Following the success of The Farmers and The Super Hero Brunch last season, The Ritz-Carlton, Doha continues to raise the bar and innovate on the brunch concept with the launch of The Worldwide Brunch.

Overlooked by four international Chefs, Executive Chef Satish Yerramilli, Executive Sous-Chef Evangelos Liakouris, Efe Salar, Chef de cuisine at Lagoon Restaurant and Xavier Vautier, Pastry Chef, The Worldwide Brunch showcases the cuisine from unique culinary destinations: Mexico on July 27th, Greece on August 3rd, Italy on August 10th, Turkey on August 17th and finally, Pan America on August 31st. Family and friends will be entertained with musical performances while the little ones will join the festive fun with an array of activities including face painting, balloon twisting, cinema watching and many more.

Erden Kendigelen, General Manager said ‘Our Ladies and Gentlemen are once again delighted to bring a brand new concept to our guests. The layout from Lagoon Restaurant provides the ideal setting for a relaxing outing with friends and family and the menu prepared to perfection by our Chefs will offer countless options to please any taste buds.” The Worldwide Brunch is available every Friday, from 1pm to 4pm at The Lagoon Restaurant and is priced at QAR 280 per person inclusive of selected house beverages, QAR 180 per person inclusive of soft beverages, QAR 90 for children between 5 to 12 years old and complimentary for those below 5.

For further information or reservations, please visit ritzcarlton.com/doha or call +974 4484 8000.

Qatar’s newest interior design festival is returning for 2018 – as the countdown to the 2022 FIFA World Cup sparks a furniture and décor boom across the country. Following its debut venture last year, INDEX Qatar is coming back to Doha this November for the second year running.

Aimed at uniting local interior designers, architects, buyers and project managers working on hotels, restaurants, homes and offices with international furniture and furnishing suppliers, the exhibition is predicted to welcome close to 10,000 visitors and more than 300 interior product providers.

With the football in Russia wrapping-up this week, it’s now just four years until Qatar takes centre-stage globally with its hosting of the 2022 FIFA World Cup – making the period the busiest in the country’s history for building design and interior decoration. In line with that, an industry report commissioned by INDEX Qatar – and compiled by market analysts Ventures – has estimated the region’s spend on interior contracting and fit-out projects to now be worth a mammoth QR34billion (US$9.5bn) each year.

A spokesperson for Ventures said: “The interior design and fit-out industry is expected to flourish in the GCC as demand for new residential, hotels, commercial real estate, schools and hospitals continue to grow. Owners of existing structures, whether residential or commercial, will be under pressure to optimize the value of their projects by refurbishing them in order to maintain their market value. “With the current oil prices soaring, there does not seem to be a slowdown in the project awards in 2018 with contractors having strong order books meaning they are now targeting works for 2018-19 completion.”

INDEX Qatar will gather hundreds of international product manufacturers and interior design firms at the Doha Exhibition & Conference Centre from November 13th to 15th. The show is expected to attract thousands of interior designers, architects, project managers, importers and distributers from the full spectrum of retail, hospitality, residential and commercial design. With Qatar’s Ministry of Finance setting aside QR200billion (US$55bn) for public expenditure in 2018 alone, INDEX arrives at an incredibly opportune time for designers looking to make the most of the country’s surging interiors market, itself valued at around QR5billion-a-year and growing.

Jaafar Shubber, INDEX Qatar event director, said: “Never has there been a more exciting time for the creative forces of Qatar and the wider region than now. “The money being invested into the country as its international influence grows – and, of course, ahead of the 2022 World Cup – will transform an already constantly-modernising society. The current widespread construction and redevelopment across all sectors – hospitality, commercial real estate, retail, health and hospitals, and education – will define Qatar for generations to come; the opportunities at this time are almost infinite for designers and suppliers.

“For the second year in a row, INDEX Qatar will set out to cater to the needs of the thousands of interior designers, architects and buyers looking to fit-out and decorate the billions of dollars-worth of building projects underway across the country by connecting them with the latest trend-defining products from around the world. Our 2017 show was a huge success – returning this November is hugely exciting!” Following their huge success at last year’s launch show, INDEX Qatar’s three-days of design-led conversation will return, with Design Talks panels featuring leading interior and architectural specialists.

To register to attend for free, visit www.index-qatar.com

Nando’s, the South African casual dining restaurant chain, famous for flame-grilled Peri-Peri chicken, will be flying its 2018 Griller’s Challenge winners to Australia, to represent Qatar at the Master Griller’s Challenge.

Sean Kent, 31-year-old from the Philippines from Salwa Road (the first Nando’s in Qatar) won the Nando’s Qatar’s internal heat and is all set to fly to represent Nando’s Qatar in Australia at The Global Master Grillers Challenge 2018. Every year the best grillers from 23 countries compete to show off their skills and are judged on the characteristics that make Nando’s Peri-Peri Chicken unique. Marks are awarded for perfect flame grill marks, consistent skin coloring, cutting technique as well as tenderness, juiciness, temperature. Forks skills and Brand fitness are all the factors among a few more, that matters to win the battle.

Talking to The Peninsula before the competition, Sean said: “This competition is very important to me, not because I will win a title but I want to win this for Qatar. We were 47 when the competition started then we came down to 27 and now for the final round we are nine grillers competing to reach Australia and represent Qatar internationally. We are chosen to be the best grillers among all Nando’s grillers present in all Qatar branches. I am in it to win it, I have learnt a lot basically how to grill chicken and take care of safety measures as well. The most important thing I learnt during this journey was team work and proper technique to grill chicken in a perfect way. I am hoping to bring the title in Qatar.”

