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Varieties ranging from the aromatic Sindoor to the sweet Alphonso are showcased at the Indian Mango Festival (Al Hamba Exhibition), which opened yesterday at Souq Waqif in Doha.To run until June 21, the second edition of the festival features flavourful favourites of Indian mangoes at the Eastern Square of the popular destination from 4pm-9pm daily, except on public holidays when the closing is at 10pm.The festival is organised by the Private Engineering Office (PEO) in co-operation with the Indian embassy.The festival was inaugurated by the PEO’s Technical Affairs Department director Abdulrahman Zayed al-Nuaimi and Indian ambassador Vipul in the presence of other Qatari officials and ambassadors of various countries.“The festival has 55 varieties of mangoes along with cakes, sweets, ice creams and juices,” Khalid Saif al-Suwaidi, general supervisor of Al Hamba Exhibition, told Gulf Times. “We invite all to relish the mango varieties and products at the festival.”Most famous Indian mango varieties, including Rajapuri, Malgova, Neelam, Alphonso, Kesar, Badami, Mallika, Imam Pasand, Kalapadi, Totapuri, Chakkarakkutti and Sindoor are featured in the expo.Al-Suwaidi said that the expo features 38 Indian companies, with fresh mangoes flown in exclusively fresh for the festival.The quality of the mangoes is checked by the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) to ensure safety.The turnout of visitors and the sales, according to al-Suwaidi, are expected to increase in the second edition of the festival.“Last year, we had 44 varieties and the sales crossed 200 tonnes,” he said.“Sales are likely to go up owing to various factors,” he continued. “Large quantities of mango are flown. We have planes arriving daily especially for the exhibition. We will achieve record numbers this year.”Al-Suwaidi noted that the prices are moderate and competitive because of the presence of several companies.One of the attractions of the festival is the costliest Miyazaki mangoes.Called the “Egg of the Sun”, this ultra-rare mango is sold at QR666 per kg at the pavilion of LuLu Group.Al-Suwaidi added that the Indian embassy played a role in organising the event by inviting and supervising the companies and the products.

With captivating fireworks and heritage and cultural activities, Souq Al Wakra enthralled thousands on the first two days of Eid al-Adha. Souq Al Wakra , with its spectacular vibe and atmosphere, remained one of the popular Eid al-Adha destinations where thousands thronged to celebrate the occasion with friends and family.“Souq Al Wakra is a blend of the past and present. The vibe is exciting,” said Al Wakra resident Mohamed Jaseem.The festivities and entertainment activities from the first day of Eid al-Adha have seen a huge flow of Qatar residents and tourists. The Private Engineering Office has announced that the fireworks that are held at 8.30 pm will continue until June 9 on the Souq's waterfront while illuminating the Al Wakra sky with colours of joy and happiness. “The fireworks lend a joyful festive atmosphere and drew a large crowd of citizens, residents and visitors of various nationalities,” PEO said in a statement.“This event is part of a series of family events and activities that will continue over four consecutive days. It is part of the Souq's management's commitment to creating a festive atmosphere and promoting community participation. The Souq witnesses increased turnout during the Eid holidays as visitors enjoy the diverse entertainment and commercial activities it hosts,” the statement noted.It added that Souq Al Wakra has become a prominent family destination during national and religious seasons and occasions due to its heritage character and attractive coastal location that combines the fragrance of the past with the beauty of the present.Also, there are entertainment options for children. Stretched along the waterfront, restaurants and cafes along the seafront promenade welcome visitors to offera wide range of cuisines, including traditional Arab and Qatari delicacies.The traditional market offers a range of popular heritage activities including camel and horse rides. Also, there are traditional boat shows to highlight a distinctive cultural character that reflects Souq’s visual identity and uniqueness. Souq Al Wakra is one of Qatar's most prominent tourist and cultural destinations during special occasions offering a unique experience that combines shopping, entertainment and heritage visits.

The Ministry of Interior (MoI) has urged all travellers crossing the Abu Samra border to avail the pre-registration service on Metrash to expedite transit procedures. In a video shared by MoI on X, Major Abdullah Hamad al-Sowaidi, Officer at the Systems Development Department of the General Directorate of Communications and Information Systems, said that the pre-registration service for the Abu Samra border crossing via the Metrash app enables citizens and residents to plan their travel with ease and convenience.MoI has updated Metrash with several new features, including the ability to review and modify previous trips, reapply for a previous trip, and add traveller categories such as citizens of GCC countries and visitors from other nationalities. “Your commitment to pre-registration helps ease border crossing procedures and enhances the smooth flow and organisation of travel through the border,” MoI said.“Open the Travel window, select ‘Pre-Registration for Abu Samra,’ select the registration type: Entry or Exit, complete the required details, which include Expected Travel/Arrival Date and then Select Vehicle.Also, there are options to Add Drivers and Passengers. The Qatari vehicle owner can add drivers or passengers from GCC countries using ID or passport numbers, and visitors using passport numbers – even if the owner is not travelling.

