BUSINESS | Page 1 SPORT | Page 1 Envoy lauds QNB Stars League: collaboration with Edmilson scores LuLu as Italian brace as Al Duhail farmers get access rout Al Khor to Qatari market

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WEDNESDAY Vol. XXXXI No. 11771 December 23, 2020 Jumada I 8, 1442 AH

GULF TIMES www. gulf-times.com 2 Riyals

Amir’s wife off ers condolences to Sheikha Hissa Sabah Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher bint Hamad bin Suhaim al-Thani, wife of His Highness the Amir, off ered condolences to Sheikha Hissa Sabah PM opens al-Salem al-Sabah, wife of the late Sheikh Nasser Sabah al-Ahmad al-Jaber al-Sabah, in Kuwait City yesterday. Sheikha Jawaher also off ered condolences to the ruling family, praying to Allah the Almighty to have mercy on his soul and to rest container it in peace in Paradise, and to inspire his family with patience and solace. PM holds phone talk with French premier HE the Prime Minister and Minister terminal 2 of Interior Sheikh Khalid bin Khalifa bin Abdulaziz al-Thani received z New feat added to Hamad Port’s record of achievements yesterday a phone call from French Prime Minister Jean Castex during which they reviewed bilateral By Santhosh V Perumal The CT2, with berth length of relations and ways to enhance them, Business Reporter 1,200m and a 17m draft alongside, will especially in economy, investment have annual capacity of 2mn TEUs HE the Prime Minister and Interior Minister Sheikh Khalid bin Khalifa bin Abdulaziz al-Thani and other off icials after and energy. They also discussed (twenty-foot equivalent units). inaugurating the initial operations of CT2. co-operation between the two atar’s trade with the world will It “is a new achievement to be added friendly countries regarding the FIFA get a further boost with HE the to Hamad Port’s record of achieve- World Cup Qatar 2022 and the 2024 QPrime Minister and Minister of ments, thus boosting its huge poten- Olympic Games in France as well as Interior Sheikh Khalid bin Khalifa bin tial, modern facilities and advanced the exchange of experiences in this Abdulaziz al-Thani yesterday inaugu- systems for increasing Qatar’s trade regard, besides discussing the most rating the initial operations of the con- with the world, in addition to improv- Hotel quarantine must for more travellers prominent regional and international tainer terminal 2 (CT2), which is poised ing the country’s competitiveness by developments of common concern. to enhance the country’s competitive- transforming it into a regional trade ness. hub with sustainable development for rrivals into Doha on fl ights Voucher if your booking was made on “The 7 night self-funded quar- France to reopen UK border The 403,500sq m CT2 develop- the coming generations,” HE the Min- from the UK, Denmark, Neth- or after December 23, 2020,” it was antine packages are available in In- France will reopen its borders to ment project comprises four phases. ister of Transport and Communica- Aerlands and South Africa must explained. tercontinental Doha Resort (5*) or passengers from England today, Full operation of Phases 1 and 2 will tions Jassim Seif Ahmed al-Sulaiti said have a reservation for an Exclusive “Pre-approved QID resident permit Mercure Grand Doha (4*) for all pas- ending a blockade intended to stop start before the end of 2022; while after the premier inaugurated the ini- Quarantine Hotel, according to infor- holders are able to apply to travel to sengers arriving on fl ights originating the spread of a new coronavirus Phases 3 and 4 will be developed tial operations of CT2. mation on Discover Qatar website. Qatar. You will need to obtain approv- from the UK, South Africa, Nether- variant, but which has held up later to raise the port’s operational The area of Phases 1 and 2 of Ha- “You will not be permitted to board al to enter Qatar by applying through lands and Denmark with bookings thousands of lorries before capacity according to local market’s mad Port’s CT2 is 380,000sq m. Its the aircraft without a UK, DK, NL the Qatar Portal. Applications for a made before 13.00 local time on De- Christmas. needs. quay is 624m long. To Page 12 or ZA Exclusive Quarantine Hotel QID return visa are now open. cember 22.” To Page 6 Gulf Times 2 Wednesday, December 23, 2020 QATAR

Al-Muraikhi meets ambassador of Hungary Amiri Guard commander meets Pakistani chairman of Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee

Amiri Guard Commander Maj Gen Hazza bin Khalil al-Shahwani met yesterday with Chairman of Pakistan’s Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee Gen Nadeem Raza. During the meeting, they reviewed as- pects of co-operation between the two sides, and ways to enhance and develop them. The meeting HE the Minister of State for Foreign Aff airs Sultan bin Saad al-Muraikhi met yesterday with Hungary’s ambassador to Qatar Fodor Barna- was attended by Pakistani ambassador to Qatar, the Pakistani military attache, the Qatari military bas. During the meeting they reviewed bilateral co-operation relations and issues of common concern. attache to Pakistan, and a number of senior Amiri Guard off icers.

Austrian parliamentarian hails Priority patients decision to conduct Shura polls for Covid-19

QNA ation of the renaissance process Vienna the country is witnessing at all levels. vaccination to be Dr Lopatka also emphasised ember of the ruling that the Shura Council elections People’s Party and Vice are of great importance in Qatar, MPresident of the For- given its role in monitoring the eign Relations Committee of the implementation of laws, deci- contacted directly Austrian Parliament Dr Reinhold sions and regulations related to Lopatka hailed His Highness the the government’s powers and Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad competencies and will sup- ith the start of the have vaccination teams dedi- al-Thani’s announcement to port the role of the legislative Qatar’s Covid-19 vac- cated solely to administering the hold the Shura Council elections authority, especially in light of Wcination campaign Covid-19 vaccine and that every in October 2021. He described the expansion of the powers of today, Dr Samya al-Abdulla, ex- eff ort has been made to ensure the decision as a qualitative leap the elected council so that it has ecutive director of operations at patients have a smooth and ef- to consolidate the democratic greater legislative and oversight Primary Health Care Corpora- fi cient experience when visiting process in Qatar. powers that enhance transpar- tion (PHCC), confi rmed that pa- the health centres. Dr Lopatka affi rmed his coun- ency and benefi t the people. tients who are eligible to receive She added that the health try’s readiness to provide all pos- This came during Dr Lopatka’s the vaccination will be contacted centres and nursing teams are sible forms of support to Qatar meeting with ambassador of Qa- directly to arrange their appoint- experienced in providing vac- for the success of these elections, tar to Austria and HE the Perma- ments. cinations as this is a regular part which would enhance the leg- nent Representative of Qatar to “The initial shipment of Pfi z- of their work. Administering and islative process with wider par- the United Nations and Interna- er-BioNTech vaccines arrived receiving the Covid-19 vaccine is ticipation of citizens, pointing tional Organisations in Vienna in Qatar, and provides enough very similar to the seasonal infl u- out that this comes as a continu- Sultan bin Salmeen al-Mansouri. Dr Reinhold Lopatka with HE Sultan bin Salmeen al-Mansouri. vaccines for those people most enza vaccine, which is provided at risk. The Ministry of Public Dr Samya al-Abdulla at all PHCC health centres each Health’s strategy will enable eve- year. ryone in Qatar to be vaccinated by text messages and telephone “It is important to note that against Covid-19 in 2021, but for calls from a PHCC health pro- the Pfi zer and BioNTech vac- Qatar’s embassy delivers aid to flood-affected in Mexico now we must prioritise people fessional to arrange their vacci- cine requires a second shot to most at risk from severe com- nation appointment,” added Dr be given 21 days after the fi rst. plications and death from the al-Abdulla. Our appointment team will book virus,” explained Dr al-Abdulla. In the fi rst phase of the vac- patients in for their second vac- “Initially, vaccines will be cination campaign, the Pfi zer- cination visit and it is essential prioritised for three key popu- BioNTech vaccines will be given that people keep to this date lation groups: people over 70 to the priority population groups and attend their appointment as years of age, people with multi- at seven PHCC health centres: Al planned, as any delay can impact ple chronic conditions, and key Wajbah, Leabaib, Al Ruwais, Um the vaccine’s ability to off er pro- healthcare workers with repeated Slal, Rawdat Al Khail, Al Thu- tection. Full immunity develops The embassy of Qatar to Mex- exposure to Covid-19. Citizens mama and Muaither. around one week after the second ico has delivered a shipment and residents within these pri- Dr al-Abdulla explained that dose of the vaccine,” added Dr al- of humanitarian aid provided ority groups will be contacted each of these health centres will Abdulla. by Qatar to the residents of the areas aff ected by the recent floods in the south of Mexico. The delivery of the MoPH reports 140,129 total Covid recoveries aid was attended by Director- General of European Aff airs at QNA the Mexican Foreign Ministry Doha Bernardo Aguilar, represent- ing Mexico’s foreign minister, and ambassador of Qatar to he Ministry of Public Health Mexico Mohamed bin Jassim (MoPH) announced yes- al-Kuwari. Bernardo Aguilar Tterday 149 new confi rmed thanked the valuable aid cases of coronavirus (Covid-19) provided by Qatar to Mexico, during the last 24 hours, of which especially in these diff icult 122 are from community cases and and exceptional circumstanc- 27 from travellers returning from es. For his part, Ambassador abroad who are subject to quaran- al-Kuwari aff irmed Qatar’s tine. The MoPH also recorded 202 support for the government recoveries from the virus, bringing and people of Mexico. the total number of cases that re- covered in Qatar to 140,129. All new cases have been in- troduced to isolation and are re- ceiving necessary healthcare. Measures to tackle Covid-19 in Qatar have succeeded in fl at- tening the curve and limiting Dreama, Baladna sign partnership agreement the spread of the virus and the number of new daily cases and hospital admissions is continu- QNA egy in support of programmes that ing to decline each week. Qatar’s Doha serve the community, expressing proactive and extensive testing her hope that the product that will of suspected cases has enabled carry ‘Dreama’ logo will be in great the authorities to identify a high he Orphans Care Center demand, because this would rep- number of positive cases in the ‘Dreama’ has signed a resent an opportunity to introduce community. Qatar has one of the Tpartnership agreement the centre’s logo and promote its lowest Covid-19 death rates in with Baladna. Under the agree- image at the national level. the world. ment, Baladna will provide prod- For his part, Managing Direc- ucts carrying the Dreama logo tor of Baladna Mohamed Ramez Authorities arrest five for violating home quarantine requirements alongside the Baladna logo, and al-Khayyat said that the signing part of the profi t from this prod- of the agreement comes within The designated authorities the Ministry of Public Health, to The designated authorities called uct will go to Dreama. the framework of the company’s arrested yesterday five people curb the spread of the Covid-19. on citizens and residents under It is expected that the product social responsibility and the re- who violated the requirements The violators are currently home quarantine to fully commit will be available in shops in early alisation of its vision in support of the home quarantine, they being referred to the designate to the Ministry of Public Health’s 2021, and its launch will be ac- of civil society and its various committed to following, which prosecution, they are: condition, to ensure their safety companied by a major awareness institutions, explaining that this they are legally accountable for, in 1- Siddiq Yanashenty Pur Akkal and the safety of others. They campaign in the media. partnership will provide an op- accordance with the procedures 2- Mahmoud Abdel-Hamid Abdel- added that anyone who violates On this occasion, Acting Execu- Off icials at the agreement signing ceremony. portunity for Baladna to build of the health authorities in Salam Abdel-Ghani the quarantine will be subject tive Director of Dreama Mariam close relations with Dreama and the country. The arrest of the 3- Adel Ahmed Othman Mohisi to article No 253 of Law No 11 bint Ali bin Nasser al-Misnad to strengthen its partnerships ing its orphans. She added that contribute to building a compas- violators came in implementation 4- Mohamed Abdel-Salam of 2004, provisions of Law No expressed her happiness at co- with companies and institutions the agreement also translates the sionate society, while looking of the precautionary measures in Mohamed al-Saadi al-Yafei 17 of 1990 on communicable operating with Baladna, noting in the private sector in order to social responsibility of Baladna forward for more joint co-oper- force in the country, approved by 5- Hazam Butti Mohamed al- diseases, and Law No 17 of 2002 that Dreama Center always seeks achieve the centre’s goals in serv- and achieves its vision and strat- ation in the future. health authorities represented in Aziman al-Qahtani on protecting society. Gulf Times Wednesday, December 23, 2020 3 QATAR

