Qatar Today May 2017 by Oryx Group of Magazines

inside this issue May 2017 / Vol. 43 / Issue 5

COVER STORY

26 ON THE ROAD TO 2022

Qatar Today reviews a range of updates as the nation continues to gear up for its watershed moment – the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

34 TARSHEED... FIVE YEARS ON

Eng Abdulaziz Al Hammadi, Manager of KAHRAMAA’s Conservation and Energy Efficiency Department, promises a doubling down of its activities.

56 LAZY ROADS AND SPEED DEMONS

The beating heart of the new Ferrari 488 Spider may be hidden beneath its sleek, metallic exterior, but it’s never far from you when you are behind the wheel.

24 BANKING ON A DIGITAL FUTURE

Five key trends emerge while predicting the path of digital banking in Qatar in the coming months.

32 LOSING YOUR JOB: WHAT’S NEXT?

COVER CREDIT:

PHOTOGRAPH BY ANISH GRID/SKY MEDIA SHOT ON LOCATION AT SOUQ WAKRAH

Bayt.com’s career experts list the top six tips to make every working professional’s post-layoff plan smoother and more effective.

inside this issue May 2017 / Vol. 43 / Issue 5

QATAR MOTOR SHOW

40 THE FIRST PICK OF THE BEST

Taking place immediately after one of the biggest international automotive shows in Geneva, the five-day event gave many brands the opportunity to showcase their latest launch. ches in Qatar.

49 FUELING MARINE SUPPLY ROUTES

Shipping lines across the world start discussions about using LNG as a marine fuel in the coming years.

38 TECHNOLOGY CHANGING PERSONAL SAVINGS

Find out about the increased role of artificial intelligence, big data and the Internet of Things.

20 SERIOUS ABOUT SOLAR

With a target of producing 20% of its electricity using solar energy by 2030, a series of public and private investments is driving new developments in Qatarâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s solar energy sector.

and regulars 12

NEWS BITES

REALTY CHECK

BANK NOTES

OIL & GAS REVIEW

TECH TALK

MARKET WATCH

DOHA DIARY

PUBLISHER & EDITOR IN CHIEF YOUSUF JASSIM AL DARWISH MANAGING DIRECTOR & CEO JASSIM YOUSUF AL DARWISH MANAGER DR FAISAL FOUAD EDITORIAL CHIEF EDITOR IZDIHAR IBRAHIM DEPUTY EDITOR AYSWARYA MURTHY SENIOR CORRESPONDENTS UDAYAN NAG KARIM EMAM CORRESPONDENTS AARTHI MOHAN KEERTANA KODURU

ART SENIOR ART DIRECTOR MANSOUR ELSHEIKH DEPUTY ART DIRECTORS AYUSH INDRAJITH HUSSEIN ALBAZ PHOTOGRAPHER ROB F ALTAMIRANO MARKETING & SALES MANAGER SAKALA A DEBRASS TEAM SONY VELLATT DENZITA SEQUIERA NISHAD N P EVENTS OFFICER GHAZALA MOHAMMED ACCOUNTANT PRATAP CHANDRAN DISTRIBUTION DEPARTMENT ESLAM ELMAHALAWY BIKRAM SHRESTHA ARJUN TIMILSINA BHIMAL RAI BASANTA POKHREL PRADEEP BHUSAL

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from the desk In this issue, we at Qatar Today have gone carcrazy. It couldn’t be helped. It is the spirit of the season, so to speak. We practically camped at the Qatar Motor Show in order to bring you indepth coverage of the new cars, the latest in auto technology, and interviews with the movers and shakers of the automotive world. In addition to that we have a gorgeous photo spread dedicated to the new Ferrari 488 Spider, a convertible supercar that combines blistering speed with carefree, top-down driving. This issue might provide respite to many of us who have been under a gloomy cloud the last few months. Qatar’s LNG sector is in the midst of a new awakening. We highlight another aspect of this in our current issue by analysing how the shipping industry’s move towards using LNG as fuel is going to boost Qatar’s prospects. There was more good news with the opening of the long-awaited Kahramaa Awareness Park. To coincide with that, Qatar Today sat down exclusively with the head of Tarsheed who explains how the country was able to reduce its water and electricity consumption by a fifth within five years. With all this going on, the World Cup seems to have slipped back in our collective consciousness. But a lot has been happening silently behind the scenes and Qatar Today decided to revisit some of these developments with this issue’s cover story: a comprehensive update on the preparations for the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Between budget cuts and workers’ rights, the turn of events is as fascinating as it is multipronged. Irrespective of how this unfolds five years from now, it’s going to be a rewarding exercise to be able to reflect on the challenges that Qatar undertook in going from relative obscurity to hosting the biggest sporting spectacle in the world. We here at Qatar Today are certainly maintaining records dutifully. Happy Reading!

affairs > local

POLISH PARTNERSHIP Poland’s President Andrzej Duda and HH the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani inspect a military honour guard as they attend a welcoming ceremony at the court of Poland’s presidential palace in Warsaw. JANEK SKARZYNSKI / AFP

ONE STEP CLOSER TO VAT Qatar’s Cabinet has approved draft legislation to implement two new taxes in the country – the VAT and a "sin tax".

5% value-added tax (VAT) is aimed at businesses while a new "sin tax" will be selectively aimed at fast food, luxury goods and other items. Officials previously said that selective taxes would be “imposed on goods harmful to human health and the environment,” as well as specific luxury items. This includes alcohol, tobacco, energy drinks and soda, among other things. Both taxes are part of GCC-wide agreements that hope to boost revenues for countries across the Gulf amid lower global oil prices. The executive regulations had already cleared the Cabinet once and got a second sign-off recently during its weekly meeting after it was revised by the Advisory Council. According to Arab News, GCC finance ministers will meet in Bahrain to discuss the further roll-out of the taxes. No exact date has been given for their implementation though senior finance professionals expect it to come into force from January 1, 2019, with a possibility of implementation as early as January 1, 2018.

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RIOT READY As part of preparations for the 2022 World Cup, security forces in Qatar are learning how to manage the hundreds of thousands of fans expected to attend the tournament.

As part of their training, the Armed Forces and military police have recently completed their first unit on riot control. QNA reported that the four-month course focused on developing skills to deal with crowd control, stadium security and rules about dealing with riots. There were also sessions on different types of weapons and gear used by riot police, as well as control and arrest techniques. The training was held at the Military Police School and was attended by members of the Emiri Land Forces Command, several military police commanders, members of the Joint Special Forces Group and the Emiri Border Command.

G RING ROAD NOW OPERATIONAL

T MILITARY HONOURS A Qatari soldier stands guard as Minister of State for Defense Affairs HE Khalid bin Mohammed Al Attiyah sits for dinner with US Secretary of Defense James Mattis at his residence in Doha. JONATHAN ERNST / POOL / AFP

QATARI HOSTAGES FREED

he new expressway which is expected to cut commuting time to Hamad International Airport (HIA), the Religious Complex and the Industrial Area, has officially opened to traffic. The QR4 billion G-Ring Road is south of Doha, and in part runs parallel to Salwa Road. It is 22 km long and stretches from near the airport to the new Orbital Highway, Ashghal said. The road has five lanes in each direction and contains eight main interchanges, some of them four levels high. Because there are no roundabouts or signals, the expressway is expected to cut commuting times in half for traffic heading from Salwa, Al Rayyan or Dukhan to HIA.

Some 26 people who were taken hostage near Iraq’s border with Saudi Arabia during a hunting trip in December 2015 have now been released.

he group reportedly included members of the Al Thani family, as well as some children. According to QNA, HH the Emir Sheikh Tamim received the hostages at Hamad International Airport. Citing anonymous Iraqi government officials, the Associated Press (AP) reported that the release was the result of lengthy negotiations between Iran, Qatar and militant groups. The move also came after “millions of dollars in payments” were made to Sunni and Shia factions, the unnamed officials told AP. Efforts to secure

the hostages’ release have been stepped up in recent months. In March, some $2 million was reportedly paid by an Al Thani to an American company to help free the group. Earlier that week, The Guardian reported that a Qatari plane had been sent to Baghdad to collect the hostages. While the jet arrived promptly, apparently the hostages’ expected release was delayed by the bombing of a convoy carrying residents of two Shia towns in northern Syria. The publication said Qatari officials had flown

into Baghdad with large bags that they refused to allow to be searched. Senior Iraqi officials told the newspaper that they believed the bags were carrying millions of dollars in ransom money. This money was to be split between three groups, including the Iraqi militia group Keta’eb Hezbollah. It is also expected to go to two Syrian groups: the Al Qaida-inspired Hayat Tahrir Al Sham and the Islamist group Ahrar Al Sham, The Guardian reported. HO / IRAQI INTERIOR MINISTRY / AFP

affairs > local

LOW-COST AIRLINE TO CONNECT INDIA AND QATAR

Indian low-cost carrier IndiGo commenced its operations at Hamad International Airport (HIA), its seventh international and fourth Middle-Eastern destination. It currently flies to Mumbai and Delhi and, according to a press release published by HIA, it also plans to operate direct flights from Chennai and Kozhikode to Doha from July 20, 2017. With the addition of these IndiGo flights, HIA now has a total of 25 weekly flights operating to Mumbai and 35 weekly flights operating to Delhi.

President of Qatar Olympic Committee HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani crowned Al Sadd as champions of Qatar Cup 2017 after they defeated Al Jaish 2-1 in the final played at Al Sadd Sports Club. It is the first time ever that Al Sadd SC has won the competition. Al Jaish on the other hand could not repeat the success they had in this competition in the past.

PHILIPPINE PRESIDENT DUTERTE VISITS QATAR President Rodrigo Duterte wrapped up a historic visit to Qatar after signing four new deals with the Emir to create nearly 6,000 jobs for Filipinos back home in the areas of culture, health, investments and technical/vocational training.

KARIM JAAFAR / AFP

ome 13 agreements were also signed between private firms in the areas of health, defence and tourism, according to a local English daily. The newspaper quoted the Philippines trade and industry secretary as saying the deals were worth more than $200 million and there is also the possibility of a new investment agreement of up to $1 billion with Qatar’s sovereign wealth fund. The president rallied a crowd of more than 7,000 Filipino expats at the Lusail Multipurpose Hall, starting off by crooning a duet with local singer Hanna Uddin. GMA News reports that during the hour-long talk, President Duterte reiterated his tough stance against the illegal drug trade in his country. He also reportedly again attacked former US President Barack Obama, boasting that he was the only one to have the guts to insult him. Meanwhile, he praised current President Donald Trump, also a populist leader, as a “realist” and “pragmatic thinker.” Qatar was the last stop for Duterte, who also visited Saudi Arabia and Bahrain this week, before heading home.

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AL SADD LIFTS QATAR CUP

QTA TO ROLLOUT NEW STRATEGY Qatar Tourism Authority (QTA) has announced the launch of consultations with members of the tourism sector and the supporting sectors in order to chart a roadmap towards launching the next phase of the National Tourism Sector Strategy in September.

TA said the review process will include a wide range of direct meetings with key policymakers and decision makers in Qatar, hosting two forums bringing together stakeholders across sectors, the first of which will be held in May along with conducting a series of public opinion polls. The review process comes in implementation of the directives issued by HE the Prime Minister and Interior Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani to conduct a comprehensive review of the National Tourism Sector Strategy 2030, in partnership with the private sector and stakeholders in the government, according to QTA. The updated strategy will be launched on September 27, which marks World Tourism Day.

business > realty check HOLLYWOOD COMES TO DOHA Al Asmakh Real Estate Development and US-based Paramount Hotels and Resorts announce plans to build the first Hollywoodinspired residential tower in Qatar, located at The Pearl-Qatar.

TURKEY REAL ESTATE BIG DRAW FOR QATARI INVESTORS

‘

xpo Turkey by Qatar 2017’, held at the Qatar National Convention Centre (QNCC) from April 19-21, 2017, attracted a number of real estate developers from Turkey, who felt positively about investments from the GCC in their country, particularly Qatar. According to Yavuz Can Onarli, the domestic and international marketing manager of SeaPearl Ataköy, the real estate market would continue to boom in the next few years. He said that the value of high-end properties in Istanbul and surrounding areas had gone up by 20-25% in recent years. Onarli said that Ataköy’s properties built in the vicinity of Istanbul’s Kemal Atatürk Airport offer a wide range of investment opportunities. The entire development is being carried out in partnership with the Qatari Diar Real Estate Investment Company.

QIB-UK TO FINANCE PROPERTIES IN LONDON

BAHRAIN-BASED RE COMPANY JOINS TLN QATAR

n a move aimed at setting the benchmark for generating innovative investment opportunities, Bahrain-based Bin Faqeeh Real Estate Investment Company joined The Luxury Network (TLN), a private membership club in Qatar. “We are pleased to partner with The Luxury Network, the world’s leading luxury affinity marketing group. This international body provides us with a great opportunity to be closer to investors and potential clients from across the region,” said Faisal Faqeeh, chairman of Bin Faqeeh Real Estate Investment Company.

BELLS AND WHISTLES Ezdan Real Estate Company, a subsidiary of Ezdan Holding Group, launched the "Ezdan EDC - My Book", a smart phone application that enables its customers to enjoy over 900 "buy-one-get-onefree" offers in a variety of products, including food and drinks, beauty and spa, pleasure and leisure, services and retails, and health and fitness in more than 300 commercial outlets.

QIB-UK, a fully owned subsidiary of QIB Group, has received official licencing to directly provide Sharia-compliant Murabaha facilities for London properties which are intended for own use.

IB-UK can now finance buy-to-live properties as well as refinance customers’ existing properties in London. The licence also comes with an existing experienced property search service that gives top priority to customers’ interests. “The fusion of knowing our customers for over three decades in Qatar and our experience in the London property market means we are perfectly placed to help them find the right property and get the most from their investments,” said Duncan Steele-Bodger, Chief Executive Officer of QIB-UK. QIB-UK has undergone a restructuring process in which a new strategy was implemented to streamline the operating model and direct it to focus on serving the bank’s high-networth clients by addressing their specific financial needs in the UK. 19 > QATAR TODAY > MAY 2017

business > bank notes MERGER-READY Dr Hussain Al Abdulla, Chairman and Managing Director of Masraf Al Rayan, says that a committee has been set up to oversee the merger of Masraf Al Rayan, Barwa Bank, and the International Bank of Qatar.

