Wednesday January 20, 2021 Jumada Al-Akhirah 7, 1442 Vol.14 no. 5160 qR 2

Fajr: 5:01 am Dhuhr: 11:45 am fine Asr: 2:48 pm Maghrib: 5:10 pm High : 23°C LOW : 16 °C Isha: 6:40 pm

FM awarded US highest medal for MoPH exempts 19 groups of We’re ready to facilitate distinguished public service people from hotel quarantine The United States has pre- US-Iran talks, says FM sented Deputy Prime Minister QNA and Minister of Foreign Affairs Doha Time has come for the Gulf states Some progress in communication HE Sheikh Mohammed bin to start talks with Iran with United Arab Emirates Abdulrahman Al Thani with The Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) on the Department of Defense Tuesday issued an updated list of people Tribune News Network UAE. There is some commu- Medal for Distinguished Public eligible for home quarantine. The list will be- Doha nication, and we look forward Service, the highest honorary come effective from Sunday, January 24, at to continue the discussion and award given by the US to US all ports of entry to the country, based on the Deputy Prime Minister and we are ready to address any is- officials and officials of the previously announced policies for travel and Minister of Foreign Affair HE sues that they have with Qatar governments of friendly coun- return from abroad to Qatar and in light of Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdul- or Qatar have with UAE. We tries. The medal is granted the recent medical developments concerning rahman Al Thani has said Qatar have resumed the flights al- in recognition of exceptional the COVID-19 pandemic. dents, their family members, and their trav- is ready to facilitate negotia- ready,” he said. services and impressive In a statement, the MoPH said 19 catego- elling party who share the same national tions between the United States HE Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdul- He added, “The basis for achievements made by per- ries of people will be exempted from the hotel address, regardless of the country they are and Iran if requested to do so, rahman Al Thani. resolving the crisis was to sons concerned who deserve quarantine requirement and will be allowed departing from. stressing that what is important agree to the principles that we appreciation and praise for to take home quarantine. for Doha regarding mediation is play the mediating role.” have referred to since the be- their performance. page 2 This applies to Qatari citizens and resi- Continued on page 2  to reach an agreement. The FM said the time has ginning of the crisis, and then In an interview with come for the Gulf states to start enter into bilateral negotia- Bloomberg, the FM said Qatar talks with Iran, stressing that tions to define the differences will support dialogue between countries in the GCC also share or challenges facing our bilat- the two countries if asked to do a desire for dialogue with Iran. eral relations, and then work so, regardless of who will play “We still believe this should together to solve them.” End of blockade makes a huge difference: QA chief the role of mediator, noting happen. This is also a desire With regard to the South that Doha maintains good re- that’s shared by other GCC Korean oil tanker detained in Tribune News Network hours and 40 minutes of fly- Over the past few days, Qa- QA has resumed services to lations with both Washington countries [for talks with Iran],” Iran, the FM said Qatar sup- Doha ing to San Paulo each way. tar Airways restarted using the Saudi Arabia and Egypt. and Tehran. Sheikh Mohammed said. ports the ongoing consultations Khartoum will be only three airspace of Saudi Arabia, the “We are not flying to many He said, “Iran is our neigh- The FM also revealed that between the two countries to The lifting of a blockade that and a half hours instead of UAE, Bahrain and Egypt fol- we will eventually fly. We will bour and we have common bor- there is some progress in com- secure the release of the tanker had denied Qatar Airways (QA) seven hours. Lagos, we will lowing an agreement to lift the be flying to Alexandria (in ders, and it stood by us during munication with the UAE. that was detained by the Revo- access to the airspace of some save nearly an hour and a blockade imposed on Qatar by Egypt) next week and, hopeful- the Gulf crisis, and we have mu- “There has been some pro- lutionary Guards earlier this of its neighbours will have a half. So, yes it will make a the quartet in mid-2017. ly, we will start operating both tual respect that allows Qatar to gress between Qatar and the month. “big impact” on its operational big impact (on) our opera- “We started on the 11th (Jan- to the UAE and Bahrain soon,” costs, its Group Chief Executive tional costs,” Al Baker told uary 11) flights to Riyadh… on the Baker said. Akbar Al Baker has said. CNN’s Richard Quest in an 15th to Jeddah (and) on the 16th Kahramaa launches Al-Mazroua, Al-Furoush electricity stations (PG 2) “We saved nearly two interview. to Dammam,” he said. Continued on page 2  02 Wednesday, January 20, 2021

Contact US: Qatar Tribune ı EDITORIAL ı Phone: 40002222 ı ADMINISTRATION & MARKETING ı Phone: 40002155, 40002122, Fax: 40002235 P.O. Box: 23493, Doha.

United Nations appoints attorney-general as UNITAR FM awarded US highest medal Board of Trustees member qna for distinguished public service Geneva QNA diplomatic leadership, which of significance to the Depart- The United Nations (UN) has Washington for decades has played an es- ment of Defense as a whole, appointed Qatar’s Attorney- sential role in making great or service of such exceptional General HE Dr Ali bin Fettais The United States, repre- progress towards peace in Af- significance. Al Marri as a member of the sented by the US Department ghanistan, including the sign- The US Department of De- Board of Trustees of the Unit- of Defense, presented Deputy ing of the agreement between fense Medal for Distinguished ed Nations Institute for Train- Prime Minister and Minister the US and the Taliban on Public Service was presented ing and Research (UNITAR). Qatar’s Attorney-General HE Dr of Foreign Affairs HE Sheikh February 29, 2020, as well as in the past to former US Presi- UNITAR was established Ali bin Fettais Al Marri Mohammed bin Abdulrah- the launch of the Afghan peace dents Barack Obama, George in 1963 with the aim of en- man Al Thani with the Depart- process on Sep. 12. W. Bush, Bill Clinton and oth- hancing the capabilities of siders and approves the work ment of Defense Medal for The US Department of er prominent figures. member states through high- programme and approves the Distinguished Public Service, Defense affirmed that Deputy Meanwhile, the US also quality educational solutions budget. the highest honorary award Prime Minister and Minister presented Ambassador of and related knowledge prod- The Council is composed given by the United States to US National Security Adviser Ambassador HE Robert O’Brien handed of Foreign Affairs has exerted Qatar to the US HE Sheikh ucts and services. It trains of a diverse group of high- US officials and officials of the the medal to Ambassador of Qatar to the United States HE Sheikh relentless efforts to promote Meshaal bin Hamad Al Thani more than 130,000 individu- ranking individuals serving in governments of friendly coun- Meshaal bin Hamad Al Thani. stability and prosperity in the with the Department of De- als annually around the world, their personal capacity, and is tries. region and resolve the Gulf fense Medal for Distinguished with the largest proportion of currently chaired by Minister The medal is granted in shaal bin Hamad Al Thani. of fields. dispute. Public Service, the highest trainees coming from devel- of Foreign Affairs of Ecuador recognition of distinguished The US Department of De- The Department of De- The Department of De- honorary award given by the oping countries, as UNITAR’s Luis Gallegos. and exceptional services and fense affirmed that awarding fense said that the Deputy fense Medal for Distinguished United States to US officials strategy and work programme Qatar’s attorney-general impressive achievements this high honor to the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister Public Service is the highest and officials of the govern- are aligned with the 2030 had been chosen as a Special made by persons who deserve Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs’ support for honorary award bestowed by ments of friendly countries. Agenda for Sustainable Devel- Advocate on Asset Recovery, appreciation and praise for of Foreign Affairs comes in the US as a major ally of Qatar the US Department of Defense The medal is granted in opment. then a UN Special Advocate their performance. recognition of his outstanding has created new opportunities to national figures and politi- recognition of distinguished As the governing body of Against Corruption, as well US National Security Ad- diplomatic efforts to strength- for partnership. cal and military figures in for- and exceptional services and the institute, the Council sets as being re-elected for the viser Ambassador HE Robert en relations between Qatar It also commended his eign governments. impressive achievements policies and principles to reg- fourth time recently to the O’Brien handed the medal to and the US and his commit- major role in supporting and The medal was adopted in made by persons concerned ulate the institutes activities membership of the UN law Ambassador of Qatar to the ment to cooperation with the advancing peace efforts in 1947 and recognises the excep- who deserve appreciation and and operations. It also con- commission. United States HE Sheikh Me- United States across a range Afghanistan, particularly his tionally distinguished service praise for their performance. ‘Lack of coordination among 19 categories of travellers govts, travel organisations’ eligible for home quarantine Continued from page 1  ties and their mothers. alone without their exempted Continued from page 1  getting together and coming around like headless chicken UV system. We have robots 14. Patients with epilepsy relatives who were with them back with a policy that is im- panicking as soon as they see that go across the airport; we The 19 categories are as fol- who receive epilepsy treat- when they traveled from Qatar. Speaking on CNN’s Quest posed as a standard for all of that the figures of infections are have contactless check-in ar- lows: ment. Therefore, they are advised to Means Business, Baker the countries to follow, includ- rising. If they’re implementing eas and boarding gates. We 1. People aged 65 years or 15. Patients with diabetic ensure necessary hotel reser- blamed the lack of coordina- ing a travel pass which IATA is these things correctly, they will also provide PPE to our crew. above. foot disease. vations are made prior to their tion among governments and now working on. This should mitigate the reason for them to So, we have gone through the 2. People who have under- 16. People who have a first- return to the country. organisations across the travel be standardised and recog- do what they’re doing.” entire process to ensure that gone organ or bone marrow The exemption from hotel and tourism industry for the nised all across the world. Only Baker said that protecting our passengers are protected.” transplantation. However, hotel quarantine quarantine does not include challenges airlines are current- by doing this, and stopping this passengers is the absolute pri- When asked about the fu- 3. Patients with health con- will be mandatory for visitors coming to the country. ly facing amid the COVID-19 quarantine issue -- which is ority, highlighting the carrier’s ture of the airline industry as ditions that require immuno- The decision can be suspended pandemic. again implemented in a very rigorous hygiene and safety a result of the coronavirus cri- suppressive therapies. those who return from in cases that require the imple- “Each government is put- haphazard way – travellers’ measures. sis, he added: “I think if this 4. Patients with heart fail- abroad alone without their mentation of the hotel quaran- ting out regulations in piece confidence could be brought “We have a large number prolongs, there will be some ure or coronary artery disease. exempted relatives who tine policy, such as inappropri- meal -- there is no proper co- back, because nobody knows of UV systems for use in air- big airlines that would really 5. Patients with asthma were with them when they ate housing conditions. It can ordination. And I also blame from a day to the next what planes. Every single aircraft, need a massive state aid to stay (moderate and severe asthma). traveled from Qatar also be suspended by a decision the organisations like IATA, would be the regulations. And every 24 hours, is being com- afloat or else they will have to 6. Cancer patients, includ- issued by the Ministry of Pub- AACO and the WHO for not the authorities are running pletely disinfected using the shut their doors.” ing patients who undergo treat- lic Health to control the spread ment sessions (chemotherapy degree relative who passed of COVID-19 infections in the and radiation therapy). away within the past 10 days. country. 7. Pregnant women. 17. People with mental Furthermore, travellers 8. Breastfeeding mothers health problems who are treat- with chronic health condi- Katara to host Halal Qatar Festival from Feb 13 who are caring for children ed with medication, and whose tions must register themselves aged from 0 to five years. health condition may deterio- for the MyHealth patient por- Tribune News Network participate in such festivals that link the 9. Patients with acute kid- rate if they are kept in enclosed tal online to obtain a medi- Doha present with the past customs and tradi- ney failure (end-stage renal spaces. cal report and a COVID-19 tions. failure) or those who undergo 18. Diabetics who suffer test result from an approved The Cultural Village Foundation (Ka- The festival will provide a platform dialysis treatment. from neuropathy, kidney or health center within 72 hours tara) will organise the 10th edition of for breeders to display and acquire the 10. Patients with chronic retinal diseases or other types prior departure, or apply for the Halal Qatar Festival 2021 (goats and best types of livestock, the most beautiful liver disease. of diabetes complications. a chronic condition certificate sheep) from February 13 to 21, with the sheep and goats, in addition to competi- 11. Patients who have had 19. Minors (aged below 18 online through Hamad Medi- participation of some countries from the tion and motivation to improve livestock lower limb amputations. years) who travel without their cal Corporation or Primary GCC. production and develop related indus- 12. People with disabilities parents/guardians (not accom- Health Care Corporation web- The festival will be held in the south- tries. who are dependent on other panied by an adult). sites. ern area of Katara and will include three The festival will open its doors to the people to carry out their daily However, hotel quaran- The above list will be re- major events: Auction, Elite Auction and The festival aims at introducing Qatari public in two session from 9am to 12pm activities. tine will be mandatory for viewed and updated regularly Mazayen. heritage and encouraging young people to and from 3pm to 10pm. 13. Children with disabili- those who return from abroad based on developments. MoCI recalls 2019-2020 Kahramaa opens Al-Mazroua,Al-Furoush electricity stations Mercedes-Benz A-Class QNA increasing protection on the Doha network feeders. Tribune News Network it will coordinate the main- Kahramaa is keen to follow DOHA tenance and repair work The Qatar General Electricity security and safety standards in with the dealer and will and Water Corporation (Kah- all its activities and operations The Ministry of Commerce communicate with custom- ramaa) has launched QR230 according to its strategic plans and Industry (MoCI), in co- ers to ensure that they have million Al-Mazroua and Al- without recording injuries or operation with Nasser Bin completed the necessary re- Furoush electricity stations to accidents in project workers, Khaled Automobiles, Mer- pairs. expand electricity transmis- which has a positive impact on cedes-Benz dealer in Qatar, The ministry urged all sion grids in accordance with increasing productivity. has announced the recall of customers to report any the highest safety and security Kahramaa implemented the 2019-2020 Mercedes- violations to its Consumer standards. 32 stations in 2020 with the Benz A-Class models because Protection and Anti-Com- The total cost of Al-Maz- aim of meeting the increas- the oil level of the dual clutch mercial Fraud Department, roua station project, which ing needs and the growing transmission does not com- which processes complaints, is fed by Al-Sakhama Grand demand for electricity, in ad- ply with the specification of inquiries and suggestions Station, was QR134 million, dition to enhancing the secu- the factory. through Call center: 16001, and Al-Mazroua will feed the ment residential divisions in obstacles caused by COVID-19 of reliability in its network rity and continuity of services The recall campaign is email: [email protected], National Service Academy the region. pandemic, Kahramaa com- in accordance with the high- provided through electrical part of the ongoing efforts of Twitter: @MOCIQATAR, station. The stations are equipped pleted the construction of the est international standards transmission and distribution the ministry to protect con- Instagram: MOCIQATAR The Al-Furoush station, with 250 MVA cables and in- two stations with more than by using an advanced pro- networks, in line with the sta- sumers and ensure that car and the Ministry of Com- which has a voltage of 11/132 clude control panels with a 838,164 working hours with- tection system linked to the tions’ operational frameworks dealers follow up on vehicle merce and Industry mobile KV and cost QR96 million, is voltage of 132 kV and 11 kV, out injuries. optical fibre network for con- as the stations serve the vi- defects and repairs. app for android and IOS: fed by northern Izghawa sta- and transformers with a volt- Kahramaa works to pro- trol switches with a voltage tal and future projects of the The ministry said that MOCIQATAR tion, which supplies govern- age of 40 MVA. Despite the vide the highest standards of 11/132 kV, with the aim of state. Nation Wednesday, January 20, 2021 03

