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The Qatar Pavilion at Doha 2023 Expo will showcase the country's heritage while celebrating the traditional art and architecture. The inspiration from the Ras Abrouq landscape is a highlight.“We’re bringing Ras Abrouq to life for six months to celebrate, revive and indulge in our traditions,” a post by Expo 2023 Doha in its official X account said. The pavilion will combine the elements of modern design and art while lending the visitors an unforgettable experience.Located at the north of Dukhan, Ras Abrouq is the northernmost extension of the Zekreet Peninsula. With a beach, the prehistoric landscape has various archaeological sites with remains of ancient human occupation and the presence of semi-nomadic tribes.The beautiful and iconic rock formations at Ras Abrouq draw many tourists as well as scholars. The unusual landscape of white cliffs with soft limestone layers impress the visitors. And the mushroom-shaped hills adore the much preserved archaeological site here. Most parts of the peninsula are protected and are dedicated to a nature reserve for wild deer.Tradition and culture will occupy much space in Expo 2023 Doha that has a dedicated area for cultural activities. The Cultural Area with 500,000sq m along with a Family Area with 500,000sq m at Al Bidda Park where the Cultural Bazaar will have a vibrant marketplace and feature traditional artisanal products, including handmade crafts from various countries.Expo 2023 Doha, being held from October 2, 2023 to March 28, 2024, is expected to have participation of 80 countries and the arrival of three million visitors to Doha.Entry to Expo 2023 Doha is free for for all visitors, according to information available on Qatar Tourism application Visit Qatar. It was also announced recently that the Hayya Card option will be in place for the visitors to the six-month expo.The Hayya Card was launched during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 as a Fan ID that allowed ticket-holders' entry into Qatar and the stadiums while giving them free access to metro and bus services.The Ministry of Interior had extended the validity of the Hayya Card, allowing the card holders from outside the country to enter Qatar until January 24, 2024.

The Public Works Authority (Ashghal) Monday opened a new interchange on Salwa Road by the Mebaireek Area. Implemented by the Highway Projects Department, the interchange will improve traffic for commuters heading for Mebaireek, Bu Nakhla, Al Sailiya and Al Mearad.Located between Al Sailiya Interchange and Mesaieed Interchange, the two level interchange connects Salwa Road and Mebaireek Street. The works included building two 330m long main bridges, several exit points, loop bridges, local roads, bypass roads and 3km local roads and 3km of pedestrian and cycling paths. The area of landscape on both sides of the interchange is around 41,000 sqm.The new junction reduces travel time by 50% as it provides free traffic flow to Al Sailiya from Mebaireek. It acts as an alternative option to the nearby Al Sailiya Interchange while accommodating more than 8,500 vehicles per hour.The construction of new interchange aims to provide direct and free link for Salwa Road commuters towards Mebaireek and Al Sailiya areas by providing service roads in both directions of Salwa Road, for road users heading coming from Doha towards Mebaireek and Al Sailiya areas, or for those heading from Mebaireek and Al Sailiya towards external areas in south and west of Qatar such as Abu Nakhlah, Mukaynis and Al Karaana.Ashghal had upgraded and expanded of Khalid Bin Ahmed Interchange, converting the roundabout into a signal-controlled interchange and opened it to traffic in November 2022 to connect Salwa Road, Salwa Road Al Furousiya Street and to connect East Industrial Street, therefore enhancing traffic flow which accommodates 8500 vehicles per hour instead of 5000 vehicles per hour, cutting travel time to about 80%.The signal-controlled interchange consists of six lanes with many entry-exit points to 2.8km long connection roads, tree plantation over an area of 10,000sqm as part of landscape works.The interchange regulates traffic movement and provides more traffic safety instead of the old roundabout. The interchange is located at the entrance to Doha, Industrial Area, malls and many residential areas with large population density such as Ain Khaled, New Fereej Al Ghanim, Fereej Al Murrah, Fereej Al Manaseer and Muaither.Yousef Al-Emadi, Projects Affairs director, said the openings enhance traffic movement and the flow of traffic between Doha and Al Rayyan Municipality and the external areas. Jaber Hassan al-Jaber, director of Al Rayyan Municipality, said the new interchanges will serve various areas in Al Rayyan Municipality.Engineer Bader Darwish, Highway Projects Department manager, said the new interchange at Mebaireek will reduce travel time by 50%. Abdulla Mohamed al-Nabet, member of the Central Municipal Council of District 13, expressed his gratitude for Ashghal’s completion of the project.Project Engineer Noah al-Joof noted reliance on local materials and national factories in project's work is approximately 80% where lighting poles and directional signs, drainage pipes, rainwater drainage pipes, premade manholes, concrete and steel were supplied.The main features of the project include the provision of distinctive building methods such as the use of precast steel beams to reduce the closure of the underpass in Al Furousiya and Salwa Interchange. Mebaireek Bridge was planned to be on several stages to avoid traffic closure for Salwa Road users.Project engineer Nasser Dalmouk said the construction of Khalid Bin Ahmed and Mebaireek Interchanges will contribute significantly to enhancing traveler and cargo traffic as they connect between the Abu Samra border point in the south-west and Hamad port.Capt. engineer Abdullah Mansour al-Shaeel, Diversion Section Head at Traffic Safety Department in General Directorate of Traffic, was present at the opening.

