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The summer season is giving a chance for Qatar residents, particularly children, to explore and take part in a number of engaging activities at Dadu, Children’s Museum of Qatar. Dadu is hosting an interactive experiment ‘Light Atelier’, which runs until September 11 at the Museum: Arab Museum of Modern Art. Using different light fixtures, Qatar Museums (QM) said this free-of-charge activity “allows children to be self-reliant in exploring concepts around light, shadow, colour mixing, reflections, and more”. Turtle-hatching activity aims to familiarise participants with the hawksbill turtle “Dadu's Light Atelier utilises different installations, allowing children to take the lead and freely discover concepts about light and shadow, colour mixing, reflections, and more. The educational space will allow you and your child to play, explore and experiment,” QM said on its social media pages. Dadu, which means “play” in Arabic, is a “word that has a strong presence in poetry” and such activity forms an essential part of childhood, according to QM. Children enjoying the activities at Dadu As one of QM’s latest institutions, the museum serves as a platform “for learning and growth through inclusive, open-ended play, exploration and experimentation”. It has been developed under the leadership of QM chairperson HE Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani. QM noted that Dadu activities help children to unlock and develop their potential to be successful, providing innovative “child developmental settings and resources”. “We support all children, including those with special education needs and disabilities, to learn through play, have fun and bond with family and friends, while nurturing them to be the future leaders and caretakers of Qatar, supporting the goals of the Qatar National Vision 2030,” QM said. Young participants learn through play at Dadu, Children’s Museum of Qatar. Some of the activities at Dadu include bird feeder-making, which aims to empower children to take action and raise awareness on the importance of protecting Mother Earth; flipbook animation, which allows participants to explore and experiment with basic animation skills; desert box-making, which teaches about Qatar’s rocky desert habitat, and aims to “build a connection and appreciation for our natural environment.” Other Dadu workshops aim to develop scientific inquiry and observation skills of children, such as the turtle-hatching activity, which familiarises participants with the hawksbill turtle and their nesting season during early summer at Fuwairit beach, as well as the danger they face. ‘Light Atelier’ uses different light fixtures “We at Dadu invite children to leave their mark while playing and look forward to being part of children’s journey in learning through play. “A variety of stimulating, interactive, and accessible indoor and outdoor experiences will offer families opportunities to play and learn together. Families are the threads of our community’s fabric – the tighter our weave, the stronger we are. “Although our doors are not yet open, we are already engaging our community in Qatar, from family events with our allied organisations to Museums in Residence programmes in schools around Doha,” QM said. Dadu activities help children to unlock and develop their potential Mathaf is also holding guided family visits for five Saturdays. Two were held on May 21 and July 16 while three are set on September 17, October 15, and November 19 from 3pm to 4pm. Children and their families can also join the ‘Story Time at Mathaf’ – a reading of Message to the Penguin: Don’t Tell Your Mother – on July 30 from 4pm to 5pm at the Mathaf library. It is free of charge but registration is required. Mathaf will also hold an artists’ gathering (free workshop) for 13 years old and above every Saturday, scheduled throughout the year from 10am to 7pm.

The hosting of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 provides an opportunity for the country to showcase and promote its ‘hidden gems’ for tourists to explore, an industry expert has said. Speaking to Gulf Times, Outing Qatar founder and managing director Mosaad Moustafa Eleiwa said the ‘historic adventure sites’ such as the Dahl Al Misfir sinkhole would attract a large number of local and international visitors. Al Thakira “Highlighting those spots will guide locals, residents and visitors to plan their itinerary and also enjoy safari and other experiences like they have never seen before,” he said. Located west of Doha and a 50-minute ride by car, VisitQatar described Dahl Al Misfir as “one of the country’s most exciting natural sites”.   Mosaad Moustafa Eleiwa A prehistoric natural formation “burrowing deep into the ground”, the place is approximately 40m deep and believed to have been formed 325,000 to 500,000 years back in the mid-Pleistocene Era, according to Visit Qatar. “Known for emitting a moon-like glow, this phosphorescence is the result of gypsum deposits found in the centre of the peninsula. These give rise to the geological phenomena known as ‘desert roses’ (clusters of roughly rose-shaped gypsum crystals),” Visit Qatar said. While there is no entry fee, the site is fenced and visitors are advised to wear proper attire since the temperature usually drops when reaching the bottom of the cave. Hiking shoes are recommended since the area is comprised mostly of rocks. Visitors, especially birdwatchers, also have the chance to see nightjars, wagtails, bee-eaters, and Eurasian hoopoes, among others, as most of these birds either transit or sometimes stay in the country while on their way to Africa. Al Safliya Island To reach the site, visitors must drive off-road through Salwa road and Rawdat Rashed road using a 4x4 vehicle – aided by a GPS since it is located in the desert. The cave’s loose rocks and depth may not be suitable for small children as it could injure them. VisitQatar noted that visitors can also try some of the nearby attractions such as the Aqua Park, Khor Al Udeid (the Inland Sea), and the Singing Sand Dunes. Inland Sea According to Eleiwa, other popular heritage sites and public artworks in Qatar such as the East-West/ West-East (in Zekreet) by renowned American artist Richard Serra provide travellers a wide range of destinations to discover. Other must-visit destinations in Qatar include the old Al Ruwais Police Station (now Arsan Café), Barzan Towers, Al Zubarah archaeological site, Film city in Zekreet, Ruwayda, Ras Abrouq, Al Safliya Island, Al Wajbah Fort, The Pigeon Towers, Al Thakira, and Purple Island, among others. He said tourists will also experience Qatar Tourism’s curated and multiple offerings, from dune bashing, camel riding, and falcon photography to engaging in water activities/sports and enjoying a five-star dinner on board a luxury yacht or in renowned hotels, and many more.

