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Hundreds of visitors witnessed yesterday the opening of the three-day Darb Lusail Flower Festival, with Al Sa’ad Plaza towards one end of Lusail Boulevard becoming an ocean of flowers. The event, organised by the Qatari Diar Real Estate Investment Company and open from 7pm-11pm, concludes tomorrow (Saturday). Flowers on the street dividers and other structures towering over the path have created a festive ambience and instagrammable frames for the visitors. Parades at 7pm and 9.30pm, each 30 minutes long, are major attractions of the festival. Artists in costume, popular cartoon characters and floats featuring prominent landmarks of Lusail City, including the Katara Towers and Al Sa’ad Plaza towers, are perfect eye candy.Buildings on either side of Lusail Boulevard, which will be a pedestrian zone throughout the festival, have been lit up in myriad colours. Light music wafts through the air.“We like this place and it has turned out to be one of the favourite weekend destinations of families,” Indian expatriate Abdul Rasheed told Gulf Times. Game stalls for children and adults, a local market selling flowers, bouquets and perfumes, artists doing live paintings and eateries offering a variety of snacks and beverages add to the attraction of the festival.In a statement, engineer Khaled al-Hammadi, director of Asset Management at Qatari Diar, stated that the Lusail Boulevard has proven to be an immensely popular destination, both during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 and the several other events. “Everyone is invited to visit the festival and enjoy the various activities,” he added.The entities concerned at the Ministry of the Interior has appealed to the public to co-operate with traffic police and abide by the traffic diversions to ensure the security and safety of all festival-goers.

Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina Tuesday said that her country has emerged as a model of women's empowerment, while also shedding light on the impressive socio-economic gains made by Bangladesh and the progress seen in education and creating a knowledge-based society.She made the observations while addressing a seminar on ‘Women's empowerment and its role in building institutions in the community: Bangladesh as a model’ at Qatar University (QU).Sheikh Hasina presented the seminar in front of a wide audience of senior QU officials, dignitaries, representatives from the embassy of Bangladesh and QU students. She said, “I am very pleased to be here with you all. I sincerely thank Qatar University for the warm welcome. I am delighted to be among the future generation’s leaders. I feel humbled to share the transformative development journey of my country, Bangladesh."Sheikh Hasina noted that after years of efforts, Bangladesh now ranks the highest in South Asia in reducing gender disparity. "We have gender parity in favour of our girls in primary and secondary education," she said. "We are among the world’s top 10 nations for women’s political empowerment. Bangladesh is perhaps the only country where the prime minister, speaker of the parliament, leader of the opposition, and deputy leader of the House are all women."We have 33% seats reserved for our women in local government bodies. I made it a point to break all glass ceilings by placing our deserving women in top leadership positions everywhere.""Bangladesh has the fourth largest Muslim population in the world, with over 91% Muslims. Our great Islam accords the highest respect to women and has many accounts of successful female leaders,” she pointed out.Further, Sheikh Hasina said Bangladesh has made impressive gains in the areas of food security, free and affordable housing, community healthcare, compulsory primary education, women’s empowerment, financial inclusion, digital services, access to electricity, disaster preparedness and climate adaptation.She called on young women and girls to have a greater involvement in the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) fields. "Our government is setting up a technical training institute for them. We are preparing rural young women to allow them to work as digital freelancers from home. We must work together to end all forms of discrimination against girls,” Sheikh Hasina said, noting that there are various programmes to train the young generation.The Bangladesh primer minister said "today’s Bangladesh is a changed Bangladesh". "It’s dubbed as a role model for development. Hunger, poverty, malnutrition and illiteracy are vanishing fast. Our hard-earned development in the country is not a miracle. It is the collective work of our men and women. I have only tried to guide them in the desired direction," she said.She explained that her government managed to build a solid foundation for Bangladesh’s socio-economic transformation during her first regime from 1996 to 2001. She went on to say that the Ashrayan scheme is implemented to provide free houses for homeless families. “We have established over 18,000 community clinics and rural healthcare centres through which primary healthcare services are being provided to the people.”The initiatives include expansion of the social safety net to support the poor and marginalised sections of society and development in the education sector. She also noted that her government had taken a decision to give insulin free of charge from these centres. “All investment in the health sector has started to pay off.”Addressing the students at QU, she said: “Dear students, without an educated population no nation can prosper. So, since assuming office, our utmost priority is education.”“We want to build a knowledge-based Smart Bangladesh. In Smart Bangladesh, there will be a smart government, a smart economy, a smart population, a smart society and smart manpower. People will be made skilled in using digital devices so that they can contribute to the fourth industrial revolution,” she said. “The purpose of a Smart Bangladesh is to keep pace with a changing world and use digital devices in all areas of education, health, agriculture, industry, business and trade to achieve the goals. We are setting up digital labs in all educational institutions from primary to higher education levels.”Making a slew of suggestions to realise the development goals, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina asked students and youth to remain focused while representing values and keeping their spirits up,“I would like to share a few suggestions for future leaders from my life’s experience and struggles — first of all, represent a value; remain focused on your vision; make concrete plans to realise your vision; lead by example and be the change-maker; trust your people and team; invoke your maternal spirit; and embrace the new and the future," she advised.QU President Dr Hassan Rashid al-Derham honoured Sheikh Hasina at the event. Following the seminar, the floor was opened for a Q&A session, where Sheikh Hasina answered questions from the audience.

