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Parking private vehicles in the undesignated spaces and Park and Drop points at Metro stations will draw action, a Ministry of Interior (MoI) official has warned. “The spaces near the metro stations are only for picking up and dropping off the passengers. Parking private vehicles at these points and spaces allocated for public transport will draw action,” said Capt Fahad Majed al-Qahtani, head of the Training and Qualification Section of the Public Transport Security Department at the Ministry of Interior (MoI).Attending the ‘Police with You’ programme by Qatar Radio on Monday, Capt al-Qahtani said the department drafts and implements an annual plan in co-operation with companies and other stakeholders in order to ensure public security and safety. He explained that exercises are held to check the security preparedness and asses the needs.He asked the passengers to follow safety and security measures while using the public transport. “Safety directions are written in metro stations in Arabic and English apart from various languages for the benefit of various communities. The passengers can reach the authorities in case of losing their personal belongings during the journey through designated number 105,” Capt al-Qahtani said. He noted that the department follows up on the complaints regarding the lost objects.First Lt Ahmed Mohamed al-Mutawa, officer at Emergency Services 999, said determining the exact geographical location when calling the emergency service 999 ensures speedy response. He urged the public to provide the address with the number of street and building as written on the blue board. He said the call to 999 links various entities such as the rescue department Al Fazaa, Traffic Department, Civil Defence, Coast Guard, Internal Security Force and the ambulance.

Featuring budding writers, the “Children’s Book Designer” initiative started Saturday at the International Zone of Expo 2023 Doha.With the book exhibition by young Qatari writers in the vicinity of Qatar’s pavilion, the initiative is aimed at promoting reading, introducing the writers and instilling the basic values of Arab and Islamic culture and Qatari identity by supporting these writers.The book exhibition is open to the public from 4pm-8pm until December 2.Expo 2023 Doha director of programmes management Lolwa al-Mohannadi, in her opening remarks, said that various activities are held as part of the “Children’s Book Designer” initiative at Expo 2023 Doha.“Expo 2023 Doha is the most prominent event in the country. Therefore we were keen from the beginning to direct our efforts towards programmes that support social responsibility and the children’s involvement with us is a major priority in our various programmes,” she said.Al-Mohannadi noted that children’s activities in the expo include workshops, educational presentations and agricultural and recycling activities in addition to entertainment programmes and performances that highlight the environment and sustainability, and contribute to motivating students and activating their role in creating a greener and more sustainable future.“Children are our sustainable investment always and forever,” she pointed out.The official said that the “Children’s Book Designer” initiative is an ideal opportunity to embody the concepts of environment and gardening.“We see these two concepts from the perspective of children in innovative and distinctive stories and drawings,” al-Mohannadi added.

Lending a delicious opportunity to savour hot beverages and dishes, the Coffee, Tea and Chocolate Festival began yesterday (Thursday) at Expo 2023 Doha's Events Area at the Family Zone. Running until February 12, 2024, the festival is open to the public from 2 pm- 10 pm daily.Among the featured drinks are varieties of coffee and tea from across the world. Bubble milk tea, classic milk tea, Karak, Tai tea, brown sugar Boba milk team, Toro milk tea and Macha latte are among the most sought after.The Coffee, Tea and Chocolate Festival offers an array of coffee and chocolates along with burgers, sandwiches, shawarma, doughnuts and kebabs. There are exclusive shops for Spanish, Thai, Filipino and Indian cuisine.The delicacies include deep-fried fish balls, Phad Thai, Phad Woon Sen, Thai garlic fried chicken, Samosa, Vada Pav, Dabeli and Momos. Farm-fresh honey from Saudi Arabia and juices of various fruits are also available.Adjacent to the festival, entertainment activities are also being presented in addition to kids' zones with rides.

