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A plenary discussion on the opening day of the WISE global summit discussed the changing landscape of education and the emerging new scenarios. The thematic plenary, *Generation Unmute, highlighted thoughts about going beyond the conventional education practices and equipping students with skills to face the challenges. Sheikha Intisar Salem al-Ali al-Sabah (Kuwaiti social entrepreneur, philanthropist, author and film producer), Mathieu Nebra (co-founder of Open Classrooms, France), and Debora Kayembe, rector at University of Edinburgh, shared their thoughts at the plenary, moderated by Dareen Abughaida, principal presenter and journalist at Al Jazeera English. Al-Sabah said that while the coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic has been a catastrophe, it has also been an opportunity for the world. “Now everyone understands the necessity of mental wellness, not only in education, but also in society,” she said. “The high school years are crucial for the well-being of the students,” al-Sabah said. “So we have implemented very short exercises in positivity, exercises built in psychology that are fun, engaging the students with the teachers as well as among themselves.” “These are simple and small one-step exercises,” she elaborated. “We introduced them in 47 high schools with 12,000 students.” “We had huge growth in academic achievements and there was huge decline in (cases of) bullying,” al-Sabah added. “We don't work with the whole school, but with only a small number of teachers.” According to al-Sabah, when teachers and students become happier, the whole atmosphere changes. “This change is measured in several ways, and it is a huge social behavioural change,” she added. “Implementing a fun-based education works. When you add fun into learning process, students learn quickly.” “We implemented it among students, and within six weeks we found very positive change among these students,” she continued. “The results were published on *Springer Journal, and this helped the government realise that something positive is happening.” Open Classrooms co-founder Nebra explained the concept of his initiative to making education accessible to everyone. Open Classrooms is an online platform offering top quality education to employment programmes and career coaching services for students worldwide. “We are a vision-driven company to make education accessible to everyone,” he said. “We specially focus on the people we help to get new jobs. We teach them, skill and reskill them.” “We have six-month courses in English and French in several areas,” Nebra added. “I had the opportunity to build and design the curriculum without the constraints of the existing systems. This creates a lot of opportunities that you wouldn’t have thought about.” Different from all other online learning platforms, Open Classrooms career paths include weekly one-on-one mentorship sessions with a dedicated professional in each field. The programme also has a curriculum designed around competencies the students need to thrive on the job. The programmes are project-driven, and there are no tests or studying for exams. Instead, students learn experientially, the fastest way to become operational, and all courses are self-paced to fit into their schedule. University of Edinburgh rector Kayembe noted that students always work on something new, particularly in her establishment. “Students now want more quality, diversity and inclusion. They want to be accepted the way they are,” she said. “They want to explore the weaknesses. The universities have a role to transform the society. Education of truth, fun and revelation is essential."    

Wendy Kopp, the co-founder and chief executive of Teach For All, has won the 2021 WISE Prize for Education. Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, Chairperson of Qatar Foundation (QF), presented the prize at the opening plenary of the 2021 WISE global summit at the Qatar National Convention Centre on Tuesday, before an audience – both in person and virtually – of more than 10,000 participants worldwide. “I am so deeply honoured and thrilled to receive the recognition as a tribute to all the people in the network of Teach for All,” Kopp told *Gulf Times after receiving the prize. “So many of the social entrepreneurships, like Teach for Qatar, have built this organisation in their countries, and so many thousands of teachers and alumni educators have thrown their hearts and souls into their work to help the children realise their potentials.” She was recognised by WISE for her contribution to quality education through creating Teach For All, a diverse global network, building collective leadership in classrooms and communities to share solutions across borders and ensure all children can fulfiIl their promise. “This recognition is such a boost for our network at such a time of huge challenges for the students and communities,” she said. “It also offers so many new possibilities to accelerate progress towards a stronger education system.” “We are working to grow our network of extraordinary and diverse teacher leaders while supporting them to sustain and spread the new teaching practice, enabling them learn more and building a more deeply interconnected network,” Kopp said. She said that the organisation is present in all the six continents. “We are currently active in 61 countries, all locally led independent organisations,” Kopp noted. “In the region other than Qatar, we are present in Morrocco and Lebanon.” The WISE Prize for Education is the first global distinction of its kind to acknowledge an individual for outstanding contribution to education. Through Teach For All, Kopp is recognised for developing the concept that meaningful, sustainable education changes need leaders who are rooted in their communities and believe in the potential to transform them to deliver the opportunities that all children deserve. “We see this prize as an endorsement and recognition of our theory of change," she said. “Collective leadership is necessary to solve the most entrenched inequities in education and reshape the system so that it prepares our young people to navigate uncertainty and shape a better future.” “Complex problems can only be solved through the collective efforts of many, working together across all levels of the system,” Kopp said upon receiving the award. Teach For All, which was established in 2007, currently works with partner organisations at a grassroots level, inspiring their countries’ outstanding graduates and professionals from all fields to channel their passion towards expanding opportunities for children, committing to two years of teaching in the schools and communities where they are needed most. “Wendy’s work exemplifies what we so passionately believe in at WISE – the conviction that everyone deserves quality education, and you can achieve it through creating a virtuous, international network by sharing best practice and involving communities,” said WISE chief executive Stavros N Yiannouka. “This prize is in recognition of a lifetime’s contribution to education and a constant spirit of innovation.” “Through Teach For All, Wendy has truly revolutionised school leadership,” he added.    

