Qatar's Expat, Local, and Tourist Forum

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Chef Maurice Maffeo specially flown in to provide insights on the new delicacies

In the presence of local media representatives and invited guests, Carluccio’s celebrated the launch of its new autumn winter menu. Chef Maurice Maffeo was specially flown in to provide insights on the new delicacies. Featuring a range of traditional Italian specialties, guests were able to sample signature dishes all made in-house from the freshest of local ingredients combined with products imported directly from Italy.

Located at La Croisette 18 at The Pearl Doha, Carluccio's a la carte menu features a range of new delicacies. Some specialties to watch out for include ‘Crispy smoked mozzarella’ (soft & creamy smoked Italian mozzarella cheese, coated in crispy breadcrumbs), ‘Lobster lasagna’ (homemade lasagna with seafood, ricotta, tomato, creamy spinach and béchamel sauce), ‘Sea bream’ (pan fried sea bream with crushed potatoes, fennel, olives and capers) to name a few. The menu also includes a new range of soups, salads, pastas, risottos and desserts.

Sanjeev Thakur, Country Operations Manager, Foodmark Qatar along with the entire restaurant team welcomed the local media representatives and other guests to an afternoon of good food and friendly service. The ambience was enhanced by the impressive décor, modern lighting and beautifully colorful designs printed around the walls.

On the day, guests sampled a variety of Carluccio’s delicacies including Prawn Marinara, Bresaola, Gnocchi Sorrentina, Beef Medallions and Lobster Lasagna. For a sweet ending, guests enjoyed Berry Tiramisu, Chocolate Fondente and White chocolate Panna Cotta.

With an ensemble of seasoned chefs, Carluccio’s introduces a wide selection of Italian dishes depicting various characteristics. Whether for vegetarians or meat lovers, there’s a delectable Italian taste awaiting you.

Carluccio’s is a restaurant, a caffè and a food shop and as such is a unique brand -open all day for a quick coffee or a full 3 course meal. Carluccio’s aims to offer customers the opportunity to eat simple, high quality Italian food in a casual Caffé environment, as well as being able to take the same foods home by choosing from a range of exclusive food products for the larder or as gifts. With a fine selection of traditional Italian specialties, Carluccio's brings a unique taste of Italy to Doha.

Carluccio’s is conveniently located at La Croisette 18 at The Pearl Doha, and is open daily from 8:00am to midnight. For delivery please call: 66901771

- ILQ News -

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For the Festive seasons, Crowne Plaza Doha – The Business Park has put together a variety of festive treats, ranging from stays in hotels to special dinners in our outlets.
On the 7th of December, We celebrated the start of the festive month with the Christmas tree lighting at the hotel. Friends and families gathered with their children to decorate the ginger bread house in the lobby then join in the countdown for Santa Claus with the sounds of the Christmas Choir singing.
On Christmas Eve, Aramede will be preparing a special Christmas Buffet with the traditional turkey and special Christmas cuisines from around the world. Christmas Carols will make this gathering a time for you to celebrate with your family the season of love and togetherness for QR195.
On Christmas day, for those who have been good, Santa Claus will be awaiting you at Aramede, for exceptional kids entertainment, gingerbread houses and a Christmas Brunch to enjoy for QR222.
If you prefer to stay at the comfort of your home, then let us take care of your special night. Ask for the take away menu and fax it back to us, and we will guarantee a worry-free tasty Christmas for you and your family.
Welcome the year 2014 in with style at Aramede with an exceptional Live Band and live cooking stations for a delicious Mediterranean cuisine starting at QR195 and if you had plans to celebrate in Brazil, we have organized it for you! Misturado and Rodizio are taking you to Brazil, with the tunes of the Copacabana performed by the live band.
Since this festive season is never complete without the feeling of togetherness and family, we have also put together special packages for stays during the month of December 2013. Book your suite for 3 nights, and the 4th one is on us !
One more to go! We haven’t forgotten the Orthodox Christmas, join us at Aramede for festive dishes from around the world for QR150.
To secure your bookings and for more information, call 4408 7777.

- ILQ News -

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Ooredoo and QNB today announced their commitment to continue providing innovative services that enhance the customer experience, thanks to the extended partnership between the two leading organisations.

The Service Level Agreement between the two companies was one of the first of its kind in Qatar, and QNB has been able to use early access to cutting-edge technology and breakthrough systems to deliver an ever-higher standard of service for customers.

Ooredoo’s nationwide state-of-the-art network ensures high availability and maintains uptime for all banking services covering QNB’s extensive network. This means thatOoredoo plays a vital role to ensure QNB’s customers should never face any interruptions of service due to connectivity losses between the bank’s main office and its branches and ATMs nationwide around the clock.

In addition, WiFi has been provided in QNB branches across the country, offering QNB customers with the convenience of Internet accesswhenever they visit their bank.

