Qatar

Qatar Airways will sponsor the 2023 edition of the Doha Jewellery and Watches Exhibition (DJWE), one of the longest-running and most anticipated events in Qatar’s annual social calendar.The “unique” business-to-consumer event held annually in the Gulf region is expected to attract more than 30,000 visitors to Qatar from around the world.DJWE this year will run for six days, starting February 20 to 25 at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre in Qatar, where visitors will marvel at the exquisite craftsmanship of over 500 globally admired jewellery and watch brands during the event.Speaking at a recent media event to announce this year’s DJWE, Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, HE Akbar al-Baker said, “Doha Jewellery and Watches Exhibition is just the beginning of a fabulous February with a unique calendar of events one after the other starting with the announcement of the 19th edition of the DJWE, one of the longest-running and most anticipated events in Qatar’s annual programme of national events. “Our aim is getting February off to a flying start announcing sponsorship deals designed to build on the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 legacy along with special holiday packages designed to promote destination Doha and celebrate Doha based events.”Al-Baker highlighted some of the major events coming to Doha this year, starting with a “fabulous” February calendar and introduced innovative packages to support tourism to Qatar with a number of world class events throughout 2023. Details will be available on the website along with promotional codes.Women’s Tennis – The annual Qatar TotalEnergies Open takes place from February 13 to 18 featuring many of the world’s best female tennis players.On February 14, Valentine’s Day, Egyptian singer Amr Diab will be at Nammos Beach Club at Al Maha Island for a special performance.Men’s tennis - The annual Qatar ExxonMobil Open, which takes place from February 20 – 26 attracting some of the top talent in the men’s game.Then a beautiful tribute to Arabian horses takes place from February 23 – 25 when the Commercial Bank CHI Al Shaqab Presented by Longines 2023 featuring some of the best local and international equestrian athletes visits Doha.Later in February, Qatar Airways will be co-hosting an “exceptional event” that is a prelude to the Qatar Formula 1 Grand Prix taking place in October.In line with Qatar’s 2030 vision to achieve its goal of welcoming 6mn visitors a year by 2030, Qatar Airways extends its efforts to help shape Qatar’s vision in developing its leisure and hospitality scene by attracting more tourists to Qatar.The airline has shown its support during February by offering “special” promotional packages to all its passengers.

General Retirement and Social Insurance Authority (GRSIA) is participating in the 53rd meeting of the permanent technical committee for civil retirement and social security bodies in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), which is hosted by the State of Kuwait from Feb 6 to 8, 2023.The delegation of the authority is headed by the director of the contributor's department, Ali Abdullah Al Kuwari, in the presence of members of the Technical Committee at the meeting, which includes on its agenda fifteen items, most notably of which are the procedures binding employers to pay contributions, statistical indicators to apply the unified system for extending insurance protection, the challenges related to the payment of subscriptions with banks, and the challenges of the initiative of the work plan of the committee of heads of civil retirement and social insurance agencies.The meeting will discuss several other initiatives, including the review and update of the unified system for extending insurance protection, updating a comparative study of civil retirement and social insurance systems, the electronic link initiative between civil retirement and social insurance agencies and the unified annual awareness campaign, training and rehabilitation, coordination and participation in international events, and the development of collection mechanisms.The meeting will also review the challenges related to the payment of subscriptions with banks, and periodic seminars initiative. The meeting also discussed some proposals such as the award of civil pension and social insurance funds for scientific research and honouring leading figures in the field of civil pension and social insurance, in addition to topics submitted by member states.It is to be mentioned that the meeting of the technical committee for civil retirement and social security bodies in the GCC is held periodically among the GCC member states, and its works are of great importance. It solidifies the common vision and the essential procedures that are put before the meeting of the GCC heads of the civil retirement and social insurance agencies to take the appropriate decisions.

Secretary-General of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Hissein Brahim Taha met with HE Director of the Department of International Organisations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Ali bin Khalfan Al Mansouri.During the meeting, they discussed bilateral cooperation relations between the State of Qatar and OIC.The OIC Secretary-General praised Qatar's continued support for joint Islamic action and its active role within the organisation.

