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The Biodiversity Museum at Expo 2023 Doha will showcase the region's rich flora, fauna, and diverse marine life while the exclusive Environment Centre will provide a dedicated space for the demonstration of technologies related to environmental science and renewable energy.Also, the centre, according to Expo 2023 Doha official website, will share climate change statistics and information.These all will be in place while putting sustainability on the spotlight. “Sustainability aims to maintain biodiversity and ecological balance, whilst acknowledging the need for civilisation to sustain its modern way of life,” the website says.The venue will also provide exclusive access to all conferences throughout the six months of the Expo. The state-of-the-art facilities allow hosting of national weeks with VIP delegations and officials, making the venue ideal for networking, exchanging innovative ideas, and forging new partnerships. Also, there will be an Exhibition Centre where unforgettable events will be held with an expansive 7,500 sqm of prime exhibition space, which is ideal for short- and long-term exhibitions. The Family Amphitheatre will host various entertainment shows and activities suitable for kids and families while making it the ultimate destination for an enjoyable day out.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 next September, one month ahead of the opening.

The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MoECC) has decided to allow temporary camping during the weekends. According to a Qatar TV report, camping will be allowed on the last three days of every week. The move is to help the public in urban areas get a respite from the summer heat by heading to the beaches.The usual camping season has ended on April 29 in the northern and central regions of the country while it came to an end in the areas of Sealine and Al Udayd on May 20.The ministry has urged camp goers to preserve the environment and protect natural resources by using alternative and environment-friendly energy, planting plants and trees, maintaining camping sites and adhering to the camping regulations. According to the Qatar TV report, the new decision identifies a set of controls and requirements that must be adhered to by the camp goers. The ministry has urged the campers to maintain the cleanliness of the camping site while preserving the environment. Also, they should leave a distance between the beach and the caravan and break the camp when the allowed period comes to an end. The report pointed out that camping beyond the permitted time is a violation.The concerned authorities at MoECC will follow up on compliance with the laws for the protection of the terrestrial and marine environment by patrolling the area. Also, inspectors will be deployed to monitor the compliance with regulations. Inspection tours will focus on the sites that are more frequented during the weekends.

With summer in its peak, commuting goes smooth in an affordable way for many, thanks to the air-conditioned bus shelters, built as part of the Public Bus Infrastructure programme.“Waiting for the bus could have been difficult during summer without these air conditioned bus shelters,” said Mohamed Shameer, who uses the MetroLink service to reach Al Wakra Metro station, from where he takes Doha Metro to reach his office at West Bay. The Al Wakra resident pointed out that many office goers are switching to public transport as the system is remarkably efficient and cost-effective.As per figures released by the Ministry of Transport, the Public Bus Infrastructure programme features the development of more than 2,300 bus stops in and outside of Doha, designed in accordance with the highest world standards and technology.“The air conditioned shelters are among the attractions of the public transport,” said Abdul Majeed, who takes bus to reach his office on a daily basis. He is one of the residents who switched into public transport. “The well set up infrastructure has made travel to work and back, easy. Some of my friends have stopped using cars to reach their offices,” he said.The bus shelters have come as a relief for many low income individuals in remote areas. “The number of bus services has been improved. There is better connectivity between Doha and other places and waiting for buses is no more difficult during summer,” said a Nepali resident, who works at Doha Industrial Area.Implemented in cooperation with the Public Works Authority, the Public Bus Infrastructure programme aims at providing an integrated, sustainable public transit network that covers all urban areas across the country and forms a coherent transportation unit that includes public buses, Doha Metro, and tram networks.The programme consists of eight bus stations at Al Sudan, Msheireb, Al Gharrafa, Lusail, Al Wakra, Education City, Industrial Area, and West Bay Central and four bus depots in Lusail, the New Industrial Area, Al Wakra, and Al Rayyan. All these facilities are supported with over 650 charging stations for e-bus operations.Also, as part of the programme, there are four Park and Ride parking locations in Al Qassar, Al Wakra, Lusail, and Education City, in service of public transit users. The programme lays the foundation for a full transformation to an electricity-powered transit system that is clean and eco-friendly, using latest technologies with a view to providing the best services in a fashion that supports sustainable development.