MURAIKHI RECEIVES CREDENTIALS OF SRI LANKA, GUINEA-BISSAU, MALTA ENVOYS

Minister of State for Foreign Affairs HE Sultan bin Saad Al Muraikhi on Tuesday received separately copies of the credentials of Ambassador of Sri Lanka to Qatar HE Mohamed Mafaz Mohideen, Ambassador of Guinea-Bissau to Qatar HE Malam Jora and Ambassador of Malta to Qatar HE Charles Sultana. The minister wished the new ambassadors success in their missions, assuring them of all support to upgrade relations between Qatar and each of the countries to closer cooperation in various fields. (QNA) QU, Istanbul Technical University sign MoU for Doha Festival City lines up activities cooperation in science, technology, education to charm customers Tribune News Network and industrial collaboration ecuted today. Doha in engineering and science The protocol that we have CATHERINE W GICHUKI for advanced nanomaterials entered into with Qatar Uni- DOHA Qatar University (QU) and applications, and will pro- versity is a significant indicator Istanbul Technical University vide opportunities and enable of increasing mutual coopera- As the theme parks at the (ITU) have signed a memoran- knowledge and experience tion in the fields of science and Doha Festival City (DFC) dum of understanding (MoU) sharing, in addition to build- education, scientific thinking fully reopened with all the on Monday to boost mutual ing capacity and facilitating and the coalition of students COVID-19 precautionary cooperation in the fields of sci- training, education and stu- and academicians. The col- measures in place, the mall ence, technology and education. dent/faculty exchange. The laborations will be carried has announced a series of The MoU comes as part of two universities have come to- out between the two nations developments that will con- QU’s commitment to enhanc- gether for the first time to put and their researchers and stu- tinue to unfold to excite visi- ing of collaborations with uni- forward ambitious plans to dents, providing scientific and tors. versities worldwide and en- Qatar University President Dr Hassan Al-Derham serve the community and raise technological advancement in Starting from January riching science and research the living standards in Qatar both Turkey and Qatar.” 24, theme parks at the mall, in education in the country. Materials at QU, and the framework for exchange of ex- and Turkey.” Prof Nasser Al Nuaimi, di- including bouncers and in- The MoU was signed by group led by Prof Levent Tra- periences in educational, aca- Prof Koyuncu said: “Istan- rector of Center for Advanced flatable games, will be fully Dr Hassan Al Derham, presi- bzon at ITU on research in demic and scientific fields, and bul Technical University is a Materials at QU, praised the operational. However, they dent of QU, and Prof Ismail the field of water desalination exchange of Information in- deeply rooted and powerful signing of the MoU, saying it will operate with 50 percent Doha Festival City General Man- Koyuncu, rector of ITU. Mert and water treatment. The two cluding newsletters, journals, educational institution which was an important step forward capacity. ager Robert Hall Ozmert, deputy head of mis- teams from QU and ITU have studies, statistics and other is advancing firmly towards its for scientific research and col- Speaking at an online sion and first counsellor and published research papers and data, in addition to boosting 250th year. Our university is laboration between the two press conference on Tues- to kids’ leisure and edutain- Charge d’Affaires at the Em- have successfully applied for cooperation in conducting a leading technical university universities. “In addition, it day, DFC General Manager ment. ‘Spark Sense and bassy of Turkey in Doha, Prof joint research projects. studies and holding confer- among not only the universi- will be considered as a new era Robert Hall said a total of Play’ is hosting toddlers and Mariam Al Maadeed, vice- The MoU will further boost ences, meetings and training, ties of our country but also in the collaboration between 26 new retail outlets opened children from six months president for Research and the research collaboration be- as well as in exchanging fac- international universities. the two countries in the field of at the mall in 2020 and 27 to 10 years old, and offers a Graduate Studies at QU, and tween the two institutions for ulty members and research ITU has put signature to ma- scientific and technical educa- more are set to open by early range of activities aimed at several other distinguished the benefit of the people of the scholars. jor projects and innovations tion in line with Qatar Univer- 2021. enhancing children’s poten- guests were present on the oc- two countries as water desalina- Dr Al Derham said: “This that have led to the transfor- sity’s strategy to achieve Qatar He said, “I inaugurated tial through art and play in casion. tion and treatment is strategic MoU is a culmination of a mation of the technology and National Vision 2030 in water the state-of-the-art Edge an inclusive environment, The MoU is a result of a to Qatar as well as Turkey. This successful collaboration that technical infrastructure of our security, as the collaboration Fitness and our beauty, equally open to children with collaboration between the is the first time QU has signed has been ongoing for the last country. We have carried out between the centre and ITU is wellness and perfumes se- disabilities. team led by Prof Syed Javaid an MOU with ITU, the top tech- two years between research many reforms with these prac- in the field of water desalina- lections were boosted with “A new play and edutain- Zaidi, QAFAC chair professor nical university of Turkey. groups from both universities. tices and are in efforts to add tion using reverse osmosis,” Clarins, Rituals and Ambix ment centre ‘Spark Sense at the Center for Advanced The MoU will also provide It will help develop academic to those to which we have ex- he said. openings. Our mobile and and Play’ has opened as well. telecommunications offer- All theme parks and play ing was strengthened with centres follow mandatory the opening of Digital House government safety rules and Pro and Vodafone boutiques. apply additional measures to “We also diversified our guarantee the safety of all.” Georgetown Qatar invites prospects to selection of home accesso- According to him, the ries retailers with Karaca, mall will soon open a mini- Mumuso, PAN Emirates golf course for children and attend virtual Student’s Day of Life at QF and Madam Coco open- adults while a special ladies ings. TOMS, a socially re- and children-only day will be sponsible brand that offers organised each Tuesday be- Tribune News Network Theology, which allow students to customise their ma- each customer an oppor- tween 2pm and 10pm. Doha jors and expand their areas of interest and expertise as tunity to make a difference The mall will also run a graduates. in a life of an unprivileged PC assembly competition on Georgetown University in Qatar (GU-Q), a QF With the critical skills gained through a BSFS degree child or adult just by buy- February 13 and 20 at Vir- partner, is offering prospective high school students from Georgetown, graduates have continued to pursue ing a pair of their shoes, will tuocity. Four contestants will a chance to virtually experience the Georgetown Stu- successful careers in a wide range of industries, includ- open soon.” have to assemble a computer dent’s Day of Life on Wednesday at 4:00 p.m. ing banking, communications, energy, education, busi- He added that a number from PC parts provided by With the deadline of February 1 for admissions just ness, government, media, and more. of fashion retailers, as well as Geek Nation, and the winner around the corner, the event, a student-moderated pan- “There is still time to apply for GU-Q, so we invite all leather goods, was enhanced will be offered a brand-new el of the GU-Q Faculty, will provide an overview of the students, their families, and their high school counselors with the launch of Hush Pup- PC from Geek Nation. enrollment requirements for the next academic year and to attend, to learn what sets Georgetown apart, and how pies and Mambo Couture, a “Visitors will also be in- key information on the school curriculum and majors, prospective students can become future Hoyas,” Her- Lebanese fashion retailer, vited to taste a variety of classroom experience and career prospects after gradu- nandez added. and will soon be joined by international cuisines at our ation. insights can really help students and families make final Admissions counselors are also available on a daily Tuzun. Renowned Turkish International Food Festi- Joseph Hernandez, Director of Admissions at GU- college decisions and make the transition to university basis for consultations, and the university’s website in- jewellery brand, Amor Dia- val where they can receive a Q, said: “In the fall, our series of open houses focused on easier.” Georgetown’s unique interdisciplinary Bachelor cludes application requirements, answers to frequently mond has also opened. food passport allowing them admission, financial aid, student life and careers. With of Science in Foreign Service (BSFS) degree program is asked questions, and program information to make the “Wellness and beauty of- to sample a range of foods this program, we want to ensure that students can en- the same internationally recognised curriculum that is process easier to navigate. The available online resourc- fers for men will be upgrad- from across the world gage with our faculty and students, so that they can bet- available to students at Georgetown’s Washington, DC es include a series of videos that take students step-by- ed and we will host the first and get a chance to win a ter understand what it’s like to be a Georgetown student. campus. Majors include International Economics, In- step through the entire admission process. “1847” grooming salon in QAR2000DHFC Gift Card,” It will also give them an insight into the academic pro- ternational History, International Politics, and Culture Information on how to register for the “Day in Life” Qatar,” he said. Hall added. gramme and the many opportunities for research, edu- and Politics. The university also offers three Certificate open house is available at https://www.qatar.george- Hall added, “Doha Fes- The mall will soon launch cation, service and personal enrichment they have here Study Concentrations and six minors, including Ara- town.edu/event/day-in-the-life-of-a-georgetown-stu- tival City’s (DFC) strategy a gift card which can be used at the GU-Q and through the Qatar Foundation. These bic, Economics, Government, History, Philosophy and dent/ About Georgetown University in Qatar gives a particular importance in all stores across the mall. Montblanc introduces Summit Lite smartwatch

Tribune News Network on health, fitness, mindfulness to the full Wear OS by Google Doha and wellbeing we are witness- ecosystem of apps and services, ing today, our goal was to create Montblanc has developed pro- With the introduction of a smartwatch that had just the prietary apps based on proven the Summit Lite smartwatch, right tools to support its owner algorithms that distinguish Montblanc has brought a burst throughout the day in a way the Summit Lite smartwatch of energy to its expanding Sum- that was instinctive and effort- and add dedicated value for its mit smartwatch line-up. less for today’s business lifestyle owner. Conceived for an emerging customer. The Summit Lite smart- generation of luxury smart- Named Summit Lite after watch was developed with watch users seeking wearables its lightweight design, it aligns Montblanc’s sustainability that match their healthy and with its wearer’s activities and Summit Lite silver aluminum Summit Lite silver aluminum Summit Lite black aluminum goals in mind featuring a case active lifestyles, the watch dis- is built for high performing in- black rubber strap black striped rubber strap Summit Lite black aluminum black rubber strap crafted out of recycled alumin- tinguishes itself from other dividuals who are constantly black rubber strap ium and sustainable packaging Montblanc wearables with its on the move and blend their from recycled aluminium and The case comes in either to five ATM. Like otherS ummit made from 100 percent paper. fresh, disruptive design and workout routine with their robust stainless steel giving it a matte black or matte silver- watch features a crisp 1.19“ watches, the technology and The Montblanc Summit streamlined functionalities to work routine,” said Nicolas Ba- its active, high performance grey colour, and is paired with AMOLED display with Gorilla software is powered with Wear Lite smart watch is available assist with fitness, performance retzki, Montblanc CEO. appearance, while the eye- either a sporty fabric or rubber Cover Glass. It also offers an OS by Google which is com- as of January 2021 in selected and wellbeing. The smartwatch’s light- catching form is modern and strap, creating four different updated heart rate monitor patible with both Android and markets from Montblanc bou- “With the renewed focus weight 43 mm case is crafted sleek. design variations. Each smart- and GPS, and is water-resistant iOS smartphones. In addition tiques. 04 Wednesday, January 20, 2021 Nation

Nord Anglia Education SHURA SPEAKER DISCUSSES PARLIAMENTARY TIES WITH ENVOYS appoints S Nelson as group digital director

Tribune News Network Doha/London

Nord Anglia Education, the world’s leading premium inter- national schools’ organisation, on Wednesday announced the appointment of Simon Nelson as Group Digital Director. Simon will set up and lead Simon Nelson Nord Anglia’s Education Tech- nology (EdTech) division. an exciting time as we take the Prior to joining Nord An- next step in transforming how glia, Simon was CEO of Future- we use technology and data Learn, one of Europe’s fastest to deliver outstanding learn- growing EdTech start-ups and a ing outcomes for our students. world-leading online education The potential for technology to learning platform launched by transform education has never the Open University. been greater or more important Under Simon’s leadership and, using Nord Anglia’s scale since 2012, FutureLearn at- and world-class teaching com- tracted over 15 million students munity, we have the opportuni- worldwide to online courses de- ty to innovate with teacher-led veloped in partnership with the technology to set new standards world’s top universities. in teaching and learning.” In his new role, Simon will Andrew Fitzmaurice, chief be responsible for further ex- executive officer of Nord Anglia panding Nord Anglia’s range Education, said: “Simon is rec- of leading online teaching and ognised as a pioneer in EdTech learning platforms used by its and digital transformation and 67,000 students and 10,000 we are delighted that he has teachers across its 69 schools in agreed to join Nord Anglia to 29 countries. The EdTech divi- oversee our global programme. sion will pioneer new approach- “Under Simon’s leadership, es that support and empower we will accelerate how we use teachers and enhance students’ new technologies to help our learning outcomes. 10,000 teachers transform the Speaker of the Shura Council HE Ahmed bin Abdullah bin Zaid Al Mahmoud on Tuesday met separately with Ambassador of the United Kingdom to Qatar HE Jonathan Wilks, Simon said, “Nord Anglia is education of every Nord Anglia Ambassador of China to Qatar HE Zhou Jian, Ambassador of France to Qatar HE Franck Gellet and Ambassador of Portugal to Qatar HE Antonio Jose Alves de Carvalho. During the an international education suc- student both in the classroom meetings, they reviewed the relations between Qatar and each of the countries and the ways to develop them, especially in the parliamentary field. (QNA) cess story and I am joining at and at home.” QRCS begins work at QFFD-funded QC provides aid to displaced people and Syrian refugees development project in West Darfur Tribune News Network Doha Tribune News Network Doha As part of its “warmth and peace” campaign, Qatar Char- The representation mission ity continues to provide ur- of Qatar Red Crescent Society gent winter support to dis- (QRCS) in Sudan has handed placed and Syrian refugees in over to the contractor the land response to the harsh winter plot for the construction of a conditions that threaten the new services complex in Abu lives of millions of vulnerable Suruj, a village of Sirba Local- refugees and IDPs. ity, West Darfur. The campaign is aimed at Funded by Qatar Fund displaced Syrian people inside for Development (QFFD), Syria and refugees in Turkey the project is one of a series to ease their suffering in the of services complexes being context of worsening humani- constructed under the Doha tarian conditions. The cam- Document for Peace in Dar- paign will deliver winter sup- isplaced persons. Winter clothes for fur (DDPD). These projects plies such as shelter, blankets, orphans are aimed at supporting the clothing, and heating supplies. Tents and isolators Qatar Charity’s efforts were development and reconstruc- Qatar Red Crescent representative in Sudan with contractors on land plot for the construction of a new As part of the “Warmth not limited to providing assis- tion of the region by provid- complex in Suruj, West Darfur. Harbanoush camp and Peace” campaign tance to refugees. Qatar Charity ing social services to encour- In addition, Qatar Charity launched last November, Qa- has also signed a Memorandum age voluntary return of the administrations in Abu Suruj has provided urgent support tar Charity has provided as- of Understanding with the Mu- displaced communities, ulti- and the public. to vulnerable refugee families sistance to protect refugees nicipality of Üsküdar in Istan- mately achieving stability. The attendee expressed in northern Syria, distributing and displaced persons from bul, Turkey, to distribute winter Each complex consists of their happiness and thanked 300 clothing items to 300 fami- the threat of cold weather. clothing to more than 4,000,000 two basic schools (boys and QRCS and QFFD for launch- lies, as well as 600 food parcels The assistance included the orphans and children from girls), two secondary schools ing this development project, in Idlib’s Harbanoush camp. setting up of tents for more needy families of Syrian refugees (boys and girls), a kinder- which serves the goals of the Preparations are in full than 5,100 families, in ad- and the host community. garten, a health centre, a Darfur Peace Agreement and swing for the distribution of dition to more than 18,000 One million displaced Syr- police station, a full-fledged facilitates things for the re- new emergency aid batches in tents insulation in northern ian people live in camps along water treatment plant and turnees. northern Syria targeting some Syria. In addition, 600 tents the northwestern border be- 15 housing units. The new Another services complex 41,200 families affected. The have recently been provid- tween Syria and Turkey. Qatar development is totally solar- is under construction in Sisi, aid package includes 2,000 ed for displaced persons in Charity extended its gratitude powered. a village of Al-Kereinik Lo- insulated tents, 11,400 win- northern Aleppo. QC also and gratitude to Qatari contrib- The project involves con- is estimated to be completed state engineer from the Min- cality, West Darfur. ter clothing bags, 5,000 food distributed food baskets and utors, noting that their support struction, infrastructure and by the end of 2021. istry of Urban Development, Currently, the final phase packages, 5,5 million bread heating materials to Syrian is still needed during the harsh operation for three years for The handover ceremony the management of the Su- is in progress. Once complet- packages, 5,000 mattresses, refugees in Urfa, near the winter and the dire humanitar- the benefit of the village’s was attended by the execu- danese Red Crescent Soci- ed, the project will serve more 5,000 winter blankets and Syrian-Turkish border. ian circumstances, with heavy some 43,000 population. It tive director of Sirba, the ety’s (SRCS) chapter, public than 30,000 people. 1,000 personal hygiene kits for rainfall and snowfall.

BPS student wins 1st prize in Ashghal kicks off roads, infrastructure international speech contest development project work in Mebaireek Tribune News Network Doha

Tribune News Network in addition to providing traffic on local materials and contrac- Birla Public School (BPS) Doha safety elements such as street tors. Materials such as gabbro, Gavel Club Champion lighting systems and poles as columns, lighting lamps, road Afreen Macksood of Grade The Public Works Authority well as road signs. Within the sign, sewage pipes, rainwater VII bagged the first prize (Ashghal) has announced the scope of the project, 9 km of drainage, asphalt and prefab- in the International Speech commencement of the Roads shared paths for pedestrians ricated manholes, in addition Group Contest organised and Infrastructure Project in and bicycles will be provided, in to concrete and steel reinforce- by the Global Youth Gavel Mebaireek area. addition to providing 7,236 car ment will be sourced from local Clubs Group (Beyond Bor- The project is located in Me- parks to regulate traffic move- Qatari factories. It is estimated ders) Global Zone–1 Group baireek, south of Salwa Road, ment,” he said. that the local element will reach E, recently. west of Energy Street and north Eng Al Suwaidi stated that up to 85 percent of the project “Public speaking is not of Industrial Street 33. It aims the infrastructure construc- works, which is within Ashghal’s everyone’s cup of tea. Not to provide an internal road tion works include a drainage continuous support to local every individual is comfort- network and an integrated in- network of about 17 km, a 50- factories and ‘Ta’heel’ initiative able standing in front of a frastructure that meet the re- km surface and ground water launched by Ashghal in 2017. large audience, making eye Afreen Macksood quirements of the population drainage network and a 28-km The project is being imple- contact with them and de- and urban growth in the area multaneously in order to reduce Roads Projects Department in treated water network. This is mented by Boom Construction livering their content. Con- He added: “It is this in the future. It is part of Ash- the construction work’s impact Ashghal, stated that the project in addition to the extension of Company at a cost of about fidence and attitude play confidence of our BPS Gav- ghal’s plan to provide integrated and inconveniences that might will serve 1,163 citizens’ resi- potable water pipes connected QR626,315,172.50. It is one of an essential role in public el Club Champion Afreen infrastructure, advanced road cause to the residents. The work dential plots in Mebaireek area. to the main network and the the projects within the Infra- speaking. One needs to be Macksood that mesmerised networks and service facilities is scheduled to be completed in “It aims to provide an internal protection of power and com- structure Development Pro- confident in front of one’s the audience and left them throughout the country. Q2, 2024. road network with a length of munications lines, he said. gramme implemented by Ash- audience to create an ever- awestruck. It is a great joy to The developmental work Eng Abdulla Al Suwaidi, about 55 km to enhance traffic It is worth mentioning that ghal, which includes a number lasting impression,” said A see our young Gavelier add has been divided into four areas project engineer in the West- flow and provide connectivity the implementation of the pro- of development projects spread P Sharma, principal of Birla one more feather to our BPS which will be implemented si- ern Area Projects Section at the with public facilities in the area, ject works will mainly depend all across the country. Public School (BPS). cap and make us all proud.” World Wednesday, January 20, 2021 05 Taliban kills 27 Afghan security force members Death toll from Indonesian

dpa vincial capital, Ayoubi said. Despite ongoing peace western Farah province, a po- landslide rises to 40 Kabul According to Ayoubi and lice spokesman said. another councillor, Aminul- talks between the Afghan And in another incident in At least 27 members of Af- lah Aydin, another seven were government and the Taliban the southern Uruzgan prov- dpa including a local police chief Management Agency. ghanistan’s security forces wounded in the attacks. in Doha since mid-Septem- ince, a motorcycle bomb ex- Jakarta and the head of the civil pro- More than 120,000 peo- were killed in separate at- Meanwhile, in north-east- ber, violence continues in ploded, wounding 10 people tection agency. ple were displaced, agency tacks in at least five provinces ern Badakhshan province, including two policemen, ac- The death toll from two land- “Thanks to the hard work spokesman Raditya Jati said. throughout the country, ac- at least four policemen were Afghanistan. The Taliban cording to the provincial gov- slides that struck a village in of all search personnel, we Landslides and floods are cording to officials. killed in an overnight attack by has so far refused to accept ernor. Indonesia’s West Java prov- have been able to find all common in Indonesia during Attacks by the militant the Taliban in Yawan-e Ragh a ceasefire Despite ongoing peace ince rose to 40 after the bod- the victims,” said Deden the rainy season. Taliban left at least 20 sol- district, local councillor Mah- talks between the Afghan gov- ies of eight remaining miss- Ridwansah, the head of the They have been exacer- diers dead in two areas in the aboob-ul Rahmad Talaat said. wounded, officials said. ernment and the Taliban in ing people were unearthed, a search and rescue agency in bated by the massive conver- northern Kunduz province, After the attack, the mili- And in the capital of the Doha since mid-September, search official saidTuesday. provincial capital Bandung. sion of forest to residential provincial council chief Yousuf tants then kidnapped six po- southern Helmand province, a violence continues in Afghani- The landslides in Sumedang Meanwhile, at least 15 areas in densely populated Ayoubi said on Tuesday. licemen, Talaat added. police officer was shot dead by stan. The Taliban has so far re- district occurred on January people were killed after Java; while in South Ka- The militants attacked the In a further Taliban at- gunmen, according to a pro- fused to accept a ceasefire. 9 following heavy rainfall. floods inundated parts of limantan, vast swathes of soldiers’ quarters during the tack in the northern Baghlan vincial police officer. The talks aim to end dec- The second landslide bur- South Kalimantan province rainforest have been cleared night in the Dasht-e Archi dis- province, one police officer A police officerwas killed ades of war, but have not yet ied rescue workers respond- on Borneo island, accord- for mining and palm oil trict and in an area in the pro- was killed and two more were in a similar incident in the reached a breakthrough. ing to the earlier incident, ing to the National Disaster plantations. REPORT ON VIRUS OUTBREAK China carrying out ‘genocide’ against Uighurs, says US

