Thursday April 1, 2021 Shaban 19, 1442 Vol.14 no. 5221 QR 2

Fajr: 4:09 am Dhuhr: 11:38 am fine Asr: 3:06 pm Maghrib: 5:51 pm High : 35°C LOW : 23 °C Isha: 7:21 pm

World 9 Business 10 Sports 14 AstraZeneca ‘respects’ decision by CB highlights benefits Delighted coach Sanchez Germany to restrict use of vaccine of investing in Turkey lauds Qatar’s team spirit

Amir visits National Security Shield Center Amir meets Rosneft CEO

His Highness the Amir of State of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani met with Chief Executive Officer of Rosneft Oil Company Igor Sechin at Al Bahr alaceP on Wednesday. The Rosneft CEO called on HH the Amir to greet him on the occasion of his visit to the country. During the meeting, they reviewed the existing cooperative relations between the two sides and the means of enhancing them. (QNA) QNA France, and Italy, in addition to the North tional terrorist threats, and to strengthen Doha Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). ways of dealing with regional security HH the Amir listened to another brief- threats. His Highness the Amir of State of Qatar ing on Invincible Security Sentry 2021 HH the Amir then toured the opera- Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani visited exercise, which was held in cooperation tions room and the halls of the air, land the National Security Shield Center in between the Qatari armed forces and and sea halls. HH the Amir was accom- Duhail camp complex on Wednesday. the US forces. It aims to ensure bilateral panied by Prime Minister and Minister of During the visit, HH the Amir listened planning, enhance the efficiency of the ad- Interior HE Sheikh Khalid bin Khalifa bin Cabinet orders halt to a briefing on forming a duty force for ministrative and military cadres and their Abdulaziz Al Thani, Deputy Prime Min- joint operations tasks for FIFA World Cup performance in the vital mission areas by ister and Minister of State for Defence Qatar 2022, with the participation of a developing interoperability between the Affairs HE Dr Khalid bin Mohammed Al number of brotherly and friendly countries two countries, enhance coordination and Attiyah and a number of ministers and represented by Turkey, the US, the UK, planning in order to respond to transna- senior military officials.p age 16 to medical services Qatar 2022 WC facilities at private facilities almost complete: Envoy Decision to come into effect from Friday QNA The Cabinet also approved QNA Doha a draft decision to reconstitute Doha the Lawyers Admission Com- The Cabinet has decided to stop mittee. It then approved the 90% of people Ambassador of Qatar to the services at private healthcare draft decision of the Minister who developed French Republic HE Sheikh facilities, except for emergency of Transport and Communi- Ali bin Jassim Al Thani has cases, as part of precautionary cations to establish sections COVID antibodies affirmed that work at the con- measures to contain the spread in the administrative units at retained it after 3 struction sites of FIFA World of the coronavirus (COVID-19). the General Authority for Civil Cup Qatar 2022 is progressing The decision will come into Aviation, and to define their months: Study at a rapid pace, and that the force from Friday, April 2. functions. construction of facilities is al- The decision was taken at The Cabinet approved a QNA most complete. the Cabinet meeting, chaired draft agreement between the Doha The ambassador expressed by Prime Minister and Min- government of Qatar and the Qatar’s aspiration to host a his- ister of Interior HE Sheikh Prime Minister and Minister of government of Bangladesh More than 90 percent of toric and unprecedented World Khalid bin Khalifa bin Ab- Interior HE Sheikh Khalid bin regarding the elimination of individuals who showed Cup, considering that it would dulaziz Al Thani, on Wednes- Khalifa bin Abdulaziz Al Thani. double taxation in relation to evidence of antibodies be a carbon-neutral and envi- day through videoconference. income taxes, prevention of to COVID -19 in the first ronmentally friendly tourna- Three Qatar 2022 WC stadiums The move came after the The Cabinet then approved evasion and tax avoidance. phase of a Primary Health ment. all set to be inaugurated this year Cabinet listened to the expla- a draft Amiri decision to estab- A draft memorandum of Care Corporation (PHCC) The envoy was speaking nation provided by HE Min- lish Qatar Tourism. The prep- understanding regarding con- study retained it after three at the inauguration of a vir- March 31, marks the 600-day countdown to the FIFA World ister of Public Health on the aration of the draft resolution ducting political consultations months of follow-up. tual symposium organised by Cup Qatar 2022. Qatar’s infrastructure plans are well ad- latest developments to limit comes to replace the Amiri on issues of common interest The PHCC conducted the Qatari-French Economic vanced. Four stadiums have been inaugurated, the new metro the spread of the coronavirus Decree No 74 of 2018 estab- between the Ministry of For- the study to estimate the League (Cadran) on the last system is up and running, and a host of expressways have (COVID-19). The Cabinet af- lishing the National Council eign Affairs of Qatar and the extent of the spread of preparations for the FIFA been built. Al Bayt, Al Thumama and Ras Abu Aboud stadiums firmed the continuation of im- for Tourism. Qatar Tourism Ministry of Foreign Affairs the COVID-19 pandemic World Cup Qatar 2022 and are all set to be inaugurated this year. page 13 plementing the precautionary aims to regulate, develop and and International Cooperation using the molecular test creating long-term growth le- measures in order to combat invest in the tourism and hos- of Rwanda also got the ap- (PCR) and blood samples vers for French companies in hope to overcome the COV- 2022, in terms of infrastruc- this pandemic. pitality industry, demonstrate proval. to determine the level of Qatar. ID-19 pandemic before the end ture, sports accommodation, The Cabinet decided to al- the civilizational, cultural, ar- It also approved a draft immunity. The first phase He welcomed the partici- of next summer. equipment, security, and hous- low private health facilities to tistic, and tourism features of memorandum of understand- of the survey was carried pants in the symposium that He said major French com- ing services. provide some of their medical the state, and cooperate with ing on energy cooperation out at the end of July 2020. brought together high-level panies supported the imple- He also expressed hope for services if possible through all activities, services, and en- between Qatar Petroleum The prevalence rate based French and Qatari economic mentation of Qatar National continued cooperation with modern means of communica- tities operating in the tourism and the Ministry of Energy in on antibody and molecular representatives, expressing Vision 2030 and the World Cup French companies. tion. sector within the state. Ukraine. tests among the registered population at PHCC was estimated at 14.6%. This rate was the lowest among children between the ages of 10 and 17 years (9.7%), Chefs of Qatar Virtual Food Festival kicks off today and the highest among the Fuel prices to go up in April elderly (19.8%) aging 60 Petrol and diesel will get costlier Qatar National Tourism Council stories and signature dishes to this virtual culinary festival enrich- years and over. page 2 as Qatar Petroleum increased the (QNTC) has announced that its bring flavours of the world to your es domestic tourism while support- fuel prices for April. Qatar Petrole- Chefs of Qatar Virtual Food Festi- doorstep. ing the F&B sector. A melting pot of um set the price of a litre of diesel val will take place from April 1 to QNTC Secretary-General and cultures, Qatar’s vibrant food scene at QR1.70 for April, as against QR May 12, 2021 in collaboration with Qatar Airways Group Chief Execu- reflects this diverse and eclectic 1.60 in March. Similarly, the price talabat and Qatar Airways. tive Akbar Al Baker said, “We are range of influences. From sampling Ashghal completes of super gasoline (95) is set at An exciting initiative, ‘Chefs of very pleased to bring the first cuisine by world-renowned chefs 7.2-km surface water QR1.85 per litre as compared to Qatar’ features the masterminds Chefs of Qatar Virtual Food Festival to the chance to win free airline QR1.65 in March. It also set the premium gasoline (91) price at QR1.80 per litre for behind Qatar’s best restaurants, to life. In the absence of in-person tickets, Chefs of Qatar showcases drainage network (PG 3) April as compared to QR1.60 in March. (TNN) with top chefs sharing their festivals and large-scale events, the best of Qatar.” (TNN) page 3 02 Thursday, April 1, 2021

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Quick read AMIR MEETS CONOCOPHILLIPS CHAIRMAN PHCC conducts study Amir sends written message to king of Spain The Amir His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani has sent The Amir His to estimate extent of a written message to King of Spain Felipe VI, pertaining to bilateral Highness Sheikh relations and the ways to enhance them. The message was handed Tamim bin coronavirus spread over by Ambassador of Qatar to Spain Abdullah bin Ibrahim Al Hamad Al Thani Hamar during his meeting with Minister for Foreign Affairs, European met with Chair- QNA cessfully. One of the important Union and Cooperation of Spain Arancha Gonzalez Laya. (QNA) man and Chief Doha motivations for implementing Executive Officer the second phase of the study Muraikhi meets Mali’s Foreign Ministry secretary-general of ConocoPhillips The Primary Health Care was the conflicting global evi- Minister of State for Foreign Affairs HE Sultan bin Saad Al Ryan Lance at Al Corporation (PHCC) has con- dence indicating that the con- Muraikhi met with Secretary-General of the Ministry of Foreign Bahr Palace on ducted a study to estimate the centration of antibodies in the Affairs of Mali Boubacar Gouro Diall. (QNA) Wednesday. Dur- extent of spread of the corona- blood diminishes over time ing the meeting, virus (COVID-19) pandemic after infection. The results Shura, US Congress discuss parliamentary relations they reviewed the in Qatar using molecular test showed that the antibody test Members of the Shura Council HE Dr Hind bint Abdulrahman Al existing relations (PCR) and blood sampling to was able to detect twice the Muftah and HE Reem bint Mohammed Al Mansoori met with a between the two determine the level of immu- number of infected cases dis- delegation of members of the US Congress in Doha on Wednes- sides and the nity. covered by the PCR test alone. day. During the meeting, they reviewed parliamentary relations prospects for The first phase of the sur- The total prevalence of between the Shura Council and the US Congress, and the ways their develop- vey was carried out at the end the pandemic in Qatar within to support and develop them. (QNA) ment. (QNA) of July 2020. The prevalence eight months among the pri- rate based on antibodies and mary health care community molecular tests among the was 19.1 percent. registered population at the Nearly one third of the PHCC was estimated at 14.6 participants who were posi- percent. tive in the antibody test in the This rate was the lowest first phase showed a decrease QC launches QR168 mn Ramadan drive among children between the in the concentration of anti- ages of 10 and 17 years (9.7 bodies, while only 8.8 percent percemt), and the highest of the participants showed no among the elderly (19.8 per- evidence of retaining the anti- to benefit 2.2 million people worldwide cent) aged 60 years and more. bodies to the disease. The percentage of infection Director of the Clinical Tribune News Network ness to take precautionary in 32 countries of the world. was higher in males compared Research Department at the Doha measures while implementing Other projects include re- with females with a great vari- PHCC Dr Hamda Qutbah said its seasonal projects to main- lief aid to crisis-hit areas and ation according to nationality it is reassuring that more than Qatar Charity (QC) has tain public safety. media programmes. and municipalities. 90 percent of the individuals launched a QR168 million Qatar Charity said it will How to Donate: The second phase of the who showed evidence of an- ‘Ramadan of Hope’ campaign distribute food packages and Donors can calculate and study was carried out by the tibodies to the disease in the for the month of Ramadan iftar meals individually to the pay their Zakat for Qatar end of October 2020. The in- first phase retained it after 1442 AH (2021) to benefit beneficiaries, using cars, while Charity’s Ramadan campaign dividuals who participated three months of follow-up. some 2.2 million people in 33 it has also facilitated the on- and relief and development in the first phase of the study The Clinical Research De- countries, including Qatar. line donation process through projects through its websites were invited to retest the anti- partment is participating in Qatar Charity thanked its website, app and other digi- and app, which are as follows: bodies in addition to undergo several other studies related to the benefactors, both citizens tal tools. Qatar Charity’s Website: the molecular test by nose and the COVID-19 pandemic, such and residents, for supporting The main three projects www.qcharity.org throat swabs. as the study of antibodies to its projects throughout the of the Ramadan campaign Qatar Charity’s App: www. The results showed that a the disease among healthcare year and for their generous are the distribution of Zakat qch.qa/app total of 943 out of 2,044 peo- workers, which sheds light on contributions to its previous Al-Fitr, the provision of Eid Zakaty Website: www.qch. ple who participated in the the relationship between the Ramadan campaigns, urging clothes and ‘Feed the Fasting, qa/Zakaty first phase of the study com- disease and the risk of expo- them to support the ‘Rama- which includes delivering food Donors can also contact a pleted the second phase suc- sure to it. dan of Hope’ campaign for baskets and meals. Zakat expert through the email this year to reach the target The campaign aims to de- and Digital ‎Growth Depart- snacks for those waiting at traf- ([email protected]) as beneficiaries such as the un- liver social aid worth more ment; and Ahmed Saleh Al Ali, fic lights and some other plac- well as through phone num- derprivileged, the displaced than QR100 million in Qatar director of the Media Depart- es and unable to reach home bers (55035744, 44290152) and refugees, across the and implement community ment. ‎ before the Adhaan of Magribh. The Zakat expert responds globe. programme remotely. It also The projects are expected Mobile Iftar is expected to to Zakat-related questions and Qatar Charity stated that includes many media pro- to benefit nearly 600,000 peo- benefit 48,000 people at a cost calculates Zakat for individu- it had chosen ‘Give the Gift of grammes produced by Qatar ple in debt, low-income fami- of over QR666,000. als, companies, professionals, Hope’ as a slogan for its cur- Charity to be broadcasted in lies, workers and expatriates Ramadan Supply aims to self-employed and property rent Ramadan drive to encour- cooperation with Qatari media in Qatar at an estimated cost meet the Ramadan needs of owners, etc. age the kind-hearted and be- and through their social media of QR111 million. the families of orphans, low- Upon the request of a do- nevolent people in the month accounts. These projects are as income families and widows nor, Qatar Charity provides of compassion and solidarity The ‘Ramadan of Hope’ follows: through the distribution of a home collector to calculate to contribute to creating hope was launched at a press con- Feed the Fasting coupons to 20,000 people and receive Zakat and dona- for the poor and the needy, ference attended by Faisal‎ This project includes Mo- at approximately QR2.4 mil- tions. The home collector can and bringing about a change bin Rashid Al Fuhaida, CEO bile Iftar for Workers, Mobile lion. be requested through its app in their lives. assistant for the Programme Iftar and Ramadan Supply. Qatar Charity will also (qch.qa/APP) and by dialing As the world will wel- and Community ‎Develop- Mobile Iftar for Work- distribute Zakat Al-Fitr, Eid 44667711. come the blessed month of ment Sector of Qatar Charity; ers includes food baskets and clothing, Eid gift for Orphans Donations can also be Ramadan for the second time Ahmed Al Rumaihi, director ready-to-meals for 456,000 and other made at Qatar Charity’s head- in a raw amid the continued of Emergency and‎ Relief De- beneficiariesat an estimated Ramadan Projects outside quarters, 26 branches and UDC’s Gewan Island marks coronavirus pandemic, Qatar partment; Abdul Aziz Jassim cost of QR6 million. Qatar are ‘Feed the Fasting’, collection points across the Charity has affirmed its keen- Hajji, director of Marketing Mobile Iftar includes iftar Zakat Al Fitr, and Eid Clothing country. 5 million safe man-hours Tribune News Network general health and safety, Doha which has played a major role in accelerating Gewan United Development Com- Island’s development pace. Sidra stresses parenting role in caring for children with ASD pany (UDC), a leading Qatari Building and Landscap- Tribune News Network tionships is the impact of positive parent- their child is showing signs of ASD would public shareholding com- ing Contractor, China Rail- Doha ing.” be to go to their local primary health care pany and master developer way 18th Bureau Group is Positive parenting strategies for clinic, where the paediatricians have a of The Pearl-Qatar and Ge- performing successfully and Experts from Sidra Medicine have families with children with ASD allow screening questionnaire. If the question- wan Island, has announced has exceeded expectations advised parents of children with Autism the child to feel secure and loved, which naire, shows any indication that the child a major safety milestone to date. Crystal Residence Spectrum Disorder (ASD) on the impor- in turn helps in their development. The might have ASD, they can make a referral of exceeding five million buildings are progressing tance of positive parenting, early inter- process also helps the families to handle to see the specialists either at Sidra Medi- safe working-hours without horizontally and vertically vention and maintaining routines. the challenges together and not feel over- cine or Hamad Medical Corporation.” any Lost Time Injury (LTI) rapidly with seven out of 15 ASD is characterised by difficulties whelmed, especially when tasks and rou- Dr Madeeha said, “Early identifica- across its operations in Ge- buildings ahead of schedule in social interaction and communication tines become a shared responsibility.” tion and intervention are very important wan Island. and two already reached roof and by repetitive and stereotyped behav- Dr Madeeha Kamal, senior attending and parents play a critical role in identi- While this milestone level. iors. It is amongst the most frequent and physician, Adolescent Medicine at Sidra fying the key signs even before an official demonstrates UDC’s com- On the other hand, infra- severe developmental disorders. Medicine, said: “It was very promising diagnoses is made.” mitment to maintaining a structure works are well un- Sidra Medicine’s Department of Psy- to see how many families which children For parents with children with ASD, safe working environment, derway with the construction chiatry features Child and Adolescent Fares, ASD patient, with his mother with ASD thrived in developing strong keeping a routine is extremely important. it is especially significant in of various utility buildings Mental Health, Developmental Paediat- bonds during the pandemic. It was an Dr Janjua advises the use of a visual view of the project’s magni- and supporting networks, rics and Adolescent Medicine services for Foundation and Sidra Medicine. It was opportunity for many parents, who while schedule which allows the children to see tude, complexity and fast- namely water reservoir, elec- the diagnosis, care and treatment of chil- adopted by the UN in 2008 as a world being at home, spent time talking to their what their routine will be like. track nature as UDC man- trical substations, sewerage dren and young people with ASD includ- observance and is annually marked on children and helping them develop their Children with ASD behave in chal- ages four very diverse but pumping stations and solid ing other mental health support. April 2. Dr Fatima Janjua, division chief speaking and interactive skills.” lenging ways because many of them have highly interrelated work waste collection station. Prof Muhammed Waqar Azeem, in- of Developmental Paediatrics at Sidra The Sidra Medicine experts advised difficulty communicating their wants packages. Road and bridge net- augural chair of the Department of Psy- Medicine, said: “This past year has been parents who notice signs of ASD in their and needs, which can lead to frustration. UDC’s construction team works have also commenced chiatry at Sidra Medicine, said: “Our team a challenging time for parents the world children to seek assessment from their This results in the child becoming highly and project contractors con- to allow interconnections be- is committed to providing children and over, and even more so for parents of chil- healthcare centrer Early signs of ASD anxious and stressed. Many children’s tinue to promote the highest tween Gewan’s private island their families with quality mental health dren with ASD. The pandemic has dis- in babies or toddlers can include lack of behaviours are triggered by disruptions construction health and safe- mansions and Abraj Quartier services and resources. This is particularly rupted their children’s routines and had awareness of their surroundings; lack of to their routines; sensory sensitivities or ty standards with proactive at The Pearl-Qatar. the case for children with ASD, to ensure taken away their sense of stability to their eye contact or making very little eye con- overload; tiredness or if they have other management by ensuring The erection of the Ge- that our support makes them feel safe, a schedules. tact; doesn’t respond to a parent’s reac- conditions such as epilepsy and ADHD. close cooperation and com- wan Bridge’s pylons is also part of society and respected.” “However, one year on, I must ap- tion or facial expressions; doesn’t point to Dr Madeeha Kamal said, “To change munication on COVID-19 completed with the major- World Autism Awareness Day was plaud parents who have overcome these objects or respond to events when point- their child’s behaviour, parents need to mitigation measures, logis- ity of deck segments casted first proposed in 2007 at the United Na- challenges and worked in partnership ed out by the parent. understand what is triggering or causing tics, emergency and contin- and installation of these seg- tions (UN) by Her Highness Sheikha with their children. One of the biggest Dr Janjua said, “In Qatar, the first it. This helps both the child and the parent gency planning, inclement ments and associated stay Moza bint Nasser, chairperson of Qatar strengths to have come out of these rela- step for a parent who is concerned that in how to manage the triggers.” weather preparation and cabling already commenced. Nation Thursday, April 1, 2021 03 PRIME MINISTER MEETS ROSNEFT CEO QNTC launches Chefs of Qatar Virtual Food Festival

