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* Qatar’s first indoor experiential theme park sets records for ‘Tallest Indoor Rollercoaster’ and ‘Tallest Indoor Drop Tower Ride’   Quest, Qatar’s first indoor experiential theme park located in Doha Oasis, announced on Sunday that it has set two Guinness World Records for the ‘Tallest Indoor Rollercoaster’ and the ‘Tallest Indoor Drop Tower Ride.’ “We are thrilled to be recognised for our world-class signature rides, Epiq Coaster and Magma Blast. With its concept and variety of first-to-market rides and attractions, Quest has transformed the entertainment landscape in Qatar. The Guinness World Records certification further underlines the breadth of the Quest offering to our guests; this is a truly one-of-a-kind destination,” said Marcel Hendriks, general manager of Quest at an event held to mark the occasion. The Magma Blast, the tallest Indoor Drop Tower Ride, has a height of 56.409m while the Epiq Coaster is 56.736m high. The park is divided into three sections, otherwise referred to as time-dimensions: Oryxville, a portrayal of an ancient Arabian past; City of Imagination, a reflection of a wondrous present; and Gravity, a state-of-the-art bright and bold futuristic spaceport. Hendriks said the indoor theme park has been operational since July 1 this year. “The theme park has been built with the intention of having a very tall roller-coaster as well as a tall indoor drop tower ride. We are thrilled with a very encouraging response from the community. Most rides in the facility are unique. With the upcoming Arab Cup and the World Cup next year, we are extremely positive about the number of people visiting the facility,” he told Gulf Times. “Spanning 32,000sqm, Quest is a Qatar idea. It is a Qatar-based and fully Qatar-owned company and we have no connection with any other international companies. We have about 38 rides and attractions. The facility can host about 4,000 people at a time. We charge only the entry fee and people can spend the whole day and enjoy all the rides as many times as they want. The entry fee is QR225 for adults and QR150 for children,” he explained. Each of the recognised signature rides has a unique backstory that fascinates its visitors and captivates them with a strong adrenaline rush. The Magma Blast is the first attraction to capture guests' attention as they enter the park with an astonishing record-breaking height of 56.409m. The City of Imagination is home to this media-enhanced drop tower. The ride follows Quest's character Shaheen al-Habi, a Qatari geothermal engineer, as he asks guests to assist him with his massive research probe as it taps into the earth's tremendous geothermal energies before blasting up into the sky. The Epiq Coaster is the star of the show and talk of the town, with its lengthy track full of surprises that will leave even the most seasoned rider speechless. The head-spinning, adrenaline-pumping master, is the tallest indoor rollercoaster in the world and the main attraction at Gravity. The attraction features Quest’s character Spike, a space-hedgehog that takes guests on a high-speed journey around Gravity station in a futuristic solar-powered vessel. The ship rockets backwards, up a high vertical twisting spike, then plummets back down and blasts through the station in a sequence of aerial maneuvers and close encounters. With family-friendly attractions along with delectable dining options, including the world-famous Planet Hollywood restaurant, the Quest journey ends with the enchanting Time Quest retail store. Quest is part of Doha Oasis, the capital’s up-and-coming leisure and entertainment hub located in the heart of Msheireb.    

Maroon and white balloons symbolic of the national flag, fireworks, music, dances and an exotic ambience set the tone for the yearlong festivities of the countdown to FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 as the Indian community hosted a carnival on Friday. The event at the Ideal Indian School grounds was in support and celebration of the mega sporting event to be held from November 21 next year. Indian ambassador Dr Deepak Mittal inaugurated the carnival exhorting the community to uphold the age old Indian principle of world as one family, ‘Vasudevakutumbakam.’ Indian Sports Centre president Dr Mohan Thomas led the activities and highlighted the community’s support for FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022. A video featuring football action scenes and stadiums was released by Khalid Fakhroo, head of recreation at QatarEnergy. A number of dignitaries from various organisations including the Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy were present. Prominent community leaders and office bearers of the apex bodies also attended the event. Speaking at the event, ambassador Mittal said that the event was an expression of the support of the Indian community for the successful hosting of the World Cup 2022. “It is a momentous occasion for the country and the residents and being the largest community, Indian community is here to show our solidarity and support for the major global sporting event. India was the only non-Arab community to host the Arab Cup trophy which is a great recognition for our country. Today’s event is a manifestation of what the Indian community stands for in support of our host country, our second home. We are hopeful that many more Indian visitors will come to Qatar to witness the gala event. This carnival will raise many eyeballs back in India about what is in store for the visitors during the World Cup.” Dr Thomas said that the carnival was the first of many events in store to celebrate the World Cup. “We have lined up several programmes to highlight the World Cup and celebrate it all through next year. We will have more awareness campaigns about Qatar and the World Cup back in India with several initiatives in the first half of next year. We will also provide more information about Qatar and its distinct features in the campaign,” he explained. The programme included a traditional Keralite percussion ensemble, martial arts demonstration, magic show, music and dances. A good number of visitors thronged the venue from early evening There were lucky draws with attractive prizes. A team of Indian doctors and nurses, who enforced Covid-19 protocols, were also prepared to provide emergency medical aid.    

As the one-year countdown for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 is underway and the country is steadily getting into the football fever, Indian community is organising a carnival Friday as a build-up to the mega event and in support and honour of Qatar. “Indian Sports Centre (ISC) in association with other apex bodies under the aegis of the Indian embassy will hold a carnival to express the community’s support for the World Cup, showcasing some of the indigenous cultural, art and sport items of India at Ideal Indian School,” ISC president Dr Mohan Thomas announced Wednesday. The ISC in association with Indian Cultural Centre, Indian Community Benevolent Forum and Indian Business and Professionals Council has lined up a number of activities for the event, taking place from 5pm to 10pm. "The event will be inaugurated by Indian ambassador Dr Deepak Mittal at 7pm. It will be a vibrant and unique event. Qatari dignitaries, ambassadors from various countries, officials from the Indian embassy, and citizens from other countries are expected to grace the occasion. All the Covid-19 related protocols will be strictly followed at the event,” explained Dr Thomas. At a time 1,000 people have been permitted to attend the event, the ISC president said. “There will be vibrant Indian music and dance, showcasing of traditional Indian sports, a football shootout event and attractive prizes, face painting, football jugglers, magic show, laser and fireworks. This will be a one-of-its-kind event, dedicated to the football world and football fans in Qatar, expressing solidarity with our host nation,” he continued. Dr Thomas also said that ISC has lined up a number of events to spread the word about the World Cup and Qatar back in India. “We are in touch with officials in all the states of India. We will present all the details of the World Cup and a complete profile of Qatar in all the states of India right from the south to the north. The campaign will highlight various features of Qatar as well as the places to visit in in the country among others. Then, as we get nearer to the tournament, there will be many more activities,” he remarked. The ISC president also noted that members of the Indian Doctors Club, United Nurses of India - Qatar and Federation of Indian Nurses Qatar will be present at the venue of the carnival to strictly enforce the guidelines of the Ministry of Public Health about Covid-19. “There will also be a facility to provide antigen testing for children who have not been vaccinated. The main entrance to the event venue will be through Gate No 6, and entry for families will be through Gate No 4,” he noted. Dr MP Hassan Kunhi, chairman and CEO of Medtech Corporation; Mibu Jose, CEO of Castle Group; and Syed Shoukath Ali, principal of Ideal Indian School also were present at the press conference. Medtech Corporation, Castle Infrastructure, Family Food Centre and Tea Time are the main sponsors of the event.

