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Arab Science Fiction: From imagination to innovation is the theme of a ground-breaking panel discussion that will take place on Saturday 15 November, from 7 pm at the Science Museum, London.

Arab Science Fiction is part of the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea’s Nour Festival of Arts. BBC broadcaster Samira Ahmed will chairs a stellar panel of visionary thinkers who offer new perspectives on whether nurturing creativity through science fiction could be more crucial to our global progress than we might realise. This is an evening of conversations between different spheres: science and the arts, East and West, academia and popular culture.

Key questions under the spotlight include:

What is the link between technological innovation and artistic imagination?

Science fiction is often thought to be the ultimate bridge between science and the arts. Could exploring this symbiotic relationship enable the next generation to envisage an alternative future of the Middle East?

Can inventive forms of art, film and literature help to inspire new waves of scientific development in the Arab world today and beyond?

This event is produced in partnership with the Nour Festival of Arts and the Science Museum, as a sequel to the first Arab Science Fiction event held in 2013. This year’s event promises to be even more ambitious in scope and impact.

The panel of guest speakers includes scientist and award winning playwright Hassan Abdulrazzak, Science Fiction writer and co-founder of The League of Arab Sci-Fiers, Yasser Bahjatt, Ehsan Masood, writer and editor of Research Fortnight and writer Larissa Sansour.

Also present will be influential figures from the realms of fandom and publishing such as SFX, Forbidden Planet and SCI-FI-LONDON, Gollancz, British Science Fiction Association and the Science Fiction Foundation, as well as key representatives from the British Interplanetary Society, Imperial College a

Doha, Qatar – 01 November 2014 – MEEZA, the leading IT services and solutions provider in Qatar, today announced the readiness of its latest and biggest data centre to date, M-VAULT 2. M-VAULT 2, with a total building area of 10,000 square metres, is now fully operational offering part of MEEZA’s portfolio of services.

Built in accordance with the highest globalstandards, MEEZA’s M-VAULT 2 is the first data centreof its kind in the MENA region. The new data centrewas built complying with the most exacting international standards and offers a level of flexibility and reliability that is unprecedented in the region, enabling businesses to benefit from greater efficiency and reduced risk.As an example, the fully integrated cold aisle design of M-VAULT 2 delivers a high density compute environment ready for client use.

The facilityis certified by the Uptime Instituteas a Tier III data centreoffering a guaranteed uptime of 99.98%.

“With the commercial availability of M-VAULT 2, MEEZA takes a big leap forward in its capability to deliver end-to-end business continuity and disaster recovery solutions. This is now available to organisationsinQatar and across the MENA Region to support their mission-critical applications and specific infrastructure demands in a state–of–the–artenvironment,” said Ghada Philip El Rassi, CEO of MEEZA.

“MEEZA’s data centrefeatures round-the-clock monitoring throughMEEZA’s Information Security team which is done from its SOC (Security Operations Centre) to provideoptimum protection against the prying eyes of hackers and cyber-criminal elements,” El Rassi added.

This leading, physically diverse data centre is an excellent choice as a primary site and serves as an exceptional disaster recovery locationalso.

MEEZA’s M-VAULT 2 is a “Green” Data Centre. It isthe first and only LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design)Platinum certifieddata centre in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. It is one of only four data centres in the world outside of the United States having achieved thiscertification. As a LEED Platinum certified data centre, M-VAULT 2 offers the highest levels of sustainability and energy efficiency.At high densities, M-VAULT 2 is 40% more energyand cost-efficient than non-LEED Platinum certified data centres. Seventy percent (70%) of the materials used in the construction of M-VAULT 2 are recycled material, thus demonstrating MEEZA’s environmental commitment.

Located at a purpose-built highly secured facility in Umm Garn, 30 km from Doha, within easy reach from the motorway network, M-VAULT 2 offers a fully equipped area for remote working and business continuity. This workplace recovery areais in place to help customers that are encountering severe and extended outagesto relocate their key personnel to MEEZA’s M-VAULT 2 and be operational in the least possible time.

To ensure the highest levels of availability, all critical systems in the data centre are concurrently maintainable with multiple levels of redundancy. This applies to capacity and paths for both power and cooling components.

As a carrier-neutral data centre operator, MEEZA facilitatesease in providing connectivity by offering the complete range of carrier options available in Qatar. M–VAULT 2 is serviced by all network carriers with diverse routes and multiple active points of presence.

Clients of M-VAULT 2 have access to MEEZA’s entire portfolio of services, such as Backup-as-a-Service (BaaS) or Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS) and Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) as they do in M-VAULT 1 and M-VAULT 3.

Based on a directive from His Highness the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Board of Regents of Qatar University (QU) approved strategic and action plans to establish a College of Medicine at Qatar University. This was during the Board’s first meeting for the new academic year chaired by HE Sheikh Abdulla bin Hamad bin Khalifa al Thani.

The decision was based on the result of a thorough feasibility study conducted by a team of high-ranking members from Qatar University (QU), Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) and Qatar Leadership Center (QLC). The team was further advised by an international advisory board including current and former Deans of medical colleges at Stanford University, Johns Hopkins University, Heidelberg University, American University of Beirut, and University of Sharjah.

The establishment of the College addresses the increasing need for Qatar-trained physicians, and supports the country’s growing healthcare sector and national strategies in healthcare and education. Working collaboratively with key healthcare providers and educators, the College will make invaluable contributions to strengthening clinical practice, medical education and research in Qatar overall.

The Steering Committee for the College of Medicine included: Chair — Dr Abdulla Ali Al Thani, Chairman, Executive Management Committee, QU Board of Regents; Vice Chair — Prof Sheikha Abdulla Al Misnad, QU President; and members Dr Khalid Al Ali, QU Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs; Dr Mohamed Ahmedna, QU College of Arts & Sciences (CAS) Associate Dean for Research and Graduate Studies; Dr Asmaa Al Thani, QU-CAS Head, Health Sciences Department; Prof Edward Hillhouse, HMC Chief of Scientific, Faculty & Academic Affairs; Dr Abdullatif Al Khal, HMC Deputy Chief of Medical Education; Dr Hassan Al Thani HMC Head, Trauma and Vascular Surgery; and Dr Christiane Mück, QLC Project Consultant.

