Central News Hub
Qatar announced on Thursday the registration of 181 cases of the Coronavirus in the country during the past 24 hours…reports Asian Lite News
The Qatari Ministry of Public Health said in a statement that the total infections reached 357,764, adding that 337 recovery cases were recorded, to reach 354, 367 recoveries since the outbreak of the virus in the country.
As part of the ATP 250 tour, this annual men’s professional tennis tournament is played outside on hard courts. Famous victors have included Boris Becker, Roger Federer, Andy Murray, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic…reports N. Lothungbeni Humtsoe
Ahead of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, Qatar welcomes a series of elite international sporting events. Continuing a tourism drive from an ATP tennis competition to European Tour golf and the MotoGP, the country has in store for adventure-hungry visitors looking for professional sporting activities.
Chief Operating Officer of Qatar Tourism, Berthold Trenkel, said: “Sport brings people together and hosting international sporting events allows us to be part of, and to facilitate, cross-cultural moments of human achievement and utility. The country’s ability to host these events demonstrates the trust in Qatar’s ability and health and safety measures to keep players safe when competing at world-class venues. We look forward to welcoming outstanding players, management teams, and of course all the fans to Qatar throughout the year.”
Sports & Adventure
Day 1
* Morning
* SUP tour of The Pearl-Qatar
* Afternoon
* Immersive horseback riding with the Al Shaqab Racing Academy
* Evening
* Sunset kayaking at the mangroves
Day 2
* Morning
* Round of golf/quad biking
* Afternoon
* Desert safari to Inland Sea
* Evening
* Overnight desert camping
Day 3
* Morning
* Scuba diving at GMC Reef
* Afternoon
* Sandboarding near Sealine camp
* Evening
* Relaxing spa experience
* FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 (November 21-December 18, 2022)
Fans can expect to see a FIFA World Cup like no other, with the incredible atmosphere of centrally located stadiums, beautiful hotels and authentic culture. All stadiums are located within a 55-kilometre (35 mile) radius of Doha, making it extremely accessible for supporters to travel from one match to the next.
Upcoming sporting events in Qatar
* Katara International Horse Festival (February 2-12, 2022)
Discover Qatar’s rich equestrian heritage and learn how the country is a pioneer in breeding purebred Arabians at this 10-day event in Katara Cultural Village. The festival offers various activities for guests to experience, including a horse exhibition and parade, light show, art and painting exhibits, as well as numerous food and beverage stalls.
* Qatar Masters (TBC 2022)
This European Tour golf tournament has been held in Doha since 1998 and rotates between Qatar’s two championship-level courses, Education City Golf Club and Doha Golf Club. Previously won by the likes of Ernie Els, Adam Scott, Paul Lawrie and Henrik Stenson.
* The Qatar Open (February 14-19, 2022)
As part of the ATP 250 tour, this annual men’s professional tennis tournament is played outside on hard courts. Famous victors have included Boris Becker, Roger Federer, Andy Murray, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic.
* Qatar Ladies Open (February 20-26, 2022)
This professional women’s tennis tournament is a WTA 500 event on the WTA Tour. Previously won by famous players such as Martina Hingis, Maria Sharapova and the defending champion Petra Kvitove.
* Al Adaid Desert Challenge (TBC 2022)
The Al Adaid Desert Challenge is an extreme sports race that features on the International Cycling Union calendar. The gruelling event involves 60 kilometres for cyclists and 28 kilometres for runners, starting from the Sealine area and stretching to one of Qatar’s most impressive natural wonders: the ‘Inland Sea’, or Khor Al Adaid.
* Grand Prix of Qatar (March 4-6, 2022)
One of the most exciting events on the MotoGP calendar, the motorcycle race will take place at the impressive Losail circuit, which recently hosted the 2021 Formula 1 Qatar Grand Prix. Having hosted the first-ever floodlit MotoGP back in 2008, this location never fails to impress. Notable winners have included Jorge Lorenzo, Casey Stoner and Valentino Rossi.
The Iranian President also met with the emir of Qatar and the two signed 14 MoUs, IRNA said…reports Asian Lite News
Iran will soon open a trade office in Qatar, Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi said on Wednesday.
During his visit to Qatar, Raisi announced his decision to establish an Iranian trade mission in Qatar to strengthen the economic ties between the two countries, according to the IRNA state news agency.
