Doha
19 March 2017
(QNA)

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas officially inaugurated on Sunday the Palestinian School in Doha in presence of Dr. Mohammed bin Abdul Wahed Al Hammadi, Minister of Education and Higher Education of Qatar and Sultan bin Saad Al Muraikhi, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs.

Palestinian President toured the school and was briefed about it's facilities. Later, he met with academic staff and the students. The School has elementary, middle and high school level of education.

President Mahmoud Abbas presented the two Ministers souvenirs and signed the guestbook.

Foundation stone of Palestine School Doha was laid down in 2006 by Father Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani and then Palestinian Prime Minister Ismail Abdel Salam Ahmed Haniyeh.

Doha, Qatar
19 March 2017:
(RasGas)

Adriatic LNG Terminal (ALNG) received its milestone 500th cargo, delivered by RasGas Company Limited’s LNG tanker, Al-Marrouna, on February 21, 2017.

A celebratory event was held at the terminal to mark the occasion, with ALNG Managing Director, Suresh Jagadesan, boarding the Al-Marrouna to meet with the marine team and vessel crew.

The Adriatic LNG Terminal is located in the northern Adriatic Sea, approximately 14 kilometres offshore from Porto Viro, near Rovigo, Italy, and is the world's first offshore gravity-based liquefied natural gas re-gasification terminal.

Picture: RasGas’ Al-Marrouna vessel arrives at the Adriatic LNG Terminal, marking the 500th cargo delivery for the world’s first offshore gravity-based LNG regasification terminal.

Doha, Qatar
19 March 2017:

Fifty One East, Qatar’s prestigious department store celebrated opening of the internationally leading toy store 'JouéClub', first it's Out-let in Gulf states at Lagoona Mall, Doha, Qatar.

The grand opening gathered families and friends to play and interact with popular mascots, fun and games, where the store was filled with smiles and laughter as guests, customers and partners of Fifty One East experienced this iconic new concept in Doha and the GCC.

Ribbon cutting ceremony was attended by Sheikh Khalifa Bin Jassim Bin Mohammed Al Thani, Chairman, Qatar Chamber of Commerce, Bader Abdullah Al-Darwish, Chairman and Managing Director of Darwish Holding, Eric Chevallier, Ambassador of France to Qatar, Alain Bourgeois-Muller, President and General Manager of JouéClub.

Bader Al-Darwish speaking on the occasion said “The opening of JouéClub at Fifty One East is a momentous landmark in our journey as it allows us to meet the increasing demand for high-quality children’s products and family entertainment experiences in Qatar, and the wider region.”

He said that “This opening is yet another evidence that Fifty One East, the oldest department store in Qatar, is the partner of choice for prestigious brands who are keen to establish their presence in the region. As our journey continues, we will stay true to our founding values and keep on providing unparalleled retail experience to our trusted clientele.”

The outlet at Fifty One East spans an area of more than 1,000 Sqm and has the largest selection of toys under one roof, featuring larger-than-life doll houses, dinosaurs, planes, race cars and characters. With knowledgeable and toy-trained staff on-hand to help customers, 'JouéClub' is the perfect place for the perfect toy. The opening at Fifty One East in Lagoona Mall sets a milestone in Qatar’s retail sector by introducing an impressive and never-before seen offering.

'JouéClub' has more than 350 stores across the globe established in 1952.

Alain Bourgeois-Muller, President and General Manager of JouéClub said “We're delighted to be introducing JouéClub in Qatar and bringing an experience to the community that has enhanced the lives of millions of children and adults around the world. The opening of the store in Doha is a step forward towards achieving our expansion plans across the GCC markets. Partnering with Fifty One East was a result of an extensive research cementing the exceptional location, reputation and opportunities that it offers to set a perfect platform that fits our business growth strategy.”

JouéClub will provide the ultimate fairy tale experience for children and will fascinate adults too with the diversity of choices that awaits them. Children have the opportunity to live their fantasies and enjoy the charming world that toys offer.

The store also hosts interactive demonstrations of favourite toy characters.

Doha
19 March 2016
(HMC)

Lastt week, Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) recognized GCC Nurses Day with celebrations held across its network of facilities. Intended to promote the nursing profession as an honorable career and to pay tribute to nurse pioneer Rufaida Al Aslamiya, the occasion was an opportune time to recognize the important role nurses play as advocates for their patient’s health, safety, and dignity.