The ‘Summer in Qatar’ campaign, organised by Qatar Tourism (QT), kicked off Thursday with the staging of the first of three 'Alice in Wonderland’ – cirque shows at the Lusail Multipurpose Hall. The campaign, in collaboration with Qatar Airways and Ooredoo, offers an array of indoor entertainment and family-friendly shows throughout the summer season. ‘Alice in Wonderland’ treated the audience with a combination of musical theatre and modern ballet, in addition to a spectacular circus and acrobatic performances from 5pm yesterday. It will be taking place for three days: two shows at 3pm and 7pm today (July 15) and another two shows tomorrow (July 16) at 1pm and 5pm. Another award-winning show – ‘Aladdin and the Magic Lamp’ – is expected to fascinate families and children, for three days: July 21 (5pm), July 22 (3pm and 7pm), and July 23 (1pm and 5pm), also at the Lusail Multipurpose Hall. QT’s campaign is also bringing to Qatar another popular show, ‘The Smurfs – Live on Stage’ from July 28 to 30. Eight Smurf characters will take the centre stage at 5pm on July 28, 3pm and 7pm on July 29, and 1pm and 5pm on July 30. According to QT, tickets for all shows start at QR145 and can be purchased at Tixbox.com, Virgin Megastore and Q-Tickets.com. Summer in Qatar also provides residents and visitors an opportunity to avail of the various tour packages such as day trips and adventures, as well as staycations offered by operators and hotels. A diverse range of offerings can be viewed on Visit Qatar, QT's official website, which presents a variety of interests such as nature retreats, retail escapes and private dinner experiences. The website showcases several stunning destinations in the country, including the Al Safliya island (manta ray-shaped island) – known as one of Qatar’s uninhabited islands. It can be accessed through dhow boats or yachts and provides picturesque views for visitors. For adventure seekers, water activities such as scuba diving, stand-up paddle boarding, and kayaking in the mangroves at Al Thakira offer unique and curated experiences. QT noted that many hotels across the country offer promotional packages, which include stays with dining, spa and other selections. The campaign is expected to attract a huge number of local and international visitors, particularly from neighbouring GCC countries such as Saudi Arabia and Kuwait, further boosting Qatar’s tourism and hospitality sectors.

Qatar remains to be a key trading partner for France in a wide range of areas, from energy to transport, as well as logistics, luxury and food, as both countries witnessed continuous growth in economic relations, French ambassador to Qatar Jean-Baptiste Faivre has said. “In terms of commercial exchange, the bilateral relation between Qatar and France is excellent but we are dedicated to reaching new heights. The trade volume between both countries in 2021 amounted to €1.6bn: it is a very good outcome, even though it was affected by the pandemic, as it was everywhere else,” the envoy told reporters at a recent press conference at his residence in Doha. He expressed optimism that these trade exchanges will expand in the coming years as a result of the global economic recovery. Alongside the trade relationship, Faivre noted that the two countries also have numerous areas of co-operation such as food security, maritime transportation, sustainable development, circular economy and waste management, and energy, and plan to bolster mutual investments. The two countries, Faivre said, also signed in December 2021 a memorandum of understanding between their Ministers of Finance supporting enhanced cooperation in the fields of public-private partnerships and green finance. “We are working to strengthen cross-investment in France and Qatar. I am very happy to see the participation in Choose France of the HE the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohamed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani, who is also the Qatar Investment Authority chairman in Choose France,” he said. The envoy said major French companies have been very successful in Qatar in major projects, citing a partnership between TotalEnergies and QatarEnergy in June 2022 for the development of North Field East as an example. He noted that French small and medium entreprises, and mid-caps invest also in Qatar such as the French tech company Gaussin, which put up the first electric vehicle factory in the country in 2020.

On the occasion of the French National Day, observed Thursday, the French ambassador to Qatar has underlined the strong and deep-rooted relations between both countries, and efforts to continuously expand co-operation in various fields. “The relationship excellent, but we will work to do even better. I am convinced that this relationship must be exceptional, and that is precisely what our efforts are aimed at,” ambassador Jean-Baptiste Faivre said at a recent media interaction. With the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 scheduled to take place from November 21 to December 18, the envoy stressed that France will stand by Qatar to contribute to the success of hosting this prestigious football tournament. Citing France's expertise in providing utmost security in major events such as the 2006 Asian Games in Doha, he said the French police, gendarmerie, and the army will help in ensuring a safe and secured World Cup 2022. As such, Faivre said that France has a lot to learn from Qatar’s experience in the upcoming competition to ensure the success of its hosting of major sporting events such as the Rugby World Cup in 2023 and the Olympic games in 2024. In the political sphere, he said the relationship between the two countries remains very close and developing in a spirit of mutual trust. “A strong impetus has been given by our heads of state. Since my arrival, they have met three times, each time for in-depth talks, in Baghdad in August, in Doha in December, and in May in Paris,” the envoy said, adding that the former minister for Europe and foreign affairs, Jean-Yves Le Drian, has visited Qatar three times in six months between September 2021 and March 2022. French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna spoke with Qatar's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs HE Sheikh Mohamed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani on June 27 over the phone, and they met in Paris recently on the occasion of the Choose France Summit, according to Faivre. The envoy said French Minister of Home Affairs Gérald Darmanin visited Qatar in December last year and in May this year for the inauguration of the Milipol Qatar, alongside Qatar's Prime Minister and Interior Minister HE Sheikh Khalid bin Khalifa bin Abdulaziz al-Thani. A strategic dialogue was also held in March at the ministerial level, where a roadmap for the relations between the two countries has been designed and also outlines a co-operation that is being strengthened in all sectors, Faivre said. He highlighted the two countries’ strong commitment to peace, sharing “the will to resolve regional issues through peaceful means and dialogue and not through confrontation.” “One of my key priorities was to reengage with Qatar on these issues. And that’s what we did a lot. During this year, we have had many contacts on major international issues such as Libya, Syria, and Iran. The aggression of Ukraine by Russia has of course triggered a lot of exchanges with Qatar and the need to ensure respect for international law,” the envoy said, noting that they are working closely on the Chad issue to ensure the success of the Qatari mediation. “We have done a lot of work together on Afghanistan. We have done an important joint humanitarian operation. I want to thank Qatar again for its important help. “France is committed to the enforcement of international law everywhere, in Ukraine as in the Middle East. France is firmly committed to the two-state solution so that the Palestinians have a state. France has long been opposed to the continuation of the occupation and colonisation, which are not acceptable neither sustainable. “These situations, which are contrary to international law, lead to tragedies as we have unfortunately seen with the death of the journalist Shireen Abu Akleh, who was killed on May 11 in Jenin. This shocking attack, as well as the police violence that occurred during the funeral, were condemned by France,” he said. The envoy cited France’s long tradition of military co-operation with Qatar and remains committed to supporting the country’s defence and fostering regional security. The French army’s chief of staff met his counterpart, Lieutenant General Salem bin Hamad al-Nabit during a recent visit, despite a very busy agenda with the Sahel and Ukraine. “He had a very good exchange with Qatar's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defence Affairs HE Dr Khalid bin Mohamed al-Attiyah. It was decided to develop operational co-operation, training, and exchange visits and jointly help Lebanon and the Lebanese army,” Faivre said. According to the envoy, several Qatari military authorities also visited France in recent weeks, including Commander of the Amiri Land Forces HE Major General Saeed Hussain al-Khayarin and Commander of Qatar Amiri Air Force Major General (Pilot) Jassim Mohamed Ahmed al-Mannai. Ambassador Faivre said France remains a partner of Qatar for its top-level military equipment, including in particular the Rafale fighter aircraft which provides Qatar with a unique defence capability in the Gulf. The two countries, which have close co-operation in internal security, are working on current and developing threats such as cyber threats, and in the fight against terrorism or organised crime, among others. Another key priority in the Qatar-France relations is culture and education, which also continues to expand as the two countries are working on new projects. On education, Faivre said two new joint degrees were put in place: one between Paris I – Panthéon Sorbonne and Lusail University; and between Bretagne Sud University and Qatar University in cybersecurity. “We are also establishing long-lasting partnerships with Qatar Museum. Teams of French experts are involved for projects such as the Orientalist Museum, by 2027, and the Art Mill Museum planned for 2028. We have a co-operation between Sports Museums (or 3-2-1 Museum) and the National Sports Museum in Nice. We should sign an agreement soon. “The World Cup will be a great moment to showcase the variety of French culture and I hope that we will have French artists coming for the event,” he added.

