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inside this issue January 2020 / Vol. 46
34 DIVERSE RESOLUTIONS AND UNIFIED HOPES
Over the course of the previous years, Qatar has demonstrated consistency in growth and unmatched capabilities. While 2019 was significant, 2020 is set to be unlike any other.
14 OIL PRICES MAY SURGE AS US AND 48 EDUCATION KEY FOR NATION'S DEVELOPMENT CHINA SMOKE PEACE PIPE The de-escalation of the US-China trade war is likely to witness oil prices surge to $73-$75 per barrel in 2020.
23 THRIVING ON INNOVATION
Daniel Jones Group (DJ Group) is one of UK's most innovative and tech savvy real estate developers with unique and secure brands for investments.
The role played by education in shaping the future of the younger generation as well as the country cannot be ignored in meeting the objectives of the Qatar National Vision 2030 and the government has committed itself to developing a knowledge-based economy for the overall progress of the country.
63 HOW CLIMATE CHANGE TALKS FAILED OUR FUTURE GENERATIONS As the longest-ever round of negotiations failed to achieve concrete results marched calling for ambitious action, Neeshad Shafi writes.
JANUARY 2020 > QATAR TODAY 1
inside this issue January 2020 / Vol. 46
08 HH THE AMIR OFFERS CONDOLENCES TO SULTAN OF OMAN
09 QATAR RANKED FIRST IN MENA REGION IN FOOD SECURITY
09 HH THE AMIR APPOINTS A NEW PRIME MINISTER
10 KUWAIT FORMS A NEW GOVERNMENT
and regulars 08
NEWS BITES
12
OIL & GAS REVIEW
18
BANK NOTES
22
REAL ESTATE
65
AUTO NEWS
66
DOHA DIARY
68 MARKETWATCH
2 QATAR TODAY > JANUARY 2020
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from the desk The year 2019 saw tumultuous changes in all spheres in the country. As announced earlier, Qatar left the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) on New Year's to concentrate on its LNG industry. True to its word, the government unveiled plans to acquire more than 60 LNG ships for transporting the clean fuel as Qatar Petroleum decided to step up its production capacity to around 110 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) by 2024 and to 126 million MTPA by 2027, an increase of 64% from the current 77 MTPA. Qatar now trails behind Australia as the world's largest LNG exporter but will regain its position in the next couple of years in view of the increased LNG output from North Field, the world’s biggest natural gas field which Qatar shares with Iran. On its ongoing feud with neighbours, Qatar has seen little progress in the normalisation of relations but countries beyond the Middle East stood by it, proving that the unjust blockade had little impact on the country’s economic progress. Qatar Today’s first cover story of the new decade relates the untold stories of several rising icons in various fields of industry in delivering their aspirations for the country. Their expectations are high for 2020 but, at the same time, their vision and mission are in tandem with the aspirations of the government. On the financial front, the government has presented a five-year expansionary budget for 2020 even as many of the FIFA World Cup projects have either been completed or are in the finishing stages. It is also keen to develop the Fintech industry while the banking sector continues to thrive despite the projection of slowdown by various agencies. Qatar contributed $100 million to help small developing island states and the least developed states to build their capacity in dealing with the destructive effects of climate change, natural disasters and environmental challenges. Very disappointingly, the COP25 climate conference failed to meet activists' aspirations. Qatar also played host to the IAAF World Athletics Championships, the biggest sporting event held for the firsttime in the Middle East, and also the Qatar 2019 World Beach Games, while the national team won the AFC Asia Cup in the early part of the year. In addition to our interesting regular features and our spotlight on the country’s education sector, Qatar Today presents an analysis on the deescalation of US-China tensions, which may help drive a surge in oil prices. We at Qatar Today wish all our readers a year of prosperity, and a year of reaching out to those outside our own family and to the needy. Happy Reading in 2020!
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newsbites AMIR “COUNTRIES, WHERE THERE IS A MUSLIM MAJORITY, HAVE PROVED BY EXPERIENCE AND PRACTICES THAT THERE IS NO CONTRADICTION BETWEEN ISLAMIC CULTURE, DEVELOPMENT, GOOD GOVERNANCE AND HUMAN RIGHTS, AND THAT, LIKE OTHER MAJOR CIVILIZATIONS, THEY CAN BE INCUBATORS OF ENLIGHTENED AND RATIONAL SYSTEMS OF GOVERNANCE.” HIS HIGHNESS SHEIKH TAMIM BIN HAMAD AL THANI
The Amir State of Qatar
HH THE AMIR OFFERS CONDOLENCES TO SULTAN OF OMAN His Highness, The Amir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani offered condolences to HM Sultan Haitham bin Tariq Al Said of the Sultanate of Oman on the death of Sultan Qaboos bin Said bin Taimur, at Al Alam Palace. Accompanied by an official delegation, HH the Amir also offered condolences to the members of the royal family, ranking officials and notables.
AMIR DISCUSSES REGIONAL TENSIONS WITH WORLD LEADERS
A
mid increasing Iran-US tensions, His Highness, The Amir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani spoke to world leaders such as US President Donald Trump, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson, French President Emmanuel Macron, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Iraqi President Dr Barham Salih to discuss the latest developments in the region and ways to ensure security and stability both regionally and internationally. The discussions were held following the US killing of an Iranian top commander, Maj Gen Qassem Soleimani, at Baghdad International Airport, which has sparked a major escalation of regional tensions, and Tehran’s retaliatory missile strikes on US bases early in January. The Amir discussed the developments in Iraq as well as ways to resolve controversial issues in the region and reduce tension. During 8 QATAR TODAY > JANUARY 2020
the talks, Boris Johnson reiterated the need for calm on all sides. The prime minister underlined the UK’s continued commitment to the JCPoA and to ongoing engagement to reduce tensions and find diplomatic solutions. The two leaders discussed the importance of Coalition forces’ continued presence in the region to tackle the shared threat from Islamic State. The Iraqi president briefed the Amir about the latest developments in the Iraqi arena and both leaders reviewed the situation. For his part, the Amir affirmed Qatar’s keenness that security and stability be established in Iraq. During his talks with the Turkish president, the Amir reviewed the development of events in the region, especially in Syria and Libya, besides what happened recently in Iraq, and discussed ways of achieving calm in order to maintain the security and stability of the region.
AMIR WITNESSES EXXONMOBIL OPEN 2019
T
he Amir attended part of the second-round action of the 28th Qatar ExxonMobil Open 2020 tennis tournament at the Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex. HH the Amir watched the match that took place between Fernando Verdasco of Spain and Filip Krajinovic of Serbia, which was won by Verdasco.
newsbites LOCAL
T
AMIR APPOINTS NEW PRIME MINISTER
QATAR'S FIRST FEMALE MINISTER PASSES AWAY
he Amir, HH Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani has appointed HE Sheikh Khalid bin Khalifa bin Abdelaziz Al Thani as the new Prime Minister replacing H E Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani, on January 28. HE Sheikh Khalid bin Khalifa bin Abdelaziz Al Thani, who had been the head of the Amiri Diwan, the Amir’s office, will also hold the charge as Qatar’s Interior Minister. “The Amir issued the Amiri order number two of 2020, appointing H E Sheikh Khalid bin Khalifa Bin Abdulaziz Al Thani as prime minister. The emiri order shall be effective starting from its date of issue,” the staterun Qatar News Agency reported. The new Prime Minister earlier worked in the gas industry and was educated in the US before joining the office of the Amir, when the latter was the Crown Prince. Key cabinet positions such as foreign, energy, finance, defence and trade ministries remained unchanged.
H
er Excellency Sheikha Al Mahmoud, the first female Minister of Education and Higher Education of Qatar, has passed away. Before she became the Minister of Education and Higher Education in 2003, HE Al Mahmoud worked as the Undersecretary at the Ministry of Education and Higher Education, based on the Amiri Decree No. 79 of 1996. HE Al Mahmoud was an honourable figure as she was named by Qatar University as the Personality of the Year in 2018, for her services that has inspired the younger generations.
QATAR RANKED FIRST IN MENA REGION IN FOOD SECURITY
Q
atar maintained its first position in the MENA region in the Global Food Security Index for 2019 and jumped nine spots to 13th globally. The latest edition of the index was issued in December 2019, comprising three sub-indices - a consumer’s ability to afford food, food availability, and food safety and quality. Qatar was ranked 22nd globally in 2018. In 2018, Qatar launched strategic projects to support food security and had great achievements in this regard, the report noted. Sheikh Dr Falih bin Nasser Al Thani, Assistant Undersecretary for Agriculture and Fisheries Affairs at the Ministry of Municipality and Environment (MME), and other officials spoke about the outcome of the implementation of the National Strategic Plan for Food Security in Qatar for 2019. With the ministry’s strategy aiming to achieve food security, a “large production boom” has been witnessed in terms of vegetables, livestock and fish during the recent period. JANUARY 2020 > QATAR TODAY 9
newsbites REGION “THE ISLAMIC REPUBLIC OF IRAN DOES NOT SEEK TENSIONS IN THE REGION, BUT THE PRESENCE AND INTERFERENCE OF THE FOREIGN AND EXTRA-REGIONAL FORCES HAVE CAUSED INSTABILITY, INSECURITY AND ESCALATION OF TENSIONS IN OUR DELICATE REGION.” MOHAMMAD JAVAD ZARIF
Minister of Foreign Affairs Islamic Republic of Iran
OMAN’S SULTAN
PASSES AWAY
O
man’s Sultan His Majesty Qaboos bin Said Al Said, the Arab world’s longest-ruling monarch known for promoting peace, died on January 10. Oman named the late leader’s cousin Haitham bin Tariq Al Said as the country’s new ruler. The former culture minister was sworn in before the ruling family council. State television said authorities had opened a letter by the late leader naming his successor, without elaborating. An official announcement on January 11 said: “With sadness ...the Omani Sultanate court mourns ...our Sultan Qaboos bin Said ... who God chose to be by his side on Friday (January 10) evening.” A three-day period of mourning has been declared in Oman and the country’s flag will be flown at half-mast for 40 days.
KUWAIT FORMS A NEW GOVERNMENT 10 QATAR TODAY > JANUARY 2020
IRAN ADMITS SHOOTING DOWN UKRAINIAN AIRLINER
A
fter initially denying reports suggesting it had caused the crash of a Ukrainian airliner, Iran has acknowledged that it “unintentionally” shot down the plane. The announcement came a day after officials from the US, Canada and the UK said they believed the plane was accidentally brought down by an Iranian missile. The Ukraine International Airlines flight PS752 bound for Kyiv crashed minutes after takeoff from Imam Khomeini International Airport in Tehran on January 8, killing all 176 people on board. The crash happened hours after Iran launched missile attacks on US forces in Iraq in retaliation for the US assassination of top Iranian commander Qassem Soleimani.
K
uwait formed a new government on December 17 that replaced the son of the Emir as Defence Minister and named an interior minister from outside the ruling family, a month after the former cabinet quit due to a row between members of the family and Parliament. The oil minister of the OPEC producer retained his post while new foreign and finance ministers were named, the state news agency Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) said. Kuwait has the most open political system in the Gulf Arab region, with a parliament wielding power to pass legislation and question ministers, although senior posts are occupied by ruling family members, according to a report.
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business OIL & GAS “ASIA IS THE BIGGEST MARKET FOR LNG, OR FUELS IN GENERAL, BECAUSE THAT IS WHERE [ECONOMIES ARE GROWING], AND THAT IS WHERE THE NEED IS. FOR US, THE ASIAN MARKET IS A FUNDAMENTAL MARKET AND WE HAVE GREAT RELATIONSHIPS POLITICALLY WITH ALL THE ASIAN COUNTRIES.” HIS EXCELLENCY SAAD BIN SHERIDA AL KAABI
Minister of State for Energy Affairs State of Qatar
QATAR PETROLEUM TO GAS INVESTMENTS DECLINE IN MENA REGION SUPPLY LNG TO KUWAIT
T
he MENA region witnessed a y-o-y decline of $70 billion in the outlook for both committed and planned investments, weighed down largely by Saudi Arabia and lower prospects for Iran’s gas sector, according to Arab Petroleum Investments Corporation (APICORP). In its report entitled “Gas Investments Outlook 2019-2023,” APICORP said committed projects declined by 17%, driven by a more than $11 billion and $5 billion drop in Iran and Egypt, respectively. Out of the nine countries that had committed upstream investments in the 2018 outlook, seven saw a y-o-y decline, including Iran, which saw its share of projects under execution fall by 77%. Libya, Iraq and the UAE, on the other hand, are among the few countries witnessing an increase. On the downstream side – with the exception of Qatar and the UAE – committed investments declined, most notably in Saudi Arabia (60%) and Kuwait (close to 80%), as well as Algeria and Iran whose downstream activity fell by around 50%, the report said.
GLOBAL LNG PRODUCTION SOARS IN 2019
G
lobal LNG production jumped in 2019, triggering oversupply and low prices that are expected to persist in 2020, says a report by Independent Commodity Intelligence Services. Initial full-year data from LNG Edge shows exports at 355 million tonnes in 2019, up from 314.9 million tonnes in 2018, representing the largest-ever increase in production. While
12 QATAR TODAY > JANUARY 2020
Q
atar Petroleum (QP) has signed a 15-year agreement to supply Kuwait with up to 3 million tonnes of liquefied natural gas (LNG) per year. Deliveries to Kuwait’s Al Zour port will begin in 2022 to support meeting Kuwait’s growing energy needs and demand, particularly in the power generation sector, QP said in a joint statement with Kuwait Petroleum Corporation. “This agreement extends Qatar’s long standing LNG supply relationship with Kuwait well into the 2030s and highlights our commitment to meeting Kuwait’s LNG requirements,” HE Saad Sherida Al Kaabi, Minister of State for Energy Affairs and the CEO of QP, said. Kuwait, which began importing LNG in 2009, is in dire need of gas for power generation and is seeking to reduce its reliance on crude to produce electricity and water. In 2017, it signed a 15-year LNG agreement with Shell for supplies to start this year. “Kuwait is embarking on an ambitious path of economic growth, which requires cleaner energy sources such as natural gas that will contribute to reducing emissions and improving local air quality,” Kuwait’s Energy Minister Khaled Al Fadhel said.
