Author

* Grand welcome ceremony held at Panda House, Al Khor A joyous mood prevailed at Panda House in Al Khor Wednesday as Suhail and Thuraya - two giant pandas gifted by China to Qatar - were presented to an eager audience. With this, Qatar becomes the first country in the Middle East to have giant pandas, and the 20th in the world, according to the Ministry of Municipality. The ministry, represented by the Public Parks Department, announced the arrival of the two pandas at a programme hosted Wednesday at their new habitat - Panda House in Al Khor. It was attended by schoolchildren, Qatari and Chinese officials and the media. Star attractions * Suhail: originally named 'Jing Jing' in the Chinese language, which means shining crystal. The male panda was born on September 19, 2018. He has been given the Arabic name of Suhail, which means star in the sky. * Thuraya: originally named 'Si Hai', which means the four seas in Chinese. The female panda was born on July 26, 2019. She has been given the Arabic name of Thuraya, which means a group of shining stars. These two names have great significance in Qatari culture. The pandas have been gifted within the framework of strengthening the relationship between Qatar and China, and to celebrate Qatar's hosting of the FIFA World Cup from November 20. They will be taken care of by an international team of doctors and specialists. Panda House is expected to become one of the most prominent tourist and leisure destinations in Qatar, attracting a large number of visitors from home and abroad, the ministry said in a statement. Exciting had been building up in anticipation of the pandas' arrival in Qatar ever since the first announcement of the project, peaking with the news of their departure from China on Tuesday. Carrying 'panda' stuffed toys, balloons and the Qatari and Chinese flags to mark the special occasion, the children waited patiently for the pandas Wednesday and then greeted the duo with cheers as they made their first appearance. Suhail and Thuraya will be available for public viewing after the 21-day quarantine period is over, Public Parks Department director Mohamed Ali al-Khori said. Chinese ambassador Zhou Jian with children at the ceremony Addressing the ceremony, he stressed the ministry's role in building the park near Al Khor Park, Al Bayt Stadium and Al Khor-Al Thakhira Municipality in line with the highest international specifications and standards. The panda habitat is located some 35km from Doha. With an area of 120,000sqm, Panda House has an area for panda viewing along with a shelter in addition to green areas and service buildings. A medical facility is attached to Panda House to meet the needs of the animals at all times. “The public will have the opportunity to visit Panda House before the launch of the World Cup. Panda House has been designed by applying various specifications and configurations that provide the pandas with a habitat resembling their homeland- Minshan Mountains in the Chinese province of Sichuan. This is in order to preserve their special nature,” he said. “Convenience in terms of climatic conditions was considered while providing the required areas in addition to paths for visitors to view the pandas. Some 2,814 bamboo plants, which the pandas feed on, have been cultivated inside the facility. Some trees from Chinese forests were brought and cultivated inside the shelter." Chinese ambassador Zhou Jian hailed the arrival of the giant pandas in Qatar and said, "The co-operation on giant panda conservation and research between China and Qatar came as an important consensus reached by President Xi Jinping and His Highness the Amir. It is also the first of its kind in the Middle East, marking a new height of China-Qatar relations and a new chapter in Chinese-Arab friendship." Acting director of the Building Projects Department at the Public Works Authority (Ashghal), Jarallah Mohamed al-Marri, said the Panda House works were completed in co-ordination with the Ministry of Municipality. Ashghal achieved about 2mn work hours, while about 75% of the materials used were local, such as iron and steel, electrical and mechanical tools, glass and other materials. “Panda House has been designed in line with the highest standards of quality and safety in accordance with the standards of the Global Sustainability Assessment System (GSAS). Design and operational considerations were applied to achieve a 3-star rating in terms of saving energy and preserving the environment,” he added.

