This year’s celebration to showcase Philippine culture, and heritage through various activities and events. The Philippine Independence Day 2023 (PID23) Executive Committee (ExeCom) organized a press conference to unveil the roadmap for the upcoming Philippine Independence Day celebration in Qatar. The press conference was held on May 6, 2023 at Bos Geo Pares Restaurant in Al Muntazah, Doha and attended by members of the media, community leaders, and various stakeholders. The PID23 ExeCom, consisting of representatives from Filipino community organizations and is led by the Philippine Business Council Qatar (PBCQ), announced the theme of this year's celebration, "Kalayaan, Kinabukasan, Kasaysayan" (Freedom, Future, History) and the various Fiesta Filipinas - inspired programs and activities lined up for the event. The celebrations aim to showcase and promote the Philippines' cultural heritage, traditions, and achievements, while encouraging inclusivity of every Filipino in the host country. At the prescon, Mr. Jyerex Abrasado, Chair of PID23 ExeCom and current Finance Director of PBCQ, gave opening remarks stressing the importance of PID23 for every Filipino citizen residing in Qatar. Abrasado emphasized the event's significance in promoting Filipino heroism, freedom, and the nation's heritage. “We have to make this PID23 event into something that once you attend and participate in the celebrations, you will go home with honor and pride on the heroism of our forefathers that lead to every Filipino’s freedom and our country’s nationhood”, said Abrasado. Abrasado further went on to lead a 'love connection' activity that involved everyone in attendance, emphasizing the importance of unity and love for the country and community in Qatar. He translated these values into L.O.V.E - Leadership, Openness, Values, and Excellence. Arch. Marvin Tejada, the Co-Chair of PID23, emphasized the need for collaborative efforts to ensure the successful delivery of this significant event. He also highlighted the importance of promoting inclusivity extending the invitation to every Filipino compatriot in the community. "There is significant value in promoting broader engagement from Filipino residents in Qatar across all job sectors, ensuring that everyone feels a sense of ownership and participation in the event. This marks a notable difference from last year's celebration," said Tejada. During the prescon, the spotlight was on the PID23 Roadmap, presented by Mr. Isaias Z. Marcelo, the Chair of the PID23 Programme Committee. Marcelo unveiled that the one-day celebration would include a range of activities such as Almusalang Bayan, Community Parade, Cultural & Traditional Performances, Bazaar, Regional Exhibits, Filipino Traditional Games, Battle of the Bands, Vocal Solo Contest, and Mutya ng Kalayaan 2023. The PID23 ExeCom panel disclosed that negotiations with a potential sponsor are underway to bring a guest celebrity who will be performing at the celebration. The media representatives were invited to ask questions and clarify any doubts they had regarding the celebration. They were also given a chance to interview the committee members, performers, and sponsors. The prescon was a great way to provide the media and various stakeholders with comprehensive information on the upcoming Philippine Independence Day celebration and encourage their participation and support. The Philippine Independence Day celebration in Qatar promises to be a spectacular event that will showcase the best of Philippine culture and offer an opportunity to build greater unity and understanding among the Filipino community residing in Qatar. The prescon concluded with a dinner sponsored by Bos Geo Pares Restaurant.

The Middle East’s largest gathering of senior business event professionals will be hosted by Qatar Tourism at the Fairmont Doha from May 9-11, 2023 The prestigious UFI MEA Regional Conference will be held in Doha for the very first time, hosted by Qatar Tourism. The three-day annual event by the UFI, the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, is the Middle East’s largest gathering of business event professionals. Held this year at the Fairmont Doha from May 9-11, senior representatives from several important bodies within the field will attend, including government entities, convention bureaus and some of the region’s most high-profile tourism boards. Hosting this event marks an important step for Qatar Tourism, which regards speciality tourism sectors such as meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE) as essential to achieving its long-term goal of increasing the number of visitors. Chairman of Qatar Tourism and Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker, said: “We are delighted to host such a highly regarded conference in Qatar for the first time. Qatar has bold ambitions to become a global leader in business events, which Qatar Tourism views as central to achieving its 2030 tourism goals. Qatar’s strategic location, multi award-winning airline and airport, open visa facilitation and industry-leading selection of conferencing and exhibition facilities, make it an ideal choice for seamless, productive, and enjoyable business travel.” This year’s conference will centre around the theme, ‘Towards a Sustainable Growth,’ delving into actionable strategies and solutions that can assist business leaders in fulfilling their climate goals. The event promises to feature a diverse range of thought-provoking interviews and stimulating panel discussions, all led by highly respected figures within the industry.

