pu

bl TA 978
Q since
is
GULF TIMES

A 1
he R
d
in
SUNDAY Vol. XXXXV No. 13001
May 5, 2024
Shawwal 26, 1445 AH
www.gulf-times.com 2 Riyals

Follow us on
www.gulf-times.com
gulftimes
g
GulfTimes_QATAR
G
gulftimes
g
GulftimesVideos
G

Helmy is QNB Group PM meets French Minister of Armed Forces

brand ambassador
QNB Group, the largest financial
institution in the Middle East and
Africa, has announced the signing
Hamas ‘won’t
agree to truce
of renowned actor Ahmed Helmy
as its new brand ambassador.
The announcement comes
in line with the Group’s vision
and the values of innovation

if it doesn’t
and excellence reflected by its
brand. In his new role, Helmy
will strengthen QNB’s image as
a leading financial institution
committed to providing the best
customer experience, attracting
a new customer base, supporting
the Group’s vision and brand and
building customer relationships, a
statement said. Business Page 1
end the war’
AFP are expected for an actual deal,”
Russia attacks Gaza Strip the Israeli official cautioned.
Previous negotiations stalled
Ukraine regions in part on Hamas’s demand for a

Russian attacks on Ukraine’s
Kharkiv and Dnipro regions
and the Black Sea port city of
Odesa killed at least two civilians,
set a food factory ablaze and
damaged other infrastructure,
homes and commercial buildings
yesterday, regional officials
said. President Volodymyr
Zelensky said Russia had used
eight missiles of various kinds
and nearly 70 guided aerial
bombs against communities
and frontline positions during
the day, after Ukraine’s air force
downed 13 Shahed drones that
targeted the Kharkiv and Dnipro
regions overnight.
Sadiq Khan wins
record third term
London’s Labour mayor Sadiq
Khan yesterday won a record
third term after easily defeating
Conservative challenger Susan
Hall, UK media said after all the
capital’s districts reported their
results. The son of Pakistani
migrants and the first Muslim
mayor of a Western capital
when first elected in 2016, Khan,
53, becomes London’s first
leader to secure three terms
since the post was created in
2000. Page 9
Death toll in Brazil
flood rises to 58
The death toll from floods
and mudslides triggered by
torrential storms in southern
Brazil has climbed to 58 people,
with the major city of Porto
Alegre particularly hard-hit, the
country’s civil defence agency
said yesterday. The deaths
included two people who died
in an explosion at a flooded gas
station in Porto Alegre where
rescue crews were attempting
to refuel, said an AFP journalist
who witnessed the blast. Page 11
Pakistan’s ‘wettest
April’ in 63 years
Pakistan experienced its “wettest
April since 1961”, receiving more
than twice as much rain as usual
for the month, the country’s
weather agency said in a report.
April rainfall was recorded at
59.3mm, “excessively above”
the normal average of 22.5mm,
Pakistan’s metrology department
said in its monthly climate
report. There were at least 144
deaths in thunderstorms and
house collapses due to heavy
A
senior Hamas official in- lasting ceasefire and Israeli Prime
sisted late yesterday that Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s
the group would “not agree repeated vows to crush the group’s
under any circumstances” to a remaining fighters in the south-
truce in Gaza that did not explic- ern city of Rafah, which is flooded HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohamed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim
itly include a complete end to the with displaced civilians. al-Thani yesterday met with French Minister of the Armed Forces Sebastien Lecornu, who is visiting the
war. The prospect of an assault on country. The meeting dealt with bilateral co-operation and ways to further enhance and develop relations.
The official, who asked not to be Rafah has sparked deepening in- It also discussed the latest developments in the Gaza Strip and the occupied Palestinian territories,
named, also accused Israeli Prime ternational concern. particularly regional and international efforts for an immediate ceasefire, the release of prisoners and
Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel’s military offensive has hostages, and the sustainable entry of sufficient humanitarian aid across the Gaza Strip. (QNA)
“personally hindering” efforts to killed at least 34,654 people in
reach a truce agreement due to Gaza, mostly women and children,
“personal interests”.
Talks resumed in Egypt yester-
according to the health ministry.
Gaza’s civil defence agency and German army’s Qatar joins Madrid Protocol
day aimed at halting months of hospitals reported more deaths 6,000 meetings
war in Gaza that have triggered from Israeli strikes in Rafah as well for trademark registration
protests around the world. as areas farther north. laid bare online
Mediators from Qatar, Egypt The United Nations says more
and the United States sat down than 70% of Gaza’s residential Germany’s army faced more
with a Hamas delegation to hear buildings have been completely or questions over security
the group’s response to a proposal partly destroyed, and rebuilding lapses after the Zeit Online
that would halt fighting for 40 will require an effort unseen since news website yesterday
days and exchange hostages for the aftermath of World War II. reported that thousands
Palestinian prisoners, according Accepting a ceasefire deal with of its meetings were freely
to details released by Britain. Israel should be a “no-brainer” for accessible online.
Israel has yet to send a delega- Hamas, US Secretary of State An- Federal prosecutors are
tion to Cairo, with a top official tony Blinken said late Friday. already investigating a
telling AFP that it would do so only The World Health Organisation secret army conversation
if there was “positive movement” says 1.2mn people, half of the Gaza on the Ukraine war that was
on the proposed framework. Strip’s population, have sought wiretapped and ended up
“Tough and long negotiations refuge in Rafah. on Russian social media in
March.
The latest security flaw
that Zeit Online reported
on again concerned the
online video-conference
tool Webex, a popular public
platform for audio and video
meetings, with additional
security buffers built in.
Zeit Online said it had been
able to access Germany army
meetings by using simple
search terms on the platform.
“More than 6,000 meetings
could be found online,”
some of which were meant
to be classified, it wrote.
Sensitive issue covered Qatar has submitted the instrument of its accession to the Madrid
A demonstrator flashes the victory sign during a pro-Palestinian included the long-range System for International Trademark Registration to the World
demonstration at Columbus Square in Vienna, Austria yesterday, under Taurus missiles that Ukraine Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO).
the slogan ‘Together for Palestine - ceasefire right now!’. (AFP) has been calling for, and the This came during the meeting of Director General of the WIPO Daren
issue of online warfare. Tang with the Permanent Representative of Qatar to the UN Office in
5 Palestinians killed in Israeli raid Online meeting rooms Geneva Dr Hind Abdulrahman al-Muftah.
attributed to 248,000 Madrid Protocol aims to providing international legal protection for
Israeli forces killed five Palestinians, including four fighters from the German soldiers were easy trademarks through submitting the request in one country.
Hamas, in an overnight raid near the city of Tulkarm in the occupied West to detect thanks to weak It is an important step for Qatari companies and entrepreneurs,
Bank, Palestinian and Israeli officials said yesterday. online design that lacked pursuing to globally expand the protection for their trademarks as well
Hamas confirmed that four of the men killed during the raid in Deir al- even password protection, as their intellectual property.
Ghusun village were from its al-Qassam armed wing. The Palestinian health Zeit Online added. That The step comes within a series of Qatar-led initiatives as part of the
ministry said their bodies had been taken by the Israeli military. allowed its reporters to find Qatar National Vision 2030 to strengthen the frameworks of intellectual
There was no information about the fifth man, whose body was too the online meeting room of property rights protection, in pursuit of building an attractive economy
disfigured for immediate identification, the Palestinian health ministry in air force chief Ingo Gerhartz. for foreign investments. (QNA)
the West Bank said.
UNGA Presidents Council calls for immediate truce

rains. Page 11
Bolsonaro discharged
Former Brazilian president Jair
Bolsonaro had to be hospitalised
for a brief period yesterday in the
Brazilian northern city of Manaus
due to a skin infection caused
by a bacteria, his spokesperson
Fabio Wajngarten told Reuters.
Bolsonaro had erysipelas,
according to Wajngarten, a skin
disease he had already been
infected with in November 2022,
after losing a bid for re-election
to leftist Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva
in the month before.
T
he President of the 66th
United Nations General As-
sembly (UNGA) Nassir bin
Abdulaziz al-Nasser said that the
meeting of the UNGA Presidents
Council, which was held in Doha
over two days and concluded its
work with the “Doha Declaration”,
touched on all the sensitive and
urgent issues in the world, most
notably the difficult humanitarian
crisis in the Gaza Strip.
In remarks to Qatar News Agen-
cy, he said Qatar believes in the
importance of the United Nations
and its role in addressing various
important issues and crises in the
world. He pointed out that this
meeting confirmed Qatar’s com-
mitment and its continued en-
deavour to enhance international
peace and security and mutual
understanding in various fields.
Al-Nasser also explained that
the Doha Declaration called for
an immediate and permanent
ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, pro-
viding more humanitarian and
relief aid, and beginning to ad-
dress the Palestinian issue in
accordance with international
legitimacy resolutions, and rec-
ognising the Palestinian state on
the 1967 borders with East Jeru-
salem as its capital. The UNGA
Presidents requested the UN
secretary-general to put forward
a comprehensive peace initiative
based on the two-state solution
and present an action plan to be-
gin doing so, he added.
Al-Nasser noted that the Doha
Declaration referred to the ongo-
ing conflict in Sudan, especially
the deteriorating humanitar-
ian situation in this country, and
called on the international com-
munity to support UN efforts to
respond more effectively to the
crisis there, adding the meetings
have also touched on the need to
achieve a just and lasting peace
in Ukraine, in addition to the is-
sues of climate change, artificial
intelligence and cybersecurity, in
addition to discussing the future
summit scheduled to be held at
the beginning of the next session
of the UNGA next September.
“The world has changed since
1945, which requires amending
the UN Charter and restructur-
ing it to find solutions to the is-
sues and crises it is witnessing,
especially since the Charter was
adopted after World War II,”
he said. The Doha Declaration
praised Qatar and its wise lead-
ership, and noted its important
role in resolving various disputes
and conflicts, and the multiple
mediations it carries out at the
regional and global levels, he
said.
Concluding his remarks to
QNA, he emphasised that Qa-
tar is one of the most important
countries supporting the UN work
in various fields, and one of the
most prominent supporters of the
United Nations Relief and Works
Agency for Palestine Refugees
in the Near East (UNRWA), and
refugee issues, in addition to its
continuous work in crime preven-
tion and drug prevention issues,
among others, which earned Qatar
a good reputation and great cred-
ibility that it enjoys today interna-
tionally. (QNA) Page 2
2 Gulf Times
Sunday, May 5, 2024

QATAR
UNGA Presidents Council expresses gratitude Al-Muraikhi meets Pakistani Deputy PM
to the Amir for hosting its meeting in Doha
The United Nation General Assembly (UNGA) Presidents Council has expressed sincere gratitude to His
Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani for the generous hosting of the council meeting that
culminated in the ‘Doha Declaration’, praising the mediation efforts undertaken by Qatar around the world.
Addressing the closing session of the meeting, the President of the 66th Session of the UNGA, Nassir Abdulaziz
al-Nasser extended thanks to the participants in the meeting, praising the important role of the presidents of
the General Assembly in directing collective efforts towards a peaceful and prosperous world.
In his speech, al-Nasser highlighted the Future Summit slated for September, pointing that it will be and
important commitment of the world leaders to protect the interests of future generations. The summit also
emphasises the importance of long-term vision and planning, taking into account the interconnection between
global challenges such as climate change, equality, and technological progress, he added.
He also explained that Qatar considers enhancing safe and trustworthy artificial intelligence systems to be
crucial to achieving sustainable development goals and effectively addressing global challenges, emphasising
the importance of comprehensive governance frameworks and international co-operation to ensure the
responsible use of artificial intelligence, overcome disparities in the digital world, and ensure equitable access
to the benefits of this technology, especially for developing countries.
The UNGA Presidents Council expressed its full support for President of the current session of the United HE the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Sultan bin Saad al-Muraikhi met yesterday with Deputy Prime
Nations General Assembly Dennis Francis, and agreed to meet at the United Nations Headquarters in New York Minister and Foreign Minister of Pakistan Mohammad Ishaq Dar on the sidelines of the 15th Islamic
next September in conjunction with the Future Summit, and to hold its next annual meeting in the Republic of Summit Conference, which is being held in the Gambian capital Banjul. The meeting reviewed bilateral
Korea next October. (QNA) co-operation. (QNA)

