Wednesday, September 30, 2020

Rain in North of Qatar

 


 the first rain after  months of usual drought  - it is just for a part of the country - in Doha where I live

 there is nothing  

Climate information for October in Doha

 

Monday, September 28, 2020

17 doctors blacklisted for forged certificates in Qatar

 So far in the current year 17 doctors with fake papers had applied for licences

to practise  in Qatar  .Their nationality was not mentioned by the MoPH . Qatar is

an attractive place for expat healthcare professionals because the salary and working

conditions are nice . Qatar ranks very high at the quality of the healthcare in the world .

Sunday, September 27, 2020

LIST OF THE HEALTH FACILITIES APPROVED FOR PCR TEST - Qatar

 

Saturday, September 26, 2020

Library visit rules - September 2020

 


 What you are allowed and what you are not


   You can visit the Library -  but by appointment only !

                                               but only if you are older than 13 and younger than 60

                                               but only in case you are not pregnant 


  You can borrow books -  but  only in case you had requested  the books

                                            two working days before your booked visit

                                            no one will be allowed to the shelves !


 You can go with friends - but no more than ten people in a group allowed .


 You can eat and drink in the Library - there is an open cafe  and vending machines

                                                                 are also working


  Things that I do not understand : 1 . why we are not allowed to the shelves when in the supermarkets we can touch a product ?

                                                         2 . why we are not allowed to book by phone ?

                                                         3 . why a large part of the Library is closed? This way  the visitors will be more concentrated  in the central hall .


  What do you think about those safety measures ? 











Quiet place to study or read - book for one study carrel at QNL

 

Looking for a quiet place to study or read? Reserve an individual study carrel when you book your next visit to the...

Posted by ‎Qatar National Library مكتبة قطر الوطنية‎ on Wednesday, 16 September 2020

Wednesday, September 23, 2020

Recycling boxes for batteries at Al Meera

 

Tasty Street Coming Soon at Katara North

 

Monday, September 21, 2020

lounge of pods and cabins for transiting passangers in HIA Qatar

 

Tuesday, September 15, 2020

King Sargon II in Khorsabad (modern-day Iraq) in 706 BC - Museum From Home - Louvre

 

Monday, September 14, 2020

Key messages of the Ministry of Public Health's press conference

 

Zulal Wellness Resort by Msheireb Properties

 

Sunday, September 13, 2020

Tired monkey -video

 

I can relate to it . I  was very tired all day . I regained my energy only in the evening .

The Olympic Cycling Track - 33km

 


Quick facts about the new cycling path


  •  cycling at night -1,450 street lamps along the path
  •  car parking areas stretching along the path (  near Qatar University, Lusail Station, Lusail International Circuit, Semaisma Interchange and  Al Bayt Stadium )
  •  completely separate from road traffic
  •  cyclists  can speed up to 50 kilometers per hour
  •  100 benches and 20 areas for resting along the path 
Good news for bike lovers ! 
We need to wait some time until the weather is favorable .

Fatima Al Nuaimi 's virtual exhibition

 

Sunday, September 06, 2020

Services Centres work again all day -MOI Qatar

 


 Do you have something  official  to arrange at the Ministry of Interior ? 

Services Centres  work again all day from 6 AM to 6 PM .


Tuesday, September 01, 2020

Doha Metro reopens - what has changed

 

- no day pass ( until further notice ) 

- you can top up the metro card online in case you wish to avoid using the vending machines https://www.qr.com.qa/top-up 

  -free wifi on board and at the stations - 30 minutes daily 

- open from 6 am to 11 pm from Saturday to Wednesday from 6 am to 11:59 pm on Thursday from 2 pm to 11:59 pm in Fridays

- you must use the Ehteraz tracking app /facemask to enter/ temperature check - you must keep two meter distance from the others

Bin Ghannam Island - migratory birds paradise

 


 Al Khor Island , (Arabic: جزيرة الخور‎), also known as Jazirat bin Ghanim and Purple Island, is an island located in the municipality of Al Khor on the northeast coast of Qatar. 