Doha, Qatar; May 3, 2023: The Doha Film Institute (DFI) inspired promising contemporary creatives to turn their passion into a career in its recent entrepreneurship workshop for artists at Geekdom, the country’s largest pop-culture event organised by DFI. The workshop provided the creative artists practical skills to understand the intricacies of managing a small and medium enterprise in Doha, and strategies for managing sustainable growth. Ahmad Al-Sayegh, Senior Entrepreneurs Engagement Advisor, provided in-depth training on the business regulations in the country and the differences between various licenses. Participants produced a Business Model Canvas to support growth at any stage. The participating Qatari creative professionals had showcased their projects at Geekdom to visitors’ acclaim more recently during the last edition that took place in 2022. The artists and future entrepreneurs also learned how to scale up businesses and convert creative ideas into winning business proposals, and how to conduct outreach for their work. Abdulla Jassim Al-Mosallam, Chief Administrative Officer of Doha Film Institute, said: “Geekdom has evolved as one of the most impactful platforms for exceptionally talented creative professionals and vendors who are strengthening the diverse economy of Qatar. The success of Geekdom has sparked the growth of a pop culture industry in Qatar, with the opening of new animation studios, pop-culture focused stores, video game developers and Esports organizers. It is exciting to see our promising young talent inspired to forge meaningful careers that showcase their passion and potential, and we are proud to be able to support them through such workshops that add value to their growth story. The continued success of Geekdom highlights the enormous economic potential for a strong creative ecosystem, and we are extremely grateful for the wonderful collaboration with Ahmed Al-Sayegh on the event.” Qatar offers a dynamic environment for small and medium enterprises (SME) to thrive, with numerous policies in place that support growth. Today, 97 per cent of registered private sector companies in Qatar are SMEs, and they contribute over 16 per cent to the national gross domestic product outside of resource-based industries. The country is also investing in the establishment of a strong creative economy, which the Doha Film Institute is a major contributor to through its diverse initiatives. Geekdom, launched by DFI in 2013, has evolved to become Qatar’s largest one-of-a-kind pop culture event offering the community in Qatar unique opportunities for diverse new ways to connect with motion arts and visual storytelling (Art, Film, Music, Video games, Animation and Television). Geekdom has established itself as a cross-generational, communal interactive creative space for people of all ages that supports the development of a diverse range of content creators.

MANILA (Philippines) - The highly anticipated FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 Draw presented by Wanda has concluded in Manila, with all 32 nations now aware of who they will face at the flagship event. Laying out the pathway for all teams in their journey to be crowned champions, it has further intensified the excitement ahead of the 19th edition of the prestigious tournament, which will take place from August 25 to September 10 in the Philippines, Japan and Indonesia. The FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 Draw presented by Wanda was carried out according to the draw principles and the results were as follows: Held at the Araneta Coliseum in the Philippines capital, it proved to be a spectacular event, with Argentina legend and FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 Global Ambassador, Luis Scola, on stage to assist with the draw, as well as basketball icon Dirk Nowitzki, a Central Board Member and Chair of the FIBA Players' Commission. It was also attended by the FIBA Central Board, under the leadership of FIBA President Hamane Niang and FIBA Secretary General Andreas Zagklis, the Chairs of the three LOCs, local ambassadors and special guests from the host nations, as well as representatives from participating National Federations. Those present enjoyed performances from global hip-hop artist Saweetie and an array of Filipino favorites including Sarah Geronimo and Billy Crawford. A huge audience watching around the globe also followed the Draw via the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 website, FIBA's YouTube channel, the official streaming service Courtside 1891, or many of FIBA’s official broadcast partners from across the world who covered the event on both television and on digital platforms. The full schedule for the competition will be available soon on the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 website.

