Fuel prices for the month of July 2024 - Qatar Energy

 

QatarEnergy announces the fuel prices for the month of July 2024#Qatar #fuel #gasoline #diesel pic.twitter.com/RQ5IfBNR5R

— QatarEnergy (@qatarenergy) June 30, 2024

How to report lost items in Qatar - Metrash2 app

 

The Metrash2 app enables you to report lost items without visiting security departments or police stations.
It is our pleasure to serve you. #MOIQatar pic.twitter.com/bx89rtGxjI

— Ministry of Interior - Qatar (@MOI_QatarEn) June 28, 2024

spinner dolphins spotted in Qatari waters

 

Group of spinner dolphins spotted in Qatari territorial waters 🐬🇶🇦

The scientific team of the Wildlife Development Department, in cooperation with the Marine Protection Department, has spotted a group of spinner dolphins (Stenella longirostris) in Qatari territorial waters.… pic.twitter.com/4iBtdsxey8

— وزارة البيئة والتغير المناخي (@moecc_qatar) June 13, 2024

 

The scientific team of the Wildlife Development Department, in cooperation with the Marine Protection Department, has spotted a group of spinner dolphins (Stenella longirostris) in Qatari territorial waters. Known for their spinning jumps, these dolphins' presence indicates a healthy marine environment. It is worth mentioning that the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change is actively engaged in research and monitoring efforts to develop plans for protecting and sustaining Qatar's biodiversity

  

Qatar's Beach Handball Team Qualify for The World Games 2025 in China

 

Qatar's Beach Handball Team Qualify for The World Games 2025 in #China#QNAhttps://t.co/QXiOMOhZlX pic.twitter.com/GJgSFaISgG

— Qatar News Agency (@QNAEnglish) June 23, 2024

Qatar's Waters: A Haven for Whale Sharks

 The marine scientific team from the Wildlife Development Department, in collaboration with the Marine Protection Department, has recorded a gathering of whale sharks in Qatari territorial waters, with the number exceeding 366. Qatari waters host one of the largest gatherings of these creatures in the region and the world.

The scientific team documented this gathering with aerial photography while monitoring them for study purposes. The team measures their sizes and uses their unique physical features to identify and monitor the health of each individual.

 

رصد الفريق العلمي البحري التابع لإدارة تنمية الحياة الفطرية بالتعاون مع إدارة الحماية البحرية، تجمّع لأسماك قرش الحوت بالمياه الإقليمية القطرية، وصل عددها أكثر من 366 سمكة، حيث تشهد المياه القطرية أكبر تجمعات لهذه الكائنات في المنطقة والعالم .

وقد وثق الفريق العلمي هذا التجمع من… pic.twitter.com/IfUPGhX5CL

— وزارة البيئة والتغير المناخي (@moecc_qatar) June 25, 2024

From Doha to The Hague: Exploring Qatar-Netherlands Relations

Ever wondered about the friendly ties between Qatar and the Netherlands? Well, let’s dive into this fascinating relationship that’s all about cooperation, trade, and mutual growth.

Diplomatic Hugs and Handshakes

First up, these two countries started their diplomatic friendship way back in the early 1970s. Think of it as a long-lasting friendship that’s only gotten better with time. Qatar’s got its embassy in The Hague, and the Dutch have theirs in Doha. They’ve even exchanged some high-level visits, like royal family members and ministers popping over for tea and talks.

Money Matters: Trade and Investments

Now, let’s talk about the moolah. The Netherlands and Qatar have a pretty cozy economic relationship. Dutch folks are sending machinery, tasty food products, and cutting-edge technology over to Qatar. In return, Qatar ships out its liquefied natural gas (LNG) and other petroleum goodies to the Dutch.

But wait, there’s more! Investments are flying both ways. Dutch companies are busy in Qatar’s infrastructure, water management, and tech sectors, while Qatari investments are spicing up the real estate and financial scenes in the Netherlands.

Energy and Innovation: A Match Made in Heaven

Given Qatar’s colossal natural gas reserves, it’s no surprise that energy is a big deal here. Dutch companies are right in the thick of it with energy projects in Qatar. Plus, they’re teaming up on some pretty cool sustainable energy and innovation ventures.

Brains and Books: Education and Research

These two aren’t just about business; they’ve got brains too! There are loads of collaborations between educational and research institutions. Think student exchanges, joint research projects, and academic partnerships. It’s like a big international study group.