Commenting on the occasion, QU President Prof Sheikha Abdulla Al Misnad said, “The College of Medicine marks a new phase of development for Qatar University. It builds on the strengths of existing programs and research at the university, and on our partnerships with Hamad Medical Corporation, the Supreme Council of Health, Primary Health Care Corporation, and other health providers in the country. This national initiative is an extension of QU’s organic integration with society and of its commitment to serving the growing needs of Qatar. It will remain our focus to offer a high-quality education that employers and patients can trust, and underlines our unwavering commitment to providing a first-class medical education. We look forward to welcoming the first class of students to the College of Medicine in Fall 2015.”

Stakeholders from the healthcare and education sectors welcomed this addition to Qatar’s academic and research landscape. HMC Managing Director Dr Hanan Al Kuwari, said: “As an academic healthcare provider, Hamad Medical Corporation has an active and collaborative partnership with Qatar University. This longstanding relationship has given us the opportunity to work closely through our staff, joint research projects and teaching programs to bring together and strengthen healthcare, education and research”.

She added, “We are extremely proud to continue to support Qatar University in the next step of its journey in healthcare education with the opening of the College of Medicine. The College will facilitate continued collaboration between the two organizations to train and develop the healthcare providers of the future as we strive to develop a skilled and sustainable local workforce”.

Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC) Managing Director Dr Mariam Abdelmalik said: “I am very pleased and proud to learn of Qatar University’s new college – the College of Medicine. This will facilitate generations of Qataris and non-Qataris to study medicine in Qatar that conforms to international standards and best practice. The College will contribute to developing a cadre of medical professionals to deliver healthcare and treatment to the Qatari community with an understanding of patients’ environment and lifestyle which is a critical component in appropriate disease diagnosis, prevention, and care”.

She added that cooperation on information exchange as well as discussion on the requirements of the labor market will contribute to the development of educational and training programs at the higher education level. “Such programs will also attract, identify, and track distinguished students to join national organizations following graduation”, she said.

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Doha, Qatar, 03 November 2014: Under the high patronage of His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Emir of Qatar, the third edition of the Doha GOALS Forum will open at the Aspire Academy in Doha tomorrow (Monday 03 November). Doha GOALS is the premier platform for world leaders to advance social and economic change through sport.

The event will welcome leaders from around the globewho will come together to discuss the four main topics for this year’s forum; engaging youth, innovation and creativity, empowering people, and the role of sport in the Middle East and North Africa.

Speakers at this year’s Doha GOALS Forum began arriving today and include legends of sport such as George Foreman, Lord (Sebastian) Coe, Boris Becker and Oliver Kahn. Scheduled to speak at the opening of the Forum are H.E. Ali Bongo Ondimba, President of the Gabonese Republic, and French Minister of Youth Affairs and Sport Valerie Fourneyron.

The Doha GOALS Forum also includes a Student Ambassador Programme which brings more than 350 students to the event to engage with the industry leaders to provide input in to initiatives.

The programme, launched at the first Doha GOALS in 2012, has been incredibly successful and has inspired students to create their own initiatives using the knowledge and contacts gained from attending Doha GOALS as well as their own creativity.

Earlier this year, inspired by Doha GOALS, Student AmabassadorElif Mehmet united stakeholders including the Romanian Olympic Committee, the local track & field association and the Countrywide Department for Sport and Youth in Constanta, to bridge the social gap between the residents of Constanta and tourists. Elift founded the Olympic Day Running Race which brought together more than 600 participants.

Further to this, the forum introduced a new initiative aimed at challenging the practice of racism and discrimination in sport. The Foundation’s programme, Global Watch, which has received praise from Oprah Winfrey and Al Gore, now focuses on looking at how sport can play a critical role in contributing to the building of a better world and is working with the Nelson Mandela Foundation and the Sexwale Foundation on advancing this mission.

Executive producer, Richard Attias said: “Our aim is to make a difference in the world, using sport. We’ve been thrilled to see our Student Ambassadors take their learnings and contacts from Doha GOALS and create some incredible initiatives to help improve people’s lives – they are the leaders of tomorrow.

”By bringing together a wide variety of speakers and delegates from both the private and public sector, a wide variety of sporting legends, policy makers and the fantastic Student Amabassadors, we can continue to use sport to inspire social and economic improvement.”

Doha GOALS Foundation, in partnership with Connor Sports and local authorities, built two Sport Court® Power Game multipurpose courts; one in Port Gentil, Gabon and another in Nablus, West Bank, Palestine. This new initiative came following last year’s Forum which highlighted key areas across the globe as having an issue with access to recreational grounds.

This year, the Forum endeavours to take stock of on-going initiatives and determine how best to implement them at the national and community level as well as launch new innovative initiatives and programs.

The full event programme can be found here: http://www.dohagoals.com/lang/content_en/downloads/DohaGOALS_2014_Program.pdf

Qatar University Center for Advanced Materials (QU-CAM) announced the winners of the 8^th cycle of the “I am A Researcher” module in its Al Bairaq Program in an awards ceremony.

The ceremony followed the presentation of high school students’ projects in front of a panel of judges comprising several heads and directors of leading organizations in Qatar, CAM faculty, representatives of Al Bairaq’s sponsors, and a large number of Grade 12 students and teachers from various high schools in Qatar.

Al Bairaq is supported by UNESCO Doha Office (partner), RasGas (platinum sponsor), Maersk Oil Qatar (gold sponsor) and Shell Qatar (silver sponsor).