April 19, 2023, Doha. The Philippine Ambassador to Qatar – H.E. Lilibeth V. Pono paid a visit to Filipino Hot Pack restaurant in Doha to express gratitude to its Filipino owner – Ms. Belle Castro Modin, for participating in the yearly gourmet event – a month-long celebration of Filipino cuisine in Doha which kicked-off on April 1. The restaurant featured many diverse Filipino foods including Beef Crispy Pata, Caldereta, Street Food Bilao, Isaw, Kinilaw, Chopseuy, Pancit, Gotong Batangas, and a winnowing basket of assorted Filipino sweets (kakanin). The lady Ambassador and other Philippine Embassy officials, TFC Global and Qabayan Radio team undoubtedly enjoyed the tantalizing treats offered by Qatar’s top-rated Filipino restaurant – Filipino Hot Pack. Ambassador Pono urged the Filipino community in Qatar to be involved in this program and invite their non-Filipino friends to partake in this culinary adventure to enjoy distinctive flavors of the Philippines.

Qatar Tourism has launched the Hayya Platform in a new form, inviting tourists who currently need a visa to Qatar to enjoy the country’s famously warm Arabian hospitality and diverse touristic offering. Taking place with immediate effect, the launch of the well-known Hayya Platform – which allowed the entry of over a million visitors during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022TM tournament – and its application via smart phones, will become the single portal for all tourist and business visas to Qatar. This will unify visa processes for tourists, GCC residents and companions traveling with GCC citizens (whom are issued an ‘Authorisation Electronic Travel’ permit). The latest development reflects Qatar’s keenness to continue its investment in the tourism sector, which forms an important pillar to the economy, and reflects the longer-term strategic vision to position the country as the leading tourism destination in the region. Tourists who require a visa to enter Qatar can apply through the Hayya Platform at www.hayya.qa, or through the application on their smartphones, and visit Doha, the Arab Tourism Capital of 2023. In addition, Hayya holders will enjoy seamless travel and connectivity into Qatar as Hayya will be enabled for e-gate entry at Hamad International Airport. For those entering Qatar via land at the Abu Samra border, the Hayya Platform will provide a pre-registration option for faster entry for vehicles, making the start of a weekend getaway or longer stay in Qatar even smoother and more enjoyable. For GCC nationals, the Platform provides an option to apply for an entry permit for companions. The Hayya Platform also provides further services that help round out a visitor’s stay, including maps, transportation options, offers and current events. Commenting on the latest initiative, Chairman of Qatar Tourism and Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker said, “Qatar’s national tourism strategy seeks to welcome over six million visitors a year by 2030. Already, Qatar is considered the most open country in terms of visa facilitation in the Middle East and the 8th most open globally, with more than 95 nationalities granted visa on arrival. We are pleased that the latest developments will further cement Qatar’s position as a leading tourism destination and will provide the opportunity for even more travelers to experience the country’s truly unique touristic offering.” From his part, Mr. Saeed Ali Al Kuwari, CEO of the Hayya Platform, commented: “The re-launch of the Haya Platform in its new form today is an extension of the strategic vision that the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy had previously developed, a vision that centres on the sustainable legacy of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™. The launch represents a means by which we will truly sustain the legacy of the World Cup. Previously, the Hayya card allowed fans from around the world to enter Qatar to watch their favourite teams during the world’s biggest football event. Today, the Hayya Platform is the legacy which we build upon, inviting visitors from all corners of the earth to visit our country and enjoy its authenticity, history, culture, hospitality, natural beauty and much more.” Following the unprecedented success of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022TM, Qatar has continued to welcome record-breaking numbers of tourists in the first quarter of this year. The country’s authentic culture, abundant natural beauty and world-class hospitality and leisure venues were experienced directly by international visitors during the world’s biggest sporting event late last year and witnessed by billions more remotely. Visitors to Qatar will be privy to Qatar’s recently expanded hospitality and leisure landscape, which includes beaches and resorts, such as Fuwairit Kite Beach with its pristine shores and serene waters, and West Bay Beach, which has been developed in the heart of the city. In addition, families can enjoy premium shopping and dining destinations such as Printemps and Place Vendôme, world-class museums including the National Museum of Qatar and the recently re-opened Museum of Islamic Art, all while selecting their stay from a collection of newly opened and industry-leading international and home-grown hotels including The Ned Doha, Raffles and Fairmont Doha and The Outpost at Al Barari.

