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The Public Works Authority (Ashghal) will develop a new roadmap for a 7–Star certification from the European Foundation for Quality Management (EFQM) in Belgium.While opening the Organisational Excellence Forum Wednesday, Ashghal president Dr Engineer Saad bin Ahmad al-Muhannadi said the roadmap will be implemented with the aim of establishing and promoting corporate culture that prioritises exceptional performance, continuous improvement, sustainable success and outstanding results."Based on our belief that achieving Qatar's diligent endeavours to build a distinct government sector that achieves the highest standards of development, Ashghal’s team has adopted a roadmap to achieve a legacy of excellence, improve performance, and participate in the state's journey towards governmental excellence," al-Muhannadi said.He added that Ashghal has come a long way in its ongoing journey towards governmental excellence and has obtained the 5-Star Certificate of Excellence from the EFQM.During the forum, Engineer Jamal Sharida al-Kaabi, manager of the Planning and Quality Department at Ashghal, showcased the most important milestones in the Public Works Authority’s journey towards organisational excellence and the major factors that led to its recognition by EFQM.Al-Kaabi highlighted Ashghal’s success in raising the quality of procedures, business and adhering to the standards of organisational excellence in accordance with internationally recognised standards.He said Ashghal is currently placing among its top priorities the achievement of environmental sustainability, innovation, automation, and adoption of modern technology in construction and asset management. “In this context, the Sustainability Strategy has been recently launched in Ashghal, which comprises more than 16 initiatives that include a number of employees,” he said.He explained Ashghal is committed to gradual and transformative development to become a leading governmental organisation that adopts the highest excellence standards. “These operational standards are based on the development and enhancement of more than 294 operational processes and 25 corporate policies, in addition to 42 excellence initiatives that included about 120 employees. This enabled upgrading the measurement, monitoring and evaluation methods that contributed to providing realistic evidence of outstanding performance that are up to the mark with the challenges,” he noted.

International visitors can use the special promo code EXPO23 while booking flights and hotels to avail the travel and accommodation discounts, Expo 2023 Doha announced on its official X account. The promo code can be used for Qatar Airways tickets and hotel bookings.Entry to Expo 2023 Doha is free for all visitors and Hayya Card option will be in place for the visitors for the event being held from October 2, 2023 to March 28, 2024.Qatar Airways and Hamad International Airport (HIA) are the official airline partner and strategic partner of the expo, respectively. HIA will offer passengers arriving in Qatar a seamless connectivity to the city of Doha and the event.Visit Qatar has published pre-made itineraries that range from one to six days while covering tourism spots, cultural landmarks, heritage places, museums, shopping spots, beaches, sand dunes, street arts, dining places, culinary diversities, adventure seeking sites, safari and wellness locations.The pre-made itineraries from Visit Qatar lend opportunities to visit Unesco World Heritage Al Zubarah Archaeological site, Katara Cultural Village, The Pearl-Qatar, Al Sheehaniya Camel Race Track, East-West/West-East installation, Sheikh Faisal Bin Qassim Al Thani Museum, Souq Waqif, Msheireb Museums, Museum of Islamic Art, National Museum of Qatar, Museum of Illusions, the Corniche and various malls across Qatar. The accommodation packages feature hotels and resorts across the country.The final preparations of the family zone are underway at Expo 2023 Doha site at Al Bidda Park, local Arabic daily Arrayah reported. The family zone will include a number of main facilities such as an Environment Centre and a Biodiversity Museum with adequate space for ecology presentations and displays of renewable energy technologies.The family zone will have an open area for educational shows and activities that provide families and children with entertainment, making it an excellent destination for family holidays. Expo 2023 Doha will also include a farmers' market for local produce, in addition to the cafes, restaurants and other retailers. The culture market will have handicraft corners for traditional and heritage products from across the world.

