Doha
21 April 2017 (QNA)

Emir of State of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani received kidnapped Qatari citizens on arrival at Doha International Airport today on Friday afternoon.

Twenty six (26) Qatari nationals along with members of their hunting party were kidnapped in Iraq during their hunting trip in December 2015.

Doha
21 April 2017 (QNA)

President of the Republic of Croatia, Kolinda Grabar-Kitarovic arrived today on Friday at Hamad International Airport on official visit to the country.

Minister of Culture and Sports of State of Qatar, Salah bin Ghanem Al Ali, Ambassador of Qatar to Croatia Sheikha Moza bint Nassir Al-Thani, and Ambassador of Croatia to Qatar, Tomislav Bosnjak received the Croatian President and his accompanying members of delegation.

Doha
20 April 20 (QNA)

King Philippe of Kingdom of Belgium has awarded country's top civil award 'Order of the Crown in the class of Grand Cross' to ambassador Sheikh Ali bin Jassim Al-Thani, Former Qatar's ambassador to Belgium between 2012 to 2017.

On behalf of the King of Belgium, Christphe Payot, ambassador of Belgium to State of Qatar honored Sheikh Ali bin Jassim Al-Thani with the Order of the Crown in the class of Grand Cross during a ceremony held at his official residence in Doha.

Ambassador Christophe said the award is in recognition of his efforts to consolidate bilateral ties during his five-year of posting in the Kingdom of Belgium.

Ambassador Sheikh Ali bin Jabbor AlThani talking exclusively with www.asiantelegraphqatar.com said on the occasion 'I am really honored today receiving such prestigious award from King of Belgium. I am very glad to serve my country during my posting to Belgium as my country's ambassador.

Ambassador Sheikh Ali bin Jabbor AlThani is now serving in Austria as ambassador of Qatar.

Doha
19 April 2017

Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, President of Uganda announced today for opening of Investment & Tourist Office in Doha. He was addressing to Qatari Businessmen at the Doha Sheraton Grand Hotel.

'Uganda plans to open an investment office in Doha, Qatar to facilitate prospective investors with information on trade, investment opportunities and to promote tourism,' President Moseveni told. “there is free entry and exit of investors in our country. Let the Islamic Bank come to Uganda and save investors from the challenge of high interest rates', he said.

President Museveni said that although Arab region was close to Africa but there is not much trade relations between the two. There is need for the Arab region and Africa to work together, Africa is a huge and growing market.

President of Uganda is on a 3-day state visit to the country. He is accompanied by the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports Janet Museveni, Ministers of Foreign Affairs and Finance Minister along with members of parliament and business community.

Museveni told the Qatar business leaders that the more the business the two region’s conduct, the more they shall prosper. 'By investing in Uganda, not only East African region with a population of 170 million people but whole Eastern and Southern Africa over 500 million people market is available.

“When you invest in Uganda you will sell up to the global level. Uganda has got trade agreements with the USA for zero tax rates for a total of 6,000 products, with the European Union for all products except arms and another agreement with China for 440 products.

'We do not believe in exporting unprocessed minerals. We do not want Qatar to grow items but to process them. The areas where we need support and investment are the minerals development, iron ore processing industry, hematite steel that can be used for building infrastructure including dams and in agro-processing.

He told that the Chinese today produces 300,000 tons of steel per annum.”

Uganda’s non-resident Ambassador to Qatar Dr. Rashid Yahya Ssemuddu also attended the meeting.

Qatari business community members told Ugandan President they will be visiting Uganda.

Doha
19 April 2017

Dr. Hanan Mohammed Al Kuwari, Minister of Public Health inaugurated today the expansion and launch of the new production lines of Qatar Pharma Pharmaceutical Industries.

The opening ceremony was attended by a number of stakeholders and Dr. Ahmed Bin Mohammed Al Sulaiti, Chairman of Qatar Pharma.

The expansion includes the addition of eight new production lines, bringing the number to 14 production lines.

The Minister of Public Health also toured the factory during which she witnessed the new production lines and stages of the production process.

Dr. Hanan Mohammed Al-Kuwari stressed the keenness of the Ministry of Public Health to support the pharmaceutical industries in the State of Qatar and to be of high quality and in accordance with the best international standards.

