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Al Khor Road, one of the prestigious projects of the Public Works Authority (Ashghal), witnessed remarkable developments during 2020. In September, Ashghal started developing Al Khor link roads network with a length of 28km and converting seven temporary roads into new permanent roads in order to provide better capacity and traffic flow in all directions. The four roads are at Wadi Al Banat, Rawdat Al Hamama, Tenbek and Umm Garn while three are located at Al Daayen. As per the plan, new roads will be expanded to two and three lanes in each direction instead of one increasing the road capacity to 8,000 vehicles per hour and reducing the travel time between these areas. Another view of the Olympic Cycle Track In connection with the National Sport Day celebrations, Ashghal opened the Olympic Cycle Track on Al Khor Road in February Another view of Al Khor Road In addition to the expansion works, the roads will be linked to drainage and rainwater drainage and water networks in addition to telecommunication and electricity networks along with street lighting. The new road design includes green spaces and extended afforestation on most parts of the road. Once completed in 2022, the works here will ensure better traffic flow and connect Al Khor Road to Rawdat Al Hamama, Wadi Al Banat, Al Kheesa, Al Daayen, Umm Garn and Tenbek along with sports and recreational facilities in the area. In connection with the National Sport Day celebrations, Ashghal opened the Olympic Cycle Track on Al Khor Road in February. With a length of 33km and width of 7m, the track is able to host international sporting competitions. The track, with 29 tunnels and five bridges, has been designed to allow speeds up to 50km per hour. Ashghal has provided five car parking areas stretching along the track near Qatar University, Lusail Station, Lusail International Circuit, Semaisma Interchange and Al Bayt Stadium while 1,450 lighting poles have been installed alongside the track. These are in addition to 80 bike racks, 100 benches and 20 rest areas. In February, Ashghal also opened Al Dayeen and North Lusail interchanges. Al Khor Interchange with Lusail North is vital as it ensures easy access to Lusail Stadium. It serves Lusail North, Rawdhat Al Hamama, Al Kheesa and Wadi Al Banat. The interchange consists of four bridges, two exit loops, and four exits along with four underpasses. The interchange will improve traffic in the area, as it provides a free traffic flow to 28,000 vehicles per hour. Al Daayen Interchange consists of two underpasses in Al Khor road facilitating the vehicles ’arrival to Al Daayen and Umm Garn and the surrounding areas. The interchange enhances traffic as it accommodates about 8,000 vehicles per hour as it consists of two lanes in each direction. The interchange serves many vital services and facilities such as the recreational complex, service centre, Al Daayen Health Center, Al Daayen Municipality and other important facilities. Al Khor Road set two new Guinness World Records for the Longest Continuous Cycling Path and the Longest Piece of Asphalt Concrete Laid Continuously.

The Public Works Authority (Ashghal) would have completed 828km of highways by the year-end, according to official figures. The year 2020 witnessed Ashghal opening several roads, contributing much to the highway network. Most parts of Mesaimeer Interchange, including the tunnel linking the Doha Expressway and the Industrial Area were opened. In March, Ashghal opened five new parts of Mesaimeer Interchange. This includes a 3km road linking Doha Expressway and the southern part of Doha, providing free traffic flow for those coming from Doha towards Al Wakra and Al Wukair. With the opening of a new 750m tunnel linking Doha Expressway to E-Ring Road, traffic was opened from Industrial area road towards E-Ring Road, Rawdat Al Khail Street and Doha Expressway. Al Khufoos Street The opening includes a new 1km tunnel towards the E-Ring Road in addition to opening the 1km bridge towards Rawdat Al Khail Street and D-Ring Road to make the bridge open in both directions. Ashghal also achieved remarkable developments within the Al Wakra Main Road Development project. The partial opening of the intersection on the Al Wakra Tunnel was completed the iconic Pearl monument relocated near Al Farda Roundabout so as to to enable the reconstruction of the Pearl Roundabout into a signal-controlled intersection. Al Jabal Intersection was also opened after turning the old roundabout into a signalised intersection. The Duhail Al Gharafa bridge and parts of the traffic lights under Al Shamal Bridge were opened on August 15, 2020 under the development of Duhail Intersection. Consisting of a 400m three-lane dual carriageway to accommodate about 12,000 vehicles per hour on both directions, the bridge provides free-flowing traffic between Al Khafji Street and Al Gharrafa Street and reduces travel time by 95% from West Bay, Al Markhiya, Madinat Khalifa and Duhail towards Gharrafat Al Rayyan, Al Gharrafa and Al Rayyan. In September, Ashghal opened 3,700m long Al Khufoos Street that links Al Furousiya Street in the west and Sabah Al Ahmad Corridor to the east and serves Al Murraikh, Al Mehairja and Luaib areas. Al Khufoos Street, which earlier had only one lane in each direction, was expanded with three lanes in each direction to accommodate about 10,000 vehicles per hour, reducing travel time by more than 60%. It intersects with the vital Al Furousiya Street to connect the traffic coming from Al Rayyan and West Doha passing through Umm Al Jamajim Street, Mehairja Street and Umm Al Tin Street to Sabah Al Ahmad Corridor and Al Amir Street (Doha Expressway) to connect traffic to Al Sadd East. Al Khufoos Street provides a direct traffic movement from Doha Expressway without the need to use the parallel Al Waab Street to reach Mehairja, Murraikh and Waab reaching directly to Al Rayyan and Muaither from the vital roads as it provides an alternative route to the parallel Al Waab Street reducing traffic congestion. Ashghal set up a median separating the two directions of the traffic in addition to street lighting, smart message systems and road signs. Pedestrian and cycle paths on both sides of the road were completed. Al Khufoos Street is located in an area that contains many vital facilities such as Khalifa International Stadium, Aspire Zone, Villagio Mall and the Equestrian Club as well as the many educational facilities and schools in the area. It serves the areas of Baaya, Mehairja and Murraikh. The importance of the street increased by it's connection to Sabah Al Ahmad Corridor which is of very vital importance.

