Doha                                                                                                                                                                                                    05 Feb 2018

Over 60 countries will participate in the sixth edition of the Doha International Maritime Defence Exhibition and Conference (DIMDEX 2018) taking place from March 12 - 14 at the Qatar National Convention Centre (QNCC) in Doha.

er 30 countries will be displaying their maritime defense productions and 2-3 new countries are expected to participate first time in Doha. He was addressing during a press conference attended by representatives of various divisions of defence forces, Defence Attaches from various embassies and the members of the media. In a press conference held yesterday at SHARQ Village and Spa, the organising committee said that more than 30 countries would exhibit their latest maritime defence technology in the exhibition and many new countries would be participating in the exhibition for the first time.

More than 80 official delegations are participating and visiting the sixth edition which means a huge growth in the number of attending official VIP delegations, exhibitors and visitors.

DIMDEX is being held this year in special circumstances and it offers a vital arena for key decision makers, official government influencers and companies to gather under one roof.

The value of deals signed in the previous editions of DIMDEX was $31.95bn. The total number of visitors over years since 2008 is 49,254 and 70 participating visiting warships.

Major General Abdullah bin Hassan Al Sulaiti, Commander of the Qatar Emiri Naval Forces welcomed attendees at the briefing and wished them a successful participation in the sixth edition; “I look forward to meeting the VIP delegations and discussing the latest topics related to maritime security and defence.”

Staff Brigadier (Sea) Abdulbaqi S. Al-Ansari, Chairman of DIMDEX, presented an overview of the progress DIMDEX has witnessed over the past decade and introduced attendees to the various aspects and attractions of the show.

Brig. grow and establish new partnerships with leading businesses and key procurement decision makers.”

Qatar Armed Forces Head of International Cooperation Department and Director of MENC, Staff Brigadier (Sea) Tariq Khalid Al-Obaidly, announced this year’s MENC theme; “Building Capabilities in Challenging Environments through Visionary International Military Cooperation and Defence Engagement.”

The team reinforced that the conference is designed to promote international military collaboration and exchange, to accomplish global peace and security, alongside the protection of shores, borders and assets. As one of the four key elements of DIMDEX 2018, MENC gathers leading defence experts to discuss strategic topics that affect security in the region and beyond, through a united vision.

DIMDEX 2018 marks the exhibition’s 10th anniversary, offering participants “A World-Class Platform for Technology, Maritime & Defence Industry Capabilities.”

Since its inception, DIMDEX has witnessed continuous growth to become a leading event in the international maritime defence and security industry calendar. DIMDEX is much more than just an exhibition; the three-day event also features the international strategic Middle East Naval Commanders Conference (MENC), Visiting Warship Display from international naval forces, and elite VIP delegation visits.

Doha                                                                                                                                                                                                    06 Feb 2018

Doha                                                                                                                                                                                                    06 Feb 2018

Qatar Airways is pleased to announce that it is installing additional self-service check-in kiosks at the award-winning Hamad International Airport (HIA), in effort to make the check-in experience even faster and more convenient for its passengers.

The new kiosks will enable even more passengers to perform self check-in and print their own boarding pass, allowing them to avoid long queues at check-in desks and providing for a faster, hassle-free experience. The new kiosks will also feature a self bag-drop facility. During installation, Row 3 will be used for Economy Class check-in, to enable the installation of the additional kiosks.

Akbar Al Baker, Group CEO, Qatar Airways said: “We are dedicated to ensuring that our passengers’ journey is smooth and streamlined, from the moment they purchase their ticket to their arrival at their final destination. This new self-service check-in facility at Hamad International Airport will enable our passengers to enjoy a much faster, more convenient check-in experience. We remain committed to continuing to enhance every element of our passengers’ journey, both on the ground and in the air.”

Global aviation industry body International Air Transport Association (IATA) estimates that by 2020, 80 per cent of global passengers will be offered self-service options throughout their journey, representing an annual savings of up to $2.1 billion for the airline industry.

HIA met a number of significant milestones in 2017, including being classified as a five-star airport by Skytrax, making it one of only five other airports in the world to achieve this status. It was also ranked ‘Sixth Best Airport in the World’ by the 2017 Skytrax World Airport Awards, moving up four places from 2016. HIA has also won the ‘Best Airport in the Middle East’ title for three years in a row and ‘Best Staff Service in the Middle East’ for two years in a row.