The Grandstand Arena at Expo 2023 Doha will witness world-renowned international and regional artists enthrall the visitors at Al Bidda Park. The venue, according to details on Expo 2023 Doha official website, can accommodate 5,000 people.Expo 2023 Doha has a Cultural Area with 500,000sq m along with a Family Area with 500,000sq m at Al Bidda Park where the Cultural Bazaar will have a vibrant marketplace and feature traditional artisanal products, including handmade crafts from various countries.With a capacity to host up to 2,000 viewers, the open-air Family Amphitheatre will host a variety of edutainment shows and activities suitable for kids and families. From interactive performances to educational programmes, the the place will provide a space for every visitor.The Indoor Domes, which are the indoor gardens, will be housed within domes featuring controlled conditions and temperatures to preserve and nurture the gardens. This space offers an ideal setting for cultivating plants and flowers that demand specific indoor environments, temperatures and lighting.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.

Traffic violations of not wearing seatbelt and using mobile phones while driving will face strict action with the General Directorate of Traffic all set to monitor and penalise these offences using the advanced radar system.The Ministry of Interior (MoI), Sunday posted on its X (formerly Twitter) account , that the directorate will start automated monitoring of these two violations from September 3.The unified radar system, which will detect the violations, is a move to boost traffic safety and reduce accidents.Acting Director General of Traffic Brig. Abdulaziz bin Jassim al-Thani told Qatar News Agency (QNA) that the move came within the MoI's keenness to develop traffic systems in a way that meet and enhance safety requirements.Starting September 3, 2023, the General Directorate of Traffic will start automated monitoring of traffic violations of not wearing seat belts and using mobile phones while driving, the Ministry of Interior announced Sunday.Video: @MOI_QatarEnhttps://t.co/JauWLOTVEX pic.twitter.com/Em9EMcdsWp— Gulf Times (@GulfTimes_QATAR) August 20, 2023 “The General Directorate of Traffic will begin the soft activation of monitoring the aforementioned violations from next Sunday (August 27), through automated radar and Tala'a cameras, a week before the official activation date, with the aim of educating road users about these violations,” he said.SMS will be sent to alert violators but no fines will be collected before the actual activation date of September 3. He 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.Starting from next week, MoI will launch a large-scale campaign on its social media accounts and all media outlets to promote traffic awareness among all segments of society.Using mobile phones while driving is a major cause of road accidents in Qatar. Careless driving due to mobile phone use, according to the figures from the General Directorate of Traffic, accounts for a major share of the total accidents. Earlier, a survey by the Qatar Transportation and Traffic Safety Centre (QTTSC) at Qatar University found that of the 256 respondents, only 13% said they never used mobile phones for calls in their last 10 driving trips.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 same penalty is applied if children below 10 are allowed to occupy the front seat. Avoiding seat belts while driving attracts a fine of QR500.While intensifying its efforts to bring down accidents and ensure road safety, the General Directorate of Traffic has so far deployed a fleet of patrol vehicles with latest cameras on Qatar's roads. With their highly efficient and advanced sensors, the vehicles are able to detect violations.The sensors can record violations while monitoring up to six tracks on roads. The live data is transferred to the National Command Centre. These new vehicles have been brought in as part of the initiatives of the General Directorate of Traffic to reduce road accidents and prevent violations. Most roads in Qatar are monitored through cameras installed as part of the Tala’a project as well as mobile cameras.