dpa termination of genocide, Washington which may lead to further US sanctions on China. The United States for- Pompeo’s announce- mally declared that the ment is likely to strain ten- Chinese government’s ac- sions between the US and tions against Uighurs and Beijing, which has denied other Muslim minorities any mistreatment of the constitute a “genocide” and Uighurs despite extensive “crimes against humanity.” documentation and testi- The statement by Secre- mony of internment camps tary of State Mike Pompeo and forced sterilization of comes in the last 24 hours of the largely Muslim ethnic the Trump administration, minority. and as tensions between the Tensions between the world’s two largest econo- US and China have steadily mies have risen in the past risen during the Trump ad- few years. ministration with Washing- Pompeo specifically ton already imposing a raft noted allegations of forced of sanctions on Beijing over sterilisation, forced labour, issues related to Hong Kong the “severe deprivation of and Taiwan. physical liberty of more The incoming admin- than one million civilians,” istration of president-elect Customers shop in a market in Wuhan, China’s central Hubei province on Tuesday. (AFP) and other restrictions on Joe Biden has also signalled freedom, including freedom a tough stance on China, of religious worship. however it remains unclear “I believe this genocide how Pompeo’s announce- is ongoing, and that we are ment, less than a day before Panel questions how China, WHO witnessing the systematic the inauguration, will effect attempt to destroy Uighurs Biden’s China policy. by the Chinese party-state,” The US has previously Pompeo added. declared genocides in Dar- Pompeo’s statement fur in 2004 and in Iraq initially responded to pandemic comes after a long internal and Syria over the Islamic review at the State Depart- State’s killing of Yezidis and ment marking a rare US de- other religious minorities. dpa In addition, the panel not- Geneva ed that the WHO had failed to describe the outbreak as a China’s response to the first pandemic until early March, cases of Covid-19 last year was even though this term would too weak, and the WHO may Not clear have helped “to focus atten- Israel confirms record also have reacted too slowly, tion on the gravity” of the situ- an international inquiry panel The panel said it was not clear ation. number of new virus cases said in an interim report on why a WHO emergency expert However, the inquiry pan- Tuesday. committee was only convened el did not put all the blame on dpa scheduled to end on Friday. The Independent Panel for in January 22 last year, and China and the WHO. Tel Aviv All schools and kinder- Pandemic Preparedness and why it had not been able to Even though it was clear in gartens are currently closed, Response was formed last year agree to call the situation a January 2020 that there were Israel on Tuesday con- with the exception of special following a request by member global health emergency COVID-19 cases in a number firmed a record 10,021 new education. countries of the Geneva-based before January 30 of countries, too few govern- coronavirus cases, the Health Shopping centres are WHO, to identify learnings ments used the information Ministry said, as the coun- also shut and restaurants are from the spread of the novel available to stop the spread of try continues to vaccinate only allowed to offer delivery coronavirus. expert group, led by former the novel coronavirus. its population at breakneck services. “What is clear to the Panel New Zealand prime minister A man presses his arm after being inoculated with a COVID-19 vac- “Public health contain- speed. People may not visit oth- is that public health meas- Helen Clark and former Libe- cine at Jiading Stadium, in Shanghai on Tuesday. (AFP) ment measures should have The record comes ahead ers’ homes outside of their ures could have been applied rian president Ellen Johnson been implemented immedi- of a meeting by Israel’s cabi- nuclear family and travel be- more forcefully by local and Sirleaf. expert committee was only able to agree to call the situa- ately in any country with a net to vote on whether to yond 1 kilometre from one’s national health authorities in The panel said it was not convened in January 22 last tion a global health emergency likely case. They were not,” the extend the current national home is also restricted, with China in January,” said the clear why a WHO emergency year, and why it had not been before January 30. report said. lockdown that is initially some exceptions. Thousands rally in Pak against PM Khan Missing American climber found dead Legal experts say Khan’s party could face a ban for undermining the country’s near K2 in Pakistan security for accepting funds from abroad dpa K2 and Broad Peak base camp. Islamabad Their next mission was the dpa party could face a ban for un- winter ascent of the 8,047-me- Islamabad dermining the country’s secu- An American climber who tre Broad Peak. rity for accepting funds from went missing near K2, the Renowned Spanish climb- Thousands of opposition abroad and not maintaining world’s second-highest peak, er Sergio Mingote died while supporters rallied in Pakistan the trail of donors for the 2013 has been found dead in north- climbing K2 on Saturday, the on Tuesday to protest Prime elections. ern Pakistan, officials said on same day Nepalese climbers Minister Imran Khan for alleg- A close aide, who later Tuesday. made history with a successful edly raising campaign funds il- broke ranks with Khan, lodged “The body of Russian- winter attempt of K2’s summit. legally from outside the coun- a complaint in 2014 with the American mountaineer Alex Hundreds of mountaineers, try. ECP over his fundraising, say- Goldfarb was found by a Pa- most of them from Europe, try Authorities beefed up se- ing the money was sent to Pa- kistani army team after a day- to scale peaks in Pakistan every curity by deploying police and kistan illegally. long search at the 6,209-me- summer, but only a few try dur- troops in the capital Islama- The ECP has been shying Supporters of opposition alliance Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) gather in front of the election tre-high Pastore Peak,” Karar ing winter. bad to stop protestors from away from announcing the de- commission office in Islamabad on uesday.T (AFP) Haidri, a spokesperson of the Avalanches and bad weath- storming the country’s main cision for years despite several government-run Alpine Club er have proved fatal in the past. election office. inquiries. Khan’s party last Khan of receiving funds from other country. Khan, whom they blame of of Pakistan told dpa. Nestled between the west- An alliance of opposition week had admitted raising the US-based businessmen from “After Khan’s admission being a “front man” for Paki- The climber was presumed ern end of the Himalayas, the parties held the protest to campaign funds, but blamed Pakistan’s regional rival India. of receiving money from India stan’s powerful military. to have fallen off the mountain, Hindu Kush mountains and the push the Election Commission illegalities on its “unspecified” Pakistani parties can and Israel, he deserves pun- Pakistani generals have Haidri said. Karakoram range, the Gilgit- of Pakistan (ECP) to decide agents in the US. raise funds from the coun- ishment,” Sharif said at the ruled the country directly Goldfarb and Hungarian Baltistan region houses 18 of on a six-year-old complaint Maryam Nawaz, daugh- try’s diaspora in the US, Eu- protest. for decades and are accused Zoltan Szlanko planned to ac- the world’s 50 highest peaks. against Khan for raising funds ter and political successor to rope and in the Middle East, The rally was held as of manoeuvring behind the climatize on Pastore Peak, It is also home to three of the from the United States. former prime minister Nawaz but it is illegal to receive part of a series of protests by scenes when they aren’t in which is positioned as an easy world’s seven longest glaciers Legal experts said Khan’s Sharif now in exile, accused money from the citizens of any the opposition seeking to oust power. trekking peak located near the outside the polar regions. 06 Wednesday, January 20, 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

A New Viral Threat, But Still Time To Act The Electoral College Prescient health expert warns of COVID variant and asks Americans Saved Democracy to help contain it r Scott Gottlieb, who headed It is time to give US Constitution, the Electoral College, and the unique power of the US Food and Drug Adminis- Dtration under President Donald states over presidential elections the credit for protecting democracy Trump until 2019, was one of the first experts to call out the slow de- velopment of COVID-19 testing in the United States. Now the prescient Gottlieb is sounding the alarm again, and Americans ought to take heed. This time, it’s about a new, more trans- missible variant of the COVID virus. It has sent cases surging in Britain and could do the same on this side of the Atlantic. FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb “As current epidemic surge testifies at an hearing on Capitol Hill on peaks, we may see 3-4 weeks of de- October 5, 2017, in Washington, DC. clines in new cases but then new variant will take over. It’ll double in very high — 218,971 as of Sunday, prevalence about every week,’’ said according to The New York Times Gottlieb in a grim Twitter thread on COVID tracker. A sudden rise in cas- Sunday. es would strain health care systems “It’ll change the game and could already struggling with care capacity mean we have persistent high infec- or oxygen shortages in parts of the tion through spring until we vacci- country. nate enough people.” Federal health officials are also The statement was especially sounding the alarm about the UK noteworthy because of who Gottlieb strain, warning late last week that it was replying to — US Surgeon Gen- could become the “dominant source eral Dr. Jerome Adams. Apparently of infection” in six to eight weeks, trying to boost morale, Adams had the Times reported. The variant pointed to a modest recent national has been detected in multiple US decline in COVID hospitalisations states, including Minnesota. Ear- and asked Ameri- lier this month, the cans to stay the state Health Depart- US Vice President Mike Pence (center) walks back from the House Chamber followed by a Senate procession carrying boxes of electoral votes at the US Capitol. (TNS) course for another While the new COVID ment reported that “rough” two to three vaccines appear to be five people from four Michael J Goff its own legislature, far from the power center in presidential elections need to be totally apart weeks. effective against the UK Twin Cities counties Tribune News Service Washington, D.C. from the sitting president, and, as this month’s The reality is had been infected The president can attack, and some in Con- shameful display in Congress demonstrated, that a longer haul strain and others, vaccine with it. n January 6 and 7, for the 59th time in gress can kowtow to him, but how the presi- as far apart as possible from Congress as well. could loom as the supplies remain limited. While the Up- our representative democracy’s history, dential election in each state is conducted is Our prescient founders realized this, and they virus circulates, and There’s a potential for the per Midwest’s late Congress counted and accepted the Elec- the responsibility of each state. Under the US built a structure — the Electoral College and the although the new UK variant to spread fall and early winter toral College vote, making Joe Biden the Constitution, the president has nothing to do system of state-by-state presidential elections — United Kingdom faster than people can COVID surge has 46th president of the United States. This with how the presidential election is run — and that provides as much protection against federal strain doesn’t ap- be immunized ebbed, the declining Owas despite a relentless and unprecedented ef- he shouldn’t. abuse of power as possible. pear to cause more case numbers carry fort by the sitting president and his allies, who The Electoral College puts presidential elec- Just 17 words in Article II, Section 1 of the severe illness, it no guarantee against have been hellbent on subverting that process. tions in the hands of the states, with the results US Constitution, probably the handiwork of could be up to 70% more transmis- this region becoming a hot spot The Electoral College had voted 306 for in each state standing separate from every other James Madison, saved the day: “Each state sible, according to a Jan. 5 report again. The UK variant’s risks add ur- Biden and 232 for Trump on December 14, state. That is what ultimately meant that Tex- shall appoint, in such Manner as the Legislature in the Lancet Respiratory Medicine gency to rolling out existing vaccine and this final step completed the constitutional as’ last-minute effort to upend the election by thereof may direct, a Number of Electors …” journal. supplies more efficiently in Minne- process, once again ensuring that the citizenry challenging the results in four other states was These words in the US Constitution — and Infectious disease experts are sota and elsewhere and finding new of the nation, voting state by state in separate doomed to fail. Because those other states’ pres- tens of thousands of dedicated state election of- also monitoring other variants. ways to produce more. President- state elections, elected the next president of the idential elections indeed were totally separate ficials working under the authority of this consti- While the new COVID vaccines ap- elect Joe Biden’s team will need to United States. from Texas, and the vote totals and margins in tutional provision — preserved our democracy. pear to be effective against the UK innovate and move quickly. The Electoral College is always getting a bad each of the other states had absolutely nothing At a time when so many are bemoaning all strain and others, vaccine supplies But the responsibility to act rap. Yet it is the means by which the founders to do with Texas’ results. that is wrong with our government, it is time to remain limited. doesn’t just lie with the new admin- ensured that presidents serve a term of office Those who attack the Electoral College do give our US Constitution, the Electoral College, There’s a potential for the UK istration or vaccine manufacturers. with a specific end date, and that they receive not understand the indispensable constitutional and the unique power of states over presiden- variant to spread faster than people Individuals continue to have a vital a new term only when chosen again by the peo- and electoral function that it serves. tial elections, credit for protecting democracy, can be immunized. role in halting COVID transmission, ple. It’s time to give the states and the Electoral If we did not have the Electoral College which the founders positioned our system of That’s risky when COVID is still and there is still a window of op- College credit for ensuring that presidential and instead just counted the so-called national presidential elections to defend and preserve. circulating at high levels in many portunity for responsible decisions elections work — by keeping the incumbent popular vote, the state vote totals would have countries, including the United — masking, distancing and avoid- president and Congress out of the process and been all mixed together in a national vote to- (Michael J Goff is president and CEO States. The national seven-day aver- ing risky settings — to slow the new instead putting the states in charge. tal. States would not be able to defend their of the Northeast-Midwest Institute age for new cases has ticked down variant’s spread. What worked so well in 2020? separate state-based presidential elections be- in Washington, DC. He teaches the from a pandemic peak of 259,564 Said Gottlieb: “We need to buy For starters, the 2020 presidential election cause they would not be separate, as the votes American presidency and the US on Jan. 8, but this metric is still time while we ... vaccinate.” was run by each of the 50 states and the Dis- and the vote margins in each state would all be Congress at The George Washington trict of Columbia, each one in its own separate mixed together nationwide. University, and serves as president of (Tribune News Service) jurisdiction, each one under laws established by Now more than ever we must see that the board of Common Cause Maryland.)

What Do We Ethically Owe Those Who Refuse COVID Vaccine?

Jacob M Appel other words, even those who are vaccinat- posing drastic restrictions on others until Tribune News Service ed may be able to spread lethal disease to herd immunity is achieved. By analogy, air- those who are not. lines often ban peanuts on flights to protect s an emergency room physician, I was If, as Dr. Anthony Fauci recently pre- passengers with severe peanut allergies, fortunate to receive my first dose of the dicted, 70% to 90% of Americans will have but nobody has suggested that peanuts be APfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine to be immune for herd immunity to take ef- removed from store shelves. How to pro- within days of its approval. And for this I am fect, COVID-19 may remain a threat to the tect these “unvaccinatables,” to the degree grateful. But as long as vaccines remain in unvaccinated for years. Meanwhile, vacci- they exist, will prove a quandary, and might short supply, I feel an obligation to continue nated Americans will want to get back to the justify widespread compulsory vaccina- to engage in measures to protect those who business of congregating in groups, hosting tion. Travel abroad may also raise concerns stand further down the immunization line: long-delayed weddings and journeying gra- about our duties in nations where free vac- masking in public, social distancing, not tuitously for leisure. cines are not fully available. hosting large indoor gatherings. We will once again face a choice, indi- Some asks are easy — for example: Wear But sooner or later — by the autumn, vidually and collectively, between saving a mask. Even those who are vaccinated may if we are fortunate — enough free vaccine lives and preserving freedoms. Only, for be willing to do so indefinitely. In contrast, will be available for any Americans will- many, the tables will be turned. Individuals once vaccines are fully available, those who ing to roll up their sleeves. That raises a who reject public health measures, includ- accept them are likely going to refuse to question that many in the vaccine line are ing vaccines, in the name of liberty will soon postpone their family celebrations or curtail beginning to ask themselves: What ethical face an ongoing risk of fatal disease as those their business endeavors any further. The duties will we have, if any, to those who who are vaccinated assert their own rights A healthcare worker gives a thumbs up sign while being administered a Pfizer-BioNTech past 10 months have displayed how difficult refuse to be vaccinated? to gather and travel. The only difference is COVID-19 vaccine recently in Los Angeles. (TNS) it is to generate solidarity in a country divid- This dilemma stems from an increas- that, unlike with masks or social distanc- ed not only by politics, but by values, science ingly likely scenario. Evidence suggests ing, the unvaccinated will be able to protect more understandable reasons for doubting suggested by singer Dionne Warwick, may and facts. In another 10 months, many vac- that both the Pfizer-BioNTech and Mod- themselves fully with a shot that is both safe vaccination than others. African Ameri- not be ideal, but doing so is far different cinated Americans may have a clear answer erna vaccines will largely eliminate the risk and free. In fact, the willfully unvaccinated cans, for instance, may be hesitant to trust from outright refusal. to what they owe the unvaccinated: abso- of life-threatening illness among recipients may continue to threaten the health of the a public health community that so recently A more complicated challenge are those lutely nothing at all. and that those few who do become ill will vaccinated by requiring hospital space for treated them as guinea pigs. Fortunately, rare individuals who, for underlying medi- suffer mild symptoms. At the same time, COVID-19 care, as well as health care re- by the time the vaccine is fully available, cal reasons, might not be able to tolerate (Jacob M Appel is director of while the vaccines may reduce transmis- sources that might be spent otherwise, such tens of millions of Americans will likely vaccination through no fault of their own. Ethics Education in Psychiatry sion — the verdict is still out — they will not as upon developing cures for cancer. have been vaccinated safely. Waiting for Society has a duty to accommodate these at the Icahn School of Medicine lead to so-called “sterilizing immunity”; in Of course, some Americans may have additional evidence of efficacy, as recently individuals in some way — but not by im- at Mount Sinai)

THE VIEWS EXPRESSED ON THE OPINION AND ANALYSIS PAGES ARE THE AUTHORS’ OWN. QATAR TRIBUNE BEARS NO RESPONSIBILITY. World Wednesday, January 20, 2021 07 Kremlin rejects demands to release Russian opposition leader Navalny

dpa ny’s arrest on arrival in Moscow months during the coronavirus have not commented on the criticized the judicial process as Moscow on Sunday. The dissident is al- pandemic. The comments come whereabouts of the 44-year- a politically motivated attempt leged to have violated probation after it emerged that Navalny old opposition member, who to silence him. The Kremlin on Tuesday requirements from a previous had apparently been detained was arrested at Moscow’s The Baltic states of Estonia, firmly rejected calls by a num- criminal case. in an infamous detention centre Sheremetyevo airport on Latvia and Lithuania on Tues- ber of foreign governments Peskov further described as in Moscow. Sunday evening immediately day called for more EU pressure to release Russian opposition “nonsense” Navalny’s accusa- Navalny was taken to the after his arrival. on Moscow to release Navalny. leader Alexei Navalny, who tions that Putin had the oppo- Matrosskaya Tishina (Sailor’s According to the commis- “We do consider it is nec- has been detained on his re- sition leader locked up because Silence) detention centre on sion spokesperson, Navalny is essary to take additional firm turn to the country. he was “afraid” of him. Monday evening, a spokesman doing relatively well in deten- diplomatic measures to in- “This is an internal matter There was no particular for the Public Monitoring Com- tion. He is “happy to be back crease pressure upon official of the Russian Federation, we reason for Putin to intervene in mission rights group wrote in home” and the prison guards Russian authorities that would do not allow interference in it,” Navalny’s case, he said, adding his Telegram channel. have so far exerted “no moral or facilitate the release of Mr Na- said Kremlin spokesman Dmit- that the Kremlin was also not The prison is known for a physical pressure” on him. Opposition leader Alexei Navalny is escorted out of a police station in valny,” read a joint letter to ry Peskov in comments carried afraid of Navalny’s call for street series of unexplained deaths, Navalny, who returned Khimki, outside Moscow, on Monday. (AFP) the EU’s foreign affairs repre- by the Interfax news agency. protests against Putin. including that of the lawyer Ser- from Germany where he had sentative Josep Borrell by the The spokesman stressed Demonstrations have not gei Magnitsky in 2009. been recovering from an assas- agent Novichok, was sentenced at a controversial snap trial on three Baltic foreign ministers there were reasons for Naval- been allowed in Russia for Russian authorities sination attempt with the nerve to 30 days of pre-trial detention Monday. Navalny and his team published on Tuesday. Biden team rejects Trump plan to EU COVID-19 deaths pass 400,000 as lift travel limits on Europe, Brazil vaccine debate runs on

“On the advice of our med- dpa being able to see any other. The restrictions on ical team, the Administration Brussels Legislators were granted travel from European does not intend to lift these access to the contract with restrictions on 1/26. In fact, More than 400,000 people Curevac - a vaccine which has countries were we plan to strengthen public have died of COVID-19 in the not been approved yet - in a imposed in March health measures around in- European Union, European reading room. ternational travel in order to Commissioner for Health Stel- But crucial information dpa further mitigate the spread of la Kyriakides said on Tuesday. had been blacked out, lib- Washington COVID-19,” Biden spokesper- Addressing the European eral lawmaker Pascal Canfin son Jen Psaki said in a tweet. Parliament in a debate about said, adding that two of the Outgoing US President Don- “With the pandemic wors- the bloc’s vaccine strategy, contract’s six paragraphs on ald Trump on Monday said ening, and more contagious she said the past 10 months liability, for example, had limits on arrivals from Europe variants emerging around the had been more difficult than been censored. and Brazil will be lifted from world, this is not the time to be “any of us could have im- “Crucial information is January 26, though the incom- lifting restrictions on interna- agined.” “But we have also not available,” he said. ing Biden administration re- tional travel,” the spokeswom- turned the page, and begin Other parliamentarians sponded that restrictions would an added in a second tweet. 2021 with a powerful tool in echoed the sentiments, com- remain in place. The restrictions on travel the hand,” she said, explain- plaining that they were not al- Trump, who is due to leave from European countries were ing that two vaccines had lowed to talk to the public about office in less than 48 hours, said imposed in March in response been approved in the EU, the content of the contract. in a proclamation that the “un- to the coronavirus pandemic. with more likely to follow. Ahead of a virtual meet- restricted entry” into the US of Travel from Brazil was first re- But the EU’s vaccine ing between EU leaders on persons who have been in the stricted in May. strategy also earned criti- Thursday, the commission is Schengen Area, Britain, Ireland File photo of US President-elect Joe Biden in Wilmington, Delaware recently. (AFP) A number of countries cism, with European law- expected to publish a paper and Brazil “is no longer detri- closed their borders to Britain makers highlighting that they on Tuesday, indicating that it mental to the interests of the US Senate to hold five nomination hearings for Biden’s cabinet before Christmas after a new had been given only severely anticipates 70 percent of the United States.” strain of the virus was discov- restricted access to one of the EU population to be vaccinat- He said the decision was WASHINGTON: Hearings in the US Senate kick only recently left the military. The issue will ered there, while Britain ear- vaccine contracts, while not ed by the middle of the year. taken off the back of health ad- off on Tuesday for President-elect Joe Biden’s likely not get in the way of his confirmation, but lier this month announced a vice after the Centers for Dis- nominees for key posts in his cabinet, including there will be debate around the waiver, as there ban for people flying in from ease Control and Prevention for Treasury, Defense and State Departments. is concern about ensuring civilian oversight of South America, Panama, Por- (CDC) issued an order, effective Janet Yellen, the former chair of the Federal the military. tugal and Cape Verde after an January 26, requiring all air Reserve, will be among the first nominees, going The Senate Intelligence Committee will outbreak of a new coronavi- passengers travelling to the US before the Senate Finance Committee to get question Avril Haines to take over as director rus strain in Brazil. to provide proof of a negative confirmed for the head ofT reasury. of national intelligence and Alejandro Mayorkas Brazil is one of the coun- COVID-19 test. Antony Blinken, Biden’s selection to be the will face a grilling over at the homeland security tries hit hardest by the pan- Shortly after Trump an- incoming secretary of state, will appear at the for- committee as he looks set to be confirmed as demic. Some 8.5 million nouncement, a spokesperson eign relations committee, and Lloyd Austin will go the new secretary of the department. Commit- people have caught the virus for US President-elect Joe before the armed services committee for a hear- tees hold interviews with cabinet nominees but in the country of 210 million Biden said the incoming admin- ing on his nomination to be defence secretary. the full Senate votes on confirmation, in line inhabitants and more than istration “does not intend to lift” Austin will need a waiver for his job, as he with the Constitution. (dpa) 209,000 people have died of international travel restrictions. COVID-19.

