Thursday December 17, 2020 Jumada Al-Awwal 2, 1442 Vol.14 no. 5131 qR 2
Fajr: 4:51 am Dhuhr: 11:30 am fine Asr: 2:27 pm Maghrib: 4:48 pm High : 27°C LOW : 21°C Isha: 6:18 pm
World 11 Business 13 Sports 18 Erdogan calls US Qatar-Russia trade beIN Sports to broadcast sanctions ‘attack rises 200% in Amir Cup 2020 final, Al on sovereignty’ 7 years: Kuwari Rayyan Stadium opening
كل عام وقطر بخير! !Happy National Day #نحمدك_يا_ذا_العرش
Amir chairs SCEAI meeting Cabinet congratulates Amir, people of Qatar on National Day Amir pardons QNA The Cabinet recalled the sincere prisoners Doha efforts that contributed to the renais- HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim sance of the state, preserving its bin Hamad Al Thani issued The Cabinet on Wednesday congratu- sovereignty and gains and protecting an Amiri gesture pardoning lated His Highness the Amir of State its independence. a number of prisoners, on of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al The Cabinet expressed its pride the occasion of the National Thani and the people of Qatar on the in what the country has achieved Day. (QNA) occasion of the National Day. internally and the distinguished posi- Chaired by Prime Minister and tion it gained abroad, thanks to the His Highness The Amir of State of Deputy Amir HH Sheikh Abdul- cil and the members of the council. Minister of Interior HE Sheikh Khalid wise policy of HH the Amir and the Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al lah bin Hamad Al Thani, the Deputy The council discussed topics on bin Khalifa bin Abdulaziz Al Thani, solidarity of the people of Qatar. Thani, Chairman of the Supreme Chairman of the Council, attended the meeting agenda and took the ap- the Cabinet recalled with pride Meanwhile, the Cabinet also af- Follow precautions, Council for Economic Affairs and the meeting along with Prime Minis- propriate measures regarding them. and appreciation the efforts of the firmed the continuation of work with Investment (SCEAI), chaired the ter and Minister of Interior HE Sheikh The council also reviewed Qatar founder Sheikh Jassim bin Muham- regard to the precautionary meas- arrive early at stns: Council’s fourth meeting of 2020 at Khalid bin Khalifa bin Abdulaziz Al Investment Authority’s investment mad bin Thani and his historical role ures that have been taken to combat Doha Metro (PG 5 ) the Amiri Diwan on Wednesday. Thani, Executive Member of the Coun- plan for 2021. (QNA) in establishing the State of Qatar. COVID-19 pandemic. page
Asiad: Win-win situation for Qatar and Saudi Arabia Doha to host 2030 Asian Games
We are pleased with our victory in hosting the 2030 Asian Games.. We thank the hosting committee and everyone who worked with it for their appreciated ef- forts.. And as Doha 2006 was distinguished, it will be a quantum leap and an embodiment of Qatar’s sports mission as a means HH Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Personal Representative of HH the Amir, met to enhance human and with members of the working group of Doha 2030 Asian Games Bid Committee, led by Qatar Olympic Committee Presdient HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani and Deputy Prime Minis- cultural com- Qatar Olympic Committee President HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani, upon their ter and Minister of Foreign Affairs HE Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani during the 39th munication and arrival at Doha International Airport on Wednesday evening. The team arrived in Doha Olympic Council of Asia General Assembly Meeting in Muscat on Wednesday after Doha was selected understanding. following their participation in the meeting of the 39th General Assembly of the Olym- as host city for 2030 Asian Games. pic Council of Asia (OCA), which was held in Muscat where Doha was declared as the winner to host the 2030 Asian Games. Secretary of HH the Amir for Investment Affairs QNA man of Doha 2030 HE Sheikh ship for the renewed confi- HE Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad Al Thani, Minister of Culture and Sports HE Salah bin Muscat Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani, dence they have placed upon He added that there is no Ghanem Al Ali and a number of high-ranking officials concerned with sports affairs in the CEO of Qatar Foundation HE the city of Doha, which has limit to what the Qataris can state attended the meeting. Doha will host the 2030 Sheikha Hind bint Hamad Al become an icon of Asian and achieve and accomplish for Asian Games after winning in Thani and Deputy Prime Min- international sport as it hosts Qatar, Asia and the world as the voting that took place on ister and Minister of Foreign more continental and inter- well. the sidelines of the 39th Gen- Affairs HE Sheikh Moham- national championships,” he Sheikh Joaan said he was Congratulations to Qatar and its people for winning the hosting right of eral Assembly of the Olym- med bin Abdulrahman Al said. an ambassador for the Asian the Asian Games 2030. This is a sporting success for all the Arabs .. All pic Council of Asia (OCA) in Thani. Sheikh Joaan reaffirmed Games torch, which was thanks to the Qatar Olympic Committee and the Doha 2030 Bid Commit- the Omani capital of Muscat Doha won 27 votes against Doha’s determination to com- hosted by Doha in 2006. “I tee for their great efforts and for everyone who supported our candidacy on Wednesday. Riyadh was 10 for Riyadh, and 8 countries bine creativity and enjoyment have traveled thousands of file. Welcome to the Asian and international sports fans. Doha 2030 named as the host of the 2034 abstained from voting, ac- in organising the 2030 Asian miles and visited 27 coun- a meeting of cultures and peoples. edition. cording to the Asian Council. Games. “We do not take this tries over the course of 55 An executive board meet- Sheikh Joaan said, “The responsibility for granted, but days to celebrate the val- ing of the Olympic Council of effort we exerted resulted in we will work tirelessly to host ues that sport represents in Asia (OCA) unanimously ap- the result we expected, which a unique Asian Games that terms of friendship, respect New Qatari sporting proved the proposal to name is to win the honour of host- would leave an indelible mark and sporting spirit.” achievement with the runner-up in the two- ing the 2030 Asian Games ... on the history of the Asian The Qatar Olympic Com- a victory in host- horse race for the 2030 games and in the midst of the Na- Games.” mittee president stressed ing the 2030 Asian as 2034 hosts. tional Day celebrations and “By the way, we congratu- that Qatar’s hosting of the Games. All thanks After the vote, OCA presi- the overwhelming national late the Riyadh 2030 file for Asiad 2030 is a source of and appreciation to dent HE Sheikh Ahmad Al Fa- feelings, this victory will be hosting 2034, and we wish pride for Qatari citizens and HE Sheikh Joaan bin had Al Sabah said, “I can now a special one, which, by the the Saudi Olympic Committee people, indicating that this Hamad Al Thani and announce... that the city who way, is not a victory for Qatar success,” he added. victory came as a result of his wonderful young had the highest vote and will alone, but rather we share it He said, “Qatar has commitment and determina- host 2030 is Doha.” with all the peoples of West worked for 20 years to build tion to make “sport the focus team in the Qatar Olympic Committee and “The second hosting city, Asia.” world-class sports facilities of our interest”, and “sport the Doha 2030 Bid Committee for their for 2034, is Riyadh.” “We feel very proud of win- and infrastructure. Doha has for us in Qatar is part of our efforts, which were a source of our The 39th OCA General ning this prestigious event, sufficient experience andnational identity and our ge- pride. We also thank the broth- Assembly was attended by and we sincerely thank and know-how to host this great netic makeup as well.” ers in our beloved Oman for their President of Qatar Olympic appreciate the Asian Olympic event in 2030 and beyond,” hospitality. Committee (QOC) and Chair- Committees and their leader- Sheikh Joaan said. Continued on page 16
04 Nameday, Month 00, 2020 Nation
On the occasion of,
Qatar National Day, 18th of December and in rememberance of the historic day in 1878 when Sheikh Jassim Bin Mohammed Bin Thani, founder of the State of Qatar, set up the pillars of the Modern State of Qatar, We extend our heartiest congratulations and greetings to
His Highness Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani Amir of the State of Qatar His Highness Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al Thani Father Amir His Highness Sheikh Abdullah Bin Hamad Al Thani Deputy Amir and to all the honorable people of Qatar,
We hope for more returns of this memorable occasion and wish that Qatar always enjoys security, welfare and prosperity under the wise leadership of His Highness The Amir. Nation Thursday, December 17, 2020 05
Human dignity is at forefront of Amir congratulates president of Kazakhstan The Amir His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani on Wednesday sent a cable of congratulations to President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev on his country’s Independ- Qatar’s values: Culture minister ence Day. (QNA) Deputy Amir congratulates president of HE Ghanem Al Ali speaks on youth and identity as QF launches Arabic-only edition of discussion platform Kazakhstan Tribune News Network discussion saw the minister discuss passed through generations, so that The Deputy Amir His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad Al Doha how young people can follow their aspi- these generations learn it automati- Thani on Wednesday sent a cable of congratulations to Presi- rations and make positive change hap- cally.” dent of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev on his country’s The rise of nations and civilisations lies pen in their communities while retain- He also highlighted four character- Independence Day. (QNA) in their identity but the risk comes from ing their sense of identity, as well as the istics that represent a society’s culture: not recognising their “deeper identity”, challenges they encounter. constancy, emotional adhesion, inte- PM sends greetings to Kazakh counterpart Minister of Culture and Sports HE He spoke of how Qatar was estab- gration between elements of society Salah bin Ghanem Al Ali said, while lished on the highest values, with hu- and the expansion of culture among all Prime Minister and Minister of Interior HE Sheikh Khalid bin speaking at the launch of Qatar Foun- man dignity being the foremost of these members of society. Khalifa bin Abdulaziz Al Thani on Wednesday sent a cable of dation’s Education City Speaker Series values, and the people of Qatar created He encouraged young people to congratulations to Prime Minister of Kazakhstan Askar Mamin Bel Arabi. solutions to the challenges they have think about their perception of deeper on his country’s Independence Day. (QNA) The minister was the guest for an faced throughout history and created identity, including aspects such as jus- online discussion as the Education a culture of creativity and solidarity, tice, freedom and time, and to be open City Speaker Series – the platform for which he described as “a genetic foot- to other cultures. dialogue and discourse established by print that has been transferred from “To be open to another culture, and Qatar Foundation (QF) – premiered its one generation to another” and one of to do so with confidence and awareness, new Arabic-only strand. Minister of Culture and Sports HE Salah the cornerstones of Qatar’s national will lead to our own national identity Cabinet okays draft law to amend The inaugural edition of the Educa- bin Ghanem Al Ali identity. being strengthened,” he said. tion City Speaker Series Bel Arabi saw During the discussion, which was “The responsibility of preserving Commercial Companies Law the minister discuss the ‘iceberg model’ lates to human dignity, relationships followed by a question-and-answer our deeper identity is held by both the QNA The Cabinet then reviewed that contains the visible aspects of iden- with others, work, science and how peo- session, Ali defined the concepts of a individual and the wider community. Doha and took the appropriate de- tity, such as language, crafts, architec- ple value time. nation’s culture. A community or society cannot be dis- cisions on the results of the ture, food, clothes and traditional arts. “The deeper identity is like the func- “Culture is the core of any society,” tinguished without the individual, and The Cabinet, at a meeting Fifth Special Session of the Described these as being the key to tions of the human body,” he said. he said. “It is a cumulative process for an individual cannot be distinguished chaired by Prime Minister and Executive Board of the World achieving a nation’s security and sta- He emphasised the importance of a specific group, whether individuals, without belonging to a community.” Minister of Interior HE Sheikh Health Organization(WHO) bility because of the sense of loyalty people exploring these elements of their institutions or countries. They face This was the seventh edition of the Khalid bin Khalifa bin Ab- and the results of the 36 ses- and belonging they create, he called on deeper identity, saying, “Reaching for internal and external challenges and Education City Speaker Series to be dulaziz Al Thani on Wednes- sion of the Standing Commit- young people to pay more attention to excellence is very important to enhanc- they try to find solutions to these chal- held in virtual form, with the platform day, approved a draft law to tee for Economic and Com- them and celebrate them. ing national identity.” lenges. being switched to online mode amid the amend some Commercial Com- mercial Cooperation of the Focusing on the ‘deeper’ identity Reflecting QF’s role in preserving “The solution that succeeds be- COVID-19 pandemic to continue offering panies Law No 11 of 2015 provi- Organization of Islamic Coop- which the iceberg model also contains, and promoting the Arabic language, comes a behaviour and the behaviour opportunities for dialogue and the ex- sions and to refer it to the Shura eration (COMCEC). (QNA) the minster spoke about how this re- heritage, culture and knowledge, the becomes culture and this culture is change of knowledge and perspectives. Council. At the beginning of the The Cabinet also approved meeting, the Cabinet listened the proposal of the Minister of to the explanation by Minister Interior to nominate its repre- of Public Health HE Dr Hanan sentatives in the membership Mohamed Al Kuwari on the Follow precautions, arrive early at stations, advises Doha Metro of the Military Retirement latest developments to limit Committee. the spread of the coronavirus Tribune News Network public at stations at both events, capacity to enable social dis- ily Food Center and the ‘Talabat’ and the Ministry of Transport The meeting also gave (COVID-19). Doha and therefore, it has advised pas- tancing. In preparation for the application. Gold Class cards are and Communications (MoTC), approval to a draft memo- The council affirmed the sengers to pre-plan and leave upcoming events, public access available through Gold Centres at Qatar Rail has implemented randum of understanding continuation of work with In celebration of Qatar Na- extra time for their journey. To to stations will be arranged to all metro stations. These reusable precautionary and operational (MoU) on strategic dialogue regard to the precaution- tional Day, which will run side avoid crowding, the customers avoid crowding at ticket vending cards provide a contactless pay- measures, placing the safety of between Qatar’s Ministry of ary measures that have been by side with the final match of can benefit from metro’s journey machines, entry gates and train ment service and help limit touch users as the top priority. Foreign Affairs and Italian taken in order to combat the the Amir Cup 2020, Qatar Rail- pre-planning service through platforms, said a press statement points during the trip. customer On entering the station, Ministry of Foreign Affairs pandemic. ways Company (Qatar Rail) has the Qatar Rail application or from Qatar Rail. can also recharge their cards customers will be required to and International Coopera- Following the meeting, reminded Doha Metro custom- Doha Metro website and arrive Additionally, Qatar Rail in advance of their journey, us- show their ‘Ehteraz’ health sta- tion; and a draft memoran- Minister of Justice and Acting ers to adhere to the precaution- at the station in advance of their has recommended purchasing ing debit or credit cards via the tus and undergo temperature dum of understanding (MoU) Minister of State for Cabinet ary measures to limit the spread planned departure time. prepaid Standard Travel cards website qr.com.qa or Qatar Rail checks. Only individuals with for cooperation in the field of Affairs HE Dr Issa bin Saad Al of the coronavirus (COVID-19). In light of the COVID-19 through approved sales outlets application. green health status and tem- sports between the govern- Jafali Al Nuaimi said the Cabi- The Doha Metro is expected guidelines, metro services are such as Al Meera, Lulu, Carre- In cooperation with the Min- peratures below 37.8°C will be ments of Qatar and the Kyrgyz net addressed all the agenda of to see a large turnout from the currently running at 30 percent four, Jumbo Electronics, Fam- istry of Public Health (MoPH) allowed to use the metro. Republic. the meeting. 06 Thursday, December 17, 2020
Recognition of a Beacon of Humanitarianism QRCS at the Forefront of Qatar National Day Parade
Officials: Thanks to volunteers QRCS is Always There for Qatar and medical professionals. HE Sheikh Abdullah bin Thamer Al Thani – President It is my pleasure to express my best wishes to the Amir of Qatar HH Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Father We are proud of Qatar Amir HH Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, and the people of Qatar for the coming of Qatar National Day (QND), which commemorates the unification of the State of Qatar. It represents the country’s identity, history, ambitions, and Volunteers: Parading in front of underlying ideals. December 18th is the date when we recall how Qatar achieved national unity. That far-off day was the spark for HH the Amir of Qatar the country’s journey towards its greatness of today as one of the most developed and influential countries both regionally and globally. is a badge of honour On this occasion, which is dear to our hearts, let’s exult in the country we love, the modern society we are building, the bright future we are shaping for our children, and QRCS. Whether in good times or hard times, QRCS is always there for Qatar, with its noble mission and leading humanitarian, social, and volunteering roles, in the best interest of Qatar and humanity at large. May the souls of our ancestors, who won and brought us glory, rest in peace. Good for this generation, which is living the peak of development and prosperity. And let the next generation gear up to continue to build our future Qatar of pride and magnificence.
QRCS Backed Our Government in Fighting the Pandemic Dr. Aisha bint Yousef Al-Mannai – Vice-President As we celebrate QND, I would like to extend my sincerest wishes to HH the Amir, the government, the people, and the residents of Qatar. Today, we remember the sublime principles of our beloved hallenging though it country, inspired by the Islamic values of justice, equality, and maybe, 2020 proved tolerance. The Founder and his companions made historic that tough times feats creating, unifying, and consolidating the country over its own territories. Decades of development have culminated in bring out the best the reign of the current Amir, who leads us with his wise vision Cin people. This is how Qatar and good governance in all fields. Guided by Qatar National Red Crescent Society (QRCS) redefines its active role in the humanitarian Vision 2030, we are turning steadily into one of the most arena. From top to bottom and relying on local and international partner- advanced countries of the world. Celebrating QND in such safety and stability, we have to ships in different areas — health care, relief, and volunteerism — everyone thank Allah, preserve national unity, shun disagreement, protect in the organisation joined hands to make an admirable story of successive human rights, and promote its culture among everyone. Great achievements. In the public scene, QRCS stands as a beacon of humanitar- countries are great because they cherish the rights of both nationals and residents. In this unusual year, ian assistance for those in need everywhere. QRCS’s leaders, officials, and the leadership did whatever it takes to protect the people, by adopting the highest health and safety standards in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic. Paradoxically, many governments, including advanced volunteers valued the honouring of the organisation by participating in the ones, failed to combat the pandemic. This makes me feel indescribably proud. We at QRCS backed our Qatar National Day (QND) parade, considering it a further motivation to be government in fighting the pandemic, locally and in other countries. The government and QRCS worked better humanitarians who preserve human dignity and work towards the together to deal with the outbreak, driven by humanitarian principles and Islamic teachings. goals of Qatar National Vision 2030. I wish Qatar and its people all peace, blessing, security, and well-being. Happy QND to everyone!
The Worst Has Passed for Our Country Ali bin Hassan Al-Hammadi – Secretary-General and Board Member Youth Are Our Wealth for the Present and Future QND is here again! It has always been our pride Eng. Ibrahim Abdullah Al-Malki – CEO and joy. We live in this country, owe it a lot, and During 2020, QRCS joined forces with all government work hard to make it among the best. As organisations and NGOs to fight the coronavirus pandemic. We thankful Qataris, we have to contribute to its offered diverse medical services and launched volunteering current modernisation and shape a brighter community initiatives to treat the patients, ensure the safety of future for the next generation. society members, and ease the economic impact on poor Every year, our leadership holds the people. practice of selecting a QND slogan derived While engaged in this noble national undertaking, QRCS from the sayings of Sheikh Jassim bin continued to pursue its humanitarian mission of helping the Mohamed Al Thani, the Founder of Qatar. He victims of conflicts, disasters, and poverty in underdeveloped was a military commander, sage judge, knight, countries. In Qatar, it stepped up social, health, and and prolific poet who left a huge legacy of meaningful poems and quotes with useful development services for different segments of society. These advice to live by. efforts further promoted Qatar’s leading humanitarian position This year’s QND slogan, “We praise You, the Lord of the Throne”, reflects the locally and internationally, as well as contributed to the goals of people of Qatar’s faith in Allah, dependence on Him in happiness and misfortune, and Qatar National Vision 2030. thankfulness for His blessings, especially during the recent coronavirus pandemic. All of this was achieved only with the unlimited support from the competent authorities. Our Thanks to Allah, the worst has passed for our country. The leadership, institutions, volunteers and medical professionals were in the frontline of combating the pandemic, taking the risk and people of Qatar stood together to protect the country against the outbreak. and putting in time and effort to protect the country and get over this adversity. Again, we pledge our undivided loyalty to our country and wise leadership. We are The future of humanitarian action in Qatar is promising and full of hopeful signs. This is evident in determined to work even harder and harder, towards the promising future we seek for the increasing number of youths choosing to volunteer, in order to improve others’ lives and solve their our children. They are looking to us for a lead, just as we were given a lead by our life problems. In a modern society, power is how much its youth have awareness; knowledge; and honorable predecessors. Good luck! physical, mental, social, and behavioral well-being. Youth are our wealth for the present and the future. Thursday, December 17, 2020 07
A Day Of Great Pride For Everyone
QRCS Celebrates Qatar National Day
QRCS today celebrated Qatar National Day 2020, in the presence of Ali bin Hassan Al-Hammadi, Secretary-General, Ibrahim Hashim Al-Sada, board member, Eng. Ibrahim Abdullah Al-Malki, CEO, executive directors of divisions, heads of department, staff, and volunteers.