East Asian, especially Chinese, demand increased in 2017 and 2018 to absorb additional production, there was little change in 2019. Instead, supply pushed into Europe and reached a record high, having a major impact on regional hub pricing with price correlations growing between Europe and Asia. European LNG imports rose close to 76 million tonnes in 2019, according to the provisional data. LNG sellers used the European market to absorb the global oversupply with a rise in spot sales and portfolio sellers bringing more cargoes into their own European terminal positions. Europe absorbed over 21% of all LNG produced globally in 2019, up from 13% in 2018 in what was by far the most significant change across all regions.
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business OIL & GAS
OIL PRICES MAY SURGE AS US AND CHINA SMOKE PEACE PIPE THE DE-ESCALATION OF THE US-CHINA TRADE WAR IS LIKELY TO WITNESS OIL PRICES SURGE TO $73-$75 PER BARREL IN 2020. BY DR MAMDOUH G. SALAMEH
O
il prices were depressed throughout 2019 because of the US-China trade war which has created uncertainty in the global economy and also depressed global oil demand and therefore prices. Due to this, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) estimated that growth in the global economy during 2019 declined from a projected 3.9% to 3%. The trade war has widened an already existing glut in the oil market from a manageable 1-1.5 Million Barrels per Day (MBD) before the war to an estimated 4-5 MBD. The glut was big enough to undermine OPEC+ production cuts, nullify the impact of geopolitics and outages on oil prices and even absorb the loss of some 5.7 MBD, or half of Saudi oil production, in the aftermath of the Houthis’ devastating attacks on Saudi oil infrastructure in September 2019. That is why oil prices remained within a range of $60-$65 a barrel almost throughout 2019. If the de-escalation in the US-China trade war continues into 2020, it will stimulate the global economy, enhance global oil demand, deplete a large part of the glut and push oil prices towards $75 a barrel even without any need for new OPEC+ production cuts.
14 QATAR TODAY > JANUARY 2020
Other factors that could impact oil prices in 2020 are the geopolitical implications of the US assassination by drone of Iran’s most powerful military leader, General Qassem Soleimani at Baghdad Airport on the 4th of January, the acceleration of the slowdown in US shale oil production and potential threats to the Saudi oil industry. The attack wasn’t only an escalation of the tension between the United States and Iran but also a violation of Iraq’s sovereignty. Iran’s promised harsh revenge for the assassination of General Soleimani will determine whether it will escalate into an armed conflict with the United States. However, one thing the world should be sure of is that Iran will retaliate but in a measured way to hurt the United States badly rather than lead to war between them. Moreover, American citizens in the Middle East will never ever be able to show their faces again and they will be under immense pressure to leave, particularly the oil workers operating in Iraq. IRAN’S RETALIATION COULD TRANSLATE INTO ONE OF THESE MEASURES
Iran will exert maximum pressure on
the Iraqi government to demand the full withdrawal of all US forces from Iraq. This is something the assassinated General Soleimani had reportedly been working on. It could order its militia in Iraq to ransack the American Embassy in Baghdad and take some US diplomats hostage. This will lead to a massacre as the American Embassy in Baghdad is well defended. However, any massacre will only hasten the departure of the US troops from Iraq. Iran could also order its militia in Iraq to attack American forces and either kill them or take them hostage. Alternatively, Iranian militia operating in Syria could attack American forces occupying Syria’s oilfields in the Deir Ezzor region and try to kill or take some American troops hostage. Iran could also order its allies in Yemen, the Houthis, to attack highly sensitive Saudi oil installations such as Ras Tanura loading terminal on the Gulf with the aim of crippling Saudi oil exports and precipitating a global oil crisis. While oil prices have risen by more than $2 a barrel in the aftermath of the US drone attack, the global oil market is
currently well supplied with oil. Still, if Iran’s retaliation really hurts the US, then there is a real possibility that the conflict could get out of hand and escalate into an armed conflict. Prices could then rocket particularly with Iran threatening to block the Strait of Hormuz. Short of a war between the two countries, oil prices will return to around $66-$67 a barrel after the Iranian retaliation. However, a continued de-escalation of the trade war coupled with a steady slowdown in US shale oil production will push oil prices to $73-$75 a barrel during 2020. US shale oil production is facing a steep oil rig count decline, confirmed production slowdown, declining well productivity and investments, bankruptcies and eventual demise. The hype over US shale oil production finally burst in 2019. Despite claims to the contrary by the US Energy Information Administration (EIA), US production is overstated by at least 2 MBD. This means that US oil production averaged 10.8 MBD last year and not 12.8 MBD as the EIA was claiming and is projected to average around 10 MBD or less in 2020 and will continue to decline until its demise in 4-9 years from now. Another factor is that Iran's allies, the Houthis, have taken the Saudi oil industry hostage. If the Saudi-led war in Yemen continues in 2020, retaliatory attacks by the Houthis might resume targeting the most sensitive oil installations, particularly Ras Tanura, the world's largest crude oil loading terminal. A successful attack on RasTannura could cripple Saudi oil exports possibly depriving global oil supplies of an estimated 7 MBD. OIL PRICE CRASH UNLIKELY The global oil markets are unlikely to witness another crash in prices in 2020 due to rising demand for LNG and renewables. However, there is always the possibility that President Trump, who is known to say one thing today and renege on it the following day, could be prevailed upon by neoconservatives within his administration to re-start the trade war with China, thus exerting adverse impact on oil prices and global oil demand as was the case in 2019. After all, the trade war goes far beyond trade. It is about the new world order in the 21st century and who will emerge as the dominant power.
Still, the global energy scene for the next decade and those thereafter will be governed by four pivotal realities. The first reality is that there will be no postoil era during the 21st century and probably far beyond. It is very doubtful that an alternative as versatile and practicable as oil, particularly in transport, could totally replace it in the next 100 years and beyond. The second reality is that there will be no peak oil demand either. While an increasing number of electric vehicles (EVs) on the roads coupled with government environmental legislation could slightly decelerate the demand for oil, EVs could never replace oil in global transport throughout the 21st century and far beyond. The third reality is that an imminent energy transition from hydrocarbons to renewables is an illusion. And the fourth reality is that oil and natural gas will continue to be the core business of the global oil industry for the foreseeable future. GCC SHOULD DIVERSIFY ECONOMIES Even if oil prices do not crash throughout the 21st century and far beyond, the GCC countries should begin diversifying their economies without delay. With proven oil reserves of 644 billion barrels (39% of the world’s reserves) and a combined GDP exceeding QR7.28 trillion ($2 trillion), the GCC countries could be a formidable economic bloc. However, their Achilles heel is their continued dependence on oil export revenues to the tune of 85%-90%. However, the greatest threat to their economies actually comes from the steeply rising domestic oil consumption for power generation and water desalination, and lack of diversification. To prevent this, the GCC countries not only have to accelerate the diversification of their economies and the transition to renewable and nuclear energy but also become smarter in their investment. A precursor of this consumption is the subsidies which, though declining, still exceed QR364 billion ($100 billion). A proposed diversification entails adding value to their great oil wealth in the form of exporting more refined products rather than crude oil, developing their
“WITH PROVEN OIL RESERVES OF 644 BILLION BARRELS (39% OF THE WORLD’S RESERVES) AND A COMBINED GDP EXCEEDING QR7.28 TRILLION ($2 TRILLION), THE GCC COUNTRIES COULD BE A FORMIDABLE ECONOMIC BLOC. HOWEVER, THEIR ACHILLES HEEL IS THEIR CONTINUED DEPENDENCE ON OIL EXPORT REVENUES TO THE TUNE OF 85%-90%.” DR MAMDOUH G. SALAMEH International Oil Economist
petrochemical industry and investing in food production. Food production alone would save the GCC countries an estimated QR182 billion ($50 billion) annually in food imports mostly from the US. Another aspect of diversification is intensive investment in renewable energy, particularly solar power, nuclear energy and water desalination technology. Solar power along with nuclear energy could provide all the electricity needs of the GCC countries. Solar energy could also power an extensive network of water desalination plants along the Arab Gulf countries’ coasts extending from the Arabian Gulf to the Arabian Sea and the Red Sea, not only for drinking but also for irrigation. Moreover, solar electricity could in the future be exported to Europe
JANUARY 2020 > QATAR TODAY 15
business OIL & GAS earning a very sizeable income for the Gulf countries. The GCC countries are consuming 6.38 MBD, or 33% of their oil production, a big chunk of which is being used to generate electricity and power 199 water desalination plants currently in operation. This means that the Arab Gulf countries will have to cut their domestic oil consumption drastically or replace oil by nuclear power and solar energy in electricity generation and water desalination. Failing to do either would result in their relegation to minor crude oil exporters by 2030 or ceasing to remain oil exporters altogether by 2032. Even with full diversification of the GCC economies, oil will continue to play the most decisive role in their economies but with far less adverse impact on their economies. LESSONS TO LEARN There are many lessons to be learned from the interaction between the economics and geopolitics of oil. The first lesson from the 2014 oil price crash is that the global economy can’t reconcile itself with low crude oil prices because the main ingredients that make up the global economy, namely global investments, the oil industry and the economies of the oilproducing countries, could be undermined. And while it is true that low oil prices could reduce the cost of manufacturing, thus helping the global economy to grow, it is a short-term benefit as this is vastly offset by a curtailment of global investment which forces companies around the world to cut spending, sell assets and make thousands, if not millions, of people redundant.
16 QATAR TODAY > JANUARY 2020
It also forces the global oil industry to sell assets and the economies of the oilproducing nations to sustain huge deficits, thus forcing them to cut expenditure and investment. The global economy benefits a lot from a fair oil price. My research has shown that a fair oil price ranges from $100-$120 a barrel. Such a price range stimulates global investments, enables the oil industry to balance its books and start financing new projects, and also enables the economies of the oil-producing nations to invest in exploration and expansion of production and to balance their budgets. The second lesson is that countries wanting to circumvent US sanctions should use the petro-Yuan rather than resort to cryptocurrencies. The petroYuan provides a viable way to circumvent the petrodollar system and thus evade US sanctions. Moreover, it is one of the world’s five reserve currencies, is convertible, and is supported by the world’s largest economy based on purchasing power parity (PPP) and also the world’s largest crude oil importer. The third lesson is how the LNG industry has enabled Qatar not only to triumph against the intrusive Saudi-led siege against it since 2017 but also to emerge far stronger than before the siege, with the IMF saying that Qatar’s economy grew by 2.2% in 2018 and by 2.6% in 2019. Moreover, Qatar has been expanding its LNG production and export capacities from the current 77 Million Tonnes Per Annum (MTPA) to 126 MTPA by 2027 to consolidate its position as the world’s top producer and exporter of LNG. Qatar has also been geopolitically
and economically savvy in diversifying its foreign investments and even buying up the opposition whenever opportunities presented themselves. Instead of Qatar suffering from the blockade, it is the bloc that imposed it that is finding the political and financial costs unsustainable particularly Saudi Arabia which continues to get sucked deeper into the costly Yemeni quagmire. The fourth lesson is that US foreign policy not only lacks morality but has also been demonstrating the ugly face of capitalism particularly under the administration. The claim by President Trump that the US protects oil-producing countries of the Arab Gulf is a brazen and crude attempt at blackmailing these countries and getting US hands on their money. The only threat facing these countries is Israel which is totally supported financially and militarily by the US in order to maintain its dominant position in the Middle East. America and Israel are one and the same and they pose the most serious threat to countries of the Middle East. Moreover, the US has no reason to continue occupying part of Syria’s territory and Syrian oilfields in the Deir Ezzor region. Its presence there is a violation of international law and Syria’s sovereignty. Now President Trump is using ISIS as the excuse to continue occupying Syrian territory illegally for the purpose of stealing Syria’s oil, depriving the legitimate government of Syria of its own oil and continuing to stir up trouble to prevent an end to the civil war there. When a retired American general accuses President Trump of turning American troops in Syria into oil pirates, it speaks volumes about the immorality of US foreign policy.
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business BANK NOTES
FINTECH HELPS QATAR’S FINANCIAL SECTOR FINANCIAL TECHNOLOGY (FINTECH) HAS A KEY ROLE IN THE GROWTH OF QATAR’S FINANCIAL SECTOR AND THE GOVERNMENT HAS INITIATED SEVERAL MEASURES TO EXPLORE IT TO THE HILT IN VIEW OF ITS BENEFITS ACCRUED BY NEW TECHNOLOGIES.
