His Highness the Amir

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Amir issues laws

Mediation in Civil and Commercial Disputes

His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani issued Law No 20 of 2021 on mediation in civil and commercial disputes. The law is eff ective starting from its date of issuance and is to be published in the off icial gazette.

Investment and Commerce Court His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani issued Law No 21 of 2021 establishing the Investment and Commerce Court.

The law is eff ective six months after its publishing in the off icial gazette.

Regulating healthcare services His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani issued Law No 22 of 2021 on regulating healthcare services within the country.

The law is eff ective six months after its publishing in the off icial gazette.

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Vol. XXXXII No. 12072

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Qatar’s developers showcase fl agship projects at

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Cityscape expo

BUSINESS | Page 2 BUSINESS | Page 1

QatarEnergy, Shell join forces to pursue investments in

hydrogen solutions

Amir reshuffles Cabinet Amir reshuffles Cabinet

H

is Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Ha- mad al-Thani issued yesterday Amiri Order No 4 of 2021, reshuffl ing the Cabinet.

The order stipulates that the Cabinet shall be reshuffl ed as follows:

1- HE Ali bin Ahmed al-Ku- wari as Minister of Finance.

2- HE Jassim bin Saif bin Ahmed al-Sulaiti as Minister of Transport.

3- HE Salah bin Ghanem bin Nasser al-Ali as Minister of Sports and Youth.

4- HE Abdullah bin Abdulaziz bin Turki al-Subaie as Minister of Municipality.

5- HE Ghanem bin Shaheen bin Ghanem al-Ghanem as Min- ister of Endowments and Islamic Aff airs.

6- HE Sheikh Mohamed bin Hamad bin Qassim al-Abdullah al-Thani as Minister of Com- merce and Industry.

7- HE Buthaina bint Ali al-Jabr al-Nuaimi as Minister of Educa- tion and Higher Education.

8- HE Sheikh Abdulrahman bin Hamad bin Jassim bin Ha- mad al-Thani as Minister of Culture.

9- HE Sheikh Dr Faleh bin Nasser bin Ahmed bin Ali al- Thani as Minister of Environ- ment and Climate Change.

10- HE Dr Ali bin Saeed bin Smaikh al-Marri as Minister of Labour.

11- HE Mohamed bin Ali bin Mohamed al-Mannai as Minis- ter of Communications and In- formation Technology.

12- HE Maryam bint Ali bin Nasser al-Misnad as Minister of Social Development and Family.

13- HE Mohamed bin Abdul- lah bin Mohamed al-Yousef al- Sulaiti as Minister of State for Cabinet Aff airs, member of the Cabinet.

The Amiri Order is eff ective

starting from the date of issue and is to be published in the offi - cial gazette. Before His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Ha- mad al-Thani, their excellencies the ministers appointed by the Amiri Order No 4 of 2021, took the oath at the Amiri Diwan yesterday morning.

The oath-taking ceremony was attended by His Highness the Deputy Amir Sheikh Abdul- lah bin Hamad al-Thani.

It was also attended by HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Khalid bin Kha- lifa bin Abdulaziz al-Thani.

Ministries’ Competencies His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani issued yesterday Amiri Decision No 57 of 2021, setting the competencies of the ministries. The decision is eff ective starting from the date of issue and is to be published in the offi cial gazette.

His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, His Highness the Deputy Amir Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad al-Thani and HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Khalid bin Khalifa bin Abdulaziz al-Thani at the swearing-in ceremony of the ministers yesterday.

HE Jassim bin Saif bin Ahmed al-Sulaiti, Minister of Transport.

HE Ali bin Ahmed al-Kuwari, Minister of Finance.

HE Abdullah bin Abdulaziz bin Turki al-Subaie, Minister of Municipality.

HE Sheikh Dr Faleh bin Nasser bin Ahmed bin Ali al-Thani, Minister of Environment and Climate Change.

HE Salah bin Ghanem bin Nasser al-Ali, Minister of Sports and Youth.

HE Ghanem bin Shaheen bin Ghanem al-Ghanem, Minister of Endowments and Islamic Aff airs.

HE Mohamed bin Ali bin Mohamed al- Mannai, Minister of Communications and Information Technology.

HE Buthaina bint Ali al-Jabr al-Nuaimi, Minister of Education and Higher Education.

HE Maryam bint Ali bin Nasser al-Misnad, Minister of Social Development and Family.

HE Mohamed bin Abdullah bin Mohamed al-Yousef al-Sulaiti, Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs, member of the Cabinet.

HE Sheikh Mohamed bin Hamad bin Qassim al-Abdullah al-Thani, Minister of Commerce and Industry.

HE Dr Ali bin Saeed bin Smaikh al-Marri, Minister of Labour.

HE Sheikh Abdulrahman bin Hamad bin Jassim bin Hamad al-Thani, Minister of Culture.

Amiri decisions, appointments

Civil Service and

Government Development Bureau

His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani issued Amiri Decision No 58 of 2021, establishing the Civil Service and Govern- ment Development Bureau. The decision is eff ective starting from its date of issue and is to be published in the offi cial gazette.

President of the Civil Service and Government Development Bureau

His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani issued

yesterday Amiri Decision No 59 of 2021, appointing HE Abdulaziz bin Nasser bin Mubarak al-Khalifa as President of the Civil Service and Gov- ernment Development Bureau.

The decision is eff ective starting from its date of issue and is to be published in the offi cial gazette.

Chief of Staff

His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani issued Amiri Decision No 60 of 2021, appointing HE Staff Lieutenant-General (Pilot) Salem bin Hamad bin Mohamed bin Aqeel al-Nabit as Chief of Staff of the Qatar Armed Forces. The decision is eff ective starting from the date of issue and is to be published in the offi cial gazette.

HE Abdulaziz bin Nasser bin Mubarak al-Khalifa

HE Staff Lieutenant-General (Pilot) Salem bin Hamad bin Mohamed bin Aqeel al-Nabit

HE Sheikh Abdulrahman bin Hamad bin Jassim bin Hamad al-Thani, Minister of Culture, who was yesterday appointed as the new Minister of Culture, was the CEO of the Qatar Media Corporation (QMC), the apex media entity entrusted with implementing a clear framework for the industry’s growth, and also a Board Member of Al Jazeera Network.

In these roles, HE Sheikh Abdulrah- man played a key role in shaping the media and cultural landscape of Qatar, and has made significant contributions to establishing the nation as one of the leaders in the media industry through visionary and transformational initiatives.

Previously, Sheikh Abdulrahman served as Director Manager in charge of the Media Development Depart- ment at Qatar Media Corporation, Media Expert at the Off ice of His High- ness the Heir Apparent, and Member of the Committee and Director of the Board of Cultural Events at the Doha Cultural Media Committee.

Among the new ministers are two women – HE Maryam bint Ali bin Nasser al-Misnad, Minister of Social Development and Family and HE Buthaina bint Ali al-Jabr al-Nuaimi, Minister of Education and Higher Education.

