Lisbon links

HH the Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani being welcomed by Portuguese Prime Minister Jose Socrates upon his arrival at Sao Bento Palace in Lisbon yesterday.

They attended the signing of a joint statement to establish diplomatic relations between the two countries, an agreement to encourage and protect mutual investments, and a memorandum of understanding between Qatar Olympic Committee and the Olympic Committee of Portugal.

Original Article from : Gulf Times

QCB official hails Qatar monetary policy

The US dollar is expected to fall again by 2010 triggering up inflation rates in the Gulf states, a top Qatar Central Bank official said in Doha yesterday.
“This will happen by 2010-end when the global financial crisis is likely to reach its end in the US,” said Khaled Rashed al-Khater, director of the department of research and monetary policy at QCB.
About the repercussions of the global financial crisis on the US, the official predicted that the dollar will lose its position as the international reserve currency in the long-run, saying that the US share of the world output would decline in the coming years.
“There will be a shift of weight of world demand for oil from the US to China, India, and other countries. The current rally of the US dollar is temporary. It is expected to depreciate in the medium-run by no less than 20%,” he said.
Qatar’s proven resilient banking system amid the current financial turmoil as well as its “credible and independent” monetary policy make it “very eligible” to host the planned common Gulf central bank, the senior official said.
Speaking at a lecture yesterday at the Georgetown University School of Foreign Service in Qatar, al-Khater said that Qatar’s independent monetary policy as well as its resilient banking system made it very eligible to be the hosting country of the Gulf central bank.
“We are very eligible. We have a credible monetary policy. We conducted many researches on monetary union and inflation in the Gulf states. At a time when all the Gulf states followed the US Fed cutting the interest, Qatar was the only country among the group which did not follow the US Fed. We also do not have a problem with our banking system or the availability of liquidity,” al-Khater said.
Gulf leaders are due to meet in Saudi Arabia next month to decide on the location of the common central bank which is expected to administer the planned monetary union which will culminate in the single Gulf currency.
However, al-Khater ruled out the possibility that the Gulf states would be able to meet the 2010 deadline for the single currency.
“It is unlikely or impossible to launch the single currency in 2010. The plans for the monetary union have started but still need more effort to meet the criteria,” he said.
Asked whether the QCB would interfere in the local banks policies regarding overseas investment, the official stressed that the central bank would not impose any restrictions on local banks about their investment choices, saying that such decisions were up to the banks.
“This is free economy and free market. Of course there are regulations that banks should abide by, but we do not interfere in their investment policies,” he added.
The expert also admitted that there was a decline in the cash inflow for Qatar, saying that this was due to shortage of liquidity in the entire world.
About Qatar’s monetary policy, al-Khater hailed it as “credible and independent”, saying that Qatar’s banking sector was among the least affected and the most resilient in the region during the current global financial turmoil.
“When the market bubbles burst in the region in 2006, Qatar was the least affected among its neighbours. Thanks to QCB’s pre-emptive conservative credit policy during the lending boom in 2002-03, our banking system is still the most resilient in the region,” he added.
“If we do not have an independent and credible monetary policy, we would have to follow the recent interest cut made by the Fed since we are pegged to the US dollar, but we did not,” he maintained.
He added that QCB was still ready to extend liquidity in the banking system via its collateralised and refinance-standing facilities, and direct deposit at the micro-level.
Al-Khater, who was briefing the Georgetown University School of Foreign Services on his views about the implications of the global crisis as well as Qatar’s monetary policy, also said that the implications of the financial crisis would require the Gulf states to reconsider their dollar peg arrangements in the future.

Original Article from: Gulf Times

Qatar shines amid global gloom: Expert

The World Bank warned yesterday that the global recession was going to last long and the worst has yet to come, especially in the developing countries.

The world has experienced economic shocks and there has been a contraction in trade this year, Carlos Primo Braga, Director for Economic Policy, World Bank, said during the conclusion of a conference here yesterday.

Addressing the 3rd International Conference on Information and Communication Technologies and Development (ICTD) 2009 at the Carnegie Mellon University-Qatar, Braga, however, said the only high-growth country in these challenging times was Qatar due to its vibrant liquefied natural gas (LNG) industry.