* With capacity of 478 buses, Lusail Bus Depot enters Guinness World Records for being largest electric bus depot * Depot first in Middle East to rely on solar energy as it includes 11,000 PV solar panels to generate 4MW of power daily * Depot to serve World Cup fans and includes special Bus Rapid Transit zone With a capacity of 478 buses, the largest electric bus depot in the world was opened in Lusail City Tuesday. The project also adds to the list of records set in Qatar, as the Ministry of Transport (MoT) and Public Works Authority (Ashghal) have achieved a new Guinness World Record by constructing the largest electric bus depot in Lusail. Besides, this is the fourth accomplishment by Ashghal, to be added to the list of world records it has achieved. The depot, located west of Lusail City, is part of the MoT’s Public Bus Infrastructure Programme. HE the Minister of Transport Jassim Seif Ahmed al-Sulaiti inaugurated the bus depot in the presence of HE the Minister of Environment and Climate Change Sheikh Dr Faleh bin Nasser bin Ahmed bin Ali al-Thani, Public Works Authority (Ashghal) President Dr Saad bin Ahmad al-Muhannadi and a number of senior officials representing the Qatari transportation industry and the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy (SC). “Lusail Bus Depot, which is considered the world’s largest electric bus depot, has been inaugurated in the context of the Ministry of Transport's efforts to provide an integrated and sustainable public transit network that covers all areas of the country. The opening of Lusail Bus Depot and previous inaugurations within the Public Bus Infrastructure Programme are particularly important as they coincide with the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 and will contribute to supporting tournament’s mobility plans by providing multimodal, eco-friendly transportation that will offer visitors and the public an exceptional experience,” HE al-Sulaiti said. The bus depot, he noted, is the first in the Middle East to rely on solar energy as it includes 11,000 PV solar panels to generate 4MW of power daily to feed its buildings. This is in line with Qatar's National Environment and Climate Change Strategy goals, and helps achieve the leadership’s vision and Qatar National Vision 2030 goals, the MoT said in a statement. The depot has a special zone for Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) e-buses, which is one of the newest mobility modes in Qatar that will contribute to supporting fan transportation during the World Cup, HE the Minister added. He thanked all those in charge of developing the Public Bus Infrastructure Programme, which backs the rollout of the strategy of transitioning to EVs that the MoT has developed in conjunction with the bodies concerned, aiming to position Qatar among the top countries in terms of public transit systems and environmentally conscious transportation services offered to citizens, residents and visitors. Lusail Bus Depot depot is built on an area of over 412,000sqm and consists of 24 multipurpose buildings, in addition to bus bays, service facilities, recreational facilities, green spaces and substations. It features approximately 11,000 PV solar panels covering a total area of more than 25,000sqm. The depot, located in in Lusail City north of Doha, near Wadi Al Banat Road to the north and Wadi Smaira Street to the west, is divided into three zones. The first zone includes 478 parking bays for e-buses equipped with 248 electric charging equipment, in addition to dedicated buildings for repairs, inspection, washing and vacuuming. The second zone includes accommodation for the depot staff with a capacity of 1,400 people, constructed in accordance with global specifications and the requirements of both the Ministry of Labour and the SC. This zone also includes service facilities such as dining along with convenience services, an indoor recreational facility, a mosque, an administration building, a services building, guardhouses and other service facilities. The third zone is a depot for BRT e-buses. It features 24 bays equipped with 24 electric chargers to support the operations of that type of buses. It also includes buildings for repairs, cleaning, vacuuming and quick inspection. An Operation Control Centre (OCC) building is also located in the depot over an area of more than 39,000sqm. It will serve as the central command centre from where all bus operations will be monitored and controlled. The solar-powered OCC will begin operations next year. According to Ashghal, the project involved over 10mn working hours without LTI. Director of the Technical Affairs Department at the MoT, Sheikh Mohamed bin Khalid al-Thani, said the opening of the depot is a result of concerted efforts made to deliver one of the Public Bus Infrastructure Programme’s most important projects that supports eco-friendly e-buses, thus boosting the transportation sector’s sustainable development. The programme’s fundamental goal is to improve public transit services in Qatar in step with the highest universal specifications, technologies and requirements, and to achieve integration with other modes of public transit such as the Doha Metro and Lusail Tram, to service fans during the World Cup and beyond. Al-Muhannadi stressed he was "proud of Ashghal's non-stop day-to-day accomplishments, achieveing the fourth Guinness World Record for the largest electric bus depot in a regional and international precedent."Ashghal projects became a globally high-end civilisational facade for Qatar," he added. The Ashghal president added that public transport services will be one of the most important lasting legacy elements after the World Cup.

Qatar will continue with best practices after the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, a senior official of the Supreme Committee of Delivery & Legacy (SC) has said. SC sustainability executive director Bodour al-Meer, while addressing a press conference Monday, explained that the World Cup will change the way upcoming tournaments are organised, including various major sporting events in the future. “We will work to establish a sustainable legacy that contributes to promote the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and Qatar National Vision 2030,” she said, adding that the SC, in co-operation with FIFA, has developed a sustainability strategy. The strategy is being planned and developed jointly between FIFA, the host country and the local organisation concerned. “It reviews 22 goals and implements more than 70 initiatives and programmes. Sustainability has been a major focus of the World Cup from the beginning,” she said, adding that the community members are the most important partners in achieving sustainability goals. “Their social contributions will ensure that the ultimate goal is achieved and ensure that the World Cup will have a positive legacy for future generations." She explained that all the stadiums reduce water consumption by 40-47% while energy consumption is reduced by 30-40%, while 25% of the total buses have been transformed into electric. She pointed out that five commitments relevant to sustainability have been determined, including building human capabilities, protection of rights of workers, provide a holistic experience at the tournament level, incentivise the economic growth, offer innovative solutions, set a model for good governance and ethical corporate practices, affirming that community individuals are the core partners in achieving the sustainability goals, where their contributions will ensure the achievement of the optimal goal at the social level, which imply that FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 will be a positive legacy for the advantage of future generations. (With inputs from QNA)  