UK doctors call for prioritisation of minorities for vaccine dpa head of the Royal College of is no alcohol and it has been EU commissioner for Health Stella Kyriakides in Brussels on Tuesday. (AFP) London General Practitioners, told the endorsed by religious leaders Guardian newspaper. and religious councils,” said Leading British doctors on Marshall urged the Health Habib Naqvi, director of the Tuesday called for the prior- Ministry to include ethnicity National Health Service’s Race itisation of minority ethnic as a factor in vaccine prioriti- and Health Observatory. News in brief groups for COVID-19 vac- zation and said general prac- Studies have shown that cines, as they have been dis- titioners could use discretion ethnic minority groups are 6.4 magnitude earthquake strikes proportionately affected by to tailor doses to the needs of almost twice as likely to die Argentina-Chile border region the pandemic. their local communities. from COVID-19 than the rest “We are concerned that re- Marshall and other medi- of the population. BUENOS AIRES: A magnitude-6.4 earthquake struck Argentina on cent reports show that people cal experts also called for a According to the British Monday night near the border with Chile, the US Geological Service within BAME [Black, Asian health communications cam- statistics authority, the mor- (USGS) and Argentinian authorities said. French Health Minister Olivier Veran (left) talk with a woman as they and minority ethnic] commu- paign tailored to minority tality rate of black African The USGS and Argentina’s seismological institute Inpres visit a vaccination centre in Nancy on Tuesday. (AFP) nities are not only more likely communities. or Bangladeshi males aged registered the earthquake at 23:46 pm (0246 GMT on Tuesday) to be adversely affected by the “We need to be clear to our 9 to 64 was five times higher some 43 kilometres south-west of Argentina’s San Juan region virus but also less likely to ac- communities that there is no than among white males of and some 250 kilometres north-east of the Chilean capital San- Pandemic has grave cept the COVID vaccine, when meat or meat products in the that age group during the first tiago. Inpres reported three aftershocks of magnitudes ranging offered it,” Martin Marshall, vaccine. There is no pork, there pandemic wave. from 4.1 to 4.9. Initial reports said at least three people were injured. Two impact on mortality children were injured lightly and one adult severely, who was brought to a hospital, said the governor of San Juan, Sergio Unac. rate in France Brazil starts coronavirus vaccine Houses in multiple communities were damaged and families brought to safety, Unac added. Argentinian newspaper Clarin re- dpa campaign a day after authorisation ported that the quake was felt from as far as the capital Buenos Paris France with its 67 million Aires, some 1,000 kilometres away from the epicentre. (dpa) inhabitants has been hit dpa cine, but his government turned The coronavirus pandemic has hard by the pandemic with Rio de Janeiro to Sinovac after efforts to im- Corruption trial of former French PM had a huge impact on the mor- more than 70,000 deaths port 2 million doses of the Az- Edouard Balladur opens in Paris tality rate and life expectancy from COVID-19 Brazil started its nationwide traZeneca/Oxford University in France last year, new data coronavirus vaccination cam- vaccine from India failed. Paris: France’s former prime minister by the statistics officeI nsee paign on Monday, just a day The state governor of Sao Edouard Balladur went on trial for illegal showed on Tuesday. lower life expectancy for wom- after an emergency authoriza- Paulo, Joao Doria, is retaining campaign funding on Tuesday. In 2020, around 658,000 en and six months for men. tion for the SinoVac and As- around 1.5 million doses as al- He is accused of aiding and abetting people died in France, 7.3 Life expectancy at birth in traZeneca jabs. lowed by law, the other 4.5 mil- the embezzlement of company assets, percent more than in 2019, 2020 dropped to 85.2 years The campaign kicked off lion are being doled out by the charges he denies. If found guilty, Balla- Insee said. for women and 79.2 years for in ten states, the country’s Jor- government. dur could face prison for several years. French former Prime The increase was especially men - a more drastic decrease nal Nacional programme from Nurse Bruna Lemos, 35, shows Health workers, over-60s Balladur, 91, was present in court, Minister Edouard Balladur significant among people over than during the year 2015, broadcaster TV Globo reported. the certificate after receiving a in care homes and Indig- according to local media reports. The arrives for his trial in Paris the age of 65, at 8.3 percent when the winter flu was an The launch was plagued by dose of the Sinovac Biotech’s enous people in protected case dates back to arms deals made on Tuesday. (afp) higher mortality than last year. important cause of death, ac- complications, partly because CoronaVac against COVID-19 areas are being prioritized to with Pakistan and Saudi Arabia during Although the number of cording to Insee. the government in Brasilia de- in Niteroi, Rio de Janeiro state, receive the jab. the 1990s, the proceeds of which were allegedly used to fund deaths has risen in recent The statistics office also re- cided at short notice under pub- Brazil, on Tuesday. (AFP) Official figures show around Balladur’s unsuccessful presidential bid in 1995. years, this was in “no propor- ported a 34 percent decline in lic pressure to start vaccinations 8.5 million people in Brazil have Three submarines were sold to Pakistan, in a sale that was tion,” Insee said. weddings last year, as the coro- earlier than originally planned. Brazil, a country of 210 mil- contracted coronavirus since legal at the time, with high commission payments, triggering Mortality was especially navirus led to many postpone- The country’s national lion people, has around 6 mil- the pandemic started. More suspicions that some of the money flowed illegally into Balladur’s high during the first infection ments of celebrations. This was health monitor, Anvisa, only lion doses of the Sinovac jab than 210,000 have died. campaign. French officials have been investigating what is known wave between March and May, a “historic decline,” Insee said. granted the emergency au- available, as the state of Rio de Due to the drastic increase as the Karachi affair for many years. and the second wave, from Oc- France with its 67 million thorization on Sunday. Ac- Janeiro made a deal with the in acute cases, the health sys- Investigators now believe that a 2002 assassination attempt tober, according to the figures. inhabitants has been hit hard cording to Health Minister Chinese manufacturer. tem in Manaus in the Amazon in Pakistan was also linked to the affair. They suspect the attack- This means the pandemic by the pandemic with more Eduardo Pazuello, vaccina- President Jair Bolsonaro region recently collapsed, with ers sought revenge after the French government failed to pay the also impacted life expectancy, than 70,000 deaths from tions were supposed to begin has repeatedly expressed dis- oxygen having to be airlifted commission promised. (dpa) resulting in almost five months COVID-19. five days after that. dain towards the Chinese vac- into the metropolis. ‘Act big’ on stimulus, Yellen tells lawmakers pg 10

Wednesday, January 20, 2021

30,989.38 10,769.02 49398.29 1,839.70 +175.12 pts -94.25 pts +834.02 pts Gold +0.54 % Qatar industrial production falls Dow QE sensex 9.8% as mining output declines page 9 Price percentage Price percentage 25.26 Brent 55.89 +2.08 % WTI 52.89 +1.01 % Silver +1.56 % Masraf Al Rayan registers net profit of QR2.175 bn in 2020 Board proposes to distribute dividend of QR0.17 per share  Bank to hold Ordinary General Assembly meeting on March 2

Tribune News Network ments totalled QR21.12 billion as of Doha December 31, 2020.” “Customer deposits increased to Masraf Al Rayan on Tuesday an- reach QR68.918 billion compared to nounced that it has achieved a net QR65.613 billion in 2019, an increase profit of RQ 2.175 billion in 2020. The of 5 percent. Total shareholders’ eq- board of directors of Masraf Al Rayan uity (before distribution) reached has proposed to distribute cash divi- QR14.365 million, compared to dends of QR0.170 per share (17 per- QR13.919 million in 2019, an increase cent of the paid-up capital) in its meet- of 3.2 percent,” he said. ing held on Tuesday. Return on average assets main- The proposal to distribute cash tained an advanced position in the fi- dividends is subject to approval of the nancial market, reaching 1.91 percent. Ordinary General Assembly and the Return on the average sharehold- Qatar Central Bank. ers’ equity of the bank reached 15.38 The board has set March 2, 2021, percent. The earnings per share were as the date for the Ordinary General QR0.29 compared to QR0.29 at the Assembly meeting. end of 2019. Book value per share be- Commenting on the financial re- fore distribution is QR1.92 compared sults, Masraf Al Rayan Chairman and to QR1.86 as of December 31, 2019. Managing Director HE Ali bin Ahmed Masraf Al Rayan Chairman and MD Masraf Al Rayan Group CEO Adel The capital adequacy ratio reached Al Kuwari said, “The year 2020 was HE Ali bin Ahmed Al Kuwari Mustafawi 19.7 percent according to Basel III an exceptional one by all standards, standards, compared to 20.27 percent and we are happy to have successfully Masraf Al Rayan to face these difficul- and achieving them was a great chal- by the end of 2019. Operating effi- passed that stage. It witnessed events ties and come up with the best results, lenge. Masraf Al Rayan maintained ciency ratio (cost to income ratio) has not seen before as the COVID-19 pan- relying on the strength and durability its credit rating, its position amongst reached 21.58 percent to remain one demic hindered economic activity and of the Qatari economy, and govern- banks in Qatar, and maintained its fi- of the best ratios in the region. affected global markets. ment measures that were supportive nancial indicators ratios; achieving the The non-performing financing “It caused decline in energy prices of all economic activities, so we hope lead in terms of operational efficiency ratio (NPF) has reached 1.13 percent, to record numbers as a result of the that we have succeeded in that.” and a low ratio of bad debts.” which reflects very strong and prudent low demand, the caution in the mar- He said, “The recommendation Mustafawi said, “Total assets of credit and risk management policies kets and the decrease in liquidity. Neg- of the Board of Directors of Masraf Al the bank amounted to QR121.115 bil- and procedures. ative results of global growth, the high Rayan to distribute cash dividends of lion compared to QR106.397 billion Masraf Al Rayan continues to cost of borrowing, and the calculation QR0.17 per share to the shareholders as of December 31, 2019, a growth focus with interest in improving its of higher rates of allocations as a pre- is the best evidence for the proper per- of 13.8 percent. Financing activities products and providing integrated fi- cautionary measure -all contributed formance of Masraf Al Rayan.” amounted to QR85.983 billion com- nancing solutions compatible with the to 2020 being as an exceptional one. Masraf Al Rayan Group CEO Adel pared to QR74.837 billion in 2019, provisions of Islamic law to individual The Masraf Al Rayan building in Doha. However, our insistence was great at Mustafawi said, “The results are good a growth of 14.9 percent. Invest- and corporate customers alike. Qatar-Australia 52% of QC transactions in economic ties 2020 done online: Sharqi strong amid Number of companies registered with QC rises to 62,247 as 2,189 new firms join in 2020 pandemic: Envoy Tribune News Network Jaishankar,” he said. Tribune News Network Doha The chamber held about 19 semi- Doha nars and forums, including Qatar Out of about 68,369 transactions is- Chamber SMEs Conference, Public- Australia’s annual two- sued by Qatar Chamber (QC) in 2020, Private Partnership Conference, Qa- way goods and services trade as many as 35,274 were issued online, tar-Germany Business Forum, Sup- with Qatar has remained representing 52 percent of the total porting Local Manufacturers Forum, strong amid the global pan- number of transactions, according to Qatar-Turkish Business Forum, Qa- demic at QR5.2 billion (AUD QC General Manager Saleh bin Hamad tar-Kuwait Business Forum, a semi- 2.08 billion), according to the Al Sharqi. nar on the joint labour committees, a Australian Bureau of Statistics. Sharqi noted that out of 35,086 seminar with officials of QDB to brief The overall balance of certificates of origin issued in 2020, the chamber’s board members on the trade registered QR510 million almost 17,637 were issued online, bank’s strategy in supporting the ser- (AUD 204 million) surplus in representing 50.3 percent of the total vices exports, a series of workshops Qatar’s favour. Qatar’s services number of certificates of origin.T he to raise awareness on the services of- exports to Australia increased online transactions were implemented fered by the Ministry of Administra- by 5.5 percent to QAR2.03 bil- Australian Ambassador to Qatar through QC’s website. tive Development, Labour and Social lion (AUD 812 million). HE Jonathan Muir The chamber has achieved signifi- Affairs and a meeting with officials of Qatar has retained its cant progress in its electronic services the ministry to review demands and place as Australia’s second- and further developed its technological grievances of businessmen regarding largest trading partner in the Qatar has retained its infrastructure with the aim to stream- The headquarters of Qatar Chamber in Doha. amendments to the labour law. Middle East and North Africa place as Australia’s sec- line services and transactions for its Sharqi also said that the chamber (MENA) region. Australia re- ond-largest trading part- members. In a press statement, Shar- adopted a number of important initia- mained Qatar’s twelfth larg- ner in the Middle East and qi also revealed that a total of 2,189 tives that contributed to encouraging est source of merchandise new member companies joined Qa- the private sector to perform its role imports. North Africa (MENA) tar Chamber in 2020, taking the total During 2020, Qatar Chamber hosted during the pandemic and overcome its Last year, Australia also region. Australia remained membership to more than 62,247. nine trade and business delegations negative impacts. welcomed Qatar’s Nebras Qatar’s twelfth largest He pointed out that the chamber from several countries, such as Brazil, Outlining these initiatives, he Power taking a major stake source of merchandise held more than 110 events last year, said that the chamber launched the in Australia’s energy sector, imports. whether at the chamber’s headquar- Turkey, Bangladesh, New Zealand, ‘Takatuf Initiative’ which aimed at which is now the world’s third ters or through visual communica- Ethiopia, Mexico, Azerbaijan and enhancing the private sector’s con- largest destination for invest- tion technology. “During 2020, Qatar others. These meetings discussed tribution to the state’s efforts to con- ment in renewables. contributor to Qatar’s food Chamber hosted nine trade and busi- enhancing cooperation between Qatari front the pandemic and motivating Australian Ambassador security during this difficult ness delegations from countries, such businessmen and their counterparts in large companies to help and support to Qatar HE Jonathan Muir time, supplying a large share as Brazil, Turkey, Bangladesh, New small and medium-sized companies said, “These numbers are a of the country’s fresh meat Zealand, Ethiopia, Mexico, Azerbaijan various other countries.” that have been greatly affected by the sign of the strong economic and produce. Qatar’s strength and others. These meetings discussed QC General Manager Saleh bin repercussions of the pandemic. partnership between Qatar in aviation services has played enhancing cooperation between Qatari Hamad Al Sharqi During 2020, Sharqi said, the cham- and Australia. Despite the an important role in keeping businessmen and their counterparts in ber was keen on strengthening commu- massive economic impact of Australian exporters con- various other countries. These meet- meetings with foreign officials and rep- with officials of concerned authorities nication with all concerned authorities the pandemic globally, the nected with global markets. ings reflect international interest in resentatives of ministries and cham- in the state to review matters related in the state to address all issues related strong complementarity be- I thank our Qatari partners Qatar and confidence in the country’s bers to help Qatari businessmen learn to the private sector, such as a meeting to the Qatari business community and tween our economies has kept and the Australian companies economy,” he said. about the investment opportunities with the CEO of the Investment Promo- the obstacles it faces during the crisis the relationship delivering for here in Qatar who have con- Elaborating on the chamber’s ac- available in other countries. tion Agency (IPA) and a meeting with to ensure it plays its anticipated role in both countries.” tributed to this strong result,” tivities last year, Sharqi said that it held “The chamber also hosted meetings the Indian External Affairs Minister S the national economy. “Australia was a major Muir said. Economy & Business Wednesday, January 20, 2021 09 Pandemic-driven Qatar industrial production falls shift to home work carries risks: UN 9.8% as mining output declines Agencies in 2019. The 279-page report said The shift to home-working the growth of working from Industrial Production Index for Nov stood at 91.2 points, down 10.1 percent from a year ago triggered by the coronavi- home in 2020 has brought rus pandemic looks set to renewed urgency to the endure long-term, making need to address issues fac- it vital to protect employ- ing home workers and their ees’ rights and avoid blurred employers. lines between on-the-clock “For teleworkers, the hours and personal time, the main concern is the blurring United Nations says in a re- between working time and port. personal and family time,” Issues facing home the report said. workers and their employ- Equal treatment should ers need greater attention, be given to home work- including better safeguards and more awareness of the rights and risks involved, the U.N.’s International La- bor Organization said in a report. “When the world was ILO estimate brutally hit by the Covid-19 pandemic, wide swathes of The ILO estimated that in the world’s workers turned 2019, there were about almost overnight to home 260 million home-based work as a way of protect- workers around the world, ing both their jobs and representing 7.9 percent of their lives,” the agency said. global employment. In the “There is no doubt that first months of the home work is likely to take pandemic in 2020, that on greater importance in the shot up to an estimated years to come. one in five workers, said “It is thus time for gov- ernments... to ensure that the ILO. all home workers -- whether they are weaving rattan in ers and similar employees Indonesia, making shea but- working on the company ter in Ghana, tagging photos premises, it said. in Egypt, sewing masks in “Given the potential Uruguay, or teleworking in risks of social isolation, it is France -- move from invis- necessary to develop specific The mining component of the index, which has a relative weightage of 83.6 percent, showed a decline of 11.8 percent month-on-month and a decline of 11.5 percent year- on- year. ibility to decent work.” actions that mitigate psy- The ILO estimated that chosocial risks,” the report Tribune News Network The m-o-m drop in min- outputs in four other groups and chemicals and chemical in 2019, there were about added. Doha ing output was driven by fall went down — food products products by 1.7 percent. 260 million home-based “The introduction of a in production of crude petro- Up & down by 6 percent, chemicals and However, manufacturing workers around the world, ‘right to disconnect’ is an Qatar’s industrial produc- leum and natural gas, by 11.8 chemical products by 5.6 per- output went up in two groups representing 7.9 percent of important policy measure to tion in November declined percent. However, produc- ● Qatar’s manufacturing cent, beverages by 4.9 per- year-on-year — cement and global employment. limit working time and en- 9.8 percent from October tion under the “other mining output — which has a cent and rubber and plastics other non-metallic mineral In the first months of sure respect for the bounda- mostly due to decline in the and quarrying” group showed relative weightage of 15.2 products by 4.8 percent. products by 11.7 percent and the pandemic in 2020, that ries between work life and mining output, which in- a month-on-month increase percent in the index — The manufacturing com- rubber and plastics products shot up to an estimated one private life.” cludes oil and gas production. of 5.6 percent. showed a 1 percent rise in ponent of the IPI in Novem- by 5.1 percent. in five workers, said the ILO. The report said the great- According to the Plan- Qatar’s manufacturing November from October. ber showed a 3.7-percent Electricity output — In low- and middle- est benefit in working from ning and Statistics Authority output — which has a relative decline when compared with which accounts for 0.7 per- income countries, most home was flexibility in hours. (PSA), the key Industrial Pro- weightage of 15.2 percent in ● The manufacturing that in the same month last cent of IPI — declined 23.6 home-based workers were “The provision of qual- duction Index stood at 91.2 the index — showed a 1 per- component of the IPI in year. percent in November month- own-account workers, but ity childcare is important points in November, down cent rise in November from November showed a The fall was driven main- on-month and fell 0.7 percent in high-income countries, for all home workers, boost- 10.1 percent from a year ago. October. PSA attributed this 3.7-percent decline when ly by decreased outputs in X year-on-year. employees were the largest ing their productivity and The mining component of to output increase in four compared with that in the groups — printing and repro- Similarly, water produc- group. Most home-based supporting the work-family the index, which has a rela- groups — petroleum products same month last year. duction of recorded media by tion (desalination), which workers are women. Accord- balance, and, for industrial tive weightage of 83.6 per- by 34.9 percent, basic metals 80.4 percent, basic metals carries a weightage of 0.5 ing to ILO estimates, 147 home workers, potentially cent, showed a decline of 11.8 by 4.7 percent, cement and by 12.1 percent, beverages by percent, showed a decline of million women and 113 mil- helping to break the cycle of percent month-on-month other non-metallic mineral recorded media by 1.1 per- 11.5 percent, food products 9.8 percent month-on-month lion men worked from home poverty,” the ILO said. and a decline of 11.5 percent products by 2.6 percent and cent. by 5.1 percent, refined petro- and a decrease of 3.9 percent year- on- year. printing and reproduction of However, manufacturing leum products by 4.1 percent year-on-year. Goldman Sachs profit more than doubles on underwriting, trading boost