Tribune News Network Doha

Qatar National Tourism Council (QNTC) has announced its Chefs of Qatar Virtual Food Festival, taking place from April 1 to May 12 2021 in collaboration with talabat and Qatar Airways. An exciting initiative, Chefs of Qatar features the masterminds be- hind Qatar’s best restaurants, with top chefs sharing their stories and signature dishes to bring flavours of Prime Minister and Minister of Interior HE Sheikh Khalid bin Khalifa bin Abdulaziz Al Thani met with Chief Executive Of- the world to your doorstep. ficer of Rosneft Oil Company Igor Sechin and his accompanying delegation in Doha on Wednesday. During the meeting, QNTC Secretary-General and they discussed relations between Qatar and the oil company, particularly in the energy field. (QNA) Qatar Airways Group Chief Execu- (From left) Noor Al Mazroie ,Timur Fazilov, AKbar Al Baker and Chef Hassan tive Akbar Al Baker said, “We are AlIbrahim at the launch of the Chefs Qatar Virtual Food Festival in Doha on very pleased to bring the first Chefs Wednesday. of Qatar Virtual Food Festival to life. In the absence of in-person festivals fen Schnetzke, Marc Fery, Kamal ties.” and large-scale events, this virtual cu- Mers, Friedemann Heinrich, Steven Free Return Tickets: Ashghal completes 7.2-km surface linary festival enriches domestic tour- Peter, Elias Gemayel, Maroun Ge- The festival partner Qatar Air- ism while supporting the F&B sector. brael, Hisham AlBrahim and Chaiwat ways will be giving away 24 return “A melting pot of cultures, Qatar’s Kawikitpraphat. tickets to any Qatar Airways destina- water drainage network in Doha West vibrant food scene reflects this diverse In addition, Mondrian’s Chef tion worldwide from Doha through- and eclectic range of influences. From Timur from Morimoto is collaborat- out the festival. Two winners will be QNA sampling cuisine by world-renowned ing with renowned Qatari chef Has- chosen randomly every week to re- Doha chefs to the chance to win free airline san AlIbrahim, Park Hyatt’s Chef ceive two return tickets each. These tickets, Chefs of Qatar showcases the Steffen is hosting Noor AlMazroei, tickets will be valid for travel for one The Public Works Authority (Ash- best of Qatar.” and InterContinental Doha’s Chef year. One order from the Chefs of Qa- ghal) has announced the completion Fine dining made affordable: Marc is teaming up with Sara AlSayed tar collection through the talabat app of the 7.2km surface water drainage The festival will allow foodies to to offer curated menus and cuisines equates to one entry. network to serve the areas from Al ‘travel the world’ from the comfort of during the festival. Ramadan Give back: Hamm Street to Al-Sailiya Road. their own homes, enabling them to The festival will also provide the The network is connected to another order exclusive 3-course meals, in- Home delivery: patrons an opportunity to care for 4.4km that Ashghal completed in cluding a starter, main and dessert, talabat is the exclusive partner those in need. Automatically on each November 2020, which serves Fer- prepared by world-renowned chefs in for the Chefs of Qatar festival. In its order placed from Chefs of Qatar eej Al-Manaseer, South Muaither, Qatar with prices capped at QR200. new Chefs of Qatar collection, the app collection, a meal will be donated to Bu Sidra to Al Furousiya Street. Twenty-three fine dining restaurants will host all the participating restau- charity, so residents can help out by Both networks serve several with 19 prominent Qatari and inter- rants and their menus, including the staying in. Western Areas in Doha such as national chefs will be participating in 3-course meal curated by their top Al-Sailiya, Al Mearad, Rawdat Al He said the surface water drain- surface water and storm water in the festival. chef for the festival. Qatar Clean: Naisar, Muaither, Bu Sidra, South- age pipes within the project are laid the main streets in order to reduce Francisco Miguel de Sousa, man- QNTC continues to prioritise the west Muaither, Al-Rayyan East un- along Al Sailiya Street, Al Hamm storm water accumulation during Participating Chefs: aging director of talabat Qatar, said: health and safety of residents, ensur- til Fereej Al-Manaseer. Street, Umm Al Shawahin Street the rainy season and facilitate dis- Qatar is home to internationally “We are very happy to host the Chefs ing all restaurants participating in Engineer Fahad Al Otaibi, head and New Al-Sailiya Road to tie into charging of ponds and rainwater celebrated chefs that represent top of Qatar virtual food festival on tala- the Chefs of Qatar Virtual Food Fes- of Western Areas Section at Ash- the pipeline in Al Waab Street up to effectively, thereby reducing con- hotels and restaurants in the country. bat. Through this initiative, talabat is tival are Qatar Clean certified. Based ghals Roads Projects Department, Al Furousiya Street. The network gestion and the risk of traffic ac- The global and local celebrity chefs proud to contribute to the develop- on international hygiene and safety pointed out that the recently im- eventually flows into Bu Sidra and cidents in the rainy season. They and their restaurants participating in ment of the hospitality sector in Qa- standards, the programme is in part- plemented project involved pipe Al-Manaseer pumping stations. will also contribute to lowering the the festival include Salvatore Silves- tar, providing the opportunity to all nership with the Ministry of Public laying works for storm water drain- Eng Otaibi also stated that the groundwater level to protect the trino, Chef Gina, Vinay Kumar, Mert participating restaurants to run the Health (MoPH) and is being imple- age network and construction of 32 two completed networks provide foundations of buildings and roads Duran, Sezar Esper Eliass, Timur event virtually through our app and mented across hotels and restaurants rainwater drainage manholes. an integrated solution to discharge in these areas, he added. Fazilov, Marios Papadopoulos, Stef- benefit from our logistics capabili- in the country. 04 Thursday, April 1, 2021 Nation

SHURA SPEAKER REVIEWS PARLIAMENTARY TIES WITH THREE AMBASSADORS

Speaker of the Shura Council HE Ahmed bin Abdullah bin Zaid Al Mahmoud on Wednesday met separately with Ambassador of the Dominican Republic to Qatar HE George Bahsa Hazeem, Ambassador of Germany to Qatar HE Claudius Fischbach, and Ambassador of Poland to Qatar HE Janusz Janke. The meetings dealt with reviewing relations between Qatar and each of the countries, particularly in the parliamentary field. (QNA)

Qatar Charity distributes aid to coronavirus-hit families

Tribune News Network to support the projects and Doha programmes implemented by Qatar Charity in and outside Qatar Charity (QC) has dis- Qatar for the benefit of those tributed food packages and in need. gifts to expatriate families af- Emadi noted that Qatar fected by the coronavirus pan- Charity, in cooperation with demic, in cooperation with various bodies from the pub- Qatar Football Association lic and private sectors, have (QFA) and CINI Solutions for made significant efforts to Business and Trading. limit the spread of the coro- Food aid, meat and gifts navirus, adding that it has were distributed to 140 fami- distributed food baskets, lies of orphans and low-in- awareness-raising materials, come families. The food aid hygiene items and healthy included main food items, meals to the beneficiaries, in- while the gifts contained toys cluding workers and families and sports clothes. with limited income, across Jassim Mohammed Al the country. Emadi, director of Pro- Engineer Osama Sulei- grammes and Community man, Project Management Development at Qatar Chari- Officer at CINI Solutions, ty, expressed his appreciation thanked Qatar Charity for the for the contributions made generous gesture that allowed by QFA and CINI Solutions, the company to contribute to which made it easier for Qatar humanitarian and charitable Charity to distribute the aid work as part of its societal re- also worldwide, as it allows thus working with it is a 1,000 Syrian expatriate fami- to the families affected by the sponsibility. donors to contribute to the source of pride for the compa- lies and nearly 200 Yemeni pandemic. Applauding Qatar Char- charitable work across the ny, looking forward to contin- expatriate families in Doha, He hoped that other com- ity for its humanitarian role, world as per their choice. uing cooperation between the in addition to distributing the panies and entities would Suleiman said QC is a pio- He also noted that Qa- company and Qatar Charity. food packages to 120 families follow the example set by neering humanitarian organi- tar Charity carries out highly Qatar Charity distributed from various communities in QFA and the CINI Solutions sation, not only in Qatar but credible humanitarian work, food baskets last month to Al Khor. Nation Thursday, April 1, 2021 05 Media and Research Awards highlight NU-Q students’ works Tribune News Network rare honour for an undergradu- ing those moments is what we manities - The Ancient Practice Kuwari - Strategic Communica- Doha ate – to films being broadcast all needed to find our way back of Sati by Roja Pande tion - Changed Digital Market- over Al Jazeera and honoured at to doing what we truly love to Research And Analysis – ing Strategy by Inaara Gangji, Northwestern Univer- film festivals around the world, do.” Social Science; Digital Diplo- Khadija Islow and Farina Amir; sity in Qatar (NU-Q) has an- including Cannes, Northwest- Shortlisted projects for this macy During the First 100 Days Research And Analysis – Hu- nounced the 2021 Media and ern Qatar students and alumni year’s awards were submitted by Tarfa Al Mansouri, Haya Al manities - The Impact of WikiLe- Research Awards, recognising are telling their stories to the and evaluated by a panel of Mohannadi and Mariam Fer- aks on Journalism by Safae nearly 100 projects represent- world,” said Marwan M. Kraidy, judges, which included North- oun. Daoudi; Research And Analysis ing NU-Q students’ scholarly dean and CEO of Northwestern western Qatar faculty and in- Moving Image – Social Science - The Politics of and journalistic excellence over Qatar. dustry experts from leading Documentary - Burhan by Climate Change by Natasha Das. the past two years. He added that while he ex- media organisations, including Salwa Sadek; Narrative Fic- This year’s finalists, which pects this year’s winners to also Al Jazeera, Doha Film Institute, tion - Saudade Dalal Garai and Moving Image include submissions from the receive wide recognition, the Ginger Camel, The Film House, Ahmed Jassim; News - Prison, Documentary - Karim the academic years 2019-20 and work done by Northwestern I Love Qatar, Gulf Times, Death or Unsafe Abortion? by Dream by Karim Emara; Nar- 2020-21, featured journalistic, Qatar students is “more than Memac Ogilvy, Al Kass Sports Hazar Kilani. rative Fiction - Of Things That multimedia and research pro- the awards and recognition they Channels. Shouldn’t Be by Princess Colla- jects tackling pressing global may receive. It is also a signal – The winners for 2020 and Co-curricular Projects do and Mohammed Al Khulaifi; issues, ranging from a film on a signal to the world – of the im- 2021 are: Published News - More News - Key Frames by Yanet a Yemeni refugee who found mense talent, imagination and 2020 Research and Than Just The Cancer by Salwa Chernet, Farah Gomaa, Rahma love in South Korea to news intelligence that is present here Media Awards Sadek; Funded Moving Image El Deeb, Danna Takriti, Salma articles on racism in the Arab … in our students at Northwest- The annual awards ceremony featured nearly 100 student projects Written Word - In the Middle by Mariam Al- Al Delaimi and Inaara Gangji. World and social distancing, ern University in Qatar.” representing Northwestern Qatar students’ scholarly and journalistic Creative Writing - A Ram- Dhubhani, Mohammed Al Ja- to research projects on digital Due to the global pandemic, excellence adan Night by Al Anood Al beri and Noor Abunabaa. Co-curricular Projects diplomacy, education in Pales- last year’s awards ceremony Aqeedi; Journalistic Writing Published News - Not So tine and the politics of climate was postponed and the win- At the ceremony announc- to create has been constrained - The Orientalist Coverage of 2021 Media and Daily Show by Farah Gomaa, change. ners were announced along ing the winners, the president by circumstances outside our the Qatar World Cup by Inaara Research Awards Karim Emara, Lojaina Gomaa, In past years, projects that with this year’s winners. There of NU-Q’s Student Union Ham- control, we found the resilience Gangji; Strategic Communi- Written Word Rea Mishra and Farouk Essalhi; have been recognised in the were nearly 100 submissions in ad Alfayhani complimented within our community to push cation - Save Your Smile Oral Creative Writing - Work in Funded Moving Image - Home award ceremony have received three main categories — Writ- the students on the work they forward and accomplish our Health Campaign by Dana Abu Progress by Kayan Khraisheh; to Home: How a Yemeni Refu- recognition globally. ten Word, Moving Image and produced during a global pan- joint vision,” he said. “This year Shanab, Hadice Koç, Rumeysa Journalistic Writing - COV- gee Found Love in South Korea “From a nomination for a Co-curricular Projects — from demic. forced us all into a continuous Koç and Tamadur Al-Mannai; ID-19 Causing a New Wave by Juyoung Choi and Moham- Student Academy Award – a the last two academic years. “In times when our ability period of self-reflection – hav- Research And Analysis – Hu- of Plastic Pollution by Maha Al mad Saad Ejaz. HBKU’s QEERI showcases QRCS helps 7,500 Afghans research, applied solutions at AgriteQ and EnviroteQ 2021 with food, non-food items tute’s consultancy and evalu- Tribune News Network and distributed in two phas- They were able to demonstrate their moni- ation services for irrigation, Doha es, each of which covered 625 toring of indoor air quality at the DECC, as groundwater treatment, and families in the two districts. liquid waste disposal treat- The Qatar Red Crescent So- During the distribution well as services in air quality forecasting ment for agricultural initia- ciety (QRCS) is implementing ceremony, Ibrahim Katwazi, tives and farms. its Warm Winter 2020-2021 Vice Governor of Paktika, QEERI demonstrated sev- project in Afghanistan. Its thanked QRCS and the local eral of its developed systems, representation office there partner for their assistance including polishing filtration collaborates with local part- and praised the mechanism systems for point-of-use wa- ners to distribute food and for selecting beneficiaries ter treatment (suitable for nonfood aid packages to the for being accurate, fair, and household, medical, or dental poorest families hardest hit transparent. He hoped that use) that are also suitable for by conflict and natural dis- QRCS would continue to of- off-grid rural water treatment asters in Paktika and Logar fer multifaceted assistance in in developing countries, and Provinces, at a total cost of other parts of the province. a system for the treatment of $181,756. Fateh Mohamed, a benefi- air conditioning condensate The project’s goal is to containing 55 kg of flour and well as district offices of Af- ciary in Zarghun Shahr, said water that can be used for assist needy families in sur- vegetable oil, as well as four ghanistan’s Ministry of Hajj that this was the first aid he irrigation or other beneficial viving the bitter cold in their blankets per family, were and Religious Affairs. had received, despite the fact uses, potentia. underserved areas, thereby distributed to a total of 1,250 All logistical and technical that he was a poor man unable The team also presented a protecting their lives and families, or 7,500 beneficiar- procedures were carried out to support his family. Moham- patented water desalination preserving their dignity. Pa- ies, in the districts of Zarghun in accordance with an agree- ed Munzer was another Yusuf system that has the potential tients, people with disabili- Shahr and Yusuf Khel. ment with the Afghan Edu- Khel beneficiary. “We are des- to reduce the cost of munici- ties, children, and women are The distribution was car- cation and Aid Organization. perate for this assistance,” he pal drinking water produc- given special attention. ried out by the Afghan Educa- The food and nonfood items said. “My heartfelt gratitude tion from seawater by 30% on In Paktika, food parcels tion and Aid Organisation as were then procured, supplied, to QRCS and everyone.” a large scale. The Environment and Sustainability Center at QEERI demonstrated the ca- pabilities of its Water Qual- Stenden University granted FIBAA accreditation ity Labs, which can conduct high-quality water analysis Tribune News Network is a member of the European requirements for “Career Coun- for agriculture, industry, and Doha Quality Assurance Register for seling and Placement Service” animal husbandry. They were Higher Education (EQAR). It and “Alumni Activities.” able to demonstrate their The Foundation for Interna- was created specifically to pro- Dr. Ivan Ninov, Executive continuous monitoring of in- tional Business Administration mote quality and transparency Dean of SUAS-Q, said on the door air quality at the DECC, Accreditation (FIBAA) granted in education and science by occasion, “We are very pleased as well as highlight QEERI’s full accreditation to Stenden awarding a Quality Seal to ter- with this result and the fact services in air quality fore- University of Applied Sciences- tiary and quaternary education- that we have been successfully casting. Qatar’s Bachelor Programme al programmes and providers. benchmarked against some Tribune NEWS NETWORK tional Agricultural Exhibi- The QEERI team also dis- in International Business and The FIBAA accreditation of the leading educational in- DOHA tion (AgriteQ) and the second cussed the institute’s various Management Studies, marking audit was carried out by a team stitutions providing business Qatar International Envi- projects, facilities, and capa- another significant step forward of highly qualified and expe- management education.” The The Qatar Environment ronmental Exhibition (Envi- bilities for solar forecasting in the university’s development. rienced international higher achievement of this important and Energy Research Insti- roteQ), both held at the Doha and corrosion research. As a result, SUAS-Business Q’s assurance organisation that was education experts in the fields international accreditation will tute (QEERI), a division of Exhibition and Convention Please visit qeeri.hbku. programme becomes the only one of the first to be accredited of Business and Management. have a positive impact on our Hamad Bin Khalifa Univer- Center (DECC) from March edu.qa for more information FIBAA-accredited Business by the German Accreditation According to the experts, SUAS- university’s overall image as sity (HBKU), displayed its 23 to 27. on the Qatar Environment Management programme in Council. It accredits in accord- Q’s programme fully met all well as the image of the higher research and pilot projects The Water Center at and Energy Research Insti- Qatar and the GCC region. ance with the German Accredi- quality requirements for ac- education sector in the State of at the eighth Qatar Interna- QEERI showcased the insti- tute’s work. FIBAA is a German quality tation Council’s standards and creditation and exceeded the Qatar.” AVA opens new boutique in Doha Festival City

Tribune News Network Doha

Bianca Nera Group, one of the leading multinational retail companies in the fashion indus- try with more than 25 branches in the Gulf region and neigh- bouring Arab countries, has opened a new boutique in Qatar recently. Following the footsteps of its flourishing predecessors Hera & Aura, AVA has opened its doors in Doha Festival City on the Ground Floor level in the VIP area. It is a retail store that nition of a modern chic. It is a from its stationery to its pack- different from the previous Bi- with the fashion-forward mar- first time in the market a huge collection for Ramadan 2021 caters to glamour outfits that fit fun brand that not only fulfils aging, making every customer anca Nera brands, still exud- ket that attracts a wider range of line of casual outfits in collabo- and a huge line of ready-to-wear any occasion, day and night. your needs but empowers you look good and feel good. ing glamorous factor but with customers. ration with the renowned brand dresses designed by worldwide AVA is the ultimate defi- through its own little ways, AVA’s designs are slightly an edgier twist that is up to par AVA is introducing for the GIZIA, a selective and amazing international fashion designers. 06 Thursday, April 1, 2021 Reports by Ashraf Siddiqui For events and press releases email [email protected] or Ashraf Siddiqui Slice of the West Ashraf Siddiqui call (974) 4000 2222 Ashraf Siddiqui