The Qatar National Day parade at Doha Corniche on December 18 will be held in compliance with strict safety measures in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, a senior official of the Ministry of Interior (MoI) announced Tuesday. "Entry will be only for invitees, who are the families of the health sector employees and the participating entities," reiterated Brigadier Dr Ali Khujaim al-Athbi, director of Establishments and Authorities Security Department and head of the Security Committee. Addressing a press conference at the headquarters of Establishments' and Missions' Security Department, he explained that only one person will be allowed on one permit. The total number of seats will be 2,569. The metro stations will be opened only at 2pm after the parade and related activities are over. The fireworks will be on the Doha Corniche at 8.30pm. "The invitees will be allowed upon showing Ehteraz green status and undergoing a body temperature check. Also, they must wear face masks, maintain a safe distance between each other and use hand sanitiser. They must stay in their seats and not move until the ceremony comes to an end,” Brig al-Athbi said. The guidelines strictly prohibit smoking in the stands, chanting or using live choirs and singing. The invitees should use the designated paths to the parking spaces as specified in the invitation cards. The National Day parade and the festivities will be telecast live on television channels and Doha 360, which is the official media of the National Day Organising Committee. The parade will start from the General Secretariat of the Council of Ministers building premises, cover the entire Corniche and continue up to the Sheraton Hotel intersection proceeding to the direction of Alfardan Tower and then to Al Barzan Tower from where it will further move to the Theater intersection and the Wadi Al-Sail Fire Station intersection, from where it will move to Al-Mannai underpass, the Souq Waqif signal, and head towards the Amiri Diwan intersection in the direction of Al Fanar and then to QNB signals before culminating at the General Secretariat premises. The Corniche waterfront will be completely closed and only the invitees will be allowed. Al-Athbi said invitees will be given invitation cards with barcodes that determine the route to the car parking. The Qatar Red Crescent Society volunteers will be available at entrances to ensure the compliance of the attendees with health requirements. The organising committee has allocated seats for the invitees in southern and northern platforms to the right and left of the main podium. The total number of seats will be 2,569. They will be available at Al-Bidda platform No. 1 (875), Al-Bidda platform No. 2 (511), Al-Bidaa No. 3 (370), and Al-Bidda No. 4 (813). Parking spaces will be also allocated for the guests in three locations. Western Bidda parking lots near Qatar Bowling Centre have 792 parking lots and the southern Bidda parking lot between the old building of MoI and the platform will give 739 lots while 563 lots will be available at the northern Bidda parking area. There will be medical units on the Corniche to deal with any emergency situations in addition to the presence of civil defence teams.

