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The Souq area in Doha is getting a major facelift while retaining the heritage elements. The various souqs are being given a new facade and the roads developed as part of the Doha Central Development and Beautification Projects by the Supervisory Committee of Beautification of Roads and Public Places in Qatar. Ample pedestrian space is being developed in the souqs area. The works are fast progressing across Souq Waqif, Souq Al Asiri, Souq Al Faleh, Souq Al Jabor, Souq Al Dira and Gold Souq. As part of the project, the façades of 55 buildings in these Souqs are modified. The project is aimed at enhancing the identity of the historical and cultural legacy of Qatar and respecting the country’s natural environment. The Public Works Authority (Ashghal) has said that there is a plan to involve local artists in proposing and developing some artwork in the area. The works also include infrastructure development, construction of plazas, pedestrian paths and cycling paths. As part of the project, roadside slots for car parking are developed and parking meters installed. The green areas are developed with more trees and plants. Improved street lighting, new traffic signals, pedestrian crossings, and new road signs are part of the project. Special emphasis has been given to make the area accessible to people with special needs. Among the highlights are wide pedestrian paths in conformity with international standards with connected paths that allow people with special needs to move freely without support of others between the souqs. The project also aims to develop public places and plazas to create attractive and lively places through the provision of services and aesthetic elements including resting areas, benches, kiosks, display screens and visual artworks attracting visitors to socialise and enjoy the ambience. This is in addition to beautifying the main and inner streets to raise the aesthetic value of streets, residential areas and vital centres, and to preserve the environmental balance. The works of Doha Central Development and Beautification Projects include seven major areas between Corniche and A Ring road including seven major streets. The main streets include Al Safiya Street, Sharaoh Street, Museum Street, Ali Bin Omar Al-Attiya Street, Jabr Bin Muhammad Street, Grand Hamad Street, Al Asmakh Street, Ali Bin Abdulla Street and Abdulla Bin Thani Street. ends....

With the winter approaching, shops at Souq Waqif are getting ready to welcome customers looking for camping equipment. Shop owners at the souq are all set to welcome the new season with various types of tents and other camping equipment that include carpets, lighting equipment, iron rods, ropes, bags and bulbs, among others. The shop owners expect the coming days to witness a high demand for buying tents. “Tents are considered among the most important requirements for camping, whether on beaches or in the desert. Most Qataris prefer to set up tents even if they have caravans,” said a camping supplies shop employee at Souq Waqif. Hassan Mansouri, a camping equipment supplier at the souq, said some of the buyers prefer readymade tents while others opt to buy the materials from shops like theirs and then transport the same to designated sites to set up the camps. Readymade tents are in great demand at the souq and they are mainly imported from Pakistan and Kuwait, according to some of the sellers. Pakistani tents cost from QR8,000-10,000 while the prices of tents from Kuwait range from QR10,000-15,000. According to the merchants, most Qataris prefer readymade tents in the camping season because they are easy to transport and instal. Also, these tents can resist winds and rainy weather with their waterproofed roofs. “We have buyers who customise the tents while some take the ones available here,” said one of the sellers. The prices and quality of the materials and cloth may vary. “We have different types of cotton and nylon cloths, which are available at different prices. Ropes and other materials are also available in accordance with the requirements of buyers. Cotton cloths are imported from Pakistan and India while plastic materials are brought from China,” he explained. Registration for the 2021-2022 winter camping season is being carried out in phases for different camping sites. Those interested can submit applications through the Aoun app of the ministry. The first phase of camping begins today at some sites, continuing for six months.    

Nammude Adukkalathottam Doha (Our Kitchen Garden Doha), a collective of Kerala expatriate farming enthusiasts, has launched its Young Farmer Contest, which will see participation from 40 students from eight Indian schools in Qatar. “We have distributed seeds and organic fertilisers to the participants. The aim is to make these students acquainted with the primary farming techniques and systems while drawing them towards agriculture,” Ramla Samad, executive member of the collective, told Gulf Times Community. She said the initiative will also contribute to the entrepreneurial skills of the students. The participants received seeds of tomato, brinjal, ladies finger and green chilly along with organic fertilisers during a launch function last week. The children were also given a brief description of farming methods. "The participants have started farming in their households," Samad explained. A committee of experts will visit the farms while analysing and monitoring the activities. In order to help the students get technical advice, the organising committee has set up a Whatsapp group that gives regular updates and answers questions. The final results will be announced in February 2022. Initially, the participants were selected from students of grades 5 to 9. Samad said the collective has chalked out a plan to further extend the initiative to more educational institutions while drawing more students towards farming. “We have planned farming at schools where farmlands will be set up,” she said. The group has been active in promoting and supporting household farming, gardening and spreading the culture of agriculture. Formed in 2014 with some 80 members, the collective now has more than 100 registered members while the number of affiliated farmers has reached 5,000. The initiative was inaugurated by Indian Cultural Centre president P N Baburajan. Nammude Adukkalthottam Doha President Benny Thomas welcomed the gathering. Agri Qatar managing director Mohammad Shafiq, Shaheen (Safari Group), Aneesh (Agri Qatar), Dr Sapna (Agri qatar) and collective members Ambara Pavithran, Yasser, Jawahar, Siros, Suraj, Anil, Rema Siros, Madhavi Kutty and Razia attended. Jiji Aravind, general secretary of the collective, proposed a vote of thanks. ENDS...    