Ministry of Interior seized 29 kilograms hashish and more

 

Wednesday, August 26, 2020

What will remain closed even after 1 September 2020 ?

 

   Though a  lots of facilities will  reopen in Qatar  with Phase 4   reopening plan 

   but not everything . Some places will remain closed and will reopen only at the third

  week of September supposed everything goes well .


  Playgrounds and leisure centres remain closed


  no summer camps


  no sports equipment in public parks


  no home services of beauty, barber, massage and fitness training


 no open buffet at any restaurant 


Phase 4 - lifting restrictions of Covid 19 in Qatar



  What will change  from 1 September 2020  ?


  Doha Metro will restart  with a capacity of 30%


  all mosques in the country will reopen for daily and Friday prayers ( no toilet /no  washing oneself)


  gatherings will be allowed :  maximum of 15 people indoors / 30 people outdoors


  wedding parties allowed  : maximum of 40 people indoors and 80 people outdoors ( no handshakes /no kisses )


  cinemas and theaters will reopen but only for those above 18 y . o . /only 15 % of their capacity 


   one can  go to  sporting events but  these places can work  only with a capacity of 20% indoors and 30% outdoors 


   private health clinics can work again in full capacity


  museums and public libraries can operate in full capacity and normal hours 


 opening indoor swimming pools at a capacity of 30%


 massage and sauna services can restart at a capacity of 30%


 cleaning and hospitality services in workplaces at a capacity of 30%

 and at private homes allowed 

 

Monday, August 24, 2020

500 years of French Cuisine - MIA Qatar Library Exhibition

 

Saturday, August 22, 2020

the nurse who saved three newborn babies after the Beirut explosion - DW News

 

Katara beach working hours and fees

 

Katara International Chess Tournament 2020

 

From boarding gate to destination - face mask and shield to passangers of QA

 

Wednesday, August 19, 2020

Numbers in Qatar - 40,000 baby fishes

 

 40,000 baby fishes were released at two  locations in the northern coastal area of Qatar .

 The aim is to release 200,000 black sea bream to boost strategic stock of fish in Qatari waters .

 The  release operation was  by the  Ministry of Municipality and Environment (MME) .

The black seabream (Spondyliosoma cantharus) live in northern Europe and in the Mediterranean .

 .


 

MOPH Qatar announced list of approved Covid-19 testing centers in Turkey, Germany, UK, and Thailand


to understand better rules about  entering the state of Qatar    read more  here

Monday, August 17, 2020

QNL - news from the library

 

Tuesday, August 11, 2020

More than 100 Farms - Local Dates Festival - Al Meera Qatar

 

QAFCO - world’s leading urea producer

 

Qatar Fertiliser Company = QAFCO  


Urea, also known as carbamide, is an organic compound with chemical formula CO(NH2)2. This amide has two –NH2 groups joined by a carbonyl (C=O) functional group. Urea serves an important role in the metabolism of nitrogen-containing compounds by animals and is the main nitrogen-containing substance in the urine of mammals. Friedrich Wöhler's discovery, in 1828, that urea can be produced from inorganic starting materials, was an important conceptual milestone in chemistry.

Sunday, August 09, 2020

“I Read Arabic” online reading competition for kids by QNL

 

The Library, in collaboration with Little Thinking Minds, is pleased to announce the second round of the “I Read Arabic” online reading competition. This competition aims to develop children's love of reading by presenting it in a fun and entertaining way, instilling an appreciation for the Arabic language and strengthening their link to their identity. You can also use the open library on the "I Read Arabic" platform by accessing it from Children's Online Resources if you don't want to register for the competition.
 Language: Arabic 

Age group: Children from 1st through 8th grade 

Registration starts on 9 August at 12:01 AM and ends on 13 August at 11:59 PM. 


The competition starts on 16 August and ends on 9 September. 


The winners will be announced on 15 September.

Katara is reopening - phase 3 - video

 

interior of an LNG ship cargo tank

Tuesday, August 04, 2020

Qatar reopening - phase 3 - my personal experience


 Yesterday, I decided to visit Doha Festival City and Ikea.  Considering that there is only a limited number of people allowed inside , I chose this large facility . 

