In a regular meeting of the Council held in Amiri Diwan headquarter today, 5th January 2022 chaired by His Excellency Sheikh Khalid bin Khalifa bin Abdulaziz Al Thani, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, and upon the recommendation of His Excellency Mr. Mohammed bin Abdullah Al-Sulaiti, Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs, stated the following: At the beginning of the meeting, the council listened to the explanation given by H.E. Dr. Hanan Mohamed al-Kuwari, Minister of Public Health, on the latest updates and developments to limit the spread of Covid-19. It also reviewed the report of the Supreme Committee for Crisis Management in this regard, and in the interest of the health and safety of all community members, decide the following new precautionary measures effective Saturday, 8th January 2022. Business and Leisure Workplace: The continuation of all employees in the government sector to carry out their work at their place of work, and allowing all employees in the private sector to carry out their work at their place of work. Workplace (meeting): Continuing to allow meetings to be held for employees and workers in the government and private sectors who are at their workplace in the presence of no more than (15) people who have completed doses of the (Covid-19) vaccine, provided that the rest of the meetings are (remotely) using modern technical means. Rapid test for non-vaccinated: Continuing to oblige all employees and workers in the public and private sectors to conduct a rapid test for the Corona virus (Rapid Antigen) approved by the Ministry of Public Health, on a weekly basis, for employees and workers who did not receive or complete doses of the (Covid-19) vaccine, and they are exempted from conducting that examination. Employees and workers who have completed doses of the (Covid-19) vaccine, and who have recovered from the disease. Theatres and cinemas: Continuing to allow the opening of theaters and cinemas and the provision of their services not exceeding (50%) of the capacity, provided that all the visitors have completed doses of the (Covid-19) vaccine. Museums and libraries: Allowing the opening of museums and public libraries with a full capacity, provided that all visitors to those museums and public libraries have completed doses of the (Covid-19) vaccine. Shopping Malls: Continuing to allow the work of commercial complexes with a capacity not exceeding (75%), while allowing entry to those who have completed doses of the (Covid-19) vaccine, and allowing the opening of food courts within the commercial complexes, provided that it does not exceed (30%) of the capacity of those squares. And allow the opening of mosques, changing rooms and toilets in those complexes, with all shops in those complexes adhering to the maximum number of customers allowed to be there, which is determined by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. Restaurants: Continuing to allow restaurants and cafes to serve food and beverages according to the following: A capacity card that does not exceed (75%) for restaurants and cafes that have the “Clean Qatar” certificate, and a capacity card that does not exceed (40%) for restaurants and cafes that meet the conditions determined by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, in open spaces. A capacity card that does not exceed (50%) for restaurants and cafes that have a certificate of the "Clean Qatar" program, and a capacity card that does not exceed (30%) for restaurants and cafes that meet the conditions determined by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, provided that all customers have completed vaccine doses. (Covid-19), and allow entry to children under 12 years of age, accompanied by their families only, in closed spaces. In all cases, all workers in those facilities must be from those who have completed doses of the (Covid-19) vaccine. Trade-shows, Exhibitions, Conferences and Cultural Events​​​​​​​: Continuing to allow the organization of conferences, exhibitions and events in accordance with the following: A capacity not exceeding (50%), in open spaces. Capacity not exceeding (30%), in closed places. In all cases, prior approval from the Ministry of Public Health is required before holding any conference, exhibition or event, and that all organizers and participants in such conferences, exhibitions and events have completed doses of the (Covid-19) vaccine. Souqs: Allowing souqs to operate on all days of the week, with a capacity not exceeding (75%), and allowing children to enter, with all stores in those markets adhering to the maximum number of customers allowed for their presence there, which is determined by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. Wholesale markets: Continuing the work of wholesale markets with a capacity not exceeding (75%), and allowing entry to those who have completed doses of the (Covid-19) vaccine, with all stores in those markets adhering to the maximum number of customers allowed in them, which is determined by the Ministry of Trade and Industry, and allowing auctions to be held in those markets. Barbershops and hairdressers: Continuing to allow the opening of beauty and hairdressing salons with a capacity not exceeding (50%), provided that all workers in those facilities and clients have completed doses of the (Covid-19) vaccine. Theme parks and leisure centers: Continuing to allow the opening of amusement parks and all entertainment centers according to the following: A capacity not exceeding (75%) for amusement parks and recreational centers in open spaces. A capacity not exceeding (50%) for amusement parks and recreational centers in closed places, and allowing entry to customers who have completed doses of the (Covid-19) vaccine. In all cases, all employees of these facilities must be those who have completed doses of the (Covid-19) vaccine. Health clubs, gyms, and spas: Continuing to allow the opening of health clubs, physical training clubs and massage services, not exceeding (50%) of the absorptive capacity, with closing dressing rooms, showers, saunas, steam, jacuzzi services, Moroccan and Turkish baths, provided that all workers in those facilities and clients who have completed vaccine doses ( COVID-19). Swimming pools and water parks: Continuing to allow the opening of swimming pools and water parks according to the following: A capacity not exceeding (75%) for all swimming pools and water parks in open spaces. A capacity not exceeding (50%) for all indoor swimming pools and water parks, and allowing entry to customers who have completed doses of the (Covid-19) vaccine. In all cases, all employees of these facilities must