The Expo 2023 Doha has published user guides for the participants and visitors. The guide for users can be accessed at Doha 2023 Expo’s official website and it contains the details of the venues along with location maps.Starting with His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani’s message, the guide describes the mission, vision and values of the expo and explains the theme ‘Green Desert, Better Environment’ along with the sub themes ‘Modern Agriculture’, ‘Technology & Innovation’, ‘Environmental Awareness’ and ‘Sustainability’.With maps, the guide has illustrations of the three key areas of the expo namely Cultural Area with 500,000 sqm, Family Area with 500,000 sqm and International Area with 700,000 sqm. The master plan is also given along with the detailed images of Qatar’s pavilion, Sponsors Area, Indoor Domes, Congress Centre, Family Amphitheatre, Food Kiosks, Farmers' Market, Environment Centre and Biodiversity Museum and GrandStand Arena.The Participants Info Guide is available on the website of the Expo 2023 Doha. “Participating countries will build their gardens to display their plant diversity and their approach to desertification, modern agriculture, technology & innovation and sustainability. They will have the opportunity to be part of diverse activities such as conferences, symposia, seminars, B2B meetings, cultural and artistic shows, while promoting themselves to millions of visitors from various continents for the duration of six months. National Day celebrations will enable them to celebrate their values, culture and traditions with the world,” the guide says.The guide draws up the Expo 2023 Doha Participation Process while detailing the stages of submitting applications. Also, the guide has exclusive pages for explaining the benefits of the expo for users and participants. Maps of Outdoor Garden Plots, Expo House and key figures are also given.

Entry to Expo 2023 Doha is free for for all visitors, according to information available on Qatar Tourism (QT) application Visit Qatar. It was announced on Monday that the Hayya Card option will be in place for the visitors of Expo 2023 Doha, being held from October 2, 2023 to March 28, 2024.Visit Qatar has also 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.Expo 2023 Doha Secretary General Mohamed al-Khoury had explained that the details of the entry procedures with the Hayya Card for the event would be announced later. The Hayya Card entry system will be implemented in cooperation with Qatar Tourism for visitors during the six-month event.Expo 2023 Doha is expected to have participation of 80 countries and the arrival of three million visitors to Doha. The Hayya Card was launched during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 as a Fan ID that allowed ticket-holders' entry into Qatar and the stadiums while giving them free access to metro and bus services.The Ministry of Interior (MoI) had extended the validity of the Hayya Card, allowing the card holders from outside the country to enter Qatar until January 24, 2024.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.Expo 2023 Doha is held under the theme "Green Desert, Better Environment" and aims to promote sustainable innovations and combat desertification. It is set to make history as the first A1 International Horticultural Exhibition in Qatar, the Middle East, and North Africa.Expo 2023 Doha is developed under Qatar's National Vision 2030 and organised under the Ministry of Municipality.

Upholding the motto ‘Green Desert, Better Environment’, the kiosks at Expo 2023 Doha venues will stay eco-friendly with zero room for plastics and harmful materials.To leave a mark of sustainability and a strong message of environmental protection, the kiosks will be free of gas and charcoal as well while going green with eco-friendly packaging.“Another way to save the environment is that the use of (cooking) gas and charcoal are strictly forbidden when renting a kiosk, only electric kitchen equipment is allowed. One of the guidelines to follow when renting a kiosk is to go green with eco-friendly packaging,” Expo 2023 Doha said in a Twitter statement.While inviting applications to run the kiosks at the expo, the organisers have published a set of guidelines that the bidders have to follow as a commitment towards environmental protection and sustainability. “Gas and charcoal are strictly forbidden, only electric kitchen equipment is allowed. The use of plastic containers isn’t allowed, sustainable eco-friendly packaging is allowed,” the guidelines say.Special bins will be placed in the main area, all food waste will be recycled and composted.Highlighting the idea of a greener future and sustainability at the construction works, all venues of the expo are built in line with the highest standards of sustainability. This is meant for minimising the carbon footprin and presenting the idea of a greener future for the Middle East and North Africa region in all areas of life.The activities and events at Expo 2023 Doha will contribute to achieving the vision of a green desert and a better environment. The pavilions will feature the latest technologies in horticulture, agriculture and sustainability while inviting the visitors to learn more through interactive displays and exhibitions.