Tunisian Finance Minister HE Ali Kooli visits AgriteQ 2021. Here (in the picture), he’s seen at the Hassad Food pavilion. A section of the Ministry of Municipality and Environment pavilion. ‘AgriteQ 2021 success has boosted confidence of stakeholders and business community’ Talking to Qatar Tribune, envoys praised the event saying it has been evolving year by year and has become a regional benchmark in the field of technology while being focused on agriculture, livestock and food for human consumption

hile travelling has been tunities in the field of agriculture, at a minimum, if not at especially in the technology sup- complete halt, across all porting agricultural output, and regions in the world due to environment protection. We have the COVID-19 pandemic, finalised the memorandum of un- Wthe Ministry of Municipality and derstanding on cooperation in the Environment of Qatar still managed field of agriculture and another one to organise the 8th edition of Ag- on environment protection.” riteQ 2021 and the 2nd Qatar Inter- Romanian Charge D’Affairs to national Environmental Exhibitions Qatar Miss Lulia Zamfirescu said (EnviroteQ) from March 23-27, at it was “a most welcoming experi- the Doha Exhibition and Confer- ence” and praised the openness and ence Center. friendliness of Qatari partners. On the last day of exhibitions, She said, “The embassy can only Minister of Municipality and En- look forward to future editions, also vironment HE Abdullah bin Ab- Ambassador of Hungary HE Fodor Ambassador of Panama HE Musa Ambassador of Mexico HE Graciela Pawet Kutaga, vice president, to Expo 2023 Qatar, which we al- dulaziz bin Turki Al Subaie present- Bernabas Asvat Gomez Garcia at the Mexican Stall Qatar-Poland Business Council ready trust will be of a significant ed appreciation awards to a number success.” of farms owners and sponsors. The 1,200 participants from various re- ideal for specialists from the inter- The envoy praised the efforts ministry also announced that the gions of the world. national agricultural industry of Qa- and commitment of the govern- 9th edition of AgriteQ exhibition A number of Qatar-based em- The exhibitions saw world-class local agriculture produce tar to exchange knowledge and dis- ment of the State of Qatar and the would be held from March 22-26, bassies from various regions dis- and the highest level of quality control measures adopted cover trends so that this event was organisers for making AgriteQ and 2022. played their services and products. in Qatar. Around 200 local and international companies used to explore business opportuni- EnviroteQ happen despite the chal- At the currently held exhibi- Qatar Tribune talked to some of from 42 countries participated in the expo. A number of ties in this vital sector. lenges. tions, as many as 150 agreements them at the 8th AgriteQ 2021 venue papers were presented by experts on three days of webi- “Panama is the gateway to the “Our gratefulness goes to the and MoUs were signed during the about their participation and their east in the Americas thanks to our State of Qatar for providing yet an- fivedays between various parties, reaction. nars attended by some 1,200 participants from various solid platform for maritime trans- other opportunity to make our coun- both local and international. also, Ambassador of Mexico to Qa- regions of the world port, logistics and financial ser- try and its products better known to 14 agreements were signed between tar HE Graciela Gomez Garcia ex- vices, coupled with excellent air the local market and a very special the Ministry of Municipality and pressed her appreciation of Minister connectivity with the region and the thanks to Qatar Airways, which gen- Environment and the private sector. of Municipality and Environment exportable products that are highly ing standards.” world.” erously co-sponsored the participa- The main objective of the agree- HE Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Sub- competitive internationally. It also She said all of these products Talking to Qatar Tribune, Am- tion of our embassy,” she added. ments included joint research pro- aie and his team for the extraordi- gave us the opportunity to highlight are worthy representatives of the bassador of Hungary to Qatar HE Pawet Kutaga, vice president grammes, and self-sufficiency in the nary efforts that made it possible the wide range of investment op- richness and varieties of the Mexi- Fodor Barnabas said this was the of Qatar-Poland Business Council country’s food security and agricul- to successfully host the AGRITEQ portunities and joint-ventures for can export industry that is appre- first time thatH ungary participat- and a Doha-based Polish business- ture sector. trade fair 2021. Mexico and Qatar in the agriculture ciated worldwide for quality and ed as an exhibitor in AgriteQ. man, praised the organisers for Talking to Qatar Tribune, Mo- The Mexican ambassador said sector,” she noted. flavor. “By introducing them in “We have always visited the holding a quality exhibition with a hammed Ali Al Khoory, chairman she was impressed with the organ- The envoy added, “At this edi- AgriteQ-2021, the Embassy car- previous shows and learnt that it significant number of participating of the organising committee of Ag- isers and the presence of top Qatari tion, we presented three high-level ries out part of its commercial is a great success and an important companies in challenging times. riteQ, who is also director, Public companies that are contributing to Mexican firms:ProAgro, focused on diplomacy commitment to bring- place for business professionals to He also praised the local business Works Department, praised the the food security strategy in a way high-end forage and seeds for alfalfa ing Mexico and Qatar closer as an meet their prospective partners.” community and the leadership of visitors and the participants for fol- that is both sustainable and envi- and hay; SunnyFoods, a company entry platform to the Middle East He added, “In Hungary, we have Qatar for their resilience in meet- lowing the COVID-19 precautionary ronmental-friendly. specialised in dehydrated products market”. an advanced and technology-driven ing Qatar’s food security challeng- measures. She said it was an honour for for consumption as part of a bal- Ambassador of Panama to Qatar agriculture focusing more and more es. He said both the exhibitions saw Mexico to participate in an event anced and healthy diet; and Jalcom- HE Musa Asvat said the Embassy of on sustainability. We believe our “It was a matter of satisfaction world-class local agriculture pro- that has been evolving year by year merce & Global Business Consulting Panama participated in AgriteQ this experience has a great value and is and of great appreciation witness- duce and the highest level of quality and has become a regional bench- - partnered for trading purposes, year along with 30 other embassies, worth sharing. During the recent ing a good number and high-qual- control measures adopted in Qatar. mark in the field of technology fo- IT services, and specialised talent Commercial Agencies and Business years, Qatar has reached significant ity agriculture produce in Qatar.” Around 200 local and interna- cused on agriculture, livestock and consulting, which for this occasion Councils. He said, “The exhibition results and development in its ag- He said that Poland-Qatar co- tional companies from 42 countries food for human consumption. introduced innovative products for provided a favourable climate for ricultural output especially in live- operation in the agriculture sector, participated in the expo, he said, “The participation of the Embas- the hospitality industry such as fro- the promotion of Panama and ex- stock breeding, diary production, as and especially in technology, could adding that a number of papers sy of Mexico ratifies its commitment zen avocado and berries in various pose to visitors the opportunities well as small farming. further help the State of Qatar in were presented by experts on three to actively showcasing the quality presentations, packaged with the that our country offers.” “When we talk about economic achieving sustainability in its food days of webinars attended by some and diversity of our companies and highest international manufactur- He said the five-day expo was cooperation, we see great oppor- sector.

The Al Dosari Zoo display section at the exhibition Hassad Food section displays grains bunkers. World Thursday, April 1, 2021 07

Pakistan resumes Turkish court demands changes in trade with India in step towards normalisation indictment to close pro-Kurdish HDP dpa cotton imports from all over Islamabad the world, including from dpa India, he said. Istanbul Pakistan on Wednesday The decision comes days announced the resumption after the countries’ premiers Turkey’s chief prosecutor of trade with India, in a first expressed the desire for needs to correct the errors in major step towards normali- peaceful relations in a letter an indictment seeking to dis- Soft target sation of the tense relations exchange. band the country’s second- between the two nuclear- In February, the two largest opposition party for Since a failed coup in 2016, armed neighbours. countries agreed to uphold alleged terrorism links and re- Ankara has been routinely The Economic Coordi- a ceasefire in the disputed file it, the Constitutional Court targeting the HDP, sacking nation Committee (ECC) of region of Kashmir. said on Wednesday. several of its mayors and the cabinet, a top decision Since the ceasefire agree- The court cited procedur- jailing members. making body, in a meet- ment was signed in 2003, al errors in the indictment, ing approved the import of more than 300 Pakistanis which seeks to shut down the white sugar and cotton from have been killed in clashes pro-Kurdish Peoples’ Demo- eral of its mayors and jailing India. across the Line of Control cratic Party (HDP), and unan- members. “We have decided to al- (LoC), a 740-kilometre-long imously voted to return it to The closure case had fol- low import of sugar and de facto frontier that divides the chief prosecutor, accord- lowed a parliamentary de- cotton from India,” Finance Kashmir in two. ing to the state news agency cision to strip HDP’s Omer Minister Hammad Azhar The scenic Himalayan Anadolu. Faruk Gergerlioglu of his seat, told journalists after the valley is at the centre of the The HDP was not immedi- a move taken after a final jail meeting. conflict between Pakistan ately available to comment. sentence after he was convict- Azhar said the private and India. The two coun- The decision comes after a ed of terrorism ties. sector has been allowed to tries have fought two of their Constitutional Court rappor- On Wednesday, the Con- import 0.5 million tonnes of three wars over Kashmir. teur advised the court to return stitutional Court rejected sugar from India. Prices of In 2019, an Indian deci- the indictment, citing mistakes Pro-Kurdish Peoples’ Democratic Party’s MP Omer Faruk Gergerlioglu in Ankara on Wednesday. (AFP) Gergerlioglu’s petition to be sugar were lower in India, sion to annex its part of the in the identification and job reinstated as a member of par- he said. region prompted Pakistan to descriptions of some people rors and refile the indictment, two weeks ago, sparking inter- The party also faces being liament. Poor domestic crops and downgrade diplomatic ties mentioned, the pro-govern- Anadolu reported. It was not national criticism. deprived of state funding. Gergerlioglu said on Twit- increased demand from the with India, suspend bilateral ment Sabah daily reported. immediately clear how long it The prosecutor separate- The HDP denies the charg- ter that he will appeal the de- textile sector also led the trade and halt cross-border The prosecutor also sought will take before the top court ly seeks to bar from politics es and slammed the closure cision at the European Court government to authorise transportation. a political ban on an HDP can reassess the indictment more than 680 HDP officials, case as a “politically motivat- of Human Rights (ECHR). He member who was found to and decide whether to accept including lawmakers, citing ed” move. said the Constitutional Court have died, Sabah said. it or not. alleged links to the banned Since a failed coup in 2016, has yet to decide on a separate The chief prosecutor is The prosecutor filed the Kurdistan Workers’ Party Ankara has been routinely tar- appeal to overturn the verdict expected to correct the er- lawsuit to shut down the HDP (PKK), among other charges. geting the HDP, sacking sev- against him. News in brief

Private companies allowed to import BBC correspondent leaves China over safety concerns coronavirus vaccine in Iran dpa last week “amid concerns Murray, a correspondent for ing on China’s handling of the week after Britain’s media reg- Tehran: Private companies may now import coronavirus vac- Beijing for his safety and that of his the Irish broadcaster RTE, pandemic and other touchy ulator revoked the broadcast cines into Iran, said President Hassan Rowhani on Wednesday, family.” “John’s reporting has went with him to Taiwan. subjects. licence of Chinese English- as the country tries to overcome problems in securing enough A BBC correspondent has left exposed truths the Chinese The FCC added that The FCC said the depar- language broadcaster China jabs for its people. Rowhani noted that vaccine doses supplied China due to safety concerns authorities did not want the China’s treatment of Sudworth ture of Sudworth and Murray Global Television Network. by private companies will not be distributed for free, unlike and will now report on the world to know,” the BBC said appeared to be in retaliation comes on top of the expulsion Chinese state media sub- those supplied by the government. Also, only companies that country from Taiwan, the in a statement. A report pub- for his coverage of Xinjiang of at least 18 journalists last sequently launched a broad have been approved by the Health Ministry will be allowed British broadcaster said on lished on the BBC’s website - where Uighurs are being year. campaign against the BBC, to bring in the medicine. Until now, that function has been Wednesday. said that Sudworth and his detained in internment camps China banned the global accusing it and its journalists reserved for the Health Ministry. (dpa) The Foreign Correspond- team had faced surveillance, as part of what observers say television news channel of spreading lies about China, ents’ Club of China (FCC) said obstruction and intimidation is a government campaign to BBC World News from broad- which has cracked down on that John Sudworth had left when trying to film. forcibly assimilate the minori- casting inside the country in foreign journalists in recent Cockpit voice recorder from crashed the country on short notice Sudworth’s wife, Yvonne ties - as well as for his report- February. The move came a years. Indonesian airliner found

Jakarta: The cockpit voice recorder of an Indonesian passen- ger jet that crashed into the sea in January with 62 people on Israel election sees board was found overnight, an official said on Wednesday. The Philippines concerned over Chinese vessels no clear winner cockpit voice recorder (CVR) was discovered under one metre of mud at the bottom of the Java Sea, said Soerjanto Tjahjono, Tel Aviv: Final results from last chairman of the National Transportation Safety Committee. dpa over almost all of the South week’s elections in Israel - the “We found the CVR last night,” Soerjanto said. “It will take Manila China Sea,” the task force said. fourth time the country has about three days to one week to decipher the data.” Soerjanto Earlier this month, the gone to the polls in the last said it would be “extremely difficult” to determine the cause of The Philippines on Wednes- Philippines filed a diplomatic two years - showed voters had the crash without the cockpit voice recorder. (dpa) day expressed “deep concern” complaint against some 220 once again evenly split, giving as more Chinese vessels have Chinese vessels sighted on no candidate a clear path to been sighted in wider areas of March 7 moored at Whitsun victory. As has become the Singapore chills Netflix by demanding the South China Sea, despite Reef. norm, the split lies essentially drugs flicks be taken down the government’s earlier de- China said the vessels were between a bloc supporting mand for their withdrawal. fishing boats seeking refuge centre-right Prime Minister Ben- Bangkok: Netflix removed two drugs-related pieces of content A Philippine task force during bad weather and not jamin Netanyahu and a group from its Singaporean service last year after complaints by a reported that 250 Chinese maritime militia. of other parties hoping to oust government regulator. In its latest Environmental, Social and maritime militia vessels were China claims almost the the long-serving leader. The Governance Report, Netflix said that twice in 2020 it “com- seen on March 29 in Whitsun Chinese vessels are anchored at Whitsun Reef, some 320 kilometres entire South China Sea, while results were officially released plied” with demands from the Infocom Media Development Reef and five other islands and west of Palawan Island in the South China Sea on Wednesday. (afp) parts are claimed by the Phil- on Tuesday by the election Authority (IMDA) to remove the series “Cooked with Cannabis” reefs. ippines, Malaysia, Vietnam, commission and are to be and the film “Have A Good Trip: Adventures in Psychedelics.” In a statement, the Philip- now in other areas.” The task “build-up and massing forma- Brunei and Taiwan. handed over to President Reu- The removals, which were sought in May and August, applied pines expressed “deep concern force said four Chinese navy tion” was hazardous to naviga- In 2016, the Philippines ven Rivlin on Wednesday. There only in Singapore, which was one of only two countries, along over the continuing unlaw- ships were also seen at Mis- tion and damaging to sea life. won a ruling at the Permanent are 120 seats in the Knesset, with Turkey, to submit such requests to Netflix, according to ful presence (swarming) of chief Reef, which it said is part “Neither the Philippines Court of Arbitration which re- meaning 61 are needed for the NetflixESG report. A wealthy and tightly-controlled city- the Chinese Maritime Militia of the Philippines’ exclusive nor the international commu- jected China’s expansive claim a majority. In all, 13 parties state of around 5.7 million people, Singapore has long been (CMM), which did not pull out economic zone and continen- nity will ever accept China’s in the sea lane. will be represented in the new known for cracking down hard on drugs use or trafficking. (dpa) and have remained in Julian tal shelf. assertion of its so-called ‘indis- China has refused to hon- Knesset. (dpa) Felipe (Whitsun) Reef and are The task force said the putable integrated sovereignty’ our the ruling.

Ousted Myanmar leader Suu Kyi appears healthy: Lawyer War-torn Yemen receives first

dpa Prize laureate, served as My- Khin Maung Zaw, another officers around her during the Yangon anmar’s state counsellor until lawyer for Suu Kyi, who spoke video talk with her client. coronavirus vaccine shipment February 1, when a military to dpa. Turning to the guards A lawyer for Myanmar’s ousted coup led to her being deposed Suu Kyi was said to be sur- present in her room, Suu Kyi dpa civilian leader, Aung San Suu and placed under house arrest. rounded by several guards asked them for a personal Amman Kyi, said her client appeared Min Min Soe, one of a team during the discussion. meeting with her attorneys. to be in good health when they of lawyers representing Suu On her end, Min Min Soe It’s not clear what the response Yemen received its first ship- discussed her legal case in a Kyi, said the 75-year-old ap- had to report to a police sta- was, but lawyers say previ- ment of coronavirus vaccines video meeting on Wednesday. peared to be in “good” health, tion in order to conduct the ous requests have never been on Wednesday, which includes Suu Kyi, a Nobel Peace according to an account by meeting. The lawyer had police granted. 360,000 doses from the inter- national COVAX initiative. The AstraZeneca vaccines “will enable health workers and other priority populations Egypt’s Mubarak-era PM Ganzouri dies at 88 vulnerable to COVID-19 to be protected against the virus,” dpa tional personality.” Al-Ganzo- the United Nations children’s A Yemeni woman is seen at a hospital ward hosting COVID-19 Cairo uri served as a prime minister agency UNICEF said. patients in Taez on Wednesday. (AFP) for three years starting in 1996 UN and government offi- Kamal al-Ganzouri, who under Mubarak, who was de- cials received the doses in the ties, coronavirus infection fig- called on the government to served as a prime minister in posed in a popular uprising in southern city of Aden, which ures in Yemen remain unclear. take some measures to control the era of Egypt’s ousted presi- 2011. has been the temporary capital The government reported the spread of coronavirus. dent Hosny Mubarak, died on In November 2011, al- for the past six years due to the 4,247 official cases and 882 The war left the country Wednesday, state televised re- Ganzouri was renamed a prime conflict between the govern- deaths, while the Houthis, on the brink of famine and ported. He was 88 years old. minister by a military council ment and the Houthi rebels, who control northern areas, wrecked its health facilities. Al-Ganzouri died at an air that ruled Egypt for more than who control Sana’a. have not released regular up- On top of that, the pandemic force hospital on the outskirts a year after Mubarak’s toppling. This first batch is part of dates. also aggravated the economic of Cairo due to an unspecified At the time, anti-Mubarak 1.9 million doses that Yemen Last week, the govern- crisis. health problem, according to protesters opposed he ap- will initially receive through- ment’s Supreme National Saudi Arabia, which backs the broadcaster. pointment, regarding al-Gan- out 2021, UNICEF added in a Emergency Committee for the government, launched a Prime Minister Moustafa zouri as part of the Mubarak statement. Covid-19 warned that official military coalition in March Madbouly mourned al-Gan- regime. Al-Ganzouri kept the Due to the war in Yemen infection numbers have sur- 2015 to fight the Iran-backed zouri, calling him a “great na- post for eight months. File photo of Egypt’s former prime minister Kamal al-Ganzouri. (afp) and limited testing capabili- passed 100 cases daily, and Houthi rebels. 08 Thursday, April 1, 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