Expo 2023 Doha will put spotlight on the green desert while contemplating measures to make possible a better environment, the Bureau International Des Exposition (BIE) Secretary General Dimitri Kerkentzes told Gulf Times Wednesday.After visiting the exhibition site, Kerkentzes said the expo assumes significance as it’s held in an arid land and lends the entire world the opportunities to share the experiences and expertise of greening the desert, sustainable cultivation and beating climate change.The greening of deserts is a sustainable project for irrigation and forestation of dry areas or regions near water sources like lakes, rivers, seas or oceans. This is while taking benefits of clean technologies like irrigation with natural water sources and renewable energy supplies.The green desert ideal has cultural, educational, economic, social and scientific aspects, combining traditional agricultural practices with modern and alternative techniques like hydroponics, permaculture and vermiculture, all in a sustainable manner.BIE is the intergovernmental organisation in charge of overseeing and regulating all international exhibitions that last more than three weeks and are of non-commercial nature. Headquartered in Paris, BIE is a key international stakeholder of organising Expo 2023 Doha.“Expo 2023 Doha will feature deep aspects on measures to adapt and overcome the adversity of current challenges while leaving a strong expansive intellectual legacy,” Kerkentzes said.The Secretary General of BIE visited the Expo 2023 Doha site at Al Bidda Park along with Qatari officials and assessed the progress of the works. He noted that Doha is an important place to have this expo as it can host discussions, deliberations and seminars on measures and new techniques to adapt to climate change and the changes needed to be adopted in daily life to beat the climate change.“Climate change seems to be a clear reality all across the world. We need to bring the world to tackle the challenges and we have to learn how to beat climate change,” he said.Kerkentzes lauded the organisers by saying all are working with cent percent commitment to ensure the success of the expo.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 the experts from national and international industries, government entities and officials. Non-governmental organisations and commercial affiliates will also be a part of the exhibition.At Expo 2023 Doha venue Al Bidda Park, pavilions are to be set up across 1.7mn sqm, with dedicated zones for modern agriculture, technology and innovation, environmental awareness and sustainability.

Always for holidays, Indian expatriate Ahmad Anwar chose between flying home or staying in Qatar exploring the local tourist destinations. This Eid al-Adha holiday turned out to be special for Anwar and his family as he, along with his friend Sameer V K, opted to embark on a road trip from Doha to Amman.A new trend where several residents opt to go for international road trips from Doha has been in the making for some years now and the Eid al-Adha holidays witnessed the trend gaining ground after a break. Several Doha residents drove to Jordan, Oman, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia and the UAE over the past couple of weeks.Anwar started the trip in a group of 11 individuals including five kids on June 25 in two SUVs. The group returned to Doha on July 2 after covering Saudi heritage sites in Tabuk and visiting the popular Jordan tourist sites including the ancient city of Petra, the port city of Aqaba, Dead Sea, Cave of the Seven Sleepers and the capital city Amman.“We made all preparations while planning almost everything. The trip was amazing and quite affordable. We opted to go by road since it lends an opportunity to stop and explore every site,” Anwar told Gulf Times.Travel experts say the trend is now getting many takers after Saudi Arabia eased entry procedures for Qatar residents. “Visa proceedings have become easy and fast. E visa and on-arrival visa are available for Qatar residents from many countries that can be reached by road. Such facilities attract residents to go for a new experience change while celebrating holidays,” said Mosafer Travel and Tourism general manager Firos Nattu.Sadiq Chennadan, another Doha resident, along with his friends, drove to Oman where he visited the picturesque Wadi Darbat and heritage sites of Mutrah Fort along with beaches, Souqs, museums and villages across Salalah and Muscat.“All you need is good friends and vehicles that are fit for a long drive. We enjoyed the trip while exploring every site. We had regular breaks and stays across Oman and Saudi Arabia,” Sadiq said, adding that the trip is affordable compared to air travel.Nishaant Tharammel went to Bahrain's capital city Manama where he stayed a day and night after exploring the Saudi city of Dammam. “We had a good time both in Saudi and Bahrain. We feel great that we opted to drive to two countries,” he said, adding that the roads, outside the cities, demand care and attention.Many residents also drove to Saudi cities of Jeddah, Riyadh and Abha where they met relatives and friends while UAE cities such as Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah received many visitors from Qatar during the Eid al-Adha holidays.

Fervour and festivities marked Eid al-Adha celebrations across Qatar Wednesday, starting early morning when the faithful converged at mosques and prayer grounds chanting Eid Takbeer.The prayer started at 5.01am and the mosques along with prayer grounds received huge numbers of faithful. Awqaf in coordination with the Ministry of Municipality and the Ministry of Interior (MoI) had made all arrangements for the prayers.Apart from the Grand Mosque, Qatar Foundation's Education City Stadium and Msheireb Downtown Doha topped the list of favourites for Eid prayers.Many Doha residents opted to take their families and friends to the Grand Mosque where they had impressive views of the Doha skyline after the prayer. “For a long time, the mosque remains to be my Eid prayer destination. The eye-catching graceful arches and other characteristics of Islamic architectural tradition make the mosque an ideal place to hold special prayers,” said Mohamed Ashraf, who reached the mosque along with his friend from Bahrain Wednesday morning.With its distinguished cultural and architectural features, Msheireb’s historic Eid Prayer Ground also drew hundreds of faithful. Msheireb Properties restored the space to preserve Qatar’s heritage and a piece of history dating back to the founding of Doha. In order to transport the believers to Msheireb Downtown Doha and Education City Stadium, Doha Metro started its services at 4.30 am.Eid prayer grounds recorded a huge flow of believers with many opting to go there while planning meetings with friends. “In fact, the prayer grounds are all about the celebrations. I like to come here for a host of reasons. There is a life in this open space while people from different communities across the world hold their prayers. This place lends an opportunity to meet the friends and wish them,” said Mohamed Shafi, who attended the prayer at Al Wakra Eid prayer ground along with his friends.The Ministry of Endowments and Islamic Affairs (Awqaf) distributed Eid gifts to kids who accompanied their parents to mosques and prayer grounds.