Group Quluwa from Omar Bin Al Khattab School comprising Abdullah Al Mohannadi, Abdullah Al Haroon and Abdullah Al-Marri won 1^st place with their project “Manufacture of Low-cost CIS Solar Cells”. The group also won for Best Documentary Film entitled “Our Solar Cell” and for Most Popular Group on Social Media.

In 2^nd place was Group Al Dana, comprising Ahmad Jassim, Mohammed Al-Hajri, and Abdullah Alsulaiti from Tareq Bin Ziad School who presented “Preparation and Characterization of Microcapsules Containing Linseed Oil and its use in Self-Healing Coatings”. Group Al Hasbah comprising Fatma Al-Siddiqi and Maryam Hamed Alyafei from Al Arqam Academy was 3^rd place winner.

CAM Director Dr Mariam Al-Maadeed thanked the sponsors and partners for their support and stressed the importance of the Program in building a generation capable of research and development towards achieving Qatar National Vision 2030.

RasGas Head of National Development Mr Thamer AlKaabi said: “RasGas is proud to sponsor for Al Bairaq for the third consecutive year this year as it builds on our commitment for capacity building, national development and quality Qatarization. Al Bairaq provides a unique platform for engaging Qatari secondary students in fields which are critical for the long-term development of their future educational and professional careers”.

Maersk Oil Qatar Deputy Managing Director Sheikh Faisal bin Fahad Al-Thani said: “Maersk Oil Qatar is proud to partner with Qatar University with our sponsorship of Al-Bairaq. The scientific and technical education for students together with a focus on research and innovation are closely aligned with our commitment to building the skills and capacity in future generations equipped to deliver a strong, diversified and healthy knowledge economy in Qatar”.

Qatar Shell Research and Technology Center University Collaboration Manager Maha Al-Mannai said: “By sponsoring the Al Bairaq Program and the eighth season of ‘I am a researcher’, Qatar Shell continues to demonstrate its commitment to Qatar University, while engaging in the transfer of knowledge and sharing of best practices with the country’s student population”.

UNESCO Doha Office Education Programme Specialist Dr Faryal Khan said: “Al Bairaq offers a vibrant platform to potential young scientists – girls and boys alike – to explore a career in science. It plants a seed in their young minds to help make choices in pursuing a scientific career. Other countries in the region can learn important lessons from the Al Bairaq experience at Qatar University. UNESCO is proud to be a partner in this important initiative.

Al-Bairaq supervisor Dr Noora Al-Thani stated that the program was able to create an innovative eco-system, encouraging the students in the love of science and research and development.

The ceremony also awarded winners in the Art in Science competition – Group Eqmash, Omar Bin Al Khattab School; Instagram competition – Group Al Fas, Omar Bin Abdulaziz School; and Most Active Group on Social Media – Group Al Dana, Tareq Bin Ziad School. CAM associate researcher Dr Aboubakr Abdullah was named Best Professor while Ms Eman Hassan from Al Arqam Academy was named Most Cooperative Teacher.

3^rd November 2014| DOHA Grand Heritage Doha Hotel and Spa has announced it has reopened the outdoor terrace at one of its popular restaurants, Blue. Having Doha’s cooler weather finally arrive, guests can now enjoy both delicious cuisine as well as a gorgeous view of Aspire Park when dining.

Furthermore, the popular restaurant is also providing outdoor Gazebos, which guests can book for events, occasions, or simply a gathering of friends and families. The hotel also guarantees tailor made services depending on the occasion.

Commenting on the terrace and Gazebos, Mr. Zeid Talhami, Director of Sales & Marketing said “We are pleased to provide our guests, once again with the chance to enjoy their exquisite dining experience in the outdoors of Doha, without having to deny themselves the hotel’s exceptional services. As one of the top in our field, we continuously strive to enhance the relaxed, elegant ambiance we are reputed for, and that includes taking advantage of Doha’s gorgeous weather while it lasts. ”

Having previously earned ‘Best Outdoor Venue’ award at the Qatar Choice Awards, Blue has also gained its reputation for its exquisite international cuisine. Becoming a family favorite for its Friday Family Brunch, the restaurant also attracts guests for its sushi and steak platters.

Georgetown University’s recently held “Welcome to the Neighborhood”, an annual worldwide alumni event hosted by the school’s regional alumni clubs, saw GCC-wide participation through the newly created Georgetown Alumni Club of the GCC, marking the first time this club spearheaded regional participation. Headquartered in GU-Q and serving the needs of graduates living in Qatar and regional Gulf countries, the Alumni Club of the GCC organized two separate events, one in Doha and one in Dubai, as part of the global Georgetown festivities that spanned 47 cities and included participation of 1600 people around the world. The gathering was open to all Georgetown alumni.

Both of the Welcome to the Neighborhood events welcomed new graduates and seasoned Georgetown alumni from either the Washington D.C. or Doha campus who are now living and working in the GCC, and provided an opportunity for professional networking, sharing information and resources, and connecting socially with fellow graduates. In total, 27 alumni attended the reception at the Grand Hyatt Doha, and 22 alumni attended the event at Caramel restaurant, located in the DIFC, in Dubai.

“Georgetown’s Alumni Club of the GCC is a vibrant and active community that connects Georgetown alumni across the region and around the world,” said Charles Nailen, Alumni Relations Manager at GU-Q. “Currently, we have 400 club members, of which about 150 graduated here, from Georgetown’s Education City campus.This Georgetown tradition is a wonderful opportunity to introduce recent graduates, and recently relocated graduates, to our alumni community, which can serve as an important asset for both personal and professional career development.”

Charles Nailen organized and attended both events, along with Sandy Kim, Career Services Manager in the office of Outreach and Business Development, the GU-Q department that organizes all alumni activities, including the Alumni Club of the GCC.

Attending alumni represented both the private and public sector, and represented a wide range of industries, including banking, consulting, financial services, technology, and real estate, as well as alumni working in the academic community.

