Qt september 2013 by Oryx Group of Magazines

inside this issue september 2013 / Vol. 39/ Issue 9

cover story

38 Fashion makes business sense

Qatar ranked 11th in the first annual Retail International Programme Expansion Index, making it a favourable destination for global retailers looking to expand internationally, particularly in the luxury segment. It has more retail space per person than the European average. The fashion and retail segments continue to increase their impact on Qatar’s GDP and its soft power. In this scenario, when retailers are making a beeline for Qatari shores, why do local shoppers tend to fly out of Qatar to fulfill their needs? Where do the retailers fail to keep the shoppers satiated? Or does the fault lie with the shoppers who do not drive the need? Debrina Aliyah reports.

58 Powered through knowledge

In our annual edition of Education Spotlight we take a look at how the education landscape of the country has grown over the last few years and the commitment the state continues to show to further advance the scene. We hear from some the most prestigious higher education institutions in the country on their contribution to the burgeoning climate of knowledge acquisition and some of the eclectic courses they provide in helping get the next generation ready to take over the reigns. Finally, a special report from Booz & Co. focuses on education at schools in MENA, and in Qatar particularly, and how involving students in education reforms can produce better results all around.

30 To Peg or Not to Peg

With Qatar’s diminishing trade with the United States, is it time to move away from currency pegging? What would be the perks and pitfalls of such a move?

26 Southeast Asia: What’s hot and what’s not

Inside Investor give their review of what to invest in and what to avoid in the region, taking into account current domestic and global factors influencing the Southeast Asian investment climate.

inside this issue september 2013 / Vol. 39/ Issue 9

54 With love, from the sea

English artist Ben Barbour recounts his experience of a unique artist residency onboard an LNG tanker, which traces the historic pearl trading routes of Qatar.

36 Room to grow

With Dohaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hospitality sector dominated by four- and fivestar properties, Deloitte reasons that diversification is the key to continued growth.

96 Health 2.0

Mobile devices and the Internet offer the potential to change our relationship with health information and health providers, especially in countries such as Qatar, where large numbers of the population own smartphones and tablets. Damien Radcliffe explains how.

108 Bringing Islamic art to the community

A Qu'ran leaf inscription from the 9th century; sword of Indian ruler Tipu Sultan with a captured English blade from the 18th century. These are some of the rare pieces that can be spotted for the first time in Qatar at Sothebyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Arts of the Islamic World exhibition.

and regulars 12 newsbites 22 o&g overview 20 bank notes 24 realty check 100 tech talk 102 auto news 104 market watch 108 doha diary

from the desk I strongly believe in the power of Karma and covetously hope that in doing some good deed during my lifetime, I will be paid back in kind or action. I also believe that in this world nothing happens to a person that he does not, for some reason or other, deserve. And I often wonder how, then, do you explain the Egypt situation or the now seemingly bright future of Hosni Mubarak? How can a man who was a tyrant a year ago suddenly be pardoned? But what leaves me wordless are the atrocities committed by using the world’s most heinous weapons against the world’s most vulnerable people. While Middle Eastern countries battle out their power-grappling agenda and inhuman war tactics, we talk about a harmless yet materialistic pursuit that we all love to indulge in – fashion. Fashion is a multi-billion dollar industry that has been largely unaffected by the financial crisis and is a growing industry in the Middle East. Middle Eastern customers are also said to be one of the biggest consumers and hence the business of fashion in the region is at the threshold of bigger bets and acquisitions. Qatar Today gives you the lowdown on this burgeoning industry. If great fashion was about giving people what they didn’t know they wanted, as fashion expert Diana Vreeland very famously coined, what we do know is that education is giving people what is essential. And education is one sector that is being given its right focus in Qatar (education is allocated 15% of the country’s budget outlay of QR210 billion ($57.9 billion) for 2013) with Sheikha Moza bint Nasser backing most of the educational institutions here while she focuses on the Educate a Child initiative globally. But the region still grapples with high unemployment rates which is attributed to the mismatch between the needs of the market and the skills being developed in schools and higher education. All these issues and more are discussed in detail in Qatar Today’s Education Spotlight. Also not to miss is an interesting timeline that takes one through Qatar’s small steps and the later bigger jumps in the education sector. Travelling through the old pearl trading routes, which now have been taken over by the hugely profitable LNG trade routes, is Ben Barbour who sketches his experiences atop one of the huge LNG carriers. Qatar Today follows his journey. Taking a moment from our worldly pursuits lets pray for the poor souls who lost their lives to chemical warfare in Syria, described by U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry as a “morally obscene act”. I believe strongly that whoever committed this act will eventually be held accountable. There IS Karma, after all.

Sindhu Nair

Publisher & Editor-in-Chief Yousuf Jassem Al Darwish Chief Executive Sandeep Sehgal Executive Vice President Alpana Roy Vice President Ravi Raman editorial Editor Sindhu Nair SENIOR CORRESPONDENTS eZdhar ibrahim abigail mathias ayswarya murthy art senior Art Director Venkat Reddy deputy Art Director Hanan Abu Saiam assistant art director Ayush Indrajith senior Graphic Designer maheshwar reddy Photographer Robert F ALTImirano marketing and sales senior Manager – Marketing Zulfikar Jiffry ASSISTANT MANAGER – MARKETING THOMAS JOSE senior Media ConsultantS HASSAN REKKAB LYDIA YOUSSEF MARKETING RESEARCH AND SUPPORT EXECUTIVE KANWAL BALUCH senior Accountant Pratap Chandran distribution Sr. Distribution Executive Bikram Shrestha Distribution Support Arjun Timilsina Bhimal Rai basanta pokhrel

Published by Oryx Advertising Co WLL P.O. Box 3272; Doha-Qatar Tel: (+974) 44672139, 44550983, 44671173, 44667584 Fax: (+974) 44550982 Email: qtoday@omsqatar.com website: www.omsqatar.com Printed at: Gulf Publishing and Printing Co WLL Copyright © 2013 Oryx Advertising Co WLL

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the winning text for august's QT Poll was sent from

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Kamal Maffai

An inspiring tale

I read the article “Conquering the Mountain within” that covered Sheikh Mohamed Bin Abdulla and his team’s Mount Everest climb. It was really inspiring and it’s a great achievement by this team. The choice of their group’s name “Arabs with Altitude” is really nice and says a lot. Thayalan Kailayapillai

AJAM

Great article on Qatar Today on Al Jazeera America. I’m an American viewer who isn’t elite and I will be eagerly watching the new channel. Justin Edwards

Behind the wheel of a McLaren

The Diary of the McLaren Driver was an interesting read that allowed me to vicariously enjoy the thrills of owning a fast and sleek sportscar. Great job!

Do you feel you can express yourself freely on the internet in Qatar? last month qatar today poll to win a Nokia Lumia 720

Libya, Syria and now Egypt – is Qatar’s role as a strategic player in the region under threat?

53 YES

47 NO

Figures in percentages

Knowing the leaders

The cover story last month on the new cabinet was timely and apt. In the absence of a democratic system here, we rarely get the chance to know the people in the government save for the rare interview or TV appearance. I wish there had been more about what they plan to do in the future.

33170142

experience a new era of reading

Waris Khan

Expats in Doha

The final page where you talk to two expats – one who has made Qatar their home and one who has arrived only recently – is a great feature. As someone who has been here for over a decade, it has been an exciting experience to witness Doha change before my very eyes. So much so that you feel a certain pride in its growth and progress. Jessie Wilson

Qatar Today invites readers’ feedback

Share your views about the magazine or any issue that affects you here. One lucky reader will win an exquisite MontBlanc writing instrument. Write to: The Editor, Qatar Today PO Box 3272, Doha. Fax: (+974) 44550982, email: qtoday@omsqatar.com

Check out all articles of Qatar Today on www.QATARTODAYONLINE.COM www.issuu.com/oryxmags/qatartoday

Qatar Today reserves the right to edit and publish the correspondence. Views and opinions expressed in the published letters may not necessarily be the publication’s views and opinions.

published by oryx advertising co wll, All rights reserved. qatar today is published monthly by oac, po box no. 3272, doha, qatar. subscription rate for qr. 180 per year. address for all subscription correspondence to qatar today, oryx advertising co wll, po box 3272, al hilal area, doha, state of qatar. for single copies call us on + 974 44672139 or mail to qtoday@ omsqatar.com. material in this publication must not be stored or reproduced in any form without permission. request for permission should be directed to qtoday@omsqatar.com. reprint requests should be directed to the info@Omsqatar.com. qatar today is registered trademark of oryx advertising co wll reprint requests should be directed to the info@Omsqatar. com. qatar today is registered trademark of oryx advertising co wll reprint requests should be directed to the info@Omsqatar.com.

affairs > local

Religious Ties A handout picture released by the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) shows the Emir HH Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani (L) being welcomed by Saudi Prince Khaled Al Faisal bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud, governor of Mecca, as he arrives in the Saudi Red Sea resort of Jeddah on August 2 to perform Umrah, a minor pilgrimage to the Saudi holy city made by many Muslims during the month of Ramadan. AFP PHOTO/HO/SPA

new Board of Trustees appointed At qu

The Emir HH Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani issued an Emiri Decree on August 20, shuffling the Board of Trustees of Qatar University.

he decision stipulated that the Board of Trustees of Qatar University shall be chaired by Hamad Rashid Al Mohannadi with the following members: HE Sheikh Dr Abdullah bin Ali bin Saud Al Thani, Vice President of Education at Qatar Foundation for Education, Science Community Development, as Vice Chairman; HE Sheikh Ahmad bin Jassim bin Mohammed Al Thani, Minister of Economy and Trade; HE Dr Mohammed Abdul Wahid Al Hammadi, Minister of Education and Higher Education; HE Dr Hessa Sultan Al Jaber,

16 > qatar today > september 2013

Minister of Communications and Information Technology; and HE Dr Saleh Mohammed Al Nabit, Minister of Development Planning and Statistics; HE Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim Al Thani, Chairman of Qatari Businessmen Association; HE Sheikh Dr Khalid bin Thani bin Abdullah Al Thani; and a number of qualified experts in the field of higher education, who should not exceed seven members, to be selected by the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the University from inside or outside the country.

A premonition of things to come

Al Jazeera Center for studies released a survey of youth in the Arab Spring countries conducted in April-May that seem like a precursor to the events in Egypt.

n the survey that was conducted in Tunisia, Yemen, Egypt and Libya, the vast majority of respondents selected ‘Muslim’ as their first choice, the only exception being Egypt where 61.6% responded that they are Egyptians first, 35.2% said they are Muslims first, while only 1.7% indicated primary affiliation towards an Arab identity. The disillusionment of Egyptian youth with politics is also evident in the numbers with 72.1% of the respondents confirming that they do not feel that MPs

represent them and 95.3% of them saying they do not intend to belong to any political party in the future. Perhaps the most damning numbers are that 43.5% of Egyptians also considered the revolution unsuccessful with 61.3% of the respondents viewing the revolution as having failed to achieve social justice. 34.6% of them believe that the country’s situation would deteriorate in the future compared with only 16.2% who felt that it would improve.

US embassies shut in MENA as a precaution After an “unspecified regional threat from Al Qaeda”, 19 diplomatic missions of the United States were closed for five days in August.

72.I

of respondents in Egypt confimed that they do not feel the MPs represented them.

Inbound M&A value surges by 108%: EY MENA

MENA M&A value drops 43% to

$8.I

billion in Q2 2013 from

$I4.3

billion in Q2 2012. AFP PHOTO/STR

40%

wo days after the US State Department issued a worldwide alert about a possible attack, “particularly in the Middle East and North Africa, and possibly occurring in or emanating from the Arabian Peninsula”, 19 US consulates,

including the one in Qatar, had suspended operations for five days. The embassy in Yemen, considered the epicenter of the threat, remain closed for two weeks after the rest reopened. It opened finally to “provide limited public services”.

of the top 10 highest announced deal values in H1 2013 were by Qatari companies, followed by the UAE with

20%

qatar today > september 2013 > 17

affairs > local

AJAM Jammed?

Private sector jobs?

AFP PHOTO / Saul LOEB

Not interested, say Qatari unemployed

Al Jazeera has lodged a suit against US communications giant AT&T for dropping the broadcast of its new Al Jazeera America news channel on the day it launched.

T&T’s move affected some five million US households, a significant hit for Al Jazeera America, which had said some 40 million homes were expected to have the channel available after its launch on August 20. “Unfortunately AT&T’s decision to unilaterally delete Al Jazeera America presented us with circumstances that were untenable – an affiliate

that has willfully and knowingly breached its contractual obligations,” said a statement from Al Jazeera America. AT&T spokesman Mark Siegel said Al Jazeera had breached its obligations and that the company’s U-verse television systems would not carry the channel, despite previously carrying Current TV, which was bought out by Al Jazeera.

Now carry

more on Qatar Airways Qatar Airways said in a statement that economy weight allowances will rise from 23 kg to 30 kg while Business and First Class will increase from 30 kg and 40 kg to 40 kg and 50 kg respectively. “Revising our standard baggage allowance comes at a time whereby the number of destinations we fly is increasing, our global reach is broadening and the number of customers we see travelling for longer periods of time, whether for business or on holiday,” said Akbar Al Baker, ceo, Qatar Airways.

18 > qatar today > september 2013

A labour force sample survey carried out from April to June (second quarter) of 2013 by the Ministry of Development Planning and Statistics showed that not many unemployed Qataris are willing to take up private jobs.

57.75

were not keen to take up jobs in the private sector

he survey covering 1,332 unemployed Qataris suggests that only 562, or 42.25%, were keen to take up jobs in the private sector. This is despite the government pushing the private sector to give enough representation to Qataris in employment and even fix a quota for them. Out of the 1,332 surveyed, 966 were women and a vast majority of them (738 or over 76.4%) said they didn’t prefer private sector employment. The Qatari men surveyed totalled 366 and out of them 260 (71 %) showed no preference for private sector employment. A separate survey of 242 unemployed Qataris with secondary school qualifications who said they wouldn’t work for the private sector cited different reasons for their reluctance. Work timings (apparently, work in two shifts a day) were cited as a major barrier by a majority of them (132) for not taking up private employment. Only 44 of them cited low wages as a reason for their dislike of a private job, while another 44 said they didn’t like the idea of working six days a week.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;We are seeing strong growth in all aspects of Qatarâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s tourism sector. As tourism becomes increasingly important to diversifying the national economy we look positively on these developments.â&#x20AC;? Issa Mohammed Al Mohannadi QTA Chairman

Record QTA figures

I55.9

QR million Total revenue in hotels

hotel occupancy rate rose

otel occupancy rate rose from an average of 58% to 67%, despite there being a 4.5% increase in the number of rooms available. Total revenue in four- and five-star hotels increased by QR155.9 million with a staggering 20% increase in revenue at five-star hotels alone. The total number of hotels under construction increased to 121 properties in the

More money on managing risk According to a Deloitte survey on financial institutions, 65% of financial institutions report increase in spending on risk management and compliance with 58% planning further increases in next three years and 94% of company boards now devoting more time to risk management oversight than five years ago. Also according to the survey, there is a rising focus on board governance, enterprisewide systems, operational risk and technology.

4.5

increase in the number of rooms available

second quarter 2013 from 110 at the end of 2012; with a total 20,955 rooms expected to be delivered. Overall, GCC tourists were up by 15%, with Saudi Arabia the largest single source of visitors with 144,491 travellers. Overall visitors from other continents rose by 6.6%, with particularly impressive growth of 12% in visitors from Asia.

of company boards devote more time to risk management

Qatar Government asks Facebook for user info Three requests for Facebook users' account details from Qatar were denied this year.

acebook released its first Global Government Requests report which says that in many cases governments request basic subscriber information, such as name and length of service. Other requests also seek users' IP address logs or actual account content. More than half of the 38,000 requests came from the US, followed by India, which wanted the details of 4,144 users.

20 > qatar today > september 2013

affairs > local

Plans begun for 2nd satellite from Qatar Qatar becomes an official member of the international space club with the launch of the satellite Es'hail 1 on August 29.

T Picture Source: Arianespace

he satellite was launched from French Guiana in collaboration with Qatar’s European partner company Eutelsat. Es'hail 1 aims to respond to Qatar’s needs and strategic goals, according to the Chief Executive Officer of the Qatar Satellite Company Es’hailSat, Ali Ahmed Al Kuwari. Experiments and technical tests will be carried out for three months after which the orbit of the satellite will be 25.5 east, 36,000km up from the earth’s surface. “We expect to start providing services by

SCH confirms fourth case of coronavirus

The Supreme Council of Health (SCH) confirmed a fourth case of coronavirus in Qatar, the second case in a week.

he SARS-like disease is also called Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS). The most recent patient is a 29-year-old man who is "in a critical condition and under intensive care", the SCH said in a statement. A 59-year-old Qatari who recently arrived in Doha from another country tested positive for the virus a week earlier. He experienced symptoms while he was out of the country and underwent check-up at the specialised laboratory at the Hamad General Hospital after his arrival. Two Qataris were infected by the virus before this; one of them died in a London

hospital in June, about nine months after he was reported ill. “This was the only death in Qatar due to the virus until now. The second victim fully recovered from the illness and the condition of the third patient is stable,” Dr Mohammed Al Hajri, Director of Health Protection and Communicable Disease Control at SCH told a daily prior to the fourth occurrence. Asked if any special precautions had been taken in view of an increase in the number of people returning from vacation, Dr Al Hajri said: “The World Health Organisation (WHO) has until now not recommended any special precaution against the disease.”

A helping hand

The Qatar Friendship Fund (QFF) announced four projects in Japan, worth QR364 million ($100 million), which includes a science facility for children, community sporting facilities, a fishery storage facility, and a project to offer support and advice to upcoming entrepreneurs, part of a package pledged after the devastating 2011 tsunami.

22 > qatar today > september 2013

364

Qr million worth projects in Japan

December this year. Priority will be given to local TV channels and telecommunication services,” Al Kuwari said. He said that Es’hailSat also plans to launch Es'hail 2 by the end of 2016-17. Al Kuwari said that Es’hailSat has already received several applications for subscribers even before the launch of Es'hail 1, which has in fact, helped to start plans for Es'hail 2. “Es'hail 2 will give Qatar a more competitive and strong role in the satellite market,” he said.

Want Job?

Get Doha-bound

Given the upcoming mega infrastructure projects and construction boom in Qatar, over 60% of the Qatari companies have gone on a hiring spree.

andidates with an engineering degree are the most desirable applicants for employers (35% of the job vacancies are for engineers), followed by business management and administration (29% and 25%, respectively), according to the latest Bayt.com and YouGov survey. Nearly 37% of the respondents claim to be ‘definitely hiring’ within this time frame, with 62% of companies expecting to fill up to 10 positions. Six out of 10 respondents in Qatar (63%) state that their company will be ‘definitely’ or ‘probably’ hiring in the next three months, with 74% claiming the same in a year’s time from now. The ‘Job Index’ survey, jointly conducted by the Middle East’s leading jobsite (Bayt. com), and YouGov, a research and consulting organisation, has shown that more than half of the companies in the Middle East and North Africa are considering hiring in the next three months.

business>bank notes QNB opens shop in China

After receiving all the required regulatory approvals, Qatar National Bank Group has officially started operating its Shanghai Representative Office.

rom its office at the Shanghai World Financial Center, the bank will now take on the role of extending intermediary services in the field of investment and trade with Middle Eastern Companies that are looking to establish their business in China or looking to invest money in the country, according to an

official statement. Among China’s many attractions to investors are its robust growth rate of 7.5% and its shifting focus towards a consumer-led economy. The bank will also act as a liaison with Chinese companies that are looking to expand into the ever growing Middle Eastern market and facilitate investments.

qatar national bank

total assets (2012 vs 2013)

4.7

QR billion

commercial bank

DOHA BANK

I.023

748 QR million

QR billion

59.2 23.7

QR billion

net profit

QR billion qatar international islamic bank qatar islamic bank

6I7 QR million

366 QR million

QR billion

330.5

qr billion

qatar islamic bank

DOHA BANK

QR billion

qatar international islamic bank

QR billion

commercial bank

qatar national bank

H1 2012

In ‘How Banks Fared in Q2’, Qatar Islamic Bank’s figures had been misprinted. QIB's Net Profit in Q2 stands at QR617 million and Total assets grew from 63 billion in Q2 2012 to 74 billion this year.

