pu

bl TA 978
Q since
is
GULF TIMES

A 1
he R
d
in
Thursday Vol. XXXXV No. 13246
January 2, 2025
Rajab 2, 1446 AH
www.gulf-times.com 2 Riyals

BUSINESS | Page 1 Follow us on

Qatar is set for www.gulf-times.com
gulftimes
economic growth in GulfTimes_QATAR
2025, says Althaf gulftimes
GulftimesVideos

Shop Qatar opens with fanfare

MoPH, WHO develop
modern occupational
medicine programme
QNA the WHO Regional Office for the Eastern
Doha Mediterranean and the WHO Country Of-
fice in Qatar.
The workshop was part of the strategy to

T
he Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) build national capacity in the field of occu-
has developed an advanced occupa- pational health in Qatar. The ministry’s Oc-
tional and environmental medicine cupational Health Section, in partnership
programme in collaboration with the World with the WHO, developed the advanced
Health Organisation (WHO)’s Regional Of- occupational and environmental medicine
fice for the Eastern Mediterranean. The curriculum to equip healthcare profession-
programme is one of the outputs of the oc- als with the skills necessary to identify and
cupational health objectives outlined in the manage occupational injuries and diseases,
Second National Health Strategy. as well as to conduct occupational and en-
MoPH said that a work plan has been es- vironmental exposure assessments. Shop Qatar opened yesterday with live performances by renowned artistes, exciting
tablished to implement The workshop aimed competitions and a fountain show at Place Vendome. The month-long event will run until
the advanced pro- The ministry’s Occupational to update knowledge and February 1 at various malls and shopping centres across the country, offering an array of
gramme as part of the Health Section, in partnership skills in occupational and promotions and special discounts, in addition to raffle draws with huge prizes.
Occupational Health with the WHO, developed environmental medicine PICTURE: Shaji Kaymkulam
and Safety (OHS) Ini- the advanced occupational by sharing experiences
tiative, a priority under and environmental medicine among participants from
the National Health curriculum to equip healthcare diverse work environ-
Qatar slams US truck Strategy 2024-2030. professionals with the skills ments. It reviewed and
ramming incident
Qatar has strongly condemned
A scientific commit- necessary to identify and manage clarified concepts such
tee, comprising MoPH
staff, an expert from
occupational injuries
as occupational diseases
and work-related ill-
Falcons and Hunting festival starts
the truck ramming incident the WHO Regional Office for the Eastern nesses, standardised the understanding of

T
that took place in New Orleans, Mediterranean, and WHO representa- occupational health and safety concepts, he 16th edition of Qatar International (QNA), Marmi Festival chairman, Miteb
US, which resulted in deaths tives, was formed to study and outline a and addressed professional practices in pre- Falcons and Hunting Festival (Marmi Mubarak al-Qahtani, underlined that the
and injuries. In a statement mechanism for the programme’s national ventive and therapeutic occupational and 2025) kicked off yesterday at Marmi falconry legacy will steadfastly continue
yesterday, the Ministry of implementation and to identify trainees, environmental medicine. It also identified area in Sealine and will continue until Feb to garner new generations of children and
Foreign Affairs reiterated Qatar’s targeting specialists and consultants in oc- challenges in applying these practices at the 1, 2025. young people, affirming that the event is
stance rejecting violence, cupational medicine, family medicine, and national level. Held under the patronage of HE Sheikh annually held to instil falconry in their
terrorism and criminal acts, community medicine. In his opening remarks at the workshop, Joaan bin Hamad al-Thani, the event is sup- hearts to be true guardians of this legacy,
regardless of the motives The advanced occupational and environ- Acting Director of the Health Promo- ported by the Social and Sport Contribution especially since the record turnout from
and reasons. The ministry mental medicine programme is the first of tion Department at MoPH, Dr Salah Alya- Fund (Daam) and organised by Al Gannas visitors manifests the community’s interest
expressed Qatar’s condolences its kind in the WHO Eastern Mediterranean fei, welcomed WHO representatives and Qatari Society. It commenced with Haddad in this deep-rooted popular legacy.
to the families of the victims, Region. praised the collaboration between the min- Al Tahaddi contest in which 23 groups are Al-Qahtani stressed the importance of
the government and people of In this context, the MoPH recently organ- istry, the WHO Regional Office for the East- competing, but the event did see the Farkh this festival on the map of major events that
the US, and wished a speedy ised a training workshop for trainers on the ern Mediterranean, and the WHO Country Shaheen falcons winning despite the in- are held in Qatar, along with the successes
recovery for the injured. (QNA) advanced occupational and environmental Office in Qatar in achieving the Qatar Na- tense competition, with the second group achieved year after year and the huge turn-
medicine programme, in collaboration with tional Vision 2030. To Page 5 contests scheduled for today. out from members of the Qatari and Gulf
In his remarks to Qatar News Agency communities. Page 4
10 killed in US truck
ramming attack 15 world championships among QOC’s 2025 events calendar
A driver crashed his pickup truck
into a crowd celebrating New The Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC) has Court beach volleyball tournament, organised
Year’s Day in New Orleans’ French revealed its 2025 sports events calendar, by the Qatar Volleyball Association in early
Quarter and opened fire, killing featuring a robust lineup of 84 events, January, followed by the Beach Pro Tour
10 people and injuring more than including 15 world-class championships. Elite16 in February. February also features the
35, in an early morning attack Among the most anticipated events are the Commercial Bank Qatar Masters, hosted by the
the FBI said was a potential act ITTF World Table Tennis Championships, Qatar Golf Association, the Qatar ExxonMobil
of terrorism. The suspect died scheduled from May 17-27, 2025, across Open for Men and Qatar TotalEnergies Open
after a shootout with police. Lusail Multipurpose Arena, Qatar University for Women, organised by the Qatar Tennis,
The incident occurred at 3.15am Arena, and Qatar Sports Arena. Additionally, Squash, Padel and Badminton Federation.
at the intersection of Canal Qatar will host the FIFA U-17 World Cup from Meanwhile, the HH The Amir’s Shooting Cup
and Bourbon Streets, a historic November 5-27, 2025, at the FIFA World Cup and the Lusail Shotgun Championship will
tourist destination. The driver Qatar 2022 stadiums. be held by the Qatar Shooting & Archery
fired at police and struck two The team that worked to develop the new programme The year will open with the finals of King of the Association. Sport Page 1
police officers who were in stable
condition. Page 7

Russian gas era in

Europe ends
Russian gas exports via Soviet-era
Dozens more killed in Israeli air strikes; toll 45,533
pipelines running through Ukraine
came to a halt on New Year’s Day, experts said the “siege” appears to
marking the end of decades of
AFP/Reuters
Gaza Strip be part of an effort “to permanent- Gaza population
ly displace the local population as
Moscow’s dominance over Europe’s
energy markets. The gas had kept a precursor to Gaza’s annexation”.
down by 6%

G
flowing despite nearly three years aza’s civil defence agency Bassal said those living in the The population of Gaza
of war, but it had stopped at 0500 said an Israeli air strike Jabalia house were members of has fallen 6% since the war
GMT after Ukraine refused to killed at least 15 people in the Badra, Abu Warda and Taroush with Israel began nearly 15
renew a transit agreement. The last the territory’s north yesterday, in families who had sought refuge months ago as about 100,000
remaining EU buyers of Russian gas what it called the first deadly at- there. Palestinians left the enclave
via Ukraine, such as Slovakia and tack of the New Year. Nearly all of Gaza’s 2.4mn peo- while more than 55,000 are
Austria, have arranged alternative “The world welcomed the New ple have been displaced at least presumed dead, according to
supply. Page 11 Year with celebrations and fes- once since the war began on Octo- the Palestinian Central Bureau
tivities, while we witnessed 2025 ber 7 last year. of Statistics (PCBS). As such, the
begin with the first Israeli massa- “The house has turned into a pile population of Gaza has declined
Syria civil war killed cre in the town of Jabalia just af- of debris,” said Jibri Abu Warda, by about 160,000 during the
more than 528,500 ter midnight,” agency spokesman adding that the strike hit at around course of the war to 2.1mn, with
Mahmud Bassal said. 1am Tuesday. more than a million or 47% of
More than 528,500 people “Fifteen people were martyred “It was a massacre, with body the total children under the age
were killed in the Syrian civil and more than 20 were injured” parts of children and women of 18, the PCBS said.
war, the Syrian Observatory for in the strike on a house where dis- scattered everywhere. They were Rain water pools around the tents housing displaced Palestinians at a
Human Rights war monitor said placed people were living, he said. sleeping when the house was makeshift camp in Khan Younis, in the southern Gaza Strip yesterday.
yesterday. The overall toll includes Since October 6, the military bombed,” Abu Warda said. bombardments but also falling
thousands killed since 2011 has been conducting a major land “We don’t want aid, we want On Friday, the military raided but rubble and destruction. Peo- temperatures and heavy rains,
that were only confirmed dead and air offensive in northern Gaza, the war to stop. Enough with the Kamal Adwan Hospital in Beit La- ple don’t know what to do, don’t which have flooded thousands of
recently, with access to detention particularly targeting Jabalia and bloodshed! Enough!” said Khalil hia, emptying it of its last staff and know where to go. And they don’t tents across the territory.
centres and mass graves easier its adjacent refugee camp. Abu Warda, a relative of the de- patients. know how to survive,” said Jonath- Israel’s military campaign has
following the rebel overthrow of Two further Israeli strikes in ceased. Those detained included the an Whittall, a UN aid official in a killed at least 45,553 people in
Bashar al-Assad. The Britain-based Gaza yesterday killed another 10 The assault, which began on hospital’s director, Hossam Abu video released after he visited the Gaza, most of them civilians, ac-
monitory said 6,777 people, more people, including children, the October 6 in Jabalia, has since ex- Safiyeh, a 51-year-old paediatri- Indonesian Hospital in north Gaza. cording to figures from the Gaza
than half of them civilians, were civil defence agency said. panded across the north of the ter- cian. Several displaced Gazans said health ministry which the UN con-
killed in 2024 in fighting in Syria. On Monday, UN human rights ritory. “Around me there’s nothing they were facing not just Israeli siders reliable.
 QAR QAR QAR QAR

SPECIAL OFFERS • NEW PRICES

ON SELECTED ITEMS
ïüǖǬǺàǖǒÛDŽDZǖǬǾǺǗǽǖǺàǎǚǽà
SCAN THE QR CODE FOR LATEST
Promotion valid from 02.01.2025 to 04.01.2025 PROMOTION CATALOGUE
VIEW NOW

2 1
‫ﻳﻮﻣﲔ ﻓﻘﻂ‬
‫ﻳﻮم واﺣﺪ ﻓﻘﻂ‬
DAYS DAY
ONLY ONLY
٢٠٢٥ / ١ / ٣ ‫ﺣﱴ ﺗﺎرﻳﺦ‬
٢٠٢٥ /١ / ٢ ‫ﰲ ﺗﺎرﻳﺦ‬
Until 03.01.2025
On 02.01.2025

32.50
37.50

29.75
‫ﺳﻤﻚ ﻗﺎروص ﻣﺘﻮﺳﻂ‬ ‫ﻗﻄﻊ ﻟﺤﻢ ﺑﻘﺮي‬ ‫ ﻏﺮام‬٧٥٠ ‫ﻟﻮز ﺳﺎدة‬
‫ ﻛﻴﻠﻮ‬١ ‫ﺗﺮﰾ‬ ‫ ﻛﻴﻠﻮ‬١ ‫ﺑﺮازﻳﲇ‬
‫روﺑﻴﺎن ﻣﺰرﻋﺔ ﻣﺘﻮﺳﻂ‬ Almond Plain
Sea Bass Medium ‫ ﻛﻴﻠﻮ‬١ ‫ﺳﻌﻮدي‬ Beef Cubes 750gm
Turkey 1Kg Brazil 1Kg
Farmed Prawns
Medium Saudi Arabia 1kg

20.00
17.25
‫ﻛﻴﺖ ﻛﺎت ﺷﻮﻛﻮﻻﺗﺔ‬
‫ ﻗﻄﻌﺔ‬١٦ / ‫ ﻏﺮام‬١٧،٧
‫ ﻗﻄﻌﺔ‬٢٤ ‫ﻛﲑي ﻗﻄﻊ ﺟﺒﻨﺔ‬
‫ ﻏﺮام‬٤٣٢
Kit Kat 2 Finger
‫ﻛﻴﻚ ﻣﻮس ﺻﻐﲑ ﻣﻨﻮع‬
15.00 Chocolate 17.7gm X 16pcs
(‫ ﻗﻄﻌﺔ‬١ ‫ﻓﺮاوﻟﺔ‬/‫ﺷﻮﻛﻮﻻﺗﺔ‬/‫)ﻓﺎﻧﻴﻠﻴﺎ‬ Kiri Portion Cheese
Mousse Cake Asstd Small 1pc ‫ ﻣﻜﻮﻧﺎت ﻛﺒﲑة‬٣ ‫ﺑﻴﱱا‬ 24P 432gm
(Vanilla/Chocolate/Strawberry) ‫ ﺣﺒﺔ‬١
3 Topping Pizza
Large 1pc

