tag

Pakistan has declared two days of local holidays in the capital at short notice from Thursday, authorities said, ahead of talks between the United States and Iran due to take place in Islamabad.No reason was given in the notification issued by the Islamabad district administration late Wednesday, but authorities in the capital have often announced holidays or restrictions for security reasons ahead of high-profile diplomatic events.Pakistan has been preparing for high-stakes talks involving US and Iranian representatives over the war in the Middle East, with the White House saying Vice President JD Vance will be leading a team to the negotiations in Islamabad "this weekend".The holidays on Thursday and Friday apply only to the Islamabad Capital Territory, the notice posted by Islamabad's district commissioner on Wednesday said.

Ali Bin Ali Holidays (ABA Holidays) has announced the launch of it’s first-ever Holidays Kiosk at 21 High Street, Katara, marking a milestone in the company’s journey to bring personalised travel experiences closer to its customers.Under the theme *We Build The Trip, You Live The Story, the new kiosk is designed as an exclusive travel hub, where visitors can explore curated vacation packages, seasonal offers, and destination inspirations with the support of professional travel consultants.The initiative reflects Ali Bin Ali Holidays’ vision to make travel planning more accessible, interactive, and inspiring for everyone, a statement said.The launch event featured an evening programme graced by ambassadors of countries including Colombia, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Kazakhstan, Uganda, and Uzbekistan.“Travel is about living a story worth telling,” said Ali Bin Ali International Travel & Tourism general manager Nadeem Ulde.“With the launch of our Holidays Kiosk, we are giving our customers a space where imagination meets expertise, where they can dream, plan, and embark on journeys that truly enrich their lives,” he said. “We are thrilled to bring our passion for travel to the heart of Katara.”“When we build your trip, your get a refined perspective to world exploration in an easier, personalised, and more memorable manner; thereby living the story,” Ulde added.Over the next few months, Ali Bin Ali Holidays and the tourism authorities of various countries will be launching weekly installations to promote exceptional destinations and packages during the winter season including getaways to South Korea, Morocco, Colombia, Hong Kong, Cuba, and Sri Lanka. More information is available from www.alibinalitravel.com or +974 31490333. 

As students are set to resume classes soon for the new school year after the long summer holidays, tailoring shops at Al Ali Market have been enjoying brisk business to finish the orders for school uniforms and thobes (Qatari traditional dress for men) and other accessories.Local Arabic daily Arrayah reported that a number of Qataris have stressed their keenness to accompany their children to the tailors' shops to have new uniforms tailored and purchased, noting that prices are generally stable compared to the previous year.A considerable number of tailors and shop owners confirmed that the price of a thobe varies depending on whether it is ready-made or custom-tailored, in addition to the type and quality of fabric, whether it is light or heavy.They pointed out that some shops work until late at night during this period of the year to deliver thobes and school uniforms before the start of the academic year. They also noted the availability of different types of accessories, pointing out that the price of a thobe ranges between QR70 and QR140 depending on the size and quality.Mohamed Abdullah, owner of a tailoring shop in Al Ali Market, noted that many prefer to have thobes custom-tailored for their children so as to get a proper and comfortable fit.As for the most popular fabrics, he said that certain types of Japanese fabric, suitable for high temperatures during most months of the year is sought after by customers. He added that shops work until late at night to ensure timely delivery of the thobes, while demand increases significantly just a few days before the start of the school year, as many parents have returned recently from vacation.Mubarak al-Mansouri, a parent, confirmed that he has been going to the same tailoring shop in Al Ali Market for almost 15 years, noting that fabric prices vary depending on the type. He added that tailoring a thobe usually takes between three to four days.Mohammed Bu Rashid, who came with his children to have school thobes tailored in preparation for the new academic year, explained that the market offers all types of fabrics used for tailoring thobes. He added that prices have remained stable and affordable.He pointed out that people generally prefer light, bright white fabrics as they are most suitable for the hot weather. In addition, the appropriate accessories are selected for each child according to his height and preferences.