In her address during celebrations held at Residential Care Compound 1 in Muaither South, Dr. Nabila Al Meer, Deputy Chief for the Continuing Care Group and Ministry of Public Health Nursing Affairs expressed her gratitude and appreciation to all nurses in Qatar.

“I thank you for your dedication and your effort in providing care and hope to all our patients. GCC Nurses Day is a time to reflect on the important work of nurses and also to honor the legacy of Rufaida Al Asalmiya in her work to establish the first hospital to care for wounded soldiers during many battles, including the Great Gazwat Bader.”

During the celebrations, held under the theme ‘GCC Nursing, Together We Care’, a number of nursing leaders were presented with certificates of recognition in acknowledgment of their contribution to the profession. Dr. Al Meer highlighted the importance of nursing leaders encouraging Qatar’s younger generation to seek a career in healthcare, adding that the nursing profession represents a great opportunity for Qataris to exhibit noble values and become respected leaders who will influence the future development of Qatar’s healthcare sector.

“Our highly trained nurses perform specialized roles and provide our patients with the most effective care,” said Dr. Badriya Al Lenjawi, Executive Director of Nursing at HMC. “GCC Nurses Day provides us with an opportunity to recognize our nurses and midwives and the important contribution they make to delivering excellent care and improving the health outcomes of our patients.”

“Nurses are caregivers, mentors, teachers and researchers; they support their patients through some of the most significant moments in their lives, including birth, death, diagnosis, treatment, and recovery,” stated Dr. Al Lenjawi.

In her address during celebrations held at Heart Hospital, Chief Nursing Officer (Interim) at HMC Miss Eiri Jones spoke about the importance of compassionate care. “I would like to extend my warm wishes to all nurses at HMC today and in particular all our nurses from the GCC countries. Nursing is a privileged profession and we can best celebrate the work of our early nurse pioneers by continuing to deliver high quality and compassionate care to our patients.”

Rufaida Al Asalmiya is widely recognized as the founder of modern nursing in Middle Eastern countries. Believed to have learned her nursing skills from her father, who was a renowned healer, Rufaida devoted her life to developing and improving nursing care. She is thought to have founded the first nursing school in the Islamic world.

Doha
19 March 2017

Prof. Fateh Muhammad Malik, one of the most prominent literary critics, intellectuals and scholars of Pakistan, has been declared the winner of 21st Aalmi Frogh-e-Urdu Adab Award from Pakistan'', it was announced today by Mohammad Atiq, Chairman of the Board of Patrons, Majlis-e-Frogh-e-Urdu Adab's (Society For the development of Urdu literature).

Prof. Malik has been chosen by an independent jury in a meeting held in Lahore recently. The Pakistan jury comprised of Dr. Khurshid Rizvi as Chairman, Prof. Dr. Salim Akhter, Prof. Dr. Khawaja Mohammad Zakaria and Prof. Dr. Tehsin Farooqui.

Daud Ahmed Malik was the Co-ordinator.

Prof. Fateh Muhammad Malik will receive the honour along with Dr. Abdus Samad, who was already declared winner of 21st Majlis Award from India by the Indian Jury headed by Dr. Gopi Chand Narang.

The Award function followed by a grand Mushaira will be held in Doha in October this year.

The Award carries a cash prize of Rs. 150,000/= and a gold medal for each winner. The Award is given every year since 1996, to two literary personalities, one from Pakistan and the other from India, for their contribution to the promotion of Urdu language and literature- as a life-time achievement award.

Mohammad Atiq said 'Prof. Malik's gentle smile and unassuming demeanor does not reveal the long list of awards and honours , he has accumulated over a forty four years long career. He is highly respected in Pakistan, India and abroad'.

A brief profile of nominated award winner from Pakistan

Prof. Malik was born on 18th June, 1936 in a small village Tehi, near Talagang (now in Chakwal district near Islamabad) where he spent his childhood playing in the streets and running around mustard fields. The son of a school teacher, he grew up in a household that was passionate about learning. Thus it is no surprise that he ended up with an equally strong devotion to education and research.

He claimed that it was in this small village as a child that he learnt to look beyond the horizon, a habit that helped him acquire a broad vision.

