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published in QATAR since 1978

SUNDAY Vol. XXXXI No. 11796 January 17, 2021 Jumada II 4, 1442 AH

GULF TIMES www. gulf-times.com 2 Riyals

Amir, Belarus leader exchange greetings

His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani exchanged HMC resumes greetings with Belarus President Aleksandr Lukashenko on the 25th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries. In their cables face-to-face of greetings, the Amir and the Belarusian president expressed satisfaction over the level of the close Qatari-Belarusian relations over the past decades, confirming outpatients their keenness to continue supporting and strengthening them in various fields. Russia to restart fl ights appointments to Qatar, other countries The Russian authorities yesterday amad Medical Corporation said flights between Moscow and the HE Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani and other dignitaries attend the special concert by QPO and the (HMC) has announced a return capitals of Qatar, Finland, Vietnam Afcent Band, marking the off icial launch of the Qatar-USA 2021 Year of Culture. Introducing Friday evening’s concert Hto face-to-face appointments and India, suspended since the early were HE Salah bin Ghanem bin Nasser al-Ali, Sheikh Meshal bin Hamad al-Thani and ambassador Greta C Holtz. for outpatient clinics, as the country weeks of the Covid-19 pandemic, continues with the gradual lifting of would restart from January 27 after restrictions imposed due to the Cov- certain epidemiological criteria were id-19 pandemic. met, Reuters reported. A statement As part of the gradual return to nor- shared following a meeting of the mal, HMC outpatient appointments government’s coronavirus HQ said Qatar-USA 2021 Year of will be conducted face-to-face with the four countries were seeing fewer physicians in clinics, the corporation than 40 new cases per fortnight per has said in a statement. 100,000 people. HMC will continue to off er virtual clinics for some follow-up appoint- US capitals on edge Culture offi cially launched ments or repeat prescriptions. Patients Dr Abdulla al-Ansari for armed protests will be contacted by Nesma’ak about O their appointment and whether their status and have their body temperature Washington, DC, was locked down Inauguration marked by joint concert featuring Qatar upcoming appointment is face-to-face taken prior to entry. Only patients with and US law enforcement off icials or a virtual appointment. an appointment will be admitted to geared up for pro-Trump marches Philharmonic Orchestra and US Air Forces Central Band HMC’s chief medical offi cer Dr Ab- HMC facilities. in all 50 state capitals this weekend, dulla al-Ansari said it was the appro- “If a patient is experiencing any erecting barriers and deploying n the presence of HE Sheikha Al ture is intended to enhance cultural ington, DC, under the leadership of priate time to return to face-to-face Covid-19 symptoms on the day of thousands of National Guard troops Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa and artistic exchange and exemplifi es HE Sheikh Meshal bin Hamad al- appointments. your appointment, including fe- to try to prevent the kind of violent Ial-Thani, Chairperson of Qatar the renewed commitment of the two Thani and with the partnership of our “Early on in the pandemic, we made ver or chills, shortness of breath or attack that rattled the nation on Jan Museums, the Qatar-USA 2021 Year nations to foster mutual understand- colleagues and friends in the United the decision to conduct outpatient ap- cough, we request they do not attend 6. The FBI warned police agencies of Culture was offi cially inaugurated ing and promote intercultural dia- States, whose distinguished ambas- pointments and other services virtu- and call 16060 to reschedule,” HMC of possible armed protests outside at Katara - the Cultural Village Op- logue,” the statement notes. sador Greta C Holtz honoured us ally – this was essential to protect our said. all 50 state capitol buildings starting era House on Friday with a special The launch follows the signing of a with her presence at the concert, we patients, visitors and the wider pub- HMC continues to off er a range of yesterday through President-elect concert by the Qatar Philharmonic co-operative agreement on September expect this Year of Culture to deepen lic from the spread of Covid-19,” ex- virtual services via the 16000-hel- Joe Biden’s inauguration on Jan 20, Orchestra (QPO) and US Air Forces 14, 2020, between Qatar and the US the understanding between the peo- plained Dr al-Ansari. pline, including: fuelled by supporters of President Central Band (Afcent Band). during the 2020 Qatar-United States ple of our two nations, expressing our “As we start to gradually return to  Medication delivery: patients Donald Trump who believe his false The event was hosted by Qatar Mu- Strategic Dialogue in Washington, DC. shared humanity and strengthening normal, it has been decided to resume can also still opt to have their medi- claims of electoral fraud. Page 11 seums and the US embassy. The Year of Culture programme was the already substantial ties between in-person appointments where clini- cation refi lls delivered to their homes Introducing Friday evening’s con- launched in 2012 with Qatar-Japan Qatar and the United States.” cally appropriate. Measures will be in for a small fee to save visiting an HMC India starts huge cert were HE Salah bin Ghanem bin 2012, followed by Qatar-UK 2013, Ambassador Holtz said: “The Year place to ensure social distancing and pharmacy. Nasser al-Ali, Minister of Culture Qatar-Brazil 2014, Qatar-Turkey 2015, of Culture programme provides an appropriate time between appoint-  Mental health helpline: a team of vaccination drive and Sports; Sheikh Meshal bin Ha- Qatar-China 2016, Qatar-Germany extraordinary framework within ments.” mental health professionals is available India kicked off one of the world’s mad al-Thani, ambassador of Qatar 2017, Qatar-Russia 2018, Qatar-India which our two nations can come to- “Follow-up appointments – for to support people experiencing stress largest coronavirus vaccination drives to the United States; and ambassador 2019 and Qatar-France 2020. gether to celebrate our longstanding example for medication refi lls - will and anxiety and other emotional dis- yesterday as the pandemic spread Greta C Holtz, chargé d’aff aires, US Commenting on the concert, HE relationship and forge new connec- continue to be conducted virtually tress. at a record pace and global Covid-19 embassy in Qatar. Sheikha Al Mayassa said: “Music tions through people-to-people ex- through telephone consultations. We  Urgent Consultation Service: deaths surged past 2mn. Page 9 The concert marked the beginning truly is a universal language, speaking changes. Nothing could better sym- would like to thank our patients and people with urgent but non-life- of a year of specially curated exhibi- directly to the heart, as we learned bolise the Year of Culture’s spirit of the community for their support and threatening conditions can call the tions, festivals, bilateral exchanges once again through this stirring inau- harmony than this musical collabora- patience during the pandemic.” service and speak to a team of doc- and events to be held in both nations, gural concert for the Qatar-USA 2021 tion between the Qatar Philharmonic All patients attending appointments tors who can provide health-related Saudi FM: QM said in a statement yesterday. Year of Culture. With the warm col- Orchestra and the US Air Forces Cen- in HMC Outpatients Departments will advice and information and assess embassy to “The Qatar-USA 2021 Year of Cul- laboration of our embassy in Wash- tral Band.” To Page 12 be required to show their Ehteraz app symptoms. reopen in Qatar soon ARTIC in six-property deal with Marriott International Saudi Arabia expects to reopen its embassy in Doha in the com- ing days, the kingdom’s foreign  on the quality of assets and premi- minister has said, Reuters reported All six hotels expected to open in 2021 um experience they provide to our yesterday. guests. These six new agreements It is just a matter of logistics, Faisal l Rayyan Tourism Investment Sheikh Mohamed bin Faisal al- were signed in line with our reputa- bin Farhan told journalists in Riyadh (ARTIC) has signed an agree- Thani, vice-chairman of ARTIC, said: tion of always being committed to when asked about embassy reopen- Ament with Marriott Inter- “We welcome the signing of these six maintaining the highest standards of ings. Full diplomatic relations will national to operate six properties in new agreements. The completion of quality and design in all our assets, resume, he added. prime locations across Qatar. fi ve new projects within 2021 will be a making ARTIC a preferred collabo- This comes following a recent deal The hotel openings are anticipated fi rst for Qatar’s hospitality sector and rator for a well-established, world- to end a three-year-old dispute be- to mark the introduction of fi ve new further enhance ARTIC’s position as leading operator such as Marriott tween four Arab countries and Qatar. brands in the country: Autograph Col- a leading player in the sector and sup- International.” The Al-Ula Declaration was signed lection, Delta Hotels by Marriott, Ele- porter of the development of Qatar’s He added: “It is with pleasure that during the GCC Summit recently ment by Westin, Le Meridien and Mar- tourism industry. we announce that with the expected for the restoration of full relations riott Executive Apartments, according “These agreements will bring AR- completion of these new hotels in between Qatar and the four nations to a press statement. TIC’s total number of hotel keys in 2021, the majority of ARTIC’s port- – Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain The six properties will include fi ve Qatar to over 3,260, further enhancing folio of properties will be opera- and Egypt – that had cut ties with new hotels - Le Méridien City Center ARTIC’s investment portfolio as they tional, supporting our future growth it in 2017. Doha, Delta Hotels City Center Doha, represent established international through new developments and ac- With the reopening of borders and Element City Center Doha, Element brands known for their quality, adding quisitions.” lifting of the airspace ban, Qatar Air- Doha West Bay and Al Samriya, Auto- value to ARTIC and for all our stake- Ziad Abi Raad, director of Lodging ways has resumed flights to Saudi graph Collection - in addition to a con- holders.” Development - Middle East & Paki- Arabia while the first Saudi Airlines version property that will be rebranded He added: “Our ongoing investment stan, Marriott International, added: flight also arrived in Doha recently. to become Marriott Executive Apart- and commitment to these partner- “We are delighted to strengthen our Qatar Airways has announced the re- ments City Center, Doha. ships remains a priority for us, and we relationship with ARTIC and further sumption of services to Egypt, start- Five of the properties will be located are extremely proud to be an integral enhance our footprint in the country ing with a daily flight to Cairo from in one of the most vibrant and com- part of Qatar’s attractive local mar- with six additional hotels. January 18 and twice-weekly flights mercial areas in the Qatari capital, ket, based on our country’s strategic (From right) Mohamed Abd Hameed, deputy general counsel – ARTIC; Tarek M “Qatar is a key growth market that to Alexandria from January 25. West Bay, while Al Samriya, Autograph location in the region, attractive in- el-Sayed – CEO & managing director – ARTIC; Jerome Briet, chief development continues to present great opportu- Also, UAE-based Air Arabia has Collection will be located in Al Shee- vestment climate and excellent track off icer - Middle East and Africa, Marriott International; and Ziad Abi Raad, director nities for us to expand our portfolio. announced the resumption of direct haniya district, an ideal sanctuary for record of organising successful pres- of Lodging Development - Middle East & Pakistan, Marriott International. We look forward to introducing these flights to Qatar, operating a daily quality time with the family and loved tigious events.” new brands into this market and re- flight between Sharjah and Doha ones, the statement notes. Tarek M El Sayed, ARTIC’s man- with Marriott International, we con- “This showcases our ongoing main committed to supporting the from January 18. All six hotels are expected to open in aging director and CEO, said: “As we tinue to bring distinctive new brands commitment to the Qatari mar- growth of the country’s tourism sec- 2021. build on our long-term relationship to Qatar’s hospitality scene. ket and our uncompromised focus tor.” Gulf Times 2 Sunday, January 17, 2021 QATAR