10th edition of Senyar Festival concludes

Visit Qatar set for ATM 2024
V
isit Qatar will be partici-
pating in the 31st edition
of Arabian Travel Market
(ATM) 2024 conference in Dubai
from May 6-9 to showcase up-
coming destinations Qatar offers
to the travel and tourism industry.
Exhibitors will have the op-
portunity to explore new areas in
the tourism market, highlight the
benefits of co-operation, and at-
tract additional investment in the
tourism sector, a statement said
yesterday.
Visit Qatar will lead a diverse
delegation team consisting of 43
representatives of tourism sector,
in the Qatari Pavilion at the Du-
bai World Trade Centre. The Visit
Qatar double-decker stand, spans
over 600sq m with 150sq m for the
upper deck.
The stand has a digital ‘inspi-
ration wall’ featuring videos that
showcase Qatar as a tourist desti-
nation. Visit Qatar, together with
Heenat Salma, present a cultural
area at the stand including four
activities: Sadu weaving, and body
oil making.
These activities highlight Qa-
tar’s rich heritage and traditions,
offering attendees to indulge in lo-
cal, Qatari culture. In addition, the
stand features ‘Visit Qatar Café in
collaboration with Qinwan’.
The Qatar Pavilion will also in-
clude an interactive activity with
an augmented reality device,
Visit Qatar CEO engineer
Abdulaziz Ali al-Mawlawi.
where visitors will be able to take
photos and receive them as sou-
venirs. ATM 2024, considered the
leading travel and trade show for
travel and tourism industry pro-
fessionals both locally and inter-
nationally, is returning under the
theme, ‘Empowering Innovation
- Transforming Travel Through
Entrepreneurship’.
Visit Qatar CEO engineer Ab-
dulaziz Ali al-Mawlawi said: “Qa-
tar has solidified its position as
an attractive tourist destination,
having already welcomed almost
1.7mn visitors since the beginning
of the year.
At Visit Qatar, we believe it is
crucial to increase our participa-
tion in conventions, exhibitions,
and conferences worldwide to
Visit Qatar will
lead a diverse
delegation team
consisting of 43
representatives of
tourism sector, in
the Qatari Pavilion
at the Dubai World
Trade Centre
highlight Qatar’s tourism offer-
ings and future developments, in
line with the Qatar National Vi-
sion 2030 that seeks economic
diversification in the upcoming
years.
By participating in this year’s
edition, we look forward to con-
ducting fruitful discussions and
exchanges with leading indus-
try experts and officials from the
travel and tourism sector in the
region. This will support the tour-
ism industry, stimulate demand,
and attract more investment both
regionally and globally.”
The main objective of ATM 2024
is to facilitate networking between
travel and tourism industry giants
of the Middle East.
With over 1,500 exhibitors, at-
tendees from over 150 countries,
and over 23,000 annual visitors,
ATM is one of the largest travel and
tourism conferences in the world.
The winners of 10th edition
of Senyar Festival were
crowned yesterday by Katara
- the Cultural Village general
manager Prof Khalid bin Ibrahim
al-Sulaiti. The concluding
ceremony at Katara was
attended by participating teams,
a large crowd of the public, and
maritime heritage enthusiasts.
Team Suhail claimed the first
place with 376.66kg, and
fisherman Hamad Ali al-Tamimi
received the trophy and a prize
of QR1mn.
Team Al Zubara secured the
second place with 349.6kg,
and Nasser Khalifa al-Malham
received a prize of QR500,000.
Team Al-Jaryyan won the third
place with 348.5kg, and Hamad
Nasser al-Suwaidi received a
prize of QR300,000.
The ceremony also crowned
the winners of the top three
prizes for the largest fish.
Team Suhail won first place
with a weight of 16.40kg, and
Hamad Ali al-Tamimi received
a prize of QR50,000. Team
Al Khor came in second with
12.40kg, and received a prize
of QR30,000. Team Belhambar
won the third place with 12.25kg,
and fisherman Ali Mohamed
al-Emadi received a prize
of QR20,000. Prof al-Sulaiti
stressed in his address that
Senyar revives the heritage of
the ancestors, recalling their
feats and glories. He pointed out establishing the festival’s role in of Municipality represented by
the significance of the festival reviving the maritime heritage in the Fisheries Department, the
in reviving the traditions of the Qatar and the region. Ministry of Environment and
first generation and embodying The Katara general manager Climate Change, the Social and
their struggles. He expressed thanked all participating entities, Sports Activities Support Fund,
his pride in Senyar’s continued including the Ministry of Interior as well as Al-Kass TV Channels,
success this year, attracting represented by the General Hamad Port, Mesaieed Port,
more youth from Qatar and Directorate of Coasts and Qatar Fish Shop, Senyar Ice
the other GCC countries, Borders Security, the Ministry Factory, Vodafone, and others.

Portuguese Language Day celebrated

By Tawfik Lamari
Staff Reporter

T
he embassies of Angola,
Brazil, Guinea-Bissau, Mo-
zambique and Portugal
yesterday celebrated the World
Portuguese Language Day–2024
in co-operation with Katara – the
Cultural Village and the Transla-
tion and Interpreting Institute
of Hamad Bin Khalifa University
(HBKU) in the presence of resi-
dents from the five countries and
guests.
After a documentary screening
titled ‘Portugal: as never seen be-
fore’, Brazil ambassador Marcelo
Dantas made a presentation titled
‘The expansion of the Portuguese
language and the creation of the
Community of Portuguese Lan-
guage Countries (CPLP)’ where
he spoke about the creation of the
CPLP on July 17, 1996, at the Lis-
bon Constitutive Summit. It com-
prises Brazil, Angola, Cabo Verde,
Guinea-Bissau, Equatorial Guinea,
Mozambique, Portugal, Sao Tome
and Principe, and Timor-Leste.
Founded upon the principle of
solidarity, the community has four
main objectives: political and dip-
lomatic co-ordination; co-opera-
tion in all areas; promotion and dif-
fusion of the Portuguese language,
and economic co-operation.
The community dates back to the
first meeting of the heads of states
(Sao Luis do Maranhao, November
1989), at the initiative of Brazil.
On the occasion, the International
Portuguese Language Institute was
established, with its headquarters
in Praia, Cabo Verde. In 2005, the
Institute was incorporated into
the community as a co-ordination
forum for the promotion and dif-
fusion of the Portuguese language.
Ambassador Dantas highlighted
that the “community is thriving
and that there is no hegemony in
the group as it promotes friendship
and development and we are grate-
ful to Portugal for this great oppor-
tunity to be together.”
In an exclusive statement to
Gulf Times, ambassador Dantas
said: “This day was an opportu-
Ambassador of Brazil Marcelo
Dantas addressing the gathering
yesterday. PICTURES:
Thajudheen
Angolan singer Gelsom Castro
performing at the event.
nity for our countries to get to-
gether and to promote our culture
among the community of Qataris
and in the region. Qatar is part of
this history as explorer Vasco da
Gama was the first to link Europe
and Asia by an ocean route, con-
necting the Atlantic and the In-
dian oceans.
“This is widely considered a
milestone in world history, as it
marked the beginning of a sea-
based phase of globalization. It is
also a moment to get Qatar to be
closer to us and to participate in
our efforts of co-operation and de-
velopment. All the Qatari officials
I have spoken to are interested in
getting closer to the Portuguese-
speaking countries.”
Portugal ambassador Paulo Neves
Pocinho said: “There are 265mn
Portuguese speakers around the
world. We are trying to promote the
Portugal ambassador Paulo
Neves Pocinho.
Portuguese expatriate Elisabete
Reis.
teaching of the Portuguese language
at HBKU and co-operation with the
Institute of Portuguese Language
in Portugal. There is a direct flight
from Doha to Lisbon since last June
and this will help co-operation
greatly. We are trying to get some
collaboration with archivists, his-
torians. We are trying to strengthen
our relations since we have so many
things in common like the sea, fish-
ing, tourism, we are very welcoming
people like the Qataris. We are trying
to build sustainable relations with
Qatar, which is very strong in media-
tion and on other common aspects
between the two friendly countries.”
The presentation was followed
by a music concert by Angolan
singer Gelsom Castro who delight-
ed the audience by singing songs
from each of the above mentioned
countries, as expressed by Portu-
guese expatriate Elisabete Reis who
said: “the concert was delightful,
we enjoyed it.” Guests were also
treated to a buffet with Portuguese
traditional food and other flavours
from the participating countries.