She said that despite the modernity of the pharmaceutical industries in the country, the efforts aimed at strengthening this strategic industry through constructive cooperation with the private sector, and to contribute to meet a significant part of the needs of the local market in this area.

The production process at Qatar Pharma started in 2009 and is currently producing dialysis solutions, intravenous solutions, dehydration solutions, ointments, eye drops, and medical supplies that complement the production process.

Manila
April 18 (PNA)

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte concluded his week-long state visits on a high note, bringing home with him more than USD 900-million deals and hundreds of amnestied Filipino workers.

The President went to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Bahrain, and the State of Qatar from April 10 to 17.
He arrived in the Philippines with more than 138 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) from Saudi Arabia, part of an ongoing repatriation process by the Philippine government due to the grant of amnesty to overstaying and undocumented foreign workers by the Saudi government.

During the President's week-long three-country visit, he witnessed the signing of over USD 925-million worth of investment deals among Saudi, Bahraini, and Qatari businessmen, which are expected to create 62,000 jobs.

The President also saw the signing of agreements on investment; labor cooperation; strengthening of diplomatic ties; air services; avoidance of double taxation; and cooperation on culture, health, and technical and vocational education and training.

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Both sides acknowledged that the visit strengthened PHL-KSA long-standing relations in all areas of cooperation, especially in the economic, trade, and security sectors.

Both agreed that terrorism represents the biggest threat to peace in the world today and exchanged views on how to counter it.

The President thanked The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, for the Kingdom’s continued hosting of more than 760,00 Filipino workers and noted that the remittances sent by these OFWs support the market-driven economy of the Philippines.

The King assured the President that Philippine labor is greatly valued in the Kingdom and both the King and the President agreed to work on the need to uphold the welfare and well-being of these workers.

King Salman and President Duterte exchanged viewpoints on how to further develop bilateral relations and discussed regional and international issues of common concern.

The Philippines noted the significance of Saudi Vision 2030, which will open many avenues for cooperation between the Philippines and the Kingdom.

Aside from His Majesty King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, the President also met with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Nayef bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Deputy Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Adel bin Ahmed Al Jubair.

The Deputy Crown Prince, during his meeting with the President proposed to further strengthen cooperation efforts in countering terrorism through training of security officers.

Both leaders witnessed the signing of three agreements pertaining to labor cooperation, political consultations, and training for diplomats from both countries.

On April 12, the President attended the Trade and Investment Forum where Saudi businessmen made investment commitments, worth USD 469.34-million, expected to create 16,000 jobs.

Before flying to Bahrain the President met with 1,500 members of the Filipino Community in Riyadh.

Manama, Bahrain

The President arrived in Bahrain on April 12 and was welcomed by the Bahraini Deputy Prime Minister Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa.

During the lunch in honor of the President, His Highness Prince Salman expressed the Bahraini people’s gratitude to Filipinos and acknowledged their huge contribution to all facets of Bahraini society and economy. Both leaders also agreed to increasing two-way business and recognized the strong potential of trade and investment between the Philippines and Bahrain.

During the private meeting of the President and King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the two leaders discussed and exchanged views on important regional and international issues, and on how to enhance political, economic, cultural, and security cooperation between the two countries. The President thanked King Hamad for the Kingdom’s continued hosting of almost 60,000 Filipino workers and noted that the remittances sent by these OFWs helped support the economy of the Philippines.

The two leaders witnessed the signing of four agreements on the establishment of a High Joint Commission that is aimed at enhancing economic and political cooperation, training of diplomats, air services, and agreement on the avoidance of double taxation.

The President also witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the AMA Group Holdings Inc. and the Nader and Abraham Sons of Hassan Company W.L.L. on the additional investment of USD 250-million, which will see the expansion of the operations of the Banana plantation of RP Bahrain Harvest Inc. in Sarangani up to 10,000 hectares. This project is expected to provide 40,000 jobs for farm workers and is seen to support the peace and development agenda of the Duterte administration for Mindanao.

