QatarTribune Qatar_Tribune Thursday QatarTribuneChannel qatar_tribune August 13, 2020 Dhu Al-Hijjah 23, 1441 Vol.13 no. 5024 qR 2

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US thanks Qatar Amir receives credentials of new ambassadors for its role in combating global terrorism

Tribune News Network Doha

The US State Department has said Qa- tar is one of the closest military allies of the United States in the region. In a statement on Wednesday, the US State Department said the US counterterrorism coordinator Ambassa- dor Nathan A Sales will arrive in Doha to thank Qatar for its commitment to combating global terrorism and its dedication to a robust partnership with the US on counterterrorism and His Highness The Amir of State of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani received the credentials of six new ambassadors to Qatar at the Amiri Diwan on Wednesday. HH The Amir received the security. credentials of Ambassador of Turkey HE Mehmet Mustafa Goksu (left) and Ambassador of the United Kingdom HE Jonathan Paul Wilks. HH The Amir welcomed the new ambassadors, wishing them Sales will meet with Attorney Gen- success in their missions and the relations between Qatar and their respective countries further progress and prosperity. For their part, the ambassadors conveyed to HH The Amir greetings of their eral HE Ali bin Fetais Al Marri and other countries’ leaders and wishes of further progress and prosperity to the Qatari people. Earlier, the ambassadors were accorded official reception ceremonies at the Amiri Diwan.page 16 senior government officials to discuss Qatar’s role as a strong partner in combating the financing of terrorism, including implementation of its new Anti-Money Laundering/Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) legislation. Sales will also discuss Qa- Cabinet renews Qatar’s solidarity with Lebanon tar’s active participation in the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS. Qatar is one of the United States’ Amir’s directives to provide urgent aid an extension Ministries, govt agencies must remove bureaucratic obstacles to closest military allies in the region. of Qatar’s position in support of Lebanon: Cabinet ensure that necessary services are provided to public: PM Al-Udeid Air Base is home to the Com- bined Air Operation Center, which hosts QNA two countries and the people. ID-19) pandemic. ernment agencies that participate 18 nations and is responsible for all Doha The measures are an extension The Cabinet affirmed the con- in implementing programmes and Coalition air operations in the Middle of Qatar’s positions in support of tinuation of the precautionary projects emanating from the stra- East and Central Asia. The Cabinet has renewed Qatar’s Lebanon and its stability. measures to combat the pandemic. tegic plans. solidarity with Lebanon in facing The Cabinet, chaired by Prime The Prime Minister directed The directives came after HE the disaster in the wake of the Bei- Minister and Minister of Interior that ministries and other govern- the Minister of Commerce and rut port blast. HE Sheikh Khalid bin Khalifa bin ment agencies should simplify Industry made a presentation on The Cabinet affirmed thatH is Abdulaziz Al Thani on Wednesday, procedures and remove bureau- the detailed plan for the strategy Highness The Amir of State of Qa- offered sincere condolences to the cratic obstacles so that necessary of the Ministry of Commerce and tar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al families of the blast victims and to services are provided to the public. Industry. Thani’s directives to help broth- the government and people of Leb- They also need to speed up the He stated that the strategy of ers in Lebanon immediately after anon, wishing the injured a speedy digitisation of all services provid- the Ministry of Commerce and the explosion and the subsequent recovery. ed to the public to be part of the Industry has four intermediate broad public interaction to con- The Cabinet was also briefed e-government platform. outcomes, 12 main goals, 22 pro- tribute to providing aid to Leba- by HE Minister of Public Health Prime Minister and Minister of The PM also directed the ne- grammes and 178 projects. US Coordinator for Counterterrorism non reflect the depth of the firm on the latest developments in ef- Interior HE Sheikh Khalid bin Khalifa cessity of strengthening coordina- Ambassador Nathan A Sales. fraternal relations between the forts to curb coronavirus (COV- bin Abdulaziz Al Thani. tion between ministries and gov- Continued on page 2 

Second-round exams to start from Aug 23 People arriving in Qatar must adhere Qatar affirms respect The second-round examinations for to quarantine requirements: MoPH grades from (first to twelfth - day and for Sudan’s unity adult education) for the academic Tribune News Network period of one week. Passengers arriving year 2019-20 will start on Sunday, Doha from any other country will be required August 23, and end on Monday, to quarantine at one of the govern- and sovereignty August 31, 2020. The full schedule The Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) ment-approved hotels for a period of of exams can be accessed on the has insisted that people arriving in Qa- one week, followed by another week of QNA Ministry of Education and Higher tar must adhere to quarantine require- home quarantine. Doha Education website. (QNA) ments. Arriving passengers must fol- The passengers who have un- low all guidelines to ensure a safe and dergone tests in one of the ministry Qatar has affirmed respect effective home quarantine period. approved COVID-19 testing centres for Sudan’s sovereignty, “When arriving in Qatar, you will ily, your friends, and the community abroad and who have had a COVID- political independence, unity MoPH conducts COVID-19 be required to quarantine at home for as a whole,” the MoPH said in a tweet. 19-free certificate, will be exempted and integrity of its region, environmental testing to a period of time. It is extremely impor- According to the ministry, passen- from tests at the airport and will be non-interference in its inter- tant that you follow the rules of home gers arriving from the countries identi- eligible for home quarantine for one nal affairs, and aspirations of enhance surveillance (PG 2 ) quarantine. You have a responsibility fied by the government as low risk, will week. the Sudanese people to live and duty to protect yourself, your fam- be required to quarantine at home for a Continued on page 2  in a democratic country that enjoys security, stability, and prosperity. This came as Qatar on Wednesday participated in the ministerial meeting of the Qatar updates list of low-risk countries Qe atari t am finds first body Friends of Sudan Group, which HE Dr Mutlaq bin Majed from Beirut rubble was hosted in Saudi capital Al Qahtani. Tribune News Network Riyadh, via video conference. Doha Special Envoy of the its support for the ongoing Minister of Foreign Affairs for mediation efforts in Juba, Qatar has updated the list of low-risk countries for travel Counterterrorism and Me- the capital of the Republic amid the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, the Govern- diation in Conflict Resolution of South Sudan, aimed at ment Communications Office (GCO) has said. HE Dr Mutlaq bin Majed Al achieving peace in Sudan. In a Twitter post on Wednesday, the GCO said, “As Qahtani represented Qatar in Qatar also praised the Qatar continues to implement its travel policies, the list the meeting. progress made by the media- of low-risk countries has been updated based on public In a speech, Al Qahtani tion and expressed desire for health indicators in Qatar and around the world. Changes stressed that there is no more cooperation. will come into effect from Saturday, August 15.” military solution to conflicts. Qatar underlined the The GCO said for travellers to be considered for the low- The Qatari search and rescue team has retrieved the first Dialogue and negotiations are importance of not competing risk country exemption, they are required to stay in the low- dead body of a Lebanese security officer from under the only solution. He stressed on over Sudan, calling for unity, risk country for a minimum of one week. In the event that a rubble of the Beirut port. Local media outlets said the body the importance of address- cooperation, and coordina- traveller stays for less than a week in the low-risk country, was that of a security officer working in the port. Qatari team ing the root causes of the tion of regional and inter- they must follow the policies applied to arrivals coming from continues the search and rescue operations in the area look- conflict. national efforts to achieve countries outside the low-risk categories, it added. ing for survivors or dead bodies under the rubble. (TNN) Qatar also reiterated sustainable peace. 02 Thursday, August 13, 2020