UGANDA READY FOR QATAR’S ISLAMIC BANKS

The Finance Minister of Uganda, Matia Kasaija, has said that their country is ready to welcome Islamic banking and financial service providers from Qatar “with open arms”.

“

he Islamic banking and financial services have one big attraction for us – interest-free financing provision. It’s a wonderful, human-friendly way of financing businesses,” said Kasaija. “Although I am relatively new to the Islamic financial system, one principle that I was taught was if you make money you share the profit and if you don’t then you bear the losses together,” he added. Kasiaja was part of President Yoweri Museveni’s team which recently concluded its visit to Qatar. The Ugandan parliament has recently passed laws regarding the entry and operation of the Islamic banking system whereby foreign banks entering the country do not necessarily need to have a local partner to begin any kind of business in Uganda.

CBQ PILOTS BLOCKCHAIN

Commercial Bank of Qatar (CBQ) has completed a pilot using blockchain technology for international fund transfers in partnership with banks in Turkey, Oman, the UAE, Egypt and India.

he bank further added that the next phase of testing will specifically focus on using blockchain in trade-related financial transactions. “Blockchain has huge potential to change the financial services sector and we are proud to be the pioneers in leading this change in Qatar by introducing yet another new technology to provide the best client experience for all our customers,” said Commercial Bank CEO Joseph Abraham. CBQ will now seek the necessary approvals from Qatar Central Bank and other stakeholders to extend its blockchain network. The hope is to use the technology to develop payment corridors in countries like the Philippines, Nepal, Egypt, Pakistan and the UAE, the bank said.

BANKS ANNOUNCE Q1 PERFORMANCE

Most banks show marginal improvement from same period last year; CBQ posts huge drop in profits. BANK

NET PROFIT

NET INCOME

TOTAL ASSETS

Doha Bank

QR364 million (+2.9%)

QR724 million (+1%)

QR6.1 billion (+7.2%)

Qatar Islamic Bank

QR555 million (+12.8%)

QR1.496 billion (+16.3)

QR143 billion (+9.1)

Commercial Bank of Qatar

QR91 million (-66.7%)

QR885 million (-4.2%)

QR135 billion (+9.7%)

Al Khaliji Bank

QR160.9 million (+2.5%)

QR312 million (+5.4%)

QR59 billion (-0.34%)

Qatar National Bank

QR3.2 billion (+12%)

QR5.4 billion (+31%)

QR743 billion (35%)

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business > oil&gas NEW TIES

During the opening of a Russian-Qatari commission session in Doha, Qatar’s Energy Minister HE Mohammed Saleh Al Sada praised his Russian counterpart Alexander Novak for playing a key role in the Vienna agreement between OPEC and non-OPEC countries for reducing oil production.

RENEWED GAS DEVELOPMENT TO SUPPORT GDP GROWTH Further development of the North Field will boost hydrocarbon real GDP growth when it comes on stream in 2022-24, with an estimated 400,000 barrels per day of oil equivalent expected from the new development.

ccording to Moody’s, the increase in production is credit positive for Qatar as it will boost GDP growth and government revenue once it materializes, in five to seven years, and add to the country’s export capacity. The new development could add 15% to Qatar’s LNG export capacity, which currently is around 79 million tonnes per year, the highest in the world, according to Middle East Economic Survey. Part of the additional increase could also be used to increase exports to other Gulf countries through the Dolphin pipeline. Renewed production growth at the North Field should also provide fiscal funding for long-term government spending.

IMF HAILS QATAR’S EFFORTS Given its adequate financial buffers, with real economic growth expected to be 3.4% this year, Qatar is well on its way to counter the macroeconomic challenges caused by continuous lower hydrocarbon prices, according to the International Monetary Fund (IMF). The Bretton Wood’s institution asked the Gulf country to sustain its sound policies, which would help strengthen the fiscal position, maintain financial stability, and promote more diversified and sustainable growth. It further said that due to Qatar’s large buffers there is space to pursue fiscal consolidation at a gradual pace over the medium term to ensure intergenerational equity of Qatar’s exhaustible hydrocarbon wealth. Real GDP growth is projected at 3.4% for 2017, reflecting significant expansion in non-hydrocarbons on public investments, and supported by the added output from the new Barzan gas project, IMF added.

ENERGY RIVALRY Iran’s Oil Minister Bijan Zangeneh has said that the country intends to match Qatar in terms of overall energy production.

ccording to Zangeneh, oil projects worth up to $20 billion are on the agenda for Iran in the coming weeks. “Qatar has announced it intends to expand this field once again,” Zangreneh said. “If they expand again, we will expand too.” Earlier in March this year, Iran’s oil ministry had announced that production had started from the oil layer in the South Pars field complex in the Persian Gulf for the first time. The oil ministry estimates the field, which Iran shares with Qatar, holds more than 14 billion barrels of oil. The ministry said that production could reach a net peak capacity of 35,000 barrels per day by using a floating production and offloading vessel.

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affairs > arab snippets

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C O LO U R T H E S K I E S

Professional and amateur kite flyers took part in the first Aspire International Kite Festival where kite flyers from 13 countries competed in a range of individual and team events. A range of synchronised kite performances and displays also took place throughout the festival. Over 5,000 kites were provided free of charge during the festival and, in addition, amateur enthusiasts and young children were able to design and decorate their own kites.

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development > viewpoint

SERIOUS ABOUT SOLAR

WITH A TARGET OF PRODUCING 20% OF ITS ELECTRICITY USING SOLAR ENERGY BY 2030, A SERIES OF PUBLIC AND PRIVATE INVESTMENTS IS DRIVING NEW DEVELOPMENTS IN QATARâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S SOLAR ENERGY SECTOR. 24 > QATAR TODAY > MAY 2017

t the end of March, Qatar Solar Technologies (QSTec) – a joint venture (JV) between Qatar Solar (a subsidiary of Qatar Foundation), Germany’s SolarWorld AG and Qatar Development Bank – announced that the first polysilicon had been produced at its new production plant in Ras Laffan Industrial City, 80 km north of Doha. Polysilicon is a high-purity form of silicon and a key component in a range of solar photovoltaic (PV) technologies. The factory, which is currently in the final stages of being commissioned, will have an annual production capacity of 8,000 tonnes and is expected to start exporting later this year. Speaking to OBG, Khalid Klefeekh Al Hajri, Chairman and CEO of QSTec, said that the plant’s polysilicon would initially be for export to meet global demand for high-purity, Tier 1 polysilicon. Al Hajri went on to say that he sees the facility’s initial production capacity as just the first phase and expects it to move up to as much as 50,0000 tonnes per annum over time. The plant has also been designed with sustainability in mind, possessing 1.1 MW of solar generation capacity and waste treatment facilities to recycle excess gases and water. “I am very positive about the growth potential of solar energy and research in Qatar and across the MENA region. We have the perfect climatic conditions, and the government has shown the will to diversify its energy mix ,” Al Hajri told OBG. The projected increase in polysilicon output over time is likely to be matched by growing demand for PV technology. According to the latest “Global Power Industry Outlook” from research consultancy Frost & Sullivan, solar photovoltaic will be the energy sector’s highest growth area this year, with investment forecast to increase by 11.5% to €141.6 billion. The MENA region is itself a strong market for PV products, where increased awareness of the need to diversify the energy mix prompted investments in solar projects to grow from $160 million in 2010 to $3.5 billion in 2015. Qatar will be looking to maintain this momentum in renewable power generation as it continues to pursue its long-term strategy plan, Qatar National Vision 2030,

which aims at filling an expected growth in power demand while simultaneously increasing the sustainability of the country’s energy mix. Between 2006 and 2016, power and water consumption recorded average growth rates of 10.4% and 7.7% a year, respectively, according to data released by Qatar Electricity and Water Company (Kahramaa), the country’s main utilities regulator. Furthermore, research conducted last year by the Arab Petroleum Investments Corporation shows that Qatar will need to attract $9 billion in its power sector between 2016 and 2020 to keep pace with electricity demands. One upcoming project that is set to fulfil part of this need is a 200-MW solar power plant being developed by Siraj Power – a JV between Kahramaa and Qatar Petroleum, which has provided $500 million in startup capital for the project. Construction of the facility is scheduled to start in June, with plans already in place to expand the project’s capacity to 500 MW in the future. Continuing to attract investments of this scale should not pose too difficult an obstacle, as Qatar’s location is ideal for future solar projects. According to the Climate Technology Centre and Network, the annual solar energy potential of each square kilometre of Qatari soil is equivalent to 1.5 million barrels of oil. Qatar has also been encouraging the use of solar technology in the urban environment. Several large-scale developments are deploying rooftop solar installations as part of their energy infrastructure, including Msheireb Downtown Doha, a sustainable downtown regeneration project; Lusail City, a planned city on the coast north of Doha; and Energy City, an integrated energy hub being built between Lusail City and the capital. Five of the FIFA 2022 World Cup stadiums are also slated to use pioneering solar-powered cooling technology. Speaking to media in July last year, Khalid Al Subai, acting executive director of the Qatar Environment and Energy Research Institute, underlined the potential for rooftop solar solutions in Qatar, with electricity demand closely tracking solar intensity during the hottest months of the year. “Thus, rooftop solar becomes very cost-effective in lowering peak electricity demand, which is very important to Qatar’s utilities,” he said

BY OLIVER CORNOCK Managing Editor, Middle East Oxford Business Group

This Qatar economic update was produced by Oxford Business Group.

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affairs > world view

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A L L ROA DS L E A D TO RO M E

People dressed as Roman centurions parade to mark the anniversary of the founding of Rome in 753 BC, on April 23, near the Colosseum. Alberto PIZZOLI / AFP

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banking > viewpoint

Banking on a

digital future Five key trends emerge while predicting the path of digital banking in Qatar in the coming months.

he banking sector in the Middle East & North Africa (MENA) is entering into a period of mass digital transformation. This new era will positively impact financial institutions that adopt a topdown, concerted approach to the new digital era and, at the same time, hamper those institutions that do not effectively adapt to change. Five key trends expected in 2017.

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Digital banking Digital banking denotes an entirely new business model â&#x20AC;&#x201C; it is not just about having a mobile app, but rather entails a newly defined business model that is powered through the digital space. Successful banks will launch and evolve new business models with standout value propositions and competitive pricing, while achieving lower operational costs. In the years to come, this will uniquely position them to gain market share and drive their brand into the digital era.

Big data and analytics Big data has been the chatter of the MENA industry over the past years, with progress slower than initially expected. This has been due to erroneous or incomplete data, more limited public data sets, and a lack of internal capabilities. For instance, how many financial institutions can state that they have a strong team of data scientists, or that they have implemented analytics around their top customer-driven scenarios? Awareness is gaining traction, and well-managed banks are expected to start assimilating big data and advanced analytics into their most important customer journeys, and progressively adapt their management styles accordingly. Cybersecurity On the back of increasing cyberattacks and breaches in international and regional financial institutions, cybersecurity will, for the first time in the MENA region, emerge as one of the top priorities for CEOs and Boards of Directors. Financial institutions that are ahead of the curve and effectively embed cybersecurity into their risk frameworks will invest significantly in building the right capabilities and governance structures. These, in turn, will equip them to preemptively address incidents that could potentially damage their operations as well as reputation. Advanced digital Customers continue to expect more from their banks; they want speed, ease of use,

limited cost and transparency. As a result, we expect to see opportunities emerging in more advanced areas such as predictive analytics, machine learning, wearables, robo advisory and customer support, to name a few, which have largely been nascent in the region to date. Banks that leverage such technologies underpinned by sound business cases and clear customer scenarios will benefit in the short term from greater brand recognition. In the medium term, these technologies will help build a foundation for the required capabilities to capitalise on the next wave of customer demands. Specialised job creation Digital transformation in the financial services sector will also play a crucial role in job creation for specialized and more advanced digital skill sets. Personnel will be added and play an increasingly important role in areas such as data science, UI design, customer experience design, digital application development, digital payments, cybersecurity and digital governance. The economic climate for 2017 will result in limited new initiatives by most financial institutions. Conversely, regional leaders and visionaries will double their efforts on high-priority digital initiatives. Those that will lead clear and targeted business initiatives will reap tremendous dividends in the years to come, while those that will focus largely on technology for technologyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sake will incrementally enhance their brand but will be largely disappointed by the results

BY CHARLES HABAK Principal, Financial Services Booz Allen Hamilton

ABOUT BOOZ ALLEN HAMILTON Booz Allen Hamilton provides management and technology consulting and engineering services to leading Fortune 500 corporations, governments, and not-for-profits across the globe. In the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, Booz Allen partners with public and private sector clients to solve their most difficult challenges through a combination of business strategy, digital innovation, data analytics, cybersecurity and resilience, operations, supply chain, organization and culture, engineering and life-cycle project management expertise.

