Qatar

The Translation and Interpreting Institute’s Translation and Training Centre (TTC), part of College of Humanities and Social Sciences at Hamad Bin Khalifa University, has opened registration for its professional training workshops for the 2023-24 academic year.This year, TTC will also introduce a new workshop - Creative Writing and Creative Translation - that will open another avenue of career development for its students.Beginning September 10, the nine-month courses train participants in essential skills necessary to carry out translation work according to international standards across a variety of specialisations, including business, finance, legal, and medicine.Offered in both Arabic and English, the workshops cover important topics for interpreters, including professional interpreting, revision and quality assurance, and writing to international standards in business Arabic and the sports sector.“Like every year, we look forward to welcoming professionals determined to expand upon their abilities and skills, and offer training opportunities to engage with their chosen field from a wider perspective. Our workshops at TTC promote community development and building capacity in Qatar and the region through professional development opportunities to professional translators and interpreters, and professionals constantly working between multiple languages” said Nada al-Mahmeed, director, TTC.TTC recently wrapped up another successful season of training for translators in the fields of text translation and interpretation.Between short and long programmes, TTC has benefited 224 participants, where some came from other countries such as Saudi Arabia, Oman, Sudan, and the US - indicating the increasing recognition of the pivotal role of translation in today's global landscape, and a statement to HBKU’s offerings.

The Prime Minister of the sisterly Federal Republic of Somalia Hamza Abdi Barre arrived this evening in Doha, on a working visit to the country.The Somali PM and the accompanying delegation were welcomed upon their arrival at Doha International Airport, by HE the Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulaziz bin Saleh Al Khulaifi, HE the Ambassador of the State of Qatar to Somalia Dr. Abdullah bin Salem Al Nuaimi, and Charge dAffairs at the Somali Embassy to the country Run Said Kurshel.

The Public Works Authority (Ashghal) has completed the first and third phases of the Roads and Infrastructure Development Project for Citizens’ Subdivisions in South Al Meshaf, Al Wakra Municipality.Engineer Ahmed al-Obaidly, head of South Areas’ Section at the Roads Projects Department, said the project includes six packages expected to serve a total of 4,358 residential plots. Packages 1 and 3 have been completed whereas Packages 4, 7, 8 and 9 are under implementation.Engineer Hamad al-Mejaba, project manager, said Package 1 provides services for 108 residential plots through implementing around 7.5km of roads and 15km of shared pedestrian and cycling paths, in addition to implementing beautification and afforestation works on an area of 83,000 sqm while upgrading lighting systems, installing 245 lighting poles and providing 1,112 car parking lots.The works included the construction of approximately 16.2km of drainage networks, 17.3km of rainwater and groundwater drainage network in addition to 3km long treated water network.Package 3 serves 391 residential plots and it included the construction and paving of 9.6km of roads and 18km of shared pedestrian and cycle paths, beautification works on an area covering 112,000 sqm and planting of 138 trees in addition to the installation of 273 lighting poles and 1,333 car parking lots.This package also included the implementation of infrastructure works consisting of 9.5km drainage networks, 11.7km long rainwater and groundwater drainage networks, along with 7.7km of treated water network pipelines. Also, a pumping station serving the South Al Meshaf area is constructed as part of the package.The South Al Meshaf development project realises Ashghal’s strategy to promote local products, with local products making up about 75% of the total materials and components. These include drainage and water pipes, lighting poles and lamps, traffic signal poles and other elements that were previously imported.

