Call for healing ‘Arab rifts’

Arab leaders opened their annual summit in Doha yesterday amid calls for healing inter-Arab rifts, rejecting the ICC arrest warrant against Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir, taking a joint stance on the Palestinian issue as well as an Arab action plan to deal with the global financial crisis.
HH the Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani, who presided over the meeting, called for setting up a “mechanism for managing differences among Arab states”.
“Our internal disputes urge us to reach at least a mechanism to manage our differences so that differences do not jeopardise closer relations,” the Emir said.
The Emir also welcomed the Saudi King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz who launched an initiative to bridge inter-Arab differences at the Arab economic summit held in Kuwait in January.
“We all have one goal which is the interest of our people and our nation and raising its status,” the Emir added.
Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, who handed over the presidency of the Arab League to Qatar, opened the session with a speech calling for unity among Arab states.
He hit out at Israel, saying “there is no peace partner for Arabs in Israel”.
“Peace for the Israelis is only a tactical option which aims at covering their long-term goals based on not returning any of the rights they usurped from us,” he said.
The Syrian president lambasted the warrant issued against al-Bashir, as a “prelude to reintroducing colonialism in a more modernised form”.
Arab League Secretary General Amr Moussa called for setting up a collective security system in the Middle East, which he said, should exclude Israel until it ratified the nuclear non-proliferation treaty and end the Arab Israeli conflict.
“About the Arab solidarity, he said Arab states should be able to manage their “differences” without allowing them to reach to the “clash and bickering stages”.
Bashir, who attended the summit defying the arrest warrant, defended his action and also urged support for the Palestinians as well as the reconciliation efforts in Somalia.
Al-Bashir also hit out at the UN Security Council, the body that mandated the ICC prosecutor to investigate the situation in Darfur.
Other Arab leaders also stressed the need for unity and closer relations among the Arab countries.
The meeting was attended also by the UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon and Jean Ping, chairperson of the commission of the African Union.

Original Article from: Gulf Times

Bashir blasts UN ‘double standards’

Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir yesterday called for reforming the UN Security Council, describing it as an organisation that had a “selective undemocratic constitution”.
Speaking to the Arab leaders at the Doha Summit, Bashir said that the Security Council did not know that the standards applied for the cause of justice should be the same, “but double standards have been applied and the criminals were pardoned”.
“The lack of justice creates grudge and feeds extremism,” he said.
Bashir accused Israel of training the “separatists of Darfur”, supporting them with weapons, hosting them in hotels and financing them. “Our Sudanese people know that and wash their hands off them,” he said.
Bashir, who is facing an ICC arrest warrant, said that some of the officials in Darfur were taken to the court and were executed in accordance with the law and fair trials. “That caused the wrath of the so-called human rights organisations.”
On his decision to suspend the activities of 13 international relief organisations out of a total 118, he said that they were costing the country 70% of its administrative spending but they were carrying out only 4.5% of the total humanitarian activities in Sudan.
The Sudanese president accused them of working beyond their mandates, and having secret agreements with the ICC and giving the International Criminal Court “false reports”.

Original Article from: Gulf Times

Emir warns of another Iraq if Sudan sinks into chaos

HH the Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani has warned that if anything happened to Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir and Sudan ended up in chaos, the whole of Africa would also sink into chaos and that Al Qaeda would be happy to see Sudan become like Iraq.
In an interview with the German magazine Spiegel, the Emir noted that Qatar has been mediating in Sudan for a long time, particularly because the groups in Darfur do not want the Arab League to get involved.
The Emir stressed the need to give the parties time to let them voice their grievances, and finally discuss the future of their country.
Concerning the Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad’s attendance to the Arab Summit, the Emir said: “I don’t think so this time, because some Arab countries do not want this. They are not realising that America is talking to Ahmadinejad. They took their action because America was against Iran. But they do not realise that a big change is happening in the US. It will take some time, but they will run to Tehran. I know this very well.”
To a question about the Arab and the Latin American summits, hosted by Doha, the Emir said: “We in the Middle East like to talk politics, we like to argue. Just look at the three prophets, Moses, Jesus and Muhammad. They are all from this small region which creates problems all the time. So I think we will talk politics. But of course in the Arab countries this is leaders’ politics, since there are no elections that any leader will be tied to. Finding a link to Latin America will be an economic issue.”
Concerning the Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez’s attendance, the Emir said: “Yes, my friend Hugo Chavez is coming.”
The Emir expressed the hope that the global economic crisis would end, saying: “When the Americans recover from their depression, the world will recover.”
He said the oil price should continue to stay in the $40 range for at least one or two more years, saying: “This way we can help the world out of this crisis. If the world economy recovers, it will be good for us, too. Automatically, the price of oil will go up again. I don’t see why Opec countries should continue to cut production just to keep the price of oil high. This will not affect the industrial countries alone; it will also hit poor countries in Africa, Asia and Latin America. Who will look after them?”
“This limits our ambitions. But I expected the price of oil to go down one day because we already suffered from this after 1973. When the oil price went up we became so rich. People bought a lot of things and they travelled every summer. Then the oil price went down and everything shrank. Since then, I have sought to avoid letting this happen again,” the Emir noted.
Answering a question about how the Gulf countries spent their wealth over the past years, the Emir said: “Up until now, we have spent most of this money domestically, on infrastructure, on factories, hospitals and universities. But two years ago we started to invest outside the country. With the current crisis, many countries prefer to keep their money instead of investing it abroad. For us, though, this is an opportunity that will not be repeated in the next 20 years. We have, for example, acquired 16% of shares in Barclays bank (in Britain) and 10% of Credit Suisse. We are going ahead.”
Concerning Qatar’s plans to invest in Germany, the Emir said: “Germany is a very important industrial country. We know that the Germans are hard workers; we know that they will fight for their economy. We also discussed Daimler. To invest in such companies is a first rate opportunity. Of course we are coming to invest in Germany. That is certain.”
The Emir noted German cars were used in most of the Gulf countries, saying: “German trucks are the most important in the world and they have been used heavily here in our region. For sure we will invest in the car manufacturers in Germany. But we will have to find the right time and the right price. We are also trying to bring high tech to our country, which we want to make a place of science and technology.”
“To invest in a carmaker is good because automobiles are not only sold in a small country, but rather all over the world. In fact, in the 1960s, our ruler Sheikh Ahmad was the first Gulf leader to visit Daimler. We were rich before oil because we exported pearls. Then the Japanese came with the artificial pearl and we became poor again. All things change, and this is often on my mind,” the Emir added.
About the interest in having German universities in the Education City, the Emir said: “They are welcome. But are they ready? The same question applies to the British: We have had relations with them for a long time, but they have only started to talk to us (about this issue) recently. I really don’t want you to think of Qatar as a hydrocarbon country alone. We know that hydrocarbons will come and go. But education will stay. It is the most important thing for us.”
Concerning his expectations on the global crisis, the Emir said: “China is coming, India is coming and Russia is on its way, too, although they are suffering because the price of oil has come down. China has almost 30mn jobless now. But I think they will recover. I don’t know if America and Europe will still be leading. The main thing now, though, is that they prevent the world economy from collapsing.”
About Qatar’s ability to supply Europe with gas if Russia fails to deliver, the Emir said: “We are selling gas to Italy, Spain, Belgium and, starting within the next few weeks, to Britain. I know that the Germans prefer to have their own gas supply, but I think our gas could come to Germany through another European country. However, this depends on the quantities we have on hand and the price.”
“With Opec they have a cartel. Why don’t we have this gas cartel as well? And why don’t we make a sort of agreement between consumers and producers? I wouldn’t mind such a gas cartel, but it will take time because some countries today sell for high prices and others sell for low prices. It will be hard for those selling high to bring their prices down. So we will need time.”

