Monday April 5, 2021 Shaban 23, 1442 Vol.14 no. 5224 QR 2

Fajr: 4:05 am Dhuhr: 11:37 am fine Asr: 3:06 pm Maghrib: 5:53 pm High : 29°C LOW : 21 °C Isha: 7:23 pm

Nation 2 Business 8 Sports 13 Qatar Arabic Language Center Qatar’s healthcare industry to The MotoGP family will never forget opens in Moscow reach $12 bn by 2024: Report this season’s start in Qatar: Ezpeleta

PM attends closing of Doha MotoGP Amir to meet Ukraine president today QNA A number of agreements Doha and memoranda of under- standing will also be signed President of Ukraine Volody- between the two countries. myr Zelenskyy arrived in Doha The Ukrainian President on Sunday on an official visit and the accompanying del- to the country. His Highness egation were welcomed upon the Amir of State of Qatar arrival at Doha International Amir affirms support Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Airport by Minister of Culture Thani will meet the President and Sports HE Salah bin for Jordan king of Ukraine at the Amiri Diwan Ghanem Al Ali, Ambassador on Monday to discuss bilateral of Qatar to Ukraine HE Hadi QNA Kingdom of Jordan. During relations, the ways of support- bin Nasser Al Hajri, and Am- Doha the phone call, HH the Amir ing and enhancing them, and bassador of Ukraine to Qatar expressed Qatar’s stand and issues of common concern. HE Andriy Kuzmenko. His Highness the Amir of support for the Hashemite State of Qatar Sheikh Tamim Kingdom of Jordan in all deci- bin Hamad Al Thani on Sunday sions and measures taken by held a telephone conversation His Majesty in order to pre- Prime Minister and Minister of Interior HE Sheikh Khalid bin Khalifa bin Abdulaziz Al Thani attended the with HM King Abdullah II ibn serve the security and stability closing of the Tissot Grand Prix of Doha, the second round of the 2021 FIM MotoGP World Championship, Astronomically April 13 is first day of Al Hussein of the Hashemite of brotherly Jordan. at the Losail Circuit on Sunday. The event was held amid COVID-19 precautionary measures. (QNA) Ramadan: QCH (PG 2) One in 4 adults got at Qatar ramps up COVID response least 1 vaccine dose Tribune News Network days only. HMC bars visitors at PHCC temporarily suspends Doha The ministry said that 76 percent of people over About 25.4 percent of 60 years of age and 74.6 per- COVID-19 hospitals PCR swab tests for travellers Qatar’s population, or one in cent of people over 70 years four adults, have received at of age have now received at TNN & QNA visitor is allowed at a time for least one dose of a COVID-19 least one vaccine dose. Like- Doha a maximum of 15 minutes and COVID-19 PCR swabbing now only vaccine, the Ministry of Public wise, 74.2 percent of people maximum 3 visitors are al- Health (MoPH) has said. over 80 years of age have got No visitors are allowed in any lowed during public visiting at private facilities for travellers A total of 910,851 at least one shot. of the seven COVID-19 hospi- hours, it added. Escort is not Tribune News Network COVID-19 vaccine doses have With the vaccination tals as the healthcare system allowed. Doha been administered since the programme progressing at diverts resources to fight the Food, flowers, drinks and beginning of the National pace, every day hundreds of coronovirus, the Hamad Med- chocolates are not allowed to The Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC) COVID-19 Vaccination Pro- more older people are getting ical Corporation (HMC) has be brought into the facilities. has temporarily stopped the COVID-19 PCR gramme. vaccinated against COVID-19 announced. Children under 15 years are not swabs for people travelling abroad. As many as 170,542 and becoming protected from The HMC has confirmed permitted to visit the facilities. Travellers, however, can continue to get the vaccine doses have been ad- its potentially devastating that it is implementing strict “Rising severity of COV- tests done at private sector facilities, it added. ministered in the last seven effects. visitor policies for all hospitals ID-19 cases in Qatar have led In a tweet, the Ministry of Public Health has as part of measures to protect to increased numbers of peo- said the suspension of the service is a tempo- walk in urgent care in our health centres,”said patients, visitors and health- ple being admitted to hospital rary measure. The decision is effective from Dr Al Abdulla. care staff from COVID-19. or treatment. To manage the Sunday. “Accordingly, the provision of COVID-19 “As per the current visi- increased demand for hospi- “Our healthcare teams are working hard to PCR swabs for people travelling abroad is be- ‘Vaccination of 70-80% population will tor policy, no visitors are al- tal beds, HMC has designated administer COVID-19 vaccines in all 27 prima- ing transferred to the private healthcare sector lowed into any of the seven seven facilities to provide care ry health centers as well as the Qatar National except for Qatari nationals who are traveling be the beginning of end of pandemic’ COVID-19 facilities: Al Wakra for patients with COVID-19 Convention Center, seven days a week. Addi- abroad for essential medical treatment and Qa- Hospital, Hazm Mebaireek and our policy means that no tionally, PHCC staff are providing COVID-19 tari students who are studying abroad. When Dr Yousef Al Maslamani, “We must use all the General Hospital, Communi- visitors are allowed to these fa- track and trace services, swabs for suspected the second wave gets over and pressure is eased Medical Director of Hamad weapons against the virus. cable Disease Center, The Cu- cilities, while all other facilities cases, close contacts, and anyone showing on our healthcare teams, we will recommence General Hospital, has said Firstly, the precautionary ban Hospital, Ras Lafan Hos- are operating a restricted visi- signs and symptoms of the virus,” explained Dr this important service at our health centers,” that vaccination of 70 to 80 measures — wearing the pital, Mesaieed Hospital and tor policy. These changes have Samya Al Abdulla, Executive Director of Opera- Dr. Al Abdulla added. percent of the population will mask, practicing social dis- the Surgical Specialty Center,” been implemented for the tions at PHCC. Last week, the Cabinet announced a deci- be the beginning of the end of tancing, regularly washing the HMC said. safety and protection of our “With the recent rise in COVID-19 cases in sion to stop all non-emergency services at pri- the COVID-19 pandemic. hands. Secondly, taking the In non COVID-19 hospitals patients, visitors and staff and Qatar, our healthcare staff are under enormous vate healthcare facilities from April 1 as part of He called on people to fol- COVID-19 vaccine. We must visitors are allowed between we kindly ask members of the pressure. The decision to temporary stop pro- the COVID-19 response. low the precautionary meas- use all our weapons to pre- 3pm and 8pm. public to adhere to the policies viding PCR swabs for people travelling abroad The decision will provide a boost to the ures until reaching this per- vent the spread of the pan- “Visitors are required to while we fight the second wave in primary health centers has been made to public healthcare sector as private healthcare centage. Those who received demic,” Dr Al Maslamani told display a green Ehteraz status, of the virus in Qatar,” said Dr ensure we prioritize our resources on provid- staff will be freed up from their normal roles two doses of the vaccine may Al Rayyan TV in an interview. wear a mask and undergo a Nasser Al Ansari, Head of In- ing services for people with COVID-19 and and redeployed into COVID-19 support roles be protected but they still can temperature check before en- fection Control at Al Wakra for those being vaccinated as well as continue within HMC and Primary Health Care Corpo- transmit the virus, he added. Continued on page 2  try,” the HMC said. Only one Hospital. to provide essential primary care services and ration.

West Bay North Beach Project launched to boost tourism

Tribune News Network ilies and tourists in Qatar to enjoy transportation network, pedestrian Doha excellent services and to practice paths and cycling lanes from Cor- diverse activities in a single desti- niche down to Lusail.” The Supervisory Committee of nation. The project is expected to Al Khaldi further explained that Beautification of Roads and Public in become a prominent new tourist the project is part of Qatar National the State has launched the West Bay attraction in Qatar. Vision 2030, as it includes a beach North Beach Project in Doha Down- Chairman of the Supervisory dedicated to swimming, a park for town, which is located along the Committee of Beautification of sports activities, and a celebration business district in Doha, 10 minutes Roads and Public Places in Qa- area to be used as fan zone during away from West Bay Metro Station tar Mohammad Arqoub Al Khaldi the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022. and adjacent to a number of leading elaborated on the project by saying, West Bay North Beach project shopping outlets, parks and hotels. “Through this project, the commit- combines a public beach and 12 pri- As part of the first phase, six tee aims to provide a unique tour- vate beaches operated by a number beaches will be delivered for hotels ist destination in Doha Downtown, of hotels in one location on an area surrounding West Bay to enhance As part of the first phase of the project, six creating a connected network of of 60,200 square metres, along 1.5 tourism. beaches will be delivered for hotels public and commercial activities in kilometres. The project will add a unique surrounding West Bay to enhance tourism the area, while linking it with the entertainment destination for fam- surrounding areas through public Continued on page 2  02 Monday, April 5, 2021

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Quick read FM MEETS MALAYSIAN DEPUTY FM, EU AMBASSADOR Amir congratulates president of Senegal The Amir His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani on Deputy Prime Minister and Min- Sunday sent a cable of congratulations to President of Senegal ister of Foreign Affairs HE Sheikh Macky Sall on his country’s National Day. (QNA) Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani met with Deputy Minister Deputy Amir congratulates president of Senegal of Foreign Affairs of Malaysia The Deputy Amir His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad Al Kamarudin Jaffar in Doha Thani on Sunday sent a cable of congratulations to President of Sunday. During the meeting, they Senegal Macky Sall on his country’s National Day. (QNA) reviewed bilateral cooperation, investment opportunities and Prime Minister congratulates president of Senegal enhancing cooperation in com- Prime Minister and Minister of Interior HE Sheikh Khalid bin Khalifa bating terrorism. The minister of bin Abdulaziz Al Thani sent a cable of congratulations to President foreign affairs also met with Am- of Senegal Macky Sall on his country’s National Day. (QNA) bassador of the European Union to Qatar Dr Cristian Tudor. During Nepal official meets Qatar’s ambassador the meeting, they reviewed the Foreign Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Nepal relations between Qatar and the Bharat Raj Paudyal met with Ambassador of Qatar to Nepal HE European Union and the meas- Yousuf bin Mohammed Al Hail in Kathmandu on Sunday. They ures Qatar has taken to enhance reviewed bilateral relations between the two countries. (QNA) labour rights. (QNA)

PM, Tunisian counterpart West Bay North Beach to feature MoTC introduces Microsoft discuss bilateral relations 3 service buildings, 9 open plazas Government Framework Agreement to stakeholders QNA the Amir, while also wishing Continued from page 1  nine open plazas. jogging or cycling through Doha the Qatari people further pro- The project also pro- pedestrian and cycling paths Tribune News Network she said, has shown the vital gress and prosperity. The sandy beach is 1.2 kilo- vides cafes distributed on along 2 kilometres. Doha role that digital technology Prime Minister and Minister For his part, the prime metres long and is divided the beaches with a unique Hundred cycle parking plays amid an ever-accelerating of Interior HE Sheikh Khalid minister and minister of inte- into three main parts, in- and modern design, with an racks will be provided along The Ministry of Transport and digital transformation world- bin Khalifa bin Abdulaziz Al rior conveyed the greetings of cluding designated places outdoor space that overlooks this route, in addition to Communications (MoTC) re- wide with regard to services Thani received a phone call the Amir His Highness Sheikh for practising beach and the beach. shaded paths with natural cently hosted several govern- provided to the people, includ- from Prime Minister of Tunisia Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani to marine sports, and beach Within each service plantation and green spaces. ment entities at a virtual event ing telework systems, videocon- Hichem Mechichi on Sunday. the Tunisian President, wish- bath areas. All the beaches building, there are chang- Additionally, the beach to introduce the ‘Microsoft Gov- ferences at and outside of work- At the outset of the phone ing him continued success and include direct entrances to ing rooms, separate is provided with a walkway ernment Framework Agreement places, and access to health call, the Tunisian prime min- the Tunisian people further many restaurants and ser- prayer rooms for men and of 1.7-km length and eight 2020-2023’ signed between Qa- care, education, commodities ister conveyed the greetings development and growth. vice kiosks, including chang- women and showers to serve metres width, including rest tar, represented by MoTC, and and basic services. of President of Tunisia Kais During the phone call, the ing rooms and shower facili- the restaurants and beach areas to sit and enjoy the Microsoft, represented by its two The previous edition of this Saied to the Amir His High- two sides discussed the bilat- ties. visitors. landscape, while connecting local agents - malomatia and agreement, she added, had ness Sheikh Tamim bin Ham- eral relations between the two The West Bay North West Bay North Beach it directly with restaurants, Ebla, that formed the first con- been of a big role during the ad Al Thani and his wishes of countries and the ways to en- Beach project comprises project provides visitors with shower facilities and chang- sortium of its kind in the history pandemic as the government, the best of the health to HH hance them. three service buildings and facilities to practise walking, ing rooms. of the agreement since 2003. represented by MoTC, adopted The agreement provides for an ambitious digital transfor- technical support for all Micro- mation plan that featured in- soft licences and software used stalling, activating and running Astronomically, in government entities, includ- several software needed by enti- ing for computer and user ties and which also offer several April 13 is first day licences (Office 365), server channels for interaction and of Ramadan: QCH Qatar Arabic Language licences such as Windows Serv- cooperation between personnel ers, database server licences of the same government entity Based on astronomical cal- such as SQL Server, and other and with other entities. culations, Tuesday, April 13, licences already deployed at Examples of software cov- will be the first day of Rama- Center opens in Moscow government entities, in addition ered in the digital transforma- dan and Monday, April 12, is to cloud computing services tion plan include updating the completion of the month QNA through Microsoft Azure. computer operating system on of Shaban 1442 AH, Qatar Cal- Moscow Addressing the event, which more than 70,000 machines endar House (QCH) has said. was attended by over 100 per- at government entities to Win- The legal decision to enter Qatar Arabic Language sonnel from various govern- dows 10; upgrading more than the blessed month of Ramadan Center, under the auspices ment entities, Acting Assistant 60,000 versions of OfficePro for this year remains within the of the Qatari-Russian Center Undersecretary of Government that allows integration with jurisdiction of the crescent vi- for Cooperation (QRCC), of- Information Technology at Office 365 cloud computing sion investigation committee ficially opened in Moscow MoTC Mashael Ali Al Hammadi services; activating more than at the Ministry of Endowments on Sunday. said, “Now, more than a decade 70,000 accounts on MS Teams and Islamic Affairs. “Acquaintance with the into the approach of framework to allow for broader interac- Executive director of Arabic language allows to agreements, we can confirm tion and integration between Sheikh Abdullah Al Ansari better understand the cul- that the return for Qatar gov- employees as well as for easier Complex, Engineer Faisal ture of our country and the ernment’s investment in pur- remote work and meetings; and Mohammed Al Ansari said the surrounding region,” Qatar’s chasing global companies’ soft- activating more than 45,000 crescent of the blessed month Ambassador to Russia HE ware through such agreements accounts on OneDrive for easy, of Ramadan for 1442 AH will Sheikh Ahmed bin Nasser Al is in the good interest of the fast storage and access to docu- be born on Monday (April 12) Thani said. government with what we have ments anytime, anywhere. at dawn, at 5:31 am Doha lo- “Language learning as the gained – a high-quality yield In terms of document secu- cal time (2:31 am GMT). The most important component that pays off significantly well rity, a number of services has sun will set on Monday from of culture is always a step in terms of efficiency and cus- also been activated at govern- the sky of Qatar at 5:55 pm, towards closer cooperation “The Qatar Arabic Lan- tarian cooperation between Embassy of Qatar in Russia tomer satisfaction, something ment entities such as Azure Ac- while the date of sunset for between countries, a way to guage Center will become a Russia and Qatar, strength- for their constant support and which contributes to achieving tive Directory for some 80,000 the crescent of the blessed deepen our understanding in new bridge for promoting the ening mutual understanding assistance,” said CEO of the Qatar National Vission 2030 users, Multi-Factor Authenti- month of Ramadan will be at business, politics and society,” in-depth development of cul- between the two countries. Qatari-Russian Center for Co- and e-Government Strategy. cation and Azure Information 6:16 pm. (QNA) he added. tural exchange and humani- We are deeply grateful to the operation Diana Charmadova. The COVID-19 pandemic, Protection.

MoCI recalls Toyota Avanza QC’s ‘5%’ fund to help families, students in Ramadan Vaccination of 70 to 2017-2020 and Toyota Rush 80% population must Tribune News Network Jassem Muhammad Al to curb COVID-19 2019-2020 models Doha Emadi, director of Programs and Community Development at Continued from page 1  Tribune News Network Qatar Charity (QC) has Qatar Charity, said that the pro- “In order to limit the spread of Doha launched a ‘5 percent’ pro- gramme will help to maintain the the pandemic, we must reach gramme to create and restore cohesion of families affected by the vaccination of 70 or 80 per- The Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoCI), hope for low-income families and the pandemic while also provid- cent of the population. Until we in cooperation with Abdullah Abdulghani & Bros students in Qatar during the Holy ing education for their children reach this percentage, everyone Co W.L.L , dealer of Toyota in Qatar, has recalled Month of Ramadan. within the State of Qatar. must adhere to wearing the mask, of Toyota Avanza models of 2017-2020 and Toyota The progamme’s concept is Emadi urged all organisa- practise social distancing, avoid Rush models of 2019-2020 due to possibility of that organisations, businesses tions, businesses, and shops to meeting in closed areas and wash fuel pump malfunction that may cause it to stop and shops contribute to it by do- participate in this programme, hands. Even those who have re- functioning. nating five percent of their profits stating that Qatar Charity is ceived the vaccine must follow The recall campaign comes within the frame- for one month only. The funds studying the cases of low-income the precautionary measures. Vac- work of the ministry’s efforts to protect consumers will then be distributed for the families and students, counting cinated people may protect them- and ensure that dealers follow up on vehicle defects benefit of low-income families the number of families affected selves, but they cannot protect and repairs. and elementary, preparatory and by the pandemic, and ensuring others,” he added. The ministry said that it will coordinate with secondary school students. with many finding themselves families with the necessary food- that the cases meet the require- Dr Maslamani said the most the dealer to follow up on the maintenance and The initiative comes amid unable to pay school fees for their stuffs, and work together to ad- ments of social research in order important thing is to adhere to repair works and will communicate with custom- the ongoing coronavirus pan- children. The programme aims dress the economic consequences to benefit from the financial aid precautionary measures in place ers to ensure that they carried out the necessary demic, which has wreaked havoc to promote the right to education of the pandemic on low-income provided during the last ten days until 70 or 80 percent of the com- repairs. on families’ financial situations, for students in schools, provide families and students in Qatar. of Ramada. munity is vaccinated. Nation Monday, April 5, 2021 03