Reaching out to the blue-collar workforce, the Indian Community Benevolent Forum (ICBF) has announced that it will honour five outstanding long-serving labourers on the occasion of the forum’s Labour Day celebrations.This comes as part of ICBF’s efforts to ensure the welfare of the workforce while making the organisation inclusive and accessible for all. The winners will be felicitated for their unwavering commitment and multiple contributions to Qatar's progress.Accordingly, ICBF is seeking nominations for its initiative to honour five long-serving labourers who have been residents of Qatar for more than 30 years. They will be honoured at the 'Labour Day Rang Tarang 2023' celebrations to be held at the Asian Town Cricket Stadium parking on May 26, from 5pm to 10pm.“Individuals are being nominated for the award and the winners will be selected by an independent jury,” ICBF president Shanavas Bava said while addressing a press conference in this regard Saturday.Named Rang Tarang, the Labour Day celebration will be held in co-ordination with the Indian embassy. Some government departments are also expected to participate in this event, ICBF said in a press statement.The event will showcase a variety of cultural programmes featuring Indian blue-collar workers in Qatar, associate organisations of ICBF and various Indian cultural groups in the country. Indian embassy officials and eminent personalities from Qatar are expected to grace the occasion, according to ICBF.The organisers said the event will feature cultural performances and bring the labour community together amid a joyous atmosphere. “The event is a testament to ICBF's commitment to recognising and celebrating the hardworking individuals who have shaped the nation,” the ICBF president said.ICBF is inviting all community members to come forward and nominate individuals "who have tirelessly dedicated themselves" to their work and our community, and are working with an organisation or with their sponsor as domestic help. No freelancers are eligible to participate. "If you know someone deserving of this recognition, we encourage you to submit their names with following supporting documents," ICBF said in a public announcement.Individuals who have dedicated over three decades of their lives as low-income employees in Qatar will be considered for the award. Nominations can be sent to [email protected] along with the name, length of residency in Qatar, nature of work and details of company or organisation. The nomination should include the contact details and brief description of the nominee. The deadline for the nomination is May 22.ICBF general secretary Varkey Boban can be contacted at 66100744 for further details. ICBF functionaries have urged all community members to nominate individuals.Explaining the recent accomplishments of the organisation, Bava said ICBF distributed Iftar kits during Ramadan. Food kits were distributed among needy labourers and fishermen. “The ICBF insurance desk has been set up at community events, further increasing awareness and participation in the insurance scheme,” he added.ICBF has been organising workshops for shelter inmates at the embassy, equipping them with essential skills and knowledge while covering various topics, including stitching, vocational training, art and craft, henna designing and language classes.The repatriation team has handled 26 death cases, ensuring the smooth return of the deceased to their home countries. “ICBF has been actively engaged in supporting jail visitation and assisting the relatives of inmates,” the ICBF president said.Advisory Board chairman S A M Basheer, general secretary Boban, vice-president Deepak Shetty, Programme Committee chairman Vinod Nair, secretary Mohamed Kunhi T K and treasurer Kuldeep Kaur were also present.

HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohamed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani on Wednesday signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock on launching a strategic dialogue between the two countries.The MoU comes as part of the efforts made to strengthen the close co-operation between the two countries in various fields.HE Sheikh Mohamed affirmed the remarkable development witnessed by bilateral relations between Qatar and Germany in various fields since the start of relations between them in 1973, noting that the visit of Baerbock is the culmination of 50 years of diplomatic relations and co-operation between the two countries.“We discussed several issues, on top of which was the strengthening of bilateral co-operation between the two countries,” HE the Prime Minister said during a joint press conference with Baerbock after the MoU-signing ceremony at the Amiri Diwan.Also, the promotion of friendly relations and the emphasis on co-operation in all fields were discussed along with the latest international developments. Discussions focused on economic relations, particularly the energy field and investment in clean energy and co-operation in the education field.HE the Prime Minister said the discussions covered the prospect of further investments by Qatar in Germany and increased co-operation on energy transition.The topics also included regional security, education and the environment, he said, expressing the aspiration of Qatar to establish a mechanism that promotes the establishment of joint projects with Germany, according to QNA."The friendship and partnership relations between the two countries extend for decades, and we see remarkable development in them in recent years, especially in the field of investment and energy. We look forward to creating a mechanism to promote the establishment of joint projects with Germany. The strategic dialogue is an important platform for discussing energy and co-operation," HE the Prime Minister said.In response to a question about the Qatari-German partnership in the field of gas, the signing of a long-term agreement between the two countries, and whether there are negotiations with the rest of the European Union regarding gas supplies, the nature of the relationship with European partners in light of the green agenda and Europe's tendency to move away from carbon sources, HE Sheikh Mohamed said: "The agreement between Qatar and Germany is a commercial agreement between companies, and this is the policy of Qatar with regard to energy, as QatarEnergy has signed with a group of German companies... which is an energy supply relationship like our relations with all other countries. We look forward to strengthening co-operation in this field, and at the governmental level, strengthening dialogue on co-operation in the field of energy in general and co-operation in the field of energy transition policies."The issue of energy transition and the green agenda, which today represents a priority for the European Union countries, is a global priority However, the criteria may differ from one country to another. There is room for co-operation and capacity-building for all countries, so that there will be a safe transition to energy in accordance with the agreed frameworks, in a way that achieves our interest at the national and international levels, as well as the national and international interests of the European Union countries."He said the two sides emphasised the importance of co-operation in facilitating humanitarian aid for civilians in Sudan and meeting their needs. "The meeting stressed the importance of engaging in broad negotiations involving all political forces to reach a comprehensive and sustainable peace agreement,” HE Sheikh Mohamed said. "We welcome the agreement between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support forces signed in Jeddah."Regarding Palestine, he noted that Qatar condemns the bombing of civilians in the Gaza Strip.Regarding the Ukraine war, HE Sheikh Mohamed said the discussion highlighted the need to respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine.On her part, Baerbock said: “This form of exchange with Qatar pursues the goal of working together even more closely in the future and exchanging ideas. We can also exchange views on issues where we have significantly different perspectives. And we seek to agree on a binding global goal on the expansion of renewable energy. We discussed the developments in Sudan, Syria and Yemen."Noting that natural gas supplies from Qatar will help Germany diversify its energy sources, she said: “We want stability in energy supplies through the relationship with Qatar."The German minister noted that Qatar and Germany are striving for closer ties and praised Qatar’s stand on the Ukraine war, saying the country has clearly raised its voice against the war.Asked about Syria's return to the Arab League and the crisis in the country, HE Sheikh Mohamed said the only solution is to find a just and comprehensive solution to the issue in Syria. He noted that there is joint Arab action "in which we all agree on the goals that there will be a safe return of refugees and finding a political solution in accordance with United Nations Resolution 2254.""We clarified our position regarding the decision on Syria returning to the Arab League. Qatar doesn't want to deviate from the Arab consensus on this issue, but leaves each country its sovereign decision to normalise bilateral relations," he said.He touched on the co-ordination between the countries of the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf, in addition to Egypt, Jordan and Iraq, regarding the Syrian issue, saying in this context, "The positions differed, not about the goals, but about the methodology to reach these goals, and this is a natural thing."He stressed Qatar's support for constructive work to achieve these goals, and for any step of normalisation with the regime to contribute to achieving such a goal. "The issue is not between us and the Syrian regime, the issue is between the regime and the people, and the solution that will be implemented to restore stability in Syria must be a solution that satisfies this people, who have suffered from the scourge of this war over the past 12 years," he said, adding: "Qatar does not give any consideration to the criticisms directed at it arbitrarily."“We seek that the Syrian people live in safety and stability and that there be a political process in the country,” Baerbock said, noting that the brutality of Syria's president against his people cannot be ignored.

