Author

talabat Qatar, the region’s leading local tech platform, delivering food, groceries, pharma, flowers, and other solutions has played a major role in Qatar during the Covid-19 pandemic by standing alongside government authorities and frontliners at the height of the health crisis. Francisco De Sousa, the company’s managing director, explained to Gulf Times some of the key initiatives talabat has introduced to a variety of sectors in Qatar to support the whole eco-system in Qatar. Gulf Times: The disruptions caused by the Covid-19 pandemic have caused significant impact not only on global economies, in general, but directly on people’s lives. How did talabat operate in Qatar at the height of the pandemic and what role did the company play during these challenging times? De Sousa: First of all, I would like to thank His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, the government entities, and all the frontliners during the pandemic, who attended to the safety and welfare of the country, its citizens, and residents. As an organisation, we are always keen to join the ministries and other authorities during crisis meetings to provide any support or assistance required from our side. I applaud the government for doing a tremendous job, especially during the initial stages of the pandemic. This collaboration is extremely valuable and we are grateful for being able to offer our extended support. We have observed that so much has changed in terms of consumer behaviour. And talabat was able to respond well to these changes, especially during the pandemic. At that time, so many people were unable to leave their homes but we were able to play a huge role in making sure that we could supply the entire ecosystem, by providing not only food, but also groceries, medicines and many more. I would also like to thank our riders who were the heroes who kept everyone safe and at home, while delivering essentials as well as food during the pandemic. I personally feel so much pride when I see them on the roads. There have been frequent posts from the general public about the wonderful acts of kindness the riders have selflessly done over the past few years. It is heartwarming to see their contribution to the Qatari society. Tell us more about your impact on the groceries market. We have partnered with the major hypermarkets in Qatar, such as Monoprix and Spar, which played a major role in supporting the community during the pandemic. We also launched talabat mart, which revolutionised grocery delivery and q-commerce in the region in the pandemic. We were able to provide a service that no other big players could – groceries to your door within half an hour. q-commerce is the next generation of e-commerce. This means instantly (in less than 30 minutes) delivering to the customer whatever they want, whenever they need it. Having dark stores makes this possible as it’s not customer facing, which makes the picking process much faster. The q-commerce industry is really taking off in the Mena region and is expected to more than double from $9bn last year to $20bn by 2024. What role has talabat played in revolutionising Qatar’s food delivery ecosystem? We see the company as an added value to the community. As a tech company offering new solutions to the country, we make sure that our customers get their groceries, food, medicines, and other goods on time and at the right price. It should be hassle-free and with the most number of choices as possible. talabat has been a major contributor to the growth of Qatar’s e-commerce sector because we are not only witnessing a positive transformation in consumer behaviour but also a significant growth in our partners’ business operations pre- and post-Covid-19 through the online market. On the tech side, talabat is working with several startups in Qatar, such as Airlift Systems, which specialises in autonomous mobility in food delivery. It was incubated at Qatar Science & Technology Park (QSTP). We also partnered with the healthcare provider ‘At Home Doc’, in the delivery of medications to our customers’ doorsteps. We even offer the service to book online sessions with doctors. So, talabat is not only here to complement the ecosystem but also to support the different projects that are being implemented in the country. We are also proud to become an inspiration to other tech companies, as our presence in Qatar helped revolutionise the e-commerce industry. One of the pillars of Qatar National Vision 2030 is the diversification of the economy. In 2021, we launched several projects which had a major impact across the vision’s four pillars. This year, we want to raise the bar mostly in tech innovation, as well as through the ‘Made in Qatar’ partnerships with Qatari entities, which we will support to grow locally and internationally. We also have an important focus on sustainability, especially through our ‘Sustainable Packaging Programme’. What partnerships has talabat forged with stakeholders in the country and what advantages or benefits did these collaborations offer to your customers and the Qatari market? To support restaurants and shops, we have launched several initiatives. One of the major examples was that we heavily invested in our finance capabilities, providing cash flow within three working days to all our partners. No other competitor in the region has implemented such an initiative to alleviate the financial burden on small and medium enterprises. As you know, while delivery soared, dine-in stopped to a crawl. This allowed our vendors to have their liquidity on-hand to be able to make decisions to get their business through Covid-19, while not being hamstrung by antiquated payment structures. What is talabat’s contribution to Qatar’s goal becoming a major leader in human capital development in the region? There is a big pool of talent in Qatar, and we're excited to recruit and grow the business in support of the Qatar National Vision 2030. We currently have more than 200 employees, we started empowering local talent and we are planning to open new positions and grow our number of employees in Qatar. This year, talabat signed three MoUs with major educational institutions: Qatar University (QU), Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), and the College of the North Atlantic – Qatar (CNA-Q). These MoUs allow us to provide internship opportunities to the youth in Qatar. We want to scale up this initiative considering that we are expecting more opportunities and more projects here in the pipeline. We also want to grow the number of universities we partner with, in the future. In the near future, we will announce an interesting project in Qatar. Stay tuned. Lately, companies are progressively focusing on social responsibility impact. Kindly elaborate on some of talabat’s CSR initiatives in Qatar. The company has supported many different humanitarian programmes, such as those initiated in Palestine, Sudan, and Lebanon, among others. For instance, after the tragic explosion in Lebanon, talabat was able to send humanitarian supplies through Qatar Airways, in collaboration with Qatar Charity and Monoprix. In Qatar, talabat was also the first company to allow its customers to send donations through its app. We managed to send these donations seamlessly to organisations, such as Qatar Charity and Qatar Red Crescent, among others. This was a first in Qatar, making it an outstanding initiative because of its positive impact on the community. In line with our commitment to a sustainable future, we partnered with the Ministry of Municipality last year during the International Plastic Bag Free Day, encouraging customers to reduce plastic pollution and protect the environment.

