Category: General

Member of the Board of Directors of International Relations at the Qatar International Center for Conciliation and Arbitration (QICCA) HE Sheikh Thani bin Ali bin Saud Al-Thani asserted that the State of Qatar has been able to promote business environment and investment climate in the country through legislations and laws it issued in the recent years.

He added that such laws and legislations have given impetus to the economic development and attracted more foreign capital in a variety of sectors.

This came during his speech delivered before the 16th Dublin Forum on International Commercial Dispute Resolution that was convened via video conferencing and organized by UK’s Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (CIArb).

His Excellency stressed QICCA’s keenness to propagate the culture of arbitration and expand its use as one of the vital alternate methods for commercial dispute resolution, pointing out that QICCA has convened several events and international conferences, in addition to organizing substantial number of professional seminars to discuss alternate means of conflict resolution.

Dublin forum is held to discuss issues pertinent to international commercial dispute resolution, dispute settlement and mediation with the engagement of a host of keynote speakers and experts from all over the world.

During the panel discussions, the forum discussed current, regional, and international issues that affect the practice of international arbitration and dispute resolution.

Source: Qatar News Agency

The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA), in partnership with airports and operating companies, endeavors to provide the best services to pilgrims by applying the highest standards of security and safety, and providing high-quality facilities and providing services that ensure their comfort.

Attaching importance to the Hajj season, and aware of the efforts made by the Saudi government to serve the pilgrims and of the pivotal role GACA plays during the Hajj season, it works to ensure that the highest standards of safety and quality are applied by service providers; it also monitors the quality of services provided to pilgrims, to ensure that they are satisfied with being given the best.

GACA also thrives to improve the experience of pilgrims at airports, measuring performance against world-level standards and indicators, and involves both beneficiaries and stakeholders in improving the services by setting and following up on the service performance indicators at airports, and by measuring the traveler satisfaction; it also involves stakeholders and beneficiaries in the endeavor to improve the quality of services, in general, and to pilgrims, in particular, bringing them on par with the best international standards, in implementation of the directives of the government of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, and of HRH the Crown Prince to provide the best services to pilgrims, and facilitate their travel procedures, in coordination with the relevant public and private agencies.

The authority is responsible for controlling quality and ensuring travelers’ protection, and it does so by following up on the performance and operations pertaining to travelers; during the Hajj season, from the moment they arrive at the terminals until they depart by buses to their residence, passing through the services provided at the airport (vaccinations , travel documents, receipt of luggage and customs inspection, airport facilities and services, and buses), monitoring reception procedures, ensuring the cleanliness of facilities, and monitoring the waiting times for each procedure required of pilgrims.

A quality control team present 24 hours in the Hajj terminals supervises the services provided at the Hajj terminals in six stages. One is assessment of readiness for the arrival, with pre-assessments carried out through field tours to evaluate the readiness of facilities and services. The evaluation covers all travel points through which pilgrims pass.

The second phase entails following up on the quality of services at arrival, with the performance and quality of services provided monitored by analyzing 16 indicators to measure waiting times and levels of satisfaction throughout the travel stages, and sharing observations with the relevant authorities, to take corrective measures if needed, to improve services.

The third stage includes an assessment of the readiness for the departure stage. A pre-evaluation is carried out through field tours at all points through which pilgrims pass. The fourth stage consists of monitoring the quality of services at the departure stage by monitoring and analyzing 15 indicators to measure waiting times and the levels of satisfaction, and sharing observations with the relevant authorities, to take corrective measures if needed, to improve services.

In the fifth stage, the final report for the Hajj season is issued; it reviews the main challenges, opportunities for improvement, lessons learned, and suggestions to improve the quality of services for the following seasons.

In the final stage, complaints and suggestions are handled and travelers’ inquiries are answered to around the clock. At the same time, travelers are informed of their rights and duties through GACA’s channels of communication.

Source: Saudi Press Agency

The State of Qatar expressed its strong condemnation and denunciation of the attack that targeted a high school in western Uganda’s Mpondwe town, and left dozens killed and injured.