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Ministry set to develop Aei mir r ce ves message from president of Panama incentives for attracting foreign investors to Qatar Continued from page 1  prove industrial services, sup- port the competitiveness of the Within this plan, responsi- national product, develop indus- bilities for the implementation trial studies and strategies, de- of initiatives and projects were velop a small and medium-sized defined in accordance with the industries area, develop indus- competencies of the main sec- trial lands, improve the indus- tors and departments of the trial business environment and ministry, which include busi- encourage the competitiveness Hammadi meets ambassador of Bangladesh: Secretary-General of ness development and invest- of Qatari exports, depending on The Amir His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani on Wednesday received a writ- the Ministry of Foreign Affairs HE Dr Ahmed bin Hassan Al Hammadi on ment attraction, export support infrastructure and logistical ser- ten message from President of Panama Laurentino Cortizo, pertaining to bilateral relations Wednesday met with Ambassador of Bangladesh to Qatar HE Ashud Ahmed, and development, protection of vices. between the two countries and the ways of enhancing them. The message was received by on the occasion of the end of his tenure in the country. Hammadi thanked competition and prevention of The ministry seeks to con- Minister of State for Foreign Affairs HE Sultan bin Saad Al Muraikhi during a meeting with the ambassador for his efforts to promote bilateral relations between the monopolistic practices, estab- tinue to encourage an ideal ena- Ambassador of Panama to Qatar HE Mousa Asvat. (QNA) two countries, wishing him success in his future assignments. (QNA) lishment of business, protection bling business environment, to and development of intellectual encourage value-added chains, property, consumer protection and to encourage entrepreneurs and combating commercial and SMEs. The ministry also fraud, regulation and control of seeks to increase the national markets, supply, international focus on developing patents Qatar sees two trade, general policy for indus- and converting them into com- MoPH launches COVID-19 testing trialization and development of petitive commercial goods, in COVID-19 deaths, national industries, and devel- addition to institutional devel- opment and exploitation of in- opment, awareness and media 292 new cases dustrial zones. communication and the devel- pilot to enhance contact tracing He said the ministry seeks opment of the strategic plan for Qatar on Wednesday recorded 292 new to develop a strategy for profes- information systems and tech- THE Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) who have been in contact with positive complementary expertise in Qatar that COVID-19 cases and 303 recoveries, ac- sional activities in the country nology. The ministry works on has launched a COVID-19 environmen- COVID-19 cases, to areas that the posi- has been built over the years through cording to the Ministry of Public Health. and to activate regional and in- consumer protection, market tal testing pilot, in partnership with a tive individual may have visited and, as the efforts of the Qatari leadership, in With this, active cases in Qatar came ternational networks to establish monitoring, strategic supply and number of governmental, educational such, presents a risk. The environmen- particularly Qatar Foundation and Qa- down to 3,121, while the total recoveries more competitive supply chains stock, promoting competition and research institutions in Qatar, to tal testing research is one example of the tar National Research Fund. It further jumped to 110,627. On Wednesday, the and supplies, in addition to con- and breaking monopoly. support and enhance surveillance and innovative, evidence-based approach shows an effective collaborative effort in virus claimed the lives of two more per- cluding international and re- The Cabinet then approved contact tracing efforts. Qatar is taking in its response to the support of national needs and the ability sons — aged 40 and 86 — raising the death gional trade agreements, which the draft decision to amend During the pilot phase, innovative COVID-19 pandemic. of innovative scientific approach to ad- toll so far to 190. All new cases have been can enhance Qatar’s position in some provisions of Decision No technology was used to collect surface, “The immediate need is clearly to vance the management of the epidemic introduced to isolation and are receiving the main markets. 33 of 2017 setting up a commit- air and wastewater samples and test tackle the COVID-19 and support Qa- in Qatar,” said Dr Khaled Machaca, necessary healthcare according to their It also seeks to develop a tee to resolve administrative dis- the presence of COVID-19. Results will tar’s efforts with additional data to track professor of Physiology and Biophysics health status. (TNN) package of incentives and a legis- putes arising from the applica- allow the authorities to detect the pres- the viral spread. However, in the long- and senior associate dean for Research, lative and regulatory framework tion of the provisions of the law ence of the virus and monitor any poten- term, setting up such a national environ- Innovations and Commercialisation at that attracts foreign investors to regulating tenders and auctions tial spread earlier through its concen- mental screening infrastructure would Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar. MoPH invest in Qatar, in addition to and its executive regulation as tration in wastewater. It will also help go a long way in screening the supply is supported in this project by eight or- sponsoring and motivating local well as the rules and procedures assess the efficacy of cleaning protocols chain into Qatar and supporting screen- ganisations, namely Hamad Medical investors and directing them to to be followed before it. to remove viral contamination in differ- ing efforts during the FIFA 2022 World Corporation, Qatar University, Qatar the opportunities available in se- It also approved the Minister ent environments. Cup,” said Sheikh Dr Mohamed bin Environmental, and Energy Research lected sectors, and coordinating of Public Health’s draft decision Environmental testing provides Hamad Al Thani, director of the Depart- Institute, Public Works Authority (Ash- brand building, marketing and to issue the executive regulations significant support for the epidemio- ment of Public Health at the Ministry of ghal), Qatar Biobank, Qatar Biomedical promotion efforts at the level of for Law No 3 of 2016 on regulat- logical and contact tracing teams on the Public Health. Research Institute, Texas A&M Univer- key sectors. ing the registration of births and ground. It extends the reach of the con- “This pilot study highlights the es- sity - Qatar, and Weill Cornell Medicine The ministry works to im- deaths. tact tracing team beyond individuals, tablished scientific base with diverse and - Qatar. (QNA) Quarantined person is obliged to Restaurants welcome diners back answer calls from the health team with COVID-19 measures in place Santhosh Chandran inside shopping malls, to offer din- normal business. Continued from page 1  test result is negative. ly after. Wash your hand regularly with Doha ing facility as part of the third phase Informed sources at Mowasalat, A quarantined person will be soap and water for at least 20 seconds of lifting of COVID-19 restrictions. the public transport company which The ministry has advised avoiding any obliged to answer the phone calls from or use alcohol-based hand sanitizer,” Restaurants in Qatar, except A senior official at a restaurant in operates public buses, said the com- form of physical contact with the family the public health team, agree to receive said the ministry. those functioning inside shopping Doha said, “We have opened our pany will resume public bus service members, upon arrival. a visit from the public health team every Only one member of the fam- malls, have started welcoming din- restaurant to guests for in-house in the fourth phase, after receiving “Stay at home in a separate room two to three days and inform the public ily should be allowed to provide care ers following further easing of COV- dining after meeting all the manda- approval from the authorities con- from other family members, preferably health team if any symptoms developed to the person in home quarantine. The ID-19 protocols. tory requirements and following in- cerned. “The announcement in this one with an en-suite bathroom, and en- (fever, cough, body aches, change in caregiver should wear a facemask and At present, diners are allowed spections by the authorities.” regard will be made by the authori- sure proper and regular ventilation. You taste or smell). gloves every time he or she enters the in restaurants through reservations The fourth phase of easing re- ties concerned on time,” the sources should not leave the room during the People in home quarantine are room and should dispose of the mask only to avoid crowding. Authorities strictions, expected next month, told Qatar Tribune. quarantine period. Do not allow visitors also advised to ensure that they follow and gloves and wash their hands imme- have issued strict guidelines for res- will see the remaining restaurants An official of a restaurant chain to your house during the quarantine pe- all precautions including maintaining diately after leaving the room. taurants, including for maintaining and eateries welcoming guests for in Al Wakra said, “We are plan- riod,” the MoPH said. hand hygiene and keep distance from The home quarantine guidelines adequate distance between tables in-house dining. Public transport ning to open our restaurants in the It is essential to download the Eht- others. also require people to avoid sharing and about the procedures to be fol- networks, including public buses, fourth phase of lifting of COVID-19 eraz app and the health code colour “Cover your mouth with a tissue personal household items like dishes, lowed when receiving guests. are also expected to become opera- restrictions in September, and we during quarantine will be yellow. The while coughing or sneezing and dis- drinking glasses, eating utensils, tooth- The Supreme Committee for tional in the fourth phase, bringing are keeping in touch with our cus- colour will turn to green once the quar- pose of the tissue immediately in a lined brushes, clothes, pillows, bed linen or Crisis Management had earlier per- more customers to restaurants and tomers through ‘takeaways’ for the antine period is over and the COVID-19 trash bin. Wash your hands immediate- towels with other people in the house. mitted restaurants, except those eateries, helping them return to time being.” Work begins on Post Office Plaza entertainment area Tribune News Network He said various entities are coor- On her part, Engineer Maryam tends over an area of 13,600 square Doha dinating with concerned authorities Al Kuwari, project design manager at metres, with dedicated areas for fam- to allocate lands for construction of the Supervisory Committee of Beau- ily leisure and sport areas. The project The Ministry of Municipality and parks and plaza in all municipalities tification of Roads and Public Places also includes construction of 900 me- Environment (MME) has allocated in Qatar to meet leisure needs of the in Qatar at Ashghal, said that the sa- tres of jogging tracks, 1.5 kilometres land for construction of a new plaza people residing in different areas of lient feature of the plaza’s design is of cycling paths, as well as a walkway in Doha Municipality to serve as en- the State. inspired by Qatari postage stamps, designated for hiking. tertainment area for residents in the He added that a land area of which will create the first impression The project also includes provi- neighbourhoods and visitors, the around 13,000 square metres has among the visitor as a spatial and sion of service buildings that include Public Works Authority (Ashghal) been allocated for construction of a functional extension of the Q-Post prayer hall and washrooms. Infra- said in a statement on Wednesday. new green plaza in the West Bay area building because of its important structure works will be implemented, The Supervisory Committee of within Doha Municipality. place in the hearts of the people of including construction of sewage net- Beautification of Roads and Public Jassem bin Najem Ali Al Khulaifi, Qatar over the past years. works, irrigation lines, electricity line Places in Qatar at the Ashghal has a member of the Central Municipal The plaza will consist of three in- and installation of Lighting poles and started construction works at the pla- Council – First Constituency, said terconnected postal stamps forming others. za project scheduled to be completed Qatar attaches great importance to harmonious lines and open spaces Eng Kuwari added that visitors to and opened for public in the fourth increasing green areas and establish- to be used for events and festivals at Post Office Plaza can use the car parks quarter of 2020. ing parks and plazas. a distinguished location in the heart designated for the post office building Mohamed Ali Al Khouri, director He added that the plaza will serve of the city near Q-Post building and adjacent to the plaza. of Public Parks Department at MME, the people of the constituency, as it cated in a vital area near the Corniche. Places in Qatar, for their efforts in Doha Corniche, with proximity to The Post Office Plaza Project is said the department is implement- includes walking and family seating He said, “I would like to take this beautification projects and its posi- Corniche Metro Station. a people with special needs friendly ing a comprehensive plan aiming to areas, adding that it will also encour- opportunity to thank Ashghal, repre- tive response to the requirements of Eng Kuwari added that the pro- project with additional ramps and increase the green areas in Qatar and age people to practise sports and have sented by the Supervisory Committee the people of the First Constituency ject includes open green areas that dedicated parking spaces connected planting more trees. a healthy lifestyle, especially as it is lo- of Beautification of Roads and Public areas.” include more than 200 trees and ex- to the plaza. Nation Thursday, August 13, 2020 03 EEA panel mulls Sidra Medicine offers multidisciplinary new categories of approach for endometriosis treatment awards for 2021 Tribune News Network painful periods and pelvic pain erative pain and allows for early Doha can be the classic forms of endo- discharge from the hospital with QNA metriosis. However, other subtle rapid recovery for most women. doha ENDOMETRIOSIS is estimated presentations can cause a de- In addition there are other non- to affect one in 10 women during lay in initial diagnosis. Women surgical options and medications THE Chief Education Officer of the Educa- their reproductive years, which in pain or bleeding with bowel to manage endometriosis symp- tion Excellence Award (EEA) and Secretary- is approximately 176 million movements during menses, or toms related to pelvic pain, infer- General of the Qatar National Committee for women around the world. Symp- those who experience pain dur- tility, or heavy uterine bleeding.” Education, Culture and Science at the Min- toms include chronic pelvic pain, ing intercourse, are recommend- One of the most common istry of Education and Higher Education, Dr fatigue, and infertility, and can ed to see a gynaecologist for a chronic pain areas diagnosed in Hamda Hassan Al Sulaiti has revealed that impact general physical, mental potential diagnosis of endome- women are in the pelvic region the Education Excellence Award Develop- and social wellbeing. triosis.” and one of the major reasons ment Committee is working on including Experts at Sidra Medicine, a “At Sidra Medicine, we pro- for pelvic pain is endometriosis. new award categories for its 14th session to Qatar Foundation entity, advise vide a multidisciplinary approach Dr Caitlin Huckell, senior attending Dr Aisha Yousuf, director of Repro- However, as not all pelvic pain is be held in 2021. early diagnosis and referral for in the treatment of endometrio- physician, Sidra Medicine ductive Surgery, Sidra Medicine endometriosis, Sidra Medicine’s The committee will be submitting propos- symptoms that may suggest the sis, which has been developed to Adult Pain Clinic for women, als in this regard to the ministry along with the presence of endometriosis. Early address the variable symptoms pital in January 2018, Sidra at Sidra Medicine, said: “Some allows for diagnosis and care of final report of its work, Dr Sulaiti said, adding detection and intervention cor- that can impact a woman’s qual- Medicine has proven itself as a women with endometriosis are alternate etiologies, including that the committee is also reviewing the the relates with improved outcomes ity of life. Differing treatment pioneer in its field by using the recommended to have a hyster- pelvic inflammatory disease, pel- award criteria for all its nine categories for the and improvements in quality of options allow for individualised latest technology and techniques ectomy. We believe this is not the vic adhesions, adenomyosis and session. life as well as future fertility. The patient care programmes based to provide the highest levels of last surgical option. Today’s tech- pain syndromes such as myo- According to Dr Sulaiti, the committee for Women’s and Children’s Hospi- on their specific circumstances healthcare for women and chil- nology has significantly evolved. fascial pain syndrome or neu- this year’s award held five meetings during tal, offers a specialised approach and healthcare needs. For some dren in Qatar. It is one of the few The option of using a minimally ropathic pain. The Adult Pain which booklets for all award categories were in the treatment of endometrio- women, medical management is hospitals in the region to offer invasive surgical approach, in- Clinic’s treatment programme distributed to the members of the committee sis as part of its Women’s Ser- the best approach, while for oth- minimally invasive robotic sur- cluding robotic surgery, to as- includes options such as injec- for reviewing and to get their feedback. vices programme. ers, surgical intervention would gery for both its paediatric and sess and treat endometriosis tion by guided X-rays, cognitive She added that the committee has already Dr Caitlin Huckell, senior at- be the mainstay of treatment”, women’s services. improves patient recovery and behavioural therapy, physiother- discussed the recommendations received from tending physician at Sidra Medi- continued Dr Huckell. Dr Aisha Yousuf, medical di- reduces risk. Using small key- apy, ultrasound and advanced the award’s arbitration committees, most of cine, said: “Symptoms such as Since opening its main hos- rector of Reproductive Surgery hole incisions reduces postop- pain interruption techniques. which are related to implementation and fol- low-up mechanisms for the award for the pri- mary, preparatory and secondary stages. The committee also discussed proposals for the teachers’ and scientific research categories as well as studied the proposal submitted by WCM-Q studies the implications of consanguineous marriage the Executive Committee of the award’s Am- Tribune News Network ranged into 16 groups covering major or- duction in the odds of having children. bassadors’ programme. Doha gan systems and disease risk factors were ROH were also associated with decreased Regarding the recommendations related analysed.” height, increased waist to hip ratio, de- to the Education Excellence Award, Dr Sulaiti Researchers at Weill Cornell Medi- Genetic associations with 32 of 100 creased lung function, and reduced edu- said that the committee has sought separa- cine–Qatar (WCM-Q) have helped shine studied traits and conditions in humans cational attainment.” tion of the general comments of the arbitra- light on traits associated with various de- were identified by using runs of ho- Dr. Yousri said: “The most important tors from the essential recommendations and grees of consanguineous marriage. mozygosity (ROH). ROH refers to long aspect of this study is finding the traits proposals relating to the development of the With funding from the Biomedical continuous segments of identical alleles affected by consanguineous marriages. award’s evaluation criteria. Research Program at WCM-Q, Dr Steven (homozygosity) along both inherited Given that this type of marriage is rela- She also highlighted the importance of C Hunt, professor of genetic medicine, chromosomes. ROH arise through con- tively common in Qatar, it would be bene- holding a meeting between the members of the and Dr Noha A Yousri, adjunct assistant Dr Steven C Hunt Dr Noha A Yousri sanguineous marriages, i.e., when both ficial to investigate whether those results committee and the those who submit propos- professor of research in genetic medicine, parents are related through a common might apply to Qatar, as it might help us als to the committee, as well as between the participated in a large meta-analysis This study conducted a meta-analysis of ancestor. The net directional effect of all better understand the implications.” various award committees to finish the work with hundreds of scientists from across results from 119 independent cohorts to recessive variants on traits is quantified The full study, which was led by Pro- on time. As for the Ambassador for Excellence the globe, studying genetic variations in quantify the effect of consanguineous and related to the 100 traits and condi- fessor James F Wilson and his group programme, she said that tools and form of more than 1.4 million individuals. marriages on 45 commonly measured tions. from the University of Edinburgh, has the programme have been prepared and the Dr Yousri said: “Very large numbers complex traits of biomedical or evolu- Dr Hunt said: “Runs of rare recessive been published in the high impact jour- candidates are required to submit a simple of samples are required to study the tionary importance, and an additional 55 variants inherited through these types of nal ‘Nature Communications’, and can electronic file that includes their CV and a de- impact of marriage between men and more rarely measured traits included in unions were shown to reduce reproduc- be read at https://www.nature.com/arti- scription of their accomplishments as per the women from the same extended families. the UK Biobank. Complex traits were ar- tive fitness or fertility, with a 55% re- cles/s41467-019-12283-6. requirements. 04 Thursday, August 13, 2020 Nation Unregulated use of AI can harm developing countries: QU prof DI programme receives Tribune News Network sustainable development.” how AI is a threat to SDG 10, a satisfied with their employment NASPAA accreditation Doha In his study, Dr Truby dis- goal that focuses on equal oppor- and opportunities.” The Doha Institute for Graduate Studies (DI) cussed three examples to show tunity. Artificial Intelligence (AI) has School of Public Administration and Develop- A new study on Sustainable De- how unregulated AI can be detri- He explained how AI can be generated considerable interest ment Economics (SPADE) Department of Public velopment published by Dr Jon mental to SDGs. To begin with, he used by big firms to generate over the past few decades, ow- Policy has officially received the accreditation of Truby, associate professor of Law focused on SDG 16, a goal that was employment opportunities in de- ing to its promising applications the Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs and director of the Centre for Law developed to tackle corruption, veloping countries and that this across a wide range of fields. But, and Administration (NASPAA), for the first time and Development at the College organised crime and terrorism. might threaten smaller businesses it has also sparked an ongoing in the Gulf, the second in the Middle East, and the of Law, Qatar University (QU), He said because AI is com- and local companies. However, if debate on whether the risks of us- fifth outside the United States. explains how Artificial Intelli- monly used in national security designed with sustainable devel- ing AI outweigh its benefits. The NASPAA is highly respected and one of the high- gence (AI), if not regulated, can databases, it can be misused by nancial services. AI is regularly opment in mind, AI can create biggest concern with AI is a lack est aspirations of schools of public administration be a threat to sustainable develop- criminals to launder money or used in financial institutions to better job opportunities and in- of governance, which gives large and public policy around the world. This accredita- ment. organise crime. This is especially make banking simpler and more crease productivity by removing companies, popularly called as tion, which only a few universities outside the Unit- The study talks about how relevant in developing countries, efficient. But, while learning, AI labour-intensive jobs. the “Big Tech”, unlimited access ed States have obtained, will serve as evidence to the unregulated AI is a threat to the where input data may be easily might inadvertently develop cer- AI is a powerful technology to private data. quality of education offered by SPADE at the Doha Sustainable Development Goals accessible because of poor protec- tain biases, such as reducing fi- that needs to be used carefully Multiple scandals in the recent Institute. Head of Public Policy Program at DI Dr (SDGs) -- a set of guidelines cre- tive measures. nancial opportunities for certain and efficiently. Although Dr Truby past have confirmed the threats of Nizar Jouini said, “NASPAA accreditation of Public ated by the United Nations (UN) Dr Truby suggested that, to minorities. is optimistic about the future im- this - such as the infamous Cam- Policy Programme is an unprecedented achieve- for the sustainable development prevent this, there should be a Dr Truby suggested that to plications of AI, he believed that bridge Analytica scandal of 2018, ment that was accomplished only four years after its of all countries. risk assessment at each stage of avoid such biases, there is a need developers and legislators should in which Facebook conducted a inception. It is a testimony of appreciation for the Dr Truby has pointed out that AI development. Moreover, the AI for transparency in AI-driven pro- exercise caution through effective major privacy breach by leaking rigorous and professional commitment of SPADE this threat is especially prevalent software should be designed such cesses. Human review and inter- governance. confidential user information to a and DI faculty members and staff, which will stimu- in developing countries, which of- that it is inaccessible when there vention at each step can ensure He said, “The risks of AI to data-mining company. late greater excellence in the future.” ten relax AI regulations to attract is a threat of it being hacked. Such that such discrimination does not the society and the possible detri- Moreover, although AI should “The programme will provide an opportunity investments from the Big Tech. restrictions can minimise the risk go unnoticed. Moreover, it is nec- ments to sustainable development be developed in a socially respon- for Qatari and Arab students to learn about the lat- Dr Truby said, “In this study, of hackers obtaining access to the essary to train software develop- can be severe if not managed cor- sible way, governments often do est science and theories in public policy, to prepare I propose the need for proactive software. ers to recognise the harmful im- rectly. On the flip side, regulating not impose strict legislations on them to integrate into different decision-making regulatory measures in AI devel- Then, Dr Truby took the ex- plications of biases, so that it can AI can be immensely beneficial to AI development, which may be positions with high efficiency and capacity in or- opment, which would help to en- ample of SDG 8, a goal that seeks be regulated more efficiently. development, leading to people detrimental - rather than benefi- der to find practical solutions to real problems,” he sure that AI operates to benefit to increase public access to fi- Finally, Dr Truby explaind being more productive and more cial - to the society. added. (QNA) Adopt healthy lifestyle VCUarts Qatar researchers awarded for preventing chronic HBKU grant for VR training initiative diseases, says expert Cross-campus collaboration to address Tribune News Network challenges posed by COVID-19 pandemic Doha tribune news network technology and software in class- The best way to prevent chronic dis- doha room settings. eases is to adopt a healthy lifestyle and “To allow for the project out- avoid factors that might lead to these A proposal submitted by three re- comes to be easily replicated, we “silent” ailments, according to Dr Ab- searchers from Virginia Common- will use VR-based collaboration dullah Abdul Rahman Alnaama, head wealth University School of the tools that have already been adopt- of Rawdat Alkhail Health Centre and Arts in Qatar (VCUarts Qatar) – a ed in the industry, and evaluate senior Family Medicine Consultant at Qatar Foundation (QF) partner these within the context of educa- the Primary Health Care Corporation university – to develop an innova- tion”, says Rafehi. (PHCC). tive pedagogical model that em- “What is unique about our Detecting chronic illness at an early ploys virtual reality technology as approach is the use of virtual em- stage can also help to manage the ill- a medium of instruction, has been bodiment to promote resilience, ness better, he noted. awarded a grant by QF’s Hamad innovative problem-solving and Dr Alnaama said, “The key to pro- Bin Khalifa University (HBKU). optimism among learners on a lo- tecting ourselves from chronic dis- The VR-based project titled cal or global scale.” eases include health awareness and ‘Reimagining Education Beyond This novel cross-disciplinary education, good eating habits, physi- COVID-19 With Virtual Embodi- approach is intended to improve cal activity and a responsible lifestyle. ment’ addresses the main chal- student engagement, constructiv- These silent ailments develop over a Dr Abdullah Abdul Rahman Alnaama lenges in the global education ist learning, as well as build 21st period of time and patients are una- system and can be adapted to both century skills such as empathy, ware of the issues until after suffering hybrid and remote learning envi- critical thinking and innovation, to symptoms.” The key to protecting ourselves from ronments within Qatar. name but a few. In short, education Change in eating patterns and a chronic diseases include health The draft proposal was sub- is re-imagined to be more forward- lack of physical activity have contrib- awareness and education, good eat- mitted in response to a Rapid Re- looking and resolve the challenges uted to a rise in the number of people ing habits, physical activity and a sponse Innovation Call by HBKU brought on by traditional teaching nated in the Industrial Revolution education forced the conversation suffering from chronic diseases world- for investigating innovative meth- methodologies. of the 19th century and was further upon educators and policy-makers wide. responsible lifestyle. These silent ods to address expected changes “The investigation itself will be consolidated during the post-war across the globe”, she says. “The Dr Alnaama defined chronic diseases ailments develop over a period of beyond the COVID-19 pandem- carried out as a collaboration be- years of the 1950’s – two periods in sheer number of webinars and on- as “non-contagious diseases”, as they are time and patients are unaware of ic and its repercussions on the tween VCUarts Qatar and NU-Q; history that promoted convenience line-discussions on the topic host- not passed from one person to another, the issues until after suffering symp- economy, society, trade and inter- the innovative pedagogical model over customisation. ed by various stakeholders such but typically take a long time to develop toms. national relations. will be tested on student cohorts While this model of mass in- as the UNESCO, through CNN, to as part of a relatively slow process. All three researchers - Sherin at both universities over the fall se- struction had its benefits, chal- individual governments since the Chronic diseases are divided into Karawia, assistant instructor, mester”, explains Kassem. lenges emerged, and increased, start of the pandemic, vouch for four broad categories - heart diseases periods, which might result in them VCUarts Qatar; Mona Kassem, “The results generated in the over time. Lecture-style teaching this. such as heart and brain strokes and abandoning the treatment. instructional technologist and IT study will serve as a proof-of-con- resulted in passive and disengaged “And, closer to home, Her Ex- high blood pressure; cancers of all In line with its commitment to pro- analyst, VCUarts Qatar; and Mar- cept. The outcome of this project students; self-learning and inter- cellency Sheikha Hind bint Hamad types; chronic respiratory diseases such viding preventative care to the commu- iam Rafehi, adjunct faculty at both will be a web-based resource that est-based learning was almost ab- Al Thani, vice chairperson & CEO as asthma and chronic obstructive pul- nity, PHCC assigns a dietitian to provide Northwestern University in Qatar will explain how the VR model can sent, and the system failed to equip of Qatar Foundation, addressed monary disease; and diabetes. healthy food guidance tailored to each (NU-Q) and VCUarts Qatar- have be adopted by the wider education students with the skills necessary the issue in a talk titled ‘New Chronic disease constitutes a chal- patient, and a health educator to inform previously worked on various pro- community within Qatar.” for evolving technologies and jobs. Schools of Thought’ on QF’s Ins- lenge to health and medical practition- and discuss issues with the patients. jects that explore the applications VCUarts Qatar’s research pro- Karawia notes how the recent tagram channel last month, where ers and decision makers worldwide as it Patients are also referred to nec- of technology in education. posal could not be timelier as it transition to online classrooms she spoke about re-imagining our means a lifetime of treatment, instead essary medical specialties at PHCC’s One of the main drivers of the comes at a watershed moment in amid the ongoing COVID-19 pan- global education system and the of treatment over a specific period of health centres, including ophthalmol- project is to help education lead- the history of education. demic amplified the aforemen- opportunity for its change within time. ogy; dermatology; ENT; early detection ership and faculty overcome the Modern education, with its tioned challenges. the context of COVID-19”, Karawia Dr Alnaama warned that the major of colon and breast cancer; and mental challenges of using cutting-edge one-size-fits-all approach, origi- “The limitations of traditional concluded. risk with chronic ailments is patients’ support, which is integral to the treat- failure to follow their physician’s ad- ment plan received by patients. vice and recommendations. “It is crucial for every patient to fol- Common behaviour includes smok- low a balanced healthy diet, exercise ing, shisha; chewing tobacco; non-ad- regularly for at least 30 minutes a day, herence to the treatment plan or medi- and for those with a family history of a QRCS provides medical services to cine doses; failure to visit the doctor certain chronic ailment, such as diabe- when required, lack of regular exercise tes, to take measures to ensure they are and healthy eating habits; and a patient not at risk or to help detect a chronic 28,416 workers during Eid Al-Adha becoming restless over long treatment disease early,” Dr Alnaama advised.

A doctor and a patient at Fereej Abdul-Aziz Health Center (left) and another doctor administers a patient at Al Hemailah Health Center.

Tribune News Network services to as many as 28,416 pa- medical laboratories and phar- ceived by health facilities during Doha: tients in different specialisations. macies. the reporting period were fever Under the supervision of The emergency medical ser- and flu, totalling 3,252 patients: During Eid Al-Adha, the Qa- the Ministry of Public Health vices of QRCS operate a fleet of Al-Hemailah (1,878), Mesaimeer tar Red Crescent Society (QRCS) (MOPH), QRCS operates four 46 fully equipped ambulance (736), Fereej Abdul-Aziz (616) continued to fulfill its medical Workers Health Centers in Me- vehicles, run by highly trained and Zekreet (22). mandate for the public, with saimeer, Fereej Abdul-Aziz, Al- paramedics and drivers. They Other cases totalled 17,684, a medical staff of 639 doctors, Hemailah and Zekreet. transport injuries to the various of which 6,916 were received at nurses, technicians, first re- These health facilities pro- departments of Hamad Medical the Al-Hemailah Health Centre, sponders and ambulance drivers. vide services to general and spe- Corporation (HMC) and provide 5,146 at the Mesaimeer Health During the period from July cialized clinics, dental clinics, medical coverage for sports and Centre, 5,223 at the Fereej Ab- 29 to August 8, 2020, the Work- surgeries, dressing and minor public events. dul-Aziz Health Centre, and 399 ers’ Health Centers provided surgeries, x-rays and ultrasound, The majority of cases re- at the Zekreet Health Centre. World Thursday, August 13, 2020 05

News Philippines’ Duterte says will be Russia vaccine ‘guinea pig’ as talks begin in brief AFP tists have previously raised tion, dubbed “Sputnik V” after his life for the Filipino people,” Manila concerns about the speed of de- the pioneering 1950s Soviet Roque said. Belgian tycoon velopment of Russian vaccines, satellite. There have been more than Philippine President Rod- suggesting researchers might Duterte has also expressed 143,000 cases -- the highest in cedes control of rigo Duterte will be a guinea pig be cutting corners. “huge trust” in Russia’s efforts Southeast Asia after Indonesia DR Congo bank for a controversial Russian cor- But despite the scepticism, to stop the contagion. -- and the death toll is now over Kinshasa Belgian tycoon onavirus vaccine, his spokes- Manila has accepted Russia’s “I believe the vaccine that 2,400. George Forrest has sold his man said on Wednesday, as offer to participate in clinical you have produced is really The Philippines in 2016 was majority stake in the Com- the Southeast Asian nation trials, vaccine supply and pro- good for humanity,” Duterte the first nation to use dengue mercial Bank of the Congo emerged as a frontrunner for duction of the drug, and Phil- said, praising Putin. vaccine Dengvaxia in a mass (BCDC) to Kenya’s Equity overseas clinical trials. ippine health authorities said “I will be the first one to be programme, but a botched roll- Group Holdings, the Kenyan Moscow says it has devel- they are meeting the Russian experimented on,” he said on out led to claims several dozen firm announced Wednesday. oped the world’s first vaccine drug developer Gamaleya on Monday. children had died after being The Forrest group has offering “sustainable immu- Wednesday. Duterte’s spokesman Harry vaccinated. operated in the vast central nity” against the virus and is in Russian President Vladimir Roque said that the president The World Health Organi- African country, mainly in the Jeepney drivers wearing face masks queue up to receive food aid in Ma- the final stage oftests involving Putin said the drug was safe -- known for making controver- zation said 20 countries have southeastern mining region, nila. The Philippines has accepted Russia’s offer to participate in clinical 2,000 people. and that one of his own daugh- sial remarks -- was not joking. licensed the dengue vaccine for since 1922 when it was a trials, vaccine supply and production of a coronavirus vaccine. (AFP) However, Western scien- ters had received the inocula- “He’s old. He can sacrifice widespread use. Belgian colony. It bought two-thirds of BCDC’s equity in 2009, a century after it was set up in the mineral-rich country. Israel shrinks Palestinian Today the BCDC is the DR Congo’s second largest fishing zone in response Prosecution says to grill private bank, and Equity’s statement quoted Forrest as saying he hoped it would be- to arson balloons come the country’s biggest. DPA said. The acquisition comes as Gaza Strip/Tel Aviv The Islamist Hamas, which ministers over Beirut blast the country’s leading private dominates the Gaza Strip, has bank, Rawbank, is impli- Israel on Wednesday re- claimed responsibility for the cated in a vast anti-corruption stricted the permitted fishing attacks. The official death investigation. It is suspected zone off the Palestinian terri- Israeli broadcasters re- of involvement in the em- tory in response to incendiary ported on Wednesday evening toll rose to 171, bezzlement of public funds balloons being launched into that the balloons sent from the while 6,500 earmarked for major projects southern Israel from the Gaza Gaza Strip had caused 24 fires launched by President Felix Strip in recent days, burning in the border area during the were injured and Tshisekedi soon after he took swathes of land. day. 300,000 left tem- office early last year.(AFP) The zone has been reduced The Israeli army said its from 15 nautical miles (about fighter jets struck a number porarily homeless Syria’s Al-Assad 28 kilometres) to eight nauti- of Hamas targets early on interrupts speech cal miles (about 15 kilometres) Wednesday morning, in re- AFP due to drop in until further notice, the re- sponse to the balloon attacks. Beirut sponsible Cogat authority said. A military compound, un- blood pressure Defence Minister Benny derground infrastructures and Lebanon’s judiciary will Damascus Syrian President Gantz said the step was taken observation posts belonging question several ministers, a Bashar al-Assad on Wednes- “in the face of ongoing ter- to the radical Islamist Hamas judicial official said Wednes- day was forced to interrupt rorist activities from the Gaza movement that rules Gaza day, over a massive chemical his address to the recently Strip against Israeli citizens were struck, according to the blast at a Beirut port ware- elected parliament due to a in recent days,” the statement army. house that ravaged the capital slight drop in blood pressure, and sparked unprecedented according to a presidential public outrage. statement. Survivors and volunteers Al-Assad’s parliamentary were still sweeping pulverised speech was interrupted for Militants capture key port in gas- glass off rubble-strewn streets Rescuers use excavators to clear the rubble at the site of damaged grain silos in Beirut port on Wednesday a “few minutes,” the brief a week after a large depot of following a huge explosion that disfigured the Lebanese capital.( AFP) statement said, adding that rich N Mozambique: Sources industrial chemicals blew up at “the president resumed giv- Beirut’s port, a blast President experts’ fears it could cause a Emergency crews on Among those killed was a ing the address in a normal AFP facility, one of Africa’s biggest Michel Aoun estimated had massive conflagration. Wednesday were still searching diplomat from Germany, whose way.” The statement did not Maputo single investment projects, is caused more than $15 billion- A judicial official said the dusty “ground zero” where Foreign Minister Heiko Maas provide further details. located. worth of damage. Wednesday that the pros- the explosion pulverised build- arrived in Lebanon Wednesday Syria’s state news agency Islamist militants occupied The port is currently the The official death toll rose ecution would question several ings and left a water-logged for a short visit of support. SANA said the speech would a key port in gas-rich northern main source of traffic for the to 171, while 6,500 were injured ministers and former ministers 43-metre-deep crater where In a social media message, be broadcast Wednesday Mozambique on Wednesday gas project. and 300,000 left temporarily over the disaster. a quay and warehouses once he stressed the need for “pro- evening. following days of renewed at- Northern Mozambique homeless in the country’s worst Meanwhile, at Beirut’s stood. found economic reform”. Al-Assad, 54, took power tacks, a military source and lo- has been hit by a jihadist in- peacetime disaster. main fire station, a stone’s Around 100 of the wounded Under intense domestic in Syria in 2000, succeed- cal media said. surgency since 2017 that has Top diplomats streamed throw from the charred and were recently still listed in criti- and foreign pressure, Prime ing his father Hafez after his “The port of Mocimboa killed more than 1,000 people into Lebanon to show solidar- ruined port, firefighters held an cal condition and it was feared Minister Hassan Diab an- death. A trained ophthalmolo- da Praia was captured by and complicated the country’s ity and urge reforms to curb the emotional funeral for one of 10 the death toll could yet rise as nounced his government’s res- gist, the president has faced the terrorists at dawn,” the plans to develop its offshore corruption blamed for allow- comrades they lost in the catas- Beirut’s hospitals treat the cas- ignation on Monday. an armed rebellion against his Moz24Horas website reported gas reserves. ing a vast stock of ammonium trophe. ualties. French President Emma- rule since 2011 with an ensu- Wednesday. The military sources said nitrate, a compound often used Ten firefighters are con- More than half of 55 health- nuel Macron on Wednesday ing civil war which has since A military source told AFP the jihadists hit one vessel with in homemade bombs, to rot for firmed to have died, and six care facilities evaluated by the warned Tehran against inter- devastated Syria. that the small town and its port a rocket propelled grenade. years at the port despite repeat- more are still among the miss- World Health Organization fering in Lebanon, urging his In recent years, al- had “fallen”. “I’ve been told that the in- ed warnings. ing, including three members were “non-functional,” the Iranian counterpart Hassan Assad’s forces, supported The small town Mocim- surgents sank one of the boats An AFP investigation found of the same family. agency said Wednesday, add- Rouhani “to avoid any outside by ally Russia, have regained boa da Praia lies less than 80 bought by former president” that up until the day before Rina Hitti, the mother of ing that three major hospitals interference and to support the large chunks of territory from kilometres (50 miles) south of Armando Guebuza, the source the deadly blast, officials had one and related to the two oth- were out of operation and an- putting in place of a govern- Western-backed rebels and Afungi peninsula where the said, adding: “The situation is exchanged warnings over the ers, said: “In one piece or sev- other three running at well be- ment which can manage the militant Islamists. (DPA) liquefied natural gas (LNG) complicated.” cargo, but did nothing despite eral, we want our sons back.” low normal capacity, he said. emergency,” the Elysee said.