New for 2013, Ooredoo has partnered with QNB to enhance their security system by developing an innovative CCTV platform.By using advanced encryption techniques, this network service enhances the quality of CCTV videos, enabling QNB’s security personnel to monitor the bank’s nationwide network in real time.This on-going implementation is one of the most advanced ever introduced in Qatar, providing enhanced safety and security for the customers, the bank branches, and ATMs nationwide.

Ali Rashid Al Mohannadi, Executive General Manager and Chief Operating Officer at QNB Group, said: “Our aim is to provide the best possible customer experience, and our major investment in this network agreement with Ooredoo ensures we are able to provide continuous service around the clock across Qatar.”

Mohammed Saleh Al Marri, Chief Sales & Services Officer at Ooredoosaid: “Ooredoo partners with many of Qatar’s larger and leading businesses to offer enterprise-level network solutions and the latest in communications technology. Our engagement with QNB demonstrates the extent to which companies can enhance the customer experience by leveraging advanced communication solutions.”

As Ooredoo and QNB continue their ground-breaking partnership, customers can expect even more innovative services to enhance their banking experience.

- ILQ News -

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Nobel Peace Prize winner and Myanmmar’s National League for Democracy Chairperson Aung San Suu Kyi yesterday called on world’s healthcare leaders and policy-makers to view innovation in healthcare from the
spiritual stand point.
“The kind of innovative healthcare to which I look forward is the one rooted in human values and in spirituality which will help us come together as we move forward into the 21st century,” she said during a keynote address at the World Innovation Summit on Health (WISH).
“Please do not look at healthcare innovation only in terms of technology, training and medical education, but in terms of poor society, nurturing to the basics towards creating a healthy society in the best sense of the word. It is only in this way that we can be sure that our world which is getting smaller by the day will be the happier place for all of us to live in,” she urged.
“If we can live together in serenity … we will be providing our people with the best healthcare possible. We need the basic material and necessity to shape this, but we also need a kind of spiritual value that will ensure that we build a healthy society,” she said, adding: “Globalisation meant that we can’t get away from one another and that means we have to learn to live with one another in harmony, in a state of mutual respect and understanding.”
While sharing personal experiences of her mother, who despite opposition from her own parents, became successful as a compassionate and kind nurse, Suu Kyi said healthcare should mean a profession done out of total commitment and devotion to the needs and desire of patients.
“Good health is the best fortune you can get … healthcare is about caring and without caring, healthcare will not have a meaning,” she observed.
She recalled how Burma used to boast of the best healthcare system in their region saying: “We inherited a good healthcare system from the colonial era and after the independence, our governments built on that legacy and made the healthcare in Burma one of the best in the region.”
“But after the military regime came to power in the 1960s, that good legacy filtered away and now we are one of the countries in the world with the poorest healthcare system,” she lamented.
However, Suu Kyi stressed that Burma still produces the best clinicians and provides training geared towards producing the kind of clinicians who can counsel their patients and make good use of the resources at their disposal while adding that the Burmese nurses are known to be particularly patient, kind and compassionate.
Suu Kyi, who is a determined advocate for democracy, dignity and human rights for the people of Burma said: “My country is starting out on a new journey, a new culture and what we want to do is not simply to build a democratic or political system but to create a new culture of democracy because for democracy to become deeply-rooted it has to be a culture and part of that has to be of utmost value full of compassion and wisdom as only compassion and wisdom combined can lead us to a country in which we can feel secured and happy.”
She stressed that Burma is a poor country but blessed with many natural resources and that the country is striving to harness all those resources to build a country in which people can all live in happiness and peace.
“Our most valuable resource is our human resources and it is our people and not our natural resources or extractive industries that will make Burma once again a great country that will be recognised as progressive, as innovative and world leading in caring for its people,” she noted.
“Healthcare in Burma has been in a poor shape for many decades. Our people suffer, not just from lack of material resources but the lack of good administrative personnel. This is what comes from the 50 years of dictatorship and yet, we still think that we can be a country where everybody is entitled to basic healthcare,” she said.
Suu Kyi mentioned that due to the high maternal and infant mortality rate in Burma she will be starting a programme on improving the quality of life of Burmese mothers and children for them to carry forth the kind of future she wished for the
country.
However, she acknowledged that the challenges toward achieving such programmes are many, saying: “I will like to go for healthcare innovation in Burma just like Qatar did but in a different way … for certain reasons, because Qatar is extremely wealthy and we are very poor.”
“I will like to see the kind of healthcare system that is dependent not only on wealth but on values. I will like to transform the healthcare of our country, we can start from scratch and that is a great advantage in many ways,” she added.