Original Article from: Gulf Times

Please Don't

Don't

Look or stare at people closely no matter how fascinating their dress. This general courtesy is particularly important in a society where modesty of dress and behavior is mandatory.

Ask an Arabic lady for information or direction in a public place if you are a man. Arabic ladies will be more willing to help other females and if you are a family let your wife do the talking.

Be offended if your hand shake is refused by a Muslim. Hand shake are most often refused to member of the opposite sex. It is not meant personally, but simply a religious prohibition applicable to other Muslims and non-Muslims alike.

Take a photograph without permission of either people (including the police or armed forces) or sensitive sites. Arabic women and many older people strongly object to being photographed.

Be annoyed if your guest /contact is late. Just remember, time is more elastic in Qatar.

Use your left hand for contact with other people or eating. Following Muslim conventions the right hand is considered more propitious and the left hand reserved for bodily functions.

Sit with the soles of your shoes or feet pointing to your Qatari hosts; it is considered insulting. Equally, don't sit with your back to the other guest.

Drink to much that your behavior is affected in public. Alcohol in Qatar is strictly regulated concession and there is zero tolerance for drink-driving and rowdy behavior.

Go barefoot in the sea, where stone fish (who look alike stone) lie along the shoreline. Although rare, their poisonous defense mechanism causes excruciating pain and needs a hospital visit.

Please Do

Do's

Use greeting and formalities as they are particularly important when dealing with Arabs. It is considered impolite to start any conversation or request without at least saying "Good Morning" or "Good Afternoon".

Dress modesty in Qatar, which is a Muslim country with conservative dress codes. Trousers are acceptable for women, but avoid shorts, strappy low-cut tops, see through and transparent clothes.

Hail Mowasalat turquoise taxis, which are safe, clean and metered. The majority of the driver speaks English.

Bargain with shopkeepers which is the norm here in the souqs, so let go of your inhibitions and allow yourself some extra time for a good barter. Always counter the original offer with a lower price than you expect to pay and work slowly upwards to what you wish to spend.

Watch out for separate counters and sections for women in banks and utilities.

Enjoy Qatar at night as it is one of the safest places in the world during the hot summer and during Ramadan you will see people around town well into the early morning.

Drink plenty of water in addition to other beverages. At a temperature of 2°C you need at least two liters a day. Deep yellow urine is a sign of dehydration.

Use high factor sunblock on all exposed skin (even in the winter sun), including the tops of your feet if wearing sandals. Children and fair skinned people also need a hat or a cap.

Remember the air-conditioning, which can chill you to the bone at restaurants, cinemas and malls. Take along a light jacket or a sweater as a precaution.

Internet

Internet Connections

Mos hotels offers internet connections, there is a numbers of internet cafe's in Doha.

Hotspots

Qtel hotspots - broadband wireless internet service offers internet access at 10 times the speed of dial-up services at selected location through prepaid Hotspsots cards. Locations include the InterContinental and Merweb Hotels, various cafe's and the Diplomatic Club. Access cards valid for one year can be purchased at H otspots locations and cost from QR 30, QR 50 or QR 70.

iParks

Free wireless internet access is offered at public parks and at present include Doha's Sheraton Park, Al Rmailah PArk and Dahl Al Hamam Park.

Telephone

International and Local Calls

Qatar Telecom (Qtel) provides international Direct Dialing (IDD) to most countries; you can dial +1 or 00 to call out. the international Dialing Code for Qatar is +974. Where there is not available, you can book a call through directory inquiries.