Iranian president Iraq cancels Turkish defence warns against Two dead in Bangalore violence minister’s visit after deadly strike arms embargo DPA by a Turkish drone north of extention over anti-Islam Facebook post Baghdad Erbil, the capital of Iraq’s au- tonomous region of Kurdistan. DPA AFP burnt down the house of a local Media reports said the two Iraq cancelled a visit set for The strike hit a military Tehran Bangalore lawmaker whose nephew was people killed in the incident Thursday by the Turkish de- vehicle the two officers were allegedly responsible for the had died of gunshot wounds. fence minister to Baghdad af- riding in, also resulting in the Iranian President Hassan Two people died after a “derog- social media post. Local me- Bangalore police commis- ter a deadly airstrike in Kurd- deaths of its drivers, according Rowhani has threatened con- atory” Facebook post about the dia images showed protesters sioner Kamal Pant wrote on istan allegedly carried out by to the Iraqi army. sequences if the UN Security Prophet Mohammed (PUBH) trying to barge into the police Twitter that the lawmaker’s Turkey. The Iraqi Foreign Ministry Council prolongs an arms em- sparked riots in India’s IT hub building and shouting slogans nephew had been arrested for Turkey frequently launch- said Wednesday that Baghdad bargo against Iran at the behest Bangalore that saw clashes be- outside the politician’s home. the post, along with about 100 es attacks in northern Iraq, had cancelled the Turkish de- of the United States. tween police and thousands Police opened fire with live others for rioting and arson, saying it targets the banned fence minister’s visit. UN resolution 2231, which of protesters, authorities said ammunition and tear-gassed and the situation was now un- Kurdistan Workers’ Party Later on Wednesday, the is part of the 2015 Vienna nucle- Wednesday. the violent crowds. Three peo- der control. A ban on gatherings (PKK) and other terrorist ministry summoned the Turk- ar deal, requires the embargo to At least 60 officers were in- ple were critically wounded A resident walks past burnt vehi- was in effect in some areas of the groups. ish ambassador to Baghdad in be lifted, Rowhani told Iranian jured the previous evening as a during Tuesday’s violence and cles in Bangalore on Wednesday city on Wednesday, with nearly On Tuesday, the Iraqi protest against what it called state TV on Wednesday. It is set furious crowd attacked a police at least one reporter was in- after violence broke out overnight 10,000 police reservists patrol- army said two senior border “Turkey’s constant viola- to expire in October. station, set vehicles on fire and jured, police told AFP. in Devara Jevana Halli area. (AFP) ling the streets to keep order. officers were killed in a strike tions.” “If not, this would be a clear breach of the nuclear deal and will have consequences,” Row- hani said. He did not cite further de- tails, though Iran has said in Mali forces fire tear gas to clear Bamako protesters the past that it would leave the nuclear deal if the UN resolu- AFP the regime,” said Nouhou Sarr, a weeks-long truce in the June suggesting the formation of a tion is not enforced and the Bamako from the Mali’s opposition 5 Movement’s push to topple new unity government to end arms embargo lifted. June 5 Movement. “Rounds of the 75-year-old leader. the crisis, while sticking by The United States left the Security forces in Mali’s tear gas will not deter us”. The loose alliance of oppo- Keita. agreement in May 2018, after capital fired tear gas Wednes- Aminata Diallo, a 19-year- sition and religious leaders has The June 5 Movement has which the Trump administra- day to clear hundreds of pro- old opposition supporter, said been channeling deep anger repeatedly rejected the propos- tion imposed additional sanc- testers from a central square, that security forces began dis- in Mali over a dire economy, als and continues to demand tions against Iran. where they had camped over- persing the protesters in the perceived government corrup- Keita’s departure. Rowhani said he hoped the night following a protest de- early morning while people tion and an eight-year jihadist The group also ignored US would stand “alone and iso- manding the president’s resig- were eating and washing. conflict. a plea from former Nigerian lated” in the end. nation. Thousands of protesters Its campaign plunged Mali President Goodluck Jonathan, The nuclear agreement, About 1,000 people spent marched in Bamako on Tues- into crisis last month when 11 the chief ECOWAS mediator known as the JCPOA, was in- the night on the streets of the day, despite rainfall and pleas people died during three days to Mali, who on Monday urged tended to enable Iran to have capital Bamako, an AFP jour- from mediators to stay home, of unrest following an anti-Kei- them stop protesting and to en- a civilian nuclear programme, nalist said, before national to demand the resignation of ta protest, in the worst political ter dialogue. while preventing nuclear guardsmen and gendarmes embattled President Ibrahim strife Mali has seen in years. The poor Sahel nation’s weapons, in exchange for the broke them up early in the Boubacar Keita. The 15-nation ECOWAS neighbours and allies are anx- lifting of crippling economic A woman cheers during a protest organised by M5-RFP in Bamako, who morning. The rally marked a resump- bloc stepped in to mediate, ious to prevent it sliding into sanctions. are calling for Malian President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita to resign. (AFP) “This is a provocation from tion of opposition protests after with its heads of government chaos. 06 Thursday, August 13, 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

Kamala Harris Will Strengthen Biden’s Presidential Bid Trump’s Confusing Harris brings several advantages to Biden’s bid. A Black woman and of Indian descent, she breaks racial barriers and a centrist who can carry swing states. Given Biden’s age, she COVID-19 Orders can step in as commander in chief if situation arises The president’s proposal to pay extra jobless benefits and defer to payroll taxes OE Biden’s selection on Tuesday of US ment that he would pick a woman and the Senator Kamala Harris as his vice-pres- anticipation that, in a time of increasing focus has opened a range of questions as many see it to be likely unconstitutional Jidential running mate was a smart and on racial inequity, his selection would be a safe pick that breaks barriers while main- person of colour. Noah Feldman taining the centrist positioning critical for Harris was one of only two remaining Tribune News Service carrying swing states in the election less top vice-presidential contenders — Senator than three months away. Elizabeth Warren being the other — who VER the weekend, US President Harris is the first Black woman and first had already been campaign-tested dur- Donald Trump issued several person of Indian descent on a major national ing this election season. And while Harris’ new executive orders aimed at ticket. As a presidential candidate, she proved presidential campaign failed to live up to its extending the COVID-19 eco- to be a tough political debater and as a sena- potential, she also knew when to quit and nomic stimulus that has offered tor to be a razor-sharp interrogator and advo- didn’t embarrass herself with gaffes in her Osome financial relief to millions of cate for social justice. first national campaign. Americans. But instead of bringing clar- Her skills as a prosecutor will serve Biden The selection of Harris will put Califor- ity, the orders have generated a raft of well during the remainder of the campaign, nia, and the Bay Area in particular, in the confusion. Are they even constitutional? especially in her debate with Vice President spotlight. The daughter of two immigrants, Will they go into effect? Mike Pence. And her relative youth, thought- an Indian American mother and a father For your convenience, here’s a sim- ful approach to policy and background as a from Jamaica, Harris was born in Oakland, ple rule of thumb for what the president woman of colour will provide Biden a solid raised in Berkeley and served as a prosecutor can and cannot do on his own, without sounding board if he is elected president. in Alameda County and San Francisco before Congress: No to new money; yes to re- If Biden turns to Harris as President Ba- her election as San Francisco’s district attor- laxed collection of money you owe the rack Obama relied on Biden for advice, it will ney and then state attorney general. government. broaden him as a candidate and as the nation’s President Donald Trump undoubtedly Under the Constitution, only leader. As for the ultimate vice-presidential will ramp up his attacks on Harris’ native city Congress can initiate new spending. qualification — especially because Biden, if and state and try to portray her as a left-wing The president may only spend mon- elected, would be 78 when he took office — radical. But, as the nation has already found ey that has already been appropri- Harris has demonstrated that she is well-qual- out, Harris is anything but. As her presiden- ated. He’s supposed to spend it on the ified to step in as commander in chief. tial campaign revealed, she is sometimes to a purpose for which Congress appropri- In most normal years, the selection of a fault cautious in her political approach. ated it in the first place; but in real life, vice-presidential running mate has not prov- Ironically, her only real breakout dur- he has pretty wide discretion to say en to significantly affect the top-of-the-ticket ing the campaign was her takedown of whether a given expenditure fits under race. But Biden, while running with Obama Biden, when she questioned his record of a given appropriation. in 2008, saw the damage of a bad pick when opposition to busing in the 1970s and ’80s This is the reason Trump’s proposed conceivably count as a gun, pressur- potential action — not to do anything Senator John McCain chose Alaska Governor and of working in Congress with two seg- supplemental unemployment benefit of ing states to comply or lose $300 per yet. It says only that: Sarah Palin. regationist senators. $400 may not last long, if it goes into ef- qualified citizen. (There are technical The Secretary of Health and Human Moreover, this isn’t a normal year. Apart Biden deserves credit for his willing- fect at all. Congress hasn’t allocated any reasons to think it might not count as Services and the Director of CDC shall from the higher focus on Biden’s running ness to look past the attack and recognise new money (yet) for a new benefit. So a gun, though, mainly that this is new consider whether any measures tem- mate because of his age, the Democratic can- the strength and stability Harris will bring Trump can only spend money already condition on a new benefit — not a re- porarily halting residential evictions of didate raised the stakes with his announce- to the ticket. appropriated for other, related purpos- moval of an existing benefit.) any tenants for failure to pay rent are es in FEMA emergency funds. He can’t The Constitution also gives the pres- reasonably necessary to prevent the fur- overspend the existing appropriation. ident a lot of leeway in seeing federal ther spread of COVID-19 from one State (He may be gambling that if he uses up laws enforced. He can delay enforce- or possession into any other State or money that’s supposed to be spent on ment or even announce that he won’t possession. hurricanes and other natural disasters, enforce certain laws, the way President It is far from clear what legal author- Congress will hurry up and appropriate Barack Obama used his discretion on ity, if any, the executive branch would more money.) immigration enforcement to create have to block evictions based on state Someone will probably file a suit DACA, the Deferred Action for Child- landlord-tenant law. This Trump pro- saying that Trump can’t use the FEMA hood Arrivals programme. posal would likely be unconstitutional emergency funds for the supplemental That means the president can delay if it actually had any teeth — which it benefit. But in practice, a court would the collection of both student loans and doesn’t. likely defer to Trump’s executive discre- the federal payroll tax. To be sure, the Whether you’re one of the peo- tion on what counts as a reasonable use president can’t waive the debts. Only ple who need immediate relief, or one of emergency funds. Congress could do that. You will still of those whose businesses and invest- There is one quirk to be noted: $100 ultimately owe your student loan pay- ments depend on the extra support of the $400 is supposed to come from ments — and your payroll taxes. The for consumer spending, there are still states, and Trump’s order seems to say president’s enforcement leeway only a lot of question marks here. But a you can only get the federal $300 if you extends to the time of enforcement, not little 8th-grade civics lesson is all you first qualify for the state’s $100. Trump eliminating the laws that create the ob- need to see that these orders are a pretty can’t control what states do. And it is ligations. (Similarly, DACA can’t turn flimsy shield. uncertain whether the president can ‘Dreamers’ into citizens. Only Congress condition receipt of the $300 benefit could pass a law doing that.) (Noah Feldman is a Bloomberg on states first providing $100. The Su- That leaves Trump’s proposed feder- Opinion columnist. He is a professor preme Court has held that a condition al ban on evictions. It’s actually written of law at Harvard University and on federal aid can’t be a “gun to the to allow the Department of Health and was a clerk to US Supreme Court (Tribune News Service) head” of states. This condition could Human Services and the CDC to take Justice David Souter)

With Final Prisoner Release, Afghanistan Takes A Giant Step Towards Peace

Afghanistan’s political community, civil society groups, members of the press, and citizens are all eager to start the intra-Afghan talks

Ahmad Mohibi ernment was hesitant to release these proach in the case of Afghanistan. Afghan leaders see this as a great start Tribune News Service last prisoners for various reasons, from Afghanistan will flourish and If everything goes as planned, the for a new Afghanistan free of violence. a lack of presidential constitutional au- the people will breathe in first step would be a small team of Af- An interim government will likely be cre- HE Afghan Loya Jirga (grand as- thority to a desire to hold the prisoners ghan negotiators meeting with the Tali- ated composed of the Taliban, techno- sembly) approved the release of 400 responsible for their actions as well as a peace if the leaders ban political office and preparation crats of the Afghan government, opposi- TTaliban prisoners on Sunday, and need for leverage for the Afghan govern- compromise, put their team in Doha. A time will then be set for tion parties, and prominent Mujahideen President Ashraf Ghani endorsed the de- ment after the US-Taliban deal. differences aside, and work the start of official peace talks. Talks will leaders. If everything goes as planned, cision. This hopefully paves the way for The release of these high-level pris- focus on key issues, such as the US troop then a presidential, semi-presidential, the intra-Afghan talks between Afghan oners — charged with murder, kidnap- for the national interest and withdrawal and regime change (whether or a parliamentary election will be held. delegates and the Taliban insurgency, ping, and abduction — has proved espe- the common good Afghanistan will be an emirate, a repub- Many Afghans envision a French style of aimed at ending the 19 years of war. cially problematic, as most previously lic, or a combination) at the forefront. government — a president and a prime “I look forward to the intra-Afghan released prisoners have already been Also at stake is the fate of the Afghan minister with designated authorities. dialogues,” said Khalid Noor, the young- reported to be back on the battlefield as early as March 10. However, the politi- Constitution, with possible amendments Afghanistan will flourish and the est member of the Afghan negotiating against the government. Abdullah Ab- cal chaos that resulted from the disputed to its law enforcement and legal aspects. people will breathe in peace if the lead- team. He added, “I believe it’s going to dullah called this prisoner release a “de- September 2019 presidential elections Issues related to the Taliban’s disar- ers compromise, put their differences start in the next few days.” cision of life and death.” between Ghani and Abdullah paused the mament, demobilisation, and reintegra- aside, and work for the national inter- On Monday, the Taliban and the Af- Therefore, the Loya Jirga was called, peace process. It was only earlier this tion (DDR) and the fate of their 40,000- est and the common good. If the country ghan government agreed on August 16 with representatives and delegates gath- year that political compromise allowed 60,000 fighters will be considered too. creates a strong central government that as the start date for the intra-Afghan di- ered from 34 provinces of Afghanistan peace talks to start yet again. Will Taliban fighters join the Afghan includes the Taliban and broader politi- alogues. The 21 members of the Afghan to decide the fate of these prisoners. Now, Afghanistan’s future looks forces or other agencies, or they will be cal parties in Afghanistan, then the fight negotiation team headed by Massoum It is unknown how events will un- promising because its political commu- placed under some sort of reintegration can continue to eliminate the Islamic Stanikzai (former chief of the National fold from here. Will the Taliban keep nity, members of civil society organisa- and deradicalisation programmes? State and other 22 terrorist organisa- Directorate of Security) is likely to de- their promise to reduce violence while tions, members of the press, and citizens Many other issues will be discussed, tions that operate in Afghanistan. This part Afghanistan for Doha, Qatar once engaging in talks with the Afghanistan are all eager to start the intra-Afghan but these are some of the main areas will be one of the longest peace process- the prisoners are released — as early as negotiators? Or will they increase their talks. Nearly two decades of war with of clashes and conflict that may take es, with a bumpy and complex route, but tomorrow. operations now that these trained com- the Taliban have left nothing but scars, longer for the negotiators to reach a at long last the future is promising. The 400 prisoners were the last manders have been released? sorrow, destruction, and devastation. compromise. of a group of 5,000 whose release was The US-Taliban agreement mandated The world has come to understand that Upon a successful peace agreement, (Ahmad Mohibi is the promised in the US-Taliban peace deal, the release of 5,000 Taliban prisoners so peace talks, a political settlement, and there will be a “new government,” as founder of Rise to Peace, signed on February 29. The Afghan gov- that intra-Afghan dialogues could start negotiations are the best-applied ap- written in the US-Taliban agreement. a US-based organisation)

THE VIEWS EXPRESSED ON THE OPINION AND ANALYSIS PAGES ARE THE AUTHORS’ OWN. QATAR TRIBUNE BEARS NO RESPONSIBILITY. World Thursday, August 13, 2020 07 WHO keen to review Russian vaccine trials Over 5,000 wiped off UK’s virus toll following review AFP The WHO says 28 of more in guiding and accelerating re- AFP test will now be included in the percent fall. Geneva than 150 potential vaccines are Russia’s vaccine is among search and development efforts London figures, bringing England into “The way we count deaths currently being actively tested the 28 potential vaccines in since January. line with the rest of the United in people with COVID-19 in The World Health Organiza- on humans, among which six clinical evaluation but is “Accelerating vaccine re- Britain revised down its Kingdom. England was originally cho- tion said on Wednesday it was have reached Phase 3, the final search should be done following death toll from the coronavi- sen to avoid underestimating looking forward to reviewing stage when candidate drugs are listed by the WHO as only established processes through rus pandemic by more than The new figure — 41,329 deaths caused by the virus in clinical trials of a potential cor- tested on large groups of people. being on the first stage every step of development, to en- 5,000 to 41,329 on Wednes- deaths — means that the early stages of the pan- onavirus vaccine developed in Russia’s vaccine, developed sure that any vaccines that even- day following a review into the Britain now has fewer demic,” said John Newton, di- Russia. by the Gamaleya research insti- details of the trials,” the United tually go into production are way fatalities are recorded. rector of health improvement President Vladimir Pu- tute and the defence ministry, is Nations health agency said in a both safe and effective,” it said. In England, a person who fatalities than India at Public Health England. tin declared Russia the first among the 28 in clinical evalua- statement. “Any safe and effective pan- died at any point following The new figure means that country to approve a vaccine tion but is listed by the WHO as “WHO welcomes all ad- demic vaccine will be a global a positive test would previ- The official number of Britain now has fewer deaths on Tuesday even though final only being in Phase 1. vances in COVID-19 vaccine public good, and WHO urges ously have been counted in the people who have died from than India, but is still one of stage testing involving more “WHO is in touch with Rus- research and development.” rapid, fair and equitable access toll, regardless of the cause of the coronavirus in Britain has the worst affected countries than 2,000 people was only due sian scientists and authorities, The WHO added that the to any such vaccines world- death. But only those dying fallen from 46,706 to 41,329 in the world, and the worst in to start on Wednesday. and looks forward to reviewing organisation had been involved wide.” within 28 days of a positive under the new system, a 12 Europe.

