Sa pinakahuling taya ng panahon na inilabas ng Qatar Meteorology Department (QMD), magiging kapansin-pansin ang pagbaba ng humidity sa susunod na dalawang araw. Sa post nito sa Twitter nitong Miyerkules, sinabi nito na ang pagbaba ng humidity sa susunod na dalawang araw ay bunsod ng northwesterly wind na umiihip ng banayad hanggang sa malakas sa araw. Dahil dito, inaasahan rin na magiging maalikabok at mababa ang visibility lalong lalo na sa mga open areas sa susunod na dalawang araw.

Simula July ng taong ito, maraming mga pagbabago ang naisakatuparan na ng Ministry of Administrative Development, Labor and Social Affairs (MADLSA) kaugnay sa pagpapalit ng employer o paglipat sa ibang kumpanya, katulad na lamang halimbawa ng online application platform o electronic system nito para sa aplikasyon sa paglipat sa ibang kompanya o pagpalit ng employer ng isang manggagawa. Maaari ng alamin ng manggagawa ang status ng kanyang change employer status sa pamamagitan ng electronic system ng MADLSA. Narito ang link: https://ecai.adlsa.gov.qa/default.aspx Kapag naka sumite na ng aplikasyon ang isang manggagawa para sa paglipat sa ibang kumpanya o pagpalit ng employer sa pamamagitan ng electronic o online system ng ADLSA, hindi na sya maaaring kasuhan ng absconding o run-away ng kanyang kasalukuyang employer, o kaya ay kanselahin ang kanyang QID. Ang kasalukuyang employer at ang magiging bagong employer ay makakatanggap lamang ng SMS mula sa ADLSA's electronic system kapag ang aplikasyon ng manggagawa para sa pagpapalit ng kumpanya o employer ay naaprubahan na ng ADLSA. Kapag ang aplikasyon naman ay hindi naaprubahan dahil sa mga sapat na dahilang itinakda ng batas, ang manggagawa lamang ang makakatanggap ng SMS na hindi ito naaprubahan. May bagong dagdag din na feature ang electronic system ng ADLSA dahil maaari na ring kanselahin online ng aplikanteng manggagawa ang kanyang aplikasyon para sa pagpapalit ng kumpanya o employer, kung ito ay nasa ilalim pa lamang ng pagsusuri ng ADLSA. Samantala, ang mga nasabing pagbabago at inisyatibo ng ADLSA at ng pamahalaan ng Qatar sa pangkalahatan ay lubos na hinahangaan at pinapasalamatan ng Filipino community sa bansa at maging ng iba pang mga working expatriates sa Qatar.

Sa ulat ng Ministry of Interior (MoI), isa na sa pinakamaraming violators ng COVID-19 precautionary measures na umabot sa 2,047 sa isang araw na operasyon lamang, ang nahuli ng kapulisan nitong nagdaang Sabado. Nasa 1,289 ang mga nahuli na hindi nagsusuot o kaya ay mali ang pagsuot ng face mask, samantalang nasa 736 naman ang nahuli dahil sa hindi pagsunod sa takdang social distancing, at 22 naman ang nahuli na di naka install ng Ehteraz app. Dinala na ang kanilang mga kaso sa Public Prosecution. Ayon sa Cabinet decision na halaw sa Law No. 17 of 1990 kaugnay sa nakakahawang mga sakit at mga preventive measures nito, ang mga hindi nagsusuot ng facemask kapag nasa labas ng kanilang bahay ay maaaring mapagmulta ng aabot sa QAR 200,000 o kaya ay mabilanggo hanggang tatlong (3) taon.