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ON THE COVER STORY

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ROAD TO

2 22 A BUDGET CUT, LOCALLY MANUFACTURED STADIUM SEATS, AND A DISAPPOINTING SHOW IN THE WORLD CUP QUALIFIERS. QATAR TODAY REVIEWS A RANGE OF UPDATES AS THE NATION CONTINUES TO GEAR UP FOR ITS WATERSHED MOMENT â&#x20AC;&#x201C; THE 2022 FIFA WORLD CUP. BY UDAYAN NAG

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COVER STORY ON THE ROAD TO

ith five-and-a-half years to go for the 22nd edition of the with problems,” says Rushman. “Expenditure has to be FIFA World Cup, it’s still way too early for a countdown. split between the World Cup and the other facilities and Having said that, there have been plenty of developments programmes that coincide with it. Russia and Qatar don’t on and off the field with regard to the World Cup activities really bear comparison in size, population and maturity of associated with Qatar, and it would be fair to say that the existing infrastructure, so I don’t think we will know who latest turn of events has been a mixed bag. A 50% budget planned their event better until 2022.” Other than the budget cut, contracts related to the World cut announced by Hassan Al Thawadi, Secretary General, Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy (SC), grabbed Cup are deemed to play a pivotal role. According to Paul the headlines for obvious reasons. Apart from that, Qatar, Prescott, Legal Director at Pinsent Masons LLP (Doha), which had planned 12 stadiums for the World Cup in its vague contracts could jeopardise a successful delivery of original bid, is now proposing eight stadiums, which is the the quadrennial event in Qatar. With regard to the contractual obligations related minimum requirement of FIFA. Rushmans founder Nigel Rushman, part of the team to the World Cup, Prescott says, “There are several key which enabled Qatar to win its World Cup bid, feels that challenges likely to be faced by contractors who have been it would send the wrong message to build more stadiums awarded stadia projects. Firstly, it is likely that there will just for the sake of it. He also does not see the budget cut be an increased demand for materials, including steel as a negative move. “The budget as far as I know was very and concrete, as we get closer to the peak of construction cautious and generous,” says Rushman. “As plans firm up, activity in Qatar ahead of the 2022 World Cup. This in fine tuning and review of the budget is the right way to go turn could lead to price hikes, and contractors may have to engage with specialist suppliers and about things. I think this is good business personnel in order to meet the demanding practice at play.” timelines.” It wasn’t that long ago (February 2017) He adds, “Given some of these that the country’s Finance Minister Ali specialist suppliers and personnel are Sharif Al Emadi had said that Qatar is located overseas, early engagement spending almost $500 million a week will be key to securing quality on major infrastructure projects contractors. As with most critical as it prepares for the World projects that are time-bound, Cup. Al Emadi also expected planning ahead is crucial, so the spending to continue at that contractors will need to identify level for three to four years as new the equipment and resources they stadiums, motorways, rail links and need in order to deliver these projects hospitals are built. And now SC comes early.” up with this announcement. However, Prescott stresses the issue of multiple Rushman feels that often it’s a case of how contractors, which needs to be dealt with the funds are split between infrastructure appropriately so that nobody is built for Qatar and expedited to caught off guard. “It is expected facilitate the World Cup rather than that contractors who are awarded specifically for the event itself. a stadium project will be the In other news, Russia, the 2018 Tier 1 contractor responsible World Cup host, has increased its for delivery of the stadium and spending on their event by $326 “THE BUDGET AS FAR AS I KNOW WAS associated facilities. As with most million, according to the state media. VERY CAUTIOUS AND GENEROUS. AS PLANS FIRM UP, FINE TUNING AND complex infrastructure projects, They will now be spending more REVIEW OF THE BUDGET IS THE RIGHT many multiple interfacing parties, than $10 billion on the next World WAY TO GO ABOUT THINGS. I THINK THIS stakeholders and government Cup. On the other hand, SC expects IS GOOD BUSINESS PRACTICE AT PLAY.” entities will need to be engaged to the tournament infrastructure for successfully deliver the project.” the 2022 World Cup in Qatar to NIGEL RUSHMAN Founder “Experienced contractors now cost between $8 billion and $10 Rushmans operating in Qatar will be used to billion after the budget cut. Can any handling multiple stakeholders parallels be drawn between the two for large-scale projects. However, developments? contractors with less experience in “No two events are the same and Qatar will need to identify the needs comparisons like this are fraught 32 > QATAR TODAY > MAY 2017

and requirements of multiple parties, stakeholders and recently awarded government entities upfront to avoid unwelcome delays.” contract Another point of concern for Prescott is that it the manufacture should be clear which party is responsible for resolving to inconsistencies and the cost consequences of solutions spectator seats for three ahead of an agreement. And that if there are any 2022 FIFA World Cup inconsistencies or gaps then clarifications should be raised stadiums by SC. The latest development is seen as a move to promote local at an early stage of the tender process. “Bidders should always consider the risk of errors and companies, keeping in mind the legacy aspect inconsistencies in contract documents. They are in a associated with the World Cup to be hosted by Qatar difficult position because raising a technical clarification in a little over five years from now. The 140,000 seats, during a tender stage may put them at a commercial which will have ‘Made in Qatar’ etched on their disadvantage and may result in them not getting the backs, will be made for the Al Rayyan, Al Wakrah project. It is difficult to remain commercially competitive and Al Bayt stadiums. “At Coastal Qatar we have always strived and price the risk of resolving errors and inconsistencies after winning the contract. This is one of the key challenges to contribute to the economy and Qatar’s 2030 Vision,” says the company’s CEO Nishad for bidders operating in the Middle East.” Prescott also says that FIFA’s requirements and Azeem. “And we presently have many ventures regulations may change between now and the start of the and business units that are actually doing that, so this kind of manufacturing is not tournament in 2022. For example, once the new to us.” 2018 World Cup in Russia is completed, Azeem adds that the unique the lessons learned may be worked aspect about their World into new guidelines and therefore all Cup project was the corresponding contracts should make coming together clear how these changes will be of the different implemented and which party is divisions of the responsible for funding these company for changes. the production “There are likely to be of the seats. “We mandatory inspections and were able to make use of approvals required by FIFA during the synergies between our which additional obligations may be cross-disciplinary units – trading, imposed. If contractors are required steel fabrication, galvanising and to implement these changes, they are construction. Injection moulding was not likely to have significant time and cost a major challenge for us because we knew implications. about the different intricacies, “As bidders can only submit their requirements and processes to technical and commercial proposals manage the technology.” based on FIFA’s requirements And as far as the World Cup is and regulations which are “BIDDERS SHOULD ALWAYS CONSIDER THE RISK OF ERRORS AND concerned, Coastal Qatar is not just available at that point of time, the INCONSISTENCIES IN CONTRACT restricted to the manufacture and tender documents should clearly DOCUMENTS. THEY ARE IN A DIFFICULT installation of seats for the stadiums. specify which version of FIFA’s POSITION BECAUSE RAISING A Their steel division is involved with requirements and regulations TECHNICAL CLARIFICATION DURING A TENDER STAGE MAY PUT THEM AT A the structural works of Khalifa apply. Bidding contractors should COMMERCIAL DISADVANTAGE AND International Stadium. “We are also include express wording in MAY RESULT IN THEM NOT GETTING THE involved with the refurbishment their contracts to allow recovery PROJECT." work of the stadium as its seating of additional time and cost for capacity is being increased. We implementing changes imposed by PAUL PRESCOTT do not have the primary steel FIFA or their representatives after Legal Director Pinsent Masons LLP, Qatar contract; we are mainly carrying the contract is awarded.” out the secondary steel works,” says Qatar-based construction Azeem. “Whatever steel you see on company Coastal Qatar was 33 > QATAR TODAY > MAY 2017

COVER STORY ON THE ROAD TO

Coastal Qatar’s factory in New Industrial Area where the ‘Made in Qatar’ stadium seats for the 2022 World Cup are being manufactured

days in Qatar without a day off. However, the exterior of the stadium is fabricated and the study also said that there has been installed by us. It was a complicated job “overall progress” with many contractors because of the shape and curves of the complying with the new rules. stadium, but we were able to complete “Impactt’s report is thorough and it ahead of schedule.” reliable as far as the human/labour According to Azeem, one of the rights situation for workers objectives of the World Cup is building World Cup stadiums to promote the Qatari as well is concerned,” says Mustafa as the regional economy in a Qadri, Founder and Executive sustainable manner. “We are Director, Equidem Research and reducing our carbon footprint by Consulting. “SC deserves credit for not transporting the material back commissioning a report that so openly and forth over long distances. We are acknowledges that some workers are different from the typical scenarios facing exploitation. Of course, more needs where the manufacturers would buy to be done, so this should be seen as just a the raw materials from one of the GCC starting point for bringing about countries, ship them to Europe major change.” and then ship the end product “Sadly, the inhuman conditions back here after manufacturing. On described by Impactt remain all the other hand, we are sourcing “WE ARE REDUCING OUR CARBON too common in Qatar even though all the materials from within the FOOTPRINT BY NOT TRANSPORTING it would be inaccurate to say this is region. All our products – plastic, THE MATERIAL BACK AND FORTH OVER the norm. One of the big challenges aluminium and steel – are 100% LONG DISTANCES. WE ARE DIFFERENT FROM THE TYPICAL SCENARIOS WHERE is adequate enforcement of rules, recyclable.” THE MANUFACTURERS WOULD BUY which includes respecting the One of the major talking points THE RAW MATERIALS FROM ONE OF THE maximum hours of work under of the 2022 World Cup is whether GCC COUNTRIES, SHIP THEM TO EUROPE Qatari law. By its very nature, the conditions of migrant workers AND THEN SHIP THE END PRODUCT BACK HERE AFTER MANUFACTURING." labour exploitation is often hidden in Qatar have improved after the and those who fall victim to it are introduction of the new labour NISHAD AZEEM fearful of speaking out. That is why laws late last year. According to CEO Qatari authorities should read the Impactt, an award-winning ethical Coastal Qatar Impactt report closely and devise trade consultancy based in London, strategies that will enable workers to in the most extreme example safely lodge complaints and receive some labourers worked for 148 34 > QATAR TODAY > MAY 2017

compensation when applicable, and the guilty brought to justice.” Qatar has until November to implement new labour e n s u r e hours reforms designed to end abuse of migrant workers, or regular potentially face an investigation by an international labour of work and that watchdog in the lead-up to hosting the 2022 World Cup. individuals are not Qadri fears that the pressure to come up with results overworked. I firmly quickly will lead to something that has not been properly believe that the solutions are there, but clearly part of the issue is how tested or worked out. “Qatar has had several years to address the concerns much the workers are paid.” As far as action on the field is concerned, recent since it won the right to host the FIFA World Cup in 2010. These are not new issues. So Qatar cannot excuse inaction losses to South Korea, Iran and Uzbekistan in the by saying it has not had enough time. I am hopeful, but World Cup qualifiers have all but put Qatar out of again I would say that it is for Qatar to reach out to its the reckoning for the World Cup in Russia in 2018. partners and experts to address the shortcomings. Qatar Suffering the ignominy of being the only country should see the International Labour Organization process to play in a World Cup without ever having as an opportunity, not just for itself but for how emerging qualified for one before now just remains a economies and countries dealing with mega public events formality. The nation has drawn a lot of flak in can address and respect human rights while also going the international media because of a refusal to come out in the open about Qatar’s performance, through massive development and social changes.” According to a recent newspaper report, the Wage with coach Jorge Fossati and the Qatar Football Association keeping mum about the Protection System (WPS) successfully embarrassment. Fans and players implemented by the Ministry of attributing a lack of passion and Administrative Development, Labour the presence of too many and Social Affairs has forced employers foreign players in the to stop the practice of long working team have also not hours, which leaves workers helped matters. exhausted at the end of the What might also day. According to it, several not go unnoticed companies have been forced is the fact that GCC to hire additional workers to neighbours Saudi Arabia reduce overtime work, following (52) and UAE (75) are ranked some provisions in the Labour Law above Qatar (89) in the FIFA rankings; that have restricted regular hours not to mention the fact that both of work to a maximum of eight hours countries have played in previous editions and overtime work to a maximum of of the World Cup. two hours. The manager of a construction In another interesting company has further said, “WPS development, a partnership between requires companies to submit SC and the Ministry of Municipality payment sheets in detail, including and Environment has made it wages and overtime of their workers possible for residents in Qatar to on a monthly basis.” Some of the “SADLY, THE INHUMAN CONDITIONS DESCRIBED BY IMPACTT REMAIN donate trees instead of getting workers have even been quoted as ALL TOO COMMON IN QATAR EVEN rid of them. Abdulaziz Al Taleb, a saying that they wish to get overtime THOUGH IT WOULD BE INACCURATE Qatari resident, donated the first duty during working days and their TO SAY THIS IS THE NORM. ONE OF tree, which is 40 years old, and it has off day to make extra money, and THE BIG CHALLENGES IS ADEQUATE ENFORCEMENT OF RULES, WHICH already been planted at the Al Bayt that gone are the days when they INCLUDES RESPECTING THE MAXIMUM Stadium site in Al Khor. Describing worked for long hours. HOURS OF WORK UNDER QATARI LAW." the initiative, Yasser Al Mulla, “The WPS has been a positive senior manager, SC Landscape & development, and it’s true that MUSTAFA QADRI Sport Turf Management, said, “Our workers seek extra hours of work Founder and Executive Director Equidem Research and Consulting motto is give one, take one. When to maximise their pay,” says Qadri. we receive a tree from a private “It’s a complex issue for the state home, we give a young Sidra tree to address which it must, given its international treaty obligations to in return.” 35 > QATAR TODAY > MAY 2017

affairs > bottom line

LOSING YOUR JOB:

WHAT’S NEXT?