Malik is Master's Degree holder in Urdu from Punjab University, Lahore.

He served as lecturer in Urdu in Government College, Rawalpindi.During 1961-1972

From 1972-1974, he was Deputy Director, Languages, Curriculum Research & Development Centre, Lahore.

In 1975, he was a Senior Research Fellow, Languages and Literature, School of International Affairs, Columbia University, New York.

From 1975-1984, he served as Chairman, Department of Pakistan Studies, Quaid-e-Azam University, Islamabad.

During 1984-1988, he was Professor on visionary & revolutionist poet Iqbal at Iqbal Chair, Heidelberg University, Germany.

During 1989-1992, Prof. Malik held Chairmanship of Department of Pakistan Studies, Quaid-e-Azam University, Islamabad.

During 1992-1998, he was Director, National Institute of Pakistan Studies, Quaid-e-Azam University, Islamabad.

During October 1999-to December 2000, he was the Chairman, Department of Pakistan Studies, Allama Iqbal Open University, Islamabad.

From December, 2000 -August 2008, he was the Chairman, National Language Authority, Cabinet Division, Islamabad.

August 2008 to February 2009, he was Dean, Faculty of Languages, Literature and Humanities, International Islamic University, Islamabad.

He served as Rector, International Islamic University, Islamabad from February 2009-September, 2012

He is recently retired as Professor of Pakistan Studies,/ Director, National Institute of Pakistan Studies, Quaid-E-Azam University, Islamabad

He has authored a number of books. His notable works include 1)Iqbal inspired Humour ; A note on Parodies by selected Urdu poets, published in Of Clowns and Gods, Brahmans and Babus - Humour in South Asian Literatures.

2) 'Iqbal's reconstruction of Muslim political thought, published by University of Leicester, England in 2000,

3) 'Iqbal-Fikr-o-Amal (1985), 4) Iqbal aur Afghanistan (1989), 5) Iqbal ka Fikri Nizam (2003),

(6) Iqbal Faramoshi (2002), (7) Islam and the West (1999), (8) Ahmed Nadeem Qasmi, Shair aur Afsana Nigar (1992), 9) Faiz - Shairi aur Siyasat (1988), 10) Fitna-e-Inkaar-i-Pakistan (2007), 11) Khitaah-i-Khak ya Arz-e-Paak (2004). 12) Ghulamon ki Ghulami (2002), 13) Kashmir Kahani (2001) 14) Fikri Tangdasti (2001), 15) Intizar Hussain ka Khawab Nama, 16) Andaaz-e-Nazar (1979-1989), 17) Punjab Identity 18) Punjabi identity -1989 Anjuman Taraqqi Pasand Musannifeen, Pakistan Main. [19] Apni Aag ki Talaash (1999), 20) Tehseen o Tardeed (1984) Ta'assubat (1973), 22) Saadat Hussain Manto- Ek nai Taabeer (2005), 23) Five volume book on origin of Urdu. 24) Noon Meem Rashid - siasat aur Shairy (2010).

Besides the above books, Prof. Malik has authored a number of research articles, edited books, contributed chapters to many books, participated in workshops, seminars and conferences in Germany, U.K., USA, Mauritius, Iran, Belgium and France. Moreover, he was responsible for supervision of a number of Ph.D's. and M. Phil. student scholars in Quiad-e-Azam University, Islamabad during the last 20 years.

In addition, a number of student scholars have done research on his contribution to Urdu literature in Public Sector Universities during the last 15 years. He is a member of the Board of Governors and Academic Councils of many Universities and institutions in Lahore and Islamabad.

He is also a member of a number of Editorial Advisory Bodies of Research Journals in Lahore, Islamabad, Jamshoro, Khairpur and Multan.

In recognition of his services in the field of criticism, research and literature, following awards have been bestowed upon Malik :

1. Sitara-e-Imtiaz (Government of Pakistan)
2. Iqbal Presidential Award (2002-2003)
3. Pakistan Writers Guild Award on Literary Criticism
4. Gold Medal Award in the field of 'Writers on Kashmir'
5) Nazaria-e-Pakistan Council Gold Medal.
6) Punjab University Gold Medal for securing First class First position in Masters in Urdu.