MURAIKHI MEETS IRANIAN AMBASSADOR HBKU’s CSE to highlight digital enrichment at Int’l forum on persuasive tech Tribune News Network professor in information and Doha computing technology at CSE, is leading the Persuasion and Highlighting its interdis- Education Track, where speak- ciplinary thought leadership ers will investigate persuasion in the field of information and and the use of persuasive tech- computing technology, the Col- nology in the field of education. lege of Science and Engineering The special track will consider, (CSE) at Hamad Bin Khalifa among other aspects, classic University (HBKU) has part- and novel approaches to moti- nered with Bournemouth Uni- vating educators and learners, versity, UK, to co-sponsor the including personalized learn- 16th International Conference ing, peer support, and master- on Persuasive Technologies ing soft skills. Dr Al-Thani will Minister of State for Foreign Affairs HE Sultan bin Saad Al Muraikhi met with Am- HAMMADI MEETS MALAWI COUNTERPART Secretary-General of the Ministry of Foreign (PT2021), taking place from also moderate the panel discus- bassador of Iran to Qatar HE Hamid Reza Dehghani in Doha on Sunday. During the Affairs HE Dr Ahmed bin Hassan Al Hammadi met with Secretary-General of the Minis- April 12 to 14. sion around the topic. meeting, they reviewed bilateral relations between the two countries. (QNA) try of Foreign Affairs of Malawi Dr Luckie Kanyamula Sikwese in Doha Sunday. During A virtual PT2021 will bring Dr Mounir Hamdi, found- the meeting, they reviewed bilateral relations between the two countries. (QNA) together researchers and prac- ing dean, CSE, commented: titioners from industry and aca- “Persuasive technology is a demia to explore various topics pervasive element in our daily related to persuasive technol- lives, and the research commu- ogy, particularly how it can nity has made the link, and is enrich lives in domains such as studying how technology might health, sustainability, educa- be used to influence humans, in QRCS delivers medical supplies to Sudanese tion and well-being. their behaviour, attitudes and Interdisciplinary and open information processing, to solve to anyone with an interest in today’s societal and personal the subject, the conference problems. This is what makes hospitals for pediatric cardiac catheterisations scope extends to the design, the International Conference on development, and evaluation of Persuasive Technologies such Tribune News Network sation would continue to support Su- these technologies, and speak- an important platform, ena- Doha dan’s health system with multi-sector ers will highlight behaviour bling collaborative discussions medical convoys to many parts of the change support systems, artifi- on novel persuasive designs, ap- The Qatar Red Crescent Society country. cial intelligence for persuasive proaches and solutions along- (QRCS) has recently delivered medical “The shipment included pediatric technology, gamification, pri- side evidence of their potential. supplies to be used in cardiac catheter- cardiac catheters, hole closure stents, vacy and trust, among a host of We are delighted for HBKU to isations and surgeries for children at and angioplasty balloons,” said Dr. other areas. be one of the co-sponsors of the the Ahmed Qassim Hospital for Heart Jaafar. “This donation from QRCS HBKU’s Dr Raian Ali, pro- 16th edition, and while HBKU Disease and Surgery (Bahri Locality, costs $100,000”. fessor in information and com- faculty from CSE and the Col- Khartoum State) and the Wad Madani He revealed that a new Little Hearts puting technology, CSE, will co- lege of Health and Life Sciences Center for Heart Disease and Surgery project, worth QR 275,000, will be present a paper titled ‘The Fine have had the opportunity to (Gezira State). launched soon to perform catheterisa- Line between Persuasion and collaborate on shaping the pro- As the shipment arrived at Khar- tion procedures for children with con- Digital Addiction’ and will be a gram, they will also be making toum International Airport, Dr. Amin genital heart defects. “We are working member of the panel discussing strong contributions to the dis- Makki, Director of Grants and Gifts at with the concerned state authorities to ‘How to teach a course on Per- cussions, where we welcome the Federal Ministry of Health’s Inter- organise additional medical convoys suasive Technology’. ideas from a global audience.” national Health Department, was pre- across Sudan,” he added. This year the conference will Hosted online by Bourne- sent. tude to Qatar and QRCS for their sig- and people of Qatar. He appreciated Sudan’s Federal Ministry of Health focus on three special tracks, mouth University, registration Staff from the QRCS mission in Su- nificant contribution to the treatment QRCS’s assistance and hoped for fu- thanked QRCS and the Government of including the Persuasive Affec- for PT2021 is free and open dan handed over medical supplies to of children with heart problems. ture collaboration with the centre, Qatar for their unending support in a tive Technology Track and the until April 10. For more on the Ahmed Qassim in coordination with The medical supplies were pre- which serves Gezira and neighbouring statement on its website, looking for- Digital Marketing, Ecommerce, conference programme, and to the Federal Ministry of Health. They sented to Dr. Salah Al-Din Mostafa, states. ward to enhancing the spirit of coop- E-Tourism and Smart Ecosys- register to attend, visit https:// met Dr. Huda Hamed, the hospital’s heart surgeon and centre director, QRCS Medical Convoys Officer Dr. eration toward a better health sector in tems Track. persuasive2021.bournemouth. general manager, who expressed grati- who thanked the Amir, government, Izz Al-Din Jaafar said that the organi- Sudan. Dr Dena Al-Thani, assistant ac.uk/ Ooredoo supports Qatar eSports team in new virtual tournament Tribune News Network the best possible viewing quality. Doha Sabah Rabiah Al-Kuwari, Direc- tor PR at Ooredoo, said: “World- Qatar’s leading telecommunica- wide, the importance of eSports is tions operator, Ooredoo, was the Of- increasing - as both a recreational ficial Sponsor of Qatar’s national eS- activity and a business opportunity ports team as it prepared to compete - so we were delighted to be the of- in its first regional tournament, the ficial sponsor of the first Qatar eNa- West Asian eSoccer Tournament. tional team. We are committed to Both Ooredoo and the Qatar supporting sporting events as part Football Association (QFA) firmly of our corporate social responsibility supported the first official national strategy, and supporting digital ones eSports team as they faced powerful such as this tournament is a great regional rivals in the first ever West Electronic Games. Qatar was repre- example of how we can continue our Asian e-soccer tournament, which sented by Youssef Darwish, Rashid commitment to sport as we move took place from April 2-4, 2021, Ahmed, Youssef Hani, and Jasim further into the digital age.” highlighting the importance of eS- Rashid. The West Asian event served as ports in general. All e-matches were streamed a warm-up for member associa- The event was attended by teams live on the West Asian Football Fed- tions and players. Success here was from Qatar, Kuwait, Saudi Ara- eration’s YouTube channel (WAFF). required in order to compete in bia, and the United Arab Emirates They could also be seen on other so- the Asian Nations Championship, (UAE), all of which are members cial media accounts, with Ooredoo’s which will be hosted by FIFA later of the International Federation of high-speed 5G network allowing for this year. Top 4 players in AAB Chess Open U-16 finals advance to main championship

Tribune News Network Doha

Abdullah Abdulghani & Bros. Co. W.L.L. (AAB), the exclusive Toyota and Lexus distributor in Qa- tar, hosts the AAB Chess Open U-16 Finals in collaboration with Qatar Chess Association (QCA). A total 32 players advanced to the Finals from the 175 chess players who partici- pated in the first 11 rounds ofB litz Chess played on the online platform Sivaganesh Muthupandi (IND) lichess.org. An online Technical Meeting with the players was held prior to the start of the match, with Mohammed Al Mudahka, QCA President; the international arbiters led by Chief Arbiter Freyd, Laurent (France); Abdulla Al Homaid from Qatar tournament director Hussein Aziz (QCA); and Rassa Ramli, Corporate onship on April 9, are Qatar Nation- Communication & CSR Manager al Team Player Abdulla Al Homaid (AAB). The arbiters emphasised the (QA), Abyudit Singh (IND), Taksh tournament’s rules and regulations Sharma (IND), and Sivaganesh during the online meeting, includ- Muthupandi (IND). ing Zoom calls and open cameras of Abyudit Singh from India With its strong partnership with the players for strict monitoring. QCA, AAB is committed to promot- The top 32 finalists competed in ing watched from the iconic Lexus ing chess in the community, par- a Round of 32 Rapid Chess knock- Showroom’s Sakura Lounge. ticularly among the youth, in order out at a rate of 10 minutes + 5 sec- The top four knockout finalists, to develop their strategic thinking onds per move. The games were be- who will compete for the Champi- skills. 04 Monday, April 5, 2021 Nation Zulal Wellness Resort raises awareness of importance of sleep for healthy living

Tribune News Network and cognitive tasks processed obesity issues – common conse- It is also recommended to avoid schoolers need to sleep 10-13 Doha during the day. quences of the lack of sleep and heavy meals before going to hours a day and school-aged Sharing their insights about frequent in Qatar – Traditional bed and is suggested to take a children need from nine to 11 Zulal Wellness Resort by sleeping patterns, Zulal Wellness Arabic Islamic Medicine meth- warm bath and treat yourself to hours per day. Sleep hygiene and Chiva-Som, Qatar’s largest well- experts emphasised the multi- ods also help preventing even a warm olive oil foot massage in the correct bedtime routines af- ness resort and the world’s first tude of sleep stages that form a more serious health issues that the evening. fect the overall family’s well-be- to blend Traditional Arabic and good night’s sleep, including the can arise from consistent sleep Further recommended ing, helping to avoid emotional Islamic Medicine (TAIM) with a lighter – non-rapid eye move- insufficiency, such as Type 2 Di- sleep practices include creat- exhaustion and reduce anxiety holistic approach, raises aware- ment (NREM) cycle and deeper abetes and Heart Disease.” ing a digital-free environment of all family members.” ness of the importance of sleep – rapid eye movement (REM) Traditional Arabic Islamic by removing all gadgets from Joelle added that it is recom- for people in today’s fast-paced cycles, that repeat several times Medicine sheds light on sleep the bedroom, such as having an mended to avoid watching, lis- lifestyle. throughout the recommended as a soothing power, helping to overnight charging area located tening or reading anything that Sleep is an integral part of eight-hour sleep cycle. prevent diseases caused by the in another part of the home. It is upsetting, conflict-filled and holistic wellness and is crucial sleep for children, especially gering negative feelings, such as imbalances in our body. is also crucial for parents to edu- anxiety-provoking – content for the body to function prop- Zulal Wellness Health and school-aged, can lead to emo- anger. According to Traditional Ar- cate their kids about a healthy that children should ideally not erly. It provides the muscles and Wellness advisors also stated tional difficulties, including de- Purnima Siddhanta, Zulal abic Islamic Medicine teachings, bedtime routine, by introducing be exposed to. organs with enough time to rest, that insufficient or excessive pression, hyperactivity and poor Wellness Resort’s holistic man- including high-vitamin and nu- special evening rules and by set- According to her, ensuring to recover from illness and in- sleep can be the root of major school performance, adding that ager, said: “As any holistic teach- tritious food like bananas, wal- ting a good example. complete darkness in the bed- jury and aids in bolstering physi- health issues, including cardio- people tend to become more ir- ing, Traditional Arabic Islamic nuts, kale, lettuce leaves, sweet Joelle El Khoury, family and room is also beneficial for sleep cal strength and the immune vascular diseases, obesity, mood ritated and emotionally volatile Medicine fully embraces the potatoes, grapefruits, honey, child specialist at Zulal Well- and the production of mela- system. It is also essential for disorders and dementia, affect- if they do not get enough sleep power of sleep and its impact on saffron, almonds and herbal tea ness Resort, said: “While sleep tonin, a hormone crucial for reg- mental health, giving the brain ing cognitive and social abilities. which is related to amygdala health and wellness. Reinstating to the daily diet will help with is fundamental for adults, it is ulation of sleep and wakefulness a hiatus to relax from emotional According to them, lack of activity – part of the brain trig- emotional balance and tackling improving the quality of sleep. even more so for children – pre- regulation. Hilton Salwa Beach Resort & Villas launches Ramadan Nights Tribune News Network Doha

Hilton Salwa Beach Resort and Villas, Qatar’s largest and most iconic beach resort, Hyatt Regency Oryx Doha has announced the launch of ‘Ramadan Nights’, a collection welcomes Ramadan with of packages that reflect the essence of the Holy Month of Ramadan. With curated and special Iftar, Suhoor menus unforgettable room, villa, Iftar Tribune News Network share, and desserts for suhoor and Suhoor packages, guests Doha to enjoy the finest Ramadan can celebrate with friends and atmosphere in the open air. family within the comfort of Hyatt Regency Oryx Doha, About this occasion, Gen- their rooms and villas or en- Qatar’s first Hyatt Regency eral Manager of Hyatt Re- joy curated dining experiences brand hotel, located on Old Air- gency Oryx Doha Julien Gon- in selected restaurants within port Road, has unveiled its ex- zalvez said, “Whether guests the resort. a selection of specially curated in a Box” package; custom and active lifestyle during joyment when staying or din- clusive Ramadan offers. want to break their fast or Guests are invited to create set menus over a 7-day cycle. designed to satisfy night crav- Ramadan which offers them a ing at Hilton Salwa Beach Re- All offers are suitable for experience the spirit of Rama- long-lasting memories with For Suhoor, guests can ings. Alternatively, they can tailored jogging map to discov- sort and Villas. On behalf of the intimate gatherings and ad- dan with family and friends, loved ones with the resort’s choose between in-room din- book a special family Iftar in er the resort and walk along the entire team and myself, I wish here to the precautionary Hyatt Regency Oryx Doha luxurious custom room pack- ing and poolside dining op- the private garden of their picturesque beachfronts. you all a Ramadan Kareem,” measures and health require- will offer a traditional iftar ages starting at QR1,099 in- tions overlooking the pictur- villa. “With Ramadan Nights, says General Manager Etienne- ments issued by the Ministry and suhoor experience with cluding Iftar and Suhoor. Iftar esque South Bay pool with a Hilton Salwa Beach Resort our goal is to immerse guests Charles Gailliez. of Public Health in collabora- a wide choice of carefully se- at Hilton Salwa Beach Resort set menu. and Villas has also launched in an authentic experience that To book your Ramadan ex- tion and coordination with the lected dishes. Our iftar buffet and Villas is celebrated with Villa guests can enjoy an the #WorkOutThisRamadan feels like nowhere else. We perience, call +974 4423 6600 National Tourism Council, as at Choices will feature a large authentic flavours from Souk exclusive, personalised dining program to encourage hotel have curated well thought out or email on salwa.reserva- inspired by the terms of the and diverse selection of dishes Kitchen, and guests can enjoy experience with the “Suhoor guests to maintain a healthy packages to enhance your en- [email protected] Qatar Clean Program. inspired by the Silk Road- Guests are invited to break prepared from the freshest their fast with their loved ones ingredients, ranging from at Choices, which features dates and traditional refresh- an extravagant iftar buffet ments to meats grilled to per- Upscale Levantine restaurant opens at Hilton The Pearl inspired by the ancient Silk fection, while the suhoor at Al Road. Diners can sample dish- Nafourah Garden will prepare Tribune News Network dates, fruit, laban and Qamar The upscale Levantine life- es from Indonesia, China, and guests for the next day’s fast in Doha al-Din before moving on to style is also reflected with the India, as well as Central Asia, a tranquil ambiance.” cold mezze and salad, a choice terrace service where Moroc- Turkey, and the Middle East, “On the occasion of Rama- The upscale, casual and authen- of cold cuts, a cheese platter can tea served, paying tribute to all the way to the Mediterra- dan, and on behalf of our entire tic Levantine restaurant, will with distinctively Levantine fa- Maghreb traditions. nean. From 9:30 PM to 11:30 team, I would like to wish eve- open at Hilton Doha the Pearl vourites, halawa, hand-crafted “In keeping with true Levan- PM, “Al Nafourah” Garden will ryone a Ramadan Mubarak! Hotel & Residences and will be bread and pastries, yoghurts, tine traditions, this restaurant offer a selection of traditional “May the spirit of Ramadan the contemporary home of soul- popular hot Levantine break- is the perfect setting for fami- Ramadan dishes, live mechoui bring you constant blessings ful Levant cuisine in Qatar. fast-style dishes and a range of lies and friends to get together “BBQ,” mezza platters to and peace,” he concluded. The opening, on the first day desserts. during Ramadan and celebrate of Ramadan, is particularly apt Levantine’s distinctive menu their connections and the shar- for a restaurant where sharing is a result of collaboration be- ing spirt of the Holy Month over is an everyday culture and where tween the hotel’s own expert really good food,” said Hassan El a spacious terrace provides for culinary team and Lebanese ce- Wahidi, the hotel’s general man- a superb open-air gathering ex- with condiments to cold mezze particular Ramadan feel and in- lebrity chef Joe Barza. ager. perience. Levantine will serve and salad, hot mezze, and a clude the ever popular Umm Ali, Guests can eat indoors or “Levantine will appeal to daily evening iftar and suhuor live cooking station choice of a favourites from the Levant as outdoors amid the fragrant aro- diners of all ages, with all food and menus will be changed on a whole lamb ouzi – the ultimate well as international selections mas of live, theatre-style cooking preferences and from all walks weekly basis to ensure variety for in Ramadan sharing cuisine – or and can be rounded off with of Levantine favourites, includ- of life. With a great ambience returning guests. meat, fish and vegetable grill se- fruits, dates and nuts. All Rama- ing flash-charcoal-grilled spiced and a celebrity chef in the midst Iftar guests will enjoy a wide lections. dan juices, laban and water are meats, seafood, fish and veg- of it all, this is one dining outlet variety of traditional Rama- The dessert choices are ex- included. etables, spit-roasted lamb and the guests surely won’t want to dan favourites from lentil soup tensive and tempting with a Suhuor fare begins with chicken, and fresh bread baking. miss out on.” MES Indian School celebrates its 46th Annual Day Tribune News Network Doha

The MES Indian School cel- ebrated its 46th Annual Day, titled ‘Mesmerise’, on virtual platform recently withzest and vibrancy. Ambassador of India to Qatar HE Dr Deepak Mittal was the chief guest on the oc- casion while K Abdul Karim, president, MES Governing Board, was the guest of hon- our. The progamme was live- streamed on the school’s Face- book page. tiatives of the school towards Kadar presented the school’s and gold medals to the school loyal service. mesmerised the audience. It erning Board, invitees, school in his address, Dr Deep- the holistic development of its Annual Report, which chroni- toppers and mementos to the The programme had a spe- was followed by the captivating officials, parents, teachers and ak Mittal complimented the students and in promoting aca- cled the landmark achieve- meritorious students of CBSE cial mention by the principal and spectacular performance students. Zara Khursheed from school and its stakeholders for demic and sporting talents. ments and accolades garnered Board Examinations 2019. for the successful teachers, who of cultural programmes by the the Girls’ section welcomed their exceptional efforts and Karim appreciated the ef- during the academic year 2019- Ahmed Isham, general sec- have enabled their students students under the theme ‘Fac- the gathering, while Reyhan resilience in carrying forward forts of the school in equipping 20. retary officiating, Kashif Jaleel, with guidance and motivation ing Corona Situation’. Salim from the Junior section, the scholastic and co-scholastic students with skills needed to Annamma Shammy, vice- director, academics, MES Gov- to produce 100 marks in their Among the other luminar- proposed the vote of thanks. programmes without inter- face the challenges of the world, principal and head of Girls’ erning Board, presented long- respective subjects. ies present on the virtual plat- Anver, cultural convener of ruption during these testing including the ones posed by the section, and Mohammed Ilias, service awards and citations to A special video presenta- form to witness the 46th virtual the school, along with his times of the pandemic. He also new normal. vice-principal and head of Boys’ the school staff who have suc- tion highlighting all the exclu- Annual Day celebration were team of officials coordinated extolled the outstanding ini- MES Principal Hameeda section, announced the awards cessfully completed 25 years of sive achievements of the school the members of the school Gov- ‘Mesmerise’. World Monday, April 5, 2021 05

News Myanmar protesters hold in brief Tougher lockdown rules in effect in France P aris New nationwide restrictions to control the spread of the coronavirus have taken effect in France. ‘Easter egg strikes’ The measures will apply to the fight against the coronavirus for at least four weeks. According to the French government in Paris , the new rules dpa formally came into force at 7 pm Saturday (1700 GMT) when the Yangon nationwide night curfew began. In effect, they will not apply until the end of the curfew on Sunday morning at 6 am. People across Myanmar In the greater Paris area, a 6,600-strong task force is to protested with “Easter egg check compliance with the rules, the police prefecture an- strikes” on Sunday, painting nounced on Saturday. and writing anti-military slo- In reality, not much will change: The tougher measures were gans on eggs as a symbol of already in place in several areas of France, including the greater defiance and opposition to the Paris area, and are now being extended to the whole country. (dpa) February coup by the armed forces. The eggs, decorated to Ukrainian army rejects accusation drone mark Easter Sunday, were attack killed 5-year-old child placed in public areas or pho- tos were shared on social me- Kiev The Ukrainian army has denied responsibility for the death dia. of a 5-year-old child in the conflict zone of eastern Ukraine. Street protests were held The armed forces never use their weapons against civilians in the regions of Yangon, Man- or civilian objects, a press spokesman said in response to a dalay, Sagaing, Tanintharyi question from dpa on Sunday. and in Kachin State, local me- On Saturday, pro-Russian separatists in the Donetsk region dia reported. blamed government forces for the death of a 5-year-old boy. An explosive was dropped by a drone, killing the child and seriously injuring his grandmother, who is over 60 years old. On Friday, 18 celebrities The village of Oleksandrivsk is located about 14 kilome- were to be charged for cir- tres from the front line. Heavy fighting took place in the area in 2015. Insurgents have controlled parts of the Donetsk and culating material intended Luhansk regions along the Russian border for almost seven to cause a member of the years. According to UN estimates, more than 13,000 people armed forces to mutiny or have been killed since then. (dpa) disregard their duty, in line with the penal code 505(A). Humans must ‘change trajectory’ to avoid climate disaster: Prince William

London Britain’s Prince William has said humanity needs to The largest demonstration “fundamentally reset our relationship with nature and our trajec- was in Mandalay, as people tory as a species” to avoid climate disaster. from the health sector, educa- Protesters hold eggs to coincide with Easter Sunday during a demonstration against the military coup in Taunggyi in Myanmar’s Shan state on In a video message played at a gala for US-based charity tion sector and students union Sunday. (afp) Conservation International, Prince William said the next decade all joined the strike. would be “one of our greatest ever tests.” He warned the most As previously, the armed fight against them until we coup and shared their views speak out the truth.” “I will not their duty, in line with the pe- vulnerable people around the world, “and those who have done forces cracked down on the win,” Wai Yan, an IT expert online. be able to report much on here nal code 505(A). the least to cause climate change,” would be impacted the most. protests but there were no and a protester, told dpa. May Toe Khine, an actress any more. Please always pay The military seized control William urged those present to take their lead from the confirmed reports of deaths. Meanwhile, arrest war- who has often posted updates attention to news in Myanmar of the South-East Asian coun- millions of young people who are booking for solutions to the “A little chick has to come rants were issued for 20 from Myanmar in opposition until we win,” she said. try after an election which problem. out from an egg for its birth. more celebrities, according to to the coup, said a warrant On Friday, 18 celebrities Aung San Suu Kyi’s ruling par- “All of us, across all sectors of society, and in every corner We, Myanmar people, have the military’s news channel for her arrest had been an- were to be charged for circu- ty won by a landslide. of the globe, must come together to fundamentally reset our to fight with our strength as on Saturday evening. nounced on state television lating material intended to The army has violently relationship with nature and our trajectory as a species,” he much as we can against the Many celebrities and social “for simply doing my job as a cause a member of the armed cracked down on the ensuing said. (dpa) injustice of junta. We have to media influencers oppose the civilian: using my platform to forces to mutiny or disregard protests. Turkey probes retired navy officials’ statement over Bosporus treaty

dpa Istanbul

A statement signed by more than 100 retired admirals on an inter- national shipping agreement has caused a stir in Turkey. The Prosecutor General’s Office in Ankara launched an investigation against the former navy officials on Sunday, as communications direc- tor Fahrettin Altun confirmed on Twitter. Not only the signatories but also those who encouraged them would be held accountable by the judici- ary, he wrote. The Turkish leadership strongly condemned the statement, which was published in Turkish media. In it, the signatories commit to the Treaty of Montreux, which regulates the passage through the Bosporus and the Dardanelles, the straits between the Black Sea and the Mediterranean. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. The discussion about a possible withdrawal from the treaty was re- A fortnight ago, Turkish Presi- Bosporus, the Sea of Marmara and ceived with concern, the letter said. dent Recep Tayyip Erdogan an- the Dardanelles, which the Ottoman It also said that the Turkish Armed nounced by decree that he was Empire had lost with its defeat in Forces must uphold the principles withdrawing from the Istanbul World War I. of the constitution, in which secu- Convention on the Protection of Free passage is guaranteed for larism, for example, is enshrined. Women. merchant ships in peacetime. Sepa- Presidential spokesman Ibra- This had also fuelled a discus- rate rules apply to warships. him Kalin wrote on Twitter that the sion on whether Erdogan could also Erdogan has long wanted to statement evoked coup times. withdraw by decree from other in- build an alternative waterway to The Defence Ministry said it be- ternational agreements, such as the the Bosporus: the “Istanbul Ca- lieved that the “independent Turk- Treaty of Montreux. nal,” an ambitious and controver- ish judiciary” would do what was The 1936 Treaty of Montreux re- sial prestige project of the Turkish necessary. stored Turkey’s sovereignty over the president.