Qatar’s efforts to put emphasis on knowledge-based economy has played a significant role in stimulating stable economic growth even in the face of the global financial crisis.

Braga said with the deepening financial crisis, several governments saw investments in Information Communication Technologies (ICT) as an integral part of recovery efforts.

“I’m happy with what I’m seeing in Qatar, which is investing in its future, not only in infrastructure, but is also concentrating in its knowledge-based economy to sustain significant growth.”

The ICT industry is better positioned to confront the crisis, said Braga. “The telecommunications service is the leading indicator of economic recovery.”

Braga concluded that e-business and ICT use will continue to expand on a global basis and their benefits can be substantial not only for business, but in also promoting trade and enhancing productivity at a macro-level.

“Convergence in e-business practices can happen, but… unless the governments provide the proper regulatory environment for private action and support efforts to expand digital literacy, with special attention to the needs of Small and Medium-size Enterprises (SME), the digital divide at the level of business practices will widen,” he said.

With more than 350 scholars, practitioners and social scientists focused on a broad range of domains from around the world, the ICTD organisers have declared the conference a success.

“ICTD2009 has already achieved great success. We are extremely pleased with the number of people who have joined us from so many places around the world. The level of excitement and quality of participation has exceeded our expectations,” said Bernardine Dias, PhD, assistant research professor of Robotics at Carnegie Mellon University and ICTD2009 Conference Chair. Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar hosted the three-day ICTD2009 conference, with the TechBridgeWorld research group.

Original Article from: The Peninsula

Emir holds official talks in Tanzania

HH the Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani and Tanzanian President Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete held a round of official talks here yesterday.
Bilateral relations and ways of enhancing them as well as a number of regional and international issues of mutual concern were reviewed during the talks.
The talks were attended by HE the Minister of State for International Co-operation Dr Khalid bin Mohamed al-Attiyah and HH the Emir’s Secretary for Follow-up Affairs Saad bin Mohamed al-Rumeihi.
On the Tanzanian side, the talks were attended by Minister of Education and Vocational Training Professor Jumanne Abdullah Maghembe and Deputy Finance Minister Youssuf Mezzi.
Separately HH Sheikha Mozah Nasser al-Misnad held talks with the Tanzanian president’s wife Salma Kikwete.
A number of issues of mutual concern were taken up during the meeting.
Later, the Emir and Sheikha Mozah left Tanzania wrapping up a brief visit. They were seen off at the airport by the Tanzanian president and his wife.

Original Article from: Gulf Times

No amnesty for illegal workers on cards

There are no plans to declare another amnesty in Qatar but illegal workers who voluntarily surrender to the law enforcing authorities have been allowed to return home without facing imprisonment, according to a senior official at the Ministry of Interior.

Colonel Mohammed Al Ateeq, assistant director of the General Directorate of Borders, Passports and Expatriate Affairs at the ministry, told The Peninsula yesterday that the ministry had seen a recent rise in the number of expatriate workers fleeing their sponsors and working illegally in the country.

“We have been conducting daily inspections mainly in areas where there is a concentration of expatriate workers. A number of runaway workers and those who are working outside their legal sponsors are being arrested in these raids,” said Al Ateeq.

Asked if there were plans to declare another amnesty in Qatar to facilitate repatriation of illegal workers, he said, “There are no such plans at the moment, but we are helping such workers to leave the country if they voluntarily surrender to the authorities. They can return home after paying the fines and they don’t have to face imprisonment. We have seen a significant rise in the number of people voluntarily reporting at the ministry to return home.”

He said the ministry was keen to make the procedure of their repatriation as fast and simple as possible.

Original Article from: The Peninsula

Medical test at home for job seekers

Qatar will soon make it mandatory for job seekers from several Asian, African and Middle East countries to undergo medical check-up in their home countries before their arrival here.

The rule, once implemented, will apply to job seekers from 11 countries – India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Philippines, Egypt, Sudan, Ethiopia, Syria and Eritrea.

Currently, every foreigner coming to Qatar must undergo mandatory medical tests at the Medical Commission functioning under the Ministry of Health within one month of their arrival. However, medical tests in the countries of origin were not compulsory.