As more international borders continue to open with the easing of Covid-19 restrictions, Qatar Airways has been playing a significant role in the recovery of Indonesia’s tourism industry, ambassador Ridwan Hassan has said. Speaking to Gulf Times on the sidelines of Project Qatar and Hospitality Qatar, which concludes today at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre (DECC), Hassan noted that tourism in the two countries “is steadily coming back, which is an important development” for both the Gulf and southeast Asian nations. “There are several indicators that show a positive trend in terms of the influx of tourists from Qatar to Indonesia. Qatar Airways flies to Indonesia thrice daily and the flights are always fully-booked. This is a very good indicator. Also, flights to Bali have resumed. They are, likewise, fully booked, and the embassy has been receiving a lot of inquiries about Bali. “We know that Qatar is a very important country with a significant number of expatriates living here, as well as its citizens. There has been a significant increase not only in the number of Qatari tourists but also from residents of Qatar,” Hassan explained. The ambassador also lauded the move to combine the 18th edition of Project Qatar and the seventh for Hospitality Qatar, which Hassan described as “a really a good initiative.” “Qatar is an important economic hub for Indonesia. Its economy is continuously growing and there is a lot of construction and development activities happening, and in anticipation of the World Cup, Qatar has been hosting many different events. “Also, a lot of properties are on offer in Qatar and for that reason, this country is one of the most important showcases for Indonesian companies, which are looking for many possibilities here,” Hassan stressed. Speaking on Indonesia’s role in projects across various sectors of the country after the World Cup, the ambassador said the tournament is part of a series of events lined up by the Qatari government. “We are going to see more events coming to Qatar, which is positioning itself to be a hub for international sports. That said, Indonesia, as with other countries, would like to continue participating in projects related to the development of Qatar, and this would hopefully lead to better economic co-operation between our two countries. “Indonesia is also looking to contribute to Qatar’s national initiatives, such as food security and self-sufficiency. These are areas where our country could participate in and work with Qatar beyond the traditional sectors, such as the oil and gas industry” he added. Qatar-Indonesia Business Council president Farhan al-Sayed noted that Indonesia is hosting the World Youth Cup in 2023, adding that “this would be a great partnership with Qatar.” “Qatar has extensive experience in hosting high-level sports events, so the country can be a great source of expertise for Indonesia when it hosts the World Youth Cup next year. In terms of trade, Qatar’s investment in Indonesia is huge and is steadily growing in different sectors, including telecommunications, energy, and hospitality, among others,” al-Sayed noted.    

On the back of its vibrant economy, Italian companies will continue to participate in major projects in Qatar even after the 2022 FIFA World Cup, Italian ambassador Alessandro Prunas has said. “Italy has always been available for business with Qatar, but aside from that, we’ve always been available for Qatar when it comes to supporting the building of local capabilities,” Prunas told Gulf Times on the sidelines of Project Qatar and Hospitality Qatar, which concludes today at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre (DECC). Prunas stressed: “Italian companies have invested in this country in many areas, so I think the situation will not change after the World Cup. We will remain here and hopefully, we will continue in contributing to the development of this country, which is incredibly ambitious and limitless.” According to the ambassador, the Doha Metro and Al Bayt Stadium were built through a joint venture between Italian and Qatari companies, adding that these developments emphasises the role of Italian companies in the growth story of Qatar, including projects related to the World Cup and in other sectors. With the presence of Italian companies in World Cup-related projects, Prunas said the upcoming tournament is seen as “one of the best organised World Cup events” in the history of the sport. “Seven of the eight stadiums that will host the World Cup were ready a year ahead of the event. I don’t think that this has ever happened before. Never mind the infrastructure, which has been a very relevant part of the World Cup preparations, but this city now has an extensive metro system that didn’t exist a few years ago. “What Qatar did is quite remarkable and in this framework, I’m very happy that many Italian companies managed to contribute to projects like the Doha Metro and Al Bayt Stadium, among others. We’re looking forward to seeing all these incredible infrastructures in use,” Prunas pointed out. Asked about the role of Italian companies in post-World Cup projects in Qatar, Prunas said: “I don’t think the World Cup would be the end of it. On the contrary, it is one step toward a direction that was taken many years before the World Cup was imagined. “There is so much already ongoing but in any good project, Italy is always available and ready in all sectors. We can offer a complete range of capabilities and we have a much-diversified economy and expertise in many areas, and Qatar knows that very well.” He added: “Business interconnection between our two countries is very deep not only in terms of trade but also in concrete exchanges of projects. Qatar knows which door to knock on if they need our help, and we are looking forward to continuing this cooperation.”    

Manateq, Qatar’s economic zones company, has been witnessing “huge investments” in areas, such as industrial and logistics, as well as growth in its roster of investors, which currently stands at 3,700, according to chief executive officer Fahad Rashid al-Kaabi. “As much as possible, Manateq aims to attract international and local investors, and we are finding different solutions for investors in sectors, such as industrial, logistics, and trading, including our latest solution – ‘open yard’. “Open yard is Manateq’s new solution for many large-scale construction companies that have completed projects related to the 2022 FIFA World Cup,” al-Kaabi told Gulf Times on the sidelines of the Project Qatar, which will run until June 9 at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre (DECC). Al-Kaabi explained that Manateq opened huge plots of land for its open yard solution, giving companies space for construction materials, equipment, or a ready area for new projects. “This also provides them with avenues for new project opportunities in the future in Qatar, so there is a huge investment in industrial, logistics area, and finding different solutions for investors. Manateq is happy to be part of this growth in investments with direct investors or BOT (build-operate-transfer) projects,” he said. Manateq sponsors four warehousing parks to complement its logistics activities. The warehousing parks under Manateq were awarded by tender to developers who oversee the management and operations under a BOT process. The warehousing parks offer prime locations comprising various sized warehouses and adjoining support facilities, “Earlier, Manateq awarded four projects worth approximately QR3.8mn spanning 2mn sq m to different investors who built their warehouses and kept them ready for investments, such as those targeting ready-made warehouses. “We are happy to see this project, which is approximately 1.5mn sq m in size. They have already finished Phase 1, which is about 50% of the project, and it is ready for lease with around 80% occupancy before the World Cup,” al-Kaabi said. Al-Kaabi also emphasised that post-FIFA World Cup, a shift is expected towards sectors, such as trading and industrial “so that businesses can continue finding different opportunities.” “The government is looking for different solutions and one of the most successful projects is the BOT, where there is sharing between the government and local investors. In warehousing, we have huge projects with more than QR5bn in investments between the private sector and Manateq in terms of BOT projects,” al-Kaabi added.    