7
‫أﻳــﺎم ﻓﻘﻂ‬ ٧
DAYS
ONLY
٢٠٢٥ / ١ / ٨ ‫ﺣﱴ ﺗﺎرﻳﺦ‬
Until 08.01.2025

42.00

‫ﻟﻨﺪن داﻳﺮي آﻳﺲ ﻛﺮﻳﻢ ﻣﻨﻮع‬

‫ ﺣﺒﺘﺎن‬/ ‫ ﻣﻞ‬٥٠٠
31.50 London Dairy Ice Cream
Asstd. 500ml X 2pcs
‫روﻳﺎل ﺻﺪور دﺟﺎج ﻃﺮﻳﺔ‬
‫ ﻛﻴﻠﻮ‬٢
Royal Tender
Chicken Breast 2kg
17.50
5
‫أﻳــﺎم ﻓﻘﻂ‬ ٥
DAYS

7
٧

10.00
‫أﻳــﺎم ﻓﻘﻂ‬
‫ﺣﺒﻮب ﻧﺴﺘﻠﻪ ﺷﻮﻛﺎﺑﻴﻚ‬ ONLY
DAYS
‫ ﺟﺮام‬٣٣٠ ‫ ﻧﻴﺴﻜﻮﻳﻚ‬/ ONLY
٢٠٢٥ / ١ / ٦ ‫ﺣﱴ ﺗﺎرﻳﺦ‬
Until 06.01.2025

Nestle Nesquik ٢٠٢٥ / ١ / ٨ ‫ﺣﱴ ﺗﺎرﻳﺦ‬

Until 08.01.2025
Cereals 330gm ‫ﺟﻮرﻣﻴﻪ ﺳﱰﺑﺲ اﻟﺪﺟﺎج‬ ‫ﺣﺒﺘــــﺎن ﻟﻜــــﻞ ﻋﻤﻴـــــﻞ‬
‫ ﺣﺒﺔ‬١ / ‫ ﻛﻴﻠﻮ‬١ ‫ﻣﻨﻮع‬ 2Set Per Customer
٤

4
‫أﻳــﺎم ﻓﻘﻂ‬

DAYS Gourmet Chicken

ONLY Strips Asstd 1kg X 1pc 56.00
٢٠٢٥ / ١ / ٥ ‫ﺣﱴ ﺗﺎرﻳﺦ‬
Until 05.01.2025

2.25
KG
‫آر أس زﻳﺖ زﻳﺘﻮن‬
‫ ﺣﺒﺘﺎن‬/ ‫ ﻣﻞ‬٢٠٠ + ‫ ﻣﻞ‬٨٠٠
14.00 RS Pomace Olive Oil 1ltr
(800ml + 200ml) X 2pcs

10.00
‫ اﻟﻜﺎري‬/ ‫ﻣﺎﺟﻲ ﻧﻮدﻟﺰ ﺑﻨﻜﻬﺔ اﻟﺪﺟﺎج‬
‫ ﺣﺒﺎت‬١٠ / ‫ ﻏﺮام‬٧٧
Maggi Noodles
Chicken/Curry 77gm X 10pcs

‫ﺣﺒﺘــــﺎن ﻟﻜــــﻞ ﻋﻤﻴـــــﻞ‬

2pcs Per Customer

30.00 24.25 24.25

10.00 20.00
‫ﺑﺎﻧﺘﲔ ﺷﺎﻣﺒﻮ ﻣﻨﻮع‬
‫ ﻣﻞ‬٥٠٠ ‫ﺟﻮﻧﺴﻮﻧﺰ ﻏﺴﻮل ﻳﺪﻳﻦ‬ ‫ ﺣﺒﺔ‬١ / ‫ ﻣﻞ‬٧٠٠
‫ﺟﻮﻟﺪن أرز ﺑﺴﻤﱵ‬
‫إرﻳﺎل ﻣﺴﺤﻮق ﻏﺴﻴﻞ ﺑﺮاﺋﺤﺔ‬ ‫ ﻣﻞ‬٣٠٠ +
‫ ﻛﻴﻠﻮ‬٥
‫ ﻛﻴﻠﻮ‬٢،٢٥ ‫اﻟﻼﻓﻨﺪر‬
Pantene Shampoo
Johnson’s Hand Wash Asstd 700ml x 1pc
Golden Basmati Ariel Washing Powder 500ml+ 300ml
Rice 5kg Green Lavender 2.25kg

1 1
‫ﻳﻮم واﺣﺪ ﻓﻘﻂ‬ ‫ﻳﻮم واﺣﺪ ﻓﻘﻂ‬

DAY DAY
ONLY ONLY
٢٠٢٥ /١ / ٢ ‫ﰲ ﺗﺎرﻳﺦ‬ ٢٠٢٥ /١ / ٢ ‫ﰲ ﺗﺎرﻳﺦ‬
On 02.01.2025 On 02.01.2025

‫ﺗﻔﺎح ﺑﻴﻨﻚ ﻟﻴﺪي‬ ‫ﺗﻮت ذﻫﱯ‬

9.50 (‫ﻣﻮز أﺻﻔﺮ )ﻧﻴﻨﺪران‬
9.50 11.50 4.00 ‫ﺑﻄﺎﻃﺲ ﺗﺮﻛﻴﺔ‬ 44.75 ‫ﻟﺤﻢ ﻣﺎﻋﺰ ﻣﻘﻄﻊ‬

5.50 6.75 7.50 1.75 37.75

‫ ﻛﻴﻠﻮ‬١ ‫ﻫﻨﺪي‬ ‫ ﻛﻴﻠﻮ‬١ ‫ﻧﻴﻮزﻳﻠﻨﺪي‬ ‫ ﺑﺎﻛﻴﺖ‬١ ‫ﻛﻮﻟﻮﻣﱯ‬ ‫ ﻛﻴﻠﻮ‬١ ‫ ﻛﻴﻠﻮ‬١ ‫ﺑﺎﻛﺴﺘﺎﱐ‬
Banana Yellow Apple Pink Lady Golden Berry Potato Turkey Mutton Cuts
(Nendran) India 1kg New Zealand 1kg Colombia 1pkt 1kg Pakistan 1kg
2024/23425

at Lulu Hypermarket
Barwa Family Housing, Madinatna SCAN FOR LOCATION
4 Gulf Times
Thursday, January 2, 2025

QATAR
Amir receives message from British PM

His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani received a written message
from British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, pertaining to bilateral relations and ways to
support and develop them. The message was received by HE the Secretary-General of

Cabinet approves
the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dr Ahmed bin Hassan al-Hammadi during his meeting
with UK ambassador to Qatar Neerav Patel. (QNA)

Qatar Charity delivers aid for

flood-hit families in Mauritania
draft legislation for
Q
atar Charity, through
its office in Mauri-
tania, has provided
essential food assistance to
aster. The distribution of
food aid benefited 1,000 af-
fected families, who received
food baskets containing a
authorities, and the Food Se-
curity Commission for their
co-operation and support.
He added that the food aid
artistic professions
H
families devastated by floods month’s supply of essen- distribution is to assist the E the Prime Minister and Minis- memorandum of understanding (MoU) UAE. The Cabinet also decided to ap-
in the Brakna and Trarza re- tial items. Speaking at the affected families. ter of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mo- for economic, trade and technical co- prove an MoU in the fields of social de-
gions in Mauritania. distribution event, Director Beneficiaries appreci- hammed bin Abdulrahman bin operation between the governments of velopment and family between the gov-
This crucial aid aims to of Qatar Charity’s office in ated the food baskets and Jassim al-Thani chaired the Cabinet’s Qatar and Colombia. ernments of Qatar and Jordan, as well as
address the urgent needs of Mauritania Engineer Omer expressed their gratitude to regular meeting held at the Amiri Diwan The Cabinet also decided to approve a draft co-operation agreement between
those struggling in the af- Abdelaziz thanked the Mau- the people of Qatar for their yesterday. After reviewing the items on a draft agreement on organising the re- Al Dhaayen Municipality in Qatar and El
termath of this natural dis- ritanian government, local support. (QNA) its agenda, the Cabinet approved - in gional conference on the preservation of Bayadh Municipality in Algeria.
principle - a draft law on artists and ar- documentary heritage Doha 2025, be- The Cabinet concluded its meeting by
tistic professions. tween the government of Qatar and the reviewing three reports and taking the
The Ministry of Culture prepared the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural appropriate decisions in their regard.
draft law in line with the state’s Third Organisation (Unesco), in addition to a The reports included a report on the
National Development Strategy (NDS3) draft agreement on the abolition of visa progress of implementing the localisa-
in regard to supporting and developing requirements for holders of diplomatic, tion and replacement plans in govern-
creative sectors. special and service passports between ment jobs, a report on the outcomes of
One of the draft’s objectives is to the governments of Qatar and Rwanda, participating in the 101 session of the
contribute to the sustainability of art- and a draft MoU on co-operation in the Board of Directors of the Arab Labour
ists’ creativity by regulating the ways in fields of labour and human resources Organisation, and a report on the out-
which they practise their professions. development between the Ministry of comes of participating in the 41st ses-
The Cabinet decided to approve tak- Labour in Qatar and the Ministry of Hu- sion of the Saudi Agricultural Exhibi-
ing the necessary measures to ratify a man Resources and Emiratisation in the tion. (QNA)

Adhere to signs designated for trams, urges MoI

By Shafeeq Alingal
Staff Reporter
QRCS concludes participation in Spring Centers initiative

T
Qatar Red Crescent Society (QRCS) concluded its participation in the activities of the first he Ministry of Interior (MoI) has
initiative of its kind by the Ministry of Education and Higher Education, represented in ‘Spring urged vehicle drivers and pas-
Centers’, held from Dec 22 until Jan 1. QRCS’s participation was within the framework of its sengers to adhere to traffic signs
mission and vision in line with Qatar National Vision 2030 to prepare an aware and creative designated for the tram. MoI, in a video
generation that possesses the values that enable it to serve its country and contribute to shared on social media handles, said
enhancing the role of youth in supporting humanitarian issues and protecting human rights that adhering to these signs reflects the
at the local and Arab levels. Experts from the QRCS first-aid team presented a variety of commitment to traffic laws and guide-
workshops aimed at teaching students life-saving skills by properly dealing with common lines, contributing to the smooth flow
injuries in the school environment and society. (QNA) of traffic and the reduction of accidents.
In the video, Ft Lt Abdul Aziz Ahmed
al-Neama, Security Patrol Officer at
the Tram Stations Security Section of
the Public Transport Security Depart-
ment explained the signs designated
for the tram. The ‘Tram Only Lane’ sign
indicates that the lane is exclusively for
trams and vehicle traffic is not permit-
ted. The ‘Keep Crossing Clear’ sign is
placed where the tram lines cross roads.
The sign warns drivers not to block the
intersection for approaching trams. Con-
sequently, vehicles must avoid stopping
or waiting on the tram tracks. The ‘Shared
Lane Trams and Vehicles’ sign is placed in
areas where tram tracks and vehicle lanes
overlap. This sign instructs drivers to ex-
ercise caution and give way to trams. “As
our tram network expands nationwide,
knowing how to navigate tram signs is
more important than ever for ensuring
traffic safety,” the MoI official said.
“Tram traffic signs are crucial for
maintaining road safety as following
these rules helps keep everyone safe,”
he explained. The video further stated
that “anyone who causes an accident
involving public transportation vehicles
shall be subject to imprisonment for a
period not exceeding one year and a fine
not exceeding five thousand riyals, or
either of these penalties”.