Qatar Airways is widely known for its relentless pursuit of innovation, and recently introduced its award-winning new Business Class seat, Qsuite, featuring the industry’s first-ever double bed available in Business Class, with privacy panels that stow away, allowing passengers in adjoining seats to create their own private room. Adjustable panels and movable TV monitors on the centre four seats give colleagues, friends or families travelling together the option to transform their space into a private suite, where they can work, dine and socialise together. These new features provide the ultimate customisable travel experience that enables passengers to create an environment that suits their own unique needs.

Qatar Airways has added many new exciting destinations to its network in 2017/18, including Auckland, New Zealand; Dublin, Republic of Ireland; Nice, France; Prague, Czech Republic; Chiang Mai, Thailand and Penang, Malaysia, to name a few. The airline will continue its rapid expansion throughout 2018 by adding many more new destinations to its global route map, including Cardiff, United Kingdom; Mykonos, Greece, Malaga, Spain and many more.

The national carrier of the State of Qatar is one of the world’s fastest-growing airlines, with a modern fleet of more than 200 aircraft flying to business and leisure destinations across six continents.

Doha                                                                                                                                                                                                  06 Feb 2018

Qatar Airways’ first non-stop flight to Penang touched down today at Penang International Airport, inaugurating the award-winning airline’s second destination in Malaysia, as it continues its robust expansion plans throughout South East Asia.

Qatar Airways flight QR 850, operated by a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, departed Hamad International Airport on Tuesday at 02:30 and arrived at Penang International Airport at 14:30 on 6 February 2018.

Among the delegation included Ehab Amin, Chief Commercial Officer, Qatar Airways and Ahmad Fadil Shamsuddin, Malaysian Ambassador to the State of Qatar.

Upon arrival of maiden flight at Penang Airport, delegation was greeted by Essa Bin Mohamed Al-Mannai,  ambassador of Qatar to Malaysia; Lim Guan Eng, Chief Minister of Penang; Datuk Badlisham Bin Ghazali, Managing Director, Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad and Ooi Chok Yan, Chief Executive Officer of Penang Global Tourism.

On the occasion, Akbar Al Baker, Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive  said “We are delighted to launch direct flights to Penang, a long-anticipated addition to our global route network. Our Kuala Lumpur service started in 2001, and it has since grown to a triple-daily direct non-stop service to and from Doha. We are tremendously pleased to now be able to offer our passengers another exciting destination to experience in this beautiful country.

“The addition of Penang to our global network comes as part of our continued expansion plans throughout Eastern Asia, as we have recently launched direct services to Thailand’s Chiang Mai and Pattaya, as well as adding additional services to Krabi, Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi.”

Lim Guan Eng, Chief Minister of Penang, said: “We offer a UNESCO World Heritage city that is captivating in not only our cultural diversity and religious harmony but also in offering our natural beauty and world class tourism products. Let your senses be invaded by sights, sounds and smells that will entice you to come back for more.”

Managing Director of Malaysia Airports, Datuk Badlisham Ghazali, said: “With the current triple-daily frequencies to Kuala Lumpur catering to the many passengers travelling to destinations in North America and Europe, we believe that the same demand for these destinations from Penang is growing rapidly. As one of the busiest airports in Malaysia, Penang International Airport recorded seven million passenger movements last year.

“It is without doubt that the airport is the hub for northern Malaysia, bearing potential for increased connectivity. Having worked together for the past 17 years, we take pleasure in welcoming Qatar Airways, which will be another great addition to the existing international airlines at Penang International Airport. With this new route, Qatar Airways will be the first Middle Eastern carrier to offer non-stop flight service from Doha to Penang, a city well known for being a UNESCO World Heritage City. The long haul flight to Penang will also bring a great expansion in tourism opportunities in Malaysia. We definitely look forward to creating many more memorable moments with Qatar Airways.”

Ehab Amin, Qatar Airways Chief Commercial Officer, at a press conference after the arrival of the inaugural flight announced the Penang route will be boosted to a four-times-weekly frequency effective 1st July 2018.  Press conference was held at the Shangri-La Rasa Sayang.

Until then, Qatar Airways will fly three times a week to Penang with its state-of-the-art Boeing 787 Dreamliner, which features 22 seats in Business Class and 232 seats in Economy Class, with spacious cabins and specially-designed interiors.