QRCS Is a Humanitarian Organisation of Ingrained Patriotism We Nurture Mutual Understanding, Friendship Saleh Ali Al-Mohannadi – Board Member and Cooperation to Preserve Human Dignity Undoubtedly, 2020 was a defining year for QRCS, with the COVID-19 Rashid Saad Al-Mohannadi – Board Member outbreak. Alhamdullillah, QRCS was well prepared, thanks to the disaster management camps it has been organising for years. These As a humanitarian organisation with a core national and camps graduated many volunteers qualified in the various aspects of international mandate of helping the victims of conflicts and disaster preparedness and response, a prerequisite for humanitarian disasters without discrimination, QRCS strives for the goals of and voluntary work. avoiding and alleviating human suffering everywhere; protecting With its volunteers and departments, QRCS is always ready to do lives and health; ensuring human respect and welfare; its part in emergencies very well. It greatly supported government nurturing mutual understanding, friendship, and cooperation to authorities, such as the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH), Ministry of preserve human dignity; and establishing permanent peace Interior, and other organisations, in enforcing preventive measures. Also, there was an important role among all nations of the world. played by QRCS’s medical professionals, whether at the MoPH-supervised health centers or by operating On QND, I take the opportunity to reiterate QRCS’s quarantine and isolation facilities to take care of the COVID-19 patients. My best wishes to HH the Amir, commitment to its humanitarian mission, both inside and and the people and residents of Qatar on QND. Every year, it inspires us to work harder to be among the outside of the region. Volunteerism, humanitarian action, and best. This year, QRCS’s volunteers and medical professionals are honored as part of the QND parade, an raising awareness are crucial to the goals of Qatar National Vision 2030, under the patronage event that shows the government’s recognition of those offering community and voluntary services. of the Amir of Qatar HH Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. The active participation of QRCS’s To us, QND is a day of national loyalty, and QRCS is an integral part of it, as a humanitarian different departments in the QND celebrations emphasises its national and humanitarian role organisation of ingrained and dedicated patriotism. in promoting humanitarian values and a culture of volunteerism.
Words Cannot Express Our Love of Country Committed to the Founder’s Humanitarian Diplomacy Soad Saidan Al-Hamad – Board Member Dr. Fawzi Oussedik – Head of International Relations QRCS occupies a central humanitarian role at the local and global QND is a perfect opportunity to ponder on the tenets and levels. Its humanitarian efforts began in Qatar over the last three values underlying the State of Qatar. These are guidelines to decades of the 20th century, applying the seven Fundamental follow, and inherently altruistic and virtuous practices to Principles of the Red Cross and Red Crescent: Humanity, impartiality, translate them into reality, both individually and collectively. neutrality, independence, voluntary service, unity, and universality. We have always been promoting these values through our overall QRCS has a humanitarian affiliation to the International Federation of strategy and well-established policies, extending help to all the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), which is without discrimination. This is the humanitarian diplomacy of the strategically attached to the Qatar National Vision 2030. Founder, and we at QRCS remain faithful to it. QND is a reminder Over the past few years, the role of QRCS has been notable, of these spiritual values, which are praised by everyone. particularly during 2020, as its staff and volunteers were there to combat COVID-19, back different Another aspect of QND is taking pride in this country, whose government organisations, and provide socioeconomic, psychological, and pandemic control support for institutions are built on the ethical principles of cooperation and National Societies in vulnerable countries. QND is a source of pride. Words cannot express our love of solidarity, typically reflected in the slogan of QND. Over its history, QRCS advocated these values country; it is endless! The QND parade showcases the efforts of nationals and residents. QRCS is one as the basis of international humanitarian policies. To that end, it works to build the capacity of of the country’s dedicated community service organisations. Being part of the QND parade is a fellow National Societies, defend vulnerable communities, encourage a culture of knowledge recognition of its abundant giving. You deserve it! Keep it up! and research, and raise awareness of the provisions of International Humanitarian Law.
We Praise You, the Lord of the Throne, for Enabling Us to Do This Noble Humanitarian Work Faisal Mohamed Al-Emadi – Executive Director of Relief and International Development Division QRCS’s Relief and International Development Division works to alleviate the suffering of victims of disasters around the world, building the resilience of vulnerable communities to recover. It launches emergency responses and development programmes, utilising its extensive experience in such areas, membership of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, and presence in many geographical regions. Despite the COVID-19 crisis, QRCS operated in 41 countries during 2020, reaching out to some three million people, with QR85 million worth of aid. The Disaster Information Management Center was activated 18 times. There were emergency relief interventions in response to the Beirut Harbor explosion, flash floods in Sudan, mass displacement from Ethiopia, Typhoon Vamco in the Philippines, and many other disasters. At the same time, the training courses on disaster preparedness capacity-building in Qatar were attended by 135 participants. We at QRCS are proud of this honoring on that special day, which motivates us to work even harder, amid difficult humanitarian conditions all over the world. We pray: We praise You, the Lord of the Throne, Kingdom, and Blessing for all the great boons You bestowed upon Qatar, and for enabling us to help the vulnerable victims of disasters and to do this noble humanitarian work.
Warm Winter.. Dignity Is Priceless QRCS is going on with its annual Warm Winter Campaign 2020-2021, under the theme of Dignity Is Priceless. It seeks to provide food and winterization aid for around 43,000 families, or 256,000 people, in 13 countries: Syria, Jordan, Iraq, Yemen, Lebanon, Gaza, Jerusalem and the West Bank, Bangladesh, Sudan, Somalia, Afghanistan, Kosovo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, in addition to Qatar.
As Part of QRCS, We Look Forward to Doing More and More We Used to Watch QND Parade on TV. Dr. Soni Chemmundaparambil Das – Al-Hemaila Workers’ Health Center (Volunteer) Now, We Are Part of It! I consider myself lucky to work in Qatar, especially under Qatar Red Crescent, which provides charitable Joan Coruna Gipal – Volunteer and humanitarian services. Qatar is a great country with such a great leader, the Amir HH Sheikh Tamim I am really happy and privileged to join the volunteers. They bin Hamad Al Thani, who takes care of every individual in the country and is known for supporting are committed, hardworking, and humble. I have met a lot of charitable and humanitarian activities around the world. As a doctor, my experience with QRCS is very people who are very intelligent and helpful. It is a privilege encouraging, especially in this pandemic situation where we stood hand in hand with other for us as residents to be with them in the mission. government organisations to fight the COVID-19. We were able to effectively manage the patients, We are very grateful for being selected to join in the Qatar making Qatar among the few countries in the world with the lowest pandemic-related mortality rate. National Day parade. Every year, we used to just watch the It will be a great moment of pride for QRCS to be honoured on Qatar National Day for its impressive parade on TV. Now, we are part of it! It is a really an amazing humanitarian contributions. As part of QRCS, we look forward to doing more and more for the benefit of this great country. I feeling, especially when we did the rehearsal. I am proud of my husband and myself would like to thank all QRCS officials for giving me this opportunity to become part of the QND event. Happy National Day to all! for doing our part to at least help people and focus on our own problems. 08 Thursday, December 17, 2020 Nation HBKU Press launches young adult book Hayakom to mark QND
Tribune News Network the publication. overlaid with photographs of Doha Hayakom’s meaning is the landmarks and the places ‘welcome,’ and throughout highlighted which result in the book, the protagonist, unique visuals on each page. Hamad Bin Khalifa Univer- Faisal, welcomes his visiting “I am very proud to have sity Press (HBKU Press) re- friends and guides them on another opportunity to col- leased a new Qatar-themed a week-long visit to Qatar. laborate with HBKU Press young adult book in honour From the sand dunes to the on this project and in honor of Qatar National Day 2020, Pearl, from Doha to Zekreet, of Qatar National Day,” said titled Hayakom, now avail- readers get a glimpse of Qa- Yanopulos. “It is inspiring to able in English and coming tar in all its glory as the three be able to constantly try new in Arabic. friends explore the natural and creative ways to bring Students from Qatar and man-made magnificence books to life and this project Foundation’s Tariq Bin Ziad of this small peninsula on the has been a unique experience School and Qatar Academy shores of the Arabian Gulf and using mixed media. It high- – Sidra Schools, as well as experience the famous hospi- lights a locally-themed story students from Doha British tality that defines the country. in an effort to engage readers School, were treated to a vir- of Qatar National Day,” said landmarks and landscapes ture, and lifestyle. It is a won- the world. The book is the Beautifully photographed and promote a love of read- tual storytelling session as Ghenwa Yehia-Malaeb, Con- around the country. And for derful story and a thoughtful result of the collaborative ef- and cleverly illustrated, Hay- ing and art overall.” part of their Qatar National tent Development Specialist readers around the world, educational resource as well.” forts of the various members akom also uses the popular Hayakom is available Day celebrations. at HBKU Press. this book takes them on a sce- HBKU Press has pro- of the HBKU Press Team new artistic style of mixed me- for purchase at FNAC and “HBKU Press is proud to “For readers here, the nic tour of the country while duced this book to highlight who volunteered their time dia. The mix of illustrations Alif bookshops in Qatar and launch Hayakom in schools book is an opportunity to teaching them about Qatar’s the State of Qatar to local and unique skills to contrib- drawn by the award-winning through Snoonu, Rafeeq and across Qatar and in honor learn key facts about famous past and present history, cul- readers and readers around ute to the different parts of illustrator Nikos Yanopulos is Purple Box applications. UNGA adopts resolution to Bangladesh embassy marks Glorious Victory Day grant observer status to Global Tribune News Network Sheikh Hasina. In this con- Dryland Alliance based in Qatar Doha text, he mentioned about the completion of Padma Bridge The United Nations General bly in September 2014. The Bangladeshi Embassy in funded from Bangladesh’s Assembly (UNGA) has adopted The Alliance includes a Doha organised a colourful pro- own sources which symbol- a resolution to grant observer number of member states and gramme to mark the Glorious ises the country’s achievement, status in the UN General As- partners, and aims at address- Victory Day on December 16. leadership and self-confidence. sembly for the Global Dryland ing food security issue faced by Bangladesh’s Ambassador The ambassador also said that Alliance (GDA), which is based drylands’ inhabitants, filling the to Qatar HE Md Jasim Uddin this accomplishment would in Doha. The resolution was existing gaps in research, strate- inaugurated the ceremony by help project a brighter image presented by Qatar and joined gies and policies to enable dry- hoisting the national flag, in the of Bangladesh to the interna- by 49 countries unanimously. land countries to achieve food presence of a large number of tional community. The resolution calls on the security and ensure the well-be- expatriate Bangladeshis. HE Md Jasim Uddin Global Dryland Alliance to par- ing of their people, exchanging The programme began urged the expatriate Bangla- ticipate in the General Assem- knowledge and best practices, with recitation from the Holy deshis to actively take part in bly as an observer. developing countries’ capaci- Qur’an. A special prayer was the development activities of Based on the resolution, ties to prevent food crises and offered seeking salvation of On the occasion of the Glo- nomic Affairs), made a Pow- said Prime Minister Sheikh Bangladesh. He called upon the Alliance will formally par- exchanging assistance. the departed souls of Father rious Victory Day, messages erPoint presentation on Bang- Hasina is working tirelessly the expatriates to participate ticipate in the sessions and the The Global Dryland Alli- of the Nation Bangabandhu from the president, prime abandhu, Glorious Victory to build the golden Bengal of in the celebration of the birth work of the General Assembly ance, which was established Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, his minister, foreign minister and Day and the realisation of the the dream of Bangabandhu centenary of the Father of the in the capacity of observer. on October 15, 2017 in Doha, martyred family members, state minister for foreign af- dream of Independence. Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. Nation and the golden jubilee The Amir His Highness performs its activities in ac- four national leaders and three fairs of Bangladesh were read In his speech, the ambas- The ambassador also of independence of Bangladesh. Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al cordance with the purposes and million martyrs, as well as for out, followed by the presenta- sador paid deep homage to spoke about the socioeconom- The expatriate Bangladeshis Thani presented the initiative of principles of the United Na- the development and contin- tion of a video especially made Father of the Nation Bang- ic development in Bangladesh can also contribute to share the the Global Dryland Alliance in tions aimed at promoting peace ued progress of Bangladesh for the occasion. abandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rah- and accomplishments in the positive stories of Bangladesh in a speech at the 68th session of and international cooperation. under the leadership of Prime Md Mahbur Rahman, man, four national leaders international arena under the addition to following the local United Nations General Assem- (qna) Minister Sheikh Hasina. councilor (Political and Eco- and three million martyrs. He dynamic leadership of PM rules and customs, he added. Katara Hospitality launches exclusive package for citizens, residents The package includes complimentary stay in special ‘Your To Luxury’ for nationals and residents of a select of Katara Hospitality hotels in Qatar Qatar. Re-imagined to pre- senting a new era in its leg- Tribune News Network ones.” acy, The Ritz-Carlton, Doha Doha Yazan Latif, hotel man- celebrates the city’s progres- ager of Sharq Village & Spa, sive spirit with an exclusive Katara Hospitality is pro- a Ritz-Carlton Hotel, said: Club Level, distinctive dining viding Qatar nationals and “Amidst the chaos that the options, modern rooms and residents an exclusive offer global pandemic has caused suites, a unique spa journey with complimentary stays over the past few months and legendary outdoor pools. across a select of its hotels in worldwide, we endeavour to With distinctive features that Qatar. Guests may immerse focus on the positives that include the largest chande- in luxury with this special are imminent in the near fu- lier in the Middle East, this package inclusive of cutting- ture. Katara Hospitality cu- five-star luxury hotel bridges edge amenities and facilities rates the ultimate ‘Your Key the past with the present to that cater to all guests. To Luxury’ for our valued pa- create a rich, multicultural On the occasion of Qa- trons as we are fully equipped experience defined by ex- Al Messila Ladies Wellness Retreat, Recreation Pool tar National Day, Katara to provide ‘Safe Staycations’. traordinary elegance.” Sharq Village & Spa Hospitality introduces Your The ladies and gentlemen at Ziad Mallah, hotel man- Key To Luxury package with Sharq Village & Spa have left ager, Al Messila, a Luxury exclusive privileges at The no stone unturned in prepar- Collection Resort & Spa, Ritz-Carlton, Doha; Sheraton ing the resort villas and guest said:” Nestled between de- Grand Doha Resort & Con- areas in anticipation of pro- sert sands and the vibrant vention Hotel; Sharq Village viding a warm welcome and buzz of the city, Al Messila, & Spa, a Ritz-Carlton Hotel; the highest possible service a Luxury Collection Resort & Al Messila, a Luxury Collec- standards to meet our guests’ Spa, Doha, welcomes guests tion Resort & Spa; Hilton Sal- expectations. As safety takes to an authentic oasis of in- wa Beach Resort & Villas and centre stage in the hospital- digenous scented gardens. The Avenue, a Murwab Hotel. ity space during this time, With its private palace set- When guests book for we are making sure not to ting, spacious rooms, signa- two-consecutive nights, they compromise in the least in- ture suites and luxury villas receive third night compli- service excellence and leav- with private pool, this five- mentary, and when they book ing our guests with indelible star resort in Doha offers three-consecutive nights they memories.” matchless lifestyle and epi- receive two-nights compli- Shadi Kassem, general curean experiences.” Sharq Village & Spa Al Messila Resort & Spa, 4 Bedroom Villa, Bedroom mentary, in addition to daily manager of The Avenue, a Jan Moenkedieck, man- breakfast for two adults and Murwab Hotel, said: “We are aging director, Hilton Salwa two children and special glad to welcome guests from Beach Resort & Villas, said: amenities upon check-in. the local community in Qa- “Salwa Beach Resort wel- Belal Al-Kadry, general tar to enjoy Your To Luxury comes all guests to enjoy this manager of Sheraton Grand Package which offers great new and exciting destina- Doha Resort & Convention benefits for families. The Av- tion resort. Hilton has been Hotel, said: “As Sheraton enue offers trendy accommo- a cornerstone of hospitality Grand Doha is Qatar’s iconic dation featuring sleek, sim- for the last 100 years and we hotel and the most recognis- ple designs, and a palette of look forward to being of ser- able social landmark in the rich brown colours and warm vice to the Qatar communi- country, we always seek to subtle tones that offer an un- ties. We take pride in caring incorporate the heritage and deniably refined impression. for our guests during these local element into the expe- At every moment, you will unique times, providing a riences we put forth for our enjoy attentive, personalised safe and healthy environ- guests. We always say, ‘our service from our engaging, ment throughout the resorts heritage is your heritage’.’ approachable staff. An array experiences. We aim to make the essence of restaurants serving excep- “Sprawling across 3.5 kil- Sheraton Doha of our collaboration with Ka- tional cuisine and cocktails ometres of picturesque pri- tara Hospitality come alive offers sophisticated settings vate beaches, our new Hilton in parallel with Qatar’s local for gathering with friends or Salwa Beach Resort & Villas traditions. unwinding with colleagues.” awaits you with bright white “Every single detail has Carlo Javakhia, acting and blue exteriors, blended been designed to make Your general manager at The Ritz- with traditional Arabian style Key To Luxury with us more Carlton, Doha, said: “Here and lush gardens for a luxuri- memorable; to make every at The Ritz-Carlton, Doha, ous escape. Stay in a private moment spent with us dur- we are honoured to collabo- beachfront villa and enjoy the ing this time a chance to rate to create a memorable new dining offerings as well rekindle old memories and experience for guests that as access to Desert Falls Wa- The Ritz-Carlton, Doha to create new, unforgettable can immerse in luxury with a ter and Adventure Park.” Avenue Nation Thursday, December 17, 2020 09 Qatar-based Indian singer produces four Ooredoo announces traditional songs for Qatar National Day Qatar National Day Tribune News Network for popular Qatari poet Khalil gree in Recording Arts from offers through eShop Doha Al Shabrami, who is known as Limkokwing University of Cre- Tribune News Network customers yet more value for ‘Shayr Al-Million’. The song ative Technology, Malaysia. He Doha money with these exciting Qa- Nadir Abdul Salam, Qatar- titled ‘Tamim Aali Mistawa’ is was also the ambassador of the tar National Day offers. Com- based Indian singer and for- also a traditional ‘Ardha’ song. university. He completed six Ooredoo, Qatar’s leading plete customer satisfaction is mer student and ambassador The song is sung and penned by years of study in Arab Music at telecommunications opera- a core goal for Ooredoo and, of Qatar Music Academy, has Khalil Al Shabrami. Qatar Academy. tor, has announced an exciting knowing how much our cus- produced four traditional Qa- The fourth traditional Ar- He has also secured six promotion to celebrate Qatar’s tomers value being able to get tari songs for this year’s Qatar dha song is produced and ar- grades in Music Theory from National Day 2020. their hands on the latest de- National Day. The songs were ranged for young Qatari singer the Royal College of Music in The Qatar National Day vices as well as the best value released on social media prior Saud Jassim. London. promotion will see customers on the market, we’ve designed to the National Day celebration. Apart from these songs, Nadir specialises in the receiving great discounts on these offers to give our custom- Popular Qatari singer Nayef Nadir has produced many tra- Arab musical instrument ‘Oud’ a range of devices when they ers exactly what they want. We Albeshri has sung two songs, in- ditional and Khaliji songs for and plays western musical in- purchase via the Ooredoo eS- join them in commemorating cluding traditional ‘Ardha’ song Nadir Abdul Salam (left) with Qatar Music Academy Director Dr Abdul Qatari singers. The song he strument Piano. With his entry hop, including smartphones, the National Day of our belov- titled ‘Imar Ya Dar Althamimi’. Ghafour Al Heeti. produced for Arabian Gulf Cup into the Arab music Industry tablets, routers and MiFis. ed country and wish everyone The lyrics are penned by Qatari was a hit. as a music producer, Nadir has They’re also going to get dou- an enjoyable celebration with poet Khalid Al Boainain. This National Day celebrations. Labba’ -- is penned by Abdullah He also produced three been sought after by many pop- ble Nojoom Points on some family, friends and loved ones.” song has been broadcast on Qa- The second song -- a Qa- Albeshri. songs for last year’s Qatar Na- ular Arab singers from Qatar purchases. Offers are valid from De- tar Television as part of Qatar tari patriotic song named ‘Ya Another song is arranged tional Day. Nadir holds a de- and other Arab countries. Sabah Rabiah Al Kuwari, cember 16 to 20 2020 and are director PR at Ooredoo, said: only valid for purchases made “We’re delighted to offer our via the Ooredoo eShop. National Day is a period to show Sidra Medicine marks QND love to Qatar, says Nepali expat 2020 with staff and patients Ooredoo marks QND As Qataris and residents celebrate ticipates enthusiastically. The main 2020 with data gift Qatar National Day, Pratikshya Sap- attraction for people is the airshow kota, a Nepalese expatriate has de- which can be seen in different part Sidra Medicine Ooredoo, Qatar’s leading scribed the day as “a period to show of Doha. Likewise, at night, there is celebrated Qatar telecommunications opera- love to the country by marvelous firework show National Day on tor, has announced it will offer everyone who calls Qa- with music, light and giant Wednesday with staff 500 MB of data to all business tar home, irrespective of fireworks.” and patients at its customers on Aamali, Shahry their nationalities”. She lauded the govern- main hospital, ac- for Business and business Mo- “December 18 every ment of Qatar for providing knowledging Qatar’s bile Broadband plans as part year is the tremendous day special areas for the expa- rich culture and herit- of celebrating Qatar National months, even in challenging for all Qataris as well as triates to show their love age. Some of the Day. circumstances. By gifting our non-Qatari residents. The to Qatar on the National activities included The additional data will business customers with 500 Government of Qatar cel- Day. “Expatriates celebrate children’s painting enable customers to share MB of data, we hope to both ebrates this day as a huge this day by showing their exhibition featur- the celebrations of Qatar Na- celebrate and share the cel- festival. The National Day cultural dances and songs, ing artwork from tional Day with colleagues, ebrations with our enterpris- is celebrated to show Qa- among others, while stu- paediatric patients, family and friends. The extra ing friends as we step boldly taris’ devotion to the homeland promot- dents participate in different activities while staff, patients data will be added automati- into the next year of Qatar’s ing all manifestations of social value, and show their talent. On National and visitors were cally to customers’ accounts success story together.” solidarity, unity, patriotism, sovereignty Day, the Embassy of Nepal also partic- treated to the sound on December 18 at 12am, Business customers can and pride of Qatar,” Sapkota said. ipates in the celebration. The Nepalese of traditional music and will be valid to use for 24 leverage the Ooredoo Advan- She added, “We expats, Nepalese community usually presents different from an Oud player. hours. tage, thanks to its breadth people feel proud to be a part of Qa- cultural dances and songs, wearing The children’s paint- Sheikh Nasser bin Hamad and depth of talent, best fixed tar. The Qatar Government treats all traditional dresses,” Sapkota said. ing exhibition will bin Nasser Al Thani, chief and mobile networks, broad- expatriates fairly and provides ser- She added that citizens and resi- run until mid-January business officer atO oredoo, est portfolio of ICT vices equally. The National Day is one dents use the occasion to express 2021. (TNN) said: “Qatar National Day is services and solutions, of the outstanding events where thou- their loveand loyalty to the country. an exciting reminder of the and as a trusted partner for sands of citizens and residents par- (TNN) progress made in the past 12 60 years. (TNN)