BAYT.COM’S CAREER EXPERTS LIST THE TOP SIX TIPS TO MAKE EVERY WORKING PROFESSIONAL’S POST-LAYOFF PLAN BOTH SMOOTHER AND MORE EFFECTIVE.

hen the economy is unstable or in decline, it is very easy for professionals to feel insecure about their jobs and fear being laid off. But in reality, many companies, regardless of size, location, or industry, experience some degree of downsizing and the result is: employees losing their jobs and starting the hunt for new opportunities. As thorny as things may seem, being involuntarily unemployed does not have to translate into agony, lack of confidence or self-hatred. But with the right post-layoff plan, the job search process can turn out to be less overwhelming and much more fruitful, and even enjoyable, than expected. There is no shame in being laid off Even the most seasoned and talented executives at some of the world’s most prestigious companies have been through this and not managed to maintain their roles during multiple waves of layoffs over the years. It’s not exclusively you – an enormous

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number of working professionals worldwide have been affected at some point in their careers. So, the first thing to know and get comfortable with is that you are not alone on this boat. Weigh up your finances Calculate exactly how long your funds will allow you to stay out of a job. It is crucial for you to get that figured out early on in order to avoid surprises and unpleasant hurdles later on. Keep in mind that being on a budget does not have to be a punishment: view it rather as a provisional pre-emptive measure that will allow you to take more control of your personal and household spending for as long as you need. When seeking a new job anywhere in the world you must bear in mind that it may take a while before you are firmly ensconced in your new role. In the meantime, costs of living are not likely to shrink with your reduced income, so wise financial planning is essential. Assess your career objectives Would you consider your lost position a “job for life” kind of job vis-á-vis job

responsibilities and scope of work? Would you consider your former company an “employer for life” kind of company vis-ávis workplace culture and activity focus? Or do you reckon this is the long-awaited opportunity for a radical career change? Take the time to perform a “Career Aspiration Analysis”: Undergo a couple of self-assessment quizzes, (many good ones are available on Bayt.com), dissect every detail of every job task you enjoyed or resented, examine the set of exceptional skills that you possess, and talk to everyone you know who holds a position of potential interest to you to learn about lateral move potential and what that would entail. Only once all the above have been accomplished, will you be in an ideal position to select your target employer niche and engage in an effective plan to achieve your chosen career goal. Update your resume You are now fully aware of the kind of job and the kind of employer that you wish to target. You also have an outstanding assortment of key skills that you need to highlight without a doubt. Reshuffle your resume with only one thing in mind: “I am the best candidate for this job and the best candidate for this company!” You know it, we know it, let the employer know it. Make it visible in your career objective statement, your career highlights and your list of skills. Be remarkable, show that you add value and let your CV stand out. (You can always request professional writing from Bayt. com’s career services.) Set layoff objectives Your resume is ready! You now need to set

actual objectives; you need to engineer a layoff calendar of sorts. Being out of a job does not mean you have earned the right to completely halt being productive. As a matter of fact, what you have earned is a brand-new title: “Proactive Job Hunter”, meaning you’re on a full-time schedule, five days a week with two days off for the weekend, just like any other working professional you know. Make the job hunt your full-time job, set daily and weekly targets for yourself and make it a point to meet these targets, i.e. send out resumes to 25 potential employers in Dubai today, read one useful business book this week, etc.

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Follow a wise networking strategy A “proactive job hunter” is naturally entitled to lighten up and unwind after a fruitful day of hardcore job searching. Unwind wisely! Don’t miss out on family reunions, friends’ gatherings or professional seminars if you wish to, but keep in mind that every networking opportunity can also be a business opportunity (or placement opportunity in your case). Market yourself astutely as the high-calibre professional that you are, get the right contacts and get to work, following up on every promise and point of contact the next business day. Hard work eventually pays off and with the determination and follow-up required, you shall, before you know it, once again make the much cherished transition from a proactive job hunter to a successfully employed professional. Be sure to expand your search parameters and put leading job sites to your use. There are over 10,000 jobs available on Bayt.com on any given day, which are 10,000 opportunities for your transition!

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37 > QATAR TODAY > MAY 2017

green scene > tag this

TARSHEED...

38 > QATAR TODAY > MAY 2017

FIVE YEARS ON

ON THE EVE OF THE NATIONAL PROGRAMME FOR CONSERVATION & ENERGY EFFICIENCY “TARSHEED”’S FIVE-YEAR ANNIVERSARY, QATAR TODAY CAUGHT UP WITH ENG ABDULAZIZ AL HAMMADI, MANAGER OF KAHRAMAA’S CONSERVATION AND ENERGY EFFICIENCY DEPARTMENT, WHO PROMISES A DOUBLING DOWN ON THEIR ACTIVITIES GOING FORWARD. BY AYSWARYA MURTHY

hen Tarsheed was initiated in 2012, Qatar, the host of COP18 that year, was also among the largest per capita consumers of energy in the world. However, among the slew of environment-focussed programmes and organisations that were suddenly, and seemingly hurriedly, put together and brought to the fore that year, Tarsheed has survived the test of time so to speak and continues to remain more relevant than ever. Which is quite surprising when you realise the programme was in the beginning not meant to be long-term. But in 2013, it was decided that the objectives and scope of its work was too large for it to be allowed to expire in a couple of years. Now, it is about to enter into the second phase of its

operations that will extend until 2022, and its targets are set even higher. From 2012 to the end of 2016, Qatar has registered an 18% decrease in per capita consumption of electricity and a 20% decrease in per capita water usage. They fall short of the ambitious targets that were set for water due to the Water Law not having having passed till now; nevertheless these are massive, mind-boggling numbers, almost a fifth of Qatar’s usage. This was possible, in part, because there was so much waste to begin with, says Eng Abdulaziz Al Hammadi. With the government heavily subsidising water and electricity for all sectors, a culture of excess had taken root unnoticed. “The first thing we wanted to do was make people understand that this uninterrupted water and power supply was neither free nor easy. The government

was spending a lot money to produce electricity and desalinate water, using gas that could otherwise be directed towards exports. We wanted people to think about this when they were spending 15 minutes in the shower when six minutes would do the trick,” he says. The challenge was to reduce per capita consumption while maintaining the same standard of living nationals and residents had come to enjoy. A three-pronged attack on waste From the very start, Tarsheed approached the problem of reducing waste from three different angles – awareness, technical and legal including tariffs. In every sector that they look at – be it in the industrial, educational, government, etc. – they make sure to approach the issue from all three fronts. Of the three, the first is perhaps most 39 > QATAR TODAY > MAY 2017

green scene > tag this tricky and yet one where Tarsheed could be said to have the most success. Though it is probably not possible to definitively measure the tangible effect of awareness alone and in the short term, one can’t deny the sheer volume of these campaigns. Nor their efficacy. Conservation is an old story, and the messaging around it can be a bit jaded. But Tarsheed has done a commendable job in revitalising the dialogue, especially on social media. Their feed is full of relevant, locally produced content tailored to the unique points of view of Qatar’s residents. The advertising campaigns in public spaces are ubiquitous and they have a lot of interesting, out-of-the-box tie-ups, one example of which is the KAHRAMAAsponsored films in Doha Film Institute’s "Made in Qatar" section, which utilises the voices of young Qataris and residents to present fresh new perspectives. According to the Mitsubishi Research Institute survey on Tarsheed campaigns in Qatar, the national programme managed to raise

"FROM 2012 TO THE END OF 2016, QATAR HAS REGISTERED AN 18% DECREASE IN PER CAPITA CONSUMPTION OF ELECTRICITY AND A 20% DECREASE IN PER CAPITA WATER USAGE." A video still from one of Tarsheed's videos called "A Drop of Life".

awareness among Qataris from 35% to 92% and for expatriates from 26% to 88% from 2013 to 2016. Their focus has primarily been on students, Eng Al Hammadi says; the idea is that if they grow up with the Tarsheed philosophy, then conservation comes naturally to them. With the general public, the campaigns have been designed in such a way that the message accompanies them through their day, working silently behind the scenes to seep into their subconscious brain. “We trace the lifestyle of the people here and we join them everywhere,” he

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says. “We’ll find some way to reach you through your place of work; we have signed partnership agreements and memoranda of understanding with several organisations and are associated with them directly or indirectly. While driving on the roads or shopping in the malls, Tarsheed accompanies you. When you are at the mosque, we try to reach you through the sheikh. Sustainability is not unusual to Islam, it is part of our religion, of our stories and idioms and holy writings. It’s especially effective in reaching everyone from young children to older people. During

Ramadan we have many programmes to reach mosques, schools, etc. In fact it’s a very important time for us to talk about conservation and energy efficiency. This is how we attempt to change behaviours which is not an easy task.” A focal point, or rather a living record, of Tarsheed’s work is the KAHRAMAA Awareness Park (KAP), the long-awaited inauguration of which coincided with Tarsheed’s fifth anniversary celebrations. The theme facility has all the features needed not only to educate both kids and adults about water and electricity but also

The newly-opened KAHRAMAA Awareness Park demonstrates many solar and wind energy technologies for specialitsts and the public.

“Next year, we are going to improve the energy efficiency even further, increasing up to a minmum rating of 11. With cooling contributing to a huge chunk of energy needs, we are expecting good results in the next 2-3 years when the whole market has had the time to adjust to these changes and benefit from the system,” he says. Now Tarsheed has introducied aerators to be retrofitted on to faucets that can give up to 50% savings because they mix air with the water. “We have started working on campaigns to introduce them to the public and advertise their benefits,” Eng Al Hammadi says. From the legal side, Tarsheed helped expedite Law. No 20 of 2015 that penalises people and institutions that misuse water and electricity, like leaving outdoor lights on during the day or using drinking water for cleaning purposes. Fines start from QR10,000 to QR20,000. “Since last year, we have assigned 12 inspectors to various zones in the city and they go around

good work done in making buildings in different sectors more sustainable. This is part of the dialogue that Tarsheed is having with businesses and industries in order to bring them into the fold on conservation. In addition, the Renewable Energy Intiative Competition to encourage the adoption of renewable energy technology which comes under the technology arm of Tarsheed as well. Qatar, through KAHRAMAA, has a commitment to produce a 200MW renewable project in 2020 to escalate to 500MW in the following years. Moreover, the KAP building demonstrates many solar and wind energy technologies for specialists and the public. A new future For the second phase of Tarsheed’s programme, new targets have been set – consumption reductions of 8% in electricity and 15% in water by 2022. This numbers won’t be achieved easily – making deeper cuts will get progressively more difficult

to teach them about the importance of resources. From water's life cycle to wind energy, solar power to kinetic energy, gas turbine models to water recycling, all the subjects are covered in tours that are specifically designed according to the age group of the visitor. “Al Dana Dome”, which shows 3D films on the importance of water, its conservation and recycling, and the park’s Islamic Corner, which illustrates the role of Islam in achieving sustainability, are some of the park’s highlights. The park is open for school trips now and will be open for public visits soon. The carrot and the stick The technology part of their strategy looks at implementing energy and water saving initiatives and equipment like star rating for air conditioners, aerators, LED lights, etc. These market-moving decisions are slow and steady work. Recently, the government has mandated that all air conditioners sold in the country should hold a minimum of 3-star rating equivalent to an Energy Efficiency Rating of 9. A decision three years in the making and massive cross-department coordination between the Committee for Standardisation and Measurements and the Ministry of Trade and Commerce to regulate the import of ACs, Eng Al Hammadi says the market had been given enough time to prepare. Last year, many retailers were seen disposing of their non-rated ACs for steep discounts.

At Tarsheed's fifth anniversary celebrations

recording incidents and doling out fines.” But the preference is to incentivise rather than punish. “We are studying several programmes that will reward those who conserve more with different kinds of offers with our partner organisations reaching up to 56 MoUs now with different sectors in the country. We hope that all these together will serve to make conservation a habit.” Additionally, Tarsheed hosts several competitions for different sectors that recognise those at in the forefront of the green battle, like the Tarsheed Conserving Building Competition that highlights the

and Tarsheed will have to double down on the legal framework, new technologies and awareness. Perhaps they will start thinking about linking this to the larger issue of climate change. For the past few years, KAHRAMAA, and subsequently Tarsheed, have been diligently participating in COPs, connecting conservation and energy efficiency to the larger picture of climate change. Along with Qatar’s efforts to introduce more renewable energy generation to the current mix, this will help contribute to reducing the country’s carbon footprint 41 > QATAR TODAY > MAY 2017

bottom line > viewpoint

TECHNOLOGY IS CHANGING PERSONAL SAVINGS THE RISE OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE, BIG DATA AND THE INTERNET OF THINGS IN DECISION-MAKING IS STARTING TO HAVE A PROFOUND INFLUENCE ON HOW WE THINK ABOUT PERSONAL SAVINGS.

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e live in a world where in only a few months from now, driverless flying cars are expected to grace the skies and robots will change the workplace. Intelligent personal assistants have been developed to the extent that Siri and Google seamlessly fit into our everyday lives. Data captured in realtime is far more reliable when it comes to business and individual decision-making. Without a doubt, technology, which is evolving at an exponential rate, helps to develop an individualâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s learning processes, saving both time and money. Some of the latest technologies built into products today include artificial intelligence, big data and now the Internet of Things, and if used appropriately, could potentially result in a gradual, yet consistent, increase in income and wealth. These tools have the ability to significantly assist in decision-making as they process and analyse gigabytes of data related to business, taking the economic environment into consideration, and convert them into meaningful information that can be used to make calculated investments in stocks, forex, bonds, real estate and much more. Artificial intelligence has the ability to learn from past experiences including successes and failures, and over a period of time can improve its efficiency in predicting what could happen in the future. For example, chatbots are helping millennials, who are not very financially savvy, to manage their money in a simple and efficient manner. However, these tools can also be explored by anyone, not just millennials, looking to make important financial decisions. From paying off bills online with a

single click to sending money through smartphones, large data sets, commonly known as big data, are constantly being created by interactions from various devices and solutions, which tells a larger story about how money is spent or even invested these days. Big data allows individuals to make more informed decisions, and those who understand the process involved to analyse big data are at an advantage, particularly in the field of trading and investments. Research reveals that the market for big data will grow at an annual rate of 23% through 2019 with investment services and banking industries expected to experience the fastest growth rates for big data use. In addition, other automated, virtual services including personal budgeting apps work in an individualâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s favour by syncing bank accounts, credit cards and other financial accounts, and allow for the better management of money. Another contemporary technological advancement offering the benefits of scalable and decentralised architecture to which the GCC is already tuned in is blockchain technology. With the recent Dubai announcement of the creation of the Global Blockchain Council, this vital driver of smart analytics will aim at enhancing revenue generation and operations, enabling the data-driven decision-making needed to drive performance. Artificial intelligence, big data and the Internet of Things have the potential to surf through websites, social media channels, instant messenger chatrooms and other similar platforms that are accessible to the public and to filter out the unnecessary noise and focus on the main topics of discussion, enabling the investor to make more well-informed decisions