* 2020, a year of achievements for Ashghal The year 2020 has turned out to be a year of achievements for the prestigious Sabah Al Ahmad Corridor that witnessed several developments throughout the year. According to data received from the Public Works Authority (Ashghal), the corridor witnessed the first opening of the first phase which has reached 75% completion rate. With a length of 13km from Umm Lekhba Interchange in the north to Bu Hamour Bridge, the first phase was opened on September 12. A night view from Qatar’s first cable-stayed bridge An aerial view of cable-stayed bridge The newly-opened part of the highway consists of seven bridges, including Qatar’s first cable-stayed bridge, taking the number of opened bridges on the corridor to 21 out of the total 32, and one tunnel. Three bridges were opened at each of the Umm Lekhba and Al Waab intersections while the tunnel was opened at Al Luqta. The longest bridge is 2.6km long. The cable-stayed bridge, which was partially opened with a length of 1.2km, is the first of it's kind in Qatar and provides free-flowing traffic between Al Waab and Bu Hamour. In June, Ashghal partially opened a new 900m bridge along Sabah Al Ahmad Corridor in the Bu Hamour area. The new bridge provides free-flowing traffic bypassing the junction between Al Shehaimiya Street and Bu Hamour Street along Sabah Al Ahmad Corridor in front of Abu Hamour Petrol Station, reducing travelling time through the junction by more than 90%, Ashghal has said in a statement. The new bridge connects traffic along Sabah Al Ahmad Corridor from Hamad International Airport (HIA) towards Al Thumama, Mesaimeer, Wholesale Market Street through Haloul Intersection, Salwa Road and Al Mamoura up to Al Waab and Al Rayyan. The new bridge was opened four months ahead of the targeted completion date, Ashghal has stressed. The new bridge is “an artery lying in the heart of a densely populated area that contains many significant facilities” such as petrol stations, shopping malls and markets (such as Wholesale Market), schools and health institutions. It consists of a four-lane dual carriageway with a capacity of about 16,000 vehicles per hour, and road users will be able to reach directly from Salwa Road and Haloul Junction towards the Industrial Area road and HIA without using the signalised intersection between Al Shehaimiya Street and Bu Hamour Street on Sabah Al Ahmad Corridor in front of the Bu Hamour petrol station. In August, coinciding with the start of the new school year, Ashghal opened the traffic signal at Al Waab Interchange as part of the Sabah Al Ahmad Corridor project works. The opening enhances traffic movement in all directions, especially on Al Waab Street and Sabah Al Ahmad Corridor, as the old intersection has been expanded from five lanes to six lanes, in addition to providing right turns, to accommodate about 10,000 vehicles per hour. The intersection facilitates traffic movement to many important roads such as Doha Expressway, Salwa Road and Sabah Al Ahmad Corridor. It will also facilitate traffic flow to the Al Waab, Fereej Al Soudan, Al Sadd and Mehairja areas to reach Al Rayyan and Muaither, where many schools, other educational institutions and health facilities are located in addition to residential complexes and malls.

The second and third packages of Doha Central Development and Beautification Projects will be completed in the first quarter of 2022, Ashghal informed. Once completed, the projects will provide a further facelift to Doha through a host of infrastructure development and beautification works, Ashghal’s official website noted. The projects are being implemented by the Supervisory Committee of the Beautification of Roads and Public Places in Qatar at Ashghal. ?The second package is aimed at developing the areas surrounding the National Museum of Qatar and areas opposite to the Museum of the Islamic Art (MIA). This will be achieved through developing and beautifying main streets and internal neighbourhoods in these areas in addition to the infrastructure development works. At an estimated cost of QR342,400,000, the project features developing 8.5km of surface water drainage network, 4.7km of foul sewer network and 6.8km of the electricity network. Besides, 329 decorative lighting poles will be installed and about 1,400 trees will be planted while a green area of 10,000sq m will be developed. Also, 22.6km long pedestrian and cycling paths will be constructed.  The third phase features the development of 10.2km of surface water drainage network, 11.2km of the foul sewer drainage network, 4.7km of the electricity network, installing 515 decorative lighting poles, planting about 3,250 trees, development of about 30,000sq m of green areas and construction of 35.3km-long pedestrian and cycling paths. Besides, all the main streets will be covered with granite. The projects will promote walking, and enhance the identity of Qatar’s historical and cultural legacy and recognise the natural environment of the country. Involvement of Qatari artists  Ashghal has signed contracts with Qatari artists to submit artworks and sculptures proposals in various locations within the project area. This comes as part of the efforts to raise the aesthetic value of these locations and transform the entire area into a tourist attraction. Contracts have been signed with Qatari artists Hassan al-Mulla, Salman al-Malik, Ali Hassan, Wafika al-Eissa, Mohamed al-Ateeq and Jameela al-Shuraim. The works and artistic designs resulting from the new contracts would “create a distinctive spirit for the area with a special look matching it’s nature and special design”. Qatari artists will submit preliminary artwork proposals for sculptures and murals that would reflect the identity of the country. The initiative would cover different locations, announced later in conjunction with the project schedule and in co-ordination with Qatar Museums, the Ministry of Municipality and Environment and Ministry of Culture and Sports.