MoPH hosts
Qatar Diabetes
and Obesity
Research
Symposium
QNA
Doha
T
he Ministry of Public
Health (MoPH), in col-
laboration with the Qatar
Metabolic Institute (QMI) and
Hamad Medical Corporation
(HMC), organised the 3rd Qatar
Diabetes and Obesity Research
Symposium. The symposium
was co-delivered alongside the
8th annual Qatar Diabetes, En-
docrinology and Metabolic Con-
ference (QDEM-8), significantly
enhancing the collaborative ex-
perience for all participants.
This year’s symposium delved
into three pivotal themes: Type
1 Diabetes, Obesity, and New
Discoveries, demonstrating a
comprehensive commitment to
advancing the screening, diag-
nosis, prevention, treatment, and
potential decline of diabetes and
obesity in Qatar.
The event also spotlighted in-
novative contributions from
Qatar’s young researchers from
different Qatari academic and
healthcare organisations as well
as presenting groundbreaking re-
search findings. Enthusiastically
received, the symposium drew an
impressive audience, with over
500 attendees participating in
person and an additional 500 en-
gaging online.
Addressing the symposium,
Director of Non-Communicable
Diseases Prevention Programs at
MoPH Sheikh Dr Mohamed bin
Hamad al-Thani noted the urgent
global threats posed by diabetes
and obesity, which affect millions
and are on the rise. He detailed
the profound impact in Qatar,
from extensive health implica-
tions for individuals to burdens
on public health and the health-
care system.
Sheikh Dr Mohamed al-Thani
underscored the significant re-
search opportunities in address-
Marine inspection campaign at Al Wakra
The Marine Protection Department at the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change carried out
an extensive inspection campaign at Al Wakra New Port on Friday to ensure that boats and vessels
comply with the laws and regulations protecting the country’s marine environment, and safe fishing
methods and equipment that preserve biodiversity and coral reefs are used. The half-day campaign
had the participation of the Coast Guard from the Ministry of Interior, the Fisheries Department from
the Ministry of Municipality, the Ministry of Transportation, and Qatar Tourism. The Marine Protection
Department noted that the campaign included educating fishermen and sea-goers about the
country’s decisions and laws aimed at protecting and preserving marine biodiversity. Spotting any
marine environmental violations, referring them to the relevant authorities and working to eliminate
the causes were among the objectives. The campaign involved inspecting the fishing nets used on
the vessels, warning against the use of illegal nets that cause damage to biodiversity in the Qatari
waters. The department warned against the use of multi-layered nets that trap all types and sizes of
fish, leading to a decline in fish reproduction and diversity in the marine environment.
ing these metabolic conditions
and praised the symposium’s role
in facilitating vital discussions
with leading local and interna-
tional experts, sharing ground-
breaking insights and research.
For his part, chair of the Re-
search Sub-Committee of the
National Diabetes Committee
Prof Shahrad Taheri emphasised
the significant role of Qatar’s
research in addressing global
diabetes and obesity challenges.
He praised the annual research
symposia for highlighting lo-
cal research efforts and fostering
collaborations.
Complementing the symposia,
the Qatar Diabetes and Obesity
Research webinars successfully
engaged nearly 2,000 healthcare
professionals and researchers per
session. Prof Taheri applauded
the efforts of Qatar’s healthcare
and academic institutions for
their commitment to a research
roadmap, as set in the Diabe-
tes and Cardiovascular Disease
Risk Factors Research Agenda of
the National Diabetes Strategy,
which aims to improve public
health and clinical outcomes.
Co-Chair of the National Dia-
betes Committee and Director
of the Qatar Metabolic Institute
(QMI) Prof Abdul Badi Abou-
Samra highlighted the sympo-
sium’s strategic alignment with
the objectives of the National Di-
abetes Strategy and the Research
Gulf Times
Sunday, May 5, 2024 3
QATAR
Winners of Qatar CSR awards announced
QNA
Doha
T
he organising committee of
Qatar Social Responsibility
(CSR) Conference and Exhi-
bition revealed the names of win-
ners of Qatar CSR awards, high-
lighting that the awards included
24 diverse categories that covered
most of economic sectors.
Public Works Authority (Ash-
ghal) won the award of best ini-
tiative for social responsibility in
the public sector for the program
to support local manufacturers in
infrastructure projects, with the
Ministry of Commerce and In-
dustry receiving an appreciation
award in the same category in rec-
ognition of its efforts dedicated to
lending impetus to social respon-
The winners of Qatar CSR awards with officials.
tail sector, with Al Baladi Holding
receiving an appreciation award in
this category, the committee said,
highlighting that Bonocle won the
ing the traditional Qatari kitchen
worldwide.
Public Parks Department at the
Ministry of Municipality won the
sibility in Qatar, the organising
committee reported in a statement
yesterday.
The committee added that the
award of best initiative in the non-
governmental organisations sector
went to the Innovation Cafe for
prestigious award for its initiative
for first Braille-based education
and entertainment platform for
the visually impaired.
In health and transporta-
tion sectors, Alfardan Medi-
cal with Northwestern Medicine
award for the “Seedlings to Your
Home” initiative in the field of
agricultural sector, the organis-
ing committee stated, adding that
Al Jazeera Media Institute was the
owner of a groundbreaking initia-
tive in the media sector, namely Al
the programme of supporting the
Qatari potential, noting that Qatar
Cancer Society received an appre-
ciation award for its total achieve-
ments in 2023. Regarding the most
innovative initiative, Weill Cornell
Medicine won the award for Life-
(AMNM) won the award ahead
of WELLKINS Medical Centre,
which received an appreciation
award, while Al Abdulghani Mo-
tors won the award after submit-
ting the Rashfa initiative. Addi-
tionally, Sika Qatar won the Best
Jazeera Ambassadors” volunteer
initiative and won the award for
this initiative.
The committee outlined that in
the sporting events, the Qatar Na-
tional Convention Centre (QNCC)
won the competition for the En-
hub initiative that was launched
during the Doha Expo, with the
FMM-Facilities Management and
Maintenance Company winning
the award of the most compre-
hensive initiative pertaining to its
diverse initiatives in sustainabil-
Initiative in the construction sec-
tor award for the Green Building
Initiatives, with Papercut Factory
winning the best initiative in the
industrial sector category.
Darwish Interserve Facility
Management won the award for
ergy Conservation Initiative (ECI),
with A101 Company winning the
Education’s Tamreen initiative.
President of Mubadara for So-
cial Impact and CEO of the Na-
tional CSR Program Dr Saif Ali
al-Hajri said the ceremony of Qa-
ity, health, education, and workers
well-being.
QNB Group won the award of
best initiative in banking and fi-
nancial sector, along with the
environmental, social, and cor-
porate governance enhancement
the facilities management sec-
tor, with the United Development
Company (UDC Qatar) winning
the award of best initiative in the
real estate development sector for
the environment and sustainabil-
ity strategy on The Pearl Island.
tar CSR awards came to spotlight
these efforts to be a model for
serving the society, environment
and human, pointing out that the
event came to strengthen the con-
tributions of all entities to pro-
viding best life, a more just and
program, the committee pointed The best initiative in the envi- sustainable economy for a variety
out. It added that Ooredoo won ronmental sector went to Aqua of society segments, in addition to
the award for Doha Marathon in Sports for the project to preserve honouring those who contributed
communications and information and renew mangrove forests in to developing social responsibil-
technology sector. Also, Aamal Qatar, while Rayyan Water won the ity and sustainability agenda in
Services won the award devoted award for the sustainable produc- Qatar.
to the private sector regarding the tion programme. A partnership was unveiled on
summer program initiative for Regarding Tourism and hospi- the margins on this ceremony be-
trainees, with Snoonu winning the tality, Heenat Salma Farm project tween CSR and Unesco Chair on
award of best initiative in technol- ranked first, with talabat winning Governance and Social Responsi-
ogy sector for “No Riders under the award of best initiative in food bility in sports to further support
the Sun” initiative. sector. The Cooking Academy research and consultation in social
Additionally, LuLu Group Inter- (TCA) won an appreciation award responsibility (Corporate) in all
national won the award of the re- for its steadfast efforts in promot- sectors.
Agenda set forth by the National
Diabetes Committee and its Re-
search Sub-Committee, oper-
ating under the auspices of the
Ministry of Public Health.
He said that diabetes and
obesity represent significant
public health challenges and are
strongly associated with a range
of serious health complications
including heart disease, stroke,
and various cancers. These con-
ditions, while genetically influ-
enced, are further exacerbated by
environmental factors.
“Through Qatar’s dedicated
research efforts, we aim to en-
hance our understanding of the
underlying causes of diabetes and
obesity on a local scale.
This crucial knowledge will
not only aid in reducing their
prevalence but also support the
development of comprehensive
prevention and management
strategies, support informed
policy-making and effective allo-
cation of resources,” Prof Abou-
Samra stated. Clinical Director,
National Diabetes Centre, Ha-
mad General Hospital, HMC Dr
Mahmoud Ali Zirie commented
on the symposium’s significant
contribution to the annual Qatar
Diabetes and Endocrinology and
Metabolic (QDEM) conference
over the past three years, uniting
researchers, and clinicians to ex-
plore new initiatives focused on
patient care and outcomes.
4 Gulf Times
Sunday, May 5, 2024
QATAR
QC honours ‘Watan Amin’ campaign partners
Q
atar Charity (QC) concluded
the first edition of the ‘Watan
Amin’ campaign, honouring
its partners, supporters, and trainers,
as well as participating schools and
teachers, a statement said yesterday.
QC organised the campaign in co-
operation with the Ministry of Edu-
cation and Higher Education and
the Psychology Chapter of the Qatar
University (QU) Alumni Association
over several months, with the aim of
promoting a bullying-free environ-
ment for students in schools.
The closing ceremony at QU, in-
cluded a range of plays focusing on
bullying and its adverse impact on
victims, alongside a video presen-
tation on the campaign, in addition
to another video that featured the
opinions of female students regard-
ing the benefits of the campaign.
Speaking at the closing ceremony,
Hind al-Rayyashi, head of the Com-
munity Centres section at QC’s Pro-
grammes and Community Develop-
ment Department, highlighted that
it is in line with Qatar National Vi-
sion 2030, particularly contributing
to building a generation with high
confidence and a secure life.
Dr Abdulrahman al-Harmi de-
livered a speech on self-confi-
dence, urging students to choose
the best people as friends, whether
in the school or in the community.
He also encouraged them to respect
others and refrain from engaging in
bullying behaviours.
QU college organises interactive
event ‘Journey to Planet Health’
Roaa, founder and president of
the Psychology Chapter, stated
that the campaign was designed to
achieve psychological security by
promoting good values and reject-
ing unethical behaviours, including
bullying. QC conducted the ‘Watan
Amin’ campaign from November
2023 to February 2024, targeting
19 primary, preparatory, and sec-
ondary schools across the country,
raising awareness about the harms
of bullying and understanding the
consequences of this behaviour.
In its first edition, the campaign
focused on providing value-based The Department of Public Health at the College of Health Sciences at Qatar University (QU), in
workshops, lectures, and educa- collaboration with Al-Andalus Primary School for Girls, organised an interactive educational event
tional games that combined move- entitled ‘Journey to Planet Health’. The event focused on enriching primary school students with
ment, fun, and learning. It contrib- general health information. The event, organised under the supervision of Zahraa Beydoun, Walaa
uted to instilling various positive Kayyal, and Public Health students, saw 150–200 students participating in interactive learning
values in participants. These values experiences covering four main health topics: hygiene, oral health, physical activity, and nutrition.
include responsibility, respect for They participated in a series of interactive educational booths, engaging in activities such as proper
others, collaboration, teamwork, hand washing techniques, interactive dental hygiene activities, and fun physical exercises, games
patience, focus, and leadership, the focusing on interactive presentations, activities, and competitions.
statement added.
QOSM to
host event
in run up
to Paris
Olympics
I
n the run up to the Paris
2024 Olympics, 3-2-1 Qatar
Olympic and Sports Mu-
seum (QOSM) will be hosting a
number of Olympic Sport ac-
tivations. The first of these will
be 321 BoxingZone, an event
aimed at promoting the sport
of amateur boxing in Qatar, and
development opportunities it
provides for young athletes,
schools, and coaches, a state-
ment said.
The programme, the first of its
kind in Qatar, will have sessions
twice a day, managed by profes-
sional coaches from 9am-11am
and 5pm–6pm from May 8-14,
at the QOSM Activation Zone.
The programme will culminate
in a panel discussion with box-
ing legends, coaches and other
Qatar Boxing Federation per-
sonnel on May 15. Participants
will have the opportunity to
learn new skills and boxing fun-
damentals, including footwork,
from qualified coaches special-
ized in mentoring young people.
Additionally, 321 BoxingZone
will provide a platform for par-
ents to support their children
by taking part alongside them
in ‘boxing for fitness’ classes,
optional sparring sessions, and
amateur boxing training ses-
sions. Boxing is a competitive
and Olympic sport that has
produced a great number of
sporting icons, including Mo-
hamed Ali, ‘Iron’ Mike Tyson,
‘Big’ George Foreman, and Floyd
Mayweather. In ancient Greece,
boxing was a popular amateur
competitive sport and was in-
cluded in the first Olympic
Games.
Team Qatar made its Olym-
pic boxing debut at the Rio 2016
Games with Hakan Erseker
competing in the Bantamweight
and Thulasi Tharumalingam
competing in the men’s light
welterweight. In 2015, Qatar
hosted the AIBA World Boxing
Championship at the Ali Bin Ha-
mad Al Attiyah Arena in Doha.
321 BoxingZone is open to the
public and no pre-registration is
required, the statement added.
New book on
Qatari support for
Palestinian cause
Rosa Publishing House recently
released a new book entitled
‘Qatar and the Palestinian
Issue... Positions Recorded
by History’ by the writer and
poet Ali al-Masoudi. The book
traces the history of Qatari
support for the Palestinian
cause, from the beginning of the
Nakba in 1948 until the current
aggression against the Gaza
Strip, and highlights chapters of
Palestinian steadfastness in the
face of the Israeli occupation.
The book, which comprises 468
pages, deals with aspects of
comprehensive Qatari support
for the Palestinian cause,
at various levels: politically,
economically, sports, and media.
(QNA)
 Gulf Times
Sunday, May 5, 2024 5

QATAR/ARAB WORLD
British-Palestinian doctor
refused entry into France
AFP tering Germany last month where he had
Paris hoped to attend a “Palestinian Congress”
along with former Greek finance minister
Yanis Varoufakis, who was also denied ac-

B
ritish-Palestinian doctor and Glas-
gow university rector Ghassan Abu-
Sittah said yesterday he was denied
access to France where he was to report on
the medical situation in Gaza.
Abu-Sittah said on X, formerly Twitter,
that he had been invited to give an account
to French senators of his experience as a
doctor in Gaza since the Israeli offensive
there, but had been blocked at Paris’ Roissy
Charles-de-Gaulle airport.
He had already been stopped from en-
cess. “I am at Charles De Gaulle airport.
They are preventing me from entering
France,” Abu-Sittah said on X. “I am sup-
posed to speak at the French Senate today.
They say the Germans put a 1 year ban on
my entry to Europe.”
A French police source confirmed to
AFP that France could not allow the doctor
entry because it was bound by a German-
issued ban on his entry into the visa-free
Schengen zone of which both countries are
members.

Dignitaries at the opening of Boucheron’s new boutique in partnership with Fifty One East, in the Via Domo section of
Villaggio Mall. PICTURE: Shaji Kayamkulam

Boucheron expands ME footprint

with Villaggio Mall boutique
B
oucheron, in partnership with
Fifty One East, has unveiled a
new boutique in the Via Domo
section of Qatar’s Villaggio Mall.
The opening ceremony was in
the presence of French ambassa-
dor Jean-Baptiste Faivre, Fifty One
East chairman and managing direc-
tor Bader al-Darwish, Darwish Hold-
ing vice-chairman Saoud al-Darwish,
Boucheron’s chief commercial officer
Thierry Lamouroux, president (EMEA
& US) Geraldine de Vulpian, and brand
director (Middle East) Alban Pesneau.
The opening follows a series of recent
expansions across the region as Maison
Boucheron strengthens its presence in
the Middle East.
It marks the 13th retail point in the
GCC region and the second in Doha,
joining the Lagoona Mall boutique
which opened in 2011.
Like all boutiques in the extensive
Boucheron network, the Villaggio Mall
boutique space captures the essence
of the flagship at 26 Place Vendome in
Paris. Designed with the warmth of an
exceptional family residence yet exud-
ing the grandeur of traditional French
architecture and design, clients feel
right at home, a statement explained.
In the new boutique, the exclusive
VIP Salon continues this welcoming
environment, with decor inspired by
the Art Deco aesthetic, playing on ge-
ometry and colour contrasts. Among
all jewellers inspired by this movement,
Boucheron stands out for its prolific
production, making it a leading name
in Art Deco jewellery.
Drawing from this rich heritage, the
VIP Salon showcases strong geometric
lines and contrasting colours in hues
of gold, orange and blue, and displays
bespoke artworks echoing the move-
ment’s aesthetic.
The Maison commissioned French
illustrator Vincent Roland to recreate
four Art Deco illustrations, bringing an
artistic touch to the space.
To celebrate the opening, Bouch-
eron’s Lierre de Paris question mark
necklace was flown in from Paris.
This iconic piece, alongside its
matching bracelet, ring and timepiece,
represents Boucheron’s pioneering
spirit in high jewellery, a legacy rooted
in innovation and creativity. Designed
by Frederique Boucheron, the question
mark necklace marked a revolutionary
moment in the history of jewellery as
an expression of women’s independ-
ence and freedom.
Alongside the High Jewellery crea-
tions, Boucheron’s jewellery collec-
tions are presented: Nature, Quatre
(which celebrates its 20th anniversary
this year), as well as Serpent Boheme.
These collections have led Boucheron
to become the most stylish and cut-
ting-edge French High Jewellery Mai-
son, the statement added.

‘Full-blown famine’ in north Gaza: WFP chief Israeli curbs

blamed for
trickle of
AFP essential food
Washington entering the
Palestinian
enclave

T
he chief of the United Na-
tions’ food programme has
warned of a “full-blown
famine” in northern Gaza and re-
iterated calls for a ceasefire in Is-
rael’s war against Hamas.
“There is famine, full-blown
famine in the north and it’s mov-
ing its way south,” Cindy McCain,
executive director of the World
Food Programme (WFP), said in A Palestinian child transporting portions of food walks past a building
an interview excerpt published on destroyed by Israeli bombardment in Gaza City, amid the ongoing
Friday. conflict between Israel and the Hamas group.
“What we are asking for and
what we’ve continually asked for groups trying to get aid into Gaza. Israel has repeatedly accused
is a ceasefire and the ability to The World Health Organisation the United Nations and non-
have unfettered access to get in said that the availability of food governmental organisations of not
safe...into Gaza — various ports, in the Gaza Strip has very slightly distributing aid quickly enough.
various gate crossings,” McCain improved, though the risk of fam- The aid agencies blame the
continued. ine continues in the besieged Pal- trickle of essential food into the
The World Food Programme estinian territory, which is home Palestinian enclave on restrictions
is one of the many humanitarian to 2.4mn people. and inspections imposed by Israel.

