Dr. Mohammed Yousef Al Mulla, Vice Chairman and CEO of Qatar Petrochemical Company

Doha, Qatar,December 5 , 2014 – Qatar’s ongoing efforts to align CSR best practices with the National Vision 2030 will receive a further boost as the 2^nd CSR Qatar,the country’s flagship conference for sustainability and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), opens tomorrow at the Marriott Marquis City Center Doha Hotel.

Officially supported by the Qatar Chamber of Commerce and Industry (QCCI), the three-day conference will gather corporate and community leaders from Qatar and across the region who will discuss the role of CSR in supporting the National Vision 2030, the strategies and actions required to enhance stakeholder collaboration and drive adoption of CSR, and ensuring the safety and protecting the rights of workers.

H. E. Sheikh Khalifa Bin Jassim Al Thani, Chairman of Qatar Chamber of Commerce and Industry, will deliver the opening keynote address at the conference.

“Qatar is entering the next stage of its CSR movement, as businesses move beyond philanthropic and promotional CSR to transformative CSR that brings lasting benefits to the society and economy. There is greater understanding of the role of CSR in driving company growth and social reputation, and many businesses today view CSR as an intangible asset in the balance sheet,” said Reemi Rohani, Director General of Qatar Chamber of Commerce and Industry.“CSR Qatar 2014 aims to further advance the dialogue on sustainability by providing a platform where stakeholders can come together to share best practices, and hopefully trigger new ideas and insights that will help in uplifting the overall CSR environment in Qatar and aligning it more closely with the National Vision 2030.”

Commenting on the importance of sustainable development and QAPCO’s Gold sponsorship of CSR Qatar 2014, Dr. Mohammed Yousef Al Mulla, Vice Chairman and CEO of Qatar Petrochemical Company, said, “At QAPCO, we draw strength from the alignment of our strategy with the Qatar National Vision 2030. Every day, our focus is on ensuring we participate in translating the vision into a reality. Sustainable development is fully embedded in our strategy and drives value and progress throughout the entire company. As a responsible corporate citizen, we believe that contributing to Qatari society and serving our nation is part of our license to operate.”

The first day’s sessions open with a panel discussion on the topic “CSR – More Than Just Charity”, where prominent experts will discuss the role of key stakeholders – including the government, corporates, NGOs, universities, and the community – in delivering Qatar’s CSR agenda. Participants include Essa Al-Mannai, Executive Director of ROTA (Qatar Foundation); Dr. Khalid Abdulnoor Saifeldeen, Chairman of Kulluna Initiative and Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC); Mohammed Hammoudi, General Manager of Cisco; and Hasmig Khoury, Head of Corporate Social Responsibility at Bank Audi, Lebanon. The afternoon session will feature two further panel discussions – “Enhancing Stakeholder Collaboration” and “Sports and CSR”.

The first day of the conference will shed the spotlight on a broad spectrum of CSR trends, challenges and opportunities. Key topics of discussion include worker and labor rights; the role of the government in mandating CSR to standardize sustainability across the corporate landscape; building excellence in sustainability; applying international CSR best practices to align with the Qatar National Vision 2030, and more.

Prominent speakers on the first day include Yousef Bin Ahmed Al-Kuwari, CEO of Qatar Charity; Naim Yazbeck, Country Manager, Microsoft; Alanoud Taleb Al Henzab, Corporate Social Investment Manager at Qatari Diar; Hasmig Khoury, Head of Corporate Social Responsibility at Bank Audi, Lebanon; Mohammed Hammoudi, General Manager of Cisco; H.E. Ewa Polano, Ambassador of Sweden; Cesar Wazen, Director of Scholarships and Partnerships, Qatar University,and Muna Al-Khulaifi, Director, Family Consultant Center.

Winding up the day’s sessions will be a roundtable entitled “The Rising Star”featuring Qatari students and young professionals. Aimed at inculcating the culture of CSR and sustainability among Qatar’s youth, the roundtable will engage participants in a dynamic interactive session and discuss a range of topics relevant to shaping their role in CSR and facilitating their contribution to the sustainable development of Qatar.

The conference’s second day will kick off 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. Keynote speakers on the second day include Zeina 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.

Taking place from December 1 to 3, the CSR Qatar 2014 is supported by several prominent organizations in Qatar. Conference partners and sponsors include the Qatar Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Qatari Diar, Qatar Petrochemical Company (QAPCO), Alfardan Group, Qatar Fuel Additives Company Limited (QAFAC), and Microsoft.

CSR Qatar was launched in 2013 with the aim of aligning CSR initiatives with Qatar’s National Vision 2030. The conference provides a dynamic platform for CSR professionals to network with high-level experts from across the region.