Public Works Authority’s (Ashghal) project implementation system via public-private partnership (PPP) will open new ways to enhance co-operation between the government and the private sector, an official said on Monday. Speaking at the opening ceremony of ‘Mega Projects Qatar Conference 2022’ on the sidelines of Project Qatar’s 18th edition, Yousef Abdulrahman al-Emadi, director of Projects Affairs at Ashghal, said PPP will help improve quality and achieve the government’s aim to revitalise the private sector through government projects and providing it with new horizons to develop. “This system will attract global foreign investments that will allow the transfer of knowledge related to the management and implementation of such projects and provide financing, construction, maintenance, and operation for a long time before handing it over to the relevant government agencies,” al-Emadi emphasised. He said Ashghal’s participation in Project Qatar 2022 as a Strategic Partner will showcase its achievements in infrastructure projects and plans for other important projects. Al-Emadi said Ashghal’s strategic partnership with Project Qatar comes within its vision to enhance communication and partnership with various private sector companies that contribute to the implementation of projects in the country. “Because at Ashghal, we are keen to enhance cooperation with the private sector and increase its investments in the implementation of state projects, al-Emadi also pointed out. He added: “Ashghal is committed to implementing and managing projects in an efficient manner and according to the highest international quality standards with the aim of providing sustainable infrastructure for future generations. We will remain committed to delivering projects on time and we aspire to give more and work to build a better future for our country.” Aside from al-Emadi, the conference’s opening ceremony witnessed keynotes from the following speakers: Italian ambassador Alessandro Prunas, National Real Estate Committee, Federation of Saudi Chambers chairman Mohamed al-Murshed, ActivePure by My Pure Air executive director Commercial Distribution Group Todd Follmer, and Ashghal project engineer, head of Doha Highways Section Ali Mohamed Darwish. Meanwhile, the second session featured presentations by the following companies sponsoring the exhibition on their projects and programmes, whether related to the upcoming World Cup or beyond: Qatari Diar, Manateq, Milaha, and Suhail Industrial Holding Group, among others. Today (June 7), the Certified Conference Sessions and Trainings are being held to support the continuous development of professionals who will benefit from free learning opportunities. Many workshops are expected over the next two days on different topics, such as ‘Business Management in a Post-Covid World’, ‘Achieving Excellence in Asset Management through Project Portfolio’, and ‘Smart City Qatar – A Look into the Future of Smart Cities’, among others. Project Qatar, which will run until June 9 at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre (DECC), is the country’s first and longest-running business exhibition specialising in construction, building, and other related industries. The exhibition offers access to Qatar's thriving construction market as well as the possibility of creating new business opportunities with companies of all sizes. Ends    

HE the Minister of Commerce and Industry Sheikh Mohamed bin Hamad bin Qassim al-Abdullah al-Thani inaugurated on Monday the 18th International Construction Technology and Building Materials Exhibition (Project Qatar) and the 7th International Hospitality and HORECA Exhibition (Hospitality Qatar), which will run until June 9 at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre (DECC). Under the theme ‘One Show, Multiple Opportunities’, Sheikh Mohamed led the inauguration ceremony in the presence of engineer Abdullah bin Hamad al-Attiyah, CEO of Qatari Diar, and Fahad Rashid al-Kaabi, CEO of Manateq, as well dignitaries and leading players in the private sector. More than 300 exhibitors from 30 countries are joining both Project Qatar and Hospitality Qatar, which underlines the significance of the event hosted in Doha ahead of the 2022 FIFA World Cup. After the opening ceremony, the minister toured the exhibition hall alongside a large group of public figures and official delegations, including Public Works Authority (Ashghal), Qatar Chamber, Qatari Diar, Manateq, and Milaha, among others. The ceremony also witnessed the presence of more than 30 ambassadors representing their respective countries and 16 official trade delegations from around the world, as well as the delegation of the National Real Estate Committee in the Federation of Saudi Chambers. Haidar Mshaimesh, general manager of IFP Qatar, said: “Since their inception several years ago, Project Qatar and Hospitality Qatar have played an important role in overhauling Qatar’s construction, infrastructure, and hospitality sectors to host the 2022 FIFA World Cup. “Today, as the mega event draws near, the two exhibitions set the stage for the business community to meet and network. This high-level crowd is a clear testament to the value of the company's exhibitions and its position.” Investment Holding Group, which completed a landmark acquisition of Elegancia Group, forming one of the largest conglomerates on the Qatar Stock Exchange, has changed its brand identity and brand name to Estithmar Holding. The group chose the event as a platform for its new name and identity reveal, further validating the confidence shown by the business community in the company’s exhibitions. Dr Henrik Christiansen, Group CEO of Estithmar Holding Group, said: “In today's rapidly evolving economy, diversification is a key to growth. Through this acquisition, the group is moving steadily towards diversifying its portfolio of investments and projects comprising various economic sectors in the country. “Our participation in the exhibition as a Diamond Sponsor marks the announcement of a new phase in the group's journey through which we are moving towards becoming the largest and most diverse business group in Qatar.” Qatari Diar, which is participating for the first time in Project Qatar as the Property Development Sponsor, is implementing and delivering more than 60 projects in 24 countries across five continents with investments worth more than $35bn. The company, taking advantage of the occasion, introduced its projects and investment opportunities. Its pavilion was the focus of the delegation of the National Real Estate Committee in the Federation of Saudi Chambers, which devoted a large part of its visit to view the projects of the company at the exhibition and through a site visit at the company's projects in the city of Lusail. Doha has long been a leading destination for Gulf real estate investment, hence it is expected that this visit will restore momentum for Saudi investment in the Qatari real estate market. On the other hand, Hospitality Qatar is the only exhibition in the country dedicated to hotels, restaurants, and cafes, and the most prominent and prestigious event for local, regional, and international companies working in the tourism and hospitality sector. The event provides a distinctive opportunity for such companies to promote their brand and attract more publicity, marketing, and eventually business opportunities. Hospitality Qatar promotes the growth of the tourism and travel sector and is an ideal platform to help all participants from producers, suppliers, and experts move towards a new era in the sector's development. The event has attracted over 300 companies, including 180 international firms from 30 countries, seven of which will participate through official national pavilions, along with 120 Qatari companies from major government and semi-governmental agencies and prominent private sector entities. Ashghal is sponsoring and supporting the exhibition as Strategic Partner, while Qatar Chamber is Business Community Partner and Qatar Tourism is sponsoring the hosted buyers programme. Other sponsors are Manateq (Economic Partner), Qatari Diar (Property Development Sponsor), Investment Holding Group (Diamond Sponsor), Suhail Industrial Holding Group (Industrial Partner), Al Sraiya Holding Group (Platinum Sponsor), Metito (Gold Sponsor), Milaha and QTerminals (Silver Sponsors), and Vodafone (Innovation Partner). Ends    