24 > qatar today > september 2013

3I.4 85 43I

QR billion

Erratum

The errors are regretted.

74 68.2

QR Billion

QR billion H1 2013

new CEO takes charge at CBQ

Commercial Bank of Qatar names Abdulla Saleh Al Raisi as its chief executive officer.

Dollar peg unlikely to change

Calling the riyal’s peg to the dollar “the cornerstone of the country’s monetary policy”, Qatar Central Bank says the riyal’s rate to the greenback is to be maintained at QR3.64. Local banks and exchange houses involved in foreign exchange dealings must use this rate with a margin of 0.24 percent. This rate should also be used as the basis of conversion when the riyal is converted to other currencies, it says.

business>oil&gas a strategic partner

“Singapore has emerged as a strategically important hub for Qatar’s LNG exports to the region,” Dr R Seetharaman,

Group Chief Executive Officer of Doha Bank, said at a recent knowledge-sharing session at Ritz Carlton, Singapore. Singapore LNG Corp has already received its first ever cargo of LNG from Qatargas at its terminal on Jurong Island and Keppel Group has plans to build 25 vessels per year in a joint venture tie up with Nakilat.

LNG aid to Egypt

The Emir has authorised five shipments of Liquefied Natural Gas to help Egypt “mitigate the impact of the fuel crisis”.

Non-Oil Sectors fuel Growth in UAE Following Qatar National Bank’s report stating that non-hydrocarbon sectors will contribute a larger percentage of the country’s growth, it has made the same prediction for the UAE.

he Qatar News Agency reported that four of the five LNG shipments to Egypt have been loaded and dispatched from Ras Laffan port. The last delivery will be completed by September 11, according to Taher Abdel-Rahim, chairman of the Egyptian Gas Holding Company (EGAS). A Qatari daily quoted an official Qatari source as saying that these quantities of gas will contribute to alleviating the

3.2

increase in share prices of Nakilat 26 > qatar today > september 2013

energy crisis in the brotherly Arab Republic of Egypt through the provision of additional supplies of fuel to power plants. They are facing a significant shortage in gas during the summer period in which energy consumption increases. Reportedly, Egyptian port facilities are not equipped to import LNG, but the cargoes will allow Egypt to devote more of its own supply to its domestic market.

n 'UAE Economic Insight 2013', it has been stated that oil production growth in the country is expected to slow because of delays in issuing contracts and uncertainty over the 2014 expiration of the 35-year concession on Abu Dhabi’s onshore oil fields. But the non-oil sector will be buoyed by continued strong private sector consumption growth and large construction projects, more than offsetting a slowdown in government expenditure, the report said.

Nakilat’s stellar performance at QE

Qatar Gas Transport Company, who operate vessels to transport liquefied natural gas, had a great season on the Qatar Exchange as shares rose by 3.2% since June.

The price of Nakilat’s shares, 1.9 million of which were traded per day (almost triple the three-month daily average), hovered around QR19.29 in August and was the third-biggest gainer on the QE Index, thanks to foreign institutions boosting their holding in the nation’s shares, according to a financial news centre. The company has advanced 26% so far this year compared with a 20% rise in the benchmark index.

business > realty check

Msheireb installs solar panels

As all eyes are on Qatar and its mega projects, the first photovoltaic solar panels have recently been installed in the first phase of the QR20 billion Msheireb Downtown Doha project.

he roof-mounted photovoltaic modules installed by Innovations Unlimited ME will supply a portion of the electricity needs of the buildings within Phase 1 of the development. Photovoltaic solar panels use sunlight to generate electricity through photovoltaic effect â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the creation of an electric current

Barwa Real Estate net profit

I99.2

qr million

within certain materials when they are exposed to light. When Msheireb Downtown Doha is complete, the project will comprise 5,200 solar panels across a total of 8,400 square-metre of onsite energy production in the form of both electricity and hot water. Each year, the solar PV system will

reduce total greenhouse gas emissions by 568 metric tonnes which is equivalent to 241,000 litres of gasoline consumed. Abdulla Hassan Al Mehshadi, CEO at Msheireb Properties, said development of Msheireb Downtown Doha is progressing well, with infrastructure works now completed.

Barwa real estate registers a loss in Q2 profits Barwa Real Estate, which received QR25.8 billion ($7.1 billion) in financial support from the state in June, posted a slump in first-half net profit recently. Qatarâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s largest listed property developer posted a net profit of QR199.2 million ($54.7 million) for the six months upto June, compared with QR593.7 million ($162 million) in the corresponding period of 2012. Second-quarter net profit came to QR40.7 million, Reuters calculated based on previous earnings announcements. That compares with QR204.02 million in the corresponding quarter of last year.

28 > qatar today > september 2013

business > viewpoint

Southeast Asia: What’s hot and what’s not

Southeast Asia, especially the ten-member ASEAN bloc with its QR4.3 trillion ($1.2 trillion) economy and 600 million people, is an investment destination that nowadays cannot be ignored. In fact, much has been trumpeted about the tiger cub nations with their exceptional growth rates despite the global economic slowdown; the latest being how Philippines’ first quarter growth in 2013 surpassed even China’s.

30 > qatar today > september 2013

nside Investor has been following the development of Southeast Asian economies for the last two years and realises that of course every nation has its upand downsides in terms of investment. Below is a review of what’s hot and what’s not about investing in the region, taking into account current domestic and global factors influencing the Southeast Asian investment climate.

The favourites Philippines As mentioned earlier, the Philippines registered a first-quarter GDP growth of 7.8% this year that outperformed China, and forecasts revolve around 7% and beyond for the coming year. Meanwhile the country, which has been correctly administered by implementing fiscal reforms, has received

three significant credit rating upgrades so far in 2013, and has designed a favourable investment environment (provided infrastructure is in place) across a wide range of sectors: Manufacturing, agriculture, tourism, education and raw materials. Cambodia Cambodia’s political framework has stabilised, and the July 2013 general elections have resulted in continuity, albeit not acknowledged by everyone in the country. However, investment is on the rise, with infrastructure, energy, garment manufacturing and tourism being the hottest sectors. Cambodia has made remarkable progress adopting free-market policies, and its sandwiched location, between Thailand and Vietnam, facilitates a number of spill-over effects. Another major advantage is that the economy is largely dollarised, making

Cambodia the only country in the region which is quite immune against global currency imbalances and speculation against its domestic currency. Myanmar Myanmar, dubbed the last investment frontier in Southeast Asia (which it is actually not), has drawn billions of dollar in foreign direct investment since it opened to the world market in 2011 and continues to do so. For example, the commitment of Qatar’s Oredoo to invest up to QR55 billion ($15 billion) into the country’s telecom infrastructure has not been made without a reason. The fact that Myanmar actually needs to be built up from scratch, after decades of military rule and neglect, will lure more high-profile investors from overseas in the years to come. Singapore The small city state at the southern tip of the Malaysian Peninsula has had its fair share of economic pressures over the past quarters, but it emerged as the strong pillar of the regional ecosystem. Investment in Singapore is still highly attractive for the following reasons: the country is a base for innovation and research, it has a solid fiscal foundation, its banking system will most likely inherit the role of Switzerland as a global haven for wealth management, and its workforce is highly skilled and motivated.

The trouble-prone Thailand The kingdom has triggered concern among global investors when it turned out that the government, inaugurated in 2011 with much fanfare, is not capable of steering the country onto a consistent growth path. Many problems emerged from populist policies, persisting corruption, poor crisis management and political imbalance. Growth and foreign investment decreased significantly in 2013, and the best option for potential investors is to stand on the sidelines and watch or look elsewhere. Vietnam Vietnam has been harvesting the fruits of

its commando economy over the past years and is struggling to cope with its inefficient government-owned companies, a growing pile of public debt and disillusioned investors that have given up against the country’s infamous bureaucracy. It will take a while until Vietnam’s economy is back on its feet and foreign investors gain back their trust.

By Arno Maierbrugger

Malaysia Once a regional darling, especially for investors from the Muslim hemisphere, Malaysia after the elections in May has fallen into stagnation. Too much public spending before the polls to keep people loyal has led to piling of public debt, an overheated stock and property market that has left investors struggling and, worse still, the overdue economic reforms are nowhere in sight. Ethnically motivated policies have led to a severe brain drain, and rising local salaries have put a drag on foreign investments.

The exotic newcomers East Timor As mentioned earlier, Myanmar is not the last investment frontier in Southeast Asia anymore. East Timor, the small country of just 1.2 million people, had sensationally reported on August 14 that its sovereign wealth fund, the Timor-Leste Petroleum Fund, has reached a value of QR49.5 billion ($13.6 billion) following the exploitation of offshore oil fields. This money will lead to an infrastructure investment spree and investors are cordially invited to join the country’s transformation from a poor and forgotten no-man’s-land into a middle-income economy based not just on oil, but also on agriculture, mining, manufacturing and tourism. Papua New Guinea Strangely off the radar of most international investors, PNG is highly underestimated. It has a fairly well designed regulatory framework for investors and, while many think it’s just about mining and oil, the country in fact boasts opportunities in fishery, agriculture and food processing, cattle farming, forestry, clothing and footwear manufacturing, telecom and, to some extent, tourism and financial services

dr arno MAIERBRUGGER is Editor-in-Chief of www. investvine.com, a news portal focusing on Southeast Asian economic topics as well as trade and investment relations between ASEAN and the GCC. Investvine.com updates its clients on current business news and financial market data and publishes interviews with prominent business people as well as government officials. The related website www. insideinvestor.com is currently being developed as an online platform connecting investors with opportunities. qatar today > september 2013 > 31

affairs > regional

32 > qatar today > september 2013

T h e s m o l d e r i n g r e m a i n s o f d e m o c r acy The Egyptian government brought down the hammer on protestors gathered at two Muslim Brotherhood camps in Cairo, sparking the worst carnage the country has seen in decades. In this picture, residents take stock of the burnt-down Rabaa al-Adawiya mosque that was the epicentre of the violent events that claimed over 500 lives, including that of several journalists. Amidst fears of Egyptâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s return to authoritarian rule, the new military-appointed government named a roster of 19 generals as provincial governors. AFP PHOTO/KHALED DESOUKI

qatar today > september 2013 > 33

business > viewpoint

Is it time for Qatar to move away from currency pegging?

To Peg or Not to Peg

n Qatar, Qatar Central Bank (QCB) adopted the exchange rate policy of its predecessor, the Qatar Monetary Agency, by fixing the value of the Qatari Riyal against the USD, at QR3.64 per USD. In July 2001, the targeted peg was officially authorised by Emiri Decree No.34, substituting the exchange rate policy of pegging to the Special Drawing Rights (SDR), which was in force since 1975. Apart from GCC countries, there are 60 other countries that have opted to peg their respective currencies to the USD and accept it as legal tender or manage their currencies against it. In the absence of a fixed peg, Qatar would have been exposed to exchange rate pressures faced by other emerging economies. Every time the US Dollar fluctuates sharply, as it did couple of times in the past few years, questions have been repeatedly raised over the independent monetary policy plaguing Gulf countries that peg their currencies to the dollar. With decline in value of the greenback,

inflation movement 15.0% 10.0% 5.0% 0.0% -5.0% -10.0% -15.0% 2008

2009

U.S.A

2010

Qatar

2011

Kuwait

Source: Economic Intelligence Unit

34 > qatar today > september 2013

2012

Qatar and other GCC members were stuck with large reserves of a devaluing currency. Though Qatar’s link to the US economy is diminishing as a growing proportion of its trade and capital flow shifts towards Asia, it has roughly $150 billion in US bonds and its revenue from hydrocarbon sales is also denominated in dollars. This has invoked a question by many – will a currency be better off pegged or de-pegged? Risk associated with pegging In the past few years we have witnessed how currency crises can doom economies in emerging markets such as Mexico, South Korea, Thailand, Indonesia, and Malaysia, exemplifying how dangerous exchange rate peg can prove to be. Qatar remains in the dilemma that is typically confronted by monetary authorities of pegged regimes – it cannot reduce interest rates at the same pace as the US Federal Reserve thanks to high liquidity and inflation. This will gradually result in a widening gap between US and Qatari interest rates. Regulators then will be left with the option of either restraining liquidity or, if inflation remains consistently high, raising interest rates that would enhance the speculation about de-pegging the riyal. According to the “Impossible Trinity” model, Qatar broadly has three options; fixed exchange rate, free capital movement, and an independent monetary policy. The model says that a country can implement at best any two options at a time. Assuming if fixed exchange rate regime is applied, then it can either choose free capital movement or an independent monetary policy. De-pegging: not a risk-free proposition Monetary policy flexibility is lost due to pegging, as policymakers are forced to largely mirror the Federal Reserve’s actions

in order to prevent ‘carry trades’. This refers to a situation where traders take advantage of low interest rates in one country to borrow currency and to invest in higher interest bonds or certificates in another country. The absence of the peg would have warranted capital controls in the region as implemented by export driven economies such as Brazil, Korea, Thailand, and Indonesia and/or continuous intervention by the central bank in the foreign exchange market, in order to keep the exchange rate at the target level. Flexible currency mechanism allows surplus countries’ currency to appreciate over time, thereby making their products more expensive and, in worst case, can also lead to Dutch Disease. In 2007, Kuwait became the sole Arab Gulf nation which de-pegged its currency, from the greenback and linked it to a basket of currencies. Although authorities did not reveal the exact composition of the basket the dinar tracks, it is estimated to have a 7080% USD component. National Bank of Kuwait, estimated that the appreciation of the dinar against the dollar may have helped cut inflation level by around 1%. However, it hasn’t resolved the state’s inflationary problem completely, as its fiscal policy is expansive and domestic demand growth is quite strong. Although de-pegging might lag the inflation in Kuwait behind the rate of increase elsewhere in GCC, the upward pressure on prices will persist. The possibilities for the Qatari Riyal One of the key advantages that an independent monetary policy provides (if architectural tools are present to manage that) is that countries can back their currency issuance with sovereign bonds denominated in local currency. Time is ripe for Qatar to start working towards developing the market and architectural requirements for a managed float exchange rate supported by more sophisticated policy mechanisms. The sovereign right to print and manage the state’s currency in accordance with domestic economic requirements should be reclaimed and cherished. Qatar can contemplate moving gradually from the current single peg toward a more flexible exchange rate, in order to avoid an abrupt change that might disturb the existing market credibility. In the last few years Qatar’s institutional capabilities have rapidly evolved and it is

There has been a growing consensus in the last few years, especially in emerging market countries, that the primary or overriding long-term goal of monetary policy should be ‘controlling inflation’. In order to achieve the desired inflation, the popular choice is to peg their currency to that of a bigger economy with low inflation, typically the United States. Currency pegging simply means a country fixing the exchange rate of its currency to the currency of another country, with an underlying intention to control the value of its currency by using a fixed exchange rate. This implies that when the value of USD fluctuates relative to other currencies, the pegged currency undergoes a similar variation in value. Another reason why newly industrialized countries peg their currencies to the dollar is to increase exports. It gives them a comparative advantage, by making their exports to the US cheaper. A great example is China which pegs the Yuan to the dollar to maintain competitive pricing. Other countries such as the oil and gas exporting members of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), peg their currency to the dollar because their primary export is sold in dollars.

By Partha Podder Senior Associate, KPMG Corporate

now in the ideal position to seriously start working towards de-pegging. To begin with, policymakers could consider moving towards tracking to a basket of two currencies consisting of the US dollar and Euro, which account for a giant share of Qatar’s international trade and financial transactions. With the challenges facing the U.S. economy and a trajectory of dollar weakness, questions about the future of the peg aren’t likely to disappear and it might be an opportunity for policy makers to demonstrate proactive approach towards it. Arguments against pegging Loss of independent monetary policy of the country, exposing it to the transfer of economic shocks from the anchor country. Increase in the possibility of speculation and also diminishing accountability of policymakers to pursue anti-inflationary policies, as pegging handicap becomes an excuse for justifying inaction. Increase in financial fragility and making the country more prone to financial crises

qatar today > september 2013 > 35

business > viewpoint

growing construction market opens new doors

By Oliver Cornock The author is the Regional Editor of Oxford Business Group.

The accelerating pace of a range of important construction projects is seeing Qatar’s long-term future take shape, while also providing growing opportunities for international partners.

35 QR100

major contracts worth

billion awarded in the first half of 2013

36 > qatar today > september 2013

atar awarded 35 major contracts worth a total of QR100 billion ($27.5 billion) in the first half of the year, primarily in the transport and infrastructure sectors, according to a report in August by the National Bank of Kuwait. A surge in big-value projects, including the Doha Metro, meant that the total value of contracts awarded in the first six months of 2013 was 30% greater than that of the whole of 2012. The pace is not expected to slow in the second half, with another QR105 billion ($29 billion) worth of contacts reportedly in the pipeline Two of the biggest projects awarded in the first half were the early stages of the Doha Metro, worth QR44.8 billion ($12.3 billion), and the Barwa Al-Khor real estate project, worth QR36 billion ($9.9 billion). Other major projects in various stages of development include Lusail City, the integrated railway (with intermodal links to the Metro), New Doha Port, enhanced drainage systems, local roads and sports stadiums to be used in the FIFA 2022 World Cup. The current emphasis on infrastructure, real estate and sports reflects a change of gear in Qatar’s economic development as the country looks to redouble its diversification efforts and strengthen its transport and utilities in anticipation of long-term economic growth. The culmination of the state’s drive to increase its LNG capacity – still the core driving force behind what has made this one of the world’s fastest-growing economies – now frees up more resources for other investments, according to the NBK. Furthermore, after several years of careful planning, the time has now come to push on with major projects such as the Metro. International media reports tend to dwell on the importance of the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar’s substantial investments in infrastructure, as well as real estate and leisure facilities. But these substantial commitments by the government and private sector are not merely being made for the tournament, but for Qatar in the years before and well after the World Cup, which is therefore a useful catalyst. The metro, Lusail City, local roads and better sewerage are not specifically tournament-linked developments, but are intend-

ed to enhance the country as a place to live and do business. Even the football stadiums are intended to strengthen Qatar’s position as a global sporting venue and not just for a month in the spotlight in 2022. The wave of new contracts should help reinvigorate the construction industry following a slower period over the past year and a half, after hydrocarbon-related projects were completed and the real estate market absorbed the extra supply that came onstream. According to official statistics, in the first quarter of 2013, the construction sector grew by 11.7% year-on-year and 6.3% quarter-on-quarter. With such a massive wave of investments underway, private sector partners are likely to play an increasing role. The NDS identified QR819 billion ($225 billion) in development spending between 2011 and 2016, with QR546 billion ($150 billion) coming directly from government coffers and those of Qatar Petroleum. The remaining share is expected to come from the private sector and government-linked organisations raising cash on the international markets. While investor appetite for emerging market assets such as bonds has cooled somewhat in recent months, and Qatar itself has tightened lending conditions to cool asset appreciation, opportunities for project finance in a fast-growing and stable economy should appeal to a broad range of international institutions. International construction companies are also gearing up for the opportunities presented by new investments. In August, the president of the Turkish Contractors’ Association said that there were opportunities for his members to win contracts worth QR90-110 million ($25-30 million) before 2022. Britain’s Royal institution of Chartered Surveyors and UK Trade & Investment similarly issued a call in July for British companies to become involved in the Qatari construction market. The RICS has said that British firms with experience of developing infrastructure for the 2012 Olympics could be particularly well-placed to offer their services, including in consultancy. Harnessing domestic and international capital as well as the abilities of contractors from around the world may help the current wave of developments move off the drawing boards and into reality

affairs > international

38 > qatar today > september 2013

T h e d r e a m t h at s pa r k e d a r e vo lu t i o n Civil rights leader Martin Luther KIng waves to supporters on August 28 1963 at the Mall in Washington DC (Washington Monument in background) during the "March on Washington". King said the march was "the greatest demonstration of freedom in the history of the United States." Martin Luther King was assassinated on April 4 1968 in Memphis, Tennessee. James Earl Ray confessed to shooting King and was sentenced to 99 years in prison. King's killing sent shock waves through American society at the time, and is still regarded as a landmark event in recent US history. AFP PHOTO qatar today > september 2013 > 39

business > viewpoint

Room to grow

Is diversification the key to continued growth in the Qatar hospitality market?