BY MARK LEIGH Chief Operating Officer Xtrade

ABOUT XTRADE As a one-stop financial portal, Xtradeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s unique value addition to investors is in the proprietary service Market Trends for both its app and web trader. This big-data aggregator of technical indicators gives traders a competitive edge with its sophisticated algorithmic recommendations and click-through position opening. Xtrade provides sophisticated online client servicing and portfolio management tools in the GCC region with a limited footprint, affording retail investors cheap and efficient access to global trading. 43 > QATAR TODAY > MAY 2017

QATAR MOTOR SHOW

THE FIRST PICK OF THE BEST TAKING PLACE IMMEDIATELY AFTER ONE THE BIGGEST INTERNATIONAL AUTOMOTIVE SHOWS IN GENEVA, QATAR MOTOR SHOW 2017 GAVE MANY BRANDS THE OPPORTUNITY TO SHOWCASE THEIR LATEST LAUNCHES IN QATAR AFTER THEIR WORLDWIDE UNVEILING.

he Qatar Motor Show (QMS) officially opened its doors on April 18 at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Center in the presence of HE Jassim Saif Ahmed Al Sulaiti, Minister of Transport and Communications; HE Minister of Municipality and Environment Mohammed bin Abdullah Al Rumaihi; Ahmed Al Obaidli, Director of Exhibitions at Qatar Tourism Authority; Sheikh Sultan

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bin Fahed Al Thani, Events Manager at Fira Qatar; and Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim Al Thani. Prior to the official opening, local and regional media were taken on a tour of the show which spanned 12,000 square metres, where brand exhibitors showcased 110 automotive vehicles including eight cars revealed for the first time in the region and 14 local car launches. Leading international carmakers introduced top sports, luxury

and mid-range automotive models and branded lifestyle goods. In celebration of its seventh anniversary, QMS, under the theme “Driving to Innovation”, delivered an experiential event featuring the latest technology, innovation, and performance trends and gave international carmakers the opportunity to interact with consumers, offering hands-on experiences with their products and technology. The Super Car, a brand new Lotus Evora 410, was displayed here, making it the first time the car has been seen in the region since its European reveal in March. The car boasts a max speed of 285 km/h and a max power of 410 hp at 7,000 rpm. Another highlight of the show was the Middle Eastern-debut of the Fittipaldi EF7 Vision Gran Turismo by Pininfarina. The ultralight, all-carbon fibre racing supercar was built for F1 champion Emerson Fittipaldi to fulfill his dream to produce a car with fierce track-racing capabilities, for drivers of all skill levels. The car will have a limited production with every EF7 owner having the opportunity to benefit from personal coaching by Emerson Fittipaldi himself. This year, QMS embraced new and exciting ways to engage visitors. Touchscreen tablets allowed visitors to explore the Genesis’ models, VR activities brought Hyundai’s Ioniq to life, while Maserati offered its fans the chance to explore a configuration room and lounge. Toyota invited car enthusiasts to embrace the quietness of its Prius model through VR and an interactive quiz. Additionally, the carmaker partnered with comedian Khalifa Haroon to run live competitions. Chevrolet showcased a giant Rubik’s cube where an artist created the brand’s logo. True to the theme, innovation continued to thrive with several companies showcasing products and trends that gave visitors a hint of what the future of the automotive industry would look like. Tazweed, a local app that acts as the middleman between car users and suppliers offering parts and car services all over the GCC, showcased their solutions here. The company Q3 Smart offered visitors advanced solutions that allow them to start their car's engine from their smartphones, lock their doors and check their vehicle’s status even when they are away. The app also allows users to track their vehicles. Another noteworthy product was NESU’s technologically-advanced card that is a unique, patented and tested solution against the harmful effects of mobile or radio frequency radiation. As usual, the showstopper at the event

was the collection of more than 20 classic cars that were on display, supported by Sheikh Faisal Museum, Al Fardan Premier Motors and Mawater Centre, a classic car and motorcycle club that was founded to support, unite and represent the mutual interests of historic vehicle owners and enthusiasts of Qatar. In addition to showcasing these iconic cars, they also treated Doha to a daily extravagant car parade that set off from the VIP parking of the exhibition centre every day. Batabit hosted a series of speed bike, chopper and spider parades, wrapping the show with a stellar performance at the Corniche. The interactive fan zones were packed with public performances and activities including the inaugural XRebels extreme sports performance by Xtork at the Xtreme Sports Park. Skateboarding,

BMX Best Runs and Longboard Sprint Race competitions ran throughout the event, while fun games such as parkour, MTB and Aggressive Inline Skate were also hosted. In the following pages, we feature some of the highlights of the show with exclusive interviews with executives from the brands and a sneak peak at the best features of some of the cars launched here. It is understood that, following discussions with key members of Qatar’s automotive industry and a thorough evaluation of trade and consumer demand, the organisers of the Qatar Motor Show have decided to shift the event to a biennial show starting from the 2018 edition. Considering the year-long hiatus has done the show good in terms of revitalizing the experience and finding innovative and interactive events, this could only be a good thing. 45 > QATAR TODAY > MAY 2017

QATAR MOTOR SHOW

MINI

KEEPING UP WITH THE MINI The luxury compact brand has a strong position globally, with 2016 being its best year ever. The car markets are hoping to capitalise on this momentum in 2017, with a newer range of models.

MERCEDES-BENZ

A MODE FOR EVERY MOOD

Known for their luxury and design, the three new vehicles from Mercedes-Benz give people the opportunity to own cars that appeal to their needs and budget.

asser Bin Khaled Automobiles participated in QMS for the seventh consecutive edition and revealed three new cars – Mercedes-Benz E Coupe, Mercedes-AMG E43, MercedesAMG SLC43 – and a wide range of sporty, luxury and SUV cars. With all the new features, the Merceds-Benz CLA promises to offer the best in terms of engine power, safety, comfort and internal ambience, making it the ideal choice for those looking for luxury, efficiency, power and modernity. Sporty and powerful, its dynamic design characterised by rounded contours makes the CLA stand out. Its profile is sleek like a coupé, yet it offers room for five. In undertaking the facelift modifications, the designers have subtly honed the distinctive look and upgraded the interior. A striking classic design with distinct features include

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contemporary interiors and state-of-theart technology that combines avant-garde with modern luxury. The C-Class boasts new assistance systems which provide safety of the highest level, while a new optional air-sprung suspension provides for an exemplary ride and driving comfort as well as nimble and agile handling. In terms of appearance, the new C-Class adopts a progressive approach with its clear yet emotive design and high-class interiors. Then comes the Mercedes-Benz E-Class, the core of the brand which has a distinct design. Mercedes-Benz has taken a big step into the future with the all-new E-Class. The cars are now available in Qatar at the showroom of Nasser Bin Khaled Automobiles, the authorised distributors of Mercedes-Benz in Qatar.

NISSAN

CLICKING WITH THE MILLENNIAL CROWD Speaking at QMS, the General Manager of Automotive at Saleh Al Hamad Al Mana, Martin Aherne, says the new Nissan KICKS is designed to appeal to the young at heart.

rom January to March this year, 285 MINIs were delivered to their owners across the Middle East, a 14% increase from last year. Introducing the new MINI Countryman to the media representatives at QMS, Managing Director of BMW Group Middle East, Johannes Seibert, was all praise for the largest MINI to date. “It’s 20 cm longer and 8 cm wider than its predecessor, which allowed us to substantially increase the interior space for passengers and cargo. The five seats are individually adjustable, giving customers the versatility they expect and require.” Calling it a true SUV, Seibert spoke about some of its standout features like the pop-up screen for entertainment display, panoramic sunroom, pop-out picnic bench and automatic tailgate with easy open function. This offering, together with the MINI Clubman, will cement the brand's standing in the fastgrowing premier compact segment, he said. The MINI stall at QMS also highlighted the John Cooper Works line of MINI models, boasting award-winning precision engines, upgraded transmissions, huge brakes, sport suspensions and a suite of top-line hardware. “Our JWC line has high performance in their DNA and the JWC MINI Countryman has the most powerful

or Nissan, QMS is the perfect platform to launch the new KICKS, says Martin Aherene. “This is the first time it is being announced in the Middle East and this is a very good stepping stone for us at Nissan to showcase this product before we soft launch in other showrooms across the GCC.” The KICKS is a powerhouse of all kinds

engine ever in a production MINI – a 2L twin-power turbo engine with 231 hp that can go from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.3 seconds,” he said, assuring enthusiasts that this model will be made available in Qatar in May. With this and the JWC versions of MINI Clubman and MINI 3-Door Hatch that are already in showrooms here, customers can now own a truly one-of-a-kind MINI, thanks to customizable features like a full body aero kit, JWC wheels, colours and visual enhancements.

of nifty technology such as a 360-degree camera that can display images to the seven-inch monitor. There is also an active warning system which will send off alarms to alert the driver of any obstacles. “If the car goes over a bump, there’s an automatic brake that is activated so it doesn’t bump into cars behind or ahead,” he says. “And around the corners, the brake is applied

to individual tyres so the car doesn’t slide off the road.” Arherene said that the brand is expecting big things from KICKS, not least because of its youthful appeal. “It has a more reserved look and the younger generation doesn’t like to stick to the same standard colours, so we are trying to make it more interesting by adding different accents to the wheels, bonnets, hoods, etc.” 47 > QATAR TODAY > MAY 2017

QATAR MOTOR SHOW

LEXUS

LUXURY WITH A HUMAN TOUCH The latest Lexus model, the LC 500, was unveiled for the first time in Qatar during QMS. Inside its spectacular exteriors lies the heart of a sports car. JAGUAR LAND ROVER

THE MAGNIFICIENT SEVEN

Jaguar Land Rover’s new Discovery makes its debut at QMS 2017.

lfardan Premier Motors Co., the exclusive retailers of Land Rover in the State of Qatar, revealed the Land Rover Discovery during QMS. The seven-seater SUV also has three rows. The vehicle is perfect for families and adventure enthusiasts; its revolutionary design gives the all-new Discovery a dynamic appearance. Jaguar Land Rover’s In Control Touch Pro infotainment system adds to the vehicle’s superior versatility. The intuitive set-up features a large 10-inch touchscreen positioned high on the centre console, enabling Land Rover’s designers to reduce the number of switches (on the centre console) by a third, delivering a clean and uncluttered appearance. The Discovery retains the renowned Land Rover all-terrain capability, which is a combination of off-road geometry and advanced technology, while improving its everyday usability. A comprehensive suite of off-road driving technologies ensures that the Discovery’s supreme all-terrain capability is easy to access even for inexperienced drivers. Powered with a six-cylinder engine, the Discovery is paired with a smooth and responsive ZF eightspeed automatic gearbox. Land Rover’s advanced 340PS supercharged petrol 3.0-litre V6, the Si6, provides 450 Nm of torque to deliver relaxed performance and capability. “We continue to see both the Jaguar and Land Rover brands keep pace and surpass customers’ expectations in Qatar and are proud to partner with the company once again to showcase their exciting lineups at the 2017 Qatar Motor Show. Jaguar Land Rover’s loyal customer base is growing in Qatar and this event is another perfect opportunity for us to engage with motoring enthusiasts. I am confident that this year’s lineup will wow crowds,” says Rabih Ataya, General Manager for Alfardan Premier Motors. Introducing its enhanced 2017 lineup at QMS, the Land Rover also displayed the Range Rover Sport, Range Rover Evoque and Discovery Sport. The Discovery is now available exclusively at Alfardan Premier Motors showrooms across Qatar with prices starting from QR 217,900.

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BMW

STAYING TRUE TO THE BASICS The German automaker introduced three separate models at QMS, each with their own USPs, yet true to the spirit of BMW that is all about the joy of driving.

he new LC 500 was introduced to visitors in the presence of Nasser Abdulghani Al Abdulghani, Chairman at Abdullah Abdulghani & Bros. Co., and Yugo Miyamoto, General Manager for Lexus Middle East. They extolled the virtues of the car, calling its attractive shape and contemporary style representative of the future design of the Lexus brand. “We would like to be a luxury lifestyle brand that doesn’t just provide cars but also appeals to human emotions, stimulating the imagination and offering a sense of surprise,” Miyamoto said. The Lexus LC 500 features a 5.0-liter V8 engine with 471 horsepower. This engine takes its place in the centre of the car, behind the front axle and in front of the passenger compartment, to actually be a vehicle with a front-facing engine. This gives the LC 500 the perfect weight distribution, with 52% front and 48% rear, which Lexus believes will lead to the perfect driving experience. Lexus Qatar had dedicated a zone for hybrid vehicles at QMS where they displayed the RX 450h and GS 450h, which are characterised by smart technology and fuel-saving capabilities. Lexus Hybrid vehicles switch smoothly and automatically

ntroducing the brand new seventh generation BMW 5 Series at QMS, Managing Director of BMW Group Middle East, Johannes Seibert, says it has always been the heart of the BMW brand with 7.6 million cars sold since its launch in 1972. “This new model which came out in February has had an impressive start with very strong demand and the feedback of customers, and media internationally has been very positive,” he said, adding that

between the electric motor and gasoline engine. Lexus also brought humour to this edition of the show, with comedian Hamad Al Amari presenting tailor-made educational stories about the carmaker and its history at their stands.

this is not surprising, considering the car is elegant, spacious, luxurious and filled with plenty of innovative technologies. “It perfectly embodies what customers from the Middle East expect from a luxury sedan.” The 5 Series points the way to the future with more autonomous driving features than any other BMW by using a sophisticated system of censors, GPS support and cameras in order to identify the precise position of the car. It also detects

markings on the road while overtaking, braking, cruising and accelerating. “In spite of all these enhancements, the car still stands for the pleasure of driving, which is typical of all BMW cars,” Seibert said. He also introduced the top-of-the-line BMW 7 series M760Li. The “M” stands for motorsport which lifted BMW’s flagship model into a world of high performance with 0 to 100 km/h in 3.7 seconds and a top speed of 300 km/h. The BMW M3 was introduced next and Seibert said that no other manufacturer had ever come closer to developing motorsport technology for everyday use. The M3, he said, has maintained its dominance with “supreme handling, vicious power and business-like good looks”. Its 3L M twin-powered turbo engine delivers 425 hp and can go from 0 to 100 km/p in 3.9 seconds. Despite the general decline of the Middle-Eastern automotive market, the brand closed its Q1 sales for 2017 slightly above the previous year at 6,837 deliveries. “We continue to outperform the market, because during uncertain times customers look for a strong brand, future-proof products and excellent retail services,” he said. 49 > QATAR TODAY > MAY 2017

QATAR MOTOR SHOW

TOYOTA

A TRUSTED BRAND Toyota unveiled the KIKAI and proved its commitment towards hybrid technology; and showcased its most popular models at QMS this year.