“We have not finalised the dates for implementing the mandatory tests, which will be announced very soon. We are in the process of developing a mechanism for implementing the new system, in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Health, e-government and the recruiting agencies,” Colonel Mohammed Al Ateeq, assistant director of the General Directorate of Borders, Passports and Expatriate affairs at the Ministry of Interior said in a press conference yesterday. Dr Ahmed Kamal Naji, director of the Medical Commission and assistant minister for health affairs at the Ministry of Health and Hamad Al Sulaiti from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs were also present.

The mandatory tests will be conducted in authorised medical centres in the said countries. Currently there are more than 200 medical centres spread over these countries and more centres will be opened in the coming years, said the officials.

The tests will not be made mandatory for people coming to Qatar on a visit visa. Only those seeking a residence permit in the country will have to undergo the check-up, explained Al Ateeq.

Naji said the mandatory tests at the Medical Commission would continue even after the new system is implemented. This is to reassure that the newly-recruited workers are free from contagious diseases. The officials said the medical check-up in the countries of origin would help job seekers and employers to avoid huge losses. The losses are multifarious if a worker is sent back after failing the test at the Medical Commission.

The offices of JAMCA, which is the union of approved medical centres by the GCC countries, were formed in most of the countries and cities from where the foreign workers are being recruited. The JAMCA offices and medical centres have been connected through a computer programme that guarantees secrecy, security and fast transfer of data between the medical centres and JAMCA offices.

Al Ateeq said until this computer network becomes fully functional, the new recruits should produce the medical certificate from the approved medical centers. These certificates are to be attested by the Qatari missions.

Original Article from: The Peninsula

Globe-pedaller arrives in Qatar

Qatar has become the 59th country Argentinean adventurer Pablo Garcia has visited after an ambitious 71,798-km nine-year journey by bicycle in an attempt to circumnavigate the world to spread the message of peace and friendship.

Arriving here just a couple days ago, Pablo Garcia, 35, shared interesting anecdotes from his travels with the media during a press conference hosted yesterday by Doha Marriott Hotel, one of the sponsors for his Qatar stint.

“My travel started as a dream of wanting to see the world. I was curious to know what lies on the other side of the world — the people, their culture and traditions,” Garcia explained, during a brief tête-à-tête with media persons after showing a number of clips of his ‘Around the World by Bicycle’ project.

Having opted for tour guiding as a career, he demonstrated an unusual penchant for various cultures. He showed this in the clips of his travels to Africa and the Middle East. Tanzania, Mozambique, Zambia, Uganda, Eritrea, and Ethiopia are just some of the African countries visited by him to figure prominently in his experiences, aside from Lebanon, Syria, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Jordan in the Middle East.

“A common trait among the people of Arab and Muslim countries is their hospitality,” he said, adding he would remember Qatar as a small country with a progressive city in the middle of the desert inhabited by very hospitable people. Among the places in Qatar he said he would remember are the Corniche and the Museum of Islamic Art.

He said he still had to complete around 50,000km in four years, passing through Asia and Australia, to finish his journey through 100 countries.

After the press conference, he showed his bicycle, his constant companion in his journey to different countries. Weighing 60 kilos with all his things, the bicycle features small flags of the countries he has been to, including a white flag symbolising peace.

“I choose to travel by bicycle because I see much more and get in touch with people differently,” Garcia quipped.

Despite the many challenges and dangers he has met along the way, he has never thought of quitting. “Once I conclude my journey, I would compile all the materials and transmit them to people,” he said.

Garcia’s local sponsors include Qatar National Hotels Company, Doha Marriott, Qatar Olympic Committee, Mitsubishi and Qatar Cycling Federation.