Qatar 2018 started with 29 Grillers, out of which nine successful contenders, grilled their way through the finals at Doha Rugby Club. Showing off the top-notch, tastiest flame-grilled skills to cook the perfect Chicken.  The winner now will be going to Australia at the Master Grillers Challenge in October to represent Qatar and compete among the finalists from other Nando’s markets worldwide. Before the finals, Chris Clark, COO, Nando’s Qatar, told The Peninsula: “Judging the best grillers is one of the most difficult duty to be done but I know the winner will fulfill the gold factor in the chicken. The griller should know how melt chicken in the customers mouth and has a perfect Peri-Peri flavor that’s the wow-factor.”

“Since 2012, Nando’s Master Grillers Challenge happens every year as a reminder that it is not about the chicken but the people who make it. Nando’s rewards its top grillers with a chance to compete amongst the best grillers in the Master Grillers challenge and ‘discover the world.’ The Griller’s Challenge motivates and encourages staff to compete in the spirit of courage, pride, passion, integrity and family. The challenge also provides the Nando’s employees with many opportunities to learn and grow professionally,” he added.

source: The Peninsula

City Centre Rotana Doha, one of the leading hospitality properties in town, is joining the Moroccan community on July 30 in their national celebration to mark the 19th anniversary of the accession King Mohammed VI to the Throne. To commemorate this occasion, the chefs at the renowned “Zeituna” restaurant will offer all guests and visitors a rich menu of Moroccan flavors in a unique atmosphere that will take them through an authentic Moroccan culinary journey.

Zeituna visitors can relish the delicacies on the day from 5pm till 11 pm, beginning with the classic Harira soup, which will be followed by a selection of cold appetizers. Furthermore, diners will have the option to select from the main course options varying between the two well-known Moroccan dishes- the Lamb Couscous and the Chicken Tajine. The meal won’t be over unless ended by the traditional Moroccan tea, the famous Moroccan Mhensha sweet and a wide selection of oriental desserts which will be the sweetest way to end the celebratory night. 

On this occasion, Martin Kendall, General Manager of City Centre Rotana Doha said,” We are delighted to join the Moroccan community in Qatar in their celebration of the Throne day. Our special menu specifically curated for this occasion at Zeituna restaurant, will offer Moroccan food lovers a chance to taste the best cuisine and the most popular dishes, the Tajine and Couscous with unique culinary creations where tradition meets innovation served in the most elegant setting.”

With a vision to upgrade and enhance the global financial knowledge landscape of Qatar’s finance professionals, Qatar Finance and Business Academy (QFBA) held the IFRS free informative seminar in partnership with the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA) Qatar chapter.

The seminar took place on July 24, 2018 at Marriott Marquis City Centre and was followed by a CMA info session in the presence of Mr. Moamen Omar, President of IMA Qatar chapter, as well as QFBA representatives. Over than 100 professionals took part of the insightful seminar from the financial sector, marking a milestone by QFBA and IMA’s Qatar chapter in supporting the development of human capital to keep up and live up to Qatar’s 2030 vision.

The session divulged on the scope and expanse of IFRS 9, moderated by Mr. Kashif Parves, ACCA, Audit Director, KPMG Qatar, the session offered insights into the changes that would be applicable from the previous accounting standard, IAS 39. This was followed by an introduction about the Certified Management Accountant (CMA) of Qatar Finance and Business Academy, which was conducted by Mr. Moamen Omar, President of IMA Qatar chapter along with Mr. Richard Ali, vice president of IMA Qatar chapter. It provided insights in terms of its content specifications; eligibility criteria; entrance exam; fees of the program; and offered practical tips & strategies to perfect the entrance test.

On the occasion, Dr. Mohamad Abdullah Al Emadi, Head of Sales and Marketing, QFBA, said: “In continuation to Qatar’s National Vision 2030, QFBA has been taking several initiatives which are linked towards giving a financial muscle to Qatari professionals. Collaborating with IMA Qatar Chapter’s seminar of IFRS is yet another endeavour towards reaching that goal and making our new generation acquainted with the global financial policies’ landscape. We are certain that hand in hand with IMA global, we will be opening up a new chapter of learning of a global exposure”.

Adding to the momentum, Mr. Moamen Omar, President of IMA Qatar chapter, said: “We are grateful towards QFBA for making this possible and hosting such an important milestone for us to penetrate into the Qatari financial horizons. Strongly backed by global knowledge and vast reach, we are well positioned to serve to the finance professionals in Qatar, and bring them at par with the global counterparts. Once again, our strong ties with QFBA would help us realize our vision sooner than we expected.” QFBA’s training programs match the needs of experienced professionals, new employees and – more recently – school graduates, and provide them with specialized educational and training courses in their fields of finance and banking, to help them develop their careers and achieve the best results. The Academy ensures that its programs are interactive so that participants can apply everything they have learned in the work environment effectively.

QFBA is committed to fulfil its mission of raising the financial services industry standards and helping organizations and professionals in the country in achieving their learning and business objectives, in addition to its contribution to the realization of the Qatar National Vision 2030, through the development of Qatari talents, increasing human capital capacity and raising the bar of performance in the country’s financial sector, as the State transforms into a knowledge-based economy.

The Board of Directors of Aamal Company Q.P.S.C. (Aamal), one of the Gulf Region’s fastest growing diversified companies, today announces its financial results for the six months ended 30 June 2018.