Qataris Thursday voted to elect members of the 7th Central Municipal Council (CMC). Twenty-nine new members were announced by Maj Gen Majid Ibrahim al-Khulaifi, chairman of the Supervisory Committee for the Central Municipal Council Elections at the Ministry of Interior (MoI) after the votes were counted in the evening.A statement from the MoI explained that 40.7% or a total of 34,527 voters, both male and female citizens, registered their names for voting. The voting process was held at 27 electoral constituencies with the winners of the 27th and 28th constituencies already elected uncontested. A total of 102 candidates, including four females, were in the fray.**media[46513]**With all preparations and technical arrangements in place, polling centres welcomed voters from 8am to 5pm in 27 constituencies. “In accordance with the laws, decrees, and ministerial decisions governing the electoral process, the supervisory committee, executive committees, and electoral committees have completed their preparatory, organisational, and procedural tasks for the seventh term of the CMC,” Maj Gen al-Khulaifi said.The winners pledged to serve their constituencies and the country while working to improve the quality of various services. Talking to Qatar TV, Waleed al-Emadi, who won from Constituency 8, said he will work to develop the infrastructure while focusing on maintaining the mosques and streets and developing the quality of education in his constituency.Hamad al-Kubaisi, elected from Constituency 18, told Qatar TV that he has plans to improve the quality of commercial activities and streets in his constituency. He said he will work to address various civic woes in his constituency.The winnersElectoral district 1 - Jassim Najm Ali Ahmed al-KhulaifiElectoral district 2 - Jassim Ali Jaber Boussioul al-SorourElectoral district 3 - Mohammed Rashid Khamis al-Samkhan al-KubaisiElectoral district 4 - Bader Sultan Saad Sultan al RumaihiElectoral district 5 - Mohammed Salem Mohammed al-Qamra al-MarriElectoral district 6 - Abdullah Ghanem Hassan Sultan a-GhanemElectoral district 7 - Fahd Abdullah Abdul Rahman al-MullaElectoral district 8 - Waleed Mohammed Abdul Rahim Mohammed al-EmadiElectoral district 9 - Hassan Ali Othman Mahmoud al-IshaqElectoral district 10 - Abdul Rahman Abdullah Muhammad Ali al-KhulaifiElectoral district 11 - Mohammed Mana Ayed al-Abd KhawarElectoral district 12 - Mohammed Ali Mohammed al-Homr al-AthbaElectoral district 13 - Abdullah Mohammed Mubarak al-NabitElectoral district 14 - Mohammed Hammoud Shafi al-ShafiElectoral district 15 - Mubarak Freesh Mubarak Saleh al-SalemElectoral district 16 - Mohammed Saleh Rashid al-Khayareen al-HajriElectoral district 17 - Abdullah Khaled Qasim al Yahri al-YafeiElectoral district 18 - Hamad Khaled Khalifa al-KubaisiElectoral district 19 - Fahd Hamad Mohammed Husayn al-BaridiElectoral district 20 - Saeed Ali Hamad al-Ghafrani al-MarriElectoral district 21 - Nayef Ali Mohammed Maiqa al-AhbabiElectoral district 22 - Fahad Salem Dhaidan al-Quoz al-MarriElectoral district 23 - Mohammed Zafer Mohammed al-Mufaqai al-HajriElectoral district 24 - Ali Kharbash Hamid Kharbash al-MansouriElectoral district 25 - Abdullah Muqalled Ali Ibrahim al-MuraikhiElectoral district 26 - Hassan Lahdan Ali Abu Jamhour al-MohannadiElectoral district 27 - Rashid Saree Ghazwan al-Saree al-Kaabi (by acclamation)Electoral district 28 - Nasser Khalifa Nasser Tawar al-Kuwari (by acclamation)Electoral district 29 - Mohammed Abdullah Ali Mohammed al-Sada