The third Local Dates exhibition got under way at Souq Waqif on Thursday, featuring a wide variety of dry dates from local farms. The event has been organised by the Ministry of Municipality and Environment (MME), represented by the Agricultural Affairs Department, and the Souq Waqif management. It aims to promote and introduce Qatari dates while encouraging local farm owners to find an outlet to display and directly market their products. The exhibition is being held as part of the MME's efforts to positively impact the sales of such products and enhance the ability of local farms to increase production levels and further develop marketing methods. The event is being held in the Western Square of Souq Waqif until October 23. It is open from 3pm-9pm on weekdays, and from 3pm-10pm on the weekend. The exhibition, which is also an opportunity for the producers and processors of local dates to exchange experiences, is being attended by 55 farms from across the country. Youssef Khaled al-Khulaifi, director of the Agricultural Affairs Department at the MME, said the event features a wide variety of locally-grown dates. He noted that the ministry supported farm owners this year with space to dry dates in order to enhance the quality of their products. “A hundred rooms have been allocated so far among farmers. We have trained them to make use of the new facility,” he said. “The rooms come with high-quality dust-free production facilities, and quickly complete the drying process.” Al-Khulaifi added that there is a project to support farmers. “Named the 'Dates festival and dates purchase project', the ministry purchases dates through the project from farmers, which are then distributed to poor countries in co-operation with charities operating in the country,” he said. The official said that the products on display at the exhibition are entirely local, and that efforts have been made to ensure that the dates are good, clean and free from defects, mold, insects, impurities and other factors that may hinder their marketing. “They are from the current year's production. A team of specialists from the Agricultural Affairs Department took samples from the participating farms for examination and analysis to ensure that they are free from toxic substances and the residual effect of pesticides before participation, in addition to taking samples throughout the exhibition days,” Al-Khulaifi said. The official added that the support provided by the MME to farmers and companies working in the sector has greatly improved the quality of dates and related products, enabling them to compete with the imported varieties. Mohamed al-Salem, head of the Old Markets Department at the Private Engineering Office, said in a statement that this edition of the exhibition will be attended by 55 local farms that specialise in the production, drying and packing of dates. He noted that the exhibition venue has been prepared with all the necessary supplies and equipment to complete the marketing process by the Souq Waqif management, while taking into account the official directives of the Supreme Committee for Crisis Management and adhering to coronavirus (Covid-19) precautionary measures.    

The third Local Dates exhibition got under way at Souq Waqif on Thursday, featuring a wide variety of dry dates from local farms. The event has been organised by the Ministry of Municipality and Environment (MME), represented by the Agricultural Affairs Department, and the Souq Waqif management. It aims to promote Qatari dates and introduce different types of the same while encouraging local farm owners to find an outlet to display and directly market their products. The exhibition is being held as part of the MME's efforts to have a positive impact on the sales of such products and enhance the ability of local farms to increase production levels and further develop marketing methods for dates. The event is being held in the Western Square of Souq Waqif until October 23. It will remain open from 3pm to 9pm on weekdays and from 3pm to 10pm on the weekend. The exhibition, which is an opportunity to exchange experiences between the producers and processors of local dates, is being attended by 55 farms from across the country. Youssef Khaled al-Khulaifi, director of the Agricultural Affairs Department at the MME, said the event features a wide variety of locally grown dates. He note that the ministry supported farm owners this year with rooms to dry dates in order to enhance the quality of theri products. “A hundred rooms have been distributed so far among farmers. We have trained them to make use of the new facility. The rooms come with high-quality dust-free production facilities and quickly complete the drying process,” he explained, adding that the exhibition is a marketing platform for farm owners. Further, al-Khulaifi said there is a project to support farmers. “Named the 'Dates festival and dates purchase project', the ministry purchases dates through the project from farmers, which are then distributed to poor countries in co-operation with charities operating in the country,” he said. He said the produce on display at the exhibition is entirely local, while ensuring that the dates are good, clean and free from defects, molds, insects, impurities and everything that may hinder their marketing. “They are from the current year's production. A team of specialists from the Agricultural Affairs Department takes samples from the participating farms for examination and analysis to ensure that they are free from toxic substances and the residual effect of pesticides before participation, in addition to taking samples throughout the exhibition days,” he informed. The official added that the support provided by the MME to farmers and companies working in the field of dates has greatly improved the quality of dates and related products, enabling them to compete with the imported varieties. Mohamed al-Salem, head of the Old Markets Department at the Private Engineering Office, said in a statement that this edition of the exhibition will be attended by 55 local farms specialized in the production, drying and packing of dates, as all participating parties offer there production of various local varieties and there derivatives for sale during the exhibition period at prices determined by them. Al-Salem noted that the exhibition venue was prepared with all the necessary supplies and equipment to complete the marketing process by Souq Waqif management while taking into account the official directives of the Supreme Committee for Crisis Management and adhering to what was stated in it regarding the precautionary measures taken.    