As part of preparations for the Qatar Cup 2023, the Qatar Stars League (QSL) held a technical meeting for the semifinals on Tuesday.Representatives of the four competing clubs (Al Sadd, Al Duhail, Al Wakrah and Al Arabi) participated in the meeting, which discussed the organisational matters and procedures for match day operations; approval of jersey colours and kits (main and reserve); emphasis on tournament format and regulations, as in the event of a tie, penalty kicks will straightaway be enforced without extra time.It may be noted that both semifinals will be held on Thursday, Feb 9, 2023. Holders Al Sadd face Al Arabi at 16:40 and Al Duhail face Al Wakrah at 19:45 pm.

HE Minister of Transport Jassim bin Saif Al Sulaiti met in New Delhi with Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways of the Republic of India Shri Sarbananda Sonowal.The two ministers reviewed Qatar-India cooperation ties in the areas of commercial ports and discussed ways to enhance bilateral economic partnership in maritime navigation services.At the meeting, the two sides agreed on expanding the scope of the network of navigation lines that connect Hamad Port with India, and which currently stands at six seaports in India: Mundra, Kandla, Cochin, Tuticorin, Nhava Sheva and Hariza.Charge d'Affairs at the Embassy of the State of Qatar to India Ali bin Mohammed Al Badi attended the meeting.

Qatar has called on the countries, especially those with bigger capabilities in the field of outer space, to reaffirm their commitments and to carry their space activities in accordance with the international law and the international rules and regulations to ensure the use of outer space in a sustainable manner and exclusively for peaceful purposes.This came in the statement of Qatar delivered, by Acting Charge d'Affairs of the Permanent Mission of the State of Qatar to the United Nations and International Organisations in Vienna Jamal bin Abdulrahman Al Jaber, before the 60th session of the Scientific and Technical Subcommittee of the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space, currently held in Vienna.In its statement, Qatar affirmed that the current tense international atmosphere and the escalated arms race deepen the international community's concerns about the possibility of the arms race moving to outer space, especially with the increasing number of space-faring countries.The statement referred to Qatar's National Vision 2030, pointing to Qatar's interest in expanding and utilising space technology for the purposes of sustainable social and economic development, preparing national experts in space science and technology and integrating space science and technology into its national space programs and plans.The statement indicated that Qatar University, in cooperation with international partners and with the support of the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, launched in September 2022 the "Global Space Challenge for Sustainability" contest with the aim of achieving a number of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 2030 through the use of modern technology and space exploration as a driving force in the global efforts to meet the challenges facing the sustainability of life on Earth.It also pointed out that the College of Business and Economics at Qatar University is in the process of establishing a laboratory for space science innovations to serve as a nucleus for establishing the pillars of the space economy.The statement, further said that in addition to the peaceful use of outer space in the field of communications, Qatar has signed a joint cooperation project with the US Space Agency "NASA" to design and launch a specialised scientific satellite to study climate; the effects of climate change; groundwater resources and their properties at a depth of 50 meters from the earth's surface; and measuring the impact of rising sea levels on the desert and dry regions, which include the Arabian Peninsula and North Africa in addition to several other tasks related to addressing climate change and promoting sustainable development. The satellite is expected to be launched in 2025, the statement added.Furthermore, Qatar underlined the pivotal role of the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs in the exploration and peaceful use of outer space for economic, social, scientific and environmental development purposes, especially for the benefit of developing countries.

His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani inaugurated the Mohammed Bin Ghanem Al Ghanem Maritime Academy Tuesday at Al Shamal region.His Highness the Amir turned the helm, signaling the opening, and listened to an explanation about the building's units and its various modern facilities and equipment, such as the search and rescue building and the damage inventory building.During his tour, the Amir was briefed on the latest technological means in the education field and practical and scientific development used in the academy.His Highness the Amir was accompanied by HE the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defence Affairs Dr Khalid bin Mohamed al-Attiyah, HE Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces Staff Lieutenant General (Pilot) Salem bin Hamad bin Aqeel al-Nabit, HE Commander of Mohammed Bin Ghanem Al Ghanem Maritime Academy Rear Admiral Khalid bin Nasser al-Hajri, several security leaders, and senior officials.