The Hayya Card system will also act as an entry platform for the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023, to be held from January 12 to February 10, 2024, an official has said. Saeed Ali al-Kuwari, CEO, Hayya Platform, told Al Rayyan TV on Monday that the Hayya Card can be used for all events in Qatar.“Anyone who wants to visit Qatar must apply on the platform and choose the appropriate visa. These include entries for the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023, the World Aquatics Championships - Doha 2024 and other events.The tourist visas launched on the Hayya platform can be used, according to the conditions,” he said.Earlier this year, Qatar Tourism revamped the Hayya platform making it the go-to portal for travellers who require a visa to enter Qatar. It was announced that the Hayya platform will become the country’s single portal for all tourists to enter the country.Three new categories of visitors are eligible for Qatar’s e-visa. Hayya e-visa will categorise visitors based on nationality, residency or other international visa that a traveller already has. The categories are A1, A2 and A3. As per the earlier announcements, A1 category includes all nationalities who do not qualify either for visa on-arrival or visa-free entry into Qatar.The A2 category is for GCC residents of all professions. The A3 category is for international visitors with visa or residency from Schengen, the UK, the US, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. They will be eligible for Qatar’s e-visa. The A3 category does not require health insurance if the stay does not exceed 30 days.Al-Kuwari said the process of developing the idea of the Hayya card from a fan visa to a tourist visa and from a platform for the fans to a platform for events in Qatar is successful. “Now many events held in Qatar use the Hayya platform,” he added.

Expo 2023 Doha has recorded more than 650,000 visitors since the exhibition opened on October 2, secretary-general Engineer Mohamed Ali al-Khoury told Gulf Times Monday.Speaking on the sidelines of the inauguration of the Gulf Engineering Union’s pavilion at the International Zone, he said that the expo has drawn visitors, including school students, to learn about preserving the environment, sustainability, Qatar’s future plans, and the cultures and customs of the participating countries.The Gulf Engineering Union, through its pavilion, will educate visitors about the latest trends in sustainability and techniques in the farming and irrigation sectors.The pavilion encompasses four vital areas, with an exclusive area for engineers to exchange experiences.The educational area features engineering techniques in developing agriculture, including smart irrigation methods, and vertical agriculture while highlighting the use of robots in farm management.There are also entertainment and sport areas.“The Gulf Engineering Union pavilion has programmes for school students,” al-Khoury said. “Three schools will be received on a daily basis ... the number may increase in the future.”He noted that more than 80% of the expo’s pavilions are now open, with a number of the countries taking part in the expo for only a few months.Al-Khoury said that the exhibition also offers lectures by local universities and seminars organised on the event’s sidelines.Engineer Khaled al-Nasr, chairman of the Board of Directors of the Qatar Society of Engineers, highlighted that the Gulf Engineering Union has made many contributions to the development of agriculture.

The Hiwaraat symposium by Georgetown University in Qatar (GU-Q) Saturday highlighted the role of education and engagement in tackling societal and humanitarian challenges in Afghanistan. Titled ‘Afghanistan Regional Symposium: Confronting the Impasse’, the symposium underscored the need for comprehensive efforts are needed for education to truly be the vehicle for peace, prosperity and social justice.“The people of Afghanistan face an oncoming humanitarian and economic crisis that is more urgent than ever,” said the dean of GU-Q, Dr Safwan Masri, in his opening remarks. “While international support for humanitarian aid is essential, it alone cannot fully address the underlying causes of Afghanistan's deteriorating situation that include the nation's political strife, ongoing conflicts, and the intervention of external factors and actors,” he added.“Having this particular conversation in Doha is especially important given the mediation role that Qatar has played in Afghanistan. There is a moral and pragmatic demand for the international community to assume responsibility for the country's recovery,” he noted.The one-day symposium brought together leading experts, scholars, and policymakers to share deep insights on the fundamental challenges facing the country, particularly the consequences of the unsettling impasse between Afghanistan and the rest of the world since the Taliban regained government control in 2021. Discussions advanced valuable analysis on solutions that can support the social and economic aspirations of the Afghan people. They highlighted the need for engagement and dialogue with all stakeholders in the country and for the international community to step up its efforts, in coordination with Afghans and partners on the ground.The suspension of girls’ education was a crucial focus during a panel exploring the systemic challenges of education in Afghanistan. Speakers reflected on what constitutes and is required of a modern education system for the country, and on the need to revive the historical legacy of education within Afghan society.Fatima Gailani, peace negotiator and former President of the Afghan Red Crescent Society, underscored the need for engagement and support for women and girls to access the educational institutions and pathways that are still available to them, while Suleiman bin Shah, founder and CEO of the Kabul-based Catalysts.Af, noted the need for a transformative shift in education amid the multiple challenges facing the country, including quality educational content and delivery.Ambassador Melanne Verveer, director of the Georgetown Institute for Women, Peace and Security, drew attention to a recent international assessment that found that measures to safeguard the basic rights of women, including the right to education, are critical to building the state’s capacity for long-term development, economic growth, peace, and security.A concurrent session, “Reporting from Conflict Zones: Media Resilience in Afghanistan,” examined the difficulties facing journalists operating in Afghanistan over the last 20 years, both from a security perspective and the challenges of accessing information. Ali M Latifi, Asia Editor, The New Humanitarian and a Kabul-based Al Jazeera English correspondent, said that despite the sector’s economic collapse and censorship, the media has still found ways to function and report on important issues such as girls’ education. However, Sana Safi, a broadcast journalist at the BBC World Service, pointed to the misinformation and disinformation that has arisen in the absence of local voices and access to information.Other sessions included “Afghanistan Imagined by Afghans,” which explored the diverse narratives of Afghanistan, emphasizing the power of storytelling to enhance understanding of the nation's complex social, historical, and cultural dynamics. “Climate Change and Natural Resource Governance” highlighted the pressing environmental challenges facing the country. Compounded by other complexities, the escalation in livelihood insecurity and food scarcity is leading to an expanding humanitarian crisis.GU-Q will continue focusing on pressing natural resource challenges at its “Sustaining the Oasis: Envisioning the Future of Water Security in the Gulf” conference, which is open to the public from November 12 through 13 at the Four Seasons Hotel. A collaboration between GU-Q and the Earth Commons Institute at Georgetown University in Washington, DC, the influential global gathering of experts, policy-makers, and practitioners will explore the historical and future significance of water in the region, addressing both human and ecological needs in the face of a changing climate.The Hiwaraat Conference series brings together scholars, experts, and the public for an exploration of shared global challenges in order to create a better future through dialogue and discussion. Each conference in the series offers an inclusive space that encourages community engagement, knowledge creation, and the search for innovative solutions to present and future challenges.