Local calls from private houses and businesses are free, but hotel charge a nominal fee for local calls made from the room. Local and international calls made from blue and white Qtel telephone booth are chargeable.

Hala Plus- Hala Pre-paid Phone Cards

In addition to its regular post-paid Qatarnet GSM service, Qtel also offers Hala Plus, a pre-paid GSM service. Prepaid telephone cards can be baught from Qtel, bookstores and most supermarkets. Qtel now offers and all-day customer service at its City Center-Doha Mall and Landmark Mall offices, open 10:00 am to 10:00 Pm daily and 4:00 PM tp 10:00 PM on Fridays.

Telephone Information Services

Main Qtel Office
->440-0400

Telephone Directory Inquiries within Qatar
->180

From Overseas
-> +9744380000

Telephpone Assistant (local)
-> 111

International Call (inquiries)
-> 150

Sepaking Clock Arabic
-> 141

Speaking Clock English
->140

Weather Forecast (arabic/english)
-> 4553612

Wake up calls can be placed from private direct telephone line by keying in *13, followed by the time the call is required according to 24 hour clock.

Places of Worship

Islam is the official religion of Qatar, but in line with the government policy of religious tolerance, many expatriate communities hold church services that cover a variety of denominations.

Fanar Bulding (Doha Corniche)
Al Juma'a Khutba and prayer in English for English speaking Muslims of both sexes on Friday at 11:30 am. Call 444-7444/425-0250

Al Shamal
Non Denominational
Solid Rock Youth Group - Age: 14-19
Tel: 584-8731

Catholic Church of our Lady of Rosary
Under the Vatican Jurisdiction
P.O Box 12230
Tel: 490-1907 Fax: 490-1908
Web: www.rosaryqatar.net

Church of the Epiphany
Anglican / Episcopal
Child and teen program for 2-7 years old
Tel: 442-6831

Doha Fellowship
Non-denominational / Evangelical
Tel: 436-1283
E-mail: dohafellowship@hotmail.com

Grace Fellowship
Non-denominational / Evangelical
Tel: 450-7167

Kirche Am Golf
German Protestant Church
Tel: 584-5105, 487-8074
E-mail: qatar@kirche-golf.de

Qatar International Christian Ministry
Non-denominational
Sunshine Club for 4-13 years old
Tel: 553-4685
Web: www.erejoice.org

Service Apartments

AHB-Bilal Suites
Tel: 442-7788 Fax: 441-9002

Al Emadi Enterprises
Tel: 466-6625 Fax: 466-4166
Web: www.alemadi.com.qa
E-mail: alemadi@alemadi.com.qa / info@alemadi.com.qa

Al Jawhara Service Apartments
Tel: 435-8249 Fax: 435-7658

AL Jazeera Service Apartments
Tel: 431-7986 Fax: 431-3901

Al Sadd Suites
Tel: 444-4199 Fax: 442-2700

AL Riraaj Furnished Suites
Tel: 458-2809
Web: www.alsiraag.net

Bavaria City Suites
Tel: 554-8678
Web: www.bgihotels.com

Homes 2 Rent
Tel: 413-4817 Fax: 413-4846

Le Mirage Executive Residencee
Tel: 444-0111 Fax: 442-3104

Le Mirage Suites
Tel: 444-7111 Fax: 436-7195

Retaj Executive Suites
Tel: 455-333 Fax: 455-3553

RE/MAX
Tel: 458-3712

Retaj Residence
Tel: 489-5555 Fax: 489-5500

Royal Wings Apartment Hotel
Tel: 421-1333 Fax: 421-1999

Estate Agents

Al Emadi Enterprises
Tel: 436-6664

DTZ Qatar
Tel: 443-7596

Ireland Real Estate
Tel: 450-5176

Mirage International Properties
Tel: 444-4431

Re/Max Properties Qatar
Tel: 458-3712

Retaj Properties
Tel: 489-5555

The Wall Real Estate
Tel: 455-3241

Bill Gates to be keynote speaker at IT conference

Microsoft founder Bill Gates will be the keynote speaker during the global conference on Information and Communication Technologies Development (ICTD) to held at Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar from April 17 to 19.

Gates, who is also co-chairman of Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, will be addressing some 300 expected participants at the three-day conference. The other important speaker will be Carlos A Primo Braga, Director of Economic Policy and Debt at the World Bank. Experts who will give presentations at the conference come from different sectors, including governments, academia, start-ups, large corporations, inter-government organisations, and non-governmental bodies.

The Supreme Council of Information, Communications and Technology (ictQATAR) is participating as organising sponsor and ictQATAR Secretary General Dr Hessa Al Jaber is serving as honorary chair for the conference.

“We are seeing the tremendous societal and economic impact ICT can have right here in Qatar. I am excited to welcome the leading scholars in the field of ICT and development to Doha and eager to participate in meaningful discussions on these important issues,” said Dr Hessa.

Academics and scholarly practitioners from around the world will be coming to discuss the latest research and thinking on the role and impact of ICT in international development.

The conference will have numerous presentations of research and papers, along with engaging workshops and panel discussions. Topics covered range from digital literacy for low income workers to ICT in higher education, educational games to e-government projects. Numerous best practice case studies will be also presented. ictQATAR will be leading a panel discussion on assistive technologies in developing countries. “Assistive technologies have enjoyed a sustained evolution in developed countries, leading to enhanced accessibility and availability of such technologies benefiting those with disabilities,” said Dr Yasir Khan, Clinical Adviser to the e-health program at ictQATAR.

ictQATAR has made assistive technologies a priority for 2009. In December 2008, ictQATAR hosted a forum on assistive technologies to mark the “International Day of Persons with Disabilities” and also upgraded its website to meet international accessibility standards.