China warns US against ‘playing with fire’ over Taiwan visit Biden, Harris kick off AFP Taipei

China warned Washing- On issues involving China’s ton not to “play with fire” on core interests, some people Wednesday as a US delegation in the US must not harbour White House campaign wrapped up a historic trip to illusions, those who play the self-ruled island of Tai- with fire will get burned wan. Trump says ‘surprised’ at Biden’s Beijing has been infuriated Foreign Ministry Spokesman pick of ‘horrible’ Harris by the highest-profile visit in Zhao Lijian decades to Taiwan, which it WASHINGTON: President Donald Trump on Tuesday called Ka- sees as part of its territory, as jian at a regular press briefing. mala Harris the “most horrible” member of the US Senate and US-China relations plunge to a “I would also like to remind said he was “surprised” Joe Biden had picked her as his vice record low over a range of is- the Taiwan authorities not to presidential candidate. sues from trade to military and be... subservient to others, to Trump told reporters at the White House that Harris did not the coronavirus pandemic. rely on the support of foreign- impress him when she was vying for the Democratic nomina- Health chief Alex Azar ers, and to be bent on pursuing tion in primaries eventually won by Biden. finished a three-day visit to independence, which is a dead “I was more surprised than anything else because she did Taiwan, during which he end,” Zhao said. so poorly,” he said. criticised China’s handling Beijing insists that Taiwan He also said that during the bruising 2018 Senate confir- of the pandemic and visited -- which has been self-ruled mation hearings of Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh, the shrine of a former Taiwan since 1949 -- is part of “one Harris was “the meanest, the most horrible, the most disre- president hated by the Com- China” and has vowed to react spectful of anybody in the US Senate.” (AFP) munist Party leadership. with force if it ever formally Beijing slammed the visit declares independence. on Wednesday and said it On the last day of the trip, “firmly opposes official ex- Azar visited a shrine to Tai- changes between the US and wan’s late president Lee Teng- US President Donald Trump speaks as a picture of Senator Kamala Harris is seen on a screen during a news Taiwan under any pretext”. hui Wednesday, praising his conference in the James Brady Press Briefing Room of the White House in Washington on Tuesday.( AFP) “On issues involving Chi- role in steering the island’s na’s core interests, some people transition to democracy. AFP chat, apparently at the moment voters as a safe pick, a known in the US must not harbour illu- The US cabinet member Wilmington he told her of his decision. quantity vetted during her time sions, those who play with fire wrote a message of condolence “You ready to go to work?” as a presidential candidate and will get burned,” said foreign for Lee, who died last month White House hopeful Joe he asks. tested on the campaign trail. ministry spokesman Zhao Li- aged 97. Biden on Wednesday holds his “Oh my God. I am so ready She is also a fierce defender highly-anticipated joint cam- to go to work,” Harris replies. of efforts to end economic in- paign debut with running mate Biden’s VP reveal marks a equality and racial injustice -- Kamala Harris, who hopes to crucial moment as he aims to in an election year marked by a Arrested Hong Kong media make history as the nation’s build a broad coalition of vot- historic reckoning on race. first female and first black vice ers to defeat Trump. She has valuable Capitol tycoon tells staff to ‘fight on’ president. It also offers a chance to Hill experience and has shown The Democratic duo, un- capture momentum in a cam- her tenacity in holding Trump to waste. That’s exactly why I Trump, could appeal to young- AFP The 71-year-old was veiled on Tuesday by Biden paign turned upside down by administration officials to ac- picked her: She’s ready to lead er voters and women, particu- Hong Kong cheered by staff and handed a after a months-long search for the coronavirus pandemic, count. And as California attor- on day one.” larly those in the suburbs who bouquet on Wednesday as he his partner on the ticket, now which has largely confined the ney general for six years Harris Trump, who last month have been fleeing theR epub- Hong Kong pro-democracy returned to the newsroom fol- launch the 83-day sprint to the 77-year-old Biden to his home has run the largest statewide acknowledged Harris would lican president, according to media mogul Jimmy Lai on lowing a late-night release on election face-off against Presi- in Wilmington, Delaware. legal agency in America. be a “fine choice” for Biden, polling. Wednesday told his reporters bail after 40 hours in custody. dent Donald Trump. Harris, a former California Biden has made clear he attacked her following the an- Trump sought to stake out to “fight on” after his dramat- “Fight on! Let’s fight on,” The choice of Harris, a attorney general, is the first believes Harris has the policy nouncement as “nasty” and a his ground early on Wednes- ic arrest, as China widens its Lai said. “We have the support 55-year-old US senator from woman of colour and first Indi- proficiency and the govern- radical leftist who would imple- day, insisting that “the ‘subur- crackdown against critics in the of the Hong Kong people. We California and daughter of an American to be a presiden- ing experience needed for the ment “socialised medicine” and ban housewife’ will be voting semi-autonomous city. can’t let them down.” Indian and Jamaican immi- tial running mate, and personi- White House. confiscateA mericans’ guns. for me.” Lai was among 10 people In images broadcast live on grants, was kept secret until fies the diversity seen as key “If @KamalaHarris and But he and his campaign The next 11 weeks will see detained under the new secu- Facebook by his own report- the last moment, even though to building enthusiasm for the I are elected, we’re going to have appeared to struggle to Harris pushing back against rity law on Monday as around ers, he told staff to continue she was widely perceived as the Democratic ticket. inherit multiple crises, a na- formulate effective attack lines President Trump, something 200 police officers searched the filing the kind of unvarnished wire-to-wire frontrunner. Scheduled to appear with tion divided, and a world in against a Democrat they long she eagerly did on the Demo- newsroom of his Apple Daily dispatches that have infuriated In footage released on Biden in Wilmington at about disarray,” Biden tweeted on knew was a top VP contender. cratic debate stage when she tabloid, which is unapologeti- China and pro-Beijing politi- Wednesday, Biden is seen 4:00 pm (2000 GMT), Har- Wednesday. Harris, who is two dec- branded him a “predator” of cally critical of Beijing. cians in Hong Kong. speaking with her by video ris will be perceived by many “We won’t have a minute ades younger than Biden and vulnerable Americans.

News Germany’s coronavirus cases see highest jump in months in brief DPA tions, bringing the total con- a doubt,” Health Minister Jens to remain “very, very vigilant.” Rhine Westphalia and the Greece posts its highest daily number of Berlin firmed in the country so far to Spahn told the Deutschland- In its latest situation report, northern port city of Hamburg, 218,519. funk radio broadcaster, com- dated Tuesday, the RKI said while infection rates were also COVID-19 cases Germany’s official corona- A peak in the outbreak was menting on the rising cases. the number of districts report- higher than average in the capi- ATHENS: Greece on Wednesday registered 262 new COVID-19 virus caseload on Wednesday reached in early April, when “Here we see that, as a re- ing zero COVID-19 cases over tal Berlin and the central state infections, the highest figure since the pandemic began and witnessed its sharpest daily the RKI reported over 6,000 sult of returning travellers, as a period of seven days had of Hesse. There have also been part of a steadily rising trend this month. jump since early May. new cases in a day. well as parties of all kinds ... dropped significantly. over 400 cases in the southern The public health organisation also said two more people The Robert Koch Institute A total of 9,207 people have we have smaller and larger out- “This trend is concerning,” Bavarian district of Dingolfing- had died, bringing the total virus death toll to 216. The number (RKI), the government’s agen- died after catching the virus in breaks in almost all regions of it wrote. The report mentioned Landau among harvest work- of patients under intensive care has nearly doubled, with 24 re- cy for disease control, reported Germany, up six since Tuesday. the country,” he said. a “markedly increasing trend” ers and employees of a canning ported Wednesday from 13 last week. Authorities have blamed 1,226 new coronavirus infec- “This is worrying, without The minister urged citizens in the western state of North company, the institute said. the spike in infections to the flouting of social distancing rules in restaurants, bars and public gatherings. (AFP) Brazil’s Bolsonaro says Amazon fires a ‘lie’ despite govt data Hungary, US agree on Belarus’s EU neighbours discuss mediation plan RIO DE JANEIRO: Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro has said it is a “lie” that fires are ravaging the Amazon rainforest, despite data ‘biggest ever’ defence deal AFP Nauseda told reporters. from his own government showing the number of blazes is rising. AFP The approximately $1 bil- Vilnius “The three-point plan The far-right leader has faced international condemnation Budapest lion (850,000 euros) acquisi- could become a prelude for the for presiding over huge fires and rising deforestation in theA ma- tion will “overhaul and mod- Belarus’s EU neighbours mediation of the region’s pres- zon -- criticism he took issue with in a speech to a video confer- Hungary agreed on Wednes- ernise Hungary’s air defence Latvia, Lithuania and Poland idents in solving the political ence of countries that share the world’s biggest rainforest. day to buy $1 billion worth of capabilities and allow it to tran- are supporting a plan to me- crisis in Belarus,” he said. “Tropical rainforest doesn’t catch fire. So this story that air-to-air missiles from the US, sition away from its current diate in the crisis that has fol- “Both the Latvian presi- the Amazon is burning is a lie, and we have to fight it with real a deal which Washington’s en- legacy Soviet system,” he said. lowed a disputed presidential dent and Polish president view numbers,” he said on Tuesday. (AFP) voy in Budapest described as Prime Minister Viktor Or- election there, Lithuania’s this initiative favourably and the EU member’s biggest-ever ban’s government has been hik- president said on Wednesday. would agree to mediate togeth- procurement from his country. ing spending on the previously The plan outlined by Presi- er with me in de-escalating this Hungarian Defence Minis- underfunded military in recent dent Gitanas Nauseda comes situation”. ter Tibor Benko signed a letter years. after three nights of violent EU foreign ministers are of intent to buy Advanced Me- The proportion of Hungar- clashes in Belarus between Women stand barefoot as they due to discuss the situation in FOR RENT dium-Range Air-to-Air Missiles ian GDP spent on defence rose pro-democracy protesters and protest against police violence Belarus in a video call on Fri- (AMRAAM) with US Ambassa- from 0.95 percent in 2013 to security forces. during recent rallies of opposition day. new apartments dor David Cornstein, according 1.21 percent in 2019. Under the plan, Belarus supporters, who accuse strong- Lukashenko has ruled Be- to Hungary’s MTI news agency. But US Secretary of State strongman Alexander Lu- man Alexander Lukashenko larus with an iron fist since in Mansoura The purchase of the mid- Mike Pompeo left out Budapest kashenko would have to create of falsifying the polls in the coming to power in 1994 and range missile system made by from the itinerary of a tour of a “national council” bringing presidential election, in Minsk on the country is often dubbed the (3) Bedrooms Qr. 5,000 US firm Raytheon Technologies Central European countries together government officials Wednesday. (AFP) “last dictatorship in Europe”. is NATO member Hungary’s this week to discuss US troop and civil society representa- The protests broke out af- Qr. 4,000 “largest-ever defence procure- deployments, as well as Chi- tive or face possible EU sanc- have to release all detained ter authorities said Lukashen- (2) Bedrooms ment” from the US, Cornstein nese and Russian influence in tions. protesters and “halt the use ko won 80 percent of the vote said in a statement. the region. The authorities would also of force against its citizens”, in Sunday’s polls. 55555065 GIS H1 net profit jumps 84% to QR54 mn page 9

Thursday, August 13, 2020

27,943.71 9,553.10 38,369.63 1,944.02 +256.80 pts +29.47 pts −37.38 pts Gold +1.68% Court tells Uber, Lyft to classify Dow QE sensex drivers as employees page 10 Price percentage Price percentage 26.20 Brent 45.19 +1.55 % WTI 42.28 +1.61 % Silver +0.56% Mazaya completes study to change scheme for Marina Mall ment and will contain more in need of a new commercial the continuity of success and Company decides to convert Mall project Two phases than 200 apartments of dif- complex that would cover the return to the company and ferent varieties of one and requirements of the market shareholders, Kuwari said. into commercial and residential projects The facilities in the first two rooms to be offered for in light of the increase in the About the reason for phase will be ready to rent. population, but in the follow- choosing the idea of commer- Tribune News Network change the mall project to operate by the summer of Mazaya is currently work- ing period we noticed a signif- cial and the residential spac- Doha commercial and residen- 2022, well before the start ing on obtaining the neces- icant increase in the number es, he said, “The distinctive tial projects in two phases, of the FIFA World Cup in sary approvals for the project of commercial complexes that location of the project facing Mazaya Real Estate Devel- Mazaya Real Estate Develop- the same year. The second from Lusail and concerned were established at distances the Marina on the one hand opment has announced the ment said in a statement re- phase will begin immedi- authorities. that are somewhat close to and located along the Lusail completion of the study on leased on Wednesday. ately after the completion About the reason for Lusail City, in addition to the walkway, on the other hand, changing the scheme for the The scheme contains changing the idea of the Ma- huge commercial complex is a great attraction for ten- Marina Mall project after dis- commercial spaces facing of the tournament rina Mall project, Mazaya that is under construction in ants, and it is also possible to cussions with Qatar Founda- the marina of up to 33,000 Managing Director Engineer Lusail City.” take advantage of the front- tion for Education, Science square meters that provide The facilities in the first World Cup in the same year. Ibrahim Jaham Al Kuwari The board of directors of facing the Marina for com- and Community Develop- various and varied activities phase will be ready to operate The second phase will said, “When the idea of the Mazaya Real Estate Develop- mercial spaces, which will be ment, the owner of the land. such as restaurants, cafes and by the summer of 2022, well begin immediately after the Marina Mall project was pro- ment decided to change the an important attraction for It has been approved to retail stores. before the start of the FIFA completion of the tourna- posed, the local market was idea of the project to ensure shops.” CB launches instant Pilot project to store excess account opening power in batteries launched facility through mobile Tribune News Network mobile app and receive their Kahramaa ties up with Al Attiyah Group , Tesla for the first of its kind QR10 mn project in Qatar Doha bank account number. A Commercial Bank staff QNA Commercial Bank, Qa- member will assist in provid- Doha tar’s first private bank, has ing the customer with cards announced the launch of a and cheque books as part of Qatar has launched a pi- new account opening facil- the welcome experience. lot project to use batteries to ity named as ‘CB Instant Commercial Bank Re- store excess electric power Account’, using the bank’s tail Banking EGM and Head during non-peak periods and award-winning mobile Amit Sah said, “Commercial use it to stabilise grids when application. Bank has been pioneering the consumption is high. New customers wishing the market with services that The Qatar General Elec- to bank with Commercial primarily rely on cutting- tricity and Water Corpora- Bank can simply download edge technology to provide tion (Kahramaa) launched the bank’s mobile applica- a world-class banking expe- the QR10-million project on tion, ‘CBQ Mobile’ and pro- rience to its customers. The Wednesday in cooperation vide all details and required new online account opening with Al Attiyah Group and Te- information electronically, proposition provides cus- sla Incorporation. without the need to visit any tomers with convenient, flex- The 11 kV batteries have branch. ible, and fast services. It is a been connected to a substa- CB Instant Account offers unique proposition that her- tion at the local Nuaija station potential customers a simple, alds a new era of opening an and are being controlled by convenient, and easy way to account in a few minutes. We the Control Centre of the elec- benefit from a wide range believe that ease of banking trical distribution network. of banking and remittance is a key parameter for indi- This project, the first of its services. viduals when they look for a kind in Qatar, aims to secure It also showcases the banking partner.” production capacity at peak bank’s commitment to inno- The mobile application times, in order to raise energy vation and digitisation. This ‘CBQ Mobile’ can be down- efficiency and enhance sus- means customers can now loaded on both Android and tainability. open accounts using their iOS-based smartphones. Energy storage units with a capacity of 1 MW/4 MWh have been installed in the Nu- aija station with the aim of This pilot project aims to secure production capacity at peak times to raise energy efficiency and enhance sustainability. storing energy outside peak times and using it at the maxi- is one of the highest periods storage system (batteries. portant of which is the opera- success of this pilot project mum load of the station and of energy consumption in Kahramaa said its young tion and training of its cadres lies in opening the horizons it can also be used to improve Qatar. Qatari cadres have managed during the coronavirus (COV- for engaging in larger projects the network voltage. This project was imple- the project in all its stages, ID-19) pandemic. in the future by connecting The implementation of mented with high specifica- starting with designing and The use of energy storage them to some high-load sta- the project took nearly a year, tions, as Al Attiyah Group planning to implementation systems in electricity grids tions in the network, and in- as Kahramaa succeeded in built and prepared the civil and operation. (batteries) is one of the global tegrating them with the stra- completing the project ahead work and installed the equip- The work team has suc- systems to raise energy effi- tegic projects of Kahramaa of schedule and operating the ment in the station in coordi- ceeded in overcoming many ciency and enhance sustain- related to renewable energy project to benefit from it dur- nation with Kahramaa, while challenges it faced during the ability. projects, such as Al Kharsaah ing the summer period, which Tesla provided the energy implementation, the most im- The importance of the Solar Power Project.