Under the patronage of HE the Minister of Interior and Commander of Lekhwiya Force Sheikh Khalifa bin Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani, the Watan Exercise 2023 will be held from November 6-8, showcasing the readiness of the security bodies to secure mega events in Qatar.Military and civilian agencies in the country will be part of the exercise, and the details were announced Wednesday at a press conference at Lekhwiya headquarters at Duhail.Ministry of Interior's public relations director and Watan Exercise 2023 Media Cell commander Brig Abdullah Khalifa al-Muftah, Lekhwiya Force assistant commander for logistics and administration and Watan Exercise 2023 commander Lt Col Mubarak Sherida al-Kaabi and Control, Command and Scenario Preparations Cell commander Maj Mohamed Ahmed Jaber Abdullah were present.The Watan Exercise 2023 includes office and field exercises that address events, situations and scenarios based on all types of potential risks and challenges after study and selection by specialists and experts.Brig al-Muftah said the exercise aims to raise and test readiness in normal and emergency situations during mega sporting events and activities.“This is to measure the speed of response to various events and activate the mechanism of command, control, and joint co-operation to achieve integration of roles and implement the required tasks as quickly as possible. Also, the aim is to enhance close co-operation, exchanging of experiences and identifying the best procedures among the participating parties,” he said.Brig al-Muftah pointed out that the previous Watan exercises yielded many positive results and lessons that were used within the security and public safety plans in co-ordination with civil authorities. “These contributed to the success of securing and hosting the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022. The previous editions received local, regional and international media attention,” he said.Lt Col al-Kaabi said the current edition of Watan exercise has the participation of all military authorities and more than 30 institutions, authorities and government agencies, in addition to the private security and service agencies.“The exercise aims to measure the plans, procedures, and readiness of the agencies and to raise the level of joint work. It seeks to achieve other goals, including measuring the speed of response of all agencies, activating the joint leadership system in emergency events, strengthening the communication system between all agencies, and experiencing the normal tasks and emergency situations of the participating entities. In addition, the exercise aims to test all systems to work in more than one event at the same time, strengthen the logistical work mechanism in emergency events and joint work, and to stand on proactive measures to reduce risks,” he said.Lt Col al-Kaabi pointed out that the exercise seeks to achieve a number of outcomes, the most prominent of which are identifying and strengthening the positives and improving procedures and communication mechanisms between all parties concerned.Maj Abdullah said the general timeline of the exercise has six stages including determining the locations, coming up with a media plan, command approval of the scenarios, preparing the instruction booklet and operations order, activating the evaluation unit, preparing the exercise sites, circulating the instruction booklet and operations order, holding office exercises and implementing the field exercise, coming up with the outcomes of the exercise, presenting the final summary and submitting the results to the leadership.The office exercises that precede the field exercise will be held from October 30 to November 1. The office exercises simulate emergencies and incidents, scenarios for events and malfunctions in systems and programmes.The exercise sites include vital military and service facilities, land, sea and airports and tourism sites, in addition to operating rooms, residential areas and main roads, Maj Abdullah added.