In its statement on Saturday, The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reiterated the State of Qatar’s firm stance on rejecting violence and terrorism, regardless of the motives and reasons.

The ministry extended the State of Qatar’s condolences to relatives of the victims, the Ugandan government, and the people of Uganda , wishing the injured a speedy recovery.

Source: Qatar News Agency

During an auction event in Nairobi, Kenya, an exceptional opportunity to acquire top-notch carbon credits that are both CORSIA-eligible and Verra-registered was represented. The auction could sell more carbon credits than the previous record in October 2022. 16 companies from Saudi Arabia and various parts of the world participated in the auction.

The basket of credits included 18 projects representing a mix of CO2 avoidance and removal, containing improved clean cookstoves and renewable energy projects. Three-quarters of the carbon credits originated from countries across the Middle East, North Africa, and Sub-Saharan Africa, including Kenya, Uganda, Burundi, Rwanda, Morocco, Egypt and South Africa.

Eng. Abdullah Al-Kanhl, Group Chief Strategy Officer, said: “Today, stc has acquired carbon credits from the Regional Voluntary Carbon Market Company (RVCMC) at the largest-ever voluntary carbon credit auction event held in Nairobi, Kenya. These credits will aid in offsetting some of the emissions produced by stc as we strive towards achieving carbon neutrality within our strategy to ensure the implementation of the sustainability agenda.”

“stc plays a crucial role in the kingdom and the region, prioritizing positive environmental, social, and economic impact. We are committed to implementing the best responsible practices and high standards in the telecommunications and technology industry”, Al-Kanhl added.

The auction’s success illustrates Saudi Arabia’s commitment to tackling climate change in line with Saudi Green Initiative and Vision 2030.

Source: Saudi Press Agency

– HE Ambassador of the State of Qatar to the United States of America Sheikh Meshal bin Hamad Al-Thani participated in the ceremony held by the Islamic Center in Detroit on the occasion of the opening of Muhammad Ali Park in the city of Dearborn, Michigan.

– The State of Qatar is participating in the Summit for a New Global Financial Pact held in Paris on Jun. 22-23 with the participation of a number of heads of states and the UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres in addition to representatives of UN agencies and specialized international organizations.

– The State of Qatar condemns, in the strongest terms, the brutal attacks of Israeli settlers on a number of villages in the occupied Palestinian territories, which led to the deaths and injuries of defenseless Palestinian civilians, especially women and children.

– The State of Qatar has reiterated its firm belief in the principles of pluralism, cooperation and dialogue, as the cornerstone of effective efforts to counter terrorism, and its commitment to play an effective and constructive role in global initiatives aimed at countering terrorism and violent extremism in all its forms and manifestations.

– The State of Qatar affirmed its support for many important initiatives within the framework of the Global Counter-Terrorism Coordination Compact.

– Qatar affirmed its solidarity with the victims and survivors of terrorism around the world, its continued support for victims of terrorism, its gratitude for being a member of the Group of Friends, and its pride in supporting the work of the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism.

– The State of Qatar affirmed Thursday that it adopts an overarching foreign policy approach based on establishing peace, settling disputes, achieving economic and social development, caring for education, employing youth, sports and protecting human rights and the rule of law.

– A Qatari airplane carrying 39 tons of food aid, provided by Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD) and Qatar Charity (QC), arrived at Port Sudan Airport in the Republic of the Sudan, bringing the total Qatari aid to Sudan to 357 tons.

– HE Special Envoy of the Minister of Foreign Affairs for Counter-Terrorism and Mediation in Conflict Resolution Dr. Mutlaq bin Majed Al Qahtani met today with HE Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Afghanistan Roza Otunbayeva, on the sidelines of the UN’s Third Counter-Terrorism Week that is taking place in New York from June 19 to June 23, 2023.

– HE Consul General of the State of Qatar in Jeddah Rashid bin Saeed Al Khayarin carried a inspection tour of the camps of Qatari pilgrims in Mina, during which he was accompanied by Deputy Head of the Qatari Hajj Mission Ali Sultan Al Massifri and a number of the mission’s advisors and officials.