The President attended the Bahraini and Filipino business leaders’ meeting at the Capital Club Bahrain. Before departing for Doha, the President also met with the 4,000-strong Filipino community in Manama at the Khalifa Sports City.

The Prime Minister of Bahrain, Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, made it a point to arrive earlier than his original schedule from a previous overseas commitment to personally meet with the President. Both leaders discussed ways of expanding cooperative ties between the Philippines and Bahrain. The Prime Minister would later send off the President.

Doha, Qatar

The President arrived in Doha, Qatar on April 14.

The President attended the Philippines-Qatar Business Forum where USD 206-million worth of business deals between Qatari businessmen and the PEZA were secured, which is expected to create almost 5,770 jobs in the Philippines.

The President also met with an estimated 4,500 members of the Filipino Community in Doha at the Lusail Sports Arena working and living in Qatar.

On the second day of the President’s State Visit to Qatar, on April 16, the President was officially welcomed by Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, the Emir of the State of Qatar.

The two leaders expressed willingness to further expand cooperation and collaboration between their two countries. They also exchanged views on various regional and international issues of common interest.

The two leaders also witnessed the signing of four agreements in the areas of culture, health, technical and vocational education and training and investment promotion and protection. The Investment Protection and Promotion Agreement (IPPA) will facilitate the influx of USD 1 billion worth of investments from Qatar’s sovereign wealth fund devoted to development projects for the countryside, including Mindanao. This will continue to increase in the coming years.

Also, the President met thousands of overseas Filipinos at the Lusail Sports Arena in Lusail City, Qatar on April 15.

He departed Doha for Manila the next day, April 16, on board Philippine Airlines flight PR 001.

"The President’s three-nation visit to the Middle East shows the importance of having sustained engagement with the region. There are potentials that can still be tapped as we continue to strengthen dialogue and cooperation and seek partnerships with the countries in the Middle East," Acting Secretary of Foreign Affairs Enrique Manalo said

What is deeply encouraging is the general sentiment of GCC leaders who show unabashed admiration for the President, expressed by a Qatari Minister, "You are very lucky to have a leader like President Duterte. He knows exactly what he wants for his nation." In the President's own words, "First and last is the public interest." The real benefit of his trip is good will for Filipinos, and good will from the nations they have served for so long.

Doha
18 April 2017

Qatar Diabates Association (QDA) in collaboration with Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) has organised a pre-Ramadan seminar on the topic of 'Guidelines of safe fasting for Diabetics during Ramadan' at
Westin Hotel Doha recently.

The seminar was targeted towards the healthcare professionals working in the diabetic clinics at government as well as private hospitals. The focus of the seminar was to update health professionals on latest development in diabetes thus enabling them to effectively treat dietetics' during Ramadan.

Dr Abdullah Al Hamaq, Executive Director QDA said "People with diabetes are all the way more eager to fast during Ramadan which puts them in a health risk category. Hence, we are promoting the Diabetes and Ramadan practical guidelines."

Elaborating on the guidelines he said "The International Diabetes Federation (IDF) and the Diabetes and Ramadan (DAR) International Alliance have come out with a comprehensive guidance for the practitioners to follow their recommendations while dealing with people with diabetes participating in fasting during Ramada while minimizing the risk of complications.

People with diabetes are at particular risk of complications from marked changes in food and fluid intake by virtue of fasting. Potential health hazards include hypoglycaemia, hyperglycaemia, dehydration and acute
metabolic complications such as diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) are common during Ramadan.

Dr Mohamed Hassanein, chair of DAR International Alliance, one of the speakers of seminarsaid 'Many people with diabetes show eagerness to fast during Ramadan despite being exempt. It is important that the decision about whether to fast should be made by an individual in consultation with the physician treating the patient, taking into account the severity of illness and the level of risk involved.

He said that new guidelines can help people make the right decision about whether or not to fast. Since the guidelines are endorsed by the leading muftis of the Arab world hence it very much in compliance with the Islamic law.

Dr. Tarik El Hadd of Qatar Metabolic Institute at HMC the research has shown that nearly 85% of patients with type 2 diabetes and over 50% of those with type 1 diabetes do fast during Ramadan which brings in a significant risk to the patients during holy month. Hence, safety of these patients during Ramadan is of utmost importance.