The 14-day course provides comprehensive information about Qatar’s history, environment and culture, and is required to obtain an official tour guide license. Qatar Tourism is offering its Tour Guide Training Programme to give practicing tour guides and eligible residents the opportunity to enhance their skills in the tourism sector. Developed by Qatar Tourism in collaboration with stakeholders, the programme aims to raise standards and regulate tourism service providers through providing official tour guide licenses to those who complete the required work. The initiative is part of Qatar Tourism’s efforts to achieve Service Excellence in the sector and provide an unforgettable experience to the visitors, especially as borders reopen and Qatar prepares to host mega sporting events. Dates of the upcoming training sessions will be announced in the coming months. Interested parties can register through the Qatar Tourism website or in person at the Ministry of Commerce and Industry office in Lusail, Al-Jassra Tower, first floor counter 44. The course will be conducted in English and the exam fee is QAR1,200 while the Tour Guide license fee is QAR1,000. Berthold Trenkel from Qatar Tourism said: “As the main point of contact for visitors, tour guides need to be able to tell stories, giving visitors information and insights into the country’s history, culture and heritage, that will help deliver an unparalleled experience. As part of our Tourism Sector Strategy, we are working closely with all tourism-facing entities to implement Service Excellence at every touch point of the visitor’s journey. With Qatar’s FIFA World Cup 2022 around the corner, we need more guides to cater to the huge number of visitors who will be arriving in the country.” The Tour Guide Training Programme uses the Tour Guide Manual that was developed by Qatar Tourism in partnership with stakeholders including Qatar Museums, Msheireb Museums, the Ministry of Municipality and Environment, Souq Waqif, Qatar Foundation, Qatar TV, and Sheikh Abdulla bin Zaid Al Mahmoud Islamic and Cultural Center (Al Fanar). While enabling tour guides to deliver insightful information about Qatar’s society and ecosystem, the manual also contains a section on tour group management, highlighting the skills tour guides need to provide an ideal visitor experience. Since the beginning of the programme in 2017, more than 100 tour guides have been trained, helping position Qatar as an ideal tourism spot.

Maituturing na isang milestone achievement ng Qatar para sa National COVID-19 Vaccination Program nito, dahil umabot na sa 2 milyon ang bilang ng populasyong nakatanggap na ng kompleto o dalawang doses ng COVID-19 vaccine. Sa post ng MoPH, nagpapasalamat ito sa lahat ng mga tumanggap ng bakuna. Pinapaalalahanan at inaanyayahan din ng MoPH ang mga iba pang hindi pa nakakatanggap ng bakuna na magpalista na para sa schedule ng kanilang vaccination. Samantala, bilang isa sa may pinakamaraming expat population sa Qatar, nagpapasalamat ang Filipino community sa pamahalan ng Qatar para sa libre at maayos na serbisyo at sistema sa pagsugpo sa COVID-19, serbisyong medical, at program sa pagbabakuna.

Isa ang Qatar sa mga nangungunang bansa sa buong mundo sa pagbabakuna laban sa COVID-19 sa dami ng nabakunahan sa populasyon nito, ayon sa ulat ng Our World in Data vaccination tracker. Pumapangalawa ang Qatar sa may pinakamataas na porsyento ng mga nabakunahan na ng at least first dose ng COVID-19 vaccine, samantalang panlima naman ito kung ang pagbabatayan ay taas ng porsyento ng populasyon na nabakunahan na ng kompletong dose ng COVID-19 vaccine, mula sa mga bansang may populasyong isang milyon pataas. Matatandaang inanunsiyo ng MoPH nitong Linggo na 92.3% ng populasyon ng Qatar na maaari ng makatanggap ng bakuna (12 years old pataas) ang nakatanggap na ng at least first dose ng bakuna, samantalang nasa 80.6% naman ang nakatanggap na ng kompleto o dalawang doses ng COVID-19 vaccine. Kung base naman sa kabuoang populasyon, nasa 80.1% na ang nakatanggap ng at least first dose ng bakuna, samantalang 69.9% naman ang nakatanggap na ng kompleto o dalawang doses ng bakuna.