The Taguinota siblings, Arabella (15) and Arvin (12) Filipino National snagged 6 Gold, 1 Silver and 2 Bronze Medals at the Emirates International Swimming Championships held at Hamdan Sports Complex, Dubai UAE, on 17-19 March 2023 of more than 1000 participants. Arvin Taguinota (12) claimed 6 Gold Medals in 50m, 100m, 200m back strokes, 200 Individual Medley, 50m and 100m free events setting new personal and UAE records and is awarded Best Swimmer for age group 11-12 years old. “It is my first international swimming championship events. I strive to shave my prelims records to finals and pleased with the results of all my times. Out of 6 swimming events, I think my most memorable event that stunned me was the 50m free when I clocked 27.89”. Arabella Taguinota (15), bagged Silver in 200 Ind. Medley and 2 Bronze in 50m and 100m Breaststroke for age group 15-16 years old. “Breaststroke is my special event, and I was happy leading 50m and 100m in the prelims. I am amazed with the results as I clocked 34.93 in 50m breast and 1:16.91, my new personal best and a huge lead with my previous records”. “I was swimming with age group 15-16 years old and a year older than me is an advantage. However, I wanted to challenge myself and show to them, what I can do because my training has always been pretty good. And I feel like it doesn’t really translate to racing as much as until I guess about now”, she said. Last year, Arabella (was 14) competed in the 2022 PSI Long Course Grand Prix National Championship in the Philippines where she received Gold in 50m free (28.83), Silver in 50m Breaststroke (35.69) and Silver in 200m Individual Medley (2:36.15) for age group 14-15 years old. “Like many good athletes, Arvin and Arabella possesses a strong ethic and character. Both are very hardworking, they listen well to their coaches, and skipping on their daily training is not in their diary”, father says. Whatever they achieve is the fruit of their hard work, passion, and enjoyment. Overall, Arabella and Arvin are very pleased with their achievements at the Emirates International Swimming Championship 2023 and to get into this level after pretty much not being in this kind of race prior to this event. The goal was just to do their best that they can, race and enjoy the process.

26 March 2023, Doha, Qatar. MG Qatar, represented in Qatar by Auto Class Cars, has launched the first generation of MG Motor’s all-new MG ONE in a special ceremony in Doha. Available in three trims, the all-new 2023 MG ONE will strengthen the British-born brand’s increasingly popular model portfolio, offering customers even more style, technology and travelling comfort at great value prices. The launching ceremony was held at the Education City Golf Club by Frank Zauner, General Manager, Auto Class Cars, Zaher Janbih, MG Country Brand Manager, Ahmad Firoozi, Marketing Manager at Auto Class Cars, VIP guests and members of media. HE Sheikh Faleh Bin Nawaf Al Thani, Managing Director of the Automotive sector at NBK Group said: “Auto Class Cars and MG are continuing their prosperous journey in Qatar and upholding their prominent position by presenting customers with the latest offerings from the brand. Our dedication to delivering exceptional customer service and adapting to the swift developments in the automotive industry remains steadfast. Our partnership with MG is a source of pride for us, as the brand has established a strong and dependable presence not just in Qatar, but also in the region and globally.” Frank Zauner, General Manager, Auto Class Cars, said in the ceremony: “We are pleased to launch the first generation of MG Motor’s all-new MG ONE, that represents a new milestone in our successful journey in Qatar. This car adopts a new concept based on all-new modular SIGMA architecture platform and advanced technology that’s real value to the driving experience. We are honored to be one of the first MG dealers to launch this car in this region, a matter that reflects our leading position.” The MG ONE harnesses the latest technology with the introduction of SAIC Motor’s self-developed all-new modular SIGMA architecture platform, housing a 1.5 Turbo unit delivering 181hp and max. torque of 285Nm – powering the vehicle to a top speed of 195 km/h. All models are equipped with an innovative seven-speed Continuously Variable Transmission for smoother, more efficient gear changes and optimum reliability. The arrival of the MG’s newest SUV is set to help the brand reinforce its position in the top six Middle East car makers. Tom Lee, Managing Director of MG Motor’s Middle East, commented: “The all-new MG ONE is the latest in our SUV offerings, which have propelled the MG brand into one of the most popular in the region. This tech-focused compact SUV not only complements our current product line-up but also provides customers with an exciting new option priced competitively.” The self-developed SIGMA architecture platform has been designed to optimize interior space, with up to 70 