London, 12 July 2021
Italy is the European champion again, for the first time since 1968. Italy defeated England in the grand finale of Uefa European Championship (Euro 2020) into the extra time after 1-1 scoreline at the Wembley Stadium in London on Monday. Italy won on penalties 3-2 in extra time.
This is only the second time a EURO final is settled by a shootout. Czech Republic beat West Germany in 1976 in the only other instance.
The UEFA EURO 2020 final takes place on Sunday 11 July 2021, kicking off at 21:00 CEST. Wembley also staged the semi-finals on Tuesday 6 and Wednesday 7 July.
The old Wembley Stadium, which was demolished in 2002 hosted the EURO '96 decider. Germany was crowned third time as European champion on Oliver Bierhoff's golden goal against Czech Republic.
Thirty years prior to that, England's 1966 FIFA World Cup triumph culminated at Wembley, the Three Lions beating West Germany 4-2 after extra time to lift the trophy on home soil.
It was first time in Euros history that Euros 2020 was hosted across 11 cities in European Union hosted by Europe.
Among the team playersin Italy XI included Donnarumma; Di Lorenzo, Bonucci, Chiellini, Emerson; Jorginho, Barella, Veratti; Chiesa, Insigne, Immobile.
England XI consisted on Pickford; Walker; Stones; Maguire; Trippier; Rice; Phillips; Shaw; Mount; Sterling; Kane.
Doha, 07 July 2021 (QT)
By Ashraf Siddiqui
Qatar-based prominent expatriate business forums have indicated positive signs for Qatar emerging as a hub for foreign investments in the region. This view is supported by the results achieved through economic diversification policy, timely achievements of goals set in Qatar National Vision 2030 and the announcement in January this year by Yousef Al Jaida, CEO, Qatar Financial Center (QFC), setting a target of $25 billion in foreign direct investments (FDI) by the end of 2022.
Qatar Tribune recently talked with Julien Gonzalvez, general manager, Hotel Hyatt Regency Oryx, who arrived in Qatar in September last to open the first property of the internationally-renowned brand, Hyatt Regency Oryx, which was opened on 1 January 2021.
The French hotelier said the property is great, and the brand is well reputable worldwide. “Bringing a new name in the market is an on-going process. We are lucky to see that the pandemic situation is very much in control in Qatar. People avoid going to the restaurants because of a couple of health safeguarding restrictions. I am sure we’ll take the brand to new heights.”
Gonzalvez had started his career in 1997 from Hyatt Regency, Birmingham, UK. Before coming to Qatar, he has served in Canberra (Australia), Hong Kong (China), Melbourne (Australia), Ho Chi Minh City (Vietnam), Bangkok (Thailand), Seoul (South Korea), Shandong (China), and in Abu Dhabi.
“We have learned a lot from the pandemic challenges and have passed difficult times. Thanks to Qatar National Tourism Council for their support and the concerned authorities for lifting many of the restrictions and for giving relaxations.”
He said his main focus right now is renovation of the property. The facelift may take couple of months more to provide the best product to the business travelers and to meet the requirements of the forthcoming mega events in the country.
Gonzalvez and his pharmacist sister are two children of their French hotelier parents. His father has served as general manager and consultant in the hotel industry before opening his own property in south of France.
He said it takes time for people to know about a new brand in the country and to have a due share in the competitive market. “However, my focus is on renovation, face lifting and re-branding of the property through well thought-out marketing plan.”
Gonzalvez graduated in hospitality from a prestigious institution in France and has spent most of his childhood staying in hotels at various locations because of his parent’s job. “Each time parents would transfer to another hotel property, I had to get admission in a new school,” he recalled.
Julien was born in Versailles, a historical city designated UNESCO acknowledged World Heritage sites, an hour away by road from Paris. He got the school education from his home town. Most probably influenced from home atmosphere, he also decided to take hotel industry as career which brought him, his wife Porawan and their son Emile to Qatar.
Seasoned hotelier said that his career has taken him to various parts of the world which helped him in adaptability of the culture, custom and some of the local delicacies.
Talking about change of cuisines and developing every time a new taste, he said that rice is one which is almost common in every culture, one can easily live, enjoy with that.
Doha, 08 July 2021 (QT)
By Ashraf Siddiqui
A remarkable decline in coronavirus cases and strict health measures in place in both Qatar and Turkey have led to a major outflow of tourists to Turkey.
The KVC and Consular sections in the Turkish embassy in Qatar are working seven days a week issuing Turkish visas. While Qatari nationals get entry visa on arrival, the accompanying non-Qatari domestic workers can obtain visit visas within 48 hours.
