www.thepeninsula.qa Friday 14 February 2020 Volume 24 | Number 8167 20 Jumada II - 1441 2 Riyals

BUSINESS | 15 SPORT | 20

Ooredoo Group Al Arabi, posts QR29.9bn Al Ahli reach revenue, QR1.7bn Ooredoo Cup net profit in 2019 semi-finals

Qatari ports witness Amir honours Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser significant rise in cargo handling last month SACHIN KUMAR Hamad Port, Doha signed a container services THE PENINSULA agreement in November last Port and Ruwais year, with the Mediterranean Starting the new year on a Port handled over Shipping Company (MSC) to use positive note, Qatari ports have 50 percent more Hamad Port as a regional hub delivered strong performance to manage transshipments for in January. Hamad Port, Doha vehicles in January up to 150,000 TEUs per year, Port and Ruwais Port have this year compared to growing to one million TEUs by witnessed significant rise in same month in 2019, 2023. cargo handling in the first Hamad Port, one of the month of this year. according to Mwani largest ports in the Middle East, These ports handled over Qatar. General cargo has led from the front in 50 percent more vehicles in volumes increased boosting Qatar maritime sector January this year compared to as it occupied the lion’s share same month in 2019, according 22 percent, while in the overall port traffic. to Mwani Qatar. General cargo container traffic Mwani Qatar has inked volumes increased 22 percent, increased by five agreements with a number of while container traffic local, regional and international increased by five percent percent. players to strengthen Hamad Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani awarded the Hamad bin Khalifa Sash to H E Sheikh during the month, said Mwani Port’s status in the region. Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani in recognition of his sincere efforts and valuable services for Qatar in a tweet. While Hamad Port has the country during a meeting with H H the Amir at the Amiri Diwan yesterday. H E Sheikh Abdullah These ports handled 8,638 year of strong growth as become Qatar’s gateway to bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani expressed his pride in this honour and his gratitude and thanks to vehicles; 57,016 tonnes of various steps have been taken world trade, Ruwais Port is also H H the Amir for his support throughout his work. general cargo and 115,837 by the concerned authorities to playing a vital role in stimu- Twenty-Foot Equivalent Units boost goods traffic at the ports. lating country’s economy. (TEU) containers in January One of the major steps include The port has cemented its 2020. expansions of Hamad Port. position as the alternate DIFI focuses on family housing at UN The ports had handled The development works of gateway for country’s maritime 30,693 tonnes of building Phase II of the Hamad Port, trade. The port has become one QNA — NEW YORK development goals at a national, held at the 58th Session of the materials; 22,641 tonnes of which consist of second con- of the most important ports to regional, and global level. We Commission for Social Devel- aggregates in January 2018. The tainer terminal (CT-2), has meet the increasing needs of Ways of tackling a lack of joined other countries though opment, titled ‘Affordable ports had received 46,764 already begun. As part of the the domestic market of food- affordable and adequate our Doha Briefing to discuss the housing and social protection tonnes of general cargo; 5,749 development of CT-2, QTer- stuff, meat and fresh and chilled housing for families has been challenges faced in addressing systems for all to address home- vehicles and 71,896 heads of minals had announced in products. placed in the spotlight at the the assurance of, and access to, lessness’, and focused on how livestock in January last year. December last year that it had Ruwais Port, the second United Nations, through Doha adequate and affordable access to housing and social Total 290 vessels docked at placed an order for 24 Terminal commercial port, is located at International Family Institute’s housing and its impact on family protection systems are vital to Qatari ports in January this year. Trailers. the northern tip of Qatar. The (DIFI) annual Doha Briefing. wellbeing, and put forward nurturing strong and stable Ports positive performance The agreement will play port plays the role of an addi- “Social protection policies endorsed measures to facilitate families. in January comes after a suc- important role in transforming tional access facility to promote play an important role in the access to affordable housing. Held in collaboration with cessful year. Qatar’s maritime Qatar into a vibrant regional the regional commercial ship- addressing family wellbeing, as “DIFI also aimed to identify the the Permanent Mission of the sector set new volume and pro- trading hub in the region. The ments and to revive and invig- well as tackling the lack of ade- challenges facing parents during State of Qatar, the briefing’s first ductivity benchmarks in 2019. agreement will also help in orate the economy of the quate and affordable housing these changing times, including session was held in collaboration Hamad Port, Ruwais Port and attracting more trans-shipment northern part of Qatar. It is structures,” said Dr Sharifa familial conflict and housing insta- with the UN, the Division for Doha Port received 4,082 containers and encourage more playing an important role in Noaman Al Emadi, Executive bility, and highlighting solutions Inclusive Social Development at vessels and handled 1.34 million international shipping lines to meeting the requirements of Director of the DIFI, speaking at towards family stability and the UN Department of Economic TEUs containers during the add Hamad Port to their different projects being imple- United Nations Headquarters. cohesion, such as investing in and Social Affairs (UNDESA) and year. regional routes and sign similar mented in Al Shamal. The port “Such policies have the parenting programs.” Qatar’s Ministry of Adminis- Qatar’s maritime sector is agreements in the future. is already going through the untapped potential to contribute The Qatar Foundation mem- trative Development, Labour and expected to witness another Mwani Qatar had also process of expansion. to the achievement of ber’s briefing in New York was Social Affairs. `P2 Al Khor Family Park to open on Sunday Japan reports first

THE PENINSULA — DOHA coronavirus death;