W
hile the global Fintech industry has been progressing at a rapid pace, the entire Middle East region accounted for only 1.8% of global Fintech start-ups in the past five years. In other words, Fintech offers bountiful opportunities to the players in the industry, and more so in the Islamic finance Fintech space. Big Four accounting firm Ernst & Young (EY), in its report in October 2018, found that Fintech that adheres to Islamic law might attract 150 million new banking customers within the next three years. Institutions such as Qatar Financial Centre (QFC), Qatar Development Bank (QDB) and many domestic banks have been at the forefront in promoting Fintech because under Qatar’s Second Strategic Plan for Financial Sector Regulation 201722, it is recognised as a primary tool for achieving long-term development goals for the financial sector. Qatar Central Bank (QCB) has been working on a Fintech strategy for some
18 QATAR TODAY > JANUARY 2020
time, and has prepared regulations that would foster innovation in financial technology. The strategy envisages Fintech playing a key role in forging new financial instruments that will improve both Qatar's financial inclusiveness and skills. QCB Governor HE Sheikh Abdulla bin Saoud Al Thani, while addressing a meeting at Carnegie Mellon University a few months ago, said: “Fintech is driving rapid changes in the needs and expectations of key market players. In this changing environment, innovation and technology are the key success factors for banks going forward.” QATAR AS REGIONAL HUB Even in its 10th Financial Stability Review, QCB pointed out that the government has been actively promoting Qatar as a regional centre for Fintech as new, costeffective technologies were becoming increasingly prominent worldwide. The blockchain, also called distributed ledger technology (DLT), is an open, distributed database that can record
transactions among parties efficiently and in a verifiable and permanent way. The application of the blockchain is being explored, especially in payment, clearing and settlement activities, because of potential efficiency gains arising from the technology, as in the case of cross-border payments. The blockchain-based digital payment system will bring a low-cost, highefficiency solution to serve the future digital economy to ensure people can exchange value in a secure, instant way without the need for trusted custodial clearinghouses or escrow services. With global banking currently a QR487.76 trillion ($134 trillion) industry, blockchain technology could disintermediate key services that banks provide, viz., by establishing a decentralised ledger for payments (e.g., bitcoin), blockchain technology could facilitate faster payments at lower fees than banks, and distributed ledgers can reduce operational costs and bring us closer to real-time transactions between financial institutions for the
benefit of Clearance and Settlement Systems. “Blockchain has reached the shores of Qatar, as one bank has already completed a blockchain-based pilot programme to improve international money transfers. They also have a second phase of the project already planned, focusing on trade finance applications and extending the blockchain technology beyond payments to include legal and trade documents,” QCB’s report said. Speaking at the Euromoney Conference, the QCB Governor said that he was aware of the importance of Fintech in developing the country’s banking and financial sector and QCB, in cooperation with financial institutions and financial technology companies, was preparing Fintech strategy and would create a modern regulatory environment that supported innovation and market stability. He explained that the global financial sector was rapidly developing, supported by electronic innovations and systems, where the provision of financial services has become mainly dependent on technology which was transforming the banking sector from its conventional channels to digital alternatives. Preparations are under way to launch digital banks, or what is known as new banks, which provide banking services through mobile applications and others, he added. ROLE OF QFC AND QDB QFC and B-Hive, Europe’s leading Fintech platform based in Belgium, have joined hands to develop Qatar's Fintech sector. The two will work closely to discuss the latest trends in disruptive technologies, legislation and other data, as well as the organisation of global activities to further promote the industry in both countries. B-Hive brings together major banks, insurers and market infrastructure players to leverage the opportunities offered by digital transformation for the financial services industry. Under Qatar’s New Emerging Belt Initiative, QFC, which has more than 750 firms registered on its platform, provides them with access to a QR7.65 trillion ($2.1 trillion) market in five nearby countries countries, namely India, Pakistan, Oman, Turkey and Kuwait. The total population
of these five countries is around 400 million and Qatar has good relations with them and can serve as a gateway for the QFC-registered firms to gain access to these emerging markets. QDB also launched Qatar Fintech Hub, a global hub to support the development of Qatar’s nascent Fintech industry in May 2018. It will facilitate collaboration among the participants and stakeholders of the Fintech ecosystem, and develop local and global relationships that will advance the bank’s Fintech vision. QDB CEO Abdulaziz Al Khalifa, who is also Chairman of the Qatar National Fintech Task Force, pointed out that Qatar has a young and digitally connected population, a diversifying economy and a proven system of support for start-ups and entrepreneurs. “We believe that we have the components of a vibrant Fintech hub and we can deliver meaningful impact to Qatar and attract talent from across the world. Our ambition is to become a globally recognised hub that connects like-minded hubs, organisations and regulators from across the world and be at the forefront of the future of Fintech,” he added. Meanwhile, QPAY International LLC, a member of the Nexxo Network, servicing over 15,000 small businesses and more than 200,000 consumers; received Qatar’s Fintech licence from QFC in November. This will enable QPAY to extend its current Fintech services which are mainly targeted at the under-banked community of small businesses and consumers in Qatar, these are mostly legal foreign immigrants that have very low incomes and need to be included in the financial system but are usually overlooked and under-served by bigger banks. This will also enable QPAY to implement various blockchain-enabled financial products and services in partnership with world-leading blockchain solution providers in order to lower the cost of many financial services while maintaining the highest levels of security, encryption and data confidentiality.
“FINTECH IS DRIVING RAPID CHANGES IN THE NEEDS AND EXPECTATIONS OF KEY MARKET PLAYERS. IN THIS CHANGING ENVIRONMENT, INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGY ARE THE KEY SUCCESS FACTORS FOR BANKS GOING FORWARD.” HIS EXCELLENCY SHEIKH ABDULLA BIN SAOUD AL THANI Governor Qatar Central Bank
“QATAR HAS A YOUNG AND DIGITALLY CONNECTED POPULATION, A DIVERSIFYING ECONOMY AND A PROVEN SYSTEM OF SUPPORT FOR START-UPS AND ENTREPRENEURS.” ABDULAZIZ AL KHALIFA Chief Executive Officer Qatar Development Bank
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business BANK NOTES “TECHNOLOGY IS PLAYING A KEY ROLE IN STREAMLINING THE TRADITIONAL BANKING SECTOR FROM ITS CONVENTIONAL CHANNELS TO ADVANCED DIGITAL PLATFORMS.” HIS EXCELLENCY SHEIKH ABDULLA BIN SAOUD AL THANI Governor Qatar Central Bank
QCB’S FOREX RESERVES GROW
D
QATAR BANS CRYPTOCURRENCY
emonstrating continued growth, Qatar Central Bank's (QCB) total international foreign currency reserves stood at QR198.4 billion as of 31 December 2019.
In addition to the official reserves, other liquid assets are added to foreign currency, so that the combined total constitutes what is known as total international reserves. QCB's official reserves increased by about QR0.5 billion to QR144.3 billion as of the end of December 2019 compared to the previous month. QCB's total international foreign currency reserves at the end of December 2019 increased by QR0.8 billion to QR198.4 billion, an increase of about QR61.5 billion, or 44.9%, over December 2017 and 10.6% over December.
COMMERCIAL BANK LIKELY TO ISSUE BONDS
C
ommercial Bank of Qatar expects to issue bonds worth QR1.82 billion in the first or second quarter of 2020, Chief Executive Joseph Abraham said, according to Reuters. “I think it’s a good time (to sell bonds) because the interest rates have gone down and there is good appetite for Qatar,” Abraham told Reuters on the sidelines of a conference in Doha. Abraham said he expects 5% loan growth in 2020 for his bank, similar to the pace seen so far this year.
Q
atar Financial Centre Authority (QFC) has banned the use of cryptocurrencies in the region. The ban appears to be comprehensive and covers “anything of value that acts as a substitute for currency, that can be digitally traded or transferred and can be used for payment or investment purposes,” QFC said in a statement. Further, the ban prohibits cryptocurrency-to-fiat conversions, crypto-to-crypto conversions, “transfer of virtual assets” and their custody, administration of trading services and issuance of virtual assets. Virtual Asset Services may not be conducted in or from QFC at this time, according to a report.
QCB SELLS T-BILLS WORTH QR600 MILLION Qatar Central Bank (QCB) has sold QR600 million ($164.84 million) of Treasury bills in an auction, it said in a statement. A total of QR300 million worth of three-month T-bills were
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sold at 1.53%, QR200 million worth of six-month T-bills were sold at 1.56% and QR100 million worth of nine-month T-bills were sold at 1.53%, the statement added.
business REAL ESTATE
“QATAR SPARED NO EFFORT IN ENSURING THE SUCCESSFUL APPLICATION OF ITS GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS TO GOVERNMENTAL BUILDINGS AND IN ENCOURAGING THE PRIVATE SECTOR TO FOLLOW SUIT.” HIS EXCELLENCY ABDULLA BIN ABDULAZIZ BIN TURKI AL SUBAIE Minister of Municipality and Environment State of Qatar
QATARI-BACKED FIRM ACQUIRES MONTAGE BEVERLY HILLS HE President of Qatar Olympic Committee Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani, inaugurated the Qatari Diar project – Anantara Tozeur Resort – in the Republic of Tunisia, in the presence of a number of ministers, ambassadors, dignitaries, and Qatari and Tunisian businessmen. HE Chairman of Qatari Diar Sheikh Khalid bin Khalifa Al Thani also expressed his gratitude to the Tunisian government for its continuous support, during his opening speech.
RECORD REAL ESTATE DEALS IN 2019 The combined value of real estate transactions in Qatar in 2019 stood at QR22.4 billion from 3,752 property transactions, according to a report by Ezdan Real Estate Company citing Ministry of Justice’s Real Estate Registration Department figures. During Q1 2019, real estate activity recorded 1,065 transactions amounting to QR5.1 billion. In Q2 2019, the transaction value rose to QR5.7 billion from 930 transactions, as thirdquarter sales recorded about QR4.5 billion from 823 transactions. The last quarter hit record highs during the year with QR7.1 billion total value flowing from 934 deals. Real estate market activity during December 2019 witnessed 234 transactions valued at QR1.2 billion, according to the Real Estate Registration Department. During the period December 22-26, 2019, real estate activity witnessed 51 transactions amounting to a total value of QR153 million. The sales included land lots, multi-use building and land lots, and residential structures. Doha ranked first in deal value after the sale of a 1,264 sq m multi-use land lot in the Old Airport zone for QR13 million, at a price of QR955 per sq ft. No significant transactions were recorded during this period that reflected major highs in the total value of sales. 22 QATAR TODAY > JANUARY 2020
M
aybourne Hotel Group, a Qatari-backed firm based in Knightsbridge, London, bought the Montage Beverly Hills, a five-star hotel in the heart of the California city’s luxury shopping district.
Maybourne, which has the iconic London hotels of Claridge’s, the Connaught and the Berkeley in its portfolio, announced the acquisition on December 21. The 201-room property is currently owned by Ohana Real Estate Investors and is reportedly valued at more than QR1.45 billion ($400 million). The transaction is the first in the U.S. by Maybourne, which said it was pursuing a “global expansion strategy” and that other hotels will be announced in due course. The Montage, located in Beverly Hills’s Golden Triangle neighbourhood, has a 20,000 sq ft (1,860 sq m) spa and a rooftop pool overlooking Rodeo Drive.
THRIVING ON INNOVATION
D
aniel Jones Group (DJ Group) is one of UK's most innovative and tech savvy real estate developers with unique and secure brands for investments. The UK has attracted a lot of GCC and Qatari investors; being one of the top ten economies in the world and one of the top real estate markets allowing secure investments for investors looking to diversify in the ever changing global economy. In recent times, the UK's Midlands is emerging as one of the most favoured destinations for real estate investors looking for higher returns on their investments. This is why DJ Group has concentrated on the most advantageous
parts of the midlands – Manchester, Birmingham and Liverpool – particularly because of the new trains (HS2) connecting these cities to London in less time. Several media companies are also moving from London to Manchester which will further boost the demand for residential and commercial properties in the near future. Our projects in these cities have asset security and better yields (on average about 8%) with guaranteed rental yields of up to five years. This itself, gives some sense of security and confidence for investment diversification to the GCC and Qatari investors in particular.
of high end tenants and also take account of prevailing market trends. DJ Group prides itself on bringing fresh ideas to the property investment market – innovations that work for both investors and end users alike with options that include offices, residential, serviced apartments and student accommodation amongst others.
DJ Group's buy-to-let properties are developed entirely around customer satisfaction to the ever growing demands
DJ Group's office in Qatar is located on the 22nd floor Tornado tower, West Bay, Doha Qatar.
Due to the high appetite for UK real estate investment in this region, DJ Group opened a sales office in Qatar, about six years ago, to make it easier for GCC and Qatari investors to do their investment transactions locally with the assistance of their Professional Property investment team.
JANUARY 2020 > QATAR TODAY 23
business REAL ESTATE
DANIEL JOHNS GROUP OPERATES IN VARIOUS PARTS OF THE WORLD THROUGH OUR REGIONAL OFFICES IN HONG KONG, UK, QATAR, USA AND PAKISTAN For more information: nicki@i-invest.org.uk +974 66062408
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affairs ARAB SNIPPETS US AND IRAN TENSIONS Iranians mourn the death of Iranian Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) Lieutenant general and commander of the Quds Force, Qasem Soleimani in Tehran, Iran. Soleimani and victims were killed in a targeted US drone strike on 03 January 2020 in Baghdad, Iraq. Photographer: ABEDIN TAHERKENAREH Photo credits: EPA-EFE/ABEDIN TAHERKENAREH
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business VIEWPOINT
QATAR’S REAL ESTATE: A VIEW ON GROWTH ENABLERS POST 2022
QATAR'S REAL ESTATE MARKET IS CURRENTLY GOING THROUGH ONE OF ITS MOST CHALLENGING TIMES. AT ONE END, THE MARKET HAS BECOME HIGHLY TENANT-FRIENDLY BUT REMAINS AN EXPENSIVE PLACE TO LIVE AND WORK WHEN MEASURED AGAINST COMPARABLE REGIONAL MARKETS. BY ANURAG GUPTA AND RISHU GUPTA
K
PMG real estate rental indices for residential and office sectors have reduced between 25% and 30% by Q4 2019 from its base quarter Q1 2016. [See Chart 1: KPMG Quarterly Rental Index – Qatar]. Market sources and behaviours suggest that the scenario
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is expected to remain unchanged in the first half of 2020. Globally, real estate market feeds on future investments, and Qatar is no different. Greater communication from the government on investment plans
beyond 2022 will help the market plan and target real estate supply. Besides, the recent slowdown in liquidity, slower population growth, lower tourist flow due to regional geopolitical issues and oversupply in some of the core real estate segments leave developers with no
UPGRADING INFRASTRUCTURE First, Qatar’s budget for 2020 is based on an oil price of $55 per barrel, whereas the average price in 2019 has been in excess of $60 per barrel [See Chart 2: Brent Crude Price 2019]. Given that approximately half of Qatar’s GDP is still hydrocarbon-dependent, this comes as a great support to enable widespread development. With the recent large project announcements, it is clear that government spending has moved beyond FIFA-related expenditures and the bulk of spending is shifting towards upgrading the core infrastructure of the country. Key notable projects in the long term are the Sharq Crossing project, expansion of water and electricity networks, major highways such as Sabah Al Hamad Highway, development of sewerage networks in different regions of the country, investment in gas facility expansion from 77 million tons per annum, to 110 million tons per annum among others.
choice but to wait and watch for positive signals. In this think piece, we review recent initiatives undertaken by the government and how they will set out a road map for sustainable economic growth in the coming decade. Based on our analysis, we identify quite a few events that are working well and can help in creating greater confidence and clarity among economic stakeholders, thereby strengthening Qatar’s real estate market.
PUSH FOR HIGHER FDI Second, Qatar’s new foreign direct investment (FDI) law, which allows 100% foreign ownership in almost all sectors, is an audacious step. The new plan touches on aspects of business ownerships, fasttrack approvals, right to approach both local and international courts in the case of disputes, etc. Smooth implementation of the FDI law will be the key to its success. It was noted that government is making efforts to understand the implementation challenges it would face so that focus remains on the quality not the quantity of FDI. It will take some time to measure the effectiveness of the new FDI Act; however, it does exhibit government’s commitment and determination in creating a vibrant economy.