HE Buthaina bint Ali al-Jabr al-Nuaimi, Minister of Education and Higher Education, joined Qatar Foundation in 2006 and held several positions at the Education Division and was a founding member of eight schools under the umbrella of Qatar Foundation’s Pre-University Education.

HE al-Nuaimi holds an Executive Mas- ter’s degree in Business Administra- tion from HEC Paris in Qatar, a Bach- elor’s degree in Arts and Education in English from Qatar University, and a Postgraduate Diploma in Applied Educational Leadership and Manage- ment from the Institute of Education, University of London.

HE Maryam bint Ali bin Nasser al-Misnad, Minister of Social Development and Family, was appointed Executive Director of Administration and Finance Division at the Doha Institute for Graduate Studies (DI) and was awarded with the International Social Responsibil- ity Excellence Award for the year 2021, in recognition of her efforts in the field of humanitarian and volunteer work.

In addition, she held senior positions at various public social work organi- sations. She has an executive Master’s degree in planning and business administration from HEC Paris, and is a graduate of the executive leadership

programme from Qatar Leadership Center. She also won the title of the Orphans’ ambassador two consecu- tive times as the first GCC woman to get such a prize.

HE Mohamed bin Ali bin Mohamed al-Mannai, Minister of Communica- tions and Information Technology.

He has been the president of the Communications Regulatory Author- ity since 2015.

He has more than 20 years’ experience and a proven record of success in developing and executing communications regulatory frameworks, telecommunications technologies, network planning, administration, and rollout.

Prior to his appointment with CRA, al-Mannai served as CEO of the Qatar National Broadband Network. He also served as Senior Director for the network rollout at Ooredoo. He holds a bachelor of science in physics and electronics from the American University in Cairo, and has numerous professional management and leadership diplomas from institutions including IMD, INSEAD and the Carn- egie Bosch Institute.

HE Sheikh Dr Faleh bin Nasser bin Ahmed bin Ali al-Thani, Minister of Environment and Climate Change.

He was the head of the Qatar National Food Security Programme, with decades of experience in the agricultural and environmental sectors, as well as in the management of water resources. He is also experienced in investment projects with the erstwhile Ministry of Municipality and Environment. To Page 12

Among the new

ministers are two highly accomplished women - HE Maryam bint Ali bin Nasser al-Misnad, Minister of Social Development and Family and HE Buthaina bint Ali al-Jabr al-Nuaimi, Minister of Education and Higher Education

New ministers, big achievers in previous roles

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QATAR

Gulf Times

Wednesday, October 20, 2021

2

HE the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Aff airs Sheikh Mohamed bin Abdulrahman al- Thani met yesterday with the visiting US Special Envoy for Iran Robert Malley. They reviewed bilateral co-operation and the latest regional developments, particularly in Iran. (QNA) HE the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Aff airs Sheikh Mohamed bin Abdulrahman al-

Thani received yesterday a copy of the credentials of Amr Kamal El-Din El-Sherbiny as ambassador of Egypt to Qatar. HE Sheikh Mohamed wished the ambassador well in his role, and further progress and growth for bilateral relations. (QNA)

FM meets US special envoy for Iran FM receives credentials

of Egyptian ambassador

Health minister meets WHO chief in Geneva

HE the Minister of Public Health Dr Hanan Mohamed al-Kuwari met with Director- General of the World Health Organisation (WHO) Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus on the sidelines of the launch ceremony of the ‘Healthy 2022 World Cup — Creating Legacy for Sport and Health’ project at WHO headquarters in Geneva.

During the meeting, a number of important topics were discussed, most notably the partnership of the WHO and the State of Qatar in the field of health and sports and future plans, and the strategic dialogue between them scheduled for next November 15, in addition to the invitation of the WHO Director to participate in the opening of the Qatar Health Conference 2022. (QNA)

Qatar reiterates support for

full rights of Palestinians

QNA New York

Q

atar reiterated the importance of the Palestin- ian people enjoying their full rights and sovereignty over the occupied Palestinian territory, including East Jerusalem, as well as the enjoyment by the Arab population of the occupied Syrian Golan of their rights over natural resources.

This came in Qatar’s statement delivered by Third Secre- tary of the Permanent Mission of Qatar to the United Nations Sheikh Abdulrahman bin Ab- dulaziz al-Thani before the UN’s Second Committee (Economic and Financial) during its 76th session, on the item on the permanent sovereignty of the Pal- estinian people in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and of the Arab population in the occupied Syr- ian Golan over their natural resources.

Qatar’s statement indicated that the Covid-19 pandemic led to an increase in the continuous suff ering of the Palestinian people and the Arab population in the occupied Syrian Golan, exacerbated the deteriorating economic conditions and nega-

tively aff ected development, re- ferring to the report of the Eco- nomic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA) to the committee under this item, which monitored the sharp decline in the Palestinian economy in 2020, in addition to food inse- curity, high unemployment and poverty rates. In its statement, Qatar expressed its deep concern about access to education in a safe learning environment, due to restrictions on access to education, attacks against students, and the destruction of education infrastructure.

Given the importance of providing equal access for all to quality and equitable education, Qatar has strengthened its support to UNRWA, including its educational programme, the statement continued, adding that the Qatar Fund for Develop- ment continues to support education in the West Bank and Gaza Strip through projects aimed at keeping children in schools and increasing opportunities for higher education.

In line with Qatar’s ﬁ rm com- mitment to support the broth- erly Palestinian people and support their steadfastness, and under the direction of His High- ness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, Qatar an-

nounced in May 2021 the pro- vision of $500mn in support of the reconstruction of the Gaza Strip, noted the statement, adding that in last September, a cash aid program to provide assist- ance to about 100,000 vulnerable families in the Gaza Strip has begun, with support from Qatar amounting to $40mn over four months.

The statement also highlighted the support provided by Qatar at the humanitarian and development levels with the aim of alleviating human suff ering, explaining that the Qatari grants have achieved tangible eff ects in addressing urgent and long-term needs. Qatar re-emphasised in its statement the importance of the Palestinian people enjoying their full rights and sovereignty over the occupied Palestinian territory, including East Jerusa- lem, as well as the enjoyment by the Arab population of the occupied Syrian Golan of their rights over natural resources

This matter is an integral part of the requirements for compli- ance with international law and an important factor to ensure justice and peace, said the statement, stressing that Qatar will spare no eff ort to continue to devote and support the stability necessary to achieve peace.

F

ans attending the Amir Cup ﬁ nal on October 22 at Al Thumama Stadium can expect a series of activations when they approach the venue, the Supreme Committee for De- livery & Legacy (SC) has said. A number of performances from diff erent community groups will welcome supporters during the build-up to the big game between Al Rayyan and Al Sadd, which will mark the inauguration of Qatar’s sixth FIFA World Cup tournament venue.

Many of the match day activations will celebrate the stadium’s design, which was inspired by the ‘gahﬁ ya’, a head cap worn by men and boys across the region. These will include a head- wear exhibition, which will showcase diff erent traditions from around the world, and a crowdsourced public art installation that will see fans pin their own ‘gahﬁ ya’, inscribed with a personal message.

