Doha, 12 Oct. 2022

Doha, 10 Oct 2022

Mohamed bin Twar Al-Kuwari, First Vice-Chairman, Qatar Chamber of Commerce praised bilateral close relations between Qatar and Indonesia at all levels. He stressed on the need of further enhancing economic and commercial ties, facilitate the establishment of joint investments, and offer more investment incentives for the benefit of the two countries' economies.

He was addressing at the Qatari-Indonesian Business Forum this morning held at Hotel Sheraton Grand Doha. The event was organised by Indonesian Embassy in cooperation with Ministry of Commerce & Industry; Qatar Chamber; and Ministry of Trade of Indonesia.

Present on the occasion were Zulkifli Hassan, Minister of Trade of Indonesia;  Saleh Al-Khualifi, Assistant Undersecretary for Commerce Affairs, Ministry of Commerce & Industry; Indonesian Ambassador to Qatar, Ridwan Hassan; a 20 members delegation including Indonesian businessmen led by the Indonesian Trade Minister; and Qatari businessmen.

Al-Kuwari said that Indonesia is an important trade partner to Qatar, and bilateral trade volume grew by 78% from QR 1.8bn in 2016 to QR3.22bn last year.

Indonesia is rich in natural resources and a host of investment opportunities in various sectors such as tourism, real estate development, mining, food security, services, and halal trade. Indonesia is a promising market that offers a multitude of opportunities that attract Qatari investors and is an important gateway to the Southeast Asian region.

He said that business sector in Qatar are looking forward to boosting bilateral relations with their Indonesian counterparts and exploring the investment climate and opportunities available there.

Talking on mutual investments, he said that there are many Qatari investments in Indonesia in various sectors like communication, banking, trading, and others, while there are many Indonesian companies that invest in Qatar with Qatari partners in a variety of sectors.

Elaborating on Qatar's investment climate, Qatar Chamber First Vice-Chairman said that the State has an ambitious development plan in line with its National Vision 2030 that focuses on various sectors, affirming that Qatar has become one of the preferred destinations for global investments and enjoys a unique investment climate, attractive legislation, and stable political and social status, in addition to the distinguished geographical location.

Saleh Al-Khualifi, Assistant Undersecretary for Commerce Affairs at the Ministry of Commerce & Industry said that the two nations' cooperation has witnessed a remarkable development, calling upon the Qatari and Indonesian business sectors to establish successful investment partnerships and to take advantage of the available economic opportunities that distinguish our two friendly countries.

Al-Khualifi indicated that the State has worked to strengthen existing commercial partnerships, create new ones, and attract more direct and indirect investments, especially in advanced sectors that support economic diversification in line with Qatar National Vision 2030.

Referring to the latest estimates of the World Bank anticipating that the Qatari economy is expected to grow by about 4.9% in 2022; , and the International Monetary Fund expected the non-oil sector to rise by about 4.1% compared to the oil and gas sector.

Minister of Trade of  Indonesia, Zulkifli Hassan in his opening speech said that trade volume between both countries in first half of this year amounted to               US $  758 m, an increase of 29 % compared with $ 587.6 m in same period of last year. That indicates a good opportunity to increase their trade, especially in light of Qatar's hosting of the FIFA World Cup 2022, as well as Indonesia's hosting of the G20 Summit next November.

Zulkifli said among Qatari investors in Indonesian market include prestigious organizations like  as QNB; Ooredoo; and Nebras Power which is encouraging for Qatari investors to get acquainted with available opportunities in Indonesia and explore partnerships with the Indonesian private sector in various sectors such as investment, tourism and others.

The Indonesian Minister invited Qatari businessmen to participate in the Trade Expo Indonesia 2022 (TEI) in Jakarta due to convene on October 19- 23.

Earlier, while welcoming visiting Indonesian delegation and Qatar Chamber of Commerce, Ridwan Hassan, Indonesian Ambassador to Qatar said that the Qatar-Indonesia business forum represents a good opportunity for business sectors to develop their relations and review forging partnerships and alliances.