Original article from: The Peninsula

New study to look into root cause of TB in Qatar

A study which will look into the root cause of tuberculosis among Qataris and long-time residents will soon commence in Qatar, Gulf Times has learnt.
Speaking in an exclusive interview on the level of TB infections in Qatar and the means of curtailing the disease, the co-ordinator of the national TB programme, Dr Abdullatif al-Khal said the study would hopefully trace the epidemiology of TB among Qataris and residents, how it is being transmitted and ways of uprooting the cause.
“We are at the planning stage of the research and no further information is available yet, but we hope to use the study to get to the root cause of TB infections in the country, especially among labourers and housemaids,” he said.
However, the doctor noted that even though tuberculosis is highly controllable and costs less to treat, the disease is still spreading fast and wide with around 100,000 deaths per year worldwide.
“The spread of TB hinges on many reasons such as poverty, poor hygiene, over-crowding, lack of political and public interest, lack of commitment and poor nutrition, especially among the poor, as well as lack of information as high risk group, who should benefit from TB control messages, are either difficult to reach or there is language barrier,” observed the doctor.
Dr Al-Khal, who is also the head of the TB Unit at Rumailah Hospital, stressed that TB is a highly communicable disease because it is air-borne. It can spread through persistence coughs for weeks and even months and could be transmitted to others before diagnosis.
“Last year, we screened about 1,853 people we believed had come in contact with TB patients before diagnosis and of this number, 400 were found with the bacteria and preventive treatment was quickly administered to them,” he disclosed.
He lamented that the worst part was the increase in cases of multiple drug resistance TB bacteria accounting for 5% of the total burden on healthcare budget, while noting that the overall incidence of TB in Qatar’s population is 35 per 100,000.
“Our intention is to bring the incidence to the lowest level and we have recorded success among Qataris and stable residents, while the most challenging part still remains with the labourers coming into the country in droves,” he said.
“The multiple drug resistant TB is very expensive and difficult to treat and the death rate is higher than in normal active TB. Also another fraction of this particular type of TB called extensively or extremely multi-drug resistance TB was found among labourers for the first time in Qatar last year,” he said.
The doctor said that in 2008, out of a total 567 cases of active TB including five multi drug resistance, three labourers found with extensively multi drug resistance had since being repatriated to avoid spreading the bacteria to others, because it has ‘no cure’ at present.
He said that of the total number of cases recorded last year only 4% or 24 cases were Qataris, while in 2007, out of 399 TB cases, 17 were Qataris, multi-drug resistance only six cases while majority of cases were found among Southeast Asian population.
However, the official maintained that the policy of the health ministry to deport newcomers found with TB does not affect residents diagnosed with the disease.
“People contract both fractions of TB if they do not cure themselves totally of the disease at first contact,” he said.

Original Article from: Gulf Times

Arab-S American meet to tackle financial crisis

The second Arab-South American countries summit, which is to be held in Doha tomorrow, is expected to seek a joint mechanism to deal with the global financial crisis as well as enhance joint investment and co-operation between the two blocs.
HH the Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani will address the opening session of the summit along with Chilean President Michelle Bachelet, who is also the head of the Union of South American nations, and Brazilian President Luiz Inacio “Lula” da Silva.
Among the other South American leaders who will be attending the meeting is Venezuela’s President Hugo Chavez and the President of Argentina Cristina Elisabet Fern?ndez de Kirchner.
The Arab-South American meeting is due to start immediately after the closing session of the Arab Summit Meeting starting today.
Earlier this month, HE Ahmed bin Abdullah al-Mahmoud, the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs chaired a joint meeting between Arab foreign ministers and their counterparts from 12 South American nations at the Arab League in Cairo where they discussed the Doha draft declaration, which is expected to be approved by the leaders of the participating nations.
The Doha declaration will focus on promoting trade ties between the two groups and looking into ways to deal with the financial crisis.
Nabil bin Ali, an analyst at the Algeria Radio, said that the two regions, which are separated geographically, are looking for ways to find new markets and go beyond their traditional partners.
“Although the volume of trade between the two groups is relatively low, they hope they can open untraditional markets and focus on economic issues. It is important for South American nations, who are generally adopting anti-American stances to find partners in the Middle East countries,” he told Gulf Times.
However, Bin Ali saw the recent meeting between US President Barack Obama and the Brazilian president, whose country has aspirations for playing a leading regional role on the international stage and securing a permanent seat in the UN Security Council, as dimming the hopes for the meeting.
“Brazil is a giant player among the group, and in case it lowers its support for promoting the ties between the two regions, the group may lose much of its lustre,” he added.
About the political aspect of the Doha draft declaration, Bin Ali said that President Chavez of Venezuela might get a hero’s reception in the Middle East thanks to his recent stance on the 22-day Israeli war on Gaza Strip when Venezuela dismissed the Israeli ambassador in support of Gaza.
The first meeting that brought the leaders of the two regions together was held in Brazil in 2005.

Original article from: Gulf Times

Qatar boosts ICT standing

Proof of the country’s efforts to embrace information and communication technology (ICT)bearing fruit can be found in the *Global Information Technology Report 2008-2009: Qatar has moved three places up, securing 29th position.
The annual report, released by the World Economic Forum and INSEAD, is the world’s most comprehensive international assessment of the impact of ICT on nations’ development and international competitiveness.

This year the report has surveyed 134 developed and developing economies, which account for more than 98% of world GDP (gross domestic product).
Last year’s report surveyed 127 countries. The cornerstone of the report is the Networked Readiness Index. In the 2008-2009 Index, Qatar rose to the 29th place from the 32nd position among 127 surveyed nations in 2007-2008. The preceding period, 2006-2007, Qatar was ranked 36th. In 2005-2006, when Qatar was included in the global assessment for the first time, the country was ranked 39th.