Ghada Abdulla, a Qatari alumna who graduated earlier this year with a degree in International Politics, said the Welcome to the Neighborhood event was a great way to discover the kinds of careers Georgetown students pursue. “It was really eye-opening to see where everyone who graduated from Georgetown had reached, professionally. And it offered me, a new graduate, an opportunity to see the wide range of professions my own career path could lead to in five or ten years’ time.” Following graduation from GU-Q, Ghada began working at QatarGas as a leadership and succession planning officer.

Georgetown University’s recently formed Alumni Club of the GCC officially set in motion the organization’s presence as the first ever region-wide alumni organization. The Club represents all Georgetown alumni living and working in the GCC region.

DOHA: The Emir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and Chinese President Xi Jinping yesterday witnessed the signing of a number of agreements and Memorandums of Understanding. The Emir is on an official visit to China.

Among them, China’s central bank has signed a 35bn yuan ($5.7bn) currency swap deal with its Qatari counterpart, in a step towards expanding use of the Chinese yuan in a region long dominated by the US dollar.

The deal is expected to allow the two central banks to swap currencies if needed to ease trade and investment. Qatari investment institutions will now also get the right to invest up to 30bn yuan in mainland Chinese securities, including stocks, bonds and bills, the People’s Bank of China said in a statement yesterday, reports Reuters.

The investment scheme, known as the Renminbi Qualified Foreign Institutional Investor (RQFII), was created in 2011 to let financial investors place some of their yuan holdings in China.

The Emir and Xi Jinping presided over official talks held at the People’s Palace in Beijing yesterday. The two sides exchanged views on bilateral relations and cooperation in various fields as well as international and regional issues of common concern.

The two sides reached a wide scope agreement. They agreed to issue a joint communique on the establishment of strategic partnership relations between the two countries, QNA reported.

The communique said the two countries’ leaderships unanimously agreed that since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries on July 9, 1988, relations made wide strides as mutual political trust has been enhanced continuously and cooperation in economic, trade, energy, human and cultural exchanges have achieved fruitful results with cooperation between the two sides.

In line with the realistic needs for developing the Qatari-Chinese relations and the common desire of both sides to further develop bilateral relations to a new level, the two sides decided to establish strategic partnership relations, which will focus on the common interest of the two countries and serve the common development and common prosperity of the two countries.

Within this framework, both sides feel the need to give priority to cooperation in the following areas: 1. Enhancement of the ongoing high-level consultation between the leaderships of the two countries to maintain the ongoing contacts on bilateral relations and international and regional issues of common concern, in order to continue the expansion of the common denominators and strengthen and deepen the political mutual trust.

2. Provision of support to the other side on issues concerning independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of both countries. Qatar reiterated its commitment to the One-China policy, while China supports the sovereignty of Qatar over its territory.

Both sides stressed the need for commitment to non-intervention in internal affairs and praised the position of each side.

3. The full exploitation of advantages of economic and trade integration to develop economic and trade relations, boost mutual investments, expand cooperation for mutual benefit in the fields of basic infrastructure, industries and advanced technology, including transport, roads and bridges, railways, communications, national companies, and transfer of advanced technology.

4. Establishment of long-term and comprehensive cooperation in the field of energy and alternative energy and promotion of cooperation in the field of production and processing of oil and natural gas, including the LNG and petrochemicals sector and encouragement of government bodies and institutions to sign and implement cooperation agreements in the area of energy supplies and investment in relevant projects.

5. Expansion of cooperation in the areas of finance, including banks and financial markets, encouragement of both sides’ banks to open branches in the other side, strengthening coordination on regulating the banking and financial markets sectors and contacts among concerned personnel and their training.

6. Strengthening contacts and cooperation in the fields of law enforcement, security and fight against terrorism, establishment of long-term security cooperation mechanism to boost the exchange of intelligence and information, technical cooperation and personnel training.

Both sides condemned and rejected terrorism in all its forms, rejected double standards and the linking of terrorism to a certain country, race or religion.

7. Strengthening cooperation in the fields of military industry and trade, technology, equipment, training, and maintaining contacts between military institutes and colleges.

8. Work on human and cultural contacts and promotion of cooperation in the fields of culture, education, health, scientific research, tourism, media, youth, sport, social development and to promote understanding and friendship.

Both sides supported activities and events under the Qatar-China 2016 Cultural Year. Qatar also supported China’s hosting of the 2022 Winter Olympics .

9. The importance of strengthening collective cooperation, stressing that the rapid establishment of a free trade zone between China and the GCC under the current circumstances benefits common interests, and both sides are willing to make efforts to resume negotiations on a free trade zone and reach an agreement to achieve mutual gains to enhance GCC-China relations.

10. Both sides stressed the importance of the establishment of the Silk Road Economic Belt and the Maritime Silk Road in the 21st century. The Chinese side welcomed Qatar’s participation to build the belt and the road for mutual benefit and common gains.

11. Both sides supported the establishment of Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank. Qatar, as a founding member, will participate effectively in the process.

Both sides pledged to intensify cooperation and make efforts with concerned parties to establish Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank soon.

12. Strengthening consultation and coordination on the situation in West Asia and North Africa, and supporting states and peoples of the region to explore developments that suit their national conditions on their free will and solve issues through dialogue, negotiations and peaceful means to achieve stability and development.

Qatar values China’s positions and its role in the region’s affairs. The Chinese side supports the positive role played by Qatar in the region’s affairs.

Earlier, the Emir was accorded an official welcome ceremony upon arrival.

QNA

DOHA: Qatar yesterday launched a new mobile phone application that can make the country’s roads safer by blocking a motorist’s phone call or message while driving.

Using mobile phone while driving is the cause of more than 80 percent of accidents in Qatar, according to data provided by the Traffic Department.

The app, Salamtek, is downloadable from Google App store. Dubbed a first in the region, the app is available for Android devices in Arabic and English.

It was developed by the Qatar Mobility Innovations Centre (QMIC), in partnership with the Ministry of Municipality and Urban Planning (MMUP) and the Traffic Department.

