Author

LuLu Hypermarket has unveiled the ‘Taste of Poland’ promotion in its branches across Qatar. To run until March 1, ‘Taste of Poland’ is a unique cultural and culinary celebration that features numerous Polish foodstuffs ranging from fruits to dairy products.The Poland-themed decor adds colours to the festive atmosphere. The inauguration ceremony, held at the LuLu Pearl Island outlet, was led by Polish ambassador Janusz Janke in the presence of LuLu Group International director Dr Mohamed Althaf and a Polish delegation.There was live cooking and sampling of traditional Polish dishes at the kiosk of Polka restaurant, the first Polish restaurant in Qatar. While addressing the inaugural ceremony, ambassador Janke thanked LuLu Group for initiating steps to organise the ‘Taste of Poland’ promotion that gives a boost to Polish products in Qatar.“The promotion underlines the cooperation between Poland and the LuLu Group. The promotion assumes significance as it unveils the rich vividity of Poland’s food and farming sectors. Poland is known for its quality dairy products and taste. Poland features many of these at LuLu. With its potential of attracting buyers and easily reaching the customers Lulu is the best place to sell Polish products,” the envoy told Gulf Times.The first of its kind initiative in Qatar, Janke said, Taste of Poland lends the visitors an opportunity to explore Polish cuisine. Exuding confidence that the Taste of Poland promotion will open a new door for Polish products to Qatar and the Middle East, Janke said Poland is keen to further strengthen its ties with LuLu in the region to find a market for the food products. "Qatar is an important market for Poland and it’s the gateway to the regional market. We are looking to bring in more products to the region and expand the areas of cooperation with LuLu Group and the government entities while tapping the potential of the regional market,” he said, adding that such initiatives will be beneficial for farmers and business entities in Poland.While talking to Gulf Times, Dr Althaf said LuLu is glad to feature Polish products and Taste of Poland is a strategic steptowards Lulu’s expansion plans to the Central European Region.“Our presence is currently there in various European countries. We are stepping into the Baltic region as the first international retail chain. LuLu’s idea is to start from Poland which is an emerging hub of food production. The country is a shining star when it comes to production,” he said, adding that LuLu will host the Taste of Poland promotion in upcoming years with additions.Dr Althaf noted the promotion is the continuation of a LuLu delegation’s last year’s visit to Poland and a prelude to the upcoming ventures. “Poland is the country where LuLu is eying on further expansion, with plans to establish sourcing and export hubs. We have cooperation with several European countries where the group is setting up sourcing and food processing units. This is to ensure food availability, uninterrupted supply, and stable prices in the market.”The Lulu Group international director said Lulu is keen to support the local production initiatives and farmers in Qatar and across the world while implementing innovative initiatives. “LuLu does its utmost to ensure global food security while spreading its wings to more areas,” he stated.The promotion featured a diverse selection of products from renowned Polish brands, including exclusive items specially imported for the event. It was pointed out that LuLu Group signed two MoUs with Poland government entities, Olsztyn Mazury Airport, and the Polish Investment & Trade Agency, further solidifying its commitment to the Central European region. Under the first MoU, Lulu will establish a facility at Olsztyn Mazury Airport to source, pack, and export fresh produce, such as apples, berries, cheeses, meat, and other packed food products to the Mena, India, and Far East regions. The second MoU with the Polish Investment & Trade Agency will streamline investment and operational processes for Lulu Group in Poland, opening new opportunities in various business sectors.

In a bid to develop and implement training programmes, exchange of students and trainers, cooperation activities, joint marketing, promotion and hosting of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) courses in both countries, the Qatar Aeronautical Academy (QAA) and the Incheon Airport Aviation Academy in South Korea (IAAA) Sunday signed a memorandum of understanding.In the presence of HE the Minister of Transport Jassim Saif Ahmed al-Sulaiti and other officials from both sides, the MoU was signed by QAA director general HE Sheikh Jabor bin Hamad al-Thani and Incheon International Airport Corporation (IIAC) vice president Hyoung-Wook Jeon.HE al-Sulaiti said the agreement assumes significance as results in refining and developing the knowledge and skills of students and members of the academy’s programmes through access to the latest means of education and training in the field of civil aviation in addition to exchanging experiences between the two sides.“The Ministry of Transport (MoT) supports all aspects of cooperation with the world’s leading educational institutions to develop the work path of QAA to build promising generations capable of meeting the requirements of the civil aviation sector in a way that serves society and meets its needs in line with achieving the objectives of the Third National Development Strategy and implementing Qatar National Vision 2023,” HE the Minister said.The QAA director general said the MoU will play a strategic role in pushing the cooperation relations between the two sides to broader horizons by providing training, marketing, and promotional programs in the field of civil aviation in the interest of developing the performance of QAA.“QAA’s membership in the ICAO TRAINAIR PLUS programme will qualify it to work alongside IIAC in the Republic of South Korea and will enable it to open a new window to view Intellectual and academic diversity between both sides,” he said.This collaboration with the Korean side is expected to bring new opportunities for work and innovation, incorporating the latest methods and practices to enhance educational and training systems for both parties. It will create an atmosphere of openness to broad fields and extensive prospects for aviation training.The IIAC vice president said: ‘’Through this collaboration, our institutions will leverage their expertise and excellence in the aviation field to utilise complementary strengths, contributing to the cultivation of global aviation professionals. We are prepared to share knowledge and experiences, broaden our mutual understanding, and open a new chapter of cooperation for the advancement of the aviation industry.‘’We are confident that this cooperation will contribute significantly to supporting the training and exchange of expertise between the two sides in the field of civil aviation, and our joint efforts will play a vital role in creating a brighter future for the aviation sector in both sides,’’ he added.