Doha, Qatar

Doha based URDU language literary forum of Pakistani expatriate community 'Shaeqee Ne Fun' headed by URDU World's renowned personality Mohammad Atiq, recently launched 'Malik Museeb-ur-Rehman International Award' from Qatar on URDU literary works. The award is dedicated in memory of founder of the forum Late Malik Museeb-U-Rahman in recognition of his services for the promotion of art, culture, Urdu poetry and literature from Qatar. Malik Museeb-U-Rahman was also founder of 'Majlis-e-Frogh-e-Urdu Adab', a Doha based World's prestigious forum on Urdu Literature established in 1982.

Mohammad Atiq, Chairman of 'Shaeqee Ne Fun' and he also chairs 'Majlis-e-Frogh-e-Urdu Adab' said in his address at the Award presenting ceremony that 'it is a matter of great importance and pleasure that we have decided to confer '' Malik Museeb-ur-Rehman International Awards'' . However, in the presence of annual 'Aalmi Frogh-e-Urdu Adab Awards' under the banner of ''Majlis-e-Frogh-e-Urdu Adab '', it was decided to give this Award under the banner of 'Shaeqee Ne Fun' Doha, to three poets on their best poetry collections in the following three categories :

1. Best poetry book by a senior poet in Pakistan along with Cash prize of PRs. 75,000
2. Best poetry book by a poet from the Gulf States along with Cash prize of PRs. 60,000
3. Best book by an emerging young poet in Pakistan along with Cash prize of PRs. 50,000

It is to recall that Doha based URDU language promoting society 'Majlis-e-Frogh-e-Urdu Adab' is awarding two top literary personalities every year, one from Pakistan and one from India on their literary works. In this regard, there are two juries which decides in their respective country.

Fartash Syed, Chief Organisor of the forum elaborating further on the selection criteria of the winners in his speech on the occasion told that a Jury headed by reputed critic Prof. Qazi Abid along with senior academics from Universities of Pakistani four provinces as members decided the names of winners of 2017 First Annual Award.

Well reputed poet Abbas Tabish on his awarded poetry collection book 'Shajar Tasbih Karte Hain', Khalid Sajjad Ahmed from Kuwait and Zaeem Rasheed from Pakistan were nominated in the three categories for First 'Malik Museeb-ur-Rehman International Award'.

Abbas Tabish and Khalid Sajjad Ahmed received First 'Malik Museeb-ur-Rehman International Award' at recently held Int'l Urdu Poetry event in presence of galaxy of poets from Pakistan, U.K., Japan, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, UAE, Bahrain and Qatar. Among other personalities present on the occasion were Raju Jamil Aali, President of 'Anjuman Taraqqi -e-Urdu', Karachi, Pakistan and son of late Jamiluddin Aali, a renowned poet and columnist (fame 'Jeeve Jaeeve Pakistan'), Mohammad Sarfaraz Khanzada, former Ambassador of Pakistan, Hafiz Junaid Amer Sial, Community Welfare Attache, Pakistan embassy, Madam Nargis Raza Otho, Principal Pakistan Int'l School (fame PEC), Brig. Abdul Hafeez, Principal Cadet College, Qamaruzzaman Bhatti, Mrs. Rahat Mansur, an Entrepreneur/Event Director, Suhail Bukhari, Patron of number of various Indian community's socio-cultural forums, Farzana Safdar (Radio Urdu Qatar), Obaid Tahir (Radio Urdu Qatar), heads of number of Pakistani and Indian Socio-Cultural & literary forums, members of the media along with hundreds of families both from Pakistani & Indian community.

An Aalmi Mushaira (Int'l Poetry Session) was organised by 'Shaeqeen-e-Fun' to celebrate Pakistan National Day and designate it in memory of the renowned Urdu poet and scholar 'Jamiluddin Aali', who died in Karachi over a year ago and confer 'Malik Museeb ur Rehman International Awards'. Colourful and long years to remember event was recently held in Al-Banush Club, Messaied, Qatar. "A continuation by forum's tradition of celebrating in diversity" as said by Mohammad Atiq, Forum Chairman about the occasion. Urdu poetry lovers whole heartedly lauded and praised on their liking poetry verses and the

Among the poets presented their poetry were Abbas Tabish, Khalid Sajjad Ahmed, Fartash Syed, Mohammad Shafiq Akhter, Aziz Nabeel, Iftikhar Raghib, Nadim Maher, Amer Amir, Amer bin Ali, Farhad Jibrail, Naeem Reza Bhatti, , Baqer Reza Naqvi, Riyaz Shahid, Asif Shafi, Shirin Paresham, Ahmed Ashfaq, Qaiser Masood, Zawwar Hussain Zair, Roais Mumtaz, Reza Hussain Reza, Farzana Safdar, Wazir Ahmed Wazir, Dr. Wasi Bastawi, Sanwal Abbasi, Mushfiq Reza Naqvi, Ali Imran Mehdi and Furqan Paracha.