What awaits fans at the stadium will be the culmination of a series of events organised by the SC in the build-up to the match.

These have included majlis vis- its to Al Thumama residents, along with activities organised in partnership with the National Museum of Qatar (NMoQ) and Friends of the Environment Centre.

In partnership with the national museum, members of the community took part in a printmaking and knitting session, where participants were encouraged to create various

‘gahﬁ ya’ patterns in a series of art workshops.

This included a family day, where visitors were given the opportunity to print symbols inspired by the stadium’s design on shirts and bags. NMoQ, which has had the Amir Cup logo projected on its façade, also hosted a seminar by Al Thumama Stadium architect Ibrahim M Jaidah, where he discussed the venue’s design in detail.

Another event saw families invited to an awareness session about the ‘Thumam’, an indig- enous plant renamed in honour of the stadium. The activity was organised in collaboration with Friends of the Environment Centre and involved numerous participants, including school children and community members from the Al Thumama area.

Khaled al-Suwaidi, the SC’s Stakeholder Relations senior manager, said: “We are proud to have involved many members of the Al Thumama community and beyond during the lead-

up to the inauguration. Thanks to strong collaboration with a range of stakeholders, we have been able to create an exciting and culturally enriching experience for people throughout the country.”

Al-Suwaidi added: “Commu- nity engagement has been at the heart of our preparations from the moment Qatar won the right to host the World Cup. The in- volvement of residents from our many community groups has always been key to the success of the tournament and thanks to their support we will ensure

Qatar 2022 is a truly memorable event for everyone in the country.”

The 40,000-capacity Al Thumama Stadium is set to host matches up to the quarter-ﬁ - nals stage during Qatar 2022. It will also be a key venue during the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2021, which will take place from No- vember 30 to December 18.

There is still time to book a seat for the Amir Cup ﬁ nal on Friday. One has to visit tickets.

qfa.qa to book a seat before ap- plying for the mandatory Fan ID from https://ac21.qa/.

Community engagement at heart of Al Thumama Stadium inauguration

Series of activities held during

build-up to Amir Cup final with many more awaiting fans on match day

Amir Cup community engagement initiatives.

HE the Secretary-General of the Ministry of Foreign Aff airs Dr Ahmed bin Hassan al- Hammadi met yesterday with ambassador of Mali Shaykh Ahmad Tijani Diakite on the occasion of the end of his ten- ure. HE al-Hammadi thanked the ambassador for his eff orts in supporting and strengthen- ing bilateral relations, and wished him success in his new missions. (QNA)

Al-Hammadi bids farewell to ambassador of Mali

The Ministry of Interior participated in the opening of the 22nd edition of Milipol Paris exhibition, which is being held from Oct 19-22 with wide international participation. The Qatari delegation was headed on behalf of HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Interior by HE Assistant of Director of Public Security Major General Abdullah Mohamed al-Suwaidi. The Milipol Qatar Committee will also participate in the exhibition through a distinguished pavilion in line with the eff orts made by the committee in preparing for the Milipol Qatar 2022 exhibition, which will be organised by Doha in May 2022. The exhibition represents an important opportunity to meet with the most prominent off icial delegations, exhibiting companies, military off icials and exhibiting companies from diff erent countries of the world. Milipol Paris is held annually alternately between Doha and Paris, and a large number of major international companies from various countries of the world specialising in internal security participate in it. (QNA)

MoI takes part in opening of Milipol Paris

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C

onsumers, big businesses and governments must take action to lighten the burden that food production and consumption take on the world’s troubled environment, experts told Qatar Foundation (QF)’s Doha Debates’ #DearWorldLive programme.

With the United Nations (UN) Climate Change Conference (COP26) just weeks away, the UN says 34% of the world’s green- house gas emissions come from food production, processing and packaging. Food distribution and food waste take a further toll on the environment, contributing to the record number of droughts, ﬂ oods, and famines in recent years, ac- cording to UN reports.

The fourth season of #Dear- WorldLive features three episodes devoted to ﬁ nding solutions to the world’s climate crisis. In the ﬁ rst episode, ‘Climate Change and the Future of Food’, an environmen- talist and a food industry advocate agreed — despite representing dif- ferent sides of the issue — that in- dividual and collective action must

be taken to diminish food’s contri- bution to climate change.

Lana Weidgenant, a food-fo- cused climate advocate with the youth-led Zero Hour movement, said government and big business leaders often say the right things, but fail to deliver when it matters.

“I’ve seen a lot of talk by world leaders, but not any action,” Wei- dgenant said. “We don’t have time to waste with fake promises.”

Emma Piercy, the head of climate change and energy policy for the UK’s Food and Drink Federa- tion, called for collaborative cor- rective action: “We need practical, real solutions developed with all stakeholders involved.”

Despite increasing tension over how to solve climate change, Piercy said: “We really need to have a practical debate rather than it get- ting quite polarised.” She also de-

fended the food industry, saying they intend to be part of the solu- tion: “Things have evolved today.

The momentum around reducing carbon emissions, sustainability and net zero has increased mas- sively.”

Mohamed Alif Naufal, a student in Qatar, voiced concerns about the prospect of food costs increasing due to ethically responsible farm- ing practices, stating: “Not everyone is privileged, so I think it’s a bit diffi cult if prices are to double or even triple. Not everyone would be able to aff ord these more organic or green products.” #DearWorld- Live host Nelufar Hedayat closed the programme by asking what actions individuals can and should take to address climate change.

Weidgenant called for consum- ers to do their part by shifting to a plant-forward diet, since meat

production takes a heavy toll on the environment.

Piercy said: “On a personal level, it’s about practising what you preach. I try to reduce my food waste to hopefully zero. I look at the car I’m driving, the travel. It’s about what we can do that our friends, colleagues and neigh- bours can take examples from.”

Naufal added that he does his part by changing his diet and trying to reduce his food waste, “especially when I order in restaurants.”

Viewer feedback during the interactive programme included comments from viewers in Qatar, India and Nigeria. A young Nige- rian farmer, Fisayo Oyewale, de- scribed the painful toll that climate change is having on agriculture production in Africa’s most popu- lous nation. Saying Covid-19 and climate change combined were having a devastating impact on Ni- gerian farmers, Oyewale said: “It is important for us to take actions to ensure we have sustainable, equitable food systems.”

Over its ﬁ rst three seasons,

#DearWorldLive garnered more than 33mn views across social media, with the US, Turkey and Brazil among the top-viewing nations.

The ﬁ rst episode of the fourth season of #DearWorldLive, as well as all previous episodes, can be seen on Doha Debates’ Twitter, Face- book, YouTube and Twitch channels, and at DohaDebates.com/

DearWorldLive.