The Expo 2023 Doha will be a festival of cuisine while bringing together the best culinary experiences and featuring the food and beverages with live entertainment. There will be food kiosks that provide an opportunity for visitors to experience diverse food and beverage kiosks and stalls, presenting an array of international and local cuisines.As per the details on Expo 2023 Doha official website, visitors can have the premier experience of 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 deserts and healthy food.Restaurants can now apply for kiosks at the expo through the link on the official website https://www.dohaexpo2023.gov.qa/en/take-part/food-beverages/.The website has published a set of guidelines and terms for the applicants. “This application is not binding, and participation is not guaranteed, Expo 2023 commercial team will be reaching out in case your application is shortlisted. General rules and regulation of food and beverages hygiene, food safety, storage and preparation are applied. Gaz and Charcoal are strictly forbidden, only electric kitchen equipment is allowed. The use of plastic containers isn’t allowed, sustainable eco-friendly packaging is allowed,” the website says.Special bins will be placed in the main area, all food waste will be recycled and composted. The agreement is for the whole 6 months duration, the operator has to abide by Expo working hours, if the restaurant is closed for more than five consecutive days, Expo management has the right to terminate the agreement and not refund the rent. Only the drivers and riders of the exclusive delivery partner of Expo will be allowed on site and the operator should be listed on the partners platform. Menu should be reviewed and approved by the Expo management company; operators are not allowed to change it or update without pre-approval from the management. Pricing should be reasonable; Expo management will announce and align the prices of water, bottled juices and soft drinks; pricing of food items and beverages should be approved by the management; changes and updates should be pre-approved.

After lending the kids memories of joy to cherish, the first edition of "Qatar Toy Festival '' has concluded at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre (DECC). Hundreds of children, while attending the valediction ceremony, were enthralled by the festivities, the riot of colours and performances. Many were seen with their faces painted with figures of superheroes. To add much to their enthusiasm, mascots greeted the children while stepping down the stage and holding a procession in style.The myriad colours of the festival set the tone for the jubilant conclusion, balloons in many colours descended upon them. The kids contested to pick one or two balloons of their favourite colour - all with cheers and excitement. And a cake-cutting ceremony that was attended by representatives of Qatar Tourism (QT) and other entities marked the formal valediction of the festival.The festival, while featuring a slew of entertainment activities, provided families and children with fun at various corners of DECC. These all were while hosting interactive experiences, games that aimed at developing children’s skills and stimulating their abilities in the presence of experts. The festival also had several stage shows.Organised by Qatar Tourism in collaboration with Spacetoon, the first-of-its-kind festival showcased more than 25 renowned toy brands. These included favourites such as Barbie, Blippi, Bluey, Cocomelon, Disney, HapeeCapee, Marvel, Fortnite, and Transformers while suiting the tastes of kids from 2 to 12.The festival was held as part of QT’s ‘Feel Summer in Qatar’ campaign - an extension of its 'Feel More in Qatar’ brand platform aimed at further establishing the country as the premier family destination in the Middle East.