Voting Rights Bill Tests Biden’s Pledge To Qatar At The Forefront Of Unify The Country emocrats in the House of easy. Both parties are correct, yet Providing Humanitarian Representatives have handed that does not mean each party’s DPresident Biden a golden op- claim has equal merit. portunity to demonstrate that he In modern history, the number is serious about healing the na- of instances where an election has tion’s most bitter political divi- been stolen by fraudulent votes — Assistance To Syria sions. Unfortunately, it’s not clear or even cases where a large number he realizes it. of fraudulent votes has been cast in The House recently passed a race — is practically zero. People HR 1, a compendium of changes who cast ballots illegally often do so Sheikha Alya reiterates Qatar’s condemnation of violence against relating to campaign finance, eth- without realizing they are ineligible ics and voting access. Senate Ma- to vote. That is a problem, but solv- civilians and human rights in Syria jority Leader Chuck Schumer has ing it requires stitching holes, not said the Senate will take up the bill, erecting barriers. The trouble is, QNA which currently has no support H.R. 1 does more to widen holes — New York among Republicans. Without elim- for instance, by requiring states to inating the filibuster, it will be dead let voters designate someone else atar has reiterated its firm position con- on arrival. That would be unfortu- to collect and deliver their ballots, demning violence against civilians, flagrant nate, because on balance, much of which has the potential to lead to violations of international humanitarian the bill is good. And while some of altered or discarded votes — than law and international human rights law in it overreaches, the biggest problem to close them. QSyria. Civilians were confronted with op- with it is what it excludes: a robust On the other hand, the number pression and excessive violence, coinciding with effort to promote confidence in of instances where officials have the tenth anniversary of the launch of the peace- election integrity. used elections laws and procedures ful protests of the Syrian people. Polling shows that three-quar- to make it harder for Americans to This came in a statement made by Permanent ters of Republicans believe that the exercise their rights is legion and Representative of Qatar to the United Nations in 2020 election was tainted or stolen loaded with ugly racial history. The New York Ambassador HE Sheikha Alya Ahmed by widespread fraud. There is no Voting Rights Act changed but did bin Saif Al Thani before the United Nations Gen- evidence to support it, and on the not end efforts at suppressing voter eral Assembly’s informal session. contrary, there is more evidence of turnout in Black and other minor- Sheikha Alya briefed United Nations Secre- a proper count in this election than ity communities. In Republican- tary-General Antonio Guterres on the General perhaps any other in American his- led states across the country, the Assembly decisions 193/75 on the situation in tory, given all the re-counts and tactics have become less blatant — Syria, and about the resolution on the human court reviews. Nevertheless, when from levying poll taxes, say, to re- rights situation in Syria. nearly half the country thinks the quiring voters to pay for an identi- The envoy said these violations have caused electoral system can be gamed — fication card — but the goal has not, the worst humanitarian crisis witnessed, and and when election laws are loose with the result being that Ameri- led to the escalation of terrorism, to dire conse- enough to allow such conspiracies cans’ ability to cast ballots can be quences for peace and security in the region and to take hold — that’s a problem routinely blocked by bureaucracy. the world, adding that it is especially unfortunate that deserves to be taken seriously. Democrats are correct that federal that the children who have most bore the brunt Simply telling Republicans they intervention is necessary to ensure of the crisis are children, of whom millions have are wrong, as Democrats seem in- all eligible voters can exercise their only known the scourge of wars. clined to do, won’t work. rights. She added that in view of this catastrophic hu- To both save the bill and help While access to the ballot is manitarian situation, Qatar has been committed spare the country from future cries currently the bigger problem, it to its humanitarian responsibility and has been of stolen elections, Biden should doesn’t take much imagination to at the forefront of countries that contributed to urge Senate leaders to break the realize that laxity in voting laws providing humanitarian aid to the Syrian people, bill into its component parts and could lead to problems down the which exceeded $2 billion. consider each individually. And road. If Democrats don’t take this Sheikha Alya noted the legal and moral re- he should go further, by inviting a issue seriously, they risk being sponsibility of Qatar towards ensuring justice and HE Sheikha Alya Ahmed bin Saif Al Thani has reiterated Qatar’s continued cooperation with international part- bipartisan group of lawmakers to blamed later if things go wrong accountability for war crimes and crimes against ners to sincerely and earnestly seek possible ways to contribute constructively to ending the Syrian crisis. develop proposals to improve the — and might even find that they humanity and addressing impunity, as one of the voting process by increasing both too could be the victims of ballot factors contributing to the sustainability of peace years of the crisis, it has become clear to every- Constitutional Committee to achieve its pur- ballot access and ballot security. dishonesty. Just because the 2020 and preventing the recurrence of crimes. one that military solutions have not and will not pose, stressing the need for measures to build Democrats contend that the election wasn’t tainted by fraud She explained that the atrocities committed succeed, and will only lead to more suffering and confidenceand protect human rights, especially voting access provisions in HR 1 doesn’t mean that a future election in Syria are the most documented, and they also regional instability, stressing that a sustainable addressing the issue of detainees urgently, Her — such as requiring states to au- might not be. That could set off the include the worst use of banned chemical weap- solution requires a political process that fulfills Excellency also called for ensuring that humani- tomatically register eligible voters, kind of constitutional crisis Demo- ons against civilians, in blatant violation of inter- the legitimate aspirations of the Syrian people tarian aid reaches all those in need, and that it is hold early voting periods of no less crats spent the past four years wor- national law. and maintains unity in Syria and its sovereignty delivered without hindrance. than 15 days, and allow any voter rying about. The time to prevent it In this context, Sheikha Alya referred to the and independence. Furthermore, she pointed out that these and to request a mail-in ballot — are is now. effective role played by Qatar, along with the She reiterated Qatar’s support for the efforts other important elements were emphasized in necessary because Republican- It would be helpful if congres- Principality of Liechtenstein, in establishing of the Special Envoy of the Secretary-General to the joint ministerial statement of Qatar, the Re- led legislatures have been passing sional leaders in each party ac- the international, impartial and independent reach a solution through a meaningful political public of Turkey and the Russian Federation is- laws that are aimed at suppressing knowledged that the other side has mechanism under General Assembly Resolution process that leads to a political transition in ac- sued on March 11, 2021 in Doha. voting. Meanwhile, Republicans a point. That they don’t is hardly 71/248, calling for continued support for the cordance with the Geneva Declaration and the Sheikha Alya reiterated Qatar’s continued co- assert that state-level checks to surprising. But it also presents an mechanism that has proven effective in address- full implementation of Security Council Resolu- operation with international partners to sincerely ensure election integrity are neces- opportunity for Biden to step into ing impunity. tion 2254. and earnestly seek possible ways to contribute sary because voting illegally is too the breach. The ambassador went on saying that after ten She also stressed the need to support the constructively to ending the Syrian crisis.

Huge Container Ships’ Biggest Problem Is Emissions Long after the Suez Canal traffic jam is clear, the urgency to turn shipping green will remain

Peter R Orszag largest contributor to climate ural gas have already been container ships,” he writes change. launched. Carbon-neutral in his new book on climate The International Mari- ships fueled by methanol are change. “The risks here are he Ever Given drama in time Organization has set rapidly being developed, even real (for example, you have the Suez Canal momen- a goal of reducing carbon if those ships are intended for to make sure the nuclear fuel tarily turned the world’s emissions from ships to 50% shorter distances. doesn’t get released if the ship attention to container below 2008 levels by 2050, Hydrogen could also po- sinks), but many of the tech- shipping. It will require and the Getting to Zero Coa- tentially play a key role in nical challenges have already Ta more sustained focus to ad- lition has brought together greener container shipping. been solved. After all, military dress the dangers these cru- more than 150 companies But because it is much less submarines and aircraft car- cial ships pose to the climate. and organizations across the energy-dense than bunker riers run on nuclear power Shipping accounts for 3% of maritime sector. Many ship- fuel, the space required to already.” the world’s carbon emissions. ping companies have adopted store hydrogen fuel onboard Container ships have been If it were a country, the sector their own ambitious goals for long voyages could be pro- crucial to the expansion of would be the world’s sixth- for their operations. Even so, hibitive. One idea is to build a supply chains and the growth largest emitter. decarbonizing shipping will series of liquid-hydrogen re- of global trade. Even with Container shipping has be difficult, and its share of fueling stations, so that ships added costs from going green, drastically reduced shipping overall emissions will prob- would not need to store as they will still represent by far costs and, over the past 50 ably continue to rise for some much — though at the cost of the least expensive method of years, has arguably played years as other sectors reduce longer voyages because of the moving goods over long dis- a larger role in global com- their carbon footprints more so much room on board as to that are 400 times longer.” sions by 19%, after taking into refueling stops. Some are in- tances. In the future, and long merce than all trade agree- rapidly. be impractical. Bill Gates esti- Despite these difficulties, account the extra ships need- stead betting on using hydro- after the Suez Canal traffic is ments put together. The Cutting emissions is par- mates that green alternatives there are many ways to lower ed to deliver the same amount gen to make green ammonia, back to normal, they will also ships, however, run on cheap ticularly challenging because to bunker fuel are currently emissions, and the industry is of goods in the same amount by combining the hydrogen be crucial in the shift to net- “bunker fuel,” which when of the long distances the ships 300% to 600% more expen- not waiting for a magic bullet. of time. with nitrogen, but the ammo- zero emissions. burned emits a large amount travel and the massive cargo sive, and notes that the “best One strategy is slow steam- But the big advances will nia also has much lower en- of carbon dioxide as well as they carry. And because the conventional container ships ing, which means running at come from alternatives to ergy density than bunker fuel. (Peter R Orszag is a black carbon, a fine particu- energy density of bunker fuel can carry 200 times more speeds below a ship’s maxi- bunker fuel. In addition to the The most radical and con- Bloomberg Opinion col- late that can absorb a million is so great, cleaner alternative cargo than either of the two mum engine capability. By fuel-cell powered ships that troversial proposal comes umnist. He is the chief times the energy of CO2 and fuels are either much more electric ships now in opera- one estimate, a 10% reduction Gates mentioned, container from Gates. “We should also executive officer of finan- may represent the second- expensive or would take up tion, and they can run routes in ship speed can cut emis- ships powered by liquid nat- be exploring nuclear-powered cial advisory at Lazard)

THE VIEWS EXPRESSED ON THE OPINION AND ANALYSIS PAGES ARE THE AUTHORS’ OWN. QATAR TRIBUNE BEARS NO RESPONSIBILITY. World Thursday, April 1, 2021 09 British climate campaigners call for tax on frequent fliers Russia becomes first to approve coronavirus vaccine for animals

London: British climate activists have called for a tax on people who fly frequently around the Moscow: Russia has become the first country in the world to approve a coronavirus vaccine for News globe in order to reduce carbon emissions more efficiently. Possible, an environmental group, pub- animals, called Carnivac-Cov. Russian agricultural supervisory authorities said on Wednesday that the lished a report on Wednesday which found that a small minority is responsible for the large bulk of vaccine had been tested on dogs, cats and mink, among other animals, since October. Antibodies in brief flights taken in the countries with the highest aviation emissions. In the United States, which is re- were detected in all the vaccinated animals, said the Federal Centre for Animal Health, which devel- sponsible for a quarter of the world’s carbon emissions from aviation, about two-thirds of trips are oped the vaccine. At the moment, there’s no need to widely vaccinate pets “because of today, the risk taken by 12 percent of the population, according to the report. In Britain, 70 per cent of all flights of a person becoming infected by COVID-19 through an animal is practically non-existent,” the Russian by residents are taken by just 15 percent of the population, the activists said. (dpa) state news agency TASS reported, citing a representative of the supervisory authority. (dpa) Italy expels Russians AstraZeneca ‘respects’ decision by after allegedly busting Germany to restrict use of vaccine spies with secret files dpa Rome The duo were nabbed on The drugmaker said the EMA found in its review that there was no link between the vaccine and blood clotting Tuesday during a clandes- A Russian military officer and tine meeting in which they an Italian naval captain were attempted to exchange dpa detained on suspicion of es- London On Tuesday, Germany’s pionage in Italy, with the Rus- secret documents for federal and health minis- sian later expelled from the money, the Carabinieri AstraZeneca says it re- ters agreed to limit the country, authorities said on forces said in Rome spects this week’s decision use of the vaccine to peo- Wednesday. by Germany to restrict the ple aged 60 and older The duo were nabbed on use of its coronavirus vac- Tuesday during a clandestine According to the Italian news cine - but reiterated that the due to concerns about meeting in which they at- agency Ansa, the documents jab has been deemed safe by blood clotting tempted to exchange secret the duo had in possession in- other health bodies. documents for money, the Ca- volved military communica- “We respect the decision The decision to limit the rabinieri forces said in Rome. tions and secret maps. taken by STIKO [the Standing use of certain vaccines is up The Italian Foreign Min- There have been several Committee on Vaccination] to the national authorities of istry summoned Russian incidents of Russian spying in in their advisory capacity for each EU member state, she Ambassador Sergey Razov re- Europe recently. use of vaccines in Germany,” added. garding the incident and ex- Bulgaria said this month the British-Swedish pharma- Following the German pelled two Russian diplomats, it had uncovered a group of ceutical company told dpa on government’s decision, the one of whom was the Russian Bulgarian military members Wednesday. small south-western state of captured on Tuesday. The who were allegedly spying for “Patient safety remains the Saarland said it would stop ministry said the other person Moscow. Two Russian diplo- company’s highest priority.” It using the vaccine completely. kicked out of the country was mats were expelled from the added that investigations by Those currently booked to the man’s supervisor. country. the British and European vac- have the jab would instead be The Russian was described Prosecutors in Sweden re- cine regulators were “not able given the Moderna or BioN- by Italian authorities as a cently charged a 47-year-old to establish a causal relation- tech vaccines, the local health member of the military with a man with espionage for alleg- ship between the vaccine and ministry said. diplomatic position in Italy. edly providing Russia with in- clotting events.” State officials were due to The Russian Embassy in formation about Swedish com- On Tuesday, Germany’s discuss the details and imple- Rome confirmed that an em- panies in return for payment. federal and health ministers A health worker vaccinates a patient with AstraZeneca’s COVID vaccine against the coronavirus (Covid-19) mentation of the decision on ployee who served as a military And in Germany, a man agreed to limit the use of the in Deisenhofen, southern Germany, on Wednesday. (AFP) Wednesday. attache had been detained. was charged in February after vaccine to people aged 60 and Separately, AstraZeneca Italian Foreign Minister he allegedly passed on floor older due to concerns about World Health Organization The EMA on Wednesday re- tion,” the head of the EMA, announced that the vaccine Luigi Di Maio described the af- plans for the Berlin parliament blood clotting. have concluded that the ben- iterated its assessment that Emer Cooke, said during a would be marketed under the fair as a “very serious matter” to a Russian intelligence agent. AstraZeneca said the Eu- efits of using our vaccine to there is no link between the press conference. name “Vaxzevria” in Europe in a Facebook post. Identified by the attorney ropean Medicines Agency protect people from this dead- vaccine and blood clotting, A review of new evidence in the future. “We express regret over the general only as Jens F, the man (EMA) found in its review that ly virus significantly outweigh deeming the jab safe to use for of blood clots was still ongo- Its current name is expulsion of two staff members had worked for a company that there was no link between the risks across all adult age any age group. ing, she said. “Covid-19 Vaccine Astra- of the Russian embassy from repeatedly carried out work on the vaccine and blood clot- groups,” the company said. “According to the current An updated recommenda- Zeneca.” The company said Rome. We are clarifying the behalf of the Bundestag, the ting, but further analysis was “The benefit risk profile of scientificknowledge, there is tion on the use of the vaccine the switch to a permanent circumstances of taking this seat of German parliament, in- “deserved.” the vaccine was reaffirmed in no evidence that would sup- from the EMA is expected for brand name is common and decision,” the Russian Foreign specting electrical devices used “Regulatory authorities in the EMA’s monthly safety up- port restricting the use of its April 6-9 safety committee has been planned for many Ministry said in a statement. in the building. the UK, European Union, the date published [on Tuesday].” this vaccine in any popula- meeting, Cooke said. months.

Macron closes schools across France for 3 weeks to tackle virus dpa There will be one week of spring; after that, Macron for weeks, but is having little about 375. Paris distance learning, followed had vowed to keep them open luck in getting the spread of The situation has grown by a general two-week spring as long as possible. the coronavirus under con- even more serious in recent France will close schools break for everyone. Restrictions on residents trol. There have been about weeks as hospitals have be- nationwide for three weeks The decision marks the and businesses that already 95,000 Covid-19 deaths gun reporting that they are in light of rising infection first time this school year apply in many parts of the since the pandemic began. reaching capacity, echoing rates, President Emmanuel that schools will be closed country will also be extended The number of new the chaotic situation that Macron announced in a na- down. Schools in France were to the entire nation. coronavirus infections per reigned a year ago when Eu- tional televised address on previously closed only during The entire country has 100,000 residents in the rope was first being hit by Italian Military corps patrol in front of the Russian Embassy in Rome Wednesday. the first strict lockdown last been under a tight lockdown past seven days stands at the disease’s spread. on Wednesday. (afp) Big Australia blues fest scrapped Jailed Russian opposition leader Navalny on short notice due to virus case on hunger strike over lack of medical care dpa ficult statements I have ever had But a man who had visited sites dpa help, I’m being tortured with lack of Sydney to make. We really wanted to be at in the Byron Bay region tested posi- Moscow sleep (they wake me eight times per the forefront of the return of live tive in the last 24 hours, according night),” he said, adding that going on A single locally-transmitted corona- music at pre-Covid-19 level.” “We to New South Wales Health. Russian dissident Alexei Navalny, hunger strike was the only means left virus case forced the cancellation of feel deeply for everybody affected, This is the first locally transmit- who is currently imprisoned in a la- to him. Dozens of Russian doctors a well-known Australian blues festi- the fans, the artists, and the hard- ted infection in New South Wales bour camp outside of Moscow, has had launched an appeal on Monday val less than 24 hours before it was working Bluesfest team. But in the in two weeks. It prompted a slew of gone on hunger strike to protest a for Navalny to receive medical atten- to kick off, organizers and health of- end, the health of our community restrictions on businesses and pub- lack of medical care. tion quickly, after reports surfaced of ficials said on Wednesday. must come first,” Noble said in a lic life to come into effect, include “I declared hunger strike with his back problems. Tens of thousands of fans from statement. It was the second year in caps on the number of people who the demand to respect the law and In a video and open letter to the across Australia had already begun a row the pandemic has led to the can meet. to let the invited doctor see me,” Na- File photo of Russian opposition head of the prison authority, the doc- making their way to the Byron Bay cancellation of the festival in the Australian media reported that valny said in a statement published leader Alexei Navalny. (afp) tors called for appropriate treatment Bluesfest, which was scheduled to surf town known for its hippie flair. the man was thought to have been on Instagram on Wednesday. to avert “the danger to his life and run Thursday to Monday, when the Organizers had described the in previous contact with travellers The Kremlin critic is reportedly lawyers fear that he could lose his health.” Navalny was sentenced to event was scrapped. 2021 edition as the first major festi- from the state of Queensland, who suffering from back pain that is ra- leg. “I now lie hungry, but still with imprisonment at the penal camp in Peter Noble, Bluesfest director, val to be held in Australia since the may also be positive for the corona- diating into his right leg, where it is both legs,” Navalny wrote. early February for violating parole re- said: “This is one of the most dif- pandemic erupted. virus. causing paralysis. Doctors and his “Instead of being given medical quirements from an earlier sentence.

