Tuesday February 9, 2021 Jumada Al-Akhirah 27, 1442 Vol.14 no. 5177 qR 2

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BOOK YOUR SPACE NOW ! SECOND EDITION +974 5006 6691 | www.buildyourhouseqatar.com QP inks pact for mega LNG expansion Developing the $28.7 bn North Field East project will boost Qatar’s LNG production capacity to 110 mn tonnes per annum Satyendra Pathak the past few years and larg- generate substantial revenues mtpa. With an expected pro- Doha est LNG capacity ever built,” for Qatar and will have signifi- duction start date in 2027, Kaabi said while addressing cant benefits to all sectors of the the NFS project involves the Qatar Petroleum (QP) on a virtual press conference on Qatari economy during the con- construction of two additional Amir condoles Monday signed onshore en- the occasion. struction phase and beyond.” mega LNG trains with a ca- gineering, procurement and Production from NFE He said, “Signing of this pacity of 8 mtpa each and as- with Saudi king construction (EPC) contract project, which will raise Qa- contract holds special signifi- sociated offshore and onshore QNA with a joint venture between tar’s LNG production capac- cance as it comes at a critical facilities. Doha Chiyoda and Technip to de- ity from the current 77 million time when the world is still Kaabi said that while QP velop North Field East Pro- tonnes per annum (mtpa) to reeling from the effects of a is ready to develop the North His Highness the Amir ject (NFE), the world’s largest 110 mtpa by 2026, will start by global pandemic and related Field alone, the bidding pro- of State of Qatar Sheikh LNG project. the fourth quarter of 2025 and depressed economies. This cess for international oil firms Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani The contract was signed reach full capacity by late 2026 investment decision is a clear (IOCs) to take up to a 30 per- on Monday sent a cable of by Minister of State for En- or early 2027, Kaabi said. In demonstration of the steadfast cent stake in the project’s first condolences to the Custodi- ergy Affairs and Qatar Petro- addition to LNG, the project Minister of State for Energy Affairs HE Saad Sherida Al Kaabi with commitment by Qatar to sup- phase will start next week. an of the Two Holy Mosques leum President and CEO HE will produce condensate, LPG, other officials at the deal signing ceremony on Monday.p age 8 ply the world with the clean He said he expects a deci- King Salman bin Abdulaziz Saad Sherida Al Kaabi, Chi- ethane, sulfur and helium. Its energy it needs.” sion to finalise partnerships Al Saud of the Kingdom of yoda Corporation Chairman total production will reach treatment, natural gas liquids East LNG Project, and is a The NFE project repre- with the IOCs for the field’s ex- Saudi Arabia on the death and CEO Kazushi Okawa and about 1.4 million barrels of oil recovery, as well as helium significant landmark in Qatar sents the first phase of LNG pansion by the end of this year. of the mother of HRH Prince Technip Energies President equivalent per day. extraction and refining within Petroleum’s strategic growth expansion in Qatar, while the Kaabi said, “QP is currently Abdulrahman bin Faisal bin Arnaud Pieton. The main scope of the EPC Ras Laffan Industrial City. journey in a sustainable man- second phase, referred to as evaluating the further increase Saud bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. “The total cost of the contract is the construction Kaabi said, “The execution ner. It will be the largest LNG the North Field South Project in LNG capacity beyond the project will be $28.7 billion, of 4 mega LNG trains with a of this EPC contract marks the capacity addition ever and the (NFS), will further increase 126 mtpa as we want to mon- making it one of the indus- capacity of 8 mtpa each, with commencement of the con- most competitive LNG project Qatar’s LNG production ca- etise our natural resources at a try’s largest investments in associated facilities for gas struction of the North Field in the world. This project will pacity from 110 mtpa to 126 faster pace.” MoPH reports 427 COVID-19 cases

Qatar on Monday recorded 427 coronavirus (COVID-19) Qatar set to celebrate cases — 387 from commu- nity and 40 from travellers returning from abroad, the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) said in its daily NSD with caution report. Sadly, a 51-year-old Tribune News Network patient, who was receiving Doha the necessary medical care, 15 health centres to succumbed to the virus, Qatar is all set to celebrate the National taking the death toll in the Sport Day (NSD) on Tuesday amid COV- remain open on country to 251. ID-19 restrictions in place. Also, 123 people recov- As per Cabinet’s decision regarding the NSD, says PHCC ered from the virus in the plan to re-impose COVID-19 restrictions, past 24 hours, bringing the all sporting activities this year will be in- The Primary Health Care Cooperation (PHCC) total number of recoveries dividual only, such as running, swimming, has designated 15 health centres to operate in Qatar to 147,033. and cycling. continuously from 7am to 11pm during Nation- “All the new cases have Military Police concludes joint drill with Turkish forces The National Sports Day Committee said al Sport Day on Tuesday. The health centers been introduced to isolation sports that require physical contact, such as are: Al Wakra, Airport, Umm Ghuwailina, Omar and are receiving neces- Forces of the Military Police concluded a four-week joint military exercise with the Turkish Armed ball matches, are not allowed, and sports in Bin Al Khattab, West Bay, Al Sheehaniya, Abu sary healthcare according Forces. The exercise aimed at raising combat capabilities, exchanging experiences, and enhancing which several teams compete in a limited Baker Al Siddiq, Muaither, Al Rayyan, Mesai- to their health status,” the the joint military cooperation between the Qatari army and its Turkish counterpart. The closing day space are not permitted. Public attendance meer, Al Ruwais, Al Khor, Leabaib, Gharrafat Al MoPH said. (TNN) of the exercise included riot control scenarios and storming built-up areas. (QNA) page 2 in places of sports activities during Sport Rayyan and Madinat Khalifa, while Al Jumailiya Day will also not be allowed. health centre will operate on a call-up system. All sports activities must take place in With regard to the health centres dedicated outdoor settings. Indoor sports are pro- to examine and keep suspected cases of hibited. COVID-19, PHCC said Rawdat Al Khail and A safe distance of at least 3 metres must Umm Salal health centres will work continu- Outpatient consultations be strictly maintained at all times during the ously over a 24-hour period. page 16 via telephone from sports activities. ‘Qatar 2022 World Cup to There will be a live broadcast of sports tomorrow, says HMC activities on the social media channels of the benefits, in addition, to educate citizens be played in full stadiums’ Qatar Sports for All (QSFA) Federation on and residents of the importance of sports in QNA NSD. daily life and encourage them to practice it Doha The National Sports Day Committee throughout the year. called on all members of society to commit to The primary goal of National Sport Day The Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) taking several preventive measures, such as is to promote sports and to educate the lo- has decided to stop physical attendance at wearing masks, except for the time of prac- cal population on ways to reduce health risks outpatient clinics in all HMC hospitals from ticing sports activity. associated with an inactive lifestyle, such as Wednesday, Feb 10, due to the recent in- The committee urged the groups, in- cardiovascular disease and diabetes. crease in COVID-19 cases. cluding people over the age of 60 years and Qatar is the first country in the world to HMC will instead be using telephone con- people with chronic diseases, to be discour- devote a day to sports, where citizens and sultations between the physician and patient, aged from attending places of sports ac- residents participate to celebrate and learn it said, urging patients not to come into hos- tivities for the sake of their about various sports and activities and their pital for appointments. safety. many benefits, which encouraged some “Patients are asked not to come into hos- The National Sport global institutions and unions to copy this pital for appointment. The physician will tel- Day aims to highlight the unique experience. Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup matches Jamal, Chairman of the Operations ephone the patient on the day of the appoint- importance of sport with will be staged in stadiums operating at Office of the Supreme Committee for ment,” it stated. its moral and human val- 100 percent capacity, a top official of Delivery and Legacy, told AFP. According to HMC, the doctor will ar- ues and health the Supreme Committee for Delivery Qatar is currently hosting range a face-to-face appointment if needed and Legacy (SC) has said. the Club World Cup of regional and patient will be informed by the clinic. “Qatar started this matter gradu- champions.“There is confidence in the HMC underlined that this measure is taken ally by hosting matches for the AFC measures that are taken in the stadi- for the protection and safety of patients. Champions League without fans. In ums and the metro network and in the December, the capacity was raised to means of entry and exit to preserve the 30 percent, which was followed by the safety of everyone,” Jamal said. Club World Cup at the same percent- “We have put in place several pre- age... reaching the 2022 World Cup cautionary measures to ensure that 30 Qatar provides medical with crowds of 100 percent,” Yasir Al percent is appropriate,” Jamal said. (TNN) aid to Sudan (PG 2 ) 02 Tuesday, February 9, 2021

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Quick read Shura Council approves committee Amir congratulates Libyan Executive Authority president The Amir His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani on Mon- day held a telephone conversation with Head of the Interim Execu- tive Authority of Libya Mohammad Younes Al Menfi. During the call, HH the Amir congratulated Al Menfi on winning the presidency report on labour law amendments of the council, wishing him success. HH the Amir also affirmed Qatar’s supportive position to Libya’s security and stability. (QNA) QNA Doha Deputy Amir sends condolences to Saudi king The Deputy Amir His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad Al The Shura Council, at a meeting Thani on Monday sent a cable of condolences to the Custodian chaired by Speaker HE Ahmed bin Ab- of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud of dullah bin Zaid Al Mahmoud via video Saudi Arabia on the death of the mother of HRH Prince Abdul- conference on Monday, discussed the rahman bin Faisal bin Saud bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. (QNA) report of the joint committee of the Services and Public Utilities Commit- tee and the Internal and External Af- PM commiserates with Saudi Arabia king fairs Committee regarding Decree-Law Prime Minister and Minister of Interior HE Sheikh Khalid No. 18 of 2020 amending some provi- bin Khalifa bin Abdulaziz Al Thani sent on Monday a cable of sions of the Labour Law promulgated condolences to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King by Law No. 14 of 2004. Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud of Saudi Arabia on the death of The council also discussed the re- the mother of HRH Prince Abdulrahman bin Faisal bin Saud bin port of the same committee regarding Abdulaziz Al Saud. (QNA) Decree-Law No. 19 of 2020 amending some provisions of Law No. 21 of 2015 FM receives phone call from US National Security Advisor regulating the entry, exit and residence Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs HE Sheikh of expatriates. Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani on Monday received a After the discussions, the Council phone call from US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan. The approved the two decrees and decided call dealt with reviewing bilateral cooperation between the two to refer them to the government. countries, in addition to other issues of mutual interest. (QNA) The council’s session had exten- sive discussions about the report of ASEAN secretary-general receives Qatar ambassador the joint committee of the Services and Shura Council members at a meeting chaired by Speaker HE Ahmed bin Abdullah bin Zaid Al Mahmoud via video conference on Monday. credentials Public Utilities Committee and the In- Secretary-General of the Association of Southeast Asian ternal and External Affairs Committee committee to complete it in light of the Executive Committee of the Glob- its work programmes and joint activi- Nations (ASEAN) Dato Lim Jock Hoi received the credentials of regarding the general discussion re- comments and suggestions put for- al Organization of Parliamentarians ties with the United Nations and the Ambassador of Qatar to accredited to ASEAN HE Fawziya bint quest submitted by several members of ward by several members, and submit Against Corruption (GOPAC) that was Inter-Parliamentary Union, was domi- Edrees Al Sulaiti via video conferencing on Monday. The ASEAN the council on the change of employer a supplementary report to the council held via video conference under his nated by a common desire to develop secretary-general hailed the distinguished relations between and travel without notification for ex- at the forthcoming session. chairmanship last Tuesday. and activate the role of the organisa- Qatar and the ASEAN. He wished the ambassador success in patriate workers. During the session, HE the Speaker He said the meeting, during which tion through its office in Doha to which her new duties. (QNA) After discussion, the council de- of the Shura Council briefed the Coun- the committee discussed the organisa- GOPAC’s General Secretariat will move cided to return the report to the joint cil on the outcomes of the meeting of tion’s strategy for the years 2021-2022, soon after its inauguration.

Qatar’s official in Qatar offers medical Gaza, European & Qatar calls for international pressure to international officials stop illegal Israeli activities in Palestine assistance to Sudan QNA while describing Sudan-Qatar discuss aid efforts QNA President Mahmoud Abbas to hold Khartoum relations as strong and solid. Cairo Liberation Organization Movement’s For his part, Ambassador QNA presidential and national council elec- A plane loaded with medical Kubaisi said the assistance Gaza More joint work is needed to pres- tions, saying it represents an impor- assistance provided by Qatar came within the framework sure the international community and tant step towards Palestinian unity. to aid Sudan’s medical sector of the distinguished relations Chairman of Qatar’s Gaza Recon- ensure it is more firm with Israel to Muraikhi stressed that Qatar calls arrived at Khartoum airport between the two countries, struction Committee HE Ambassador stop illegal settlement activity, the vio- for continued provision of humanitar- on Monday. pointing to Qatar’s supportive Mohammed Al Emadi on Monday lations against the Palestinian people, ian support to the Palestinian people The medical assistance stance to Sudan in the vari- met separately with European Un- the siege imposed on Gaza and ensure to alleviate the suffering and economic consignment was received at ous service and development ion Representative in Palestine Sven it enters serious negotiations to end Is- hardships they face. the airport by Director of Bi- fields, as well as humanitarian Kuhn von Burgsdorff, Representative raeli occupation of all Arab land, said He said, as part of Qatar’s support lateral Relations at the Suda- aid field. of the International Quartet in Je- Minister of State for Foreign Affairs to improve conditions in Gaza, the nese Health Ministry Dr Eman Engineer Abdul Aziz said rusalem and Ramallah John Clarke, HE Sultan bin Saad Al Muraikhi. Amir His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Mukhtar, Ambassador of Qa- the consignment contains 79 New Special Coordinator for the Muraikhi was speaking on Monday Hamad Al Thani directed allocation of tar to Sudan HE Abdulrahman tonnes of medical solutions Middle East Peace Process Tor Wen- at the extraordinary meeting of the a grant worth $360 million to the Pal- bin Ali Al Kubaisi and Direc- and is part of continued hu- nesland, France’s Consul-General League of Arab States held at the head- Minister of State for Foreign Affairs HE estinian people. tor of Qatar Charity’s Office in manitarian and relief assis- in Jerusalem Rene Troccaz and the quarters of the General Secretariat in Sultan bin Saad Al Muraikhi He added that the grant will help Sudan Engineer Omar Abdul tance to Sudan, adding that it Netherlands Representative in Pales- Cairo to discuss Arab solidarity and pay wages and support poor fami- Aziz. is also part of ‘Safety for Su- tine Kees van Baar. emphasise commitment to the Pales- lies, in addition to running electricity Dr Mukhtar commended dan’ campaign. During the meetings, they re- tinian cause. ‘The Palestinian issue remains plants, in order to put an end to the de- Qatar’s support and assistance He said there will be a sec- viewed the latest developments in the He stressed that the Palestinian is- the core Arab issue; it remains terioration of humanitarian conditions to her country in the health ond phase of assistance that difficult conditions experienced by the sue remains the core Arab issue, high- the top priority despite the lack in the strip. domain, thanking the gov- will cover health and educa- residents of the Gaza Strip and the lighting that it remains the top priority of momentum of peace talks due He expressed hope that the meet- ernment and people of Qatar tional fields, among others. ways to alleviate these crises. despite the lack of momentum of peace ing succeeds in supporting solidarity Ambassador Emadi pointed to talks due to the Israeli violation of its to the Israeli violation of its com- among Palestinians in order to gain what Qatar had recently done in an- commitment, intensification of illegal mitment, intensification of illegal their rights. nouncing the provision of a new grant settlement of Palestinian land and Ju- settlement of Palestinian land Earlier in his speech, Muraikhi of $360 million to the residents of the daisation of Al Quds. and Judaisation of Al Quds’ said Qatar renews its appreciation to Gaza Strip, stressing that Qatar will He reiterated Qatar’s position that Kuwait’s efforts to achieve a GCC rec- soon start the first phase of the project a fair and comprehensive settlement of onciliation, which started with the late to establish and equip Hamad Bin Jas- the Palestinian issue must stand on a He said Qatar is a firm supporter of Amir HH Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmad Al sim General Hospital in Rafah in the two-state solution, international reso- all the rights of the Palestinian people Jaber Al Sabah and continued under southern Gaza Strip, and the coming lutions and the Arab peace initiative in and the reconciliation among Palestin- the Amir HH Sheikh Nawaf Al Ahmad days will see the opening of Noura Bint order to establish a Palestinian state of ians. Al Jaber Al Sabah and were crowned Rashid Mohammed Al Kaabi Dialysis the borders of June 4, 1967 with East He added that Qatar praised the with Al-Ula statement at the GCC Sum- Center. Al Quds as its capital. announcement made by Palestinian mit held in Saudi Arabia last month. Military Police concludes joint exercise with Turkish Forces

Forces of the Military Police on Monday concluded a four-week joint military exercise with the Turkish Armed Forces. The exercise aimed at raising combat capabilities, exchanging experiences and enhancing the joint military cooperation between the Qatari army and its Turkish counterpart. The closing day of the exercise included riot control scenarios and storming built-up areas. Commander of the Military Police Brigadier-General Rashid Mohammed Al Hajri and Military Advisor to the Turkish Forces in Qatar Brigadier-General Ramazan Aydemir praised the quality, professionalism and distinguished performance presented by all participants in the exercise. (QNA)