percent efficiency. The architecture compresses the mechanical space to help balance the exterior and interior space. As an all-in-one modular platform, it can house a range of all-electric, and hybrid powertrains, as well as regular internal combustion engines. This advanced electric architecture creates a smart car experience for MG’s new generation of vehicles. The all-new sporty mid-size SUV’s aggressive look is emphasized by a new three-dimension front grill, shifting downwards, flanked by sharp-looking LED headlamps. The MG ONE’s athletic look is highlighted through a dual-tone color scheme, a low and wide stance, sloping roofline, giving it a couple-like silhouette, split rear protruding lights and a distinctive sport spoiler with a cut-out. Designers of the all-new MG ONE emphasized the use of sound and light technology to create a high-tech cabin built for a new generation of tech-savvy customers living in urban spaces. Through a unique surround-type trip screen, Arkamys sound system, dual-colored sports seating, and drive by wire gear system, providing a new smart experience for drivers and passengers. The aesthetically designed cabin is padded with soft materials to ensure total comfort for occupants during their journey. There are plenty of storage spaces and even a wireless mobile phone charger on top-of-the-range models. The impressive specification levels include the availability of leather seats, a 12.3” virtual cluster panel with a trip computer, a six-way electric driver seat with lumbar support, four-way electric passenger seats, a panoramic sunroof, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, GPS navigation, as well as front, side and curtain airbags. Cruise control, push-button ignition, keyless entry, and a rear-view camera are all fitted as standard, with a 360-degree parking view camera on full option models, to give the driver full control and peace of mind on their journey. MG cars are renowned for featuring the latest safety technology and the all-new MG ONE is no different. Occupant safety is prioritized by the installation of a body structure that comprises over 65 per cent high-strength steel to minimize the impact of any collision by absorbing the energy. The standard Electronic Stability Program includes eight safety functions, with ABS, EBD, CBC, TCS, VDC, HAZ, HHC, BDW enhancing driving stability in extreme road conditions or in situations involving aggressive driving to ensure driving safety. All-new MG ONE models will benefit from the brand’s acclaimed six-year/200,000 km warranty, for ultimate peace of mind. The All-new MG ONE and full line-up of MG cars are available now at Auto Class Cars showroom on Salwa Road.

Doha, Qatar, 13 March 2023 — Safe Flight Solutions, known as th organizer of the Qatar Balloon Festival Series, and Qatar Museums hosted a press conference at the foyer of the beautiful Al Riwaq Gallery to present the exciting new festival concept – Qatar Kite Festival that will feature 40 international teams of professional kite flyers. Mr. Hassan Al-Moussawi, the CEO of Safe Flight Solutions, welcomed journalists sharing his vision of community events and their role in making Qatar a better place for all. "We already know this Kite Festival will be amazing, and we hope there will be many more events like this. By making Qatar Kite Festival a yearly tradition, we hope to contribute to our country's long-term goal of building a strong and prosperous society that promotes community bonding, education, and cultural growth by allowing people to get together in one of the most beautiful public spaces in Doha”. “It is an honor to have Qatar Museums as our new partner and host our event in beautiful MIA Park along with other organizations that joined us to make this event a success, added Captain Hassan. Dr. Karen Mary Excel, the Director of Lusail Museum, invited Qatar residents and visitors to explore the special exhibition "Tales of a Connected World" at Al Riwaq Gallery, which introduced the new state-of-art museum that is soon to open in Lusail. Dr. Karen spoke about the importance of using public events to promote art and culture, "It will be a beautiful collaboration of artworks and kites, and we will see what comes out of the workshops offered as a part of the Qatar Kites Festival." Registration for kite-building workshops is currently open on vqkf.com and is free of charge; however, seats are limited. Click this link to register: https://vqikf.com/kite-workshop/