Agencies billion. $4.36 billion, or $12.08 per Even so, Solomon is dou- vestment banking. He wants Investment banking rev- share, in the quarter ended bling down on Marcus, its to grow businesses with more Goldman Sachs Group Inc enue jumped 27% to $2.61 bil- Dec. 31. consumer bank, making it a predictable businesses like dwarfed Wall Street estimates lion during the quarter, driven Analysts had expected a cornerstone of his broader consumer banking, mass- as its fourth-quarter profit mainly by equity underwrit- profit of $7.47 per share on av- strategy to make Goldman market wealth management more than doubled, powered ing, which was up 195% from erage, according to IBES data look more like a typical Main and managing cash for com- by another blowout perfor- the same period last year. from Refinitiv. Street lender. panies. mance at its trading business Equities trading and in- “We hope this year brings Consumer banking rev- Goldman Sachs reiterated and a surge in fees from un- vestment banking revenues much needed stability and a enue rose 52% in the quarter the three-year targets it set for derwriting a series of block- both comfortably beat fore- respite from the pandemic, to $347 million and jumped profitability and expense sav- buster IPOs. casts, Oppenheimer analyst but we remain ready to han- 40% to $1.21 billion on an an- ings last January, as it stayed Revenue from global mar- Chris Kotowski said. dle a wide range of outcomes,” nual basis. The business is still on track with its long-term kets, which houses the bank’s “It was an exceptionally Chief Executive David Solo- minuscule compared to other cost-cutting and returns ini- trading business, registered its strong quarter,” he said. mon said. large revenue-generators at tiatives. best annual performance in a The bank’s shares surged Goldman’s latest perfor- the firm, representing just a The bank’s return on eq- decade as investors churned 2.6% in early trading, adding mance was all the more im- fraction of the total in 2020. uity, a key metric of profitabil- their portfolios at the end of to a 20% gain in the past year. pressive, as it comfortably Goldman on Tuesday re- ity, stood at 21.1% during the a roller-coaster year for finan- Goldman’s shares hit a record absorbed a $3-billion hit to its affirmed a target to grow con- quarter. cial markets amid the COV- high of $307.87 last week, annual profits, after reaching nesses rose in the final quar- Morgan and Bank of America, sumer deposits to over $125 Full-year provision for ID-19 pandemic. giving it a market cap of over a settlement with the U.S. De- ter. Goldman’s asset man- Goldman has a relatively small billion over five years. credit losses jumped to $3.1 Trading, Goldman’s main $100 billion. partment of Justice and other agement businesses also consumer business, which has Since taking over the reins billion, compared to $1.07 bil- revenue-generating engine, Total revenue climbed 18% U.S. and overseas regulators benefited from higher lending limited its exposure to loan from Lloyd Blankfein in 2018, lion last year, as the bank set surged 43% annually. On a to $11.74 billion. The bank’s over its role in Malaysia’s and debt investments, rising defaults amid the pandemic Solomon has emphasized that aside additional reserves due quarterly basis, revenue from net earnings applicable to 1MDB corruption scandal. 7% to $3.21 billion. and allowed it to focus on its he wants to reduce the bank’s to the impact of the COVID-19 the unit jumped 23% to $4.27 common shareholders rose to Revenue at all four busi- Unlike larger peers JP- core strength of closing deals. reliance on trading and in- pandemic.

Airlines face more turbulence before vaccine relief World Economic Forum warns Agencies ings that are usually relied upon mestic bookings have also been told Reuters. “It’s going to be a to bring in vital cash during the weakened by new restrictions. difficult quarter.” pandemic could hurt climate efforts For a year expected to mark thin winter months. Intra-European bookings Data provider OAG, which a turning point for pandemic- Global airline industry body for the first half of the year stand tracks airline schedules, DPA The resulting uncertainties is for governments, business stricken European airlines, 2021 IATA believes a return to posi- at 22% of their level 12 months predicted”carnage in Europe” Geneva and fractures may undermine and other stakeholders to ad- is off to a rough start. tive cash flow “might not arrive ago, Olivier Ponti of aviation after airlines slashed western the global cooperation that dress such long-term risks, A resurgence of COVID-19 before the end of the year,” Chief data specialist ForwardKeys Europe capacity by a quarter. The global crisis triggered by is needed to tackle environ- but the lesson here is for all of lockdowns has killed off a fragile Economist Brian Pearce said. said. That compares with 36% “A loss of some 1.5 million Covid-19 will make it more mental damage and climate us to recognize that ignoring bookings upturn, executives and “Meanwhile the cash burn is for U.S. domestic bookings and seats in a week is staggering,” difficult to coordinate climate change. them doesn’t make them less analysts said, as insolvent Nor- going to continue” and may even 48% for flights within China. analyst John Grant said. With protection, the World Eco- Among the 841 respond- likely to happen,” said World wegian Air finally axed its long- in increase in Europe, Pearce Airlines have responded by another 580,000 dropped in nomic Forum has warned in ents, extreme weather events, Economic Forum managing haul operations on Jan 14. told an online conference. cancelling yet more services. eastern Europe, “expectations its annual Global Risks Report. failure to take action on climate director Saadia Zahidi. The setbacks deal a blow to Some carriers may yet run Ultra-low-cost carrier Wizz Air, for the next few months are The economic crisis in the change and man-made envi- As the world emerges from airline hopes that the promise of out of cash, he added. For bailed- which has been expanding its grim”. wake of the pandemic is wid- ronmental damage emerged the pandemic, it must change vaccines would put the worst of out airlines like Air France-KLM fleet and network during the Recovery hopes have ening disparities in health care as the three most likely global its economic and social sys- the crisis behind them, and set and Lufthansa, a longer slump crisis, is suspending most UK driven a share rebound for and income, the organization risks in the next 10 years. tems to reduce inequality, im- the stage for a summer rebound. increases both debt and the routes and sees January capac- European airlines since the that hosts the annual Davos Infectious diseases and prove health and protect the New outbreaks and travel likelihood more support will be ity down 75%. first vaccine breakthrough in summit said in the report, the dwindling number of of planet, she added. restrictions - some designed to needed. “The lockdown puts strains November, before lockdown which is based on an interna- animal and plant species were The World Economic Fo- curb the spread of a highly infec- Europe faces the worst re- on demand, and we’re adjusting setbacks pared average gains tional survey among business also among the most likely rum summit will take place tious virus variant detected in lapse - although hitherto buoy- capacity according to demand,” to 30%, based on the Stoxx Eu- managers, economists and of- risks. online instead of in Davos, Britain - have hit forward book- ant Chinese and Russian do- Chief Executive Jozsef Varadi rope airlines index. ficials. “We know how difficult it Switzerland next week. 10 Wednesday, January 20, 2021 Economy & Business Turkey slaps ad ban on Twitter under new social media law Agencies The law allows authorities width would be cut by 50% cal representative, but added on them to say exactly how to remove content from plat- in April and by 90% in May. it would withdraw the person they would avoid this. Ankara has imposed adver- forms, rather than blocking Twitter said last month it if it faced pressure regarding In previous months Face- tising bans on Twitter, Peri- access as they did in the past. would shut down Periscope what is allowed on its plat- book, YouTube and Twitter scope and Pinterest after they It has caused concern as peo- by March due to declining us- form. had faced fines inT urkey for failed to appoint local repre- ple turn more to online plat- age. YouTube, owned by Al- not complying. Companies sentatives in Turkey under a forms after Ankara tightened “We are determined to phabet Inc’s Google, said a that do not abide the law will new social media law, accord- its grip on mainstream media. do whatever is necessary to month ago it would abide the ultimately have their band- ing to decisions published on The latest decisions in the protect the data, privacy and new law, which Ankara says width slashed, essentially Tuesday. country’s Official Gazette said rights of our nation,” Sayan enhances local oversight of blocking access. Under the law, which crit- the advertising bans went into said on Twitter. “We will nev- foreign companies. Erdogan said last week ics say stifles dissent, social effect from Tuesday. Twitter, er allow digital fascism and The decisions by Face- that those who control data media companies that do not its live-streaming app Peri- disregard of rules to prevail book, Google and YouTube can establish “digital dic- appoint such representatives scope, and image sharing app in Turkey,” he said, echoing leaves them “in serious danger tatorships by disregarding are liable for a series of penal- Pinterest were not immedi- tough comments by President of becoming an instrument democracy, the law, rights ties, including the latest move ately available to comment. Tayyip Erdogan. of state censorship,” Milena and freedoms”. He vowed to by the Information and Com- Deputy Transport Min- On Monday, Facebook Inc Buyum, Amnesty Interna- defend what he described as munication Technologies Au- ister Omer Fatih Sayan said joined other companies in tional’s Turkey Campaigner, the country’s “cyber home- thority (BTK). Twitter and Pinterest’s band- saying it would appoint a lo- wrote on Twitter. She called land”. Semiconductors in ‘Act big’ on stimulus, US Treasury short supply, putting carmakers in trouble nominee Yellen tells lawmakers DPA The German Asso- Hanover ciation of the Automotive Joe Biden’s $1.9 Industry (VDA) said it is trillion proposed European carmakers “working intensively to se- emerging from pandemic cure the supply of semicon- package is much slumps are coming under ductors,” including in co- pressure due to shortages operation with the German needed, says Yelen of one key component: government. semiconductors. The shortage has al- DPA and Agencies In light of the coronavi- ready led to the loss of shifts rus crisis, “chip manufactur- at Volkswagen, Audi and Janet Yellen, the nominee ers had to reorganize their Daimler, where participa- to become treasury secretary capacities and find new cus- tion in the state’s furlough in the incoming Biden admin- tomers, which was success- scheme has increased. istration, told the Senate she ful,” said Wolfgang Weber, Experts have also point- believes that a large additional chief executive of the ZVEI ed to a knock-on effect due stimulus package is needed to association for Germany’s to reduced production in help the country get through electrical industry. China. the final months of the pan- This led to a boost in or- Twenty silicone smelt- demic. ders from makers of enter- ing plants were recently “The smartest thing we tainment appliances such closed in that country, ac- can do is act big,” said Yellen as televisions, hi-fis and cording to the German at her confirmation hearing, game consoles, as well as in Mineral Resources Agency noting that interest rates are the biotechnology and com- (DERA). at historic lows. She spoke puting sectors. One reason is said about making major invest- But the automotive in- to have been protracted ments, such as infrastructure dustry rebounded faster drought in certain regions, projects. than expected, meaning a resulting in a drop in hy- President-elect Joe Biden larger demand for the chips dropower. is pushing for an additional used in the vehicles’ ever “And coronavirus-relat- 1.9 trillion dollars in stimu- more sophisticated elec- ed production losses have lus, which Yellen said would tronic components. to be made up for,” DERA help those “struggling,” say- Chip manufactur- head Peter Buchholz said. ing women and minority ers therefore need “a few However, he does not groups are being particularly months to switch their pro- think the supply problems hard hit. duction back and be able to will be long-term. She warned that low-ball- Janet Yellen, President-elect Joe Biden’s nominee for Secretary of the Treasury, participates remotely in a Senate Finance Committee hearing in meet demand again. Unfor- Nonethless, the ZVEI ing the needed relief could Washington DC, on January 19, 2021. tunately, it can’t be done has called for European prolong the economic down- any faster - the car manu- chip manufacturers to build turn. Yellen said, more gen- ment was needed to jump- nities particularly hard hit by engagement by the Depart- facturers should under- up their own production erally, that the US Economy start the economy and ac- $1.9 tn stimulus the pandemic. ment of the Treasury. Any gap stand that and take it into capabilities in order to se- needs to be rebuilt to ensure celerate the distribution of Many Americans would in its leadership would risk greater account in future,” cure “technological sover- “more propserity for more vaccines to bring the virus ● US President-elect Joe receive stimulus payments of setting back recovery efforts,” Weber explained. eignty.” people” and to compete in a under control. Biden is pushing for an $1,400, which would be on top the former secretaries wrote. globalized world. “Neither the president- additional 1.9 trillion of the $600 checks approved A spokeswoman for de- In prepared testimony elect, nor I, propose this relief in a pandemic relief bill passed parting Treasury Secretary at her confirmation hearing, package without an appre- dollars in stimulus by Congress last month. Sup- Steven Mnuchin, who steps Yellen said her task as Treas- ciation for the country’s debt ● Biden says bold plemental unemployment in- down on Wednesday, could ury chief will be to help Ameri- burden. But right now, with investment was needed to surance would also increase to not immediately be reached cans endure the final months interest rates at historic lows, jump-start the economy $400 a week from the current for comment. of the coronavirus pandemic, the smartest thing we can do $300 a week, and it would be Analysts also expect and rebuilding the U.S. econ- is act big,” Yellen, a former and accelerate the extended to September. Yellen to address the Treas- omy “so that it creates more Federal Reserve chair, said in distribution of vaccines to Yellen received an en- ury’s stance on the dollar, af- prosperity for more people prepared remarks to the Sen- bring the virus under dorsement from all former ter President Donald Trump and ensures that American ate Finance Committee. control Treasury secretaries, from frequently called for a weaker workers can compete in an in- “I believe the benefits will George Schultz to Jack Lew, dollar to boost U.S. exports. creasingly competitive global far outweigh the costs, espe- includes $415 billion to bolster who urged senators in a let- Treasury Secretaries have economy.” cially if we care about helping the U.S. response to the virus ter to swiftly confirm Yellen’s previously affirmed their Biden, who will be sworn people who have been strug- and the rollout of COVID-19 nomination so she can quickly commitment to a market-de- into office on Wednesday, gling for a very long time,” she vaccines, some $1 trillion in tackle “daunting challenges” termined exchange rate and European carmakers emerging from pandemic slumps are outlined a $1.9 trillion stim- said in the statement, which direct relief to households, in the economy. some in recent years have said coming under pressure due to shortages of semiconductors. ulus package proposal last was obtained by Reuters. and roughly $440 billion for “Addressing these pressing that a strong dollar is in U.S. week, saying bold invest- The proposed aid package small businesses and commu- issues will require thoughtful interests.