Embassies of India and Bangladesh marked 50 years of friendship with a special 'Maitree Divas' celebration Monday in the presence of a galaxy of dignitaries from various walks of life. India was one of the first countries to recognise Bangladesh on December 6, 1971. Yousef Sultan Larem, director of the Department of Asian Affairs, Qatar's Ministry of Foreign Affairs was the guest of honour on the occasion. Apart from Indian ambassador Dr Deepak Mittal and Bangladesh ambassador Mohamed Jashim Uddin, many Qatari officials, a number of ambassadors, members of the diplomatic corps from various missions in Qatar were present at the event. A cultural programme Pointing out that the prime ministers of both countries had decided to celebrate the occasion as Maitree Divas, ambassador Dr Mittal said: “The bonds between India and Bangladesh have been forged in blood, replenished by shared history, culture and vibrant people-to-people ties. We cherish and proudly celebrate our common social-cultural-linguistic heritage." Many dignitaries attended the event “Bengal was also the seat for the Indian renaissance that gave us icons like Rabindranath Tagore, Kazi Nazrul Islam, Bankim Chandra. The fact that Rabindranath Tagore wrote the national anthem of both India and Bangladesh is a testament to our deep knowledge,” continued the Indian envoy. Recalling the historical circumstances that led to the birth of Bangladesh and India welcoming close to 10 million refugees from East Bengal - currently Bangladesh - Dr Mittal noted: “India and Bangladesh today share comprehensive ties with co-operation in areas of security, trade, energy and education and innovation. The co-operation paradigm has expanded to themes like connectivity, sustainable development and blue economy.” Some of the dignitaries at the event Bangladesh ambassador Jashim Uddin remarked: “A friend in need is a friend indeed. We needed a friend at the most critical juncture of our history. In our neighbour, India, we found that friend and this is a celebration of that friendship, the Maitree between our two countries. We deeply appreciate with gratitude the unwavering support and cooperation extended to Bangladesh during our nine-month long struggle for independence in 1971.” He noted that Bangladesh is in the process of erecting a war memorial in Ashuganj, Bangladesh, in memory of the martyred Indian soldiers and nationals. The foundation stone laying ceremony of the monument was jointly inaugurated by the prime ministers of India and Bangladesh in March 2021 virtually. A music programme at the event The Bangladesh envoy highlighted that in the recent years, Bangladesh and India have scripted a golden chapter of bilateral ties and given new dimension and direction to their partnership. “Bangladesh-India bilateral relations are rooted in shared history and geographical proximity. Over the last decade, both the countries have witnessed remarkable progress on cooperation in a large number of areas including security, power, trade and commerce, energy, connectivity, infrastructure development, culture, people-to-people contact, and health etc. Cooperation in new areas such as space, IT, cyber security, solar power, nuclear energy etc. is also being pursued,” he explained. According to Jashim Uddin, Bangladesh has made remarkable strides in socio economic development enabling the country to transition from low income country to achieve the status of lower middle income country in 2015. “The country is on track to leave the United Nations list of least developed countries. Bangladesh is now considered one of the fastest growing economies in the world. The Bangladesh government's vision 2041 stipulates to eliminate extreme poverty and secure upper middle-income country status by 2031 and achieve the high income country status by 2041,” he added. Community leaders of both the countries as well as several other invitees also took part in the ceremony. A cake was cut to celebrate the occasion. Several cultural programmes were presented by both communities.

The Qur’anic Botanic Garden (QBG) and the US embassy celebrated the Year of Culture Qatar – USA 2021, with a tree-planting ceremony at QBG’s premises on Sunday, also the World Soil Day, marked annually on December 5. US embassy charge d'affaires Natalie Baker and QBG director Fatima al-Khulaifi, planted the 2000th tree of QBG’s Ghars campaign, which aims to plant 2,022 trees in the lead-up to the FIFA World Cup 2022. Some of the dignitaries at the event Also present on the occasion were Hassan Jumaa Bu Jamhour al-Mohannadi, assistant undersecretary for Environmental Affairs at the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change; Ali bin Hassan al-Hammadi, secretary-general, Qatar Red Crescent Society (QRCS); Machaille Hassan al-Naimi, president of Community Development, Qatar Foundation (QF) among others. Baker said: “Sustainability is not simply an offshoot of our work; it is our work. We consistently look for new and innovative ways to prioritise sustainability efforts – everything from clean energy deployment, to supporting carbon neutrality and water conservation - we are committed to doing right by the environment. Our local eco-diplomacy initiatives here in Qatar align with the United States’ global mission to protect our planet for current and future generations and is our motivation for gathering here today with our Qatari partners and friends.” “While we have made great strides in sustainability efforts, there is still much work to be done, and everyone has a part to play. Climate change is real, and it is a global issue requiring a global response. We look forward to working together with enthusiastic partners to confront ongoing climate emergencies. We are honoured to be a part of the tree-planting ceremony today, and excited to see the long-term impacts of this initiative.” Al-Khulaifi noted that since its inception over a decade ago, QBG has enjoyed excellent ties with Doha’s diplomatic community and the country’s humanitarian and environmental stakeholders. She explained: “Today’s event is a further testament to that. Over the years, we have hosted numerous tree-planting ceremonies and initiatives with embassies, including those of the UK, Switzerland, Turkey, India, and South Africa, as well as educational institutions and community organisations. “Over the past 11 months, and as part of the Year of Culture Qatar – USA 2021, QF’s QBG has also hosted multiple engagements and events with prominent US environmental stakeholders, such as the University of Arizona and the Missouri Botanical Garden, enhancing the environmental diplomacy between Qatar and the US on both an entity-to-entity and people-to-people level.” she added. On the sidelines of the event, a memorandum of understanding was signed between QBG and QRCS to plant 2.5mn trees in Qatar over a period of 10 years.

The Qur’anic Botanic Garden (QBG) and the Qatar Red Crescent Society (QRCS) have signed an agreement to plant 2.5mn trees in Qatar over a period of ten years. The agreement was signed by QRCS secretary-general Ali bin Hassan al-Hammadi and QBG director Fatima al-Khulaifi, on the sidelines of a tree planting ceremony by QBG and the US embassy to celebrate Qatar-USA Year of Culture 2021 as well as to mark the World Soil Day, observed on December 5 annually. According to the MoU, QBG will donate 2.5mn trees and QRCS volunteers will plant them across Qatar over a 10-year period, as part of a wider initiative by the Arab Red Crescent and Red Cross Organisation across the Arab world and to support Qatar’s green sustainable development. It is also in line with Qatar’s pledge to plant 10mn trees by 2030 under the Middle East Green Initiative. The MoU outlines co-operation in the fields of environmental protection, food security, and charitable work in support of Qatar National Vision 2030. The agreement will pave the way for further collaborations between QBG and QRCS in the form of seminars, workshops, training courses, and study visits. Al-Hammadi said: “One of the major challenges to humanitarian action is climate change and its impact on the environment, soil, and people. In light of Qatar's general policy to pay attention to this vital issue related to the future of humanity and protection of the planet, QRCS takes it as a top priority of its 2021-2024 strategy. QRCS integrates environmental and climate-related considerations in its humanitarian and development operations both in Qatar and beyond.” “It seeks to help vulnerable communities to have resilience to such impacts and respond to natural disasters like flooding, droughts, heatwaves, desertification, wildfire, and soil salinisation. At the same time, we work to raise awareness about the importance of environmental conservation and reduction of individual and institutional behaviours that lead to environmental degradation,” explained, al-Hammadi. He also noted that QBG and his organisation aim at mitigating the impacts of climate change through this agreement. “This is part of our mandate as humanitarian, social, and development organisations. We have agreed to work together to plant some 2.5 million trees, within the parametres of QRCS’s humanitarian mission and legal capacity,” he added.