Follow us
on social
networks

GULF TIMES
6 Gulf Times
Sunday, May 5, 2024
QATAR
Qatar Charity receives an international
award for good governance in the social
sector and charitable work for the year 2024
Q
atar Charity received the Good
Governance Award for Excellence
in the Social Sector and Charitable
Work for the year 2024 from the Global
Authority for Good Governance (3G) during
its ninth annual conference, in the capital
of the Philippine Manila, and hosted by
the Philippine Securities and Exchange
Commission.
The award is supervised by the
Cambridge-IFA Foundation through a global
social responsibility initiative to continue
promoting good governance practices
around the world and promoting best
practices in the field of governance and
sustainability.
The award was received by Mr.
Mohammed Al-Ghamdi, Assistant CEO of
the Governance Sector at Qatar Charity,
during the ninth annual summit , held by
the Global Authority for Good Governance
(3G) in the capital, Manila, at the end of last
April, in which Qatar Charity participated
with a working paper in the discussion
panel on innovative leadership “from For
a sustainable future: uniting governance,
industry and philanthropy towards achieving
the Sustainable Development Goals.
“Unifying governance, industry and
philanthropy towards achieving sustainable
development goals.”
In his speech on Qatar Charity
winning the Good Governance Award, Mr.
Mohammed Al-Ghamdi, Assistant CEO of
the Governance Sector at Qatar Charity,
expressed his thanks and appreciation to
those in charge of this award for granting
them this appreciation, which enhances
the achievement of Qatar Charity’s vision
and mission in serving humanity to
provide a decent life for all, and reflects
its commitment. Firmly rooted in the core
values of governance, transparency.
Al-Ghamdi said, “Through good
governance, we are keen to manage
donated resources and funds effectively
and responsibly, which achieves
transparency and accountability before all
stakeholders. We also pay great attention
to preserving natural resources and
the environment, and we work hard to
implement development projects based on
the principles of sustainability, and we strive
to enhance awareness of the importance
of sustainability in society and encourage
environmental initiatives.”
He added, “We believe that the
principles of integrity, ethics, and the values
of justice, fairness, and respect for human
rights form the basis of Qatar Charity’s
work.”
At the end of his speech, he stressed
Qatar Charity’s keenness to continue
working seriously and with dedication
to get more achievements and provide
support to those who need it in society,
“
governance and social responsibility and
Qatar Charity’s commitment to those
We are proud of the concepts in all aspects of its work, to build
a better future for all.
award, which reflects It also discussed governance practices
Qatar Charity’s that can be implemented to ensure
transparency and accountability, including
firm commitment how to enhance communication with
to the basic values stakeholders and ensure their voices
are heard. He reviewed Qatar Charity’s
of governance and experiences and challenges in achieving
transparency. transparency in its operations and financial
reports and benefiting from the lessons
Head of Governance Sector learned to improve its practices.
The paper touched on the role
of emerging technologies and digital
achieve sustainable development goals and
innovations in supporting sustainable
work towards a more sustainable, just, and
practices, and how the next generation
equitable future.
of leaders can contribute to developing
Panel Discussion
innovative solutions to achieve sustainable
The working paper presented by Qatar
development, and reviewed future trends
Charity in the seminar organized on the
for the integration of governance, industry,
sidelines of the Good Governance (3G)
and philanthropy towards achieving
Summit addressed the concept of good
sustainable development goals.
Mr. Mohammed Al-Ghamdi, Assistant
CEO of the Governance Sector at Qatar
Charity, who presented the Qatar Charity
paper, expressed his hope that this
session will be an opportunity for learning,
exchange and inspiration, and looked
forward to jointing work for a better and
more sustainable future for all through
the exchange of ideas, experiences, and
initiatives at this summit. He stressed
Qatar Charity’s continued support of global
efforts to achieve sustainable development
and improve people’s lives, which reflects
its strong commitment to the values of
sustainability and social responsibility.
Global Good Governance Awards (3G)
It is noteworthy that the Global Good
Governance Awards (3G) are a global (non-
profit) initiative within the Global Good
Governance Program, led by Cambridge-
IFA. This initiative works to promote best
practices in the field of good governance,
sustainability, and commitment to social
responsibility in all sectors around the
world.
 Gulf Times
Sunday, May 5, 2024 7

QATAR/ARAB WORLD

QU students’ study underlines qualitative

transformation of Gulf Times, Arrayah

Abdulaziz Faraj al-Ansari speaks at the event as Dr Dalia Farrag looks on.

as a source of entertainment and ments,” al-Ansari said, noting

business insights. that media institutions need to
Al-Ansari, while addressing search for alternative sources
GPPC’s Naser Ali, Hazem Hassan Mansour and Abdulaziz Faraj al-Ansari with Dr Dalia Farrag at the session. PICTURES: Thajudheen the session, appreciated the stu- and to devise marketing plans
dents while exuding his confi- that rely on social media plat-
By Shafeeq Alingal tration Affairs, Human Resources first was prepared by a group of to deeply look into the possibili- dence in the research being help- forms.
Staff Reporter and Public Relations manager Ab- students ‘Brand Builders’ that ties, readers’ engagement, chal- ful for Gulf Times and Arrayah Dr Dalia expressed her grati-
dulaziz Faraj al-Ansari, human re- included Aljazi al-Mansoori, lenges and further growth of Gulf to put innovative strategies in tude for the co-operation of
sources specialist Hazem Hassan Bothayna al-Khater, Haya al- Times. place, improve the presence of GPPC.

T
he College of Business and
Economics at Qatar Uni-
versity (QU), in co-oper-
ation with the Gulf Publishing
and Printing Company (GPPC),
on Thursday hosted a graduation
project presentation by students.
The session underlined the
transformation of Gulf Times and
its sister Arabic daily Arrayah in
line with the market trends and
suggested ways to expedite the
growth of the two publications.
Attended by GPPC’s Adminis-
Mansour, and administrative af-
fairs officer Naser Ali, the session
was led by Dr Dalia Farrag, Profes-
sor of Marketing and Supervisor
of Student Projects at the QU Col-
lege of Business and Economics.
The main objective of the re-
search was to design an impactful
campaign for Gulf Times and Ar-
rayah while helping them utilise
the opportunities in the Qatari
market.
The session had two presen-
tations about Gulf Times. The
Mansoori, Haya Bukashisha and
Noor al-Motawaa. The second
group ‘Innohub’ had Alae Ah-
maine, Kaouther Gastli, Shaima
Sheriff and Shamma al-Kuwari.
The first research presentation
analysed the readership of the
newspaper while looking into the
reading habits and preferences
through multiple research meth-
ods. Also, it had a Strengths,
Weaknesses, Opportunities and
Threats (SWOT) analysis that
was carried out by the students
The second presentation
shared the students’ insights
about the innovative integrated
marketing campaign that will re-
sult in the growth of Gulf Times’
presence in the Qatari market.
The study analysed the target
markets, the existing and arising
opportunities and trends and the
ways to utilise the opportunities.
The study also suggested a cam-
paign strategy with techniques
that make Gulf Times part of
Qatar’s daily lives while serving
the two newspapers and attract
more readers while engaging
them.
“The research provides com-
prehensive explanations and
these benefit both the research-
ers and GPPC. We pay great at-
tention to co-operation in the
future with QU College of Busi-
ness and Economics to develop
the performance of the newspa-
pers in terms of their presence
on digital platforms in line with
the trends and market require-
She explained the experien-
tial learning method used in the
academic programme for inte-
grated marketing communica-
tions, noting that this relies on
integrating labour market expe-
riences with the academic cur-
riculum. She pointed out that
the students conducted market-
ing research throughout the se-
mester to evaluate and analyse
the strengths, weaknesses, chal-
lenges and opportunities in the
Qatari market.

Students in Ireland and Switzerland join Gaza protest wave

S
tudents at Trinity College Dublin
and Lausanne University in Swit-
zerland have staged occupations to
protest against Israel’s war in Gaza, join-
ing a wave of demonstrations sweeping US
campuses, Reuters reported from Dublin.
In Dublin, students built an encamp-
ment on Friday that forced the university
to restrict campus access yesterday and
close the Book of Kells exhibition, one of
Ireland’s top tourist attractions.
The camp was set up after the students’
union said it had been fined 214,000 eu-
ros ($230,000) by the university for losses
caused by protests in recent months, not
exclusively over Gaza. The protesters were
demanding that Trinity cut academic ties
with Israel and divest from companies with
ties to Israel.
In Lausanne, around 100 students occu-
pied a building to back demands including
an end to scientific co-operation with Israel.
“Palestinians have been dying for over 200
days, but we’re not being heard,” one pro-
tester told Swiss television yesterday.
8 Gulf Times
Sunday, May 5, 2024

QATAR/ARAB WORLD
Whispers of Luxury: The House of
Yessayan’s grand arrival in Doha
The House of Yessayan, renowned for
its unparalleled craftsmanship and
exquisite designs, is proud to announce
the grand opening of its flagship store in
Doha, Qatar.
Nestled within the prestigious Doha
Festival City, this opulent establishment
marks a significant milestone for the
esteemed brand, bringing its legacy of
luxury to the heart of Qatar’s capital city.
The House of Yessayan is synony-
mous with elegance, sophistication, and
timeless beauty, and its newest location
in Doha is no exception. Boasting a
unique and breathtaking interior design,
the flagship store captivates visitors
with its blend of modern luxury and
traditional charm. From the moment
guests step through its doors, they are
enveloped in an atmosphere of refine-
ment and exclusivity.
At the heart of the store lies an
impressive array of diamond collections,
meticulously curated to cater to every
taste and preference. Whether seeking
high-end jewellery for a special occasion
or elegant pieces for everyday wear, pa-
trons will find a stunning selection that
epitomises luxury and craftsmanship.
In addition to its signature collections,
The House of Yessayan is also proud to
The House of Yessayan is
synonymous with elegance,
sophistication, and timeless
beauty, and its newest location
in Doha is no exception. Boasting
a unique and breathtaking
interior design, the flagship
store captivates visitors with
its blend of modern luxury
and traditional charm
introduce a captivating collaboration
with U Los Angeles jewellery brand.
Situated within the Doha flagship
store, this dedicated section showcases
a unique fusion of design aesthetics, fea-
turing a varied range of pieces adorned
with gemstones and diamonds. From
statement-making designs to delicate
treasures, the U Los Angeles collection
offers something truly extraordinary for
every jewellery connoisseur.
As The House of Yessayan continues
to expand its global presence, the open-
ing of its flagship boutique in Doha reaf-
firms its position as a leader in the world
of luxury jewellery. With its unrivalled
craftsmanship, unparalleled beauty, and
commitment to excellence, the brand
invites patrons to experience the magic
of fine jewellery in its purest form.

