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Doha, 26 Oct. 2019

The Ministry of Transport and Communications (MoTC) of Qatar unveiled on Saturday Innovation Theatre for the upcoming Qatar IT Conference and Exhibition (QITCOM 2019). The Innovation Theatre will witness the best startup presentations, keynote speakers, and discussions about the latest smart solutions driving global digitization.

QITCOM theme of the year 2019 is ‘Safe, Smart Cities'. Innovation Theatre will be located at the heart of the Entrepreneurship Zone within the MoTC Zone, will be open for visitors to listen and learn from upcoming and established entrepreneurs. There will be 30 sessions including 8 keynotes, 9 panels and 6 pitch sessions comprising of 100 pitches overall.

Apart from innovation theater , the entrepreneurship zone include s4 more programs , Idea Camp, Code Camp, Make the Deal and Startup Hub, wherein selected start-ups and winners from each of the programs will present their final pitches to a panel of judges at the innovation theater.

The first day will be a combination of keynotes, panels and Idea Camp and Code Camp pitch sessions, and winners announcement.

Second day will focus on Idea Camp, the third day will include Make the Deal pitches and the last day will witness a special pitch session,followed by the Startup Hub awards ceremony.

Over 30 keynote and panel speakers will be discussing Safe, Smart Cities, the Future of Service Delivery, Emerging Technologies and Future Landscapes, Breaking Barriers: Lessons from Women Entrepreneurs, Mega trends and the Three Things that Truly Matter for Investors.

Ibrahim Al Mannai, Executive Director of Advisor and Incubation at Qatar Development Bank; Sachin Kumar, Founding Team Member and CTO – TupeloLife and Head of Google Developer Group (GDG), Doha and Dr. Tejinder Singh, Founder of Q-Tickets and 360 Nautica, will be among the forty-five key speakers at QITCOM 2019.

Among other speakers include Ahmad Al Mutawa, Founder, Mubaader Services, Eva Kaili, MEP, European Parliament, Dr. Miguel Eiras Antunes, Global Smart Cities & Local Government Leader, Deloitte, Rizwan Hussain, Government, Industry Leader, IBM Middle East, David Suarez, Partner, People & Organisation, Leader, Middle East, PwC.

While the Innovation Theatre will primarily attract, promote and exhibit talented digital entrepreneurs, it also expects families and students to attend the sessions and acts as a platform to share innovative ideas, experiences and success stories. Prior to the final pitch, participants will be mentored by global experts to help them transform ideation pitches into scalable business ideas.

Each team and start-up will be given the opportunity to pitch their business idea or solution to a panel of judges. Some of the awards include incubation offers, projects, awards and funding.

The Innovation Theatre is part of the Entrepreneurship Zone, which is dedicated to encouraging startups, business leaders and entrepreneurs to develop innovative pitches, prototypes and digital solutions for Qatar’s smart future. It supports novice entrepreneurs to work on their business ideas through hackathons, mentorship programs, tailored matchmaking and pitch sessions. 

Duha Ali Al-Buhendi, Manager, Digital Incubation Centre said, “Following the success of the previous Innovation Theatre programs, we are delighted to witness this year’s unique pitches. Innovation Theatre is an incredibly rewarding opportunity for aspiring entrepreneurs to fulfill their ambitions of being a part of the Digital Incubation Centre (DIC) and achieving reputable business offers.” 

Reem Al Mansoori, Assistant Undersecretary for the Digital Society Development Sector at the Ministry of Transport and Communications, commented, “QITCOM has previously offered funding opportunities to startups and has ignited innovative ideas by teams such as Modaris, EXdensity, Game of Brands, Wahm and Media Gate. This year, we expect to see even more innovative ideas from local and global startupsas this is an incredible opportunity for them to access global smart city experts, as they create a marketplace for digital innovation.”

QITCOM 2019 is looking to host local and international participants, who will have the opportunity to take part in the Entrepreneurship Zone activities including CodeCamp, IdeaCamp, Make the Deal and Startup Hub. Participants can register on the QITCOM 2019 website to be a part of Qatar’s largest ICT showcase yet.