In a move aimed at promoting national products and facilitating their delivery to consumers, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoCI) Wednesday capped display and marketing services fees of local goods. MoCI announced decision No. (6) of 2020 by the Committee that Sets Maximum Prices and Profit Ratios on capping the services fees charged for displaying and marketing locally produced or packaged food and consumer goods at a press conference at its headquarters. MoCI Quality License and Market Control Department director Mohamed Ahmed al-Bohashem said the decision was issued within the framework of the ministry’s efforts to bolster the national industrial environment, consolidate the achievements of local industries and support national products and showcase their quality. “The decision also falls in line with the ministry’s long-time interest in monitoring national economic developments and transactions in local markets as well as its ongoing efforts to bolster the business environment in a bid to support local dealers, promote national companies and foster their role in contributing to the growth and economic development in line with the Qatar National Vision 2030,” he explained. The decision and its provisions define outlets as stores, markets and sites that display and market locally produced or packaged food and consumer goods. A local supplier is defined as a company, commercial establishment or individual who produces or packages food and consumer goods. The MoCI outlined the maximum service fees to be imposed by retail outlets for the display and marketing of locally produced or packaged food and consumer goods at 10% of their sale value. The decision also defines service fees as the percentage, commission or payments that retail outlets secure in exchange for displaying and providing marketing services for locally produced or packaged food and consumer goods. The charge for displaying and marketing locally produced or packaged food and consumer goods not to exceed the maximum fee and payment deadlines for local suppliers should be honoured. The decision also demands to refrain from practices aimed at imposing service fees, payment deadlines and discriminatory conditions on local suppliers. It should comply with the ratio of displayed local products out of the total percentage of displayed goods of the same type. The aforementioned services include fixed discount percentage, progressive profit margin, new company registration fees, new product registration fees, shelf usage fees, gondola (a type of product display in shops) shelf fees, loyalty programme, service organisation activities (assortment management), presentation and promotion, seasonal promotional services, offers or promotions, opening of new branches, payment method, exceptional payment methods, product display fees and expired products penalty fine. MoCI has explained the services are not limited to these. Retail outlets shall also maintain the current service fees for displaying and marketing goods to which this resolution applies if those fees are less than the minimum stipulated in this regard. The payment deadline to settle dues between retail outlets and local suppliers is 1- 15 days for locally produced or packaged perishable food products. The list of products include vegetables and fruits, fresh and chilled fish and seafood, chilled meats and products, chilled poultry, table eggs, milk and dairy products, bread of all kinds (grain and slices). For other locally produced or packaged food products, its 2-40 days and 3- 60 days for other (non-food) consumer goods or locally produced or packaged goods. The aforementioned deadlines are calculated from the date of submitting the monthly account statement to retail outlets and within a period not exceeding 30 days from the date of issuing the invoice. Retail outlets are prohibited from pressuring dealers to secure service fees and from imposing payment terms or other discriminatory conditions and restrictions in violation of the provisions of the decision. Retail outlets are also prohibited from refusing to deal with local suppliers. Display and marketing operations have been subjected to controls and procedures such as setting the percentage of displayed local products at 50% at least of the same type of all displayed goods. These goods shall be displayed on middle shelves and priority shall be awarded to the display of national products by placing a “national product” label on shelves. MoCI said it would intensify its awareness campaign to promote national products while carrying out inspection campaigns to ensure the compliance of retail outlets with decisions. It has urged all parties to report any violations or infringements through the call centre: 16001 and accounts on social media- Twitter @MOCIQATAR and Instagram MOCIQATAR.

* Facility to serve Al Sadd, Bin Mahmoud and Fereej Al Soudan areas as well as Al Bidda Doha Metro station The Qatar General Electricity & Water Corporation (Kahramaa) on Monday launched the Al Suwaidi Super Substation, which is the first major substation with a voltage of 132/400 KV to be implemented in the heart of Doha. The substation has been set up at a cost of QR400mn as part of Kahramaa’s plan to expand electricity transmission grids in Qatar. It will serve the Al Sadd, Bin Mahmoud and Fereej Al Soudan areas and also meet the electricity requirements of the Al Bidda Doha Metro station. The overall capacity of the substation is around 1,000MVA, which will be sufficient to provide the three vital residential areas with power along with the Metro station. The inauguration of the substation was attended by Kahramaa officials, engineers, technicians and supervisers. Mohamed al-Kubaisi, head of Transmission Operations and Maintenance Section at the Electricity Transmission Department, told Gulf Times that the substation reflects Kahramaa’s ability to meet new challenges. This, according to him, has been achieved by upgrading and expanding the existing main substation, adding a 400KV grid to it and installing cables with a voltage of 400KV and a length of 16km to connect the Al Suwaidi Substation with the Greater Doha South Substation. Al-Kubaisi said the substation has been set up according to the highest safety and security standards, with 2mn work hours without injuries. “The works were completed within 24 months and this could be achieved despite the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic,” he added. Aisha al-Mohamedi, head of the Transmission Grids Planning Section, said the new substation plays a vital role in providing an alternative power supply for Al Bidda Metro station. “It increases reliability and enhances support for both the Al Sadd and Bin Mahmoud stations as the areas containing these stations are densely populated and are under high electrical loads. The station also allows for the possibility of establishing other stations such as Al Amir area station as well as transferring some of the loads of Al Wajba Super Substation to Al Suwaidi Substation,” the Kahramaa official noted. Ali Rashid, head of the operation team at the Electricity Transmission Department, said the establishment of Al Suwaidi Substation is part of Kahramaa’s relentless efforts to improve the infrastructure of the electricity sector in Qatar and to meet the growing demand on electrical power. “It’s also aimed at enhancing the security and sustainability of the services provided by means of the transmission and distribution grids in a way that corresponds to the operational frameworks of the stations,” he noted.