On July 30, 2021, the Philippine Institute of Environmental Planners - KSA and Qatar Chapters made another spectacular milestone. Concurrent with the celebration of “International Friendship Day”, the first International Cluster Conference entitled “Collaborate 2” and with the theme: “Strengthening International Relations in Promoting the Environmental Planning Profession”, a free online seminar with 3.5 CPD points was attended by hundreds of environmental planners representing various chapters in the Philippines and from overseas. The support from the PIEP National Officers, and the Professional Regulation Commission Board of Environmental Planning made the event possible. The presence of Dr. Cora Cruz, Dr. Dina Magnaye, and EnP. Felicisimo Tejuco Jr. of the PRC CPD Councils were also highly recognized and appreciated during the event. The conference was brought worldwide via Facebook live streaming, and with the help of its media partner, Qabayan Radio 94.3 FM – the first and only Filipino Radio Station in Qatar. The masters of the ceremony, EnP. Joe Niño Orapa of PIEP KSA, and EnP. Arecles “Jak” Balde of PIEP Qatar flamboyantly handled the entire event through their hosting skills and charisma to engage the attendees in having a great learning atmosphere and experienced. PIEP KSA Charter President. EnP. Eldrid Refil in his opening statement, addressed the honorable dignitaries, officers, and fellow planners, and set the tone of the conference as he gave an overview of what the attendees can expect and learn from the technical speakers from their own field of expertise and specialization. The ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, H.E. Adnan Alonto, highlighted in his speech the importance of the environmental planning profession and its crucial role in shaping the community and the future. As for the ambassador of Qatar, H.E. Alan A. Timbayan, he emphasized that there is so much to learn from overseas Filipino environmental planners, particularly in improving the Philippines situation and resolving problems such as environmental degradation that results in climate change, setting Qatar as an example. In their inspirational talks, PIEP National Executive Vice President - EnP. Levi Espinas and PIEP National President - EnP. Joy Hakcholna commended all the dedication and hard work of KSA and Qatar chapters in spearheading the International Cluster Conference, and gave their high hopes by the end of the conference as well as for sharing the multiple Job opportunities awaiting in both national and local government once the Filipino Planners decided to go back home in the Philippines and practice the Environmental Planning Profession. Technical Sessions The main highlight of the conference are the technical sessions presented by three resource speakers from KSA and Qatar. Each speaker shared their knowledge and expertise in their fields and presented very timely topics. The first topic was entitled “Places for People – Strategies in Qatar Public Realm” and presented by EnP. Randy Panesa of Qatar Chapter. He effectively demonstrated strategies on how to establish an ideal community or public realm through various techniques and urban solutions. At the last part of the presentation, EnP. Randy showed some case studies in Qatar and interesting proposals and masterplans. The second topic, “Urban Development in Oil & Gas Setting”, presented by Ar. Lyndon Calibuso, aims to raise awareness about the proper urban planning approach for a highly industrial oriented setting, and for the planners to learn the process of balancing safety, environmental risks, business continuity and urban setting. Ar. Lyndon provided essential points in his presentation, such as spatial concepts for safety, the four pillars of development, and basic urban planning guidelines, to name a few. The third and last topic was presented by EnP. Jojo Utram of KSA Chapter, with the title “Strategic Water Supply & Distribution for Sustainable Development”. EnP. Jojo presented a complete and comprehensive study divided into five topics, dealing with Saudi Arabia’s water sector, desalination plants, Philippine water sector, wastewater disposal, and sustainable construction practices. The presentation was ended with a wonderful quote saying “Sa masaganang tubig, ay may masaganang buhay, kaunlaran, at pag-ibig.” To wrap up the technical session, PIEP Qatar Chapter President EnP. Mary Grace Hermosa-Pineda delivered a comprehensive summary review of the three presented topics in her conference synthesis, and wholeheartedly thanked all the speakers for sharing their knowledge and expertise. Consultative Meeting with POLO-OWWA Right after the conclusion of the International Cluster Conference, the consultative meeting with PIEP KSA and Qatar Chapter and POLO-OWWA took place. It started with an Inspirational message coming from Labor Attaché in Qatar, Hon. Adam Musa, who congratulates both chapters for the successful conference, followed by the Asst. Labor Attaché in Riyadh, Hon. Lucille Gayaman, who emphasized the appropriateness of the theme to the current situation. Hon. Evelyn C. Laranang, the Overseas Workers Welfare Officer of OWWA Qatar, presented an overview about the OWWA and its mandates, and their programs such as for social benefits, workers welfare assistance, repatriation, and other services. In separate breakout sessions, Asst. Labor Attaché Hon. Lucille Gayaman and Hon. Evelyn Laranang, clarified and answered some pressing OFW concerns for KSA and Qatar, respectively. Questions were raised about reintegration program, POLO support to PIEP professionals, Iqama/Visa issues, and some labor issues were addressed as well. Throughout the end of the Consultative Meeting, Filipino Workers in KSA and Qatar were reassured that POLO-OWWA will continue to open doors and serve Filipinos by all means, even in the midst of this COVID-19 crisis. Indeed, the first International Cluster Conference of PIEP KSA and Qatar Chapter was a huge success. The collective hard work and dedication of its executive committees and members resulted in a well-organized and fruitful event. It effectively conveyed new knowledge and fresh ideas to all the attendees, thanks to the technical speakers. Certainly, each session gave every attendees new tools in dealing with the current challenges in their field. This for sure will just be the beginning of many international conferences in the future that KSA and Qatar chapter will offer to our fellow Filipino planners across the world, as we all strive in promoting the continuous growth of our profession.