No discounts will be available for fines incurred due to mobile phone usage while driving, a senior official at the General Directorate of Traffic told Qatar Radio Monday.Capt Mohamed Rabia al-Kuwari, Officer of the Violations Department at the General Traffic Department, explained that using a mobile phone while driving will entail a fine of QR500.“About 50 to 60% of traffic accidents happen due to using mobile phones and not wearing seatbelts while driving," he pointed out.Meanwhile, a 50% discount will be applicable on the penalty for not using seatbelt, if settled within 30 days of the violation being registered, as is the case with some other traffic violations, the official said.Capt al-Kuwari said the new unified radar system, launched on Sunday, can catch three violations at the same time -- not wearing a seat belt, using a mobile phone and speeding.Motorists have the right to challenge the violation through Metrash 2 or on MoI website and the response will be conveyed within a week via Metrash 2. The violation is reviewed by those in charge of the unified radar system.Officials have earlier clarified that physical interaction with visual devices including mounted mobile phones and dashboard monitors while driving will be a violation and come under the purview of the penalty. Article No. 55 of the Traffic Law mandates a motor vehicle driver to refrain from using mobile phones or other devices in any way that requires the use of hands for carrying or operation while driving and not to watch any visual material on the vehicle's television while driving.Images of motorists not wearing a seatbelt and using mobile phones while driving will be available on the Metrash 2 app. The new unified radars will clearly capture the two violations. According to him, the radars will differentiate between the seat belt and the cloth even if they are of the same colour. It’s possible to lighten or darken the image and extract a very clear image that the violator can view.The authorities have urged all road users to comply with the traffic law and its executive regulations to preserve lives and property, and contribute to the great efforts made by the various authorities, stressing that traffic safety is a joint responsibility of the society too.

The upcoming Expo 2023 Doha will focus on environmental awareness with a stress on the key three areas - Affiliation besides education, FoodPrint and permaculture gardening. Expo 2023 Doha, being held from October 2, 2023 to March 28, 2024, is expected to have participation from 80 countries and the arrival of three million visitors to Doha.Expo 2023 Doha official website explains ‘raising global awareness to promote a long-term change in attitudes and behavior toward our shared environment’ as one of the main objectives of the event. Environmental awareness highlights that the physical environment is fragile and indispensable, and it is in our capacity to fix the problems that threaten it by starting with the most immediate issues.By affiliation besides education, it means that education is not sufficient in itself to convince people to change their habits. Affiliation is a strength that will allow the society to join with others to create something more adaptive and more creative. Thus, organisers propose to replace education with affiliation through the process of the proposed exhibition.FoodPrint means the most immediate problem being faced by the society on a daily basis is the secure access to healthy food and food policies. The acuteness of this issue will sharply focus the public’s attention. The expo aims to emphasise the reduction of food waste, the encouragement of healthy eating, support for sustainable agriculture, and a “start your own garden” programme.Permaculture gardening is based on the concept of designing one's own garden around the local environment with the concept of using the perfect plants for the climate, and utilising only what works best for the local environment. Expo 2023 Doha focuses on perma gardening while showcasing the trends.“In urban or peripheral areas, community gardens offer an opportunity for the public to re-establish their connection with nature while contributing to erosion control, recycling, and sustainability. Moreover, perma can be applied in urban as well as rural areas,” the website says.Entry to Expo 2023 Doha is free for all visitors, according to information available on Qatar Tourism application Visit Qatar. It was also announced recently that the Hayya Card option will be in place for the visitors to the six-month expo.The Hayya Card was launched during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 as a Fan ID that allowed ticket-holders' entry into Qatar and the stadiums while giving them free access to metro and bus services.The Ministry of Interior had extended the validity of the Hayya Card, allowing the card holders from outside the country to enter Qatar until January 24, 2024.