Qatar is more ready to host a FIFA World Cup than any nation in history and will deliver the “best World Cup ever”, FIFA president Gianni Infantino has said at a virtual event as the build-up to the global sporting showpiece enters its final year. “I have been involved in several football events for the last few decades and I have never seen a country which is so ready host a World Cup as Qatar. Even a year ahead of the event, all the stadiums are ready. In terms of infrastructure, everything is ready, which means that for the next year we can focus on making sure every fan coming to Qatar will have an incredible experience in a welcoming part of the world, in a great country and in a great region," said Infantino while taking part in the Education City Speaker Series of Qatar Foundation (QF). “It will not only be the best World Cup ever, but also a truly unique one.” The webinar held to mark the one-year countdown to the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 – which kicks off on November 21, 2022 – heard how the tournament will create a cultural, social, and economic legacy for Qatar and the region, including through cruise ships that will act as ‘floating hotels’ for fans going on to play a post-World Cup role in boosting Qatar’s tourism and industry. President of Community Development at Qatar Foundation Machaille al-Naimi During the discussion, titled FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022: The Countdown to History, QF and the FIFA Foundation announced a new partnership focused on inclusivity and engaging young people of different abilities through sport, including a Football for Schools app that will go global in 2022. Speaking about how the first FIFA World Cup in the Middle East and the Arab world will support FIFA’s efforts to grow the global game, Infantino said: “Our vision at FIFA is really to make football truly global. We often say it is a global sport, but (when) you scratch beneath the surface, you realise that top professional football is still very concentrated between a few teams in Europe. We need to give more opportunities and more access to the world through football, and the Arab world, in this respect, is crucial in this. QF Editor-in-Chief Michael Jabri-Pickett “There is a population of 450mn people, and there is a great passion for football among the Arab world. I think it is absolutely fitting to have the World Cup here for the first time in history. I believe that World Cup, being such an amazing event, really has the power to inspire young generations and develop football at all different levels. “We, at FIFA, in Qatar, and everyone that is part of the team organising the FIFA World Cup, want to really embrace sustainability, because we want to make football, and the impact that football has in the world, better from one World Cup to the next. The FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 will really be a highlight, because we have the commitment from Qatar and that is something unique, that will be seen from now until the World Cup (finals), but much more importantly, after the World Cup as well.” Hassan al-Thawadi, secretary-general of the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy (SC) who was a panellist at the event, noted that the mega sporting event will be a platform that brings people together and fosters human in- teraction. “The first football World Cup in the Middle East has given the opportunity for us to showcase the culture, heritage and the hospitality of this part of the world. People visiting us during the World Cup will learn more about the vibrant culture of this country and the entire Middle East,” he said. Al-Thawadi also noted that the preparations for the World Cup are in the final stretch. “We are in the last stretch of the preparations and the stadiums are complete and other infrastructure developments are in the final stages.  "The operational preparations are the biggest test right now and we are working very closely with FIFA. We are getting ready to showcase the best of the Middle East and Qatar,” he explained. He also said that apart from construction, the major beneficiary of any big event is tourism. “Cultural tourism is where the Middle East event will have the biggest impact. The Arab world is known for its hospitality. We will be showcasing many of the initiatives and industries Qatar is well known for. We have some of the best museums as well as some of the fantastic initiatives of Qatar Foundation. We would like to shine a spotlight on some of them,” he pointed out. Machaille al-Naimi, president, Community Development at QF, said Qatar Foundation is playing a unique role in supporting the World Cup. “We are supporting the World Cup through many ways in areas such as sustainability, community development and research – all of which are core mission areas of QF. We see two roles in this: We are supporting the SC in achieving their objectives as we are aligned with those goals. We are also leveraging the echo system that  we have. We are a city within a city with thousands of students, faculty researchers, among others. We have one of the eight stadiums inside our Education City. The Arab Cup is happening in the stadium with five matches. And next year, there will be eight games taking place at the venue,” al-Naimi highlighted. She also disclosed that Qatar Foundation will be hosting the international media broadcasting centre in the Education City, bringing in hundreds of journalists. “We have a lot of researchers working on multidisciplinary areas looking at things that relate to the World Cup. Some of them are connected with policies while some others are in terms of actual business. We have our own initiatives such as volunteering. We are making sure that all these leave a great legacy beyond the World Cup,” continued al-Naimi. Outlining other initiatives of QF, al-Naimi said that as the Qatar World Cup aims to be a very sustainable event, QF is also working on that. “We have over 14 schools and have launched a programme for K-12 for sustainability in the curriculum for embedding these values for generations to come. Moreover, the Education City stadium will be developed into a hub for sporting events in the Education City and we will get entities to have transfer of knowledge. Two of our schools will be housed in the stadium and that is a big legacy for us and the students who will be studying there,” added the official. During the discussion, moderated by QF editor-in-chief Michael Jabri-Pickett, al-Thawadi said the work of the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy’s Josoor Institute to train sports and events experts can help to make this industry “a genuine economic driver” for the region after the tournament. He also explained how cruise and cargo ship firms whose vessels are to provide 6,000 rooms for fans next year will make Qatar a destination for their business operations after the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, creating an economic legacy for the country. “When we say we’re welcoming the world, we’re talking about the fans,” he said. “I hope that this will be a time that will always remain in their memories, and that bonds are formed that last long beyond 2022. “There are many different ways of leaving a legacy, but ultimately what most of us look toward to is the positive memories, the relationships and bonds you form. People will engage with the experience of the rich heritage and culture that showcases the Arab world, not only Qatar, and I believe that’s how the Arab world will have a legacy from this tournament for years to come.” Al-Thawadi noted that all the accommodation arrangements for the mega event have been finalised and all aspects specially taken care of. “It will be an event that will generate a positive bond between people of different regions and countries. The fans will leave the country with long-lasting relationships and memories celebrating Qatar and the entire Middle East,” he added.