Walang problema si Senador-boxing champ Manny Pacquiao sa last-minute na pagbabago sa kanyang training bunsod ng pag-ayaw ni Spence sa laban dahil sa eye injury nito, at paghahanda naman para sa pumalit na WBA welterweight champion Yordenis Ugas. Gaganapin ang kanilang laban nitong darating na August 21 sa T-Mobile Arena sa Las Vegas. Nakatakda sanang kalabanin ni Pacquiao ang WBC, IBF welterweight champion na si Errol Spence Jr. ngunit nitong nakalipas na Martes, nagkaroon ito ng retinal tear, na naging dahilan upang mag withdraw ang huli sa nasabing laban. Na diskobre ang eye injury ni Spence sa ginawang pre-fight examination ng Nevada State Athletic Commission. Nakatakda na ring sasabak si Ugas para sa undercard laban kay Fabian Maidana, na nagwithdraw din nitong linggo dahil naman sa injury na natamo sa sparring. Halos 6 linggo rin ang ginugol ni Pacquiao para sa sparring at pagkakaroon ng stratehiya bilang paghahanda laban sa kaliwete, samantalang nakapag sparring naman sya sa loob ng 8 rounds laban sa mga right-handed fighters noong Martes, kung kaya't wala syang isyu sa pagkakaroon ng pagbabago sa magiging kalaban. Aniya, “I am a politician. I am used to dealing with changing stances. For the first thirty seconds things looked a little odd in sparring, but I adjusted quickly, and it was business as usual. Naturally I am disappointed in the situation but thank God the tear in Errol’s retina was discovered before it could be damaged further. I join his family, friends, and fans and pray that he has a full and complete recovery.” “As for Ugas, I am happy that he stepped up to replace Errol Spence. Ugas is a champion with a strong Cuban boxing background. This is a big fight, and we will give the fans an exciting show," dagdag pa ni Pacquiao.

Al-Ahli Hospital has performed a successful surgery for a 50-year old lady presented to neurosurgery clinic with recurrent low back pain and right sciatica for four months. That was associated with progressive weakness of the right foot or as the medical term ‘Foot Drop’. It is to be noted that she had undergone lumbar disc removal surgery twice in UK. After clinical examination and radiological investigations, the hospital decided that a third surgical intervention is indicated to remove the pressure from the affected nerve and to restore the lost function of the foot. However, this time surgery should be in the form of lumbar fusion/decompression. It was supposed to decrease the risk of recurrence and ensure the stability of the lumbar region. The surgery was done successfully and the function of the right foot was restored completely. Dr. El Fatih Bashir El-Malik, the consultant of neurosurgery said, “The anatomical structure of the spinal column is composed of large number of discs and other symmetrical joints that overlap on top of each other to allow for the motion in all directions. At the same time, ligaments which surround the joints will maintain a certain degree of stability in all positions.” He explain that sometimes, this delicate balance between stability and elasticity of the spinal column may be lost leading to what is known as spine instability symptoms, which are usually acute or chronic low back pain with or without sciatica. The suspected cases undergo physical examination and special investigations for further evaluation, including dynamic X-rays, which study the relationship between the spine elements in different positions that affect daily activities. In the intractable cases that do not respond to conservative treatment like medications and physiotherapy, surgical intervention is advised. This includes fixation of the affected levels using special implants that is inserted in the spine with no contact with the nervous system. Those implants contain special type of bone graft fuses the region further on the long-term for additional stability. These operations are considered to be complex as they include reconstruction of the treated levels of the spine. However, patients are usually able to walk the next day after surgery and hospital stay is few days only. This is one of the routinely done operations in the Department of Neurosurgery with great results.