QITCOM 2019 is dedicated to expediting the development ofsafe, smart city in Qatar. Through its mission to connect smart technology with entrepreneurs, investors and large audiences to create a knowledge-based economy and to promote the use of smart technology effectively and safely, QITCOM has proven to be a hub for innovation and digital advancements.

Doha, 25 Oct. 2019

Senior officials of Qatari-Turkish Higher Strategic Committee held a meeting here on Thursday presided by Dr. Ahmed bin Hassan Al Hammadi, Secretary General, Ministry of Foreign Affairs  of Qatar.

At the outset of the meeting, Dr AlHammadi commended Turkey's successful organization of 4th session of the Qatari-Turkish Higher Strategic Committee in Istanbul on November 26, 2018. He praised the Republic of Turkey's honorable stance regarding the blockade imposed on Qatar since June 2017.

Dr. Al Hammadi said that the Committee, through its four previous sessions, has contributed advancing the two countries' relations to the level of strategic partnership. Referring to the progress in economic bilateral relations, he said: "The volume of trade exchange between the two countries last year amounted to USD 2.4 billion, an increase of (78%) from 2017, and this increase reflects the strength of trade relations."

He stressed the importance of supporting mutual visits of trade delegations, chambers of commerce, businessmen and the private sector, as well as the exchange of expertise between stakeholders and cooperation between small and medium enterprises.

He concluded by saying that the State of Qatar has enacted attractive procedures for foreign capital, which allows investment of 100 percent of capital in many sectors, in addition to providing many incentives and benefits for foreign investors.

Ismail S. Oglu, Deputy Director General of the Middle East Department, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Republic of Turkey said that the State of Qatar and the Republic of Turkey share views on many regional issues. He extended thanks the State of Qatar for its honorable stance rejecting the failed coup attempt in Turkey in 2016, calling for intensified cooperation to achieve the aspirations and hopes of the leaders and peoples of the two countries.

Fikret Ozer, Turkish Ambassador to Qatar stressed the depth of bilateral relations, noting that relations have been developing and prospering since the first meeting of the Higher Strategic Committee between the two countries in 2015. This is evidenced by the number of agreements and memorandums of understanding signed since then, he added.

Among the participating delegates included representatives of both countries from various governmental and private sectors. On this occasion, , a number of draft agreements and memoranda of understanding between the two sides were finalized and are expected to be signed during the fifth session of the Higher Strategic Committee.

Doha, 25 Oct 2019

United Development Company (UDC), a leading Qatari public shareholding company and the master developer of The Pearl-Qatar and Gewan Islands announced its financial results for the nine-month period ended 30 September 2019, reporting net profit of QR 343 million over revenues of QR 1.3 billion. The net profit attributable to the equity shareholders was QR 319 million and basic earnings per share was QR 0.090.

Turki bin Mohammed Al-Khater, UDC Chairman said, “UDC has delivered commendable financial results in a challenging real-estate market”. He said that there is a good progress on Gewan Island and other key development projects on The Pearl-Qatar”. Al-Khater added, 'Applying a clear strategy along with outstanding community and customer service initiatives will attract new investments to The Pearl-Qatar and maintain steady revenues'.

Ibrahim Jassim Al-Othman, UDC President and Chief Executive Officer and Member of The Board said, 'In line with our development plan, UDC awarded major contracts on key developments across The Pearl-Qatar and Gewan Island. There is a significant progress on Gewan Island, our latest flagship project, where UDC has awarded the marine works contract on the Island to the Joint Venture of UrbaCon Trading & Contracting Company and Promar Marine Contracting Company and signed a financing arrangement with QNB and The Commercial Bank for the development of the Island with a credit ceiling of QR 1.25 billion”.

Al-Othman said. 'UDC awarded the construction contract of United School International to Al Darwish Engineering Company and the design and build contract of three gated compounds in Floresta Gardens to Ramaco Trading and Contracting Companyas well as the design and build contract to Al Seal Contracting and Trading Company of the Gated Compound in Giardino Village”.