German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock has praised Qatar’s labour reforms, noting that government reforms have improved the legal situation for around 2.6mn migrant workers in Qatar.She also thanked Qatar for its support during the evacuations from Afghanistan.Addressing a joint press conference at the Amiri Diwan along with HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohamed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani after the signing of a memorandum of understanding between Qatar and Germany, Baerbock said there is progress in the efforts made by Qatar in the field of workers’ rights.The German minister called for further efforts for the welfare of labourers while ensuring their rights.“Berlin is monitoring the development of Qatar's reforms,” she said, explaining that imbalances are recorded even in Germany while it comes to the wage gap.HE the Prime Minister rejected allegations of labour rights violations in Qatar.He explained that the reforms adopted by his country in the field of labour laws stem from desire and self-will. “Doha welcomes any constructive advice to achieve further progress in this field,” HE the Prime Minister said.

Under the patronage of HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohamed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim al-Thani, HE the Minister of Social Development and Family Maryam bint Ali bin Nasser al-Misnad Tuesday inaugurated the Qatar CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) Summit 2023 hosted by Qatar University (QU).Running until Thursday, the event is being held in the Student Affairs Building at the university.HE the Minister participated in the opening event along with QU president Dr Hassan al-Derham, Ooredoo Qatar CEO Sheikh Ali bin Jabor al-Thani, QNB Group chief business officer Yousef Mahmoud al-Neama and Mubadara for Social Impact president Dr Saif al-Hajari.Also present were representatives of ministries and government agencies, managers of sponsoring companies, the administrative and educational staff at QU and a group of businesspersons and academics.The Qatar CSR Summit serves as a platform for local and international CSR experts and professionals to discuss how organisations can use CSR to integrate economic, social and environmental objectives with their operations. The summit gathers leaders in business, academics and law as well as representatives of governmental and non-governmental institutions from various sectors to identify and discuss some of the key challenges and possible solutions that allow integrating CSR into the core business, build relationships with key partners in the private and public sectors, and promote their brands and initiatives.In her opening address, HE al-Misnad said: “I am pleased to be with a group of leaders of social responsibility development in Qatar, and officials of companies that have taken the initiative for many years to implement the goals related to social responsibility on the ground, to serve as an example for other institutions and companies.”She stressed that social responsibility "occupies an advanced position within the list of priorities of the wise government, and constitutes an important element in line with Qatar National Vision 2030 in the human, social, economic and environmental dimensions".“Reaching these goals requires us to commit, co-operate and work together, so that together we can achieve sustainable development and wellbeing for citizens and residents," she said.In his speech, Dr al-Derham said QU considers social responsibility an essential part of its students' educational journey.“We strive to enhance their awareness and develop their skills and abilities to become more interested in social and environmental problems and more aware of finding solutions to these problems. We encourage students to participate in CSR-related conferences and events to broaden their horizons and enhance their abilities to communicate effectively with others and work together to achieve common goals," he noted.Ooredoo Qatar CEO Sheikh Ali said: "Ooredoo strongly believes in the importance of social responsibility and sustainability, and we strive to incorporate these values into all its business. Supporting national events such as the Qatar CSR Summit is part of our strategy to make the world around us a better place, and we are committed to playing our part in building a sustainable future in Qatar and the world."On his part, al-Neama said: “We are delighted to be the official sponsor of the summit, as it strongly reflects our vision to provide long-term value and to underline our continuous efforts to support various CSR initiatives. This sponsorship reinforces the Group's efforts to maintain its CSR initiatives and projects, which are an important pillar of the Group's long-term strategy to deliver better performance and build a stronger brand.”During the event, Qatar Charity (QC) CEO Yousef Ahmed al-Kuwari was named CSR Person of the Year 2023, in recognition of his efforts and QC's continuous efforts in community development and relief.Sheikh Ali was also honoured and recognised in appreciation of Ooredoo’s activities during the holy month of Ramadan, while Seashore Group chairman Saeed Salem al-Mohannadi was honoured for the Group's role in supporting the sustainable development goals in co-operation with the ministry to achieve Qatar National Vision 2030.

While further spreading its wings and reaching out to more areas, the Qatar Kerala Muslim Cultural Centre (KMCC), with a membership of about 25,000 individuals, will implement a slew of welfare, empowerment and educational projects in the country.Addressing a press conference Sunday, the newly elected KMCC State Committee president Dr Abdul Samad said the organisation will increase the coverage of its insurance scheme for its members.The Sneha Suraksha Padhathi (Social Security Scheme) has now more than 18,000 beneficiaries, who can get financial aid of maximum INR 600,000. Also, the scheme envisages financial aid for the members for treatment and while they leave Qatar. “Our plan is to revamp the scheme while increasing the coverage in order to draw more members towards the scheme and ensure their welfare,” Dr Samad.KMCC also has plans for comprehensive pension and health insurance schemes for expatriates. “The new committee is planning to build a community school while there are plans to set up an emergency response team that will work in coordination with the government bodies concerned,” Dr Samad said.General secretary Saleem Nalakath said the new leadership will take the organisation to new heights while launching welfare and empowerment initiatives for the members and expatriates. “KMCC will continue to make remarkable contributions to Qatar and ensure the welfare of its members. Also, more wings will be formed while ensuring the involvement and representation of people from all walks of the life,” he said.The press conference was attended by PMA Salam, Kerala State Committee general secretary of Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) along with KMCC Qatar treasurer PSM Hussein.PMA Salam said IUML, which is the parent organisation of KMCC, is looking to set up a global outfit that will coordinate the functions of various overseas orgnisations under the party.On Friday, KMCC elected the three new State Committee office bearers. Salam, who was the returning officer, said the final list of the new committee members will be announced after the election of the new executive and remaining office bearers. This will be carried out after consultations with district committees.The newly elected president Dr Samad has been active in social and cultural spheres in Qatar. The Doha-based physician and businessman is the managing director of Promise Medical Group. He was earlier KMCC's Kozhikode District Committee president. Currently, he is the vice chairman of Middle East Chandrika. Saleem Nalakath and PSM Hussein have so far held the State Committee secretary post while serving the organisation in various positions.