Qatar, particularly its burgeoning jewellery sector, will stand to gain from the establishment of the country’s first laboratory specialising in examining and grading diamonds and precious stones. According to co-founder Ahmed al-Obaidli, the Gems & Metals Calibration Lab will “effectively contribute” to accelerating development in Qatar even as the country is preparing to host the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Al-Obaidli explained that the establishment of the lab, which is located on the seventh floor, Tower 2, The Gate Mall, “is considered an integral part of Qatar’s economy as it will keep pace with the change in the concept of individual consumption and the view of purchasing priorities”. The lab operates in collaboration with one of the largest institutes in this field – the International Gemological Institute (IGI), and it is fully equipped with the necessary testing devices used worldwide. The lab’s academic and technical team is also part of the IGI team, al-Obaidli noted. Speaking to Gulf Times, al-Obaidli said the 18th edition of the Doha Jewellery & Watches Exhibition (DJWE), which will be held at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre (DECC) from May 9 to 14, will be the highlight of the lab’s official launch under the patronage of Qatar Chamber chairman Sheikh Khalifa bin Jassim al-Thani. “During the DJWE, we will be offering brief consultations and seminars at our stall during the event,” he said. As part of the lab’s vision and mission, al-Obaidli stressed that Qatar will be the first Arab and regional country to raise public awareness of the importance of grading diamonds, reduce fraud in this field, and seek to ensure the purchase of a product with correct standards. He also emphasised that one of the most important goals of the lab is to unify the market and promote Qatar’s expertise in gemology by raising awareness locally and globally. “Our lab will be offering training courses on the classification of diamonds and minerals to provide accredited certificates, which provide technical and legal guarantee to the consumer when purchasing jewellery,” he pointed out. He also said, “We aim to enhance the mutual trust between jewellers and consumers and to build a large base for investors in this field in Qatar, in the presence of such laws and technical requirements for the success of this sector. “We will help reduce commercial fraud by opening our laboratory to any visitor and consumer to check any merchandise purchased to avoid any fraud. Our expertise in this field will be expanded to all neighbouring countries after its success in Qatar. In addition, the lab will protect the trader in the first place from suppliers abroad in order to ensure that their goods meet the agreed specifications.” According to al-Obaidli, signing a contract with IGI and allowing it into the Qatari market will be a “great success for Qatar” as these types of institutes only have branches “in the most important centres of the world” where they were launched. “With IGI entering the Qatari market and agreeing to contract with our office, this will definitely allow our lab to serve its role properly,” al-Obaidli emphasised, adding that IGI was established in Antwerp, Belgium, in 1975 and is the largest independent gem certification and appraisal institute worldwide today. “IGI’s distinguished position in the world of gemstones is not a coincidence but rather the result of continuous research, support and synergy with professionals and consumers alike. IGl certifications are a worldwide trusted source when buying or selling diamonds, gemstones and jewellery,” he added.

Qatar’s “voluntary environmental commitment” will set a new precedent both locally and internationally in terms of staging future sporting events, an official of the Gulf Organisation for Research & Development (Gord) has said. “In the history of FIFA, Qatar 2022 will be the first carbon-neutral World Cup. With a sustainability advisory from Gord, the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy (SC) has taken several measures to cut down the tournament’s GHG emissions while also utilising carbon offsetting services for the unavoidable emissions. “Within Qatar, we are seeing heightened interest from organizers approaching the Global Carbon Council (GCC) to explore the mechanisms behind events’ carbon neutrality,” Gord founding chairman Dr Yousef al-Horr told Gulf Times in an interview. Dr al-Horr stressed that the 2022 FIFA World Cup will be a “first of its kind", thus setting a global benchmark for the staging of future World Cups and other tournaments worldwide. He also emphasised that Qatar exceeded FIFA’s expectations, not just through carbon neutrality commitment, but also by taking voluntary moves as a part of its pledge to environmental conservation. Citing Al Janoub Stadium, Dr al-Horr said the facility recently received all three green building certifications under the Global Sustainability Assessment System (GSAS). The facility is now the first stadium to have all three certifications: GSAS Design & Build, GSAS Construction Management and GSAS Operations. “Adopting GSAS Operations was an entirely voluntary move which Qatar plans to continue for all eight stadiums to ensure that the facilities operate sustainably. Globally, such initiatives will inspire future host countries and create a lasting legacy coming from the State of Qatar,” he pointed out. He said Gord is in the process of finalising GSAS certifications for all eight stadiums that will welcome FIFA fans in 2022. Audits for GSAS Operations are presently ongoing to evaluate the sustainability impact of stadiums in the post-occupancy stage, he noted. To ensure environmentally-responsible development and operations of temporary sites and fan zones, Gord also developed a unique GSAS EcoLeaf for Camps & Festival Sites as a tourism sustainability certification. It is designed to improve the purpose-built, temporary facilities’ performance and reduce the negative impacts generated by their activity, Dr al-Horr explained. In the context of carbon neutrality, Dr al-Horr said Gord, with the support of SC, has established the Global Carbon Council (GCC) – the Mena’s first voluntary carbon market catalysing climate change mitigation finance globally and especially for the region, which has largely remained under-represented when it comes to the use of carbon market instruments to fight against climate change. “GCC credits will be used for offsetting host country emissions linked with Football World Cup Qatar 2022 but the legacy will continue in the years to come. Today, this GCC programme is the only CORSIA-accredited international programme in the Global South. “It is also accredited by ICROA and has more than 260 GHG reduction projects registered from across the world including local and regional projects, with the expectation that this number will reach up to 500 projects by the end of 2022. Collectively, more than 20mn carbon credits are expected to be issued by GCC by year-end,” Dr al-Horr said. In terms of research activities, he said Gord and SC are collaborating on Al Thumama 'Showcase Stadium', originally built as part of Qatar’s bid to prove that football can be played in the Middle East despite the region’s tough terrain. Since Qatar’s winning bid for the tournament, the facility has transformed beyond a showcase space. Supported by the SC, the facility currently offers a platform for Gord’s pilot-scale research and development in anticipation of supporting one of the most sustainable tournaments in FIFA’s history, Dr al-Horr said. “Essentially, the showcase venue is reflective of SC’s stance on environmental sustainability, to which the hosting nation has shown unprecedented commitment. As a breeding ground for future technologies, Al Thumama 'Showcase Stadium' nurtures scientific research to develop innovations in the field of environmental sustainability,” he added. According to Dr al-Horr, Gord and SC are also collaborating to implement GSAS in all stadiums. To mitigate the carbon footprint linked with the development of World Cup venues as much as possible, the SC chose, following the approval from FIFA, GSAS as the green buildings certification system for all stadiums. “Through the adoption of GSAS, SC showcased a lifecycle approach for the first time in FIFA history by implementing sustainability best practices on all stadiums through the entirety of the life of the facility that encompassed design, construction, and operation phases. “In the same vein, SC voluntarily implemented GSAS Construction Management certification for the stadiums to ensure that all contractors abide by best sustainability practices during the course of construction. With less than a year ahead of the World Cup, the stadiums are pursuing GSAS Operations certification to ensure sustainable operations and management of the venues in the post-construction stage,” Dr al-Horr added.    