He added, 'Our business model continues to be resilient in the face of challenging real-estate market conditions, evidencing that the lively Island’s community has not been affected by these conditions, via the support of our outstanding community and customer service initiatives”.

Al-Othman said, 'UDC has won in Singapore Best Employer Brand Award and the Best HR Strategy in Line with Business Award at the 10thedition of Asia’s Best Employer Brand Awards. It was hosted by World HRD Congress in collaboration with the Employer Branding Institute. These awards demonstrate UDC’s success not only as a leading real-estate development company but also as an organization that is committed to the growth of its employees through effective and sound management and HR practices.

Earlier in the year, UDC won the Best Mixed-Use Development Award for The Pearl-Qatar & Commercial High-Rise Development Award for UDC Tower at the 2019-2020 Arabian Property Awards”.

Mr. Al-Othman concluded: “We are proud that we showcased our high-class development projects across The Pearl-Qatar and Gewan Island at Cityscape Qatar 2019, the largest real estate event in the State of Qatar. We look forward to the future with renewed optimism fueled by sustained focus on developing an outstanding community resulting in significant appreciation in the shareholders’ values”.

UDC was established in 1999, listed on the Qatar Exchange in June 2003. It has a shared capital of QR 3.5 billion and total assets of QR 18.5 billion as at 30th September 2019.

UDC activities cover a multitude of vital investment sectors including real estate development, property management, infrastructure and utilities, maritime, and hospitality related businesses.

 

Doha, 20 Oct. 2019

Cities around the world are increasingly transforming into ‘Smart Cities’ as rapid urbanization is exerting growing pressure on the traditional infrastructures. Smart Cities initiative, which integrate digital technology to optimize the efficiency of cities' operations and services, are now the global trend due to the several economic benefits it offers including the potentials to boost the economic development of global cities by over 5% and deliver at least $20 trillion in additional economic benefits by 2026, according to a recent white paper by ABI Research on the ‘Role of Smart Cities for Economic Development’.

Singapore, that has developed a system that allows drivers to save up to 60 hours a year through autonomous taxis, to Chicago - where more than 500 sensors have turned this metropolis into a smart region with its traffic lights, street lighting and rubbish containers all connected to the internet and many others, the cities of the future are gradually emerging.

Realizing the enormous potentials of the Smart Cities initiative as one of the key factors to accelerate the achievement of all pillars of the Qatar National Vision 2030, the“Smart Qatar” initiative, also known as TASMU,  was launched by Qatar at the 2017 edition of the Qatar Information Technology Conference & Exhibition (QITCOM).  It focuses on five top priority sectors -Transportation, Healthcare, Logistics, Environment and Sports. The initiative is expected to generate significant revenue for Qatar’s growing economy and boost its development by over 5% while delivering at least $11 billion, out of a projected $275 billion nominal GDP, by 2022.

The backbone for smart cities is Internet Connectivity and Qatar has done extremely well in this regard. With the launch of the 5G telecoms on a commercially available network globally in May 2018, Qatar cemented its position as a world leader in high-speed broadband access for households and businesses.  It was ranked number one in the world in Internet penetration (99%) for the January 2017 to January 2018 period, according to 'DIGITAL IN 2018' Insight report published by 'We Are Social and Hootsuite' authored by Simon Kemp. The latest annual report released by Northwestern University in Qatar on Media Use in the Middle East survey also indicated that Qatar has one of the world's highest Internet use rates with a saturation level at 95%.

The market size of the Internet of Things (IoT), a fundamental component of the smart cities,is growing exponentially in Qatar with sales projected to reach $573 million by 2022, compared to $172.5 million in 2018, while the monetary value of smart homes in Qatar is estimated to rise to $344 million, according to data from Statista, within the same period.

Statistics from Qatar’s Ministry of Transport and Communications (MoTC) indicated that the ICT sector is one of the major beneficiaries of the Smart Qatar initiative. Qatar’s ICT market, which was estimated to be around $3.9 billion in 2017, is expected to grow by 2.3 percent per annum to reach $4.4 billion in 2021. Figures from the International Data Corporation (IDC) predicted the software market in Qatar to reach some QR1.55 billion ($412 million), the IT service market to more than QR1 billion ($275 million) and the infrastructure market to more than QR800 million ($220 million), by 2021. In terms of growth, the cloud service segment is predicted to be the major gainer in this sector, witnessing a massive increase of up to 226% with spending expected to be in excess of $111 million.