[www.gulf-times.com]

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Construction work on major underground stations of the Doha Metro Project, which are progressing as scheduled, are expected to be accomplished by 2018, a senior official said.
“Work on the underground projects is moving along as scheduled and the Lusail Light Rail Transit (LRT) has reached an advanced stage,” said Saad Ahmed al-Muhannadi, CEO of Qatar Rail Company while speaking to journalists during a media tour of some of the construction sites of the project.
The Lusail LRT underground station is almost 100% complete with regard to civil engineering works. Other architectural and technical works would be held in another stage in connection with other stations.
“Within a short time, Qatar Rail has signed considerable number of contracts for the first stage of the huge project worth $32bn in total. The Long Distance Passenger and Freight Rail transportation system, which will cover 350km in distance at a speed ranging between 220 and 350km/h for passenger trains, and nearing 120km/h for freight trains, is currently under technical and commercial evaluation by expert consultants,” he said. Referring to the Lusail LRT, al-Muhannadi said Qatar Rail has finalised the tunneling works for the project’s tunnels, and completed over 60% of the structure for drilling works for the stations.
In addition, 50% of the structure of the bridge overseeing Al Khor and the Lusail LRT, which is slated to be officially delivered by 2017, has been set up. Lusail LRT is made up of four lines extending to 30.5km in total, among which are 19kms at ground level, 10 kms underground, and 1km above the ground, in addition to a 0.5km track between two high-rises.
The overall project consists of a fleet of 34 trains and 37 stations, 24 of which are at the ground level, 10 are underground, with one located on the bridge level and two connecting two high-rises. While touring the work sites of Lusail, Hamad Ibrahim al-Bishri, the Rail deputy CEO and chief programme officer affirmed that all workers, from the top management to the unskilled labourers, have had to undergo both safety and technical training before being admitted to work sites.

[www.gulf-times.com]

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Residents of New Wakrah and its immediate neighbourhood, which has witnessed massive development in recent years, have appealed to the country’s transport authorities to improve public transport connectivity to the area.
While seeking immediate intervention of transport officials in finding an immediate but long lasting solution to the issue, residents and traders of New Wakrah said even though there has been a big surge in the area’s population in recent times, the public transport access to places in and around New Wakrah and Wukair remain more or less the same as it used to be many years ago.
“Though a lot of commercial establishments and residential compounds have come up in the adjoining areas of New Wakrah, only skeletal public transport services are operated through the area even today,” said Usman, a businessman residing in the area. He said it is doubtful if any other place in the country other than New Wakrah which has witnessed such a large growth in population as well as in the number of commercial establishments in the last couple of years, besides residential compounds. Many other traders have also made a similar appeal to the authorities for improvement in public transport access.
Some of the residents said the establishment of Hamad Hospital and many other government institutions in the area have necessitated the introduction of public transport buses to the area, which serves as an effective link connecting Doha Industrial Area with the country’s southern side.
Inquiries found that considerable transport movement to the Industrial Area and western parts of Doha is taking place through New Wakrah suburbs these days and that the road to Wukair has huge traffic throughout the day.
“Despite this, there is not a single public transport bus service connecting the Industrial Area with New Wakrah even today,” said some of the area’s residents.
Quite too often during weekends, there is enormous movement of people between New Wakrah and Industrial Area, with most of them relying on private vehicles for their travel, they said, while calling upon Mowasalat to explore the possibility of operating frequent circular services connecting New Wakrah with the City bus terminus through Wukair and vice versa. The traders also feel the shops in the area, like in Rayyan and Muaither, function until late in the evening and that the place remained lively throughout the day.
A section of traders also said transportation is important as the area now houses several retailers who have shifted their operations to the place from other locations in Doha.
Surprisingly, all these reactions are coming when Mowasalat is reportedly engaged in a campaign to promote public transport, as part of a major global initiative under the aegis of the International Association of Public Transport (UITP).

[www.gulf-times.com]

The mother of the Qatari boy who was attacked by a leopard at a circus recently and remains hospitalised, has decided to press charges against the circus, its organisers and the owners of the venue for negligence and lack of safety measures.

The mother has appointed a group of lawyers to prepare a lawsuit, local Arabic daily Al Watan reported yesterday.

Umm Khalid, the mother, said the circus had offered her compensation but she had declined it. “I want all of those who are responsible for the incident (the circus, its organisers and the owners of the venue) punished.”

She said she would be petitioning that the circus and its crew not be allowed to leave Doha until the case is decided.

Umm Khalid said she usually didn’t take her child, Fahad, out, but on the fateful day his schoolmates were going to the circus at Hyatt Plaza so she took him there.

“We reached there at 6pm and the circus was to begin at 6.30. At the very entrance of the circus there was this enclosure where the leopard was.”

It wasn’t a cage. There were iron railings around the animal and they weren’t high enough, she said. There was, however, a Russian woman trainer near the enclosure.

Many children were touching the animal and taking pictures with it. “The leopard wasn’t reacting at all as though it were injected with anaesthetic.”

[thepeninsulaqatar.com]

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Children in Qatar enjoy most of their free time playing compared to children in other GCC countries, a recent study has found.