The Ministry of Interior (MoI) has made all arrangements to receive the World Cup fans at Abu Samra border where up to 4,000 travelers could be received per hour. Addressing a press conference Sunday, Col Dr Jabor Hamoud al-Nuaimi, official spokesman for the Ministry of Interior (MoI) and the World Cup Tournament Security Force, said Abu Samra is ready to receive visitors from November 1 until the end of the tournament. He added facilities here have been improved while increasing the number of immigration counters and setting up elaborate parking facilities that can be used free for 24 hours. Col Jassim al-Bohashem al-Sayed, executive director of the Office of the Commander of FIFA Cup Tournament 2022 Security Operations, was also present. “The Ministry has taken several measures as part of its preparation to receive the public at the Abu Samra border checkpoint while increasing the number of passport counters at the checkpoint to serve visitors to the country, including fans, citizens, residents and others and allocating a comfortable tent ready to receive more than 4,000 people per hour,” he said. “We have set up convenient and free transportation from the checkpoint to Al-Messila in central Doha and to the Family and Friends Meet and Greet Area in Al Qalayel, 2 km away from the border. The fans can contact their friends or family members to take them to their accommodation inside the country, or they can move by private taxi from therein,” he added. The measures specified for the entry of World Cup fans through the land border will start from 1 November 2022 until 23 December 2022. “Those who enter Qatar must use the passport registered with the Hayya card. The entry procedures to be followed at the border checkpoint have been divided into different categories,” he said. The first category is citizens, residents and GCC nationals who hold a Qatari ID card (cars with Qatari number plates). Their entry shall be as regular as is the case in normal circumstances. The vehicle carrying them shall have a Qatari number plate. A Hayya card is not compulsory. The second category is fans with an exceptional entry permit. These are the fans who wish to enter with their own vehicles, and their entry is required to have a vehicle entry permit approved through the Hayya platform. To obtain it, there should be a confirmed accommodation approved through the Hayya platform for a minimum of 5 nights (for the driver only) and they should submit a vehicle entry permit application through the official Hayya platform. If approved, an email with a link to obtain the vehicle insurance electronically will be sent. Upon completion of the insurance, the applicant must follow up on the platform within 24 hours to obtain the permit by paying a non-refundable fee of QR 5,000. There should be a minimum of three people in the vehicle and the number of passengers shall not exceed a maximum of six people, while all of them should carry a Hayya card. The vehicle entry permit can be used only once (not for multiple visits). No driving will be allowed in the restricted areas announced in advance in the press conference on transport regulations in some areas and roads during the tournament. The third category is one-day fan. Those coming through the Abu Samra land border to attend one or more matches within 24 hours only can enter and exit without a prior hotel reservation in Qatar. However, they need to carry a Hayya card (one-day fan category) while pre-booking a car parking lot at the border through the Hayya platform before arriving in Qatar is also mandatory. Parking is free for the first 24 hours from the time of entry. A service fee of QR 1,000 will be charged for the second day. If the vehicle has been parked for more than 48 hours from entry, the vehicle will be towed and another QR 1,000 towing fee will be charged. (Payment can be made electronically through a link that will be sent to their email registered on the platform). Fans can ride in Qatari buses from Abu Samra checkpoint to Doha Central Station (Al Messila) or to the Family and Friends Meet and Greet Area at Al Qalayel. The parking reservation service will be available from 1 November 2022 and can be accessed using the Hayya card. The fourth category is arrivals via buses. Those coming by buses must carry a Hayya Card and reach the arrival lounge at the checkpoint to complete the entry procedures into the country. They can take the Qatar buses from the border to Doha Central Station (Al Messila) or to the Family and Friends Meet and Greet Area outside the border at Al Qalayel. The fifth category is humanitarian cases. Those who don’t hold a Hayya Card can apply for the permit through the Ministry of Interior website -www.moi.gov.qa for entry through the airports. Applications will be reviewed and replied to within six hours. The permit will be sent to the applicant via email if the conditions are met. The permit can be used only once. The official noted that commercial trucks will be allowed to enter through the Abu Samra border crossing between 15 November to 22 December 2022 from 11 pm to 6 am to ensure smooth entry for football fans. He urged to contact the relevant authorities to learn the requirements for truck entry.

  Sila, the brand that brings together Qatar’s public transport modes into an integrated network, is set to add more features including integrated and contactless payment options for public transport users. In exclusive statements to Gulf Times, Sila spokesperson at the Ministry of Transport (MoT) Muna Mohamed Sa’ad al-Kharji, said that the brand’s next milestone will be the launch of integrated and contactless payment options. “This includes making payment directly from the Sila app using a QR code, the Sila card and or bank cards on the different modes of transport. That means you will only need one app or one card to pay, even interchanging between bus, metro, tram and taxi,” she said. “Once fully launched, the Sila brand will become a recognisable icon on wayfinding signages and all public transport modes and infrastructure, bringing them all together and further easing public transport journeys and choices. The launch of other features, including integrated payment options, will be revealed in the near future,” she said. Once integrated payment options are launched, it will become even more convenient to use the public transport network because users can pay for their integrated, multi-mode trips using the Sila card, their bank cards or the QR code on the app. Ultimately, all of this will increase mobility, ridership and encourage the use of the public transport network. “Sila and its app and website will continue to evolve, keeping pace with public transport development to ensure that the information on them is up-to-date and that they answer the needs of travelers in Qatar. Future updates include integrating new modes of transport and additional functions on the website and app for example, points of interest, bus route search function and others,” al-Kharji said. Sila is a brand that was launched by MoT while integrating the public transport modes in Qatar and bringing them together under one umbrella. It includes the metro, bus, tram, and taxi. Key features of the brand are the Sila app and website which are designed to make travel around Qatar easy and seamless. The app and website include handy functions such as a journey planner to help users select the times, modes and routes that suit them best. “Qatar has made significant investments to offer citizens, residents, and visitors world-class public transport services. Sila is taking this a step further by integrating public transport modes to maximise ease and efficiency. I will give you an example: to get to City Center from Medina Central in The Pearl: the Sila journey planner will give step-by-step directions showing the bus stop you have to go to, the bus number, the time that the bus will arrive, and approximately how long the bus will take to get to the closest metro station, with the Metro line heading towards City Centre,” al-Kharji said. She added that Sila makes using public transport simpler and more convenient, enabling users to live, work, go to school, shop, and socialize with ease. “There is a positive impact that Sila has on the country as a whole. Firstly, public transport provides a sustainable travel alternative to private car usage, contributing to a greener and healthier environment for all of us. Secondly, public transport enables the movement of goods and people, which facilitates commercial and social activities. It also makes Qatar more attractive to tourists, which ultimately benefits the country economically. All these points contribute to strengthening Qatar’s position as a modern and connected country with a high standard of living,” she noted. According to al-Kharji, there is an increasing engagement on our social media pages as well as app downloads. “In the initial stage of our launch, we set out to introduce and increase awareness of using public transport. With the engagement that we are seeing now, I think this is a testament to the strength of Sila and our country’s public transport network. It also represents how the community has welcomed the enhanced public transport services that Sila brings,” she noted.

