Author

A slew of measures has been put in place in order to ensure safety at Sealine beach that's set to host another season of winter camping. As per the plan, awareness programmes will be intensified by various departments while checks will be carried by competent authorities against violations. At the sidelines of a press conference, organised by the Ministry of Interior (MoI) to announce the plans, Lt. Fahad Shareed al-Abdullah, Traffic Awareness Officer at the General Directorate of Traffic, told Gulf Times that plans are afoot to bring down accidents at Sealine. "Number of accident cases is coming down due to timely intervention and awareness. We are looking further to ensure the safety of all during this camping season,"he said. Ali Darwish, Assistant Executive Director of the Ambulance Service, said that the ambulance at Sealine is capable of responding to emergencies." One helicopter is set to serve the area. And we are able to take the patients to the hospital and give them care," he said. Lt. Col. Sheikh Mohamed bin Jasim al-Thani, South Traffic Department director, Cap. Abdul Wahid al-Anzi, Traffic Awareness Officer and Mohamed Sadoon al- Kuwari from Mawater Centre were also present.

A panel discussion highlighted the achievements secured by Qatar in implementing labour reforms, thereby protecting the workers and ensuring their rights. The discussion was organised by the Canadian embassy. Joining the discussion, Mohamed Hassan al-Obaidly, Assistant Undersecretary for Labour Affairs at the Ministry of Administrative Development, Labour and Social Affairs (MADLSA) said Qatar is the first country in the Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC) that implemented a slew of non-discriminatory laws and reforms including the introduction of a minimum wage system and abolition of the  ‘No Objection Certificate’ (NOC) for job change. “We would like to move towards becoming a better place and supporting workers. The main objective of our plans is to ensure the protection of our workers. This could be achieved through co-operation with international organisations like International Labour Organisation (ILO), trade unions and other countries,” al-Obaidly noted. He added that MADLSA continues to work to improve “our legislation with its main objective of ensuring a safe work environment in Qatar and attract more migrant labour force and international investment”.  “These are carried out as part of the country’s commitment and efforts to ensure human and labour rights,” he said. The official said that removal of NOC and introducing minimum wages were Qatar’s transition into a new era. “We have now moved into a more competitive market and this will benefit companies and result in the mobility of workers. An unprecedented effort is taken to ensure a discrimination-free working environment for all. We hope that we will receive the support of the private sector,” he said, thanking Qatar Chamber for its support to the ministry.   He added that MADLSA will support such companies that support the ministry and implement the reforms. “We will collaborate with them to extend services for the employees.” He said there are a few companies that do not follow the Wage Protection System.  “This is not acceptable. Measures will be taken against companies that don’t follow the WPS system. We have a system that helps us detect the violators,” he said. Regarding human trafficking and absconding, al-Obaidly said measures are in place to bring an end to exploitation. “Some persons have engaged in human trafficking. Measures are in place to prevent human trafficking and ensure action against the lawbreakers,” he said. He said the ministry is carrying out programmes in tandem with various competent authorities to raise awareness among workers and companies about the law and the reforms. “We inform companies how to implement the reforms and the law,” he explained, adding that MADLSA has started the classification of companies based on their implementation of labour laws and reforms. The discussion was also attended by  Stefanie McCollum, ambassador of Canada to Qatar and ambassador Greta C Holtz, Chargé d’Affaires at the US embassy in Qatar.

The second day of the Empowering Innovation programme by the Qatar Foundation Research, Development and Innovation (QF RDI) division’s Industry Development and Knowledge Transfer (IDKT), yesterday discussed the key roles, played by various entities, to foster Qatar’s initiatives for comprehensive development. A panel discussion on The Qatari Innovation Ecosystem – Challenges and Opportunities was attended by Amna al-Kuwari, the director of Intellectual Property Protection at the Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoTC), Qatar Business Incubation Centre general manager Hamad al-Qahtani, Qatar University (QU)’s manager of Innovation and Intellectual Property Dr Hareb al-Jabri, Qatar Research Development and Innovation Council secretary-general Engineer Omar al-Ansari, intellectual property and entrepreneurial policy expert Wesley Blakeslee, Qatar National Research Fund (QNRF) executive director Dr Abdul Sattar al-Taie, Qatar Science and Technology Park innovation director Hayfa al-Abdulla, and Abeer al-Hammadi, the director of Innovation and Economic Development at the QF RDI. The session was moderated by John McEntire, the director of IDKT at the QF RDI. While addressing the session, QNRF executive director Dr al-Taie said that the QNRF is actively extending support to research projects in order to promote the development of the country. “We have supported 4,000 projects through various funding initiatives,” he said. Al-Taie explained that the fund helps more than 10,000 school students, 4,000 undergraduates, and 1,200 post-graduate fellows, while 10,000 research papers have been published with the financial support. Al-Ansari stressed the need to focus on creating an environment that nurtures creativity in order to achieve the objectives of Qatar National Vision 2030. “We should have an ecosystem that allows entrepreneurs to practice creativity,” he said. “This environment should help entrepreneurs feel comfortable, and their creativity will be appreciated and collaborations can happen with various entities.”