Logitech says firm can grow after COVID-19 boom Chinese regulator approves Cisco’s $4.5 bn Acacia deal Agencies nity for us to upgrade spaces in would give China an upper Doha both places, and also to video China’s approval was only remaining hand in technology develop- enable offices.” ment. Logitech International will The strong third-quarter closing condition for the deal Last year, however, China grow in a post-coronavirus performance led Logitech to approved two smaller acqui- world, Chief Executive Brack- raise its guidance for the third Agencies companies. First plan China nod sitions in the increasingly en Darrell said on Tuesday, as time in its 2021 business year, China’s approval was the politicised microchip indus- the rise in home working and which runs to the end of March. Cisco Systems Inc’s pur- only remaining closing con- In July 2019, Cisco first China’s SAMR on Tuesday try - InfineonT echnologies’ playing during the pandemic The maker of keyboards, chase of Acacia Communica- dition for the deal, Cisco said unveiled plans to buy Acacia said the Acacia acquisition $10 billion purchase of U.S.- pushed the computer peripher- mice and headsets expects an- tions Inc has been approved in July last year.. for $70 per share in cash in can proceed provided the based Cypress Semicon- als maker to its best-ever quar- nual sales to rise by 57% to by China’s antitrust regulator SAMR on Tuesday said a $2.6 billion deal on a fully companies continue to ductor and U.S. chipmaker terly results. 60%. It will give a sales outlook on condition that the compa- the Acacia acquisition can diluted basis. Prior to the service existing contracts in Nvidia’s $6.9 billion deal for Booming sales of web cams, for 2022 at its upcoming inves- nies ensure fair competition, proceed provided the com- merger agreement, Acacia China and continue to supply Israel’s Mellanox Inc. covers and keyboards for tablet tor day, which usually takes the watchdog said on Tues- panies continue to service ex- and Cisco already had a customers in China “in Semiconductor machin- computers used by schoolchil- place in early March. day. isting contracts in China and relationship. Acacia has been accordance with the ery maker Applied Materials’ dren and video conferencing “I would be surprised if we The State Administra- continue to supply customers a Cisco supplier of its principles of fairness, planned acquisition of Koku- devices for online meetings grew 57% to 60% next year,” tion for Market Regulation’s in China “in accordance with high-speed, optical reasonableness and sai Electric remains subject were behind an 85% surge in said Darrell, who has been (SAMR) green light brings the principles of fairness, interconnect technologies. non-discrimination”. to SAMR approval, as does the Swiss-U.S. company’s sales Logitech CEO since 2013. “But the $4.5 billion dollar deal to reasonableness and non-dis- Nvidia’s pending $40 billion during the last three months of I will be really clear... long term a close after approval from crimination”. purhase of British chip de- 2020. we have really strong growth other countries including the One of China’s top market other regulators overseas. That deal’s dissolution signer Arm.. “No doubt the trend of peo- potential. United States. regulators, SAMR has au- In 2018 Qualcomm Inc’s came months after Sin- Accelerating a crackdown ple working from home helped “There are so many video Network gear maker Cis- thority akin to the European planned $44 billion takeo- gapore-based chipmaker on anticompetitive behav- us grow our business,” Dar- rooms to enable, so many co first announced its inten- Commission to approve ac- ver of Dutch chipmaker Broadcom withdrew its bid iour in China’s booming in- rell said. “When the pandemic people upgrading their work- tion to acquire optical com- quisitions involving multina- NXP Semiconductors NV to purchase Qualcomm after ternet space, SAMR recently ends, and starts to fade… you spaces... gaming is not going ponents manufacturer Acacia tional corporations. collapsed after the regulator a warning from U.S. Presi- launched an antitrust probe are going to see people working to slow down... and we are in in 2019, looking to capture In the past, China has stalled on issuing public ap- dent Donald Trump’s admin- into e-commerce giant Ali- from home and in the office,” the streamers and creators more business from telecoms gone against decisions by proval. istration stated that the deal baba Group Holding Ltd. he added. “That is an opportu- business.” QatarTribune Qatar_Tribune Rishabh Pant’s QatarTribuneChannel qatar_tribune brilliance leads India to historic triumph at the Gabba page 12 & 13 WEDNESday, JANUARY 20, 2021

Draw lays out QNB STARS LEAGUE path to FIFA Club World Cup glory

Tribune News Network ● Action to start on 4 Doha February with Tigres UANL vs Ulsan Hyundai FC Tuesday’s draw at the home of FIFA in Zurich mapped out ● Second match to feature the road to global glory for Al-Duhail SC vs Al Ahly SC the six clubs competing in the FIFA Club World Cup Qatar ● Champions to be 2020. crowned at Education City Tigres UANL and Ulsan Stadium on 11 February Hyundai FC will face each other in the first game sched- uled for 4 February at 17:00 local time (15:00 CET) at Ah- mad Bin Ali Stadium, while Al- Duhail SC and Al Ahly SC will A Qatar Sports Club player battles for the ball with an Al Duhail player during their QNB Stars League match at the Suhaim Bin Hamad Stadium on Tuesday. feature in the second match at 20:30 (18:30 CET) at Educa- tion City Stadium. The draw also revealed that the CONMEBOL Lib- ertadores champions (to be crowned on 30 January) will Qatar SC hold Al Duhail to take on the winners of Tigres UANL vs Ulsan Hyundai FC on 7 February, with FC Bayern Munich facing the winners of Al-Duhail SC vs Al Ahly SC a crowned following the final day later. at Education City Stadium on The FIFA Club World 11 February, kick-off 21:00 1-1 draw in absorbing clash Cup 2020 champions will be (19:00 CET). Tribune News Network Doha

Much to their promise, Qatar Messi handed two-game Sports Club (QSC) held de- fending champions Al Duhail to a 1-1 draw in their Week 15 ban for Sunday’s red card clash of the QNB Stars League at the Qatar SC Stadium on DPA final, will hope to do likewise Tuesday. Barcelona against Cornella and will have In the other matches of to do so without the suspend- the day, Al Rayyan defeated Al Barcelona’s Lionel Messi ed Lionel Messi on Thursday. Wakrah 3-0, while Umm Salal has been handed a two-match Zidane may try to blood and Al Arabi played out a goal- ban for his sending off against some of his younger players in less draw. Athletic Bilbao on Sunday. Madrid’s clash. Andryi Lunin For Qatar SC, Elmehdi The punishment was con- is likely to make his first start Barrahma scored off a pen- firmed by theS panish Foot- in goal in place of Thibaut alty in the 21st minute penalty ball Federation (RFEF) on Courtois. which was negated by Paulo Tuesday. Messi fouled Asier The 21-year-old has played Edmilson Junior, who netted Villalibre late in the Spanish on loan for Oveido, Valladolid the goal for Al Duhail in the Super Cup final which Barce- and Leganes since joining Real 51st minute. lona lost. It was the first time Madrid but never for his par- The result was another he had been sent off playing ent club. blow to second-placed Al Du- for the Catalan club. At the other end of the hail (28 points) who lag be- Players fight for the ball during the Al Rayyan vs Al Wakrah match of Aron Gunnarsson of Umm Salal tries to seize control of the ball during He will now miss Thurs- pitch Real Madrid could also hind leaders Al Sadd by 10 the at the Qatar Sports Club Stadium on Tuesday. the match against Al Arabi on Tuesday. day’s last-32 Copa del Rey try to do without their first points, as the latter play Al game away to Cornella and choice option. Khor on Wednesday. second-half action by mak- der new coach Laurent Blanc. his marker Lucas Mendes – to home from close range send- the weekend league trip to Karim Benzema has 13 Qatar SC now have 24 ing three substitutions. New Al Wakrah remained on 14 slip the low ball to the left of ing the ball into an open net play Elche. goals so far this season in all points and are placed fourth recruit and striker Michael points. goalkeeper moments before after Al Wakrah keeper had Real Madrid and Barce- competitions but the other two on the points table. Olunga, winger Ismail Mo- After a steady start, Al the end of the first half. stepped out of his own box to lona are hoping Copa del Rey centre-forwards in the squad Al Duhail dominated the hammed and defender Mo- Rayyan launched their first Al Wakrah responded well block a long-range cross. last-32 games can heal the have so far failed to fill-in ef- early exchanges, but Qatar SC hammed Moosa took the field major threat in the 10th min- with a few co-ordinated at- wounds suffered in their failed fectively when called upon. soon settled into their stride. to strengthen their ranks and ute. Khalilzadeh jumped high tacks in the first few minutes Umm Salal-Arabi in attempts at winning the Span- Mariano Diaz has just one As a result, the highlight they equalised, with Edmilson for a snap-header off a corner of the second half, but the Al goalless draw ish Super Cup. goal this season and Luca match of the week, pitting brilliantly heading in a cross kick, but the Iranian lost his Rayyan backline held firm to Umm Salal and Al Arabi Meanwhile, Zinedine Zi- Jovic has returned to Eintra- strong opponents against each from deep in the left by Sultan balance as he bumped into Al thwart any danger. played out a goalless draw at dane who saw his Real Madrid cht Frankfurt on loan having other, lived up to its billing. Al Breik. Wakrah defender Abdulghani However, Al Rayyan the Al Duhail Stadium. team beaten in the semi-final failed to score at all this cam- Qatar SC made their inten- With both teams being on Muneer. picked up momentum quickly Umm Salal and Al Arabi against Athletic Bilbao now paign. It was very much the tions clear and Anthony Ok- par in terms of score, some With a little more urgency thereafter. Close to the hour are now on 15 and 20 points needs to avoid an embarrass- same story last season with potu’s effort went out past the tense moments followed. in their attacks, Ahmed Abdel- mark, Abdelaziz Hatem curled respectively. ing slip-up against third tier Benzema weighing in with 27 outstretched hand of Al Du- Al Duhail further strength- maqsoud of Al Rayyan went in a beautiful long-range shot It was the second succes- Alcoyano on Wednesday. goals and Mariano and Jovic hail goalkeeper Salah Zakaria ened their attack line by re- solo in the 14th minute as he from outside the Al Wakrah sive draw for both teams. A Barcelona, who then also only managing two and one, in the 19th minute. placing Almoez with Moham- launched a fierce shot from the box, but Al Khater parried the flurry of exchanges were wit- lost to Athletic in Sunday’s respectively. Soon, a charging Qatar med Muntari, but the game edge of the box, but Al Wakrah ball above the crossbar. nessed, especially in the first SC player Hamed Ismail was did not see another goal, as keeper Saoud Al Khater stayed Two minutes later, Boli half, but neither side could fouled by Al Duhail defender Barrahma’s free-kick in the in the right position to block made it 2-0 for Al Rayyan. find the target. Mehdi Benatia inside the box 79th minute made its way out. the swinging shot. Boli, marked by Mendes on For Al Arabi, captain Aron and referee Khamis Al Marri Al Duhail had beaten Qatar Two minutes later, Boli the right and Mohamed Aiash Gunnarsson led from the front awarded a penalty, which was SC 2-1 in the first leg of 2020- also got into the thick of things on the left, picked up a long by playing the entire 90 min- converted by Barrahma. 21 season QNB Stars League. as he produced a left-footed cross from his own half. utes with his trademark ag- During the half, Barrah- drive from the edge of Al Wak- Mendes tried to clear the gressive game. ma’s volley was parried by the Al Rayyan beat rah box, but his shot narrowly dipping ball, but could not. In the fifth minute, Moham- rival goalkeeper, while Eduar- Al Wakrah 3-0 missed the goalpost. Boli showed great speed to med Salah El Neel’s snap-head- do Rodriguez (Dudu) was the Franck Kom (45+2 min- In the 32nd minute, Khal- reach the ball first and then er on a long throw-in lacked player who got more chances ute), Yohan Boli (62nd min- ilzadeh was beaten by the out- tap it above the head of an ad- speed as Umm Salal goalkeeper on Al Duhail side. ute) and Shojae Khalilzadeh stretched hand of Al Khater vancing goalkeeper. Baba Malick collected the ball Dudu came close to equal- (90+4 minute) scored the on an direct free-kick taken A couple of minutes later, with relative ease. ising on many occasions. He goals for Al Rayyan, who from near a corner flag. Al Abdulrahman Mohamed pro- Results was either thwarted by Qatar dominated the proceedings, Rayyan’s concerted effort bore duced a left-footed drive from Qatar SC 1 (Mehdi Berrahma SC goalkeeper Jassim Al Hail against Al Wakrah at the Qatar fruit in injury time when Kom the edge of the box, but Al 21’ (P)) drew with Al Duhail 1 or he was off-target. SC Stadium. brought a smile to coach Lau- Rayyan keeper Fahad Younis (Edmilson Junior 51’) The Al Duhail duo of Ab- With the win, their seventh rent Blanc’s face. dived to his left and parried Al Wakrah 0 lost to Al Rayyan Barcelona’s Lionel Messi checks on Athletic Bilbao’s Spanish forward dullah Al Ahrak and Edmilson overall, Al Rayyan moved on Abdelaziz Hatem curled the ball away. 3 (Frack Kom 45+2’, Yohan Boli Asier Villalibre during the Spanish Super Cup final match at La Cartuja too made attempts at the goal. to 25 points. It was Al Rayy- in a free-kick that dipped on In the dying seconds of the 62’, Shoja Khalilzadeh 90+5’) stadium in Seville on Sunday. (AFP) Al Duhail came on for the an’s third successive win un- Kom dived in front – beating match, Khalilzadeh headed Umm Salal 0 vs Al Arabi 0. 12 Wednesday, January 20, 2021 Sports INCREDIBLE (TEAM) INDIA CLIMB EVEREST OF EXPECTATIONS

t is never dismiss Australia twice. wise to Shardul and Sundar also judge a Success of India’s young, fearless side is a story featured in a record sev- day until enth wicket stand that actu- itI is evening! ally dashed Australian hopes. Team In- of blood, sweat and tears, writes Ajay Naidu And then that ‘little dynamte’ dia’s young, Rishab Pant, who is the new passionate and fearless bunch poster boy of Indian cricket, of cricketers proved this in made sure that India kept its back-to-back Tests at the Syd- date with destiny. ney Cricket Ground (SCG), Natrajan and Washington where they batted for their Sundar were part of the side lives, and at the Gabba in Bris- as ‘Net bowlers’ while Shardul bane, where the batters made Thakur (much like Washinton a bold and beautiful statement Sundar) played his last first of intent. In doing so, they class game a couple of years ended Australia’s aura of in- ago. Natrajan, who comes vincibility at this venue after from Tamil Nadu, is the son 32 years to script a miraculous of a loom worker for whom series triumph against World buying shoes was a luxury. No. 1 side and to rise to the top His mother cried when she of the ICC World Test Cham- watched him bowling for In- pionship. This was as much a dia on television. His wife gave soul shattering blow to Aus- birth to a son when he was tralia as much as it is a reward playing the IPL in the UAE. for New India’s collective bril- He is yet to hold his new born. liance, self-belief and never- Similarly, Siraj is the son say-die spirit. of a poor rickshaw driver who After the horrors of Ad- passed away at the start of the elaide, where India were series. Siraj, who picked up a shot out for an embarrassing five-wicket haul in the second 36 runs to chasing a record innings, stayed on for national fourth innings total of 328 at duty instead of flying back the Gabba, Ajinkya Rahane’s for the last rites. The sight of brave warriors overcame all Siraj dropping few tears, when odds to turn the series on its India’s national anthem was head. It was as thrilling as it played in the ‘Boxing Day’ Test, was unbelievable. is still fresh in everyone’s mind. India’s titanic achievement Washington Sundar’s fa- also showcased the silk & ther ‘Sundar’ was a talented steel, iron will & desire in their cricketer who was sponsored dressing room which also re- right through his local crick- sembled the casualty ward of a eting life by his neighbour. hospital. All along, the Indians His name was Washington. took body blows from the fiery The man passed away just Australian pacers who tar- before Sundar’s second son geted the body as much as the was born. Sundar named him wickets. The boys summoned Washington as a tribute to his all their reserve energies to late friend. withstand all pain, not to for- Navdeep Saini’s father get unhealthy sledging from India cricket team players with the national flag celebrate victory in the fourth Test and the four-match series against Australia at the Gabba in Brisbane on Tuesday.( AFP) was a government driver who their opponents and few racial couldn’t afford his son’s ex- slurs from few spectators. pensive cricket gear. So he de- It was indeed a David vs Washington Sundar’s father ‘Sundar’ was a talented cricketer who was sponsored right through his local cricketing life by his neighbour. His cided to play tennis-ball crick- Goliath battle. But when it name was Washington. The man passed away just before Sundar’s second son was born. Sundar named him Washington as a tribute to his et for a mach fee of Rs 300 per mattered India showed great late friend. Navdeep Saini’s father was a government driver who couldn’t afford his son’s expensive cricket gear. So he decided to play match. self-belief, a big heart for the Shardul Thakur battled

HARD YARDS tennis-ball cricket for a match fee of Rs 300 per match. Shardul Thakur battled obesity to play for Mumbai and later in the IPL. battle and strength of mind obesity to play for Mumbai and character. When they and later in the IPL. had their backs to the wall, ball, Australian pacers bowled the Everest of expectations. Kohli had flown back after los- he was acknowledging Ra- critics who said he batted too This tour provided a life- India’s young guns gained with venom and fire. But on After losing the first Test badly ing the first Test. There is an hane man management and slowly. However, while these time opportunity to these strength from each other and this day, and in this mood, the and then suffering huge casu- understated grace in which ability to inspire the team to senior pros played their part, it cricketers who had faced played like a team possessed. Indians were not to be denied alties right through the series, Rahane conducts himself. And great heights. was the young, inexperienced adversity while growing up. And courage was rewarded, of their place under the sun. Af- this triumph has been nothing he led from the front and by Then again, let us not for- players who actually turned No wonder they batted and as it usually is! ter all, despite forecasts of bad less than a miracle. example to score a defining get the fact that Indians have the tables on Australia. bowled as if their life de- As the day wore on this weather, even the rain Gods In terms of both shock and hundred in the Boxing Day been living in a bubble for al- Come to think of it, In- pended on it. They played memorable Tuesday after- decided to stay away from the impact value, this is the big- Test to engineer India’s great most five months i.e. since a dia’s bowling line up had a bold, fearless cricket. And, noon, Shubman Gill and heat and dust of Gabba. gest comeback in India’s crick- revival in the series. fortnight ahead of the Indian collective experience of just 4 in doing so, they have writ- Cheteshwar Pujara had played And the golden moment eting history after the 1983 His gesture to present Premier League (IPL) in late Tests and 14 wickets between ten another golden chapter their parts to a nicety. Ten- came, when Rishab Pant hit World Cup triumph. Nathan Lyon, who played his September. That really speaks themselves in the series in Indian cricket. Well, who- sion gripped everyone in In- a gorgeous off-drive to the India has now won two 100th Test, with an India T volumes about their mental decider in Gabba. ever said ‘fortune favours dia when Rishab Pant led the boundary. An entire nation consecutive series in Austral- shirt was quite remarkable. It toughness and commitment. Contrast that with a tally the brave’ must have had charge in the Final Act along came to a halt to salute, and ia. No other team has been was due respect, and acknowl- Much like Rahane, Ravi over 1,000 Test wickets in the the likes of Rishab Pant, with Washington Sundar. celebrate, the new poster boy able to do anything like that edgement, of a milestone even Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja and Australian line up. Yet, a seem- Washington Sundar, Shar- Streets in India wore a desert- of Indian cricket. It brought in recent memory. for an opponent. Hanuma Vihari proved a point ingly harmless looking line-up dul Thakur and Mohammed ed look as everyone was glued a lump in the throat and tears Ajinkya Rahane, who out- When Ravi Ashwin said, or three to all and sundry. of Mohammed Siraj, Navdeep Siraj in mind. to their television sets watch- to the eyes all over. Even coach side of the cricketing world re- “I have never seen so many Similarly, Chetshwar Pujara, Saini, Shardul Thakur, Wash- (The writer is a senior sports ing the nerve-wracking drama. Ravi Shastri couldn’t hold back. sembles a common man, held smiles in Indian dressing like he always does, let his ington Sundar and H. Natra- journalist covering cricket Armed with the second new Team India had climbed the team together after Virat room,” after the Sydney Test, bat do all the answering to his jan bowled their hearts out to worldwide for over two decades) Pant’s brilliance leads India to historic series win at the Gabba 430 points and a PCT of 71.7%. Scoreboard It was the highest Test The triumph It was the highest Test to- tal ever chased down by a team Australia (1st innings) 369 (M. Labuschagne Fall of wickets: 1-18 (Sharma), 2-132 (Gill), total ever chased down by Down Under lifts in a fourth innings at the Gab- 108, T. Paine 50; T. Natarajan 3-78, W. Sundar 3-167 (Rahane), 4-228 (Pujara), 5-265 a team in a fourth innings ba, and Australia’s first Test 3-89) (Agarwal), 6-318 (Sundar), 7-325 (Thakur). at the Gabba, and India to top of loss at the ground since 1988. India (1st innings) 336 (S. Thakur 67, W. Did not bat: M. Siraj, T. Natarajan. Australia’s first Test loss Pant, unbeaten on 89, and Sundar 62; J. Hazlewood 5-57) Bowling: Starc 16-0-75-0 (1nb), Hazlewood ICC World Test Australia (2nd innings) 294 (S. Smith 55; M. 22-5-74-1 (1nb), Cummins 24-10-55-4 (1nb), at the ground since 1988. Navdeep Saini (0*) were at the Siraj 5-73. S. Thakur 4-61) Green 3-1-10-0, Lyon 31-7-85-2, Labuschagne Championship other batsmen at the crease as India (2nd innings) 1-0-4-0. India finished at 329/7 to win R. Sharma c Paine b Cummins 7 Toss: Australia. had to take seven more wick- standings the series 2-1. Cheteshwar Pu- S. Gill c Smith b Lyon 91 Result: India won by three wickets. ets in the remaining 37 overs. jara’s courageous knock of 56 C. Pujara lbw Cummins 56 Man of the Match: Rishabh Pant. Paine missed a stump- ICC from 211 balls was emblematic A. Rahane c Paine b Cummins 24 Player of the Series: Pat Cummins. ing opportunity when Pant Brisbane of the grit, determination and R. Pant not out 89 1st Test: Australia won by 8 wkts. advanced down the pitch to M. Agarwal c Wade b Cummins 9 2nd Test: India won by 8 wkts. spirit displayed by the under- W. Sundar b Lyon 22 3rd Test: Drawn. Lyon, but Cummins rose to India withstood an all-out as- manned tourists, who lifted S. Thakur c Lyon b Hazlewood 2 Series: India 2-1. the occasion yet again. India sault by Australia to retain the the trophy despite missing a N. Saini not out 0 Umpires: Bruce Oxenford (AUS), Paul Wilson needed 100 runs from the re- Border-Gavaskar Trophy with host of star players. Extras: (b18, lb8, nb3) 29 (AUS); TV umpire: Paul Reiffel (AUS) maining 20 overs, but Pujara’s a record-breaking run chase The No.3 was subjected to Total: (For 7 wickets, 97 overs) 329 Match referee: David Boon (AUS). brave resistance ended when in a stunning three-wicket win a barrage of punishing short Cummins trapped him in front in the fourth Test at the Gabba deliveries, particularly from It was Lyon’s 398th Test India were 83/1 at lunch as with the second delivery with on Tuesday. Pat Cummins (4/55), but he wicket, but the coveted mile- Pujara and Gill combined for a the second new ball. Set an imposing target of remained stoic despite cop- stone of 400 eluded the mas- 114-run partnership. The tension ratcheted up 328 to win, India started day ping repeated blows to the ter spinner, who finished his Ajinkya Rahane replaced several notches when Cum- five at 4/0 and batted with head, chest, arms and fingers. 100th Test match on 399 wick- Gill and made a quick-fire 24 mins struck again to remove courage, discipline and poise, While Pujara was the rock ets with figures of 2/85. from 22 deliveries before he Mayank Agarwal (9) with 63 Rishabh Pant sparking scenes for India, Shubman Gill was India showed intent to feathered a Cummins short runs needed from 13 overs. of wild jubilation when he hit the showman. The opener pursue a famous win rather ball to Tim Paine, with India Washington Sundar chimed the winning runs with just 18 belted two sixes and eight than settle for a draw right 183/3 at tea. A grandstand fin- in with 22 and Shardul Thakur balls remaining. fours on his way to 91 before from the resumption of play on ish befitting the enthralling se- departed for two, but the dam- The victory lifted India to Nathan Lyon coaxed an edge the final day. Cummins struck ries beckoned in the final ses- age had been done, Pant strok- India’s Rishabh Pant is mobbed by teammates after he led the side the top of the ICC World Test that was well taken by Steve in the first session, with Rohit sion, with India needing 145 ing a four to long-off to seal an to victory in the fourth Test against Australia at The Gabba in Championship standings, with Smith at first slip. Sharma (7) caught behind, but runs to win while Australia incredible win. Brisbane on Tuesday. (AFP) Sports Wednesday, January 20, 2021 13 ‘Greatest Test victory’: India’s Gabba heroics light up social media “We are all overjoyed at the success of the Indian cricket team in Australia,” says India PM Narendra Modi.