As many as 280 Street Child United (SCU) members from 25 countries, currently in Doha for the Street Child World Cup (SCWC), engaged in activities and performances Thursday at The Hamilton International School, a part of International Schools Partnership (ISP). They took part in sports activities comprising tennis, basketball and Frisbee, and attended academic and art lessons with students from The Hamilton International School and Park House English School, also an ISP school. The SCU's Wroe and Hamilton International School principal Senior interacting with some of the Street Child United members. (Supplied pictures) The evening show gave teams the opportunity to show the culture of the countries they are representing. With teams from Bangladesh, Bolivia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Burundi, Colombia, Egypt, England, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Mauritius, Mexico, Nepal, Palestine, Pakistan, Peru, the Philippines, Qatar, Sudan, Syrian Forum, Tanzania, Uganda, the US, and Zimbabwe, the performances were vibrant and engaging for all. Hamilton International School principal Terry Senior said that it was wonderful to see the community coming together and all the children participating in a series of lessons. “The show in our theatre was also a chance for these children from around the world to showcase their cultures,” he said. “We want to thank our parent community who supported us with the food and beverage arrangements as our guests experienced a range of cuisines from our international community.” As their charity partner, the SCU is vital to the ISP’s charitable objective of working towards ensuring a world where every child can access their rights irrespective of their background, a statement explained. SCU co-founder and chief executive John Wroe said that the Street Child World Cup 2022 focuses on building a platform for all participants to highlight the issues and challenges that they are most likely facing. “The initiative calls for quality education, gender diversity, reduced inequality, peace, justice and strong institutions and partnerships to achieve goals,” he said. “The children are thrilled to play while sharing their experiences.” “Some of the students, who are supported by Qatar, could meet their sponsors in Doha,” Wroe added. “Our partnership with the SCU gives ISP students the opportunity to hear from, connect with, and support some of the most vulnerable young people in the world,” said ISP ME regional managing director Mick Gernon. “By interacting with some of these children, our students have the opportunity to not only understand the lives of some of these disadvantaged children, but it also empowers and enables our students to make positive changes in society now and in the future.”

Ahmed al-Obaidly, chief operating officer of Mowasalat (Karwa), said the company is set to serve FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 fans with more than 2,300 buses. Addressing a press conference on Wednesday, al-Obaidl explained that nearly 800 buses will operate from 4am to 11pm, in addition to metrolink services that are linked to the Doha Metro working hours as well as the metroexpress service that will operate from 6am to 12noon. He said there are different types of buses that fans can use during the World Cup: 1. Transfer service from Metro stations to stadiums (buses for stadiums that are not directly serviced by Metro stations): Al Bayt Stadium will be served from Lusail Metro station back and forth; Al Janoub Stadium from Wakra station and Al Thumama Stadium from the Free Zone station. 2. Parking and transportation service around stadiums where fans can park their cars and move to stadiums. 3. Rapid transit buses 4. Buses serving the public throughout the day in central Doha. There will be 76 stops in central Doha. 5 Services linking fans' accommodation: hotels to and from the Souq Waqif South Bus Centre, Barwa Madinah to Ras Bu Fontas Metro station, and Barahat Al Janoob to Wakra Metro station. These will operate from 6am to 3am. As for floating hotels, buses will operate in front of them around the clock. 6. Transfer services from airports: providing transportation from Doha and Hamad International Airport to the Souq Waqif parking. Al-Obaidly said 3,000 taxis and limousines will also be provided at Hamad and Doha International airports and other vital places, and these can be booked through the application or the unified call centre. He added that more than 25% of the buses used in the tournament will be environmentally friendly and fully electric.    

* Strict traffic regulation on A-Ring, B-Ring roads, around stadiums * Those affected by Corniche closure can submit request for permits through Ashghal website   Strict traffic regulations will be put in place on A-Ring and B-Ring roads and streets surrounding FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 stadiums from 12noon until 2am. The restrictions will be in place on Fridays until the end of this month and on all days from November 1 until the end of the tournament. A fine of QR500 will be imposed for any non-compliance with traffic regulations, it was revealed at a press conference yesterday. First-Lieutenant Khaled al-Mulla, head of the Technical Team of the Corniche Closure Committee, said the movement of public and private transport will be restricted on the two roads. Also, vehicular movement will be restricted within a 2km radius of World Cup stadiums. He explained that these measures will enable citizens, residents and visitors to move to and from stadiums and central Doha smoothly. A vehicle plate management system will be implemented in central Doha from November 1. The area covered spans from Al Khafji Street in the north to C-Ring Road in the west and south, and Corniche Street in the east. Under the plan, which is currently being tested every Friday from 3pm to 10pm until October 28, vehicles with general transport plates and black private transport plates are diverted away from central Doha. This will be operational daily during the tournament. People who own only one vehicle, as well as public transport vehicles and emergency services, are exempted from the plan. Local authorities will issue fines for vehicles that access central Doha without meeting the exemption criteria. A-Ring Road has a dedicated bus and taxi lane. Drivers not authorised to use the bus and taxi lane will be fined. The lane will be open to all road users from 2am to 8am only until the tournament. The lane will be used exclusively by buses and taxis 24 hours a day during the tournament. To organise vehicle entry and exit, traffic will be restricted around Al Thumama, Khalifa International, Lusail and Al Janoub stadiums. Residents of the areas surrounding these venues are encouraged to use alternative routes. First-Lieutenant al-Mulla said that the Corniche will be designated for pedestrians from November 1 to December 19 while vehicles will be diverted away from Corniche Road at the intersections of Ras Bu Aboud, Al Mina, Al Seifen, Amiri Diwan, Al Maha, Barzan and Sheraton. He pointed out that all sides of Corniche Road have been provided with alternative entrances and exits. He added that those affected by the closure and diversion can submit a request for permits through the Public Works Authority (Ashghal) website.    