Financial Highlights

• Group revenue down 33.0% to QAR 652.7m (H1 2017: QAR 974.5m), primarily due to the reclassification of two business entities within the Industrial Manufacturing segment from subsidiaries to joint ventures from 1 April 2017, with a consequent change in their accounting presentation
• Gross profit down 20.6% to QAR 243.2m (H1 2017: QAR 306.2m)
• Net profit before share in results of associates and joint ventures accounted for using the equity method (“net underlying profit”) down 27.0% to QAR 176.2m (H1 2017: QAR 241.5m)
• Net underlying profit margins have increased by 2.2 percentage points to 27.0% (H1 2017: 24.8%)
• Share in results of associates and joint ventures accounted for using the equity method more than doubled to QAR 53.9m (H1 2017: QAR 25.0m)
• Total Company net profit¹ down 13.7% to QAR 230.1m (H1 2017: QAR 266.6m)
• Reported earnings per share down QAR 0.02 to QAR 0.36 (H1 2017: QAR 0.38)
• Net investment in capital expenditure increased by QAR 168m to QAR 218.8m (H1 2017 QAR 50.8m), reflecting enhancements to the Company’s real estate portfolio through the acquisition of a number of prime residential assets

¹ Total Company net profit is before the deduction of net profit attributable to non-controlling interests

H.E. Sheikh Faisal Bin Qassim Al Thani, Chairman of Aamal, commented: “While it has been a challenging first half of the year due to the ongoing Qatar border blockade, I am pleased to report a highly respectable set of results, yet again demonstrating the resilience of Aamal’s diverse business model.

“It is important to note that as highlighted in previous quarters, the reported year-on-year declines do not accurately reflect the financial reality of Aamal’s performance. These numbers are not like-for-like comparatives due to a change in the accounting presentation of two subsidiaries within our Industrial Manufacturing division which were reclassified as joint ventures. This means they are no longer consolidated on a line-by-line basis, but instead through the equity method. “We have also devoted considerable time and effort to further enhancing our corporate governance mechanisms, so ensuring that Aamal’s leadership will continue to drive and deliver long-term excellence. We have now finalized the restructuring of our Board with key changes including the addition of three independent directors. I am confident that the breadth and depth of experience provided by these individuals’ positions the Board extremely well to lead the Company forward.

BREAKDOWN BY DIVISION

(N.B. there may be slight differences due to rounding)

• REVENUE

• NET PROFIT

DIVISIONAL REVIEW

(N.B. there may be slight differences due to rounding)

• INDUSTRIAL MANUFACTURING

Overall, revenues for Industrial Manufacturing fell by 75.0% and overall net profit by 22.7%. This is largely attributable to the changes in accounting treatment for Senyar Industries and Advanced Pipes and Casts Company, both of which are now accounted for as joint ventures having both previously been consolidated as subsidiaries. We are delighted to report that Aamal Readymix made significant progress against its expansion plan. Additional stock piles are now complete (increasing the raw material inventory capacity by 100%) and a number of its facilities have been upgraded, including the addition of a new central operations control building and the installation of a new recycling plant. Aamal Readymix is also pleased to have successfully met its CSR target of 0% dust emissions.

• TRADING AND DISTRIBUTION

In our Trading and Distribution division, revenue increased by 14.4% and profit by 0.8%. This reflects our achievement in establishing vital agreements with key businesses and suppliers, as well as successfully overcoming issues associated with the Qatar border blockade.

We are pleased with Ebn Sina Medical’s new business partnership with Amryt Pharmaceuticals which allows us to supply the local market with vital medication for treating a rare, life-threatening disease. Ebn Sina Medical, the largest business in this division, has also established partnerships with several new suppliers and successfully opened its Ebn Sina Pharmacy. Meanwhile, Aamal Trading and Distribution is delighted to announce that an agreement has been signed with UBER to provide all vehicle maintenance services.

• PROPERTY

Revenue in our Property division fell by 2.7% and profit by 3.3%. This was mainly attributable to the redevelopment work at City Center as a large retail space was closed for redevelopment.

Property has, however, seen a number of successes despite a challenging backdrop. Firstly, in our City Center Doha shopping mall, we have successfully established and opened new direct connections between the shopping mall and key hotels including the Marriott, Shangri-La and the Rotana. Furthermore, the refurbishment of the East Food Court is now 90% complete and fully leased out. In Aamal Real Estate, there has been a 10% increase in revenue primarily due to the acquisition of new properties, as announced earlier in 2018.

• MANAGED SERVICES

While revenues remained flat, the growth in net profit is attributable to our flexibility to adapt to the change of customers’ behavior and demands. While this has placed increased pressure on revenues, Aamal Services has undertaken a full review of expenditure and has focused on renegotiating contract rates and developing additional service lines such as Aamal’s pest control business. As a result, we have ensured that profitability has been maintained, increasing net profit by 54.8% year-on-year and boosting profit margins by 3.6 ppts.

SUMMARY AND OUTLOOK

H.E. Sheikh Mohamed Bin Faisal Al Thani, Vice-Chairman and Managing Director of Aamal, commented: “The diversity of our business model, combined with our tenacity in grasping both organic and non-organic growth opportunities as they arise, particularly those offered by Qatar’s ongoing industrial development, has helped us to both reinforce our strong market position in key sectors and to support Aamal’s resilience and development. We remain well-positioned to look forward to the future with confidence”.

The Souq Waqif Boutique Hotels by Tivoli, is pleased to announce that its world-class Spa facility has won “Luxury Hotel Spa” award for the Middle East and North Africa award at the World Restaurant Awards 2018, which was held at the Galgorm Resort and Spa in Northern Ireland earlier this month.

The spa at Souq Waqif Boutique Hotel by Tivoli offers a host of treatments such as real Moroccan Hammam experience, various types of massages such as Aromatherapy massages, massage with natural volcanic stones, Deep tissue massage and many treatments that aid in awakening the senses and rejuvenate the body. On receiving the award, Claude Rababy, General Manager, Souq Waqif Boutique Hotel by Tivoli said: “We are delighted that our Spa has been bestowed with the “Best Hotel Spa” in the Middle East and North Africa region. The Spa offers visitors with a comprehensive care and excellent health treatment in an integrated environment where traditional and modern methods combine to revive your senses and move you into an atmosphere of harmonious tranquility.”