Pope Francis condemns conflict during celebration of Easter

dpa This year, Francis held the ser- through prayer. Rome vices in St Peter’s Basilica, as he did The blessing is usually given at last year. It was also streamed online. Easter and Christmas and when a Pope Francis celebrated Easter Easter is the most important feast new pope has been elected. Mass for the resurrection of Jesus of the year for devout Christians. Pope Francis noted that the Christ and offered the traditional The week leading up to Easter Easter celebration was in the face “Urbi et Orbi” (To the city and the Sunday includes many different ser- of the complex reality of armed con- world) blessing from St Peter’s Ba- vices that mark the final days of Je- flict, severe social and economic cri- silica on Sunday. sus’ life before his crucifixion. ses and the ongoing pandemic. Only 200 people were allowed Already on the previous days, “The Easter message does not to attend the services because of the only between 100 and 200 faithful offer us a mirage or reveal a magic anti-coronavirus restrictions and to were admitted to the services. formula. It does not point to an es- prevent infection. With the “Urbi et Orbi” bless- cape from the difficult situation we Before the pandemic, Easter ing, the pope remits for the faithful are experiencing,” he said. Mass was usually held in St Peter’s the punishment for their sins if they He also commented on the pan- Square in front of tens of thousands have already redeemed them before- demic’s disproportionate impact on of pilgrims. hand, for example in confession or the poor in particular. 06 Monday, April 5, 2021

Established September 3, 2006 hamad bin suhaim al thani chairman Opinion adel ali bin ali managing director dr hassan mohammed al ansari editor-in-chief

America’s Parade Of Gun Violence Comes To Orange Harris Has Two Big Problems o now it’s the city of Orange’s turn in eight mass murders so far this year, in the gun violence spotlight. Four incidents in which four or more people At Southern Border. Texas Sshot dead, including a 9-year- are shot dead, not including the shoot- old boy, and a woman wounded late er. Wednesday afternoon. The alleged As we’ve noted before, these mass shooter is in the hospital too, wound- shootings and mass killings grab the ed in an exchange of gunfire with re- public spotlight, but the real carnage Is One Of Them sponding police, officials said. plays out in ones and twos and threes, Orange police asserted Thursday often in domestic settings and usu- morning that the shooting arose from a ally leaving devastated relatives and Harris must not only find a solution to the immediate border crisis, she has to do it in possible business or personal relation- friends to try to pick up the shattered ship. But the motive is less significant pieces of their lives. As of early Thurs- a way that addresses the discontent that’s quietly feeding the other looming problem than the act, and the use of a firearm, day, the violence database counted at and the fact that four people slaugh- least 91 people killed and 183 wounded LZ Granderson tered in a hail of gunfire is not a rare in the previous 72 hours. And because occurrence in this country, as it is in that count relies on sifting through ice President Kamala Harris has been most of the rest of the world. Because public reports, the totals often lag — for asked by President Biden to oversee the here in the land of the free, we accept instance, the four dead in Orange had administration’s response to the growing such tragedies with “thoughts and yet to get entered. migrant crisis at the border. But there’s a prayers” and demands for change. But So pick your statistics. Each evinces second border crisis the administration sympathy isn’t tangible, and demands an obscene level of routine gun vio- Vneeds to be worried about as well. get you nowhere without action and lence in this country, a pace that var- Republicans are targeting five House seats the marshaling of political power. ies by region but generally is higher in currently being held by Democrats in Texas. The US Senate plans to take up states with loose gun laws and lower One of those targets, Rep. Filemon Vela, an- a bill the House passed to expand in states with tighter regulations. But nounced on Monday that he would not seek background checks for would-be gun obviously, even here in California, with reelection in the 2022 midterm, following a buyers, but with Senate Republicans some of the strictest gun laws in the similar announcement by Rep. Ann Kirkpat- ready to filibus- nation, we are not rick, Democrat of Arizona. ter it, well, that immune to this Kirkpatrick’s district in southeastern Ari- piece of legisla- national public zona has been trending blue, so holding onto tion isn’t likely heath scourge. that seat is not a huge challenge. It’s a very dif- to fare any better What does ferent story with Vela’s 300-mile-long district than the scores all this cost us? in southern Texas. of failed gun con- Well, in human This was made clear in November when trol proposals lives, more than President Biden was only able to win Vela’s dis- that preceded it. 40,000 people trict by 4 points after Hillary Clinton carried the In fact, gun sales last year died of district by 22 points in 2016. tend to increase bullet wounds, In fact, despite all of the “Cancun Cruz” after high-profile whether fired in jokes and dreams of Texas flipping blue, the the migrant issue without alienating more in Central American countries must have felt in shooting inci- a random en- reality is the southern part of the state — the southern Texans. A job, mind you, made more deciding to send their children off alone or with dents. counter, by an region most affected by the current migrant cri- difficult after Biden revoked the permit for the strangers to a foreign land hundreds of miles So far, those intimate partner, sis and other border issues — has been hemor- Keystone XL pipeline and halted fracking on away because it was safer than staying home. who want to by accident or by rhaging Democratic support for years. federal lands. But as an American, I also know that that make us all safer themselves. Tens This partially explains the optimism among It was a pair of moves that were celebrated kind of nuanced conversation will not happen from gun violence of thousands Republican leadership about the Lone Star nationally by progressives wanting the White because we don’t do shades of gray well. Plus, have not been more suffered State. I say partially because the impact ger- House to do more about climate change but we don’t like to admit fault as demonstrated by able to budge injuries, some rymandering has on elections in Texas cannot prompted a handful of Texas Democrats to the Republican response to President Obama 2nd Amendment so grievous as to be emphasized enough. Despite making up split with Biden because of the perceived im- acknowledging some of America’s foreign poli- absolutists who change the course 41% of the state’s population, white Texans pact the moves had on energy jobs. Despite a cy mistakes during his first term. They called it believe that enacting laws to slow the of their lives. All, no doubt, leaving make up 61% of lawmakers in the state House lot of focus on racial justice in the 2020 public an apology tour with a sanctimonious tone that flow of implements of mayhem into unseen psychological scars and, in the and Senate, according to the Texas Tribune. So discussion, the economy and local jobs remain suggested we had nothing to apologize for, de- the wrong hands and the wrong places case of child witnesses of gun violence, while Latinos have outpaced their white coun- a powerful factor, and about a third of Latinos spite clearly having things to apologize for. somehow translates into the triumph often increasing the odds that they will terparts in growth by nearly 4-to-1 since 2010, faithfully vote Republican. So how do we propose to work with foreign of tyrannical government. Or some- engage in criminal behavior as adults. the state’s political power does not reflect the In 2008, John McCain won 31% of the La- governments to resolve the migrant issue — an thing like that. It can be hard to fathom What does it cost in dollars? It’s demographic shift. tino vote; in 2012, Mitt Romney won 27%; in essential aspect to the task Harris faces — when the logic behind a willingness to let hard to get a clear estimate, but the Besides Vela, Rep. Vicente Gonzalez won 2016 Trump won 28% and increased that num- we can’t even admit our role in creating it? people die in service of a myth. advocacy group Everytown for Gun reelection by just 3 points in his south Texas ber to about 32% in 2020. And while the voting And if we do acknowledge our role in this We note, too, that Wednesday’s Safety estimates about $280 billion a district in 2020 while Biden squeaked by with bloc is far from monolithic — the term “Latino catastrophe, I don’t think enough people will deaths are being called the third mass year spent on emergency response and 2 points. With Texas expected to gain three, voter” is misguided at best — it is clear millions care. At least not the people who live near the shooting in recent weeks, following medical treatment arising from gun and perhaps even four, House seats because of of people of color look past off-putting GOP border and feel their concerns have either been the massacres at three spas around violence. its population increase, and with state Republi- rhetoric and instead find promise in the party’s ignored or deemed retrograde. This is not to Atlanta that killed eight people, six of That’s the broad context of gun vio- cans redrawing district lines, Democrats could emphasis on jobs and the economy. Even with say that these discussions about the border are them Asian women, and the killings of lence in America — lots of easy-to-ob- lose control of the House largely from Texas the party of Trump. not smothered in racism. But that’s not the only 10 people by a gunman at a Boulder, tain guns, political stalemate blocking alone. You probably remember what happened Harris can attempt to conduct a healthy thing at play here. Colo., supermarket. But the terminol- any meaningful change in federal law, to President Obama’s political mojo after the discussion about how the U.S. government Harris must not only find a solution to the ogy, and the count, are easily miscon- daily carnage that amounts to tens of 2010 midterm election. That outcome — in exacerbated what was already a difficult situ- immediate border crisis, she has to do it in a strued. thousands of people killed or maimed which Democrats lost control of the House — ation for poor people living in certain parts of way that addresses the discontent that’s quietly The Gun Violence Archive defines a each year with many more suffering far wasn’t completely out of nowhere. As FiveThir- Mexico and Central America. Maybe point out feeding the other looming problem. The one mass shooting as an incident in which into the future, and exorbitant public tyEight has pointed out, “since the end of World how the Reagan administration’s narcoterror- that threatens to not only derail the legislative four or more people other than the costs to respond to that carnage and War II, the presidential party has lost an aver- ism policies and support of the Contras in Nica- momentum the Biden administration currently gunman are shot, whether they live or treat the victims. age of 27 House seats in midterm elections” — a ragua helped destabilize the region, laying the has but damage any designs she may have in die. Under that definition, Wednes- But in Orange today the broad margin that would certainly be enough for the foundation for an ecosystem saturated in drug- winning the White House herself one day. day’s attack in Orange was the 120th context fades into the background as Republicans to retake the House. related gang violence and political corruption. of the year. But the archive also counts yet another set of families grieves the If Biden wants any chance to blunt that As a father, it shakes me to my core when (LZ Granderson is an Op-Ed column- 48 people killed and 10 others injured needlessly dead. risk, then Harris needs to find a way to address I think about the level of desperation parents ist for the Los Angeles Times)

Social Reintegration: Preparing For Post-COVID Life MICHELLE PEARCE learn them slowly. Normally, this them first. I“ maginal exposure” is a er emotions as you begin to reen- is a good thing. It protects us from technique we use in therapy to help gage with your life and your loved ecently, I turned down invi- everyday dangers, such as touching people with phobias. It prepares ones. We have been through a col- tations to go salsa dancing and hot stoves and walking in front of our mind with the feeling state we lective trauma. It will take some Rdine out with friends, activities moving cars. desire before we venture into the time to recover. I love. I found my discomfort with As states begin to reopen and it physical environment. Let’s acknowledge that social socializing again confusing and becomes safer to be with others, our Third, be selective. You may reintegration is not risk free. Ex- surprising. After all, I’ve been bat- brains won’t just suddenly give up not want to engage in all of the ac- ercising some degree of caution tling loneliness for a year and have their “threat learning” on demand. tivities you once did. Many people around others will be necessary, received both doses of the vaccine. Introverts, individuals who report that this past year has re- even after many of us are vacci- I thought I’d be racing to reengage struggle with social anxiety or those vealed to them just how busy and nated. But exercising caution is in my pre-pandemic life. Yet, as a who already felt unsafe following unwieldy their lives had become. different from feeling anxious and clinical psychologist, I know this trauma may have had an easier Grant yourself permission not under threat. These five strategies pandemic has not only changed time with social distancing. And, in to pick everything back up, even can help calm our brains as we how we live and relate to others, it turn, they may find increasing so- when it’s safe to do so. move forward. And, notably, when has also changed our brains. Mine cial contact more challenging. Re- Fourth, be patient. There will our brains are calmer, we are bet- included. integration will also be harder for likely be ups and downs in your ter able to make good decisions Effectively reintegrating into those who have rigorously main- reintegration process. Some days based on science and public health our social lives will require more tained social distancing during you might feel comfortable and guidelines. than just physical immunity. Rein- COVID-19, perhaps due to underly- confident being out in the world After the year we’ve been tegration is also a matter of psycho- ing health conditions or older age, — and some days you might not. through, we owe it to ourselves to logical readiness. We must retrain which posed added risk were they Remember, our brains are quick to get ready to enjoy our lives again. our brains to feel safe and comfort- to contract the virus. learn threats and slow to unlearn By taking the time to prepare our able again with people, and that As nervous as we may be about have a sense of control over our your concerns. There may be some them. So, give yourself time. minds — and not just our bodies — can take some time and practice. it, we can prepare ourselves psy- lives. So, to the extent you can, de- creative short-term solutions that Finally, be open. Although we we can help ourselves do just that. Given the nature of COVID-19, chologically to be with others again. cide how you want to reintegrate can ease the reintegration process have all been dreaming of get- our brains learned that people are First, go at your own pace. and at what pace. You can likely say for you. ting back to pre-pandemic life, it (Michelle Pearce is a clini- dangerous and that being out in Your pace may be different from “yes” gradually in your social life. Second, imagine before do- doesn’t mean we are going to feel cal psychologist and profes- public (particularly unmasked) is a your friends, co-workers, and fam- Although you may have less control ing. If there are activities or situa- only positive emotions. Very likely sor in the graduate school at threat to our lives. Our brains learn ily members, and that’s OK. Our at work, it is worth having a conver- tions you feel anxious just thinking you will also feel anxiety, anger, the University of Maryland, threats like this quickly — and un- brains feel less anxious when we sation with your supervisor about about doing, try imagining doing guilt, regret, grief and a host of oth- Baltimore)

THE VIEWS EXPRESSED ON THE OPINION AND ANALYSIS PAGES ARE THE AUTHORS’ OWN. QATAR TRIBUNE BEARS NO RESPONSIBILITY. World Monday, April 5, 2021 07 41 die in flash floods Jordan says it foiled destabilising in eastern Indonesia

