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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.

After lending the kids memories of joy to cherish, the first edition of "Qatar Toy Festival '' has concluded at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre (DECC). Hundreds of children, while attending the valediction ceremony, were enthralled by the festivities, the riot of colours and performances. Many were seen with their faces painted with figures of superheroes. To add much to their enthusiasm, mascots greeted the children while stepping down the stage and holding a procession in style.The myriad colours of the festival set the tone for the jubilant conclusion, balloons in many colours descended upon them. The kids contested to pick one or two balloons of their favourite colour - all with cheers and excitement. And a cake-cutting ceremony that was attended by representatives of Qatar Tourism (QT) and other entities marked the formal valediction of the festival.The festival, while featuring a slew of entertainment activities, provided families and children with fun at various corners of DECC. These all were while hosting interactive experiences, games that aimed at developing children’s skills and stimulating their abilities in the presence of experts. The festival also had several stage shows.Organised by Qatar Tourism in collaboration with Spacetoon, the first-of-its-kind festival showcased more than 25 renowned toy brands. These included favourites such as Barbie, Blippi, Bluey, Cocomelon, Disney, HapeeCapee, Marvel, Fortnite, and Transformers while suiting the tastes of kids from 2 to 12.The festival was held as part of QT’s ‘Feel Summer in Qatar’ campaign - an extension of its 'Feel More in Qatar’ brand platform aimed at further establishing the country as the premier family destination in the Middle East.

The Expo 2023 Doha Thursday invited applications for its volunteer programme while making the final preparations. Eligible candidates can submit the application through the link at the official website https://www.dohaexpo2023.gov.qa/en/take-part/volunteer-programme/. Applicants need to register with the website after giving personal info along with contact details here https://volunteer.dohaexpo2023.gov.qa/register.According to the details released by Expo 2023 Doha, a total of 2200 volunteers will be recruited to serve the expo regularly throughout the event while discharging multiple duties.The volunteer programme is for citizens and residents of Qatar. The applicants need to be at least 18 years old by September 1, 2023 and they can volunteer 7-8 days per month for 6 months while completing 45 shifts with one shift lasting 6-8 hours, depending on the role.Overseas applicants will be considered if they are self-funded, eligible to stay in Qatar for six months and can obtain the appropriate visa. Visa, travel and accommodation aren’t provided by Expo 2023.Volunteering roles are unpaid. However, they will receive a unique volunteer uniform, access to volunteer-only events, a certificate of appreciation for your contribution and other exclusive benefits. Public transport (metro) within Doha, meals and refreshments are provided during the shifts. Anyone can apply to volunteer, even if it’s for the first time. Volunteers need to be able to communicate effectively in English to provide information and assistance to everyone. Expo 2023 volunteers will receive training, an exclusive uniform, a participation certificate and other rewards. Volunteers will perform various tasks to ensure the best experience for visitors, participants, and media. They will be placed with the diverse functions which run the event including visitor services, events and cultural experience, media and ceremonies in roles which we consider suitable for volunteers. Volunteers don’t need professional skills and you may not be given a role which matches your job. Your biggest assets are a can-do attitude, being a good listener and ability to help people patiently and courteously. Volunteers can select and manage their own shifts and the expo, according to the website, will need them most in the evening and at weekends.Volunteers will be deployed at various segments of duty including accreditation, ceremonies, ticketing, events, cultural experience, health and safety, language services, media and broadcasting, and participants’ operations, protocol services, visitors experience and workforce.

Traffic violations in Qatar have gone up in June with an increase rate of 5.5%, according to the data, released by the Planning and Statistics Authority (PSA). The number of accidents went up by 14.3% compared to the same month in 2022.Violations included overspeeding, jumping the signals, overtaking, non-renewal of driving licence etc. It also included breaching stand and wait rules and obligations. As per the figures, 619 traffic accidents were recorded, with a monthly decrease of 12.1% and an annual decrease of 17%. The General Directorate of Traffic earlier announced that careless driving and illegal pedestrian crossing are the causes of concern when it comes to road traffic accidents.Not keeping a safe distance, deviation from the road, non-adherence to lane discipline, speeding and overtaking also result in accidents. Qatar is one of the leading countries in the area of traffic safety in light of its achievements in road safety indicators. The death rate in Qatar is significantly lower than global rates. This is achieved due to the designated authorities taking many steps and measures during the past years in the field of achieving traffic safety on the roads, and strengthening, drawing up and developing traffic policies.