Falcons unable to beat homing pigeons on first day of Marmi

H
addad Al Tahadi Championship and the falcons failed to achieve notable cultural heritage. Similarly, Abdulwahab
marked the start of the 16th edi- results within the first day of its launch, bin Omair al-Nuaimi, deputy chair-
tion of the Qatar International the competition remained fierce. man of the Marmi festival, highlighted
Falcons and Hunting Festival (Marmi Several falcons demonstrated readi- the festival’s vital role in preserving and
2025) yesterday morning. Held under the ness and competitiveness but were not promoting falconry heritage. He added
patronage of HE Sheikh Joaan bin Ha- fortunate enough to secure victories or that the festival’s diverse competitions,
mad al-Thani and supported by the So- qualifications. Accordingly, no falcon such as Al Tala’a” Championship, where
cial and Sports Activities Support Fund, could make a victory on the first day. falcons hunt houbara bustard birds, con-
the festival runs until February 1 and is Last year (Marmi 2024), three falconers, tribute to sustainability.
organised by Al Gannas Qatari Society in one from Kuwait and two from Qatar, Accordingly, he invited visitors and
Sabkhat Marmi, the Sealine Area. won on the opening day. hunting enthusiasts to explore the fes-
This year, 23 groups are competing in Mutib Mubarak al-Qahtani, chair- tival site and discover its activities and
the Haddad Al Tahadi Championship, man of the Marmi festival, stressed the competitions. Meanwhile, participating
with competitions scheduled during festival’s commitment to ensuring that falconers expressed their gratitude to
the festival days, taking place in the af- falconry remains a living heritage. He Al Gannas Qatari Society for its support
ternoon starting at 12pm. While the tar- also noted the increasing popularity of and dedication to continuing festivals
geted prey of homing pigeons returned these competitions, reflecting the com- and championships that promote this
safely to their nests in Umm Ebairiya munity’s deep-rooted interest in this traditional sport.
 Gulf Times
Thurday, January 2, 2025 5

QATAR
‘Qatar ArtBeat’ earns global recognition for QND artwork
‘
Qatar ArtBeat’, a groundbreak- strict criteria and parameters, all collective sentiments into stun-
ing artwork co-created by the of which were thoroughly veri- ning visual artwork, we’ve show-
nation, has officially set a new fied by an official Guinness World cased the potential of AI to cel-
Guinness World Records title for Records adjudicator. ebrate culture and creativity on
the ‘Most People Contributing to “This groundbreaking Guin- a global stage. We are incredibly
an AI-Generated Image’. ness World Records achievement proud to be part of this historic
In celebration of Qatar Nation- made possible through our col- achievement.”
al Day (QND) 2024, the campaign laboration with Google Cloud Shaddy Gaad, senior market-
by Media City Qatar, in partner- and Qatar’s social media commu- ing manager, Guinness World
ship with Google Cloud, reached nity showcases not just the power Records, said: “This iconic
over 5.4mn people and received of AI, but its profound impact on record-breaking moment by
68,000 engagements from across the future of creativity and col- Qatar ArtBeat is a truly historic
the country. laboration. achievement. Recognising the
With over 15,000 contribu- “By setting new records, rather ‘Most People Contributing to an
tions to thought-provoking than merely breaking old ones, AI-generated Image’ highlights
questions shared on Media City we send a clear message to the the innovation and collabora-
Qatar’s and collaborating influ- world: Qatar is not just part of tion that brought this project by
encers’ social media platforms, the future, we are shaping it,” said Media City Qatar, in partnership
Google Cloud’s cutting-edge engineer Jassim Mohamed al- with Google Cloud, to life. It is
Vertex AI platform, Gemini mod- Khori, CEO of Media City Qatar. a testament to Qatar’s ability to
els, and Google BigQuery data Ghassan Kosta, regional gener- unite the nation around a creative
platform transformed these di- al manager of Google Cloud said: and groundbreaking initiative.”
verse voices into an artwork. “Qatar ArtBeat not only turned Between December 9 and 17,
The collaboration also involved imagination into reality but also 2024, the Qatar ArtBeat activa-
analysing wider public conversa- set a world record. This col- tion invited the public to share GWR winning ‘Qatar ArtBeat’ artwork.
tions around Qatar National Day laboration with Media City Qa- their thoughts by responding to
2024 to create an awe-inspiring tar perfectly demonstrates how questions like “What does Qatar while also reaching a global audi- catalyst for next-generation me- with community engagement,
artwork. Achieving the unprece- Google Cloud’s AI can be used to mean to you?” on Media City Qa- ence via Media City Qatar’s dig- dia, innovation, and diverse voic- Media City Qatar positions itself
dented record for the ‘Most Peo- create impactful cultural experi- tar’s social media platforms. The ital channels. es, and contribute to the nation’s as a leader in the media and tech-
ple Contributing to an AI-Gen- ences. artwork will be projected on some Qatar ArtBeat exemplifies Me- economic diversification. By in- nology landscape.
erated Image’ required meeting “By transforming the nation’s of Qatar’s most iconic landmarks, dia City Qatar’s mission to be a tegrating advanced technologies

Lusail Boulevard fireworks Qatar welcomed over

show lights up the skies 5mn visitors last year
Qatar Tourism marks
several milestones in 2024

Q
atar Tourism concluded
2024 with remarkable
milestones, showcasing
its growing influence and promi-
nence in the global tourism land-
scape.
The year concluded with
an impressive final tally of
5,076,640 visitors, reflecting an
impressive 25% increase from
2023’s 4,046,281 visitors. De-
cember alone turned in strongly
with 594,079 visitors, a 14.6%
rise from the previous year. The
growth was driven by an addi-
tional 48,000 air travellers and
35,000 land visitors, offsetting
a minor decline of 7,000 cruise
passengers compared to 2023.
Visitor numbers in December

L
usail Boulevard captivated the also surged by 74,000 compared
city last night with Qatar’s to November 2024.
largest fireworks display, il- Qatar’s hospitality sector
luminating the sky with a dazzling achieved a new record, surpass-
spectacle of light and sound. ing 10mn room nights for the
The celebration seamlessly first time. As of December 30,
blended creativity and revolution- 2024, the figure stood at 10mn
ary technology, which provided room nights, with the final tally
an unforgettable finale to 2024 for expected to be bolstered by an
300,000 spectators. additional 35,000 room nights
The celebrations began with a la- on Dec 31.
ser show at 6pm, followed by a the- Visitor demographics revealed 5,076,640 tourists visited Qatar in 2024.
atrical performance from 7.30pm- a diverse appeal, with GCC na-
10pm, offering a distinctive artistic tionals accounting for 41% of The Visit Qatar app was hon- chairman of Qatar Tourism and
and cultural experience. visitors and the remaining 59% oured for its user-centric fea- chair of the Board of Directors of
At 10pm, the renowned drummer coming from key international tures, including the unified pro- Visit Qatar said: “Surpassing five
Kristina captivated the audience markets. Top five countries in- file and Visit Qatar Pass, which million visitors in 2024 is a land-
with her innovative musical act, clude Saudi Arabia, India, the offers up to 50% savings on ex- mark achievement that under-
marking the highlight of an excep- United Kingdom, Germany, and periences. These features have scores Qatar’s evolution into one
tional evening. the United States. made the app an indispensable of the world’s premier family-
At midnight, the Lusail sky trans- Qatar’s commitment to in- tool for travellers exploring Qa- friendly destinations. As we look
formed into a breathtaking work of novation and excellence was tar. Additionally, the Qatar Tour- ahead, we remain committed to
art, as the fireworks synchronised recognised with three prestig- ism enhancing the visitor experience
with a spectacular display of pyro- ious awards: the Microsoft AI Qatar’s culinary scene reached and achieving our ambitious
technic aircraft. Innovative tech- Excellence Award for the Visit new heights with the debut of the targets of tripling visitor num-
nology was employed to craft in- Qatar GenAI Chatbot Trip Con- Michelin Guide in the country. bers and significantly increasing
novative light formations, turning cierge, the Gold Award for Best This milestone affirmed Qatar’s tourism’s contribution to GDP
the sky into a vibrant canvas where Application (Mobile/Tablet), status as a global dining destina- by 2030.”
colours and shapes blended in a daz- and the Silver Award for Best tion, with two restaurants earn- Abdulaziz Ali al-Mawlawi,
zling visual harmony. Web Platform at the Mena Dig- ing one MICHELIN star, four re- chief executive officer, Visit Qa-
The celebrations featured the ital Awards. Visit Qatar also won ceiving a Bib Gourmand, and 33 tar, added: “This year’s accom-
launch of 3,865 fireworks by drones, the ‘Enterprise AI Tech Awards’ being Michelin-selected. plishments represent the col-
setting a new Guinness World in the Best Use Case of Gen AI The year also saw Qatar Tour- lective efforts of all stakeholders
Record by surpassing the required 2024 category for its Visit Qatar ism actively participate in re- in positioning Qatar as a global
threshold of 3,204 fireworks for en- GenAI Chatbot and Trip Planner. nowned international confer- tourism leader. From hosting
try into the record book. The AI-powered Trip Concierge, ences, including the EU-GCC world-class business events and
Lusail Boulevard saw a remark- available on the Visit Qatar web- Business Forum, IBTM World in cultural festivals to launching
able turnout, with visitors and resi- site and app, provides person- Spain, Web Summit in Lisbon, innovative initiatives and cam-
dents of all ages coming together to alised itineraries and insights in and World Travel Market in Lon- paigns, we have significantly en-
take part in the celebration. over 50 languages. don. HE Saad bin Ali al-Kharji, hanced our tourism offering.”

Long-time former
Closure of Mesaimeer
MoPH, WHO develop Interchange Tunnel
Qatar resident
passes away in India

modern occupational The Public Works

Authority (Ashghal)
has announced
the closure of
Tony Alapatt
(82), a long-
time former
Qatar resident,

medicine programme Mesaimeer

Interchange Tunnel
for traffic coming
passed away at
his hometown
Thrissur, India,
from Mesaieed yesterday. He
From Page 1 underscored the need to improve response Road towards was a resident
plans to protect workers. the Industrial of Doha from 1978-2002 and
He emphasised that this training reflects For her part, Occupational Health Officer Area Road from retired as a senior engineer with
the Ministry’s commitment to improving at the WHO Regional Office for the Eastern 2am-10am the present-day Kahramaa.
the health and well-being of workers, not- Mediterranean Dr Rola Imam commended tomorrow. The He is survived by his wife, Elsy
ing that workers’ health directly contributes Qatar for leading the training of trainers in closure that will be and two sons, Binu and Dr George.
to the growth and development of the na- implementing the advanced occupational implemented in co- The funeral will be held today
tional economy and promotes sustainable and environmental medicine programme. ordination with the (Jan 2) at Thrissur. He was actively
development. Head of the Occupational Health Sec- General Directorate engaged in various socio-cultural
In turn, WHO Representative in Qatar Dr tion at MoPH Dr Mohammed Ali al-Hajjaj, of Traffic has been activities in Qatar. He graduated
Rayana Bou Haka highlighted the impor- stated that the workshop was part of the ac- announced to from TKM Engineering College and
tance of the training workshop in achiev- tion plan for building the capacity of health carry out essential was employed with Kerala State
ing one of the shared objectives between practitioners, which includes various training maintenance works. During the closure, motorists coming from Mesaieed Road Electricity Board before moving to
the WHO and MoPH, such as implement- phases to enhance knowledge in occupational and heading towards the Industrial Area Road are advised to use the alternative Qatar.
ing programmes to enhance knowledge and and environmental medicine among primary routes shown on the attached map. Ashghal will install road signs advising He was a life member of Pravasi
skills for addressing and preventing work- healthcare physicians and other specialists, motorists of the temporary closure and has requested all to follow and abide by and his son, Binu Tony is a senior
place risks across various sectors. She noted thus supporting and improving occupational the speed limit to ensure safety. banker currently working in a
that lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic health practices and service delivery. private bank in Qatar.
6 Gulf Times
Thursday, January 2, 2025

QATAR/REGION/ARAB WORLD/AFRICA

Solar-powered irrigation
for trees in open areas
introduced at Al Rayyan
A
l Rayyan Municipality,
member of the Unesco’s
Network of Learning
Cities and Healthy Cities, has
launched an initiative to plant
trees in outdoor areas as part of
the 10mn Trees Initiative.
The initiative is part of the
Ministry of Municipality’s ef-
forts to promote environmental
sustainability and achieve sus-
tainable development, where
3,963 tree seedlings have been
planted in the areas of Al Ka-
raana, Jaryan Al Batnah, Umm
Qarn Al Gharbia, Al Amriya,
Umm Hawta, and Markhiya Al
Darb. Accordingly, a modern

Awqaf opens new solar-powered irrigation system

was installed in the Umm Qarn
area to operate the water pumps
needed for irrigating plants in
remote areas without relying

mosque at Al Rashida on the traditional power grid or

generators.
The inauguration ceremony
of the project was attended by
Jaber Hassan al-Jaber, Director

T
he Ministry of Endowments General of Al Rayyan Municipal-
(Awqaf) and Islamic Affairs, ity; Nayef al-Ahbabi, member of
represented by the Depart- the Central Municipal Council;
ment of Mosques, has opened a Rashid bin Ayash al-Mansoor,
new mosque at Al Rashida Area Director of Services Affairs; Ali
where it spreads over an area of Talib al-Hanzab, environmental
7,694sq m. activist; and Mohamed Ajiyan
The mosque can accommodate al-Ghafrani, Head of the Al Ka-
300 male and female worshippers, raana Office, alongside several
according to an official statement experts, engineers from Al Rayy-
from Awqaf. an Municipality, and local resi- amount of water to the trees, and conserving water use, espe-
The opening comes with- dents. minimising water wastage and cially during the dry seasons.
in Awqaf’s plan to expand the This initiative follows Qatar ensuring irrigation continuity This initiative reaffirms Al
number of mosques in all regions National Vision 2030, which even in areas far from the electri- Rayyan Municipality’s com-
of the country, keeping pace with aims to achieve sustainable de- cal networks. mitment to balancing environ-
urban and population growth, velopment using innovative and The system also offers flexibil- mental, social, and economic
which is in line with Qatar Na- environmentally friendly solu- ity to adapt to climate changes development, making it a model
tional Vision 2030. tions. Solar energy is a key com- and arid conditions. for implementing the concept of
With number MS 661, the temporary mosques and supervis- The ministry’s plans to build ponent of sustainability due to This project contributes to sustainable cities. It also high-
mosque has a main prayer hall ing their preservation as well as mosques also take into account its role in reducing carbon emis- achieving several environmental lights its role as a member of
with space for 300 worshippers. preparing the annual plan for the the population density map along sions, decreasing reliance on tra- and strategic objectives, most, the Networks of Learning and
The mosque also includes a spa- maintenance of mosques and im- with engineering, architectural ditional resources, and preserv- which include reducing green- Healthy Cities, stressing the
cious ablution place in addition to ams’ residences. specifications and the heritage ing the environment. house gas emissions, decreasing municipality’s dedication to sus-
a large number of public parking These are in co-ordination with aspect within the framework of The solar-powered irrigation air and water pollution, preserv- tainable development standards
lots, several of which are allocated the competent authorities. For caring for the mosques to perform system is designed to efficiently ing natural resources, enhancing and ensuring a high quality of life
to persons with disabilities. The mosque designs, the department worship and to serve the worship- provide the adequate needed resilience to climate changes, for the inhabitants.
entrances and exits of the mosque takes into account the require- pers. Awqaf’s website provides
are disability-friendly. The ments of different areas along with the facility to search for mosque
mosque also has a tall minaret. the guidelines for green and sus- locations geographically, accord-
The Department of Engineer- tainable buildings and preserving ing to the global navigation sys-
ing Affairs is concerned with ful- the aesthetics of heritage in de- tem, through accurate and spe-
filling the needs of the regions signs that reflect the authenticity cific maps that facilitate access
in the country for mosques and of Qatari and Islamic heritage by to mosque locations in all cities
prayer grounds while providing the highest standards. across the country.