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Chef Andrew

Doha, Qatar,  4 December 2014 –Four Seasons Hotel Doha is pleased to announce the appointment of Andrew Bozoki as Chef de Cuisine at the hotel’s highly anticipated new restaurant Nobu Doha, scheduled to open by the end of the year.  As part of Four Seasons Hotel Doha’s 232-room luxury property, the restaurant is well appointed along the hotel’s exclusive waterfront setting overlooking the Arabian Gulf.  In the coveted role of Chef de Cuisine, Bozoki will oversee all culinary operations for the signature restaurant which features Chef Nobuyuki “Nobu” Matsuhisa’s signature new style Japanese cuisine blended with exotic global flavors.

“Chef Bozoki’s passion and creativity in the kitchen, along with his extensive experience in the Middle East, exemplifies what a valuable asset he is to lead Nobu Doha’s robust culinary operations,” said Rami Sayess, regional vice president and general manager of Four Seasons Hotel Doha.  “As the largest Nobu in the world, the collaboration between Four Seasons and Nobu is sure to elevate the already luxurious experience found exclusively at the hotel and also signifies an exciting movement for the overall culinary scene in Doha.”

Chef Andrew Bozoki brings over 15 years of international five-star hotel operations and restaurant experience to Four Seasons Hotel Doha.Bozoki joins Four Seasons Hotel Doha most recently from the One & Only Reethi Rah Resortin the Maldives, where he served as chef de cuisine at the resort’s popular Japanese restaurant Tapasake.  Prior to the Maldives, he served as sous chef at acclaimed Nobu Dubai, where he achieved success for his flawless technique, creativity and commitment to creating extraordinary guest experiences.

“I’m incredibly excited to take Four Seasons’ guests and food enthusiasts alike on agastronomic journey with Nobu’svibrant and authentic menu,” said Bozoki.  “The three-story restaurant will redefine the dining scene in Doha with I feel truly privileged to be an integral part of taking it in this bold new direction.”

Originally from Germany, Chef Bozokibegan his culinary career in the country’s southwestern region of Baden-Württemberg.  He is fluent in English and German.

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Doha Bank has successfully closed a Project Finance deal of KD 25 Million with Kharafi National of Kuwait.

“We are pleased to have the opportunity to finance Kharafi National. Doha Bank is committed to supporting the wider business community in Kuwait. For this reason, we see the potential to further grow our relationship with Kharafi National in terms of cross-selling our financial products and support their long term financial needs,” said Dr. R. Seetharaman, CEO, Doha Bank.

Kharafi National is a Kuwait based leading Infrastructure Project Developer in water, wastewater treatment and reclamation, district cooling, solid waste management and enhanced oil recovery as well as a leading Contractor and Facilities Management Service Provider to the petroleum, chemicals, power, water and commercial sectors in the Middle East and Africa. As developers of infrastructure, it’s engaged in projects on a BOT, BOO or PPP basis.

Doha Bank was founded in Doha, Qatar on March 15, 1979; and today is one of the largest commercial banks (assets) in Qatar. The Bank has earned the award for the “Best Commercial Bank Middle East 2014” at Global Banking & Finance Review, “Bank Of the Year in Qatar 2013” at The Banker Awards and “Best Regional Commercial Bank in the Middle East 2013” at the Banker Middle East Industry Awards, which exemplifies Doha Bank’s continued commitment to the industry and its stakeholders.

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CAIRO – The Saudi Committee for the Relief of the Palestinian People (SCRPP) today announced a US$1 million donation to the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) to assist the most vulnerable Palestinians in the West Bank.

The SCRPP’s support comes at a crucial time when humanitarian needs in Palestine are mounting following the conflict in Gaza in July and August, while the volatile situation in the West Bank adversely affects people’s livelihoods.

The contribution will enable WFP to provide nutritious food and food vouchers for more than one month to some 122,000 of the most vunerable Palestinians living in the West Bank.

The donation was confirmed at a signing ceremony in Cairo, Egypt, attended by Dr. Said  Alarabi Alharthi, Advisor to the Saudi Minister of Interior and the Chairman of the Saudi Relief Committees, and  Mr. Aldosari Mubarak Saeed, the Executive Director of the Saudi Relief Committees; Mohamed Diab, WFP Regional Director for the Middle East, North Africa, Central Asia and East Europe, and Daniela Owen, WFP Palestine Representative and Country Director.

“We are grateful for this donation from the SCRPP, which comes at a critical juncture for the Palestinian people, ahead of the winter rains and cold weather that will aggravate an already desperate situation for thousands of displaced families. WFP looks forward to continuing its partnership with the SCRPP in Palestine and hopes for expanded cooperation in the near future,” said WFP’s Daniela Owen.

Since 2011, WFP has invested more than US$150 million in the Palestinian economy via local purchases and its food voucher programme.  This contribution means that WFP can continue to inject these much-needed funds, which also help build resilience.

To provide food and voucher assistance in the West Bank and Gaza until June 2015, WFP needs US$38 million, of which US$15 million is needed immediately to ensure the delivery of food vouchers and purchase of food for distribution in January.