Under the patronage of HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohamed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim al-Thani, HE the Minister of Municipality Abdullah bin Hamad bin Abdullah al-Attiyah Wednesday opened AgriteQ 2024 at Expo 2023 Doha premises with the participation of 80 countries.AgriteQ, in its 11th edition, features 259 local and international exhibitors at the Cultural Zone of Expo. The inaugural ceremony was in the presence of HE the Minister of Endowments and Islamic Affairs (Awqaf) Ghanem bin Shaheen bin Ghanem al-Ghanem, HE the Minister of Culture Sheikh Abdulrahman bin Hamad bin Jassim bin Hamad al-Thani, HE the Minister of Environment and Climate Change Dr Abdullah bin Abdulaziz bin Turki al-Subaie, HE the Minister of Social Development and Family Mariam bint Ali bin Nasser al-Misnad, HE the Deputy Speaker Shura Council Dr Hamda bint Hassan al-Sulaiti, HE the President of the Central Municipal Council Mohamed bin Ali al-Athba and HE the Chairman of Qatar Tourism Saad bin Ali al-Kharji along with ambassadors, senior officials from government entities and representatives from international agricultural bodies.HE the Minister of Municipality, while addressing the inaugural ceremony, said Qatar is committed to enhancing and supporting the agricultural sector and improving its productivity to strengthen food security in the country in line with the Third National Development Strategy, which represents the final phase towards achieving the goals of Qatar's National Vision 2030.“The exhibition is annually held within Qatar's commitment to providing an important platform for showcasing the latest global agricultural technologies and innovations, stemming from the significant interest the state places in this vital sector under its wise leadership,” he noted.“Qatar has made qualitative leaps in agricultural, animal, and fish production in recent years as a result of the continuous support provided by the wise government,” HE the Minister said. Since 2017, Qatar has been supporting agricultural producers in addition to the projects and initiatives implemented by the Ministry of Municipality as part of its strategic plan over the past five years. These are aimed at achieving food security while ensuring efficient resource management and maintaining strong food safety standards.HE the Minister pointed out that the support provided by the state, alongside the efforts of agricultural producers, has resulted in a significant increase in productivity in recent years. The sector marked a nearly 98% increase in vegetable production compared to the previous five years.The area under greenhouse cultivation rose to about 700 hectares with an increase of nearly 35% compared to 2019. This has led to an increase in the self-sufficiency rate of local vegetables from 24% in 2017 to 42% in 2023 with an overall 75% increase. These are in addition to achieving full self-sufficiency of 100% in fresh dairy and poultry products. The increase in the self-sufficiency of egg production reached 37% in 2023 from about 14% in 2017 with an increase rate of over 164%. The self-sufficiency rate of fresh red meat rose from 13% in 2017 to about 19% currently.AqriteQ 2024, which features events and activities covering agricultural, animal, educational and entertainment fields, will conclude on February 27.

The Qatar Media Corporation (QMC) and the University of Doha for Science and Technology (UDST) have signed a memorandum of understanding to foster co-operation. The agreement comes as a significant development for the fields of digital communication and media production in Qatar and marks an important step towards enhancing the educational and professional landscape of media and technology in Qatar.It was signed by HE the CEO of QMC Sheikh Abdulaziz bin Thani bin Khaled al-Thani and UDST president Dr Salem al-Naemi in the presence of officials from both entities.Addressing the audience, Sheikh Abdulaziz al-Thani emphasised the mutual benefits of the agreement. "By joining forces with UDST, we are setting a new standard for media education and professional development in Qatar. This MoU will enable us to share valuable experiences, conduct joint research, and develop targeted training programmes that will significantly contribute to the growth and sophistication of our media landscape," he said.The MoU outlines a comprehensive scope of work, emphasising the development of a hybrid track in Arabic and English within the University's Bachelor of Science in Digital Communication and Media Production (DCMP) programme, housed at the College of Computing and Information Technology. This track will be available to students in the Fall semester of this year and is designed to attract more Qatari students and to equip graduates with the necessary skills to deploy the latest digital technologies in media production and to lead A/V technical teams, excel in all media production professions on stage or behind the scenes, and contribute effectively to use of technology and the communication departments of both public and private organisations.Dr al-Naemi highlighted the significance of this partnership, stating: "Our collaboration with QMC aligns with the Third National Development Strategy and significantly contributes to our nation's growth by attracting more Qatari students to this field and developing professionals capable of steering future career paths. We are not only providing our students with the opportunity to harness Al and the latest in new media technology but also preparing them to become productive leaders in this rapidly evolving industry," he explained.The partnership focuses on several key areas aimed at fostering leadership in media production and communication. Both signatories will initiate an exchange of experiences in education, training, and development to enhance learning outcomes and undertake joint scientific and informative research initiatives. The agreement represents a strategic alliance that will not only benefit the University of Doha for Science and Technology and Qatar Media Corporation but also the Qatari community at large by nurturing talent and innovation in the fields of digital communication and media production.