atar has experienced significant investment in the hospitality sector over recent years as the country has developed as a tourism and business centre, concentrated around Doha. With tourism identified as a strategic development area of the economy and the Qatar Tourism Authority (QTA) recently announcing an agreement with the United Nations World Tourism Organisation to develop the country’s new tourism strategy, this trend is expected to continue. According to the QTA, total room supply across all hotels rose by around 65% to c.14,000 rooms between 2008 and 2012, with an additional c.20,000 rooms in the pipeline. This represents significant new supply in this maturing tourism destination. On the demand side, visitor numbers are forecast to increase as the economy continues to grow and the QTA have committed to provide c.75,000 rooms for the FIFA World Cup in 2022, which, coupled with forecasted growth in tourism numbers, suggests there are opportunities for further investment in the hospitality sector. However, hotel occupancy levels have remained around 60% over recent years and, with committed new supply projected to cater to increasing demand in the short- to medium-term, the key for investors is identifying gaps in the market which offer a sustainable long term product as the market matures and stabilises. At present, the market is dominated by

By Jonathan Wall Assistant Director, Hospitality & Real Estate Advisory, Qatar

deloitte The opinions expressed here are the views of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of Deloitte & Touche (M.E.). Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, a UK private company limited by guarantee, and its network of member firms, each of which is a legally separate and independent entity. Deloitte is the first Arab professional services firm established in the Middle East region, with uninterrupted presence for over 85 years, providing audit, tax, consulting and financial advisory services through 26 offices in 15 countries, with over 2,500 partners, directors and staff.

doha hotel rooms breakdown, 2012

29.9% 47.8% 4.3% 



40 > qatar today > september 2013



0.4% 29.9% 

 & Other

four-star and five-star hotels, which provided over 75% of the total keys in 2012, and a similar percentage in the pipeline for future development. In general, the four-star and five-star hotels are ‘urban’ hotel products, located in and around the main business locations of Doha. This market could be considered saturated at present, which can be seen in the downward trend of average room rates over the last few years. The key to success in the hospitality sectors, therefore, is to offer something ‘different’. The market has begun to see diversification in its four-star and five-star sectors with developments such as the small boutique Souq Waqif Hotel and the Anantara Doha Island Resort, which is due to become operational in 2014. Further opportunities may lie in resort hotels situated in the desert or along the coast, however, for such developments to be feasible, location, scale and accessibility will be important considerations. The biggest opportunity may be in the mid-scale and budget markets. In mature hotel markets, such as the US and Europe, the supply of midscale and budget accommodations normally account for over 50% of the market’s bedroom stock and 5-star hotels account for less than 20%. Based on the current supply levels in Qatar, there would appear to be a significant gap in market. Whilst mid-scale and budget hotels may not be a prestige development, if strategically located and with significantly lower construction costs (budget hotels can be built for less than $100,000 a key), these limited service hotels can achieve higher profit margins in percentage terms and significantly greater returns on investment than five-star hotels. The entry of more budget orientated hotel stock into the market would be particularly welcomed by the business market, especially small- to medium-sized companies for whom five-star hotel prices can represent a significant cost burden. It is also likely to encourage additional short breaks and stop-overs from transit tourists for whom the option becomes more affordable, a key area of promotion by both QTA and Qatar Airways

cover story: The Business of Fashion

The

Business

of Fashion

Pg > 43

Qatar is ranked 11th in the first annual Retail International Programme Expansion (RIPE) Index, proving favourable for global retailers looking to expand internationally, particularly in the luxury segment. In this scenario, when retailers are making a beeline for Qatari shores, why do local shoppers tend to fly out of Qatar to fulfill their needs? Where do the retailers fail to keep the shoppers satiated? Or does the fault lie with the shoppers who do not drive the need? Debrina Aliyah reports.

cover story: The Business of Fashion

ccording to Euromonitor International’s market research, the global apparel market was valued at QR6.1 trillion ($1.7 trillion) in 2012 with a predicted growth of 5.8% this year. Marketline Research says that in 2014 the global childrenswear market is expected to reach beyond QR677 billion ($186 billion), marking a 15% increase in five years; the global bridalwear market is expected to start moving towards the QR207 billion ($57 billion) mark; the global menswear industry should exceed QR1.4 trillion ($402 billion) and the biggest segment in the industry, womenswear market is expected to pass QR2.2 trillion ($621 billion).

2.2

QR trillion Global womenswear market in 2014

About 80% of the world's population would say they care about fashion. Fashion, it would seem, is reserved for the wellheeled, celebrities, and the affluent segment of the society. Then what is it that is fuelling this insatiable demand for collection after collection systematically produced to the strictest of deadlines and calendars for fashion weeks? The process is one that is so excruciating that many fashion designers have been pushed to the brink; some give up while others are driven to suicide and break down (as in the case of Alexander McQueen and John Galliano). As a seasoned fashion star Alice Temperley tells, “You must be prepared to give away certain years of your life to make it.” What most people do not see is that it is the trickling down effect that quietly pushes the engine in the background. Looks and styles presented at fashion weeks find their way through layers of interpretation and production through all channels of garment

Pg > 45

Another Qatari brand is created Qatar Luxury Group (QLG), owned by Qatar Foundation, was created to build and foster luxury brands in the fashion, hospitality and lifestyle sectors for an international audience.

fter the purchase of the luxury handbag maker Le Tanneur & Cie, QLG is now extending another arm into fashion with the launch of the much anticipated QELA this month. A fashion label conceptualised and produced in Qatar, QELA is the state’s first global fashion brand and draws its inspiration from the Qatari heritage, which is reflected in the aesthetics of its collections. The brand will offer a collection of leather goods, shoes, jewellery and a couture line that are designed in the QELA workshops. In an exclusive interview with Qatar Today, CEO Gregory Couillard talks about the vision of the company and how fashion forms an important part of the business. Couillard believes that fashion is one of the key markets that needs to be tapped. “Fashion is a global business and the industry as whole generates over $1 trillion annually, employing millions of people. At QLG we are creating jobs in Qatar and abroad, and are investing in the training of new recruits. We see ourselves at the heart of the fashion and luxury eco-system that is growing in the country,” he says.

Behind the founding of QLG Qatar Luxury Group was created to build and foster luxury brands for an international audience in the fashion, hospitality and lifestyle sectors, and was established in 2010. Our fashion division is built on the belief that there is an opportunity in the global luxury market for a Qatari group that is true to its heritage, open to the world, and creates timeless products using the best materials and highest level of craftsmanship. Through our hospitality division, we are also active in the world of high end restaurants, and together with chef Guy Savoy, Quisine by Guy Savoy was opened on The Pearl in November 2012. In addition, La Varenne, a French Brasserie and The Anvil Rooms, a traditional steakhouse, were opened in Tornado Tower. The common strand between all our initiatives is that they are centered on excellence, quality and creativity. Tell us more about your fashion and luxury division. Our fashion division is composed of our own, made-in-Qatar fashion brand and Le Tanneur, which is one of the oldest leather goods brands in France that QLG acquired in 2011. Our own fashion brand, QELA, will be Continued on Pg43

“Fashion is a global business and the industry as whole generates over $1 trillion annually, employing millions of people. At QLG we are creating jobs in Qatar and abroad, and are investing in the training of new recruits." Gregory Couillard, CEO

cover story: The Business of Fashion

making. And this is where the real money is. This ingrained necessity has churned out an industry so profitable that the three richest men in France (the beating heart of all things fashion) minted their billions in the fashion and beauty industry. The 2012 Forbes Rich List puts chairman of LVMH, Bernard Arnault as the wealthiest person in France with a net worth of QR149 billion ($41 billion), followed by Liliane Bettencourt of L’Oreal at QR87 billion ($24 billion) and Francois Pinault and family of Kering (formerly PPR) at QR47 billion ($13 billion). In Italy, another stalwart capital of fashion, Giorgio Armani, is the fifth richest man in the country with a net worth of QR18 billion($5 billion). These figures are astounding, considering the industry is one that is often as-

1.4

QR trillion Global menswear market in 2014

sumed to be recession sensitive. But while consumers may purchase less during a downturn, they would be looking to purchase items of better quality to last a longer period and this often translates into items of higher prices. The Brand Finance’s 2012 Global 500 study of the world’s top brands suggests that in times of economic slowdown, consumers embrace luxury and indulgent brands instead of traditional household favourites. The report shows that the global downturn has created the ‘Alphabrands’, brands that consumers turn to for quality regardless of economic conditions. Some of the world’s top fashion houses, categorised as ‘Alphabrands’, including Louis Vuitton, Hermes and Ralph Lauren continue to report soaring profits. Middle East and Qatar market While the global economy is fluctuating, newly minted millionaires from new economies are splurging enough to make up for the losses in other countries. In the Middle East, regional retail spending accounted for 30% of global sales last year according to a report released by consulting firm Bain & Company. A 2012 report by Deloitte confirmed that consumers in this region spent some QR29 billion ($8

Pg > 47

Consumers in Qatar spend up to QR18,200 ($5,000) a month on various luxury items but fashion topped the list of preferred purchases in 2012, with 37% of respondents saying they enjoy shopping for fashionrelated items.

Continued from Pg41

billion) on luxury goods and top fashion retailers experienced a 42% growth increase in the MENA region. If we are not talking about volume, then we are definitely talking about value as one third of global haute couture client comes from this region. Qatar ranked 11th in the first annual Retail International Programme Expansion (RIPE) Index, proving favourable for global retailers looking to expand internationally, particularly in the luxury segment. Qataris are the biggest buyers of luxury goods in the Middle East region, closely followed by consumers in Bahrain, according to the American Express Middle East Luxury Spending Tracker. Consumers in Qatar spend up to QR18,200 ($5,000) a month on various luxury items but fashion topped the list of preferred purchases in 2012, with 37% of respondents saying they enjoy shopping for fashion-related items. Qatar’s stake in retail With strong consumer confidence and spending, does it really come as a surprise that Qatar would want a piece of the cake? One of the most prolific fashion house takeovers of 2012 was Valentino's acquisition by Mayhoola for Investments, a private Qatari-backed investment vehicle. Through the deal, Mayhoola also acquired the M Missoni license business, another profitable fashion label that is known for its signature knit print. Stefano Sassi, President and CEO of Valentino, commented: “We are delighted with this development. During the past few years, despite swings in the luxury markets, the company has operated with

launched this month. It has been inspired by Qatar, its home country, and created for an international, refined audience. The launch of the brand will be made at our boutique on the Pearl, which will be followed by the opening of boutiques in the leading fashion capitals of the world. We have been working very hard creating this brand. You will find that it is marked by excellence and openness, and will draw from time honoured traditions. Our products are created by passionate and talented craftsmen, committed to passing down and perpetuating their unique know-how. We are very proud of our multicultural teams, and fostered an open exchange between the local Qatari cultures and those from abroad. This openness, reflected in the brand that we are launching, is very exciting. How do you feel the business of the fashion industry is doing in Qatar? All of the elements required for the business of fashion to thrive are here, and this is an exciting time for the industry. There is lots of creativity, the emergence of designers, growing number of industry players, good retail space and a savvy and high-end market. It is often pointed out that Qatar is a significant consumer of fashion and luxury goods and services. Qataris have a sophisticated sense of fashion, and are knowledgeable about industry trends. I think, however, the most interesting aspect of the industry here is the creativity and passion of young designers. Qatar is at the crossroads of the East and West and hence is a melting pot of cultures and nationalities. This provides QLG with a very unique opportunity that can be leveraged in several ways; by recruiting the best talents in the world to our studio

and workshops and exploiting our knowledge of the region and emerging markets in Asia. What do you think must be done to support the growth of the retail fashion industry in Qatar? I believe that there are ample retail spaces in Qatar, ranging from the high street to the high-end. Retail is always driven by the market, and in that sense I don’t see there being a case for specific support or intervention. Can you tell us a little bit more about Le Tanneur? We acquired a majority stake in Le Tanneur in 2011, one of the oldest leather goods company in France. The acquisition allowed us to share creativity and know-how and gives our new brand access to one of and most respected leather goods workshop and most talented artisans in the world. This ensures that leather pieces from our fashion brand will be of the very highest standards in the world. Tell us about QLG's Unique Selling Point We expect our fashion to have a big impact, as it is rooted in art, culture and heritage. In this sense, for QLG, the industry goes further than just business. We are passionate about our role in preserving traditional fashion craftsmanship - “Metiers-d’Art” as we say in French - which takes so many years to build and is an increasingly rare commodity in the fashion industry today. This craftsmanship consists of skills and know-how that are passed from generation to generation and take decades to master. This is why at QLG we have a long term approach to our business philosophy and place art and culture at the centre of everything we do

cover story: The Business of Fashion

great intensity and remained focused on maximising the potential of the Valentino brand. This effort should drive a 60% increase in revenues from 2009 to 2012. Our new shareholder will help us reach our full potential.” More than just a glamourous acquisition or trophy asset, as many critics may term it as, it actually makes perfect sense as Valentino is one of the very few private couture houses left, and a significant proportion of its clientele are now from the Middle East. As for Qatar Holding (QH), the investment vehicle for the state’s Qatar Investment Authority, their 2010 purchase of Harrods has proved to be a strategic and smart investment with the luxury department store chalking record profits despite economic woes. QH picked up a dividend of QR547 million ($150 million) after the very first year of the acquisition. Continuing the fashion retail conquest, QH has also amassed a small stake of slightly more than 1% in LVMH and 11% in luxury jeweller Tiffany. The jeweller will be opening its new flagship store in Paris at 52,

677

Qr billion global childrenswear market in 2014

Champs Elysee in 2014, a building acquired by QH earlier last year. Through Qatar Luxury Group, the state has also bought a controlling stake in French handbag maker Le Tanneur & Cie. Other than just buying into luxury fashion brands, QH is set to launch several projects that will position fashion retail as its main offering. Qatar’s Deluxe Village is a retail project in the pipeline planned in the Italian summer resort town of Porto Cervo on Costa Smeralda. QH had acquired several properties including hotels in the Italian island in 2012. Commenting on the transaction, Ahmad Mohamed Al-Sayed, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Qatar Holding, said: “We are happy to have agreed terms for the acquisition of this established portfolio of luxury assets in Sardinia. We intend to continue supporting the on-going development programme which will see Costa Smeralda strengthen its position as a top luxury resort destination.” The Deluxe Village will include a popup Harrods store and boutiques of major international luxury brands. The state has also agreed to invest in a joint venture, IQ Made In Italy Venture, with Italian companies that will focus on the sector including fashion and luxury goods. And while these are the deals that have been disclosed, Qatar’s key investment players, whether state-funded or privately operated, still maintain a relatively low profile and are believed to have stakes in other major fashion houses including British accessories label Anya Hindmarch.

Pg > 49

what Qatar's consumers WANT

he impressive spending figures of Qatar may seem quite misleading, as the numbers represent the total spending by consumers based in Qatar, and need not necessarily translate into expenditure actually made in the country. A quick survey among Qataris and expats reveal that they are more likely to purchase fashion and luxury items when they are travelling, while shopping locally is usually driven more by necessity than by need. Dubai, the bustling tourist destination, is one such Middle Eastern city that is driving up the spending figures luring shoppers from all over the region including Qatar. The one grudge that most local shoppers put forth is about the inventory carried by retailers in Qatar. With the growth of online retailers like Net-A-Porter and Matches Fashion, it is easy for shoppers to keep up with latest releases and compare prices on an international level. And this is where Qatar lags behind; shoppers find that local stores are much more expensive than the price online as well as lack the latest offerings. “There is always a delay in stocking new collections. It arrives in Doha a few months too late, and they are often overpriced, usually about 30% more which I am assuming is an indirect tax since this is a tax-free country,” says shopper Aisha AlThani. For fashion designer Abdulla Al-Abdulla, shopping in Doha has its pros and cons. “Because there are less people shopping locally, chances of you landing the hottest fashion item of the season are higher. However, retailers really have to up their game by not stocking old collections from past seasons which is something that is really rampant here. They also have to pay attention to visual merchandising to attract more shoppers. The window display at the stores here are really unattractive,” he says. Consumers also feel that fashion buyers

have to be bold and experiment with different inventory rotations as the current stocking trend in Qatar seems dated and zeroes in too much on market stereotyping. “We have a lot more brands in Qatar today than we had five years ago, but I still rather shop abroad because the fashion buyers just don’t seem to understand the changing market. They tend to stick to a stereotype which they are familiar with but we are just like the rest of the world, craving for something new and trendy. It is not about catering to one style but about creating new trends!” says shopper Fahad Al-Turky. Inventory problems topped off with the lack of knowledgeable sales representatives have driven many shoppers to turn to online shopping, shopping abroad during summer holidays where discounted items are in abundance, as well as shopping in the neighbouring Dubai. “They never have enough sizes in stock. I like to get the opinion of sales people when I am shopping and I am always shocked when I know more about their brands than them. I usually do my research online before purchasing and

go directly to that item instead of looking at what is available because I can’t be bothered to be harassed by annoying sales people who know nothing about their brand or fashion in general. It would be really good if these shopping malls offer personal shopper services by people who are really good stylists,” Al-Turky added. On the other hand, there are a growing number of consumers who feel that shopping more locally can help solve these problems. Interior designer Caroline Chiang, who has lived in Doha for four years, is excited to see new multi-brand boutiques like DNA and The Vanity Room finding foot in the country. “The important aspect is in creating demand. When these big brands see local demand increase, they will be more willing to give into the fashion buyers’ requests for bigger inventory rotation and collections,” she says. “You need more than one person to buy a Mary Katrantzou dress from The Closet; you need 10 people, and then the brand will respond to give local buyers a better deal.”

cover story: The Business of Fashion

The Numbers that Matter

7,858

of respondents in Qatar intend to spend more on luxury goods in 2013 than they did in the 12 months prior to the survey.

Among Qatari respondents, the average amount they intend to spend on luxury goods in 2013

Mastercard gives us the scorecard on the shopping spends in the region

he affluent spending patterns of the market in Qatar and the Middle East has put this region on the map of the biggest luxury buyers in the world. Through the tracking of luxury spends by Mastercard, several key findings from the tracker confirms the powerful spending habits of the market here in Qatar. The latest MasterCard Index of Consumer Confidence has indicated that Consumer Confidence in Qatar is the highest among the Middle Eastern markets surveyed in the Index, with a score of 96.5. When compared to the previous edition of the index, consumers are more optimistic about regular income (99.3 vs. 98.4), employment (98.1 vs. 97.8) and the stock market (92.0 vs. 91.1). “The very positive results in Consumer Confidence scores are a reflection of the booming Qatari market and the Qatari government’s ambitious development plans for the future. Consumers who are optimistic in their outlook for regular income and their employment prospects in particular are more likely to purchase non-essential items, therefore stimulating the economy,” explained Pankaj Kathuria, Mastercard’s Area Head for Southern Gulf. The statistics also show that Qatar currently ranks fourth in the expected spend on luxury goods in 2013, with an average spend of QR7856 ($2,158). The UAE leads with QR9723 ($2,671), followed by Oman QR9326 ($2,562) and Saudi Arabia QR8704 ($2,391) ranking third. “Qatari consumers are known for shopping in the fashion and luxury capitals of the world like London, Paris and New York. However, they will also naturally make their luxury purchases in the country that they reside in,” he said

visits discount websites for luxury goods?