Hublot, Al-Majed Jewellery present Hublot’s first collection set with natural Qatari pearls Discover Hublot Classic Fusion Pearls 38mm Tribune News Network by introducing the new Classic Fu- tion of gold and rubber. This ‘Art Doha sion Pearls watches, designed and of Fusion’ stems from the imagi- produced with our partner Hublot. nation of its visionary Chairman Hublot and Qatar partners For the very first time, Hublot is Jean-Claude Biver, and has been Al-Majed Jewellery have joined presenting our handpicked natu- driven forward by CEO Ricardo expertise to achieve a first for ral pearls, which are carefully Guadalupe since 2012. both with the launch of the Clas- selected by hand by my brother The release of the iconic, multi- sic Fusion Pearls 38mm, Mohammed with the utmost at- award-winning Big Bang in 2005 a watch collection set tention and care, thus ensuring paved the way for new flagship with the finest natural that each watch is unique. This collections - Classic Fusion, Spirit pearls from Qatar. special edition reflects our na- of Big Bang - with complications On the occasion of,Qatar National Day, 18th of December and in Hublot and Al- tion’s rich culture and heritage ranging from the simple to the rememberance of the historic day in 1878 when Sheikh Jassim Bin Mohammed Bin Thani, Majed Jewellery have and is the perfect addition to highly sophisticated, establishing founder of the State of Qatar, set up the pillars of the Modern State of Qatar, always strived to Al-Majed’s iconic collections the extraordinary DNA of the Swiss be different and which are highly regarded watchmaking house and ensuring We extend our heartiest congratulations and greetings to unique, while by connoisseurs and col- its impressive growth. sharing values lectors,” Jamil Mahdi Keen to preserve its traditional such as excel- Al-Majed, vice-presi- and cutting-edge expertise, and His Highness lence, incompa- dent of Al-Majed Group guided by its philosophy to ‘Be First, rable quality and The Classic Fusion Different and Unique’, the Swiss Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani integrity. Pearls 38mm are adorned watchmaker is consistently ahead Amir of the State of Qatar I’m happy to with hand-picked white of the curve, through its innova- announce Hublot’s pearls, with two unique pieces tions in materials (scratch-resistant first-ever Classic Fu- fully set from bezel to dial, in Magic Gold, ceramics in vibrant col- His Highness sion featuring natural white or yellow pearls. As Qatari ours, sapphire), and the creation of pearls coming from pearls are considered among the Manufacture movements (Unico, Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al Thani Qatar’s capital Doha most precious natural pearls in Meca-10, Tourbillon). Father Amir to the world, through the world, Hublot and Al-Majed HUBLOT is fully committed to our partners Al-Majed Jewellery Jewellery also conceived the spe- creating a Haute Horlogerie brand with whom we share a passion for cial editions as an ode to the coun- with a visionary future, a future His Highness watchmaking and a modern vision try’s deeply rooted pearl-diving which is fused with the key events of timekeeping. These new exclu- heritage. and brands of our times - FIFA Sheikh Abdullah Bin Hamad Al Thani sive watches are yet another way of The strongly anticipated time- World Cup, UEFA Champions Deputy Amir connecting the past to the future in pieces, featuring burgundy straps League, UEFA EURO and Ferrari - a fusion of tradition and innovation. inspired by Qatar’s flag colour or and the finest ambassadors our era and to all the honorable people of Qatar, By using Qatari natural pearls, we navy blue reflecting its vast blue has to offer (Kylian Mbappé, Usain bring the country’s heritage to mod- seas, constitute a collector’s edition Bolt, Pelé). ern times,” said David Tedeschi, that will be passed from one gen- Discover the HUBLOT universe We hope for more returns of this memorable occasion and wish that Qatar always enjoys regional director for Hublot Latin eration to the next. at its network of boutiques located security, welfare and prosperity under the wise leadership of His Highness The Amir. America & Caribbean and Middle Founded in Switzerland in in key cities across the globe in Ge- East & Africa. 1980, HUBLOT is defined by its neva, Paris, London, New York, “We are honoured and proud innovative concept, which began Hong Kong, Tokyo, Singapore and to represent our ancestors’ legacy with the highly original combina- at HUBLOT.com
president of nBAd MAhendrA ChAMlAgAin 10 Thursday, December 17, 2020
Established September 3, 2006 hamad bin suhaim al thani chairman Opinion adel ali bin ali managing director dr hassan mohammed al ansari editor-in-chief
Universal Mail Ballots Are One Pandemic Measure Worth Don’t Want To Tell Your Keeping Permanently Customers To Mask Up? Try
hough it may be hard to imagine now, Secretary of State’s office. sometime in the not distant future, the It just makes sense to standardize this Temergency measures adopted this year clearly popular voting choice. It’s where Using Artificial Intelligence to control the spread of COVID-19 will no California has been headed since the Leg- longer be necessary. But California would islature passed the Voter’s Choice Act in benefit by keeping at least one of them in 2016 and allowed counties to ditch the The problem with mask mandates today is mainly a political one — a sense by many place for good: mailing a ballot to every traditional model of in-person voting on active registered voter in the state. election day at many small precincts in fa- Americans that the government shouldn’t have the power to force them to breathe filtered air When it became clear this spring that vor of centralized vote centers where bal- the pandemic was not likely to end before lots could be dropped off or cast in person the November 3 election, lawmakers act- well in advance. Fifteen counties, Los An- Jon Healey ed to ensure that all active registered vot- geles County among them, have adopted Tribune News Service ers in California could participate without those provisions. risking infection. Counties were directed But we need ballot drop boxes too. ver the course of the COVID-19 pan- to mail ballots to all voters, whether they The Voter’s Choice Act doesn’t require demic, plenty of evidence has emerged requested one or not, and, with an on- counties to deploy them, but drop box- that wearing face masks cuts down on slaught of mail ballots expected, were es should be mandatory if we move to disease transmission and saves lives. allowed to start processing ballots extra universal mail ballots. In Los Angeles Yet even in cities and states that have early. The state also extended the grace County, drop boxes were wildly popular mandatedO mask use, compliance in the Unit- period for mailed-in ballots to 17 days. — more than half of the 3.4 million mail ed States has been ... unenthusiastic. And It was a wise move that paid off. By all ballots cast in the Nov. 3 election were good luck finding a law enforcement officer measures, the Nov. 3 election in Califor- collected that way. eager to enforce those mandates. nia was held successfully, despite all the Another election problem that law- So here’s an idea: Why not enlist the wild-eyed stories and false tales of mail makers should fix: This year’s emergency help of artificial intelligence to nudge people ballot fraud spread by the president and arrangement notwithstanding, California to mask up? his loyalists. (In The Seattle software company Real- the end, the only Networks has developed an app and data potential large- platform that aims to promote mask use scale voting fraud and address the safety concerns of busi- in California was nesses, governments and other organiza- perpetrated by the tions. Launching today, the app — dubbed California Republi- MaskCheck — uses AI and a tablet’s cam- can Party, which set era to detect whether a passer-by is not up dozens of phony wearing a mask or wearing one improperly ballot drop boxes (in particular, by covering the mouth but in violation of state leaving the nose free to inhale and exhale sions if we have more data,” said Rob Gla- observed, and it can capture their images, law. ) virus-laden air). ser, chief executive of RealNetworks. The Rassool said. Nearly 18 mil- The company is offering the software for company plans to make anonymized, ag- Age and gender might be useful in helping lion Californians free in partnership with the COVID-19 Inter- gregated data collected by the MaskCheck policymakers get a demographic breakdown voted in this elec- national Research Team, a grass-roots effort app freely available, so researchers and on mask compliance. But there’s a trade-off tion, more than by scientists around the world to advance ef- policymakers can see how well mask man- to this utility; the more information the app ever before. So forts to defeat the pandemic. dates are or are not working. captures and records, the more it raises the many Californians In its simplest deployment, the app could For example, Glaser asked, “what if a sort of surveillance-state hackles that facial voted early — moti- be used on kiosks in foyers to check mask us- bowling alley could demonstrate 100% recognition programs do. vated, perhaps, by the stories about pos- law provides a grace period of only three age and alert people when they’re not wear- compliance with mask wearing? Why The problem with mask mandates today sible mail delivery delays — that election days for ballots to arrive after the election ing one properly (or at all), while also show- shouldn’t people be allowed to bowl there?” is mainly a political one — a sense by many day was relatively calm, with only a few (they must be postmarked by election day ing them the right way to cover their faces. (Bowling comes to mind often for Glaser, a Americans that the government shouldn’t long lines reported around the state. This to be counted). That seems too short, giv- Or it could silently gather data on compliance former investor in the Professional Bowl- have the power to force them to breathe fil- is exactly how every election should go, en that it takes the Postal Service up to a that could help inform policymakers — for ers Association.) tered air. Despite estimates that universal pandemic or not. Why backtrack now? week to deliver first-class mail. example, in determining whether a mask One early deployment illustrates how mask use could save tens of thousands of That’s what Marc Berman (D-Menlo And for heaven’s sake, lawmakers re- mandate could enable certain businesses and MaskCheck might help on several of those lives, roughly half the population goes out Park), chairman of the Assembly Elec- ally ought to revise the 2016 law that al- activities to reopen safely. fronts. At Seattle’s Bush School, a private in public without one, and there’s little effort tions Committee, thinks too. He has pro- lows unlimited third-party collection of For those of us frustrated by the stubborn K-12 school that is still conducting in-per- to force a change. Glaser said a MaskCheck posed legislation to require counties to ballots, or “ballot harvesting.” Previously, resistance to face coverings in this country, son classes, MaskCheck kiosks in hallways kiosk could act like one of those electronic automatically send mail ballots to all ac- only a member of the family or household MaskCheck seems like a good way to prod around the campus check whether students street signs that tell you have fast you’re go- tive registered voters (some already do) could deliver a ballot on behalf of a reg- people to put up with a minor inconvenience and staff are properly wearing masks. The ing — and flash at you when you’re speeding. and to offer tracking services so voters istered voter. We were worried about the in the name of public health. And a flat screen point is to offer some reassurance to parents “The data shows when those signs are there, can make sure their ballots are received. potential for misuse even before it was on a pedestal at an entrance or in a hallway and teachers that compliance is high and it’s people go closer to the speed limit than when This wouldn’t end in-person voting for used to justify the GOP’s fake drop boxes. can deliver the message without provoking a safe to be there. they weren’t there,” he said. It’s easy to imag- those who need assistance or enjoy cast- We have no doubt that in future elections, deadly confrontation, an outcome that seems RealNetworks may be best known for its ine the app being deployed in more aggres- ing their ballot in the company of others, there will be other creative uses of this ludicrous yet has been all too real. RealAudio technology, which gave rise to the sive ways — for example, tied electronically but it would let voters easily choose how law that undermine trust in democracy. The software is trying to address a prob- streaming media industry in the 1990s. But to a door lock to prevent unmasked people and where they vote. While we’re making an election re- lem that extends in multiple directions. The MaskCheck grew out of the company’s work from entering a building. But RealNetworks This change would only hasten a form wish list, Congress should use its people who are concerned about contracting on facial recognition technology, which is just isn’t going in that direction now. It’s count- trend well underway in California. In the authority over the “times, places and COVID-19 are avoiding places where they’re a wee bit more controversial than webcasting ing on its partnership with the COVID-19 In- last four statewide general elections, most manner” of federal elections to standard- likely to share spaced with unmasked stran- and online music services. ternational Research Team to spread the app voters used mail ballots. Even without the ize procedures for collecting and process- gers. Business owners and employees may Reza Rassool, RealNetworks’ chief tech- organically to institutions, governments and emergency legislation this year, about ing mail ballots. Ideally, those standards let customers go maskless for fear of alienat- nologist, emphasized that MaskCheck’s ar- businesses across the country in an effort to 75% of the state’s voters would have been would look like those in California, where ing them or provoking a fight. And with little tificial intelligence isn’t a facial recognition generate more mask wearing voluntarily. mailed a ballot, and about 90% of reg- officials have gone out of their way to more than anecdotal evidence about mask program. It does not identify people, it just Said COV-IRT cofounder Afshin Be- istered voters would be receiving a mail make voting easier and smoother — and compliance, policymakers draw up pandem- detects the presence of a human face and the heshti, a bioinformatician in Silicon Valley, ballot in future elections, according to the are still looking for ways to do it better. ic countermeasures based on assumptions position of a mask, if one is being worn. If the “We’re not going to shame people to wear about risk that may not be true. person using the app chooses, though, it can masks. We’re going to try to educate them (Tribune News Service) “I think we’ll make better policy deci- estimate the age and gender of each person with these tools.”
The Power Of Vaccines Against A Pandemic: Same Story, New Chapter
The vaccine will not miraculously make COVID-19 go away, but we can’t take our foot off the gas just yet. The end of the road is now, finally, in sight
Dr Sara “Sally” H Goza vides hope. hundreds in the US. vaccine as it is rolled out across the Tribune News Service After approval from the FDA The COVID-19 vaccine is the country. The US has a robust vac- and the CDC, the first known coro- same. It will only work if people cine safety monitoring system that Polio no longer stalks children in navirus vaccination in the United agree to get their shot. has been in place and operating this country, but in the early 1950s, States happened on Monday morn- As the vaccine becomes more behind the scenes for decades. This outbreaks caused more than 15,000 ing in New York City, state officials available, more physicians, of all system has enough power to detect cases of paralysis each year. Until said -- a powerful weapon in the specialties, will need to have these any real problems. smallpox officially was declared fight against a pandemic that to important conversations with their We also know the vaccine will eradicated around the globe in date has left 300,000 people dead patients. We will have to explain not miraculously make COVID-19 1980, the devastating disease wiped in the US. that the science behind this vaccine go away and protect everyone im- out about 3 of every 10 people who It is appropriate that a nurse is sound and followed a rigorous mediately. contracted it. Major epidemics of at a medical center was the first to process. It’s been a long, frustrating year, measles once caused an estimated receive a shot, outside of a vaccine We can share with patients that but we can’t take our foot off the gas 2.6 million deaths each year, but trial. Our medical professionals the vaccine is very effective; the just yet. The end of the road is now, between 2000 and 2018, the world have endured months of exhausting 95% effectiveness demonstrated by finally, in sight. How long it stretch- witnessed a 73% drop in mea- shifts at hospitals and medical cent- Pfizer’s vaccine rivals some of our es out before us will depend on how sles deaths worldwide, the World ers, separation from their families, The new COVID-19 vaccine provides hope. most successful vaccines. And the well everyone in the US manages Health Organization estimates. the stress of treating seriously ill side effects are also similar to oth- the next few months. We must con- There is one reason for all of and dying patients, the fear of con- nizations to prevent diseases like a lot of time talking about immuni- er, well-known vaccines. These are tinue to avoid crowds, wear masks, this: vaccines. tracting a deadly virus, and the mis- measles, mumps, rubella, hepatitis, zations, including helping parents mostly mild or moderate symptoms wash our hands. The CDC estimates that for information spread by skeptics who polio, influenza, and HPV – saving understand the science that proves like a sore arm, fatigue or fever. But And, we now can add: Get the children born in the US from 1994 refuse to wear masks and who shun them from serious illnesses and vaccines are safe and effective. Sad- it’s far safer and better than getting vaccine when it becomes available to 2013, vaccinations will prevent advice to stay away from others. death. We look forward to when a ly, we’ve seen how quickly wrong the disease itself, which can cause to you. about 322 million illnesses, 21 mil- As a paediatrician, I believe COVID-19 vaccine will be available information can spread online, severe complications and death lion hospitalizations, and 732,000 in vaccines. I know vaccines save to children of all ages, once the re- leading parents to delay or decline even in otherwise healthy people. (Dr Sara “Sally” H Goza is deaths over their lifetimes. lives. That’s why we recommend all search is complete. vaccines. Recently, this played out We can reassure patients that the president of the American The new COVID-19 vaccine pro- children and teens receive immu- In paediatric offices, we spend in measles outbreaks that infected we will continue to monitor the Academy of Pediatrics)
THE VIEWS EXPRESSED ON THE OPINION AND ANALYSIS PAGES ARE THE AUTHORS’ OWN. QATAR TRIBUNE BEARS NO RESPONSIBILITY. World Thursday, December 17, 2020 11