04 Tuesday, February 9, 2021 Nation Doha Institute’s English language seminar attracts 400 participants Tribune News Network at DI. He said the seminar sup- her talk, she presented a variety stitutions, she has shown that tion Technologist at the College generally been nurtured or rec- pedagogy, as questions have Doha ports the mission of the Lan- of practices and specific tech- achieving sustainability is not of Preparatory Studies, Sultan ognized in the traditional EAP been raised about methods, guage Center to develop lin- niques that she put in place in only possible, but rewarding for Qaboos University, Oman, and programme. He concluded that definitions and new terminol- The Doha Institute for Gradu- guistic and cultural excellence virtual writing classrooms to both students and their instruc- was titled ‘Rethinking Instruc- current social and educational ogy. He looked at recent stud- ate Studies (DI) held its annual capabilities in knowledge pro- foster a sense of community tional Design in an EAP Con- issues in the Arab Gulf EFL ies and pointed out that isola- seminar on English language duction. among student writers. text.’ and EAP context could be bet- tion, lack of interaction, and learning and teaching recently. He also stressed that it is Based on the work of other The seminar supports the He discussed learning expe- ter addressed by implementing separation from peers, create This year’s theme was ‘Academ- part of the DI Community Out- teachers and scholars of writ- mission of the Language rience design and its develop- both learning experience design loneliness and even despair, ic English in a Virtual Setting: reach Initiative and contributes ing, including Bell Hakens’ Center to develop linguis- ment as a means to ensure that ethos and micro-credentialing seriously hindering the learn- Aspects and Sustainability’. to improving communication Teaching to Transgress (1994) tic and cultural excellence the design of the instruction strategies. ing process. He stated that the The event was held online and between the Institute, individu- and Parker Palmer’s Courage to capabilities in knowledge provides students with a more Dr. Joseph Alvaro, Corpus SLA theory’s recommendations around 400 English language als and organisations in Doha Teacher (2017), she has shown production personal, positive and profound Christi College, Vancouver, advocate social interaction as a teaching professionals from dif- and the international commu- that, in order for students to experience. He also discussed Canada, presented the final primary factor in positive lan- ferent universities, colleges and nity. succeed in the classroom, they micro-credentialing and its aim session. His talk was entitled guage learning, indicating that schools from both Doha and the The first session was given must first know that their in- tors, whether in a classroom of promoting and more formal- ‘E-learning & EAP: Problems, “community sense” is essential, international community at- by Kelly Wilson, Writing Center structors care about them and setting or in a virtual learning ly recognising the development Solutions & Applications.’ and concluded that “Blogs” and tended the event. Administrator, Northwestern their learning experiences.. environment. of life skills, stressing that such He pointed out that the “close peer role models” are two The welcoming remarks University in Qatar, and focused Drawing on her own work The second session was skills are increasingly seen as challenges of online teaching re- methods that have been largely were made by Dr Alaa El Gibali, on ‘Fostering a Community of with second-language learners delivered by Jim Buckingham, highly relevant to the success of quire educators to adopt a para- effective in building successful director of the Language Center Writers in Virtual Settings.’ In enrolled in English-only in- Language Lecturer and Educa- a student’s career but have not digm shift in their approach to EAP practice communities. Works on treated sewage effluent network now completed: Ashghal Tribune News Network open cutting method. Doha He said the network was implement- ed at an average depth ranging between The Public Works Authority (Ashghal) two to five metres underground. The has announced the completion of all works also included the installation of 42 works related to construction of 28-kil- control valve rooms, 49 rooms and wash ometre-long Treated Sewage Effluent basins, 32 air valves rooms, 63 distribu- (TSE) network, which aims to irrigate tion rooms, in addition to control valves green areas in Al Kharaitiyat and its sur- and communication rooms. rounding areas. Engineer Ajina added that the pro- Besides Al Kharaitiyat, the TSE net- ject forms as a link in the Treated Sewage Celebrate your most work covers areas like Rawdat Egdaim, Effluent (TSE) Network between Al Sha- Rawdat Al Jahhaniya, Jeryan Al Saham, mal Road and Dukhan Road in North romantic day of year at Rawdat Al Thamid, Jarry Al Dhabi, Doha. The project serves several areas Izghawa and Al Froush. The project is surrounded by Al Sha- witnessing a significant urban growth Engineer Jamal Ajina, project engi- mal Road in the east and Al Majd Road Wadi Al Ghdiriyat St Wholesale Market as it provides and connects TSE lines of Alwadi Hotel MGallery neer and engineering projects expert at in the West, as well as Dukhan Highway other existing projects in the area. It also Tribune News Network tea lounge. With a romantic the Roads Projects Department, said the in the south. The newly constructed net- exploitation of the treated effluent to in- minimises the pressure on local water Doha ground floor terrace, guests scope of works included constructing a work collects all treated sewage effluent crease the green space in the area. resources, including water desalination can indulge in romance- TSE Network covering the needs of eight water and distributes it to irrigate the Engineer Jamal Ajina said the up- and groundwater well drilling. Alwadi Hotel MGallery themed cakes and desserts areas north of Doha through extending green areas, parks and landscapes along- grade of the Treated Sewage Effluent He said this project comes as part in the heart of Doha’s lively expertly crafted by the hotel’s new pipelines from Al Kharaitiyat in the side these roads, as well as Riffa Street (TSE) Network that implemented in- of Ashghal’s commitment to encourage Msheireb area is the perfect pastry artists. Al Rayyan Municipality towards Umm and the green areas on either side of cluded extending 28-km-long TSE lines sustainability and recycling to reuse the location to celebrate your be- Salal Municipality. the bicycle path to ensure a sustainable using fine tunnelling technology and the treated sewage effluent. loved this February 14. “This year AlWadi MGal- lery is offering guests two spe- cial opportunities to celebrate the day,” said Alwadi Hotel Public Prosecution MGallery General Manager Traffic diversion on E-Ring Hani Akkari. “Our team is on hand to ensure that February attends GCC meeting 14 is a special day for all of our Road to begin tomorrow guests and ensure those extra Tribune News Network QNA special, unexpected touches Doha Doha that make it a memorable day.” Hani Akkari, Hotel MGallery The Public Works Author- The Public Prosecution On February 14, guests can General Manager ity (Ashghal) has announced participated in the sixth enjoy a romantic dinner for that it will close part of the meeting of the heads of two under the stars at O’Glacee These special delights are E-Ring Road, in the direction inspection departments of restaurant. With a superb available from February 7 to from Energy Intersection to- the public prosecution bod- poolside location, cosy seating 14 from 9am to 9pm. wards Airport Street, divert- ies and state prosecutors and iconic views of Msheireb, “Each experience has been ing traffic to the opposite side of the GCC countries. The the alfresco dinner will feature thoughtfully created by our of the road to include two meet was held via video an interactive buffet from the team to ensure our guests lanes in each direction. conference technology on innovative O’Glacee culinary have the perfect February 14,” The diversion, which Monday. team. Akkari said. starts on Wednesday, Feb- The meeting, in which The O’Glacee Alfresco Din- “Alwadi MGallery team ruary 10, for a period of six Chief Prosecutor Moham- ner is QR229, including soft goes above and beyond to en- months in coordination with med Rashid Al Binali rep- Chief Prosecutor Mohammed beverages and QR339 for a sure each and every guest has the General Directorate of resented the Public Pros- Rashid al Binali selection of special beverages an incredible experience from Traffic, aims to facilitate con- ecution, reviewed a number and will be served from 6pm the moment they enter our ho- struction works of surface and of topics on the agenda, prosecutors of the GCC to 10pm. tel to the time the leave, help- groundwater network at Al particularly discussion of states, and the completion Guests can rekindle that ing them to create memorable Thumama. the unified guiding list of a study on highlighting in- romantic spark with your spe- moments. This includes work- The authority said it would for inspecting the work of novative behaviour and good cial someone and celebrate ing with our guests creating install road signs to alert road has urged all commuters to follow the road signs to en- members of the public pros- investigations by a member the sweetest special moment bespoke experiences to mark a users of the traffic change and abide by the speed limit and sure their safety. ecution bodies and state of the public prosecution. at the popular AtTEAtude special occasion.”

Omani legend Ali Al Habsi visits NMoQ Tribune News Network Doha

Legendary Omani football player Ali Al Habsi visited the National Museum of Qatar (MNoQ). He was welcomed by Ab- dullah Yousif Al Mulla, direc- tor of 3-2-1 Qatar Olympic and Sports Museum, deliv- ered a presentation on 3-2-1 Qatar Olympic and Sports Museum, and led a guided tour of the NMoQ. Al Habsi gifted his special football jersey the 3-2-1 Qa- tar Olympic and Sports Mu- seum’s collection. He wore Qatar Museums and Mawater sign the jersey during the FA Cup Final, where his team, Wigan Athletic, won 1-0 against pact to collaborate on car exhibitions Manchester City. Al Habsi was the Oman Tribune News Network ous temporary exhibitions, includ- Hussain Alfardan. national team’s goalkeeper DOHA ing Mal Lawal 3 Cars exhibition, of Qatar Museums and Mawater and played in a number of which Mawater is the lead car cura- also collaborated on last year’s car clubs in England and Saudi Qatar Museums (QM) and Mawa- tor. edition of Mal Lawal. Arabia from 1998 until 2020. ter have signed a memorandum of Mal Lawal (‘of the past’) is an The exhibition featured 12 cars In 2016, Al Habsi estab- understanding (MoU) to collaborate exhibition that, since 2012, has used in Qatar in the 1970s and lished the Al Habsi School of on car-related exhibitions, includ- showcased an incredible range of 1980s. Football in Muscat. ing an annual update of the Mawa- local and regional collectors. The Mal Lawal 3 Cars exhibition will The academy has used ter Gallery, previously named the third edition focuses on the stories run until August 1, 2021 at Museum his professional experience Vintage Car Gallery, at the National of 26 Qatari general collectors and Baraha - Mawater Gallery, National at Al Hanbsi to develop a Museum of Qatar (NMoQ). showcases the private collections of Museum of Qatar. complete training method- The agreement outlines the in- esteemed Qatari car collectors Sa- More information is available at ology aimed at supporting corporation of relevant cars for vari- lem Saeed Al Mohannadi and Omar www.nmoq.org.qa/Mal-Lawal-3. football stars of the future. World Tuesday, February 9, 2021 05

NATURE’S FURY India asks Twitter to remove over 1,000 accounts, urges farmers to end protest

dpa counts were backed by its ri- New Delhi val Pakistan or operated by sympathisers of a separatist The Indian government Sikh movement. on Monday asked Twitter The social media site has to remove more than 1,000 not yet complied with the accounts linked to the ongo- request, which comes after ing farmers’ protests, media protests received support reports said, as Prime Min- online from several global ister Narendra Modi urged celebrities such as popstar the farmers to stop demon- Rihanna and environmental strating against new agri- activist Greta Thunberg. cultural laws. A large number of farm- “End your protests ers, led by their unions, and we will all sit together have camped at Delhi’s bor- and talk. We are ready for ders since late November talks and I am inviting you demanding the withdrawal again for dialogue from this of three new agricultural house,” Modi said in parlia- laws, that they say will leave ment. them vulnerable to big cor- According to a report porations and the vagaries by broadcaster NDTV, the of the free market. government asked Twitter Modi’s government says to remove 1,178 accounts the laws, which ease rules who were allegedly spread- regarding storage, market- Members of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) during a rescue operation in Chamoli district of Uttarakhand on Monday. (afp) ing misinformation and ing and sale of produce, will provocative content on the modernize and energize the farmer protests, official farming sector, on which sources said. more than 50 percent of In- According to NDTV, the dia’s population depend for India glacier toll hits 19, search government claimed the ac- a living. continues for 180 missing and by mud and rocks, Power itself collapsing and releasing Most of those killed or missing are believed Minister RK Singh said. 34 trapped water; or an avalanche higher “We have cleared our way up crashing into a glacial lake, to be workers at two power plants some 70 metres into the tunnel in tunnel causing a surge of water and and need to negotiate another At least 34 workers debris. dpa plants and five bridges on the 180 metres more to a bend in were trapped in a Environmentalists also New Delhi Alaknanda river system and the tunnel where we hope the 2.5-kilometre-long blamed the disaster on the rap- swept away roads and homes, debris hasn’t entered and our tunnel at a power id pace of development in the At least 19 people were con- forcing authorities to evacuate men are still alive. No commu- plant that had been region and on climate change. firmed dead on Monday and villages in the region. nication has been established Experts say environmental at least 180 others were miss- Uttarakhand police said 19 with them so far,” Singh said. cut off by the floods degradation from the widen- ing after part of a glacier burst bodies had been recovered by Residents of the Raini and by mud and rocks ing of highways and building of A farmer shouts slogans against the government’s agricultural in northern India triggering an Monday afternoon while state village where the glacier col- power projects have made the reforms on the outskirts of Amritsar recently. (AFP) avalanche and flash flood that police chief Ashok Kumar said lapsed, said they were jolted by newspaper. region more vulnerable. washed away hydropower pro- more than 180 people were still the loud sound and the sight National and state disaster In 2013, Uttarakhand was jects and bridges. unaccounted for. of huge torrents of water and response teams besides teams hit by its heaviest monsoon The incident happened on Most of those killed or miss- sludge in the river hurtling to- from the Indo-Tibetan Border rains in nearly 90 years, leav- Sunday morning in the Cha- ing are believed to be workers wards them. Police (ITBP), army as well as ing more than 6,000 dead. moli district of Uttarakhand at the two plants. Some 25 peo- “Before we could make out navy divers were deployed for Geological Survey of India Alleged mastermind in the Himalayas, some 2,000 ple had been rescued, Kumar what was happening, the rag- the rescue effort. director general Ranjit Rath metres above sea level. said. At least 34 workers were ing muddy waters of the river Various theories have said the deluge appears to have Floodwaters carrying gla- trapped in a 2.5-kilometre-long had devastated the landscape,” emerged as to what caused been caused by “glacial calving” behind Daniel murder cier chunks from the avalanche tunnel at a power plant that said 50-year-old Dharam Sin- the sudden collapse of the gla- or the breaking of ice-chunks damaged two hydroelectric had been cut off by the floods gh, according to the Tribune cier, from parts of the glacier from the edge of the glacier. moved to rest house

dpa the government filed an ap- Islamabad peal against the release order HOPES FADE following strong reaction by DRC records A man convicted in Pakistan the US, asking authorities to new Ebola case for the 2002 murder of US keep him under detention at journalist Daniel Pearl has a rest house. 6 months after Pak continues search for missing climbers been moved from a death cell Sheikh and four other to a detention centre where men involved in the kidnap- end of outbreak dpa ers, Pakistan’s Muhammad cally as “savage mountain.” “I which has earned the nick- he can meet his family under ping and the beheading of Islamabad Ali Sadpara, John Snorri from think the chances for survival name “savage mountain” due police supervision, an official Pearl were moved to the rest dpa Iceland and Mohr Prieto from of the missing climbers are to tough conditions, is located said on Monday. house inside the prison in Cape Town Army helicopters on Monday very slim,” said Sadpara’s son in northern Pakistan near the Ahmed Omar Saeed Karachi on Saturday night, resumed the search for three Sajid Ali in a video statement border with China. Sheikh, a Briton of Pakistani two officials told dpa. Health workers in the climbers who went missing The 8,611-metre-high K2, on Sunday. Last month, a 10-member origin, spent 18 years in the “They are now free to Democratic Republic of Congo during a winter ascent of Pa- which has earned the nick- Sajid Ali, who had also team of Nepalese climbers death cell after his conviction have a stroll in the sun and have detected a new case of kistan’s K2, the world’s second name ‘savage mountain’ been part of the ill-fated climb made history with an unprec- for masterminding the hor- meet families,” one of the of- Ebola, the World Health Or- highest peak. but had been forced to turn edented winter ascent of the rific beheading of Pearl in the ficials said, seeking anonym- ganisation said on Sunday, six The two helicopters due to tough conditions back due to a malfunction- mountain. southern city of Karachi. ity because of the sensitivity months after the last outbreak tracked the climbers’ route up ing oxygen regulator, said the Hundreds of mountain- Pakistan’s Supreme Court of the case. was declared over. to the height of 7,000 metres, search should now focus on re- eers, most of them from Eu- ordered Sheikh’s immediate Pearl, the New Delhi- The wife of an Ebola sur- while a separate team con- Chile, lost contact with the covering the climbers’ bodies. rope, try to scale peaks in Pa- release last month, uphold- based South Asia corre- vivor sought treatment at a ducted a search on foot, Karar base camp on Friday. Res- Muhammad Ali Sadpara, kistan every summer, but only ing his 2020 acquittal by spondent for the American health centre in Butembo in Haidri, spokesperson of the cuers are facing challenging the first Pakistani to scale sev- few try during winter. the top court of the southern newspaper, was kidnapped the eastern DRC, which was government-run Alpine Club weather conditions as hopes en peaks higher than 8,000 Avalanches and bad province of Sindh. and killed in the southern the epicentre of the outbreak. of Pakistan, told dpa. fade for finding the lost climb- metres, is a national hero. weather have proved fatal in But the Supreme Court Pakistani city of Karachi in The woman subsequently The three missing climb- ers alive on the peak known lo- The 8,611-metre-high K2, the past. tweaked the decision after 2002. died. Test results showed that she had contracted Ebola.

The Ebola outbreak in the eastern DRC lasted nearly 2 Iran welcomes UN peace efforts in Yemen conflict years, with 2,299 deaths and 1,162 recoveries dpa cludes an immediate cease- Tehran Key visit fire, humanitarian aid for the more than 20 million Yeme- Local health workers have Iran on Monday welcomed ● The UN has described nis, talks between the warring already tracked more than 70 efforts by UN Special Envoy Yemen as the world’s parties and democratic elec- people who may have come in Martin Griffiths to seek an biggest humanitarian crisis tions with the participation of contact with the woman. The end to the long-running con- all political groups. WHO said in a statement that flict in Yemen. ● Griffiths’ visit comes days Iranian Foreign Ministry local health teams were al- “We welcome and support after US President Joe spokesman Saeed Khatibza- ready working on stopping the all efforts by the UN that could Biden declared an end to deh said: “We hope that the spread of the deadly disease, lead to an effective solution in US support for a military efforts of your special envoy with support from the interna- Yemen,” said Foreign Minis- campaign in Yemen led by will mark the beginning of the tional organization. ter Mohammad Javad Zarif Saudi Arabia, a regional end of the humanitarian ca- “The expertise and capac- at a meeting with Griffiths in rival of Iran tastrophe in Yemen.” ity of local health teams has Tehran. Griffiths’ visit comes days been critical in detecting this The war in Yemen was the after US President Joe Biden new Ebola case and paving wrong option from the start, six years in Yemen has pushed declared an end to US sup- the way for a timely response,” he said. the country to the brink of port for a military campaign said Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Griffiths began a two-day famine and wrecked its health in Yemen led by Saudi Arabia, Regional Director for Africa. visit to Iran on Sunday amid facilities. a regional rival of Iran. The Ebola outbreak in the renewed efforts to end the The United Nations has Khatibzadeh welcomed eastern DRC lasted nearly two long-running war in impover- described Yemen as the the change of policy on Mon- years, with 2,299 deaths and ished Yemen between a Saudi- world’s biggest humanitarian day. “If not another political 1,162 recoveries. This was the backed government and Iran- crisis. manoeuvrer, the American tenth outbreak in the central Iran’s Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif (centre left) during his meeting with Martin Griffiths (centre linked rebels. An Iranian peace initia- change of course is a step in African nation. right), special representative of the United Nations’ secretary general for Yemen, in Tehran on Monday. (AFP) The conflict of more than tive presented by Griffiths in- the right direction,” he said. 06 Tuesday, February 9, 2021

Established September 3, 2006 hamad bin suhaim al thani chairman Opinion adel ali bin ali managing director dr hassan mohammed al ansari editor-in-chief