Qatar participates in ABEGS session

Qatar participated in the 10th special session of the General Conference of the Arab Bu- MoTC, Ooredoo reau of Education for the Gulf States (ABEGS). HE the Minis- ter of Education and Higher Education Dr Mohamed Abdul Wahed Ali al-Hammadi headed Qatar’s delegation in the meeting that was held sign up to expand via video conference. The meeting considered approval of the appointment of a new director-general for the ABEGS to succeed Dr Ali bin Abdul Khaliq al-Qarni whose Govt Data Centre term of off ice has ended. he Ministry of Transport  New agreement brings multiple benefits — from reduced and Communications T(MoTC) and Ooredoo Qa- capital expenditure to institutional resilience tar have signed an agreement to expand the Government Data Centre (GDC). The new GDC, also known as GDC2, will allow various govern- QBRI collaborates with QU for research services ment entities to host their mis- sion-critical IT and network in- atar Biomedical Research frastructure in Ooredoo’s QDC5 Institute (QBRI) at Hamad purpose-built secure Tier III Data QBin Khalifa University is Centre facility in Qatar, according collaborating with Qatar Universi- to a press statement by Ooredoo. ty (QU) to help advance its capabil- Connected to the Government ities to conduct high-quality and Network (GN), GDC2 provides innovative biomedical research in hosting as well as basic and ad- has developed, government enti- Qatar. The collaboration comes vanced monitoring services to ties with any size of operational Officially launched in 2006, Ooredoo as part of an agreement recently hosted government entities. This footprint in Qatar can take full Qatar Data Centre was the first facility in signed between QBRI and QU. will further enhance the ability of advantage of Ooredoo’s fl exibility The collaboration will enable the public sector as a whole to ac- and adaptability while ensuring Qatar to offer businesses a full suite of QU to utilise QBRI’s core services quire data centre capacity, with- security, reliability and extensi- enterprise services with the aim of facilitating ac- The agreement covers provision of laboratory services and support out the need for additional capital bility within a managed, on-de- cess to advanced analysis locally, to boost research in Qatar. expenditure. mand service. GDC2 can be used On the occasion, MoTC’s act- Offi cially launched in 2006, which will help QU conduct more For government entities, GDC2 as the primary data centre or as a ing assistant undersecretary of Ooredoo Qatar Data Centre was advanced research. As a result, QU to co-operate on research projects tory services and facilities to QU brings multiple benefi ts. These disaster recovery site by govern- Government Information Tech- the fi rst facility in Qatar to off er will be able to carry out biomedical in the future. Dr Omar El Agnaf, at such an important time for the include the fl exibility to activate ment organisations. nology Aff airs Mashael Ali al- businesses a full suite of enter- analysis in Qatar without the need executive director of QBRI, said: nation’s health. Both organisations additional managed services Ooredoo chief business of- Hammadi said: “We are pleased prise services. It has since evolved to send samples overseas. In par- “In keeping with the wider HBKU are confi dent that we can learn quickly, high-speed connectivity fi cer Sheikh Nasser bin Hamad to have signed this agreement into a critical technology asset as allel, the partnership will support community, QBRI is focused on from each other’s core strengths to the offi cial Government Net- al-Thani said, “This agreement with Ooredoo Qatar as part of part of Qatar’s drive to become a QU’s graduate students and enable developing partnerships with like- and specialisms and build on our work, compliance with National provides further evidence of the MoTC’s keenness to extend the truly smart nation, supporting a them to access QBRI’s advanced minded organisations. To this end, partnership in the years ahead.” Information Assurance stand- emergence of Ooredoo as a trust- capabilities of the Government wave of breakthrough technolo- core laboratories, to conduct ad- the affi nities between QU and our- Prof Egon Toft, vice-president ards, high availability hosting and ed data centre service provider Data Centre by engaging with all gies. vanced biomedical research and selves are apparent. Both institu- for Medical and Health Sciences 24/7 support, provided by a dedi- for government entities, giving service providers in Qatar to en- Ooredoo Qatar Data Centre fa- obtain more analysis options, ac- tions are focused on improving the and dean of the College of Medi- cated team of Ooredoo experts, them access to a host of cloud, sure resilience and high availabil- cilities supply total control of and cording to a press statement. health and well-being of the people cine, QU, added: “QU is deter- the statement notes. infrastructure and managed ity of the service as well as to en- security for customers’ digital The services provided by QBRI of Qatar and the wider region. This mined to foster its relationship GDC2 provides highly-resil- services without incurring major able all government entities and and data assets, having been de- core services include but are not necessitates consistent access to with partners in Qatar. Research ient carrier-grade facilities with capital expenditure. We’re proud organisations to broaden their signed in compliance with Tier-3 limited to genomics, structural bi- cutting-edge research facilities is essential to QU Health to nur- enterprise-class power, space to be chosen by the Ministry of data centres’ footprints without standards. These facilities pro- ology, fl ow cytometry, stem cells designed specifi cally for making ture new scientifi c endeavours in and security, operated by a team Transport and Communications the need for investing in capex/ vide local and regional organisa- and proteomics. This collaboration breakthrough discoveries in the the region; furthermore, with the of skilled staff . for such a crucial aspect of its opex logistics and to shorten the tions with a full range of services, will enhance interaction between prevention, diagnosis and treat- help of HBKU, QU can create ever- Thanks to the innovative mod- operations, and look forward to ‘time to service’ as much as pos- including hosting and co-loca- researchers from both entities and ment of diseases. “We’re therefore evolving synergies that will serve ular approach that Ooredoo Qatar working together.” sible.” tion and ICT managed services. pave the way for the two entities delighted to be providing labora- the nation.”

SALAM TECHNOLOGY CONTINUES TO CEMENT ITS REPUTATION AS QATAR’S TECH SERVICES AND SOLUTIONS LEADER The company announces the acquisition of Vidsys for the Qatar Market

A Qatar leading IT & Digital evolving requirements of Operating under Salam PSIM as a national product infrastructure systems Government, corporations, Security Systems & from Qatar and for Qatar. integrator, Salam Technology and enterprises, for Services (S4) department, Security Operations Centers announce its latest streamlined security the new entity will play (SOC) need an intelligent, acquisition. operations to reduce risk, a vital role as part of the responsive, enterprise- manage security events in company’s expansion to level system that seamlessly Vidsys is the global leader real- time and respond to provide mission-critical integrates into the physical of Converged Security incidents more effectively. (CSIM/PSIM) software to all security lifecycle of Information Management vertical sectors in the State of assessment, design, training, (CSIM/PSIM) solutions. Salam Technology has Qatar - Government, Telco & and real-time operations. played a visionary role in Utilities, Transportation, Oil The Vidsys software IP We are proud to lead the assessing Qatar’s growing & Gas. is now held by a wholly- needs for Converged Security market in Qatar again by owned subsidiary of Salam & Information Management Mr. Fawaz Hadid, bringing in the full strength Technology exclusively for the (CSIM). It has built a General Manager at of the Vidsys software Qatar market. reputation for proactively Salam Technology, says, solution, establishing a local This acquisition gains an sourcing solutions that resolve “The acquisition of Vidsys engineering team to enhance elevated level of significance security challenges for even software in Qatar provides a the platform, and offering against the backdrop of the the most complex and critical Launchpad for S4 to develop this customized system to fast-paced and continually operational environments. the next generation of CSIM/ our expanding clients base”.

Vidsys is renowned for its capacity to utilize its Converged Security & Information Management (CSIM) Converged Security solution beyond the limitations of traditional PSIM; Providing comprehensive enterprise- level Information Management control integrating data from virtually any security system, (CSIM/PSIM) sensor, or networked management application. This capacity to disparate security systems for Security Operation Centers gives users actionable business intelligence that empower (SOCs) stakeholders to make collaborative security decision in a real time.

Salam Technology reemphasizes that the Vidsys platform runs Security Operations Centers Integration & Interoperability (SOC) for public and private sector agencies in more than a dozen countries worldwide Gulf Times Sunday, January 17, 2021 3 QATAR

LuLu-Unilever Mega Draw held Milaha, Malomatia partner to enhance cybersecurity

QNA Milaha to realise its cybersecurity ob- nership with Malomatia and its innova- Doha jectives and to fulfi l its commitment for tive solutions in IT and cybersecurity; reliable services to its customers. thanks to its expertise in the local mar- Such managed cybersecurity serv- ket’s requirements and mindfulness of ilaha, Qatar’s leading Mari- ices will be delivered in Malomatia’s Qatar National Vision 2030 objectives time and Logistics Service in-country and secured Security Op- and aspirations to build a knowledge- Mprovider, has signed a three- erations Center (SOC), which is de- based economy and the crucial im- year partnership contract with Malo- signed for effi ciency and scalability for portance of information technology to matia, the leading provider of informa- continuous improvement or growth. achieve the same.” tion technology services and solutions, Milaha President and CEO Abdulrah- Chief Executive Offi cer, Malomatia, for the provision of cybersecurity man- man Essa al-Mannai spoke on the im- Yousef al-Namaa stressed that, “This aged services to enhance protection portance of this crucial partnership: partnership comes within the frame- of Milaha information infrastructure “In light of the rapid transition into the work of Malomatia’s strategic vision against cyber-threats. digital world and the resulting threats in contributing to the strengthening Under the agreement, Malomatia and challenges, Milaha endeavours to of cybersecurity for our valued clients, shall provide a suite of critical managed ensure the highest levels of cyberse- through providing them advanced in- cybersecurity services which includes curity to staff and clients alike, in line formation security systems and pro- 24/7 real-time cybersecurity monitor- with the state’s eff orts to strengthen tocols to protect their revenue, pro- ing and response, data protection and the cybersecurity system, protect the ductivity, and brand reputation thus cyber-threat detection and manage- information infrastructure and combat enabling them to monitor and assess ment; in addition to day-to-day net- cybercrime.” threats within a well-planned, reactive, work security operations and informa- Al-Mannai also stated: “We at Mila- and anticipatory technology frame- tion security assurance, in order for ha are pleased with this strategic part- work.”

The Mega Draw for the LuLu-Unilever Promotion was held recently at LuLu Hypermarket, D-Ring Road branch, under the supervision of an inspector from the Consumer Protection Department at the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. LuLu Gift Vouchers for a total sum of QR100,000 were given away to 45 winners in the draw, a press statement notes. Off icials from LuLu Hypermarket Qatar and Unilever were present at the draw.

Vodafone off ers QR1,000 worth of gifts on pre-ordering S21 5G

odafone Qatar announced yes- terday that the all-new Sam- Vsung Galaxy S21 Series 5G is now available for pre-order for cus- tomers in Qatar until February 4. To further enhance their Galaxy experience, customers will get gifts worth up to QR1,088 with every pre- order for devices part of the latest next-generation product range, Vo- dafone has said in a statement. Starting at QR3,259, pre-orders can be made at Vodafone stores in Doha Festival City, Villaggio and Landmark malls, as well as online at www.vf.qa/ s21preorder. Comprising the Galaxy S21 5G, if you text, email, call, play the Sam- The gifts include a free Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G, and Galaxy S21 Ultra sung Galaxy S21 Series is built with a Galaxy Buds Live or Galaxy Buds Pro, 5G, these next-generation fl agships battery life that can last for a whole a free Galaxy Smart Tag and a free bring together innovative technology day”, it adds. Samsung Care+ for one year. On top and features from the Galaxy eco- The Galaxy S21 Ultra comes of this, customers will get up to 24GB system. “The revolutionary design of equipped with the contour cut cam- of free local data to their mobile plan the Samsung Galaxy S21 Series off ers era design, a new quad camera featur- and 25% discount voucher from Clear the very best viewing experience and ing a dual pixel 12MP Ultra-wide lens, Coat. super-smooth scrolling. an improved 108MP wide lens and the The Galaxy S21 Series 5G empowers The device also comes with the enhanced 108MP sensor with laser users to share their world and connect fastest chip ever in a Galaxy handset, auto focus provides 64 times richer with the things and people that mat- eff ortlessly facilitating speedy per- colour, more than three times wider ter most. With Vodafone Qatar’s Gi- formance and smoother multitask- dynamic range. gaNet 5G network, customers can en- ing,” the statement adds. For more details about the new joy instant Giga fast 5G speeds across The Galaxy S21 Series “will support Samsung Galaxy S21 Series, one can a wide footprint of the country. you all day long -- it does not matter visit www.samsung.com. Ezdan rewards tenants with free ‘Ezdan My Book’ subscription

zdan Real Estate has launched its Tenants renewing rewards and savings programme, their contracts will E‘Ezdan My Book’, a new branded application that provides tenants with be granted a free opportunities to obtain special and free off ers at more than 500 outlets of subscription, with diversifi ed brands and categories, in- speciality keys, cluding eateries, luncheonettes, cafes, hotels and hostels, and recreational where the tenants outlets in Qatar. and their families Each new tenant or resident renew- ing their contracts will be granted a can enjoy discounted free subscription this year, with spe- prices and off ers ciality keys distributed on every new contract at leasing offi ces, where the tain the key to activate the application, tenants and their families can enjoy so that the tenant can use all the of- this privilege, discounted prices and Ezdan Holding Group deputy CEO fers available on the application when off ers. Hani Dabash. downloading from Android and iOS “This new branded application will platforms. serve a large category of Ezdan Real used on multiple bases by the user The new application is produced as Estate Company clientele and the ten- and his family on their smartphones, part of co-operation between Ezdan ants setting to renew their tenancy which provides a more general benefi t Real Estate Company and My Book contracts. This is an initiative from our to the tenants,” he added. Qatar, one of the leading Qatari com- part to enhance the customer loyalty, Dabash said Ezdan Real Estate panies providing loyalty and digital and the idea stems from our incessant is preparing to launch a package of rewards solutions. It should be noted eff orts to provide state-of-the-art unique advantages, which bear sur- that the application includes a large smart promotional off ers and maxim- prises for existing tenants as well as number of classy restaurants, fast food ise the benefi ts of our customers,” said new customers, and will be revealed outlets, hotels, parks, cafes, beau- Hani Dabash, deputy CEO of Ezdan during the forthcoming period. All ty centres, health and fi tness, spas, Holding Group. new tenants, or upon renewing a rental sports clubs, shopping centres, and “The activation key code can be contract for a residential unit, can ob- others.