The Expo 2023 Doha is set to recruit 2,200 volunteers as the final preparations to host the mega event are under way. According to the details on Expo 2023 Doha official website, these volunteers will serve the expo regularly throughout the event while discharging multiple duties.The volunteer programme is for citizens and residents of Qatar and they can be part of the event through the link on the official website where the applications will be open soon.Applicants need to be at least 18 years old by September 1, 2023 and they can volunteer 7-8 days per month for 6 months while completing 45 shifts with one shift lasting 6-8 hours, depending on the role.Overseas applicants will be considered if they are self-funded, eligible to stay in Qatar for six months and can obtain the appropriate visa. Visa, travel and accommodation aren’t provided by Expo 2023.Volunteering roles are unpaid. However, they will receive a unique volunteer uniform, access to volunteer-only events, a certificate of appreciation for the contribution and other exclusive benefits. Public transport (metro) within Doha, meals and refreshments are provided during the shifts. Anyone can apply to volunteer, even if it’s for the first time.Volunteers need to be able to communicate effectively in English to provide information and assistance to everyone. Expo 2023 volunteers will receive training, an exclusive uniform, a participation certificate and other rewards. Volunteers will perform various tasks to ensure the best experience for visitors, participants, and media. They will be placed with the diverse functions which run the event including visitor services, events and cultural experience, media and ceremonies in roles which the orgnaisers consider suitable for volunteers.Volunteers don’t need professional skills and may not be given a role which matches their jobs. "Your biggest assets are a can-do attitude, being a good listener and ability to help people patiently and courteously." Volunteers can select and manage their own shifts and the expo, according to the website, will need them most in the evenings and at weekends.Volunteers will be deployed at various segments of duty including accreditation, ceremonies, ticketing, events, cultural experience, health and safety, language services, media and broadcasting, and participants’ operations, protocol services, visitors experience and workforce.

Traffic services are the most sought after among the Metrash 2 transactions while visa and residency services are on the top of the list, Officer of Electronic Services and Internet Department of the General Directorate of Information Systems at the Ministry of Interior (MoI) Lt. Abdul Rahman Abdullah Jamal said while talking to Qatar TV on Sunday. He said Metrash 2 is currently providing more than 330 services to citizens, residents, visitors and companies.Regarding MoI’s efforts to keep abreast of technological developments and to create smart solutions, the official said the ministry is constantly studying the most important modern technologies to be integrated into the application for the improvement of the services.“The continuous improvement and update of the existing services with Metrash 2 are in cooperation with various MoI departments. This is with the aim of reducing time and effort for the public,” he said, adding that MoI aims to provide integrated and smooth electronic services to the public while minimising time consumption and ease of the functions and services.He explained that one of the most prominent features of the Metrash 2 application is sending reminder text messages to users in case the documents are about to expire. “This is in addition to delivering documents to all parts of the country in cooperation with Qatar Post while minimising the need to go to the various service centres. The electronic wallet with the Metrash2 makes various documents easily accessible to the users,” he said, adding that the application supports iOS, Android and tablet devices in order to reach the largest possible segment of users.

Following its impressive accomplishments in 2022, the Public Works Authority (Ashghal) is implementing a slew of infrastructure projects. Eng. Ali Ahmed al-Mawlawi, project engineer at Ashghal, told Qatar TV that these projects will serve a total of 36,000 housing plots upon completion.The infrastructure projects are currently underway at various parts of Qatar including Ezghawa, Al Kharaitiyat, Al Ebb, West Muaither, Al Mashaf South and Al Wukair South.Al-Mawlawi pointed out that last year the pace of project completion in the country increased with the approach of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022. While preparing for the World Cup, more than 170km of sewage and 400km of rainwater drainage networks were developed.He added that 240km of paths for pedestrians and sports bikes and 75,000sq m of green areas were developed during 2022.In May, Ashghal announced its plan to implement 22 new building projects worth QR4.1bn and the authority has plans to tender more projects in the third quarter of this year.Six projects worth an estimated QR1.1bn include the construction and development of several buildings in co-ordination with various authorities while 10 projects are under implementation with an estimated value of more than QR3bn, most notably the development of Hamad General Hospital, the establishment of Madinat Khalifa Health Centre and Qatar Academy Sidra, and the rehabilitation of the veterinary laboratory building of the Ministry of Municipality. There are six other projects including the two projects of the courts complex and the Court of Appeal and Cassation.