The envoy praised deep relations between both countries in all sectors, mutual visits between both countries leadership and the agreements signed between them.

On the sidelines of the forum, Indonesian companies held an exhibition to showcase handcrafts, foodstuffs, and other products.

Doha, 09 October 2022

The ASEAN Committee (ACD), Qatar in collaboration with Doha Environmental Actions Project (DEAP Qatar) co-organized a clean-up initiative at the Singing Sand Dunes, located 40 km southwest of Doha.

Around 135 volunteers participated in the clean-up campaign led by Zamshari Shaharan, Ambassador of Malaysia and ACD Chair. Among participants were  Mohamed Bahrin Abu Bakar, Ambassador of Brunei Darussalam; Ridwan Hassan, Ambassador of Indonesia; Jai S. Sohan, Ambassador of Singapore; Nathapol Khantahiran, Ambassador of Thailand, Tran Duc Hung, Ambassador of Viet Nam and Ms. Cassandra B. Sawadjaan, Charge d’ Affaires, Embassy of Philippines, Jose Saucedo, Director of Doha Environmental Actions Project (DEAP) Qatar; Salem Alsahli, Head of Maintenance Section, Al Wakrah Municipality; spouses of the envoys and large number of volunteers from ASEAN communities.

Zamshari Shaharan, Ambassador of Malaysia and ACD Chair said on the occasion that the initiative demonstrated the ACD’s support to DEAP Qatar in promoting sustainable development and preserving the environment in conjunction with Qatar Sustainability Week

Qatar Sustainability Week is being observed from 8-15 October 2022.

He said that the initiative is in line with the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community (ASCC) Blueprint 2025, which envisions the people-centred and environmentally friendly ASEAN Community. We are delighted that these principles are translated into practice and set an example of how each of us can make a difference in preserving the environment, which is the central theme of Qatar Sustainability Week 2022.

ACD Chair, Qatar thanked DEAP Qatar, Al Wakra Municipality, and the ASEAN Community for supporting the initiative.

He hoped that it will spark greater interest and raise public awareness for environmental conservation and waste reduction. Moreover, this initiative will inspire the community at large to embark on a long-term commitment to keep Qatar clean and contribute to Qatar's sustainability efforts, as highlighted in the National Vision 2030.

Jose Saucedo, Director of Doha Environmental Actions Project (DEAP) Qatar paid his gratitude to the ACD member states envoys on their initiative and the participating volunteers for raising awareness and to be part of the solution and not part of the pollution.

He said that plastic pollution is a major global problem. The whole world is trying to figure it out. At DEAP Qatar we aspire to be able to inspire and empower our youth and the public to take action against plastic pollution.

Zamshari Shaharan, Ambassador of Malaysia and ACD Chair presented a memento to Jose Saucedo, Director of Doha Environmental Actions Project (DEAP) in appreciation on cooperation and support.

Doha, 06 Oct 2022

 Saad Sherida Al-Kaabi, Minister of State for Energy Affairs, President and CEO of QatarEnergy, revealed that three new partners will be entering the North Field South (NFS) project in addition to the partner recently announced, adding that they will be announced in due course.

He made the remarks during the Energy Intelligence Forum’s Energy Executive of the Year Leadership Dialogue in London.

Al-Kaabi noted that the North Field East, North Field South, and Golden Pass projects will bring a total of 48 million tons of LNG per annum, stressing that Qatar alone will bring most of the new LNG volumes between 2025 and 2027.

Speaking on the value of QatarEnergy’s international partnerships in these ambitious projects, he said: “the partnership model we are adopting has been very successful in making us what we are today, giving us the ability to develop the best competencies, capabilities, technologies, and marketing support. We are grateful for all our partners who are working with us hand in hand to reach where we are.”