“WITH THE RECENT LARGE PROJECT ANNOUNCEMENTS, IT IS CLEAR THAT GOVERNMENT SPENDING HAS MOVED BEYOND FIFARELATED EXPENDITURES AND THE BULK OF SPENDING IS SHIFTING TOWARDS UPGRADING THE CORE INFRASTRUCTURE OF THE COUNTRY.” ANURAG GUPTA Director and Head Real Estate and Valuations Advisory KPMG Qatar
MORE FUNDS FOR EDUCATION Third, it was noted that government’s focus on the healthcare and education sector is growing. Between the two, the education sector has seen the highest growth -- 78% over the past two years in terms of budgetary allocations. This is an area where a significant gap exists and opportunity is open for the private sector to play a larger role. Over the past few years, gaps in K-12 segment was addressed with the establishment JANUARY 2020 > QATAR TODAY 29
business VIEWPOINT Chart 1: KPMG Quarterly Rental Index - Qatar.
Source: KPMG Qatar Research and Analysis
of a large number of schools with international curricula within and on the outskirts of Doha; however, more schools with specific curricula or specific locations are still in demand. Regarding higher education, due to the lack of higher education facilities in the right brand and price points, expats have
this sector, we saw that the government has been highly active in seeking foreign private universities to set up branches in Qatar. A few of the latest proposed additions include Oryx Universal College in partnership with Liverpool John Moores University (UK) and Savitribai
basis, healthcare remains the highest spend category amongst major projects segment. Private sector involvement has been largely limited and most of the action occurs only through government agencies. We believe that this scenario can change if international patients markets are targeted by private players.
Chart 2: Brent Crude Price 2019
Brent Crude Oil Price - 2019 - YTD
Source: Oilprice.com (Price as of 1st working day of the month) traditionally chosen to send their kids either to their home countries or to other foreign universities. This lost demand is up for grabs and once again the private sector can tap into it. With our recent engagements in 30 QATAR TODAY > JANUARY 2020
Phule Pune University (India) which are expected to commence operations in 2020. On the other hand, budgetary spend on healthcare has remained constant at around QR22 billion for the past three years. On a stand-alone
Qatar comfortably sits in the mid of 500 million population and is one of the most accessible countries in the world. ROLE OF PRIVATE SECTOR Fourth, over the past few years the
government has turned to the private sector to deliver several projects under the public–private partnership (PPP) framework. The groundwork for it has been underway since 2016-17 and is now at a very advanced stage. Although the country still awaits the PPP law to be ratified, the government has introduced various projects in the healthcare and education sectors under this route. In one of the latest additions, the government has invited private bidders to develop and provide facilities management services to eight government schools across Doha on a Design, Build, Finance, Operate, Maintain and Transfer (DBFOMT) basis. It is expected that similar arrangements will be rolled out for 37 more schools in the future. Furthermore, similar projects such as Sharq Crossing are expected to be conceived under the DBFOMT structure. NON-QATARI OWNERSHIP Fifth, the Qatar Cabinet approved a draft resolution of the Council of Ministers following the implementation of Law No. 16 of 2018 on the regulation of nonQatari ownership and use of real estate. In accordance with the law, non-Qataris can now have freehold ownership of property in 10 areas while 16 areas have been identified where they can use real estate for 99 years. [See Table 1: Areas for non-Qatari ownership and use of real estate determined]. Foreigners may use the properties for commercial or residential purposes,
transfer the lease to another party, and sublet or rent. This is a welcome change to the government's previous restriction to three locations where freehold ownership was permitted and offers an opportunity to several residents who intend to settle in Qatar for the long term. LUSAIL THE FUTURE One interesting addition is Lusail which is now available to foreign nationals for freehold ownership. Lusail is Qatar’s flagship new city and is expected to be its new commercial business district (CBD) within a decade. From a real estate perspective, it would help in attracting FDI and in promoting a culture of “buying” as opposed to “renting”. It is always beneficial to have investors skin in real estate as it helps in stabilizing the economy in the long term.
RISHU GUPTA Real Estate Consultant KPMG Qatar
Several other initiatives such as free economic zones, the completion of all metro lines, driving the building of the tourism sector through conducting sporting events, calling of large cruise liners, developing landmark buildings, etc., together paint a favourable picture for sustained economic growth. In summary, Qatar must prudently exercise its available options for growth and achieve a near-perfect balance between its current activities and future growth needs. A well-developed economic stability plan will go a long way to enable the real estate sector to develop the right assets at the right time.
Table 1: Areas for non-Qatari ownership and use of real estate determined
Freehold ownership areas
West Bay (Zone 66), The Pearl-Qatar (Zone 66), Al Khor Resort (Zone 74), Rawdat Al Jahaniyah (investment area), Al Qassar (Zone 60), Al Dafna (Zone 61), Onaiza (Zone 63), Al Wasail (Lusail) (Zone 69), Al Khraij (Zone 69), Jabal Theyleeb (Zone 69)
Long-term Lease Areas
Msheireb (Zone 13), Fereej Abdelaziz (Zone 14), Doha Al Jadeed (Zone 15), New Al Ghanim (Zone 16), Al Refaa and Old Al Hitmi (Zone 17), Aslata (Zone 18), Fereej Bin Mahmoud (Zone 22), Fereej Bin Mahmoud (Zone 23), Rawdat Al Khail (Zone 24), Mansoura and Fereej Bin Dirham (Zone 25), Najma (Zone 26), Umm Ghuwailina (Zone 27), Al Khulaifat (Zone 28), Al Sadd (Zone 38), Al Mirqab Al Jadeed and Fereej Al Nasr (Zone 39), Doha International Airport area (Zone 48)
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affairs WORLD VIEW
RED SKIES Australia was ablaze by a devastating fire that has ravaged the country. Blood-red skies hung over the country as a result of more than 5.25 million hectares of burnt land. While the city appeared to be apocalyptic, it was even worse for rural areas as approximately 480 million mammals, birds and reptiles have died in the fires. Photographer: DAN HIMBRECHTS Photo credits: EPA-EFE/DAN HIMBRECHTS AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND OUT
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COVER STORY
DIVERSE RESOLUTIONS AND UNIFIED HOPES
DIVERSE RESOLUTIONS AND UNIFIED HOPES
OVER THE COURSE OF THE PREVIOUS YEARS, QATAR HAS DEMONSTRATED CONSISTENCY IN GROWTH AND UNMATCHED CAPABILITIES. WHILE 2019 WAS SIGNIFICANT, 2020 IS SET TO BE UNLIKE ANY OTHER. A NEW YEAR, A NEW DECADE, A NEW SET OF POSSIBILITIES FOR THE NATION AND ITS PEOPLE. IN THIS COVER STORY, QATAR TODAY STRENGTHENS ITS ROLE IN DELIVERING THE UNTOLD STORIES OF THE NATION’S PEOPLE BY FOCUSING ON SELECTED RISING INDUSTRY ICONS AND THEIR ASPIRATIONS FOR THE COUNTRY AND THEIR DIVERSE RESOLUTIONS AND UNIFIED HOPES, QATAR TODAY PROUDLY SHINES THE SPOTLIGHT ON.
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COVER STORY
DIVERSE RESOLUTIONS AND UNIFIED HOPES
Prosperity and non-stop development are evident in Qatar. The fastpaced environment only speeds up with the combined efforts of labour and technology, spearheaded by facilities management that upholds the quality of maintenance in the country's businesses. In this scenario, the general manager of Darwish Interserve, Mohamed Saadeh, shares his aspirations this year . I truly believe that Qatar’s economy is one of the fastest-growing and dynamic economies in the world. With Darwish Interserve as a player in Qatari industry, I hope that we will remain as the leading and preferred facilities management service provider in the country. Furthermore, it is also my main objective to increase awareness regarding protection of assets by focusing on integrating sustainable plans, being present at every stage of the property lifecycle, and retaining the trust of existing business partners. In this new year, I am confident that we will deliver our services that enhance people’s lives and maintain our position as a major player in Qatar’s facilities management sector. Darwish Interserve operates according to its vision: “To be the market leader in facilities management in Qatar – leading in innovation, technology and customer service to deliver continued and enduring growth and long-term return to our shareholders.” Underpinned by a set of goals and guiding values, our mission in 2020 is to provide a competitive and professional service and add value to our clients’ business operations through understanding their needs, applying international facility management practices, and offering innovative business solutions, a trained and motivated work force, and a flexible and fast-moving work culture.
MOHAMED SAADEH General Manager Darwish Interserve
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For the business community, 2020 is one more year of opportunities, especially for those who are part of the infrastructural development happening across the country in preparation for the FIFA World Cup in 2022. In line with this, C.V. Rappai, director and chief executive officer of Jumble Electronics shares his aspirations and newfound hopes for this year. Many hospitality projects over and above the sports facilities are either under construction or in their final stages which, for a Distribution and MEP company, like ours offers additional avenues to be part of Qatar’s growth story. Moreover, Qatar is very focused on becoming a tourist destination and is attracting a lot of international conferences, sporting events and even docking cruise ships. We hope this influx of tourists as a whole will benefit not only the FMCG and casual dining sector but also trading sectors. With so much happening we hope the liquidity in the market will improve in 2020. For us, 2020 is a unique and historic year as it is our 40th anniversary and our vision is to further strengthen our company in this decade culminating with Qatar’s National Vision 2030. Our mission this year will be to grow substantially as an organization especially in our new verticals of kitchen solutions and lighting. Our B2B operations will be strengthened further with the addition of some Digital Solutions and AV Systems to our portfolio. We will expand the reach of our private Oscar brand in the local market and foray into the international market to grow multifold. We will also rapidly scale up our e-commerce business that was launched last year.
C.V. RAPPAI
Director and Chief Executive Officer Jumbo Electronics / Video Home & Electronic Centre
JANUARY 2020 > QATAR TODAY 37
COVER STORY
DIVERSE RESOLUTIONS AND UNIFIED HOPES
With the prolific artistic production that characterizes Qatari artist Salman Al Malik, the energy stored in him seems too strong for him to control. It comes out in the form of a volcano, rich in colours with the heat of lava that makes even the people in his paintings seem to fly out of this huge eruption. However, on a personal level, Al Malik wishes that 2020 will not pass without his completing the artistic project and the march he started in 2018. “I meant that my exhibitions would be continuous episodes that complement each other ”, he says. The project really began in 2004 with the exhibition “The Transformation of Colors and Wakening of Objects”, then the exhibition “Steps” in 2008, and the exhibition “Appeals” in 2010, all of which embodied colours drawn from the evening, isolation and a feeling of alienation, as if a world is disappearing and is being replaced by another one in Al Malik's the paintings — as if he is painting faces in full features, and then erasing them again to make details fade away, leaving nothing of this individual or that close family or those strange children except silhouettes of faces and an isolation reproduced in more than one way. In my last exhibition “Direction” in 2018, he says, “I displayed a series of paintings, in which I continued to work on the subject of the human being, the individual, sometimes in the absolute sense of the word, and the woman in particular, who appears in many of the works that I previously presented, and who has a relationship with all the mirrors that surround her. I hope to conclude the series with the exhibition “Direction 2” in 2020, in which I celebrate the heroic person, who differs in my viewpoint from the traditional perception of heroism derived from fiction and the heritage. The hero in my view is every human being with disciplined behaviour. Regarding his aspirations in general, Al Malik wishes that the Arab world, is deprived of happiness and joy, would regain its former glory and dispel the depression, tragedies and injustice that have caused us to lag behind other nations despite the fact that we are their forerunners. He also wishes that peace would prevail in the world, as nothing is more beautiful, he says, than seeing a smile on the face of a child, and seeing the factories of death and weapons obliterated. Regarding his hopes for 2020, Al Malik wants us to bet on culture and education, and join the nations that celebrate knowledge until we became the leaders of the world. “In comparison”, he says, “we in the Arab world do not celebrate books except at book fairs”.
SALMAN AL MALIK
Qatari artist and Director Visual Art Cente
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What used to be singular subjects, art and technology have become the norm for self-expression. Influenced by the world of social media, Mohammed Faraj Al Suwaidi explores the perception of humanity towards art created through digital platforms. For 2020, Al Suwaidi's hope for Qatar is the expansion of knowledge in regards to different mediums and different fields. The use of experimentation as a force of motivation to try new things and also execute new forms of ideas to show them in different ways as well. The exhibition, “Digital Transactions” for him became a social experiment in addition to working with different mediums and seeing how people react to them. “It does relate to this idea of development and, I would imagine technology being a huge part of Qatar now and in the future,” he added. Diverting towards his aspirations for the year, Al Suwaidi expressed his desire to provide a new understanding of art as well as to introduce the various mediums that have already been used around the world. And create more of a niche for this kind of art. The use of digital sculpting, the integration of technology into the world of art. The use of animation and also outdoor projection. The use of machinery that is available today. Technology is expanding. “Technology is growing daily and I feel that it is hugely important to take advantage of that,” Al Suwaidi stated.
MOHAMMED FARAJ AL SUWAIDI Artist
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COVER STORY
DIVERSE RESOLUTIONS AND UNIFIED HOPES
Museum of Islamic Art has pioneered the understanding and appreciation for Islamic art. Dr Julia Gonella carries the mission of this globally renowned museum by showcasing the beauty of its cultural history to the world and the younger generations. With immeasurable passion and commitment, Gonella shares her outlook in building on the museum's extraordinary achievements and opening up new stories of the treasures of Islamic art. “Our hopes are great and grand,” Gonella shared. “We have an important programme coming up and that is the exhibition to give tribute to Sheikh Saoud Al Thani for laying a foundation for Qatar Museum’s collection.” Apart from this, Gonella also hopes for a very active year. Education is also an extremely important part of Museum of Islamic Art’s mission as they hope to engage as many people in Qatar and outside of the country as well. Delving deeper into her aspirations for the year, she said: “I hope that everything works for the better and that the situation here will be happy and peaceful.” Furthemore, Gonella shared that the environment will be one of the points included in the Sheikh Saoud exhibition. She also looks forward to the various activities that the museum will be staging which can also contribute to make Qatar a greener country.