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Cessation of smoking was the theme of a recent inter-professional education (IPE) event organized by Qatar University College of Pharmacy (QU-

CPH), the third and biggest in the series of IPE events in which CPH students interacted with colleagues from other departments at QU and universities in Qatar. 

Led by CPH Assistant Dean for Student Affairs and Chair of Inter-professional Education (IPE), Ms Alla El-Awaisi under the theme “Smoking Cessation”, 60 students from CPH, QU College of Arts & Sciences Department of Health Sciences (DHS), Weill Cornell Medical College Qatar (WCMC-Q), and College of the North Atlantic Qatar (CNA-Q) participated in sessions conducted by CPH and WCMC-Q faculty Dr Ahmed Awaisi and Dr Mohamud Verjee respectively. 

The event was hosted by CNA-Q Pharmacy Technician Program with the support of its lead instructor Mr Norman Wong.

The collaborative activities are part of the CPH’s strategic plan to promote inter-professional learning among students pursuing disciplines in health care — pharmacy, medicine, nursing, and public health, to name a few.

Dr Awaisu explained the relevance of smoking cessation and the need for healthcare professionals to join forces for a healthier society.  He emphasized the role for collaborative care in tobacco cessation clinics as part of the strategies to control tobacco use in Qatar. “Learning together using an IPE model is a unique opportunity to build a strong foundation for future partnership among healthcare professionals”, he said.

Employing strategies learned in Dr Verjee’s session, the students divided into mixed teams to help a chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patient to quit heavy smoking. They also developed strategies for establishing a smoking cessation clinic and discussed relevant roles. 

DHS public health sciences student Khuloud Alshaiba said:  “Working with students from different specialties gave me a better understanding of the roles of other health professions in the healthcare team.  Being patient-centered is our shared goal”.

The College of Pharmacy will host the first Inter-professional Education Symposium in February 2015 which will include health sciences institutions such as WCMC-Q, CNA-Q, and University of Calgary-Qatar (UC-Q).

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Forty (40) members of the Arab-German Young Academy of Sciences and Humanities (AGYA) visited Qatar University (QU) last Thursday to explore opportunities for research collaboration with institutions and researchers in the country.

The researchers from academic institutions in Germany, Syria, UAE, Bahrain, Palestine, Jordan and Scotland were hosted by QU Vice President for Research Dr Hassan Al-Derham.  Included in the group were AGYA President Dr Verena Lepper, and AGYA Deputy VP Dr Maha Al-Hendawi who is Director of QU Core Curriculum and Foundation Program.

During the meeting, presentations on QU’s research activities were made by representatives of various QU colleges and research centers.

In his remarks, Dr Al-Derham said that QU’s vision aligns with AGYA’s aims of advancing academic exchange of outstanding young researchers and supporting joint innovative projects in various fields of research across different disciplines.

“Our focus at Qatar University is on empowering young people with knowledge so that they are able to face challenges within the society and proffer positive change-making solutions. The future and wellbeing of humanity is in their hands and they must be properly equipped.

“Therefore, it is good to see that the first set of 24 members who joined the AGYA in 2013 have already started developing and implementing interdisciplinary projects and collaborative initiatives,” he said.

Dr Al-Derham added that while placing emphasis on teaching and research, QU takes special interest in creating an enabling environment and tools that engender research excellence by providing full support to its research community, especially with enormous funding opportunities.

Dr Lepper expressed appreciation to Qatar University for the high quality of hospitality the group received during their visit to Qatar which also included Qatar Foundation.

Dr Al Hendawi said:  “This collaboration will create opportunities and partnership in research on areas which are important to the development of Qatar and the Arab world.  AGYA aims to promote cooperation between outstanding Arab and German researchers in all disciplines and support innovative interdisciplinary projects in various fields of research, policy, and education.   With this visit, AGYA plans to foster intercultural experiences of its members and promote them as ambassadors of science and culture”.

AGYA advances the academic exchange of young outstanding researchers from Germany and the Arab world, and supports joint innovative projects in various fields of research, and education across different disciplines in sciences, humanities, social sciences, technical sciences and arts.

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Doha Bank recently organized a get together event exclusively for Bullion related business customers with a unique theme titled “Sailing with Gold”, an exciting traditional dhow cruise journey in Doha Corniche waters on 6^th Dec 2014. The event was well attended by the leading jewellers in Qatar.

Addressing the event Doha Bank Group CEO Dr. R. Seetharaman said, “We have always realized the importance of serving a broader base of customers including Jewellers segment and eventually Doha Bank to become a one stop bullion solution provider for the local and regional markets”. He also said that recent US Dollar strength had pushing the bullion and crude prices lower.

K.V Samuel, acting Head of Treasury and Investments presented an update on the latest Bullion market developments and shared the market experience with the participants. He said that gold is an investment for generations to come and any fall in price is an opportunity to buy it and hold with long term gain opportunities.

“We have seen substantial demand for bullion when the price dropped to about $1130 in July and from there price quickly rallied to above 1200” he added.