  It was late in the evening; however, there were two hours left before closing time. We were lucky we arrived on time.  We were happy to see the large Welcome sign at the  IKEA restaurant, but when we wished to enter there was a  smaller sign that said something like that  " Sorry - because of the limited number of customers, we cannot accept more  people."  The restaurant was nearly empty . We could only see five or six people inside. The menu screens at the serving section were still on. The staff were standing there,bored .We couldn't  reach them. There was a  red rope barrier between us and our dinner possibility. There was no one to explain how their  system was working .

It was fun walking inside the Ikea. After buying some items, we were happy to find out that their bistro was open, but only for take-away!

 We walked to the Doha  Festival City; it was nearly ten pm. They are open until eleven, not the shops though. They were closing in front of us. Some restaurants and cafes were still open; however, all of them were full . Everybody was turned down. By this time  the  huge mall was filled of frustrated  whirling crowds    .  No shopping , no eating , no way to relax ! 

 By this time our feet were aching, and we were hungry. Luckily, outside there were lots of taxis to take us back home.

   It was a good kind of exercise . Leave your high-heels at home and wear your training shoes! Unless you wish to relax or eat in, in which case you must arrive much earlier  than we did ! 

 I  see that the reopening  should be gradual  yet there is one thing I do not understand .   Why it is not considered that  allowing more places to reopen  would result in better distribution of people  inside  the mall  . Social distancing would be easier  to practice !

UPDATE 
 Returning to the mall after one week was much better experience . Amazing ! Like someone read my blog and my complains were heard .
 We managed to get to the IKEA restaurant . The cashier told me that they were allowed only 30 % of occupancy but they turn very few people down in the mornings and early afternoons .  More cafes and restaurants were open and more seats were placed on public areas .
 Then I found a lots of "great prices "  when shopping around .That made me feel I might return SOON.

 

Wednesday, July 29, 2020

Where will you dine out this August - Doha reopens restaurants



Ready to dine at your one and only mall of choice? Here's the list that you've been waiting for. Starting from 28th...
Posted by Doha Festival City on Monday, 27 July 2020

Are you #drooling yet? 🤤... Swipe to reveal the mouth-watering list of restaurants that you've been waiting for!
Dine-In...
Posted by Tawar Mall on Monday, 27 July 2020

استمتع بنكهات شهية لا تحصى في #إزدان_مول_الغرافة✨

قائمة المطاعم والمقاهي الجاهزة لاستقبالكم:
Zaoq, Royal Tandoor,...
Posted by ‎Ezdan Mall - إزدان مول‎ on Tuesday, 28 July 2020

The wait is over! All of your favourite restaurants at Mirqab Mall are now open for dining! Enjoy a meal from Abd El...
Posted by Mirqab Mall on Monday, 27 July 2020

Tuesday, July 28, 2020

Katara to unveil mural


Wednesday, July 22, 2020

Al Ryum gateway monument - Lusail marina

Monday, July 20, 2020

Khaki apron for coffee baristas

But First Coffee - funny quote Adult Apron


But First Coffee - funny quote Adult Apron

by lumirala

Khaki apron with some design featuring a graphic coffee mug with a funny coffee quote : " But first coffee" - it comes with fun typography . Great for professional / amateur coffee baristas . From the store of lumirala .

Ralph Lauren mobile coffee bar makes its debut in Doha

Sunday, July 19, 2020

Qatar Airways will not resume flying the A380 until demand returns

weather today - 20 July 2020

Sunday, July 05, 2020

Qatar further eases restrictions in pictures


Al Waznah Al Shaqab won Silver Medal and The Best Arabian Types in Menton, France


Wednesday, July 01, 2020

all maritime vessels to sail starting from today


Monday, June 29, 2020

Museum of Illusions Doha - Hello.Again.From 1st of July !