be those who have completed doses of the (Covid-19) vaccine. Cle​aning and Hospitality Services: Continuing to allow cleaning and hospitality companies to provide their services through their workers who have completed doses of the (Covid-19) vaccine, whether in one or more homes, and allowing cleaning and hospitality services to be provided to the facilities contracting with them during working hours with a full capacity, through their employees who have completed COVID-19 vaccine doses. COVID-19 precautionary measures with respect to masks Continuing the obligation to wear masks in all open and closed public places, with the exception of people who practice sports in open places. Ehteraz Application Continuing to oblige all citizens, residents and visitors to activate the Ehteraz application on smart phones when leaving the house for any reason. Gatherings Mosques: Continuing to open mosques to perform daily duties and Friday prayers, while not allowing entry to children under 12 years old, while adhering to the precautionary measures determined by the Ministry of Public Health and the Ministry of Endowments and Islamic Affairs, and allowing the opening of toilets and ablution facilities in mosques determined by the Ministry of Endowments and Islamic Affairs. . Social Gatherings: Continuing to allow social gatherings in homes and councils according to the following: The presence of a maximum of (10) people, who have completed doses of the (Covid-19) vaccine, in closed places in homes and councils, with the exception of family members residing in the same house. The presence of a maximum of (15) people, who have completed doses of the (Covid-19) vaccine, in open spaces in homes and councils, with the exception of family members residing in the same house. Weddings: Continuing to allow weddings to be held in wedding halls in hotels and independent wedding halls only, and for people who have completed doses of the (Covid-19) vaccine, according to the following: If there is no more than (30%) of the capacity of the closed wedding hall, and a maximum of (40) people. The presence of no more than (50%) of the capacity of the open wedding hall, and a maximum of (80) people. Education and Health Education and Training Centers: Continuing to allow educational centers and private training centers to provide their services with a capacity not exceeding (50%) and a maximum of (50) people in one hall, provided that all trainers and trainees have completed doses of the (Covid-19) vaccine. Special Needs Centers: Continuing to allow educational sessions to be held in centers designated for people with special needs, with no more than (5) people in one session, provided that all trainers who start work in those centers are from those who have completed doses of the (Covid-19) vaccine. Nurseries: Continuing to allow the opening of nurseries and the provision of their services not exceeding (50%) of the capacity, provided that all workers who start work in nurseries are from those who have completed doses of the Covid-19 vaccine. Private healthcare facilities: Continuing to allow medical services to be provided in private health care facilities with the full capacity of these facilities, provided that all workers who start work in those facilities are those who have completed doses of the (Covid-19) vaccine. Outdoor and Professional Sports Activities in parks, Corniche, and beaches: Continuing to allow gatherings or sitting in public parks, beaches and the Corniche with a maximum of (15) people or family members residing in the same house, and it is allowed to practice individual sports such as walking, running and cycling, and allowing the opening of playgrounds and sports equipment in those places, and allowing the opening of beaches. of the capacity not to exceed (75%) of the capacity, and to allow the opening of toilets in the gardens specified by the Ministry of Municipality. Professional Sports Training​​​​​​​​​​​​: Continuing to allow professional sports training, whether in indoor or open spaces, and allowing preparatory training for local and international tournaments approved by the Ministry of Public Health, and allowing training for age groups from (18) years and under for Qatari sports clubs and federations, with a maximum of (40) people. In open spaces and (30) people in indoor spaces, who have completed doses of the (Covid-19) vaccine, with no public attendance allowed, and the suspension of training for children under 12 years old in private clubs. Local and International Sporting events: Continuing to allow the organization of local and international sporting events after obtaining the approval of the Ministry of Public Health, and allowing the presence of no more than (50%) of the capacity of the public in open spaces, provided that they have completed doses of the (Covid-19) vaccine, and allowing the presence of what is not It exceeds (30%) of the capacity of the public in indoor places, provided that they have completed doses of the (Covid-19) vaccine, and the suspension of local and special sports leagues and tournaments for age groups and adults, and the suspension of community sports tournaments and activities. Transport Continuing to work to oblige all citizens, residents and visitors when leaving and moving for any reason, not to have more than four people in the vehicle, including the driver of the vehicle, with the exception of family members residing in the same house when leaving and moving vehicles. Public transport: Continuing to allow people to be transported by buses not to exceed (60%) of the bus's capacity, while taking precautionary measures and measures. Continuing the operation of metro services and public transport services, not exceeding (60%) of the capacity throughout the week, while continuing to close places designated for smoking, and not allowing food and drink in the mentioned means of transport. Driving schools: Continuing to allow the opening of driving schools, and to provide their services with a capacity not exceeding (50%), provided that all trainers and trainees have completed doses of the (Covid-19) vaccine. Maritime transport: Continuing to allow the work of chartering services of tourist boats and yachts and pleasure boats, provided that all workers in those boats and yachts have completed doses of the (Covid-19) vaccine. The number of passengers on these boats and yachts does not exceed (30%) of its capacity and a maximum of (15) persons who have completed doses of the (Covid-19) vaccine. Owners of personal boats and yachts, if used, are obligated not to have more than (12) people on board, with the exception of family members residing in the same house.