dpa the Solor archipelago. Jakarta Photographs shared by plot involving ex-crown prince the disaster mitigation agen- At least 41 people died in flash cy showed powerful currents dpa floods and landslides that hit flowingthrough a village, Amman villages on Adonara island in while the roads were scattered eastern Indonesia, while more with debris left behind by the Jordan has foiled a destabi- than 20 others are still miss- flooding. lising plot involving the coun- ing, an official said. Jati said aid and relief ef- try’s ex-crown prince, a senior Raditya Jati, a spokes- forts for the affected villages official said on Sunday. Wicked act man for the national disaster were hampered by the ab- The remark was made a On Sunday, Hamzah’s mother, mitigation agency, said nine sence of transportation to the day after the Jordanian army people were injured and res- island. It can only be reached said Hamzah, King Abdullah Queen Noor, dismissed cuers are still searching for 27 by sea, but links have been II’s half-brother, was asked allegations that her son was people who are missing in the suspended due to high waves to refrain from activities that involved in destabilising acts flash floods that hit East Flores and the severe weather con- could be damaging to the king- as ‘wicked slander’ district of East Nusa Tenggara ditions. “We are working on dom’s stability. province at 1 am on Sunday other ways to reach the island Jordan also said several (1700 GMT Saturday) follow- other than by the sea,” Jati high-profile figures were -de ously been rumours about di- ing overnight heavy rainfall. said. tained “due to security rea- visions within Jordan’s royal “Dozens of houses were The climatology and me- sons,” including Bassem Ibra- family, such a public split is buried by mud in Lamanele teorological agency predicted him Awadallah, an ex-chief of rare. village, some houses are swept that some parts of Indonesia the royal court, and Hassan Earlier on Sunday, away by the floods, while doz- could face extreme weather, bin Zaid, a member of the royal Hamzah’s mother, Queen ens of others in West Adonara with heavy and torrential family. Noor, dismissed allegations district are submerged in the rain, strong winds and large On Sunday, Jordanian For- that her son was involved in floods,” Jati said, adding that waves during the week ahead. eign Minister Ayman al-Safadi destabilising acts as “wicked the floods also caused five Disaster-prone Indonesia has said investigations showed slander.” bridges to collapse. recorded 968 disasters as of there were movements by Noor, the widow of Jor- The flooding also affected March 30 this year, most of Hamzah, Awadallah and Bin dan’s late king Hussein, said 49 households in seven vil- which are wet hydrometeoro- Zaid targeting the kingdom’s in a tweet that she was praying lages on the 529-square-kilo- logical hazards with 870 oc- stability and security. that “truth and justice will pre- metre island, which is part of currences, including 414 haz- “People around Prince vail for all the innocent victims the Lesser Sunda islands on ards caused by flooding. Hamzah had contacts with File photo of Jordan’s Prince Hamza bin al-Hussein (AFP) of this wicked slander.” Several agencies categorising them- Arab governments have voiced selves as [Jordanian] opposi- ficial did not identify who the deal with his case within the Jordanian authorities de- unequivocal backing for Jor- tion abroad,” he said at a press foreign parties are. royal family. nied that the 41-year-old royal dan’s actions. conference in Amman. “These He said a person in con- In videos released on Sat- is under house arrest. The leaders of Qatar, Ku- movements were controlled tact with foreign intelligence urday, Hamzah said he was Hamzah was Jordan’s wait, Bahrain and Morocco and besieged. had offered help to Hamzah’s told by the head of the Jor- crown prince between 1999 on Sunday called King Abdul- The state agencies man- wife to leave Jordan. danian army not to leave his and 2004, when Abdullah re- lah II and expressed support aged to nip them in the bud,” Al-Safadi put the number house or communicate with moved him and appointed his for the Jordanian monarch in he added. of people detained in connec- people. own son. At the time, Hamzah “maintaining Jordan’s security Al-Safadi added that inves- tion with the alleged plot at 14 A report by Washington said he would remain a de- and stability,” Jordan’s official tigations had revealed “con- to 16, in addition to Awadal- Post said Hamzah was placed vout supporter of Abdullah, in news agency Petra reported. tacts with foreign parties about lah and Bin Zaid. When asked under house arrest amid an an official letter published by Jordan, a mostly de- the best timing to start steps about Hamzah, al-Safadi said ongoing investigation into an state media. sert kingdom, is a major re- to destabilize Jordan.” The of- there are currently efforts to alleged coup plot. While there have previ- gional US ally. An elderly villager and her grandson stand in floodwaters in front of their damaged home in the village of Haitimuk in East Flores on Sunday. (AFP) Libya receives first shipment of Covid-19 vaccines Ethiopian government dpa stored in the Health Ministry’s would follow and called on the country that has been roiled by and western areas, alongside Benghazi warehouses, the ministry add- public to register in order to conflict for a decade. the competing eastern admin- ed, according to Libya’s official receive a jab. So far, the Libyan The interim government is istration linked with warlord says Eritrean troops Libya has received its first news agency LNA. health authorities have report- tasked with preparing for na- Khalifa Haftar. shipment of vaccines against No date has been given for ed a total of 161,088 virus cases tional elections, scheduled for Libya has been in turmoil Covid-19, with 101,250 doses when vaccinations will begin. and 2,684 related deaths. December 24. since long-time ruler Moamer withdrawing from Tigray from Russia, the Health Minis- Libya’s interim Prime Min- Last month, a transitional This government has re- Gaddafi was toppled in 2011. dpa crossed the border when pro- try said on Sunday. ister Abdul-Hamid Moham- unity government took office placed the UN-backed Govern- The oil-rich country has be- Johannesburg voked by the TPLF have now The Sputnik doses arrived med Dbeibeh said on Sunday in Libya, a major step towards ment of National Accord, which come a proxy battleground for started to evacuate,” said the in the capital Tripoli and will be that more vaccine shipments re-establishing stability in the has been in charge of Tripoli rival forces and foreign powers. Eritrea has begun with- Ethiopian government. drawing troops in the Tigray It also shot back at con- conflict, the Ethiopia’s gov- cerns expressed by the EU and ernment said on Saturday G7 foreign ministers about the night. human rights situation in Ti- No talks with Ethiopia launched a mili- gray. According to the state- 22 Indian troopers killed in Maoist ambush tary offensive on its northern ment, aid from the interna- US at meeting region of Tigray in November tional community has been dpa ued for an unspecified number to diminish the power of the far too little, although Ethio- in Vienna, says New Delhi of missing personnel. Tigray People’s Liberation pia’s government has kept its The bodies of two rebels, Front (TPLF), which rules the promises. Iran minister At least 22 security personnel one a woman, were also recov- region and has been critical of “It’s been made abundant- had been killed in a gun battle ered from the site. the central government. ly clear to the international dpa with Maoist rebels in the for- The injured were being The hostilities in north- community that the govern- Tehran ests of the central Indian state treated at the district hospital ern Ethiopia soon escalated ment of Ethiopia has been of Chhattisgarh, police said on in Bijapur while some were into a complex conflict in- trying its level best to reach Iran will not engage in nego- Sunday. airlifted to the state capital volving neighbouring Eritrea. out to more than 4.2 million tiations with the United States The gun battle lasted more Raipur. Ethiopia had long denied that people while the supply com- at the meeting in Vienna where than three hours on Satur- India’s left-wing guerrillas, Eritrean troops were present ing from the international the nuclear deal is to be dis- day after multiple teams of who reject parliamentary de- in the conflict-ridden region. partners is way below one- cussed next week, an official paramilitary troops and police mocracy, say their armed re- Hundreds of thousands of third of what is needed.” The said on Sunday. commandos launched an op- bellion aimed to secure rights people have already fled the government added that there “We will not talk directly or eration to weed out rebels in for the poor and marginalized. fighting. is unimpeded access for hu- indirectly with the United States the forests of southern Bastar They operate in forest belts in The government declared manitarian workers and inter- in Vienna,” deputy foreign min- region known to be a Mao- several states across India. the conflict over in earlyD e- national media in Tigray, and ister Abbas Araghchi said, de- ist stronghold, Chhattisgarh Members of Indian security forces carry the coffin of one of their col- Chhattisgarh is one of the cember, although both the investigations into allegations nying US reports that indirect deputy chief minister Tamrad- leagues, in Bijapur district, Chhattisgarh on Sunday. (AFP) states worst affected by the United Nations, the Group of of human rights abuses would negotiations would take place hwaj Sahu said. Maoist insurgency, which has 7 (G7) and United States say begin soon. between the two. One of the patrol teams The bodies of five troopers garh police OP Pal said. left more than 3,300 civilians, there continue to be reports Earlier on Saturday, the The remaining parties of was ambushed by a group of were recovered on Saturday By midday on Sunday, the militants and security person- of ongoing clashes among the EU’s top diplomat, Josep Bor- the 2015 Iran nuclear deal are rebels near Jonnaguda village and the more than two dozen bodies of 17 more troopers had nel dead over the last two dec- parties. rell, expressed fears that vio- to hold a fresh round of discus- in Sukma district, leading to a injured were rescued, deputy been found. ades, according to the South “As announced last week, lence in Tigray could spill over sions on a possible US return fierce exchange of fire. inspector general of Chhattis- Search operations contin- Asia Terrorism Portal. the Eritrean troops who had into neighbouring countries. to the deal that aims prevent Tehran from developing nucle- ar weapons in return for sanc- tions relief. The US pulled out in 2018 and trading restrictions India reports 90,000 virus cases - highest daily spike this year reimposed by Washington have prevented Tehran from reaping dpa At least 12 states were Several states have made mutations of the virus, includ- significant economic benefits. New Delhi showing an upward trend in it mandatory for people flying ing the fast-spreading one In return, Iran started scal- Covid-19 cases, the Health in from the worst-affected re- originating in Britain, may ing back its compliance last India is in the grip of a severe Ministry bulletin said, adding gions to get tested before they have also contributed to the year by overstepping key limits second wave of the Covid-19 that containment measures travel. spread, experts say. related to uranium, the fuel for pandemic, with 93,249 fresh and Covid-19 protocols should India has the world’s third Big crowds at events like civilian nuclear power stations infections reported on Sun- be followed. largest caseload of Covid-19 the current regional elections but which can be enriched to day, its highest daily spike in The western state of Maha- cases after the United States and the Kumbh festival in Ut- make warheads. over six months. rashtra and its capital Mumbai and Brazil, but saw a consist- tarakhand are expected to lead “Iran’s policy in this regard Amid concerns about ca- accounted for around 60 per ent downward trend between to a further surge in cases. is clear and simple: the US must pacities in the health care sys- cent of the new cases and 277 October and mid-February. The government has been return to the Vienna nuclear tem, Prime Minister Narendra of the 513 deaths reported in Since then, a consistent widening its vaccination pro- agreement, fulfil the deal in ac- Modi held a high-level meet- 24 hours to Sunday. rise has brought daily cases to gramme, which was opened cordance with the treaty and lift ing in New Delhi with top gov- The state’s chief minister 90,000. The fresh wave of the to all people above 45 years of sanctions against Iran,” Aragh- ernment officials to assess the Uddhav Thackeray called a pandemic is spreading much age from April 1. chi told state television. As soon situation. cabinet meeting for later Sun- faster. Hospitals and clinics have as this happens, Iran will return Eight states account for day to discuss measures going The surge has been attrib- been encouraged to carry out to complying with the deal’s 81.42 percent of the infections forward and the possibility of uted to a variety of reasons, vaccinations around the clock. agreements, said Araghchi, reported in the last 24 hours. fresh lockdowns, NDTV news A private security guard ties a mask on the face of a woman during mainly what experts term More than 65 million peo- who heads the Iranian delega- These are Maharashtra, Kar- channel reported. Covid awareness campaign in Amritsar on Sunday. (AFP) “lockdown fatigue,” leading ple have received the first dose tion. Araghchi also said Tehran nataka, Chhattisgarh, Delhi, India, a country of 1.3 bil- people to lower safeguards of the vaccine and another 10 would only hold purely techni- Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, lion people, imposed one of with economic fallout. earlier, including closing edu- as they throng marketplaces million have received both. cal talks on a US return to the Punjab and Madhya Pradesh, the world’s strictest lockdowns Over the past month, sev- cational institutions and re- and festivals and attend social The government has a target deal and the parties would then according to a federal Health in March 2020, but had begun eral states have reintroduced stricting numbers at marriag- functions and sporting events. of vaccinating 300 million pass on the details to the US. Ministry bulletin. easing it in May as it grappled restrictions that were relaxed es and social functions. The presence of several people by August. ByteDance: India’s account freeze a harassment page 10

Monday, April 5, 2021

33,153.21 10,440.50 50029.83 1,728.40 +171.66 pts -16.8 pts +520.68 pts Gold +0.75 % GCC states look beyond COVID-19 by Dow QE sensex rethinking role of expats, tax page 9 Price percentage Price percentage 24.95 Brent 64.86 +3.38 % WTI 61.45 +3.87% Silver +1.70 %

Investors give a thumbs-up Qatar’s healthcare industry to to latest OPEC policy reach $12 bn by 2024: Report Agencies Saudi Arabian stocks out- performed on Sunday with Qatar’s first pharmaceutical factory ‘Doha Pharmaceutical Industries’ expected to start production by mid-2021 advances led by its banking and petrochemical shares af- Satyendra Pathak ter OPEC+ paved the way for Doha easing of oil production curbs. Other GCC markets struggled Medical tourism is expected to gain for direction with investors prominence in Qatar and be a focal awaiting the next big clue. point for the government’s strategy to Saudi Arabia’s benchmark diversify the economy away from oil, index traded 0.7 per cent according to a report from Mashreq higher at 9,963 points with and the research firm Frost & Sullivan. petrochemical and banking With the gradual emergence of top- stocks leading the advances. notch tourism infrastructure and visa- Saudi-led OPEC+ decided free access to more than 80 countries, in their Thursday meeting the report said, Qatar is on the right to gradually ease oil output track to developing as a world-class curbs in coming months, a medical tourism hub. move that could add to the The Mashreq-Frost & Sullivan re- kingdom’s revenues if oil port forecasts that the private sector prices do not slide consid- will play a bigger role in healthcare in- erably. Lenders and energy frastructure and delivery in the future companies will be the biggest in Qatar. beneficiary as they rely heav- “This is in line with the Ministry ily on oil money. of Public Health’s long-term target of Sabic, Saudi Aramco and reaching 5,700 hospital beds by 2033,” Advanced Petrochemical all the report said. made upward movements Over the past few decades, the re- with Riyad Bank, Banque Sau- port said, Qatar’s government has been di Fransi and Al Jazira Bank investing heavily in developing an in- joining the rally. However, tegrated healthcare system that offers the biggest boost came from high-quality services. Saudi National Bank which As a consequence, the healthcare jumped 3.6 per cent adding industry has witnessed unprecedented to its gains after it completed growth and is estimated to reach $8.8 merger with Samba Financial billion in 2020 and $12 billion by 2024, Group and is now solely trad- reflecting an incredible growth of 360 ing as a merged entity. percent compared to 2010. Qatar on right track to becoming medical GCC healthcare growth on track to return to The lender, which has Sustaining this pace, Qatar’s health- named Ammar Abdul Wahed care system is likely to outperform its tourism hub with the gradual emergence pre-COVID-19 levels with hospital revenues al-Khudairy as its new chair- GCC neighbours within the next few man on Sunday, is trading up years. of top-notch tourism infrastructure predicted to grow by 5.8 percent in 2021 more than 30 percent year-to- There has been a significant expan- date as investors appeared to sion of infrastructure and range of ser- ority to scientific research in support vate partnership framework to follow in medical devices, a growing branded Karim Amer, head of Healthcare cheer the merger with $239 vices in the Qatari healthcare system. of Qatar National Vision 2030 goals. best practices. This will likely attract generics market and increased invest- and Education, Mashreq Bank, said billion in combined assets. The number of hospital beds reached Although Qatar’s pharmaceuticals foreign investments into the country ment in infrastructure and innovation. the GCC healthcare sector is on the The consolidation of the two 3535 in 2018, marking an additional industry is still in its nascent stages, and support the development of the The strength of rebound suggests cusp of a promising recovery, with banks comes at a time when 908 beds since 2016. numerous start-ups and research pharmaceuticals and medical devices that healthcare growth is on track to clear evidence of growth in domestic volatile oil prices and weak “The Qatari government is con- projects are helping to establish the markets,” it said. return to pre-COVID-19-levels when drug manufacturing to bring down economic growth are pushing stantly trying to upgrade the quality of country as a centre for academic ex- “New ventures will have a positive the region had the highest healthcare the portion of imported medicines, lenders merger in the region. its health services by using advanced cellence and Medtech R&D,” the re- impact on the ongoing self-sustaina- infrastructure investments with a ma- and the enormous scope for techno- Abu Dhabi Securities Ex- technology and international expertise. port said. bility efforts of the Qatari government. jor increase in the number of hospitals logical investment – particularly in change edged up 0.2 per cent Together, the medical device, medical “Public-private partnerships will As such, the first pharmaceutical fac- and beds. AI, analytics, electronic health re- at 5,953 points in what was imaging, and IVD markets are estimat- be further explored to achieve several tory, Doha Pharmaceutical Industries, “Hospital revenues heavily im- cords and robotics. its sixth consecutive gain. ed to be worth $0.35 billion in 2020,” healthcare-related goals. The private is nearing completion. This first of its pacted by a COVID-19-induced drop “For investors and innovators with- Gulf Cement, Arkan Building the report said. sector will be given a larger role in the kind factory is expected to start produc- in outpatient visits and elective surgery in the healthcare ecosystem, the Gulf Materials and International The market for medical equipment, government’s ongoing plans to develop tion by mid-2021 with over 150 medi- volumes are forecast to bounce back is unquestionably full of opportunity. Holding were among the big- in particular, is expected to grow over a national health insurance scheme as cines in the first phase of production strongly in Q1 and Q2 2021 in most Increasingly digital opportunities are gest gainers, while Abu Dhabi the next five years. Currently, the mar- well as provide better healthcare ser- and 300 in the second phase,” the re- GCC countries,” said the report. driving new trends, for example, soar- Aviation scaled up 3 per cent ket relies on imports led by the US, fol- vices. As an example, the government port said. The report noted that the number ing demand for e-commerce services after it made public its plan lowed by Europe and Asia due to the invited bidders from the private sector Providing a general view, the report of hospitals almost doubled in most will most likely result in a doubling of to acquire Falcon Aviation current lack of local production capac- to design, build and operate three hos- said that the GCC hospital revenues countries, and at least 80 percent of the e-commerce providers by 2030. This Services. The index gains ity in the area. pitals on state-owned land in Qatar in are predicted to grow by 5.8 percent in hospitals and primary care clinics built shift to digital health will only continue were limited by First Abu “Qatar is also pursuing various 2019,” the report said. 2021 with the healthcare sector poised in the GCC were driven by government to emerge in prominence moving for- Dhabi Bank, which slipped R&D initiatives and giving high pri- “Qatar is redrafting the public-pri- for strong growth on the back of a surge initiatives and expansion plans. ward,” said Amer. 0.3 percent.

Namaa Doha launches high-end villas project at The Pearl Qatar Units are open for reservation through real estate brokerage companies

Tribune News Network Doha

Namaa Doha Real Estate has bro- ken ground on the 49 high-end villas Giardino Village project at The Pearl Qatar. With construction progress- ing at a steady pace, completion of the project is scheduled for the third quarter of 2022. The project offers promising in- Namaa Doha Real Estate CEO Abdulaziz The exclusive development features a mixture of properties ranging from 470 to 2,427 sqm as well as completed villas, villa plots, and low-rise building plots with a vestment opportunities at 49 stan- Muhammed Hamad Al Mana ground floor and three to five additional stories. dalone villas. Each villa comprises two levels, a basement, and a pent- villas at Giardino Village. This is in makes great headway in preparing interested in The Pearl’s top-tier available offers, one can visit www. building plots with a ground floor house in addition to a private pool line with the company’s belief in for the FIFA World Cup 2022, now neighbourhood. namaa-doha.com. and three to five additional stories. and parking spaces. providing luxury projects in the lo- only one year away. Namaa Doha Namaa Doha Real Estate has Giardino Village is located on The project is undertaken by Commenting on the launch of cal market that meet customers’ as- Real Estate is proud to play an im- announced that units are open for a tranquil enclave in close proxim- Namaa Doha Real Estate, recently the project, Namaa Doha Real Estate pirations, in addition to providing a portant role in these efforts and be reservation through real estate bro- ity to The Pearl’s retail centres of established in 2020, as the youngest CEO Abdulaziz Muhammed Hamad calm haven at strategic locations.” an important anchor in the history kerage companies approved by the Medina Centrale and Porto Arabia. real estate developer in the country. Al Mana said, “We are proud to an- “These endeavours are boosted of sustainable development of the company. Interested buyers can also The exclusive development features New projects are expected to be an- nounce Namaa Doha Real Estate’s by positive trends that are projected country,” Mana said. take advantage of bank financing a mixture of properties ranging from nounced by the developer during the first foray into real estate with the across the local market which is wit- The project presents a unique options to reserve a unit. For more 470 to 2,427 sqm as well as com- course of the year as it seeks to ex- flagship development of high-end nessing great stability as the country opportunity for investors who are details about the company and the pleted villas, villa plots, and low-rise pand its range of properties. Economy & Business Monday, April 5, 2021 09 QIB customers can now pay for Uber, Careem and Talabat using Absher points