According to a study on playing behaviour of children in the GCC, children in Qatar spend 33 percent of their free time in play-related activities compared to Bahrain (26), the UAE (21) and Oman (21) where the research was done.

The Children’s Play Index (CPI) 2013 was announced by Fun Ville, a play area under the Landmark Leisure at a press event yesterday at Ezdan Mall.

TNS, a global research organisation, conducted the study in September this year in the four GCC countries where Fun Ville is present.

“This kind of information was never before available in the region,” Odisseas Trikaliotis, TNS Senior Group Account Director, told The Peninsula after his presentation.

He revealed the four GCC countries had a combined index score of 25 which means children from these countries appear to have a good balance between play and other activities during their daily routine spending 25 percent of their total free time in play-related activities.

The research which focused on children aged 2 to 12 also found close to 40 percent of them preferred spending time on games played on personal devices. This preference was highest in Qatar at 50 percent and lowest in Oman at 29 percent.

In the age group of 9 to 12, this preference increases to 50 percent. Seventy percent of the parents surveyed depend on these games to keep their children entertained. Thirty percent of them are not aware of the games played by their children on these devices. Qatar also scored high on the average number of electronic devices owned which was 7 compared to the UAE (4), Oman (3) and Bahrain (3).

Among the activities children do during their free time, eating scored the highest at 25 percent while reading was lowest at 0.5 percent. Qatar had higher than the average as children spent 27.7 percent of their free time on eating while least on creative time (1.8). The study also found children engaged more on passive (14) than active activities (11) and that mothers (27) were more involved in their children’s activities than fathers (7).

Asian children spent less time playing compared to local Arab and Western and other expatriate children, the study revealed.

Fun Ville Children’s Play Index is a survey conducted among 1,000 family respondents from different nationalities with children in the four GCC countries.

The index defines the share of playing time among other daily activities excluding the time children spend at school. “Fun Ville’s Children Play Index is our effort to bring widespread awareness for a well-balanced growth and development of children in the region through a fair split of time spent between academic and play related activities during the day,” said Silvio Liedtke, Chief Operating Officer, Landmark Leisure.

Kunal Harisinghani, Marketing Manager, Fun City said the study would be of great help in schools, the government and policymakers in Qatar and the entire GCC.

“Many schools are visiting our facilities and we are actually sharing the results with them so they can design their timetables accordingly.”

Parents can also compute their child’s play index using Fun Ville Play Index Calculator available at www.funville.ae.

[thepeninsulaqatar.com]

An official source at the Consular Affairs Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has announced that Kyrgyzstan will exempt Qatari citizens of advance visa and allow them to stay for 60 days.

In case of they wish to stay for longer, an application should be provided to any of the Kyrgyzstan diplomatic missions abroad or should inform the visa section at Manas International Airport on arrival to get the. They should then report to the consular service department at the Kyrgyzstan Foreign Ministry to get the approval for the required period. QNA

[thepeninsulaqatar.com]

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A sudden drop in temperature accompanied by strong northwesterly winds from chilly regions of Europe has made the weather colder in Qatar.

Day temperatures could drop to 20 degrees Celsius in places like Ruwais today, while the night will be the coldest in Al Khor, with mercury dipping to 12 degrees C.

In Doha, the day temperature forecast is 24°C, while the night will be chilly, with the temperature dropping to 16°C.

Al Wakra and Messaid are to have relatively colder day and night with temperatures between 23°C and 14°C.

The wind, with speeds of five to 15 knots, will be northwesterly but the direction will gradually change to northeasterly. The wind will, though, lose its intensity after dusk.

A senior official from the Department of Meteorology said a decrease in temperature was expected between December 15 and 21, with temperatures between 17°C and 25°C.

This is normally the weather this time of the year.

“You can say this is the onset of the winter season,” said the official.

[thepeninsulaqatar.com]

photo: skepticmoney.com

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The Ritz-Carlton, Doha is commemorating and celebrating Qatar National Day by inviting guests to join them for a range of unique activities and offers throughout December.

As National Day accentuates the identity and history of the country as it marks the annual commemoration of Qatar's unification and independence on December 18, the celebrations at The Ritz-Carlton, Doha pay tribute to the people who built the nation while also allowing guests from near and far to learn more about Qatari culture and history.

Launching the festivities is an outdoor festival on December 15 that will see families mix and mingle in the hotel’s stunning Lagoon Garden as they enjoy a cake cutting ceremony, cultural entertainment, children enjoy their own playground and encounters with local animals including donkeys.

Continuing the celebrations on Qatar National Day, December 18, all day dining venue, The Lagoon will feature an authentic and family friendly Arabic buffet. Embracing the spirit of togetherness on the most festive day in Qatar, children under the age of four will dine complimentary, while children between the ages of four and twelve will dine at half price.