The Ministry of Municipality has sorted and recycled 100% of the waste generated during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, HE the Minister of Municipality Abdullah bin Abdulaziz bin Turki al-Subaie has said.Also, more than 271mn kilowatt-hours of electricity and over 35,000 tonnes of fertilisers were produced at the Domestic Solid Waste Management Centre (DSWMC) in Mesaieed in 2022, besides more than 27,000 tonnes of recyclable materials getting re-sorted, he informed.HE the Minister made the observations on the opening day of the third Recycling Towards Sustainability Conference Exhibition-Doha 2023, which he inaugurated at the Sheraton Doha Tuesday in the presence of a number of ministers and ambassadors, as well as a group of local and international experts and specialists in the field of waste management, recycling and sustainability.In his opening speech, HE the Minister said this was the first time in the history of the World Cup that such a percentage (of waste sorting and recycling) had been achieved. “Qatar managed to achieve zero waste after turning all waste gathered from all stadiums and fan zones into recyclable materials or clean energy at the Domestic Solid Waste Management Centre in Mesaieed,” he said.The DSWMC is the most significant facility in the State and the region in terms of receiving and processing waste. It was awarded the GCC prize in the field of municipal work in the category of best practices in waste management and recycling as a culmination of its pioneering role in waste treatment and recycling.HE the Ministry stressed that one of the Ministry of Municipality's most significant achievements was the disposal of all used tyres stockpiled in the country after developing a well-thought-out plan to safely dispose of discarded tyres and find solutions to recycle them at all its affiliated sites.Around 180,000 tonnes of tyres were disposed of in co-operation with local private sector companies and tyre recycling factories in the Al Afja area for recycling industries, which have been allocated by the State due to the importance of these industries in achieving the goals of sustainable development, and within the framework of the State's keenness to support and encourage partnership between the government and private sectors, he said.The ministry works to encourage various segments of society to reduce waste and raise their awareness through the 'zero waste' campaign launched to develop a methodology of thinking regarding the management of waste and its importance and to reach an advanced level of community awareness of the importance of waste as part of resource sustainability, HE al-Subaie noted.“The ministry continues its effective efforts to achieve Qatar National Vision 2030 while promoting sustainability and the optimal use of resources through future projects, such as establishing an engineering landfill with the highest international standards and specifications, operating a station for sorting and recovering recyclable materials in Al Khor city, and finding the best solutions and methods for waste treatment and recycling,” HE the Minister pointed out.He noted that great importance is given to afforestation projects and increasing green spaces, as at the end of 2022 the initiative to plant 1mn trees was completed in partnership and co-operation with various ministries, institutions and civil society. “The ministry is also implementing the initiative to plant 10mn trees by 2030 as part of Qatar's continuous efforts to achieve sustainable development and preserve the environment,” he added.He concluded the speech by expressing hope for the active participation in the conference of community institutions, private sector companies, researchers and academics in order to exchange expertise and experience, as well as to learn about the latest technology in the field of waste management, safe and sound disposal and recycling.This approach aims to integrate efforts to achieve the strategic objectives of Qatar and various countries around the globe in the field of improving the quality of life and the sustainability and preservation of resources, he added.

The third Recycling Towards Sustainability Conference & Exhibition-Doha 2023, organised by the Ministry of Municipality, got under way at Sheraton Doha Tuesday.HE the Minister of Municipality Abdullah bin Abdulaziz bin Turki al-Subaie inaugurated the exhibition. The inauguration was attended by a number of ministers and ambassadors accredited to the State, as well as a group of local and international experts and specialists in the field of waste management, recycling and sustainability.The participants will discuss core issues and innovations in the above-mentioned areas during the two-day event.The conference brings together a group of senior officials from Qatar and various countries around the globe, as well as officials from different companies and institutions, experts and specialists in the field of waste management and recycling, several government institutions and private sector companies in addition to international and regional organisations who will share their expertise and experience, and review the latest technologies in the field of waste management, methods of treatment and means of disposal.The event will highlight the importance of environment-friendly practices and the latest approved methods of waste management, and focus on the importance of co-operation between individuals, societies and governments in order to preserve a healthier and more sustainable planet, by adopting environmentally friendly practices based on waste management.HE al-Subaie stressed that the ministry has developed several integrated plans and laws, set goals and worked on achieving them to safely dispose of all kinds of waste at all sites and benefit from them using the latest methods. The ministry has seen major achievements in this regard.Represented by the Ministry of Municipality, Qatar's keenness to organise the conference and exhibition comes within the framework of its great interest in the issue of waste reduction, recycling, legalisation and proper management to become a multi-use source for many products and industries that contribute to the development of the local economy, he noted.The country, through Qatar National Vision 2030, is keen to achieve a balance between the components of sustainable development, which represents a comprehensive framework for improving the optimal utilisation of waste, with the participation of all institutions and groups of society at the governmental and private levels, HE the Minister added.For his part, assistant undersecretary for Public Services Affairs at the Ministry of Municipality Ahmed Mohamed al-Sada said in a statement that the conference aims to enhance sound waste management practices, promote a culture of waste reduction, present the latest technologies in this field, as well as shed light on the importance of academic research in developing recycling and waste treatment practices.For his part, director of the Waste Recycling and Treatment Department at the Ministry of Municipality Hamad Jassim Al Bahar said the ministry's keenness to organise the Recycling Towards Sustainability Conference & Exhibition confirms its commitment to promoting sound waste management practices and strengthening the efforts of Qatar to achieve its National Vision 2030.Al-Bahar expressed the ministry's delight that the conference & exhibition is supported by several entities, including Expo 2023 Doha, Seashore Group for Recycling and Sustainability, Keppel Seghers, Shell Corporation and Suhail Industrial Holding Group.