Biden announces actions to tackle crime against Asian Americans Mexican army slammed after civilian shot in Guatemala dpa our community is still at risk,” “We must recommit our- Washington said Senator Tammy Duck- selves to this urgent task,” he dpa around to avoid the control, the worth, Democrat of Illinois. “I wrote in a memo on “hate- Mexico City soldier unjustifiably reacted by President Joe Biden an- applaud President Biden for based violence and incidents.” shooting, even though none of nounced steps on Tuesday to recognising our community’s The Department of Health The death of a Central Ameri- the passengers was aggressive, protect Asian Americans from pain and taking concrete ac- and Human Services will can civilian at the hands of according to the minister. discrimination and violent at- tions to protect AAPI individu- spend $49.5 million on pro- Mexican security forces for a The incident then led to an tacks, including establishing a als” - Asian American and Pa- grammes to help victims of second time in only a few days angry mob of around 300 lo- Justice Department initiative cific Islander - “from violence domestic violence and sexual fuelled criticism of the Mexican cal residents armed with sticks to address a rising number of and root out anti-Asian bias assault in the Asian American, army on Tuesday. and other weapons holding 15 hate crimes since the pandem- while also supporting the vic- Native Hawaiian and Pacific On Monday, a Mexican soldiers up for several hours. ic originated in China. tims of hate crimes.” Islander communities. And soldier shot a man from Gua- They let the soldiers go after the The announcement comes Under Biden’s initiative, the National Science Founda- temala at a road checkpoint army made assurances it would two weeks after shootings at the Justice Department will US President Joe Biden in Washington on Tuesday. (AFP) tion will spend $33 million to near the two countries’ border. start criminal proceedings Atlanta-area spas killed eight track reports of anti-Asian study bias and xenophobia. This was a mistake, Mexi- against the soldier who shot the people, including six women hate crimes and expand its ment offices, and other federal Justice Department could bet- Biden also plans to revive can Defence Minister Luis San- man and pay compensation. of Asian descent, and as Biden outreach to community or- agencies are being directed to ter prioritise investigations the White House Initiative on doval said on Tuesday. Accord- Only on Sunday, police of- has faced pressure from Asian ganizations. additional steps. and prosecutions of people Asian Americans and Pacific ing to the minister, the man was ficers in the Caribbean town American members of Con- Also, the FBI is planning Attorney General Merrick responsible for alleged hate Islanders, which was founded with two other people in a car, of Tulum arrested a woman gress to take stronger action. to hold training sessions for Garland ordered an expedited crimes against Asian Ameri- by President Bill Clinton but which stopped at the check- from El Salvador and broke her “There is no doubt that state and local law enforce- review to determine how the cans. has languished more recently. point. When the car turned neck. Huawei’s 2020 net profit rises 3.2% to $9.9 billion page 12

Thursday, April 1, 2021

33,050.32 10,401.50 49509.15 1,708.80 -16.64 pts +20.20 pts -627.43 pts Gold +1.35 % Russia is leading the way in Dow QE sensex climate-related energy policy page 11 Price percentage Price percentage 24.44 Brent 63.54 -0.94 % WTI 59.16 -2.30 % Silver +1.23 % Kaabi discusses energy ties with Ukraine’s minister Ooredoo returns to debt markets with issuance of $1 billion bond The issuance was more than 3.4 times Ooredoo’s first bond oversubscribed at its peak. The Notes are rated A2 by Moody’s, A- by S&P issuance since 2016 and A- by Fitch. The issuance was arranged and of- was more than three fered through a syndicate of joint lead times oversubscribed managers and bookrunners comprising of Barclays Bank, BNP Paribas, Citigroup Global Markets Limited, Credit Agricole Tribune News Network Corporate and Investment Bank, DBS Doha Bank, Mizuho International, QNB Capi- tal and Standard Chartered Bank. Ooredoo on Wednesday announced Ooredoo Group Managing Direc- the successful pricing of its $1 billion is- tor Aziz Aluthman Fakhroo said, “It has suance of senior unsecured notes. been five years since our last bond issu- The notes are to be issued by its whol- ance. We are delighted to see very strong ly-owned subsidiary Ooredoo Interna- demand from the US, Europe, Asia and tional Finance Limited under the existing the Middle East for Ooredoo’s recent $5 billion Global Medium Term Notes bond issuance, which demonstrates the programme on the Irish Stock Exchange. high level of confidence that the inves- The notes will be unconditionally and ir- tors have in Ooredoo’s robust perfor- revocably guaranteed by Ooredoo. mance and strategy. We do highly ap- The Notes will mature on April 8, preciate the strong support of our long 2031, and will have a coupon of 2.625 term banking partners and the trust of Minister of State for Energy Affairs His Excellency Saad Sherida Al Kaabi on Wednesday met percent per year. The transaction was Ooredoo Group Managing Director Aziz our investors.” with Yuriy Vitrenko, the acting minister of energy in Ukraine. Discussions during the meeting priced at a spread to the 10-year US Aluthman Fakhroo The settlement of the offering is ex- dealt with various aspects of cooperation in energy between Qatar and Ukraine, and means to Treasuries of 103.4 basis points. Net pected to occur on April 8, 2021 and enhance them. proceeds from the sale of the Notes will purposes, including refinancing its exist- is subject to customary settlement be used for Ooredoo’s general corporate ing indebtedness. conditions. Qatar playing vital role in CB highlights benefits ADR: Expert of investing in Turkey Tribune News Network of ADR. Participants were Doha presented with real-time results after each poll, allow- Commercial Bank committed to facilitating trade and investment between Qatar and Turkey: GCEO The International Cham- ing them to gain immediate ber of Commerce Qatar (ICC insight into the thoughts of Satyendra Pathak offers many lucrative opportunities Qatar) and Crowell & Mor- others in the business and Doha and the leaders of both countries ing on Tuesday, hosted an legal communities. share a great vision. As business or- interactive programme on On mediation, the poll Commercial Bank and its fully- ganisations and investment office, we the growing commitment revealed that parties are owned Turkish subsidiary Alternatif are committed to contributing to this of Qatar and its institutions using Qatar institutions to Bank are committed to supporting vision at the investment level. We are to mediation and other al- administer mediations, and and building on the strategic eco- available to offer our services at our ternative dispute resolution have had overwhelmingly nomic relationship between Qa- offices at the Qatar Financial Cen- (ADR) methods as a means favourable experiences. tar and Turkey by facilitating trade tre. As the Investment Office of the of resolving international Attendees reported that and investment, Commercial Bank Presidency of Turkey, we are ready to disputes. mediation is an attractive Group CEO Joseph Abraham said on support Qatari investors with all the Titled ‘Qatar’s Role in alternative to court or arbi- Wednesday. different aspects of investing in Tur- International Mediation & tration because of its flexible Delivering an opening speech at a key,” Daglıoglu said. ADR’, the webinar discussed process and greater ability to webinar entitled ‘A Window of Invest- Speaking on the occasion, Com- mediation and other ADR preserve business relation- ment Opportunities in Turkey through mercial Bank AGM and Sadara Pre- options and polled attendees ships even in the context Commercial Bank,’ Abraham said, “By mium Banking Head Reham Thawabi for their awareness and views of a dispute. Interestingly, providing end-to-end connectivity we said, “It was a pleasure to host this regarding the current and fu- over half of the poll favoured are the natural conduits to encourage webinar and see our customers en- ture use of ADR in Qatar. making mediation manda- trade and investment flow between gaging with world-class experts in Tarek Saad, senior coun- tory in commercial disputes our two countries. I am sure this event the field.I look forward to seeing our sel at Crowell & Moring and that involved relatively will increase awareness and knowl- customer benefit from other events head of its disputes practice smaller amounts. edge of investors in Qatar about the like this one in the future.” in Doha, led the discussion. Some participants were opportunities in Turkey.” The webinar was part of a series Saad, who also serves as ICC less familiar with two ADR The exclusive webinar, hosted by of an upcoming investment seminars Qatar’s representative to methods commonly referred Commercial Bank, was aimed at pro- which will be hosted by the Sadara the Paris-based ICC’s Task to as dispute adjudication viding the bank’s customers with the Premium banking division at Com- Force on ADR and Arbitra- boards and expert determi- opportunity to learn more about be- mercial Bank to the benefit of pre- tion that studies ADR trends nation but expressed their coming investors in Turkey. mium customers. all over the world for the de- interest in learning more in The webinar featured a num- The main customer categories tar- velopment of recommenda- future programmes. ber of high-level Turkish dignitaries geted by this webinar were customers tions for member countries Saad said, “Today’s pro- and subject experts providing valu- Commercial Bank’s fully owned Turkish subsidiary Alternatif Bank looking to buy property in Turkey like Qatar, presented his gramme provided the busi- able information to customers about by cash or through a mortgage loan, perspectives on Qatar’s no- ness and legal community Turkey as an investment destination customers who want to diversify table leading role in trigger- with a chance to report their and the “Citizenship by Investment their investment portfolio, customers ing implementation of the experiences and express Program.” looking to get the Turkish citizenship Singapore Convention on their views regarding ways Ambassador of Turkey to Qatar through the investment programme Mediation, which has been of resolving disputes outside HE M Mustafa Goksu, who also ad- and frequent travellers to Turkey. signed by 53 countries. of court or formal arbitra- dressed the webinar, highlighted the Abdullah Deniz, Project Director He then launched a se- tion. Of particular note is strong economic relations between for the MENA Region at the Invest- ries of polls to attendees, that half of those polled felt Turkey and Qatar. ment Office of the Presidency of the covering mediation, dispute that current and future use He said, “The relations between Republic of Turkey, made a presenta- adjudication boards, expert of ADR methods have been Qatar and Turkey are strategic, spe- tion on reasons to invest in Turkey. determination, and current and will continue to increase cial, and gaining in strength. Both Ammar Sadiklar, founder of and future use of all forms in Qatar.” countries are working on increasing Kolay Danısmanlık, made a detailed mutual investment and commercial presentation on ‘Citizenship by In- trade between them. They look for- vestment Program’ and discussed ward to increasing the cooperation in length about different ways to get between them and continuing the Turkish citizenship by investing in dialogue. The continuous meetings the country. and visit exchanges between Turk- Levent Guven, EVP and head of ish and Qatari representatives re- treasury and financial institutions, flect their strong commitment to spoke about the services and prod- strengthening their relations of mu- Ambassador of Turkey to Qatar Commercial Bank Group CEO ucts offered by Alternatif Bank for tual cooperation.” HE M Mustafa Goksu Joseph Abraham Qataris in Turkey. President of the Investment Office A detailed presentation was also of the Presidency of the Republic of Daglıoglu said, “As the Invest- their priorities and expectations and made as to how Commercial Bank Turkey Burak Daglıoglu spoke about ment Office of the Presidency of Tur- put in place various special policies to facilitates investors in Qatar to invest the investment environment and op- key, we have been working with our adequately introduce our country to and become citizens of Turkey within Experts take part in a webinar organised by ICC Qatar. portunities as well as the economic esteemed Qatari investors for a very the investors of Qatar.” three months even without visiting reforms being undertaken in Turkey. long time. We are quite familiar with “Turkey’s diversified economy the country. Economy & Business Thursday, April 1, 2021 11 Legal Week Day 4: QICCA examines Russia is leading the way in arbitration practice climate-related energy policy updates in Qatar ‘Russia’s energy system underpinned by vision of a greener energy on one hand and stability and security on the other’ Tribune News Network hearing sessions, or proce- Doha dural sessions for arbitra- Tribune News Network tion. Doha The Qatar International He also said that all ar- Centre for Conciliation and bitration centers started to Russia, the world’s larg- Arbitration (QICCA) at Qa- hold arbitration sessions est country by landmass, has tar Chamber on Wednesday remotely using electronic a multi-pronged strategy to organised the fourth day of means to preserve the inter- confront climate change, by its ‘Legal Week’, which ends ests of all parties. further developing its human on Thursday, with a we- Speakers during the capital, natural gas, hydrogen, binar entitled ‘Arbitration event also included Lawyer and renewable assets, a senior Practice Updates in Qatar’. Pamela MacDonald, from national energy policymaker Addressing the webinar, Pinsent Masons Law Firm. has said. Lawyer Claudia Al Hage She also reviewed the Speaking at the 51st edition talked about the Qatari partnership between the of the GECF Gas Lecture Series, courts’ position in respect public and private sectors entitled ‘The Russian Federa- of the implementation of and its relationship to arbi- tion’s climate policy in the en- arbitration awards, explain- tration, as well as the Singa- ergy sector’, Alexey Kulapin, ing some awards that are pore Mediation Convention the Director General of the newly issued after submit- and its importance for Qa- Russian Energy Agency, noted ting requests of the imple- tar as a member country. that Russia’s energy system is mentation and claims for Thomas Williams, from underpinned by the vision of a the annulment of arbitra- Sultan Al-Abdulla & Part- greener energy system on one tion awards. ners, discussed the reim- hand and stability and security She also reviewed the bursement in the costs of on the other. position of the Qatar Court arbitration, indicating that “Russia’s energy policy is of Appeal on these issues, includes a set of fees and ex- based on the need to strike a stressing that the imple- penses that are paid equally balance between solving cli- mentation or the annulment by the two parties, but in mate problems and the need of the arbitration award many cases one of the par- to further provide the economy is considered one of the ties, usually the defendant, and population with affordable most important stages that may refrain from paying energy resources,” explained the arbitration award goes these expenses. Kulapin, the head of state-run through after the members Mathieu Faupin, from Agency under the ambit of the of the arbitral tribunal end Mubarak Al-Sulaiti Law Energy Ministry of Russia – 70% of an important natural serve as a transitional fuel to a thermal cogeneration sources. hydrogen electrolysis is $3.5-4/ their task. Firm, focused on the en- one of the 11 founding GECF resource (natural gas) brings low-carbon economy. In this This compares to United States kg. We are ready for mutually- Jonathan Parker, from forcement of the foreign Member Countries. with it a remarkable weight. We regards, projects such as the (65%), Germany (57%) and Chi- beneficial cooperation with Clyde & Co Law Firm, spoke judgment, highlighting the Calling access to affordable strive to achieve actions that Power of Siberia 1 and 2, Turk- na (below 30%) in terms of low- partners overseas,” he said. on the virtual arbitration, rules applied in the imple- energy a fundamental right, in put nature, people, and planet ish Stream, and Nord Stream emission energy sources for In the domain of renew- pointing out that after the mentation of judgments is- line with the UN Sustainable at the heart of value creation.” 2 were highlighted. Currently, electricity generation, he said. able energy, Kulapin said that spread of the COVID-19 sued by the judiciary in one Development Goal No. 7, the Echoing these sentiments Russia enjoys a total LNG pro- “Despite this, the country despite enjoying a developed pandemic, the arbitration country to be implemented GECF Secretary General com- Kulapin noted that Russia, as duction of nearly 30 million has a deliberate policy aimed at hydropower infrastructure, process faced many major in another country. The mended the steps being taken one of the largest players in the tonnes per annum (mtpa), improving the efficiency of en- Russia is actively working on challenges, including how webinar was moderated by by many of the Forum’s 19 international energy markets, which is set to increase by 2 ergy production and consump- the development of renewable to hold sessions remotely, QICCA counsellor Dr Minas Member Countries to achieve fully supports the efforts of to 2.5 times to 80-140 million tion, which allows to reduce energy sources based on solar especially pleading and Khachtadourian. net-zero emissions. the world community to com- by 2035, in line with the new- greenhouse gas emissions in and wind energy. In 2020, ac- “We heard a lot about Rus- bat climate chance. He high- ly-adopted ‘Energy Strategy the energy sector.” cording to him, the introduc- sia today but our other Member lighted that in November 2020, 2035’. Work is also underway On hydrogen, the official tion of renewable energy capac- Countries are also leading the the Russian President signed to increase the use of gas in the noted his optimism on its po- ity exceeded the introduction way in transforming their busi- a decree to reduce the coun- transport sector. In the period tential in various fields, as the of traditional generation and ness model. Qatar, for example, try’s greenhouse gas emissions 2018-20, a total of 250 refu- ‘Energy Strategy 2035’ envi- amounted to 1.2 GW (127%). is playing a greater role in the (GHGs) as part of Russia’s elling stations offering com- sions competitively priced hy- “In particular, work is un- area of environmental, social, implementation of the Paris pressed natural gas came alive, drogen exports of up to 7 mtpa derway in areas such as the in- and governance (ESG) invest- Agreement. an increase of 60% on previous by 2035 and 33 mtpa by 2050. troduction of new renewable ments. Yet another member, However, according to him, capacity. “Russia can provide com- energy generating facilities, de- Egypt, has blanket banned issu- until new sources of energy are In the area of electricity, petitive hydrogen both in the velopment of renewable energy ing of all new vehicle licences un- able to provide uninterrupted Kulapin asserted that Russian European and Asia-Pacific technology base, ability to re- less they run on the cleaner nat- energy supply, natural gas, in- already has one of the cleanest markets. The cost of producing motely control operations, and QICCA counsellor Dr Minas Khachtadourian moderated the ses- ural gas,” said Yury Sentyurin. cluding liquefied natural gas electricity structures, as 80% of low-carbon hydrogen from nat- building a highly skilled human sion held on the fourth day of the Legal Week “Being a world-leading coa- (LNG), will remain the cleanest generation comes from nuclear, ural gas in Russia is at $1-1.5/ resources capacity,” said Ku- lition representing more than energy resource and will even hydroelectric, steam gas, and kg, whilst the cost of producing lapin. Doha Bank first Qatar lender to launch full suite of Visa Corporate Card solutions