Original Article from: The Peninsula

World’s largest gas plant opens in Ras Laffan

HH the Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani inaugurated the world’s largest liquefied natural gas project–Qatargas 2 at Ras Laffan yesterday.
The key components of the $13.2bn project are two of the world’s largest LNG trains (with 7.8mn tonnes per year (tpy) capacity each) and associated facilities at Ras Laffan, a fleet comprising 14 super LNG tankers and the regasification facility (terminal) at Wales in the United Kingdom.
Qatargas 2, whose production capacity is 15.6mn tpy, is the culmination of a historic project to create a “fully integrated value chain”. The LNG trains represent a 50% increase on any performance previously achieved in the global energy industry.
The project consists of three offshore unmanned platforms, two world class LNG trains, five storage tanks, two loading berths, a fleet of 14 state-of-the-art LNG ships and a receiving (South Hook) terminal in Milford Haven, Wales.
Qatargas 2 will send its first LNG shipment to the UK within three weeks. On an average, one LNG cargo will be sent from Ras Laffan to the South Hook Terminal every three days.
Some 40 new technologies and 3mn pounds of equipment and systems have been used in the completion of the project. Low emission technology and waste-heat recovery systems are incorporated to reduce emission levels. These innovations have made the Qatargas 2 trains extremely efficient.
Within a decade, Qatargas Operating Company has grown from a company with three trains producing 6mn tonnes of LNG per year with one primary customer, to a global leader in the industry supplying 42mn tonnes per year to markets on three continents.
About 2.9bn cubic feet of gas a day is required to produce 15.6mn tonnes of LNG a year from Qatargas 2. The LNG process involves four stages - offshore, onshore, shipping and distribution.
Qatargas 2 and its owners, Qatar Petroleum, ExxonMobil and Total, have achieved “several milestones” in the establishment of offshore and onshore facilities in Qatar and shipping and regasification facilities.
The Duke of York, Prince Andrew and HE the Deputy Premier Abdullah bin Hamad al-Attiyah, also the Minister of Energy and Industry, were among the dignitaries present at the inauguration.

Original Article from: Gulf Times

Emir to inaugurate world’s largest LNG project today

The world’s largest liquefied natural gas (LNG) project will be inaugurated today at Ras Laffan. Guests from around the world are travelling to Ras Laffan City to celebrate the historic launch of Qatargas 2 and to witness an innovation in global energy.

The occasion will be marked with the Emir H H Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani officially inaugurating the Qatargas 2 project. Notable guests will include industry representatives from Qatargas’ stakeholders, Qatar Petroleum (QP), ExxonMobil Qatargas II Limited and Total E&P Qatargas II Holdings LTD.

Original Article from: The Peninsula

More expats choose to stay put in Middle East: Survey

A chunk of the expatriate workforce in the Gulf and the Middle East — 36 percent — sees no reason to leave the country of residence on the back of the global meltdown, according to a survey conducted by a leading job site

in the region.

The online poll titled ‘reactions to economic conditions’ was carried out by Bayt.com to assess how employees feel about the impact of the economic crisis on their lives — in terms of work and finances — and elicit their opinion on the likely longevity of the crisis in their country of residence.

The survey conducted between February 8 and March 30, had a total of 22,708 respondents from across the Middle East. Twenty eight percent of the respondents felt that they may have no choice but to return home as a result of the current conditions. Twenty one percent said instead of going back to their country of origin, they would consider moving to a new country, seeking a job.

Unlike previous polls which suggested employees would like to move jobs relatively quickly, the latest data suggested that employees are more willing to stay put, perhaps given the instability. Thirty percent said they would stay for more than 36 months, compared to 22 percent who said they would consider moving in the next three months. Additionally, 15 percent saw themselves staying at their present job for six to 12 months. Interestingly, the economic crisis is having a positive affect on some residents in terms of their savings.

A total of 69 percent said they were saving more money — of which 37 percent said they were saving considerably more — apparently to secure their family’s future in case of further economic instability.

Original Article from: The Peninsula

Singapore office in Doha appoints Centre Director

International Enterprise (IE) Singapore, the first Singapore government office in Doha, recently appointed Kenneth Sim as Centre Director.

Sim will be the successor to Feroz Siddiqui, who set up IE Singapore’s office in Doha. Over the last three years, Siddiqui oversaw the growth of bilateral trade between Qatar and Singapore.

Joining IE Singapore last year, Kenneth Sim was overseeing the Qatar, Bahrain and Kuwait markets at its headquarters. He formerly worked at the Singapore Ministry of Trade and Industry doing small and medium enterprise development policies and was the anchor person for the pro-enterprise initiative to implement the Online Business Licensing Service, a one-stop licensing portal for Singapore start-ups and businesses to apply for licenses from more than 30 government agencies.

International Enterprise (IE) Singapore is an agency under the Ministry of Trade and Industry spearheading the development of Singapore’s external economic wing. Its mission is to promote the overseas growth of Singapore-based enterprises and international trade.