"The guidelines drafted by DAR needs to be propagated because they are based on the available evidence and can enable physicians to advise diabetes patients regarding safe fasting and todays seminar is a platform for health professionals to share knowledge about the treatment for diabetes patent," Hadd said.

Various advises such as to drink plenty of flued between the Suhour and Iftar, to delay the Suhour as long as possible before al Fajr if taken care can make fasting safer for diabetics. Acceptable blood glucose levels
during fasting should be bwtween 100-200 mg/dL.

For questions or inquiries during Ramadan, one may contact QDA hotline on: 44547311 or 55274919 from 08:30 am until 01:30 pm.

For medication instruction or more information, one may contact HMC & PHC hotline on: 55981331 from 08:00 pm until 11:00 pm.

Daily Mail
17 April 2017

Former Afghan President Hamid Karzai has accused the US of using his country as a weapons testing ground following Washington's Mother of All Bombs strike.

Afghanistan former leader, Karzai, described the GBU-43 Massive Ordnance Air Blast attack as an 'immense atrocity against the Afghan people'.

The US dropped its largest ever non-nuclear bomb on ISIS hideouts in Afghanistan's Nangarhar province last week killing nearly 100 militants.

The 59-year-old said today that he objected to the use of the weapon, saying that his country 'was used very disrespectfully by the U.S. to test its weapons of mass destruction.'

Just days ago, he accused his successor Ashraf Ghani of committing treason by allowing the US military to use the missile in the attack on ISIS.

Karzai condemned the attack and vowed to 'stand against America' in what may signal a broader political backlash that may endanger the US military mission in Afghanistan.

Karzai in his recent Tweet has said 'I vehemently and in strongest words condemn the dropping of the latest weapon.'

He added: 'This is not the war on terror but the inhuman and most brutal misuse of our country as testing ground for new and dangerous weapons. 'It is upon us, Afghans, to stop the US.'

During a public event in Kabul, Karzai further undermined Ghani by asking: 'How could you permit Americans to bomb your country with a device equal to an atom bomb?'

'If the government has permitted them to do this, that was wrong and it has committed a national treason.'

While the bomb has been described as one of the largest non-nuclear devices ever used, its destructive power, equivalent to 11 tonnes of TNT, pales in comparison with the relatively small atomic bombs dropped on Japan in 1945, which had blasts equivalent to between 15,000 and 20,000 tonnes of TNT.

Doha
17 April 2017
(QNA)

Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al-Thani launched the National Autism Plan 2017-2021 today in a ceremony held at the Four Seasons Hotel, Doha.

The plan aims to improve the lives of people and families of people with autism, which has become widespread locally and globally. It continues throughout life and affects the way autistic people interact with others and the surrounding environment.

The growing number of autistic people and the increasing demand for available services in Qatar stresses the need for the national plan, which helps in developing adequate general and professional support for autistic people.

Dr Hanan Mohammed Al Kuwari, Minister of Public Health present on the occasion said in his speech that launch of the National Autism Plan demonstrates the great attention that the State of Qatar, under the wise leadership of Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, gives to people with special needs and those with autism, said HE .

Minister stressed Qatar's keenness on ensuring that autistic people receive adequate care and attention along with access to necessary services and the right opportunities for education, training and normal life. The National Autism Plan builds on the goal of Qatar National Vision 2030 that aims at sustaining a high standard of living for all of its people for generations to come.

While pointing to the burden and challenges faced by the families of autistic individuals, She said that the most prominent feature of this national plan is that the families were involved in its preparation since they are the one which faces burden and challenges The families are better able to express their needs and challenges and the aspirations they seek, Al Kuwari said.

Minister of Public Health told that the National Autism Plan's vision reflects a part of the commitment to individuals with autism and their right to receive care and support now and in the future, and get access to the same opportunities as others in a society that accepts them as they are.

"We, the government, semi-government, civil society and the private sector must make every effort possible to implement the national plan so that people with autism can receive necessary care to improve their lives and integrate them into society, along with establishing an effective mechanism to follow up the optimal implementation of this national plan according to the timetables set, in addition to paying attention to research projects related to autism spectrum disorder," said Dr Hanan Mohammed Al Kuwari.