The Al Khor Family Park will reopen on Sunday after toll increases in China remaining closed for devel- opment and maintenance work REUTERS — BEIJING/TOKYO some elderly people would that lasted for 100 days and finally to be allowed to dis- entailed a cost of QR32m, said The Chinese province at the centre embark today. the Ministry of Municipality and of the coronavirus outbreak “Outside the cases on the Environment, in a statement reported a record rise in deaths Diamond Princess cruise ship yesterday. and thousands more infections we are not seeing a dramatic The renovated park will using a broader definition increase in transmission have several new features yesterday, while Japan became the outside China,” the World including, a museum, an open third place outside mainland Health Organisation’s emer- theatre and new varieties of China to suffer a fatality. gency measures director, Mike animals and birds. The entry fee Japan confirmed its first Ryan, said yesterday. is now QR15 for adults, and coronavirus death — a woman Ryan also said the main UN QR10 for children up to the age in her 80s living in Kanagawa health agency expected the rest of 10 years. prefecture near Tokyo — a special WHO team to arrive in The Ministry expects that adding to two previous fatal- China over the coming weekend the park is likely to attract ities in Hong Kong and the to investigative the epicentre of the around 500,000 visitors Philippines. coronavirus outbreak. annually. An aerial view of a section of the renovated Al Khor Family Park. Japan is one of the worst In central China’s Hubei The development work was affected of more than two province, officials said 242 carried out under the super- important and largest parks in 360 worshipers of men and have been added to the Park dozen other countries and ter- people died on Wednesday, the vision of the Public Works Qatar, and a breather for all res- women, and 12 water coolers includes an Asian bear, two ritories that have seen hun- biggest daily rise since the flu- Authority ‘Ashghal’ and with the idents of the state, and it fea- providing drinking water. African lions, two Bengal tigers, dreds of infections from the flu- like virus emerged in the pro- follow-up of the Public Parks tures green spaces and large There is also a large res- two white tigers, two black like virus. vincial capital Wuhan in Department of the Ministry. trees, in addition to a play taurant consisting of three jaguars, two giraffes, an Asian The Japanese woman fell ill December. The maintenance works ground area for children. covered halls, an external hall, cat, and a wild cat among in January but only later showed Total deaths in China are were carried out from October The Park includes a Roman two cafeterias, six public bath- others. symptoms of pneumonia and 1,367. 22, 2019 until January 29 of this theater that can accommodate rooms for men and women, in The Ministry of Municipality was hospitalised, with corona- The rise, following a year. Development work 400 people to hold parties and addition to 700 parking lots and and Environment has urged vis- virus confirmed after her death forecast earlier this week by included the expansion of the events, and a museum con- 13 dedicated parking for people itors to maintain the park facil- and the contagion route was China’s senior medical adviser zoo and the addition of different sisting of a showroom and a with special needs. ities and not to damage trees under investigation, the health that the epidemic may end types of animals, while pro- number of halls, in addition to The park accommodates and plants. minister said. there by April, halted a global viding the highest safety and restaurants, cafeterias, foun- 315 animals of 49 species, The park will be open from The biggest cluster of infec- stocks rally. security standards for visitors. tains and two children’s play including 290 new ones. The Saturday to Thursday from 8am tions outside China is on a But it appeared in large part Seven new sections have areas fully covered with a new sections include the fol- to 11pm, while on Friday it will cruise liner now quarantined to be due to methodology. been added to the Park that rubber floor spread in an area lowing: the crocodile lake, the be open from 2pm to 11pm. On off a Japanese port and a Hubei had previously only house new varieties of animals of about 4000 square metres. giraffe, bear and monkey Tuesday, only women and further 44 cases were reported allowed infections to be con- and birds. Al Khor Family Park The Park also contains a section. children will be allowed to enter on board yesterday, raising the firmed by RNA tests, which can is considered one of the most mosque that can accommodate The animals and birds that the park. total to 219. But authorities said take days. `P9 02 HOME FRIDAY 14 FEBRUARY 2020

PRAYER TIMINGS WEATHER TODAY FAJR04.52 am SUNRISE 06.09 am o o Relatively cold daytime with some clouds and slight dust at places, cold by night. ZUHR 11.47 am ASR 03.02 pm 13 C 22 C Minimum Maximum HIGH TIDE 07:51 – 21:09 LOW TIDE 02:43 – 15:41 MAGHRIB 05.29 pm ISHA 06.59 pm W ALRUWAIS: 14o↗19o W ALKHOR: 10o↗22o W DUKHAN: 13o↗19o W DOHA: 13o↗22o W MESAIEED 08o↗24o W ABUSAMRA 09o↗20o

Deputy Prime Minister OFFICIAL NEWS Prime Minister of and Defence Minister Bosnia & Herzegovina meets Qatar’s attends Nato meeting Ambassador

QNA — BRUSSELS Sarajevo: The Prime Minister of the Republic of Bosnia and Herze- The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for govina, H E Dr Zoran Tegeltija, met Defence Affairs, H E Dr. Khalid bin Mohammed Al with the Ambassador of the State of Attiyah participated yesterday in the meeting of the Qatar to Bosnia and Herzegovina, North Atlantic (Nato) Council with Resolute support H E Sultan bin Ali Al Khater. During Operational Partner Nations and Potential Opera- the meeting, they reviewed bilateral tional Partner Nations at the level of ministers of cooperation relations, in addition to defense. issues of common concern. The meeting was held at the Nato headquarters -QNA in Belgium’s capital Brussels. The meeting was also attended by the State of Qatar’s Ambassador to the Kingdom of Belgium QU to host Qatar and Head of its missions to the European Union and Nato, H E Abdulrahman bin Mohammed Al Khu- Math Day 2020 laifi, and Qatari Military Attaché to Belgium, Air The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defence Affairs, H E Dr. Khalid bin Mohammed Al Attiyah (left), Brigadier General Rashid Saif Al Khayarain. on the sidelines of the Nato meeting in Brussels, yesterday. on Sunday