Dahil sa tumataas na kaso ng COVID-19 sa bansa, inanunsyo ng Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) ang pagbabago nito sa out-patient services kung saan, 50% nito ay idadaan sa telemedicine consultations, simula ngayong Linggo, 2 Jan 2022, samantalang 50% ang tatanggapin sa in-person consultations lamang. Ang mga pasyenteng tatanggap ng telemedicine consultations ay hindi na kailangang tumungo sa hospital o clinic para sa kanilang appointment, kundi tatawagan lamang sila ng doktor sa araw ng kanilang appointment. Kung magdesisyon man ang doktor na kailangang dalhin ang pasyente sa hospital o clinic para sa in-person na consultation, aaregluhin ito ng doktor at tatawagan ng hospital o clinic ang pasyente. Lahat ng pasilidad ng HMC ay nagpapatupad ng mahigpit na health and safety prevention protocols, at matatandaang may bagong visitors policy rin ang HMC na ipinapatupad upang maprotektahan ang mga pasyente, bisita at mga staff nito sa loob ng mga pasilidad. Sinabi rin ng HMC na nananatiling operational ang mga emergency departments at Ambulance Service 24 oras sa bawat araw, at hinihikayat ang mga residente at publiko na gamitin lamang ang mga nasabing serbisyong para sa mga medical emergencies lamang. Ang HMC Virtual Urgent Care Service ay available para suportahan ang mga pasyenteng may minor o non-life threatening conditions lamang sa pamamagitan ng pagtawag sa 16000 mula 7:00am hanggang 3:00pm, Linggo hanggang Huwebes lamang.

Inanunsyo ng Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) na ang COVID-19 PCR tests ay available at libre sa lahat ng 28 PHCC health centers sa bansa. Pinapayuhan nito ang lahat ng may nararamdamang sintomas ng COVID-19 na tumungo kaagad sa alinman sa mga health centers para sa PCR testing ng walang bayad, at iwasang makihalubilo sa iba habang hindi pa lumalabas ang resulta. Dagdag pa ng MoPH, pwede ring mag-drive-through sa 14 health centers araw-araw, mula 4:00pm hanggang 10:00pm, sa mga sumusunod: Al Wakra, Al Thumama, Airport, West Bay, Abu Baker, Mesaimeer, Al Waab, Al Rayyan, Al Wajbah, Umm Salal, Gharafat Al Rayan, Qatar University, Leabaib, at Al Khor. Ayon pa sa MoPH, ang mga PCR tests naman na kailangan para sa pagbyahe ay may bayad sa halagang QR160 bawat test.

Sa regular na weekly meeting ng Qatar's cabinet sa Amiri Diwan nitong araw ng Miyerkules, nagdesisyon ang gabinete na obligado na ang pagsusuot ng facemask simula ngayong Biyernes (31 Dec 2021), sa sarado o bukas mang pampublikong mga lugar, maliban sa mga taong gumagawa ng sports activity sa mga open spaces. Pinamunuan ang cabinet meeting ni Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, His Excellency Sheikh Khalid bin Khalifa bin Abdulaziz Al Thani. Napagdesisyunan din ng gabinete ang patuloy na pagpayag sa mga conferences, exhibitions at mga events ayon sa mga sumusunod: Hindi dapat lalampas sa 75% ang kapasidad sa mga open spaces; Hindi dapat lalampas sa 50% ang kapasidad kapag nasa closed spaces, subalit dapat 90% ng mga kasama ay nakakompleto na ng COVID-19 vaccines. Kailangang may negative result ng rapid antigen o PCR test na aprubado ng Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) ang mga hindi pa nakakacompleto ng bakuna para sa COVID-19. Samantala, sa alinmang sitwasyon, lahat ng mga conferences, exhibition o mga events na idadaos ay kailangang may approval ng MoPH. Isasaalang-alang din ang pagsunod sa mga precautionary measures, mga pamamaraan at kontrol na itatakda ng MoPH. Ang Ministry of Interior, MoPH at iba pang sangay ng pamahalaan alinsunod sa kani-kanilang mga tungkulin, ay magpapatupad ng mga kaukulang alituntunin at pagganap upang matiyak na nasusunod ang mga alituntunin at mga precautionary measures laban sa COVID-19. Magkakabisa ang nasabing desisyon simula ngayong Biyernes, December 31, 2021 (until further notice).