Qatar remains a viable seedbed for different startups and offers entrepreneurs a host of opportunities to transform their innovative ideas through different programmes and access to funding, according to a report released recently by the Investment Promotion Agency Qatar (IPA Qatar). In its first ‘Invest Qatar Annual Report 2021’, the agency stated that the country’s startup ecosystem “is also making strides in expanding and improving the environment for startups to thrive and innovate.” According to the report, the Tasmu programme, launched by the then Ministry of Transport and Communications, was a key player in expanding Qatar’s ICT sector through building connections between the public and private sector, providing funding, and empowering startups. The report also noted that the Qatar Science and Technology Park (QSTP) also took several initiatives to foster innovation in the country, including partnerships with Qatar Development Bank (QDB) and Microsoft. The funding available for startups has also increased significantly in Qatar compared to the previous year, the report emphasised, citing Qatar FinTech Hub (QFTH) as the “second-highest investor in the region.” Despite the pandemic, the report said Qatar has succeeded in building momentum to launch new programmes, initiatives, events, and partnerships to encourage technological innovation and further rejuvenate the startup ecosystem. A number of events, including ‘Qatar FinTech Summit’, ‘Qatar Innovation Week’, and ‘Qitcom’ – the largest information and communication technology showcase and event in Qatar – were held since 2019, the report stated. According to the report, Qatar’s growing economy offers investors lucrative opportunities while bringing progress to development and diversification goals across sectors and geographies. As the country continues to pursue its economic diversification objectives, the report noted that many opportunities, especially in the non-hydrocarbon sector, have become available for investors. On foreign direct investments (FDI), the report stated that Qatar’s effective economic management during the pandemic and future growth projections are also evidenced in its FDI flows. During the height of the crisis, while FDI flows fell in most countries, Qatar demonstrated resilience, and FDI flows into Qatar recovered in the last quarter of 2020 and in the first quarter of 2021, it also stated. “In 2021, most of the foreign investments originated from the US (22%), with a total investment of QR895mn. Switzerland accounted for 14% of the total FDI flow, followed by Cyprus and Kuwait. Other countries that invested in Qatar include India, Germany, Canada, the UK, France, and the UAE among others,” said the report. The report stated that despite the challenges the pandemic posed on global job markets, Qatar was able to demonstrate the resilience of its economy. Investors leveraged Qatar’s strategic location, vibrant environment for innovation, and business-friendly ecosystem to expand their business in the region, and in the process, created quality jobs for the local population and attracted global talent to Qatar. “In 2021, FDI inflows to Qatar created an estimated more than 4,200 jobs. Most of the jobs were created in the software and IT services, with this sector generating close to 20% of the total jobs. Building materials, food and beverages, business services, and communication also created a good number of jobs in 2021,” the report stated.    

Among Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC) countries, Qatar is leading its Gulf neighbours in the Global Food Security Index 2021, according to a report by Oxford Business Group (OBG). Qatar was listed in the 24th spot (out of 113) in the global ranking and garnered an overall score of 73.6 (out of 100). Kuwait followed with a global ranking of 30 and an overall score of 72.2. According to the Covid-19 Response Report, produced by OBG, in partnership with the Arab Organisation for Agricultural Development, the Global Food Security Index 2021 listed other GCC countries as follows: UAE (35th global ranking, 71 overall score), Oman (40th, 70), Saudi Arabia (43rd, 68.5), and Bahrain (44th, 68.1). Titled ‘Agri-tech & Food Security in the GCC’, the report shines a spotlight on the wide-ranging strategies for agricultural innovation and food production taking shape across the region in an easy-to-navigate and accessible format that includes key data and infographics, OBG said in an earlier statement. The report highlights the investment opportunities emerging in agri-tech across the Gulf as GCC countries move collaboratively and individually to find sustainable solutions for their food security challenges, it also stated. “When looking to emerging markets, GCC countries are considered among the most food-secure in the Global Food Security Index 2021, compiled by Economist Impact. However, the region lacks direct control over the majority of its food supply and remains dependent on imports,” the report pointed out. GCC members imported about 85% of their food prior to the Covid-19 pandemic. Indeed, almost all rice consumed in the region was imported, as well as around 93% of cereals, 62% of meat, and 56% of vegetables, according to consultancy strategy&. The report also stated that GCC countries have adopted several strategies in recent years to increase domestic agricultural production and hedge against disruptions to imports. A common component of these strategies has been water management, with all GCC members developing their capacity for desalination. In 2018, the report said the UAE inaugurated the world’s largest reserve of desalinated water to bolster domestic water resources. The man-made aquifer buried under the Liwa Desert holds about 26bn litres of water and can supply residents with around 100mn litres of water per day. Elsewhere, treated wastewater is used to irrigate certain crops. Kuwait and Saudi Arabia reuse about 50% of their wastewater, and Bahrain and Qatar reuse 10% to 15%, according to RAND Corporation. When it comes to boosting agricultural output in the harsh climatic conditions of the Gulf, alternative crop varieties are being adopted. For example, the Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research and the International Centre for Biosaline Agriculture in Dubai conduct advanced research to develop drought- and saline-tolerant crop varieties. Direct support for farmers is another common feature of food security plans, said the report. In 2019, Saudi Arabia initiated a programme to help small farmers switch to organic farming as part of a goal to bolster organic output by 300% by 2030. The Saudi authorities also inaugurated the Sustainable Agricultural Rural Development Programme in 2019 to boost the production, processing, and marketing of fruit, fish, livestock and Arabic coffee, as well as the systematic cultivation of rain-fed crops. Other GCC members have similar programmes. In Qatar, the State Food Security Projects 2019-23 plan aims to make the country 70% self-sufficient in eggs and greenhouse-produced vegetables, 95% self-sufficient in fresh fish, and 100% self-sufficient in fresh dairy products, poultry, and shrimp by 2023, according to the report.    

The number of organisations adopting green building policies in Qatar and in other Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries is expected to breach the 1,600 mark by the end of this year, Gulf Organisation for Research & Development’s (Gord) top official has said. Asked about the total number of companies in Qatar that received the Global Sustainability Assessment System (GSAS) certification and how many more is Gord looking to certify by the year’s end, Gord founding chairman Dr Yousef al-Horr said: “It is heartening to see Qatar’s leading organisations stepping up to adopt green building practices in line with their commitment to the National Climate Change Action Plan and Qatar National Vision 2030.” “Presently, more than 1,500 projects, including districts, neighbourhoods, infrastructure projects, and a wide range of building typologies, have been registered under GSAS in Qatar and the GCC region. With many new projects reaching completion, we foresee this number to cross 1,600 by the end of this year,” al-Horr told Gulf Times in an interview. In implementing GSAS green building principles, al-Horr explained that Gord is working with a wide range of public and private organisations operating in multiple sectors – from shipping and aviation to retail, healthcare, sports, hospitality, education, and residential sectors. All government buildings are now mandated to receive GSAS green building certification, he noted. In 2021, al-Horr said 23 health centres across Qatar were awarded GSAS operations certifications with ‘Silver’ and ‘Gold’ ratings. He also noted that all Doha Metro stations are GSAS certified, as well as all the stadiums prepared for the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Key projects in the hospitality sector include Katara Towers, which became the first hotel to receive GSAS 5 Stars, al-Horr stressed. “On the commercial and retail side, we have Doha Festival City, National Museum of Qatar, and Museum of Islamic Arts, among several other projects that have reinforced their organisational commitment to sustainability with green building certifications,” al-Horr also emphasised. Within the education sector, al-Horr said Qatar Foundation’s headquarters – the 2015 building at Education City, as well as SouthNest Building, have received GSAS Operations. Other key projects include QTerminals Container Terminal 2 and Ras Bufontas Free Zone, to mention a few, he said. In May last year, Gord bestowed a GSAS certificate to LuLu Group in Qatar for LuLu Hypermarket’s Al Messila branch, making LuLu one of the first retailers in the Mena region to become GSAS-certified. “Within the retail sector, LuLu International has demonstrated environmental stewardship through conscious efforts aimed at promoting sustainability. Among these initiatives is the adoption of GSAS operations for five LuLu branches,” al-Horr added.    