The 8th Local Dates Festival started Thursday at Souq Waqif, featuring agrobiodiversity and showcasing the best varieties of dates produced in Qatar. The first day of the festival saw crowds thronging Al Ahmed Square to buy farm fresh dates at fair prices. Khaled Saif al-Suwaidi, general supervisor of the festival, told Gulf Times that the festival is expected to witness the sale of 15 tonnes of dates a day. “The festival is a place to get fresh dates for every one. Good sale is expected and we are set to deliver the needs of the buyers. More dates will be brought from farms if the demand exceeds the stock,” he said. A total of 103 farms are part of the festival that sells local varieties including Al Khalas, Al Khenaizi, Al Shishi, Al Barhi, Al Saqai, Al Razizi, Nabt Saif and Al Lulu. Date syrup is also available. Date juice and ice cream have turned out to be the favourite of visitors with many opting to try them at counters inside the tent. Al-Suwaidi said seven companies are part of the festival while selling their products. The festival this year has also selling points for locally grown farm fresh figs that draw many visitors. From charming date decors to seatings, the Souq Waqif Celebrations Committee at the Private Engineering Office has made all arrangements inside the festival tent. Al-Suwaidi noted that the festival comes within the framework of the great interest that Qatar attaches to supporting and encouraging local production of all national products including dates. He added the festival is being held in conjunction with the season of date production in the country. To run until August 5, the festival receives the public daily from 3pm until 9pm, except for Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, when it is open until 10pm. Al-Suwaidi explained that the Celebrations Committee at the Private Engineering Office has launched a competition for the best local dates for the first time. He added that rewards will be distributed to the first three winners as a gesture of support from the committee towards the farmers while supporting and encouraging the production of the best local dates. ENDS...

The Smart Parking project is making remarkable strides with 85% of the installation of the smart parking sensors complete across Qatar.Eng. Tariq Jumaa al-Tamimi, director of the Technical Office at the Ministry of Municipality, while talking to Qatar TV, said that the sensors are functional with approximately 3021 parking spaces in various regions.According to al-Tamimi, under the project, which is the first comprehensive digital parking service in Qatar, work is carried out through a joint team from ministries and government entities.The team sets technical requirements for parking development while determining the fees. Al-Tamimi pointed out that the focus has been on a set of goals that serve the public. These are improving the quality of life while switching to digitising the existing services and easing traffic congestion due to queuing for parking. Also, the goals include encouraging the public to use public transportation.The service provides users with a seamless parking experience by offering information on available parking spaces and allowing them to find out and reach parking spots using their mobile phones. The launch of the Smart Parking service is part of the five smart sectors included in Smart Qatar Programme (TASMU). The Smart Parking Service contains parking spaces in adjacent parking lots on vital roads and areas, such as Corniche and West Bay in addition to parking spots in Souq Waqif, Al Bidaa Park, Corniche, Gate Mall, Lusail, Msheireb and others.The Smart Parking project provides direct data, supported by best recommendations and real-time forecasts about available parking spaces. This enables reducing the mobility time for drivers on the roads and contributes to the achievement of a key performance indicator for the transportation sector, which is reducing traffic congestion and delays on the roads. The project also helps diminish environmental pollution by minimising the duration of the car journey and the unnecessary operation of the vehicle's engine.