Culture and Fun: A Cultural Exchange

Let’s not forget the fun stuff. Cultural exchanges and tourism are buzzing. They’ve got events showing off each other’s rich cultures, helping folks from both sides appreciate and understand each other better.

Recent Happenings

They’re not just sitting around. Qatar and the Netherlands have been signing agreements and MoUs to boost cooperation in healthcare, sports, and sustainable development. And let’s talk football! The Dutch were all hands on deck for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, helping out with infrastructure and planning. Pretty cool, right?

A Few Hiccups

Of course, like any good friendship, there are a few bumps along the way. The Netherlands has raised concerns about human rights issues in Qatar, especially around labor conditions. But they’re chatting it out, aiming to make things better. And they’re both super keen on sustainability, working together on water management, renewable energy, and environmental protection.

The Future’s Bright

In a nutshell, Qatar and the Netherlands are like two peas in a pod when it comes to their multifaceted relationship. With strong economic ties, diplomatic cooperation, and mutual investments, they’re navigating challenges and seizing opportunities together.

So, next time you think of international friendships, give a nod to Qatar and the Netherlands. They’re showing the world how to mix business, culture, and a sprinkle of fun in the best possible way!

Qatar & the Netherland relations

more info 

Hot weather&older adults

 Hot weather can significantly challenge the body's ability to regulate its temperature, and this issue is particularly pronounced for older adults due to several physiological and health-related factors:

1. Reduced Sweat Gland Function

Sweating: The primary mechanism for cooling the body is sweating. As people age, the number and activity of sweat glands decrease, leading to less effective cooling through evaporation.

2. Impaired Circulatory System

Blood Flow: Efficient temperature regulation requires the body to increase blood flow to the skin. Aging can impair the circulatory system, making it harder for the body to dissipate heat.

3. Decreased Thirst Sensation

Hydration: Older adults often have a diminished sense of thirst, which can lead to dehydration. Adequate hydration is crucial for sweating and overall thermoregulation.

4. Chronic Medical Conditions

Health Issues: Conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and kidney disease are more common in older adults and can affect the body's ability to manage heat.

Medications: Many older adults take medications that can interfere with thermoregulation, as mentioned previously.

5. Reduced Ability to Sense and Respond to Temperature Changes

Neurological Changes: Aging can affect the nervous system, reducing the ability to sense temperature changes and respond appropriately (e.g., seeking cooler environments or hydrating).

6. Skin Changes

Skin Function: The skin's efficiency in transferring heat decreases with age due to changes in skin thickness and elasticity.

7. Behavioral Factors

Mobility and Activity: Older adults might have reduced mobility or cognitive impairments, limiting their ability to engage in cooling behaviors, such as seeking shade or drinking water.

Practical Implications

Prevention: It is essential to ensure older adults stay hydrated, avoid strenuous activities during peak heat, and stay in cool environments.

Monitoring: Family members and caregivers should monitor older adults for signs of heat-related illnesses, such as confusion, dizziness, or excessive fatigue.

Understanding these factors can help in developing strategies to protect older adults from heat-related stress and illnesses.

medications that can alter the body’s ability to control temperature or sweating

 Certain medications can affect the body's ability to regulate temperature or sweating. These include:

1. Anticholinergics: Used for various conditions like overactive bladder, these can inhibit sweating.

   - Example: Oxybutynin

2. Antidepressants: Some can interfere with thermoregulation.

   - Example: SSRIs like Fluoxetine

3. Antipsychotics: Often impact temperature regulation.

   - Example: Haloperidol

4. Beta-blockers: Can reduce blood flow to the skin, affecting heat dissipation.

   - Example: Propranolol

5. Diuretics: Increase fluid loss, which can impact temperature control.

   - Example: Furosemide

6. Stimulants: Can increase body temperature.

   - Example: Amphetamines

7. Antihistamines: Some can reduce sweating.

   - Example: Diphenhydramine

These medications can pose risks in hot environments or during vigorous activities. If you are taking any of these medications and have concerns about temperature regulation or sweating, consult your healthcare provider for advice.