“A leader is great, not because of his or her power, but because of his or her ability to empower others”- John C. Maxwell. “As we look ahead into the next century, leaders will be those who empower others.”- Bill Gates. The inauguration of the new Board of Directors for the fiscal year 2021-2022 of the United Architects of the Philippines-Qatar Chapter (UAP-QA) that took place on the 2nd day of July 2021 marks the traditional yet new normal turn-over of duties and responsibilities. In line with the event is the induction rites of the new committee heads, committee members and new chapter members which were hugely participated in by the inductees as a sign of their keenness to assist the BOD and serve the general membership. The gesture of event participation only shows the inspiring spirit of camaraderie in this UAP QA Chapter Fiscal Year 2021-2022, an outcome that signifies that the event has been successful. Ar. Marvin M. Tejada, UAP Chapter President Ar. Janel S. Hipolito, UAP Vice President Programs & Development Ar. Jayson Z. Santos, UAP Vice President Operations Ar. Kathleen B. Osio, UAP Chapter Secretary Ar. Leah DC. Bianan, UAP Chapter Treasurer Ar. Melani S. Ramos, UAP Chapter Auditor Ar. Carmelita G. Flores, UAP Director - Professional Development Ar. Maria Michaela A. Pasiona, UAP Director - Internal Affairs Ar. Ferdinand Magpantay Director- External and Governmental Affairs Ar. Melanie V. Sandicho, UAP Director - Professional Practice Ar. Joan P. De Guzman, UAP Director - Education Arkitekturang Filipino Important highlights of the first part of the program were the Welcome Remarks by Outgoing Chapter Auditor Ar. Kriz Samed Quiogue, uap; the Acknowledgment of Guests by Outgoing Chapter Secretary Ar. Farrahnel delos Reyes, uap; Introduction of the Guest Speaker by Outgoing Chapter Treasurer Ar. Roberto C. Santiano, uap and the introduction of Keynote Speaker by Chapter Vice President for Programs and Development Ar. Janel S. Hipolito, uap. The Guest Speaker was PPO-Q Chairman Engr. Adonis Q. Talabo and the Keynote Speaker was none other than Labor Attache Hon. Adam A. Musa, of the POLO OWWA Qatar. The second part of the program started with the Valedictory Address by UAP Qatar Chapter Outgoing President Ar. Mario Herman M. Macaranas, uap. After the address, the New Chapter Officers were then presented to the National President by Secretary- General Ar. Jonathan V. Manalad, uap which was then promptly followed by the Charging of New Chapter Officers. Finally, the officers were then inducted into office by UAP National President Ar. Armando Eugene C. De Guzman III, fuap. The Chapter Board of Directors are composed of the following; President Ar. Marvin M. Tejada, uap; Vice President for Programs and Development Ar. Janel S. Hipolito, uap; Vice President for Operations Ar. Jayson Z. Santos, uap; Secretary Ar. Kathleen B. Osio-Arevalo, uap; Treasurer Ar. Leah DC. Bianan, uap; Auditor Ar. Melani S. Ramos, uap; Director for Continuing Professional Development Ar. Carmelita G. Flores, uap; Director for Internal Affairs Ar. Maria Michaela A. Pasiona, uap; Director for External & Governmental Affairs Ar. Ferdinand R. Magpantay, uap; Director for Professional Practice Ar. Melanie V. Sandicho, uap; and Director for Education/ Arkitekturang Filipino Ar. Joan P. De Guzman, uap. The Regional District A4 Director Ar. Markel Cesar A. Luna, fuap on the other hand, presided over the Turn-over of Gavel and Acceptance ceremony between Outgoing Chapter President Ar. Mario Herman M. Macaranas, uap, and Incoming Chapter President Ar. Marvin M. Tejada, uap. The Induction Rites and Turn-over Ceremonies will not be complete without the inaugural address- an inspirational and promising speech from the new Chapter President Ar. Marvin M. Tejada, being the first-ever transfer member to be elected as UAP QA Chapter President and the 9th among the list of the Chapter Presidents of the UAP Qatar so far. For his visions to become a reality, the new Chapter President enjoins the help of all members to support the BOD of the UAP Qatar Chapter Fiscal