FM meets Russian deputy prime minister, top Russian officials Offi cial

HE the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Aff airs Sheikh Mohamed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani met yesterday with Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian government Yury Borisov, during his visit to Russia. The meeting dealt with reviewing bilateral relations and the means to enhance co-operation in diff erent fields, particularly in the economy and investment fields to increase bilateral trade volume. The two sides also reviewed issues of joint interest. The meeting was attended by HE the Minister of Finance Ali Sherif al-Emadi. HE Sheikh Mohamed also met with Secretary of the Security Council of the Russian Federation Nikolai Patrushev. During the meeting, they reviewed bilateral co-operation relations and issues of common concern. HE the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Aff airs Sheikh Mohamed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani also met Chairman of the State Duma Committee on International Aff airs of the Russian Federation Leonid Slutsky. During the meeting, they reviewed bilateral co-operation relations and issues of common concern. HE Sheikh Mohamed met separately yesterday with Adviser to the Russian President, Deputy Chairman of the Organising Committee-Executive Secretary of the St Petersburg International Economic Forum Anton Kobyakov; CEO of Rosneft Igor Sechin; and Chairman of the Board of Directors of VTB Bank Andrey Kostin. During the meetings, they reviewed bilateral relations and issues of common concern. The meetings were also attended by HE the Minister of Finance Ali Sherif al-Emadi. Qatar Airways off ers passengers full year of fare fl exibility in 2021 atar Airways announced Airline off ers – passengers apply online and tination if they need to. Qatar can enjoy the enhanced privacy yesterday that it will of- unlimited receive the voucher within 48 Airways also remains committed this award-winning business Qfer passengers unlim- hours. to honouring passenger refunds, seat provides, including sliding ited date changes and fee-free changes for travel Qatar Airways Group Chief paying out over $1.65bn since privacy partitions and the op- refunds for all tickets issued Executive, HE Akbar al-Baker, March 2020. tion to use a ‘Do Not Disturb’ before April 30, 2021 for travel completed during said: “Throughout 2020, we When travelling with Qatar indicator. Qsuite is available on completed by December 31, 2021. 2021 and fee-free have provided customers the Airways in 2021, passengers can fl ights to more than 30 destina- Date and destination changes are ability to modify travel without expect the highest levels of safe- tions including Frankfurt, Kuala off ered within the same booking refunds penalties as a result of the dis- ty throughout their journey. The Lumpur, London and New York. class. Fare rules apply. terday. The airline is also making ruption to global travel caused airline’s onboard safety meas- For full details of all the meas- The airline’s latest enhance- the option to exchange tickets by Covid-19. As we look forward ures include the provision of ures that have been implement- ment to its industry-leading for a travel voucher with 10% to the possibilities of travelling Personal Protective Equipment ed onboard and at HIA, please fl exible booking policy has been additional value a permanent again next year, Qatar Airways The national carrier of Qatar frequencies being added to key for cabin crew and a compli- visit qatarairways.com/safety. designed to continue providing feature for all customers book- will continue to be by our pas- continues to rebuild its network, hubs, Qatar Airways off ers un- mentary protective kit and dis- For full terms and conditions customers with peace of mind ing travel via qatarairways.com. sengers’ side, off ering continued which currently stands at over rivalled connectivity to passen- posable face shields for passen- of unlimited date changes and that they can change their plans The process for redeeming a fl exibility throughout 2021 as 100 destinations increasing to gers, making it easy for them to gers. Business Class passengers fee-free refunds, visit qatarai- with ease, a statement said yes- travel voucher is quick and easy the airline they can rely on.” 126 by March 2021. With more change their travel dates or des- on aircraft equipped with Qsuite rways.com/Flexibility. Qatar Charity initiative to benefi t QF schools off er children a 1,200 students in northern Syria unique learning experience arents across Qatar will atar Charity (QC) launched non-formal education service have the chance to explore the ‘Support Non-Formal (accelerated education) in the Pwhat Qatar Foundation’s QEducation Activities (ALP northern and eastern country- (QF) diverse range of schools Courses) for Out-of-School Chil- side of Aleppo. can off er their children next dren’ project in northern Syria, QC has also appointed quali- month – from their own homes. which is expected to benefi t some fi ed academic personnel and A virtual event organised by QF’s 1,200 students in Azaz and Al- trained them for ALP courses. It Pre-University Education (PUE) Bab. The project, in partnership also distributed ALP textbooks, will provide the opportunity to with the Syria Cross-border Hu- school bags, and stationery sup- meet representatives from all 15 manitarian Fund (SCHF) of the Of- plies to children, and provided schools within the organisation’s fi ce for the Co-ordination of Hu- psychological support and case education ecosystem, and learn manitarian Aff airs (OCHA), aims management services, in ad- more about its academic land- to bring back children to schools dition to activating a referral scape from a series of webinars. by applying the accelerated learn- mechanism to identify and re- Discover PUE, which will be ing method. spond to out-of-school children. held from 10am-6pm on Janu- Such move will reduce the Besides, QC also worked on pro- ary 13, is designed to give parents education gap for these children viding operating costs, and fuel information about, and insight Discover PUE is designed to give parents information about, and using a special curriculum (‘Cur- for heating and transportation Qualified academic personnel have been trained for ALP courses. into, QF’s wide range of schools insight into, QF’s wide range of schools and specialised centres. riculum B’ developed by Unicef) for children with special needs. and specialised centres as they and they will be able to attend The project received a great re- schools, after providing the nec- riages, especially in camps, led to make decisions over where their formal education next year after sponse from children in the areas essary support for them. A large the deprivation of girls of com- children should begin their edu- receiving the necessary care and of intervention where the reg- number of Syrian children were pleting their education. As the cational journey. The interactive education. QC’s intervention is istration was completed in just out-of-school due to the chal- humanitarian catastrophe con- event will also allow them hear qualitative in these areas where it one week. QC has co-ordinated lenging economic conditions in tinued, the gap between out-of- from alumni of QF’s schools and restored the fi rst two temporary with the education directorates the country as it goes through a school children and those who how they are still part of the PUE education centres that provide to enrol these children in public prolonged crisis. Also, early mar- are in school has widened. community. “Through Discover PUE, we are opening up our schools to parents in virtual form so they can fi nd out for themselves how an education at QF cultivates a child’s talents and capabilities, empowers them to become a life- long learner, and sets them on a diverse, inclusive community team, and the Academic Aff airs the path to realising their full po- that preserves and nurtures Qa- department, which includes tential,” said Vicki Wright, head tari culture and values.” co-curricular and extramural of admissions at PUE. Discover PUE is also open to activities and support for gifted “This is an opportunity to hear carers, educators, and anyone students. from our team of specialist edu- who would like to fi nd out more Meanwhile, topics covered by cators how our schools support about pre-university education the event’s series of 10 live we- children not only to learn in an at QF. Those attending will also binars – all of which will allow educational environment of the have access to 19 booths, and those attending to pose ques- highest quality, but also to grow be able to chat with representa- tions to PUE educators – will in- intellectually, socially, and emo- tives from specialised PUE de- clude inclusive learning models, tionally. partments and centres, includ- the International Baccalaureate, “Discover PUE will also show- ing the Education Development dual language learning, progres- QC’s ALP project is expected to benefit some 1,200 students in Azaz QC’s project aims to bring back children to schools by applying the case how enrolling your child in Institute, The Learning Centre, sive education, and parental en- and Al-Bab. accelerated learning method. a QF school makes them part of Thimun Qatar, the Admissions gagement. Gulf Times 4 Wednesday, December 23, 2020 QATAR MoI organises awareness Prominent Indian expatriate talk on crime prevention M S Bukhari passes away S Bukhari (57), a promi- nent Indian community n awareness seminar by and penalties. While referring Mmember and a leading the Ministry of Interior to the incidents where workers businessman in Qatar, passed A(MoI) yesterday has un- resort into strikes due to lack of away on Monday night in Doha. derscored the need to follow the payment, al-Kubaisi said this is He is survived by his wife Sophia rules and regulations to ensure prohibited by the law. He fur- and daughter Symaa. Bukhari’s public safety and security. The ther asked them to approach burial took place yesterday at Abu virtual seminar was organised the authorities and seek legal Hamour. The family will receive by the Capital Security Depart- action. He also warned against condolences today and tomorrow ment in co-operation with the trusting rumours instead of from 5pm-9pm at their house lo- Public Relations Department taking news from their authen- cated at Zone 64, street 555 and of the MoI on ‘Crime Preven- tic sources. “Some of the in- villa No 3. tion and Joint Responsibil- dividuals are holding business Hailing from Bhopal in India, ity in Maintaining Security and activities without a licence. Bukhari was a Qatar resident for Safety and Enhancing Security This will draw action including about three decades. A former Sense’. confiscation of goods and pen- chairman of Indian Sports Cen- M S Bukhari Assistant director of the de- alties,” he said. tre, an apex body under Indian partment Lt Col Saqr Khamis The official urged expatriates embassy, he was also the founder aff airs as well as his contributions of the Urdu language and had pat- al-Kubaisi, during the seminar, to adhere to the laws and be- member of Ideal Indian School as to the welfare of the community. ronised several Urdu programmes highlighted the efforts being come aware of the customs and well as a life member of Birla Pub- Besides being a leading business- and writers. taken by the ministry to pre- Lt Col Saqr Khamis al-Kubaisi attending the virtual seminar. traditions of the country where lic School. He was the managing man, Bukhari was active in several Bukhari was also well known for vent the spread of Covid-19 by they live. He further explained director of Satco International and areas such as arts and sports. He his philanthropic feats as he was in implementing a host of meas- number of travellers in vehicles. the authorities in order to pre- various laws regarding theft was a partner in several other busi- had actively supported a number the forefront of helping the needy. ures including social distanc- He said that the public is vent the spread of virus adding and check fraud and asked the ness groups. Bukhari’s friends and of sporting events in Qatar and He has won several national and ing, wearing masks, install- obliged to strictly adhere to that the violators will face ac- residents to abstain from street close associates highlighted his had promoted many community international awards, including ing Ehteraz and restricting the the measures put in place by tion including imprisonment vending. active involvement in community sports events. He was a big lover NRI Achievers Excellence Award. Public Prosecution device gets Mada accreditation

QNA Doha

self-service device, which was developed by the Public AProsecution and would pro- vide electronic services for people with special needs, has won the the accreditation of Mada (Assistive Technology Center Qatar) for digital accessibility. The device, a product of innovative technologies, provides self-service to the blind. The self-service device provides She added that receiving the accredi- electronic services that wouldn’t re- tation refl ected the commitment of quire the aid of any employees. The the Public Prosecution to supporting device has keyboards that suit the people with disabilities, and comes needs of people and would provide in the framework of realising one of them with the full functionality to Qatar National Vision 2030 goals of complete the services they need. The providing electronic services to all device also allows the use of voice segments of society. commands as well. CEO of the Qatar Assistive Tech- Director of the Information Sys- nology Center (Mada) Maha al- tem Department at the Public Pros- Mansouri praised the cooperation ecution, Mariam Hajji Abdulla said between the centre and the Public that getting the accreditation was an Prosecution, based on their keen- important achievement and repre- ness to enhance the opportunities sents a qualitative leap in the qual- and accessibility of information and ity of service provided by the Public communication technology in Qatar Prosecution to the public. She added and the world. Mada Center provides The Public Prosecution has won the accreditation of Mada for its self- that there are currently 14 of those several services and activities to vari- service machine (SSM) for the visually impaired. The SSM helps them to devices located in areas where the ous governmental and non-govern- easily access the services of the Public Prosecution without the need for public would go to seek services. mental agencies to enhance its role as assistance from others. She noted that the public prosecu- a strategic enabler in ICT accessibil- tion started using those devices in ity by developing the capabilities of was approved in 2019 as a result of to the digital platforms of the Public 2014, but this year saw the second various sectors, she explained. the eff orts made and the commit- Prosecution, starting with the self- edition of them which saw improved Al-Mansouri noted that the co- ment of the Public Prosecution team service device (kiosk) as the two par- services that made it more suit- operation between the centre and to apply global digital accessibil- ties cooperated from the beginning of able for people with disabilities. She the Public Prosecution began in 2018 ity standards, and after passing the the project in all design stages, evalu- highlighted that HE the Attorney- through work between Mada’s dig- technical and usage evaluation. ation, and accreditation, indicating General Dr Ali bin Fetais al-Marri is- ital access team and the ICT manage- Al-Mansouri explained that after that this accreditation is an addition sued directives to ensure that people ment team of the Public Prosecution monitoring the good impact of ap- to the digital accessibility achieve- with disabilities get easy access to to improve and enable access to in- plying digital accessibility standards ments of Qatar, which ranked fi rst services by developing the self-serv- formation and services on the Pub- on the website on persons with dis- in the world according to the Digital ice system and ensuring it can meet lic Prosecution’s website. She added abilities and the elderly, work was Accessibility Rights Evaluation In- the needs of people with disabilities. that the Public Prosecution’s website launched to update and enable access dex. Katara to launch Braille print house

Katara – the Cultural Village has announced that it is set to launch the first specialised print house in Braille writing system for the benefit of the visually impaired in Qatar and the Arab World, as part of the expansion plans of Katara Publishing House. These plans include an initiative to print 100 books in Braille System during 2021, comprising stories and novels for children and teenagers. Katara general manager Dr Khalid bin Ibrahim al-Sulaiti pointed out that this initiative is part of Katara’s corporate social responsibility and to complement the role undertaken by the off icial entities in the country to provide the target group with the necessary educational and intellectual content that would help them develop their skills and continue their education.