The event was spread on two days long program. The first function was held in The Next Generation [ TNG ] School, AlWakra presided by Raju Jamil Aali and compered by Fartash Syed. This function was in two parts. The first part comprised of the citation ceremony of '' Malik Museeb-ur-Rehman International Award Winners'' while the second part comprised of describing Jamiluddin Aali's personality and on his literary services.

Abbas Tabish on receiving his Award thanked the organisors and specially to the members of jury on his nomination. He recalled his memories and said that Malik Museeb ur Rehman had invited him to participate in 'Jashn-e-Sipas' mushaira held in honour of Salim Jafri in Dubai in 1996. Then, our mutual relations of love and respect developed.

In the second part of the function, Fartash Syed and Raju Jamil Aali gave a brief on Jamiluddin Aali's personality and literary career. A documentary on late poet works 'Khawab ka Safar'' was also shown which was liked by the audience with great interest.

Mohammad Sarfaraz Khanzada, former ambassador of Pakistan in his speech in capacity as the Chief Guest on the occasion congratulated Management Committee members and the award winners. He highly praised and thanked Raju Jamil Aali for bringing Aali ji's documentary 'Khawab ka Safar'. Khanzada also mentioned about some aspects of Aali ji's life.

Next day, the second event was held in Al-Banush Club, Messaied compered by Furqan Paracha and Fartash Syed. It had two parts, first presentation of Awards and then Mushaira. Mohammad Atiq, the Chairman of the forum in his welcome address congratulated all the Pakistanis present in the hall on the 77th Pakistan Day celebrations. He said ' Today is a very important day for us in many ways. One, we are going to present 'Malik Museeb ur Rehman International Awards' to 3 nominated poets. Second, we are going to hold Aalmi Mushaira in memory of Jamiluddin Aali, under the banner of Shaeqee Ne Fun, Doha'. He congratulated Abbas Tabish, well renowned poet upon his nomination for the first Malik Museeb ur Rehman International Award. He paid his gratitude to Jury Chairman, Professor Dr. Qazi Abid and the members of jury for their time and selecting today's award winners.

Mohammad Atiq thanked Pakistan embassy Doha on its continuous support to the forum, Mohammad Sarfaraz Khanzada, Raju Jamil Ali and the large number of the spectators on their presence and making the event 'one of the most memorable for coming long years'.

A special thank was voted for QAFCO management and Al-Banush Club management for facilitating the forum to hold their function. He lauded his organising team members on their efforts and the fine arrangements for holding the event.

Hafiz Junaid in his address congratulated all Pakistanis present on 77th Pakistan Day. He said that it was necessary to hold such functions as they promote Pakistani art, culture and literature and ultimately Pakistan's official and national language, Urdu. He added that Aali Ji was a walking Pakistan. His patriotic national songs, generation by generation, are giving patriotic training to all of us. He further said that Malik Museeb ur Rehman's name has developed into a form of an Urdu movement.

He congratulated 'Shaeqee Ne Fun' headed by Mohammad Atiq and his management committee on launching the new award.

Int'l Urdu Poetry session was conducted by well known poet and compere Fartash Syed which is a guarantee of event to success.

Doha
18 March 2017 (QNA)

First phase of Al Rayyan Road Upgrade Project opened today in the presence of Jassim bin Saif Al Sulaiti, Minister of Transport & Communications, Mohammed bin Abdullah Al Rumaihi, Minister of Municipality and Environment, Dr. Eng. Saad bin Ahmed Al Muhannadi, President of the Public Works Authority and a number of senior officials from the Ministry of Municipality and Environment, Ministry of Transport and Communications, the Public Works Authority, the General Directorate of Traffic in the Ministry of Interior, and Al Rayyan Municipality.