QNA Doha: The Amir HH Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani sent on Monday a cable of condolences to President of the Republic of the Philippines HE Rodrigo Duterte on the victims of Typhoon Rai (Odette) that hit the Philippines, wishing a speedy recovery for the injured.

Kinumpirma ng Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) ang unang mga kaso ng Omicron COVID-19 variant na naitala na sa bansa. Lahat ng unang apat na mga kaso ng Omicron variant ay natukoy mula sa mga citizens at residente na bumalik sa Qatar mula sa kanilang pagbyahe galing sa ibang bansa. Tatlo sa nasabing indibidwal ay nakatanggap na ng 2 doses ng COVID-19 vaccine - ang second dose ay nabakuna mahigit anim na buwan na ang nakalipas, samantalang ang isa sa mga ito ay hindi pa nababakunahan. Tiniyak naman ng MoPH na ang lahat ng nasabing mga indibidwal ay sumusunod sa quarantine requirements, walang nadala sa hospital, at mananatili sa quarantine hanggang sa sila ay tuluyang gumaling at maging negative na ang resulta ng kanilang test. Nanawagan ang MoPH sa lahat ng mga komunidad na gawin ang bahagi nito sa patuloy na laban kontra COVID-19 na kinabibilangan ng tatlong hakbang: Magpabakuna na, o magkaroon ng booster dose sa lalo't madaling panahon para sa mga eligible na makakatanggap nito; Magpa-test kaagad kapag may nararamdamang sign o sintoma ng COVID-19; at Patuloy na sumunod sa COVID-19 precautionary measures na kasalukuyang ipinapatupad ng mga kinauukulan.

To show strong support to the whole Civil Engineering Community, the Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers Qatar Chapter organized various activities during the whole month of November in line with the celebration of Civil Engineering Month in the Philippines. Starting off the celebration, the PICE Qatar Board of Directors and officers, along with members, family, and friends, participated in a motorcade and traveled through a 21km stretch of road from Radisson Blue Hotel Salwa towards Al Rayyan Sports Club where the opening ceremony of the 9th President’s Cup was also held. Successively, the PICE Board of Directors together with Philippine Professional Organization – Qatar Chairman Adonis Q. Talabo, and Philippine Labor Attaché and head of Philippine Overseas Labor Office in Qatar Hon. Adam A. Musa, had met and discussed the events of PICE Qatar not only relating to the celebration but also, the programs for Kababayans here in Qatar and back in the Philippines. On 7th November, Dinner for a cause was held at Zaitoon Restaurant. It was a night spent among PICE members and families who shared food and fun with a bonus live acoustic band, supporting the noble cause for the benefit of PICE Qatar’s scholarship program. Stretched throughout the month, various sports activities such as Basketball, Tennis, and Bowling were arranged by the Sports Leisure, and Recreations Committee to promote camaraderie, teamwork, and most importantly a healthy lifestyle for all. Intending to reach a bigger audience, PICE Qatar had a live on-air interview with Qabayan 94.3 FM’s RJ Kenzo on the 20th of November. 2021 President Mark Anthony P. Abendan together with Secretary Dave Sanchez and Founding President Roy Baquiran discussed the PICE Qatar history, mission and vision, Special Licensure Examination, and all the upcoming activities and programs organized and planned out by the chapter. PICE Qatar also held a thanksgiving mass at the Church of Our Lady of the Rosary on the 21st of November, offering and giving back to the Lord all the praise and glory for another successful year in PICE Qatar. Ultimately, PICE Qatar held its 15th General Assembly and Election of 2022 Board of Directors at Hilton West Bay Doha, Qatar. The Civil Engineering month theme for this year “Back to Basics in Foreseeing our Futures in Civil Engineering” was indeed timely as the PICE Qatar Hymn was launched for the first time. Titled “Dangal ng Bansang May Dangal” the song lyrics and video showcased a memory down the lane from the chapter’s humble beginnings towards reaching success and triumphs.