Once activated on the driver’s cellphone, it automatically senses vehicle speed and blocks any calls, messages, any use of the mobile phone except emergency calls. The app can distinguish between drivers and passengers.

Speaking at the launch event, QMIC Chairman Abdulla Al Talib said: “Distracted driving is a problemwhich we need to control and reduce. Delivering locally-built innovative solutions in support of driver anti-distraction is an important milestone towards achieving safer driving in Qatar.”

The key feature of the app is it changes the cell phone’s response to a call if the vehicle is moving above 20kmph, Qatar News Agency quoted QMIC Mobile Development official Khalil Aboudi as saying.

Callers receive an auto reply message if they call a Salamtek-activated phone, he said.

“The app monitors a vehicle’s speed. It does not track a user and data is confidential.”

There are three versions of the app – Salamtek Personal, Enterprise, mainly for businesses like taxi fleets, and for Family.

Ooredoo, Qatar Insurance Company (QIC), and Road Safety Studies Center (RSSC) of Qatar University were also partners in developing the project

DOHA: HH the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani sent Tuesday a cable of congratulations to President of the United Arab Emirates Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan on the occasion of the anniversary of his accession to the throne.

HE the Prime Minister and Interior Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al-Thani also sent similar cable.

(QNA)

Audi A3 Sportback e-tron

Ingolstadt, November 5, 2014 – Triple celebration for Audi in recent awards ceremonies. Best Plug-in hybrid has been awarded for both Audi production vehicles and concept vehicles at the eCar awards, the new TT has been awarded the Design Innovation of the year at the Automotive Brand Contest and the brand with the four rings also took first place with the RS6 Avant and the S1, at the sport auto awards.

eCar Awards: two wins for Audi

Audi’s plug-in hybrid strategy is scoring points. At the eCar Awards by Auto Bild and Auto Test magazines, Audi took first place with its A3 Sportback e-tron and the TT offroad concept car. The Audi A3 Sportback e-tron was the winner in the “Best Plug-In Hybrid – Production Vehicles” category. The Audi TT offroad concept took the honors in the category of “Best Plug-In Hybrid – Concept Vehicles.” Audi introduced this show car at the Beijing International Automobile Exhibition in April. (October 2, 2014)

New Audi TT: Design Innovation of the Year

Audi cleaned up at this year’s Automotive Brand Contest: The new Audi TT was crowned Innovation of the Year. The Matrix LED headlights in the Audi A8 won the title of “Best of Best.” The Automotive Brand Contest is an international design competition for automotive brands. It is presented by the German Design Council. Audi was also honored here for the Audi A3 Sedan, the Audi allroad shooting brake and the “Luft” designer armchair developed by Audi designers in partnership withWalter de Silva and the furniture makers at Poltrona Frau. (September 30, 2014)

First place for Audi at the sport auto Awards

Audi was showered with honors at this year’s sport auto Awards: The Audi RS 6 Avant took first place in the “Sedans/Station Wagons Over 100,000 euros” category. The Audi S1 topped the list in the “Small Car” category. The Audi TTS 2.0 TFSI* finished the race in second place in the “Coupés up to 50,000 euros” category. In the “Sedans/Station Wagons up to 50,000 euros” category, the Audi S3 Sedan also took second place. The RS 4 Avant drove into third place in the “Sedans/Station Wagons up to 100,000 euros” category. A total of 15,551 sport auto magazine readers participated in the vote. (September 10, 2014)

Seoul, November 04 - HH the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani arrived here today on a two-day state visit to the Republic of Korea.

HH the Emir and his accompanying delegation were welcomed upon arrival at Seoul Military Airport by the First Vice Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yong, a number of ranking Korean officials, Qatar’s Ambassador to the Republic of Korea Mohamed Abdullah Al-Dehaimi and Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Qatar Chung Keejong.
HH the Emir was also welcomed by Arab ambassadors accredited to Korea and the Qatari embassy staff.
Upon arrival, HH the Emir gave a statement in which he said: “Upon arrival to the city of Seoul at the beginning of a state visit to the Republic of Korea, it gives me pleasure to extend to President Park Geun-hye, Prime Minister Jung Hong-won, their government and their honourable people my sincere greetings and greetings of the Qatari people, together with the best wishes of continuous progress and prosperity to all of them and their friendly country.” “I would also like to express satisfaction over the development and growth in the excellent relations of friendship and cooperation between our countries thanks to their common keenness on the continuation of the enhancement and strengthening of these ties in various fields, looking forward to meeting HE the President and the Prime Minister to discuss with them issues of mutual concern and ways of expanding cooperation between our two countries for the benefit of our two peoples.” (QNA)

Seoul, November 06 - HH the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani attended Wednesday a dinner banquet held by President of the Republic of Korea Park Geun-hye at the Blue House in the honor of HH and the accompanying delegation.

Members of the official delegation accompanying HH the Emir attended the banquet.
A number of Korean ministers and senior officials were also present. (QNA)

Qatar University, Sidra sign MOU to foster research

Dr Al Derham (right) and Dr Al Kaabi

As part of efforts to strengthen academic and research collaboration, Qatar University (QU) and Sidra Medical and Research Center (Sidra) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) yesterday to foster research, develop academic and scientific relationships, and facilitate academic and technical exchange.

The agreement was signed by QU Vice-President for Research Dr Hassan Rashid Al Derham, and member of the Office of Sidra Chief Executive Officer, Executive Vice Chief Medical Officer Dr Abdulla Mohammed Al-Kaabi.

The purpose of the MoU is to identify the areas of interest, and articulate a mutual strategic intent for further development and collaboration and facilitate the work of QU’s Laboratory Animal Research Center (LARC) in those areas.

Dr Al Derham said: “This initiative between QU and Sidra is a demonstration of the two organizations’ commitment to the realization of the objectives of the Qatar National Vision 2030 as it aims to develop and empower our people to be able to sustain a prosperous society”.