QATAR

3

Gulf Times Wednesday, October 20, 2021

HE the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Aff airs Sheikh Mohamed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani met yesterday with Minister of State in the Ministry of Foreign Aff airs and International Co-operation of the United Arab Emirates Sheikh Shakhboot Nahyan bin Mubarak al-Nahyan, who is currently visiting the country. The meeting reviewed aspects of the bilateral co-operation and means of developing the relations to serve the interests of the two countries. (QNA)

Minister of Foreign Aff airs of Saudi Arabia Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah al-Saud met with ambassador of Qatar to Saudi Arabia Bandar bin Mohamed al-Attiyah. During the meeting, they reviewed bilateral relations and ways of enhancing and developing them. (QNA)

FM meets UAE minister Saudi FM meets Qatar’s ambassador

Official

Qatar strongly condemns attack in northern

Nigeria

Qatar expressed its strong condemnation and denunciation of the attack that took place in a market in the State of Sokoto, northern Nigeria, which led to deaths and injuries. In a statement yesterday, the Ministry of Foreign Aff airs reiterated Qatar’s firm position rejecting violence, terrorism and criminal acts, regardless of the motives and reasons. The ministry expressed Qatar’s condolences to the families of the victims and to the government and people of Nigeria, wishing the injured a speedy recovery. (QNA)

King Philippe of Belgium received yesterday the credentials of Khalid bin Fahd al-Hajri as ambassador extraordinary and plenipo- tentiary of Qatar to Belgium.

The ambassador conveyed greetings of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani to the king of Belgium wishing him good health and happiness, and wishes of continued progress and prosperity to the government and people of Belgium. For his part, the king of Belgium entrusted the ambassador with his greetings to the Amir, wishing him the best of health and happiness, and the State of Qatar continued progress, development and prosperity.

(QNA)

Belgium king receives Qatari ambassador’s credentials

President of Uruguay Luis Lacalle Pou met with HE the Minister of State for Foreign Aff airs Sultan bin Saad al- Muraikhi. During the meeting, HE the Minister of State for Foreign Aff airs conveyed the greetings of His High- ness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani to the president and wishes of best of health and happiness to him and further progress and prosperity to the government and people of Uruguay. For his part, the president of Uru- guay entrusted the minister with his greetings to the Amir, wishing him good health and happiness, and for the Qatari people continued progress, development and prosperity.

During the meeting, bilateral co-operation relations between the two friendly countries were reviewed.

(QNA)

Uruguay president meets Qatar’s minister

QNB, Visa launch exclusive off er for FIFA Arab Cup 2021 opening match

Q

NB Group has launched a campaign in collaboration with Visa exclusively for QNB Visa credit card holders, which enables them to enter a draw to win the experience of witnessing the opening match of the FIFA Arab Cup 2021 from the Skybox at Al Bayt Stadium. QNB, the Offi cial Regional Supporter of the FIFA Arab Cup 2021 has partnered with Visa, the Offi cial Payment Services Partner of FIFA for the campaign, which runs until November 15, 2021.

Customers can spend a minimum of QR10,000 both locally and internationally using QNB Visa credit cards to enter the raffl e draw.

Higher spending will increase the chances of winning as each cumu- lative QR100 spent beyond the qualifying amount will enable customers to get one more chance to enter the draw. Eight winners will be selected at the end of the campaign period. Heba al-Tamimi, GM Group Retail Banking at QNB, said: “We are conﬁ dent that this campaign will be received very well by our customers and we look forward to a successful collaboration with Visa.”

Experts sound alarm: food habits must change to help combat climate crisis

Doha Debates’

#DearWorldLive examines

potential solutions to environmental challenges

Participants of Doha Debates’ #DearWorldLive programme.

Qatar Charity opens multi-service health, education facility in Kenya

Q

atar Charity (QC) recent- ly opened a multi-service centre in Minjila, Tana River County, Kenya, in the presence of many local offi cials and dignitaries.

More than 7,000 people are expected to beneﬁ t from the centre, QC has said in a statement.

The centre is of great importance due to its strategic location, which was carefully chosen by Qatar Charity. It is situated in a place where there are many neighbouring poor villages, which always suff er from devastating ﬂ oods in the rainy season, the statement notes.

Abdulahi Hassan Golo, director of Qatar Charity’s Kenya of- ﬁ ce, said the centre will provide educational and health services, and is expected to achieve social development in the area.

The centre, which is the ﬁ rst of its kind in the region, aims to provide comprehensive educational, social, developmental and community services to support orphans and poor and low-income families sponsored by QC.

It also aims to improve their living conditions and provide educational facilities for their children to help them complete their studies. Besides, the centre aims to improve public health levels and achieve development in areas that suff er from a lack

of basic services. The centre has an elementary school with six classrooms, a teachers’ hall, an administrative offi ce, an artesian well, a clinic, a mosque, a Qur’an memorisation centre, service facilities and green spaces.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Paul Karissa, commis- sioner of Tana River County, expressed gratitude to Qatar, its generous people and QC for their eff orts to help the needy and improve social services in Kenya.

He indicated that Tana River County has received an important share of Qatar Charity’s projects, noting that this centre is the largest project in the county. David Komoru Ndomari, a

representative of the Ministry of Health, praised the project noting that Qatar Charity has a clear role in charitable work in Kenya, and this project will contribute to alleviating the suff ering of the population.

Faisal Obo, a representative of the Ministry of Education, praised QC for building this educational centre that serves hun- dreds of poor students and pro- vides job opportunities for many villagers.

Many beneﬁ ciaries expressed happiness at the opening of the centre, noting that it will provide a suitable place for children’s education and off er treatment to patients near their homes.

More than 7,000 people are expected to benefit from the centre.

The centre, which is the first of its kind in the region, aims to provide comprehensive educational, social, developmental and community services to support orphans and poor and low-income families sponsored by QC.

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QATAR

Gulf Times

Wednesday, October 20, 2021

4 Safari Mall at Abu Hamour marks 11th anniversary

S

afari, a leading hypermarket chain in Doha, has celebrated the 11th anniversary of its Safari Mall outlet located in Abu Hamour.

A cake-cutting ceremony was organised in the Safari Mall Food Court on October 18 as part of the celebration, where Group chairman Hamad Dafar al-Ahbabi and director and chief co-ordinator Shaheen Backer were present along with other management representatives.

Safari introduced innovative promotions for its customers to mark the occasion, one of which was the ‘Happy Hour’ promotion, wherein every hour one cus- tomer who had purchased items from Safari Mall got his/her bill refunded through a Safari gift voucher.

The promotion saw a good response from customers, Safari

said in a statement.

It was held in Safari Mall - Abu Hamour on October 17 and 18 and Safari selected a number

of lucky winners. In addition, other promotions were introduced as part of Safari Mall’s anniversary celebration, which

saw a large number of customers visit Safari outlets to get various products at huge discounts, the statement added.

Off icials and dignitaries mark the anniversary celebration.

CMC appeals to

ministry for review of building norms

T

he Central Municipal Council (CMC) yesterday recommended that the Ministry of Municipality should study the possibility of reviewing the existing building norms and standards to reduce the setbacks of the houses of citizens from three metres to two.