SEC: Look To Yourself In GameStop Event COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution deep breath, a long pause Jay Sukits, a professor of fi- and a lot more informa- nance at the Katz School of A tion and consideration are Business at the University of needed before anyone settles Pittsburgh, told Pittsburgh Post- Has A Fairness Problem firmly on a way forward from the Gazette reporter Tim Grant: “It ap- GameStop buying/selling spree pears to me you have power play- that upended Wall Street and its ers who had the market shoved usual power brokers. back in their face and now they Directing shots to areas with exploding infection rates is the best way to control the pandemic In a move that dethroned the are complaining about it. This is self-appointed kings of the stock a situation where the little guys Faye Flam market, at least temporarily, small are attacking rich people. I findit Tribune News service investors organized on a social rather comical for these power- media platform and used an on- ful hedge funds to be complaining iguring out how to combine science line app to do what the big players about a group of individual inves- with fairness in COVID-19 vaccine distri- have been doing in the course of tors. These are billionaires, and bution is a tricky puzzle. Science can help daily business — they manipulated this is like them getting a taste of predict how to distribute limited doses to the market. The grassroots finan- their own medicine.” minimize overall deaths, but that means cial insurrection inflated the video In an uncommon bipartisan actingF fast, which might compromise fairness. game retailer’s stock value in a way chorus of concern, federal law- That’s how we end up with outrage when hos- that had nothing to do with its true makers on both sides of the politi- pital administrators get shots ahead of nursing underlying worth. cal aisle want a hearing. home residents, or, as The Atlantic reports, off- It was a big spoonful of soup du That makes sense. spring ahead of their elderly parents. jour, served by a band of amateur The first order of business Perfection is impossible. But there’s a way to day traders to professional Wall should be a hard look at the Se- do justice to both science and ethics: Focus vac- Street hedge fund managers who curities and Exchange Commis- cines on geographic hot spots and the elderly. cook the numbers as a matter of sion, which has said regarding Experts say both are important — and getting routine when they “short” a com- GameStop it will be looking for po- the vaccines to the hard-hit areas could correct pany’s value and, thereby, concur- tential wrongdoing. The SEC, the racial disparities that are already appearing in rently devalue it. ultimate market regulator, should the early rollout. No one blinks an eye when the look to itself and ask whether Focusing on geographic hot spots can help big dogs run. But, when the lit- GameStop was the fallout of lax minimize spread of the disease, which will also tle dogs form a pack, the big dogs regulation and disinterest in en- minimize the risk of new vaccine-evading vari- howl and the supposed leash-hold- suring the financial market is more ants cropping up. The more people get infected, ers start wondering about the con- than a rich man’s gambling hall. the greater the number of viral particles out dition of the straps they thought If what the GameStop trad- there, and the greater number of mutant ver- they had in hand. ers did was wrong because they sions will arise. And that means the greater the As the world ponders the manipulated the market, then the odds a dangerous variant will spread. are members of minority groups who have been problems. While social media has fueled some short- and long-term meaning hedge fund managers have been Yale epidemiologist Robert Hecht has been disproportionately hurt by the virus and its eco- outrage against people with smoking-related ill- of it all, economic pundits and just as wrong when they’ve ma- studying COVID-19 in Massachusetts and found nomic fallout. Demographic data collected by nesses getting the vaccine early, she says such politicians want an investigation nipulated the market. SEC, where the virus is vastly more prevalent in some areas the CDC suggests that too few vaccines have got- judgment is ethically dubious. into what some liken to a bat- have you been? The SEC needs than others. “We’re not just talking about a mar- ten to high-risk people who are Black, American We don’t deny people care for skin cancer tle of biblical proportions — an to be an economic policymaker, ginal difference of 5 or 10%,” he says. “We are Indian, Alaska Native or Hispanic. because they went out in the sun, she says. “The overdue reckoning that showed ensuring it oversees a financial talking about 200, 300% differences.” Dorit Reiss, a professor at the University of fact that someone got addicted to cigarettes and what happens when the village market that serves the economic He likens vaccinating these hot spots to fire- California’s Hastings College of the Law, says did not manage to quit … does not seem a reason commoners take on — and take needs of America, not just the fighters starting where flames are burning hot- it’s important to separate problems with vaccine to let them die from COVID,” she says. Beyond down — the ruling elite. wolves of Wall Street. test. And the hot spots are hot for a reason, he allocation plans from what happens in reality. that, smoking addiction is more common in so- says — it’s where people have in-person jobs, The CDC and the National Academy of Sciences cioeconomic groups that are more likely to be at can’t afford not to work, and live in multigenera- have created thoughtful plans that give the most risk from the virus. tional housing sometimes taking in extra ten- vulnerable people priority, she says, but inad- And it’s a waste of energy getting outraged at ants to make ends meet. equate funding has made it hard to carry out “selfish” people getting vaccinated “out of turn.” The hot spots are also places recent immi- those plans. And some states are creating plans As some infectious disease experts are arguing, grants come to live, and many don’t have any on their own. the vaccines likely do have some effect on reduc- connection to the health care system. They may With poor funding for distributing vaccines, ing transmission, so getting one is not all selfish be reluctant to seek testing or medical help be- she says, it’s been cheaper to send doses to big — it’s part of a civic duty and could help protect cause of their immigration status, he says. hospitals, even though that’s led to hospital ad- others and end the pandemic. Dousing the flames in these hot spots will ministrative staff getting the shots before many Above all, we shouldn’t let the perfect be the prevent them spreading elsewhere. “You can people who are more at risk. enemy of the good. Getting too rigid with alloca- get multiple benefits out of this,” he says. It’s What she says would make the most sense tion standards could mean throwing away doses the right thing to do from an epidemic control ethically would be to get vaccine doses to regions — and that’s the worst of all possible worlds. standpoint, he says. And it could bring some re- where people have been underserved through- lief to communities that have not had good ac- out the pandemic. “I am really concerned we are (Faye Flam is a Bloomberg Opinion cess to health care through the pandemic. seeing racial imbalance in vaccine distribution,” columnist and host of the podcast Sending vaccines to hot spots is also the fair she says, adding that the way to improve fairness “Follow the Science.” She has written A GameStop store in Los Angeles. (TNS) thing to do, since many people in places with to minorities is to bring the vaccines to them. for the Economist, the New York Times, high rates of disease live in crowded housing Reiss says it’s also important to avoid judg- the Washington Post, Psychology (Tribune News Service) and do high-risk jobs, often not by choice. Many ing people who have behavior-related health Today, Science and other publications)

How To Return To A Regular Exercise Routine After COVID-19 As Qatar celebrates National Sport Day, HBKU experts offer advice on how to resume physical exercise and get back into shape

Dr Hend Mansoor & Dr Nathan Townsend unaccustomed to regular exercise, Lastly, for patients who suf- Doha it is always recommended to com- fered from COVID-19, these rec- mence exercise gradually, rather ommendations might differ since ince the onset of the COV- It is well known that regular than suddenly using high-intensity we are still understanding more ID-19 pandemic, many as- physical activity has numerous training methods. Note also in this about the consequences of the dis- Spects of our routine daily health benefits including cardio- case, the guidelines of starting, or ease. If they had a mild form of the activities have changed, espe- vascular, respiratory, metabolic, returning to, regular exercise grad- disease and did not require hospi- cially early on during the lock- and mental health, as well as the ually is consistent with the recom- talization, experts recommend that down. Now, we are adapting to sense of well-being. International mendation that “something is bet- these patients could resume physi- the “new normal” which still in- societies such as the American ter than nothing”. cal activity after seven days of be- volves some changes to our rou- Heart Association, the American It is best to start easy and es- ing asymptomatic. tine. For example, we are prac- College of Sport Medicine (ACSM), tablish a routine even if you do not For patients who had a more ticing social distancing, wearing and the UK National Health Ser- meet the ACSM weekly targets, and severe form of the disease or re- masks has become almost uni- vice recommend at least 150 min- then build up over time. Just get- quired hospitalization, they need versal outdoors, and there is a utes of moderate-intensity physi- ting started will provide benefits! to be evaluated by their primary limit on the number of people cal activity (where the breathing For older individuals and/ care physician prior to resuming allowed at most indoor facilities. rate increases but the person can or those suffering from chronic physical activity since these pa- These restrictions may con- talk comfortably, such as brisk Dr Hend Mansoor Dr Nathan Townsend conditions, it is advisable to seek tients might have abnormalities tinue until Qatar reaches a suf- walking) or 75 minutes of vigor- clearance for exercise from their to the heart (called myocarditis) ficient level of herd immunity ous physical activity (where the epidemiological research indicates In fact, it is not advisable to primary care physicians prior to or blood clots in the lungs (called through the use of a vaccine. breathing rate increases but it is that a larger proportion of the ben- go straight into 75 minutes per resuming their routine physical pulmonary embolism). Globally, the social distancing difficult to talk, such as running) efits of regular physical activity on week of vigorous-intensity activ- activity. If you are at all unsure Once their physician believes restrictions have led to an overall per week plus two days of muscle reducing the risk of cardiometa- ity for most sedentary people, and about your risk category for exer- that they are safe to resume physi- decrease in the amount of physi- strength training. bolic diseases occurs when shifting particularly those with underly- cise, then you can self-administer cal activity, experts recommend cal activity that is occurring and The pleasant outdoor weather from no exercise (or almost none) ing health conditions or injuries an internationally recognized resuming physical activity in this may lead to de-training or during Qatar’s winter provides a to only a small amount per week, should not commence with vigor- physical activity screening tool graded stages. If the individual an even more sedentary lifestyle great time to resume or start regu- for example, 60 minutes of moder- ous-intensity exercise. such as the 2018 ACSM Exercise feels comfortable and without than prior to the pandemic. lar physical activity because this ate-intensity activity - even though Also, since many of us may have Prescreening Chart (aka Risk symptoms for one week, they can Therefore, an important as- allows individuals to exercise with- this is well below the recommend- reduced our physical activity level Stratification, aka Risk Classifi- move to the next stage. pect that Qatari residents need out the need to remain indoors in ed weekly guidelines. during the lockdown period, then cation), or the 2020 The Physical to focus on is maintaining or re- an air-conditioned environment. The adage “something is better it is definitely recommended even Activity Readiness Questionnaire (Dr Nathan Townsend and turning to their previous level of For many people with busy life- than nothing” really does apply in for otherwise healthy individuals for Everyone (2020 PAR-Q+). Dr Hend Mansoor are physical activity or starting a new styles, 150 minutes plus two days this case, and therefore it is bet- to gradually resume physical activ- These screening tools offer useful assistant professors at the exercise routine for those who of resistance training per week ter to do some exercise, instead of ity until reaching a similar level as guidance on whether or not you College of Health and Life were not regularly exercising be- might seem difficult to achieve. none, even if you cannot meet the achieved prior to the lockdown. should seek prior medical clear- Sciences at Hamad Bin fore the pandemic. However, it should be noted that recommended guidelines. Similarly, for those individuals ance to exercise from a physician. Khalifa University)

THE VIEWS EXPRESSED ON THE OPINION AND ANALYSIS PAGES ARE THE AUTHORS’ OWN. QATAR TRIBUNE BEARS NO RESPONSIBILITY. World Tuesday, February 9, 2021 07 Germany, Poland, Sweden expel Russian diplomats in tit-for-tat moves Spanish man jailed for falsely claiming to have 2,000 tumours

Moscow/Brussels: Germany, Poland and Sweden took tit-for-tat measures against Russia by ex- Madrid: A court in Madrid sentenced a man to two years in prison for accepting thousands of euros in dona- News pelling its diplomats on Monday, after Moscow defended its decision to do the same thing last week, tions after claiming to have 2,000 tumours. The man received 264,780 euros ($319,163), according to a straining relations with the EU and prompting talk of more sanctions. Germany’s Foreign Ministry de- report by Europa Press news agency. The defendant, who suffers from Cowden syndrome, a rare hereditary in brief clared the Russian embassy employee persona non grata, similarly to Poland, which said the move was disease that can cause non-cancerous tumours, confessed to the charges. He had appeared at public events, in response to the “groundless expulsion” of a Polish diplomat in Russia. Swedish Foreign Minister Ann on television and online claiming that he had thousands of tumours and could soon die. He founded a charitable Linde said on Twitter that her country’s decision was “a clear response to the unacceptable decision to research foundation into the syndrome and appointed himself the president. He was also the subject of a book. expel a Swedish diplomat who was only preforming his duties.” (DPA) Celebrities donated money after he claimed to urgently need funding to travel to the US for treatment. (DPA) Protests continue across Myanmar against coup Many fear the military will respond with violence, recalling ruthless crackdowns against uprisings in 2007 & 1988 dpa nalists in a briefing online. “Of Phnom Penh course we are afraid, but that won’t stop us.” Demonstrations against He said the high numbers the military coup in Myanmar attending the demonstrations Bassam al-Salhi (centre), the general secretary of the Palestinian took place across the country were encouraging. “The new People’s Party, attends the Palestinian National Dialogue hosted by for a third consecutive day on generation is very smart. I Egypt’s General Intelligence Service in Cairo on Monday. (afp) Monday, as prominent activ- have high hopes for this gen- ists called for a general strike. eration,” he said. Police deployed water can- “But the military is trained Arab League chief calls non against protesters in the in Russia, they know how to capital, Naypyitaw, photos cir- crack down any dissent.” for political process to culating online showed. Inju- Meanwhile, European ries were reported. countries on Monday called Demonstrators also joined for a special session of the end Mideast conflict rallies in Yangon, Myanmar’s UN Human Rights Council on largest city, and the northern Myanmar. dpa He slammed Israeli settle- city of Mandalay. The council should come Cairo ment activity in the West Bank Protesters are demanding together in response to the and East Jerusalem. an end to the dictatorship that detention of democratically Arab League Secretary Gen- “The settlement activity ... seized power last Monday after elected politicians and civil eral Ahmed Abul Gheit called constitutes a dangerous obsta- arresting the country’s de facto society figures by the military, on Monday for the establish- cle to the two-state solution, leader Aung San Suu Kyi and British ambassador Julian ment of a political process is illegitimate and violates other top government officials. Braithwaite told the council with a clear timeframe to end international legitimacy,” he The 75-year-old is said to as he introduced the proposal the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. added. be under house arrest but has that is also backed by the Eu- “We call on the credible “Political settlement can- not been seen in public since ropean Union and 19 addi- and influential international not be imposed through uni- the coup. She has reportedly tional countries. parties, topped by the Inter- lateral projects or a plan that been charged under the coun- “Above all, we must re- national Quartet, to exert a adopts the vision of the occu- try’s Import and Export Law. Protesters march along a street during a demonstration against the coup in Yangon on Monday. (AFP) spond urgently to the plight real effort to launch a political pying country,” he said. Demonstrators held pic- of the people of Myanmar process,” Abul Ghieit told an There have been no direct tures of Suu Kyi, while oth- held signs that read “May the fear the military will respond and the rapidly deteriorat- emergency meeting of Arab talks between Israel and the ers had crossed-out photos military dictatorship fall” and Protesters are demanding with violence, recalling ruth- ing human rights situation foreign ministers in Cairo. Palestinians for almost seven of General Min Aung Hlaing, “Release Mother Suu immedi- less crackdowns against demo- there,” he said. He added that the pro- years since attempts failed in who seized power after the ately.” an end to the dictatorship cratic uprisings in 2007 and Pope Francis has also cess should have a clear time- April 2014. coup a week ago, with the “This is more than a na- that seized power last 1988. called for the immediate re- frame and be founded on the Also on Monday, a two- words “Shame on you, dicta- tional crisis; our hopes and Monday after arresting the “We’re expecting it,” said lease of detained politicians. outcome of earlier rounds of day National Palestinian Dia- tor.” The rallies have been our future are being stolen,” country’s de facto leader Ei Myat Myat Thwe. “But if “The path of democra- negotiations, principles of in- logue began in Cairo with the dominated by the colour red, Ei Myat Myat Thwe, a 24-year- Aung San Suu Kyi and other they do, we can’t stop. There’s tisation of recent years was ternational law and an Arab participation of Fatah and the which symbolizes Suu Kyi’s old protester, told dpa. no way out.” abruptly interrupted by the peace initiative. Hamas movement. National League for Democ- A civil disobedience move- top government officials “History is repeating itself. coup last week,” the pope said He stressed that a two- They are discussing ways racy (NLD) party. ment against the new regime We expect a bloody crack- at his annual reception for for- state solution is the only way to end differences between the Monday’s demonstrations gained momentum last week, activist who took part in a 1988 down in the next days,” said eign diplomats posted to the to finally resolve the conflict. Palestinian factions and work- come after huge crowds flood- with civil servants, nurses, uprising, is among those call- Soe Myint, editor of Mizzima Vatican on Monday. “A two-state solution is the ing towards the upcoming ed the streets of Yangon over engineers, teachers and state ing on government employees News news outlet, who was in “In the process, some lead- path that has the consensus elections. the weekend. television employees among to walk out of their jobs and hiding for fear of arrest. ers were arrested, and I hope from the Arabs and the world, Palestinian legislative elec- Hundreds of thousands those staging walkouts, resign- join the protests. Activists He said the situation was they will be released immedi- and the support of the major- tions are due to be held on joined the marches, according ing or holding protests at their hope the strike will disrupt the likely to get worse. “There ately as an encouraging sign of ity of the Palestinians and Is- May 22, followed by presiden- to the All Burma Federation places of work. new regime’s ability to operate. could be arrests and shooting honest dialogue for the good of raelis,” he said. tial elections on July 31. of Student Unions. Marchers Min Ko Naing, a veteran As rallies continue, many in the next days,” he told jour- the country.”