International Day of Yoga was celebrated in Qatar

 

Here are some highlights of our celebrations of the 10th International Day of Yoga, June 21, at Asian Town Stadium with rejuvenating yoga sessions. #IDY2024 #InternationalDayOfYoga2024 #yogaday2024 #yoga #YogaForSelfAndSociety @MEAIndia @moayush @IndianDiplomacy @diaspora_india https://t.co/YjPocYEMjk pic.twitter.com/DBbojO7wVJ

— India in Qatar (@IndEmbDoha) June 22, 2024

 Yesterday, the International Day of Yoga was celebrated in Qatar with 2,000 enthusiastic participants at the Asian Cricket Stadium. The event featured relaxing yoga sessions.It is bringing together a diverse  community to promote wellness and mindfulness. This remarkable gathering highlighted the universal appeal of yoga and its benefits for physical and mental health. 

Qatar Olympic and Sports Museum - International Olympic Day 2024

 With Paris 2024 around the corner, and in collaboration with the Olympic Museum Network, Qatar Olympic Committee, Sports Federations and Get Started invite everyone to immerse themselves in the spirit of the Olympics on  International Olympic day .

Programme

Let’s Move the world to Warm up for Paris 2024

9–11am  Olympics history guided tour;

10–11am: Activation zone competition;

11am–12:pm Olympics reading challenge -triathlon and relay;

11am–6pm: Olympics Zone Festival (Activation);

-Weightlifting

- Boxing

- Gymnastics

- Cycling (spinning circuit)

- Judo

- Cross Fit challenge (Let’s Move)

2–3pm Activation zone competition

3.30–4.30pm: Olympics history guided tour

3.30–5.30pm: 40 Years of Qatar at Olympics and Olympic values workshop

4–5pm: Olympics rings workshop

5–6pm: Olympics posters and quiz

5–6pm: Activation zone competition

Through the Olympics, we aim to create long-term behavioral change, join us as we create an easy, accessible and fun experience!

more  info 

Ismail al-Jazari, engineering & robotics from 12th century

 

Ever wondered who invented robotics?

Ismail al-Jazari, a Muslim inventor from the 12th century is known as the "father of robotics" due to his groundbreaking work in the field of automata, which are self-operating machines.

A thread on Ismail al-Jazari, engineering & robotics… pic.twitter.com/0ZplsPvZ44

— Bayt Al Fann (@BaytAlFann) June 19, 2024

Hazy and Mild Weather Expected Tonight - Qatar News Agency

 

#QNA_Infographic|
Hazy and Mild Weather Expected Tonight #QNA #Qatar https://t.co/vAEmqyP8CZ pic.twitter.com/5NrRE2cuqb

— Qatar News Agency (@QNAEnglish) June 17, 2024

Doha Metro - Photo of this week

 

Our photo of this week.
Get a chance to feature your photo on our screens:
1. Photograph our stations with your phone
2. Post it on Instagram, tag us and use #MetroTram_Photo#DohaMetro #ChangingTheWayWeMove pic.twitter.com/aWkldMJDwZ

— Doha Metro & Lusail Tram (@metrotram_qa) June 1, 2024

swimming pool safety measures - MOI Qatar advice

 

Adhering to swimming pool safety measures can prevent drowning accidents and protect children's lives. #MOIQatar pic.twitter.com/9XTGUPiD5v

— Ministry of Interior - Qatar (@MOI_QatarEn) June 14, 2024

Eid Al Adha celebration at Al Shaqab 2024

Celebrate Eid Al Adha at Al Shaqab! 🎉

📅 Dates: June 18-20

⏰ Time: 4-8 PM

📍 Venue: Longines Indoor Arena

 

Summer Art & Design Program for High School Students - VCUarts Qatar

 

Join us for the Summer Art & Design Program for High School Students. Immerse yourself in three weeks of pure creativity and exploration, with an optional fourth week to fine-tune your portfolio for those exciting university applications!
Find out more at https://t.co/RjiHqeLHyM pic.twitter.com/OyfTyKydtE

— VCUarts Qatar (@VCUQatar) May 26, 2024

AI assistant in Arabic? the dialects and the challenges for AI

 

Have you tried speaking to your AI assistant in Arabic?