Doha - March 13, 2023: Zoho, a leading global technology company, announced today that it has seen 53% growth in Bahrain/Qatar in 2022. The company has doubled its workforce in the country and increased its channel partner network by 30%. The announcement was made on the sidelines of Zoholics Qatar, the company's annual user conference. "Zoho's growth can be partially attributed to local businesses realising the power of cloud-based applications, as it allows them to be nimble and adapt quickly to changing market conditions. Given the breadth and depth of our product portfolio, which includes over 55 business apps that can help a company run its entire operations online, Zoho is well-placed to serve the growing demands of businesses. All our products are built upon the same tech stack, which additionally ensures seamless integrations, smooth flow of contextual data, and unified user experiences across the entire organisation," said Hyther Nizam, President MEA, Zoho Corp. "Our transnational localism strategy of being locally rooted in our growth as a business while being globally connected through shared culture and knowledge has also helped us expand organically in the region," he added. Zoho's growth in the region has been driven because of adoption Zoho One (the operating system for business), Zoho Books (accounting software), Workplace (enterprise collaboration), Zoho CRM (customer experience platform), and Zoho People (HR management). The company has also invested in localising its solutions in Arabic, with right-to-left interface present in several of its key products such as Zoho CRM, Zoho Books and Zoho Creator. The company also introduced RTL website builder in its e-commerce solution, Zoho Commerce to enable businesses in the Middle East build websites in Arabic. Growth in MEA In 2022, Zoho grew by 42% in the Middle East and Africa region, which is the highest growing region for the company. It grew its partner network by 32% and doubled its workforce in the region. The company also announced the opening of its office in Nigeria and an additional office in Johannesburg, South Africa last year.

Diverse cuisine, family-friendly entertainment and the chance to meet and learn from some of the region’s most talented chefs are all part of this year’s edition Qatar Tourism (QT) celebrated the opening of the twelfth edition of the annual Qatar International Food Festival (QIFF) today, at the newly-minted Al Sa’ad Plaza in Lusail Boulevard, and in the presence of Her Excellency Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani and with opening remarks presented by Chairman of Qatar Tourism and Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker. On until March 21, QIFF is Qatar’s longest-running food and beverage festival and is a headline event in the country’s annual social calendar. In partnership with Qatar Airways, more than 80 exciting and popular culinary vendors will attend the eleven-day festival, which is expected to attract more than 7,000 visitors a day. QIFF 2023 will run daily from16 – 23 pm on weekdays, and 16 pm – 1am on weekends. Entrance is free, with pre-registration available on the Visit Qatar website. Partners to this year’s edition are Talabat, Ooredoo, Askar, Qatar Museums: The Qatar-Indonesia 2023 Year of Culture, and Expo 2023 Doha Qatar. Commenting on the festival, Chairman of Qatar Tourism and Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker said: “Qatar International Food Festival is a celebration of the country’s unique and diverse melting pot of cultures and for more than a decade has shone an essential spotlight on its thriving culinary scene. With so many recent world-class restaurant openings, Qatar’s gastronomic landscape is incredibly exciting, and we are delighted to showcase all that’s on offer to residents and visitors this March.” From live cooking masterclasses to Le Petit Chef, QIFF 2023 has in store plenty to eat, see and do. Phil Lawrie, General Manager of IN-Q Enterprises, the commercial arm and wholly owned subsidiary of Qatar Museums (QM) shares, "Our decade of partnership with world renowned Michelin-starred Chef, Alain Ducasse, has brought to Qatar elevated dining experiences through IDAM in the Museum of Islamic Art (MIA), Jiwan at the National Museum of Qatar (NMoQ) and Café #999 located at Doha's artist hub - the Fire Station. Our restaurants offer a variety of menu options, from French to modern Qatari cuisine to authentic Italian, to satisfy the varied cravings and diverse culinary preferences of the local populace and visitors. We are grateful to be a part of QIFF 2023 because it is an opportunity to introduce more people to the signature flavours and pleasures, our outlets are known for.” Commenting on the festival, Francisco de Sousa, Managing Director at Talabat said: “We are once again delighted to be participating in one of the key food festivals in the State of Qatar, as well as in the region. With diverse culinary offerings, this festival is a testament to the country's commitment to promoting local and international cuisines and fostering cultural exchange. At Talabat, we believe in the power of food to bring people together, and we are honoured to be part of this exciting event that showcases the best of Qatar's food culture.” Expo 2023 Doha, represented by its Secretary General, Eng. Mohamed Ali Al-Khouri saw a great opportunity at the festival to raise awareness about the Expo, its pillars and what it stands for especially when it comes to putting