Katara to open some beaches for visitors from July 1


Meshwar & Novel Competition - weekly prizes


Sunday, June 28, 2020

HMC’s Blood Donor Center is in urgent need of all blood types


HMC performs the world’s unprecedented surgery -


Qetaifan Island - water-theme park coming up near Doha

Olympic and Sports Museum to Open in in Khalifa International Stadium

Friday, June 26, 2020

A Falcon’s Eye - AMAZING Exhibition - MIA QATAR

Monday, June 22, 2020

MIA and other Museums reopen from July 1




Qatar Museums (QM) will reopen a number of its museums and heritage sites to the public on 1 July 2020 in accordance with recommendations from the Ministry of Public Health.

The following locations look forward to welcoming you from 1 July:


Museum of Islamic Art
Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art
Garage Gallery at the Doha Fire Station
Al Zubarah
Al Jassasiya
Barzan Towers

Open Sunday - Thursday, 9am to 3pm.

You will be required to reserve tickets in advance on the QM website and must present a “green” health status on the Ehteraz virus-tracing app. Temperature checks will take place at the entrances and visitors aged 12 and above will be required to wear face masks.  Hand sanitiser stations and safe distance signage will be placed throughout the location for your use.

Please not -  these facilites remain closed : QM’s playgrounds, libraries, and parks (including MIA Park)

Thursday, June 18, 2020

Education City Stadium for Qatar 2022



Monday, June 15, 2020

Repatriated passengers - 5442 - from Qatar to India

Malls reopen today - initial stage



  Sunday to Thursday - From 8 AM to 8 PM
   Friday to Saturday - Closed




For your safety, please be informed that all mall visitors are required to present their Ehteraz Green Tag before entering the mall.

All mall visitors are requested to continue adhering to health and safety guidelines.

Sunday, June 14, 2020

Where shall we walk from June 15 2020 ?



 In Phase 1, the MME will open eight
parks from 4am until 9am and from
4pm until 10pm daily.  


 Al Wakra Public Park, Al Khor Park, Al
Qutaifiyah Park 66, Al Shamal City Park,
Al Sailiya Park (Abu Nakhla), Al Dafna

Park, Museum Park and Al Rayyan Park

Wednesday, June 10, 2020

Tuesday, June 09, 2020

Earthquake M4.0 in South Iran - tremors in Qatar

Monday, June 08, 2020

Gradual lifting of restrictions begins June 15


  It is very dissapointing .
 And many things are not clear .

  Residents can return  from August  with the condition that they spend two weeks in a isolation hotel .They have to pay for it .

 CLARIFICATION : HE AlKhater said whoever travels outside Doha now will have to - upon returning to Doha - go for hotel quarantine at his/her own expense, stressing that it is not recommended to travel at this stage except for the most urgent necessity only, the official Qatar News Agency (QNA) reported.
___________________

Health clubs can only open from  August . We got a yearly memberhsip - if they open only in August it means we lost  5 months . And there is no sign that we could get compensation .

______________________

 Metros will be closed until September . :(  : ( : (

  At the end of April we read that the lifting of restrictions will be within one month gradually  what I expected was that most things repopen  by mid - July .

NOT CLEAR THINGS

"Trips outside Qatar in cases of extreme necessity and everyone who returns to Doha will be subjected to hotel quarantine on their personal expense for full two weeks."


 Is it about the Qatari citizens ?  I thought residents were free to go out .
 How much does  the  hotel quarantine cost ?  What is extreme necesseity ? 
CLARIFICATION  it is not recommended to travel at this stage 
 - BUT if I understand it well - it is not forbidden 

 It is not about me first of all ! It is about my kids . No metro , no library - some parks in 46 C or more . No swimming .  Everything is  !No - no -no !

 At the same time we see that Europe reopens - neighbouring countries reopen . Qatar  remains very strict .

 read more

COVID-19 measures -working hours sport vehicles

Ooreedoo Qatar partnered with Netflix

Sunday, June 07, 2020

we ought in common to fight the foes of ignorance and wrong - quote by Barkla

Saturday, June 06, 2020

fraudsters are using the Coronavirus situation - do not share your personal details

Friday, June 05, 2020

artwork by Guillaume Rousere - at Msheireb station

To commemorate the blockade of Qatar - 2 new sculptures unveiled

Thursday, June 04, 2020

Sidra Hospital supports birthing room with fathers

46 C expected today in Doha - strong winds

Wednesday, June 03, 2020

Small Fire at Carrefour bakery in Villaggio mall

Luckily nobody is hurt .