Year 2021-2022. He outlined more of his Fiscal Year agenda to focus on programs and plans that will respond and help realize the full potential of the Architects as professionals. By having programs and plans that will help the Architects to increase their income potential, provides them opportunities for promotion in their respective workplaces and gives them access to upgrading the professional credentials of the Architects. Ar. Marvin Tejada appealed to the Chapter members to support the UAP National corporate thrust where all members are genuinely first in the agenda of governance with closer involvement and interaction in the articulation of policies and programs that are responsive and geared towards membership welfare, professional development needs and improvement of the Architect’s professional practice. On the third part of the program are the Induction Rites of the Committee Heads, Committee Members and the New Chapter Members which were presented by the Chapter Secretary Ar. Kathleen B. Osio-Arevalo, uap. The Charging Rites were officiated by the Chapter Vice President for Programs and Development Ar. Janel S. Hipolito, uap, which was followed afterward by Induction of New Members officiated by Chapter President Ar. Marvin M. Tejada, uap. The last part of the program is the testimonial, inspirational messages by the Distinguished Guests, and closing ceremonies. Chapter Treasurer Ar. Leah DC. Bianan, uap introduced the Regional District A4 Director Ar. Markel Cesar A. Luna, fuap to give his special inspirational message. Chapter Secretary Ar. Kathleen Osio-Arevalo, uap on the other hand, introduced UAP Past National President Ar. Benjamin K. Panganiban Jr., fuap for his message. Meanwhile, Chapter Vice President for Operations Ar. Jayson Z. Santos, uap introduced UAP National Secretary-General Ar. Jonathan V. Manalad, uap to give his inspirational talk. The UAP National Executive Vice President Ar. Richard M. Garcia, fuap was introduced by the Chapter Vice President for Programs and Development Ar. Janel S. Hipolito, uap for another inspirational message. And finally, the Guest of Honor UAP National President Ar. Armando Eugene C. De Guzman III, fuap was introduced by the Chapter President Ar. Marvin M. Tejada, uap for his very important organizational address. The Chapter President read the recognition and presentation of Certificates of Appreciation to the UAP National Board of Directors, along with the UAP Past National President and the Regional District A4 Director. After which, the Video Montage showcasing UAP Qatar Chapter through the years with previous chapter BOD’s, committees and members is played through the Zoom screen. Also, the Chapter President read the citation and presentation of certificate of appreciation to UAP Qatar Chapter COMELEC and the UAP Qatar Chapter Board of Directors FY 2020-2021 for their meritorious service to the Chapter. UAP Qatar Chapter Membership Care Committee Head Ar. Dawne Rosario G. Brown, uap was provided a slot to announce their upcoming activities in relation to membership care concerns. Pictorials with the Distinguished Guests, Architects, Members, and Participants followed. Then, the closing remarks were delivered by none other than the UAP Qatar Chapter Vice President for Operations Ar. Jayson Z. Santos, uap prior to the program closes. In this Fiscal Year 2021-2022, we are expecting immense changes for the UAP Qatar Chapter. The New Chapter Board of Directors made it their primary thrust to unfailingly put members first to help them progress and succeed. The main theme that emanated from the Induction Rites and Turnover Ceremonies is that a great leader should be a good listener and adequately impart all the knowledge that his members need. With new and fresh faces in the Chapter Board of Directors and committees, we are looking forward to a new era of great leaders. Henceforth, may we amplify our Chapter Board of Director's missions and visions for the United Architects of the Philippines-Qatar Chapter (UAP-QA). Mabuhay ang Arkitektong Filipino! God bless us all.