Doha Bank’s key focus is use cases when a one-time card our long-standing partnership Doha Bank has collaborated with Visa to to address “Payments to Sup- is sent to the mobile phone of with Visa and to the growing pliers” for which the Visa Cor- individuals/employees when payment needs in the local launch Visa Corporate Card solutions to porate Card can function as a they receive their hotel’s final economy.” cater for SME & corporate clients in Qatar payment tool for Qatar’s key checkout bill to settle. Sudheer Nair, Visa’s Coun- corporates and the SME sec- Braik Al Marri, Chief Retail try Manager for Qatar, said, tor – allowing for cash flow ex- Banking Officer said, “Doha “We are delighted to see Doha Tribune News Network penses, travel & entertainment tension and stronger working Bank is proud and excited to Bank become the first bank in Doha expenses and general business capital management especially add yet another product to its Qatar to launch our full suite of expenses in a simple and easy during the pandemic period vast array of services. With the Visa Corporate card solutions Doha Bank has collaborated manner. where cash flow has been a key bank’s focus to be a driving for the local businesses. After with Visa, the world’s leader Businesses and corporates issue across the market. force in the local Qatari econo- a difficult year for many busi- in digital payments, to be- are now able to simply go on- Simplifying payments al- my, the Doha Bank Visa Corpo- nesses, particularly SMBs, our come the first bank in Qatar to line and access a self-service lows businesses to not only rate Card will not only help us Visa Corporate Card solution launch a full suite of Visa Cor- tool – Visa Payment Controls, streamline their accounts pay- build our clientele but will also is an attractive proposition for porate Card solutions catering where they are able to effective- able function and pay their help corporates adopt smarter businesses looking to reduce for SMEs and Corporate Cli- ly manage their Visa Corporate suppliers in a digital fashion and robust technologies. Doha cost and streamline expense ents in Qatar. Card program by establishing with ease, but it gives back time Doha Bank has collaborated with Visa to become the first bank in Bank and Visa share a strong reporting both easily and se- The launch revealed Doha limits for each card, establish- to allow businesses to focus Qatar to launch a full suite of Visa Corporate Card solutions. relationship and have part- curely. We continue to work Bank’s new Visa Corporate ing account alerts and avoid on their core objectives such nered on various “first-in-the- closely with our partners like Card solutions, whereby busi- improper business spend by as running a business and in- rently working with Visa to is- a one-time use virtual cards market products” in the recent Doha Bank in supporting lo- nesses and corporates are able placing robust controls around creasing revenue and profit- sue Virtual Corporate Cards in to suppliers in the “buyer and past. The launch of the Doha cal businesses in their recovery to manage and have greater time, location, category and ability. the near future – a technology supplier” supply chain. In addi- Bank Visa Corporate Card re- and the country’s economic control over their employee ex- spending limits. Doha Bank is also cur- that allows instant issuance of tion, this will also benefit travel inforces our commitment to growth.” Eager to build infra, Biden plans to tax business Epic Games submits complaint Agencies against the technology and steel mills that powered Amer- includes $621 billion for roads, public investments made by ica’s industrial rise has steadily bridges, public transit, electric against Apple to UK watchdog President Joe Biden wants China, which has the world’s pivoted toward technology and vehicle charging stations and $2 trillion to reengineer Amer- second-largest economy and health care, drawing in col- other transportation infra- Agencies The game-maker’s com- purchases made through apps, ica’s infrastructure and expects is fast gaining on the United lege graduates in a sign of how structure. The spending would plaint accuses Apple of anti- which music streaming service the nation’s corporations to States’ dominant position. economies can change. push the country away from Epic Games submitted a com- competitive behaviour and Spotify and other apps have pay for it. White House press secre- The Democratic presi- internal combustion engines plaint Tuesday about Apple’s setting strict rules on app dis- also taken issue with. Epic tried The president was trave- tary Jen Psaki said the plan is dent’s infrastructure projects that the auto industry views alleged “monopolistic prac- tribution and payments in al- to bypass the App Store with a ling to Pittsburgh on Wednes- “about making an investment would be financed by higher as an increasingly antiquated tices” to the UK competition leged violation of UK rules. direct payment system, but Ap- day to unveil what would be a in America — not just modern- corporate taxes — a trade-off technology. watchdog, which is investigat- Apple said it wasn’t surprised ple responded by dropping the hard-hatted transformation of izing our roads or railways or that could lead to fierce resist- An additional $111 billion ing the iPhone maker over con- by Epic’s UK complaint “as we Fortnite app from the platform. the U.S. economy as grand in bridges but building an infra- ance from the business com- would go to replace lead wa- cerns it has a dominant posi- have seen them use the same “By kneecapping the com- scale as the New Deal or Great structure of the future.” munity and thwart attempts ter pipes and upgrade sewers. tion in app distribution. playbook around the world.” petition and exerting its mo- Society programs that shaped Biden’s choice of Pitts- to work with Republicans law- Broadband internet would The move by the maker of The Competition and Mar- nopoly power over app distri- the 20th century. burgh for unveiling the plan makers. Biden hopes to pass blanket the country for $100 the popular video game Fort- kets Authority confirmed it re- bution and payments, Apple White House officials say carried important economic an infrastructure plan by sum- billion. Separately, $100 bil- nite is the latest salvo in its ceived the complaint and said strips UK consumers of the the spending over eight years and political resonance. He mer, which could mean relying lion would upgrade the power bitter battle over Apple’s App it would be considered as part right to choose how and where would generate millions of new not only won Pittsburgh and solely on the slim Democratic grid to deliver clean electricity. Store. Epic Games has also of its investigation opened last they get their apps, while lock- jobs as the country shifts away its surrounding county to help majorities in the House and Homes would get retrofitted, filed legal challenges in the month into whether Apple’s ing developers into a single from fossil fuels and combats secure the presidency, but he the Senate. schools modernized, workers United States and Australia, practices result in higher prices marketplace that lets Apple the perils of climate change. launched his campaign there The White House says the trained and hospitals renovat- and an antitrust complaint in or less choice for consumers. charge any commission rate It is also an effort to compete in 2019. The city famed for largest chunk of the proposal ed under the plan. the European Union against The dispute stems from Ap- they choose,” Epic Games CEO Apple. ple taking a 30% cut from some Tim Sweeney said. 12 Thursday, April 1, 2021 Economy & Business

Commentary Why businesses need to act now to adopt IoT

he Internet of Things continuity throughout the pe- (IoT) has been making riod. In fact, 73% of adopters Twaves across most indus- are confident that companies tries over the last few years and that have failed to embrace many businesses in Qatar have IoT within five years will have been reaping the benefits of fallen behind, meaning IoT can adopting this kind of technol- create sustainable, long-term, ogy. The potential for the IoT competitive advantage. is huge, and goes beyond just For many businesses, smartphones, wearables and adapting to new technologies computers to include devices has previously been viewed as a such as light switches, vehi- daunting prospect, or perhaps cles, farm equipment, manu- a ‘nice to have’ rather than a facturing machinery and se- fundamental need. They’ve im- curity solutions – all of which plemented these technologies can communicate with each reactively, rather than them other. Businesses can use IoT being part of a proactive, stra- to gather real-time data about tegic decision. However, IoT their operations that they can solutions are now more acces- then use as a strategic tool to sible and affordable than ever, support everyday decisions. so businesses can and should act now, and consider IoT part IoT in the spotlight of their core infrastructure. Last year, Vodafone re- leased its IoT Spotlight Re- IoT in Qatar port 2020 which provided a Notable examples of IoT in snapshot of global IoT usage. use across Qatar include Qatar It found that IoT is key to im- General Electricity & Water This file photo shows Huawei’s Rotating Chairman Ken Hu, who has said that the company would continue to work closely with customers and partners to support social proving business performance Corporation’s (KAHRAMAA) progress, economic growth, and sustainable development. and generate real business digitalisation of the nation’s value, with 95% of respondents utilities industry, via a partner- seeing a positive return on in- ship with vestment. Vodafone Qatar. 600,000 There are multiple benefits smart meters are being in- of adopting IoT, including be- stalled nationwide, equipped Huawei’s 2020 net profit ing able to improve operational with Vodafone’s IoT SIMs efficiency and create new con- that remotely transmit real- nected products. CEOs are able time metering data to KAH- to make their resources go fur- RAMAA’s systems via the ther and focus on what really Vodafone Managed IoT Con- rises 3.2% to $9.9 billion matters; their business. 84% nectivity Platform. Smart me- of businesses say that they can tering removes the need for steel production, ports, and business moved forward with do things they couldn’t before manual meter readings, im- Huawei reaffirms commitment to creat- manufacturing. its Seamless AI Life strategy adopting IoT technologies and proves general operational ef- ‘Held strong’ Over the past year, Hua- (“1 + 8 + N”) to provide con- 80% have seen a rise in rev- ficiency and equips residents ing greater value for customers and  Huawei’s Rotating wei’s enterprise business sumers with an intelligent enue. Strikingly, IoT has ena- and businesses with data on society in the face of adversity Chairman Ken Hu says stepped up efforts to develop experience across all devices bled over half of businesses to their usage to reduce energy innovative scenario-based and scenarios, focusing on decrease their operating costs consumption, for example. Over the past year the solutions for different indus- smart office, fitness & health, by an average of 21%. Another good example is Tribune News Network statements. The document company has held strong tries and create a digital eco- smart home, easy travel, and Meanwhile, Vodafone’s Loop’s smart scooter sharing Doha produced by KPMG is a in the face of adversity system that thrives on joint entertainment. Middle East Barometer Report service, powered by Vodafone’s standard unqualified audit  In 2020, Huawei’s creation and shared success. “Over the past year we’ve 2019 found that the IoT is driv- IoT connectivity solutions. Huawei has posted a net opinion. No matter the cir- During the pandemic, held strong in the face of ad- ing innovation and renewed Preinstalled Vodafone IoT SIM profit of $9.9 billion for cumstances, we will continue carrier business Huawei provided technical versity,” said Ken Hu, Hua- economic growth across the cards ensure that Loop is con- 2020, up 3.2 percent year- to embrace transparency by continued to ensure the expertise and solutions that wei’s Rotating Chairman. region. Over a third of those stantly connected with its fleet on-year, on sales revenue of disclosing operational data stable operations of more were vital in the fight against “We’ve kept innovat- surveyed are already embrac- of scooters via a web-based approximately $136.7 bil- to governments, customers, than 1,500 networks the virus. One example is ing to create value for our ing the opportunities on offer dashboard that lets the Loop lion, up 3.8 percent year-on- suppliers, employees, and across more than 170 an AI-assisted diagnostic customers, to help fight the by adopting this technology, team track their electric scoot- year. partners.” countries and regions solution based on Huawei pandemic, and to support and the events of the past year ers, monitor their condition Growth slowed, but the In 2020, Huawei’s carrier Cloud that helped hospi- both economic recovery and have further catalysed the digi- and batteries, and bring them company’s business perfor- business continued to ensure  This helped support tals the world over reduce social progress around the tal transformation of so many back to the docking station to mance was largely in line the stable operations of more telework, online learning, the burden on their medi- world. We also took this op- sectors. be ready for the next ride. This with forecast, the company than 1,500 networks across and online shopping cal infrastructure. Huawei portunity to further enhance project is helping to improve said in its 2020 Annual Re- more than 170 countries and throughout COVID-19 also worked with partners to our operations, leading to a The reason to adopt early access to public transport in port released on Wednesday. regions, which helped sup- lockdowns launch cloud-based online performance that was large- During the COVID-19 cri- Doha and shows how IoT is “Despite operational dif- port telework, online learn- learning platforms for more ly in line with forecast. sis, all businesses have had to playing a vital role in smart ficulties brought about by ing, and online shopping than 50 million primary and “We will continue to adapt and respond to the new cities by enabling connected US sanctions in 2019 and throughout COVID-19 lock- a superior connected expe- secondary school students. work closely with our cus- environment in which they solutions that lower emissions 2020, Huawei has and will downs. rience and moved forward With the rollout of Har- tomers and partners to now operate, and most adop- and improve efficiency – goals continue to invite KPMG Working together with with more than 3,000 5G in- monyOS and the Huawei support social progress, ters feel that IoT was a key aligned with Qatar National Vi- to independently and ob- carriers around the world, novation projects in over 20 Mobile Services (HMS) eco- economic growth, and sus- factor in maintaining business sion 2030. jectively audit our financial the company helped provide industries like coal mining, system, Huawei’s consumer tainable development.” VW hoaxes media with fake statement PwC sheds light on the new normal on name change facing Qatar’s manufacturing industry Tribune News Network calisation, with organisations advances can only be achieved cation priorities, and the in- a post-pandemic world. The Agencies ceptive software. The soft- Doha casting an eye on supply chain through a robust investment creasing focus on ESG both value chain across many or- ware reduced nitrogen oxide partners to identify new syn- strategy. Investment leaders on both the world stage and ganizational structures has Volkswagen of America emissions when the cars were PwC on Wednesday launched ergies, unlock deal value and need to ensure they have a in capital markets, a prosper- received a shock, however issued false statements this placed on a test machine but a new paper in Qatar, ‘Driving explore strategic acquisitions robust value creation strat- ous industrial manufacturing there is considerable oppor- week saying it would change its allowed higher emissions and Value Creation in the Qatari that would further boost the re- egy, and clear objectives (ROI, sector would prove crucial in tunity here for the country, as brand name to “Voltswagen,” improved engine performance Industrial Manufacturing In- silience of the sector. As such, sector focus, etc.) provided by pivoting away from an oil and globalization affords new deal to stress its commitment to during normal driving. The dustry’. Considered through additional vertical integration the shareholders which set the hydrocarbon economy, and to opportunities in Qatar.” electric vehicles, only to reverse scandal cost Volkswagen $35 the lens of the global pan- is likely to occur in the sector. framework of the investment ensure a more sustainable and The pandemic caused course Tuesday and admit that billion (30 billion euros) in demic, with significantly re- strategy, whether organic or resilient economy to weather widespread business disrup- the supposed name change was fines and civil settlements and duced demand, supply chain 2. Championing technologi- inorganic (M&A), whilst op- future crises. tion, both creating and further a joke. led to the recall of millions of disruption, working capital cal innovation timising operations and bal- Kamal Fayed, Transac- accelerating distress in many Mark Gillies, a company vehicles. issues and the impact of lo- Lockdowns and work re- ance sheets. tion Services Partner based in markets and economies. Far spokesman, confirmed Tues- The company’s fake news cal lockdowns, the paper gives strictions have emphasised Qatar abounds with invest- Doha and PwC’s Deals prac- from ‘business as usual’, whole day that the statement had release, leaked on Monday and an overview of the journey to the need to automate facto- ment opportunities, driven tice lead in Qatar, said: “PwC’s business models and indus- been a pre-April Fool’s Day joke then repeated in a mass e-mail value creation within the Qa- ries for enhancing resilience in part by the strong local de- comprehension and under- tries are having to rethink and after having insisted Monday to reporters Tuesday, resulted tari industrial manufacturing by reducing the need for hu- mand for large infrastructure standing of Qatar stretches reconfigure themselves in the that the release was legitimate in articles about the name industry. man operators present onsite. projects in the country and the beyond tax and taps deeper wake of new challenges. With and the name change accurate. change in multiple media out- The paper identifies four Manufacturers in the country upcoming FIFA 2022 World into a fundamental apprecia- significantly reduced demand, The company’s false statement lets, including The Associated key areas to drive positive are recommended to maintain Cup. Export opportunities tion of the unique value prop- supply chain disruption, was distributed again Tuesday, Press. transformation in Industrial sight of emerging technolo- could also be seized by virtue osition of the vast and devel- working capital issues and saying the brand-name change In falsely announcing a Manufacturing including: gies to transform operations, of Qatar’s developed air and oping sectors in this vibrant the impact of local lockdowns, reflected a shift to more bat- name change, the company enhance efficiencies and ul- marine port infrastructure. country. Industrial Manufac- businesses need to find new tery-electric vehicles. went beyond telling reporters 1. Building supply chain timately create new value le- turing is a key growth sector ways to create value. Volkswagen’s intentionally that its news release was legiti- resilience vers, such as 3D printing for 4. Aligning with Qatar Vision within the country and is at Most importantly, it is ap- fake news release, highly unu- mate. On Tuesday, the compa- Qatar was well positioned more flexible production of 2030 the heart of Qatar National parent that the ‘new normal’ is sual for a major public com- ny emailed to reporters a press to weather supply chain dis- parts and components. Qatar This rests on the four pil- Vision 2030 aims to develop here to stay, with some of the pany, coincides with its efforts release that quoted its CEO an- ruptions due to its ambitious has a cost advantage with 3D lars of economic, environ- a competitive and diversified disruptions and operational to repair its image as it tries to nouncing the fake change: diversificationprogramme. printing raw materials due to mental, social and human economy.” transformations evolving into recover from a 2015 scandal “We might be changing Qatar’s Tawteen programme its strong local petrochemical development. The Qatar De- “During the course our re- a sustainable strategy that in which it cheated on govern- out our K for a T, but what we and Qatar Vision 2030 are industry. velopment Bank (QDB) has search for this paper, we un- leads to long-term growth. ment emissions tests and al- aren’t changing is this brand’s driving forward localisation launched initiatives such as covered valuable insights and It is apparent that the cur- lowed diesel-powered vehicles commitment to making best- opportunities as the world 3. Optimising investment Jahiz which aims to support recommendations that may rent uncertainty and turmoil to illegally pollute the air. in-class vehicles for drivers adapts to new market reali- strategy SMEs by providing ready-to- prove valuable in reshaping within the industry can be In that scandal, Volkswa- and people everywhere,” Scott ties. The pandemic has further Recovery through build- operate industrial facilities Qatari Industrial Manufac- leveraged into a world of op- gen admitted that about 11 Keogh, president and CEO of amplified the need for supply ing resilient supply chains and for leasing. Given economic turing and in seizing oppor- portunity and a more resilient million diesel vehicles world- Volkswagen of America, said chain transformation and lo- championing technological development and diversifi- tunities that are presented in future. wide were fitted with the de- in the release. Sakkari QatarTribune Qatar_Tribune shocks QatarTribuneChannel qatar_tribune Osaka to storm into Miami Open semis page 15 Thursday, April 1, 2021

Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium Al Janoub Stadium Khalifa International Stadium