Let’s dive into the world of #LargeLanguageModels (LLMs) that Arab scientists and researchers use to bridge the gap between AI technologies and the rich Arabic language.#BytesofAI @QatarComputing pic.twitter.com/UAUhUjXY9t

— Qatar Foundation (@QF) June 6, 2024

 Creating an AI assistant that can understand and interact in Arabic presents unique challenges due to the diversity and complexity of the language. Here are some of the main considerations and challenges:

Dialects in Arabic

Modern Standard Arabic (MSA): This is the formal version of Arabic used in writing, news broadcasts, and official communications. It is understood across the Arabic-speaking world but is not typically used in daily conversations.

Regional Dialects: Arabic has numerous regional dialects, which can be significantly different from one another. Some of the main dialect groups include:

Levantine Arabic: Spoken in Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, and Palestine.

Egyptian Arabic: Widely understood due to Egypt's influential media industry.

Gulf Arabic: Variants spoken in the Gulf countries like Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, and Kuwait.

Maghrebi Arabic: Dialects in North African countries like Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia, which are quite distinct and often influenced by Berber languages and French.

Challenges for AI

Dialect Diversity: The significant variations between dialects mean an AI assistant must be trained on multiple datasets to handle different regional vernaculars effectively. This is challenging because resources and labeled data for many dialects are limited compared to MSA.

Code-Switching: Arabic speakers often switch between MSA and their local dialects within a conversation. Additionally, they might mix Arabic with other languages like English or French. This requires the AI to be highly flexible and adaptive.

Lack of Standardization: Unlike English, there is less standardization in the orthography and pronunciation of dialectal Arabic. This variability complicates the development of speech recognition and natural language processing (NLP) models.

Complex Morphology: Arabic is a highly inflected language with a root-based morphology, which means words can take many forms. This complexity requires sophisticated morphological analyzers to correctly parse and understand the language.

Named Entity Recognition (NER): Identifying proper nouns (like names of people, places, and organizations) is more challenging in Arabic due to the lack of capitalization and the frequent use of foreign names adapted to Arabic phonology.

Contextual Understanding: Arabic's syntax and context-dependent meaning can be challenging for AI. Proper understanding often requires deep contextual knowledge and semantic understanding beyond simple keyword matching.

some unique gift ideas specifically from Qatar

  Pearl Jewelry: Qatar has a rich history of pearl diving. Gifts of pearl jewelry, such as necklaces, earrings, or bracelets, celebrate this heritage and make elegant souvenirs.

Arabic Coffee Set: A traditional Qatari coffee set, including a dallah (coffee pot) and intricately designed cups, offers a taste of Qatari hospitality and tradition.

Falconry Accessories: Falconry is a revered sport in Qatar. Items like a handcrafted falcon hood or a decorative falcon stand can be unique and culturally significant gifts.

Handmade Textiles: Items like traditional Qatari woven shawls, cushions, or wall hangings featuring regional patterns and craftsmanship.

Qatari Art: Paintings, prints, or sculptures by Qatari artists that reflect the country's landscapes, culture, and modern developments.

Luxury Dates: Premium dates, often filled with nuts or coated in chocolate, are a staple in Qatari hospitality and make for a sweet and elegant gift.

Traditional Clothing: Garments such as a bisht (a ceremonial cloak) or an intricately designed abaya can be unique fashion statements reflecting Qatari culture.

Cultural Books and Literature: Books about Qatari history, culture, and development, or works by Qatari authors that provide insights into the nation's heritage and contemporary society.

These gifts highlight Qatar's unique cultural elements and craftsmanship, offering a special connection to the country's rich traditions and modern innovations.

some gift ideas -non stereotypical Middle Eastern gifts

 

   Here are some unique and non-stereotypical Middle Eastern gift ideas:

Handcrafted Ceramics: Unique pieces such as hand-painted tiles, pottery, or intricate vases from countries like Morocco, Turkey, or Iran.

Calligraphy Art: Beautiful pieces of Arabic calligraphy, either framed or on canvas, showcasing the elegance of the script and meaningful phrases or poetry.

Traditional Musical Instruments: Instruments like the oud (a lute-like instrument), darbuka (a goblet drum), or ney (a type of flute) which can serve as both decorative pieces and musical instruments.

Artisan Jewelry: Unique jewelry pieces made from materials like semi-precious stones, silver, or gold, often featuring traditional designs with a modern twist.

Gourmet Food Baskets: Curated baskets containing a variety of Middle Eastern delicacies such as saffron, exotic spices, dried fruits, nuts, and artisanal sweets like baklava or maamoul.