In the short term bullion prices are expected to consolidate in $ 1130-1255 range.

He also said “gold may drop further to $ 1032 or even to $ 934, before the major bull rally begins”. In the next major bull phase rally, the gold prices may reach $ 2850-3000” he added.

Athul Kumar, Head of SME explained working capital financing modalities for jewellers and Abu Backer, Head of Operations spoke about the operational modalities in physical Gold delivery process.

After being the first bank to import and sell gold in Qatar in 2012, Doha Bank has taken the next step forward with different innovative Gold products, including hedging solutions to cater the wholesalers/ jewellers based in Qatar and GCC.

Last year, Doha Bank signed a MOU for strategic alliance with PAMP, the world’s leading bullion brand to import bullion to Qatar.

Doha Bank currently distributes renowned Swiss and other physical gold bars in the local market in sizes starting from 5 grams to 1 Kilograms. Bullion bars are available over the counter at Grand Hamad Street branch and other selected branches.

Doha Bank Treasury Dealing room operates from 7.30 am till 10.00pm, including Fridays without any break to cater the business requirements of jewelers and other valued customers.

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Dubai, United Arab Emirates: 10^th December 2014: Golfing superstar Tiger Woods will design the new 18-hole championship golf course in Dubai to be built by luxury real estate developers, DAMAC Properties and operated by The Trump Organization.

Set within the 55 million sq ft master community of AKOYA Oxygen, the ‘Trump World Golf Club, Dubai’will include a state-of-the-art clubhouse, world-class restaurant and pro shop.The course will be situated at the heart of the development, with some of the highest premium, residential developments in Dubai overlooking the course.

“Tiger Woods is one of the most famous and iconic sportsmen in the world who will bring his design expertise and worldwide playing experience to this amazing development,” said Ziad El Chaar,Managing Director,DAMAC Properties. “Add to that the golfing prowess and skills of The Trump Organisation, our leadership position in luxury real estate development,withthe global appeal of Dubai,we believe The Trump World Golf Club Dubai,designed by Tiger Woods,will be a market leader, judged against the best golf courses in the world.”

“Bringing Tiger Woods to Dubai is a testament to the luxury and quality that can be anticipated at AKOYA Oxygen – where fashion meets the outdoors, and green really is the new black.”

Woods has already gained a strong reputation for golf course design, with projects underway in Mexico and the United States. His first course to open for play will be El Cardonal in Mexico, which is scheduled to open before the end of the year.

In reference to the style of course that he is creating, Woods said: “I’ve been fortunate to play great golf courses all over the globe, from the original links courses in Scotland to the famous parkland courses in America and the distinctive layouts on the sandbelt of Australia. I hope to bring elements of those great courses and others to the Trump World Golf Club Dubai with the end result being a course that golfers will want to play again and again.”

Woods has won 14 Majors in golf, second only to Jack Nicklaus, and is one of the most iconic sportsmen ever to grace the game. The two-time winner of the Dubai Desert Classic (2006 & 2008), who had previously looked at the opportunity to design a course in Dubai, is now returning to realize that dream.

He has won a total of 105 tournaments, 79 of those on the PGA TOUR, including four Masters Tournaments, four PGA Championships, three U.S. Open Championships, and three British Open Championships. With his second Masters victory in 2001, Woods became the first player ever to hold all four professional major championships at the same time.

“I can’t wait to see this stunning project come to life,” added Woods. “Dubai is fast becoming one of the most influential golfing destinations in the world, both for the professional game and for amateurs looking to enjoy the great weather, great courses and amazing lifestyle.”

“We plan to create a distinct and memorable golf course that players of all abilities find enjoyable,” he added. “I am very much looking forward to adding to the great courses of Dubai.”

Site preparation work on the Trump World Golf Club Dubai is already underway, with the course due to open by the end of 2017.

This will be the Trump Organization’s 18^th golf property in the world and marks the second world-class course in Dubai with DAMAC Properties.

“Tiger Woods is the biggest name in professional golf,” said Mr. Donald J. Trump, Chairman & President of The Trump Organization. “His expertise comes from winning on every great course in the world, including his win at the WGC- Cadillac Championship at Trump National Doral, Miami. Tiger will be a tremendous asset in developing the course at the Trump World Golf Club, Dubai – and together, with DAMAC Properties,we will be doing something very special.”

The Trump World Golf Club, Dubai will anchor the AKOYA Oxygen master community that is located just off the Umm Suqeim road extension and less than 15 minutes from AKOYA by DAMAC.

AKOYA Oxygen will showcase the greenest living spaces in Dubai with parklands, green open spaces and private gardens. The developmentwill include luxury living experiences in a lush, peaceful environment.

 Established in 2002, DAMAC has delivered almost 12,000 units to date and currently has a development portfolio of over 39,000 units at various stages of progress and planning as of September 30th 2014, which includes over 10,000 hotel rooms and serviced hotel apartments.