* SC announces key transport information for residents and visitors   The FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 organisers have released key transport information for residents and visitors ahead of this year’s tournament, which will be held from November 20 to December 18. This was announced at a press conference attended by Abdulaziz al-Mawlawi, Mobility executive director - Event Operations at the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy (SC); First-Lieutenant Khaled al-Mulla, head of the Technical Team of the Corniche Closure Committee, Ministry of Interior; Abdulla Saif al-Sulaiti, chief of Service Delivery at Qatar Rail; Najla Malallah al-Jaber, head of the Land Transport Regulations and Policies Section at the Ministry of Transport; Mohamed Ali al-Marri, Doha City Designs lead at the Public Works Authority (Ashghal); and Ahmed al-Obaidly, chief operating officer of Mowasalat (Karwa). Al-Mawlawi said the organisers are fully confident in providing the best transportation services during the World Cup. “There will be different transportation alternatives in various places with the best plans to facilitate access to stadiums. The Metro, buses and taxis are fully prepared, and we advise everyone to plan before embarking on their trips. We worked on developing all solutions to be ready to facilitate the movement of transport throughout the period of hosting. We have tried different transport plans in various local and international events and worked on improving and modifying the plans to reach an integrated transport plan that will be implemented during the World Cup,” he said. He urged fans to use official platforms to get updates and said a comprehensive World Cup guide will be published. For arrivals at Hamad International Airport and Doha International Airport, the SC said fans will have a range of transport options when they arrive – including shuttle buses, the Doha Metro, taxis and ride-hail services, such as Uber and Careem. Shuttle buses will operate from both airports and help fans reach their accommodation and tourist attractions in central Doha. On match days, the organisers recommended that local residents use private transportation to get to tournament venues and to drive where possible, while visitors are encouraged to use the Doha Metro and public bus services. Direct bus services will be operational to stadiums from five locations around Doha and key accommodation sites. From November 1, Corniche Street will be pedestrianised as it prepares to host a variety of activities for fans during the tournament. Fans are encouraged to use public transport to visit either the Corniche Activation or FIFA Fan Festival, located at Al Bidda Park. Shuttle bus services will be operated so that fans can travel between entertainment areas. Free shuttle bus services are now operating between Souq Waqif Metro station and Al Bidda Park, connecting fans to various locations across B-Ring and C-Ring roads, and connecting accommodation sites to activations. Timetables and routes are available on the Mowasalat (Karwa) website. During the press conference, the officials said a vehicle plate management system will be implemented in central Doha from November 1. The area covered spans from Al Khafji Street in the north to C-Ring Road in the west and south, and Corniche Street in the east. Under the plan, which is currently being tested every Friday from 3pm to 10pm until October 28, vehicles with general transport plates and black private transport plates are diverted away from central Doha. During the tournament, this will be operational daily. People who own only one vehicle, as well as public transport vehicles and emergency services, are exempted from the plan. The local authorities will issue fines for vehicles that access central Doha without meeting the exemption criteria, according to the official Qatar News Agency (QNA). A-Ring Road now has a dedicated bus and taxi lane. Drivers not authorised to use the bus and taxi lane will be fined. The lane will be open to all road users from 2am to 8am only until the tournament. The lane will be used exclusively by buses and taxis 24 hours a day during the tournament. To organise vehicle entry and exit, traffic will be restricted around Al Thumama, Khalifa International, Lusail and Al Janoub stadiums. Residents of the areas surrounding these venues are encouraged to use alternative routes. Details on entry via the Abu Samra land border will be announced by the relevant authorities in due course. Al-Mawlawi said private parking will be provided next to Metro stations, and free transportation with the Hayya Card will be allowed from November 10 until December 23, QNA reported. He explained that the transportation operations revolve around transportation by Metro through 37 stations to all stadiums and event areas, and that buses will be present continuously during the tournament period to cover stadiums and other facilities. He added that the number of taxis is about 3,000, in addition to 11,500 Uber vehicles and 3,500 Careem cars, indicating that the sites covered by the transportation system are many, the most important of which are stadiums, media centres, ticket centres and Hayya Card support centres, airports, bus centres, fan zones, FIFA media centres, parks and transportation areas across five different areas in Doha, 37 Metro stations, six fan villages, three training sites and national teams' headquarters, and two ports. He noted that a mobility guide will be printed soon and include all options and details related to transportation, and that transportation services for people with disabilities will be available across all means of transportation, including taxis and buses, designated parking lots near stadiums and event venues, as well as the Metro network. Al-Mawlawi pointed out that access to the stadiums will be by different means, namely private cars, bus services, the Doha Metro with its three lines, and taxis (Karwa, Uber and Careem) from five locations, namely Qatar University, Al Qassar and Umm Ghuwailina, Al Wakra and Al Messila. First-Lieutenant al-Mulla said Corniche Street will be designated for pedestrians from November 1 to December 19, and a plan has been prepared to facilitate transportation during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022. Al-Mulla confirmed that there is a dedicated lane for authorised vehicles on A-Ring Road to separate the movement of buses on public streets to provide a smooth environment for the movement of light vehicles as well as other vehicles on the road. Concerning parking, he said the unavailable parking spaces are Souq Waqif parking lots, Al Shouyoukh Mosque and Al Bidda parking opposite Al Rayyan Street, which is opposite Al Istiklal Street, and all parking spaces inside the transfer area. Speaking at the press conference, al-Sulaiti said Qatar Rail is fully prepared to receive FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 fans, adding that Doha Metro lines are directly connected with five World Cup stadiums, while buses will transport fans to the other three stadiums. He added that Metro stations are directly connected to Hamad International Airport, Doha International Airport and central Doha districts like Msheireb, Corniche, Katara - the Cultural Village Foundation and other event locations. He said the Metro working hours will be extended to 21 hours daily, from 6am until 3am, while on Fridays the operating hours will be from 9am to 3am, stressing that 110 trains will be available to serve fans, and the waiting time will be reduced from five minutes to 165 seconds. He added that parking services will be provided near Metro stations, adding that Hayya Card holders can use the Metro and Lusail Tram for free. Al-Obaidly said  hundreds of buses will be operated, 25% of which will be environmentally friendly and fully electric, and will have a role in transforming the transportation system into an eco-friendly one. He explained that the transport network has been developed to operate nearly 800 public buses from 4am to 11pm, in addition to the metrolink and metroexpress feeder services, noting that and more than 2,300 buses will operate throughout the day. Further, al-Obaidly said more than 3,000 taxis and limousines will be ready to serve fans and will be stationed at Hamad International Airport, Doha Airport and other vital places in the country. Al-Marri said Ashghal has implemented a sophisticated network of highways and main streets that will facilitate access to all World Cup stadiums, training and accommodation venues for the tournament and the most vital places in the country, fan zones, parks and Metro stations. The company has also installed 1,180 directional panels to facilitate access to the stadiums and different facilities related to the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, and the roads are monitored first through Ashghal's Road Network Control Centre in co-ordination with the tournament's control room. Al-Marri added that more than 6mn sqm of parking spaces has been provided to serve the championship buses and utility vehicles. Al-Jaber affirmed that the Ministry of Transport, in partnership with the competent authorities, has prepared ways to provide a flexible experience for users by working to expand mobility options and create sustainability options. The official said bus stations cover all districts of the country, adding that they are working to develop policies to encourage the use of public transportation and create the infrastructure supporting that, such as operating eight bus stations.

The FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 organisers have released key transport information for residents and visitors ahead of this year’s tournament, which will be held from November 20 to December 18. This was announced at a press conference attended by Abdulaziz al-Mawlawi, Mobility executive director, Event Operations at the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy (SC); First-Lieutenant Khaled al-Mulla, head of the Technical Team of the Corniche Closure Committee; Abdulla Saif al-Sulaiti, chief of Service Delivery at Qatar Rail; Najla Malallah al-Jaber, head of the Land Transport Regulations and Policies Section at the Ministry of Transport (MoT); Mohamed Ali al-Marri, Doha City Designs lead at the Public Works Authority (Ashghal); and Ahmed al-Obaidly, chief operating officer of Mowasalat (Karwa) attended the press conference. Al-Mawlawi said the organisers are fully confident in providing the best transportation services during the World Cup. “There will be different transportation alternatives in various places with the best plans to facilitate access to stadiums. The Metro, buses and taxis are fully prepared, and we advise everyone to plan before embarking on their trips. We worked on developing all solutions to be ready to facilitate the movement of transport throughout the period of hosting. We have tried different transport plans in various local and international events and worked on improving and modifying the plans to reach an integrated transport plan that will be implemented during the World Cup,” he said. He urged fans to use official platforms to get updates and said a comprehensive World Cup guide will be published and printed. For arrivals at Hamad International Airport and Doha International Airport, the SC said fans will have a range of transport options when they arrive – including shuttle buses, the Doha Metro, taxis and ride-hail services, such as Uber and Careem. Shuttle buses will operate from both airports and help fans reach their accommodation and tourist attractions in central Doha. On match days, the organisers has recommended that local residents use private transportation to get to tournament venues and are encouraged to drive where possible, while visitors are encouraged to use the Doha Metro and public bus services. Direct bus services will be operational to stadiums from five locations around Doha and key accommodation sites. From November 1, Corniche Street will be pedestrianised as it prepares to host a variety of activities for fans during the tournament. Fans are encouraged to use public transport to visit either the Corniche Activation or FIFA Fan Festival, located at Al Bidda Park. Shuttle bus services will be operated so that fans can travel between entertainment areas. Free shuttle bus services are now operating between Souq Waqif Metro station and Al Bidda Park, connecting fans to various locations across B-Ring and C-Ring roads, and connecting accommodation sites to activations. Timetables and routes are available on the Mowasalat (Karwa) website. The organisers also shed light on the number plate management system, which will be implemented in central Doha from November 1, while stressing that A-Ring Road has a dedicated bus and taxi lane. Violators of these rules will be fined. Details on entry via the Abu Samra land border will be announced by the relevant authorities in due course. To organise vehicle entry and exit, traffic will be restricted around Al Thumama, Khalifa International, Lusail and Al Janoub stadiums. Residents of the areas surrounding these venues are encouraged to use alternative routes.    

Traffic will be strictly regulated on A and B Ring roads and the streets surrounding World Cup stadiums from 12pm to 2am. The restriction will be in place on Fridays from October 14 and will be on all days from November 1. While addressing a press conference on Wednesday, First Lieutenant Engineer Khaled al-Mulla, Head of the Technical Team of the Corniche Committee, said a fine of QR 500 will be imposed for any non-compliance with the regulation. The movement of public and private transport will be restricted on the two roads while the movement will also be restricted within two km diameter of World Cup stadiums, he added. Al-Mulla explained that this procedure is to facilitate smooth travel of citizens, residents and visitors to the stadiums and to Central Doha.  All vehicles that carry white private plates will not be not subjected to this regulation. Buses, which contain 15 passengers or below, are allowed all times while buses with the capacity of over 15 passengers (24 passengers - 32 passengers - 55 passengers) will be restricted. Light transport vehicles are also allowed if they are registered in a personal name. Light transport vehicles registered in the name of private companies also are subject to the regulation.  Exceptions are made for vehicles equipped with refrigerators for distributing food supplies, processions, police and emergency vehicles, FIFA vehicles, championship buses, Karwa taxis and authorised vehicles. He said that the Corniche will be designated for pedestrians from November 1 to December 19 while vehicles will be diverted away from the Corniche road at the intersections of Ras Bu Aboud, Al Mina, Al Seifen, the Emiri Diwan, Al Maha, Barzan and Sheraton.  He pointed out that all sides on the Corniche Road have been provided with alternative entrances and exits.  He said that those who are affected by the closure and diversion can submit a request for permits through the Public Works Authority (Ashghal) website.