Due to the overwhelming turnout of visitors, the Qatar Classic Car Contest and Exhibition 2021 at Medina Centrale, The Pearl-Qatar, has been extended until Monday (November 22), instead of concluding Saturday.   Abdullatif Ali al-Yafei This was announced by the Gulf Qatari Classic Car Association management Friday. "The distinguished exhibition, organised annually in partnership with the United Development Company, has achieved a great deal of success in terms of creating a platform that showcases historic classic cars," said board member and secretary Abdullatif Ali al-Yafei. "In addition to its touristic value, the event plays an important role in educating the society about the importance of this facet of Qatari tradition,” he explained. The event is under the patronage of Qatar Museums (QM) chairperson HE Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani. The winners of the contest will be announced on Monday at a closing ceremony at 7pm. About 50 luxury vintage models are on display at the event, which includes several rare collections. Visitors curiously watching the cars Some of the vintage cars “Right from Wednesday, we are getting hundreds of visitors at the venue. You can spot large crowds moving around the beautiful machines and admiring them,” a spokesperson told *Gulf Times. “People are excited to see the vintage premium cars which are rare pieces. “We are thrilled by the response of the public and we expect more people to visit the exhibition tomorrow (Saturday).” “We have five categories of contest for the competition,” the spokesperson continued. “The first category is for cars from 1947 and before, and the second category is for cars between 1948-1957.” “The other categories are: 1958-1964; 1965-1974, and 1975-1991.” Another vintage beauty Another group of cars Gulf Qatari Classic Car Association chairman HE Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim al-Thani, vice-chairman Omar Alfardan, and several other dignitaries were present at the inaugural ceremony. The winning cars will be classified as: Best Car Award in each category; Best Represented Car Award amongst the participating cars; Most Original and Best Maintained Car without Renewal Award, and the Most Stylish Car Award.  A set of cars at the exhibition The best cars will be selected by a special jury, assigned by the International Classic Car Federation. The winning cars must be unanimously approved by all jury members. The organisers also hope that the exhibition will encourage investment in classic cars and shed light on its history in Qatar, in addition to introducing the various developmental and reinvention stages that the classic car industry has gone through and motivate more enthusiasts to collect vintage and classic cars. Another view of the 1931 Rolls Royce Phantom.   PICTURES: Thajudheen

A vintage Rolls Royce Phantom dating back to 1931, is among the highlights of the Qatar Classic Cars Contest and Exhibition 2021, organised by Gulf Qatari Classic Cars Association at Medina Centrale, The Pearl-Qatar. Held under the patronage of Qatar Museums chairperson HE Sheikha Al Mayssa bint Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani, the event was opened Wednesday by Gulf Qatari Classic Car Association chairman HE Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim al-Thani, along with vice chairman Omar Alfardan, and other dignitaries. Dignitaries touring the exhibition Over 50 classic cars are on display at the exhibition that runs until November 20. Speaking to Gulf Times on the sidelines of the exhibition, Alfardan said that the association used to organise the classic cars exhibition for several years but it was stopped last year due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Some of the classic cars at the exhibition “We are happy to resume it again and grateful to the authorities for permitting us to hold the exhibition. We have participation of a big number of classic car owners in this exhibition. This year we have launched our website. This is the first time that the exhibition is organised under the patronage of HE Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamd al-Thani which is an honour for us. Hopefully we will organise the exhibition next year near to the FIFA World Cup time. We will be inviting other classic cars associations from the Gulf Countries to bring their cars here,” Alfardan told Gulf Times. “We have about 50 cars at the exhibition and a 1931 Rollys Royce Phantom is the oldest one on display here,” he added. Meanwhile, HE Sheikh Faisal said in a message: “The Qatari society is witnessing an increased interest in the acquisition of classic cars which now exceed 4,000 in number, representing various models, particularly that some of them are very rare. Some of the owners have cars that are antique and very vintage as the year of their production.” According to Alfardan, “ For many in Qatar, acquisition of classic cars represents a culture and heritage that must be preserved. It has come to be viewed as part of the culture and heritage of the Qatari society that all those who are concerned, especially classic car owners, must seek to preserve and promote.” The contest and exhibition includes over 50 luxury cars which have great historic value along with rare vehicles that were designed as a masterpiece of art and engineering owned by Qataris and some of them are exhibited to the public for the first time. The event sponsors were honoured at the inaugural ceremony.

Focusing on the global education scenario in the aftermath of Covid-19 and deliberating on the acceleration and integration of technology in education as well as looking to reclaim the future through education, the 10th global summit of the World Innovation Summit for Education (WISE), one of the largest international educational conclaves, will be held from December 7-9 in a hybrid format: in-person and online. “With more than 10,000 attendees online, and over 800 participating in person at Qatar National Convention Centre, the summit will have 190 plus sessions and more than 300 speakers who are educational leaders, practitioners and innovators,” Dr Ameena Abdul-Majeed, director of programmes and the chief curator of the summit announced at a press conference Tuesday. With the topic , ‘Generation Unmute: Reclaiming our Future through Education’ WISE, Qatar Foundation’s global initiative to transform education through innovation, offers a major platform for thought leaders, academics and policy makers to discuss global educational challenges especially in the aftermath of a global pandemic, one of the all-time biggest disruptions on education. The press conference was also attended by Dr Ibrahim bin Saleh al-Naimi, undersecretary at the Ministry of Education and Higher Education; Dr Asmaa al-Fadala, director of Research and Content Development, WISE; and Elyas Felfoul, director of Policy Development and Partnerships, WISE. There will be a new youth-curated programme at the summit addressing questions in global education and 10 WISE research reports will be published in the lead up to the summit. Dr al-Naimi, highlighted the WISE Summit as one of the creative and inspiring initiatives of Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser and noted its continuity despite the far-reaching impact of the pandemic. “The summit represents an opportunity for our students, teachers, school administrators, academics, practitioners and academic leaders in Qatar to interact with their young peers from different countries around the world to discuss global education challenges, thus enhancing their benefit from the summit,” he said. Stavros N Yiannouka, CEO of WISE, said: “It is paramount that we empower our younger populations to become voices of change and assume their role as advocates for education in all its forms. This year’s WISE Summit recognises youth as rights-holders, who must not only be included in our dialogue about the future, but play a defining part in shaping public policy, engagement and sustainable progress following the disruption caused by Covid-19. It is also a step towards a future that balances creativity with a can-do attitude. The first hybrid WISE event is designed to forge connections and provoke a rethinking towards what is possible when we prioritise our collective future.” Dr al-Fadala highlighted the research focus of WISE to face the educational challenges while Felfoul spoke about the integration technology in education as well as the Edtech programme of WISE. Aiming to create a platform for youth, the summit will introduce a new Youth Studio as a key stage for dialogue and discussion, curated by young changemakers to facilitate intergenerational dialogue. By addressing issues including climate education, fake news, students’ wellbeing and transitioning to the job market, WISE 2021 aims to provide the next generation with agency to find innovative solutions to today’s key global challenges. The Summit will bring together over 300 thought leaders in education, world-class experts, and influential young voices from around the globe to address current education challenges across more than 190 sessions, ranging from in-person to fully virtual and hybrid platforms. Global audiences will have the opportunity to participate in live sessions at the Qatar National Convention Centre as well as in online discussions via the WISE virtual platform. WISE will also release 10 new research reports in the leadup to this year’s Summit. Their authors will come together as part of several research presentations and ‘Meet the Authors’ events during the Summit to offer an in-depth look into their findings, many of which examine and use case studies specially from Qatar’s own education ecosystem.