Settlers use shepherding

outposts to seize
land in West Bank
AFP
Deir Jarir

P
alestinians in the Israeli-
occupied West Bank say
armed Jewish settlers are
increasingly seizing their lands
by bringing livestock to so-called
shepherding outposts and refus-
ing to leave.
One settler arrived recently
near sunset on a hilltop near the
village of Deir Jarir, wearing a
black shirt and a green headscarf,
like many Palestinian farmers,
they said.
“The settlers imitate us in
every way,” said Abdullah Abu
Rahme, a member of a Pales-
tinian anti-settler group, who
said the hardliners also employ
violence and “throw stones at us
and block roads”. One local man,
Haidar Abu Makho, 50, looked
sadly across to a hill where set-
tlers’ sheep were now grazing, in
the rural area near Ramallah.
The land, where settlers’ bun-
galows and cars could be seen
ringed by a wire fence, he said,
“rightfully belongs to my grand-
father and father and is meant to
be passed down through the gen-
erations”. But now, he said, “this
shepherd, who is a settler...has
obstructed my access to my land”.
Israel has occupied the West
Bank, home to 3mn Palestinians,
since 1967. Around 490,000 Is-
raeli settlers live there in com-
munities considered illegal under
international law.
Violence has often flared,
but the bloodshed has intensi-
fied since the October first week
storming of Israel by Gaza’s rul-
ers Hamas. Human rights groups
have blamed the hardline reli-
gious-nationalist settler move-
ment for an upsurge in attacks
and land grabs since the start of
the Gaza war.
Among the most radical are
the so-called “hilltop youth”,
often teenage school dropouts
who dream of settling all of the
ancient land of Israel, and who
sometimes also clash with Israeli
security forces. Israeli analyst
An Israeli settler wearing the traditional garb of Palestinian farmers,
accompanies a flock of sheep on a hilltop near the Palestinian village
of Deir Jarir, east of the occupied West Bank city of Ramallah.
Elhanan Miller said the hilltop
shepherds are “far-right extrem-
ists who settle Palestinian land
illegally”, mostly in the southern
West Bank and Jordan Valley.
Miller said that many of them
are “marginalised” youths who left
school early and use shepherding of
sheep and goats as a cover to seize
land and natural resources.
Rights groups say settlers in
shepherding outposts carry guns
and have used attack dogs to
threaten and attack Palestinians,
sometimes killing their livestock
and destroying their property.
The groups have been especially
active around Deir Jarir, a village of
about around 5,000 people, said
the local man, Abu Makho.
“The settlers have effectively
blocked access to vast stretches of
land around Deir Jarir, preventing
both agricultural use and graz-
ing for the people across tens of
kilometres,” he said. “By situating
a shepherd with a flock of sheep
atop a hill, a substantial portion of
land is seized... denying Palestin-
ians access to it.” He said settlers
had “aggressively confiscated” lo-
cal houses and tractors as well as
horses and donkeys, all “symbols
of the Palestinian traditional farm-
ing life”.
‘DEFENCELESS’
Israeli rights group B’Tselem
said in a report in March that at-
tacks had surged, including inci-
dents where settlers in vehicles
were “speeding erratically directly
into Palestinian flocks and herds”.
B’Tselem also charged that set-
tler groups have enjoyed backing
by Israeli security forces.
“Through co-operation and
collaboration among the military,
police, settlers...Israel has reduced
grazing areas available to Palestin-
ians, blocked regular water sup-
ply and took measures to isolate
the Jordan Valley from the rest of
the West Bank,” it said. The Israeli
army did not respond to an AFP re-
quest for comment on the Deir Jarir
case.
Israeli settlement watchdog
group Peace Now said that so far
this year, as world attention has
focussed on Gaza, Israel has seized
more than 1,000 hectares of West
Bank land.
In March, Israeli authorities de-
clared as state land 800 hectares
next to a farmer’s home near the
Jordan Valley village of Jiftlik, a
move that often leads to restric-
tions on Palestinians’ access.
In areas near Deir Jarir, other
residents also said they had been
impacted, at great cost to their
livelihoods. Suleiman Khouriyeh,
the mayor of the nearby village of
Taybeh, population 1,800, said the
“entire eastern region has been
encroached upon by numerous
hilltop shepherds”. “We are un-
able to access the olive groves that
we rightfully own” during harvest
season, he said.
 Gulf Times
Sunday, May 5, 2024 9

I India, Japan reject Biden’s ‘xenophobic’ label
ndia is not xenophobic, the country’s
foreign minister has insisted, after
comments by US President Joe Biden
suggesting the South Asian nation and
fellow ally Japan were struggling econom-
ically because they rejected immigrants.
Biden, who is seeking re-election
against Republican rival Donald Trump
in November, made the remarks at a cam-
paign fundraising event in Washington
this week.
Foreign minister S Jaishankar told a
media roundtable on Friday that Biden’s
comments did not match India’s reality.
“First of all, our economy is not falter-
ing,” he said, according to a report of the
discussion published yesterday by the
Economic Times newspaper.
“India has been a very unique country,”
he added. “I would say actually, in the his-
tory of the world, that it’s been a society
which has been very open...diff erent peo-
open different peo
ple of different societies come to India.”
India is one of the world’s fastest-
growing economies with annualised GDP
growth of 8.4% in the December quarter,
according to official data in February.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Hin-
du-nationalist government has been ac-
cused by critics of discriminating against
Muslims, including through recently en-
acted reforms to India’s citizenship legis-
lation.
The amended law sparked huge protests
when it was first passed by parliament in
2019 and finally enacted in March, with
Amnesty International warning that it
still risked being used as a tool, alongside
a mooted National Register of Citizens, to
deprive some Muslims of citizenship.
citizenship
“There are people who publicly said on
record that...1mn Muslims will lose their
citizenship in this country,” Jaishankar
said. “Why are they not being held to ac-
count? Because nobody has lost citizen-
ship.”
Biden had clubbed allies India and Ja-
pan in with rivals China and Russia in
remarks intended as a defence of US im-
migration policy.
“Why is China stalling so badly eco-
nomically? Why is Japan in trouble? Why
is Russia in trouble? And India? Because
they’re xenophobic. They don’t want im-
migrants,” Biden had said at the Wednes-
day fundraiser.
“One of the reasons why our economy’s
WORLD
growing is because of you and many oth- oth
ers. Why? Because we welcome immi-
grants,” the president said at the fundrais-
ing event and marking the start of Asian
American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific
Islander Heritage Month.
Tokyo responded yesterday by saying
it was “unfortunate that comments not
based on an accurate understanding of Ja-
pan’s policy were made”.
The Japanese government had already
delivered this message to the White House
and explained once again about its poli-
cies and stances, the statement said.
Biden’s remarks came less than a month
after he hosted a lavish state dinner for his
Japanese counterpart Fumio Kishida in a
rare gesture of high-level diplomacy.
The 81-year-old Democrat’s unexpect-
ed digs at Japan soon prompted the White
House to tone them down.
The president was merely trying to
send a broader message that “the United
States is a nation of immigrants,” National
Security Council spokesman John Kirby
told reporters.
“It’s in our DNA”, he said.
Tokyo, for its part, said this clarifica-
tion hadn’t been lost.
“We’re aware of the US government’s
explanation that the comments in ques-
tion weren’t made for the purpose of
harming the importance and perpetuity
of the Japan-US relationships,” its state-
ment said.
Since taking office in 2021, Biden has
strengthened ties with US allies in Asia,
in particular India and Japan. – Reuters/
AFP

Vietnam temperature records tumble as heatwave scorches
AFP quent, longer and intense heat-
Hanoi waves.
Vietnam saw three waves of
high temperatures in April, ac-
peratures on average 2-4C higher
than during the same period last
year.
Seven stations recorded tem-
Bishops tell
flock to pray
for rain and
on water shortages caused by the sion at a Cambodian ammunition
heatwave and poor management.
The Vietnamese weather agen-
dump.
Roman Catholic bishops in the
heat relief
cy is predicting more hot weather Philippines are urging the faithful AFP

M
ore than 100 tempera- cording to data published on Fri- peratures above 43C, all on Tues- in May, with temperatures ex- to pray for rain and lower temper- Manila
ture records fell across day by the National Centre for day. pected to be 1.5-2.5C higher than atures, after the heat forced the
Vietnam in April, ac- Hydro-Meteorological Forecast- The most dramatic sign of the in previous years. government to close tens of thou-

cording to official data, as a deadly
heatwave scorches South and
Southeast Asia.
Extreme heat has blasted Asia
from India to the Philippines in
recent weeks, triggering heat-
stroke deaths, school closures and
desperate prayers for cooling rain.
Scientists have long warned
that human-induced climate
change will produce more fre-
ing, with the mercury peaking at
44° Celsius (111.2° Fahrenheit) in
two towns earlier this week.
The mark is only slightly be-
low the highest temperature ever
recorded in Vietnam – 44.2C on
May 7 last year.
In all, 102 weather stations saw
record highs in April, as north-
ern and central Vietnam bore the
brunt of the heatwave, with tem-
extreme weather hitting Vietnam
came in the southern province
of Dong Nai, where hundreds of
thousands of fish died in a reser-
voir.
Images showed locals wad-
ing and boating through the
300-hectare Song May reservoir,
with the water barely visible be-
neath a blanket of dead fish.
The mass die-off was blamed
While April and May are nor-
mally the hottest time of year in
Southeast Asia, experts say the El
Nino effect is making this year’s
heat particularly intense.
Bangladesh and Myanmar saw
April heat records broken, heat-
stroke has killed at least 30 people
in Thailand since the start of the
year, and high temperatures were
partly blamed for a deadly explo-
sands of schools.
The Indian megacity of Kolkata
has sweltered through punishing
heat, peaking at 43C for the city’s
hottest single April day since
1954.
Even mountainous Nepal has
been hit, with the government is-
suing health warnings last week
and firefighters battling unusually
severe wildfires.
C
atholic bishops in the Phil-
ippines are pitching in to
seek divine relief from the
extreme heatwave scorching the
country, instructing their flock to
recite special prayers for rain and
lower temperatures.
Rising temperatures have forced
the government to shut down tens
of thousands of schools over the
past week, while increased de-
mand has stressed the country’s
already strained power supply.
A widespread El Nino drought
that began early this year is com-

London mayor Khan wins third term pounding the problem, ruining
5.9bn pesos ($103mn) worth of
farm produce so far according to
the Department of Agriculture.
The Catholic Bishops of the
AFP/Reuters to give the public a choice,” Khan said. implosion of Johnson’s premiership and Philippines issued an “Oratio Im-
London His re-election adds to a dismal set of re- his successor Liz Truss’s disastrous 49-day perata”, instructing parishes in the
sults for Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, as his tenure. mainly Catholic nation to recite
Tories finished a humiliating third in local With almost all those results in by after- a prayer for deliverance from ca-

L
ondon’s Labour mayor Sadiq Khan
secured a record third term yesterday,
dealing the Conservatives another
damaging defeat in their worst local elec-
tion results in recent memory months be-
fore an expected general election.
Khan, 53, easily beat Tory challenger
Susan Hall to scupper largely forlorn Tory
hopes that they could prise the UK capital
away from Labour for the first time since
2016.
The first Muslim mayor of a Western
capital when first elected then, he had been
widely expected to win as Labour surge na-
tionally and the Conservatives suffer in the
polls.
In the end, he saw his margin of victory
increase compared to the last contest in
2021.
“It’s truly an honour to be re-elected for a
third term,” Khan told supporters, accusing
his Tory opponent of “fearmongering”.
“It’s been a difficult few months, we faced
a campaign of non-stop negativity,” Khan
said in a speech after the results showed he
had won 43.8% of the vote against 33% for
Hall.
“We ran a campaign that was in keep-
ing with the spirit and values of this great
city, a city that regards our diversity not as
a weakness, but as an almighty strength –
and one that rejects right hard-wing pop-
ulism,” he added.
“For the last eight years, London has
been swimming against the tide of a Tory
(Conservative) government and now with
a Labour Party that’s ready to govern again
under Keir Starmer, it’s time for Rishi Sunak
UK royals to India awaits details on arrests in Canada over Sikh murder
relinquish nearly
Reuters/AFP
200 patronages Bhubaneswar, India
King Charles and other senior
council tallies after losing nearly 500 seats
in voting on Thursday across England.
With Labour making huge gains, the
beleaguered leader’s Conservatives lost
crunch mayoral races in Manchester, Liv-
erpool and Yorkshire, as well as the capital
and elsewhere.
In the West Midlands, Tory incumbent
Andy Street – bidding for his own third
term – reportedly requested a recount in
one district with the contest too close to
call.
An unexpected Tory defeat there could
leave Sunak with only one notable success:
the party’s mayor winning a third term in
Tees Valley, northeast England – albeit with
a vastly reduced majority.
Writing in yesterday’s Daily Telegraph,
Sunak conceded that “voters are frustrat-
ed” but insisted “Labour is not winning in
places they admit they need for a majority”.
“We Conservatives have everything to
fight for,” Sunak argued.
Labour, out of power since 2010 and
trounced by Boris Johnson’s Conservatives
at the last general election in 2019, also em-
phatically snatched a parliamentary seat
from the Conservatives.
It seized on winning the Blackpool South
constituency and other successes to de-
mand a national vote.
“Let’s turn the page on decline and usher
in national renewal with Labour,” party
leader Starmer told supporters yesterday in
the East Midlands, where the party won the
mayoral race.
Sunak must order a general election be
held by January 28 next year at the latest,
they have allowed organised crime from In-
dia, specifically from Punjab, to operate in
Canada,” said Jaishankar.
Sadiq Khan arriving for the announcement
of the results of the London mayoral
election, at City Hall in London.
and has said he is planning on a poll in the
second half of 2024.
Opinion polls predict that Labour will
win the next national election, propelling
Starmer to power and ending 14 years of
Conservative government in Britain.
Labour has enjoyed double-digit poll
leads for all of Sunak’s 18 months in charge,
as previous Tory scandals, a cost-of-living
crisis and various other issues dent the rul-
ing party’s standing.
On Thursday, they were defending nearly
1,000 council seats, many secured in 2021
when they led nationwide polls before the
Sanjay Verma, India’s high commissioner
noon yesterday, they had lost close to half
and finished third behind the smaller cen-
trist opposition Liberal Democrats.
If replicated in a nationwide contest, the
tallies suggested that Labour would win
34% of the vote, with the Tories trailing by
nine points, according to the BBC.
Sky News’s projection for a general elec-
tion using the results predicted Labour will
be the largest party but short of an overall
majority.
Its by-election scalp in Blackpool – on
a mammoth 26% swing – was the Con-
servatives’ 11th such loss in this parliament,
the most by any government since the late
1960s.
Speculation has been rife in Westminster
that restive Tory lawmakers could use the
dire local election results to try to replace
Sunak.
However, that prospect seems to have
failed to materialise.
However, it was not all good news for La-
bour.
The party lost control of one local au-
thority, and suffered some councillor losses
to independents elsewhere, due to what
analysts said was its stance on the Israel-
Hamas war.
Polling expert John Curtice assessed that
there are concerning signs for the opposi-
tion.
“These were more elections in which the
impetus to defeat the Conservatives was
greater than the level of enthusiasm for La-
bour,” he noted in the i newspaper. “Elec-
torally, it is still far from clear that Sir Keir
Starmer is the heir to (Tony) Blair.”
of Indian government involvement, prompt-
ing a diplomatic crisis with New Delhi.
India dismissed the allegations as “ab-
surd” and responded furiously, briefly curb-
lamities during masses, according
to the text seen by AFP yesterday.
“We humbly ask you to grant us
relief from the extreme heat that
besets your people at this time,
disrupting their activities and
threatening their lives and liveli-
hood,” the prayer read. “Send us
rain to replenish our depleting wa-
ter sources, to irrigate our fields, to
stave off water and power short-
ages and to provide water for our
daily needs.”
A record-high 38.8° Celsius
(101.8° Fahrenheit) was recorded
in the capital Manila on April 27,
forcing the closure of more than
47,000 schools for two days.
Nearly 8,000 schools remained
shuttered as of Friday, the educa-
tion department said, while the
highest temperature in the coun-
try was recorded at 38.2C on the
island of Mindoro south of the
capital.
15 people dead
in Indonesia
landslides, floods
Floods and landslides triggered by
heavy rain have killed 15 people in
south Sulawesi, while 115 people
were evacuated, Indonesia’s
disaster management agency said
yesterday.
The early morning floods in Luwu
regency killed 14 people, affected
more than 1,300 families and
damaged more than 1,800 houses,
though water levels have since
started to recede in some areas,
the agency said.
Indonesia is prone to landslides