News Iran nuclear deal parties try to defuse tensions in brief AFP ed at 11 am (1000 GMT), is Last week France, Germa- Rouhani has suggested he will Before the start of Vienna being held virtually because of ny and Britain -- collectively Key meeting not sign it into law. Wednesday’s talks, Russia’s Taliban kill 13 the coronavirus pandemic. known as the “E3” -- con- Rouhani has defiedambassador to internation- Afghan policemen The remaining parties to the The 2015 deal, known demned the plan as “deeply The meeting of the criticism from Iran’s ultra- al organisations in Vienna, in two attacks faltering 2015 Iran nuclear ac- as the Joint Comprehensive worrying”. so-called “joint conservatives to state his Mikhail Ulyanov, tweeted that cord met on Wednesday after Plan of Action (JCPOA), has Meanwhile the assassi- commission” includes determination to seize the the focus would be on how to Kunduz: At least 13 Tehran announced plans for disintegrated steadily since nation last month of promi- China, France, Russia, Iran, “opportunity” presented by “preserve the nuclear deal and Afghan policemen were a new breach of the deal, and US President Donald Trump nent Iranian nuclear scien- Germany and Britain and is the change of US president in ensure its full and balanced killed when Taliban militants as uncertainty reigns ahead of withdrew from it in 2018 and tist Mohsen Fakhrizadeh has chaired by senior EU January. implementation”. attacked two checkpoints US President-elect Joe Biden’s went on to impose crippling heightened tension in the Rouhani has said Iran is “The role of (the) US in overnight in the north of the January inauguration. economic sanctions on Iran. region, with Iran blaming the foreign affairs official Helga ready to come back into com- this regard will inevitably be country, officials said on The meeting of the so- Tehran has retaliated by killing on Israel. Schmid pliance with the deal as soon discussed,” he added. Wednesday. The militants called “joint commission” in- progressively abandoning lim- In the wake of Fakhri- as other parties fulfil their Another diplomat said the stormed and briefly held cludes China, France, Russia, its on its nuclear activity laid zadeh’s death, Iranian MPs commitments. meeting would rather be “an the checkpoints on the Iran, Germany and Britain down in the deal, most recent- passed a bill calling for further tional Atomic Energy Agency President-elect Biden has opportunity to say to the Ira- outskirts of Pule Khumri, and is chaired by senior EU ly planning to install advanced expansion to Iran’s nuclear (IAEA). said he is willing to return to nians face to face to stop the capital of northern Baghlan foreign affairs officialH elga centrifuges at Iran’s main nu- programme and an end to in- The Iranian foreign min- the deal but has revealed lit- breaches of the deal” and not province, officials said.T he Schmid. clear enrichment plant in Na- spections of nuclear facilities istry said it did not agree with tle else about forthcoming US to ruin the chances of a return dead, and five wounded, The meeting, which start- tanz. by the UN watchdog Interna- the bill and President Hassan strategy on the question. to diplomacy under Biden. had been taken to the pro- vincial hospital. Provincial police spokesman Ahmad Jawed Basharat confirmed the attack. The Taliban Pakistan approves chemical claimed responsibility for the attack, the latest castration of sex offenders in a wave of violence to Erdogan calls US rock the country in recent weeks. (afp) AFP rights obligations. Islamabad “Chemical castrations are cruel, inhuman and degrad- Locusts may Pakistan has approved the ing and will leave the flawed worsen food crisis sanctions ‘attack chemical castration of rapists criminal justice in place”, said in Yemen, Sudan as part of sweeping new legis- Rimmel Mohydin, Pakistan lation sparked by outcry over campaigner at Amnesty Inter- Rome: Desert locusts are the gang rape of a mother on threatening to exacerbate a motorway. a food crisis in Yemen, on sovereignty’ New laws approved by Sudan and the Horn of Africa President Arif Alvi on Tuesday Anti-rape law region, the Food and Agri- will see rape cases expedited culture Organization (FAO) through the courts and create Under the new laws, warned on Wednesday. “New the country’s first national sex special courts will be locust swarms are already offenders register. established to try cases of forming and threatening to “The provision of the rape and sexual abuse re-invade northern Kenya chemical castration of repeat against women and and breeding is also under as well as first-time sex offend- children, which must be way on both sides of the Red ers... was added in the Anti- completed within four Sea, posing a new threat Rape Ordinance 2020”, the months to Eritrea, Saudi Arabia, president’s office confirmed the Sudan and Yemen,” the on Wednesday. UN agency said. This was Pakistan is a deeply con- brought about by “favourable servative and patriarchal na- national. weather conditions [which] tion where victims of sexual Nighat Dad, a women’s have caused extensive abuse often are too afraid to rights activist, praised the con- breeding in eastern Ethiopia speak out, or where criminal tent of the new legislation, but and Somalia.” (dpa) complaints are frequently not said it was unclear how chemi- investigated seriously. cal castration would be either In September, protests a “deterrent or rehabilitative”. Pak capital’s zoo erupted after a mother was Under the new laws, spe- shuts after last raped on the side of the road in cial courts will be established animals moved front of her children when her to try cases of rape and sexual car broke down near Lahore. abuse against women and chil- Islamabad: The only zoo Prime Minister Imran dren, which must be complet- in Pakistan’s capital -- which Khan responded by calling ed within four months. drew international condem- for the chemical castration of They also establish anti- nation for its treatment of rapists, which involves using rape cells across the country lonely elephant Kaavan drugs to reduce a person’s li- for conducting initial investi- -- closed on Wednesday after bido. Khan had said the worst gations, and medical examina- its final occupants were relo- sex crimes should be punish- tions within six hours of filing cated abroad. Two Himalayan able by public hangings but a police complaint -- while bears named Bubloo and added this could impact trade abolishing an invasive medi- Suzzee were the last to leave with partners that oppose the cal examination known as the the Islamabad facility, almost death penalty, such as the Eu- two-finger virginity test for three weeks after the coun- ropean Union. rape victims. try’s only Asian elephant was President of Turkey Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Ankara reecntly. (AFP) Rights activists have The test involves a medical flown to a wildlife sanctuary warned the provision of chem- officer inserting two fingers in Cambodia. “The Islama- AFP added. S-400, the Patriot, to Ankara. Washington says the ical castration could affect Pa- into a rape victim’s vagina, to bad zoo is now completely Ankara Washington had already US officials say Turkey was S-400 system would put the kistan’s international human assess her sexual history. closed for both public and punished Ankara in July by offered the system, but that security of US military tech- officials,” a spokesman for Turkish President Recep barring it from developing negotiations broke down af- nology and personnel at risk, Pakistan’s ministry of climate Tayyip Erdogan on Wednes- parts for and acquiring Amer- ter Ankara demanded to also as well as providing funds to change told AFP. (afp) day called US sanctions ica’s next-generation F-35 obtain proprietary production the Russian defence industry. against Ankara over its pur- fighter jets. and operations data about the Erdogan said Turkey of- ‘Iran should not lead probe chase of a Russian missile de- This week’s punitive meas- Patriots. fered to resolve the issue Indonesia to fence system an “open attack” ures included a ban on all US through diplomacy and would on downed Ukrainian plane’ make virus drug on the NATO member state’s export licences and loan cred- now redouble its efforts to de- free for everyone sovereignty. its for Turkey’s military pro- veloping its own arsenal. AFP into the tragedy. The United States made curement agency. “To make our defence in- Ottawa Ukraine International Jakarta: Indonesian Presi- good on months of threats to Its president Ismail Demir Sanctions are imposed on dustry independent, we will Airlines Flight 752 crashed dent Joko Widodo said on punish Turkey for buying the and three other executives work twice as hard, we will ac- An independent Canadian shortly after taking off from Wednesday that Covid-19 S-400 system under a 2017 were also barred from travel our country, a NATO celerate our defence industry report published on Tuesday the Iranian capital’s main vaccines would be free for law known as CAATSA, which or holding assets in the US. member. What kind of an agency’s projects, we will give into a Kiev-bound passenger airport on January 8, killing everyone, in an about-face aims to limit Russia’s military The State Department said alliance is this? more support to our defence- plane mistakenly shot down all 176 people on board, 85 of following public criticism. influence and punish it for its the sanctions “are not intend- related companies,” he said. by Iran in January said Teh- whom were Canadian citizens The government had earlier behaviour abroad. ed to undermine the military Turkish President Recep The sanctions are the lat- ran should not be allowed to or permanent residents. announced that coronavi- The sanctions were lighter capabilities or combat readi- Tayyip Erdogan est thorn in US-Turkey rela- investigate itself and called The Islamic republic ad- rus vaccination would be than feared, but Erdogan not- ness of Turkey... but rather tions, with the NATO allies at for changes to civil aviation mitted days later that its forc- given at no cost only to 30 ed that they had never before to impose costs on Russia in loggerheads over Syria, Libya rules. es accidentally shot down the percent of the population been used against a fellow response to its wide range of “The more Turkey grows, and the eastern Mediterra- “The party responsible for plane after firing two missiles deemed vulnerable, citing member of NATO. malign activities”. the more Turkey inches closer nean Sea. the situation is investigating amid heightened US-Iran ten- budget constraints. “After “Sanctions are imposed on - ‘Sanctions trigger’ -But to its goals, the more it stands But with a month before itself, largely in secret. That sions. receiving inputs from the our country, a NATO member. in his first public comments up for its sovereign rights, the swearing in of President- does not inspire confidence or “Many of the key details of public and recalculating What kind of an alliance is about the sanctions, Erdogan the more it is subjected to at- elect Joe Biden, who once trust,” said the report, writ- this horrific event remain un- state finances, I can an- this?” Erdogan asked during a called them unjust. tacks,” Erdogan said. described Erdogan as an “au- ten by one of Prime Minis- known,” the report said, not- nounce that Covid-19 vac- televised speech in Ankara. He repeated Turkey’s claim “Because we met our needs tocrat”, Ankara’s language has ter Justin Trudeau’s former ing in particular why Iranian cines will be free for every- “This decision is an open that Washington would not somewhere else, they pulled generally softened towards ministers, Ralph Goodale, the airspace had remained open one,” Joko said. (dpa) attack on our sovereignty,” he sell the US equivalent to the the sanctions trigger.” Washington. government’s special counsel the night of the tragedy. Nigerian gangs kidnapped children on behalf of Boko Haram
AFP laboration with Idi Minorti and group seizes from the Nigerian secu- “After the children were taken, “I am Abubakar Shekau and our Kankara Dankarami, two other crime chiefs rity forces in raids and ambushes and they went across the border into brothers are behind the kidnapping with strong local followings, they selling them to bandits for a cut.” Zamfara state and split them among in Katsina,” said the voice in the re- Boko Haram recruited three local said. The source added: “Awwalun different gangs ‘for safe keeping’. And cording, resembling that of the elu- gangs in northwest Nigeria to kid- Criminal gangs, known as Daudawa was spotted in the forest in some of the gangs have been in touch sive Boko Haram leader. nap hundreds of schoolboys on its bandits, have terrorised communi- the Kankara area where he recently with the authorities for the release of - ‘Contacts’ -Shekau was behind behalf, security and local sources said ties in northwest Nigeria for years, relocated and there were reports that the boys.” the 2014 abduction of 276 schoolgirls Wednesday. and experts had recently warned of he was planning something but it was The attack occurred hundreds of in Chibok that sparked global out- The jihadist group has claimed attempts by jihadists to forge an alli- not clear what it was.” kilometres (miles) from Boko Har- rage, but another source said that the responsibility for Friday’s attack, ance with them. Another source with intimate am’s stronghold in northeast Nigeria, two incidents were not immediately which targeted a secondary school in Daudawa “was an armed robber knowledge of “bandit” activities in where it launched a brutal insurgency comparable. the town of Kankara, in Katsina state. and a cattle rustler before he turned Mahmud Sanni, who escaped from Katsina and Zamfara states said: a decade ago. “There is an ongoing peace pact But sources told AFP the opera- to gun-running, bringing in weapons gunmen is seen in Kankara, on “From available information, Aw- The jihadists made a claim of re- between bandits and (the) Zamfara tion was carried out on Boko Haram’s from Libya, where he had received Wednesday. (AFP) walun Daudawa was ordered by sponsibility in a four-minute audio, state government which the bandits orders by a notorious local gangster training, and selling them to ban- Abubakar Shekau to kidnap the sent to AFP through the same chan- don’t want to breach. They have been called Awwalun Daudawa. dits,” said a security source. ance with Boko Haram and became schoolboys and he enlisted the help nel as previous messages from the under intense pressure to release the The 43-year-old worked in col- “Over time, he forged an alli- their gunrunner, taking weapons the of Idi Minorti and Dankarami.” group. boys,” the source said. 12 Thursday, December 17, 2020 World 5,000-year-old Great Pyramid artefact found in Scotland
AFP A record discovered in bearing an old Egyptian flag man Dixon. strictions, placed the wood London 2001 appeared to show the did not belong with the other ‘I’m an archaeologist and It made its way to the at somewhere between 3341 fragment — found along- pieces, she cross-referenced have worked on digs in Scottish city because of a link and 3094 BC, long before the One of only three artefacts side a ball and a bronze hook it with other records. Egypt but I never imagined between Dixon and a medical construction of the pyramid. ever recovered from inside thought to be used for con- “It has been like finding a it would be here in doctor named James Grant This supports the theory Egypt’s Great Pyramid has struction — had been donated needle in a haystack,” Elada- northeast Scotland that who studied in Aberdeen and the items were left behind by been found in a misplaced to the University of Aberdeen. ny said after discovering the went to Egypt to treat cholera builders rather than by later cigar tin in a Scottish univer- But the trail ran cold fragment of wood among hun- I’d find something so in the mid-1860s. explorers. sity collection, academics re- and the ancient artefact dis- dreds of thousands of items. important to the heritage More evidence that the Neil Curtis, head of mu- vealed on Wednesday. appeared almost without a “I’m an archaeologist and of my own country’ lost piece of wood, as well seums and special collections The fragment of cedar trace until the end of last year have worked on digs in Egypt Abeer Eladany as the other items known as at the University of Aber- wood, which has been found when an assistant curator at but I never imagined it would the “Dixon relics”, could have deen, called results from the to date back 5,000 years to the university, Abeer Elada- be here in northeast Scotland been used in the construc- carbon dating a “revelation”. the building of the pyramid ny, originally from Egypt, that I’d find something so im- around 13 centimetres but tion of the Great Pyramid has “This discovery will cer- at Giza, was first discovered made a chance discovery in portant to the heritage of my now in several pieces — was come to light following mod- tainly reignite interest in the Museum curatorial assistant in the late 19th century but its Asia collection. own country.” first discovered in the Great ern tests on the artefact. Dixon relics and how they Abeer Eladany shows the pieces had been missing for more Knowing that a small The fragment — initially Pyramid’s Queen’s Chamber Carbon dating results, can shed light on the Great of cedar wood in Aberdeen on than 70 years. cigar tin she found there measuring fiveinches or in 1872 by engineer Wayn- delayed by coronavirus re- Pyramid,” he added. Wednesday. (afp)
VIRUS ON THE RISE WHO urges masks at Christmas fearing new Europe Covid surge Germany sees record death toll AFP tain physical distancing.” Copenhagen For indoor festivities, the WHO said limiting the number The World Health Organiza- of guests and ensuring good tion in Europe on Wednes- ventilation were key to reduc- on first day of new lockdown day urged families to wear ing the risk of infection. face masks during this year’s “It may feel awkward to Christmas family gatherings, wear masks and practise physi- The partial lockdown follow as it warned of a “further re- cal distancing when around Some 83 percent of ramped-up restrictions else- surgence” of COVID-19 in early friends and family, but doing so critical care beds in where in Europe. 2021. contributes significantly to en- In Britain, London’s pubs, The UN agency said people suring that everyone remains German hospitals restaurants and hotels have should not underestimate “the safe and healthy,” the health been forced to close for the third importance of your decisions” agency said in a statement. were occupied on time this year; Denmark has and encouraged extra precau- The plea came as the agen- Wednesday moved to a partial lockdown tion for holiday gatherings, cy noted that “COVID-19 trans- for the whole country; and in even within the family. mission across the European the Netherlands, a five-week If possible, the WHO said region remains widespread AFP lockdown came into effect on celebrations should be held and intense,” even though Frankfurt Tuesday. outdoors and “participants some “fragile progress” had Germany coped relatively should wear masks and main- been made. German streets were quiet well with the first wave in the “like Sunday” on the first day spring but was unable to stop of a new partial lockdown to try the spread of a resurgent virus to halt surging infections, as the in recent months with milder country reported a record num- restrictions. WHO team to probe Covid-19 ber of COVID-19 deaths. Authorities now want to origins in China in January A total of 952 people died in “implement the principle of the previous 24 hours, accord- Few people walk past a closed shopping area of the “Zeil” centre in Frankfurt am Main on Wednesday. (AFP) ‘we’re staying at home’”, accord- AFP The WHO has for months ing to the Robert Koch Institute ing to the policy paper agreed by Geneva been working to send the team (RKI) disease control centre Johnson rules out tougher Christmas virus curbs for UK Chancellor Angela Merkel and of 10 international experts, Wednesday, a figure that could 16 state premiers. The World Health Organiza- including epidemiologists rise as the hard-hit Saxony re- AFP afraid this year I do mean little.” Social contacts will have to tion said on Wednesday that a and animal health specialists, gion was not included in Tues- London After talks with leaders of the devolved govern- remain limited over the Christ- team of international experts to China, where the virus first day’s numbers. ments in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, the mas period from December 24 would travel to China next surfaced last December. The RKI said 27,728 new British Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Wednes- British leader said the rules should be seen as “a to 26, when meetings will only month to help investigate the The UN health agency coronavirus cases were regis- day resisted calls to tighten coronavirus restrictions maximum not a target”. be possible between close fam- animal origins of Covid-19. sent an advance team to Bei- tered, a figure close to the daily over Christmas, as London faced stricter measures “We are keeping the laws the same — but ily members. “I can confirm that this jing in July to lay the ground- record of nearly 30,000 infec- and concern grew about rising case numbers. we all want to send the same message: a smaller New Year’s Eve festivities will take place in January,” work for the international tions reported on Friday. The government has been under mounting Christmas is going to be a safer Christmas, and a will also be curtailed, with the WHO spokesman Hedinn probe. Some 83 percent of criti- pressure to toughen proposals allowing up to shorter Christmas is a safer Christmas.” sale of fireworks and gatherings Halldorsson told AFP when Scientists initially be- cal care beds in hospitals were three households to meet indoors during a five- Johnson said there had been “unanimous” banned. asked about reports that the lieved the killer virus jumped occupied on Wednesday, the day festive window from December 23, as Euro- agreement between London, Edinburgh, Cardiff and On Wednesday the Ifo expert team would finally go from animals to humans at a country’s intensive care and pean neighbours curb their easing plans amid Belfast not to change the policy, after a tough year think-tank, with an eye on to China next month. market selling exotic animals emergency medicine associa- surging infections. The British Medical Journal of social distancing and lockdowns. scaled-back activity, down- A year into the novel coro- for meat in the city of Wuhan, tion (DIVI) said. (BMJ) and the Health Service Journal (HSJ) on But Wales’ First Minister Mark Drakeford an- graded its growth forecast for navirus pandemic, which has where the virus was first de- The new restrictions, in- Tuesday warned the UK-wide move could lead nounced that only two households in the country Germany in 2021 to 4.2 percent killed more than 1.6 million tected late last year. cluding closures of schools and to the state-run National Health Service (NHS) should mix indoors during the five-day period. from 5.1 percent previously. people and infected over 73 But experts now think the non-essential shops until at being overwhelmed. “The fewer people we mix with in our homes, Ahead of the closure of most million globally, the question market may not have been least January 10, demonstrate But Johnson insisted it would be “inhuman” the less chance we have of catching or spreading retail stores until next year, of where the virus came from the origin of the outbreak, the seriousness of the situation to “cancel Christmas” now, arguing people should the virus,” he told a regular briefing. Germans rushed to queue up and how it first crossed over but rather a place where it in Europe’s largest economy. think hard about their plans and “exercise extreme England’s Chief Medical Officer Chris Whitty for last-chance Christmas shop- to humans remains a mystery. was amplified. Removing the festive lights caution” while still being allowed to gather. said there was widespread acknowledgement that ping. that framed his mulled wine “Have yourselves a merry little Christmas,” the Christmas easing would lead to more cases, “I hope that the shopping on stand in the centre of Berlin, To- Johnson said at a press conference. “And I’m hospitalisations and deaths. Monday and Tuesday will not bias admitted he was resigned. penalise us,” said Angela Mer- “Until last night, we were kel at a meeting with her con- News in brief still welcoming customers but “It feels like a Sunday” when measures are necessary but it’s doctor, braced for a hard winter. servative parliamentary group. today it’s over — there’s no point shops across Germany are typi- stressful.” These measures “are going to “The curve (of infections) is 47-million-year-old python fossils in leaving up the decorations”, cally closed, said Ines Kumpl, Andrea, a pensioner accom- last longer than mid-January,” very bad,” she said, participants discovered in Germany the 30-year-old told AFP. a 57-year-old Berliner. “These panying her elderly father to the she said. told AFP. Frankfurt: Several skeletons of a python species, estimated to be about 47 million years old, were discovered in the Messel Pit World Heritage site in southern Germany, the Senckenberg Nature Research Society announced on Wednesday. The almost entirely Executions of prisoners in Brazil’s Bolsonaro congratulates preserved fossils measure about 1 metre each and are the oldest known finds of their kind. The discovery led the joint-research team US at 29-year low in 2020 from the Frankfurt-based institute and the University of Sao Paulo to Joe Biden on election victory conclude that pythons might have originated in Europe. AFP outlier in the data, with the “At the time of the Eocene, about 47 million years ago, these New York federal government this year AFP line of the US national anthem. snakes were already present in Europe. Our analyses show that putting more people to death Brasília “I will be prepared to work they also evolved here,” said Frankfurt-based paleontologist Krister Executions of prisoners in than all states combined -- a with your excellence and to con- Smith. The new python species has been named “Messelopython the US reached a 29-year low historic first. Brazilian President Jair Bol- tinue to build a Brazil-United freyi” after the place where they were found, and after German pal- in 2020, an independent mon- “What was happening in sonaro said on Tuesday he was States alliance, in defence of aeontologist Eberhard Frey, who is known worldwide for his precise itor said on Wednesday, de- the rest of the country showed “ready to work” with Joe Biden sovereignty, democracy and studies on fossil reptiles. With a length of up to 6 metres, pythons spite an unprecedented push that the administration’s poli- as he congratulated the US freedom throughout the world.” are among the largest snakes in the world today and live primarily in by the federal government to cies were not just out of step president-elect on his victory, While most high-profile Africa, South and South-East Asia, and Australia. (dpa) kill death-row inmates ahead with the historical practices of more than a month after the world leaders had congratu- of a presidential transition in previous presidents, they were November 3 election. lated Biden more than a month More than 300 religious leaders urge ban the new year. also completely out of step Bolsonaro, a staunch ally ago, Bolsonaro had declined to on ‘conversion therapy’ A year-end report by the with today’s state practices,” of outgoing President Don- follow suit. Death Penalty Information Robert Dunham, the DPIC’s ald Trump, joined Russia’s Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro Bolsonaro, who is of- London: More than 300 religious leaders from 35 countries on Center (DPIC) found that 17 executive director, said in a Vladimir Putin and Andres in Brasilia on Wednesday. (AFP) ten called as the “Tropical Wednesday called for a ban on “conversion therapies” which attempt prisoners were executed in statement accompanying the Manuel Lopez Obrador of Trump”, had previously avoid- to change an individual’s sexual orientation or gender identity. 