Russian President Vladimir Putin said Monday his country was ready to work with Qatar and Turkiye to transport grains to many African countries, considering the Qatari-Turkish path to deliver grains to countries in need as an "additional mechanism" that does not replace the Black Sea Initiative.During a joint press conference with his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Putin reiterated his country's adherence to its position regarding the grain export agreement through the Black Sea, relinking Moscow's return to the deal with lifting of sanctions on Russian grains and fertilisers.President Erdogan confirmed that Qatar is already providing financial assistance and financing in particular maritime services to African countries, expressing his hope that the Russian President will respond quickly to the process of transporting grains to six needy African countries.He acknowledged the legitimacy of Russian fears of returning to the grain agreement without achieving its demands, reiterating his optimism in the possibility of reaching a solution regarding the grain export agreement.A Russian-Turkish summit was held earlier Monday in Sochi, and the international community is awaiting its results regarding the attempt to persuade Putin to return to the grain export agreement through the Black Sea.FP adds from Moscow: Putin said Moscow is just weeks away from supplying free grain to six African countries after scrapping a deal allowing Ukrainian food exports through the Black Sea.His comments during the press conference with Erdogan came hours after Russian forces pounded one of Ukraine's key grain-exporting hubs overnight with a swarm of attack drones."We are close to completing agreements with six African states, where we intend to supply foodstuffs for free and even carry out delivery and logistics for free," Putin said."Deliveries will begin in the next couple of weeks."The UN and Turkey-brokered deal, which aimed to ensure safe navigation for civilian ships through the Black Sea, collapsed after Russia pulled out in July.Tensions have built in the region since, with Russia mounting attacks on Ukrainian export hubs and Kyiv's forces targeting Moscow's naval ports and warships.Since the deal collapsed, Moscow has repeatedly attacked Ukrainian ports in what Kyiv says is a cynical attempt to damage its exports and undermine global food security.

The customs officials at Hamad International Airport have thwarted yet another attempt to smuggle narcotic substances into Qatar.In a statement on its official X account, the General Authority of Customs (GAC) said a total of 7,476 Captagon pills and bag of crushed pills weighing 161.7 gm were seized by the officials from a passenger's baggage upon inspection.

The MAXUS D60 SUV by SAIC-MAXUS is positioned in a medium-sized SUV and offers 7-seat layout. The vehicle is available now at Auto Class Cars, the authorized general distributor of Maxus in Qatar, in its showroom on Salwa Road in Doha.The D60 made its global debut with a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine mated to a seven-speed DCT under its hood. This setup generates a decent 159hp and 250Nm of torque.Based on the rigid line inherited from the design of SAIC MAXUS concept car TARANTULA, the Maxus D60 massive octagonal grille up front features a honeycomb-like design. This is flanked by aggressive-looking swept-back headlamps as well as a pair of sporty fog lamps. The full LED split matrix headlights with the style of the big dipper and the penetrating LED diamond taillights echo with each other.The body structure adopts a closed-loop frame structure, significantly increasing the overall safety level and rigidity. The ratio of high-strength steel accounts for 65% and the ratio of ultra-high-strength steel reaches 25%, making the whole vehicle caring for the driving journey as an iron bastion.As a mid-sized SUV for family, it considers more on practicality in the interior design. A large area of soft material is used above the center console to highlight the good texture. The D60 also gets a gigantic 8-inch infotainment display up front, complemented by a 14-inch full LCD digital instrument panel. With its dome panoramic sunroof allows a sunroof area of 1.1 sqm and lighting area of 0.86 sqm, providing a bright driving space.Auto Class Cars is the authorized distributor of Maxus in Qatar. A subsidiary of Nasser Bin Khaled Holding, Auto Class has introduced Maxus in the 2016 Qatar Motor Show as a leading Chinese auto maker producing quality passenger and cargo vans.Formerly known as Leyland DAF Vans (LDV), Maxus is part of Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation (SAIC); it is among the most respected companies producing light passenger and cargo vehicles.It embodies a century of experience and unmatched technical prowess in commercial vehicle development. The Maxus D60 and full range of Maxus vehicles are available now in Auto Class Showroom on Salwa road. Customers can visit the showroom Sunday to Thursday from 8am until 9pm.

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.