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ExecuJet Aviation Group is pleased to announce the launch of the group’s first FBO loyalty programme.

Under the new scheme, which launches on 1 January 2015, operators and routing agents will earn a free handling service for every 50 handlings at any of the 19 ExecuJet fixed base operations (FBOs) around the world.

The loyalty scheme, designed following a study of FBO client habits around the world, will see customers receiving an extra saving by utilizing the ExecuJet global FBO network.

Mark Abbott, Group FBO Director, ExecuJet Aviation Group, says: “Our customers are at the heart of everything we do and we are always looking to provide them with the best value for money. By visiting our FBOs worldwide, our clients have always been guaranteed a high-quality consistent service and now they will receive an extra value added discount. It is important to note that customers always have a choice and this scheme is about appreciating our customers Aside from the financial advantage our clients will benefit from, this program further demonstrates our approach to recognise customer loyalty.”

ExecuJet operates FBOs worldwide in the Middle East, Africa, Asia, Australasia and Europe.

ExecuJet is exhibiting at the 2014 Middle East Business Aviation show (MEBA) in Dubai from
8-10 December (Stand # 575).

 The ExecuJet Aviation Group

The ExecuJet Aviation Group is a leading global business aviation organisation offering a diverse range of services including aircraft management for private and commercial registered aircraft, aircraft charter, aircraft maintenance, aircraft completions management and fixed base operations. Headquartered in Zürich, Switzerland, ExecuJet has operations in six regions – Africa, Asia, Australasia, Europe, Latin America and the Middle East, embracing a workforce of over 900 experienced staff.

The ExecuJet Aviation Group manages 165 business jets worldwide under the most stringent safety standards. Its commercial fleet is operated under the regulatory umbrella of seven regional civil aviation issued air operating certificates (AOCs). ExecuJet has many authorised maintenance facilities throughout four regions, certified to work on most business jets. The ExecuJet Aviation Group operates 19 world-class FBO facilities worldwide.

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Aluminium Bahrain B.S.C (Alba) renewed its strategic support for Gulf Industry Fair (GIF) 2015, which underscores the Company’s commitment to support initiatives that showcase Bahrain’s aluminium sector as well as highlight the Kingdom as an investor-friendly destination.

Organised by Hilal Conferences & Exhibitions, GIF 2015 will be under the patronage of His Royal Highness the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Bahrain, Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa from February 03 to 05, 2015 at Bahrain International Exhibition Centre, Kingdom of Bahrain.

The signing ceremony took place between Alba’s Director for Administration, Abdul Rahman Janahi and Jubran Anwar Abdulrahman, Managing Director from Hilal Conferences & Exhibitions. Alba’s Manager, Customer Services & Operations, Khalid A. Latif and Ahmed Suleiman, Exhibitions Director from Hilal Conferences & Exhibitions were also present at the ceremony.

Alba’s Director for Administration, Abdul Rahman Janahi said:

“Alba,the pioneering aluminium smelter in the region, is privileged to support the ‘Aluminium Village’ at GIF 2015. It is an event that enhances Bahrain’s reputation as an aluminium hub by providing a platform to promote the diversity of the Kingdom’s indigenous upstream and downstream aluminium industries.”

Anwar Abdulrahman, Chairman of Al Hilal Group, the parent company of GIF organiser Hilal Conferences & Exhibitions, said: “The strategic support for Gulf Industry Fair of a global industrial heavyweight like Alba is integral to the promotion of our ‘Aluminium Village’ concept, since it encourages related local and GCC downstream companies to benefit from participation. This, in turn, underlines the importance of the sector to not only Bahrain’s national economy but the region at large.”

The Gulf Industry Fair is the premier trade exhibition for the GCC for specialist industrial products and service providers, distributors and agencies representing the key segments of: Aluminium, Industrial Processes and Manufacturing, Steel and Alloys, Energy & Environmental Protection, Logistics & Industrial Facilities, Ports & Maritime Industries, Training for Industry and Industrial Safety & Security.

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Abu Dhabi, UAE. Wednesday,10 December 2014:  Over 600 participants from 57 countries have signed up to what is expected to be the most exciting triathlon race in the region on March 7 – the International Triathlon Union (ITU) World Triathlon Abu Dhabi. The world’s most prestigious triathlon, taking place in less than three months around the capital’s stunning Corniche, is expected to draw in the best Olympic competitors from around the world.

The ITU World Triathlon Abu Dhabi replaces the highly successful Abu Dhabi International Triathlon. It will take the event to a new level, with more of the top men and women triathletes in the world now coming to compete in Abu Dhabi as part of the prestigious ITU World Triathlon Series. Event Director, Iain Banner, explains: “This is an evolution of a great event and we are glad to be bringing to Abu Dhabi an even bigger race to suit athletes, of all abilities and experience levels. Whether keen amateur, club runner or first timer the ITU World Triathlon Abu Dhabi offers a distance to suit your goals.”