THE PENINSULA — DOHA

Minister of State for Foreign Affairs receives copies of credentials of Ambassadors Following the great success of the first Qatar Math Day, and in order to enhance the efforts of development in the field of academic research in mathe- matics in Qatar, the Qatar University's (QU) organising committee is set to launch the second edition of Qatar Math Day on Sunday. This academic platform gathers all those interested in mathematics in Qatar, including researchers and instructors, in the field of edu- cation and research, to exchange research and edu- cational experiences. The event will also include presentations relating to aca- demic research in the mathe- matics field and on mathe- matics teaching methods in Qatar. In addition, mathe- The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, H E Sultan bin Saad Al Muraikhi, received The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, H E Sultan bin Saad Al Muraikhi, received matics instructors in the sec- yesterday a copy of the credentials of Andriy Kuzmenko as Ambassador of Ukraine to the a copy of the credentials of Hajja Ishita Thomas as non-resident Ambassador ondary level of the Ministry of State of Qatar. H E the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs wished the new Ambassador of the Republic of Sierra Leone to the State of Qatar. H E the Minister of State Education and Higher Edu- success in the performance of his duties and assured him of support to upgrade bilateral for Foreign Affairs wished the envoy success in her duties and assured her of relations to closer cooperation in various fields. cation can join workshops all support to upgrade bilateral relations to closer cooperation in various fields. offered as part of the program. This edition of Qatar Math Day is organized specifically by QU’s Foundation Program DIFI focuses on family housing at UN Department of Math, at the Deanship of General Studies, FROM PAGE 1 Susan Roylance, Director of advocated for policies and pro- along with the department of Participants were welcomed International Policy, United Fam- grams that can support parents Mathematics, Statistics and by H E the Permanent Represent- ilies, spoke about families and in safeguarding their children. Physics (MSP) at QU’s College ative of the State of Qatar to the housing instability in the context After opening remarks from of Arts and Sciences, and the UN, Ambassador Sheikha Alya of the UN’s Sustainable Devel- Dr Al Emadi, the side event - Department of Mathematics at Ahmed bin Saif Al Thani, with the opment Goals, with DIFI moderated by Ignacio Socias, the Department of Educational session being moderated by researcher Ahmed Aref’s pres- Director of Communications, Guidance at the Ministry of Edu- Renata Kaczmarska, Focal Point entation focusing on the case for IFFD - heard the perspectives of cation and Higher Education. on the Family within the Social family-sensitive social Dr Froma Walsh, Co-Director and Qatar Math Day plays an Inclusion and Participation protection. Co-Founder of the Chicago active role in encouraging those Branch in UNDESA’s Division for The second session of the Center for Family Health, on interested in the field of math- Inclusive Social Development Doha Briefing was organized by family resilience and housing ematics to develop their Department of Economic and DIFI in collaboration with the instability; and Chemba learning and teaching methods, Social Affairs. Permanent Mission of the State Raghavan, Early Childhood in the school or university Speakers included HE of Qatar to the UN, UNICEF and Development Specialist, UNICEF, context, which will positively Ghanem Mubarak Al Kuwari, the International Federation for as she discussed the need for impact recruitment of Qatari Assistant Undersecretary for Family Development (IFFD)under family-friendly policies that students and help retain them Social Affairs, Ministry of Admin- the theme of ‘Families and reduce the impact of poverty on in scientific, medical and engi- istrative Development, Labor and Housing Instability: Investing in children. The session concluded neering fields. It also highlights Social Affairs, Qatar, who gave a Parenting Programs’. It explored with Dana Al Kahlout, Senior the state’s competencies and the presentation on ‘The State’s Role how housing instability can affect Program Specialist at DIFI, giving efforts made by teachers, lec- Dr Sharifa Noaman Al Emadi, Executive Director of the Doha in Protecting Family Cohesion by family cohesion and child well- a presentation outlining the case turers and researchers, both at International Family Institute (DIFI), speaking at United Nations Providing Housing Care: Regu- being, highlighted the housing for investing in parenting QU and other centers of higher Headquarters in New York. lations, Policies, Priority’. Dr challenges facing parents, and programs. education in the country. Al Khor Family Park to open on Sunday QF takes fitness to the heart of the community

THE PENINSULA — DOHA

From the middle of the desert, to the top of a West Bay skyscraper, to the center of the city’s capital, leading US gym Dogpound this week took its training concept into the very heart of Qatar’s community. As part of Qatar Founda- tion’s (QF) National Sport Day activities, Dogpound held hour- long high-intensity interval training sessions in venues The Dogpound hosts fitness classes as part of Qatar Foundation’s across the country, including National Sport Day celebrations. Education City, Sealine Beach, JW Marriott Marquis’ helipad, Deer grazing in the and Msheireb Downtown Doha. session on Wednesday. health and wellness. In a talk renovated Al Khor Family The Dogpound trainers, led “The session was very delivered at QF HQ earlier this Park, which will open on by Kirk Myers – who has diverse, combining bodyweight week, the team spoke about the Sunday. The entry fee is trained Hugh Jackman – pro- and free weight exercises, as staying active in the workplace, set at QR15 for adults, vided members of the com- well as cardio, for a challenging offering a series of tips and QR10 for children up to munity the unique opportunity full body workout. The trainers tricks which can easily be the age of ten years, while to experience their challenging, were incredibly enthusiastic – incorporated throughout the the train ride fee is QR5, dynamic, and results-driven joining in with us, and doing day. and can accommodate classes. Featuring a wide-range parts of the class alongside us, Dogpound gained popu- 60 passengers. The of equipment such as kettle- which, of course, was very larity across the world due to it development and bells, dumbbells, rope ladders, motivating and spurred me on high-profile clients, such as and medicine balls, participants to work harder. “Plus, the views celebrities like Ryan Seacrest maintenance work lasted performed a variation of squats, of Doha were incredible!” and professional athletes like for 100 days, at a cost of lunges, sit-ups, and burpees. As part of its Qatar National Conor Dwyer, and has become QR32m. “What an experience – I Sport Day involvement, the known as the exclusive fitness loved it,” said Lauren Mudgway, team also led a series of discus- factory for New York and Los who took part in the helipad sions about the importance of Angeles’ glitterati. FRIDAY 14 FEBRUARY 2020 HOME 03 Qatar’s missions abroad host NSD activities