Qatar is not witnessing a second wave of the coronavirus infection, a top healthcare expert said on Thursday, citing the available data and a very low reproduction rate of the virus. Dr Abdullatif al-Khal, Hamad Medical Corporation’s deputy chief medical officer and chairman of the National Pandemic Preparedness Committee was addressing Texas A&M University at Qatar’s (Tamuq) Al Maerifa Public Seminar Series via Zoom. Reiterating that Qatar is making efforts to make Covid-19 vaccine available in the country at the earliest, he pointed out negotiations are on with various manufacturers in order to make the vaccine in optimum quantity. "If everything pans out as expected, the vaccine will be available by the end of this year or the beginning of next. The entire population could be administered the vaccine by the mid or end of 2021 as the vaccine will be available in limited quantity (in the initial months),” he said. Dr al-Khal, while giving a presentation on “Qatar's Response to the Covid-19 Pandemic: Lessons Learned,” gave a brief description of the status of the epidemic and explained the measures taken to contain the crisis. “Qatar is preparing again and again to combat Covid-19,” he said adding that several lessons were learnt while dealing with the pandemic. “Being prepared does help and we are more prepared to deal with the pandemics and disasters than ever before. There is so much good out there like solidarity and the pandemic made us more caring for each other,” he said. Dr al-Khal was all praise for the ministries and health workers and explained that all ministries had something to offer to fight the pandemic and volunteers are key in combating it. "We developed much better communication channels,” he said referring to the improvement of the healthcare system. “The whole health system and academia worked in unison as one body and we learned how innovative we can be." “Covid-19 mortality rate in Qatar has been 10 fold lower than that of the global average. In Qatar, the mortality rate among patients in ICU is much lower than in other countries,” Dr al-Khal added. HE Dr Mohamed bin Saleh al-Sada, who also spoke during the event, praised the efforts by the Ministry of Public Health to fight Covid-19.

The Establishments and Missions Security Department is working with all the authorities concerned to make the 2022 FIFA World Cup success, a top official with the Ministry of Interior (MoI) told a virtual seminar.  Maj Hamad Jaber al-Henzab, head of Private Security Companies Section, while addressing the MoI event, said the department has a key role in providing security for all international, regional and local sporting events, hosted by Qatar. Titled ‘Duties and Responsibilities of the Private Security Guards and Services of Establishments' and Missions' Security Department’, the seminar highlighted the missions, taken up by the department to ensure safety and protection of various institutions and facilities in the country. He explained the duties and responsibilities of private companies saying security and safety are the responsibility of all. Capt Hassan Jebran al-Kaabi, officer, Inspection and Supervision Branch, elaborated on the duties and responsibilities of security personnel at commercial centres and outlets during Covid-19 pandemic. “Safety of the emergency exits should be verified by the security personnel and traffic movement within the establishment should be ensured. Sanitisation should be carried out periodically and temperature of the customers should be checked,” he said. He also explained duties of private security personnel at residential complexes and added that security personnel are responsible for CCTVs in commercial, residential complexes and hotels. Lt. Saleh Talib al-Athbah, officer, Permits Branch, Events Security and Security Patrols Section, detailed the approval requirements for events and parties. Capt Hassan Rashid al-Rabie, Officer, Studies and Information Division of the Security Section, discussed the importance of public’s co-operation with private security personnel. “Private security is considered as the second line after public security and as a fundamental element in maintaining security and safety. It covers important places such as hospitals, banks, schools and some of the diplomatic places while securing festivals and sporting events with public security personnel,” he said. Capt al-Rabie added that some people are reluctant to abide by the instructions of the private security personnel regarding Covid-19 restrictions. He urged the private security personnel to immediately call the hotline at 2380124 or the operations number at 999 and warned of strict action against violators.