MoI traffi c awareness seminar today

he Public Relations Department ed to Traffi c Law No 19/2007 to raise The link for the Zoom meet- at the Ministry of Interior (MoI), awareness of road safety among road ing is: https://us02web.zoom. Tin co-operation with the Traf- users and general public. us/j/6186754109? pwd=Z2M0VmtGc fi c Awareness Department under the A total of 1,000 people can attend 1RjOTZ5OGxtakc4eWE3UT09#succe General Directorate of Traffi c - MoI, the seminar on a fi rst come, fi rst served ss. will hold a virtual awareness semi- basis, the MoI has said. The seminar The meeting ID is 618 675 4109 while nar on Traffi c Law No 19/2007 today. will be an opportunity for attendees to the password is 12345. The meeting The seminar will be held from 10am- interact with offi cers from the Traffi c room will be open for a meet and greet 11.30am through Zoom. Department and clear doubts pertain- from 9.30am and the seminar will start The target audience of the virtual ing to Traffi c Law No 19/2007. Partici- at 10am. seminar are those in charge of transport pants can attend the seminar by fi lling The Public Relations Department and traffi c safety in companies, estab- the google form: (https://forms.gle/ has urged those concerned and people lishments and schools, as well as com- rVyvioWiL1cMGguw9) and the ad- interested in learning more about Qa- munity members. During the seminar, mission to the seminar is restricted for tar’s traffi c law to attend this important offi cers from the Traffi c Department 1,000 persons only on the fi rst come, seminar by using the above-mentioned will share valuable information relat- fi rst served basis. link or meeting ID and password. Gulf Times 4 Sunday, January 17, 2021 QATAR Centara West Bay introduces The Mezze House  New Lebanese resto-lounge makes soft-opening and will soon launch the outdoor seating area in the coming weeks

entara West Bay Ho- nese beverage. A selection of desserts with the delectable tel & Residences Doha of masterfully handcrafted House speciality, ‘Cheese Ku- Chas soft-opened a new drinks redesigned, such as the nafa’, already on its way to be- foodie delight, The Mezze House signature ‘Baklava New coming a favourite,” the state- House, in the heart of West Bay. Fashion’, is sure to become ment added. The Mezze House soft- a favourite,” the statement The Mezze House is located opened last week, and will noted. on the ground floor of Centara be opening the outdoor seat- As the name suggests, it’s the West Bay Hotel & Residences ing area in the coming weeks, mezze at the “front and centre”. Doha and opens its doors daily the hotel has said in a press “Slowly roasted and smoked at 4pm, with the happy hour statement. “Stylistically de- babaganoush, creamy hum- continuing until 6pm. signed as you would expect mous topped with pine nuts, A second round of hap- of a trendy Lebanese resto- thinly sliced lamb and a driz- py hour is available from lounge, there’s a lot more on zle of extra virgin olive oil to 10.30pm-11.30pm every night. offer than just the aesthet- whet the pallet. The selection To reserve a table, call ics. The menu is filled with of freshly grilled meat options 40095515. Stay updated and flavourful mezze selections, are every Keto fan’s delight, follow the restaurant at IG @ and the combination platters allowing you to indulge guilt- themezzehouse.doha and The Mezze House Mix Grill Platter. come with a uniquely Leba- free into the sweeter selection Facebook @themezzehouse Babaganoush at The Mezze House. VCUarts Qatar extends MoPH reports 204 new cases, application deadline 143,612 total Covid recoveries irginia Commonwealth University including Education City’s Oxygen Park School of the Arts in Qatar (VCUarts recreational complex and the nearby Mul- VQatar) has extended the application taqa Student Center, the Qatar Science & QNA eries from the virus during the past 24 deadline for the 2020-21 application season Technology Park technology hub; the state- Doha hours, bringing the total number of to ensure that all students who are keen to of-the-art Sidra Medicine women’s and cases recovered in Qatar to 143,612. study at VCUarts Qatar can have the op- children’s hospital, Mathaf: Arab Museum All new cases have been intro- portunity to learn more about the innova- of Modern Art; and the Al Shaqab eques- he Ministry of Public Health duced to isolation and are receiving tive Education City-based art and design trian centre, to name but a few. (MoPH) reported yesterday, necessary healthcare according to school. Works by students and alumni from T204 new confi rmed cases of their health status. “The fi nal day for new students to submit VCUarts Qatar have featured in exhibitions coronavirus (Covid-19) during the Measures to tackle Covid-19 in an application for admission to VCUarts everywhere from Doha and Dubai, and from last 24 hours, of which 164 were Qatar have succeeded in fl attening Qatar is Monday, February 15, for the Fall Paris to Moscow to Hong Kong, and on its from community and 40 from trav- the curve and limiting the spread 2021 semester,” Katherine Mangum, the home campus in Richmond, Virginia. ellers returning from abroad who of the virus and the number of new recruitment and admissions director at the The students’ creativity and inspiration are subject to quarantine. daily cases and hospital admissions university, said. is fuelled by participation in world-class The MoPH also recorded 177 recov- is continuing to decline each week. VCUarts Qatar, a Qatar Foundation (QF) events, fi eld trips to study, work and net- partner university, off ers fi ve undergraduate work, as well as visits by internationally ac- degree programmes: Bachelor of Fine Arts claimed designers and artists. in Fashion Design, Bachelor of Fine Arts in VCUarts Qatar’s Materials Library is the ‘Make sure you take the Graphic Design, Bachelor of Fine Arts in “only one of its kind” in the Arab Gulf re- Interior Design, Bachelor of Fine Arts in gion and houses a circulating collection of 2nd vaccine dose on time’ Painting and Printmaking and Bachelor of thousands of diverse material samples from Arts in Art History. There is also a Master around the world. The university’s state- of Fine Arts programme. It was established of-the-art facilities include a Fabrication in 1998 through a partnership with QF and Lab, Woodshop, Print Lab and Analogue now has more than 330 students represent- Photography darkroom. It also hosts bien- ing 21 nationalities. nial international events such as the Tas- Collaborations between Education City meem Doha art and design conference, and universities bring students from diff erent the Hamad bin Khalifa Symposium on Is- countries and cultures together to share lamic Art, both of which attract visitors and ideas, have fun and explore new ways of speakers from around the world. studying and learning in QF’s unique mul- Mangum says a substantial number of tiversity environment, a press statement students have already submitted their noted. applications and portfolios, and she en- VCUarts Qatar is located within easy courages other students to follow suit reach of collaboration-friendly facilities, and submit their applications before the February 15 deadline, if they hope to begin their studies at VCUarts Qatar in August 2021. Dr Soha al-Bayat, head of Vaccination at the Ministry of Public Health, According to Mangum, admissions has received the second dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech Covid-19 vaccine. counsellors are available daily for consulta- In a video posted by the MoPH on social media on Friday, Dr al-Bayat 142 face prosecution for not wearing masks tions, and the university’s website includes said: “I just took the second dose of the Covid-19 vaccine and all is well. information on application requirements, I encourage all of you, who took the first dose, not to forget the second The designated authorities referred 142 people to the Public Prosecution for not portfolio requirements, cross registration, dose and make sure you take it on time. Those who did not take the wearing masks in places where they are mandatory, QNA reported. answers to frequently asked questions and vaccine, make sure you register and when it’s your turn, please take it to The measure is in line with the Cabinet decision, Decree Law No 17 of 1990 programme information. protect yourself and those around you.” A number of other senior health on infectious diseases, and the precautionary measures in force in the coun- The university’s Admissions department off icials had received the second dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech Covid-19 try to contain the spread of coronavirus (Covid-19). The authorities called on is also providing coaching and support on vaccine on Thursday. the public to adhere to the precautionary measures in place to ensure their portfolio development. safety and the safety of others.

Met dept forecasts possibility of mist, fog formation until tomorrow morning

here are chances of mist and fog forma- Ttion in some places during the night and early in the morning until Mon- day morning, the Qatar Met department has said. This will cause a drop in the horizontal visibility to less than 2km, or even zero visibility at times, the de- partment said in a post on social media yesterday.

The Met department has said poor hours and by night. While it visibility is also will be foggy in some places expected in some at fi rst, by late night it will off shore areas become misty. The minimum tempera- “Please be careful and ture today is expected to follow the latest updates be 11C in Abu Samra, fol- through our offi cial ac- lowed by 12C in Wakra and counts,” it added. Mesaieed, 13C in Dukhan, Today’s detailed forecast 14C in Al Khor, 16C in Ru- says poor visibility (2km wais and 18C in Doha. The or less) is expected in the maximum will range from early hours due to misty to 24C in Ruwais to 29C in Abu foggy conditions in some Samra, with Doha expected places, followed by moder- to see a high of 28C. ate temperature during the Yesterday, a minimum daytime with some clouds. temperature of 10C was It will be relatively cold by recorded in Karana, while night. it was 11C in Abu Samra, The Met department has Al Khor and Ghuwayriyah. said poor visibility is also The temperature ranged expected in some off shore from 16-27C in Doha (air- areas today - in the early port) area yesterday. Gulf Times Sunday, January 17, 2021 5 QATAR Qatar Charity’s ‘One Million Smiles’ initiative receives overwhelming response he ‘One Million Smiles’ initiative, that help the poor and needy, as the players which was launched by Qatar Charity especially footballers have a large number of Tas part of its ‘Warmth and Peace’ fans. winter campaign, received an overwhelming Qatar Charity, through this initiative, response from the public, athletes, media aims to support the displaced and refugees professionals and social media influencers. in countries going through exceptional The initiative has managed to draw smiles conditions and facing a harsh winter, and on the faces of 300,000 people so far, out of provide them with winter essentials, food one million smiles targeted by the initiative and other items to help them survive the in 19 countries around the world. severe cold. In a kind gesture, all Qatar Stars League Qatar Charity urges benefactors in clubs held a banner that reads “One Million Qatar to take part in the initiative to extend a Smiles” in support of the ‘Warmth and helping hand to those who are suffering this Peace’ campaign to alleviate the suffering of winter, calling on social media influencers refugees in the harsh winter, which doubled to support the initiative in all possible ways. their suffering. To participate in the ‘One Million Smiles’ Mr. Hassan Rabiah Al Kuwari, initiative, you can send an SMS with a Executive Director of Sales, Marketing and smiley symbol to 92642 and 92428 to donate Communications at Qatar Stars League, QR100 and QR 500, respectively. A person praised Qatar Charity for launching ‘One can also donate through this link. Million Smiles’ initiative. “We are proud to You can also participate in the initiative participate in this drive in cooperation with by publishing its content with the campaign Qatar Charity,” Al Kuwari said, thanking link and the hashtag #million_smile on Qatar Charity for its humanitarian role social media. around the world, especially during these

exceptional circumstances faced by refugees and the displaced. Al Kuwari, “Our participation in this campaign is based on the societal role of the Qatar Stars League, interaction with community events, and support for all initiatives and programs in cooperation with various bodies.” On this occasion, he thanked the clubs and players for their participation in this initiative, noting that football, which is very popular among people, can play a role in supporting humanitarian and community activities and programs. Abdul Karim Hassan, a player of Al Sadd Sports Club and the Qatar National Team, said that our participation in the initiative is a humanitarian duty, and we, as players, must take part in charitable works Gulf Times 6 Sunday, January 17, 2021 QATAR Residents and kids plant trees at Al Ebb Park

rees have been planted at Al Ebb Park in continua- Ttion of the ‘Qatar Beau- tifi cation and our Kids Planting Trees’ campaign. According to a tweet by the Public Works Authority (Ash- ghal) yesterday, the Supervisory Committee of the Beautifi ca- tion of Roads and Public Places in Qatar, along with residents of the Al Ebb area, planted trees at the park with the participation of 26 children. The ‘Qatar Beautifi cation and our Kids Planting Trees’ cam- paign to plant 1mn trees is be- ing held in co-ordination with the Ministry of Municipality and Environment (MME). While attending the event, Rashid Saeed al-Nuaimi, direc- tor of Al Rayyan Municipality and a resident of Al Ebb, said: “We thank those in charge of establishing parks and aff or- estation around Qatar, which have a great benefi t in provid- ing a healthy outlet for families, preserving the environment and improving the quality of life.” Meshaal Abdulla al-Nuai- mi, Central Municipal Council member from Constituency 18, said: “The 3,000sq m Al Ebb Park will greatly benefi t people in the area as it includes a walk- way and other facilities. I thank the team members of this cam- paign for their eff orts in protect- ing the environment.” Abdulla bin Saeed al-Nuaimi, a resident of Al Ebb, added: “It is nice to see the area’s residents planting trees, beautifying the area and protecting it through this campaign. I also thank those in charge of Al Ebb Park as the area needed a park that allows families to exercise, play and walk.” The campaign was launched From the campaign at Al Ebb Park. in September 2019 and it aims to aff orest various areas, con- implementing the ‘Qatar Beau- ble for major tasks such as the It also focuses on the provi- tinuing until the end of 2021. tifi cation and Our Kids Plant- construction of central public sion of more public transport According to information from ing Trees’ campaign, which will parks, provision of dedicated options aiming at reduced use Ashghal, the campaign has so far continue until the end of 2021. lanes for pedestrians and bicy- of private cars and improving covered various localities within The committee works under the cles, development of the Doha lifestyle through clean and safe Doha along with areas belonging MME, in co-ordination with Corniche and Central Doha and transportation. to Al Khor and Al Thakhira Mu- several ministries and other increasing aff orestation and It is also intended to ensure nicipality. Also, campaigns have entities such as the Ministry green areas. a healthy environment within been held so far in Al Sheehani- of Transport and Communica- The committee’s work will residential neighbourhoods ya, Al Rayyan, Al Nasraniyya and tions, Ministry of Culture and enhance sustainability through and places of public gatherings Al Wakra. Sports, Qatar Museums, Qatar minimising environmental pol- through increased aff oresta- The Supervisory Commit- Rail, Private Engineering Offi ce lution and reducing the emission tion and landscaping, which will tee of Beautifi cation of Roads and others. of CO2 through reduced con- greatly help in reducing the tem- and Public Places in Qatar is The committee is responsi- sumption of energy resources. perature in cities.