89%

11%

yes

Shopping Patterns

2I% Buys on impulse/on the spot

32%

25%

2I% Considers it and then tends to buy within one month

Extensively researches and buys within twosix months

Decides on the spot, but waits for sale/discount

Ownership Own currently

Intend to own in the next 12 months

Designer clothes & leather goods

36% 30%

I3% jewellery

25%

Designer accessories & footwear

I2%

I4%

27%

Luxury Watch

Sources of information for luxury goods

43%

39%

I3%

I0%

Advertising (TV/Print/Radio/ Outdoor)

Friends and family

Online shopping sites

Celebrities/ Public figures

Outlets/brands mailing lists/ catalogues

Online blogs/ forums/reviews

Pg > 51

An artist's impression of the Mall of Qatar, due to open in 2015

Retail Roundtable

Qatar Today brings together some prominent retailers and the manager of an upcoming mall property to give us the low down on the country’s fashion and retail sector. By Ayswarya Murthy

atar simply wants to be at the pulsing epicentre of everything and retail is high on that list. The country has already surpassed most European countries in terms of retail space with approximately 300 square-metre of organised retail accommodation per 1,000 people while most European countries average at 200 square-metre (To put things in perspective, Dubai has the highest ratio of retail space in the world, offering 1,000 sq m per 1,000 people). “Fashion world wide

plays a big role in the global economy where it generates over a trillion dollars a year. With the right vision of development, the government can ensure that fashion plays its fair share in shaping Qatar’s’ economy,” says Omar El Khatib, Business Unit Manager at Darwish Luxury, the owners of retail chain Fifty One East. Endless Potential The QR11 billion ($3 billion), 162,000-square-meter-Mall of Qatar will be one of the earliest new malls to open its doors in 2015. The Deputy Managing Director, Shem Krey, is optimistic about the potential of Qatar’s retail market. “Many of the world’s biggest brands are

cover story: The Business of Fashion

Currently the malls in Doha are old and tired. We need better, more fashionable malls; a new influx that’ll put us in the new millennium Shem Krey

Deputy Managing Director Mall of Qatar

now available here. They are now paying close attention to the country and its significance in the world economy. They are waking up to the fact that Qataris are very good buyers with one of the highest income and spending rates in the world,” he says. El Khatib points out that “all eyes and attention, across industries, turned to the Middle East and Gulf region after 2008 because they were the least affected by the recession. Qatar is ranked among the top countries in luxury markets and that in turn is surely felt in the local market in general and on our brands in specific.” Chief Executive Officer of Splash, Raza Beig, says that the potential is huge and with “Qatar and the Middle East having started to invest seriously in infrastructure across all sectors, the dividends will be big in the long run.” El Khatib says the demand for different luxury products is only set to grow with the Middle Eastern and Gulf customers becoming increasingly sophisticated and well-informed about the luxury industry. “However, in fashion, the local market is still strong in shoes, handbags and accessories. Furthermore, the increase in demand for ready-to-wear is very well-noticed in the market as the country is continuously

opening up to the international trends and cultures,” he says. Spending differently, spending more Commenting on the dramatic shift in consumer pattern in Qatar, El Khatib says the “massive penetration of luxury industry in local market is satisfying consumer needs, evidently changing their habit of purchasing from abroad.” “The wider range of choices in the luxury industry translates into a significant increase in spending of which a big part was previously done abroad,” he says. Beig also comments on new competition and new avenues to spend. “Therefore, there has been a huge change in our average transaction value. We have maintained it and have only seen inflation growth. But because of the new opportunity we have seen a substantial growth on the overall business,” he says. A barrage of brands The influx of new and powerful brands makes sure that the tap is unlikely to run dry soon. Fifty One East, which has brought several prestigious brands like Brioni, Kiton, Fratelli Rossetti, Sartorio Napoli, Har-

Pg > 53

“A dire need for floating population” Bobby Singh, Director of Nair International Group feels there is a potential in the market but only if enough impetus is given to tourism.

irector of Retail Operations (Fashion) for Nair International Group, Bobby Singh thinks that while the business of fashion in Qatar is still minuscule at the moment when stacked against other major industries, the share will inevitably increase. With the growth and opening of new malls as well as easy access to global travellers, Qatar is well-positioned and is likely to become an international shopping hub in the future. What are the luxury brands in your portfolio? Naira International Group represents a diverse range of brands including Harrys Of London for Qatar, Jezequel, one of France’s top lifestyle clothing brands, and Little Marcel for the MENA region as well as Shadow, our multi-brand store for nightwear and lingerie. How was the relationship established with these brands? Initiation is never easy and establishing relationships with brands, for us is like marriage. It takes time to adjust but it is for keeps. We are serious retailers and do not establish business relationships with brands as a hobby. This trait has given confidence to the brands to partner with us. Why did you decide to bring these brands to Qatar? The fashion retail sector in Qatar is evolving and is still far from reaching its potential or so to say, saturation. There is a gap, need and niche. We want to offer to the Qatari

market different segments in fashion retail to satisfy diverse consumer fashion needs. How are the brands performing in Qatar? Shadow is solid and well-established with definite potential of another store. Jezequel just celebrated its launch in Lagoona Mall with a unique flash mob which was a great success and has since received a tremendous response. The sales graph has been on the positive and we expect this to continue. Established in 1962, Jezequel brings with it over fifty years craftsmanship and consumers appreciate the brand’s high quality and on-trend designs. We are still looking for the right locations for Harrys Of London and Little Marcel, but once we decide on this we are confident that they will also perform very well. How has consumer spending pattern been like in recent years? Has there been remarkable increase? There has been a marked difference in the spending pattern. The world is getting smaller, global exposure is increasing and the consumer has become more conscious of expecting quality and value for money. Spending patterns have become increasingly based on need and far less on impulse. At the same time, consumers are not hesitating to spend QR500 for a shirt or QR15,000 for a nightgown as long as the perceived value vis-a-vis fashion and the quality is higher. Basically, consumers have become far more informed than before, thanks to the internet and world media and will make the decision to spend if it suits them. What infrastructure or innovation would you like to see in place to further promote your business of

fashion in Qatar? With the planned growth of the country, tourism has to be opened up in tandem. The growth cannot be sustained by the residing local and expat population. There is a dire need of 'floating population' caused by tourists. Altogether, this will take fashion retail in Qatar to another level. Do you think a majority of shoppers with spending power are spending more overseas or inside of Qatar, considering the demographics of Qatar is quite transient and travels more? This is true! The psyche of the consumer is to look for the newfangled. At the moment, by and large, it is all repetitive thus pushing the consumer to shop more whilst travelling abroad. However, as Qatar’s retail sector expands and diversifies in the coming years, we expect this to change and people to begin buying more within the country rather than saving their spending for shopping trips abroad. How do you feel you can help encourage more local spending, or attract these people to spend locally instead of overseas? As retailers, we can bring new and different brands of various genres to the Qatari market. Yet, the questions remains, where do we open them? As the country and the region thrives and survives on a definite shopping mall culture, there is a dearth of destination malls for the consumer and the anticipated tourists. With all this action, growth and exposure, it is going to be a diverse market in fashion retail which will suffice to the maximum for the residents and furthermore, attract consumers from other regions to visit Qatar and thus give a boost to the industry.

cover story: The Business of Fashion

Raza Beig Chief Executive Officer, Splash

“Fashion worldwide plays a big role in the global economy where it generates over a trillion dollars a year. With the right vision of development, the government can ensure that fashion plays its fair share in shaping Qatar’s’ economy.” Omar El Khatib

Business Unit Manager Fifty One East, Darwish Luxury

rys of London, Oscar de la Renta, Herve Leger, Michael Kors, Viktor & Rolf, Reed Krakoff, Nancy Gonzalez, and more to Qatar, says their relationship with several of them goes back to over 30 years at the time when “Modern Home” (the original name of the department store) was the “only one of its kind in Qatar”. Introducing a new brand is a delicate process. “After the announcement of the development of our Fifty One East flagship store at the Lagoona mall in 2007, our company started pursuing more brands to build and further strengthen its portfolio of luxury brands in fashion. Once the careful selection of luxury brands took place our professional and experienced team worked on establishing relationships with these famous brands that are presently represented at the flagship store and acquiring their exclusive representation in the country,” says El Khatib. A little support goes a long way But the industry demands a certain amount of “nurturing” attention from the government. “Improvement of regulations to go in line with international standards and simplifying import regulations which is presently a complicated procedure that most businesses are struggling with will help the sector. In addition more local business’ free trade policies should be implemented to ensure a smooth operation in the retail sector,” El Khatib says. Krey feels that things have been set in motion in the right direction. “We just hope they will materialise. For example, Qatar Airways needs to operate more flights to fashion destinations. This is directly proportional to tourism and affects local spending,” he says. “Social infrastructure like VCU-Q’s courses in fine arts and design will help just as much as building general infrastructure and transportation.” And make no mistake, the latter is the need of the hour. “Currently the malls in Doha are old and tired. We need better, more fashionable malls; a new influx that’ll put us in the new millennium,” says Krey. Rental growth in prime malls has increased by 90% over the past six years; a big indicator of how desperate the demand is for new retail spaces. In all the commotion to attract international names, local designers and brands shouldn’t be left in the lurch. Because to make a mark on fashion, Qataris can’t just remain consumers, however voracious their appetite may be. The government should step in to help local brands too, feels

Beig. “The one support the region requires to offer to local brands is position – in terms of visibility and location in malls. The local brands are usually given the B and C grade locations. If given the right location, I am confident they would compete very well with the international brands. Today one can’t even compare performance because the playing fields are different,” he says, adding that schools, institutions or academies which guide and encourage the young Arab designers and retailers will be a great contribution too. Krey also says new brands and designers should be sponsored and promoted more. Bringing Fifth Avenue and Oxford Street home “As the market develops and the brand offerings increase massively, a majority of residents are now interested in doing their shopping locally as they feel more at ease. This in turn gives them more time to enjoy their travels rather than feel the need to spend a lot of time shopping due to shortages in the market back home,” says Fifty One East’s El Khatib. He feels local spending can be encouraged by offering the right brands, seasonal collections, competitive pricing and “highest level of refined customer service” which all add value over shopping elsewhere. But the aim needn’t be to convert all international shoppers to local ones. Krey feels that education of the international fashion brands will help instigate shopping locally. “Qataris shopping at Fifth Avenue, Newberry Street and Oxford Street don’t necessarily deplete the significance of Doha’s shopping scene. In fact, it works to our advantage by giving buyers better exposure to brands and driving their brand-addiction. People used to that level of service and selection certainly won’t complain about recreating it closer to home and it definitely won’t over-saturate the market,” Krey says. Though the developments in retail might somewhat be overshadowed, literally as well, by the other mega projects that are now in motion, there is no denying that these will add a touch of glossy sheen to the country’s image in addition to smoothing out its jagged edges. As many as 12 new mega-malls are under construction in Qatar in 2013, with total stock likely to grow to 22 by end of 2015. This amounts to an expected gross leasable area (GLA) of 1.3 million square metres, according to estimates by Alpen Capital. In retail, double-digit growth is still a reality

business > bottomline

Can Money

Buy Happiness?

This question, long pondered over by philosophers, psychologists and sociologists has more recently become a subject for empirical study by economists, corporations and governments alike. By testing survey data accumulated over time and from different countries, it has been made possible to revisit this question with renewed understanding of happiness or life satisfaction factors.

recent survey conducted by Bayt. com and YouGov in July 2013 sought to understand the current levels of happiness and satisfaction in the MENA region. The research digs into peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s perceptions to know more about their overall satisfaction with their personal and professional life, their current health and well-being, and life in general in their country of residence. In the process of finding a conclusive answer to the question of whether or not money can buy happiness, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;The Bayt.com Happiness and Wellbeing in the MENAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; survey clearly reveals that happiness in the MENA

56 > qatar today > september 2013

differs greatly across different factors and among different countries. While some countries express a high level of satisfaction vis-a-vis their personal life but a somewhat dissatisfaction in their professional life, other countries are perfectly happy with both. And, while some countries provide good infrastructure, a general feeling of safety and security, career advancement opportunities, and a stable political environment, others lag behind. In light of the above, the survey results varied quite a deal across the three main regions in the MENA (the GCC, Levant, and North Africa).

a relatively stable political and economic environment. Respondents in Egypt, on the other hand, are affected by the cost of living and lack of political stability, which are the major sources for dissatisfaction and stress. However, the survey reveals Egyptians as generally satisfied. This satisfaction can be attributed to the fact that the social structure there is supportive of maintaining relationships, which then reflects on a positive attitude on most other personal fronts. Other respondents in North Africa express high dissatisfaction with the availability of key aspects such as general infrastructure, public transport facilities, opportunities to socialise, and entertainment avenues. In general, employment opportunities and the cost of living are the two elements that respondents in the MENA region say they are least satisfied with. It turns out the phrase ‘money doesn’t buy happiness’ doesn’t quite capture the dynamics between people, money and happiness. Money actually can buy happiness, or at least lessen stress. And the one place that money and happiness are significantly linked is when a person is unable to afford to meet their basic needs. This is where the role of governments and companies themselves come into play to create employment opportunities that allow people to maintain a decent lifestyle

For example, while 8 out of 10 respondents in Jordan indicate that their number one cause of stress is - as across the rest of the region - the increasing cost of living, 74% are quite satisfied with general safety and security, the ability to maintain healthy personal relationships (65%), and the availability of utilities (57%). Lebanon is another country that is considered one of the less happy countries when it comes to many factors related to country of residence; 76% claim to be dissatisfied with general safety and security, 91% with stability of political environment, 87% with cost of living. Yet, respondents in Lebanon fare better when it comes to their personal life, with 41% saying that they are extremely satisfied with the freedom to socialise, 35% with freedom to follow one’s own beliefs, and 26% with opportunities to socialise. GCC respondents, on the other hand, have much higher levels of satisfaction on most attributes seen as key to happiness aside from the cost of living and overall employment opportunities. The survey reveals that Qatar, UAE, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and Oman are among the happier countries in the region. This satisfaction can be attributed to the fact that people feel safe and secure in these countries, enjoying a solid infrastructure, access to healthcare facilities, opportunities to socialise, entertainment venues, and

bayt Bayt.com is the #1 job site in the Middle East, with more than 40,000 employers and over 12,500,000 registered job seekers from across the Middle East, North Africa and the globe, representing all industries, nationalities and career levels.

Overall Satisfaction how satisfied are you with your life in general? 14

7 19

39 43

40 47

43 46

46 11

18 9

12 23

8 29

Total

Algeria

Bahrain

Egypt

Jordan

Kuwait

Lebanon

Morocco

Oman

Somewhat Dissatisfied

Neither

Tunisia

UAE

Extremely Dissatisfied

Base: Total (11,170)

6 Qatar

Saudi Arabia Somewhat Satisfied

Syria

Extremely Satisfied

All Figures are %'s

qatar today > september 2013 > 57

development > tag this

With love, from the sea

By Ayswarya Murthy

58 > qatar today > september 2013

Barbour presents his work to the captain Photograpy by Mark Richards, Aurora Imaging

English artist Ben Barbour recounts his experience of a unique artist residency, tracing the old pearl trades routes onboard an LNG tanker.

Ben Barbour's sketch titled – THIRD OFFICER ON THE BRIDGE

long with the usual 210,000 cubic metres of Liquidfied Natural Gas, the carrier Al Karaana also unloaded a rather unusual cargo when it docked at South Hook Terminal in Wales last month – over a 100 drawings and sketches of the tanker, its residents and its ten-day journey between Qatar and Britain. For the artist behind these pictures, Ben Barbour, it’s a dream come true though he is not entirely sure when and how he thought up the idea of hitchhiking a ride back home on a gas tanker. “I have always been fascinated with boats and shipping. When I approached Martin Hope (Director of British Council) with this concept, he was quite excited and said that they had been looking for a project exactly like

this to be part of the Qatar UK Year of Culture,” he says. So it was win-win all around. Though the crew was surprised to find an artist in their midst when they set sail from Ras Laffan on July 29, they hadn’t yet realised that Barbour was, in fact, one of them. Because he is not your regular, run-of-themill artist. He doesn’t dabble in moonlight, fruits, naked emotions, the abstract and such. His muses are little more unconventional; “Construction, machinery, industry,” he says, “I’ll never tire of drawing them.” Straight lines, steel, dust, smoke, grease, moving parts... Yes, he’s definitely one of them. If his choice of subjects is intriguing, his method is even more so. The bright, primary colours of his pictures, which look wild, raw and almost childlike, draw you in at the very first glance. But qatar today > september 2013 > 59

development > tag this These pictures, Barbour calls them “observational drawings”, are about the moments; slices of time and space locked in between pen strokes.

Lookout: Marker pen on cancelled chart

Looking down onto the supply boat at Fujayrah

60 > qatar today > september 2013

then the details and nuances capture you and keep you transfixed. The subjects look like they are trapped in transition, because the drawing never quite seems finished. These pictures, Barbour calls them “observational drawings”, are about the moments; slices of time and space locked in between pen strokes. The most memorable part of the journey, he says, was the one whole day they took to traverse the Suez Canal. “It’s one-way traffic and we travelled in a convoy with 18 other tankers sailing in a straight line, back to back. And at nights I thought I could see every single star in the Milky Way,” he says. The other days were pretty routine. “I’d usually spend the mornings after breakfast in the Engine Room making quick drawings. “The crew was fantastic. They’d let me follow them around and capture them at work while making sure I didn't topple over and break my neck. They also sat patiently for portraits which usually took 1-2 hours.” The crew committed themselves to the exercise; towards the end of the voyage, Barbour even conducted a special workshop for those interested is making ink drawings using traditional bamboo calligraphy pens from Qatar. “We were drawing everyday items from the ship, such as tools from the engine room workshop, navigation imple-

ments and safety equipment,” he wrote. “I was surprised to find that even today, a lot of the navigation is done on charts with coordinates being mapped out hourly; I even learnt how to use a sextant,” he says. He regularly shared photos and drawings from the trip with the outside world through the patchy satellite connection. “On each picture is the GPS location of where it was made. So when they eventually go on show (in Doha and Wales) the viewer will be able to follow my journey through them.” For most artists, drawings are just a means to an end. But Barbour begins where others stop. “In art school, where most people eventually quit doing drawings, I just continued, going on to do my postgraduation from Prince’s Drawing School,” he says. “Today, perceptions are changing and drawings are seen as art in their own right. It’s a more immediate way to get something across. The sketches that the Old Masters made 400 years ago still seem fresh and spontaneous. Depending on what stage you decide to leave the sketch, they often feel more alive than a finished project.” Barbour has been in Doha for the better part of the last two years, since he was invited for a five-day drawing residency to capture and immortalise downtown Msherib before it was changed forever. “I knew right away that I wanted to come back here. Luckily I got to work with the Msherib Art Centre, curating projects of local artists who create works inspired by the old part of the city and the objects found there.” Though he says he will be busy with the exhibition till the end of year, he already has his fingers crossed about what he hopes to do next. “I would really love to do a follow up of this project by visiting the dry docks in South Korea where these tankers are built and those in India and Pakistan where they go to die.” If things fall into place for Barbour, like they did this time around, it’d seem like his nautical adventures are just starting

education

spotlight

62 > qatar today > september 2013

Powered through

knowledge “Whoever sets out on a path to seek knowledge therein, Allah will make a path for him to paradise through that knowledge and the angels will lower their wings for that student of knowledge out of [Allah’s] pleasure over them” The QURAN

The pursuit of knowledge – the only facet of life where greed really is good; and Qatar has been consistently greedy in its efforts to better its education system. From giving every child the right to basic education to equipping the younger generation to take the country forward on the back of burgeoning gas trade, from creating higher education platforms that are on par with the developed regions in the world to pushing the frontiers of research today, the country has been pursuing its goal of paving way for a knowledgebased economy with diligent single-mindedness. qatar today > september 2013 > 63

education

From Kuttab to campus spotlight history of education in Qatar

64 > qatar today > september 2013

There are several challenges to be met still – improving standards of primary and secondary education, addressing the high ratio of drop-outs in primary schools, adapting education to suit changing societies, balancing gender ratios in higher education institutions, helping them produce market-ready graduates and drive cutting-edge research – but the government is recognising these problems and

has been making efforts to provide efficient and sustainable solutions. Today, students in Qatar have a wealth of options laid out for them, irrespective of what career they choose. World-class facilities and faculty have congregated at Doha to make the city a new centre for learning in the region, on par with the venerable cities of Cairo and Beirut.

Shining the beacon of education

31,333 QR

Qatar spends QR31,333 ($8,585) on average yearly, among the highest in the world, on pre-university education of each of its students, according to GSdp.

As of 2010, over 95% of both men and women had achieved literacy, according to CIA World Factbook. Qatar Foundation’s Class of 2012 saw the highest number of graduates in its history.