WISE, Qatar Foundation's global education initiative, has been able to make education a keyword globally, including at major non-education forums, a top official of the organisation told Gulf Times in an exclusive interview. CEO Stavros N Yiannouka recalled that from early 2010s, WISE started joining major non-educational forums around the world. In many of these forums, education was not very much featured on the agenda. Their discussions used to be around topics such as economics, jobs, security and education was always missing. "We made it our objective to include and inject education as a major topic of conversation at major forums that used to attract decision makers,” he pointed out. WISE will hold its three-day global summit from tomorrow, both virtually and in person, at Qatar National Convention Centre with the participation of several international thought leaders, academics and policy makers. “When we look back from then to the recent years, suddenly we find many of these decision makers talking about education. Education is the foundation for economic growth, for job opportunities among others. It is the tool for peace and reconciliation amongst nations. For Climate Change crisis, education is the core and for many other issues. Any problem that the world is facing, there is an education dimension and WISE has been able to highlight it to the world,” explained Yiannouka. Dr Asmaa Alfadala, director of Research and Content Development, was of the view that WISE has been able to formulate several policies so far. “We focus on three pillars of research, advocacy and programme to achieve the vision of WISE. We work with local, regional and the global community. We have started to work with the Ministry of Education and Higher Education locally. We involve policy makers from various fields based on the outcomes of research reports. We meet with them and identify the areas to be focused. We work with various stakeholders and help them in forming the policies,” said the research director. “Recently we published ten research reports including an e-book and translated it into Arabic too. These are case studies on global projects and since it is about education, most issues are globally common especially during Covid-19. Four of them are related to Qatar and the Arab region. It also provides a comparative look on how countries across the globe are managing several challenges,” she continued. Yiannouka said that Covid-19 is a major setback for education with significant learning loss all over the world and the summit will have a panel discussion on the impact of Covid-19 on education. “However the learning loss is not equally and uniformly distributed as the least fortunate are bearing the brunt of it. However, we were able to leverage technology fairly quickly and efficiently and we were able to carry on education even when we needed to respond to such a mammoth public health emergency,” noted the CEO. “Covid-19 has thrown up bit of a paradox. On one hand it demonstrated what we can do with technology and how much technology can provide to balance our education systems. On the other hand, it has been very revealing what it can’t provide and how important the schools and the physical presence of students and teachers,” he highlighted. “This crisis has proved that without teacher-student collaboration, there cannot be proper learning process. Social-emotional learning happens only physically. Therefore we have also changed our approach. However, technology has changed the education scenario and in the coming decades it could be a combination of both approaches,” added Alfadala. Yiannouka highlighted that there will be a lot of focus on young people during the summit. We have launched many initiatives for the youth such as the Young Innovation Lab, Learners Voice among others. From 2015, we began engaging the schools and started opening the summit to the students. This year, we have even gone beyond and included five young curators in our planning who helped develop the programme. We have a dedicated WISE Studio where we have programmes for young people by young people,” concluded the CEO.    

Birla Public School (BPS) organised a reception in honour of Kumar Mangalam Birla, chairperson of Aditya Birla Group, one of the largest conglomerates in India. Birla, who is in Qatar on an official visit, is also the chancellor of Birla Institute of Technology & Science, and chairman of the Indian Institute of Technology Delhi and Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad. Kumar Mangalam Birla with HE Sheikh Saoud bin Abdulrahman al-Thani and other dignitaries. PICTURES: Thajudheen Birla School patron HE Sheikh Saoud bin Abdulrahman al-Thani, Indian ambassador Dr Deepak Mittal, BPS chairman Gope Shahani, the BPS Board of Directors, invitees, staff and students of the school were present on the occasion. Speaking to *Gulf Times on the sidelines of the event, Birla said: “This is my first visit to Qatar. Qatar is an interesting country and we are very keen to explore business opportunities here in Qatar.” A cultural programme by the students “However, there has been nothing specific as of now,” he added. “We are in discussions and it is a little early to comment. We are looking at various things here in Qatar.” Speaking at the event, Birla said that it was a great moment to visit the school, which his grandparents had set up in collaboration with local partners. Kumar Mangalam Birla is presented with a memento “There are about 50,000 students at various schools set up by my grandparents. My grandfather used to say that the school in Doha was the best school he had set up,” he said. “After coming here, I can see why he felt that way." “The quality of education is what shapes the minds of our children. With 7,500 children, Birla Public School is a huge institution even by global standards,” Birla added. “I believe that the ability and quality with which their minds are shaped, you are creating leaders of tomorrow, not just citizens of Qatar and India but true global citizens.” Children presenting a song “Such institutions are required in every part of the world that can unleash the true potential of the next generation and help them realise their dreams and aspirations,” he explained. Birla was accompanied by his son Aryaman, who is also a cricketer and had been a member of one of the Indian Premier League teams. “It is a proud moment for all of us to have Kumar Manglam Birla among us,” said Dr Mittal. “Birla Public School has been making a wonderful contribution to education and community development.” “Your presence as a business icon in Qatar will further boost bilateral relations between India and Qatar, which will deepen further the already strong and robust relations,” the envoy added. “We are also working on to have a cricket league here in Qatar.” BPS founding chairman Dr Mohan Thomas said: “It was a very emotional moment for me and the founding directors of BPS to host Kumar Mangalam Birla at the school.” “We had worked very closely with the founders of Birla institutes, Basant Kumar Birla and Sarala Birla, the grandparents of Kumar Mangalam Birla,” he added. “His visit to the school is an inspiration to us, and he is very impressed by the standards and achievements of the school both at academic and co-curricular activities.” School director Dr Lukose Chacko shared his thoughts about Kumar Mangalam Birla in a short presentation and spoke about the achievements of the school, while BPS academic director/principal Harish Sanduja highlighted the performance of Birla students at the national level over the past few years. There was also a cultural programme towards the end of the event.