A nationwide STEPwise survey to identify the prevalence of diabetes in Qatar, is expected next year, a senior official told Gulf Times on Sunday. “The STEPwise survey was supposed to happen sometime in 2019-2020 but due to Covid-19, the programme could not be implemented," recalled Prof Abdul-Badi Abou-Samra, co-chair of the Qatar National Diabetes Committee and director of the Qatar Metabolic Institute. "The survey will hopefully take place in 2022 and the Ministry of Public Health will soon announce details,” he said on the sidelines of a diabetes symposium at College of the North Atlantic - Qatar to mark International Diabetes Day. “The survey, once done, will cover epidemiologically representative samples, 5,000 subjects, representing the entire Qatari population and long-term residents. It will go to all communities and representative samples will be taken. This will provide us with accurate details about the prevalence of diabetes in Qatar,” said Prof Abou-Samra. The official said that the 2021 IDF (International Diabetes Federation) figures suggesting that 20% of the adult Qatar population as diabetic, is based on estimates and not based on any current facts and figures. “These figures may not be actual because we do random screening here in Qatar and the figures we get, are between 16% to 20%. So, the average rate of prevalence can be about 17%-18%. As of now, the only official number is that of STEPwise survey in 2012 and we don’t have any other population-representative figures of diabetes. So, we will have to wait for the next survey to get the actual number of diabetes cases in Qatar,” he said. According to Abou-Samra, Qatar has presently about 17% diabetes prevalence among adults and at least 25% of the adult population are pre-diabetic. “About 42% of pregnant women suffer from gestational diabetes, the majority of whom recover after pregnancy. However, they are at a high risk for developing diabetes and their babies are at high risk for diabetes and obesity when they become adults. Again, obesity is one of the major risk factor for gestational diabetes and pregnancy complications. About 3% of the adult population in Qatar have un-diagnosed diabetes and they do not know that they are diabetic. Another 45% of the adults in Qatar have a BMI of above 30 which is one of the major reasons for diabetes in Qatar,” he said. The official believes that efforts by the Ministry of Public Health and the government to contain diabetes will take time to get the desired results. He said: “There is a difference between prevalence and incidence. Prevalence changes over a very long period of time of multiple generations, while incidence can change over a five year period for example. So we will see what best we can do to flatten the curve or to slow down the incidence. “Obesity is one of the main risk factors for diabetes in Qatar as it can explain two thirds of the diabetic prevalence in Qatar. If we want to flatten the prevalence of diabetes in Qatar, we should reduce obesity first.”    

The College of the North Atlantic – Qatar (CNA-Q) under the patronage of the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH), on Sunday organised several activities to mark the World Diabetes Day. A symposium titled, 'Access to Diabetes Care, 100 Years of Insulin: Celebrating a Legacy' discussed the scenario of diabetes in Qatar, the region and beyond. Dr Hamad Eid al-Romaihi, manager of Health Protection and Communicable Disease Control, MoPH; Prof Andrew Boulton, president of International Diabetes Federation; Dr Salem Al-Naemi, president, CNA-Q; Prof Abdul Badi Abou Samra, co–chair of Qatar National Diabetes Committee, MoPH, chief quality officer and director of Qatar Metabolic Institute, Hamad Medical Corporation ( HMC); Prof Shahrad Taheri, director of the National Obesity Centre, HMC and chair of the Research Sub-Committee of the National Diabetes Strategy; Dr Akin Aksekili, vice president and general manager of Novo Nordisk, were among the officials who attended. Speaking at the ceremony, Dr Al-Naemi said: “One of the fundamental components of diabetes care is access to education and psychological support. People living with diabetes need ongoing education to manage their condition. To that end, CNA-Q has been working relentlessly with many partners, and particularly HMC through 'The fundamentals of diabetes education' programme, to raise awareness about diabetes and equip healthcare professionals with skills to empower patients to self-manage their condition on the long term.” "Diabetes is a growing health problem of our times. It creates a significant burden on individuals, the entire healthcare systems and the national governments. In the Gulf, we are facing high prevalence of the disease and Qatar’s prevalence of the disease is estimated to be about 17%. Obesity and life style changes are the major issues of the disease leading to severe complications and other diseases,” said al-Romaihi. Prof Abou-Samra, highlighted that one of the challenges was the insufficiency of educators in the system to support physicians and educate patients, as well the lack of diabetes-specific education programmes. “Pillar 4 “Human Capability and Capacity Building” of the National Diabetes Strategy strives to accentuate the need to identify -local- national level approaches to address the shortages in this culturally sensitive profession. The partnership of HMC with CNA-Q for the development of 'The fundamentals of diabetes education programme' has been a response to this need. Qatar Metabolic Institute sponsors, yearly, about 20 healthcare professionals from different backgrounds and stakeholder organisations to the programme. Going forward, the National Diabetes Committee aims to further enrich training education opportunities related to diabetes for healthcare professionals and people with diabetes, he said. Dr Aksekili said: “The number of people living with diabetes is increasing rapidly, although today we have more knowledge than ever about how to prevent and treat diabetes. More than 537mn people suffer from diabetes, the number of people living with diabetes has quadrupled since 1980, and this number is expected to rise to 784mn by 2045.” An exhibition held on the occasion, included educational institutions and health organisations to highlight the necessity to improve access to diabetes care and the important role diabetes healthcare professionals play in patient education.    