Indian ambassador Dr Deepak Mittal has said efforts are being made to further strengthen bilateral ties between Qatar and India.  Addressing the media at the embassy on Sunday, the envoy said India is looking to enhance co-operation with Qatar in various sectors, including business, exports, health, pharmaceuticals, IT and energy. “Some 45-50% of India’s energy requirements come from Qatar. We are looking to further explore the sector,” Dr Mittal said, referring to a recent meeting in which HE the Minister of State for Energy Affairs and Qatar Petroleum President and CEO Saad Sherida al-Kaabi held discussions with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on various aspects of India’s energy sector. Dr Mittal also noted that the embassy has chalked out a slew of measures to ensure the welfare of Indian citizens in Qatar. “The embassy and Indian Community Benevolent Forum on Saturday organised a special consular camp at Asian Town where passport and attestation services were provided to Indian workers here,” he said, adding that such camps would be held on the first Friday of every month at Asian Town while separate consular camps would be initiated in different parts of the country to provide passport and consular services to Indian nationals. He noted that a total of 511 attestation services were rendered to community members during the camp that was held on the embassy premises on November 21. According to him, embassy officials are holding visits to jails and detention centres where they speak to Indian citizens. “Every step is taken to ensure the jail inhabitants' welfare during Covid-19. The embassy’s legal wing is providing assistance to all those who are in need. Further, we are taking steps with the authorities to help them get amnesty,” he said, adding the authorities concerned in Qatar are very co-operative in this regard. Dr Mittal, who praised the recent reforms by the Ministry of Administrative Development, Labour and Social Affairs, said the ministry is extending support to the embassy in ensuring the welfare of workers. Community organisations were lauded by the ambassador, who said their role is pivotal in ensuring the welfare of Indian citizens. On the issue of academics, the envoy said the country will get two more Indian schools. More details will be available later.

The upcoming Al Gharrafa and Umm Al Saneem parks and the Rawdat Al Khail (Al Muntazah) park which is being expanded, will ensure social, environmental and recreational benefits, the Public Works Authority (Ashghal) said. Through its official website, Ashghal revealed that the three parks will have thousands of trees, including local species Ghaff, Samar and Sidra, and plants across vast green areas along with facilities for visitors. The trees will serve as wind breaks and help in reducing dust and lowering heat. The parks will have restaurants, fitness equipment for grown ups, kids’ play areas including those for special needs, and lanes for joggers and cyclists. The construction of the Al Gharrafa and Umm Al Saneem parks and the expansion of the Rawdat Al Khail Park will be completed within the fourth quarter of 2021, according to Ashghal. Each park includes two children’s play areas where the new design enhances the physical and mental well-being of children by providing play stuff for two different age groups of 2-5 years and 6-12 years.  Local companies will also have kiosks to offer products and services to the visitors. Rawdat Al Khail Park, popularly known as Al Muntazah Park, is located in the Rawdat Al Khail area on C Ring Road. Spread across 140,000sqm, the park has many facilities for visitors of all ages. The features include a green arena of 105,000sqm with 1,250 trees, 1,300m long pedestrian and bicycle paths and 401 car parking slots. The proposed Umm Al Seneem Park is located at Hayr Al Zahra Street and Waab Lebarg Street in an area of ??about 130,000 sqm, with many facilities for visitors of all ages. The park features include 102,000 sqm green arena, 740 trees, 1,200m pedestrian and bicycle paths and 378 car parking slots. The proposed Al Gharrafa Park, located at Umm Al Zuber Street, will have an area of ??about 50,000 sqm, with many facilities for visitors of all ages. The features include a green area of 36,000sqm, 307 trees, 650m long pedestrian and bicycle paths and 208 car parking lots.

The 'Better Connections' programme of the Ministry of Transportation and Communications (MoTC) has improved the lives of expatriate workers by enhancing their well-being and happiness and ensuring digital inclusion. “The programme has achieved its goals through the contributions of government and private entities to reduce the digital divide and ensure digital inclusion for the expatriate workers segment in Qatar,” the MoTC tweeted. The programme, according to MoTC figures, provided training for 27,000 'digital champions', who in turn trained their colleagues in the use of computers and access to services, as well as facilitating contact with family and friends in their countries. The 'digital champions', after joining the programme, are able to stay in touch with their families and friends to acquire life skills in the digital world. “The programme helped me learn how to use email and Facebook. And we chat with our family on Facebook. Now, my mother and I feel like we are together,” said Om Prakash Singh, one of the beneficiaries of the programme. Mary Ann, one of the volunteers of the programme, said 'Better Connections' is helping the participants stay connected with their families and get information while browsing the Internet. She added that some of them have joined online courses after they became part of the programme. The initiative is aimed at helping workers improve their lifestyle by using ICT tools and developing their basic skills in the digital world. The programme is raising awareness among migrant workers through the Hukoomi portal in five languages. Better Connections is a groundbreaking social integration initiative and a public-private partnership between the MoTC, Ministry of Administrative Development, Labour and Social Affairs and committed partners. It provides access to technology and develops the skills of migrant workers in the use of ICT in order to improve their quality of life and to integrate them into the digital community and wider society. This programme provides free access to refurbished computers and the Internet as well as training for workers in their place of accommodation so that they can become part of the information society, allowing them to communicate with friends and family in their home countries, access government online services, learn about their rights and responsibilities and return to their countries with enhanced IT skills.