The UN Deputy High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) Kelly T Clements has pledged support for the Palestine humanitarian efforts.She was attending a discussion on “Setting the Stage for the Global Refugee Forum: From Challenges to Opportunities” yesterday at Centre for Conflict and Humanitarian Studies.“We will do what we can do to support the Palestine humanitarian efforts. The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) is operating in Gaza. We stand completely behind the statement of UNRWA Emergency Relief Coordinator,” Clements said noting that UNHCR has contributed to support the relief activities carried by the Egyptian Red Crescent.“We need a humanitarian ceasefire and we need the suffering to be stopped,” she said while underscoring the need for massive efforts and agendas to ensure the welfare of refugees and urged better refugee response and advocacy.“There is a need for strong international solidarity for the refugee cause,” the UN official asserted. She pointed out the necessity of more innovative ways and measures to ensure the protection of the refugees.“There should be ways to support the refugees effectively while making them able to provide themselves livelihoods. So we have to be thinking about responses in new situations of displacement as not short-term relief only. We have to be thinking about different systems and different ways to be able to protect and aid with a longer-term perspective from the beginning."There are glimmers of hope when it comes to the refugee humanitarian cause. The condition of refugees is improved through strengthening education, climate, health and energy systems and implementing humanitarian mechanisms."But Clements stated that the number of refugees is going up. “There are 110mn refugees across the world out of which 62mn are internally displaced people. Shedding light on the current grim scenario in the region where conflicts and unrest continue to prevail in various countries, the UN official observed that “This region is fragile”.The Global Refugee Forum is an opportunity to review the measures and plan the steps, Clements added. Centre for Conflict and Humanitarian Studies director Dr Ghassan Elkahlout was present.

Hundreds came together at Qatar University (QU) campus yesterday for the 'Solidarity Stand in support of Gaza'. They held up placards and posters while shouting slogans and singing songs giving vent to their ire against the continuing Israeli occupation.The event at the QU Library premises was organised by the QU Student Representative Board (QUSRB) in collaboration with the Ealia Club, dedicated to the Palestinian cause. Representatives from Qatar Charity were present to collect donations to support the people of Gaza.Donning the iconic Palestinian Keffiyeh and waving the Palestinian flag, the demonstrators resonated with the global rage over the continuing Israeli attack on Gaza while urging measures to end the assault. The songs of resistance struck a chord with the crowd with many passionately echoing the singer on the stage.The gathering also marked mass prayers for Palestinians. The speakers urged everyone to stand with Palestine with prayers, donations and intervention to contain disinformation and smear campaigns against the Palestinians.“We stand here today at Qatar University to express and declare our strong rejection of the brutal crimes and massacres to which our brothers in Palestine are subjected,” said Vice President for Student Affairs Dr Eiman Mustafawi.“We also appreciate the efforts of our students in defending the causes of the homeland and the nation, and affirm their right to express their opinions, ideas, rights and positions, through the establishment of such peaceful gatherings in support of important issues, and we commend their humanitarian and charitable role in urging donations to the relief of our people in Gaza in coordination with Qatar Charity,” she said.President of the Ealia Club Mohamed Alloh said the demonstrators gathered to convey their solidarity and say to the Palestinians that it's a great honour to be granted the blessing of supporting them.President of QU’s Student Representative Board Fawziya Alhor said the QU community with its students, faculty, and administrative staff believes in the importance of the Palestinian cause. “This cause isn’t reserved for Arabs or Muslims. It’s a humanitarian issue that everyone with humanity must defend, stand up for and show their full support regardless of the differences of nationality or other,” she said.“Based on these principles that we believe in, QUSRB declares its full solidarity with the people in Gaza and Palestine,” she added.“All our eyes are turned towards Gaza, which resists the occupying aggressor with determination and fierceness,” member of the Ealia Club Mohamed Sorour said. “Our people in Gaza have demonstrated great patience. They symbolise faith, steadfastness, and resilience in the face of all the oppression and tyranny they endure, but they believe in entrusting their affairs to Allah,” he said.“Our support for our people and our brothers is a duty incumbent upon us, not a favour from us to them. We are the ones in need of this stance, and we are the ones who need to fulfil this duty towards the path of the Prophet,” head of the Department of Quran and Sunnah at the College of Sharia and Islamic Studies at QU Dr Abduljabbar Saeed noted.