Parks and beaches across Qatar are set to welcome visitors throughout the Eid al-Adha holidays, the Ministry of Municipality has said.In an X post, the ministry said that all arrangements have been made to prepare beaches and parks to host visitors while providing comfortable seating areas and recreational facilities for children.The ministry has intensified cleaning and maintenance works to ensure a safe and clean environment for all.Maintenance teams have also been deployed around the clock to ensure the readiness of facilities and the continuity of services.“Qatar Parks opens its doors to you during Eid, to spend the most beautiful times with family and friends,” the ministry said.Public parks will remain open to visitors 24 hours a day under the supervision of security personnel.Al Khor Park will welcome the public daily during Eid al-Adha from 8am to 11pm. Tickets can be booked through the Aoun app. The park offers a tranquil atmosphere, green spaces and facilities suitable for all family members.Al Khor Park, one of the oldest and largest parks in Qatar, features a zoo that houses numerous rare animal and bird species.Covering an area of approximately 240,000sq m, it provides a breathing space for all residents of the country. It also features vast, lush green spaces and large trees such as the sycamore and jujube trees.Among the important parks welcoming visitors during Eid al-Adha is the Panda House in Al Khor, the first of its kind in the Middle East and the largest in the world.The municipality urged the public to keep the parks and beaches clean, refrain from littering and co-operate with the security personnel.“Let's keep it beautiful and clean together so it can remain a breathing space for everyone,” it said.The ministry has announced its Eid Carnival at 974 Beach, where various events will take place on the second and third days of Eid from 8am to 11pm.The ministry has invited the public to participate and enjoy the joyful atmosphere and celebration with their families.The event boasts of numerous recreational activities suitable for all ages, set in a festive atmosphere.Ticket prices are set at QR35 for adults and QR15 for children aged up to 10 years. Children under four can enter free of charge. VIP admission costs an additional QR15.The public can find the nearest beaches here on the ministry’s website.

The international conference on ‘Artificial Intelligence and Human Rights: Opportunities, Risks and Visions for a Better Future’ concluded Wednesday with calls for binding international legislation for the safe and responsible use of Artificial Intelligence (AI).While presenting the closing statement, HE the Secretary-General of the National Human Rights Committee (NHRC) Sultan Bin Hassan al-Jamali stressed the need to establish international and local regulatory frameworks to ensure the responsible use of this technology.The statement included a set of recommendations and basic principles aimed at guiding future efforts toward developing comprehensive policies and legislation. Al-Jamali emphasised the urgent need to establish an international legal framework regulating the use of artificial intelligence, with a focus on protecting fundamental human rights such as privacy, non-discrimination and freedom of expression.He underlined the importance of concerted efforts among governments, international organisations, civil society and the private sector to ensure the development and deployment of artificial intelligence in ethical and responsible ways.The statement called for intensified efforts to raise awareness about the opportunities and risks of artificial intelligence among all segments of society and to enhance critical thinking skills around these technologies. It urged the adoption of ethical design principles for artificial intelligence, ensuring transparency, accountability and fairness in the development and deployment of these systems. Also, it called for special attention to protecting the rights of the most vulnerable groups who may be disproportionately affected by the risks of artificial intelligence.Organised by NHRC in cooperation with a group of prominent local and international entities including the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, National Cyber Security Agency, United Nations Development Programme and Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, the conference witnessed broad participation including more than 800 experts and officials from around the world.The two-day conference featured intensive discussions and valuable contributions on the challenges and opportunities posed by artificial intelligence at the human rights and humanitarian levels.This international event underscored the need to formulate a global legislative framework that ensures the safe and responsible use of artificial intelligence and prevents it from becoming a tool for violating privacy, promoting discrimination and undermining fundamental freedoms.The sessions of the conference witnessed strong and unified calls from participants for the development of binding national and international legislation that would contribute to filling the current legislative gap surrounding artificial intelligence applications. Several speakers emphasised the paramount importance of adopting a clear international legal framework that not only balances the benefits of artificial intelligence but also mitigates potential social, economic and human rights risks.