The Souqs in Doha are getting a major facelift while undergoing major modifications and beautification works. The buildings in Souq area are set to wear a new look with there facades modified and there vicinities beautified. Thanks to the Doha Central Development and Beautification Projects by the Supervisory Committee of Beautification of Roads and Public Places in Qatar for bringing the facelift while keeping there heritage elements intact. The works are on a fast track mode while covering the buildings of Souq Waqif, Souq Al Asiri, Souq Al Faleh, Souq Al Jabor, Souq Al Dira and Gold Souq. Modification and beautification of the facades of architectural buildings are carried out in these Souqs in order to accomplish the comprehensive developmental vision of the area. As part of the project, the façades of 55 buildings in these Souqs are modified. The project is aimed at enhancing the identity of the historical and cultural legacy of Qatar and respecting the country’s natural environment. The Public Works Authority (Ashghal) has said that there is a plan to involve local artists in proposing and developing some artwork in the area while utilising the extensive expertise of artists to meet the needs in terms of idea and design. The works also include infrastructure development, construction of plazas, pedestrian paths and cycling paths. As part of the project, roadside slots for car parking are developed and they are fixed with meters to encourage the public to follow a healthy lifestyle and healthy means of transportation. The works also include increasing green areas, tree plantation, implementing street lighting networks, installing new traffic signals, pedestrian crossings, and new road signs. Also, the project is designed to benefit people with special needs. It includes wide pedestrian paths in conformity with international standards at these Souqs with connected paths that allow people with special needs to move freely without support of others. These are with the provision of dedicated parking lots for people with special needs. These projects will benefit all people and visitors of Qatar, especially the residents and business stakeholders of areas covered within the area. The project also aims to develop public places and plazas in the region to create attractive and lively places through the provision of services and aesthetic elements including retiring areas, benches, kiosks, display screens and visual artworks attracting visitors to socialize and enjoy the general view. This is in addition to beautifying the main and inner streets to raise the aesthetic value of streets, residential areas and vital centers, and to preserve the environmental balance. The works of Doha Central Development and Beautification Projects include seven major areas between Corniche and A Ring road including seven major streets. The main streets include Al Safiya Street, Sharaoh Street, Museum Street, Ali Bin Omar Al-Attiya Street, Jabr Bin Muhammad Street, Grand Hamad Street, Al Asmakh Street, Ali Bin Abdulla Street and Abdulla Bin Thani Street.      

Travelling is getting easier in line with the tectonic changes in the technology and transportation sector. But, things often don’t go well for people with special needs as some of the tourist destinations as well as the transportation facilities remain unwelcoming. Many put their travel plans on hold while others dare to overcome the challenging accessibility. Indian expatriate Ismail bin Yousaf is simply beating the impediments while inspiring specially abled persons to fly high. The native of Thrissur district of Kerala met with an accident that left him paralysed in 2012 during his work. The wheelchair-bound 32 year old is currently touring various states back home. Ismail started his journey on September 3 this year and is on the way to Leh, the picturesque hill station in India’s Northeast tip. Starting from Nedumbassery International Airport in Kochi, Ismail has so far covered various cities including Chennai, Hyderabad, Gwalior, Agra, Delhi, Chandigarh and Shimla. Also, he visited Ladakh while enjoying mountainous views and serene lakes and monasteries. “I am glad that I could visit these cities while covering the heritage sites and tourism destinations,” he told Gulf Times Community during an online conversation. Ismail managed to cover the sites while travelling in train, bus and auto rickshaw. He took a flight from Nedumbassery to Chennai from where he travelled to Hyderabad by bus and then to Gwalior and Agra by train. Ismail says that he is driven by the theory that God made him sit in a wheelchair to fly, not to confine himself. For Ismail, the wheelchair is like a throne rather than an ordeal. He is receiving a rousing welcome at various places and visited by VIPs. Ismail said he was given support by friends and relatives who visited him in various cities upon his arrival. Ismail currently works as quantity surveyor at Qatar Design Consortium. He has gone an extra mile while volunteering for various organisations and government entities. He has been volunteering for Qatar Red Crescent Society for the last three years and won the best volunteer award in 2018. He was part of the FIFA Club World Cup and Asian Games while volunteering for the mega events. He has volunteered for various events by the Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy, Qatar Olympic Committee, Qatar Football Association, Qatar Diabetics Centre and Qatar Cancer Society. Ismail regularly attends sport events in Doha including Ooredoo Doha Marathon and Al Dana Green Run. He is part of various community organisations while discharging various roles.