On net-zero, he said that while many countries had made announcements to meet certain targets by certain times, they did not have the plan and/or the will to take that commitment to the finish line. As a result, he added, coal-burning is making a comeback more than any other time. Putting us many years backwards.

Qatar Energy Minister highlighted Qatar’s role in reducing gas emissions and carbon footprint, saying: “His Highness the Amir will inaugurate Al-Kharsaah solar power station later this month, which has a capacity of 800 MW, providing our national grid with 10% of local demand. This says quite a lot for a major gas producer.”

“We are the largest MENA country in terms of injecting CO2, as part of our carbon capture and sequestration efforts. We are currently injecting 2.5 million tons as we speak, which will grow to over 11 million tons of CO2 per annum by 2035, AlKaabi added.”

On energy transition, Minister Al-Kaabi called for a responsible transition in which natural gas is a destination fuel accompanied by carbon sequestration and storage as well as methane abatement.

Ankara, 06 Oct. 2022 (Anadolu News)

Türkiye’s Istanbul Airport has been chosen the 2022 best airport in the world by the readers of Conde Nast Traveler, the New York- and London-based luxury travel magazine.

In the magazine's annual Readers' Choice Awards survey, Istanbul Airport took the first-place crown from Singapore Changi Airport, which placed second, according to a statement from the airport on Thursday.

South Korea’s Seoul Airport (Incheon International Airport) took the third place spot, followed by Switzerland’s Zurich Airport, and Haneda International Airport in Tokyo.

Separately, Conde Nast Traveler said on Tuesday that Istanbul Airport, which opened in 2019 with a signature tulip-shaped control tower, was rated highest for design and security.

"Often used as a gateway to the rest of Türkiye and further afield in Asia, it's a popular choice thanks to its luxurious lounges – such as the Turkish Airlines Lounge – and brand-new amenities," the magazine said.

Conde Nast Traveler has 5 million print and 16 million digital readers monthly as well as 16 million followers on social media.

Istanbul, 06 Oct. 2022 (Anadolu News)

French writer Annie Ernaux has won the Nobel Prize for Literature, the Swedish Academy announced on Thursday.  “The 2022 Nobel Prize in Literature is awarded to the French author Annie Ernaux “for the courage and clinical acuity with which she uncovers the roots, estrangements and collective restraints of personal memory,” it said in a statement.

Anders Olsson, chair of the Nobel Committee, said the 82-year-old “consistently and from different angles, examines a life marked by strong disparities regarding gender, language and class."

She “believes in the liberating force of writing. Her work is uncompromising and written in plain language, scraped clean,” he added.

Ernaux was born in 1940 and grew up in the small town of Yvetot in Normandy, France. Her books, including A Man's Place and A Woman's Story, have become contemporary classics in France.

Last year's prize went to Tanzanian novelist Abdulrazak Gurnah, known for his works that explore the impact of migration on individuals and societies.

The Nobel Prize is awarded since 1901 to recognize achievement in literature, science, peace and economics. The prestigious accolade is worth 10 million Swedish krona.

Doha, Qatar, 06 Oct. 2022 (QT)

Renowned Cuban mural artist Máisel López Valdés’ piece of art was inaugurated recently on Building 15 walls at the prestigious Katara Cultural Village. Those present on the occasion included Director General of Katara Cultural Village Foundation Dr. Khalid bin Ibrahim Al Sulaiti, Ambassador of Cuba to Qatar
Oscar Gonzaliez, ambassadors, guests and officials of Katara Cultural Village Foundation.

Ambassador Oscar Gonzaliez thanked Dr. Khalid bin Ibrahim Al Sulaiti and his team for the cooperation and support in inaugurating a remarkable mural designed and painted by Máisel López Valdés. This art work, he said, comes after combined effort and cooperation between Katara Cultural Village
Foundation, the Cuban embassy in Qatar, the Ministry of Culture of Cuba and Cuban National Council of Plastic Arts.