4.I

Sheikha Moza attends the opening of Education City in this file photo from 2003

er Highness Sheikha Moza founded Education Above All (EAA) in 2009. EAA is a policy research and advocacy organisation concerned with protecting the right to education in insecurity and conflict. In June 2011, Sheikha Moza met with select Security Council members to advocate for the protection of education from attack. This contributed to the for-

Public spending on education increased

mulation of Security Council Resolution 1998, adopted in July 2011, which makes attacks on schools and hospitals a “trigger violation” for the UN’s Monitoring and Reporting Mechanism for Children and Armed Conflict – a violation on the basis of which armed forces or groups can be added to the UN Secretary General’s “list of shame” and penalised accordingly.

“To give every child the chance to be educated is a gift of promise. A gift of wonderment. A gift that opens up possibilities that can transform lives and develop thinkers, leaders, and creators of great art.”

from 1.75% of GDP in 1976 to 4.1% in 2012, according to UNESCO.

QR billion Education accounts for 28% of the capital spending allocation for 2013-2014, QNB says. QR23 billion ($6.04 billion) went

towards the education budget last year, according to MEED.

I8.6

MENA regions, with Qatar at the top of the pack, are world leaders on spending on education with 18.6% of the total government spending going towards education projects compared with the world average of 14.2%.

HH Sheikha Moza bint Nasser qatar today > september 2013 > 65

education

spotlight

The Missing Link

in the GCC’s Education Reform Strategy To bring the education system in line with the needs of the employment market, the students themselves, a group often overlooked, must be involved in the reform process.

oday, there is a palpable sense of urgency in the Middle East to improve employment levels and job options for the region’s young, growing populations. In effect, half of the region’s population is under the age of 25, and a quarter of those between 15 and 24 are

currently unemployed, largely due to mismatch between the needs of the market and the skills being developed in schools. To help bridge this gap, Booz & Company recently commissioned a survey that gathered the views of over 1,300 students from Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) which revealed that GCC students have a strong

What students want to change in the education system

42% 36% 28% 24% 23%

Make learning fun and engaging

Method of teaching

66 > qatar today > september 2013

Increase technology in classrooms

Teacher quality

Extra curricular activities

21% 20%

Quality of academic facilities

variety of courses

I6%

availability of Counsellors

I5%

Focus on creativity and innovation

I4%

Quality of athletic facilities

“By and large, students trust education leaders and believe that education is fundamental to a secure future and that the type of school they attend is critical to future success,” Hoteit says. “However, they also assert that reforms are necessary on a number of fronts.” grasp of the weaknesses and strengths of their education and more importantly, expressed a clear desire to be involved in shaping changes to the system. Changes in the education system in the GCC involve a range of stakeholders such as governments, local authorities, schools, academia and the private sector. Too often, however, they overlook the most important stakeholders, the students. “Bringing students into the process of improving education is good policy and effective practice,” said Mounira Jamjoom, a Senior Research Specialist at the Ideation Center, Booz & Company’s think tank in the Middle East. “Research shows that student engagement improves student-teacher relationships, practices and procedures, policies, laws, and culture. Moreover, more students “buying in” and trusting in the reform process is critical for reforms to succeed.” In recent years, other education authorities in very different contexts have successfully engaged their student populations. For instance, in the Canadian province of Alberta, Alberta Education introduced a more inclusive model with “meaningful student engagement”

Vital Insights Many Qatari students don’t believe they are receiving the best education and their trust in their education leaders is tepid. Trust in education sector leadership (Qatar)

Do not trust at all Do not trust much Neutral Trust somewhat Trust completely

confidence in quality of education provided (all countries)

II%

not very confident

2I%

not at all confident

neutral

20%

very confident

44%

Somewhat confident

More students in Qatar have a negative attitude towards education education is an unnecessary burden kuwait

II%

focus on preparation for higher education

II% focus on preparing for employment

I0% Depth of material covered

qatar

I0%

saudi arabia

uae

6% qatar today > september 2013 > 67

education

spotlight Most students want to go to university level of education students expect to attain

27%

23%

2I% I3%

9% Graduate secondary school

obtain a technical degree (not a bachelor's degree)

complete a bachelor's degree (i.e.., BA,BSc)

obtain a master's degree (i.e.., MS, MBA, etc.)

obtain a doctoral degree

don't know/not sure

How students can influence education reform 19%

engage with the school administration 16%

continue to focus and work on education 13%

take part in activities

11%

use technology 9%

use social media 5%

update and make curriculum more creative

demand modern/high quality teachers share opinions/ideas

participate as student representatives/in a union

4% 3%

have the opportunity to choose subjects recognise different abilities among students

request better facilities

1% 15%

don't know 8%

other 2%

Students feel education in mena isn’t really broad enough

nothing

28%

through an online platform called “Speak Out”, giving students aged 14 to 19 a greater voice in the education system through blogs, podcasts, and real-time surveys. In the U.S., the Pearson Foundation’s Million Voice Project grant programme analyses the perceptions of young people to provide educators with detailed student data to use in improving teaching and learning. Finally, in recent years, education leaders in China decided to strengthen quality assessments by introducing two surveys on student engagement which have catalysed a broader definition of education quality. Qatar: Students Want More Trust, More Choice Although the government has worked to create more choice in schools, it has not sought student input. A high proportion of students from Qatar said they have almost no input regarding their education decisions – 40% compared to 29% overall. This lack of influence may be disenfranchising students, 21% of whom demonstrated a lack of trust in their education leaders. Although government policymakers and educators have recently enacted some reforms, students have not played a role as their voices have not been heard. This is a major oversight that must be corrected; they are, after all, the ones who will be seeking gainful and satisfactory employment in just a few years

insufficent range of courses

28%

education not fun enough

Social media impact on education reform

26%

methods used are not appropriate

not given enough input into what and how they learn

4I%

has made it somewhat easier to influence education reform

I9%

has made it much easier to influence education reform

I4%

outdated school facilities

By Leila Hoteit and Mounira Jamjoom

school facilities not condutive to learning

I2%

information irrelevent to what they hope to achive in life

I2%

teachers don't invest in students

I0%

teachers don't respect students

68 > qatar today > september 2013

About Booz & Company:

has made it somewhat more difficult

3I%

has not made it easier or more difficult

has made it much more difficult

Booz & Company is a leading global management consulting firm focused on serving and shaping the senior agenda of the world’s leading institutions. Our founder, Edwin Booz, launched the profession when he established the first management consulting firm in Chicago in 1914. Today, as we approach our 100th anniversary, we operate globally with more than 3,000 people in 57 offices around the world.

education

spotlight

Developing technology for the blind

Eight students from Carnegie Mellon University are spending the summer in Bangalore after being selected to join the iSTEP internship.

he 2013 team at the Innovative Student Technology ExPerience programme is working on projects that support students who are learning Braille at the Mathru School for the Blind in Bangalore. Blind students are learning to write Braille through different games and exercises using a slate and stylus. The device provides instant audio feedback based on the user’s input and also corrects mistakes. The interns are working on enhancing existing modes on the Braille Writing Tutor (BWT) software by introducing Kannada (local language)

and Hindi Braille, in addition to Maths. Not only are they involved in software development, the students have also been working with the Trust to conduct interviews and user experience tests, and analysing data to fully understand the technology’s impact. “Interacting directly with the staff and students at Mathru has helped me better learn and understand various perspectives. Everyone here has a unique life story to tell, which makes my work even more interesting,” said Aveed Sheikh, one of the interns

Education City to the Economist

Six students from Carnegie Mellon University, Qatar University and Georgetown University’s School of Foreign Service, who topped a nationwide competition by Qatar Foundation, joined a prestigious internship programme at The Economist Group’s offices in New York City.

hosen among hundreds of university applicants “for their outstanding ability to think outside the box and to present a winning argument in an engaging and analytical format”, they completed a three-week internship programme, entitled ‘Educa-

70 > qatar today > september 2013

tion Connections’, with the primary aim of gaining practical work experience with one of the world’s leading media groups. To enter the competition, university students from across Qatar were required to answer the question, ‘How could you contribute to Qatar’s National Vision

Ya Hala,

new teachers!

Al Khalij Commercial Bank participated in Qatar University’s Yahala Academic Orientation for New Faculty, a nine-day event welcoming new faculty and staff to the QU family and introducing them to the local business and academic community.

2030?’ Contestants were encouraged to focus on any one of the four pillars of the national vision and essays were marked based on each student’s ability to sustain a coherent, interesting and creative approach to the nation’s development goals.

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Reflecting on the Imagine Cup

eam QSpark, made it through gruelling regional rounds to participate in the international finals and got to present their project, Artouch, to judges and other participants from 87 teams representing 71 countries. Their idea used the latest Microsoft technology to create a 3D modelling system which enables museum visitors to virtually touch and feel artefacts which would

A team of young ladies from the computer science and engineering departments of Qatar University had a fruitful experience at St Petersburg, Russia, attending the finals of Microsoft’s student technology competition, Imagine Cup.

usually be off-limits. The concept could also be used to benefit visually-impaired visitors. Third-year computer science student Rahma Ali thanked all those who supported the team through to the finals, adding, “The Imagine Cup was a oncein-a lifetime experience and I honestly believe that even though we didn’t win, making it to the finals was totally worth it. I am very glad we got the opportunity

to meet so many brilliant students and see so many great projects. The judges found our idea to be very interesting and that was a nice feedback. Most people were also impressed with the fact that we were an all-girls working in technology. I would highly recommend others to take part in the Imagine Cup in the future.”

Many nationalities converge at iEARN

atar became the first country in the Gulf to host the iEARN summit since the conference began in 1994. The five-day 20th Annual International Education and Resource Network International Conference and 17th Youth Summit, organised by Reach Out To Asia (ROTA), attracted around 700 teachers, students and specialists in information technology from more than 50 countries, who shared and

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learnt how technology is being used in the classrooms. In addition panel discussions on social media tools and the role of films in education and inspiring talks from world renowned speakers like Mohammed Ally and Dr Essam Heggy, the students also got to participate in several workshops and seminars.There were sessions on how to build an iEARN project for cell phones and tablets and iEARN’s web based project – ‘MY HERO’ – that offered

an archive of thousands of stories of people from all walks of life who have positively impacted communities. There were fun activities too with cultural tours to the Museum of Islamic Art, safari at the inland sea, a visit to Souq Waqif and a fourhour Cultural Night where the visiting students showcased their traditions and culture. All main activities were streamed live and more than 2,000 people watched the conference online.

learning the art of care

university of calgary - qatar strives towards Enriching Qatar's health and wellness through academic excellence, research initiative, and community engagement

“With my knowledge, competence and education, I feel I can make a significant contribution to healthcare in Qatar. I want to be a nurse because our country has given us so much and we need to give something back. The number of Qatari nurses is very few.” Aisha Al Khayarin UCQ Bachelor of Nursing Graduate, Class of 2012

o you think you know nursing? Think again. Nurses care deeply and passionately about their nation and their fellow human beings. They are the ‘heart’ of healthcare and the connection between all other health professionals and disciplines. Nurses are and always have been the hands comforting the dying, the compassionate and knowledgeable mentor to a new mother, and the calm presence and quick action in a health crisis. Nurses are also highly-educated researchers employing scientific method

and evidence-based practices in their search for answers that lead to greater health. The new generation of nurses thrive in complex high-tech, high-touch environments; they are skilled professionals who advocate for the health of communities and families and learned educators of the next generation. Nurses are compassionate individuals called to a noble profession that is broad in scope. Primary patient care, health research, health advocacy, education and hospital management are only a few of the career paths nurses can take. Qatar needs nurses – thousands of nurses. In particular Qatar needs nursqatar today > september 2013 > 73

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“The presence of HH Sheikha Moza bint Nasser at UCQ’s 2012 convocation ceremony was not only a significant honour to UCQ and the graduating students, but also a clear testimonial to the importance of educating Qatari nurses in the country.” Dr Kim Critchley UCQ Dean and CEO

es that are Qatari nationals – as nursing leaders, health researchers, policy makers, educators,and primary caregivers. University of Calgary - Qatar (UCQ) holds the privileged role of delivering elite, university-level nursing education in the state of Qatar. UCQ is the only international branch campus of the University of Calgary, a university with over 31,000 students, 100 academic programmes, 80 research institutes and centres, and 1800 faculty. University of Calgary is the alma mater of the Right Honourable Stephen Harper, Prime Minister of Canada, and a top Canadian research institute. The Faculty of Nursing at the University of Calgary is renowned for its excellence in nursing education and is the reason University of Calgary was chosen to educate nurses for Qatar. In delivering world-class university education in nursing, UCQ demonstrates its commitment to enriching Qatar's health and wellness through academic excellence, research initiative and community engagement. Academic Excellence: The Bachelor of Nursing programme offered at UCQ is the same internationally renowned and recognised programme available in Canada at the University of Calgary, and is taught by internationally certified Canadian nursing professors and educators. At UCQ there are two streams of the highly-regarded Bachelor of Nursing degree: one designed for students applying directly from high school, and the other for working nurses who already hold a recognised diploma in nursing. Recently UCQ initiated a Master of Nursing in Oncology that is sponsored by Hamad 74 > qatar today > september 2013

Medical Corporation and supports the Qatar National Cancer Strategy. Research Initiative: Qatar National Research Strategy (QNRS) envisions Qatar as an “international centre for research and development, excellence and innovation.” A pillar of healthcare in Qatar, UCQ supports the QNRS vision through interdisciplinary research initiatives undertaken by UCQ faculty, graduates, and nursing students. Since 2010, UCQ has received nearly QR13.5 million ($3.7 million) in QNRF research funding. Faculty and students regularly publish the results of their research into women’s health, diabetes prevention, healthy living and cardio vascular disease in recognised, peer-reviewed academic and health care journals, and present them at conferences in the Middle East and throughout the world. Community Engagement: UCQ faculty and students are committed to identifying key health issues and providing solutions that will benefit the people of Qatar. Nowhere is this commitment manifest more emphatically than in UCQ’s partnership with the Academic Health System (AHS). An initiative of HH Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, the central purpose of the AHS is to draw together key participants in healthcare education, delivery and research in order to better deliver healthcare and address key health issues in Qatar. One current issue embraced by the AHS partners is collaboration on treatment and prevention of diabetes in Qatar, an issue on which UCQ has long taken a proactive stance through educational initiatives in partnership with the Qatar Diabetes Association

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Reflecting the ethos of Education City

In 2004, Qatar Foundation invited Carnegie Mellon to join Education City, a groundbreaking centre for scholarship and research that is the ideal complement to the university’s mission and vision.

ith more than a century of academic excellence and distinguished research, Carnegie Mellon University is a leader in education with real-world applications. Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar – like all Carnegie Mellon campuses globally – is founded on the firm belief that through the encouragement of scientific inquiry and the promotion of practical preparedness, the university can provide a generation of thinkers, business leaders, researchers and scientists that will change the world. Core values of innovation, creativity, collaboration and problem solving provide the foundation for everything the university does. Aligned with Qatar Foundation’s mission to develop the country’s youth to become leaders and innovators, Carnegie Mellon implements its curriculum by maintaining the academic standards, values and principles of the home campus, delivering metacurricular programmes that suitably reflect the ethos of Education City. Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar offers five undergraduate degree programmes: biological sciences, business administration, computational biology, computer science and information systems. The university’s graduates are highly sought-after by regional and international organisations. Carnegie Mellon Qatar graduates are working at companies like Google, ExxonMobil, Microsoft, GE and other Fortune 500 companies. The university is also now offering key programmes in executive and

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professional education. Designed for professionals who want to improve skills that are critical to good management, these programs equip organisations and their leadership with the tools needed for success. Some of the topics covered in the three-day courses include organisational leadership, business strategy and tactics, and the art and science of negotiation. Carnegie Mellon is proud to be a part of such a significant movement to transform Qatar into a leading knowledge-based economy, and to be a part of Qatar Foundation’s drive to equip the country’s population with the skills to get there. The programmes that Carnegie Mellon offers at our Education City campus frame our commitment to the Qatar National Vision 2030, and are aligned with the country’s fundamental pillars of developing people, society, the economy and the environment. Much of our research work embodies the principles of the national vision. The university has a rich research programme for both its students and faculty. Researchers at Carnegie Mellon Qatar are actively engaged in developing the technology of tomorrow, by expanding in the fields of research and training. Some of the research projects include Carnegie Mellon Qatar’s Qri8 lab, in collaboration 78 > qatar today > september 2013

with the National Robotics Engineering Center, which explores the use of robotics technology to improve safety and production in the oil and gas industry. Another significant research project is Human Language Technologies research on natural language processing, including using statistical machine translation to expand Arabic language content available on the Internet. The Carnegie Mellon Air Quality Monitoring Station will be the first of its kind in Qatar and will make the data available to public and academia. Carnegie Mellon is also working hard on research relating to cloud computing, education, robotics, business process design and engineering, innovation-driven entrepreneurship, next-generation wireless networks, and information security. Consistently top ranked, Carnegie Mellon has more than 12,000 students, 90,000 alumni and 5,000 faculty and staff globally. In Qatar, students from more than 40 different countries enroll at our world-class facilities in Education City, affording them a truly diverse and unique multi-cultural experience. Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar is committed to deliver a first quality education, foster research creativity and discovery, and serve society

Preparing the next generation of global leaders

Georgetown University’s Qatar campus is thriving and growing in both number of students and researchoriented faculty base.

nitially when Georgetown was invited by Qatar Foundation to open a campus in Education City the objective was to provide students with a Bachelor of Science in Foreign Service degree. When the Doha campus opened in 2005, the first incoming class consisted of 25 students who majored in International Politics. After an amazing eight years of growth and three additional majors, 165 alumni have launched their careers in a variety of industries including finance, energy, and research while others have pursued graduate education at the likes of Brown, Columbia and Harvard. Along with the outstanding achievements of its graduates, GU-Q is helping Qatar meet its present needs and also helping the nation as it proceeds toward an amazingly bright future with the Qatar National Vision 2030. The campus is expected to host more than 250 students in Fall 2013 and is already planning the resources to annually support 300 undergraduates and potentially 20 to 30 additional students in various masters, executive and joint

advanced degree programs. Already the BSc degrees offered have grown and now include four majors: Culture and Politics; International Economics; International History; and International Politics. Georgetown’s equivalent of minors are categorised as certificates and are available in American Studies; Arab and Regional Studies; and Media and Politics. The latter certificate was jointly created with Northwestern University in Qatar (NU-Q) and will be available starting in Fall 2013. In Spring 2014 Georgetown’s Qatar campus will host the international portion of the Executive Master of Professional Studies in Emergency and Disaster Management. Plans are underway to develop a joint curriculum for the Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU) Executive Master’s degree in Energy and Resources; this will be in collaboration with Texas A&M at Qatar (TAMU-Q) and Hautes etudes commerciales de Paris in Qatar (HEC-Q). By offering a robust curriculum modeled on that offered at the School of qatar today > september 2013 > 79

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In Spring 2014 Georgetown’s Qatar campus will host the international portion of the Executive Master of Professional Studies in Emergency and Disaster Management.