A new initiative implemented by the Ministry of Interior (MoI) allows companies to automatically renew the residency of employees through the Metrash2 application. This was highlighted during an online awareness seminar on Metrash2 services organised Monday by the General Directorate of Information Systems (GDIS) at the ministry, in co-operation with the Public Relations Department. The virtual seminar was attended by a large number of representatives from various companies and establishments. A presentation was made on the benefits of Metrash2 services for citizens, residents and companies. Participants of the virtual seminar organised by the MoI. Named ZeroClick, the new automatic residency renewal feature for companies was recently introduced by the MoI, the attendees were told. “We have introduced a new concept for companies. In order to benefit from this service, a company is only required to register for ‘automatic residency renewal’ through Metrash2. The residency of employees is automatically renewed and IDs are delivered to the companies without human intervention,” said Ft Lt Mohamed Khalid al-Tamimi, an officer from the Smart Devices Section at the Electronic Services Department, GDIS. The official said the number of beneficiaries of the Metrash2 service has reached about 2mn. “The application offers more than 220 active services," he continued. "Metrash2 is available in six languages: Arabic, English, French, Malayalam, Urdu and Spanish. It guarantees safe and encrypted services and supports most smart devices, which contributes to reaching the largest possible segment of users.” During the seminar, Ft Lt al-Tamimi also explained the procedures of transactions that take place through Metrash2, such as sending reminder notices to a user about the expiry date of documents, completing government procedures and handling errors automatically. Regarding the registration requirements, he said the use of Metrash2 requires a valid Qatar ID card and a phone number registered in the user's name.

A virtual seminar by the Department of International Studies and Affairs of the General Directorate of Drug Enforcement, in co-operation with the Public Relations Department of the Ministry of Interior (MoI) Monday focused on awareness tips on self protection against drugs and preventing drug abuse and trafficking. Attended by the officials concerned and representatives from companies and community organisations, the latest seminar on ‘drug prevention’ was held as part of the series of awareness seminars, being held by MoI for the communities and companies in Qatar. A section of the participants during the awareness virtual seminar Lieutenant Abdullah Qasim, officer of the Media and Awareness Section at the Department, led the seminar and shared tips about the dangers of drugs. He highlighted 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. He urged the public not to carry the belongings of others while travelling to Qatar without checking their contents to avoid legal accountability. “Don’t carry any material of others without making sure of their content. Because 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 to be used in the home country, but they may be banned in Qatar,” he said, asking the public to avoid carrying drugs and consult the government health institutions to get medicines. He also urged everyone to stay away from suspicious places and bad friends. Qasim said that persons will be responsible for drug abuse or trafficking carried out by room mates if they fail to inform the authorities and highlighted that security is the responsibility of all. He asked everyone observe their kids and intervene if any suspicious move is noted. He added that addicted persons will not be punished and instead taken care of well if they report to the authorities. Incidents about drug abuse or trafficking could be informed and help could be sought at 2347000 and [email protected]. All tips regarding protection against drug and prevention are available at www.almeezan.qa. The MoI official, who gave a brief explanation about the General Directorate of Drug Enforcement, said that the authorities are implementing the operations to control and combat various drug crimes. He also explained the work strategy pursued by the Department that is based on reducing the illicit supply and demand for dangerous materials and psychotropic substances. He also pointed out some of the functions of the General Directorate of Drug Enforcement, such as preventing and controlling drug crimes and trade in psychotropic substances, receiving reports and complaints, gathering evidence, carrying out investigation and co-operating with other relevant departments to reach the perpetrators in preparation for bringing them to trial. The Directorate’s functions also include combating and controlling the crimes of cross-border smuggling through the air, sea and land ports in coordination with the concerned authorities, and combating and controlling the cultivation of narcotic plants or their promotion inside Qatar.

The Qatar General Electricity and Water Corporation (Kahramaa),  through its National Programme for Conservation and Energy Efficiency (Tarsheed), today signed an agreement with Qatari Diar to set up 10 electric vehicles charging stations in Lusail City with a capacity of 50 KW.  The function was attended by HE the Minister of Transport and Communications Jassim Seif Ahmed al-Sulaiti and Kahramaa president engineer Essa bin Hilal al-Kuwari.

In order to assess pedestrians’ awareness towards road safety laws in Qatar, the General Directorate of Traffic and Qatar Transportation and Traffic Safety Center (QTTSC) at Qatar University (QU) has launched a survey. The exercise has financial aid from Qatar National Research Foundation (QNRF). Respondents could take part in the survey here. The link is also available at Twitter handle of the General Directorate of Traffic. The survey can be taken in English, Arabic and Hindi and the survey opinions will be used to enhance pedestrian safety in Qatar. The interviewers will record the responses using a handheld tablet. “Participation in this survey is voluntary and respondents can withdraw at any time. There are no risks and costs associated in participation of the project,” the opening page of the survey says. The survey covers various questions including ‘how often you jaywalk or cross illegally at unspecified locations in Qatar’, ‘were you ever involved in crashes with a vehicle in Qatar’ and ‘are you aware of the pedestrian fines imposed by the General Directorate of Traffic at the Ministry of Interior’. It asks respondents to rate the road safety for pedestrians in the country. The survey also assesses the satisfaction level with the existing laws, there implementation and safety measures and seeks suggestions for enhancing pedestrian safety. This survey will take maximum five minutes. The questionnaire has obtained ethical clearance from Qatar University's Institutional Review Board (QU-IRB) with approval number QU-IRB 1224 E-2020. If you have any questions related to ethical compliance of the study respondents can contact at [email protected]. All recorded information will be confidential and the results will be presented in aggregated form without highlighting individual responses. The results of this study will help the General Directorate of Traffic to improve pedestrian safety in Qatar. Fore details public can contact Dr Deepti Muley, Research Associate at QTTSC at [email protected] or 44036634. Qatari law stipulates a fine of QR100 when pedestrians walk in the middle of the carriageway or do not use the sidewalk when available or do not use far edge of carriageway on the opposite direction of driving in the absence of pavements. The fine is QR200 when pedestrians fail to take the required precautions or do not use designated crossing areas to cross the road. A fine of QR500 is applicable when pedestrians do not follow traffic signals at intersections and when traffic police allow vehicles to move. The same amount will be charged if anyone breaks through military parades and processions.