DR JULIA GONNELLA
Director of Museum of Islamic Art
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Inspired by memories, nostalgia and traces of time, Aisha Nasser Al Sowaidi incorporates her expressions in contemporary designs. The fast-paced development of Qatar shines through her work as it depicts the history of the country with a sense of belonging found in a home. Grounded with indelible design and purpose, she rises as one of the renowned multidisciplinary designers based in the country. With pure enthusiasm, Al Sowaidi said: “I know the 20s are going to be phenomenal! Especially for Qatar, with major events and reshaping of the city. ” Given the new decade, Al Sowaidi expressed her admiration for the recent developments that has built a positive impact on the country. This includes a new way of living shaped by the metro opening, the new downtown of Msheireb, the new National Museum and an undeniably thriving creative scene. Qatar is growing and expanding in all directions, providing everyone with endless possibilities and ways to grow. Delving deep into her personal growth, Al Sowaidi shared her goals for the year which involves making a greater impact with her work. She also wishes to inspire and aspire for more herself. Apart from this, Al Sowaidi also looks forward to finding ways to participate and engage in the design scene internationally and to representing her own country. “Having Qatar on the design map is something I’ve been working on with international participation and collaboration,” Al Sowaidi declared.
AISHA NASSER AL SOWAIDI Designer and artist
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COVER STORY
DIVERSE RESOLUTIONS AND UNIFIED HOPES
A rising young artist with a heart for art and diversity, Maryam Al Majid humbly stands tall as one of the inspirations for the youth in the country. With an entrepreneurial mind, Majid was able to bridge a connection between business and art by creating a need for specialized gift wrapping. While showcasing her artworks, she is among the many people in Qatar promoting diversity and self-expression through art. For this year, she hopes for more exposure for artists in the country, Qatari and non-Qatari. “I want their artwork to be out there to speak for itself,� the young artist shared. Furthermore, she also hopes for more platforms such as exhibitions that could showcase artworks. This also includes the aspiration to give a foundation for selected artists to display their works in museums every year to promote diversity among cultures and people in Qatar. Majid also shared her personal goals for 2020. With a clear mindset, she hopes to become a better artist, to engage more and shed light on topics that are usually uncommon and depict them in her artworks and installations.
MARYAM AL MAJID Artist
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As the first female member of Qatar's photography society, Abeer Al Kuwari depicts the beauty of Qatar’s heritage, society and environment through her camera lenses. A seemingly mundane moment was captured and turned into pieces of photography that tells a story. Apart from being a skilled photographer, she also has multiple talents for drawing and sculpture wherein she carefully focuses on the country’s history with the aim of sending a message to the younger generation. In talks of her hopes for Qatar this year, Al Kuwari shared her continuous aspiration for growth, stability and peace, in every aspect of life. As an artist, she also shared her personal mission for this year. She said: “I feel like I have a responsibility to show the beauty of the days we’ve lived to the new generation.” Like what is depicted in her artworks, she strives to keep the beauty found in childhood experiences and transfer them in a beautiful way to the youth.
ABEER AL KUWARI
Multidisciplinary visual artist
JANUARY 2020 > QATAR TODAY 43
COVER STORY
DIVERSE RESOLUTIONS AND UNIFIED HOPES
As art and cultural diversity expand in Qatar, filmmaking also steps up to a higher level as the country continues to promote local filmmakers. In the art of this field, the multicultural Qatari director Hend Fakhroo helps establish the Qatari film industry while advocating her support for the younger generations. About her hopes for Qatar in 2020, she looks forward to the consistent economic and cultural growth of the country. Shining light on the younger generations, she also wishes for more collective support for education, sense of community and patriotism as all these has given Qatari youth an incredible opportunity for growth. When it comes to her personal goals in 2020, Fakhroo expressed her desire to release her first feature film and help in establishing the Qatari film industry. She also added, “Personally, my mission is to continue to learn and contribute to the country all while striving to do better.”
HEND FAKHROO
Director and Filmmaker
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business TAG THIS
ADOPTING ETHICAL PRACTICES WITH A SUSTAINABLE APPROACH
CEO and Managing Director of Aamal Company, Sheikh Mohammed bin Faisal Al Thani, with a portrait of his father, Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim Al Thani, Chairman of Aamal Company. JANUARY 2020 > QATAR TODAY 45
business TAG THIS THERE IS NO SUBSTITUTE FOR HARD WORK AND AL FAISAL HOLDING, LAUNCHED AS A TRADING COMPANY ON A MODEST NOTE IN 1964, HAS OVER THE DECADES GROWN INTO ONE OF THE MOST REPUTED BUSINESS HOUSES IN THE GCC AND THE MIDDLE EAST, CONTRIBUTING TO QATAR’S SUCCESS AS AN ECONOMIC POWERHOUSE IN THE REGION. BY V L SRINIVASAN
A
amal became a private shareholding company in 2001 with limited liability and then became a public shareholding firm, listing on the Qatar Stock Exchange in December 2007 with a paid-up capital of QR3.45 billion, making it one of the largest public shareholding companies in Qatar. Aamal Company has since increased its paid-up capital to QR6.3 billion. Over the years, Aamal Company has diversified its operations in various highgrowth sectors across 26 business units, some of them operating in the country for nearly four decades, achieving strong market-leading positions. In an exclusive interview with Qatar Today, the Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Aamal Company, Sheikh Mohammed bin Faisal Al Thani, explains Aamal’s journey on the path to success, the company’s role in the wake of the travel and trade boycott by some countries in the region, its future plans and others. WHAT IS THE OVERALL BUSINESS STRATEGY OF AAMAL COMPANY AND HOW SUCCESSFUL HAS IT BEEN SINCE ITS LISTING IN 2007? Aamal Company’s corporate strategy is to create and increase long-term shareholder value through profitable growth and strategic diversification. Our success has always been based on offering high-quality products and services, by being alert and responsive to changing market dynamics. As a responsible corporate citizen, we strictly ensure that we adopt ethical practices with a sustainable approach as well as taking care of the welfare of our employees. This corporate strategy, which Aamal has followed since its establishment, has led to the company benefitting from the growth opportunities generated by Qatar National Vision 2030 and enabled it to
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capitalise on its market-leading position across various key sectors. QATAR HAS EMERGED UNSCATHED FOLLOWING THE GULF CRISIS WHICH BEGAN IN JUNE 2017. WHAT ROLE HAS AAMAL PLAYED IN QATAR’S ECONOMIC PROGRESS IN THE LAST 30 MONTHS? Since the beginning of the trade blockade, Aamal has adopted a strategy based on establishing new supply chain channels to overcome issues associated with the crisis, as well as launching strategic partnerships with leading international companies in other parts of the world in order to deal with any supply challenges. Aamal and its subsidiaries have continued as usual to introduce new products and services and to build new partnerships. In the past 30 months we have expanded our real estate portfolio, acquiring new residential buildings and compounds, carrying out extensive refurbishment to existing residential properties and completing major work related to City Center redevelopment. Our Trading and Distribution, Industrial Manufacturing and Managed Services divisions successfully introduced new products to Qatar, expanding the range of products and services offered. Aamal’s operations have reflected Qatar’s resilient economy and its successful strategy of economic diversification. Aamal is pleased to play its part in supporting the private sector and the Government’s near-term and 2030 vision. HOW HAS AAMAL BENEFITED BY REACHING OUT TO NEW MARKETS AROUND THE WORLD AND WHAT ARE YOU OFFERING TO ATTRACT INVESTORS IN THE POST-GCC RIFT PERIOD? Aamal mainly operates in Qatar and enjoys a strong market position across each of
“AAMAL AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES HAVE CONTINUED AS USUAL TO INTRODUCE NEW PRODUCTS AND SERVICES AND TO BUILD NEW PARTNERSHIPS. IN THE PAST 30 MONTHS WE HAVE EXPANDED OUR REAL ESTATE PORTFOLIO, ACQUIRING NEW RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS AND COMPOUNDS, CARRYING OUT EXTENSIVE REFURBISHMENT TO EXISTING RESIDENTIAL PROPERTIES AND COMPLETING MAJOR WORK RELATED TO CITY CENTER REDEVELOPMENT.” the segments that we operate in, making it attractive to investors. Aamal has benefited from attracting new partners from different local and international markets, establishing long-term strategic partnerships which have had mutually positive outcomes for all parties. Despite the blockade the Qatari economy has continued to grow and strengthen due to the positive steps taken by the government immediately following the blockade. Qatar has built an impressive infrastructure including Hamad Port, Qatar Rail, Hamad International Airport and Qatar Airways, which are all important in attracting foreign investment and increasing tourism to Qatar. The singlewindow system for investment and free trade zones have facilitated the realisation of overseas investments in Qatar. Aamal’s diversified business model provides exposure to a broad spectrum of economic sectors; our management expertise, strong market knowledge, strong financial position and focus on building shareholder value make the company attractive to investors.
IN THE ERA OF ECONOMIC DIVERSIFICATION IN THE GCC ECONOMIES, WHAT FUTURE DO YOU FORESEE FOR THE PRIVATE SECTOR IN GENERAL AND AAMAL IN PARTICULAR IN THE COMING YEARS? The level of economic diversification that our country has achieved during the recent past and going on now has encouraged the private sector to grow from strength to strength. Aamal`s positive financial track record over the years has been possible due to the opportunities that have come up in Qatar because of diversification. Collaboration between the public and private sectors is an indication of a strong economy. Therefore, the Qatari Government has always recognised the importance of working with the private sector to enhance the local economy across different fields. Examples of this cooperation include the government's allocation of public buildings to accommodate new private schools, and provision of land for construction of industrial projects, resorts and hotels. The government has also issued a decree to increase the limit of foreign ownership in listed Qatari companies to 49%, improving both the attractiveness of local companies to international funds and the liquidity of the market. Qatar has taken advantage of its infrastructure and technology platforms, which have driven regional agreements with countries such as Kuwait, Oman, Turkey, Pakistan and India to expand its trade. As a result, the local economy, and especially the private sector, has continued its positive performance and economic growth despite the blockade. AUTOMATION OF PHARMACIES IN QATAR HAS BEEN ONE OF THE INITIATIVES LAUNCHED BY AAMAL. HOW SUCCESSFUL HAS THIS PROJECT BEEN? The Italian company GPI, whose products are exclusively represented in Qatar by Aamal Medical, introduced the first state-of-the-art RIEDL Phasys multipicking gripper robot in 2019 at Ebn Sina Pharmacy. The introduction of this robot has greatly benefitted Ebn Sina Pharmacy as it is now able to accommodate more than 12,000 packs of medicine, to dispense
medications very accurately and quickly according to patients’ prescriptions, and to serve the pharmacy’s customers efficiently during peak hours. At Aamal we are always keen to introduce the latest technologies to the Qatari market, following the latest technological developments in service automation. It is worth mentioning that we are able to achieve this by collaborating with international suppliers and market leaders in the medical sector. WHY DOES YOUR COMPANY MAKE CORPORATE GOVERNANCE A TOP PRIORITY? Aamal’s Board of Directors and Executive Management believe that a resilient corporate governance framework is critical to ensuring high performance across all of the company’s activities and its subsidiaries. It is also essential to building investor trust and providing safety measures against any misguided corporate activity. It is a governance ecosystem by which Aamal is directed and controlled, taking into consideration the interests of all its stakeholders, not only its shareholders.
Aamal’s support to the “Eco Dome” initiative which aims to raise awareness on the great impact of deforestation on nature and humanity and encourage the use of eco-friendly materials like green cement by Aamal Readymix and environmentally friendly chemicals at Aamal Services. WHAT ARE YOUR FUTURE PLANS FOR AAMAL COMPANY? We are always looking out for expansion and growth opportunities that are in line with our vision and that would add value for our stakeholders. We are regularly pursuing new investment opportunities – a number of projects are in the pipeline undergoing due diligence to ensure these enhance shareholder value, and as soon as these projects are approved we will make the appropriate announcements.
TELL US ABOUT ACTIVITIES PERTAINING TO THE CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY OF YOUR COMPANY. Aamal is always keen to support activities that raise awareness around best practice on corporate governance and cultural exchange. Aamal’s subsidiaries have also continued to implement strategies that address environmental issues and provide training and safety awareness programmes to all their employees. The company supported many initiatives to promote best practice towards education, environment, investor relations and governance. To mention a few examples: Ebn Sina Medical, Aamal’s subsidiary, continued its focus on education through the adoption of two programmes: the first is the support of pharmacy students at the University of Qatar and the College of the North Atlantic through the provision of collaborative training work experience opportunities within the Ebn Sina pharmacy chain, while the second offers a scholarship for bachelor’s, master’s and PhD Pharmacy students at Qatar University. Environmental initiatives would include
SHEIKH MOHAMMED BIN FAISAL AL THANI Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Aamal Company,
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spotlight EDUCATION
EDUCATION KEY FOR NATION’S DEVELOPMENT THE ROLE PLAYED BY EDUCATION IN SHAPING THE FUTURE OF THE YOUNGER GENERATION AS WELL AS THE COUNTRY CANNOT BE IGNORED IN MEETING THE OBJECTIVES OF THE QATAR NATIONAL VISION 2030 AND THE GOVERNMENT HAS COMMITTED ITSELF TO DEVELOPING A KNOWLEDGEBASED ECONOMY FOR THE OVERALL PROGRESS OF THE COUNTRY.
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atar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development (QF) plays a strategic role in creating an education sector that attracts the most prestigious universities internationally to the State of Qatar. The foundation also supports scientific research and innovation, promotes the role of culture in society, and enables young people to acquire the necessary skills necessary for the knowledgebased economy.
In Qatar, the education system is managed by the Ministry of Education (MoE) and the Supreme Education Council (SEC) with the latter supervising the system at all levels — from pre-school to higher education — regulating the education policy and playing a vital role in the execution of educational reforms in the country. Qatar is known to be among the world’s richest countries and with its enormous financial leverage it has created a world-
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class environment for businesses to grow and prosper. For this, there is a strong demand for highly educated and motivated individuals. In view of this, the government has encouraged private schools to adopt different international curriculum systems. It is said that around 340 international schools and several prestigious universities from around the world have established their campuses in the country.
