Qatar Today October 2017

inside this issue October 2017 / Vol. 43 / Issue 9

COVER STORY

32 QATAR’S DOMESTIC WORKERS BREATHE EASY

How will the country’s domestic workers benefit from the decree issued recently by Emir HH Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani?

18 FUSION OF HERITAGE AND MODERNITY

Ibrahim Jaidah, CEO and Chief Architect of AEB, provides an in-depth analysis of the unique design elements of the Al Thumama Stadium.

24 FOR A BETTER TOMORROW

Neeshad Shafi, Co-Founder and National Coordinator for Arab Youth Climate Movement Qatar (AYCMQ), talks about the 20th Session of the Youth Assembly at the UN Headquarters.

27 HEALTHY LIVING VIA HEALTHY BUILDINGS

Claire Maxfield, Director, Atelier Ten, talks about the importance of leaving behind a legacy of sustainable buildings.

inside this issue October 2017 / Vol. 43 / Issue 9

22 PUSHING THE FOOD SUSTAINABILITY AGENDA

Against a backdrop of uncertainty in its food security environment, Qatar is working towards boosting the agricultural and livestock sectors, primarily through building capacity.

30 CONFLICTING PROVISIONS

Pamela McDonald, Associate at Pinsent Masons, talks about how a recent judgement in the UK will affect the construction industry in Qatar.

38 WILL 2018 BRING MORE JOBS TO QATAR?

While future economic and financial stability will be the need of the hour, there are also plenty of reasons for optimism.

40 STIMULATING BUT IMPEDING CREATIVITY

An insightful study by HEC Paris Researcher Pier Vittorio Mannucci provides a response to the long-standing question of why people’s creativity varies over time.

and regulars 10

NEWS BITES

13

REALTY CHECK

14

BANK NOTES

15

OIL & GAS REVIEW

42

TECH TALK

44

AUTO NEWS

47

MARKET WATCH

50

DOHA DIARY

PUBLISHER & EDITOR IN CHIEF YOUSUF JASSIM AL DARWISH MANAGING DIRECTOR & CEO JASSIM YOUSUF AL DARWISH MANAGER DR FAISAL FOUAD EDITORIAL CHIEF EDITOR IZDIHAR IBRAHIM ASSISTANT DEPUTY EDITOR OLA DIAB SENIOR CORRESPONDENTS UDAYAN NAG KARIM EMAM ART SENIOR ART DIRECTOR MANSOUR ELSHEIKH DEPUTY ART DIRECTORS AYUSH INDRAJITH HUSSEIN ALBAZ

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MARKETING & SALES MANAGER SAKALA A DEBRASS TEAM SONY VELLATT DENZITA SEQUIERA NISHAD N P EVENTS OFFICER GHAZALA MOHAMMED ACCOUNTANT PRATAP CHANDRAN PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER ESLAM ELMAHALAWY SECRETARY AND ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT REENA LEWIS DISTRIBUTION DEPARTMENT BIKRAM SHRESTHA ARJUN TIMILSINA BHIMAL RAI BASANTA POKHREL PRADEEP BHUSAL

PUBLISHED BY ORYX PUBLISHING & ADVERTISING CO WLL P.O. Box 3272; Doha-Qatar Tel: (+974) 44550983, 44671173, 44667584 Fax: (+974) 44550982 Email: info@oryxpublishing.com website: www.oryxpublishing.com www.issuu.com/oryxmags Copyright © 2017 Oryx Publishing & Advertising Co WLL The contents of this publication are subject to copyright and cannot be reproduced without the express permission of the publisher and/ or license holder. The publisher does not accept responsibility for any advertising content carried in this publication.

from the desk With its unique design, inspired by the ‘gahfiya’, the Al Thumama Stadium has become one of the talking points of the 2022 FIFA World Cup. The stadium is unarguably a perfect blend of old and new. In an exclusive interview with Qatar Today, Ibrahim Jaidah, responsible for infusing the structure with a local structure, talks about the challenges faced by him in designing the state-of-the-art facility.

Our Cover Story analyses the decree issued recently by His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani for the betterment of domestic workers in Qatar. While many consider it as something waiting to happen, the question still on people’s minds is whether enough has been done in this regard.

With the diplomatic crisis between Qatar and its neighbouring countries, there continues to be a lot of talk at the local, regional as well as international level. In a move welcomed by NHRC, Qatar has been re-elected into the UN Human Rights Council for the fourth round of the three-year term for 2018-2020. Apart from that, Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia were in the news as part of Sheikh Tamim’s Asian itinerary, the high point being a 21-gun salute given in his honour during his visit to Malaysia.

Other stories in this edition of the magazine include a Qatari representative’s account of the 20th Session of the Youth Assembly at the UN Headquarters, which addresses issues of global importance such as poverty, injustice and climate change. We also have specialists in their respective fields giving their insights on Qatar’s job market and its construction sector. In addition, we scrutinise how Qatar is working to boost the agricultural and livestock sectors, and explore the concept of ‘healthy buildings’.

And finally, our offbeat story this time focuses on a study carried out by HEC Paris Researcher Pier Vittorio Mannucci, who tells us how knowledge can stimulate but also impede creativity.

Be sure to get your hands on the latest edition of Qatar Today.

Happy reading!

affairs > local

QATAR RE-ELECTED ONTO UN HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL

Qatar has been re-elected onto the UN Human Rights Council for the fourth round of the threeyear term for 2018-2020, according to a foreign ministry statement.

SHEIKH TAMIM’S 3-NATION ASIAN TOUR Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani embarked on a visit to Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia. He was given a 21-gun salute during his visit to Malaysia, where he met the country’s King Sultan Muhammad V as well as Prime Minister Najib Razak.

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heikh Tamim later held talks with Najib, after which they witnessed the signing of agreements on training for diplomats, higher education, and legal and judicial cooperation.

Commenting on the Gulf crisis, Najib said: “We pray that all differences among our Arab brothers will be settled amicably and that the unity and harmony of the (GCC) countries can be restored.”

During his visit to Singapore, Sheikh Tamim and Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong visited the Istana Presidential Palace and signed a number of agreements and MoUs. On their visit to Indonesia, Sheikh Tamim and his accompanying delegation were greeted at Jakarta's Soekarno-Hatta International Airport by Minister of Trade Enggartiasto Lukita, Qatar’s Ambassador to Indonesia Ahmed bin Jassim Al Hamar, Indonesia’s Ambassador to Qatar Mohamed Basri Sidehabi, and staff of the Qatari embassy.

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atar has won the term by 155 votes (for Qatar) from 193 votes, a statement by the Information Office at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said.

The news was hailed by the country’s National Human Rights Committee (NHRC).

Jaber Al Huwail, director of Legal Affairs at NHRC, said in a statement that this choice, which came through secret ballot, affirms the commitment of Qatar to protect and promote human rights at the local, regional and international levels.

He further said that this development places Qatar at the forefront of countries in the region in terms of adherence to international treaties and human rights conventions and principles.

QATAR TO PURCHASE FIGHTER JETS FROM THE UK In a major defence deal signed by Doha since the embargo imposed on it by its Arab neighbours, Qatar has signed an agreement to buy 24 Typhoon fighter jets from Britain.

Qatar’s defence chief Khalid bin Mohammed Al Attiyah and his British counterpart Michael Fallon signed a “statement of intent” for the UK to sell the planes.

‘PORT MARKET’ TO BE OPENED AT RUWAIS PORT

“This will be the first major defence contract with Qatar, one of the UK’s strategic partners,” said Fallon. “This is an important moment in our defence relationship and the basis for even closer defence cooperation between our two countries.”

Ajay Sharma, the British Ambassador to Qatar, said on Twitter that the deal was a “major step” in defence relations between the two countries.

Aiming at establishing a “northern gateway to commercial trade in Qatar”, Qatar Ports Management Company (Mwani Qatar) has announced that a ‘port market’ will soon be opened at Ruwais Port.

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post on the Twitter page of Mwani Qatar informed about the next phase of Ruwais Port’s development. The market will serve as a facility from where one can buy a “wide range of international products from commercial ships calling on the port”. It is expected to be handed over to traders later this year.

A video presentation by Mwani Qatar provides details of the Port Market Project, stressing that Ruwais Port is strategically located in the centre of the Arabian Gulf and hence receives a wide variety of commercial goods.

According to Mwani Qatar, “the second phase of the three-phase port development, which is currently under way, includes the establishment of a regional commercial market”.

GDA TO DEAL WITH FOOD SECURITY ISSUES Eighteen countries and five international organisations were represented at the Global Dryland Alliance conference (GDA), which was organised in Doha recently.

The alliance aims at dealing with food security and other needs in dryland countries around the world.

“The GDA is going to be an international organisation that deals mainly with countries that have drylands.

There are over 50 countries that come under the category of dryland,” said Bader Omar Al Dafa, executive director, of the Global Dryland Alliance.

“The challenges that most of these countries are facing are great. There is a shortage of food, water and energy. We will try to help each other,” he added.

BARCA LEGEND XAVI WANTS TO BE COACH OF QATAR Al Sadd central midfielder Xavi Hernandez has said that he harbours ambitions to be head coach of Qatar’s national football team.

“I think it would be nice to be a coach for the national team. We will see. I need experience, I need staff, I need everything but at least I know the Qatari players, I know the environment here,” he said.

Xavi also added that he is 90% certain to retire at the end of this season and then launch his coaching career.

The Spanish World Cup winner also said that he would initially like to get involved with coaching Qatar’s under-19s or under-23s before working with the senior team.

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affairs > local

QATAR EXTENDS COMPLIMENTARY STOPOVER OFFER

QOC’S AMBITIOUS VISION FOR QATARI SPORTS

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new chapter in Qatar’s historic sporting journey was launched in October at a momentous and celebratory gathering of Qatar’s sporting family. President of Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC) HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani united with Qatar’s sporting heroes at the Qatar National Convention Centre to unveil a transformational vision to take sport in Qatar to even greater levels of success through a new brand and strategy.

This milestone moment also sees the launch of a new Team Qatar website, the first-ever Team Qatar Club and redesigned

GULF CRISIS: US HALTS MILITARY EXERCISES

The blockade declared on Qatar since June this year has resulted in the US military halting some of its exercises with its Gulf Arab allies.

Initially, US military officials said the boycott and dispute had no effect on their operations. However, Air Force Colonel John Thomas, a Central Command spokesperson, acknowledged the US would be cutting back on the exercises.

“We are opting out of some military exercises out of respect for the concept of inclusiveness and shared regional interests,” Thomas said in a statement.

“We will continue to encourage all partners to work together towards the sort of common solutions that enable security and stability in the region.”

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Team Qatar social media channels.

Commenting on the new brand and strategy, Sheikh Joaan said: “Sports showcases the very best of humanity and it inspires humanity to give the very best version of it. It provides hope, opportunity and unity. This is why I love sports so much, and why I am so excited about today’s launch of QOC’s new brand and strategy.

He added: “We are an ambitious and optimistic nation and, like every successful athlete, we are determined to continue to better ourselves, push our boundaries, break down barriers and redefine sporting greatness.”

Qatar Tourism Authority (QTA) and Qatar Airways have announced that they will continue offering their stopover package until the end of the year.

The offer encourages all transit passengers to add Qatar to their travel plans and provides them with an opportunity to explore the country.

The offering includes complimentary luxury hotel stays and transit visas. Initially planned to run from May until the end of summer, the offer will now continue until December 31. During the initial period, the country welcomed 34% more transit passengers compared to the same period in 2016.

QTA and Qatar Airways further announced that the offer will now be extended to passengers booking their travel through tour operators, allowing more people to benefit from the offer of a complimentary overnight stay in a luxury hotel or a two-night stay for the discounted price of $100.

GLOBAL CAMPAIGN TO BOYCOTT THE UAE LAUNCHED

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think tank workshop was launched by a group of human rights activists in October. International Campaign to Boycott UAE (ICBU) was attended by dozens of rights defenders, campaigners and victims of the UAE’s discriminatory laws.

Various activist groups have already been formed in Paris, Brussels, Berlin, London, Rome, Madrid and New York. Other groups will also be launched in other countries. They will operate under the General Secretariat of ICBU. The campaign has been launched in response to the never-ending human rights violations of the United Arab Emirates, a spokesman said.

“Our campaign employs various mechanisms to pressure the UAE government.

Our mechanism includes campaigning efforts to boycott the UAE, and its government and public-sector organisations”.

business > realty check COMING TOGETHER FOR QATAR Qatar Development Bank signs an MoU with Merraas Real Estate as part of its drive to expand the existing scale of cooperation between Qatari companies.

EZDAN NAMED 2ND TOP ARAB RE BRAND Forbes Middle East magazine has ranked Ezdan Holding Group (EHG) as the second top real estate developer in the Arab world in its recent annual list. This ranking analyses the most active brands in the real estate sector.

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HG has more than 50 years' experience in real estate, including residential holdings of up to 22,000 units, with plans to add an additional 6,000 units as part of the Ezdan Oasis project, according to Ezdan Holding Group CEO Ali Al Obaidli. EHG is also part of the commercial real estate sector, with approximately 3,800 four and five-star hotel units spread across three hotels. Additionally, EHG has successfully opened and operated several malls.