The envoy said this art work exemplifies the strong friendship between the governments and peoples of Cuba and Qatar. “It also shows cooperation of both sides in enhancing cultural bonding between the two countries.  The image of two Qatari and Cuban friends is linked by the passion of football as well as interaction between two cultures through sport,” he said.

“This piece of art is very relevant as it’s just a few weeks away from the mega FIFA World Cup tournament here in Qatar; we all will be celebrating peace, friendship and solidarity.”

The Cuban envoy said that while the muralist was painting his piece of art, he himself has seen and was encouraged the way the visitors to Katara are attracted towards the mural and have had interaction with the artist. The envoy said he hoped that the image would be a popular image in Qatar.

Talking to Qatar Tribune, Khalid bin Ibrahim Al Sulaiti thanked and appreciated the Cuban embassy for its cooperation and its deep interest in further development of cultural ties. “The Cuban gift of mural to Katara translates the ongoing long years cooperation between both the countries,” he noted.

“Our two countries enjoy excellent cultural relations as shown from the holding of various exhibitions and the prime location of Katara where the mural is painted. Katara has a Cuban Corner having bronze sculpture, a sign of friendship installed around two years before during the tenure of previous ambassador Eumelio Caballero Rodriguez. Katara is open for all embassies to showcase their cultural exhibitions and organise various musical shows,” the Cuban envoy added.
Muralist Máisel López Valdés, meanwhile, thanked Katara Cultural Village, the embassy of Cuba and institutions back home for their support and cooperation. “It is an honour for me to see my art work inaugurated at the prestigious Katara Cultural Village in Qatar in the presence of HE Dr Khalid bin Ibrahim Al Sulaiti, Cuban ambassador and a large number of ambassadors and guests,” he said.

Máisel López Valdés is a graduate from the NationalArt Academy ‘San Alejandro’.He became very famous withhis urban art series of ‘Colossus’ that started in 2015 and has over the years created more than 40 large format works, mainly on walls, in the municipality of Playa, where he hails from. To his profile, other than large number of solo and group shows, he has his art works at various places in Cuba including the National Aquarium, and Paediatric Hospital William Soler in Havana.

He is the recipient of a large number of awards and recognitions from prestigious institutions.

Doha, 05 Oct 2022 

Qatar’s Foreign Minister, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Abdulrahman Bin Jassim Al Thani, accompanied by Minister of Youth and Sports, Salah bin Ghanim Al-Ali and Minister of Culture Sheikh Abdulrahman bin Hamad bin Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani attended yesterday, Tuesday 4th of October, the inauguration of Flag Plaza, a new community space initiated by the Years of Culture programme, which is celebrating its 10-year anniversary.

The annual Years of Culture programme is an international cultural exchange that deepens understanding between nations and their people first unveiled when Qatar won the bid to host the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.

The ceremony was attended by Sheikha Al Mayassa Bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, Chairperson of Qatar Museums, along with ambassadors of more than 100 nations.

The Qatar Armed Forces Band Regiment, a musical unit of the national Armed Forces, performed at the inauguration ceremony, which was followed by the raising of 119 flags representing nations with diplomatic missions accredited by the state, as well the European Flag, the United Nations Flag and the Gulf Cooperation Council Flag.

Sheikha Al Mayassa Bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, Chairperson of Qatar Museums said on the occasion that “The Flag Plaza is an expansive symbol of the diverse community we welcome in Qatar and the rich connections made through cross-cultural interaction. Its meaning is beautifully embodied in Najla Al Zein’s stonework creation, which will be a permanent reminder of our global interconnectedness. I invite the people of Qatar and all who visit to make use of this new space, coming together in celebration of our common humanity.”

The Years of Culture initiative continues to celebrate its 10-year anniversary and the remarkable cultures that make up Middle East, North Africa and Southeast Asia during the Qatar-MENASA 2022 Year of Culture with new activations, festivals and chances to win prizes.