Saudi Arabia’s humanitarian air

bridge to Syria launched
AFP
Riyadh Institution of Engineers (India) Qatar
chapter hosts webinar on AI security
S
audi Arabia yesterday
launched a humanitar-
ian air bridge to Syria, de-

T
livering food, shelter and medical he Qatar chapter of the Institution of Engi- head of the Bharti School of Telecom Technology &
supplies, the official Saudi Press neers (India) recently organised a webinar Management, Indian Institute of Technology (IIT)
Agency reported. on ‘Artificial Intelligence Security’ with the – Delhi, said: “In today’s interconnected world,
The air bridge, established by participation of more than 100 engineers from the where digital technology forms the backbone of al-
the King Salman Humanitarian country. most every industry and aspect of life, the impor-
Aid and Relief Centre (KSrelief), The chief guest, Ahmed Jassim al-Jolo, president tance of cybersecurity cannot be overstated.
aims to “alleviate the effects of the of the Federation of Global Engineers, discussed “With rising threats from cybercrime, data
difficult conditions currently fac- the activities of the IEI and its contribution to Qa- breaches, and evolving malicious technologies, the
ing the Syrian people”, SPA said. tar’s professional community in various engineer- need for robust measures to secure our systems,
Others, including the European First aid from Saudi Arabia arrives in Damascus, yesterday. ing disciplines. Indian Business and Professional networks, and data is more critical than ever.”
Union and Ukraine, have also an- Council (IBPC) president Thaha Muhammed was The keynote speaker, Satyavathi Divadari, Cloud
nounced aid for Syria, where the ing the government of deposed ernment earlier said a high-rank- the guest of honour. He emphasised the importance Security Leader of India, discussed cloud security,
United Nations said seven out of president Bashar al-Assad. ing Saudi delegation had visited of collaboration and knowledge-sharing in navi- AI security challenges, and AI best practices in vari-
10 people need support. Millions have been displaced Damascus and met Syria’s new gating the complexities of AI security. He also en- ous aspects. She also explained emerging AI tech-
Riyadh’s air bridge will “be fol- while the economy and civil in- leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa, whose couraged engineers to remain proactive in adopting nologies in cybersecurity in the areas of healthcare
lowed by another land bridge in frastructure are in tatters, with a Hayat Tahrir al-Sham group led secure practices while harnessing the transforma- AI, finance AI, retail AI, manufacturing AI, and AI-
the coming days,” said Abdullah World Health Organisation ana- the overthrow of Assad on De- tive power of AI. The guest of honour, Huzur Saran, powered prediction analysis.
al-Rabeeah, the head of KSrelief, lyst saying last week that approxi- cember 8, after a lightning offen-
SPA reported. Syria has been dev- mately half of the country’s hospi- sive. Riyadh previously sent aid to
astated by 13 years of civil war as tals are out of service. Syria after a devastating February
well as Western sanctions target- A source close to the Saudi gov- 2023 earthquake.

Ivory Coast president says French

Syria’s new information forces to withdraw in January
minister promises free press AFP French soldiers from their soil.
Abidjan Senegalese President Bassirou
AFP Syria’s ruling Baath party and He is part of the interim admin- Diomaye Faye said on Tuesday
Damascus the Assad family dynasty heavily istration installed in Damascus by that all foreign military presence

I
curtailed all aspects of daily life, the victorious rebel coalition led vory Coast President Alas- in the country would end from
including freedom of the press and by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham. sane Ouattara said in an end- 2025.

S
yria’s minister of informa- expression with the media a tool of The group has its origins in the of-year speech that French The announcement, also made
tion in the country’s tran- those in power. Syrian branch of the Al Qaeda forces will withdraw from the during a speech to mark the new
sitional government told Reporters Without Borders, a group, but has sought to soften its West African nation in Janu- year, was the first indication of a
AFP he is working towards a free freedom of information watch- image in recent years. ary, making it the latest country timeframe for the closure of for-
press and committed to “freedom dog, ranked Syria second-last on Diplomats from around the re- to weaken military ties with the File photo shows Ivory Coast’s eign military bases in Senegal.
of expression”, after decades of its 2024 World Press Freedom In- gion and from the West have made former colonial power. President Alassane Ouattara. “I have instructed the minister
tight control under the country’s dex, ahead only of Eritrea and be- contact with Syria’s new rulers, Ouattara said late on Tuesday for the armed forces to propose a
former rulers. hind Taliban-ruled Afghanistan. who have also vowed to protect that Ivory Coast could be proud tion” of military relations after new doctrine for co-operation in
“We are working to consolidate “There was a heavy restriction the country’s religious and ethnic of its army “whose modernisa- the forced departure of its troops defence and security, involving,
freedoms of the press and expres- on freedom of the press and ex- minorities. tion is now effective. from Mali, Burkina Faso and Ni- among other consequences, the
sion that were severely restricted” pression under the regime which Omar was previously minis- “It is in this context that we ger, where military-led govern- end of all foreign military pres-
in areas controlled by the former practised censorship. In the peri- ter of information in the self- have decided on the concerted ments hostile to the ex-colonial ences in Senegal from 2025,” Faye
government of Bashar al-Assad, od to come we are working on the proclaimed Salvation Govern- and organised withdrawal of ruler have seized power in recent said. “All of Senegal’s friends will
said the minister, Mohamed al- reconstruction of a media land- ment, the civil administration French forces” from the country, years. be treated like strategic partners,
Omar, after rebels on December 8 scape that is free, objective and set up in 2017 by HTS in the rebel he announced. In November, within hours of within the framework of open,
ended more than five decades of professional,” Omar said during an holdout of Idlib province, in France has been preparing for each other, Senegal and Chad diversified and uninhibited co-
rule by the Assad clan. interview with AFP on Tuesday. Syria’s northwest. years what it calls a “reorganisa- also announced the departure of operation,” he said.
 Gulf Times
Thursday, January 2, 2025 7

WORLD

Truck ramming kills

10 New Year’s revellers
in New Orleans Fans from both Notre Dame and Georgia in town for the Sugar Bowl
AFP watch the investigation in the French Quarter from Canal Street after
New Orleans at least ten people were killed when a person allegedly drove into the
crowd in the early morning hours of New Year’s Day in New Orleans,
Louisiana, yesterday.

A
man “hellbent” on “car-
nage” slammed a pickup not tolerate any attack on any of police running,” he said.
truck into a crowd of New our nation’s communities,” Biden “Once the gunfire stopped,
Year revellers in New Orleans yes- said in a statement. we stayed in the alcove until the
terday, killing at least 10 people President-elect Donald Trump gunfire stopped, came out into
and injuring more than 35 in an linked the attack to illegal immi- the street, and came across a lot
attack authorities said they were gration, giving no evidence, but of — several people who had been
investigating as terrorism. police have yet to indicate the hit, (we) wanted to see what we
The man, who initially fled after nationality of the assailant. could do to help,” he said.
exchanging gunfire with police, “When I said that the criminals “People we came across were
“is now deceased”, the FBI said, coming in are far worse than the unfortunately deceased.” New
without giving details. criminals we have in the coun- Orleans is one of the most heavily
Local police said the incident try...it turned out to be true,” visited destinations in the US and
took place at around 3:15am (0915 Trump posted on social media. the incident came shortly before
GMT) in the heart of the city’s fa- Trump also claimed that the the city hosts a major college
mous French Quarter, which was nation’s crime rate “is at a level level football game, known as the
packed with people celebrating that nobody has ever seen.” In Sugar Bowl, featuring teams from
the start of 2025. fact, violent crime is sharply the University of Georgia and
“This man was trying to run down across the country, accord- Notre Dame.
over as many people as he possi- ing to the FBI. “We are going to make sure
bly could,” Police Superintendent ICONIC NEIGHBOURHOOD that our routes and the Su-
Anne Kirkpatrick told reporters. In the wee hours of the year’s perdome are safe today for the
Driving at “very high speed” first day the area would have game,” Kirkpatrick said.
and in a “very intentional” man- been packed with revellers cel- Policing had already been
ner, “he was hell bent on creating ebrating in the French Quarter, heavy over the New Year’s, ac-
the carnage and the damage that a district renowned for its bars, cording to the city, as authorities
he did,” Kirkpatrick said. Police investigators surround a white truck that has been crashed into a work lift in the French Quarter of New restaurants and jazz history. braced for big crowds.
The attacker shot at police, Orleans, Louisiana, yesterday. A white truck crashed through The city police department
who fired back. Two officers were a barricade “at a very high rate of had announced staffing at
wounded but were stable, she said. as Shamsud Din Jabbar, but with 10 days after a similar car-ram- tally disturbed. President Joe Bi- speed,” witness Jim Mowrer told “100%, with an additional 300
The FBI said it was “working no further detail confirmed on his ming assault at a Christmas mar- den called New Orleans Mayor CBS News. officers assisting from partner
with our partners to investigate nationality or motive. ket in the eastern German city of LaToya Cantrell “to offer full fed- “We were in the middle of the law enforcement agencies,” in-
this as an act of terrorism.” Multi- The vehicle used was a white Magdeburg that killed five and eral support following the horrific road and managed to run off the cluding on horseback and using
ple US media quoted law enforce- Ford F150 electric pick-up, an AFP wounded more than 200. In that news”, the White House said. road onto the sidewalk and into unmarked units.
ment sources saying the attacker correspondent on the scene said. case police arrested a Saudi man “There is no justification for the doorway of a building for The iconic French Quarter list-
had been preliminarily identified The New Orleans attack came and said he appeared to be men- violence of any kind, and we will cover. We did hear gunfire, saw ed special deals for New Year’s.

Power restored to most

of Puerto Rico: utility
Power was restored to most of
Brazil’s Amazon US Capitol riot fugitive
Puerto Rico yesterday after a major
saw highest number
seeks asylum in Canada
blackout plunged the island into
darkness on New Year’s Eve, the US
territory’s electric utility said, AFP
reported from San Juan. Electricity
supply had been restored to at
of fires in 17 years
least 1.44mn customers, or 98.3% AFP boarding gear and drove across March and is awaiting trial.
of those affected, by noon local AFP ervation of the Amazon a prior- Ottawa the border.” In refugee claim Vo said he hopes to stay in
time (1600 GMT), according to Rio de Janeiro ity for his government, which in documents, Vo said the riot was Canada “until the situation is
Luma Energy. The power company November this year will host the “a peaceful protest” that was safe for me to return” to the

A
said preliminary findings indicated UN’s COP30 climate conference n American man who “subverted as part of a domestic United States. “When Donald