The Spa at Souq Waqif Boutique Hotel by Tivoli invites guests to discover the concept of ‘experience more’ through a newly revived menu, which includes an inspirational journey that reflects the prestigious positioning of the spa, including skin tonics such as a quick face treatment, eye and lip treatment, Extreme aging, hot and cold organic treatment, skin treatment with stonecrop, and balanced face treatment. The new menu includes body tonic with luxurious hair treatment, massage for scalp revitalization, back and neck massage, hand and foot treatments, and many body-massages such as product massage, relaxation massage, traditional hot stone massage, aromatherapy massage, and massage for pregnant women. Guests can also enjoy a unique experience through a journey of authentic traditions in the Moroccan Hammam, from the top of the head to the soles of the feet to detoxify and awaken their senses.

Qatar Charity has received a donation of QR300,000 from LuLu Hypermarkets Qatar as a contribution to QC’s projects through Khair Cards. This donation comes in support of QC’s Ramadan Campaign “Giving is The Secret to Happiness”.

During his visit to LuLu Hypermarket headquarters, Mohammed Al Kaabi, Assistant Chief Executive Officer of Communication and Resources Development Sector in QC, received a cheque of QR300,000  from Shaijan, Regional Director of LuLu Hypermarkets Qatar in the presence of Shanavas, Regional Manager of Lulu Hypermarkets and Adel Lamy, Director of Public Relations in QC. On the occasion of receiving the donation, Al Kaabi thanked the LuLu Hypermarket for its generous donation, acknowledging its effort last holy Ramadan to promote QC’s Khair Cards. He hoped that other companies would follow the example of Lulu Hypermarket in doing good and supporting charity projects inside and outside Qatar.

Al Kaabi appreciated LuLu’s support for ‘Giving is The Secret to Happiness’ Qatar Charity’s holy Ramadan Campaign. He stated that LuLu’s support is a sincere demonstration of how to promote humanitarian activism, which positively reflects the company’s success in various fields. “In cooperation with Qatar Charity, Lulu is looking forward to playing an important role in the social responsibility programme,” said Shaijan, Regional Director at LuLu Hypermarket Qatar. He stated that Khair Cards project has been launched during last holy Ramadan and successfully managed to raise QR300,000.

Shaijan, stressed that the LuLu Hypermarket will continue its support to Charitable projects and will carry on promoting humanitarian work along with Qatar Charity. Qatar Charity has previously signed several cooperation agreements with LuLu Hypermarket Qatar. The first allows customers to donate riyal and dirham fractions when paying purchase bills at various Lulu Hypermarkets outlets, in order to support charitable projects inside and outside Qatar. The second agreement promotes Khair Cards through Lulu’s outlets to promote charity amongst shoppers, while the third agreement is a cooperation in the “Ramadan Shop and Win” campaign.

source: The Peninsula

Hospitality sector of Qatar has make great strides in the past five years. The total number of hotel rooms have surged by around 64 percent while the number of hotels have grown by about 30 percent during 2013 to 2017. The number of hotels increased from 83 in 2013 to 108 in 2017 while the number of rooms jumped from 13,577 to 22,288 rooms in the same duration, according to the Ministry of Development Planning and Statistics data.

Biggest gain was seen the case of luxury hotels which witnessed largest expansion during the period. The number of luxury hotels jumped by 46 percent during the five-year period, registering the highest increase among the different category of hotels. There were 33 luxury hotels in 2013 which increased to 48 at the end of last year. The rooms in these hotels increased from 7634 in 2013 to 11,106 rooms at the end of last year, reflecting a substantial rise of around 45 percent. The number of four star hotels increased from 20 to 26 during the five-year period while the number of three star hotel grew from 21 to 27 hotels during the period.

Qatar’s hospitality landscape has been dominated by five and four star hotels. Around 50 percent of hotel rooms in the country belonged to five-star hotels at the end of 2017. The dominance of luxury hotels is likely to continue in the near future. The supply of new properties in the country suggests that luxury hotels will continue their reign in the local market in coming years. The bullish run of Qatar’s hospitality sector is expected to continue in the coming years and 2022 FIFA World Cup is a major driver of growth for hotels. It is estimated that more than one million fans are expected to visit Qatar during the World Cup.

Qatar has taken several measures to boost tourism in the country that will benefit the hospitality sector. In September last year, the country witnessed the launch of the Next Chapter of its National Tourism Sector Strategy 2030, which charts the next five years of the tourism sector’s growth in Qatar. The Next Chapter aims to attract 5.6 million visitors to Qatar annually by 2023, double the number which the country welcomed in 2016. It also aims to achieve a 72 percent occupancy rate across all hotel establishments, through a combination of increasing demand and diversifying the country’s tourist accommodation offerings.

source: The Peninsula

Marriott Junior Business Council represented by 8 Marriott International Properties—W Doha Hotel & Residences, The St. Regis Doha, The Westin Doha Hotel & Spa, Sheraton Grand Doha Resort & Convention Hotel, Sharq Village & Spa, Doha Marriott Hotel, The Ritz-Carlton Doha, and Marriott Marquis City Center Doha Hotel—came together in partnership with Jaidah Automotive, the official dealer for Chevrolet in Qatar for a charity event on Friday, 20^th July 2018.

Over forty Marriott volunteers joined hands to sort through donations. More than 150 boxes of clothes, bedding, and other basic necessities were collected in one month of planning and preparation. These were then distributed to a local labour camp and to women and children in need. Chevrolet Qatar, a brand which is also active in charity work, provided the transportation of the volunteers, with their rugged Chevrolet Silverado and Tahoe models, from the Doha Marriott Hotel to the Industrial Area, where the labour camp was located.