Tribune News Network applications in Qatar. such as transferring their sal- Careem and Talabat,” said permarkets in Qatar, or settle Doha The redemption process aries for the first time, open- D. Anand, QIB’s General their Ooredoo, Vodafone or only takes a few clicks, and ing fixed deposit accounts, us- Manager - Personal Banking Kahramaa utility bills. Qatar Islamic Bank (QIB) can be done easily, and at ing their QIB Credit and Debit Group. Absher points can also be has announced further en- anytime from anywhere via Cards, in addition to register- “Transportation and food used to book flights with over hancements to its compre- the QIB Mobile App or the ing for the QIB Mobile App delivery services are amongst 900 airlines, book a room hensive Absher Rewards dedicated Absher web portal and Internet Banking portal. the most necessary everyday from over 450,000 hotels or Programme, adding leading (absher.qib.com.qa). After “In line with our com- services that we all use nowa- rent a car from more than transportation and food de- logging in, customers can tap mitment to offer the most days, and they will become 150,000 car rental offices in livery service provider in Qa- on “redeem partners”, and comprehensive ways to re- even more accessible for all more than 150 cities world- tar to its extensive network then select “Uber Qatar”, “Ca- ward our customers, and to QIB customers with the pos- wide. Customers also have of Absher points’ redemption reem” or “Talabat Qatar” to support with the demand sibility to pay using cashless access to the online shopping partners. access the dedicated redemp- for transportation and food solutions with our Absher store specialized in redeem- With the new updates, tion pages, and then click on delivery services in Qatar points programme.” ing points with thousands QIB customers can now ex- the “redeem now” button. during these unprecedented Customers can also of products across different change their Absher points After confirming the points’ times, we have extended our choose to redeem their Ab- categories, ranging from elec- against e-vouchers as pay- redemption, customers can method when using these se- Absher points every time list of Absher points redemp- sher points against vouchers tronic items, personal and ment methods when using immediately receive e-vouch- lected services in Qatar. they engage with the range of tion partners to include the to shop at the Mall of Qatar, household items from lead- the Uber, Careem and Talabat ers to be used as a payment QIB customers can earn Bank’s products and services, popular applications; Uber, shop from all Al Meera su- ing brands. Building sales GCC states look beyond COVID-19 generate QR258 mn in a week by rethinking role of expats, tax Tribune News Network action value through the Tribune News Network Doha sale of a residential build- Doha ing in Fereej Bin Omran. Registered property The transaction generated PwC on Sunday launched the sales in Qatar between QR23 million. The property latest Middle East Economy March 21 and 25 generated is 1,653 square metres in Watch, ‘The GCC rethinks ex- QR431.5 million, the latest area and was sold at a price pats and tax as it looks beyond Ezdan Real Estate report of QR1,293 per square foot. COVID-19’. has said, citing figures from The report also high- Considering the changes in the country’s Real Estate lighted some of Ezdan’s the region over the last year, Registration Department. milestone projects, includ- this issue looks at two trends Building sales dominat- ing its office project in Umm in the GCC which predate the ed these deals, generating Ghuwailina. It is located in crisis but have been ampli- QR258 million and mak- the vicinity of Corniche and fied by it, as diversification ing up 59.8 percent of the provides lots of services to becomes more important than total sales value during the tenants, including car park- ever: expats and taxation. period. ing, and overlooks the main Labour reform develop- Seven municipalities road which enhances the ments in the GCC are indica- — Umm Salal, Al Khor, Al businesses renting these of- tive of a broader trend of re- Thakira, Al Doha, Al Rayy- fices. The project features thinking the roles and rights an, Al Shamal, Al Daayen, 128 offices in different sizes. of expatriates, who were long and Al Wakra — saw varie- Ezdan Real Estate assumed to be temporary resi- ties of property sales dur- Company runs more than dents in a transitional phase of ing the period. The deals 22,800 residential units, development. As governments included sale of vacant land and around 790 commer- look ahead to transform the lots, residences, multi-use cial units inside Doha and region and create new avenues buildings, multi-use land its environs, including Al of growth, opportunity and re- lots and residential build- Wakra and Al Wukair. The silience, the value of talented ings, the report, which is company continues to in- and wealth-creating expats sponsored by SAK Partner- vest in the real estate sector should not be ignored. ships, said. and contribute to real es- Bassam Hajhamad, Qa- Doha municipality came tate development in Qatar tar Country Senior Partner at on top in terms of trans- on a large scale. PwC, said: “Qatar has led the way on long-term residency schemes; focusing on improv- ing worker rights and their wellbeing. For the same rea- son, a minimum wage was set Labour reform developments in the GCC are indicative of a broader trend of rethinking the roles and rights of expatriates, according to PwC. last year for all workers.” Add- ing: “These labour reforms im- the coming years as we look to and public finances are finally Arabia’s expat levies, phased tions. Most GCC states of- plemented over the past years attract, and retain, the world’s beginning to make progress, in since 2017, which raised fered these during 2020, have been welcomed by the top talent and investors.” but the challenge is to pre- approximately $15 billion in particularly to firms in the international community, who Qatar was the first to vent those two objectives from 2019 alone. sectors most affected by lo- applauded the country’s move launch the long-term residen- working against each other. Boosting the tax take is a cal lockdowns. Even before to a more dynamic and attrac- cy scheme in 2018, followed by A majority of the tax in- high priority, particularly for the pandemic, Saudi Arabia tive labour environment.” Saudi Arabia in 2019 and the creases since 2017 have come the countries with the least was providing exemptions Richard Boxshall, Mid- United Arab Emirate’s with its from VAT, applied so far in fiscal space and reserves, such for manufacturing firms and dle East Senior Economist at Golden Visa, which is available three countries, and from as Oman, Bahrain and, to a small-to-medium enterpris- PwC Middle East said: “As the to select investors and talent so called “sin tax” excise du- lesser extent, Saudi Arabia. es to the burdensome expat region looks to diversify, it is from around the world. ties, applied everywhere but However, there are risks that levy. Short-term exemptions better appreciating the value Although the GCC has gen- Kuwait. Together, VAT and the increasing cost and com- are beneficial, but businesses of expats as entrepreneurs, erally been a no tax, or very excise tax raised around $24 plexity of taxes could weigh on also need longer-term pre- investors, consumers and, in- low tax zone, the tax environ- billion, more than a quarter local businesses, particularly dictability to facilitate invest- creasingly, as taxpayers. These ment is now changing rap- of the total tax revenues in during this difficult period of ment and risk-taking. changes in residency and la- idly, spurred by the challenge 2019. The tripling of VAT in recovery from the pandemic, Richard added: “With bour rights have attracted and of lower oil prices since 2015 Saudi Arabia in July 2020 and impeding efforts to attract for- careful design, tax policies can retained high-value expats, and by a growing apprecia- the launch of VAT in Oman in eign investment to help move be used to encourage positive while at the same time improv- tion, particularly over the last April should see the take dou- economies beyond oil, and outcomes and can potentially Ezdan Real Estate Company runs more than 22,800 residential ing the business environment. year, that the clean energy ble again to about $47 billion potentially generating social provide a win for revenue gen- units, and around 790 commercial units inside Doha and its We expect these long-term transition requires a rethink in 2021, nearly half of all GCC discontent. eration, a win for cost of col- environs, including Al Wakra and Al Wukair. residency schemes to continue of the region’s model. Efforts taxation. The other major in- One response has been lection and, importantly, a win being a major development in to diversify both economies crease has come from Saudi to grant temporary exemp- for competitiveness.” Explainer: Starving for more chips in a tech-hungry world

Agencies ers on wheels. The problem prompted chip factories to chips than ever. To add to the ates far more revenue for them 2011, said Bank of America Se- up for production lost to the was recently compounded by start shutting down early last demand, wireless network than autos. curities analyst Vivek Arya. pandemic. As the U.S. economy rebounds a grounded container ship year, particularly overseas, providers are clamoring for After eight weeks of pan- The harder hit automakers IHS Markit estimates that from its pandemic slump, a vi- that blocked the Suez Canal where the majority of the pro- chips to power ultrafast “5G” demic-induced shutdown in have diverted chips from slow- from January through March, tal cog is in short supply: the for nearly a week, choking off cessors are made. By the time services being built around the the spring, automakers started er-selling models to those in the chip shortage reduced computer chips that power a chips headed from Asia to Eu- they started to reopen, they world. reopening factories earlier high demand, such as pickup North American auto produc- wide range of products that rope. had a backlog of orders to fill. President Donald Trump’s than they had envisioned. But trucks and large SUVs. Ford, tion by about 100,000 vehi- connect, transport and enter- These snags are likely to That wouldn’t have been as trade war with China prob- then they were hit with un- GM and Stellantis have start- cles. In January of last year, tain us in a world increasingly frustrate consumers who can’t daunting if chipmakers weren’t ably didn’t help either. Some expected news: chip makers ed building vehicles without before the pandemic, the U.S. dependent on technology. find the vehicle they want and then swamped by unforeseen analysts believe the Trump weren’t able to flip a switch some computers, putting them auto industry had enough ve- The shortage has already sometimes find themselves demand. For instance, no one administration’s blacklist- quickly and make the types of in storage with plans to retrofit hicles to supply 77 days of de- been rippling through vari- settling for a lower-end mod- entered 2020 expecting to see ing of Huawei Technologies processors needed for cars. them later. mand. By February of 2021 it ous markets since last sum- els without as many fancy a spike in personal computer prompted that major maker of GM expects the chip short- was down almost 30% to 55 mer. It has made it difficult for electronic features. And it sales after nearly a decade of smartphones to build a huge How are automakers deal- age to cost it up to $2 billion days. schools to buy enough laptops threatens to leave a big dent steady decline. But that’s what stockpile of chips as it braced ing with the shortage? in pretax profits this year from for students forced to learn in the auto industry, which by happened after government for the crackdown. They’ve canceled shifts lost production and sales. Will other popular prod- from home, delayed the re- some estimates stands to lose lockdowns forced millions of and temporarily closed fac- Ford is bracing for a similar ucts be affected this year? lease of popular products such $60 billion in sales during the office workers to do their jobs Why is the auto industry tories. Ford, General Motors, blow. Chip makers probably Samsung Electronics, one as the iPhone 12 and created first half of his year. from homes while students bring hit so hard? Fiat Chrysler (now Stellantis), won’t fully catch up with auto- of the world’s biggest chip- mad scrambles to find the lat- “We have been hit by the mostly attended their classes Stay-at-home orders drove Volkswagen and Honda seem industry demand until July at makers, recently warned that est video game consoles such perfect storm, and it’s not remotely. a surge in consumer electron- to have been hit the hardest. the earliest. its vast line-up of consumer as the PlayStation 5. going away any time soon,” ics sales, squeezing auto parts Others, most notably Toyota, electronics could be affected But things have been get- said Baird technology analyst Are other factors at work? suppliers who use chips for aren’t being affected as dra- How will this affect people by the shortage. Without spec- ting even worse in recent Ted Mortonson, who said he Yes. Both Sony and Micro- computers that control gas matically. That is probably who want to buy a new ifying which products might weeks, particularly in the auto has never seen such a serious soft were preparing to release pedals, transmissions and because Toyota was better car? be affected, Samsung co-CEO industry, where factories are shortage in nearly 30 years highly anticipated next-gen- touch screens. Chip makers prepared after learning how Expect to pay more. Sup- Koh Dong-jin told sharehold- shutting down because there tracking the chip industry. eration video game consoles compounded the pressure by sudden, unexpected shocks plies of many models were ers that a “serious imbalance” aren’t enough chips to fin- for their PlayStation and Xbox rejiggering factory lines to bet- can disrupt supply chains tight even before the chip between the supply and de- ish building vehicles that are Is the pandemic to blame? brands, respectively, that re- ter serve the consumer-elec- from the massive earthquake shortage because automakers mand for chips could hurt starting to look like comput- Sort of. The pandemic quired more sophisticated tronics market, which gener- and tsunami that hit Japan in were having trouble making sales from April through June. 10 Monday, April 5, 2021 Economy & Business

FB data on over 500 mn accounts found online ByteDance: India’s freeze on

Agencies ers without their knowledge or consent. Details from more than In December 2019, bank accounts is harassment 500 million Facebook users a Ukrainian security re- have been found available searcher reported finding a on a website for hackers. database with the names, Action in the absence of any material evidence or prior notice, as required by Indian law: ByteDance The information ap- phone numbers and unique pears to be several years old, user IDs of more than 267 but it is another example of million Facebook users — Agencies the vast amount of informa- nearly all U.S.-based — on tion collected by Facebook the open internet. It is un- China’s ByteDance has told and other social media sites, clear if the current data an Indian court that a gov- and the limits to how secure dump is related to this da- ernment freeze on its bank that information is. tabase. accounts in a probe of pos- The availability of the “This is old data that sible tax evasion amounts to data set was first reported was previously reported on harassment and was done il- by Business Insider. Ac- in 2019,” the Menlo Park, legally, according to a court cording to that publication, California-based company filing. it has information from 106 said in a statement. “We ByteDance in January re- countries including phone found and fixed this issue duced its Indian workforce numbers, Facebook IDs, in August 2019.” after New Delhi maintained a full names, locations, birth- An attempt to reach the ban on its popular video app dates, and email addresses. leaker over the messaging TikTok, imposed last year af- Facebook has been service Telegram was not ter a border clash between In- grappling with data se- immediately successful. dia and China. Beijing has re- curity issues for years. In Alon Gal, co-founder peatedly criticised India over 2018, the social media gi- of Israeli cybercrime intel- that ban and those of other ant disabled a feature that ligence firmH udson Rock, Chinese apps. allowed users to search said Facebook users should An Indian tax intelligence for one another via phone be alert to “social engineer- unit in mid-March ordered number following revela- ing attacks” by people who HSBC and Citibank in Mum- tions that the political firm may have obtained their bai to freeze bank accounts of Cambridge Analytica had phone numbers or other ByteDance India as it probed accessed information on up private data in the coming some of the unit’s financial to 87 million Facebook us- months. dealings. ByteDance has chal- lenged the freeze on the four accounts in a Mumbai court. None of ByteDance In- dia’s employees have been paid their March salaries due Unclaimed: $700,000 to the account freeze, said two people familiar with the from 2010 BP oil spill fund matter. The company told ByteDance has told an Indian court that a government freeze on its bank accounts in a probe of possible tax evasion amounts to harassment. the court it has a workforce of Agencies Restaurants, seafood markets, 1,335, including outsourced to requests for comment over and other financial dealings at least three executives, the fishermen, shrimpers and oil personnel. the weekend. between ByteDance India and filing says. Authorities also Louisiana’s treasurer says industry-related companies In the 209-page court The details of the tax in- The bite its parent entity in Singapore, asked ByteDance to submit the state is holding more than are among the people and filing lodged on March 25, vestigation have not previ- ● TikTok Pte Ltd. TikTok did documents, including in- $700,000 that has so far gone businesses for whom the mon- ByteDance told the High ously been reported. The tax None of ByteDance India’s not respond to an email seek- voices and agreements signed unclaimed by people and busi- ey is intended. Court in Mumbai the authori- agency told ByteDance last employees have been paid ing comment. with some clients. nesses affected by the 2010 BP Schroder’s release says ties acted against the com- year it had reasons to believe their March salaries due to ByteDance told the court ByteDance representatives oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. that, as of Tuesday, 167 people pany without any material the company suppressed cer- the account freeze its India workforce includes “appeared multiple times” be- That’s the worth of class had claimed $165,000 from evidence and gave no prior tain transactions and claimed ● 800 people working in its fore tax officers and provided action settlement checks the trust fund through the notice, as required by Indian excessive tax credits, the filing ByteDance in January “trust and safety” team that documents, the filing says. that have never been cashed, state unclaimed property pro- law, before such “drastic ac- shows. reduced its Indian supports activities like con- TikTok, one of India’s Treasurer John Schroder says gram. More than $700,000 in tion”. ByteDance declined to workforce after New Delhi tent moderation overseas. most popular video apps be- in a news release. trust fund money remains in Blocking accounts “during comment on its court filing maintained a ban on its The company has “robust fore it was banned, has faced The amounts range from 8 the program. the process of investigation but told Reuters on Tuesday popular video app TikTok business plans in India and scrutiny around the world. cents to more than $68,000. “If your livelihood depends amounts (to) applying undue it disagrees with the decision is not contemplating winding Under then-President More than 100 of the un- on the Gulf of Mexico, then coercion,” ByteDance argued. of the tax authority. HSBC de- ● Beijing has repeatedly up,” it said, urging the court Donald Trump, the United claimed settlements are for at you need to search our data- It is “intended, improperly, to clined to comment, while Citi- criticised India over that to lift the freeze on the ac- States alleged the app posed least $1,000. base,” Schroder said in the re- harass the petitioner.” bank did not respond. ban and those of other counts. national security concerns. The money, now in the lease. “This is your money. We India’s Directorate Gen- The court declined to Chinese apps The tax agency started The new administration of Joe state’s unclaimed property want you to claim it.” eral of Goods & Services Tax grant ByteDance immediate investigating the company in Biden has paused a govern- fund, comes from the Deepwa- People can search for un- Intelligence, and the finance relief in a brief hearing on The investigation centres July. It inspected documents ment lawsuit that could have ter Horizon Trust Fund that claimed property at www.la- ministry which oversees it, Wednesday. The next hearing on potential evasion of taxes at the company’s office and resulted in a de facto ban on BP established to pay claims. treasury.com. did not immediately respond is scheduled for Tuesday. related to online advertising summoned and questioned TikTok’s use there. Japanese business confidence up for third quarter in a row

DPA navirus-induced restrictions. navirus infections. Large corporations in The state of emergency Tokyo The reading, which Business sentiment the manufacturing and non- was declared in the four pre- turned positive for the first among medium-sized manu- manufacturing sectors ex- fectures in early January and Business confidence time in six quarters, was bet- facturers climbed to minus pected their investment to seven other prefectures were among large Japanese manu- ter than the median forecast 2 from minus 17 in Decem- rise 3 per cent for the new added to the measure six facturers rose for the third of minus 2 by analysts sur- ber while the index for small financial year through March days later. straight quarter amid a re- veyed by Kyodo News. manufacturers rose to minus 2022 from the previous year, It was lifted in Tochigi, covery in the coronavirus-hit Positive numbers on the 13 from minus 27, the survey according to the survey. north of Tokyo, in February economy, the Bank of Japan’s Tankan index indicate the showed. Japan ended the coro- and six other prefectures ear- latest Tankan survey showed extent to which optimists The index of large non- navirus state of emergency lier this month. on Thursday. outnumber pessimists. manufacturers’ sentiment that was in place in Tokyo Japan confirmed 2,843 The headline reading for The central bank’s survey rose to minus 1 in March and its surrounding three new cases on Wednesday, the manufacturing sector also showed large manufac- from minus 5 three months prefectures on March 21 de- exceeding 2,800 for the rose to plus 5 from minus turers expected the index to ago, the survey showed, as spite growing concerns about first time since January 31, 10 in December after hitting edge down to plus 4 in the hotels and restaurants con- a new spike of infections and 49 Covid-19-related minus 34 in June, its lowest second quarter of 2021 amid tinued to be battered by the Business sentiment among medium-sized manufacturers in Japan and increasing cases of new deaths, according to Kyodo level in 11 years, due to coro- fears of a resurgence of coro- Covid-19 pandemic. climbed to minus 2 from minus 17 in December. strains of the virus. News.

‘computational creativity’ Robot artist sells art for $688,888, now eyeing music career

Agencies as healthcare and education. then processed that, adding that terhouseCooper’s Global Crypto Sophia is the most famous image to her knowledge and painted Leader, said that NFTs give people Sophia is a robot of many talents robot creation from Hanson Robot- more strokes on top of her original “bragging rights” of the assets that — she speaks, jokes, sings and even ics, with the ability to mimic facial piece. they own. makes art. In March, she caused a expressions, hold conversations and In a tweet on Sophia’s account, “And what is really amazing stir in the art world when a digital recognize people. In 2017, she was the work was described as the first with NFT is that it not only allows work she created as part of a col- granted Saudi Arabian citizenship, NFT collaboration between an “AI, you to actually show to the broader laboration was sold at an auction for becoming the world’s first robot a mechanical collective being and an world that you own this, but it re- $688,888 in the form of a non- citizen. artist-collector.” “As an artist, I have ally creates this bond between the fungible token (NFT). “I envisioned Sophia as a computational creativity in my algo- holder of the NFT and the artists,” The sale highlighted a growing creative artwork herself, that could rithms, creating original works,” So- he said. frenzy in the NFT market, where generate art,” Hanson said in an phia said when asked what inspires It also allows art to be sold with- people can buy ownership rights to interview. her when it comes to art. “But my out traditional intermediaries, so digital content. NFTs each have a “Sophia is the culmination of a art is created in collaboration with that artists can connect directly with unique digital code saved on block- lot of arts, and engineering, and the my humans in a kind of collective buyers without being constrained by chain ledgers that allow anyone to idea that she could then generate intelligence like a human-artificial galleries or auction houses, Arsla- verify the authenticity and owner- art was a way for her to emotionally intelligence hive mind.” Sophia’s nian said. ship of items. and visually connect with people,” The close-up of the head of Sophia is seen at Hanson Robotics studio in Hong Kong. artwork selling as an NFT is part of Sophia will carry on painting, David Hanson, CEO of Hong he said. a growing trend. In March, a digital Hanson said, and the next step in Kong-based Hanson Robotics and Sophia collaborated with Italian The digital work that sold for cal artwork painted by Sophia. artwork by artist Beeple — whose the robot’s career could be that of a Sophia’s creator, has been develop- artist Andrea Bonaceto, who drew $688,888 is titled “Sophia Instantia- The buyer, a digital artwork real name is Mike Winkelmann — musician. She is working on several ing robots for the past two and a portraits of Sophia. Sophia then pro- tion”, and is a 12-second video file collector and artist known as 888 sold for nearly $70 million, shatter- musical works in a project called half decades. He believes realistic- cessed his work via neural networks which shows Bonaceto’s portrait with the Twitter handle @Cryp- ing records and making it the most Sophia Pop, where she collaborates looking robots can connect with and proceeded to create a digital evolving into Sophia’s digital paint- to888crypto, later sent Sophia a expensive digital artwork ever sold. with human musicians to generate people and assist in industries such artwork of her own. ing. It is accompanied by the physi- photo of his painted arm. The robot Henri Arslanian, Pricewa- music and lyrics, he said. Monday, April 5, 2021 11 Economy & Business

OBG Report Can infrastructure projects drive emerging markets’ COVID-19 recoveries? Emerging markets are expected to be a key engine of growth for global infrastructure investment in the years ahead