The ConteQ Expo24 will be held from 2024 September 16 to 18 at the Qatar National Convention Centre (QNCC) under the patronage of HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) while offering investment opportunities and highlighting latest trends in development and construction sectors, it was announced Monday.Jointly organised by the Public Works Authority (Ashghal), the Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoCI) and the Ministry of Labour, ConteQ Expo24 is described as an ideal venue for companies, construction, manufacturing, and retail industry leaders in Qatar to meet with thought leaders, suppliers and prominent industry leaders at the international level.The event will also showcase the latest research, innovations and technologies that enhance productivity, quality of implementation, cost reduction, waste reduction and energy efficiency. The details were announced during a press conference Monday.A statement from president Dr engineer Saad bin Ahmad al-Muhannadi said Ashghal is dedicated to embracing groundbreaking technologies that revolutionise the execution of construction projects. “Our emphasis lies in minimising dependence on unskilled labour while introducing innovative solutions that amplify efficiency and elevate quality. ConteQExpo24 provides a promising opportunity to explore cutting-edge advancements in technology, allowing us to uncover fresh approaches for enhancing our operations and project implementation,” he said.Projects Affairs director engineer Yousef al-Emadi told the press conference that Ashghal, while hosting the exhibition, will establish a foundation for initiating the journey of digital and technical transformation, particularly in the vital construction and services sector.“We are currently witnessing an impressive surge of progress and digitalisation across all industries. To keep up with this rapid advancement, it is crucial to swiftly act and provide a platform for innovators, enthusiasts, and technical experts to convene with decision-makers and creators,” he said.Ministry of Labour's assistant undersecretary Mohamed Hassan al-Obaidly said ConteQ Expo24 represents a pivotal stride towards realising the objectives and policies pursued by Qatar.“It not only facilitates the actual digital transformation within crucial sectors such as construction and services but also attracts specialised and skilled workers while curbing the reliance on unskilled labour. This endeavour bears significant positive implications as it enhances productivity and facilitates the execution of major projects in the country's construction and services sectors, adhering to the requisite standards."Moreover, it enables us to remain abreast of advanced digital solutions, emerging requirements, and evolving trends. This, in turn, fosters initiatives and ongoing endeavors in the realm of digital transformation within the construction and services fields,” al-Obaidly said.Ministry of Commerce and Industry's Public Relations Department head Jassim Mohammed al-Naama, said ConteQ Expo24 embodies the ministry’s commitment to advancing technology in the construction and services industry.“The exhibition will showcase advanced technologies and innovative solutions in the services sector, and provide a platform for companies, industry experts and innovators to meet with their counterparts and explore opportunities for cooperation and growth. We are excited to showcase new technologies that will automate many processes and thus simplify them and enhance efficiency in these areas," he said.The exhibition organising committee manager engineer Salem al-Shawi said the organisers are delighted to bring the world’s thought leaders and respected industry peers together with Qatar’s construction, manufacturing, and retail industry figures to digitise and advance the construction, manufacturing, and retail industries.“Digital transformation and its evolution are imperative to business and economic advancement. It enables collaboration, information flow, increased efficiency, productivity, sustainability, and safety. Showcasing the latest cutting-edge digital solutions, ConteQ Expo24 will be an exceptional event for companies striving for growth and advancement,” he noted.The press conference also marked signing of sponsorship contracts with UCC Holding (UrbaCon Trading & Contracting) the Official Sponsor, and Nafco Qatar,the Platinum Sponsor and AMANA company- Gold Sponsor.

An S-Band radar system was launched Wednesday at Hamad International Airport (HIA), which will be used in air traffic control systems to monitor and manage arriving and departing air traffic.HE the Minister of Transport Jassim Saif Ahmed al-Sulaiti launched the radar system in the presence of Italian ambassador Paolo Toschi, Leonardo Electronics senior V-P Davide Fazio and officials from the Ministry of Transport and Qatar Civil Aviation Authority (QCAA).Established in conjunction with Italian firm Leonardo, the S-Band radar system is equipped with advanced features and provides unparalleled accuracy, and will serve as the backbone of airspace surveillance, enabling swift and precise tracking of aircraft in real time.By providing essential information to air traffic controllers, pilots and aviation authorities, the radar system will significantly enhance situational awareness and streamline the management of air traffic.The S-Band radar covers a range of 200 miles and a height of 45,000ft. It is connected to the Long-Rang L-Band radar for smooth air traffic and safe and secure aviation. It updates flight locations every five seconds, helping detect aircraft locations with high accuracy.Such instant updates also help air controllers prioritise landing and takeoff operations in a fashion that enables the landing and takeoff of three aircraft at the same time, using three tarmacs at HIA and Doha International Airport (DIA), thus increasing the capacity to 100 aircraft per hour. This system is taking effect for the first time in the Middle East, the MoT explained in a statement.“The launch of this radar and the previous milestones during such a short period of time demonstrate the progress achieved in Qatari air navigation while supporting the build-up of a civil aviation system that is leading and sustainable relying on the best policies and practices and highest global standards in the field,” HE the Minister said.The aim, he noted, is to enhance the country’s position on the global aviation map to the best levels in terms of efficiency, quality and advancement, thus achieving Qatar National Vision 2030.He added that the deployment of advanced air navigation systems and technologies has contributed to achieving the strategic goals for keeping pace with the need to increase air traffic capacity as the number of air movements at HIA and DIA, from the start of operations during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 through the end of the championship, reached 26,425 - the equivalent of a landing and a takeoff per minute.The objective of the new radar system is to provide complete redundancy for the primary and secondary radar data, through state-of-the-art technology, in compliance with the latest national and international standards. It allows controllers to track the position, altitude, speed and heading of aircraft in real time. This information enables controllers to provide separation between aircraft, issue instructions and ensure the safe and efficient flow of air traffic.Mohamed Faleh al-Hajri, in charge of managing the QCAA, said the launch of the S-Band radar supports the progress of the current stage, complements the development plans in place, and marks a new step towards a more efficient future for civil aviation.Installing new devices and advanced technologies directly contributes to increasing the capacity and opening additional air routes, and this helps in the smooth flow of air traffic for arriving and departing aircraft, al-Hajri noted."In support of our national talent, Qatari engineers and technicians have been trained in the technologies of the S-Band radar system at the manufacturing company in Italy in the first phase. They will have hands-on training at the site of the radar here under the supervision of specialised engineers from Leonardo,” the QCAA official added.Earlier this week, the Long-Range L-Band radar was launched in the north of Qatar, marking a qualitative addition to air navigation measures.Supplied and installed by Thales, the L-band radar complies with state-of-the-art technology and latest national and international standards. It will be covering the Doha Flight Information Region (FIR) with a range of 250 nautical miles (about 400km), and can detect aircraft from a height of 3,000-65,000ft.