To find out more about academic programmes and public events please visit qatar.sfs.georgetown.edu 80 > qatar today > september 2013

Foreign Service at the Washington D.C. campus, encouraging hands-on learning trips, and promoting research that is relevant to the needs of Qatar and the region, Georgetown has already produced graduates who are contributing significantly to their communities and the world. Examples of graduates helping to develop Qatar include Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad Al Thani, Class of 2009, who is the former chairman of Qatar’s 2022 World Cup bid and recently received his master’s degree from the Harvard University Kennedy School of Government. Georgetown alumnus Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani from the Class of 2010 is vice chairman of the Qatar Investment Authority and serves on several boards, including Vodafone Qatar. The director of Bloomsbury Qatar Foundation Publishing is Hanouf Al-Buainain from our Class of 2009. Georgetown’s commitment and contribution to Qatar is also seen in the partnerships and relationships the University has with Qatar-based organisations. Among these are Qatar University, Brookings Doha Center, the Diplomatic Institute at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and many

more. Georgetown’s graduates and current students embody and share Georgetown values wherever they go and make a positive difference in the world. This includes promoting improved living conditions for migrant workers in the Gulf, tackling literacy challenges in India, or improving primary education opportunities in Pakistan. Two of Georgetown’s rising stars are Shaily Agrawal and Fatima Muneer, both from the Class of 2011. Agrawal is the former personal assistant to the chairman of the Qatar National Food Security Programme and Muneer was appointed Head of Digital Media at the Oman Daily Observer. Muneer’s success came on the heels of receiving a master’s degree in journalism at Columbia University. Alumni successes are evidence of how Georgetown’s Jesuit tradition promotes a holistic educational experience, producing global citizens committed to the service of humankind. In Georgetown’s eight years in Qatar, the community and the region have clearly seen Georgetown’s values in action

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inculcating Dedication and Commitment

HEC Paris has brought its world-acclaimed Executive Education programmes to Qatar with a clear mission of developing the most influential and effective business leaders of tomorrow. HEC Paris are immediately applicable to the real world whilst also strengthening their personal and professional networks. Eight majors allow participants to develop a special competence in a particular area of choice: Global Business Perspectives, Reinventing Business for Emerging Markets, Services, Entrepreneurship & Innovation, Aerospace & Aviation, Energy, Digital & Telecom Businesses, and Luxury. These majors are offered in fourteen locations worldwide.

fter having successfully launched the countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first international Executive MBA programme in February 2011, the Financial Timesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; topranked executive education institute in the world has introduced several new programmes that include a specialised masters degree in Strategic Business Unit Management, open enrolment programmes and custom-designed programmes for companies.

HEC Executive MBA The programme is uniquely positioned to offer senior managers and executives from all around the world the opportunity to attend classes at our prestigious Qatar location, or to opt for mobility in one of the five other locations worldwide. Participants benefit from cutting-edge management knowledge and the latest tools and techniques delivered by renowned professors and industry leaders. Comprising three key components: core courses, majors and a professional project, skills and knowledge gained from 82 > qatar today > september 2013

Specialised masters degree in Strategic Business Unit Management To be able to meet business challenges in todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s economic climate, managers are increasingly required to have a wide multidisciplinary range of skills to manage the various teams they lead. To meet the needs of rapidly expanding management sector, HEC Paris has developed a specialised masters degree. The 18-month programme is specifically designed for managers who are responsible for a business unit or profit centre within a company, or who are likely to occupy this type of position in the near future. It is divided into two parts: core curriculum that takes the form of 14 three-day modules and a professional thesis where each participant submits a master thesis on a topic relevant to their company or career progression. Custom programmes HEC Paris offers custom programmes that are tailored-made for companies to help their managers and senior executives to maximise value and to meet their business challenges. These programmes enable corporations to apply the academ-

ic vision and real-life business consulting experience of a world-class faculty to the concrete reality of their own enterprise. Open-enrollment programmes HEC Paris offers a rich portfolio of open enrollment programmes for organisations whose business executives and managers, whether individually or as a group, are looking to enhance knowledge and skills on specific core competencies. Programmes include (and are not limited to): Developing the Leader, Marketing Strategy, Business Operations and Supply Chain Management, Corporate Strategy and Implementation, HR Management and Value Creation, Negotiating for Success, Building a Business Plan and others

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a crash course on finance

Established under the auspices of the Qatar Financial Centre Authority in 2010, the Qatar Finance and Business Academy provides crucial training and development services for the financial sector.

ith Doha looking forward to become the new hub of financial services in the region, providing a world-class regulatory environment to boot, there is a rising demand for the services that QFBA provides. Before the institution opened its doors three years ago, its market research showed a dearth in qualified providers who could meet the need of financial and business companies looking to increase the level of

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certifications among its employees. Prior to this they were shelling out a pretty penny in sending their employees to Dubai for technical training or managing some of the basic training through e-learning modules. It is obvious that QFBA stepped in just in time to fill this massive void. A word from the top â&#x20AC;&#x153;In a continually evolving marketplace, investing in our countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s talent pool is a key strategy in building a stable and sustainable future for our country. It is satisfying to know that we are here to help

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They utilise a three-stage process (Diagnose Design - Deliver) to design customised learning programmes addressing real business issues.

Our 2013 Portfolio Mix

Accounting and Finance Banking Programmes Insurance Programmes Islamic Finance

build Qatar’s human capital and that our efforts have proven to be a great success in little time. We are proud to be contributing to developing a modern and knowledge-based economy,” says Dr Abdulaziz Al Horr, Chief Executive Officer at QFBA. “The Academy has been established with the vital mission of raising the standards of financial services industry, and working with individual regulators like QCB, QFMA and QFCRA to develop regimes and their corresponding certificates. Not only do we set such standards, but we ensure that organisations and professionals operating locally, meet those criteria and achieve their development and business objectives by providing executive training via tie-ups with international delivery partners such as Morgan International and other reputable institutions from around the globe,” he says. “While conveying our ambitious objectives, I cannot forget to mention our most important asset – our staff. The deep-rooted professionalism and unwavering commitment of our highly-specialised and diversified team members define who we are and what we do. Relying on their expertise and passion, we will continue to serve the evolving needs of our clients through the best business solutions,” he concludes. Catering to both corporate and individual clients, the QFBA prides itself on its national focus despite its team of international experts, its state-of-the-art learning environment, a solid relationship with regulators and programmes that are supported by over 14 global certified partners. Its services are threefold. As a training provider, it delivers quality financial education with tie-ups with delivery partners like Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment etc.; An exam 86 > qatar today > september 2013

Compliance and Anti-Money Laundering Capital Markets and Asset Management Soft & Basic Skills

administrator, the QFBA is an exclusive Prometric Test Center administering exams for most financial qualifications and certifications; and as a Certificates Regime Developer, it works closely with individual regulators like Qatar Central Bank, Qatar Financial Markets Authority, Qatar Financial Centre Regulatory Authority etc. to help develop training and competency frameworks. A rich mix of programmes Their portfolio consists of both open and custom-made programmes. QFBA’s open-portfolio programmes are designed around the critical issues facing the business environment today and into the future – these programs address the challenges and opportunities for professionals in the financial services industry. Its custom programmes, on the other hand, utilise a three-stage process (Diagnose - Design - Deliver) to design customised learning programmes addressing their business issues. Drawing from its pool of learning professionals and expert practitioners from around the region and the world, custom programmes are delivered using innovative and relevant learning methodologies. Taken sector-wise, QFBA offers eight different types of programmes to educate students on banking, accounting and finance, insurance, Islamic finance, compliance and anti-money laundering, capital markets and asset management, foundation programs and soft and basic

skills. QFBA which started out with less than 20 courses in 2010, today offers close to 50. Catching them young The QFBA also recently launched its ‘Kawader’ program which targets Qatari students attending universities or colleges in their third year, as well as fresh graduates, in order to persuade the most talented young Qataris to choose a career in the financial sector. Seeking to promote cooperation between the financial industry and academia and attract fresh graduates and scholarship students from abroad, Kawader features a general overview of Qatar’s financial sector, capital markets, and the different frameworks of the country’s economy as well as key topics in banking, insurance, asset management, and business. Central to this initiative are the internships/attachment of the participants with local and international financial institutions during the course of the programme. “Our objective is to encourage young Qataris to engage in the financial sector with the aim being qualitative Qatarisation. The programme provides hands-on experience derived from international best practices,” Dr Al Horr said in a press release. “Through partners, they will receive valuable practical training and learn from experienced practitioners which will prepare them for highly challenging future roles in Qatar’s diversified financial services sector.”

Research at its core

Qatar University, the country’s first national higher education institution inaugurated in 1977, is built on the cornerstone of research and having a positive and immediate impact on society.

rom its origins as Qatar’s only College of Education in 1973, the Qatar University has grown and now has seven academic colleges – College of Arts & Sciences, College of Education, College of Engineering, College of Law, College of Sharia and Islamic Studies, College of Pharmacy and College of Business and Economics. The university offers the widest range of academic programmes in Qatar, including 26 graduate programmes, two PhDs, 19 Masters, one PharmD and four Diplomas. These are all tailored to meet the ever-changing needs of Qatari society and reflect the objectives of Qatar National Vision 2030, the National Development Strategy 2011-2016, the

National Health Strategy, and lately, the National Research Strategy. Graduate programmes such as Materials Science and Technology, Biomedical Sciences, Biological and Environmental Sciences, Arabic Language and Literature and Qu’ranic Sciences and Tasfeer have been established in response to student demand and societal needs for academic and research experts in those fields. The university is committed to ensuring its national workforce has the necessary opportunities and skills to secure its future as a knowledge-based economy, and students and faculty are provided with excellent access, tailored training, national and international scholarships and support to help them meet their potential. qatar today > september 2013 > 87

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Providing the highest standards of education in line with international best practice, the university encourages all programmes to seek individual accreditation and an increasing number of programmes have secured recognition from leading global accreditation bodies. Research is the cornerstone of the teaching and learning environment at Qatar University and is a priority area for the benefit of students’ academic development, the university as a whole and the Qatari community in general. This is reinforced by QU faculty's and students’ ongoing success in terms of securing grants in the National Priorities Research Program (NPRP) and Undergraduate Research Experience Program (UREP) cycles. Underlining its commitment to world-class research, the university recently launched its Research Agenda which outlines the four areas of excellence for the next five years: Energy, Environment and Resource Sustainability; Social Change and Identity; Population, Health and Well88 > qatar today > september 2013

ness; and Information, Communication and Technology (ICT). This work will be carried out collaboratively by QU’s specialised research centres, including the Social and Economic Survey Research Institute (SESRI), Qatar Mobility Innovations Centre (QMIC), Gas Processing Centre (GPC), Centre of Advanced Materials (CAM), Environmental Studies Centre (ESC), Central Laboratories Unit (CLU), National Centre for Educator Development (NCED), KINDI computer labs and Road Safety Studies Centre. Other initiatives such as the innovative Qatar Biofuels Project, desalination plant, water reuse study and national obesity study are only a few of the research projects at QU that are geared towards addressing issues that present themselves in a country that is rapidly-expanding. All such initiatives and projects will be conducted under the Research Complex, a multi-million-dollar state-ofthe-art facility expected to open soon. Community engagement is at the heart of QU’s values. The recently-launched Centre of Volunteerism and Civic Responsibility is designed to engage QU students and those in high schools in Doha in helping their communities. The QU Alumni Association was established earlier this

year to strengthen ties between the university and society, meanwhile a huge range of projects and events are organised throughout the year to share expertise and to enhance community spirit. Programmes such as Al Bairaq, Life is Engineering Project, Gasna, the Annual Computing Contest and Engineering Week are also aimed at raising high school students’ awareness of their future role in contributing to the country’s development. Additionally, programmes offered by the Continuing Education Office, College of Education, College of Engineering and College of Pharmacy are designed to provide further education and training opportunities for members of the community in various professional disciplines. Finally, QU is advancing its goal to become a leader of economic and social development through signed agreements, academic collaborations and partnerships with sectors across Qatar. These have led to the establishment of numerous MOUs and agreements, as well as Chair positions between QU and leading organisations in Qatar. These enhance the organisation’s research and academic portfolio and serve to engage its students and faculty in crucial research investigations that will ultimately be of considerable benefit to the society

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Getting to know Stenden

Wayne Johnson, President of Stenden University Qatar, sheds light on its progress since its inception, its principles and programmes.

tenden University Qatar, the only privately funded institution in the country according to Johnson, was established in 2000 under the chairmanship of HE Sheikh Faisal Bin Qassim Al Thani. It offers three internationally accredited fouryear signature bachelor programmes in Business Administration with majors in International Business and Management Studies, International Hospitality Management and International Tourism Management. The main campus in the Netherlands designs all study programmes and issues certificates fully recognised by the Supreme Education Council in Qatar. Where does Stenden University Qatar stand today? Stenden University Qatar is recognised as a major contributor to the education sector in Qatar. It is the only higher education institution offering bachelor degree programmes in the field of Hospitality and Tourism. Stenden Qatar offers an Academic Bridge Program for students who do not meet the requirements for entering into the full-time bachelor programme. Since 2007 we have added a bachelor degree programme in International Business and Management Studies linking strongly to the international business environment of Qatar. In the near future, we plan to introduce a post-graduate course.

Can you expand on the programmes or exchange visits that you run with other Stenden University campuses? Stenden University Qatar is one branch campus of Stenden University in The Netherlands. Other branch campuses are in Bali (Indonesia), Rangsit (Thailand) and Port Alfred (South Africa). This network of campuses allows the students and staff to go on exchange programmes. Students can continue their studies in any 90 > qatar today > september 2013

and all of the other Stenden campuses (as long as the programme is being offered at the particular campus) as the study programmes are identical and accredited to their studies at their home campus. Almost every semester, Stenden University Qatar welcomes a number of international students from the other campuses. Currently, our exchange students are from the campus in Leeuwarden in The Netherlands. How do the three different programmes and standards in Qatar compare to those in the Netherlands and other international campuses? All study programmes are developed by the staff of Stenden University in Leeuwarden, The Netherlands. The international campuses of Stenden University teach these programs with small amendments to local customs and culture. Hence, all campuses deliver the same content at the same time. What is the career path followed by most graduates and how does the university facilitate this transition? Students of Stenden University Qatar and all other international branch campuses have to complete a 10-month internship

in their last study year. This is a combination of practical working hours and writing their final paper in the form of a business improvement plan for the company they are working for. This internship enables the students to get in touch with potential employers and experience working for them. Included in the study programmes are courses on career planning and personality and skills development. Our student counselor along with the members of faculty assists the students in finding the right path for their future careers. The majority of Stendenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s graduates start working in full-time employment in assistant manager or manager positions in all industries in Qatar. Our Qatari graduates are a much sought-after commodity by government and semi-government institutions. What further plans do you have for the university in the next two years? Stenden University Qatar started International Business and Management Studies as a major for its Bachelor of Business Administration again in September 2012. Hence, student numbers are growing and we are trying to focus on getting more PhD qualified staff on our team. In addition, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re hoping to implement a masters programme in International Services Management by the end of 2013. Qatar is going to have a very big service industry in the future with its financial, hospitality, tourism and even oil and gas services. Stenden University Qatar also wants to introduce additional minors which are in line with the developments in and of the country. We are already offering two minors: Event Management and International Destination Branding. Our aim is to introduce a minor in Sports Management. We believe these minors will connect people with happenings in the real world as well as the industries

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Finding the right words

Mounir Ouanaimi, Director at the new Translation and Interpretation Institute, talks about how their students will go on to play a subtle but pivotal role in bringing Qatar to the world.

very language holds the key to the collective knowledge and experiences of human civilisations through the course of history. With every language that dies – silent and unmourned – we are losing a valuable piece of the grand human puzzle. “Advanced scientific and technological progress of the level we have achieved today wouldn’t have been possible without the sharing of knowledge through translation,” says Ouanaimi, “Arab thought and civilisation was significantly enhanced by importing

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knowledge from other parts of the world and vice-versa. Today, even with English having gained a lot of territory, it is obvious that other languages are not receding but are, in fact, on the rise and the intersections of these languages are becoming increasingly significant. As languages expand, they don’t annul each other, they co-exist.” The bigger picture The first batch of MATS (Master in Translation Studies) students at the institute is yet to graduate (classes only started in September last year) but T II as an idea

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Doha has also been hosting the annual Literary Translation Conference for the past four years under the auspices of the Bloomsbury Qatar Foundation Publishing and Carnegie Mellon to discuss issues related to translation at both the theoretical and practical levels.

“It is a great opportunity for speakers, authors and translators to meet and discuss philosophies and strategies of translation and hone their skills.” Mounir Ouanaimi

had been in the pipeline for a while. “Our executive director, Dr Amal Al Malki, under the visionary mandate of HH Sheikha Moza, conceptualised the element of translation in Education City, in preparation for Qatar’s transition to knowledge-based economy and to help it become the centre of economic and cultural projects.” Translators will help tell the story of Qatar and the Muslim world and add to global knowledge-pool, he says. Their need is felt more than ever now, with the new age of communication laying bare the apparent gaps. He also points out the amazing international role that Qatar is playing, primarily in conflict resolution. “Establishing mediation as the cornerstone of its foreign policy, Qatar has been providing a platform for dialogue and translators play a key role in these forums,” says Ouanaimi, elaborating on how institutes like the T II will be germane to the future of Qatar’s aspirations. Leading in academics, research and service The institute, as new as it is, is already seeking accreditations and has signed various memoranda of understanding, notably with Paris-3 Sorbonne Nouvelle and the University of Geneva, for common programmes and student exchanges. The programmes under T II currently include a two-year Masters degree in Translation Studies and a Language Center which provides expert training in Arabic, French and Spanish. Their Professional Services Center also provides businesses with expert interpreters when needed. Ouanaimi expects that their students will eventually be able to find positions in the centre as interns and full-time employees. “This links back to Hamad Bin Khalifa University’s research traditions with teachings and research having an immediate impact on businesses,” he says. The opportunities for students go beyond the field of translation (which includes legal, business and media translations) to encompass intercultural and comparative studies, linguistic research and more. Next on the institute’s To-Do list is the introduction of three more MA courses in the next two years in Conference Interpreting, Audiovisual Translation and Sign Language Interpreting. Also the Language Center might expand to teach languages like Mandarin, Urdu, Hindi, etc if the market demands it, Ouanaimi says. The instruction here follows the common

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framework in place across the globe and the institute will even start sponsoring and encouraging its students to take the necessary qualifying tests. “This is mainly for us to have a proper measure of quality of our courses and also to help certify our students so that their knowledge is validated by external organisations,” he says. Another exciting feature at the Language Center is their Immersion Program. “We realise that the best conditions for language learning happen in the target community where the language is spoken. Learning a language outside this context is, at best, artificial,” he says, “Which is why, after a three-week intensive course here at the institute, we send our students abroad for two weeks. We have already sent a batch to Granada in Spain and Tours in France and the results have been really good,” he beams. An appetite for interpretation The current crop of students in their MA programme is an eclectic mix. “We have about 17 students many of whom are already in the industry. In fact we have prominent and high-profile interpreters from Al Jazeera who are learning side by side with fresh graduates, which provides an interesting dynamic. The class is also balanced in terms of gender ratio, with many of them from a strong liberal arts background like language and cultural studies, communication, journalism, political science, etc.” he points outs. Prima facie, the pre-requites seem quite straightforward – mastery in English and another T II working language (mostly Arabic). But it’s some of the more inherent qualities that turn out to be most important in the end. Many of those can’t be taught in the classroom. “We look for people who are able to think critically, are sensitive to different cultures and are passionate about making a contribution,” Ouanaimi says, “And most of all, a good interpreter must have a broad knowledge; because one day he might be the voice of the president of the country, an economist another day and maybe an internet mogul the next.” That is why, he says, machines can never replace men in this field, no matter how advanced a translation software may be. “Because without the human element, the interpretation might not be in context to what is being said. Translation is not always literal – it’s cultural, it’s artistic, it’s impressionistic...”

education

spotlight

Unravelling History

Setting up a new department is an exciting process, and particularly so in a location such as Qatar.

he most pleasant new experience thus far at UCL Qatar has been welcoming our first ever cohort of 30 masters students in August 2012, enrolled across our three degree programmes in Museum Studies, Conservation and Archaeology. Equally pleasing has been enrolling our second intake of a further 40 students in August 2013 and transitioning from a ‘start-up’ organisation to an established institution. Our student body is as international and as diverse as one could hope for at UCL; one third of our students are Qatari nationals. Students from Syria, Jordan, Bahrain and elsewhere in the region account for one third of the student body, while the remainder come from locations as diverse as China and Panama. Even here in Doha, UCL is a Global University. And since we are here, among other reasons, to bring a truly international education to the people of Qatar and the region, this is a great success in its own right. In line with our mission to provide high-quality research-led teaching, we enrich the experience for our students through close involvement in research projects, in the field, in museums and, increasingly, also in our own laboratories. Our QNRF-funded project, The Origins of Doha, provides opportunities for handson archaeological experience in downtown Doha for our MA Archaeology students, as well as unearthing interesting material for the MSc Conservation Studies students to work on. The MA Museum and Gallery Practice students participated in a buildings survey of old Doha, also linked to this project. Students in all three degree programmes benefitted further from our close collaboration with Msheireb, which includes four museums under development in heritage houses.