Al Obaidli shared his satisfaction at the Forbes ranking, noting that the ranking is broadly considered a reliable benchmark in evaluating companies’ performance in different sectors, inclusive of but not limited to real estate.

THE FIRST INVESTOR ACQUIRES NEW ASSET IN FRANCE

EYEING THE ROMANIAN MARKET

The First Investor (“TFI”) Qatar, a subsidiary of Barwa Bank Group, completed its acquisition of a commercial asset in Paris.

The acquisition consists of a freehold commercial office building in Pantin, a dynamic banlieue just on the boundaries of Paris, known as the City of Light and the next centre of art and culture.

High-grade tenants on long lease basis occupy the property. The asset structure is sharia-compliant and tax efficient. In addition, the building has multiple accesses to the central Paris area and well connected through metro and train stations, which are at walking distance from the building.

The First Investor, together with its alliance and partnership with Inovalis France, has growing aspirations towards the European markets and therefore continues to identify other quality assets to take the TFI Euro Income Fund to a higher level.

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ontemplating acquiring a hotel in Romania after previous successful business interactions with the Eastern European nation, Shaikh Faisal bin Qasim Al Thani, the president of Al Faisal Holding and Council of Qatar Business People, met with the Romanian minister of business environment, Ilan Laufer, in Doha.

Both Al Faisal Holding and Power International Holding are contemplating potential real estate investment opportunities in Romania, including projects such as hospitals or infrastructure development.

Already having investments in Qatar and other markets, Power International Holding has 40,000 employees in 33 firms. Al Faisal Holding owns several Qatari and international real estate properties and more than 20 companies.

15 > QATAR TODAY > OCTOBER 2017

business > bank notes SHOT IN THE ARM FOR QIB

QIB named “The Safest Islamic Bank in Qatar” and “one of the safest banks in the Middle East and Emerging Markets” by Gobal Finance magazine. The bank’s ranking rose from the 22nd safest bank in the Middle East in 2016 to 8th position in 2017.

QIB INITIATES EXPANSION OF ITS AAMALY PROGRAMME

“QATARI BANKS DIVERSIFYING ASSETS” As economic conditions stabilise in the wake of the blockade imposed on Qatar by its Arab neighbours, banks and other financial institutions are rebalancing loans and other assets to ensure continued financial stability in the future.

Qatar Islamic Bank (QIB) has announced that it has entered into a strategic partnership with Ibn Ajayan Trading Group. Under the terms of the deal, QIB will be the preferred financing partner for the Qatar-based equipment dealer.

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s part of the agreement, customers of Ibn Ajayan Trading Group who would like to purchase new equipment are entitled to use QIB’s Fleet and Heavy Equipment financing scheme. Through its Aamaly programme, QIB supports the growth of SMEs, thus helping to diversify the country’s economy in line with Qatar National Vision 2030.

“We are pleased to be partnering with Ibn Ajayan Trading Group,” said Tarek Fawzi, General Manager of Wholesale Banking, QIB. “This new relationship enhances the value of QIB’s Aamaly programme and makes it easier for SMEs to expand their businesses in the growing Qatar market.”

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everal Qatari banks have been selling foreign, non-strategic loans, bonds and other assets, according to a report from Reuters. A senior Qatari-based banker acknowledged that a variety of steps are being utilised to maintain asset diversity and security.

“Banks might consider doing something like swapping assets,” he said.

No economic sanctions have been imposed at this time but banks continue to evaluate their international risk exposure. “We’re adapting to the situation and seeing what is the best way to position the bank,” the senior Qatar-based banker said.

Qatar’s government and sovereign wealth fund Qatar Investment Authority have made significant deposits to support the economy and financial institutions.

CBQ TO TAP TAIWANESE BOND MARKET Commercial Bank of Qatar (CBQ) is considering expanding into the Taiwanese bond market, said its group chief executive Joseph Abraham.

Abraham said the bank would be interested in raising a minimum of $250 million and the move would give comfort to investors. “As the blockade continues and they can see Qatar remains resilient and is still functioning well, I think they (Asian lenders) are becoming a little more relaxed,” said Abraham.

Abraham observed that the bank’s “tapping into the international markets as we did always...again gives them comfort that business is running as usual”. He also stated that “the country has the reserves and capability to manage.” He further explained that CBQ currently has no plan to change its five-year strategy, despite the ongoing blockade.

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business > oil&gas Qatar Petroleum President & CEO Eng. Saad Sherida Al Kaabi says that Qatar has dealt with the Dolphin pipeline to the UAE in a civilised and humanitarian manner, and has not cut off gas to that country despite a force majeure clause that entitled it to do so.

RASGAS SIGNS LNG DEAL WITH B’DESH COMPANY QATARGAS, TURKEY’S BOTAS JOIN HANDS FOR LNG DEAL Qatargas will deliver 1.5 million tonnes of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) per annum for three years to Turkish state-owned company BOTAS Petroleum Pipeline Corporation (BOTAS) under a mediumterm sales and purchase agreement signed between the two organisations.

“Qatargas is delighted to announce this multi-year deal with BOTAS – a valued customer with deep expertise in the LNG industry,” said Khalid bin Khalifa Al Thani, CEO, Qatargas.

In a landmark deal between RasGas and Bangladesh Oil, Gas and Mineral Corporation (Petrobangla), the two companies signed a 15-year LNG Sales and Purchase Agreement (SPA) in September.

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he agreement was signed in Doha

by RasGas CEO Hamad Mubarak Al Muhannadi and Petrobangla Chairman Abdul Mansur Md Faizullah.

The event was attended by HE Dr Mohammed bin Saleh Al Sada, Minister of Energy and Industry, the Bangladesh State Minister Nasrul Hamid, Saad Sherida Al Kaabi, the President and CEO of Qatar Petroleum, and Syed Ashfaquzzaman, Secretary of Petrobangla.

During the event, Al Muhannadi outlined the size and duration of the agreement, which will see the Qatari energy giant supply 2.5 million tonnes of LNG per annum to Petrobangla for 15 years.

“As the LNG market continues to evolve, Qatar’s ability to capture new opportunities is once again evident in this latest deal. This deal reflects the deep confidence of our customers around the world in our capabilities as a reliable supplier of LNG to satisfy their requirements,” he added.

“OIL, GAS EXPORTS UNAFFECTED BY BLOCKADE”

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atar Petroleum President & CEO and Chairman of Qatargas, Eng. Saad Sherida Al Kaabi, has said that Qatar’s oil and gas exports have not been affected despite the embargo imposed by its Arab neighbours.

Al Kaabi further said that the measures by the siege countries were aimed at interrupting the export of hydrocarbons from Qatar. He was speaking at the annual Qatargas reception held in Tokyo in honour of Japanese partners and customers.

“Qatar’s oil and gas business was targeted directly by the blockade. The measures were basically aimed at interrupting our export of hydrocarbons in any way possible,” said Al Kaabi.

He added: “Our reaction was clear and decisive. Qatar Petroleum and its group of companies immediately managed to absorb the initial impact of those measures and were able to continue operating and exporting normally without any disruption across all our oil and gas facilities.”

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affairs > local

ORYX PUBLISHING & ADVERTISING LAUNCHES INAUGURAL QATAR TODAY

WOMEN OF THE YEAR AWARDS

CELEBRATING OUTSTANDING QATARI WOMEN FROM ALL SPHERES

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ryx Publishing & Advertising will host the first ever Qatar Today Women of the Year Awards on October 30, 2017, in partnership with Qatari Businesswomen Association (QBWA), at The St. Regis Doha.

The awards night will provide a platform for women in Qatar to be recognised for their talent and effort, and will celebrate their accomplishments and contributions to society, thereby supporting the Qatar National Vision 2030.

In its debut year, the Qatar Today Women of the Year Awards aim at honouring 10 Qatari women, from different categories, who have left their mark on various sectors in 2016-17. The categories are Inspirational Woman of the Year, Entrepreneur of the Year, Humanitarian of the Year, Medical Pioneer of the Year, Sportswoman of the Year, Creative Woman of the Year, Young Talent of the Year, Hospitality Pioneer of the Year, Engineer of the Year, and Technocrat of the Year.

Addressing the media, Faisal Fouad, General Manager of Oryx Publishing & Advertising Company, said: “You are most welcome as the WOMAN OF THE YEAR in Qatar.”

“Welcome to our WOMAN OF THE YEAR festivity, which is small in size but large in worth... It is a small gesture, which we are proud of, by our reputable magazine (Qatar Today), in its Arabic and English versions, with the valuable participation of the Qatari Business Women Association to honour distinguished Qatari women.”

“Women in Qatar have achieved more milestones compared to women in many other countries of the world. She even assumed the portfolio of a cabinet minister, besides working in many ministries, institutions, bodies and establishments, where she has left unmistakable fingerprints.

This made it imperative for us and you to select and honour the distinguished ‘women of the year’. Today, we have the pleasure to confirm that this festivity will

be the beginning of an annual function to honour the distinguished Qatari woman and highlight her successes and achievements every year. Welcome again, and see you soon.”

The judging panel is composed of individuals from a wide range of sectors who brought their intimate knowledge of Qatar’s business and social landscape to the table, in both nominating and deciding the ultimate winner, in a thoroughly impartial and transparent manner. The judging panel included Aisha Al Bedeed, Board Member of QBWA and Brand Owner of Darz Design; Amal Al Aathem, Board Member of QBWA, Counselor in Ministry of Culture and Sports, and Chairwoman of 7th Heaven Arts; Mishael Al Ansari, Board Member of QBWA and Managing Partner of Oishi Sushi; Aysha Al Romaihi, Business Development Manager at Qatar Business Incubation Centre (QBIC); Reem Al Suwaidi, General Manager of Bedaya Center; and Lolwa Al Marri, President of Qatar Women Sports Committee (QWSC).

“These awards are a great way to honour, recognise and celebrate the contribution of women who have excelled in their fields, whilst inspiring future generations of women to achieve their full potential and maximize their contribution to the Qatari economy,” said Aisha Alfardan, Vice Chairwoman of QBWA. The nominations, shortlisted by the judges, were collected on September 28.

The judging panel’s first meeting was held on October 4 at The St. Regis Doha, where the judges made their nominations for each category. After discussing the nominees, the judges gave scores to each nominee based on leadership, impact, creativity, resilience and commitment. The judging panel met again on October 9 for the final time to seal the names of the winners, which will remain confidential till the night of the awards.

Ghazala Mohammad, Events Manager at Oryx and organiser of the Qatar Today Women of the Year Awards 2017, said: “Everybody has to contribute to make the world a better place for girls and women, which is what we need to do and appreciate. With a sense of added charm and determination, these awards will help recognise the hard work of Qatari women who put in great effort to make change possible. As they say: ‘if you educate a man you simply educate an individual, but if you educate a woman, you educate an entire nation.’”

Oryx Publishing & Advertising is proud to announce that world-renowned Spanish fashion brand Punt Roma is the official Gold Sponsor of the Qatar Today Women of the Year 2017 Awards, Mercedes-Benz is the Automotive Sponsor, and Homes R Us is the Silver Sponsor. Oryx would like to thank The St. Regis Doha, Hyatt Plaza, Inglot, Syrian American Medical Center, Amazon Diet Center, Plaza Hollandi, and Darz Design for their support.

About Qatar Today As Qatar’s oldest and most prestigious news and business magazine, Qatar Today reaches an audience that is much soughtafter. The magazine’s unique combination of business and trends reportage is valued and appreciated by the country’s business leaders, corporate heads, high-ranking ministry/government officials and affluent households. The flagship title of Oryx Publishing and Advertising, Qatar Today is valued for its unbiased editorial stance and in-depth coverage. For more information, visit http://qatartoday.online/ or http:// oryxpublishing.com/.

About Punt Roma Based in Mataró (Barcelona), the Spanish firm offers a wide variety of fashion choices for every woman. Items range from size 38 to 54, so dressing fashionably will never be a problem of size. Punt Roma now has a major presence in the women’s fashion market with more than 400 stores, 212 of which are located in Spain, Portugal and Andorra, and over 200 stores in some 30 other countries.

The Punt Roma stores offer customers a direct connection with fashion through a meticulous, clear and ordered display of the individual items on show. Our stores provide as much information as possible about trends, colourways and accessories,

and project an image that represents the latest developments of the current season.

About Nasser Bin Khaled (NBK) Automobiles NBK Automobiles is the Authorised General Distributor of Mercedes-Benz in Qatar. NBK Automobiles has built its success by establishing solid, long-standing relationships with its customers and its wide product offering which appeals to all. As a brand name, NBK Automobiles is deeply associated with a history of premium quality service and market leadership.

The company promises not only to meet customer expectations but to exceed them.

Established in 1957, NBK Automobiles is Qatar’s authorised distributor of three of the world’s most respected, iconic brands: Mercedes-Benz, Mercedes-AMG and Mercedes-Maybach.

About Homes R Us Established in 2003, Homes R Us is a complete lifestyle destination showcasing a wide range of home furniture, furnishings and accessories. The first store opened at the Madinat Zayed Centre in Abu Dhabi.