The Qatar Civil Aviation Authority (QCCA) Monday launched a state-of-the-art Long-Range Band Radar at Al Shamal that will ensure smooth and secure air navigation with high levels of accuracy within the newly established Doha Flight Information Region (DFIR).HE the Minister of Transport Jassim Saif al-Sulaiti launched the radar in the presence of dignitaries and top officials from the Ministry of Transport (MoT) and QCCA.Supplied and installed by French multinational company Thales, L-Band Long Range Radar complies with the latest national and international airtraffic control standards. It consists of the basic radar to cover the Doha Flight Information Region, with a range of 250 nautical miles (about 400 km) that can detect aircraft that flies between the altitudes of 3000 feet and 65000 feet in the region. The radar and systems are linked with the Qatar Air Traffic Control Center. The long-range radar also covers Kuwaiti, Emirati, and Bahraini airspace, as well as parts of Saudi and Iranian airspace.It’s worth noting that six Qatari engineers from the Air Navigation Department were sent to get trained in its operations at the manufacturing company in France.The adoption of this radar comes as part of the measures taken by QCAA to achieve the main strategic objectives of the Doha Flight Information Region (FIR) such as to enhancing air traffic control in Qatari airspace enabling early detection of air traffic within the region while developing work mechanisms, adopting modern technologies, and keeping pace with international standards, to enhance the status and presence of Qatar on the global aviation map.“During the previous years, QCAA took many measures to improve the status of the civil aviation industry in the State of Qatar, and paid great attention to all areas of this vital sector, and to air navigation concerned with managing the airspace in the State of Qatar and maintaining its security and safety. This was reflected in the great support provided by the Authority to this field, in terms of adopting the latest technologies and providing the best systems used in the field of air navigation, in cooperation with several companies around the world, specialized in the development of air navigation, with the aim of keeping pace of global technological changes and developments and ensuring further development and progress. This is in addition to providing expertise and specialized cadres, intensifying training processes and developing existing competencies to improve the level of performance and quality of work,” a statement from QCCA noted.

Around 2,500 low-income individuals will benefit from the 19th Asian Medical Camp tomorrow at Ain Khalid Umm Al Seneem Health Centre.Jointly organised by the Centre for Indian Community (CIC) and the Indian Doctors Club Qatar (IDC), the camp will have 120 doctors along with paramedical staff examining patients from various communities.Addressing a press conference Wednesday, the organisers said all arrangements were completed for the camp which will start at 7am. The inaugural ceremony is at 9am. The camp will also host open to the public health awareness sessions in the afternoon by experts from various branches of medicine, including Dr Mahesh Menon, Dr Rashmi Gurav, Dr Devi Krishna and Dr Manichandran.“Expert doctors in various fields such as cardiology, ENT, orthopaedics, physiotherapy, and ophthalmology will conduct these examinations. Additionally, the camp will offer services such as scanning, ECG, audiometry, ophthalmology, oral checkups, cholesterol and sugar tests, as well as clinical tests like blood pressure monitoring. Free medication will be provided as prescribed by the doctors,” said Dr Biju Gafoor, IDC Qatar president.General secretary Dr Makthoom Mohamed said that patients who need further care will be referred to the Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) and Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC) facilities.“Since its inception in 2002, the Asian Medical Camp has provided relief to thousands of patients, establishing itself as a vital healthcare initiative. It holds the distinction of being the largest and most comprehensive camp in the Middle East in terms of participant numbers and range of medical services offered. Following a pause caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, the medical camp is preparing to recommence its services while ensuring the continuity of its uninterrupted legacy of providing medical care,” noted a press statement from CIC.“In addition to the doctors, the camp will be supported by hundreds of paramedical staff, volunteers, and technical personnel, all dedicated to serving the attendees. Collaborating with the camp are various organisations and institutions, including the Indian Pharmacists Association Qatar, Qatar Diabetes Association and several other entities,” the statement added.The press conference was attended by Ishaq Ahmed Saeed, co-ordinator, Media Communications, HMC; Dr Mohamed Suhail, representative, PHCC; K C Abdul Latheef, vice chairman, Asian Medical Camp and vice president, CIC Qatar; and Rasheed Ahmed, Mohamed Ali and PP Rahim, also CIC Qatar officials.