Fire Station: Artist in Residence has announced the open call for its three-month 2024 New York Residency programme, and will be accepting applications until 28 October 2023.Fire Station's Artist in Residence programme has been a resounding success and has expanded to include a three-month residency at the International Studio & Curatorial Program (ISCP) in New York City. This residency program is an opportunity for emerging artists to showcase their talent and creativity on an international platform and is designed to encourage the artists by providing them with an immersive experience in the heart of New York's vibrant artistic scene. It also offers a chance for the artist to engage with the international art community, explore diverse cultural perspectives, and develop their creative practice.Applications are open for Qatari artists and artists born to Qatari mothers who are 21 years old and above. Applicants must pursue arts in the forms that include but are not limited to visual arts (painting, drawing, sculpture, media art, installation, graphic arts, illustration, etc.), photography, filmmaking, sound art and design. There are four slots and the applicant can choose which duration suits them the best to pursue the residency.Director of Fire Station Khalifa Ahmad Al Obaidli commented, "We are thrilled to announce the 2024 New York Residency, which highlights Fire Station's approach to strategic collaborations with entities and organizations that showcase and enrich the Qatari art framework. Fire Station continually fosters an environment of creative synergy as our collaborations extend to various activities - from workshops to collaborative projects - all thoughtfully designed to engage program participants and the broader community alike. We look forward to witnessing the creative output of the program's upcoming term."Head of Programs and Exhibitions of Fire Station Saida Al Khulaifi added, "The New York Residency program is more than an opportunity; it's a transformative experience that nurtures artistic growth, providing a unique platform for the artist to expand their horizons and engage with the global art community. By the end of the residency, the artist emerges with enriched perspectives and refined skills, ready to contribute their unique voice to the global artistic conversation."Within this residency, the selected artist will be provided with a private furnished studio space with 24-hour access, communal facilities, guest critic studio visits, field trips to cultural venues, as well as living and materials allowances, accommodation allowance, and one return travel ticket. The International Studio & Curatorial Program (ISCP) supports the creative development of artists and curators, and promotes exchange through residencies and public programs. Housed in a former factory in Brooklyn, with 35 light-filled work studios, two galleries, and a project space, ISCP is New Yorks most comprehensive international visual arts residency program, founded in 1994.

MEEZA QSTP-LLC (Public) has signed a Liquidity Provision Agreement with Qatar National Bank Financial Services (QNBFS) for its listed shares on the Qatar Stock Exchange.In a statement published on the Qatar Stock Exchange website, the Liquidity Provision service is expected to begin on Thursday, Sep. 7, 2023.MEEZA listed its shares on the Qatar Stock Exchange (QSE) on Aug. 23 through the 'book building' mechanism used for the first time. This mechanism determines the share offering price by relying on qualified investors who have sufficient experience and knowledge and the necessary mechanisms for fair pricing of the security.The shares of Meeza are listed with the symbol "MEZA" in the QSE main market under the consumer goods and services sector, with the offering price set at QR2.17, consisting of a nominal value of QR1 and an issuance premium of QR1.16, along with a listing fee of QR0.01 per share, based on the documents submitted by the company.All 648.89 million shares of Meeza will be listed, representing 100 percent of the total capital of the company. As many as 324.49 million shares were offered for subscription, representing 50 percent of the total capital.As many as 121.39 million shares were offered for qualified investors who participated in the book-building process, representing 18.71 percent of the capital, and 203.1 million shares for Qatari individual and corporate investors, representing 31.29 percent of the company's capital. The founders will retain the remaining percentage of the shares, which amounts to 324.49 million shares, representing 50 percent of the total capital of the company.MEEZA, a Qatar-based venture, is an established end-to-end Managed IT services and solutions provider that also provides data center services, information systems security services, and cloud services, in addition to extensive experience in the field of smart cities, their applications, and artificial intelligence. MEEZA is helping accelerate the growth of Qatar and the region through the provision of world-class Managed IT Services and Solutions.It owns five globally rated, third-level accredited data centers designed to comply with the most stringent international standards, enabling companies to benefit from risk-reducing efficiencies. It also manages IT operations, enhances efficiency, and supports the digital transformation of government agencies and the business market in the State of Qatar.