Qatar and Switzerland will see a further strengthening of bilateral relations, especially in the field of tourism, as thousands of Swiss football fans are expected to arrive for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, Swiss ambassador Edgar Doerig has said. “The World Cup is a sport event that will draw a lot of Swiss fans and tourists and I would say 5,000 or more could be expected from Switzerland," the envoy told reporters on the sidelines of a Katara Hospitality event recently. According to Doerig, tourism will be stronger in the direction from Switzerland to Qatar in the upcoming major sporting event. But traditionally, he noted, it has been very strong from Qatar to Switzerland due to the latter’s growing popularity as a healthcare destination. The Swiss embassy in Doha, he noted, sees an uptrend based on the number of visa requests it receives. It is learnt that Switzerland’s booming medical tourism sector is due to the cutting-edge facilities, top-notch doctors, and exceptional treatment that Swiss hospitals provide. Doerig said a delegation of about eight hospitals and hotels who visited Doha recently are in talks with Qatari health organisations for co-operation. Renowned Swiss clinic, Clinique La Prairie, will be forging a partnership (co-operation on medical and wellness) with Alfardan Medical and Northwestern Medicine, which aims to ensure patients’ continued treatments in Qatar, he revealed. The envoy said he expects other partnerships to take place between medical institutions from the two countries in the future, including exchanges of experts and other specialists. ‘Traditional tourism,’ he noted, is also another area that can be explored between Qatar and Switzerland such as culinary, mountaineering, and visiting cultural sites, among others. “I find it very important that Qatari citizens and residents discover other parts of Switzerland. Traditionally, I have been very fond of the Lake Geneva region, of Zurich. I'm sure there are other hidden gems, such as Eastern Switzerland,” Doerig said. Regarding participation in the World Cup, he said the Swiss national football team, which earned a ticket to the prestigious tournament, is ramping up its preparations. They will be staying at the Le Royal Meridien Doha in Lusail during the event. Swiss ministers and VIPs who will be coming to Qatar during the month-long event, scheduled from November 21 to December 18, are expected to meet their counterparts in Doha as well, Doerig said. He noted that bilateral relations between Qatar and Switzerland remain excellent: signing an agreement on cooperation on financial matters between the finance ministers of the two countries – Ueli Maurer (Swiss) and Ali bin Ahmed al-Kuwari, and witnessing high-level visits. Doerig said that big Swiss banks such as Credit Suisse and UBS have been in the process of expanding their presence in Doha, in addition to other banks that also planning to open representative offices. About trade and investments, he said Qatar’s investment in Switzerland remained at a good level, citing Katara Hospitality’s three hotels: Burgenstock Hotels and Resort Lake Lucerne, Hotel Schweizerhof Bern & Spa, and the Royal Savoy Hotel & Spa Lausanne. Apart from Qatar Investment Authority’s significant participation, the envoy said that a number of Qataris have purchased houses or apartments in Switzerland as well. In the area of education, he said there has been occasional co-operation between Swiss universities such as the Graduate Institute Geneva and a technical school in Lausanne with Qatar University.

Curated and unique luxury offerings entice many Qataris and residents to stay in Qatar this summer and the upcoming Eid al-Adha holidays while attracting visitors from neighbouring GCC countries, an industry expert has said. Speaking to Gulf Times, Outing Qatar founder and managing director Mosaad Moustafa Eleiwa said a lot of people in Qatar – from individuals and couples to groups of friends, athletes, and families – get to see and enjoy exceptional and add-on experiences without travelling abroad. Mosaad Moustafa Eleiwa He said many who prefer to spend the season and the short break in Doha find romantic dinners either on a yacht, in the desert, or on a helipad memorable and rewarding. “Those who didn’t travel outside the country, they look to the sea, to the desert, and they want different experiences (apart from the usual summer activities). We do it and give them a five-star experience,” Eleiwa said, noting that his company has partnered with prestigious hotel brands in Doha in delivering one-of-a-kind and unforgettable experiences to clients. Special events that require presenting an array of local and international cuisines have also become appealing to many, prompting companies such as Outing Qatar to provide high level of customer care and service. It is learnt that such trend has become increasingly popular in the country as the 2022 FIFA World Cup approaches, attracting more regional and international visitors. Besides Qataris and residents, Eleiwa said they also witness a huge number of bookings for a wide range of packages from abroad, mainly from Saudi Arabia and Kuwait. “They want to experience Qatar like never before (pre-pandemic period) and they are looking for different activities inside the country. Qatar is again open and visitors want to come because of the World Cup, it’s a prestigious and global event,” he said. Apart from activities like kayaking, jetski and luxury boat rides, and dune bashing, among others, Eleiwa cited a huge demand for helicopter tours in Qatar. The company, which also offers bespoke events and breathtaking experiences, has been receiving several calls daily but could only accommodate bookings after July 22 due to a demand surge. It operates two helicopters and conducts a total of four tours only on Fridays, he said. Eleiwa pointed out that such kinds of exceptional offerings, in addition to the various developments taking place in Qatar, will further help position the country as a luxury destination not only in the region but also globally.