2020, with state-level use of report’s release. Mexico among the last high- Biden, with my best wishes ed mentioning the US election, The call for an end to the practice, often done in the name of capital punishment falling to its Of the 17 prisoners ex- profile leaders to recognize and the hope that the United and his Vice-President Hamil- a religious faith, was issued in a statement by the British Ozanne lowest point since 1983. ecuted, more than half were Biden’s victory after it was States continues to be the ‘land ton Mourao said last month he Foundation before a London conference. Among the signatories were The last time there were killed by the federal govern- confirmed Monday by the US of the free and the home of the would congratulate “whom- representatives of the Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Buddhist and Sikh fewer executions in total -- both ment, which this year ended Electoral College. brave’,” said the far-right leader ever is elected” when “the time faiths, including Nobel Peace Prize winner and retired archbishop state and federal -- was 1991, an almost two-decade morato- “My congratulations to Joe in a statement, quoting the final is right.” Desmond Tutu. “We call for all attempts to change, suppress or erase when there were 14. rium on the death penalty when a person’s sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression The monitor said the fall white supremacist mass mur- -- commonly known as ‘conversion therapy’ - to end, and for these was part of a “long-term trend”, derer Daniel Lewis Lee died by harmful practices to be banned,” they said. The practice is sometimes citing the recent abolition of the lethal injection in July. Pompeo quarantining after contact with Covid-positive person referred to as “reparative therapy” but experts widely regard it as death penalty by Colorado and Since then, the US govern- pseudo-scientific, ineffective and dangerous.I t has drawn particular electoral victories for prosecu- ment has executed nine in- Washington: America’s top in a statement. was not identifying the person attention in the United States, where it has affected hundreds of thou- tors opposed to the practice in mates -- three of whom were diplomat Mike Pompeo was in “In accordance with CDC Pompeo came into contact sands of individuals. But a report published by the New York-based states where executions were killed since the November 3 quarantine on Wednesday after guidelines, he will be in quar- with. The US Secretary of State LGBT advocacy group OutRight Action International has said it exists once common. It also said election, which Trump lost to being exposed to a person antine,” the State Department is fourth in the line of succes- “nearly everywhere in the world”. Brazil, Ecuador, Malta, Taiwan, Swit- the COVID-19 pandemic had Democrat Joe Biden. who has tested positive for said. “He is being closely sion after the president follow- zerland as well as parts of Australia, Canada and the United States played a role. For 131 years, outgoing COVID-19, the State Depart- monitored by the Department’s ing the vice president, speaker have banned conversion therapy. Other countries also have local bans But a marked increase in presidents traditionally sus- ment said. The 56-year-old medical team.” of the House of Representa- or mental health policies that prohibit the practice. The UK and Ireland executions by the Trump ad- pended federal executions dur- Secretary of State “has been The State Department tives and president pro tem- are preparing national bans. (AFP) ministration represented an ing the transition period. tested and is negative,” it said said that for privacy reasons it pore of the Senate. (AFP) US Fed slightly more optimistic on 2021-22 growth page 15
Thursday, December 17, 2020
30,127.13 10,478.61 46666.46 1,860.10 -72.18 pts -2.08 pts +403.29 pts Gold +0.26 % ‘Bilateral trade between Qatar and Dow QE sensex India has potential to grow’ page 14 Price percentage Price percentage 25.11 Brent 51.06 +0.59 % WTI 47.79 +0.36 % Silver +1.87 % QNB ties up with Qatar-Russia trade rises Mall of Qatar to 200% in 7 years: Kuwari launch exclusive IPA Qatar, Roscongress discuss avenues of growth for tade, investment cooperation offer for QND Tribune News Network Tribune News Network Doha Doha
The Investment Promotion QNB Group, the largest finan- Agency Qatar (IPA Qatar) and cial institution in the Middle the Roscongress Foundation East and Africa, has launched hosted a joint hybrid event an exclusive offer in partnership titled “Qatar-Russia Eco- with Mall of Qatar (MOQ) for nomic Partnership: Avenues its Life Rewards credit and deb- of Growth for Russian Com- it cardholders when using their panies in Qatar’s Investment cards during the Qatar National Ecosystem”. Day on December 18 at more The event was held within than 500 stores in MOQ. the framework of IPA Qatar The partnership, which and Roscongress Foundation’s is the first of its kind between partnership and in the run-up QNB and MOQ, comes as part to Qatar’s participation as the of the bank’s commitment to re- guest country in the upcoming ward its customers and deliver St Petersburg International the best customer experience. The QNB headquarters in Doha. Economic Forum (SPIEF). On Qatar National Day, The event witnessed the customers who shop at any tronics stores. participation of Minister of store in MOQ using their QNB QNB General Manager Commerce and Industry and Life Rewards credit and debit Group Retail Heba Al Tamimi IPA Chairman HE Ali bin cards will earn triple points. said, “We are very pleased to Ahmed Al Kuwari, Russian Customer will also have the launch yet another awesome Federal Agency for Interna- opportunity to participate in offer, and this time with Mall tional Development (Ros- the ‘Shop and Win’ campaign of Qatar. This one of a kind sotrudnichestvo) Head Evg- Minister of Commerce and Industry and IPA Chairman HE Ali bin Ahmed Al Kuwari along with other dignitaries participate in the Qatar-Russia organised by Mall of Qatar and campaign offers our loyal cus- eny Primakov, Ambassador of Economic Partnership virtual meeting. be eligible to win one of the tomers an opportunity to take Qatar to Russia HE Fahad bin luxury cars. advantage of a generous offer Mohammed Al Attiyah, IP Qa- compared to $118 million in to boost investment signed eration. business-friendly investment Due to popular customer by using their Life Rewards tar CEO Sheikh Ali Alwaleed 2012, which is a 200 percent between the IPA and the Ro- He said, “Exactly one year ecosystem, connect to the demand for Awesome Thurs- Cards. QNB’s various payment Al Thani and Roscongress increase during the seven-year scongress Foundation at the ago, in December 2019, we right resources and platforms day Campaign, QNB Life Re- products always aim to bring CEO Alexander Stuglev. period. 2019 Doha Forum, stating held a St Petersburg Interna- and realise their growth am- wards credit and debit cards the best features and benefits Speaking on the occasion, Despite the global crisis, that organising the session to- tional Economic Forum ses- bitions in a resilient, thriving cardholders will also benefit for customers to enrich their Kuwari praised the multi-di- the minister said, measures to day was one of the fruits of this sion at the Doha Forum. Last economy. Today’s event will from an exclusive offer eve- lives and provide them with a mensional strategic relations respond to the COVID-19 pan- promising partnership. year’s forum saw us success- be a key milestone in further ry Thursday to double their unique shopping experience between Qatar and Russia. demic in both countries had Primakov said that Qatar fully organise several busi- advancing our collaboration points by spending in all MOQ that suits their lifestyle.” “Both countries continue to proven successful. is viewed by Russian as an im- ness events, hold a range of with our respective partners stores, from 24 December Mall of Qatar General achieve progress in their com- Consequently, the gross portant partner in the Middle significantmeetings, and sign and companies in the lead-up 2020 to 11 February 2021. In Manager Emile Sarkis said, mon goals of enhancing eco- domestic product (GDP) of East and a potential investor an agreement with IPA Qatar. to SPIEF 2021,” he said. addition, QNB First and Pri- “Mall of Qatar is pleased to nomic performance and devel- Qatar and Russia are expected in its national economy. A lot has changed during this A panel on how licensing vate Banking customers can have this partnership with oping human capital, as well to increase by 2.5 percent and He said, “Since 2018, a past year. We were able to co- platforms of Qatar can support take advantage of other ben- QNB, the leading bank in the as increasing diversification of 2.8 percent respectively in number of large and medium- operate in the fields of health- companies in their growth efits when making their pur- region, to bring best deals to industries,” he said. 2021, contributing to the eco- sized Russian enterprises have care, food security, and mu- journey with representatives chases during the same period customers and add great value The minister underscored nomic growth of both coun- been actively working with tual investments. These topics from the Qatar Financial at the participating stores. to our shoppers. The Nation’s that these goals formed a basis tries, and to the expansion the Qatari government and will carry on into SPIEF 2021.” Centre (QFC), the Qatar Free QNB Life Rewards is a Mall is the ultimate destina- for strengthening cooperation of their relations in various the private sector to expand During the seminar, IPA Zones Authority (QFZA), the total relationship loyalty pro- tion that offers best custom- between the two nations in the fields. The minister referred their business to Qatar and the Qatar CEO delivered a presen- Qatar Science and Technology gram offered by QNB to its re- ers’ experience allowing them coming years. in this regard to the projects GCC region. Qatar is viewed by tation on Qatar’s value propo- Park (QSTP) and the Qatari- tail banking customers. Mem- to leverage from loyalty pro- Talking about trade ties under consideration of a value many as a potential regional sition and the unique advan- Russian Center for Coopera- bers earn points from their grams at a wide range of stores between the two countries, exceeding $9 billion in the hub for their business opera- tages the Invest Qatar brand tion (QRCC) was followed by a everyday use of QNB products and restaurants. We will con- the minister indicated that the fields of health care, real es- tions.” offers to Russian investors. discussion in which high-level and services, which can be tinue such great partnerships volume of trade exchange be- tate, infrastructure, agricul- Stuglev noted that today’s “With the support of IPA representatives from Russian redeemed instantly on differ- with leading institutions and tween Qatar and Russia had ture and others. event marks a continuation of Qatar and the Roscongress enterprises shared the high- ent types of rewards. Earned entities to make the shopping witnessed an upward trend, The minister touched on the Foundation’s joint efforts Foundation, Russian com- lights of their companies’ suc- points are redeemable at over experience an unforgettable reaching $202 million in 2019 the cooperation agreement to boost Russian-Qatari coop- panies can leverage Qatar’s cess journeys in Qatar. 800 fashion, dining and elec- journey.” Qatar leading economic recovery in the region with promising outlook: Jaida challenges. On National Day, continue to overcome challeng- Qatar has positive outlook for 2021 as reflected we celebrate Qatar’s history and es together to work towards a in promising projections by IMF and World Bank legacy, but also its achievements brighter future for the entire and resilience in 2020.” country.” Speaking on the occasion, Commenting on the occa- Tribune News Network year, Qatar National Day 2020 Qatar Finance and Business sion, IPA Qatar CEO Sheikh Ali Doha comes amidst the COVID-19 Academy (QFBA) CEO Khalid Alwaleed Al Thani said, “Despite pandemic that has changed how Mohammed Al Horr said, “At the challenges imposed by the The Qatar Financial Centre we interact with one another QFBA, we will continue to play pandemic, Qatar’s leadership, (QFC) Authority, a leading on- and ushered in a new normal era our role in human capital devel- people, and the economy con- shore financial and business to everyday life.” opment and finance education tinue to show resilience. centre in the region, held a spe- Jaida said, “Against all odds, to provide the financial services This year, the Qatar National cial virtual celebration of Qatar we are celebrating another and the banking sector with the Day is an auspicious occasion to National Day 2020. year of our nation’s excellence, necessary competencies need- reaffirm our values and achieve- The digitised celebration of- strength and economic resil- ed to continue the journey for ments. As we celebrate this spe- fered an ideal opportunity to ience. Qatar is leading the eco- Qatar’s progress and develop- cial day, we are also envisioning reflect on the nation’s core val- nomic recovery in the region ment.” an even brighter future with our ues - freedom, strength, and with a promising outlook for QICDRC CEO Faisal Al Sa- national, as well asinternational resilience – particularly in an 2021, reflected in the positive houti said, “The past decade has partners.” unprecedented year of global projections by world-renowned seen many achievements for the The QFC is an onshore ju- economic slowdown brought organisations such as the Inter- Court and the country. As we risdiction that allows registered about by the coronavirus pan- national Monetary Fund and the celebrate National Day this year, companies to enjoy competitive demic. World Bank.” we are reminded of our com- benefits, such as up to 100 per- QFC Authority Chief Execu- Qatar Financial Centre munity’s unwavering solidar- cent foreign ownership, 100 per- tive Officer Yousuf Mohamed Al Regulatory Authority (QFCRA) ity and collaborative ability to cent repatriation of profits, 10 Jaida kicked off the virtual event. Chief Executive Officer Michael overcome challenges, especially percent corporate tax on locally Speaking on the occasion, Jaida Ryan said, “This year, Qatar has during the COVID-19 pandemic, sourced profits, and an extensive said, “Even though we are hold- a lot to celebrate with the coun- as well as our joint efforts in double taxation treaty network ing an unusual virtual celebra- try’s collective efforts to curb the achieving the Qatar National Vi- with over 80 countries, a legal tion this year, I believe honour- spread of the virus, and contin- sion 2030. The Court is proud environment based on English ing Qatar and its people today ued productivity and proactiv- to be a contributor to Qatar’s common law and the right to The headquarters of Qatar Financial Centre in Doha. is more worthy than ever. This ity in every sector despite the path to excellence, and we will trade in any currency. 14 Thursday, December 17, 2020 Economy & Business Dukhan Bank announces Thara’a draw winners of November
Tribune News Network Amani each won a cash prize Almarzouqi, Khaled Boteh, and Maryam Barghash. QR10,000. Additionally, is a product full of value- Doha of QR10,000. Also, a cash Saleem Eideh, Mohammed Altogether, the Thara’a The draw was carried out every quarter, two winners added benefits and services. prize worth QR5,000 was Keshaish, Fatema Keshaisha, draw rewards 365 win- under the supervision of a rep- are picked for a cash prize of Thara’a offers account hold- Dukhan Bank has an- awarded to Abdul Majeed Sara Dergham, Sara Almarri, ners with cash prizes up resentative of the qualitative QR25,000 each and two for a ers access to Dukhan Bank’s nounced the names of the Zainulabdeen, Bessie Garcia, Hamad Alhussaini, Alhanouf to QR3.29 million license and market control cash prize of QR50,000 each. innovative banking channels. most recent round of draw Abdulrahman Alyafei, Ab- Al-Emadi, Aisha Al-Naama, department at the Ministry of Yearly, one winner is picked Customers may learn winners for Thara’a, its Shari- delaziz Soltan, Farha Shaikh, Edakeprath Krishnan, Syed Commerce and Industry. for the grand prize of QR1 mil- about the many benefits of ah compliant savings account, Mujthab Keedakkadan, Mo- Ali, Layla Dreik, Nada Ah- Mohamed, Sumaya Alasam, On a monthly basis, 42 lion. Altogether, the draw re- Thara’a savings account by at the bank’s headquarters. hamed Abdulkader, Sana Al- mad, Abdulaziz Al-Khuzaei, Oluseun Oludiran, Maha Al- winners are selected per draw wards 365 winners with cash visiting Dukhan Bank’s web- As the draw results rashed, Ali Al-Kuwari, Amine Abdulla Al-Badi, Sahar Zaran- Qahtani, Donya Alyafei, Ali for a cash prize of QR5,000 prizes up to QR3.29 million. site, www.dukhanbank.com, showed, the bank clients Noof Dridi, Prem Kasilingam, dah, Salma Al-Abdulla, Walid Mohamed, Assad Salem, Ab- each, as well as two winners Coupled with cash prizes or by calling the Contact Cen- Almarzouqi and Faroogh Ahmed Mohammed, Majed Oueslati, Ali Hilabi, Amin dulwahab Bazt, Ikram Akili per draw for a cash prize of and a reward scheme, Thara’a tre on 800 8555.
Qatargas dept earns global accreditation for ‘Bilateral trade between Qatar people management and India has potential to grow’ Tribune News Network prestigious accreditation Doha as only 17 per cent of the IIP-accredited organisa- Dr R Seetharaman Qatargas Operating tions worldwide reach the Company Limited (Qatar- Gold level. The Gold ac- addresses Almus gas) Learning and Devel- creditation means that L&D Rupee Money opment (L&D) Department department has got well- has earned “We Invest in established policies, proce- Conference 2020 People” gold accredita- dures and systems in place tion from Investors in Peo- to support our people and Tribune News Network ple (IIP), an international everyone in the department Doha standard for people man- takes ownership for making agement. them come to life. This is a The bilateral trade between The accreditation was significant achievement for India and Qatar has the poten- conferred to the L&D De- any organisation that values tial to grow further, Doha Bank partment in October 2020 their people.” Group CEO Dr R Seetharaman by the UK-based IIP, which He added, “The achieve- has said while addressing the provides the accreditation ment provides an insight Almus Rupee Money Confer- based on the latest work- into how well we are cur- ence 2020 hosted by the Na- place trends, leading prac- rently leading, supporting tional Stock Exchange of India tices and employee condi- and developing the high cal- Limited and Almus Risk Con- tions required to create high ibre and diverse workforce sulting. performing teams. of Qatargas to achieve the While the total bilateral Commenting on the ac- best business results. In ad- trade between GCC and India creditation, Adnan Hassan dition, it helps measure the stands at $121 billion, Seethar- Al Shaibi, L&D Manager, impact of our people strat- aman said Qatar mainly ex- Doha Bank Group CEO Dr R Seetharaman addressing the Almus Rupee Money Conference 2020. Qatargas, said: “We are egy and how it benefits our ports petrochemicals, LNG, delighted to receive this people.” fertilizers, sulphur and iron a subordinated debt invest- ally taper production cuts this pyrites to India. ment by QIA. It eyes stake up month. 2020 has been a his- Qatar’s major imports to $1.5 billion in India’s Reli- toric year for gold and silver from India include accessories, ance Jio Fibre in 2020. Qatar and India have set up a task force to identify projects as unprecedented stimulus manmade yarn, fabrics, cot- As per World Bank report in India for investments. This was agreed between Qatar’s measures around the world ton yarn, transport equipment, in April 2020, it expects the Minister of State for Energy Affairs HE Saad Sherida Al were unleashed on financial machinery and instruments, remittances to India from GCC Kaabi and India’s Oil Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. markets. The dollar index is at metals and ores and minerals, to fall by 23 percent to $64 bil- 90.46 levels and is expected to he added. lion in 2020 from $83 billion Doha Bank Group CEO Dr R Seetharaman fall further as fed continues its Seetharaman said many in 2019. monetary easing. Crucial nego- Indian companies such as Qatar and India have set to contract by 4.5 percent in is projected to strengthen to tiations to secure a post-Brexit L&T, Tata Projects, Voltas and up a task force to identify pro- 2020 and recover by 2.5 per- 3.9 percent and emerging and trade deal between the UK and Punj Lloyd have active rela- jects in India for investments, cent in 2021. developing economies are ex- the EU expected to happen.” tionships in the Qatari market he said. This was agreed be- Qatar and other regional pected to recover by 6 percent Dr Seetharaman spoke on through partnerships, agen- tween Qatar’s Minister of State economies had witnessed eco- in 2021. Indian economy as well. He cies and even have set up their for Energy Affairs HE Saad nomic reforms to recover from The US economy is pro- said IMF expects India’s GDP offices in Qatar, which is home Sherida Al Kaabi and India’s the COVID-19 as oil fell this jected to contract by 4.3 per- growth to bounce back to 8.8 to nearly 750,000 Indian na- Oil Minister Dharmendra year, he added. cent in 2020, before growing percent in 2021, one of the high- tionals. Pradhan. The Qatar Central Bank at 3.1 percent in 2021. A deep- est amongst in emerging mar- In the banking sector, India’s bilateral trade is set came up with various pro- er contraction of 8.3 percent ket and developing economies. Seetharaman said Doha Bank to grow with Qatar, Seethara- grammes to combat the risk of is projected for the euro area The country has been sta- has three full-fledged branches man said, adding that this the COVID-19 pandemic. in 2020, reflecting a sharper ble with its credit ratings, Eurozone economy ‘close in India. QNB also received ap- has given Qatar’s world class “In May 2020, the public- downturn than in the United which are placed currently at proval for retail operations the seaport, airport, Free zones, private partnership law was States in the first half of the investment grade at BBB-. to stabilising’: Key survey country, he added. a new public-private partner- introduced. The Private sector year. Inflation in the advanced India reported current ac- In January 2019, QIA in- ship model and an approved is expected to leverage from economy group is projected at count surplus of $19.8 billion Agencies chief business economist at vested $200 million through foreign investment law to pro- this new law. In October 2020, 0.8 percent in 2020, rising to which is 3.9 percent of GDP in Brussels IHS Markit, said. a primary equity issuance in mote non-Qatari investments. Qatar has allowed foreigners 1.6 percent in 2021 as the re- June 2020. The RBI holds Fo- “The data hint at the econ- Bharti Airtel’s arm Airtel Af- Qatar is an AA- rated coun- to own property. Qatar stock covery gains hold. rex reserves of $568.5 billion Eurozone business activity omy close to stabilising after rica Ltd. In July 2019, BYJU’S try and Doha Bank is rated A3 market has surged by close to In the emerging mar- which is at new life-time highs was “close to stabilising” in De- having plunged back into a (Indian learning app) an- with stable outlook, the coun- 0.5 percent YTD (as on closing ket and developing economy as on November 6 2020. cember as more robust manu- severe decline in November nounced that it has received an try offers low cost of financing of December 15, 2020) and has group, inflation is projected at The FDI investments as facturing production helped amid renewed Covid-19 lock- investment of $150 million led and also has a sovereign fund crossed 10,000 levels.” 5 percent this year, declining per RBI reported are projected counterbalance a slump in the down measures.” by Qatar Investment Author- plus gold reserves with cen- Dr R Seetharaman also to 4.7 percent next year. to be at $42.6 billion by the end service sector caused by coro- The firm’s closely watched ity (QIA), the sovereign wealth tral bank which is 2x of GDP gave insights on global econo- Prospects for China are of fiscal year 2020-21.R BI has navirus lockdowns, a key sur- PMI index rose from 45.3 fund of Qatar. reflecting inherent strength of mies. much stronger than for most been supportive with frequent vey showed Wednesday. points in November to 49.8 QIA is investing about the economy. “According to IMF October other countries in this group. announcements of its purchas- “The eurozone economy is this month, close to the key $450 million for a 25.1 percent Giving insights on Qatar 2020, global growth is project- Oil extended gains toward $50 es via open market operations. faring better than expected in 50-point level which indicates stake in a unit of Adani Trans- economy, the Doha Bank CEO ed at 5.2 percent in 2021. The a barrel after OPEC+ reached This has led to 10 year bond December,” Chris Williamson, growth. mission Ltd. The deal includes said the country is expected Advanced economies growth a compromise deal to gradu- yields at 5.93 percent. Qatar Chamber organises event for staff to mark National Day