From ornate temples to tropical gardens, the sights and sounds of Penang reflect the city’s rich cultural heritage. Holidaymakers and business travellers alike will be enchanted by the country’s magnificent scenery. Penang, known as the gourmet capital of Malaysia, offers a host of culinary delights to please the palate. Penang is also the most frequented destination for retirees in Malaysia.

The award-winning airline first launched service to Malaysia in December 2001, and currently operates a triple-daily service to Kuala Lumpur, the Malaysian capital.

Qatar Airways seamlessly connects passengers from Malaysia to more than 150 destinations across six continents via its award-winning Hamad International Airport.

As part of its continued expansion plans, the airline also recently launched services to Chiang Mai, Thailand and St. Petersburg, Russia, and plans a host of exciting route launches for 2018, including Thessaloniki, Greece; Canberra, Australia and Cardiff, United Kingdom, to name just a few.

The national carrier of the State of Qatar is one of the world’s fastest-growing airlines operating a modern fleet of more than 200 aircraft flying to business and leisure destinations across six continents.

The award-winning airline has received a number of accolades recently, including ‘Airline of the Year’ by the prestigious 2017 Skytrax World Airline Awards, held at the Paris Air Show. This is the fourth time that Qatar Airways has been given this global recognition. In addition to being voted ‘World’s Best Airline’ by travellers from around the world, Qatar’s national carrier also won a raft of other major awards at the ceremony, including ‘Best Middle East Airline,’ ‘World’s Best Business Class’ and ‘World’s Best First Class Airline Lounge.’

Flight Schedule to Penang:

Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday

Doha (DOH) to Penang (PEN) QR850 departs: 02:30 arrives 14:30
Penang (PEN) to Doha (DOH) QR851 departs: 20:30 arrives 23:20

Doha                                                                                                                                                                                                  05 Feb 2018

Qatar Airways is pleased to announce the launch of new direct flights to the Turkish city of Hatay, the award-winning airline’s fifth gateway in Turkey. The new three-times weekly route will be served by an Airbus A320, featuring 12 seats in Business Class and 132 seats in Economy Class.

Hatay, also known as Antakya, was one of the largest cities in the Roman Empire, and is known for its many well-preserved ancient Roman mosaics, as well as its traditional products including olive oil soap, fine silk and delicious local cuisine.

Akbar Al Baker, Group CEO of Qatar Airways said: “We are delighted to announce the launch of this new route, which reflects the close relationship between the State of Qatar and Turkey. And Turkey itself is continuing to grow in popularity with our passengers for both business and leisure purposes, attracting travellers who wish to enjoy its rich culture. We are delighted to offer yet another gateway into this spectacular country, and to provide even more choice to our passengers who wish to experience all that Turkey has to offer.”

Qatar Airways currently operates direct flights to Istanbul’s Sabiha Gökçen Airport three times daily, to Istanbul Atatürk Airport ten times weekly, to Adana Şakirpaşa Airport three times weekly and a daily service to Ankara’s Esenboğa Airport.

As well as enjoying the award-winning in-flight service on board, passengers travelling to Hatay will also have access to Oryx One, Qatar Airways’ in-flight entertainment system, offering the latest blockbuster movies, TV box sets, music, games and much more.

Qatar Airways connects Turkey to over 150 destinations via its award-winning Hamad International Airport (HIA), and also offers seamless connecting flights from Fast East, Australia and the Middle East and beyond. The national carrier of the State of Qatar has a modern fleet of more than 200 aircraft flying to business and leisure destinations across six continents.

Flight Schedule:

Doha – Hatay (Wednesday, Friday and Sunday)

Doha (DOH) to Hatay (HTY) QR271 departs 07:30 arrives 11:25

Hatay (HTY) to Doha (DOH) QR272 departs 12:25 arrives 15:55

Doha                                                                                                                                                                                                    06 Feb 2018

Lulu Group in cooperation with the Australian Embassy has organized the Australian Festival at Lulu Hypermarkets today. Lulu Group has been conducting the Australian festival in their other regions since many years, however, this is the very first initiative in Qatar region.

Dr. Axel Wabenhorst, Ambassador of Australia to the State of Qatar was the Chief Guest on the occasion at Lulu Hypermarket, Al Messila. The festival will run from the 06^th until the 12^th February. Among others present on the occasion were Mohamed Althaf, Director of Lulu Group International, Yara Elsergany from Australian embassy and Lamees Shaat, member of Qatar Australia and New Zealand Business Association (QANZBA), dignitaries and guests.