Tania Rodrigues, President of Qatar Marriott Junior Business Council, shared that it was an eye-opening experience for her. “Every action, no matter how small, has an effect to those around you. Everyone has the ability to help in some way or another,” Rodrigues said.

For more information about Qatar Marriott Junior Business Council and Chevrolet Qatar, follow their updates on Facebook.

Three decades down the lane after establishment of diplomatic relations between Qatar and Russia on August 2, 1988, the ties between two brotherly countries have touched new heights spanning multiple dimensions including economy, security, culture among others.

Today, Qatar and Russia are celebrating 30th anniversary of their diplomatic relations with a bright record of friendly ties set in the last three decades and aims of further expansions in the days and years to come. This year both countries are also marking year 2018 as ‘Qatar-Russia 2018 Year of Culture’ which is being organised in partnership with leading institutions in Qatar and Russia. Officially Qatar Russia 2018 Year of Culture was launched in February 2018.

Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani visited the Russian Federation in March and July this year. During his two-day visit to Russia from March 25 to 26, H H the Amir signed a number of cooperation agreements while he received FIFA World Cup host mantle from President Valdimir Putin on July 15, 2018, the day of 2018 Russia World Cup final. Earlier, H H the Amir had visited Russia in January 2016. The Russian Federation during the blockade of Qatar supported Qatar’s principled stance of resolving the crisis through negotiations. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs H E Sheikh Mohamed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani paid two visits to Russia in 2017 during which he met with his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov in Moscow, while the Russian Foreign Minister visited Doha in August 2017.

Russian Defence Minister Sergey Shoygu also visited Doha in October 2017 and met with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defence Affairs H E Dr. Khalid bin Mohamed Al Attiyah. A technical military cooperation agreement, a memorandum of understanding related to air defense and a legal contract on the general conditions of military supplies were signed during the meeting. The two defence ministers also met in Moscow in August 2017 on the sidelines of a military exhibition, and discussed bilateral relations in the field of defense and capacity development in all areas, in particular the field of air defense.

Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin witnessed on March 26, 2018 the signing of cooperation agreement in the field of science and education between Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development (QF) and Rosneft, which aims to open a research centre for Rosneft at the Qatar Science and Technology Park. H H the Emir and Russian President also discussed ways to strengthen the bilateral cooperation in several fields, including defence, energy, economy, investment, trade exchange and scientific research. Both leaders also discussed means to boost cooperation in the organization of the World Cup and the exchange of expertise, especially as Russia will host it in 2018 and Qatar in 2022.

Stressing that communication between the two countries is continuing permanently, President Putin said, “Relations between Qatar and Russia have completed their 30th year by 2018. The volume of trade and investment exchange is increasing, especially last year, but it remains without the aspiration of the two countries, which look forward to its development.” In the same meeting, H H the Emir pointed out the importance of 2018 for Qatar and Russia as their common cultural year, praising the great cooperation between the two countries in the field of culture.

During the visit, H H the Amir and the Russian President discussed the results of the work of the Qatari-Russian joint committee for trade, economic and technical cooperation and the prospects of enhancing them, as well as ways to develop military cooperation between the two countries. Russian President Vladimir Putin on July 15, 2018 handed over the World Cup host mantle to H H the Amir for 2022 edition of the tournament. “Russia is handing over the relay baton for hosting the FIFA World Cup to Qatar. I am sure that our friends from Qatar will be able to host the 2022 FIFA World Cup on the same high level. We are, of course, ready to share the experience we acquired in holding the World Cup this year, along with our friends,” President Putin said at the event.

After HH the Amir’s visit to Russia in March this year, Ambassador of the State of Qatar to the Russian Federation Fahad bin Mohammed Al Attiyah described the visit of HH the Amir to Moscow as very successful, pointing that it has contributed to developing bilateral relations in the fields of economy, defense and investments. The Ambassador said in a TV interview that the Qatari-Russian relations are very good and are constantly evolving. “Since the first visit of HH the Amir to Moscow in January 2016, we have achieved very great results and we have more promising prospects,” he said. 

“There are certain investment prospects, and we have made great efforts to strengthen trade relations between the two countries,” he said adding “We are coordinating our efforts closely regarding the energy market”. Qatar Tourism Authority also opened its 10th Satellite Office in Moscow in April this year to attract tourists from Russia while the number of Russian tourists visiting Qatar has been increasing since the decision to exempt Russian citizens from the entry visa. In February, the Qatar-Russia 2018 Year of Culture was launched with award-winning Igor Moiseyev Ballet’s dazzling performance in Doha.

The Qatar-Russia 2018 Year of Culture is being organised in partnership with leading institutions in Qatar and Russia, including the Embassy of Qatar in Russia, Embassy of the Russian Federation in Qatar, the Ministry of Culture and Sports in Qatar, as well as the Ministry of Culture of the Russian Federation. The year is set to include a variety of events and activities that will promote Qatar’s art and heritage in Russia, while at the same time introducing local audiences to Russia’s vast cultural heritage. The Qatar Russia 2018 Year of Culture is part of the landmark ‘Years of Culture’ initiative launched by QM in 2012 to deepen understanding between nations and their people through mutual exchanges of arts, culture, heritage and sport.

Declaring Qatar-Russia 2018 Year of Culture at its official launch in February, H E Salah bin Ghanem Al Ali, Minister of Culture and Sports, stressed the cultural year aims “to express the depth of relations between the two countries and to affirm the importance of culture in strengthening and rapprochement between peoples.” For his part, Vladimir Medinsky, Minister of Culture of the Russian Federation, said: “We are looking forward to this Year’s cultural exchange programme creating an atmosphere of understanding and trust between our nations that helps strengthen opportunities for tourism and economic exchange. Activities planned for this year will help both sides get to know each other better and invigorate economic relations.”