Rounding off the special offers and festivities, The Ritz-Carlton, Doha is also offering a spectacular “Eid Al Watani” room package starting from QR 1,218 per room, per night, which will be including an eighteen per cent savings on Food and Beverage consumption (excluding alcohol and tobacco), and twelve per cent savings at The Ritz-Carlton Spa. Guests wanting to extend the celebration longer, or to family and friends will also be offered a fifty per cent savings on a second room or second night. Guests who stay for three nights will also enjoy a complimentary daily breakfast buffet at The Lagoon. The offer is valid from December 17 to 21, 2013 inclusive.

The 374-room hotel is located at the prestigious area of West Bay Lagoon, set at its own private island, a delightful respite from the hustle and bustle of the city, providing maximum privacy, features panoramic views of the Arabian Gulf. It is conveniently located only 20 minutes drive from Doha International Airport which receives a large number of flights from Europe, U.S. and Asia.

Reservation can be made to +974 4484 8000 or log on to www.ritzcarlton.com/doha.

- ILQ News -

so can u tell me where

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Today, Coca-Cola elevated Qatar to a state of football frenzy as the FIFA World Cup™ Trophy was revealed to the public at Doha International Airport. The passionate reception of the Trophy foreshadows the contagious excitement of Qatar hosting the FIFA World Cup™ in 2022. The ceremony to welcome the trophy to Qatar was hosted by the Coca-Cola delegation in coordination with FIFA representatives. In attendance, was a number of VIPs from the Qatar Football Association, such as Saoud Al Mohannadi, General Secretary of QFA, along with respected members of the Qatar 2022 Foundation. Guests also included esteemed government officials and members of the press.

The event served as an exclusive private preview of the unveiling of the FIFA World Cup™, prior to its public reveal in Aspire Zone on Saturday 14th December.

Brought to Qatar by Coca-Cola, the FIFA World Cup™ Trophy Tour will give lucky fans an exhilarating opportunity to truly rejoice in the spirit of football. The fan experience at the one-day FIFA World Cup™ Trophy Tour ‘Fan Zone’ on 14th of December will open its doors at 10am. Fans will be able to participate in a series of interactive activities in the large outdoor expanse before going through to see the trophy. A larger than life ‘Brazuca’ football, the official match ball of the 2014 FIFA World Cup™, will be made readily available for fans to see in the adidas area, which will contribute toward the authenticity of the experience. Fans will also be able to play a football game on SONY Play station consoles whilst listening to great music from Coke Studio and of course, the Anthem. As an advocate of a healthy and active lifestyle Coca – Cola also is giving fans the opportunity to test their football skills in a ‘shoot and score’ challenge which will highlight the nation’s passion for the sport. The FIFA World Cup™ mascot, Fuleco will be prevalently present, fueling the excitement for the FIFA World Cup™ in Brazil.

Lucky fans will get to revel in the fact that they were face to face with the pure gold trophy, weighing in eat five kilograms of 18 carat gold and standing at 14.4 inches tall. Each fan can embrace the opportunity to have their photos taken with the trophy as a memoire of this unforgettable occasion.

McDonalds will provide hungry fans with ‘The Perfect Serve’ snack after they had spent some quality time with the trophy.

FIFA Ambassador and former Argentina international Gabriel Calderon said "I am delighted to have been selected to participate in the 2013 FIFA World Cup™ Trophy Tour. The FIFA World Cup™ Trophy is a symbol of sporting prowess, bringing great nations together to celebrate the beautiful game. Playing in the FIFA World Cup™ was the biggest honour I could have imagined, and I have witnessed and experienced the same passion and admiration for the game throughout the Middle East during my time here. This is a fantastic experience to be a part of."

Scott McCune, Vice President of Integrated Marketing Coca-Cola Middle East said, “Bringing the trophy to Qatar has been a truly humbling experience. To be able to witness the power football has to bring people together under a common passion. This is what makes this trophy, the “world’s cup” which is why we are taking the trophy on its longest journey to date, visiting 90 countries over 9 months. To quantify the tour, we will be traveling 92000 miles which is over 3.5 times around the world.”

Khalifa Al Haroon, founder of iLoveQatar.net was also attending the event and was one of the few people allowed to go on board the world cup trophy plane. He commented, ''It's fantastic that we have been given the opportunity to host the world cup not only has it united the region but its an opportunity for us to show the world how great welcoming and forward thinking Qatar is.''

For the latest from the FIFA World Cup™ Trophy Tour including upcoming tour destinations and dates, exclusive interviews, photos and videos, visit the official websitewww.fifa.com/trophytour

- ILQ News -

Where the trophy will be headed:

DAY 1:
2.30pm – 4.00pm, QFA League,
7.00pm – 10.00pm, Gala Dinner

DAY 2:
4:30pm – 6:00pm, Temba – Traditional Children’s Football Tournament, Darb Al Saai

DAY 3:
09:00-10:00am, Fan zone, Media Tour - Aspire

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Establishing a heritage hotel in a controlled way in the hinterland of Al Zubarah Archaeological Site, the country’s first World Heritage Site, would help bring tourists to the area, an archaeology expert with Qatar Museums Authority (QMA) has suggested.