Fire there brings back terrible memories . I hope nothing similar will ever happen .

Tuesday, June 02, 2020

Shopping only with smart phone in Qatar - show you green status on 'Ehteraz App'


 Now how do I feel about it ?

 Terrible  .

 For many reasons a lots of people may not have a mobile / can not download the app  - it is linked to Qatari ID . Visitors / illegal  workers / people who can not afford a mobile  / people  who can not handle a smart phone  are all excluded from shopping personally now .



 For a large crowd in Qatar there is only the online shopping now . It is unpredictable - many supermarket shows " busy " all the day  or you have to wait  the whole day for your grocery would arrive .


 Nobody will die of hunger because the small shops " dukhans " deliver quickly - you can order by phone . But their selection of food is poor .  I am sad when thinking about  all this situation here .

900m new bridge on Sabah Al Ahmad Corridor in Bu Hamour - Qatar

2020 FM Global Resilience Index - GCC and nearby areas

The 2020 FM Global Resilience Index provides a strong indication of how a country’s business environment may fare during the recovery  phase, and how quickly organisations in that country might be able to bounce back from the economic damage caused by Covid-19.
 130 countries were  on the list   and Norway got the best score  . Haiti , Venezuala and  Ethiopia are at the end of the list . Not every country was listed !



QATAR
SCORE:81 RANK:27

EMIRATES
SCORE:74.2 RANK:33

SAUDI ARABIA
SCORE:56.9 RANK:54

OMAN
SCORE:53.3 RANK:57

INDIA
SCORE:53 RANK: 58

TURKEY
SCORE:52.6 RANK:60

Online Chess Club

Martin Luther King - Nobel Prize 1964 for his campaign against racism

Qatar Airways 250+aircraft - numbers in Qatar

Monday, June 01, 2020

Flood in Oman and Yemen








Earthquakes in Iran - tremors nearby


 June 1  - it was about 400 km far from us  -at  least as I estimated

__________________



Takht, Hormozgan June 1 - close to the UAE


__________________




Mahmeleh, Fars (Iran) 30 May 22:55 UTC
____________________


Friday, May 22, 2020

EHTERAZ mobile app -mandatory when going out - May 22 2020



So these latest measures came  unexpected . Though I try to follow the news about the COVID-19 virus it came as a shock .
 Why ?
I am someone who is personally against the smartphone . I never wanted any . Because of this tracking system . It is humiliating for me  that I can be tracked  by anyone  after this .
But now I am forced to buy one of I want to go out .
Staying at home is not an option for me .

 And it works only for the citizens and residents . For those who have got  legal Qatar ID  . But the virus is spreading not only among the visitors   but    among those who do not have legal ID   .

 I would not mind  this system if it came with  benefits of opening the parks /school -even is only restricted numbers are allowed daily .Our kids are locked like prisoners .

In South-Korea where this  system was introduces schools were not closed  but restricted to small groups .





Wednesday, May 20, 2020

wearing facemasks compulsory in Qatar - restrictions on number of passengers in vehicules





“Alone / Together” Online Chess Tournament.



Qatar Chess Association in collaboration with Abdullah Abdulghani & Bros. Co. (AAB), invites you and all chess enthusiasts to join and participate in the “Alone / Together” Online Chess Tournament.
The tournament will be a 36 rounds/Swiss System of Bullet Chess,which will be played on http://Lichess.org starting at: 9:00 PM Qatar Time, Friday, 22nd May 2020. The Player who gets the most points after 36
rounds of play will be declared the Winner. Registration link: https://lichess.org/swiss/MCqTeXcA

For more information: 30006260

Friday, May 15, 2020

you can change your destination within 5,000 miles - QA

Tuesday, May 12, 2020

2020 the year of the nurse and midwife - designated by the WHO



 We celebrate the 28 million nurses and 2 million midwives who make up half of the global health workforce

IOM - UN Migration - International Nurses Day video

expat Qatar