A presentation was given to the ministers and guests on the various aspects of 2.9 Kms long project starts from West of Khalid Bin Abdullah Al-Attiyah Roundabout (New Al Rayyan Roundabout) to East of Bani Hajer Roundabout. A tour was given of the project site, particularly the underpasses of Al Qalaa and Al Shafi interchanges which were opened to traffic.

The Minister of Transport and Communications, congratulated the Public Works Authority for completing the project before its deadline, pointing out that the road is complete under all standards, even with regards to infrastructure. It includes dedicated tunnels to avoid the need to disrupt the road in order to implement maintenance works.

He said that the road is modern and will bring a smooth traffic flow until completion of the remaining part, especially that the works continue at a faster pace to finish the rest of the project phases. He noted that the project achieved significant progress, and that the first phase was completed before its deadline.

Minister expressed his gratitude to all authorities concerned with this project, and the efforts made by all parties concerned as well as the General Directorate of Traffic.

Washington
US Department of Defense News
17 March 2017

Defense Secretary Jim Mattis met at the Pentagon yesterday with Saudi Arabia’s Deputy Crown Prince and Defense Minister Mohammed Bin Salman to discuss the Middle East security environment and the two nations’ defense relationship.

The deputy crown prince also met earlier in the week with President Donald J. Trump at the White House.

In remarks before the meeting, Mattis noted that relations between the United States and Saudi Arabia began in February 1945 when President Franklin D. Roosevelt and King Ibn Saud met aboard the U.S. Navy cruiser Quincy in the Great Bitter Lake segment of the Suez Canal.

It was the first face-to-face meeting between top American and Saudi leaders.

“The warmth of that relationship has held firm through good times and bad times over 70-odd years now and it's been the basis for an indispensable economic and security partnership together,” Mattis said.

The kingdom's leadership provides stability in the region, he added, and the U.S.-Saudi military-to-military relationship remains steady and consistent.

“I appreciate your vigorous leadership, your political commitment and your willingness to broaden and deepen the kingdom's support for our common efforts,” Mattis told bin Salman.

Tackling Challenges

In his remarks, the Deputy Crown Prince said Saudi Arabia is at the front line facing hostile activities as the Iranian regime supports extremists and terrorists in the region and around the world, and challenges posed by terrorist organizations.

“That's why we need to work and cooperate with our allies,” he added. “On top of the list comes the United States, the leader of the world. Today we are very optimistic under the leadership of President Trump and we believe these challenges will be easy to tackle under the leadership of the president.”

After the meeting, Pentagon spokesman Navy Capt. Jeff Davis said the two leaders affirmed the importance of the U.S.-Saudi Arabia defense relationship.

They also discussed the Middle East security environment, including confronting Iran's destabilizing regional activities, he added, and U.S.-Saudi Arabia military cooperation in defeating the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria and other transnational terrorist organizations.

The two leaders said they look forward to deepening their nations’ defense partnership and continuing to work closely together, Davis said.

Doha, Qatar)
15 March 2017

The American Chamber of Commerce in Qatar (AmCham Qatar) hosted its 7th Annual Golf Tournament at the Doha Golf Club over the weekend. Platinum sponsor Qatar Airways, Gold Sponsors FedEx and Jaidah, and Silver Sponsor Squire PattonBoggs, along with AmCham Qatar members, representatives from Qatar’s business community and a 36 members of the U.S. military personnel took part in the tournament.

With 60 competitors playing 18 holes of Texas Scramble and competing for a range of skills-based prizes, such as the longest drive and closest shot to the pinhole, the 7th Annual Golf Tournament was a true celebration for the American business community in Qatar.

The highly talented team of Erick Moss, Raza Mekhary and Vinoth Irjay won the tournament with a score of 56.0; the first runners-up were Ali Mohamed, Mike Jackson and Sharon Hollingsworth with a score of 61.4; and Sherry Arshad, Brandan Turner, Peter Dunn and Kunle Abidakun took the second Runner Up position with a score of 61.5.

For exemplary skills showcase during the tournament, Ali Mohamed won the longest drive competition and Jordan Taylor took home the “Closest to the Pin” award.

All attendees were also able to take part in a draw for door prizes, ranging from dinners for two, brunch vouchers and spa services, with the main prize of two Business Class tickets to anywhere in the U.S. generously provided by Qatar Airways.