Qatar National Library (QNL) will launch several new programmes in the coming months starting with the first ‘Community Read’ initiative on November 21 with the award winning novel ‘Bitter Almonds’, a senior official told Gulf Times. “We are launching the first Community Read programme this month. We are excited about launching our very own and the first QNL podcast series this December. In celebration of Qatar National Day, the first episode will host Sheikh Mohamed bin Ahmad al-Thani, author of Jassim the Leader: Founder of Qatar,’ disclosed, Carol Ann Daul Elhindi, reference services manager, QNL. “We also have a lineup of exciting topics and interviews and encourage all residents and citizens to stay tuned through our website and social media platforms for further information,” continued, Elhindi. “The community Read programme has been developed to promote reading and sharing among a very broad audience across all age groups. The reading event on November 21 aims to encourage our members to explore various aspects of the book with the author herself – Lilas Taha. We hope to inspire thought and an exchange of ideas during the discussion,” she explained. As for the selection of the book , the official noted that the story is relevant to the local communities in Qatar and the book is available in both English and Arabic. “It is a historical fiction centred around the trials of a Palestinian family who become Syrian refugees. We have multiple copies in both languages available in the library,” she said. The first Community Read event will be a virtual one due to the Covid travel restrictions and the library is planning to host the future reading events in person at QNL. She stated :“We intend to continue this programme annually. Although our titles will be chosen based on the merit of the writing, the subject matter, its appeal to a wide audience, and the author’s availability, we do welcome suggestions for titles from our patrons as well. We will also continue to choose books that are published in multiple languages to create a more inclusive environment for learning and exchanging knowledge.” Lilas Taha, the author of ‘Bitter Almonds’ noted that the focus of the discussion will be on the book writing process itself. “ How I developed the characters and why I chose to chart the way each character dealt with the events of the time. I wanted to paint a human story that readers could connect with on an emotional and social level, keeping the political and historical climate in the background. I hope to answer questions from readers in this event. The Palestinian struggle, history, and culture has been written in many ways using different forms and angles. I hope Bitter Almonds adds to the trove of informative literature and continues the momentum,” Taha, told. Taha remarked that she started the creative writing journey to inform readers who are not familiar with the circumstance, cultural, historical, and political currents that shape and affect Palestinian refugee lives. “I always hope that a reader can learn something which causes a positive impact on him or her, no matter how small. I do believe that community reads such as this one by Qatar National Library, brings different people from different backgrounds to share the same experience: reading and focusing on one book. I truly think this is a priceless communication tool and, hopefully, an inspiring process,” maintained, the author who is on the final touches of ‘Found in Thyme’ a sequel for her third novel ‘Lost in Thyme’ which concludes the story of first-generation Palestinian-Americans exploring their roots and trying to stay true to their cultural identity.    

* HEC Paris in Qatar flagged off its new premises in Msheireb Downtown and held the graduation ceremony of its 2020 and 2021 classes during its 10-year milestone celebration event at Baharat Msheireb Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, chairperson of Qatar Foundation (QF), attended the inauguration of HEC Paris in Qatar’s new premises in Msheireb Downtown and the graduation ceremony of its 2020 and 2021 classes, during the university’s 10-year milestone celebration event Wednesday at Baharat Msheireb. HH Sheikha Moza officially opened the new building of HEC Paris in Qatar, a QF partner, and toured the facility, accompanied by HE Sheikha Hind bint Hamad al-Thani, vice-chairperson and CEO of QF and a HEC Paris in Qatar alumna. Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser during the graduation ceremony . PICTURE: Aisha al-Musallam HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad al-Thani, president of the Qatar Olympic Committee, receiving the diploma at the graduation ceremony. PICTURE: Aisha al-Musallam The tour included demonstrations of the innovative, pedagogical technology of holography, which was used during a live panel discussion where HEC Paris Prof Sihem Jouini attended from France. Dr Pablo Martin de Holan Faisal Abdulhameed al-Mudahka, editor in chief of Gulf Times and an alumnus of the first batch of HEC Paris in Qatar, anchoring the event. Welcoming HH Sheikha Moza to the new building, Dr Pablo Martin de Holan, dean of HEC Paris in Qatar said: “Our new home in Msheireb embodies the commitment of Qatar Foundation to HEC Paris and to its mission of impact and excellence in Qatar and the Gulf region. HEC Paris and its partners are helping build a knowledge-based, diversified, sustainable economy that is central to Qatar National Vision 2030, by training women and men to reach their potential as managers, leaders, and entrepreneurs and by creating and growing ethical and responsible companies that create a better future for all.” Sheikha Athba bint Thamer al-Thani speaking on the occasion Also present during the inauguration, general director and dean of HEC Paris, Dr Eloïc Peyrache added: “As a leading global business school, our presence in Qatar provides a platform to serve the needs of the business community in Qatar and the region. We thank Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser and Qatar Foundation for their support and trust which has spanned more than 10 years now and look forward to many years where we will help build the talent and leaders required to address our increasingly complex global economy.” Her Highness also attended the graduation of the university’s 2020 and 2021 classes, taking place during a milestone ceremony highlighting HEC Paris in Qatar’s 10-year journey in shaping excellence in the Qatar’s business community, as well the university’s plan to take advantage of its new location to help transform the economy sustainably. A graduate representative sharing her thoughts Some of the graduates (above) and guests at the graduation ceremony. Groups of graduates at the ceremony. PICTURES: Shaji Kayamkulam The graduating 2020 and 2021 classes included Executive MBA and Specialised Masters in Strategic Business Unit Management participants. HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad al-Thani, president of the Qatar Olympic Committee, was among the graduates. Dr de Holan said: “HEC Paris has been recently voted the best EMBA worldwide 2021 by the Financial Times. This recent achievement further reflects our contribution in helping Qatar gain the Arab World’s leading ranking in the 2021 Global Education Quality Index of the World Economic Forum. The new building of HEC Paris in Qatar in Msheireb Downtown (supplied picture) “This executive education institution has leveraged our Qatar presence to emphasis our global outreach and ability to impact economies and societies in emerging markets. Our graduates have gone on to be leaders of change, both here and on the international stage through their work in various public and private sector entities and by innovating new businesses and projects.” “Learning is a lifelong process and it never ends. Today you have achieved a significant milestone in your lives. It comes with great responsibilities and use it make the world a better place,” concluded, Dr de Holan. Jean-Paul Agon, chairman and CEO of international cosmetic company, L'Oréal who graduated from HEC Paris in 1978 delivered a video message during the event. Sheikha Athba bint Thamer al-Thani, an alumna of HEC Paris in Qatar also spoke on the occasion and motivated the graduates to reach greater heights to realise their dreams and for the success of the country. Representing the graduates, a graduate each from both the graduating classes recollected their experience and the enrichment they received from the programmes of HEC Paris in Qatar. Faisal Abdulhameed al-Mudahka, editor in chief of Gulf Times and an alumnus of the first batch of HEC Paris in Qatar was the master of ceremonies on the occasion.