“The agreement will further empower QU’s Laboratory Animal Research Center in its efforts to realize its mission of providing quality animal husbandry and veterinary care to support QU’s leading role in education and research,” he added.

Dr Al-Kaabi said: “Sidra’s partnership with QU) signifies the growing importance of developing talent, research and knowledge in Qatar. Our partnership can help build a thriving and sustainable future in the field of science and medicine. We hope that through shared areas of interest, such as joint research, training and educational initiatives, exchange programs and student sponsorships; we can create the landscape necessary for the delivery of globally relevant research and ultimately contribute towards advanced healthcare services in the country”.

LARC Director Dr Hamda Al-Naemi said: “The agreement between QU and Sidra opens opportunities for collaboration between the two parties. It serves as an umbrella to develop scientific relationship between LARC and Sidra in various areas of interest such as establishing joint research projects or programs, and developing training programs for professional staff”.

“In addition, it will help in facilitating joint conferences, symposiums and workshops for the mutual benefit of both parties. The agreement is the start of a strong collaboration between LARC and Sidra that will result in considerable scientific and professional rewards for both institutions. It will also open up more opportunities for academics, researchers and students to explore other areas of cooperation,” she added.

DHL Express Inaugurates New Office in Messaieed

Nael Attiyat

Doha, Qatar, 24 November 2014: DHL Express, the world’s leading logistics provider, has expanded its presence in the Qatari market through the opening of its new Service Point in Messaieed. The new office, which has been strategically located to support DHL’s growing client base in Messaieed Industrial City and the surrounding Al Wakrah Municipality, brings DHL’s total number of offices to eleven across Qatar.

Commenting on the opening of DHL’s new Service Point, Nael Attiyat, Country Manager for DHL Express Qatar explained, “We are proud to be adding yet another Point to our extensive number of locations across Qatar, especially so soon after inaugurating our facility in Barwa a little over a year ago. Our new Service Point in Messaieed stands testament to the company’s ongoing efforts to continue strengthening its local presence and offer clients the best level of service, efficiency and logistical support that define DHL’s operations.”

Messaieed is located approximately 50 kilometers from the outskirts of Doha and is home to Qatar’s largest industrial city and the country’s first deep-sea port. This small town with its significant seaport is devoted to key players in the manufacturing and industrial sectors and has become a vital component of Qatar’s booming economy and as a result, DHL’s growing operations.

“Messaieed is a key import and export zone; it offers direct access to and from the Arabian Gulf and is in close proximity to Saudi Arabia. DHL’s presence in this location caters to the increasing number of clients and is strategic to improving delivery time, furthering our reputation as the fastest express provider in Qatar. The core of our business is time, the closer we are to our clients, the faster we can serve them through speed and improved time-definite solutions,” continued Nael.

“The significance of Messaieed to DHL’s overall business growth should also not be underestimated; the dramatic development of this industrial city reflects Qatar’s booming economy and presents many lucrative business opportunities that DHL can definitely capitalize on,” further stated Nael.

The IAIR Awards 2014, 4^th Annual edition function was held at Palace Downtown, Dubai on 20^th November 2014.Doha Bank won the “BEST BANK IN QATAR”. Dr. R. Seetharaman, CEO of Doha Bank wonthe“MAN OF THE YEAR “awards at IAIR Awards 2014.Dr. R. Seetharaman received the BEST BANK IN QATAR” & “MAN OF THE YEAR “awards from Mr. Guido Giommi, President IAIR Group.

At the Ceremony, Dr. R. Seetharaman said “As a forward-thinking and socially responsible citizen, Doha Bank has embraced sustainable business practices to satisfy its customers and promote solid environmental stewardship. Doha Bank has broughtmany initiatives on sustainable development.The “BEST BANK IN QATAR” award isa recognition for Doha Bank in its contribution to sustainable development.Doha Bank has maintained a consistent track record on its financial performance in the last one decade as part of its sustainable development philosophy. The Bank has maintained a strong growth trajectory, including total asset growth, loan growth, and deposit growth year-on-year. Doha Bank has also achieved one of the best returns on average equity and return on average assets among the banks in the Middle East region over the last decade.I have believed in a knowledge sharing society and continue to engage in various knowledge sharing sessions. The “MAN OF THE YEAR “award is an acknowledgment of my efforts in contributing towards knowledge sharing initiatives in areas such as economics, governance and sustainable development.”

In relation to Global economy Dr. R. Seetharaman said “The IMF forecasts global growth to average 3.3 percent in 2014 and to rise to 3.8 percent in 2015. In USA conditions remain in place for a stronger pickup in the recovery.US economy growth is expected to be 2.2 percent for 2014 and 3.1 percent for 2015. Concerns of recovery remain in Europe and Japan and respective Central Banks are pursuing their easing measures. In China growth is expected at 7.4 percent in 2014 and 7.1 percent in 2015, as the economy transitions to a more sustainable path.India is expected to grow at 5.6 percent in 2014 and 6.4 percent in 2015.In recent meeting G20 has committed to achieve a 2.1 percent increase in global growth over the next five years.”

On Sustainable development Dr. R. Seetharaman said “Sustainable development involves contribution towards economic growth, social development and environment. The Sustainable development mission should aim for Poverty eradication, environmental sustainability, sustainable consumption and production. Some of the key challenges in sustainable development include climate change, energy security and increase in natural and man-made disasters. At the G20 meeting in Nov 2014 US made a commitment of $3bn towards Green climate fund and Japan pledged it would contribute $1.5bn to the climate fund.”

In relation to initiatives of Doha Bank on sustainable development Dr. R. Seetharaman said “Doha Bank advocates and practices Green Banking, which is one of the core business philosophies that would support the sustainability into the future. Doha Bank has worked on “ECO-Schools Programme” which works with educational institutions to build awareness of key environmental issues. It has launched Green Credit Card. Green Accounts are Doha Bank’s answer to a proactive approach on eco-friendly banking towards its drive for a cleaner and greener environment by promoting the concept of “Paperless Banking “. Internet Banking, SMS Banking, Phone Banking, E- Remittances and Bills Payments through online also encourage eco- friendly banking.Doha Bank also conducted Green Quiz and seminars on Global warming and climatic changes to spread environmental awareness in various countries. Doha Bank has hosted Green fun run and support tree planting activity to generate awareness of environmental preservation and protecting the natural environment. Doha Bank has also provided funding for district cooling facilities.”