SAB honours employees and entities in tender supervision

The State Audit Bureau (SAB) held a ceremony to honour a number of its employees and entities, who participated in the supervision of tender and auction committee programme and its procedures, which was organised by the SAB’s Center of Excellence for Training and Development during the year 2020. In his speech during the ceremony, Assistant-President for Projects & Contracts Audit Abdulaziz al-Khalifa said that the Audit Bureau’s strategy gives priority to investing in the human element in order to build national expertise and competencies in the field of supervisory work, through the various programmes offered by the Center of Excellence for Training and Development for employees of the Bureau and employees of the outfits under its supervision, in addition to programmes for university and college students in the country. Al-Khalifa added that training and continuous training are the guarantor to keep pace with the rapid developments in the field of regulatory work, which enhances efforts to preserve public finance and ensure optimal use of resources. At the end of the ceremony, the assistant- president honoured the participating employees of the entities under its supervision by granting them certificates. Gulf Times Wednesday, December 23, 2020 5 QATAR LuLu Hypermarket hosts second edition of ‘Let’s Eatalian’ uLu Hypermarket Qatar from Italy under the association, es, spices, condiments, and many and the Italian embassy, as well launched the second edi- Coldiretti, are able to get access more. as our partners in Italy, we have Ltion of ‘Let’s Eatalian - to consumers in Qatar by provid- The pre-defi ned second phase almost tripled our volumes now, Italian ambassador Alessandro Prunas and Director of LuLu Hypermarkets Dr Mohamed Althaf lead the Authentically Italian Products ing them high quality, yet aff ord- of the promotional campaign, but the best results will come ribbon-cutting ceremony together with ITA and LuLu Hypermarket off icials. Promotion in Qatar 2020-2021’ able Italian products.” which will run until December very soon.” yesterday, in collaboration with The festival, in its totality, 26, is dedicated to the Italian Italian cuisine is character- the Italian Trade Agency (ITA), will run approximately for a year culinary and food tradition and ised by its simplicity, with many the Ministry of Foreign Affairs starting from October 2020 till largely focused on boosting the dishes having only two to four and International Co-opera- September 2021 in four quarterly sales of authentic Italian food main ingredients. Italian cooks tion, and Trade Promotion Sec- editions strictly in line with the products in Qatar. rely chiefl y on the quality of the tion of the Italian embassy in blueprint set by the ITA and the LuLu Hypermarket has been ingredients rather than on elabo- Qatar. Italian embassy. conducting Italian Festival since rate preparation. The event was inaugurated The promotional campaign last 16 years in succession. LuLu Pasta, vegetables, olive oil and at LuLu Hypermarket, Al Mes- has showcased a wide range of Hypermarket has long-standing fi sh are a major part of the Ital- sila branch by Italian ambassador Italian products at very attractive business relations with many ian cuisine. With Italian food Alessandro Prunas, in the pres- prices at all LuLu Hypermarkets, Italian companies and has been trending worldwide, it is a great ence of the ITA commissioner and customers will have the op- importing Italian products since opportunity to explore a wide Giosafat Rigano, director of LuLu portunity to discover the rich 2004 in Qatar. range of new products, favourite Hypermarkets Dr Mohamed Al- food of Italy through tasting and Rigano said: “Our F&B exports classics and time-tested popular thaf, and offi cials from ITA, Ital- sampling. to Qatar grew by 3.5% or almost brands of foods. ian embassy, LuLu Hypermarket, Customers could buy freshly €33mn in the fi rst 10 months of With a view to make the Ital- and dignitaries from various Ital- made pizzas, pastas, lasagna, this year, which is a good sign ian food more popular among ian companies operating in Qa- tiramisu, and many other popu- considering the global conditions the local community, LuLu Hy- tar. lar Italian delicacies, as well as economies worldwide are experi- permarket has initiated extensive Prunas said: “Our partnership canned vegetables, pasta, rice, encing.” promotional campaign through with LuLu Hypermarket serves cheese and dairy products, bis- Althaf added: “We had tre- instore branding, newspaper and Italian ambassador Alessandro Prunas off iciates the cake-cutting ceremony while Director of LuLu as a bridge between Italy and Qa- cuits, coff ee, olive oil, fresh fruit mendous response from our con- radio ads, social media, booklets, Hypermarkets Dr Mohamed Althaf, ITA commissioner Giosafat Rigano, and other dignitaries look on. tar. Through LuLu, small farmers and vegetables, chocolate, sauc- sumers; with the help of the ITA and google ads. PICTURES: Jayan Orma Arab youth exchange views on marriage, challenges

QNA Director Dr Sharifa Numan al- of these discussions ahead of the economic impact of the Covid-19 Doha Emadi stressed on the importance upcoming international confer- pandemic on marriage in Jordan of creating a social infrastructure ence titled, ‘Marriage: Formation and the impact of modern tech- that supports the healthy mar- and Constituents of Stability’ in nologies and social media on mar- he Doha International riages, pointing out that marriage February 2021. ital life, in addition to the steps Family Institute (Difi ), a is the basis of a healthy family and Regarding the discussion ses- that countries can take to address Tmember of the Qatar Foun- a strong society. sion held in Morocco, professor of these challenges. dation for Education, Science and “With the change in percep- higher education at the National The third session that was held Community Development, or- tions and attitudes towards mar- Institute for Social Action in Tan- in Qatar. Nadia Darwish of the ganised a series of regional youth riage, and the changes that the giers Thouria Hossam said that Qatar Debate Center stated that discussion sessions in three Arab marriage institution is witnessing the session reviewed important this session provided an oppor- countries under the title ‘Youth due to the formative changes that opinions of married and unmar- tunity for young people to review Views on Marriage and Its Chal- are occurring in today’s societies, ried young people between the the challenges they face in mar- lenges’. and the emerging social trends, ages of 18 and 30 years, which re- riage since they are directly in- The fi rst session was held in there is a need to change the per- sulted in a very rich workshop that volved in these diffi culties in the Morocco, in co-operation with ception of young people towards took longer time than it is planned diff erent environments and cir- the National Institute for Social this institution,” she said, not- because of the enthusiasm and cumstances. action in Tangiers, while the sec- ing that such discussion sessions participation of the attendees. She added that such discussion ond was held in Jordan, in part- give us an in-depth look at the Regarding the discussion ses- sessions will make them more ef- nership with the National Council views of a future generation about sion held in Jordan, Project Man- fective in the real life. As young for Family Aff airs. The last session marriage. This helps in providing ager at East and West Center for people, opinions will be taken into was held in Qatar, in co-operation appropriate policies and support Sustainable Development (WE account during the decision-mak- with the Qatar Debate Center. systems. Center) Afnan Haloush, said that ing of the state, besides their dis- The participants of the discus- Dr Sharifa al-Emadi expressed the researchers asked questions cussion on the current problems sion sessions were from diff erent her happiness with what she that infl uenced the dialogue and and challenges of youth whether Arab countries, who exchanged found from the participating Arab allowed the participants to dis- customs and traditions or the views on marriage, their aspira- youth and their deep understand- cuss the topic from diff erent traditional and non-traditional tions, the social and economic ing and advanced thinking, which points of view, think about it and methods of choosing a partner, the factors that they believe aff ect added momentum and diversity express their opinions comfort- importance of marriage and who is The participants were from diff erent Arab countries, who exchanged views on marriage, their aspirations, marital relations, and the chal- to the discussions, expressing ably, explaining that the discus- responsible for it and the reasons the social and economic factors that they believe aff ect marital relations, and the challenges they face. lenges they face. Difi Executive her aspiration to share the results sion touched on the social and for delaying marriage. MME plants trees with Polish embassy

The Ministry of Municipality and Environment’s Public Gardens Department in co-operation with the embassy of Poland in Doha has organised a tree-planting initiative at Onaiza Family Park within the one-million tree planting initiative. The Polish ambassador to Qatar Janusz Janke took part alongside Mohamed Ali al-Khori, director of the Public Gardens Department, besides a number of off icials and staff at the department. A number of saplings that are suitable for the local climate were planted. Gulf Times 6 Wednesday, December 23, 2020 QATAR WCM-Q’s Lifestyle NBK Auto off er on Mercedes-Benz Medicine Week draws vehicle suspensions

asser Bin Khaled (NBK) big response online Automobiles, the au- Nthorised general dis- tributor of Mercedes-Benz in ecord numbers of participants took Qatar, launched a special off er part in this year’s edition of Lifestyle on Mercedes-Benz vehicle sus- RMedicine Week, an annual initiative by pensions. the Institute for Population Health (IPH) at Mercedes-Benz owners can Weill Cornell Medicine – Qatar (WCM-Q). now avail this special off er and Taking place entirely online for the fi rst get the suspension of their cars time since its launch in 2018, the week- changed at special prices at long series of events drew participants from any of NBK Automobiles/Mer- all over Qatar and beyond to take part in a cedes-Benz workshops. The healthy cooking competition, learn stress off er is valid until January 16 management techniques, connect with oth- on selected Mercedes-Benz ve- ers through an online trivia quiz, and join in hicles with models range from with live physical activity sessions. 2010 until 2020. Lifestyle Medicine Week is the centre- Sheikh Faleh bin Nawaf piece event of a series of initiatives run by al-Thani, managing director the IPH throughout the year, all of which – Auto, at Nasser Bin Khaled are designed to empower people to adopt Group said: “The suspension healthy lifestyle habits in order to promote off er is one of a series that NBK well-being and prevent or help control non- Automobiles has launched on communicable diseases like obesity, type 2 the occasion of Qatar National diabetes, hypertension and many others. All of the initiatives co-ordinated by the Dr Sohaila Cheema, assistant dean, In- Day. We are always committed Dr Ravinder Mamtani, vice dean for IPH team follow the latest evidence-based stitute for Population Health/assistant pro- to support our loyal custom- Student Aff airs-Admissions, Population research to optimise their eff ectiveness. The fessor of Population Health Sciences, said: ers with various deals that help Health, and Lifestyle Medicine at WCM-Q, team also conducts its own research, off ers “Lifestyle Medicine Week emphasises the them maintain their vehicle at said: “We are truly amazed at the number of certifi cate courses in lifestyle medicine for importance of viewing and pursuing health best costs.” people who took part in this year’s Lifestyle healthcare professionals, and runs com- in a holistic manner and social connected- Ihab El Feky, director, NBK Medicine Week, with people showing great munity outreach programmes with local ness is a key element of this approach. When Auto said: “Our workshops are enthusiasm to learn the best ways to look schools and businesses to raise awareness we are socially connected, we feel happier ready to support Mercedes- maintenance service via tele- rafa open from Saturday through after their own health and that of their fam- of a wide variety of health issues, from road and far more motivated to follow healthy Benz owners to change the sus- phone 4496 0000, e-mail mer- Wednesday, from 7am to mid- ily members. Research shows that following safety to nutrition. lifestyle habits, and by giving and receiving pension of their cars at special [email protected] or on- night, and on Thursdays from simple habits like taking regular exercise, Given the need to follow physical distanc- moral support we can boost our self-esteem rates. It is a good opportunity line booking on the website. 7am-5pm. getting enough sleep, eating a healthy and ing protocols during the Covid-19 pandem- and mental health. The IPH team strongly to start the new year with well- The main Mercedes-Benz Established in 1957, NBK Au- well-balanced diet, avoiding tobacco and ic, this year’s Lifestyle Medicine Week had encourages everyone to make the best use maintained vehicle and leverage service centre at Industrial area tomobiles is Qatar’s exclusive other risky substances, and managing stress a special focus on the importance of social of online communications platforms to stay from great discounts on parts opens from Saturday through distributor of three of the world’s are incredibly powerful tools for maintain- connectedness for maintaining good mental connected with family and friends during and labour charges”. Thursday, from 8am to 6pm, most respected, iconic brands: ing good health.” health. the Covid-19 pandemic.” Customers can book an ap- while the other branches at Al- Mercedes-Maybach, Mercedes- pointment for their vehicles’ mana petrol station and Al Ghar- Benz and Mercedes-AMG. Lecture throws light on Lekhwiya Force strategy

HE the Undersecretary of the Ministry of at the Joaan bin Jassim Joint Command discussion on the most important points Interior and Commander of the Lekhwiya and Staff College. The college hosted the related to national security took place in MME cleans up Doha Corniche Force Major General Abdulaziz bin Faisal al- lecture by HE the Undersecretary of the the presence of the participants, including Thani delivered a lecture on ‘Lekhwiya Force Ministry of Interior as part of the National senior employees of the various ministries strategy and its national security position’ Defence Course No 1. After the lecture, a and state institutions and security agencies.