Keep Ehteraz activated, MoI advises people Five-star Euro NCAP safety rating for New Land Rover Defender 110

he award-winning New Land Rover Defender 110 Thas earned another fi ve- star review – this time from the safety experts at Euro NCAP, it has been announced. Land Rover’s “most capable and durable model ever” has been awarded the maximum fi ve-star rating in the latest round of test results, according to a press state- ment issued in Doha by Alfardan Premier Motors Co, the offi cial retailer of Jaguar Land Rover ve- hicles in Qatar. “The Defender combines state- The Ministry of Interior (MoI) has reminded people of-the-art assisting technologies that keeping the Ehteraz app “continuously activated” with an ultra-stiff aluminium- will help ensure public safety. “Turn on Bluetooth and intensive body construction en- location service and keep your device connected to gineered to cope with rugged the Internet,” the MoI tweeted yesterday. landscapes. Clever technologies available on Defender include Emergency Braking, Lane Keep Assist and Rear Collision Moni- tor,” the statement notes. Six airbags are designed to pro- The New Land Rover Defender 110. tect the driver and passengers, while up to three ISOFIX mount- Defender 90 and a pair of practi- of exterior and interior design  Clear Exit Monitor – helps signed to warn of vehicles, pedes- ing points are available. The New cal Hard Top commercial deriva- elements refl ecting the 4x4’s im- warn of a possible threat when trians or other hazards approach- Defender scored 85% for Adult tives, which feature a fi xed bulk- mense capability and ensuring it preparing to open any door ing from either side – particularly and Child Occupant protection, head behind the front seats and stands out from the crowd. from the inside using sensors useful when reversing out of a 79% for Safety Assist and a 71% provide 2,059 and 1,355 litres of The comprehensive range of in the bumper to monitor ap- parking bay. score for Vulnerable Road Users cargo space, respectively. advanced driver assistance tech- proaching traffic.  Traffi c Sign Recognition and on its way to a fi ve-star overall Following its world premiere nologies available on the Defend-  Adaptive Cruise Control – Adaptive Speed Limiter – informs rating. at the Frankfurt Motor Show in er includes: maintains a safe distance from the driver of the current speed Nick Rogers, executive direc- 2019, Land Rover has experienced  Emergency Braking – de- the vehicle in front. If the vehi- limit and adjusts the vehicle tor, Product Engineering, Jaguar “unprecedented demand” for the signed to detect if a potential cle ahead stops, the technology speed when entering new speed Land Rover, said: “From the mo- new 4x4, the statement points frontal collision with another will bring the vehicle to a smooth limit zones automatically. ment we started creating the New out. This has been matched with vehicle may occur and display a halt.  Wade Sensing – ultrasonic Defender, we were obsessed with critical acclaim – the New De- forward alert to warn the driver  Driver Condition Monitor – sensors in the door mirrors pro- functional safety and the protec- fender has already won 28 inter- to brake. If the driver doesn’t re- designed to sense driver fatigue vide real-time information about tion of both the occupants and national awards. spond, the vehicle will deploy by monitoring steering, brake the water depth when wading. other road users. We set out to Since its debut, Land Rover emergency braking to reduce the and accelerator inputs to provide  eCall+: the system is de- make a vehicle that is the most has also introduced its fuel ef- severity of the possible impact. alerts when tiredness is detected. signed to send an automatic mes- capable and durable Land Rover fi cient range of in-line six-cyl-  Blind Spot Assist – a fl ashing  Lane Keep Assist – helps de- sage to an emergency call centre ever made, with safety features inder Ingenium diesel engines icon in the appropriate wing mir- tect unintentional lane drift and in case of a crash or collision, that truly enhance the driver’s with mild hybrid technology and ror helps alert the driver to obsta- applies corrective counter-steer- which includes additional loca- experience. It’s an incredible its advanced P400e plug-in hy- cles in, or quickly approaching, ing to maintain lane position. tion information and the number honour to receive this recogni- brid. This provides an all-electric one’s blind spot.  Rear Collision Monitor – if a of seat belts in use. tion from Euro NCAP who have range of up to 27 miles (43km) and  3D Surround Camera – assists vehicle approaching from behind  Multi Collision Brake: Au- endorsed our New Defender with CO2 emissions as low as 74g/km. the driver during low-speed ma- is not slowing down, the vehi- tomatically applies the brakes to their fi ve-star rating.” Land Rover has also introduced noeuvres using advanced camera cle will attempt to alert the ap- prevent or mitigate a subsequent Euro NCAP tested a New De- the X-Dynamic specifi cation, technology to provide a 3D view of proaching driver by automatically impact when the vehicle has been fender 110, but the tough 4x4 available on both Defender 90 the Defender in its environment on fl ashing the hazard lights. involved in a collision of suffi cient family also includes the compact and 110. It provides a selection the central Pivi Pro display.  Rear Traffi c Monitor – de- severity. Gulf Times Sunday, January 17, 2021 7 QATAR Mall of Qatar names winners of art contest all of Qatar has concluded generations to express their thoughts  Hafsa Aamer, Anoosh Khan, and the National Day School Art and dreams through art,” he said. “This Fabiha Saeed from Mesaieed Primary MCompetition, which saw year’s theme refl ects our passion for International School (third place). the participation of students from 16 the upcoming FIFA 2022 World Cup in In the third group (14-16 years), the schools in Qatar. Qatar. winners are: The competition winners have been “Our thanks and gratitude to the  Karthika Purayil from MES Indian announced, with the winning students participating schools and students who School (fi rst place) receiving valuable prizes from the Mall submitted creative artworks, and our  Sandi Aljaber from GEMS Ameri- of Qatar management. deep congratulations to all the win- can Academy (second place), and These include Mall of Qatar gift ners.”  Raghad Adbellatif Abdalla from cards worth QR5,000, QR2,500 and Held under the theme How does Doha Academy – Al Waab campus QR1,000 for the fi rst, second, and third Qatar 2022 look like to you?, students (third place). place winners, respectively. from a total of 16 schools submitted 40 Mall of Qatar also gave students For the third consecutive year, the drawings. and social media followers the chance National Day School Art Competition The students were divided into three to vote for the best drawing via a vot- Mall of Qatar off icials with two of the has been dedicated to students to en- age groups: Group 1 for students aged ing portal shared among participating winners, posing with their winning courage them to express their talents 8-10 years, Group 2 for 11-13 years, and schools. entries. The other winning artworks and skills. Group 3 for 14-16 years. It also introduced the new “People’s can be seen in the background. “It is part of Mall of Qatar’s social re- The jury panel comprised Qatari art- Choice” award for followers, with vot- sponsibility programme that promotes ists Hanadi al-Darwish and Abdulaziz ing through Mall of Qatar’s social me-  Al Manar International School – Al emerging talents and encourages ar- Sadiq, who evaluated the drawings and dia platforms. Thameed campus tistic and cultural initiatives,” a press decided the winners. The online competition attracted  Al Manar International School – Al statement noted. In the fi rst group (8-10 years), the considerable numbers, as more than Sadd campus “Besides, the annual competition is winners are: 30,000 voters selected their favourite  American School of Doha recognised as one of the most-awaited  Shaden AlKhateeb from Al Manar drawings for the top “People’s Choice”  ASC Doha International School events during the Qatar National Day International School – Al Sadd branch awards.  Doha Academy – Al Waab campus (QND) celebrations and witnesses (fi rst place) In the fi rst group (8-10 years), the  Doha Academy massive participation every year,” the  Mohamed Qarni from Mesaieed award went to student Mohamed Qarni  Doha British School statement added. Primary International School (second from Mesaieed Primary International  Doha College Further, the winning artworks are place), and School.  GEMS American Academy displayed in one of the mall’s hallways  Elias al-Shyab from Phoenix Pri- Maya Ahmed from Al Manar Inter-  MES Indian School as a gesture to acknowledge the young vate School (third place). national School – Al Thameed branch  Mesaieed International School talents’ skills. In the second group (11-13 years), the got the award in the second group (11-  Mesaieed Primary International Mall of Qatar general manager Emile winners are: 13 years). School Sarkis said: “This art competition is  Naila Zahra Azka Mirag from Me- Kinda al-Bahri from Al Manar Inter-  Phoenix Private School one of the main activities held annually saieed International School (fi rst place) national School – Al Sadd branch re-  Qatar International School by Mall of Qatar to celebrate National  Maya Ahmed from Al Manar Inter- ceived the highest number of voters in  Royal Grammar School Guildford Day with students.” national School – Al Thameed branch the third group (14-16 years). in Qatar, and “We aim to encourage our young (second place), and The participating schools were:  Sherborne School in Qatar. Gulf Times 8 Sunday, January 17, 2021 REGION/ARAB WORLD Vaccination campaign Emirates stops fl ights to three largest Australian cities

AFP Birmingham said. A small Sydney number of airlines – including Qatar Airways and Singapore Airlines – are still running mirates has suspended services to Australia but local fl ights to Australia’s media were already report- Ethree largest cities as the ing delays and cancellations country further restricts in- among returning travellers. ternational arrivals over fears Australia’s borders have of new virus strains. eff ectively been closed since The Dubai-based carrier March to curb the spread of was one of the last to main- the virus, with the government tain routes into and out of the even limiting the number of country’s east coast through- citizens allowed to return. out most of the pandemic but Last week travel restrictions on Friday evening told trav- were further tightened, with ellers a handful of planned arrival numbers slashed and fl ights next week would be the all travellers into the country last. requiring a negative Covid-19 “Due to operational rea- test before fl ying. sons, Emirates fl ights to/from In making the changes, Sydney, Brisbane and Mel- Prime Minister Scott Mor- bourne will be suspended until rison cited a growing number further notice,” Emirates said of people in quarantine test- on its website. ing positive for new strains of The airline will still run two Covid-19. fl ights a week to Perth, but the Fears that a variant of the A woman gets tested before receiving a dose of a vaccine against the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) at St Paul’s Church in Abu Dhabi, yesterday. cuts are another barrier for virus from Britain, believed tens of thousands of stranded to be more contagious, had Australians still attempting to leaked into Brisbane from ho- return home. tel quarantine triggered a snap The Australian government lockdown in the city last week. responded by announcing “There are many unknowns more repatriation fl ights and and uncertainties in rela- said other carriers still fl ying tion to the new strain, and so services to the cities could fi ll that’s why this precautionary the gap. approach, we believe, is very “The capacity that Emirates sensible,” Morrison said. Iran test-fi res ballistic was able to use within the cap Australia continues to deal will be allocated to other air- relatively well with the virus, lines, ensuring that there are having recorded about 28,600 still as many tickets, as many cases and 909 deaths linked to seats available into Austral- Covid-19 in a population missiles on targets at sea ia,” Finance Minister Simon of 25mn.

AFP battleships and destroyed them chief of staff Major General Tehran from 1,800 kilometres away,” Mohamed Bagheri was present according to the Sepahnews on the second day of the drill, UNSC approves website. alongside Guards chief Major ran’s Revolutionary Guards The missiles were fi red from General Hossein Salami and test-fi red ballistic missiles central Iran at targets located in aerospace commander Brigadier new Libya mediator Iagainst targets in the Indian the northern Indian Ocean, the General Amirali Hajizadeh. Ocean as they wrapped up a Guards said. “One of our major goals in two-day exercise, their offi cial A video released by state tel- defence policies and strategies is Reuters website reported yesterday. evision showed two missiles be- to be able to target enemy ships, New York The missiles of “various ing launched and targets being including aircraft carriers and classes” targeted “the enemy’s hit at sea. Iran’s armed forces battleships, using long-range ballistic missiles,” Salami said, he United Nations Se- quoted by Sepahnews. curity Council approved Bagheri said the launch Ton Friday the appoint- Major European powers warn showed Iran was ready to re- ment of veteran diplomat Jan against uranium metal plans spond to any “ill will” by its Kubis (pictured) as the UN Council approved in Decem- enemies, warning that in such Libya envoy, diplomats said, ber a plan by Guterres’ to name Three European powers yesterday warned Iran against starting work on cases “they will be targeted and nearly a year after the last me- Bulgarian diplomat Nickolay uranium metal-based fuel for a research reactor, saying it contravened destroyed by our missiles”. diator stepped down. Mladenov to the Libya role. the 2015 nuclear deal and had serious military implications, Reuters “We do not intend to carry UN Secretary-General An- But a week later Mladenov reported. The UN nuclear watchdog, the IAEA, and Tehran said on out any attack,” he said, adding tonio Guterres had proposed said he could not take up the Wednesday that Iran had started the work, the latest breach of its agree- the exercise showed Iran’s readi- that Kubis succeed Ghassan position due to “personal and ment with six major powers as it presses for a lifting of US sanctions. ness to defend itself “with all its Salame, who quit the role in family reasons.” “We strongly encourage Iran to end this activity, and return to full strength” against any aggressor. March last year due to stress. Libya descended into chaos compliance with its commitments under the Joint Comprehensive Dubbed Great Prophet 15, the Salame’s deputy Steph- after the Nato-backed over- Plan of Action without delay, if it is serious about preserving this agree- exercise also featured a drone anie Williams has been acting throw of leader Muammar ment,” France, Britain and Germany said in a joint statement. Iran has attack on a missile defence sys- This handout photo provided by Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps Libya envoy. Kubis, a former Gaddafi in 2011. In October, the been accelerating its breaches in the past two months. Some of those tem followed by the launch of (IRGC) off icial website via Sepah News yesterday, shows a launch of a Slovakian foreign minister, is two major sides in the coun- steps were triggered by a law passed in response to the killing of its top a barrage of “new generation” missile during a military drill in an unknown location in central Iran. currently the UN special co- try’s war – the internation- nuclear scientist in November, which Tehran has blamed on Israel. They surface-to-surface ballistic ordinator for Lebanon. He has ally recognised Government are also part of a process of retaliation that Tehran started in 2019 in missiles. President Donald Trump’s ad- after a naval exercise in the Gulf also served as the UN special of National Accord (GNA) and response to US President Donald Trump’s withdrawal from the deal and The war games come at a ministration. of Oman on Wednesday and envoy in Afghanistan and Iraq. Khalifa Haftar’s eastern-based reimposition of sanctions. time of rising tensions with the It was Iran’s third military Thursday, and an army drone The appointment of Ku- Libyan National Army (LNA) – United States in the fi nal days of exercise in less than two weeks drill on January 5-6. bis comes after the Security agreed a ceasefi re.