The success and plaudits it garnered in a short time were phenomenal, paving the way for its rapid expansion across the region. Today, the brand (known as The Home Store) caters to the lifestyle demands of consumers across the UAE, Qatar and Bahrain, and will soon introduce multiple showrooms in Saudi Arabia and Oman besides opening additional stores within existing markets.

For more information, contact: Ghazala Mohammad, Events Manager ghazala@oryxpublishing.com, events@oryxpublishing.com 7079 2963 19 > QATAR TODAY > OCTOBER 2017

affairs > listening post

FUSION OF

HERITAGE AND MODERNITY IN AN EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH QATAR TODAY, IBRAHIM JAIDAH, GCEO AND CHIEF ARCHITECT OF AEB, PROVIDES AN IN-DEPTH ANALYSIS OF THE DESIGN ELEMENTS OF THE AL THUMAMA STADIUM.

BY UDAYAN NAG

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“LIKE ALL THE STADIUMS IN QATAR, WE HAD TO EMULATE THE CULTURAL IDENTITY IN A DIRECT OR INDIRECT MANNER.” IBRAHIM JAIDAH

CEO and Chief Architect of AEB

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n December 2015, noted construction and design firm Arab Engineering Bureau (AEB) added another feather to its cap by winning the competition to design Al Thumama Stadium. The stadium will host matches up to the quarter-final stage of the 2022 FIFA World Cup, to be hosted by Qatar in a little over five years from now. One of the most talked about characteristics of the Al Thumama Stadium structure is its shape, which has been inspired by the traditional Arab gahfiya head gear.

Reflecting on the international design competition which settled the issue in his company’s favour, Ibrahim Jaidah, GCEO and Chief Architect of AEB, says: “We were fortunate enough to be called to compete with some of the big stadium designers from around the world. Like all

the stadiums in Qatar, we had to emulate the cultural identity in a direct or indirect manner.”

“We wanted to reflect something, but in a more literal way. I opted for the gahfiya inspired design since it leans towards fusion rather than abstraction. I felt that the gahfiya was a good choice because it covers and protects.”

Jaidah further says that he did intensive research, and went to the various souqs in Qatar where he bought different types of gahfiyas until he came up with what he thought was the proper pattern for the um nira gahfiya, used extensively in Qatar.

“Apart from complying with the design requirements, we appointed and worked closely with international specialists in some aspects of the project delivery.

For example, the turf specialists were 21 > QATAR TODAY > OCTOBER 2017

affairs > listening post

necessary as we had to monitor how much sun is required to make the grass grow naturally. One sees more openings in certain parts of the stadium roof to make sure that the grass gets proper exposure from the sun throughout the day and year.

We used technicians from Germany for the structure, from the UK for landscaping and from Spain for sports architecture.

So, we put together a massive team for constructing a state-of-the-art stadium for Qatar.”

Jaidah adds that as part of the legacy planning for the 2022 World Cup, of the

“FOR EXECUTING THE DESIGN ELEMENT, WE HAD TO APPOINT 18-20 DIFFERENT CONSULTANTS TO PUT THE STADIUM TOGETHER.”

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40,000 seats in the Al Thumama Stadium, 20,000 from the upper section of the stadium will be dismantled and sent to other countries at the conclusion of the event.

Continuing on the legacy aspect concerning Al Thumama Stadium, Jaidah says that the design has accommodated the inclusion of boutique hotels and health spas and the hosting of football clubs. “One of the challenges is to make sure that the stadium does not become a white elephant at the conclusion of the quadrennial event.”

“We have also made provisions for some other sporting facilities. We had planned for all this when we were making the master plan. The legacy is extremely important to us, because at the end of the day it’s about what you are going to leave the city with, in terms of not only the stadium, but also the roads, the metro and the entire infrastructure. We see ourselves as part of the legacy because now a local firm has been involved with the managing and designing of a state-of-the-art FIFA compliant stadium. In fact, we want to take this knowledge beyond Qatar.”

Jaidah also makes the point that the Supreme Council for Delivery & Legacy (SCDL), which appointed AEB to carry out the design work of the Al Thumama Stadium, has studied the legacy issues very carefully.

“There have been bad examples in the past. In South Africa, it turned out to be easier to demolish the stadiums rather than maintain them. Brazil was also struggling because they overspent. Here the case is a little different because lessons have been learnt from past events, so that’s why all these new ideas – boutique hotels and an Aspetar medical sports facility – have been included in the scheme of things.”

According to Jaidah, adhering to sustainability requirements also proved to be quite a challenge but it was well worth it. “All stadiums have to have GSAS 4-Star rating and that’s quite a challenge, but it has been achieved from our side. We have to consider all sustainability aspects – recycled materials, low voltage lights, use of natural light as much as possible, solar appliances, etc. – in the stadiums. That’s very wise because both the running costs as

“ONE OF MY FRIENDS CAME TO ME, GAVE ME A GAHFIYA AND SAID THAT IT WAS A GIFT FROM HIS DAUGHTER.”

“ONE OF THE CHALLENGES IS TO MAKE SURE THAT THE STADIUM DOES NOT BECOME A WHITE ELEPHANT AT THE CONCLUSION OF THE QUADRENNIAL EVENT.” well as the environment will be taken care of.”

Jaidah further talks about his experience of working with the stadium’s project manager, Soud Abdul Aziz Al Ansari, and says that it was a wise move to have a person in charge who understands local culture and has the know-how to get things done in Qatar.

“Saud was involved with us throughout the design phase. And now he is managing operations at the site on behalf of the client.

He is a very ambitious and intelligent young man. Currently, we have 30 plus members of our team reporting to him and his project managers at the site. He has a handson approach and monitors the process, deadline and quality with our support. He has done quite an impressive job.”

Jaidah had said in a recent interview that “during the design and conception phase, a lot of childhood memories came alive – remembering walking around the Al Jasra area wearing the traditional thawb and gahfiya”. The feeling of nostalgia felt by him

might also be common to many others. So, was that also one of his objectives – bringing back fond memories for all Qataris?

“When it was announced, the reaction of the public was amazing, and people could connect with us directly on social media,” says Jaidah. “Even though the other stadiums had some reference to the culture, e.g., Al Wakra’s concept of the waves, it was not a direct representation. Everybody, from a child to an old man, can relate to this.”

He adds: “I was really overwhelmed by the social media as well as the local media.

People would make friendly jokes about the gahfiyas. One of my friends came to me, gave me a gahfiya and said that it was a gift from his daughter. The impact was amazing.

It was the talk of the town and the region.

Having been associated with many of Qatar’s landmark projects – Sharq Village and Spa, Barzan Tower, etc. – has Jaidah

incorporated any common elements from his previous assignments into the Al Thumama Stadium, and where does he rank the stadium experience in his portfolio?

“It’s different compared to any of my previous projects. However, what we have got here is years of experience of putting things together. We are one of the oldest firms in Qatar. We actually celebrated our 50th anniversary last year, and we can seek the know-how we need and put it together in any type of project. Getting consultants together and managing the design process is what we have developed over the years.

We also have a wealth of knowledge about our culture, architecture and identity.”

So, when asked if the experience of working on a World Cup stadium will help AEB to net other high-profile projects related to international sporting events, Jaidah signs off by saying: “If there is a competition anywhere in the world where I have an opportunity, I will grab it.”

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affairs > viewpoint

PUSHING THE FOOD SUSTAINABILITY AGENDA AGAINST A BACKDROP OF UNCERTAINTY IN ITS FOOD SECURITY ENVIRONMENT, QATAR IS WORKING TO BOOST THE AGRICULTURAL AND LIVESTOCK SECTORS, PRIMARILY THROUGH BUILDING CAPACITY.

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n August, the Qatar Islamic Bank announced funding worth QR1.6 billion ($435.8 million) to finance a 530,000-sq-metre food security facility at Hamad Port outside of Doha.

The complex will primarily manufacture and store rice, raw sugar and edible oils and will consist of rice silos, oil storage tanks, a recycling facility, conveyor systems and a processing and warehousing space. Initial estimates put the daily production capacity at 300 tonnes of rice, 300 tonnes of raw sugar and 200 tonnes of edible oil.

A month earlier, in mid-July, the New Port Project steering committee and local contractor Al Jaber Engineering signed a contract to design and build the facility and adjoining warehouse, which should take about two years. Once commercially operational, the output will be used domestically and internationally, with

waste products to be turned into animal feed.

Boosting livestock numbers In addition to initiatives to produce and store food staples, several companies are undertaking projects to increase in-country livestock numbers to strengthen the supply chain of dairy and meat products.

Local dairy farm Baladna is expanding its facilities to accommodate as many as 25,000 cows in a bid to meet 40% of Qatar’s dairy demand by mid-November and 100%

by April 2018, when it will produce 300 tonnes of milk per day.

Located in Umm Al Hawaya on an area of 2 million sq metres, the Baladna farm currently has the capacity for 12,000 dairy cows.

Earlier this year, the company announced it planned to import 4,000 milking cows by mid-September, pushing daily milk

production up to 100 tonnes, with further plans to gradually bring another 10,000 dairy cows into the country. To meet this target, 230 cows were imported via Qatar Airways Cargo in July.

Increased output should feed into the company’s downstream goals: in early May, for example, Baladna signed an agreement with Ali Bin Ali Group to distribute its dairy products. The products will be made available in about 100 retail outlets in the country.

Since it was established in 2009, Hassad Food, the agricultural arm of the Qatar Investment Authority, has looked further afield in its efforts to enhance livestock numbers and help local capacity. In June, Hassad Food subsidiary Hassad Australia began working with Widam Food to bring more than 340,000 heads of Australian sheep to Qatar.

Agriculture sector to play a crucial role Initiatives to increase the food production capacity fall under the broader framework of the Qatar National Food Security Programme, launched in 2012 under a decree issued by then Crown Prince Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani.

The plan targets increasing the number of farms from 1,400 to 3,000 and meeting at least 60% of the domestic food demand from local suppliers by 2024. Similar to other Gulf states, Qatar imports more than 90% of its food requirements.

In a country where only about 1% of the total land area is arable, according to the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organisation, projects under the programme’s aegis are looking to provide necessary technical advice and know-how to improve yields.

To this end, Hassad Food launched the IKTEFA initiative in July to provide support to unproductive farms, which currently comprise 80% of registered farmland in the country. The goal is to supply local farmers with the necessary financial aid and expertise to make their crops commercially viable for the domestic market. In the first phase of the plan, Hassad Food aims at implementing its programme on 60 ha of land, producing some 5,000 tonnes of fresh produce annually.

This announcement comes on the heels of an agreement last March between the Ministry of Municipality and Qatar

Development Bank (QDB) to provide more support for local agriculture endeavours.

In August, local media reported that QDB will provide support and funding for the planned development of two agricultural complexes to produce livestock, poultry, fish and feed. Further project details on estimated cost and initial throughput have not yet been released to the public.

While meeting the goals set by the Qatar National Food Security Programme will require much work, initiatives such as IKTEFA should help usher in a new age of food security for Qatar, according to Abdulrahman Al Khayarin, CEO of Widam Food.

“The goal is to become 100% selfsufficient in certain segments across the food sector. Although this will take about two to five years, recent initiatives by the public sector coupled with the regional situation should only further accelerate this process,” Al Khayarin told OBG

BY OLIVER CORNOCK Managing Editor, Middle East Oxford Business Group

This Qatar economic update was produced by Oxford Business Group.

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affairs > viewpoint

FOR A BETTER TOMORROW 26 > QATAR TODAY > OCTOBER 2017

NEESHAD SHAFI, CO-FOUNDER AND NATIONAL COORDINATOR FOR ARAB YOUTH CLIMATE MOVEMENT QATAR (AYCMQ), GIVES HIS VIEWS ON THE 20TH SESSION OF THE YOUTH ASSEMBLY AT THE UN HEADQUARTERS. SHAFI ATTENDED THE SESSION EARLIER THIS YEAR.

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s the largest and most interconnected youth population in history, today’s generation is a remarkable force to be reckoned with.

While young people are among those constantly affected by global challenges, they remain at the forefront of innovation and change with their unique set of skills and perspectives. Their participation, therefore, is fundamental to addressing the world’s most pressing issues, such as poverty, injustice and climate change.

I have had an opportunity to learn about the functioning of the United Nations by looking at areas from a new perspective.

In August, I spent a week at the United Nations as a youth representative for Arab Youth Climate Movement Qatar during the 20th Session of the Youth Assembly at the UN Headquarters in New York.

The Youth Assembly at the United Nations is the global gathering of the next generation of world leaders, social entrepreneurs, activists and champions of sustainable development. It provides a unique platform for meaningful dialogue and partnership between youth, civil society, the private sector and the United Nations. At the assembly, young people are equipped with the necessary tools,

Neeshad Shafi at the United Nations General Assembly in New York.

knowledge and skills to create actionoriented solutions that help achieve the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Attending the four-day youth assembly coincided with International Youth Day and was opened by Peter Thomson, President of the 71st United Nations General Assembly

and Jayathma Wickramanayake, the United Nations Secretary-General’s Envoy on Youth, who emphasized inclusiveness, an important aspect of this year’s conference.