The Expo 2023 Doha Thursday invited applications for its volunteer programme while making the final preparations. Eligible candidates can submit the application through the link at the official website https://www.dohaexpo2023.gov.qa/en/take-part/volunteer-programme/. Applicants need to register with the website after giving personal info along with contact details here https://volunteer.dohaexpo2023.gov.qa/register.According to the details released by Expo 2023 Doha, a total of 2200 volunteers will be recruited to serve the expo regularly throughout the event while discharging multiple duties.The volunteer programme is for citizens and residents of Qatar. The applicants need to be at least 18 years old by September 1, 2023 and they can volunteer 7-8 days per month for 6 months while completing 45 shifts with one shift lasting 6-8 hours, depending on the role.Overseas applicants will be considered if they are self-funded, eligible to stay in Qatar for six months and can obtain the appropriate visa. Visa, travel and accommodation aren’t provided by Expo 2023.Volunteering roles are unpaid. However, they will receive a unique volunteer uniform, access to volunteer-only events, a certificate of appreciation for your contribution and other exclusive benefits. Public transport (metro) within Doha, meals and refreshments are provided during the shifts. Anyone can apply to volunteer, even if it’s for the first time. Volunteers need to be able to communicate effectively in English to provide information and assistance to everyone. Expo 2023 volunteers will receive training, an exclusive uniform, a participation certificate and other rewards. Volunteers will perform various tasks to ensure the best experience for visitors, participants, and media. They will be placed with the diverse functions which run the event including visitor services, events and cultural experience, media and ceremonies in roles which we consider suitable for volunteers. Volunteers don’t need professional skills and you may not be given a role which matches your job. Your biggest assets are a can-do attitude, being a good listener and ability to help people patiently and courteously. Volunteers can select and manage their own shifts and the expo, according to the website, will need them most in the evening and at weekends.Volunteers will be deployed at various segments of duty including accreditation, ceremonies, ticketing, events, cultural experience, health and safety, language services, media and broadcasting, and participants’ operations, protocol services, visitors experience and workforce.

Traffic violations in Qatar have gone up in June with an increase rate of 5.5%, according to the data, released by the Planning and Statistics Authority (PSA). The number of accidents went up by 14.3% compared to the same month in 2022.Violations included overspeeding, jumping the signals, overtaking, non-renewal of driving licence etc. It also included breaching stand and wait rules and obligations. As per the figures, 619 traffic accidents were recorded, with a monthly decrease of 12.1% and an annual decrease of 17%. The General Directorate of Traffic earlier announced that careless driving and illegal pedestrian crossing are the causes of concern when it comes to road traffic accidents.Not keeping a safe distance, deviation from the road, non-adherence to lane discipline, speeding and overtaking also result in accidents. Qatar is one of the leading countries in the area of traffic safety in light of its achievements in road safety indicators. The death rate in Qatar is significantly lower than global rates. This is achieved due to the designated authorities taking many steps and measures during the past years in the field of achieving traffic safety on the roads, and strengthening, drawing up and developing traffic policies.

The Expo 2023 Doha is set to recruit 2,200 volunteers as the final preparations to host the mega event are under way. According to the details on Expo 2023 Doha official website, these volunteers will serve the expo regularly throughout the event while discharging multiple duties.The volunteer programme is for citizens and residents of Qatar and they can be part of the event through the link on the official website where the applications will be open soon.Applicants need to be at least 18 years old by September 1, 2023 and they can volunteer 7-8 days per month for 6 months while completing 45 shifts with one shift lasting 6-8 hours, depending on the role.Overseas applicants will be considered if they are self-funded, eligible to stay in Qatar for six months and can obtain the appropriate visa. Visa, travel and accommodation aren’t provided by Expo 2023.Volunteering roles are unpaid. However, they will receive a unique volunteer uniform, access to volunteer-only events, a certificate of appreciation for the contribution and other exclusive benefits. Public transport (metro) within Doha, meals and refreshments are provided during the shifts. Anyone can apply to volunteer, even if it’s for the first time.Volunteers need to be able to communicate effectively in English to provide information and assistance to everyone. Expo 2023 volunteers will receive training, an exclusive uniform, a participation certificate and other rewards. Volunteers will perform various tasks to ensure the best experience for visitors, participants, and media. They will be placed with the diverse functions which run the event including visitor services, events and cultural experience, media and ceremonies in roles which the orgnaisers consider suitable for volunteers.Volunteers don’t need professional skills and may not be given a role which matches their jobs. "Your biggest assets are a can-do attitude, being a good listener and ability to help people patiently and courteously." Volunteers can select and manage their own shifts and the expo, according to the website, will need them most in the evenings and at weekends.Volunteers will be deployed at various segments of duty including accreditation, ceremonies, ticketing, events, cultural experience, health and safety, language services, media and broadcasting, and participants’ operations, protocol services, visitors experience and workforce.