Already 635 people have registered to take part with around 1,400 places still up for grabs on the official event website – http://abudhabi.triathlon.org/enter. Now part of the ITU World Triathlon Series the season opener in Abu Dhabi isa must-do event for amateurs and professionals alike regionally and internationally.

The new format race features three course options: Sprint(0.5km swim, 20km cycle, 5km run), Olympic (1.5km swim, 40km cycle, 10km run) and Maxi(2km swim, 80km cycle, 20km run). All course options can also be run with friends or family as a team relay. The Olympic and Maxi courses have proven to be the most popular for international participants with a total of 480 entries for the two race formats to date.

Ahead of announcing the race course this month Banner commented: “Together with the ITU we have just finalised the course and will publish the details very soon. The course has been designed to enhance the experience for both athletes and spectators on the day while keeping Abu Dhabi’s iconic setting off Abu Dhabi’s Blue Flagged beach,” added Banner.

Organised by the Abu Dhabi Sports Council and the ITU,the ITU World Triathlon Abu Dhabi is expecting close to 2,000 entries to line up on March 7. The event will be headquartered at the Abu Dhabi Sailing & Yacht Clubwhere a spectator-friendly environment including a 2,000-seater grandstand, a bike park, a ‘Friends and Family’ area, refreshment kiosks and a kids zone will be built.

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Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – December 2014:  Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh has picked up the “Luxury Hotel & Conference Centre” award in the Country Category (Saudi Arabia) and “Luxury Design Hotel” award in the Continent Category (Middle East), at the World Luxury Hotel Awards 2014 recently held in Cape Town, South Africa. This is the third consecutive year that the Hotel has been recognized in these much-coveted awards.

The Hotel is a leading destination for business travellers from Saudi Arabia and across the world, offering unparalleled service, contemporary renovated rooms, a selection of restaurants, and state-of-the-art amenities, including a newly refurbished men-only Spa.

“We are privileged to have a fantastic product in a busy business destination such as Riyadh,” said Anthony Tyler, General Manager of Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh. “Winning these prestigious awards serves as great recognition for our Hotel, the quality of our product and the dedication of our management and staff who continuously strive to offer the highest levels of service, and a truly memorable experience for our guests.”

The World Luxury Hotel Awards is a leading global organization that recognizes luxury hotels for their world-class facilities and service excellence. These awards are considered the pinnacle of achievement for luxury hotels worldwide. Winners are judged on their facilities and service and are voted for by hotel guests, making the process objective and unbiased.

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The topic of cleanliness and pollution has triggered a recycling project for four young residents of Barwa Complex, Al Sadd.

Hiba Hussain Syed (grade 3 from Birla Public School),

Omar Hamzah Saiyed (grade 3 from ACS Doha),

Saud Syed Mohammed (grade 4 from Nobel International School) and

Younus Anzel Mashoor (was with Newton International school).

With the help of their Islamic Studies tutor, Musarrat Saiyed and assistant Alisha Saiyed, they implemented a recycling system within their building during summer break.

Services were contacted around Doha that would provide recycling bins and collection. The kids went door to door through the building, educating the residents about the dangers of plastic pollution, showing residents a presentation on their iPads. The kids also explained how to segregate plastic, paper and metal from general waste and put them in the three respective recycling bins. The rubbish is collected by the companies every 2-3 weeks as it fills up, all at no cost to residents or management.

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London: Ice saucers found by biologist near the River Dee in eastern Scotland.

These strange frozen pancakes were found during a recent cold snap near the River Dee, a salmon-filled waterway that passes by the British Queen’s summer residence, Balmoral Castle, before heading eastwards to the coastal city of Aberdeen.

River Dee Trust biologist Jamie Urquhart made the discovery and took the photos at Lummels Pool, Birse — several miles downstream of Balmoral.

The trust said it was initially unsure what caused the pancakes, but supects they’re caused by a rare phenomenon in which foam freezes in a swirling eddy.

“Perhaps each disc grew when smaller pieces of unfrozen foam struck the disc, adhered and then froze in place,” it wrote on its website.

“The raised rims are undoubtedly due to the collisions but what about the inner lines?

“The air temperature was colder at night due to the clear-sky conditions but warmer in the day, meaning the discs may have grown at night, then during the day, when the discs softened in the sun, further collisions between the ‘pancakes’ caused the rims to be pushed up.

“The next night further growth would have occurred, followed by a new rim the next day.”

The Trust said it’s the first time the pancakes, more commonly found in the Antarctic or the Baltic Sea, have been seen on the River Dee.

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Ms. Sana Bardawil – Shell

The Fifth Annual Qatar International Businesswomen forum was inaugurated under the patronage of of HH Sheikha Jawaher Bint Hamad bin Suhaim Al Thani, wife of HH Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, The Emir of Qatar, at the St. Regis Doha Hotel in Qatar.