The Ministry of Municipality and Environment (MME)’s General Cleanliness Department removed as much as 56.2 tonnes of waste from Doha Corniche after the completion of the recent Qatar National Day celebrations. The department had prepared an exceptional plan to tackle such a task, including preparing the necessary field teams, dividing the work into three shifts around the clock during the weekend to clean the targeted locations and roads, besides providing the necessary equipment and additional garbage containers.

Hotel quarantine must for more travellers

From Page 1 your original quarantine hotel will be or Denmark Quarantine hotel Quaran- eligible for a refund claim. After 6am tine hotel voucher to be permitted to The details on Discover Qatar web- local time on 23 December you will be board a fl ight departing from the UK, site are as follows: “If you have al- required to pay any additional costs South Africa, Netherlands or Denmark. ready made your hotel reservation in between your original hotel booked “Any bookings made on or after a diff erent hotel, and are arriving be- and either of the mandatory UK, South 13.00 local time 22 December not in fore 6am local time on 23 December, Africa, Netherlands or Denmark Quar- a UK, South Africa, Netherlands or your reservation will be automatically antine hotels, if there is a price dif- Denmark Quarantine hotel for a fl ight transferred upon arrival. ference. Equally you will be eligible originating in the UK, South Africa, “If you have already made your ho- to claim for a refund if your original Netherlands or Denmark will be can- tel reservation in a diff erent hotel, and quarantine booking was more expen- celled at 100% cancellation fee. are arriving after 6am local time on 23 sive than the options available. “If you are not on a fl ight from the December, you will need to contact us “All new bookings made on or after UK, South Africa, Netherlands or before departure to change your hotel. 13.00 local time 22 December will be Denmark you should not book a UK, You will receive a new UK, South Af- required to book a UK, South Africa, South Africa, Netherlands or Denmark rica, Netherlands or Denmark Quar- Netherlands or Denmark Quarantine Quarantine hotel for your mandatory antine hotel voucher. You will need to hotel Quarantine hotel for your man- quarantine stay in Qatar; you will not present this voucher to be permitted to datory quarantine stay in Qatar. be permitted to check in unless your board your fl ight. “All new bookings from 13.00 local boarding pass states your journey “For arrivals up to 6am on 23 De- time 22 December will be required to commenced in the UK, and you will cember any diff erences in the cost of present a UK, South Africa, Netherlands not be entitled to a refund.”

Art contest deadline on December 31

he Visual Arts Centre an- ing the Covid-19 pandemic, their co- express the theme of the competition, nounced that entries to its com- operation and dedication to serve the taking into account the special iden- Tpetition, ‘The Crescent Draws country, local Arabic daily Arrayah tity of QRCS, its logo, the volunteers’ Hope’, being held in co-operation with reported. uniform, highlighting the humanitar- the Qatar Red Crescent Society (QRCS) Entries will be accepted from those ian mission and the seven principles will be received until December 31. between 14 to 35 years, and the size of of humanity, impartiality, unity, inde- The contest aims to highlight the the artwork should not be less than pendence, universality, neutrality, and sacrifi ces of QRCS volunteers in fac- 40cm x 30cm. The artworks should volunteer service. Gulf Times Wednesday, December 23, 2020 7 QATAR

Gharrafat Al Rayyan Interchange tunnel closure QRCS, Ajial Qatar conclude forum

atar Red Crescent Society (QRCS) sibility and helping others. and Ajial Qatar yesterday conclud- She lauded the efforts by Ajial Qatar Qed the 4th Ajial Forum, which was and other partners in the event: the Min- attended by 20 students at the Sharq Vil- istry of Interior’s General Directorate of lage and Spa, under the theme of ‘Doing Civil Defence and General Directorate of Good to Others’. Traffic, the Ministry of Municipality and The closing ceremony was attended by Environment’s (MME) Public Parks De- QRCS’ Volunteering and Local Develop- partment, and the Sharq Village and Spa ment executive director Muna Fadel al- (host). Sulaiti, Community Development head Hamdan stated that the event played a Mooza Mohamed al-Kuwari, project ex- key role in developing the personalities of pert and event manager Huda Abdul-Latif the participants. The workshops and ac- Hamdan, Ajial Qatar director general Faisal tivities focused on the Islamic, human, al-Qahtani, and Hassan Yousef al-Mulla, and national values, mainly the principles businessman and a contributor to QRCS’s of volunteerism, proactive benevolence, The Public Works Authority (Ashghal) has announced closure of Covid-19 control eff orts. and serving the country. This was evident Gharrafat Al Rayyan Interchange tunnel for three weeks starting from Al-Sulaiti said the forum has the po- in the activities done by the students, such tomorrow (Thursday) midnight until January 14. The closure in co- tential to be a prominent event in the GCC as tree planting, traffi c awareness and civil ordination with the General Directorate of Traff ic is to complete the region and all over the world as it instils in defence lectures, and fi rst-aid workshops surface water drainage network as part of Khalifa Avenue Project. During the young generation human ideals, crisis to help injuries and manage any emergency the closure, road users coming from Gharrafat Al Rayyan and heading The Ajial Forum participants with off icials at the conclusion. management skills, and a sense of respon- or accident, she added. towards Doha will be directed to the signalised Gharrafat Al Rayyan Intersection. Road users coming from Doha and heading towards Strong winds Dukhan will be directed to the service road of Al Luqta Street. Ashghal will Partial closure of left turns and cold spell install road signs advising motorists of the temporary closure and urged Traffic awareness drive all to follow them and abide by the speed limit to ensure safety. on Mehairja Intersection forecast The Qatar Meteorology Closure of part of Al Oqda Department has forecast strong winds, high waves Street in both directions and a drop in tempera- ture on Friday and Satur- day and urged to avoid all marine activities. The dip in mercury is expected especially dur- ing the night and early morning. The maximum temperature is to range between 20C and 24C and the minimum between 11C and 18C and Off icials from the General Directorate of Traff ic visited the Ajial lower in the southern Education Centre as part of an awareness drive. Students were and exterior areas. taught about common traff ic errors and duties of traff ic off icers. Fresh to strong north- westerly wind is expected to aff ect the country The Public Works Authority (Ashghal) has announced a three-month between Friday morning partial closure of all left turns on Mehairja Intersection and the access and Saturday evening, The Public Works Authority (Ashghal) has announced the closure of between Mehairja Street and the Wholesale Market Street from ranging between 12-22kt, the part of Al Oqda Street in both directions from its intersection with December 25. The closure in co-ordination with the General Directorate gusting 30kt at times in Al Khor Road towards Al Farkiyyah Beach from December 25 for seven of Traff ic is to enable the revamp works of the vital junction. Road users some areas, causing blow- days. The closure in co-ordination with the General Directorate of Traff ic coming from Mehairja Street and heading to Al Sadd through Al Waab ing dust and low visibility is to complete the final layer of asphalt works on Al Oqda Street as part street are advised to use U-turn on Sport City Intersection to joint traff ic below 3km in most areas. of the road development project around Al Bayt Stadium. Commuters to Al Sadd. Road users coming from the Wholesale Market Street and Sea waves are expected can use Ahmad bin Jassim Street or any of the side roads of Al Khor heading to Muaither through Al Waab Street are advised to use U-turn to rise and range be- Road to reach their destinations. Ashghal will install road signs advising on Al Waab Interchange. Al Waab street road users are advised to use tween 4-8ft, reaching motorists of the temporary closure and urged all to follow them and U-turn on Al Waab IC and Sports City Intersection instead of the left 12ft at some places. abide by the speed limit to ensure safety. turns on Mehairja Intersection. Gulf Times 8 Wednesday, December 23, 2020 QATAR AMNM: an exciting new phase in Qatar’s health journey

By Joey Aguilar in the country,” she told Gulf She noted that AMNM will Staff Reporter Times, adding that the launch introduce other medical speci- of the NHS 2018-2022 marked alities such as ophthalmology, the beginning of an important plastic surgery, additional den- ntroducing new medical spe- and exciting new phase in Qatar’s tistry specialities and Executive cialities such as Executive health journey. Health in 2021. IHealth to the region enhances Dr Adam highlighted the im- Dr Adam also underscored Qatar’s position as a hub for pre- portance of having world-class the vital role of having highly mium medical services and med- evidence-based medical services credentialed allied health pro- ical tourism, Alfardan Medical in Internal Medicine, Gastroen- fessionals to provide advanced with Northwestern Medicine’s terology, ENT, Orthopaedics and medical care and premium serv- (AMNM) chief medical offi cer Dr Rehabilitation, Dermatology, ices. Jessica Adam said. Dentistry, Reproductive Medi- “AMNM’s vision is to become “As part of the National cine and In Vitro Fertilisation, the trusted and innovative, next- Health Strategy (NHS) 2018- Gynaecology, Anaesthesiol- generation healthcare provider 2022, Qatar’s vision is to build ogy and Diagnostic Imaging, and in Qatar and beyond. Building on on the signifi cant expansion of Laboratory Medicine (all off ered Alfardan Group’s legacy in pre- the country’s health services at AMNM) – which is expected mier leadership in luxury expe- while improving the health and to further boost Qatar’s medical riences, AMNM aims to position healthcare services for everyone tourism. and cement Qatar as a regional hub for premium medical servic- es and enhance its prominence in A pioneering step for Qatari market international medical tourism,” she said. AMNM’s Executive Health and bring forth the concept “We operate an American services off er a personalised of long-term wellness. This model in advanced and evidence- medical assessment, which is especially important for based medicine practices, backed determines the presence executives, business owners by highly credentialed physicians or absence of risk factors and entrepreneurs with busy and allied health professionals associated with diseases of high schedules or individuals who practising in a complete patient- complexity through a series seek comprehensive care in an centric approach, incorporating of tests and procedures of eff iciently organised schedule a multi-disciplinary approach early detection and diagnosis, to help maintain good health in to patient care,” Dr Adam said. made by a highly qualified and years to come. “This entails a seamless health- experienced multidisciplinary The partnership between care journey for the well-being of medical team that incorporate Alfardan Group and US-based patients through infrastructure, lifestyle assessments related to Northwestern Medicine architecture, and services.” nutrition and exercise. for AMNM leverages both She noted that AMNM’s com- The goals of AMNM’s Executive organisations’ complementary mitment to excellence is rooted AMNM is responsible for the selection of medical staff and specialists, in collaboration with Northwestern Medicine. Health service are to determine strengths: Alfardan Group’s in advanced medicine: off ering risk factors and pre-empt legacy and scale in off ering the top-quality level of healthcare Drug Administration approved medical staff and specialists, in Dr Adam said the ambula- lenges in opening an ambulatory potential health problems hospitality and luxury and following the continuous ad- equipment,” Dr Adam said. collaboration with Northwest- tory care centre – following the care centre in Qatar amid a pan- before they occur, provide experiences, and Northwestern vancement in the medical fi eld. She added that the ambulatory ern Medicine and based on their guidelines set by the Ministry of demic, she said: “Opening a new expert personal healthcare Medicine’s longstanding history “Moreover, benefi ting from care centre’s world-class health- stringent talent recruitment and Public Health – ensures that the healthcare facility during a pan- for conditions, illnesses, and leadership in the medical the interdisciplinary collabora- care services are powered by a development standards. right protective measures and demic is not easy, but our strong and injuries, and promote field. tion between the diff erent de- multinational collective of spe- About the impact of the coro- policies are in place to safeguard commitment and dedication to general health, including The co-operation between partments at AMNM and support cialised medical staff and pro- navirus (Covid-19) pandemic everyone’s well-being. These serving the community and pro- nutrition, fitness, and stress Alfardan Group and from Northwestern Medicine in fessionals from leading markets, to medical institutions such include temperature check and viding service excellence, even in management. Northwestern Medicine is built Chicago when needed, patients including a large contingent from as AMNM, she said ensuring symptom screening, wearing of times of uncertainty, has com- AMNM’s Executive Health on the shared values of service receive high-quality medical the US or US-trained profession- and taking responsibility of the face mask, frequent sterilisation, pelled us to ensure that AMNM services mark a pioneering excellence and delivering care from outstanding doctors als. health and safety of their em- sanitisation, and social distanc- is ready to welcome patients. We step for the Qatari market world-class experiences. and friendly medical staff using According to Dr Adam, AMNM ployees and patients within their ing, among others. were able to start operating with state-of-the-art, USA Food and is responsible for the selection of premises have become a priority. About addressing the chal- the support of MoPH.”

Dr Jessica Adam Premium medical services at AMNM.

The ambulatory care centre’s world-class healthcare services are powered by a multinational collective of specialised medical staff and professionals from leading markets. Meet the healthcare Providers.