The University of Doha for Science and Technology (UDST), in collaboration with Huawei, has unveiled the AI ICT Academy Lab. The collaboration, which marks a significant stride in Qatar's educational landscape, was inaugurated on Thursday at the UDST and atteneded by government officials, underscoring the pivotal role of public-private partnership in advancing AI capabilities in Qatar. UDST president Dr Salem al-Naemi emphasised the monumental importance of the partnership. "The launch of the UDST-Huawei AI ICT Academy Lab represents a pivotal moment in our dedication to nurturing innovation and excellence in education,” he said. “This collaboration underscores our commitment to empowering students with the requisite skills and knowledge to thrive in the digital era." As artificial intelligence (AI) is ushering in the fourth industrial revolution, upskilling initiatives to address the AI-powered digital divide will be fundamental to driving innovation and cultivating a skilled workforce to drive Qatar's digital future. Coupled with Huawei Cloud capabilities, the AI ICT Academy Lab is targeted at unlocking the potential of AI in the education sector, empowering students with advanced AI skills necessary to transform their competence to new levels in line with Qatar’s National AI Strategy focused on six pillars: education, data access, employment, business, research, and ethics, that will guide Qatar towards the transition to an AI future. Central to the opening ceremony was the presence of an AI avatar, symbolising the convergence of technology and education. This dynamic showcase vividly depicted the transformative potential of AI in fostering digital ambassadors and revolutionizing educational paradigms, laying the groundwork for a future where innovation thrives. Huawei Technologies LLC chief executive Alex Zhang highlighted the collaborative effort in propelling technological advancements forward. "Huawei takes immense pride in partnering with the UDST to inaugurate the AI ICT Academy Lab,:” he said. “Together, we are empowering students to explore the limitless possibilities of AI and spearhead Qatar's digital transformation journey." Dr Khalid Abdulla al-Ali from the Ministry of Education and Higher Education (MoEHE) said that the collaboration between the UDST and Huawei underscores the critical importance of fostering excellence in AI education. “This partnership will undoubtedly fortify Qatar's endeavours in cultivating a skilled workforce for the future," he noted. The ceremony marked the UDST and Huawei jointly felicitating the ICT (information and communications technology) academy professors who attained certification as Huawei ICT Academy Instructors. UDST students were praised for their exceptional performance in Huawei’s "Seeds for the Future" corporate social responsibility (CSR) programme. Securing third place in the Middle East and Central Asia region Seeds for the Future 2023 which was held in Qatar last September, these students have earned the opportunity to partake in a digital tour in China. An official statement said Huawei is slated to organise a Hackathon aimed at honing student capabilities in leveraging Model Arts in education through the Huawei Cloud. This collaborative endeavour underscores Huawei's commitment to fostering educational initiatives and empowering students with practical skills in AI and cloud computing. “The launch of the UDST-Huawei AI ICT Academy Lab heralds a new era in Qatar's journey towards becoming a leading digital hub, the statement said. “Through strategic partnerships, innovative initiatives, and a shared vision for the future, the UDST and Huawei are paving the way for a brighter, more connected future for generations to come.”

A Doha-based ultrarunner is eyeing more achievements while imparting strong messages on health awareness.Indian expatriate Noufal C C is all set to take part in the upcoming Riyadh and Mumbai marathons.“My dream is to achieve the Ironman title after completing the series of long-distance triathlon races that consist of a 2.4-mile (3.9km) swim, a 112-mile (180.2km) bicycle ride and a marathon 26.22-mile (42.2km) run,” Noufal told Gulf Times.In December 2023, Noufal completed the 90km ultramarathon from Doha to Dukhan. He finished first among the 120 runners. For Noufal, his accomplishment in the ultramarathon was the fruit of years-long training and practice, under coach Rajendra Yadav.“I start my training and practice early in the morning. I start to walk randomly after parking my car somewhere. Sometimes, I need to take a taxi to reach my car after walking for hours,” he recalled.Little did Noufal know when he reached Doha in 2013, that years later he would venture into ultrarunning. “Covid-19 changed everything and left us all more health conscious. I started to engage in physical activities to beat the lifestyle diseases.”Later, Noufal joined Wellness Challengers, a group of walking and running enthusiasts in Qatar, and started to attend health awareness programmes while taking part in regular physical activities.At Wellness Challengers, members use Strava app to track exercise. The status of physical engagement is shared in the app along with pictures of the location. Wellness Challengers helped Noufal get acquainted with like-minded people and to be instilled with a passion for conquering new heights. Noufal owes much to his friends at Wellness Challengers, his wife Adila Marjana and sons Zahran Mohamed and Mohamed Zayn for their support of his ventures.“I want to inspire and draw more people towards walking and running. Physical engagement is inevitable for both physical and mental health,” Noufal added.