Expo 2023 Doha Wednesday signed agreements with Qatar Development Bank (QDB) and Ooredoo as partners. QDB will promote and support entrepreneurship throughout the six-month global event and Ooredoo shall be a strategic partner.The signatories were Expo 2023 Doha secretary general Mohamed Ali al-Khory, QDB CEO Abdulrahman Hesham al-Sowaidi and Ooredoo chief business officer Thani al-Malki. HE the Minister of Municipality Dr Abdullah bin Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Subaie and Ooredoo CEO Sheikh Ali Bin Jabor al-Thani were present on the occasion.QDB will serve as a collaborative partner in organising events and activities dedicated to fostering innovation within agriculture and sustainability and support for entrepreneurs. Also, it will host activities geared towards educating young entrepreneurs about sustainable development and financial awareness. A series of educational activations will cater to the youth and the general visitors aligning with the theme of “Innovation and Sustainability”.QDB's flagship 'Rowad' entrepreneurship conference, hackathon and awards now in its ninth edition will also draw thousands of visitors from across the GCC and the wider region, highlighting the importance of technological advancements and promoting environmentally friendly initiatives.Al-Khoury said the cooperation will provide valuable opportunities for Qatari and foreign entrepreneurs participating in the expo, and consolidate the event's commitment to enhancing the country's attractiveness as a global destination for creative ideas and sustainable initiatives.Al-Sowaidi said the cooperation will contribute to the development of our business landscape and the economy at large. “As the development partner of the largest exhibition in Qatar, we look forward to achieving our goals of promoting a culture of entrepreneurship and contributing to innovative and sustainable ventures across various industries,” he said adding the exhibition’s theme falls in line with QDB’s initiatives to foster the entrepreneurship ecosystem," al-Sowaidi added.Ooredoo will play a pivotal role in supporting the overarching goals of Expo 2023 Doha by helping promote sustainable practices and face global challenges. The partnership also goes hand-in-hand with Qatar’s commitment towards bolstering sustainability across all facets of society and relevant sectors.Al-Khoury said Ooredoo’s long and proven experience in the telecommunications sector, as well as its social responsibility and sustainability initiatives, perfectly align with the core values of our awaited event. “Together, we aim to create a lasting legacy, inspire change, and pave the way for a more sustainable future,” he noted.Al-Malki said Ooredoo is delighted and proud to be partnering with Doha Expo Organising Committee to help drive progress towards a key goal of Qatar National Vision 2030; that of becoming an advanced society capable of achieving sustainable development.Expo 2023 Doha, being held from October 2, 2023 to March 28, 2024, is expected to have participation from 80 countries and the arrival of three million visitors to Doha.Entry to Expo 2023 Doha is free for all visitors, according to information available on Qatar Tourism application Visit Qatar. It was also announced recently that the Hayya Card option will be in place for the visitors to the six-month expo.The Hayya Card was launched during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 as a Fan ID that allowed ticket-holders' entry into Qatar and the stadiums while giving them free access to metro and bus services.The Ministry of Interior had extended the validity of the Hayya Card, allowing the card holders from outside the country to enter Qatar until January 24, 2024.

The Ministry of Transport (MoT) Tuesday revealed the sponsors and details of its “Ministry of Transport...Sustainable Transportation and Legacy for Generations” Conference and Exhibition, to be held September 17-18 at Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre (DECC).Qatar Airways Group, Mwani Qatar and QNB were announced as strategic sponsors, Qatar Rail and QTerminals Group platinum sponsors, Mowasalat (Karwa) gold sponsor, Fusion Group Holding silver sponsor and Milaha and Al Abdulghani Motors bronze sponsors.“This event aims at exchanging expertise, discussing views, and presenting perspectives and thoughts with our partners concerned with developing the transportation and mobility sector, as well as highlighting the sector’s new trends," said MoT’s acting assistant undersecretary, Land Transport Affairs, Engineer Hamad Essa Abdulla."It also aims at highlighting the latest developments of transportation and mobility industry; land, maritime and air, and key plans and strategies for comprehensive and gradual transitioning to an integrated, sustainable, and eco-friendly transit system,” he explained.MoT’s Public Relations and Communication Department director Lolan Abdulaziz al-Jassim said the number of participants exceeded 30, representing government ministries and agencies and the private sector, in addition to transportation and mobility entities, consulting firms working in Qatar and national and international companies.The conference features six panel discussions to be attended by over 20 speakers who represent all transportation entities and relevant ones. Sessions revolve around multiple hot topics, including Qatar’s endeavours of switching to a sustainable, eco-friendly transit system, public and rail transportation modes and their infrastructures, and developments and accomplishments of Qatar’s maritime transportation sector and its commercial ports and their capabilities of enhancing the economic development here.Topics also cover some of the key efforts and advancements of the Qatari civil aviation sector and its vital role in enhancing Qatar’s position worldwide. The sessions also highlight the role of the transportation sector in Qatar in supporting the business community and commercial, industrial, logistics and private sectors, in light of the goals of Qatar National Vision 2030.Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Akbar al-Baker said in a message that Qatar Airways Group is proud to bring together key national transportation stakeholders to the event that will highlight Qatar’s latest achievements in the transportation industry.Salem Anzan al-Naimi, executive vice president – public relations, QNB Group, said QNB is proud to be a strategic sponsor of the key event. Hamad al-Ansari, marketing and public relations manager at Mwani Qatar, reaffirmed the agency's commitment to modernising the maritime transport industry and boosting its capabilities in accordance with MoT’s strategic plan to develop the transport sectors in the nation and ease trade, turning Qatar into a regional trading hub.QTerminals Group CEO Neville Bissett appreciated the MoT's continuous pursuit and tireless efforts aimed at laying solid foundations for achieving sustainable transportation systems in Qatar, enhancing the quality of life and securing environment protection.Abdulla Ali al-Mawlawi, communication and public relations director at Qatar Rail said its involvement as a platinum sponsor underscores the commitment to support a sustainable public transport system and a legacy for future generations.Mohamed Ahmed Abukhadija, Strategy and Projects Management Office director, Mowasalat (Karwa), said the entity takes pride in partnering with the MoT to shape a sustainable future in transportation. “This collaboration underscores our joint commitment to pioneering change. Our electric fleet, an embodiment of our vision, aligns seamlessly with the ministry's initiatives," he added.