Steady progress is being made in promoting a movie culture in the country with the participation of more and more people into film making and its related activities, noted a young Qatar filmmaker highlighting that 48% of grants by Doha Film Institute (DFI) is allotted to lady filmmakers. “The film culture is in the early stages of development in the country but we are seeing a huge interest with the participation more people in various fields of film making and there is a huge momentum in the direction,” said, Majid al-Remaihi, while answering a question from Gulf Times. Al-Remaihi and other film makers of the ‘Made in Qatar’ programme at the 9th Ajyal Film Festival interacted with the media Tuesday giving their perspectives on each of their films. The ‘Made in Qatar’ Programme comprises of 10 films by Qatar-based filmmakers and they were screened Tuesday at Katara Drama Theatre as well as at Katara Opera House. The programme featured internationally shown and award-winning short documentaries and narratives. “Made in Qatar is a platform to launch the local film makers and their artistic works. Another highlight of film production in Qatar is its diversity both in form and the backgraound as the country has a large number of people from other countries and it helps to incorporate many of their reflections and cultures very well,” explained, al-Remaihi. ‘And Then They Burn the Sea’ (Qatar/2021), by al-Remaihi is one of the films in the Made in Qatar Programme which is reflection of his personal experience and an ode to his mother who suffered from gradual and terminal memory loss over the course of many years. The selection of films in the programme also include: Border (Qatar/2021) by Khalifa al-Thani is a DFI supported film, set in an abstrusely dystopian future, where a man wishes to return to his family; Fever Dream (Qatar, Poland, USA/2021) by Ania Hendryx Wójtowicz, a documentary about a reality that is stranger than fiction; Kan Fe Nas (Qatar, Lebanon/2021) by Mohamed al-Hamadi, which documents stories of Lebanese people as they endure daily hardships; and Shaima al-Tamimi’s Don’t Get Too Comfortable (Yemen, UAE, USA, Netherlands, Qatar/2021), which contemplates the continuous pattern of movement amongst Yemenis in the diaspora. Also included in the screenings are: A Lens Under Water (Qatar/2021)by Fatma Zahra Abderrahim, which takes an eye-opening and colourful dive into the teeming coastal waters of Qatar; the DFI supported Virtual Voice (Qatar, Sudan/2021) by Suzannah Mirghani, is a digital-savvy and satirical review of our online times; and Atlal (Remnants) (Qatar/2021) by Balkees al-Jaafari and Tony El Ghazal, which follows a wistful Palestinian man who embarks on a trip down memory lane to the pivotal locations of his life in Qatar. When Beirut was Beirut (Qatar, Lebanon/2021) by Alessandra El Chanti, an animated documentary; and Olayan (Qatar/2021) by Khalifa al-Marri, which follows a Bedouin boy named Hamad who forms a bond with a new-born camel, who he calls Olayan.

Qatar Museums is presenting 'Christian Dior: Designer of Dreams' at M7 in Msheireb Downtown Doha, until March 31. The retrospective features a selection of pieces being shown for the first time, including ensembles from the private collection of Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, a long-standing client of Christian Dior Couture. Olivier Gabet, curator A media preview of the exhibition was conducted on Saturday with Sheikha Reem al-Thani, acting deputy CEO of Exhibitions and Marketing at Qatar Museums welcoming the gathering. The curator of the exhibition, Olivier Gabet, explained each of the collections on display at the exhibition. The first fashion exhibition of its ambition and scale in the Middle East, it has been reinvented anew following successful presentations at prestigious museums in Paris, London, Shanghai and New York, according to Qatar Museums. The exhibition, specially conceived for Qatar and curated by Gabet, celebrates nearly 75 years of creative passion, punctuated by captivating haute couture dresses and works from the collection of the Musée des Arts Décoratifs in Paris. Gabet is director of the Musée des Arts Décoratifs. “The exhibition, 'Christian Dior: Designer of Dreams', has captivated audiences around the globe with its stunning design and breathtaking fashion creations. Qatar Museums is pleased to present a special presentation of the exhibition in Doha, in collaboration with Dior and the Musée des Arts Décoratifs. Qatar Museums gives special thanks to Place Vendôme for their generous support as the presenting sponsor of the exhibition,” said HE Sheikha al-Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani, Chairperson, Qatar Museums. “Christian Dior was a true visionary,” HE Sheikha Al Mayassa continued. “So, it is especially meaningful to us that 'Designer of Dreams' is the first major exhibition to open at Qatar Museums’ M7, a creative hub that supports Qatar’s burgeoning fashion and design industries. This inspiring space provides a platform for local talent and supports aspiring and established creative entrepreneurs in Qatar to realise their ambitions.” Resembling a majestic entrance, a décor evoking the legendary 30 Avenue Montaigne welcomes visitors, followed by a selection of silhouettes designed by each of Christian Dior's successors – Yves Saint Laurent, Marc Bohan, Gianfranco Ferré, John Galliano, Raf Simons and Maria Grazia Chiuri. Also featured is the 'Bar' suit, a manifesto of the New Look, designed by Christian Dior for his first collection in 1947. The House’s multiple sources of inspiration – like the sumptuousness of Versailles – are revealed, while the unmissable toile room, a tribute to the savoir-faire of the Ateliers, promotes the excellence of the 'petites mains'. A floral bouquet of timeless elegance, the 'Miss Dior' fragrance blossoms before Maria Grazia Chiuri's eponymous new haute couture dress for Dior. The beauty of world cultures is showcased in the Dior Around the World section, reflecting cultural references for each country represented, for example Middle Eastern-inspired stained-glass windows by Philippe-Joseph Brocard. In the heart of a garden recalling Monsieur Dior's love of flowers, looks are enhanced by delicate embellishments or poetic prints, like an haute couture herbarium, presented alongside embroidery by Rébé and precious botanical works dating from the 15th to the 19th centuries. Continuing this dreamlike journey, the J'adore universe is exalted by a cascade of golden raindrops composed of 3,000 perfume bottles in a creation by the artist Liu Jianhua. The work 'Precious Stonewal'l (2020) and the 'J'adore' perfume bottle designed by Jean-Michel Othoniel (2012) also appear like an echo. The irresistible Diorama window, revisited in pastel shades, dialogues with an installation specially created for this exhibition by the artist Joël Andrianomearisoa, titled 'Les Saisons Imaginaires' and made from a thousand upcycled Dior silk scarves. More than 50 'Lady Dior' handbags have been reinterpreted for the 'Dior Lady Art' project, granting painters, sculptors and designers carte blanche to transform this emblem according to their artistic vision – an accessory that owes its iconic status to its extraordinary ambassador, Lady Diana. The public can also admire one of the Princess of Wales' outfits, alongside looks that have graced other dazzling celebrities, including Charlize Theron and Jennifer Lawrence. The final gallery, a ballroom paying tribute to the "kingdom of dreams", offers an enchanting encounter between virtuoso evening gowns and a series of haute couture ensembles belonging to Her Highness Sheikha Moza. "An odyssey from yesterday to today, all in the name of Dior magic," Qatar Museums said in a statement. 'Christian Dior: Designer of Dreams' is sponsored by Place Vendôme with additional support from Qatar Airways. The exhibition is part of the ongoing cultural legacy established as part of the Qatar-France 2020 Year of Culture, an initiative celebrating the longstanding ties between both nations.