With several art shows, performances and traditional games, the Cultural Zone at Expo 2023 Doha is resonating well with heritage and cultural enthusiasts at Al Bidda Park. The activities highlight Qatari and Arab legacy.The Enńat Expo at Cultural Zone features Qatari and International Street Games until October 31. The traditional games entertain, and embody a sense of community and tradition, and present and foster strong family and community ties. Also, part of the Enńat Expo is Sand Meet, a fun activity for under-7 crowd as they get messy in the sand and mud, make new friends, and enjoy the environment.The Sports in Nature programme, a part of the Enńat Expo, features teamwork and athletics where participants come together to celebrate the environment. The Eco-Challenge programme is for the 7 to 15 age group. 'Ladies Night' is one of the major attractions with a relaxing viewing area, where the spectators can watch and listen to Malawal - old-time movies and music.The open space galleries host the Traditional Chinese Intangible Cultural Heritage Exhibition. At Cultural Bazaar, the attendees will be able to explore a vibrant marketplace and see traditional artisanal products, including handmade crafts from various countries.The Farmers Market is a dedicated space for farmers and growers to showcase and present their produce to the public. International pavilions will have the opportunity to showcase and sell their locally sourced agricultural products. The kiosks provide an opportunity for visitors to experience diverse food and beverage kiosks and stalls, presenting an array of international and local cuisines.

Impressive cultural programmes, colourful processions, mind-blowing stage shows and exclusive games for kids are among the highlights of the Family Zone at Expo 2023 Doha at Al Bidda Park.The Family Zone features daily variety entertainment from 3pm to 10pm daily at the mega event which runs until March 28, 2024. The Expo House in the area hosts eco workshops with spot registration throughout October with edutainment programmes for children, with special emphasis on caring for Planet Earth.Also, the area has the Green Playground where children under-six crowd can combine play and nature, and enjoy the environment, while the 7 - 15 age group can show off their athletic moves with golf, football, foosball, and more. Spot registration is available.The Seed of Hope Show at the Family Amphitheater, which runs until October 31, features a children’s play, where the hero discovers the last surviving plant seed, which is the promise of a better environment.The Digital Challenge Park at Family Zone connects children above 12 with the four themes of the Expo. Participation is allowed through online registration at the official website.With a capacity to host up to 2,000 spectators, the open-air Family Amphitheatre is the venue for a variety of edutainment shows and activities.

Dazzling shows, eye catching 3D illuminations, spectacular installations, insightful and thought provoking awareness videos are among the highlights of the Qatari Pavilion at Expo 2023 Doha which showcases the mega event's motto 'Green Desert, Better Environment'.Inspired by the Ras Abrouq landscape, the pavilion showcases the country's heritage while celebrating traditional art and architecture and showcasing its commitment towards sustainability. Inside the pavilion, the visitors embark on a captivating journey while exploring five zones and establishing a connection between the journey of hope and growth and the pillars of the expo.The first zone is dedicated to environmental awareness with the narrative beginning with the challenges the planet earth faces. With the sustainability pillar, the second zone is the place to showcase biodiversity. The third zone is a transitional space that bridges the challenges with potential solutions and transitioning to a greener future. The fourth zone celebrates the blend of tradition and innovation, and showcases how modern agriculture techniques can nurture the seed's potential.Spotlight in the fifth zone is on the role of technology and innovation, painting a vision of a green desert brought to life through cutting-edge and eco-friendly solutions. This zone features technologies and new innovations that Qatar uses, including technological means and innovations, and types of clean energies such as solar energy and wind energy, in addition to the smart garden that contains all types of plants and trees that are grown in the country. Qatar introduces the public to the Qatari model of transforming the desert into green spaces through the use of environmentally friendly technologies and modern innovations.One of the attractions inside the pavilion is hydroponic farming, a technique used to grow plants inside closed tubes filled with water and plant nutrients. This technology is considered effective in saving water and space and achieving high productivity. Also, the visitors are introduced to the vertical tube farming technique. The pavilion envisages development that Qatar has reached in using technologies, tools and scientific knowledge to find new and innovative solutions to improve life, economy and the environment in light of the development it has witnessed in the fields of artificial intelligence, cloud computing, information and communications technology, robotics and clean energy.The Qatari pavilion leaves visitors with the message of environmental protection while encouraging them to preserve natural resources and raising the level of community awareness.