While shedding light on the diversity of agricultural products in the region and providing a venue for showcasing local produce, the Expo 2023 Doha will feature a Farmers Market.“The market is a space where farmers and growers can showcase their produce to the public and where attendees can chat with and support local businesses,” the expo's official website says. Also, international pavilions will benefit from free space to sell their agricultural produce of local fruits and vegetables.Innovations and techniques of modern agriculture are the focus of the expo that combines tradition and modern technology for a balanced use of resources. The modern agriculture segment at the expo will mainly focus on enhancing farmers' role. The expo will also create a convergence of people and ideas to accelerate innovation, research and scientific advancements in the field of modern agriculture.The event will promote innovation, research and scientific advancements in modern agriculture to produce safe, sustainable and affordable food for the increasing population of the world and reduce climate impact.They have the experience and the everyday perspective that can inform, promote and implement the solutions to fight desertification. They are the real growers of change.Described as the first A1 International Horticultural Exhibition to be held in Qatar, the Middle East, and North Africa, Expo 2023 Doha will have international visitors and organisers along with experts from national and international industries, government entities and officials. Non-governmental organisations and commercial affiliates will also be part of the exhibition.At Al Bidda Park, the Expo 2023 Doha venue, pavilions are to be set up across 1.7mn sqm, with dedicated zones for modern agriculture, technology and innovation, environmental awareness and sustainability.Organisers have said the construction works for Expo Doha 2023 are complete and the venue would be ready to receive visitors starting September, one month ahead of the opening.

The Ministry of Municipality has completed all arrangements for the 8th edition of the Local Dates Festival at Souq Waqif, a Qatar TV report has said.The festival will be held at Souq Waqif’s Al Ahmed Square from July 27 to August 5.According to the statement from the ministry, the festival will receive the public daily from 3pm until 9pm, except for Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, when it is open until 10pm.Ahmed Salem al-Yafei, head of the Extension and Agricultural Services Department and supervisor of the festival, said more than 100 local farms will showcase their products at the festival.Organised by the Ministry of Municipality and Souq Waqif management, the festival comes within the framework of the great interest that Qatar attaches to supporting and encouraging local production of all national products including dates, in conjunction with the season of date production in the country. This is with the aim of supporting efforts to achieve food security while encouraging the interest and keenness to develop the agricultural sector. Also, the dates festival seeks to encourage farmers to improve production.The annual festival usually features all Qatari varieties of dates including Al Khalas, Al Khenaizi, Al Shishi, Al Barhi, Al Saqai, Al Razizi, Nabt Saif and Al Lulu. Also, date syrup will be available.The event is expected to have the participation of specialised companies and farms from across the country while offering produce at competitive prices, which are lower than those found at retail outlets.

The Biodiversity Museum at Expo 2023 Doha will showcase the region's rich flora, fauna, and diverse marine life while the exclusive Environment Centre will provide a dedicated space for the demonstration of technologies related to environmental science and renewable energy.Also, the centre, according to Expo 2023 Doha official website, will share climate change statistics and information.These all will be in place while putting sustainability on the spotlight. “Sustainability aims to maintain biodiversity and ecological balance, whilst acknowledging the need for civilisation to sustain its modern way of life,” the website says.The venue will also provide exclusive access to all conferences throughout the six months of the Expo. The state-of-the-art facilities allow hosting of national weeks with VIP delegations and officials, making the venue ideal for networking, exchanging innovative ideas, and forging new partnerships. Also, there will be an Exhibition Centre where unforgettable events will be held with an expansive 7,500 sqm of prime exhibition space, which is ideal for short- and long-term exhibitions. The Family Amphitheatre will host various entertainment shows and activities suitable for kids and families while making it the ultimate destination for an enjoyable day out.Described as the first A1 International Horticultural Exhibition to be held in Qatar, the Middle East, and North Africa, Expo 2023 Doha will have international visitors and organisers along with experts from national and international industries, government entities and officials. Non-governmental organisations and commercial affiliates will also be part of the exhibition.At Al Bidda Park, the Expo 2023 Doha venue , pavilions are to be set up across 1.7mn sqm, with dedicated zones for modern agriculture, technology and innovation, environmental awareness and sustainability.Organisers have said the construction works for Expo Doha 2023 are complete and the venue would be ready to receive visitors starting next September, one month ahead of the opening.