Apart from cooperation in many fields, Qatar and Russia also have joint energy and gas relations, as the two countries are members in the Gas Forum, and there are positive relations in the investment field between the Qatar Fund and the Russian Investment Fund. The two countries also cooperate in the field of sports through the football federations in the two countries, especially as they will host the 2018 and 2022 World Cups. They also exchange experiences in the field of sport event security, athletes training and sports medicine.

During Russia 2018, the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy (SC) sent an official delegation of more than 180 people to learn from the final FIFA World Cup before Qatar hosts the tournament in 2022. The delegation included 120 people from the SC, the organisation responsible for delivering the infrastructure required for the 2022 FIFA World Cup, along with employees from numerous stakeholders, including the Ministry of Interior, Public Works Authority (Ashghal), Hamad Medical Corporation, Kahramaa, Qatar Football Association (QFA), Qatar Rail, QNB Stars League, Qatar Tourism Authority and others.

Delegates took part in observation, shadowing and secondment programmes during the tournament. A number of delegates worked closely with the Russia 2018 Local Organizing Committee, while others shadowed their counterparts in FIFA.

For the sixth consecutive year, the Ministry of Economy and Commerce (MEC) has announced the launch of its initiative of selling subsidised sheep to Qataris ahead of Eid al-Adha.

The MEC has said in a statement that the process of selling such sheep will start on August 14 and continue until August 23, coinciding with the third day of Eid al-Adha. Live sheep will be sold to adult Qataris through Widam Food Company outlets at the Central Market, Madinat Al Shamal, Umm Slal Central Market and the Al Khor slaughterhouse. Every Qatari citizen aged 20 years or above is entitled to one live sheep to be obtained by producing his or her Qatar ID to guarantee that the subsidised items reach the targeted persons, the statement notes.

The ministry has asked Widam to provide 12,500 heads of local and Arabic live sheep to be sold to Qataris at subsidised rates. The price of local live sheep of 40kg or above is set at QR1,200 as part of this initiative, while Arabic sheep of 45kg or above will cost QR1,100.  In addition, the MEC has co-ordinated with Widam to sell only good-quality sheep that comply with the conditions and standards specified for sacrificial animals, and should also be in accordance with the stipulated weights. Besides, the sheep should be properly looked after and kept in well-maintained barns.

The ministry has stressed that it will conduct intensive search campaigns to ensure the implementation of the initiative in line with the rules and regulations. This will be done from the first until the last day of the campaign - August 14-23.

source: Gulf Times

InterContinental Doha The City has appointed Vincent Monavon as the new director of Sales and Marketing. In his new role at InterContinental Doha The City, he will be overseeing sales and marketing initiatives for 575 rooms and apartments, seven dining venues, a Health & Fitness Club, and meetings and event space. Monavon will focus on the overall strategic direction of sales initiatives with the aim to maximising hotel revenue, establishing key business partnerships, and elevating the image of the hotel. 

Joining the team from Kempinski Kinshasa, DRC, Monavon brings over 30 years of exceptional experience in the hotel industry from around the world, specifically in the African, Caribbean, and European markets. Boasting an impressive career, he has held positions from hotel operations to sales and hotel business development. Prior to his most recent role at the Kempinski Hotel Fleuve Congo where he worked as the director of Business Development, Monavon has also worked with the Affiliated Preferred Hotel Group in Morocco as the cluster director of Sales and Marketing. 

In addition, he has held positions as the director of Sales and Marketing at Warwick Hotels and Crowne Plaza in Geneva, and for Le M`ridien in Mauritius, Morocco and the Caribbean islands. He possesses great leadership skills, a passion for hotel operations, and a strong background in fast growing business environments. "We are excited to have Vincent on board and I look forward to working closely with him," said Gilles Longuet, general manager of InterContinental Doha The City."I am confident that his wealth of knowledge in the hotel industry and the degree of experience that he brings with him, will be of a great asset to InterContinental Doha The City, especially as we embark on new exciting stages of growth for the hotel." 

Hailing from the French Alps, Monavon has completed his second master's degree in Strategic Management from the University of Paris. He is married to a Moroccan wife and is the father of two children, and he also enjoys skiing and cooking for friends and family. "I am honoured and excited to join the InterContinental Doha The City team for my first experience in the region. I look forward to leading the sales and marketing efforts for this beloved Doha hotel and to be a part of all the new exciting developments that are planned for the future," said Monavon.

Perfectly situated in the exclusive West Bay area, close to all the major areas of interest, the stylish and modern Intercontinental Doha The City stands tall amidst the action of the city. The hotel offers 349 luxury guest rooms and suites, as well as 176 residence suites offering various layouts consisting of one to four bedrooms. 

InterContinental Doha The City is located in the heart of the city within the financial and diplomatic districts. It is only five minutes from the Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre and 20 minutes from Hamad International Airport. With its close proximity to Doha Golf Club, SouqWaqif, Katara Cultural Village and major shopping malls, InterContinental Doha The City is the perfect place for short- or long-term guests to enjoy business or leisure stays.

Over 87,000 people have visited the Summer Entertainment City at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Center (DECC) from its opening on the first day of Eid Al Fitr festivities in mid June until the end of July.

The Summer Entertainment City is part of the Qatar Summer Festival (QSF) organised by Qatar Tourism Authority and delivered by QSports. The festival features an array of games and activities suitable for all age groups such as Virtual Reality, synthetic ice-skating rink, bouncing castle, mini-zoo, Ocean ball and many other fun-filled activities. The festival will continue until August 31. 

source: Qatar Tribune

Mannai Corporation reports Net Profit of QR 167 Million on revenue of QR 5.1 Billion for the first half of 2018.