As restrictions ease within the country, residents can enjoy peace of mind as they visit hotels in the country Qatar National Tourism Council (QNTC) marks a milestone in its Qatar Clean programme, with 100% of QNTC-licensed hotels now “Qatar Clean” certified. Launched in partnership with the Ministry of Public Health (MOPH) in June 2020, QNTC’s Qatar Clean programme ensures the highest standards in hygiene and cleanliness, with rigorous procedures in place to ensure the safety of customers. QNTC’s Secretary General, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker as well as COO Mr. Berthold Trenkel marked the anniversary with a visit to the W Doha, which the first hotel to be certified Qatar Clean. With 100% hotels now fully certified, the programme is now being expanded to restaurants, and can be rolled out to other sectors including transport, retail and culture. Qatar National Tourism Council Secretary General and Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker stated: “As we mark one year of our Qatar Clean programme, we are very pleased with its successful implementation. 100% of QNTC-licensed hotels have now been certified Qatar Clean, and the programme illustrates how together with our stakeholders, we have been able to innovate and adapt to the challenges of the past year. Qatar Clean is a key component of our proposition; those in Qatar can enjoy our award winning hospitality and world class offerings with their safety assured, and we look forward to welcoming visitors from both near and far.” As Qatar begins to ease restrictions, Qatar Clean certified hotels and restaurants can operate at limited capacity and serve fully vaccinated individuals. And with visitors from the GCC now able to enter Qatar, both visitors and residents can rest assured that the highest standards of health and hygiene are being maintained at Qatar Clean certified venues. Qatar responded quickly to control the spread of COVID-19, instituting a series of measures prioritizing the health and safety of its residents. The mandatory track and trace app, Ehteraz, as well as measures such as the compulsory wearing of face masks and social distancing, have enabled the country to open domestically and to visitors from the GCC, and prepare for the return of inbound tourism. Residents and visitors can enjoy Qatar’s award winning hospitality, assured that the Qatar Clean programme provides safeguards in line with global health and safety standards. To maintain a Qatar Clean certification, hotels must adhere to the following: Each hotel facility must appoint its own Qatar Clean Programme Manager responsible for overseeing employee training and overall compliance with programme requirements. Hotels must sterilise their facilities daily, conduct frequent and thorough cleaning, use disinfectant in all rooms, air conditioning systems, water tanks, toilets, and ensure stringent sterilisation of designated guest areas, especially reception halls and lobbies. In order to reduce contact with guests, hotels must adopt mobile or other contactless procedures for check in and check out, while optimising spaces to maintain a distance of at least two metres between individuals. Hotels must carry out daily temperature checks on all employees at the start of their shifts, as well as on suppliers and guests. Anyone exhibiting symptoms of Coronavirus must immediately be placed in isolation, and MOPH would be contacted. Joint committees from QNTC and MOPH continue to inspect hotels and their facilities to ensure programme standards are being applied and adhered to, with penalties imposed for non-compliance. With the success roll out of Qatar Clean across hospitality, the programme is being considered for other sectors such as transport, retail and culture. For more information, head to https://www.visitqatar.qa.

Fans will be able to purchase tickets for QAR 20 from the Qatar Football Association website. Tickets for the FIFA Arab Cup™ qualifiers will go on sale on Tuesday, 15 June. Seven qualifying matches will be held in Qatar from 19-25 June. The games will take place on consecutive nights at two venues: Khalifa International Stadium, which will host matches during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™, and Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium. Tickets priced QAR 20 will be available to buy from the Qatar Football Association website: tickets.qfa.qa. All spectators must be aged 12 and over. Fans must either be fully vaccinated or have recovered from COVID-19 in the last nine months. Fans will be able to purchase a maximum of four tickets each. Here is the full match schedule: 19 June (8 PM kick-off) – Libya v Sudan – Khalifa International Stadium 20 June (8 PM kick-off) – Oman v Somalia – Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium 21 June (8 PM kick-off) – Jordan v South Sudan – Khalifa International Stadium 22 June (8 PM kick-off) – Mauritania v Yemen – Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium 23 June (8 PM kick-off) – Lebanon v Djibouti – Khalifa International Stadium 24 June (8 PM kick-off) – Palestine v Comoros – Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium 25 June (8 PM kick-off) – Bahrain v Kuwait – Khalifa International Stadium Both stadiums have innovative cooling technology for the benefit of fans and players. In line with Ministry of Public Health guidelines, a maximum 30% capacity will be permitted for each match. Fans will be required to wear a mask, show their EHTERAZ tracing app and adhere to social distancing. No food or beverages will be permitted inside the stadium and fans will not be allowed to congregate at any location in the vicinity of the venue. Fans are encouraged to use public transport to attend the games. Both stadiums are within walking distance of a metro station. Khalifa International Stadium is close to Sport City Station, while Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium is served by Al Sudan Station. Both stations are on the Gold Line. All the victorious teams will qualify for the FIFA Arab Cup™ finals, which will take place in Qatar later this year, during a similar timeslot as the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™. The leading nine nations, as per the FIFA rankings, have qualified for the tournament automatically: Qatar (hosts), Tunisia, Algeria, Morocco, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, United Arab Emirates and Syria.