The Networked Readiness Index examines how prepared countries are in the use of ICT in three areas:- n General business, regulatory and infrastructure environment for ICT
n Readiness of government, individuals, and businesses to use and benefit from ICT
n The actual usage of available ICT by these stakeholder groups. The report underscores that good education fundamentals, innovation, and wide ICT access are key to nations’ social growth and economic competitiveness. “Since 2006, Qatar has improved its standing in the index because both the public and private sectors are dedicated to leveraging ICT to help Qatar achieve its leadership role in the global economy - even as more competitor countries have been added to the survey,” said ictQATAR secretary-general Dr Hessa al-Jaber.
“But most importantly, our efforts are benefiting people of all ages and income levels, throughout the country,” she added.

The only other country from the Arab region in the top 30 economies is the United Arab Emirates, ranking two places ahead of Qatar, at 27. Denmark ranks first in the world, as it did last year. Portugal follows Qatar on the list, at 30th place. Qatar’s government readiness and usage of ICT has witnessed a leap this year. The report indicated that Qatar is ranked 22nd in government readiness. “Government readiness” covers areas like government prioritisation of ICT, government procurement of advanced technology products, and importance of ICT to government vision of the future. In government usage, Qatar is ranked 25th. “Government usage” covers areas like government success in ICT promotion, availability of government online services, ICT use and government efficiency and presence of ICT in government offices.
The ictQATAR’s accomplishments since its establishment in 2005 include opening the country’s mobile and fixed line telecoms sectors to competition, launching Hukoomi, the easy-to-use online gateway to government information and services, and implementing programmes to help students of all ages learn.

“With the exciting programmes we have underway in ICT sector development, government, literacy, and telecommunications liberalisation, we are confident ICT will continue to benefit all those who live and work here,” Dr al-Jaber said. In May, ictQATAR will release a comprehensive landscape assessment that details ICT adoption sector by sector and examines its impact.

Original article from : Gulf Times

Emir: Qatar keen to invest in German auto industry

BERLIN: Qatar has plans to invest in Germany, and has not ruled out a possible stake in ailing carmaker Opel, the Emir HH Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani said yesterday. “We will definitely invest in Germany,” the Emir told weekly Spiegel news magazine.

The Emir said the global economic crisis was a good opportunity to invest in Europe’s largest economy. “The Germans count as the most industrious workers of the world, they will fight for their economy,” the Emir said.

Sheikh Hamad said Qatar had an eye on Germany’s car sector. “It is certain that we will invest in the German car industry, but we need to find the right time and the right price to do so. It makes sense to become involved in a car manufacturer such as Opel or Daimler, since cars are sold worldwide,” the Emir added.

Sheikh Hamad said he wanted to ensure that the state’s wealth outlived its oil resources. “Long-term, I see Qatar as more of an education centre than energy supplier.” Qatar, the Emir said, was just entering into discussions with British universities, but he said “Germany could approach us in a more engaged manner”.

On Qatar’s relations with its Middle East neighbours, the Emir made it clear they had no enemies. “We would never side with America against Iran, for example,” the Emir said adding, “Iran has never caused us problems.”

The Emir also explained why his country opposed the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) arrest warrant against Sudanese President Omar Hassan Al Bashir. “If something happens to Al Bashir and chaos erupted in Sudan, all of Africa will descend into chaos,” he said, adding that the only people to benefit would be Al Qaeda. He said Qatar continued to believe in a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian dispute, and would continue to allow high ranking Israelis to visit the state. “We have no dark intentions, we are just giving our opinions. And we want peace,” the Emir said.

Original Article from: THE PENINSULA

Church inaugurated in Mesaimeer

An Inter-Denominational Christian Church (IDCC) was inaugurated in Mesaimeer yesterday by Deputy Premier and Minister of Energy and Industry H E Abdullah bin Hamad Al Attiyah in the presence of around 600 guests.

The inauguration was graced by the presence of Minister of State for Energy and Industry H E Dr Mohammed bin Saleh Al Sada and Indian Ambassador Deepa Gopalan Wadhwa.

Al Attiyah, who conveyed the message of the Emir, H H Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, for the occasion, said the Qatari government was encouraging everybody to accept all religions. “That’s why the government is allowing churches of any denomination to be constructed in Qatar,” he said.

The Indian ambassador said she was happy to be at the opening of the church, which reminded her of her days as a student, as she had studied in a Christian school.

“Around 200 of the guests were from the Indian community and around 10 priests and church leaders from other denominations attended,” said George Pothen, one of the coordinators of the IDCC.

After the hour-long ceremony, the guests toured the complex.

Original Article from: THE PENINSULA

Qatar among top 30 tech-savvy nations

Qatar is now ranked 29th among 134 countries with the highest use of Information, Communications and Technology (ICT), according to the latest survey conducted by World Economic Forum (WEF) and INSEAD, an international graduate business school and research institution.

Based on the Global Information Technology Report released on March 26, Qatar went up three places higher over the past year.

The report is considered the world’s most comprehensive international assessment of the impact of ICT on nations’ development and international competitiveness. According to WEF, this year the report surveys 134 developed and developing economies that account for more than 98 percent of

world GDP.

The report is based on the Networked Readiness Index, which shows that in 2008-2009, Qatar moved up to the 29th place from 32nd in the 2007-2008 survey. The preceding year, 2006-2007, Qatar was ranked 36th. In 2005-2006, the first year Qatar was included in the global assessment, the country was ranked 39th.