Tribune News Network is a glorious occasion and day strides within the past few by the Qatar year after year in Doha of pride and dignity. “It is an years and has become one of all fields under the wise lead- opportunity to reaffirm our the world’s fasting growing ership of HH the Amir. Qatar Chamber has recently loyalty to Qatar and its wise economies due to the vision- The Chamber has made organised an event for its staff leadership and our confi- ary policy under the wise lead- many achievements this year to celebrate the country’s Na- dence in the country’s ability ership of HH the Amir. and developed its services of- tional Day in the presence of to overcome all challenges to Underscoring Qatr’s suc- fered to its members, as well General Manager Saleh bin face.” cess in combating the block- as continued its role aiming Hamad Al Sharqi and direc- Elaborating Qatar’s suc- ade, Hajri said the country to promote the performance tors of departments and sec- cess in combating crises, not only has managed to over- of private sector and increase tions. Sheikh Khalifa said as the come the blockade but also its contribution in the national The event provided an op- country has succeeded in over- transformed its impacts into economy, he added. portunity to recall the great coming the blockade and its benefits. The QC general manager achievements made by Qatar repercussions. Qatar was also The siege was an impe- said the Chamber would wit- in general and the Chamber in able to confront the COVID-19 tus for Qatari investors to ex- ness a quantum leap in the particular. crisis, thanks to its sound poli- pand their investments in the coming year in terms of the On that occasion, QC cies and strategies. industry sector and increase work mechanisms through the Chairman Sheikh Khalifa bin QC Chairman said Qatar productivity in a way that sup- development of more electron- Jassim Al Thani, on behalf has upheld the principles and ports the local market and de- ic programs that contribute to of the private sector and the noble values established by crease import from abroad, he streamlining transactions and Chamber’s staff, extended the founder. “Only our belief added. decreasing the use of paper. congratulations to His High- in these values and our soli- Addressing the Chamber’s He also underscored the ness the Amir Sheikh Tamim darity with the wise leadership The Qatar Chamber event to mark the National Day provided an opportunity to recall the great staff, Saleh Al Sharqi said, growing role played by the bin Hamad Al Thani, His enabled the country to stead- achievements made by Qatar in general and the Chamber in particular. “Celebrating the National Day Chamber in developing the Highness the Father Amir fast against crises and chal- offers an opportunity for us private sector and increas- Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al lenges,” he said. model example of the values of For his part, QC Board ments made by the country in to renew our allegiance to the ing its participation in the Thani and His Highness the “Qatar’s adoption of these respect, justice, peace, cooper- Member Dr Khalid bin Kle- all fields, including economy wise leadership.” local economy, pointing out Deputy Amir Sheikh Abdullah values and principles has ation and support for the op- feekh Al Hajri said the Nation- and politics. Sharqi said this year, cele- to its continued contact with bin Hamad Al Thani. placed it in a leading global pressed and needy, and other al Day is a precious occasion Hajri noted that the Qa- brations come in line with the various ministries and govern- He said the National Day position, emerging it as a noble values,” he stressed. that evokes the accomplish- tari economy has made great successive achievements made ment entities in the country. Economy & Business Thursday, December 17, 2020 15 BMW warns ‘no-deal’ Brexit will force up US Fed officials slightly more prices in UK, Europe optimistic on 2021-22 growth AFP “the next days are going to be Frankfurt decisive”, adding that there remained a “narrow path to ington have failed to break A no-deal Brexit will make an agreement” on post-Brexit FOMC members an impasse over a new pack- BMW and Mini cars in Britain trade. see growth of age to follow the $2.2 trillion and Europe more expensive, The UK, which officially CARES act, which provided the German automaker’s fi- left the EU on January 31, will 4.2% in 2021 aid to businesses and expand- nance chief warned Wednes- abandon the single market ed benefits to workers hurt by day. and customs union on Decem- and 3.2% in 2022 the pandemic that would not If Britain and the Euro- ber 31. normally be eligible for regu- pean Union do not reach a Without a trade agree- AFP lar jobless payments. post-Brexit trade agreement, a ment, its business with the Washington Without congressional 10-percent customs tax would EU will be governed solely by action, millions of people be applied to cars crossing the World Trade Organization US central bankers are slightly could lose those benefits after Channel, costing BMW hun- (WTO) rules. more optimistic about Eco- Christmas. dreds of millions of euros, A solution may not arrive nomic growth prospects over The signs of compromise Nicolas Peter said in a confer- before Christmas, the BMW the next two years and see an came after a bipartisan group ence call. finance chief said. improving employment pic- of legislators floated an op- “The only way to mitigate But he said he was still ture, the Federal Reserve said tion with a smaller price tag, some of that is to raise prices,” hoping a deal will be agreed Wednesday. but excluding thorny provi- he said. “before the clock strikes mid- Members of the policy- sions like aid for state and lo- “Minis in Europe and night”. setting Federal Open Mar- cal governments and liability BMWs in Britain will become The Brexit fallout is al- kets Committee (FOMC) see protection for businesses from more expensive.” ready making itself felt. growth of 4.2 percent in 2021 Covid-related lawsuits. BMW produces cars for ex- Last week, Japanese car- and 3.2 percent in 2022, two- The package is expected port into the UK from the EU, maker Honda was forced to tenths better than the Septem- to include another round of while it assembles some Mini announce a production break ber forecast. direct payments to American models for European custom- at its British plant in Swin- And the consensus fore- US central bankers are slightly more optimistic about Economic growth prospects over the next two years. taxpayers. ers at its plant in Oxford. don because of a lack of spare casts show the unemployment Democratic House Speak- Britain is BMW’s fourth parts, blocked by congestion rate falling to 5.0 percent next jobless workers is seen as es- “We made major headway law.” er Nancy Pelosi met with Mc- largest market, Peter said, and at British ports as a result of year and 4.2 percent the fol- sential in getting the world’s toward hammering out a tar- The progress comes as Connell and other leaders a no-deal would cost the car Brexit preparations. lowing year. largest economy back on its geted pandemic relief package government data shows retail late Tuesday, and legislators maker a “mid three-digit mil- Even without an agree- Congressional leaders on feet amid a resurgence of Cov- that would be able to pass both sales dropping sharply in No- could attach their relief bill to lion amount”. ment, Peter expects logistics Wednesday said they were id-19 infections. chambers with bipartisan ma- vember, which together with a spending plan that keeps the Higher prices would lead flows to stabilise quickly -- nearing a long-awaited agree- The worsening outbreak jorities,” Republican Senate slowing employment gains, a government operating beyond to lower sales, he added, possibly after “a few weeks” of ment on a stimulus package even as vaccines are rolled out, Majority Leader Mitch McCo- resurgent wave of coronavi- the end of its current funding “which is why we are still hop- turbulence. for the US economy, while the complicates the outlook. But nnell said early Wednesday. rus infections and a pandemic expiring at midnight Friday. ing that a reasonable solution BMW added that it was Federal Reserve is set to pro- federal relief would ease the “We committed to contin- death toll north of 300,000 in “We are close to an agree- will be found”. “prepared” for all outcomes vide updated forecasts on an pressure on the central bank, uing these urgent discussions the US has increased fears of ment. It’s not a done deal European Commission and “does not foresee any in- uncertain outlook. which has limited tools to help until we have an agreement, another economic downturn. yet, but we are very close,” President Ursula von der terruption” in production at A federal relief package to the economy amid signs the and we agreed that we will not Despite months of nego- top Senate Democrat Chuck Leyen on Wednesday said the beginning of January. aid struggling business and recovery is stalling. leave town until we’ve made tiations, lawmakers in Wash- Schumer said.
Bitcoin trades above $20,000 for the first time AFP back to $20,145, which was banks have meanwhile re- in response to Facebook’s raged over the status of the London still an intra-day gain of sponded to the rise of cryp- recent moves to produce its digital asset, launched in late nearly four percent. tocurrencies and the dwin- own digital unit, Libra. 2008, as to whether it should Leading virtual currency It has seen a meteoric rise dling global use of cash by Unregulated by any cen- be seen as a form of money, bitcoin on Wednesday traded since March, when it stood at announcing plans for bank- tral bank, bitcoin emerged an asset or a commodity. above $20,000 for the first $5,000, spurred by online backed digital units. as an attractive option for After the unit surpassed time following a sustained payments giant PayPal say- Several central banks in- investors with an appetite for $1,000 for the first time in run higher in recent weeks. ing it would enable account cluding those of China and the exotic -- although crimi- 2013, it increasingly began to Just 12 years old, bit- holders to use cryptocur- Sweden -- but also the US nals have also seen its under- attract the attention of finan- coin reached a record-high rency. Federal Reserve -- are also the-radar appeal. cial institutions and has ex- $20,398.50 before pulling A number of central testing digital applications Debate has meanwhile perienced wild price swings.
Us e on the go Portable protection: LG launches wearable air purifier in Qatar LG PuriCare wearable air purifier employs high-performance filters and sensor-controlled fans for clean air and optimal breathing comfort Tribune News Network Doha
Following its unveiling at IFA 2020, LG Electronics (LG) on Wednesday launched its personal air solution in Qa- tar, known as the LG PuriCare Wearable Air Purifier. As a global leader in clean air solu- tions, LG has long been associated with empowering healthy, hygienic lifestyles and this reputation has resulted in the creation of an entire new category of wearable air purifier technology to de- liver a new level of portable protection. LG’s ever-expanding lineup of Pu- riCare air purifiers includes single and double tower models for residential spaces, a commercial model for offices and even a portable device for use on- the-go. With its latest edition to the PuriCare family, LG seeks to ensure that clean air and optimal breathing comfort are maintained from wherever the user tion for users across Qatar. We have full reduce resistance upon exhaling. “The introduction of the PuriCare may be. confidence that this technology Wearable Air Purifier to the Qatar market While the importance of maintain- will enhance quality of life and A Practical Solution represents our continued commitment ing healthy air quality is a topic receiv- provide people with greater The LG PuriCare Wearable Air Puri- to not only championing innovation, ing more widespread attention now, peace-of-mind, wher- fier comes with a built-in, rechargeable but also bringing advanced technol- discussions around air quality have ever they may be,” said Mr. 820MaH battery which can deliver up ogy to market at rapid pace. While this been a major concern for nations and Sajed Jassim Mohammed to eight hours of operation at low speed device could not be any timelier demand individuals around the world for a num- Sulaiman, Vice Chairman and four hours on the highest setting. To for portable protection and access to ber of years. LG’s PuriCare Wearable and Managing Director of recharge, users simply need to connect clean air is not new. For years, we have Air Purifier has been in development Video Home & Electronic the device to a power source using the seen growing interest and concern for since 2017 – undergoing three years of Centre. provided USB C cable. For added conven- maintaining good air quality – which is extensive R&D and product testing. ience, key components such as the filters, why we have continued to expand our Maintaining Hygiene inner cover, face guard, ear straps and PuriCare lineup. We are seeing inter- Ensuring Comfort To deliver a new level of personal strap extenders are also easy to remove est in sectors ranging from government Within its research, LG identified area. The protection, the LG PuriCare Wearable Air and replace – extending usability. and B2B organizations, right through to common challenges for mask-wearers, face guard also features a silicone Purifier harnesses two H13 HEPA filters, Coming soon, LG will also release a everyday consumers. We are proud to including regulating air flow without pad which seeks to promote comfortable which work to prevent up to 99.95% of unique case for the PuriCare Wearable empower people across Qatar to breathe becoming too warm or claustrophobic fit for hours on end and reduce the fog- harmful airborne matter, such as viruses, Air Purifier, which deploys the com- better air, while remaining comfortable,” and having glasses periodically fog up. ging up of glasses, while the inner cover bacteria and common allergens from pany’s UVnano sanitization technology to said Mr. Hongju Jeon, President, LG Additionally, as people become more prevents internal contamination. entering the wearer’s respiratory system . eliminate 99.99 percent of germs in just Electronics Gulf. conscious of the environment, the need “With the launch of the PuriCare LG’s patented Respiratory Sensor detects 30 minutes, using UV-C LED lights . The The LG PuriCare Wearable Air Puri- for a more sustainable solution was clear. Wearable Air Purifier, LG continues to the cycle and volume of the user’s breath- case can also remove moisture from in- fier is now available in Qatar at LG Brand The PuriCare Wearable has been demonstrate its commitment to positive- ing, automatically adjusting the PuriCare ternal components caused by the wearer’s shops, leading hypermarkets and elec- ergonomically designed, based on exten- ly impacting people’s lives through the Wearable Air Purifier’s DUAL Fans breath, charge the device from empty to tronics stores for a retail price of QR699. sive facial shape analysis. The device fits power of technology. We look forward accordingly via three speed settings. The full in just two hours and send notifica- Two H13 HEPA Filters are provided snugly around the user’s face, minimiz- to seeing how this innovative product dynamic fans are able to speed up when tions to the user’s smartphone via the LG in the box, with additional filters avail- ing air leakage around the nose and chin reimagines the future of air purifica- the wearer is inhaling, and slow down to ThinQ app when filters need replacing. able for the retail price of QR79. Amir Cup final, Al Rayyan Stadium opening preparations complete: Organizing THURSday, DECEMBER 17, 2020 Committee page 18
ASIANA G MES 2030 ‘Doha is a place that brings everyone together’
HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani, Chairman of Doha2030 Bid Committee and President of Qatar Olympic Committee, signs the agreement President of the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) HE Sheikh Ahmad Al Fahad Al Sabah holds a placard after Doha was declared as the Host City for 2030 Asian Games at the 39th Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) General Assembly Meeting in the announcing Doha as the host city for the 21st Asian Games 2030 during the 39th OCA General Assembly Omani capital Muscat on Wednesday. (AFP) Meeting in Muscat, Oman, on Wednesday. (AFP)
Continued from page 1
Sheikh Joaan said, “Athletes have always been our first pri- ority and therefore the concept of these games was integrated, and this will provide an easy and smooth transition for all guests of Qatar during the Asian Games.” He continued, “Our mis- sion is to use all that is avail- able everywhere and to en- hance it. We have not changed our sport to suit the Asian Games, but we have adapted the games to suit.” “We have built more than 200 sports facilities that have hosted more than 50 regional and international sporting events as well. These facilities have won the confidence of the various Olympic federations and committees, and this con- firms that Asian athletes can compete at the highest level,” Sheikh Joaan added. He said, “We would like to see athletes on the corona- Saudi Minister of Sports and Youth Prince HE Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Faisal Al Saud (right) congratulates President of the Qatar Olympic Committee HE Hind promised that the Doha Sheikha Hind said, “The ul- tion podiums, and this tour- Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani during the 39th Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) General Assembly Meeting in Muscat, Oman, on Wednesday. (AFP) 2030 file will provide the ide- timate goal of education is not nament becomes part of the al platform to celebrate the only to help children create a sporting history.” Deputy Prime Minister and we already own, but it is related of the best facilities and op- “We will manage them through success of Asian athletes in better future for themselves, but “Doha is a place that brings Minister for Foreign Affairs to many intangible things that portunities that help athletes a unified traffic system.” the Asian continent because for all of us to meet and create everyone together, the Asian HE Sheikh Mohamed bin Ab- achieve success for such games. succeed and rest during the For her part, Sheikha Asma sport is the place to which a world to which we all belong.” Games will be a model, and dulrahman Al Thani affirmed The people accept the diversity competitions. Al Thani, Director of Market- everyone belongs. She said Doha file does not Doha 2030 will be a victory for the great commitment and and diversity in the world and Al Buenain revealed that ing and Communications at Sheikha Hind said, “I al- focus on the best for Qatar, but the Olympic Council of Asia, support Qatar gives to sports. seize future opportunities with- the Olympic Village, which the Qatar Olympic Committee, ways loved sports and sporting rather for the Asian Olympic the Olympic movement around “The sport is in our DNA out relying on the past, which will be dedicated to athletes said, “Qatar has reached reality events since childhood. I have families, pointing out that the the world, our common herit- and it’s truly part of our na- is what makes these games a during the Games, will contain after it launched its promise in learned many lessons from 2030 Asian Games is an oppor- age, and we are always stronger tional identity. I felt great en- beautiful memory.” 2,000 units capable of hosting 2006 and all the investments going to the Al Shaqab sta- tunity that will “allow us to look thanks to this legacy and we are thusiasm when I was asked The FM affirmed that one more than 15,000 people and we made put us in a unique po- bles established by His High- beyond ourselves to provide ready,” he said. to be part of the presentation of the most important compo- can be expanded to 18,000 sition to present a distinguished ness the Father Amir Sheikh opportunities for young Asian Sheikh Joaan greeted team for the Asian file, and al- nents of the Qatari file is the se- people at a high level, and it is file for the 2030 Games.” Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani to athletes”. the members of the Riyadh though I have attended many curity and safety of the guests, 10 to 15 minutes away for each She said, “When present- preserve the purebred Arabian After Doha was announced 2030 file before beginning conferences and meetings... stressing that Qatar is one of of the stadiums that will host ing the Doha 2030 presenta- horses. Sport is a global lan- the winner, chants were raised his speech and congratulated But attending this meeting is the safest countries in the world the competitions and after the tion, we didn’t focus on our- guage because it is, in essence, in the hotel’s conference hall them for presenting the file a wonderful thing for me, es- according to the Global Crime games will be converted into selves, but on investing in the a form of education. And I by the Qatari delegation to cel- and wished them success in a pecially since the Asian Games Index. “We affirm our commit- residential areas. success of Asian athletes, and believe in the power of educa- ebrate this victory. very wonderful gesture. love my heart.” ment that the athletes attend- He said 4,000 hotel rooms this is historic because the tion, as it is one of the noblest Sheikha Hind said, “We According to the Qatari Sheikh Mohammed ing will have security and safety have been reserved for guests submission of the hosting files issues that we can devote our congratulate those who par- bid, the financial budget for thanked the government and and enjoy a very unique experi- at the five-star level. “We have must be based on reliable and lives to serving.” ticipated in the Doha file the Doha 2030 Asian Games people of the Sultanate of ence,” he said. 14 hotels ready to receive all proven facts.” She said, “We all believe that for hosting the 2030 Asian is estimated at $1.3 billion, and Oman for the hospitality, warm “We look forward to creat- delegations participating in the She said the infrastructure education, whether it is sports Games, and we look forward because Qatar includes a very reception and distinguished or- ing a better world to which we Asian Games.” of Doha 2030 is already on the or academia, is fundamental to to playing an active role in or- developed sports market that ganization of the Asian Olym- all belong,” he added. He said transportation is ground, not on paper. the success of young people and der for this event to be firmly is based on profits and televi- pic Council meeting. Qatar Olympic Committee usually a challenge for all Asian “We are the only file capa- children. Sport gives us the tools in our minds.” sion broadcasting rights, it will “I guarantee you the com- Secretary-General HE Jassim Games, but it is not the same ble of ensuring a zero risk level to achieve our goals and teaches She said, “We are keen to achieve returns of $ 1.46 bil- mitment of our government Rashid Al Buenain said, “We for Doha. for the Games, and this gives us us to look at ourselves and be continue providing support for lion. According to the contract towards Doha 2030 as was the will reinvest these profits dur- In addition to the public time to focus on providing the aware of ourselves and encour- preparations for this session in signed with the Olympic Coun- case in 2006. Hosting a sport- ing and after the 2030 Asian transport system in Doha, he best experience in the Asian age us to seize opportunities the coming years through our cil of Asia, a part of these rev- ing event of this size and the Games.” said, the capabilities of host- Games for athletes and invest- and see what can be achieved facilities, our knowledge and enues will return and thus net importance of the Asian Games He stressed Qatar’s readi- ing the Asian family will be ing the resources we gain in the through teamwork and dedica- our belief in the importance of profits are expected to reach undoubtedly requires more ness to host the 2030 Asian strengthened by allocating 900 Asian Olympic family.” tion, and sport is able to inspire sport and its power to influence $151 million. than providing the facilities that Games with the availability cars to secure transportation. For her part, Sheikha everyone.” people’s lives.” Sports Thursday, December 17, 2020 17