The authorities concerned have advised travellers to reach Hamad International Airport (HIA) early in view of the expected summer rush.Lt-Col Abdullah Mohamed al-Jasmi, head of the Airport Passports Department at the Ministry of Interior (MoI), told Qatar Radio that all parties concerned need to co-operate to prevent any crowding or congestion at HIA in the coming period.The official shared a set of tips for travellers, including using facilities such as online check-in and using e-gates at HIA. “Arriving early is one of the most important tips for passengers to follow in order to save time, especially in case they have any visa or other issues,” he said. “It is possible to rely on the Metro to reach HIA faster."He noted that the most prominent recurring problems pertain to passports nearing their expiry date as some countries set certain conditions to allow foreign travellers to enter their territories. “The traveller must make sure that the passport is valid for at least six months in order to avoid any problems. This is because some countries refuse entry to travellers if the validity period of the passport is less than six months,” he explained.The MoI has set up e-gates for passengers to reduce the pressure on manually controlled immigration counters as part of the smart passenger project. The facility enables passengers to complete the entry or exit process through self-service terminals, which use smart technology, without the need to approach the counter staff.The activation of the electronic gates for residents has contributed to quick completion of their travel procedures without standing in long queues and waiting for passport control officers to verify their personal data and put the departure or arrival stamp on their passports.

HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohamed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim al-Thani on Sunday inaugurated the first edition of the Qatar Real Estate Forum at the Sheraton Doha.The two-day forum has been organised by the Ministry of Municipality under the theme of 'Regulations and Legislation for an Optimal Quality of Life and a Sustainable Real Estate Industry'.A number of ministers and members of diplomatic missions accredited to the country, along with several senior officials and businesspersons, attended the inauguration of the forum.HE the Prime Minister hoped that the forum would serve as a platform for investors and realtors to exchange experiences.“Joined the opening of the first Qatar Real Estate Forum, titled 'Regulations and Legislation for an Optimal Quality of Life and a Sustainable Real Estate Industry', hoping it will be a platform for investors and realtors to exchange global and local experiences to reach a sustainable real estate industry,” he tweeted.The two-day forum is being attended by around 1,500 leaders, decision makers, experts and actors in the real estate from Qatar and beyond. It highlights regional and global best expertise and practices related to the real estate sector.The first session on the inaugural day of the forum saw a panel discussion on ‘Future Trends in Real Estate’, which was attended by HE Dr Abdullah bin Abdulaziz bin Turki al-Subaie, Minister of Municipality; Mutlaq Naief Omar Abu Raqaba al-Otaibi, Minister of Electricity, Water and Renewable Energy and Minister of State for Housing, Kuwait; and Hamad bin Ali bin Sulaiman al-Nazwani, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning for Housing, Oman.The session discussed the importance of real estate development to enhance the State's economy while shedding light on the strategic initiatives to build an attractive real estate investment environment.There were three more sessions Sunday, titled ‘Exploring the Future of Real Estate’, ‘Real Estate Sector Governance’ and ‘Digital Innovation for a Sustainable Real Estate Industry’.On Monday, the forum's sessions will focus on ‘The Post-World Cup Real Estate Sector’, ‘The Real Estate Investor’s Journey — Reality vs Hope’, ‘Funding Policies and Processes’, and ‘Future Cities for a Better Life Quality’.Besides, workshops are being held as part of the forum, while an accompanying exhibition showcases state-of-the-art technologies deployed in the sustainable real estate industry. (With inputs from QNA)