MASERATI

UNASHAMED LUXURY

Maserati moves into the SUV segment by showcasing its latest entries at QMS 2017.

name associated with a niche community of buyers in the country, Alfardan Sports Motors, the official dealers of Maserati in Qatar, showcased a stellar ensemble of its models at the Qatar Motor Show 2017, which comprised its first-ever SUV, the Levante, the executive sedan Ghibli S, the sporty GranTurismo, and the new Quattroporte GTS, the brand’s flagship model. A turning point in the brand’s history, Levante’s distinctive design combines spaciousness and coupé lines, while its range of cuttingedge technology delivers new levels of safety and entertainment on the road. The model’s sporty demeanour is powered by the 3-litre V6 engine with twin turbo, rocketing it to 100km/h in just 6.0 seconds with a top speed of 251 km/h. The Maserati V6 petrol engine with the latest GDI and twin turbo is available in two versions: the top-of-therange 430 hp and the exciting 350 hp. Both variants of the Maserati Levante adopt the eight-speed automatic ZF gearbox that provides seamless comfort and fast gear shifting, depending on the selected drive mode: “Normal”, "I.C.E.", “Sport” or “Off-road”. The Ghibli S is powered by

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the twin turbo V6 engine is a combination of style, power, sporty handling and comfort, encapsulating the soul of the brand. It boasts the highest levels of agility, delivering a powerful drive with a torque of 550 Nm with an acceleration of 0 to 100 km/h in 5.0 seconds. The GranTurismo features a fascinating 4.2 litre V8 engine; it produces a maximum power of 405 hp and a torque of 460 Nm. With over 50 years of race-bred engineering advancement into a sophisticated luxury sedan, the sixthgeneration Quattroporte GTS is top of the range. Its powerful V8 engine achieves a maximum speed of 310 km/h, sprinting from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.7 seconds. “Maserati achieved incredible growth in the region, especially in Qatar, and this reflects our commitment to offer our clients the exclusivity, luxury craftsmanship, Italian design and performance that Maserati is renowned for. We are pleased to showcase our top-range models at this world-class platform, providing clients and fans the opportunity to experience the brand’s Italian finesse,” said Charly Dagher, General Manager, Maserati Qatar, Alfardan Sports Motors.

JEEP

A VERSATILE SHOW UCA, the authorised sales and service dealer for Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge in Qatar, showcased the diversity of its offerings at the seventh edition of QMS.

orking under their guiding principles of customer-first philosophies – fairness, integrity, respect, superior performance and teamwork – Abdullah Abdulghani & Brothers Company introduced the new Toyota KIKAI. As a true concept car, the Toyota KIKAI’s appeal is simultaneously free from and reliant on the core concepts of automobiles. The Toyota KIKAI ('Kikai' means 'machine' in Japanese) aims at highlighting elements such as the beauty, precision and mechanical workings of a car by literally providing windows that are normally out of view. It has minimal body panels to show the interesting and finely crafted mechanisms inside; all those exciting oily bits of a car that are normally hidden. The KIKAI’s standout feature is a pair of windows at the front left and right of the driver’s foot area through which the movement of the wheels and front suspension can be seen. The look and feel of the booth was in line with the recently announced brand campaign “Go Share the Fun” with the all-new 2017 Toyota. The visitors explored more about Toyota’s most popular models – Toyota Yaris, Toyota Corolla, Toyota Camry, Sporty Toyota 86,

Toyota Prius, which is the largest selling hybrid model in the world, along with the three variants of Toyota Land Cruiser – GX, GXR and top-of-the-range VXS. Also on display was the Toyota Fortuner 2017 which was awarded the title of “Best Mid-size SUV” Middle East Car of the Year during the Mecoty 2017 Awards recently in UAE. The brand demonstrated the hybrid technology through different activities, showcasing

its unique features, where visitors enjoyed a unique personalised experience. Dr Nasser Abdulghani, AAB Board Chairman, said, “I would like to take this opportunity to thank our loyal Toyota customers for their support, helping us to maintain our position as the No. 1 automotive brand in Qatar, thanks to the excellent products that Toyota Motor Corporation had introduced in the market.”

your car while staying under warranty. 2016 was a great year for us and we have hit our first quarter business plan for this year, witnessing a 91% growth for Ram.” The Wrangler Rubicon boasts a powerful and efficient 3.6L Pentastar V6 engine with 17 city/21 hwy mpg. This 285-horsepower engine provides satisfying fuel efficiency

with up to 472 highway miles on a tank of gas and will deliver up to 260 pound-feet of torque. The Command Trac(r) 4x4 system splits torque 50/50 between the front and rear axles for conditions where more traction is required. The Rock-Trac(r) 4WD system helps deliver more control and more torque at the wheels.

aking a look at the Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT, its tight-to-theroad stance, wide footprint and bold blacked-out front end give the vehicle a look of its own. The 6.4L HEMI(r) V8 engine delivers a massive 475 horsepower through an efficient eightspeed automatic transmission. Eco Mode and Fuel Saver Technology complete the equation for both power and efficiency. “The Qatar Motor Show is one of the most important events on the calendar and is the perfect platform for us to display our vehicles,” Gurdeep Multani, UCA General Manager, said. “The show has allowed us to showcase models for the first time. The Ram 1200 is introduced for the first time in Doha and we are excited about the complete new range of Ram 1500: Sport, Longhorn and Limited. What sets our brands apart is that they come with Mopar accessories, allowing you to customise

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QATAR MOTOR SHOW FERRARI

812 SUPERFAST: REDEFINING SPEED Alfardan Sports Motors, the official dealers of Ferrari in Qatar, unveiled the brand new 812 Superfast at QMS 2017.

midst a glamorous ceremony that marked the inauguration of the high-profile motor event, the fastest from the race brand, the 812 Superfast was launched. True to its name, the 812 Superfast is indubitably the fastest road-going Ferrari ever built. Powered by a new 6.5-litre V12, the vehicle achieves its maximum power output at 8,500 rpm with a maximum speed of 340 km/h, racing from 0-100 in 2.9 seconds. Designed as the flagship V12 Berlinetta, the model embodies Ferrari’s revered V12 heritage that sprung to life in 1947 with the birth of the brand. “It is the newest V12 engine at the moment. What’s special about the car is not only the power of the engine, but the fact that Ferrari develops the technology to exploit the power on the track as well. The goal is to make the driver feel the thrill of Ferrari and the confidence that he’s enjoying the car. This is definitely not a surprise for us as Ferrari will always deliver the best,” said Charly Dagher, General Manager, Maserati Qatar at Alfardan Sports Motors. Its timely world premiere at the

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Geneva Motor Show, followed by the Qatar Motor Show, coincides with Ferrari’s 70th anniversary celebrations this year, building on its recognition as the only manufacturer to have continuously produced sports cars with 12-cylinder engines throughout that time. The celebration was unique with a parade showcasing the latest vehicles from Doha to Zubarah. “In the future we will have more tracks coming up for clients and Ferrari owners to drive around. We also take our clients to Italy to improve their skills

by signing them up for training courses to compete on international tracks.” "I’m passionate about cars and absolutely love this brand. I’ve been with Ferrari for the last 11 years and seen how this brand has developed in its speed, technology and visibility. I started as an after-sales agent and worked hard in my journey to become the general manager three years ago," said Dagher, speaking about his journey with the brand. “With Ferrari, I always want more and I know that there’s always going to be more that the brands will offer. We are extremely thrilled to be part of the Qatar Motor Show. This is an incredible opportunity to connect with fast car aficionados and offer them a unique perspective of the Ferrari world. The 812 Superfast is a significant model in the Ferrari history. It’s not just the fastest, but also the most powerful production car to date. We are eager to demonstrate Ferrari’s superior technological advancements and impeccable craftsmanship that make the brand a leader in the luxury sports car segment,” concluded Dagher.

energy > tag this

FUELING MARINE SUPPLY ROUTES 53 > QATAR TODAY > MAY 2017

energy > tag this

WHEN THE INTERNATIONAL MARITIME ORGANISATION (IMO) ANNOUNCED THAT ALL COMMERCIAL SHIPS SHOULD REDUCE THE SULPHUR CONTENT IN THEIR FUEL FROM JANUARY 1, 2020, SHIPPING LINES ACROSS THE WORLD STARTED DISCUSSIONS ON USING LNG AS A MARINE FUEL IN THE COMING YEARS. BY V L SRINIVASAN

he decision to set a sulphur fuel cap limit of 0.5% m/m (mass/ mass) from 2020 onwards from the existing 3.5% was taken by the IMO during its Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) meeting held in London in October last year. Though ships can use sulphurcompliant fuel oil, an increasing number of ships are also using gas as a fuel as, when ignited, it leads to negligible sulphur oxide emissions. IMO Secretary General Kitack Lim said the decision reflected the IMO’s determination to ensure that international shipping remains the most environmentally sound mode of transport. “This decision

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is expected to have a significant beneficial impact on the environment and on human health, particularly that of people living in port cities and coastal communities, beyond the existing emission control areas,” Lim said. According to the London-based Society for Gas as a Marine Fuel (SGMF), the current gas-fueled fleet comprises 0.14% of the total global fleet of 5,500 ships above 500 gross registered tonnage. There are a little over 100 LNG-fueled ships in operation today but this is expected to rise to around 1,500 ships, accounting for 2.75% of the world fleet over the next 7-10 years. Advantages of LNG Industry watchers also feel that using

LNG as a marine fuel not only offers a commercially viable solution but has various advantages. While there are many options for shipping companies to comply with IMO regulations, LNG is said to be the best among them that can meet the existing and future requirements for these emissions and can be competitive price-wise with distillate fuels. The advantages in using LNG are that it’s a clean fuel, considered to be a cheaper source of fuel than distillates and heavy fuel oil, and it is flexible and can be used as part of a dualfuel solution. This should certainly help Qatar, which has been the world’s leading LNG exporter for several years, in finding new markets and maintaining its numero uno position as

state-owned Qatar Petroleum has decided to re-start drilling in the North Field after 12 years after the government slapped an embargo on tapping the gas reserves in the North Field in 2005. In fact, Qatargas, the Maersk Group and Shell signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to explore the development of LNG as a marine fuel in the Middle East region more than a year ago. Through the joint ventures, the three companies are planning to explore the development of new markets for LNG to be used as propulsion fuel for merchant vessels. The LNG supplies for this project will be made available from Qatargas 4, a joint venture between Qatar Petroleum and Shell Gas B.V., with Maersk Line using the fuel for its merchant vessels. Qatargas Chairman Saad Sherida Al Kaabi says they continue to pioneer new opportunities to utilise the LNG produced by the country. “We have partnered with Maersk and Shell to create potential new market opportunities for Qatar’s LNG to provide international ship operators with a cleaner fuel alternative to the heavy fuel oils currently in use,” he adds. Head of Maersk Oil Trading Niels Henrik Lindegaard says that his company has been constantly looking for commercially viable ways of improving its environmental footprint. “As LNG emits significantly less SOx pollution and is estimated to carry a potential reduction in CO2 emissions of 25% compared with the use of conventional shipping fuels, it is an obvious fuel alternative to explore for our vessels,” he says. Since LNG holds clear benefits over traditional bunker fuel, the industry must

develop and introduce an economically feasible propulsion technology as well as establish solid fuel distribution systems. “As our agreements with Qatar Gas and Shell seek to address both issues, we see them as important steps in overcoming the obstacles of making LNG a commercially viable fuel for maritime transportation,” Lindegaard adds. Growing interest in EU Several major seaports in Europe have been evincing interest in LNG as a bunker fuel and even the European Union (EU) has come out with policies and funding which are aimed at increasing the use of this clean, low-emission profile fuel in transport. Even oil majors are increasingly looking at adding this service to their portfolio. In fact, many seaports in Europe, including the Gibraltar Port Authority (GPA), have started setting up LNG bunkering facilities. Along with GPA, ports such as Algeciras and Ceuta in Spain and Tanger Med in Tangier together handle the vast majority of bunkering in the Mediterranean and are viewed as home to several bunker suppliers as over 70,000 vessels pass through the Strait of Gibraltar each year. According to the LNG Intelligence (LNGi) portal, LNG availability for ships is better than what the industry generally perceives and statistics show that LNG bunkering infrastructure is developing rapidly. In total, there are 58 LNG supply locations in operation for ships worldwide, not counting the LNG bunker vessels and LNG trucks, which can go anywhere subject to permits. As many as 20 countries

“WE HAVE PARTNERED WITH MAERSK AND SHELL TO CREATE POTENTIAL NEW MARKET OPPORTUNITIES FOR QATAR’S LNG TO PROVIDE INTERNATIONAL SHIP OPERATORS WITH A CLEANER FUEL ALTERNATIVE TO THE HEAVY FUEL OILS CURRENTLY IN USE.” SAAD SHERIDA AL KAABI Chairman Qatargas

“WHILE THE EXPONENTIAL GROWTH WE EXPECTED DID NOT MATERIALISE, A STEADY STREAM OF LNG-FUELED NEW-BUILDS, ESPECIALLY IN A TIME OF LOW OIL PRICES AND LOW NEWBUILDING ACTIVITY, GAVE SOME HOPE FOR SEEING HIGHER GROWTH RATES IN THE FUTURE. THE CURRENT INCREASED INTEREST IN LNG AS A SHIP FUEL THAT WE NOW SEE SUPPORTS THIS CLAIM.” GERD-MICHAEL WUERSIG Business Director for LNG-fueled ships DNV GL-Maritime