Homes usually have a setback from the property boundary, so that they cannot be placed close together. Setbacks may also allow for public utilities to access the buildings, and for access to utility meters.

The CMC members have been studying this issue for some time to come out with the best solutions to maximise the beneﬁ ts from the available land plots while abiding by the set urban planning conditions and regulations adopted for the public good.

The council issued another recommen- dation addressed to the Public Works Au- thority (Ashghal) to pay more attention to the pedestrian corridors at the diff erent neighbourhoods and forbid misusing them for undesignated purposes.

The CMC accordingly recommended that Ashghal should study the possibility of placing road signs that prohibit vehicles from being parked or kept idling at these places. Further, concrete barriers should be put at both ends of these passageways to block any potential misuse.

The council issued other recommenda- tions to Ashghal regarding avoiding the potential risks of the rain basins on both sides of the highways. These basins should be covered by ﬁ lling them up with rub- ble or planting in some parts. In addition, Ashghal should maintain co-operation with the Traffi c Department regarding the standards of safety, security for the services projects and for planting trees on both sides of the highways and main streets across the country.

The CMC Services and Utilities Com- mittee visited Ras Matbakh Aquatic Fish- eries Research Center and highly appreci- ated the eff orts. The council recommended that work should be carried out to broaden the street and road leading to the facility, which should adopt a plan to develop the potential of its employees in order to make them capable of managing the operations without the support of external profes- sionals.

At the same regular session held yesterday morning, the council recommended that the Ministry of Commerce and Indus- try should study the possibility of adding some new consumer items to the ration for citizens and give them the option to go for alternatives when receiving their allocated rations.

Qatar Calendar House celebrates 70th anniversary

Q

atar Calendar House has hosted a special ceremony to mark its 70th anniversary, QNA reported.

The ceremony was attended by HE Minister of Sports and Youth Salah bin Ghanem bin Nasser al-Ali, the board of directors and guests.

Deputy Chairman of Sheikh Ab- dullah Al Ansari Complex for Holy Qur’an Dr Ibrahim bin Abdullah al- Ansari in his speech on the occasion pointed out the interest of Islam in astronomical calculations, and the interest of Muslims in astronomy as one of the sciences that serve Sha- riah, as they use it to know the direction of the qiblah, calculate the times of prayers and the dates of the start and end of the Hijri months.

He added that marking the 70th anniversary of QCH is the culmination of the eff orts of successive generations, adding that the it has evolved over the years from hand- written in limited copies, to what is now available in a digital version that beneﬁ ts more than 6,000 peo-

ple. In response to a question about the strategy of QCH in the coming period, Executive Director of Sheikh Abdullah Al Ansari Complex engi- neer Faisal Mohamed Abdullah al- Ansari noted the intention to build on a long history of achievements and to complete the journey with quality performance that keeps pace with the times, indicating that the Calendar House is in the process of developing its publications, whether printed, electronic or applications for smartphones.

At the end of the ceremony, HE al- Ali and Deputy Chairman of Sheikh Abdullah Al Ansari Complex for Holy Qur’an Dr Ibrahim bin Abdul- lah al-Ansari honoured a number of those who contributed to supporting Qatar Calendar House and its goals.

Among the honorees were students of the Abdullah Al Ansari Club for Astronomy at Ibn Taymi- yyah, who are the holders of the 2020 School Astronomy Olympiad title; Aoun Qatar Team for being the most distinguished in volun-

teer work; and Ali bin Rashid al- Mohannadi as the most serving for the Qatari calendar among the social media influencers; in addition to a special dedication to the Thuraya Planetarium of the Cul- tural Village – Katara, and to the Ministry of Endowments (Awqaf) and Islamic Affairs.

The first astronomical figure in Qatar was awarded to HE the Pres- ident of Qatar Centre for Space

Sciences and Astronomy Sheikh Salman bin Jabor al-Thani.

The award was received on behalf of his father, by his son, Sheikh Ali bin Salman bin Jabor al-Thani.

The ﬁ rst supporter was awarded to Sheikh Jassim bin Mohamed bin Thani Social Welfare Foundation.

The award was received by HE the Minister of Sports and Youth and Director-General of the Foundation Salah bin Ghanem bin Nasser al-Ali.

Global experts attend QU workshop on road safety

Q

atar Transportation and Traffi c Safety Centre at Qa- tar University’s College of Engineering in collaboration with the International Road Federation (IRF), World Conference on Trans- port Research Society, and Khatib

& Alami Consolidated Engineering Company jointly organised an international technical workshop en- titled ‘Introduction to Road Safety Audits,’ QNA reported.

The workshop aims to build knowledge and understanding around the importance and beneﬁ ts of RSAs, which are one of the main risk assessment tools that can be applied at successive stages of road planning, design, and operations.

Furthermore, it provided intro- ductory knowledge on the scope and procedure of RSAs as well as the role and skills of the RSA team.

More than 1,100 international experts on road safety attended the workshop from more than 55 countries. Director of Qatar Transpor- tation and Traffi c Safety Centre Dr Mohamed al-Qaradawi, comment- ed that the workshop is part of the centre’s continuous eff orts to share expertise with international part-

ners to disseminate knowledge and awareness in road safety.The workshop highlights the centre’s role in advancing research and knowledge in traffi c safety, and in contributing to the community locally, and internationally.

During the workshop, distinguished experts from the IRF and Public Works Authority (Ashghal), delivered technical presentations addressing diff erent issues related to road safety audits.The workshop also provided an overview of the Global

Plan for the new UN Decade of Ac- tion for Road Safety (2021-2030). The target for the new decade is to reduce road traffi c deaths and injuries by at least 50%.Speakers also discussed the technical presentations about Road Safety Audits and addressed the Road Safety Management systems and the role of Road Safety Au- dits, highlighting the need to have uniﬁ ed procedures, criteria for having accredited experts, well-trained and independent Road Safety Au- ditors and Senior Road Safety Spe-

cialists. Participants stressed that it is important that designers under- stand the analysis, and comments of the Road Safety Specialists when performing a Road Safety Audit.

This will enable them to incor- porate, in advance of their proposed designs, the standard problems and comments usually identiﬁ ed by Road Safety Auditors, thus sav- ing time and costs for all parties involved.

Road traffi c crashes and resulting fatalities, injuries are among the most challenging issues facing the world community. The newly adopted UN Resolution on Improv- ing Global Road Safety encourages member states to ensure the safety and protection of all road users, through safer road infrastructure and to take into account the needs of motorised and non-motorised transport, and other vulnerable road users, through a combination of proper planning, road safety assessment and audits performed at diff erent stages of projects (design, construction, operation and maintenance of roads.) Road Traffi c

Injuries are the eighth leading cause of death.

Some of the participants in the workshop.

Qatar participated in the 34th meeting of the Council of Arab Transport Ministers, which took place at the headquarters of the Arab League’s General Secre- tariat in Cairo, QNA reported.