The Index examines how prepared countries are to use ICT in three areas: General business, regulatory and infrastructure environment for ICT; readiness of government, individuals, and businesses to use and benefit from ICT; and the actual usage of available ICT by these stakeholder groups.

The Report underscores that good education fundamentals, innovation and wide ICT access are key to nations’ social growth and economic competitiveness.

“Since 2006, Qatar has jumped ahead in the Index because both the public and private sectors are dedicated to leveraging ICT to help Qatar achieve its leadership role in the global economy,” said ictQATAR Secretary General Dr Hessa Al Jaber.

The only other country from the Arab region in the top 30 economies is UAE, ranking two places ahead of Qatar, at 27th. Denmark ranks first in the world, as it did last year. Portugal follows Qatar, at the 30th place.

Qatar’s government readiness and usage of ICT has this year witnessed a leap. The report indicated that Qatar is ranked 22nd in government readiness and 25th in government usage.

Original Article from: THE PENINSULA

Doha Votes for Earth

Many landmarks in Doha went dark at 8.30pm for an hour yesterday as lights, neon signs and all non-essential electrical equipment was switched off at public places, private firms, banks, coffee shops and hotels to mark Earth Hour.

Earth Hour is an annual international event created by the Worldwide Fund for Nature (WWF) and held on the last Saturday of March to raise awareness about the need to take action on climate change.

Qtel joined the event by switching off lights at its headquarters in West Bay. The Qtel Tower went dark from 8.30pm to 9.30pm. “It is an off day for us. But still some staff will be working over at our head office. They will be working under the light of candles during the hour”, Adel Al Mutawa, Executive Director of Group Communications, Qtel, told The Peninsula.

“We wanted to ensure that Qatar was represented during Earth Hour and given that our headquarters provides a key landmark in the city, we knew that turning the lights off in our tower would attract interest and attention across Doha. Environmental issues are one of the key pillars of our Corporate Social Responsibility strategy and so there is a natural fit with an international event like Earth Hour”, he added.

Some offices and establishments switched off all their lights to join the event, while others switched off the lights in selected areas and functioned under the glow of candle light.

The hotels Doha Marriott, Ramada Plaza, Doha Sheraton and Sharq Village and Spa’s Six Senses Spa also heeded the global call by switching off lights in parts of their premises.

Leading tour and travel company, Regency Group Holding, also sent out a strong message about the need for action on global warming as it turned off the lights for one hour.

Several coffee shops in the city also joined the event. Colombiano Coffee House switched off the lights and received its guests in the light of candles for

one hour. “I believe supporting Earth Hour is even more important in Doha as we have in a big carbon footprint and tend to take our energy consumption for granted”, said George F Rizk, General Manager of Colombiano Coffee House, next to the QNB branch near Ramada signal.

HSBC and Standard Chartered Bank were among the banks that joined the event.

Several families in Doha too enjoyed their dinner by candlelight.

Original article from: THE PENINSULA

Qatar breaks two Guinness records

Qatar successfully claimed two new Guinness world records yesterday for the Largest Bowl of Pasta and the Longest Line of Sandwich.

Despite the lashing rain, the Doha Golf Club was packed with students, media persons, and guests eager to witness the historic occasion as Al Markhiya Primary Independent Girls’ School and Wataniya Restaurants collaborated to stage the record-breaking event.

“We wanted to do something for Qatar, so we decided to work with Al Markhiya Independent Girls’ School. Two hundred fifty employees of Wataniya joined hands with 170 students from Al Markhiya School to turn the project into a reality,” Ghaith A Timani, Operations Manager of Wataniya Restaurants, told The Peninsula.

The world’s longest line of sandwich at the Doha Golf Club yesterday.

Al Markhiya School organised the event while Wataniya Restaurants provided the staff, specifically Sbarro Restaurant, said Nasser Beydoun, Chief Executive Officer, Wataniya Restaurants. He added that it took them almost two weeks to prepare for the event though the actual cooking preparation took less than a day.

With the cooking involving 500 kilos of salami and mortadella, 1,000 kilos of coleslaw, 200 kilos of mozzarella cheese, and other ingredients such as mushroom, onion, garlic, spices, special sbarro pasta, and buttter, it could be the biggest food preparation event Qatar has witnessed, said Kamal Mustapha, Corporate Chef.

Mustapha emphasised they made sure safety and cleanliness were a priority. Talal Omar, Adjudication Executive of Guinness World Records, announced the feat officially declaring that Qatar broke two records. Qatar upset Italy when it broke the record the European nation set just 20 days ago for the longest line of sandwich. With a length of 1,730 metres, the Wataniya Sandwich outpaced Italy by almost 200 metres. Measuring two metres wide and 6 metres long, the bowl of Pasta weighed a whopping 4, 430 kg breaking the record set by the US in 2004 at 3,336 kg.

Receiving the award yesterday from Guinness World Record officials were Samira Al Zoubi, Manager, Al Markhiya Primary Independent Girls’ School, and Nasser Beydoun, Chief Executive Officer, Wataniya Restaurants.

Original article from: THE PENINSULA

Cinema Schedule

Online Cinema Schedules

Ten Movies provide film schedules for Qatar despite being an Emirates website: see Qatar Movies.

Qatar Cinemas provide schedules for their cinemas: The Mall, Royal Plaza, Landmark and Gulf/Doha cinema.

Qatar Cinemas are easy enough to find, but it is much harder to find the official website for the Grand Cinecenter in Qatar. To get the official schedule you need to navigate to BCC Movies, choose Now Showing and select Qatar.

Offline Cinema Schedules

Both the Gulf Times and the Peninsula provide film schedules for the cinemas in Qatar on their paper edition - the Peninsula’s is probably the better since its revamp.