Renowned Indian perfumer Abdul Rashid and his eponymous brand have been spreading the choicest fragrances across the world for as many as 65 years.   The Mumbai-based perfume connoisseur, who inherited the trade from his father as a teenager, has a loyal clientele in Qatar too. His brand Abdul Rashid is drawing oud and perfume lovers at Doha Festival City and Souq Waqif where the shops are selling natural oriental perfumes.   “We feature oud, ‘dahn al oud’, (Arabic for fat of the oud), ‘khashb al oud’ (chips of oud), amber, rosewater and musk along with oriental perfumes while serving all spectrums of customers,” Rashid told Gulf Times.   Embracing the art and science of perfumery since 1956, Rashid’s love for scents has evolved over the decades into a captivating assortment of exclusive scents that stand the test of time and entice clients across the world. “It’s the stamp of a master where passion overpowers money,” Rashid said. The brand Abdul Rashid specialises in fine quality attar and perfumes. “Perfumes, oud oil and oud fragrances are available everywhere. But, we are special  for our outstanding quality, naturality and originality,” he said. Indian cities like Mumbai and Delhi have centuries-old rich tradition of pure perfumes. Hundreds of ‘attarwalas’ or perfume sellers have inherited the tradition of producing and selling perfumes. Rashid’s father was an attarwala in Mumbai. He entered the family business while he was 15 and opened shops in Mumbai and Bengaluru while exporting good quality oriental perfumes to the GCC countries. “In Mumbai, a lot of perfume shops are spread across the streets. We offer the finest and most breathable types of incense, and even though some are very expensive, our products are known for quality and naturality. Customers love us for our distinctiveness irrespective of the price,” he said. Rashid pointed out that Indian incense remains one of the most expensive despite the presence of many types of oud. “The Indian incense is characterised by the diversity of its fragrance, which makes it an embodiment of the originality of the past, the nobility of the present and the modernity of the future in the Indian subcontinent,” he observed. Rashid collects oud from the Indian state of Assam and some Southeast Asian countries. They are preserved and refined in the factory using various extraction techniques. Rashid’s son Nabil says that his father is a oud and perfume connoisseur whom people approach to check the authenticity of the products. “The love for perfumes, his experience in the industry and passion have given him prestigious titles,” Nabil recalled. Haji Abdul Rashid is often considered a man who is not in the business for profit alone. He considers it a legacy inherited from his father. “I will leave it to my three sons who work with me,” he said, adding that the prophetic tradition that encourages the use of perfume also keeps him attached to the business. “Islam doesn’t allow extravaganza. You are accountable for what you spend and for becoming luxurious. But, you are not questioned for what you spend for perfumes in the life after. Prophetic tradition urges us to collect and use perfume,” he explained. “The Arabs are very much attached to their history and heritage wherever they live or travel. Among the legacies of the Arabs is oud. Arabs like the nobility of the products from the Indian subcontinent,” he added.

The Ministry of Interior (MoI) has urged the public to abide by the rules and regulations while installing security cameras and maintain them properly. "Security cameras should not be installed without the approval from the Security Systems Department (SSD)," said Capt Jassim Saleh al-Sulaiti, officer at SSD Technical Office. He was addressing a virtual awareness lecture yesterday on *Importance of Surveillance Cameras and Security Systems in Enhancing Security and Safety. The event was organised by the MoI Public Relations Department in co-operation with the SSD as part of the ongoing series of awareness campaigns. The security cameras should meet the specifications given by the MoI, the official asserted. “The SSD ensures that establishments, public places and other facilities in the country are equipped with cameras and surveillance equipment that comply with required technical specifications,” he said. Capt al-Sulaiti noted that regular campaigns are initiated to check whether the cameras work properly, and actions are initiated against violators. The MoI official explained the functions of the SSD while detailing the violations and actions against violators. He said that no camera visuals should be handed over to any agency without written permission from the SSD. “Certain requests should be submitted to the SSD, and visuals can be handed over if approval is granted. In emergency cases, the SSD may give permission by over the phone,” he explained. Capt al-Sulaiti said that the licence is cancelled if the camera manufacturing company fails to ensure that their products conform to the needed specifications and image quality. The MoI official added that no camera is to be installed inside the rooms of employees or housemaids in a manner that intrudes upon their privacy.    

