ISO 9001:2008 CERTIFIED NEWSPAPER Wednesday 18 December 2013 14 Safar 1435 - Volume 18 Number 5917 Price: QR2 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com [email protected] | [email protected] Editorial: 4455 7741 | Advertising: 4455 7837 / 4455 7780 US academics in Israel boycott Festive fervour grips Qatar NEW YORK: A prestigious US academic body has joined a growing movement to boycott Large number of events lined up Israel in protest at its treatment of Palestinians. The American across country for National Day Studies Association, which has more than 5,000 members, is the DOHA: This year’s National music and dance, and tra- most significant US academic Day, being celebrated with zeal ditional Malayasian dance organisation to back a boycott of and fervour today, is meant to by artistes from Dukhan. Israeli educational institutions strengthen the bond between A thematic show titled following a two-thirds majority citizens and expatriates. ‘Wonderful Country in the vote. Around a quarter of mem- A highlight of the revelries Desert’ will be held by the bers took part in the ballot. this year is a host of shows being Indonesian and Malaysian expa- See also page 13 organised by different expa- triate communities. triate communities and their Then, Desi Rockers will Syria murdered schools here. present a Bollywood dance show. The recently-opened West Races begin at the Al Rayyan jailed doctor: UK End Park near the Industrial Stadium later. Area is one of the several ven- At Al Wakra Stadium, singing LONDON: Britain accused ues where expatriate cultural competitions will be held among Syria yesterday of effectively and musical shows have been students from Indian, Pakistani murdering a surgeon who was lined up. and Bangladeshi schools. detained after volunteering at a The revelries begin early in The Pakistani community hospital in the war-torn coun- the morning with a military will present a cultural show try and then died in jail. Abbas parade and parachute jumps on later. There will be volleyball Khan, a 32-year-old orthopaedic the Corniche by Qatari armed and football matches and a surgeon from London, travelled forces personnel. medical camp will also be held. to the northern city of Aleppo Some 14,000 seats will be At Al Khor Stadium, mem- last year to help civilians but available at designated loca- bers of the Nepalese commu- was captured by the regime. His tions along the Corniche for nity and Al Khor community family said yesterday the father- the morning events. Like every and students from some Indian of-two had died in detention. year, this year too, fireworks will schools will present cultural See also page 12 be held on the Corniche in the shows. The Father Emir H H Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani meeting citizens on the eve of National Day. THE GUARDIAN & AFP evening. At the Qatar National Cricket The two-minute fireworks Stadium in West End Park, a show being held at Darb Al Saai four-nation T20 cricket tour- Today’s edition for the past few days will be held nament will be held. Members this evening as well. of the Indian, Pakistani, Immigration office to remain open includes a special Entertainment activities Bangladeshi and Sri Lankan supplement on are lined up at other venues communities will take part. DOHA: The immigration and tomorrow, Qatar News Agency government offices, authorities as well, among them Al Wakra A live orchestra will perform department (General Directorate (QNA) reported. and public institutions will be Stadium, Al Rayyan Stadium at the Corniche from 9.30pm of Border Passports and The Criminal Evidence and closed for the National Day today and Al Khor Stadium. until 10.15pm. Expatriates Affairs) will remain Information Department and the and tomorrow, the Emiri Diwan At Al Rayyan Stadium, a A parade of vintage cars will open today and tomorrow from various service centres of the announced. Today, Qatar celebrates its National Day, reflecting the remarkable development that has been achieved in all sectors of the state. Under the leadership of the Emir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Qatar made giant strides in highlight will be a performance be held at Darb Al Saai and on 8am until 12 noon. Ministry of Interior will also have The Qatari bourse (Qatar developing its economy, education, health, media and social sectors. Buoyed by the Qatar National Vision 2030 and the hosting of World Cup 2022, the country is undergoing fast-paced progress. he day defines the spirit and aspirations of a country as it by a Filipino band, Whoodesska, the Corniche in the day as well The department announced its similar work timings as above on Exchange) will also be closed for continues to grow into one of the world’s most advanced and prosperous nations. Nationalism is at its zenith — not for the Tnationals alone but also for those thousands of expatriates who consider Qatar their home. For Qataris, December 18 is the day they convey their deepest and a solo