They talked about how to ensure that no one is left behind in our global efforts to end poverty, injustice, inequality and climate change. While the youth are among those 27 > QATAR TODAY > OCTOBER 2017

affairs > viewpoint

Peter Thomson, President of the 71st United Nations General Assembly and Jayathma Wickramanayake, United Nations Secretary General’s Envoy on Youth at the opening of the Youth Assembly at the United Nations on August 9, 2017.

“WHILE THE YOUTH ARE AMONG THOSE SUBJECTED TO EXCLUSION AND MARGINALISATION, WE HAVE THE POTENTIAL TO ACCELERATE AND ACHIEVE SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT IN OUR COMMUNITIES AND BEYOND.”

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Neeshad Shafi holds a master’s degree in Environmental Engineering and resides in Doha, Qatar. He is a youth environmental activist, educator, speaker and climate change advocate. He is currently serving as Co-Founder and National Coordinator for Arab Youth Climate Movement Qatar (AYCMQ), Middle East Officer for CliMates, and Founding member of Youth Climate Lab. 28 > QATAR TODAY > OCTOBER 2017

subjected to exclusion and marginalisation, we have the potential to accelerate and achieve sustainable development in our communities and beyond. With our unique sets of skills and perspectives in today’s ever-evolving world, we remain at the forefront of innovation and change.

A preeminent strategy to eradicate poverty, limit climate change impacts and achieve social development for all, followed by side events were energizing and overwhelming, in addition to being an eye opener. I had the good fortune of interacting with several representatives of numerous organisations from 110 countries, who shared their various experiences.

In the past two years, I have been learning about the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), but the experience at the UN gave me a much more in-depth understanding of their importance to our work on the social development front. Slowly, throughout the week I began to grasp the magnitude and significance the SDGs have. The work of the policymakers in the Member States directly impacts the work done by the NGOs on the ground, with the people and the experiences of those in the NGOs giving guidance to those setting policies in our villages, towns, cities and national government agencies. This youth assembly worked to create a space for dialogue, understanding, and cooperation between youth civil society and the United Nations.

While this discourse is not perfect, it was remarkable to see it in action. Youth groups felt that they were not being given enough space to share their opinions and questions.

The youth assembly responded by trying to carve out more space for such dialogue.

This give and take continues to develop.

The conference provided a platform for nearly 1,000 young leaders from over 100 countries to learn and share practical knowledge and skills with experienced professionals and fellow attendees.

It introduced and promoted various perspectives on addressing development challenges and transforming the way young people think, act and speak about critical issues of the 21st century. By and large, it highlighted the importance of dialogue, partnership and collaboration in driving inclusive and sustainable development at both local and global levels.

Overall, I came away from the week with a much better understanding of the SDGs and the impact they should be having on our government’s policymaking from the local to the national stage. The relevance of attending the event can help Qatari youths be part of the UN functioning in the days to come and also get to know how to do internships and help transform society for a better world. It can also help encourage the youth in Qatar and the region to think about global issues like SDGs in a more inclusive manner.

There were stories of success that give hope to the process and gave me the momentum to look at how the local government is responding to these goals.

I also came away with a much better understanding of how important taking all the steps from a policy perspective is when asking for global participation. There was a great deal of discussion about what global citizenship means today and the challenge of being a citizen of the ‘Kingdom of Earth’. The experience has already made a difference as I am working towards making a greater, positive and long-lasting impact

HEALTHY LIVING VIA

HEALTHY BUILDINGS

CLAIRE MAXFIELD, DIRECTOR, ATELIER TEN, EXPLAINS THE IMPORTANCE OF LEAVING BEHIND A LEGACY OF SUSTAINABLE BUILDINGS.

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telier Ten, an international building services and environmental consultancy firm, has been at the forefront of designing sustainable buildings in Qatar as well as other countries. They are currently working on several buildings in Doha which are targeting LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Gold status and also GSAS ratings. The organisation has now turned its attention to ‘healthy buildings’, as they have long believed that health and sustainability are interconnected, and both

must be achieved together.

While the term healthy building has become common among the sustainable design community, it hasn’t been well defined. Following the company’s tradition, it has decided to add some rigour to this discussion, and embarked upon a year-long research project to study the literature, define its approach, and apply some creative thinking to the critical issue of health.

There are three key principles: protecting occupant health, promoting occupant wellness, and preventing environmental harm. Protecting occupant health means removing active hazards such as toxins

“WHILE THE TERM HEALTHY BUILDING HAS BECOME COMMON AMONG THE SUSTAINABLE DESIGN COMMUNITY, IT HASN’T BEEN WELL DEFINED.”

29 > QATAR TODAY > OCTOBER 2017

affairs > viewpoint “A HEALTHY BUILDING MUST ALSO GO BEYOND ITS OCCUPANTS TO IMPROVE THE HEALTH OF EVERYONE ASSOCIATED WITH THE BUILDING DOWN THE SUPPLY CHAIN.”

in materials, air and water. Promoting wellness goes much further, creating spaces that are not just healthy but comfortable and delightful - spaces that support effective learning, working and playing.

Preventing environmental harm underpins all of Atelier Ten’s work as it improves environmental health as much as human health by addressing on-site and off-site ecological impacts. A healthy building must also go beyond its occupants to improve the health of everyone associated with the building down the supply chain, from construction workers to product manufacturers.

Seven design issues are identified as being critical for healthy buildings: Air quality Water quality Material assessment Lighting design - access to daylight Comfort - visual thermal, acoustic, ergonomic Active design Other topics, such as material assessment, are emerging and are based on current research. New protocols are created for assessing health hazards in building materials, based on the newest scientific literature and using emerging tools such as Health Product Declarations (HPDs) and the Declare programme.

If applied correctly, a sustainably designed building enhances the wellbeing of its occupants. Daylight design is one clear example. For the last two decades,

there has been a strong push for more daylight in buildings. Unfortunately, this often led to over-glazed buildings where visual comfort was neglected. Occupants therefore took it upon themselves to make their environment comfortable by putting up blinds, taped paper to the glass, and even used umbrellas as parasols to shade their workstations. These temporary alterations blocked daylight, so the artificial lighting stayed on and the original purpose of the design to provide access to daylight and lighting energy savings was compromised.

Lesson learnt: you must design buildings for both energy savings and occupant wellness, or you’ll end up with neither.

It is possible to tackle these daylight and comfort challenges, which are interconnected. It requires an understanding of the interplay of space planning, building skin, interior design, lighting design and occupant behaviour.

This requires the analysis of daylight access, energy savings and visual comfort with the right level of detail at each phase of design. Holistic designs where the engineers work alongside the architects and other consultants to optimise their facades, while communicating the benefits of better design to owners and occupants, are vital.

Material assessment highlights the link between health and sustainability in a different way. Most people are shocked to learn how few chemical components of building products are regulated. In the US, of the 80,000 registered chemicals that are

CONVENTIONAL DESIGN AIR

MATERIALS

DAYLIGHT

ACTIVE DESIGN

HEALTHY BUILDING

WATER

30 > QATAR TODAY > OCTOBER 2017

LIGHTING

COMFORT

registered with the government, only five are restricted. Manufacturers often don’t know the full list of chemical compounds in their products, how they are made, or what harm they pose. These unregulated chemicals may pose health hazards alongside ecological problems, and no one has asked manufacturers to prove the safety of their products - neither to people, nor to the environment.

This is an environmental justice issue as well, because blue-collared communities centred on product manufacturing are continuously exposed to these health hazards.

A precautionary approach is therefore warranted to endeavour to avoid chemical hazards wherever possible, and not wait for the industries to prove their harmful effects. By finding alternative materials free from ‘red list’ chemicals, chemical hazards for occupants, manufacturers and construction workers will be reduced. We should discourage the manufacturing and incentivise the responsible disposal of these chemicals, and limit their release into the natural environment.

We, as a collective group of professionals in the construction industry can do better.

We can assess materials for chemical hazards and align our material choices with the values of each client. We can find alternative products, and in doing so improve the product library for each of our clients. We can use material transparency efforts to educate product manufacturers and advocate for market transformation.

Based on the work done so far, Atelier Ten is committed to improving the health of people and communities in the built environment through innovative design strategies. Introducing such strategies do not necessary cost more if it is integrated and implemented at the right point in the design process. When designing buildings and developing services strategies, engineers need to engage the participation of experts in toxicology, industrial hygiene, environmental health, building science, lighting design, environmental management and building systems engineering, which understand the relationship between the built environment and human health.

Amid the ambitious construction programmes that Qatar has embarked upon, which imposes huge demands on the teams to deliver tight programmes and budgets, we should not lose sight of the need to leave behind a legacy of healthy buildings, which will be enjoyed by its occupants now and in the years to come. Research from the US and Canada shows that buildings with green building certification have higher occupancy rates.

It is too early to draw similar conclusions from research on healthy buildings, but the trend appears to be the same.

With the knowledge gained thus far and the design tools available to us, we can deliver economical solutions that protect occupant health, promote occupant wellness, and prevent environmental harm.

“MANUFACTURERS OFTEN DON’T KNOW THE FULL LIST OF CHEMICAL COMPOUNDS IN THEIR PRODUCTS, HOW THEY ARE MADE, OR WHAT HARM THEY POSE.”

CLAIRE MAXFIELD Director Atelier Ten

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ACT I V E D

ES

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M FO RT

DAY L I G H T

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LIG HT

ER AT

PROTECT OCCUPANT HEALTH PROMOTE OCCUPANT WELLNESS

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PREVENT ENVIRONMENTAL HARM

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construction > viewpoint

CONFLICTING PROVISIONS:

DESIGN OR INDUSTRY STANDARD?

PAMELA MCDONALD, ASSOCIATE AT PINSENT MASONS, ANALYSES HOW A RECENT JUDGMENT IN THE UK WILL AFFECT THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY IN QATAR.

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n August 3, 2017 a very important case was decided by the highest court in the UK. The judgment confirmed that it is a general principle that where a contract includes two terms, one requiring the contractor to provide a structure in accordance with a design and the other requiring the structure to meet an ‘industry standard’, the contractor will nonetheless be responsible for satisfying the industry standard notwithstanding that cannot be achieved by complying with the applicable design standard.

The judgment has potentially harsh consequences for contractors who have entered into contracts with conflicting provisions – something often seen in Qatari construction contracts.

32 > QATAR TODAY > OCTOBER 2017

The UK Judgment The Supreme Court decision in MT Hojgaard v Eon was eagerly anticipated by the construction industry. It decides the key issue of contractors’ liability to achieve a functional result and whether they may be relieved from that responsibility by adherence to industry standards.

The Supreme Court, in a unanimous judgment, found that it is a general principle of English and Canadian law that where a design and build contract requires the contractor to use a specified design standard (or design) and also requires the structure to satisfy a stated performance criteria, the contractor will nonetheless be responsible for satisfying the performance criteria notwithstanding that cannot be achieved by complying with the applicable design standard.

What to look out for in your contract It is frequently the case that the standard of performance required of the contractor is found in a variety of places throughout the contract, in both the contract terms and the technical requirements. Those terms can often be difficult to reconcile. This was demonstrated in the MT Hojgaard v Eon case, where the Supreme Court took a different view to the meaning and impact of the contract terms from the parties themselves and from the judges in the two other courts which had heard the previous cases (the TCC and Court of Appeal).

If the contract is subject to Qatari law, and there is a dispute regarding the meaning of a specific contract term, the judge or arbitrator will construe the technical requirements in parallel with express terms of the contract using the established rules

of contractual interpretation. In Qatar, the rules of contractual interpretation can be found in Article 169 of the Civil Code which provides that (i) if the language of the contract is clear, it will be given effect and (ii) if it is ambiguous, the common will of the parties as well as the nature and custom of their dealing and the trust and integrity which exists between them will be taken into account.

As the MT Hojgaard judgment comes from the UK courts, it is not binding in Qatar and there has been no equivalent decision published by the Qatari courts.

Therefore, if the courts were asked to determine the same question, i.e., whether the design standard or the (conflicting) industry standard should be met, it would, pursuant to Article 169.2, look to the common will of the parties and take into account the custom of the construction industry. This clearly leaves the outcome almost impossible to determine.

It is to a certain extent inevitable that complex contracts which seek to impose design requirements contain inconsistencies because they have been drafted by numerous authors. Technical requirements and design requirements should be clearly drafted to avoid this eventuality, and a risk analysis of contractual obligations should consider all operative requirements in both the contract terms and in the technical documents appended to those contracts.

The Qatari Civil Code on design standards Two Articles of the Qatari Civil Code discuss the standard of care a contractor must meet when performing contractual obligations. As a starting point, Article 687 states: “...the contractor shall perform the work in accordance with the applicable practices and within such reasonable period as required for the nature of the work, subject to established standards of workmanship.”

The contractor’s obligation is therefore only fulfilled when it produces a design using ‘applicable practices’ to a standard which is on par with established market benchmarks.