Qatar participated Sunday in Muscat in the seventh preparatory meeting for the undersecretaries of the Ministries of Education and the 23rd preparatory meeting for the undersecretaries of the Ministries of Higher Education and Scientific Research in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries.HE Undersecretary of the Ministry of Education and Higher Education, Dr. Ibrahim bin Saleh Al Nuaimi, chaired the Qatari delegation to the meetings.These preparatory meetings precede the ministerial meetings of the Ministers of Education and the Ministers of Higher Education and Scientific Research in the GCC countries, which are scheduled to begin on Monday in Muscat.The seventh meeting of the Ministers of Education will discuss several topics that serve the joint educational work of the GCC countries, including digital transformation, cybersecurity, and enhancing international cooperation in the education field among the GCC countries, other nations, and international organizations.The 23rd meeting of the Ministers of Higher Education and Scientific Research will discuss hosting the unified electronic platform for the universities of the GCC countries on Microsoft Cloud in Qatar, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and Higher Education, in addition to several other topics.

The National Human Rights Committee (NHRC) concluded its anti-exhaustion campaign, which started on Aug. 1, as part of many meetings, lectures, and field awareness seminars, distributing awareness-raising publications to workers in three languages: Arabic, English, and Urdu, providing them with tools and supplies that provide protection from the sun's rays and contribute to reducing the severity of the heat.On this occasion, HE Secretary-General of the National Human Rights Committee (NHRC) Sultan bin Hassan Al Jamali said that the campaign managed to reach around 10,000 workers and had a wide resonance in the community, over social media platforms, and with accredited embassies to the state. He reviewed the most important observations about the level of workers' and employers' awareness of the laws and decisions related to working conditions in outdoor spaces during the summer period, presenting some conclusions and recommendations regarding protecting workers from the dangers of heat exhaustion and awareness mechanisms.During the closing conference of the campaign, Al Jamali pointed out that the NHRC annually carries out dozens of media activities to spread the culture of human rights, and also implement an awareness campaign regarding the decision of HE Minister of Labor Dr. Ali bin Smaikh Al Marri No. 17 of 2023 regarding the necessary precautions to protect workers from heat exhaustion.He added that workers and employers did not have abundant information about the heat exhaustion decision other than that related to the ban on working at noon in open spaces during the summer period, pointing out that the decision includes other provisions such as placing a schedule of daily working hours in a visible place that is easy for all workers to see, developing a joint plan with workers to assess the risks of heat exhaustion and place it in a visible place, providing training to workers by May of each year on dealing with heat exhaustion, as well as providing free drinking water, shaded rest areas, and appropriate personal protective equipment, and conducting medical examinations to diagnose and manage chronic diseases at no cost to the worker.He emphasized that companies of course provide drinking water, protective gear, and shaded places for rest, but not all employers are aware that these requirements have become mandatory law, praising the Public Works Authority and Qatari Diar, which are role models in protecting workers from heat exhaustion.Al Jamali presented the committee's recommendations based on the conclusions of the necessity of continuing awareness campaigns about heat exhaustion to raise awareness for both employers and workers and prevent the use of ignorance of the law as an excuse, saying that during May of each year, extensive media campaigns must be carried out about heat exhaustion in close cooperation between all competent authorities, including distributing publications, holding seminars, and using large screens in the streets (especially in the industrial area) to present the provisions of the ministerial decision in a simplified manner in English and in the workers' main languages of Hindi, Bangladeshi, Pakistani, Nepali, Swahili, and Arabic.He also noted the necessity of providing awareness-raising publications and introducing the hotline to receive heat exhaustion complaints, which the Ministry of Labor announced on all social media platforms, which ensures maintaining the worker's privacy and the confidentiality of the complaint to enable workers or their representatives to confront any actions that violate the law and prevent them from occurring.He highlighted the continuity of efforts to ensure that workers' rights develop in accordance with human rights and in close cooperation with the competent authorities, expressing his gratitude to the coordinators of participating communities for their cooperation and to the representatives of the Ministry of Labor, the International Labour Organization (ILO), the Public Works Authority (Ashghal), Qatari Diar, and guests of foreign embassies.For his part, Technical Specialist (OSH) at the ILO Project Office for the State of Qatar Michael Kandarakis stressed the need to raise awareness and launch behavior change campaigns targeting workers, employers, and the general public regarding risks associated with high temperatures and measures to be taken under such circumstances.Kandarakis said that the State of Qatar has adopted the most advanced and comprehensive legislation on heat exhaustion in the region, and perhaps the world, indicating that alleviating heat exhaustion and protecting workers from conditions associated with it is a complex issue that requires in-depth scientific research and guidance, adding that the ILO always calls for developing evidence-based policies and legislation.Regarding the application of Qatari law, the Technical Specialist said that the ILO praises labor inspection campaigns that ensure the suspension of work during prohibited hours, thanking the NHRC and the Ministry of Labor.For his part, Ministry of Labor representative Zayed Suhail Al Mazroui reviewed the Ministry's contributions in the field of occupational safety and health, which includes labor inspections, occupational safety and health, the adoption of a national policy for labor inspection and for occupational safety and health, the training of inspectors, conducting inspection visits and campaigns, collection, analyzing, and disseminating data and findings, in addition to administrative efforts to protect workers from the risk of heat exhaustion.Al Mazroui said that the Ministry organizes annual awareness and inspection campaigns to ensure compliance with the ban on working in open spaces during the summer period to protect workers from heat exhaustion, adding that the occupational safety and health administration has set a strict inspection plan for the summer period, in which legal measures are taken against violating companies.The Ministry of Labor representative explained that the penalty for violating the ministerial ban consists of a partial or complete closure of the violating workplace by a minister decision.In turn, Qatar Red Crescent Society (QRCS) representative Dr Ahmed Idlibi said that this campaign is proof of the administration's interest and contribution to joint efforts that aim to build a safe and healthy society, stressing that together with all other partners. He added that QRCS endeavors to reach the common goal of protecting workers from the risks of heat exhaustion, in addition to improving their health in accordance with human rights, the most important of which is the right to work in a safe and healthy environment, and the protection of workers and employers alike, improving health conditions and increasing productability.Dr. Idlibi added that QRCS represented by the Medical Affairs Division provides a wide range of high-quality healthcare services to single male workers in the State of Qatar through the four Workers' Health Centers it manages and operates in accordance with an agreement with the Ministry of Public Health. He noted that all services are provided free of charge, except for medication, where patients bear 20 percent of the price of medication.