Qatar Red Crescent Society (QRCS) announced the death of four personnel from its representation mission in Turkiye, who were operating in Syria, as a result of the devastating earthquakes that struck both countries on Monday.The deceased are Nisreen al-Hussein (psychosocial support professional at Salqin Clinic in Syria), Doaa Yasser Ramadan (health system support pharmacist in Syria), Mustafa al-Daghim (mobile clinic field officer at Al-Andalus Camp), and Mohannad Youssef al-Aali (driver in Azmarin town).Other personnel of the mission lost family members in Turkiye and Syria because of the earthquake-caused destruction of residential buildings in the affected areas, a QRCS statement explained.QRCS secretary-general Ali bin Hassan al-Hammadi expressed his deep sorrow for the devastation caused by the earthquake, and the thousands of casualties, including four employees of QRCS’ representation mission in Turkiye. He extended his condolences to the families of the deceased, the two sister National Societies, and the Turkish and Syrian nations in this painful affliction.Al-Hammadi said: “The tragedy affected some QRCS’ personnel working in Syria, as well as their families. To all of us, the agony is double, with the loss of dear colleagues who spared no effort to deliver humanitarian aid to the unfortunate people of Syria. Amid such an appalling tragedy, let’s pray for the deceased, the injured, the grieved nations, and all humanity”.According to him, QRCS would keep supporting the victims both in Syria and Turkiye, to relieve and help them overcome the ordeal.QRCS has already activated its emergency operations room and launched a $10mn fundraising campaign to provide more humanitarian aid. QRCS’ field personnel in northern Syria are currently distributing the first batch of emergency relief aid, consisting of 4,800 food parcels, for the benefit of the displaced Syrian families most affected by the quake.Pursuant to the directives of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, ordering an airlift from Qatar to Turkiye, QRCS prepared its contingency stock of relief materials in Doha to be deployed to the affected areas, in co-operation with Qatar Amiri Air Force and Qatar Fund for Development.The emergency relief shipment contains 35 tonnes of aid items, including 2,250 heavy blankets, 2,750 light blankets, 1,000 jerrycans, 3,000 mosquito nets, 2,000 tarpaulins, 500 shelter maintenance kits, and 1,360 family hygiene kits.

HE Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani held a telephone conversation with Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Turkey Mevlut Cavusoglu.HE the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs expressed, during the call, the State of Qatar's condolences on the victims of the earthquake that struck several provinces in southeastern Turkey, praying the Almighty Allah to have mercy upon them, grant them paradise, and inspire their families with patience and solace.His Excellency also expressed Qatar's support for the Republic of Turkey in mitigating the serious humanitarian repercussions left by the earthquake, wishing the injured a speedy recovery.

HE Minister of State for Energy Affairs Eng. Saad bin Sherida Al Kaabi met Tuesday with Minister for Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade of the Republic of Finland Ville Skinnari.Discussions during the meeting dealt with energy relations and cooperation between Qatar and Finland and means to enhance them.