The Qatar CSR Summit will be held at the Students Affairs Building in Qatar University (QU) from May 16-18, under the patronage of HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohamed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim al-Thani.The details of the summit were revealed by QU at a press conference Sunday.Dr Rana Sobh, dean of the College of Business and Economics and chairperson of the steering committee of the summit stressed that the event acts as an accelerator for the university’s goals in pushing forward a sustainable business model in Qatar.“The conference’s agenda, with the topics it covers and the speakers who will be contributing, raises awareness about corporate social responsibility among all stakeholders, including academics and scholars, students, business owners and the community in general,” she said at the press conference.Dr Sobh explained that the main themes of the conference include business education and societal impact, ESG, sustainability, circular economy, CSR from an Islamic perspective, SDG, and many other important topics. These will be addressed through a series of presentations, papers and panel discussions.In addition to the academic exchange it will allow, the conference will also provide a platform for pioneering national companies leading CSR efforts in the country to introduce their activities in this field and to showcase the best practices that have enabled such companies to integrate CSR into their core business.The event is supported by various public and private entities, including the Ministry of Social Development and Family, Ministry of Defence, Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, QNB, Ooredoo, Qatar Chamber, Dallah Holding, Qatar Civil Aviation Authority, Al Faisal Holding and Aamal, Qatar Tourism, Qatar Cool, QIIB, McDonald’s, FMM, Carrefour, Sasol, Seashore Group, Rayyan, Talabat and UDC.Abdullah Mohamed Arbabi, senior manager – CSR at QNB, said: “We are pleased to be the Official Sponsor of Qatar CSR National Programme’s latest initiative, as it strongly reflects our vision to provide long-term value creation and emphasises our continuous efforts to support various CSR initiatives."Moza Khalid al-Mohannadi, director of CSR, Sponsorship and Media at Ooredoo, noted that the event brings together key players from the private and public sectors to discuss and address the key challenges of integrating CSR into core business strategies.Aysha al-Shriem, chief admin and support services officer, Sustainable Lead at Qatar Cool, said: "We are proud to support Qatar University in holding this event, and we always emphasise that the company's quest to become a Qatari institution with sustainable resources and responsibility towards its society is one of our highest priorities." Saqer Saeed al-Mohannadi, vice-chairman of Seashore Group, said the sponsorship comes as part of the group’s continuous efforts in supporting many societal and environmental initiatives in Qatar.Samy Decour, business development manager, Facilities Management and Maintenance Company (FMM), added: “FMM's CSR strategy is to contribute holistically, through many localised initiatives, to the Qatari society while enhancing the welfare of our employees and the quality of our delivery." In addition to leading local organisations, Qatar CSR Summit has also received significant support from some of the biggest multinational companies, including McDonald’s.Mithqual Abu Nasser, general manager of McDonald’s Qatar, said the company launched 'Rahlatuna,' an umbrella platform for CSR efforts, aligning with Qatar National Vision 2030's Human Development pillar.According to the organisers, IFP Qatar and Mubadara for Social Impact, Qatar CSR Summit represents the latest addition to the Qatar CSR National Programme that QU has been hosting for the past 10 years, in an attempt to further develop the programme’s activities and its impact, with the intention of promoting the concept of conducting business in a socially responsible manner. It also provides an effective platform for businesspersons, thought leaders and academia to convene and discuss together the ways of encouraging setting up and developing socially responsible businesses that apply the principles of CSR and ESG in their daily operations.With the addition of the summit to the activities of the programme, the 10th edition of the Qatar CSR National Programme will now include in addition to the conference, an exhibition on the Qatar CSR National Report prepared under the guidance and supervision of the College of Business and Economics at QU.Jack Saba, general manager of Mubadara for Social Impact, said: “The report highlights the achievements of various institutions in the field of social responsibility and supports their position locally and abroad.” Haidar Mshaimesh, general manager of IFP Qatar, said the Qatar CSR Awards gala dinner will be held at Sheraton Doha on May 18.

The Expo 2023 Doha will focus on innovations and techniques of modern agriculture while also combining tradition and modern technology for a balanced use of resources.This will be achieved by creating a convergence of people and ideas to accelerate innovation, research and scientific advancements in the field of modern agriculture, according to details published on the Expo 2023 Doha official website.The event will promote innovation, research and scientific advancements in modern agriculture to produce safe, sustainable and affordable food for the increasing population of the world and reduce climate impact.The modern agriculture segment at the expo will mainly focus on enhancing farmers' role.“They have the experience and the everyday perspective that can inform, promote and implement the solutions to fight desertification. They are the real growers of change,” the website says.There will also be focus on bridging knowledge and technology, ensuring co-ordinated solutions and promoting permaculture, which is a symbiotic and collaborative approach that we are promoting to ensure modern agriculture.Permaculture is a holistic approach to agricultural solutions plantable in rural and urban contexts at all levels, from industrial to domestic scales.“Exchange of information among the main stakeholders of modern agriculture requires new methods of co-ordination and co-operation,” the website adds. “Developing and sharing information on the techniques that integrate innovation into traditional wisdom will contribute to the prevention of further desertification.”The first International Association of Horticultural Producers (AIPH)-approved A1 World Horticultural Expo in the Middle East, Expo Doha 2023 will be open at Al Bidda Park from October 2 to March 28, 2024.The event will occupy 1.7mn sq m and divided into three zones – International Zone, Family Zone and Cultural Zone.Covered in greenery, the Expo House has the form of a hill and is integrated into the landscape of Al Bidda Park.It is shaped like a semicircle, with a vast open space in front and a fountain as a centrepiece, while the benches along the sides of the pavilion form a natural amphitheatre offering stunning views and a perfect spot for the Expo’s events and gatherings.