The Executive Committee of the Asian Shooting Confederation (ASC) selected Qatari Abdullah Ali Al Mutawa Al Hammadi as head of the ASC's technical and referees committee for the second time in a row.This came during a meeting of the ASC's General Assembly in Kuwait which included representatives of 41 member federations in Asia.Others from Korea and Kuwait were also in the running for the position, but Al Hammadi was chosen for meeting all required conditions, his competence, experience and excellence in the field locally, continually and internationally.Al Hammadi's positions include head of the technical committee and a member of the Board of Directors of the Qatar Shooting and Archery Association (QSSA), Executive Member of the Arab Shooting Federation, as well as a member of the technical committee of the International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF).Al Hammadi expressed his happiness to be chosen for this important position in the ASC, and his pride and honor in representing Qatar.In a statement to Qatar News Agency (QNA), Al Hammadi shared his gratitude for the decision, and he hopes to meet all expectations for the second time. He promised to work alongside his colleagues to further advance the sport at a continental level and to best represent his country Qatar.He added that working with ASC during the coming period is an important advantage and stressed the importance of concerted efforts and the harnessing of all capabilities.Al Hammadi also thanked the Qatar Olympic Committee and QSSA for their unlimited support towards sports and athletes.

Weather inshore until 6pm on Monday will be hazy to misty at places at first becomes hot daytime with chance of local clouds afternoon, the Department of Meteorology said in its daily weather report.Offshore, it will be hazy and partly cloudy at times, the report added.Wind inshore will be southeasterly less than 5 KT at first becomes northeasterly - northwesterly 5 - 15 KT, gusting 20 KT at places daytime.Offshore, it will be mainly variable northeasterly - southeasterly 3 - 13 KT.Visibility will be 4 - 8 km/ 3 km or less at places at first.Sea state inshore will be 1 - 2 ft. Offshore, it will be 1 - 3 ft.