The head of the Supervisory Committee of the Shura Council elections Majed Ibrahim al-Khulaifi announced yesterday the winners of the first Shura Council elections held in Qatar. Al-Khulaifi said the elections will strengthen the rule of law and institutions of the country adding that it was held in realisation of the vision of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani as announced in his speech at the opening of the 49th session of the Shura Council last year, under the direct supervision of HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Interior. The voting process saw a large participation from women. He said the election registered a voter turnout of 63.5% while the voting process began at 8am and continued until 6pm at 30 polling stations across the country. “The citizens were keen to show the spirit of responsible citizenship and the national duty of effective participation in this historic event. It as well denotes their commitment to the established values and inherited traditions of Qatari society,” he said. He added that the Ministry of Interior commends the high patriotic spirit that prevailed on the polling day and the efforts made by all entities and cadres for their effective contribution in organizing this national prerogative under constitutional and legal guarantees within a neutral and responsible environment. A woman voter casts her vote An elderly voter is helped at the polling station Elections were conducted by strictly following the Covid precautionary measures Hassan Abdullah Ghanem al-Ghanem al-Maadeed was elected from Constituency No. 5 elected unopposed. No woman candidate was elected though 26 women candidates contested from 14 constituencies. The final result approved by the elections committees are as follows: Constituency 1-Abdul Rahman Yusef Abdul Rahman al-Khelaifi Constituency 2- Ahmed Hetmi Ahmed al-Hetmi Constituency 3- Abdullah Ali Jumua al-Sulaiti Constituency 4- Eisa Ahmed Eisa Nasr al-Nasr Constituency 5- Hassan Abdullah Ghanem al-Ghanem al-Maadheed Constituency 6-Khalid Ghanem Nasser al-Ali al-Maadheed Constituency 7-Khalid Ahmed Nasser Ahmed al-Obaidan Constituency 8-Nasser bin Salmeen Khaled al-Suwaidi Constituency 9-Hamad Abdullah Abdul Rahman Ali al-Mulla Constituency 10- Khalid Abbas Ali Kamal al-Emadi Constituency 11- Nasser Muhsin Mohamed Bu Kasheesha Constituency 12- Eisa bin Arar Eisa Ali al-Rumaihi Constituency 13- Mohamed Yousef Abdul Rahman al-Mana Constituency 14-Mohamed Muftah Abdul Rahman al-Muftah Constituency 15-Yousuf Ali Yousuf al-Khatir Constituency 16- Ali Muhsin Abdullah Rashid Futais Constituency 17-Mohamed Buti Salem Kahlifa al-Abdullah Constituency 18-Ali Shabeeb Nasser al-Atiyyah Constituency 19-Nasser Matraf Eisa al-Matraf al-Humaidi Constituency 20-Ahmed Hamad Ahmed al-Hassan al-Muhannadi Constituency 21-Mohamed bin Eid Saad al-Hassan al-Kuwari Constituency 22-Mubarak Mohamed Matar al-Matar al-Kuwari Constituency 23-Yousuf Ahmed Ali al-Sada Constituency 24- Mohamed Omer Ahmed Salem al-Mannai Constituency 25- Nasser Hassan Dandoun al-Nufaihi al-Kubaisi Constituency 26-Nasser Mohamed al-Jffali al-Nuaimi Constituency 27-Sultan Hassan Mubarak al-Dabit al-Dousari Constituency 28-Mubarak Saif Hamdan Mesaf al-Mansouri Constituency 29-Ali Saeed Rashid al-Kumait al-Khayareen Constituency 30-Salem Rashid Salem Rashed al-Muraikhi It was the country’s first legislative polls to elect two-thirds of the 45-member Shura Council. His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al- Thani will appoint the remaining 15 members of the council. Counting of votes began after polling stations closed their doors at 6pm. There were a total of 233 candidates, including 26 women, contesting for the 30 seats, according to the official Qatar News Agency. Polling stations opened their doors to voters at 8 am, allowing citizens to cast their votes by direct secret ballot system. The polling was conducted in strict adherence of of the Covid-19 precautionary measures followed in the country.

Voting for the first phase of the Shura Council elections started at 30 electoral districts on  Saturday morning. In various regions of the country, voting booths started to mark Qataris turning up to elect Shura representatives while casting their votes. The polling stations recorded huge voters turnout in the initial phase of voting.  The first vote was cast at 8 am at the polling stations where all arrangements were made by the Ministry of Interior to host the electoral process early in the morning on Monday. Officials were deployed at the centres with all arrangements including refreshments and seating facilities in place.  Spread over various locations in Doha, Al Rayyan, Al Wakra, Al Shamal and Al Khor, voting is held at 30 centres in total.  Separate booths have been set up for men and women who enter the first counter from where they are taken to the polling booth after the registration and verification processes are completed. Senior citizens and people with special needs are given assistance to complete the proceedings and enter the counters.  At voting stations, voters adhere to strict Covid-19 precautionary measures while maintaining social distance, wearing masks and using sanitizer. Also, voters are told to show Ehteraz upon entering the first counter. In order to ensure the smooth functioning of the process, volunteers of the Qatar Red Crescent Society along with Al Faaza and police personnel have been deployed.  The polling stations open their doors to voters until 6pm. There are 252 candidates, including 27 women, are competing to win two-thirds (30 seats) of the 45-seat Shura Council, while the other 15 members will be appointed as stipulated in the Qatari Constitution. Candidates who gain the relative majority of eligible votes will be elected to the Shura Council, and in the case when two or more candidates have an equal number of votes, the head of the electoral committee could then cast his vote to decide the winner. The election that's seen as a major milestone in the country's history, Qataris elect 30 members out of the 45 Shura Council members in the secret ballot while HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani appointing the remaining 15. 

* FM stresses importance of Qatar-EU relations     The European Union (EU) will open a mission in Doha and also sign an agreement with Qatar on civil aviation, it has been announced. The mission will start working next year. Josep Borrell, High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, made the announcements on Thursday during a joint press conference with HE the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohamed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani. The two dignitaries held a meeting during which they reviewed co-operation relations between Qatar and the EU and a number of regional and international issues, in addition to matters of joint interest. Underlining bilateral relations between the two sides, Borrell appreciated Qatar’s co-operation on important global issues. "Qatar is a good friend of Europe. We are your second biggest trading partner, you are a reliable energy provider - and in these times it is especially important - and we work jointly on several regional issues. But I believe, Minister, that there is potential to do more together at the regional level and globally, and we want to explore these possibilities," Borrell said. Borrell described the opening of the mission in Doha as "an important event in order to boost our ties". "We will also soon sign an agreement on civil aviation. Qatar will be the first country in the Gulf with whom we will conclude such an aviation agreement. This will bring our people closer and generate new jobs," he added. On his part, HE Sheikh Mohamed stressed the importance of relations between Qatar and the EU, describing them as "positive". He also underlined the keenness of Qatar to develop and strengthen these relations, whether in the security, economic, or renewable energy fields. (With inputs from QNA)    