QNA — WASHINGTON sporting activities that included in Brunei organized sporting football. events on the occasion of the The diplomatic, consular and In Tirana, the Embassy of sporting day with the partici- representative missions of the the State of Qatar to the pation of HE Ambassador of the State of Qatar abroad continued Republic of Albania organized State of Qatar to Brunei Jassim their sporting activities marking sporting events on the occasion Bin Ali Al Obaidli and members the National Sport Day. of the country’s sports day, with of the embassy. The events In Washington, the Embassy the participation of Ambassador included sports activities like of the State of Qatar to the of the State of Qatar to the running, walking and cycling. United States of America Republic of Albania Ali bin, H E In Caracas, the Embassy of organized a sporting event on Hamad Al Marri, a number of the State of Qatar to the Boli- the occasion of National Sport Albanian officials, and repre- varian Republic of Venezuela Day, with the participation of sentatives of Arab and foreign held sporting events on the Qatar’s Ambassador to the diplomatic missions accredited occasion of the country’s sports United States, H E Meshal bin to Albania. The activities day, which included various Hamad Al Thani, HE Assistant included football and basketball activities such as football. Secretary of State for Arabian games. In N’Djamena, the Embassy Gulf Affairs in the Near East In Dar es Salaam, the of the State of Qatar to the Bureau at the U.S. Department Embassy of the State of Qatar Republic of Chad organized of State Tim Lenderking, to the United Republic of Tan- events on the occasion of the Washington D.C.’s Mayor zania organized events on the country’s sports day, with the Muriel Bowser , in addition to occasion of the country’s Sports participation of embassy staff, official representatives of Day, with the participation of which included various sports clubs of board members of Ambassador of the State of activities. Redskins, DC United, Wash- Qatar to Tanzania, H E Hussain In Brasilia, the embassy of Qatar’s Ambassador to the United States, H E Meshal bin Hamad Al Thani, during the National Sport ington Spirit, current and bin Ahmed Al Hamid, . the State of Qatar to the former Redskin’s players and Day celebrations in Washington, DC. The activities involved Republic of Brazil organized over 400 children. organizing a football match sports events on the occasion In his speech on this allowed them to view the details In London, the embassy of the importance of the Qatar’s between the embassy staff and of the country’s sports day, with occasion, H E Qatar’s Ambas- of Lusail Sports Stadium, a the State of Qatar to the United National Sport Day in encour- Qatar Airways. There was also the participation of members of sador to the United States stadium that will host the Kingdom continued its sporting aging generations in the country a running event among other the embassy and employees, stressed the importance of the opening and closing ceremonies activities on the occasion of the and abroad to adopt an active sports activities. H E the ambas- which included various sports National Sport Day, noting that of the FIFA World Cup 2022 National Sport Day. In cooper- and healthy lifestyle. He sador commented on the activities. it is an annual celebration aimed matches. It also included an ation with Sheffield Club and expressed his admiration of the occasion and said that Sports In Santo Domingo, the at encouraging and supporting exhibition on the Qatari her- Leeds United College, the facilities and services provided Day reflects the state’s com- Embassy of the State of Qatar youth participation in sport. itage, as well as an Arabic lan- embassy held an event in Shef- by the English Sports Foun- mitment to promoting sports to the Dominican Republic The annual celebration of guage learning platform with field Club, with the participation dation, especially the Olympic and the important role it plays organized sporting events on the embassy in cooperation Qatar Foundation and another of Qatar’s ambassador to the Games facilities for persons in realizing Qatar National the occasion of the country’s with a number of sports clubs platform for electronic games United Kingdom, H E Yousef bin with disabilities. Vision 2030. Sports Day with the partici- and NGOs is held in order to designed by the American Ali Al Khater. The event In Pretoria, the Embassy of In Bucharest, the Embassy pation of embassy staff. The teach children sports, inform Qatari Institute. included many recreational and the State of Qatar to the of the State of Qatar to Romania program included cycling. them and participate in the The Consulate General of sports activities with partici- Republic of South Africa organized sporting events on In Karachi, the General Qatari culture and highlight the State of Qatar in New York pation of many school organized sports events on the the occasion of the states Sports Consulate of the State of Qatar their effective role in creating , USA, organized a sporting students. occasion of the country’s Day, with the participation of to Karachi organized sporting bridges of communication in event on the occasion of On this occasion, the sporting day, with the partici- Ambassador of the State of events on the occasion of the the field of sports. “ We are National Sport Day, with the Embassy of the State of Qatar pation of the Ambassador of the Qatar to Romania, H E Abdullah sporting day of the country with proud of our ongoing support, participation of the Consul in the United Kingdom donated State of Qatar to South Africa, bin Nasser Al Hamidi, the dip- the participation of the Consul fruitful and effective partner- General of the State of Qatar in to the sports departments in H E Tariq Ali Al Ansari, a lomatic, and embassy staff. The General, H E Mishaal bin ships in US society,” H E said. New York, H E Nasser Ibrahim local schools in order to number of ambassadors, dip- program included a number of Muhammad Al Ansari, dip- The program included a Allenqawi and the diplomatic encourage sports and spread a lomats, representatives of civil sporting activities such as lomats, administrative staff and special exhibition in which and administrative consulate healthy life culture. society, media personalities, walking among others. consulate staff. The program children were provided with staff. The program included a H E Qatar’s ambassador to and athletes. The embassy In Bandar Seri Begawan, the included playing football virtual reality headsets, which number of sports activities. the United Kingdom, stressed organized a large number of Embassy of the State of Qatar matches. Qatar Airways organises NSD events at Oryx International School campus THE PENINSULA — DOHA reflects the vision of our coun- lifestyle by promoting sports, try’s wise leadership for building physical education and sus- Qatar Airways hosted an individuals and society. Its key tainable development in the enjoyable and exciting cele- message is that sports should be State of Qatar. Qatar Airways bration of National Sport Day, a part of the culture and life of strives to take part in fulfilling featuring a variety of sports- individuals and society, and is Qatar’s vision by hosting an based family activities for staff an important aspect of our annual event that encourages members from the group and nation’s investment in human employees to live more active its subsidiaries. development. and healthier lives. The event, which took place “By hosting a fun and active This year’s National Sport at the new, state-of-art Oryx day for our employees at our Day, follows an action packed International School Campus, new, state-of-the-art Oryx year of sporting events in Qatar featured a variety of fun-filled International School, we are in 2019, including the IAAF activities for Qatar Airways encouraging Qatar Airways World Athletic Championships Group staff and families, staff and other members of the Doha 2019, FIFA Club World including football, volleyball, community to incorporate Cup Qatar 2019 and 24th Qatar Airways staff posing for a group photo. basketball, cricket, cycling, healthy lifestyles and habits, Arabian Gulf Cup. aerobics and yoga, as well as a and helping foster a healthy As the country’s national kids’ activity station featuring and energetic way of living in carrier, Qatar Airways continues tennis tournament, and the several global sports entities, Qatar Airways is the official mini-football games and an Qatar.” to play a vital role in enhancing Qatar Cricket Tournament including leading German airline sponsor of CONMEBOL obstacle course, where friendly Qatar’s National Sport Day the already flourishing sports 2020. football team FC Bayern professional football competi- competitions took place is celebrated each year on the event calendar in Qatar through Qatar Airways is proud to München AG, Italian football tions across South America, between employees. second Tuesday of February in its sponsorship of tournaments sponsor premier sporting clubs club AS Roma, France’s most including the Copa CONMEBOL Qatar Airways Group Chief an effort to develop the coun- Doha such as the PSA World around the world. The airline successful football club Paris Libertadores, Copa CONMEBOL Officer, H E Akbar Al Baker, said: try’s National 2030 vision, Squash Championship Qatar, recently revealed multi-year Saint-Germain and Argentinian Sudamericana and the CON- “Qatar National Sport Day which encourages a healthy the Qatar Total Open 2020 sponsorship agreements with club Boca Juniors. In addition, MEBOL Recopa. British comedian-musician Rainer Hersch to perform at Souq Waqif tomorrow