In the absence of an express contractual term to the contrary, Article 687 would therefore seem to impose on a contractor, undertaking design work, a standard of complying with the practices and standards of the market, which could therefore be

akin to a standard of ‘reasonable’ care to the extent the market practice imposes that standard.

On the other hand, Article 694 (1) of the Qatar Civil Code appears to imply something different. Article 694 relates to the employer’s right to reject taking over the work. It states: “The employer may reject taking over the work if any defect therein or breach of the agreed conditions renders the work unfit for its intended purpose.”

This appears to suggest that the designer must ensure the design meets a standard higher than that provided for by Article 687.

In short, the position on the applicable standard of contractual performance in Qatar is unclear, as Article 687 and Article 694 appear to be inconsistent on this point. However, as neither Article 687 nor Article 694 is a mandatory provision of the Qatar Civil Code, this may be academic as, in relation to design liability, the required standard of contractual performance will nearly always be agreed between the parties in their contract.

Conclusion When drafting contracts, contractors must consider the design requirements the employer wishes to impose in the context of the ‘industry standards’ it is also being asked to achieve. If the industry standard is impossible to achieve using the employer’s design criteria, that issue should be resolved before the contract is entered into.

If an existing contract contains conflicting provisions, contractors should liaise with the employer to find an agreeable solution, preferably through a formal contract amendment, before performing the works. Failure to do so could result in a claim being brought by the employer, either because the structure does not comply with the design or because it does not meet the industry standard.

Contractors need to be careful not to assume a more onerous design and construction obligation than their contract tender review may at first identify. The Hojgaard case is a paradigm of how the odds are against a contractor of being relieved of liability where a ‘fitness for purpose’ obligation is contained in the contract. The contractor was not negligent, used criteria in an international standard in part of its calculations, but was ultimately responsible for the failure of the foundations supplied by it on the basis of how risk was allocated

PAMELA MCDONALD Associate at Pinsent Masons

Pinsent Masons LLP is a global 100 law firm, specialising particularly in the energy, infrastructure, financial services, real estate and advanced manufacturing and technology sectors. The firm employs over 2500 people in total, including over 1500 lawyers and more than 400 partners.

33 > QATAR TODAY > OCTOBER 2017

COVER STORY

QATAR’S DOMESTIC

WORKERS BREATHE EASY

A LONG AND AGONISING WAIT OF SIX YEARS CAME TO AN END WITH THE EMIR, HIS HIGHNESS SHEIKH TAMIM BIN HAMAD AL THANI, ISSUING A DECREE IN AUGUST THIS YEAR, BUT PLENTY STILL NEEDS TO BE DONE FOR THE BETTERMENT OF DOMESTIC WORKERS IN THIS COUNTRY.

BY VL SRINIVASAN 34 > QATAR TODAY > OCTOBER 2017

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he move has been described as a “positive step” and was well received by diplomatic missions, international agencies and rights activists among others but they expect some more decisions to further consolidate the action plan.

Some of the salient features of the new Law No. 15 of 2017 include a written contract that details the type and nature of the job, salary, food, accommodation and other conditions. It also states that employers should treat workers in a manner that preserves their dignity and bodily integrity, and should not to harm them physically or psychologically or endanger their life or health. Employers also must provide their workers with medical treatment for injuries or illness.

The legislation further prohibits employers from deducting workers’ pay to compensate for recruitment fees and from forcing them to work while on sick leave.

An estimated 173,742 domestic workers, including 107,621 women, mostly from the Philippines, India, Bangladesh and other Asian and African countries, will be covered under the legislation. This is the first such protection law for a large number of household staff in the nation.

The law includes 24 articles after taking into consideration the amended Labour Law No. 14 of 2004, and Law No. 21 of 2015 regulating the entry and exit of expatriates and their residence, modified by Law No. 1 of 2017, in addition to the civil and commercial procedure law issued by the amended Law No. 13 of 1990.

The new legislation also stipulates that the regulations for recruiting domestic workers and dealing with their medical check-ups and residency permits are governed by those of Law No. 21 of 2015, in a way that does not conflict with this new law.

The government has been moving step by step in initiating labour reforms, which include ensuring proper and prompt wages for foreign workers, improving their accommodation, and announcing in December 2016 the scrapping of the kafala (labour sponsorship system) in favour of a contractbased system.

While domestic workers were not covered under the reforms, the enactment of Law No. 15 of 2017 to create a common contract system has been aimed at covering them – including foreign nannies, gardeners, drivers and maids – by arming them with legal rights.

“SINCE FEARS ARE AN OVERWHELMING IMPEDIMENT, GIVEN THAT WORKERS FACE RETALIATION BY THEIR EMPLOYERS AFTER FILING COMPLAINTS, THERE MUST BE AN APPROPRIATE MONITORING SYSTEM IN PLACE TO PREVENT SUCH INTIMIDATION.”

SHARAN BURROW

General Secretary International Trade Union Confederation

35 > QATAR TODAY > OCTOBER 2017

COVER STORY

QATA R ’S D O M E S T I C W O R K E R S B R E AT H E E A SY

Photo for representational purpose

Qatar’s National Human Rights Committee (NHRC) recommended to the government more than a year ago to bring in such a law, and the cabinet approved the draft legislation in February this year. The decree was issued as a follow-up to the cabinet’s decision in August.

Director of International Cooperation at NHRC, Saad Sultan Al Abdulla, told Al Jazeera that the law was progressive and would go a long way towards ensuring that more reforms will protect the rights and interests of people working in Qatar.

Kuwait and Bahrain have already enacted legislation to protect domestic workers against exploitation, and Qatar became the third member state in the GCC to have such

legislation. The UAE followed Qatar by coming up with similar reforms a few weeks ago.

The government has been working on the law for a few years and an indication to this effect was clear when Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his visit to Qatar in June 2016, reportedly raised the issue with Sheikh Tamim.

The latter assured the Indian leader about Qatar’s commitment to protect the interests of domestic workers as well as other foreign workers and, true to his word, the Emir has not only abolished the kafala system but also enacted the Domestic Employment Law. Even the International Labour Organisation (ILO) has asked Qatar to present a report on the implementation of

“IF THE LAW IS ADEQUATELY ENFORCED, DOMESTIC WORKERS COULD FINALLY BE TREATED LIKE WORKERS WHO CAN STOP WORKING AT THE END OF THEIR WORK DAY, ENJOY A WEEKLY DAY OFF TO REST, AND BE ABLE TO VISIT THEIR FAMILIES EVERY YEAR.”

ROTHNA BEGUM

Women’s Rights Researcher Human Rights Watch 36 > QATAR TODAY > OCTOBER 2017

reforms by November 2017 and, with all things in place, the report is being prepared by the government.

Pat on the back for Qatar The Philippines has been among the many countries that have welcomed the labour reforms introduced by Qatar.

According to official figures, there are about 246,000 overseas Filipino workers in Qatar, making it the third largest source of migrant workers in the country.

The Migrant Workers’ Affairs wing in the Department of Foreign Affairs said the coverage of Qatar’s new legislation has been expanded to cover household service workers and provides them with some degree of legal protection.

“This is certainly a cause for celebration as this new law would benefit more than 50,000 Filipino household service workers who did not enjoy these benefits before,” the officials said.

Thanking Qatar for its “Progressive Legislation” to protect domestic workers from being exploited, the Philippines’ Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter S Cayetano says the law will benefit over 50,000 Filipino household service workers working in Qatar. “This law will certainly lead to the recognition, promotion and protection of the rights of Filipino and other migrant household service workers in Qatar,” he added.

Positive and vital step International Trade Union Confederation General Secretary Sharan Burrow says the new law is an important first step to regulate working hours and promote minimum protections for domestic workers but it does not fully conform to the ILO Domestic Workers Convention No. 189 which gives domestic workers fundamental rights.

She says one of the positive provisions of the act is the requirement of a written contract establishing the nature of the job, salary and other conditions. It also requires employers to protect workers from physical and psychological abuse. It provides for workers to get access to medical treatment and compensation for work-related injuries in accordance with the Labour Law. Further, employers must provide accommodation and food for domestic workers.

“However, the confederation wants the government

to commit to bringing this law into compliance with Convention 189 and extend the wage protection system to cover this group of workers,” she says. She wants the government to commit to an action plan with clear timelines to implement the law as a first step and assure domestic workers access to the new Labour Disputes Resolution Committee with appeal rights to the court system.

While the new law establishes fines for violations, it lacks provisions for enforcement, such as workplace inspections, including in homes where domestic workers are employed, and she expects the same protection afforded to other workers in accordance with Article 17 (2) and (3) of the ILO Convention 189, with a strengthening of the labour inspectorate.

“Since fears are an overwhelming impediment, given that workers face retaliation by their employers after filing complaints, there must be an appropriate monitoring system in place to prevent such intimidation,” she says.

She also wants the government to respect, promote and realise the fundamental workplace principles and rights for migrant domestic workers, as set out in Article 3 of the ILO Convention 189, since they are unable to exercise the right to freedom of association and collective bargaining pursuant to Art 3 (2) (a) of the Convention.

Moving in right direction Rothna Begum, women’s rights researcher at Human Rights Watch, says that for the first time the new legislation, which includes a weekly rest day, a limit of a 10-hour working day, three weeks of annual leave, and an end-of-service payment of at least three weeks per year, will impact the lives of some 173,742 domestic workers, most of whom are women, and typically from Asia and Africa.

“Qatar and its neighbours are moving in the right direction on domestic workers’ rights but for these highly vulnerable workers, the GCC needs to bolster protections and strongly enforce laws,” she says. She adds that many such workers endure long working hours without rest or a day off. According to her, while they cook, care and clean for other families, many are unable to speak to or see their own family for years.

“If the law is adequately enforced, domestic workers could finally be treated like workers who can stop working

“THIS LAW WILL CERTAINLY LEAD TO THE RECOGNITION, PROMOTION AND PROTECTION OF THE RIGHTS OF FILIPINO AND OTHER MIGRANT HOUSEHOLD SERVICE WORKERS IN QATAR.”

ALAN PETER S CAYETENO Foreign Affairs Secretary The Government of Philippines

37 > QATAR TODAY > OCTOBER 2017

COVER STORY

QATA R ’S D O M E S T I C W O R K E R S B R E AT H E E A SY

at the end of their work day, enjoy a weekly day off to rest, and be able to visit their family every year,” says Rothna.

According to her, while fines can be imposed on erring employers for violation of the act's provisions, it does not provide any mechanism for domestic workers to lodge complaints and seek redress when their rights are violated, apart from compensation for work injuries. The law also lacks provisions for enforcement, such as workplace inspections, including homes where domestic workers are employed.

She further says that without these steps such rights are meaningless, and hopes that the authorities put in place enforcement and complaint mechanisms, including an expedited dispute-resolution mechanism, which refers all complaints that do not reach fair resolution to a labour complaints court that can resolve related cases within a time-bound period. They should also allow for workplace inspections with due regard for privacy, like in the UAE, which has included workplace inspections in its new law on domestic workers.

Rothna also feels that Qatar should align the law in line with the ILO Domestic Workers Convention by plugging all loopholes that employers could easily exploit, and ensure

that domestic workers have protections on par with other workers.

“For instance, the law should reduce the number of working hours per day to eight, and ensure a 48-hour work week like it does for others under the Labour Law. They could do this under any implementing regulations by requiring rest breaks, which could reduce it to an 8-hour working day,” she adds.

She points out that Kuwait has stipulated limits to overtime hours and overtime pay if workers agree to work during their non-working hours. Kuwait has also outlined overtime compensation and limited the number of overtime hours within its implementing regulations for its domestic workers law.

“Similarly, Qatar can stipulate in its regulations that domestic workers are free to leave the workplace during their non-working hours, including on their weekly rest day. It should also provide for provisions for sick leave, including whether it should be paid in line with what the labour law provides for other workers,” adds Rothna.

Qatar ranked second While rights activists demand that Qatar should remove

“THIS IS VERY ENCOURAGING FOR FOREIGN DOMESTIC WORKERS (FDW) AS OUR SURVEY SHOWS A GREAT INCREASE IN THE AVERAGE SALARY COMPARED TO LAST YEAR. IN THE UAE, THE AVERAGE MONTHLY SALARY INCREASED BY 14%, IN KUWAIT BY 7.4%, AND IN QATAR BY 4.4%. HOWEVER, THE WAGES ARE STEADY IN SAUDI ARABIA.”

JULIE DELIGNON

Country Manager, HelperChoice Hong Kong 38 > QATAR TODAY > OCTOBER 2017

discrimination and also set minimum wages for the workers, who are recruited on the basis of their nationality, with corresponding minimum salaries often set by their respective embassies, according to a survey on the salaries of foreign domestic workers in the Middle East, conducted by Hong Kong company HelperChoice. The online platform, which matches employers with domestic workers at no cost to helpers, revealed that Qatar, in fact, is placed second after the UAE as far as payment for domestic workers is concerned.

The recruitment agency analysed data from close to 2,000 job ads posted by its users between January and August 2017. However, the wages do not include food allowance, cost of accommodation, agency fees, flight costs and medical benefits.