One of South Korea’s major food manufacturers has been eyeing the Middle East as a potential destination for its vertical farming solutions, according to an official of the company. Nongshim, South Korea’s leading instant noodles and snack manufacturer, has 11 factories globally and is one of the largest food companies in South Korea with sales of about $5bn, said Y J Bae, manager at Nongshim. Bae noted that agriculture was among the key topics of the meeting held between HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Khalid bin Khalifa bin Abdulaziz al-Thani and South Korean Prime Minister Kim Boo-kyum in Doha last March. Both officials also discussed Qatar-South Korea bilateral relations in the fields of economy, investment, energy, health, security and sports, especially cooperation in the 2022 FIFA World Cup, in addition to discussing developments in regional and international situations of common interest, especially developments in the region, Qatar News Agency (QNA) reported earlier. During the ‘9th Qatar International Agricultural and Environmental (Agritech and Envirotech) Exhibition 2022’ held last month at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre (DECC), Bae said several Qatari officials requested their South Korean counterparts to support Qatar in terms of advanced vertical farming technology. “Aside from water scarcity, the conditions of the Middle East region do not support conventional farming. Since 2021, Nongshim has been pursuing this as one of its priority agendas through a dedicated team. The company has been focusing on introducing its advanced technology to Qatar, which has been enhancing its self-sufficiency programmes. “Nongshim, with its highly-automated and simple vertical farming technology, is one of the pre-selected companies by Qatar Development Bank (QDB) in terms of technology for the vertical farming projects. In September 2020, QDB executives visited South Korea and toured Nongshim’s food production facilities, as well as its vertical farming facility,” Bae told Gulf Times yesterday. To introduce its technology in Qatar, Bae said Nongshim is planning to host a webinar for companies interested in vertical farming and offer them the opportunity to participate and explore ways of introducing the technology in the country. “One of the advantages of Nongshim’s vertical farming technology is its automated robotic solution, which requires a minimum workforce and low maintenance costs while ensuring efficient output. Nongshim aims to find capable entities in Qatar that would be interested in this technology,” Bae pointed out. Also, Bae said Nongshim is willing to provide training programmes for would-be vertical farmers in Qatar, allowing them to train and to be certified to operate and manage their own vertical farms. “Training is an important element to successfully run a vertical farm. It has a positive impact on the output, quality, and quantity of the produce. Nongshim is also willing to provide training to create talent in this field. “Qatar has a rich infrastructure that can be well-utilised for vertical farming. Nongshim is not just a food company but a conglomerate specialising in this field and supported by its subsidiaries in engineering, R&D, and packaging, among others,” Bae added.  

The International Green Mark (IGM), an ‘ecolabeling’ system of Qatar-based Gulf Organisation for Research & Development (Gord), aims to help local suppliers and manufacturers achieve international quality standards through IGM certifications, Gord’s top official has said. In an interview with Gulf Times, Gord founding chairman Dr Yousef al-Horr emphasised the organisation’s efforts to help promote the growth of Qatar’s entrepreneurship ecosystem and initiatives that support the country’s small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and startup community. “As a 100% Qatari company, Gord has always supported the country’s small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Understanding the role of local businesses in the nation’s sustainable development, a key criterion of the Global Sustainability Assessment System (GSAS) framework is the use of local materials. “While this is essentially aimed at reducing carbon emissions linked with cross-border transportation, it has also supported the local manufacturers in the market,” al-Horr pointed out, citing the significance of its IGM ‘ecolabeling’ system. Aside from this, al-Horr also said Gord, which is headquartered at the Qatar Science Technology Park (QSTP), has been collaborating with QSTP on programmes that would contribute in accelerating Qatar’s economic growth. “As a research and development organisation, we are proud to be headquartered in Qatar Science Technology Park, which has supported Gord’s sustainability drive in many ways. At the heart of our research activities in QSTP is ‘TechnoHub’, which is home to innovative research programmes exploring the application potential of novel and cutting-edge technologies. “Among these technologies is a patented cooling system that significantly reduces energy consumption and carbon footprint. Then there is low carbon cement produced from novel cement chemistry that utilises sulphur within existing cement production infrastructure,” al-Horr explained. He said: “Another key innovation is sustainable gypsum plaster board produced from carbon capture and mineralisation processes using more than 30% of CO2 by weight. All these research projects along with many others, in areas of sustainable materials and energy efficiency, benefit from QSTP’s state-of-the-art facilities.” In terms of collaboration with QSTP member organisations, al-Horr said Gord recently signed an MoU with Cisco whereby the two organisations will work in areas of sustainable building solutions, research and development projects in the area of green products, and capacity building through trainings and educational programmes, as well as dissemination of knowledge through industry events. Asked about Gord’s role in building more smart cities in Qatar and in the manufacture of smart city solutions, al-Horr said the organisation has been closely working with Lusail Smart City since the beginning of the project. Lusail is Qatar’s first smart and sustainable city, said al-Horr, citing its centrally controlled systems for water, energy, transportation, and information systems, among others. “The project first implemented GSAS on master planning stage and achieved 4 Stars rating under the GSAS ‘Design & Build for Districts & Infrastructure’ scheme. From there on, Lusail City made it mandatory for all developers to obtain GSAS green building certificate with a minimum of 2 Stars rating. “Projects achieving outstanding green building ratings are also incentivised with free floor area ratio (FAR). What makes Lusail a truly sustainable smart city is its efficient wastewater recycling facilities, solid waste management, district cooling, and the world’s largest gas network,” al-Horr emphasised. In terms of smart city solutions, al-Horr said Gord has developed a number of simulation and mapping tools for projects to reach energy and water efficiency. “Gord’s Energia Suite and Water Suite are Python-backed tools that calculate the project’s energy and water consumption and translate the raw data into meaningful performance scores, thereby eliminating the need to spend significant time on implementing modifications for enhanced energy and water efficiency. “Then there is Arcadia Suite, which uses complex algorithms to measure the cooling efficiency of energy-intensive projects. We have also launched the Energy Maps Visualisation Tool that will consolidate energy data to create energy maps for any districts, regions, or countries,” he added.    