B
a fault in an underground cable razil’s Amazon rainforest in the Amazonian city of Belem. absconded after being regime-change operation to po- Trump takes office, I hope he
may have been the cause of the experienced its highest Europe’s climate monitor, the sentenced to prison for litically assassinate Trump and pardons me and the rest of the
outage, although investigations number of fires in 17 years EU’s Copernicus Atmosphere his role in the US Capitol riot is his supporters.” He added that January 6 protestors.” Trump has
continue. Puerto Rico, a Spanish- in 2024, government data pub- Monitoring Service, said last now seeking political asylum in he was “persecuted, maltreated,” called the rioters “patriots” and
speaking archipelago, came under lished yesterday showed, after month that severe drought had Canada, as he hopes for a pardon and subjected to an “unfair trial” “political prisoners” and told a
US control in 1898 and has faced the vast biome suffered months stoked wildfires across South when Donald Trump returns to over his political beliefs, and if CNN town hall that he was “in-
perennial infrastructure issues, of a lengthy drought. America in 2024. the White House. sent back to the United States clined to pardon many of them.”
exacerbated by devastating hurri- There were 140,328 fires de- Thick plumes of smoke at Antony Vo, 32, was sentenced would be jailed “under inhumane Several Capitol riot defendants
canes and a 2020 earthquake. The tected by satellite imaging over times clouded major cities in- to nine months behind bars and conditions.” The assault on the have seized upon Trump’s elec-
utility company said power had the year, according to the Na- cluding Brasilia, Rio de Janeiro ordered to report to a federal Capitol followed a fiery speech tion victory over Vice-President
been restored to both of the capital tional Institute for Space Re- and Sao Paulo last year, with prison on June 14, 2024, but in- by then-president Trump to tens Kamala Harris to ask that their tri-
San Juan’s major airports, key wa- search (INPE). choking pollution that lingered stead he fled to Canada. of thousands of his supporters als or sentencing be put on hold.
ter supply facilities and to at least That was 42% more than the for several weeks. More than 1,500 people have near the White House, in which Trump himself, who takes office
31 hospitals. Spokesperson Jose 98,634 fires recorded in 2023 — Drought has parched the been charged in connection with he repeated his false claims that again in January, was charged with
Perez warned, however, that power and the most since 2007, when Amazon region since mid-2023, the January 6, 2021 assault on he won the 2020 vote. conspiring to overturn the results
cuts could continue to affect some 186,463 forest fires were seen. driven by human-caused cli- Congress, which sought to dis- More than 140 police officers of the 2020 election.
areas “as the power plants reach Despite the high number of mate change and the El Nino rupt certification of President were injured in hours of clashes But the case never made it to
their optimum level.” Governor blazes, however, there were in- warming phenomenon. Joe Biden’s election victory. with rioters wielding flagpoles, trial and is now being wound down
Pedro Pierluisi said he had spoken dications that the total area that This helped to create condi- Vo, from Indiana, was con- baseball bats, hockey sticks and under the Justice Department’s
with US President Joe Biden, and suffered deforestation could be tions for the massive blazes, but victed at a jury trial in Washing- other makeshift weapons along policy of not prosecuting a sitting
had asked for continuing Federal the lowest in years. experts say that most fires were ton of four counts of entering a with Tasers and canisters of bear president. Vo said that he had also
Emergency Management Agency In early November, INPE said set deliberately by farmers to restricted building and disorder- spray. Vo insisted that he saw no tried to seek asylum in Argentina,
(FEMA) support. “This is a long and deforestation in the region in the clear land for agriculture. ly conduct related to his actions. violence. Mexico, El Salvador, Vietnam, Be-
arduous process that requires local 12-month period up to August Scientists warn that contin- “I knew Canada has a history Images on social media larus, and Russia.
and federal collaboration, which 2024 had fallen by more than ued deforestation will put the of being welcoming to refugees, showed Vo and his mother Annie “I seriously explored getting
is why I requested that FEMA 30%, year-on-year, and was at Amazon on track to reach a point from Vietnam War draft dodg- — who fled Vietnam in 1991 and paramotoring lessons and then
continue facilitating the projects the lowest amount in nine years. where it will emit more carbon ers to the people who hid Edward was granted asylum in the United paramotoring from Key West to
we have begun,” he said. Brazilian President Luiz Ina- than it absorbs, accelerating cli- Snowden in Hong Kong,” he told States —smiling inside the Capi- Cuba to seek asylum there too,” he
cio Lula da Silva has made pres- mate change. AFP. “So I packed up my snow- tol that day. She was arrested in said in his claim.

Carter’s Middle East peace legacy

survives, but mostly in name
AFP Israel generally remains a pub- diplomatic legacy, which earned And in his 2006 book Palestine:
Cairo lic enemy. Government officials him a Nobel Peace Prize. Peace Not Apartheid, the former
in Cairo, for example, avoid clear MIRROR IMAGE US president criticised Israel’s
references to Israel in economic Carter made history when he expanding settlements in the oc-

U
S president Jimmy Carter, briefings despite significant en- hosted Egyptian president Anwar cupied West Bank.
who died on Monday, left ergy trade. al-Sadat and Israeli prime minis- For the same reasons, Sayyid
an enduring legacy when The devastating Israel-Hamas ter Menachem Begin. said, Carter will be remembered as File photo of Egyptian president Anwar al-Sadat (left) and US president
he brokered historic peace be- war in the Gaza Strip, which bor- But even at the time, the recon- “the US president who proved the Jimmy Carter meeting prior to talks on the Mideast situation, on April 8,
tween Egypt and Israel — tepid ders both countries, has reinvig- ciliation ruffled feathers and Sadat most fair to Arabs”. 1980 in Washington, DC.
and shaky, but unbroken even by orated Egyptians’ long history of was accused of abandoning the ‘NO ONE WANTS A WAR’
the nearly 15-month long Gaza solidarity with Palestinians. Palestinian cause. No Israeli flags have flown over searcher Winter, Cairo has stalled war began. It has often accused
war. Some analysts accuse Israel of Forty-five years later, Carter the embassy in Cairo since pro- on granting a new Israeli ambas- Israel of committing war crimes,
“For 45 years we’ve had no war” breaching the peace deal with its himself is remembered differently testers stormed the diplomatic sador credentials, awaiting “a po- while seeking to maintain its role
with Egypt, said Ruth Wasserman actions in Gaza. Cairo University on opposite sides of the border. mission in the aftermath of the litical climate that would allow the as mediator without rousing too
Lande, a former Israeli diplomat in professor Mustapha Kamel al- “In recent decades, Carter has Egyptian uprising in 2011, angry Egyptian president to receive him much domestic ire or angering Is-
Cairo. But, she told AFP, “I would Sayyid said the Israeli takeover of primarily emerged in connection over the deaths of Egyptian border publicly”. rael’s closest allies in Washington.
not go as far as to say it’s a peace.” the Palestinian side of the Gaza- with his criticism of Israeli poli- guards. But public animosity is one When images of Israeli flags
Egypt and Israel have main- Egypt border in May was a “fla- cy on Palestinian issues, leading When it reopened in 2015, the thing, and Egypt’s national secu- at the Gaza border stirred wide-
tained ties for nearly half a century grant violation of the treaty”. significant portions of the Israeli embassy operated out of the am- rity interests are another. spread anger in Egypt in May,
since the agreement. But still, the agreement has sur- public to view him as biased,” said bassador’s residence in the up- In 1978, the Camp David Ac- Cairo’s foreign ministry only said
The 1979 treaty saw Israel re- vived and analysts agree suspend- Ofir Winter, senior researcher at scale Maadi district of southern cords that preceded the peace potential treaty violations are
turn the vast Sinai peninsula oc- ing it is not on the table for either the Institute for National Security Cairo. Nearly a decade later, the agreement sealed Egypt’s exit handled “at a technical level”.
cupied in war years earlier, and government. Studies at Tel Aviv University. Israeli government still lists no of- from the Soviet Union’s sphere of “Egypt holds fast to the peace
Cairo become one of the top re- On Monday, both Egyptian The Nobel laureate had infu- ficial Cairo address. influence and entry into the United treaty as a strategic choice,”
cipients of US military aid along- President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi and riated Israel by suggesting that A seemingly apathetic po- States’, which it has never left. said historian Tewfick Acliman-
side neighbouring Israel. Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin its treatment of the Palestinians liceman directs passersby to go And so Cairo has walked a dip- dos of the Egyptian Center for
But for ordinary Egyptians, Netanyahu paid tribute to Carter’s could constitute apartheid. around the block. According to re- lomatic tightrope since the Gaza Strategic Studies.
8 Gulf Times
Thursday, January 2, 2025

ASIA
Kim attends New Year celebration First sunrise of new year in Aceh

North Korea’s leader Kim Jong-un and his daughter Ju Ae waving as they attend a performance to The Masjid Jamik Babussalam mosque is seen during the first sunrise of the new year in Lambaro, Aceh
celebrate the New Year at May Day Stadium in Pyongyang. province, Indonesia, yesterday.

Myanmar says
2024 census

S Korea investigators vow to shows population

of 51.3mn

M
yanmar said its 2024 cen-

execute Yoon arrest warrant

sus found a population of
51.3mn, slightly smaller
than 10 years ago, as the junta pre-
pares for promised elections amid
ongoing conflict and unrest across
the country, state media reported
AFP yesterday. The census, which was
Seoul held in October, will be used to
compile voter lists for the elec-
tions planned for this year that op-

S
outh Korean investigators position groups have widely con-
said yesterday they would demned as a sham.
execute an arrest warrant for “I am striving to successfully
Yoon Suk-yeol over his declara- organise a free and fair election,
tion of martial law by the deadline which is the ultimate goal of the
of January 6, as the impeached State Administration Council,”
leader vowed to fight to the bitter junta chief Min Aung Hlaing said
end. in his New Year speech that was
Supporters and opponents of published in state media. Myan-
Yoon, who was suspended from mar has been in turmoil since early
office by lawmakers over his at- 2021, when the military overthrew
tempt to subvert civilian rule last A participant wearing a face an elected civilian government and
month, have been camped outside mask with US and South Korean violently suppressed pro-democ-
the compound where he has been flags takes part in a rally to racy protests, sparking a nation-
holed up for weeks, fending off support impeached South wide armed rebellion.
investigators’ efforts to question Korea’s President Yoon Suk-yeol The military is fighting rebels
him. near the presidential residence on multiple fronts, struggling to
The Corruption Investigation in Seoul. govern and manage a crumbling
Office (CIO) requested the war- economy that was seen as a prom-
rant after Yoon failed to report for “We aim for a smooth process ising frontier market before the
questioning a third time, but it has without major disturbances, but generals ended a decade of tenta-
been unclear whether they could we are also coordinating to mobi- tive democracy. Last month, My-
execute it as the Presidential Se- lise police and personnel in prepa- Police stand guard at the entrance to the presidential residence in Seoul. anmar’s foreign minister briefed
curity Service have previously re- ration,” he told reporters. neighbouring countries on the
fused to comply with search war- He also warned that anyone On Wednesday, the majority of junta’s progress towards holding
rants. Yoon has remained defiant trying to block authorities from Yoon’s remaining staff, including an election, which has been widely
and late Wednesday appeared to arresting Yoon could themselves his chief of staff and special advis- criticised due to the absence and
suggest he would refuse to hand face prosecution. Yoon’s legal ers, all tendered their resignations sidelining of opposition groups.
himself over in a statement shared team have filed for an injunction to the country’s acting president The 2024 population of 51.3mn
with supporters camped outside to block the warrant and claimed - who rejected them, calling in- was down from a 51.5mn figure in
his residence in Seoul. yesterday the arrest order was stead for unity. “This is a time for the previous census in 2014, the
“The Republic of Korea is cur- “an unlawful and invalid act”. The everyone to come together for the reports said. The country’s Muslim
rently in danger due to internal suspended president’s die-hard stability of the livelihood of the Rohingya minority was not includ-
and external forces threatening supporters raced to Seoul to sup- people and national affairs,” act- ed in either census. The population
its sovereignty and the activities port him. Outside the presidential ing president Choi Sang-mok figure was made up of 32.2mn peo-
of anti-state elements,” he said compound dozens of people - said The resignations were a show ple counted in the census and an
in the statement, his lawyer Yoon some in elaborate costume - could of discontent over Choi’s deci- estimate of 19.1mn people in areas
Kab-keun confirmed to AFP. “I be seen chanting, singing and sion to appoint two new judges to that were inaccessible due to secu-
vow to fight alongside you to the hurling vitriol at police. As night the constitutional court hearing rity and transportation issues, the
very end to protect this nation,” fell pro-Yoon protesters waved Yoon’s impeachment - meeting reports said.
he added, saying he was watching glowsticks and anti-impeachment a key demand of the opposition, “For estimating the popula-
the hundreds-strong protest on a placards. but branded an overstepping of tion...high-resolution satellite im-
YouTube live stream. South Korean officials have the powers of the acting leader by agery (ranging from 0.3-0.8m) was
Jo Seoung-lae, a lawmaker for previously failed to execute arrest Yoon’s staff. acquired from commercial pro-
the opposition Democratic Party warrants for lawmakers - in 2000 The suspended president de- Participants wave US & South Korean flags during a rally to support viders in Russia, China, India, and
said in a statement that Yoon’s and 2004 - due to party members clared martial law in a televised impeached South Korea’s President Yoon Suk-yeol near the presidential various European countries,” the
message was “highly inappropri- and supporters blocking police address, saying it was aimed at residence in Seoul. census report said. The census fig-
ate”, calling him “delusional” and from entering for the seven-day eliminating “anti-state elements” ure is lower than a estimated 2024
accusing him of trying to incite period the warrant was valid. Yoon but lawmakers rushed to parlia- tional court will rule whether to for investigations into his pred- population of 54.5mn from the
clashes. has been stripped of his presiden- ment to vote it down. uphold Yoon’s impeachment. The ecessor. Choi took office on Friday World Bank, which is based on the
CIO chief Oh Dong-woon said tial duties by parliament and faces At the same time, heavily armed turmoil deepened late last week and found himself thrust immedi- United Nations World Population
yesterday the warrant would be criminal charges of insurrection, troops stormed the building, scal- when Yoon’s replacement, Han ately into a disaster with the Jeju Prospects report. The World Bank
executed “within the deadline”, which could result in life impris- ing fences, smashing windows and Duck-soo, was also impeached by Air plane crash on Sunday that has estimated Myanmar’s popula-
which is on Monday, January 6. onment or even the death penalty. landing by helicopter. A constitu- parliament for failing to sign bills claimed 179 lives. tion at 50.7mn in 2014. —Reuters