The much-anticipated Qatar International Food Festival returns with its 11th edition, along with the 18th edition of Heya Arabian Fashion Exhibition, amid a winter season with exciting sporting events and family-friendly activities. Qatar Tourism announced a packed winter calendar for visitors and residents. As restrictions on public gatherings ease and borders open, the country is ready to stage in-person events. These include Qatar International Food Festival (QIFF), Qatar's biggest multicultural festival, fine dining experiences with Michelin-Star World Class Chefs, Heya Arabian Fashion Exhibition, and Qatar Live, a series of entertainment shows. Chairman of Qatar Tourism and Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker said, "This year's winter season is indicative of a restart for Qatar's unparalleled tourism experiences. With 85% of the population successfully vaccinated and stringent health and safety measures in place, Qatar offers its visitors and residents safe experiences to enjoy with the whole family. It is our immense pleasure to welcome regional visitors as the country prepares to host mega sporting events like FIFA Arab Cup 2021 along with an exciting line-up of festivals and entertainment shows." He added, "With our new global promotional campaign 'Experience a World Beyond' targeting 17 global markets and the collaborative efforts of Qatar's ever-growing public and private sector partners. Along with initiatives like Qatar Clean and Service Excellence, we are confident that this will be a memorable winter season for all." Qatar International Food Festival (QIFF) The first in the impressive line-up of events is Qatar's longest-running food and beverage festival, Qatar International Food Festival (QIFF), which runs from 26 November to 17 December, in its longest edition to date. Taking place at Al Bidda Park, it combines culinary arts with a range of activations, including a live cooking theatre by globally renowned chefs and exciting festivities providing family entertainment for residents and visitors of all ages. Over 140 vendors will serve at the festival. QIFF stages a cooking theatre every day with three to five demonstrations by renowned chefs. During the opening week of the festival, several World Class Chefs including: Frederic Jaunault, Heinz Beck, Kei Kobayashi, Jannis Brevet, Jean Thomas Schneider, David Kinch, Christian le Squer, and Gilles Goujon will participate. The cooking theatre will feature celebrity chefs from the region including Dani García, , Aisha Al Tamimi, Shams Al-Qassabi, William Dissen & Saif Rahman, Hervé Courtot, Hassan Al Ibrahim, Grenal Godinho, Aleksandre Ugrekhelidze, Arturo Mendez, Roberto Reatini, Aaj Fernando, Sergio Galaz, Hari Wahyudin and Santiago Guerrero. The festival additionally hosts food trucks at a stretch of Corniche Road for nine days, starting 26 November. There is also a fireworks display at 9 p.m. every weekend i.e., Thursday, Friday, and Saturday throughout the course of the festival. While general admission to QIFF is free of cost, multiple VIP areas are set up around the festival that can be reserved for 350 QAR per booking. Over the last decade, QIFF has grown as a festival, supporting local businesses and contributing to the country's thriving dining scene by attracting international chefs to open local outlets. World Class Chefs Qatar Tourism, in collaboration with Qatar Airways, Qatar Aircraft Catering company (QACC) and Kings of Kitchen, has launched "World Class Chefs." The two-year long initiative hosts high-profile Michelin-Star chefs from around the world, with the purpose of introducing the destination to the world's top culinary talent and showcase Doha – an emerging gastronomy hub in the Middle East. The project has already hosted Michelin-Star Chefs such as Chef Julien Roucheteau, Chef Wolfgang Becker, and Chef Aquiles Chavez. Heya Arabian Fashion Exhibition The 18th Edition of Heya Arabian Fashion Exhibition will open on 12 December and run until 17 December at Doha Exhibition and Convention Center (DECC). The exhibition is a leading platform for modest and contemporary Arabian fashion. Heya is expected to host more than 130 exhibitors including designers from 10 countries including Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Lebanon, Morocco, Indonesia, India and Turkey, alongside a sizeable presence of home-grown talent. The exhibition brings together local, regional, and international talent, offering opportunities to learn from industry leaders, educate and entertain audiences in Qatar, while contributing to the economy. This year, Heya will feature eight fashion shows, four workshops, four master classes and nine discussions on topics related to the world of fashion and sustainable fashion, with the participation of a group of the most famous fashion experts in Qatar, the region and the world. Qatar Live Shortly after the launch of QIFF, the country will stage Qatar Live. 10 renowned artists from the Arab world will perform at Doha Exhibition and Convention Center (DECC) from 5th December to 17 December. Tickets can be purchased via Virgin Megastore (link available on Visit Qatar) and are priced at 190 QAR for Silver, 290 QAR for Gold, 375 QAR for Platinum, and 750 QAR for VIP. Thursday, 5 December: Majida El Roumi Thursday, 9 December: Mutref Al Mutref, Assala and Abdallah Al Rowaished Thursday, 16 December: Myriam Fares, Assi El Hallani and Salah Al Zadjali Friday, 17 December: Aedh Yousef, Asma Lamnawar and Fahad Al-Kubaisi Family Entertainment To provide an inclusive experience to families, Qatar Live will also host a Hot Wheels® Monster Trucks Experience. Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Experience will take place from 8 December to 11 December at Lusail Arena. The event will provide an exclusive opportunity to see real-life versions of the famous Hot Wheels monster truck toys. Tickets for the shows are available online at Virgin Megastore (link available on Visit Qatar). Prices start at 75 QAR for Bronze tickets. Ajyal Film Festival and Drive- in Cinema Qatar Tourism was the Strategic Partner of Ajyal Film Festival which took place until 13 November across multiple venues including Katara Cultural Village, Sikket Al Wadi Msheireb and the drive-in cinema at Lusail. The festival brought together people of all ages through screenings and events that inspired creative interaction and stimulated cinematic dialogues. The drive-in cinema will continue to run until March 2022. Qatar Balloon Festival Qatar Tourism is the Exclusive Strategic partner of the Qatar Balloon Festival which is set to return from 9 - 18 December at Aspire Park. The second edition of the festival is expected to have 35 hot air balloons from around the world participating. Aspire Lake Festival: Qatar Tourism is the Strategic partner of the Aspire Lake Festival taking place in January 2022. The festival will be a masterpiece for all ages to enjoy, featuring musical and artistic entertainment performed in boats on the Aspire Lake. Sports Events The sporting highlights of the winter season revolve around the FIFA Arab Cup 2021™ and the recently concluded Formula 1. Qatar hosted a Formula 1 Grand Prix from November 19 to November 21, for the first time ever. Meanwhile, the FIFA Arab Cup 2021™ will bring 16 teams from across the Arab world to compete in Doha. Between November 30 and December 18, the event will provide an opportunity to both competitors and spectators to experience the iconic stadiums that will host FIFA World Cup 2022™. Business Events Business events make up one of the most important tourism sub-sectors and enrich Qatar's calendar of local events. This winter, Qatar is hosting a slew of trade events. In November, DECC hosted major events related to the tourism sector. These included the 6th edition of Hospitality Qatar and the first edition of Qatar Travel Mart (QTM). WORLDCOB BIZZ Awards staged from November 23 to November 26 at St. Regis hotel. The event aims to recognize business excellence and support businesses of all sizes. In December, the World Innovation Summit for Education (WISE) will return from 7 December to 9 December at QNCC. Cruise Season Following a gap of over a year, Qatar is resuming its cruise activities with its biggest season to date. During the 2021-22 season, Doha Port will receive 76 confirmed calls. Eleven cruise liners will make their maiden calls to Doha with the same number of turnaround calls and ten ships docking overnight, giving passengers two days to explore the destination's offerings.

The jury comprises of leaders from tourism, sports, transportation and art & design. As Qatar Tourism’s Iconic Limousine Design contest reaches the final voting stage, the entity announced the jury which will assess shortlisted designs. The panel consists of H.E Akbar Al Baker, President, Qatar Tourism and Group Chief Executive, Qatar Airways; H.E Hassan Al Thawadi, Secretary General, Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy; Fahad Saad Al Qahtani, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Mowasalat (Karwa); Amir Berbić, Dean, Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts in Qatar (VCU-Q); and Aisha Nasser Al Sowaidi, Director, Liwan, Design Studios and Labs at Qatar Museums. As the country heads into the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™, Qatar Tourism and its partners continue to work towards developing unique experiences for visitors. Through this design contest, Qatar Tourism has engaged the community to help create an experience - celebrating the country’s cultural diversity and heritage. Providing a visual representation of the country, the Iconic Limousine is part of QT’s strategy to introduce novel offerings rooted in Service Excellence. Qatar Tourism’s first ever design contest garnered over 450 submissions, with a committee at Qatar Tourism reviewing each entry to select 20 designs for a shortlist. This shortlist is being presented to the jury panel and to a public vote. To view the designs and cast a vote, visit https://www.qatartourism.com/en/campaigns/iconic-limousineThe design which garners the most public votes will receive the "People’s Design Choice" award. The jury panel will evaluate the designs, selecting one which best reflects the competition’s themes: Qatar’s culture and heritage, progressive future, as well as sustainability and eco-friendly vision. The winning design will be featured on Qatar’s Iconic Limousines, adding another dimension to the visitor experience. Qatar Tourism works closely with stakeholders across the public and private sectors to develop products and services to enhance the visitor experience. The Iconic Limousine initiative is part of the entity’s Service Excellence program, which ensures high quality standard across visitor touchpoints.