Movies and Cinemas

The Grand Cinecentre:

Tel: +974 483 9064
Location: The cinema is located by the food court in the City Center several floors above Carrefour.

We’ve given the number here, but we can’t be sure it is correct as this cinema has never answered its phone to us. In fact they seem positively adverse to any form of contact with people from Qatar, as at the time of writing all the phone numbers provided on their website are for Bahrain.

However, this is currently the largest cinema in Qatar, with a total of 14 screens, and usually has a good selection of films playing.

Some viewers have also complained about the screen being dark.

Cinema Palace

Tel: +974 4320938
Location: Top floor of Royal Plaza, located on Al Sadd Street close to HSBC.

Although not everyone likes their screens, this is one of Qatar Visitor's favourite websites. If you like a small cinema with a small audience, this is the one for you.

The Royal Plaza have a website with a cinema section - but be prepared for loud annoying music. (Potentially very embarrassing if you are in the office pretending to do work!) In the past they have displayed cinema times on their website (some of which were incorrect.) They occasionally answer the telephone.

Villagio Cinema

We are waiting with baited breath for the delivery of the cinema at Villagio, which will apparently be a sophisticated thirteen screen 3D cinema. This will also be a BCC cinema.

The Mall Cineplex

Contact: +974 467 8666
Location: The Mall, D Ring Road, close to the airport.

Three screen cinema, located in the imaginatively named The Mall, Doha's oldest shopping center.

Cinema Land

Contact: +974 488 1674
Location: Landmark Shopping Mall on Al Shamal Road.

Three screen cinema located by the food court and Circus Land in Landmark.

Gulf Cinema/ Doha Cinema

Tel: +974 467 1811
Location: By the junction between C Ring Road and Al Sadd Street

Don't be confused - these are one cinema (two screens). In the past they showed English films but now it is mostly Indian films. We are told it is rather run down.

Banks in Qatar

Qatar Central Bank

Central bank of Qatar; site has sections on guidelines for exchange houses, financial institutions and banks; economic statistics, inflation rate, GDP, GDP growth, money supply, balance of payments, securities index, foreign exchange rate, etc

BNP Paribas in Qatar

French global bank; services: short, medium and long-term multi-currency finance, structured finance, foreign exchange operations, overdrafts, transfers, credit cards, personal loans, deposits, saving accounts etc

Commercial Bank of Qatar.

Private commercial bank corporate, retail and investment services: accounts, credit cards, loans, insurance, money transfer, bill payments, Internet banking, trade finance, treasury solutions, funds, Qatari and international share trading etc

Doha Bank

Private commercial bank; services: accounts, credit cards, loans, treasury and investments, foreign remittances, travellers cheques, trade finance, contractor financing, project financing, vehicle financing, term loans etc

HSBC Qatar

Web site of the HSBC Group, represented in Qatar by HSBC Bank Middle East; has four branches and a large network of ATMs; has details of personal and corporate banking services: savings and current accounts, term deposits, credit cards, loans etc

Mashreqbank

One of the leading banks in the UAE; has four branches in Qatar, all in Doha; site has details of various products and services offered by the bank

Qatar Development Bank (QDB)

Bank set up to accelerate the economic and industrial development of Qatar by helping diversify its industrial base through the promotion and financing of small and medium size industrial projects

Qatar National Bank

Bank providing personal and corporate banking services within Qatar and surrounding areas in the Gulf and beyond; site also contains a link to Qatar Economic Review published by the bank in pdf format and containing useful statistics

Standard Chartered Bank Qatar

Site has details of personal banking and corporate banking services: deposits, loans, credit cards, investments, priority banking, offshore financial services, cash management, custody, lending, trade services, structured finance, e-banking etc

Ahli Bank QSC

Commercial bank with seven branches and a head office in Qatar; site has information about its retail and corporate banking and treasury activities; Ahli United Bank has a 40% stake in it

Al Khaliji

Commercial bank headquartered in Doha, Qatar; founded in 2007

Qatar International Islamic Bank

Bank following Islamic principles: services: deposits, financing, credit cards, safe deposit boxes, investment alternatives, money transfers, foreign exchange etc

Qatar Islamic Bank

Bank following Islamic principles; services: current and saving accounts, deposit accounts, specified investment accounts, call deposits, bank transfers, safe boxes; site lists branches and ATMs and has a section on Islamic banking

Currency

As many countries control their economy with their own currency, Qatar has its own Qatar currency. The Qatar currency is called the Qatar Riyal. Qatar money or Qatar Riyal is divided into 100 dirhams. There are QAR 50, 10, 500, 100, 5 and 1 as denominations in notes. Qatar currency has its denominations in coins also. These can be referred as 10, 5, 50, 25, and 1 dirhams.

Out of many a denomination, only 50 and 25 coins of the Qatar money are in wide circulation. The Qatar money or Qatari Riyal has close connection with the US Dollar. ATM cards, debit and credit cards are all popular in Qatar. Diners Club, American Express, Visa and MasterCard companies are all present in Qatar with their financial products.

Before 1966, Indian rupees were in use as currency of Qatar. These rupees were used in terms of Gulf rupees. In 1966, India devalued its rupee. As a consequence, Qatar and other Arabian countries using rupee came up with their own currency in use.

Saudi Riyal was introduced in the beginning Qatar. Qatar and Dubai Riyal were introduced afterwards. Qatar introduced Qatar coins in 1973. The sizes and composition were not different. The only change in look was the name of Qatar that was engraved on the coins. They revised the notes were also taken over by the Qatar Central Bank or QCB took over the issuance of paper money in 1996.