Tunisia set to lose Troop fi ring injures stolen millions in Tunisian PM appoints ministers Swiss banks Tunisia could lose millions of three Palestinians dollars stashed in Switzerland by the family of ousted dictator Zine in sweeping cabinet reshuffl e El Abidine Ben Ali, a senior off icial QNA lets and tear gas towards the said yesterday, AFP reported Ramallah citizens, Palestine’s WAFA re- from Tunis. The funds are cur- ported, indicating that three Reuters as minister of agriculture. burned wheels, blocked roads, rently frozen by Swiss authorities civilians were shot, including Tunis “The next stage is full of and threw stones at the police, but a deadline to claw back hree Palestinians were a medic, and dozens of people challenges, including the nec- who followed the protesters funds ends midnight on Tuesday injured by rubber-coat- suffocated after inhaling tear essary reforms for the econo- and fi red gas, witnesses added. and restrictions then cease, a Ted metal bullets, and gas, during clashes that broke unisian Prime Minis- my, which require increased In the coastal city of Sousse, presidential off icial told AFP on dozens of people suffocated out in the village. ter Hichem Mechichi effi ciency and harmony”, Me- night clashes took place be- condition of anonymity. this evening, as a result of the The Kafr Qaddum march Tnamed 12 new ministers chichi said. tween police and youths who Swiss authorities imposed a Israeli occupation forces’ re- is held every week to oppose yesterday in a cabinet reshuffl e Although Tunisia became a threw stones at the security 10-year freeze on assets of Ben pression of the Kafr Qaddum Israeli settlements, demand- he hopes will inject new blood democracy after its 2011 up- forces, who fi red tear gas. Ali and his clan amid a corruption march in eastern Qalqilya in the ing the opening of the village into his government amid ris- rising, its economy has dete- Local media said a small probe on January 19, 2011, five occupied West Bank. street, which the occupation ing political tensions and an riorated, the country verges on protest also took place in Karm days after the toppled leader The occupation soldiers authorities have closed for unprecedented economic cri- bankruptcy and political lead- area in the capital Tunis and fled to a Gulf state, where he fired rubber-coated metal bul- 17 years. sis. ers appear paralysed. that police arrested some pro- later died. Swiss-based campaign Mechichi named Walid Tunisian Prime Minister The 2019 election delivered testers. group Public Eye, which inves- Dhabi as the new interior Hichem Mechichi speaks a bitterly fragmented parlia- A decade ago, massive pro- tigates human rights violations minister, having this month during a press conference to ment unable to produce a sta- tests against corruption, in- by Swiss companies, estimates sacked Taoufi k Charfeddine, announce a cabinet reshuff le ble government, with parties justice and the repressive Ben Ali’s family and allies shifted who is close to President Kais in the capital Tunis, yesterday. bickering over cabinet seats regime toppled the late Presi- some $320mn into Swiss banks Kuwait reports 435 Saied, a move underscoring and putting off big decisions. dent Zine El Abidine Ben Ali, in the years before his ouster. tensions between the coun- date for the start of vaccina- POLICE CLASH after a fruit seller set himself Leila Trabelsi, Ben Ali’s widow, try’s two most powerful lead- tions in Tunisia still unknown. WITH PROTESTERS ablaze in the central town of and her wealthy businessman new Covid-19 cases ers. Saied and Mechichi are Disputes have also shaken Meanwhile, Tunisian police Sidi Bouzid after an altercation brother Belhassen Trabelsi, are at odds over their respective the ranks of coalition partners fi red tear gas to disperse pro- with a policewoman. among 30 to 50 of his relatives powers and political alliances, supporting the government, testers in the northern city of The Tunisian revolution in and associates who “could get he Kuwait Ministry of Health deaths have been recorded due jeopardising the stability re- with the Karama party refus- Siliana on Friday after a po- 2011 inspired a wave of revolt hold of the money”, the source reported yesterday, 435 new to the virus in the past 24 hours, quired to push through much- ing to vote on the reshuffl e and liceman beat a shepherd, wit- in Arab countries as people said. Tcases of coronavirus (Cov- leaving the number of deaths at needed reforms. threatening to leave the coali- nesses said, in an incident that rose up to demand democracy. “We are in touch daily with the id-19) in the past 24 hours, bringing 947 cases so far, adding that the Hedi Khairi was named tion. sparked anger, as the country A video posted on social Swiss authorities, but despite the total of confi rmed cases in the patients in intensive care units health minister following crit- Mechichi named Youssef celebrates the tenth anniver- media showed a policeman their understanding, it will be dif- country to 157,399, QNA reported. have reached 48. The ministry icism over the government’s Zouaghi as justice minister, sary of the transition to a full scolding and pushing a shep- ficult to achieve anything” by the The ministry’s spokesman Dr earlier announced earlier the re- handling of the coronavirus Sofi en Ben Touns as minister democracy, Reuters reported. herd whose sheep had entered deadline, the source added. Abdullah al-Sanad said that no covery of 349 people. pandemic, with the offi cial of energy and Oussama Kheriji Hundreds of protesters the governorate headquarters. Gulf Times Sunday, January 17, 2021 9 WORLD

India starts vaccine drive as it battles world’s second-largest Covid caseload

Agencies mous, impoverished nation with Covaxin is still in clinical trials fect her aged parents at home. “I networks and one of the world’s New Delhi often shoddy transport infra- and recipients on Saturday had to haven’t visited any of my friends worst-funded healthcare sys- structure and one of the world’s sign a consent form that stated or relatives for months,” she told tems, it is still a daunting under- worst-funded healthcare sys- that the “clinical effi cacy... is yet AFP. “I have seen people dying,” taking. ndia kicked off one of the tems. to be established”. said health worker Santa Roy, Both approved vaccines need world’s largest coronavirus Regular child inoculations But Prime Minister Narendra 35 in the eastern city of Kolka- to be kept refrigerated, and others Ivaccination drives yester- are a “much smaller game” and Modi as he launched the vac- ta, saying he now saw a “ray of being developed will need to be day as the pandemic spread at a vaccinating against Covid-19 cination programme urged peo- hope”. Ram Babu, the fi rst recipi- stored at ultra-low temperatures record pace and global Covid-19 will be “deeply challenging”, ple to reject “propaganda and ent in Patna, said he went to the - and in a country with scorching deaths surged past 2mn. India, said Satyajit Rath from India’s rumours” about the indigenous temple on the way to the hos- summers.There are also concerns home to 1.3bn people, has the National Institute of Immunol- vaccine. “The world has im- pital, and was “so excited that I about plans to manage the entire world’s second-largest caseload. ogy. The government has readied mense faith in India’s scientists couldn’t sleep.” process digitally via India’s own The government has given ap- tens of thousands of refrigeration and capacity of vaccine produc- New infection rates in In- app, CoWIN - of which there are provals to two vaccines - though tools and about 150,000 specially tion,” Modi, 70, said in a video dia have fallen sharply in recent already several fake versions. one is yet to complete clinical tri- trained staff to try and overcome message. months. On Friday, 175 people And as in other countries, als - aiming to inoculate around some of those challenges. The Inside a 15,000-bed fi eld hos- died compared to almost 4,000 there is scepticism about the 300mn people by July. vaccines will also have high secu- pital in Mumbai, authorities set a day earlier in the United States. vaccine, fuelled by a torrent of One of the fi rst to receive a jab rity, so that doses do not end up up 15 vaccination booths and ex- A nurse displays a vial of Covishield, AstraZeneca’s Covid-19 vaccine But experts are concerned a hoaxes and baseless rumours on- in the eastern city of Kolkata was being sold on India’s large black pected to inoculate up to 1,000 made by India’s Serum Institute, as she prepares to inoculate her new wave might hit, fuelled by line about the virus. For example, 35-year-old health worker Santa market for medicines. people on Saturday. “Back in colleagues at KC General hospital in Bangalore. a string of recent mass religious multiple Facebook and Twitter Roy, who told AFP he now saw a Some of the hospitals were May, it felt like a losing battle. festivals. posts shared hundreds of times “ray of hope” after witnessing decked out with fl owers. On We were getting 200 cases a day,” was applause as she got the jab in “I felt so happy when I heard that Authorities are drawing on - debunked by AFP Fact Check people die of the coronavirus. day one around 300,000 people said Rajesh C Dere, 46, the dean. her right arm and gave a thumbs- my name was on the list for vac- their experience with India’s - claimed no vegetarian had died Authorities say they are drawing were due to be vaccinated with “Today I feel a great sense of sat- up with her left. Mohan Ganpat cinations,” he told AFP. massive elections and child im- from Covid. A recent survey of on their experience with elec- Covishield, developed by Astra- isfaction that we have succeed- Nikam, 53, a security guard at Physiotherapist Smita Rin- munisation programmes for 18,000 people across India found tions and child immunisation Zeneca and made by India’s Se- ed.” The facility’s fi rst recipient another Mumbai hospital, said he ganekar, 42, said she spent polio and tuberculosis. But in that 69% were in no rush to get a programmes for the drive, which rum Institute, or the homegrown was a young female health work- was scared last year as the pan- months living in a hotel so she an enormous, impoverished na- Covid-19 jab. is a daunting task in an enor- Covaxin. er in lab coat and mask. There demic raged through the country. could help patients and not in- tion with often shoddy transport Museveni extends 35-year rule with poll win in Uganda

AFP he was under “eff ective house ar- Kampala rest”, while the government said Supporters of Uganda’s National Resistance Movement (NRM) party celebrate the victory of President it was merely providing him with Yoweri Museveni in the concluded general elections in Kampala. security. The singer-turned-MP ganda’s Yoweri Museveni was among 10 opposition candi- rity forces had breached the fence lomat for Africa, said on Twitter leaders. Once hailed for his com- has won a sixth term in of- dates and came second with 34.8 around it and he felt under “siege”. that the vote was “fundamentally mitment to good governance, the Ufi ce, extending his 35-year percent of the votes. The army’s deputy spokesman fl awed”, citing the denial of ac- former rebel leader has crushed rule after an election which took “The electoral commission Deo Akiiki said the soldiers were creditation to election observers any opposition and tweaked the place under heavy security and declares Yoweri Museveni... there for “his own security and and “violence and harassment of constitution to allow himself to an internet blackout, and which elected President of the republic the security of people around opposition fi gures”. run again and again. his main rival said was marred by of Uganda,” said election com- him”. However the spokesman for The internet has been down And for many in the country, fraud and violence. mission chairman Justice Simon Wine’s National Unity Platform for four days, and government where the average age is 16 and The 76-year-old leader, who Mugenyi Byabakama. He said (NUP), Joel Ssenyonyi told AFP spokesman Ofwono Opondo said most have known only one presi- took power in 1986, is one of Af- turnout was 57.22 of almost 18mn Bobi Wine “is under eff ective the measure was taken due to dent, Museveni’s glory days are rica’s longest serving presidents, registered voters. Byabakama Opposition candidate Robert house arrest”. “People are angry “abuse, misuse, disinformation, no longer relevant or suffi cient. and was accused of crushing the urged the population to “remain Ugandan President Yoweri Kyagulanyi, also known as Bobi because their vote has been sto- fake news with the overall objec- Wine, with his humble origins in opposition and media ahead of calm and accept the outcome of Museveni. Wine. len. They don’t need me or Bobi tive of undermining the integrity a slum and popular songs about one of the most violent election these elections” while reminding Wine to tell them to get angry... of the electoral process includ- economic and social injustice, campaigns in recent years. those celebrating to be mindful of ing fl ags and cheering, while sol- widespread fraud such as ballot Even we can’t control them.” ing the results... and possibly to struck a chord with young peo- Museveni won with 58.6% the Covid-19 pandemic. diers in the capital helped marshal box stuffi ng and said his party “The election was not fair,” cause destabilisation”. He said the ple, but observers said the odds of votes, seeing off a stiff battle Security forces poured into the motorcycle drivers for a parade agents had in some places been complained 31-year-old carpen- Internet would be restored once were stacked against him with from the former ragga singer Bobi streets of Kampala after the an- - handing them yellow vests and beaten and chased away from ter Dennis Agaba, disappointed the threat had passed, possibly on Museveni’s powerful grip on the Wine, 38, whose turn to politics nouncement, with one soldier atop Museveni posters. polling stations. “Whatever is be- at Wine’s loss. However 35-year- Monday morning. state. fi red up a youthful population an armoured personnel carrier The election took place after ing declared is a complete sham, old electrician Dennis Tusiime Museveni has ruled Uganda His NUP is however on track where three quarters are under 30 urging citizens to maintain social one of the most violent cam- we reject it and we dissociate our- was happy with the result. “My without pause since seizing con- to see his newly formed NUP be- years old. Wine was under heavy distancing as a helicopter buzzed paigns in years, with harassment selves with it,” he said on Friday. grandfather told me about the old trol in 1986, when he helped to come the main opposition party guard at his home on the out- ahead. Images on state television and arrests of the opposition, at- Wine’s home remained sealed regimes,” he said. “He is doing his end years of tyranny under Idi in parliament, notably winning skirts of Kampala as results were showed jubilant Museveni sup- tacks on the media and the deaths off by soldiers and police yester- work. I am very, very happy.” Amin and Milton Obote. He is eight of nine constituencies in the announced, with his party saying porters in his home district wav- of at least 54 people. Wine alleged day, after he told AFP that secu- Tibor Nagy, the top US dip- one of Africa’s longest serving capital Kampala.