Real Estate sector, Qatar’s model concept of smart cities is gradually turning into a reality with the Msheireb Downtown Doha and Lusail City projects at advance stages of completion. The $5.5 billion Msheireb Downtown Doha is a mixed-used development project occupying 310,000 square metres in the heart of Doha. It is regarded as the world’s first sustainable downtown regeneration project and the first downtown regeneration project embedding smart city technology and connectivity right from the start. The project, which is aimed at addressing a range of smart city pillars including smart economy, smart living, and smart environment; has won numerous awards including the Prestigious Smart City Award in Barcelona in 2018. It is also among the 2019 nominees for the Aga Khan Award for Architecture.

Lusail City also known as ‘Qatar’s Future City’, is a $45 billion smart city infrastructure being developed by Qatari Diar, the real estate arm of Qatar Investment Authority. When fully completed in 2020, the project will provide a switched on, high-technology environment comprising both wired and wireless communication networks to offer advanced services. The total estimated population of Lusail will eventually reach 450,000 people including 250,000 residents, 190,000 office workers and about 60,000 employees in retail stores thereby generating millions of riyals in revenue annually.

In healthcare, digital patient records and tele-medicine are helping evolve Qatar's healthcare market, through cost-time optimisation and improved patient care. As Qatar's healthcare providers rapidly adopt a wide range of connected solutions, the country's healthcare market is set to grow by 50 percent, from $6 billion in 2016 to $9 billion by 2020, indicated a report by investment bank Alpen Capital. The country’s investment in smart technology in its healthcare sector has paid off as Qatar is currently ranked 5th best in the world and the first in the Middle Eastin terms of life expectancy, health outcomes, and investment in health infrastructure, according to Legatum Institute, a London-based think tank.

Education also ranks among the top sectors that have been impacted by the country’s smart cities’ drive. Through the e-education and e-accessibility initiatives such as the eLearning Portal and the accessible Qatar National Library, self-learning has become much easier as the populace gets faster access to information.

Overall, Qatar is not resting on its laurels in its commitment towards achieving a diversified economy that is predicated on technology and information and with QITCOM the horizon seems brighter than ever.

A diversified economy predicated on technology and information is at the heart of the Qatar National Vision 2030 and the vision is being driven by several initiatives including Qatar Information Technology Conference & Exhibition (QITCOM 2019), the largest Information and Communication Technology showcase and event in Qatar, being held under the theme “Safe Smart Cities” from 29th October to 1st November at the Qatar National Convention Center in Doha.

With over 100 speakers, 300 technology exhibitors, 100 startups and 300 innovators invited, QITCOM 2019 aims to be a one-stop-shop for participants to showcase disruptive smart technologies and exchange next-generation knowledge in the bid to effectively position Qatar as a regional leader in creating a Smart City ecosystem through an integrated approach.

Jakarta, 20 Oct. 2019 (AlJazeera News)

When Joko Widodo was sworn in as Indonesia's president five years ago, tens of thousands of people came out to cheer him in the streets of the capital, Jakarta, in a joyful celebration of the Southeast Asian nation's democracy.

But when Widodo, a former furniture salesman popularly known as Jokowi, takes the oath of office for his second term on Sunday, there will be no parade to mark the occasion.

The 58-year-old, who is the first president to come from outside Indonesia's traditional elite, decided he did not want a fancy celebration, according to local media.

He is not the only one in Indonesia feeling less than celebratory.

Students, who took to the streets last month - in opposition to new laws, including one that curbs the powers of the anti-corruption commission or KPK - have threatened to hold protests around Widodo's inauguration.

"Back in 2014, he was a clean slate," said Johanes Sulaiman, a lecturer and political analyst at Universitas Jenderal Achmad Yani in Indonesia's Bandung.