“Hosting an event as long and important Doha 2030 Asian Games: as Asian Games requires more than just infrastructure Creating a world and facilities. It’s rather about the many intangibles that make ‘where we all belong’ a great Games.” Tribune News Network Doha
Qatar’s great desire and the Doha2030 Bid Committee’s emphasis on Doha’s sporting legacy, its vision for an Asian Games ‘Where We All Belong’, and the aim of unprecedented Asian legacy starting in 2021, backed by amazing and flawless presentations saw Doha emerge as a deserving destination for the 21st Asian Games. An hon- our Doha – the sporting capital of the world — has received a second time since hosting the 15th Asian Games in 2006. Presenting the vision at the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) General Assembly in Muscat on Wednesday, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for For- eign Affairs HE Sheikh Moham- ed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, said, “I don’t think there is any question about Qatar govern- ment’s support and dedication that it gives to sport. The sport is in our DNA and it’s truly part of our national identity. It’s a new approach of bidding for the Asian Games. Because our fo- cus is on you, not on us. My role is to assure you that our govern- ment’s commitment to 2030 is total and unqualified. Just as it was for the 2006 Asian Games. “Hosting an event as long and important as Asian Games requires more than just infra- structure and facilities which we HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani, Chairman of Doha2030 Bid Committee and President of Qatar Olympic Committee, exults as the name of Doha is announced the Host City for 2030 Asian Games during the Olympic already have. It’s rather about Council of Asia General Assembly Meeting in Muscat, Oman, on Wednesday. the many intangibles that make a great Games. The friendliness of the people, the acceptance of other beliefs and other ways of life and the optimism of the society focused about the future and not looked into the past. These are the things that make the Games truly memorable. “One of the key aspects of our bid is the safety and security of our guests, especially in to- day’s world. According to crime index 2020, Qatar is the world’s safest country and you have our commitment that your athletes and delegations will be as well- Qatar athletes Mutaz Essa Barshim and Nada Arakji speak during protected as our own athletes. Doha 2030 presentation at the Olympic Council of Asia’s General Creating a whole diverse and Assembly Meeting in Muscat, Oman, on Wednesday. unparalleled experience, even beyond the Games. We believe Doha 2030 is a win-win situa- said, “The spectacular Athletes’ Qatar has a duty larger than tion for us all – the athletes, the Village will have 2,000 units ourselves and that is to help NOCs, the OCA and the Olym- and a capacity for 15,000 peo- create a better world. A world pic movement across the globe. ple - with the potential to ac- where we all belong.” This is a shared legacy and we’re commodate up to 18,000.” HE Sheikh Joaan bin stronger because of it.” Athletes Mutaz Barshim, Hamad Al Thani, Chairman HE Sheikha Hind bint who is twice Olympic medalist of Doha2030 Bid Committee Hamad Al Thani, Vice Chair- and world high jump cham- and President of Qatar Olym- person and CEO of Qatar Foun- pion, and Qatar’s first Olympic pic Committee, said, “This is dation, spoke about “Celebrat- swimmer Nada Arakji, spoke a great opportunity for all the ing the Universality of Sport”. eloquently highlighting what people of Qatar. Sports is our She also recalled her own sport- athletes can look forward to at national identity, it’s in our ing excellence as an athlete and the Games in Doha. “I still have DNA. Our entire country has HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani, Chairman of Doha2030 Bid Committee and President of Qatar Olympic Committee shows the Certificate how sports is imbibed in the the t-shirt I wore as a volunteer been working so hard for the of Appreciation Doha received for being the 2030 Asian Games Host City, along with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs Qatari culture. at the Doha 2006 Games as a past 20 years, building a truly HE Sheikh Mohamed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, and HE Sheikha Hind bint Hamad Al Thani, Vice Chairperson and CEO of Qatar Foundation. Sheikha Asmaa Thani Al teenager then,” said Barshim. world class sporting infrastruc- Thani, Doha 2030 Bid Com- Qatar will be playing host ture and gaining expertise. hard work by the people of you have, where you have it and international championships. more Asian athletes on Olympic mittee and Qatar Olympic to the multi-sport event eight “Quite simply there is no Doha. It’s also the result of our build as little as possible.’ We They have been tried and trust- podiums. We want that to be Committee Marketing and years after it stages the football limit to Qatari’s can achieve. dedication over the years to de- did that. We did not change our ed. It’s not only venues that are part of your national sports his- Communications Director, extravaganza – the FIFA World Over the Asian Games in impor- velop sport in Qatar and in the city to fit theA sian Games. We ready but management teams tory, not just ours. And we want said, “Because of our invest- Cup Qatar 2022. tance. It holds a special place in region. Athletes are our most adapted the Games to fit our as well. There is no learning to support you in your efforts to ment in sport over the years, A video during the presen- my heart. I had the honour to important priority. And the existing infrastructure. We did curve for Doha 2030. The cru- get there. Doha is a place where we are in the unique position to tation showcased Qatar’s raft be the torch relay bearer in the compact nature of our Games this to save time and resources cial point that makes our bid we all belong, because we have propose a new kind of bid.” of sporting and transport infra- 2006 Doha Asian Games. Back will allow athletes to travel which we want to invest back unique is that we don’t just have planned it that way. Our Games HE Jassim Rashid Al Bue- structure being prepared ahead then I visited 26 cities in 15 na- quickly to venues and training. in all of you. We have built our the hardware but we also have will serve as a new model, not nain, Doha2030 Bid Commit- of the 2022 World Cup that tions in 55 days. The message of the Olym- 200 sports facilities, which has the software. just for 2030 but for the incred- tee CEO and Secretary-General, would be repurposed for the “This bid is a result of the pic Agenda 2020 is ‘Use what hosted more than 50 major “Our goal is simple. We want ible journey that lies ahead. Qatar Olympic Committee, 2030 Asian Games. Previous Asian Games host cities
1951 - New Delhi- India; 1954 - Manila- Philippines; 1958 - Tokyo- Japan; 1962 - Jakarta- Indonesia; 1966 - Bangkok- Thailand; 1970 - Bangkok- Thailand; 1974 - Tehran- Iran; 1978 - Bangkok- Thailand; 1982 - New Delhi- India; Former India Prime Minister Late 1986 - Seoul- Korea; Jawaharlal Nehru at the 1990 - Beijing- China; inauguration of the first Asian 1994 - Hiroshima- Japan; Games in New Delhi. 1998 - Bangkok- Thailand; Note: The 19th Asian Games- will 2002 - Busan- Korea; take place in Hangzhou- China- from September 10-25- 2022; 20th Asian 2006 - Doha- Qatar; Games- Aichi-Nagoya- Japan from 2010 - Guangzhou- China; September 19 to October 4- 2026; THEN & NOW: HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani, Chairman of Doha2030 Bid Committee and President 2014 - Incheon- Korea; 21st Asian Games- Doha- Qatar in of Qatar Olympic Committee, and HE Sheikha Hind bint Hamad Al Thani, Vice Chairperson and CEO of 2018 - Jakarta-Palembang- 2030; 22nd Asian Games in Qatar Foundation, are reflected in these pictures in which Qatar won the bids to host FIFA World Cup 2022 Indonesia. Riyadh- Saudi Arabia in 2034. The Japanese delegation the 39th Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) and the 2030 Doha Asian Games. General Assembly Meeting in Muscat on Wednesday. (AFP) 18 Thursday, December 17, 2020 Sports
HH THE AMIR CUP 2020 Preparations for the final, Al Rayyan Stadium inauguration complete: Organizing Committee
QNA Doha
The organizing committee of HH the Amir Cup has said that preparations are complete for the final between Al Sadd and Al Arabi set to take in attend- ance of fans at FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 stadium Al Rayyan. Head of marketing at the committee Khalid Al Kuwari said during a press confer- ence on Wednesday that 95 percent of tickets of 50% sta- dium capacity were sold and that priority was given to fans of Al Sadd and Al Arabi teams. Remaining tickets have been granted to football fans so they can get to enjoy the match. Al Kuwari said that the tickets reservation and sales process, which are awarded after carrying out a COVID-19 been applied in any sporting test on the ticket holders, did Organizing Committee members address a press conference on the preparations ahead of HH The Amir Cup final on Wednesday. event held during the period not face any issues. He praised of the COVID-19 pandemic the role played by both Al Ara- said that holding the final portunity to test the stadium concern everything outside ing spaces at Education City, veloped in a way that guaran- so far, indicating that Qatar bi and Al Sadd for marketing and inaugurating the fourth and the fans experience. the security fence of the sta- and shuttling the fans to the tees the security and safety of will be the first country in the the tickets of the final, which stadium of World Cup 2022 He encouraged the fans dium, Especially in relation to match stadium, amid precau- everyone when entering and world to allow the entry of so will also see the inauguration sends a message to the World to come early, gates will open coordination with government tionary measures. exiting the stadium, ruling many fans in a football match of Al Rayyan stadium. that Qatar will be ready to host three hours before the match, or private agencies or various For his part, head of the fa- out that the security measures under these circumstances. He added that ensuring all the worlds biggest footballing and to adhere to all health pre- services, be it related to trans- cility at the Amir Cup Organiz- would cause traffic jams in the Al Musleh called on the fans in the stadium had car- event two years from now. cautions required. He also said portation, security or infra- ing Committee, Major Abdul- area surrounding the stadium. fans to adhere to all health ried out a COVID-19 test did Al Kuwari said that prepa- that food and drinks will not be structure, as well as the readi- lah Al Ghanem touched on the The Advisor to the Min- measures and procedures ap- not affect the sales process. He rations are running smoothly allowed inside the stadium. ness of the facilities around plans for security preparations ister of Public Health for plied during the match, es- highlighted that demand for to hold the final that will coin- Security Commander of Al the stadium and the readiness for the final match, with an Sports and Emergency Af- pecially with regard to social tickets continues to increase, cide with Qatar’s National Day Rayyan Venue, Abdulaziz Al to receive the fans. emphasis on the emergency fairs Dr. Abdulwahab Al Mu- distancing, wearing masks, maintaining that the tests celebrations. Mawlawi, said that the servic- He revealed that more plans, pointing out that there sleh explained that the Amir and adhering to the seats al- were carried out to ensure the He added that Al Rayyan es of the host country are one than 7000 parking spaces will be eight tents for security Cup final and the opening located to each fan, in order safety of everyone attending. stadium is now ready to host of the tasks required by FIFA have been provided for the checks, five of which will be al- ceremony of Al Rayyan Sta- to preserve the safety of eve- Head of the facility at the the fans. He also said that the in hosting any sporting event, fans at Al Rayyan Stadium, in located to the fans. dium will witness a special ryone in particular and soci- committee, Hassan Al Kuwari, final will serve as a good op- pointing out that these tasks addition to providing park- The security plan was de- medical protocol that has not ety in general.
beIN Sports to broadcast Key information for fans Amir Cup 2020 final, Al attending the Amir Cup final Rayyan Stadium opening
he Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy is being allowed access to the stadium. ☛ There will be a range of activities, performances Special coverage to mark 2 years to just two days away from inaugurating the fourth ☛ On match day, fans will need to bring their ticket, and cultural offerings in the Fan Zone FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 final Ttournament-ready stadium for the FIFA World Cup Qatar ID (QID) and text message from the MOPH ☛ Participating stakeholders include the Ministry Qatar 2022. On Friday, 18 December, Al Rayyan Venue with details of their COVID-19 test result. of Culture and Sports, Qatar Olympic and Sports will open its doors for the first time when it plays host ☛ Tickets for the final are limited to one per person Museum, Al Rayyan Sports Club, Al Arabi Sports Tribune News Network mad and former Al Rayyan, to the Amir Cup final between Al Sadd and Al Arabi. and will be linked to the QID of the purchaser. Club and Al Sadd Sports Club Doha Al Gharrafa and ex FC Barce- The event will also mark this year’s Qatar National Tickets are non-transferable. ☛ Food and beverage trucks will be available lona player Sonny Anderson, Day, along with the two-year countdown to the FIFA ☛ Activities include: bull rodeo, bungee trampoline, beIN Media Group, the among others. World Cup final. COVID-19 football billiards, 1-on-1 football, kick point and global sports and entertainment The stadium – which will become the new home ☛ Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the various others broadcaster and its flagship Amir Cup final of Al Rayyan Sports Club – follows Khalifa Internation- safety and security of fans attending the final is of ☛ Other entertainment will include a DJ, dancers sports channel beIN Sports is The 48th edition of the Amir al, Al Janoub and Education City in becoming ready to the utmost importance. and football freestylers set to host an exciting line up of Cup will see two Qatari heavy- host the first FIFA World Cup in the Middle East and ☛ There will be performances from various commu- milestones, matches and exclu- weights Al Arabi and Al Sadd Arab world. Fans should note the following nity groups, including Bangladesh, Egypt, Ghana, sive documentaries on its Eng- go head-to-head for a chance to As part of the build-up to 18 December, a pre- ☛ Al Rayyan Venue will operate at 50% capacity India, Kenya, Mexico, Palestine and Sudan lish and Arabic channels across win the coveted trophy – as well match press conference took place at Al Rayyan ☛ Fans will be seated two seats apart ☛ Fans are encouraged to visit the Fan Zone after the Middle East and North Af- as a chance to qualify for the Venue on Wednesday, 16 December, where organis- ☛ Wearing a mask will be mandatory at all times the match in order to give people time to board rica (MENA) – with the 2020 2021 AFC Champions League. ers provided details regarding the match and related ☛ Fans are required to present a negative COVID-19 the Doha Metro Amir of Qatar Cup final, the Previously postponed due festivities. The speakers included Hassan Al Kuwari, test or positive COVID-19 antibodies test in order opening of the state-of-the-art to the COVID-19 pandemic, LOC Venue Manager, Khalid Al Kuwari, LOC Marketing to enter the stadium Transportation Al Rayyan Stadium and the the 2020 Amir Cup final will Director, Major Abdullah Ghanim Al Ghanim, Security ☛ Fans must present a green status on their Ehteraz ☛ Traffic in and aroundA l Rayyan Venue is ex- AFC Champions League final all be played at 19:00 Mecca Time Commander of Al Rayyan Venue, Abdulaziz Al Mawlawi, app pected to be heavy in the lead-up to the match. scheduled on the global sports (GMT +3) live on beIN Sports Host Country Mobility Operations Director, Ali Al Salat, ☛ Temperature checks will be conducted prior to In addition, Doha Metro will experience many channel. HD11 for English and beIN LOC Media Relations Manager, and Dr Abdul Wahab entry to the stadium more passengers than usual. Fans are advised Following a busy period of Sports HD1 for Arabic – with the Al Musleh, Deputy Chief Medical Officer for Clinical ☛ Social distancing and regular handwashing will to arrive early and visit the Mall of Qatar or sports action in the English Pre- Arabic studio starting at 17:30 Information Systems at Hamad Medical Corporation. also be strongly encouraged attend the Fan Zone before making their way to mier League, LaLiga, Serie A, Mecca Time featuring beIN Fans planning to attend Friday’s match, which will ☛ Food and beverage concessions will not operate the stadium. UEFA Champions League and analysts Mohammad Aboutrika kick off at 7 PM, should take note of the following in the stadium and fans will not be able to bring ☛ Fans are encouraged to travel by metro, car or taxi UEFA Europa League, beIN and Mubarak Mustafa. information in order to ensure a smooth and enjoy- food and beverages inside to the stadium. Al Riffa Station is just a five-min- Sports will continue its world The proud occasion will able experience. ☛ Food and beverages will only be available in the ute walk to Al Rayyan Venue. It will take approxi- class coverage of the best sports also see beIN Sports exclusively Fan Zone mately 30 minutes to travel from central Doha to competitions broadcast the Tickets ☛ Al Rayyan Venue is equipped with a clinic, which Al Riffa Station. Services will begin at 2 PM, with with the 2020 spectacle in ☛ Tickets for the match have sold out. will be available to fans who display COVID-19 the last train leaving Al Riffa Station at midnight. Amir Cup final MENA, USA, ☛ Following discussions between the Qatar Foot- symptoms or other illnesses Fans should expect longer waiting times than and the AFC Asia, New Zea- ball Association (QFA) and the Ministry of Public usual to board the metro, which will be operating Champions League final – all land, and Australia. Health (MOPH), Al Rayyan Venue will operate at Fan Zone at 30% capacity. Passengers are advised to spend set to be hosted in the remarka- beIN Sports’ coverage will 50% capacity. All fans who attend the Amir Cup Fi- ☛ The Fan Zone will be operational from 4-6 PM and time at the Fan Zone or Mall of Qatar both before ble city of Doha, the home of the also include never seen before nal 2020 must return either a negative COVID-19 again from 9 PM, after the match has concluded. and after the match in order to avoid long queues. FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022. footage of ‘Al Rayyan Stadium’ test or a positive COVID-19 antibody test prior to ☛ Fans should take note of the following: (SC.qa) beIN Sports premium Ara- accessible to all viewers with bic channel beIN Sports HD1 back-to-back content including will dedicate the 18th of Decem- historic matches, documenta- ber to show highlights of previ- ries and stories behind Qatar’s ous FIFA World Cup finals and proud history of hosting world documentaries on the road to class events. Qatar 2022. The 2020 AFC Champions A special program “The League final World is Our Stadium” will The long-awaited AFC also be broadcast – dedicated Champions League final will to the unveiling of the 4th also be broadcast live and ex- 2022 FIFA World Cup stadi- clusively on beIN Sports on um. beIN Sports’ News chan- Saturday 19 December at 17:00 nel will also broadcast the lat- Mecca Time (GMT +3). est news and stories from the The AFC Champions Al Rayyan Stadium as well as League final will be played at latest news and reactions from another state-of-the-art FIFA across the country. World Cup Qatar 2022 stadi- Exclusive interviews will um, the Al Janoub Stadium. also be broadcast on the glob- A host of beIN talents and al sports channel with former experts will cover the exciting players and legends such as match as the two best Asian Al Rayyan and Qatar national clubs go head-to-head for the An aeriel view of Al Rayyan stadium. team goalkeeper Younis Ah- coveted trophy. Sports Thursday, December 17, 2020 19 Late speeding penalty stuns Attiyah and hands Sainz Hail Baja 2 victory
Vladimir Vasilyev crowned FIA Baja champion after penalties imposed Tribune News Network Hail (Saudi Arabia)