Traffic services are the most sought after among the Metrash 2 transactions while visa and residency services are on the top of the list, Officer of Electronic Services and Internet Department of the General Directorate of Information Systems at the Ministry of Interior (MoI) Lt. Abdul Rahman Abdullah Jamal said while talking to Qatar TV on Sunday. He said Metrash 2 is currently providing more than 330 services to citizens, residents, visitors and companies.Regarding MoI’s efforts to keep abreast of technological developments and to create smart solutions, the official said the ministry is constantly studying the most important modern technologies to be integrated into the application for the improvement of the services.“The continuous improvement and update of the existing services with Metrash 2 are in cooperation with various MoI departments. This is with the aim of reducing time and effort for the public,” he said, adding that MoI aims to provide integrated and smooth electronic services to the public while minimising time consumption and ease of the functions and services.He explained that one of the most prominent features of the Metrash 2 application is sending reminder text messages to users in case the documents are about to expire. “This is in addition to delivering documents to all parts of the country in cooperation with Qatar Post while minimising the need to go to the various service centres. The electronic wallet with the Metrash2 makes various documents easily accessible to the users,” he said, adding that the application supports iOS, Android and tablet devices in order to reach the largest possible segment of users.

Following its impressive accomplishments in 2022, the Public Works Authority (Ashghal) is implementing a slew of infrastructure projects. Eng. Ali Ahmed al-Mawlawi, project engineer at Ashghal, told Qatar TV that these projects will serve a total of 36,000 housing plots upon completion.The infrastructure projects are currently underway at various parts of Qatar including Ezghawa, Al Kharaitiyat, Al Ebb, West Muaither, Al Mashaf South and Al Wukair South.Al-Mawlawi pointed out that last year the pace of project completion in the country increased with the approach of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022. While preparing for the World Cup, more than 170km of sewage and 400km of rainwater drainage networks were developed.He added that 240km of paths for pedestrians and sports bikes and 75,000sq m of green areas were developed during 2022.In May, Ashghal announced its plan to implement 22 new building projects worth QR4.1bn and the authority has plans to tender more projects in the third quarter of this year.Six projects worth an estimated QR1.1bn include the construction and development of several buildings in co-ordination with various authorities while 10 projects are under implementation with an estimated value of more than QR3bn, most notably the development of Hamad General Hospital, the establishment of Madinat Khalifa Health Centre and Qatar Academy Sidra, and the rehabilitation of the veterinary laboratory building of the Ministry of Municipality. There are six other projects including the two projects of the courts complex and the Court of Appeal and Cassation.

The 8th Local Dates Festival started Thursday at Souq Waqif, featuring agrobiodiversity and showcasing the best varieties of dates produced in Qatar. The first day of the festival saw crowds thronging Al Ahmed Square to buy farm fresh dates at fair prices. Khaled Saif al-Suwaidi, general supervisor of the festival, told Gulf Times that the festival is expected to witness the sale of 15 tonnes of dates a day. “The festival is a place to get fresh dates for every one. Good sale is expected and we are set to deliver the needs of the buyers. More dates will be brought from farms if the demand exceeds the stock,” he said. A total of 103 farms are part of the festival that sells local varieties including Al Khalas, Al Khenaizi, Al Shishi, Al Barhi, Al Saqai, Al Razizi, Nabt Saif and Al Lulu. Date syrup is also available. Date juice and ice cream have turned out to be the favourite of visitors with many opting to try them at counters inside the tent. Al-Suwaidi said seven companies are part of the festival while selling their products. The festival this year has also selling points for locally grown farm fresh figs that draw many visitors. From charming date decors to seatings, the Souq Waqif Celebrations Committee at the Private Engineering Office has made all arrangements inside the festival tent. Al-Suwaidi noted that the festival comes within the framework of the great interest that Qatar attaches to supporting and encouraging local production of all national products including dates. He added the festival is being held in conjunction with the season of date production in the country. To run until August 5, the festival receives the public daily from 3pm until 9pm, except for Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, when it is open until 10pm. Al-Suwaidi explained that the Celebrations Committee at the Private Engineering Office has launched a competition for the best local dates for the first time. He added that rewards will be distributed to the first three winners as a gesture of support from the committee towards the farmers while supporting and encouraging the production of the best local dates. ENDS...