A former governor of Jakarta, Widodo had not been tested with major policy decisions when he first became president, Sulaiman noted, and that allowed his more liberal supporters to imagine that he was, perhaps, more of a reformist than he really was.

"People were projecting what they wanted onto him and they were disappointed. He's just a regular politician."

In April's elections, Widodo campaigned of continuing his signature policies of big-ticket infrastructure development and pro-poor initiatives, and was elected with 55.5 percent of the vote.

Washington, 19 Oct 2019 (Anadolu News)

Amid Turkey's imminent peace operation into northern Syria, Ankara is urging the international community to assist its efforts to stabilize the conflict-hit region.

In an op-ed in The Washington Post, Turkish Communications Director Fahrettin Altun said the U.S. has borne the brunt of the anti-Daesh campaign for a long while.

"Turkey, which has NATO’s second-largest army, is willing and able to take the lead now and drive it home, bringing millions of refugees back to Syria in the process," Altun wrote.

"At this critical juncture, the international community must rally behind Turkey’s rebuilding and stabilization efforts," he added.

Since 2016, Turkey’s Euphrates Shield and Olive Branch operations in northwestern Syria have liberated the region from YPG/PKK and Daesh terrorists, making it possible for Syrians who fled the violence to return home.

Turkey has long decried the threat from terrorists east of the Euphrates in northern Syria, pledging military action to prevent the formation of a "terrorist corridor" there.

Altun said Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and his U.S. counterpart Donald Trump agreed to transfer the leadership of the anti-Daesh campaign to Ankara.

"The Turkish military, together with the Free Syrian Army, will cross the Turkish-Syrian border shortly," he said.

Turkey has long called for the U.S. to partner with it in the fight against Daesh, a terrorist group Ankara has worked to root out, arresting and deporting its members within Turkey.

'YPG threat'

Altun also asserted that the partnership of the U.S. with terror group PKK's Syrian affiliate YPG has been dubbed as "tactical" by American officials, adding that Trump's decision to pull forces back from northern Syria "reflects that view."

"Like the United States, Turkey does not go abroad in search of monsters to destroy. But when monsters attempt to knock down our doors and harm our citizens, we have to respond," Altun wrote.

He asserted that Turkey just aims to eliminate a long-stating threat by the YPG terror group and liberate Syrians "from the yoke of armed thugs."

He also highlighted Turkey's role in the wake of Daesh attacks, saying the country was the first to fight Daesh terrorists in war-torn Syria.

"Our country also helped the Free Syrian Army keep thousands of Islamic State militants behind bars for years," he said. "It is in our interest to preserve what the United States has accomplished, and to ensure that history does not repeat itself."

He also warned YPG terrorists to defect without delay if they are interested in fighting Daesh. In the event of fighting the Turkish military, Altun said Turkey will "have no choice but to stop them from disrupting" its anti-Daesh fight.

"The world has a vested interest in the success of the fight against Islamic State under Turkey’s leadership," Altun said, adding that U.S. troops in Syria deserve to return home and the locals, forced into exile by the YPG, get to return to their lands.

The senior official also praised the planned safe zone in northern Syria, saying it is good for Europe because it will address violence and instability in Syria, which he said were the root causes of illegal immigration and radicalization.

"Finally, the plan helps Turkey shelter innocent people from a known terrorist organization," he wrote.

Citing Erdogan's speech on the safe zone at the UN General Assembly last month, Altun said up to 2 million Syrians will volunteer to live in a 20-mile secure area spanning from the Euphrates River to the Syria-Iraq border.

Turkey's past experiences

"If the safe zone’s southern border reaches the Deir ez Zor-Raqqa line, that number could reach 3 million, including refugees currently in Europe," he added.

He said Turkey will build on its past experiences in northern Syria to keep the safe zone secure and stable and believes Syrians are equipped to govern themselves through elected local councils.

He warned that Daesh might re-emerge if local representation is not backed in northern Syria.

"In predominantly Kurdish areas, such as Afrin, Turkey oversaw the creation of local governing bodies with a Kurdish majority. The same will go for predominantly Kurdish parts of northeastern Syria.

“Our goal is to supplement those steps with international infrastructure investment for schools, hospitals and housing," he wrote.