Original Article from: The Peninsula

ROTA team helps Cambodia orphans

Qatar-based NGO Reach Out To Asia (ROTA) has added one more feather to its cap by organising another successful volunteer trip to Cambodia, in partnership with Education City. The trip, from March 19 to 25, involved ROTA representatives, students and staff from Education City as well as representatives from Qatar Foundation and crew from the Al Jazeera children’s channel.

The volunteers visited the city of Siem Reap to support an ongoing project for the Working for Children (WFC) orphanage in Pouk district. At WFC, the team equipped a library with bookshelves, books and learning materials. They assisted in building a 400-metre fence to stop invasions by wild animals and also engaged in a little bit of gardening. The students also conducted educational workshops and entertainment activities, including face-painting, games, sports activities and English lessons.

A cultural element was the highlight of the volunteer trip — encompassing a Tuc-Tuc tour around Siem Reap, a traditional dance show, and visits to Tonle Sap floating village, Ta Prohm Temple (from the famed Indian Jones movies) and the Temple of Angkor Wat — one of the seven wonders of the ancient world.

Cambodia suffers from a high drop-out rate in schools. On average, for every 100 students that starts Grade One, only 15 will get to Grade 12, of which only seven students will pass the exams and become eligible to pursue higher education.

The idea for a charity which would reach out to the Asian continent to provide those in need with quality education was conceived by Qatar’s Heir Apparent, H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani in November, 2005.

Guided by its Chairperson,

H E Sheikha Mayassa bint Hamad Al Thani, Reach Out To Asia operates as a non-governmental organisation (NGO) within the framework of Qatar Foundation — a private non-profit organisation founded in 1995 by H H Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, the Emir of Qatar.

Qatar Foundation is built on the principle that a nation’s greatest resource is the potential of its people, and it aims to develop that potential internationally through a network of centers devoted to progressive education, research and community welfare.

ROTA’s mission is to extend that assistance into Asia — where it’s strategic geographic location gives it a unique opportunity to support its neighboring countries as they overcome developmental difficulties. In addition, more than 60 percent of Qatar’s own expatriate community is of Asian origin, giving ROTA added insight and understanding of the needs and cultural norms of the Asian people.

Original Article from: The Peninsula

National action plan to curb human trafficking in offing

The Qatar Foundation for Combating Human Trafficking is seeking to develop a national action plan for combating trafficking in humans that will meet international standards.

The Foundation yesterday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Protection Project at the Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS) in Washington, DC that will enable cooperation between the two institutions in developing policies and mechanisms for combating trafficking in humans.

The MoU was signed by Mariam Al Malki, director of the Foundation and Dr Mohamed Mattar, executive director of the Protection Project.

The Protection Project is a human rights research institute based at the Foreign Policy Institute at SAIS.

The activities of the Project include development of a human rights-based approach to trafficking in humans and advocacy for the protection of the rights of victims of trafficking against all forms of exploitation

Speaking at a joint press conference after signing the agreement, the officials said a major area of cooperation was to promote research to assess the extent of the problem in Qatar and in the region and identify the victims.

“Lack of information is a major problem that most countries are facing in this field. We will work together to establish a database in Qatar that will help identify the causes of the problem and find solutions. The MoU will also help the Foundation to develop legislation as well as a national plan for combating trafficking in humans, that will meet international standards,” said Mattar.

Malki said Qatar had gone a long way in combating trafficking in persons and the new agreement would enable the Foundation to become a prominent regional centre dedicated to this task.

“Women and children are the most vulnerable to trafficking in humans. Qatar is not totally free from this menace, but it has not become a phenomenon in the country. The MoU will help us develop more practical steps to combat this problem,” said Al Malki.

The press conference was followed by a seminar focusing on various aspects of trafficking, with participation of experts from various Arab and GCC countries including Iraq, Jordan and Tunisia.

Original Article from: The Peninsula

Artificial heart awaits nod for Qatar trials

The European Aeronautics Defence & Space, better known as EADS, is busy working on implanting its recently developed innovative artificial human heart among patients in Qatar.

EADS and Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) held several rounds of discussions and are waiting for the nod of top government authorities to go ahead for the clinical trial, sources revealed to The Peninsula.