The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MoECC) has decided to allow temporary camping during the weekends. According to a Qatar TV report, camping will be allowed on the last three days of every week. The move is to help the public in urban areas get a respite from the summer heat by heading to the beaches.The usual camping season has ended on April 29 in the northern and central regions of the country while it came to an end in the areas of Sealine and Al Udayd on May 20.The ministry has urged camp goers to preserve the environment and protect natural resources by using alternative and environment-friendly energy, planting plants and trees, maintaining camping sites and adhering to the camping regulations. According to the Qatar TV report, the new decision identifies a set of controls and requirements that must be adhered to by the camp goers. The ministry has urged the campers to maintain the cleanliness of the camping site while preserving the environment. Also, they should leave a distance between the beach and the caravan and break the camp when the allowed period comes to an end. The report pointed out that camping beyond the permitted time is a violation.The concerned authorities at MoECC will follow up on compliance with the laws for the protection of the terrestrial and marine environment by patrolling the area. Also, inspectors will be deployed to monitor the compliance with regulations. Inspection tours will focus on the sites that are more frequented during the weekends.

With summer in its peak, commuting goes smooth in an affordable way for many, thanks to the air-conditioned bus shelters, built as part of the Public Bus Infrastructure programme.“Waiting for the bus could have been difficult during summer without these air conditioned bus shelters,” said Mohamed Shameer, who uses the MetroLink service to reach Al Wakra Metro station, from where he takes Doha Metro to reach his office at West Bay. The Al Wakra resident pointed out that many office goers are switching to public transport as the system is remarkably efficient and cost-effective.As per figures released by the Ministry of Transport, the Public Bus Infrastructure programme features the development of more than 2,300 bus stops in and outside of Doha, designed in accordance with the highest world standards and technology.“The air conditioned shelters are among the attractions of the public transport,” said Abdul Majeed, who takes bus to reach his office on a daily basis. He is one of the residents who switched into public transport. “The well set up infrastructure has made travel to work and back, easy. Some of my friends have stopped using cars to reach their offices,” he said.The bus shelters have come as a relief for many low income individuals in remote areas. “The number of bus services has been improved. There is better connectivity between Doha and other places and waiting for buses is no more difficult during summer,” said a Nepali resident, who works at Doha Industrial Area.Implemented in cooperation with the Public Works Authority, the Public Bus Infrastructure programme aims at providing an integrated, sustainable public transit network that covers all urban areas across the country and forms a coherent transportation unit that includes public buses, Doha Metro, and tram networks.The programme consists of eight bus stations at Al Sudan, Msheireb, Al Gharrafa, Lusail, Al Wakra, Education City, Industrial Area, and West Bay Central and four bus depots in Lusail, the New Industrial Area, Al Wakra, and Al Rayyan. All these facilities are supported with over 650 charging stations for e-bus operations.Also, as part of the programme, there are four Park and Ride parking locations in Al Qassar, Al Wakra, Lusail, and Education City, in service of public transit users. The programme lays the foundation for a full transformation to an electricity-powered transit system that is clean and eco-friendly, using latest technologies with a view to providing the best services in a fashion that supports sustainable development.

Expo 2023 Doha will put spotlight on the green desert while contemplating measures to make possible a better environment, the Bureau International Des Exposition (BIE) Secretary General Dimitri Kerkentzes told Gulf Times Wednesday.After visiting the exhibition site, Kerkentzes said the expo assumes significance as it’s held in an arid land and lends the entire world the opportunities to share the experiences and expertise of greening the desert, sustainable cultivation and beating climate change.The greening of deserts is a sustainable project for irrigation and forestation of dry areas or regions near water sources like lakes, rivers, seas or oceans. This is while taking benefits of clean technologies like irrigation with natural water sources and renewable energy supplies.The green desert ideal has cultural, educational, economic, social and scientific aspects, combining traditional agricultural practices with modern and alternative techniques like hydroponics, permaculture and vermiculture, all in a sustainable manner.BIE is the intergovernmental organisation in charge of overseeing and regulating all international exhibitions that last more than three weeks and are of non-commercial nature. Headquartered in Paris, BIE is a key international stakeholder of organising Expo 2023 Doha.“Expo 2023 Doha will feature deep aspects on measures to adapt and overcome the adversity of current challenges while leaving a strong expansive intellectual legacy,” Kerkentzes said.The Secretary General of BIE visited the Expo 2023 Doha site at Al Bidda Park along with Qatari officials and assessed the progress of the works. He noted that Doha is an important place to have this expo as it can host discussions, deliberations and seminars on measures and new techniques to adapt to climate change and the changes needed to be adopted in daily life to beat the climate change.“Climate change seems to be a clear reality all across the world. We need to bring the world to tackle the challenges and we have to learn how to beat climate change,” he said.Kerkentzes lauded the organisers by saying all are working with cent percent commitment to ensure the success of the expo.Described as the first A1 International Horticultural Exhibition to be held in Qatar, the Middle East, and North Africa, Expo 2023 Doha will have international visitors and organisers along with the experts from national and international industries, government entities and officials. Non-governmental organisations and commercial affiliates will also be a part of the exhibition.At Expo 2023 Doha venue Al Bidda Park, pavilions are to be set up across 1.7mn sqm, with dedicated zones for modern agriculture, technology and innovation, environmental awareness and sustainability.