One of the major steps taken by the government has been establishing an Education City equipped with hightechnology facilities housing many campuses run by foreign institutions from the US, the UK and France that offer quality education. This decision has changed the landscape of Qatar’s education system as local students, both Qataris and the children of expat workers, can study courses of their
“UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES, THE GOVERNMENT HAS COMPROMISED ON THE QUALITY OF EDUCATION BEING IMPARTED TO THE STUDENTS AND BECAUSE OF MAINTAINING HIGH STANDARDS, QATAR IS RANKED AMONG THE HIGHEST IN ALMOST ALL EDUCATION PARAMETERS FOR 20172018 IN THE REGION.” The government compromises on nothing when it comes to the quality of education being imparted to the students and, by maintaining high standards, Qatar is ranked among the highest in almost all education parameters for 2017-2018 in the region. Qatar’s educational institutions have been rated as some of the best in the region as well as in the world because of the government’s decision to open several international schools and top-notch universities in the country. This has, in turn, enabled all students to access highquality education. PRIVATE SECTOR’S ROLE Events such as EdEx Qatar 2019, organised by Informa Tharawat for the third successive year, under the patronage of the Ministry of Education and Higher Education and Qatar Chamber of Commerce and Industry, have also helped in further improving interaction between educational institutions and industry. choice by enrolling in these prestigious institutions and helping to develop the country’s oil and gas industry after completing their studies. Broadly, the education system is divided into two segments. While basic education covers pre-school, primary and secondary education, which is free of charge and compulsory for all Qatari nationals, higher education takes care of undergraduates and post-graduates.
These conferences and exhibitions featuring globally recognized companies aim to present the latest developments and changes in the world of education, providing a platform for exchanging ideas on improving the quality of education, discussing issues related to private-sector investment opportunities, and igniting interest in entrepreneurship, digital skills, and other topics that support the state’s efforts towards building a knowledge economy.
The private sector’s role in developing education through its vast investments is equally laudable as the government is keen to implement various plans for economic diversification. Qatar has been ranked first along with the UAE in the entire Middle East in the World Economic Forum’s Arab World Competitiveness Report for 2017-2018 for its quality of higher education and training (which includes quality, quantity and on-the-job training). Qatar has also the distinction of topping the list of Arab countries as far as innovation is concerned and occupies 4th place in the category of health and primary education. Among the schools in Qatar, some are government-funded (independent), some are international schools, and some are community and private Arabic schools. Although independent schools account for nearly half of the total schools operating in the country, the number of international schools has increased in the past few years. HIGHEST PERFORMER According to Dubai-based Alpen Capital, which has released a report entitled “GCC Education Industry” in November 2018, Qatar has been rated as the “highest performer” in the primary and higher education segments compared with other GCC nations. “The progress made within Qatar’s education sector has attracted the attention of private sector participants, which has led to a number of private schools establishing a base across the country to meet the growing demand across the K-12 segments,” the report said. “Qatar is also witnessing a shift towards increasing preference for private education, which is resulting in an influx of international institutions. Such institutions offer diverse curricula and are particularly beneficial for the expat population,” Alpen Capital’s report said. Total student enrolments in Qatar grew at a CAGR of 8% between 2011 and 2016, witnessing the highest growth across the GCC. The overall Gross Enrollment Ratio (GER) in the country stood at 62.2% in 2016, driven by high enrolment rates in the primary and secondary segments. “Between 2011 and 2016, pre-primary schools witnessed a CAGR of 9.3%. This can be attributed to the growing awareness among nationals of the importance of preprimary education. Although education is not mandatory for children below the age of three years, the segment reported a GER of 60.1% in 2016,” the report added. JANUARY 2020 > QATAR TODAY 49
spotlight EDUCATION and the General Directorate of Traffic at the Ministry of Interior to ensure the safety of students and the school environment throughout the school year. The Public Works Authority Ashghal will also play a crucial role in terms of the opening and maintenance of streets, bridges, tunnels and intersections to ensure the smooth flow of traffic using a range of local roads and traffic diversions. SCHOLARSHIPS
NEW SCHOOLS OPENED THE MINISTER OF EDUCATION AND HIGHER EDUCATION HE DR MOHAMMED BIN ABDUL WAHED ALI AL HAMMADI HAS ISSUED A MINISTERIAL DECISION TO OPEN SEVEN NEW SCHOOLS IN THE COUNTRY TO MEET THE GROWING DEMAND FOR SEATS.
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ccording to the decision, Ahmad bin Rashid Al Muraikhi Primary School for Boys will be opened at the Old Airport, Muaither Primary School for Boys in southern Muaither, Fatima bint Al Khattab Primary School for Girls in Al Morra, Al Wukair Secondary School for Girls at Al Wukair, Al Ebb, Al Hedaya School for Special Needs for Boys in a new kindergarten building in Al Hilal, and Al Hedaya School for Special Needs for Boys and Girls in Bdayat Center Kindergarten Building in Al Sakhama.
projects in the State of Qatar. Three land plots were awarded on a competitive basis after studying and evaluating bids submitted by investors developing private schools and following a series of interviews before announcing the winning bids.
The five new schools for primary, preparatory and secondary levels in Al Wakrah, Muaither, Al Kheesa, Old Airport and Al Manaseer were opened at the beginning of the academic year 2019-20. In March 2019, the Ministry of Education and Higher Education (MEHE) allocated three government-owned land plots for the construction and operation of private schools.
“These preparations included preparing the buildings, classrooms, school furniture, printing and distribution of books on the first day of school, filling vacancies and checking the availability of school buses according to the geographical location of each school,” Ibrahim bin Saleh Al Nuaimi, the Undersecretary at MEHE, said.
The objective was to give a greater role to the private sector in the economic developmental 50 QATAR TODAY > JANUARY 2020
The allocation of the land falls in line with MEHE's efforts to provide diverse, innovative and high-quality educational opportunities for students and their parents. In fact, MEHE has completed all preparations for starting the new academic year on August 20 for administrative and teaching staff and on August 25 for students.
Nuaimi said preparations for the new academic year were carried out with the full co-operation and co-ordination of MEHE
MEHE has received more than 750 applications for government scholarships and the number was likely to go up as students in Qatar were increasingly showing interest in higher studies and taking advantage of scholarships. The applicants are interested in studying international relations, law and international affairs in the Italian and French languages. The scholarship programme was launched in 2015 in a bid to help Qatari students meet the needs of the labour market. Scholarships are available for major disciplines including supply chain management, airport management, aviation management, logistics management, airport and aviation security, medicine, agriculture, livestock and fisheries, statistics and vital statistics, veterinary medicine, teacher education, computer science, information, science, laboratory and standardisation, and Spanish, German, Italian, Turkish, Russian, French and Japanese law as well as international relations in the same languages, translation and engineering. These subjects were identified by the MEHE and the Ministry of Administrative Development, Labour and Social Affairs. According to the MEHE, a total of 4,171 students have benefitted from the scholarship programme. LEAPS SUMMIT The LEAPS (Leading Educational Advancement through Progressive Schools) Summit — organised by Qatar Foundation’s Pre-University Education (PUE) — brought together the world of progressive education to explore how traditional methods of teaching and learning can be disrupted in order to support children’s creativity, curiosity, self-development, and future path. The summit also saw the launch of Qatar Spotlight, developed through a partnership between PUE and HundrED, a not-forprofit organisation that identifies and shares innovations in K-12 education. Through this initiative, members of Qatar’s educational sector will submit their innovative education ideas, with Qatar Spotlight sharing the 10 most impactful and scalable submissions with a wider global network of educators. Sheikha
Noof Ahmed Al Thani, Executive Director of Strategic Initiatives and Partnerships at PUE, said: “In this first year, we have received an excellent response from progressive schools abroad and from educational institutions in Qatar showing great willingness to work together to advance educational policy and practice. We look forward to increasing this global collaboration for schools in Qatar in the coming years.”
Siemens to establish Education City as the test-bed for an electric car-charging unit.
Speaking about the launch of Qatar Spotlight, Saku Touminen, CEO of HundrED, said: “We have chosen to collaborate with Qatar Foundation because we share the same values and goals in promoting and supporting educational innovations. We want to identify the best educational innovations in Qatar and spread them around the world as successful innovations, to highlight what is happening here in Doha, and how it can be a learning centre with a unique environment. It’s not about us. It’s not about schools. It’s about the children. It’s about the next generation. Our goal is to help each and every child flourish in life, no matter what happens.”
At its annual convocation ceremony held in May 2019, QF honoured the academic achievements of 786 graduates from Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU) and the foundation’s eight partner universities.
QF SIGNS MOUS During the current year, Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development (QF), which plays a strategic role in creating an education sector that attracts the most prestigious universities internationally to Qatar, signed many agreements and Memoranda of Understanding (MoU). QF also held several events that contribute to achieving its goals and announced that it plans to raise the minimum female representation to 50%, at the level of speakers participating in all its local and international conferences and events, starting in 2020. QF also signed a MoU with the MEHE to form a partnership designed to further enhance the caliber of pre-university education in Qatar. It also signed an agreement with Qatar Shell that will see the energy company co-fund Qatar National Research Funds Undergraduate Research Experience Programme. That is in addition to another MoU with Kahramaa and
The Foundation also hosted a number of lectures called the Education City Speaker Series. The series provided Qatar’s community with opportunities to benefit from the perspectives of experts and thoughtleaders across a range of fields. CONVOCATION
Meanwhile, HBKU and edX, the non-profit online learning programme founded by Harvard University and Massachusetts Institute of Technology, signed an agreement that makes the former the first university in the Middle East to provide interdisciplinary courses that are accessible around the world. HBKU also held the first Qatar International Cybersecurity Contest, highlighting efforts to protect critical information and networks from cyber threats. It also collaborated with IBM to equip its students with future-ready skills in new and emerging technologies. As for the partner universities, a team of researchers from Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar discovered a new area of research that could lead to more effective breast cancer treatment with fewer side effects. Georgetown University in Qatar for its part hosted the GU-Q 100: A Celebration of Knowledge event to commemorate more than 100 books published by its faculty and staff since the university was established in 2005. Northwestern University inaugurated the Qatar’s Media Majlis, the first media museum in the Arab world and Qatar’s first university museum. It also established a Media Innovation Lab. Texas A&M University at Qatar graduated its 1,000th engineer this year. Qatar Museums and UCL Qatar announced a partnership that will deliver a new legal framework for cultural heritage in Qatar. Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts in Qatar issued a book
“THESE PREPARATIONS INCLUDED PREPARING “WITH THE RECENT LARGE THE BUILDINGS, PROJECT ANNOUNCEMENTS, CLASSROOMS, SCHOOL IT IS CLEAR THAT FURNITURE, PRINTING AND GOVERNMENT DISTRIBUTIONSPENDING OF BOOKS ON HAS MOVEDDAY BEYOND FIFATHE FIRST OF SCHOOL, RELATED EXPENDITURES FILLING VACANCIES AND THE BULK SPENDING AND CHECKINGOF THE IS SHIFTING TOWARDS AVAILABILITY OF SCHOOL UPGRADING THE CORE BUSES ACCORDING TO THE INFRASTRUCTURE OF THE GEOGRAPHICAL LOCATION COUNTRY.” OF EACH SCHOOL.” ANURAG GUPTA IBRAHIM BIN SALEH AL NUAIMI
Director & Head of Real Estate and Valuations Undersecretary Advisory in KPMG Qatar Minister of Education and Higher Education State of Qatar
commemorating its 20th year in Qatar titled Cultivating the Arts. Weill Cornell MedicineQatar’s research discovered that desert toxins could help to find a cure for Alzheimer’s disease, and an existing malaria drug could improve the effectiveness of a new class of cancer therapies. HBKU's Qatar Computing Research Institute (QCRI) launched the Qatar Center for Artificial Intelligence (QCAI), an initiative to develop and promote the use of cutting-edge Artificial Intelligence solutions. Qatar Biomedical Research Institute, a part of HBKU, released the results of its intensive six-year study on the Prevalence of Autism Spectrum Disorder in Qatar, the first of its kind for both the nation and the region. In medicine, Sidra’s first pediatric epilepsy surgeries, pediatric and infant cataract surgeries, and pediatric hip preservation surgeries were performed. Surgeons from Sidra Medicine and Hamad Medical Corporation also carried out the hospital's first live-donor renal transplants. JANUARY 2020 > QATAR TODAY 51
spotlight EDUCATION
IDEAS THAT SHAPE YOUR WORLD START HERE CARNEGIE MELLON UNIVERSITY ATTRACTS A CERTAIN TYPE OF STUDENT: MOTIVATED, INVENTIVE, AND DRIVEN TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE. STUDENTS COME TO CARNEGIE MELLON TO LEARN, CREATE AND INNOVATE WITH THE VERY BEST. THEY LEAVE WITH THE PASSION, CONNECTIONS, CREDENTIALS AND LIFELONG FRIENDS WHO WILL HELP THEM CHANGE THE WORLD.
WORK THAT MATTERS
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or more than a century, Carnegie Mellon University has challenged the curious and passionate to imagine and deliver work that matters. A private, global university, Carnegie Mellon stands among the world’s renowned educational institutions, setting its own course with programmes that inspire creativity and collaboration. Consistently top-ranked, Carnegie Mellon has more than 13,000 students and 110,000 alumni worldwide.
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A WORLD-CLASS QATAR
EDUCATION
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At the invitation of Qatar Foundation, Carnegie Mellon joined Education City in 2004 to deliver select programmes that will contribute to the long-term development of Qatar. Today, Carnegie Mellon Qatar (CMU-Q) offers undergraduate programmes in biological sciences, business administration, computational biology, computer science, and information systems. More than 400 students from 48 countries call Carnegie Mellon Qatar home.
PROGRAMMES OF STUDY CMU-Q offers undergraduate programmes that are ahead of the curve, in fields at the forefront of technology, innovation, scientific discovery and economic growth. All undergraduate majors require four years of full-time study, after which students earn a bachelor of science degree. Biological Sciences has a core curriculum of biology, chemistry, computer science, mathematics and physics. Indepth exposure to multiple disciplines prepares students for careers at the forefront of emerging new fields.
Business Administration provides the foundation for motivated students to become leaders in the business arena within Qatar, the region and the world. The programme emphasizes an analytical approach to problem-solving, providing the tools to adapt to an evolving business environment. Computational Biology applies computer science techniques to complex biological and biomedical problems. The programme provides an intensive, interdisciplinary education grounded in the disciplines of biology and computer science. Computer Science provides students with the core skills of mathematical reasoning, algorithmic thinking, and programming. The programme encourages creativity and provides the fundamental skills to develop new technologies. Information Systems is based on professional core courses that teach students to analyze, design, implement and test information systems using current and emerging practices. The flexible nature of the programme encourages students to work outside of traditional disciplinary boundaries.