The Covid-19 pandemic has had a positive impact on family cohesion in Qatar, a study by Doha International Family Institute (Difi) has highlighted. “Our study found that family relationships in Qatar have become stronger despite the challenges and stresses that families faced during the pandemic," Dr Azza Abdel Moneim, director of the Research Department at Difi told Gulf Times. "Families managed to cope with the pandemic and implemented strategies to keep the members together. Families became stronger and were able to accommodate the challenges and overcome the obstacles,” she explained. The research was carried out in partnership with Qatar University's College of Education and the Department of Psychological Sciences. According to the study, 64% of the participants confirmed that the Covid-19 had positive impact on family relations. Family members became closer to each other and their relationships became stronger. One negative impact on the families during the lockdown period was that they could not visit their friends or relatives due to Covid protocols leading to some sort of social isolation for sometime. “Parents in particular spent more time with the family than before the pandemic, especially mothers who are working full time. This led parents to spend more quality time with their children. The pandemic helped families to bond with each other more than before,” continued, Dr Abdel Moneim. A total of 47 interviews were conducted - 27 Qataris and 20 non-Qataris. A total of 702 individuals, comprising 567 Qataris and 135 non-Qataris, responded to a survey. The study also showed that the participants had become more susceptible to obesity during the pandemic due to the absence of physical activities. The participants also noted that one of their major concerns was the inability to go for checkups at health facilities for fear of being infected with the virus. “The study also addressed the economic effects of the pandemic. The lockdown contributed to reducing financial spending, and thus changed individuals’ purchasing and consumption habits. Spending became focused on online shopping and buying home needs. The pandemic moreover led to salary reductions or pay cuts for some,” explained, the official. Dr Abdel Moneim remarked that the pandemic helped people realise that a lot of jobs can be done from home and that the workforce can easily adapt to changes. “This underscores the need to adopt family-friendly policies that we advocate, and which support parents as they bear the burdens of the period from pregnancy to childbirth and until the children reach school age. The child welfare study that we conducted before and after the pandemic showed that the percentage of those who spend more than 30 hours a week with their children had increased from 29% to 45%,” she maintained. The official also stated that Difi has several suggestions for the welfare of families in the country and beyond. "We recommend a social educational support programme for families such as a hotline for consultancy providing psychological and moral support to help families and enhance their ability to adapt. Another recommendation is a social support programme for the elderly people. We also advocate for the establishment of interventions programmes for children to ensure that community-based mechanisms are in place to protect children. Finally we suggest the creation of a fund to support affected private entrepreneurs," concluded, Dr Abdel Moneim.

Multinational conglomerate LuLu Group's managing director and chairman, Yusufali M A inaugurated the purpose-built new campus of Pearl Modern School at Al Meshaf on Tuesday, in the presence of a number of dignitaries. Former Minister of Communication and Information Technology HE Dr Hessa bint Sultan al-Jaber, Ministry of Education and Higher Education assistant undersecretary Omar Abdulazziz al-Naama, other Qatari dignitaries, and diplomats from Indian embassy, as well as a large number of Indian community leaders, were at the ceremony. Inaugurating the new campus, Yusufali thanked the Qatar leadership for supporting the community and taking great care of the residents of the country. “Education is incomplete without spiritual education that helps human beings to know each other and take care of the fellow beings,” he stated. “The core ideas that must be taught are the basic human values, as they will help and enable the students to be groomed into a fine young generation who will look into the wellbeing of others.” “Education is not only to learn the scientific aspects of an orange but it must also make the students understand that an orange can feed the needy,” Yusufali added. Indian ambassador Dr Deepak Mittal said in a video message that it was a great occasion as another Indian school opens its doors. “One more school providing high quality education is a milestone for the community,” he said. “I am sure that the new school will provide all the facilities and help the students for holistic education to become promising future citizens.” School president Sam Mathew, who welcomed the guests, said it was a great occasion and a dream come true. He also said that the school is focusing on inclusive education to develop all the skills of a student. “We have acquired a new plot of 13,000sqm next to the campus, which will be developed into a multipurpose sports facility with both indoor and outdoor games,” Mathew said. “We hope to complete the development of the project within a year.” “We have got the affiliation with the Central Board of Secondary Education for classes up to 12, and our first batch of Class 12 students will appear for the board examinations in 2023,” he added. “We have also tied up with Podar Educational Group, one of India's oldest and largest education networks, comprising of 136 schools in India with a student strength of 165,000," Mathew said while recalling that the trust established in 1927 had Mahatma Gandhi as its first president. School principal Manjari Recriwal gave a short presentation about the institution and its activities over the last eight years.    