The Ambassador of Republic of Turkey to the State of Qatar Dr. Mustafa Goksu said, “It’s important to make a habit to share your knowledge and experience with youth and friends for their grooming and caring in life.”
In an exclusive interview with Qatar Tribune, he said, “Allah Almighty has blessed me with life. It is my objective in life to spend major part of each day contributing to and serving my country, the society, and for the betterment of humanity.”
The envoy said that bilateral relations between Qatar and Turkey are “extremely important” and the visionary leaderships of the two brotherly countries believe this relationship is for the betterment and development of the people of the region and the world at large.
Dr. Mustafa Goksu, a doctorate in Islamic studies from Islamic University Madina Al Munawarra, said, “Our region is facing several challenges and passing through severe complications. Being the envoy of my country I believe it’s an opportunity for me to devote maximum hours of my daily life towards meeting the prime and common objectives of both the countries -- working for peace and prosperity for the people of the region.”
Goksu was born in a town south-east of Turkey where he completed his elementary education. “That was the time there was only one hafiz-e-Quran in my town and memorizing of Quran was mainly taken by visually impaired male members of the society,” he recalled.
So he decided to herald a change and become an example to encourage youths to come forward and go for hifiz-e-Quran (memorization of Quran). He secured admission in Imam Hatip High School, Istanbul, with boarding far away from home town.
To his surprise, he found out that one student in school had earlier taken only 11 months to memorize the Holy Quran. “I made that my target and successfully I completed memorizing the Holy Quran within 11 months of my admission,” he recalled
The school still has both general and Islamic educational systems. After obtaining higher school educational certificate, there were three options for him: the first was graduation in engineering from Lahore (Pakistan) Engineering College; the second was graduation in economics from Istanbul University; the third option was graduation in Islamic Studies from Islamic University, Madina AlMunawarra (Saudi Arabia). He decided to go for the third option.
He spend three years to learn Arabic language which was mandatory for joining Islamic University, which he completed in two years and was accepted for admission. After his graduation, he pursued his Master’s and then a doctorate in Islamic Studies from the same university.
Throughout his studies, he had also been working part time.
Upon his return to Turkey, he got married decided to go for further studies in Comparative Religion from the US. Meanwhile, some medical treatment requirements took him to Canada where he spent four-and-a-half years doing his graduation in economics.
“Right from my childhood, it has always been in my mind to do something exceptional and create a difference in other people’s lives. I have always been blessed and got opportunities to contribute to society,” he said.
“Learning goes throughout life. Knowledge and experience must be shared especially with youths and friends so as to groom them and look onward from other’s experiences as well.”
Talking about the large outflow of tourists from Qatar to Turkey for their summer vacations, he said he is expecting much higher numbers of Qatari tourists this year compared to previous years. “The reason is that people were not able to travel last year due to international flight restrictions amid the pandemic. This summer, both Qatar and Turkey were able to control the situation, whereas a number of other countries are still facing the challenges and adopting strict measures. Turkey being one of the major tourist destinations in the world and practicing very strict health measures, is one of the very few options left open for tourists to visit.”
To facilitate the residents in traveling to Turkey (since Qatari nationals get entry visa on arrival), the Consulate section and the KVC (Visa Center) are working seven days a week.
Dr. Afsin Hurmuzlu, General Director Board Member of KVC, told Qatar Tribune that to meet the heavy rush of applicants, KVC is receiving visit visa applications for Turkey between 0800-1400 hours (Saturday to Thursday) and 1400-1700 (Fridays). The visa-releasing timings are 1400-1800 hours (Saturdays-Thursdays) and 1700-2000 on Fridays.
Doha, 09 July 2021
Taleban Spokesperson said today that a high-ranking delegation from the Political Office, headed by Sheikh Shahabuddin Delawar has met Zamir Kabolove, Special Envoy of the President of Russian Federation for Afghanistan and his delegation in Moscow yesterday.
The two sides discussed the new developments in Afghanistan, prevention of drug trafficking, the peace process and matters of mutual interests.
The IEA delegation reiterated that it will not allow any one to use the soil of Afghanistan against any other country, nor will tolerate intervention of others in Afghanistan internal affairs.
Sheikh Delawar maintained that all borders now under IEA control will remain open and functional.
He assured of not to target diplomats, embassies and consulates, NGOs and their staff.
The Russian Envoy expressed his satisfaction and assured of his country’s constructive role in this regard, Taleban spokesperson concluded.