Tribune News Network hospitality. This uniquely Qatari stadium comes complete Doha with a state-of-the-art retractable roof and is surrounded by 400,000m² of green spaces for the local community. arch 31, 2021 marked the 600-day count- The venue will host nine matches through to the semi- down to the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™. finals stage of Qatar 2022. The first World Cup in the Middle East and Construction update: The stadium structure has Arab world will kick off on 21 November and been completed and is ready to host matches. This in- Mconclude 28 days later on 18 December – Qatar National cludes the laying of the stadium pitch in record time. This Day. Qatar’s infrastructure plans are well advanced. Four year, the venue achieved a high sustainability rating from stadiums have been inaugurated, the new metro system GSAS. The surrounding Al Bayt Park opened on Qatar is up and running, and a host of expressways have been National Sports Day in February 2020. built. Here’s a closer look at the eight stadiums which will host matches during Qatar 2022. Khalifa International, Al Janoub, Education City and Ahmad Bin Ali have all Al Thumama Stadium hosted major matches, while the construction of Al Bayt Capacity: 40,000 has been completed. Along with Al Bayt, Al Thumama and Designer: Arab Engineering Bureau Ras Abu Aboud are set to be inaugurated during 2021, Distance from Doha city centre: 12km (7 miles) while the venue for the Qatar 2022 final, Lusail, is set to With a design inspired by the ‘gahfiya’, a traditional open early next year. woven cap worn for centuries by men across the Arab world, Al Thumama Stadium honours the region’s culture and traditions. It is the first FIFA World Cup venue to be Khalifa International Stadium designed by a Qatari architect – Ibrahim M. Jaidah. The Capacity: 40,000 stadium will host eight matches up to the quarter-finals Distance from Doha city centre: 11km (7 miles) stage during Qatar 2022. Inaugurated: 2017 Construction update: Roof and façade works have Khalifa International became the first Qatar 2022 600 been completed, along with the stadium’s bleacher instal- venue to open following a major renovation when it host- days to go: lation. Turfing of the field of play and tree plantation in ed the Amir Cup final on 19 May 2017. The stadium is set the precinct have also been completed. Seat installation, to host eight matches up to the third-place play-off during along with mechanical, electrical and plumbing works, Qatar 2022. plus finishing, are nearing completion. Khalifa International is located at the heart of Qa- tar’s hub of sporting excellence, Aspire Zone, and is sur- Qatar’s FIFA World Cup rounded by Aspire Academy, Aspetar and the 3-2-1 Qa- Ras Abu Aboud Stadium tar Olympic and Sports Museum. Its illustrious hosting Capacity: 40,000 history includes the Asian Games, AFC Asian Cup, 2019 Designer: FIA Fenwick Iribarren Architects IAAF World Athletics Championships, the 24th Arabian stadiums are looking Distance from Doha city centre: 7km (4 miles) Gulf Cup and the FIFA Club World Cup Qatar 2019™. In Ras Abu Aboud will be the first fully dismountable and 2020, the stadium hosted matches in the West Zone of the re-usable tournament venue in FIFA World Cup history, 2020 AFC Champions League and was also a venue for incredible making it a pioneer in sustainable stadium development the East Zone portion of the competition. and design. Designed by Fenwick Iribarren Architects, this 40,000-capacity venue is being built using shipping containers and other modular materi- Al Janoub Stadium als. Overlooking the stunning Doha Corniche Capacity: 40,000 and West Bay skyline, the stadium will host Design inspired by: Dame Zaha Hadid seven matches up to the round of 16 stage Distance from Doha city centre: 23km (14 miles) Four of eight during Qatar 2022. Inaugurated: 2019 Construction update: The stadium The first Qatar 2022 stadium to be built from scratch, is being built using 974 modular containers, Al Janoub was inaugurated on 16 May 2019 ahead of the tournament venues Al Thumama Stadium with the delivery and installation of all con- Amir Cup final. Located inA l Wakrah, the stadium’s de- tainers now completed. This includes spe- sign features elegant curves and lines inspired by the sails have been launched; cial containers for the energy substation. All of traditional dhow boats – in tribute to the city’s sea- remaining structural steel members, includ- faring past. Al Janoub will host seven matches up to the three more to be ing tension rods, have also been delivered and round of 16 stage during Qatar 2022. An innovative cool- installed. Installation of all seats in the stadium is ing system and retractable roof mean the stadium can be inaugurated this year nearing completion, as are the mechanical, engineer- used all-year-round. ing, plumbing and finishing works.E xternal works in the Last year, Al Janoub hosted the 2020 AFC Champions precinct are underway League final. The surrounding Al Janoub Park opened on Qatar National Sports Day in February 2020. Ras Abu Aboud Stadium final. Located in Al Rayyan and adjacent to the Mall of Qa- tar, Ahmad Bin Ali is built on the site of a deconstructed Lusail Stadium stadium and is within walking distance of Al Riffa station Capacity: 80,000 Education City Stadium on Doha Metro’s Green Line. The stadium’s glowing fa- Designer: Foster + Partners Capacity: 40,000 çade is comprised of patterns that characterise different Distance from Doha city centre: 20km (12 miles) Designer: FIA Fenwick Iribarren Architects aspects of Qatar: the importance of family, the beauty of The largest Qatar 2022 venue, Lusail embodies Qa- Distance from Doha city centre: 13km (8 miles) the desert, native flora and fauna, and local and interna- tar’s ambition, along with its passion for sharing Arab Inaugurated: 2020 tional trade. A fifth shape – a shield – brings together all culture with the world. The design of this magnificent sta- Dubbed ‘Qatar’s Diamond in the Desert’, Education the others, representing the strength and unity that is par- dium is inspired by the interplay of light and shadow that City was inaugurated on 15 June 2020 during a special ticularly relevant to the desert city of Al Rayyan. characterises the fanar lantern. digital launch which paid tribute to frontline healthcare The venue will host seven matches during Qatar 2022 Its striking gold façade, along with its scale, will im- workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Located at the up to the round of 16 stage. Earlier this year, the stadium press fans approaching the venue from afar. heart of Qatar Foundation – a vibrant centre for knowl- hosted matches during the FIFA Club World Cup™. The venue is situated in the heart of Qatar’s futuris- edge and innovation – the arena is dotted by leading re- tic Lusail City – a newly built, state-of-the-art metropolis, search and education facilities. The stadium will host eight designed specifically with residents’ needs in mind. The matches up to the quarter-finals stage during Qatar 2022. Al Bayt Stadium stadium will host ten matches up to and including the fi- The stadium became the first Qatar 2022 tournament Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium Capacity: 60,000 nal of Qatar 2022. venue to receive a five-star Global Sustainability Assess- Capacity: 40,000 Designer: Dar Al-Handasah Construction update: The stadium’s concrete ment System (GSAS) rating ahead of its inauguration. Designer: Ramboll Distance from Doha city centre: 46km (29 miles) works, steel superstructure installation and the roof big Last year, Education City hosted matches in the West Distance from Doha city centre: 22km (14 miles) The venue for the opening match of Qatar 2022, Al lift have been completed. The roof membrane is under Zone of the 2020 AFC Champions League and was also a Inaugurated: 2020 Bayt will introduce fans from across the world to the fabrication, to be installed after completion of the ongoing venue for the East Zone portion of the competition. This Ahmad Bin Ali was the latest Qatar 2022 stadium to country’s traditional culture. Delivered by Aspire Zone secondary steel bracings. The venue’s turf was planted in year, Education City hosted matches during the FIFA be inaugurated. The venue welcomed fans for the first Foundation, the design of Al Bayt resembles a traditional the precinct’s turf farm in August 2020, with inspections Club World Cup 2020™, including the final. time on 18 December 2020 when it hosted the Amir Cup Arab tent known as ‘bayt al sha’ar’ – a symbol of Arab indicating good growth progress and overall health. (SC)

Education City Stadium Al Bayt Stadium Lusail Stadium 14 Thursday, April 1, 2021 Sports

QFA Secretary-General attends AFC meeting Delighted coach Sanchez lauds Qatar’s team spirit

Tribune News Network Doha

With a creditable 1-1 draw against Ireland in their Euro- pean Zone Qualifiers for IF FA World Cup 2022 friendly in Mansour Al Ansari, Secretary-General of Qatar Football Association Hungary on Tuesday, Qa- (QFA), participated in the third meeting of the Financial Committee of tar continued their unbeaten the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), held virtually on Wednesday. streak and the team coach Fe- lix Sanchez said he was proud of his team. Al Annabi won two match- es, 1-0 against Luxembourg Armenia come back and 2-1 against Azerbaijan, earlier. Qatar will return in September to take on Euro- pean champions Portugal and late to stay perfect in Serbia – the two other teams in Group A. Qatar are playing in the World Cup qualifying tournament as a guest nation DPA three from three starts. as they prepare for next year’s Berlin Title holders France, 2018 World Cup at home, with their Against Ireland, we faced a very strong team, runners-up Croatia and Eu- matches considered friendly. especially physically. All the players put on a good Underdogs Armenia joined ropean champions Portugal, On Tuesday night they came performance. The team as a whole made us proud. the cream of European foot- however, are among those back from a goal down to hold ball in making it three wins who have failed to make 100 higher-ranked Republic of Ire- Playing against these teams in these conditions is from three to start 2022 World per cent starts to their groups. land 1-1 at the Nagyerdei Sta- never easy and this is precisely why I am delighted. Cup qualifying but needed a Romania, who lost to dium in Debrecen, Hungary. dramatic comeback to beat Germany on Sunday, had led Qatar players were put un- These three matches have helped us immensely. Romania on Wednesday. through Alexandru Cicaldau’s der stern test by Ireland, but Tigran Barseghyan’s 89th double after Eduard Spert- passed out with flying colours Qatar National football team coach Felix Sanchez. minute penalty completed syan’s opener but a red card and could have won the game the turnaround to keep 99th- for George Puscas tilted the with a bit of luck. “I can say that we played but we could have won the ranked Armenia perfect in game to Armenia, who have Ireland took the lead in to win especially in the second match after creating many op- Group J after Varazdat Haroy- now won a record consecutive the very fourth minute of the half and put pressure on Ire- portunities. We have achieved an levelled matters four min- matches and are unbeaten in match through James Mc- land, who have many players many benefits from our histor- utes from time. eight. Clean’s deflected strike but playing in the English Premier ic participation in the Europe- Germany, top seeds in Armenia have also defeat- Mohamed Muntari levelled League,” the Spaniard said. an qualifiers and played very Group J, can join them on nine ed Lichtenstein and Iceland for a lively Qatar side with a Sanchez did not single out well in the three matches,” points when they host North in this campaign which con- fine finish early in the second any single players for praise said Al Sheeb. Macedonia later while else- tinues at North Macedonia in half. Muntari and Ireland sub- but lauded the team spirit. “In earlier times, Qatar where England, Denmark early September before they stitutes Callum Robinson and “All the players put on a good would not recover well after and Italy could also complete visit Germany. Josh Cullen all spurned chanc- performance. The team as a going a goal behind. But at Ireland’s James McClean (hidden) and Qatar’s Mohammed Muntari es to score a late winner. whole made us proud. Playing the moment our mentality is jump for the ball during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 friendly at Sanchez was pleased with against these teams in these strong and we proved this in the Nagyerdei Stadion in Debrecen, on Tueaday. Both McClean and his players’ performance and conditions is never easy and the European qualifiers. We Muntari scored a goal each for their respective teams. (AFP) believed the matches against this is precisely why I am de- also beat Azerbaijan after they European teams will ben- lighted. These three matches scored first. beautifully against a strong der of their fixtures because of efit Qatar ahead of the home have helped us immensely,” “I can say that Qatar has team that includes many the Irish government’s COV- World Cup next year. he added. reached a very good stage of good players. ID-19 quarantine rules. “Against Ireland, we faced Meanwhile, Al Sadd preparation for the World “We made a few mistakes Ireland have now failed to a very strong team, especially goalkeeper Saad Al Sheeb, Cup. We want to prove to in the beginning but settled win in 11 games since Stephen physically. We were behind a who played an active role in everyone that we are properly into the game thereafter. We Kenny took charge, drawing goal after just three minutes the match against Ireland, prepared for the World Cup controlled the game and cre- five and losing six. but our players kept their spir- said Qatar played a good and are a team that competes ated many opportunities.” It is the worst start by an its high and were determined match against a strong side with full strength against all The Group A game was Ireland manager since Mick Romania’s forward Claudiu Keseru (left) and Armenia’s defender to come back into the match. but felt the team could have teams,” he added. originally scheduled to take Meagan failed to win any of his Andre Calisir vie for the ball during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 We played at a good level won the match. Qatar defender Tariq Sal- place in Ireland, but the two 12 games in charge between qualification match in Yerevan on Wednesday.( AFP) throughout. “We came out with a draw man, said: “We performed teams agreed to reverse the or- 1969 and 1971. James backs Page to lead Portugal recover in Luxembourg Wales at Euro 2020 if needed DPA James said of Page after his knowledged that Wales could but Turkey are held by Latvia London first headed goal in senior not afford another slip up in football had secured Wales’ a five-team qualifying group DPA The 26-year-old Mitrovic Winger Daniel James has victory late on in Cardiff. which also includes Belarus Berlin became Serbia’s highest ever backed Robert Page to take “He’s been great and he’s and Estonia. scorer with their first goal in a charge of Wales at Euro 2020 taken the role very well. Him The 3-1 away defeat to Bel- Cristiano Ronaldo net- 2-2 comeback draw with Por- should Ryan Giggs’ position and Albert (Stuivenberg, gium last Wednesday had put ted the winner as his Portugal tugal last time out to build on not be resolved by then. Page’s assistant) have been early pressure on Wales. side fought back from a goal a brace in the 3-2 opening win Manager Giggs has been unbelievable in getting things But Saturday’s Prague down to avoid World Cup em- over Ireland. absent from the last two Wales across to us. That shows in the draw between the Czech Re- barrassment with a 3-1 win at And goals in the 16th and camps after being arrested on game.” Asked if Page could public and Belgium was a pos- Luxembourg on Tuesday. 81st minutes on Tuesday put suspicion of assault. step up if Giggs remained ab- itive result for Wales - and the Ronaldo’s 103rd interna- Serbia in a strong position with Giggs denies the allega- sent this summer, James said: Dragons’ next two games in tional goal moved him within seven points from three games tions and has had his bail ex- “Yes, definitely. September are away to Belarus six of Ali Daei’s all-time record despite Emin Makhmudov’s tended until May 1 - just six “Whether he’s the manag- and at home to Estonia. for Iran but brought Portugal a penalty levelling for Azerbai- weeks before Wales start their er or not, he’s been such a big James said: “It’s a mas- crucial three points after they jan on the hour. Euro 2020 campaign against part of before when the gaffer sive win. Going home with one - Ronaldo in particularly - had Turkey led 2-0 and 3-1 Switzerland in Baku. has been here. point or no points would have been enraged at having a late against visiting Latvia who Page has won four and “But he’s taken on the role been disappointing for us all. winner at Serbia not given on nonetheless fought back to drawn one of the six games in so well. Nothing has changed “We wanted to end this Saturday. level late on through Davis Giggs’ absence, with Tuesday’s really. He has just been doing camp on a high, and we need- Portugal and Serbia, who Ikaunieks. 1-0 home win over the Czech the job that he was doing be- ed to do it to keep up with themselves struck late in Azer- The dropped points mean Republic kick-starting their fore. He gets the points across those teams. baijan to win 2-1, top qualify- they are only one clear of the World Cup qualifying cam- to us so well. “We’re only one point off ing Group A on seven points Netherlands, who laboured paign after an opening defeat “Him, Albert and all the them (the Czech Republic) after the opening triple-head- against Gibraltar but eventu- to group favourites Belgium. staff behind him have been now. It’s a big win for us and er. Fixtures resume in Sep- ally won 7-0 after Steven Ber- “He’s been unbelievable,” unbelievable.” James ac- we keep our heads high.” tember after the delayed Euro ghuis broke the deadlock in 42 2020. minutes. Belgium top Group E after Portugal’s forward Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates after scoring a goal Norway got their campaign an 8-0 thrashing of Belarus during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 qualification Group A match back on track 1-0 at Montene- while Turkey lost their perfect against Luxembourg at the Josy Barthel Stadium, in Luxembourg City, gro with both sides also on six record in a 3-3 thriller with on Tuesday. (AFP) points beside the Dutch. Latvia but stay top of Group G. Seven-point Belgium Russia fell 2-1 in Slovakia to scored, but I think that from Maxime Chanot was dismissed dished out a lesson to Belarus lose the lead Group H on goal that point on we controlled the for two yellow cards. with Hans Vanaken and Lean- difference to 2018 runners-up game.” Ronaldo headed over “It was very exciting to dro Trossard getting doubles. Croatia, who beat Malta 3-0. when he should have levelled have scored my first goal,” Pal- The Czech Republic are three Portugal initially strug- but Diogo Jota made no mis- hinha told broadcaster RTP. points behind after having gled against Luxembourg, who take from a similar position in “It was a very special moment, Patrik Schick sent off in Wales, were in confidence mood after first-half injury-time. especially with this group of who won 1-0 with a late Daniel a shock weekend win at Ireland. Despite throwing his cap- players with such quality. James goal after Connor Rob- And Gerson Rodrigues, tain armband away in frustra- “It is a mix of emotions. erts was also dismissed. who struck the winner in Dub- tion in Belgrade, Ronaldo kept With Azerbaijan it was very Wales have three points lin, gave his side hope of an his role as skipper and deliv- important (for me to get my) alongside Belarus. even more famous win with a ered for his team yet again with first cap.N ow I’m happy for And Ivan Perisic made the 30th minute diving header. a simple side-footed winner six the goal, but I’m even happier breakthrough for Croatia just “It was a difficult first half,” minutes after the restart. for the win.” after the hour against Malta Portugal’s Renato Sanches Ronaldo missed a one-on- In the other match, Alek- as they went top of Group said. one but despite their best ef- sandar Mitrovic continued H thanks to Robert Mak’s win- “Luxembourg started well, forts Luxembourg could not his heroics for Serbia with a ner for Slovakia, who are a but I think we controlled the find anequalizer and Joao Pal- crucial double in Azerbaijan point behind, against Russia. Wales’ interim head coach Rob Page (R) watches as Wales’ midfielder Gareth Bale warms up ahead of the game. hinha’s late header guaranteed to extend his national record Cyprus beat Slovenia 1-0 in the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 qualification match against Czech Republic in Cardiff on Tuesday.( AFP) “They had a set-piece and the points before the hosts’ scoring total to 41. other game. Sports Thursday, April 1, 2021 15

QOC Secretary-General meets Vice-President of Saudi Arabian Olympic Committee

HE Jassim bin Rashid Al Buenain, Secretary-General of the Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC) met at his office on Wednesday with HH Prince Fahd bin Jalawi bin Abdul Aziz bin Musaid, Vice-President of the Saudi Arabian Olympic Commit- tee, who is visiting Doha to attend HH the Amir Sword Hejen Festival. During the meeting, HE QOC Secretary-General welcomed HH Prince Fahd bin Jalawi and wished him a pleasant stay in Doha. They reviewed the sport co- operation between the two coun- tries and the means for further enhancements in the future. Prince Fahd thanked the of- ficials of the Olympic Move- ment in the State of Qa- tar, stressing the strength of the relationship between the Saudi and Qatari Olympic Com- mittees. (TNN) MyBoyHenry bags the Late Sakkari secures shock win to Rashid Mubarak Al Shafi Cup end Osaka’s winning run

Agencies/WTA the set, and one - a double fault MIAMI (Florida) - behind her own delivery. A shellshocked Osaka was Maria Sakkari pulled off a almost entirely unable to find stunning upset as she ended the court, contributing 12 un- Naomi Osaka’s 23-match win- forced errors in 34 points, fre- ning streak with a straight-sets quently within the first shot or victory in the quarter-finals of two of a rally. the Miami Open on Wednesday. The result was the 15th ba- World No. 25 Sakkari gel set Osaka has received in raced through the opening set her professional career, and without dropping a game and eighth at WTA or Billie Jean then finished by winning five King Cup level. She had won games in a row to clinch a 6-0, four of those matches, though, 6-4 win. most recently overcoming It is Osaka’s first defeat Anna Karolina Schmiedlova in over a year and ends her 0-6, 7-6(4), 6-1 in the first chances of overtaking Ashleigh round of Roland Garros 2019. Barty as world No 1 this week. As the second set got under Sakkari will face either way, Osaka showed resolve in Abdulla Bin Rashid Mubarak Al Shafi crowned the winners of The Late Khalid Abdulaziz Al Kuwari’s MyBoyHenry wins the feature race for The Late Rashid Mubarak Al Shafi Cup Rashid Mubarak Al Shafi Cup named in commemoration of his father at on turf. Jockey Meteb Al Saaq guided the Hossin Ashour-trained 6YO to victory at the Qatar Racing & Eques- Qatar Racing & Equestrian Club’s (QREC) Al Rayyan Park on Wednesday. trian Club’s (QREC) Al Rayyan Park on Wednesday.