Qatar’s delegation was chaired by HE the Permanent Repre- sentative to the Arab League, ambassador Salem Mubarak al-Shafi. The draft agenda for the session included a number of topics related to the Arab transport sector that were discussed by the executive office.

Other topics included recom- mendations made to support the Palestinian economy, and the report of the first meeting of the technical committee supervising the implementation of the Arab agreement to regulate passenger transport on roads between and through Arab countries, and a proposal to establish a comprehensive Arab electronic platform for transport with the aim of facilitating trade between Arab countries.

Qatar takes part in Arab transport ministers’

council meeting

Umm Salal hosts Doha Capital of Islamic Culture event

The Ministry of Municipality,

represented by Umm Salal,

organised yesterday a cultural

event as part of Doha the

Capital of the Islamic Culture

at Barzan Castle at Umm Salal

Mohamed Area, in the presence

of a number of senior off icials

and representatives from the

participating entities.

(5)

QATAR

5

Gulf Times Wednesday, October 20, 2021

Malabar Gold announces new offers

I

n the run-up to the festive season, Malabar Gold &

Diamonds, one of the largest jewellery retailers globally with a retail network of over 260 outlets spread across 10 countries, has announced in- store off ers.

Customers can get gold coins on purchase of gold or diamond jewellery from Oc- tober 21 to November 4. There is a free 1gm gold coin on purchase of diamond and precious gem jewellery worth QR4,000 and a free half gram gold coin on purchase worth QR2,500.

An exclusive jewellery collection in the name of ‘Art- istry Edition’ has also been launched.

These pieces are intricately crafted by master artisans and are rare designs that can be treasured as a family heirloom and will be available at selected stores of Malabar Gold &

Diamonds.

“The next six months are all about festivities and celebra- tions. With the ease of restrictions and tourists returning, we have started experiencing a signiﬁ cant transformation in the market,” said Shamlal Ahamed, managing director – International Operations, Malabar Gold & Diamonds.

Malabar Gold & Diamonds also gives customers the opportunity to avail the gold rate protection off er, designed in

such a way that they are pro- tected from any increase in gold rate and if the rate reduces during purchase, they get the lower rate. They can pay 10%

of the value as advance and get gold rate protection until No- vember 2, 2021.

To ease the payment process, the brand has also enabled an online payment option through their app, which can be downloaded via App store or Play store. This will allow customers to pay and block the gold rates online. On Dhante- ras day, all Malabar Gold &

Diamonds stores will have ex- tended working hours.

Apart from the Festive collection and Artistry edition, Malabar Gold & Diamonds has also launched several other collections. This includes the

‘Bella’ Collection in 22K gold jewellery and ‘Enigma’ exclusive jewellery range studded with precious diamonds.

Interested companies are invited to collect the above tender documents as follows:

• Collection Date : From Wednesday, 20th October, 2021

(QAFAC working days from Sunday to Thursday only)

• Collection Time : 08:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

• Location : The Gate, Bay Tower 2, 13th Floor, West Bay, QAFAC

• Tender Fees : As shown above, (Non- refundable) can be paid at QAFAC Doha Ofﬁce

• Validity : Offers must be valid for 120 days from closing date.

• Bid Bond : Offers must include a Bid bond issued from a local bank and valid for 120 days fom closing date.

• Authorization : Tenders will be issued to authorized company personnel with the following : 1. Ofﬁcial authorization on Company Letter Head,

2. Proper Identiﬁcation,

3. Copy of Company's Commercial Registration.

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• Collection Date : From Wednesday, 20th October, 2021

(QAFAC working days from Sunday to Thursday only)

• Collection Time : 08:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

• Location : The Gate, Bay Tower 2, 13th Floor, West Bay, QAFAC

• Tender Fees : As shown above, (Non- refundable) can be paid at QAFAC Doha Ofﬁce

• Validity : Offers must be valid for 120 days from closing date.

• Bid Bond : Offers must include a Bid bond issued from a local bank and valid for 120 days fom closing date.

• Authorization : Tenders will be issued to authorized company personnel with the following : 1. Ofﬁcial authorization on Company Letter Head,

2. Proper Identiﬁcation,

3. Copy of Company's Commercial Registration.

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Umm Ghuwailina Health Centre to close on

weekends from Oct 22

Mercedes-Benz and BMW models recalled

U

mm Ghuwailina

Health Centre will remain closed during the weekends (Friday and Saturday) from October 22 while Al Thumama Health Centre will be working during the weekends from the same date, the Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC) has announced.

PHCC’s Operations De- partment has conﬁ rmed that patients of the Umm Ghuwailina Health Centre who need treatment or access to services during the weekend, can visit the Al Thumama, Airport, Omar

Bin Khattab and Al Wakra health centres without prior appointment.

They will be able to access emergency services as well as the vaccination clinic, dental clinic, pharmacy, radiology and laboratory for emergency and urgent cases.

All the scheduled appointments for the Covid-19 vaccine at Umm Ghuwailina Health Centre on weekends will be rescheduled to later dates and patients will be contacted and informed of the time and place of their new appointments.

The Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoCI), in co- operation with Nasser Bin Khaled Automobiles, has recalled Mercedes-Benz GLE and GLS vehicles manufactured in 2020- 2021, as the automatic parking system control unit does not match the manufacturer’s specifications.

The MoCI also recalled Mercedes-Benz AMG GT, E-Class, and S-Class 2018-2019 models due to a possible malfunction in the engine control unit software.

The MoCI, in co-operation with Alfardan Automobiles Company, also announced the recall of the 2012-2016 BMW 420i Coupe, X1 20i, X4 30i, X5 M, X6 M models as well as 2005- 2015 BMW 320i Saloon X3 30i, X5 40i, X6 40i models due to a possible driver airbag defect.

The MoCI has urged all customers to report any violations to its Consumer Protection and Anti-Commercial Fraud Department, which processes complaints, inquiries and suggestions through the following channels: Call centre:

16001, e-mail: info@moci.gov.qa, Twitter: @MOCIQATAR, Instagram: MOCIQATAR, MoCI mobile app for android and iOS: MOCIQATAR.

HMC joins bone health awareness campaign on World Osteoporosis Day H

amad Medical Corpora-

tion (HMC) is joining the international community on World Osteoporosis Day, marked on October 20 (today) to raise awareness.

Held under the theme: “Take Action for Bone Health”, it encourages the public to be aware of their bone health by knowing the risk factors for developing osteoporosis and bone fractures.

“Osteoporosis is a disease which makes bones weak and fragile. and greatly increases the risk of breaking a bone even after a minor fall or bump, a sneeze, or a sudden movement,” said Dr Samar al-Ema- di, head of Rheumatology Divi- sion at HMC.

“The disease has no obvi- ous symptoms, so many people don’t know they have osteoporosis until they suffer a fracture. Fractures can be life- altering, causing pain, disabil- ity and loss of independence.

That’s why it’s important to prevent the disease from hap- pening by raising awareness,”

she explained.