Always for holidays, Indian expatriate Ahmad Anwar chose between flying home or staying in Qatar exploring the local tourist destinations. This Eid al-Adha holiday turned out to be special for Anwar and his family as he, along with his friend Sameer V K, opted to embark on a road trip from Doha to Amman.A new trend where several residents opt to go for international road trips from Doha has been in the making for some years now and the Eid al-Adha holidays witnessed the trend gaining ground after a break. Several Doha residents drove to Jordan, Oman, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia and the UAE over the past couple of weeks.Anwar started the trip in a group of 11 individuals including five kids on June 25 in two SUVs. The group returned to Doha on July 2 after covering Saudi heritage sites in Tabuk and visiting the popular Jordan tourist sites including the ancient city of Petra, the port city of Aqaba, Dead Sea, Cave of the Seven Sleepers and the capital city Amman.“We made all preparations while planning almost everything. The trip was amazing and quite affordable. We opted to go by road since it lends an opportunity to stop and explore every site,” Anwar told Gulf Times.Travel experts say the trend is now getting many takers after Saudi Arabia eased entry procedures for Qatar residents. “Visa proceedings have become easy and fast. E visa and on-arrival visa are available for Qatar residents from many countries that can be reached by road. Such facilities attract residents to go for a new experience change while celebrating holidays,” said Mosafer Travel and Tourism general manager Firos Nattu.Sadiq Chennadan, another Doha resident, along with his friends, drove to Oman where he visited the picturesque Wadi Darbat and heritage sites of Mutrah Fort along with beaches, Souqs, museums and villages across Salalah and Muscat.“All you need is good friends and vehicles that are fit for a long drive. We enjoyed the trip while exploring every site. We had regular breaks and stays across Oman and Saudi Arabia,” Sadiq said, adding that the trip is affordable compared to air travel.Nishaant Tharammel went to Bahrain's capital city Manama where he stayed a day and night after exploring the Saudi city of Dammam. “We had a good time both in Saudi and Bahrain. We feel great that we opted to drive to two countries,” he said, adding that the roads, outside the cities, demand care and attention.Many residents also drove to Saudi cities of Jeddah, Riyadh and Abha where they met relatives and friends while UAE cities such as Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah received many visitors from Qatar during the Eid al-Adha holidays.

Fervour and festivities marked Eid al-Adha celebrations across Qatar Wednesday, starting early morning when the faithful converged at mosques and prayer grounds chanting Eid Takbeer.The prayer started at 5.01am and the mosques along with prayer grounds received huge numbers of faithful. Awqaf in coordination with the Ministry of Municipality and the Ministry of Interior (MoI) had made all arrangements for the prayers.Apart from the Grand Mosque, Qatar Foundation's Education City Stadium and Msheireb Downtown Doha topped the list of favourites for Eid prayers.Many Doha residents opted to take their families and friends to the Grand Mosque where they had impressive views of the Doha skyline after the prayer. “For a long time, the mosque remains to be my Eid prayer destination. The eye-catching graceful arches and other characteristics of Islamic architectural tradition make the mosque an ideal place to hold special prayers,” said Mohamed Ashraf, who reached the mosque along with his friend from Bahrain Wednesday morning.With its distinguished cultural and architectural features, Msheireb’s historic Eid Prayer Ground also drew hundreds of faithful. Msheireb Properties restored the space to preserve Qatar’s heritage and a piece of history dating back to the founding of Doha. In order to transport the believers to Msheireb Downtown Doha and Education City Stadium, Doha Metro started its services at 4.30 am.Eid prayer grounds recorded a huge flow of believers with many opting to go there while planning meetings with friends. “In fact, the prayer grounds are all about the celebrations. I like to come here for a host of reasons. There is a life in this open space while people from different communities across the world hold their prayers. This place lends an opportunity to meet the friends and wish them,” said Mohamed Shafi, who attended the prayer at Al Wakra Eid prayer ground along with his friends.The Ministry of Endowments and Islamic Affairs (Awqaf) distributed Eid gifts to kids who accompanied their parents to mosques and prayer grounds.