The Iranian President also met with the emir of Qatar and the two signed 14 MoUs, IRNA said.
On Monday, Raisi arrived in Doha on an official visit to participate in the Gas Exporting Countries Forum. The Iranian President held a number of meetings with Qatari officials and signed several agreements in the trade, economic and political spheres. (ANI/Sputnik)
At least five top Arab leaders, including heads of state or government, held accounts at Credit Suisse, the leaked data shows…writes Sanjeev Sharma
The former Sultan of Oman, Qaboos bin Said, had two accounts, including one opened in 1971 that was worth at its peak over 177 million Swiss francs ($126 million), OCCRP said in a report.
Iraqi businessman and politician Ayad Allawi held accounts starting in the 1980s overlapping with his time running a Western-backed party of Iraqi exiles and as Iraq’s Prime Minister after the US. invasion.
In Syria, these clients included Mohammad Makhlouf, the brother of former President Hafez Al-Assad’s wife, who acted as a front for his brother-in-law for years while leveraging his political ties into a commercial empire spanning tobacco, real estate, banking, and oil.
Egyptian tycoon Hussein Salem, a longtime Hosni Mubarak ally with links to the country’s intelligence agencies, was a Credit Suisse customer for over three decades. He held at least a dozen accounts with balances often running into the tens of millions, despite being publicly linked to corruption scandals for years before and after the Arab Spring, the report said.
Over his years in government, former Syrian Vice President Abdul Halim Khaddam managed to accrue tens of millions of dollars’ worth of company shares, palatial mansions, and assets held in foreign bank accounts � a striking fortune for a lifelong public servant.
Khaddam served in high-level government positions from 1970 to 2005, first as Foreign Minister and then Vice President under Hafez Al-Assad. He rose to prominence in the 1980s while helping manage Syria’s involvement in neighbouring Lebanon’s civil war, and its subsequent occupation of the country.
ALSO READ: Suisse leak lands Switzerland in soup
Seeking to foster pro-Damascus Lebanese politicians, Khaddam struck up a friendship with the wealthy businessman Rafik Hariri, backing his successful run for Prime Minister of Lebanon in 1992. Hariri was known to grease his relationships with money, and his friendship with Khaddam was no exception.
A former high-level Syrian official told OCCRP that Khaddam had “dominated Lebanon through Hariri”, who in turn paid him back with favours. He recalled meeting Khaddam in Damascus, where the Vice President was “living a legendary life”. Khaddam had a reputation for a level of corruption that was so obvious it “does not need documents” to be proven, the former official said.
Further charges against Khaddam emerged after Hariri was assassinated during his second Prime Ministership in 2005, a murder widely blamed on the Damascus regime.
The following year, Khaddam defected from the Syrian government led by its current President, Bashar Al-Assad, and fled to Paris. In retaliation, Syrian officials began leaking details of his previous dealings.
The former Vice President was just one among many Arab elites who used Switzerland to stockpile his wealth. For years, the country’s financial secrecy and relative stability made it a popular destination for legal and illicit funds.
The Emir of Qatar has pledged Qatar’s preparedness to provide any possible assistance in order to reach an agreement in the Iran nuclear talks that ends the dispute and ensures the security and stability of the region, reports Asian Lite Newsdesk
The Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani welcomed Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi on his visit to Doha and his participation in the 6th Summit of the Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF), which will be held on Tuesday.
Both leaders witnessed a number of bilateral cooperation deals between two countries during Raisi’s visit to Doha, which is a first by an Iranian president in 11 years.
This also comes as the United States and Iran hold indirect talks aimed at salvaging a 2015 nuclear deal, which Gulf states deemed flawed for not addressing Iran’s missile programme and regional proxies, Al Jazeera reported.
Sheikh Tamim said that several regional and international issues of joint interest were discussed, especially regarding the security and stability of the region. In this regard, he reiterated that dialogue is the best way to resolve all differences and face the various challenges that the region is going through.
In joint remarks with Qatar Emir, the Iranian President said: “We believe that the level of existing cooperation between the countries of the region is not commensurate with potential ties.”
He also added that Iran seeks to enhance these relations as “our goal is regional convergence.”
Raisi said he hoped would the bilateral deals signed between both countries help improve ties with other Gulf Arab states.