US returns to top UN China confirms arrest of Australian rights body despite IS kills 26 pro-govt fighters in Syria misgivings dpa bers of the Syrian government ment, the experts have issued journalist after 6 months of detention Geneva: The United States will Beirut forces, according to the Ob- official letters to 57 govern- return to the UN Human Rights servatory. ments. One of these camps dpa most recently in January. Council as an observer after a At least 26 members of the Islamic State suffered is al-Hol, located in a region Sydney Cheng’s case is one of a more than two-year absence, even Syrian government forces and major territorial losses and controlled by Syria’s Kurds. It series of incidents involving though the body is “flawed,”US their proxies were killed military defeats in Syria and is the largest refugee camp in A Chinese-born Austral- foreign journalists in China Secretary of State Anthony Blinken on Monday in an Islamic neighbouring Iraq in the past Syria with more than 60,000 ian news anchor has been over the last year. said on Monday. State attack in eastern Syria, two years. However, its opera- people, according to UN fig- formally arrested after six Two Australian corre- The previous US administra- a monitoring group reported. tives occasionally unleash at- ures. months of detention, China’s spondents were rushed out of tion under president Donald Trump The Syrian Observatory tacks in both countries. Thousands of former foreign ministry confirmed China in September after they had announced in June 2018 that for Human Rights, which has Meanwhile in Geneva, UN supporters of the Islamic on Monday. File photo of Australian journalist were told they were “involved” it would give up its seat, accusing been one of the main sources human rights experts urged State extremist group, includ- Cheng Lei, a news anchor Cheng Lei. (afp) in Cheng’s case and were only the top UN rights body in Geneva of information on the Syrian 57 states whose nationals are ing German nationals, are for the English-language Chi- allowed to leave the country of protecting abusers, hypocrisy conflict, said that the attack held in camps in eastern Syria kept at al-Hol. More than 80 nese state broadcaster CGTN, handled “in accordance with after agreeing to interroga- and bias against US ally Israel. had targeted a convoy in the to repatriate them without de- per cent of its inhabitants are was initially detained on Au- the law.” After their investiga- tions by Chinese state security “We recognize that the Human desert area of al-Mayadeen, lay. women and children. gust 13, 2020 on suspicion of tions, authorities had reached officials. Rights Council is a flawed body, east of Deir al-Zour prov- “Thousands of people held “States have a primary endangering national security. the conclusion that the Aus- Earlier in the year, all in need of reform to its agenda, ince. A firefight erupted af- in the camps are exposed to responsibility to act with due Australia’s Foreign Minis- tralian citizen had illegally the US journalists working membership, and focus, including ter the ambush resulting in violence, exploitation, abuse diligence and take positive ter Marise Payne had earlier disclosed state secrets abroad, for the New York Times, the its disproportionate focus on Is- the deaths of 11 Islamic State and deprivation in conditions steps and effective measures confirmed Cheng’s formal the spokesman added. Washington Post and the Wall rael,” Blinken said in a statement. fighters, the monitor said. and treatment that may well to protect individuals in vul- arrest on February 5 on suspi- Canberra has regularly Street Journal in China were He acknowledged, however, This is the latest such op- amount to torture or other nerable situations, notably cion of illegally supplying state raised concerns about Cheng’s expelled, as part of retaliatory that the United States’ exit “cre- eration by the militant or- cruel, inhuman or degrading women and children, locat- secrets overseas. case, including over her condi- measures taken against Wash- ated a vacuum of US leadership, ganization in Syria. In De- treatment or punishment un- ed outside of their territory A spokesman for the Chi- tions of detention and welfare, ington’s curbing of the number which countries with authoritar- cember, an attack claimed der international law,” the ex- where they are at risk of seri- nese Foreign Ministry said on Payne said, and embassy offi- of Chinese journalists in the ian agendas have used to their by Islamic State in Deir al- perts said. ous human rights violations,” Monday that the case would be cials have visited her six times, United States. advantage.” (dpa) Zour killed at least 30 mem- According to the state- the experts said. Britain pushes forward with AstraZeneca vaccine despite fresh doubts

dpa duced efficacy in preventing in weaker cases. Off the back Lab studies show BioNTech/Pfizer vaccine London infection there may still be of the news, South African good efficacy against severe health authorities said they effective against 2 coronavirus variants Britain will continue to disease, hospitalisation, and would be halting plans for the Berlin: The vaccine developed by With the publication of the results, administer the AstraZeneca death. This is vitally impor- rollout of the vaccine this week German firm BioNTech and its US the studies conducted by Pfizer and the COVID-19 vaccine despite a tant for protecting the health- and instead will work with sci- partner Pfizer is effective against the University of Texas have been confirmed new study showing its limited care system.” It comes after a entists on a trial by US firm two variants of the coronavirus that first by the broader scientific community. effectiveness against the South report in the Financial Times Johnson & Johnson. emerged in Britain and South Africa, the Pfizer and BioNTech have vowed to African variant, the vaccine on Sunday said the vaccine co- According to Britain’s companies said on Monday. continue monitoring emerging coronavi- minister said. invented by the British-Swed- health minister Edward Ar- They cited the results of in-vitro rus strains and conduct studies on their Nadhim Zahawi wrote in ish pharma giant AstraZeneca gar, there are 147 cases of the studies published in the Nature Medi- vaccine’s real-world effectiveness. The Telegraph newspaper on and the University of Oxford South African variant in Brit- cine journal. Both the British and South African Monday that the British gov- was markedly less effective ain. The studies showed that the blood strains have been found to be more ernment has “confidence” in against the South Africa strain In response to the of 20 people already vaccinated with virulent. its current vaccine rollout plan of the coronavirus. news, AstraZeneca said it does the mRNA drug was able to neutralize In Germany, the emergence of those and in the “protection it will The results showed that believe the vaccine can protect those two key mutations of the virus. two strains in the country has put of- provide all of us against this the vaccine can be useful people against severe disease The data were first shared online ficials under pressure to persevere with terrible disease.” He added: against extreme cases linked and added the study in ques- A member of the medical staff holds a vial of the in late January but had not yet been lockdown measures despite infection “We need to be aware that to the B.1.351 variant, but it tion only tested 2,000 young AstraZeneca-Oxford COVID-19 vaccine at a hospital peer-reviewed. rates subsiding. (dpa) even where a vaccine has re- did little to stop transmission and healthy participants. near Paris on Monday. (AFP) World shares reach record high, oil tops $60 a barrel page 10

Tuesday, February 9, 2021

31,294.10 10,445.00 51348.77 1,833.90 +145.86 pts -48.05 pts +617.14 pts Gold +1.15 % Industries Qatar registers net profit Dow QE sensex of QR2 billion for 2020 page 9 Price percentage Price percentage 27.53 Brent 60.60 +2.12 % WTI 57.98 +1.99 % Silver +1.87 % Doha Bank posts QR703 million net profit in 2020

Tribune News Network Doha

Doha Bank on Monday an- nounced that the net profit of the bank stood at QR703 mil- Minister of State for Energy Affairs and Qatar Petroleum President and CEO HE Saad Sherida Al Kaabi at the signing of engineering, lion in 2020 as compared with procurement and construction contract for developing NFE project in Doha on Monday. QR754 million in 2019 after taking significant loan loss provision. Based on the results, the board of directors has decided NFE project supports to present a recommendation to the General Assembly to distribute a cash dividend of QR 0.075 per share to share- holders. The bank’s audited Qatar’s commitment financial statements for 2020 was approved during a meet- ing of the bank’s board of directors in the presence of to environment: Kaabi Doha Bank Chairman Sheikh Fahad bin Mohammad bin Ja- Satyendra Pathak as a significant portion of the bor Al Thani. Doha project’s electrical power needs During the meeting, the will be provided from Qatar’s board decided to submit a Qatar Petroleum’s final in- national power grid. recommendation to approve vestment decision to develop “Qatar Petroleum is in the the extension of the period the North Field East Project process of procuring such pow- for issuance of bonds under (NFE), the world’s largest LNG er from the 800-megawatt solar the bank’s EMTN programme The headquarters of Doha Bank in West Bay. project, holds special signifi- power plant currently under that was previously approved cance as it encompasses a num- construction in Al-Kharsaah, in AGM dated March 7 in 2018 at QR 55.1 billion as at De- ber of concrete environmen- in addition to a further 800 with the same components cember 31, 2020. tal investments in support of megawatts of solar power which and parameters such as it will The chairman declared Qatar’s strong commitment to Qatar Petroleum will construct be in varying amounts that in that the total shareholder’s achieving the highest environ- in the near future as part of aggregate would not exceed equity by end of 2020 reached mental standards and to pro- its plans to have a solar power the EMTN programme valu- QR13.8 billion, while the earn- vide a credible solution in the portfolio of more than 4,000 ing $2 billion. ings per share were QR 0.16 low-carbon energy transition, megawatts by 2030; a ‘jetty It also included that no and the return on average Minister of State for Energy Af- boil-off gas’ recovery system, single deal would exceed $1 shareholders’ equity was 5.3 fairs and Qatar Petroleum Pres- which will help reduce green- billion. It can be in various percent and the return on av- ident and CEO HE Saad Sherida house gas emissions by approx- major currencies including the erage assets was 0.66 percent. Al Kaabi said on Monday. imately a further 1 mtpa of CO2 US dollar, Australian dollar, Sheikh Fahad added that “One of the most important equivalent. The project will con- yen, Swiss francs, and sterling Doha Bank Chairman Sheikh Fahad the audited financial state- environmental elements of the serve 10.7 million cubic meters pound. It will have varying ma- bin Mohammad bin Jabor Al Thani ments, declared net profit, dis- NFE project is its CO2 cap- of water per year by recovering turities not exceeding 30 years tribution of cash dividends to ture and sequestration (CCS) 75 percent of the plant’s tertiary and can be issued either by an come significantly grew by 17.1 shareholders and issuance of system that will be integrated water;” Kaabi said. SPV guaranteed by Doha Bank percent in 2020 as compared additional capital instruments with our wider CCS scheme The NFS project was initi- or through Doha Bank directly. to the previous year to reach are subject to the approval of in Ras Laffan. Once fully op- ated as a result of Qatar Petro- The meeting also decided QR2.3 billion. the concerned regulatory au- erational it will be the largest leum’s successful onshore ap- to call the Ordinary and Extra The net operating income thorities and the general as- of its kind in terms of capacity praisal activities in the North Ordinary General Assembly of stood at QR3 billion. Total sembly of the Shareholders. in the LNG industry, and will Field and targets the monetisa- the shareholders for a meeting assets amounted to QR103.5 He also said that the board be one of the largest ever devel- tion of gas from the southern on March 15, 2021, and in the billion as of December 31, of directors and the execu- oped anywhere in the world,” sector of the North Field. As event the quorum is not met, a 2020. Net loans and advanc- tive management will work Kaabi said while addressing a struction (EPC) contract for ject will have a number of ele- these appraisal activities con- second meeting will be held on es reached QR65.5 billion, together to achieve the objec- press conference to announce developing NFE project. ments that provide this project tinue, Qatar Petroleum is eval- March 23. Commenting on the while the investment portfo- tives that are outlined in the the awarding of onshore engi- In addition to the CCS with a unique positive envi- uating further LNG capacity results, Sheikh Fahad stated lio amounted to QR24.7 bil- bank’s strategy for the coming neering, procurement and con- scheme, he said, the NFE pro- ronmental proposition, such expansions beyond 126 mtpa. that the bank’s net interest in- lion. Customer deposits stood five years. GTA, GAC sign cooperation deal to collect excise taxes Tribune News Network GTA’s tax portal (Dhareeba), tion on matters related to tax agencies in the country in- Doha in order to exchange informa- collection on selective goods cluding the GTA.” tion and statistics instantly, imported through customs. Under the terms of agree- The General Tax Author- and provide an excellent tax Both entities are convinced ment, GTA and GAC will form ity (GTA), and the General services to taxpayers and the that joining forces will be a joint venture for cooperation Authority of Customs (GAC) general public. more effective.” between the two sides, most have signed a memorandum On this occasion, Mohan- HE said, “The GAC devel- notably the collection and sup- of understanding (MoU) that nadi stressed on the impor- oped the customs clearance ply of tax, notification of cases signifies mutual cooperation in tance of cooperation with the system (Al-Nadeeb) with the of tax exemption, and the im- different areas, which include GAC in the matter of collect- aim to harmonize the provi- plementation of procedures standardisation and coordina- ing and supplying taxes im- sions related to the calculation for tax suspension, refund and tion of policies and procedures posed on selective goods and and collection of the excise tax, postponement. The MoU also related to the implementation establishing an electronic link which supports the speed and included strengthening coop- of the provisions of excise tax between the electronic sys- accuracy of customs and tax eration and prior coordination law and its executive regula- tems for both sides. procedures that takes place between the two sides regard- tions, as well as other forms HE also stressed that this through the country’s ports.” ing tax agreements, as well as of collaboration of mutual in- cooperation is a support for Jamal said, “The GAC relevant international and re- terests in line with Qatar’s Na- the work of the GTA and the strives to provide the best gional meetings. tional Vision 2030. private sector which eases the electronic services related In addition, the two enti- The MoU was signed by flow of operations and eco- to customs clearance for all ties agreed to continue the GTA President Ahmed bin nomic activities by facilitating sectors in the country. The coordination in relations to Issa Al Mohannadi and GAC an effective and rapid collec- signing of the MoU stems post-audit procedures that are Chairman Ahmed bin Abdul- tion of fees. from the fact that GAC is an carried out on importers and lah Al Jamal. The signing cer- HE explained that ‘Dha- economic and security edifice taxpayers, and the exchange emony was held at the GTA’s reeba Tax’ portal is a major aimed at supporting and pro- of information related to headquarters. development and a quantum tecting the national economy, crimes of customs smuggling The MoU aims to achieve leap in the tax system of Qa- The MoU was signed by GTA President Ahmed bin Issa Al Mohannadi and GAC Chairman Ahmed bin facilitating international and tax evasion related to cooperation in number of are- tar, and it is a vital link by con- Abdullah Al Jamal at the GTA’s headquarters in Doha. trade operations and encour- goods and commodities sub- as between the two sides, most necting the GTA with taxpay- aging investment by simplify- ject to excise tax. The agree- notably the establishment ers and its partners and the various types of taxes. ments with different partners continuous improvement.” ing and facilitating customs ment also included knowledge of an electronic link through relevant government entities. He said,”The GTA consist- to achieve the highest level Jamal said, “Signing of procedures, and the required exchange programs and pro- the GAC’s customs clearance The Dhareeba portal manag- ently seeks to create partner- of benefits of the system and this MoU comes in recogni- electronic link between the fessional training courses for system (Al-Nadeeb) and the es, calculates and reviews the ships and cooperation agree- maintains a commitment to tion of the need for coopera- various relevant government employees of both entities. Economy & Business Tuesday, February 9, 2021 09 Qatar, Rwanda sign double tax avoidance agreement EU’s Vestager warns Apple Tribune News Network can Affairs Department at joint ventures, and other ar- to treat all apps equally Doha the Ministry of Foreign Af- eas such as dividends, inter- fairs. est and royalties, in line of Agencies phones that can be used for tar- Qatar and Rwanda on The agreement aims to strengthening of economic geted advertising. Monday signed an agreement eliminate double taxation relations between the two Europe’s antitrust chief, Facebook has been among to avoid double taxation and between the two countries, friendly countries. Margrethe Vestager, has the most vocal of the critics prevent financial evasion be- solve obstacles that may Qatar has previously warned Apple Inc to give which stand to lose a substan- tween the governments of the restrict the movement of signed several agreements equal treatment to all apps on tial part of their revenue from two countries, at the General capital and encourage trade to avoid double taxation its platform amid the iPhone Apple’s move. Facebook in a Tax Authority’s (GTA) head- exchange, increase invest- and prevent financial eva- maker’s privacy changes that December blog post called it quarters in Doha. ment opportunities between sion with a number of other have drawn charges of anti- anti-competitive behaviour, The agreement was the two sides, and enhance brotherly and friendly coun- competitive practices from ri- saying that Apple’s own per- signed by GTA President international standards of tries, and discussions are val Facebook Inc. sonalized ad platform would be Ahmed bin Issa Al Mohan- transparency through the ex- currently underway with a Apple will in the spring exempt from the new require- nadi and Rwanda’s Ambas- change of documented finan- number of other countries ask iPhone users for consent ment giving users a choice of sador to Qatar HE Francois cial information. with the aim of signing simi- to track their data for person- whether to opt in to tracking by Nkulikiyimfura, in the pres- This agreement also lar agreements in this field, alized ads in what it says is a third parties. ence of Ambassador HE Ab- stipulates important eco- in line with the investment move to protect users’ privacy Vestager said while the is- dulrahman bin Mohammed GTA President Ahmed bin Issa Al Mohannadi and Rwanda’s Ambassa- nomic articles in the areas of direction of the State of Qa- but which will limit apps’ abil- sue is privacy-related, it can Al Dosari, Director of Afri- dor HE Francois Nkulikiyimfura signing the agreement in Doha. maritime and air transport, tar abroad. ity to gather data from people’s morph into an antitrust issue.