“Our bones are living tis- sue that give the body structure and allows us to move and protect our organs. When the bones become porous and fragile, they cause great increase in the risk of having painful,

and often disabling, broken bones. Throughout life, bone is constantly being renewed, with new bone replacing old bone and this helps to keep our skeleton strong. But for people with osteoporosis, more and more bone is lost and not replaced. This means that the bones gradually become brittle and more likely to break,” Dr al- Emadi said.

Osteoporosis is often called the ‘silent disease’ as most people don’t know they have the disease until they suffer a broken bone from a mi- nor fall or bump – something that would not normally have caused such a drastic injury.

“In fact, even after breaking a

bone, around 80% of patients are still not diagnosed and treated for osteoporosis, the underlying disease which has caused the fracture,” she noted.

Dr al-Emadi said the marking of the day is a year-long campaign dedicated to raising global awareness of the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of osteoporosis and related musculoskeletal diseases and also aims to put bone health and fracture prevention on the global health agenda.

“Currently, osteoporosis is vastly under-diagnosed and under-treated due to lack of awareness and late diagnosis.

Worldwide, millions of people at high risk of broken bones remain unaware of the underlying silent disease. The huge human and socioeconomic cost, and severe impact of fractures on patients’ independence, is un- derestimated,” she highlighted.

World Osteoporosis Day 2021 activities at HMC will focus on the need to take action for osteoporosis and fracture prevention.

“We will seek to engage the public and patients, encourag- ing speciﬁ c actions that lead to better bone health at all stages of life, and reduce the risk of osteoporosis and fractures in adult- hood,” added Dr al-Emadi.

Total Covid-19 recoveries increase to 236,575: MoPH

T

he Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) reported yesterday, 62 new conﬁ rmed cases of Covid-19 in the community and 21 among travellers, QNA reported.

The MoPH recorded 77 recoveries from the virus during the past 24 hours, bringing the total number of cases recovered in Qatar to 236,575.

National Vaccination Pro- gramme Data:

4,796,589 vaccine doses have been administered since the start of the programme

2,971 vaccine doses have been administered in the past 24 hours

83.4% of the total population are

now fully vaccinated with two doses In recent weeks, the combined impact of Covid-19 restrictions and increasing vaccination rates, and the overwhelming support of the community, has resulted in a consistent reduction in the number of new daily infections in the country.

However, it is still important to be cautious as the second wave is not yet over and there are still two highly contagious and highly virulent strains of the virus that are actively circulating in the community.

Anyone suff ering from Covid-19 symptoms should contact 16000 helpline immediately.

Dr Samar al-Emadi

DFI set to showcase best of independent American cinema

T

he Doha Film Institute (DFI) is launching two ﬁ lm series to celebrate the best of independent US cinema this month as part of the Qatar-USA 2021 Year of Cul- ture.

The ‘Indie Hits’ programme on October 21 and 22, will feature a selection of popular, independent ﬁ lms from the international ﬁ lm festival circuit.

The ‘Year of Culture Series’

from October 26- 30 show- cases ﬁ ve ﬁ lms that have helped shape the trajectory of US independent cinema. Both series will be held at Building 16, Ka- tara Drama Theatre.

The Qatar-USA 2021 Year of Culture is the latest in Qatar Museums’ (QM) annual cultural exchange initiative, which was established in 2011 to deepen ties with countries around the world through events such as festivals, exhibitions, screenings, competitions, workshops and talks. Through these activities, QM aims to bring people together using diff erent creative mediums to explore their similarities and celebrate their diff erences. In a statement, DFI CEO Fatma Hassan Alremaihi said: “Beyond typical associa- tions of US ﬁ lms with Holly- wood blockbusters and studio titles, America and Qatar share an important past and present

culture of independent cinema where unheard voices are am- pliﬁ ed and celebrated.

“By screening classic gen- re-defi ning fi lms alongside ground-breaking recent pro- ductions, we take audiences on a journey through the evolution of US independent fi lm, dem- onstrating the crucial role that it has played in raising awareness of social and cultural topics, and emphasising the uni- fying power of cinema across borders and cultures”.

US embassy Doha’s Public Diplomacy Offi cer Samantha Jackson said: “The Qatar-USA Year of Culture encourages dialogue on our bilateral rela- tionship and shared ideals of tolerance and diversity. These discourses via ﬁ lm promote cultural engagement and au- thentically allows for creatives to comment on contemporary issues, while allowing a global audience to reﬂ ect on their own heritage and lives. Filmmak-

ing is an important medium celebrating freedom of artistic expression.”

The ‘Indie Hits’ programme features eight fi lms released over the past fi ve years that have played a signifi cant role in shaping the dynamics of independent cinema. It includes two feature fi lms, kicking off tomorrow (Oc- tober 21) at 5pm with Nine Days (2020) by Edson Oda (also to be screened on October 22 at 8pm).

This will be followed by Minari (2020) on October 22 at 8pm by Lee Isaac Chung. On October 22 at 5pm, the ‘Indie Hits’ series presents a specially curated selection of short ﬁ lms including:

Feeling Through (2019) by Doug Roland; A Concerto is a Conver- sation (2021) by Ben Proudfoot and Kris Bowers; Dear Phila- delphia (2021) by Renee Maria Osubu; Two Balloons (2017) by Mark C Smith; The Elephant’s Song (2018) by Lynn Tomlinson;

and Radiance (2017) by Chialing Yang.

The ‘Year of Culture Series’

complements the ‘Indie Hits’

programme by providing audiences with the opportunity to view fi ve of the most iconic fi lms, dating from 1973 to 2017, enabling them to track the progression of Indie fi lm over the past fi ve decades. It com- mences on October 26 at 7pm with Badlands (1973) by Ter- rence Malick.Elephant Man (1980) by David Lynch will be screened on October 27 at 7pm while Jared Hess’ Napoleon Dy- namite (2004) is set for October 28 at 7pm.

Amreeka (2009) by Charien Dabis screens on October 29 at 7pm and the ‘Year of Culture’

series comes to a close on Oc- tober 30 at 7pm with The Rider (2017) by Oscar Award-winning fi lmmaker Chloe Zhao. All fi lms will be screened at the Katara Drama Theatre. Tickets are free but must be booked in advance via the DFI website www.doha- fi lminstitute.com.

The series launch comes as part of Qatar-USA 2021 Year of Culture

Badlands Nine Days

(6)

6

^{Gulf Times}Wednesday, October 20, 2021

QATAR

Qatar-based business group Al Raheeb International has announced the launch of its new brand, Marza Hypermarket, in Qatar. The managing director of Al Raheeb International Group, Jafar Kandoth, said at a press conference that the fourth outlet of the group, Marza Hypermarket located in J Mall, Hazm Al Markhiya, will be ready for opening on October 23. “The inaugural function of Marza Hypermarket – J Mall will be held at 3pm in the presence of dignitaries, government off icials and representatives of the Qatar business community. We aim to open two more hypermarkets and five express stores soon in Qatar,” he said. Marza Hypermarket – J Mall is a

“European-inspired outlet” spread over 50,000sq ft and has more than 100,000 products in various sections. In addition, the outlet has a copy & bind counter, mobiles & watches counter, perfumes, and cosmetics counters.