Toyota’s Nasser Saleh Al Attiyah and Matthieu Baumel delivered a text book perfor- mance to secure what they though would be their re- spective FIA Drivers’ and Co- drivers’ titles, after a thrilling Khalifa Al Attiyah who claimed outright victory in the second Baja in finale to the 2020 FIA World his South Racing Can-Am Maverick X3. Cup for Cross-Country Bajas at Hail Baja 2 on Wednesday. But a protest was placed Results & Standings by Vladimir Vasilyev’s VRT Hail Baja 2 – FIA (final result @ 20.30hrs): 1. Adrien van Beveren (FRA) Yamaha 450 WRF 5hr Team and the outcome of the 1. Carlos Sainz (ESP)/Lucas Cruz (ESP) MINI JCW 19min 20sec Buggy 4hr 51min 24sec 2. Mishal Al Ghuneim (SAU) KTM 450 Rally 6hr 12min event was decided by the FIA 2. Nasser Saleh Al Attiyah (QAT)/Matthieu Baumel 25sec Stewards late on Wednesday (FRA) Toyota Hilux 4hr 51min 30sec 3. Anass Al Reheyani (SAU) KTM 450 6hr 12min 35sec evening. Time penalties for 3. Stephane Peterhansel (FRA)/Edouard Boulanger 4. Konrad Dabrowski (POL) KTM 450 Rally Replica 6hr excess speed were imposed (FRA) MINI JCW Buggy 4hr 52min 40sec 29min 00sec 4. Yazeed Al Rajhi (SAU)/Ditk von Zitzewitz (DEU) Toyota 5. Mohammed Jaffar (KUW) KTM 450 Rally Replica 9hr on four drivers inside the top Hilux Overdrive 4hr 55min 40sec 08min 28sec, etc eight and the two-minutes 5. Jakub Przygonski (POL)/Timo Gottschalk (DEU) Hail Baja 2 – Quads (result after SS2 - final): handed to Attiyah was enough Toyota Hilux Overdrive 4hr 59min 13sec 1. Abdulmajeed Al Khulaifi (SAU) Yamaha 700 6hr to overturn the 54-seconds he 6. Vladimir Vasilyev (RUS)/Dmitro Tsyro (UKR) MINI JCW 29min 07sec Rally 5hr 00min 41sec 2. Riyadh Saud Al Shammeri (SAU) Yamaha YFZ 450 had earned over Sainz and the 7. Bernhard Ten Brinke (NLD)/Tom Colsoul (BEL) Toyota 6hr 31min 01sec win was duly handed to the Hilux Overdrive 5hr 03min 35sec 3. Faisal Al-Shammeri (SAU) Yamaha Raptor 700 7hr Spaniard, even though he too Carlos Sainz and Lucas Cruz during the Hail Baja 2 in Saudi Arabia on Wednesday. (Pics: Red Bull Content Pool) 8. Yasir Seaidan (SAU)/Alexey Kuzmich (RUS) SRT CR6 53min 10sec was also awarded a one-min- Buggy 5hr 05min 06sec 4. Sultan Al Masoud (SAU) Yamaha Raptor 8hr 20min 9. Erik van Loon (NLD)/Sebastien Delaunay (FRA) 58sec, etc ute punishment. here. This is the first time that and Ten Brinke was seventh. Toyota Hilux Overdrive 5hr 18min 17sec Standings Worse still for Attiyah, was we did the navigation in the Saleh Al Saif missed out 10. Denis Krotov (RUS)/Konstantin Zhiltsov (RUS) Mini FIA World Cup for Cross-Country Bajas – Driver: 1. the loss of seven points – the desert together.” on the FIA T3 title to Vasily All4 Racing 5hr 25min 36sec Vladimir Vasilyev (RUS) 51pts, 2. Nasser Saleh Al 11. Ronan Chabot (FRA)/Gilles Pillot (FRA) Toyota Hilux Attiyah (QAT) 48.5pts, 3. Bernhard ten Brinke (NLD) difference between winning Saudi driver Yazeed Al Gryazin but the Saudi driver Overdrive 5hr 33min 02sec 48.5pts, 4. Carlos Sainz (ESP) 46.5pts, 5. Stephane and finishing second - that Rajhi was third on the day had the consolation of win- 12. Essa Al Dossari (SAU)/Szymon Gospodarczyk (POL) Peterhansel (FRA) 33pts, etc gifted the world title to Vasi- in his Overdrive Toyota and ning T3 at both of the Bajas. Nissan Navara 5hr 38min 59sec FIA World Cup for Cross-Country Bajas – Co-driver: 1. lyev and saw Attiyah’s Toyota reached the finish in fourth Guillaume de Mevius came 13. Viktor Khoroshavtsev (RUS)/Anton Nikolaev (RUS) Matthieu Baumel (FRA) 48.5pts, 2. Tom Colsoul (BEL) MINI JCW Rally 5hr 47min 35sec 48.5pts, 3. Lucas Cruz (ESP) 46.5pts, 4. Dmytro Tsyro team-mate Tom Colsoul tie place, while Poland’s Jakub home in third place but missed 14. Saleh Al Saif (SAU)/Laurent Lichtleuchter (FRA) (UKR) 38pts, 5. Edouard Boulanger (FRA) 33pts, etc for the co-drivers’ crown with Przygonski recovered strongly out on second in the champi- Can-Am Maverick X3 5hr 55min 45sec FIA World Cup for Cross-Country Bajas – T3*: 1. Vasily Baumel, before the latter took from a disappointing Hail Baja onship to the Saudi 15. Khalifa Al Attiyah (QAT)/Paulo Ceci (ITA) Can-Am Gryazin (RUS) 70pts, 2. Saleh Al Saif (SAU) 58pts, 3. it unofficially on a tie-break. 1 to confirm fifth overall on the Dutchman Kees Koolen Maverick X3 6hr 00min 19sec Guillaume de Mevius (BEL) 45pts, 4. Bernd Hoffman 16. Vasily Gryazin (RUS)/Oleg Uperenko (RUS) Can-Am (ESP) 31pts. Trailing overnight leaders second event. snatched the FIA T4 title from Maverick X3 6hr 01min 44sec FIA World Cup for Cross-Country Bajas – T4*: 1. Kees Carlos Sainz and Lucas Cruz Al Rajhi said: “We do it Aron Domzala’s grasp after 17. Kees Koolen (NLD)/Jurgen van den Goorbergh Koolen (NLD) 67pts, 2. Aron Domzala (POL) 64.5pts, 3. by 2min 20sec at the restart, well. We try our best to try and finishing second overall and (NLD) Can-Am Maverick X3 6hr 07min 43sec, etc Khalifa Al Attiyah (QAT) 46.5pts Attiyah began to eat into the catch Peterhansel. But he is a fourth on the day’s stage. Hail Baja 2 – Bikes (result after SS2 - final): *Subject to FIA approval - unofficial stage-opening Spaniard’s lead, fast driver. He has a lot of ex- Khalifa Al Attiyah claimed knowing that outright victory Frenchman Matthieu Baumel, co-driver with Nasser Al Attiyah, who perience. When I see the mark outright victory in the second taking on the might of KTM, national Rally winner sealed should give him the Drivers’ won the FIA title as the top co-driver gestures soon after the rally. in the road, every car in the Baja in his South Racing Can- Honda, Husqvarna and Sherco the quad category win by 1min title. Over the day’s short de- front, cutting, was flying.A fter Am Maverick X3. Portugal’s at the Dakar Rally in January. 54sec. Both riders fell foul of sert section of 180.38km to the stormed through the closing cult place to find a waypoint. that I thought, okay, everybody Lorenço Rosa was third and Local biker Mishal Al Ghu- the vagaries of the road book at north-west of Hail, 33 seconds kilometres to claim a 54-sec- That’s all. It was a mistake in push and then we stay safe to Domzala came home in fourth. neim earned the runner-up the 140km point and incurred of Sainz’s overnight lead was ond win, not realising at the the road book. I don’t want to make no mistake. It was good Frenchman Adrien Van spot with the second quickest 15-minute time penalties. eroded after 69km and 46 sec- time that the result would be make any excuses, but I think training for Dakar. We still Beveren cruised to a second time to beat fellow KTM rider Saleh Al Abdelali (Hum- onds had gone by 95km. overturned hours later. we should have cameras in the need to improve ourselves.” Hail Baja victory with a fourth Anass Al-Rehyani by just 10 mer) pipped Al Mashna Al- After 121km, 68 seconds Sainz’s X-raid team-mate cars at all times. This should Russian Vladimir Vasilyev successive fastest time on his seconds. The Saudi finished Shammeri (Nissan Pick-Up) of the advantage had been Stephane Peterhansel settled be compulsory. It was good (Mini) celebrated his title at Yamaha WRF 450. Troubled 53min 05sec behind the offi- to victory in the National Rally devoured but Attiyah was for third place on the podium practice for the Dakar.” the 11th hour, but Dutchman only by one navigational mis- cial Yamaha entrant. by 1min 46sec. Muneef Al- running out of kilometres to in the new Mini John Cooper Peterhansel added: “It was Bernhard Ten Brinke (Toyota) judgement throughout the Abdulmajeed Al Khulaifi Shemmeri (Nissan) was third overturn the deficit.A s Sainz Works Buggies, the French- a very fast stage, especially at fell short in the goal of winning two events, Van Beveren took gained revenge on Riyadh and Mattias Ekstrom finished agonizingly lost vital seconds man taking the second fastest the beginning and then it was the championship. Vasilyev the opportunity to fine tune Saud Al Shammeri for the lat- a fine fifth in the new X-raid trying to find a tricky late time on the day’s stage. a bit more technical. It was reached the finish in sixth to his navigational skills and im- ter beating him at Hail Baja 1 Yamaha YXZ 1000R that was waypoint, the Toyota driver Sainz said: “It was a diffi- good to do these days of racing seal the Drivers’ Championship prove his confidence before and the multiple Hail Inter- being tested for the first time. Benzema fires Lewandowski hopes to break Messi, India bids to Real level with Liga Ronaldo monopoly as world’s ‘Best’ host 2027 Asian Cup leaders Sociedad AFP trophies in 2019/20 as top- said Bayern boss Hansi Flick, Berlin scorer in all three competi- who is shortlisted for coach of AFP tions. the year alongside Liverpool’s New Delhi AFP rocked the capital club six Robert Lewandowski is con- Lewandowski has already Jurgen Klopp and Leeds boss Madrid minutes after the break when fident of being named FIFA’s been named the footballer of Marcelo Bielsa. India on Wednesday joined he shot past Thibaut Courtois best male footballer on Thurs- the year for Germany and Eu- Bayern captain Manuel a five-nation race to host the Karim Benzema spared Real at the second time of asking. day on the strength of his 55- rope. Neuer - who along with Jan 2027 Asian Cup, the conti- Madrid’s blushes on Tuesday The 32-year-old Benzema goal haul to help Bayern Mu- Croatia’s Luka Modric, Oblak and Alisson Becker is up nent’s biggest football tourna- with the winning brace which had other ideas however, put- nich win the treble last season. voted ‘The Best’ FIFA men’s for the best male goalkeeper ment, as it steps up efforts to shot the reigning champions ting his team in front before The Poland striker, Lionel footballer in 2018, is the only award - says Lewandowski is secure international sporting to a 3-1 win over Athletic Bil- making sure of the points in Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo player to have broken Ronaldo “unique”. “I’m really happy to recognition. bao that draws them level on stoppage time with a clinical are shortlisted in the men’s Bayern Munich’s Polish forward and Messi’s domination since have him in my team - and not Saudi Arabia and Qatar points with La Liga Leaders finish after collecting Luka category for FIFA’s ‘The Robert Lewandowski. (AFP) 2008. Ronaldo has been voted to have to play against him,” have already officially entered Real Sociedad. Modric’s pass. Best’ awards. “We were the player of the year five times, Neuer quipped. the fray and an All India Foot- Frenchman Benzema Third-placed Madrid best, there’s no doubt about won everything, I don’t think one less than Messi. The various category win- ball Federation (AIFF) spokes- headed home a cross from gained their fourth straight that,” Lewandowski said on there’s anyone I can compare Can the Poland striker ners will be decided by the man said the country’s docu- Dani Carvajal with 16 minutes win in all competitions and Wednesday ahead of the on- myself to,” the 32-year-old - who team-mate Thomas votes of the captains and head ments would be sent to the remaining to put Real ahead are equal on 26 points with line ceremony at FIFA head- added confidently. Mueller has dubbed ‘Lewan- coaches of all the national Asian Football Confederation against battling Bilbao, who Sociedad, who face troubled quarters in Zurich. His goals helped Bayern GOALski’ - break the mould? teams, plus more than 200 this week. Iran and Uzbekistan had fought back to level earlier Barcelona at the Camp Nou on After a season “when lift the Bundesliga, German “There’s no one who de- media representatives, while have also said they will bid. having lost Raul Garcia to two Wednesday, and local rivals you’ve scored a lot of goals and Cup and Champions League serves it as much as Robert,” fans can also vote. India, once called a “sleep- quickfire bookings in opening Atletico Madrid. ing giant” of football by former minutes. Tuesday’s match was the FIFA president Sepp Blatter, Toni Kroos had given the game in hand which Real had has stepped up its interest in hosts the lead in Madrid with a on Sociedad, while Atletico hosting international events thumping strike on the stroke have played two games fewer in recent years. It put on the of half-time, but Ander Capa than their two title rivals. Vodafone named official sponsor 2017 under-17 men’s World Cup and will host the 2022 women’s Asian Cup and the for QOC Beach Games 2020 2021 under-17 women’s World Cup. India is also considering Tribune News Network games via the QOC’s website and social a bid for the 2032 Olympics. Doha media accounts. AIFF president Praful This latest partnership with QOC is Patel said the Asian Cup bid Vodafone Qatar has partnered with a continuation of Vodafone Qatar’s sup- would further the country’s the Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC) for port of the country’s sports sector and reputation as an emerging the second time this year to support the community events that promote health football nation. inaugural QOC Beach Games 2020 as the and fitness. The Company, especially “We look at it positively, official sponsor. This follows Vodafone’s their network, has already had a sig- we look at it aggressively. I sponsorship of the QOC 2020 Padel Tour- nificant role in several of the country’s have no doubt in my mind that nament in October. highly successful local and international India as a footballing nation Set to get underway from 20 Decem- football, handball, volleyball and 3X3 sporting events including the 24th Ara- by 2027 should be ready to not Real Madrid’s French forward Karim Benzema celebrates after scoring ber 2020 to 2 January 2021 at the Aspire basketball. Beach games enthusiasts have bian Gulf Cup, HH The Emir’s Sword only host it but to participate during the Spanish League match against Athletic Club Bilbao at the Park, participants, both male and female, been invited by the QOC to register their Festival 2020 and 2020 Qatar Masters in it meaningfully,” Patel told Alfredo di Stefano stadium in Madrid late on Tuesday. (AFP) will be competing in four beach sports- interest in participating in the various Golf Tournament. reporters. 20 Thursday, December 17, 2020 The Last Word Qatar Airways welcomes Air Canada’s inaugural flight from Toronto to Doha Air Canada will operate three weekly flights between Toronto and Doha in cooperation with Qatar Airways
Tribune News Network Abdulla Thamer Al Hemaidi. CEO of Rafeeq DOHA
Qatar Airways (QA) wel- comed Air Canada’s inaugural Rafeeq, QA Privilege flight from Toronto to Doha on Wednesday, establishing Hamad International Airport Club partner to offer (HIA) as the only airport in the Middle East to be operated with a scheduled service by a Qmiles to customers North American carrier. The flight was welcomed with a water cannon salute at Members of the QA Privilege Club and cus- the HIA and a ribbon-cutting tomers of Rafeeq can now earn Qmiles for ceremony attended by Ambas- sador of Canada to Qatar HE purchases made through the application Stefanie McCollum, along with QA Group Chief Executive Tribune News Network Akbar Al Baker and Hamad Doha International Airport Chief Operating Officer Eng Badr Ambassador of Canada to Qatar HE Stefanie McCollum, Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Akbar Al Baker, Hamad International Airport Chief Qatar’s home-grown on-de- Mohammed Al Meer. Operating Officer Eng Badr Mohammed Al Meer and other officials at the ribbon-cutting ceremony. mand courier service Rafeeq The inaugural flight marks has launched a new service the first ever Air Canada flight da’s strong brand on the world in collaboration with Qatar to Doha and signifies the fur- aviation map. Air Canada, one Airways Privilege Club where ther strengthening of relations of the most successful airlines members can earn Qmiles by between Canada and Qatar. in North America, will add simply ordering through the QA and Air Canada recently huge value to Qatar Airways’ application. signed a codeshare agreement expanding network. Canada is Customers will earn 1 applicable for travel between a strategically important mar- Qmile for every QR10 spent from their purchases,” said a Doha and Toronto. The agree- ket for Qatar Airways, and this – for example, an order of press statement from Rafeeq. ment will enable both airlines’ service will complement our QR300 through Rafeeq will “Over 100 restaurants will passengers to enjoy seamless, existing four weekly service to automatically earn 30 Qmiles. participate in this partnership one-stop connections to and Montreal and provide our trav- A list of participating res- and Rafeeq will continuously from Toronto via the Best Air- ellers with additional options taurants, cafés and online seek to bring more restaurants port in the Middle East and when planning travel to and stores will be marked with Qa- on board to broaden the oppor- onwards to more than 75 desti- from Canada. We look forward tar Airways Privilege Club logo tunities to earn Qmiles. Due to nations in Africa, Asia and the to harnessing our comple- in Rafeeq’s mobile app. the full understanding of the Middle East. mentary strengths to increase Qatar Airways Privilege significance of a fast-moving HE Stefanie McCollum choices for our thousands of Club recently cut the number life, these two renowned com- said: “It is wonderful to be here passengers and enable smooth of Qmiles required to book panies agreed that it is signifi- to witness, and to welcome, Air connectivity to a significant award flights by up to 49 per- cant to invest in partnerships Canada’s inaugural flight to number of new destinations – more of our customers resume on ensuring passenger choice, the preferred gateway to the cent in a major development that benefit customers” said Doha. It is another tangible particularly throughout Africa, international travel next year, flexibility and emotional well- world for global travellers. in its efforts to provide more the CEO of Rafeeq, Abdulla example of the growing com- Asia and the Middle East.” this enhanced agreement will being, we are delighted to ex- QA began flying to Canada and better rewards to its loyal Thamer Al Hemaidi. “Rafeeq mercial and social ties between Air Canada President and allow Canadians more con- tend our offerings of conveni- in June 2011 with three weekly members. understands that people do our two countries. Qatar is an Chief Executive Officer Calin venient options to visit family ence and accessibility to Air flights to Montreal that ex- “This partnership brings need to be incentivised and important partner for Canada, Rovinescu said: “I am delight- and friends, as well as open-up Canada passengers.” panded to four weekly in De- together two Qatari companies this might be one.” and the connectivity these ed to strengthen our relation- exciting new destinations. I am HIA benefitsfrom its stra- cember 2018. The airline has seeking more ways to reward Rafeeq is the first home- flights provide is another posi- ship with Qatar Airways, one of especially grateful to my good tegic location, as 80 percent worked closely with the Gov- their loyal customers. Rafeeq grown Qatari platform that tive evolution in our strong bi- the world’s best airlines, which friend, Akbar Al Baker, for the of the world’s population is ernment of Canada and its and Qatar Airways Privilege provides a wide range of ser- lateral relations.” will allow Air Canada to better warm welcome he has extend- within a six-hour flight of HIA, embassies around the world Club understand the impor- vices to the public. These ser- Al Baker said: “I am ex- respond to shifting demand ed Air Canada in Doha.” which offers more convenient throughout the pandemic, tance of giving back to the cus- vices include delivery of food, tremely delighted with this trends. As Air Canada rebuilds Engr Al Meer said: “Ham- connection options for global temporarily operating three tomer and valuing them. They cosmetics, general products strong relationship that Qatar its global network, we are stra- ad International Airport has travellers. With its multi-di- weekly services to Toronto in both also know that the pace of and medicine. Rafeeq also has Airways has with Air Canada tegically developing new routes been successful in continuing mensional lifestyle offerings in addition to charter flights to life is increasing and as such, plans to start international op- under the pioneering leader- and pivoting towards markets to render its award-winning retails, hospitality and culture Vancouver to help bring more people are looking for simple, erations, starting with Oman ship of my friend Calin Rovi- that cater to Canada’s growing services to the world to ensure alongside its passenger-em- than 40,000 passengers home frictionless ways of benefiting and Kuwait. nescu who has put Air Cana- multicultural population. As global connectivity. With focus powering technologies, HIA is to Canada. Washington Spirit soccer team and Qatar’s national women’s football team kick off Qatar-US YoC 2021
Tribune News Network Doha
Members of the Washing- ton Spirit Women’s Soccer Team played a friendly match with members of the Qatar Women’s National Soccer team on Tuesday. The team’s visit, organised by the Embassy of Qatar in the US, together with Qatar Mu- seums and the US Embassy in Doha, forms part of a cultural exchange that previews the ‘Qatar-US 2021 Year of Culture’. ni, chairperson of Qatar Muse- said: “Qatar Foundation is a gress of the 2022 World Cup The Year of Culture (YoC) re- ums, said: “Qatar Museums is long-standing supporter of Qa- preparations with us.” flects a long-standing history proud to kick off the Qatar-US tar Museums’ Years of Culture Due to the COVID-19 re- of partnership and cultural en- 2021 Year of Culture by wel- programme, which has a pivotal strictions, just 10 members of gagement between Qatar and coming the Washington Spirit and impactful role in building the media were invited to the the United States. Women’s Soccer team to Qa- cross-cultural connections and Al Ersal training facility on De- The friendly match with tar. Their visit to Doha further strengthening bonds between cember 15. The friendly match members of the Qatar National affirms the long-standing ties Qatar and other nations. between the Washington Spirit Women’s Soccer Team was between Qatar and the United “We strongly believe that and the Qatar National Wom- sponsored by Qatar Airways and States, and we look forward sharing cultural knowledge en’s Team was followed by a Exxon Mobil Qatar. to sharing Qatar’s rich culture and experiences creates new soccer meet and greet with The Year of Culture will fea- and heritage with our American pathways of understanding on Generation Amazing Youth ture a year-long series of events friends. We are also pleased to exciting projects underway as our two countries.” ● Tour of the National Muse- a global level. Qatar Founda- Advocates. in both countries where each unveil the logo for the Qatar-US we prepare to host an unforget- During the Washington um of Qatar tion has close and valued ties During the event, the ‘Qatar- will engage in a variety of cul- 2021 Year of Culture, which cel- table tournament experience Spirit’s stay in Qatar, the team’s ● beIN Sports Tour with the US, including our long- US 2021 Year of Culture’ logo, tural programming. Launched ebrates the strong relationship for global soccer fans.” itinerary includes a number of ● Tour of Katara Cultural Vil- established partnerships with created by Sara Ahmed AlHelal, by Qatar Museums in 2012, between both countries.” Commenting on the visit by activities: lage some of the country’s leading was also unveiled. Year of Culture held with a dif- “The Washington Spirit is Washington Spirit, US Chargé ● A Tour of Qatar Foundation ● Supreme Committee Pavil- universities, and we are de- Sara is a third-year student ferent partner country each not only a team at the top of its d’Affaires Greta C Holtz said, (QF), including a meet and ion Tour lighted to have participated in at Virginia Commonwealth year, highlights the richness of game, but an example to girls “We are delighted to welcome greet with students from one ● Museum of Islamic Art Pri- the launch of the Qatar-US 2021 University School of the Arts in Qatari culture and history to an in Qatar and the US of the ex- the Washington Spirit Soccer of QF’s schools and the QF vate Tour Year of Culture by welcoming Qatar, a QF partner university, international audience, while si- plosive potential of empowered Team to Doha. This weeklong girls’ football team, and vis- ● Soccer Clinic with Best Bud- the Washington Spirit Women’s where she is pursuing a Bach- multaneously bringing the part- women,” said Ambassador of exchange demonstrates the its to Al Shaqab equine and dies Soccer Team to experience our elor of Fine Arts Degree (BFA) ner country’s diverse culture Qatar to the US HE Sheikh United States and Qatar’s com- equestrian centre and Qatar ● Dinner with the President of Education City ecosystem.” in Graphic Design. to Qatar. The Year of Culture is Meshal bin Hamad Al Thani. mitment to supporting and National Library. the Qatar Football Associa- Steven Baldwin, Washing- She was joined by VCU executed through various exhi- “They have so much to offer empowering women in sports. ● A Tour of the Al Bayt Stadi- tion ton Spirit owner, said: “We are Dean Amir Berbic and Graphic bitions, festivals, competitions both on and off the field, and it The Year of Culture is an ex- um ● Dinner with Dana Al Fardan delighted to be here and to be Arts Chair Astrid Kensinger. and events that increase mutual is why I wanted to invite them citing celebration of US and ● A Friendly Match with mem- ● Sand Duning at Sealine part of this event. Sports has a Entertainment was pro- understanding and appreciation to Qatar as the first Qatar-US Qatari culture, and I look for- bers of the Qatar National Beach Resort way of bringing people together vided by Dana Al Fardan, Maias between the respective nations, 2021 Year of Culture educa- ward to more fantastic events Women’s Soccer Team ● Final Match for the Amir Cup and we are excited to be part Alyamani and members of the inviting people to explore their tional exchange group. With that will highlight our shared ● The Qatar-US 2021 Year of ● Qatar National Day Celebra- of this cultural exchange. We Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra, historical similarities and differ- the 2022 World Cup in Qatar values, increase cultural ap- Culture Logo Reveal tion thank the people of Qatar for the United States Air Force Cen- ences. just around the corner, it is an preciation and understanding, ● A Clinic with Generation Machaille Hassan Al Naimi, warmly welcoming our team tral Command Band and Noor HE Sheikha Al Mayassa honour to share Qatari cultural and further develop the crucial Amazing Youth Advocates president of Community Devel- of fantastic female athletes to Abdelmajeed, a Junior at the bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Tha- heritage and a first look of the strategic partnership between ● An Aspire Tour opment at Qatar Foundation, share their culture and the pro- American School of Doha.