Foreign direct investment projects in Qatar witnessed a surge between 2019 and 2022 and are set to increase further this year, HE the Minister of Municipality Abdullah bin Abdulaziz bin Turki al-Subaie said at the inaugural Qatar Real Estate Forum Sunday.Speaking at the opening of the forum at the Sheraton Doha, HE the Minister explained that foreign direct investment projects in the country achieved a 70% annual growth during the 2019-2022 period, and are expected to grow by 2.4% by the end of 2023, putting the country on top of the list of recipients of foreign direct investment in the world.“The real estate sector is one of the fastest growing sectors in Qatar, and ranks second after the energy sector, with investments exceeding QR82bn (more than $23bn) and the launch of 135 real estate projects in 2022. This is a big addition to Qatar's infrastructure achievements," he said.He attributed this achievement to Qatar's infrastructure that is among the best in the world, and its position as the world's safest country for the fifth year in a row. Also, Qatar has highly advanced health and education sectors with one of the most flexible and adaptive sovereign funds, as well as strong financial institutions and an environment that encourages business growth, and a steady rise in the volume of local investment, he explained.Besides, Qatar is the first country in the Middle East where all municipalities have been awarded the 'Healthy City' title by the World Health Organisation, he added.All of these accomplishments embody the great efforts made in all sectors of the country in providing sustainable options to achieve the health and well-being of the residents of Qatar in addition to striving to implement the comprehensive urban plan for the country, as well as effective and directed investment for infrastructure projects, HE al-Subaie noted.“These are all in accordance with the Ministry of Municipality's national and sustainable development strategy aimed at the realisation of Qatar National Vision 2030,” he said.Further, HE the Minister stressed that the success achieved by the country in hosting the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 had a positive impact in terms of attracting a large number of foreign investors, thus enhancing the distinguished position that Doha occupies today as a thriving financial centre that leads dialogues and provides the possibility of exchanging views in order to enhance synergies among the main players in the economic arena at the local, regional and international levels.HE the Minister said that the first Qatar Real Estate Forum comes in the wake of Amiri Order No 28 of 2023, issued on April 11, establishing the Public Authority for Regulating the Real Estate Sector.“This is a pioneering and important step to strengthen this vital sector and continue its development through organising, motivating and contributing to its advancement, in implementation of the country’s ambitious policies and directions within Qatar National Vision 2030, taking into account the economic and social development plans and achieving urban development in a balanced and integrated manner that preserves the quality of life and sustainability,” he explained.He expressed happiness at the opening of the first edition of the forum, which sheds light on regulations and legislation and their role in achieving a sustainable real estate industry, and reviews the best regional and global experiences and practices related to the real estate sector with the aim of creating an outstanding climate for the real estate investment sector.He also expressed gratitude for the great interest that Qatar has in developing the real estate sector, under the wise leadership of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani.The forum stems from the importance of the real estate sector in Qatar and its pivotal role in comprehensive development, as it is one of the active and influential sectors in the economic development process, HE the Minister said. “The forum also contributes to real estate development and sustainable housing amid the country's development and economic diversification, with the aim of reaching a future vision for the real estate industry and finding solutions to the challenges facing the future of real estate in Qatar in order to achieve an attractive and vital real estate boom,”He expressed hope that the forum would be a favorable opportunity to lay out a roadmap for the path of real estate development in Qatar, which would reflect positively on the returns for the real estate sector across all sectors that enhance it.The two-day forum has been organised by the Ministry of Municipality in partnership with the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Ministry of Justice and Ministry of Finance, in addition to Expo 2023 Doha and Qatari Diar, under the theme of 'Regulations and Legislations for an Optimal Quality of Life and a Sustainable Real Estate Industry'.Gulf Times is a media partner of the forum.

Project Qatar’s Q Green Conference Thursday discussed the green, sustainable and environmental mobility solutions while underlining the need for integrating new approaches and innovation while implementing development projects. The Q Green Conference also hosted a workshop on ‘Exploring the Significance of ESG in Business Strategy’. The workshop touched on the crucial role of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) factors in shaping business strategies across industries in the rapidly changing business landscape where companies are recognising the significance of integrating ESG considerations into their core strategies. The workshop aimed to uncover the benefits and impacts of ESG integration on business performance, reputation, and stakeholder relationships.While presenting the topic ‘green, sustainable and environmental mobility solutions’, Anish Gopal, Warehouse Solutions Head, Abdullah Abdulghani & Bros. Co. WLL, stressed the need to go green while changing the behaviour and lifestyle to reduce the amount of pollution and waste we generate. While suggesting sustainable ways to go green, he said switching to electric or even hybrid or LPG cars and equipment can make the results. “Reuse, saving energy, and digital transformation are the sustainable ways to go green,” he said. Also, he explained the phases of evolution of power in the material handling industry.Emad Chen, Managing Director, MIDEA, addressed the conference on ‘Midea Comprehensive HVAC Solutions’ while Anne Marie Thodsen, Managing Director, The Umbrella Institute, had a presentation on ‘A Circular Systems Approach to Net Zero City Development:Ensuring in Country Value and Sustainable Supply Chains’.

The Q Tech Conference at Project Qatar yesterday underlined the need for transformation in urban planning while highlighting the latest trends and innovation in the urban development sector. Also, the panelists discussed during the conference the measures to transform industry with sustainable, offsite and digital solutions, contemplating on the means to integrate holistic approaches towards materialising urban development.Addressing the conference on ‘Pedestrian mobility amid growing infrastructure demand for high speed and grade separated roads in urban centres’, Moen Azmi, executive director of Arab Engineering Bureau, noted that there is a need to ensure pedestrian mobility in urban areas amid the growing infrastructure demand for high-speed and grade-separated roads.He said pedestrian mobility is important as it fosters vibrant public spaces, social interaction and economic vitality while making cities more livable and attractive places to work in and visit. "Also, it promotes walking while reducing carbon emission and generating economic benefits along with health and well-being, livability, urban revitalisation, multimodal integration, accessibility, social inclusion and tourism,” he said.Underlining the need to have a proper strategy on developing pedestrian space, Azmi said inadequate pedestrian planning negatively affects urban life. Ahmed El-Essnawi, vice-president and Operations director, Parsons, discussed the possibilities of digital design for large-scale projects while analysing various methods.Mona Noureldin Husen, deputy head of the Strategic Planning and Studies Unit at the Ministry of Municipality, shed light on the aspects of strategic development when building smart and sustainable cities. The presentation was on ‘The importance of holistic strategic development framework in creating smart and sustainable cities’.