Win a Qatar Creates One Pass with Years of Culture

Get a chance to win a Qatar Creates One Pass with the Years of Culture!

Visit WeTransfer through October 10^th to spot the Years of Culture activation, where the initiative is profiling some of its programs and the iconic Qatar Museums institutions that support them to mark 10 years of cross-cultural collaboration and friendship, and win a Gold One Pass.

The Qatar Creates One Pass membership offers its members a variety of benefits such as discounts for dining, free access to museums in Doha, special pricing or free entry to the most popular events, and more!

All you have to do is:

1. Follow @YearsOfCulture and @QatarCreates on Instagram
2. Visit the Years of Culture x WeTransfer activation – www.WeTransfer.com(refresh until you find it)
3. Screen-record the interface
4. Post on your story with the hashtag #QCOnePass and tag @YearsOfCulture and @QatarCreates

Hurry! Only the first five will get a Gold One Pass which unlocks many more benefits and offers! 

Celebrate Different Cultures with “Community Days Festival” at Flag Plaza

Flag Plaza, located near the Museum of Islamic Art Park, will serve as a community gathering space and a location for festivals, celebrations and other events for the people of Qatar. The first of these events, open from 5 – 15 October 2022, will be the “Community Days Festival.” Many embassies are taking part in the “Community Days Festival” to celebrate the many cultures and people who call Qatar home. Each embassy will present a different programme of events, ranging from stage performances to exhibit panels with information on different countries.

The first day of the “Community Days Festival” opened with performances from Qatar, Tanzania and Djibouti. These presentations were supplemented with video presentations from Qatar, Nigeria, Hungary, Georgia, Ghana and Greece.

Three different cultural performances will take place on stage at Flag Plaza from from 4pm until 9pm daily through October 15^th:

• October 6 performances: India, Ghana, Ecuador
• October 7 performances: Japan, Somalia
• October 8 performances: Lebanon, Greece, Malaysia, Libya
• October 9 performances: Eritreia, Yemen
• October 10 performances: Cuba, Palestine, Nepal, Greece
• October 11 performances: Kenya, Algeria, Sri Lanka, Syria
• October 12 performances: Yemen, Iraq, Tunis, Turkey
• October 13 performances: UN, Egypt, France, Italy
• October 14 performances: Sudan, Ukraine, Indonesia, Philippines, Eduador
• October 15 performances: Morocco, Palestine, Russia, Pakistan, Thailand

For information on what’s happening at Flag Plaza during the “Community Days Festival,” check out the Years of Culture website at yearsofculture.qa and Instagram @yearsofculture.

Moscow, 03 Oct. 2022 (Anadolu)

Russia's lower chamber of parliament, the State Duma, on Monday ratified agreements on four regions of Ukraine joining Russian territory.

The lawmakers held individual votes on incorporating the Donetsk, Kherson, Luhansk, and Zaporizhzhia regions into Russia. All votes were unanimously in support of the move, with no deputies abstaining or casting dissenting votes.

Last Friday, Russian President Vladimir Putin signed agreements with separatist authorities of four Ukrainian breakaway regions on joining Russia, following referendums held on Sept. 23-27.

The vote comes more than seven months into Russia's war on Ukraine, which began on Feb. 24. The referendums have been condemned by the international community, with European nations and the US calling them a "sham" and underlining that they would not be recognized.

Calling Moscow’s move "a grave violation of the established principles of international law,” Türkiye also said: “We reject Russia’s decision to annex the Donetsk, Luhansk, Herson, and Zaphorizhia regions of Ukraine."

Singapore, 02 Oct 2022 (QFC)

Qatar Financial Centre Authority (QFCA), the legal and tax arm of the Qatar Financial Centre (QFC) and Enterprise Singapore (a Singapore Government agency) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to promote investment opportunities between the two economies.