India can help set up huge food reserve facility in Qatar: Ex-minister Satyendra Pathak reserves of food products fice in Doha. The Indian am- CII National Committee Doha like meat, grains, poultry, bassador discussed about the on Construction Chairman agricultural and horticulture opportunities that Qatar can Atul Punj said that Qatar India and Qatar can join products.” offer to Indian businesses on has become self-sustaining hands to set up huge food re- While the food reserve account of FIFA 2022. country post- blockade and serve facility in Doha to meet will ensure food security in He said there was an FIFA 2022 is an opportunity the growing need for food in Qatar, Prabhu said, needs of immense scope for further to showcase developed and the Gulf region, Suresh Prab- other Gulf countries can also enhancing trade and invest- best-in-class infrastructure. hu, India’s Sherpa to the G20 be met from there. ment between the two coun- In infrastructure sector, and former union minister, Prabhu said that energy tries. high-end real estate develop- said on Wednesday. is another area where there Speaking on the occa- ment and affordable housing Addressing global audi- is immense scope for further sion, Doha Bank Group are the key areas where Qatar ence during a webinar organ- cooperation. CEO R Seetharaman said, can invest into India, Punj ised by Doha Bank, Prabhu “India currently has al- “Qatar has world class sea- said. said, “India is one of the ma- most two-third of its electric- port, airport, free zones and SME Chamber of In- jor producers of food items in ity generation from thermal. new laws to promote non- dia Founder and President the world. Gulf countries like Gas can reduce the coal out- Qatari investments. Qatar Chandrakant Salunkhe said Qatar are not self-reliant as put and will lead to lower is an AA- rated country and that Indian SMEs and Doha far as food products are con- emissions. Qatar can increase Doha Bank is rated A3 with Bank work together to es- cerned. They depend on im- its supply of gas to India at stable outlook. The country tablish their presence which ports to meet the demand. To cost-effective rates,” he said. Dignitaries take part in the webinar organised by Doha Bank on Wednesday. has a sovereign fund which makes them competitive. ensure that there is no scar- The former minister said is 1.5 times of GDP and has Ranjan Mathai, India’s city of food products due to that infrastructure and phar- work closely to boost trade lateral and Synergistic Op- an Ambassador to Qatar HE adequate financial reserves former foreign secretary, untoward supply disruptions, maceutical are other areas between the two countries. portunities between Qatar Deepak Mittal participate in reflecting inherent strength spoke on changing dynamics Indian can help set up huge where Qatar and India can The webinar entitled ‘Bi- and India’ saw the new Indi- his first event after joining of- of the economy.” and foreign policies. Economy & Business Thursday, August 13, 2020 09 GIS H1 net profit jumps 84% to QR54 mn Revenue rises 6% to QR1.6 billion in the first half; second-quarter results show net profit climbing a whopping 480% and revenue falling 13% Tribune News Network Second-quarter results Doha Revenue for the second quarter, represented a 13 The Gulf International Ser- percent reduction compared vices (GIS) on Wednesday to the first quarter of 2020, said its net profit for the first mainly impacted by macro- six months of 2020 jumped economic headwinds, due 84 percent to QR54 million. to the COVID-19 lockdowns One of the largest diversi- leading to lowered economic fied service groups in Qatar activity. with interests in oil and gas The drilling segment rev- drilling, insurance, helicopter enue reduced by 20 percent transportation and catering compared to Q1-20, which services, GIS also saw its rev- was mainly due to the lower enue rising 6 percent to QR1.6 rig utilization rates. billion during the period. The aviation segment, on The group reported EBIT- the other hand, witnessed a DA of QR359 million. drop of 16% in revenue, as In the first half of 2020, a result of lower number of the group witnessed an im- flying hours, with a notable provement on the topline recovery in flying activity in performance evidenced by June 2020. The catering seg- revenue growth and improved ment reported a reduction of net margins. 19% in terms of revenue, due The group’s bottom line to lower number of meals profitability witnessed a served across majority of ca- strong improvement com- tering locations, as a result pared to last year. The avia- of the lockdowns and restric- tion segment continued to tions imposed by the Govern- build up on the strong finan- ment to limit the spread of the cial performance with su- pandemic. perior revenues and quality Revenues from insurance earnings. segment continued to show The insurance segment growth on account of aggres- continued its efforts in im- sive growth strategy to build proving premiums and was up market share. successfully able to renew Net profit reported for the additional contracts during second quarter of 2020, im- Q2-20, with superior pricing proved by 420%, compared to terms. Q1-20, on account of signifi- Moreover, new clients cant recoveries made in rela- added to the medical segment tion to unrealized revaluation during Q2-20, continuing The Gulf International Services is one of the largest diversified service groups in Qatar with interests in oil and gas drilling, insurance, helicopter transportation and catering services. losses incurred on the Group’s its momentum of expanding investment portfolio in Q1-20, market share within the medi- ready commenced its opera- revenue and profit growth. shareholder value creation.” tain the spread of COVID-19 amid improved performance cal line of business. tions starting from late March “This strategy has par- According to a statement pandemic which affected the of the financial markets in Q2- Also, with recovery of fi- 2020 and bringing additional ticularly helped all the seg- Improvements from GIS, its first-half net crew repatriation process, 20, where,Q2-20 investment nancial markets, coupled with revenue streams for the seg- ments to contribute to the ● In the first half of 2020, profit continued to reflect the which led to a reduction in portfolio reported an unreal- strategic re-allocation of the ment. Group’s performance, which the group witnessed an growth across all segments. revenues compared to last ized revaluation gain of QR 38 investment portfolio, aided a Sheikh Khalid bin Khal- translated into the Group’s The aviation segment year. million, against an unrealized recovery of 172 percent on the ifa Al Thani, Chairman of improved financial perfor- improvement on the topline showed strong operational Operating profits im- revaluation loss of QR 53 mil- unrealized investment revalu- the Board of Directors, said, mance. performance evidenced by and financial performance proved by 41percent, to reach lion for Q1-20. ation losses made in Q1-20. “Despite the macroeconomic “In response to limit the revenue growth and owing to the market expan- QR193 million in 1H-20, as The group’s total assets The catering segment has challenges posed to the group spread of COVID-19 pan- improved net margins. sion strategy. compared to QR137 million rose by 1% during the pe- also successfully won new due to the spread of COVID-19 demic and ensure our op- Similarly, the drilling seg- for the same period last year. riod, to reach QR 11billion as catering and manpower con- pandemic and recent deterio- erations remained resilient, ● The group’s bottom line ment demonstrated a mod- The increase in profit- at30June 2020, compared to tracts, with higher occupancy ration of oil market, GIS con- our companies implemented profitability witnessed a erate recovery due to ration- ability was mainly attribut- 31 December 2019.On the li- levels at the site camps. tinued the journey towards several measures to ensure strong improvement alization of operating costs, able to the improved revenue quidity front, the closing cash, The momentum in drilling repositioning its segments led safety of our employees and compared to last year. including general & admin- compared to last year. including short-term invest- segment was affected by low- by the Group’s focus on high business continuity. istrative expenses. However, Finance cost also de- ments, stood at QR 891mil- er rig utilization rates, which utilization of assets, combined Going forward, GIS group topline performance of the creased by 21%, to reach lion down by 2% as compared mainly affected the segment’s with a commitment to expand companies will continue to the industry benchmarks, in drilling segment was largely QR98 million in 1H-20,as to 31 December 2019. The to- performance in Q2-20, offset market share and rationaliz- strive to maintain market term of cost competiveness, impacted by the lower rig compared to QR 125 million tal debt at Group level stood by the realizations of NFE ing its operating costs, so as share, with an eye on growth, which could drive future prof- utilization rates, due to travel in 1H-19, on the back of the at QR4.7billion as at 30June project where the first rig al- to build solid foundations for and would diligently chase itability and lead towards restrictions imposed to con- declining interest rates. 2020.

Qatari investors eyeing Cyprus properties OPINION Tribune News Network Putting technology at forefront Doha Cyprus is emerging as a prop- of Qatar COVID-19 fight erty-investment destination for people in Qatar and the Mid- s the world looks infrastructure are proving ex- dle East at large, according to to establish a “new tremely beneficial in provid- a real estate developer in the Anormal” amidst the ing the increased bandwidth Eastern Mediterranean island- ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, needed for the digital tools nation. information and communica- now being used in considera- Buyers in Qatar and the tion technologies (ICT) are tion of COVID-19. Middle East accounted for al- coming to the fore in Qatar That open and coopera- most 20 percent of the proper- as critical tools in protecting tive ecosystem is the absolute ty sales in Cyprus since Febru- public health and in realising foundation for addressing ary 2020, according to Cypriot socio-economic stability. Un- COVID-19 challenges. Every developer Leptos Estates. Sea- derstanding this digital shift is Frank Fan, CEO of Huawei Qatar sector of the economy now front villas and coastal apart- important to both businesses faces its own unique chal- ments form the most popular and government authori- students across Qatar to stay lenges and needs its own acquisitions, it added. ties as they seek new ways to connected, and for future dedicated solutions. No sin- Despite flightsbeing confront the challenges posed generations not to fall behind gle country or company can grounded due to global travel by the pandemic. in today’s knowledge econo- create all of these solutions restrictions in place from Feb- The reality is that every- my. Advanced cameras and by acting alone. ruary 2020, Leptos Estates one from healthcare provid- analytics systems are helping The fight against COV- said it has secured over 30 Buyers in Qatar and the Middle East accounted for almost 20 percent of the property sales in Cyprus since ers to educators, retailers, government authorities to ID-19 thus requires the shar- units to international investors February 2020, according to Cypriot developer Leptos Estates. manufacturers, and others monitor public spaces and ing of expertise like never during the lockdown period. are being affected by COV- even conduct remote test- before particularly in the Leptos introduced several pleting. However, we are living rectly onto the sea, villas are countries including Canada, ID-19. Nearly every industry ing, protecting community technology field, take the Fe- measures to allow discern- in unprecedented times and surrounded by landscaped gar- Switzerland, UK and Iceland. in Qatar is having to rethink wellbeing in the process. ver Screening Thermal Cam- ing purchasers from Qatar we’re still seeing a desire from dens with a large private swim- The Cypriot citizenship typi- how it does business and In addition, cutting-edge era System that was installed the ability to secure their new our core markets in the Mid- ming pool. Built to the highest cally takes six months to come delivers value. That pivot re- technologies, including face in Al Sadd mall in Qatar, for property, especially those who dle East to invest in residential standards, villas also feature into effect and once acquired quires new tools for success. recognition and video cloud, example. The system is able were unable to physically view property in Cyprus. Therefore, outdoor BBQ areas, and ample is valid for a person’s lifetime Many of those are founded are being implemented to help to identify potential carriers the properties. Every avail- we wanted to be as flexible as parking. Designed to look sleek covering their spouse and any on digital platforms that confront the challenges of the of the virus, allowing them to able property was filmed by possible to ensure we could still and modern, the properties dependent children up to the not only enable work to be pandemic. These applications protect their customers and the company to provide an in- meet their needs despite being also respect the building char- age of 28 years. done as people are physically rely on diversified computing staff and therefore seek im- depth video tour for each appli- restricted by the various lock- acter of the island, with white There is also the option of separated, but which enable power provided by the lat- mediate medical attention. cant to access. Thebuyers could downs in activation.” exterior finishes and large ve- permanent residency, which faster, more intelligent deci- est processors and full-stack That knowledge transfer put down a deposit of 10% to For those waiting for re- randas with masses of outdoor can be reached through a prop- sion making. infrastructure that are reshap- is also supporting the de- secure the propertyandhad the strictions to lift before com- living areas. Villas are on the erty purchase of US$470,000 Over the last few months, ing the computing industry to velopment of a local talent option to change their mind pleting their purchase, Leptos market fromUS$2.6 million. in Cyprus and US$300,000 in we’ve identified some of the advance intelligence. ecosystem. By leveraging our and purchase a different prop- Estates has also offered to cov- A further incentive for Qa- Greece. This option takes typi- most important technolo- None of these scenarios collective strengths and rec- erty by switching their deposit er travel and accommodation tariinvestors is the Cyprus In- cally up to 60 days. This covers gies that will play a role in would be possible without a ognizing the lessons learned across. costs,so that once restrictions vestment Programme (CIP), the entire family including the this fight against COVID-19. robust ICT ecosystem. The to date, Qatar ICT commu- Commenting on the recent areliftedthey can visit Cyprus. which provides direct access parents of both spouses. New applications of artificial applications of AI, cloud nity can better design the sales success, Pantelis Leptos, One of the most popular to the EU. In return for a prop- Cyprus and Greece also intelligence (AI) are, for ex- computing, and big data systems that communities Deputy President of Leptos property types with Middle erty purchase of US$2.4 mil- regularly feature in the top five ample, being used to aid the happening in Qatar today are and businesses need to tackle Group of Companies, said; “In Eastern purchasers was Armo- lion, investors qualify for a global destinations for holiday many scientists and medical proving just how valuable this emergency together. an ideal world an international nia Beach Villas,a collection of Cypriot Citizenship with the homes for many reasons. Only experts who are searching technology collaborations purchaser will always wish to detached freehold villas that right to live, work, travel, stay a four-hour flight from the for a vaccine and treatments. can be when done in an open — The author is the CEO travel into the country or send can be designed to the buyer’s and study in Cyprus a well as UK and more than 100 flights Smarter collaboration tools framework. In particular, the of Huawei Qatar a trusted associate to view the personal specification. Located anywhere in the EU, as well a week, Cyprus is home to a are assisting teachers and country’s investments in 5G finished property before com- on spacious grounds facing di- as visa-free travel to over 155+ strong expat community. 10 Thursday, August 13, 2020 Economy & Business Tencent H1 profit Virus pushes Britain into up 21% as gamers stay home but record recession in Q2 WeChat ban looms UK’s finance minister Rishi Sunak said the data ‘confirm that hard times are here’ AFP normal via online tools, to Hong Kong support enterprises in con- AFP ducting digital upgrades, London Chinese tech firm Ten- and to broadly contribute to cent, the parent company of economic recovery,” it said Britain’s economy shrank social media giant WeChat, in a statement. First-half by one fifth in the second said on Wednesday its rev- revenue was 222.9 billion quarter, more than any Euro- enue jumped 28 percent in yuan ($32 billion) and net pean neighbour, as the coun- the first half of this year as profit rose 21 percent on- try’s coronavirus lockdown the coronavirus pandemic year to 62 billion yuan. slammed businesses and kept people glued to their “In China, user time plunged the country into its screens. spent on our smartphone deepest recession on record, But the better-than-ex- games increased year-on- official data showed Wednes- pected results were clouded year but decreased quar- day. by upcoming restrictions ter-on-quarter due to sea- “It is clear that the UK is on WeChat ordered in the sonality and back-to-office in the largest recession on re- United States by President behavior,” the company cord,” the Office forN ational Donald Trump at a time of said, reflecting the coun- Statistics said after gross do- spiralling tensions between try’s move out of lockdown mestic product contracted Washington and Beijing. as coronavirus cases have by 20.4 percent in the period Trump has announced a dwindled. from April to June. ban from mid-September on But as the disease spread A recession is defined as WeChat and TikTok, which around the world in spring two consecutive quarterly is owned by a separate Chi- and early summer, monthly contractions and the British nese company. The mobile active users increased “sig- economy already shrank by apps “threaten the national nificantly” both year-on- 2.2 percent in the first three security, foreign policy, year and between the first months of this year. and economy of the United and second quarter, it said. It is Britain’s first reces- States”, he said last week. This was “due to new sion since 2009 and the per- But for now Tencent -- one game launches and more formance is the worst of the of the world’s largest gam- user time spent during the so-called Group of Seven rich- ing companies -- is enjoying stay-at-home period”. est countries in the world over a boost from the pandemic, While many companies the same period. A pedestrian walks past a sign in the window of a store alerting customers that the shop has closed down, in London on Wednesday. (AFP) with billions of people forced are being hammered by the By comparison, France’s to stay indoors for weeks on economic fallout of the pan- economy contracted by 13.9 Finance minister Rishi Su- relies more heavily on the continuing to recover,” noted able growth in the third quar- end under lockdowns. demic, tech firms worldwide percent in the second quarter, nak said the data “confirm that hard-hit services sector than Jonathan Athow, deputy na- ter... the rate of expansion will “During this challenging including US market lead- Canada by 12 percent, Ger- hard times are here”. other European countries. tional statistician at the ONS. slow in the fourth quarter as time, we utilised our plat- ers Apple and Amazon have many 10.1 percent, the United He added: “Hundreds of While officially in reces- “Despite this, GDP in June unemployment rises follow- forms and technologies to seen strong demand for States 9.5 percent and Japan thousands of people have al- sion, the UK economy is be- still remains a sixth below its ing” the end of the furlough help users adapt to the new their products. 7.6 percent. ready lost their jobs, and sadly ginning to rebound as the level in February, before the scheme. Looking at the first six in the coming months many government eases strict con- virus struck.” Around 730,000 workers months of 2020, Britain’s per- more will.” finement measures. - Rising unemployment have been removed from the formance “was slightly below Sunak, whose official title ONS calculated that GDP -To help the economy recover, British payrolls since March. the 22.7 percent seen in Spain, is Chancellor of the Excheq- grew by 8.7 percent in June as the Bank of England is pump- Announcements of job but was more than double the uer, plans to end in October the economy slowly emerged ing out hundreds of billions of cuts have become a daily oc- 10.6 percent fall in United the government’s furlough from the lockdown imple- pounds in cash stimulus and currence, with department States GDP over this period”, scheme that is paying up to 80 mented in late March. has slashed its main interest store chain Debenhams axing the ONS said. percent of wages for nearly 10 That helped the pound to rate to a record-low 0.1 per- 2,500 posts on Tuesday. The statisticians attrib- million workers. limit losses on Wednesday, cent. The BoE expects the un- uted Britain’s dire second The UK -- which has the while London’s stock market “The substantial fiscal and employment rate to hit around quarter to a 20-percent drop highest death toll in Europe was up 1.3 percent in after- monetary stimulus that has 7.5 percent by the end of the in output in April -- “the big- from the coronavirus -- ap- noon trading. been enacted should provide year from 3.9 percent cur- gest monthly fall on record re- pears to be paying a heavier “The economy began to ongoing support to the econ- rently. flecting widespread... declines price for locking down later bounce back in June, with omy,” EY economist Howard And it forecasts that the in output across the services, than its continental neigh- shops reopening, factories Archer said. British economy will have con- production, and construction bours. beginning to ramp up pro- “Although the economy is tracted by 9.5 percent for the industries”. The British economy also duction and house-building expected to achieve appreci- whole of 2020. Apple must pay $500 million over US consumer prices jump patent violations, US court rules 0.6% in July, pushed by autos AFP month, according to the re- months, with so-called “core” AFP Apple argued unsuccessfully that the Washington port. inflation up 1.6 percent -- still San Francisco patents were invalid, according to legal Food prices however con- far below the Federal Re- publications. US inflation is picking up tinue to decline, falling 0.4 serve’s 2.0 percent target. Apple must pay more than $500 million “Lawsuits like this by companies who pace as consumer prices percent compared to June. With businesses reopen- in damages and interest for 4G patent accumulate patents simply to harass the jumped 0.6 percent again Excluding the volatile food ing after months of COVID-19 infringements held by intellectual prop- industry only serve to stifle innovation in July, mirroring the June shutdowns, the world’s largest erty company PanOptis, a Texas court has and harm consumers,” Apple said in a increase, and driven up by Falling oil prices had been economy seems to have avoid- ruled. statement reported by media outlets. new and used car prices, ed a spiral of falling prices, The US tech giant -- now worth almost The case is one of many patent suits government data showed on keeping a lid on the over- which would deter investment $2 trillion -- will appeal Tuesday’s deci- from licensing firms that make no prod- Wednesday. all price gains, but the and potentially slow the recov- sion, local media said. ucts but hold rights to certain tech- After plunging in the first energy index rose 2.5 per- ery. PanOptis, which specializes in licens- nologies. Critics call these firms “patent two months of the coronavirus cent last month, according “Consumer prices continue ing patents, took Apple to court in Febru- trolls.” pandemic, the consumer price to the report to rebound from the pandemic ary last year, claiming it refused to pay The Texas court has twice ruled index (CPI) has roared back, shock, but there’s still a long for the use of 4G LTE technologies in its against Apple in the past, demanding it posting a gain that was dou- way to go to a full recovery,” smartphones, tablets and watches. pay hundreds of millions of dollars to Vir- ble what economists had been and energy components, the said Oren Klachkin of Oxford “The plaintiffs have repeatedly negoti- reasonable and non-discriminatory” and netX -- another company specializing in expecting, the Labor Depart- “core” CPI gained 0.6 percent Economics. ated with Apple to reach an agreement for is the IT industry standard for technology patent litigation. ment reported. in July -- the biggest increase Klachkin noted that the a FRAND license to the Plaintiff’s patent use. On its website, PanOptis offers to Falling oil prices had been in this closely-watched meas- Fed’s 2.0 percent inflation goal portfolios which Apple is infringing,” the “The negotiations have been unsuc- manage its clients’ patents, allowing them keeping a lid on the overall ure since January 1991. will remain elusive “until a court filing read. cessful because Apple refuses to pay a to concentrate on “innovation and new price gains, but the energy Overall inflationgained vaccine or therapeutic is found FRAND refers to terms that are “fair, FRAND royalty to the Plaintiff’s license.” development.” index rose 2.5 percent last 1.0 percent over the past 12 and virus fear has faded.” Court tells Uber, Lyft to classify drivers as employees court battle as a fight for driver lationship with gig workers, Uber has argued that most of its drivers independence. including its own drivers, that want to remain independent even if they “Drivers do not want to be would keep them as independ- employees, full stop,” Lyft said ent contractors but with some also are looking for benefits in response to an AFP inquiry. guaranteed benefits. “Ultimately, we believe this The ride-hailing giant de- AFP Lyft drivers to be classified as issue will be decided by Cali- scribed “a new model for in- San Francisco employees, eligible for unem- fornia voters and that they will dependent platform work” in a ployment, medical and other side with drivers.” document it hopes can be used A California court has given benefits. “Misclassification hurts as a blueprint for Uber and Uber and Lyft until the middle “The court has weighed in drivers and it puts the burden similar firms relying on inde- of next week to reclassify driv- and agreed: Uber and Lyft need on taxpayers to pay for benefits pendent workers. ers as employees in compliance to put a stop to unlawful mis- that Uber and Lyft should be The company seeks “to de- with a new state law. classification of their drivers providing,” said San Francisco liver certainty for millions of The order came on Mon- while our litigation continues,” city attorney Dennis Herrera. independent contractors who day when a judge granted a re- Becerra said in a release. “During this global pan- will increasingly rely on inde- straining order in a lawsuit filed “While this fight still has a demic, it’s even more impor- pendent work to help them by California attorney general long way to go, we’re pushing tant for drivers to get access face the economic challenges Xavier Becerra and three cities ahead to make sure the people to protections like unemploy- that lie ahead,” Uber said in its including San Francisco, where of California get the workplace Rideshare drivers demonstrate against Uber and Lyft during a car caravan protest in Los Angeles ment insurance.” document. Lyft and Uber are based. protections they deserve.” recently. (AFP) The judge gave Uber and Uber proposed that gig The suit calls on the com- Uber is backing a referen- Lyft 10 days to comply with the economy companies be re- panies to comply with a state dum in the state to overturn ers independent. of reckoning” when it came to dependent even if they also are order, which the companies quired to establish “benefits law that went into effect at the the law, while pledging to pro- The judge wrote in the rul- complying with the law. looking for benefits. can appeal. funds,” allowing gig workers to start of this year that requires vide benefits for a social safety ing that Uber and Lyft could not Uber has argued that most Lyft vowed to appeal the Uber outlined proposals accrue and use the money for “gig workers” such as Uber and net that would keep gig work- indefinitely put off their “day of its drivers want to remain in- judge’s ruling, referring to the this week for a new type of re- benefits or paid leave. Economy & Business Thursday, August 13, 2020 11 AAB receives 3 prestigious awards from Toyota Motor Corp Tribune news network lence (Vehicle) for their out- AAB will adapt our self, align The Core Value of FIRST ex- sales support, AAB is continu- doha standing sales, increase in our self and transform AAB to emplifies their standards.ously expanding its service market share as well as for be totally in line with TMC’s The ‘FIRST’ principle which network across the country. Abdullah Abdulghani & achieving the target for selling vision on CASE (Connected, it uses across all customer Currently AAB has 11 service Bros Co (AAB), the exclusive Hybrid Electric Vehicles. AAB Autonomous, Sharing and touch points which stands for centers in addition to Mobile distributor of Toyota and Lex- also won the Toyota Market- Electrification), MAAS (Mo- F: Fairness; I: Integrity; R: Service Vans which will help us in Qatar, has received three ing Award Overall for their bility As A Service) and Best In Respect; S: Superior Perfor- their customers to service prestigious awards from Toy- excellence performance in Town strategies. mance; T: Teamwork, these their vehicle at their door step ota Motor Corporation (TMC) Customer Service and Vehicle “This will include all op- values which AAB strictly in- and convenience. in recognition of their superior Sales. erational enhancements for culcates on a continual basis AAB also implemented performance in the year 2019. Nasser Abdulghani al customer delight and internal to the customer and to each TMC global projects related These awards were presented Abdulghani, AAB Chairman processes for its employees. other as colleagues. to BIT (BEST IN TOWN) ini- during a virtual ceremony held along with senior managers With our customers and em- In an initiative aimed tiatives, Lexus Flex - first of its recently, AAb said in a state- received the awards from the ployees being the key focus, at promoting Healthy Liv- kind subscription programs ment on Wednesday. senior management team of this will create the sustainable ing, AAB & Toyota launched related to MAAS (MOBIL- After-Sales Division re- TMC. growth for the company.” HADO AR game in their Toyo- ITY AS A SERVICE), unique ceived the Customer Delight Nasser acknowledged the Abdullah Abdulghani & Bros Co officials with awards. Murugan further empha- ta Showroom at Al-Abdulgha- best practices related to SYI Excellence Award for the 8th contribution of every single sized AAB ‘s commitment ni Tower in collaboration with (START YOUR IMPOSSIBLE) consecutive year after scoring team member of AAB that cover, re-invent and re-align been brought to fore and re- towards its customers and Japanese start-up MELEAP. and preparations to intro- the requisite number of points made the achievements pos- the company’s direction. The flects AAB’s commitment to- highlighted that the company AAB is the first Toyota dis- duce special technology such based on the criteria set to sible. Given the extraordinary commitment and dedication wards Customer Delight. will do the necessary to al- tributor in the world to tie up as Connected Display Audio qualify for the award. times due to the Coronavi- of the AAB team to keep the Thanking TMC members ways exceed customer expec- & launch this technologically (CDA) & Data Communica- The Sales & Marketing rus pandemic, Nasser high- company productive and op- for their wholehearted sup- tation. advanced AR game in their tion Module (DCM) connec- Team received the Toyota lighted that every situation erational during such times port and guidance, RK Muru- AAB’s customer orien- Showroom. tivity into our Toyota & Lexus Marketing Award for Excel- is an opportunity to redis- and despite its challenges, has gan, Acting CEO added that tation is part of their DNA. To provide the best after vehicles.