Stadium Taxi Rank Locations:1. Ahmed Bin Ali Stadium :https://maps.app.goo.gl/PSrSFjvctYBeQdf6A2. Al Bayt Stadium :https://maps.app.goo.gl/7N6CLPwg5aoWwt1y93. Al Janoub Stadium :https://maps.app.goo.gl/8PBbceoFbiAwb89d64. Al Thumama Stadium :https://maps.app.goo.gl/L2ibLSmSCPWU5ukz65. Education City Stadium :https://maps.app.goo.gl/erV6vtBwDNHjoEEy66. Khalifa International Stadium :https://maps.app.goo.gl/PpV5eQj9iPMWMaFz97. Lusail International Stadiumhttps://maps.app.goo.gl/gY4dEfcqopJM6br368. Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium :https://maps.app.goo.gl/jHYWz7vRhoZeNdz5A

Qatar spares no effort to eradicate hunger in the world, HE the Deputy Chairman of the National Human Rights Committee (NHRC) Dr Mohamed bin Saif al-Kuwari has said. While talking to Qatar TV, al-Kuwari said NHRC is currently focusing on the upcoming Food Justice Conference.Under the auspices of Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs HE Sheikh Mohamed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim al-Thani and in partnership with the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI) and the Arab League, NHRC will hold the conference on February 6-7. The conference will be held from a human rights perspective.“The conference aims to emphasise the importance of food reaching every person without discrimination. Eliminating hunger is the first sustainable development goal by the year 2030 and the conference is one of our efforts through which we exchange opinions and thoughts with the world about eliminating hunger. We must try by all means and methods to eliminate global hunger by the year 2030,” he said.While explaining the main topics to be discussed in the conference, al-Kuwari said the most important focus is reviewing the legislation and laws that stipulate food and its importance. “It’s an inherent right of every person in any country, state or province, to have sufficient, safe, sound and healthy food available to each of them,” he said.He explained that Qatar is the first country to serve any cases of hunger in the world, whether the cause is climate change, wars or conflicts. “You will find that Qatar’s planes do not stop. The planes are heading to the needy in Gaza to provide their food needs. Qatar spares no effort in providing assistance to eliminate hunger in any country in the world. Qatar helps and strives to solve the problems of others,” he said.

The Save Coral Reef pavilion at Expo 2023 Doha sheds light on the sustainable practices of marine conservation and environmental awareness.Set up by Mubadara for Social Impact, the pavilion features Interactive displays, educational programmes and immersive experiences, aimed at raising awareness of the significance of coral reefs and the need to conserve them, while inspiring a global movement for coral reef preservation.The pavilion was opened formally Tuesday at the Cultural Zone of the expo in the presence of dignitaries including Mubadara president Dr Saif al-Hajari, director Ahmed al-Meer and general manager Jack Saba, and Blue Marine Life general manager Tony Vargas.“By 2050, 90% of the world's coral reefs could disappear, and we will lose 25% of all marine life,” Saba said.“The consequences could be catastrophic,” he continued. “Rise in the temperature of the seas due to climate change, pollution caused by coastal development, overfishing and destructive fishing practices pose a threat to the survival of coral reefs.”“The scenario needs active intervention and Mubadara, in co-operation with various stakeholders, is taking up efforts to restore coral feeds,” Saba said. “The pavilion is an attempt to make the public aware of the cause.”The experts at the pavilion explained coral aquaculture, which is coral farming in aquariums.“Coral aquaculture contributes to the conservation and protection of corals and marine life through research, restoration, education and awareness,” Saba said.The pavilion features a coral reef aquarium, which has a presentation on coral reef cultivation, and interactive tanks for marine life species.The pavilion spreads awareness about endangered coral reef species and discovers the wonderful world of these amazing creatures.“Coral reefs are vital for the ecological balancem,” Vargas said. “There is a direct relationship between coral reefs and food security, as the fish species in the seas need coral reefs to grow and live.”“The decrease in the number of coral reefs could lead to serious negative repercussions on the economy as it results in a decline in marine fishing production,” he continued. “Relocation and farming coral reefs are sustainable practices to ensure the survival of coral reefs.”Al-Meer led a session to showcase coral reef farming and relocation.The pavilion discusses the threats faced by coral reefs and raises the alarm over the consequences.It also suggests ways to protect the coral reefs and the marine environment.“Natural reefs are strongly declining, creating a worldwide need for multi-purpose artificial reefs protecting coasts while at the same time enhancing the natural system,” the messages at the pavilion note. “Worldwide, climate change is causing sea levels to rise and, in combination with increased land subsidence, placing many communities at risk.”“Reefs reduce wave energy, protecting coasts and urban areas while at the same time enhancing the natural system and biodiversity.”