Doha, 19 Oct. 2019

16th edition of Heya Arabian Fashion Exhibition, a showcase of abayas and traditional Arabian attire will showcase over 250 brands,  around 20 fashion shows, seminars and designer workshops. The exhibition will be held at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Center (DECC) between 25-29 October 2019. The event is delivered by Design Creationz, with the support of the Qatar National Tourism Council (QNTC), as part of its effort to empower the private sector to attract and host global events.

Among the participants, 75 % are Qatari designers who will be showcasing their designs of Qatari brands,  11 % are int'l brands from Kuwait, Oman, India, Turkey, Lebanon, Morocco, China, Indonesia, Italy and Georgia.

Brands include Debaj, Harlienz, Hammadies, Al Dukan, Maryam Al Darwish,  Zoogha (Kuwait), Samar Secrets (Lebanon), Endemage (Oman), Beenas (India) and Bocan (Turkey). Among new exhibitors include UVA , Signature design, A’s Qatar, Kyra collection, Atelier Zuhra and Malo.

Jawaher Al-khuzaei of Qatar National Tourism Council said, 'Haya Arabian Fashion Exhibition is a vibrant event that enriches our calendar of local events, especially business events, which is one of the most important tourism sub sectors. It also provides an excellent platform for local entrepreneurs to showcase their talent and introduce themselves to international markets'.

"We are delighted to partner with Design Creationz to support the exhibition and pleased to see that with its 16th edition, it has established itself as a leading Arabian fashion event," Jawaher concluded.

Main feature of the exhibition is a dedicated Italian pavilion in collaboration with Italian embassy. The curator is Valeria Mangani, former Vice President of the Italian Chamber for High Fashion. The Italian pavilion will feature 4 unique luxury brands namely Positivity Couture, Malo, Faggioli atelier and Atelier.C Firenze who will also take part of the grand opening with a special fashion show.

Curator Mangani said, 'I am pleased to showcase the best artisanal luxury brands of "Made in Italy" selected for Heya Arabian Fashion Exhibition, an incredible platform drawing Arabian fashion lovers from around the world.  She said she looks forward to engaging with the Qatari ladies on my work while also exploring the booming fashion scene in Qatar'.

Design Creationz spokesperson, Esraa Abel, said,  'The exhibition offers the most diverse range of brands. Heya has proved once again this year its stance as the most visited Arabian fashion event in Qatar, registering more than 11,800 visits at the October 2018 Autumn / Winter Fashion Edition'.

Ministry of Commerce and Industry of Qatar will be participating for the first time at Heya through a variety of workshops.

Numerous fashion shows, workshops and conversations with fashion icons are woven through the program to ensure Heya continues with its tradition of supporting entrepreneurs. Virginia Commonwealth University in Qatar (VCUQ), Istituto di Moda Burgo from Italy, Qatar Business Incubation Center (QBIC), and Bedaya center will offer young talent valuable advice related to the industry.

Reem Al Suwaidi, General Manager of Bedaya, said, 'Our mission is to provide support and guidance to Qatari entrepreneurs as they embark on their business journey. That’s why we are happy with this partnership with Heya, and we look forward to working with budding designers at the event and helping them get their business off the ground'.

Hamad Al-Qahtani, General Manager of Qatar Business Incubation Center (QBIC), said, 'We are delighted to extend our partnership with Heya Exhibition, as it is a great opportunity for fashion entrepreneurs to validate & showcase their creations. QBIC is fully dedicated to the development of the local fashion scene, and Heya is the perfect partner to achieve this vision'.

IDAM, the 3 Michelin star Alain Ducasse restaurant at Museum of Islamic Art, Qatar will unveil specially designed Heya menu inspired by haute couture. The menu will only be available during the 5 days exhibition. IDAM Executive Chef, Damien Leroux said: “Our team are delighted to support the 16th Heya Arabian Fashion Exhibition. IDAM shares strong ties with Heya. Our restaurant also highlights the growth of Qatar and champions local culture and tradition. Together, we have curated a special Heya menu which complements the creativity and detailed execution of the event while highlighting local ingredients.”