he social media on Tuesday were abuzz on Tuesday as India went into a climactic finalT day of the fourth cricket Test against Australia at the Gabba in Brisbane. Set in prospect was a 328-run victory target which only could dream of being possible against the fearsome hosts possessing the world’s best fast bowler. Yet, India achieved the incredible and secured a historic fourth Test and series win over Aus- tralia by three wickets. For a team from a cricket- crazy nation which was left battered and bruised in a se- ries of the Covid era, India many of their leading players left by the wayside. Yet, the young players including rook- ies and a green horn, marched on to emerge as warriors. Who’s who of India, from the cricket world to politi- cians, Bollywood stars, jour- nalists and sportsmen took to the social media to join in the celebrations. Here’s what a few said: India players and team’s support staff with the Gavaskar-Border Trophy which they retained by winning the fourth Test and the series against Australia at The Gabba in Brisbane on Tuesday. (AFP)

India PM Narendra Modi Former India captain and BCCI President Sourav Former England captain Michael Vaughan said Stuart Broad, England fast bowler, who is cur- Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted within Ganguly “Wow [...] That has to go down as one of the greatest rently on tour in Sri Lanka. minutes of India’s triumph that the country was “To go to Australia and win a test series in this way if not the greatest Test victory of all time!! Egg on my “overjoyed”. “The team’s remarkable energy and ..will be remembered in the history of indian cricket face over here in the UK [...] but I love to see charac- India’s now injured fast bowler Ishant Sharma passion was visible throughout. So was their forever,” Ganguly — recovering from a heart attack ter & skill [...] India have it in abundance.” “#TeamIndia has proved it again by team efforts, great stellar intent, remarkable grit and determination. two weeks ago — tweeted. character, courage & max determination! Despite the Congratulations to the team! Best wishes for your He announced a special bonus for the team of 50 mil- Former West Indies cricketer Viv Richards bruises, the team made it possible for our country. future endeavours.” lion rupees ($680,000). “You don’t just play & love Test cricket for nothing. That’s why we play for the country’s flag to go high Brilliant game,” said Viv Richards, captain of the every time we perform,” he tweeted. India captain Virat Kohli India run-scoring cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar West Indies team who had been the last to win at the “To everyone who doubted us after Adelaide, stand up “EVERY SESSION WE DISCOVERED A NEW HERO. Gabba in 1988. India’s off-spinner Harbhajan Singh and take notice. Exemplary performance but the grit Every time we got hit, we stayed put & stood taller. We Proud of you boys ... This is BIG take a bow @ and determination was the standout for us the whole pushed boundaries of belief to play fearless but not England fast bowler Stuart Broad RishabhPant17 well done indian team @BCCI way. Well done to all the boys and the management. careless cricket. Injuries & uncertainties were coun- “Test cricket’s heart is beating strongly! That was an Believing is achieving.. top batting Enjoy this historic feat lads,” he said. tered with poise & confidence.” extraordinary win @BCCI & a fantastic series to watch. @RealShubmanGill @cheteshwar1 important Top Tweets Top Aussies not lost at The Gabba since 1988. Wow,” partnership @Sundarwashi5

Coach Shastri hails India for winning ‘toughest tour ever’ Kohli, Pandya return as BCCI Agencies after the side beat Australia 2-1 coach’s job is to prepare the last game. It was important to Brisbane in the Test series. players mentally and work on keep the self belief going and names squad for first two “I had tears because this is their mindset. Don’t over com- Ajinkya did a great job, by being India cricket team coach Ravi unreal. What these guys have plicate things and it will work.” calm and taking everything in Shastri on Tuesday turned pulled off will go down in his- In fact, it was Shastri, who his stride,” the coach said. Tests against England emotional as he watched tory as one of the greatest series decided that net bowler Wash- Just like Rome wasn’t built Rishabh Pant take a lap of hon- ever played. When you look at ington Sundar will replace the in a day, this Indian team, that is Agencies our with the national flag and the COVID situation and state injured Ravindra Jadeja in regularly winning Test matches New Delhi then handing it over to a proud of injuries and then to show the Brisbane. “We were left with overseas, wasn’t built overnight. Mohammed Siraj and then to stomach for a fight, after be- no choices. We had no one left “People think it has come India skipper Virat Kohli Shardul Thakur. ing bowled out for 36 is unim- in the squad when final Test overnight, it doesn’t come over- returned to the national side “I got emotional. I am not aginable,” said the veteran of 80 started,” Shastri admitted that night. It’s a process that has as the BCCI on Tuesday an- someone who generally has Tests. “This is the toughest tour the likes of Bumrah and Ashwin taken 5-6 years. They have had nounced the Test squad to take tears in his eyes and even I got ever. Nothing comes closer to were in no condition to play. tough tours, had losses, what on England in the first two emotional,” the India head this. This surpasses all.” “If you look at the India they have learnt is never to give matches of the upcoming four- coach, still trying to soak in On the appreciation he bowling attack that beat Aus- up. The feeling of being defeat- match series. what his wards had achieved, deserves for the success, the tralia in 2018-19, there was not ed is one thing but giving up is All-rounder Hardik Pandya confessed to the media online former India captain said, “A a single bowler playing in that not in our vocabulary.” and senior fast bower Ishant Sharma, who were not part of the just-concluded Test series in Australia, have made a come- Paine admits Australia’s failures but determined to ‘soldier’ on back to the side. Ishant missed the series Down Under due to Australia’s captain Tim by consecutive day fives pened a little bit in Sydney those day fives.” an injury he suffered during Paine (pictured) has no in which he was unable to with our fielding, and then Asked whether Australia the IPL 2020, while Hardik was intention of resigning, even marshal a strong bowling at- yesterday a bit with our bat- had been too determined omitted as he hadn’t resumed Team India captain Virat Kohli. after giving a frank and un- tack to deliver victory over ting, we continually lost wick- simply to stick to their sim- bowling after undergoing a flattering assessment of how Ajinkya Rahane’s preternatu- ets when we were trying to put ple and trusted methods for back surgery. been included in the side. February 5, while the second his team found themselves rally resilient tourists, Paine the foot down and couldn’t bullying opponents with pace Leading fast bowler Jasprit In addition, the selection match of the four-match series beaten by an injury-ravaged said India had in truth won quite get a partnership togeth- bowling and fast scoring in Bumrah and off-spinner Ravi- committee also picked up five will start on February 13. India side in the battle for the majority of the key mo- er. I thought every time India Australian conditions, as op- chandran Ashwin, who missed reserve players -- KS Bharat, The last two matches of the Border Gavaskar Trophy, ments across all four Tests, needed to do that or needed posed to the more consid- the fourth Test against Aus- Abhimanyu Easwaran, Shah- the series will be played at the capped with the first victory cancelled out only by one a wicket, someone managed ered and fit-for-purpose ap- tralia due to injuries, have also baz Nadeem, Rahul Chahar largest cricket stadium in the by a visiting team at the Gab- crazy hour in Adelaide where to do it for them. I think they proaches tried in recent away been named in the squad. and Priyank Panchal, while world -- Sardar Patel Stadium ba since 1988. they had been razed won the key moments. series in India and England, Given the spin-friendly na- Ankit Rajpoot, Avesh Khan, in Ahmedabad. At 36, Paine said he was for 36. “I just said then to JL Paine wondered whether the ture of Indian pitch, the selec- Sandeep Warrier, Krishnap- India’s squad for first two looking ahead to the forth- “Even if you (coach Justin Langer), we pitches had aided his men as tors have opted for an extra pa Gowtham and Saurabh Tests against England: Virat coming tour of South Africa went right back turned up in Sydney on day much as usual. spinner in Axar Patel, along Kumar were picked as the five Kohli (capt), Ajinkya Rahane and a bid to qualify for the to Adelaide, if it five and the Gabba on day five “Everyone’s got a great side the likes of Ashwin, Kul- net bowlers. (vc), Rohit Sharma, Shubman finalof the World Test was with bat, ball in as good a position as you plan for opposition, but India deep Yadav and Washington Fast bowler Umesh Yadav Gill, Mayank Agarwal, Chetesh- Championship, but or field, every time would want to be in I reckon, just managed to play better Sundar. and all-rounder Ravindra Jade- war Pujara, Wriddhiman Saha would not guarantee we had a chance and couldn’t get the job done, than us,” he said. “They man- Mohammed Siraj, who ja, who were both ruled out of (wk), Hardik Pandya, KL Ra- his tenure beyond to go ahead of so there’s some things that we aged to get through our plans finishedas India’s leading the Border-Gavaskar Trophy hul, Rishabh Pant (wk), Jas- that to next sum- the game we let should’ve and could’ve done for longer than we managed wicket-taker in Australia in the middle of the series, will prit Bumrah, Ishant Sharma, mer’s home Ashes it slip,” Paine better, but at the same time to get through theirs, particu- series with 13 wickets, has miss the first two Tests slated to Mohammad Siraj, Shardul series. said. I thought India, their batting larly in the key moments.” found a place, while Shardul be played at the MA Chidam- Thakur, Ravichandran Ashwin, Clearly rocked “It hap- group were amazing on both (ESPNCricinfo.com) Thakur, who had an impres- baram Stadium in Chennai. Kuldeep Yadav, Washington sive overseas debut, has also The first Test will begin on Sundar, and Axar Patel. 14 Wednesday, January 20, 2021 Sports Attiyah and Meeke top entries for Qatar International Rally 2021

MERC opener in Qatar moves forward to January 29-31 Tribune News Network Losail

Defending FIA Middle East rally champion Nasser Saleh Al Attiyah and WRC star Kris Meeke are the top seeds on an and Zakariya Al Aufi, Leba- international 18-car entry with non’s Shadi Al Fakih and Ah- competitors from nine nations mad Khaled and local drivers (subject to FIA approval) an- Rashid Al Mohannadi and nounced by the Qatar Motor Kris Meeke (GBR) seen during Mohammed Al Attiyah. and Motorcycle Federation FIA World Rally Championship Lebanon’s Henry Kahy will (QMMF) for next week’s Qatar 2018 in Porto, Portugal. again be looking to try and win International Rally. the MERC 3 title in his two- The opening round of the R5. wheel drive Skoda Fabia. 2021 FIA Middle East Rally Attiyah will be aiming for Qatar’s Khalid Al Mohan- Championship (MERC) will a record-breaking 15th win on nadi and Lebanon’s Jad Al- go ahead under the strict his home event and a stagger- Aawar have taken advantage Covid-19 protocols in force in ing 76th career MERC success. of the ruling permitting the the State of Qatar and has also A series of punctures cost the use of FIA-homologated T4 moved forward by one day in Qatari the possible chance of vehicles on regional MERC the calendar. The start cere- winning the Dakar Rally last gravel rallies and will tackle mony will now be held at Kata- week and he had to settle for the event in their respective ra on Friday evening (January second place in the overall Polaris and Can-Am Maverick 29th), followed by two days of standings. Qatar’s Nasser Saleh Al Attiyah in his Volkswagen Polo GTi R5. X3, subject of course to FIA gravel action in the Qatar de- Meeke drove a PH Sport technical scrutineering. serts on January 30th-31st. Zephyr in the T3 category for impressive and Attiyah will be scene in November 2019 after “The terrain will be new to challenging for a podium fin- The QMMF will also run Both Al Attiyah and Meeke lightweight prototype vehicles hard pushed by the Ulsterman a season with the Toyota Ga- us and I hear that we will need ish. a national event behind the endured different fortunes at at the Dakar Rally and won over the desert special stages zoo Racing World Rally Team. to be careful to avoid punc- Eight teams will challenge main MERC rally. Qatar’s the recent Dakar Rally and the Prologue and final stage in Qatar. “After my first experience tures. But we are both looking for honours in the MERC 2 Ahmed Allouh and Ahmed Al- will both be looking to bounce during a fraught debut in the Meeke is a former winner of the Dakar, I am now look- forward to this new and excit- Championship in a range of Mohannadi are two names to back to winning ways in Qatar. dunes, where numerous nig- of five WRC rallies between ing forward to taking part in a ing challenge.” Mitsubishis and Subarus en- feature on the draft list. Attiyah teams up with French gles and technical issues cost 2015 and 2017 and also won traditional special stage rally Seven R5s grace the im- tered in the NR4 group. De- This year’s rally will be navigator Matthieu Baumel to him many hours and numer- a similar number of rounds of in the desert,“ said Meeke. pressive field for the regional fending champion Meshari held under the chairmanship drive his usual Autotek Mot- ous time penalties. He eventu- the International Rally Chal- “I’ve wanted to take part in series opener with the likes of Al Thefiri leads the field in of QMMF President Abdul- orsport-run Volkswagen Golf ally reached the finish in 41st lenge (IRC) in 2009 and 2010. one of these rallies for a long Qatar’s Abdulaziz Al Kuwari, his bid to retain the regional rahman Al Mannai, senior GTi R5, while Meeke and navi- overall in the SSV section. His most recent successes time and to compete against Nasser Khalifa Al Atya, Sheikh showroom category title and committee member Abdul- gator Sebastian Marshall will But Meeke’s speed and came at the contrasting WRC Nasser and the Middle East Suhaim Al Thani and Khalid faces competition from fellow razaq Al Kuwari and the QM- tackle their first ever round competitiveness in traditional rounds in Mexico and Spain drivers will be a new challenge Al Suwaidi and Oman’s Abdul- Kuwaiti Jassim Al Muqahwi, MF’s Executive Director Amro of the MERC in a Skoda Fabia special stage rallies is far more in 2017, but he left the WRC for me and Seb. lah Al Rawahi also likely to be Oman’s Zakariya Al Amri Al Hamad.

Qatar Superstock and Qatar Touring Car Championship Participants show promise in pre-season test at Losail Tribune News Network Defending QSTK 600 “The most important Doha champion Abdulla Al Qubai- thing is that we achieved si was second in the testing, our goals and we are ready. The new season of the Qa- with his experienced rival The late start to the season tar Superstock and Qatar Saeed al Sulaiti topping the would be better for us due Pakistan tennis player Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi hits a return during a Touring Car Championship time sheets. “I’m really hap- to the weather. It’s a bit hot- practice session in Melbourne on Tuesday. (AFP) was held last Friday, with py to be back in racing and ter than December, and that an official practice at the Lo- I’m looking forward to win- helps a lot on the bike. If sail Circuit. The first round ning the championship again things go well, we may race Aus Open defuse player of the championships, or- this season,” Al Qubaisi said. at night,” Al Darwish said. ganised by the Qatar Motor The R6 Yamaha bikes, and Motorcycle Federation which was acquired by QMMF Official Tests Results criticism, Azarenka plea (QMMF), will be held this ahead of the season, was test- Qatar Superstock 600 Friday and Saturday. ed by the riders in practice 1. Saeed Al Sulaiti Time: DPA World number one Novak The new season has seen sessions. “We did some tests 2:03.990 seconds; 2. Ab- Berlin Djokovic reportedly sent a list a surge in number of rid- today with the new bikes and dulla Al Qubaisi 2:04.928; 3. of demands to make quaran- ers and drivers taking part it was exciting but exhaust- Mashel Al Naimi 2:05.041; 4. Australian Open tourna- tine life easier which however in the championship com- ing,” Al Qubaisi added. Yousef Al Darwish 2:08.647; ment director Craig Tiley on was swiftly dismissed by state pared to previous years due Meshaal Al Nuaimi, who 5. Rayad Al Emadi 2:09.882 Tuesday ruled out changing authorities, with Tiley speak- to the season’s late start be- was third fastest, said the the men’s best-of-five-sets for- ing of suggestions rather than cause of the COVID-19 pan- official tests has helped the Qatar Supersport 300 mat in connection with strict demands. demic. Just like last season, riders prepare for the season 1. Yousef Al Darwish quarantine rules for a number Tiley said that some 500 there will be two categories in new bikes. 2:19.066 seconds; 2. Hamad of players. players participated in a confer- in both the championships: “We tested the new R6 Al Sahouti 2:19.471; 3. “We are a Grand Slam,” ence call, with a vast majority QSTK 600 and QSSP 300 Yamaha today and this is Alberto Moncayo 2:19.970; 4 Tiley told the Nine Network, happy to be in Australia and un- for the bikes, while QTCC 2K the first experience of this Saad al-Harqan 2:20.892; 5. saying there was no need for derstanding the situation. and M240 for the cars. season. We have not been on Alexian Macary 2:22.698 change as it stands. “The majority of the players Twenty riders from nine the bikes since April of last The statement came as three have been absolutely fantastic different countries took part year and now with these new Qatar Touring Car more people were said to have and this is a playing group that’s in a practice session for the bikes, we have to understand Championship tested positive for the corona- a little bit upset with what some QSTK 600 category for bikes, them,” he said. 1. Ahmed Al Asiri 2:25.077 virus after arriving on charter of the playing group have said, it while ten riders participated Young rider Yousef Al seconds; 2. Ahmed Shaheen flights for the grand slam due holds them in a bad light in the in the QSSP 300 category. Darwish, who topped the Qa- Al Muhani 2:26.313; to start on February 8, bringing community,” Tiley told ABC. The participating number tar Supersport 300 sessions 3. Ghanim Al Madheed their total number to nine. “This is the first time that has increased for cars, where and was fourth fastest in the 2:27.639; 4. Jabor Al Sulaiti At the moment 72 players these players have experienced 13 people drove for the offi- QSTK 600, was excited to be 2:30.224; 5. Ahmed Ismail Al are in strict isolation in their ho- anything like this and this is the cial test for the 2021 QTCC. a part of the senior class. Abbassi 2:30.629. tel rooms for a fortnight because price that our guests and any- they were on flights with people one coming into Australia needs who tested positive. to pay.” The hard-quarantined These players are not al- Azarenka meanwhile also asked lowed to train outside their for understanding in an open rooms while the others can train letter on Twitter. for several hours during their “We have a global pandem- quarantine which is mandatory ic, nobody has a clear playbook in Australia for every interna- of how to operate at full capacity tional arrival. and without a glitch, we all have The 72 include title holder seen it last year. Sometimes Sophia Kenin as well as past things happen and we need to champions Angelique Kerber accept, adapt and keep moving,” and Victoria Azarenka. Azarenka tweeted. There have been complaints “I would like to ask all my from players about the condi- colleagues for cooperation, un- tions and then having to play a derstanding and empathy for slam, with some also saying they the local community that has weren’t aware that a hard quar- been going through a lot of very antine was mandatory for every- demanding restrictions that one on a flight with people who they did not choose, but were tested positive. forced to follow.” Wednesday, January 20, 2021 15 Reports by L N Mallick For events and press releases email [email protected] or L N Mallick Pakistan Prism L N Mallick call (974) 4000 2222 L N Mallick Running duo aim to break Qatar North-South traverse record