Monopoly Doha edition was launched Monday during a special event at The Pearl-Qatar Amphitheatre in the presence of the partners of the game and a good number of enthusiasts. The exclusive Monopoly Doha Edition, the first dual-language Monopoly board game in the region, is tailored for citizens, Doha residents, and tourists to enjoy with family and friends. Robert Osborne, EMEA (Europe, the Middle East and Africa) territory manager of Winning Moves, the manufacturers of the official Monopoly Doha edition under license from Hasbro, said: "Building this board has been a wonderful insight into the city's history and future. Robert Osborne with Monopoly Doha edition board The beauty and culture match the diversity, creativity and ambition. Doha is a vibrant place with picturesque views and endless things to explore. I know we've captured the essence of the city, and the game reflects that so people can experience it in all its splendour." “It is the second city edition in the Mena region. I have done 17 editions around the world. I can say that this is the most beautiful edition so far for me. Hopefully, the people will see the game reflecting their city. We have pictured it making sure that Doha is a beautiful city teeming with life, with history, culture, art among many other features,” added, Odborne. Berthold Trenkel speaking at the launch event. PICTURES: Shaji Kayamkulam According to the organisers, an entire month of scouting brands and experiences provided Mr. Monopoly with the necessary insights, which helped him select the key partners that populate the unique Monopoly Doha Edition game. The attendees at the launch event had the first hands-on experience of the Middle Eastern board. Qatar Tourism chief operating officer Berthold Trenkel, said: “It will be our pleasure to welcome Monopoly to Doha and to help him experience everything this incredible destination has to offer. The Doha Monopoly board will be the perfect keepsake for visitors, as it promises to showcase the very best experiences and varied landscapes for players to enjoy at home, long after their trip.” Monopoly's newest addition to its exclusive family of games reflects an exceptional experience with a premium list of local partners. While thousands of brands and individuals wanted a spot on the board, only selected ones can now enjoy the privilege of being part of this timeless board that wraps the Qatari capital soul of yesterday, today and tomorrow. They are : Brown square – Katara Cultural Village and Aspire Park; Light Blue square – Museum of Islamic Art, 3-2-1 Qatar Olympic and Sports Museum, National Museum of Qatar by Qatar Museums; Pink square – Doha Golf Club, 365 Adventures and Souq Waqif; Orange square – Mall of Qatar, Gulf Mall Doha and Doha Festival City; Red square – Doha English Speaking School, Doha Film Institute and Education City by Qatar Foundation; Yellow square – Rixos Doha and Icon Tower by Qetaifan Island North, and Banana Island Resort Doha by Anantara; Green square – Inland Sea, Barzan Towers and Al Thakira Mangroves; Dark Blue square – Corniche, The Pearl-Qatar at Qanat Quartier by UDC Qatar; Travel square – Gulf Helicopters, Metro, Dhow Cruise and Hamad International Airport and Leading authorities supporting the board is Qatar Tourism.

* Qatar’s first indoor experiential theme park sets records for ‘Tallest Indoor Rollercoaster’ and ‘Tallest Indoor Drop Tower Ride’   Quest, Qatar’s first indoor experiential theme park located in Doha Oasis, announced on Sunday that it has set two Guinness World Records for the ‘Tallest Indoor Rollercoaster’ and the ‘Tallest Indoor Drop Tower Ride.’ “We are thrilled to be recognised for our world-class signature rides, Epiq Coaster and Magma Blast. With its concept and variety of first-to-market rides and attractions, Quest has transformed the entertainment landscape in Qatar. The Guinness World Records certification further underlines the breadth of the Quest offering to our guests; this is a truly one-of-a-kind destination,” said Marcel Hendriks, general manager of Quest at an event held to mark the occasion. The Magma Blast, the tallest Indoor Drop Tower Ride, has a height of 56.409m while the Epiq Coaster is 56.736m high. The park is divided into three sections, otherwise referred to as time-dimensions: Oryxville, a portrayal of an ancient Arabian past; City of Imagination, a reflection of a wondrous present; and Gravity, a state-of-the-art bright and bold futuristic spaceport. Hendriks said the indoor theme park has been operational since July 1 this year. “The theme park has been built with the intention of having a very tall roller-coaster as well as a tall indoor drop tower ride. We are thrilled with a very encouraging response from the community. Most rides in the facility are unique. With the upcoming Arab Cup and the World Cup next year, we are extremely positive about the number of people visiting the facility,” he told Gulf Times. “Spanning 32,000sqm, Quest is a Qatar idea. It is a Qatar-based and fully Qatar-owned company and we have no connection with any other international companies. We have about 38 rides and attractions. The facility can host about 4,000 people at a time. We charge only the entry fee and people can spend the whole day and enjoy all the rides as many times as they want. The entry fee is QR225 for adults and QR150 for children,” he explained. Each of the recognised signature rides has a unique backstory that fascinates its visitors and captivates them with a strong adrenaline rush. The Magma Blast is the first attraction to capture guests' attention as they enter the park with an astonishing record-breaking height of 56.409m. The City of Imagination is home to this media-enhanced drop tower. The ride follows Quest's character Shaheen al-Habi, a Qatari geothermal engineer, as he asks guests to assist him with his massive research probe as it taps into the earth's tremendous geothermal energies before blasting up into the sky. The Epiq Coaster is the star of the show and talk of the town, with its lengthy track full of surprises that will leave even the most seasoned rider speechless. The head-spinning, adrenaline-pumping master, is the tallest indoor rollercoaster in the world and the main attraction at Gravity. The attraction features Quest’s character Spike, a space-hedgehog that takes guests on a high-speed journey around Gravity station in a futuristic solar-powered vessel. The ship rockets backwards, up a high vertical twisting spike, then plummets back down and blasts through the station in a sequence of aerial maneuvers and close encounters. With family-friendly attractions along with delectable dining options, including the world-famous Planet Hollywood restaurant, the Quest journey ends with the enchanting Time Quest retail store. Quest is part of Doha Oasis, the capital’s up-and-coming leisure and entertainment hub located in the heart of Msheireb.    

Maroon and white balloons symbolic of the national flag, fireworks, music, dances and an exotic ambience set the tone for the yearlong festivities of the countdown to FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 as the Indian community hosted a carnival on Friday. The event at the Ideal Indian School grounds was in support and celebration of the mega sporting event to be held from November 21 next year. Indian ambassador Dr Deepak Mittal inaugurated the carnival exhorting the community to uphold the age old Indian principle of world as one family, ‘Vasudevakutumbakam.’ Indian Sports Centre president Dr Mohan Thomas led the activities and highlighted the community’s support for FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022. A video featuring football action scenes and stadiums was released by Khalid Fakhroo, head of recreation at QatarEnergy. A number of dignitaries from various organisations including the Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy were present. Prominent community leaders and office bearers of the apex bodies also attended the event. Speaking at the event, ambassador Mittal said that the event was an expression of the support of the Indian community for the successful hosting of the World Cup 2022. “It is a momentous occasion for the country and the residents and being the largest community, Indian community is here to show our solidarity and support for the major global sporting event. India was the only non-Arab community to host the Arab Cup trophy which is a great recognition for our country. Today’s event is a manifestation of what the Indian community stands for in support of our host country, our second home. We are hopeful that many more Indian visitors will come to Qatar to witness the gala event. This carnival will raise many eyeballs back in India about what is in store for the visitors during the World Cup.” Dr Thomas said that the carnival was the first of many events in store to celebrate the World Cup. “We have lined up several programmes to highlight the World Cup and celebrate it all through next year. We will have more awareness campaigns about Qatar and the World Cup back in India with several initiatives in the first half of next year. We will also provide more information about Qatar and its distinct features in the campaign,” he explained. The programme included a traditional Keralite percussion ensemble, martial arts demonstration, magic show, music and dances. A good number of visitors thronged the venue from early evening There were lucky draws with attractive prizes. A team of Indian doctors and nurses, who enforced Covid-19 protocols, were also prepared to provide emergency medical aid.    