The Public Works Authority (Ashghal) is showcasing its modern technologies, innovations and sustainable practices in implementing its projects at Project Qatar, which concludes Thursday at Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre.Through a dedicated and distinctive pavilion, Ashghal is showcasing its key achievements in infrastructure development, while also highlighting its forward-looking vision to build a sustainable and integrated infrastructure that supports various vital sectors across Qatar.One of the highlights of Ashghal’s pavilion is the Building Information Modelling (BIM), used for all public infrastructure and building projects.Engineer Noof al-Marri, IT Operations Lead and Emerging Technology Lead at Ashghal, noted that the authority has developed its infrastructure into being sustainable while using technologies for work enhancement.“One of the main things that we have done for sustainability and for improving our resources and our maintenance and operation of our work (1:42) is introducing emerging technologies within the work that we currently do,” al-Marri said.Instead of going fully manual, al-Marri added, Ashghal is now automating the processes to use drones for inspection. Drones autonomously inspect structures and provide a detailed report of all the defects within the structure, the street lights, signage and anything that's high to reach or very difficult to inspect.“We have also worked on some digital twin solutions for maintenance and operations for the tunnels, highways and bridges,” she said adding that Ashghal uses technology to identify the level of dust that happens within the construction.“One of the main things that we have done is smart construction by using AI and cameras for monitoring. There are other solutions that we have introduced such as AI-embedded cameras for the construction site and for drainage stations. They alert to any intrusions even if the workers are coming in without safety equipment or a car is parked in the incorrect area,” she said.Ashghal, according to al-Marri, is taking actions and introducing technologies in order to reduce the carbon footprint during construction.“We display our best new technologies and our best new techniques used by the buildings and the drainage networks departments. We put what we do on display to showcase that we are delivering the best for Qatar,” said engineer Hamad Ahmed al-Mawlawi from the Building Projects Department noting that Ashghal's participation reflects its commitment to strengthening its partnerships with private sector stakeholders including consultants, contractors and suppliers to ensure the delivery of high impact projects that drive Qatar’s development journey.The VR technology Ashghal uses in building construction is on display. The technology, according to al-Mawlawi, helps speed the processes of approval for different materials and architectural finishes, and ensures the end user's satisfaction.He said that Ashghal is implementing multiple building projects across the country and added that VR and AR are used to achieve efficiency and innovation in construction projects.“Ashghal is implementing its project using smart building and construction tools that suit the needs during different phases. Also, we ensure sustainability within projects, plan better for sustainability and use the right materials and ensure that all the sustainability requirements are being met,” he explained. According to al-Mawlawi, Ashghal constantly works with the Global Sustainability Assessment System (GSAS) and the Gulf Organisation for Research and Development (Gord) to improve its ratings for the buildings.

There is a need to develop AI regulatory frameworks that are based on a comprehensive understanding of systemic racism and grounded in the international human rights framework, urged Ashwini K P, UN Special Rapporteur on Contemporary Forms of Racism, Tuesday.“There is a dire need to establish mechanisms to enable individuals and groups who are affected by AI-driven systemic racism and racial discrimination,” she told a session on ‘The Power of Artificial Intelligence and Human Rights: Risks and Opportunities’ at the International Conference on ‘Artificial Intelligence and Human Rights: Opportunities, Risks and Visions for a Better Future’.The UN official noted that the risks of AI are multifarious. “The rise of artificial intelligence systems and machine learning algorithms has led to the digitisation of data on a massive scale. Algorithms use that data to make decisions and engage in actions across several sectors. However, the data sets on which algorithms are trained are often incomplete or under represent certain groups of people including along racial and ethnic lines, resulting in algorithm bias,” she said. “Technology is never neutral. It reflects the values and interests of those who influence its design and use, and is fundamentally shaped by the same structures of inequality that operate in society,” she explained adding that AI results in discriminatory outcomes in critical areas such as employment, law enforcement, healthcare, and education since AI systems learn from historical data, which often contains embedded societal biases.In the context of risk posed by AI, Ashwini said, the spread of misinformation has had a serious impact on the social fabric of society. “The ability of AI to produce incredibly lifelike text, pictures, and videos has presented information integrity with previously unheard-of difficulties. AI-generated media and deepfakes can be used as weapons to sway public opinion, pose as people or interfere with democratic processes,” she said.The UN official noted that AI’s benefits are not equitably distributed and marginalised communities often lack the infrastructure, digital literacy or localised tools to engage meaningfully with AI technologies. “Technological space has always been occupied by the privileged resulting in the digital divide. This digital divide reinforces existing social disparities and limits participation in an increasingly automated world,” she said.Ashwini who underlined the need for proactive safeguards against the threats that AI poses, said governments must enact enforceable laws that centre human dignity and prohibit discriminatory uses of AI. “Developers should ensure that AI decisions are explainable. Affected individuals must have access to remedies, including appeals and human oversight. AI systems must incorporate data minimisation, encryption and purpose limitation to safeguard user privacy. Systems with unacceptable risks must be banned.”Chaired by Mohammad Alnsour, OHCHR, Mena Section Chief - Geneva, the session was attended by Rapporteur: Nicole Chaaya, Civil Society and Technical Co-operation Unit, OHCHR Syria Office; Reem Alsalem, UN Special Rapporteur on Violence Against Women and Girls; Matthew Hervey, Al and IP Expert, Head of Legal and Policv at Human Native Al - UK; Abdel Basset Ben Hassen, Chair of the Board, Arab Institute for Human Rights - Tunis; and Azin Tadjdini, Human Rights Officer, Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights - Geneva.

