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News about the reopening of Qatar’s Palm Island years after it was closed has circulated online. Authorities in Qatar are said to be constructing a floating bridge or ‘pylons’ connecting Doha’s corniche to the Palm Island, according to local Al Arab newspaper. The plans were revealed by the Yousef Al-Emadi, the director of projects affairs at the Public Works Authority, more commonly known as Ashghal. The project is set to be the first step towards reopening Palm Island, which appears to be part of developmental projects in preparation for the World Cup next year. The island is expected to include projects designed to attract tourists as well as FIFA fans that are expected to visit the Gulf state in 2022 on the date of the long-awaited tournament. Initial news suggesting the restoration of Qatar’s deserted Palm Island surfaced earlier this week after the Ashghal published a tender on its website for the design, build, and dismantling of bridges of the island. The official said there are several options for building the bridge that include a floating structure or one that rests on columns. “The island will witness an unprecedented development characterised by an exceptional location unmatched to any similar projects in the region,” he said. Despite its small size, Al-Emadi said the island is considered the most attractive spot for its access to beaches, noting its unique location overlooking Doha’s corniche. Qatar’s Palm Island boasts an abundance of palm trees, which makes it a greenery hotspot in the middle of the water, suitable for relaxation, breathing fresh air and distancing from the noisy city. It is located in the middle of the Gulf waters, and is about 5 minutes away (by boat) from Doha’s corniche. The project will provide activities for families and children, and will offer a shallow pond, public parks, horse riding and water games. Previously, the island boasted restaurants serving a variety of cuisines as well as a resort, in addition to many cafes and cafeterias. Residents regularly visited Palm Island, situated just off the banks of Doha’s corniche, using a dhow boat that transported visitors to the island. In 2002, the small Palm Island held the torch relay for the 14th Asian Games that took place in South Korea, before it was later hosted in Qatar in 2006. Until now, the reason behind its closure remains unclear, but the island remains a crucial part of the lives of those who grew up in Qatar.

The Pink Supermoon illuminated the skies in Qatar as everywhere else in the world on the eves of April 26 and 27 this year. It was an astronomical event that occurs when the moon is at its perigee, or the point in its elliptical orbit at which it is closest to the Earth, where the moon was 357 thousand kilometres away from earth. Qatar National Tourism Council (QNTC), with the astro-photographer Vinay Swaroop Balla, captured amazing photos of the pink moon from the top of the Torch Tower and many other iconic towers in Doha to mark the beauty of the scene. Coinciding with this astronomical phenomenon, QNTC launched new astro-tourism experiences in collaboration with its partners in the private sector, to shed light on the hidden gems of natural and heritage sites in the country. These include activities such as a moon-lit camel safari and stargazing in the desert with an astronomer guide, safari trips and BBQ dinner banquets by the campfire in in Qatar’s unique natural wonders which boast a wonderful panoramic view. A bespoke range of these newly launched "Arabian Nights" packages is expected to attract travellers and visitors from around the world, with the expected gradual return of the global travel and tourism, with the aim to strengthen Qatar's position as a preferred tourist destination in the Middle East.

With gyms shutting down and increased levels of fatigue after breaking Ramadan fasts, maintaining physical fitness has become quite a challenge. News of yet more precautionary measures and restrictions may have placed a downer on your plans to keep active, or even your general mental health. This may have exacerbated even more with hours-long fasts during the holy month of Ramadan. Walking is a great way to help you destress while getting your much-needed daily steps, and here in Qatar, there are plenty of open spaces that allow you for you to do so without putting yourself or anyone else at risk. We gathered a list of five of our favourite walking spots in Doha for you to consider on your next walk. Remember, always wear a mask that covers both your mouth and nose, and keep a safe distance away from any other pedestrians. 5/6 Park Located in Onaiza between West Bay and Katara, the fairly new 5/6 park spans 172,000 square meters and has a 1.4 jogging track as well as a 1.1 km bicycle lane. The park is known for its iconic green maze that is designed to resemble Qatar’s map, with entrances and exists named after cities in the country. Read also: How to prepare for the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan It is also features Qatari artists including Fahad Al Hajri’s ‘Symbol of Resilience’ [Sumood] which was inspired by the illegal 2017 blockade on Qatar. The park itself takes its name from the date of the embargo – June 5th. Katara Hills Located minutes away from 5/6 Park and beautifully nestled away in the cultural village is Katara Hills Park – a perfect spot for those who enjoy more inclined walking and a breathtaking view of the city. The park is located on top of a hill that is accessible via steps. Once you’re up there, you’ll find ample open green space as well as a walking/running track that circles the entire area. Aside from being a great space to walk, it’s also one of the most relaxing and ideal places to watch Qatar’s sunsets. Marina, Lusail The great thing about the newly-built Lusail City is its expanded landscape. Lusail Marina, or Lusail Promenade, spans over 140,000m2 and gives you at least 1-2 hours worth of walking time. The beautiful corniche gives you full view of the sea as well as the modern skyrise towers of Lusail Marina. Plenty of benches are available for when you need a rest and food or drinks are easily available from kiosks around the walkway as well as the Marina Food Arena. Al Bidda Park/Corniche Built in 1996 and formerly known as Al Rumaila Park, Al Bidda Park remains as a key location for families. It’s located in West Bay, minutes away from Qatar’s infamous Corniche where you can see Doha’s skyline. Starting from the iconic Sheraton hotel and crossing the city to the Museum of Islamic Art, the Corniche is also a great place to walk. It runs for a length of 7km, which means a two-way trip will most definitely help you unwind and hit your 10,000 daily steps goal. Aspire Park Far from Doha’s skyline, Aspire Park continues to stand as an ideal walking spot for resident in Qatar. Located in Aspire Zone, the 880,000 square meters park has plenty of running and walking tracks, beautiful green spaces and a lake that you can sit by when you need to take a break.