ME sports market to grow by 8.7% in IQ registers net profit 3 to 5 yrs: Survey Tribune News Network owned by sports organisa- of QR2 billion for 2020 Doha tions are highly rated by our survey respondents as a way This translates to The sports market in the to unlock growth in both en- Middle East is expected to gagement and revenue. earnings per share grow by 8.7 percent over the Esports is a natural fit for of QR0.35 next three to five years, in the Middle East, where most stark contrast to the global of the population is young market which is expected to and internet-savvy, and the Tribune News Network grow at 3 percent, PwC Mid- climate, especially in GCC Doha dle East’s Sports Survey has countries, is often too hot for found. outdoor sports. Esports are Industries Qatar (IQ) has Closely reviewing the video games played compet- posted a net profit of QR2 bil- short and long-term conse- itively, either one-on-one or lion on revenues of QR11.4 bil- quences of the COVID-19 between teams, and include lion for the year ended Decem- crisis on sports market, the both electronic versions of ber 31, 2020. survey takes an in-depth real-life sports such as the In the previous year, the look at the industry in the popular FIFA game, or ac- group recorded QR2.6 billion Qatar, United Arab Emir- tion/ shooter games such as in net profit and RQ 13.7 bil- ates, Saudi Arabia, and Bah- League of Legends and Call lion in total revenues. That rain. of Duty. Saudi Arabia ranks means IQ’s net profit dived 23 Despite the impact of among the top 20 countries percent and revenues declined the restrictions imposed to for games revenue at $716 17 percent year-on-year. prevent the spread of COV- million, with the UAE gen- The industrial giant re- ID-19, the survey results in erating $313 million and corded earning per share the region show cause for Egypt $287 million. It is no (EPS) of QR0.35 in 2020 optimism. surprise, therefore, that our against QR0.43 in 2019. The 8.7 percent growth survey respondents ranked IQ’s earnings before in- expectation for Middle East esports first equal with foot- terest, taxes, depreciation mainly stems from gov- ball in potential for revenue and amortisation (EBDITA) ernments’ active efforts to growth. stood at QR4 billion in 2020 diversify their economies On a more positive note, as against QR4.2 billion the with ambitious plans for the as the pandemic forced peo- previous year. The EBITDA sports industry away from ple to spend their time in- margin reached 35 percent natural resources and to cre- doors; sectors like simulated compared to 30 percent in ate social cohesion. sports and esports have seen 2019, a testament to group’s In terms of the rebuilding golden opportunities. Thus, operational and cost optimisa- process, some 63% of Mid- esports emerged as the big- tion measures. dle East respondents expect gest winner of the lockdown The Board of Directors the sports market overall to period. Many turned to gam- proposed a total annual divi- fully recover by 2022, which ing, including sports organi- dend distribution of QR2 bil- is far more optimistic than sations investing in esports lion for 2020, representing a the global respondents of activities to keep audiences payout ratio of 100 percent of 42%. Their positive outlook engaged. Unsurprisingly, 2020 net earnings. The divi- The IQ Board of Directors has proposed a total annual dividend distribution of QR2 billion for 2020, representing a payout ratio of 100 percent is bolstered by the expecta- the consumption of simu- dend of QR0.33 per share rep- of 2020 net earnings tion that public expenditure lated sports esports literally resents a dividend yield of 3 in the sector will continue. exploded at the heart of the percent on December 31, 2020 challenges by positioning its due to recognition of addition- However, the survey sug- crisis, tripling the number closing share price. competitive advantages in- al fair value / bargain purchase gests the sports sector in the of hours watched. Action, In a press statement issued cluding its long-term access Highlights gain amounting to QR246 Middle East should priori- fantasy and shooter genres on Monday, IQ said its finan- to feedstock and a relatively ● EBITDA margins stood at 35% versus 30% of last year, a million, after recognizing an tise its concrete initiatives to also experienced significant cial performance in 2020 was low-cost operating infra- initial gain of QR1.16 billion, accelerate change and that growth, with an increase of impacted by several external structure, stronger financial testament to group’s operational and cost optimisation which was partially offset by the future of the sector has about 50%. factors, including slower eco- position, diversified product measures an additional depreciation three key enablers in the Interestingly, most sur- nomic growth, weaker crude range including efficient and ● Group’s liquidity position continues to remain robust, charge of QR199 million, on years ahead. These are digi- vey respondents believe that oil prices, trade conflicts, lack flexible production facilities, account of PPA exercise. tal transformation and the in the medium to long-term, of infrastructure investments, wider global presence, and a despite the macroeconomic headwinds The Group’s financial po- creation of digital assets, the simulated sports esports continued negative consumer dedicated marketing and sales ● Group successfully placed proactive measures to sition remained robust, with growth of esports and abil- will appeal to a mainstream sentiments and stiff competi- partner; thereby limiting the safeguard assets, people, operations, shareholder interest, liquidity position at the end ity of sports federations to audience as gaming grows tion. impact of such extreme exter- of the year 2020 reaching QR capitalise on their popular- in popularity, products im- The negative macroeco- nal pressures. while optimizing OPEX and CAPEX to address risks and 8.8 billion in cash and bank ity, and the transformational prove, media coverage in- nomic environment was fur- Group’s marketing part- volatilities balances, after accounting for power of women’s sports creases and technology ad- ther fuelled due to the out- ner also played a pivotal role ● Average reliability factor for the year remained around 95%, a QR2.4 billion dividend paid within society. vances. break of COVID19 pandemic, in ensuring Group’s product in line with historical rates, despite of planned and for 2019 during the year, and The global survey results Rami Nazer, Global which materially affected volumes remained sold, even QR 3.6 billion paid for the ac- show that sports leaders in Advisory Government and consumer and industrial de- during the peak of COVID-19 unplanned maintenance shutdowns quisition of 25% stake in Qafco the Middle East fully recog- Public Sector Leader at PwC mand due to lockdowns, af- pandemic, without any dis- from Qatar Petroleum. nise the digital fan experi- comments: “At a time of fecting the overall global GDP ruptions to production, and Group’s net cash and bank ence as a top priority. Yet, unprecedented turbulence growth. thereby generating positive quisition. 2020. balance including proportion- few organisations have man- for the industry, our Sports This led to increased pres- throughput to the Group. Dur- There were no major plant This notable growth in net ate share of joint ventures aged to deliver it in a way Survey examines in depth sure on IQ’s product prices ing the peak of the pandemic, stoppages due to any demand earnings was driven by re- amounted to QR9.8 billion as that allows it to acquire and both the short-term and and sales volumes to some ex- IQ’s marketing partner contin- related reasons associated markable increase in the poly- at December 31, 2020, which retain fans sustainably. Al- long-term impacts of COV- tent, which negatively affected ued to ensure marketing and with COVID-19 pandemic, ex- ethylene prices and a slight proves the Group’s efficient though the sports industry in ID-19. However, our survey the Group’s financial perfor- logistics operations is effec- cept for a planned shutdown improvement in steel prices, and effective cash-flow gen- the Middle East is at an ear- highlights the opportunities mance for 2020. tively and efficiently managed, of MTBE facilities for certain coupled with a marked uplift eration capabilities providing lier phase in comparison to as the sports industry is ex- There has been signs of thereby, creating several arbi- periods during Q2-20 and in the fertilizer and steel sales sufficient confidence and sus- its global counterparts when pected to grow faster in our gradual recovery of the global trage opportunities, including Q4-20, due to commercial rea- volumes. tainability in turbulent times. it comes to this subject, there region than anywhere else in economy noted in the later successful identification of sons. The impact to the Group The sequential increase in Currently, the Group has no is a strong awareness of the the world over the next three part of the year 2020 with new markets, so as to divert in relation to these temporary the polyethylene prices was debt obligations. Group’s to- opportunities: digital assets to five years.” notable recovery in product the additional volumes, while shutdowns of MTBE facili- driven by persistent rebound tal assets and total equity (at- prices on the back of crude closely working with business ties has remained immaterial, in crude oil prices improved tributable to Parent) reached price rebound, supply short- partners, customers and gov- considering its overall contri- demand following the eas- QR36.0 billion and QR33.8 ages due to natural disasters ernment agencies in order to bution to the Group volumes. ing of lockdown restrictions, billion, respectively, as at De- in key markets causing dis- ensure the production, opera- The Group’s average re- unprecedented government cember 31, 2020. ruptions for many producers tions and supply chain activi- liability factor remained at stimulus announcements in During the period, the and deferral of new capacity ties remain uninterrupted. 95% , amid focus on preven- many consumer markets, Group generated positive op- additions by many producers Total production for tive maintenance. This level while the supply shortages erating cash flows of RQ 3.4 8 amid uncertainties on account the year ended December of reliability is an indication continued due to natural dis- billion, with a free cash flow of spread of COVID-19 pan- 31, 2020, reached 15.8 mil- of Group’s commitments to- asters in US causing disrup- of QR2.8 7 billion. IQ’s ability demic. lion MT’s, down by 8%, on wards improving asset quality tions for many producers and to generate positive operating On the demand side, re- last year. This reduction was and sustainability. downscaling capacity addi- cash flows in such distressed cent resurgence was evident mainly driven by periodic tions by many producers. market conditions is a testa- amid continuous unprec- planned and unplanned main- Q4-20 vs Q3-20 On the other hand, steel ment to the Group’s efficient edented stimulus announce- tenance shutdowns, mothball- Group’s financial perfor- prices have increased against a cash flow generation capa- ments and lifting of lockdown ing of certain steel facilities mance improved significantly backdrop of global hike in iron bilities, effective cost manage- in major markets, along with and shutdowns at MTBE fa- in Q4-20. Revenue grew by ore prices, following supply ment, robust investment, and notable optimism due to vac- cilities due to commercial rea- 27% to reach QR3.3 billion, side concerns in key iron ore working capital management, cine roll-out. sons. This was partially offset while the net profit (normal- markets amid trade frictions. which could safeguard the On an overall basis, IQ by the additional production ised) soared by 112 percent The profit improvement Group against any unexpected responded to these external volumes related to Qafco’s ac- versus the third quarter of was also partially attributed adversities. 10 Tuesday, February 9, 2021 Economy & Business Mazda expects Microsoft chip shortage launches to cut Feb employee global output experience Agencies

platform Viva Mazda Motor Corp says its global production will be cut DPA-AFX by 7,000 vehicles in February Redmond from its initial plan, as it will not be able to procure enough With work-from-home chips for key safety and envi- or working remotely be- ronmental technology amid a coming the new normal global shortage. for employees amid the The automaker will review ongoing pandemic, tech- its production plan for the fis- nology giant Microsoft cal year through March 2021 Corp has rolled out the to factor in the impact of the Microsoft Viva platform chip supply crunch, Mazda for employees to earn, chief executive Akira Maru- grow and thrive. moto said at a press confer- It promises new ex- ence on its latest earnings re- periences that integrate port. with the productivity and The February output collaboration capabilities shortfall is equivalent to 0.7 in Microsoft 365 and Mi- percent of its worldwide ship- crosoft Teams. ment plan for the current fis- Viva is claimed to be cal year. A Mazda spokesman the first employee expe- said the company was not sure rience platform to bring if the supply shortage would tools for employee en- affect production beyond Feb- gagement, communica- ruary. tions, learning, well-being The Hiroshima Prefecture- and knowledge discovery, based company is the latest directly into the flow of carmaker hit by the semicon- their work. This will help The price of oil has recovered to its pre-pandemic levels having hit an all-time low last year. ductor shortage, joining a slew employees to stay con- of global automakers such as nected and continue their Toyota Motor Corp and Volk- learning process for their swagen AG facing production growth in the company. cuts. The new platform fo- World shares reach record General Motors Co said cuses on the daily needs that it will scale back produc- of employees at work tion at four plants in the Unit- and enables companies ed States, Canada, Mexico and to integrate their frag- South Korea starting Monday, mented workplace tools high, oil tops $60 a barrel adding that the supply short- and provide them in the age is expected to continue for flow of work. Microsoft one year. is initially rolling out the More chips are now being platform with a set of four While demand for oil is still lower than normal, there are hopes of a speedier than expected economic recovery installed in vehicles as au- modules - Viva Connec- tomakers are stepping up de- tions, Viva Insights, Viva Agencies a hostile 11.3 billion-euro take- said, referring to planned U.S. Asia’s overnight rally had nation program is being rolled velopment of advanced tech- Learning, and Viva Topics over bid for waste and water stimulus. seen Japan’s Nikkei close up out efficiently in a number of nology to improve or eliminate - which will help custom- World shares set another rival Suez. “Whether that will be in 2%, Chinese blue-chip shares countries,” said Chris Weston, exhaust emissions and prevent ers integrate their existing record high on Monday and oil “A generalised risk-on tone goods, wages or asset prices advance 1.5% and Australian Melbourne-based chief strate- autonomous vehicle collisions. employee experience sys- surpassed $60 a barrel for the is pushing stocks higher,” Uni- or all three remains to be seen, shares finish 0.6% higher. gist at Pepperstone. The supply bottleneck tems and tools with Viva. first time in a year, on hopes Credit’s analysts said in a note. but it seems inevitable there Wall Street futures were Expectations of a U.S. partly reflects rising demand that a $1.9 trillion COVID-19 Bond markets were mov- will be an impact.” pointing 0.3% higher after economic recovery have not for chips for smartphones and aid package will be passed by ing, too, as focus intensified That renewed focus on in- the Nasdaq and S&P 500 both boosted the dollar, however, 5G network equipment, and The platform targets a U.S. lawmakers as soon as this on how far inflation might rise flation came as Brent crude climbed to record highs on Fri- “although much of the opti- comes at a crucial time when market of 300 billion month. if the current mix of stimulus, touched an intraday high of day as weak monthly U.S. jobs mism towards U.S. macro is some automakers are expect- dollars in annual Even news that South Af- rising oil and food prices and $60.06 a barrel, the highest data supported expectations probably well founded,” said ing their earnings to pick up spending for Employee rica had halted the rollout of expectations for a reopening since January last year. of stimulus and after some Kristoffer Kjær Lomholt, chief from declines stemming from Experience Platforms AstraZeneca’s vaccine after economies continue to hold. Saudi Arabia’s pledge of strong corporate earning. analyst, FX and rates strategy the coronavirus pandemic. a study showed it gave only Ten-year U.S. Treasury extra output cuts in February U.S. President Joe Biden at Danske Bank. Mazda said it is now ex- limited protection against the yields, which are one of the and March on the back of re- and his Democratic allies in “The U.S. jobs recovery has pecting a narrower net loss of The platform targets country’s more contagious main drivers of global borrow- ductions by other OPEC mem- Congress forged ahead with more or less stalled (though), 50 billion yen ($475 million) a market of 300 billion variant of the virus wasn’t go- ing costs, climbed above 1.2% bers its allies, including Rus- their stimulus plan on Fri- and that did leave some space for the current fiscal year, as dollars in annual spend- ing to put equity markets off. for the first time since the peak sia, is helping to limit supply day as lawmakers approved a to take EUR/USD higher. its cost-cutting efforts have ing for Employee Expe- MSCI’s 50-country index of coronavirus uncertainty last and support prices. budget outline that will allow The next big theme that may been paying off and sales of rience Platforms (EXP), of world stocks hit its ninth re- March. In a further sign of that them to muscle through in the be priced further in to spot is models with higher profit mar- which currently spans a cord high of 2021 overnight as Break-even rates, which supply dynamic, the six-month coming weeks without Repub- moving ahead with U.S. fiscal gins are growing. It previously fragmented market of ser- Tokyo’s Nikkei jumped on talk account for inflation, traded Brent spread hit its highest in lican support. talks.” projected a net loss of 90 bil- vices, infrastructure and of Japan’s relaxing emergency as high as 2.21%, their highest more than year, $2.45. OCBC’s U.S. Treasury Secretary Indeed, the dollar came lion yen. hundreds of tools. restrictions and as China’s since 2014 while in Europe, economist Howie Lee said the Janet Yallen predicted the off a four-month high against In the nine months end- Many of these tools go markets got busy before the Germany’s 10-year yields Saudis had sent another “very United States would reach the Japanese yen to be last at ed December, the company undiscovered and under- start of the lunar new year. were near five-month highs at bullish signal” last week too by full employment next year if 105.50. The euro was weaker posted a net loss of 78.25 bil- utilized by employees as Europe then made a strong -0.42%, near . keeping its Asian prices un- Congress can pass its support again though at $1.2022 after lion yen, compared with a net they are fragmented. start to the week as higher oil “It will be hard not to see changed. package. rising 0.7% on Friday to a one- profitof 32.38 billion yen in “As the world of work prices and inflation expecta- inflation in something when “I don’t think anybody “That’s a big call, given full week high. the same period a year earlier. changes, the next horizon tions lifted basic resource and we get what is likely to be a dares to short the market employment is 4.1%, but one Data showed German in- Sales in the April-December of innovation will come banking shares 2% and 1.5%, short-term stimulus boost,” when Saudi is like this,” he that will sit well with the mar- dustry avoided a contraction period dropped 23 percent to from a focus on creativ- and France’s Veolia launched Deutsche Bank’s Jim Reid said. ket at a time when the vacci- in December. 1.96 trillion yen. ity, engagement and well- being so organizations can build cultures of resil- ience and ingenuity,” said Jared Spataro, corporate Hyundai says it is not in talks with Apple on autonomous cars vice president, Microsoft 365. Agencies ner for Apple, tumbled 15% - a for cooperation in joint de- early in January that Apple didn’t identify. Microsoft Viva is pow- $5.5 billion hit. velopment of autonomous and Hyundai were in discus- As recently as last week, ered by Teams and Micro- South Korea’s Hyundai Mo- The announcement brings electric vehicles from various sions to develop self-driving media outlets including CNBC soft 365. Microsoft, along tor Co said on Monday it is not the curtain down on weeks of companies, but they are at We are receiving requests electric vehicles by 2027 and reported that a deal was close with a global network of now in talks with Apple Inc internal divisions at Hyundai early stage and nothing has for cooperation in joint develop batteries at U.S. facto- to being finalised. One South services partners, includ- on autonomous electric cars, Motor Co Group - parent to been decided,” the automak- development of ries operated by either Hyun- Korean report said the two ing Accenture, Avanade, just a month after it confirmed both automakers - about the ers said on Monday, in compli- autonomous electric dai or Kia. companies were set to sign the PwC and EY, will provide early-stage talks with the tech potential tieup, with some ance with stock market rules “Apple and Hyundai are in deal on Feb 17. consulting and advisory giant, sending the automaker’s executives raising concerns requiring regular updates to vehicles from various discussion, but as it is at early Hyundai is traditionally services to help custom- shares skidding. about becoming a contract investors regarding market companies, but they are at stage, nothing has been decid- known for its reluctance to ers optimize their exist- Wiping $3 billion off its manufacturer for the U.S. tech rumors. early stage and nothing has ed,” Hyundai said, before re- work with outsiders, making ing employee experience market value, Hyundai’s stock giant in a tieup reminiscent of “We are not having talks been decided. leasing subsequent statements engines, transmissions and investments by bringing slid 6.2%. Shares in its affili- electronics firm Foxconn’s role with Apple on developing au- that removed all mentions of even its own steel in-house in them together with Mi- ate Kia Corp, which had been in making device for Apple like tonomous vehicles.” Hyundai Apple but said Hyundai was a vertically integrated supply crosoft Viva. tipped in local media reports the iPhone. Kia shares had jumped receiving electric car coopera- chain as South Korea’s sec- as the likely operational part- “We are receiving requests 61% since Hyundai initially confirmed a local media report tion requests from parties it ond-largest conglomerate. Google moves away from diet of ‘cookies’ to track users Agencies and uses on-device processing keeping the web open for eve- target ads without knowing too ic Frontier Foundation staff to keep a person’s web history ryone, but the web ecosystem much about any individual per- technologist Bennet Cyphers Google is weaning itself private on the browser,” Goog- is at risk if privacy practices do son. Some kinds of ********s -- told AFP. “You don’t need to off user-tracking “********s” le product manager Chetna not keep up with changing ex- which are text files stored when know what everyone has ever which allow the web giant to Bindra explained in unveiling pectations,” Bindra added. a user visits a website -- are a done just to serve them an ad.” deliver personalised ads but the system called Federated Google has plenty of incen- convenience for log-ins and He reasoned that advertis- which also have raised the Learning of Cohorts (FLoC). tive for the change. The U.S. browsing at frequently visited ing based on context can be hackles of privacy defenders. “Results indicate that when internet giant has been ham- sites. effective; an example being Last month, Google un- it comes to generating interest- mered by critics over user pri- Anyone who has pulled someone looking at recipes at veiled the results of tests show- based audiences, FLoC can vacy, and is keenly aware of up a registration page online a cooking website being shown ing an alternative to the long- provide an effective replace- trends for legislation protect- only to have their name and ads for cookware or grocery standing tracking practice, ment signal for third-party ing people’s data rights. address automatically entered stores. claiming it could improve on- ********s.” Growing fear of where required has ********s Safari and Firefox brows- line privacy while still enabling Google plans to begin test- ********-tracking has prompt- to thank. But other kinds of ers have already done away advertisers to serve up relevant ing the FLoC approach with ed support for internet rights ********s are seen by some as with third-party ********s, messages. advertisers later this year with legislation such as GDPR in nefarious. but they are still used at the “This approach effectively its Chrome browser. Europe and has the internet gi- “Third-party ********s are world’s most popular browser hides individuals ‘in the crowd’ “Advertising is essential to ant devising a way to effectively a privacy nightmare,” Electron- - Chrome. Tuesday, February 9, 2021 11 Economy & Business Why the job market is in for a long and bumpy recovery The pandemic has triggered potentially far-reaching changes in consumer behaviour and deeply rooted business models