Tribune News Network rode the Mohammed Hussain 4YO gelding to a ½-length Doha Afroz-trained 3YO filly to a Results win in the 1750m run. nose win in the 1500m run. WINNERS: Horse, Trainer, Jockey (Far Bend) (Division 2) Al Sakab Stud’s AL SIJ Al Khalid Abdulaziz Al Ku- Sharq Stud’s Majhool THE LATE RASHID MUBARAK AL SHAFI CUP - AJS Sarhan (QA), Rashid Al Ali, Soufiane Saadi Sakab (QA) (T M Fred Texas) wari’s MyBoyHenry won the Al Zaeem (QA) (Hockney x THOROUGHBRED HANDICAP (Class 3) (Far PUREBRED ARABIAN HANDICAP (Far Bend) made a perfect debut winning feature event of Qatar Racing Lady Jameela) won the Lo- Bend) Jefred (FR), Zuhair Mohsen, Soufiane Saadi the Purebred Arabian Maiden & Equestrian Club’s (QREC) cal Thoroughbred Handicap Myboyhenry (IRE), Hossin Ashour, Meteb Ali THOROUGHBRED MAIDEN PLATE (Class 6) Plate. 43rd Race Meeting to claim (0-70) with Ronan Thomas Al-Marri* (-5kg) (Far Bend) Anas Al Seyabi rode the THOROUGHBRED HANDICAP (Class 5) (Far In The Night (IRE), Ibrahim Saeed Al Malki, Anas the The Late Rashid Mubarak riding the Owaida Salem Al Bend) (Division 2) Al Seyabi Ibrahim Al Malki-trained colt Al Shafi Cup at Al Rayyan Park Hajri-trained 6YO horse to a Flirty Rascal (GB), Mohammed Hussain Afroz, PUREBRED ARABIAN MAIDEN PLATE (3 YEARS to an impressive 9¾-length on Wednesday. 3-length win in the 1500m run Marco Casamento OLD) (Far Bend) win in the 7f run for 3YOs. MyBoyHenry (IRE) (Foot- for 4YO+. THOROUGHBRED HANDICAP (Class 5) (Far Al Sij Al Sakab (QA), Ibrahim Saeed Al Malki, Mohamed Abdulla Al stepsinthesand) won on turf Eng. Hassan Ali Alabdul- Bend) (Division 1) Anas Al Seyabi Hajri’s Moneeaty (QA) (Asraa after Meteb Al Saaq rode the malik’s Vedute (IRE) (Holy Vedute (IRE), Deborah Amanda Clare Mountain, LOCAL PUREBRED ARABIAN MAIDEN PLATE Min Albarq) in 2nd attempt Hossin Ashour-trained 6YO to Roman Emperor x Quads) Alberto Sanna (Far Bend) (Division 1) won the Local P/A Maiden a 3¼-length win in the 1750m won the Thoroughbred LOCAL THOROUGHBRED HANDICAP (Far Moneeaty (QA), Hamad Al-Jehani, Abdulaziz Plate (Div.1) under Abdulaziz Bend) Jaber Dharman Class 3 Handicap (70-90). Handicap (0-70) (Div.1) un- Majhool Al Zaeem (QA), Owaida Salem Al Hajri, PUREBRED ARABIAN MAIDEN PLATE (Far Jaber Dharman who guided Abdulla Bin Rashid der Alberto Sanna. The Deb- Ronan Thomas Bend) the Hamad Al Jehani-trained Mubarak Al Shafi crowned bie Mountain-trained 3YO LOCAL PUREBRED ARABIAN MAIDEN PLATE Najia (FR), Majed Seifeddine, Marco Casamento 5YO mare to a 3¼-length win the winners of The Late gelding won by a nose in the in the 1500m run. Rashid Mubarak Al Shafi Cup 1500m run. Al Meqdam Stud’s Najia Maria Sakkari of Greece (left) returns a shot during the women’s sin- named in commemoration of Mohammed Bin Ham- 1500m run. 1750m run. (FR) (General x Vodka’l Fau- gles quarter-final of the Miami Open at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami his father. ad Khalifa Al Attiyah’s AJS Injaaz Stud’s Jedfred (FR) The Ibrahim Saeed Ibra- quey) 2nd time out claimed Gardens, Florida, on Wednesday. (On right) Naomi Osaka of Japan In the earlier races of the Sarhan (QA) (AF Albahar) (TM Fred Texas x Jelza) got him Al Malki-owned & trained the Purebred Arabian Maiden reacts during the match. (Getty Images/AFP) day, Khalifa Bin Sheail Al Ku- claimed the Local Purebred off the mark in a Purebred In The Night (IRE) (Shamard- Plate on turf. wari’s Flirty Rascal (GB) (Ac- Arabian Maiden Plate (Div.2) Arabian Handicap (0-65). al x Surprise Moment) was Marco Casamento rode Sara Sorribes Tormo or Bian- attempting to repeat that. clamation x Enliven) won the with Soufiane Saadi riding Soufiane Saadi rode the Zu- winner in the Thoroughbred the Majed Seifeddine-trained ca Andreescu next, with Barty Committing to longer ral- Thoroughbred Handicap (0- the Rashid Al Ali-trained 4YO hair Mohsen-trained 4YO Maiden Plate. 5YO mare to a ¼-length win meeting Elina Svitolina in the lies and finding more first 70) (Div.2). Marco Casamento colt to a 1¾-length win in the colt to a 1½-length win in the Anas Al Seyabi rode the in the 1500m run. other semi-final. serves, Osaka saved a total of Osaka had not lost a match six break points in her first two in over a year. Since falling 6-0, service games of set two, and 6-3 to Sara Sorribes Tormo in in between broke Sakkari to last February’s Billie Jean King take control of the scoreboard. Cup qualifiers, Osaka had put The Osaka backhand was fir- Medvedev leads the way as Tsitsipas together the ninth-longest un- ing, while Sakkari’s aggressive beaten WTA Tour run since strategy was resulting in more 2000, including both the US overpressing mistakes. and Rublev also move into quarter-finals and Australian Open titles. A tentative Osaka was un- But Sakkari delivered an able to execute with her usual DPA Milos Raonic and Taylor Fritz it is not and I am going to try knocked out 12th seed Raonic impeccable performance, power. Serving at 4-4 and in Berlin also exited. to do something with it tomor- 4-6 6-3 7-6 (7-4). striking 22 winners and com- control of the point, she opted World number two Med- row.” World number nine ing from 0-3 down in the sec- to carefully steer her backhand Top seed Daniil Medvedev vedev was too good for Tiafoe Tsitsipas kept up his good Schwartzman was knocked ond set. By contrast, Osaka from line to line instead of hit powered his way into the Mi- in a 6-4 6-3 victory. form after making last month’s out in three sets by Korda 6-3 would commit 23 unforced er- out on it. Sakkari duly pun- ami Open quarter-finals, along Medvedev improved his Australian Open semi-finals, 4-6 7-5 as he continues his su- rors and find only five winners. ished this with a pinpoint lob, with Stefanos Tsitsipas and 2021 record to 17-2, send- by booking his first Miami per run. The Greek, who had es- and went on to break by un- Andrey Rublev on Tuesday. ing down 11 aces with a Open quarter-final appear- Florida resident Korda, caped six match points against leashing on a backhand return. Medvedev won in straight dominant first-serve display ance. 20, reached his maiden ATP Jessica Pegula in the previ- Having feasted on Osaka’s sets against unseeded Ameri- while taking three of his The Greek world number 1000 quarter-final, showing ous round, has spoken about subpar 41% first serve percent- can Frances Tiafoe, hitting 24 four break points. five defeated Sonego 6-2 7-6 fight after the Argentinian working on aggressive tactics age all match, Sakkari was able winners. The 2021 Australian Open (7-2) with a clinical perfor- raised his game in the second while rediscovering her on- to close out her second win in Second seed Stefanos runner-up will meet seventh mance to keep alive his dream set, winning after an early court identity in Miami. Her five meetings over the former Tsitsipas won in straight sets seed Roberto Bautista Agut in of a maiden ATP Masters title. break in the last. improvement is illustrated in World No.1 with a minimum of against 24th seed Lorenzo his maiden Miami Open quar- Tsitsipas won in just over Rublev made light work of her recent record against elite fuss. She thus books her place Sonego, although the second ter-finals appearance. an hour and a half, proving too former US Open champion Ma- opposition. The result was in the third WTA 1000 semifi- went to a tie-break which the “It was definitely a tough good on serve, having not of- rin Cilic, triumphing 6-4 6-4. Sakkari’s sixth Top 5 win of her nal of her career following Wu- Greek dominated. match,” the Russian said in fered up one break point and Bautista Agut got past career, and fourth in a row. han 2017 and Rome 2019. World number eight An- his post-match on-court in- winning 89 per cent of first- 18th seed Isner 6-3 4-6 7-6 The opening set was as- But despite Osaka raising drey Rublev got past Marin terview. “I am just looking for- serve points. (9-7), while Jannik Sinner tounding. Two clean return her game, Sakkari refused to Cilic in straight sets to book ward to tomorrow. Roberto is He was also too good with defeated Alexander Zverev’s winners from Sakkari enabled let the set get away from her. A his last-eight spot. Daniil Medvedev of Russia serves a hell of a player. his return for the Italian, win- conqueror Emil Ruusuvuori her to break Osaka from 40-0 blitzed backhand winner ena- Fifth seed Diego Schwartz- to Frances Tiafoe of the United “I feel like sometimes, ning 35 per cent of the points 6-3 6-2. up in the first game, and the bled her to break back for 3-4 man was the major casualty on States during the Miami Open when I have practised with on Sonego’s serve. Alexander Bublik, seeded 25-year-old didn’t look back. - the second key break from Tuesday, losing to unseeded at Hard Rock Stadium at Miami him and played against him, The Greek will take on Pol- 32nd, sent down 23 aces as Continuing to tee off on her op- 40-0 down of the match - and American Sebastian Korda in Gardens, Florida, on Tuesday. that his ranking should be ish 26th seed Hubert Hurkacz he beat Taylor Fritz 6-7 (5-7) ponent’s second serve, Sakkari from there Sakkari began to three sets. Seeds Josh Isner, (Getty Images/AFP) higher. There are reasons why in the last eight, after he 6-3 6-4. dropped just eight points in dominate again. 16 Thursday, April 1, 2021 The Last Word

Amir visits National Security Shield Center

The Amir His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani visited the National Security Shield Center in Duhail Camp complex on Wednesday. HH the Amir toured the operations room and the halls of the air, land and sea halls. HH the Amir was accompanied by Prime Minister and Minister of Interior HE Sheikh Khalid bin Khalifa bin Abdulaziz Al Thani, Deputy Prime Minis- ter and Minister of State for Defense Affairs HE Dr Khalid bin Mohammed Al Attiyah and a number of ministers and senior military officials. (QNA) QF school helps build active, New season of Course Correction podcast compassionate young people challenges people to listen to diverse views through its ethics curriculum QF’s Doha Debates podcast downloaded in 206 countries and territories Tribune News Network humbleness, honesty, and persever- Tribune News Network for herself and for listeners. Doha ance. An important aspect of the course Doha Hedayat’s Course Correction is that it is cumulative. For example, guests include a speaker described Through a specially crafted ethics students in kindergarten are introduced Qatar Foundation (QF) Doha as the “godfather of fake news”, a curriculum, titled Akhlaquna, Qatar to the concept of honesty, they then Debates’ ‘Course Correction’ Swedish doctor who opposed pan- Academy Al Wakra is working to instil further explore this concept as they podcast launched its second demic lockdowns, and a lawmaker moral and ethical values among its stu- advance academic stages through high season with a series of weekly with strong views on what can con- dents with the aim to help school, ensuring there is no episodes examining polarising stitute feminism. create leaders of change. repetition of the course ma- issues ranging from lockdown In each podcast episode, He- The curriculum at Qatar terial, but rather there is a politics to reparations to ‘cancel dayat strives to identify solutions Academy Al Wakra (QAW) deeper exploration of each culture’, with programme host and overcome differences on divi- – part of Qatar Foundation’s principle. Nelufar Hedayat having bridge- sive issues such as pandemic poli- (QF) Pre-University Educa- Gamil Al Imam, ethics building conversations with peo- tics and the limits of free speech. tion – is taught in English teacher at QAW, said that ple she disagrees with. The 12-episode second season and Arabic for students in the teachers would try to Each episode addresses one of Course Correction follows last grades K-12, with the course independently improve stu- polarising issue, and Hedayat will year’s debut season, which attract- hard to stomach.” Amjad Atallah, managing encouraging young people dents’ behaviour, but their engage with people whose opinions ed a quarter of a million downloads “Yet I take a deep breath and director of Doha Debates, said: to display positive actions, efforts were uncoordinated are very different from her own in 206 nations and territories. I open myself up to the opportu- “These podcast episodes are en- mindsets and practices and scattered. But, accord- — and try to keep an open mind. Hedayat said that the series nity of learning, to at least see what lightening and engrossing, regard- both within and beyond the Zahra Lessak ing to Imam, one of the ad- In addition to these challenging provides bridge-building tips for they see. It’s very much a muscle less of where you stand, made all classroom. vantages of this programme conversations, Hedayat works to all its listeners. “For me, making I’m learning to strengthen and the better with the production and The ethics curriculum is is that it focuses the efforts understand the wider context of Course Correction season two flex,” she said. promotional support provided by a core subject for teaching of all teachers on specific divisive issues by engaging with has been a thought-provoking ex- This season of Course Correc- our partners at Foreign Policy.” moral character and a part areas for greater impact. activists, authors, scientists, and perience in which I’ve sat across tion is produced by Doha Debates New Course Correction of the school’s behavioural Imam said, “Teaching even a former head of state, iden- from people that I fundamentally with production assistance from episodes will be released every and character develop- each ethical principle can tifying solutions and bridging gaps disagree with—and even find Foreign Policy magazine. Wednesday over the next 11 weeks. ment programme, because take up to a period of four to – according to Bedriyah K. six weeks. We include inter- Itani, director of QAW – it active and practical activi- is important to provide the ties in our lessons inspired students with a social emo- by Islamic history and link QF member tackling autism through equine therapy tional programme that is it to the experiences of our tailored to suit their soci- Gamil Al Imam students to make sure that etal, religious and cultural they can relate to what they principles. learn in their practical lives. Al Shaqab’s programme offers specialised therapeutic lessons to children with autism in Qatar “We had enough expertise at QAW “Students really enjoy the ethics to build our own programme,” said class and the activities it includes. We Tribune News Network According to Rosi, the way these Itani. “After conducting the necessary have witnessed how their performance Doha lessons have helped children with research and review, we decided to es- has improved in classes following the Autism to deal with the challenges tablish a committee within our school ethics lesson.” The equine world offers a variety of they face are clear. “In equine ther- consisting of the administration, staff For Zahra Sanaa Lessak, Primary benefits to people.H orses not only apy, any kind of improvement has and parents to lay down the fundamen- Pastoral Care Lead Teacher at QAW, have beauty and grace; science and to be assessed over the long-term, tals and design the structure of the cur- the study of ethics is vital, especially research have proved that interact- and never over just a short period riculum. A year later, we were able to in today’s rapidly growing society and ing with them can improve both of time,” she said. “Some students, officially launch the programme.” changes in promoting health precau- physical and mental health - espe- for example, need several lessons Itani explained that the idea of this tionary measures, including social dis- cially for children with disabilities. before they can pat one horse. curriculum came in conjunction with tancing. This is why Al Shaqab – the “The first success indicator is the first announcement of Akhlaquna “It is essential to instil these ethical equine and equestrian centre that that all the students participate Award by Her Highness Sheikha Moza principles in our students, as it helps to is a member of Qatar Foundation positively and cheerfully in the les- bint Nasser, chairperson of Qatar Foun- preserve the culture and religious be- is contributing to national efforts sons. I have noticed improvements dation. It has been a source of great liefs. Not only will students feel a strong to develop and provide services for in the way many of the students motivation for students to participate sense of connection, they will be able to people with Autism, by offering a communicate with me, their level of in the Akhlaquna Junior Award, which put these principles into practice both unique equine therapy programme for children with Autism - from the sons begin or end with the student confidence and the way they social- was launched in 2019 specifically for at home and at school. The ethics cur- designed to help and support chil- psychological to the social and edu- brushing, cleaning, or feeding the ize in terms of making eye contact young people aged seven to 14 years, riculum provides opportunities for stu- dren who have been diagnosed with cational. horses. This allows them to estab- and their use of language. with two QAW students winning the dents to become ambassadors for their the condition. “When a child has a control over lish a relationship of trust with the “There is a significant reduction latest cycle. beloved country and the world at large,” Chiara Rosi, a certified thera- a horse, and that horse responds to horse and build a stronger bond.” in the severity of Autism symptoms Itani said, “We made sure to sched- Lessak said. peutic instructor at Al Shaqab’s the child’s command, it boosts their Al Shaqab’s programme has and hyperactivity at the end of the ule the ethics class within the daily les- Talking about the positive impact Equine Education Department, is confidence level,” she says. “They gained a significant degree of at- initial lessons compared to when sons in order to ensure enough time is that this curriculum has created, Dr responsible for providing the thera- feel a sense of general wellbeing, tention from the community in they started. Children know that a allocated to teach it because we value Kholoud Sultan Al Kuwari, mother of peutic riding lessons for Autistic while also having reduced feelings Qatar. It offers its services to par- horse will not judge them, and this ethics as part of the school’s core educa- Maryam Faisal Al Thani, a grade six children, and explains: “Horses of insecurity and fear.” ents, Qatar Autism Society, and helps them feel safe and consequent- tional programme. student at QAW, explained how she has have an amazingly positive and Rosi also highlighted how this Renad Academy school, a special- ly bond easily with the horse. My “A key aspect of the programme is seen a transformation in her daughter’s empathic power, and when a horse form of therapy promotes the de- ized school which is a part of QF’s goal is to help the children to interact promoting student agency and build- behaviour and the way she deals with and a child with Autism start inter- velopment of respect, responsibil- Pre-University Education and helps with the horse and use its rhythm to ing on student-led initiatives, life ex- others around her. acting, they eventually build a spe- ity, perseverance, and love toward children with Autism. achieve therapeutic goals”. periences and culture to achieve deeply She said, “We appreciate the efforts cial bond with each other. animals, and that the positive atti- “As a part of their school activi- As for what she has personally rooted moral integrity – a building of QAW in launching this important “A child with Autism may find tude that children acquire from the ties, Renad Academy students have gained from the programme, Rosi block for character development. We initiative that contributes to cultivating it difficult to understand non-ver- experience improves their social in- been routinely attending lessons, said: “Sometimes it is not easy to believe that education does not neces- the next generation of builders of our bal signals. Horses give non-verbal tegration. It can also advance their and the feedback has been extreme- manage the lessons, because the sarily depend on teachers providing the nation. It is vital to have such school cues through their body language, cognitive and language skills. ly positive” said Rosi. emotions of the students change knowledge.” programmes that focus on these core and children gradually learn to pick “Children with Autism often “We offer lessons to almost 65 quickly and each lesson is different “Teachers of all subjects work to- values and cite influential stories from up these non-verbal cues and begin have difficulty comprehending nor- Renad Academy students, and we from another. gether to embed the ethical principles in our Islamic history. to understand them better. I use mal instructions,” she said. “By en- currently have seven classes with “However, there is always a the material they teach to maximise the “My daughter is keen to apply what this to help the children to under- gaging in equine therapy, children each student attends one class per solution. With the amazing team benefitsfor students. We do not teach she learns in her daily life and she stand and interact with other peo- follow directions through a fun ac- week. Each class is divided by age we have at Al Shaqab, and with the any subject in isolation from ethics, as shares the stories she studies with her ple around them, and it also helps tivity that makes taking direction and by the scale of Autism, consist- confidence that horses do provide ethics is the basis of our curricula,” Itani siblings whenever there’s a conflict, all them to control their tone of voice easier to grasp and remember. ing of a 30-minute equine therapy a positive, relaxing, comfortable, added. of which are essential aspects that em- and their body language.” “Equine therapy teaches stu- lesson at Al Shaqab’s indoor arena, and safe environment for students, QAW’s Akhlaquna curriculum fo- body exemplary moral character and According to Rosi, equine ther- dents that relationships involve re- and 15 minutes of stable manage- we always believe we can overcome cuses on four main ethics: mindfulness, inspire others.” apy offers a wide range of benefits sponsibility; for example, some les- ment and grooming the horse.” these challenges.”