Doha, 09 July 2021
500 days from today to kick off first match of 22nd FIFA World Cup at the 60,000 seat AlBayt Stadium, AlKhor city, State of Qatar.
'As we are getting closer, more excitement is building, said by Nasser AlKhater, CEO, FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 LLC.
Its 10 years in making it happen to have such mega sport event ever held in Middle East. It will bring the region close and pride in history of sports.
He said he believes the compact tournament footprint is one of Qatar's unique selling points for fans planning their trip to Qatar.
AlKhater said that compact nature is probably the most positive aspect of the World Cup. The fans do not have to follow their team from city to city, significant cost saving and will be having time to take in the ambience and enjoy what Qatar has to offer.
Yasir Al Jamal, Vice Chairman Technical Delivery Office and Chairman Operations Office said that 95% projects of World Cup 2022 are completed. All the stadiums will be fully ready for operation by end of 2021,AlJamal said.
Doha, 07 July 2021
In an official ceremony, Qatar Railways Company (Qatar Rail) and Qatar Postal Services Company (Qatar Post) has unveiled a commemorative stamp for the Doha Metro project, which is considered one of the most advanced and developed railways systems in the world. The launch event was held at Msheireb station and in the presence of representatives from both Qatar Rail and Qatar Post.
The stamps edition includes a set of 4 stamps in one sheet, in addition to the first-day edition folder and two post cards. The new stamp edition has been printed by Dutch-based company, Go in Cherryone of the finest security printing companies in Europe that has printed about 10,000 copies in addition to 1200 folders.
The collection highlights Doha Metro project as a sustainable world class transport infrastructure combines the authenticity of the past with the modernity and high technological performance.
The Doha Metro stamp comes with an innovative design that includes images of the metro train and its stations, which are distinguishable by their exquisite design and the highest standards of sustainability.
Ajlan Eid Al Enazi, Chief of Corporate Strategies and Business Development at Qatar Rail said: “The Doha Metro project holds great importance for the State of Qatar as one of the most advanced infrastructure project in the transport sector in the country, and one of the most prominent transport projects in the world.
Through our collaboration with Qatar Post, we are proud to launch this set of stamps and postcards, to be issued as a special edition, commemorating this national achievement. The stamps feature the award winning Doha
Metro train and The edition also includes a picture of one the Doha Metro network elevated stations, which are also distinguished by their architectural design, and have become a prominent landmark of the city of Doha.”
Mohammed Jabr Al Naemi- Acting Director of the Qatar Postal Services Company said:“We are very pleased to unveil the Doha Metro stamps, the latest amongst our stamp editions, which documents the most prominent achievements, projects, events, and major events hosted by the State of Qatar.
He said this edition has a unique character as it represents a key milestone in the history of Qatar. It embodies our nation’s determination and will, that are behind the completion of this outstanding project, which we offer as a gift to the Qataris, residents, and fans of the first FIFA World Cup in the Middle East. As part of our national duty, we enshrine this moment in the form of a stamp that will carry our legacy forward to future generations.”
Qatar Post continues to launch commemorative stamps which highlight the achievements of the State of Qatar day by day in preparation of hosting the upcoming FIFA World Cup, alongside paying respect to the nation’s rich history, culture and legacy.
Doha, 07 July 2021 (QP)
Qatar Petroleum signed today a 15-year LNG Sale and Purchase Agreement (SPA) with CPC Corporation, Taiwan (CPC) for the supply of 1.25 million tons per annum (MTPA) of LNG.
The SPA was signed bySaad Sherida Al-Kaabi, Minister of State for Energy Affairs, President and CEO of Qatar Petroleum, and Shun-Chin Lee, the President and Acting Chairman of CPC, during a virtual ceremony. Present on the occasion were Sheikh Khalid bin Khalifa Al Thani, CEO, Qatargas and senior officials from both sides.
Pursuant to the agreement, LNG deliveries will commence in January 2022, and will be delivered to CPC’s receiving LNG terminals. This SPA further demonstrates the State of Qatar’s continued commitment to meeting the growing energy requirements of its customers around the world in the form of reliable long-term LNG supplies.
Commenting on this occasion, Saad Sherida Al-Kaabi, Minister of State for Energy Affairs, President and CEO of Qatar Petroleum, said, “We are pleased to enter into this long term LNG SPA, which is another milestone in our relationship with CPC, which dates back to almost three decades. We look forward to commencing deliveries under this SPA and to continuing our supplies as a trusted and reliable global LNG provider.”