around 500 kilometres.” The key to Ziyad’s success has been FASTEST CROSSING OF QATAR Speaking to Qatar Tribune, his understanding of people’s desire to (ON FOOT) Ziyad said: “My last individual GWR attempt was back in 2015 challenge themselves. He already holds 13 following which I started Z Ad- ventures. So over the last six Guinness World Records, 10 as individual years, my running and record- and three as a race director breaking desires took a back- seat as I was too occupied with iyad Rahim is no highest road race in the world organising events and expand- stranger to arduous at Khunjerab Pass (4,693m ing my company. endurance chal- above sea-level) and broke 3 “However, during the pan- lenges which would GWRs in the process. demic, I just felt I needed to go test any accom- Z Adventures organises out there to see if I still have the Zplished athlete, let alone a man marathons in more than 40 strength and mental toughness who has to balance the require- countries across six conti- to attempt tasks that are out ments of these challenges (both nents, which is the most by an of my comfort zone. I shared physical and logistical) with a adventure-running company Ziyad Rahim the idea with my good friend, demanding job in the world of in the world. Stephanie, and she happily banking, a passion for squash, However, none of this agreed to join me on the chal- and a hectic weekend schedule seemed enough. As a local role lenge and aim to set her first as Qatar’s number one organ- model, Ziyad was determined GWR. I am ecstatic, yet a bit iser of amateur running races. to continue to expand upon nervous, as I have never run Ziyad is a well-known his record collection, inspire Stephanie that long continuously. figure in the local sporting others, challenge himself, and Innes “I think the hardest aspect community and has watched as he admits, he needed some- of the challenge would be to with interest as Qatar Run- thing to fill his time and occupy overcome sleep deprivation as ning Series has grown from a his mind during the COVID-19 we plan to complete the chal- small, informal entity back in pandemic. lenge without a break. 2015 that attracted only ‘race The ongoing global travel “I am happy, though, that starved’ expat adults in Qatar, restrictions simply meant that our friends would be joining us to a booming community. Rac- Ziyad had to innovate and at various stages of the attempt es are sold out within days now think of a record closer to to cheer us on.” and attract a large number of home. He discovered that Despite his hectic schedule, Qatari people, an ever-increas- the official record for the Ziyad has managed to clock in ing proportion of women, and Fastest Traverse of Qa- the necessary miles to be fit for a growing number of children tar by a male (on the challenge. Over the winter across both the primary and foot) was set in holidays, he trained in below secondary school age ranges. December freezing temperatures in Scot- The key to Ziyad’s success 2019 in 47 land while visiting his family. has been his understanding hours Upon his return to Qatar, of people’s desire to challenge and 56 he underwent one week of ho- themselves. He is already the minutes The course map of North South Challenge tel quarantine as part of Qatar’s holder of 13 Guinness World by French- COVID-19 protocols. Records (GWR), 10 as individu- man Jad Hamdan. more than 40 hours During that week in lock- al and three as a Race Director. Ziyad realised of ‘walking psycho- down, he completed a full mar- Ziyad was the first person that a journey therapy’. athon (42.2K) and a half mara- in the world to complete a half, of that duration Stephanie, a former thon (21.1K) on a 15m loop full and an ultramarathon on needs company UK lawyer and now a inside his hotel room. all the seven continents. so he approached teacher at one of the Stephanie took part in two His other Guinness World a local long- most prestigious in- mega events in Qatar during Records (GWRs) include the distance run- stitutions in Qatar, as this to enthuse the students On her upcoming chal- December and finished third fastest time to complete an ning champion, took up long-distance she teaches. lenge, Stephanie told Qatar in both the QEW 90K and ultramarathon on each con- Stephanie Innes running shortly before Upon completion of this Tribune: “I am taking part Theeb Ultra 50K which she tinent (41 days), fastest time (UK) to join him moving to the Middle challenge, Stephanie will lead in this challenge to support feels has given her the neces- to complete a marathon on on the adventure. East in 2017. However, a 4-member team of female Ziyad in his quest. I love the sary courage and determina- each continent and the North Stephanie agreed in a very short time, she runners, Desert Roses, to at- local races that he organises. tion to attempt the record. Pole (41 days), fastest time to on the condition has become one of the tempt the first circumnaviga- He’s a key figure in our local The pair will embark on complete a half marathon on that Ziyad aim to top athletes in the coun- tion of Qatar (500km) within running community in Qa- what they hope will be no more each continent (10 days) and beat the exist- try, winning more than 5 days, a feat no man or tar. Furthermore, I’m pas- than a 202-km challenge on a combination of marathon ing record by 50 percent of the races woman has achieved in such a sionate about encouraging Friday, January 22 at 6 am and ultramarathon records several hours she took part in while fin- Stephanie Innes in Qatar. short timeframe. more women to participate from Al Ruwais, the northern- around the world. as she needs ishing in the top 3 in over Upon successful comple- in sport, particularly run- most point of Qatar. To-date, Ziyad has complet- some sleep 95 percent of the events. Marathon, 10 in 10 in Italy and tion of the two challenges, she ning in Qatar. This challenge They will travel south ed more than 250 long-distance before return- Over the last few years, QEW 90K. will become the first person to will also function as great towards Bu Samra and con- races in 79 countries and across ing to work she has competed in some Stephanie, through her run- officially complete theE ast to training for my next event, clude their trip at the border all seven continents. the following day of the toughest ultramara- ning, aims to promote greater West (90K), North to South which will be the first female with Saudi Arabia, hopefully In 2019, his company, Z and she doesn’t believe ei- thons in the world, in- female participation in sport in (202K) and Circumnavigation circumnavigation of Qatar before midnight on Saturday, Adventures, organised the ther party would cope with cluding the Comrades Qatar and uses challenges such of Qatar (500K). on foot. This will equate to January 23. #Meetwithrana organises online PISQ students achieve excellent results akistan International event to mark 144th birth School, Qatar has always Pbeen at the forefront in the field of education as anniversary of Founder of Pakistan it endeavors to polish the creative abilities and critical ouTube channel #meet- Aayan and Zayan spoke on League and became its presi- thinking skills of students. withrana organised an on- the occasion and paid rich dent in 1916. He got elected Even during the hard Yline event titled ‘Hamare tributes to Jinnah, fondly re- as a member of the Impe- times of the ongoing pan- Quaid-e-Azam’ to mark the membered as the Father of rial Legislative Body in 1923. demic, PISQ provided the 144th birth anniversary of the Nation. Hannana Mari- On March 23, 1940, Muslim students with all the facili- the Founder of Pakistan, Mu- am and Zarmeen Zahir pre- leadership of India demand- ties and necessary online hammad Ali Jinnah. sented patriotic songs. ed separate state for Mus- platforms to keep the aca- The channel is hosted by Jinnah was born on De- lims. On August 14, 1947, Pa- demic activities going. Qatar-based prominent in- cember 25, 1876 in Karachi. kistan got independence and Students continued tak- fluencer and literary figure He entered into national Jinnah took oath as the first ing classes through online Anwar Ali Rana. politics and joined All India Governor General of Paki- platforms and the school Syed Okasha Bilal, Ab- Congress in 1906. In 1913, stan. Jinnah passed away on successfully completed the dullah Aaban, Muhammad he joined All India Muslim September 11, 1948. first term of the academic year 2020-2021 by conduct- ing exams on time and in accordance with the instruc- tions issued by the Ministry of Education and Higher Education. In Primary Wing (classes I to IV), 1,005 students out of 1,058 appeared in the exam of which 943 were success- ful. The total participation was 94.99 percent of which the pass percentage was 93.83 percent. Similarly, from classes V from classes V to VIII ap- achieved by the students of school has achieved, espe- to VIII in the Senior Girls’ peared in the examination PISQ has once again con- cially during the difficult Wing, 490 students took from the Boys’ Wing. The firmed the progressive ap- times of COVID-19. the examination. The pass pass percentage was 90 per- proach of the school and its The parents also appre- percentage was 96 percent. cent out of which 32.4 per- continuous efforts to facili- ciated the efforts of the ad- Of this, 45 percent students cent students secured A1 tate the students in their ac- ministration and teachers in scored ‘A1’ grade while 21 grade and 20 percent stu- ademic sector in all kinds of providing quality education percent took ‘A’. dents got ‘A’ grade. circumstances. through distance learning As many as 543 students The excellent results It also outlines what the programme amid COVID-19. 16 Wednesday, January 20, 2021 The Last Word

Sheikha Al Mayassa visits Qatar Sports and Olympic Museum project

Chairperson of Qatar Museums HE Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad Al Thani on Tuesday visited the Qatar Sports and Olympic Museum project, one of the pioneering projects launched by the Amir His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. The museum will be open to the public in two stages, the first in July, coinciding with the Tokyo Olympics, and the second phase in October in preparation for the Arab Cup 2021 in Qatar.(TNN) QM, Abu Issa Holding Exhibition to mark the end of QM’s 5th introduce artworks to Umm Slal Mohammed Artist in Residence Programme opens Ailyn Agonia quarantine compound DOHA Artworks reflecting the chang- Five artists send message of hope via vibrant murals ing surroundings, extraordinary experiences and realisations dur- ing the lockdowns and uncertain- ties brought by the COVID-19 pandemic are presented in the ex- hibition titled ‘Grey Times’, which had a VIP opening at the Doha Fire Station on Tuesday. The art event, which will be open for public viewing from Jan- uary 20 to July 24, marks the end of the 5th edition of the Artist in Residence (AIR) Programme, an initiative of Qatar Museums (QM) that nurtures emerging talent based in Qatar and provides the that powerfully depict strong emo- perfect springboard for creativity, tions and life realities with every helping people to take their pas- stroke on her canvas mimicking sion to the next level. movements. Tribune News Network way to show their solidarity. Public art The collection showcases oil Amena Al Yousef, an interdis- DOHA contributes to Qatar’s thriving cultural paintings, photographs, installa- ciplinary artist, presents a mixed landscape. We are honoured to have tions, sculptures and other crea- media titled ‘What Remains’ Qatar Museums (QM) and Abu Issa partnered with Abu Issa Holding to tive platforms categorised into two which explored natural pigments Holding recently initiated a project to make this initiative possible and to of- sections: ‘A Look Outside’ and ‘A from organic sources like desert create murals for the Umm Slal Mo- fer a message of hope through art.” Look Inside’. rocks, plant roots and fruit skins. hammed quarantine compound. Ghamdi said, “My mural depicts The exhibit is curated by Dr Naila Al Thani, a designer and The artworks are intended to uplift the word ‘hope’ in geometric letters Bahaa Abudaya together with Sai- researcher, showcases a series of the spirit of those residing and working and a fusion of positive colours. Dur- da Al Khulaifi as associate curator. sculptural formations composed at the compound during the COVID-19 ing a global pandemic, it’s sometimes In a statement, Dr Abudaya of local materials and natural in- pandemic. hard to see the light at the end of the reiterated the challenges faced gredients formed using moulds Artists Muna Al Bader, Huda Basa- tunnel. Since the artwork is on the by the artists in finalising their layered with sand collected from hal, Alanoud Al Ghamdi, Nada Khoz- wall outside an examination room, I projects due to the restrictions in different locations across Qatar. estani and Dimitrije Bugarski volun- wanted to motivate patients recover- place in the form of health and Mashael Al Hejazi, a photog- teered their time to paint murals that ing from COVID-19 by bringing some safety precautions. He said that rapher, presents a documentation bring life and colour to walls within the optimism to their lives and empha- as the artists lost access to stu- of elaborate wooden entrances in compound. sising that there’s always hope.” dios at the Fire Station as well as artists questioned “the self” by isolation. They showcase our par- the traditional Musheireb neigh- Abdulrahman Al Ishaq, director Qatar Museums is committed to to workshops that come with the re-examining their identity, their ticipating artists’ ability to adapt bourhood using cyanotype, one of of Public Art at Qatar Museums, said: enriching the lives of the wider com- programme, they moved their memories and their childhood to exceptional life changes. The the oldest photographic printing “Qatar Museums would like to express munity through public art that reflects creative spaces into their homes or took stock of “the other” by Grey Times exhibition sheds light methods. sincere gratitude to the artists who societal issues of global relevance. The leaving themselves with extremely observing the surrounding com- on the meaning of working on an Other participating artists are generously gave their time and talent museum recently held the Jedariart limited resources. munity while in a reclusive state. obscure and unstable ground, one Majdulin Nasrallah, Hind Al Saad, to lift everyone’s spirts during an ex- public art initiative, a month-long pro- “Amid an unstable creative These two approaches resulted where certainties are lost and the Mariam Rafehi, Noor Yousef, tremely challenging time. It was dif- gramme in which 18 locally-based art- backdrop with an unpredictable in projects, including oil paint- future is unpredictable,” Dr Abu- Jaser Alagha, Latifa Al Kuwari, ficult for the artists to source material ists added meaning to shared urban future, a grey state swings between ings, drawings, sculptures, instal- daya pointed out. Maysaa Almumin, Hadeer Omar, and find a space to create their artwork spaces through carefully curated mu- clarity and obscurity. Previous lations, video and photographic Among the works on display Suzana Joumaa, Aisha Al Muhan- during the early days of the lockdown rals and street art at various designated certainties are no longer quite so works, that vigorously reflect the are the paintings of Muna Al Bader nadi, Ebtesam Al Hothi, Ameera which meant they went out of their locations across Doha. secure. In their projects, resident concept of creativity in times of done in her signature blue shades Al Aji and Haytham Sharrouf. Qatar Foundation creates platform to Qatar Foundation’s Art Trail programme takes encourage students to find their voice guided art tours online Tribune News Network “This unit served as an opportu- the unit, with Kandido reaching out to Doha nity for everyone to come together – other QF schools asking if any other Ailyn Agonia collection in the VCUQatar Art from whatever space and time they’re teachers would be interested in taking DOHA Gallery, Majlis Media Museum, A Qatar Foundation (QF) school is help- in, and whatever their level of under- part with their respective classes. Qatar National library exhibi- ing young people discover their voices standing of social movements – to have “I went into this unit with a pur- As many local and interna- tions, Mathaf, Education City while fostering skills that will better a discussion. And that discussion is im- poseful desire to connect high school tional initiatives are embracing mosque art exhibitions and prepare them to make changes within portant.” students to other high school students hosting virtual events to carry Multaqa Art gallery. their communities and beyond, through Reem Abdulla A A Al Mannai, a QAS outside of their current QAS bubble,” on with their activities while According to the announce- a specially crafted inter-textual course student who took the course last semes- she says. “So I reached out to other keeping communities safe in ment of QF Art Trail on its taught as part of the International Bac- ter, says: “What I enjoyed most about Diploma Programme teachers, asking view of the global health crisis, Instagram account and email calaureate Diploma Programme. the unit was definitely being given the if they wanted to digitally connect stu- Qatar Foundation’s (QF) Art invitations to their patrons, the The ‘Voice, Agency, Protest’ unit was opportunity to explore a variety of dif- dents so they have a bigger pool of un- Trail programme has recently first virtual tour will take partici- created by Melissa Kandido, a teacher ferent texts, as well as speaking to some derstanding. announced on its social media pants, while at the comforts of at Qatar Academy Sidra (QAS) – part bining a variety of bodies of work – influential authors, regarding this topic. “A teacher from Qatar Academy platforms that it will take its their homes, around 2015 Build- of QF Pre-University Education – and from poetry and op-eds to photo es- “It was truly inspiring to see how Al Khor responded, so essentially she popular guided art tours online. ing, otherwise known as the QF was taught to Grade 11 and 12 English says and podcasts – and featured guest they use voice, agency and protest taught her students in her COVID QF Art Trail, launched in Headquarters. It is scheduled to Language and Literature students last speakers including writers, filmmakers throughout their lives and share it with space, I taught my students in my COV- 2016, is an initiative aimed at be held on January 20 at 5pm semester for the first time. and activists. The content primarily fo- others. Over the course of the six weeks, ID space, and they connected virtually.” connecting the local community (Doha time). Kandido says: “The unit was built cused on the Black Lives Matter social I learned how to advocate as an individ- Kandido is also working with the to QF’s impressive public art Interested parties are urged to encompass wider conceptual ques- movement, but included other topics ual about certain topics that are impor- Black Student Association at QF partner collection and temporary exhi- to book their slot for a chance tions. For example, what does it mean of discussions, such as the Arab Spring tant to me, even if it is on a small scale, Georgetown University in Qatar, with bitions housed and taking place to explore artworks of British to have voice, what does it mean to use and the Vietnam War. as any change can be good. I also gained 15 students virtually attending classes in various location within the sculptor Tony Cragg, Chinese your voice, when do you choose to use Speaking about the relevance of a lot of knowledge about how much when possible, and then providing feed- Education City. artist Cai Guo-Qiang, Spanish it, when do you silence it, when are you the unit, Kandido says: “For 16-, 17-, struggle some racial and ethnic groups back to the students. Prior to the pandemic, the artist and sculptor Jaume Plen- silenced? and 18-year-old students, developing a have to go through to have something as And she says: “Through this unit, programme had hosted sev- sa, among others. “Agency is when you choose to voice, finding a voice and figuring out simple as equality and the justice they I’m trying to help young people build eral guided tours for the general Early last year, QF Art Trail act upon the voice you have or use – what to do with that voice is incredibly deserve. interpersonal skills and communication public and art lovers across ages. suspended all physical art tours whether that is in a social media space important. “This course has helped prepare for skills, which will transfer past school, The guided tours usually in Education City due to the or an active space – and how you want “At this point, they’re being told the for the future, because it has brought past their academic life.” host 15 to 20 visitors led by art- pandemic. Since then, the pro- to use it. And then, do you want to use what to study, they’re being told what to to my attention issues that I didn’t know Admissions for QAS is now open for ists or curators and give partici- gramme has activated its Ins- it in protest way – are you looking for do for the most part, and how to get to existed, as well as teaching me how to the academic year 2021-2022. More in- pants a chance to get to know tagram account (@qf_trail) to reformation or revolution in different the next point in life. So their lives prob- use voice agency and protest to stand up formation is available at: https://www. more about a specific public art keep art lovers in the country spaces?” ably feel quite organied, or directed, by for the things I believe in.” qf.org.qa/education/pre-university- on the campus. Among the tours engaged in the QF art scene The unit was taught through com- older people. Collaboration was a key aspect of admissions previously offered featured art while staying at home.