A hospitality industry expert has stressed that Qatar is once again witnessing a growing number of visitors as the Eid al-Adha holidays draw near, particularly from neighbouring Gulf countries, boosting its hospitality and tourism sectors. “Saudi Arabia is at the top of this list of visitors as the travel arrangements are extremely convenient either by road or by air. The country should most definitely experience heavy footfall of inbound travelers starting August, in anticipation of the FIFA 2022 (World Cup) grand event,” Shady Abdelaziz, director of Sales and Marketing at Sharq Village & Spa, a Ritz-Carlton Hotel, Doha, told Gulf Times. He said while the Katara Hospitality-owned hotel is not running any staycation offers, its 174 rooms and suites are already almost booked out for the week of Eid al-Adha. It is learnt that Qatar, which is becoming a popular leisure destination, continues to witness increasing demand for both inbound and outbound travel despite an off-peak season this summer. Abdelaziz pointed out that the food and beverage sector serves as a big part of travellers’ choice of accommodation since they are looking to explore local cuisine but also have international options available. Qatar Tourism’s (QT) launch of the ‘World Class Chefs’ initiative in October 2021 is also expected to further raise the level of food offerings across the country, and attract more visitors from various parts of the world. It aims to host Michelin star chefs and open investment opportunities by “introducing the world’s top culinary talent to the emerging hub of gastronomy in the Middle East”. The QT initiative also served as a promotion for the staging of the Qatar International Food Festival (QIFF) – dubbed as the country’s longest-running food and beverage festival – in its 11th edition held in December last year. It witnessed a huge number of visitors coming to Doha. QIFF and other food-related events have become increasingly popular in Qatar, attracting and taking local and international visitors to new gastronomic experiences. Abdelaziz said Qatar’s burgeoning list of offerings in the dining, lifestyle and hospitality segments is a great attraction for GCC nationals from neighboring countries to visit. He noted that travelers usually spend about three to four days on average at the resort, “so our staycation packages reflect the best all-inclusive rates according to the demographic and what they’re looking for”. It is learnt that several other hotels in Doha recorded a significant increase in bookings in the past weeks, primarily guests from Saudi Arabia, for the upcoming holidays.

Switzerland, particularly Geneva, is becoming an increasingly popular healthcare destination for Gulf visitors not only for the high-quality medical services that hospitals provide but also due to the wholesome attractions and flight connectivity, according to a Hôpital de La Tour official. Geneva, renowned for its scenic view of Lake Geneva and Mont-Blanc, offers visitors a unique and relaxing experience, and one-of-its-kind hospitality, in addition to an array of shopping selections. “Switzerland is known for the quality of care and personalised services for decades. Actually, Swiss healthcare ranks top in the 2021 World Index of Healthcare Innovation with a 65.15 score ahead of the Netherlands and Germany. Its medical facilities offer high-quality care and have world-class infrastructure, attracting patients from various parts of the world,” Hôpital de La Tour’s CFO and International Development head Mehdi Bensouda told Gulf Times during his recent visit to Doha. He said the medical facility developed a unique Value Based Healthcare framework (VBHC) and it has been recognised recently as the most advanced private hospital in Europe in this area, which will transform the healthcare sector in the coming years. Besides the advanced technology used at the hospital and the multidisciplinary approach it follows, Bensouda noted that Hôpital de La Tour “also adopts a patient-centric healthcare model to make everyone feels right at home while with us”. “We understand the cultural differences between the international patients and we try our best to consider them during their healing journey. In line with this, we have recently started offering special services and amenities to Arab patients so they can enjoy the highest quality care. “These include employing nurses and care coordinators who speak Arabic, offering translation services, upscale private suites, limousine services, concierge services, making hotel reservations and more,” he said, adding that the hospital is a pioneer in VBHC in Switzerland and Europe,” he added. Bensouda said he had the chance to visit different leading healthcare providers in the Gulf countries recently and was impressed by the quality of the infrastructure and services they provide. “Our ambition is to share best practices in those areas with leading healthcare providers based in Gulf countries and also learn from those institutions by keeping in mind our vision to continuously provide the best healthcare to the patients across the world,” he said. Hôpital de La Tour, Bensouda noted, developed a unique expertise in movement therapy (sport medicine, orthopedic and physiotherapy), heart, cancer treatments, and metabolism (digestive and obesity programme). “At Hôpital de La Tour, we are strongly committed to training future generations of health care professionals in all main specialties and we can contribute to the vision that Qatar is working to achieve,” he said. He added that they currently have 11 postgraduate accredited training programmes as he encouraged medical students in Qatar who seek to deepen their knowledge of Hôpital de La Tour’s innovative training programmes Specialties include general internal medicine, emergency medicine, family practice, cardiology, pneumology, paediatrics, neonatology, orthopaedics, sports medicine and pain management. There are also new training programmes that are constantly put in place, making La Tour the leading private teaching hospital in the French-speaking part of Switzerland. “We are open to any potential partnership (with countries like Qatar) as long it brings value to both institutions. We discussed opportunities to collaborate around training and education and research in areas where we developed centers of excellence such as in hip, shoulder and knee or TAVI, rhythmology and cardiac surgery, among others,” Bensouda said.