Codes of Conduct

Qatar is an Islamic state and expatriates and visitors need to observe the customs, laws and
sensitivities applicable to its Islamic culture. All persons in Qatar are subject to the country’s
laws and regulations. Some of these laws differ significantly from those in the employee’s home
country. Further, the penalties for breaking a law in Qatar can result in more severe consequences than they might have experienced in their home country for a similar offense. Persons violating Qatari laws--even unknowingly-- may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned depending upon the circumstances. Some examples follow:

• Driving under the influence of alcohol is a very serious offense in Qatar. The countryalso applies a zero–tolerance attitude to the use and possession of illegal drugs. Alcoholshould only be consumed in the home/private residence or at authorized restaurants.Alcohol should never be consumed in public places, e.g., parks. It is also illegal totransport liquor in your vehicle except from the point of sale directly to your home.
  

• Public displays of intimate affection between men and women is discouraged. If such action is considered offensive and detrimental to Qatar’s culture and values, individuals could be detained and/or prosecuted if laws are broken. Homosexual activity is a criminal offense in Qatar, with those convicted of such action subject to applicable judicialtreatment and/or deportation.
  

• There are many photographic opportunities in Qatar. However, as in most cultures,courtesy requires discretion when photographing local residents to ensure they are in agreement with such an action. Always ask for their permission before takingphotographs.
  

• While a specific dress code is not mandated, both men and women should dress in appropriate, modest clothing. Employees and their families should be particularly conscious of their dress when visiting the large shopping malls, souqs or other areasfrequented by mixed nationalities. It is particularly important to dress modestly during the month of Ramadan. Normal swimwears, including bikinis, are acceptable on the beach and pool areas with modest cover-ups, T-shirts, etc desirable when bathers move away from the swimming areas. Topless sunbathing by women is not permitted.

Nurseries

Apple Tree Nursery

Location: Al Rayyan - on the same road as the security department
Ages: from 12 months to under 4 years
Tel/Fax: 4812147
Email: appletreedoha@yahoo.com

Busy Bees Nursery

Busy Bees nursery have now relocated, and also have a second nursery.

Busy Bees
Location: Al Waab
Ages: 1-4
Tel 4472319
Mobile 5827598
E-mail: busybees@qatar.net.qa

Busy Bees 2
Location: Al Markhiya
Mobile 6028092
E-mail: busybees2@qatar.net.qa

Central English Speaking Kindergarten

Location: Opposite Doha College (off decoration roundabout from Salwa Road)
Ages: 18 months - 5 years
Mobile: 5611518
Tel/Fax: 4135675
Email: creativechildqatar@yahoo.com
Website: http://www.ceskonline.com/

Creative Child

Location: Rivera Gardens (to the west of Landmark Shopping Mall)
Ages: up to and including age 3
Tel/Fax:4795916
American Programmes
Email: creativechildqatar@yahoo.com

COCORICO NURSERY

Tel: 881583 / 5774321
Ages: 2 months – 3 ½ years
Location: Al Jami'a Street, Markhiah, Doha
Email: cocoriconursery@hotmail.com/ info@cocoriconursery.com.qa

Elder Tree Nursery

Ages: 2 months – 3 ½ years
Location: Al-Nuáijah, Belal Bin Rabah St., Building 8 (opposite Ahli football club)
Gate number 1 Tel: +974 4551020
Email: eldertreenursery@qatar.net.qa
Postal Address: PO Box 3857 Doha Qatar
Email: eldertree@qatar.net.qa

Fingerprint Kindergarten

Ages: 2 - 5years
Location Al Rawda near Electricity building
Tel: +974 5828104
British curriculum

First Step Nursery

Ages: 3 months – three and a half (but occasionally take older children)
Location: Off Al Khana street (near Euro clinic) and close to Toy R’ Us on Suhaim Bin Hamad Street.
Phone: +974 437-5862

French Nursery

Ages: 2 months - 3 years plus
Location: Madinat Khalifa South
Tel/Fax: 4980639
Mobile: 5297806
Website: www.frenchnursery.name.qa

Fun First Nursery

Tel: 4110953
Fax: 4110952
Email: funfirstnursery@almuftah.com
British and American curriculums.

Lifetime Nursery

Ages: 1 - 4
Location: Al Hilal (behind petrol station)
Tel: 4113023/4113024
Email: lifetime@qatar.net.qa
Address: PO Box 3954 Doha, Qatar
Website: www.lifetimeqatar.com

Little Angels

Ages: 6 weeks to 4 years
Location: Maamoura
Tel: 4602713/5891004
Website: www.littleangelsqatar.com

Melberry Bush Nursery

Ages: 2 months - 4 years
Location: close to Mamoura complex
Tel: 4502545
Email: mulberrybush@yahoo.com

Sunbeam Kindergarten

Ages: for children up to five years old
Address: PO Box 19612, Doha, Qatar
Tel: +974 444 0108
Fax: (+974 444 0108)
Mobile: (+974) 585 9308
Location: Al Baayen Gardens Compound near Al Sadd Sports Stadium
Postal Address: P.O. Box 19612, Doha, Qatar
Email: sunbeams@qatar.net.qa

The English Kindergarten (TEK)

Ages: 18 months to reception
Tel: 4680641
Mob: 5842579
Email: patsy@tek.com.qa
Location: Mamoura
Follows the British Curriculum

Tots Corner Nursery

Ages: 1-4 years
Tel: +974 468 8008
Fax: +974 468 8700
Location: 56 Al Madeed, AL Joudi Street, Al Mamoura Area
Postal Address: PO Box 3971, Doha, Qatar
Email: totscorner@qatar.net.qa