Tribune News Service

s David Spatafore looks at the COVID-19-de- pressed economy, he sees good times just ahead. “Our plan right now isA kind of shooting for summertime to be like the Roaring ‘20s,” said the owner of San Diego restaurant com- pany Blue Bridge Hospitality. Pent-up demand after almost a year of social distancing and lock- downs has created a big reservoir of consumer demand, he thinks, and hungry customers will soon come surging back. But there’s a catch: Spatafore doesn’t expect to hire back all of the almost 400 employees he had at the peak of his business before the new coronavrius struck. Many economists agree with Spatafore — on both counts: the re- vival of the economy by Labor Day, but after an initial burst of hiring, a bleaker outlook for jobs. On Friday, the pandemic’s ca- pacity to throw previously self- supporting Americans out of the job market was demonstrated once more on a nationwide scale when the Labor Department released a new round of jobs data. Despite some plateauing of new coronavirus cases and a surge of hope as the Biden administration pushed to accelerate vaccinations, job growth essentially stalled in Jan- uary for the second month in a row. The economy added a measly 49,000 jobs last month after losing 227,000 in December. The nation’s unemployment rate went down to 6.3% from 6.7%, but that was large- A ‘Help Wanted’ sign is posted in front of a business on February 04, 2021 in Miami, Florida. The US Labour Department announced weekly unemployment claims declined to 779,000 last week. ly because hundreds of thousands of people dropped out of the labor The pandemic has triggered For several years, Lillian Isabel- the spring lockdowns with the help jobs also remain deep in the hole. of what they were in 2019, said Gar- force. More workers were hit with potentially far-reaching changes la, an actress and playwright, sup- of family members and a $1.2-mil- The hotel industry was shaken after rett Breton, the company’s presi- permanent layoffs last month, and in consumer behaviour and deeply plemented her income by playing lion forgivable government loan, and Microsoft’s co-founder Bill Gates dent. But its online revenues were 40% of the 10 million officially un- rooted business models. It has also the role of a patient to help medical then got back up to 280 employees prediction last November that over up more than 120%. employed now have been without accelerated changes that were al- students prepare for an exam test- last summer before the latest COVID 50% of business travel will be lost in He has 45 employees at the mo- work for more than six months. ready underway before the corona- ing their bedside skills. She’s one of surge knocked his payroll back down in the pandemic’s aftermath. ment and is projecting it’ll go up to The economic impact of the pan- virus swept across the country. hundreds of people across the coun- under 100. Some hoteliers are talking about about 75 when things return to nor- demic has sometimes stemmed from Many of these changes may be try who have played “standardized “It’s been a roller coaster of 11 possibly cleaning rooms only on mal, compared with more than 100 government-mandated lockdowns welcomed, but they will also disrupt patients” in various programs to months,” he said. demand — and for a fee — which before the pandemic, in part be- and distancing requirements, but the jobs of millions of workers and turn out better doctors. Now he’s climbing up again, but will likely cut back on the need for cause of the hit to traditional shop- the more far-reaching effects may businesses even if new job opportu- But last week, after putting that even if conditions are as they were housekeeping employees, said Rob- ping areas. involve acceleration and intensifying nities eventually arise. test of clinical skills on pause during before the coronavirus outbreak, ert Cole, a senior analyst at Pho- “I think that the urban down- trends already at work. Some jobs will shift from urban the pandemic, U.S. medical licens- Spatafore doesn’t see his staffing re- cuswright, a travel market research town centers are scarred deeply and Even if President Biden is rela- business districts to more residen- ing officials decided to abolish it for turning to pre-pandemic levels. Dur- firm. Other hotels now employ will not return just because people tively successful in dealing with the tial areas as more people work from good — a painful reminder of how ing the last year, his two pizzerias, touchless check-in and check-out. are vaccinated,” he said. challenges, most analysts expect re- home. The Labor Department said the economic pain of COVID-19 can for example, went from full-service, “It’s going to be fits and starts Jed Kolko, chief economist at covery on the jobs side to be long and 23% of employed people worked touch even the smallest nooks and dine-in businesses to a self-pickup and a very bumpy road,” Cole said the online jobs site Indeed, expects slow. Stock markets have already from home in January. crannies of the economy. counter service, first out of necessity of hiring and recovery of hotel em- employment in most sectors to snap bounced back. And the nonpartisan Also likely to outlast the pan- “When it was on, it was a pretty but then because the change turned ployment and business. back, but the longer-term outlook Congressional Budget Office has demic: the surge in online shopping good form of steady work,” said Isa- out to be a successful model. The retail landscape is also for some is filled with more risks. projected U.S. economic output to and home delivery of everything bella, 31, who lives in New York. “We’re not going to go back, shifting. Employment at stores in “Some of the biggest unknowns fully recover this summer, but not from prescription drugs to fresh In San Diego, Spatafore sees which means that we wouldn’t hire January remained about 330,000 about what happens after the pan- the jobs — not until 2024. vegetables, and the rise of “gig” and some of those same factors at play in back waiters and waitresses and as shy of year-ago levels, but there’s demic are how big some of these Assuming $2 trillion in addi- contract jobs. There may be fewer his company, which operates a half- many busboys,” he said. been almost as many new jobs in shifts will be — from in-person tional fiscal spending, Mark Zandi of salesclerks at stores but more retail dozen restaurants, a beach club, des- In January, U.S. employment at warehousing and delivery services retail to delivery, from office to Moody’s Analytics predicted all the customer service reps handling on- sert shop and a public market. restaurants and bars went nowhere, over the last year. remote work, from spending go- jobs to return in May 2023 — still line orders. Last March, Spatafore laid off and now accounts for nearly one- At Comfort One Shoes, the retail ing down for services to different more than three years for a full re- And many of the pre-pandemic most of his employees, calling them fourth of the jobs yet to be recovered. shoe chain in the Washington, D.C., goods,” he said. “Some of that may covery. jobs just won’t exist at all. in one by one. His business survived Other leisure and travel-related area, sales last year were about half be permanent.”

Musk’s Tesla electrifies bitcoin with $1.5 billion bet, car payments pledge Agencies celeration of companies look- “He’s now putting his chael Saylor, Microstrategy’s ing to allocate to Bitcoin now money (shareholders’) where CEO had suggested the bil- Elon Musk launched a pair that Tesla has made the first his mouth is,” Markets.com lionaire make the move. of potential gamechanging move,” said Eric Turner, vice analyst Neil Wilson said. PayPal said in October shifts for bitcoin on Monday, president of market intelli- “But given his recent com- that it would allow customers promising Tesla Inc would gence at cryptocurrency re- ments – and adding #Bitcoin to buy, sell and hold bitcoin take payment for its electric search and data firm Messari. Latest entrant to his Twitter bio on Janu- and other virtual coins using vehicles in the currency soon “One of the largest com- Tesla is the latest corporate ary 29th – it also raises a real its online wallets. It remains and revealing it had already panies in the world now owns to add bitcoin to its question about possible mar- to be seen whether bitcoin bought $1.5 billion worth Bitcoin and by extension, ket manipulation.” will see greater adoption as a of it. every investor that owns Te- treasury following similar Central banks remain form of payment, something The announcements, sla (or even just an S&P 500 moves by Square Inc, the skeptical of digital currencies, that it has traditionally strug- buried deep in Tesla’s 2020 fund) has exposure to it as payments company led by but analysts say the more real gled to achieve. annual report, drove a 10% well.” Twitter Inc chief Jack world uses appear for bitcoin, “I think a lot of institutions surge in the world’s best- A well-known supporter Dorsey and U.S. software the more attractive it will and corporates who thought known and most held crypto- of cryptocurrencies, Musk firm MicroStrategy Inc. prove as a long-term store of the Saylor move was curious currency and followed several has weighed in regularly to PayPal said in October that value. might actually see the upside social media posts by Musk the past month’s frenzy in re- it would allow customers to Tesla is the latest corpo- in taking a small hedge on that have sent the currency tail investment, also driving Tesla sais it would take payment for its electric vehicles in bitcoin buy, sell and hold bitcoin rate to add bitcoin to its treas- bitcoin for better returns than and other assets higher in re- up prices of the meme-based soon, revealing it had already bought $1.5 billion worth of it. ury following similar moves any other fiat yield in 2021 and cent weeks. digital currency dogecoin and by Square Inc, the payments follow,” said Maya Zehavi, a Analysts said it could help shares of U.S. video game In late January, Musk turns on cash. The report said limited basis, which we may company led by Twitter Inc blockchain consultant. accelerate a move for bitcoin chain GameStop. changed the bio of his Twitter it ended 2020 with $19.38 or may not liquidate upon re- chief Jack Dorsey and U.S. “If this becomes a trend move towards the main- He said a week ago that account, which has 46 million billion in cash and cash equiv- ceipt,” the company said. software firm MicroStrategy in corporate treasuries the stream that has seen both bitcoin was “on the verge” of followers, to include #bitcoin. alents. Tesla said it had invested Inc. downside of staying on the Paypal, also co-founded by being more widely accepted Tesla said in a filing the “We expect to begin ac- an aggregate $1.5 billion in In December, Musk had sidelines will only become Musk, and huge global money among investors and in De- decision was part of its broad cepting bitcoin as a form of bitcoin under the changed asked about the possibility costlier over time.” Bitcoin manager BlackRock move to cember asked if it was possi- investment policy as a com- payment for our products in policy and could “acquire and of converting “large transac- surged more than 10% to a accept the currency. ble to do large transactions in pany and was aimed at diver- the near future, subject to ap- hold digital assets from time tions” of Tesla balance sheet record high of $43,625 after “I think we will see an ac- the currency. sifying and maximizing its re- plicable laws and initially on a to time or long-term”. into bitcoin on Twitter. Mi- Tesla’s disclosure. QatarTribune Qatar_Tribune Ashleigh Barty QatarTribuneChannel qatar_tribune among nine of top-ten tennis stars confirmed for Qatar Total Open 2021 page 15 TUESday, FEBRUARY 9, 2021 Lewandowski brace books Bayern’s place in the final Agencies Doha

European champions Bay- ern Munich defeated Al Ahly of Egypt 2-0 in the FIFA Club Bayern Munich’s German coach World Cup Qatar 2020 semi-fi- Hans-Dieter Flick looks on nal on Monday night at the Ah- during the FIFA Club World Cup mad Bin Ali Stadium to move semi-final against Egypt’s Al Ahly within one victory of a sixth title at the Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium in a row. on Monday. (AFP) ‘World Footballer of the Year’ Robert Lewandowski was on target in the 17th and 86th Qatar in great minute. Bayern completely domi- shape for nated against the African champions and wasted further chances, especially before the WC 2022, break. Al Ahly, who became a little more adventurous af- says Flick ter the break, only managed a header from Taher Mohamed Tribune News Network which was easily saved by Doha Manuel Neuer. In the final on Thursday, Bayern Munich’s head coach Bayern meet Mexican side Ti- Hans-Dieter Flick and mid- gres UANL, who beat South fielder Joshua Kimmich said American champions Palmeiras the conditions in Qatar includ- of Brazil 1-0 in the first semi- ing the pitch were perfect for final on Sunday. football adding that the coun- try was in great shape for FIFA World Cup 2022. The coach and player opined ahead of their FIFA Club World Cup Qatar 2020 semi-final against Al Ahly at the Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium on Monday. Flick said the conditions in Qatar were perfect for football as his arrived at the Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium. “It’s always Bayern Munich’s Polish forward Robert Lewandowski (2nd left) celebrates his opening goal during the FIFA Club World Cup semi-final against Egypt’s Al Ahly at the Ahmad Bin Ali special to play here and we as Stadium in Al Rayyan on Monday. (AFP) Bayern München want to win every match,” said Flick. An Al Ahly fan during the FIFA “We have perfect condi- Club World Cup semi-final at tions – I just had a look at the the Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium on pitch and the conditions are top- Monday. (AFP) notch, the stadium is beautiful.” Flick continued: “One can Bayern are seeking a sixth tell that everything will be in title in one year at the tourna- great shape to host the World ment delayed from December Cup in 2022. And for us that owing to the coronavirus, hav- means we want to leave Qatar ing won the Bundesliga, Ger- with the best result possible.” man Cup, Champions League Meanwhile, defensive mid- and the German and European fielder Joshua Kimmich, who Super Cups in 2020. today celebrated his 26th birth- The Germans have won the day, also praised the local con- Club World Cup and its pre- ditions. “We have very modern decessor, the Intercontinental Robert Lewandowski gestures after his second goal at the Ahmad Bin and beautiful stadiums in Ger- Cup, three times before, in 1976, Ali Stadium on Monday. (AFP) many too – but of course it is 2001 and 2013. always nice to play in beautiful Lewandowski saw the Eu- ball back to Lewandowski, who Bayern continued to enjoy stadiums,” he said .“I just went ropean champions settle swiftly took a touch and fizzed a low the best of the possession and out on to the pitch and the grass into their irresistible rhythm, drive past El Shenawy before he the chances in the second half, is a dream – just perfect.” while the African kings were in- could react. but Al Ahly threatened on the Flick went on to say Bay- debted to goalkeeper Mohamed Al Ahly quickly had their break, albeit failing to test Neu- ern were determined to com- El Shenawy for keeping the first chance, but Taher Moham- er. With minutes remaining, pete in the FIFA Club World deadlock intact in the opening ed’s header from a fine Moham- substitute Leroy Sane dinked a Cup and win the tournament quarter-hour. ed Hany centre went straight at cross to the back post to give Le- for the second time, following Minutes later, however, the Manuel Neuer, while Lewan- wandowki a simple header and their maiden victory in 2013. breakthrough came. Kingsley dowski, the impressive Joshua put the contest to bed. Success for Bayern would also Coman’s right-wing cross found Kimmich and Alphonso Davies Scoreline: Bayern Munich 2 secure a sixth piece of silver- Serge Gnabry in a shooting po- all spurned chances to amplify (Robert Lewandowski 17’, 86’) bt ware in the last year. sition, but he cannily cut the Bayern’s lead before the break. Al Ahly 0. Bayern Munich supporters cheer their team at the Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium on Monday. (AFP) Al Ahly stars appreciate Qatar’s organisation of FIFA CWC

victory over Al Duhail at the Everyone is aware of the sig- Hussein El Shahat and Mohamed El Shenawy Education City Stadium. nificance of this event.O verall, believe everything is in place for Qatar to host He added: “There are everything is going well – the many Al Ahly fans all over hotel is excellent and the stadi- an outstanding FIFA World Cup in 2022 the world. I was very happy to ums are world-class. The play- play in front of a large crowd ers are happy and the atmos- Tribune News Network SC, said: “In terms of organi- here in Qatar – I love a pas- phere is very good.” El Shenawy Doha sation, everything has been sionate atmosphere. I hope said the tournament was excel- world-class. The training sites the crowd will continue to be lent preparation for the World Players from Egyptian gi- and stadiums are of the highest with us throughout the tour- Cup, which he believes fans ants Al Ahly SC have been full level. Qatar is doing a very good nament.” Al Ahly goalkeeper from across the globe will enjoy. of praise for Qatar’s hosting job and this is something which El Shenawy, meanwhile, said “Everything is very well or- abilities during the FIFA Club makes all Arabs very proud.” the players had adapted well to ganised here and the stadiums World Cup™. Winger El Shahat continued: the stringent health and safety are world-class. I am sure the Ahead of their semi-final “We hope it will be a fantastic protocols implemented by Qa- fans will enjoy the World Cup tonight against Bayern Mu- World Cup and I wish Qatar all tar in order to protect everyone in Qatar. The stadiums are all nich, Hussein El Shahat and the best. I hope to be here with from the spread of COVID-19. close to each other – and if fans Mohamed El Shenawy praised the Egyptian team in 2022. “We are all in the medical want to watch two matches a the tournament organisers “I think the fans will have bubble but the atmosphere is day, they can. The transport is and said fans had much to look a lot to enjoy here in 2022. very good,” said El Shenawy. good and fans can easily get to forward to when Qatar hosts Hopefully by then the pan- “We abide by the restrictions and from the stadiums. the FIFA World Cup™ in un- demic is over and we will see and thank the tournament “I could see from our first der two years’ time. full stadiums. I hope the fans organisers for their profes- match that everything went El Shahat, who scored will enjoy this atmosphere.” sionalism. We understand the smoothly. I think 2022 will be the winning goal in Al Ahly’s El Shahat also praised the circumstances we are in and very good for fans. They will second-round match against Qatar-based Al Ahly fans, who Al Ahly’s players greet their supporters after their FIFA Club World Cup semi-final loss to Bayern Munich at realise we need to be resilient enjoy everything that Qatar Qatari champions Al Duhail turned out in force for the 1-0 the Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium on Monday. (AFP) for the sake of the tournament. has to offer.” Sports Tuesday, February 9, 2021 13 ‘Proud Tigres have come here for the trophy’

Agencies Doha

When Tigres UANL recruited Carlos Gonzalez in December 2020, the hope was that the Paraguayan front man would form an effective strike part- Tigres UANL forward nership with Andre-Pierre Gig- nac, not least at the imminent Carlos Gonzalez says the FIFA Club World Cup Qatar 2020™. It is a tournament with no margin for error and which Mexican side is motivated demands a step-up in quality, something the Mexican side to win the FIFA Club have demonstrably shown. Gonzalez was unquestion- ably one of the key figures in World Cup Qatar 2020 the historic 1-0 triumph over Palmeiras in the semi-finals that made Tigres the first Mexican side to win a Club World Cup semi-final in ten attempts. Moreover, the two previ- ous semi-finals between teams representing CONCACAF and CONMEBOL had gone the way of the South Americans, who had not even conceded a goal. All those sequences final- ly ended thanks to an inspired performance by Los Felinos, with Gonzalez among their number. “Here we are, with the stars in the sky shining down on us. We’re very proud of what we’ve done, and I im- agine there are a few tears among our fans. This triumph is for them,” the player nick- namedCharlysaid at the post- match press conference. It is true that the 28-year- Tigres UANL forward Carlos Gonzalez (No. 32) in action old centre forward, who was during the FIFA Club World Cup semi-final against Brazil’s signed from Pumas to deliver Palmeiras at the Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium on Sunday. (AFP) goals, was not on target him- self against Palmeiras, but only some superlative stops from Weverton prevented worthy, with his role as target the build-up to the penalty now history. his early years as a profes- league game just the week be- sonality and infectious energy, that. In the first half, the Bra- man allowing Gignac to drop that led to the winning goal. “The triumph was down to sional in Chile, before moving fore his side headed to Qatar. he wants to go all the way. zilian produced one of the deeper and focus more on the Catching Luan off guard, immense effort. We achieved to Mexico, where he had suc- His coach Ferretti did not risk “No other Mexican team have saves of the tournament when creative side. Thus, both play- Gonzalez stole a yard on the what we set out to do and are cessful stints with Necaxa and starting him in their opening gone this far, but now we want he parried a bullet of header ers managed to pop up unno- defender, who had no option thrilled to be playing in a long- Pumas. game against Ulsan Hyundai more. We came here hoping from close range by the Para- ticed on more than one occa- to bring him down to prevent awaited final. Were it not for And to think that Gonzalez FC, preferring to bring him on to lift the trophy and now that guayan. sion and trouble the Verdão a one-on-one with Weverton. their keeper, the winning mar- almost missed the Club World only in the second half. we’re close, we’re encouraged Even so, Gonzalez’s con- defence. Gignac dispatched the result- gin could have been greater,” Cup because of a muscle in- Now, as you would expect and motivated that we can tribution in attack was note- The best example was in ing spot-kick, and the rest is added the striker, who spent jury picked up in a Mexican from someone with his per- achieve our goal.” (Fifa.com)