HelperChoice Country Manager for Hong Kong, Julie Delignon, who authored the survey report, says the average monthly salary offered to helpers is QR1,798 ($494) in the UAE, followed by QR1,638 ($450) in Qatar, QR1,608 ($442) in Saudi Arabia and QR1,525 ($419) in Kuwait.

“This is very encouraging for foreign domestic workers (FDW) as the survey shows a great increase in the average salaries compared to last year. In the UAE, the average monthly salary increased by 14%, in Kuwait by 7.4%, and in Qatar by 4.4%. However, the wages are steady in Saudi Arabia,” she says.

According to survey findings, the data showed that domestic workers tend to earn more in big cities. Dubai stood first by offering QR1,929 ($530), far ahead of Kuwait City (in second place), which offers QR1,714 ($471).

“Three employers even proposed a salary of QR3,000 ($813) in Doha, and another even proposed QR3,472 ($954) in Abu Dhabi, the two highest salaries,” she says.

In HelperChoice job ads, employers can also fill in the minimum number of years of experience required for their helper. Surprisingly enough, the locations in which the salary is the highest are not the cities in which the required number of years of experience is also the highest.

“For instance, in Qatar, in Al Rayyan the number of years of experience required is about 2.8 years and the average salary is QR1,456 ($395), while in Al Khor, the average minimum of years required is less than one year, but the proposed monthly salary is QR1,617 ($438). So, the employers in Al Khor propose 10% more for less experienced domestic workers,” says Delignon.

“Even the legislation regarding domestic workers’ conditions also varies a lot and should be taken into account when comparing the salaries among the MiddleEastern countries,” says Delignon. She adds that Qatar’s landmark decree on August 22, 2017 sought to better regulate the domestic work in the country with, in particular, a prescribed maximum of 10 working hours per day and a signed contract between the domestic worker and employer.

Heart-touching video Besides the shocking tales of abuse and torture of domestic servants in the country, there are many instances of positive relationships among them wherein the workers have been treated as one of the family members by the employers.

Qatari writer Nasser Al Naama, who was brought up by a

Filipina nanny, Yaya Zubaidah, ever since he was born over two decades ago, posted a video which went viral on social media, paying rich tributes to her.

Speaking in his nanny’s Tagalog language, Nasser talks about the warm relationship his family has formed with Zubaidah. “My family consists of six people – myself, my three siblings, my mom and dad. However, I always considered us to be a family of seven – the seventh member being our nanny from the Philippines – Zubaidah,” says Nasser, in the video titled “A Message to the Filipino Community.”

Zubaidah worked for Nasser’s paternal grandmother Aisha Al Baker and became a part of their lives when his father brought Zubaidah to work for his family.

“For more than 20 years since my birth, she became a quintessential part of my entire family’s life and I can’t imagine what my upbringing would have been like without her. Because of her, I feel an immediate kinship with Filipinos anywhere I go in the world,” he says.

“As a Qatari, I sincerely want to thank the Filipino community in Qatar for all their hard work and undeniable contribution to the development of this country. I especially want to thank you for your support to Qatar during the recent crisis,” he adds 39 > QATAR TODAY > OCTOBER 2017

affairs > bottom line

WILL 2018 BRING

MORE JOBS TO QATAR?

WHILE FUTURE ECONOMIC AND FINANCIAL STABILITY WILL BE THE NEED OF THE HOUR, THERE ARE ALSO PLENTY OF REASONS FOR OPTIMISM.

40 > QATAR TODAY > OCTOBER 2017

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arrowing our scope and assessing the situation on the ground in our region has become more important than ever before, and we find ourselves asking many questions. How has the economic situation changed and how will it continue to grow over the next few years? Will the next year bring more job opportunities to the ambitious Qatari workforce? Using research conducted by Bayt.com and YouGov, an attempt has been made to provide a prospective snapshot of the future.

According to the Bayt.com Job Seeker Confidence Index Survey, a majority of Qatari respondents (65%) were reported to feel optimistic about their country’s economy, believing that the economic situation is set to improve in the next six months. This statistic already sets a positive trend, one which is supported by an observed, higher hiring trend in the MENA region in the next year, especially within the private sector, according to the Bayt.com Job Index Survey.

A high hiring expectancy can be observed in Qatar, with more than six in ten companies surveyed in the Bayt.com Job Index Survey looking to hire within the next year. Of these companies, 41% will be hiring for more than five positions.

The outlook in Qatar looks promising, with companies looking to hire individuals for a wide range of positions – top management, executive and analysts. Those looking to work as coordinators will also be reassured to know that a higher percentage of companies (31%) are looking to hire one in the next year.

Companies are looking to hire talent in a multitude of specific roles. Whether you are seeking work as an engineer (66%), project manager (24%), designer (14%) or

none of the aforementioned, rest assured that a decent percentage of companies are looking to hire for your role of choice. Even if your specific ideal role is not amongst these jobs, it is always helpful to measure your job relevancy against positions that closely match your educational background and experience. Remember that there is no such thing as wasted time and effort when it comes to self-development and gaining work experience.

In terms of experience level, employers in Qatar are also reported to be hiring across all levels. Those who are at the middle of their career are highly sought-after at 40%, followed closely by senior level jobseekers (38%). If you have managerial experience, the outlook is quite bright with more than four in ten of the companies surveyed looking to hire candidates with managerial experience.

With these insights, one thing becomes clear. There are more jobs coming to Qatar in the next year, and the country can boast of decent hiring potential across all industries.

If you are looking to find a new job within the next year, you will be spoiled for choice irrespective of your industry, experience level or educational background.

In preparation for a year of opportunity, ensure you brush up your CV and improve your chances by taking courses and tests to advance the skills you have. Sixty-one percent of employers in Qatar consider being cooperative and a team player as a highly sought-after skill, followed closely by good communication skills in English and Arabic (60%), and the ability to work under pressure (52%). These are soft skills which you can and should be improving as the next year approaches.

When you are ready to start searching for a job in Qatar, don’t forget to utilise the online tools and information that are available to you

Visit www.bayt.com today and download the white paper to know more about the skills gap crisis in the Middle East.

ABOUT BAYT.COM Bayt.com is the #1 job site in the Middle East with more than 40,000 employers and over 29,400,000 registered job seekers from across the Middle East, North Africa and the globe, representing all industries, nationalities and career levels.

Post a job or find jobs on www.bayt.com today and access the leading resource for job seekers and employers in the region.

41 > QATAR TODAY > OCTOBER 2017

affairs > bottom line

HOW KNOWLEDGE CAN STIMULATE

BUT ALSO IMPEDE CREATIVITY

AN INSIGHTFUL STUDY BY HEC PARIS RESEARCHER PIER VITTORIO MANNUCCI PROVIDES A RESPONSE TO THE LONG-STANDING QUESTION OF WHY PEOPLE’S CREATIVITY VARIES OVER TIME.

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t different stages of one’s career, different types of knowledge enhance people’s creativity. They also highlight the role of cognitive flexibility or rigidity. People’s ability to generate new and innovative ideas varies across their careers because of two core types of knowledge that may be alternately developed and sustained or neglected as people advance professionally.

The first type is specialized knowledge, and the second is diverse knowledge, which broadens a person’s knowledge base.

Although it may seem counterintuitive, the first type is more essential to generating new ideas than the second. The study shows that to use a new idea productively, a person must possess specialized knowledge, which acts as a sort of discriminating lens through which to consider ideas. Without specialized knowledge, new ideas remain scattered.

This is what happens in the case of writer’s block. The problem is not a lack of ideas but rather too many ideas that make it virtually impossible to produce one good idea.

Specialized knowledge helps people to come up with an idea and figure out how to carry it through to a productive end.

Beginners may have a lot of enthusiasm, but they do not necessarily possess the deeper knowledge of their field that is necessary to distinguish between what’s new and innovative, and what is simply new to them. Pixar Studios deals with this issue by requiring new hires to take courses directly related to their position. In this way, people in this creativity-dependent business are deliberately put in a position to build the deeper knowledge they need to contribute effectively. The more specialized knowledge a person develops, the more they also build their capacity for complexity.

This too has a positive impact on creativity.

There is nonetheless also a downside to deep knowledge: it can foster cognitive rigidity over a period of time. The more you know about something, the more it becomes the only thing you see. In short, specialization is a requisite for creativity, but it must be prevented from fostering narrowmindedness.

Diversification for counterbalancing specialization To prevent knowledge from evolving into an inflexible, airless mass, it is important for people who have developed specialized know-how to also take interest elsewhere.

Focusing on areas outside your specific field or activity helps to keep your cognitive processes flexible. It is relatively easy to keep your mind flexible. Even indirect stimuli like attending conferences or reading articles can effectively counterbalance cognitive rigidity. At Pixar, once an animator has specialized sufficiently, they are encouraged to take a step beyond that specialty by, for example, taking courses on film direction or production. After that, the door is thrown wide open and the company supports every category of interest, offering courses on subjects as varied as violin and belly-dancing. As the Pixar example suggests, timing is essential to fostering and sustaining creativity. It takes four to five years to build specialized knowledge.

During these years, we found it to have a positive impact on creativity. Specialized knowledge is a required baseline and remains so after the five-year ‘formative’ period, but it stops having a positive effect.

It does not actually have any significant impact on creativity again until a person has spent around 30 years in a career.

From this point on, if nothing is done to counterbalance the rigidity that tends to build up naturally over the years, excessively specialized knowledge is likely to have a negative effect and hinder creativity. The effects of broad knowledge follow a different time frame. The positive, offsetting impact of building broader knowledge is not significant until a person has spent 10 years in a career. This is the point when over-specialization emerges

as a genuine risk, and new perspectives are essential to keeping people’s minds flexible and open. Interestingly, 10 years is also what HR research shows to be the time when people are likely to leave their company or position. This suggests that continued specialization and lack of diversity are not only negative for creativity but also for motivation.

PIER VITTORIO MANNUCCI Researcher HEC Paris

Sustaining creativity over time Researchers used to think creativity followed a curvilinear path over a career, peaking mid-career, but our study shows that creativity is possible at any point.

The ability to generate new ideas is a matter of balance between specialized and diverse knowledge and varying degrees of cognitive flexibility. The optimal amount of each changes over time and the balance must be readjusted accordingly.

Filmmaker Quentin Tarentino and Apple’s Steve Jobs are often considered to have been very creative straight away, but in fact, before holding key creative roles, they both developed their knowledge base extensively through university courses, assistantships, short films, etc. Moreover, by neglecting to take the evolution of people’s knowledge characteristics into account, many companies are losing valuable human capital. New input can stimulate older people and enable them to keep contributing to the company.

As more and more businesses rely on creativity to be competitive, they need to respond to the challenge of figuring out how long to spend on building specialized knowledge and knowing when to diversify.

The task and client-rotation schemes often used in consulting firms are an effective means to develop a productive balance of knowledge

ABOUT HEC PARIS Founded in 1881 by the Paris Chamber of Commerce and Industry, HEC Paris is a founding member of the Université ParisSaclay. It boasts a faculty of 138 full-time professors, more than 4,400 students and over 8,000 managers and executives in training each year. In 2010, HEC Paris joined Qatar Foundation and brought Executive Education programmes and research activity to Qatar and the rest of the region 43 > QATAR TODAY > OCTOBER 2017

development > tech talk

GAME CHANGER FOR DIGITALISED MANUFACTURING Siemens recently brought together more than 200 industry leaders to discuss the role of digital technologies in building a globally competitive manufacturing sector in the Middle East. Officials and executives from the government and private sectors attended the SPACe (Siemens Process Automation Community) event.

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he industrial world faces a common set of challenges, including boosting productivity and efficiency and ensuring maximum protection against cybersecurity threats,” said Klaus Helmrich, Member of the Managing Board of Siemens AG.

“The Middle East has the potential to leapfrog the third industrial revolution to become a world player in Industrie 4.0 and Siemens is driving this transformation,” he added.

As part of the community event, Siemens bolstered its industrial digitalisation

portfolio by launching the newest version of the company’s Simatic PCS 7 process control system. The latter controls and monitors continuous manufacturing processes such as those in chemical plants, the water and wastewater sector and the pharmaceuticals industry.

RED VAULT:

ME’S FIRST GAMING REWARDS APP WORLD’S MOST POWERFUL SMARTPHONE CAMERA

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amers from across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region will now be able to get their hands on exciting digital rewards, exclusive invitations and a whole host of other unique gaming experiences, thanks to the launch of Red Vault, the region’s first gaming rewards app.

Recently launched at GamesArabia, Red Vault will give digital rewards along with Red Vault points, exclusive Beta access, special eSports invitations, merchandise, and promotional offers.

44 > QATAR TODAY > OCTOBER 2017

All gamers have to do to start taking advantage of these rewards is download the Red Vault app, buy one of the above games at their local store, scan the QR code on the back of the game and start earning points instantly.

“We are hugely excited to be the first distributor to bring this kind of technology and rewards programme to the Middle East, one of the fastest-growing regions of the world when it comes to gaming,” said Lalit Vase, CEO of Red Entertainment Distribution.

In an effort to further enhance imaging quality, Huawei partnered with Leica in a joint effort to develop dual camera mobile phones.