Dr. Axel Wabenhorst in his inaugural speech commended the efforts taken by Lulu Group for highlighting and promoting Australian foods and other products in their stores. He was highly impressed with the supporting point of sale materials utilized in-store, and indicated that one of biggest categories of export into Qatar from Australia is Beef and Lamb.  Dr. Axel Wabenhorst also pointed out that in the recent months there has been significant increase in the export of livestock from Australia to Qatar.

Children of King’s College Doha and (the Nord Anglia) Compass School Doha also were present at the inaugural ceremony.  Children of King’s College Doha has performed an iconic song from Australia.

Live cooking sessions by a Culinary Chef from Meat Livestock Association (Australia) were also organized during the festival in each Lulu outlet.

Lulu Hypermarkets have long years of relations with the Australian markets. A wide variety of products from Australia have been showcased on the occasion.  Among these products include Fresh Meat, Cheese, Olives, Free-range Eggs, Muesli Bars, Bread, varieties of Milk and Milk products, Organic Baby foods, Sauce, Cake mix, Honey, fresh and frozen fruits & vegetables etc.

The festival also highlighted specialties and delights such as Aussie burgers and other popular Australian dishes at the Hot-food counters. Australia’s food and beverages sector spans a diverse range of capabilities, from the supply of raw ingredients, to food processing to retail sales to consumers.

Albeit Australian products have presence in Lulu stores for a long time, however, this promotion campaign endeavors to promote a wide range of Australian products and to augment sales by increasing the extent of imports.  According to the reports available, Qatar has an Australian expatriate population of nearly 3,300 citizens working in high-ranking positions, constituting 0.21% of the total population.

Halal-certified food is also of growing importance to trade between Qatar and Australia, leading to the launch of specialized halal-certification bodies in Australia. These specialized governing bodies have been created to monitor, supervise and certify all products imported to the State of Qatar.

Paris                                                                                                                                                                                                  06 Feb. 2018

Dr. Ali bin Samikh Al-Marri, Chairman, National Human Rights Committee (NHRC), Qatar called on the EU countries and others on turning a blind eye to the Gulf crisis and to join international human rights organizations and call for an end to the embargo imposed on Qatar eight months ago.

That "when it comes to the defense of human rights, neutrality is not allowed, because neutrality then may amount to complicity and encourage those involved to continue violations of human rights, which is itself an act of violations of international laws and conventions.

He stressed that "the issuance of an official report from the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, condemning the embargo explicitly, and recognizes the occurrence of discriminatory and arbitrary violations against the people of Qatar, dropped all the arguments and justifications that were based on some States and organizations to justify their neutrality."

On the second day of his European tour to France and Germany, Chairman, NHRC met on Monday with officials of the Foreign Ministry, Jean-Baptiste Pfeiffer, Vice-President for Middle East and North Africa, Permanent Representative of France to the United Nations, Responsible for the State of Qatar in the French Foreign Ministry. He also met with Florence Cromo Vissiar, Counselor of the French National Assembly "Parliament" and Director of Human Rights and Humanitarian Affairs.

Dr. Ali bin Smeikh discussed with French officials the repercussions of the unjust siege imposed on Qatar since June 5, and the efforts exerted by the National Committee for the Defense of those affected by the blockade and the legal procedures that have been started to follow up those involved in the violations. He also reviewed the conclusions contained in the report of the substantive mission of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights on the effects of the embargo.

He stressed that "some more than 8 months have passed, and despite all the international and legal reports condemning the unjust siege, the four countries (Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain and Egypt) have shown no willingness to back down on their arbitrary measures. The most recent being the report of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, as the first official report issued by the most important international organization, has condemned explicitly and directly violations of the embargo, and called for their immediate cessation.

"The countries of the blockade not only ignored the report of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, but went so far as to question the credibility of an international body, accusing it of bias to the State of Qatar, in a behavior that reflects the practice of the embargo since the beginning of the crisis, "Qatar has been open and responsive to all human rights organizations and has opened its doors to monitor the repercussions of the siege and to listen to the testimonies of those directly affected without any restrictions."

In response to a question about the role of France and the European Union, Dr. Ali bin Smeikh said that "France has been a major and important station in the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and should maintain this privileged position in protecting the rights and remedies of victims." Of moves to French diplomacy to raise the repercussions of the embargo, especially during meetings with officials of the embargo countries, and at the table of meetings of the European Union.