The Qatar Public Transportation Master Plan (QPTMP) will act as a strategic step towards achieving an advanced urban transport system and contribute to Qatar's socioeconomic development, the Ministry of Transport (MoT) has said.“QPTMP is one of the main pillars for infrastructure development and enhancing the quality of life, as part of the Qatar National Vision (QNV) 2030. QPTMP aims to establish a culture of sustainable mobility by integrating public transport into an integrated, effective and safe transport system that meets local society's needs,” MoT said in an X post.The plan ensures Qatar’s position among leading countries in smart and sustainable transport. MoT, recently, announced that it started developing the plan, aimed at creating a more efficient and competitive public transportation system and striking a balance between Qatar’s rapid urban growth and its commitment to sustainability leading ultimately to a more efficient and future-ready public transit system.The QPTMP also aims at improving accessibility and coverage, raising service reliability and exploring innovative mobility solutions that keep pace with the latest advancements.Bypassing conventional frameworks, the QPTMP will strategically guide the evolution of the transit system to address challenges associated with escalating vehicular dependency, congestion, and environmental impact. The QPTMP will study the status quo of traffic congestion of both private vehicles and public transportation and carbon emissions and their impact on Qatar’s climate quality with a view to suggesting suitable solutions.Leveraging advanced and efficient public transportation solutions, and sustainable and eco-friendly infrastructure is among the plan’s top priorities through providing advanced electric transportation systems to help lower carbon footprint and, consequently, improve Qatar’s climate quality in step with the QNV 2030’s pillar of environmental development.The QPTMP's ripple effects will have far reaching societal and environmental benefits, supporting healthier lifestyles, fostering economic vitality and mitigating the ecological footprint of urban expansion through reducing carbon emissions utilising smarter transit solutions and rubber-stamping Qatar’s commitment to sustainability.

The 21st edition of Project Qatar will feature more than 200 local and international companies from 20 countries under the theme ‘Innovation and Sustainability: Qatar’s Path to 2030’.Under the patronage of HE Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim al-Thani, Project Qatar will be held from May 26 to 29 at Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre.The event will have prominent governmental and semi-governmental entities along with private sector companies that play a pivotal role in supporting Qatar's development and infrastructure projects.The latest edition will host Argentina as the country of honour under Qatar's Years of Culture initiative to mark a partnership of innovation and diversity. International high-level delegations including businessmen from the Moscow Export Centre and the China Electronics Chamber of Commerce will take part.Over 80 international companies from across the globe are expected to participate in the event, which reinforces the adoption of innovation and sustainability principles within the construction and industrial sectors.The Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoCI), the Public Works Authority (Ashghal), the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, Qatar Tourism, Qatar General Electricity and Water Corporation (Kahramaa), Al Sraiya Holding Group, Aamal, QTerminals, and LG are among the sponsors and partners.MoCI's Trade Development and Investment Promotion director Hamad Mohammed al-Nasr said the exhibition plays an active role in enhancing the business environment and developing productive sectors, most notably the construction sector, which is one of the main pillars of achieving sustainable development.Ashghal's Public Relations and Communications Department manager Abdulla Saad al-Saad said the entity's pavilion will showcase its comprehensive range of completed, ongoing and upcoming projects, aiming to engage key stakeholders and foster collaboration in project execution. “We hope this year's edition will serve as a platform to connect with a wider network of consultants, contractors, and suppliers who may collaborate with Ashghal in the future," he said.“Project Qatar continues to play a vital role in driving growth, fostering innovation and shaping the construction industry's future by bringing together hundreds of local and international exhibitors and participants,” IFP Qatar general manager Haidar Mshaimesh said.The event is dedicated to smart manufacturing, industrial automation and digital transformation in production environments. Innovations in automation, artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things (IoT), smart supply chains and logistics and sustainable production systems will be showcased.A four-day accompanying conference will address topics related to construction, industry, sustainability and environment. Day one will focus on smart and green building solutions, renewable energy, and AI applications in construction. The second day of the conference will be dedicated to smart manufacturing, bringing together leading international companies for sessions focused on intelligent and sustainable industrial production solutions. The third day will explore digital transformation and its role in advancing sustainability while the fourth and final day will conclude with a training workshop on AI applications in construction and environmental protection.