The Ministry of Transport and Communication (MoTC) has completed the concept design of Major Roads and Infrastructure in the Centre of Doha City- Phase 4 project, key to the future development of Qatar's capital. The initiative is a part of the efforts to develop an integrated planning system for road network across the country, MoTC tweeted Sunday. “The concept design has been transferred to the Public Works Authority (Ashghal) to prepare the detailed design and implementation,” the tweet said. Continuing the Ministry’s efforts to develop an integrated planning system for road network across the country, Phase 4 of the Main Roads Infrastructure & Concept Design Project in Central Doha has been completed, which is a major part of the future of Doha ... pic.twitter.com/6BmlZbINGn — وزارة المواصلات والاتصالات (@MOTC_QA) September 20, 2020   In August, MoTC signed an MoU with Ashghal for planning, studying, designing, maintaining and managing the road projects as part of upgrading the level of collaboration, joint efforts and constructive co-operation with the aim of providing a safe, integrated transportation system in line with best universal practices and standards. MoTC and Ashghal look to develop and manage the mobility and transportation projects as an integrated network compatible with other modes of transportation in an efficient, economic, safe and environment-friendly fashion. The two sides aim to fulfill Qatar’s mobility and transportation needs in line with the Second National Development Strategy (2018-2022) and Qatar National Vision 2030. The MoU defines and explains the roles, missions and responsibilities of the two sides based on the Amiri decisions in such a way that avoids duplication and limits overlapping through a joint working mechanism for planning, studying, designing, implementing, operating, maintaining and managing the road projects in the country according to approved development plans. The MoU also covers activating community participation, facilitating co-operation, transferring knowledge and technology for supporting the efforts of achieving Qatar National Vision 2030 as well as realising mutual benefits, services and expertise that both parties can make available for each other.

A guidance tool to promote fair recruitment and employment standards in the hospitality sector in Qatar was launched by HE the Minister of Administrative Development, Labour and Social Affairs Yousuf bin Mohamed al-Othman Fakhro at a webinar on Thursday. 'Promoting Fair Recruitment and Employment: Guidance Tool for Hotels in Qatar, was developed through collaboration between the Ministry of Administrative Development, Labour and Social Affairs (MADLSA), Qatar Chamber, International Labour Organisation Project Office for the State of Qatar (ILO-Qatar), Institute for Human Rights and Business, and International Tourism Partnership. The guidance tool has been published by MADLSA. “This tool aims to support hotel companies in Qatar to respond to labour rights challenges by implementing appropriate policies and exercising thorough and ongoing human and labour rights due diligence,” according to the introduction. HE al-Fakhro stated that recent labour reforms are within the framework of achieving Qatar National Vision 2030 and the ministry is committed to implementing them within the standards of decent work and the framework of the sustainable growth system for all sectors in the country. The hospitality sector has shown effective and serious co-operation with the ministry in this regard. Since early 2019, MADLSA has formed a Working Group for Sustainable Growth and Decent Work in the hospitality sector with hotel representatives to strengthen standards for fair recruitment in the sector. Qatar Chamber chairman Sheikh Khalifa bin Jassim al-Thani suggested that the hospitality sector, which is vital to the economy as well as a very important part of the Qatari culture, must show its leadership in pushing for labour reforms in Qatar. He affirmed Qatar Chamber's support for hotels to enhance their commitment to the standards of fair employment, which would also benefit all companies in other sectors. The participants of the webinar, also discussed issues related to employment contracts, passports, identity papers, working conditions, workers housing, equality and non-discrimination, changing employer and returning to the country of origin, and grievance mechanisms. The Working Group for Sustainable Growth and Decent Work in the hospitality sector is also subject to review by the Strategic Dialogue Group on Hospitality in Qatar, chaired by MADLSA and including various entities such as Qatar Chamber, Qatar National Tourism Council, Katara Hospitality, the Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy, the 2022 FIFA World Cup Local Organising Committee, ILO-Qatar, the International Trade Union Confederation, and the International Organisation of Employers. While this tool provides specific guidance to hotels in Qatar, many of the lessons are transferable to the hospitality sector globally and further versions could be developed for other contexts. Though based on ongoing discussions and lessons learned from the Working Group sessions, the guidance tool does provide a concise set of key resources for hotels, with practical steps to promote decent work and improve recruitment practices including engagement with placement agencies and service providers. The guidance tool covers three topics. They are ‘defining company priorities and expectations’, ‘due diligence of service providers, placement agencies and recruitment practices’, and ‘improving workplace relations and establishing effective grievance mechanisms’. Designed primarily for hotel human resources managers, general managers and other relevant actors within the industry, the guidance tool provides sector-specific guidance that managers and departments can adapt as appropriate. Hotel managers, brand/group managers and hotel owners are urged to be actively involved in the development and oversight of company policies and procedures in order to follow up on the steps recommended in this tool in a sustainable manner. “Senior management, especially at the brand level, can contribute positively to the organisational culture and facilitate greater industry-level engagement on fair recruitment and decent work,” according to the tool.