Taiwan’s Lai says

island must show
‘determination’ to
defend itself
South Korea to send Jeju Air crash black box to US
AFP Board.” Joo earlier said both of the the Accident Investigation Board”
Taiwan President Lai Seoul plane’s black boxes were retrieved, through a review of testimony and
Ching-te said yesterday the and for the cockpit voice recorder evidence, the ministry of land,
island must boost defence “the initial extraction has already which oversees civil aviation, said

S
spending and “demonstrate outh Korean investiga- been completed”. “Based on this at a briefing. At Muan airport, rel-
its determination” to protect tors probing a Jeju Air crash preliminary data, we plan to start atives of the victims were allowed
itself, in a New Year’s speech which killed 179 people in converting it into audio format,” he to visit the site on Wednesday for
just weeks before Donald the worst aviation disaster on its said, meaning investigators would the first time since the crash.
Trump takes office in the soil said Wednesday they will send be able to hear the pilots’ final Families were taken to see the
United States. one of the retrieved black boxes to communications. runway and the cement wall that
Self-ruled Taiwan faces the the United States for analysis. The second black box, the flight the plane hit, according to the
constant threat of invasion The Boeing 737-800 was car- data recorder, “was found with a ministry of land.
from China, which claims the rying 181 people from Thailand missing connector”, Joo said. Of- Hundreds of people also queued
island as part of its territory to South Korea Sunday when it ficials initially pointed to a bird up to pay their respects at a me-
and has refused to renounce issued a mayday call and belly- strike as a possible cause of the morial altar set up to honour the
the use of force to bring it landed before hitting a barrier and disaster, but they have since said victims.
under its control. Washington bursting into flames, killing eve- the probe was also examining a So many people came to the me-
has long been Taipei’s ryone aboard except two flight at- concrete barrier at the end of the morial that the queue stretched for
most important backer and tendants pulled from the burning runway, which dramatic video hundreds of metres and the local The flight data recorder retrieved from Jeju Air flight 2216 which crashed
biggest supplier of arms but wreckage. showed the plane colliding with cell phone network was overload- killing 179 people.
Trump’s transactional style of South Korean and US inves- before bursting into flames. ed, local media reported. Other
diplomacy has raised concerns tigators, including from Boeing, A special inspection of all Boe- altars for the victims have been set more bodies had been handed over veal the cause of the accident,”
about his willingness to defend have been combing the crash site ing 737-800 models operated by up nationwide. to relatives so that they could hold Choi added. US investigators ar-
the island. “Taiwan must be in southwestern Muan since the local carriers was examining their Officials have said the bodies funerals. rived Monday and headed straight
prepared for danger in times disaster to establish a cause. “The landing gear after it “failed to de- were extensively damaged by the “Our investigators, along with to Muan, with the initial on-site
of peace, continue to increase damaged flight data recorder has ploy” in this case, said the director crash, making the work of identi- the US National Transportation joint probe focusing on a naviga-
its defence budget, strengthen been deemed unrecoverable for general for aviation safety policy, fying remains slow and immensely Safety Board and the manufac- tion system known as a localiser
its defence capabilities, and data extraction domestically,” said Yoo Kyeong-soo. difficult, while investigators had turer, are conducting a joint in- that assists in aircraft landings
demonstrate its determination South Korea’s deputy minister for Local media reported the land- to preserve crash-site evidence. vestigation into the cause of the and was blamed for exacerbating
to protect the country,” Lai civil aviation, Joo Jong-wan. ing gear had deployed properly on But the country’s acting presi- accident,” Choi said at a disaster the crash’s severity. The plane was
said in a speech delivered “It was agreed today to trans- Jeju Air Flight 2216’s first failed dent Choi Sang-mok, who has response meeting. largely carrying holidaymakers
in front of reporters at the port it to the United States for landing attempt at Muan airport been in office less than a week, “A comprehensive analysis and back from year-end trips to Bang-
Presidential Office Building. analysis in collaboration with the before failing on the second. The said Wednesday the process had review of the aircraft’s structure kok, with all passengers Korean
. —AFP US National Transportation Safety issue “will likely be examined by finally been completed, and that and the black box data will re- nationals except for two Thais.
 Gulf Times
Thursday, January 2, 2025 9

WORLD
New Year’s Day parade in London

Members of the public watch the London’s New Year’s Day Parade event under rainy weather, in London. Performers dressed as The Beatles attend the London’s New Year’s Day Parade event, in London.

Migrants crossing Channel to Britain in 2024 soar by 25%

AFP The 2024 total, however, was still to Rwanda, branding it a “gim- next largest groups. Vietnamese cember alone, including several Observatory. “In terms of what the
London well below the record 45,774 un- mick”. Instead, he has promised to migrants appeared to fuel the surge hundred over Christmas. Starmer current government is doing, it’s
documented migrants who ar- “smash the gangs” of people traf- in crossings in 2024. has also set up a new Border Secu- too early to tell you know whether
rived on the UK’s shores in flimsy fickers running the crossings and They made up just five percent rity Command and strengthened their approach is having an impact

T
he number of irregular mi- inflatable boats in 2022. At least 76 has signed a number of agreements of arrivals in 2023, well below the cooperation with European part- on the numbers,” said Sumption.
grants arriving in Britain deaths were recorded in about 20 with foreign countries to co-oper- January-September 2024 figure of ners, including Europol. Britain Starmer is also under pressure to
on small boats soared in accidents last year, making it the ate on law enforcement. 13%. “It’s often not possible to pin has signed joint action plans with reduce legal migration as he tries to
2024, data showed yesterday, pil- deadliest year for migrants who are He has described the smug- down a specific reason,” for why Germany and Iraq aimed at tack- fend off growing support for arch-
ing pressure on Prime Minister taking ever greater risks to evade gling networks as a “global secu- the numbers fluctuate, Madeleine ling the smuggling gangs. Eurosceptic Farage’s hard-right
Keir Starmer to stem the danger- Britain’s border control. rity threat similar to terrorism”. Sumption, director of the Migra- They build on earlier agree- Reform UK, which won roughly
ous Channel crossings. Immigra- According to French officials, at The latest figures mean last year tion Observatory at Oxford Uni- ments signed under the previous 4mn votes during the July 4 poll
tion, both irregular and regular, least 5,800 people were rescued at had the second highest number of versity told AFP. Conservative government, includ- -- an unprecedented haul for a far-
was a major issue at July’s general sea last year and authorities pre- annual arrivals since data on the “The reason that brought num- ing with France and Albania. right party. Net legal migration is
election, which brought Labour to vented more than 870 attempted crossings began to be collected in bers a bit higher this year is partly Starmer’s government also running at historically high levels,
power but also saw a breakthrough crossings. Starmer has pledged to 2018. More than 150,000 people there was some increase in the first points to an increase in the return and was estimated at 728,000 for
for Nigel Farage’s hard-right Re- crack down on the crossings after have arrived by boat in the last half of the year, and then we’ve of irregular migrants to their coun- the year to June 2024.
form UK party. his election win returned Labour seven years in total. In the first seen this kind of sustained in- tries of origin. The surge has come despite
Some 36,816 people were de- to government after 14 years in op- nine months of last year, Afghan crease from October, November, Some 29,000 people were re- Britons being told during the 2016
tected in the Channel last year, a position. Upon entering office, he migrants accounted for the single December, which is usually when turned between January and early Brexit referendum that leaving the
25% increase from the 29,437 who scrapped the previous Conserva- largest group of arrivals, making the numbers start to settle down December, a quarter more than European Union would allow the
arrived in 2023, provisional figures tive government’s controversial up 17% of the total. People from because the weather’s not as good”. in 2023, and a level not seen since country to “take back control” of
from the interior ministry showed. scheme to send irregular migrants Vietnam, Iran and Syria were the More than 3,200 arrived in De- 2017, according to the Migration its borders.

Weather warning
PM Starmer
seeks to boost
public morale
after negative People look at the waves in Brighton, yesterday, as weather warnings were put in place for rain, snow

messaging
and wind across the UK.

AFP
London
“work of change”, highlighting a
minimum wage hike, clean energy
projects and investments in the
ment faced accusations of hy-
pocrisy after it was revealed they
had accepted gifts from a wealthy
2024 India’s hottest year since 1901: met
state-run National Health Service Labour Party donor while axing a

B
ritish Prime Minister Keir (NHS). winter heating allowance for pen- AFP term average, 1991-2020 period.” committed to achieve a net zero
Starmer attempted to boost “I know there is still so much sioners on low incomes. New Delhi The United Nations said last emissions economy by 2070 - two
public morale by pledging a more to do and that for many peo- On the economic front, after month that 2024 was set to be the decades after most of the indus-
“year of rebuilding” while “redis- ple it’s hard to think about the fu- coming to power on a pledge to warmest year ever recorded, cap- trialised West.

I
covering the great nation that we ture when you spend all your time boost economic growth, Chancel- ndia’s meteorological depart- ping a decade of unprecedented For now, it is overwhelmingly
are” in 2025. In his first new year’s fighting to get through the week,” lor Rachel Reeves has struggled to ment said yesterday that 2024 heat. Climate change sparked reliant on coal for power gen-
message since winning power in he said. “Until you can look for- get business on side after her first was the hottest year since a trail of extreme weather and eration. Global warming, driven
July, Starmer attempted a change ward and believe in the promise budget included sharp tax rises for 1901, with sizzling temperatures record heat globally in 2024, fuel- largely by the burning of fos-
of tone from the doom-mongering and the prosperity of Britain again, companies. in the world’s most populous na- ling natural disasters that caused sil fuels, is not just about rising
of previous messaging. then this government will fight for Data earlier this month showed tion following a global pattern billions of dollars worth of dam- temperatures, but the knock-on
Critics have accused his Labour you,” he added. the economy was stagnant in the of extreme weather sparked by age. effect of all the extra heat in the
government of talking down the Starmer’s government has had third quarter, as lobby group CBI climate change. “The year 2024 India sweltered through its atmosphere and seas.
economy, leading to a drop in busi- a bumpy start since its landslide warned of a “steep” decline in was the warmest year on record longest ever heatwave last year, Warmer air can hold more wa-
ness confidence. election victory ousted the Con- private sector activity in the first since 1901,” Mrutyunjay Mohap- with temperatures soaring over ter vapour, and warmer oceans
The government has also been servatives from 14 years in power. quarter of 2025, citing the impact atra, director general of the India 45C. A heatwave in May in New mean greater evaporation, result-
accused of constantly blaming the “Rarely has confidence in a new of the budget’s tax hikes. Local Meteorological Department, told Delhi saw temperatures match ing in more intense downpours
last Conservative government for government evaporated so swiftly,” elections in England in May will be reporters. the capital’s previous record high: and storms. Impacts are wide-
the challenges it faces amid an on- said the right-leaning The Times the electorate’s first opportunity “The annual mean land surface 49.2C clocked in 2022. India is ranging, deadly and increasingly
going cost of living crisis. Starmer daily in an editorial. Starmer and to give its verdict on Labour’s first air temperature across India in the world’s third-biggest emit- costly, damaging property and
said his government had begun the leading members of his govern- months in government. 2024 was 0.65C above the long- ter of greenhouse gases but has destroying crops.