RAYNALD C RIVERA sold-out concert which was also THE PENINSULA held at Abdul Aziz Nasser Theatre in Souq Waqif was a Bringing his unique brand of treat for the fans of the music humour to the stage, British of the legendary “Ol’ Blue Eyes.” musician and comedian Rainer Hersch’s fusion of brilliant Hersch is back in Doha to tickle humor and performance has the funny bone while he leads been well applauded by varied the Qatar Philharmonic audiences, and his videos have Orchestra in a concert touted been viewed by more than 40 to be yet another “unforgettable million YouTube fans. He con- evening of laughter and great tinues to do solo shows, making music.” TV and radio programmes, and “Comedy Meets the Sym- conducting and cooking-up Temporary closure on Gharrafat phony Orchestra,” to play comedy routines for orchestras. tomorrow at Abdul Aziz Nasser “Comedy Meets the Sym- Al Rayyan Interchange tunnel Theatre at Souq Waqif, is phony Orchestra” starts at expected to be a show with 7pm tomorrow and tickets THE PENINSULA — DOHA unexpected twists and turns as with prince ranging from the comic maestro whips QR150 to QR500 can be pur- The Public Works Authority ‘Ashghal’ has announced the temporary through hilarious arrangements chased via Qatar Philhar- closure on Gharrafat Al Rayyan Interchange tunnel for five hours of seemingly familiar tunes. monic’s website. daily from midnight to 5am and 24 hours closure on February 21 Hersch has already Following tomorrow’s and 28 Fridays, starting tomorrow until February 29, to complete brought his award-winning show, Qatar Philharmonic the intelligent transportation system, as part of Khalifa Avenue standup comedy far and wide Orchestra will feature in a Project. having performed on every concert which will see them During this traffic change which is in coordination with the major comedy stage in Britain perform Johannes Brahms’s General Directorate of Traffic, road users coming from Gharrafat and abroad. He has appeared British musician and comedian Rainer Hersch Concerto No. 2 and Anton Al Rayyan and heading towards Doha will be directed to the sig- 13 times at the Edinburgh Fes- Bruckner’s Symphony No. 6. nalized Gharrafat Al Rayyan Interchange, as shown on the attached tival, had numerous comedy- around the world. 2018, he was on the same stage This next concert will be held map. concert series at the South In Doha, Hersch has already as conductor of the “Music of at Katara Opera House on Feb- The Public Works Authority will install road signs advising Bank in London, and featured previously featured in a number Frank Sinatra” concert fea- ruary 22 featuring Marcus motorists of the closure and requests all road users to abide by in comedy clubs all across of shows both as a comedian turing acclaimed British actor Bosch as conductor and the existing speed limit and follow the road signs to ensure their Europe and in TV shows and a musician. In September and singer Richard Shelton. The Gerhard Oppitz on piano. safety. 04 MIDDLE EAST FRIDAY 14 FEBRUARY 2020