The Indonesian embassy in Qatar held a coffee cupping event on June 30 in Doha, showcasing the richness and the variety of coffee produced and exported by the Southeast Asian nation. Titled ‘Indonesian Coffee O’clock’, the event brought together representatives from Indonesia’s coffee industry and entrepreneurs in Qatar, as well as talented Indonesian baristas at the Intercontinental Doha The City. Indonesian baristas showcase their talent at the event. Supplied pictures Only very little of the coffee imported by Qatar comes from Indonesia, ambassador Ridwan Hassan said in his speech. "Hence, there is still so much room for opportunities in Qatar for Indonesian coffee, particularly for specialty arabica coffee." The envoy said the embassy hopes to see more Indonesian coffee in the country, citing the increasing number of coffee shops and roasteries, as well as the growing appreciation and love for coffee, across Qatar. Based on the data from the Ministry of Trade of Indonesia, he noted that Indonesia exported coffee with a value of $842.5mn around the world, mainly to the US and Europe, citing 2021 data. Representatives from Indonesia’s coffee industry and entrepreneurs in Qatar, including guests, participate in the coffee tasting. According to Hassan, Indonesia now ranks as the fourth largest coffee-producing country in the world, following Brazil, Colombia and Vietnam, and the coffee being traded is usually a combination of roasted beans and green beans, both for arabica and robusta variants. He said Indonesia’s coffee plantation began in the 1690s during the Dutch East Indies Company (VOC) period and became one of the top Dutch commodities. Most of the cultivated coffee is robusta, and only a quarter is Arabica. The envoy added that VOC exported the first batch of Indonesia's coffee in 1711, which grew to 60 tonnes annually within 10 years. Indonesia to offer plenty of coffee types globally, especially those termed specialty coffee, he said. “The specialty varieties include those cultivated in various places in Indonesia, such as Gayo, Flores, Sidikalang, Toraja and of course Java. Each of the specialties has its own distinguished aroma and taste. Ambassador Ridwan Hassan was joined by baristas, entrepreneurs, and community members at the coffee tasting event. “Over the years, the number of exported specialty coffee from Indonesia keeps growing. Indonesia's specialty arabica coffee also has gained worldwide acknowledgment with nearly 100 genetic varieties of arabica coffee available,” Hassan said. He added that coffee grows well in Indonesia given its climate and mountainous areas, providing “the experience of taste but also cultural identity”. “Hopefully by today's event, Indonesian coffee is not only better known in Qatar but also becoming more available and reach more people and more lives, the lives of the farmers and the heart of the coffee lovers,” the envoy said.

The Qatar Museums (QM) Years of Culture – manga community gathering Wednesday brought together around 30 artists and enthusiasts, showcasing their creativity at a friendly competition held at The Pearl Qatar. Held in partnership with Anime Cafe and Store 974, the event puts a spotlight on the deep and solid diplomatic relations between Qatar and Japan and marks the Qatar-Menasa (Middle East, North Africa, and South Asia) 2022 Year of Culture. A participant uses classic sketching for her drawing “The theme of this competition is ‘friendship’ so we are looking for artworks that highlight culture and most importantly, the friendship between the two countries. Like the stories that come out with friendship, strong bonds are built with people coming together and amazing things are created,” Al Jazi Saeed al-Khayareen, legacy co-ordinator, QM Chairperson Office, told Gulf Times on the sidelines of the gathering. A young artist takes part in the mini-competition. She said the mini-competition, which was open to different age groups, forms part of a number of QM-organised activations aims at engaging local talents in the field of arts and storytelling. “Now people are having the opportunity to gather back again, being excited about gathering with other talents and discussing things… I’m excited they (young generation) could be potentially the people that we can work with in the future so I'm happy to see this, I wish them all the best,” al-Khayareen said. She noted that these kinds of competitions allow both traditional and digital sketching, giving the participants more freedom to showcase their talent. “We don't want to limit it to the old style since we know that there's the new digital art…(creating those 3D effects) and all that amazing things so we give more exposure whether it's classic or new because people deserve new opportunities here,” she added. QM, al-Khayareen noted, plans to organise a bigger manga-style competition in the country, which will also allow different age categories to participate. Al Jazi Saeed al-Khayareen at the event. “I feel like Anime (animations) is quite popular (here) and it's also linked to art and fashion, it's linked to storytelling it's people's creativity being showcased,” she said. It is learnt that the growing popularity of Japanese anime and cartoons boosts Qatar’s art scene to be more vibrant, and helped form a huge community of artists, cosplayers, and enthusiasts. Al-Khayareen expressed confidence that manga-style events will spur further strengthening of bilateral relations between Qatar and Japan, especially in the area of culture and arts. She noted that Japan is QM’s first partner country for its Years of Culture Programme, which marks its 10th anniversary this year. “Japan is one of the countries that we've been having really good solid relations with. Now, we will beat the pandemic and further strengthen these relations and hopefully, because of the pandemic, this will even help us push our limits,” she said, adding that QM is also working on a mural art projects with Japan.

* Art exhibition aims to raise awareness of addiction and mental health    Msheireb Museums, the cultural and tourist destination at Msheireb Downtown Doha, has joined hands with Naufar, the sanctuary for wellness and treatment of substance use and related behavioural disorders, to host an art exhibition titled 'Recovery Road' to mark the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking observed annually on June 26. Taking place at the Bin Jelmood House Lower Gallery, the art exhibition sheds light on the substance use disorder illness. It raises awareness about addiction and mental health, and the reasons people develop addiction – expressed through creative, human, cultural and artistic language. This exhibition is a part of a series of future collaborations and engagements with Naufar on topics related to substance use and stigma The exhibition also endeavours to fight the stigma and misconceptions of addiction and mental health in the Qatari community through portraits and paintings created by patients during their Expressive Art therapy sessions. In addition, the 'Recovery Road' Exhibition provides the community with an opportunity to engage in the conversation around mental health and addiction. A collection of 40 diverse paintings are on display at the exhibition This exhibition is a part of a series of future collaborations and engagements with Naufar on topics related to substance use and stigma. Msheireb Properties pays special attention to the mental and psychological health of the community, and has also developed the Zulal Wellness Resort, the biggest and first of its kind in Qatar that follows a retreat that allows people to rebalance and rejuvenate in body, mind, and spirit. Fahad AlTurky, exhibitions manager at Msheireb Museums, said: “We are delighted to host the “Recovery Exhibition” that sheds the light on an important concern to humanity – addiction and mental health. We believe that art is an important and effective medium to convey awareness messages and change the perceptions of people positively. The exhibition aims to raise awareness on substance addiction and mental health. PICTURES: Joey Aguilar and supplied “We are confident that our collaboration with Naufar will succeed in accomplishing our objectives and enable our visitors to interact and engage on this important subject. This is part of our continuous collaborations with the national entities to raise awareness on matters that are relevant to our community”. Dr Khalifa al-Kuwari, assistant director-general at Naufar, praised the Msheireb Museums for their ongoing efforts to address humanity and societal issues that affect the Qatari community. As he said, substance use disorder is a serious health condition that can affect anyone, but it's rarely discussed as a mental health condition. “When we understand the root causes behind substance use disorder, we can encourage many individuals and their families to seek help early in their lives. Educating and enlightening the community about the challenge that many families are facing can't be accomplished by one entity by itself, but it can be accomplished when everyone works together. “As community members, we all have a duty to support them and their families through overcoming social obstacles by recognising it is time to make treatment and recovery a reality for those who need it, and we hope it starts today.” The art exhibition features a collection of 40 diverse paintings mostly on canvas, and some on paper and glass that tell the stories of those impacted by addiction as well as their recovery. These are depicted in three distinct sections: 'Reasons behind addiction', 'During the treatment' and 'After recovery'. Allowing the visitors to interact with the theme, the Tree of Hope or the Wall of Hope will be set up, enabling them to leave a message of inspiration for individuals who were impacted by addiction. 'Recovery Road' will be open during the working hours of the Museums, from Monday through Saturday.