As part of its continued commitment to sustainability and the environment, Qatar Rail is pleased to announce a new Green Metro commitment, in partnership with the Ministry of Municipality and Environment (MME) to celebrate and raise awareness to environmental matters on World Earth Day 2021. Through this exciting Green initiative, Doha Metro will plant a tree for every 5 Million customer journeys taken on the metro until World Earth Day 2030. The tree planting initiative seeks to raise the awareness of environmental sustainability, planting trees, and preserving the planet. The trees will provide a visual reflection of the metro’s success in growing ridership and providing greener journeys for all. This move reaffirms Qatar Rail’s commitment and contributions to a sustainable future, and will help create a green space legacy for all. These trees will become a visual representation of our inputs to the environmental sustainability agenda, for both this and future generations to come. Doha Metro’s state-of-the art design contributes to greener journeys and supports the nation’s development in line with the Qatar National Vision 2030. The metro runs paperless tickets and works regularly with partners to support and promote environmental initiatives in Qatar, in addition to reducing in the number of journeys made by road, reducing carbon emissions. Doha Metro is the backbone of Qatar’s integrated public transport system, promoting the use of public transport in the country, and serves as a key contributor in the accomplishment of the Qatar National Vision 2030.

Ramadan is right here and we have rounded up a few picks for you to order Iftar and Suhoor from, so you can celebrate the spirit of the Holy Month with your loved ones, in the comfort of your home. 1. InterContinental Doha – the City Mark this exceptional time of the year with a delightful experience at your home with InterContinental Doha. The menu include Chicken Majboos, Lamb Kabsa, Grilled Shrimps, Beef Lasagna, traditional desserts, and more, so the Iftar box can be personalised to your liking. Iftar Feast Box: 139 QR For orders & delivery call: +974 70218803 2. La Cigale Hotel Doha Celebrate the Holy Month of Ramadan with special catering offers from La Cigale Hotel Doha. Iftar: Takeaway Iftar Meal: 95 QR per person Takeaway Iftar Family: 555 QR for 4 persons Suhoor: Takeaway Suhoor Meal: 85 QR per person For orders call: +974 4428 8604 3. Sheraton Grand Doha Resort & Convention Hotel Bring home delicious Mediterranean meals and top-rated Ramadan favorites with Sheraton Grand Iftar menu, carefully prepared by our professional Chefs. Available for takeaway and delivery (via snoonu only). Ramadan Hampers: Deluxe Hamper: 99 QR Premium Hamper: 149 QR Grand Hamper: 249 QR Ramadan Weyakum by Sheraton: Set Menu: 400 QR (serves 2 people) Iftar-on-the-go Corporate Meal Boxes Iftar Box: 115 QR (serves 1 person) For orders call: +974 4485 3000 4. W Doha Bring the spirit of Ramadan home and order the most delightful dishes from W Doha. W2GO Ramadan Sharing Boxes: Mezze Box for 160 QR (serves 2) Dessert Box for 185 QR (serves 2) Delivery available from 12 PM to 1 AM. The minimum order is 350 QR. For orders call: +974 4453 5135 or WhatsApp: 7794 3975 5. Sharq Village & Spa, a Ritz-Carlton Hotel Order in a box filled with deliciousness this year, and celebrate the holy month of Ramadan with your family and loved ones in the comfort of your home. The boxes are filled with goodies including dates, lentil or chicken soup, mixed grills and date pudding. Boxes: Regular box: 99 QR (serves 1 person) Deluxe box: 199 QR (serves 1 person) You will need to book 48 hours in advance if you want to treat yourself. For orders call: +974 5594 8326 6. Alwadi Hotel Doha – MGallery Celebrate with your loved ones at the comfort of your home with Alwadi’s signature Iftar and Suhoor set menu, prepared by team of passionate culinarians, delivered to your doorstep or available as take away, only for 180 QR and 165 QR. For booking & orders call: +974 4009 9999/+974 4008 8888. 7. Centara West Bay Hotel & Residences Doha Make this Ramadan more special with your loved ones at the comfort of you home with Caprice’s special take away options. Iftar Boxes: Iftar Silver: 149 QR (serves 2 people) Iftar Gold: 199 QR (serves 2 people) Iftar Platinum: 249 QR (serves 2 people) Available for home delivery and hotel drive-thru from 12 PM to 9PM. For orders call: +974 4009 5530 or WhatsApp +974 3001 5360 8. Dusit Doha Hotel Share the joy this Ramadan at home with a blend of exotic flavours from Dusit Doha special Iftar menu that includes a selection of International & Middle Eastern specialties to tickle your taste buds. Iftar offers: For 179 QR (serves 1 person): 1 Soup, 2 cold Mezzeh, 2 hot Mezzeh, 1 Main Course, 2 Desserts including Dates, Dried Apricots, Laban & Jallab. 