Qatar’s penchant for educational transformation and development has earned international recognition with the country securing top positions in educational and employment sectors, a top official at the Ministry of Education and Higher Education (MoEHE) has said. While talking to Qatar TV, Dr Ibrahim Saleh al-Nuaimi, Undersecretary at MoEHE, noted Qatar ranked first in the lowest unemployment rate among graduates of higher education and vocational and technical education. “Qatar has secured the first place in the percentage of computer availability in schools. It is also ranked 39th in the world in the knowledge index. Qatar is one of the most advanced countries in the human development sector. These indicate the country’s interest in developing the education sector and providing an advanced and attractive educational environment for students,” al-Nuaimi said praising the role of parents in developing the educational process. He noted that Qatar was chosen among the top five countries to lead the transformation of education based on an invitation from the Secretary-General of the United Nations. The e-learning systems, artificial intelligence and enhancing digital transformation have become an integral part of any educational strategic plan in Qatar. The country has also been keen, from an early stage, to integrate technology into various teaching and learning processes to make the learner prepared to face all the requirements of modern life,” al-Nuaimi explained. Al-Nuaimi noted Qatar is special in honouring people of excellence in all fields. “In the educational sector, students and teachers with excellence are honoured,” he said, adding that the Strategic Plan 2023-2024 will witness plans and programmes to develop kindergartens and the pre-kindergarten stage to be a major component of the educational process.

The Public Works Authority (Ashghal) added much to its credit in 2023 while continuing its efforts to achieve the objectives of Qatar National Vision 2030. This is while focusing on .text-box { float:left; width:250px; padding:1px; border:1pt white; margin-top: 10px; margin-right: 15px; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 20px; }@media only screen and (max-width: 767px) {.text-box {width: 30%;} } **media[121845]** environmental protection and sustainability and following the international quality standards. According to a Qatar TV report Sunday, Ashghal completed several projects in 2023 while numerous projects were awarded in order to develop the infrastructure and construct public buildings across Qatar. During the first quarter of 2023, 22 projects were launched at an estimated cost of QR4.1bn while six projects worth QR1.1bn were awarded. The projects included constructing and developing express highway networks, public buildings, parks, walkways, cycle paths, sewage networks and rainwater and groundwater drainage networks. Also, several beautification works were implemented and beaches were beautified and developed to promote tourism. These all were implemented in coordination with the authorities and government departments concerned. During the third quarter of 2023, Ashghal started working on 10 projects worth more than QR3bn. These projects include the development of Hamad Medical City, building of Madinat Khalifa Health Centre and construction of Qatar Academy- Sidra Secondary School and veterinary laboratory building of the Ministry of Municipality. Ashghal is currently the West Semaisma project- Phase 1. ​The Project aims to develop internal streets in the area and improve local traffic safety as well as upgrade infrastructure facilities to respond to residents' needs and urban growth in the future. The project is located east of Al Khor Road in the Semaisma area, bordered by Semaisma West Street to the East and Semaisma Road to the South. Upgrading works are divided into three geographical zones which will be carried out successively, and the duration of each phase will be one year.The project serves 539 residential plots in the West of Semaisma through upgraded infrastructure services and enhanced local streets to improve the traffic flow and provide connectivity to future public facilities that will be established in the area, such as schools, mosques, commercial complexes, and youth centres. Ashghal is working on the Roads and Infrastructure Project in Al Wajba East-Package 1. ​The project aims to serve 368 citizens’ sub-divisions in Al-Wajba East by implementing a road network to enhance the traffic flow and provide connection with the future public facilities in the area. This is in addition to providing traffic safety elements and implementing infrastructure works. Also, works of the Roads and Infrastructure Project in Al Egda Al Heedan and Al Khor-Package 1 are currently being carried out. The project aims to develop internal streets in the area and provide infrastructure facilities in the area including stormwater and foul sewer drainage networks to respond to residents' needs and the urban growth. Ashghal continues to work on Roads and Infrastructure Project in Al Meshaf West-Package 7 to serve 1,394 residential plots in Al Meshaf South, through integrated infrastructure services and enhanced roads to provide connectivity to the future public facilities in the vicinity such as schools, mosques and commercial complexes. Also, works are carried out to implement the Roads and Infrastructure Project in Al Wajba East- Package 1 to serve 368 citizens’ sub-divisions in Al-Wajba East through implementing a road network to enhance the traffic flow and provide connection with the future public facilities in the area. This is in addition to providing traffic safety elements and implementing infrastructure works.