    * 'Philippines Corner' inaugurated at Cultural Village   A unique artwork titled ‘Kulintang’ by Frederick Epistola, one of the Philippines’ renowned visual artists, was unveiled as a permanent installation in the new 'Philippines Corner' at Katara – the Cultural Village Sunday. The event was graced by Philippine ambassador Alan L Timbayan and Katara general manager HE Prof Khalid bin Ibrahim al-Sulaiti, along with Indonesia's ambassador Ridwan Hassan, Costa Rica deputy head of mission Jairo Lopez Bolanos, other diplomats representing different embassies, art enthusiasts and guests. HE Prof Khalid bin Ibrahim al-Sulaiti, Alan Timbayan and Frederick Epistola led the unveiling of the new permanent art installation at Katara Sunday. The 'Philippines Corner' was inaugurated by HE Prof al-Sulaiti in the presence of the other dignitaries. The opening comes within the framework of Katara's artistic project, which aims to attract artists from all over the world and enable them to display their works in different corners of the Cultural Village, helping people learn about the heritage of different countries. “I am deeply honoured and grateful for this opportunity to use my art as an expression of my heritage, and as a vehicle to translate the Filipino identity across space and time," Epistola said. “The kulintang is tied to the musical culture of the Maguindanaon tribe in the Southern Philippines. It has become an instrument representative of Philippine gong music, and beyond that, an instrument to celebrate a living tradition — that of the Filipino sense of community." The indigenous musical instrument was played at the unveiling. The sculpture, located near Katara’s Building 14, is Epistola’s interpretation of the indigenous musical instrument kulintang, which is characterised by tightly controlled rhythmic patterns achieved through the combination of a repeating bass rhythm, while a spontaneous improvisation is played. The instrument consists of a row of small brass or bronze gong kettles horizontally laid upon a rack that functions as a resonator. It is played by striking the bosses of the gongs with two soft wooden beaters. When used as part of an ensemble, the kulintang is the main melody instrument. “Whatever the design, whether played individually or as an ensemble, the kulintang represents what is unique, integrative and communal in the music of our indigenous culture: open-ended and participatory. “Such characteristics that are reminiscent of creative communal interaction, are for me, very important to highlight in today’s installation of the 'Kulintang' sculpture in Katara. Having a 'Philippines Corner' in this living museum is a testament to what Katara represents: a space to create dialogue between communities and promote better social knowledge and understanding. “These qualities are crucial pillars of peace, which begin when we as people – whichever part of the world we come from, whatever language we speak, whatever nationality we represent – can overcome boundaries and are free to flourish,” Epistola said. Kulintang, preserved for more than 1,700 years by the indigenous communities in the Southern Philippines, is one of the living testaments to the Philippines’ rich cultural history. In bringing Epistola’s work to Katara, Timbayan hopes Kulintang may find a permanent home in Katara’s collection as cultural legacy of the Philippines and as a symbol of the deepening cultural relations and people-to-people linkages between the two countries. The envoy noted that Epistola previously held a solo exhibition in August 2019 at Katara, showcasing his stunning collage painting and clay sculptures, two of which he donated to the Cultural Village. In a statement issued by Katara, HE Prof al-Sualiti said: “At Katara, we are working hard to open up to all kinds of people, cultures and arts, and we continue to provide support and ideas in order to achieve our cultural vision and goals.” BOX: About Kulintang Kulintang music is played during large feasts and harvest gatherings. It is also used during state functions and official celebrations for entertaining foreign dignitaries and important visitors; and in court ceremonies of either the sultanate or village chieftains such as the enthroning/coronations of a new leader and the transfer of a sultanate from one family to another. In the old times, Kulintang music was used for communicating long-distance messages from one village or longhouse to another. The gong was a symbol of riches and power in Asian cultures. Okir is the name for geometric, flowing, and folk motifs that are typically found in Muslim-influenced artwork in the Southern Philippines. These designs are frequently based on intricate leaf and vine patterns. The metal cradle represents life or the beginning of a civilisation that is artistic and cultural. Red is a colour that represents power and life. The colour gold represents success and fortune.