210 QR (serves 1 person): 1 Soup, 2 cold Mezzeh, 2 hot Mezzeh, 1 Main Course, 2 Desserts including Dates, Dried Apricots, Laban & Jallab. For orders call: +974 4004 4444 or WhatsApp: +974 3129 7415 9. Arguelina Lounge To celebrate the spirit of Ramadan, there are plenty of great options on Arguelina’s Ramadan menu this year, ranging from a simple meal with chicken shawarma, lentil soup and dates to a family feast with the addition of fattoush, mezze, and mains of mixed grill or chicken machboos. Ramadan Menus: Menu 1: 159 QR Menu 2: 210 QR Takeaway available from 5 PM to 9 PM. You need to place your order 24 hours in advance. You can order through Talabat. For orders call: +974 5031 5734 10. Park Hyatt Doha Whether you are planning an intimate Iftar or to enjoy a traditional family-style Suhoor in the comfort of your home, the Chefs at Park Hyatt Doha got you covered. Enjoy a wide variety of Qatari, French, Mediterranean and Japanese cuisines. View menu on HyattRestaurants.com, Opus Menugram (@opusmenugram) or Sora Menugram (@soramenugram). Available from 12 PM to 12 AM. You can order through Talabat. For orders call or Whatsapp: +974 3158 7940

The Prime Minister and Minister of Interior H E Sheikh Khalid bin Khalifa bin Abdulaziz Al Thani chaired the regular Cabinet meeting this afternoon through video conferencing. At the meeting, Cabinet decided to reimpose further measures due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The new decision will be effective from Friday, April 9, 2021, until further notice. The decisions include reducing employees in public and private companies to 50 percent, closing museums, libraries, nurseries, not allowing gatherings in public parks and corniche, only 5 vaccinated people allowed to gather in open spaces. After reviewing the report of the Supreme Committee for Crisis Management regarding the plan to re-impose restrictions due to the Corona pandemic, and for the sake of health And the safety of all members of society, Cabinet decided the following: 1- Reducing the number of employees present at the workplace in government agencies to 50% of the total number of employees in each entity and the rest of the employees to work remotely from their homes or on request, according to the circumstances, with the exception of the military, security and health sectors. 2 - Reducing the number of workers present at the workplace in the private sector to 50% of the total number of employees in each office, and the rest of the workers work remotely from their homes, and the Ministry of Trade and Industry, in coordination with the concerned authorities, to determine the necessary activities that are excluded from this decision. 3 - All meetings that are held for employees and workers in the government and private sectors present at their place of work (remotely) shall be using modern technical means, and in case this is not possible, and in cases of necessity, the meeting shall be held with not more than 5 persons, taking into account precautionary measures. 4- Continuing work to compel all citizens and residents on leaving the house for any reason to wear masks, unless the person is alone while driving the vehicle or with his family. 5 - Continued work to oblige all citizens and residents to activate the (EHTERAZ) application on smartphones when leaving the house for any reason. 6- Continuing to open mosques to perform daily duties and Friday prayers, provided that Tarawih prayers are performed during the blessed month of Ramadan in homes, and children under 12 years old are not allowed to enter, while adhering to the precautionary measures set by the Ministry of Public Health and the Ministry of Endowments and Islamic Affairs, with the continued closure of toilets and ablution facilities. 7 - Preventing social gatherings and visits in closed places in homes and majlis. Allowing the presence of a maximum of 5 people in open places who have completed the doses of the Covid-19 vaccine. 8 - The continued permission for family members residing in the same house only in winter camps. 9 - Continued to with decision not to allow weddings indoors or outdoors. 10 - Gatherings or sitting are not allowed in public parks, beaches and the corniche. Individual sports such as walking, jogging and cycling are allowed, while continuing to close playgrounds and sports equipment in those places. 11 - Continuing work to oblige all citizens and residents when leaving and moving for any reason that no more than four people are in the vehicle, including the driver of the vehicle, with the exception of family members residing in the same house when leaving and moving in vehicles. 12- Continuation of work on what has been decided to reduce the number of people who are transported by buses to half the bus’s capacity, while taking precautions and precautionary measures. 