The efforts by authorities to make Sealine area accident free have started to yield results, it was announced on Monday. The number of deaths dipped to six in 2019 from eight in 2018. The figures were presented on Monday during a press conference, organised by the Ministry of Interior (MoI) to announce the launching of the safety campaign at Sealine area. In 2017, four accident deaths were reported. Number of fatal accidents also decreased from seven to six in 2019. Accidents, in which severe injuries were reported, dropped to 29 from 31 in 2018 and 2017. Lt Fahad Shareeda al-Abdullah, Traffic Awareness Officer at the General Directorate of Traffic, told Gulf Times that intensified awareness campaigns and intervention resulted in better results. “Roads have been improved and the public are getting more aware of the cause. We are working on various plans to eliminate accidents in the area,” he said. Ali Darwish, assistant executive director of the Ambulance Service at Hamad Medical Corporation, said a total of 1,225 calls received from the area were dealt with last year. Out of these, 660 were based on various illness and 565 were accident injuries. Lt Col Sheikh Mohamed bin Jassim al-Thani, director of the Southern Traffic Department, said the death rate (in the Sealine area) did not exceed 3% of the total traffic deaths in Qatar in 2019.“We have now provided alternatives for youth, and taken all measures to reduce violations and accidents, and we hope for commitment from all,” he said. The official pointed out that more than 150 violating vehicles were seized in the area last week. Director General of Traffic Brig Mohamed Abdullah al-Shahwani, and Traffic Awareness Officer Capt Abdul Wahid al-Anzi, Traffic Awareness Officer were also present at the press conference.

The Ministry of Interior (MoI) has chalked out a slew of safety and security plans at Sealine area which is set to host another camping season. The MoI, in co-operation with relevant stakeholders, on Monday launched a campaign to intensify measures to enhance awareness and intervention in order to protect lives and property. Under the slogan ‘walk safely’, the campaign features certain procedures and rules for camping, especially those related to traffic rules and regulations while all measures will be put in place by Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) to ensure timely medical care for patients and accident victims. As part of the plan, traffic patrols will be intensified at roads leading to camping places while investigation patrols monitor violations and track unregulated practices and hobbies that cause have traffic violations. Brig Mohamed Abdullah al-Shahwani, director General of Traffic, said that the awareness campaign is aimed at enhancing security during camping in general to ensure safety for campers and visitors. "The Traffic Department along with other parties will intensify their efforts to serve the campers and visitors at all camping places in the Sealine area," he explained. A committee has been formed with the aim of planning, supervising and following up to ensure a safe camping season. He urged all to adhere to the directions from the authorities. Lt Col Sheikh Mohamed bin Jassim al-Thani, director of the Southern Traffic Department, said actions will be taken to reduce accidents during the camping season. “There are strategic objectives for the department to deal with accidents and an executive plan has been developed to raise the level of traffic safety in the area,” he said. "Traffic violations will not be tolerated. All activities by youngsters will be monitored. I urge parents to fully adhere to the conditions of rental, especially with regard to choosing the appropriate bike for children," the official said. Lt. Fahad Shareed al-Abdullah, Traffic Awareness Officer at the General Directorate of Traffic, said that vehicles that are found to be violating the rules will be tracked and action initiated. Capt Abdul Wahid al-Anzi, Traffic Awareness Officer, said the department has prepared a vehicle, equipped with the latest technologies, to carry out traffic awareness activities. “Awareness messages and instructions will be disseminated and leaflets distributed to youngsters,” he said. Ali Darwish, assistant executive director of the Ambulance Service at Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC), said that the ambulance at Sealine is capable of responding to emergencies that may happen in the area. "The Sealine area is covered by the ambulance throughout the year. One helicopter is set to serve the area during the camping season. And we are able to take the patients to the hospital and give them care,” he said. Nasser Saadoun al-Kuwari from Mawater Centre presented suggestions and ideas to develop the show circuit in the area, the preparations for the current season as well as the conditions for participating in the show circuit and the safety measures in place. Saleh Hasan al-Kuwari, director of the Natural Reserve Department at the Ministry of Municipality and Environment, gave a briefing about driving habits that may affect wildlife and the environment and the measures taken against violators based on the Wildlife Law and the Ministerial Decision in co-ordination with the Sealine Committee and the Mawater Centre. Guidelines and preventive measures to follow The Ministry of Municipality and Environment (MME) has requested campers to follow the relevant guidelines and preventive measures to curb the spread of Covid-19. These include maintaining social distancing, wearing face masks and following the rules regarding the size of gatherings determined according to the area and nature of the place, the MME said in a tweet on Monday.