Mannai Corporation EBITDA rose by 56% to QR 444 Million compared to QR 284 Million and Pre-tax profits rose by 25% to QR 209 Million compared to QR 167 Million in the previous year. In line with the group strategy of diversifying geographically Mannai Corporation acquired additional 15.39% share in GFI Informatique, France during the first half of 2018 and currently holds 96.6%. The group is well positioned to participate in the major infrastructure development projects and services sector in the State of Qatar and is optimistic of the future.

The U.S. Air Force Central Command Band, also known as the AFCENT Band or Top Flight, performed a spectacular set of American rock and pop music favorites on the Ooredoo Stage at Mall of Qatar on Friday, August 3, 2018.  The U.S. Embassy is proud to partner with the AFCENT Band to make this performance possible. The AFCENT Band first performed at Mall of Qatar in celebration of the “Discover America Festival” in fall of 2017.

The AFCENT Band performs concerts to show gratitude to Qatar for their continued hospitality to American forces and to foster strong partnerships with the Qatari community. The AFCENT Band also travels around the region to promote troop morale. The AFCENT Band is the first permanently assigned Air Force Band to the Central Command Area of Responsibility. Based in Al Udeid Air Base, the band is comprised of deployed Airmen from active duty, reserve, and Air National Guard bands.  The Band performs a wide variety of musical styles to appeal to audiences of all ages and backgrounds.

For more information about the event, please contact the Public Affairs Section of the U.S. Embassy Doha, Qatar at pasdoha@state.gov or Mall of Qatar at j.deeb@mallofqatar.com.qa.

To stay informed about future events, follow the U.S. Embassy Doha on Twitter: @USEmbassyQatar and Instagram: @usainqatar and on Facebook.

Biodegradable and compostable bags, which are an environment-friendly alternative to plastic bags, are expected to hit the shelves of supermarkets in Qatar by the end of next month.

“I’m Not Plastic” bags, organic bags made from cassava starch and other materials from renewable resources, are expected to be available in Qatari market by September-end with signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between Omani-based Sain Bags and Qatari company Aal Imran Trading.

“Aal Imran Trading will be the exclusive distributor of Sain Bags in the Doha market. Sain Bags’ headquarters is in Oman and our manufacturing centre is in Indonesia. We distribute our products in the entire GCC,” Husain Baomar, Chairman of Sain Bags, told local media following the MoU signing held at the Indonesian Embassy. “The bag is 100 percent organic Indonesian product made from cassava. It doesn’t harm the environment, animals can eat it and within 180 days the bag can disappear,” explained Baomar.

Mohammed Maher Dauleh, board member at Aal Imran Trading, said: “We believe saving the environment is a responsibility. We should step up and be responsible. This product will definitely help our environment in Qatar and hopefully in the entire world.” This new product can help in reducing the plastic consumption in Qatar, where like in many countries plastic poses a big environmental challenge. “Millions of plastic bags are used in Qatar. One of the leading supermarkets in Qatar is said to be consuming nearly five million plastic bags a year; it’s a huge number,” S Shafiuddin, managing partner at Sain Bags, said in response to a question from the media.

For the product rollout in Qatar, Sain Bags will first introduce garbage bags along with marketing and social campaigns in supermarkets and public places to encourage people to say no to plastic, said Shafiuddin. “It is very important for residents to be aware that Sain Bags are the only bags which are home compostable and industrial compostable, a main feature which is not present in other bags as of now,” said Shradha Rungta, Director at Sain Bags. Rungta said they also manufacture other products which can be used in other sectors such as sheets which can replace plastic sheets used in hospitals. “These bags can also be recycled in the paper industry as 20 percent of the bags’ materials can be utilised in making corrugated boxes which can be used in restaurants, hotels and other industries,” she added.

The symbol is I Am Not Plastic. Everybody in the world knows is pollution in plastic. As the ambassador, it is my job is one of supporting anybody especially for economic cooperation for Indonesia so they come from Oman, India from Qatar I think I have done my job. Commenting on the MoU signing, Indonesian Ambassador to Qatar Air Marshal (Ret) Muhammad Basri Sidehabi stressed his support in bringing the Indonesian product to Qatar as well as initiatives of other companies towards promotion of economic cooperation between Indonesia and Qatar.

source: The Peninsula

Both the quality and quantity of fresh produce in Qatar have significantly improved this summer compared to the same period in previous years, prominent Qatari agriculturist Nasser Ahmed al-Khalaf has told Gulf Times.

Al-Khalaf, managing director of local Qatari agricultural development company Agrico, attributed the feat to research and development. “We have been constantly improving the system to produce more and meet the increasing demand for fresh vegetables in the country,” he noted. “It (greenhouse) is developed by us and our research and development (in indoor farming) continues.” Agrico, which operates a 120,000sqm (12 hectares) organic farm in Al Khor, has been at the forefront of helping the country achieve food security. It produces organic vegetables all year long, using locally made and state-of-the-art hydroponic greenhouses.

The company exported products to Kuwait by sea nearly five weeks ago and is now negotiating with Oman, according to al-Khalaf. “Hopefully, within the next three weeks we will start our first shipment to Oman since the blockade,” he added. Al-Khalaf also disclosed that they are currently developing a greenhouse system with solar energy, which could supply a substantial amount of electricity to his farm near Al Khor. “If we are able to generate enough power, then we can produce all types of vegetables in the greenhouse.” He noted that such a plan, which is still in the design phase, aims to take advantage of the greenhouse structure and use new types of solar panels to generate power. Al-Khalaf said the company is now modifying its seasonal net greenhouses, which built for the winter this year, to produce even during the summer.