Sheikh Tamim also explained that he was briefed by President Raisi on the outcome of the Vienna negotiations regarding the nuclear agreement between the Iran and the West, as well as its importance and impact on the security and stability of the region.
He pointed out that Qatar is attentively following the progress of the negotiations and hopes that a solution and agreement – that satisfies all parties, and guarantees the right of countries to peaceful uses of nuclear energy in accordance with international agreements and resolutions, will be reached in the near future.
He also pledged Qatar’s preparedness to provide any possible assistance in order to reach an agreement that ends the dispute and ensures the security and stability of the region.
Earlier, Qatar and Iran signed 14 memoranda of understanding in the fields of aviation, trade, shipping, media, cancellation of visa requirements, electricity, standards, education and culture.
Both leaders have discussed enhancing fields of cooperation between the two countries, especially the fields of economy, investment, energy, tourism and other areas that would develop cooperation in the interest of the two countries.
Sheikh Tamim noted that his talk session Raisi addressed the Palestinian cause as the central and pivotal issue in the region, as emphasis was placed on the need to stop the Israeli attacks against the Palestinian people and to find a solution to the issue in accordance with international outcomes, highlighting the right of the Palestinian people to self-determination and to live in freedom, dignity and stability.
The Emir explained that several issues related to the region were also discussed, including Syria, Yemen and Afghanistan, indicating that the two sides expressed their hope to find a peaceful solution to these issues as soon as possible.
ALSO READ: Iran welcomes expanding ties with Central Asian nations: Raisi
Raisi also met with Qatar’s Interior Minister Sheikh Khalid bin Khalifa bin Abdulaziz Al-Thani on Monday afternoon.
Qatar has good ties with Iran, with which it shares a giant gas field. Tehran supported Doha after Saudi Arabia and its Arab allies imposed a boycott on Qatar in mid-2017 in a dispute over its ties with Islamist groups and with non-Arab Turkey and Iran.
Iran and Central Asia
Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi said that Tehran welcomes the constant expansion of relations with all Central Asian countries.
Raisi made the remarks in a meeting with visiting Uzbek Deputy Prime Minister Sardor Umurzakov, according to the Iranian presidency’s website.
The two sides are willing to develop and deepen all-out relations, he said, adding that “we are determined to take massive steps toward the prosperity and development of Iran and Uzbekistan by activating and using all capacities”, reports Xinhua news agency
Umurzakov, who is also Uzbekistan’s minister of investments and foreign trade, said his visit to Tehran is aimed at exploring ways to develop all-out ties.
ALSO READ: Raisi urges removal of anti-Iran sanctions
He also expressed Tashkent’s resolve to further deepen relations with Tehran in trade, economy, investment, transportation, transit and culture.
Two official delegations representing the United Arab Emirates and Qatar met in the Qatari capital Doha on Thursday, to follow up on the Al-Ula Declaration issued by the Gulf Summit that was hosted by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in 2021…reports Asian Lite News
This is the third meeting the two sides have held since the January 2021 signing of the agreement, which is aimed at bolstering Gulf unity, state news agency WAM reported.
During the meeting, the two sides discussed joint mechanisms and procedures for implementing the Al-Ula Declaration, and articulated the importance of consolidating relations between the two countries and developing joint work to achieve their common interests.
A Saudi-led Arab quartet, including the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Egypt, cut diplomatic ties with Qatar in June 2017 and imposed a full embargo on the Gulf state, accusing Doha of supporting terrorism. Qatar has repeatedly denied all the charges.
Following the signing of the Al-Ula Declaration, UAE had ended all measures taken against Qatar and re-opened all land, sea and air ports for inbound and outbound movement.
ALSO READ: UAE leaders meet in Abu Dhabi to discuss future projects
In February last year, the International Court of Justice, the principal judicial organ of the United Nations, upheld the UAE’s preliminary objections against Qatar in the case concerning the Application of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination, in its final binding and non-appealable judgment.
The Court held that the UAE’s actions could not be racial discrimination, in accordance with the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination, and therefore rejected Qatar’s claim under the Convention.
Along with fruitful discussions, both leaders unveiled the foundation stone of the new Indian Embassy complex in Doha, reports Asian Lite Newsdesk
India’s External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar on Wednesday met his Qatari counterpart Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani and exchanged views on global and regional developments, including Afghanistan.