Josep Borrell, High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, has expressed gratitude for the "crucial role" that Qatar and Qatar Airways have played in helping with the repatriation of European Union citizens during Covid-19 crisis and recently with the evacuation of European Union citizens and vulnerable Afghans from Kabul. He made the observation while addressing a joint press conference in Doha yesterday with HE the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohamed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani. "Being here, I want especially to express our deep gratitude for the crucial role that Qatar and Qatar Airways played in helping with the repatriations of European Union citizens twice. First, at the worst moment of the Covid-19 pandemic, when you were playing an important role, your planes and your hub, your airport, to repatriate our people; and recently, with the evacuation of European Union citizens and vulnerable Afghans from Kabul," he said. Borrell said "Afghanistan has played a very important role in our talks, because Qatar is a country that plays a strategic role in dealing with the new situation in Afghanistan". "You are playing an important role in facilitating interactions with the authorities in Kabul and the Western world. You did it during the evacuations; you are doing that keeping the airport in Kabul open, and I am sure you will continue doing that ensuring not only safe passage for those who need, but also the delivery of humanitarian support and also with all contacts and engagement needed in support of the Afghan people," he noted. He also expressed dissatisfaction with the recent executions in Afghanistan, stressing that it is frustrating and disappointing, and that there is a need to re-modify the behaviour of the Afghan government and for the EU countries to have an influence on this matter. He congratulated Qatar on the Shura Council election. "We welcome this important step and I wish the Qatari government and Qatari people success in them." He also praised the efforts made by Qatar to improve the conditions of migrant workers, "We have encouraged and welcomed." "I want to congratulate you, Minister, for your overall good progress on Covid-19 vaccination. I am glad that Qatar was added to the list of safe countries to travel to Europe. I think that we have an ambition for a broader and more strategic partnership with Qatar. This includes the big issues of our time: climate change, green transition, renewable energy, connectivity and to fight against the Covid-19 pandemic," he said. On the resumption of the talks on the Iranian nuclear agreement, and when it will take place, he indicated that during his meeting with the new Iranian foreign minister, it became clear to him that the matter could be done through the request of the JCPOA states parties and as a coordinator of these discussions, he expected the talks will resume at a time that will be acceptable to all. "A second issue of mutual interest is the JCPOA Iran nuclear deal. This is a key moment for the nuclear deal and we continue working towards a quick resumption of the negotiations in Vienna. There, also, you can play an important role on pushing these negotiations to resume as soon as possible. We both know that the Iranians are ready to re-engage, to resume the negotiations, but it has to be done as quickly as possible," he said. Borrell added, "We have the COP26 in Glasgow soon and we are launching this Global Methane Pledge, setting a global reduction target of at least 30% below 2020 levels, and we hope that Qatar can join in this effort." (With inputs from QNA)    

Qatari journalist Hassan Ali Yusef al-Saie, a candidate from Constituency 7, Al-Jasra, for the Shura Council election, has pledged to work for the country's development while focusing on ensuring equal rights, legal reform, education and community development. “My prime focus is on legal reforms because it’s the basis of all, including development and prosperity. I will work for the legal reforms in line with the need of the time. The focus includes reviewing and reformulating laws, cancelling articles, developing articles and creating laws, in line with the spirit of the current era,” he told Gulf Times. When al-Saie wanted to set topics for his electoral programme for the Shura Council, he found that all of these axes revolve around the axis of legislation, which is the foundation. He stated he will strive for equal rights of Qataris and realisation of Qatar’s vision while contributing to the country to achieve greater welfare of its people. “I am committed to promote societal sustainability and to demand the rights of Qataris equally, in a way that contributes to building and strengthening Qatar National Vision 2030,” he said. Also, al-Saie is focusing on the reforms and development in the educational and media sectors. He has envisioned to establish a private entity for the employment of Qataris “There are many challenges and pending topics that need attention. These include various concerns and demands of the citizens,” he said. Al-Saie’s manifesto proposes a cohesive, organised and thriving Qatari society with equal rights. It underlines working for the welfare of retired persons, employment of Qataris while covering topics on cost of living and housing. “If I am elected to the Shura Council, I will work on developing and promoting media work in all ways, which is one of our main concerns,” he said, while emphasising the freedom of the media which is committed to the issues of the country in order to make sure that a clear picture reaches the decision-makers. He said that his work and experience as a journalist has brought him closer to the citizens and residents alike while giving a better idea about the demands and issues. “When I was communicating with officials to solve some problems, the law always stood in the way of solving them and this has emerged to be a big problem that seeks our attention and intervention,” he said. Al-Saie decided to contest the election after he was driven by his desire to convey all the problems to the members of the Shura Council, and to ask them to find solutions because they disrupt the citizens and the residents while impeding Qatar’s development. "Any law that causes harm to others must be changed or amended," he added.