The two-day Indian Cultural Centre (ICC) Carnival 2025 opened Thursday at ICC Film City (Ideal Indian School grounds) offering a wide variety of entertainment highlighting culture, traditions and heritage. The timing Friday is 4.30pm to 11pm. “The venue has a festive look with carnival-themed decorations, shopping and food stalls, performances, shows and service booths. The programme is an endeavour to uphold the legacy of the great Indian culture among the community,” ICC president A P Manikantan told *Gulf Times. ICC's annual events Bharat Utsav and Passage to India, Manikantan recalled, have won accolades from Indians and other communities in Qatar. “The ICC Carnival 2025 is special with its accompanying interactive shows. We have arranged art exhibition titled 'India' by Vafi, along with a captivating photo exhibition,” he said. Also, the carnival celebrates the legacy of Indian cinema to pay tribute to the stories, stars, and spirit that have united millions across generations. The stalls offer traditional food, mehndi, clothing and jewellery. ICC has set up booths to introduce its social and welfare services to the community and reach out to new beneficiaries. ICC volunteers provide information and guidelines about its services at the Legal Cell booth. One of the booths is dedicated to highlighting the Security Scheme by the Indian Community Benvolent Forum (ICBF). On Friday, the carnival will host a concert by renowned South Indian artiste Anoop Sankar and his team. Manikantan said there is cooperation between ICC, the Indian embassy and various government entities to ensure the success of the event. Around 500 volunteers are on the ground to serve the visitors. The inaugural day, Manikantan added, evoked a good response from the visitors, who flocked to the carnival to enjoy the visual grandeur and festive spirit.

Charming green lush trees, fabulous walkways and sport equipment, neat amenities and cottage like little eateries, Rawdat Al Khail Park (erstwhile Doha Public Park, later known as Muntazah Park) has it all.Nestled in the heart of Doha with all recreational amenities, the park which has a special place in the hearts of Doha residents, just marked the third anniversary of its reopening on Thursday (April 10).Gulf Times Archives has chronicled the trajectory of the decades long development and transformation of Rawdat Al Khail Park. The park’s history dates back to 1965 when the first part of Doha Public Park (the first name) was completed and the second phase of development came to an end in 1984 with a much spacious area of 115,000sq m with a design that integrated the natural beauty and architectural distinctiveness. The park remained the prime leisure spot for Doha residents until the early 2000s when it was closed for a pretty long refurbishment.Having remained closed for more than 20 years, the park was reopened on April 10, 2022, ahead of FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 with all features for an outstanding recreational and sports destination. Also, the park serves as a gathering point for many with trees and a great variety of shrub species spanning along C Ring Road and Rawdat Al Khail Street.Green spaces cover an area of 98,000sq m with 1,600 trees. The attractions include a 1,183m pedestrian path, a 1,119m running track, and a 1,118m cycling track along with exercise and training areas with fitness equipment in addition to play areas for children, bicycle stands, a bike rental shop, food kiosks, areas for barbecue and a good number of seats.