On Board role on sustainable development, Dr. R. Seetharaman said “The Board should recognise the importance of staff, customers, communities and the risks associated with the limitations of natural resources. An understanding of these issues on the business model, long term success and ability to deliver on strategy are critical. Board diversity, which includes not only gender diversity, becomes really important in ensuring the Board is fit to drive change towards sustainable business model. Solving problems requires working across functions and this can happen if the senior team has collaborative leadership styles.”

On Investment trends in GCC, Dr. R. Seetharaman said “With MSCI upgrade of Qatar and UAE and opening up of Saudi market in future we can witness surge in cross border inflows and inflows from the globe into the region. The fall in oil price may have created some drop in GCC markets recently. However the diversification is happening in many parts of GCC which will contribute to the growth story.”

Doha, 03 December 2014 – Mannai Auto Group is celebrating GMC’s popularity in Qatar by inviting all GMC owners to join them on an “Off Road Festival” at Sealine beach in Qatar this Friday (5^th December 2014).

Guest registration starts at 9am on Friday, after which guests with vehicles equipped to challenge the sand dunes will embark on a trip deeper into the desert where they will be able to watch expert drivers perform off-road maneuvers in the all new GMC Sierra and Yukon.

Later that afternoon, guests will witness GMC put its flagship vehicles through rigorous Water, Mud & Sand drive tests, with tips for the attendees on how best to drive through these obstacles. Test drives are also available for the guests.

Mr. Mohammed Helmy, Group General Manager, Mannai Auto, said: “This adventure will help our customers better understand how much they can get out of their vehicles while off-road and perhaps even introduce some of them to a really exciting family activity that they can pursue when the weather is perfect to pack a picnic basket and head out. We welcome all GMC customers to drive up to Sealine and join us on this special adventure.”

Mr Helmy said: “We are also considering the festival an early celebration of Qatar’s National Day, so that guests do not miss all the activities that take place in Doha on National Day, yet are able to join Mannai Auto on this adventure to celebrate the occasion. Part of the excitement is that the Off Road Festival gives everyone the ability to take their own vehicle off-road and learn how to overcome tough terrain and have fun with their families.”

A special camp site, equipped with Bedouin style tents, will host GMC owners and their families. Entertainment is available for the children, as well as food and refreshments for the whole family.

Professional guides monitor and lead the guests over the entire off-road course, where in addition to all the scheduled stunts and performances on site, GMC’s Sierra, Yukon, Acadia and Terrain will be available for test drives.

To register, customers should call 44558000, or find Mannai Automotive on Facebook, or email crm@mannai.com.qa

Qatar National Bank is Qatar International Businesswomen Forum’s Official Banking Partner

Aisha Alfardan

Doha, Qatar – December 3, 2014: The 5^th Qatar International Businesswomen Forum (QIBWF) has received strong support from the banking and financial sector in Qatar as Qatar National Bank (QNB), one of the world’s strongest banks, will be the event’s Official Banking Partner.

Organised by the Qatari Businesswomen Association in collaboration with Interactive Business Network, and to be conducted under the main theme of ‘Business Women and the New Age of Innovation, Entrepreneurship and Social Responsibility’, the Forum is scheduled to be held on the 16th and 17th of December 2014 at the St. Regis Doha Hotel in Qatar.

“QNB has been serving the State of Qatar over the last 50 years,” said Abdulla Mubarak Al-Khalifa Executive General Manager – Chief Business Officer QNB. “Since then, we have been playing an essential part in the nation’s overall growth as well as its financial sector, while also becoming a leading international financial institution.

“Furthermore, our commitment at providing innovative products that support the SME sector and the mandates of the Qatar National Vision 2030 has led us to hold events such as the Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) Open Day last April. This SME one-stop-shop event was aimed at empowering commercial & industrial SMEs of various stages to start their new businesses or expand existing ones, as well as provide them easy access to finance,” he explained. “Last year, we also launched ‘SME – Business Banking’, an innovative platform studded with detailed business oriented solutions that will enable all current and future business owners to expand or start a business by granting them easy, convenient and quick access to finance their small to medium businesses.

“Two months ago, we then launched seven new product offerings that include a 24-hour decision time for Account Turnover Facilities and Professional Loans, tailored products for Manufacturing, Tourism, Education, Medical and Healthcare sectors and the introduction of a dedicated SME Business World Credit Card,” he added. “Recognising the fact that a number of businesswomen in Qatar are among the key drivers of SME growth in the country, we are therefore supportive of every effort that will further enhance and develop their capabilities as future leaders of the economy.”

In acknowledging the support provided by QNB as the Forum’s Official Banking Partner, Aisha Alfardan, Vice Chairwoman of the Qatari Businesswomen Association commented: “Indeed, QNB has been an integral component of the Qatari economy for the last five decades. Its growth into one of the leading international financial institutions speaks highly about its mature banking practices. More importantly, their continued support and attention towards the SME sector is indeed admirable. We are therefore honored and grateful for QNB generously agreeing to be the Forum’s Official Banking Partner and look forward to working closely with them in order to facilitate the further development of businesses owned or managed by women.”

For his part, Raed Chehaib, Chief Executive Officer of Interactive Business Network said: “QNB is among the pillars of Qatar’s economy. To have their support as the Forum’s Official Banking Partner is indeed beneficial towards the achievement of the key objectives of QIBWF. Undoubtedly, QNB possesses the necessary financial expertise needed to assist businesswomen in making the right financial decisions that may lead to the success of their enterprise. We are therefore thankful for their support and look forward to future collaborations with them in this regard.”