 Organized by the Qatari Businesswomen Association in collaboration with Interactive Business Network, the event will be conducted under the main theme of ‘Business Women and the New Age of Innovation, Entrepreneurship, and Social Responsibility’, for two days to further highlight the rapidly growing significance of businesswomen in a highly globalised economy. The forum was attended by H.E. Mrs. Sare Davutoglu, wife of Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu of Turkey, H.E. Sheikh Faisal Bin Qassem Al Thani, Chairman of the Qatari Businessmen Association and more than 500 participants and visitors from 40 countries .

The Forum aims to put forward and discuss key issues that greatly affect a growing number of businesswomen in Qatar and beyond. These include topics such as women empowerment, entrepreneurship, human development and corporate social responsibility.

Mrs. Aisha Al Fardan, Vice Chairman of Qatar Businesswomen Association said : “The Qatari woman has proved her efficiency in the economic field, in business and investment projects which were reserved for men for a long time”.

Also, Mr. Raed Chehaib CEO of Interactive Business Network said : “ The forum has been considered as a place to promote the potential for the business women by highlighting the business opportunities and the economic challenges.”

The keynote speaker was H.E. Mrs. Sare Davutoglu, wife of Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu of Turkey, and she talked about the history of the women and how her position was improved by Islam, then she confirmed the importance of disseminating the education and how to balance between family & work, and provide awareness among the community of the woman role’s importance in the economic and social development.

Mrs. Sana Bardawil, Director of Communication at Qatar Shell Companies said : “I am always very impressed by the real developments Qatar has achieved and continues to promote the development of women – from the identification and creation of opportunities for them in the country, whether through education and in the academic fields, or in the entrepreneurship and the various professional private and public sectors, all under the wise initiative and guidance of Her Highness Sheikha Mozah bint Nasser Al Missned”.

Ms. Hiba Al Tamimi the GM Retail at QNB said : “QNB is pleased to be the official banking partner for this important event, in which we celebrate the achievement and empowerment of businesswomen in Qatar and worldwide”.

Some of the highlights of the forum agenda thus include:
– Qatar National vision 2030
– New Perspectives on women entrepreneurs as drivers of change.
– Innovation and innovative approaches as means to create value for business and society.
– Social Innovation: Its nature and impact and how to align it with the strategic objectives of an organization.
– Sustainable living for a sustainable future: Programs and priorities for Qatar and the rest of the Gulf.
- Corporate social responsibility and its role in reducing poverty, generating investment and trade, and improving business performance.
– Exploring corporate social responsibility strategies for business: How the right strategy can make business more effective.

On the strength of the overwhelming success of its first four sessions in 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2013 in terms of attendance, the quality and relevance of deliberations, and the wide interest it garnered across a wide economic, social, political and geographical spectrum, QIBWF has acquired an unmatched reputation and following as a unique, eagerly anticipated event in the Gulf, the wider Arab region, and internationally.

The Forum, has  honored H.E Sheikh Faisal Bin Qassem Al Thani, Chairman of the Qatar Businessmen Association; H.E. Mrs. Sare Davutoglu, wife of Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu of Turkey. Qatar Shell,  Mr. Abdul Aziz Al Khalifa – Chief Executive Officer QDB, and Mr. Walid Al Sayed  COO of Ooredoo for their efforts and continuous support for the annual event and women’s sector in general.

Sponsors and partners of the 5th QIBWF include Qatar National Bank (QNB) as the Official Banking Partner; Qatar Petroleum as the Official Energy Partner; Ooredoo as Official Telecom Partner, Qatar Shell as the Diamond Sponsor; Qatar Development Bank (QDB) as the Strategic Partner; Qatar Chemical and Petrochemical Marketing and Distribution Company (Muntajat) as Silver Sponsor; Qatar Petrochemical Company (QAPCO) as Lanyard Sponsor; Texas A&M as Educational Partner; Qatar Businessmen Association as Lunch host; Al Fardan as the Official Car provider; Qatar Airways as the Official Carrier; Al Raya as the Official Newspaper; and CNBC Arabia as the Official Arabic broadcaster.

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One of Australia’s worst mass killings, leaving eight children from the same family dead, has left the city of Cairns in shock.

The grim discovery of the bodies of children aged 18 months to 15 years was reportedly made by their adult brother at their home in Manoora, in the north Queensland city’s west.

The 37-year-old woman, who is recovering in a hospital from stab wounds, was under guard and speaking with police, Queensland Police Detective Inspector Bruno Asnicar said. She has not yet been charged.

Police haven’t said how the children died. But Asnicar said they’re examining several knives in the home that may have been the weapon used to kill them.

The children ranged in age from 18 months to 14 years, Asnicar said. The woman is thought to be the mother of seven of the children. The eighth is believed to be her niece.

Queensland police were called to the home in the Cairns suburb of Manoora on Friday morning after receiving a report of a woman with serious injuries. When they got to the house, they found the bodies of the children.

The woman, whose name has not been released, was also found in the home with the children, suffering from stab wounds to the chest. Asnicar said she is in stable condition, lucid and talking to police.