Heya is open for women only except on the opening day (25 October), during which men can accompany family members, children below the age of the 13 cannot enter the exhibition.

16th edition of Heya's partners include Maison de Joelle, W Doha, Tajmeel Academy, Intercontinental Doha the City, VCUArts Qatar, Bioskin Spa, Qatar Red Crescent and Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC), IDAM, Masstige Rose and Kaafe .

For further details, please visit www.heya.qa. Visitors can also download the Heya mobile app, enabling visitors to stay up-to-date with events and easily navigate brands and goods on offer.

 

Washington, 19 Oct. 2019

Sheikh Abdullah bin Saud Al-Thani, Governor Qatar Central Bank has reviewed the latest developments in the financial sector in the country, as well as ways and means by which the State of Qatar will be able to attract specialized American financial technology companies to come to Qatar and help banks improve the quality and efficiency of their offerings in this area.

Governor, Qatar Central Bank was addressing at a dinner hosted by Qatar-US Business Council and the American Chamber of Commerce in Washington. Dinner was hosted on the sidelines of annual meeting between World Bank Group and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) held in Washington from October 18 to 20.

Sheikh Abdullah bin Saud Al-Thani highlighted Qatar-US economic relations, increase in bilateral trade between US and Qatar. He stressed on the importance of United States as a strategic partner to the State of Qatar, pointing out that all economic indicators confirm the improvement of economic relations between the two sides. He said that unjust embargo imposed on State of Qatar provided opportunity to reconsider its international trade relations, and  the state has become more open, diverse and more self-reliance.  He said that State of Qatar has become more ambitious, independent, and focusing on globalism, while insisting on strengthening and expanding its relations with important partners.

He said that  Qatar is looking ahead to build stronger trade and investment relations between financial sector in Qatar and its counterpart in the United States," he said.

Governor, Qatar Central Bank held bilateral discussions with participating companies to learn about their best practices and prospects of benefiting from them in the financial and banking sectors in Qatar.

 

Doha, 20 Oct. 2019

The TASMU Smart Qatar initiative, a flagship program by the Ministry of Transport and Communications (MoTC), to participate in QITCOM 2019, the largest Information and Communication Technology showcase and event in Qatar.

Four days long event will be held from 29th October to 1st November at QNCC, under the theme ‘Safe Smart Cities’. QITCOM’s purpose this year is to bring together industry leaders, startups, and innovators to share knowledge; providing them with a platform to showcase existing solutions and build new ones.

TASMU will showcase developments and milestones along with study possibilities to work with various entities and align them to work together to bring the Smart Qatar vision to life.

TASMU oversees the development and implementation of smart technologies in five priority sectors across the nation; Transportation, Healthcare, Logistics, Environment, and Sports.

TASMU is developing over 100 use-cases that address national challenges. The first and second wave of these use-cases that will be implemented in 2020 includes; real-time crowd and transportation management, intelligent road signage, national food security analytics, digital shipping guide, virtual physician consultation services, mobile clinics, active living index, and more.

Reem Al-Mansoori, Assistant Undersecretary of Digital Society Development in Qatar’s Ministry of Transportation and Communication said, “This year’s QITCOM will feature more than 300 technology exhibitors, 100 startups and 300 innovators and entrepreneurs. It aims to be a one-stop-shop for participants to showcase world-class smart technologies and exchange next-generation knowledge.

QITCOM’s theme this year aims to showcase how sustainable and digitized experiences will contribute to a better living environment for current and future generations. Participants will have the chance to explore technologies, insights and trends shaping the future of urban living.

Beijing

 

Staff Maj. Gen. Saad bin Jasim al-Khulaifi, Director, Public Security of State of Qatar met with Liu Yuejin, Vice-Minister of Public Security and Anti-Terrorism Commissioner at Ministry of Public Security of China.

Both discussed a number of issues of common concern and ways of strengthening them.

The meeting was held on the sidelines of the first meeting of the joint working group of the Qatari-Chinese law enforcement committee between the Qatari Ministry of Interior and the China's Ministry of Public Security.

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