Expo 2023 Doha is set to enthrall the visitors while hosting an array of events from Tuesday at Al Bidda Park. Apart from cultural activities, fun, entertainment, music, art fete and live shows are on the list.On Tuesday, the pavilions at the International Zone will be open for the public from 10am to 8pm while the Innovation Centre will host workshops from 3 pm to 8 pm. The Cultural Zone will have workshops from 3pm to 9pm and Sports In Nature programme from 5.30pm to 9pm. Also, the zone will host Sand Meet and Eco Challenge along with Qatar and International Street Games from 3pm to 9 pm. The Green Desert, Better Tomorrow Show will be held from 7.30pm to 8.30pm.Several shows are lined up for the Family Zone where the Digital Park will host Digital Challenge from 3pm to 10pm along with eco workshops. There will be Turkiye performance from 4pm to 5pm at the Family Amphitheatre.The Grandstand Arena at Expo 2023 Doha will host world-renowned international and regional artists while the Cultural Bazaar will have a vibrant marketplace and feature traditional artisanal products, including handmade crafts from various countries. The open-air Family Amphitheatre will host a variety of edutainment shows and activities suitable for kids and families.The International Zone has gardens, exhibitions and events. The Family Area will act as a hub for family fun, activities, gathering and outdoor pursuits. The Cultural Area highlights the historical core of Doha and its onsite features of the Old Fort and Old Rocks.The Indoor Domes, will house gardens, featuring controlled conditions and temperatures. The Environment Centre and Biodiversity Museum provides a dedicated space to exhibit environmental science, renewable energy demonstrations and technologies, and share climate change statistics and information.Expo 2023 Doha will also be a festival of cuisine while bringing together the best culinary experiences and featuring the food and beverages with live entertainment. Visitors can experience Qatari and GCC cuisine while the kiosks will feature Lebanese, Oriental, Turkish, French, Dutch, Indian, Japanese, Filipino, Chinese, Thai, Vietnamese, Korean, Moroccan, Ethiopian, Mexican, American and Latin American delicacies. Also, there will be coffee shops and exclusive spaces for desserts and healthy food.The Metro Station at the airport offers fast and frequent services to and from the airport. Metro users can enter the site through Exit 3 of Corniche station and Exit 2 of Al Bidda station. Taxi pavilion is located to the left of the Arrivals Hall at Hamad International Airport where the transport coordinators are available to assist. The Bus Pavilion is located to the right of the Arrivals Hall at HIA. Passengers can choose from a range of car rental providers. Cars can be hired and returned at the airport with ease. Chauffeur-driven limos, including luxury sedans and 7 - seater vans, are available to take from the airport to Expo 2023 Doha venue.

His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani will patronise on Monday the opening ceremony of Expo 2023 Doha in the presence of a number of dignitaries and representatives from various countries.Under the theme "Green Desert, Better Environment, Expo 2023 Doha will be held at Al Bidda Park until March 28, 2024. The focus is on modern agriculture, technology and innovation, environmental awareness and sustainability.The mega event will promote sustainable innovations and combat desertification through activities and celebrations that last for 179 days while drawing 3mn visitors from more than 80 countries.This will be the first horticultural exhibition in Mena, a region with a desert climate, encouraging horticultural innovation focusing on the climate, water and soil sustainability.As a collaboration between the Bureau International Des Expositions (BIE) and the International Association for Horticultural Producers (AIPH), Expo Doha 2023 will attract visitors locally and internationally, pavilions from almost 80 countries, NGOs and representatives.Organisers said all arrangements have been completed. Expo 2023 Doha Commissioner-General Bader Omar al-Dafa told Qatar TV that the expo is one of the largest of its kind with participation from various continents.Expo 2023 Doha will be open for public for free from tomorrow (October 3) while presenting a variety of events and activities including conferences and cultural, educational, entertainment exhibitions. In addition to introducing innovative new products to global markets and sports events, the expo will host workshops, educational activities and discussions with leading experts to concerts, theatrical performances and much more that await the visitors.The site at Al Bidda Park consists of three areas. The Northern Area will host the international exhibits, while the remaining two areas will be activated by a variety of functions and experiences. Each area of the site will be programmed to offer its unique experience to participants and visitors.The exhibition has Congress Centre, Exhibition Centre, Family Amphitheatre, Indoor Domes, Cultural Bazaar, Farmers Market, Food Kiosks, Sponsors Area, Environment Centre & Biodiversity Museum and Grandstand Arena.