 Qatar has the platform to support creative talents, making the country “a very attractive hub” for artists, designers and filmmakers, Qatar Museums (QM) Chairperson HE Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani has said. “In everything that we do, in all of our projects, we're really trying to incorporate the creative economy as elements of our initiatives,” she said recently at the Qatar Economic Forum (QEF), Powered by Bloomberg. Titled 'The Role of Sport in the Game of Life', the talk put a spotlight on the importance of sports and culture as a driving force for economic growth, community development, and people-to-people diplomacy. HE Sheikha Al Mayassa underlined the resilience and determination of Qatari artists who initially faced challenges and now inspire others and play a key role in the country’s creative economy. “Two weeks ago, Shouq Almana installed a new installation of the Arabic *egal … she’s an artist who we discovered on Instagram during the blockade, and she was a very patriotic artist,” she said. "She created amazing paintings and so for the very first time, her paintings are now translated in sculpture,” HE Sheikha Al Mayassa said, adding that Al Hosh Gallery in Qatar is not only supporting a lot of young designers but also continues to make innovations. She noted that the Doha Jewellery & Watches Exhibition, held in May, witnessed the collaboration between jewellery designers and artists, which attracted many people to buy their collections. “It is growing gradually, but in every industry, if you want film, if you want fashion, we have the platform to support them, and (we have) the museums and the collections to inspire them, so Qatar becomes a very attractive hub,” HE Sheikha Al Mayassa said. Citing some of her challenges, the QM Chairperson, also the Chairperson of the Doha Film Institute (DFI), Reach Out to Asia and Qatar Leadership Centre, said: “I think our biggest challenge was – I don't think it's as big of a challenge today as it was – for people to understand and realise that culture is not a hobbyist job … many artists that we initially supported had to have a full-time job to support themselves.” “Today that has changed … many of these artists, by becoming successful whether it's in film, fashion, design, have been able to stand on their own feet, thanks to the support of all of the different artists that are here,” HE Sheikha Al Mayassa said. “I think that was a challenge initially because culture or museums in the past was looked at as a form of entertainment, when actual fact it's a key component for a knowledge-based economy.” She noted that some Qatar Museums programmes included the training of teachers on how to use the museum and the various subjects they require to teach in schools, as well as “to align the skills that children need today for their future professions”. “So that was a challenge initially, but to be honest, whenever we explain what we're doing and how we're doing it, the reception we've been getting has been very, very positive,” HE Sheikha Al Mayassa said. In her takeaway message at the talk and vis-a-vis the upcoming 2022 FIFA World Cup, she said: “We’re open to the world, and we want the world to be embracing and respectful to our cultures, and understand the roots of our tradition and why we do certain things the way we do and they are open for a conversation.”

The launch of the Generation Amazing (GA) Community Club played a key role in promoting physical literacy in Qatar and abroad, engaging communities through various activities that help develop life skills, an official at Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy (SC) has said. “The idea behind the community club is that it’s an ecosystem and incubator where you can empower the community itself; it's a place not just for physical activity for families and members to come together,” said SC partnership officer Mohamed AlMuhannadi. He was speaking at the recently held “Discovering Physical Literacy” conference and launch of Qatar’s national physical literacy journey at the 3-2-1 Qatar Olympic and Sports Museum. The conference was organised in partnership with the International Physical Literacy Association, the Qatar Olympic Committee, Unesco, the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH), and Generation Amazing. AlMuhannadi, joining other panelists at the talk, said that the community club – launched in Lusail – serves as a platform to introduce programmes that fit the needs of the community. It also partners with organisations in Qatar such as Qatar Social Work, Qatar Foundation (QF), and various schools, among other institutions. “We've launched a concept that is not unique to us, it's a concept that's been kind of rolled out in the past but we've made a few twists and added on to this concept,” AlMuhannadi said, adding that they try to look at the needs and conduct some analysis to see what social issues these communities face. “We're in Lusail, and for example Shafallah (Centre for Persons with Disabilities) is right next to the community club, literally a minute away, that's a good opportunity for us to offer ability-friendly programming,” he said. “It could be educational workshops, whatever it is that benefit the community … we're rolling out this concept in different communities so we have a community club in Rwanda that is going to be launched very soon, the Philippines, in India and also in Jordan.” In Qatar, AlMuhannadi said they designed their programming to promote physical literacy by contributing to the development of key life skills such as communication, leadership, and inclusion. “Globally it's a similar kind of engagement, so we've been working in … I think we'll be reaching over 60 countries this year, and we've reached 750,000 beneficiaries since the start of the programme, which is really an achievement for a World Cup project for the host country,” he noted. According to AlMuhannadi, GA also launched an online coach education, with seven units tailoured/designed to teach a community coach. It aims to promote inclusion and create a safe environment for children from different ethnic and racial backgrounds, from different religions, and from different abilities to come together and play. He said that such a programme was also used in countries like Argentina, Myanmar, Uganda, Iraq, Pakistan, Nepal, and Jordan, and in many different countries, partnering with the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies in training these young facilitators. “These young facilitators have led their own micro-projects using these curriculums, and it's through this consciousness, it's through this awareness, that physical literacy is key to solving key social issues such as exclusion … exclusion is a huge issue in every single country,” AlMuhannadi said. Generation Amazing was launched by the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy (SC) in 2010 and is active in countries around the world, including Qatar, India, Jordan, Lebanon, Myanmar, Nepal, Oman, Pakistan, the Philippines, Rwanda, and Uganda. The foundation operates in alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, promoting inclusion and gender equality in its football for development programme, and has positively impacted more than 750,000 people since its launch. It aims to exceed 1mn beneficiaries before the end of 2022.    

The 2022 FIFA World Cup provides an opportunity to showcase the diversity and rich heritage of Qatar and the Arab world, featuring an array of cultural events and exhibitions planned in the past 10 years since winning the bid in 2010, Qatar Museums (QM) chairperson HE Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani has said. “These are very interesting exhibitions about the Arab world that we're showing for the first time and I’d love to share that with the audience whenever it’s appropriate,” she told on Wednesday the Qatar Economic Forum, Powered by Bloomberg. HE Sheikha Al Mayassa, also the chairperson of Doha Film Institute, Reach Out to Asia, and Qatar Leadership Centre, said these shows are set to open before the prestigious tournament and will run until the end of March and beginning of April 2023. Several public artworks have also been installed at various locations in the country. As part of the Qatar – Menasa (Middle East, North Africa and South Asia) Year of Culture 2022, the exhibitions mark the programme’s 10th anniversary and underline its keenness to welcome the world for the World Cup. Apart from museums in Europe and the US, HE Sheikha Al Mayassa said QM also partnered with the Baghdad museum for an upcoming exhibition, about the 500 years reign of “the Abbasid Empire when Baghdad was the capital of the Islamic world.” She cited the upcoming reopening of the Museum of Islamic Art, which will feature “works that have never been seen before,” and an exhibition at Lusail museum, which “talks about orientalist paintings and design with objects that only Qatar has”. “We're having an exhibition of the world of football, opening at the 3-2-1 Qatar Olympic and Sports Museum, that talks about football players who represented other nations around the world,” she said. Other exhibitions in the pipeline include Al Jazeera’s 25th-anniversary celebration, Valentino, and another show in collaboration with a Palestinian museum. The National Museum of Qatar is hosting an exhibition about Qatar’s future car museum, in addition to Pipilotti Rist’s installation. An upcoming exhibition on nomadic tents, which connects the region of Asia, Africa and the Middle East, serves as a highlight of QM’s programme. Besides unique cultural experiences and offerings, HE Sheikha Al Mayassa said visitors will also get to see a heritage village and a new installation in the desert. “People do not want to go to countries and see the same thing everywhere, they want to visit and go for unique experiences and that's exactly what we’re offering during the World Cup. “The World Cup is a great opportunity to celebrate people and celebrate our differences and bring people together to have conversations,” she said. HE Sheikha Al Mayassa underscored the key role that technology plays in the creative and cultural space, particularly in running the museums and their programmes. “The National Museum is really a good example of that. When we had the building we realised the walls are very complicated, there are no straight walls inside the museum so we combined technology with the artefacts and storytelling using the walls to project films, but also understanding how the visitor can pass through and not be disturbed by the films that will continue in the galleries. “The Sports Museum (3-2-1) is also a good example, we've actually borrowed many objects from around the world for the museum whether it’s from the US or Europe or other parts of Asia and we use technology to connect with the audiences and engage with them. “The future children's museum will also have the technology. Ooredoo is a major partner, we're very grateful for all of the work that they've done with us they've been a strategic partner. “At the Jeff Koons, we had a collaboration with Ooredoo and Snapshot where you could have a Jeff Koons in your living room,” HE Sheikha Al Mayassa said, noting that they are currently looking at other collaborations with their upcoming exhibitions. “Many people have come to us for the metal verse and the NFTs’ and obviously these are conversations that we're continuing to have.” Citing M7, an incubation between Qatar Development Bank and QM aimed at supporting entrepreneurs, she said incorporating the creative economy as element of QM’s initiatives forms a key part of the projects they do. Just last week, she said a private company tapped two Qatari designers in producing furniture who will now have a permanent showroom in Milan. Also last week, the World Cup poster was launched and it's a Qatari designer who did well with her art. “Now she's represented in collections around the world and major museums.”    