The ambulatory care centre – following the guidelines set by the Ministry of Public Health – ensures that the right protective measures and policies are in place to Highly credentialed allied health professionals at AMNM. safeguard everyone’s well-being. AMNM’s Executive Health services mark a pioneering step for the Qatari market. Gulf Times Wednesday, December 23, 2020 9 WORLD

Coronavirus reaches the end of earth as outbreak hits Antarctica

Reuters quarantine staff from a remote ing maintenance at the base. in Magallanes, in Chilean Pat- Researchers with the British An army press offi cer said the Much of the area, blasted by Santiago research station surrounded by The permanently-staff ed agonia, the army said. Antarctic Survey estimate about fi rst Covid-19 cases had been re- cold winds off the ocean, moun- ocean and icebergs. research station, operated by Research and military stations 1,000 people at 38 stations across ported in mid-December, when tains and glaciers, has been under The Covid-19 respiratory dis- Chile’s army, lies near the tip of a in Antarctica – among the most the frozen continent had safely two soldiers fell ill. quarantine for months. he coronavirus has landed ease is caused by the coronavirus. peninsula in northernmost Ant- remote in the world – had gone navigated the southern hemi- The Magallanes region, one Chile’s navy reported it too had in Antarctica, the last con- Chile’s armed forces said at arctica, overlooking a bay often to extraordinary lengths in recent sphere winter without incident. of the closest populated areas to detected three cases of Covid-19 Ttinent previously free from least 36 people had been infected dotted with icebergs. months to keep the virus out, However, an uptick in travel to Antarctica and take-off point for among 208 crew members of a Covid-19, Chile’s military said at its Bernardo O’Higgins base, Base personnel “are already cancelling tourism, scaling back and from the region this spring many boats and planes headed ship that had sailed in the Ant- this week, as health and army of- including 26 army personnel and properly isolated and constantly activities and staff and locking and early summer have height- to the continent, is among the arctic region between November fi cials scrambled to clear out and 10 civilian contractors conduct- monitored” by health authorities down facilities. ened infection risk. hardest-hit in Chile. 27 and December 10.

Two cardinals test positive for virus Pope Francis will deliver his Christmas Day message indoors due to coronavirus restrictions, the Vatican said yesterday, as two cardinals close to the Pontiff tested positive for Covid-19, the respiratory disease caused by the coronavirus. The Pope traditionally gives his Urbi and Orbi (To the City and The World) message from the balcony of St Peter’s Basilica on December 25. WHO meeting today But this year Italy has imposed tough new restrictions over the Christmas and New Year period to stem the spread of coronavirus. As a result, the Vatican said: “Pope Francis will deliver the Christmas mes- sage and impart the blessing Urbi et Orbi in the Hall of Blessings in the Vatican Apostolic Palace.” On December 26 and 27 and January 1, 3 and 6, the recitation of the Ange- lus prayer will take place in the library. Christmas Eve mass on December 24 had already been brought forward on new virus variant to allow the faithful to get home by Italy’s 10pm curfew. The news came as Vatican sources said two cardinals in the Pope’s entou- Reuters/AFP “Supply chains for essential The latest 1mn cases were re- coronavirus pandemic. to stop the novel coronavirus rage were confirmed to have coronavirus. Geneva goods & essential travel should corded in just six days, according According to the text, which spreading as a third wave of the The Polish Cardinal Konrad Krajewski, who is in charge of the Pope’s chari- remain possible,” Kluge tweeted. to a Reuters tally, as US Covid-19 will now be submitted to parlia- pandemic proves much tougher ties, “tested positive for Covid-19”, Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni said. Drug makers including BioN- fatalities approach 320,000, the ment, a negative Covid test or to contain in the densely popu- Italian Cardinal Giuseppe Bertello, 78, the president of the governorate – he World Health Organi- Tech and Moderna are scram- most in the world. proof of a “preventative treat- lated region of the capital city. eff ectively the chief executive – of the tiny state of Vatican City has also sation (WHO) has called a bling to test their Covid-19 vac- Britain reported a record ment, including the administra- From December 24 to January tested positive, a Vatican source told AFP. Tmeeting of members today cines against the new variant. number of new Covid-19 infec- tion of a vaccine” could be re- 3, the government will close ski to discuss a new, more infectious The WHO repeated that there tions yesterday as it battles a quired for people to be granted facilities and tourist attractions, India’s CBSE board exams delayed: minister variant of the coronavirus that was not yet enough information surge in cases caused by a variant “access to transport or to some popular during the year-end sea- has emerged in Britain. to determine whether the new strain of the disease. locations, as well as certain ac- son, said Prime Minister Chung Every year India’s Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) conducts The coronavirus causes the variant could aff ect vaccine ef- Offi cial fi gures showed there tivities”. Sye-kyun, speaking during a tel- examinations for classes 10 and 12 starting in February, but the board Covid-19 respiratory disease. fi cacy. had been 36,804 new cases and a The government’s vaccination evised briefi ng. exams in 2021 would be delayed. A spokeswoman said the More than 77.41mn people further 691 deaths within 28 days campaign is to start on Sunday, Taiwan reported yesterday its According to Union Education Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank, there is meeting was designed to help have been reported to be infected of a positive test, both up mark- and offi cials already face wide- fi rst locally transmitted case of no proposal to conduct board examinations in February 2021. with information-sharing. by the novel coronavirus globally edly from a day before. spread resistance to a treatment Covid-19 since April 12, a friend Along with this the Union Ministry of Education has clarified that other “Limiting travel to contain and 1,704,703 have died, accord- Prime Minister Boris Johnson developed in record time since of a New Zealand pilot who was procedures related to the board examinations will also be given additional spread is prudent until we have ing to a Reuters tally. and his scientifi c advisers said the outbreak hit Europe early this confi rmed to have been infected time. better info,” Hans Kluge, the Infections have been reported on Saturday that a variant of the year. earlier this week, and is testing Nishank said: “The process of board examinations will no longer be WHO’s Regional Director for Eu- in more than 210 countries and coronavirus, which could be up A recent poll by the Journal du more than 100 contacts of the started in January-February this time.” rope, tweeted. territories since the fi rst cases to 70% more transmissible, was Dimanche newspaper found that woman. The board examinations usually start from the last week of February. However, the Geneva-based were identifi ed in China in De- spreading rapidly in Britain, al- 59% of respondents said they Taiwan has kept the pandemic There are also various practical examinations conducted in January every body has cautioned against ma- cember 2019. though it was not thought to be would not get a Covid shot, one well under control thanks to early year. – IANS jor alarm over the variant, saying Meanwhile, the total United more deadly or to cause more se- of the highest rates in the Euro- and eff ective prevention methods that it is a normal part of a pan- States Covid-19 cases surpassed rious illness. pean Union. and widespread mask wearing, demic’s evolution and praising 18mn yesterday as health offi cials Meanwhile, people who fail to President Emmanuel Macron with all new cases for more than having fl own fl ights to the United 67-year-old prawn seller from Britain for detecting it. tried to tamper fears about a new, get a Covid-19 vaccination could has promised that coronavirus the last 250 days being among States. Mahachai market, Samut Sa- As trucks barred from entering highly transmissible variant of be banned from using public vaccinations, though strongly travellers arriving on the island. A coronavirus outbreak linked khon province, about 40 minutes France backed up along miles of the coronavirus in the United transport in France, according to recommended, will not be man- Health Minister Chen Shih- to a seafood market in Thailand southwest of Bangkok. motorway in southern England, Kingdom. a draft law. datory, a pledge reiterated by chung told reporters the new passed 1,000 cases yesterday, as As of early morning yester- the WHO also said in a statement News of the coronavirus mu- Prime Minister Jean Castex on Health Minister Olivier Veran locally-transmitted case was a authorities weighed whether to day, there were 1,063 confi rmed that cargo transport for essential tation comes as the United States Monday got his cabinet’s backing yesterday. woman in her 30s who had close introduce a wider lockdown. positive cases out of 6,156 tested supplies such as food, medicines deals with a surge in new infec- for a bill that is designed to pro- South Korea moved yester- contact with the New Zealand Thailand has been on tenter- – a major outbreak for a country and fuel should be prioritised and tions that is overwhelming hos- vide a legal framework for dealing day to shut down all ski resorts pilot, who was himself confi rmed hooks since Thursday follow- which previously had 4,300 in- facilitated. pitals in some states. with health crises, including the and winter tourist spots in a bid to have been infected on Sunday ing the positive virus test of a fections. Locked-down sisters EU urges end to bans design board game over UK Covid strain

Reuters fi nding that hoarders have al- AFP “potentially dangerous virus Wiesbaden, Germany ready snapped up all the pasta or Brussels mutations from spreading in toilet rolls. continental Europe”. “The basic principle is one of The border closures come as t wits’ end during Ger- solidarity,” 20-year-old Sarah he European Commission the European Union prepares to many’s fi rst lockdown, the told Reuters TV from the fam- has urged EU nations to start rolling out the Pfi zer-Bi- Afour Schwaderlapp sisters ily home in the western city of Tlift travel bans imposed oNTech vaccine on Sunday, fol- decided to put their long hours Wiesbaden. “Each of the players on Britain to halt the spread of lowing similar vaccination cam- indoors to good use – by invent- can decide to co-operate with the a coronavirus variant that has paigns in the UK and the US. ing a coronavirus board game others ... or make thing harder swept the UK and spurred global The co-founder of BioN- that is selling by the thousands. for them by blocking their path panic just as vaccines are being Tech assured yesterday that it is The coronavirus causes the with viruses.” rolled out worldwide. “highly likely” that its vaccine Covid-19 respiratory disease. The sisters worked on the game The new strain which has also against the coronavirus works Corona can be played by up to most evenings during the spring been detected in small numbers against the mutated strain de- four players, who compete to buy lockdown, gradually incorporat- elsewhere, appears to spread tected in Britain. all the groceries on a shopping ing more elements from news more easily than other types but And if not, the vaccine could list for an elderly neighbour who broadcasts about the pandemic. there is no evidence it is more le- be adapted in six weeks, said is shielding against the virus. “That was the case with thal or resistant to vaccines, ac- Ugur Sahin, adding that tests are The players collect and swap hoarding. And we saw about the Corona – the rush to the shops board game invented to pass away the time in lockdown, in Wiesbaden cording to experts. already being run on the variant. game cards, and the winner is balcony concerts in Italy and Biebrich, Germany. Its discovery has nevertheless In an increasingly isolated whoever delivers all the items turned that into a playing card heightened fears that led more Britain, one of the biggest con- fi rst. too,” added sister Rebecca. the game by hiring an artist to secondary distributor. ation – packing and posting 500 than two dozen countries around cerns remains France’s move to Hurdles along the way include Impressed with his daughters’ design cards, board and box. “Because the game has been games within a very short pe- the world to suspend fl ights from cut freight traffi c as part of a 48- encountering the virus, which eff orts, father Benedikt Schwad- So far he’s sold 2,000 copies, so popular it’s been quite a chal- riod,” he said. “Demand has been the UK out of precaution. hour blockade on the movement sends you into quarantine, or erlapp decided to commercialise and has signed up a toy store as a lenge for our family-based oper- massive from across Germany.” With the bans unleashing of people across the English travel chaos during the holiday Channel. season, the European Commis- The British government said sion, the EU’s executive arm, yesterday that it is considering recommended lifting the border tests for truckers as part of talks restrictions with Britain, urging with French authorities to allow 21 journalists victims of ‘reprisal’ killings in 2020 virus tests be carried out on pas- the resumption of freight traffi c. sengers within 72 hours before While Prime Minister Boris travel. Johnson insisted that supply AFP A total of 30 journalists were with at least fi ve journalists sin- essential,” CPJ executive direc- meanwhile, to the lowest level “Flight and train bans should chains were “strong and robust”, New York killed in the line of duty in gled out for reprisal killings, the tor Joel Simon stated, adding: since 2000, in view of pandem- be discontinued given the need experts warn that Britain may 2020, according to a tally by the group said in its report. “It’s appalling that the murders ic-related travel restrictions. to ensure essential travel and face shortages of certain fresh watchdog group. “The fact that murder is on of journalists have more than The CPJ counted three such avoid supply chain disruptions,” foods over the Christmas period. t least 21 journalists have The CPJ is still investigating the rise and the number of jour- doubled in the last year, and this deaths, all in Syria. a statement from the EU execu- Andrew Opie, director of food been victims of reprisal the deaths of at least 15 other nalists imprisoned around the escalation represents a failure of Earlier this month, the or- tive said. and sustainability at the British Akillings so far this year, journalists this year to deter- world hit a record is a clear dem- the international community to ganisation reported a record EU member states are among Retail Consortium, said that the more than double the number mine whether journalism was onstration that press freedom confront the scourge of impu- number of journalists impris- those imposing fl ight, train and “borders really need to be run- from last year, the Committee to the motive. is under unprecedented assault nity.” oned in 2020, in line with a ferry bans on UK arrivals since ning pretty much freely from Protect Journalists (CPJ) said in Mexico was the most danger- in the midst of a global pan- The number of combat-relat- similar tally from France-based Britain announced the discovery tomorrow to assure us that there a report yesterday. ous country for newsgathering demic, in which information is ed deaths for reporters declined Reporters Without Borders. of the new strain of coronavirus. won’t be any disruption”. The ban on arrivals in France Washington has so far held off has led to long tailbacks of freight on suspending fl ights with the European, US police take down ‘best’ criminal VPN Rio mayor arrested on corruption charges trucks in southern England, and UK but passengers fl ying from has disrupted passenger travel in Britain to New York with Brit- European and US police have taken “This VPN service was sold at a high Rio de Janeiro’s outgoing mayor was was crucial to the far-right Bolsonaro’s the run-up to Christmas. ish Airways or Delta will have to down one of the world’s foremost virtual price to the criminal underworld as arrested yesterday on graft allegations in 2018 election victory. EU member states are respon- fi rst test negative for coronavi- private networks (VPNs) used by criminals one of the best tools available to avoid an embarrassment for Brazilian President Bolsonaro endorsed Crivella’s re-election sible for their own borders, but rus, New York Governor Andrew to commit ransomware attacks and law enforcement interception, off ering Jair Bolsonaro, an ideological ally and attempt, which the unpopular mayor lost, representatives were to meet Cuomo announced. other serious cybercrimes, Europol said up to five layers of anonymous VPN anti-corruption campaigner who had drawing just 36% of votes in a November later to study the Commission’s A US offi cial advising the yesterday. connections,” Europol said. backed the mayor’s failed re-election bid. run-off vote. recommendations. country’s Operation Warp Speed Police in Reutlingen, southern Germany, Investigators also identified some 250 Marcelo Crivella, who was arrested at Crivella’s arrest poses questions for The World Health Organisa- vaccine programme also stressed seized the Safe-Inet VPN service on companies spied upon by criminals using home in western Rio just nine days the president, who has railed against tion said it would also convene that more information was Monday, taking down its servers. Safe-Inet. before the end of his term, denied any corruption in previous administrations its members to discuss how to needed to establish the risk of the “A splash page prepared by Europol was The companies “were subsequently wrongdoing and said he was the target of and pledged to clean up Brazil’s politics. handle the outbreak”. UK variant. put up online after the domain seizures,” warned of an imminent ransomware attack political persecution. Crivella is just the latest Rio politician to Yesterday Germany extended “There is no hard evidence the Hague-based agency said. against their systems, allowing them to A former evangelical pastor, Crivella is be arrested over suspected graft. its ban on arrivals from the UK that this virus is actually more Active for over a decade “Safe-Inet take measures to protect themselves the nephew of billionaire preacher Edir Rio state Governor Wilson Witzel was – as well as South Africa, where transmissible, (but) there is clear was being used by some of the world’s against such an attack”. Macedo, one of Brazil’s wealthiest men suspended from off ice on August 28 on a similar variant has been found evidence that there is more of it biggest cyber-criminals ... responsible Police chiefs hailed the operation, saying and most politically-connected religious concerns he would interfere with graft – until January 6. in the population,” said Moncef for ransomware, e-skimming breaches that co-operation between Europol, France, leaders. inquiries he is facing. Health Minister Jens Spahn Slaoui, a vaccine scientist and and other forms of serious cyber-crime”, Germany, Switzerland, the Netherlands and The support of figures such as Macedo Corruption investigations landed five of said that “as long as it is pos- former pharmaceutical execu- Europol said. the United States led to its success. and Brazil’s huge evangelical voting bloc his predecessors in jail. sible”, Germany aims to prevent tive. Gulf Times 10 Wednesday, December 23, 2020 COMMENT