Doha (29/11/2021): The Ministry of Interior called on the expatriates residing in the State violating the provisions of Law No. (21) for the year 2015 regulating the entry and exit of expatriates and their residence, to utilize the grace period announced by the Ministry to correct their legal status inside the country and allow them to leave the country with exempting them from all consequences of legal responsibility. The grace period started from October 10, 2021 will end on December 31, 2021. Interacting with the community leaders, who visited the headquarters of the Search and Follow up Department (SFD) yesterday evening to witness the facilities and the arrangements made by the SFD for receiving the applications from the violators of the law No. 21/2015 for their status correction during the grace period, Capt. Kamal Tahir Al Tairi, officer at the SFD explained about the target groups and the proceedings followed in their regards. He said that the target groups include those expats who stay in the country violating the law, without obtaining a residence permit or without renewing it and exceeded 90 days from the validity date; and no absconding complaint has been filed against them by the employer, as well as those who stay in the country violating the law and an absconding complaint (Leaving the work – Violation of the purpose) has been filed against them by their employers, but 30 days have not completed from the date of filing the complaint. In such cases, their departure will be ensured by the SFD and they will be exempted from all consequences of legal responsibility, while their return to Qatar on another visa will be possible. In case of those who entered Qatar on family residence permits or as visitors and have violated the period of stay or the expatriates who have violated the law and an absconding complaint (Leaving the work – Violation of the purpose) has been filed against them by their employer and more than 30 days have been passed from the date of filing the complaint, the SFD will ensure their departure and they can return to Qatar if they leave the country after accepting the legally prescribed reconciliation, Capt. Al Tairi added. In addition to this, an expatriate whose residence permit has been cancelled and has passed 90 days from its cancellation can also return to Qatar if he leaves the country after accepting the legally prescribed reconciliation, he pointed out. In all cases, the deportation of the minors under the age of 18 will be without a ban to return to Qatar, regardless of their violation of the provisions of the law, and they are exempted from any legal consequences, Capt. Al Tairi said. From his part, Capt. Muhammed Al Rashid, officer from the Unified Services Department explained the services provided by the Unified Services Department through the Ministry of Interior's Services Centers for expatriates who violate Law No. (21) for the year 2015, regulating the entry, exit and residence of expatriates during the status correction period. He said that the Unified Services Department provides its services during the correction period to the expatriates violating Law No. (21) for the year 2015 that regulates the entry, exit and residence of expatriates who wish to stay inside the country after correcting their status through the five service centers of the Ministry of Interior such as Umm Sulal Services Center, Umm Sunaim Services Center (Previously Industrial Area Services Center), Musaimeer Services Center, Al Wakra Services Center and Al Rayyan Services Center. Among the residence permit holders, the target groups are those who have violated the Law No. (21) of 2015 that regulates the entry, exit and residence of expatriates and have passed 90 days from the expiry date of the residence permit or those against whom a ‘leaving work’ complaint has been filed and they wish to move to another employer, said Capt. Al Rashid. He also added that the target groups from the Work Visa holders are those who have violated the Law No. (21) of 2015 that regulates the entry, exit and residence of expatriates, who have exceeded 90 days from entering the country without issuing a residence permit or against whom a ‘Leaving Work’ complaint has been filed and wish to stay in the country after correcting their status, provided that the approval should be obtained from the Labor Department for the same nationality on the new recruiter VP). No application will be accepted from the violator or the person against whom a ‘Leaving Work’ complaint has been filed after announcing the grace period starting from 10/10/2021, he added. Explaining about the mechanism of the procedures at MoI Services Centers, he said that the applicant has to submit the concerned filled form in any one of the 5 Services Centers of the Ministry of Interior and after verifying the application to ensure compliance with the conditions, the Service Center staff will transfer it to the Labor Department for its decision. The whole process at the MoI Services Center will take only 2 minutes and in normal cases, the Labor Department will take its decision on the application within 5 working days if the application meets all the conditions specified by the concerned authorities. Submission of the filled designated form for status correction, which is available on the website of the Ministry of Interior and a copy of the establishment's registration card for the new employer are the requirements for application for correcting the status inside Qatar, said Capt. Muhammed Ali Al Rashid. First Lt. Ahmed Ghurab Al Marri, technical affairs officer from the Search and Follow up Department welcomed the community leaders and introduced them the services of the SFD rendered to its inmates and explained the work procedures at Search and Follow up Department during the correction period. He said that the violating person has to approach the Search and Follow-up Department (the main reception hall) along with his passport and an open travel ticket. The concerned staff will verify the data and complete all the necessary procedures within 3 minutes in normal cases and upon completion of them, a travel permit is issued to the violating person and hands it over to him to go to the airport as per the schedule mentioned in the ticket as an ordinary passenger, while adhering to the Covid-19 precautionary measures followed in the country. The working hours of the offices at Search and Follow Up Department and 5 MoI Services Centers are from 1 pm - 6 pm from Sunday – Thursday.