UN peacekeeper killed in Central Hunt for buried survivors Australian Japan suicides jump 16% African Republic A Burundian peacekeeper was bushfi re in Covid-19 second wave killed yesterday during an after Indonesia earthquake ambush by rebels in the Central African Republic, the United threatens Reuters The July-October Nations said, the fifth soldier AFP Tokyo suicide rate rose killed since a rebel off ensive Mamuju, Indonesia began. lives in 16% from the same The soldier died in an ambush by uicide rates in Japan have a coalition of rebels near Grimari, escuers scrambled to fi nd jumped in the second period a year roughly 300km northeast of buried survivors yesterday Perth Swave of the Covid-19 earlier, a stark the capital Bangui, the UN said, Rafter a powerful earth- pandemic, particularly among during a security mission to quake on Indonesia’s Sulawesi women and children, even reversal of the the town with Burundian and island killed dozens, injured AFP though they fell in the first February-June Bangladeshi peacekeepers. hundreds and left more feared Sydney wave when the government MINUSCA — the UN trapped in the rubble of col- offered generous handouts to decline of 14%, peacekeeping force in the region lapsed buildings, as monsoon people, a survey found. according to the — also said that two Bangladeshi rains lashed the disaster-struck ustralian fi refi ghters were The July-October suicide rate soldiers were lightly wounded. region. battling an out-of-con- rose 16% from the same period study In a statement from New York, At least 46 people died after Atrol bushfi re in the west a year earlier, a stark reversal UN Secretary-General Antonio the 6.2-magnitude quake struck coast city of Perth yesterday, as of the February-June decline of ministry data from November Guterres strongly condemned in the early hours of Friday, trig- the blaze threatened lives and 14%, according to the study by 2016 to October 2020, found the attack and reiterated gering panic among residents A man looks at the rubble of a collapsed building in Mamuju city. homes. People in several south- researchers at Hong Kong Uni- the child suicide rate spiked his “deep concern over the of the island, which was hit by ern suburbs were told “to act im- versity and Tokyo Metropolitan 49% in the second wave, cor- continued destabilisation eff orts a 2018 quake-tsunami disaster heavy equipment was slowing for those still alive. “They were mediately to survive” as the blaze Institute of Gerontology. responding to the period after a by armed groups throughout that killed thousands. the search eff ort. Thousands shouting ‘Who’s alive?’ and after threatened homes near Oakford “Unlike normal economic nationwide school closure. the country”. Guterres urged Body bags were fi lled with left homeless by the quake took hearing that I said ‘Yes, I’m alive’ about 35km south of Perth’s city- circumstances, this pandemic Prime Minister Yoshihide all parties to immediately stop corpses hauled from beneath to makeshift shelters - many lit- and then me and my family were centre, the Department of Fire disproportionately affects the Suga this month issued a Cov- the violence and resolve their crumpled buildings in Mamuju, tle more than tarpaulin-covered able to crawl out from under the and Emergency Services said in psychological health of chil- id-19 state of emergency for diff erences through peaceful a city of 110,000 people in West tents fi lled with families - that rubble,” said the man, who sus- an emergency warning. dren, adolescents and females Tokyo and three surrounding means. Sulawesi province, where a hos- were lashed by heavy downpours. tained a broken arm. Locals were told to evacuate if (especially housewives),” the prefectures in a bid to stem the The Security Council strongly pital was fl attened and a shop- “We’re running out of food. James, a construction supply the way was clear or take shelter authors wrote in the study pub- resurgence. He expanded it this condemned the attack on the ping mall lay in ruins. Others There hasn’t been any aid from seller taking refuge at a bus depot, as the fi re poured thick smoke lished on Friday in the journal week to seven more prefectures, troops in a separate statement. were killed south of the city. the government yet,” 24-year- said he leapt from the second sto- over the area. Nature Human Behaviour. including Osaka and Kyoto. In a declaration unanimously Grieving relatives began bury- old survivor Desti told AFP from rey of his home just before the vi- Aerial images showed at least The early decline in suicides Taro Kono, administrative adopted by the council, it ing the dead yesterday and it hard-hit Majene. “Some peo- olent tremor fl attened the build- one shed ablaze as spot fi res was affected by such factors as and regulatory reform min- also condemned “all attacks, remained unclear how many ple are using coconut leaves as ing. “After shaking a few times, jumped ahead of the front, with government subsidies, reduced ister, told Reuters on Thurs- provocations and incitement more victims could still be un- mats,” she added. Many survi- the house collapsed,” he said, several water-bombing aircraft working hours and school clo- day that while the government to violence against MINUSCA der mounds of twisted metal and vors are unable to return to their adding that his parents and sister working to contain the blaze. sure, the study found. But the would consider extending the by armed groups and other chunks of concrete strewn across destroyed homes, or too scared to also managed to escape. A pair of Several roads had been closed and decline reversed — with the state of emergency, it “can- authors”. It follows a month- the seaside community. Planes go back fearing more quakes or a young sisters plucked from under evacuation centres set-up. suicide rate jumping 37% for not kill the economy.” “People long rebellion after six of the and boats packed with food and tsunami. the mass of concrete and other Firefi ghters were contending women, about five times the worry about Covid-19. But a most powerful armed groups, other emergency supplies fl owed Worried about an outbreak of debris were treated in hospital. with “extremely diffi cult” con- increase among men — as the lot of people have also commit- who have occupied roughly in, as the navy reportedly sent a Covid-19 in the crowded camps, But the news was more grim ditions, the department said as prolonged pandemic hurt in- ted suicide because they have two-thirds of the country for ship equipped with mobile medi- authorities said they are trying for many, as eight corpses were winds pushed the fast-moving dustries where women pre- lost their jobs, they have lost eight years, united. The coalition cal services to take pressure off to separate high and lower-risk plucked from under a collapsed fi re northwest and temperatures dominate, increasing the bur- their income and couldn’t see announced an off ensive ahead Mamuju’s still-standing hos- groups. Mamuju resident Ice said hospital, while fi ve members of climbed over 32C. den on working mothers, while the hope,” he said. “We need of the December 27 presidential pitals, which have been fl ooded he and his family were buried a family of eight were found dead There were also several other domestic violence increased, to strike the balance between and legislative vote, aimed at with hundreds of injured. under rubble when they heard in the crumpled remains of their wildfi res burning around the the report said. managing Covid-19 and man- preventing Faustin Archange Rescuers said a shortage of the voices of children searching home. edges of the city. The study, based on health aging the economy.” Toudera’s re-election. Gulf Times 10 Sunday, January 17, 2021 COMMENT

CHAIRMAN Abdullah bin Khalifa al-Attiyah EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Faisal Abdulhameed al-Mudahka Deputy Managing Editor K T Chacko P.O.Box 2888, Doha, Qatar [email protected] 44350478 (News), 44466404 (Sport), 44466636 (Home delivery) 44350474 facebook.com/gulftimes twitter.com/gulftimes_Qatar GULF TIMES QP’s climate roadmap eyes greenhouse gas emissions reduction Qatar’s commitment to ensure a sustainable and more prosperous future for the country and the world has been refl ected in QP’s new Sustainability Report, which sets in motion a plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 2030. The new strategy establishes a number of targets in alignment with the goals of the Paris Agreement. It stipulates deploying dedicated Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) facilities to capture more than 7mn tonnes per annum of CO2 in Qatar. The strategy also acts as a clear direction towards reducing the emissions intensity of Qatar’s LNG facilities America’s post-Trump reckoning by 25% and of its upstream facilities by at least 15%, and reducing fl are intensity across upstream facilities by more re-engages with US partners and allies, By Harold Hongju Koh Reliable rules of international law, Iran nuclear deal. Biden probably will than 75%. it will have to provide assurances that New Haven particularly when internalised into restore US participation in the United Furthermore, it sets out a target to eliminate routine national law, have long given private Nations Human Rights Council, Unesco, arrangements made in the next four fl aring by 2030, and limit fugitive methane emissions and public economic actors the and the Arms Trade Treaty as well. And he years will survive into the future. To along the gas value chain by setting a methane intensity hether America can restore necessary assurance that a predictable should lift the counterproductive punitive that end, Biden may decide to re-engage target of 0.2% across all facilities by 2025. its global standing over the transnational legal process will protect sanctions on International Criminal aggressively through nonbinding political next four years will depend their interests when they operate abroad. Court offi cial, and end the US veto on agreements or “executive agreements Highlighting its commitment to climate mitigation, on the American people’s But Trump evinced little respect for the judges appointed to the World Trade plus” (international compacts that are not QP said it is the main engine for growth and prosperity W expressly approved by Congress, but that ability to come together, as a nation, underpinnings of investor confi dence: Organisation’s Appellate Body. in Qatar, taking an active role in safeguarding its unique to lead the world in addressing global reliability, due process, regulatory The logistics of rejoining each of arguably comport with existing legislative environment and contributing to preserving the planet problems in a manner consistent with the stability, the protection of settled these bodies will need to be addressed frameworks). thereby working alongside all players in the energy rule of law. expectations, and the preservation of on a case-by-case basis. New treaty This form of engagement may seem less During the fi rst three years of Donald like-for-like outcomes. ratifi cations will be hard, of course, robust. But as I have shown elsewhere, sector both in Qatar Trump’s presidency, America faced Geopolitically, Trump has been at his given the sharply divided US Senate. twenty-fi rst-century international legal It is designed to and internationally, mostly self-infl icted crises, but the most destructive when weakening US The two treaties that could attract engagement has increasingly expanded to fast track de- Covid-19 disaster cast Trump’s signature alliances, multilateral organisations, bipartisan support are a fi ve-year beyond traditional tools like treaties and grow the energy carbonisation of the weaknesses in stark relief: topsy-turvy and international dispute-settlement extension of New START (the Strategic international agreements. It now regularly sector to meet Paris policymaking, unbridled mendacity, and mechanisms. Such institutions are Arms Reduction Treaty) and the UN allows for nonlegal understandings, supply while conspiracy mongering. Everyone now desperately needed to facilitate solutions Convention on the Law of the Sea layered cooperation, and diplomatic “law Agreement goals. appreciates the profound defi ciencies to global crises like pandemics, forced (UNCLOS), whose ratifi cation has been talk”: international conversations about helping to meet “Our strategy of Trump’s obsession with “deals.” migration, and climate change. For supported by top foreign-policy offi cials evolving global norms that memorialise a embraces the His transactional approach – marked decades, successive US administrations in both Democratic and Republican mutual understanding on paper without the challenge of transition towards a by cascades of threats, tit-for-tat from both parties had pursued an administrations for more than 20 years. creating binding legal agreements. low carbon industrial retaliations, abrupt reversals, and hollow external strategy of “Engage, Translate, While Republican senators have Because these soft-law tools have proven achieving low photo-ops – has devastated longstanding and Leverage” when it came to global consistently opposed UNCLOS on eff ective in legal “regime building,” it landscape and is relationships and alliances originally problems. When in doubt, US leaders sovereignty grounds, their opposition is now common for international legal carbon operations intended to be flexible built on genuine bonds of mutual would engage with allies and adversaries, has become increasingly nonsensical. By arrangements and institutions to be and resilient to interest, aff ection, confi dence, trust, co- translate existing legal rules to new not ratifying the convention, the US has developed less through formal devices change. It is designed to grow the energy supply while operation, and sacrifi ce. situations, and leverage lawful responses ceded dominance to the Russians in the and more through repeated bilateral, helping to meet the dual challenge of achieving low Worse, Trump’s contempt for into broader, stable strategic solutions. Arctic and to China in the South China plurilateral, and multilateral dialogue relationships was paired with an equally But Trump has pursued the Sea. Moreover, the Biden administration among international lawyers from carbon operations,” QP said. stunning scorn for truth, diplomacy, diametrically opposite philosophy: should seek Senate support to ratify diff erent countries. QP aims to create low carbon energy by growing bureaucracy, and other essential “Disengage, Black Hole, and Go it alone.” the Framework Convention on Tobacco As these regimes take shape, renewable energy capacity through solar projects, by 2-4 ingredients of sound administration, at When in doubt, his administration Control, and to end the shameful US stakeholders start by defi ning new gigawatts (GW) by 2030. both the national and the multilateral disengaged, argued that new situations non-ratifi cation of the Convention soft norms, and then work through Since the launch of its environmental initiatives nearly level. His startling disregard for presented “black holes” to which no on the Rights of the Child and the an iterative process to set standard expertise and science has resulted in the law applies, and substituted unilateral Convention on the Elimination of All practices of layered private and public a decade ago, QP has achieved real momentum across its erosion and degradation of previously browbeating for stabilising long-term Forms of Discrimination Against Women. cooperation, as was done with the recent facilities and those of its affi liates to reduce their carbon independent and eff ective national solutions. Likewise, closing the US detention camp Oxford Statements on International Law footprint. institutions such as the US Postal Trump sought to replace the post- at Guantánamo would fi nally kill an Protections Against Cyberoperations To ensure a competitive and resilient business model Service, the Centers for Disease Control World War II Kantian vision of a albatross that has been hanging around Targeting the Health Care Sector, within the energy transformation, and to contribute to and Prevention, the Environmental community of democracies cooperating America’s neck since the George W Bush Safeguarding Vaccine Research, and Protection Agency, the Food and Drug on the basis of shared values with administration. Election Security. the dual societal challenge of providing energy with less Administration, the FBI, and the US a values-free Orwellian vision of Biden also will need to move quickly The best hope for a more bipartisan, emissions, QP’s climate action is tackled under its ‘4C: intelligence community. great-power spheres of infl uence. The to fi ll the global-governance vacuums Congress-inclusive approach to US Consolidate, Curb, Create, Compensate’ framework, As Trump’s presidency lurched into Orwellian vision is not only repugnant that Trump created, and which Russia international re-engagement would be for referred to as climate roadmap. its fourth chaotic year, his disastrous to core American values; it also off ers and China have been eager to exploit. Biden, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, and It refl ects QP’s focus on reducing GHG emissions in its response to the Covid-19 pandemic no plausible answer to any of America’s Russia has been acting with impunity Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell operations (including equity partnerships), improving its laid bare his fl awed overall approach three looming national reckonings. The as it attempts to murder leading to agree to an expedited joint-resolution to governing. His failure to implement US faces an economic reckoning over opposition fi gures, supports autocrats like process, similar to the one already products to help its customers lower their emissions, and a national plan to provide testing, the problem of inequality; a cultural Aleksandr Lukashenko in Belarus, and used in trade policy. This would allow creating low carbon businesses that support the energy protective equipment, ventilators, reckoning over the question of how to launches cyber and military campaigns for timely up-or-down fl oor votes on transition. paycheck protections, contact tracing, accommodate diversity and inclusion at against Estonia, Georgia, Ukraine, and amendable agreement packages, giving QP’s climate roadmap sets out new short-, mid- and or, looking ahead, vaccine delivery, a time of growing political polarisation; other countries. China has gone even Congress more input and Biden the vital long-term ambitions to reduce its own GHG emissions intersected with his administration’s and a global reckoning born of the need further, seeking to supplant the US-led legislative support he needs for eff ective bullheaded eff orts to undermine for international cooperation in an age of Bretton Woods institutions with its own international lawmaking. and shape its portfolio to be more sustainable. Americans’ health care through virulent zero-sum nationalism. institutional creations, including the This daunting “to-do list” will test not HE the Minister of State for Energy Aff airs Saad bin reactionary judicial appointments. And Against this backdrop, President-elect Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank only the new administration’s bandwidth Sherida al-Kaabi said, “Qatar Petroleum’s Sustainability America’s complete disengagement from Joe Biden’s administration will have and the Belt and Road Initiative. but also its political skills. With luck, Strategy is a bold commitment with clear goals and any co-ordinated global eff ort to tackle its work cut out for it. Among its most But given how much the world has Biden’s cabinet will include savvy milestones that ensure we embed sustainability the pandemic all but ensured that the dual urgent priorities will be to re-enter the changed these past four years, the professionals and longtime legislators, public health and economic crises would Paris climate accord, the World Health Biden administration cannot simply giving a prominent role to former senator considerations into the way we plan and manage our spin out of control. Organisation, and some variation on the restore a pre-Trump status quo. As it and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris. entire business and operations. The result has been a harrowing decline When coupled with Biden’s long history “This strategy is an important step on the road to in America’s longstanding reputation of bipartisan cooperation, a competent, achieve our vision of becoming one of the best National for competence. By trashing the US experienced team can forge a new political Oil and Gas Companies in the world, with roots in Qatar tradition of constructive engagement consensus (both domestically and with (admittedly imperfect) multilateral internationally), restore America’s global and a strong international presence,” said al-Kaabi, also institutions, Trump has encouraged a commitments, and confront the country’s the President and CEO of Qatar Petroleum. destructive race to the bottom on key three reckonings head on. economic and climate issues, triggering After four years of trauma, Americans a dangerous trend toward vaccine and their allies badly need a lasting course To Advertise nationalism. Instead of standing for correction. It won’t be easy, but neither truth, justice, and the “American way,” is it impossible. Biden has more high- [email protected] he and his cronies have transformed level legislative experience than any US America into a sad exemplar of deception, president since Lyndon B Johnson. And, Display opportunism, and beggar-thy-neighbour as always, we will need a little help from 44466621 44418811 dissembling. our friends. – Project Syndicate Perhaps most fundamentally, as the Classified recent election only confi rmed, Trump Harold Hongju Koh, Professor of 44466609 44418811 has shown contempt for the values and International Law and former dean at institutions underpinning the rule of Yale Law School, served as Legal Adviser Subscription law. These include free and fair elections, (2009-13) and Assistant Secretary of State the peaceful transfer of power, an CONTEMPT FOR RULE OF LAW AND VALUES: Supporters of US President Donald for Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor [email protected] independent judiciary and civil service, Trump stand next to media equipment they destroyed during a protest on January (1998-2001) at the US State Department. non-political prosecutions, independent 6 outside the Capitol in Washington, DC. Demonstrators breeched security and He is the author, most recently, of The media, and protections for racial, entered the Capitol as Congress debated the 2020 presidential election Electoral Trump Administration and International © 2021 Gulf Times. All rights reserved religious, and sexual minorities. Vote Certification. (AFP) Law. Gulf Times Sunday, January 17, 2021 11 WORLD