As the one-year countdown for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 is underway and the country is steadily getting into the football fever, Indian community is organising a carnival Friday as a build-up to the mega event and in support and honour of Qatar. “Indian Sports Centre (ISC) in association with other apex bodies under the aegis of the Indian embassy will hold a carnival to express the community’s support for the World Cup, showcasing some of the indigenous cultural, art and sport items of India at Ideal Indian School,” ISC president Dr Mohan Thomas announced Wednesday. The ISC in association with Indian Cultural Centre, Indian Community Benevolent Forum and Indian Business and Professionals Council has lined up a number of activities for the event, taking place from 5pm to 10pm. "The event will be inaugurated by Indian ambassador Dr Deepak Mittal at 7pm. It will be a vibrant and unique event. Qatari dignitaries, ambassadors from various countries, officials from the Indian embassy, and citizens from other countries are expected to grace the occasion. All the Covid-19 related protocols will be strictly followed at the event,” explained Dr Thomas. At a time 1,000 people have been permitted to attend the event, the ISC president said. “There will be vibrant Indian music and dance, showcasing of traditional Indian sports, a football shootout event and attractive prizes, face painting, football jugglers, magic show, laser and fireworks. This will be a one-of-its-kind event, dedicated to the football world and football fans in Qatar, expressing solidarity with our host nation,” he continued. Dr Thomas also said that ISC has lined up a number of events to spread the word about the World Cup and Qatar back in India. “We are in touch with officials in all the states of India. We will present all the details of the World Cup and a complete profile of Qatar in all the states of India right from the south to the north. The campaign will highlight various features of Qatar as well as the places to visit in in the country among others. Then, as we get nearer to the tournament, there will be many more activities,” he remarked. The ISC president also noted that members of the Indian Doctors Club, United Nurses of India - Qatar and Federation of Indian Nurses Qatar will be present at the venue of the carnival to strictly enforce the guidelines of the Ministry of Public Health about Covid-19. “There will also be a facility to provide antigen testing for children who have not been vaccinated. The main entrance to the event venue will be through Gate No 6, and entry for families will be through Gate No 4,” he noted. Dr MP Hassan Kunhi, chairman and CEO of Medtech Corporation; Mibu Jose, CEO of Castle Group; and Syed Shoukath Ali, principal of Ideal Indian School also were present at the press conference. Medtech Corporation, Castle Infrastructure, Family Food Centre and Tea Time are the main sponsors of the event.

Qatar is more ready to host a FIFA World Cup than any nation in history and will deliver the “best World Cup ever”, FIFA president Gianni Infantino has said at a virtual event as the build-up to the global sporting showpiece enters its final year. “I have been involved in several football events for the last few decades and I have never seen a country which is so ready host a World Cup as Qatar. Even a year ahead of the event, all the stadiums are ready. In terms of infrastructure, everything is ready, which means that for the next year we can focus on making sure every fan coming to Qatar will have an incredible experience in a welcoming part of the world, in a great country and in a great region," said Infantino while taking part in the Education City Speaker Series of Qatar Foundation (QF). “It will not only be the best World Cup ever, but also a truly unique one.” The webinar held to mark the one-year countdown to the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 – which kicks off on November 21, 2022 – heard how the tournament will create a cultural, social, and economic legacy for Qatar and the region, including through cruise ships that will act as ‘floating hotels’ for fans going on to play a post-World Cup role in boosting Qatar’s tourism and industry. President of Community Development at Qatar Foundation Machaille al-Naimi During the discussion, titled FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022: The Countdown to History, QF and the FIFA Foundation announced a new partnership focused on inclusivity and engaging young people of different abilities through sport, including a Football for Schools app that will go global in 2022. Speaking about how the first FIFA World Cup in the Middle East and the Arab world will support FIFA’s efforts to grow the global game, Infantino said: “Our vision at FIFA is really to make football truly global. We often say it is a global sport, but (when) you scratch beneath the surface, you realise that top professional football is still very concentrated between a few teams in Europe. We need to give more opportunities and more access to the world through football, and the Arab world, in this respect, is crucial in this. QF Editor-in-Chief Michael Jabri-Pickett “There is a population of 450mn people, and there is a great passion for football among the Arab world. I think it is absolutely fitting to have the World Cup here for the first time in history. I believe that World Cup, being such an amazing event, really has the power to inspire young generations and develop football at all different levels. “We, at FIFA, in Qatar, and everyone that is part of the team organising the FIFA World Cup, want to really embrace sustainability, because we want to make football, and the impact that football has in the world, better from one World Cup to the next. The FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 will really be a highlight, because we have the commitment from Qatar and that is something unique, that will be seen from now until the World Cup (finals), but much more importantly, after the World Cup as well.” Hassan al-Thawadi, secretary-general of the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy (SC) who was a panellist at the event, noted that the mega sporting event will be a platform that brings people together and fosters human in- teraction. “The first football World Cup in the Middle East has given the opportunity for us to showcase the culture, heritage and the hospitality of this part of the world. People visiting us during the World Cup will learn more about the vibrant culture of this country and the entire Middle East,” he said. Al-Thawadi also noted that the preparations for the World Cup are in the final stretch. “We are in the last stretch of the preparations and the stadiums are complete and other infrastructure developments are in the final stages.  "The operational preparations are the biggest test right now and we are working very closely with FIFA. We are getting ready to showcase the best of the Middle East and Qatar,” he explained. He also said that apart from construction, the major beneficiary of any big event is tourism. “Cultural tourism is where the Middle East event will have the biggest impact. The Arab world is known for its hospitality. We will be showcasing many of the initiatives and industries Qatar is well known for. We have some of the best museums as well as some of the fantastic initiatives of Qatar Foundation. We would like to shine a spotlight on some of them,” he pointed out. Machaille al-Naimi, president, Community Development at QF, said Qatar Foundation is playing a unique role in supporting the World Cup. “We are supporting the World Cup through many ways in areas such as sustainability, community development and research – all of which are core mission areas of QF. We see two roles in this: We are supporting the SC in achieving their objectives as we are aligned with those goals. We are also leveraging the echo system that  we have. We are a city within a city with thousands of students, faculty researchers, among others. We have one of the eight stadiums inside our Education City. The Arab Cup is happening in the stadium with five matches. And next year, there will be eight games taking place at the venue,” al-Naimi highlighted. She also disclosed that Qatar Foundation will be hosting the international media broadcasting centre in the Education City, bringing in hundreds of journalists. “We have a lot of researchers working on multidisciplinary areas looking at things that relate to the World Cup. Some of them are connected with policies while some others are in terms of actual business. We have our own initiatives such as volunteering. We are making sure that all these leave a great legacy beyond the World Cup,” continued al-Naimi. Outlining other initiatives of QF, al-Naimi said that as the Qatar World Cup aims to be a very sustainable event, QF is also working on that. “We have over 14 schools and have launched a programme for K-12 for sustainability in the curriculum for embedding these values for generations to come. Moreover, the Education City stadium will be developed into a hub for sporting events in the Education City and we will get entities to have transfer of knowledge. Two of our schools will be housed in the stadium and that is a big legacy for us and the students who will be studying there,” added the official. During the discussion, moderated by QF editor-in-chief Michael Jabri-Pickett, al-Thawadi said the work of the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy’s Josoor Institute to train sports and events experts can help to make this industry “a genuine economic driver” for the region after the tournament. He also explained how cruise and cargo ship firms whose vessels are to provide 6,000 rooms for fans next year will make Qatar a destination for their business operations after the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, creating an economic legacy for the country. “When we say we’re welcoming the world, we’re talking about the fans,” he said. “I hope that this will be a time that will always remain in their memories, and that bonds are formed that last long beyond 2022. “There are many different ways of leaving a legacy, but ultimately what most of us look toward to is the positive memories, the relationships and bonds you form. People will engage with the experience of the rich heritage and culture that showcases the Arab world, not only Qatar, and I believe that’s how the Arab world will have a legacy from this tournament for years to come.” Al-Thawadi noted that all the accommodation arrangements for the mega event have been finalised and all aspects specially taken care of. “It will be an event that will generate a positive bond between people of different regions and countries. The fans will leave the country with long-lasting relationships and memories celebrating Qatar and the entire Middle East,” he added.