LEARN BY DOING Students at CMU-Q learn beyond the classroom through a slate of unique enrichment opportunities. Most students choose to study abroad for part of their education, or travel on academic trips that enhance classroom work. Students who intern receive on-the-job experience, which adds an important dimension to their undergraduate education. Research is part of the fabric of a Carnegie Mellon education. Students engage in a wide variety of research endeavours, such as independent studies, senior and honours theses, summer internships and funded projects as junior researchers. SMALL CAMPUS, BIG SPIRIT The CMU-Q student body is exceptionally diverse, representing 48 nations. Students form a busy and active community, participating in clubs, organizing largescale events, traveling for service and academics, and competing in local and international contests. The low studentto-professor ratio means students receive unparalleled individual attention.
GRADUATES DIFFERENCE
WHO
MAKE
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Graduates from CMU-Q are highly sought-after: most choose careers in top organizations, while a significant number pursue graduate studies at international institutions. With 12 graduating classes, the total number of alumni is more than 800. The CMU-Q alumni network has a growing influence, with most graduates working in Qatar or the region. You will find our alumni in organizations like Ooredoo, Qatar Airways, Qatar Shell, McKinsey and Company, KPMG, Siemens and ExxonMobil. In Doha’s budding entrepreneurial sector, CMU-Q alumni members are a driving force, creating startups, mentoring current students and contributing to an emerging community of young innovators. Follow us: Twitter: @CarnegieMellonQ Instagram: @carnegiemellonq Facebook: CarnegieMellonQ YouTube: CarnegieMellonQatar LinkedIn: Carnegie Mellon Qatar To learn more, visit www.qatar.cmu.edu.
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spotlight EDUCATION
DEMOCRACY IN ACTION HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS AT THE ARAB INTERNATIONAL ACADEMY RUN FOR STUDENT COUNCIL ELECTIONS.
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he Arab International Academy (AIA) seeks to communicate and apply its vision and mission in all aspects of school life and aspires to develop a generation of future leaders who can act with integrity, respect the opinions of others, solve problems, make collaborative decisions, value community service, and inspire others in their dedication to the contemporary issues in society. Through working towards its vision, AIA
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provides students with opportunities to become actively involved in the decision-making process of their school and enables them to make their voice heard, plan purposeful activities and take initiatives in their communities. The student council was established to achieve the school’s vision and realize its aspiration in developing responsible and principled students who demonstrate distinguished leadership and social skills, which would directly support
their role in their school life. High school students emulated the democratic experience when they ran for student council elections last September. In ensuring the success of the experience, the administration organized several workshops to educate students on the election process and the roles and responsibilities of council members that involved a presentation that explained the details of the internal regulation document, which was then modified by
students and faculty. Later, the committee announced the opening of candidacy for the student council elections, which consisted of 21 representatives from all grade levels, three students per grade. A total of 28 students were nominated. The committee granted the delegates three days to campaign before presenting their election programme to their fellow students. Students elected an eleventh grader, Rashid Hussein, to head the council. He then called for the first meeting to finalize council members’ selections and role distribution. Rashid described this year’s election process as far more successful and productive than past ones. He stated: “We enjoyed a great experience where every student had an equal right for candidacy. The whole election process ran smoothly in an atmosphere of transparency and integrity. I have several suggestions, which I am planning to work hard to achieve this year. The most important of all is using e-books instead of paper books to help save the planet and reduce the weight of our school bags.” Mr. Shadi Zidat, the student council supervisor, highlighted the importance of the election procedures and their roles in deepening the students’ understanding of the theories and practices that relate to citizenship, democracy, integrity and social justice. He added that the academy aims to instill these ideals in students’ minds through real-life practices, which will, in turn, help students in stepping outside the prevailing assumptions that discriminate against individuals based on their colour, age, or gender. AIA also takes pride in this successful experience which resulted from careful objective planning and meticulous preparations. Moreover, it remains of the utmost importance to capitalize on this success and equipping student council members with all the necessary tools to develop their leadership and creative thinking skills, and to work effectively to grow this experience in the coming years. www.aia.qa
“WITH THE RECENT LARGE PROJECT ANNOUNCEMENTS, IT IS CLEAR THAT GOVERNMENT SPENDING HAS MOVED BEYOND FIFARELATED EXPENDITURES AND THE BULK OF SPENDING IS SHIFTING TOWARDS UPGRADING THE CORE INFRASTRUCTURE OF THE COUNTRY.” ANURAG GUPTA Director & Head of Real Estate and Valuations Advisory in KPMG Qatar
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spotlight EDUCATION
VCUARTS QATAR – A CENTRE OF CREATIVITY AND OPPORTUNITY
THE VIBRANT VCUARTS QATAR CAMPUS IN EDUCATION CITY IS WHERE NEW THINGS HAPPEN EVERY DAY, IDEAS FLOURISH AND CREATIVITY IS IN ABUNDANCE.
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hrough its innovative programming, the University opens up the exciting world of art and design to young Qataris, residents and international students. The University makes possible the choice of rewarding careers as artists, teachers, designers, entrepreneurs and creative professionals in the arts and design world and beyond. VCUarts Qatar in Education City is the overseas sister campus of the internationally renowned Virginia Commonwealth University’s prestigious School of the Arts in Richmond, Virginia. VCUarts in Virginia has been a top-ranked art and design programme in the United
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States for more than 10 years, according to U.S. News & World Report. Established in 1998 through a partnership with Qatar Foundation, VCUarts Qatar offers students the opportunity to earn a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in fashion design, graphic design, interior design and painting and printmaking, a Bachelor of Arts degree in art history and a Master of Fine Arts degree in design. In addition, VCUarts Qatar’s Libraries have the broadest range of art and design books in Doha, as well as the region’s only Materials Library. The current student body consists of 323 students representing 35 nationalities.
The campus in Education City attracts significant contributors to contemporary visual culture for speaking and teaching engagements. Major events by VCUarts Qatar include the Hamad Bin Khalifa Symposium on Islamic Art, the University’s annual fashion show, the BFA + MFA exhibition by graduating students, and the Tasmeem Doha art and design conference. The Qatar community is also welcome to explore their creative side at VCUarts Qatar. Short courses in art and design are offered to all through the university’s Community Education Program. No prior experience or education is required and the courses take place throughout the year.
THE IMPORTANCE OF CHOICE
THERE ARE MANY WAYS TO IDENTIFY A GOOD INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL, AND WHILST MANY SCHOOLS WILL HAVE INTERNATIONAL STAFF, AN INTERNATIONAL STUDENT BODY AND AN INTERNATIONAL CURRICULUM, FEW CAN OFFER TRULY MEANINGFUL PARTNERSHIPS AND A TRUE CHOICE OF PATHWAYS TO ENTER TOP UNIVERSITIES. BY SIMON PORTER
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ompass International School’s groundbreaking collaboration with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), one of the best universities in the world, falls into this category. MIT provides Compass students with unique challenges to develop their technological and thinking skills throughout the school year. It also provides training for Compass staff and opportunities for Compass students to visit MIT to take part in student events. Compass’s collaborations do not stop there. The school's Music, Dance and Drama curriculum is written by The Juilliard School, the world-renowned
performing arts conservatory. Compass is the only school in Doha to offer this curriculum. Juilliard artists visit the school each term, and curriculum specialists regularly visit the school to offer training and advice to teachers. Parents send their children to international schools to gain entry to the world’s top universities. Whilst most schools can offer only one pathway, via either the British style A-levels or the International Baccalaureate, Compass’s opening of its new state-ofthe-art Themaid campus means that it can now offer both internationally recognised qualifications. Students and parents in Year 11 receive intense counselling and information sessions to enable them to make the best choice for them. They can then move between the campus of their choice to do the qualification that offers them the best chance of getting into the top institutions. Compass’s highly trained international staff will then assist them in choosing the most beneficial mix of subjects and qualifications. Top universities demand a fully balanced education in addition to excellent examinations results, and Compass’s unique collaborations with the best institutions in the world offers the best pathway to these goals. Compass International School is now offering A-levels for the 2020/21 Academic Year, in addition to the IB
Diploma. Find out how your child can succeed inside and beyond the classroom at cisdoha.com
Every day is an open day at Compass International School. Contact our Admissions Team today for a personalised tour at any of our four campuses around Doha. Email admissions.cisd@nais.qa call +974 4034 6801. Simon Porter is the Director of Quality and Staff Development and Head of Secondary at Themaid Campus Compass International School. Simon Porter is also a Times Education Supplement “Subject Genius” for Science and contributed to Professor Deborah Eyre’s recent book on High Performance Learning.
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spotlight EDUCATION
ACS DOHA INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL CELEBRATES ITS YOUNG SUSTAINABILITY AWARDS
EMPOWERING QATAR’S YOUTH TO A MORE SUSTAINABLE FUTURE
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CS International School Doha celebrated its first Young Sustainability Awards, an initiative to encourage students to think critically about their environment. The award ceremony featured representatives from the Ministry of Municipality and Environment (MME) after sustainability advocates and local media, alongside participating students and their parents. The Young Sustainability Awards called for the school’s students of all ages, from Kindergarten to Grade 12, to submit action-oriented initiatives. The judging panel comprised ACS Doha teachers and the winners were announced at a special ceremony where they were congratulated and awarded their prizes by special guests from MME as well as Ghanim Al Sulaiti, the young Qatari influencing figure and sustainability advocate. While younger students submitted drawings, ideas and models, older students proposed fully-fledged initiatives. Early Childhood winner, Ananya Sharma, built an eco-friendly planet model using concepts of recycling and pollution. Lower School Grade 5 winners, Tania De Rossi and Valentina
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Melara, submitted a proposal to make ACS Doha’s new school building (opening in August 2020) a plastic-free campus by conducting research on the perceptions of their classmates, gathering data and developing a proposal. Meanwhile, Middle and High School winner, Abdul Rehaman Shaad Rahiman, focused on the harmful environmental impact of single-use plastic straws. The awards ceremony shadows Qatar’s own ambitious goals as it moves towards a culture that aims to live by more sustainable means. From paper to practice, the Young Sustainability Awards represents a fundamental way ACS Doha is implementing its recently announced five-year education strategy. The winning entries received an experiential learning opportunity with leading industry organizations in sustainability, strengthening ACS’s core values of learning beyond the classroom and introducing students to future career paths. “The Young Sustainability Awards inspire our students to truly adopt sustainable patterns of living in their own daily lives, creating a new kind of citizen ready for the world. It brings us one step closer to contributing to a future where the environmental pillar of the Qatar National Vision is a reality,” said Robert Cody, Head of School.
Among the special guests was Mr Mohammed Omar Al Bader, Climate and Renewable Energy Researcher from MME. He said: “It was an honour to have the opportunity to attend this event and see our country’s youth engage in critical thinking about the environment. Seeing such young students become conscious about our environment inspires us to continue to research, explore and build upon the ways we can reduce Qatar’s carbon footprint.” Co-founder at Evergreen Organics Café, Ghanim Al Sultaiti, had this message for the students: “The solution is for you, as the individual, to start making a change whether that be starting with family or even friends. If we can inspire one person, it’s a step towards change.” Dr Murat Dincer, Head of Sciences at ACS, said: “Encouraging our students to become caring contributors is one of our school’s objectives and something that is reflected through their learning on our International Baccalaureate curriculum. The critical issue of sustainability provides a timely opportunity for our students to explore environmental issues from different perspectives, skills that are helpful not only in the classroom but also in their future careers”.
GEORGETOWN UNIVERSITY IN QATAR: DEVELOPING GLOBAL LEADERS GEORGETOWN UNIVERSITY IN QATAR’S (GU-Q) UNIQUE LEARNING ENVIRONMENT CAPITALIZES ON EXPERT FACULTY WORLD-CLASS FACILITIES, AND A HISTORY OF COMMUNITY SERVICE, PROVIDING THE SAME CURRICULUM AND ALLOWING STUDENTS TO OBTAIN THE SAME DEGREE AS STUDENTS AT GEORGETOWN’S CAMPUS IN WASHINGTON, D.C.
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ocated in Education City, GU-Q offers the internationally recognized Bachelor of Science in Foreign Service degree in four majors — International Economics, International Politics, Culture and Politics, and International History. Undergraduates can also deepen their studies with a minor in Arabic, Economics, Government, History, Philosophy, and Theology. They can also complement their major field of study by pursuing a certificate in one of three concentrations: Arab and Regional Studies, American Studies, or Media and Politics, the latter offered in collaboration with Northwestern University in Qatar. Students are supported by renowned scholars and teaching faculty while they benefit from state-of-the-art facilities such as immersive classrooms, language labs and the region’s leading library for international affairs. In addition, GU-Q provides a holistic
learning experience, encouraging students to participate in local internships, to travel abroad for service learning programmes, or to complement their studies with a semester abroad at Georgetown’s Washington, D.C. campus or other respected institutions. By the time they graduate, GU-Q students will have gained proficiency in a secondary language, analytical thinking, crisis negotiation and cross-cultural understanding, critical skills which have propelled graduates to find success in careers ranging from international affairs, sports management and energy to finance, healthcare, research and communications, both internationally and in Qatar. Others have gone on to pursue a graduate education at some of the world’s top institutions, including Columbia, Oxford and Harvard. GU-Q is committed to providing an affordable, world-class education for every student and to meeting demonstrated
financial need through a combination of financial aid options. Students interested in finding out more about GU-Q’s degree programme, facilities and the application process should visit www.qatar. georgetown.edu/admissions. Executive, Professional and Community Education GU-Q also offers a variety of continuing education opportunities, such as a Master’s degree in International Emergency and Disaster Management and custom programmes to meet professional development needs through the School of Continuing Studies. Twice a year, GU-Q also offers a variety of community classes in Arabic and English on topics ranging from Arabic and understanding international politics to sports policy and becoming an entrepreneur. To learn more about GU-Q’s continuing education programmes visit: https://epe.qatar. georgetown.edu/ JANUARY 2020 > QATAR TODAY 59
tag this GREEN SCENE
LUSH GREENERIES IN QATAR
THE MINISTRY OF MUNICIPALITY AND ENVIRONMENT (MME), REPRESENTED BY THE CLIMATE CHANGE DEPARTMENT, STEPPED UP EFFORTSÂ IN BUILDING A SUSTAINABLE ENVIRONMENT IN QATAR. MME RECENTLY IMPLEMENTED A PROJECT OF PLANTING ONE MILLION TREES IN THE COUNTRY AS PART OF THE GLOBAL INITIATIVE ON CLIMATE CHANGE. 60 QATAR TODAY > JANUARY 2020
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tag this GREEN SCENE
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s part of the campaign’s initiative, approximately 4,000 packets of seeds and 11,000 wild "Al Najila" quack grass seedlings, were distributed to the campers. Qatar is undeniably home to diverse and rich natural resources. The palm trees, ornamental trees, ornamental shrubs, fruit shrubs and wild environment trees already cultivated in Qatar have softened the country’s atmosphere and made the public places greener. MME's current environmental campaign reflects the country’s aim to achieve
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the National Vision 2030 by preserving natural resources, reduce pollution, resisting desertification and erosion. In line with this campaign, Abdulhadi Nasser Al Marri, Director of the Climate Change Department, stated: “The initiative aims at encouraging the planting of local trees which suit the Qatari environment using treated water. Apart from the one million tree initiative, which is a special project, MME continues to plant trees and work to increase greeneries in parks, streets and other public places for beautification and to deter climate change and reduce Qatar's carbon footprint.”