UK ‘cannot arrest Nawaz on basis of Pakistan court order’ US capitals on edge

Internews been taken in the past. London “If any extradition request were to be submitted through the proper channels, it would he British government be considered in line with the for armed protests has said that it can- UK laws,” said the FCO. Tnot take action against On the other hand, a source Reuters porters, some of whom planned “One of the ways you can po- former Pakistan prime minis- at Prime Minister Johnson’s Washington to kidnap members of Congress tentially de-escalate a problem is ter Nawaz Sharif on the basis Offi ce said that it received a and called for the death of Vice- with a strong security posture,” of the non-bailable arrest war- letter from Stephen Timms MP President Mike Pence as he pre- said Spaulding, now a senior ad- rants shared with the UK gov- and forwarded it to the FCO to ashington, DC, was sided over the certifi cation of viser at the Centre for Strategic ernment by the Pakistan High address the issue. locked down and US Biden’s victory in November’s and International Studies. “You Commission in London. The source said that the Wlaw enforcement of- election. try to deter people from trying The UK Foreign, Com- prime minister is unable to act fi cials geared up for pro-Trump Law enforcement offi cials have anything.” monwealth and Development on this matter, as he did not marches in all 50 state capitals trained much of their focus what Following the January 6 vio- Offi ce (FCO)’s Pakistan and have the authority to do so, and this weekend, erecting barri- could take place today, when the lence in Washington, some mili- Afghan Department said this that the FCO is the right forum ers and deploying thousands of anti-government “boogaloo” tia members said they would not in response to a letter sent to to deal with such matters. National Guard troops to try to movement fl agged plans to hold attend a long-planned pro-gun Prime Minister Boris Johnson Responding to a question, prevent the kind of violent attack rallies in all 50 states. demonstration in Virginia, where by Labour MP Stephen Timms, Timms said: “I wrote to the that rattled the nation on Janu- In Michigan a fence was erect- authorities were worried about on behalf of a Pakistani con- prime minister about this, on ary 6. ed around the Capitol in Lans- the risk of violence as multiple stituent. behalf of a constituent, to ask The Federal Bureau of Inves- ing and troopers were mobilised groups converged on the state “We are aware that Sharif is what the government’s ap- tigation (FBI) has warned police from across the state to bolster capital, Richmond. in the UK. The UK law sets out proach was.” agencies of possible armed pro- security. Others told the Washington clearly and publicly what the He had written to 10 Down- tests outside all 50 state capitol The legislature cancelled Post that they wanted the pro- government can and cannot ing Street on December 6, buildings starting this weekend meetings next week, citing con- test organised in response to new do on immigration matters, we 2020, asking Johnson if any ar- through President-elect Joe Bi- cern over credible threats. Concertina (barbed) wire tops security fencing around the US Capitol state gun rules to be peaceful. act strictly in accordance with rangements were made to send den’s inauguration on January “We are prepared for the worst in Washington, DC. Some militias in other parts of the rules in all sides,” said the Sharif back, on behalf of British 20, fuelled by supporters of Pres- but we remain hopeful that those the country have told followers to FCO’s Pakistan section, in a Pakistani Khalid Lodhi. ident Donald Trump who believe who choose to demonstrate at about electoral fraud would serve have been taking precautions. stay home this weekend, citing letter. Lodhi said that he had also his false claims of electoral fraud. our Capitol do so peacefully,” as an ongoing catalyst for ex- Illinois Governor JB Pritzker the increased security or the risk “Sharif’s status under Pa- written a letter to the Brit- Michigan, Virginia, Wiscon- Michigan state police director Joe tremist groups. said on Friday that while his state that the planned events were law kistan laws is a matter for the ish home minister, Priti Patel, sin, Pennsylvania and Washing- Gasper told a news conference on Thousands of armed National had not received any specifi c enforcement traps. Pakistan government and legal informing her that Sharif has ton are among states that acti- Friday. Guard troops were in the streets threats, he is beefi ng up security Even so, Michael Hayden of system,” the letter read. “As been “convicted in Pakistan”, vated their National Guards to The perception that the Janu- in Washington in an unprec- around the Capitol in Spring- the Southern Poverty Law Centre such, the non-bailable ar- had “absconded”, and should strengthen security. ary 6 insurrection was a suc- edented show of force after the fi eld, including adding about 250 said he has not been this worried rest warrants which have been be sent back “immediately”. Texas closed its Capitol cess could embolden domestic assault on the US Capitol. state National Guard troops. about the potential for violence served by the Pakistan High The letter said that Nawaz through Inauguration Day. extremists motivated by anti- Bridges into the city were to The alarm extended beyond in a long time. Commission in London have Sharif came to London for Steve McCraw, director of government, racial and partisan be closed, along with dozens of legislatures. Among other factors, he said no legal bearing on his current medical treatment and has now the Texas Department of Public grievances, spurring them to fur- roadways. The United Church of Christ, a the perceived censorship of con- status in the UK.” stayed in the UK for more than Safety, said in a statement late on ther violence, according to a gov- The National Mall and oth- Protestant denomination of more servative voices by technology “The UK police cannot ar- a year, and that the UK govern- Friday that intelligence indicated ernment intelligence bulletin er iconic US landmarks were than 4,900 churches, warned its companies such as Twitter has rest someone in the UK on the ment should send him back to “violent extremists” may seek to dated Wednesday that was fi rst blocked off into next week. 800,000 members there were re- served to meld right-wing ex- basis of non-UK court orders,” Pakistan. exploit planned armed protests reported by Yahoo News. Experts say that the capitals of ports “liberal” churches could be tremists and run-of-the-mill said the letter. The Islamabad High Court in Austin to “conduct criminal The Joint Intelligence Bulletin, battleground states such as Wis- attacked in the coming week. Republicans into a common The FCO clarifi ed to the MP declared, on December 2, acts”. produced by the FBI, the De- consin, Michigan, Pennsylvania Suzanne Spaulding, a former cause. that both the countries do not former prime minister Sharif The scramble followed the partment of Homeland Security and Arizona are among those at undersecretary for the DHS, said “It has provided a kind of uni- currently have an extradition a proclaimed off ender in the deadly January 6 attack on the US (DHS), and the National Coun- most risk of violence. that the authorities disclosing fying grievance between groups agreement, but did acknowl- Avenfi eld and Al-Azizia refer- Capitol in Washington by a mix ter-terrorism Centre, further However, even states that are enhanced security measures can that had no connection with one edge that such actions have ences. of extremists and Trump sup- warned that “false narratives” not seen as likely fl ashpoints be an eff ective deterrent. another before,” Hayden said.