Abdullah bin Ahmed bin Ali Al-Ibrahim, a candidate for the Shura Council elections from constituency 14 at Al Wakra is busy campaigning while interacting with voters and listening to their grievances and suggestions. Al-Wakra is his birthplace as well as where he was brought up and completed his primary studies. The former expert at the Ministry of Administrative Development, Labour and Social Affairs (MADLSA) looks to contribute to the development of Qatar. Al-Ibrahim spoke to Gulf Times at his residence during the campaign: “Qatar is witnessing development and advancement in various sectors by the grace of God and the wisdom of the wise leadership, headed by His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani. We feel every day that wider horizons open towards prosperity, development, justice, democratic progress. I wanted to participate in formulating state policy and contributing to development plans and programmes. We are committed to the promise and the wise leadership’s directions towards leading our beloved country in the best possible manner always. Indeed, I am honoured to participate in the elections as a candidate from the 14th constituency,” he said. Al-Ibrahim has a comprehensive vision and plans that can be implemented in order to further develop the country and improving the prosperity and happiness of the citizens. Also, he has a track record of social and educational activism. “When I reached the age of secondary school, there was none for boys at Al Wakra. Accompanied by my friend, I met the then Minister of Education and the outcome was the opening of a secondary school for boys at Al Wakra,” he recalled. Also, with his knowledge about the Qatari architectural identity, it's tradition, customs and heritage, al-Ibrahim was in charge of the work of reviving the old city of Al Wakra while keeping its traditional symbols intact. At MADLSA, he worked with various departments after obtaining a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Arkansas, US. He retired as an expert. While serving Qatar, he received a number of certificates from various entities including the Arab Labour Organisation. He also worked for improving the ministry services for citizens and residents by bringing in an e-government system. Al-Ibrahim said that the campaign is helping him win hearts. “The past days of the campaign have shown that there is great acceptance by the voters. We hold interaction with various stakeholders from all segments of society while assessing their demands and receiving the ideas and visions. We will realise them and will work for the interest of the country and the welfare of the people while supporting the directions of the wise leadership,” he said, adding that the campaigns are carried out in a scientific, practical and fruitful manner. The candidate has an integrated team to promote and communicate with voters while studying their concerns and aspirations. “We get a warm response and the interaction programmes exceed our expectations. We are keen on the aspects that serve the country and the citizens and all these are carried out as per the rules and directions from the authorities,” he said. The electoral programmes focus on the legislative side, public budget and public auditing in order to ensure transparency. Al-Ibrahim says he will work in the Shura Council to avert the delay in legislation for various welfare projects. “I have found some issues with regard to the rights of retirees, the social protection platform and the labour laws. I will strive to secure the greatest amount of fulfillment for the efforts of retirees by demanding an increase in their salaries and end-of-service benefits. "I will strive to update legislation related to the rights of Qatari women and the children of Qatari women whose fathers hold other nationalities and to improve the social protection scheme. I will also make efforts to increase the salaries of employees and other privileges granted to them in line with the rising cost of living. In addition to health insurance, I will work to find a new mechanism that secures the treatment of patients inside and outside the country in the fastest time and at the highest levels of quality and without any waiting,” he said. With regard to approving budgets and spending from public funds, al-Ibrahim said he will focus on achieving the vision of the wise leadership and meeting the aspirations and ambitions of citizens through optimal use of public money, emphasis on rationalising spending and putting pressure on expenditures, adopting modern budget trends, increasing the national income by giving preference to productive projects, finding a state of parity between sectors, reducing the duration of budget discussion and approval and trying to conserve the Qatari financial resources and propose effective laws. “Also, I will work to ensure sufficient job opportunities to accommodate all university as well as high school graduates. I will support the efforts to update the comprehensive national strategy to enhance integrity and transparency. I will work to support the efforts of the national team concerned with the implementation of the United Nations Convention against Corruption,”he said. The candidate assured efforts will be taken up to enhance the quality of public services and improve the work environment and investment in the country to ensure the localisation of jobs. Al-Ibrahim said he will work to achieve the principle of equal opportunities approved by the wise leadership among the members of society and guarantee equal rights for all citizens in the distribution of land, grants, employment and all other privileges and entitlements. “I will always keep my office and council open to receive the opinions and suggestions of citizens,” he added.    

Expatriate artists are stealing the show at S'hail - Katara International Hunting and Falcons Exhibition at Katara. Indians Arjun Suvaraj and Rajeesh Ravi and Syrian Zeina Abbara are among the artists at the exhibition. With paintings that range from portraits to sketches of Qatari culture and heritage, the artists have portrayed the saga of Qatar’s bond to its expatriate communities while making use of S’hail to get new insights and learn from Qataris. The artists are grateful to the S’hail and Katara managements for offering them this opportunity. Arjun, an artist from Chennai has been in Doha since 2008, learning painting and capturing Qatari life and culture on canvas. A special youth with impaired hearing and speech ability, Arjun has grabbed the attention at S’hail’s gathering zone where he paints beautiful portraits and serene scenes with the support of his parents Rajesh Babu and Shobha Rajesh. “Arjun is very excited and happy to be part of this international exhibition. It’s an ideal venue for him to grow as it brings creative people with diverse cultures together and helps him learn new things,” Shobha said while talking to Community at Katara. Shobha said Arjun will soon hold his solo exhibition at Katara if things pan out as expected. He has so far won several recognitions while attending school level and national level competitions in Qatar. Zeina, who is part of the Qatari Fine Arts Association and Souq Waqif Arts Centre, said S’hail is a place that lends opportunities as it helps artists display their works and find buyers. “Indeed, the exhibition provides all of us an opportunity to showcase our talents. For the last three years, I have been part of S’hail while drawing the rich culture of Qatar,” Zeina said. The artist, who is an alumnus of the Fine Arts College in Homs, has been a Doha resident since 2011 and part of S’hail in its last three editions. At the second zone of the S’hail exhibition, Kerala artist Rajeesh Ravi has a place where he draws on Qatar’s affection towards falcons and it's traditional Bedouin culture. “S’hail underscores the fact that Qatar pays due attention to artists by providing them adequate space. Artists here enjoy the privilege of getting support from the government and its entities like Katara,” Rajeesh said. The graduate from the School of Fine Arts at Thalassery in Kerala is currently working with Souq Waqif Arts Centre and is an active member of the Visual Arts Forum India. He started his career in Doha as curator at Al Hosh Art Gallery while helping budding artists and newcomers learn the Qatari style and trend, grow in Qatar and find venues to exhibit their works.