96 > qatar today > september 2013

Professor Thilo Rehren Director of UCL Qatar

Many of our students have already undertaken substantial field placements. Among these is the Ancient Merv Project in Turkmenistan. Several conservation and archaeology students spent a month in May embedded with this project, working in a wide range of roles and learning about the reality of excavation and conservation practice under often challenging conditions. Others were placed in local and regional museums and in London, at the UCL Petrie Museum of Egyptian Archaeology. A major partner for UCL Qatar is Qatar Museums Authority. QMA is tasked with developing the country’s cultural heritage

and its major museum projects, as well as numerous other cultural events and projects. We work closely with colleagues at QMA, from providing a regular and diverse programme of professional development courses for their staff to academic collaborations. All our students have been involved in one way or another in this, typically through placements or visits to QMA museums and through the participation of QMA staff in our seminar series. This provides a beneficial two-way flow of ideas and information: our students gain first-hand insight into the functioning of museums and other cultural units. 2013 is the Qatar UK Year of Culture, and UCL is making its own contributions to this QMA-British Council series of events. One was Backstage, an MA Museum and Gallery Practice student exhibition at the Museum of Islamic Art which highlighted the work that goes on behind the scenes of a museum. It opened on 30 April, in the presence of HE Michael O’Neill, the British Ambassador to Qatar, with a speech by the Director of MIA, Aisha Al Khater. UCL Qatar is very pleased to announce its continued expansion with the launch of two new programmes to begin in October 2013, namely the one-year MA in Library and Information Studies, as well as the Diploma in Academic Research and Methods, a six-month pre-masters diploma that prepares students for the rigours of masters level study through the teaching of research methods, as well as academic English. Both of these new programmes have been set up in close collaboration with Hamad bin Khalifa University to fit a specific local need. Our partnerships with institutions such as HBKU and, more broadly, Qatar Foundation are extremely valuable to our ongoing development. We look forward to our second year of full operations with great anticipation

Designs on building cultural appetite

As VCUQatar enters its 16th year, the university hopes to continue to strengthen its leadership position in art and design education.

he excellence and diversity of its design and art programmes, the inspiring accomplishments of its faculty, alumni and students, the small studio classes, academically rigorous liberal arts courses, and a strong commitment to the Qatari community, have made VCUQatar a valuable and unique resource in the country and region. VCUQatar is an international campus of the prestigious Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts in Richmond, Virginia. Established in 1998 through a partnership with Qatar Foundation, VCUQatar offers students the opportunity to earn a Bachelor of Fine Arts

degree in fashion design, graphic design, interior design and painting & printmaking, a Bachelor of Arts degree in art history and a Master of Fine Arts degree in design studies. The driving force behind the university taking the initial step to set up in Qatar was the vision of HH Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, Chairperson of the Qatar Foundation. Accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS), and the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD), VCUQatar fosters a scholarly climate that inspires creativity, a free and open exchange of ideas, critical thinking, intellectual curiosity, freedom of expression and intellectual integrity. Through all its programmes, research qatar today > september 2013 > 97

education

spotlight

projects and community activities, VCUQatar continues toward its vision of a Qatari society that innovates through art and design. In addition to a comprehensive annual public events programme that includes a wide range of exhibitions, lectures and fashion events, the University hosts the biennial international design conference, Tasmeem, and the biennial Hamad bin Khalifa Islamic Art Symposium, attracting globally recognised designers, academics and thinkers while fostering sustainable, university-community partnerships that enhance the educational, economic and cultural vitality of Qatar. VCUQatar opened its doors in 1998 as the Shaqab College of Design Arts with 33 bright young women and six pioneering faculty members. Today, the university has 259 students representing over 40 nationalities and 409 alumni. In the 2012-2013 academic year, VCUQatar ac98 > qatar today > september 2013

cepted the first group of students into the new BA Art History programme. This is the first non-studio degree offered by the university and supports the development of the cultural infrastructure in Qatar. VCUQatar is committed to the pursuit of artistic, creative and academic excellence. As a leader in education and research, the university’s innovative undergraduate and graduate programs are responsive and relevant to the regions cultural industries and community needs. The university receives many requests for support and projects from the community. Some examples of successful work produced by VCUQatar students and alumni include the One Second national road safety campaign; Qatar Vision 2030 identity development for the General Secretariat for Development Planning; the Qatar Prix de l’ Arc de Triomphe and the Qatar Arabian World Cup trophies for the Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club

(QREC); the interior design for the Shell Research Center, among others. VCUQatar alumni are already spreading their creative vision through their work as entrepreneurs, and designers in public and private organisations. We have alumni working with the Qatar Museums Authority, Mathaf, Museum of Islamic Art, Al Jazeera, Fitch, Qatari Diar, RasGas, Qatar Foundation Capital Projects and various ministries. Some have opened their own businesses. Their expressions will have a lasting impact on a sustainable future both in Qatar and internationally. VCUQatar faculty and students have been awarded several UREP (Undergraduate Research Experience Program) grants. Often UREP projects are interdisciplinary in nature and have substantial dissemination ambitions. One recent example is the project “From Orality to Image: Traditional Qatari Narratives and Visual Media” an interdisciplinary collaboration with Qatar University that has just resulted in a full-length book titled “The Donkey Lady and other folk tales from the Arabian Gulf”. UREPs allow faculty and students to learn from each other in collaborative projects while directly advancing both education and research. Since VCUQatar’s first National Priorities Research Program (NPRP) award in 2009, the university has won one award per year, each with an impressive list of international collaborators. This has been possible thanks to Qatar National Research Fund’s (QNRF) genuine interest in broadening the understanding of research, making it more inclusive of the arts and humanities to more ably support all four of Qatar National Vison 2030 pillars. Along with its focus on art and design education, the university hopes to continue expanding community and service learning programmes, and developing research initiatives with local, regional and international collaborators. VCUQatar's alumni will be leading the future of Qatar’s cultural and creative professions, as well as participating in the global challenges identified as key to the region’s future. The VCUQatar community continues to be engaged in reflecting on its past and planning its next five years with a focus on actively supporting the development of Hamad bin Khalifa University (HBKU) and the Qatar National Vision 2030

development > tech talk

Health

2.0

By Damian Radcliffe

Mobile devices and the Internet offer the potential to change our relationship with health information and health providers. 100 > qatar today > september 2013

Expectations vs. reality

Roughly half of the patients say mHealth will improve healthcare

59%

of doctors believe it is inevitable. But adoption will take time.

Innovation vs. resistance

Only

53%

with their workspace IT systems

of doctors say mHealth works

Colliding interests

Patients and payers want change... ...but

42%

of doctors worry mHealth makes patiens too independent

Emerging market trailblazers

68%

of doctors in emerging markets recommend mHealth.

59%

of patients already use it.

Solutions vs. technology

64%

of doctors and payers are excited about mHealth...

...but say there are too few proven business models Source: PwC

n countries such as Qatar, where large numbers of the population own smartphones and tablets, harnessing technology to support the health needs creates opportunities to tackle some of the nation’s health problems and promote healthier living. Typically these benefits can be seen around health tracking, research and changing behaviours. Earlier this year Vodafone Qatar and Weill Cornell Medical College (Qatar) launched a mobile app – available in English and Arabic – to promote exercise and healthy eating. The app provides a calorie counter and a traffic light system to help users understand how healthy or unhealthy their food is. Eating salad or fruits would get you a green light, whilst a burger and fries attracts a red light. Qtel, meanwhile, has launched a mHealth service for diabetics in Kuwait, Iraq and Palestine wherein subscribers can receive personalised alerts and information on exercise and diet. This type of personalisation will become increasingly common as information is “pushed” to users based on individual health needs and requirements. In Saudi Arabia, for example, the Mobile Health Management Company (mHC) offers a range of services known as YourHealth – ‘Sehhatak’ in Arabic – which uses SMS and MMS to send health information in both English and Arabic. At the time of writing, their website reports that they have already distributed 184 million of these messages. Whilst these sorts of tools and applications can raise awareness on health issues, and provide the nudge to help change consumer behaviours, they arguably become more effective when an element of social media – or indeed reporting to medical practitioners – are factored in. In previous years when I’ve run an annual 10k, I used to post my training times online, which resulted in encouragement I would not have got if I had kept these to myself. And I’m not alone in this. Amongst my social networks a number of my friends share their exercise habits – including one friend who is using his home rowing machine to undertake a virtual row across the Atlantic Ocean. By sharing these goals with your friends, you may be more likely to achieve them. Health practitioners meanwhile are using this technology in more systematic ways, using remote monitoring to track patients’ vital signs over time, and to even

qatar today > september 2013 > 101

development > tech talk

46%

43% 28%

32% 25%

Screenshot from the app Jawbone UP

36% 32% 32% 29% 28% 26% 25% I7% I6% I4% I3%

102 > qatar today > september 2013

check if medication is being taken. “Today there are pill boxes that can tell doctors when their patient has not taken their medicine,” says Jamal Dahoo, Mobily’s Account Manager at the Swedish technology company, Ericsson. The team launched a mobile healthcare trial in the region in 2010, in anticipation of rapid growth in this sector. Ericsson predict there will soon be 500 million mHealth users worldwide, and this market looks set to grow, driven by entrepreneurs and digital innovators, the increasing penetration of smartphones and mobile technology, as well as practitioner-led activity. As PxC’s Chris Wasden notes, this is a sector that has “grown from

zero, before the iPhone and other mobile devices launched, to a $700 million market today.” Much of this has been consumer-led – with individuals harnessing smartphone apps like RunKeeper to track their exercise habits. In recent months, technologies such as the Nike+FuelBand or Jawbone UP have also begun to grow in popularity. These connected wristbands can track physical activity, with the Jawbone UP also monitoring your sleep, and sending the data to your phone or PC so that you can analyse, modify and adjust your behaviours accordingly. In some respects they represent the first tranche of wearable computing which is expected to become mainstream in the coming years. Enthusiasm for this sector is such that The Economist commented towards the end of last year that “128 venture-capital firms [have] invested a total of $1.1 billion in more than 100 digital-health firms in the first nine months of 2012, an increase of 70% over the $626m invested in the same period in 2011.” This enthusiasm is perhaps not embraced to the same extent within the healthcare sector itself, although that may change. In the UK you already see hospitals launching their own app stores and practitioners prescribing the use of health apps. In some cases, this has led to a reduction in the number of visits needed to see the doctor, potentially reducing the pressure on busy clinics. According to a recent report by PwC, 64% of doctors are excited about mHealth, but given the nascent nature of this sector they also noted that there aren’t enough proven business models yet. Doctors were also concerned that mHealth makes patients too independent. Access to health information – including details of medication and symptoms – already means that patients are more informed than ever when they step into the doctor’s surgery. It will be interesting to see how the needs of clinicians are balanced with the convenience and cost-savings which patients increasingly expect and look for. Nonetheless, as the PwC report concludes, technology is addressing major trends already happening in healthcare, including increased personalisation and the need to support ageing populations in innovative and cost effective ways. As a result, many health care professionals believe that the increased roll out of mHealth services is inevitable. It may just take some time for the full impact potential of this technology to be realised

development > tech talk New media collides with the old

Earlier in August, founder and CEO of Amazon, Jeff Bezos bought the Washington Post from the Graham family which had owned the paper since 1933. The $250 million he paid for the paper, whose revenues have been steadily declining over the years, comes from his personal fortune and is not in any way linked to Amazon.

Pointing you in the right direction

Crescent Trips – an iOS app that helps fliers calculate prayer times and positions.

rescentrating – which specialises in the Halal travel segment – launched a new app for Apple users to calculate prayer time and direction along their flight path. The app can be used in offline mode and has a feature which allows users to set reminders for prayer times, based on the departure or arrival time and destination. It also includes a collection of Islamic travel duas in Arabic text and audio along

with English translations. “After the launch of the web-based calculator last year, we are now excited to release a beta version of the mobile app. There has been a lot of feedback on the calculator and we have integrated those feature on our mobile app,” said Fazal Bahardeen, CEO of Crescentrating. “We are also planning to release the android version in the next few months in addition to bringing in new features.”

UAE to ban private emails at work Google beats Yahoo traffic

For the first time since 2011, Yahoo sites saw more visitors than Google. ComScore, which tracks unique visitors to U.S. properties across the Web, said that 196.6 million people visited Yahoo compared with Google’s 192.3 million. Yahoo’s unique visitors were up by roughly 20% compared to July of last year. Traffic for Tumblr did not directly contribute to Yahoo’s visitor tally which is inclusive of desktop traffic only. 104 > qatar today > september 2013

Come November, UAE's government offices will be required to ban private email usage by employees, be it on the desktop or mobile phone.

he new regulations, announced by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, will ban the sending and receiving of private emails at work, specifically religious and political communications as well as messages relating to charitable causes. Independent email providers like Hotmail, Yahoo and Gmail are likely to be banned and access through mobile phones will be automatically locked and password-protected. It is unclear still whether these new regulations will be applicable to government-owned companies and those under contract.

MENA women mean business

According to a recent report by The Economist, 35% of the tech entrepreneurs in the Middle East are women.

Arabic speech recognition technology in the works

Qatar Computing Research Institute is working on developing very-largevocabulary speech recognition technology and systems.

T T

he share of women tech entrepreneurs is said to average 35% in the Middle East, compared with the 10% that is the global average. In these countries, though women make up a disproportionately large segment of university students, they are conspicuous by their absence in the workforce. The popularity of this new sector however lies in the freedom and flexibility it allows. The Internet is also more democratic and also gives women the option of working from home.

LinkedIn launches new mobile feature A feature announced recently for iOS and Android apps allows users to apply for jobs straight from their mobile phones without a CV or resume attachment. Just search for a job or pick from LinkedIn’s personalised recommendations, edit your profile directly and submit.

he QCRI and the European Media Laboratory (EML) are cooperating to develop an automatic Arabic language transcription system, a press release said. EML’s research and development expertise lies with speech processing technologies and the team is undertaking major research efforts to improve machine translation and speech recognition for the Arabic language and its dialects through building language models for different domains. The applications for this are wide-ranging. Video and audio content, from broadcast news programmes to lectures and meetings, will become searchable, enabling knowledge sharing. It also benefits persons who are hearing impaired. “We are excited about the collaboration and adding another extremely important language to our portfolio,” said Professor Andreas Reuter, CEO of EML.

Bye Bye Blackberry? The company announced that it is exploring the possibility of joint ventures, strategic partnerships or alliances and even a sale of the company.

A CEO Thorsten Heins stands to gain at least $56 million if Blackberry is sold.

special committee has been formed by the Board of Directors, according to a press release, to explore “strategic alternatives” that could include “possible joint ventures, strategic partnerships or alliances, a sale of the company or other possible transactions”. Chairman of BlackBerry’s Special Committee of the Board, Timothy Dattels, said, “Given the

importance and strength of our technology, and the evolving industry and competitive landscape, we believe that now is the right time to explore strategic alternatives.” The company has also stated that “there can be no assurance that this exploration process will result in any transaction”. Is BB hanging up its hat; is it going to reinvent itself; this remains to be seen. qatar today > september 2013 > 105

business>auto news Seven series now in Doha

Alfardan Automobiles, the BMW Group importer in Qatar, has recently welcomed new BMW 7 Series Individual models to its West Bay showroom.

he new customised BMW Individual models are the latest creation from BMW Individual; the personalised optioning programme, which provides a range of different material, paint and interior trim options enabling customers to tailor their vehicle design to suit their individual style. The BMW 750Li Individual features an exclusive Topaz Gold exterior colour that reflects pure gold and another Neon Blue exterior colour that stands out in the daylight with its bright shine and dazzle. On the interiors side, this unique model is available with the BMW Individual twotone ‘Merino’ caramel and black or ‘Merino’ champagne and black leather. The car also comes with BMW Individual fine-wood trim, crafted from the finest hand-selected woods. This model illustrates unique elegance in the fine-grain interior trim, which comes in satin walnut or honey brown,

106 > qatar today > september 2013

giving customers the highest quality finish. The car is available in colour options that include twilight purple, bronze and red. The red model is offered with the M sports package featuring M sports Aero Dynamic Body Kit, leather steering wheel and wheel trims. This model is available with two interior options: Leather Dakota Saddle Brown and Veneto Beige. Commenting on the arrival of the series, General Manager of Alfardan Automobiles, Mohammed Kandeel, said, “We are noticing an increased demand for our BMW Individual programme in Qatar. More and more of our customers are enjoying the experience of owning a vehicle that is unique and one-of-a-kind. By introducing the new individual colours and interior trims, we are meeting this demand and delivering our top-of-the range flagship model with high quality materials, paints and interior trims options.”

McLaren celebrates 50th anniversary

McLaren Automotive is inviting customers throughout the Middle East region to join the anniversary celebrations in Dubai by taking part in McLaren 50: The Drive – which will see an incredible parade of McLaren supercars from the last 20 years.

he company has invited all McLaren F1, 12C and 12C Spider owners to take part in the first event of its kind in the region, and have also extended the invitation to Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren owners. A drive will commence at 10 am on Saturday September 7, starting at The Address Montgomerie Dubai, with the convoy travelling to an exclusive private function hosted in Abu Dhabi, followed by a drive along The Walk, Jumeirah Beach Residence and Jumeirah Beach Road. Ian Gorsuch, McLaren Automotive Regional Director for Middle East and Africa

said, “We’re excited to be organising this commemorative event and to be involving McLaren owners in our 50th birthday celebrations – after all, it’s our owners that make McLaren Automotive the successful and growing company it is today and that includes the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren owners who we consider part of the McLaren family; the SLR is part of our heritage that has paved the way for us build the innovative ‘Pure McLaren’ supercars of today, so we look forward to them being part of this unique event.”

Rolls-Royce Doha records 18% sales growth

he results place Qatar among the top three growth markets for Rolls-Royce in the Middle East region and highlight the increasing strength of the ultra-luxury car market in the country. The positive results came following strong growth in the sales contributions across the whole Rolls-Royce model lineup. The Rolls-Royce Phantom, unrivalled in its position as the world’s pinnacle automotive vehicle, recorded growth of 83% across its whole model range. The Ghost Extended Wheelbase (EWB) model, saw growth of 75% in the first six

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Doha has announced sales growth exceeding 18% for the first six months of 2013, compared with the same period in 2012. months of the year. The Ghost is the essence of Rolls-Royce in its simplest, purest form, with advanced engineering combined with a host of hidden technology that creates a dynamic yet comfortable drive. The Ghost EWB model takes this essence to a new level, with its extra length of 17 cm making it the perfect passenger experience, whether driving or being driven. Commenting on the results, General Manager of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Doha, Mohammad Kandeel, said, “We are committed to delivering the highest standards of customer service and the latest in

automotive luxury, and it is this commitment that has allowed us to record such impressive growth. Our ability to continuously build on our success, year after year, solidifies the position of Rolls-Royce as the leader of luxury vehicles in Qatar.” Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Doha recently welcomed the 3rd member of the RollsRoyce family, the all-new Rolls-Royce Wraith, which made its eagerly-awaited arrival in June. The vehicle is the most potent and technologically advanced model ever produced in the history of Rolls- Royce, and has taken automotive enthusiasts by storm. qatar today > september 2013 > 107

business>marketwatch Bizz-ness excellence recognition

Business excellence will be honoured this year with The Bizz, a gala ceremony to be held in Dubai. The event will take place at the Atlantis, The Palm Hotel on September 29.

his award is given by the World Confederation of Businesses (WORLDCOB), an international organisation headquartered in Houston, Texas. WORLDCOB encourages business growth, promotes corporate social responsibility, and recognises the managerial excellence of its associate members. Over the past nine years, WORLDCOB has recognised over 3,000 companies from over 80 countries. Their most recent awards ceremony took place this March in Paris. The upcoming event will be WORLDCOB’s third in the Middle East. The first

took place in 2009 at the Burj Al Arab in Dubai and the second event was last year in Doha’s Sharq Village Hotel and Spa. The categories to be awarded are Inspirational and Entrepreneurial. The evaluation committee created a Business Excellence Questionnaire that is composed of the following evaluation criteria: Managerial Leadership, Management Systems, Product and Service Quality, Managerial Creativity, Managerial Innovation, Social Support, and Results obtained. The upcoming event is expected to be WORLDCOB’s largest and most important event in the region.