For the Philippine Institute of Environmental Planners – Qatar Chapter, 2021 will be an extraordinary year. It does not only have one or two but multitudes of reasons to celebrate. Members of the chapter, previously known as environmental planners in Qatar before being granted Full Chapter status in 2019 worked smart as a young group in the environmental planning Profession to equip themselves and serve as an inspiration to other planners. PIEP Qatar celebrated its second anniversary last October 22 – the very first hybrid celebration during the pandemic. It boasts of its 34 members to date with a number of them residing in the Philippines. Even miles apart, it didn’t hinder the members from participating actively in the chapter's activities. Unlike regular celebrations, the chapter introduced new ways to make the year memorable. A panel discussion was moderated with panelists representing various sectors and organizations on the planning community namely: EnP Maria Ana Pulido, with her consultancy company: represented the private sector; EnP Felicisimo Tejuco, Jr, from the University of Sto. Thomas College of Architecture represented the academe; EnP Benita Regala, represented the Eastern Regional Organisation for Planning and Housing (EAROPH); and EnP Eleanor Mohammad, President of the Commonwealth Association of Planners (CAP) represented the International Society of City and Regional Planners (ISOCARP). Another highlight is the PIEPQx presentation wherein some of the chapter’s members shared a TED style presentation about their planning careers and future plans. EnP Mohaliden Mohammad who is currently working as a planner in the Philippines; EnP Dennis Mota from Doha and Engr. Mandy Vicente their insights, current undertakings and future plans in the planning profession. To cap the celebration, a raffle draw ensued which gave away ten free registration passes to the PIEP National Convention 2021 held on Nov 5-7 and one EAROPH conference on Nov 26. Truly, PIEP Qatar stood tall and continues to be at the forefront as “Planners as Inspirational and Empowered Professionals through Quintessential Exchange of Information and Collaboration”.

Shorter quarantine and testing periods await international arriving passengers, especially fully-vaccinated individuals coming from Green and Yellow list countries, territories, and jurisdictions with the approved interim testing and quarantine protocols for international arriving passengers that will take effect on November 22, 2021. This was after the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) in its November 18 meeting approved the recommended updated protocols for travelers coming from abroad. In his press briefing on Friday, Acting Presidential Spokesperson and Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles announced that fully vaccinated Filipinos coming from nations in the Green List, “must undergo facility-based quarantine with on-arrival RT-PCR testing until the release of their negative results. After which, the individual is enjoined to self-monitor until the 14th day of their arrival with the date of arrival being the first day.” If the fully-vaccinated Filipino traveler from a Green List country arrives with a negative test taken within 72 hours prior to departure from the country of origin, no facility-based quarantine and no on-arrival RT-PCR test is required, per Secretary Nograles. The Cabinet Secretary and Acting Spokesperson, who was recently designated as IATF spokesperson, added that for fully-vaccinated foreign individuals coming from Green List, a negative RT-PCR test shall be required to be taken within 72 hours prior to departure from country of origin. Upon arrival, no facility-based quarantine and no on-arrival RT-PCR test shall be further required, but the passenger is enjoined to self-monitor for any symptoms until the 14th day from date of arrival. Meanwhile, for unvaccinated, partially vaccinated, and those whose vaccination status cannot be independently validated, and those vaccinated but failed to comply with the test-before-travel requirements, they shall have to undergo facility-based quarantine until the release of their negative RT-PCR test taken on the fifth day, after which they can do self-monitoring until the 14th day from the date of their arrival. For passengers coming from nations in the Yellow List, fully-vaccinated individuals shall be required to present a negative RT-PCR test done within 72 hours prior to departure from country of origin. They shall then undergo facility-based quarantine, with RT-PCR test done on the third day, after which they may be discharged if they tested negative and are enjoined to self-monitor up to the 14th day. “On the other hand, fully-vaccinated individuals from Yellow List nations without a negative pre-departure test shall be required to undergo facility-based quarantine with a fifth day RT-PCR test, with the date of arrival considered the first day,” added Sec. Nograles. Upon the release of a negative RT-PCR test, fully-vaccinated travelers from Yellow List countries without pre-departure test may be discharged from facility quarantine, after which they shall be required to undergo home quarantine until the 10th day from date of their arrival from a Yellow List country. For the unvaccinated, partially-vaccinated, or whose vaccination status cannot be independently validated, who came from a Yellow list area, they are to undergo facility-based quarantine with RT-PCR test done on the seventh day, then upon release of a negative result, they shall be required to undergo home quarantine until the 14th day. In the case of minors, Nograles said the IATF’s decision is for minors to follow the testing and quarantine protocols of the parent or guardian travelling with them, regardless of the minor’s vaccination status and country of origin.