Dr Saleh Ali Al Marri of Ministry of Public Health reviewed the efforts made in the preparation of National Plan. In April 2015, a national autism working group was formed with family members of children with autism and representatives of major public and private bodies to work together to develop a comprehensive and integrated approach to care for individuals with autism, he said, adding that special task forces in key areas of importance were also formed to ensure a comprehensive and viable plan that can respond to the needs and rights of people with autism.

It is worth mentioning that the Qatar Autism Families Association comprising on over 200 parents having Autism kids played an important role in the development of the National Autism Plan. Later, a panel discussion on autism was held with the participation of representatives from ministries concerned with the implementation of the plan participated by families of autistic people. Among government institutions include Ministry of Education and Higher Education, Ministry of Culture and Sports, Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs, Ministry of Administrative Development, Labor and Social Affairs, Ministry of Transport and Communications, Ministry of Public Health and Ministry of Interior, as well as a representative of parents of autistic people.

The participants discussed the most prominent services provided and initiatives implemented to serve people with autism in addition to the most important future projects.

Doha
17 April 2017

Forbes Middle East today held an exclusive event to recognize Qatar’s top companies in 2017. The event lauded the efforts of these companies and government initiatives on a path of diversification. The companies in the list are achieving success and strengthening the status of the country’s economy, making it one of the strongest economies in the world.

The ceremony was in partnership and under the patronage of the Ministry of Economy and Commerce and was represented by Abdulbaset Al Ajji, Director of the Business Development and Investment Promotion.

Abdulaziz Bin Nasser Al-Khalifa, CEO, Qatar Development Bank said that today's award given to him belongs to QDB as it is achievement of QDB not my personal. But for us we have not yet reach to our destination though we are in right direction. He said that what we want is that SMEs sector to play their major role.

Khuloud Al Omian, Editor in Chief, Forbes Middle East said "Under the wise leadership of His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Emir of Qatar is witnessing a comprehensive economic renaissance. We are proud to announce the very first list of the Top Companies in Qatar, which is part of our continuous efforts to promote economic growth across the Arab world."

Mohammed Maher Al-Jabari, CEO's Assistant of Islamic Insurance after receiving award of his company said that it was a moment of proud of him for receiving this award. 'Such initiatives will support and encourage business houses at the highest level. 'Today's recognition of an Islamic Insurance Company does witness importance of religious factor in the region as it is traditionally contradicts with the conventional financial system. Gulf is a huge market and a big number of people are interested in dealing in Islamic economic system. Today's recognition certainly will promote this idea,' Al-Jabari said.

The 40 Qatari listed companies were ranked on four metrics: sales, net profits, assets and market value. Each company received four separate scores based on where it ranked in each metric. Loss making companies got zero score in the net profits metric. All the scores were equally weighted to reach a composite score and thus rankings were structured.

These companies were from 13 different sectors, with banks and financial services sector dominating the list with nine companies, followed by diversified and insurance with five companies each.

QNB topped the rankings with Ooredoo, Industries Qatar, Qatar Islamic Bank and Commercial bank of Qatar holding top five spots. The top 40 listed companies have total sales of $40.8 billion, net income of $12.2 billion, total assets of $411.4 billion and $147 billion market value.

Market value and currency conversions were as of April 6, 2016 and excerpts from audited financial statements of the year 2015 were incorporated.

The exclusive event was held in Doha and hosted leaders from various sectors, business heads in the public and private sector and diplomats from across the Arab region.

Forbes Middle East has support from valued partners including the Ministry of Economy & Commerce as the main partner; The St. Regis Doha, the Finest Address, situated in Al Gassar resort in Qatar’s bustling capital, as hospitality partner; Danube Properties, one of the leading property development companies in the U.A.E as support partner; 360 Nautica, a venture and growth capital platform helping entrepreneurs grow from idea to a sustainable business, as industry partner; Gulf Times, one of the leading English dailies of the region, as English print partner; and Al Raya, region’s top-read Arabic daily newspaper, as the media partner.

The event was managed by Tarteeb Media.