Chagos deal talks not only over finances: Mauritius

AFP Tuesday the talks were not only cia was also important. Ringing in 2025!
Port Louis concerned with that aspect of the “The deal will have to be solidly
deal. “It is also about sovereignty negotiated on the basis of sover-
and the duration of the lease. The eignty, the duration of the lease

R
esumed negotiations over tenant must not become the owner and also finances,” he said. Under
a proposed deal to return of Diego Garcia either,” he said. the proposed agreement, the UK
the strategic Chagos Is- His office firmly denied figures would retain a 99-year lease on the
lands to Mauritius from Britain reported in the British press, but strategic island, which is home to a
are not solely over financial com- did not give any further details. A crucial United States military base.
pensation, the premier and a gov- treasury official, who requested Britain kept control of the
ernment official have said. After anonymity as he was not author- Chagos Islands after Mauritius re-
decades of negotiations, Britain ised to speak to the press, rejected gained independence in the 1960s,
agreed in October to hand back the suggestions the talks had been re- and set up the military base which
Indian Ocean islands to Mauritius, sumed solely over financial com- it leased to the United States. In
a former colony, on the condition pensation. doing so, it evicted thousands of
that a UK-US military base can re- However, inflation needed to Chagos islanders who have since
main on the largest, Diego Garcia. be accounted for, he said, a factor mounted a series of legal claims
But a new government took that had been overlooked in pre- for compensation in British courts.
power in Mauritius last month and vious discussions. He did not give The military base has played a key
has reopened the talks, reportedly any further details. “It is not just strategic role as a hub for long-
seeking greater financial compen- a question of money but of sov- range bombers and ships, notably
sation. But Prime Minister Navin ereignty,” he told AFP, adding the during the wars in Afghanistan People hold balloons during New Year celebrations outside a church in Ahmedabad, India.
Ramgoolam said in a statement on duration of the lease of Diego Gar- and Iraq.
10 Gulf Times
Thursday, January 2, 2025

COMMENT
CHAIRMAN
Abdullah bin Khalifa al-Attiyah
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Faisal Abdulhameed al-Mudahka
Deputy Managing Editor
K T Chacko

P.O.Box 2888, Doha, Qatar

[email protected]
44350478 (News),
44466404 (Sport),
44466636 (Home delivery)
44350474
facebook.com/gulftimes
twitter.com/gulftimes_Qatar
instagram.com/gulftimes
youtube.com/GulftimesVideos

GULF TIMES
Climate crisis also
an inflation crisis
Global inflation in recent years has pushed the prices of food, energy, and
basic goods to unprecedented levels. As a result, the rising cost of living
has dominated political discussion around the world, but especially in G20
countries. Ahead of this year’s presidential election in the United States, for
example, 41% of Americans cited inflation as their top economic issue.
High inflation risks overshadowing another urgent crisis: global
warming. But rising prices and climate change are closely linked. Extreme
weather damages crops, spoils harvests, and drives up food prices, and its
impact is growing more pronounced as heatwaves, droughts, and floods
become more frequent and intense. These events also disrupt supply chains
MAGA goes to Panama
and energy production, pushing up the price of other essential goods. By Ruti Teitel “The most important reason
Climate-induced inflationary pressures are especially acute in Africa and New York As President-elect – the only reason – to ratify
Latin America, where food accounts for a significant share of household Donald Trump the treaties is that they are in
spending. For example, an extensive drought exacerbated by El Niño raised contemplates his the highest national interest

U
the price of staples in Malawi, Mozambique, Zambia, and Zimbabwe earlier S President-elect of the United States and will
this year, creating a hunger crisis. By contrast, households in wealthier Donald Trump next move on the strengthen our position in the
countries tend to spend a smaller share of their income on food and are thus clearly does not Panama Canal, the world. Our security interests
better insulated. intend to pursue a question we should will be stronger. Our trade
Discussions about climate change often overlook its economic toll on “good neighbour” policy. He be asking is whether opportunities will be improved.
vulnerable populations and how it deepens inequality, focusing instead has been mocking Canadian We will demonstrate that as
America ever became a large and powerful country,
on green growth and emissions reductions. But as inflation increasingly Prime Minister Justin Trudeau
disrupts economic stability, this toll can no longer be ignored. Shifting by calling him ‘governor’ while truly reconciled to we are able to deal fairly and
weather patterns have raised the prices of oranges in Brazil, cocoa in West proclaiming that a country of giving it up honourably with a proud but
Africa, and coffee in Vietnam. A recent study by the Potsdam Institute 40mn people should become smaller sovereign nation.”
for Climate Impact Research and the European Central Bank estimates the 51st US state. His first US president Donald Trump speaks at a campaign rally on October 12, Even with Carter pushing for
that rising temperatures could drive up food inflation by 3.2 percentage telephone conversation with 2024 in Coachella, California. (AFP) ratification, it would take months
points per year, with overall inflation increasing by 1.18 percentage points Mexico’s new president, Claudia of effort to overcome opposition
annually by 2035. Scheinbaum, had to be followed Roosevelt thought it crucial to conveyed the US side’s “sincere among the American public and
Rather than being treated solely by Scheinbaum politely saying establish a route for US trade regret that anything should have in Congress. Finally, in 1977,
Failure to act as an environmental issue, climate
change must be central to economic
that she had agreed to none of
the terms Trump claimed that
between the Atlantic and the
Pacific that avoided the need to
occurred to interrupt or to mar
relations” with Colombia. But
the US reached an agreement
with Panamanian General Omar
collectively policy. Fiscal and monetary she had. circumnavigate South America. Roosevelt’s continued opposition Torrijos to transfer control of the
authorities should incorporate Now Trump is seeking to There were two options: to such official statements, waterway.
and decisively both immediate and long-term reopen a debate over control Nicaragua and Colombia. The bolstered by US officials like But there was some important
climate-related risks into their of the Panama Canal that was latter proved easier but involved Secretary of State John Hay (who fine print. One of the two
could deepen inflation forecasts and policies – as settled five decades ago. But here, some US sleight of hand. supported the former president’s treaties that the countries signed
they already do with the “transition Trump’s statements resonate Roosevelt’s administration actions in Panama), delayed the specified that the US remained
inequality, risks” of shifting to a low-carbon with a powerful sentiment that backed a faction that pursued treaty’s ratification. Only in 1921, in control of the canal’s security
erode economic economy. Some institutions have
begun to adapt. The South African
long underpinned previous US
policy on the issue. After all, the
secession from Colombia, which
led to the creation of the new
when the offending passage was
removed, did the Senate ratify the
and could use military force
to defend it against any threat
stability, and Reserve Bank has acknowledged
the importance of understanding
Panama Canal was an American
idea, the brainchild of Teddy
state of Panama, where the US
could pursue Roosevelt’s pet
treaty, which offered reparations
but no apology or explicit
to neutrality. In fact, the US
retained the right to defend
jeopardise climate risks. Since 2018, the Central
Bank of Costa Rica has integrated
Roosevelt at the start of the
twentieth century – and the US
project. In 1903, the US received
authority to build a canal and
admission of wrongdoing.
Tensions over the Canal
the canal forever. The treaties
provided that the Canal Zone
climate goals the impact of global warming into its has had difficulty letting go of it control of the Panama Canal Zone continued to simmer for would be turned over to Panama
economic models. ever since. Zone “in perpetuity”, in exchange decades. By the 1960s, growing in 1979, and transfer of the
Central banks and finance ministries should also work with climate Some 5% of all world trade in for annual payments to Panama. resentment of US power in Latin operation of the canal would be
organisations to create practical solutions that help cushion economies goods, and 40% of US container More than a strategic trade America culminated in Panama’s complete by 1999. A year later,
from the interrelated shocks of extreme weather, soaring inflation, and traffic, passes through the route was at stake in seizing brief suspension of diplomatic the Senate ratified the Torrijos-
food insecurity. For example, the African Climate Foundation (where Panama Canal. Connecting the Panama and building the canal. relations in 1964. Carter Treaties by a narrow
one of us works) has developed Adaptation and Resilience Investment Atlantic and Pacific oceans via In a letter to Sir George Otto From that time on, the issue margin, and the US continued to
Platforms (ARIPs), which use advanced analytics that combine climate and a 51-mile waterway across the Trevelyan, Roosevelt wrote: preoccupied more than one US operate the canal until December
weather data, biophysical models, and economy-wide models to facilitate Isthmus of Panama, the canal “Wherever I could establish a administration. In 1964, after 1999.
investment and policy prioritisation – a more comprehensive approach to has become entangled in the precedent for strength in the consulting with former presidents Seen in the light of this history,
building resilience. intensifying geopolitical and executive, as I did in...taking Harry Truman and Dwight Trump’s recent statements
The ACF used an ARIP in Malawi last year, after the country was geoeconomic rivalry between the Panama...I have felt not merely Eisenhower, president Lyndon may be shocking, but they
devastated by Cyclone Freddy, the longest-lasting tropical cyclone ever United States and China. Trump’s that my action was right in itself, Johnson committed to work toward are not surprising. As Trump
recorded. Using this financial tool enabled policymakers to identify lasting statements about the US retaking but that in showing the strength a new arrangement with Panama. contemplates his next move on
solutions that would mitigate the economic damage caused by the cyclone the canal in the face of alleged of, or in giving strength to the It would take 14 years of bipartisan the Panama Canal, the question
while protecting key industries and strengthening financial stability. increased Chinese influence in executive, I was establishing a negotiation under two Democratic we should be asking is whether
Other climate think tanks are pursuing similar goals. Iniciativa Climática Panama have shocked many precedent of value.” presidents and two Republican America ever became truly
de México is pushing policymakers to consider climate risks in economic – not least Panamanians, who In his memoirs, Roosevelt presidents before an agreement reconciled to giving it up.
planning, while the Institute for Climate and Society in Brazil has called see them as an affront to their conceded his “regret” for using was reached. Ultimately, it was — Project Syndicate
for social-protection plans and climate-sensitive policies to shield low- sovereignty. force in violating Colombia’s Jimmy Carter who decided that
income communities from the economic consequences of extreme weather. But sovereignty has been a sovereignty, but the US never it was time to turn over the canal • Ruti Teitel is Professor of
Equally important is regional collaboration, which would allow countries pliable concept throughout issued a formal apology or offered to Panama and correct injustices Comparative Law at New York
in Africa and Latin America to develop and share economic policies that are Panama’s history. Contending compensation. The 1914 version toward the region. In a nationally Law School and the author of the
specifically tailored to their climate vulnerabilities and support the most with the vestiges of the Spanish of the Thomson-Urrutia Treaty televised address, Carter told forthcoming book Presidential
exposed communities. Initiatives like the Inter-American Development empire in the Americas, between the US and Colombia Americans that: Visions of Transitional Justice.
Bank’s Regional Climate Change Platform of Economy and Finance
Ministries can serve as a blueprint for such efforts.
At the global level, greater coordination between climate and economic
institutions is crucial. Tools like the European Union’s Carbon Border
Adjustment Mechanism highlight the need for careful policy design
to mitigate adverse effects – in this case, higher costs for consumers in
developing countries. Brazil, as the host of next year’s Brics Summit and
United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP30), and South Africa, as
the current G20 president, have a unique opportunity to redefine the global
economic agenda, championing policies that address the twin crises of
inflation and global warming.
Failure to act collectively and decisively could deepen inequality, erode
economic stability, and jeopardise climate goals. But if policymakers
develop innovative solutions that bridge the gap between climate and
economic strategies, they can reduce the immediate risks of extreme
weather and foster long-term stability and resilience. As both inflation and
the planet heat up, the need for integrated, equitable policies has never been
more urgent. — Project Syndicate

To Advertise
[email protected]

Display Classified
44466621 44466609 44418811
44418811 [email protected]
Subscription
[email protected]

© 2025 Gulf Times. All rights reserved Immigration supporters march carrying signs including ‘We Are All Illegals’ during a New Year’s Eve rally and march on the last day of the last
year in Los Angeles, California. (AFP)
 Gulf Times
Thursday, January 2, 2025 11

WORLD
Romania
and Bulgaria
become full
members of EU
Schengen zone
Romania and Bulgaria scrapped
land border controls to become
full members of the European
Union’s Schengen free-travel
area yesterday, joining an
expanded bloc of countries
whose residents can travel
without passport checks.
Fireworks lit the sky at a
crossing close to the Bulgarian
border town of Ruse just after
the stroke of midnight as A man cooks food on a beach for the first day of the new year in Mbouanasta yesterday. Right: A woman waits in front of a stall where street vendors prepare grilled chicken in Chiconi.
the Bulgarian and Romanian (AFP)
interior ministers symbolically
raised a barrier on the
Friendship Bridge straddling
the Danube River. The crossing
Mayotte families left homeless by cyclone leave shelters
is a major transit point for
international trade, and Two weeks after a devastating of biscuits and pureed fruit, town the school but her home was I’m going to come back here,” prosecutor’s office told AFP on
bottlenecks are common. cyclone hit the French Indian hall officials and volunteers took flattened in the cyclone — the she added, standing in what Tuesday.
“This is a historic moment,” Ocean archipelago of Mayotte, stock for the last time before worst to hit France’s poorest remained of her house. Homeless families are at a loss
said Bulgarian Prime Minister the atmosphere at Le Manguier distributing the provisions to department in 90 years, in which “I have to think about it but right to say where they will go when
Dimitar Glavchev. “From Greece school in the capital Mamoudzou homeless families who have at least 39 people were killed. now, I can’t.” How and when she they leave the shelters, with
in the south to Finland to is tinged with sadness and spent the last two weeks at the High winds flattened many of and her son will rebuild is an the authorities still struggling
the North and all the way to resignation. school. the shanty towns in which some unanswered question. to restore, water, power and
Portugal to the West - you can At this time of year, preparations “Sometimes we get donations. 100,000 to 200,000 people On Monday, the mayor of telecoms to the impoverished
travel without borders.” for the new school year are Then we can give something lived. Mamoudzou, Ambdilwahedou archipelago.
Checks on travelling by air and normally well under way. Instead, else,” they said. “We won’t leave here with dirty Soumaila, told visiting French “We just need time to rebuild our
sea from Bulgaria and Romania the families living there are As December and the old year clothes,” sighed Abdillah as she Prime Minister Francois Bayrou house,” said Siti, a student at the
were lifted in March 2024, but having to find another place to drew to a close, faces were washed her laundry in a large that all the emergency shelters Mgombani middle school, near
land checks continued until live, with many of their homes tense, with everyone aware metal basin. in the city would be closed from Le Manguier.
Austria last month dropped a blown away by the storm. that the centre — and 20 other “It will dry in the afternoon and January 1 “so that we can get the “With my mother there are six
veto it had maintained on the In the courtyard of the Paulette emergency shelters like it in the tomorrow we will leave.” schools back”. of us. The youngest is just a
grounds that more was needed Henry elementary school, as capital — were shutting. “They gave us a roof to shelter “We have to clean up so the few months old. We don’t know
to stop irregular migration. Le Manguier is also known, They opened their doors on us,” said Nadjati Mouhoudhoire, return to school, normally where to go now. We know where
Border checks between breakfast is a meal of bread and December 13, the day before another local. “Now that they’re scheduled for January 20, can to build but we haven’t had time
France, Germany, Belgium, The tuna, washed down with fruit Cyclone Chido hit, and have since asking us to leave, we will leave take place in the best possible yet,” he added.
Netherlands and Luxembourg juice. been home to nearly 12,500 without trying to cause trouble.” conditions,” he said. Soumaila pointed out that the
were first dropped in 1985. The “There’s no electricity here,” said people. She had already begun to take Soumaila also told Bayrou that prime minister was committed
Schengen area now covers 25 Mrahati Abdallah, one of the Le Manguier has housed 21 her belongings back home a state school that served as an to “taking care of all of these
of the 27 EU member states, as team that manages the centre. babies, 118 children and 63 adults. nearby, stashing clothes, water emergency shelter had been families who will have no place
well as Iceland, Liechtenstein, “So, we tried to stock up on non- On Monday, Roukia Abdillah was bottles and valuable documents burnt down in his area. to sleep”.
Norway and Switzerland. perishable food.” already preparing to leave. under corrugated metal. An investigation into the fire But exactly how has not been
Ireland and Cyprus are not Amid bottles of water, milk, boxes She lived just a few metres from “I don’t know where to go so is under way, the Mamoudzou disclosed.
members of the Schengen zone.