The company has constructed an additional 120,000sqm of these seasonal net greenhouses to grow more fresh vegetables during the winter season, in addition to its 120,000sqm facility, which operates all year round. “We have actually planted (in) the net greenhouse in mid-July and waiting for the production in the end of August,” he said. “If we succeed, we can guarantee a long season that can last 10 months or more of production, getting a high yield at a very low cost. “My target today is to increase the yield per square metre in different types of greenhouses and produce new varieties such as strawberries.”

According to al-Khalaf, his farm now also produces good-quality papayas, which can be bought in the local market. Agrico is also planning to experiment with growing bananas by the end of this year, apart from melons and watermelons.

source: Gulf Times

In a step forward towards expanding its footprint as a regional player in its field, ELAN Group recently signed an agreement with TAMANI Global Development & Investment, a diversified Omani enterprise that has multiple world-class commercial, real estate, retail warehouse, health care and hospitality development projects in its portfolio.  

Under this partnership, ELAN Group will expand its cutting-edge Digital Out-of-Home networks and launch two Novo Cinemas megaplexes at the upcoming signature developments of TAMANI Global Development & Investment, Mall of Muscat and Sohar China Downtown Malls.

Sheikh Mahmood Al Jarwani, Chairman of TAMANI Global Development & Investment, said: “Joining forces with ELAN Group will enable us to cater to the needs of the entertainment and media scenes of the Sultanate of Oman. We value the importance of ELAN Group’s offering and the demand for it in our Omani market. Under this agreement, we will create a platform to cater to these dynamic industries ,set new industry standards and will positively contribute towards enriching the visitors’ experience at both of our unique shopping centers: Mall of Muscat and Sohar China Downtown”

Jaber Abdullah Al Ansari, ELAN Group Chief Executive Officer, said: “A crucial element of ELAN Group’s strategy is to grow by entering new markets, and achieving business objectives overseas. We realize the importance of entering the Omani market, and we believe TAMANI Global Development & Investment would represent a perfect partner for us there.” With a notably underserved theatres industry in Oman, the addition of the two new cinema facilities will boost the average number of cinema seats per capita, offering more choices for entertainment, and contributing to the country’s economic diversification.

The joint value of investments between Qatar and Oman has reached over QAR5.5 billion, according to officials of the 'Qatari-Omani joint entrepreneurs meeting,' which took place in April 2018. Earlier this year, both countries signed a Memorandum of Understanding, in order to drive bilateral trade and investment relations between them. Moreover, Qatar has hosted in the past few months more than a roadshow and business networking meet for Omani businesses, as a step towards identifying investment opportunities in the Sultanate. To shed more light on the increasing bilateral trade and investment relations between the two countries, trade exchange has doubled since the launch of the two direct routes between Doha Port, and Suhar and Salalah Ports in Oman.

Novo Cinemas are known for being one of the top Cinema Theatre Chains in the Middle East, and for providing the Most Innovative Entertainment Experience in the GCC. Additionally, the new Digital Out-of-Home networks from ELAN Group remain the most advanced in the entire region and launching these two new DOOH networks in Mall of Muscat and Sohar China Downtown Malls will create an unrivaled advertising experience for visitors and a key opportunity for brands to reach millions of visitors to these two commercial complexes. This will directly contribute to the development of the Digital Out-of-Home advertising sector in the Sultanate of Oman.

Mall of Muscat provides visitors with a number of unique attractions and entertainment facilities, such as Oman Aquarium – the largest aquarium in the Middle East and the first of its kind in Oman, the first to open Snow Park in Oman, a world-class Go-Karting circuit, a renowned family entertainment center (Faby Land), a Bowling Center and world-class brands experience.   Meanwhile the Chinese themed, Sohar China Downtown Mall, offers a unique shopping experience of Chinese products of superior quality, authentic Chinese restaurants and the largest entertainment park in the Batinah region (Funtazmo) at the northern part of Oman. Both projects are expected to contribute to the commercial & tourism development in the Sultanate of Oman.

ELAN Group is a dynamic and innovative company delivering world-class experiences in media, entertainment, events and city beautification. Established in 2004 with the ambition to bring international advertising concepts to Qatar, ELAN Group expanded over the years to become a fully integrated company operating in media, urban beautification, entertainment, events management, outdoor advertising, signage manufacturing, among other areas.

Following the huge success and enthusiasm witnessed over Mall of Qatar’s Bollywood Show back in April, Mall of Qatar brings the rich, colorful, and vibrant culture of India to its Ooredoo stage with the Indian Beats Show.

This exclusive production, combining music, dance, costumes and props, showcases the authentic Punjabi and Lezim Folk Dance with 20 professional artists from the 6th of August until the 18th with daily shows at 12:30pm, 5:30pm, and 8:00pm. “At Mall of Qatar we consistently strive to deliver amazing, extraordinary and free entertainment to excite and thrill our customers. We love being able to bring international acts to Qatar, and we know that our customers will enjoy the color and vibrancy of the Indian Beats Show” said Stuart Elder, Mall of Qatar CEO.

The Authentic Punjabi Performance with Dhol Artists Punjab is known to have one of the most diverse and expressive culture in India, with music and dance as an important component for showcasing it. The dances of Punjab are the most energetic forms of performing arts that you will ever witness. The synchronization found in the dances is simply outstanding. Almost all dances of the state are accompanied with a dhol. As for the Lezim Folk Dance (Maharashtra) is well known for its varied cultures and traditions. Lezim is a folkdance form and is widely enjoyed by the people of Maharashtra. In this dance art, performers carry a small instrument which are jingling cymbals.