“The hotel, which could recreate to some extent, in a modern context, the architecture that was in Zubarah, would inspire tourists to spend more time,” Prof Thomas Leisten, chief officer of Archaeology, Architectural Conservation and Cultural Tourism Department, told Gulf Times.

Qatar’s largest archaeological site, which lies on the northwest coast 85km from Doha and 25km south of Al Ruwais, is being opened to the public tomorrow.

Celebrating the opening, a number of activities has been arranged for tomorrow and Saturday. Tasting traditional food, learning about pearl diving, listening to traditional music, exhibition of historic films, handicrafts, and national clothing are among the programmes.

It was on June 22 this year that Al Zubarah was inscribed onto the Unesco World Heritage List, an international register featuring 911 natural and cultural properties.

One of the largest and best preserved examples of an 18th-19th century traditional pearl fishing and merchant town in the Gulf, Al Zubarah’s success attracted the attention of other Gulf powers and after several attacks was eventually burned to the ground in 1811.

Al Zubarah never fully recovered and was totally abandoned by the mid-20th century. The site covers an area of 60 hectares with remains of houses, mosques, large fortified buildings and a souq (market).

Although no buildings remain standing, the site has been left largely untouched over the centuries and the entire urban layout and numerous day to day objects remain intact beneath the sands, as indicated by the ongoing excavation.

Al Zubarah Fort, built in 1938 on the orders of Sheikh Abdullah bin Jassim al-Thani to guard and protect Qatar’s north-west coast, is now transformed into a visitor centre.

There is now a museum in a portacabin outside the fort, a walkway passing through some of the areas that have been excavated, a food and beverage outlet and a comfort station.

“Entry to the archaeological site will be free of charge. The opening hours will be from 9am to nightfall, seven days a week,” the official
said.

“The southern half of Al Zubarah Archaeological Site’s buffer zone is the northern half of Al Reem Biosphere Reserve, so there is an additional value in these places because it is a protected wildlife area which is combined with an archaeological site,” Prof Leisten observed.

If there are some eco-lodges in the biosphere reserve, it would be a great experience to stay there during the cooler months, especially without the need of air-conditioning, he suggested. Al Reem, a first for Qatar, was accepted by UNESCO into its Man and the Biosphere global network in September 2007.

[www.gulf-times.com]

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Qatar is expected to experience the first cold spell of the season beginning on Sunday, leading to a significant drop in temperature with the minimum to be slightly above 10 degrees Celsius on some days, according to the Meteorology Department.

The cold spell that could last a full week, has been attributed to “an extension of high pressure over the Arabian Peninsula associated with cold air mass in the upper levels.”

Strong northwesterly winds could lash the county during the period, bringing in cold waves. Scattered rains are also expected in some parts of the country on Monday and Tuesday, said the department.

“Temperature could start falling from Sunday and we are expecting a significant drop by Monday,” a forecaster at the department told this daily last evening.

During the cold spell, maximum temperature in Doha is expected to be around 20 degrees Celsius and the minimum could vary between 12 and 14 degrees C, he added. A further dip could be expected in outer areas.

The Met office warned of strong winds and high seas from Sunday and advised caution while going to the sea.

The northwesterly winds could blow at between 20 and 30 knots, reaching 35 in offshore areas during the period. The maximum temperature recorded yesterday was 26 degrees C and the minimum was 20 degrees C, said the forecaster. A slight fall is expected today with the minimum around 19 degrees C and the maximum 27.

[thepeninsulaqatar.com]

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Organisers of Dolphin Energy Doha Dash today announced that the second annual Doha Dash event will take place on February 11th 2014, in celebration of Qatar National Sports Day.

Once again, the event will be hosted at the prestigious Losail International Circuit, just 15 minutes’ drive from the centre of Doha, giving the community the chance to experience the unique opportunity of running in the tracks of the world’s Motor GP stars.