Expo 2023 Doha Monday signed an agreement with Msheireb Properties as the official Sustainable City. In the presence of HE the Minister of Municipality Dr Abdullah bin Abdulaziz bin Turki al-Subaie, the agreement was signed by Expo 2023 Doha secretary general Mohamed Ali al-Khouri and Msheireb Properties CEO Ali Mohamed al-Kuwari.Msheireb Properties, a pioneering force in sustainable real estate, will play an instrumental role in supporting Expo 2023 Doha’s overarching mission of fostering sustainable practices and addressing global challenges. The partnership further aligns seamlessly with Qatar’s dedication to advancing sustainability across all facets of society and industry.“We are thrilled to welcome Msheireb Properties as our Official Sustainable City for Expo 2023 Doha. Their expertise and dedication to sustainable urban development perfectly align with the core values of our event. Together, we aim to create a lasting impact, inspire change, and pave the way for a more sustainable future,” al-Khouri said.Expo 2023 Doha will provide a platform for innovation, collaboration and global dialogue centred on sustainability. The partnership with Msheireb Properties will elevate Qatar’s commitment to sustainable development and provide a tangible look into the future through the lens of the pioneering Msheireb Downtown Doha (MDD) project.As part of the partnership, Msheireb Properties’ role as the Official Sustainable City will encompass several key initiatives, including a tour programme presenting the tangible achievements of MDD, a hallmark project renowned for its innovative approach to urban development and sustainable living. In addition, Msheireb Properties will also provide marketing and communication services as well as brand exposure campaigns for Expo 2023 Doha."Our support for Expo 2023 Doha is rooted in Msheireb Properties' core belief that sharing knowledge and experiences among peers and counterparts in the field of sustainable building, construction and urban planning is crucial to successfully facing the environmental challenges that lie ahead. We welcome the world to see how Msheireb Downtown Doha has pushed the boundaries of urban planning by integrating local heritage and innovation to create a smart, sustainable city of the future”, al-Kuwari noted.Expo 2023 Doha, being held from October 2, 2023 to March 28, 2024, is expected to have participation from 80 countries and the arrival of three million visitors to Doha.Entry to Expo 2023 Doha is free for all visitors, according to information available on Qatar Tourism application Visit Qatar. It was also announced recently that the Hayya Card option will be in place for the visitors to the six-month expo.The Hayya Card was launched during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 as a Fan ID that allowed ticket-holders' entry into Qatar and the stadiums while giving them free access to metro and bus services.The Ministry of Interior had extended the validity of the Hayya Card, allowing the card holders from outside the country to enter Qatar until January 24, 2024.

Images of the violations of not wearing a seatbelt and using mobile phones while driving will be available on the Metrash 2 app, a senior official of the Ministry of Interior (MoI) has said.The new unified radars will clearly capture the two violations, Maj Hamad Ali al-Muhannadi, head of the Radar and Scales Department at the General Directorate of Traffic, told Qatar TV on Wednesday.“The radars will differentiate between the seat belt and the cloth even if they are of the same colour. It’s possible to lighten or darken the image and extract a very clear image that the violator can view. We have a mechanism for processing and verifying images of violations,” al-Muhannadi said.“Using mobile phones or any visual device while driving is a violation and will attract a penalty of QR500 as per Article 54 of the Traffic Law. Avoiding seat belts while driving also attracts a fine of QR500,” he said.“Mobile phones distract attention while driving. If one browses the mobile phone for three seconds while driving at a speed of 120km/h, it causes an accident. Three seconds means travelling a very long distance while keeping such a speed,” he said, adding that the strict monitoring is initiated in order to end use of mobile phones during driving.Avoiding seatbelt is one of the most serious violations because of its damage to the driver himself. “Seatbelt is the first safety line for the driver of the vehicle because it protects the driver from the hard parts inside the vehicle in accidents,” Maj al-Muhannadi added.The General Directorate of Traffic will begin the soft activation of monitoring the two violations from Sunday (August 27), through automated radar and Tala'a cameras, a week before the official activation date, with the aim of educating road users about these violations.SMS will be sent to alert violators but no fines will be collected before the actual activation date of September 3. The authorities have urged all road users to comply with the traffic law and its executive regulations to preserve lives and property, and contribute to the great efforts made by the various authorities, stressing that traffic safety is a joint responsibility of the society too.Starting next week, MoI will launch a large-scale campaign on its social media accounts and all media outlets to promote traffic awareness among all segments of society.