Brazil’s Ambassador FORMULA ONE highlights Qatar’s success Hamilton renews Mercedes contract for 2021 in hosting FIFA CWC DPA ment and other initiatives that Berlin/Munich fight injustice of any kind. his support of all precaution- He got Mercedes to change ary measures in place, par- Formula One world cham- their 2020 livery from tradi- ticularly in light of current pion Lewis Hamilton has re- tional silver to black and will conditions that requires strict newed his contract at the Mer- continue to speak out while measures to ensure the safety cedes team at last, but only also aiming to further rewrite of others. for the upcoming 2021 season the F1 record books. The Brazilian Ambassador which starts next month. “I am excited to be head- that the FIFA Club World Cup Mercedes motorsport ing into my ninth season with includes the best players in the chief Toto Wolff said in a my Mercedes teammates. world, making it hard to ex- statement on Monday that Our team has achieved in- pect the winner. He noted that “the very unusual year we had credible things together and Sunday’s match between Bra- in 2020 meant it took some we look forward to building zil’s Palmeiras and Mexico’s time to finish the process” of on our success even further, Tigres Unal was very strong the contract extension, amid while continuously looking to and highly competitive, with the coronavirus pandemic. improve, both on and off the the Brazilian team failing to Wolff later told reporters track,” Hamilton said. HE Ambassador of the Federative win at the end. that Mercedes had “no worst “I’m equally determined to Republic of Brazil Luiz Alberto His Excellency said that case scenario” should no deal continue the journey we start- Figueiredo Machado. he knows Qatari football quite have been struck, that both par- ed to make motorsport more well, as he followed the par- ties agreed on extending for just diverse for future generations QNA ticipation of the Qatari na- one season, and that Hamilton and I am grateful that Mer- Doha tional team in Copa America. already put to paper last week. cedes has been extremely sup- He highlighted that Brazil- Britain’s Hamilton came portive of my call to address HE Ambassador of the Fed- ians have beautiful memo- to Mercedes in 2013 in succes- this issue.” Hamilton was last erative Republic of Brazil Luiz ries in Qatar, when Flamengo sion of Michael Schumacher driver to sign a contract for the Alberto Figueiredo Machado reached the final of the FIFA and has since then erased the Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton has renewed his contract at the Mercedes team at last, season which starts a week lat- has praised the State of Qa- Club World Cup last year. German from the record books but only for the upcoming 2021 season which starts next month. er than planned, on March 28 tar’s success in hosting the The Brazilian Ambassador in many areas. in Bahrain, owing to the pan- FIFA Club World Cup 2020, to the state highlighted the In 2021, Hamilton can demic. Pre-season tests are set during the coronavirus (COV- great development of Qatar’s move one ahead of Schumach- Lewis’s competitive record stands alongside the best the sports world for mid-March in Bahrain. ID-19) pandemic, highlighting infrastructure and the rapid er with a record eighth world Wolff said the big rule the success of the country’s rate of completing World Cup title. Currently on 95 race wins has ever seen ... The story of Mercedes and Lewis has written itself into the changes and budget caps healthcare system and the facilities. He added that those and 98 pole positions, he is history books of our sport over the past eight seasons, and we are hungry to were in factor in the talks with contribution it made to host- factors bode well for hosting also poised to become the first compete and to add more chapters to it. Hamilton and that “we want to ing many sporting events. an exceptional World Cup edi- driver to reach the 100 mile- spare ourselves this 2022 dis- Speaking to Qatar News tion in 2022, expressing his stone in both statistics. Mercedes motorsport chief Toto Wolff cussion and simply start with Agency (QNA), the Ambas- delight at being present in Qa- “Lewis wants to put all his the season.” sador of the Federative Re- tar to experience that develop- focus onto winning this eighth Without going into de- public of Brazil said that the ment and the preparations for title,” Wolff said. cord stands alongside the best pete and to add more chapters to take the next step in our tails, Wolff added that Hamil- State of Qatar remains the hosting the Middle-East’s first Hamilton’s future beyond the sports world has ever seen to it,” Wolff said in the team shared commitment to greater ton’s salary was not a difficult best in implementing health World Cup. the season remains unclear. ... The story of Mercedes and statement. diversity within our sport.” issue during the talks because measures and containing the He expressed his hope that He turned 36 last month and Lewis has written itself into “Together, we have decided Influential Hamilton, who the driver was aware that “we spread of the novel Coronavi- the Qatari team can win the F1 will undergo radical rule the history books of our sport to extend the sporting relation- has millions of followers on so- are living in difficult times, rus (COVID-19), noting that World Cup in Qatar in 2022, changes next year. over the past eight seasons, ship for another season and to cial media, is a big advocate of on the human side but also the country prioritizes safety pointing out that all teams “Lewis’s competitive re- and we are hungry to com- begin a longer-term project the Black Lives Matter move- economically.” of people overall else, and will be competing ferociously that is why it preferred not to for the title. He said that the receive Club World Cup fans Brazilians people love for foot- from outside Qatar. ball was mainly due to the joy Quick read He added that the Qatari it brings, especially that they government and FIFA are have been playing it form Norwegian club Molde to play their Europa League last 32 first-leg game in Spain making a big effort to ensure more than a 100 years. everyone involved in the com- HE the Brazilian Ambas- Copenhagen: Norwegian club Molde will play their last 32 first-leg match against Hoffenheim on February 18 in Spain because the German opponents are not allowed to petition is safe especially fans, sador to the state concluded enter Norway because of coronavirus restrictions. The Norwegian federation said the game will be played in the stadium of Primera Division side Villarreal. The return leg on who were set to come in large by highlighting the strength February 25 is to be played as planned in Hoffenheim’s arena in Sinsheim. Norway closed its borders on January 29 for everyone who is not a citizen or doesn’t have resi- numbers like last year’s edi- of bilateral relations between dency in the country. The few exceptions don’t apply for sports events. (dpa) tion. The ambassador voiced Qatar and Brazil. 14 Tuesday, February 9, 2021 Sports Hasan the hero as Pakistan script historic series win in Rawalpindi Chasing a target of 370, South Africa lose 7-33 to hand Pakistan their first series win over the Proteas in 18 years

Agencies trapped in front for five, and Rawalpindi South Africa’s prospects of chasing down 370 looked less In a big turn of events on the convincing at 135/3. final day, seamer Hasan Ali However, Markram and bagged career-best 10 wickets Bavuma then got together to in the match as Pakistan blitzed frustrate the home side. Theirs South Africa with the new ball was a partnership of grit and to complete a 95-run victory in determination, during the the second and final Test. course of which they negated Chasing a target of 370 the Pakistan bowlers riding for victory, which would have high on momentum, and then been a Test record in Pakistan, went about scaling the target. South Africa were well placed They put on 106 for the at 3-241 just after lunch on the fourth wicket, during the course fifth day following a century of which Markram brought up from Aiden Markram (108). his first Test century away from But when the home side home, and fifth overall. They took the new ball, Hasan (5-60) took South Africa into lunch and Shaheen Afridi (4-51) tore without further harm, at 219/3, the South African middle order and after they resumed, Ba- apart with expert swing bowling vuma brought up his half-cen- to dismiss the visitors for 274. tury as well. However, once the Hasan claimed 10-114 in second new ball was taken at the match as South Africa lost the first opportunity, the game their last seven wickets for the changed on its head. addition of only 33 runs on Hasan was the man to their return to Pakistan for the change it. In his first over with first time since 2007. the new ball, he had Markram Pakistan won the series splaying an edge to slip – the 2-0, their first series win over opener was furious with him- the Proteas since 2003. self, and had to walk back for It was also their first Test 108. Hasan wasn’t done yet, series win under the fledg- though. In his next ball, he ling captaincy career of Babar had the South Africa captain Azam. Mohammad Rizwan Quinton de Kock tempted into Pakistan’s Hasan Ali (right) and teammate celebrate after the dismissal of South Africa’s Faf du Plessis on the fifth and final day of the second Test at the Rawalpindi Cricket was declared Player of the Se- a drive and caught at second Stadium in Rawalpindi on Monday. Ali returned match-winning figures of 16-2-60-5 as the hosts won by 95 runs.( AFP) ries, and it would have perhaps slip. South Africa were 243/5. been a perfect day for Pakistan The pressure had switched the South African batsmen col- Scoreboard had Aiden Markram and Tem- to South Africa. Wiaan Mulder lapsed – Keshav Maharaj and ba Bavuma not fought back in joined Temba Bavuma, and the Kagiso Rabada were dismissed Pakistan (1st Innings): 272 Wiaan Mulder b Yasir Shah 20 Bowling: Shaheen Afridi 21-6-51-4 (nb4), Hasan Ali 16-2- the morning. duo attempted to steady the in- within three balls of each other, South Africa (1st Innings): 201 George Linde c Faheem Ashraf b Hasan Ali 4 60-5 (nb3), Nauman Ali 20-6-63-0, Yasir Shah 23.4-5-56- Resuming overnight on nings again. But Shaheen Shah but Yasir Shah, brought back Pakistan (2nd Innings): 298 Keshav Maharaj c Butt b Shaheen Afridi 0 1, Faheem Ashraf 10-2-37-0, Fawad Alam 1-0-5-0. 127/1, South Africa’s hopes of Afridi probed in that tight line into the attack in the next over, South Africa (2nd Innings; Target: 370; Overnight 127-1) Kagiso Rabada b Shaheen Afridi 0 grinding down the target suf- outside off and eventually had finished things off with the Toss: Pakistan. Aiden Markram c Imran Butt b Hasan Ali 108 Anrich Nortje not out 2 Result: Pakistan won by 95 runs. fered early blows when Hasan Bavuma caught behind for 61. In wicket of Mulder for 20. Rassie van der Dussen b Hasan Ali 17 Extras: (lb 2, nb7): 9 had Rassie van der Dussen the next over, Hasan was back at South Africa lost seven Man of the Match: Hasan Ali Faf du Plessis lbw b Hasan Ali 5 Total: (All Out, 91.4 overs) 274 cleaned up in just the third it, finding the edge of Linde. wickets for just 33 runs, and Man of the Series: Mohammad Rizwan. Temba Bavuma c Rizwan b Shaheen Afridi 61 Fall of wkts: 2-127, 3-135, 4-241, 5-241, 6-253, 7-258, ball of the day, two runs short There was no reprieve. for all their effort in the morn- Series: Pakistan 2-0. of a half-century. He then re- Shaheen continued sending it ing, Pakistan celebrated an- Quinton de Kock c Butt b Hasan Ali 0 8-268, 9-268, 10-274. turned to have Faf du Plessis in full and angling away, and other comfortable win. England set big target for India despite Ashwin six-for Agencies Leach yet again. India kept los- Chennai ing from one end but Sundar remained unperturbed as he An exciting finale awaits as kept finding gaps, even hitting England finished day four on a Anderson and Root for a six. high, setting India a target of Soon India lost their tail- 420, despite R Ashwin’s bril- enders with Anderson claiming Tom Brady of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers celebrates after defeating the liant six-wicket haul. the last wicket of Bumrah, and Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LV at Raymond James Stadium in Tam- As many as 15 wickets fell bowling the hosts out for 337 pa, Florida, on Saturday. The Buccaneers won 31-9. (Getty Images/AFP) on what turned out to be an with Sundar remaining unbeat- eventful day of Test cricket in en on 85 at the other end. Chennai. First, England had With a lead of 241, England Serena Williams hails India bowled out for 337 in did not enforce the follow-on the morning session, then the and sent in their openers Dom hosts’ bowlers bounced back, Sibley and Rory Burns to bat. ‘unbelievable’ Brady leaving England all out in the India introduced spinner Ash- final session for 178 from 46.3 win in the first over, and got DPA New England Patriots). It’s def- overs, setting Virat Kohli and a wicket with the first ball, as Berlin initely Tom Brady, he’s Tom co. a target of 420. Burns edged it to first slip. Brady. He’s amazing.” India got off to a steady In the seventh over, India Serena Williams took inspi- Brady banished everyone start in their chase, but lost lost a review when Ashwin ration from the “unbelievable” from his house in the days Rohit Sharma, who hit one thought he had trapped Dan Tom Brady as she cruised into leading up to the Super Bowl four and one six en route to a Lawrence in front, but the re- the second round of the Aus- so he could fully focus on in- 20-ball 12, in the sixth over. plays showed the impact was tralian Open with a “vintage” spiring the Buccaneers to Cheteshwar Pujara and Shub- outside off. But the India spin- performance. victory, but the 39-year-old man Gill survived the next six ner didn’t have to wait for long Brady made yet more his- Williams said she could never overs, taking their side to 39/1 for a wicket. He had Sibley tory on Sunday, the most suc- do the same as she would not at the close of play. (16) caught at leg slip, where, cessful player in NFL history want to be separated from her India need 381 more runs Cheteshwar Pujara took a bril- winning a seventh Super Bowl daughter, Olympia. to win on the final day, while India captain Virat Kohli (left) exults as Ravichandran Ashwin claims one of his six scalps on the fourth day liant reflex catch. as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers “I would not be able to go England need to take nine of the first Test against England at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Monday.(Pi c: BCCI) A few overs later, Is- beat the Kansas City Chiefs 31-9. function without my three- wickets, setting up an intrigu- hant Sharma reached the The incredible Brady, 43, year-old around,” Williams ing finale. 300-wicket milestone in Tests, showed age is no barrier, throw- said. “I think I would be in a Earlier, the hosts resumed Scoreboard becoming only the third India ing three touchdown passes depression. day four on 257/6 with Wash- England (1st Inns): 578 Dom Sibley c Pujara b Ashwin 16 Nadeem 15-2-66-2 (nb3), Ishant Sharma 7-1-24-1, paceman to achieve the feat, – two of which were scored “We’ve been together eve- ington Sundar (33*) and R Ash- India (1st Innings; Overnight 257-6) Dan Lawrence lbw b I Sharma 18 Jasprit Bumrah 6-0-26-1 (nb1), Washinton Sundar 1-0- when he dismissed Lawrence by his long-time friend Rob ry day of her life, so... Is that win (8*) at the crease. England, Washington Sundar not out 85 Joe Root lbw b Bumrah 40 1-0. lbw for 18. Gronkowski – and completing healthy? Not at all! Not even R Ashwin c Buttler b Leach 31 Ben Stokes c Pant b Ashwin 7 India (2nd Innings: Target 420) who had posted a solid 578 in Shahbaz Nadeem c Stokes b Leach 0 Ollie Pope c R Sharma b Nadeem 28 Rohit Sharma b Leach 12 England kept losing wick- 21 of 29 throws for 201 yards. close. But every single day I their first innings, had walked Ishant Sharma c Pope b Anderson 4 Jos Buttler st Pant b Nadeem 24 Shubman Gill not out 15 ets at regular intervals, with Williams started her quest just want to be around her. It’s Jasprit Bumrah c Stokes b Anderson 0 Dom Bess lbw b Ashwin 25 into the field with an intention Chesteshwar Pujara not out 12 skipper Joe Root, who made a for a record-equalling 24th great. Everyone’s different. Extras: (b4, lb1, nb1) 6 Jofra Archer b Ashwin 5 Total: (For 1 wkt, 13 overs): 39 to bowl India out as early as Total: (All Out, 95.5 overs) 337 Jack Leach not out 8 sensational 218 in the first in- Grand Slam singles title with “I can totally understand possible, with the second new Fall of wkts: 7-305, 8-312, 9-323, 10-337. James Anderson c&b Ashwin 0 Yet to bat: Virat Kohli (c), Ajinkya Rahane, Rishabh Pant, nings, falling for 40 this time. a 6-1 6-1 defeat of Laura Siege- why he would banish because ball due in just six overs. Bowling: James Anderson 16.5-5-46-2, Jofra Archer Extras: (nb 7) 7 Washington Sundar, Ravichandran Ashwin, Jasprit Only Ollie Pope, Jos Buttler mund on Monday, then paid if I had the strength to do it, I But Sundar looked in good 21-3-75-2, Ben Stokes 6-1-16-0, Jack Leach 24-5- Total: (All Out, 46.3 overs) 178 Bumrah, Ishant Sharma, Shahbaz Nadeem. and Dom Bess made in twen- tribute to her fellow American would too. 105-2, Dom Bess 26-5-76-4, Joe Root 2-0-14-0. Fall of wkts: 1-0, 2-32, 3-58, 4-71, 5-101, 6-130, Fall of wkt: 1-25. touch from the start, played England (2nd Innings) 7-165, 8-167, 9-178, 10-178. Bowling: Jofra Archer 3-2-13-0, Jack Leach 6-1-21-1, ties while the rest of the line- Brady. “I could see it’s definitely a against England’s spin-bowl- Rory Burns c Rahane b Ashwin 0 Bowling: R Ashwin 17.3-2-61-6 (nb3), Shahbaz James Anderson 2-1-2-0, Dom Bess 2-0-3-0. up crumbled. “It’s unbelievable. I just was distraction, especially every year ing duo of Dom Bess and Jack Despite a good comeback watching as much as I could to that I’ve played except for the Leach well, as he kept the century in two Tests. England attack, and a stable A few overs later, the spin- from the Indian bowlers, the see. My only word is it’s unbe- past few months, I finally am scoreboard ticking with regu- The next over saw England partnership was building. The ner had accounted for Shahbaz visitors had set a solid target lievable. I kept saying: ‘This is starting to get better at it. The lar boundaries. It took him introducing pace, with a shiny duo shared an 80-run stand Nadeem’s wicket who fell for on board. Ashwin was the pick unbelievable, this is unreal’. first two and a half years was only 14 balls in the day to race new ball in hand. Ashwin and before Leach had Ashwin nought, the extra bounce from of the bowlers for India, with “You can’t say it was the very difficult. I wasn’t strong to his fifty, his second half- Sundar continued to tackle the caught behind for 31. the new ball did the trick for returns of 6/61. system he was at formerly (the enough to do the banishment.” Sports Tuesday, February 9, 2021 15 Nine of the world’s top-ten stars confirmed for Qatar Total Open Tribune News Network Doha

Tennis lovers are in for a splendid time as nine of the World’s top-ten players have confirmed their participation at this year’s Qatar Total Open to be held from March 1 to 6 at the Khalifa International Tennis & Squash Complex in Doha. Except for World No. 3 and three-time Grand Slam win- ner, Naomi Osaka of Japan, We are very excited with the all the superstars in the upper echelon of the Women’s Ten- array of stars on parade at nis Association (WTA), led by this year’s tournament, World No.1 Ashleigh Barty of which is one of the Australia, will be strutting their strongest. Having nine out stuff in Doha in what promises of the ten top stars to be one of the best tourna- ments in the region so far. confirmed for this Joining the 2019 French tournament indicates the Open champion Barty at the importance they’ve placed annual WTA Tour Premier on the Qatar Total Open. tournament are world second- Australia’s Ashleigh Barty (left), and Romania’s Simona Halep, seen in action during her opening round Australian Open match against Lizette Cabrera of Australia in Melbourne on ranked Simona Halep, the Monday, will be among those strutting their stuff in the Qatar Total Open to be held at the Khalifa International Tennis & Squash Complex from March 1 to 6. (AFP) Tariq Zainal, 2014 champion, and 2020 Secretary-General, Australian Open champion last year’s semi-finals, will be (2012, 2013) – have had the sports lovers in Doha, and we Qatar Tennis Federation. Sofia Kenin. hoping to lay her hands on the privilege of lifting the trophy on look forward to another ex- Others on the cards for the golden Falcon trophy for the more than one occasion. citing time this year as well. 19th edition of the annual tour- first time with her second ap- “We are very excited with We cannot wait enough to round of exciting tennis is nament are 2019 Wimbledon pearance in Doha. the array of stars on parade at welcome all the stars come here, and we are happy to be Open semi-finalist Elina Svito- Barty, a former cricketer this year’s tournament, which March,” Tariq Zainal, QTF hosting the World’s best play- lina, 2017 champion Karolina who became the second Aus- is one of the strongest. Having Secretary-General, said. ers in Doha again. We are de- Pliskova, 2020 champion Ary- tralian to capture the WTA Fi- nine out of the ten top stars In all, a total of 32 players, lighted with the superstars’ na Sabalenka, 2018 champion nals crown following 1974 and confirmed for this tourna- including four qualifiers, are interests, which is a testimony Petra Kvitova, 2019 US Open 1976 champion Evonne Gool- ment indicates the importance expected to feature in the sin- to the wonderful hospital- champion Bianca Andreescu agong Cawley, and the fifth She secured the ninth title of Since the tournament be- they’ve placed on the Qatar gles event of the WTA Premier ity they’ve always enjoyed in and Kiki Bertens, the 2016 player to win the tournament her professional career on Sun- gan in 2001, only three play- Total Open. 5 tournament while 16 teams Doha - the home of hospitality. French Open semi-finalist. as a debutante, is having her day at the Yarra Valley Classic ers - Anastasia Myskina (2003, “The tournament has al- will slug it out in the doubles. We look forward to welcoming The 24-year-old Barty, second successive season on after defeating Spain’s Garbine 2004), Maria Sharapova (2005, ways lived to its promise of Tournament Director Saad everyone to this exciting tour- who Petra Kvitova stopped in the top of the WTA rankings. Muguruza in straight sets. 2008) and Victoria Azarenka bringing the best of tennis to Al Mohannadi said, “Another nament come March.”