He appreciated the French officials' understanding of the concerns of the National Human Rights Committee, Qatar, in parallel with his assertion that "the NHRC appreciates the position of civil society organizations and French human rights organizations that have stood from the outset and sympathized with the tragedy of the victims of the siege."

"France and the EU countries, which have an honorable asset in the defense of human rights and the enactment of strict laws that make human rights a priority, and above any political calculations or interests, France and the EU will play a decisive and crucial role in ending The tragedies caused by the embargo countries, as a result of their gross violations of human rights, which affected the citizens and residents of Qatar and the Gulf Cooperation Council countries. "

He said "In the past, we have been hearing from officials in some countries and human rights organizations that they can not take firm measures and positions that are openly and strongly condemning the embargo countries explicitly, on the pretext of the absence of a formal UN report and the opportunity of Kuwaiti mediation and international efforts to resolve the crisis. The report dropped all the masks on the countries of the blockade, just as all the arguments and justifications that cast doubt on serious human rights violations or as a pretext for not condemning the embargo states have been dropped. "

He warned that "the continuation of some countries in the world and human rights organizations in their silence, or neutral position, encourages the countries of the blockade to continue violations, and this in itself is a crime against human rights that the countries of Europe and the free world has been denied.

He added: "European and Western capitals should take the issue of human rights over economic interests and consider them a priority issue in the agenda of their foreign relations with the countries of the blockade, because the impact on human rights affects security and the continuation of the crisis poses a serious threat to international peace and security."

"We at the National Human Rights Commission call on France, the governments of the world and human rights organizations to make a strong voice in defending the rights of citizens and residents of Qatar and the Gulf Cooperation Council countries," Dr. Ali Ben Smeikh Al Marri said at the conclusion of his meeting with officials of the French Foreign Ministry and the French Parliament. The countries of the blockade to stop their violations, in order to stand with the human rights first, and redress the victims who have been affected for more than eight months.

Doha                                                                                                                                                                                                    05 Feb 2018

Qatar Petroleum entered into an agreement with Total of France to acquire a 25% participating interest in the Exploration Block 11B/12B, offshore South Africa.

Once the agreement receives regulatory approvals by the South African Government, Qatar Petroleum will have a 25% participating interest in the block, while Total (the Operator) will have 45%, Canadian Natural Resources Limited (CNR) will hold 20%, and Main Street 1549 Proprietary Limited (Main Street) will have a 10% participating interest.

Commenting on this occasion, Saad Sherida Al-Kaabi, the President & CEO of Qatar Petroleum said: “This agreement is another step by Qatar Petroleum that embodies the vision of His Highness the Emir of the State of Qatar in expanding and reinforcing Qatar’s leading position in the field of energy across the globe. We are pleased to sign this agreement with our long-time partner Total, and to participate in exploration activities in this frontier block offshore South Africa.”

“We are hopeful that the exploration efforts, including the drilling of an exploration well later this year, will be successful, and we look forward to collaborating with our partners Total, CNR, Main Street in this project. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the South African authorities and our exploration partners for their support,” Al-Kaabi said.

Block 11B/12B is located in what is considered to be a frontier area in the Outeniqua Basin, approximately 175 kilometers off the southern coast of South Africa. It covers an area of approximately 19,000 square kilometers with water depths ranging from 200 to 1,800 meters.

London                                                                                                                                                                                              03 Feb. 2018                                                                                                                                                                                (Reuters)

Britain's 15 MPs signed a petition demanding Prime Minister Teresa May's government to press for an immediate lifting of the embargo imposed on Qatar and urged the embargo countries to respond to Kuwaiti mediation to resolve the crisis.

British parliamentary mission, which visited Doha from 27 to 29 September 2017, called on the British government to put pressure on the embargo countries to lift the siege, demanding that the countries of the blockade to respond to dialogue with Qatar to resolve the crisis through the mediation of Kuwait, calling at the same time British Foreign Minister Boris Johnson to press his counterparts from the foreign ministers of the embargo countries to ease the measures taken to put an end to the worsening human rights violations caused by the continuation of the crisis for nearly eight months.

Recommendations of the Parliamentary Mission

The British parliamentary delegation that visited Doha issued a report containing its conclusions following its visit to Doha from 27-29 September 2017 to review the effects of the blockade imposed on Qatar since 5 June.

The mission, which included members of the House of Lords and the British House of Common, led by British Labor Party member Graham Morse, met a number of victims and heard their testimonies. The delegation also visited several ministries, including the Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs, and the delegation heard testimonies about the Saudi authorities' prohibition of Qataris and residents from performing Hajj and Umrah.