– HE Minister of Municipality Dr. Abdullah bin Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Subaei inaugurated the ‘Studio 18’ of the Ministry’s Urban Planning Affairs Sector.

– Under the auspices of HE Minister of Communications and Information Technology Mohammed bin Ali Al Mannai, Qatar Postal Services Company “Qatar Post” has launched the Robotic Sorting Project.

– Under the patronage of Chairperson of the Board of Trustees of Qatar Museums HE Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad Al-Thani, HE Minister of Municipality of the State of Qatar Dr. Abdullah bin Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Subaie opened the temporary exhibition ‘Mosques in Qatar: then and now’.

– Units affiliated with Qatari Hajj mission for Hajj 2023 held Thursday a coordination meeting with officials and representatives of Qatari Hajj campaigns, to cooperate, coordinate and facilitate the procedures for Qatari pilgrims.

– The first rounds of pilgrims from the State of Qatar arrived Thursday in Mecca to perform the Hajj for the year 1444 AH, as large numbers of the country’s pilgrims left Hamad International Airport in a number of campaigns on board Qatar Airways.

– The Qatar Stock Exchange index ended this week’s trading, down by 1.61 percent, at 10106 points, with 4 sectors declining and three sectors rising.

– HE President of Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC) and First Vice President of the Association of National Olympic Committees (ANOC), Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al-Thani attended the opening ceremony of the European Games 2023 Krakow-Ma?opolska, which is being held in Poland.

– Aspetar, the world-leading specialized orthopedic and sports medicine hospital announces the organisation 2023 Aspetar International Rehabilitation Conference, the first-ever international gathering dedicated to the rehabilitation of ACL (Anterior Cruciate Ligament) injuries.

– Qatar Science and Technology Parks (QSTP) Meet the Expert series showcased advanced applications of Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Arabic language and the benefits these bring to local businesses, particularly in research and development efforts, during their latest workshop.

– The exhibition of Artificial Intelligence in Architectural Design opened Thursday in Katara (Building 18). In cooperation between Katara Cultural Village Foundation and Qatar Society of Engineers, the exhibition displays about 45 paintings and will remain open until July 9th.

Source: Qatar News Agency

Weather inshore tonight until 6:00 pm on Friday will be hot to very hot daytime and blowing dust at places at times with some clouds, the Department of Meteorology said in its daily weather report, warning of expected strong wind and poor horizontal visibility at places.

Offshore, it will be slight dust at times, the report added, warning of strong winds and high sea.

Wind inshore will be mainly Northwesterly 10 – 20 KT Gusting to 27 KT at places at times.

Offshore, it will be Northwesterly 10 – 20 KT Gusting to 28 KT at times.

Visibility will be 04 to 08 kilometers, decreases to 3 kilometers or less at some places.

Sea state inshore will be 2 to 4 FT, rises to 5 FT sometimes. Offshore will be 3 to 6 FT rises to 9 FT at times.

Area High Tide Low Tide Mini-Max ———- —————- ——————- ————- Messaid 16:20 ** : ** ** : ** 10:24 28 Wakrah: 18 : ** 01:35 22:48 09:49 33 Doha: 16:26 01:33 23:43 09:37 36 Al Khor: ** : ** 15:03 21:16 08:27 32 Ruwais: 16:06 03:44 23:04 10:03 33 Dukhan: 20:43 08:31 14:33 02:14 31 Sunrise: 04:43 LT Sunset: 18:25 LT ——————

Source: Qatar News Agency

The Emirates Red Crescent (ERC) delegation continues to distribute the “Eid Clothing” initiative in Syria.

The initiative, which is part of the Operation Gallant Knight 2 in Syria, aims to distribute 11,000 vouchers to 44,000 Syrian beneficiaries from the families affected by the earthquake and cancer patients in the provinces of Homs, Aleppo, Hama and Lattakia.

In a statement to SANA reporter, the head of the UAE Red Crescent delegation, Muhammad Al-Kaabi said that this humanitarian initiative comes, in cooperation with the Syrian Arab Red Crescent (SARC), during which 4,500 voucher are being distributed in Aleppo, 3500 in Lattakia, 1500 in Homs, and 1500 in Hama. The value of each voucher is SYP 500,000.