Experts at Qatar Foundation (QF) have proposed a dynamic web-based sustainability dashboard for corporate buildings in the country to monitor, categorise and report energy consumption as a means to combat climate change. “Energy efficiency is one of the most powerful tools for combating global climate change. The equation is straightforward: less energy used, means less emissions generated,” said  principal scientist at Qatar Environment and Energy Research Institute (Qeeri), part of QF’s Hamad Bin Khalifa University. Buildings alone account for approximately 32% of global energy use, and nearly 30% of total greenhouse gas emissions. This essentially means there is lots of room for improvement when it comes to their energy efficiency. “The problem is even more serious here with buildings accounting for the largest portion of total electricity consumption. In 2020, buildings in Qatar consumed over 50% of the total electricity generated,” said, Dr Beitelmal. According to Mohammed Ayoub, a senior research director at Qeeri, the urgency of climate change necessitates decisive action across all sectors, including building energy consumption. “If building operators in Qatar adopt this proposed sustainability dashboard to track their detailed energy consumption and use this information to map clear reduction targets, they will see immediate and noticeable improvements in their energy efficiency. This, in-turn, will translate into significant reductions in building carbon footprint across the country,” he explained. A sustainability dashboard would allow more environmentally-conscious organisations in the country to cement their commitment to the environment while encouraging others to follow suit. “Think of the dashboard as an energy report card. It will detail exactly where the energy is being used and how much. What we get is overall energy consumption of the building; however, the challenge with this is, it doesn’t categorise the consumption,” said, Dr Beitemal. The advantage of categorised energy consumption readings is that it will allow to identify which areas need to be prioritised when implementing energy efficiency measures. “A building can be designed to be sustainable, but that doesn’t mean it will automatically become energy efficient. This is where the dashboard will come in by offering a granular overview of the building’s energy consumption and uncovering which areas need to be made more efficient,” continued, Dr Beitemal. The experts noted that to get this off the ground, will require great effort. “It might be that some buildings don’t actually record the necessary data, but that doesn’t mean they can’t. The other challenge with such initiatives is that people might think of it as an energy audit that would highlight their energy inefficiency and reflect negatively on them,” maintained, Ayoub. Several institutions in North America have implemented sustainability dashboards with success. The ability of such a dashboard to show clear data on what is really going on, allows users to make effective data-driven decisions and see their impact on energy efficiency in real-time. Dr Beitelmal said: “I personally think, QF has everything it needs to get the ball rolling on this. We have the infrastructure, the engineers, the scientists, and most importantly the vision to become leaders in sustainability.” “The important thing to remember for corporations here is, instead of looking at it as an expose which will uncover shortcomings, we need to look at it as a learning process that offers us the opportunity to improve our energy efficiency,” added, Dr Beitelmal.

The Public Works Authority (Ashghal) has started construction works on the Mebaireek Interchange project and upgrade of Khalid Bin Ahmed Interchange, known as Industrial Intersection on Salwa Road, as part of the expressway programme. The project aims to enhance traffic flow on Salwa Road for commuters heading to the Industrial Area and surrounding areas such as Ain Khaled, Al Murrah, New Fereej Al Ghanim, Muaither, Al Sailiya, Mebaireek and Abu Nakhlah. Ashghal had arranged a tour of the sites for the media and briefed them about the features of the project. Speaking to the media, Noah al-Joof from the Highway Projects Department at Ashghal said: “The project includes distinctive construction methods such as the use of precast steel beams to reduce closure of the underpass at Al Furousiya and Salwa Interchange. The Mebaireek Bridge is also to be implemented in phases to avoid traffic closure for Salwa Road users. The project is to be completed by the third quarter of 2022.” For the Mebaireek Interchange, Ashghal will build a new two-level interchange between Al Sailiya Interchange and Mesaieed Interchange, connecting Salwa Road and Mebaireek Street. The proposed interchange includes two main bridges, each 330m long, with several exit points, loops and accesses to local roads connected to the new interchange, facilitating traffic movement in all directions. According to the official, works on the new intersection include construction of bypass roads and local roads with a total length of about 3km, in addition to the construction of 3km of pedestrian paths and 3km of bicycle paths, whereas the area of tree plantation on both sides of the intersection is about 41,000sqm. The Mebaireek Interchange will contribute to improving traffic flow in the area, shortening journey time by 50% and accommodating more than 8,500 vehicles per hour. Construction of the Mebaireek Interchange aims to provide a direct free link for commuters through Salwa Road towards the Mebaireek and Al Sailiya areas through service roads in both directions of Salwa Road, for road users heading between Doha, Mebaireek and Al Sailiya areas, and for those heading from Mebaireek and Al Sailiya towards the external areas in the south and west of Qatar such as Abu Nakhlah, Mekainis and Al Karana. The upgrade project of converting Khalid bin Ahmad Roundabout into a signal-controlled intersection includes the development and expansion of Khalid Bin Ahmed Interchange, converting the roundabout into a signal-controlled intersection to connect Salwa Road, Al Furousiya Street and East Industrial Street. It will enhance traffic flow by accommodating 8,500 vehicles per hour instead of 5000, and cutting mobility time to about 80%. The signal-controlled intersection will consist of six lanes with many entry-exit points, 2.8km-long connection roads, and tree planation over approximately 10,000sqm. The new signal-controlled intersection will regulate traffic and provide more traffic safety instead of existing roundabout, with necessary expansion, which will facilitate the connection of traffic between Salwa Road, Al Furousiya Street and East Industrial Street, and serve residential neighbourhoods in the area. “This will reduce travel time to various destinations by approximately 80%, while construction of the Mebaireek Bridge and several local roads connected to the new Mebaireek intersection will reduce the journey time to about 50%. The construction of two intersections on Salwa Road will enhance traffic flow between Doha, Al Rayyan Municipality and external areas, as it provides alternate option to Al Sailiya Interchange,” explained al-Joof. He also said Ashghal will rely more on local materials and local manufacturers in the project work to supply materials such as lighting poles, traffic signs, sewage pipes, rainwater drainage pipes, asphalt and precast hard materials including manholes, concrete and steel. “Construction of the Industrial and Mebaireek intersections will contribute significantly to enhance the movement of passengers and goods, as they constitute a link between the Abu Samra border point in the southwest and Hamad Port. The Mebaireek Interchange will play a major role during FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 for fans arriving by road, as it is the only land route for neighbouring countries to Qatar,” he added. Some 80% of the construction materials are locally made, Ashghal said.    