Expo 2023 Doha is set to enthrall the visitors while hosting an array of events from Tuesday at Al Bidda Park. Apart from cultural activities, fun, entertainment, music, art fete and live shows are on the list.On Tuesday, the pavilions at the International Zone will be open for the public from 10am to 8pm while the Innovation Centre will host workshops from 3 pm to 8 pm. The Cultural Zone will have workshops from 3pm to 9pm and Sports In Nature programme from 5.30pm to 9pm. Also, the zone will host Sand Meet and Eco Challenge along with Qatar and International Street Games from 3pm to 9 pm. The Green Desert, Better Tomorrow Show will be held from 7.30pm to 8.30pm.Several shows are lined up for the Family Zone where the Digital Park will host Digital Challenge from 3pm to 10pm along with eco workshops. There will be Turkiye performance from 4pm to 5pm at the Family Amphitheatre.The Grandstand Arena at Expo 2023 Doha will host world-renowned international and regional artists while the Cultural Bazaar will have a vibrant marketplace and feature traditional artisanal products, including handmade crafts from various countries. The open-air Family Amphitheatre will host a variety of edutainment shows and activities suitable for kids and families.The International Zone has gardens, exhibitions and events. The Family Area will act as a hub for family fun, activities, gathering and outdoor pursuits. The Cultural Area highlights the historical core of Doha and its onsite features of the Old Fort and Old Rocks.The Indoor Domes, will house gardens, featuring controlled conditions and temperatures. The Environment Centre and Biodiversity Museum provides a dedicated space to exhibit environmental science, renewable energy demonstrations and technologies, and share climate change statistics and information.Expo 2023 Doha will also be a festival of cuisine while bringing together the best culinary experiences and featuring the food and beverages with live entertainment. Visitors can experience Qatari and GCC cuisine while the kiosks will feature Lebanese, Oriental, Turkish, French, Dutch, Indian, Japanese, Filipino, Chinese, Thai, Vietnamese, Korean, Moroccan, Ethiopian, Mexican, American and Latin American delicacies. Also, there will be coffee shops and exclusive spaces for desserts and healthy food.The Metro Station at the airport offers fast and frequent services to and from the airport. Metro users can enter the site through Exit 3 of Corniche station and Exit 2 of Al Bidda station. Taxi pavilion is located to the left of the Arrivals Hall at Hamad International Airport where the transport coordinators are available to assist. The Bus Pavilion is located to the right of the Arrivals Hall at HIA. Passengers can choose from a range of car rental providers. Cars can be hired and returned at the airport with ease. Chauffeur-driven limos, including luxury sedans and 7 - seater vans, are available to take from the airport to Expo 2023 Doha venue.

The Public Works Authority (Ashghal) will develop a new roadmap for a 7–Star certification from the European Foundation for Quality Management (EFQM) in Belgium.While opening the Organisational Excellence Forum Wednesday, Ashghal president Dr Engineer Saad bin Ahmad al-Muhannadi said the roadmap will be implemented with the aim of establishing and promoting corporate culture that prioritises exceptional performance, continuous improvement, sustainable success and outstanding results."Based on our belief that achieving Qatar's diligent endeavours to build a distinct government sector that achieves the highest standards of development, Ashghal’s team has adopted a roadmap to achieve a legacy of excellence, improve performance, and participate in the state's journey towards governmental excellence," al-Muhannadi said.He added that Ashghal has come a long way in its ongoing journey towards governmental excellence and has obtained the 5-Star Certificate of Excellence from the EFQM.During the forum, Engineer Jamal Sharida al-Kaabi, manager of the Planning and Quality Department at Ashghal, showcased the most important milestones in the Public Works Authority’s journey towards organisational excellence and the major factors that led to its recognition by EFQM.Al-Kaabi highlighted Ashghal’s success in raising the quality of procedures, business and adhering to the standards of organisational excellence in accordance with internationally recognised standards.He said Ashghal is currently placing among its top priorities the achievement of environmental sustainability, innovation, automation, and adoption of modern technology in construction and asset management. “In this context, the Sustainability Strategy has been recently launched in Ashghal, which comprises more than 16 initiatives that include a number of employees,” he said.He explained Ashghal is committed to gradual and transformative development to become a leading governmental organisation that adopts the highest excellence standards. “These operational standards are based on the development and enhancement of more than 294 operational processes and 25 corporate policies, in addition to 42 excellence initiatives that included about 120 employees. This enabled upgrading the measurement, monitoring and evaluation methods that contributed to providing realistic evidence of outstanding performance that are up to the mark with the challenges,” he noted.