The MoU is the QFC’s first agreement with a Singaporean organisation, enhancing its close collaboration with the Southeast Asian country. It was signed by Sheikha Alanoud Bint Hamad Al-Thani, Deputy CEO and Chief Business Officer, QFC, and Tan Soon Kim, Assistant CEO, Enterprise Singapore in Singapore.

Enterprise Singapore, a government agency that champions enterprise and industry development, working with Singaporean companies to build capabilities, innovate and inter-nationalise. It builds trust in Singapore’s products and services and promotes international trade and start-up development.

Under the provisions of the MoU, both parties will jointly develop and execute outreach initiatives and business matching activities, as well as organise an investment event to connect investors from Qatar to start-ups from Singapore and, conversely, investors from Singapore to start-ups from Qatar. The agreement will focus on enhancing business activities in digital, Fintech, MedTech, education and smart cities.

Furthermore, QFCA will endeavour to provide technical and business advice to eligible Singaporean companies referred by Enterprise Singapore, effectively providing them with incentives and licensing assistance.

Jai Sohan Singh, Ambassador of the Republic of Singapore to the State of Qatar, affirmed the growing partnership between the two countries said, 'Qatar-Singapore relations are excellent. This MoU marks a further step forward in bringing the wide-ranging cooperation between the two countries to a higher level. I look forward to many more such agreements'.

Sheikha Alanoud Bint Hamad Al-Thani, Deputy CEO and Chief Business Officer, QFC, said,  'This agreement with Enterprise Singapore builds on the strong bilateral ties between Singapore and Qatar and forms a new basis of cooperation that is set to open opportunities for expansion of business and economic partnerships. Singapore is a top trade partner of Qatar with well-established and active ecosystems in sectors that cover QFC’s primary focus areas. As our first MoU with a Singaporean organisation, this unlocks gateways for QFC to access a rich and progressive market.”

Tan Soon Kim, Assistant CEO, Enterprise Singapore, said 'Qatar and Singapore are both globally-oriented economies with a common objective to drive growth through mutual collaboration and bilateral investment. Singaporean companies possess the capabilities to partner with Qatar across multiple sectors, including the digital and urban solutions sectors. This MoU will enable Singaporean companies to access the market in Qatar and the wider Middle East region through QFC’s network. It will enable our companies to grow alongside one of the fastest growing economies in the GCC and further aid in our companies’ global diversification efforts to build resilience.”

The visit to Singapore came as part of the QFC’s commitment to promoting Qatar as a major financial destination and highlighting the growing investment opportunities in the country and the Middle East. During the visit, QFC and Enterprise Singapore also hosted a roundtable breakfast, which saw the attendance of C-suite executives from Singapore’s business community. On this occasion, Sheikha Alanoud highlighted the benefits of investing in Qatar and registering on the QFC platform.

Sheikha Alanoud, on behalf of the QFC, also held a series of meetings, including with the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI); Saoud bin Jassim Al-Jufairi, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the State of Qatar to the Republic of Singapore; and with Singaporean businesswomen.

In an evening reception organised with the Qatar Ambassador to Singapore, the QFC presented Qatar’s strengths in the digital sector, which is valued at $4.4 billion in 2021 and set for rapid growth with an expected $9 billion worth of ICT spending by 2024, as well as the Qatari sports sector, currently worth $20 billion, to channel partners, business leaders and other stakeholders within Singapore’s sports and ICT sectors.

A session themed “Spotlight on Qatar” was held in cooperation with the Singapore Business Federation. The event gathered key representatives of Singaporean companies, start-ups, business leaders were presented an overview of doing business in Qatar.

Singapore and Qatar have enjoyed amicable bilateral relations that have exhibited steady growth. In 2021, the volume of trade exchange between the two countries reached over $5.87 billion, a significant rise from more than $3.75 billion value in 2020, during which Singapore stood as Qatar’s 6th largest trading partner. QFC’s current outreach initiative, driven by its mission to further diversify Qatar’s economy by attracting investment, builds on this strong tie between the two countries.