There is a marked drop in road traffic accidents in Qatar, despite the increase in the number of vehicles and licence holders, it was highlighted during a virtual awareness seminar on Wednesday. Captain Saud Abdullah al-Hamad, officer of the Traffic Safety Department, noted that accidents came down to 21,7353 in 2019, marking a drop of 2.8% as against 22,3718 in 2018. “This has happened despite the number of vehicles increasing to 16,55704 in 2019 from 15,87819 in 2018 while the number of licence holders went up to 16,12218 in 2019 from 15,28496 in 2018," he explained. The number of road traffic accident deaths declined to 154 in 2019 from 168 in 2018. The accident death rate for every 100,000 people in Qatar is 4.4. “Strict implementation of law, awareness and improvement of roads have resulted in good results," he said while urging everyone not to exceed the speed limits. The event was organised by the Traffic Awareness department at the General Directorate of Traffic in co-ordination with the Public Relations department of the Ministry of Interior.

A virtual awareness seminar by the Traffic Awareness department at the General Directorate of Traffic stressed the need to follow rules on roads and shared tips about safety measures and services, provided by the department. Organised on Wednesday in co-operation with the Public Relations department of the Ministry of Interior (MoI), the programme was attended by officers from Traffic Awareness, Traffic Safety, Patrols, Traffic Investigation and Licensing departments along with representatives from various companies across the country. Traffic Safety officer First Lieutenant Ahmed bin Hamad al-Thani presided. Captain Abdel Wahid Gharib al-Anezi from the Traffic Awareness Department presented a set of traffic advice and instructions related to ensuring safety. He shed light on various awareness initiatives, being taken up by the Department in this regard. Captain Saud Abdullah al-Hamad, officer of the Traffic Safety Department, detailed the tasks of the traffic personnel in regulating the movement of vehicles, supervising and being present on the road to reduce accidents and control violators. “The department carries out studies on all traffic diversions and issues permits related to road closures and plans,” he said. Captain Hamad Talib al-Marri from the Patrols and Traffic Investigation department highlighted the role that traffic patrols play on the roads in monitoring and controlling vehicle movements. “In the wake of precautionary measures to prevent the spread of Covid-19, traffic patrols confirm road users follow the precautionary guidelines by the authorities concerned. These include limiting the number of passengers and wearing masks,” al-Marri said stressing the importance of adhering to traffic rules and avoiding traffic offences. The presentation by Lieutenant Yousef Fahad al-Ali, officer of the Licensing Affairs Department, marked the conclusion of the seminar. He explained the various tasks by the department while supervising the work of the external sections related to driving licences and vehicle licences of all kinds and issuing traffic certificates. He also elaborated on the procedures for issuing and cancelling licenses and documenting the data related to mechanical vehicles and driving licences.