The focus on reporting from regions that are often overlooked is what makes the channel different from other news networks, noted Dareen Abughaida, principal presenter at Al Jazeera English Channel. “The breadth of our coverage, and our emphasis on reporting from regions that are often overlooked is what distinguishes us from other news networks. We have challenged mainstream Western media domination by being the voice of the voiceless,”Abughaida told Gulf Times. Abughaida joined Al Jazeera in 2010 in the news department as the Arab Spring was beginning to unfold in the region. “As a journalist and an Arab, I couldn’t have joined at a better time - as we were there to cover every angle and we were fortunate enough to witness history unfold hour after hour, and day by day. Having grown up in the region, and being of Palestinian/Lebanese descent, I understood the challenges, and the demands of people who were fighting for freedom, justice, dignity and economic opportunities. And Al Jazeera was, and still is, the go to channel when it comes to the Middle East,” she said. According to Abughaida, her job mainly is to question the status quo and provide the viewer with an honest assessment of news stories they need to be well-informed. She said: “We wouldn’t be doing our jobs as journalists if we didn’t ask challenging questions to everyone involved, and hold decision makers to account. And despite the pressures exerted on the network and its journalists, Al Jazeera will always continue to respect people’s rights to be heard by covering stories from all around the globe and ensuring that our reporting and storytelling maintains integrity in the face of scrutiny and these challenges.” Abughaida believes that through the channel’s storytelling and news bulletins, the viewer walks away truly informed on the day’s events. “We explore how the impact of decisions made in world capitals directly affect people on the ground. Our reporting gives a voice to those often neglected. We go to them.We make the effort, we care, we stay,” she said. "Our newsroom is an incredibly diverse and multicultural environment, and the diversity extends right across the network and transcends departments. People come from different cultures, and different backgrounds, and they speak different languages. And all are bound by the passion of storytelling and curiosity about the world around us. As a presenter, I learn from everyone here, it enriches me both personally and professionally when I am exposed daily to other cultures and other ways of thinking," she said. The presenter is of the view that as Al Jazeera continues to deliver groundbreaking TV news content, the global media landscape is facing an ever increasing set of challenges during the digital transformation. “However, challenges quite often present opportunities! Al Jazeera’s journey will continue into the digital space as the network looks towards the future and expands into other types of media and platforms while simultaneously continuing to maintain its original principles and commitment to being fearless in the pursuit of truth wherever it may be. Keep watching this space,” she added.    

Empathy is one major pillar to help overcome the challenges posed by the tsunami of change the world is going through, especially in the past two years, a Qatar-based emotional intelligence coach has stressed. “Perhaps Covid-19 was one of those sudden challenges on a global scale that put many organisations out of business or led leaders to take tough decisions in an emotionally hijacked moment with the sole reason to save and sustain their business. In addition, there came the sudden, massive dependency on technology, which fuelled the distancing between people not just on a physical level but even on a human-to-human basis,” Joseph al-Haddad told Gulf Times. “When we start talking to one another without any judgement, when we connect with each other from a caring perspective, the true sense of communication begins and that is where empathy plays its role in creating a safe space for us. Regardless of the advancement in technology, nothing can replace the conversations and interactions between human beings and empathy is a necessity for our survival as a species” he explained. Al-Haddad, who has trained about 10,000 individuals in Qatar and the region both face to face and online, is a certified emotional intelligence coach from Six Seconds in the US, and a professional certified coach from the International Coaching Federation. “I strongly believe that my role as a coach, consultant and facilitator is helping me support the social and human development pillars of Qatar National Vision 2030 through coaching and training people, from graduates to executives and others. I guide leaders and other individuals to understand and manage themselves better. I help them understand that emotions are at the core of everything we do,” he said. According to al-Haddad, "emotions drive people and people drive relationships and performance". “If you don’t understand your emotions, you can’t understand other people and can’t manage performance in any area of life. Using different assessments, I help people understand themselves better to connect with others both on an individual and professional level." The main areas of his coaching practice are executive, relationship and self-development coaching. “I am also a neuro-linguistics practitioner, which in simple terms is the study of patterns. I work with people to help them understand the patterns that are not working for them and support them in creating new patterns in their life,” he pointed out. “In our brain we don’t delete our habits. When we want to change a habit and start implementing the change, our system starts to build a new pathway upon a previous pattern. The more we understand the reasons behind a change, the easier it becomes to build a new pattern. Understanding why we are doing something or why we are changing something, helps us not go back to our old, wrong practices,” he added.    

Since its inception on November 1, 1996 with the Arabic channel, the network has been a pathbreaker, holding major impact on the global news media, turning out to be the 'voice of the voiceless', said, a top official of Al Jazeera Television Network as the media house marks its silver jubilee on Monday. “I am always concerned about the editorial correctness of news and not about its political correctness. Every day of Al Jazeera is a milestone for us as something new happens and we get the trust of more people by reporting the true facts. I always go with the news, facts, its correctness, honesty and objectivity,” Salah Negm, director of news at Al Jazeera English, told Gulf Times, recollecting the journey of the network for the last 25 years. “Every event, since our inception, we have covered in a different way which made our competitors and their networks to review their ways. When we cover an event or a conflict, we make sure that we have correspondents or representatives from both sides, voicing the opinion of both sides,” Negm said. He said that Al Jazeera was the only channel in Afghanistan that had a bureau and the satellite news gathering ability before 9/11. “During Operation Desert Fox in Iraq, Al Jazeera had presence there. During the Palestinian Intifada, the channel had news gathering ability from both sides. When our office and that of Associate Press in Gaza were bombed, we had it live on our channel,” he said. The news director maintained that there would be people who may or may not like the way the channel is covering the news. “We have to get a balanced view from various angles for an impartial reporting. Covering every story is a challenge. Getting every rights and facts irrespective what the official version or other views, is one of the challenges. Apart from logical challenges, there are many other things. Security and logistics are very important for the safety of the staff,” Negm said. Refuting the allegations of the channel having links with some organisations such as Al Qaeda, Negm said that any successful news organisation needs to have reliable contacts. “We get the information from these sources and that is not to having any links with them. If you don’t do that you are conveying a non-complete story. You have to present the views of all the parties and put them before people. These are normal journalistic works.” He also claimed that the ‘Bin Laden Tapes’ aired by Al Jazeera were made available to some other channels and they did not broadcast them. “We released only what were news-relevant from the tape. The entire tape was more than 60 minutes,” he pointed out. The official stressed that the channel always asks relevant and basic questions. “It is more important to ask the right questions at the right time than getting the answers. We do ask the right questions and we are deliberately keen to do that. When we cover some event we just don’t parachute and leave but we stay and try to unearth facts because there are consequences for every incident and we try to bring them forth. We want to highlight the impacts of the incidents on the people,” he said. Box Al Jazeera Network statistics Al Jazeera Media Network: •    Five TV channels •    Two Centres - Centre for Studies & Human Rights •    One Media institute •    More than 70 Bureaus around the world •    Broadcasted to over 430mn unique homes in 150 countries •    Available at over 2.4mn hotel rooms. •    5 digital channels •    20 websites •    Media content in 7 languages Social Media: •    Over 100mn followers on Facebook •    Over 25mn followers on Twitter •    More than 6mn followers on Instagram •    More than 14mn YouTube subscribers •    More than 3,000 employees, from over 90 nationalities