The Public Works Authority (Ashghal) is striving to make Qatar a greener place while focusing on sustainability and environmental protection, Jasmine al-Sheikh, project design manager at the Supervisory Committee of Beautification of Roads and Public Places in Qatar, has said.Speaking to Gulf Times at Project Qatar 2023, al-Sheikh noted that Ashghal’s infrastructure development and beautification projects are embodied with measures to ensure sustainability, with recycled and locally made projects getting due consideration.“The elements of sustainability are very much tangible in the recently completed beautification projects, including the West Bay North Beach, Ras Bu Abboud Beach Development and Doha Central Development and Beautification projects,” the official said, adding that heritage features are also taken into account when development projects are implemented.“We also make plans to preserve the past and heritage during the development of new areas, while also adding to their aesthetic features,” al-Sheikh added.Regarding the reliance on locally made products, she said that all of Ashghal’s projects promote Qatar-made products and manufacturers through its small-scale Qatari contractors initiative, Ta’heel.The official went on to say that the use of modern technology is being promoted while trying to achieve digital transformation in all of the authority’s projects.

Representatives of Expo 2023 Doha and the General Secretariat of the Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC) met at the Ministry of Municipality's office Sunday to sign an agreement for the General Secretariat's participation in the expo that will be held from October 2 to March 28, 2024.The agreement-signing ceremony was held in the presence of HE the Minister of Municipality Dr Abdullah bin Abdulaziz bin Turki al-Subaie, who is also the chairman of Expo 2023 Doha’s National Committee, GCC secretary-general Jasem Mohamed al-Budaiwi, and Expo 2023 Doha secretary-general Mohamed al-Khoury.The agreement was signed by Bader Omar Ismail al-Dafa, the Special Envoy of the Minister of Foreign Affairs for Climate Change and Sustainability and the Expo 2023 Doha commissioner-general, and Khalid bin Ibrahim al-Sheikh, director-general of the Office of Economic and Development Affairs at the GCC General Secretariat.Highlighting the regional commitment to build a more sustainable future, the GCC will have its own presence at Expo 2023 Doha with a dedicated pavilion that will showcase the latest initiatives to fight climate change and combat desertification, increase vegetation and boost food security.The pavilion will also offer space to small and medium enterprises from the region with the aim of fostering sustainable ecosystems across the GCC.“The participation of the GCC member states in Expo 2023 Doha demonstrates our shared commitment to support sustainable innovation and further strengthen cultural and economic ties between the Gulf states,” HE Dr al-Subaie said. “By highlighting our common achievements, projects and solutions, we send a strong message to the world emphasising the vitality of the Arab Gulf region, its huge potential and its well-deserved important position on the global stage.”Al-Budaiwi said the hosting of the biggest horticultural expo in Qatar comes at a crucial time when environmental action is at the top of the international agenda, and is testimony to Qatar’s ability and know-how in staging prestigious international events.“The GCC’s presence at the expo will highlight the region’s joint strategy and action in tackling the most pressing ecological and agricultural challenges, and the GCC pavilion will serve all member states of the organisation,” he noted.Al-Khoury said the agreement is the latest addition to the list of partnerships for Expo 2023 Doha, stressing that this partnership is an affirmation that the exhibition will discuss highly important issues affecting the entire Gulf region, as reducing desertification and finding effective ways to achieve sustainability are a necessary requirement for all GCC countries.“The participation of the GCC General Secretariat in Expo 2023 Doha is an embodiment of solidarity between all the countries of the Council and a qualitative addition to this global exhibition,” he said, indicating that the pavilion of the GCC General Secretariat of the Council will provide an "integrated picture of the joint Gulf action, and highlight the contributions of the GCC countries to global solidarity efforts in order to achieve the sustainable development goals".“The pavilion will enable the world to show the excellence of Gulf competencies and their successes in employing technology and innovation in modernising and developing agriculture, and directing Gulf capital towards profitable investments that benefit people and remain in the land,” al-Khoury added.He pointed out that the addition of the GCC General Secretariat to the list of partners will make a huge difference in consolidating the status of the exhibition, especially at the regional and global levels.Serving as a platform to deepen international collaboration and fostering new partnerships, Expo 2023 Doha will also be a major tourist attraction for the visitors from the Gulf and wider Arab region, who represented 45% of registered international arrivals to Qatar in 2022, a press statement by the organisers noted.Expo 2023 Doha will further boost regional tourism and contribute to building a green-minded community across the Gulf countries.Themed *Green Desert, Better Environment, Expo 2023 Doha will bring together nations, organisations and individuals from across the globe to explore new environmental and horticultural solutions.With cutting-edge technological displays, interactive exhibits, thought-provoking forums and vibrant cultural showcases, Expo 2023 Doha promises an immersive experience that will engage visitors and spark transformative conversations.