As part of its efforts to improve the healthcare system in Qatar, the Public Works Authority (Ashghal) is set to develop four primary health centres.  As per the plan, health centres will be set up at Nuaija and Al Themaid while the existing ones will be replaced at Madinat Khalifa and Umm Ghuwailina, Ashghal has informed through its social media accounts.  The development will be carried through the Public Private Partnership model where the opportunity will be given for private investors to Design, Build, Finance, Operate, Maintain and Transfer (DBFOMT). Ashghal has invited expressions of interest for the project. The health centres are expected to be operational by the first quarter of 2024. “Government will establish high-level project requirements including output specifications as well as operational and quality standards,” Ashghal said, adding that the land allocated for the health centres will be leased from the government on nominal rent basis.  Currently, Ashghal is spending big on fostering the healthcare sector of the country as part of its efforts to help Qatar achieve the National Vision 2030. Ashghal has so far completed the construction of health centres at Muaither, Al Wajba, Al Waab and Naufar and they have been handed over to the Ministry of Public Health. This in addition to Al Ruwais health centre that has 48 clinics, 26 consulting rooms, 5 specialised consulting rooms, 4 dental clinics,10 dialysis units, a pharmacy, radiology facilities and a swimming pool, Ashghal also completed the construction of Hamad Medical Corporation’s (HMC) ultra-modern simulation centre that helps healthcare professionals improve their skills and advance the clinical techniques.

The Public Works Authority (Ashghal) is all set to install decorative walls at various places in the country, a unique initiative to highlight the Qatari legacy. Implemented by the Supervisory Committee of Beautification of Roads and Public Places at Ashghal, the project comes as part of the ongoing efforts to revive and maintain the local elements with the urban settings in order to increase the Qatari cultural identity and its public realm. “The design is inspired by the Qatari nature and the local architectural style. It reflects Arab and Islamic art using Kufi calligraphy while adding a touch of nature,” Ashghal informed through its social media accounts. The abstract tree shape on the walls illustrates the native Ghaf tree (Prosopis cineraria) that represents the distinctive beauty of the local nature. The design is based on the geometry of the golf ball and the existing dome of the golf course building The committee works in co-ordination with several ministries and other entities at Qatar, including the Ministry of Transport and Communications, Ministry of Culture and Sports, Qatar Museums, Qatar Rail, Private Engineering Office among others.  This committee is responsible for five major tasks including the construction of central public parks, provision of dedicated lanes for pedestrians and bicycles, development of the Doha Corniche, development of Central Doha, and increasing afforestation and greenery areas. Apart from reviving and maintaining the local elements, the committee is also working to encourage partnership with local artists to add an artistic and cultural footprint in different spaces. The committee has signed contracts with Qatari artists to submit artworks and sculptures proposals in various locations within the project area.  This comes as part of the efforts to raise the aesthetic value of these locations and transform the entire area into a tourist attraction. Contracts were signed with Qatari artists Hassan al-Mulla, Salman al-Malik, Ali Hassan, Wafika al-Eissa, artist Mohamed al-Ateeq and Jameela al-Shuraim.

The Public Works Authority (Ashghal) has completed 98% of roads serving the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 stadiums, a giant leap in the country’s preparations for the mega event, a senior official told Gulf Times. “The remaining works will be completed by the first quarter of 2021,” Projects Affairs director engineer Youssef al-Emadi said on the sidelines of the first phase opening of Sabah Al Ahmad Corridor on Saturday. About 75% of works have been completed on Sabah Al Ahmad Corridor, which will facilitate access to most of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 stadiums including Ras Bu Abboud, Al Thumama, Al Wakra, Khalifa International and Qatar Foundation stadiums. "The remarkable achievements were marked by Ashghal despite the unjust blockade imposed on Qatar, al-Emadi observed. Ashghal has marked a number of milestones in its mission for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 preparations by opening ahead of schedule Al Khor Road and Orbital Highway which provide a direct link with Al Rayyan Stadium, Al Khor Stadium, Lusail Stadium and other sports facilities. In February, Ashghal announced the completion of development works of roads leading to Al Rayyan Stadium and the streets surrounding Al Bayt Stadium. Ashghal facilitated access to the bus and car parks around the two stadiums and connected many important arterial roads such as Al Khor Road and Al Egda Street as well as Dukhan Highway and Celebrations Street with the stadium. Ashghal developed 5.4km roads surrounding Al Bayt Stadium from the four sides, with three lanes in each direction. With regard to Al Rayyan Stadium, the works included developing the roads which provide a direct link to and from the stadium with a total length of about 5km and two lanes in each direction. Three signal-controlled intersections and one roundabout were constructed in order to link the stadium with various surrounding facilities. More than 95% of expressway works serving Al Thumama Stadium was completed with the opening of the new road linking Doha Expressway and Southern Doha Expressway on Mesaimeer Interchange in July. The 7km road enables a direct link with Al Janoub, Ras Bu Abboud and Al Thumama stadiums. The Al Wakra Main Road Upgrade Project eases traffic to Al Janoub Stadium. The Khalifa Avenue project by Ashghal serves the Education City Stadium. The construction of the roads surrounding the Umm Al Juwashin Petrol Station ensures better access to Al Rayyan Stadium.