CHAIRMAN Abdullah bin Khalifa al-Attiyah EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Will China turn off Asia’s tap? Faisal Abdulhameed al-Mudahka By Brahma Chellaney Deputy Managing Editor New Delhi K T Chacko ven after Asia’s economies P.O.Box 2888, Doha, Qatar climb out of the Covid-19 recession, China’s strategy of [email protected] Efrenetically building dams and 44350478 (News), reservoirs on transnational rivers will confront them with a more permanent 44466404 (Sport), barrier to long-term economic prosper- 44466636 (Home delivery) ity: water scarcity. China’s recently unveiled plan to construct a mega-dam 44350474 on the Yarlung Zangbo river, better facebook.com/gulftimes known as the Brahmaputra, may be the biggest threat yet. twitter.com/gulftimes_Qatar China dominates Asia’s water map, owing to its annexation of ethnic- minority homelands, such as the water- rich Tibetan Plateau and Xinjiang. China’s territorial aggrandisement in GULF TIMES the South China Sea and the Himalayas, where it has targeted even tiny Bhutan, has been accompanied by stealthier eff orts to appropriate water resources in transnational river basins – a strategy Mutated virus, new that hasn’t spared even friendly or pliant neighbours, such as Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Nepal, Kazakhstan, lockdowns and and North Korea. Indeed, China has not hesitated to use its hydro-hegemony by harnessing the power of a 2,800- suff er the most as a result of China’s home to thousands of glaciers and the against its 18 downstream neighbours. m (3,062-yard) drop just before the Brahmaputra dam project is not India source of Asia’s greatest river systems, The consequences have been serious. river crosses into India. What the at all; it is densely populated and which are the lifeblood of nearly half the global caution For example, China’s 11 mega-dams chairman of China’s state-run Power China-friendly Bangladesh, for which global population. If glacial attrition on the Mekong river, Southeast Asia’s Construction Corp, Yan Zhiyong, the Brahmaputra is the single largest is allowed to continue – let alone to be arterial waterway, have led to recurrent calls an “historic opportunity” for his freshwater source. Intensifying pressure accelerated by China’s environmentally Mutations of viruses is a natural phenomenon as they drought downriver, and turned the country will be devastating for India. on its water supply will likely trigger catastrophic activities – China will not circulate in their hosts. Mekong Basin into a security and Just before crossing into India, the an exodus of refugees to India, already be spared. But a new strain of the Sars-CoV-2 coronavirus is spreading environmental hot spot. Meanwhile, Brahmaputra curves sharply around the home to millions of illegally settled For its own sake – and the sake of rapidly in Britain and prompting high levels of concern across in largely arid Central Asia, China Himalayas, forming the world’s longest Bangladeshis. Asia as a whole – China must accept has diverted waters from the Illy and steepest canyon – twice as deep as The Brahmaputra megaproject institutionalised co-operation on the world, bringing about a fresh wave of lockdowns and and Irtysh rivers, which originate in America’s Grand Canyon – and holding also amounts to a slap in the face of transnational riparian fl ows, including travel restrictions. China-annexed Xinjiang. Its diversion Asia’s largest untapped water resources. Tibet, which is among the world’s measures to protect ecologically fragile Scientists say the concerns are mostly justifi ed. While of water from the Illy threatens to Experience suggests that the most biodiverse regions and has a zones and agreement not to dam it was fi rst seen in Britain in September, by the week of turn Kazakhstan’s Lake Balkhash into proposed megaproject threatens those deeply rooted culture of reverence relatively free-fl owing rivers (which December 9 in London, 62% of Covid-19 cases were due to another Aral Sea, which has all but dried resources – and China’s downstream for nature. In fact, the canyon region play a critical role in moderating the up in less than four decades. neighbours. China’s past upstream is sacred territory for Tibetans: its eff ects of climate change). This would the new variant. That compared to 28% of cases three weeks Against this background, China’s activities have triggered fl ash fl oods major mountains, cliff s, and caves require China to rein in its dam frenzy, earlier, according to a Reuters report. plan to dam the Brahmaputra near its in the Indian states of Arunachal and represent the body of their guardian be transparent about its projects, Amid all the alarm, there are two striking aspects about the disputed – and heavily militarised – Himachal. More recently, such activity deity, the goddess Dorje Pagmo, and the accept multilateral dispute-settlement new strain. border with India should be no surprise. turned the water in the once-pristine Brahmaputra represents her spine. mechanisms, and negotiate water- The bad: It may be up to 70% more transmissible than other The Chinese communist publication Siang – the Brahmaputra’s main artery If none of this deters China, the sharing treaties with neighbours. circulating Sars-CoV-2 (the virus that causes Covid-19) Huanqiu Shibao, citing an article that – dirty and grey as it entered India. damage it is doing to its own people Unfortunately, there is little reason appeared in Australia, recently urged About a dozen small or medium-size and prospects should. China’s over- to believe this will happen. On the strains. India’s government to assess how China Chinese dams are already operational in damming of internal rivers has severely contrary, as long as the Communist The good: There has been no conclusive evidence to suggest could “weaponise” its control over the Brahmaputra’s upper reaches. But harmed ecosystems, including by Party of China remains in power, the that the new mutant is deadlier, according to the World transboundary waters and potentially the megaproject in the Brahmaputra causing river fragmentation and country will most likely continue to Health Organisation. “choke” the Indian economy. With the Canyon region will enable the country disrupting the annual fl ooding cycle, wage stealthy water wars that no one In a wider sense, many Brahmaputra megaproject, China has to manipulate transboundary fl ows far which helps to refertilise farmland can win. – Project Syndicate provided an answer. more eff ectively. Such manipulation could naturally by spreading silt. In August, thousands of mutations The planned 60-gigawatts project, leverage China’s claim to the adjacent some 400mn Chinese were put at risk O Brahma Chellaney, Professor of There is no and distinct lineages which will be integrated into China’s Indian state of Arunachal, which is almost after record fl ooding endangered the Strategic Studies at the New Delhi-based evidence to have already arisen in next Five-Year Plan starting in January, three times the size of Taiwan. Given that Three Gorges Dam. If the Brahmaputra Center for Policy Research and Fellow the Sars-CoV-2 genome will reportedly dwarf China’s Three China and India are already locked in a mega-dam collapses – hardly at the Robert Bosch Academy in Berlin, conclude that the since it emerged in late Gorges Dam – currently the world’s tense, months-long military standoff , implausible, given that it will be built is the author of nine books, including 2019 in Wuhan, China. largest – on the Yangtze River, which began with Chinese territorial in a seismically active area – millions Asian Juggernaut, Water: Asia’s New generating almost three times as much encroachments, the risks are acute. downstream could die. Battleground, and Water, Peace, and War: new mutant is And the vast majority of electricity. China will achieve this And yet the country that will The Great Himalayan Watershed is Confronting the Global Water Crisis. mutations have left no deadlier, says apparent eff ect on the the WHO virus. However, scientists pay most attention to mutations like those found in the new UK strain. It involves the gene that encodes the Sars-CoV-2 spike How to make better economic policy choices protein, which is associated with viral entry into cells and infl uences immunity and vaccine effi cacy. By Mariana Mazzucato , Simon Sharpe state. Some advocated government the oil industry, urban planning, global most effi cient approach to reducing A key question now is how the new strain will have a bearing London support only for sectors that had already geopolitics, and the planet – with which greenhouse-gas emissions. But, apart on the vaccines. proven to be relatively competitive we are grappling to this day. from a few exceptions, where targeted exporters. Others said anything beyond Path dependence arises because carbon pricing has helped to activate WHO offi cials have said the Sars-CoV-2 mutations have so he United Kingdom is entering fi xing market failures was too much. For markets are deeply social, embedded tipping points, new investments, not by far been much slower compared with infl uenza, and that even its deepest recession in 300 still others, the best industrial strategy in institutions, norms, and routines, carbon taxes, have so far driven almost the new UK variant remains much less transmissible than years. Millions of jobs are at was none at all. and because technologies benefit all the world’s progress in low-carbon other diseases like mumps. Trisk. And national debt has And yet it was state-led investments from increasing returns. As a result, transitions. More reassuringly, they say the vaccines being developed exceeded 100% of GDP. Now is hardly that led to the Internet and markets can get locked into sub- This should not be a surprise. the time to explore the conceptual un- smartphones – investments that were optimal conditions, and economies Imagine the incumbent fossil-fuel to combat Covid-19 should handle the new variants as well, derpinnings of economic theory, right? aimed not at fi xing market failures, but can get stuck in competitive positions, economy as a large building that needs although checks are under way to ensure this is the case. In fact, as governments everywhere at developing new opportunities. If whether they like it or not. For to be demolished. Should we drive up Maria van Kerkhove, the WHO’s technical lead on Covid-19, are borrowing, spending, and regulating South Korea had concentrated during decades, Germany has been a world in a bulldozer and push hard against told the BBC on December 20 that current information on an unprecedented scale, a deeper the post-World War II years on sectors leader in machine tools, and the the side, spreading pressure equally suggests that the new variant doesn’t have any impact on the understanding of economic decision- where it had a proven comparative United States in information and across the whole edifi ce, or should making is essential both to accelerate advantage, it would have doubled down communications technologies. we concentrate that same energy in a vaccines being rolled out. the recovery and to avoid longer-term on rice exports rather than transforming Today, the world is moving toward a controlled explosion at a critical point However, as more mutations occur, vaccines may need to be risks. That is why the UK Treasury’s itself into the world’s most innovative clean-energy economy. But the shape it in the structure? altered. This happens with seasonal fl u, which mutates every new guidance on decision-making for economy. takes, the pace at which it develops, and Identifying those critical points year, and the vaccines are adjusted accordingly. transformational change is so welcome, The UK Treasury’s new guidance is the competitive positions of countries requires a better understanding of Unlike common fl u, coronaviruses have a proof-reading and why fi nance ministries everywhere revolutionary in recognising that the within it depend on the economic- feedbacks in the economy, as we mechanism that means they don’t mutate as quickly. should follow suit. economy is a complex system, shaped policy decisions governments make advocated in 2018. Policy choices In a recent study for the UK’s Better by dynamic feedbacks and constant now. Governments that try to stimulate also benefi t from the consideration of Covid-19 vaccines that have so far proved eff ective in trials Regulation Executive, we found that, change. This new understanding, based their economies by building new coal dynamic spillovers – where change in can be easily tweaked if necessary, the BMJ medical journal while public policy organisations on the concepts and mathematics power plants will create new stranded one sector catalyses further changes reported on December 16. are increasingly diversifying their of evolution, rather than those of assets and increase the future risk of job in others. For example, the software WHO offi cials have even sounded positive on the discovery approaches to decision-making, many Newtonian mechanics, can look beyond losses. Those that invest strategically industry emerged as a spillover from of the new strains, saying new tools to track the virus are remain overly reliant on static tools the allocation of scarce resources to the in clean technologies, by contrast, will Nasa’s Apollo programme. Had the such as cost-benefi t analysis. Such creation of new ones. It recognises that claim superior positions in the economy programme been evaluated based on working. tools are ill-suited to understanding, innovation, growth, and transformation of the future. cost-benefi t analysis, it would never Countries imposing travel curbs are acting out of an predicting, and driving innovation and are happening all the time; it is up to the Having set a direction, governments have been started. abundance of caution while they assess risks, according to structural change in the economy. In state to encourage a direction of change need to identify the most eff ective In a new working paper, we suggest WHO emergencies chief Mike Ryan. “That is prudent. But it the UK, critics of cost-benefi t analysis that is advantageous to society. policies to drive progress. In complex how traditional cost-benefi t analysis is also important that everyone recognises that this happens, argue it has contributed to worsening Direction-setting choices are systems, cause and eff ect are usually can be broadened to become “risk- these variants occur.” regional inequality. important, because seemingly small disproportionate. To secure large gains opportunity analysis,” in which the If infrastructure investments in developments can have huge, long- from small inputs, and not vice versa, mapping and manipulation of feedbacks The virus, for sure, is not going to die out any time soon; the higher-productivity areas are assessed lasting consequences. The innovations we must fi nd points of leverage. is central. By grappling with the world has to learn to live with it in the long term. as more valuable, these wealthier that gave internal combustion engines Many economists have recommended economy in all its messy, ever-changing As a matter of fact, global concerns over the new strain regions will receive the lion’s share the edge over electric vehicles in the a single carbon price, applied complexity, this approach is better able are justifi ed as Sars-CoV-2 still remains insidious. Equally of new investments, raising their early 1900s had profound eff ects – on equally across the economy, as the to ensure that our investments are not important is complying with national protocols and making productivity further. This reinforcing wasted, our recovery is not delayed, and feedback loop will naturally cause a the new world economy we create is sensible choices based on information substantiated by growing gulf between the haves and the more prosperous, more equal, and more offi cial agencies. have-nots. Static cost-benefi t analysis sustainable. – Project Syndicate does not recognise these dynamic feedbacks. O Mariana Mazzucato, Professor Prevailing economic-policy of the Economics of Innovation and To Advertise frameworks have likewise hindered Public Value at University College the global response to climate change. London and Founding Director of the [email protected] Static analysis has suggested that UCL Institute for Innovation and Public Display replacing coal with gas would be the Purpose, is Chair of the World Health cheapest way to reduce emissions. Organisation’s Council on the Economics 44466621 44418811 But this utterly ignored the dynamic of Health for All. She is the author of feedbacks that would drive renewables The Value of Everything: Making and Classified rapidly to become the cheapest form of Taking in the Global Economy, The 44466609 44418811 electricity generation. Entrepreneurial State: Debunking These are not market failures; they Public vs. Private Sector Myths, and Subscription are failures in our understanding of how the forthcoming Mission Economy: markets work. A Moonshot Guide to Changing [email protected] When we worked together on the Capitalism (Allen Lane, January 2021). UK’s Industrial Strategy in 2017, we Simon Sharpe is a visiting policy fellow found that many economists had highly at the UCL Institute for Innovation and © 2020 Gulf Times. All rights reserved restrictive views about the role of the The United Kingdom is entering its deepest recession in 300 years. Public Purpose. Gulf Times Wednesday, December 23, 2020 11 WORLD