Tribune News Network followed by transportation (11.4 shift, renewed investment is nec- South and South-east Asian con- Doha percent), leisure and property (7.9 essary to bridge the ongoing infra- struction market in 2020, UK percent), and oil and gas (5.6 per- In a nutshell structure gap. Despite an increase data analytics firm GlobalData Many emerging markets are cent). ● Despite the economic slowdown, infrastructure projects increased by in projects last year, the world has has projected the sector will ex- turning towards infrastructure While the majority of these 5.5% in 2020 long been underinvesting in infra- perience a significant rebound in projects to stimulate the economic projects were in Western Europe structure. 2021. recovery from the coranvirus pan- (604) and North America (419), ● Infrastructure development is likely to be a key growth driver this According to the Global Infra- One country looking towards demic, with a particular focus on 297 were announced in Latin year structure Hub, a G20 initiative, infrastructure as a major eco- green and sustainable develop- America and 257 in South-east the world is facing a $400bn gap nomic growth driver is the Philip- ments, according to the Oxford Asia. ● Green or sustainable projects are those most likely to increase in in infrastructure investment this pines. While many projects under Business Group (OBG). In terms of the latter, Vietnam demand year, a figure that could cumu- the flagship“Build, Build, Build” Despite the broader downturn connected more than 9 GW of so- latively grow to $15trn by 2040 plan were delayed last year, the last year – which the IMF says lar power to the national system ● Asia is leading the way for emerging market infrastructure if current rates of spending con- government has made attempts to resulted in the global economy over the course of 2020 – increas- development tinue. revitalise them in 2021. contracting by 3.5 percent – the ing the country’s overall solar ca- In January it was announced number of newly announced in- pacity eight-fold relative to 2019 Asia leading the way that a Chinese consortium would frastructure projects actually in- levels. Meanwhile, in June the bridges and airports – while also 500bn this year. Emerging markets are expect- finance the $940m Subic-Clark creased by 5 percent, according to government approved a further 7 investing significant amounts in Global examples of major ed to be a key engine of growth for cargo railway project, while in analysis from global financial data GW in wind power projects. new broadband internet develop- sustainability-minded infrastruc- global infrastructure investment March the Department of Pub- company Refinitiv. In total, 2,550 ments and green energy projects. ture strategies include the EU’s in the years ahead. lic Works and Highways said it new projects were announced in Sustainable development to From a global perspective, €1trn European Green Deal plan, According to projections from had hired an additional 1000 en- 2020 with a combined value of drive growth green developments are once which envisages massive invest- insurance company Swiss Re, gineers to fast-track a series of $739 billion. Looking ahead, growth in the again expected to be one of the ment in sustainable projects to en- of the $66bn in infrastructure “Build, Build, Build” projects. Of these, 56 percent were clas- volume of infrastructure projects major drivers of infrastructure sure the bloc is climate neutral by spending expected between 2021 Infrastructure development sified as sustainable, primarily is expected to continue into 2021, growth, spurred on by growing 2050, and China’s Belt and Road and 2040, some $43bn is to come across the region is also expected made up of renewable energy pro- as restrictions ease and govern- demand for renewable energy and Initiative, which is placing greater from emerging markets. Much of to be supported by international jects in the solar, wind, biomass ments look to stimulate their governmental efforts to meet car- emphasis on sustainable infra- this will be driven by emerging institutions. In March the Green and hydroelectric segments. This economies. bon reduction targets. structure in the wake of Covid-19 Asia (including China), which will Climate Fund announced that was the fourth consecutive year in An example of a potential As OBG has outlined, the value through its Green Silk Road plan. account for $35bn in infrastruc- it would allocate $300m to the which the number of sustainable infrastructure-led recovery is US of green bonds defied the Covid-19 Elsewhere, significant invest- ture spending over the period. Asian Development Bank-man- projects increased, rising from President Joe Biden’s proposed economic slowdown to reach a re- ment is also expected in telecom- The region is also expected to aged green recovery programme, 808 in 2016 to 1,437 in 2020. multibillion-dollar “Build Back cord high of $269.5bn last year, munications infrastructure fol- see a spike in infrastructure pro- which will provide technical as- A majority of infrastructure Better” plan, which aims to re- according to the Climate Bonds lowing the rapid uptake of digital jects in the short term. sistance and concessional loans projects announced last year were pair much of the country’s physi- Initiative, a figure that some sug- services throughout the pandemic. After Covid-19 prompted an to 20 green energy projects across in the power sector (63.7 percent), cal infrastructure – such as roads, gest could be as high as $400- As global demand patterns 8.5 percent contraction in the South-east Asia.

What Biden’s new $100 billion plan for broadband means

Agencies (For history buffs, that’s a cator of lack of access than ge- tisan issue, but Republican Republicans’ concerns reference to the Rural Elec- ography is a huge statement.” leaders of the House and Sen- echo those from industry. The problems with U.S. trification Act — Depression- It’s not clear how the ate Commerce committees The cable lobbying group broadband networks have era legislation that sped the Biden administration plans to called Biden’s approach on NCTA said the White House been obvious for years. Ser- extension of power lines to bring that about. broadband wasteful. “risks taking a serious wrong vice costs more than in many farms and rural communi- Rep. Cathy McMorris turn ... by suggesting that the other rich nations, it still ties.) Why is this necessary? Rodgers of Washington, the government is better suited doesn’t reach tens of millions It could signal a major The pandemic has made Republican ranking mem- than private-sector technolo- of Americans and the compa- policy shift toward lowering clear that millions of Ameri- ber of the House Energy and gists to build and operate the nies that provide it don’t face the high cost of internet ser- cans are not online, a problem Commerce Committee, said internet.” The NCTA also said much competition. vice, rather than just handing that isn’t limited to rural are- Biden’s plan would “hurt it was worried about price Now the Biden admin- money to broadband provid- as but includes cities too. The private investment in our regulation. The Biden docu- istration is promising to do ers for building out networks. White House says more than networks without actually ment does not mention price something about all of those “Americans pay too much for 30 million Americans don’t closing the digital divide.” controls. issues as part of its proposed internet,” the plan bluntly have access to high-speed She called for trimming Jonathan Spalter, CEO $2.3 trillion infrastructure states. internet at all, and millions regulations on building in- of the lobbying group USTe- package. The plan, which It pushes for greater more can’t afford it. frastructure to help prompt lecom, said that prioritizing would devote $100 billion to competition that could lower The divide persists even investment. Sen. Roger investments in government- get all Americans connected, prices, by encouraging and after the government has Works on fiber-optic installation being carried out in Norton. Although Wicker of Mississippi, the owned broadband is “exactly is more idea than policy and supporting networks owned spent billions encouraging the US government has spent tens of billions of dollars to close the Republican ranking mem- the wrong approach” since lacks a lot of important detail. or affiliated with local govern- broadband providers to con- digital divide, tens of millions of Americans still aren’t online. ber of Senate Commerce, taxpayers will get the bill if But it sketches out a strik- ments, cooperatives and non- nect far-flung and often iso- said the proposal “opens such networks fail. He also ing new vision of activist gov- profit organizations. Current- lated communities. From policy has been an ongoing in areas that do have inter- the door for duplication and claimed that broadband pric- ernment measures intended ly, roughly 20 states restrict 2009 through 2017, federal mistake, said Gigi Sohn, an net even if it’s slow — what’s overbuilding.” es are already falling. to improve high-speed inter- municipal broadband. Prior- spending on such programs official in the Obama-era FCC. called “overbuilding.” Congressional Democrats The Labor Department net service, following decades itizing such networks could totaled $47.3 billion, accord- “A lot of what we have is very have recently introduced ma- says pricing for telephone in which the government has give them a leg up when the ing to a government watch- slow,” she said. The White Will Congress support jor broadband legislation of services, which includes in- largely left the job to private government doles out money dog report. An additional $20 House now says it wants this plan? their own, including a $94 ternet plans along with phone companies. for extending service. billion is lined up over the “future-proof” networks “in The $2.3 trillion infra- billion bill from Sen. Amy service, has dropped about “The most important next decade for rural broad- unserved and underserved structure plan has its detrac- Klobuchar of Minnesota and 7% over the past decade. In- What is Biden’s proposal? thing about what President band, and another $9 billion areas,” so they don’t have to tors. Some Democrats are Rep. James Clyburn of South ternet service costs, which in- It would spend $100 bil- Biden has done in the pro- for high-speed wireless inter- be rebuilt again years later disappointed because they Carolina, the House Majority clude things like web hosting, lion to “future-proof” broad- posal is that he’s redefined net called 5G in sparsely pop- because they’re out-of-date. wanted more. On the other Whip, who both said they ap- have risen 2%. A think tank band as part of an eight-year the digital divide,” said Larry ulated regions. Billions more Exactly what those terms hand, Senate Minority Leader proved of the White House’s with a lot of tech-industry infrastructure plan, calling Irving, a top telecom official flowed to broadband from the means for what gets built and Mitch McConnell of Kentucky approach. funding, New America, says high-speed connections “the in the Clinton administration. three huge relief packages en- where isn’t clear, either, and called it a “Trojan horse” for prices are higher in the U.S. new electricity” that’s now a “The simple act of recognizing acted during the pandemic. many Republicans oppose tax hikes. What does Big Broad- compared with Asia and Eu- necessity for all Americans. that poverty is a bigger indi- America’s rural-internet putting federal funds to work Internet access is a bipar- band say? rope. QatarTribune Qatar_Tribune Hubert QatarTribuneChannel qatar_tribune Hurkacz becomes Poland’s first ATP Masters 100 champion at Miami Open MONday, APRIL 5, 2021 page 14 Quartararo battles to TISSOT GP of Doha win in tight finish French rider bags first win in MotoGP Top 10 1. Fabio Quartararo (Monster factory colours Energy Yamaha MotoGP) from Zarco and 2. Johann Zarco (Pramac Racing) + 1.457 Martin in the 3. Jorge Martin (Pramac closest top 15 Racing) + 1.500 4. Alex Rins (Team Suzuki finish in history Ecstar) + 2.088 5. Maverick Viñales (Monster Tribune News Network Energy Yamaha MotoGP) + Losail 2.110 6. Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati In what was the closest top 15 finish in history in the Tis- Lenovo Team) + 2.642 sot Grand Prix of Doha as the 7. Joan Mir (Team Suzuki MotoGP at the Losail Inter- Ecstar) + 4.868 national Circuit on Sunday, 8. Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM gladiators treated fans to an Factory Racing) + 4.979 unbelievable dogfight under the desert lights. 9. Jack Miller (Ducati Lenovo Fabio Quartararo (Mon- Team) + 5.365 ster Energy Yamaha MotoGP) 10. Aleix Espargaro (Aprilia emerged victorious as he and Racing Team Gresini) + 5.382. second place Johann Zarco (Pramac Racing) hand France their first double premier class Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP’s Fabio Quartararo celebrates winning the MotoGP Grand Prix of Doha at Losail International Circuit on Sunday. podium since 1954. History made there and history secured at fighting back but chose to for rookie Jorge Martin too as play it safe in P3. Quartararo the Pramac Racing star bags his stormed across the line to win maiden MotoGP rostrum. his first race in factory colours The start was again a sight by 1.457 seconds, as Zarco to behold as both Pramac Rac- pipped Martin by 0.043 sec- ing riders got away perfectly onds in a historic day for Pra- from P1 and P2 on the grid, but Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP’s French rider Fabio Quartararo mac Racing. Unreal from all Qatar GP race winner Maver- celebrates winning the TISSOT Grand Prix of Doha on the podium the guys on the podium, Mar- ick Vinales (Monster Energy at the Losail International Circuit on Sunday. tin matching Marc Marquez’s Yamaha MotoGP) went back- feat of achieving a podium in wards as Miguel Oliveira (Red for 7th with Brad Binder (Red before Miller and Mir clashed his second premier class race. Bull KTM Factory Racing) Bull KTM Factory Racing), coming onto the front straight. Fourth place was held by propelled himself from P12 to with Rins hounding Zarco. A controversial moment. This Rins as he and Vinales tussle P4 in an absolutely stunning The Suzuki man and Zarco battle was insane and no one it out, the Spaniards separated start for the Portuguese star. kept interchanging P2 and just was leaving an inch. by just 0.022 seconds at the Both Suzukis got away when Rins thought he’d got There was so much going flag. Bagnaia was a further half very well too, as did third place the job done, the Ducati blast- on in the fight behind leader a second behind the Spanish Aleix Espargaro (Aprilia Racing ed back by on the straight. It Martin. Quartararo was up to duel in P6 as the factory Duca- Team Gresini) but it wasn’t a was a very intriguing start to P4 now behind Martin, Zarco tis get beaten by the Pramac good start for the factory Ducati the race but leading the way and Bagnaia, with Rins almost riders, but it’s not a terrible Lenovo Team riders or Quar- still was the cool, calm and col- finding a way past on Lap 15. result for the Italian. tararo. Jack Miller and Franc- lected Martin. There was seven to go, Miller Mir eventually came home esco Bagnaia didn’t make use of But Bagnaia was the was P6 with Viñales P7, Mir in P7 after a heated race, Bind- the Ducati front holeshot device man on the move as the Ital- was trying to find a way past TISSOT Grand Prix of Doha MotoGP top three Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP), Johann er cemented a brilliant P8 for and found themselves in the ian moved his way up into eighth place Aleix Espargaro Zarco (Pramac Racing), and Jorge Martin (Pramac Racing) on the podium at the Losail International Circuit himself and KTM as Miller lower ends of the top 10. P5, soaring past Mir on the as Pol Espargaro (Repsol Hon- on Sunday. takes a disappointing P9 for Martin held his nerve and straight, with Miller soon fol- da Team), Binder and Enea the second race in a row at Lo- led the opening lap without lowing his teammate through Bastianini (Avintia Esponso- up Quartararo at Turn 1 with toe-to-toe, as Quartararo laid two Pramac riders, barring a sail. Miller was in the thick of trouble as a MotoGP freight by doing the exact same thing: rama Racing) were hunting. five to go but the Yamaha cut down a 1:55.182 to stretch out disaster, it looked like the po- it throughout but it’s definitely train followed him over the wringing the neck of his GP21 Turn 15, seven to go, Quar- back underneath to hold P3. a lead of half a second to Mar- dium positions were decided. not the result the Australian line as Alex Rins (Team Su- on the front straight as Aleix tararo cut past Bagnaia. But Viñales was past Rins for P5, tin, who was keeping team- Quartararo was making would have been looking for. zuki Ecstar) got the better of Espargaro slipped to P7. Bagnaia was straight back by as Quartararo then sliced up mate Zarco at bay. no mistakes and edged his A breathless Sunday in Oliveira to sit behind the lead- At half race distance, Mar- on the straight. Turn 1 then the inside of Zarco and then The last lap of an incred- lead up to one second halfway MotoGP ended with Zarco ing Pramacs. World Cham- tin was still leading. However, saw Bagnaia run very wide passed Martin at Turn 15, but ible battle then came around around the last lap, despite a emerging as the early World pion Joan Mir on the second tensions were starting to reach and the Italian went from P3 Martin returned to P1 down and Quartararo’s lead was 0.7 scary moment when hitting Championship leader. Two Team Suzuki Ecstar machine boiling point in the heat of the to P7, with nine seconds cov- the straight. seconds. It was El Diablo’s debris, with Zarco tucked right P2s give the Frenchman 40 chucked it up the inside of desert. Turn 10 saw Mir make a ering the top 18 riders. This Quartararo responded and to lose at this point as team- up behind Martin. Zarco was points as Quartararo heads Quartararo at Turn 6 as the harsh move on Miller, contact was a special, special encoun- made a move stick at Turn 3, mate Vinales ran wide at Turn tempted earlier in the lap but home from Doha level on riders got very close for com- made between the two, Miller ter in Doha. An incredible race now it was the Frenchman’s 1, allowing Rins to slide on at Turn 15, the Frenchman de- points with teammate Vinales fort in the opening exchanges. was wide. Rins, after a front entered the final five laps and chance to try and break the through in the battle for P4. cided to stick it up the inside on 36 apiece – a great couple Viñales, Quartararo, Miller end scare at Turn 9, had anoth- still, Martin was leading – and tow. Vinales got a track limits The Yamaha and Suzuki men of his rookie teammate. The of weeks at Losail for the fac- and Bagnaia were scrapping er moment at the final corner looking brilliant. Miller picked warning as he and Rins went were 0.6 seconds down on the move stuck, Martin hinted tory Yamahas. Lowes resists Gardner pressure for impressive Moto2 victory

Tribune News Nework the Australian got swamped place Fabio Di Giannantonio the fastest lap of the race and Losail by Lowes, Marco Bezzecchi (Federal Oil Gresini Moto2), the gap was up to half a sec- (SKY Racing Team VR46) and who in turn was leading a fero- ond, more than it had been for Elf Marc VDS Racing Team’s teammate Raul Fernandez. cious battle for the top 10 and some time now. Again though, Sam Lowes notched up win The latter was wide at point-scoring positions. Gardner was giving it his all number two of 2021 to become Turn 1 as Bezzecchi grabbed On Lap 13, Lowes landed the and Sector’s 3 and 4 saw the the first British rider to win the the holeshot from Lowes, with fastest lap of the race and was gap return to two tenths – a opening two races of an inter- Gardner slotting into P3 ahead asking questions of Gardner, 1:58.991 for Gardner. mediate class campaign since of his rookie teammate. This with Raul Fernandez still stick- Mike Hailwood did so in 1966, leading quartet immediately ing with the two elder Moto2™ Moto2 Top 10: as the number 22 and Remy pulled clear of the chasing statesmen. Bezzecchi was now 1. Sam Lowes (Elf Marc VDS Gardner (Red Bull KTM Ajo) pack, fronted by Aron Canet losing touch, the Italian 1.5 sec- Racing Team); 2. Remy Gardner provided a terrific scrap for (Solunion Aspar Team). onds back from Raul Fernan- (Red Bull KTM Ajo) + 0.190; 3. victory in the Tissot Grand Bezzecchi, Lowes, Raul Elf Marc VDS Racing Team’s British rider Sam Lowes, Red Bull KTM dez, the latter sticking in his Raul Fernandez (Red Bull KTM Prix of Doha Moto2 at the Lo- Fernandez and Gardner were Ajo’s Australian rider Remy Gardner and Red Bull KTM Ajo’s Span- Elf Marc VDS Racing Team’s Brit- fastest lap of the race on Lap 14. Ajo) + 3.371; 4. Marco Bezzec- sail International Circuit on in a league of their own. All of ish rider Raul Fernandez during the Moto2 Grand Prix of Doha at the ish rider Sam Lowes celebrates The fastest lap of the race, chi (SKY Racing Team VR46) + Sunday. them set mid-1:59s with Canet Losail International Circuit on Sunday. (AFP) with the trophy. (AFP) a 1:59.131, was then set by 6.789; 5. Ai Ogura (Idemitsu Rookie sensation Raul Fer- setting a 2:00.040, the latter Gardner as the race entered Honda Team Asia) + 16.640; nandez (Red Bull KTM Ajo) then lost out to Joe Roberts ner, seeing Lowes getting into ed the Italian and set their Lowes who wasn’t looking as the final five laps. 0.7s split the 6. Augusto Fernandez (Elf Marc picked up his maiden Moto2 (Italtrans Racing Team) as the his groove, was close to hitting sights on Lowes, who wasn’t comfortable as last weekend. trip, 0.2s between Lowes and VDS Racing Team) + 16.887; podium with a brilliant P3 at American sat 1.7 seconds adrift teammate Raul Fernandez pulling clear. In the battle for Raul Fernandez was right Gardner. The Qatar race win- 7. Celestino Vietti (SKY Rac- Losail. heading onto Lap 4. On said and Bezzecchi at Turn 10, but P5, Ai Ogura (Idemitsu Hon- there with Bezzecchi waiting ner looked to have the edge in ing Team VR46) + 17.254; 8. Launching very well from lap, the lead changed. Lowes the pass was made. da Team Asia) was challeng- in the wings too, a fascinating the opening half of the lap, the Stefano Manzi (Flexbox HP40) + the middle of the front row tucked in behind Bezzecchi on Coming onto Lap 6, ing Roberts and on Lap 7 the encounter was beginning to Qatar GP runner-up looked 17.283; 9. Xavi Vierge (Petronas was Gardner who immediately the straight and made a Turn Bezzecchi went from P2 to P4 American was down. unfold. And with 10 laps gone, quicker in the second half. Sprinta Racing) + 17.515; 10. got the better of Lowes, but in 1 move stick, and Lowes was in a matter of seconds. Both Meanwhile, at the front, 10 to go, the top four were Lowes responded to Gard- Fabio Di Giannantonio (Federal the second phase of the start soon half a second clear. Gard- Red Bull KTM Ajo bikes draft- Gardner was hounding leader nearly six seconds clear of fifth ner’s pressure. A 1:59.026 was Oil Gresini Moto2) + 18.167. Sports Monday, April 5, 2021 13 The MotoGP family will never forget this season’s start in Qatar: Dorna Sports CEO

with the authorities here and Carmelo Ezpeleta the Qatar Motosports Academy (QMA) is one of our priorities. thanks Qatari We think this this year, it was the first time three Qatari Rid- authorities for ers participated in the Asian making things Talent Cup and if I may say so they are doing very well possible despite because this is the first time for them competing against the global Japanese and Malaysian riders who are people with more ex- pandemic perience. We think this is one of the of the things we need to Tribune News Network focus more in the in the future. Doha Carmelo Ezpeleta, CEO, Dorna Sports (the commercial rights holder I am sure one day we can have for the motorcycling sport of MotoGP). any category rider competing in Carmelo Ezpeleta, CEO, the top category. We are talking Dorna Sports (the commer- unfolded: forget that we could start the with them. Whatever is neces- cial rights holder for the mo- season here with two races. We sary we tell them and we see torcycling sport of MotoGP) We had been talking with the are very happy that the races what they are doing. It is im- thanked the State of Qatar for Qatari authorties - the Qatar went well. In general, it is not portant to have somebody from making the opening two races Motor and Motorcycle federa- an issue to race here. We have the Middle East, and especially of the new season of MotoGP tion (QMMF) and the Minister been working together since from Qatar. possible with all success at the of Culture and Sports HE Salah 2004. We brought the first night Losail International Circuit. bin Ghanem Al Ali - since it was race. They improve the lighting Carmelo Ezpeleta, CEO, Dorna Sports, speaking to the local media at Hotel Ritz Carlton on Sunday. On Qatar and FIFA World Cup “The MotoGP family will nev- not possible to hold the MotoGP also. Better than ever. Every- 2022 er forget that we could start class because of the pandemic. thing is very nice. people. We have experience of We hope to continue with September we will see about I am not surprised with what I the season here (in Qatar),” As soon as we realised it was After we realized last year in Qa- protocols of 14 races last year. protocols. We are hoping this races at the end of the year. see. When I came here in 2004 stressed the septuagenar- also not possible to travel to the tar, we see situation we decided We moved between the hotel year will be less complicated. Japan, Australia, Malaysia and for the first time, I remember we ian Spaniard in an interaction United States and Argentina, we to continue with SOPs. We knew to circuit and back. There is no Thanks the Qatari authorities for Thailand - we are optimistic - but were at the Ritz Carlton. When with the media on Sunday. decided to contact the QMMF it was important to continue. complaint. Everybody knew we all the help. We had a fantastic we will know exactly at the end we see from the window now, President Abdulrahman Al Man- We created protocols that have are going to hold races and eve- race last week and I think this of July. We will know more at the all of Qatar has changed. What Excerpts nai and it was he who proposed been working very well. These ryone knows we are here to do will continue for all the races. time of the summer break. we see in incredible. I think we conduct everything here - the things will also help in the fu- that even with protocols. We are We hope to do all races in Qatar 2022 will be an incredible On how the planning for the testing, and the two races. ture. We have accepted the pos- proud of the people in the pad- principle. If the situation is not On Qatar Motosports Academy: success. Especially the football new season with start at Losail The MotoGP family will never sibility to doing races with less docks who make it a success. good, we may do it without fans. We have been talking a lot with fans will enjoy it.