The Ministry of Interior (MoI) has decided to strictly monitor the violation of not keeping the right lane of the road by delivery motorbikes.A post by MoI on its official X account, said that the monitoring will start from January 15. The ministry said this comes as an effort to ensure traffic safety and bring down the number of accidents.Earlier, the General Directorate of Traffic issued a set of guidelines for delivery bikes as per the first clause of Article (85) of the Traffic Law No. 19/2007. As per the guidelines, the load must be placed on top of the vehicle, it should be organised, arranged and fixed or tied safely so that it is not prone to moving or falling.The Executive Regulations of the Traffic Law about the specifications of the box state that the delivery box shall be firmly fixed and equipped with suitable and sufficient vibration dampers and that its dimensions shall be within the directed limits: The length of the rear or front box shouldn’t exceed 120 cm with its width not more than 60cm. The length of the box, along with the motorcycle is not more than three m and its height should not be more than 120cm above the ground.The length of the sidebox shouldn’t be more than the length of the bike, its width should not be more than 60cm and its height above the ground should not exceed 120cm.The General Directorate of Traffic has informed that failure to comply with these rules violates Clause 3, Article 85, of Traffic Law, and is liable for a fine of QR 1500.

The Innovation Centre at Expo 2023 Doha has lined up several exciting educational activities while enhancing environmental awareness and featuring technology transformation. At the International Zone, the Innovation Center is the main hub for many exhibitions and houses innovative workshops.The ‘Get Immersed with Nature’ virtual reality booth is drawing technology enthusiasts to the centre where they explore, engage and elevate awareness while stepping into a world of environmental consciousness. To run until March 24, from 10am to 8pm, the VR booth lends an experience that transcends the boundaries of the physical world and plunges the visitors deep into the heart of environmental awareness.While stepping into a virtual oasis, the wonders of nature come to life in stunning detail. The booth enables feeling the gentle breeze of a lush rainforest and diving deep into the azure waters of pristine oceans. Also, the visitors can witness the grandeur of endangered species up close. The cutting-edge VR technology immerses the visitors in it and leaves them with a newfound appreciation for the earth planet and the knowledge to be environmental champions.The Life Hub Exhibition, to run until March 28, from 10am to 8pm, is a fully immersive and interactive experiential learning exhibition to deliver valuable lessons in a carefully chosen selection of subjects to students of all ages and the wider community. The exhibition space contains a wide variety of learning experiences delivered using the latest interactive technologies so that visitors can learn in fun and interactive ways.The exhibition zone concentrates on four key themes: climate change; sustainability; nutrition and wellness; science and technology AI.The Innovation Cafe conducts a diverse array of innovative and hands-on workshops throughout the week, each focusing on different areas of sustainability and innovation. In addition, unique end-of-month events like ‘Planting Ideas’ and ‘Green Genesis Mini Hackathon’ are featured.The Cafe is open from 10am to 10pm until March 28. The cafe also houses interactive zones such as the Sustainable Do It Yourself (DIY) Corner for crafting eco-friendly items, the Quiz Corner offering learning opportunities about sustainability and the Sustainability Pledge Board for visitors to commit to a greener future.Also, there are Innovation Cafe Workshops lined up for the visitors. The Studio 5 Lab at the Innovation Centre is an innovative Fab Lab established by the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT) with a mission to nurture children and young adults with technological knowledge. Studio 5 provides a journey of innovation, knowledge sharing and sustainability-driven workshops, talks and activities. The lab is open from 10am to 10pm until March 28.

Innovation in the agriculture sector, the country’s tourism potential and the efforts to ensure sustainability have taken the stage at the Rwanda pavilion at Expo 2023 Doha. At the expo, Rwanda highlights its cultural legacy, environmental conservation initiatives, the country’s growth in adopting technology for development and the green mission. The pavilion has various domes with each showcasing the country’s past, present and progress attained in agriculture and water management. Through screens and hoardings, the visitors go through the tales of the country’s progress in various sectors. “Rwanda is an important tourist destination with its numerous eye-catching spots. The country is rich with its flora and fauna. The pavilion is an attempt to introduce our tourism and investment potential to the world,” said Godfrey Atusasire, one of the guides at the pavilion. The visitors can embark on a trip while starting with the Rwanda coffee. Grown in Rwanda's high mountain elevation, the coffee has a silky yet creamy body with a pleasantly balanced acidity level. Agriculture is one of the highlights of the pavilion where Rwanda’s focus on the sector is featured. The country’s keenness to tap the potential of horticulture is also showcased through the installations. The Land of Thousand Hills, Rwanda is making great strides in vegetable, fruit, nuts and flower production while using modern technology, a favourable climate, diversified climatic conditions, fertile soils and abundant water resources. The country exports nutrient-packed superfoods like avocados to fiery habaneros. Rwanda promotes conservation agriculture where sustainability, enhanced biodiversity, healthier soils, increased yields and reduced costs are considered. Rwanda's National Agriculture Policy was updated in 2018 to promote good agricultural and conservation practices. These practices have resulted in a sustained increase in agricultural production and productivity. The pavilion features tourist attractions including Nyungwe Forest National Park, Lake Kivu, gorilla trekking, Big 5 Safaris, birdwatching, hiking and water sports. The Responsible Tourist dome features Rwanda’s efforts to ensure sustainability and forest conservation while promoting tourism. As guardians of many iconic species, Rwanda is a place of luxury eco-tourism whilst also conserving natural resources, supporting communities and saving endangered species. “Rwanda's stunning scenery offers one of the most unique travel experiences in the world. There are efforts to conserve the extraordinary biodiversity, incredible wildlife, mountain rainforests and sweeping plains,” Godfrey said.