Google turning smartphones into Apple on cusp of $2 trillion earthquake detectors milestone, defying pandemic AFP shaking caused by earth- San Francisco quakes, according to Sto- gaitis. If Apple reaches $2 tn, it would be the only company other than Saudi Aramco to hit the milestone Google added an earth- “This means your An- quake alert system in Cali- droid phone can be a mini AFP Steve Jobs built and built on fornia on Tuesday, say- seismometer, joining mil- Washington it extensively without losing ing it is working on letting lions of other Android the soul of what makes Apple Android-powered smart- phones out there to form Apple is on the verge of be- Apple.” phones double as tremor the world’s largest earth- coming the first $2 trillion Can Apple maintain its detectors. quake detection network,” American company following juggernaut pace of growth Android phones will re- Stogaitis said. a gravity-defying surge that in the current environment? ceive warnings triggered by Android phones that has highlighted the value of Some analysts think so, a “ShakeAlert” earthquake detect what might be its iPhone ecosystem during pointing to the need for re- early-warning system im- earthquake activity can the global pandemic. placement smartphones and plemented on the West automatically send a sig- Shares in Apple have 5G upgrades. Coast by the US Geological nal to a data center, where roughly doubled from March Daniel Ives at Wedbush Survey and partners. computers quickly inter- lows, an astonishing per- Securities says Apple “has a ShakeAlert uses signals pret motion and location formance which has lifted ‘once in a decade’ opportunity from hundreds of seismom- data in aggregate to de- chief executive Tim Cook’s over the next 12 to 18 months eters across the state to trig- termine whether a quake net worth to $1 billion for as we estimate roughly 350 ger warning messages that is happening, according to the first time, according to a million of Cupertino’s 950 “an earthquake has begun Google. Bloomberg Billionaires Index million iPhones worldwide and shaking is imminent,” “We’re essentially racing calculation. are in the window of an up- according to the system’s the speed of light -- which is A dip in Apple shares left grade opportunity.” website. roughly the speed at which its market value at around But Apple faces risks “We saw an opportunity signals from a phone travel $1.87 trillion Tuesday, ahead from heightened tensions to use Android to provide -- against the speed of an of Big Tech peers Amazon with China, since it not only people with timely, help- earthquake,” Stogaitis said. and Microsoft (both at $1.54 manufactures iPhones and ful earthquake information “And lucky for us, the trillion) and Google parent other products there, but when they search, as well as speed of light is much fast- Alphabet ($1.0 trillion). also relies on that market for a few seconds warning to get er!” If it reaches $2 trillion, a large chunk of sales, Green- themselves and their loved Earthquake alerts are Apple would be the only com- gart noted. ones to safety if needed,” starting in California be- pany other than Saudi Aram- “Apple’s biggest risk point principal software engineer cause the state has an exten- co to hit the milestone. is that they are so concentrat- Marc Stogaitis said in a blog sive seismometer network Even as other large tech ed in China,” Greengart said. post. in place. The alerts are ex- firms have shot higher on People look at the new iPad Mini 3 (left) and iPad Air 2 (right) in California. (File photo) (afp) With the Trump admin- People anywhere with pected to spread to other robust demand during lock- istration threatening to ban smartphones powered by locations during the com- downs, Apple has outpaced billion. more foundational part our said analyst Laura Martin at Chinese-owned TikTok and Google’s Android operating ing year as the phone-based its rivals by delivering strong The quarter showed a lives today as we work, live, Needham & Company. WeChat, Apple may face software were also invited detection network is estab- sales of gadgetry including modest rise in smartphone and play from home,” said “He deserves a lot of cred- headwinds, the analyst said. to let handsets be part of a lished. wearables and tablets, along revenue, buoyed by the new Gene Munster of Loup Ven- it for making the most out of “If Apple can’t offer We- crowd-sourced network for Fault-lines in the earth with new apps and services entry-level iPhone SE, and tures in a research note. Steve Jobs’s inventions.” Chat, it will be difficult to sell detecting earthquakes. under California make it which have gained ground robust increases in sales of Goldman Sachs analyst Cook was not one of Ap- iPhones in China, since that’s Smartphones are typi- prime earthquake territory, during the global health cri- iPads and Mac computers, Rod Hall said markets ap- ple’s founders and his salary, almost like a second operat- cally equipped with tiny and residents here are rou- sis. in demand for remote edu- peared surprised by Apple’s by Silicon Valley standards, ing system,” Greengart said. accelerometers that sense tinely warned of the inevita- “Apple has been wildly cation and work-from-home strong results and noted that was a relatively modest $3 Any retaliation against movement and can catch bility of the next “big one.” successful in building out its buyers. “consumers and institutions million in 2019, along with a Washington by Beijing could platforms, mitigating the fact Services made up more are clearly spending even bonus of $7.6 million. But the cause troubles for the iPhone that iPhone sales had peaked, than one-fifth of Apple rev- more than we had anticipat- value of his stock grants has maker, he noted. by building products that enue as it expanded its of- ed to support both work from pushed him into the club of On the other hand, surround it and services that ferings in music, digital pay- home and study from home.” billionaires for the first time, Greengart noted that Apple enhance it,” said Avi Green- ments, streaming television A major factor in Apple’s according to Bloomberg. may have leverage because gart, analyst with the consul- and boosted income from its success has been leadership Cook “deserves a tremen- of its extensive Chinese op- tancy Techsponential. App Store. Apple has also ex- from Cook, who took over dous amount of credit be- erations, which employ hun- “It all feeds back into the tended its lead in the smart- just ahead of the death of cause Steve Jobs was a hard dreds of thousands of people, cycle for Apple.” watch market amid growing Steve Jobs in 2011. act to follow,” Greengart said. mainly through subcontrac- In the past quarter end- interest in health and fitness “He didn’t invent any- “Many companies started tors. ing in June, Apple reported applications. thing, but what he has done by singular individuals falter “It would be hard for Chi- profits rose eight percent to “Apple entered the pan- is keep a firm hand on the when those founders leave na to put Apple out of busi- $11.2 billion and revenues demic strong and the com- tiller, steering the ship and or pass on. But Apple has ness without causing massive jumped 11 percent to $59.7 pany’s products are an even keeping the culture intact,” taken the foundation that unemployment,” he said. Boeing deliveries slow, while 737 Max cancellations grow

standards. Chinese-owned lessor Ava- As of July, the backlog for the 737 Max mod- This month the Federal lon canceled two. In addition, els stands at slightly over 3,500 airplanes Aviation Administration is- Canada Jetlines, a proposed sued its proposed plan for Max low-cost carrier that has never dpa spite a slight recovery, many design changes and updates to taken off, canceled five Maxes Seattle Boeing airline customers have pilot procedures that could see and an unidentified customer deferred existing deliveries the plane ungrounded by late canceled a contract for one In July, Boeing won no new into the future and avoided October and potentially flying private business jet version of airplanes orders, delivered new orders. passengers again in the U.S. by the Max. just four commercial jets and Boeing’s four commer- year end. So far this year, the firm wiped another 52 orders from cial airplane deliveries in However, the pandemic Max backlog has shrunk by the backlog for its grounded July were all out of its Ever- has left airlines struggling for 864 aircraft: a total of 416 737 Max. ett widebody jet plant: a 767 cash and reluctant to take de- Maxes have been outright When the manufacturer freighter for FedEx, a 777 livery of new airplanes when canceled and an additional on Tuesday updated its or- freighter for DHL, and two there is little demand. In that 448 removed from the back- ders and deliveries website, it 787-9 passenger jets, one for situation, large airplane les- log as no longer certain. revealed a continuation of the Air France and one for Turk- sors in particular have taken As of the end of July, the collapse of business since the ish Airlines. A Boeing 737 MAX jet lands at Boeing Field in Seattle. (File photo) (afp) the opportunity afforded by firm backlog for the 737 Max coronavirus pandemic hit the Rival planemaker Air- the delivery delays to cancel models stands at slightly over airlines in March. bus won four new orders in long-haul international flying, are mounting in addition to were removed from the official large slices of their Max con- 3,500 airplanes, Boeing’s data With international air net- July and delivered 49 air- which is the most severely hit deferrals. backlog because the customer tracts. shows. Airbus cites the order works all but paralyzed and planes: two small A220s and sector of the business. Customers last month situation meant the contracts In July, Irish lessor Aercap backlog for its rival A320neo domestic routes at a fraction 47 A320neos. It delivered For Boeing’s troubled 737 canceled 43 Maxes outright. were no longer deemed solid canceled 15 Maxes, Kuwaiti family of jets at just over 6,000 of normal passenger traffic de- no widebody jets, meant for Max program, cancellations An additional nine Maxes enough to meet US accounting lessor Alafco canceled 20 and airplanes. Ocampos takes Sevilla through to Europa League semis page 14 thursday, August 13, 2020 PSG make Champions League semis with late Leipzig’s players attend a training session at the Jose Alvalade stadium in Lisbon on Wednesday on the eve of the UEFA Champions League quarter-final match against Atletico Madrid.(AFP) 2-1 win over Atalanta Confident Leipzig ready for Atletico despite Werner departure

DPA in 2009 and are in the knock- Lisbon out stages of the Champions League for the first time. RB Leipzig believe that the After beating Tottenham straight knock-out format of in the last 16, they are eager this year’s Champions League to extend their run under finals could suit them more ambitious head coach Julian than their quarter-final op- Nagelsmann. ponents Atletico Madrid, and Despite being just 26, said they will be able to ad- Poulsen has spent seven years equately replace departed for- at Leipzig and has come up with ward Timo Werner. them from Germany’s third di- Leipzig are debutants in the vision to Europe’s top table. knock-out stages of the elite The Denmark international event while Atletico are three- has scored 63 goals and created time finalists. 51 more in 250 appearances for Owing to the coronavirus the club from Germany’s east. the Champions League is com- He has the distinction of pleted as a mini-tournament in being the first Leipzig player to Lisbon, with the quarters and score a Bundesliga hat-trick, semis played in one leg instead doing so against Hertha Berlin of two matches. in March 2019. “Atletico have more expe- Now, after weeks of uncer- rience but that means more in tainty due to the coronavirus two legs than in one. Their ex- pandemic between February’s perience won’t mean as much last-16 win and the quarter- as it normally does,” coach Ju- final, Poulsen said the Germans Paris Saint-Germain’s Brazilian defender Marquinhos (left) and Kylian Mbappe celebrate after Marquinhos scored the opening goal during the UEFA Champions League quarter-final lian Nagelsmann told a virtual are ready to face an experienced match against Atalanta at the Luz Stadium in Lisbon, Portugal, on Wednesday. (AFP) news conference on the eve of Atletico side. Thursday’s match. DPA v Barcelona and Manchester who at first had appeared to “We will play with courage Berlin City v Olympique Lyon. have lost the ball. and play our game,” he added. Mbappe returned onto the Neymar tried to level almost “It will be a big challenge for Paris Saint-Germain struck PSG bench from an ankle in- instantly but after nutmegging which we are however pre- twice late in the game to jury sustained in the French cup Pasalic shot inches left from pared. I am convinced that we beat brave Atalanta 2-1 on final almost three weeks ago just outside the penalty area, will play a very good match.” Wednesday in Lisbon for their while midfielder Marco Verratti and Sportiello saved a free-kick Nagelsmann would not reveal first place in the Champions was out injured and Angel di from the Brazilian star. who would take the place of the League semi-finals in 25 years. Maria suspended. Mauro Icardi then just Germany forward Werner who Marquinhos cancelled out Atalanta were without Jo- missed Pablo Sarabia’s low was Leipzig’s top scorer but Atalanta’s first-half lead from sip Ilicic, who scored five of the cross from the left and Neymar has already left for his new club Mario Pasalic in the 90th min- eight goals in the last 16 against sunk to the ground in disbelief Chelsea. ute and Eric Maxim Choupo- Valencia, for personal reasons, after shooting wide again short- “It is important to note Moting grabbed the winner and goalkeeper Pierluigi Gol- ly before half-time after chasing that we won’t be playing with deep into stoppage time be- lini was out with a knee injury. down a terrible backpass from one man less and we can re- hind closed doors at the Esta- But their high-powered attack Hatebour. place him with a good player,” dio da Luz. threatened right from the outset Neymar tried everything to Nagelsmann said. It was cruel exit for the deb- after a minute’s silence was ob- lift his team after the restart but “We had players who utants Atalanta who had im- served before kick-off for Cov- PSG were lucky not to be two played less when Timo was pressed this season in Italy and id-19 victims around the world. down in the 57th when Berat there. We have the option to Europe and were also playing Captain Papu Gomez had a Djimsiti volleyed into the side- replace him and have the nec- for their home city of Bergamo, low shot stopped by Keylor Na- netting at the far left post. essary attacking power. They Atletico Madrid’s Argentinian one of the Italian cities hit hard- vas who was also on his guard Mbappe finally came on on have the chance to step up and coach Diego Simeone directs est by the coronavirus pandem- against a tight-angle header the hour and showed his speed score goals.” during a training session at the ic. Ambitious PSG were far from from Hans Hateboer after 11 on the left in the 74th with Yussuf Poulsen or Patrik Jose Alvalade stadium in Lisbon glorious, with Neymar missing minutes. Sportiello however on his guard Schick appear the most likely on Wednesday. (AFP) a host of chances, and Kylian However, PSG should have against his tight-angle effort. options and Nagelsmann said Mbappe only returning for the Paris Saint-Germain’s Cameroon forward Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting scored in-between, with Ney- Navas had to leave injured that full-back Marcel Halsten- final half hour from injury. But celebrates with Brazilian forward Neymar after scoring the second goal mar running alone towards in the 79th but the drama then berg could also return from Title aspirations Neymar set up the equaliser against Atalanta at the Luz Stadium in Lisbon on Wednesday. (AFP) goalkeeper Marco Sportiello unfolded late on, with Marquin- back problems. “We’re all really looking and Mbappe their winner. but then astonishingly fluffing hos levelling off Neymar’s cross Goalkeeper Peter Gulacsi forward to the game,” said PSG will now aim for their the Lisbon mini-tournament league was stopped in March his shot wide right. from the left, and not even extra meanwhile spoke of “a spe- the Dane. first place in the elite event final having completed the Serie A and then abandoned because of Atalanta took the lead in the time needed because Choupo- cial game” for the Leipzig club “We’ve worked hard for it on Tuesday against Atletico Ma- season less than zwo weeks ago, the coronavirus. 27th from Pasalic’s curling ef- Moting then sticking out his which was only founded in and we’re happy that we can drid or RB Leipzig. PSG were playing only their The other one-legged quar- fort into the top left corner - off foot to convert Mbappe’s cross 2009 and reached the Bundes- finish it. While Atalanta came into third game since the French ter-finals are Bayern Munich a toe-poke from Duvan Zapata against exhausted Atalanta. liga in 2016. “There were times when “Many of us have been here that wasn’t certain, so it’s a for four or five years and have great feeling to be in Lisbon. taken this path. It is an op- “Once you’re there, you portunity to present ourselves must have the determination Stars aligning for Atletico Madrid with CL glory not so far away on the international stage. We to go all the way to the final and have confidence and hope to the title.” AFP Certainly nobody antici- finished second. advance,” he said. Under Diego Simeone, Madrid pated football shutting down “We did well and we know Nagelsmann did not want Atletico are hunting their first completely the following week, we’re on a really good streak to speculate on a possible all- Champions League title after Atletico Madrid’s triumph as nervousness turned to in- but the Champions League is German final against Bayern losing the 2014 and 2016 finals over Liverpool in March was dignation about Atletico fans a different competition,” said Munich but noted that a team to arch-rivals Real Madrid. a throwback to a more cele- travelling to Anfield, before Diego Costa last week. can go far with fewer games “Those responsible have brated past under Diego Sime- matches behind closed foors Atletico face Leipzig in Lis- than in the past - and that he is been doing a very good job at one but five months on and became matches postponed bon on Thursday as one of the personally prepared to stay un- Atletico for many years,” said the Champions League offers indefinitely. form teams still standing, in til August 23. Poulsen. them a very real opportunity in And yet when football re- a tournament that has gifted “I have enough clothes with “Of course Atletico is the the present. turned in June, Atletico were them the significantly kinder me to change them daily until favourite, we are more the un- Knocking out the holders transformed. They went un- half of the draw. the final,” Nagelsmann said. derdog. We’re in the Champi- at Anfield may prove to be the beaten in the 11 games after If they beat Leipzig, who After scoring 34 times last ons League quarter finals for first glimpse of a new era un- the resumption, to dispel con- laboured to a third-place fin- season, including four in the the first time, they’ve always der Simeone, where the likes cerns they could miss out on ish in the Bundesliga, they will Champions League, Germany been fully involved for the last of Joao Felix, Marcos Llorente, La Liga’s four. face either Atalanta, the tour- striker Werner quit Leipzig to eight, ten years. Jose Gimenez and Jan Oblak They won seven matches nament’s minnows or Paris sign for Premier League side “But, of course, we have a push Atletico to challenge for Atletico Madrid’s players attend a training session at the Jose Al- and drew four, one of them Saint-Germain, who have Chelsea in June. chance and we believe we do.” major honours again. valade stadium in Lisbon on the eve of the UEFA Champions League against Barcelona at Camp played two games in almost Despite permission from Under Nagelsmann, RB Or it could be a last hur- quarter-final match against Leipzig on ednesday.W (AFP) Nou, which helped Real Ma- half a year. Chelsea, Werner turned down Leipzig play a brand of attacking rah for the Simeone project, drid clinch the title. Meanwhile, in the other the chance to play for Leipzig football and big things are ex- which some believe will never Champions League finals in time would be the start of They scored 20 goals and half, only one of Bayern Mu- in the quarter-finals in order pected from their talented Span- again scale the heights of their 2014 and 2016. something even more surpris- conceded six. If the season nich, Barcelona, Manchester to focus on settling into life in ish attacking midfielder Daniel incredible La Liga title win Either way, few believed ing, namely Simeone lifting the had started when the league City and Lyon can reach the London. Olmo, a product of Barcelona’s in 2014 or their runs to the Llorente’s two goals in extra- cup in May. restarted, Atletico would have final. Leipzig were only founded youth academy. Sports Thursday, August 13, 2020 13 Xavi targets win to put pressure on top two as