The Expo 2023 Doha will focus on innovations and techniques of modern agriculture while also combining tradition and modern technology for a balanced use of resources.This will be achieved by creating a convergence of people and ideas to accelerate innovation, research and scientific advancements in the field of modern agriculture.According to details published on the Expo 2023 Doha official website, the event will promote innovation, research and scientific advancements in modern agriculture to produce safe, sustainable and affordable food for the increasing population of the world and reduce climate impact.The modern agriculture segment at the expo will mainly focus on enhancing farmers' role. “They have the experience and the everyday perspective that can inform, promote and implement the solutions to fight desertification. They are the real growers of change,” the website says.Also, there will be focus on bridging knowledge and technology, ensuring co-ordinated solutions and promoting permaculture, which is a symbiotic and collaborative approach that we are promoting to ensure modern agriculture.Permaculture is a holistic approach to agricultural solutions plantable in rural and urban contexts at all levels, from industrial to domestic scales.“Exchange of information among the main stakeholders of modern agriculture requires new methods of co-ordination and co-operation. Developing and sharing information on the techniques that integrate innovation into traditional wisdom will contribute to the prevention of further desertification,” the website adds.The first International Association of Horticultural Producers (AIPH)-approved A1 World Horticultural Expo in the Middle East, Expo Doha 2023 will be open at Al Bidda Park from October 2, 2023 to March 28, 2024.The event will occupy 1.7mn sq m and divided into three zones – International Zone, Family Zone and Cultural Zone.Covered in greenery, the Expo House has the form of a hill and is integrated into the landscape of Al Bidda Park. It’s shaped like a semicircle, with a vast open space in front and a fountain as a centrepiece, while the benches along the sides of the pavilion form a natural amphitheatre offering stunning views and a perfect spot for the Expo’s events and gatherings.

The Real Estate Regulatory Authority, which will become functional within two months, will implement a slew of new strategies to ensure the development of the real estate sector and the transparency of dealings.Speaking Qatar TV on Tuesday, Ahmed al-Emadi, director of the Legal Affairs Department at the Ministry of Municipality, said the authority will be the umbrella body combining the new strategies and policies meant for real estate development.His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani issued had in April issued Amiri Decision No. 28 of 2023 establishing the public authority for regulating the real estate sector. Its formation comes within the framework of implementing the real estate sector's development strategy, and the authority will work within Qatar’s general policy to organise and stimulate the real estate sector while contributing to the sector’s development.Al-Emadi said there are seven axes concerned with implementing the authority’s policies and said these include governance of the real estate sector through the harmonisation of strategies and policies among the authorities concerned.“The authority will be the umbrella that combines these strategies, and a real estate platform that seeks to provide data with transparency and clarity will be established,” he explained, adding that the platform will be launched early in October over three phases.The first phase will include data and information that will be provided to those concerned. The data will include occupancy volumes and deals in different regions, as well as information of interest to individuals and investors in general.The second phase will include electronic linking between government agencies while in the third phase, real estate services will be provided and fully activated. This phase will take place within a year or two from the launch of the platform.The authority will issue licences, supervise and monitor the effectiveness of various activities while encouraging investment in the real estate sector through incentive policies and revitalising procedures. Also, it will monitor financing while dealing with effectiveness and protecting real estate transactions by controlling and governing procedures.Further, the authority will resolve disputes in a speedy manner and ensure justice. The legal treatment and filling of gaps through the continuous updating of laws and their amendment or cancellation will also be carried out by the authority.Regarding the timeline set for the new authority to go functional, al-Emadi explained that Amiri Decision No. 28 of 2023 stipulated that the provisions of the law should be implemented from the date of its issuance and be published in the official gazette.Al-Emadi said the real estate sector in the country makes up 6.5% of the total economy while the volume of investments in the real estate sector exceeded QR86bn in 2022 with an increase of 2.6% compared to 2021.He explained that the efforts of the Ministry of Municipality to develop this sector have been continuing since the establishment of the ministry, starting in the 80s when the Building Regulation Law and the State Property Management Law were issued. “These efforts continue to this day. After the approval of the comprehensive urban plan, a structure was developed for the sector in co-ordination with the private sector. The most prominent step for developing the real estate sector was the recommendation to establish the Real Estate Regulatory Authority,” he said.Al-Emadi explained that one of the most important functions of the authority is the establishment of the Real Estate Development Licensing Committee and the introduction of Article 7 in the new law that stipulates the obligations of the developer.It stipulates the delivery of units on time and according to the contract between the owner and the developer and defines the supervision process according to licenses and technical specifications. The law also mandates not to implement more than three projects at the same time to ensure smooth workflow and timely delivery of projects and to provide a consultant and legal office for the project. The authority will also have a supervisory role that includes monitoring the fees imposed by real estate companies on clients.Regarding the most prominent upcoming projects, al-Emadi said there are three main legal steps including the Urban Planning Bill, the Owners Union Bill to bridge the current gap and the Public and Private State Property Bill. “Work is underway on a new Building Bill. With the presence of the new authority, a comprehensive legislative review process will be conducted for legislation that is not within the competence of the Ministry of Municipality,” he said, explaining that the authority will provide a single window that provides a set of services and information in a clear and transparent manner.Al-Emadi said that there will be new controls as they have become necessary to spend money on the project to ensure the proper functioning of the project and the delivery of real estate units on time. “These financial payments shall not be disbursed after the approval of the authority is granted. The penalties include a fine or imprisonment if the developer doesn’t use the funds for the purpose of the project,” he said. He pointed out that Their Excellencies the Minister of Municipality and Minister of Justice will issue the executive decisions of the law.

Exuding confidence that the United Nations will achieve a common understanding within the international community on how to engage with the Taliban, the UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres Tuesday said in Doha that the world body would continue to engage to resolve Afghanistan’s problems.“In order to achieve our objectives, we can’t disengage. Many called for engagement to be more effective and based on lessons we have learned from the past,” Guterres told the media after a meeting in Doha of special envoys on Afghanistan to reach points of commonality on key issues, such as human rights, in particular women's and girls' rights, inclusive governance, countering terrorism and drug trafficking.The meeting, intended to achieve a common understanding within the international community on how to engage with the Taliban on these issues, was attended by China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Iran, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Norway, Pakistan, Qatar, the Russian Federation, Saudi Arabia, Tajikistan, Türkiye, Turkmenistan, UAE, the UK, the US, Uzbekistan, the European Union (EU) and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).The UN Secretary General noted that participants agreed on the need for a strategy of engagement that allows for the stabilisation of Afghanistan, but also addressing important concerns. Guterres, who came down heavily against the current ban on Afghan women working for the UN and national and international organisations, said the Taliban stand was unacceptable and put lives in jeopardy. “We will never be silent in the face of unprecedented, systemic attacks on women's and girls’ rights,” he said, noting that concerns over the country's stability were growing.“The meeting wasn’t aimed at recognising the Taliban administration,” he said, adding that the UN would hold another meeting about Afghanistan. Asked whether he would meet with the Taliban, the UN Secretary General said that he would not rule out this possibility at the right time. “But today is not the right time,” he explained.While terming Afghanistan's humanitarian crisis the biggest global crisis, the UN chief said that 90% of the Afghan people lived in poverty and 28mn people needed humanitarian aid to survive this year and 6mn Afghans were one step away from famine conditions while the fund was drying up."The humanitarian response plan is seeking $4.6bn and only $294mn or 6.4% of the total required funding has been received,” Guterres added.