Qataris Thursday voted to elect members of the 7th Central Municipal Council (CMC). Twenty-nine new members were announced by Maj Gen Majid Ibrahim al-Khulaifi, chairman of the Supervisory Committee for the Central Municipal Council Elections at the Ministry of Interior (MoI) after the votes were counted in the evening.A statement from the MoI explained that 40.7% or a total of 34,527 voters, both male and female citizens, registered their names for voting. The voting process was held at 27 electoral constituencies with the winners of the 27th and 28th constituencies already elected uncontested. A total of 102 candidates, including four females, were in the fray.**media[46513]**With all preparations and technical arrangements in place, polling centres welcomed voters from 8am to 5pm in 27 constituencies. “In accordance with the laws, decrees, and ministerial decisions governing the electoral process, the supervisory committee, executive committees, and electoral committees have completed their preparatory, organisational, and procedural tasks for the seventh term of the CMC,” Maj Gen al-Khulaifi said.The winners pledged to serve their constituencies and the country while working to improve the quality of various services. Talking to Qatar TV, Waleed al-Emadi, who won from Constituency 8, said he will work to develop the infrastructure while focusing on maintaining the mosques and streets and developing the quality of education in his constituency.Hamad al-Kubaisi, elected from Constituency 18, told Qatar TV that he has plans to improve the quality of commercial activities and streets in his constituency. He said he will work to address various civic woes in his constituency.The winnersElectoral district 1 - Jassim Najm Ali Ahmed al-KhulaifiElectoral district 2 - Jassim Ali Jaber Boussioul al-SorourElectoral district 3 - Mohammed Rashid Khamis al-Samkhan al-KubaisiElectoral district 4 - Bader Sultan Saad Sultan al RumaihiElectoral district 5 - Mohammed Salem Mohammed al-Qamra al-MarriElectoral district 6 - Abdullah Ghanem Hassan Sultan a-GhanemElectoral district 7 - Fahd Abdullah Abdul Rahman al-MullaElectoral district 8 - Waleed Mohammed Abdul Rahim Mohammed al-EmadiElectoral district 9 - Hassan Ali Othman Mahmoud al-IshaqElectoral district 10 - Abdul Rahman Abdullah Muhammad Ali al-KhulaifiElectoral district 11 - Mohammed Mana Ayed al-Abd KhawarElectoral district 12 - Mohammed Ali Mohammed al-Homr al-AthbaElectoral district 13 - Abdullah Mohammed Mubarak al-NabitElectoral district 14 - Mohammed Hammoud Shafi al-ShafiElectoral district 15 - Mubarak Freesh Mubarak Saleh al-SalemElectoral district 16 - Mohammed Saleh Rashid al-Khayareen al-HajriElectoral district 17 - Abdullah Khaled Qasim al Yahri al-YafeiElectoral district 18 - Hamad Khaled Khalifa al-KubaisiElectoral district 19 - Fahd Hamad Mohammed Husayn al-BaridiElectoral district 20 - Saeed Ali Hamad al-Ghafrani al-MarriElectoral district 21 - Nayef Ali Mohammed Maiqa al-AhbabiElectoral district 22 - Fahad Salem Dhaidan al-Quoz al-MarriElectoral district 23 - Mohammed Zafer Mohammed al-Mufaqai al-HajriElectoral district 24 - Ali Kharbash Hamid Kharbash al-MansouriElectoral district 25 - Abdullah Muqalled Ali Ibrahim al-MuraikhiElectoral district 26 - Hassan Lahdan Ali Abu Jamhour al-MohannadiElectoral district 27 - Rashid Saree Ghazwan al-Saree al-Kaabi (by acclamation)Electoral district 28 - Nasser Khalifa Nasser Tawar al-Kuwari (by acclamation)Electoral district 29 - Mohammed Abdullah Ali Mohammed al-Sada