Tiger Woods, who has won 15 golf majors including five Masters. QSL title fight heats up Ayeni Olusegun Tiger to defend Doha Al Sadd coach Xavi Hernandez Masters title behind has hailed his team’s perfor- mance ahead of their QNB Stars League match against Qatar closed doors Sports Club at the Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium on Thursday. AFP has been our first and most The Spaniard who re- Washington important priority,” said Fred turned to the team recently af- Ridley, Chairman of Augusta ter completing his quarantine Tiger Woods will have to de- National Golf Club. procedure following a positive fend his Masters title behind “Ultimately, we deter- test for COVID-19 has seen his closed doors after Augusta mined that the potential risks side pull within just five points chiefs admitted on Wednesday of welcoming patrons and of leaders Al Duhail with just that the risks caused by the cor- guests to our grounds in No- two matches left in the QSL. onavirus in allowing thousands vember are simply too signifi- The reigning champions fans to attend “are simply too cant to overcome. beat Al Duhail by a lone goal last significant to overcome”. “Even in the current cir- weekend to put a dent on the cumstances, staging the Mas- leaders’ championship hopes. ters without patrons is deeply “I’m pleased to beat Al Tiger Woods won his disappointing.” Duhail. I think, in the last six fifth Masters and 15th Woods won his fifth Mas- games against them, we won ters and 15th career major four; we drew one and lost just Al Sadd players during a training session on Wednesday ahead of their QNB Stars League match. career major – after a – after a gap off 11 years – at once. It means we can beat all gap off 11 years – at Augusta in 2019. the teams in this country. It is Today’s Matches Augusta in 2019. Up to Up to around 40,000 fans a big win. It’s big also for the around 40,000 fans usually attend the tournament future; we may play them in Al Sailiya vs Al Arabi (at Al Janoub Stadium) 4pm in Georgia each year. the Champions League next Al Ahli vs Al Wakrah (at Al Janoub Stadium) 7.30pm usually attend the tour- The decision by Augusta season. So I’m delighted. It’s nament in Georgia each means that all three remain- not a normal win, it’s a huge Qatar SC vs Al Sadd (at Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium) year. The Masters had ing majors on the 2020 win,” Xavi said. 7.30pm schedule will have been However, against Qa- already been pushed played without fans. tar SC, a win for The Wolves back from its traditional The PGA Championship would move them within two against Al Sadd. game. We have to play a perfect April slot due to the was behind closed doors in points of Al Duhail and just “It will be a challenging 90 minutes against Al Sadd, Al pandemic and will now San Francisco last week after one behind second-placed Al game for us. Al Sadd have the Duhail, or Al Rayyan. This kind being postponed from May. Rayyan. But Xavi, whose side momentum after beating Al of game you cannot make mis- take place from September’s US Open at lost earlier this season 3-0 to Duhail last weekend. They will takes, or you won’t collect any November 12-15 Winged Foot in New York, QSC, said his team needs to make our lives hard; they have point,” Wesner said. pushed back from June, will be at their best to secure the Al Sadd coach Xavi Hernandez. great players and recently On Thursday, both Al Sailiya also bar spectators. maximum points. added Tabata. Haydos is back and Al Arabi will hope to snap The Masters had already The year’s other major, the “It will be a tough game, sion, I’m sure they will be ag- to beat Qatar and show our from injury, and they are one their miserable run of form been pushed back from its tra- British Open, which was set because we lost 3-0 in the gressive. They are a very well level. We are in a good period, of the best teams in Qatar. We when they lock horns at the Al ditional April slot due to the for Royal St George’s in July, first game against them. It’s organised team with Wesam and we are confident after our have to prepare well for this Janoub Stadium, both teams pandemic and will now take was cancelled altogether. a crucial game for us because as a coach. last three games.” challenge. are yet to pick up maximum place from November 12-15. This year’s Ryder Cup we want to put pressure on Al “They are tough, and we Meanwhile, Qatar SC “When you play with the points since the restart. On the “As we have considered showdown between Europe Rayyan and Al Duhail and we know their capability. But of goalkeeper coach Wesner said top four teams, your concentra- hand, Al Ahli have a five-game the issues facing us, the health and the United States has also need these three points. It will course, there is always a chance his team’s target is staying in tion is a little higher. We have winless run to end when they and safety of everyone associ- been postponed to 2021 due to be challenging as Qatar SC can for revenge in football, and we the league, but admitted that to analyse all the scenarios face Al Wakrah, who have been ated with the Masters always the coronavirus. go down to the second divi- want to take revenge. We want The Kings face a tough task but we know it will be a tough inconsistent all season.

Barca player tests +ve Bayern praise Messi ahead of CL for coronavirus, no duel where Barca could face exit impact on Lisbon DPA for Covid-19,” Barcelona said DPA Barcelona in a statement on Wednesday. Munich/Hanover “The player has no symptoms, Barcelona have confirmed is in good health and has been Bayern Munich chairman that an unnamed player has quarantined at his home.” Karl-Heinz Rummenigge has tested positive for the novel Barca play Bayern Munich on expressed his big admira- coronavirus ahead of pre-sea- Friday in a one-legged quar- tion for Barcelona star Lionel son training, but it will not af- ter-final, with the rest of the Messi ahead of their Champi- fect their preparations for the tournament in Lisbon follow- ons League duel, which could Champions League quarter- ing the same procedure be- however condemn the Cata- final against Bayern Munich. cause of the coronavirus. lans to a season without titles. The Catalans said the play- Spanish football has been The sides meet in a one- er is isolating at home and is hit with a raft of positive cases legged quarter-finalon Friday. asymptomatic, and has not recently. Atletico Madrid flew “I have a lot of respect for come into contact with any play- a day late for their Champions this player. He has something er due to travel to Lisbon for the League quarter-final with RB that possibly no one else on Champions League last eight. Leipzig in Lisbon on Thursday this planet has. He can decide “Following tests conducted after two players tested posi- a game on his own,” Rum- on Tuesday afternoon on the tive. Angel Correa and Sime menigge told reporters. group of nine players due to Vrsaljko are in quarantine at “He’s a player that you begin pre-season today, one home and tests on the rest of have to watch closely and from of them has tested positive the squad were negative. whom you also have to take some of the fun out of the game. “He’s a player who wants to have fun with football. If World 200m champion Lyles admits you take a little of that fun long-term psychological problems away from him by trying to take him out of the game tac- AFP “But it probably just got tically, then there is a good Paris the worst in April, it’s proba- chance” for Bayern, he said. bly the hardest I have ever had Bayern and Barca have World champion sprint- to deal with. I think it’s a kind each won the elite event five er Noah Lyles revealed on of perfect storm, dealing with times and are the only ex- Wednesday that he has had the COVID, having the Olym- champions in the eight-team psychological problems since pic Games postponed, so you field for the Lisbon mini-tour- he was eight years old, issues are like ‘OK, where I am going nament, which was to open that worsened with the corona- to put my attention?’. later Wednesday and runs un- virus pandemic, the postpone- “The Black Lives move- til August 23. ment of the Olympics and the ment, that really put the final Bayern midfielder Leon Black Lives Matter movement. nail on the coffin.” Goretzka said the only way to American Lyles, who won The American sprint star stop Messi is “collectively.” gold in the 200 metres and has often shown a bubbly, “Everyone knows what a gifted the 4x100m relay in Doha cheerful personality in front of footballer he is, he is capable Barcelona’s Argentine forward Lionel Messi is congratulated by Napoli’s Italian forward Matteo Politano at the end of the UEFA Champions last year and was hotly tipped the cameras to go with his blis- of finding many solutions also League Round of 16 second leg match at the Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona on Saturday. (AFP) for the success at the Tokyo tering performances, but ad- in tight situations. We will Games, announced earlier this mits that he has experienced have to fight back as a team,” Madrid and also didn’t make than ever before, as shown in there is also unrest at the top of his full potential at Barca. month that he was on anti-de- dark moments. Goretzka said. the Spanish Cup final. the 3-1 last-16 win over Napoli the club around the upcoming That leaves only Messi, pressants. “I was just like ‘I just can’t “Whether you can actually “Everything has been bad where he scored one goal and presidential elections. who has been at the centre of “I probably deal with it since do this anymore’. take away his fun in the game, since January,” Messi said, set up another. Expensive signings over transfer gossip that he could I was eight years old, all differ- “My mother was just like ‘it’s I don’t know.” Messi has not adding that Barca had been Neither Ernesto Valverde recent years such as Ousmane leave for Inter Milan next year. ent forms at different times of time to put you on medication’, much fun this season as Barca “an inconsistent, bad team.” and his successor Quique Setien Dembele and Philippe Coutin- He now wants to win the event my life,” the 23-year-old said and I said yes because every- had to settle for second in the Barca appear more depend- have been accepted as a leading ho have struggled, and Antoine he has scored 115 goals in for ahead of the Diamond League thing I am doing, that I used to league behind arch rivals Real ent on the now 33-year-old coach by the club’s stars, and Griezmann is also yet to show the fifth time. meeting in Monaco on Friday. do, is not working anymore.” 14 Thursday, August 13, 2020 Sports CONCACAF preliminary draw for FIFA World Cup 2022 on Aug 19

Nicaragua, Dominican Republic six group winners will face off in a 35 member associations in North & Pot 3: Grenada, Barbados, Guy- home-and-away elimination format ana, St Vincent and the Grenadines, in three predetermined pairings. Central America and the Caribbean to Bermuda, Belize The winners of each tie will proceed Pot 4: St Lucia, Puerto Rico, to the final round. learn qualification pathway towards Cuba, Montserrat, Dominica, Cay- The final round will see the three man Islands winners from the second round join FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Pot 5: Bahamas, Aruba, Turks the five highest-ranked CONCACAF and Caicos Islands, US Virgin Is- teams according to the FIFA/Coca- Fifa FIFA in Zurich. lands, British Virgin Islands, An- Cola World Ranking as of 16 July Zurich With 35 member associations guilla 2020, who will play each other in a from across North, Central Amer- The six highest-ranked teams in home-and-away round-robin format. The qualification pathway for the ica and the Caribbean set to be in- the first round – El Salvador, Can- The pots for the final-round FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ in volved, the preliminary draw is a ada, Curaçao, Panama, Haiti, and draw are as follows: North, Central America and the significant moment that will deter- locate the 30 lowest-ranked CON- The pots for the first-round draw Trinidad and Tobago – will be pre- Pot A: Mexico, USA, Costa Rica, Caribbean will take shape later this mine the tournament pathway for CACAF teams to six groups. This are as follows: seeded into groups A to F respec- Jamaica, Honduras, winner of A vs month following FIFA’s confirma- the first and final rounds under the will be followed by the draw for the Pot 1: El Salvador, Canada, tively. The first round will be played F, winner of B vs E, winner of C vs D tion this week that the CONCACAF new qualification format. final round, which will indicate the Curaçao, Panama, Haiti, Trinidad in a single round-robin format, Pot B: teams 1-8 preliminary draw will be held on Based on the FIFA/Coca-Cola position of each team within the fi- and Tobago meaning each team will play four Fans will be able to follow the draw Wednesday, 19 August at 19:00 CET World Ranking as of 16 July 2020, nal qualification stage, which will Pot 2: Antigua and Barbuda, Gua- matches: two home and two away. on FIFA.com, except territories where (8pm Doha Time) at the Home of the draw for the first round will al- also be contested in a group format. temala, St Kitts and Nevis, Suriname, During the second round, the the draw is broadcast live on TV.

FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 & AFC Asian Cup China 2023 Sevilla down Wolves, Shakhtar qualifiers rescheduled to 2021 AFC be rescheduled to 2021. Kuala Lumpur With the aim of protect- shunt Basel to make Europa SF ing the health and safety of In light of the current COV- all participants, FIFA and the ID-19 situation in many coun- AFC will continue to work to- AFP tries, FIFA and the Asian Con- gether to closely monitor the Paris federation (AFC) have jointly situation in the region and to decided that the upcoming identify new dates for the re- Sevilla qualified for the qualifying matches for the spective qualifying matches. semi-finals of the Europa FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Further details on the new League on Tuesday after Lucas and AFC Asian Cup China dates for the next round of Ocampos’ late header broke 2023, originally scheduled to qualifying matches for the Wolverhampton Wanderers’ take place during the interna- FIFA World Cup 2022 and hearts, while Shakhtar Donetsk tional match windows in Octo- Asian Cup 2023 will be an- thumped Basel 4-1 to join the ber and November 2020, will nounced in due course. Spaniards in the last four. Five-time competition win- ners Sevilla face Manchester United in Cologne on Sunday thanks to a brilliant header NBA from Argentine Ocampos with less than two minutes left on the clock which gave them a de- Lillard scores 61 as Blazers served 1-0 win, while Shakhtar take on Inter Milan on Monday stride towards playoffs in another intriguing tie. Sevilla dominated their AFP the final round of seeding English opponents over the Orlando games on Thursday, with Port- course of the match, as a tired- land, Memphis, the Phoenix looking Wolves’ dreams of Damian Lillard exploded for Suns and San Antonio Spurs European glory ended with a 61 points on Tuesday as the still mathematically in with a whimper. Portland Trail Blazers roared chance of claiming eighth or “I am very proud of my towards a place in the NBA ninth place. players. We needed to have playoffs with a thrilling 134-131 Portland, however, remain lots of patience against a win over the Dallas Mavericks. in the driving seat. A win on very good team,” said Sevilla Lillard – who had scored Thursday against the Brook- coach Julen Lopetegui, whose 51 points in a victory against lyn Nets will assure them of a team are now unbeaten in 19 the Philadelphia 76ers on Sun- place in the play-in game. matches in all competitions, to day – once again led from the Lillard’s 61-point effort BT Sport. The Wolverhampton wall jumps for a free kick during the UEFA Europa League quarter-final against Sevilla at the MSV Arena in Duisburg, front for Portland, who are made him only the second “We have ambition we Germany, late on Tuesday. (AFP) now within touching distance player in NBA history to score work very hard... but we are of a postseason berth. 60 points or more in three going to play against Man- about ahead of their semi-final The Blazers talisman games during a single season, chester United... the biggest Results clash on Monday. nailed a clutch three-pointer putting him alongside Wilt team in world football.” Shakhtar Donetsk (UKR) 4 (Moraes 2, Taison 22, Alan “I’m feeling amazing be- in the closing stages to level Chamberlain. Premier League outfit cause we have worked hard the score at 130-130 and then “I’m happy to be in that Wolves thought they were set Patrick 75-pen, Dodo 88) Basel (SUI) 1 (Van and we trust we can reach the provided the assist that saw kind of company, and I’m to make the perfect start in the Wolfswinkel 90+2) final,” saidgoalscorer Junior Portland take a 132-130 lead happy that two of those three 11th minute when Adam Traore Moraes. with just under a minute re- (60-point games) came in a set off on a sensational surge Wolverhampton Wanderers (ENG) 0 Sevilla (ESP) 1 “If you want to test yourself, maining. winning effort,” Lillard said. towards goal from his own half (Ocampos 88) you have to play against teams The win vaulted Portland “Tonight couldn’t have and was chopped down in the at this high level.” above the Memphis Grizzlies been better timing for that area by Diego Carlos. The Ukrainian side got off into the eighth and final play- type of game. It’s an honor However Raul Jimenez, target of the match as chances les Kounde met Suso’s beauti- Sevilla’s Argentinian midfielder to a flyer thanks to Brazil-born off spot in the Western Confer- to be in company with Wilt. who had scored all of his became hard to come by. fully flighted cross in the 66th Lucas Ocampos celebrates Moraes, who headed home ence standings with 34 wins Hopefully it can continue.” previous eight penalties for Sevilla though began to minute, but the Frenchman scoring against Wolverhampton Marlos’ corner with less than and 39 defeats. Lillard’s latest masterclass Wolves, sent a weak spot-kick take a stranglehold on the play had to stretch for the ball and Wanderers. (AFP) two minutes on the clock, and The eighth- and ninth- was complemented with 26 towards Yassine Bounou, who and force Wolves back into sent it looping over the bar. they never looked back from placed teams in the West will points from veteran Carmelo could hardly believe his luck as their own half. Eleven minutes later Rui a fizzing cross that Lucas Ocam- that point on. advance to an elimination Anthony, while Zach Col- he batted the Mexican’s tame However they struggled to Patrico did well to tip over pos did brilliantly to guide into Taison put Shakhtar two game this weekend to deter- lins and Gary Trent Jr had 11 shot aside. carve out many clear-cut op- Ever Banega’s dipping free- the bottom corner and send his ahead 20 minutes later when mine who claims the final points each. There were claims that portunities, with Wolves’ de- kick as Wolves began to rock, team into the semis. his deflected shot flashed past postseason berth from the For the Mavericks, Bounou had left his line while fence managing to snuff out but the goalkeeper could do In Gelsenkirchen Shakhtar Basel’s bamboozled goalkeep- conference. Kristaps Porzingis led the Sevilla players seemed to en- their opponents when they did nothing to stop Sevilla’s win- booked their spot in the last er Dorde Nikolic. Alan Patrick Tuesday’s combination of scoring with 36 points, while ter the area before the penalty manage to break free. ner with two minutes left. four with a commanding win put the result beyond doubt results elsewhere left every- Luka Doncic added 25 with was taken, but in any case that The first good chance of Banega was again at the over Basel that will give In- from the penalty spot with 14 thing to play for heading into 10 assists and eight rebounds. was to be Wolves’ last shot on the second half came when Ju- heart of the action, whipping in ter Milan something to think minutes left. beIN SPORTS kicks off new football seasons Umm Salal SC endorse Qatar with global media campaign in 43 markets Charity’s humanitarian efforts Tribune News Network the start of a new season. Doha Jonathan Whitehead, Head Tribune News Network tar Charity worldwide, noting of Sports for beIN MENA, Doha the link between charity works beIN SPORTS, the glob- said: “Every fan remembers and sports. He also indicated al sports broadcaster, has the first time that they fell in Umm Salal Sports Club play- that this initiative is the begin- launched a major international love with football: the first ers wore the jackets of Qatar ning of cooperation between media campaign – called “Love time that they punched in the Charity during going down to the club and Qatar Charity, It Like The First Time” – for air while celebrating a goal, the Al Janoub Stadium, before hoping for further collabora- fans to celebrate new football experienced sheer joy at their facing the Al Ahli Club team tions in the future. seasons across the world. team lifting a trophy, or even in the 20th round of the QNB Since the beginning of the Love It Like The First Time screamed at the television af- Stars League held last week. coronavirus, Qatar Charity has is the first global campaign ter a bad red card decision. Af- The initiative was to en- distributed health and aware- beIN has launched across its ter the devastating COVID-19 dorse Qatar Charity’s con- ness bags, food baskets and entire international network pandemic and strange finish tinuous efforts in fighting the responsibility and in apprecia- other items to the workers and of 43 countries and 5 conti- to last season, over the next battle against the coronavirus tion of the great efforts made health awareness volunteers, in nents, including the Middle screens on Friday 21 August with the world’s biggest game. few weeks we’ll be delighted to (COVID-19) pandemic. by Qatar Charity to curb the cooperation with the concerned East & North Africa (MENA), after being cancelled nearly 6 Promotional content will see the return of premium Eu- Qatar Charity thanked outbreak of the coronavirus authorities in the country. Asia-Pacific, France, Turkey months earlier, and new sea- be published across beIN’s ropean football exclusively to the management of the Umm within and outside the State of Besides, Qatar Charity has and North America. sons launching for the first linear and digital platforms so beIN SPORTS for a brand new Salal Club for showing this Qatar,” said Abdullah Mazhan provided emergency aid to The unifying and positive time ever in September for the that fans can reminisce about season, including the Premier generous gesture that appreci- Al Shammari, the media offi- many countries affected by the campaign celebrates a fresh Premier League (12 Septem- their first footballing memory, League, LaLiga, Ligue 1 and ates the humanitarian efforts cial for Umm Salal Club. coronavirus. It has also signed start for football across the ber), LaLiga (12 September) as they prepare to fall in love Serie A. This is a fresh start and made by Qatar Charity, and On his part, Captain Ali several cooperation agree- globe following the disruption and Serie A (19 September), with the game all over again the beginning of a new era, and its workers and supporters Amin, Sports Director of Umm ments with UN agencies such as to the 2019-20 seasons caused fans will feel the sheer joy of during what will be a momen- for fans it will feel just like the against the pandemic. Salal Sports Club, applauded UNICEF, UNHCR, and OCHA, by COVID-19. football returning just like the tous occasion in the context of first time they ever fell in love “This initiative comes with- the humanitarian, charitable, to maximize the number of ben- As Ligue 1 returns to our first time they ever fell in love a hugely challenging 2020 – with the game all over again.” in the framework of our social and developmental role of Qa- eficiaries hit by the pandemic. Sports Thursday, August 13, 2020 15 11th Longines Qatar Equestrian Hathab Tour at QEF this weekend