The availability of digital platforms and apps, as well as low daily infection rates and more relaxed health and safety protocols, are among the factors that have been steadily pushing remittance activity back to pre-pandemic levels, according to an exchange house official. Similarly, foreign exchange is seeing an uptick in activity as people are preparing to go on family vacations during the Eid holiday, which is also one of the factors driving a surge in remittances since the beginning of Ramadan, according to Dr Zubair Abdulrahman, operations manager of Al Zaman Exchange. “March was one of our highest transactions months. Since the start of Ramadan, more customers have been sending remittances back home. We have recorded an increase of around 5% to 10% in remittance activity compared to the previous month,” Abdulrahman told Gulf Times yesterday, adding that the top countries that were sending remittances include India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Egypt. Aside from these countries, Trust Exchange general manager KNS Das noted that expatriates from Nepal and the Philippines were also among those who sent the most remittances during Ramadan, allowing the exchange house to record a 5% to 10% surge in remittance activity. “This season is a good time for business, especially if employees get their salaries early because of the upcoming holiday, so we are expecting an increase in transactions in the run-up to Eid al-Fitr,” Das noted. With banks now also offering remittance services, exchange houses are witnessing a slight drop in customer footfall in the physical branches, according to Abdulrahman, who added that many customers are making the most of the available digital platforms and apps. “Nonetheless, we are still getting good transactions from customers visiting our branches, while at the same time, our digital platforms are also getting a good reception from tech-savvy people and white-collar workers,” Abdulrahman pointed out. According to Das, Trust Exchange is planning to launch a promotion to attract more people to utilise the company’s app and digital platforms. “Currently, we are in the final stages of updating our systems. Digitalisation is part of a continuous process to encourage more customers to transact businesses online. It is, likewise, important to boost consumer confidence in online transactions as this would encourage more people to utilise apps or digital platforms,” Das stressed.    

A Saudi-based property developer has described Qatar as a “sweet spot” for investments, citing the 2022 FIFA World Cup as an opportune time to expand into the Qatari market. Yousef al-Shelash, chairman, Dar Al Arkan Real Estate Development Company, expressed confidence in the Qatari market, citing the country’s rapid economic development. “We believe in the Qatari market, which is why we are bringing our business here. We also believe that we are in the ‘sweet spot’ considering that in a few months, Qatar will be hosting the 2022 FIFA World Cup, giving us a really good opportunity to expand in this country because we have been looking at this market for a long time,” al-Shelash told Gulf Times. In March, al-Shelash signed an agreement with Qetaifan Projects managing director Sheikh Nasser bin Abdulrahman al-Thani during the exclusive unveiling of Les Vagues residences by ELIE SAAB. Qetaifan Projects and Dar Al Arkan launched the premium residential and lifestyle project on Qetaifan Island North marking Dar Al Arkan’s first entry into Qatar with the aim of driving the development of the luxury property market and supporting the growth of Qatar’s real-estate sector. In an earlier press statement, Qetaifan Projects noted that work on the development will start in the second quarter of this year and total sales are expected to reach over QR1bn. Qatar will be the first country in the Middle Eastern to host the FIFA World Cup, which is slated this year from November 21 to December 18. According to al-Shelash, the tournament also serves as a key element in marketing Les Vagues residences by ELIE SAAB to prospective buyers. “The whole world is coming to Qatar for the World Cup, so this event is absolutely an opportunity for us to promote this project, and it also presents perfect timing for our sales and marketing teams,” al-Shelash pointed out. During the launch event, Sheikh Nasser previously said: “Following our concerted efforts to provide the local market with international standards that work on developing and revitalising sectors, such as tourism, hospitality, entertainment, and, of course, real estate development, we are happy to bring a new innovative project to Qatar. “We’re looking forward to working with Dar Al Arkan and ELIE SAAB, a global pioneer in design, on this premium project that is unlike any other in the region. Qetaifan Island North is being developed as the first touristic entertainment destination in Qatar, which will put the country on the regional and global tourism map, and Les Vagues residences is an integral project within the master plan of the development.” Qetaifan Island North is emerging as a thriving waterfront hub representing a new, modern lifestyle. Inspired by the rich culture and nature of the region, the distinct island will feature a thrilling waterpark, a luxurious hotel, unrivalled accommodation, exceptional retail options, and world-class facilities that make it a vibrant and attractive community. The island is also a symbol of the vision, insight, and aspiration to develop into an internationally acclaimed and recognised landmark location and Qatar’s future iconic destination.    

* Group opens new outlet in Ain Khaled   LuLu Group opened on Wednesday its 18th hypermarket in Qatar, located in the Ain Khaled district, as part of its chain of future expansions for the 2022 FIFA World Cup season, thus positioning itself as a catalyst for economic growth. The expansion of the group’s retail footprint in Qatar comes in line with the country’s preparations for a major business boost with the upcoming World Cup, which Qatar will be hosting this November. The new store was jointly inaugurated by Sheikh Falah bin Ali bin Khalifa al-Thani and Sheikh Abdullah bin Hassan al-Thani, in the presence of LuLu Group chairman Yusufali M A and other officials. The event was also attended by Sheikh Abdul Rahman bin Abdullah al-Thani, Nabil Abu Issa, Adil Abdul Razak, Nasar al-Ansari, C V Rappai, Dr R Seetharaman, Indian ambassador Dr Deepak Mittal, and the ambassadors of Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Georgia and Armenia. The new store is spread over 150,000sft on two levels and designed to offer shoppers the best LuLu brands and retail experience. It also includes an extensive grocery section, the LuLu Connect electronics store, the glamorous LuLu Celebrate designer fashion line, the high-street REO fashion brand, BLSH – the branded perfumes, cosmetics, make-up and beauty line, and eyewear brand Eyexpress. Yusufali said the new store opening comes in line with LuLu Group’s commitment to the Qatari leadership’s vision and energy for a bright future. The group is already planning more store openings in the country this year in Barwa Al Khor, Giardino Mall at The Pearl-Qatar, and Barwa Madinat in preparation for the further development of the economy. “LuLu’s expansion is a reaffirmation of the group’s confidence in Qatar’s leadership and part of a global expansion plan, and also a sign of the group’s support of the region’s recovery after a harsh business setback during the pandemic.   “Qatar is gearing up for the 2022 FIFA World Cup, football’s biggest tournament and also for the Asian Games 2030. We are confident in the upward development trajectory of the nation. We promise to match our capacity and vision with that of Qatar’s blueprint for a bright future,” Yusufali said. Dr Mohamed Althaf, director of LuLu Group International, said: “The opening of LuLu Hypermarket at Ain Khaled brings the number of LuLu stores in Qatar to 18, and this would not have been possible without the help and support of government authorities and our valued customers. This phenomenal growth is a solid proof of the strategic importance of Qatar to our business plans and our confidence in the resilience and future of Qatar’s economy.” LuLu Qatar operations have set the bar high for the hypermarket chain in the country and won awards for its innovative spin on healthy grocery and fresh food deliverables. The LuLu Ain Khaled store will also showcase award-winning features, such as Planet Y, the selection of plant-based meat substitutes and foods, organic and super food selections, an extensive ‘free-from’ range, and a zero-waste refill station where eco-conscious shoppers can refill reusable containers with dry goods including pasta, grains, and other items. The Ain Khaled hypermarket is making it even easier for vegetarian and vegan shoppers to find plant-based groceries in one place by introducing Planet Y. The new store will also have a dedicated area to support local initiatives and stock all Qatari products on a priority basis. Fresh juices are also available throughout the day at the Juice Station, including a wide range of fresh fruits and vegetables, meat and seafood. This will encourage shoppers to eat healthily and learn new cookery tips from experts through a series of in-store cookery classes. The new hypermarket will also have a dedicated area for eco-friendly products. Children will benefit from the Toys Section, which features a specially chosen collection of ‘STEMtainment’ toys to stimulate young minds in line with the latest STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) educational principles. For adults, there is a useful and extensive Internet of Things (IoT) section to facilitate smart homes. There are ample dedicated car parking spaces for LuLu customers and checkout is made easier with green check-out counters, wheelchair access, elevators and ATM facilities. A pharmacy and three popular fast-food eateries are on the premises: Starbucks, McDonald's and Papa John’s Pizza. The new hypermarket also boasts of a wide tenant mix, such as Ooredoo counter managed by RPTech, V EYE P Optics, Jawhara Jewelry, and Doha Beauty Centre, among others.    