British royals are to relinquish
patronages of almost 200 charities
and organisations after a review of
their association with more than
1,000 groups, Buckingham Palace
said yesterday.
The review was launched following
the death of Queen Elizabeth II
to examine all the charities and
bodies to which she, Charles
and his wife Queen Camilla were
connected.
Elizabeth was patron of 492
organisations, while Charles was
affiliated to 441 and Camilla 100.
Following the assessment, just over
830 have been retained by the
king and queen, or passed to other
members of the royal family.
Organisations are able to apply to
have a royal patron who in return
can provide publicity for their work
and help their achievements to be
widely recognised.
Among those that will retain their
royal connection include the Royal
British Legion, the largest armed
forces charity, the Dogs Trust, the
I
ndia will wait for Canadian police to share
information on the three Indian men it
has arrested and charged with the mur-
der of a Sikh separatist leader last year, For-
eign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar said
yesterday.
Canadian police charged the three on Fri-
day over the murder of Sikh separatist leader
Hardeep Singh Nijjar and said they are prob-
ing whether the suspects had links to the In-
dian government.
Jaishankar said he had seen news of the ar-
rests and said the suspects “apparently are
Indians of some kind of gang background...
we’ll have to wait for the police to tell us”.
“But, as I said, one of our concerns which
we have been telling them is that, you know,
US blames Rwanda for attack on Congo camp for the displaced
AFP
Washington
to Canada, said that it hopes to get regular
updates from Canadian authorities regarding
the three arrested Indians.
“I understand that the arrests have been
made as a result of investigations conducted
by the relevant Canadian law enforcement
agencies,” he said. “This issue is internal to
Canada and therefore we have no comments
to offer in this regard.”
The trio, all Indian nationals, were arrested
in the city of Edmonton in Alberta on Friday,
police said.
Nijjar, 45, was shot dead in June outside a
Sikh temple in Surrey, a Vancouver suburb
with a large Sikh population.
A few months later, Canadian Prime Min-
ister Justin Trudeau cited credible allegations
sons (IDP) in eastern Democratic Republic
of the Congo,” State Department spokes-
man Matthew Miller said in a statement.
Miller said the US was “gravely con-
ing visas for Canadians and forcing Ottawa to
withdraw diplomats.
Nijjar was a Canadian citizen campaigning
for the creation of Khalistan, an independent
Sikh homeland carved out of India.
He was wanted by Indian authorities for
alleged terrorism and conspiracy to commit
murder.
The presence of Sikh separatist groups in
Canada has long frustrated New Delhi, which
had labeled Nijjar a “terrorist”.
Canada is home to some 770,000 Sikhs,
who make up about 2% of the country’s pop-
ulation.
Canadian police said they had worked with
US law enforcement agencies, without giving
additional details.
supporters” of being responsible in a state-
ment on X.
Rwandan government spokesperson
Yolande Makolo described the US com-
during the rainy season, with
the problem aggravated in some
places by deforestation, with
prolonged torrential rain causing
flooding in some areas of the
archipelago nation.
The landslides struck Luwu
regency on Friday just after 1am
local time, said Abdul Muhari,
spokesperson of Indonesia’s
disaster management agency
BNPB, in a statement.
In another area of south Sulawesi
province, at least one person died
and two others were injured in
floods on Friday, Muhari said in
another statement. – Reuters
The origin of Friday’s blasts has not been
clearly established.
According to witnesses, government
forces positioned near the camp had been

Jockey Club and the Wildlife Trusts,
a grassroots nature organisation.
“His majesty has consistently
demonstrated foresight, courage
and leadership as he has helped
communities, charities and
businesses grapple with the
challenges and opportunities
inherent in living more sustainably
and in harmony with nature,” said
Wildlife Trusts chief executive Craig
Bennett. – Reuters
T
he US has accused Rwanda of in-
volvement in an attack on a camp for
displaced people in the eastern Dem-
ocratic Republic of the Congo (DR Congo), a
claim dismissed as “absurd” by Kigali.
At least nine people were killed in blasts
on Friday in the camp on the outskirts of the
city of Goma, local sources said.
“The United States strongly condemns
the attack (Friday) from Rwanda Defence
Forces (RDF) and M23 positions on the Mu-
gunga camp for internally displaced per-
cerned” by the expansion in DR Congo of
Rwandan forces and the M23, a mostly Tutsi
group that resumed its armed campaign in
the vast, long turbulent DR Congo in 2021.
“It is essential that all states respect each
other’s sovereignty and territorial integ-
rity and hold accountable all actors for hu-
man rights abuses in the conflict in eastern
DRC,” he said.
DR Congo government spokesman
Patrick Muyaya on Friday had also accused
“the Rwandan army and its M23 terrorist
ments as “ridiculous”, in a post on X.
“How do you come to this absurd conclu-
sion? The RDF, a professional army, would
never attack an IDP camp,” she said. “Look
to the lawless FDLR and Wazalendo sup-
ported by the FARDC (the Congolese armed
forces), for this kind of atrocity.”
The FDLR, or Democratic Forces for the
Liberation of Rwanda, is an armed ethnic
Hutu group operating in the Congo’s east
for 30 years, while Wazalendo is fighting the
M23 alongside the Congolese army.
bombarding the rebels on hills further west
since early morning and, according to a
civil society activist, “the M23 retaliated by
throwing bombs indiscriminately”.
“Horror in its most serious form! A bomb
on civilians, deaths, children! A new war
crime,” said the government spokesman
Muyaya.
The United States has repeatedly backed
Kinshasa’s claims that Rwanda supports
the M23, but Miller’s statement amounts to
an unusually direct implication.
10 Gulf Times
Sunday, May 5, 2024

COMMENT
CHAIRMAN
Abdullah bin Khalifa al-Attiyah
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Faisal Abdulhameed al-Mudahka
Deputy Managing Editor
K T Chacko

P.O.Box 2888, Doha, Qatar

editor@gulf-times.com
44350478 (News),
44466404 (Sport),
44466636 (Home delivery)
44350474
facebook.com/gulftimes
twitter.com/gulftimes_Qatar
instagram.com/gulftimes
youtube.com/GulftimesVideos

GULF TIMES
Fed decision on
interest rate holds
major importance
for world economy
The recent decision by the US Federal Reserve (Fed) to maintain
The IMF chose the right
leader the wrong way
its benchmark interest rate, despite a recent increase in inflation
within the United States, is poised to reverberate across global
monetary policy landscapes, influencing decisions made by
central banks worldwide.
On May 1, the Fed maintained its rate-hold decision and said it
would continue to watch incoming price data before taking a call
on when to cut rates.
This could be significant given that at the start of this year, With a strong scorecard overall, Georgieva is a good pick. But that is a happy coincidence
most analysts had predicted a Fed rate cut at its May 1 meeting
and a total of three rate cuts in 2024. By Ngaire Woods of interest. The IMF’s own members (albeit unequally). The funding, not special funds for
The US Federal Reserve held interest rates steady for a sixth Oxford subsequent evaluation criticized board is permanently based in specific projects).
straight meeting yesterday, keeping the level at a 23-year high to the “perfunctory manner” in Washington, DC (at considerable Georgieva also previously
fight stubborn price increases in the United States, the world’s which it followed its policies, cost), so that it can guide and persuaded wealthier countries to

K
largest economy. ristalina Georgieva’s and called out its decision to oversee the organisation’s commit more resources should
At the end of a two-day meeting, the US central bank decided reappointment as short-circuit the usual process mandate and work. There is no the institution ever need them
unanimously to keep the benchmark lending rate unchanged at managing director by modifying its 2002 framework good reason why reappointments (though donors still maintain
5.25-5.50%, citing a “lack of further progress” towards its two of the International to grant European countries and performance evaluations special control over these so-
percent inflation target. Monetary Fund (IMF) is a exceptional access. shouldn’t be (genuinely) called arrangements to borrow).
For months, the US central bank has held its benchmark lending welcome development, but it The IMF’s response cannot decided through this existing And during the pandemic, she
rate at a high level to cool demand and rein in price increases — also highlights a major flaw in the be divorced from its European- representative structure. secured agreement on a historic
with a slowdown in inflation last year fuelling optimism that the IMF’s governance structure. nominated managing directors, While every managing $650bn allocation of special
first cuts were on the horizon. In a world reeling from debt both of whom had previously director’s performance is subject drawing rights (the IMF’s reserve
But inflation has accelerated, throwing cold water on hopes of crises, violent conflict, climate served as France’s economy and to luck and other circumstances asset) to bolster member states’
an early rate cut this year. change, and the lingering effects finance minister. As Harold James beyond their control, an objective balance sheets. (Her tireless efforts
The central bank said of the Covid-19 pandemic, the recounts in his recently published scorecard could be distilled to to persuade wealthier countries to
it does not expect to cut Fund’s importance is difficult to history of the crisis, “the amount three metrics of success. The redirect their allocations to poorer
US Federal rates until it has “greater overstate. But to fulfil its proper of time and energy that the first is the degree to which a
managing director has brokered
countries, however, have been less
successful.)
confidence” that inflation is role, it must be accountable to managing director [Dominique
Reserve held moving sustainably towards all member states, not just the Strauss-Kahn and especially
Christine Lagarde] personally
agreement among all countries
–working to keep the powerful
Lastly, the managing director
must demonstrate effective
its two percent target. powerful countries that currently
interest rates The current consensus wield disproportionate influence. spent on these programmes –
including attending countless
engaged while restraining them
to ensure that others’ interests
leadership within the organisation
itself, where there is a constant
on Wall Street suggests The reappointment process
steady for a an expectation of just a bears directly on this issue. On its meetings in Brussels and
other European capitals – was
are considered. This often means
quietly organising coalitions of
need to overcome bureaucratic
inertia; attract, develop, and
single rate cut this year, a website, the IMF informs readers
sixth straight projection with potential that the Executive Board (where unprecedented in relation to
the attention given to even the
less powerful states.
Georgieva’s record on this
retain excellent and diverse staff;
and foster a culture of learning
repercussions for monetary all countries are represented)
meeting, policy decisions by other may select a managing director largest and most important
[IMF] programs in Latin America
front is strong. At a time when
the US has called for the IMF to
and integrity. With about 60%
of low-income countries at high
central banks. by a majority of votes cast,
keeping the The monetary policies though it has traditionally or Asia. Lagarde, unlike her
predecessors, regularly attended
step back from leading on climate
issues, she has persuaded many
risk of or in debt distress, the IMF
must be able to deploy resources
of major central banks, done so by consensus. In fact, a
level at a 23- including the Fed, longstanding agreement between the meetings of the European
finance ministers (ECOFIN).”
countries to permit the Fund to
add climate-related risks and
at maximum possible speed and
with the right recommendations
predominantly impact the Europeans and the Americans
year high to employment and inflation dictates that the former decides James does note that the
IMF was trying to adapt to new
opportunities to its monitoring
of their economies. Similarly,
and conditionalities. There is
much room for improvement
by wielding policy tools to who will lead the IMF, while
fight stubborn regulate the accessibility and the latter chooses who will lead circumstances. But from the
point of view of countries beyond
although wealthy countries
want heavy-handed lending
on this front. The IMF should
get money out the door much
expense of credit within the the World Bank. (The IMF has
price increases economy. formally adopted “an open, Europe and the US, the special
treatment seemed clear to see.
conditionalities (despite the
IMF’s own evidence that these
faster, and it should tailor its
programmes to a world where
The Fed’s principal merit-based, and transparent
in the US monetary policy instrument process” for selecting its Until the appointment process
changes, the managing director
are unlikely to work), Georgieva
has instead found new ways to
geopolitical tensions are trumping
the principles of free trade that it
is the federal funds rate. managing directors, but this has
Adjustments to this rate ripple through to other interest rates, served merely as a quality check will always be open to the charge lend. And, finally, in a world of favours.
subsequently shaping borrowing expenses for households and on the Europeans’ pick.) that he or she is overly responsive intensifying geopolitical rivalry, With a strong scorecard overall,
businesses, alongside broader financial conditions. It should be obvious why this to European governments. she has worked steadfastly to Georgieva is a good pick. But
Qatar, whose currency has been pegged to the dollar, reacted arrangement is a problem. The And the problems don’t end keep China engaged, such as in that is a happy coincidence. It
quickly to the Fed rate-hold decision. IMF needs all countries to believe there. In addition to cutting sovereign-debt restructurings. does not change the fact that the
On May 1, Qatar Central Bank decided to “maintain” its that it is acting in an even-handed out other countries that are Second, a managing director IMF’s reappointment process
deposit, lending and repo interest rates following QCB’s manner when it makes tough equally invested in the IMF, the must be effective in persuading is woefully out of step with the
“assessment of the current monetary requirements” of the decisions about whom to help, current process also distorts the member countries to commit world of the 2020s. — Project
country. and on what terms. And though international character of the resources. Here, too, Georgieva Syndicate
In a statement Qatar Central Bank said it will continue to assess it has formal rules, the most institution’s formal governance has succeeded. This past
the appropriate monetary policy, taking into account all the powerful countries regularly push structure. The IMF has a carefully December, the IMF Board of • Ngaire Woods is Dean of the
factors that may impact financial stability and will periodically hard for exceptions. The eurozone crafted Executive Board of Governors approved a 50% Blavatnik School of Government
review its monetary policy as needed to address changes in crisis underscored this conflict Directors who represent all its increase in quotas (meaning core t the University of Oxford.
economic requirements.
When interest rates decline within an economy, borrowing
becomes more affordable. Consequently, households tend to
increase their purchases of goods and services, while businesses
find greater motivation to borrow funds for expanding operations,
acquiring equipment, or investing in new projects.
Analysts say this surge in demand for goods and services often
leads to upward pressure on wages, revitalising the growth cycle.
While the connections between monetary policy, inflation,
and employment aren’t immediate or direct, monetary policy
certainly plays a pivotal role in mitigating excessive price
increases or fuelling growth momentum.