The two leaders also discussed political, economic, digital and security partnerships.
“Held productive talks with DPM and FM of Qatar @MBA_AlThani. Discussed our broad-based political, economic, digital and security partnership. Appreciate the interest in expanding investment and trade. Thank Qatari authorities for the support extended to the Indian community,” tweeted Jaishankar.
“Exchanged views on global and regional developments, including Afghanistan,” added the Indian Foreign Minister.
The humanitarian situation in Afghanistan has deteriorated drastically since the Taliban took control of Kabul last year in mid-August.
A combination of a suspension of foreign aid, the freezing of Afghan government assets, and international sanctions on the Taliban have plunged the country, already suffering from high poverty levels, into a full-blown economic crisis.
“Met with HE @DrSJaishankar, Minister of External Affairs of the Republic of India, and had a fruitful discussion on ways to develop bilateral relations in various fields. We also discussed the latest regional developments and exchanged views on a number of issues of common interest,” tweeted Qatari Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Al Thani.
Along with fruitful discussions, both leaders unveiled the foundation stone of the new Indian Embassy complex in Doha.
“Unveiled the foundation stone of the new Embassy complex in Doha. Thank DPM and FM @MBA_AlThani_for gracing the occasion. Confident that the new chancery complex will meet the aspirations of the Indian community in Qatar,” tweeted Jaishankar.
India’s bilateral trade with Qatar in 2020-21 was $9.21 billion. India’s export to Qatar during 2020-21 was $1.28 billion and imports were $7.93 billion. Qatar’s key exports to India include LNG, LPG, chemicals and petrochemicals, plastics, and aluminium articles, while India’s key exports to Qatar include cereals, copper articles, iron and steel articles, vegetables, fruits, spices, and processed food products, electrical and other machinery, plastic products, construction material, textiles & garments, chemicals, precious stones and rubber, as per the Ministry of External Affairs.
India is among the top three largest export destinations for Qatar (Japan and South Korea being the other two) and is also among the top three sources of Qatar’s imports, along with China and Japan. Qatar is the largest supplier of LNG to India, accounting for over 50 per cent of India’s global LNG imports.
Besides LNG, India also imports ethylene, propylene, ammonia, urea and polyethylene from Qatar. Therefore, the balance of trade continues to be heavily in Qatar’s favour.
However, there has been a substantial growth in India’s exports to Qatar in the last few years.
ALSO READ:Lanka takes steps to bond with India, restrain China
According to the Qatar Chamber of Commerce and Industry (QCCI), there are over 6,000 big and small Indian companies operating in Qatar. Indian companies are today pursuing collaborations in various sectors like infrastructure, communications and information technology, energy and other areas in Qatar.
The extensive infrastructure development in Qatar as it prepares to host the prestigious FIFA World Cup in 2022 and attain its National Vision 2030 objective.
Indian companies have invested about $450 million in Qatar, according to a statement by Qatar Financial Centre (QFC).
Indian companies from across sectors have been present in Qatar for over several years and among them are Larsen & Toubro, Voltas, Shapoorji Pallonji, Wipro, TCS and Tech Mahindra.
Ahead of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, Qatar welcomes a series of elite international sporting events…writes N. Lothungbeni Humtsoe…reports Asian Lite News
Continuing a tourism drive from an ATP tennis competition to European Tour golf and the MotoGP, the country has in store for adventure-hungry visitors looking for professional sporting activities.
Chief Operating Officer of Qatar Tourism, Berthold Trenkel, said: “Sport brings people together and hosting international sporting events allows us to be part of, and to facilitate, cross-cultural moments of human achievement and utility. The country’s ability to host these events demonstrates the trust in Qatar’s ability and health and safety measures to keep players safe when competing at world-class venues. We look forward to welcoming outstanding players, management teams, and of course all the fans to Qatar throughout the year.”