International visitors can use the special promo code EXPO23 while booking flights and hotels to avail the travel and accommodation discounts, Expo 2023 Doha announced on its official X account. The promo code can be used for Qatar Airways tickets and hotel bookings.Entry to Expo 2023 Doha is free for all visitors and Hayya Card option will be in place for the visitors for the event being held from October 2, 2023 to March 28, 2024.Qatar Airways and Hamad International Airport (HIA) are the official airline partner and strategic partner of the expo, respectively. HIA will offer passengers arriving in Qatar a seamless connectivity to the city of Doha and the event.Visit Qatar has published pre-made itineraries that range from one to six days while covering tourism spots, cultural landmarks, heritage places, museums, shopping spots, beaches, sand dunes, street arts, dining places, culinary diversities, adventure seeking sites, safari and wellness locations.The pre-made itineraries from Visit Qatar lend opportunities to visit Unesco World Heritage Al Zubarah Archaeological site, Katara Cultural Village, The Pearl-Qatar, Al Sheehaniya Camel Race Track, East-West/West-East installation, Sheikh Faisal Bin Qassim Al Thani Museum, Souq Waqif, Msheireb Museums, Museum of Islamic Art, National Museum of Qatar, Museum of Illusions, the Corniche and various malls across Qatar. The accommodation packages feature hotels and resorts across the country.The final preparations of the family zone are underway at Expo 2023 Doha site at Al Bidda Park, local Arabic daily Arrayah reported. The family zone will include a number of main facilities such as an Environment Centre and a Biodiversity Museum with adequate space for ecology presentations and displays of renewable energy technologies.The family zone will have an open area for educational shows and activities that provide families and children with entertainment, making it an excellent destination for family holidays. Expo 2023 Doha will also include a farmers' market for local produce, in addition to the cafes, restaurants and other retailers. The culture market will have handicraft corners for traditional and heritage products from across the world.

No discounts will be available for fines incurred due to mobile phone usage while driving, a senior official at the General Directorate of Traffic told Qatar Radio Monday.Capt Mohamed Rabia al-Kuwari, Officer of the Violations Department at the General Traffic Department, explained that using a mobile phone while driving will entail a fine of QR500.“About 50 to 60% of traffic accidents happen due to using mobile phones and not wearing seatbelts while driving," he pointed out.Meanwhile, a 50% discount will be applicable on the penalty for not using seatbelt, if settled within 30 days of the violation being registered, as is the case with some other traffic violations, the official said.Capt al-Kuwari said the new unified radar system, launched on Sunday, can catch three violations at the same time -- not wearing a seat belt, using a mobile phone and speeding.Motorists have the right to challenge the violation through Metrash 2 or on MoI website and the response will be conveyed within a week via Metrash 2. The violation is reviewed by those in charge of the unified radar system.Officials have earlier clarified that physical interaction with visual devices including mounted mobile phones and dashboard monitors while driving will be a violation and come under the purview of the penalty. Article No. 55 of the Traffic Law mandates a motor vehicle driver to refrain from using mobile phones or other devices in any way that requires the use of hands for carrying or operation while driving and not to watch any visual material on the vehicle's television while driving.Images of motorists not wearing a seatbelt and using mobile phones while driving will be available on the Metrash 2 app. The new unified radars will clearly capture the two violations. According to him, the radars will differentiate between the seat belt and the cloth even if they are of the same colour. It’s possible to lighten or darken the image and extract a very clear image that the violator can view.The authorities have urged all road users to comply with the traffic law and its executive regulations to preserve lives and property, and contribute to the great efforts made by the various authorities, stressing that traffic safety is a joint responsibility of the society too.