Death toll rises to More Turkish troops 6 at construction to ensure lasting site in Kuwait QNA — KUWAIT ceasefire in Idlib Kuwait Fire Service Direc- torate (KFSD) announced ANATOLIA — BRUSSELS The Turkish troops are yesterday that rescue opera- tions were completed at Turkey will send additional in Idlib — a cease-fire Al-Mutla housing project site troops to Idlib, northwestern zone, under a deal where workers were trapped Syria, for the sake of a durable under huge heaps of sand the ceasefire, Turkey’s Defence between Turkey and day before. Minister said yesterday. Russia — as part of Death toll climbed up to “We are sending additional an anti-terror and six people. Three others had troops to enable a permanent been rescued immediately cease-fire, we are going to peace mission. at the construction site, control the field,” Hulusi Akar while search and rescue told reporters after a NATO teams were able to retrieve defence ministers meeting in the situation in the field. three workers alive Brussels. “I would like to say once moments after the accident, “Force will be used against again that all measures to KFSD reported in a press those who do not comply with ensure a permanent cease-fire, release carried by Kuwait the cease-fire, including rad- including the use of force when News Agency (KUNA). A Turkish military convoy is on the way to observation posts in Syria’s Idlib, yesterday. icals, and all measures will be necessary, will be taken,” said They also said that the taken,” he added. he. Director General of KFSD The announcement fol- Akar added that the attacks cease-fire, to control migration, Idlib — a cease-fire zone, under war in 2011. checked the incident site, lowed recent deadly attacks by by the Assad regime are wors- and to stop the bloodshed. a deal between Turkey and In September 2018, Turkey tasking personnel with inves- Assad regime forces on Turkish ening both radicalisation and This Monday five Turkish Russia — as part of an anti- and Russia agreed to turn Idlib tigating the circumstances of troops holding the existing migration in the region. troops were martyred and five terror and peace mission. into a de-escalation zone in the accident. cease-fire, as well as attacks on Syrians are fleeing regime- injured in an attack by Assad Turkey has since retaliated which acts of aggression are For its part, Kuwait Public Idlib civilians, sending hundreds held areas amid harsh winter regime forces in Idlib, north- for both attacks, hitting scores expressly prohibited. Authority for Housing Welfare of thousands of them flocking weather to reach Turkey and western Syria, following a of targets and killing some 200 But more than 1,800 announced stopping the work to the nearby border with safety, said Akar, adding that similar attack last week mar- Assad regime troops. civilians have been killed in on the incident’s site of Al- Turkey. the world should not ignore this tyring seven soldiers and a Idlib has been a stronghold attacks by regime and Russian Mutla project, stressing that Akar said the additional human tragedy. civilian contractor working with of the opposition and anti-gov- forces since, flouting a 2018 the work progress in the rest observation posts in the region Akar also said that Turkey the Turkish military. ernment armed groups since cease-fire and a new one that of the project sites will not be will enable Turkey to monitor is doing all it can to hold the The Turkish troops are in the outbreak of the Syrian civil began on January 12. affected. The necessary measures to find out the circumstances of Syrian man to be the incident will be taken, the tried in Lebanon Hundreds of Iraqi women join anti-govt protests authority added. AFP — BAGHDAD stronger,” said Zainab Ahmad, for plotting attack a pharmacy student. Occupation Hundreds of Iraqi women of all “Some people were inciting on US Embassy ages flooded central Baghdad against us a few days ago, forces arrest four REUTERS — BEIRUT yesterday alongside male anti- seeking to keep women at government protesters, defying home or keep them quiet. But Palestinians from A Syrian man held on an order by powerful cleric we turned out today in large suspicion of plotting an attack Moqtada Sadr to separate the numbers to prove to those West Bank on the US Embassy in Lebanon genders in the rallies. people that their efforts will end was referred to trial yesterday Some were veiled, others in failure,” she said. QNA — JERUSALEM along with 20 other people, the not, still more wrapped their Ahmad appeared to be Lebanese state news agency faces in black-and-white referring to cleric Moqtada Israeli occupation forces NNA said. checkered scarves. Most carried Sadr, a powerful figure who arrested four Palestinians from NNA said a Lebanese mil- roses, Iraqi flags or signs first backed the rallies when separate areas in the West itary judge had issued an defending their role in the they erupted in October but Bank yesterday. indictment against the man on regime change who has since sought to dis- The occupation forces charges of belonging to the demonstrations. credit them. arrested three Palestinians Islamic State militant group They marched through a On Saturday, he had alleged from Dheisheh Refugee Camp, Women protest against the government at Tahrir Square in Iraqi and planning the operation on tunnel and spilled out into drug use among the protesters south of Bethlehem, after capital Baghdad, yesterday. its behalf. Tahrir Square, the epicentre of and said it was immoral for men raiding and searching their It said the man was sus- the youth-dominated and women to mix there. homes, according to the Pal- pected of having prepared movement. And a few moments before Chicago,” which he said was full “Revolution is my name, estinian News Agency. explosives and of seeking to “We want to protect Thursday’s women’s march of “moral looseness”. Men male silence is the real shame!” The also arrested a young buy a drone for the attack. women’s role in the protests as began, Sadr once again took to linked arms to form a protective they chanted. man from Kafr Qaddum town A Lebanese security source we’re just like the men. There Twitter to slam the protests. ring around the women as they The rallies have slammed at a sudden military check- said the man was arrested last are efforts to kick us out of In a strange turn, he said marched for over an hour Iraqi authorities for being point near the Jit Junction, east month in Lebanon and is Tahrir but we’ll only come back Iraq must not “turn into yesterday. corrupt and incompetent. of Qalqilya. expected to face a military trial along with the other 20 sus- pects, who were accused of helping to plot the operation. Iraq green-lights resumption of NATO training effort Israeli drone AP — BRUSSELS added. NATO’s Canada-led forced out of training mission was launched The Iraqi government has given in 2018 and involves around Lebanon airspace NATO the green light to stay in 500 troops. QNA — BEIRUT the country, Secretary-General It was suspended last Jens Stoltenberg said yesterday, month after the US drone The Lebanese army responded weeks after Iraq demanded strike. The plan now is to move to an Israeli occupation drone that foreign forces leave over hundreds of trainers working after it penetrated the the US killing of Iran’s top with the international force Lebanese airspace in the south general at Baghdad airport. fighting the Islamic State group of the country. “The government of Iraq in Iraq over to that mission. A security source said the has confirmed to us their desire Unlike the international Israeli drone penetrated the for a continuation of the NATO coalition, NATO’s training effort Lebanese airspace on training, advising and capacity does not involve combat