ALSO READ: FIFA plans $1.5 bn support to football world
Sports & Adventure
Day 1
* Morning
* SUP tour of The Pearl-Qatar
* Afternoon
* Immersive horseback riding with the Al Shaqab Racing Academy
* Evening
* Sunset kayaking at the mangroves
Day 2
* Morning
* Round of golf/quad biking
* Afternoon
* Desert safari to Inland Sea
* Evening
* Overnight desert camping
Day 3
* Morning
* Scuba diving at GMC Reef
* Afternoon
* Sandboarding near Sealine camp
* Evening
* Relaxing spa experience
* FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 (November 21-December 18, 2022)
Fans can expect to see a FIFA World Cup like no other, with the incredible atmosphere of centrally located stadiums, beautiful hotels and authentic culture. All stadiums are located within a 55 kilometre (35 mile) radius of Doha, making it extremely accessible for supporters to travel from one match to the next.
Upcoming sporting events in Qatar
* Katara International Horse Festival (February 2-12, 2022)
Discover Qatar’s rich equestrian heritage and learn how the country is a pioneer in breeding purebred Arabians at this 10-day event in Katara Cultural Village. The festival offers various activities for guests to experience, including a horse exhibition and parade, light show, art and painting exhibits, as well as numerous food and beverage stalls.
* Qatar Masters (TBC 2022)
This European Tour golf tournament has been held in Doha since 1998 and rotates between Qatar’s two championship-level courses, Education City Golf Club and Doha Golf Club. Previously won by the likes of Ernie Els, Adam Scott, Paul Lawrie and Henrik Stenson.
* The Qatar Open (February 14-19, 2022)
As part of the ATP 250 tour, this annual men’s professional tennis tournament is played outside on hard courts. Famous victors have included Boris Becker, Roger Federer, Andy Murray, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic.
* Qatar Ladies Open (February 20-26, 2022)
This professional women’s tennis tournament is a WTA 500 event on the WTA Tour. Previously won by famous players such as Martina Hingis, Maria Sharapova and the defending champion Petra Kvitove.
* Al Adaid Desert Challenge (TBC 2022)
The Al Adaid Desert Challenge is an extreme sports race that features on the International Cycling Union calendar. The gruelling event involves 60 kilometres for cyclists and 28 kilometres for runners, starting from the Sealine area and stretching to one of Qatar’s most impressive natural wonders: the ‘Inland Sea’, or Khor Al Adaid.
* Grand Prix of Qatar (March 4-6, 2022)
One of the most exciting events on the MotoGP calendar, the motorcycle race will take place at the impressive Losail circuit, which recently hosted the 2021 Formula 1 Qatar Grand Prix. Having hosted the first-ever floodlit MotoGP back in 2008, this location never fails to impress. Notable winners have included Jorge Lorenzo, Casey Stoner and Valentino Rossi.
Austin reiterated his heartfelt gratitude to the Amir for Qatar’s indispensable and ongoing support to the United States in Afghanistan…reports Asian Lite News
US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin on Monday met with Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Amir of Qatar, and discussed shared regional security interests, including continued cooperation on Afghanistan.
“Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III met today with Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Amir of Qatar, at the Pentagon to affirm the strength of the U.S.-Qatar defense partnership and its key role in the U.S. strategic bilateral relationship,” Pentagon Press Secretary John F. Kirby said in a statement.
According to the statement, Austin reiterated his heartfelt gratitude to the Amir for Qatar’s indispensable and ongoing support to the United States in Afghanistan.
The leaders discussed shared regional security interests, including continued cooperation on Afghanistan, de-escalating tensions in the region, and the full scope of threats from Iran, the statement said.
“Austin emphasized the importance of multilateral efforts and integrated operations with partners like Qatar to address the threats confronting the region,” read the statement.
Secretary Austin thanked the Amir for Qatar’s longstanding and gracious hosting of U.S. forces at Al-Udeid Air Base and reiterated U.S. commitment to continued security cooperation with Qatar, the statement added. (ANI)
The President and the Emir welcomed the signing of a USD 20 billion deal between Boeing and Qatar Airways Group…reports Asian Lite News
US President Joe Biden met Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani on Monday where they reaffirmed their mutual interest in promoting security and prosperity in the Gulf and broader Middle East region.
Both sides ensured the stability of global energy supplies, supporting the people of Afghanistan, and strengthening commercial and investment cooperation said White House in a statement.
The President and the Emir welcomed the signing of a USD 20 billion deal between Boeing and Qatar Airways Group, which will support tens of thousands of U.S. manufacturing jobs.
In recognition of the strategic partnership between the United States and Qatar, which has deepened over the past 50 years, the President informed the Emir of his intention to designate Qatar as a Major Non-NATO Ally. (ANI)