Promotions and discounts have been lined up as part of the inauguration, including a Buy 1 Get 1 promotion in garments, footwear and ladies’ bags. Shafi bin Hamza, general manager, Marza - J Mall; Shamseer Khan, manager, Marza - Ain Khalid; Nisar Kappikandi - Group buying manager; Shaheer C P – finance manager; and Aboonavas, retail consultant, also attended press conference.

Marza Hypermarket to open at J Mall on October 23

MIA develops programme for Afghan refugee

families

T

he Museum of Islamic Art (MIA), in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Aff airs, has developed a programme for Afghan refugee families in Qatar. MIA’s Learning and Outreach Department is delivering art workshops, library sessions, calligraphy tutorials, a team-based competi- tion and movie screenings in Arabic, English, Farsi and Urdu.

The tailored programme aims to impart new skills and empower refugees, who are able to tell their stories through poetry and other creative outlets.

Kalyan Jewellers launches Vedha collection

G

earing up for Diwali, the festival of lights, leading jewellery brand Kalyan Jewellers, has launched the Vedha collection - a line of handcrafted, heritage gold jewellery accentuated with precious and semi-precious stones.

The Vedha collection combines heritage designs with contemporary- cut precious stones such as rubies, emeralds, sapphires, uncut diamonds and more. There are over a 100 unique designs spread across long haars, necklaces, bangles, earrings and rings.

Talking about the launch of the Vedha Collection, Ramesh Kalyanar- aman, executive director – Kalyan Jewellers, said: “The timeless designs from the Vedha Collection beautifully translate India’s tryst with colours through shimmering gemstones, and designs that draw inspiration from enduring jewellery traditions of our land. With this collection, we aim to off er our customers a unique way to wear and celebrate India’s rich crafts- manship legacy, and we could not think of a better occasion than Diwali, the festival of lights and new begin- nings, to launch Vedha.”

Kalyan Jewellers has also announced its Diwali off ers, which in-

cludes up to 25% cashback on mak- ing charges of gold jewellery and up to 20% cashback off er is available on diamond, precious stone and uncut diamond jewellery. Customers can also avail gold rate protection by pay- ing 10% advance on their intended purchase value.

The all-new Vedha will comple- ment Kalyan Jewellers’ existing col-

lections, which include Muhurat, the bridal jewellery line curated from across India along with popular house brands such as Tejasvi (Polki jewellery), Mudhra (handcrafted antique jewellery), Nimah (Temple jewellery) and Rang (precious stones jewellery).

The company’s product designs also include a varied range of diamond jewellery as part of Glo (dancing diamonds), Ziah (Solitaire like diamond jewellery), Anokhi (uncut diamonds), Apoorva (diamonds for special occa- sions), Antara (wedding diamonds) and Hera (daily wear diamonds) collections.

Kalyan Jewellers draws from a product portfolio of over 100,000 contemporary and traditional designs and off ers selections for everyday as well as bridal wear and festive occa- sions at 148 showrooms in India and Middle East.

Customers can also avail the ben- efi ts of Kalyan’s 4-Level Assurance Certifi cation on gold jewellery, assur- ing customers payment on the value of purity mentioned in the invoice during exchange or resale. The certifi cation also ensures free lifetime maintenance of ornaments at any Kalyan Jewellers’ showroom in the country.

PSA president outlines gains made by Qatar’s population policy

T

he Permanent Population Committee has celebrated the Qatar Population Day. Mem- bers of the committee, heads and members of working groups charged with following up the implementation of the population policy action programme, a representative of the UN Population Fund, and a number of experts in demographic issues took part.

HE the President of the Planning and Statistics Authority and Chair- man of the Permanent Population Committee Dr Saleh Mohamed Salem al-Nabit said that the results of the fourth phase, from Nov 2020 to Oct 2021, of the Population Policy Action programme, have realised several important achievements and gains. The most prominent among these is the demographic return resulting from the change in the age structure of the country’s population, which was manifested by a number of indica- tors, including the high rate of participation in the labour force, which reached 88.2% in 2020, which is among the highest rates in the world and a decrease in the unemployment rate, which did not exceed 0.1% in 2020.

The change in the age structure of the population was associated with a signiﬁ cant decrease in the demographic dependency ratio, and this percentage fell from 40.4% in 1986 to 20% in 2020, the matter that reﬂ ects the improvement in the living standard of the population in Qatar.

HE Dr al-Nabit pointed out that beneﬁ ting from the rise in the work-

ing age groups of Qataris and non- Qataris enabled Qatar to catch up with countries with high human development, as conﬁ rmed by human development reports issued by the UN Development Programme (UNDP).

He added that despite the qualita- tive achievements there are still some challenges and diffi culties, including the imbalance of the demographic structure, and the rapid global chang- es resulting from the coronavirus pandemic.

Regional Director for Arab States of the UN Population Fund for the Arab Region (UNFPA) Dr Luay Shabaneh reaffi rmed, in a recorded speech, the importance of the population agenda for sustainable development, health, and the future.

He pointed that the decline in the population and development agenda in the world is due to changing interests in countries, pressure on health services and basic services, population movement, economic growth, and all the areas that concern and af- fect the population in general.

Executive Director of Doha Inter- national Family Institute (DIFI) Dr Sharifa Noaman al-Emadi reviewed a study carried out by the institute on the social determinants of fertility in Qatar and the factors that aff ect its low rates, adhering to the best international practices.

She clariﬁ ed the factors that deter- mine the decision to have children, including personal, economic, struc- tural, educational, and health factors, and others related to work-family

balance policies, stressing the need to follow policies that achieve a balance between work duties and family ob- ligations, ﬁ nancial support for mar- riage and childbearing, and spreading awareness to raise fertility rates and adopt policies related to increasing childbearing, such as surgeries.

Environmental consultant and expert Dr Mohamed Saif al-Kuwari explained the role of climate change in the spread of epidemics and diseases among the population, and the cause of devastating natural disasters such as unprecedented rainfall, fl oods, de- sertifi cation, and forest fi res.

He also pointed out that the rising temperature of the planet led to the melting of the ice in North and South Poles. This threatens the return of viruses and bacteria that have been frozen for thousands of years in these areas, and thus the emergence of new, unknown diseases and epidemics in areas where they were not spread before.

Senior Consultant of Community Medicine at the Primary Health Care Corporation Dr Sadriya al-Kooheji explained how Covid-19 aff ected public health and Qatar’s eff orts to prevent its spread using precaution- ary, preventive measures and providing the necessary care to those infect- ed with the virus.

Chief adviser to the president at Qatar University Dr Darwish Abdul- rahman al-Emadi reviewed the university’s eff orts to confront Covid-19 through its participation in emergency committees and crisis manage- ment. (QNA)

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