Rober Hager, Chairman, AmCham Qatar said “Every year we look forward to the Annual American Chamber of Commerce Golf Day as an opportunity to support and show appreciation for our troops. We want to thank our new sponsors and loyal supporters who make this event better year after year. Congratulations to all the winners.”

AmCham Qatar has a full calendar of events planned for 2017, including the next edition of the popular Distinguished Speaker Series this time hosting Jahon Burhanov, Head of Professional and Business Services at the Qatar Financial Centre Authority, who will be introducing and discussing the services offered at the Authority to clients.

Doha
Arab Center For Research &
Policy Studies

Dr. Mohammad Almasri, Coordinator of the Arab Opinion Index released the results from 2016 survey in a press conference held at the Center For Conflict & Humanitarian, Doha Institute recently.

Results from the 2016 survey show an overwhelming majority (89%) of Arabs are in opposition to the group known as the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant; only 2% of respondents expressed having “Very positive” views of ISIL while another 3% expressed views which were “Positive to some extent”.

Attitudes towards ISIL are not correlated with religiosity: positive and negative views are found equally frequently between those respondents who identify themselves as “Very religious”, “Religious” and “Not religious”. Equally, positive attitudes towards ISIL are not correlated with attitudes towards the role of religion in the public sphere or with beliefs on the use of religion to regulate the economy. The lack of such correlations illustrates the idea that attitudes towards ISIL are defined by political considerations and not by religious beliefs.

This is further corroborated by the fact that when asked to explain ISIL’s popularity among its support base, only around 20% of respondents attribute this popularity to religious factors.

The 2016 Arab Opinion Index is the fifth in a series of yearly public opinion surveys across the Arab world. The first survey was conducted in 2011, with following surveys in 2012/2013 and 2014.

The 2016 Arab Opinion Index is based on face-to-face interviews conducted with 18,310 individual respondents in 12 separate Arab countries: Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Iraq, Jordan, Palestine, Lebanon, Egypt, Sudan, Tunisia, Algeria, Morocco and Mauritania.

Sampling followed a randomized, stratified, multi-stage, self-weighted clustered approach, giving an overall margin of error between +/- 2 % and 3% for the individual country samples. The overall samples guarantee probability proportional-to-size (PPS), ensuring fairness in the representation of various population
segments.

With an aggregate sample size of 18,310 respondents (50% of whom were men and 50% women). The Arab Opinion Index remains the largest public opinion survey covering the Middle East and North Africa. The fieldwork was carried out by an overall team of 840 individuals (half of whom were women), who conducted 45,000 hours of face-to-face interviews, covering a total of 760,000 kilometers across the population clusters sampled.

The Arab public offers a diverse set of remedies when asked to suggest the best means by which to combat ISIL and other terrorist groups, when given the chance to name the two best means to do so. A full 17% suggested the intensification of military efforts against ISIL and terrorist groups as their first choice; 15% gave “ending foreign intervention” as their first choice for the best means to defeat such groups; 14% proposed “resolving the Palestinian Cause” as their first preferred method to defeat ISIL and similar terrorist bodies. Finally, 12% suggested that ending the Syrian conflict in a manner which meets the aspirations of the Syrian people as the best means to defeat terrorist groups such as ISIL.

In broad terms, the Arab public supports taking a comprehensive set of political, economic, social and military measures to confront terrorism.

Looking specifically at the ascendancy of Islamist political movements which may arise from the Arab Spring, 52% of respondents stated that they were worried, to varying extents, about the rise to power of such groups, compared to 42% who stated that they were not worried about Islamists coming to power. By comparison, 59% of respondents expressed their concerns/worries of the rise to power of non-religious/secular groups, while 33% stated they had no worries of secularists coming to power.

These two large blocs understate the sharp sense of disarray in Arab public opinion, with political groups
on both sides of a polarized divide eliciting the anxieties of Arab citizens in roughly equal measure. The public worries which surround the rise to power of such groups could be a potential obstacle to a wider democratic transition in the Arab region, paving the way for authoritarian institutions to exploit public fears and regain power.

Overall, a strong majority (77%) of Arabs believe that the various peoples of the Arab region constitute a “single nation”, even if some respondents qualify this belief. Only 19% maintain that the different Arab peoples are distinct nations tied by only tenuous bonds.