Youth are the top traffic rule breakers in Qatar, an official with the General Directorate of Traffic has said. Lt. Fahad Jaber al-Athba from The Pear Traffic Department told Qatar TV Tuesday that drivers aged 18-30 are among the top violators while women and elderly persons are more committed towards obeying traffic rules.Al-Athba explained various types of violations and the reasons that result in the seizure of vehicles and motorcycles.“The most prominent violations that cause cars and motorcycles to be impounded are raising the volume of sound, exceeding the permissible speed level and driving a bike or car without a valid driving licence,” he said. He added that electronic devices are used to check the sound level in cars and bikes.The General Directorate of Traffic has identified careless driving and mobile phone usage as the main causes of concern when it comes to traffic accidents in Qatar. Intensified awareness programmes are being held to address the grim scenario and achieve accident-free roads. Using or holding mobile phone or any other device in hand while driving or becoming busy watching any visual from the television set in the vehicle draws a penalty of QR500.The Ministry of Interior (MoI) has launched automated monitoring of these two violations by installing a unified radar system, which will detect the violations in a move to boost traffic safety and reduce accidents.

The Angola pavilion at Expo 2023 Doha is lending visitors an opportunity to experience the country’s rich cultural legacy and innovations in the agricultural sector. At the International Zone of the expo, the pavilion highlights the country’s focus on the tourism sector while featuring the major tourist destinations. With the theme ‘Planting for Life’, the pavilion is a testament to the efforts of Angola to preserve nature and ensure sustainability in tourism and agriculture. It draws investors while explaining the opportunities in the country.“Angola is implementing initiatives to ensure sustainability in various sectors and the country is looking to bring in best practices for economic diversification. We are highlighting our potential in the agricultural and tourism sector,” Herbert Ferreria, Private Investment Promotion Officer at Private Investment and Promotion of Exports Agency, told Gulf Times.Angola has plans to export agricultural products to Qatar. “The participation in Expo Doha will open the doors of further cooperation between the two countries and we are looking to grab the opportunities here as part of the government policy to promote private investment and exporting,” he said.The pavilion is showcasing Angola’s transformation from the traditional agricultural methods to modern ways. Herbert added that the pavilion may draw Qatari and other foreign investors who can get a better understanding of Angola’s potential.Angola’s major tourist attractions including the Calandula Falls and the rich flora and fauna are on display.

Qatar has achieved remarkable growth in vegetable self-sufficiency with the efforts of the Ministry of Municipality yielding results. Adel al-Yafei, Assistant Director of the Agricultural Affairs Department at the ministry, recently told Qatar Radio that the self-sufficiency rate of vegetables reached 46% in 2023 while it stood at 10% in 2017.“The ministry had contacted Hassad Foood for marketing support and providing agricultural services to local farms in production. With the support of Hassad, the ministry runs two programmes for agricultural services and marketing services. These are to help farmers increase production and proper marketing of local products,” al-Yafie said.Named Agricultural Services and Inputs Programme, the programme aims to develop the local agricultural sector and to achieve food security in the country. This comes as part of Hassad's investment strategy and the ministry’s vision to develop the local agricultural sector and achieve self-sufficiency. The programme focuses on developing agricultural practices and services to increase the agricultural season's duration, as well as reach the highest productivity per sqm.The programme targets local farms to provide them with the needed agricultural services and inputs, as well as co-operate with the local farmers to develop the farms' infrastructure to maximise the subsidy value provided by the ministry.According to the ministry official, the agricultural census was completed this year with the Survey Research Institute to develop future agricultural plans and develop agricultural production.“The ministry is working to increase the self-sufficiency rate of vegetables in Qatar, preserve natural water resources and help with the quality of the product. The focus is on basic vegetables such as courgette, okra, tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers and green leaves to raise self-sufficiency rates in these crops. Other products are not neglected as well.“During the peak period of farming, from the beginning of January to the end of April, these crops may achieve a sufficiency rate from 90% to 100%,” he said.