horticulture and innovation and technology at the service of sustainability. Hayfa also highlighted that sustainability extends to food waste and leftovers and that QIFF is the perfect forum to start this conversation. From his end, Sheikh Ali Bin Jabor Al Thani, CEO at Ooredoo Qatar, said: “We’re delighted to partner with Qatar Tourism for this year’s Qatar International Food Festival. We’re committed to supporting our communities and our country, and helping showcase the many incredible events and activities on offer in Qatar, and we’re sure QIFF will - once again - be a hugely enjoyable experience for both residents and visitors.” Learn from the Region’s Best Chefs QIFF 2023 will offer five daily live cooking theatres, which will feature some of the region’s most dynamic and respected chefs, including 29 of participating chefs. Food-loving festivalgoers can also attend ticketed interactive food masterclasses where they will have the unique opportunity to sharpen their skillset with some of the industry’s finest. Some industry favourites include Rachel Allen, Chef Wan, East Levant and more. Savour Immersive Dining Experiences There will be a host of unusual - and delicious! - dining options available for guests. Attendees can also enjoy their very own high end Harrod’s afternoon tea. The festival’s customary cornucopia of world cuisine food trucks will make a return for 2023. From sumptuous Mexican tacos to gorgeously flavoursome Filipino Kare Kare, guests are sure to find something mouth-watering amongst the melee of carts. In a true tribute to international cuisine, QIFF will see an area dedicated to Indonesian cuisine, in celebration of the Qatar-Indonesia Year of Culture 2023. Finally, an entire section of the festival will exclusively house vegan cuisine, and healthy food options. Experience World Class Entertainment A suite of varied and lively entertainment options for the entire family will be on offer at QIFF 2023. Throughout the festival, there will be roaming acts, a nightly fireworks show and a publicly-accessible VIP section. Guests can get their skates on with a custom-made skate ring, and an entire Kids section will be available for the little ones, with entertainment organised by Aura Entertainment. QIFF 2023 can be easily accessed by metro (QNB station) and car, with several parking options in close proximity to Lusail Boulevard. On a daily basis, all leftover food will be collected and distributed by the festival’s charity partner Hifz Al NAENA. Those in search of more information on QIFF 2023, should visit Qatar International Food Festival 2023 | Visit Qatar. For more detail on other upcoming events, visit www.qatarcalendar.com and follow @qatarcalendar on Facebook and Instagram.

Abdullah Abdulghani & Bros. Co. (AAB), distributors for Toyota vehicles in Qatar launched the All-New Toyota Veloz 2023 at the Rixos Gulf Hotel, Doha. The exclusive launch event was attended by the representatives from automotive fleet companies in Qatar, retail customers, members from the media as well as social media influencers. AAB was represented by Mr. Abdulghani Nasser Al Abdulghani, Vice President, Mr. R.K. Murugan CEO along with Senior Managers and executives. Welcoming the guests, Mr. R.K. Murugan said “This new model introduction is part of TOYOTA MOTOR CORPORATION and AAB’s commitment to creating mobility for all and developing versatile vehicles that reflect the aspirations of today’s drivers. Toyota Veloz delivers smooth acceleration and a dynamic driving experience thanks to its four-cylinder 1.5-liter engine. The spacious vehicle blends sleek design with comfort and functionality and comes equipped with a host of advanced features that cater to the needs of the brand’s most valued customers.” Further building on its commitment to creating mobility for all and developing versatile vehicles that reflect the aspirations of today’s drivers, Toyota has announced the Middle East launch of the new Veloz. The spacious vehicle blends sleek design with comfort and functionality and comes equipped with a host of advanced features that cater to the needs of the brand’s most discerning customers. The new Toyota Veloz is a supremely practical vehicle that combines efficient fuel economy of 19.3km/l and maneuverability on narrow roads with ample interior space. Envisioned as a sub-compact group carrier, it features three rows of seats that can comfortably accommodate seven passengers thanks to flexible configurations to offer an exceptional ride. The vehicle’s outstanding performance is ready to take on the demands of users seeking thrills and excitement in their daily drives, while its enhanced safety features deliver added protection and peace of mind. Eiji Fujibayashi, Chief Engineer in charge of development, commented: “The new Veloz was developed around the theme ‘Easy to drive anywhere, anytime, and for anyone.’ It provides exceptional maneuverability, allowing for stable and stress-free driving even on narrow roads. With “Proud Active” as the key design concept, we aimed to deliver a spacious and dynamic vehicle suited to a wide range of uses and driving styles. We are happy to bring the benefits of Toyota’s advanced technology to more drivers in the Middle East, and believe our customers will be very satisfied with what we have achieved.” Kei Fujita, Chief Representative, Middle East and Central Asia Representative Office, Toyota Motor Corporation, said: “We are excited to introduce the new Veloz to the Middle East. With its advanced features and spacious interior, our newest vehicle comes with a premium look that embodies Toyota’s commitment to Quality, Durability, and Reliability, and is designed to create a sense of adventure. The adaptable interior offers true versatility, enabling people from all walks of life to experience the joy of mobility while providing outstanding safety and comfort on every journey. I would like to thank our loyal customers in the region for their tireless support, which serves as powerful motivation as we continue on our drive to create ever-better cars.” The 2023 Toyota Veloz’s new platform and highly-rigid body structure contribute to outstanding handling, stability, and ride comfort, even on rough roads or with multiple passengers. The vehicle features newly- developed MacPherson strut-type front suspension, which provides linear and direct driving dynamics, while the rear is equipped with a new torsion beam suspension system. Drivers can experience three different driving modes with a choice of ECO, Normal, and Power modes to suit a variety of driving conditions and styles. The vehicle also boasts excellent maneuverability, with a 5.0-meter turning radius. The new Toyota Veloz delivers smooth acceleration and a dynamic driving experience thanks to its four- cylinder 1.5-liter capacity engine with 16-valve DOCH and dual VVT-I, which produces 105 horsepower and 138 Nm of torque with fuel consumption of 19.3 km/l. Paired with Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) that simulates a seven-speed sequential shift transmission to deliver powerful, smooth acceleration from start-off and at low speeds, as well as quiet, efficient transmission at higher speeds with excellent fuel efficiency. A unique front design has been adopted, with the high nose and large trapezoid grille creating a proud expression. The slim LED headlamps and chrome moldings give an elegant, yet sporty look. On the side, the strong character lines running from the nose to the rear express length and presence, which is complemented by large-diameter wheels and over fenders. At the back, long rear combination lamps emphasize the vehicle’s wide stance and stability. Toyota has prioritized comfort and convenience throughout the 2023 Veloz’s interior. Upon entering the vehicle, passengers are welcomed by ambient lighting that complements the overall feel of the spacious cabin, which comes with a range of advanced and practical features. These include a 7-inch color Multi- Information Display (MID), which is complemented by an 8-inch multimedia screen with Apple CarPlay® and Android AutoTM integration for seamlessly connected journeys. The vehicle also features a wireless charging pad for smartphones and three dedicated USB charging ports for the first and second rows, as well as two 12V sockets for powering other types of devices. The new Toyota Veloz’s three rows of seats can accommodate up to seven people, while the second and third rows can be folded together or individually for different layouts that provides passengers with more comfort and can carry more cargo, including longer items. It comes equipped with ample storage, including a total of 12 cup and drinking bottle holders for occupants. Additional comforts include a 6-speaker sound system, a powerful automatic air conditioning system with rear control panel, rear sonar, and smart entry and start systems. Meanwhile, parents benefit from the added peace of mind with the ISOFIX safety system, which attaches baby seats securely. As with any Toyota model, the vehicle comes complete with a comprehensive array of safety features. These include six SRS airbags (front airbags for the driver and passenger, side airbags for the front seats, and side-curtain airbags for all three rows of seats), Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electric Parking Brake (EPB) with Brake hold function, Emergency Stop Signal (ESS), Traction Control (TRC), Hill-start Assist Control (HAC), Tire Pressure Warning System (TPWS), and many more. A choice of six exciting exterior hues adds to the 2023 Veloz’s bold new look. These include Platinum White Pearl Mica, Siler Metallic, Grey Metallic, Dark Red Mica Metallic, Black Metallic, and the newly developed color Purplish Silver Mica Metallic. Meanwhile, the spacious interior cabin is furnished with a stylish black and grey color scheme. The new Veloz is equipped with 17-inch machined finished 10-spoke aluminum wheels that further enhance the vehicle’s appeal.