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energy > tag this

“THIS DECISION IS EXPECTED TO HAVE A SIGNIFICANT BENEFICIAL IMPACT ON THE ENVIRONMENT AND ON HUMAN HEALTH, PARTICULARLY THAT OF PEOPLE LIVING IN PORT CITIES AND COASTAL COMMUNITIES, BEYOND THE EXISTING EMISSION CONTROL AREAS.” KITACK LIM Secretary General International Maritime Organisation

currently have operational LNG bunkering facilities and an additional nine countries have started developing them. Nine more countries are currently discussing establishing LNG bunkering facilities and, in all, 38 different countries are either operating and building or considering building LNG bunkering facilities. CEO and Captain of the Gibraltar Port Authority Commodore Bob Sanguinetti opines that the shipping industry’s main challenge is to reduce emissions due to usage of fossil fuels and GPA has joined hands with like-minded ports and entities in the region to assist the industry in its aspirations to deliver LNG as a fuel in future. GPA, which has joined the SGMF, an NGO which promotes using gas as a fuel for ships, has signed a bunker market development agreement with Shell in August 2016. The pact is considered a significant milestone to deliver LNG as a bunker fuel to ships at anchor in Gibraltar and is also part of the port’s strategy to provide the widest range of marine services as it looks to the future. Commodore Sanguinetti says, “The industry will be witnessing usage of selective fuels in the marine environment and LNG is likely among them. I don’t know to what extent it is yet and it is difficult to gauge on time but it is on its way and we need to develop and stay ahead of others in the industry,” he adds. Global oil major Shell too has plans to set up LNG bunkering facilities in locations where they are already active in LNG supply to domestic users and they include Norway, Rotterdam, Gibraltar,

the Middle East, Singapore and Houston. Though building LNG-fueled ships and starting LNG bunkering facilities need vast investments, they are expected to gain a foothold in the future because of their inherent advantages. Good prospects DNV GL-Maritime’s Business Director for LNG-fueled ships Gerd-Michael Wuersig says LNG as a marine fuel has great prospects as it is a proven and available solution. While conventional oil-based fuels will remain the main fuel option for most existing vessels in the near future, the commercial opportunities of LNG are interesting for many new-build and conversion projects. He says the LNG industry had high expectations for the introduction of the ECA sulphur requirement in 2015 when LNG fuel for ships really took off. But the crash in oil price was naturally a disappointment to the supplier industry. He says many have felt like the interest for LNG-fueled ships had reduced but their records showed that the number of new-build orders has actually kept steady throughout this time. “While the exponential growth we expected did not materialise, a steady stream of LNG-fueled new-builds, especially in a time of low oil prices and low new-building activity, gave some hope for seeing higher growth rates in the future. The current increased interest in LNG as a ship fuel that we now see supports this claim.” By 2020, he expects between 400 and 600 vessels to be in operation worldwide

“THE INDUSTRY WILL BE WITNESSING USAGE OF SELECTIVE FUELS IN THE MARINE ENVIRONMENT AND LNG IS LIKELY AMONG THEM. I DON’T KNOW TO WHAT EXTENT IT IS YET AND IT IS DIFFICULT TO GAUGE ON TIME BUT IT IS ON ITS WAY AND WE NEED TO DEVELOP AND STAY AHEAD OF OTHERS IN THE INDUSTRY.” COMMODORE BOB SANGUINETTI CEO and Captain Gibraltar Port Authority

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and it would be interesting to see how the IMO regulations impact the LNG industry. “We expect the price of the 0.5% fuel to be somewhere in between heavy fuel oil (HFO) and marine gas oil (MGO). This will offer an additional incentive to ship owners thinking about switching to LNG to achieve compliance with the upcoming sulphur cap. Generally, we expect to see more interest in LNG as a ship fuel and a greater number of new-builds using LNG propulsion,” Wuersig says. Meeting the demand “Without question,” he says when asked whether LNG-producing countries such as Qatar will be able to meet the demand in the coming years as 70% of the global commercial trade is done by shipping. According to him, projections for LNG demand as a ship fuel by 2020 range from 10-30 million MTs and the top end of this is an optimistic projection which the industry in unlikely to meet. By comparison, in terms of LNG in just the first half of 2016, Qatar alone exported 37,624,564 million MT. “With LNG being only a small fraction of the total natural gas market and more liquefaction capacity coming online every year, even if the entire global fleet converted to run on LNG – which is not technically possible – there would be no question that LNG exporters could meet shipping’s relatively small demand. But we expect that the growing market for LNG as a ship fuel will help to drive demand,” he says. Wuersig also says LNG tanks are required to be larger for the same operational range,

relative to a conventional fuel tank in conventional ships. However, this must be balanced against the higher efficiency of LNG engines. Additionally, in the future different tank types may offer some improvements in space efficiency for LNG-fueled vessels through, for example, the use of membrane tanks which use a little more than half the hold space occupied by spherical or cylindrical tanks. “In terms of deciding whether LNG is the right fit for an existing ship or a new one, there are many factors to be considered. Owners need to make pragmatic decisions based on whether they will operate in ECA zones exclusively or globally, endurance, suitable LNG tank size, tank construction type and costs, the location of the tank in the ship and economy of retrofitting, the selection of fuel gas supply system (F.G.S.S.), as well as the position of bunker stations and the vent mast for the least loss of precious container stowage space,” he points out. He says that orders for LNG bunker vessels are picking up and such vessels are expected to play an important role for cost-efficient distribution and bunkering of LNG. “The five LNG bunker vessel orders from Shell, Engie/NYK/Mitsubishi, Skangas, Bomin Linde/Klaipedos Nafta and TOTE/ JAX LNG at present and at the end of September 2016, were new developments in terms of bunker vessel design when DNV GL awarded Vard Engineering Brevik AS with an Approval in Principle (AiP) for their new bunker vessel design,” Wuersig adds

“AS LNG EMITS SIGNIFICANTLY LESS SOx POLLUTION AND IS ESTIMATED TO CARRY A POTENTIAL REDUCTION IN CO2 EMISSIONS OF 25% COMPARED WITH THE USE OF CONVENTIONAL SHIPPING FUELS, IT IS AN OBVIOUS FUEL ALTERNATIVE TO EXPLORE FOR OUR VESSELS.” NIELS-HENRIK LINDEGAARD Managing Director Maersk Oil Trading

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development > tech talk

QATAR IMAGINE CUP WINNERS OFF TO NEXT ROUND

Team WoCoMo swept to victory at the Marsa Malaz, Kempinski in the Qatar finals of the 6th edition of Microsoft’s Imagine Cup 2017.

magine Cup is a global technology competition that aims at deliver educational, entrepreneurial and employment opportunities for youth by acquiring critical skills. This year, under the theme "Celebrating 15 years of Awesome", the competition provided a platform for young developers to showcase innovative, world-changing solutions to industry experts. The Qatar National Finals involved the participation of Team WoCoMo and HIAme from Qatar University, Qfill from Qatar University & College of North Atlantic Qatar, and Team 4C from Carnegie Mellon University. All project submissions from the teams were in line with the Ministry of Transport and Communications’ (MOTC) vision for

"Smart Qatar", a roadmap that revolves around full utilization of innovative, ITbased, most sophisticated technologies to facilitate Qatar’s future growth. Team WoCoMo took first place for their project which was aimed at providing interactive visualization of the water consumption happening at different outlets in a property, eventually reducing wastage. This team will go on to meet the region’s top talent at the Imagine Cup MEA semi-finals in Lebanon in May, on a path to compete with the best young innovators in the Worldwide Finals, in Seattle, Washington, for the coveted Imagine Cup trophy and a prize of $100,000. All finalist teams will also have the opportunity to be incubated by MOTC’s Digital Incubation Center.

SEND MONEY THROUGH VOICE In its latest update, Mashreq Bank’s app, called Snapp, has incorporated a lot of cool new features that allow customers to register directly on to the app via their debit or credit card to create a username or password, fully control spending on their debit or credit card, alongside security features that allow Snapp users to instantly lock the card and block spends by country. Customers may also modify their daily transaction limits by card, and generate a PIN for transactions. The updated version of Snapp still carries its previous security features such as fingerprint access. As Snapp is integrated with Apple’s virtual personal assistant Siri, iPhone users have the option of sending money by simply using voice instructions. Snapp also comes with built-in notifications through the in-app alert feature that informs the customer on what is happening with their registered bank account and associated card. In addition to this, the customer can manage the alerts they receive, and view previous transaction alerts and notifications.

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TERRY JONES TALKS IN DOHA Qatar Business Incubation Center (QBIC) held yet another insightful Speaker Series session in collaboration with the US Embassy in Qatar and the Digital Incubation Center, hosting Terry Jones, Founder of Travelocity.com. Terry Jones, who is also the Chairman of Wayblazer and Kayak.com, spoke about “Disruptive Technologies – The fuel for innovative new business models.” Abdulaziz bin Nasser Al Khalifa, Qatar Development Bank CEO and QBIC Chairman said, “We are thrilled to be hosting our third Speaker Series session this year, this time in collaboration with the US Embassy in Qatar. Terry Jones shared his insights on how start-ups are shedding old concepts and business models with new ‘Disruptive Technologies’. He guided our entrepreneurs and attendees on how to identify and utilize these technological advances.”

QATAR AND TURKEY SIGN E-COMMERCE DEALS

EXCLUSIVE HUAWEI STORE INAUGURATED China’s Ambassador to the State of Qatar HE Li Chen and Intertec Group Managing Director Abdulla Khalifa Al Subaey inaugurated Intertec’s first exclusive Huawei showroom in Qatar, which is also the first and only one in the Middle East. To celebrate this, Intertec Group announced special inaugural prices on all purchases from the showroom.

WIKI FOR NEWS

n the occasion of the opening of TurkeyExpo by Qatar, Chairman and Managing Director Faleh Al Naemi of Qatar Postal Service Company (Q-Post) and his Turkish counterpart Kenan Bozgeyik, Chairman and Director General of Turkish Post, signed a Memorandum of Understanding on e-commerce. Q-Post and Turkish Post agreed on a roadmap designing a product sales plan from Turkey to Qatar and from Qatar to Turkey benefiting their customers based in both countries. Q-Post is currently developing a new e-commerce platform allowing international shopping and shipping service directly from Turkey to customers’ doorstep in Qatar. The new service is under testing in order to reach the best quality product on the market. The new e-commerce platform will be launched at a later stage this year.

TRADING TECH FOR NOSTALGIA

Wikipedia founder Jimmy Wales launched a news service called Wikitribune, which aims at solving the fake news problem.

his news service will hire professional journalists but let readers view a story’s sources to judge its veracity. Jimmy Wales envisions Wikitribune as the first time that citizen journalists will work with professionals to collaborate on stories, according to The Guardian. Members of the site will be able to see a story’s sources and edit it, much like Wikipedia. “This will be the first time that professional journalists and citizen journalists will work side-by-side as equals writing stories as they happen, editing them live as they develop, and at all times backed by a community checking and rechecking all facts,” Wales told The Guardian. Wikitribune will neither display ads nor erect a paywall, two of the techniques that newspapers and other traditional media organizations use to make money online. Instead, Wales intends to fund the project through voluntary monthly subscriptions. He has set a goal of hiring 10 journalists in the next 30 days, and promised to refund early donors if that doesn’t happen.

This year’s surprise phone craze might just be the revamped version of the iconic Nokia 3310, which is appealing to those who are sick of all the new tech and want to go back to the basics. Nokia’s all-new 3310 was announced earlier this year at Mobile World Congress by HMD Global and will be available from Q2 2017. The famous fun feature phone includes a new design with a giant Infinity display, faster processor, upgraded camera and updated version of the classic snake game. But perhaps its biggest selling point is its never-ending battery life which Nokia claims can last around a month on a single charge. The news has drawn huge amounts of media and public attention around the world. Offering a refreshingly low-tech alternative to today’s modern smartphones, the new Nokia 3310 doesn’t come with a touchscreen, powerful camera or even many of today’s most powerful apps, something that a surprisinglylarge number of people seem to want to go back to. 59 > QATAR TODAY > MAY 2017

test drive > auto news

LAZY ROADS AND SPEED DEMONS

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MEET THE NEW FERRARI 488 SPIDER; THE BEATING HEART OF THIS TOPOF-THE-LINE CONVERTIBLE MAY BE HIDDEN BENEATH ITS SLEEK, METALLIC EXTERIOR, BUT ITâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S NEVER FAR FROM YOU WHEN YOU ARE BEHIND THE WHEEL. YOU ALWAYS FEEL IT, YOU ALWAYS HEAR IT. 61 > QATAR TODAY > MAY 2017

test drive > auto news

esigned by Ferrari Style Centre, the 488’s sculptural forms are radically new, accentuating the car’s sportiness yet retaining the classically clean, pure lines typical of Ferrari’s legendary styling. The styling is honed around its aerodynamic requirements, reflecting the drop-top driving pleasure focus of its sportiness and performance. The supercar has classic Ferrari mid-rear-engined sports car proportions: a short muscular front wing into which the bumper is wedged, which lends the whole front of the car a sense of power and speed, and immediately draws the eye to the flanks, featuring new side air

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THE FERRARI 488 SPIDER MARKS A FORMIDABLE RETURN TO THE CLASSIC FERRARI MODEL DESIGNATION WITH THE 488 IN ITS MONIKER INDICATING THE ENGINE’S UNITARY DISPLACEMENT.