performance by as in the evening. work timings as the government these two days. trading for two days, and trading gratitude to Sheikh Jassim Bin Mohammed Bin Thani, the founder of Qatar, who distinguished himself in his youth as a pious, brave, self- sacrificing and wise leader who unified Qatar and safeguarded the interests of its people. Qataris therefore regard the message of their heroic forefathers as an inspiration to push forward in their quest to turn themselves and Edgar Gian Bernardino and Malls, shopping complexes yesterday declared a two-day holi- The traffic investigation section, will resume on Sunday — Friday their institutions into guiding beacons of knowledge and righteous- ness, and bring well-being to the whole humanity. The country’s recent achievements in sports, economy and trade and world politics show how Qataris have reaped the yield of seeds of heroism sown by their forefathers and how they have upheld their ideals through the years. The National Day is not all about celebrations. It is an annual reminder Vicencio. and hotels have lined up vari- day to mark Qatar’s National Day. on the other hand, will remain and Saturday being the weekly of Qatar’s culturally rich past, rapidly evolving present and progressive future. It’s time to pay homage to a visionary who unified the country There will then be shows ous events for the day. The traffic department will also open round-the-clock. days off. and led it towards the success which the nation enjoys today. of traditional Indonesian THE PENINSULA be open from 8am to 12 noon today All the ministries, other THE PENINSULA WEDNESDAY 18 DECEMBER 2013 04 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com HOME Qatar Foundation schools mark National Day Students take part in activities highlighting Qatar’s history, culture, heritage and achievements DOHA: Qatar Foundation throughout the day covered vari- schools are celebrating National ous aspects of life in Qatar in a Day with a slew of events within concerted effort to involve more and outside the Education City. and more students in the events. Students participated in A comprehensive play on parades, presentations and games, Qatar’s past, present and future displayed artworks and visited the was prepared by QA Al Khor National Day tent Darb El Saai. students with every grade level Students from Qatar Academy tasked to discuss a particular (QA) Doha, Awsaj Academy, aspect of the Qatari life such Qatar Leadership Academy, as traditional games, education Qatar Academy Al Khor, Qatar and the evolution of oil explora- Academy Al Wakra and Qatar tion and its lasting impact on the Academy Sidra participated in nation. activities organised by their acad- QA Doha senior students also emies as members of the larger QF staged a silent play on their love family, sharing a common interest for Qatar, followed by songs, in gaining a better perspective of poetry. Videos conceptualised Qatar’s history to appreciate its and directed by students were gains and achievements. screened for the first time this QA Doha and QA Wakra began year. All six academies utilised celebrations with student parades their learning spaces as National showcasing traditional costumes. Day hubs, setting up stations for Children perform a song as part of National Day activities. Presentations at all campuses students and their families. Awsaj Academy held an indoor pro- particular Al Jalwa for weddings – and and a falcon show, among others. pony rides courtesy of Al Shaqab, sta- gramme that included reciting of the a balloon show. This was followed by an At QA Sidra, teachers and organis- tions for art and games and a special Quran, rendition of national anthem, outdoor contest covering native games, ers held activities ranging from door calligraphy for students. poetry recitation, traditional dance – in traditional bread and geemat making decoration contests to quizzes on Qatar, THE PENINSULA Sidra merges education divisions DOHA: Sidra Medical and Executive Officer Dr William Sidra is also developing the Research Center’s National Own Jr. first three Qatari females as Day celebrations included tra- “The dream behind estab- certified child life specialists ditional music, dishes, falcons lishing Sidra envisions it as an and the first group of Qatari and cultural activities. iconic institution. To fulfil this females as patient educators. Sidra announced the consoli- long-term aspect and contrib- Patient educators will be dation of two divisions that focus ute to Qatar National Vision trained to support patients and on one its pillars – education. 2030, emphasis has been placed their families through all phases Career Planning and Learning on education and development of hospitalisation, from admis- and Talent Development of talent. This strategic move sion to discharge, ensuring opti- Organisation, which encom- signifies the emphasis Sidra mum communication during passes, among others, scholar- places on developing Qatari the hospital stay and beyond.