The event encourages Qatar residents of all ages and abilities to lead a healthy lifestyle and support a growing national sporting initiative. The event features a 5km (100 QAR entry fee) run for participants aged 12 and over; a 3km run (50 QAR) for all ages; a 1km run for children (free) and a 1km ladies walk (free). The Doha Dash organisers will pledge 25% of all registration fees to the official event charity, to be announced in coming weeks.
Registration for the event is now open and participants can visit www.dohadash.com for more information or to sign up.
Jamie Cunningham, Chief Executive Officer & Founder of the event organizer, Professional Sports Group, said: “We are delighted to open registration for the event almost a month earlier this year due to the success of the event in 2013.”
“In February we saw 1,400 runners take to the track in our first Dolphin Energy Doha Dash and we are expecting the 2014 event to be even bigger and better. We are working hard with all our sponsors to enhance the event and the runner experience, building on the foundations of this year.”
Once again the event is supported by a number of high-profile sponsors including title sponsor Dolphin Energy and platinum partner Vodafone Qatar.
Adel Ahmed Albuainain, General Manager, Dolphin Energy, Qatar said: “The Doha Dash is a great opportunity for the community to come together in a step towards a healthier nation. We are delighted to be title sponsor for the second year”
“National Sport Day is an excellent initiative and The Dolphin Energy Doha Dash has quickly established itself within the growing calendar of events taking place around Qatar as part of the celebrations. I look forward to welcoming Qatar’s citizens and residents, families and runners of all abilities to this fun event.”
For the second year ‘Qatar’s fastest man’ Samuel Francis has been selected as an official race ambassador. Samuel, 26, is the current Asian record holder for the 100m sprint.
“It is an honor for me to be part of the second Dolphin Energy Doha Dash. The 2013 event was a fantastic experience and it was truly encouraging to see so many Qatar citizens and residents participating in a great sporting challenge – I hope there will be many more runners this year, and more spectators to cheer them over the finish line,” said Samuel.
On the day of the event, all runners will receive an official race t-shirt, medal and gift bag, as well as experience a great family day out in the Festival Village. Throughout the morning, participants and spectators will be treated to a range of activities and entertainment, including live music, children’s activities, have-a-go sports areas and food and beverages.
The first three runners across the line in the 5km, 3km and 1km runs will receive a trophy and a special prize. Participants are invited to bring their friends and family to support them and cheer them on as they cross the finish line.

- ILQ News -

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“Best Telecom Leader” and “Best Innovative Service” Received at Annual SAMENA Council 2013 Awards

Ooredoo has received two more major global awards, as the company continues to enjoy its most successful year of honours ever.

At the “Convergence to Oman 2013” conference this month, the SAMENA Council presented two key accolades to the company.

The Ooredoo Chairman, His Excellency Sheikh Abdullah Bin Mohammed Bin Saud Al Thani, received the prestigious “Best Telecom Leader” award for his role in driving the transformation of Ooredoo around the world, and for his important contribution to the global communication industry.

Ooredoo also received the “Best Innovative Service” award for Ooredoo Mobile Money services, which now support more than one million customers in Qatar, Indonesia and Tunisia.

The SAMENA Telecommunications Council is a tri-regional association that represents over 40 telecommunications operators in 25 markets and its awards highlight best practice across Southeast Asia, the Middle East and North Africa.

Dr. Nasser Marafih, Group CEO, Ooredoo, said: “These awards are an important reflection of the range and diversity of services that Ooredoo provides to enrich the lives of people around the world. The international recognition of our Chairman, His Excellency Sheikh Abdullah, demonstrates the incredible role he has played in raising standards and transforming the communications industry, both nationally and around the world.”

Sheikh Abdullah has continued to raise Ooredoo’s profile around the world in 2013. At the recent ITU Telecom World event in Thailand, Sheikh Abdullah challenged telecoms operators, regulators and partners to work together to support new broadband infrastructure projects and enhance access for all. At the UN Broadband Commission meeting this year, he emphasised that mobile operators should follow Ooredoo’s lead in using mobile technology to address key social issues and drive creativity.
The award for Ooredoo Mobile Money is the latest in a number of prizes for the market-leading service.

In Qatar, Ooredoo Qatar has partnered with QNB for Ooredoo Mobile Money, providing a vital facility for expatriate workers to send money home to their families. In Indonesia, Indosat has partnered with QNB Kesawan on the Dompetku service, enabling customers to use their mobile at more than 200 local organisations, including banks and retail chains, while in Tunisia, Tunisiana Ooredoo and Tunisian Mail (La Poste Tunisienne) have partnered on mobiflouss, which enables customers to top-up their airtime account, transfer money and pay bills via their mobile.

Myanmar, where Ooredoo recently won a mobile network licence, will be a key area of focus for implementing mobile money solutions in the near future. Myanmar’s large, rural population of 60 million people has limited access to financial services, but will have widespread mobile phone access as Ooredoo rolls out its next generation network over the coming years.

Ooredoo has seen a string of awards in 2013. Earlier this month, Ooredoo received the “Best Mobile Operator” award at the 15th Annual World Communication Awards, joining an international elite of companies that have received the prestigious honour.

It also won “Best Marketing Campaign” and “Best CSR Initiative” at the CommsMEA Awards, and “Best Finance Team of the Year” at the Middle East’s Accountancy and Finance Excellence Awards in December.

In November, Ooredoo won the “Best Middle Eastern Wholesale Carrier” award at the Global Carrier Awards held in Amsterdam.

Ooredoo’s transformation programme – which saw the company launch its new global brand in a major ceremony during the GSMA Mobile World Congress in February this year – received the Gold Award for “Best Brand Experience Event” at the 2013 International Business Awards.