Indonesian president appoints new health and trade ministers CAR rebels seize city

Reuters Olivia Herlinda, policy di- Jakarta rector at the NGO Centre for Indonesia’s Strategic Develop- ment Initiatives, said the re- ndonesia’s president an- shuffl e was an opportunity for days before election nounced yesterday a a more eff ective approach. Isweeping reshuffl e of his “The new (health) minister Russia sends ‘300 military personnel to support the trou- back and the situation was “un- The Russian foreign ministry expand its infl uence in Africa, cabinet, including a replace- should quickly map out the instructors’: ministry bled country. der control”. said in a statement that the op- where the former Soviet Un- ment for a health minister gaps in Covid-19 handling thus Bambari is located 380km (240 The CAR is one of the poorest position and armed groups were ion used arms sales and military criticised for his perceived far and prioritise strategic ac- AFP/Reuters miles) northeast of the capital and most unstable countries in trying to destabilise the situation training to wield clout. mishandling of the country’s tions,” she said. Bangui/Moscow Bangui. the world, experiencing only rare with the help of external forces. Rwanda has also sent “several coronavirus crisis. Jokowi had hinted at the re- The attack, which began at moments of peace since it be- The ministry said it was “seri- hundred men” under a bilateral The coronavirus causes the shuffl e back in June after la- 10am, triggered a two-hour came independent from France ously concerned that the events agreement, the CAR government Covid-19 respiratory disease. menting to his cabinet a lack ebels in the Central Afri- gunfi ght with CAR troops and in 1960. of recent days have led to a sharp said on Monday. President Joko Widodo, of “sense of crisis” among his can Republic (CAR) have the United Nations’ peacekeep- The presidential and legisla- degradation of the security situ- The deployment was con- known by his nickname Jokowi, ministers, and ineffi cient gov- Rseized Bambari, the coun- ing force MINUSCA, sources in tive elections have been gripped ation” in the CAR. fi rmed by Rwandan President said six ministers would be re- ernment spending. try’s fourth-largest city, fi ve days NGOs and the UN said. by tension between President The actions of the three rebel Paul Kagame, although he did placed, including in the port- Mohamed Lutfi , currently before nationwide elections, the “There has been no violence Faustin-Archange Touadera and groups had been “well-co-ordi- not give details on numbers. folios of health, trade, tourism Indonesia’s ambassador to local mayor, government and UN towards local people, but they a mosaic of armed groups that nated and fed from the outside” Thousands of people in the and fi sheries. Washington and a trade min- sources said. have ransacked the police sta- sprang up after the country spi- and aimed at “disrupting the landlocked country have died The newcomers will be inau- ister under president Susilo “The town is under the control tion, the gendarmerie and peo- ralled into confl ict in 2012. electoral process”, it said. since 2012, and nearly a quarter gurated today. Bambang Yudhoyono, will of armed groups,” Bambari may- ple’s houses,” Matchipata said. Touadera is frontrunner in the On Monday, Deputy Foreign of the population of 4.7mn have Outgoing health minis- replace Agus Suparmanto as or Abel Matchipata said, while a The sources said the rebels poll, but his government holds Minister Mikhail Bogdanov fl ed their homes. ter Terawan Agus Putranto, a trade minister. senior government offi cial con- were led by an armed group called sway over only about a third of denied that Moscow had sent The International Criminal military radiologist and former A politician from one of the fi rmed that “they are in the town, the Unity for Peace in Central the country. troops to the CAR, although he Court (ICC)’s chief prosecutor, personal physician to Jokowi’s Islamic parties in Jokowi’s coa- we are waiting for reinforce- Africa (UPC), one of the militias Russia confi rmed that it had noted that Russian military in- Fatou Bensouda, called for “calm late mother, has faced public lition, Agus had been accused ments, which are on their way”. contesting the government in the dispatched 300 military in- structors were already there un- and restraint” ahead of the elec- calls to resign over a corona- of not doing enough to increase The attack follows the govern- run-up to the December 27 polls. structors to the CAR at Bangui’s der the existing bilateral deal. tions. virus caseload that is among export competitiveness when ment’s accusations at the week- On Saturday, the government request “to train the military The Kremlin has led a diplo- “Anyone who commits, or- Asia’s biggest. Covid-19 was crippling world end that former president Fran- accused three militias of advanc- personnel of the national army” matic and fi nancial off ensive in ders, incites, encourages or con- At the start of the pandemic, trade. cois Bozize was seeking to mount ing along key highways towards under an existing co-operation the CAR since 2018 in return for tributes, in any other way, to the Terawan was criticised for sug- The reshuffl e come weeks a coup with armed groups ahead Bangui. agreement. concessions to Russian compa- commission of crimes” would gesting that prayer could help after the ministers of fi sheries of upcoming elections. The MINUSCA said late on It had previously deployed 175 nies to exploit its mineral wealth. be liable for prosecution either protect people from the virus. and social aff airs were named At the CAR’s request, Russia Sunday that the advance was military instructors to the CAR, The strategy has been seen in by Bangui courts or by the ICC, Indonesia has recorded over as suspects in corruption cases and Rwanda have sent military halted and in some places pushed according to offi cial fi gures. the context of a Russian bid to Bensouda warned. 678,000 cases and 20,250 by the nation’s anti-graft body. deaths. Jokowi also appointed in- Budi Gunadi Sadikin, a cumbent Surabaya mayor Tri former head of Bank Man- Rismaharini as social aff airs diri and chief of Indonesia’s minister and Sandiaga Uno, a Little Fox eyes donkey economic recovery taskforce, businessman and former Ja- Sudan, Ethiopia would take over the health karta deputy governor, as tour- portfolio. ism minister. start border talks Pakistan opposition issues tentative schedule for anti-government rallies AFP products, vandalised their Khartoum camps, and hampered their The Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM), an opposition parties’ harvesting. alliance, has issued a tentative schedule for the second phase of its “A number of civilians have anti-government campaign. udan and Ethiopia been murdered and wounded,” According to the tentative schedule, the first rally will be held started talks yesterday he said. in Mardan today, in Larkana on December 27, in Bahawalpur on Sin Khartoum to demar- Demeke called for “reac- December 30, in Bannu on January 6, and in Sialkot on January 9. cate their border, as Addis tivating the existing mecha- The PDM plans a rally in Malakand on January 11, Loralai on January Ababa said incidents in a dis- nisms and fi nding an amica- 13, Tharparkar on January 16, Faisalabad on January 18, Sargodha on puted area jeopardised other- ble solution”, while warning January 23, and Sialkot on January 27. wise friendly ties between the against “unnecessary escala- PDM spokesperson Mian Iftikhar Hussain said these dates would neighbours. tion”. be finalised by the top leadership of the alliance. Pakistan Peoples Recent violence “did not Addis Ababa had previously Party (PPP) chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said that the PDM will resemble the cordial relation downplayed last week’s re- decide when to start the long march in Islamabad. – Internews that exists between our two ported ambush, saying that it countries”, said Ethiopian dep- did not threaten the relation- uty prime minister and foreign ship between the two coun- Pakistani activist in Canada dead minister, Demeke Mekonnen. tries. “It is endangering the A foreign ministry spokes- A Pakistani human rights activist living in Canada who went missing agreements we have reached man in Addis Ababa had told over the weekend has been found dead, Toronto police said, adding to maintain the status quo,” AFP that Ethiopian security that they believed her death to be a non-criminal matter. he said, according to opening forces had “repelled a group Karima Mehrab, a refugee from the Balochistan region of western remarks distributed by Ethio- of (Sudanese) low-ranking of- Pakistan, who was also known as Karima Baloch, went missing on pia’s embassy in Khartoum. fi cers and farmers, who had Sunday in Toronto’s downtown waterfront area. The two-day talks in Khar- encroached on Ethiopian ter- Police said her body was found on Monday. toum come a week after Ethi- ritory”. Mehrab was a prominent student organiser who campaigned for opian forces reportedly am- Sudanese Prime Minister Balochistan’s separation from Pakistan, and later fled to Canada bushed Sudanese troops along Abdalla Hamdok and his Ethi- amid threats. Two-year-old Sofia Fox is seen with a donkey wearing a Santa hat in a shopping street in Galway, the border, leaving four dead opian counterpart Abiy Ahmed She was named one of the BBC’s 100 inspirational and influential Ireland. and more than 20 wounded. had on Sunday agreed to the women of 2016. Sudan has since deployed talks on the margins of a Dji- troops to the Al-Fashaqa bor- bouti summit of regional bloc der region, the site of sporadic the Intergovernmental Au- clashes. thority on Development. The most contested region Sudan’s minister in charge there is a 250sq km (100sq of the cabinet, Omar Manis, Family mourns mum and son gunned down over noise mile) area where Ethiopian led the Sudanese delegation. farmers cultivate fertile land Sudan and Ethiopia share a on territory claimed by Sudan. 1,600km frontier, with meet- Reuters a row over noise, triggering ac- who do their duty, warning that intensifi ed, Nuezca shot her in criminals and promises to pro- The area borders Ethiopia’s ings on border demarcation Paniqui, Philippines cusations from activists that “there will be a hell to pay” for the head before doing the same tect law enforcement have em- troubled Tigray region, where previously held between 2002 President Rodrigo Duterte’s war rogue offi cers. to Frank. boldened police to commit and fi ghting broke out early last and 2006. on drugs had created a culture of In a video recorded on a family Before fl eeing, Nuezca shot the cover up murder. month, causing tens of thou- In 1902, a deal to draw up elatives of a woman and police impunity. member’s mobile phone, police prone Sonya Gregorio again. Police reject that. sands of Ethiopians to fl ee and the border was struck between her son shot dead by an “I lost a mother who was the offi cer Jonel Nuezca was seen Nuezca surrendered to police Government data show that cross into Sudan. Great Britain, the colonial Roff -duty police offi cer in most loving mother to us. I lost a engaging in a heated argument that night and faces two counts 5,942 suspected drug dealers But Demeke said that since power in Sudan at the time, the Philippines have called for brother who was also a very lov- with the Gregorios over the use of murder. have been killed by police since last month, Ethiopia had ob- and Ethiopia, but the agree- justice at their wake, amid pub- ing and caring brother. It’s very of a homemade cannon in Tarlac The government has promised 2016. served “organised attacks by ment lacked clear demarcation lic outrage over an incident that hard for us,” said Tasha Delos province, north of Manila. a thorough investigation. Rights group say that number the Sudanese military forces lines. went viral on social media after it Santos. “I hope our family gets The devices, which make a “They weren’t criminals, they is an understatement and accuse using heavy machine guns” The last Sudan-Ethiopia was caught on camera. justice.” booming sound, are typically were the nicest family here,” said police of summarily executing and armoured convoys along border talks were held in May Sonya Gregorio, 52, and 25- Duterte on Monday con- used to celebrate New Year. neighbour Gonyong Liwanag. users and pushers. the border. in Addis Ababa, but another year old son Frank Gregorio, were demned the Tarlac shooting, and When Sonya wrapped her Critics and rights groups say Police say those killed had re- He said the forces had looted meeting scheduled for the fol- shot in the head on Sunday after said that he only defends police arms around her son as the row that Duterte’s talk of killing sisted arrest. Ethiopian farmers’ agricultural lowing month was cancelled.