In a remarkable display of solidarity with the war-affected people of Gaza, the 'Palestine Duty' fundraising campaign campaign headed by the Regulatory Authority for Charitable Activities (RACA)garnered an impressive QR 200mn Monday.Qatar TV gave the total amount collected as QR 200,048750. His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani donated QR 100mn to the campaign. The announcement came through Qatar TV during its live broadcast of the campaign that was launched by the Regulatory Authority for Charitable Activities (RACA),in partnership with Qatar Red Crescent Society (QRCS) and Qatar Charity and in co-operation with Qatar Media Corporation (Qatar TV). The campaign, on the occasion of Qatar National Day, evoked an overwhelming response from donors with many joining the drive live on Qatar TV and the exclusive collection points at Souq Waqif, Katara and Darb Al Saai. Qatar Charity and QRCS deployed its officials and volunteers at three of these points where donors deposited money in the boxes. Many donated clothes and other commodities for the people of war-torn Gaza. Qatar TV, during its live broadcast of the campaign, featured dignitaries, who appealed for donations. The broadcast kept the momentum going by making regular announcements of donations from individuals and companies. Qatar Islamic Bank (QIB) donated QR 1.5 mn.Barwa Real Estate Company and Ooredoo, each donated QR 1 mn. Dukhan Bank donated QR 0.5 mn. Even children made their bit of contribution to the campaign adding much to the excitement. Mohamed al-Kuwari got a special mention as the first kid to take part in the donation through Qatar TV. The Qatari kid donated QR 11,000. Faisal Mohamed al-Emadi, Acting Secretary General, said QRCS launched a global initiative to register doctors and nurses as volunteers to support Gaza’s hospitals. So far, we have received more than 900 volunteer requests from inside and outside Qatar. They are ready to perform their medical and humanitarian tasks when the ground conditions allow,” al-Emadi said. Ahmed Saleh al-Ali, member of the Regulatory Authority for Charitable Activities (RACA), said the ‘Palestine Duty’ campaign comes as a continuation of Qatar’s role in supporting and helping Palestinians in need. Abdul Aziz al-Mahmoud, Head of Public Relations at QRCS, said that the campaign witnessed exciting participation from donors of all ages noting that both the citizens and residents are always supportive of all the humanitarian campaigns.Ahmed Yousef Fakhro, Assistant Chief Executive Officer of the Resource Development and Media said Qatar Charity launched relief activities with the participation of Qataris and the residents to support Gaza from the first day of Israeli aggression. “We have delivered aid and launched many relief campaigns with the participation of the people of Qatar ,” he said.Dr Mohamed Salah Ibrahim, Director of Relief and International Development Sector at QRCS said a ship, with a capacity of 30 planeloads, will carry essentials collected from Qatar to Gaza.From the city of Arish, QRCS volunteers Fatima al-Kuwari and Haiba al-Saadi joined the Qatar TV broadcast online. Al-Kuwari said she is glad to help the people in need noting that the QRCS is reaching out to the bereaved Palestinians in Gaza to extend relief.Also, prominent preachers and Islamic scholars including Sheikh Abdulla al-Naama, Sheikh Khaled Abu Moza and Sheikh Mowafi Azab addressed the viewers on Qatar TV. The scholars encouraged the donors and prayed for them. While participating in the ‘Palestine Duty’ drive, Qatar Charity and QRCS opened ‘windows’ on their official websites for donors. RACA, in a statement, said the campaign provides relief to the victims of the aggression in the Gaza Strip, especially the injured, orphans, children, widows, pregnant women, and the elderly. The donations will be used to purchase urgently needed medicines, food, emergency shelter supplies, clothing, water, cleaning and hygiene supplies as well as children's and women's supplies for the people of Gaza.“We are standing in support of our brothers and sisters in Palestine who are going through a tragic humanitarian situation. Our duty towards the people in Palestine is to make every effort to help them and alleviate their pain,” Qatar Charity said on its website. The amount, raised through the campaign, will be used to provide decent livelihoods for 50,000 affected and displaced families and to improve their psychological and social situation. Also, the fund will be spent towards providing food, water and the basics of decent living for these families. Also, the health and education sectors will be supported through the campaign. “The Palestine Duty relief campaign is aimed at standing up for the Palestinian people, by lending a helping hand to 100,000 people affected by the war on Gaza, at a total cost of QR 20 mn,” QRCS said on its website.This generous initiative is aimed at alleviating the plight of the war-affected people of Gaza, who continue to grapple with the devastating consequences of conflict. The unprecedented fundraising effort not only underscores Qatar's commitment to global humanitarian causes but also serves as a beacon of hope for the beleaguered residents of Gaza, offering a lifeline in their struggle for survival and recovery.