For further information about the 5^th Qatar International Businesswomen Forum, please visit www.qibwf.org

Doha, Qatar, December 03, 2014 – Leveraging Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) to accelerate Qatar’s socio-economic development, building a strong framework for effective sustainability reporting, and enhancing labor standards and workplace safety were among the issues that dominated discussion on the first day of CSR Qatar 2014, which opened today at the Marriott Marquis City Center Doha Hotel.

The second edition of the annual conference – taking place from 1 to 3 December 2014 – brings together corporate and community leaders from Qatar and across the region to share ideas and experiences and discuss ways to enhance business contribution to sustainable development.Officially supported by the Qatar Chamber of Commerce and Industry (QCCI), the conference is seen as a key platform in further developing the CSR environment in Qatar and in enabling decision-makers to explore how CSR can support the National Vision 2030 and drive social progress and economic development.

The three-day conference kicked off with an opening keynote address by Mohamed bin Ahmed bin Tawar, Vice President of the Qatar Chamber of Commerce and Industry.He said, “Social responsibility is the ethical obligation of companies towards the society. It’s neither a gift nor charity handed out by them; hence companies should not confuse Corporate Social Responsibility with sponsoring or participating in sporting events. The private sector has an important part to play in accelerating Qatar’s economic growth and social development. As the role of private sector in the country’s economic activity continues to increase, businesses must take on greater responsibility in contributing to the common good and ensure that their actions and initiatives benefit society as a whole. I hope that this conference will be an important step in taking CSR in Qatar forward to the next level.”

The day’s sessions got off to an engaging start with a panel discussion on the topic “CSR – More Than Just Charity”.Participants in the discussion included Essa Al-Mannai, Executive Director of ROTA (Qatar Foundation); Mohammed Hammoudi, General Manager of Cisco; and Hasmig Khoury, Head of Corporate Social Responsibility at Bank Audi, Lebanon.

Talking about the importance of CSR programs to be more strategic in nature, Essa Al-Mannai said, “An organization has to realize its potential to impact the community and it should use its core skills for better effect and partner with others to have a bigger impact on the community. We definitely see a shift from philanthropy to CSR which is a good sign for the future of CSR in the region.”

“At Bank Audi we had to reassess our CSR programs in order to be more strategic and get stakeholders aligned” said Hasmig Khoury. “We identified issues that we could focus on and then focused on a few select strategic pillars for the long term and even turned down requests for donations if it did not fit our objectives.”

On this occasion, Mohammed Hammoudi said, “From my perspective, when we talk about CSR programs being strategic, we need to understand the relevance of CSR and what is important to the country and community. Also, it should never be a one off activity and it has to be sustainable and have a long term vision.”

Rounding of the discussion in terms of prioritizing initiatives in line with the Qatar National Vision, Mr. Al –Mannai talked about the need to be a responsible citizen and said that all sections of society have to develop whether they are locals, expats and migrant labourers. He remarked on the impact of volunteer initiatives and said that they are studying how such programs can help bolster literacy initiatives among labourers so they can also improve their lives.

Talking about their participation in CSR Qatar 2014, a spokesperson from AlFardan Group said, “As a leading business conglomerate, our aim is to create value for society as a whole and CSR programs are the best way to do so. CSR Qatar 2014 offers a dynamic platform for the country’s businesses to share their ideas and strategies to make meaningful and valuable contributions towards the social and economic growth of the community we live in. Our participation in the event is a testimony of our unwavering support towards further instilling and nurturing a culture of social responsibility within the Group; to reiterate the vision of H.H. Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Bin Khalifa Al Thani, Emir of Qatar embodied in Qatar National Vision 2030 for

building a better and sustainable nation for future generations. We have led in undertaking CSR initiatives that strive to make meaningful contributions towards addressing environmental sustainability, economic welfare and humanitarian challenges.”

The second day of the conference will commence with a panel discussion on private and public partnerships featuring Ourania Dionysiou, Advisor, Partner Relations at UNICEF, Somaya Al-Mutawa, Head of Community Awareness & Development Section at KAHRAMAA – Qatar General Electricity & Water Corporation, and Mohamed Al Ayed, President and CEO at TRACCS.

The day’s keynote speakers includeZeina Al-Azmeh, Assistant Vice President for Communication and Outreach at Qatar University; Mohammed Abu Jbara, CSR Manager at Shell; Karine Kamel, Managing Partner, BridgEgypt; Alexandre Amato, Head of Sustainability at Qatar Green Building Council – Qatar Foundation; Ahmad M. Homssi, Environmental Manager, Q-Chem,and Mohamed Waseem Hemmoudeh, Senior Specialist – Student Financial Services, Student Affairs, Hamad Bin Khalifa University.

The third and final day of the conference is dedicated to workshops.

Launched in 2013 with the aim of aligning CSR initiatives with Qatar’s National Vision 2030, CSR Qatar provides a dynamic platform for CSR professionals to network with high-level experts from across the region. This year’s edition is supported by several leading organizations in Qatar,including the Qatar Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Qatari Diar, Alfardan Group ,Qatar Petrochemical Company (QAPCO), Qatar Fuel Additives Company Limited (QAFAC), and Microsoft.

DOHA, QATAR –Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar celebrated 55 participants who successfully completed the eight-week Language Bridges program. A formal ceremony recognizing the achievements of the English language participants was held on campus and attended by faculty, staff, student volunteers and guests.

In collaboration with Qatar Foundation’s Reach Out To Asia (ROTA), Carnegie Mellon students and staff volunteered to teach basic English to Qatar Foundation service staff as part of the program. Language Bridges equips workers with basic English skills enabling them to communicate more effectively in their day to day lives.

Over 700 participants have graduated from the student-led program since 2010. Language Bridges was originally launched under the umbrella of Vodafone’s World of Difference Program.

To learn more about student activities available at Carnegie Mellon Qatar, please visit: https://www.qatar.cmu.edu/clubs-organizations