With festive lighting, expansive green spaces and cobble-stoned alleys, the sea-facing Mina District has turned to be a favourite Eid spot in the evenings. Visitors flock to the old port and the heritage city here to be part of numerous Eid al-Fitr activities, which also include trying traditional Arab cuisine at the elegant eateries.The pastel-coloured buildings are a big attraction to the visitors who can take a walk through the alleys to the shops and cafes. Mina District hosts several activities during Eid al-Fitr for a period of five days. Several popular bands perform while featuring the Arab artistic legacy and the marine folklore. The activities are held for various groups with the participation of roaming entertainment teams throughout the Mina District. Mwani Qatar has also arranged activities for kids.“Mina District is a good place to bring our children in the evening, giving them some amazing moments to cherish. The place and its ambience are highly welcoming and we love to come here. There is celebration, life and positivity,” said one of the visitors Abdur Rahman.The newly opened Souq el Mina is selling traditional Arab clothes at fair prices. Also, the souq has outlets of international brands where visitors can buy souvenirs. The adjacent Box Park also hosts visitors while giving them a unique experience. Mina Majlis is another place of gathering where the art workshops can be enjoyed by the visitors while relishing the Arab architectural features of the heritage buildings here.Mina District also provides an opportunity for water sports in the evening by providing kayaks, paddle boards and marine bikes for rent. The Mina District has significantly contributed to the growth of the cruise sector in Qatar. The passenger terminal at Doha Port can accommodate up to 12,000 passengers per day. Mina District is located in the heart of Doha, minutes away from some of the city's most popular attractions including the Qatar National Museum, Doha Corniche and Souq Waqif.

The heritage atmosphere, special Eid decor and various entertainment activities have made Souq Waqif and Souq Al Wakra prime destinations for families this Eid al-Fitr.The two hugely popular destinations in Qatar are hosting the Eid al-Fitr Festival 2023, a celebration spread over five days. Both the souqs have been witnessing a large turnout of visitors since the festivities began on the second day of Eid Saturday.The Celebrations Committee at the Private Engineering Office has lined up various activities, including skills games for different age groups, performances by Qatari musical bands, heritage parades, shows in the souqs’ corridors featuring children’s favourite characters, and lots more.The two souqs also offer a wide range of cuisines, from traditional Qatari food to delicacies from other parts of the Arab world and beyond.Both Souq Waqif and Souq Al Wakra are distinguished by their traditional yet urban character. The souqs preserve the specifics of traditional Qatari architecture with their beautiful shops, alleys and design, while Souq Al Wakra also gives visitors to opportunity to relax by the sea.Visitors, including the younger ones, could be seen having a great time during visit to the two souqs. At Souq Al Wakra, roaming performers, drumbeats and traditional Arabic songs kept the visitors engaged along with other attractions.Traditional tents have also been set up there, while children are given Eid gifts and families can enjoy the pleasant weather sitting by the sea.“The souq is characterised by a combination of the past and present, heritage and contemporary. It’s a good place to spend the holiday. It's a unique experience here,” one of the visitors, Mohamed Jaseem, told Gulf Times, adding that a variety of cuisines are also on offer at the eateries dotting the seafront.Various roaming performances are among the attractions at Souq Waqif as well. "The souq is a charming place. The offering at restaurants and shops is diverse and cater to different budgets. The games and events being held at Souq Waqif make the children really happy,” said Abdul Rasheed, who visited Souq Waqif with his family on the third day of Eid.Meanwhile, on the first day of the festival, the two venues witnessed a large turnout of Qatari and resident families as well as GCC citizens, according to the official Qatar News Agency.A large number of people enjoyed the events and activities lined up by the Celebrations Committee, including games and infantry teams' performances, with the moderate weather encouraging people to go out and have a good time.The committee said the Eid al-Fitr Festival at Souq Waqif has always been a special occasion due to its location in the heart of Doha, adding that the souq includes all vital facilities required by visitors as well as restaurants offering all kinds of food - eastern and western - as well as traditional Qatari dishes.Souq Al Wakra is hosting the Eid al-Fitr Festival this year following the success it has achieved on such occasions and during other festivals over the past years. The souq is distinguished by its heritage nature and location.The performing troupes spread joy among visitors with their luminous and lacy clothes, beating their drums to create an enthusiastic musical atmosphere.