Huawei and Leica’s dual camera system has been applied on three generations of Huawei smartphones.

Huawei has maintained the same design for the dual-lens camera on the Mate 10. The Leica logo appears in between the two vertically aligned lenses, with a dual LED flash on the left and a laser focus module on the right. The Huawei Mate 10 is expected to feature a built-in AI chip that will further enhance its phototaking abilities.

Huawei put in place a strategy to coordinate artificial intelligence (AI) development in terms of device, cloud and chip in 2016. Huawei is set to further boost its dual camera technology with the help of its mobile AI chip and mobile AI strategy.

VODAFONE QATAR LAUNCHES V8, E8 SMARTPHONES

QATAR, OMAN JOIN HANDS FOR TECH DEVELOPMENT

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n major news related to the telecom market in the country, Vodafone Qatar launched the Smart V8 and Smart E8 4G smartphones. Both phones use the latest Android Nougat operating system. The V8 processor can stream media at speeds of up to 300 megabits per second (Mbps) over Vodafone’s 4G+ networks.

Diego Camberos, commercial director, Vodafone Qatar, said: “Vodafone devices combine high-quality design and build quality, while making the latest mobile and Vodafone network technology available at a fair price for our customer base.”

“As one of the world’s largest telecommunications companies, we are ideally placed to leverage the strength and power of our international network to bring world-class technology and innovative products to Qatar,” he added.

GUARDING AGAINST CYBER THREATS, DATA LOSS Digital Shadows has announced its Digital Risk Management service to Splunk Enterprise customers via a new Splunkcertified app available on Splunkbase for download.

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hrough this app, Splunk Enterprise customers can now leverage Digital Shadows to help manage and mitigate their digital risks – cyber threats, data loss, brand exposure, VIP exposure, infrastructure exposure, physical threat, and thirdparty risk – and create a minute-by-minute view of their organisation’s digital risk with tailored threat intelligence.

“We are excited to participate as a Splunk Technology Partner and provide this app to enable enterprise customers to be able to manage their digital risks,” said Alex Seton, Digital Shadows VP Business & Corporate Development. “Splunk users will be able to seamlessly integrate Digital Shadows Digital Risk incidents into their existing Splunk Enterprise deployment to streamline incident processing and coordinate security intelligence across multiple sources throughout the open, deep and dark web.”

Qatar Foundation (QF) and the Oman Technology Fund (OTF) have entered into a new partnership to strengthen and advance the technology development ecosystems of both nations.

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he collaboration will see Qatar Foundation Research and Development (QF R&D) and its Omani partner combine their resources and insights to drive the development and commercialisation of new technologies.

QF R&D and OTF – which provides mentoring and funding for emerging technology enterprises in Oman and the region – will support the creation and growth of tech start-ups through opening up access to investment.

“Innovation does not recognise boundaries or geopolitical shifts,” said Dr Hamad Al Ibrahim, Executive VicePresident, QF R&D. “It is a universal and positive force that is not deterred by challenges, but thrives on the urgency of addressing them,” he added.

45 > QATAR TODAY > OCTOBER 2017

affairs > auto news

MANNAI’S CRAZY DEALS FOR GMC ACADIA, TERRAIN Mannai Automotive has launched a new GMC Campaign, offering two great offers on the Acadia and Terrain brands, available at just QR2,222 a month (Acadia) and QR1,555 (Terrain), respectively.

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he GMC Campaign gives customers an in-house financing option to pay a 10% deposit, with the remaining amount being paid within those three years or more.

Both GMC Terrain and Acadia include three years' comprehensive insurance, three years’ service programme and three years’ registration package.

“These deals are some of the best in Qatar, so we would encourage potential buyers to come and talk to us about these

MASERATI’S BUMPER OFFERS FOR ME, AFRICA Across the Middle East and Africa region, official importers and dealers of new Maserati vehicles will now offer a fiveyear warranty and service package on all cars sold.

46 > QATAR TODAY > OCTOBER 2017

fantastic offers for the GMC Acadia and Terrain brands,” said Ivor D’Cunha, Senior General Manager, Mannai Automotive.

The 2017 GMC Acadia is a crossover aimed at the heart of the midsize segment.

It is designed to offer great versatility and refinement, with more advanced safety technologies, including Front Pedestrian Braking, Low Speed Forward Automatic Braking, Following Distance Indicator and Lane Change Alert with Side Blind Zone Alert, ensuring the highest safety levels.

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ith distinctive Italian style and unique design features, and now with this valueadded offer for the region, the brand is further underlining its key characteristics of exclusivity and performance.

The comprehensive service contract, which is available across the range, also covers engine oil and air filters, front and rear brake pad and discs kits as well as drive belts, in addition to a few select consumables.

“Maserati aims at offering exceptional aftersales care and experience as we recognise this is such a crucial part of vehicle ownership,” said Luca Delfino, General Manager for Maserati Middle East and Africa.

“With this new package, we are further cementing our commitment to our drivers,” he added.

M-POWER YOURSELF

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lfardan Automobiles, the official BMW Group importer in Qatar, has announced the most powerful offer on BMW M Models. BMW M is set to delight automotive aficionados' passion for high-performance vehicles with a stellar lineup that includes the BMW M4 Convertible, BMW M6 Coupe, BMW M6 Gran Coupe, along with the most powerful sports activity vehicle, the BMW X5 M. The high-revving six-cylinder inline engine with M TwinPower Turbo technology, newly developed for the BMW

M4 Convertible produces a maximum output of 431 hp. Its peak torque of 550 Newton metres (406 lb-ft) is available across a wide rev band, yet the engine also achieves a reduction in fuel consumption and emissions of around 25%.

The M4 Convertible power unit generates a maximum output of 431 hp from its 3.0-litre displacement, therefore it offers the driver not only exceptionally sporty performance attributes, but also sufficient reserves of power to cruise along in a relaxed but rapid style.

MERCEDES AMG GT AVAILABLE AT NBK SHOWROOM

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asser Bin Khaled Automobiles, the authorised general distributors of Mercedes-Benz in Qatar, is proud to offer Qatar motorists a unique opportunity to drive one of the most dynamic, luxurious and sporty GT cars. The GT family, including the coupe models AMG GT, AMG GT S, AMG GT R, and the convertibles AMG GT Roadster and AMG GT C Roadster are available now at the NBK Automobiles showroom on Salwa Road.

The AMG GT and AMG GT S are distinguished by their long bonnet, cockpit positioned far back, and a wide and powerful rear end. The panoramic roof connected directly to the windscreen spans the entire roof area. It offers the driver and front passenger an excellent view. The striking carbon-fibre roof lends the car more flair and individuality. It is made of visible carbon fibre of the kind used in motorsport.

CHECK OUT HYUNDAI’S NEW i30 N

Skyline Automotive, the official distribution partner of Hyundai Motor Company for Qatar, has gradually revealed details of the i30 N during the past few months before finally unveiling complete specifications. Now the new model has gone public at the Frankfurt Motor Show in Germany.

The voices praising the i30 N included the highly respected UK magazine Auto Express, which pointed out that the new car offered more power than the traditional hot hatch benchmark, the Volkswagen Golf GTI. And Germany’s Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung newspaper pointed out the car’s enjoyable exhaust sound and its sporty features.

From Spain, MotorZeta praised the aggressive and muscular styling, and Autopista.es judged it as “a very complete sports car...a highly recommended car to use both in day-to-day routine and for an exciting day at the circuit.”

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affairs > auto news

SHOWCASING FERRARI’S FOUR-SEATER HERITAGE We analyse the most significant models that have shaped the history of Ferrari’s V12 and V8 engine four-seaters.

Ferrari 166 Inter (1948) The 166 Inter was Ferrari’s first ever model for the roads and was based on the 166 sports racing models, such as the 166 MM barchetta, with which it shared a slightly lower-powered version of the 2-litre V12.

Typically for those years, no two cars were alike and one of the most popular coachbuilders of that era, Carrozzeria Touring, produced the majority of the model range, including this, the 166 Inter coupÈ Touring, which debuted at the 1948 Turin Motor Show.

Ferrari 250 GT 2+2 (1960) The 250 GT 2+2 was the first four-seater Ferrari to be produced in large numbers.

In fact, nearly 1000 cars were produced between the model’s launch at Le Mans 24 Hours in June 1960 and the end of 1963.

Although there had been other Ferrari models designated 2+2s in the early 1950s, the 250 GT 2+2 was the first with proper four-seat arrangements.

Ferrari 330 GT 2+2 (1964) The 330 America was replaced by the 330 GT 2+2 coupÈ, which was presented at the annual Ferrari pre-season competition press conference in January 1964, making its public appearance at the Brussels Salon later that month.

Ferrari 365 GT 2+2 (1967) The 365 GT 2+2 was presented at the 1967 Paris Motor Show, and was the replacement for the 330 GT 2+2. With its elegant, imposing lines, it was the first Ferrari to feature power steering and air conditioning as standard for the American market.

Ferrari 365 GTC4 (1971) The 365 GTC4 was the successor to the 365 GT 2+2. The body style was very different from the models that it replaced: gone were the rounded curves and the elliptical radiator grille, to be replaced by a much more angular wedge design. The more compact design of a two-seater coupÈ 48 > QATAR TODAY > OCTOBER 2017

actually hid the fact that the car had two small rear seats which had folding backs to increase luggage space.

Ferrari 365 GT4 2+2 (1972) This was a brand new design from Pininfarina, which faced the task of developing a fast, svelte and elegant 2+2, powered by the classic 4.4-litre VI2 engine that would break with the more classical lines of the 1967 365 GT 2+2 and provide greater rear seat space than that car’s successor, the 1971 GTC4. The 365 GT4 2+2 model was announced at the 1972 Paris Salon, and continued in production until 1976.

Ferrari 456 GT (1992) The 456 GT took the luxury 2+2 coupÈ theme to new heights and saw Ferrari return to the front-engine concept for the first time since the 1968 365 GTB4. The all-new 65∞ V12 provided unprecedented flexibility and power.

Ferrari GTC4Lusso (2016) Along with a new name, Ferrari gave the GTC4Lusso updated lines, a new interior, and a touch more horsepower from its V12 engine. The performance displays the thrilling Ferrari soundtrack, with an increased power output from 651 horsepower to 680 ponies. This Italian horsepower allows the GTC4Lusso to reach

0 to 100 km/h in 3.4 seconds on the way to its 333 km/h top speed.

Ferrari GTC4Lusso T (2016) Recently, Ferrari announced the new Ferrari GTC4Lusso T - the first four-seater in Prancing Horse history to sport a V8 turbo engine, hailing a whole new Ferrari GT concept. The model is aimed at owners seeking a car that is sporty and versatile, but also perfect for frequent driving.

Ferrari has given the GTC4Lusso T a 3.9-litre V8 turbo. The car’s maximum power output is 610 cv at 7,500 rpm, while maximum torque of 760 Nm is available at between 3,000 and 5,250 rpm. This Italian horsepower allows the GTC4Lusso T to reach 0 to 100 km/h in 3.5 seconds on way to its 320 km/h top speed

business > marketwatch NBK AND MICHELIN’S ‘KILOMETERS OF SAFETY’ CAMPAIGN Nasser Bin Khaled and Sons announced the two lucky winners of the Michelin ‘Kilometers of Safety’ campaign.

The draw, supported by Michelin Tyres, NBK Automobiles and Qatar Automobiles Company (QAC), took place at Michelin Tyre-Plus’ outlet in Gharaffa.

BACK WITH A BANG: ST. REGIS’ GRAND BRUNCH

The St. Regis Doha recently announced the return of its Grand Brunch. With more than 2,000 square metres of offerings prepared by leading chefs from Astor Grill, Gordon Ramsay Doha, The Raw Bar and Vine Restaurant, The St. Regis Grand Brunch continues to delight guests with 16 unique food stations.

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heikh Faleh bin Nawaf Al Thani, Operations Director, Nasser Bin Khaled Holding - Automotive, said: “I would like to again thank our partners from Michelin, NBK Automobiles and QAC for their support. This is yet another successful campaign that perfectly ties within our objective to turn every customer purchase into an exciting experience.”

The Michelin raffle draw was part of the exclusive summer campaign promotion which lasted from May 29 to August 28. The promotion was launched to ensure that customers are well aware of the importance of tyre safety when purchasing and maintaining tyres.

With shaded tables displayed on the outdoor terrace overlooking the Olympic-size pool and the Arabian Gulf, food lovers can indulge in an array of culinary delights showcasing the signature dishes from each restaurant. Antipasti, succulent cold cuts, beef Wellington, live pasta and risotto are featured alongside cooking stations, manned by chefs ready to cook dishes to order, and a carvery serving the finest meat cuts.

This culinary experience is accompanied by live music from the hotel’s resident band, usually featured in The Club. The band will perform at The St. Regis Grand Brunch every week.

SBE ANNOUNCES OPENING OF MONDRIAN DOHA Global lifestyle hospitality company sbe recently announced the opening of Mondrian Doha, marking the luxury hotel brand’s first property in the Middle East.