Beaches and parks remain the major Eid al-Fitr destination for many residents in Qatar. With a captivating vibe and moderate weather, beaches drew thousands on the first and second days of Eid while parks were packed with huge crowds.Sealine, Al-Ghariyah and Ras Abu Abboud top the list of beachgoers' favourites. “These beaches are ideal for spending time with family and friends. On the edge of the desert, Sealine is a gateway to the desert and dunes. It’s among my top priorities during the holidays,” said Mohamed Hussein.Many Doha residents opt to navigate the remote beaches to enjoy the whole night while swimming and barbecuing.“Beaches outside Doha are also equipped with all the necessary amenities and facilities. Many opt to drive there because they are more spacious and less crowded. Even driving to these places lends some enjoyment,” said Gharrafa resident Abdul Rahman.Ras Abu Abboud offers recreation among the most prominent destinations offering entertainment activities for families. With walking and bicycle tracks, the beach has swimming facilities and swings. Also, volleyball and beach football playing areas are available. “We invite you to celebrate fun and relaxing times on our charming beaches. Don't miss the opportunity to relax and enjoy the best moments with family and friends,” the Ministry of Municipality said in a X post.The Ministry of Municipality has made all the arrangements at the beaches by equipping them with amenities and recreational facilities. Children’s play areas, umbrellas, comfortable seating areas and restrooms are available with family beaches at Simaisma, Al-Wakra, and Al-Farkia. The ministry has also developed Al-Mamlha Beach for women to be a destination dedicated entirely to women with secure gates, solar lighting and barbecue and recreation areas. Some beaches have arranged jet skiing, kayaking and rowing to attract water sports enthusiasts. The ministry has deployed trained rescue teams operating around the clock while providing clear signage.The largest parks in Qatar, Al Bidda Park, Aspire Park, and MIA Park, remained the top destinations for families with wide open facilities and special Eid activities. Oxygen Park, Sheraton Park and Katara Hills welcomed thousands with their natural beauty and lush greenery to offer a refreshing escape from the urban environment. With Suhail and Thuraya - the two resident giant pandas at Panda House, Al Khor Family Park drew the crowds on the first two days of Eid al-Fitr.“Parks are the preferred option for families because they provide space for kids. Qatar’s parks are designed to be a space for kids to engage in entertainment and physical activities and an ideal spot for a family outing,” said Al Wakra resident Mohamed Azhar.The Katara Cultural Village Foundation continues its fanfare celebrations on the second day of Eid al-Fitr, hosting impressive events that have drawn record numbers of visitors to enjoy the festive atmosphere.Meanwhile, the authorities have urged the visitors to adhere to the safety measures and keep the places clean while going to parks and beaches. “Let's enjoy our Eid holidays in parks and beaches while maintaining their beauty and cleanliness, for the sake of our health and safety,” an X post by the ministry said. “This Eid, let's decorate our gardens and beaches in the most beautiful way. Let's make public cleanliness our joy and leave a beautiful mark for those who come after us to enjoy,” the ministry added.

Qatar celebrated Eid al-Fitr Sunday with religious fervour and gaiety.Muslims offered prayers across Qatar in the morning as a mark of devotion and the end of the holy month of Ramadan. Believers started to flock the mosques and prayer grounds from early morning to form large congregations where they greeted and embraced each other after the prayer in a show of amity, solidarity and brotherhood.The Imams, while delivering the sermons, urged the worshippers to embrace the message of Eid al-Fitr and leverage the occasion by increasing acts of worship, obedience and maintaining family ties noting that Eid’s significance lies in sacrifice, giving and helping the poor and needy.“Eid is the occasion to celebrate and strengthen the sense of brotherhood. I came here to pray with my friends,” said Anas K at the Al Wakra Eid prayer ground.The Workers Support and Insurance Fund held the Eid al-Fitr prayer at Asian Town Cricket Stadium where more than 6,000 persons attended the prayer. The stadium also hosted various cultural programmes and a musical event for the workers.Awqaf prepared a total of 690 mosques for Eid prayer with necessary arrangements, while the Ministry of Interior (MoI) implemented measures to ensure the safety of the worshippers.After a month-long fasting, Eid al-Fitr was seen by many as an opportunity to visit the parks and beaches with their families and friends. The parks and beaches across the country hosted thousands of visitors.In order to provide the families and visitors with an enjoyable Eid al-Fitr experience, the Ministry of Municipality has enhanced recreational facilities at parks. Maintenance works and cleanliness campaigns were carried out ahead of Eid while providing comfortable seating areas, clean public facilities and well-maintained green spaces.The Ministry of Interior had also completed all arrangements to provide the public with a safe and peaceful environment during Eid al-Fitr holidays.

The Transportation Master Plan for Qatar 2050 (TMPQ) will bring Qatar to the forefront of the world’s most sustainable nations. According to the Ministry of Transport's website (MoT), TMPQ will provide innovative and sustainable transportation solutions to boost the economy and improve the quality of life for citizens and residents while preserving Qatar's national identity.TMPQ identifies the vision, directions, and framework within an integrated set of initiatives for all transportation users including short, medium, and long term investment in transportation infrastructure.Sustainability has been put on the top, given the great impact this concept has on economic and environmental development striking a balance between the requirements of economic growth and environmental protection and contributing to reducing climate change by putting into effect long-term initiatives.“The master plan aims to deliver a safe, integrated and environment-friendly transportation and mobility system that keeps pace with urban and population growth, improves social life, reinforces environmental sustainability and supports economic growth to achieve national development requirements,” the preface of the master plan says.It also helps achieve financial sustainability of the land transportation sector by covering the largest possible ratio of operating costs through executing transportation demand management policies, and public-private partnerships for investing in and contributing to building and operating the country’s transportation systems.The TMPQ is presented in five volumes together with comprehensive manuals and guidelines to support plan implementation.This plan works as a roadmap for investing in land transportation infrastructure and identifies the frameworks and future orientations for developing the transportation networks nationwide in a way that ensures their integration with land uses, urban development, population growth and meeting the future demand for transportation.The plan, according to the MoT website, will have significant economic returns thanks to increased revenues and the benefits of saving vehicle-operating costs, saving energy and fuel consumption, reducing trip time and lowering carbon emissions and road accidents.