To Advertise
gtadv@gulf-times.com
Display
44466621 44418811
Classified
44466609 44418811
gtcad@gulf-times.com
Subscription
circulation@gulf-times.com

© 2024 Gulf Times. All rights reserved

IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva addresses the fall meetings of the Fund and World Bank in Washington in this file photo. (Reuters)
 Gulf Times
Sunday, May 5, 2024 11

WORLD
Clarence Rufin: A quiet force in the newsroom shared the same dry and cryptic sense of
By Kamran Rehmat contemporary politics to literature and
humour and a fierce journalistic integ-
Doha
OBITUARY rity which is almost extinct. It was that
unbending respect for truth that makes
much more. I never found him losing his
temper, a rare quality in this day and age.
He will certainly be missed by his family

C
larence Rufin could have made
for an ideal ambassador given his
charm, an uncanny ability to treat
even the most contentious issues with
diplomatic ease, and employing humour
like a USP. A Master’s degree in Inter-
national Relations, a love of literature
and performing arts, and wide travel,
of course did not hurt. And yet that was
only his public persona; privately, he just
kept to himself, strictly guarding the ebb
and flow of his life.
Clarence passed away on April 23 al-
most unnoticed – in keeping with a long
practised low profile – hours after an-
other busy day at setting up a soon-to-be
launched finance daily from Pakistan’s
capital Islamabad.
Born in Gujranwala, bred in Karachi
and Lahore, and last based in Islamabad,
Clarence’s educational journey was sup-
plemented by specialised training across
the globe. He honed his skills at the
prestigious Cambridge Radio Course in
England, learned video production in the
Philippines, and delved into production
and direction at the Pakistan Television
Academy in Islamabad. His expertise was
further enriched by a newspaper layout
and presentation course conducted by
the International School of Journalism in
Germany, and a management excellence
programme in Karachi.
Clarence’s professional life was a tes-
tament to his dedication and prowess. A
substantial stint with Dawn, Pakistan’s
most respected mainstream English
language daily, and later its television
channel DawnNews, stand out but as
Consulting Editor for the Daily Morning
Mail and Group Editor for the Pakistan
Observer, he also shaped the narrative
and quality of journalism in Pakistan’s
capital. His roles as Associate Editor for
Dateline Islamabad, a city broadsheet,
and Desk Editor at DawnNews show-
cased his capability to handle the fast-
paced demands of news editing. His
tenure at The News, another mainstream
daily, and stewardship on the Pakistan
and World pages for the Times of Oman in
Muscat, highlighted his adaptability and
keen editorial insight.
Beyond editing, Clarence saw his crea-
tive juices flow in television production.
He brought to life the 84-minute telefilm
Shifa, which aired on Pakistan’s premier
entertainment channel, Geo Entertain-
ment, as well as the play Shehzada. His
directorial acumen was on display in For
Him, a documentary exploring worship
trends in Asia, and he also produced en-
gaging presentations for In-Contact in
England, depicting the customs of Asian
communities in Britain.
His influence extended into academia
as a visiting faculty member at Fatima
Jinnah Women’s University in Islamabad,
where he nurtured the next generation of
journalists. He last taught as a lecturer in
Muslim Youth University in Islamabad.
Clarence’s commitment to the media
was also evident in his participation in
numerous international conferences and
seminars, where he once earned the ‘Best
Developed Project’ prize at the Asian
Documentary Forum in Kolkata, India.
A lifetime member of the Pakistan
Federal Union of Journalists and the Na-
tional Press Club Islamabad, Clarence
Rufin’s career was not just about personal
achievement, but also fostering a greater
understanding of the world through me-
dia.
His legacy in journalism and produc-
tion is a beacon for aspiring profession-
DISTINGUISHED: Clarence Rufin
als everywhere, illuminating the path of
excellence with integrity, creativity, and
passion.
His sudden demise left many friends
and colleagues in a state of shock and but
ultimately, evincing a melancholic note
about not being able to remain in regular
touch.
Maheen A Rashdi, writer and former
Dawn magazine editor
“I knew him for almost 28 years when
he joined Dawn. We hit it off right away.
He was a gentle soul and a deep thinker.
His Sufic nature was evident in his writ-
ing which was always soulful, reflec-
tive of human anguish whenever writ-
ing about societal injustice. He deserved
much more recognition than he got. We
lesser beings wary of you and not accept
you as you are – which was the case with
Clarence. I will truly miss him as a dear,
kind friend”.
Prasad Panicker, former editor at
Times of Oman
“It’s that time of time when unwelcome,
but inevitable, news about people of my
time trickles in. Clarence is the latest
to join the list. We shared the news-
room at the Times of Oman in Muscat.
Simple, unpretentious and warm, he
blended with the multinational editorial
team from day one. What amused me
then, and now, was his habit of holding
discussions with another colleague mid-
way through their places of residence
standing by the side of the road past
midnight...a sight I got to view as I drove
back home one of those days after the
edition had been sent to press. The sight
got repeated so often that it soon ceased
to offer any novelty. I always wanted to
ask him what it was that required such
urgent pre-dawn summits, but never
did...now that he’s gone, let that remain
another piece of puzzle on the board of
life. May his soul rest in peace”.
Kamran Yousaf, Senior
Correspondent at The Express
Tribune and TRT, and TV anchor
“I had the honour of working with
(Clarence) Rufin. He was one of the first
few people in the newsroom I became
friends with when I joined DawnNews
TV in 2007. He was a thorough profes-
sional, but also humble, softspoken and
soft hearted. I always enjoyed his com-
pany. We often shared the table at the
Dawn cafeteria for tea break, lunch, or
dinner with extended discussions from
and friends”.
Saba Eitizaz, podcast host at The
Toronto Star
“Clarence was one of the first and
friendliest faces that welcomed me into
a newsroom as a rookie journalist. He set
me up with a high bar on how true gen-
tlemen and good colleagues behave in
this industry. For a good one year, he sat
across from me in the DawnNews news-
room. I learned much from him and his
gentle and quiet ways. I will never forget
the image of Clarence, editing our stories
with his headphones on and then taking
his tea break with a jovial snapping of his
fingers and customary announcement:
chai peeni chahye (time to have tea). It
became a catch phrase with some of the
younger journalists. I still sometimes find
myself doing it to this day, though those
who would get the joke are no longer
around.”
Wajahat Ali, Editor, Arab News
Pakistan
“Clarence Rufin had a charming pres-
ence, easy in his skin, with a raconteur’s
mien. That he was solid in his work skills
was not much of a surprise given his
distinguished record of working with
the best in the business, especially at
Dawn before he and some of us fellow
wordsmiths, including Kamran Rehmat
and Amber Rahim Shamsi, joined forces
at DawnNews. He was gentle with word
and how he almost quietly went about
his business. It’s sad that once we parted
ways as DawnNews shut down its Eng-
lish service, we weren’t able to keep in
touch much. I reckon some meeting
grounds are meant to be a one-time, if
cherished, event”.

A woman is helped to leave a boat after being
Spain, Argentina
in diplomatic spat Pakistan sees ‘wettest
April’ in over 60 years
Spain and Argentina were at diplomatic daggers
drawn yesterday as the two countries traded
barbs over drug taking and economic decline.
Poor relations between the Hispanic nations hit
a low on Friday night when Spain’s Transport
Minister Oscar Puente suggested Argentina’s AFP cal Department, said of the report. ber 2023,” it said. In some ar-
President Javier Milei was on drugs. Islamabad, While much of Asia is swelter- eas of Punjab, the most populous
Milei’s office responded yesterday by accusing ing due to heatwaves, Pakistan’s province and the breadbasket of a
Spain’s Socialist Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez national monthly temperature for country facing an economic crisis,

rescued from floods in Porto Alegre, in Rio Grande do of bringing “poverty and death” to his people
Sul, yesterday. (Reuters) and threatening Spain’s unity.
The spat comes two weeks ahead of a visit
to Spain by Argentina’s “anarcho-capitalist”
president. He will attend an event of the far-right
P
akistan experienced its
“wettest April since 1961”,
receiving more than twice as
much rain as usual for the month,
the country’s weather agency said
April was 23.67 degrees Celsius
(74 degrees Fahrenheit), 0.87C
lower than the average of 24.54C,
the report said.
The highest rainfall was record-
heavy rains and hailstorms caused
damage to the wheat harvest, a
staple food source.
“The flash floods also caused
extensive damage to vast area of

Brazil flood death Vox party and will be avoiding the Socialist head
of government. The two have never had good
ties.
in a report.
April rainfall was recorded at
59.3mm, “excessively above” the
ed in the southwestern province of
Balochistan with 437% more than
average. The South Asian nation
crops, particularly the wheat crop,
which was ready for harvest,” the
UN humanitarian agency OCHA

toll rises to 58 Sanchez supported Milei’s rival Sergio Massa

in the election that brought Milei to power in
December and not contacted Milei since the
AFP victory. Vox leader Santiago Abascal went to
Porto Alegre Buenos Aires for Milei’s investiture.
Milei’s anger this time appears to have been
sparked by comments by Spain’s transport
normal average of 22.5mm, Paki-
stan’s metrology department said
late Friday in its monthly climate
report.
There were at least 144 deaths
in thunderstorms and house col-
lapses due to heavy rains in what
has the world’s fifth-largest pop-
ulation and is responsible for less
than one percent of global green-
house gas emissions, according to
officials, but is highly vulnerable
to extreme weather exacerbated
by global warming.
said in a recent report.
“This has resulted in significant
economic losses for local farmers
and communities, compounding
the losses from the rain-related
incidents,” it said.
Parts of Pakistan have also been