ICSS participates in A star is born: Teen Acosta wins ‘Diplomacy & Sports Cooperation in a World epic Moto3 battle from pitlane in Turmoil’ forum Tribune News Network QNA Ministry of Foreign Affairs to Doha Rookie becomes the first rider to win a Moto3 race from pitlane, beating Binder Doha participate and deliver a key- note speech at the forum. Sixteen-year-old rookie by 0.039s in an outrageous lightweight class of TISSOT Grand Prix of Doha The International Centre for According to the invita- Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM Sport Security (ICSS), a Doha- tion, the forum will bring to- Ajo) on Sunday became the based independent and non- gether an elite of local and in- first Moto3 rider to start from profit organization, is taking ternational personalities from pitlane and win at the Losail part in the “Diplomacy and various sectors to discuss and International Circuit. Sports Cooperation in a World debate the relationship be- A truly astonishing ride in Turmoil” forum, which is or- tween sport, peace and devel- from the teen Spaniard left ganized virtually by the Minis- opment. It aims at promoting everyone speechless as the try of Foreign Affairs of Mexico the strategy of sports diplo- number 37 beat Darryn Binder and Ibero-American Universi- macy in Mexico. (Petronas Sprinta Racing) by ty last Tuesday, in coincidence The invitation praised the 0.039s, with Niccolo Antonelli with the celebration of the In- remarkable and hard work (Avintia Esponsorama Moto3) ternational Day of Sport for made by the International completing the podium. Development and Peace pro- Centre for Sport Security in re- Having stunned the mo- claimed by the United Nations cent years in the fields of sports torcycling world in just his General Assembly in 2013. security, protecting integrity, second start, Acosta was all The ICSS will be represent- and combating extremism and smiles with his braces well in ed at the forum by its Chair- violence in sports. place. “I knew this could be man Mohammed bin Hanzab, Organizers of the event ex- possible. When I woke up this who has received an official pressed pleasure with the ICSS morning, I told my teammate invitation from the Mexican participation in the forum. this could be done,” he said soon after the race. Making the best start was Gabriel Rodrigo (Indonesian The 16-year-old Pedro Acosta of Red Bull KTM Ajo in action (above), and soon after his Moto3 win (right) at Losail International Circuit on Sunday. Racing Gresini Moto3) from Greenwood, Rashford on P3 on the grid, with Tatsuki started pulling clear of sec- Suzuki (SIC58 Squadra Corse) ond place Binder as Masia at target for Manchester Utd and Binder making electric fourth. The latter shoved it up getaways from the second row the inside of Antonelli at Turn DPA to claw themselves up to P2 and 6 but both ran wide, allowing Berlin P3. Binder was wasting no time Rodrigo through. Meanwhile, and was into the lead at Turn Acosta was setting the fastest Mason Greenwood and Mar- 4, polesitter Jaume Masia (Red lap of the race with Binder the cus Rashford were on target as Bull KTM Ajo) was down to P4 only one able to stick with the Manchester United came from but then found his way past Su- wonder kid on the last lap, with behind to beat relegation-threat- zuki for P3 on the opening lap. Masia then coming into con- ened Brighton and Hove Albion Kaito Toba (CIP Green tact with Rodrigo at Turn 10. A 2-1 in the Premier League. Power) then led on Lap 2 but late lunge didn’t work and the Danny Welbeck returned it was slipstream city down the Qatar race winner, along with to haunt United with a de- 1km down the home straight Rodrigo, was wide to allow An- served opening goal for the every lap. Binder was back at tonelli back through. Seagulls in the first half atO ld the front briefly before Filip However, it was now all Trafford on Sunday. Salac (Rivacold Snipers Team) about Acosta vs Binder. An Second-placed United Manchester United’s Mason and Suzuki interchanged P1 on absolutely pitch-perfect last raised their game after the Greenwood celebrates scoring Lap 4, with the pitlane starters lap from the Spaniard all came break, though, and the fit-again against Brighton and Hove Albion still six seconds adrift of 21st down to the run to the line. Rashford marked his return at Old Trafford on Sunday. (AFP) place Xavier Artigas (Leopard Binder was in touch and had with a well taken equaliser. Racing) – the latter taking his a chance of snatching the 25 Greenwood, also passed captain to score twice, but they two long-lap penalties. points at the death, but Acosta fit after recovering from an were pegged back in the clos- The Moto3 script was TISSOT Grand Prix of Doha Moto3 podium finishers Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM Ajo), Darryn Binder held on by just 0.039s to claim injury, headed home the win- ing stages as Jose Mourinho’s the same as always as we en- (Petronas Sprinta Racing), and Niccolo Antonelli (Avintia Esponsorama Moto3) during the presentation. his first Moto3 victory. ner seven minutes from time Spurs flattered to deceive again. tered Lap 7: constant fairing Moto3 Top 10: to stun the Seagulls in the ab- Having already gone ex- bashing, awe-inspiring rac- After leading across the Artigas was the first crash- with nowhere to go, the latter 1. Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM Ajo) sence of Anthony Martial, who tremely close to opening the ing. Leading now was An- line, Binder was squeezed out er with seven to go after con- got a face full of Honda and both 2. Darryn Binder (Petronas could be out for the season scoring, Newcastle went in drea Migno (Rivacold Snipers at Turn 1 as he and teammate tact with Carlos Tatay (Avin- were out of the race. Later, at Sprinta Racing) + 0.039 with a knee problem. front through Joelinton, but Team) from Toba and Masia, John McPhee got a bit close tia Esponsorama Moto3) Turn 6, Tatay and Adrian Fer- 3. Niccolo Antonelli (Reale Avin- Victory for the Red Devils six minutes later the home with rookie Adrian Fernan- for comfort. The South Afri- with Acosta and Garcia now nandez were down too. tia Moto3) + 0.482 strengthened their grip on sec- side trailed - Kane’s predatory dez (Sterilgarda Max Racing can suddenly down to P14, tagged onto the back of the In the aftermath, Masia now 4. Andrea Migno (Rivacold Snip- ond place, 14 point behind lead- instincts on show as he scored Team) getting properly stuck with Jeremy Alcoba (Indone- leaders. Salac, with six to go, led from Migno and Binder, as ers Team) + 0.514 ers Manchester City with a game a quick-fire brace. in. Further back, the pitlane sian Racing Gresini Moto3) was then down and out after a Acosta found himself inside the 5. Kaito Toba (CIP Green Power) in hand, while Brighton are six But less than a minute af- starters of Acosta, Romano now the new race leader. Like great race – a real shame for top five – sensational work from + 0.651 points above the drop zone. ter Kane hit the post in the sec- Fenati (Sterilgarda Max Rac- he was last Sunday, Ayumu the Czech rider who got a bit the rookie. The gap between the 6. Izan Guevara (GasGas Relegation-threatened ond half, Willock - who is on ing Team), Sergio Garcia Sasaki (Red Bull KTM Tech3) of helping hand from Sasaki. leading quintet – Rodrigo, Ma- Gaviota Aspar) + 0.708 Newcastle United was saved loan from Spurs’ bitter rivals (GASGAS Gaviota Aspar) and was in the thick of it and brief- Now, with five to go, the top sia, Binder, Acosta and Migno 7. Ayumu Sasaki (Tech3 KTM by a late score from Joe Wil- Arsenal - blasted in from close Stefano Nepa (BOE Owlride) ly led but watching the riders 21 were covered by 1.6 sec- – was over half a second to An- Racing) + 1.805 lock from a potentially massive range to seal a deserved point were now starting to penetrate go – genuinely – 10 abreast onds. 1.6 seconds! tonelli, but the latter did amaz- 8. Ryusei Yamanaka (CarXpert point in a 2-2 draw with Totten- for Steve Bruce’s men. the top 20, just over six sec- into Turn 1 was frightening Drama then unfolded at ingly to bridge the gap. PrüstelGP) + 1.857 ham, who missed the chance to Other results: Chelsea 2 West onds off the fight for the race stuff. Remember Binder? Two Turn 1 between two race leaders. And heading onto the last 9. Jaume Masia (Red Bull KTM go fourth At the end of a week Bromwich Albion 5; Leeds win. There was 10 laps to go minutes later, he was back up Alcoba and McPhee were down lap, Acosta had clawed his way Ajo) + 1.875 in which Harry Kane’s future United 2 Sheffield United 1; now in Doha, 1.5 seconds split to fifth – slipstream effect in at Turn 1, Alcoba tagged the to the front. The rookie sen- 10. Romano Fenati (Sterilgarda was something of a hot topic, it Leicester City 0 Manchester City 18 riders. Outrageous. full flow. back of Binder and left McPhee sation took the initiative and Max Racing Team) + 1.967. was only fitting for theE ngland 2; Arsenal 0 Liverpool 3. 14 Monday, April 5, 2021 Sports MIAMI OPEN Fakhar Zaman’s record 193 in Hurkacz claims first vain as SA win Masters 1000 title by 17 runs Agencies included four sixes, before Da- Polish player set JOHANNESBURG vid Miller finished the innings with 50 not out from 27 balls. to make Top 20 Fakhar Zaman’s 193 was not Seamer Haris Rauf was enough as Pakistan lost the comfortably the pick of the Pa- in rankings second One-Day International kistan bowlers with 3-54 from ATP to South Africa by 17 runs at his 10 overs. Miami (Florida) The Wanderers on Sunday. The third and final ODI The win saw the hosts lev- is scheduled for Pretoria on Hubert Hurkacz became elled the three-game series. Wednesday but South Africa Poland’s first TA P Masters Opener Zaman was left to will be without leading play- 1000 champion on Sunday do it all on his own as Pakistan ers De Kock, Miller, Kagiso after taking down 19-year-old reached 324 for nine in reply Rabada and Anrich Nortje as Jannik Sinner 7-6(4), 6-4 in to South Africa’s 341 for six. they head to the Indian Pre- the Miami Open presented by His 193-run knock includ- mier League. Itau final. ed 18 fours and 10 sixes for the The 24-year-old needed record score in ODIs in Johan- Scoreboard one hour and 45 minutes to nesburg, beating the 175 by clinch the biggest ATP Tour Herschelle Gibbs against Aus- SOUTH AFRICA title of his career, and his sec- tralia in 2006. Q de Kock b Rauf...... 80 Aiden Markram c Ali b Ashraf...... 39 ond of the year after lifting the It was also the best score T Bavuma c Azam b Rauf...... 92 trophy at the Delray Beach by a visiting player to South R van der Dussen c Ashraf b Hasnain...... 60 Open by VITACOST.com. The Africa, with the next highest D Miller not out...... 50 victory extended Hurkacz’s in Sunday’s Pakistan innings H Klaasen c Rauf b Afridi...... 11 A Phehlukwayo c Ashraf b Rauf...... 3 unbeaten 2021 run in South being 31 from captain Babar K Rabada not out...... 1 Florida to 10-0. Hubert Hurkacz of Poland beat Italian Jannik Sinner 7-6 (4), 6-4 in the final of the men’s singles at the Miami Open in Florida on Sunday. Azam. Extras: (lb 1, nb 1, w 3)...... 5 “Last year I spent here Fakhar’s superb innings TOTAL: (For 6 wkts, 50 overs) ��������������������������� 341 Did not bat: Anrich Nortje, Lungi Ngidi, Tabraiz Shamsi almost half a year,” Hurkacz so it’s huge.” Duty Free Tennis Champion- Hurkacz in a tight opening set, an amazing returner. It was a of 155 balls ended in bizarre Fall of wickets: 1-55 (Aiden Markram, 9.3 ov), said in an on-court interview. His opponent and occa- ships – but on Sunday they but the big-serving Hurkacz tough game.” fashion when he cantered 2-169 (Quinton de Kock, 30.1 ov), 3-270 (Rassie “I was practising in the hottest sional doubles partner Sinner, faced each other in singles for dominated for much of the With the victory, Hurkacz home for a second run off the van der Dussen, 41.4 ov), 4-306 (Temba Bavuma, weather during the spring and the 21st seed, was trying to the first time. second to seal his third ATP will break into the Top 20 in first ball of the final over, but a 46.2 ov), 5-317 (Heinrich Klaasen, 47.5 ov), 6-322 (Andile Phehlukwayo, 48.6 ov) summer here, so I think that become the youngest Miami It was the Polish player’s Tour title in Miami. the FedEx ATP Rankings for throw from the fence by Aiden Bowling: Afridi 10-1-75-1, Hasnain 10-0-74-1, helped me a lot playing now men’s champion in history at experience that made the “The balls felt slow when I the first time, moving from Markram was a direct hit and Ashraf 9-0-62-11, Rauf 10-0-54-3, Khan 9-0-64-0, in Florida, especially in these 19 years and seven months. difference, with 26th seed went to serve,” Hurkacz said of No. 37 to a career-high No. 16 the batsman’s excellent chance Aziz 2-0-11-0. pretty tough conditions here, The pair have teamed up to Hurkacz looking calm as he the final game. on Monday. Sinner is also pro- for a second double-ton in the PAKISTAN Imam-ul-Haq c Markram b Ngidi...... 5 because it was a little bit slow play doubles twice this season powered his way to an early “Obviously a tough point. jected to reach a new career- 50-over format was gone. F Zaman run out (Markram)...... 193 here. The wind was blowing – including a quarter-final ap- break in each set. Sinner did You really want to get a cou- high of his own, rising to No. The tourists had elected to B Azam c Bavuma b Nortje...... 31 from side to side sometimes, pearance at last month’s Dubai well to stay toe-to-toe with ple of free points and Jannik’s 21 in the FedEx ATP Rankings. field first and South Africa’s M Rizwan c Klaasen b Nortje...... 0 impressive total was boosted D Aziz c De Kock b Nortje...... 9 S Khan lbw b Shamsi...... 13 by four fine half-centuries, A Ali c Markram b Phehlukwayo...... 19 each different in their make- F Ashraf c De Kock b Phehlukwayo...... 11 up. S Afridi c & b Rabada...... 5 French Open Knicks beat Pistons for team’s biggest blowout in 25 years Newly-appointed captain H Rauf not out...... 1 M Hasnain not out...... 12 Temba Bavuma scored 92 Extras: (b 1, lb 8, nb 1, w 15)...... 25 could be TCA/DPA bodeau described it, had infil- from 102 balls and warmed TOTAL: (For 9 wkts, 50 overs)...... 324 New York trated the Knicks roster. to his task as the innings wore Fall of wickets: 1-7 (Imam-ul-Haq, 1.6 ov), 2-70 postponed: “I think that we’re at a point on, while opener Quinton de (Babar Azam, 10.4 ov), 3-71 (Mohammad Rizwan, 10.6 ov), 4-85 (Danish Aziz, 14.6 ov), 5-120 (Shadab The Knicks found the cure to in the season where if you play Kock looked edgy and had luck Khan, 24.3 ov), 6-186 (Asif Ali, 33.5 ov), 7-205 France’s sports all their ailments: the lowly this many games, every player in his 80 from 86 balls. (Faheem Ashraf, 37.4 ov), 8-273 (Shaheen Shah Detroit Pistons. in the league has something Rassie van der Dussen, Afridi, 44.5 ov), 9-312 (Fakhar Zaman, 49.1 ov). Bowling: Rabada 10-2-43-1, Ngidi 9-0-66-1, minister Clearly motivated to right right now,” Thibodeau said who got a century in the first Phehlukwayo 10-0-67-2 Nortje 10-1-63-3, Shamsi their wrongs of the last week, of his players’ health. “That’s match in Pretoria on Friday, 7-0-60-1, Markram 4-0-16-0. DPA the Knicks took it out on the pro sports. We have to man- kept up his good form with a Result: South Africa won by 17 rus. Berlin Pistons on Saturday night, age that, we have to play bet- powerful 60 from 37 balls that Series: Three-match series tied 1-1. emphatically snapping a three- ter. Right now, we’re in a little Next month’s French Open game winning streak and send- bit of a funk and we’ve got to could be postponed amid the ing Julius Randle back on track work our way out of it.” Thank ongoing coronavirus pandem- in a 125-81 breeze in Motown. you, Detroit. The Knicks com- ic, according to France’s min- It was such a laugher that pleted their season sweep of ister of sports. Tom Thibodeau sat his starters the Eastern Conference bot- France entered its third for the entire fourth quarter, a Taj Gibson #67 of the New York Knicks and teammates complain to tom dwellers. But the schedule national lockdown on Satur- luxury he rarely, if ever, extends referees after the game against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Tar- gets tougher with three games day in a bid to halt another because the coach always be- get Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on March 31. (Getty Images/AFP) upcoming against the Nets, surge of COVID-19 cases, lieves the game is in doubt. Celtics and Grizzlies. which had threatened to over- Not on Saturday. The ond half. in less than seven minutes A little over two-thirds whelm hospitals across the 44-point victory represented Detroit is terrible, of course, against Detroit, shooting 9-of- through the season, the Knicks country. Professional sport- the franchise’s largest margin a mismatched roster of un- 16 on the night. are now in sole possession of ing events are largely exempt since 1996. Even Thibodeau skilled players collected by RJ Barrett also bounced seventh in the Eastern Confer- from the restrictions, but could feel comfortable. rookie GM Troy Weaver. But it back with an efficient 14 points ence but just 1/2 game ahead of minister of sports Roxana The game was hilariously was still an impressive perfor- on 5-of-7 shooting. Elfrid Pay- the Celtics. They have to finish Maracineanu has suggested over within minutes of the mance from the Knicks consid- ton had 11 points and nine as- sixth to avoid a play-in tourna- the French Open could be put opening tip. The Knicks (25-25) ering they lost the night prior sists in 25 minutes. ment, and would have to win back from its scheduled May scored the first 14 points.T hey in Madison Square Garden and Randle had been bothered two play-in games if they slip 23 start date. led 30-7 and then by 26 at the flew to Detroit for the second by a thigh contusion, but never to ninth. Before Saturday’s “We are in discussions with end of the quarter. Randle, who game of a back-to-back. used it as an excuse. rout, Thibodeau believed the them [the French Tennis Feder- was coming off a dud the previ- Randle is the team’s en- “I’m fine,” saidR andle, team’s issues were fixable and ation] to see if we should change ous night against the Mavericks, gine and he got them going who leads the league in total not indicative of slamming the date to coincide with a possi- scored 20 of his 29 points in the early. In the loss to Dallas on minutes, then repeated, “I’m against the proverbial wall. ble resumption of all sports and first quarter, finishing with eight Friday, the 26-year-old man- fine.” It was a different vibe “We still have to get it done major events,” she told radio rebounds in 30 minutes. aged just 14 points on 5-of-20 the last three games, defeats to and I believe this team will,” Pakistan’s Fakhar Zaman (R) reacts after being run out as South Africa station France Info. The Pistons (14-35) never shooting with five turnovers. the Heat, Timberwolves and the coach said. “We have to do wicketkeeper Quinton de Kock (L) looks on during their second One-Day “Today, although high-lev- got closer than 17 in the sec- He eclipsed that point total Mavericks. A “funk,” as Thi- better and we will.” International at the Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg on Sunday. (AFP) el sport has been preserved, we try to limit the risks of clusters, of spreading the virus within professional sports.” Rafael Nadal won last year’s French Open, which was postponed ‘Great achievement’, says Lanning as Oz eves script world record by four months, to pull level with Roger Federer’s record of 20 Grand Slam titles. Australian women’s team registers consecutive 22nd win beating New Zealand in first ODI ANI ment over a long period of Rachael Haynes (14) and Lan- IPL will go ahead: Mount Maunganui time, shows how consistent ning (5) both failed to leave a Ganguly we have been. Something we mark with the bat. After creating the world will look back on. That’s been Alyssa Healy was then New Delhi: Sourav Ganguly, record for most consecutive a strength of ours, having key joined by Ellyse Perry in the the Board of Control for Cricket ODI wins, Australia skipper pillars throughout the team. middle and both batters re- in India (BCCI) President on Meg Lanning on Sunday said We have a mixture of experi- vived the innings for Australia. Sunday confirmed that every- that it is a great achievement ence and youth. We like to Both batters put on 78 runs thing will go on as per schedule and it shows how consistent play an aggressive brand of for the third wicket, but New in the upcoming Indian Premier her side has been over the last cricket,” said Lanning at the Zealand staged a comeback League (IPL) 2021. Wankhede three years. post-match presentation. of sorts as the side dismissed Stadium is set to host 10 IPL The side achieved the feat “We do not want to put any Healy (68) and Beth Mooney games this season from April after defeating New Zealand handbrakes on. We were able (12) in a span of four overs, to 10-25. The first match at the (White Ferns) in the first ODI of to keep it pretty tight early, reduce Australia to 136/4 in Mumbai stadium is slated to the three-match series on Sun- that wicket of Kerr set us on the 26th over. be played on April 10 between day here at Mount Maunganui. our way. The way we finished Ashleigh Gardner then Delhi Capitals and Chennai The record for most con- was excellent. Alyssa Healy joined Perry in the middle Super Kings. Four franchises -- secutive ODI victories was set the tone with a real attack- and the duo ensured Australia Delhi Capitals, Mumbai Indians, held by Ricky Ponting’s team ing mindset, Ash Gardner has does not suffer more hiccups. Punjab Kings, and Rajasthan as they had registered 21 wins been in really good form to The duo took the visitors over Royals have set up their base on the trot in 2003. But with push it on at the end. The gen- the line by six wickets with 69 in Mumbai as of now. The fifth this win over New Zealand, the eral theme is to play with free- balls to spare. franchise Kolkata Knight Riders Australian women’s team reg- dom,” she added. Perry and Gardener re- (KKR) will soon move to Chen- istered its consecutive 22nd Chasing 213, Australia got mained unbeaten on 56 and nai to play their first match win and as a result, the side off to a bad start as the visitors 53 respectively. Both batters against SunRisers Hyderabad created a world record. lost their opening two wickets formed an unbeaten stand of on April 11. (ANI) “It is a great achieve- with just 37 runs on the board. 79 runs for the fifth wicket. Sports Monday, April 5, 2021 15 Al Attiyah’s Complication opens scorecard at Moulins in France Tribune News Network second places in February and little pressure from her jockey Doha March this year. On Saturday, to finally win by 3 lengths in she confirmed she building up front of Acclam (Mehmas x Owned and bred by Khalifa to a bigger performance. Ehteyat) who had finished well bin Mohammed Al Attiyah, Ridden by Clement to take second. Signature Song Complication (No Nay Nev- Lecoeuvre, Complication (USA) (Speightstown x Daring er x Sleek Gold) opened her sat in just behind the pace- Diva) was further 1½ lengths scorecard in the Prix De Gen- maker Nanawest (Kingsalsa x behind in third. netines, a maiden over 1,400 Anawest). Coming to the out- By Coolmore sire No Nay metres at the French track of side of the leader in the final Never, Complication is out of Moulins on Saturday. turn, she took the lead at the Dansili mare Sleek Gold. Trained by Fabrice Chap- beginning of the straight and Sleek Gold has also pro- pet in Chantilly, this 3-year- quickly pulled clear. duced Stakes performer old filly was having her 3rd Running in the centre of Simplicity (Casamento) for start in competition. She had the track, she gradually in- owner Khalifa Mohammed Al Complicataion had run twice previously, for two second places in February and March this year. On Saturday, saddled by Clement Lecoeuvre, run twice previously, for two creased her lead under very Attiyah. she opened her scorecard in the Prix De Gennetines at the French track of Moulins. (Pic: Christophe Morlat) QATAR NATIONAL ARABIAN HORSE SHOW Al Ahli climb into Top 4; Al Sadd stay unbeaten