The Public Works Authority (Ashghal) on Saturday partially opened the country’s first cable-stayed bridge as part of the Sabah Al Ahmad Corridor. With a length of 1.2km, the bridge was designed pillar-less for a distance of 150m, taking into account all safety factors during its construction. The bridge has 120 supporting cables and 754 precast concrete pieces weighing more than 200 tonnes. Also, 20 columns and 16 piers were set up to reach the highest point of the bridge at 30m. Dr Saad bin Ahmad al-Muhannadi, Ashghal president, said the opening of the first phase of the Sabah Al Ahmad Corridor came despite many challenges, including the unjust blockade and the Covid-19 pandemic. He stressed that the opening is a testimonial of the work proceeding without interruption, thanking the country’s support for overcoming all obstacles. Youssef al-Emadi, Projects Affairs director at Ashghal, told Gulf Times that the bridge is a major achievement for the authority. The bridge will lead to "a big leap" for traffic movement due to its strategic location above Haloul Intersection on Haloul Street and Faleh Bin Nasser Intersection on Salwa Road where it will receive traffic coming to and from Hamad International Airport and reduce traffic pressure on parallel streets such as Wholesale Market Street, Doha Expressway and 22 February Street. Engineer Ali Darwish from the Highway Projects Department said the cable-stayed bridge is the first of its kind in Qatar and provides free-flowing traffic between Al Waab and Bu Hamour, passing by Haloul Intersection on Haloul Street and Faleh Bin Nasser Intersection on Salwa Road. He explained that the bridge has been opened on a temporary asphalt layer to accommodate traffic in both directions for now, until vehicles are later diverted to its northern part in order to preserve the quality of the final layer of asphalt. * New parts of Duhail Interchange opened In parallel to the opening of the first phase of the Sabah Al Ahmad Corridor, the Public Works Authority has opened new parts of the traffic signal below Al Duhail Interchange. The efficiency of the old roundabout at the spot was increased by converting it into a signal, Ashghal said. Last month, Ashghal had opened the Duhail-Al Gharrafa Bridge along with parts of the traffic signal, which contributed to improving traffic movement at the northern entrance to Doha, especially in Duhail and Al Gharrafa. * Traffic diversions Some traffic diversions will remain in place along the Sabah Al Ahmad Corridor to provide the necessary workspace to complete the construction of the rest of the roads and facilities, considering the provision of accessibility to secondary roads while taking traffic safety precautions along the diversions to avoid any congestion, Ashghal has said. In order to allow the construction of the cable-stayed bridge, Ashghal has announced a partial closure of Haloul Intersection for a period of one month. During the closure period, traffic coming from Bu Hamour Intersection on the Sabah Al Ahmad Corridor will be closed towards the Al Maadeed traffic signal to the right and Haloul Street to the left while keeping movement open to traffic in the remaining directions as they are. During the period of traffic change, which will be implemented in co-ordination with the General Directorate of Traffic, road users must use Al Joudi Street and turn left at Al Maadeed Street to reach their destinations. Ashghal has also announced a diversion in Al Gharrafa. An old diversion on Al Ittihad Street (Thani Bin Jassim Street) will be cancelled, and road users heading east could turn back on Al Markhiya Street to reach the eastern part of Al Ittihad Street (Thani Bin Jassim Street) east of the Sabah Al Ahmad Corridor. The exit from Al Luqta Street to Al Markhiya Street will also be closed, and road users will have to turn back at the Tilted Intersection (Al Luqta Street) to reach the Immigration Interchange and make a U-turn back and enter from Al Hamlah Street to reach their destinations. Ashghal has requested all road users to abide by the speed limit and follow the road signs to ensure their safety. VITAL STATS * 1.2km in length, 30m in height * 4 lanes in each direction * 16,000 vehicles per hour * 120 supporting cables and 754 precast concrete pieces * Provides free-flowing traffic between Bu Hamour and Al Waab above Haloul Intersection on Haloul Street and Faleh Bin Nasser Intersection on Salwa Road * Provides easy access to surrounding vital commercial and business facilities