Russian gas supplies

to Europe end as
Ukraine stops transit
Reuters
Moscow/Kyiv

R
ussian gas exports via Soviet-
era pipelines running through
Ukraine came to a halt on
New Year’s Day, marking the end
of decades of Moscow’s dominance
over Europe’s energy markets.
A car crosses the border yesterday at the Hungarian-Romanian border crossing in Nyirabrany, eastern The gas had kept flowing despite
Hungary. (AFP) nearly three years of war, but Rus-
sia’s gas firm Gazprom said it had
stopped at 0500 GMT after Ukraine
Russia attacks refused to renew a transit agree-
ment.
central Kyiv The widely expected stoppage
will not impact prices for consum-
with drones ers in the European Union - unlike
in 2022, when falling supplies from An employee works at the Chisinau-1 gas distribution plant of
killing two Russia sent prices to record highs,
worsened a cost-of-living crisis and
Moldovatransgaz energy company in Chisinau, Moldova, last March.
(Reuters)
hit the bloc’s competitiveness.
Russia launched an aerial attack on The last remaining EU buyers the faster we will overcome the last Ukraine, which refused to extend
the centre of Kyiv in the first hours of Russian gas via Ukraine, such as negative consequences of European the transit deal, said Europe had al-
of 2025, killing two people and Slovakia and Austria, have arranged energy dependence on Russia,” he ready made the decision to abandon
drawing fresh anger from officials alternative supply, while Hungary wrote. Russian gas.
towards Moscow. will keep receiving Russian gas via Europe’s “joint task” now, he “We stopped the transit of Rus-
The attack — a rare strike on the the TurkStream pipeline under the wrote, was to support ex-Soviet sian gas. This is a historic event.
heart of the Ukrainian capital — Black Sea. Moldova “in this period of energy Russia is losing its markets, it will
came just hours after Ukrainian But Transdniestria, a breakaway transformation”. suffer financial losses,” Ukraine’s
President Volodymyr Zelensky pro-Russian region of Ukraine’s The European Commission said Energy Minister German Galush-
vowed in a New Year’s message neighbour Moldova also reliant on the EU had prepared for the cut-off. chenko said in a statement.
that he would do everything the transit flows, cut off heating and “The European gas infrastructure Ukraine will lose up to $1bn a year
possible to bring the war to an end hot water supplies to households is flexible enough to provide gas of in transit fees from Russia. To help
over the next 12 months. early yesterday. Local energy com- non-Russian origin,” a spokesper- offset the impact, it will quadruple
“Two people were killed, and seven pany Tirasteploenergo urged resi- son for the Commission said. “It gas transmission tariffs for domes-
others wounded in a Russian drone dents to dress warmly, hang blan- has been reinforced with significant tic consumers from Wednesday,
strike on Kyiv,” Prime Minister kets or thick curtains over windows new LNG (liquefied natural gas) im- which could cost the country’s in-
Denys Shmygal said in a post on and balcony doors, and use electric port capacities since 2022.” dustry more than 1.6bn hryvnias
social media. heaters. Russia and the former Soviet Un- ($38.2mn) a year.
The Prosecutor General’s Office Ukrainian President Volodymyr ion spent half a century building up Gazprom will lose close to $5bn in
said two pregnant women were Zelensky, writing on the Telegram a major share of the European gas gas sales.
among the wounded. messaging app, said the end of gas market, which at its peak stood at The company halted supply to
Local officials said the damage was transit through his country to Eu- around 35%. But the EU has slashed Austria’s OMV in mid-November
caused by falling debris, suggesting rope was “one of Moscow’s biggest its dependence on Russian energy over a contractual dispute but in
the drones had been intercepted. defeats” and urged the US to supply since the start of the war in Ukraine recent weeks Russian gas has been
AFP journalists in the city heard more gas to Europe. by buying more piped gas from reaching Austria via Slovakia at a
multiple powerful explosions early Ffirefighters extinguishing a fire in a residential building following a “The more there is on the mar- Norway and LNG from Qatar and rate of around 200 gigawatt hours
on Wednesday morning. Ukrainian Russian drones attack in Kyiv yesterday. (AFP) ket from Europe’s real partners, the United States. (GWh) per day.
officials said the Russian drones
targeted the capital’s Pechersky
district, home to the presidential
palace and government quarter.
Apartment blocks were hit and
Cosmetic surgery aficionado Jocelyne Wildenstein passes away
Ukraine’s central bank said one of Swiss socialite Jocelyne He tried to wake her from a nap media in recent months. according to Klein.
its buildings in the city centre was Wildenstein, also known as so she could get ready for New Wildenstein last posted a video Asked if she had found love again,
damaged in the attack. “catwoman” due to her extensive Year’s Eve dinner, but she was of herself and Klein posing for she said she had with Klein, who
Russian President Vladimir Putin plastic surgery, has died aged 79, unresponsive, he said. photographers outside the was 21 years her junior.
has repeatedly threatened to her partner said yesterday. “Early reports from the doctors Ritz Paris on December 23, to Klein and Wildenstein “met
strike at the heart of Kyiv in recent “It is with heavy heart and with called to the scene indicate that the soundtrack of Wham’s Last during New York Fashion Week in
weeks — an attack he said would great sadness that Mr Lloyd she had endured heart failure and Christmas. 2001 when Lloyd was presenting
be a response to Ukraine firing Klein announces the unexpected passed peacefully in her sleep,” “I never wanted to change my his fashion collection on the
US-supplied weapons on Russian death of his beloved fiance and Klein added. face,” she told French television runway,” he said in his written
territory. Zelensky blasted the long-time companion Jocelyne Born in Switzerland in 1945, news channel C8 this autumn, statement.
Russian drone attack. Wildenstein,” the fashion Jocelyn Perisset became a New though admitting she might “She was a front-row guest and
“Even on New Year’s night, Russia designer said in an English- York socialite after marrying art have wanted her lips to be a little after that show the two became
only cares about hurting Ukraine,” language statement sent to AFP. dealer Alec Wildenstein, with thicker. romantically involved and had
he said in a post on Telegram. “Mrs Wildenstein died peacefully whom she had two children. Jocelyn Wildenstein She denied rumours she remained inseparable since that
A total of 111 Russian drones were in her sleep in the late afternoon She kept his name after their embarked on cosmetic surgery to time.”
fired at Ukraine overnight, with 109 of December 31st, 2024 in her... messy divorce in the late 1990s. “catwoman” in the tabloids for the try to keep her ex-husband. “Jocelyne was my best friend, my
either shot down or disabled by suite in Paris where the couple The cosmetic surgery aficionado, feline-like shape of her eyes. She received $2.5bn from their partner, my fiance. She had a zest
Ukraine’s air defence systems, the had taken temporary residence with more than a million followers She had been living between New divorce, making it one of the for life, and had a wicked sense of
Ukrainian air force said. since August of 2024,” he added. on Instagram, became known as York and Miami, she told French most expensive at the time, humour,” he added.
12 Gulf Times
Thursday, January 2, 2025

QATAR
LOT – The Value Shop opens at LuLu Hypermarket Barwa Madinatna

LOT – The Value Shop has officially QR19, ensuring that every customer
opened its doors at LuLu Hypermarket, finds exceptional value.
Barwa Madinatna, offering an Shoppers can also explore a dedicated
exceptional New Year’s gift to Qatar section offering household essentials Dr Mohamed Althaf, Group Director - Global Operations and CSO of LuLu Group International, leading the ribbon-cutting
residents: a vast selection of quality priced between QR1 and QR4 and a ceremony. PICTURE: Shaji Kayamkulam
products at unbeatable prices, all under toys section where every item is priced
one roof. at QR19 or less. Adding to its appeal,
LOT - The Value Shop has been the store has unveiled a trendy winter
thoughtfully curated to cater to the collection for men, women, and kids,
diverse shopping needs of customers. allowing shoppers to update their
From trendy fashion for men, women, wardrobes with the latest seasonal
and kids to stylish footwear, elegant fashion without stretching their budgets.
jewellery, and ladies’ bags, the store The grand inauguration ceremony
provides a one-stop destination for those was led by Dr Mohamed Althaf, Group
looking to stay stylish and on-trend. Director - Global Operations and CSO
Additionally, it offers a wide range of LuLu Group International. The event
of stationery products, home décor, witnessed the presence of several
furnishings, household essentials, distinguished guests and prominent
toys, and much more, making it the social media influencers, adding to the
perfect shopping hub for families and festive spirit of the opening day.
individuals alike. One of the standout Strategically located at LuLu spaces, the store ensures hassle-free and style. Its extensive product range, - The Value Shop, and experience the
features of LOT – The Value Shop is its Hypermarket, Barwa Madinatna, LOT - accessibility for all customers. unbeatable quality, and competitive joy of discovering quality products
dedication to providing quality products The Value Shop was designed to provide LOT - The Value Shop is set to redefine pricing position. at unbeatable prices. Visit today and
at incredibly low prices. Most items in a seamless and enjoyable shopping the shopping experience in Qatar, Kick-start the New Year with a explore a world of exceptional value at
the store are priced between QR1 and experience. With over 1,000 parking offering unparalleled value, convenience, remarkable shopping journey at LOT LuLu Hypermarket, Barwa Madinatna.

Gulf female poets regale poetry lovers at Katara

By Tawfik Lamari out of poetry and literature lovers, sweet meaning. She switched be- for Sheikh Sabah Khaled al-Kubaisi
Staff Reporter as the poets presented their poems tween classical and Nabati poetry titled The Morning Has Gone. Al-
that varied between love of the to confirm her poetic prowess. Al- Wahmid also recited verses about
homeland, wisdom, description Badri won the Katara Prize for the the love of sisters. The morning was

T
he Katara – the Cultural Vil- and elegy. The poems were distin- Poet of the Messenger in its fifth an occasion in which Dr Noura re-
lage has organised a poetry guished by their touch on deep hu- edition in 2021. In addition she won vealed her talent in composing po-
morning that brought to- man and social aspects, inspired by the second place in the Burda Prize etry since her early childhood and
gether an elite group of creative Gulf the Gulf environment and its rich for the category of popular poetry her influence by her grandfather,
female poets, with the participation culture. in 2023. the popular poet Muhammad al- with her powerful words and high presentation of certificates of ap-
of poets Badriya al-Badri, Dr Noura In this field, the distinguished As for Dr Noura al-Wahmid, she Jassim al-Wahmid. meanings in various poetic verses. preciation to the participating po-
al-Wahaimid and Moza Abdul Rah- Omani poet Badriya al-Badri pre- recited her poems in Nabati poetry, Distinguished poet Moza Abdul She concluded her participation ets, expressing Katara’s apprecia-
man al-Misnad. It was moderated sented various poems about love including In the Name of God, the Rahman al-Misnad presented won- with a touching poem dedicated to tion for their creativity and efforts
by journalist Ishraf bin Murad. for Qatar and on various topics that Most Gracious, The Sheikhs of the derful poems about the love of the Palestine. in enriching the local, Gulf and Arab
The event witnessed a large turn- combined linguistic beauty with Tribe, A Source of Pride, and an elegy homeland, dazzling the audience The morning concluded with the literary scene.