Handwoven Textiles: Items such as intricately designed rugs, tapestries, or scarves that showcase the rich textile traditions of the Middle East.

Perfumed Oils and Incense: High-quality, naturally sourced oils and incense with traditional Middle Eastern scents like oud, frankincense, and rose.

Books by Middle Eastern Authors: Novels, poetry, or non-fiction works by contemporary Middle Eastern authors, offering insights into the region's culture, history, and modern life.

Traditional Board Games: Games like Mancala or Tawla (Backgammon), which have deep cultural roots and can be beautifully crafted.

Handmade Leather Goods: Items such as wallets, bags, or belts made from high-quality leather, often with intricate designs or embossing techniques typical of the region.

These gifts celebrate the rich and diverse cultures of the Middle East while providing something unique and meaningful.

some gift ideas - stereotypical Middle Eastern gifts

  When shopping for camel-related products and other stereotypical Middle Eastern gifts, consider the following items : 

Camel-Related Products:

Camel Milk Chocolates: Unique chocolates made from camel milk.

Camel Milk Soap: Natural soap enriched with camel milk.

Camel Milk Lotion: Hydrating lotion featuring camel milk.

Camel Figurines: Decorative camel statues made of various materials like wood, metal, or ceramics.

Camel Leather Goods: Items such as wallets, bags, and belts made from camel leather.

Camel Wool Shawls and Blankets: Soft and warm textiles made from camel wool

Other Stereotypical Middle Eastern Gifts:

Arabic Coffee Sets: Traditional coffee pots (dallah) and cups.

Dates: High-quality dates, often presented in elegant boxes.

Spices: Middle Eastern spices like saffron, za'atar, and sumac.

Sweets: Baklava, maamoul, and halwa.

Perfumes: Traditional oud and other Arabic fragrances.

Jewelry: Pearl jewelry and other traditional designs.

Handmade Rugs and Carpets: Intricately designed Middle Eastern rugs.

Traditional Clothing: Items like kaftans, abayas, and keffiyehs.

Calligraphy Art: Beautiful pieces featuring Arabic calligraphy.

Lanterns: Decorative Middle Eastern lanterns.

These items represent a blend of traditional craftsmanship and cultural heritage, making them perfect gifts to bring back from the Middle East.

Summer Camp for Children 2024 at Qatar National Library

 

Summer Camp for Children 2024 at Qatar National Library https://t.co/PEBMfFmJsN #QatarEvents

— Qatar Events (@qatarevents) June 2, 2024

Location: Qatar National Library

Date: 23 June 2024 - 29 August 2024

Time: 01:00 pm - 06:00 pm

Ticket Purchase: Online

Price:

• Registration needed - It's free!

Website: https://www.qnl.qa/en

Activities Offered at the Library

Book Club

Engage with other young readers in a fun and interactive book club.

STEM-Related Activities

Participate in educational and engaging activities focused on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

Craft Making

Create various crafts through guided sessions that encourage creativity and skill development.

Art Creation

Explore different art forms and techniques in hands-on art sessions.

Storytelling

Enjoy and participate in storytelling sessions that ignite imagination and develop narrative skills.

Pen Talk Series

Exchange experiences, brainstorm, and discuss writing ideas with fellow aspiring writers.

Learn how to describe characters and plot to formulate stories in Arabic.

These activities are designed to provide educational, creative, and engaging experiences for children and aspiring writers.

 

World Bike Day

 

On Monday's #WorldBicycleDay & every day, the UN is supporting the use of bicycles to transform mobility, while also helping to create a greener, more sustainable future. https://t.co/4QSs2moNuR #ActNow pic.twitter.com/RtKBvXkSz5

— United Nations (@UN) June 3, 2024

 The day is celebrated worldwide, with governments, non-governmental organizations, and communities coming together to promote cycling and its benefits.

World Bicycle Day serves as a reminder of the enduring importance of the bicycle in promoting sustainable development, healthier lifestyles, and cleaner environments.

The initiative to establish World Bicycle Day was led by Professor Leszek Sibilski, a Polish social scientist working in the United States, and his sociology class. Their campaign highlighted the numerous benefits of cycling and the role it plays in sustainable development.

   Cycling is an effective form of exercise that helps prevent cardiovascular diseases, improve mental health, and manage weight.