76 countries competed for a total of 42 medals at Doha It was a unique Doha also hosted the five-day ANOC World Worlds. competition in FIG President Morinari Beach Games, also known as Qatar 2019, many ways. I would Aerial views of Al Bayt Stadium (top) and the Al Thumama Watanabe said while speaking at that kicked off with a spectacular opening Stadium (bottom) which will host matches during the an impressive closing ceremony like to congratulate 2022 FIFA World Cup Qatar. The construction of other ceremony at the Beach side of the Katara of the event: “Doha hosted an the organisers for World Cup venues are also in the advanced stages and is amazing World Championships. Cultural Village in Doha on October 12. Over hosting the event on track of completion well before time. 1,200 athletes from 97 NOCs, representing It was a unique competition in many ways. I would like to con- successfully: FIG all the five continents, featured at the event gratulate the organisers for President Morinari considered an “Olympics for Beach Sports”. hosting the event successfully.” Watanabe Ali Al Hitmi, the Executive Director of the Organising

Action during the beach handball bronze medal match of the 1st ANOC World Beach Games Qatar Committee of Doha Worlds and 2019 at Katara Beach. also President of the Qatar Gym- nastics Federation said: “We have succeeded in providing an excep- tionally well organised event which has exceeded expectations and the specified criteria.”

FIFA World Cup venues In the last three years, Qatar also delivered on its promise by inaugurating the renovated Khalifa International Stadium and brand new Al Janoub Stadium. Both venues were officially inau- gurated by the Amir H H Sheikh TamimTamim bibinn HaHamadmad Al TThanihani iinn ththee A view of the Al Rayyan Stadium construction site. presencepresence of FIFA President, sportssports personalities,personalities, officials and football playersplayers at speciallspeciallyy planned cer-cer- emoniesemonies that gave a glimpse into what QQataratar would do to welcomewelcome tthehe ffansans fforor thethe 22022022 FIFAFIFA World Cup. The con-con- ststructionruction of otherother WorldWorld CupCup venues are also in the advanced stagesstages aandnd iiss oonn ttrackrack of ccompletionompletion well beforebefore time.time.