AUSTRALIAN OPEN Djokovic makes short work of Chardy

Serena Williams of the US hits a return against Germany’s Laura Siegemund during their women’s singles match on day one of the Australian Open in Melbourne on Monday. (AFP) ‘Vintage Rena’ races into round two with Siegemund demolition Agencies She sustained a serious knee Melbourne injury shortly after that zenith, which kept her off tour for al- Serena Williams produced most 12 months. But she has a statement performance on since worked her way back in- Monday at Rod Laver Arena to side the top 50, and is one of the move into the second round of game’s grittiest competitors. Australian Open 2021. Williams, clad in an eye- And it was a statement in catching, multi-coloured every way possible, from the bodysuit with legs of varying outfit she emerged onto court length, began slowly, winning wearing, to her response to just won point in her opening getting broken in the very first service game. Serbian Novak Djokovic hits a return against France’s Jeremy Chardy during their men’s singles match on game, to the scoreline at the But after clawing her way day one of the Australian Open in Melbourne on Monday. (AFP) end of the 56-minute rout. through a tight second game Williams, the 10th seed, by breaking back on her third dismissed Germany’s Laura opportunity, she was untouch- Play in Melbourne took place with the show courts filled to one-third with spectators Siegemund 6-1 6-1 set up a able. The 23-time Grand Slam as local authorities are allowing 30,000 fans to Melbourne Park each day. clash with Nina Stojanovic, a champion collected the next straight-sets winner against 10 consecutive games, hit- “Thank you so much, I really up where she left off, winning at Margaret Court Arena, Irina-Camelia Begu. ting several winners as Siege- Japanese Naomi Osaka in action against Russian Anastasia Pavly- appreciate your support.” her first match in 15 months - 40-year-old Venus Williams “This was a good start. mund’s game disintegrated at uchenkova at the Australian Open on Monday. (AFP) Djokovic was hardly trou- since the New York final - after defeated Kirsten Flipkens 7-5, Definitely vintage ‘Rena’,” the the other end of the court. bled by Chardy as he advanced skipping the whole 2020 sea- 6-2 while; and Swiatek ousted 39-year-old American said. After Williams had extend- DPA There were also first-round in the night session to a date son due to injury and opting Dutch Arantxa Rus 6-1, 6-3. “It’s definitely good.I think ed her second-set lead to 4-0 Sydney victories for US Open champi- with American Francis Tiafoe, out when the tour resumed On the men’s side, Aus- I’m pretty good at pacing my- with a searing ace down the T, on Dominic Thiem and French and Williams was also in full after a break due to the coro- tria’s Thiem dispatched Ka- self in a Grand Slam. Siegemund got on the board Eight-time champion No- Open winner Iga Swiatek but control as it took American navirus pandemic. zakh Mikhail Kukushkin 7-6 “I was happy just to get in the next game with a cross- vak Djokovic made short work former world number one 10th seed Williams under an Kerber meanwhile crashed (7-2), 6-2, 6-4. big serving through it. Wasn’t sure how court backhand – just her of Jeremy Chardy and Serena and 2016 Melbourne champ hour to get past Siegemund against American Bernarda Canadian Milos Raonic made my serve would be after a lit- fourth winner for the match. Williams also wasted no time Angelique Kerber of Germany and now face unseeded Ser- Pera 6-0, 6-4. quick business of Argentina’s tle bit of that shoulder, but it’s But it did nothing to alter in dismissing Laura Siege- went out. bian Nina Stojanovic. Kerber was among the Federico Coria 6-3, 6-3, 6-2, feeling good, I’m feeling good. the course of the encounter; mund on the first day of play at Play in Melbourne took Second seed Simona Halep players who were not permit- and last year’s Melbourne So it felt really good. two games later, she double- the Australian Open Monday. place with the show courts of Romania routed Australian ted to leave their hotel rooms semi-finalist Alexander Zverev “Last year was very crazy faulted on match point. World number one Djok- filled to one-third with spec- wild-card Lizette Cabrera 6-2, at all for two weeks after arriv- of Germany rallied to defeat for the world, and to be able to Williams remains unde- ovic took 91 minutes to clinch tators as local authorities are 6-1, and number three seed ing in Australia because other Marcos Giron of the US 6-7 do what I love and to be able to feated in 2021, impressive in a 6-3, 6-1, 6-2 victory over his allowing 30,000 fans to Mel- and 2019 winner Naomi Osaka passengers aboard their char- (8-10), 7-6 (7-5), 6-3, 6-2. come out and compete and play wins over Daria Gavrilova, French opponent, paving the bourne Park each day. cruised past Russian Anastasia ter flights had tested positive Three-time Grand Slam at a Grand Slam, after the last Tsvetana Pironkova and Dan- way to victory with a break It is a welcome change for Pavlyuchenkova with an almost for the new coronavirus. champion Wawrinka dis- 12 months, it makes me appre- ielle Collins to reach the WTA in the long fifth game of the players amid the coronavirus idental scoreline, 6-1, 6-2. All players and their en- missed Portugal’s Pedro Sousa ciate the moment even more.” Yarra Valley Open semifinals third set. pandemic after last year’s US Canada’s Bianca An- tourages had to quarantine for 6-3, 6-2, 6-4 at the renamed Siegemund threatened to before withdrawing ahead of Williams meanwhile Open took place behind closed dreescu, who in 2019 defeated two weeks upon their arrival John Cain Arena, formerly be a tricky opening assign- her clash with Ash Barty with dropped serve in the open- doors and the French Open in Williams in the US Open final, in Australia, but most com- Melbourne Arena. ment for Williams; ranked as a shoulder complaint. ing game then then reeled front of very small crowds. was back to her winning ways petitors were allowed to train Young Finn Emil Ruu- high as 27th in August 2016, And now on a five-match off 10 games in a row to oust “It makes my heart full to against Romania’s Mihaela for five hours a day. suvuori saved 17 of 23 break she won her biggest career ti- winning streak, she improves Germany’s Siegemund, 6-1, see a crowd in the stadium Buzarnescu, with the 6-2, 4-6, Andreescu was reportedly points and stunned 10th seed tle in Stuttgart the next year, her record in Grand Slam 6-1 in her latest attempt for a again. This is the most people 6-3 victory her eighth consec- also among the players in hard Gael Monfils3-6, 6-4, 7-5, 3-6, defeating three top-10 oppo- first-round matches to a jaw- record-equalling 24th title at I’ve seen on a tennis court in utive at a slam. lockdown. 6-3 in 3 hours and 46 minutes nents along the way. dropping 76-1. the majors. 12 months,” Djokovic said. The 20-year-old picked In the opening match to win in his Australian debut. 16 Tuesday, February 9, 2021 The Last Word Regular physical activity prevents diseases: PHCC QNA by 83 percent, hip fractures by 68 ing the risk of falls, improving sleep Doha percent, the risk of falls among the and reducing the risk of early death elderly by 30 percent. It also reduces because of heart disease and some Studies have demonstrated the the risk of depression, dementia and types of cancer. He pointed out that 15 health centres to operate today importance of regular physical ac- Alzheimer’s disease by 30 percent. exercise and aerobic activities such tivity in maintaining a healthy body Head of Wellness for Community as walking and cycling can be part of The Primary Health Care Cooperation (PHCC) has 2pm and from 4pm until 10pm. weight and preventing obesity, which Interventions at PHCC Abdul Hamid most people’s daily routine. identified15 health centres to operate from 7am to 11pm The dermatology clinics at Leabaib and Muaither reduces the risk of coronary heart Al Khanji said that exercise reduces The PHCC has also provided during National Sport Day on Tuesday (today). health centres will also operate in two shifts, from 7am diseases and stroke by up to 35 per- the risk of heart disease by strength- awareness tips for healthy sleep as it The health centres that will operate are: Al Wakra, to 2pm and from 4pm to 10pm, while dental clinics will cent, the Primary Health Care Corpo- ening heart muscles and improving is an essential part of daily life. Airport, Umm Ghuwailina, Omar Bin Al Khattab, West operate continuously from 7am to 10pm. ration (PHCC) has said. blood circulation as the increased Head of the Wellness Center Bay, Al Sheehaniya, Abu Baker Al Siddiq, Muaither, Al The PHCC set working hours for urgent cases units This will also reduce the risk of blood flow raises the oxygen levels in at Leabaib Center and a commu- Rayyan, Mesaimeer, Al Ruwais, Al Khor, Leabaib, Ghar- to 24 hours in Al Ruwais, Al Kaaban, Umm Salal, Ghar- early death by 30 percent, the risk the human body, which helps reduce nity medicine consultant at PHCC rafat Al Rayyan and Madinat Khalifa, while Al Jumailiya rafat Al Rayyan, Al Sheehaniya, Abu Baker Al Siddiq, of developing type 2 diabetes by 50 the risk of high cholesterol, coronary Dr Anees Al Yafei said that people health centre will operate on a call-up system. Muaither and Rawdat Al Khail health centres, while the percent, the risk of colon cancer by artery disease and heart attacks. It spend more than a third of their With regard to the health centres dedicated to ex- community call centre will operate 24 hours. 50 percent and the chance of get- can also lower triglyceride and in- life sleeping. It makes sleep a vital amine and keep suspected cases of infection of coro- With regard to COVID-19 examination service ting breast cancer by 20 percent, the sulin levels, help the body control requirement that helps renew and navirus (COVID-19), PHCC stated that the Rawdat Al through vehicles, PHCC noted that this service will be PHCC pointed out. blood sugar and help quit smoking maintain the functions of the body’s Khail and Umm Salal health centres will work continu- available according to the appointments specified for On the occasion of the National by reducing cravings. This is in ad- organs. “Studies have shown that ously for 24 hours. patients in advance in the health centres as follows: Sport Day, which will be marked dition to other health and mental people who maintain enough sleep Health centres that will be closed on sports day are: First: The service will only be available in the on Tuesday, the PHCC stated that benefits such as mood improvement at night enjoy general health free Al Daayen, Al Wajbah, Al Waab, Al Thumama, Abu Na- morning period from 7am to 2pm at Al Thumama exercise and physical activity have and stress reduction, while reducing from chronic physical and psycho- khla, Qatar University, Leghwairiya and Al Karana, and Health Center, West Bay Health Center and Al Khor an important role in the prevention the risk of depression and improving logical diseases, compared to their Al Kaaban Health Center, except for the urgent cases Health Center. and management of chronic diseases thinking and learning skills. peers of the same gender and age unit at the centre, which will operate 24 hours. Second: The service will operate in the evening only such as heart disease, stroke and dia- He noted that regular exercise who get less sleep,” he said. Concerning the appointments for specialised clin- from 4pm to 11pm in Leabaib, Al Wajbah and Al Rayyan betes and many types of cancer. Be- also helps children and teens build Dr Al Yafei also stressed the im- ics, two eye clinics in the Leabaib and Airport health health centre. sides, it helps to prevent high blood strong bones. As for the elderly, re- portance of sleep quality for immu- centres will operate in two shifts, in the morning from Third: The examination service through vehicles will pressure and improve mental health, search has shown that it helps them nity, the relationship between sleep 7am to 2pm, and the evening from 4pm until 10pm, be carried out in two shifts from 7am to 2pm and from quality of life and well-being. Physical with balance and muscle strengthen- and obesity as well as sleep and while the ENT clinics in the Leabaib and Mesaimeer 4pm to 11pm in Al Wakra, Al Waab, Mesaimeer and Abu activity and exercise also help reduce ing activities, while aerobic activity of some chronic, nervous and psycho- health centres will operate in two shifts from 7am to Baker Al Siddiq health centres. the risk of developing osteoporosis moderate intensity helps in reduc- logical diseases. HMC launches online Virtual sports sessions to mark Qatar-USA physiotherapy exercise Year of Culture 2021 among QNSD events on National Sport Day Ailyn Agonia ence to Ministry of Public Health-placed measures to DOHA prevent the spread of COVID-19, the US Embassy is Tribune News Network partnering with the Qatar Foundation, Qatar Museums Doha Virtual sports sessions catering to all people in and Best Buddies to provide inclusive virtual sports ses- Qatar including women, persons with disabilities sions during Qatar National Sports Day for all people in The Physiotherapy Depart- and children are among the various activities taking Qatar, including women, persons with disabilities and ment at Hamad Medical Cor- place on Tuesday on the occasion of Qatar National children. We invite everyone to follow US Embassy Do- poration (HMC) has launched Sports Day (QNSD). ha’s Facebook, Twitter and Instagram accounts, as well its ‘Physiotherapy Online Ex- The events focusing on inclusive, ability-friendly as yearsofculture.qa for updates on upcoming COVID- ercise Programme’ to mark virtual sessions are organised by Qatar Foundation 19-safe Years of Culture programming.” Qatar National Sport Day. (QF) in partnership with Qatar Museums and the US The QNSD activities include Fun Activities with The new website, which is Embassy in Doha in celebration of the Qatar-USA Best Buddies, an organisation dedicated to ensuring hosted at www.hamad.qa, fea- 2021 Year of Culture. inclusivity for people with developmental challenges, tures 609 videos for patients The new website, which In a statement on the initiative issued on Monday, which are accessible to those aged five years and above and will continue to expand to is hosted at www.hamad. Chargé d’Affaires of the US Embassy in Qatar Ambas- with mobility and hearing impairments and learning reach 1,500 videos. qa, features 609 videos sador HE Greta C Holtz said, “The US Embassy in Qatar challenges scheduled at 11am. At 4pm, top US gym The website is intended for patients and will con- congratulates the Government, people, and residents of Dogpound will lead a fun fitness activity called Puppy- to enhance the patient expe- Qatar for their dedication to healthy lifestyles, women’s pound for children aged four to12 years and a full-body rience and enable them to ac- tinue to expand to reach empowerment, inclusivity and accessibility in sports. workout at 5pm. cess exercise information in 1,500 videos The United States is proud to be Qatar’s partner in pro- Registration is open for the series of activities via a safe and convenient man- moting these objectives during this year’s 2021 Qatar- the Education City App, which can be downloaded for ner, helping their journey to able to track the patient’s per- USA Year of Culture and beyond. This year, in adher- free from Google PlayStore and the Apple App Store. HE Greta C Holtz recovery. formance. This is a safe and During the COVID-19 convenient way for patients pandemic, the online consul- to continue their treatment at tation and telerehabilitation home and engage the patient service was well utilised by the in their recovery which leads Physiotherapy Department of to better outcomes. GECF staff mark 10th Qatar National HMC. As an initial response, This programme will be telephone consultations were available only for patients who started, progressing gradually are being treated in the physi- to video consultations. otherapy clinics in the various Sport Day with safe, healthy activities The challenges to com- facilities of HMC. municate and yet maintain The unique aspect of this social distancing led the entire website is that the en- Tribune News Network ted to limiting global warming Physiotherapy Department to tire conceptualisation of the Doha to well below 2C degrees, the look for innovative solutions, idea, video shooting, script importance of environmental leading to the development of of the exercises, models for The Gas Exporting Countries protection is evident in the a large database of online ex- the shoot, camera shooting, Forum (GECF) Secretariat success of various “green” ercise programmes to enable editing, branding, develop- staff promote healthy lifestyle initiatives in connection with patients to use them through ing website content was un- and environment by under- eco-responsible behaviour, a secure channel, maintaining dertaken by the multitalented taking a variety of sports-re- transition to carbon-negative patient confidentiality and team of physiotherapists. They lated activities to observe Qa- energy systems and circular keeping in consideration the were supported and guided by tar National Sport Day, which economy principles. safety of the patients. the dynamic supervisors of marks its 10th year in 2021. “The Qatar National After an evaluation by the various facilities led by Chief “Ten years ago, through Sport Day is a great occa- physiotherapist either in per- Noora al Mudahka. Emiri Decree 80 of 2011, Qa- sion for private and govern- son or online, the therapist The feat of launching the tar became the first country ment sectors to join hands will develop a treatment plan Physiotherapy Online Exer- in the world to dedicate a full and achieve their goals to- based on the problems of the cise Programme would not day to sport and set an exam- gether through collabora- patient. If the patient can be have been possible without ple of how human diversity tion. Collaboration is one of advised to perform a home the support from the Corpo- should be embraced and cel- the main guiding principles programme, the physiothera- rate Communications, web ebrated through the universal of the GECF as we believe in pist will choose the right exer- and digital services led by Ali popularity of sport. This wise upholding the ideals of coop- cises from the online exercise Al Khater, chief of HMC’s Cor- decision reinforces sport as eration, tolerance and endur- programme and will send an porate Communications De- the ultimate tool to promote ance,” added Sentyurin. SMS and email to the patient. partment. Their timely coop- health and discourage inac- Unlike previous years, in These will have a password eration and support instilled tive lifestyle, thereby build- diplomatic community in the can also be used to reduce environmentally-friendly na- 2021, due to the limitations to login into the exercise por- confidence to keep the hard ing healthy communities and country. Its health and well- conflict, bridge differences ture, affordability, reliability, imposed by the COVID-19 tal and access the exercises work going on. The respon- eventually healthier nations,” being policies see sport as and eliminate disadvantages, accessibility and flexibility pandemic, the GECF Secre- programme through the pa- siveness of his team in setting said GECF Secretary-General having the inherent power to just as natural gas reduces that both sports and natural tariat staff carried out a range tient’s mobile or on any digi- up this website is appreciated Yury Sentyurin. empower individuals. energy poverty and brings gas share in common,” Sen- of activities on an individual tal device. At the same time, by the leaders of the Physi- The GECF is deeply em- “In a world undergoing social and economic prosper- tyurin added. basis, including bicycling, the physiotherapist will be otherapy Department. bedded in the general and tremendous changes, sport ity. In fact, it is the inherent As the world gets commit- yoga, boxing and water sports.

Qatar Football Association, Qatar Shell launch Koora Time season 9

Tribune News Network an online training platform, Koora Aspire Academy and FC Barcelona aged 3,500 participants weekly. As Doha Time’s Coaches Zone, which will Foundation. The methodology will many as 53 percent of Koora Time train the coaches from anywhere in include improved football skills participants were girls, reflecting Qatar Football Association (QFA) the world by offering courses and and drills, in addition to the new- the positive role of women in sport and Qatar Shell have launched the tests, tracking their performance ly added self-development pro- and further supporting female em- 9th season of Koora Time, the sus- and analysing their results. gramme and sports ethics. powerment in Qatar. Koora Time tainable initiative that has improved In season 9, Koora Time aims In recognition of its positive im- also introduced a virtual football the health and well-being of more to provide 44 hours of physical pact on the health of youth, Koora challenge to stimulate a healthy life- than 150,000 youths across Qatar activity and education per child Time has won local and internation- style during the COVID-19 and to since its inception in 2012. through football over the 11-week al awards. Last year, Koora Time conclude the season. A fully virtual programme has season, as well as education on won the Silver Award at the Corpo- To find out more about Koora been designed for the new season healthy habits such as nutrition. rate Engagement Awards, bringing Time, or to register your child for to accommodate for the COVID-19 The newly refreshed methodology the total number of awards to 13 the award-winning and impactful safety measures. has been developed in collabora- since its inception. programme, visit www.kooratime. Koora Time is also introducing tion with the initiative’s partners In season 8, Koora Time aver- qa.