During winter, Qataris head to the desert to set up camp to enjoy the cold winter weather and the enchanting Qatari desert as an escape from the overwhelming noise of the city.The people of Qatar are keen to design their camps by putting their own unique touches from their heritage with furnishings that symbolise the Qatari heritage.The Qatari culture is clearly reflected through the traditional aesthetic of the tent, which is traditionally called (bayt al sha'ar). For instance, Arabic coffee (gahwa) is made in the traditional way, while the youngest in the camp serves the coffee to the elders in the specific traditional way, holding the pot (da'la) in the left hand and the cup (finj'an) in the right hand. The youngest makes their way to the guest to place dates, sweets, nuts, called (fwa'la) in front of them, whilst offering to pour and serve guests the Arabic coffee.According to environmental expert Dr. Saif Al Hajri, in a statement to Qatar News Agency (QNA), the environmental culture in Qatar extends back to the era of the ancestors who were close to the environment and derived from it their resources of water and the treatment found in some wild plants and trees. Additionally, they benefited from the shade of trees to escape from the scorching sun, so they cared about preserving the environment. Through them, the culture of caring for the environment and preserving it from vandalism and tampering has reached us today, especially during the winter camping season, which is the most popular season for camping. We find that camp owners are committed to maintaining the cleanliness of camping sites due to environmental procedures and laws set by the concerned authorities represented by the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change and the Ministry of Municipality to preserve the environment.He added that if we compare the last two decades in terms of caring for the environment, we will find that there is a noticeable improvement, as everyone who goes out to the desert is keen on keeping the place clean. Although there are individual actions by some, the majority are keen on preserving the cleanliness of the Qatari environment, which appeared during this season in its best form in terms of green areas, plants and grass growing in the natural landscape. For his part, Mohammed Al Juhani, a specialist in the preparation of Arabic coffee, said in a similar statement to QNA that they learned how to prepare Arabic coffee from their fathers and ancestors, and it was passed from generation to generation. He explained that Qataris and the people of the Gulf in general are keen on providing Arabic coffee in their gatherings and travels, noting that the authenticity of the Qatari heritage is clearly present in the camping sites that were previously announced by the concerned authorities. Heritage touches are prominent in those camps whose tents are designed in the traditional style.As for preparing Arabic coffee, Al Juhani explained that coffee beans are roasted on fire to give it a blond or dark brown color. Afterward, it is grinded and placed in hot water with the rest of the ingredients such as cardamom, ginger, cloves, and saffron. Al Juhani pointed out that Arabic coffee is prepared in the Qatari majlis and in the camps, as it symbolises the generosity and hospitality that characterises all Arab people.Camp owner Hamad Saud said that the camps are considered an outlet for families and young people, pointing out that the customs, traditions and heritage of Qatar are present in such camps.According to camp owner Ali Hamad, winter camps in Qatar are characterised by the presence of tents that symbolise the longevity of the Qatari, Gulf and Arab heritage in general. Those who utilise these camps, especially the elderly, prefer the tents, which bring back memories of the days they spent in the middle of the desert with their parents and grandparents in tents they erected with their own hands and lived in while moving in the vast desert of Qatar in search of pastures and water sources. Monsour Mohammed, a visitor to one of the camps, said that the winter camps are considered a major destination for elderly parents and others, and some citizens use them to hold events and to receive guests in a traditional atmosphere that is not devoid of the authenticity of the Qatari heritage, far from the hustle of the city and its costs. Additionally, some camp owners invite visitors from different nationalities to visit their camps and inform them about the Qatari heritage.

Qatar Charity's field teams began distributing urgent relief aid to those affected by the earthquake that struck southern Turkey and the Syrian interior, in conjunction with its launch of an urgent relief campaign entitled "Relief for the earthquake victims - Turkey and Syria."In response to the urgent humanitarian needs, 27,000 hot food meals have been distributed equally to those affected by the earthquake between Syria and Turkey, and preparations are underway to implement 30 relief convoys that include food and non-food items.

His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani patronised the graduation ceremony of the first batch of cadets of Mohammed Bin Ghanem Al Ghanem Maritime Academy, at the Academy's headquarters in Al-Shamal Tuesday.The ceremony was attended by HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Khalid bin Khalifa bin Abdulaziz al-Thani, and a number of sheikhs, minister, dignitaries, heads of diplomatic missions and military attaches accredited to the state, and senior security and military leaders in a number of brotherly and friendly countries.The ceremony was also attended by a number of senior officers of the Ministry of Defence, the Ministry of Interior, the Amiri Guard, the State Security, the Internal Security Force (Lekhwiya), guardians of graduates and guests.The national anthem was played at the beginning of the ceremony. Then the commander of the graduates' queue came forward requesting His Highness the Amir to inspect the queue of the 64 graduates from Qatar.After reciting verses from the Holy Quran and the march of the graduates' queue and the military parade, the Amir honoured the eight outstanding graduates. After that, the flag was handed over from the first batch to the second batch, and the appointment order was read out.At the end of the ceremony, officers of the first batch took the oath and recited the college anthem.

HE Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Khalid bin Khalifa bin Abdulaziz Al-Thani sent a cable of condolences to President of the Republic of Turkey Recep Tayyip Erdogan on the victims of the earthquake that struck several provinces in southern Turkey, wishing the injured a speedy recovery.

His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani sent a cable of condolences to President of the Republic of Turkey Recep Tayyip Erdogan on the victims of the earthquake that struck several provinces in southern Turkey, wishing the injured a speedy recovery.

His Highness the Deputy Amir Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad Al-Thani sent a cable of condolences to President of the Republic of Turkey Recep Tayyip Erdogan on the victims of the earthquake that struck several provinces in southern Turkey, wishing the injured a speedy recovery.