There is co-operation between the national and international bodies to tackle spread of online messages that promote narcotic drugs in Qatar, a senior official at the Ministry of Interior (MoI) has said.Lt Col Mohamed Abdullah al-Khater, director of the Studies and International Affairs Department at the General Directorate of Drug Enforcement at MoI, was speaking to Al Rayyan TV on Tuesday.“These messages are sent randomly. The sender doesn’t know the recipient. The main purpose of these messages is obtaining money illegally. These numbers are monitored and followed up until they are blocked by the network operators,” he said.Lt Col al-Khater stressed that circulation of such messages does not mean drugs are produced in Qatar. “Everything is under control in the country. There is no drug production or cultivation in Qatar,” he explained. He urged the public to report to the General Directorate of Drug Enforcement the number from which such messages are received in order to ensure legal measures are taken and the number is blocked.The MoI official noted that intensified awareness activities are carried in order to sensitise the public about drug abuse. “Videos of drug seizure are circulated on a regular basis to make the public aware of the measures by the authorities to tackle the threats and ill effects of drugs,” he added.

There is co-operation between the national and international bodies to tackle spread of online messages that promote narcotic drugs in Qatar, a senior official at the Ministry of Interior (MoI) has said.Lt Col Mohamed Abdullah al-Khater, director of the Studies and International Affairs Department at the General Directorate of Drug Enforcement at MoI, was speaking to Al Rayyan TV on Tuesday.“These messages are sent randomly. The sender doesn’t know the recipient. The main purpose of these messages is obtaining money illegally. These numbers are monitored and followed up until they are blocked by the network operators,” he said.Lt Col al-Khater stressed that circulation of such messages does not mean drugs are produced in Qatar. “Everything is under control in the country. There is no drug production or cultivation in Qatar,” he explained. He urged the public to report to the General Directorate of Drug Enforcement the number from which such messages are received in order to ensure legal measures are taken and the number is blocked.The MoI official noted that intensified awareness activities are carried in order to sensitise the public about drug abuse. “Videos of drug seizure are circulated on a regular basis to make the public aware of the measures by the authorities to tackle the threats and ill effects of drugs,” he added.

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

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

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

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

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

Entry to Expo 2023 Doha is free for for all visitors, according to information available on Qatar Tourism (QT) application Visit Qatar. It was announced on Monday that the Hayya Card option will be in place for the visitors of Expo 2023 Doha, being held from October 2, 2023 to March 28, 2024.Visit Qatar has also published pre-made itineraries that range from one to six days while covering tourism spots, cultural landmarks, heritage places, museums, shopping spots, beaches, sand dunes, street arts, dining places, culinary diversities, adventure seeking sites, safari and wellness locations.Expo 2023 Doha Secretary General Mohamed al-Khoury had explained that the details of the entry procedures with the Hayya Card for the event would be announced later. The Hayya Card entry system will be implemented in cooperation with Qatar Tourism for visitors during the six-month event.Expo 2023 Doha is expected to have participation of 80 countries and the arrival of three million visitors to Doha. The Hayya Card was launched during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 as a Fan ID that allowed ticket-holders' entry into Qatar and the stadiums while giving them free access to metro and bus services.The Ministry of Interior (MoI) had extended the validity of the Hayya Card, allowing the card holders from outside the country to enter Qatar until January 24, 2024.The pre-made itineraries from Visit Qatar lend opportunities to visit Unesco World Heritage Al Zubarah Archaeological site, Katara Cultural Village, The Pearl-Qatar, Al Sheehaniya Camel Race Track, East-West/West-East installation, Sheikh Faisal Bin Qassim Al Thani Museum, Souq Waqif, Msheireb Museums, Museum of Islamic Art, National Museum of Qatar, Museum of Illusions, the Corniche and various malls across Qatar. The accommodation packages feature hotels and resorts across the country.Expo 2023 Doha is held under the theme "Green Desert, Better Environment" and aims to promote sustainable innovations and combat desertification. It is set to make history as the first A1 International Horticultural Exhibition in Qatar, the Middle East, and North Africa.Expo 2023 Doha is developed under Qatar's National Vision 2030 and organised under the Ministry of Municipality.

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

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