Other regional and international awards for Ooredoo in 2013 include “Best Communications Company” at the Telecoms World Middle East Awards, “Best Customer Retention Programme” at the Insights Middle East Call Centre Awards and ‘Loyalty Programme of the Year – Middle East and Africa’ at the Loyalty Awards in London.

- ILQ News -

The Youth Company, Qatar – social enterprise for youth development and empowerment – have announced a union with Qatar Charity for the launch of a charity campaign supporting the victims and survivors of Typhoon Haiyan, the most powerful storm in the history of the Philippines that struck the land in early November. The two bodies are calling out to the Filipino community by accepting all in-kind donations and funds at designated areas within Run The World Festival 2013. RTW Festival is a regional youth sports festival, an annual initiative of The Youth Company in partnership with Qatar Museums Authority and Qatar Olympic & Sports Museum. The festival will take place from the 19th to the 21st of December at Katara Beach in Doha, Qatar.

As TYC’s largest and most-anticipated youth event in the GCC Region, Run The World provides youth between the ages of 14 to 29 years an exciting opportunity to participate in a range of entertaining, dynamic, and community enriching activities, including sports competitions, extreme sports shows by professional athletes, musical performances, cultural showcases and a diverse cultural fair that culminate into three days of engaging programs for youth.

As a key exhibitor at RTWF 2013, Qatar Charity – a non-governmental organization founded in 2012 – actively assists vulnerable communities across the world, working within the fields of sustainable development, poverty reduction, disaster relief and emergency response. The organization endeavors to serve vulnerable people and communities regardless of gender, religion, race or nationality. Unlike other Gulf-based organizations, Qatar Charity holds an established history and proven track record as an implementing agency, based on its on-the-ground presence through Qatar Charity field offices that predate other agencies in the region.

As a focal point in the campaign for Typhoon Haiyan, Qatar Charity will install a number of donation boxes and stalls within RTW Village, a space in RTW Festival dedicated to community outreach, culture, and commerce. Through the booths, Qatar Charity aims to increase awareness among youth about the organization’s activities, and encourage more to get involved in the charity act. Visitors will be able to donate clothing, non-perishable food, funds, and all other means of in-kind donations, which will be distributed directly to the victims in the Philippines. Furthermore, a marathon will be held at the venue on the 21st of December, 3-5 pm, in which participants can register for a small fee as a fundraiser for the campaign.

“This year, we aim for Run The World to make a real difference in the global community we exist in. Not only do we want this festival to empower and develop the youth of the region, but also engage them with real global issues and reach out to the victims of Typhoon Haiyan. We are very fortunate to have Qatar Charity on board to support this campaign and hope that through this festival, we will be able to raise as many funds and donations as possible,” says Mohamed Farid, Chairman & Founder of The Youth Company International.

For more information about the festival, please, visit www.rtwfestival.com.

- ILQ News -

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A popular favourite in Doha for many years, the Far Eastern award winning restaurant, Chopsticks, reopens today at the Wyndham Grand Regency Doha after a two months hiatus. The newly revamped Chopsticks, located in the lobby on the ground floor of the hotel, is open daily from 12:00noon to 24:00midnight and serves exotic Far Eastern dishes in an atmosphere of unsurpassed elegance.

Designed by one of the top interior designers in Doha, Chopsticks offers a casual-chic dining atmosphere. The dining room’s Chinese décor is full of colour, gracious hospitality and relaxing atmosphere.

Chopsticks, signature specialties menu features of mix of different Asian cuisines. Chinese and Thai dishes are available, along with a wide variety of Japanese favorites.

“CHOPSTICKS” is well known in the market for its reputation for the true far eastern taste quality. Also it is the only sushi restaurant in Doha serving “Sushi” prepared live in front of every table. The guest will experience and learn the skills of sushi making. Including delightful mouthwatering sushi made of chicken, beef & duck.

The restaurants also offers Sushi fiesta open buffet every Saturday for all the family regardless of age in very affordable prices. For corporate events, Chopsticks has tailored made menus with prices that fit every pocket. Also personalized menus can be made by our Chef de Cuisine.
“We have done our best in this restaurant to provide the authentic Far Eastern ambiance to ensure that we continue to delight our guests,” said Eman Abela, food and beverage director, Wyndham Grand Regency Doha.
Abela added: to celebrate the grand re-opening, Chopsticks is offering patrons exclusive activities such as Mobile competition, 2pcs Gold Chopsticks to be a raffled every 2 months to the guests and during dinner a photographer will be on duty to take the guests photos as a souvenir upon request.

“We encourage all our guests to follow us on our facebook, twitter, foursquare & instagram page and stay in touch with all the great happenings and promotions. This page has created the best method of direct communication with all our guests.” Abela said.

The Wyndham Grand Regency Doha is a 246-room hotel offering guests single, double and suite accommodation. Rooms feature a harmonious blend of traditional architecture and spectacular contemporary design alongside all the comforts and amenities to be expected from a five-star hotel.

- ILQ News -

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