Commenting on the rising environmental initiatives in the country, Mr Mohammed Ali Al Khouri, Director of Public Parks at MME, said: “We are pleased to see more achievements that increase green areas in the country and provide more public parks that the local community needs.” He also added, “In parallel with the enormous urban renaissance that we are witnessing and are proud of, there is also the development of environmental projects and extensive planting activities that are carried out in addition to major construction projects.”
HOW CLIMATE TALKS FAILED OUR FUTURE GENERATIONS AS THE LONGEST- EVER ROUND OF NEGOTIATIONS FAILED TO ACHIEVE CONCRETE RESULTS MARCHED CALLING FOR AMBITIOUS ACTION, NEESHAD SHAFI WRITES.
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rom the outset, Chile – which was the original host for COP25 – made it clear that this was an “ambitious COP,” reflecting the significant gap between current pledges and what would be needed to meet global temperature goals. But the COP25 UN climate negotiations, which concluded in Madrid,were arguably the longest in the history of the processyetfailed to settle on an agreement in a bid to promise the youth a prosperous and sustainable future.
As global CO2 emissions rose to record levels, the youth marched in climate protests while a number of leading economies adopted new net zero emissions targets. But none of that translated into measurable results at the negotiations even after extensions beyond the two weeks of COP25! Secretary-General of the United Nations, António Guterres, tweeted hours after the marathon COP25 that he was disappointed with the result of the talks. “The international community lost an
important opportunity to show increased ambition on mitigation, adaptation and finance to tackle the climate crisis,” he said. What we saw was that COP25 generated few breakthroughs and showed that too many governments were unwilling to accept the scope and urgency of climate change. The failure of COP25 is not collective among all nations but rather a cynical sabotage by those few nations acting in the interests of the fossil fuel companies rather than their own citizens.
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tag this GREEN SCENE
YOUTH AT COP25
The arrival of Greta Thunberg was the headline ahead of the much-anticipated Climate Strike during the first week of COP25, which gave a clear call for climate action. In her speech during the second week of the conference, Thunberg said: “It seems that the COP has turned into an opportunity for countries to negotiate loopholes.” On the same day, she was named Time magazine’s Person of the Year. In the second week of the conference, more than 100 youth activists, climate campaigners and indigenous groups expressed their frustration at the lack of progress in addressing the climate. Eventually, these people were escorted out of the COP25 venue, only to begin protesting outside the plenary room where Thunberg and the UN Secretary-General had spoken. Guterres, who has repeatedly shown his support for youth movements, further urged them to keep up the pressure on leaders. He stated: “Millions throughout the world, especially young people, are calling on leaders from all sectors to do more, much more, to address the climate emergency we face.” While the results from COP25 in Madrid have been inadequate, international
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participation in the summit drastically increased in number and determination. WAY FORWARD As the UK prepares to take charge of next year’s COP26 talks in Glasgow, the summit at the end of January is surely something to look forward to for Prime Minister Boris Johnson after Brexit. As the incoming president the COP26, Claire Perry O’Neill said that the UK’s job will be to support and call more countries to adopt enhanced and ambitious climate targets for the middle of the century. Though young people who had come from all over the world demanded, protested and negotiated for urgent climate action over the two weeks of COP25 in Madrid, the participating countries still failed to meet their pledges. But, this only proves that the youth are relentless, they will not be deterred, and they have only just begun.
“IT SEEMS THAT THE COP HAS TURNED INTO AN OPPORTUNITY FOR COUNTRIES TO NEGOTIATE LOOPHOLES.” GRETA THUNBERG Environmental activist
NEESHAD SHAFI Executive Director Arab Youth Climate Movement Qatar
Neeshad Shafi is the Executive Director of Arab Youth Climate Movement Qatar. He is an expert in analysing global environmental politics and climate change policies with a special focus on the Middle East. Email: neeshad@aycmqatar.org
business AUTO NEWS
SMOOTH-SAILING G GROWTH FOR ROLLS-ROYCE Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Middle East and Africa (MEA) enjoyed a remarkable 2019 with 29% growth in sales.
iven that Middle East stands as one of the strongest global markets for highly bespoke Rolls-Royce motor cars, the Cullinan and Phantom were the two models which spurred the company's sales growth in 2019. This year, Rolls-Royce completed its Black Badge family with the addition of Cullinan Black Badge alongside Ghost, Dawn and Wraith variants. The MEA region is one of the best-performing globally for sales of RollsRoyce Black Badge models, a reflection of the region’s youthful and adventurous customers seeking a more individual, rebellious expression of the Rolls-Royce brand. With the affirmative results in the region, the MEA sales outlook for 2020 is cautiously optimistic thanks to strong demand across the complete Rolls-Royce model range, especially Phantom and Cullinan, in addition to the existing and expected orders for the newly launched Black Badge Cullinan. Collection and highly bespoke models are also expected to remain in high demand. César Habib, Regional Director, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Middle East and Africa, said: “The results are a testament to the quality of the Rolls-Royce product, the faith and passion showed in the brand by our customers, and the unwavering dedication of our dealers. With strong demand across our complete model range reflected on our healthy order book, we can look forward to 2020 with optimism if uncertainty doesn't dictate otherwise.”
SKYROCKETING SALES A CLASSIC UPGRADE
Bentley Motors saw its sales rise by five per cent in 2019 as a raft of exciting new models helped entice a growing number of customers around the world. With total sales of 11,006 cars, this was the seventh consecutive year that the luxury British marque has sold over 10,000 units.
Mercedes-Benz V-Class, a renowned passenger family car, gets a new look with a revised front-end design, exterior colours, updated interior and a range of cutting-edge driver assistance features.
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ey to the company’s ongoing success was the introduction of several exciting new models, combined with greater global availability of other popular models, in particular the Continental GT W12 and Bentayga V8. Demand for the Continental GT was increased by the introduction of a high-performance V8 engine for both Coupe and Convertible versions. The pioneering, go-anywhere Bentayga was also in strong demand, setting a sales record, with new Speed and Design Series models adding to the luxury SUV’s appeal. Three limited edition models were also produced by Bentley’s bespoke division, Mulliner - all quickly sold out.
ith a redesigned front bumper, the V-Class appears wider by incorporating a broad intake into the lower fascia – an optional AMG Line Package is now available with a new, chrome-accented, diamond radiator grille offering a sportier appearance. The interior of the new V-Class focuses on passenger comfort with a simpler, elegant design with new upholstery and trim options. Building on its position as a class leader in safety, the car features new Active Brake Assist and Highbeam Assist Plus as a part of the upgrade. JANUARY 2020 > QATAR TODAY 65
culture DOHA DIARY
AROUND THE CLOCK Qatar Today shines the spotlight on a day in the life of a chosen persona in Qatar.
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palatable dish with an impeccable visual presentation undeniably reflects a chef’s hard work and sentiment for their craft. While we pause to appreciate the beauty set on a fancy plate, a chef’s mind is focused on garnering feedback through a guest’s facial expression after the first bite. Before the crack of dawn, Chef Barlas is already up and ready to start the day. With his wife and daughter still in bed, he savours a cup of hot espresso by himself. As the executive chef of W Doha, no day is ever identical for a man who handles all the food outlets in the hotel. With 128 chefs under his command, he has responsibilities that extend beyond the culinary standards. At around 8 a.m., he arrives at W Doha hotel and immediately visits all food outlets to oversee the quality control of the products. Starting from the W Café to Market by Jean Georges, consistency and
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quality are the main criteria he examines. He also takes a few minutes to speak with guests and extend the hotel’s hospitality. Followed by several rounds of checking on each dining spot, he works closely with his team in briefing them about the day's important events and VIP guests. He then relays this information to his chefs and arranges a bio meeting where they identify guests' specific food requirements such as gluten-free, vegetarian, vegan, etc. After the meeting, he usually spends an hour and a half checking his emails, processing orders for ingredients, managing and inventory. This enables Barlas to keep track of the quantity of ingredients being ordered by each food outlet in the hotel. Compared to his crucial morning tasks, the rest of his day is much less hectic as he spends it supervising the kitchen of each food outlet. This is far from simple: Barlas makes sure that every product is prepared excellently.
CHEF BARLAS Executive Chef of W Doha
Furthermore, Barlas personally supervises on the food preparation for the hotel's VIP guests as well as other special occasions. From midday to late afternoon, Barlas juggles the daily operations of the hotel's restaurants and kitchens while simultaneously ensuring that the products are of high quality. These tasks alone distinguish an executive chef from a regular cook. When asked to describe the difference, Barlas says: “When
you become an executive chef, the mindset changes and it shifts to the business side. Immediately you are wired to have a business mindset on how to make profit while maintaining a good quality product.” The working hours are also different, the usual eight to nine-hour workday for a normal chef position extends to more than 14 hours for Barlas. When the rest of the staff call it a day, he gears up for another round of visits to the hotel kitchens. In the evening,
he speaks with the chefs of each restaurant to get feedback and note any concerns. Given that the overall quality of the food is his responsibility, food waste is always a part of the discussion as he makes sure that he also contributes to the hotel and the country’s aim for sustainability and food waste management. Barlas ensures that this is implemented by ensuring minimal to no-waste at the end of every daily operation. With everything set for the next day, his last task is to order ingredients and protein items from the hotel’s exclusive supplier. After getting through a demanding day, he releases all the stress from work by listening to music on his way home. With an extremely challenging, yet exciting schedule, Barlas never forgets to value life's precious moments, such as a simple getaway to the beach with his family. Despite his busy routine, he also allots time to do the things that he loves, such as fishing and playing the clarinet.
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business MARKETWATCH
A TASTE OF SPAIN
Spanish Michelin star chef, Dani García, debuts the first BiBo restaurant outside of Spain in Doha, Qatar
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erived from the Spanish word “Vivo” meaning “lively,” BiBo restaurant perfectly embodies chef Dani García’s personality and cuisine style. The highly acclaimed Andalusian chef born in the coastal town of Marbella built BiBo as a dynamic, eclectic and carefree space in which different environments coexist in harmony. As much as he is now known as an innovator, García is still primarily a chef with pride in his native land as he gives the same Andalusian character to all BiBo restaurants while making reference to different parts of the world.
ECO-FRIENDLY TRANSPORT Msheireb Properties proudly introduced its eco-friendly transportation, Msheireb Tram.
STRENGTHENING ITS PRESENCE Hilton Doha presents an exciting addition to its portfolio in the country with the launch of Hilton Doha The Pearl Residences.
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anufactured by the US-based TIG/m, LLC, the much anticipated Msheireb Tram adopted the latest transportation technology and sustainability options for a convenient and accessible commute in Downtown Doha. It also includes a unique open-air feature which allows it to be operated as an open-air car by removing the glass panels. The self-powered environmentally friendly tramway depot is Platinum LEED certified. It is made up of three one-deck, high-tech, electric streetcars, which are fully air-conditioned, incorporating special light-filtering glass panels which prevent over 90% of the heat from sunlight. The modern high-tech streetcar also includes many advanced features making it a convenient and safe method of transportation for passengers, such as: level boarding at all stations; a hop-on-hop-off service in Wadi Msheireb area; Virtual Tram Detection and tram priority at the traffic signals, tram arrival signs in real-time on the trams and at the passenger stations, on-board CCTV, and on-board Wi-Fi. Ali Al Kuwari, Acting Chief Executive Officer, Msheireb Properties said: “With the launch of the Msheireb Tram, we hope that this sustainable way of commuting will encourage more people to leave their cars behind. The tramway is very user-friendly, cost effective, and suitable for everyone, and I am confident that our visitors and residents will find it very convenient.” 68 QATAR TODAY > JANUARY 2020
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he stunning 38-storey, world-class property within The Pearl Qatar’s Qanat Quartier is a home to contemporary design and architecture. It is a smart building, where guests have digital keyless access featuring 414 stylish and fully furnished accommodation choices with a series of high-end fine dining options, a temperature-controlled outdoor pool, soon-toopen private beach and a kids’ club. It also houses the Signature eforea spa & health club using Elemis & Sothys Spa products, a 24–hour business centre and six hi-tech meeting rooms. During the launch, Hassan El Wahidi, General Manager of Hilton Doha The Pearl Residences also stressed on its commitment to sustainable travel across Qatar. On the other hand, Etienne Gailliez, Hilton Country General Manager in Qatar also commented: “Hilton has fantastic properties in Qatar across three brands, and Hilton Doha The Pearl Residences is an exciting addition to our portfolio in the country. This opening will play a key role in Qatar’s growing tourism proposition and we look forward to welcoming residents and international travelers to this exciting new hotel.”
READY FOR TOMORROW. NEW CAMPUS OPENING AUGUST 2020 At ACS we prepare our students to be ready. Ready for cultures that cross-over, boundaries that blur and ideas that interconnect. Ready for a world that demands a new kind of learning – and a new kind of citizen. Our new state-of-the-art campus will deliver a truly exceptional learning environment, offering the very best academic programmes and co-curricular opportunities so our students are ready for a tomorrow full of opportunities.
• Girls • 70
and boys aged 3 –18
nationalities
• Conveniently
located in Al Kheesa
• International
Baccalaureate (IB)
• Advanced • US
Placement (AP) NEW
High School Diploma
• Exceptional
facilities including sports and performing arts
Scheduled tours available at the new campus. To find out more call +974 3026 6800, email doha-admissions@acs-schools.com or visit acs-schools.com/acs-doha JANUARY 2020 > QATAR TODAY 69