Doha Metro will extend its operational hours during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, Abdulla Saif al-Sulaiti, chief of Service Delivery at Qatar Rail, has said. From November 11 to December 20, the Metro will run from 6am to 3am, Saturday to Thursday, and from 9am to 3am on Friday. Al-Sulaiti said passengers with the Hayya Card and enjoy free travel from November 10 to December 23. Non-ticketholders can buy a travel card at stations and then save time by topping up online or on the Qatar Rail app (iOS and Android). He also informed that there will be parking spaces allocated for the public next to Metro stations as part of the Park & Ride service with a capacity of 18,200 parking spaces. The Metro is expected to transport approximately 30% to 50% of the total number of fans heading to stadiums during the tournament period, it was revealed during a press conference yesterday, attended by al-Sulaiti and other officials. The Metro system has three lines (Gold, Green and Red) covering 37 stations. Trains run every three minutes and staff are available at every station to assist passengers during their journey. Meanwhile, free metrolink buses run useful routes within 2-5km of stations. The operating hours will be extended in line with the working hours of the Metro during the World Cup. Meanwhile, Lusail Tram connects to the Metro via Legtaifiya Station (Red Line). Lusail Tram will run extended services throughout the tournament from November 17 to December 20: from 6am to 3am, Saturday to Thursday; and from 9am to 3am on Friday. Education City Tram will operate as a Park & Ride facility for matches hosted by Education City Stadium. Msheireb Tram connects Msheireb Metro station to landmark locations within Msheireb Downtown Doha.    

Traffic will be restricted in Central Doha from November 1 to December 19 in order to facilitate transportation of World Cup fans and host cultural programmes, said Head of the Technical Team of the Corniche Committee, Wednesday. While addressing a press conference organised by the Supreme Committee of Delivery and Legacy on transportation arrangement during the World Cup, First Lieutenant Engineer Khaled Al-Mulla said that Doha Corniche will be pedestrian only place and this is in order to enjoy the events from November 1 to December 19. He said that only specific vehicles will be allowed during the period at Central Doha while parking will be restricted.

The organisers are fully confident in providing the best transportation services during the World Cup, a senior official of the Supreme Committee of Delivery and Legacy (SC) has said. Abdulaziz al-Mawlawi, Executive Director of Transport Operations at SC, while addressing a press conference on Wednesday said that there will be different transportation alternatives in various places with the best plans to facilitate access to stadiums. “The metro, buses and taxis are fully prepared, and we advise everyone to plan before embarking on their trips. We worked on developing all solutions to be ready to facilitate the movement of transportation throughout the period of hosting. We have tried different transport plans in various local and international events and worked on improving and modifying the plans to reach an integrated transport plan that will be implemented during the World Cup,” he said. He urged the fans to use official platforms to get updates and said a comprehensive World Cup guide will be published and printed.

The level of infrastructure development Qatar accomplished in the past 10 years could have reached by no other country, Public Works Authority (Ashghal) president Dr Saad Ahmed al-Muhannadi has said. Speaking to Qatar TV, Dr Al-Muhannadi said Ashghal has implemented numerous projects for the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy and Qatar General Electricity & Water Corporation (Kahramaa) while also completing works related to various other vital facilities. “This infrastructure constitutes a sustainable legacy for future generations. The new projects have reduced the travel time and eased traffic movement. The priority is for areas that don’t have sanitation and face a high level of groundwater,” he explained. Dr al-Muhannadi said Ashghal has completed works on three main tunnels linking the Corniche East and West along with a project for jogging and cycling tracks. These are in addition to the development of rainwater, electricity and water drainage networks. He explained that granite slabs were placed on Central Doha streets as an alternative with an aim to compel drivers to reduce the speed of their vehicles. “The granite was not a wrong choice as some point out. It’s to give the driver a sense of vibration to compel him/her to reduce the speed while providing safety and security for pedestrians,” he noted. The senior official said the Lusail Road project is a special one with a service tunnel that has been provided with all infrastructure services to avoid re-drilling during maintenance. He also pointed out that Al Khor Coastal Road is one of the most important projects related to the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, because it serves the Lusail and Al Bayt stadiums. He also said nearly 48,000 plots for citizens’ lands will be developed in 36 regions in the next five years, while 36,000 are currently being developed. “During the past five years, 26,000 plots were developed, bringing the total in 10 years to nearly 110,000,” he said. The Ashghal president noted that constructive criticism helps the authority provide better services. “We receive criticism as a result of temporary disturbances, and there is no doubt that some of them are constructive and help provide better services or change the ways of implementing projects,” he said, adding that Ashghal also receives calls from citizens who hail the authority after completing a project. He added that Ashghal is constantly working with contractors to avoid any delays and flaws in project implementation.

The infrastructure development accomplished by Qatar in the past 10 years cannot be achieved by any other country, Public Works Authority (Ashghal) president Dr Saad Ahmed al-Muhannadi has said. Speaking to Qatar TV, Dr al-Muhannadi said Ashghal has implemented numerous projects for the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy and Qatar General Electricity & Water Corporation (Kahramaa) while also completing works related to various other vital facilities. “This infrastructure constitutes a sustainable legacy for future generations. The new projects have reduced the travel time and eased traffic movement. The priority is for areas that don’t have sanitation and face a high level of groundwater,” he explained. Dr al-Muhannadi said Ashghal has completed works on three main tunnels linking the Corniche East and West along with a project for jogging and cycling tracks. These are in addition to the development of rainwater, electricity and water drainage networks. He explained that granite slabs were placed on Central Doha streets as an alternative with an aim to compel drivers to reduce the speed of their vehicles. “The granite was not a wrong choice as some point out. It’s to give the driver a sense of vibration to compel him/her to reduce the speed while providing safety and security for pedestrians,” he noted. The senior official said the Lusail Road project is a special one with a service tunnel that has been provided with all infrastructure services to avoid re-drilling during maintenance. He also pointed out that Al Khor Coastal Road is one of the most important projects related to the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, because it serves the Lusail and Al Bayt stadiums. He also said nearly 48,000 plots for citizens’ lands will be developed in 36 regions in the next five years, while 36,000 are currently being developed. “During the past five years, 26,000 plots were developed,  bringing the total in 10 years to nearly 110,000,” he said. The Ashghal president noted that constructive criticism helps the authority provide better services. “We receive criticism as a result of temporary disturbances, and there is no doubt that some of them are constructive and help provide better services or change the ways of implementing projects,” he said, adding that Ashghal also receives calls from citizens who hail the authority after completing a project. He added that Ashghal is constantly working with contractors to avoid any delays and flaws in project implementation.