Biomedical firm Carmat, a start-up funded by the EADS - the parent company of passenger jet maker Airbus - after its 15-year-secret-project had come out with the vastly improved artificial human heart in October last year claiming that the new device could represent a major breakthrough for millions of people around the world who suffer from cardiovascular diseases, of whom more than 10 million die every year. “We are on the verge of starting clinical trials; and pending the approval of French and Qatari medical authorities, the artificial heart could be implanted in the first human patient within three years,” said Mohamed S Al Kuwari, General Manager EADS Competence Centre of Qatar (CCQ), a partner company of QSTP.

“The HMC is very much interested in the project. We held several rounds of discussions with the HMC experts. There has to be more research ahead of the clinical trial. We are waiting for the final nod for the trial from higher authorities,” Al Kuwari told this newspaper over phone from Germany.

“The project is part of the recently launched EADS Competence Centre of Qatar at QSTP. The CCQ is very optimistic about Qatar becoming the first country to implant an artificial human heart in the region. The Emir H H Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani and H H Sheikha Mozah bint Nasser Al Missned made very encouraging comments when they visited the CCQ on the inaugural day of QSTP,” he said.

Earlier, talking to The Peninsula, a top Carmat official from France said a team of 30 experts are working on the project. “We have successfully completed the clinical trial among animals. If everything goes well Hamad will perform the first artificial human heart transplantation by 2011”.

On the newly-developed heart’s advantages over its earlier versions, he said, it employs two internal pumps to move blood to the lungs and into the body, rather than the single pump typical of earlier designs.

The new design also uses cutting-edge biopolymer material that promise to reduce the formation of dangerous blood clots — a persistent problem with early artificial hearts — and may even spare patients from needing to use nettlesome anticoagulant drugs.

Feedback sensors and software can adjust the heart’s speed and pressure depending on the exertion level of the wearer, permitting a vastly greater range of physical activity.

The immediate goal is to develop about 20 artificial hearts that can be implanted into patients over the next two years. At first, the devices will be given only to people who would otherwise die.

The cost of Carmat heart is expected to be slightly less than a human heart transplant, which averages about $250,000 in the US and an additional $20,000 per year in a follow-up treatment.

EADS is a global leader in aerospace, defence and related services. It is the first international company to participate in the expansion of QSTP by operating its Competence Centre in the science park.

Original Article from: The Peninsula

Qatari and US troops in joint exercise

Qatari and American military forces are conducting a two-week joint military exercise designed to build and improve cooperation between both military forces and strengthen the defensive capabilities of both nations.

During Exercise Eastern Maverick 2009, which began on March 28, elements of the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit, including Marines and sailors will conduct a number of training exercises alongside the Qatari military, including small-unit vehicle training and live-fire exercises, as well as pilot training with the

Qatari Air Force.

US Ambassador to Qatar Joseph LeBaron said: “The military relationship is a vital part of our bilateral relations with Qatar — a relationship that the United States values deeply.”

A US Marine explains a point about infantry patrolling to his Qatari counterparts during the ongoing Exercise Eastern Maverick 2009.

The ambassador added that the exercise, which is conducted annually, provides an excellent opportunity for both militaries to renew and strengthen the bonds that are vital to understanding and working with

one another.

The US Marines and sailors are also taking time off from their exercise schedule to learn more about Qatari culture through visits to local schools and friendly sporting events with their Qatari military colleagues.

Lt-Colonel Tye R Wallace, commanding officer of Battalion Landing Team (BLT) 1/1 assigned to the 13th MEU, said: “Exercises like this one provide important opportunities for us to work more closely together with our friends in the region, thereby helping to enhance understanding, security and stability throughout the Middle East.”

“Understanding and communication are vital to a strong friendship, and these exercises are an excellent opportunity for us to further develop both of these with our Qatari friends,” he added.

The US Marines and sailors participated in a friendly game of volleyball on the first night of the exercise with several

Qatari soldiers.

“It is good for integration and to get to know each other in one way or another,” said Major Adel Ali Al Saadi, a maintenance officer for the Qatar Maintenance Corps. “It’s a way to break down the barriers.”

“We should do this every time during exercises – it builds unity and friendship,” said Staff Sergeant Steve D Oldham, 3rd platoon sergeant for Company B, BLT 1/1. “This helps strengthen relationships with our host nation, which is important.”