West Point hit by cheating scandal Putin beefs up protections for ex-presidents

AFP pandemic, after teachers found held accountable for their ac- Reuters sweeping reforms of Russia’s po- consecutive term and his fourth Among other things, the proc- New York irregularities in their answers, tions.” Moscow litical system initiated by Putin overall. ess involves the upper house of offi cials said. It represents West Point’s this year. Former presidents were al- parliament voting overwhelm- Following an investigation, biggest cheating scandal since Among other things, these al- ready entitled to immunity from ingly to revoke it on the strength merica’s prestigious two cases were dropped due to 1976 when 152 students were Buzz Aldrin.resident Vladimir Pu- low him to run for two more six- prosecution for crimes commit- of accusations by the lower house military school West lack of evidence and four cadets accused of cheating and the tin signed laws yesterday year terms in the Kremlin if he ted while in offi ce, but the new that the president has committed APoint has been shaken resigned from West Point. US Secretary of the Army ap- Pgranting former Russian chooses. law grants them lifelong immu- treason or another serious crime. by its biggest cheating scandal Of the 67 remaining cases, 55 pointed a special commission to presidents expanded immunity He would otherwise have had nity, and says they cannot be ar- The other laws signed by Putin in decades, with dozens of its students admitted their guilt investigate. from prosecution and allowing to step down in 2024. rested, searched, questioned, or allow presidents to name up to 30 cadets accused of breaking the and have been enrolled in a The probe concluded that the them to become senators for life The reforms are being parsed prosecuted. senators to the Federation Coun- academy’s honour code in the “Special Leader Development rights of the students had not in the upper house of parliament for clues as to what Putin, 68, The new legislation also makes cil, Russia’s upper house, and to spring. Programme” due to foster their been respected and the honour once they leave the Kremlin. may do at the end of his cur- it harder to revoke a former pres- join the Council themselves once “A cadet will not lie, cheat, rehabilitation. code investigation process had The new legislation follow rent term, which is his second ident’s immunity. they have left offi ce. or steal, or tolerate those who Eight must undergo further not been followed properly. do,” reads the code of the elite investigation while four will West Point, founded in 1802, school, situated 60 miles appear before a school board, has 4,000 army cadets enrolled South Korea scrambles jets over Chinese, Russian aircraft in air defence zone (95km) north of New York City offi cials said. in its four-year course. on the banks of the Hudson “Cadets are being held ac- They attend for free in return South Korea said it scrambled fighter jets in Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS). “This incident seems to be a joint military drill River. countable for breaking the for fi ve years of active service response to an intrusion into its air defence The South Korean military dispatched air force between China and Russia, but it requires a However, in May more than code,” Christopher Ophardt, after graduation. identification zone by 19 Russian and Chinese fighters to take tactical measures. further analysis,” the JCS said in a statement. 70 students were accused of a school spokesman told AFP. Notable alumni include military aircraft yesterday. The South Korean military said the Chinese South Korea’s foreign ministry contacted cheating on their fi nal calculus “While disappointing, the former president Dwight Ei- Four Chinese warplanes entered the Korea Air military had informed South Korea that its China and Russia and told them that there exam while learning remotely honour system is working, and senhower, Civil War general Defence Identification Zone (KADIZ) followed planes were carrying out routine training should not be a recurrence, Yonhap news because of the coronavirus these 67 remaining cases will be Ulysses S Grant, and astronaut by 15 Russian aircraft, according to South before the Chinese aircraft entered the KADIZ. agency reported. Gulf Times 12 Wednesday, December 23, 2020 QATAR

HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Khalid bin Khalifa bin Abdulaziz al-Thani listening to a briefing by HE the Minister of Transport and PM opens Communications Jassim Seif Ahmed al-Sulaiti, during a visit to the Hamad Port yesterday. container Left: HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Khalid terminal 2 bin Khalifa bin Abdulaziz al-Thani with top Mwani Qatar off icials inspecting the progress of the From Page 1 under-construction warehouses of the SFSF at the Hamad Port. The Phase 1 of CT2 has been equipped with three STS (ship-to- shore) quay cranes with advanced technology, including semi-auto- mation and remote-control opera- tions. STS cranes are fast and highly- effi cient in handling containers and capable of handling latest types of vessels. Qatar’s food security Each crane can handle four 20- foot containers or two 40-foot con- tainers at the same time. Four more cranes will be added in 2021, taking the total to seven. CT2 has been also equipped with 12 RTGs (rubber-tyred gantry cranes), and 14 more will be added in facilities 85% complete 2021, taking the total to 26. RTGs are used for handling con- By Santhosh V Perumal about 300,000MT (metric tonnes). tainers on the landside. Business Reporter There are two storage warehouses RTGs are of battery hybrid type, (double and triple module) to store rice. which reduces the environmental The total area of the double module impact by lowering fuel consump- atar’s 530,000sq m “Strategic warehouse is 10,000sq m, with a stor- tion. Food Security Facilities” (SFSF), age capacity of 28,000MT, Further, when a container/load is Qbeing built at the Hamad Port at The total area of the triple module lowered, there is a spike of generated an estimated cost of QR1.6bn, is 85% warehouse is 15,000sq m, with storage power which results in a rapid charge complete and will be dedicated to the capacity of 44,000MT. event of the batteries. nation by the second quarter (Q2) of While processing the brown rice, CT2 has 22 Terminal Tractor 2021. there will be waste in the form of bro- “APM 75T HE” for container trans- The Hamad Port project steering ken/coloured rice. portation within the terminal and committee is supervising the construc- This byproduct has been taken into the port. tion and development of the SFSF for consideration in the SFSF project de- This type of terminal tractor is ca- storing, processing, refi ning, and pre- sign; it will either to be processed into pable of functioning very effi ciently paring three main food commodities rice fl our or into animal feed. in high temperatures. (sugar, rice, and edible oils), which will Highlighting that 90% of the edible It’s equipped with advanced bat- be available for use in the local, regional, oil tanks manufacturing works have teries, an entirely solid-state tech- and global markets. been completed, the MoTC said that in nology insensitive to temperature “The current overall progress of the the SFSF, the oil will be pumped from variations from -20°C to 160°C. project is around 85%. Work is ongo- ship to the intermediate storage tanks, This supports its operations at ing to complete the construction works, and then to the oil drying section. Hamad Port in summers, when tem- and targeted to be operational by Q2, Later, it will be stored in long-term peratures are very high in Qatar. 2021,” the Ministry of Transport and storage tanks, which is for a minimum Highlighting that all materials Communications (MoTC) said, adding of two years. and equipment used in the works that the tender document for the fa- As and when required, this oil will of infrastructure, preparations and cilities operator, in co-operation with a be refi ned in the refi nery section, and establishments at CT2 were made global consulting company, is complete. stored in the refi ned oil tanks. in Qatar, HE al-Sulaiti said that the The construction of the rice storage From there, it will be sent to the fi lling MoTC is “signifi cantly” contribut- silos has been 95% completed. section, where the oil will be fi lled and ing to reinforcing the localisation of The rice processing facility is also packed in PET (polyethylene terephtha- manufacturing, expertise and global 95% complete; it will receive 20% late) bottles. technology. brown rice and 80% white rice. “There will be four diff erent types of QTerminals, which manages and Brown rice will be milled fi rst, and oils; sunfl ower, corn, palm, and olive operates Phase 1 of Hamad Port, has then it will go to long-storage silos, oil. The facility can produce oil in bot- so far completed 3mn man-hours where the white rice will be stored for a tles with a capacity of 326MT per day without lost-time incident during minimum of two years. ready for distribution to the market,” it HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Khalid bin Khalifa bin Abdulaziz al-Thani and other off icials inspect the the development works of CT2, ac- Both types of rice will be milled be- said. newly-inaugurated Hamad Port Medical Centre.. cording to the MoTC. fore packing. As for the edible oil plant and tanks The premier also inaugurated the The processing facility can produce facility, it consists of 44 stainless steel Two separate fi lling lines will be used warehouses (fi nal product) have been 15,000sq m, and it has a total storage Hamad Port Medical Centre, which bagged rice with a capacity of 550MT oil storage tanks, with 36 to be used for to bottle the refi ned oil. completed, and work is currently un- capacity of 130,000MT. is equipped with all necessary medi- per day, ready for distribution to the long-term, and eight for the fi nal prod- The total storage capacity of oil ware- derway on the construction of Ware- The total area of Warehouse 2 (quad- cal equipment to serve the port’s market. uct. house will be 13,000MT. house 1 sugar storage, which is about ruple module warehouse) is 21,000sq employees, visitors, and for the fi t- The SFSF comprises 51 concrete stor- The total storage capacity of oil tanks The MoTC said that about 90% of 60% complete. m, and it has a total storage capacity of ness check-up of sailors and ship age silos with a total storage capacity of will be 120,000MT. the construction works for the sugar The total area of Warehouse 1 is 65,000MT. crews, when applicable.

Mahaseel Festival opens today at Katara

Katara – the Cultural Village, in co-operation with the Ministry of Municipality and Environment, is all set to open the fifth edition of the Mahaseel Festival today (December 23). A wide range of farm produce – from vegetables, meat, and dairy products to ornamental plants – will be off ered at the annual event, which will see the participation of 28 Qatari farms and nine national companies. It will be open from 9am-9pm every day until January 2, after which the Mahaseel souq will operate on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays until March 31. PICTURES: Thajudheen