Due to the overwhelming turnout of visitors, the Qatar Classic Car Contest and Exhibition 2021 at Medina Centrale, The Pearl-Qatar, has been extended until Monday (November 22), instead of concluding Saturday.   Abdullatif Ali al-Yafei This was announced by the Gulf Qatari Classic Car Association management Friday. "The distinguished exhibition, organised annually in partnership with the United Development Company, has achieved a great deal of success in terms of creating a platform that showcases historic classic cars," said board member and secretary Abdullatif Ali al-Yafei. "In addition to its touristic value, the event plays an important role in educating the society about the importance of this facet of Qatari tradition,” he explained. The event is under the patronage of Qatar Museums (QM) chairperson HE Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani. The winners of the contest will be announced on Monday at a closing ceremony at 7pm. About 50 luxury vintage models are on display at the event, which includes several rare collections. Visitors curiously watching the cars Some of the vintage cars “Right from Wednesday, we are getting hundreds of visitors at the venue. You can spot large crowds moving around the beautiful machines and admiring them,” a spokesperson told *Gulf Times. “People are excited to see the vintage premium cars which are rare pieces. “We are thrilled by the response of the public and we expect more people to visit the exhibition tomorrow (Saturday).” “We have five categories of contest for the competition,” the spokesperson continued. “The first category is for cars from 1947 and before, and the second category is for cars between 1948-1957.” “The other categories are: 1958-1964; 1965-1974, and 1975-1991.” Another vintage beauty Another group of cars Gulf Qatari Classic Car Association chairman HE Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim al-Thani, vice-chairman Omar Alfardan, and several other dignitaries were present at the inaugural ceremony. The winning cars will be classified as: Best Car Award in each category; Best Represented Car Award amongst the participating cars; Most Original and Best Maintained Car without Renewal Award, and the Most Stylish Car Award.  A set of cars at the exhibition The best cars will be selected by a special jury, assigned by the International Classic Car Federation. The winning cars must be unanimously approved by all jury members. The organisers also hope that the exhibition will encourage investment in classic cars and shed light on its history in Qatar, in addition to introducing the various developmental and reinvention stages that the classic car industry has gone through and motivate more enthusiasts to collect vintage and classic cars. Another view of the 1931 Rolls Royce Phantom.   PICTURES: Thajudheen

A vintage Rolls Royce Phantom dating back to 1931, is among the highlights of the Qatar Classic Cars Contest and Exhibition 2021, organised by Gulf Qatari Classic Cars Association at Medina Centrale, The Pearl-Qatar. Held under the patronage of Qatar Museums chairperson HE Sheikha Al Mayssa bint Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani, the event was opened Wednesday by Gulf Qatari Classic Car Association chairman HE Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim al-Thani, along with vice chairman Omar Alfardan, and other dignitaries. Dignitaries touring the exhibition Over 50 classic cars are on display at the exhibition that runs until November 20. Speaking to Gulf Times on the sidelines of the exhibition, Alfardan said that the association used to organise the classic cars exhibition for several years but it was stopped last year due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Some of the classic cars at the exhibition “We are happy to resume it again and grateful to the authorities for permitting us to hold the exhibition. We have participation of a big number of classic car owners in this exhibition. This year we have launched our website. This is the first time that the exhibition is organised under the patronage of HE Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamd al-Thani which is an honour for us. Hopefully we will organise the exhibition next year near to the FIFA World Cup time. We will be inviting other classic cars associations from the Gulf Countries to bring their cars here,” Alfardan told Gulf Times. “We have about 50 cars at the exhibition and a 1931 Rollys Royce Phantom is the oldest one on display here,” he added. Meanwhile, HE Sheikh Faisal said in a message: “The Qatari society is witnessing an increased interest in the acquisition of classic cars which now exceed 4,000 in number, representing various models, particularly that some of them are very rare. Some of the owners have cars that are antique and very vintage as the year of their production.” According to Alfardan, “ For many in Qatar, acquisition of classic cars represents a culture and heritage that must be preserved. It has come to be viewed as part of the culture and heritage of the Qatari society that all those who are concerned, especially classic car owners, must seek to preserve and promote.” The contest and exhibition includes over 50 luxury cars which have great historic value along with rare vehicles that were designed as a masterpiece of art and engineering owned by Qataris and some of them are exhibited to the public for the first time. The event sponsors were honoured at the inaugural ceremony.