 The ongoing S'hail - Katara International Hunting and Falcons Exhibition at Katara has turned out to be an ideal venue for artists to vent there creativity while showcasing there skills and sharing there experiences with each other. “S’hail keeps growing while adding more features and covering more areas. And it’s a venue for artists to grow,” said Haneefa Abdul Qader, who is part of the exhibition while drawing portraits that reflect Qatari life, culture and heritage. The member of the Qatar Fine Arts Association has been part of the initiatives by Katara and other government entities for promoting fine arts in Qatar. “Government through it's various agencies is encouraging the artists by arranging venues and exhibitions,” she said. Haneefa has participated in several competitions and recently won second prize in the ‘Solidarity’ art competition by Katara. The artwork featured the cooperation of the Qatari community while fighting Covid-19. Fahad Ali al-Maadeed told Gulf Times that S’hail assumes significance as it brings artists from various communities together. “The exhibition is beyond all kinds of geographical differences. We all work together here while taking lessons from each other and teaching each other,” he said.   For Fahad, art is a hobby and he has been part of S’hail for the past five years. He is a member of Qatar Fine Arts Association. “Some of the expatriate artists are not much aware of Qatari life and culture. They take new lessons from us while working with us while we try to study new things while attending exhibitions like this,” he added.    

The Ministry of Interior (MoI) has reiterated the need to be careful while carrying medicines to the country and asked travellers to strictly follow procedures and restrictions that are in place. This was reminded at a virtual seminar Wednesday by the General Directorate of Drug Enforcement, in co-operation with the Public Relations Department of the Ministry of Interior (MoI). First Lieutenant Abdullah Qasim, media and awareness officer at the Department, explained that it is not allowed for the arriving or departing travellers to carry drugs without a detailed and attested medical report by the hospital where they received treatment. “The departing or arriving travellers are not allowed to carry drugs containing narcotics or psychotropic substances except in accordance with the controls and conditions issued by the authorities concerned. These should be carried with a medical report with a validity of not exceeding six months. The report should contain personal details of the patient, medical diagnosis, treatment plan and duration along with medical prescriptions and scientific name of the medicine,” he said. The official asked travellers to ensure that their baggage does not contain narcotic substances or medicinal drugs with dangerous psychotropic substances. He also discussed the risks that drugs cause to the individual and society and the types of medicines and medical drugs that are prohibited to be brought into the country or used without approved prescriptions. First Lt Qasim urged travellers not to carry the belongings of others while travelling to Qatar without checking their contents to avoid legal accountability. "The carrier bears full criminal responsibility if these materials are prohibited in the country. Avoid bringing any suspicious substances or drugs. Because some narcotic substances and medicines may be allowed in the home country but banned in Qatar. Consult the government health institutions to get medicines. Stay away from suspicious places and bad friends. “Anyone caught for the consumption of narcotic substances can get a fine of not more than QR10,000 and not less than QR5,000. Imprisonment for a period of not exceeding three years and not less than six months and a fine of not exceeding QR20,000 and not less than QR10,000 will be given in case of drug abuse. This applies to whomever imports, possesses, acquires, purchases, receives, transports, produces, extracts, separates or manufactures narcotic substances. Also, those who cultivate or possess or purchase plants listed in Schedule 4 with the intention of illicit consumption or personal use,” he explained. The official said security is a shared responsibility and urged all to report if suspicious activities are found. “Persons will be responsible for drug abuse or trafficking carried out by their roommates if they fail to inform the authorities. Observe the kids well and intervene if any suspicious move is noted. Addicts will not be punished but instead taken care of well if they report to the authorities,” he added. Incidents about drug abuse or trafficking could be informed and help could be sought at 2347000 and [email protected]. The MoI official, who gave a brief explanation about the General Directorate of Drug Enforcement, said that the authorities are implementing operations to control and combat various drug crimes. He also explained the work strategy pursued by the department to curb the illicit supply and demand for dangerous materials and psychotropic substances. The directorate’s functions also include combating and controlling the crimes of cross-border smuggling through the air, sea and land ports in co-ordination with the authorities concerned, and combating and controlling the cultivation of narcotic plants or their promotion inside Qatar.