T
he death toll from floods and mudslides trig-
gered by torrential storms in southern Brazil has
climbed to 58 people, with the major city of Porto
Alegre particularly hard-hit, the country’s civil defence
agency said yesterday.
The deaths included two people who died in an explo-
sion at a flooded gas station in Porto Alegre where rescue
crews were attempting to refuel, said an AFP journalist
who witnessed the blast.
Overall, raging floodwaters have left 74 people injured
and another 67 missing, the civil defence agency said.
Fast-rising water levels in the state of Rio Grande do Sul
were straining dams and particularly threatening eco-
nomically important Porto Alegre, a city of 1.4 million.
The Guaiba River, which flows through the city, is at
a historic high — at 5.04 metres (16.5 feet), well above
the 4.76 metres that had stood as a record since the dev-
astating floods of 1941. Authorities were scrambling to
evacuate swamped neighbourhoods. “Despite the un-
favourable weather, rescue actions are taking place day
and night,” a government statement said.
President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva posted a video of
a helicopter depositing a soldier atop a house, where he
used a brick to pound a hole in the roof and rescue a baby
wrapped in a blanket. In a northern Porto Alegre suburb,
61-year-old Jose Augusto Moraes looked shaken after
fast-rising floodwaters engulfed his house and he had to
call firefighters to rescue a trapped child.
“I lost everything,” he told AFP.
With waters starting to overtop a dike along another
local river, the Gravatai, Mayor Sebastiao Malo issued
a stern warning on social media platform X, saying,
“Communities must leave!”
minister linking the president to drug taking.
“I saw Milei on television” during the campaign,
Puente told a Socialist Party conference on
Friday. “I don’t know if it was before or after the
consumption...of substances.”
Within hours, Milei’s office issued an official
statement lambasting Spain’s prime minister.
“Sanchez put the middle class in danger with
his socialist policies that bring only poverty and
death,” said the statement.
The government had also “endangered the
unity of the kingdom” by making a deal with a
separatist party to be able to stay in power.
Spain reacted with fury.
“The Spanish government categorically rejects
the unfounded words...which do not reflect the
relations between the two countries and their
fraternal people,” the Spanish foreign ministry
said.
“The government and the Spanish people will
continue to maintain and strengthen their
fraternal links and their relations of friendship
and collaboration with the Argentine people,
a desire shared by all of Spanish society,” the
statement added.
Milei will travel to Spain in two weeks for an
event on May 18 and 19 organised by the far-
right opposition party Vox, which is in a race
with the Socialists in next month’s European
elections.
He is not scheduled to meet Sanchez or Spain’s
monarch. — AFP
the report said was the “wettest The largest death toll was re- hit by heatwaves and severe air
April since 1961”. ported in northwestern Khyber pollution, which experts say are
Pakistan is increasingly vulner- Pakhtunkhwa, where 84 peo- exacerbated by inadequate infra-
able to unpredictable weather, as ple died, including 38 children, structure and ineffective govern-
well as often destructive monsoon and more than 3,500 homes were ance.
rains that usually arrive in July. damaged. “We are witnessing climate
A third of Pakistan was sub- The UN children’s agency change-related incidents nearly
merged by unprecedented mon- Unicef called last month for ur- every year now. Yet we are not
soon rains that displaced millions gent action to save children on the prepared for it,” said environment
of people in the summer of 2022 frontlines of climate change. lawyer and activist Ahmad Rafay
and cost the country $30bn in “Children in Pakistan are at ‘ex- Alam.
damage and economic losses, ac- tremely high risk’ of the impacts “It is the responsibility of our
cording to a World Bank estimate. of the climate crisis,” it said in a provincial and federal govern-
“Climate change is a major fac- statement. ments to prioritise climate relief
tor that is influencing the erratic “Despite significant aid ef- and mitigation measures. How-
weather patterns in our region,” forts, 9.6mn children were still in ever, their focus appears to be pri-
Zaheer Ahmad Babar, spokesper- need of humanitarian assistance marily on political matters,” Alam
son for the Pakistan Meteorologi- in flood affected areas by Decem- said.
3 bodies found after surfers go missing in Mexico: FBI
Three bodies were found in Mexico’s Baja California the identities of the victims. Australian brothers Jake
state, the FBI said, days after two Australians and an and Callum Robinson and their American friend
American went missing during a surfing trip in an Jack Carter have not been seen since April 27. They
area hit by cartel violence. Authorities used a pulley were on vacation near the coastal city of Ensenada
system to hoist what appeared to be lifeless bodies in the northwestern state of Baja California but the
covered in mud from a shaft on a cliff high above brothers’ mother, Debra Robinson, said they never
the Pacific, AFP journalists observed. “We confirm arrived at their planned accommodation. “Reaching
there were three individuals found deceased in Santo out to anyone who has seen my two sons. They have
Tomas, Baja California,” a statement from the FBI’s not contacted us,” she wrote on a Facebook page for
office in San Diego, California, said without providing Baja California tourists before Friday’s discovery.

US lawmaker hit with bribery charges tied to Azerbaijan, Mexican bank

US Representative Henry Cuellar
(pictured) and his wife were
indicted for allegedly accepting
close to $600,000 in bribes in
two schemes meant to benefit an
Azerbaijani state-owned energy
company and an unnamed bank
based in Mexico, court papers
showed.
The federal indictment, returned
by a grand jury in Texas on
Tuesday and unsealed on Friday,
said the bribes were laundered
through sham consulting
contracts into shell companies
owned by Imelda Cuellar, the
Democratic congressman’s wife,
from December 2014 through at
least November 2021.
In exchange, it says Henry Cuellar
sought to use his public position
to influence US foreign policy
in Azerbaijan’s favour and to
pressure US government officials
to help the Mexican bank lobby
against anti-money laundering
enforcement policies and
payday lending regulations that
threatened its business.
Before the charges were
unsealed, Cuellar issued
a statement denying the
allegations.
“Both my wife and I are innocent
of these allegations,” said Cuellar.
One of the most conservative
Democrats in the House of
Representatives, Cuellar is
seeking an 11th two-year term
in the November 5 election. He
represents a Texas district that
borders Mexico and includes
Laredo and parts of San Antonio.
The 54-page indictment identifies
the bank only as “Foreign
Bank-1,” a Mexico City-based
institution that conducts payday
lending in the US and is part
of a Mexican finance and retail
holding company that also owns a
Mexican media company.
That appears to match Grupo
Salinas, a sprawling conglomerate
controlled by Mexican billionaire
Ricardo Salinas, whose business
empire includes Banco Azteca.
The indictment also provides
identifying details of a bank
executive who appears to match
a recently retired Banco Azteca
executive.
“Right now, we don’t have
information about this,” Grupo
Salinas executive Luciano Pascoe
told Reuters by email in response
to a request for comment.
Cuellar will step down as the
ranking member of the Homeland
Security Appropriations
subcommittee while the case is
pending, said a spokesperson
for Democratic House Minority
Leader Hakeem Jeffries.
Cuellar’s home and campaign
office in Laredo were searched
by federal law enforcement in
January 2022, when Cuellar
served as a co-chair of the
Congressional Azerbaijan Caucus.
In that capacity, he and several
other members of Congress
signed a letter urging Congress to
provide humanitarian support to
assist people displaced following
the war between Azerbaijan and
Armenia.
The indictment cites Cuellar’s
support for providing funding to
Azerbaijan and a pro-Azerbaijan
speech he gave on the House
floor, among other actions.
Cuellar said in his statement he
had sought legal advice from the
House Ethics Committee and a
national law firm.
“We requested a meeting with the
Washington, DC prosecutors to
explain the facts and they refused
to discuss the case with us or to
hear our side,” he added.
The Justice Department said
Cuellar and his wife made initial
appearances before a federal
magistrate judge in Houston on
Friday. They were released on
bond.
Each faces 14 counts on charges
including conspiracy, bribery,
honest services wire fraud, being
a public official acting as an agent
of a foreign principal, and money
laundering.
Several of the charges carry a
statutory maximum of 20 years
in prison.
Cuellar is not the only member of
Congress facing federal charges.
Democratic Senator Bob
Menendez is awaiting trial on
corruption charges in New York,
while Republican George Santos
last year was expelled from the
House while he awaits trial on
charges of violating campaign
finance laws.
Both Menendez and Santos deny
wrongdoing.
12 Gulf Times
Sunday, May 5, 2024

QATAR

Msheireb, MetaHug
partner to launch
Msheireb World
M
sheireb Properties announced
its co-operation with MetaHug
studio, specialised in developing
video games, to launch Msheireb World, a
virtual interactive space within the game
Roblox, allowing players to explore Qatari
culture and its rich details.
This collaboration is designed to blend
education with interactive gaming,
showcasing Qatar’s sustainable innova-
tions, creative chops, and deep-rooted
traditions, a statement said.
The partnership was launched on the
sidelines of the TEFFA event hosted in M7
at Msheireb Downtown Doha (MDD).
The Roblox platform will host a series
of mini-games, each crafted to highlight
a different facet of Qatari life and history.
At launch, players will be able to par-
ticipate in six unique games, starting with
Pearl Hunt, a game that pays homage to
Qatar’s pearl diving heritage.
In realising the project, Msheireb
Properties combined the ingenuity of
the world’s first sustainably regenerated
downtown at the MDD with the Doha De-
sign District (DDD)’s ambitions as a crea-
tive lab for global design talent.
The Roblox experience will include ac-
tivities inspired by Msheireb Properties’s
vision for human-led design, champi-
oned through projects like the MDD and
the DDD.
Activities include designing sustain-
able fashion inspired by traditional Qatari
attire and creating furniture that reflects
the region’s architectural elegance.
Additional mini-games will educate
players about Arabic typography and the
history of Bedouin lifestyles, celebrat-
ing Qatar’s commitment to sustainability
and design.
“By integrating educational elements
with the fun and excitement of gaming,
we aim to create a more enriching expe-
rience that teaches players about the sig-
nificant cultural heritage of Qatar,” said
senior DDD manager Shaikha al-Sulaiti.
Working closely with MetaHug co-
founder Lian Pham, the collabora-
tion leaned into MetaHug’s education
in gaming expertise through its flag-
ship Play2Learns educational initiative,
teaching kids to learn without knowing
they’re learning, the statement added.

UDC Public Services executive director Abdullatif Ali al-Yafei.

Khalil Rashid al-Naimi of the Marine life activist and PADI

UDC’s seabed clean-up initiative underscores its commitment to environmentally friendly, General Directorate of Civil diving ambassador Khaled
large-scale, and efficient removal of plastic pollution from aquatic ecosystems. Defence. Zaki.

UDC launches ‘largest’ seabed

clean-up drive with 118 divers
By Peter Alagos tar’s “first-ever largest” seabed clean-up, covering
Business Reporter a 30,000sq m-area of the Porto Arabia marina on
The Pearl Island.
Speaking to Gulf Times on the sidelines of the
time, citing tech-savvy youth and the popularity of
various social media platforms.
In a statement, Ghanem al-Diab, a senior ad-
ministrative affairs expert at the Ministry of Social

Zainab al-Shammari, head of programmes and events at
Friends of the Environment Centre.
Professional divers extracted more than two tonnes of plastic and metal waste from Porto Arabia’s seabed.
M
ore than two tonnes of plastic and metal
waste were collected by 118 professional
divers who participated in the “Seabed
Cleanup Campaign” organised yesterday by United
Development Company (UDC).
The event, seen as a pivotal component of UDC’s
broader sustainability strategy, was hailed as Qa-
event, UDC Public Services executive director Ab-
dullatif Ali al-Yafei emphasised that the campaign is
part of UDC’s five-year environmental and sustain-
ability strategy launched in 2022.
He noted that the seabed clean-up initiative is di-
rectly linked to UN Sustainable Development Goal
14: Life Below Water, emphasising the crucial need
for conserving and sustainably utilising the oceans,
seas, and marine resources.
“We are targeting the communities of The Pearl
Island and Gewan Island, in addition to the wider
community in Qatar, to send a clear message of
the importance of taking care of the environment,”
al-Yafei said. “This event coincides with the cel-
ebration of Earth Day 2024, so it is very important
that we protect our oceans, as well as maintain and
improve the coastal environment around The Pearl
Island.”
Khalil Rashid al-Naimi of the General Directorate
of Civil Defence also emphasised that the event was
an opportune time to raise awareness among resi-
dents of The Pearl Island about the value of safety
and preparedness.
“Our participation today was to educate the pub-
lic on various safety precautions and how to respond
to emergencies, such as fires, disasters, and other
critical cases,” he said. “We also demonstrated the
use of life jackets and fire extinguishers.”
“It is important for residents, especially young
children, to know how to react during untoward
incidents and keep a clear presence of mind until
professional help arrives to address the situation,”
al-Naimi added.
Khaled Zaki, a marine life activist and ambas-
sador of the Professional Association of Diving In-
structors (PADI), who led the participating divers in
the seabed clean-up, underscored the positive im-
pact of yesterday’s event on children.
He said educating children on the value of envi-
ronmental protection is the way forward, consider-
ing that campaigns such as this are spread in real-
Development and Family, said: “The ministry is de-
lighted to collaborate with UDC in the seabed clean-
ing initiative.”
“This partnership not only supports environ-
mental sustainability but also empowers produc-
tive families by providing them with a platform to
showcase their products to the public,” he said. “By
being part of this prized community initiative, these
families contribute significantly to the betterment
of our environment and society.”
Zainab al-Shammari, head of programmes and
events at Friends of the Environment Centre, said:
“Driven by Qatar National Vision 2030 and our firm
belief in creating an environmentally conscious
community focused on sustainable development,
Friends of the Environment Centre is dedicated to
environmental awareness and our duty to preserve
marine ecosystems.”
“Achieving effective and equitable participation
from the community, youth, and upholding Qa-
tar’s national identity through environmental con-
servation, our community partnership with UDC
in cleaning the seabed of The Pearl Island, in col-
laboration with various entities, aims to maintain a
healthy and pristine environment free from harm to
humans, animals, and plants,” she said.
“We urge sea-goers not to discard metal, plastic,
glass, food waste, or any other harmful debris, and
to leave their surroundings clean, as a testament to
our commitment and preservation of Qatar’s envi-
ronment,” al-Shammari added.
Simultaneously, more than 250 residents and vis-
itors participated in eco-friendly activities such as
planting, paper recycling, and energy conservation
efforts, underscoring the community’s dedication
to sustainable practices.
All collected waste materials, including metal,
wood, and plastic, underwent meticulous recycling
and reuse processes, ensuring responsible waste
management practices and minimising landfill dep-
osition.