Tribune News Network Doha Schedule Thursday (August 13) The 11th and penultimate Vet check 5pm round of showjumping series Arena familiarization 6pm Longines Qatar Equestrian Friday (August 14) Tour Hathab 2019-20 will be Small Tour held at the indoor arena of Qa- tar Equestrian Federation on Table A, One round against the clock Friday (August 14) and Satur- (100/115cm) FEI Art, 238.2.1 from 4pm day (Aug 15). Medium Tour (Individual & Team) The annual domestic com- Table A, One round against the clock with petition which consists of a jump off (120/130cm) FEI Art. 238.2.2 total of 12 legs has now en- from 6.45pm tered the business end and is Saturday (August 15) seeing close contests. Qatar’s Open Class national rider Faleh Suwead Table A, One round against the clock Al Ajami, who clinched the (115/125cm) FEI Art. 238.2.1 from 4pm Doha hosted Qatar’s first Asian Games in 2006. Big Tour title in the previous Big Tour round is now leading the tally with 174 points while the sea- Competition with winning round soned Salman Mohammed Al (130/145cm) FEI Art. 276.2.1 from 6.45pm Olympic Council of Asia Evaluation Emadi, who unfortunately got eliminated during the quali- The Medium Tour is led by Committee to visit countries bidding fication in the 9th round has Mohammed Khalifa Al Baker been pushed to the second having garnered 182 points place having 172 points. Ham- thus far. Ghanim Nasser Al to host Asian Games 2030 ad Nasser Al Qadi is third with Qadi (178), and Mohammed 170 points. Saeed Haidan (176) are second QNA the Asian Games and Olym- Chairman Wei Jizhong, Chair The best seven results out and third respectively. Kuwait pic Games and I am sure the OCA Entourage Committee of the total twelve are taken The Small Tour is hav- members of this OCA Evalu- Ryu Seung Min, Member of into consideration while de- ing intense competition with The President of the Olympic ation Committee will cover Athletes Committee Mikaela ciding the overall national Mohammed Nasser Al Qadi Council of Asia (OCA) Sheikh every aspect of planning, prep- Cojuangco, Director General champions. Qatar’s national rider Faleh Suwead Al Ajami, astride Ulano, who leading the table with 178.5 Ahmad Al Fahad Al Sabah on aration, management and op- OCA Husain Al Musallam, The Hathab series, clinched the Big Tour title in the previous round is leading the tally points and ahead of Khalifa Wednesday announced the erations of the Asian Games. a group of heads of Asian launched in 2017, carries a with 174 points. (Pic: Mohamed Tinakicht) Abdulla Al Khaldi (177.5 pts). composition of the OCA Eval- “The Asian Games has Olympic committees and two total prize of QR1.5mn and Mohammed Al Ghazali occu- uation Committee to visit the grown into the biggest multi- representatives from the OCA is an initiative of HE Sheikh ment of private stables and spread of novel coronavirus pies the third place with 166 two cities bidding to host the sport event in the world and Headquarters. Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani, individual horse owners to (COVID-19) pandemic. points so far. 2030 Asian Games: Doha, Qa- we are proud of this success,” The OCA has requested the President, Qatar Olympic grow awareness of horse- The resumption has been In the teams’ competi- tar and Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. he added. two cities to submit their bid Committee. manship as part of Qatar’s within the framework of the tion, The Top team lead the Sheikh Ahmad said, “I am At the most recent Asian files by October 4, 2020. Hathab meaning ‘Canter’ history and tradition. plan to gradually lift the re- table with 194 points fol- extremely satisfied with the Games, in Jakarta and Palem- The 19th Asian Games will in Arabic, the annual cham- The 2019-2020 which strictions imposed in line with lowed by ExxonMobil (183), composition of the OCA Eval- bang, Indonesia in 2018, 11,300 be held in Hangzhou, China, pionship aims at improving began in October last year QOC’s plan to continue all and Lusail (182). uation Committee for this very athletes from 45 National from Sept. 10-25, 2022 and the standard of horse riding resumed on August 7 be- sporting activities according The mandatory veterinary important task. We have many Olympic Committees took part the 20th Asian Games will take among Qatari youths while hind closed doors after it was to the precautionary measures checks for participating horses sports leaders throughout Asia in 465 events of 40 sports. place in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, encouraging the involve- halted in March due to the established by Qatar. will be held on Thursday. with a lot of experience from The Committee consists of from Sep. 19 to Oct. 4, 2026. Waqar hopes Pakistan can cash in on Stokes’ absence we had very clear plans and ex- gruelling for fast bowlers but Second Test at ecuted really well.” Waqar was confident fatigue Pakistan’s well-balanced has yet to affect Pakistan’s Southampton pace trio, comprising the ac- quicks this series. curate Mohammad Abbas, “I’m sure these guys are from today towering left-armer Shaheen still capable and have plenty Aspetar honours staff Afridi and teenage speedster of gas left in the tank to tackle AFP Naseem Shah, all impressed in this Test match and after that helping boost healthcare Southampton Manchester. we’ll see how it goes,” he said. The performance of the Pakistan assistant coach 17-year-old Naseem in hitting Uncapped Robinson in workforce against COVID-19 Waqar Younis said on Wednes- speeds of some 90 mph has England squad day he hopes the tourists will been particularly eye-catching Meanwhile, uncapped Sussex QNA of the role that the team here be able to “cash in” on England and Waqar, who also played in- seamer Ollie Robinson was Doha at Aspetar has played in sup- being without Ben Stokes dur- ternational cricket as a teenager, included in England’s 14-man porting the Ministry of Public ing this week’s second Test. said there was more to come. squad for the second Test. Aspetar, the Orthopaedic Health throughout the COV- Star all-rounder Stokes “Naseem is very, very tal- The 26-year-old trained and Sports Medicine Hospi- ID-19 pandemic. is heading to New Zealand, ented and he is still growing, with the squad during the tal, organised a ceremony for “In addition to converting where his father is convalesc- his bones are growing,” he ex- West Indies series and took its staff for their efforts during our inpatient ward in readi- ing following a serious illness plained. “What a talent he is. eight Hampshire wickets dur- the global COVID-19 pandem- ness to receive COVID-19 pa- and will miss both the second “I don’t think he really ing his subsequent appearance ic, every person associated tients and seconding staff to Test, which starts in South- bowled as well as we expected in the Bob Willis Trophy -- the with the organisation rose to support HMC clinical teams, ampton on Thursday, as well in the previous game, but he first-class competition that is the occasion, embracing the we have also run many COV- as the series finale, which also can really bowl well and take replacing the County Champi- mission promise as a health ID-19 education and aware- takes place at Hampshire’s Former paceman and now Pakistan assistant coach Waqar Younis (left). the opposition on at times. He onship in a season cut short by delivery system. ness campaigns for both gen- headquarters ground. is young, he is inexperienced the coronavirus. The ceremony witnessed eral public and sportspeople. As well as being a good- with an unbeaten century. fortunate for cricket but there is and it gets tough at times. But whether he makes a the presence of Aspetar senior “To ensure we continue enough batsman to feature in Stokes, however, had a no doubt he is a match-winner,” “All he needs to do is prob- Test debut at Hampshire’s management and was also at- to safely provide servic- the top order, paceman Stokes modest match with the bat dur- Waqar told a conference call. ably get stronger and fitter. Ageas Bowl ground on Thurs- tended by the Aspetar medical es to our regular patients is capable of match-changing ing England’s the last week, “If he’s not around Eng- Pakistan over the years has day could depend on how the staff who have been working throughout the pandemic spells with the ball and is an where he wasn’t fully fit to bowl land will probably be a touch produced some real quality England attack recovers from across Hamad Medical Cor- we also launched a telemedi- inspirational figure within the because of a quad injury. light in their middle order, so fast bowlers. In the last two their exertions at Old Trafford poration to boost the health- cine service providing virtual England set-up. But fast-bowling great we’re going to talk about that and a half... three decades, I last week. care workforce fighting against consultations for patients He cemented the posi- Waqar, now coaching the and try to cash in. know. If he keeps himself fit Robinson has been one of COVID-19. requiring rehabilitation and tion last year during England’s current generation of Paki- “He’s the kind of batsman and strong and keeps bowling the most impressive bowlers The event took place at exercise programmes,” add- World Cup final triumph and in stan quicks, was in no doubt who takes the game away from I’m sure he has the potential to in English domestic cricket in Aspetar outlined the hospitals ed Dr. Al Kuwari. leading the side to a stunning England would be poorer for you – single-handedly at times. become a very good bowler.” recent years, taking 137 wick- important role in the health- During the COVID-19 As- one-wicket win in the third Test Stokes’ absence. But the way we bowled at him A scheduled of three back- ets in total across the 2018 and care sectors measures to com- petar has launched a COV- against Australia at Headingley “If he’s not around it’s un- in the previous game showed to-back Tests is particular 2019 seasons. bat COVID-19. While remain- ID-19 Evidence for Athletes ing the common thread among Service which is the first of the attendance is a commit- its kind aimed specifically ment to the health and well- at athletes, their health- being of the community. care teams, coaches and the IPL’s Chennai Super Kings expect Dhoni to play past 40 Aspetar is one of the broader sports community, it worlds leading specialised or- provides them with easy ac- AFP man-wicketkeeper would not rive in Chennai this week before thopedic and sports medicine cess to relevant and reliable New Delhi be quitting soon. leaving next week for Dubai hospitals and has played a vi- information based on the lat- “We don’t worry about where the IPL will start on Sep- tal role in Qatars COVID-19 est scientific evidence. Indian Premier League fa- him at all. Yes, we can expect tember 19 after being moved response. Aspetar is one of the Moreover, the hospital vourites Chennai Super Kings M.S. Dhoni to be part of both because of the pandemic. hospitals on standby to receive produced updated guide- expect former India captain (IPL seasons in 2020 and Rajasthan Royals an- COVID-19 patients, should the lines and pathways for the Mahendra Singh Dhoni to 2021) and probably for even nounced Wednesday that need arise, and Aspetar medi- safe return to sports train- keep playing past his 40th the next year, 2022,” Viswa- fielding coach Dishant Yagnik cal staff have been working ing and competition during birthday – until at least 2022, nathan told India Today tel- has become the IPL’s first cor- across Hamad Medical Cor- COVID-19. the team’s chief executive said. evision late on Tuesday. onavirus case and will miss the poration (HMC) facilities to A collaboration between Dhoni has not played a Dhoni, who has led Chen- team flight to AU E next week. boost the healthcare sectors MOPH, Hamad Medical competitive game since India’s nai to three IPL titles, will The team said Yagnik, a clinical workforce. Corporation and Aspetar; World Cup semi-final defeat celebrate his 40th birthday in former Royals player, will During his introductory COVID-19 testing conducted last year, but is due to return July next year. have to undergo two weeks speech at the ceremony, Act- on Qatari athletes aiming to to action when the delayed He remains an influential isolation, then pass two tests ing Chief Executive Officer in reduce and control the risk of IPL begins in the United Arab figure in Indian cricket with in India and three more in the Aspetar Dr. Abdulaziz Jaham the virus spreading between Emirates next month. any hint of retirement causing UAE, as well as quarantine in Al Kuwari, said, “I would like team members and players, While Dhoni is unlikely to concern among fans. Chennai Super Kings captain and wicketkeeper-batsman MS Dhoni. (AFP) Dubai, before he is allowed to to thank all of you, your dedi- as they return to training and play again for India, Chennai Viswanathan said he had rejoin the team. Yagnik has cation in times of adversity. action. It is worth mention- Super Kings chief executive only seen media reports that Jharkhand. “But we don’t have bilities and he will take care of not been in contact with Ra- It is important that everyone ing that Aspetar is now the Kasi Viswanathan said he was Dhoni has been training in in- to worry about the skipper,” he himself and the team.” jasthan players in the last 10 works together to achieve a official medical partner of confident the legendary bats- door nets in his home state of said. “He knows his responsi- The players are due to ar- days, the team said. common goal and I am proud Qatar Stars League. 16 Thursday, August 13, 2020 The Last Word

AMIR RECEIVES credentials of NEW AMBASSADORS

The Amir His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani received the credentials of six new ambassadors to Qatar, at the Amiri Diwan office on Wednesday. HH the Amir received the credentials of Ambassador of Bosnia and Herzegovina HE Haris Lukovac, Ambassador of the United Kingdom HE Jonathan Paul Wilks, Ambassador of Bulgaria HE Plamen Stankov Delev, Ambassador of India HE Deepak Mittal, Ambassador of Sudan HE Abd Al Rahim Al Siddig Mohammed and Ambassador of Turkey HE Mehmet Mustafa Goksu. HH the Amir welcomed the new ambassadors, wishing them success in their missions and further progress in relations between Qatar and their respective countries. The ambassadors conveyed to HH the Amir the greetings of their countries’ leaders and wishes of further progress and prosperity to the Qatari people. The envoys were accorded official reception ceremonies at the Amiri Diwan. Robots have helped Qatar tackle spread of COVID-19 More robots will be deployed in crowded areas primarily for disinfection purposes tribune news network doha

From disinfecting public spaces to helping enforce social distancing rules, and much more, robots are playing an important role in global efforts to confront COVID-19. Dr Bo Wang, assistant professor of ICT, Dr David Yin Yang, associate profes- sor of ICT, and Ali Al Rashid, a PhD student, from the College of Science and Engineering (CSE) at Hamad Jordanian PM praises Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), outline how Qatar has made use of these technologies. contribution of Qatar Ali Al Rashid Dr Bo Wang Dr David Yin Yang In which sectors has Qatar been using robots to tackle cultural and environmental hospitals, schools, malls and pray- by skin cancer. Robots might also Charity in combating COVID-19? factors limited Qatar’s use of ing areas, mainly for disinfection analyse a child’s drawings to de- In keeping with other parts of robots to tackle COVID-19? purposes. Manual disinfection will termine their psychological state the world, Qatar is also using ro- Using robots to tackle a health still have a role to play but requires and to detect potential depres- bots to limit and tackle the spread emergency is as new for Qatar as it long working hours and must be sion. COVID-19 pandemic of COVID-19. For instance, Hamad is for many other countries. Both undertaken at least daily. As evi- International Airport has deployed the public and private sector are still dence that COVID-19 is airborne Will the use of robots to Tribune News Network robots with short-wavelength ultra- working out how to make the best grows, hourly disinfection will most tackle COVID-19 renew inter- Doha violet light for disinfection purpose. use of these platforms. For example, likely be required in these busy ar- est in Qatar’s ability to develop Besides, the Ministry of Interior there were not that many disinfec- eas. Moreover, as this pandemic these technologies, especially The Prime Minister of the Hashemite (MoI) uses devices with surveillance tion robots in operation prior to is expected to last longer than an- when it comes to fulfilling Qa- Kingdom of Jordan HE Dr. Omar Al- cameras to patrol areas where man- COVID-19. In response, companies ticipated, the adoption of robots is tar National Vision 2030? Razzaz has praised the contributions aging infection rates is high-priority, and university labs are redoubling financially more efficient and more Even before COVID-19, Qatar made by Qatar Charity (QC) in sup- for example, Doha’s Industrial Area. their efforts to meet demand. robust if controlled well. had ambitious robotics learning porting the efforts of the Kingdom to Turning to healthcare, Hamad Med- Because of Qatar’s tropical and development initiatives, such combat the coronavirus (COVID-19) ical Corporation relies on robots to desert climate, the application of How are local universities as the National Robot Olympiad pandemic. ensure patients comply with social robots in outdoor scenarios is lim- such as HBKU contributing to program. For its part, CSE’s winter This is reflected in a letter of thanks distancing rules. ited to only a few places, such as the Qatar’s use of robots to com- camp has a robotics session that from the Prime Minister, in which he desert, beaches and souqs. These bat COVID-19? trains local students in this area. has expressed his pride in the depth What types of platforms robots are mainly used to reduce The use of robots to combat a Robots will also play an important of relations between the State of Qatar and/or technologies have been person-to-person encounters be- pandemic is new and most of the role at the FIFA World Cup 2022, and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jor- used? Are any of these home- tween police personnel and viola- application scenarios are ad hoc and in some instances acting as assis- dan under their wise leadership of His grown? tors. For indoor applications, robots have different hardware as well as tant referees. Since Qatar invests a Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad The main technologies involved are mainly used for disinfection, as algorithm requirements. Currently, lot in digital technologies such as Al Thani and His Highness King Ab- are unmanned navigation, vision well as patient examinations in hos- CSE researchers are customising a AI, robots are an excellent platform dullah II Ibn Al Hussein. ing recipients to purchase basic food systems, remote control, and im- pitals. Qatar was undoubtedly slow robot to perform both spraying as to implement these technologies to As part of its global effort to stem supplies. age and video processing. These off the mark to deploy disinfection well as UV-C disinfection for indoor encourage smart homecare, auto- the coronavirus outbreak and extend In addition, Qatar Charity has pro- technologies are mature and widely robots in its shopping malls; how- and outdoor applications. We also mated warehouses, and even more support to the affected population, Qa- vided medical and food aid and other used in such areas as industrial au- ever, the recent development of a plan to improve the vision modules innovative agriculture in the future. tar Charity has equipped 400 caravans assistance to a number of countries, tomation. As far as we know, many fast UV-C disinfection robot should of the robot, such as adding thermal With advances in AI technolo- for quarantine services and medical including Yemen, Lebanon, Tuni- of the robots deployed in Qatar are help to redress the balance. and depth cameras to automatically gies, a new generation of robots can check-ups on the south-eastern bor- sia, Palestine, Pakistan , Bangladesh, from global manufacturers while detect people with fever, as well as increasingly interact with people. der of Jordan at an estimated cost of Sudan, Kyrgyzstan, Mali, Chad and customisations have been made to The government is gradu- crowds of people violating social Such robots can be used in hospi- QR4mn riyals and with a capacity of Kenya. adapt to the local environment and ally bringing Qatar out of distancing rules. Apart from COV- tals and nursing homes as well as 3,600 people, with the aim of examin- Qatar Charity has also signed sev- application scenarios. For example, lockdown. Do you anticipate a ID-19, other Artificial Intelligence hotels and sports stadiums. With ing those arriving across borders. eral cooperation agreements with UN domestically-produced image/video gradual increase in the use of (AI) technologies developed by CSE this, robots can make a significant Qatar Charity has distributed food agencies, such as UNICEF, UNHCR processing algorithms have been robots to assist in this process? could also be applied to robots. For contribution to economic growth, baskets to 1,250 Syrian and Palestin- and OCHA, to maximise the number applied to MoI robots tracking pub- Once lockdown has been lifted, example, robots could be used to social development and other objec- ian refugees and needy families affect- of beneficiaries affected by the pan- lic gatherings. we anticipate even more robots will scan a person’s skin to detect suspi- tives set out in Qatar National Vi- ed by coronavirus via coupons allow- demic. To what extent have social, be deployed in crowded areas like cious lesions that might be caused sion 2030.

Ashghal begins work on new pedestrian bridge on Doha Expressway tribune news network tal area that witnesses traf- waidi Intersection tunnel bin Khaled Street and Al doha fic congestion throughout while keeping traffic on the Mashaf Street, and back the day, in addition to facili- service road open as well as south to the Doha Express- THE Public Works Authority tating connectivity between the traffic signal. way, reaching their various ‘Ashghal’ has announced the the people of Al Mirqab and Traffic will also be destinations. commencement of installing Al Sudan. closed on the service road On the other hand, com- a steel structure pedestrian This bridge, which is from Nasser Bin Salmeen muters heading north from bridge on Doha Expressway 62.40 metres long and 4.30 Al Suwaidi Intersection to Doha via Doha Expressway (Al Amir Street) between metres wide, is equipped Doha, as well as from Doha must turn right towards New Al Mirqab Street and with elevators on both sides towards Nasser Bin Sal- New Al Mirqab Street and Talha bin Khalid Street at that can accommodate a meen Al Suwaidi Intersec- turn left towards Moham- Nasser Bin Salmeen Al Su- large number of users, in- tion. med Bin Al Qasim Street to waidi Intersection as part cluding those with special During the closure, Al Sadd Street, then turn of Qatar’s plan to build pe- needs, and is equipped with road users coming from right to Joaan Street and destrian bridges to enhance lighting systems, surveil- Al Shamal to Doha via the then turn left at the Olympic traffic safety throughout the lance cameras, protection Doha Expressway can go Intersection and return to country. and firefighting systems through the service road af- Doha Expressway and con- The construction of the and a system for counting ter Al Rayyan Interchange tinue north on their way to pedestrian bridge aims the number of bridge users. to reach Nasser Bin Sal- their various destinations. to enable residents and It is noteworthy that meen Al Suwaidi Intersec- The Public Works Au- visitors of the area to pass Ashghal continues to im- tion, then turn right onto thority will install sufficient through Doha Expressway, plement the construction Al Waab Street to reach Al road signage to alert road reaching commercial facili- of the pedestrian bridge in Waab Roundabout and re- users with this diversion. In ties, and reduce accidents cooperation with the other scheduled so that the bridge ment a temporary closure will be closed for a dis- turn through the rounda- order to ensure safety, com- that pedestrians may be entities. It seeks to com- is open by the end of 2020. on Doha Expressway and tance of about 3.2 km from bout towards Ahmed Bin muters need to abide by the exposed to, especially since plete the mechanical and In order to facilitate the traffic will be closed in both Al Rayyan Interchange to Taymiya Street, and then speed limit and follow the the bridge is located in a vi- engineering works as per works, Ashghal will imple- directions, as the main road Nasser Bin Salmeen Al Su- turn south towards Talha road signage.