“I think it was a great game,” said Pfc. Abdul Rahman, a rocketman in the Qatari Emiri Land Forces. “This created a good team environment for the upcoming training between us and the Marines.”

The 13th MEU is embarked aboard Boxer Expeditionary Strike Group ships deployed to the US Fifth Fleet area of operations to conduct Maritime Security Operations.

Original Article from: The Peninsula

Germany relations take a healthy turn

A high-level delegation from the German Federal Ministry of Health is scheduled to visit Qatar from May 6 – 8 in a bid to bolster relations as well as co-operation between the two countries’ ministries of health.
The delegation, expected to be led by parliamentary state secretary and deputy health minister Marion Caspers-Merk, will be accompanied by a business delegation comprising representatives of the healthcare sector and medical technology experts.
Christian Lindenau, managing director of Germany-based Gepa2 GmbH, who was on a preparatory mission to Doha recently, said the entrepreneurs would meet with the representatives of Qatar’s health sector such as the Ministry of Health, Hamad Medical Corporation and Sidra Medical and Research Centre, as well as the Qatar Chambers of Commerce.
Caspers-Merk was planning to hold a meeting with HE Sheikha Dr Ghalia bint Mohamed al-Thani and representatives of the HMC board to discuss health issues, he said, adding that she also hoped to meet the UN Special Rapporteur on Disability HE Sheikha Hessa bint Khalifa al-Thani.
“German leads in medical expertise and Qatar is adopting modern medical technology as it strives to be a leader in the medical field within the Arab region,” he said, adding, “More than 12 companies will be making presentations about their healthcare products.”
“We have come to realise that Qatar is willing to invest in quality medical products and that the Qatari government is also looking to strengthen bilateral relations with any forward looking country,” he noted while adding that he hoped Caspers-Merk would initiate projects with Sidra Medical on its planned state-of-the-art hospitals.
Lindenau said the agenda included an exchange of expertise between the two countries in terms of medical training courses and field experience.
Lindenau has met with senior officials at the Ministry of Health, Sidra Medical and HMC during his visit to Qatar.

Original Article from: Gulftimes

Qatar becoming popular place for events and meetings: survey

Qatar is becoming a popular destination for meetings organisers in the Middle East, says a Middle East Meetings Industry research report 2009.
The report, presented at the Gulf Incentive, Business Travel and Meetings Exhibition (GIBTM), the largest meetings trade show in the Middle East concluding today in Abu Dhabi, states that Qatar is being recognised as an emerging quality destination for meetings and events, with a promising future, by peers, buyers and counterparts.
Twelve per cent of buyers questioned in the survey declared - having organised an event in Qatar in 2008, which ranks the country as the 7th favourite destination among the Arab states - that buyers will increase their use of Qatar as a meetings destination by 10.5 % in the next 12 months.
When coming to ratings of the experience at the destinations, Qatar moves to the 6th position, with more than 55% of buyers rating Qatar as a very good destination for services, quality and the range of cultural activities, according to the report.
Participating in the GIBTM was the Qatar Tourism and Exhibitions Authority, which received record numbers of event organisers and buyers visiting the stand to find out more about Qatar as a business and upscale leisure destination and investigate new commercial partnerships designed to bring more visitors to Qatar.
Among notable guests to the QTEA stand was the chairman of Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture and Heritage and Tourism Development and Investment Company Sheikh Sultan bin Tahnoon al-Nahyan.
QTEA’s head of Promotion and Organising Exhibitions Abroad, Soha Moussa, said: “We are delighted of the success we met during the first two days of the exhibition. GIBTM is a show of quality, fitting perfectly our strategy of attracting meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions buyers. There’s an increasing positive echo about Qatar as a surging destination from the Middle East, as well as from Europe and from Asia.”
Staged annually in Abu Dhabi, GIBTM is a three-day business to business event presenting a diverse range of destinations, products and services from around 250 organisations from the region and around the world. The event brings together meetings and incentives professionals from the Gulf and Middle East region as well as from around the world.
QTEA will also participate in other international exhibitions, such as Arabian Travel Market in Dubai and IMEX, the worldwide exhibition for incentive travel meetings, to be held in Frankfurt.

Original Article from: Gulf Times