Upon the mission's return to London, it prepared a report, published in January 2018, on its observations and conclusions on the repercussions and effects of the embargo, according to the documented information obtained from institutions, individuals and ministries, as well as meetings with officials of the National Commission for Human Rights, Minutes and documents on the effects of the blockade on the citizens and residents of Qatar and the siege countries.

The report of the British parliamentary delegation included several recommendations, including the British government's call for pressure on the embargo countries to lift the blockade and its demand that the countries of the blockade consider responding to the dialogue with Qatar through Kuwaiti mediation.

He also recommended in his report the British Foreign Minister to pressure his counterparts from foreign ministers of the embargo countries to alleviate the measures taken by citizens and residents of Qatar and the countries of siege, to put an end to the intensification of the violation of human rights.

The delegation called upon the British Government to show that the States of the embargo must respect the rights of individuals to freedom of movement, freedom of opinion and expression and the right to family reunification.

The delegation met 100 people affected by the siege

The members of the British parliamentary delegation listened directly to the testimonies of more than 100 cases affected by the siege during their visit to Doha, and held meetings with many people, families, business owners, businessmen and other groups and listened to their testimonies and their suffering and impact on the blockade.

The British delegation, which met with the President of the National Committee for Human Rights, Dr. Ali bin Samih al-Marri and several people affected by the embargo, met with four deputies and officials of the British Parliament, led by Lord Qorban Hussein, Lord Kilk Kony, Lord Nazir Ahmed, House of Lords and Attorney Graham Morris Member of the House of Commons, along with Shazia Arshad, Mr. Jameel, Alastar Sloane, and Wobal Lo Journalist, on the occasion of the parliamentary delegation's visit to Doha to find out the repercussions of the blockade.

15 MPs direct a petition to the British Prime Minister

In a related context, 15 MPs signed a petition calling for the lifting of the embargo imposed on Qatar immediately and included a petition to the British government to pressure the embargo countries to respond to Qatari mediation. * (List of deputies signed with the news) *.

The House of Commons MP Graham Morris, a member of the House of Commons and signed by 15 colleagues in the House of Commons and Lords, said that the British House of Representatives notes with concern the continued siege imposed on Qatar. He is concerned about the impact of the blockade on the human rights of Qatari citizens and residents in Qatar, Including family separation, restrictions on the right to education, pilgrimage and religious practice, restrictions on financial transactions and freedom of the press.

The members of the House of Representatives are also concerned about the lack of progress towards a breakthrough in the crisis between Qatar and the Quartet.

The signatories indicated that they supported Kuwaiti mediation and called on the British Government to urge the embargo States to make further progress towards a negotiated settlement.

They also urged the government to call on the Quartet to lift the siege on Qatar and ease existing restrictions on the personal rights of residents and citizens.

The Commission on Human Rights wins the trust of British society

The report of the British Parliamentary Mission, signed by 15 MPs from the House of Commons, marks the culmination of the efforts of the National Human Rights Committee, headed by Dr. Ali Bin Samiekh Al Marri, since the beginning of the crisis about eight months ago.

San Francisco  (USA)                                                                                                                                                                          31 Jan 2018                                                                                                                                                                                      (PNA/Xinhua)

Facebook said on Tuesday that no "deceptive promotional practices such as cryptocurrency" will be allowed in any ads on its website.

The new Facebook policy released on Tuesday virtually bans all ads that promote cryptocurrencies, including bitcoin, across the Facebook community.

"Ads should be safe, and that we build for people first. Misleading or deceptive ads have no place on Facebook," said the world's largest operator of online social and social networking service, which is based in the San Francisco Bay Area of California on the US west coast.

The new practice will prohibit all advertisers, including those who operate legal businesses, from promoting things like bitcoin, cryptocurrencies, initial coin offerings or binary options on Facebook.

Facebook regards the above financial products and services as being frequently associated with misleading or deceptive promotional practices.

"We want people to continue to discover and learn about new products and services through Facebook ads without fear of scams or deception," Facebook said.

It said the new policy is part of its efforts to "better detect deceptive and misleading advertising practices."

"Enforcement will begin to ramp up across our platforms including Facebook, Audience Network and Instagram," it noted.

Founded on Feb. 4, 2004, Facebook has more than 2 billion monthly active users as of June 2017.