The 16th preparatory meeting of the Arab Expert Committee on Cultural and Natural Heritage began in Kuwait Sunday, with the participation of Qatar.In his speech during the meeting, Acting Secretary-General of the National Council for Culture, Arts and Letters in Kuwait Dr Mohamed al-Jassar said the two-day meeting aims to unify efforts for a unified Arab position in presenting the files of cultural and natural heritage in the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco), pointing out that the meeting will discuss three files for Arab cities, before presenting them to the meeting of the Arab Educational, Cultural and Scientific Organisation (ALECSO) scheduled to take place in Riyadh in mid-September.He noted that the meeting will discuss the file of the Uruq Bani Ma'arid Natural Reserve in Saudi Arabia, the file of Tel al-Sultan in the State of Palestine, and the file of Djerba Island in Tunisia as world heritage. It will also discuss heritage sites in Arab countries that are in danger, especially those located in Palestine. A panel discussion will also be held on the reality of world heritage in Arab countries.Director of the Department of International Co-operation in Qatar Museums Dr Fatima al-Sulaiti said that the meeting would strengthen Arab files and natural and cultural heritage, unify and co-ordinate opinions among Arab countries, raise special problems regarding endangered heritage, and try to find solutions.Al-Sulaiti noted that Qatar has a file registered on the Unesco World Heritage List, which is Al Zubarah Fort, one of the most prominent historical military castles, and said it is also seeking to include another file on the list, which is Khor Al Udayd.

The three-day Al Diwan Arabic Book Fair, organized by the Arab Cultural House (Al Diwan) of the Embassy of Qatar in Berlin, concluded Sunday with the participation of 66 publishing houses from various Arab and foreign countries.During the fair, a debate on the topic of paper and e-books was held, followed by a panel discussion and presentation of the German version of a book by HE Minister of State and President of Qatar National Library Dr Hamad bin Abdulaziz al-Kuwari on the North-South relationships.

HE the Minister of State for International Co-operation at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Lolwah bint Rashid AlKhater met Sunday with US ambassador to Qatar Timmy Davis. During the meeting, the two sides discussed bilateral relations and the developments in the situation in Afghanistan.

Ooredoo, a key innovator in regional financial services, hosted senior leadership figures from MoneyGram, a leading global financial technology company that connects the world's communities, at its Doha headquarters.MoneyGram chairman and CEO Alex Holmes and chief revenue officer Grant Lines led the visitors, with their counterparts Sheikh Ali bin Jabor al-Thani and Mustafa Peracha from Ooredoo also in attendance. The MoneyGram executives presented two accolades to Ooredoo Money: Global Top Tier Digital Partner Award 2023 and Best Fintech Partner in Qatar Award 2023.Ooredoo Qatar CEO Sheikh Ali bin Jabor al-Thani, said: "We were honoured to welcome MoneyGram's distinguished leadership to our headquarters. This event underscores our successful partnership and commitment to fintech advancement. Receiving the Global Top Tier Digital Partner Award 2023 and the Best Fintech Partner in Qatar Award 2023 highlights the depth of our collaboration. Our shared focus on innovation and excellence drives us to empower customers through world-class financial services, aligning with our vision to enrich lives through technology."Holmes, said: “These awards reflect and build upon over a decade of successful partnership together, ever since Ooredoo became our first digital partner in 2012. We are particularly excited by Ooredoo’s recent fintech developments, as they strengthen our position as a global leader in the space. We’re pleased to present these two awards that celebrate the organisation’s digital innovation and look forward to seeing our partnership continue to thrive."MoneyGram offers international remittances across 200 countries and territories worldwide. It was the first IMTO to partner with Ooredoo’s Mobile Money business (Ooredoo Money), with the two companies signing their first agreement back in 2012, a statement added.

HE the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Sultan bin Saad al-Muraikhi met yesterday with Singaporean ambassador to Qatar Jai Sohan Singh, on the end of his tenure. HE al-Muraikhi thanked the ambassador for his efforts in enhancing and promoting bilateral relations, and wished him success in his new duties.