The ease of getting visas for travellers from Qatar and the Gulf region continues to boost the tourism sector of eastern European countries such as Georgia and Armenia, an industry expert has said. “Georgia and Armenia are really booming when it comes to visa facility for all Qataris and residents,” Tawfeeq Travel Group CEO Rehan Ali Syed told Gulf Times, stressing that there is a huge interest from Doha to visit eastern and other European countries, especially during the current period. The main reason, he pointed out, is easing visa access as it enticed a huge number of nationals and expatriates from Gulf countries to visit these countries, especially during holidays like Eid. According to Syed, travellers from the region get visa-on-arrival to these increasingly popular destinations – “a very good feature for anybody who wants to plan and do not want to spend time and going to queue, particularly at a very busy season for getting visas.” Visa-on-arrival also serves as a quick fix for travellers who plan to either go solo or pick a group, and join fixed departures, he added. Syed noted that countries like Turkey, which also offers easy visa access for those who have travelled to destinations such as the US and Europe, remained to be favourite destinations for Qataris and nationals from the Middle East. “These are all beautiful countries and apart from that they have fantastic weather and nature,” he said, noting that travellers can experience these places at a lesser cost compared “to other big places”. “That is a big value add, everybody wants to jump on a plane to go on a vacation, this is the first summer after all the pandemic and everything. “It is a good opportunity for people and nobody wants to let it go whether it is going for a short trip or going back home, they are all intending to travel so it is good news for the travel industry,” Syed said, noting that they witnessed huge bookings coming in. Tawfeeq saw group departures are sold out despite airfares are soaring high, seeing many people travelling and enjoying short vacations. Apart from Georgia and Armenia, Syed noted that Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, and other eastern European places, as well as South East Asian countries like Thailand, are picking up well and have become more lucrative due to visa-on-arrival facilities. “Thailand is getting a lot of demands again, either for young generation or families. It has always been a very strong destination in the entire GCC, along with Qatar. We feel that going forward as more countries open up borders and ease out restrictions,” he added.    

The opening of 3-2-1 Qatar Olympic and Sports Museum (QOSM) puts a spotlight on the country’s keenness to promote sports and host major competitions even beyond the 2022 FIFA World Cup, International Walking Football Federation in Qatar and Asia Pacific president Farhan al-Sayed has said. Speaking to 'Gulf Times', al-Sayed noted that the museum cements Qatar’s position as a sports hub and destination, showcasing the achievements of sporting legends, including Qatar's renowned rally driver and sport shooter Nasser al-Attiyah Mutaz, track and field and high-jump Olympic champion Essa Barshim, and Olympic gold winning weightlifter Fares Elbakh. He said the museum provides an opportunity not only for World Cup fans, locales, and the young generation to learn and explore the sporting world, but also to encourage the International Olympic Committee “to think about Qatar as the future host of the Olympic games.” “We have a lot to offer, from state-of-the-art stadiums (built to host the World Cup) to an array of sports facilities, as well as hotels (to welcome a huge number of visitors) and restaurants,” said al-Sayed, stressing that 3-2-1’s opening highlights Qatar's key role in hosting international competitions, including the upcoming World Cup in Doha. The 3-2-1 QOSM, under the patronage of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, offers interactive exhibits and an array of rare and notable collections that celebrate the achievements of sports, athletes, and the Olympics. The museum, which is the newest member of the Olympic Museums Network and one of the world’s most innovative and technologically advanced museums dedicated to sports, aims to inspire and engage its visitors and encourage the public to participate in sports and physical activity. Designed by Spanish architect Joan Sibina, the museum is spread over approximately 19,000sq m and is built onto Khalifa International Stadium, part of Aspire Zone Foundation, making it one of the largest of its kind. Qatar Museums encourages residents to visit 3-2-1. Culture Pass Plus and Family members can avail of exclusive members-only guided tours under its Mathafek programme. Apart from 3-2-1 QOSM, al-Sayed noted that Qatar also has many museums that house collections underlining the country’s rich culture and heritage. These include the Museum of Islamic Art, National Museum of Qatar, Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art, Msheireb Museums, and Sheikh Faisal Bin Qassim Al Thani Museum, among others, “Any World Cup host will automatically become a hotspot for sporting events in the future,” said al-Sayed, adding that Qatar’s tourism sector stands to benefit from hosting a major sporting event. He said the country is ready to receive a huge number of tourists even after the tournament, “not to forget that it is part of the National Vision 2030”. Al-Sayed expressed confidence that Qatar will be one of the most sought-after tourism destinations, attracting more foreign visitors from different parts of the world.