Qatar’s business makers meet this October

The ninth Back to Business event hosted by eight of Qatar’s business councils will be held on October 2.

108 > qatar today > september 2013

ommercial Bank is joining B2B for the first time as a diamond sponsor for this year’s event. The bank is focused on its commitment to innovation and supporting the growth of Qatar by finding new ways to welcome and support expatriate professionals who are new to the country. Tickets for the event can be purchased from Vodafone's retail stores (which is the strategic partner for the event) at Landmark, City Center, Mushereib, Villaggio, Lulu D-Ring and Furioyisa. Tickets can also be purchased at the Vodafone Al Safwa centre, located in Al Fardan Towers, West Bay. Tickets cost QR250, or QR300 on the night

of the event. Tickets will also be available from the participating business councils on which . A flyer will be handed over with each ticket and on this participants will find coloured stickers based on designated business areas and an explanation of how to use the same. “Back to Business,” is expected to be attended by more than 700 people from leading businesses in Qatar. Grand Hyatt Hotel has been chosen to be the venue once again. “This is a great opportunity to expand your network, learn more about what is happening in Qatar and enjoy a memorable evening,” say the organisers. For more information, visit www.back2businessqatar.com

Staying Fit on the Go

Crowne Plaza Doha is launching ‘Business Energiser’ to help its guests get motivated and focused when they are on the road.

amwel Odhiambo, Recreation Manager at the hotel, is a looming hunk of a man with bulging muscles and kind eyes. Though he promises to “take it easy”, by the end of the 40-minute session delicious post-exercise pain invariably sets in. “The programme is perfect for anybody, irrespective of their fitness levels. The Warrior Wake-up Exercise classes - which are currently being scheduled three times a week - starts off slow and gradually increases in intensity. I change the tempo depending on whether the guests are able to keep up and ask them to stop when they feel they have had enough,” says. Some of the workouts seem bizarre and acrobatic, but once you get into the groove they seem easy enough and impact all the major problem areas. The class is one part of the three key elements of the programme; guests are also urged to try out the Morning Energiser and Meet Aerobics exercises at their rooms/ work places with the help of printed guides placed in all the rooms. The Meet Aerobics guide, which illustrates a collection of simple chair exercises, can also be found

throughout the meeting and conference facilities of at the hotels. Guests are encouraged to do them subtly during meetings or collectively as a team to improve the circulation of oxygen and relax the muscles. Mostly aimed at business travellers who all too often find their routines disrupted by travel, the three-fold programme is meant to keep productivity and energy levels high and fatigue at bay, from sunrise to sundown. Till the end of the September, the classes will be held on Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday (do confirm with the hotel prior to dropping in) and are open to guests and residents of Doha who want to sample the programme. “The classes will help guests launch into their post-Ramadan and post-summer routines feeling energised and invigorated,” Odhiambo says. Crown Plaza Doha will be one of the first hotels in the region to launch this sort of programme and the pilot campaign will run in select hotels around the world including at Crowne Plaza Abu Dhabi. If you exercise only sporadically, take care to do stop when your body tells you to. If you keep pushing yourself in order to save

face among your fellow workout warriors, you might find yourself limping to meetings for the next three days, moaning and wincing while stairs start to become your worst enemy qatar today > september 2013 > 109

focus > sports file athletics

Barshim edging closer to his golden dream

High jumper Mutaz Essa Barshim went one better than his Olympic Games bronze medal, winning the silver at last month’s World Championships in Moscow.

he Qatari had been in tremendous form coming into the championships, with the second highest clearance of the season at 2.4 m in Eugene on June 1. The 22-year-old didn’t quite reach that height this time around, but had already secured the silver with an earlier jump of 2.38 m. Barshim got off to a nervous start, failing to clear 2.32 m on his first effort, but he made the necessary adjustments to succeed on his second attempt. He then cleared 2.35 m and, crucially, 2.38 m on his first go – heights which all but three of the medal contenders failed to negotiate. After being error-free in his opening jumps, Olympic Champion Ivan Ukhov, failed on three successive efforts at 2.38

m and had to bow out in front of his home crowd, leaving behind just Barshim, Derek Drouin from Canada and Ukranian Bohdan Bondarenko – who had the season’s best jump of 2.41 m – in the competition. Drouin had failed on his first attempt at 2.38 m which meant that Barshim would secure silver if the Canadian didn’t jump any higher. All three failed on their first attempts at 2.41 m, but the Ukrainian cleared it the second time. Barshim, realising he had to go higher than 2.41 m to win gold, took his remaining two jumps at 2.44 m, but it wasn’t to be. In the end, Bondarenko, who had three failed attempts at beating Javier Sotomayor’s world-record of 2.45 m, took the gold and Drouin – failing on all three of his efforts at 2.41 m – the bronze. Silver medallist, Qatar's Mutaz Essa Barshim, poses on the podium during the medal ceremony for the Men's High Jump at the 2013 IAAF World Championships at the Luzhniki stadium in Moscow on August 16. AFP PHOTO / KIRILL KUDRYAVTSEV

golf

Dufner’s delight

Jason Dufner won the PGA Championship at Oakhill Country Club last month to become the 15th first-time Major winner in the last five years. He won by two strokes, beating fellow American Jim Furyk, while Sweden’s Henrik Stenson came third. AFP PHOTO/MARK RALSTON

world cup 2022

World Cup debate continues

The World Cup 2022 saga continues as Asian Football Confederation president Sheikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa throws his support behind Qatar.

Basketball

qatari team loses in quarterfinals

Qatar was beaten by Korea in the quarter-final of the 2013 FIBA Asia Championship held in Manila last month. After wins against Japan, Hong Kong and Jordan in the earlier rounds, Qatar came unstuck against the host nation and Chinese Taipei, but had done enough to secure a quarter-final berth.

Korea led from start to finish in a dominant display, easing to a 79-52 win. They had a 4028 lead at the half and this was extended to 19 points after three quarters. Former NBA player Jarvis Hayes and Erfan Ali Saeed made 10 points apiece for Qatar, while Daoud Mosa Daoud scored nine coming off the bench. He also claimed four rebounds and four assists. Hayes averaged 16.7 points-pergame throughout the tournament, which was the third highest average. Qatar’s coach Tom Wisman conceded that his charges just didn’t have the required energy to cope with the power and pace of the Koreans. Iran ran out easy winners against the Philippines in the final, beating them 85-71. Korea beat Chinese Taipei in the third-place play-off, while China beat Qatar to finish fifth.

Who said what. Clockwise from top right: David Bernstein, Sheikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa, Greg Dyke, Richard Scudamore.

he AFC is confident that Qatar will host a magnificent World Cup under the patronage of FIFA,” he said. “With it being only the second time that Asia plays host to a FIFA World Cup, we are sure that Qatar will make Asia proud.” Meanwhile the chief executive of the Premier League in England is adamant that Qatar will be able to host a summer world cup. “The bid was extremely thorough, they dealt with all the issues about the heat and the managing the air-conditioning in the stadiums,” said Richard Scudamore. “My view is you can do it in the summer. You can do it there.”

He added, “It was no secret that it is hot in Qatar in the summer. The people who voted for that did so with full knowledge of the implications of what it meant. If they are now deciding that it was a wrong decision, then their simple solution of just moving it to the winter is the wrong way to go.” “Football is a winter game. What I don’t want is our game pushed back until June and July. It doesn’t work for English football. We have other sports. What would happen to cup competitions, like the FA Cup – things that are unique and important to English football? The practical implications of moving it are huge,” he said. This was after England’s new Football As-

sociation chairman, Greg Dyke, said arguably the opposite. He believes a summer World Cup is practically impossible. “Just go out there and wander around in that sort of heat. I just don’t think it’s possible. My position, and I suspect the FA’s position, will be: ‘You can’t play it in the summer.’” And former FA chairman David Bernstein sits somewhere between the two opinions above. He feels that there should actually be a “rebidding process” rather than the tournament being moved to winter. “My end view is that either it should be left where it is or there should be a rebidding process,” said Bernstein. “It was a strange award in the first place, we all know that.” qatar today > september 2013 > 111

culture>doha diary Bringing Islamic art to the community

By Abigail Mathias

A Quran leaf inscription from the 9th century; sword of Indian ruler, Tipu Sultan, with a captured English blade from the 18th century... These are some of the rare pieces that can be spotted for the first time in Qatar at Sothebyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Arts of the Islamic World exhibition.

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he exhibition which is scheduled for September 12-14 will be held at Katara’s Cultural Village. This precedes the auction to be held in London on October 9. Qatar Today caught up with Benjamin Carter who is an integral member of the team that is bringing the exhibition to the city. He says, “I have the privilege of handling some of the rarest and most exquisite objects, many of which now reside in international museums or in prestigious private collections which, in many cases, never appear on the market again.” This is the second time that an exhibition

of this kind has been held in Doha. As Director, Head of Auction Sales at Sotheby’s, Carter traces the history of art pieces from around the world and measures their worth. These can fetch a handsome price from anywhere starting at QR54, 624 ($15,000) to between QR291,330 ($80, 000) and 436, 995 ($120,000) (For the Tipu Sultan’s sword). Though based in London, Carter frequently travels to the United States and across Europe and the Middle East. He has studied in the universities of Jordan and Alexandria and his knowledge of the Arabic language is impressive. This perhaps amplifies his expertise on Islamic Art. “My role involves sourcing exceptional pieces for the sale, which requires quite a bit of travelling to meet with individuals and institutions around the world who own these objects, in addition to valuing pieces that are brought into our London office. My team and I then research the selection and write detailed catalogue notes for our clients’ reference, as well as hold international exhibitions of sale highlights – such as our forthcoming one in Doha – before holding the auction itself in London.” Qatar is an important location for Sotheby’s and has one of the world’s largest buyers of fine and decorative art, jewellery, real estate and collectibles. “Qatar is an extremely important art hub in terms of the art that is held in the superb public institutions, as a meeting place for our clients across the MENA region, as well as a regional focal point for interacting with the global arts community,” informs Carter. Efforts to put Qatar on the map in terms of art appreciation are not unnoticed. “There’s no doubt that the museums, and now the broader arts community, in Doha – encompassing smaller galleries and arts festivals – are consistently commanding

Look out for From the later Islamic period comes an important royal portrait from Zand Persia, circa 1779. The painting depicts Prince Rustam Khan Zand, resplendent in a luxurious cloak and turban. The portrait is signed by the artist Muhammad Sadiq, the famous court artist active in the latter part of the 18th century. Representing the Ottoman lands come two groups of Iznik ceramics, from separate European private collections, including a rare blue and white tazza from circa 1570. Also relating to Turkey is a fascinating 15th-century oil painting portraying the fall of Constantinople in 1453, probably the earliest oil painting of this pivotal moment in Turkish history.

international attention, with Qatar UK 2013 as a prime example of what can be achieved through global partnerships. The Museum of Islamic Art (MIA) has an unparalleled collection and in turn art lovers as well as academics in the field are drawn from across the globe to explore its outstanding artefacts,” explains Carter. A 15th century oil painting of the city of Constantinople depicts what the now-forgotten city must have looked like in the year 1453, while a Mamluk-style mosque lamp from the 19th century holds intrigue. Carter believes this merging of historic fact and art makes an interesting canvas. “The phenomenal expansion of Muslim power in the two centuries following the ten brief years of the Prophet Muhammed’s public life was followed by a millennium of interaction between Muslim artists and the cultures they had come in contact with. Their influence resulted in a flowering of creativity in a range of decorative and fine arts.” qatar today > september 2013 > 113

culture > doha diary “This is probably one of the broadest collections there is, providing insights into thousands of years of history and culture right across the world, encompassing almost 1,400 years of every kind of decorative art produced in the lands under Islamic patronage – from China to all the way to Spain.” Benjamin Carter

Coming up Alongside the Arts of the Islamic World sale on October 9, Sotheby’s will be holding a special auction of Indian art in London entitled Art of Imperial India. The auction will offer collectors high-quality and beautiful paintings, as well as objects, textiles, weaponry and other luxurious works of art from the courts of the Indian subcontinent. A highlight is an exceptional diamondset, an enamelled gold casket and a tray which show off the captivating skills of India’s imperial Mughal jewellers. The sale will also include a number of lots relating to the south Indian ruler Tipu Sultan (d.1799), known as the ‘Tiger of Mysore.’ What: Sotheby’s Arts of the Islamic World. Where: Building 19, Katara Cultural Village. When: 12-14 September. Opening hours: 10am - 10pm daily, with talks each evening at 8pm.

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The exhibition also has a diverse selection of ceramics from the Guerrand-Hermes collection of Islamic art, sold to benefit the Guerrand-Hermes Foundation for Peace. The contrasts of the colours, shapes and designs of the pieces on offer make a visually arresting group. The logistics of any international event can be challenging. Carter prefers to focus on drawing a captive audience. “Attracting both established and new audiences to our exhibitions can be difficult. Another challenge is creating a greater awareness about the extraordinary qualities and history of the art that we are exhibiting. One of the ways of sharing our expertise is through the educational programmes scheduled.” A well-travelled art connoisseur, Carter shares some of his impressions of Doha’s art centres. “The MIA houses a superb collection, which encompasses the full breadth of the Islamic artistic canon, including some pieces which today would be impossible to find in the market. The building itself, designed by I M Pei, is probably my favourite in Doha, particularly the way it changes colour as the sun goes down across the bay. The Museum of Modern Art (Mathaf ) is also an impressive space and a landmark artistic institution in the Gulf, displaying an outstanding collection of modern and contemporary Arab and Iranian Art. Some of the outdoor sculptures are especially striking.” Explaining more about the artefacts and how they have been chosen, Carter says, “Categorising the objects to be exhibited in Doha and then sold in our forthcoming sale under Arts of the Islamic World is a way in which we can draw upon the common

factors between these exquisite objects that, in fact, are hugely varied – in terms of their media (precious metals, wood, works on paper, ceramics to name just a few), their geographical origin and the date they were produced. This is probably one of the broadest collecting categories there is, and it provides insights into thousands of years of history and culture right across the world, encompassing almost 1,400 years of every kind of decorative art produced in lands under Islamic patronage – from China, all the way to Spain.” Making art appealing to younger audiences can be tricky. “One of the exciting aspects of my job is making the concept interesting to the next generation of collectors in the specialist field in which I work,” says Carter. “I believe it’s of great importance to make all of this accessible, providing an introduction or first step to understanding how much this kind of art has to offer. I also believe that younger audiences are very open to considering combinations or juxtapositions of modern and contemporary works of art with historic or ancient pieces, so it’s very exciting to be able to provide guidance as to what, from an art expert’s perspective, work particularly well together from these very different collecting categories.” The young art specialist adds, “I always say that if you like art then that is enough – beautiful paintings and objects can be appreciated for what they are, no matter what their origin. In fact, a number of artworks from the early period of Islam have good resonance with the modern eye since they are so minimalist and subtle; attributes that have wide appeal today.”

Superhero Orientation at CMU

DFI celebrates Abbas Kiarostami Doha Film Institute is set to showcase 14 short and feature films by internationally acclaimed Iranian filmmaker Abbas Kiarostami for the first time in Doha. Some of his celebrated works like Bread and Alley, The Traveller, Close-Up, Taste of Cherry, ABC Africa, Five and more will be screened at the Museum of Islamic Art between September 13 and 21. The man himself is expected to make appearances at the screenings from September 13-16 to engage with the audience.

Qatar Red Crescent ensures a generous Ramadan 140,000 needy people benefited from the projects implemented by QRC inside and outside Qatar.

Senior students at Carnegie Mellon University enlisted the help of comic book superheroes to welcome their first-year students.

ver 100 first-year students representing approximately 25 nationalities took part in the orientation programme at the campus which introduces them to the university’s campus, resources and values. This year’s programme of events fell under the theme ‘League of Tartans’ with classrooms being decorated and named after comic book superheroes. On their first day, freshmen were asked to dress up as famous characters

and encouraged to interact with classmates and staff members. “I love to work on orientation because of the energy. This year’s theme is a play on comic superheroes and all our activities fit in with this. We want the students to learn that while they are going to be studying 24/7, there are plenty of opportunities to have fun,” said Saba Singh, a business administration senior at CMU-Q and Head Orientation Counselor.

uring the Holy Month, QRC implemented several projects for relief, medical and social aid in 14 countries including Palestine, Lebanon, Yemen, Pakistan, Nepal, Somalia, Darfur and more. QR1.2 million was allocated for fast breaking projects inside Syria where 15,000 food baskets were provided to displaced families in camps. In Qatar itself, QR6 million was spent to the benefit of 92,000 people on Iftar, support for needy families, Eid clothing, a programme honouring outstanding students, This is My Wish project which realised the dreams of children who are ill and more. qatar today > september 2013 > 115

Qatar Today talks to two expatriates from everyday life – one who has lived here for a significant amount of time and another who has just made Doha her home – for their take on life in this city.

My Home in Qatar Roger Phillips Legal Director, Pinsent Masons LLP In Qatar since: 2009 (five years) Home/Work I had been working in the UK in financial services for some while and was regularly working on projects in the Middle East. On a particular visit to Qatar, I met and developed connections with the newly formed QFC who wanted me to take over as Deputy Chief Legal Officer for the QFCA – I love international work and the challenges of working in emerging markets and within different cultures. The opportunities for Qatar, its plans for diversification into financial services and the chance to assist in the development of the legal environment of the QFC regime attracted me. After working there, I welcomed the opportunity to continue my work in financial services within McGrigors (which subsequently merged to become the enlarged firm of Pinsent Masons) where the Doha branch has been growing rapidly. Doha is change There are more and more people and the traffic on the roads can be a little tedious, to put it mildly. The pace of change is inevitably going to cause frustration when there are difficulties to keep up with it. With the heavy investment in infrastructure, you sometimes wonder if there will be any respite and when the work will finish. Planning rightly takes some time, but there are now signs of good progress of those transformational plans and projects which will make Doha

New Beginnings Jamila El Mir Engineering and sustainability consultant, Arup In Qatar since: In and out since August 2012; Permanent since May 2013 (four months) Just arrived Qatar is yet to feel like home to me but it is easy to find comfort zones in the city. Having lived in the Gulf for a long time, I had a feeling of familiarity with Doha. Living longer here made me get a better understanding of the city and the contrast between the old and the new, the mid-scale and the upscale. In a way it adds to the liveliness of the city and its dynamic feel. There is change between one street and another. It will be interesting to see how the metro, public transport and the new master-plans will change the social and economic landscape of the city. 116 > qatar today > september 2013

the envy of the Gulf, not just in terms of spectacular new landmark buildings (I am delighted to work in the iconic Tornado Tower) and fine hotels but also with the continued determination to support culture and preserve Qatar’s heritage. I miss old Doha Doha is a beautiful city and my favourite place is still the Souk Waqif – it is a great place to meet friends and watch the world go by. There is a vibrancy about it that goes back to the old days and the traditions of a market place. It remains as popular as ever and now we have the charm of the more modern Katara as well as the new Mshreib development which is already well underway. Dhow boats continue to sail serenely and be part of the stunning vistas available beside the Museum of Islamic Art and the Corniche. The old Doha is not lost as far as I can see. Aspirations Meeting new friends and more people from different cultures, being part of history with the changes in the Middle East as well as Qatar’s rapid transformation. I am also witnessing the growing links between the Middle East, Africa and the Far East where future economic growth and opportunities are clear to see. I only wish my Arabic was better!

What I admire about Doha I admire how it can absorb all types of people and offers to each what they are looking for, whether it’s a calm lifestyle or an active one, it is up to the person to search for the places and activities that suit them and each can find something to their taste. People from different ethnic, religious and social backgrounds can find their comfort zones in Doha. While providing something for a diverse population, Doha still conserves its cultural heritage through architecture and public events and that is also an element I very much appreciate in the city. Aspirations It is changing daily indeed and the scale of the projects coming up are indicative of big change. It is difficult to know what to expect now, but what is certain is that the opening of public transport and the focus on integrated urban networks will most likely enhance the social dynamics of the city as it will increase activities in public spaces. Looking forward I am looking forward to the improvement of transportation and the increase in the number of cultural activities.