Merkel’s party picks her ally as next Pakistan approves Dolled up leader in a vote for ‘continuity’ Chancellor Angela Merkel’s conservative Christian Democratic Union (CDU) party has picked her ally Armin Laschet as its next AstraZeneca vaccine leader, in a vote for “continuity” as Europe’s biggest economy heads into a key election year with the deadly coronavirus pandemic still raging. Reuters/Internews Prime Minister Imran Khan on In the close race, Laschet, the state premier of Germany’s most Islamabad health said. populous state, North Rhine-Westphalia, triumphed over old Merkel “We are in the process to ob- nemesis Friedrich Merz, after a first round that saw Merz leading by tain Western origin and other just five votes. straZeneca’s coronavi- vaccines both via bilateral pur- In a speech minutes before the vote yesterday, Laschet called for rus (Covid-19) vaccine chase agreements as well as via “continuity” and highlighted the challenge of retaining CDU voters Ahas been approved for the Covax facility,” he said. without Merkel at the top. emergency use in Pakistan, the The Chinese vaccine is health minister said yesterday, awaiting approval from the making it the fi rst coronavi- Drug Regulatory Authority of rus vaccine to get the green Pakistan (Drap), which has re- Biden elevates science post to cabinet light for use in the South Asian ceived and reviewed its data. level in sharp break from predecessor country. Pakistan reported 2,432 new Pakistan said its vaccines coronavirus infections and 45 US President-elect Joe Biden has announced that he is upgrading would be procured from multi- deaths on Friday, taking the the White House science adviser position to cabinet-level – a sharp ple sources. total number of cases to more break from predecessor Donald Trump as America grapples with “Drap granted emergency than 516,000 and deaths close the pandemic. use authorisation to Astra- to 11,000. The former vice-president will have to grapple with a nation hard- Zeneca’s Covid vaccine,” the “Our aim is that the bulk of hit by the coronavirus: known infections have surpassed 23mn with de facto health minister, Faisal the population will be covered almost 400,000 deaths recorded. Sultan, told Reuters. free,” the minister said, add- Eric Lander, a geneticist who helped map the human genome, will Approval has been given ing that private sectors could head the White House Off ice of Science and Technology Policy to get more than 1mn doses also be allowed once supply (OSTP) and advise Biden. of Sinopharm’s vaccine from was available to an authorised A roadside vendor decorates a doll for sale by a road in Islamabad. China, the special assistant to company. US to punish bad behaviour on flights Pakistan election as incidents rise amid pandemic body summons Facing an increase in unruly passengers over mask requirements opposition parties Sherpas complete fi rst winter summit of K2 and violence in Washington, US air safety authorities have announced tougher penalties for bad behaviour on board. As the Pakistan’s ruling Pakistan Under the new policy, which will be in place through March 30, Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and the two Spanish climber killed tain over 8,000m that had not tempts on the summit, weather without supplemental oxygen in the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) will pursue legal action main opposition parties continue during expedition been summitted in the winter. permitting. less than two years. against unruly passengers, the agency announced on Wednesday. to accuse each other of receiving The group members were “Dismayed by the news of First climbed in 1954 by Ital- “Passengers who interfere with, physically assault, or threaten to funds from prohibited sources, Reuters/AFP named as Nirmal Purja, Gelje the accident that has ended the ian Achille Compagnoni, K2 is physically assault aircraft crew or anyone else on an aircraft face the Scrutiny Committee of the Islamabad/Madrid Sherpa, Mingma David Sherpa, life of a magnifi cent athlete,” notorious for its sleep slopes stiff penalties, including fines of up to $35,000 and imprisonment,” Election Commission of Pakistan Mingma G, Sona Sherpa, Ming- Spain’s Minister of Health Sal- and high winds, and in winter its the FAA said. (ECP) has summoned both the ma Tenzi Sherpa, Pem Chhiri vador Illa wrote on Twitter, de- surface becomes slick ice. Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) team of climbers from Sherpa, Dawa Temba Sherpa, scribing Mingote as “a personal Of the 367 people that had and the Pakistan Muslim League Nepal have become the Kili Pemba Sherpa, and Dawa friend”. completed its ascent by 2018, 86 US Health Secretary Azar resigns – Nawaz (PML-N) to respond Afi rst mountaineers to Tenjing Sherpa. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro had died. tomorrow to allegations of successfully complete a winter Their success was marred by Sanchez wrote on Twitter: “Sad The Pakistan military is reg- US Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar told President foreign funding, a day before the attempt on the summit of K2, the death on the mountain of re- death of Sergi Mingote on K2. ularly asked to rescue climb- Donald Trump in a letter this week that the attack on the Capitol opposition Pakistan Democratic the world’s second tallest peak. nowned Spanish climber Sergio He wanted to keep on making ers using helicopters, but the could tarnish the legacy of the administration. Movement (PDM) alliance’s The group of sherpas had Mingote, who fell down a cre- history by being part of the fi rst weather makes that diffi cult. In the January 12 letter, Azar cited what he called the planned protest outside the ECP paused at a point 70m short of vasse as he attempted to make expedition to climb this moun- The previous highest altitude administration’s successes, but voiced concern that last week’s off ice. the 8,611m (28,251’) peak to wait his way down to Base Camp, tain in winter and a tragic acci- achieved on K2 in winter was mob siege of the Capitol building and Trump’s unfounded claims The PML-N and PPP have been for each other before climbing Karrar Haidri, secretary of the dent ended his life.” 7,750m by Denis Urubko and of widespread voter fraud “threaten to tarnish these and other issued notices, asking their into the world’s history books Alpine Club of Pakistan, told Mingote was not part of the Marcin Kaczkan, set nearly two historic legacies of this administration”. representatives to appear before together at 4.56pm. Reuters. team from Nepal. decades ago. “The attacks on the Capitol were an assault on our democracy and the scrutiny panel at noon and Located on the Pakistan Chi- Around 49 climbers in sev- Mingote, 49, had climbed Pakistan is home to fi ve of the on the tradition of peaceful transitions of power,” Azar wrote in his 2pm, respectively. na border, K2 is the only moun- eral teams are on K2 making at- seven mountains over 8,000m world’s 14 peaks over 8,000m. formal resignation letter. In a related development, the PTI has submitted an application to the chief election commissioner seeking day-to-day hearing of cases against the two opposition parties. Thousands of US-bound migrants cross border into Guatemala Speaking to reporters after submitting the application, PTI lawmaker Farrukh Habib AFP them to a better life in the US. and children pushed their way at night could have resulted in immigrant policy under Donald Mark Morgan, acting com- challenged PML-N vice-president El Florido, Guatemala Seeking to escape poverty, past police and border gates casualties. Trump, but the quest is likely to missioner of US Customs and Maryam Nawaz and PPP unemployment, gang and drug diving the two countries at the “We won’t leave here until end in heartbreak for many, with Border Protection, warned the chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari violence and the aftermath of town of El Florido, an AFP cor- they let us through,” said Dania US authorities already having group last week not to “waste to submit the record sought by t least 4,500 Honduran two devastating hurricanes, the respondent said. Hinestrosa, 23, shortly before warned off the group. your time and money”. the ECP Scrutiny Committee. migrants pushed past migrants plan to walk thousands A Guatemalan police offi cial attempting to cross the border Guatemala, Mexico and Hon- The US commitment to the He said that the PDM’s protest Apolice and crossed into of kilometres through Central said the force had let the mi- with one of her young daughters. duras also have an agreement “rule of law and public health” is plan was meant to pressure the Guatemala on Friday night, America to Mexico and then on grants cross as there were many The migrants are seeking a with the US to stop north-bound not aff ected by the change in ad- ECP and get an NRO (national passing the fi rst hurdle of a jour- to the US. families with children in the better life in America under Joe migratory fl ows from the south ministration, he said in a state- reconciliation order, an amnesty). ney north they hope will take The crowd of men, women crowd and that using tear gas Biden after years of tough anti- of the continent. ment. Gulf Times 12 Sunday, January 17, 2021 QATAR

Qatar-USA 2021 Year of Culture is launched

From Page 1

HE al-Ali said: “It is impor- tant to nurture arts and culture as they play a key role in uplift- ing the values of human dignity based on freedom, justice and the acceptance of others regard- less of their colour, religion and ethnicity. “Arts and culture assist in the continuous discovery and pro- motion of knowledge and, along- side religion and social values, can be used as eff ective tools to instil morality.” Commenting on the opening, Aisha Ghanem al-Attiya, head of Year of Culture, noted: “These beautiful performances by the Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra HE the Minister of Culture and Sports Salah bin Ghanem bin Nasser and US Air Forces Central Band al-Ali speaking at the launch ceremony. have given us our fi rst experience of the rich and extensive slate of offi cial launch of Qatar-USA Year partnership between our people programmes, exhibitions and of Culture 2021, and to announce and our two countries that has events planned over the next 12 ExxonMobil Qatar as its platinum extended beyond economics and months, as our platform for new sponsor,” said Dominic Genetti, grown into a true friendship and dialogues and bilateral exchang- the president and general man- community.” es.” ager for ExxonMobil Qatar. The concert was led by Joo “I am pleased to join our part- “As a US company and an ac- Young Oh, the recently-appoint- ner Qatar Museums today at the tive participant in the local com- ed concertmaster of the Qatar munity for over three decades, Philharmonic Orchestra, who Snapshots from the off icial Qatar-USA Year of Culture 2021 performs internationally as a launch of the Qatar-USA 2021 is particularly important to us,” violin soloist and member of the Year of Culture. he said. “It emphasises the strong New York Philharmonic. The programme, which be- gan with the national anthems of both countries, featured a variety of Qatari and American compositions, including Rising and Spirit of Thunder (by Dana Alfardan), Take Me Home, Coun- try Road (John Denver), Fanfare for the Common Man (Aaron Copland), Lullaby and Porgy and Bess Suite (George Gershwin), My Heart Will Go On from the fi lm Titanic (James Horner), Al- Haneen (Nasser Sahim Nasseb), Adagio for Strings (Samuel Bar- ber), and Tonight from the mu- sical West Side Story (Leonard Bernstein). Synergy interprets, honours Qatar’s

The exhibition curated by VCUarts Qatar alumna for Qatar National Day pays tribute to the country’s past and present. heritage PICTURES: Maria Ovsyannikova sma Derouiche smiles as and those who live here now – she gestures at a 13m-by- their lives and livelihoods inter- A3m artwork hanging in twined by the sea and the land.” front of her. The collection is a revitalised “This country was wrought by interpretation of Qatar’s herit- people who lived on the land, and age. by people who lived off the sea,” Derouiche and al-Jaidah says the Virginia Commonwealth formed a collective with the aim University School of the Arts in of collaborating with local talent, Qatar (VCUarts Qatar) MFA in and invited Qatar-based artists Design alumna, as she explains Ahmed al-Bahrani, Ahmed al- the concept behind Synergy, an Maadheed, Azzam al-Mannai, exhibition organised and curated and Fatima al-Shaiban, and local by Derouiche and Tariq al-Jaid- craft masters Umm Atiq al-Marri ah, who founded the Eiwan gal- and Mohamed al-Balkoum, to lery in Al Gassar Resort – where contribute bespoke artwork to respect and admiration for the designer, adding: “I feel it’s ex- the display is on show until Janu- the exhibition – all in under two country they call home. citing when people from abroad ary 23 – with the vision of devel- months. It is an emotion that is palpable – expats like myself – explore the oping the art production land- As Derouiche – the de- to a visitor entering the gallery; resources available locally, and scape in Qatar. signer and creative director at almost immediately, one’s atten- use their individual interpreta- “For that reason, when we had the House of Arts – describes tion is drawn to two large hand- tion to create something beauti- the idea to conduct an exhibi- the concept and creative proc- woven wall-hangings made us- ful from it.” tion for the Qatar National Day esses behind Synergy, one thing ing sadu, a weaving technique “In a way, it’s our way of con- creativity you see here is an em- “That’s why I chose the unu- blend into a single pattern on the (QND), we wanted it to refl ect becomes clear: the exhibition traditionally associated with the tributing to Qatar,” she added. bodiment of that spirit,” she said. sual combination of sadu and other, signifying Qatar’s journey that synergy; that deep-rooted emerged from the singular de- region, and sofra, the craft of “On a personal level, I have spent “For instance, my motive in sofra; the rigid linearity of sadu is from a cluster of tribes to the circular connection between sire of a group of young artists plaiting palm leaves. the last three years exploring the creating the large wall-hanging off set by the pliable adaptability unifi ed country that it is today. people who lived in a bygone era, and designers to showcase their Further down are decorative art and design landscape here, titled My Tribe is Qatar was mul- of sofra. Derouiche has another piece of leather hangings depicting sym- working with local artists and ti-fold,” Derouiche explains. “And that’s also why the sofra interesting information to share: bols. craftsmen in souqs to fi rst appre- “I wanted to capture those appear to fl ow out of the sadu in when quizzed on the materials Aerial photographs juxtapos- ciate the rich artistic heritage of symbols and patterns tradition- a burst of bubbles; it shows the used to fashion the artwork, her ing human activities against the the country, and then to collabo- ally used by various tribes in sadu energy and dynamism of this eyes light up. stark emptiness of the desert, rate with them, often giving tra- weaving, to create one seamless country.” “Almost all the materials used sculptures that portray Qatar’s ditional designs a contemporary artwork that showed how, irre- References to the country’s in the exhibition are sourced increasing global presence, poet- twist.” spective of where we come from, history can also be seen in the from Qatar,” she says. “But if you ry cast in concrete, and canvases Derouiche also notes how the we all belong to Qatar. mustard-hued wall-hangings really want to know the exact that harken back to a simpler exhibition mirrors Qatar’s iden- “Additionally, I also felt it was made of camel leather; laser-en- sources, the leaves used to fash- lifestyle, make up the rest of the tity – one that boldly balances time for our generation to re- graved patterns – inspired by the ion the haseer on one of the wall- display. the contemporary with the clas- envision the manner in which symbols used by Qatari tribes to hangings were taken from the “In order to respect and learn sic. traditional and locally-produced brand their herds of sheep, cam- date palm in front of my apart- from another culture, you fi rst “Over the years, Qatar’s perso- elements could be used to give els or goats to prevent them from ment in The Pearl. must make the eff ort to under- na has evolved into a cosmopoli- expression to what Qatar has getting lost or stolen – start out “You can’t get more local – or A close-up of one of the works on display. stand it,” says the Tunisian-born tan, heterogenous one, and the grown into. at one end of the hide, and then sustainable – than that!”