The Smart Parking project is making remarkable strides with 85% of the installation of the smart parking sensors complete across Qatar.Eng. Tariq Jumaa al-Tamimi, director of the Technical Office at the Ministry of Municipality, while talking to Qatar TV, said that the sensors are functional with approximately 3021 parking spaces in various regions.According to al-Tamimi, under the project, which is the first comprehensive digital parking service in Qatar, work is carried out through a joint team from ministries and government entities.The team sets technical requirements for parking development while determining the fees. Al-Tamimi pointed out that the focus has been on a set of goals that serve the public. These are improving the quality of life while switching to digitising the existing services and easing traffic congestion due to queuing for parking. Also, the goals include encouraging the public to use public transportation.The service provides users with a seamless parking experience by offering information on available parking spaces and allowing them to find out and reach parking spots using their mobile phones. The launch of the Smart Parking service is part of the five smart sectors included in Smart Qatar Programme (TASMU). The Smart Parking Service contains parking spaces in adjacent parking lots on vital roads and areas, such as Corniche and West Bay in addition to parking spots in Souq Waqif, Al Bidaa Park, Corniche, Gate Mall, Lusail, Msheireb and others.The Smart Parking project provides direct data, supported by best recommendations and real-time forecasts about available parking spaces. This enables reducing the mobility time for drivers on the roads and contributes to the achievement of a key performance indicator for the transportation sector, which is reducing traffic congestion and delays on the roads. The project also helps diminish environmental pollution by minimising the duration of the car journey and the unnecessary operation of the vehicle's engine.

While shedding light on the diversity of agricultural products in the region and providing a venue for showcasing local produce, the Expo 2023 Doha will feature a Farmers Market.“The market is a space where farmers and growers can showcase their produce to the public and where attendees can chat with and support local businesses,” the expo's official website says. Also, international pavilions will benefit from free space to sell their agricultural produce of local fruits and vegetables.Innovations and techniques of modern agriculture are the focus of the expo that combines tradition and modern technology for a balanced use of resources. The modern agriculture segment at the expo will mainly focus on enhancing farmers' role. The expo will also create a convergence of people and ideas to accelerate innovation, research and scientific advancements in the field of modern agriculture.The event will promote innovation, research and scientific advancements in modern agriculture to produce safe, sustainable and affordable food for the increasing population of the world and reduce climate impact.They have the experience and the everyday perspective that can inform, promote and implement the solutions to fight desertification. They are the real growers of change.Described as the first A1 International Horticultural Exhibition to be held in Qatar, the Middle East, and North Africa, Expo 2023 Doha will have international visitors and organisers along with experts from national and international industries, government entities and officials. Non-governmental organisations and commercial affiliates will also be part of the exhibition.At Al Bidda Park, the Expo 2023 Doha venue, pavilions are to be set up across 1.7mn sqm, with dedicated zones for modern agriculture, technology and innovation, environmental awareness and sustainability.Organisers have said the construction works for Expo Doha 2023 are complete and the venue would be ready to receive visitors starting September, one month ahead of the opening.

The Ministry of Municipality has completed all arrangements for the 8th edition of the Local Dates Festival at Souq Waqif, a Qatar TV report has said.The festival will be held at Souq Waqif’s Al Ahmed Square from July 27 to August 5.According to the statement from the ministry, the festival will receive the public daily from 3pm until 9pm, except for Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, when it is open until 10pm.Ahmed Salem al-Yafei, head of the Extension and Agricultural Services Department and supervisor of the festival, said more than 100 local farms will showcase their products at the festival.Organised by the Ministry of Municipality and Souq Waqif management, the festival comes within the framework of the great interest that Qatar attaches to supporting and encouraging local production of all national products including dates, in conjunction with the season of date production in the country. This is with the aim of supporting efforts to achieve food security while encouraging the interest and keenness to develop the agricultural sector. Also, the dates festival seeks to encourage farmers to improve production.The annual festival usually features all Qatari varieties of dates including Al Khalas, Al Khenaizi, Al Shishi, Al Barhi, Al Saqai, Al Razizi, Nabt Saif and Al Lulu. Also, date syrup will be available.The event is expected to have the participation of specialised companies and farms from across the country while offering produce at competitive prices, which are lower than those found at retail outlets.