Jorge Giannattasio, Chief Operating Officer at sbe, said: “We are thrilled to open our first hotel in the Middle East in Doha, Qatar. After so much time and investment has been put into this hotel it is fantastic to be able to see it all finally come to life, and we’re looking forward to expanding the sbe brand further into the region next year.”

The property boasts the largest ESPA spa in the world, with the 2,000-square-metre facility featuring separate spas for men and women, eleven treatment rooms, a spa within the spa, and Hammam areas. In addition, Mondrian Doha has a 24-hour fitness centre and a rooftop pool.

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business > marketwatch

A BEACON OF QATARI HOSPITALITY

The Torch Doha is the centrepiece of Doha’s majestic Sports City - Aspire Zone.

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oaring 300 metres, with 360° panoramic views across the city from the Aspire Tower, The Torch Doha is a haven for discerning visitors, from sports enthusiasts and business leaders to health and wellness seekers.

The luxury five-star hotel has been the tallest building in Doha since 2007, with an exterior of 3,780 the LED lights that bring the building to life after sunset. The most iconic hotel in Doha is spread across 51 floors, consisting of 132 deluxe rooms, 24 junior suites, four executive suites and three diplomatic suites, all offering a unique iPad in-room solution that serves as a navigation system for the entire room, including room temperature control, curtain and TV operation, in-room dining, lighting control and more. An additional mood lighting system also provides a unique visual experience for the guest with 12 different colour options to choose from.

The Torch Doha has three distinct restaurants, including THREE SIXTY, the only revolving restaurant in the whole of Qatar. In addition, the hotel boasts six meeting rooms that host events ranging from business meetings to large weddings, and are fully equipped to accommodate the guests’ needs. The property’s health

50 > QATAR TODAY > OCTOBER 2017

club offers a personalized service with unsurpassed relaxation opportunities, including fitness and gym facilities on the 19th floor and a sauna and jet shower experience, followed by sky-high swimming in the cantilevered pool, 80 metres above ground level.

The Torch Doha is the centrepiece of Doha’s majestic Sports City - Aspire Zone.

Qatar’s Aspire Zone features some of the world’s finest sports stadia and venues, offering unique sports arenas in Qatar and activities, sports medicine, research and education facilities for the international sports industry. Aspire Zone is able to

service the highest sporting demands, ranging from hosting major sports events, training and pre-competition camps to conferences and research, as well as sport treatment services, all just 25 minutes from the new Hamad International Airport and even closer to the City Center. Hotel guests also have private walkway access to one of Doha’s largest shopping destinations, Villaggio Mall.

Due to its exclusive concept and convenient location in the centre of Aspire Zone, The Torch Doha is ready to welcome you to explore its finesse, introducing you to a new era of Qatari hospitality

SETTING THE STANDARD IN HERITAGE, EXPERIENCE Tivoli Hotels and Resorts now operating Souq Waqif Boutique Hotels in Doha; Minor Hotels appoints Patsada Satthacharoen as Area Director of Marketing Communications, Qatar.

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ivoli Hotels and Resorts – part of Minor Hotels – recently announced that it is now operating Souq Waqif Boutique Hotels in Doha, a collection of nine unique and historical buildings featuring intricate décor and architecture, nestled in the heart of the historic Souq Waqif.

Souq Waqif Boutique Hotels, which is one of the many assets managed by Katara Hospitality, will now be known as Souq Waqif Boutique Hotels by Tivoli. The synergies of these two brands will enhance the development of the local hospitality sector and contribute towards the economic diversification, as envisioned in the Qatar National Vision 2030.

Guests staying at Souq Waqif Boutique Hotels by Tivoli can experience both traditional culture and the modern vibes of the city, discovering Souq Waqif through guided tours offered by their personal butler. In addition, one can also explore narrow winding alleyways, which reveal merchants trading in fine silk, carpets, spices, textiles, antiques, musical instruments and Arabian Oud perfume.

Located within the renowned Souq Waqif and close to Doha’s Hamad International Airport, as well as major business hubs such as the new Msheireb business district and the Bank Street, Souq Waqif Boutique Hotels by Tivoli offers Arabian tradition

and culture, combined with the luxury service and personal attention for which Tivoli hotels are renowned.

Backed by its impeccable 80 plus years of heritage and experience, Tivoli Hotels & Resorts is allowing guests to enjoy the most authentic features of every destination, along with innovative and outstanding service. As part of Minor Hotels’ portfolio of brands, Tivoli now adds Qatar to the collection of distinctive high-end luxury properties it operates in Portugal and Brazil.

In other news, Minor Hotels also announced the appointment of Patsada Satthacharoen as the new Area Director of Marketing Communications, Qatar.

Patsada is considered a specialist in preopenings and rebranding projects. Prior to joining Minor Hotels group, she opened six hotels and rebranded ten for various international hotel chains.

Patsada is now overseeing five hotels managed by the Minor Hotels Group in Qatar, including Banana Island Resort Doha

by Anantara, Souq Waqif Boutique Hotels

by Tivoli, which is now undergoing the rebranding process, and three pre-opening projects, which are Tivoli Al Najada Doha Hotel, Oaks Al Najada Doha and Souq Al Wakra Hotel Qatar by Tivoli, scheduled to open in 2018 51 > QATAR TODAY > OCTOBER 2017

city life > doha diary

MEEZA, QATAR POST’S 21ST CENTURY SERVICES

In an effort to revamp the country’s postal sector and provide ‘21st century’ services to its citizens and businesses, IT services and solutions provider MEEZA is helping Qatar Post to expand its capabilities through managed IT services for all its IT initiatives.

T QGBC’S CERTIFICATION PROGRAMME FOR HOTELS

he partnership is coming into effect in tandem with Qatar Post’s modernisation drive and its recently revealed new visual identity.

MEEZA will be providing Qatar Post with a sophisticated range of end-toend managed IT services and solutions that cover the company’s Information and Communications Technology (ICT) infrastructure, security services, service operations, disaster recovery, call centre operations, as well as a number of end user

‘Desktop-as-a-Service’ features.

Commenting on the occasion, MEEZA CEO Eng. Ahmad Mohamed Al Kuwari said: “As a selected ICT partner of the Ministry of Transportation and Communication, MEEZA is delighted to be working with Qatar Post, which we consider as a key pillar of the country’s development over the years, to help bring the postal company’s digital infrastructure and its end-user services to the 21st century.”

HBKU, EXXONMOBIL JOIN HANDS FOR RESEARCH PROJECTS

Hotels in Qatar will soon be able to obtain internationally accepted certification for environmental sustainability through Qatar Green Building Council (QGBC), which will oversee the national management of the ‘Green Key’ programme in Qatar.

QGBC will subsequently manage and issue Green Key certification across Qatar’s hospitality sector. All hotels and tourism establishments in Qatar are eligible to apply to become Green Key-certified upon meeting all of the necessary criteria.

Engineer Meshal Al Shamari, Director, QGBC, said: “QGBC is honoured to take on the national responsibility of overseeing the prestigious Green Key programme. The comprehensive guidelines to obtain the certification provide a clear path for the sector to follow and achieve their sustainability goals in addition to meeting the requirements of the Qatar Tourism Authority’s new classification system.

Furthermore, having a unified grading system in place will serve to improve sustainability standards across the industry and further drive Qatar’s overall sustainability ambitions.”

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amad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU) and ExxonMobil Research Qatar (EMRQ) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for forging a commitment to advance science and technology through research and development in Qatar.

The partnership aims at strengthening the cooperation between the two parties through the exchange of knowledge, student opportunities and academic development programmes.

The MoU was signed by Dr Ahmad M Hasnah, president of HBKU, and Alistair Routledge, president and general manager of ExxonMobil Qatar, at a ceremony held at the HBKU headquarters in Education City in the presence of senior executives from both organisations and marked the launch of the HBKU - EMRQ Research Scholars Program, which will be used by the two organisations to collaborate on joint research projects.

The collaboration involves the participation of graduate students from HBKU’s College of Humanities & Social Sciences (CHSS) and the College of Science & Engineering (CSE). Research undertaken in the programme will contribute to projects in the fields of environmental management, water usage, geology and safety.

EVENT MANAGEMENT DEGREE WITH A DIFFERENCE

QATARI ENTREPRENEURS CONNECT WITH QBIC Qatar Business Incubation Center (QBIC) hosted a speaker series session with the inspirational Jawaher Al Fardan and Ghanim Al Sulaiti. The co-founders of Evergreen Organics shared their journey and experiences with the participants of the 9th wave of QBIC’s Lean Startup Program (LSP) as they’re about to embark on their own journey of learning and success.

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BIC witnessed a whopping 225% increase in applications from 2016 and a 47% increase in applications from the 8th wave to the 9th wave of LSP. For the first time ever, more than 100 start-ups were chosen to take part in the 10-week journey.

QBIC’s most recent outreach campaign called on budding Qatari entrepreneurs to take part in diversifying their country’s economy in order to establish self-sufficiency. The successful initiative reached out to the nationalism within the Qatari population and ended up contributing to the record number of applications QBIC received over the past few months.

UNDERSTAND ACCESSIBILITY WITH SASOL

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upporting an agenda for inclusive tourism, Sasol unveiled its Understand Accessibility programme in partnership with QTA with the inclusion of 9-dimensional virtual reality (9-D VR) chairs at the official World Tourism Day (WTD) celebrations in Doha. Organised by the UNWTO and QTA, WTD brought together representatives from tourism authorities and ministries around the world to explore tourism’s contribution to countries’ long-term development and sustainable growth.

Thirteen local and regional business events professionals have earned an Event Management Degree (EMD) after completing the programme certified by the Union of International Fairs (UFI) in Qatar.

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he six-month training programme came as part of Qatar Tourism Authority’s (QTA) efforts to enhance Qatar’s competitiveness in the business events field, and was delivered in collaboration with the Exhibition, Convention and Event Management Company (ECE).

The EMD programme aims at helping business event professionals develop essential skills, particularly those related to project and risk management for exhibitions, sales management, exhibition marketing, strategic management and sustainability in the exhibition industry.

“This EMD programme is one of many efforts undertaken to empower local exhibitions professionals with the tools they need to attract and deliver the highest quality of events,” said Ahmed Al Obaidli, Director of Exhibitions at QTA.

Understand Accessibility is a programme developed as part of Accessible Qatar, a long-standing corporate social responsibility initiative of Sasol, to find solutions and raise awareness of the accessibility challenges faced by the disabled community. Understand Accessibility will work in partnership with QTA to place the immersive 9-D VR chairs at events, exhibitions and venues around the country in an effort to help people and decision makers to understand and experience the accessibility challenges faced by people with disabilities.

53 > QATAR TODAY > OCTOBER 2017

We take a look at how Chef Simon manages to cook up a storm, train for a marathon, and manage a team of kitchen staff across various outlets in Mondrian Doha.

5am

A day in the life of...

Chef Simon is up really early in the morning, and it does not take him long to hit the treadmill. Staying fit and fresh for the rest of the day is all-important for him.

Simon John Winchester Executive Chef at Mondrian Doha

Qatar Today follows the daily routines of professionals around the country from all walks of life.

8am

By Udayan Nag

He arrives at work and touches base with the culinary team to run through daily and pending tasks.

He also does a walk-through of the production kitchens and checks receiving of goods, before doing a run-through of breakfast in CUT

BY WOLFGANG PUCK and the staff restaurant downstairs.

9.30am

He’s off to the kitchens to taste the dishes for the staff restaurant, reading and responding to emails along the way. Next, he meets with the executive sous chef to give final approvals to all kitchen and restaurant orders.

Overseeing such distinct and notable culinary concepts such as CUT, Morimoto and Hudson Tavern makes the day exciting and challenging at the same time.

11am

After meetings with the management, which involves brainstorming new ideas and plans, Simon does a walk-through of all kitchens, including checking refrigerators, freezers and the food production levels at the back of the house. He also does a walk-through of the front house ensuring that guests are happy and enjoying their breakfast offering at the CUT, the incredible concept by Chef Wolfgang Puck.

Then, he’ll stop by Magnolia Bakery for a little cupcake decoration.

12.30pm

It’s hands on the deck as Simon gets on the operational floor for lunch service. The business lunch at CUT is a hit - orders for the ‘Hong-Kong Style’ salmon keep coming in as orders are rounded off with sorbet and ice cream made on the house.

3pm

After the lunch rush is over, Simon meets with all executive chefs and chef de cuisines for the daily briefing. This is also the time he’s able to grab lunch for himself.

As the dinner service begins, Chef Simon spends time on the restaurant floors supporting the team across all areas.

Hudson Tavern is buzzing - orders for the Poutine and mouth-watering burgers keep rolling in.

6pm

The last task of the day is a final walk-through and debrief with the executive sous chefs to discuss the highs and lows of the day and analysing how the next day can be even better.

The first-ever Morimoto in the Middle East is fully booked, offering the finest sushi, seafood and Japanese-American dishes in Doha.

4pm

There’s a quick meeting with the food and beverage director as it’s time to get ready for dinner service.

This is the time for another walk-through, addressing of issues, and a food tasting session in the main kitchen.

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9-10pm

10.30pm

Time to head home and get some rest before the action starts all over again tomorrow.