Results from the 2016 poll show increasing public disenchantment with the policies of a number of foreign countries, both regional and global powers, in comparison with previous years. The Arab public generally has a negative view of the Arab regional policies of a number of international powers: strong majorities have negative views of the foreign policies of Russia, Iran and the United States towards the Arab states.

In specific terms, 75% of the Arab public has negative views of the foreign policy of the United States towards Palestine, Syria, Iraq, Libya and Yemen. Similarly, around 66% of Arabs view negatively the policies of both Russia and Iran towards the same set of Arab countries.

The United States in particular was also identified as the greatest single threat to collective Arab security: 67% of Arabs named both the US or Israel as the country which posed the greatest threat to collective Arab security, and 10% of respondents designated Iran in this way.

In a similar question, 89% of Arabs agreed that Israel is a threat to the stability of the Arab region; 81% agreed that US policies destabilized the region; and 73% regarded Iranian policies as destabilizing.

The comparative figures for Russian and French policies were 69% and 59%, respectively. In sum, there is a firmly entrenched public view which regards Israeli policies as destabilizing to the region.

This was in line with a widespread negative view of Israel, with the overwhelming majority (86%) of Arabs renouncing official recognition of Israel by their home countries.

Respondents who disavowed official recognition of Israel by their governments gave a number of reasons for their positions. Almost universally, these were framed in political terms and focused on the colonialist policies of Israel towards the Palestinians as well as its expansionism with regards to other Arab countries.

As explained by Dr. Mohammad Almasri, Coordinator of the Arab Opinion Index, during the press conference, Arab animosity towards was not framed in cultural or religious terms.

Respondents offered a variety of answers when asked to define the single most pressing problem facing their country. The largest group, 44%, described their countries’ most pressing problems as economic, while 20% offered priorities related to governmental performance, the stalled democratic transition, deficiencies in public services and the spread of financial and administrative corruption.

Compared to 2014 and 2015, findings from the 2016 survey show a decline in the proportion of respondents who gave safety and security concerns as the most pressing problems for their governments to resolve.

The results of the 2016 Arab Opinion reveal a widespread, and total, lack of satisfaction with their own financial circumstances. A full 49% of respondents reported that while their household incomes were sufficient to cover necessary expenditures, they could not make any savings (these families are designated as those living “in hardship”). Another 29% of citizens in the Arab region live “in need”, in that their household incomes do not cover their necessary expenditures.

In the face of generally negative evaluations of the political orders of their home countries, a large majority of Arabs (72%) expressed views supportive of democracy, compared to 22% who could be said to oppose democracy. Similarly, 77% agreed that a multi-party democracy was a good form of government for their home countries.

In contrast, majorities varying in size from 61% to 75% expressed their opposition to a set of other forms of government, including one restricted to Islamic Sharia, free of elections and of political parties; an electoral system where competition was restricted to Islamists; or an electoral system where competition was restricted to secular parties.

Internet penetration has increased markedly over the years of the Arab Opinion Index, with 61% of respondents to the 2016 survey being regular internet users, compared to 37% who do not use the internet. Amongst internet users, 82% have accounts on Facebook and a separate 33% have accounts on Twitter while another 32% of Arab
internet users have accounts on Instagram.

One-third (33%) of internet users are online at least daily. Meanwhile, 70% of social media users reported using their social media accounts to obtain political news and information while 68% use their social media accounts to express their views on political events, and 51% use their social media accounts to “engage with” political affairs. Only 19% of social media users report using their accounts at least once daily.

Most Arabs define their own religious in one of three ways: “Religious to some extent” (65%) or “Very religious” (20%), only 11% of Arabs defined themselves as “Not religious”.

While a majority of Arabs are religious, to varying extents, this does not preclude widespread religious tolerance: vast majorities of respondents believe that no religious authorities have the right to denounce followers of variant interpretations of their own religion, or to declare followers of other religions to be apostates. Additionally, a majority of Arabs show no real preferences for other religious individuals in their personal, dayto-day dealings, nor do they believe that irreligious people are generally worse individuals than they are.

Majorities of respondents believe that clerics should influence neither government decisions nor voting behavior at the elections. This remains true despite the fact that no majority of Arabs exists which is in-principle opposed to a separation of religion from public life.