Former Qatar resident and prominent Indian expatriate K V Abdullakutty Haji (pictured), who passed away in Kerala on March 11, is remembered in community circles as a dedicated social worker, prudent organiser, and educationist.Haji, who left Qatar for good in 2020 after 53 years, was committed in supporting the underprivileged and guiding the student community. “He initiated many steps to implement career development plans in Indian schools while joining hands with educational agencies,” reminisced Centre for Information and Guidance India (Cigi) Doha vice-chairman Issuddin K K.Haji tirelessly worked to implement several initiatives including the community leadership programme for job seekers and careerists. A founding leader of the Kerala Muslim Cultural Centre (KMCC) Qatar, he later focused on the activities of Cigi Doha by leading workshops, awareness campaigns and career coaching programmes. “Cigi owes much to this visionary. He inspired students to pursue higher studies,” Issuddin said.“I was very close to him and we worked together in several initiatives. He spoke with charisma and politeness and inspired the people around him. He was widely respected for an array of virtues,” said World KMCC vice-president S A M Basheer.Haji reached Qatar on August 22, 1967 and his decades long life in Qatar showcased the commitment to the tireless pursuit of social work. During his tenure in Qatar, Haji worked with four ministers and several organisations. “Nothing hindered him from keeping himself improving. He always wanted to learn from anyone he met. Haji will be remembered as a creative and determination in the cause of education and community development – a mission continued even into his death,” Basheer added.Haji was laid to rest at Njamanangad mosque burial ground at his home village in Thrissur district where thousands paid last tributes. Haji is survived by his wife Safiya, sons Ruknudin Abdulla and Rahmuddin and daughters Ryhana and Ruksana.A condolence meeting was held at MES Indian School in Doha. Cigi Doha chairman E P Abdurahman presided over the event. Representatives of various Indian community organisations attended.

Souqs, shops and malls are gearing up for Garangao, with nuts, sweets and toys outlets witnessing a large turnout of buyers ahead of the festival that falls on the night of March 14 this year.Shop owners at Souq Waqif told *Gulf Times that sales have gone up, with many Qataris and residents taking their children for shopping.Garangao is considered one of the most important Ramadan occasions in Qatar, when children go from door to door, collecting nuts and sweets around their neighbourhood.Clad in traditional clothing, children go around their neighbourhood in small groups with decorated gift bags and collecting treats, singing Garangao songs.Events are organised by public and private entities to preserve the tradition and entertain the children, giving them gifts and encouraging them to fast during the month.The idea is to reward children for their efforts to fast during the first half of Ramadan and encourage them to continue with the same spirit in the second half.At Souq Waqif, according to the sellers, shops become busy in the evening and after *Taraweeh prayers, when customers turn up in big numbers.Shops have special Garangao packages on sale.Baskets decorated with traditional clothing for boys and girls are among the most in demand, as are goodies with messages and greetings on them.The price starts from QR40 and varies according to the size of the kits, which typically consist of 10 types of nuts, clothes, toys and sweets.There are special Garangao kits with the price going up to QR600.Textile shops in Souq Waqif have also started to feel the rush, with many families buying traditional clothes for kids to celebrate the occasion.