Wednesday from town of Mays building activities for the Iraqi operations. Al Jabal in Kroum al-Sharaqi armed forces,” Stoltenberg told Stoltenberg provided no area in southern Lebanon, reporters in Brussels during a details about how many troops adding the Lebanese army meeting of allied defence might be added to the training responded by firing four Turkey builds shelters for quake victims ministers. force or what new activities Construction workers continue work, amid heavy snowfall, to build containers to provide temporary bullets towards it and forced “We will only stay in Iraq they might eventually accommodation to those displaced due to recent earthquakes, in Elazig, Turkey, yesterday. it to leave the country. as long as we are welcome,” he undertake. About 7,000 candidates in running for 290 seats in Iran Parliament AP — TEHRAN, IRAN reinforcing long-held distrust of the the rest not known to average citizens. West. The hard-liners running for seats in Thousands of Iranian candidates The crisis escalated further after a the next parliament are headed by approved to run in parliamentary elec- US air strike in January that killed former Tehran mayor Mohammad tions kicked off their campaigns Iran’s top general, Qassem Soleimani, Bagher Qalibaf. yesterday ahead of next week’s vote, and led to a tense confrontation in Their list includes 12 young and even after authorities barred thousands which Iranian forces accidentally shot new faces. In May, Khamenei met with of others from running. down a Ukrainian passenger plane a group of university students and The February 21 parliamentary after it took off from Tehran, killing all urged for “preparing the ground” for elections come amid some of the 176 people on board. the formation of a “young and Hez- highest tensions between Tehran and The shootdown sparked public bollahi” administration. Hezbollahi is Washington in the past four decades. anger and protests in Iran. usually a reference to commitment to Iranian President Hassan Rouhani The current 290-member par- hard-line causes. The next presidential has slammed the disqualifications but liament, elected in 2016, has more than election is expected in mid-2021. earlier this week, he urged the crowds 100 reformists and moderates, while The moderates and reformists in Tehran marking the anniversary of the rest of the chamber is split between have championed improved ties with the country’s 1979 Islamic Revolution independents and hard-liners. the West and expanded social to turn out at the polls in large The powerful Guardian Council, the freedoms, but they suffered major set- People walking past an electoral poster of a candidate of the upcoming numbers. country’s constitutional watchdog backs since President Donald Trump’s parliamentary elections on a street in Tehran, on Wednesday. The vote is seen as a test of the pop- which vets prospective candidates, had election. ularity of the relatively moderate and barred more than 7,000 people from Trump pulled the US out of pro-reform bloc led by Rouhani, who out of over 14,000 who had applied in also rule out candidates. Half its lawmakers. The hopefuls now have a Tehran’s 2015 nuclear deal with world has struggled to deliver on campaign December to enter the race. members are appointed by Supreme week for campaigning, which is to end powers, setting the agreement — promises to improve people’s lives as That left over 7,000 candidates are Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. next Wednesday. which was championed by Rouhani Iran’s economy buckles under the running in the February 21 elections The majority of those rejected were In Tehran, which accounts for 30 — hurtling toward collapse, and reim- weight of US economic sanctions. for the 290-seat parliament. reformist and moderate candidates but seats in the chamber, there are only posed new and tougher sanctions on Tensions with the United States The Council, which consists of there were also some hard-liners several relatively well-known mod- Iran, which sent its economy into free could strengthen hard-liners by senior clerics and legal experts, can among those barred and 90 current erates and reformists on the list, with fall. FRIDAY 14 FEBRUARY 2020 ISLAM 05 Madinah Charter and pluralism SEAN WILLIAM WHITE and compassion which will save us. We were all created by God, so unity he clash of civilizations, cul- seems imperative and practical. tures, tribes, and religions The Madinah Charter is very rel- seems to be prevalent evant to current tensions existing throughout all of history. At between the Muslims, Jews, and Chris- the same time, history tians. Unfortunately, it seems that igno- Treveals simultaneous conflict and rance and fear, suspicion and disre- efforts to resolve tensions and division spect plague the interaction and ster- feeding animosity through mediation, eotypes that exist between these three diplomacy, and dialogue. great Abrahamic religions. In the post- Many conflicts seem too compli- September 11th era, a new wave of cated for an agreement to be estab- antagonism has arisen, and people lished on just one point, whether or around the Western world generally not the conflict revolves around ter- fear Islam. Sadly, people confuse the ritory, religion, or ethnic discrimi- actions of nationalists and extremists, nation. So what approach is best to who so unjustly hide behind a Holy mediate issues in a contemporary Book claiming that their intentions are world that seems to be driven by eco- those of God, with what the actual nomics, natural resources, and ethnic religion promotes. or religious ideologies? The Madinah As Rumi believed, the essence of Charter serves as an example of finding all religions is the same, for they all resolve in a dispute where peace and teach love. The deep philosophical and pluralism were achieved not through even deeper spiritual teaching of Rumi military successes or ulterior motives is based on a state of mind that seeks but rather through respect, acceptance, mutual vision and dialogue, which I and denunciation of war — aspects that hope will be achieved one day, reflect some of the basic tenets of the breaking down the polarised world of religion Prophet Muhammad (peace The Madinah Charter reflects pluralism both in the content and in the history of different religious thought. Another be upon him) was guiding and pro- verse of the Quran emphasises this moting. Through an examination of the the document. F E Peters explains that “the contracting parties, although they need for dialogue, unity, and tolerance: Madinah Charter, I will show how plu- did not embrace Islam, did recognise the Prophet’s (PBUH) authority, accepting “Surely this community of yours is one ralism was advanced and instated in community, and I am your Lord; so Madinah and the reasons reflecting on him as the community leader and abiding by his political judgments”. worship Me” (21:92). such a document could help avoid the The Prophet's (PBUH) actions in divide and misunderstanding plaguing Madinah prompt us to use reason in much thought, rhetoric, and media “Many Islamic rituals, philosophies, also serves as an example of Islam in some governments still have over their our approach to the wide, diverse today between Muslims, Christians, and doctrines, (different interpretations of) practice. “The Jews... are a community people, the true face of Islam shines beliefs of the world — from Europe to Jews all over the world. sacred texts, and shrines are the result (ummah) along with the believers. To through in how people live, commu- Asia, North, Central, and South America When the Prophet (PBUH) was of frequently anguished and self- the Jews their religion (din) and to the nicate, and approach life. to Africa and