After its success during the FIFA World Cup and hosting over half a million visitors, Al Maha Island continues to carry out its entertainment activities and brings a lineup of events this February that you do not want to miss.With a diverse range of activities and events, including dining experiences, family-friendly outings, and adrenaline-fueled nights, the latest entertainment hotspot has something for everyone.Amr Diab and Dj Rodge at Nammos Beach ClubDon't miss the party of the month! On February 14, legendary singer Amr Diab will hit the stage at Nammos Doha, performing his iconic hits and serenading the crowd with his soulful melodies. With DJ Rodge also joining the party and bringing the beats, this event is set to be a night of non-stop entertainment. With a capacity of 1,500 people, this is the perfect opportunity to dance, sing along, and celebrate the occasion. Don't miss your chance to experience a legendary night of music and fun with Amr Diab and DJ Rodge!The Weekend Extravaganza at Billionaire Nader Al Atat – Bringing the best of Arabic hits, get ready to experience the vibrant energy of the Lebanese superstar. 60’s Show at Al Maha Drive The 60's Show at Al Maha Drive is a nostalgic tribute to the iconic era of the 1960s. Whether you lived through it or just love the music and style, the 60's Show at Al Maha Drive is an unforgettable experience that brings the golden age to life. Get ready to relive the music, dance, and excitement of this amazing era!Spanish Fever at TATEL Immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere, savor the delicious flavors of authentic Spanish dishes, and enjoy the sounds of traditional Spanish music.

HE the Minister of Public Health Dr Hanan Mohamed al-Kuwari said that the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 represented a unique event in the history of football World Cups as the safest and healthiest tournament ever. During her participation at the second Sport for Health Steering Committee meeting in Geneva, HE Dr al-Kuwari said: "The FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 was a unique event in the history of FIFA World Cups for many reasons, one of which is that this was the safest and healthiest World Cup ever. I am proud of the achievements of the Sport for Health partnership and its positive impact on the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022."This unique partnership was a major factor in helping Qatar deliver the healthiest and safest FIFA World Cup in history. I extend my thanks to all staff and to the leaders of WHO, FIFA and the SC for their commitment today to working together to ensure we pass on the lessons learned from this experience to organisers of future mega sporting events." HE the Secretary-General of the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy, Hassan al-Thawadi, said: "Qatar's vision for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 was always clear: to deliver the best edition of the tournament in its 93-year history, gather the world in the Middle East for the first time in a global celebration, and deliver a sustainable and impactful legacy for Qatar, the region and the world. Set against the challenges of Covid-19, we achieved all this, and more."Throughout, the Sport for Health partnership has not only been a key pillar in delivering the healthiest World Cup ever but also in ensuring that best practices were developed and shared for future mega-events. We look forward to sharing that knowledge, contributing to the success of future events around the world, and adding to the profound legacy that our world cup leaves behind."The meeting, which brought together the Ministry of Public Health, WHO, FIFA and SC, discussed the wide range of health actions delivered to date by the Sport for Health partners under three key pillars: Health Promotion; Health Security; and Health Communications. In October 2021, the four organisations signed a unique three-year partnership to make the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 a beacon for physical and mental health promotion, and a model for ensuring future mega sport events are healthy and safe. Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO director-general, chaired the Steering Committee meeting.

Weather inshore until 6 pm on Tuesday will be moderate temperature during daytime with slight dust at times and some clouds, the Department of Meteorology said in its daily weather report.Offshore will be hazy at times with some clouds, the report added, warning of expected strong wind and high sea.Wind inshore will be southeasterly to southwesterly 05 to 15 knot gusting to 20 knot shifts to northwesterly by night.Offshore, it will be southeasterly to southwesterly 08 to 18 knot gusting to 25 knot at times, becoming northwesterly by night.Visibility will be 4 to 8 kilometres.Sea state inshore will be 2 to 3 FT rising to 4 FT by night. Offshore it will be 2 to 5 FT rising to 8 FT at times.

Several government girls' schools have started holding various activities for the students and staff as part of the preparations for National Sport Day.Local Arabic daily 'Arrayah' reports that these activities also engage the parents of students to encourage all to adopt a healthier lifestyle. Speaking to the daily, some school directors said the exercises and activities include aerobics, field visits to some sports clubs, mini marathons, and athletics tournaments both within and outside schools, in addition to football, volleyball, handball and walking, among others. They stressed that it is an excellent opportunity to enhance the love of sports among the students, staff and their families. Further, the featured programmes will enhance the spirit of co-operation and sharing among the students, besides highlighting the importance of being active community members. They also expect this would eventually reflect positively on the academic and social performance of the students.