Flights to Shanghai, Bali resume
Qatar Airways has resumed flights to Shanghai Airport, the airline said on its website.
Due to typhoon Chan-Hom approaching Shanghai, Qatar Airways had cancelled services to and from PVG on Saturday and yesterday “in order to ensure the safety” of its passengers.
Passengers booked on the cancelled flights are being provided with alternative travel options, the airline said.
An upgraded aircraft type will be made available up to tomorrow on the Doha-Hangzhou route to clear the backlog of stranded passengers.
Passengers booked on the cancelled flights are also able to change their date of travel within 14 days and can call Qatar Airways at +86 400-994-9991 and +86-23-60371210 (China), +852 800-969-848 (Hong Kong) and +974 4023 0000 (Doha) to make changes to their booking.
Qatar Airways’ flights to Denpasar Bali Airport (DPS) have also resumed normal operation, another travel alert on its website said.
Passengers holding confirmed bookings on the flights, which were cancelled on July 10 and 11 due to volcanic ash activity are being provided with alternative travel options, the airline said.
An additional Boeing 777 service is being deployed on the Doha-Denpasar Bali route to assist in clearing the backlog. Passengers booked on the cancelled flights are also able to change their date of travel within 14 days and can call Qatar Airways at +974 4023 0000 in order to make changes.
Jeweller launches ‘double your savings’ promotion
Malabar Gold & Diamonds has announced that it is giving customers an opportunity this summer to double their savings while purchasing jewellery from the leading retailer.
Customers can buy jewellery by using their credit/debit cards without paying any additional charge. Also, Malabar Gold & Diamonds gives customers the advantage of converting their jewellery purchase into “easy payment plans” in association with various banks, through which they can enjoy flexible payment options for up to six months’ instalments without paying any interest, according to a statement.
Further, the group has announced its exclusive “Zero Deduction Exchange” offer, whereby buyers can exchange 22K gold ornaments bought from any GCC country and purchase new jewellery by paying only the making charges, without any deduction in gold rate.
Customers can also browse through the new jewellery assortment added to popular brands, including Ethnix - handcrafted designer jewellery, Era - uncut diamond jewellery, Mine - diamonds unlimited, Divine- Indian heritage jewellery, Precia - precious gem jewellery and Starlet - kids’ jewellery.
All stores in the GCC and Far East also feature masterpieces from India, Pakistan, Bahrain, Turkey, Italy and Singapore, along with exchange offers and buyback policies. The jewellery chain offers lifetime free repair and maintenance service for all its products, the statement adds.
Qatar-Ukraine defence ties reviewed
HE the Minister of State for Defence Affairs Major General Hamad bin Ali al-Attiyah received a written message from Ukrainian Defence Minister Col Gen Stepan Poltorak pertaining to military co-operation between Qatar and Ukraine.
Ambassador of Ukraine to Qatar Ivgen Mikitenko handed over the message when the Minister of State for Defence Affairs met him yesterday.
Al-Rumaihi meets UN special envoy
Foreign Minister’s Assistant for Foreign Affairs, HE Mohamed bin Abdullah al-Rumaihi, met the United Nations special envoy for Syria, Staffan de Mistura in Doha yesterday.
Talks during the meeting dealt with the international and regional situation, especially the Syrian crisis. They also exchanged views on topics of mutual concern.
Qatar condemns explosion in Chad
Qatar has condemned the explosion that targeted a mall in Chad’s capital N’Djamena which resulted in a number of casualties.
The Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement released on Saturday that the crime was against all humanitarian and religious beliefs. The ministry stressed Qatar’s solidarity with the people and government of Chad.
The ministry added that the international community must enhance efforts to stop violence. It renewed Qatar’s rejection of violence and terrorism in all its forms regardless of its motives.
Qatar Pavilion at Expo Milan a huge draw
One million people, of the 6mn registered at Expo Milano 2015, have visited Qatar Pavilion so far. This significant goal was celebrated by awarding the millionth visitor with a special prize.
Prisoners express regret over deeds
A number of convicts serving sentences at the Central Prison have expressed regret about their deeds, Arabic daily Arrayah has reported.
Speaking to the daily, one inmate said he was sentenced to life for smuggling illicit drugs in 1998 adding he was still in his teens at the time.
“When I recall that moment, I feel great regret as I lost my life because of an irresponsible criminal act. Otherwise, I would have been free, enjoying my life with family. Many of my closest relatives and friends have died while I have been here,” he said.
A 40-year-old inmate expressed regret for accepting a bribe, which saw him jailed for five years. He had a decent job in a local bank and took the bribe from a client to facilitate some illegal transaction.
Another inmate, 45, was sentenced to two years in jail over some bounced cheques. He said inexperience in business matters made him sign the cheques, which landed him in trouble.
A 50-year-old engineer, who used to manage a contracting company, said he was not a criminal but was jailed as a result of events caused by fluctuation in the prices of building materials. He had signed contracts for a certain amount but could not execute them due to a hike in material prices.
Abu Samra border post gears up for Eid rush
Preparations are underway at the Abu Samra border post to facilitate the movement of travellers during the Eid al-Fitr holidays.
Major Jamal Shaheen al-Mannai, deputy head of the permanent committee for the management of Abu Samra border post, told local Arabic daily Al Watan that all staff members and officers at the post would be ready and equipped to complete entry and exit procedures during this busy period.
A comprehensive study has been undertaken to expand the post to create 22 new counters as part of preparations for the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
Work is also going on to complete a parking area for trucks, expected to be finished by March next year.
The retina scanning system for the entry of GCC citizens is expected to be implemented soon as part of the upgrade of security measures at the post.