intakes for the intercoolers. But before we even begin talking about the 488 Spider, we need to talk about the 488 GTB. Released forty years after the manufacturer’s first-ever mid-rear-engined V8 berlinetta (the 308 GTB), the 488 GTB is a new chapter in Ferrari’s 8-cylinder history. It is at the top of its class in terms of power output, torque and response times and is a new benchmark for this kind of architecture, thanks in part to innovative work carried out on the turbine to reduce friction and inertia. Historically, there have always been performance and structural reasons to go with the GTB over the Spider. It would seem that a weight penalty, the loss of that classic Ferrari roof line and of course no peekaboo engine porthole through which one can gaze at this beautiful piece of engineering, were reasonable compromises for open-air motoring pleasure in a high-performance sports car. But not anymore. It really does seem Ferrari engineering has advanced to the point where the Spider versions are pretty much equal to the Coupé versions. With 95% of the tortional rigidity of the GTB and losing only 0.4 seconds off the 1/4 mile, the Spider is every bit a match for its elder brother and with the added bonus of a retractable hard roof that folds, even when on the move, in less than 14 seconds. This 2-seater roadster is only 50 kg heavier than its coupe sibling whilst matching the 0-62 mph sprint at three seconds. Beneath the engine cover throbs the 3902 cc turbocharged V8 that debuted on the 488 GTB. Its performance levels are nothing short of extraordinary: a maximum power output of 670 CV combined with maximum torque of 760 Nm at 3,000 rpm sends the 488 Spider sprinting from 0 to 100 km/h in three seconds flat and from 0 to 200 km/h in 8.7 seconds. This is also an exceptionally efficient engine as it is not only 100 CV more powerful than the previous naturally aspirated V8 but also has lower CO2 emissions. A small glass rear window operates independently of the top and can be lowered to three separate positions to either let more exhaust music in with the top up or, more usefully, to act as a wind blocker with the top down. This is worth it because Ferrari’s engineers dedicated great attention and resources to perfecting the car’s sound, creating a new soundtrack that is full, clear, progressive and totally distinctive. The 488 Spider’s cockpit was designed to underscore Ferrari’s Formula 1-inspired

philosophy of creating a seamless relationship between driver and car: the commands are not clustered on the steering wheel but are on the wrap-around satellite pods which are angled directly towards the driver. The new lighter, horizontally more compact dashboard also curves around the cockpit and features ultra-sporty air vents. The side slip angle control system both monitors and adjusts the car’s handling and control, which includes the adaptive dampers, differential and stability control, making for flawless handling on every type of road and in every kind of mode. Further contributing to the smooth and controlled acceleration is the fact that the turbos react differently depending on which gear you are in and how hard you are on the go pedal. Light and responsive, the Spider’s dynamic behaviour is effortless on even the most challenging routes. It’s the kind of the supercar that begs the question (and in every sense of the phrase) – Where do we go from here? 63 > QATAR TODAY > MAY 2017

business > marketwatch UNVEILING HUAWEI’S LATEST SMARTPHONES

Huawei Qatar and Intertec Group have officially launched Huawei’s latest flagship models, Huawei P10 and P10 Plus, in the Qatar market.

he event was held at Oryx Rotana in the presence of Qatar IR dealers and press officials. Yu Zhaoyuan, multi-country director of Huawei CBG Middle East, and Asraf NK, Divisional Manager, Intertec Group, unwrapped the latest awaited models at the event. Addressing the crowd, Zhaoyuan said, “It is our pleasure to be associated with Intertec, and we are expecting a good growth of Huawei business in Qatar.” He also added that, keeping in mind Huawei’s promising growth at the global level, the company was expecting similar progress in the region. In addition to the Huawei P10 and Huawei P10 Plus, Huawei unveiled its second-edition smartwatch, the Huawei Watch 2 built in collaboration with Porsche Design. The 4G sports wearable combines innovative technology with authentic craftsmanship, and features an athletic and stylish lightweight design.

EXPANDED SERVICE

CELEBRATING TOURISM The recently released Guest Experience Index in the Middle East report shows Qatar as one of the top-ranked GCC destinations. The report monitored and analysed more than 2.5 million online guest reviews over the past 12 months from popular sites such as Booking.com and TripAdvisor. The results showed that Qatar’s overall ranking in the Middle East has climbed to third place, with an increase of 2.83% in its Guest Experience Index, since the last report was issued. The Index measures overall guest satisfaction by analysing different aspects of their tourist accommodation experience, including service, location, cleanliness, room quality, and value for money. Hassan Al Ibrahim, QTA’s Chief Tourism Development Officer, said, “We have been working tirelessly with our partners in the hospitality sector to strengthen and maintain Qatar’s well-deserved reputation for excellence in hospitality through closer grading and inspection. We are delighted to see the results in this report, which demonstrates that Qatar’s hospitality establishments continue to put guest experience at the heart of their efforts to develop and refine their services.”

DHL Express has expanded its presence in Qatar with the opening of its latest service point in Mall of Qatar, helping to boost accessibility, efficiency and convenience for its current customers. 64 > QATAR TODAY > MAY 2017

MOVING FORWARD

Gulf Warehousing Company Q.P.S.C (GWC), Qatar’s leading logistics provider, was recognised as one of the top business leaders during Forbes Middle East’s inaugural “Celebrating Qatar’s Success” event.

WC witnessed a year of achievement, as the company had registered an increase of 11% in its net profits in 2016. The company concluded its first quarter of 2017 at QR50.5 million, as compared to QR 46.5 million by the end of the same period in 2016. The company’s revenue streams gained QR222.7 million at the end of the quarter. “GWC is proud that, through the combination of our people’s efforts, our commitment to safety, and our development and implementation of the latest technology and industry standards, we as a collective group have been recognised as a contributor to Qatar’s success,” said Abdulaziz Mohammed Al Sahlawi, GWC Director of Public Relations. The company has maintained its growth by increasing its operational efficiencies, improving its profit margins, and actively seeking new revenue streams, drawing in gross revenues of QR849.5 million at the end of 2016.

RAMADAN TREATS

Al Meera announced its Ramadan Campaign “An abundance of good, in the month of goodness”, with 1,438 products at cost price.

he announcement was made during a press conference, held at the Al Meera Headquarters Board Room, in the presence of special guests and members of the media. The campaign comes as an extension of last year’s Ramadan offer and gives patrons of 35 of Al Meera's branches as well as Géant Hypermarket the opportunity to purchase 1,438 high-quality products that have been carefully selected to cater to the specific needs of shoppers in the holy month. Commenting on the announcement of the campaign, Sheikh Thani bin Thamer Al Thani, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Al Meera, said, “At Al Meera, we put our customers first in everything we do and we spare no efforts in providing consumers in Qatar with the best shopping experience while providing them with premium quality products at affordable prices. What’s more important is that we always listen to our customers, which is why in light of the good reception of last year’s Ramadan campaign among consumers, we decided to continue this remarkable tradition this year and offer our valued patrons with even more products at cost price.” 65 > QATAR TODAY > MAY 2017

city life > doha diary

HEAVEN IN DOHA Dr Khalid bin Ibrahim Al Sulaiti, General Director of the Cultural Village Foundation Katara, recently launched the 7th Heaven Arts Center in Al Waab.

The opening ceremony included a press conference with the chairman, artist Amal Al Aathem, giving a brief speech highlighting the objectives of establishing the centre. It is a development project concerned with creativity and offers a wide range of specialised quality programmes, customised to different age groups. It also provides training programmes on various technical skills and community outreach agendas. During the establishment phase, the centre was able to complete this project in the care and refinement of talent, by participating in the completion of Darb Al Saei during the National Day celebrations, in addition to launching specialised courses with the participation of Qatari artists who presented their experiences to the future generations of Qatar.

DELICIOUS EXPANSION

SETTING RECORDS Aspire Zone Foundation and the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy set a new world record in returfing Khalifa International Stadium.

spire Zone Foundation (AZF) and the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy (SC) have successfully set a new world record for returfing Khalifa International Stadium, one of the landmark venues set to be used at the 2022 FIFA World Cup Qatar(tm), managing to lay a staggering 7,800+m2 of turf in just 13:30 hrs. The new world record smashed AZF’s previous best which it set when it returfed Al Sadd Sports Club’s stadium in 2016 in just 14:40 hrs. The previous record of 18:00 hrs was set in Europe and had stood for some time. Director General of Aspire Logistics, Abdullah Nasser Al

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Naimi, highlighted how the achievement reflected AZF’s vision to be the reference in sports excellence worldwide by 2020. Youssif Al Musleh, Deputy Executive Director, Technical Department Office at the SC, said, “The pitch was moved from the SC’s Turf Nursery project and laid down inside Khalifa Stadium by a team of 40 specialists on-site as the venue nears completion. Khalifa International Stadium is a historic venue in the eyes of the local community and region, and the fan and player experience in 2022 will ensure that it becomes a memorable venue for the world when Qatar hosts the tournament at the 2022 FIFA World Cup.”

Set to open six new cafés and boutiques in some of Doha’s most prestigious locations, Bateel International is ready to introduce the capital to a new world of gourmet delights. Having established itself as the brand of choice for gourmet dates and confectionery from London to Jakarta, Bateel International brings its offerings to Qatar’s capital, Doha, for the first time. General Manager, Tina Memic, remarked, “Bateel has been long awaited in Qatar and we are delighted to finally be able to bring the highest-quality gourmet experiences and outstanding customer service to residents through our network of new locations across the city.” A brand new boutique and café opened at the Mall of Qatar location earlier this month. This will be followed by other cafés set to open later this month at the iconic Doha Tower, Doha Festival City and the Lagoona Mall. Known for reinventing and elevating dates to a gourmet product, Bateel has grown to become an admired food brand, renowned globally for culinary excellence.

A WIN FOR NATURE

The Ministry of Education and Higher Education, Sasol and FEC recognise the winners of the Qatar e-Nature Schools Contest 2017.

nder the patronage of HE Dr Mohammed Abdul Wahed Al Hammadi, Minister of Education and Higher Education, the Qatar e-Nature Schools Contest 2017 concluded with the final live round and awards ceremony and the presence of Khalifa Saad Al Derham, Director of Schools Affairs and the representative of the Ministry of Education and Higher Education. Sasol and Friends of the Environment Centre (FEC) celebrated the winners of the competition at the Westin Hotel in Doha, in the presence of government and civil society figures, teachers, students, parents and media personnel. This year around 250 students, representing 43 independent schools and 41 private schools across Qatar, participated in the fourth edition of the schools contest. Elite International School won the competition, receiving a voucher worth QR12,000; Al Shaqab Primary School for Girls was second and received a voucher worth QR9,000; and Al Khansaa Independent School for Girls finished third and received a voucher worth QR6,000.

A FUN DAY OUT United Development Company (UDC) hosted the Porto Arabia Festival, an outdoor event that featured a variety of entertaining programmes designed for all family members. Daily entertainment shows – juggling, acrobatics, magic shows, and other fun activities – were part of the festival. Stilt walkers, balloon twisters and caricaturists toured the festival, providing an integrated and comprehensive leisure experience for visitors and residents of The Pearl-Qatar. Through such events, Porto Arabia seeks to cement its position as an attractive family-oriented destination that offers a unique shopping and dining experience for families. From March 9 to April 8, an average of 210,000 vehicles per week have entered The Pearl-Qatar, while a total of 10 million visitors, including residents and tourists, have been recorded over the past year. Visitors now have access to more than 25 new outlets, including cafes, restaurants, and gift and pet shops, that have recently set up shop in Porto Arabia, Medina Centrale and Qanat Quartier, providing new lifestyle offerings to the island’s shoppers.

CELEBRATING INDIA

MöVENPICK HOTEL DOHA HOSTED A 10-DAY INDIAN FOOD FESTIVAL AT SEASONS RESTAURANT WHICH WAS INAUGURATED BY THE INDIAN AMBASSADOR P KUMARAN. THE HOTEL CELEBRATED ITS LATEST ADDITION, INDIAN CHEF BENOY, WHO RECREATED HIS TRADITIONAL DISHES, AND SHOWCASED THE FINEST INGREDIENTS AND RECIPES.

ARABIAN DELIGHTS

UAE’s popular home-grown Arabian restaurant Mandilicious opened its doors in Qatar at Souq Al Suleiman.

he launch of Mandilicious in Qatar was celebrated at an opening ceremony hosted in the presence of a number of VIPs and members of the local foodie community who were treated to Mandilicious’ signature dish Mandi, an aromatic succulent lamb cooked traditionally over hot embers on the desert sands. Guests were also given a glimpse of the restaurant’s other specialties including its aromatic soups, flavoured sahaweq, delicious tabeekh, and irresistible Arabian desserts including kunafa. In celebration of its opening in Qatar, Mandilicious has launched a competition on Facebook and Instagram to give guests the opportunity to win special discount vouchers for the restaurant. Users can "Like" and "Follow" Mandilicious Qatar’s official pages and share their experiences at the restaurant, and use the hashtag #MandiQatar to enter the contest.

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A day in the life of...

Saima starts her day with a morning ritual of meditation and yoga. She multitasks during breakfast by dealing with a bout of replies to calls, texts and emails.

Saima Bukhari Co-Founder, Crunch Doha

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

A typical day at work revolves around meeting clients, troubleshooting, building relations and generating new business. All executed with the aid of those things that are always present in her trusted big handbag – her MacBook Pro, at least two (sometimes three) mobile phones, red lipstick, car keys and daily journal.

And before she knows it, the day has flown by and it’s suddenly 8 p.m. and it’s family-and-friends-times. Before reaching home, she would make a pit stop at Crunch kitchen, which would be busy preparing for the following day’s Fresh Box deliveries, to make sure that all the documents are clear and the issues resolved.

She’s a night owl, she says, and her creative energy peaks between midnight and 2 a.m. “So you shouldn’t be too surprised when I am emailing you at those hours or replying to texts or brainstorming with fellow night owls,” she says.

She loves to tick off items on her adventures bucket list every year and in the past experienced mountain climbing, playing with wildlife, paragliding, bungee jumping and sky diving. “So let’s see what’s in store for 2017,” she says.

The upcoming months revolve around being a bridesmaid at her best friend’s wedding and conducting a skills workshop on budgeting with Al Faisal Foundation.

She likes to get involved in a variety of affairs which include hosting a panel discussion between Shabana Azmi, Elisabete Reis and Javed Akhtar, working on a blog post for the newly acquired funkyqatarblog. com or working as a presenter for Ezdan Mall’s Breakfast Campaign. 68 > QATAR TODAY > MAY 2017