Focusing on the global education scenario in the aftermath of Covid-19 and deliberating on the acceleration and integration of technology in education as well as looking to reclaim the future through education, the 10th global summit of the World Innovation Summit for Education (WISE), one of the largest international educational conclaves, will be held from December 7-9 in a hybrid format: in-person and online. “With more than 10,000 attendees online, and over 800 participating in person at Qatar National Convention Centre, the summit will have 190 plus sessions and more than 300 speakers who are educational leaders, practitioners and innovators,” Dr Ameena Abdul-Majeed, director of programmes and the chief curator of the summit announced at a press conference Tuesday. With the topic , ‘Generation Unmute: Reclaiming our Future through Education’ WISE, Qatar Foundation’s global initiative to transform education through innovation, offers a major platform for thought leaders, academics and policy makers to discuss global educational challenges especially in the aftermath of a global pandemic, one of the all-time biggest disruptions on education. The press conference was also attended by Dr Ibrahim bin Saleh al-Naimi, undersecretary at the Ministry of Education and Higher Education; Dr Asmaa al-Fadala, director of Research and Content Development, WISE; and Elyas Felfoul, director of Policy Development and Partnerships, WISE. There will be a new youth-curated programme at the summit addressing questions in global education and 10 WISE research reports will be published in the lead up to the summit. Dr al-Naimi, highlighted the WISE Summit as one of the creative and inspiring initiatives of Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser and noted its continuity despite the far-reaching impact of the pandemic. “The summit represents an opportunity for our students, teachers, school administrators, academics, practitioners and academic leaders in Qatar to interact with their young peers from different countries around the world to discuss global education challenges, thus enhancing their benefit from the summit,” he said. Stavros N Yiannouka, CEO of WISE, said: “It is paramount that we empower our younger populations to become voices of change and assume their role as advocates for education in all its forms. This year’s WISE Summit recognises youth as rights-holders, who must not only be included in our dialogue about the future, but play a defining part in shaping public policy, engagement and sustainable progress following the disruption caused by Covid-19. It is also a step towards a future that balances creativity with a can-do attitude. The first hybrid WISE event is designed to forge connections and provoke a rethinking towards what is possible when we prioritise our collective future.” Dr al-Fadala highlighted the research focus of WISE to face the educational challenges while Felfoul spoke about the integration technology in education as well as the Edtech programme of WISE. Aiming to create a platform for youth, the summit will introduce a new Youth Studio as a key stage for dialogue and discussion, curated by young changemakers to facilitate intergenerational dialogue. By addressing issues including climate education, fake news, students’ wellbeing and transitioning to the job market, WISE 2021 aims to provide the next generation with agency to find innovative solutions to today’s key global challenges. The Summit will bring together over 300 thought leaders in education, world-class experts, and influential young voices from around the globe to address current education challenges across more than 190 sessions, ranging from in-person to fully virtual and hybrid platforms. Global audiences will have the opportunity to participate in live sessions at the Qatar National Convention Centre as well as in online discussions via the WISE virtual platform. WISE will also release 10 new research reports in the leadup to this year’s Summit. Their authors will come together as part of several research presentations and ‘Meet the Authors’ events during the Summit to offer an in-depth look into their findings, many of which examine and use case studies specially from Qatar’s own education ecosystem.

A nationwide STEPwise survey to identify the prevalence of diabetes in Qatar, is expected next year, a senior official told Gulf Times on Sunday. “The STEPwise survey was supposed to happen sometime in 2019-2020 but due to Covid-19, the programme could not be implemented," recalled Prof Abdul-Badi Abou-Samra, co-chair of the Qatar National Diabetes Committee and director of the Qatar Metabolic Institute. "The survey will hopefully take place in 2022 and the Ministry of Public Health will soon announce details,” he said on the sidelines of a diabetes symposium at College of the North Atlantic - Qatar to mark International Diabetes Day. “The survey, once done, will cover epidemiologically representative samples, 5,000 subjects, representing the entire Qatari population and long-term residents. It will go to all communities and representative samples will be taken. This will provide us with accurate details about the prevalence of diabetes in Qatar,” said Prof Abou-Samra. The official said that the 2021 IDF (International Diabetes Federation) figures suggesting that 20% of the adult Qatar population as diabetic, is based on estimates and not based on any current facts and figures. “These figures may not be actual because we do random screening here in Qatar and the figures we get, are between 16% to 20%. So, the average rate of prevalence can be about 17%-18%. As of now, the only official number is that of STEPwise survey in 2012 and we don’t have any other population-representative figures of diabetes. So, we will have to wait for the next survey to get the actual number of diabetes cases in Qatar,” he said. According to Abou-Samra, Qatar has presently about 17% diabetes prevalence among adults and at least 25% of the adult population are pre-diabetic. “About 42% of pregnant women suffer from gestational diabetes, the majority of whom recover after pregnancy. However, they are at a high risk for developing diabetes and their babies are at high risk for diabetes and obesity when they become adults. Again, obesity is one of the major risk factor for gestational diabetes and pregnancy complications. About 3% of the adult population in Qatar have un-diagnosed diabetes and they do not know that they are diabetic. Another 45% of the adults in Qatar have a BMI of above 30 which is one of the major reasons for diabetes in Qatar,” he said. The official believes that efforts by the Ministry of Public Health and the government to contain diabetes will take time to get the desired results. He said: “There is a difference between prevalence and incidence. Prevalence changes over a very long period of time of multiple generations, while incidence can change over a five year period for example. So we will see what best we can do to flatten the curve or to slow down the incidence. “Obesity is one of the main risk factors for diabetes in Qatar as it can explain two thirds of the diabetic prevalence in Qatar. If we want to flatten the prevalence of diabetes in Qatar, we should reduce obesity first.”