Al-Kaabi indicated that the initiative aims to provide the needs of families before Eid al-Adha, as part of the UAE’s continuous humanitarian and relief efforts to alleviate the Syrian people’s suffering in the aftermath of the earthquake that struck the country last February.

In turn, the head of the Syrian Arab Red Crescent, Eng. Khaled Habbouti, extended appreciation for the efforts of the Emirates Red Crescent and their rapid response to alleviate the suffering of the affected families and bring joy to their homes.

It is worth noting that the Operation Gallant Knight 2 in Syria contributes to supporting Syria and enhancing the recovery stage after the earthquake, whereby 185 aircraft carrying essential foodstuffs, medicines, and medical supplies were sent.

Source: Syrian Arab News Agency

Syrian blood donor, Ali Suleiman recorded 300 blood donations.

Suleiman retired from donation at 63-year- old, with 300 blood donations spanning over 48 years of selfless dedication to donate hundreds of units of blood to save lives.

“I feel pleasure and satisfaction when I donate blood to help patients and that what really drives my passion for blood donation,” Suleiman told SANA reporter.

He recalled humanitarian situations during the years of the terrorist war against Syria during which he managed to save lives tens of the injured despite of the danger of movement between the provinces at that time.

Head of Homs Central Blood Bank, Dr. Muhannad Khaddour, affirmed that the donor Suleiman enjoyed good health, referring to Suleiman’s insistence on donating with great desire without adhering to the legal period allowed, which is a one-time donation every three months to healthy men.

Sulaiman was honored by the government authorities in appreciation and respect for his nobility, and he received many certificates of appreciation.

Every year countries around the world celebrate World Blood Donor Day (WBDD) on June 14, to o raise awareness of the need for safe blood and blood products and to thank voluntary.

Source: Syrian Arab News Agency

Russian forces captured 17 Ukrainian soldiers, who were ambushed during an attempted assault near ovobakhmutovka, a spokesperson for a security agency of the Donetsk People’s Republic told TASS on Friday.

“17 servicemen of the Ukrainian armed forces were captured near Novobakhmutovka, where the adversary made a yet another attempt of a counter-offensive, but was ambushed by our forces,” the spokesperson said.

According to him, the Ukrainian military unit was ordered to advance without proper artillery support. As a result, dozens of Ukrainian servicemen were killed.

Source: Syrian Arab News Agency

Palmyra city is one of the sites inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, where its ruins witness to the greatness of this city, which was one of the most important cultural and commercial centers in the ancient world, specifically on the Silk Road.

Palmyra, the “Pearl of the Desert” and the oasis of ancient times emerged from the sands of the desert as one of the most beautiful archaeological sites in the world, with its charm, prestige and mystery, and as a gathering place for commercial caravans.

It attracts tourists, archaeologists, and inspiration of poets, with its stunning temples, unique tombs, and streets full of huge columns.

“The name of the Silk Road was given to the road connecting China and Rome by the German traveler Ferdinand von Richthofen in 1860, during his journeys to the regions of the East as a result of the historical, scientific, cultural and economic importance of silk”, the Archaeologist Dr. Khalil al-Hariri said.

Palmyra’s distinguished location in the middle Badiyat al-Sham (desret) connecting the road between the cities of the Euphrates Basin to the east and the cities of the Syrian coast to the west, made the Silk Road he shortest distance, the best crossing, and the most secure and peaceful for commercial caravans, with the important artifacts and valuables they carry, in addition to cotton and woolen textiles, purple, glass, perfumes, and incense. spices and oils.

Al-Hariri added that the cultural diversity in Palmyra is as a result of its site among different cultures, as the people of Palmyra have excelled in preparing a convoy system for passing long distances and facilitating its passage.

The economic prosperity resulting from trade and the passage of the Silk Road through Palmyra made it the capital of wealth, luxury, peace and dreams, and contributed to its urban, artistic, cultural and social progress, he said.

Source: Syrian Arab News Agency