“We’re not looking for anybody else — we’re comfortable that the community at large is safe,” Asnicar said.

A coroner was conducting autopsies to determine the causes of death, and police were continuing to comb through the house for evidence.

“They’re looking to establish 100 percent what happened in that house when these offenses were committed,” Asnicar said.

He dismissed rumors that the house had been the subject of calls from the Department of Social Services.

“It’s not a problem house as has been speculated,” he said. “This is an ordinary neighborhood — a lot of good people, a lot of kids in the area. This is something that has caught everybody by surprise. It’s just an absolutely tragic thing.”

Lisa Thaiday, who said she was the injured woman’s cousin, said earlier that one of the woman’s other sons, a 20-year-old, came home and found his brothers and sisters dead inside the house.

“I’m going to see him now, he needs comforting,” Thaiday said. “We’re a big family … I just can’t believe it. We just found out (about) those poor babies.”

The tragedy comes as Australia is still reeling from the shock of a deadly siege in a Sydney cafe. On Monday, a gunman burst into the cafe in the heart of the city and took 18 hostages. Two hostages were dead along with the gunman after police stormed in 16 hours later in a bid to end the siege. Police had earlier said there were 17 hostages in the cafe, but revised the number after a new count.

“The news out of Cairns is heartbreaking,” Prime Minister Tony Abbott said in a statement. “All parents would feel a gut-wrenching sadness at what has happened. This is an unspeakable crime. These are trying days for our country.”

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Scientists say they have spotted the deepest living fish ever found — a sea ghost of a snailfish that floated past their video camera at a depth of 26,716 feet (8,143 meters) in the Mariana Trench.

The Mariana Trench sits nearly 11,000 meters (7 miles) below sea level in the Pacific Ocean, where very few large animals are found. It’s too cold and dark for most. However, new robotic technology is allowing researchers to explore the relatively barren environment, long thought too harsh for any life to exist at all.

For the past month, the HADES team has been plumbing the depths of the Western Pacific Ocean’s Mariana Trench from the Schmidt Ocean Institute’s research vessel Falkor. The team sent remotely operated vehicles down to depths ranging from 16,404 to 34,777 feet (5,000 to 10,600 meters), to characterize the ecosystems at different levels in what’s known as the ocean’s hadal zone.

“Many studies have rushed to the bottom of the trench, but from an ecological view, that is very limiting,” Drazen explained in the news release. “It’s like trying to understand a mountain ecosystem by only looking at its summit.”

The expedition team, led by University of Hawaii marine scientists Jeff Drazen and Patty Fryer, say the white translucent fish with winglike fins and an eel-like tail represents a previously unknown variety of deep-sea creature.

The expedition brought up supergiant amphipods from the 5,000-meter depth, as well as volcanic glass and other rock samples from the inner slope of the trench. The team said those samples were left behind by some of the earliest volcanic eruptions of the Mariana island arc, and should shed fresh light on the geology of the trench system.

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The Spanish king’s sister, Princess Cristina, is to face a tax fraud trial over alleged links to her husband’s business dealings.

It is the first time for modern Spain to put a royal family member in the dock to face trial.

The charges were brought as part of an investigation into the business dealings of Cristina’s husband, former Olympic handball player Inaki Urdangarin, accused of embezzling millions in public funds through his non-profit Noos Foundation.

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A father and his two sons survived for 10 days after their car broke down in the Australian outback.

Later on it is understood they survived by putting out plastic containers to capture rainwater, and rationing their food.

Steven Van Lonkhuyzen, 37, Ethan, seven, and Timothy, five, are thought to have become stranded without a mobile phone signal when their four-wheel drive vehicle got bogged down in mud caused by heavy rains.

The family disappeared on a 1,000-mile road trip from their home in Brisbane, Queensland, to Cairns in the north of the state.

A farmer found them at the Expedition National Park near Taroom, 400 miles north-west of Brisbane.

Police spokesman Mick Bianchi said: “We have police and park rangers heading up there to figure out the best way to bring them out.”

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Madeira: Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo has had a giant statue erected in his honour.

The Portuguese international travelled home to the Portuguese island of Madeira, where he posed in front of the sculpture with his family.

And it is hard to argue with the sentiment, as Ronaldo is easily the island’s biggest export. There is already a ‘CR7′ museum in Funchal, the city in which he was born.

It was no surprise to see Ronaldo make the effort to travel home, where he was pictured hanging out next to the statue with friends and family. 

The life-size replica of the Madrid maestro sees him in his infamous free-kick pose, and large crowds gathered to see the unveiling on Sunday.

The former Manchester United man was at the presentation fresh from Real Madrid’s 2-0 win over San Lorenzo in the FIFA Club World Cup Final on Saturday.

There are, and will always be, arguments over whether Ronaldo is the best player in the world. He faces stiff competition from Lionel Messi, of course. 

In Madeira though, one man is head and shoulders above the rest. 

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