Marking the ‘Back to School’ season, Auto Class cars, the authorised general distributor of Maxus in Qatar, has launched a special offer on the MAXUS D60 and D90 SUVs.The vehicles are available at Auto Class Cars, the authorised general distributor of Maxus in Qatar, in its showroom on Salwa Road in Doha.Valid until October 15, the offer allows customers to buy the Maxus D60 or D90 from a starting monthly installment of QR1,680 and leverage a package of benefits including free registration and comprehensive insurance for the first year, free service for three years or 60,000km.All Maxus vehicles can be purchased with the option of in-house financing with special rate interest through NBK Financial Services.The Maxus D90 has accomplished five stars in the ANCAP safety rating making it one of the safest cars in its SUV category. Apart from features such as diamond-shaped stitching, 21-inch wheels, a 3D dashboard and 12.3-inch screen, all seats of Maxus D90 except the driver's seat are now movable –– offering a more flexible interior of the vehicle for passengers.In addition, the intelligent-connected system enables functions such as auto payments, online music, online navigation, remote control and voice interaction.The model will be equipped with a 2.0T turbo-supercharged engine with the maximum power of 224 horsepower. It is also equipped with a 6-speed automatic transmission and 4WD system.D90 uses the popular bigmouth style, with aggressive lattice grid and fashionable LED source in front headlight group. Besides, the new model also equips with six-spoke wheel, showing a sporting style. It adopts a Maxus family-style in interior decoration, with simple central console and fashionable independent LCD screen. Besides, it also adopts a dashboard design equipped with a large-size display screen. It is also equipped with lane-departure warning system, a 360-degree camera system, reversing camera and LED headlights.MAXUS D60 is a medium-sized SUV and offers 7-seat layout. The D60 made its global debut with a 1.5-litre turbocharged engine mated to a seven-speed DCT under its hood. This setup generates a decent 159hp and 250Nm of torque. Its massive octagonal grille up front features a honeycomb-like design. This is flanked by aggressive-looking swept-back headlamps as well as a pair of sporty fog lamps.The D60 also gets a gigantic 8-inch infotainment display up front, complemented by a 12.3-inch full LCD digital instrument panel. As a mid-sized SUV for family, it considers more on practicality in the interior design. A large area of soft material is used above the centre console to highlight the good texture.

Seven science innovators from the Arab world will compete to win the title of top Arab innovator in the latest season of Stars of Science, premiering on September 8. Commemorating its milestone 15th season this year, the TV show has come a long way in promoting STEM innovation in the Arab world and inspiring a new generation of scientists and entrepreneurs. Stars of Science will air every Friday and Saturday from September 8 to October, 20 on five channels in the region and online. Hosted at the Qatar Science & Technology Park (QSTP), a member of Qatar Foundation (QF), the show’s continued success is also a testament to QF’s ethos of always being at the forefront in catalysing social progress and change in the Arab world. Yosouf al-Salehi, executive director, QSTP, said: “We are proud to have played our part in creating history with SOS. Hosting the programme is a testament to our ongoing commitment to advancing science and technology, propelling the region towards a sustainable and prosperous future. “The show has not only created a great impact in the media industry within the region, but its strong record of empowering talented entrepreneurs has resulted in economic value and in the expansion of networks within academia, industry, and governments, which is crucial in supporting the upcoming generations of Arab innovators.” In addition to long-time juror Prof Fouad Mrad, Season 15 is also proud to welcome Dr Sara Buhmaid as a new jury member. A practising Qatari obstetrician and gynaecologist at Sidra Medicine, Dr Buhmaid said: “I have been a keen follower of the show all these years, and it’s an honour for me to be part of the Stars of Science jury. What impresses me the most about Stars of Science is its mission to foster Arab innovators and its ecosystem of ground-breaking technologies and expertise. I strongly believe the next big thing will be Arab-made." The STEM field has long been prone to a worldwide gender imbalance, and Stars of Science has worked consciously to give equal opportunities to women. Sumaya al-Siyabi, an Omani scientist and a mother-of-three, was the first female winner of Stars of Science, representing the immense talent and potential of Arab women. Participating in season 14, al-Siyabi presented a floating device for the remediation and disposal of microplastics polluting our oceans and seas. Starting out in 2009, the show first premiered on 17 national channels around the Arab region. It became available online in 2013, and its last season reached a total of over 24mn views. With an alumni community of 161 members from 18 Arab countries, the innovators on Stars of Science demonstrate how they are guided by a strong urge to find tangible solutions to the most pressing demands our world faces.