*13km stretch from Umm Lekhba Interchange to Bu Hamour Bridge launched The Public Works Authority (Ashghal) on Saturday announced the launch of the first phase of the Sabah Al Ahmad Corridor with the 13km stretch from Umm Lekhba Interchange in the north to Bu Hamour Bridge opening up for traffic. The newly-opened part of the highway consists of seven bridges, including Qatar’s first cable-stayed bridge, taking the number of opened bridges on the corridor to 21 out of the total 32, and one tunnel. Three bridges were opened at each of the Umm Lekhba and Al Waab intersections while the tunnel was opened at Al Luqta. The longest bridge is 2.6km long. The cable-stayed bridge, which is now partially open with a length of 1.2km, is the first of its kind in Qatar and provides free-flowing traffic between Al Waab and Bu Hamour. Youssef al-Emadi, Projects Affairs director at Ashghal; Bader Darwish, manager of Ashghal's Highway Project Department; Captain Saoud Abdullah al-Hamad from the General Directorate of Traffic; representatives from the Ministry of Transport and Communication; Central Municipal Council members; and officials and engineers from Ashghal and the contracting company attended the opening ceremony. In a press statement issued by the authority, Dr Saad bin Ahmad al-Muhannadi, Ashghal president, said the opening came despite many challenges including the unjust blockade and the Covid-19 pandemic. He said the opening is a testimonial of the work proceeding without interruption, thanking the country’s support for overcoming all obstacles. Al-Emadi told Gulf Times that the new openings were carried out six months ahead of schedule and they will provide free traffic flow on the corridor and shorten travel time by more than 50%. “The road can now accommodate more than 8,000 vehicles per hour in both directions having a positive effect on traffic on 22 February Street and providing new alternatives for road users,” he said adding that the project is expected to be completed in 2021. Bader Darwish said that the new openings will provide free traffic flow all the way from Umm Lekhba Interchange on Al Shamal Road to Hamad International Airport (HIA) reducing traffic pressure on 22 February Street especially with the start of the new school year. Ali Ibrahim from the Highway Project Department noted that the three new bridges at Umm Lekhba Interchange provide new entrances and exits to Al Gharrafa area. Mohamed Sami from the Highway Projects Department indicated that Al Waab Interchange is witnessing its first opening after converting the traffic light to a three-level intersection where the rest of the vital intersection work is being completed. He said it will be fully opened to traffic this year. Ashghal has opened new sections at Al Waab Interchange, where it opened a 2.6km-long main bridge, as the longest bridge in Qatar that extends from Al Rayyan Tunnel, and passing over the well-known Lekhwya Interchange and Al Waab Street Interchange. A bridge was also opened to connect traffic coming from Rashida Interchange to the main bridge (Sabah Al Ahmad Corridor) with a length of 386m, and the opening of a third bridge linking traffic coming from Al Sadd at Al Waab Interchange with Sabah Al Ahmad Corridor towards Salwa. Three new bridges were opened at Umm Lekhba Interchange bringing the number of bridges that were opened at the largest intersection in the country to five out of nine. The opening includes the link bridge from the north in the direction of Sabah Al Ahmad Corridor and Al Gharrafa to include two lanes in one direction with a length of 1,100m. The bridge opposite to Al Gharrafa and Sabah Al Ahmad Corridor towards Al Shamal was opened to include two lanes in one direction with a length of 1,400m while the bridge linking traffic coming from Doha in the direction of Al Gharrafa and Sabah Al Ahmad Corridor was opened to include one lane in one direction also with a length of 1,000m. The three bridges will ease traffic movement in the area and reduce traffic pressure on 22 February Street, especially on Al Gharrafa Interchange. Al Luqta Tunnel intersects with Khalifa Street and two lanes here link Al Luqta and Al Gharrafa providing an alternative road to the nearby Tilted Intersection. Sabah Al Ahmad Corridor extends for approximately 25km from Hamad International Airport to Umm Lekhba Interchange on Doha Expressway. The total road works of the project are approximately 37km. It will significantly contribute to relieve traffic congestion on Doha Expressway in particular, 22 February Street once completed in 2021. The new corridor will be a vital alternative route that will serve thousands of daily commuters from the north to the south of Doha. Commuters travelling from Hamad International Airport via the new corridor will be able to reach Umm Lekhba Intersection in approximately 18 minutes compared to the current 50 minutes via Doha Expressway and 22 February Street, reducing traffic time by 70%. The corridor will also form the main link between the north and the south of Doha and create a vital connection between Doha Expressway and Southern Part of Doha Express Highway (Al Wakra Bypass) as well as to Mesaieed Road further south through Al Watiyyat Interchange in Al Thumama where its distribution point to Doha Expressway on one side and to Sabah Al Ahmad Corridor on the other side. Once completed, Sabah Al Ahmad Corridor will link the south and north parts of Doha without the need to pass through Doha Expressway and 22 February Street. Works as part of the corridor include upgrading E-Ring, F-Ring, Mesaimeer, Al Bustan, Bu Erayyen and Lebday roads and sections of Al Markhiya Street. In addition, Ashghal will enhance 12km of local and peripheral roads intersecting with the corridor. Sabah Al Ahmad Corridor has the longest bridge as well as the deepest and longest bi-directional tunnel. It serves 25 densely populated residential areas such as Al Thumama, Al Nuaija, Bu Hamour, Al Waab, Al Rayyan, Al Luqta and Al Gharrafa. The corridor provides easy access to some of Doha Metro stations such as the Economic Zone, Al Waab and Al Rayyan Al Qadeem.