A slew of measures has been put in place in order to ensure safety at Sealine beach that's set to host another season of winter camping. As per the plan, awareness programmes will be intensified by various departments while checks will be carried by competent authorities against violations. At the sidelines of a press conference, organised by the Ministry of Interior (MoI) to announce the plans, Lt. Fahad Shareed al-Abdullah, Traffic Awareness Officer at the General Directorate of Traffic, told Gulf Times that plans are afoot to bring down accidents at Sealine. "Number of accident cases is coming down due to timely intervention and awareness. We are looking further to ensure the safety of all during this camping season,"he said. Ali Darwish, Assistant Executive Director of the Ambulance Service, said that the ambulance at Sealine is capable of responding to emergencies." One helicopter is set to serve the area. And we are able to take the patients to the hospital and give them care," he said. Lt. Col. Sheikh Mohamed bin Jasim al-Thani, South Traffic Department director, Cap. Abdul Wahid al-Anzi, Traffic Awareness Officer and Mohamed Sadoon al- Kuwari from Mawater Centre were also present.

A panel discussion highlighted the achievements secured by Qatar in implementing labour reforms, thereby protecting the workers and ensuring their rights. The discussion was organised by the Canadian embassy. Joining the discussion, Mohamed Hassan al-Obaidly, Assistant Undersecretary for Labour Affairs at the Ministry of Administrative Development, Labour and Social Affairs (MADLSA) said Qatar is the first country in the Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC) that implemented a slew of non-discriminatory laws and reforms including the introduction of a minimum wage system and abolition of the  ‘No Objection Certificate’ (NOC) for job change. “We would like to move towards becoming a better place and supporting workers. The main objective of our plans is to ensure the protection of our workers. This could be achieved through co-operation with international organisations like International Labour Organisation (ILO), trade unions and other countries,” al-Obaidly noted. He added that MADLSA continues to work to improve “our legislation with its main objective of ensuring a safe work environment in Qatar and attract more migrant labour force and international investment”.  “These are carried out as part of the country’s commitment and efforts to ensure human and labour rights,” he said. The official said that removal of NOC and introducing minimum wages were Qatar’s transition into a new era. “We have now moved into a more competitive market and this will benefit companies and result in the mobility of workers. An unprecedented effort is taken to ensure a discrimination-free working environment for all. We hope that we will receive the support of the private sector,” he said, thanking Qatar Chamber for its support to the ministry.   He added that MADLSA will support such companies that support the ministry and implement the reforms. “We will collaborate with them to extend services for the employees.” He said there are a few companies that do not follow the Wage Protection System.  “This is not acceptable. Measures will be taken against companies that don’t follow the WPS system. We have a system that helps us detect the violators,” he said. Regarding human trafficking and absconding, al-Obaidly said measures are in place to bring an end to exploitation. “Some persons have engaged in human trafficking. Measures are in place to prevent human trafficking and ensure action against the lawbreakers,” he said. He said the ministry is carrying out programmes in tandem with various competent authorities to raise awareness among workers and companies about the law and the reforms. “We inform companies how to implement the reforms and the law,” he explained, adding that MADLSA has started the classification of companies based on their implementation of labour laws and reforms. The discussion was also attended by  Stefanie McCollum, ambassador of Canada to Qatar and ambassador Greta C Holtz, Chargé d’Affaires at the US embassy in Qatar.

The second day of the Empowering Innovation programme by the Qatar Foundation Research, Development and Innovation (QF RDI) division’s Industry Development and Knowledge Transfer (IDKT), yesterday discussed the key roles, played by various entities, to foster Qatar’s initiatives for comprehensive development. A panel discussion on The Qatari Innovation Ecosystem – Challenges and Opportunities was attended by Amna al-Kuwari, the director of Intellectual Property Protection at the Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoTC), Qatar Business Incubation Centre general manager Hamad al-Qahtani, Qatar University (QU)’s manager of Innovation and Intellectual Property Dr Hareb al-Jabri, Qatar Research Development and Innovation Council secretary-general Engineer Omar al-Ansari, intellectual property and entrepreneurial policy expert Wesley Blakeslee, Qatar National Research Fund (QNRF) executive director Dr Abdul Sattar al-Taie, Qatar Science and Technology Park innovation director Hayfa al-Abdulla, and Abeer al-Hammadi, the director of Innovation and Economic Development at the QF RDI. The session was moderated by John McEntire, the director of IDKT at the QF RDI. While addressing the session, QNRF executive director Dr al-Taie said that the QNRF is actively extending support to research projects in order to promote the development of the country. “We have supported 4,000 projects through various funding initiatives,” he said. Al-Taie explained that the fund helps more than 10,000 school students, 4,000 undergraduates, and 1,200 post-graduate fellows, while 10,000 research papers have been published with the financial support. Al-Ansari stressed the need to focus on creating an environment that nurtures creativity in order to achieve the objectives of Qatar National Vision 2030. “We should have an ecosystem that allows entrepreneurs to practice creativity,” he said. “This environment should help entrepreneurs feel comfortable, and their creativity will be appreciated and collaborations can happen with various entities.”