Driven by a passion to explore Arab culture, a 60-year-old Spanish biker rode all the way to Doha from his hometown Barcelona recently. Pere Paré spent a few days and visited his daughter Um Hessa and granddaughter Hessa and toured various tourist destinations in Qatar.Paré visited the Old Doha port, the National Museum of Qatar, the Doha Corniche, Souq Waqif, The Pearl Island, Al Maha Island, Lusail, Al Khor and Sealine Beach where he explored the Qatari culture and heritage in pleasant weather.Sealine Beach and the nearby sand dunes earned special praise from the Spanish rider.“I love everything in Qatar. How clean is the city, how new are the buildings. but I really love Sealine. I'm fascinated by how life was before oil and how life could have been in the desert,” Paré told Gulf Times during an online chat.Qatar, along with Greece, is one of his favourite countries for the several fascinating features including the warm hospitality Qataris extend towards guests, the traveller explained.“Qatar is my favourite because of course my family is here. Also, since my first time here, I felt the rich, warm hospitality of the people. I met wonderful people and they really treated us like family,” he said, adding that he loves the principles that Qatari citizens have. “Their ethics are strong and firm, and nowadays this is so hard to find anywhere,” he noted.“I really love Greece. It’s one of the origins of my culture and because of its people and especially because of the colour of the sea,” he said.Paré started his road trip on March 27 and on the way to Qatar, covered Spain, France, Italy, Slovenia, Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria, Greece, Turkey, Kurdistan, Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia. He left Doha on April 18.This was Pare's second visit to Qatar. “Everything has been special from the moment I started the trip. The highlights are discovering the Middle East and how warm and helpful their people are.“I have been lucky to be in Qatar during the holy month of Ramadan. I have so much respect for Muslims,” he said.Having studied Anglo Germanic philology, Paré has worked in the sales and marketing field. He is the owner of a gluten-free company in Barcelona and also collaborates with an American pharma company.Upholding the moto ‘Go Out And Live’, Paré ventures to new places to experience the cultural difference. He has so far visited more than 40 countries. “I can't recall when I started travelling because I have been visiting other countries my whole life. Sometimes for business and sometimes for leisure,” he said.This is not the first time Paré traveled on his motorbike. In the 1980s, he travelled from Barcelona to Scotland. “Even by car, I have also visited many European countries,” he said.Pare likes to spend time by himself. “When you travel with a group it’s a little bit challenging,” he said when asked why he wanted to be a solo rider. “I am free to follow the route I want depending on how comfortable I feel in each place. Besides I get to decide if I want to spend more time at a place to visit places,” he added explaining the reasons for his solo trips.“On the trip to Scotland, we went with a group, but on the way back, we decided to take different routes and I came back alone. They were more focused on racing rather than living the experience,” he added.After returning to Barcelona, Paré plans to go to Egypt and take a ferry from Alexandria to Europe. “I couldn’t find anything online. So I decided not to risk it and go back the same way and take the ferry from Greece to Italy or Barcelona,” he said.Paré drove to Doha on a BMW R1200GS. “It’s an excellent motorbike to do these types of road trips. It´s reliable, comfortable and fast,” he said. All went smoothly except for some challenges in Iraq and Saudi where he struggled finding petrol stations. “I met people selling fuel on the road. It was even difficult to locate the signage. Even some of the petrol stations in the desert were abandoned. But, I was carrying a spare fuel tank with me to avoid surprises,” he said.Paré was able to explore the Arab-Turkish cuisine during the trip. Ever since he entered Turkey and until Kuwait, all he ate was kebabs since he didn’t know how to order anything else. In Saudi, he discovered the Iftar buffets.“I was on a video call with my daughter and I told her that there was a wedding next to the swimming pool. She explained to me that there are no weddings during Ramadan and most probably it was an Iftar buffet and suggested that I go down and try it. It was the best dinner of my trip! It was indeed an Iftar buffet and I tried all the food. I was so full that that night it was a bit difficult to sleep,” he said."Anyone can catch a flight to go shopping. But when you travel on a bike, you meet people, learn about their culture, life, food and lifestyle among others. When you do this, your life will change. You become less judgemental and discover new things that you can incorporate into your daily life. Once you start get ready because you won't be able to stop,” he said.Paré always tells his kids: “When you are on the road, you should never be in a hurry, the important thing isn’t at what time you will reach but to reach”.

The first day of Eid al-Fitr will be observed on Friday in Qatar, marked by piety and prayer.Yesterday, the Crescent Sighting Committee at the Ministry of Endowments and Islamic Affairs (Awqaf) announced that Friday will be the first day of Eid al-Fitr after the crescent was sighted last night. This came in a press conference held by the committee after concluding its meeting at the headquarters of the Ministry of Awqaf, chaired by Sheikh Dr Thuqail al-Shammari.Addressing the press conference, Sheikh Dr al-Shammari said the committee that Friday will be considered the first day of Shawwal.The committee offered its greetings to His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, His Highness the Father Amir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani, and His Highness the Deputy Amir Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad al-Thani, the wise government, the Qatari people, and all Muslims on the occasion.The ministry had earlier announced that a total of 590 mosques and prayer grounds across Qatar will host the Eid al-Fitr prayer at 5.21am. It published the names and locations on its official website.After the prayer, imams will deliver special sermons at these locations, where Awqaf and the Ministry of Municipality have made all necessary arrangements. Security and traffic personnel will also be available to ensure smooth vehicular flow and public safety.The mosques and prayer grounds are located in various areas of Qatar, such as Izghawa, Umm Al Seneem, Al Salata Al Jadeed, Umm Salal Ali, Umm Salal Mohamed, Umm Ghuwailina, Umm Qarn, Umm Lekhba, Bin Omran, Bin Mahmoud, Bu Sidra, Al Thumama, Al Jumailiya, Al Kharaitiyat, Al Jeryan, Al Huwaila, Al Kharrara, Al Khalidiya, Al Kharsaah, Al Kheesa, Al Dafna, Al Doha Al Jadeed, Al Thakira, Al Soudan, Al Sailiya, Al Sheehaniya, Al Ebb, The Pearl Island, Al Murra, Al Messila, Al Mirqab Al Jadeed, Al Meshaf, Al Mamoura, the Industrial Area, Al Najada, Al Hilal, Al Wajba, Al Khor, Al Duhail, Al Rayyan Al Jadeed, Al Rayyan Al Qadeem, Al Sadd, Simaisma, Al Sailiya, Al Shamal, Al Aziziyah, Bani Hajer, Bu Samra, Dukhan, Ras Laffan, Rawdat Al Hamama, Rawdat Al Khail, Rawdat Al Fars, Rawdat Aba Al Heeran, Simaisma, Onaiza, Fereej Al Nasr, Fereej Bin Dirham, Fereej Al Manaseer, Fereej Abdul Aziz, Leabaib, Legtaifiya, Meraikh, Mesaieed, Mesaimeer, Msheireb, Nuaija, Wadi Al Sail, Ain Khaled, Al Ghanem Al Jadeed, Al Gharafa, Fereej Bin Omar, Al Luqta, Madinat Al Shamal, Madinat Khalifa South, Madinat Khalifa North, Matar Qadeem, Hamad International Airport, Muaither South, Muaither North, Al Najma, Al Wakra and Al Wukair.Prayers will also be held at the historic Eid prayer ground in Msheireb Downtown Doha, as well as at the Education City Stadium.