QNA game, after it was confirmed Doha that they will not relegate di- rectly by reaching the 18th The 20th round of the point in tenth place and QNB Stars League for the achieving the fourth victory 2020/2021 sports season end- this season. ed, leaving only two rounds Al Sailiya continued their remaining to end the season. strong performances after Al Sadd, the league winning the Ooredoo Cup and champion, maintained their succeeded in winning against unbeaten record defeating Qatar ASC 2-1, going up to 26 Al-Gharafa 2-0 in a match points in eighth place, even during which Spanish coach in points with Al-Arabi, while Xavi Hernandez played a Qatar ASC stooped at 31 in group of substitute players, fifth place dropping from and despite this, Al Sadd con- fourth. firmed their superiority to reach the 54th point in first Al Ahli club returned to place, while Al Gharafa con- tinued their negative results the top four, taking staying at 30 points, it drops advantage of the to sixth place after it was fifth stumbling of Qatar ASC, before this round. after a thrilling win over Al Duhail took second place on the table, after going Al Kharaitiyat 2-1, with up to 43 points, by beating Al defender Ibrahim Arabi in an exciting match that Majed scoring the two ended with a score of 3-2, and The winning group of Amir Al Reeh – champion in the Senior Stallions Championship (Class SSC) – after being awarded by Ali bin Yousef Al Rumaihi, Secretary-General, Qatar thus Al-Arabi’s stopped at 26 winning goals Equestrian Federation, on the third day of the 9th Qatar National Arabian Horse Show for Individual Owners at the Longines Arena of Al Shaqab on Sunday. points in seventh place, after receiving their eighth loss this The only draw in this season. round was between Al Wak- Despite their loss to Umm rah and Al Khor, where both Salal 3-2, Al-Rayyan main- teams were absent from scor- tained third place with 34 ing , and it seemed that both points, after Qatar Club stum- teams were content to obtain bled against Al Sailiya. a single point, as Al Wakrah Real Sociedad edge Athletic Al Ahli club returned to went up to 23 points in ninth the top four, taking advan- place to become completely tage of the stumbling of Qatar far from the deciding match, ASC, after a thrilling win over while Al Khor went up to 15 Al Kharaitiyat 2-1, in a match Point in 11th place. in which its defender Ibrahim Matches of the 21st round to win 2020 Copa del Rey Majed, who was the man of the will be held next Tuesday match, scored the two winning and Wednesday, as Qatar DPA goals, putting Al Khraraitiyat ASC plays with Al Ahli, Al Barcelona in a very bad position, with Sadd with Al Rayyan and Al 9 points in last place, with a Khor with Al Duhail, while Mikel Oyarzabal’s penalty earned six points difference from Al- Wednesday Umm Salal meet Real Sociedad their third Copa del Rey Khor eleventh with 15 points, Al Sailiya, and Al Arabi play Al trophy after a 1-0 win over rivals Ath- before the remaining two Kharaitiyat. letic Bilbao in the postponed derby fi- rounds, through which the It is noteworthy that the nal from last season on Saturday. team that will fall directly into match between Al Wakrah and The 2019-20 final was suspended the second division, and the Al Gharafa for the 21st round because of the coronavirus pandemic, team that will play the decisive was held on March 16, and and continued to be pushed back in a match with the second-divi- ended with Al Wakrah winning bid to let fans attend, but they still can- sion championship runners- with 2-0, due to Al Gharafa’s not go to matches in Spain. up, as well as the ranking The match against the Uzbek club Athletic immediately have another final of the teams this season. AJMC in the pre-qualification chance to lift the trophy in this season’s Umm Salal succeeded in round, extension for the group cup final on April 17, against Barcelona, achieving a victory over Al- stage of the 2021 AFC Cham- also at Seville’s La Cartuja stadium. Rayyan, giving them the sixth pions League, which will be They last reached the final in 2015, loss and avoiding the playoff held next Wednesday. where they were beaten by Barcelona, and have not won it since 1984, even though they are second in the list of re- cord winners with 23 triumphs. A tight game was opened up shortly after the hour mark when Inigo Mar- tinez fouled Portu in the area as he burst through on goal, leading in a penalty and a red card for the Athletic Real Sociedad’s players celebrate with the trophy after winning the 2020 Spanish Copa del Rey (King’s Cup) final against Athletic defender. Bilbao at the La Cartuja stadium in Sevilla, Spain, on Saturday. (AFP) The expulsion was revoked after a lengthy VAR review but Oyarzabal to earn their first major trophy in over fired home from the penalty spot to three decades. send Real Sociedad ahead. Los Leones, meanwhile, have now The goal proved decisive to earn La lost five cup finals since they last lifted Real their first Copa del Rey win since the trophy. 1987, a bitter blow for Martinez, who “This is very tough for us,” said left his boyhood club Sociedad for Ath- Athletic’s Oscar de Marcos. letic in 2018. “It was a game we had a lot of hope “It’s a beautiful day where you re- for and we thought we could win it. member everything,” said Oyarzabal. “It’s a really big blow for us to take. “Giving this to our fans was the best Finals are hard when you lose, whoever thing that we could do. the opponent is. It’s a very sad day for “There’s a lot of people I would us. We missed our fans.” have liked to be here. This is for every- one, it’s incredible. “We are champions and we’ll cel- Real Sociedad fans celebrate as ebrate it without a doubt.” they wait for their football club’s bus to Athletic chased the game but failed drive through the Spanish Basque city of to create much danger, even in the final Hondarribia on Sunday, a day after their Action from the Al Ahli-Al Kharaitiyat QNB Stars League clash on stages as Sociedad held on comfortably 2020 Copa del Rey triumph. (AFP) Saturday. Al Ahli won 2-1 to move into the fourth spot in the rankings. 16 Monday, April 5, 2021 The Last Word Int’l Schools Debating Championship draws wide participation from across world Tribune News Network Doha

The activities of the second day of the Fifth International Schools Debating Champion- ship, being organised by Qa- tarDebate Centre, a member of Qatar Foundation, in Ara- bic and English, continued under the slogan ‘Our Earth, Our Refuge’. The event is wit- nessing wide international First Assalam School records successful participation of debaters, judges and team instructors. Alanoud Al Thani, the in- structor of the national team transition to new school year 2020-21 in English language said the team members made intense Tribune News Network 93% of the beneficiary fami- efforts ahead of the champi- Doha lies do not have access to com- onship and trained very hard puters in their homes, while with the aim of also partici- Ensuring uninterrupted 70% do not have WhatsApp, pating in the World Schools access to quality education, students and their families re- Debating Championship next Alanoud Al Thani the Education Above All ceived trainings and video tu- summer. “We saw its result (EAA) Foundation, through torials for the use of provided during the rounds when the its established First Assalam laptops and Google Classroom competition was fierce, espe- School (FAS), reported a as part of the e-learning tran- cially against the experienced successful transition from sition. Malaysian team. The Qatari the academic year 2019-20 In the same time period, team presented new skills to 2020-21 during the fiscal FAS also invested in digital for the first time, and their year 2020. education for its teachers, ability to respond, adapt to The school navigated the making it the only educational and think was evident in the challenges presented by the establishment in the MENA rounds.” global coronavirus pandemic region to achieve the Google The instructor of the na- by ensuring full support for Educator Level 1 standard for tional team in Arabic lan- students and their families, all teaching staff. guage, Abdulrahman Al prior to implementing blend- almost overnight, EAA’s First dowments at the Ministry of Hameed Alam, principal Kubaisi, said: “My happiness ed learning through a newly- Assalam School managed to Awqaf and Islamic Affairs.” of the First Assalam School, cannot be described in words. created digital platform. ensure continuous access to During the 2019-20 school said: “Through the hard work It was a wonderful experience FAS was established in education through a full digi- year, the First Assalam School and dedication of our staff, as to train these young people 2019 under EAA’s Together tal transition, including vir- recorded a retention rate of 96 well as stakeholders, we can who acquired skills during Project in partnership with tual support by teaching staff percent, out of which 94 per- be truly proud of the power- the period and were able to Qatar’s Ministry of Education and the delivery of work packs cent of students passed their ful progress made in these go through the championship and Higher Education (MoE- to students. We are proud to current grades. This success difficult times to address the rounds with exceptional ease. HE), the General Directorate build on our commitment as was aided by teachers sup- educational needs of our stu- They have acquired the ability of Endowments under the we join hands with our local porting pupils through phone, dents. to prepare and deal with texts Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic partners, donors and educa- email and online meeting “With technology-fuelled and their chances of winning Affairs, and the Pakistan Wel- tors to ensure the fundamen- platforms, which kept the av- blended learning, we were are great. They presented a fare Forum (PWF). tal right to education remains erage homework turnover by able to not only teach students wonderful round that proved The school provides access undisrupted for every child.” students at approximately 80 to read and write, but also their ability to qualify for the to education for children fac- Director of the General Di- percent. instil them with confidence eighth round.” ing financial barriers and age rectorate of Awqaf Dr Sheikh In preparation for the new and life-long learning habits. Moza Khaled Alhajri, de- Abdulrahman Alkubaisi or educational gaps. Families Khalid bin Mohamed bin Gha- 2020-21 academic year, the Our students have progressed bater and captain of the na- can apply for their children nem Al Thani said, “We are school completed its digital leaps and bounds and will tional team, said: “Because in the championship is an ganisation. I made a plan for who are currently not enrolled pleased to witness the success transition to Google Class- continue to do so with the we wanted to compete with incredible experience. Eve- my students to sleep between in school to attend FAS, and of the First Assalam School room as the primary learning generous support from our a team that is more expe- ryone loves to represent his rounds during the breaks, be- return to formal education. amidst the challenges that the platform to deliver feedback, partners.” rienced, we participated in country in competitions.” cause the time difference is As students at FAS, chil- world and the global educa- complete assessments and fol- Launched in 2017, EAA’s the Universities League and “The training and the big and difficult for students, dren will benefit from the tion sector are facing due to low tutorial videos, while safe- Together Project is dedicated attended several training championship’s ambiance is especially on the first day be- school’s tailored support pro- the COVID-19 pandemic. It guarding the health and safety to identifying and addressing camps. We gained a lot of great. It is full of knowledge, cause they stayed up all night grammes to cover educational was the commitment and col- of students and teachers. the barriers that are keeping knowledge in various fields skills and awareness, as it is a and until 7.30 in the morning. gaps created due to being out laboration towards a shared The transition was aided children in Qatar from en- through this. We work as a fertile space for applying what Thankfully, the team has be- of school. goal, bringing quality educa- by EAA’s donation of 529 new rolling in school and provid- team to reach a common goal we have learnt on the ground gun to adapt to the debating Talal Al Hothal, director tion to all children in Qatar, laptops in June 2020 for both ing them with equal access to and prove our status in the by competing against teams times.” of EAA’s Al Fakhoora pro- that paved the way to this suc- teachers and students, fol- quality education. debates. We have achieved and convincing the judges of Vishal, an Indian student gramme, said: “The COVID-19 cess. lowed by a donation of 473 Through the Assalam victory over the Brazilian arguments and evidence, rep- and one of the team mem- pandemic has created addi- “We look forward to con- WIFI devices from Vodafone Schools, the Qatar-based ini- team, and God willing, we will resenting the State of Qatar,” bers, who learned Arabic tional challenges to learning tinuing our support for Edu- with free internet connectivity tiative aims to enrol children qualify for the finals.” said Mohammed Abdul Aziz within two years, was trained for children around the world, cation Above All Foundation for all students, until the end from low-income families via Aljawhara Abdul Rahman Al Hammadi. by Laila. She said: “Vishal is a particularly for the most mar- and the First Assalam School of the 2020 – 2021 academic alternative education insti- Al-Shammari said, “Repre- Instructor of the Ameri- senior high school student, he ginalised who face greater to positively impact the lives year. tutes and programmes. senting my country in this can team Laila Lamani said: started learning Arabic two barriers to accessing educa- of children in Qatar in line Following a survey con- To date, Together has en- championship is the happiest “Thank you for considering years ago after he mastered tion. Despite the challenge to with the overall mission of ducted by the FAS manage- sured educational access for responsibility of my life. The the time barrier; the most the French language. He has transition to online education the General Directorate of En- ment, which indicated that over 2,187 children. presence of the Qatari team important thing is the or- a desire to learn languages.” QF students step into spotlight as school musical’s story hits screen

Tribune News Network made is about to receive its day, April 7, and will be avail- mindsets that benefit them was adapted due to the COV- performers, are as proud of it COVID-19 struck. Production Doha virtual premiere as students able on QF’s YouTube channel both academically and per- ID-19 pandemic.” as we are of them.” of SHOWTIME! has since and staff from schools under afterwards. sonally,” said Buthaina Ali Al Nuaimi added, “The expe- The QF students were continued to adhere with pub- The creativity and artistic Qatar Foundation’s (QF) Pre- Meanwhile, the QF Nuaimi, president of Pre-Uni- rience they have shared in will steered through the SHOW- lic health guidelines, with five talent of students from Qatar University Education perform Schools Productions team is versity Education, QF. bring value to them for years TIME! process by the creative professional musical videos Foundation schools who are a string of favourites from already looking at how to build “By reviving the rich tradi- to come and the end result is team of Steve and Jane Grif- being filmed at some of the bringing back a performing classic shows, including Mary on the success of this musical tion of a performing arts pro- a simply stunning show that fiths, who led the development most iconic locations within arts tradition after a 10-year Poppins and Matilda, against with further initiatives that gramme at QF which dates illustrates the breadth of crea- of similar performances at QF, including the Ceremonial hiatus will be showcased to the backdrop of locations will focus on showcasing the back two decades, our stu- tive talent and imagination Qatar Academy Doha between Court and Qatar National Li- Qatar’s community this week. around Education City. performing arts in the Arabic dents have spread their wings that exists among the chil- 2000 and 2010, and West End brary. SHOWTIME! – a Broad- The documentary, high- language. and broadened their minds dren in our Qatar Foundation choreographer Christopher The SHOWTIME! docu- way-style musical – has been lighting the journey and pur- “At QF, we believe that by learning about self-expres- schools. I hope that the com- Piper, as well as QF member mentary premiere is free to in the making for 14 months, pose of SHOWTIME! and learning flows both within and sion, concentration and team- munity of Qatar will enjoy the Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra. view on Wednesday. The full with production continuing featuring some of its musical beyond the classroom, and work, growing in confidence SHOWTIME! documentary Rehearsals began in Janu- production is intended to be even amid the COVID-19 pan- numbers, will be screened at that giving young learners the and showing the resilience and that all those who made ary 2020, with plans for a performed to an audience at demic. Now a documentary www.qf.org.qa/showtime-pre- opportunity to explore their required to reach a goal as the this production possible, es- theatre performance later a later date as public health telling the story of how it was miere at 6.30pm on Wednes- creativity nurtures skills and production of SHOWTIME! pecially our wonderful young that year being altered when guidelines allow.