everything in between. forced to immigrate to Madinah, the critical contemplation of the political Muslims their religion”. This statement I speak from personal experiences It prompts us to understand how “the population was “a mixture” (akhlat) of events in Islamic society”. Islam places ties in with the verse from the Quran when I travelled through Iran, Turkey, spiritual space of the Quran was shared many different tribes (predominantly great emphasis on reason — the reasoning (2:256) which says, “There is no com- and Northern Iraq in January, 2009. by other religions”. Arabic and Jewish), who had been of the universe, of life, and indeed, of pulsion in religion.” For in the eyes of And despite what the media had to say Such an understanding reveals that fighting for nearly a century, causing religion too. Al Ghazzali (1058-1111) said: God, as it says in the Quran “... those about the people in those lands, my Islam is a monotheistic religion that “civil strife,” and it was for this reason “Doubt is to find truth. Those who do not who believe and does right — surely time there was spent in the houses of respects the rights of other faiths. In a that the Prophet (PBUH) was sum- have doubt cannot think. Those who their reward is with their Lord” (2:62). complete strangers, who showered me globalised world where we are con- moned there. Tribal fighting and a lack cannot think, cannot find truth.” Although The Madinah Charter reflects plu- with hospitality that transcended any I nected so easily, unlike any other period of governance in Madinah (known as this quote is more in reference to the phil- ralism both in the content and in the had experienced before. Although the in history, our mutual understanding of Yathrib) meant disputes were dealt osophical side of Islam, it reverberates history of the document. F E Peters governing body has changed, the points one another and our beliefs are the most with “by the blade” on many occasions, from the heart of reason — something that explains that “the contracting parties, of the Madinah Charter and tenets of important means to achieve peace and which deepened the divides and fueled is central to Islam. Yetkin Yildirim writes although they did not embrace Islam, Islam preached by Prophet Muhammad stability. It is in a contemporary sense, conflicts. Karen Armstrong explains about the use of one’s own knowledge and did recognise the Prophet’s (PBUH) (PBUH) still exist amongst the people. in a globalised world, that the Madinah aptly the mentality and workings of the absolute approach of reason. If the authority, accepting him as the com- My heritage was accepted with curiosity Charter is of such necessity. Inter-reli- the tribal system dispersed through answer is neither in the Quran, Sunnah, munity leader and abiding by his political and respect — just as the Prophet (PBUH) gious discussions took place with the war-torn Arabia, where the Prophet or Hadith, then one’s own reasoning or judgments”. As there is no account of an implemented in Madinah between the Prophet (PBUH) in Madinah, for Boase was striving for peace. “The tribe, not ijtihad is required. So the Prophet (PBUH), uprising in history books and because tribes. My place in the society was wel- writes about a time when Christians per- a deity, was of supreme value, and each through the Madinah Charter, was prac- the Prophet (PBUH) was there at the sug- comed with honest enthusiasm, and I formed their prayers in a mosque after member had to subordinate his or her ticing Islam through action. For with gestion of the tribes, we know that he felt a part of a community—like the com- a meeting with the Prophet (PBUH) personal needs and desires to the well- reason, discussion, and contemplation, a was never rejected. Because of the laws munity that Prophet (PBUH) imple- during their visit. We can learn how in being of the group and to fight to the peace treaty was created. he introduced, the existing groups clearly mented in Madinah. I was exposed to every country, a community, an ummah, death, if necessary, to ensure its sur- The mere formation of the Charter did not feel threatened by his new mainstream Islam, which we hear so is the single most effective way to vival”. Such a system was, in a political and peace were tremendous feats, and presence or his new governance. little about in the West due to the con- produce a pluralistic state. The Madinah sense, representative of the little coop- the content of the Charter itself reflects The society was pluralistic, and it fusion which unjustly joins Islam and Charter was a fusion of attributes which eration between the tribes in the this magnitude. The formation of an was not repressive. The Prophet — as extremism together. I saw tolerant Muslims all world religions teach: Peace, love, Yathrib. In this region reigned power ummah through respect and acceptance clause 25 shows — never imposed who saw me as another person who freedom, acceptance, and tolerance - hungry strategies, an emphasis on arms resulting in pluralism shows us one of Islam upon the people of Madinah, wanted peace and respect — not treachery. resulting in stability. and strength in military, and a belief the ways in which the Prophet combated which meant that they could still This is what the Prophet (PBUH) also Peace was achieved in Madinah, that clearly mediation was unach- jahiliyyah, or ignorance - the state of practice without disruption their reli- accomplished in Madinah — a community not through the might of arms or the ievable except by a trustworthy out- mind causing violence and terror. Exam- gions and customs, aspects of life that which was not based upon religion or scale of wealth, but through the sider who had no connections to the ining some of the clauses in the Charter were important to them. He did not ethnicity but one built on unity and unyielding principles of Islam — tol- issues or the tribes. Not only did the also shows how the Prophet managed create an ummah through denouncing acceptance. One built on tolerance. One erance, love, reason, and a belief in God Prophet fit these prerequisites, but his to take leadership and create a lasting all ways of life except for Islam or by built on peace. It seems the Prophet — whether the God in the Bible, the personal ambition as given to him by peace. The first clause, “They are a single recognising Islam as the singular (PBUH) was aware that spirituality and Quran, or the Torah. The Madinah God was also one of spreading peace community (ummah),” depicts the religion; instead he united all inhab- faith cannot be governed, and for this Charter, arguably the first charter ever and unity, creating a community, or ultimate message and goal of the rest of itants of the city under one banner of reason alone, he sought unity and respect written, shows that Islam rejects the use ummah, made up of diverse groups, the charter. It marked the creation of a ethical living and moral principles - as opposed to discriminating between of compulsion in religion and violence through the teachings of the Quran and community, and the Charter served as commonalities between all humans tribes and their beliefs. and that over centuries of human in the name of Islam. a unifying document in a city of diverse and all religions. In contemporary times, an analysis existence, the most effective way to The Quran states that the Lord groups, cultures, religions, and lan- The Prophet (PBUH) drew upon the of the Madinah Charter can give us resolve conflicts comes through medi- “teaches by the pen” (96:1-5). This is guages. The Prophet (PBUH) came to essence of unity, respect, tolerance, insight into Islam and religious plu- ation. The Madinah Charter is an indicative of the Madinah Charter in Madinah with toler