The National Archives of Qatar is all set to play a pivotal role in preserving and documenting Qatari heritage through diverse projects with the Qatar National Archives’ Strategy (2025-2030) launched yesterday.The strategy features a comprehensive multi-dimensional plan to ensure the international, institutional, community level and oral documentation of Qatar’s past, transformation and the race to future.While presenting the master plan, engineer Yousef al-Shreim, the director of the National Archives of Qatar’s Technical Office, said the strategy features more than 24 programmes revolving around four prime strategic projects that aim to enhance the capabilities in preserving and documenting the nation’s history in its various forms and sources.Aiming to collect and preserve all the documents related to Qatar, the region, and the Arab and Islamic worlds, the international documentation project acts as the first of the projects.This will be implemented by obtaining copies of documents in international institutions to ensure the integrity of the national documentary record and to provide accurate reference sources for researchers and institutions.The second project, the institutional documentation project, aims to preserve and document the official records of national institutions while covering the official documents, organisational structures and ministerial and government decisions.“This is to ensure the existence of a clear record that reflects the development of institutions over time and enhances the ability of various entities to manage their documents effectively,” al-Shreim said.The community documentation project constitutes a major axis in involving the community in preserving the documentary heritage.“It focuses on preserving documents, manuscripts and personal possessions that form part of the Qatari identity,” he said, noting that the role of individuals and owners of private libraries in preserving documents assumes much significance.“The role of the community is equally important of the role of institutions,” al-Shreim said. “This is what the National Archives of Qatar looks to enhance through awareness programmes and partnerships with relevant authorities.”The fourth is the oral documentation project, an unprecedented step in documenting the national memory.“It aims to record the testimonies and narratives of prominent figures who played a pivotal role in Qatar’s historic journey,” he said.The project will be implemented using the latest technologies to ensure the preservation of these testimonies and making them available to future generations, while reflecting the entity’s commitment to keeping pace with global developments in document management.“We do not only preserve documents, but we are working to develop mechanisms that enable them to be used in the best ways,” al-Shreim said. “Our strategy is based on transforming documents into a knowledge source that supports decision-makers and serves future generations in understanding Qatar’s history and development over time.”National Archives of Qatar’s public relations and communication director Noura al-Qubaisi said that the new strategy places the community at the heart of its vision as it seeks to enhance individual participation in preserving documentary heritage.“The National Archives of Qatar believes that the responsibility of preserving documents is not only limited to institutions but is a shared societal responsibility,” she added.

Michelin-starred chef Surender Mohan is offering a blend of authentic Indian cusine at Jamavar Doha, the pan-Indian dining destination at the Sheraton Grand Doha Resort & Convention Hotel.“My mission at Jamavar Doha is to bring the best of Indian cuisine to the city,” he told *Gulf Times during an exclusive interview on Thursday.“This time, the focus is on refining the winter menu, using seasonal ingredients, and ensuring every dish is flavourful and beautifully presented,” he said. “I want to ensure guests have a great dining experience and enjoy authentic Indian flavours and elegance.”The much-celebrated figure is appearing for the first time in Jamavar Doha after it won the prestigious Michelin star.“It’s a milestone in our journey,” chef Surender said.“Earning a Michelin star is always a dream for a chef,” he added. “It’s the highest award in the food industry. In London, the restaurant industry is very competitive and getting a Michelin star is a feather on the cap.”"Jamavar Doha brings a luxurious Indian dining experience, combining traditional flavours with a modern touch,” he continued. “Our menu features signature dishes like Lobster Neeruli, Dal Jamavar, and Laal Maas along with delicious kebabs, biryanis, and vegetarian specialities.”"We focus on high-quality ingredients, elegant presentation and warm hospitality making every meal a special experience,” Surender said, adding that Doha has great potential as a food destination and people here appreciate Indian cuisine."There is growing love for rich flavours, aromatic spices and authentic dishes,” he noted. “Both locals and expatriates enjoy Indian food. This makes Doha an exciting place for a chef to introduce new and innovative Indian flavours.”Apart from Doha, chef Surender is active in keeping Jamavar’s legacy across London and Dubai intact while serving authentic Indian dishes.Qatari and other Arab customers, according to him, appreciate Indian cuisine’s bold flavours, aromatic spices and rich textures.“They enjoy dishes with well-balanced spices, grilled meats, and biryanis,” he said. “They like seafood and slow-cooked preparations like lamb rogan josh.”“Many prefer dishes that are mildly spiced rather than overly hot,” Surender added.“They also prefer fresh ingredients and elegant presentations,” the chef said. “So I prepare the menu to suit their taste and also maintain authenticity.”Surender noted that the culinary landscape in the GCC is changing at a fast pace.“There is a demand for authentic global cuisines,” he explained. “There’s a shift towards high-quality ingredients, healthier dining options, and fusion flavours that are a mix of local and international flavours.”“There is also rising interest in plant-based cuisine, reflecting global health and sustainability trends,” he continued. “Indian cuisine is benefiting from this due to our diversity to be able to cater to various dietary preferences and palates.”Chef Surender also represented Jamavar Doha at the Qatar International Food Festival (QIFF), where he showcased the depth and versatility of Indian cuisine.“It was truly an enriching and memorable experience at the QIFF,” he said. “It was a fantastic platform to interact with guests and industry peers. It was incredible to see the enthusiasm for Indian flavours.”Continuous learning and innovation, according to chef Surender, are important to stay ahead in the culinary industry.“I ensure that the team is trained regularly,” he said. “I also experiment with new techniques, ingredients and presentations. I interact with other chefs, attend food festivals and keep an eye on customer preferences.”