The winter camping season will start on November 1 in north and central Qatar while Khor Al Odaid and Sealine will mark the beginning of the season on December 20, the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MoECC) has announced. Addressing a press conference on Thursday at the ministry’s headquarters, officials said the season will come to an end on April 1, 2023, in the south and north and on May 20 in Sealine and Khor Al Odaid. Salem Hussain al-Safran, assistant director of the Department of Natural Reserves at MoECC, said the ministry will provide the best-quality services for campers. “The Sealine and Khor Al Odaid areas are designated to hold heritage and entertainment events that will enthrall visitors during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 while highlighting the Qatari culture," he noted. Farhoud al-Hajri, director of Public Relations at the ministry, said registration for all beaches will be open from October 16 to 27 in three separate phases. Registration for the southern regions. Sealine and Khor Al Odaid will be open from October 16 to October 19 while registration will be available for the central region from October 20 to 23. Registration for spots in the northern region will be open from October 24 to 27. Registration can be done via the ministry’s official website or through the Oun application. The fees should be paid electronically within three days from the date of approval, and the applicant can cancel the request within 10 days from the date of paying the fees. The ministry has urged camp goers to preserve the environment and protect natural resources through the use of alternative and environmen-friendly energy, planting plants and trees, maintaining camping sites and adhering to the controls and conditions related to camping. These include adherence to the co-ordinates assigned to a camp and the distances between camps, farms and villages. The MoECC has also announced certain conditions, which state that the applicant must be a Qatari national. He must pay the permit and insurance fees within three days from the date of approval of the application electronically, otherwise the application will be considered cancelled. The applicant should not obtain more than one permit and must place the camp board in a visible place where it is easy for the ministry inspectors to view. He shall abide by the provisions of the relevant laws and ministerial decisions, in particular those related to the protection of the environment. Further, the applicant should start the camping procedures in co-ordination with a ministry inspector. The permit is personal and the camp shouldn’t be rented or given to anyone, and it is prohibited to use the camp for anything other than the authorised activity. General cleanliness must be maintained and the land or marine environment should not be harmed. Also, the camp must be inhabited and not neglected. Campers must stay away from government and service facilities and oil and gas pipelines with a distance of not less than 500m, or as the competent authority deems appropriate.    

The Public Works Authority (Ashghal) has completed the development of 3,767 land plots as part of its Local Areas Infrastructure Programme across Qatar. The achievement was marked during an event organised by Ashghal Wednesday. The northern areas projects include package 2 of the Al Kharaitiyat and Izghawa project, packages 1 and 5 of the Al Ebb and Leabaib project, package 1 of the Semaisma West and South project, and package 1 of the Al Egda, Al Haidan and Al Khor project. A briefing in progress As for the western areas, the projects include package 2 of the North of Mall of Qatar and Celebrations Road project, and packages 2 and 3 of West Muaither (Al Manaseer). In the southern areas, the served land plots are located within packages 1, 3 and 7 of the Al Mashaf South project. Youssef al-Emadi, Projects Affairs director at Ashghal, said the authority pays special attention to roads and infrastructure development projects in existing and new citizen subdivisions, with the aim of providing an integrated and developed internal road network that connects between streets and main roads, in addition to providing infrastructure services to allow citizens to build their houses in new areas, and providing developed and highly efficient services in existing areas. PICTURES: Thajudheen Saoud al-Tamimi, manager of the Roads Projects Department, said the completed phases serve a total of 3,767 plots, and they are part of projects that will serve a total of 8,821 plots upon completion of all phases. He added these projects will provide efficient and safe roads networks with a length of about 247km, in addition to 176km of drainage networks, 108km of TSE networks, 233km of surface and groundwater drainage networks. This is in addition to electricity and lighting lines and the facilities related to these services, as well as pedestrian, cycling paths and car parking. Al-Tamimi noted that Ashghal continues to work at the same pace and with the same commitment in implementing all infrastructure projects in accordance with the highest specifications and quality standards. He added, “Over the past five years, around 26,000 land plots have been served for citizens' land in new and existing areas, along with the completion and delivery of works that will serve the 2022 World Cup.” Jaber bin Mohamed Saif al-Suwaidi, member of the Central Municipal Council (CMC) - Area 20, said the works implemented by Ashghal in Al Mashaf South, as well as the six packages that are currently being implemented, will serve more than 3,200 plots and provide citizens with roads and infrastructure services that will allow them to build houses. These include traffic safety elements as well as drainage and water networks, among others. Abdullah bin Khalid al-Yafei, CMC member from Area 17, said: "I am delighted to be with the Public Works Authority at this event to announce the completion of more than 3,700 plots, 652 of which are located in Area 17 (Al Kharaitiyat), where the roads network, sewage networks, TSE networks and other services were developed." Fahad al-Otaibi, head of the Western Areas Section, said Ashghal has served a total of 1,052 plots in the western areas, including 311 plots in West Muaither (Al Manaseer) and 741 in North of Mall of Qatar and Celebrations Road. These areas have been provided with an internal road network, sewage and drainage lines, in addition to pedestrian and cycling paths, and car parking. Ahmed al-Obaidly, head of the Southern Areas Section, said a total of 994 plots have been served for citizens’ land plots in the southern areas, which are mainly concentrated in Al Meshaf South within different packages, to provide connectivity to the area through the construction of roads and infrastructure services. Hamad al-Bader, manager of the northern areas projects in the Roads Projects Department, said the authority has served a total of 1,721 plots in the northern areas, including 652 plots in Al Kharaitiyat and Izghawa, 688 in Al Ebb and Leabaib, 169 in Semaisma and 212 in Al Egda, Al Haidan and Al Khor. The works included the development of internal roads and infrastructure services, the provision of car parking, pedestrian and cycling paths, in addition to the development of drainage network services.