As Qatar prepares to host the first carbon-neutral FIFA World Cup of its kind, LuLu Group is set to establish more of its next-generation and carbon-neutral stores across the country, chairman Yusufali MA told Gulf Times. “The world is rapidly changing towards digitalisation, new transformations, and innovation, so we have to keep pace with the market demand. This is why we have introduced a wide variety of sections in our new stores. “We will also upgrade our previous hypermarkets to become ‘green stores’,” he explained yesterday on the sidelines of the opening of LuLu’s 18th store in Qatar, located in the Ain Khaled district. According to Yusufali, LuLu is targeting a “massive expansion” plan. He said LuLu was able to open four stores during the pandemic, citing the “wholehearted support” extended by the government and Qatari leadership. Aside from its expansion plans, LuLu will continue to offer a wide range of premium products, good pricing, and quality service, Yusufali emphasised, adding that the Qatari market is a major contributor to LuLu’s expansion growth. Dr Mohamed Althaf, director of LuLu Group International, also stressed that the Ain Khaled hypermarket is among LuLu’s next-generation stores. “In all our stores, we are trying to reduce our carbon footprint. By 2030, our target is to reduce the carbon footprint by 50%, and going forward it would be carbon neutral,” he explained. Yusufali added that before the 2022 FIFA World Cup, LuLu will be opening three more stores in Qatar. The LuLu Hypermarket Ain Khaled branch offers different key features, such as Planet Y, making LuLu the first retailer to open a vegan hypermarket destination with a service counter entirely dedicated to plant-based products with meat-free options and meat-free butchery. Planet Y makes it easier for vegetarian and vegan shoppers to find plant-based groceries in one place. The new store has a dedicated Refill Station area where shoppers can buy refillable containers, use a paper bag, or bring their own container. Customers can refill products, such as tea, cereals, pasta, and other essentials. The initiative will encourage customers to reduce and recycle. Major brands like 24 Matra, Organic Tattva, Agrofino, Somerset, White’s, and Pasta Toscana are currently available in the refill aisles. The ‘Free From Worries’ section offers the very best products sourced from around the globe. Customers can also find items for specific diets, including keto, gluten-free, and vegan, among others. LuLu Ain Khalid is also the go-to for smart home accessories. A smart home means a smarter and more comfortable lifestyle. The ‘Thing’ section, LuLu’s IoT department, helps customers wanting to update, upgrade, and convert appliances and homes to be energy efficient. Similarly, the store has a dedicated branded digital marketplace – ‘LuLu Connect’, for digital accessories, laptops, smartphones, smart TVs, smart home appliances, and more. The store is also implementing full-fledged recycling initiatives to efficiently manage and recycle food, plastic, paper, and other wastes generated. As part of LuLu’s ongoing efforts and commitment to sustainability, the hypermarket chain has installed a Reverse Vending Machine (RVM) to encourage and educate customers on segregation and the recycling of plastic bottles and metal cans. Other amenities being offered at the Ain Khaled branch are ‘Fashion-forward Glamour’, value for money LuLu fashion brands, a dedicated area for eco-friendly products, the ‘STEMtainment’ section for STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) toys, and the Juice Station, which offers fresh, fruity, and healthy juices. Ends    

Addressing the Arab region’s challenges in the Intellectual Property (IP) and copyright ecosystem would help spur growth in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), innovation, and entrepreneurship, according to Kareem Hassan, executive director, ESCWA Technology Centre for Development. Hassan made the statement in his opening remarks during the recently-held ‘Intellectual Property for Promoting Innovation and SMEs in the Arab Region’ online workshop organised by the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) and the ICC Centre of Entrepreneurship (CoE). He explained that the Arab region faces “a considerable challenge” with the IP and copyright ecosystem, which leads to “a significant brain drain of Arab innovators, and reflects on the number of inventions and IP registrations.” The gap in IP creation protection and enforcement resulted in the lagging of Arab states behind other countries, according to Hassan. He also noted that only a few countries in the Arab region have an IP national strategy in place and that not all of them have access to international conventions. Hassan said, “Moreover, internal political discourse delays the enactment of new laws. The ecosystem challenges reflect on Arab startups and SMEs, as well, that are facing weaknesses in the patent drafting, registering trademarks, and competitive intelligence, in addition to the lack of IP registration professions, in terms of attorneys and agents.” However, Hassan pointed out that there are several solutions for solving the IP challenges in the Arab region. He said, “[these] revolve around investing in the human and knowledge capital, making IPs accessible to the business world and facilitating effective partnerships, in addition to identifying in a participatory manner clear goals and strategies to increase the number of innovations that serve the national and regional SDGs.” Hassan noted that the UN Economic and Social Commission for West Asia (ESCWA) works on solidifying legal frameworks that foster public-private partnerships and link up local and international agendas that capitalise on the technology commercialisation outcomes and knowledge transformation into capital. Citing the significant role of ICC, WIPO, and other partners, Hassan said the event gives a clear understanding and overview of the critical topics related to IP for promoting innovation and SMEs in the Arab region. The ‘Intellectual Property for Promoting Innovation and SMEs in the Arab Region’ workshop provided an overview of the status and challenges of IP systems in the Arab region and the role of IP in promoting entrepreneurship, innovation, and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). It also discussed best practices and lessons learnt from select Arab countries on advancing IP systems in their ecosystems and presented the WIPO IP Diagnostics tool to improve the IP-readiness of innovators and SMEs.