Qatar is not witnessing a second wave of the coronavirus infection, a top healthcare expert said on Thursday, citing the available data and a very low reproduction rate of the virus. Dr Abdullatif al-Khal, Hamad Medical Corporation’s deputy chief medical officer and chairman of the National Pandemic Preparedness Committee was addressing Texas A&M University at Qatar’s (Tamuq) Al Maerifa Public Seminar Series via Zoom. Reiterating that Qatar is making efforts to make Covid-19 vaccine available in the country at the earliest, he pointed out negotiations are on with various manufacturers in order to make the vaccine in optimum quantity. "If everything pans out as expected, the vaccine will be available by the end of this year or the beginning of next. The entire population could be administered the vaccine by the mid or end of 2021 as the vaccine will be available in limited quantity (in the initial months),” he said. Dr al-Khal, while giving a presentation on “Qatar's Response to the Covid-19 Pandemic: Lessons Learned,” gave a brief description of the status of the epidemic and explained the measures taken to contain the crisis. “Qatar is preparing again and again to combat Covid-19,” he said adding that several lessons were learnt while dealing with the pandemic. “Being prepared does help and we are more prepared to deal with the pandemics and disasters than ever before. There is so much good out there like solidarity and the pandemic made us more caring for each other,” he said. Dr al-Khal was all praise for the ministries and health workers and explained that all ministries had something to offer to fight the pandemic and volunteers are key in combating it. "We developed much better communication channels,” he said referring to the improvement of the healthcare system. “The whole health system and academia worked in unison as one body and we learned how innovative we can be." “Covid-19 mortality rate in Qatar has been 10 fold lower than that of the global average. In Qatar, the mortality rate among patients in ICU is much lower than in other countries,” Dr al-Khal added. HE Dr Mohamed bin Saleh al-Sada, who also spoke during the event, praised the efforts by the Ministry of Public Health to fight Covid-19.

The Establishments and Missions Security Department is working with all the authorities concerned to make the 2022 FIFA World Cup success, a top official with the Ministry of Interior (MoI) told a virtual seminar.  Maj Hamad Jaber al-Henzab, head of Private Security Companies Section, while addressing the MoI event, said the department has a key role in providing security for all international, regional and local sporting events, hosted by Qatar. Titled ‘Duties and Responsibilities of the Private Security Guards and Services of Establishments' and Missions' Security Department’, the seminar highlighted the missions, taken up by the department to ensure safety and protection of various institutions and facilities in the country. He explained the duties and responsibilities of private companies saying security and safety are the responsibility of all. Capt Hassan Jebran al-Kaabi, officer, Inspection and Supervision Branch, elaborated on the duties and responsibilities of security personnel at commercial centres and outlets during Covid-19 pandemic. “Safety of the emergency exits should be verified by the security personnel and traffic movement within the establishment should be ensured. Sanitisation should be carried out periodically and temperature of the customers should be checked,” he said. He also explained duties of private security personnel at residential complexes and added that security personnel are responsible for CCTVs in commercial, residential complexes and hotels. Lt. Saleh Talib al-Athbah, officer, Permits Branch, Events Security and Security Patrols Section, detailed the approval requirements for events and parties. Capt Hassan Rashid al-Rabie, Officer, Studies and Information Division of the Security Section, discussed the importance of public’s co-operation with private security personnel. “Private security is considered as the second line after public security and as a fundamental element in maintaining security and safety. It covers important places such as hospitals, banks, schools and some of the diplomatic places while securing festivals and sporting events with public security personnel,” he said. Capt al-Rabie added that some people are reluctant to abide by the instructions of the private security personnel regarding Covid-19 restrictions. He urged the private security personnel to immediately call the hotline at 2380124 or the operations number at 999 and warned of strict action against violators.

A new initiative implemented by the Ministry of Interior (MoI) allows companies to automatically renew the residency of employees through the Metrash2 application. This was highlighted during an online awareness seminar on Metrash2 services organised Monday by the General Directorate of Information Systems (GDIS) at the ministry, in co-operation with the Public Relations Department. The virtual seminar was attended by a large number of representatives from various companies and establishments. A presentation was made on the benefits of Metrash2 services for citizens, residents and companies. Participants of the virtual seminar organised by the MoI. Named ZeroClick, the new automatic residency renewal feature for companies was recently introduced by the MoI, the attendees were told. “We have introduced a new concept for companies. In order to benefit from this service, a company is only required to register for ‘automatic residency renewal’ through Metrash2. The residency of employees is automatically renewed and IDs are delivered to the companies without human intervention,” said Ft Lt Mohamed Khalid al-Tamimi, an officer from the Smart Devices Section at the Electronic Services Department, GDIS. The official said the number of beneficiaries of the Metrash2 service has reached about 2mn. “The application offers more than 220 active services," he continued. "Metrash2 is available in six languages: Arabic, English, French, Malayalam, Urdu and Spanish. It guarantees safe and encrypted services and supports most smart devices, which contributes to reaching the largest possible segment of users.” During the seminar, Ft Lt al-Tamimi also explained the procedures of transactions that take place through Metrash2, such as sending reminder notices to a user about the expiry date of documents, completing government procedures and handling errors automatically. Regarding the registration requirements, he said the use of Metrash2 requires a valid Qatar ID card and a phone number registered in the user's name.