Al-Kaabi said, 'We are grateful to CPC and all our customers around the world for selecting us as their trusted LNG supplier of choice. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the management of CPC and the negotiating teams from both sides for their efforts in concluding this SPA. I also would like to offer my thanks and gratitude to Sheikh Khalid bin Khalifa Al Thani, CEO of Qatargas, for his valuable contribution, to achieve this important milestone.”
Since the first LNG delivery in March 2006, CPC has received more than 63 million tons of LNG from Qatar till date.
Bombay, 05 July 2021 (Indian Media)
Indian Urdu (Hindi language) legendary actor Dilip Kumar (Yusuf Khan) has been admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) of Hinduja Hospital, a city hospital following complaints of breathlessness as 'precautionary measure', according to hospital sources.
98 year-old screen icon has been admitted at the suburban Khar, Hinduja Hospital from June 06 - 29, 2021 due t the breath complications. He was brought to the hospital yesterday due to the breathlessness , and is under observation of doctors in ICU. He is doing fine, as reported.
Silver screen legend Yusuf Khan, renowned as Dilip Kumar, his career spans over five decades and worked in over 65 movies.
Born in Pashtu speaking Muslim family in Peshawar (now part of Pakistan), He started his film career in Bombay (India) in 1944 from film Jwar Bhatta, followed by Pritima (1945), Milan (1946)
Dilip Kumar is known for roles such as the romantic 'Andaz' (1949), the swashbuckling 'Aan' (1952), social drama 'Daag' (1952), the dramatic 'Devdas' (1955), comical 'Azaad' (1955), the epic historical 'Mughal-e-Azam' (1960), social and crime drama 'Gunga Jamuna' (1961), as comedy 'Ram Aur Shyam' (1967), 'Naya Daur', his last big screen appearance was 1998 film 'Qila'.
05 July 2021 (AlJazeera News)
Father Stan Swamy, a jailed Jesuit priest and longtime Indian tribal rights activist, died on Monday in the western Indian city of Mumbai. He was 84.
His lawyer and doctor told the Mumbai High Court that Swamy, who suffered from Parkinson’s disease, died of cardiac arrest. The court was hearing a plea for bail on medical grounds after Swamy had been denied bail in March.
The activist had been moved to a private hospital from Tajola Central Jail in May after his health began rapidly deteriorating. He was admitted to the intensive care unit, where he tested positive for COVID-19.
“Stan worked to light the world and do away with injustice. The government may have succeeded in snuffing his life out, but his spirit will continue to inspire,” Father Jerome Stanislaus D’souza, the president of Jesuits in India, said in a statement.
In October, Swamy was arrested in the eastern state of Jharkhand after being charged under India’s anti-terror law, the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).
He was the oldest person to be accused of terrorism in India.
The government’s National Investigation Agency arrested him and 15 other activists and academics over a 2018 incident in which violence broke out between so-called “lower-caste” Dalits and right-wing groups.
Authorities alleged that those arrested had links to Maoist rebels, who are active in several states and are considered the country’s biggest internal security threat.
Swamy, who focused on empowering and uplifting India’s Indigenous tribes, was known for tirelessly advocating for the rights of those most marginalised.
Tributes poured in on social media on Monday.
“He deserved justice and humaneness,” tweeted Rahul Gandhi, leader of the main opposition Congress party.
“Father Stan Swamy spent a lifetime working for the dispossessed and the disadvantaged,” tweeted prominent historian Ramachandra Guha, calling his death “a case of judicial murder.”
Left-wing activist Kavita Krishnan said judges who denied Swamy bail had “blood on their hands”.
Meanwhile, UN Special Rapporteur on human rights defenders Mary Lawler said news of Swamy’s death was devastating.
“Jailing Human Rights Defenders is inexcusable,” she said in a tweet.
Shanghai, 05 July 2021 (Xinhua News)
The Shanghai Astronomy Museum, the world's largest planetarium in terms of building scale, will open on July 17, the planetarium announced Monday.
Covering an area of approximately 58,600 square meters, the museum is located in the China (Shanghai) Pilot Free Trade Zone Lingang Special Area. It is a branch of the Shanghai Science and Technology Museum.
Tests were carried out on Monday, while the official website and WeChat account of the museum have been launched as well. The museum will open to the public on July 18.
The museum has an 8K ultra-high definition dome theater and exhibition areas with various themes. Collections including some 70 meteorites including those from the moon, Mars and Vesta, as well as over 120 collections of artifacts, including original works of Isaac Newton, Galileo Galilei and Johannes Kepler, will be on display.
Technologies such as data visualization, augmented reality, virtual reality and biometrics have been introduced to help visitors gain knowledge of astronomy and science through interaction