13- Reducing the capacity of metro services to 20%, stopping the operation of these services on Fridays and Saturdays every week, and reducing the capacity of public transport services 20% with stopping the operation of these services in some lines and stopping these services on Fridays and Saturdays every week, closure of places designated for smoking and not allowing food and drink to be consumed in the aforementioned transport. 14- Driving schools continue to be closed. 15- Closing cinemas theaters. 16- Continuing to allow private educational centers and training centers to provide their services through remote communication programmes only. 17- Closing nurseries 18 - Closing public museums and libraries. 19 - Continuing to allow individual educational sessions to be held in centers designated for people with special needs, while adhering to special requirements set by the Ministry of Public Health. 20 - Continuing not to allow the training of sports teams, whether indoors or outdoors, with the exception of preparatory training for local and international tournaments approved by the Ministry of Public Health. 21- Obtaining prior approval from the Ministry of Public Health to organize local and international sporting events. 22- Postponing all conferences, exhibitions and events. 23- Continuing with decision to allow capacity of malls to not exceeding 30% and not allowing children under 16 years old to enter and closing all prayer rooms and changing rooms in these complexes, with the continued closure of all food courts inside malls and allowing these restaurants to serve delivery and take out. 24- Not to allow restaurants and cafes to serve food and drinks in open or closed places and to allow them to offer foods and drinks through take-out and delivery only. 25- The continued suspension of the rental services of boats, tourist yachts and pleasure boats, with the exception of rental services for family members residing in the same house, and owners of boats and personal yachts are obligated, in the event that they are used, that other than the family members residing in the same house are not present on board or the presence of 5 people with a maximum of 5 from non-family members, provided that they have completed the doses of the Covid-19 vaccine. 26- The traditional souqs markets continue to operate with a capacity not exceeding 30%, and children under 16 years old are not allowed to enter, with these markets being closed on Friday and Saturday of every week. 27- The continued operation of wholesale markets with a capacity not exceeding 30%, and children under 16 years old are not allowed to enter. 28- Closing beauty and hair salons 29- Amusement parks and all entertainment centers continue to be closed. 30- The continued closure of health clubs and physical training clubs, the stopping of massage services, saunas, steam rooms, Jacuzzi services, and Moroccan and Turkish baths. 31- The continued closure of all swimming pools and water parks. 32- Continuing to stop providing medical services in private health facilities, except in emergency cases, and allowing any of these facilities to provide some of their medical services that can be provided through modern means of communication. 33- Not to allow cleaning and hospitality companies to provide their services during working hours to the establishments contracting with them, to allow their services to be provided with a full capacity outside the working hours of those establishments, and to allow the provision of their services at home by one person only while adhering to the special requirements set by the Ministry of Public Health in coordination with the Ministry trade and Industry. Second: In this regard, adherence to health requirements, procedures, precautionary measures and controls determined by the Ministry of Public Health. Third: The Ministry of Interior, the Ministry of Public Health, the Ministry of Trade and Industry and other government agencies, each in its own jurisdiction, shall take the necessary measures in this regard, to ensure compliance with health requirements, procedures, and prescribed precautionary measures. Fourth: These decisions shall be effective as of Friday 9/4/2021, until further notice. The Council noted the measures that have been taken regarding the adoption of the distance education system, the suspension of student attendance in all public and private universities, schools and kindergartens, and the continuation of the current travel and return policy to the State of Qatar.

Nasser Bin Khaled Automobiles, the authorized general distributor of Mercedes-Benz in Qatar, is offering Mercedes-Benz cars’ owners the chance to check the readiness of their cars’ air conditioning systems before the real heat of summer. Valid until 24 April 2021, the offer includes AC system check and replacement of filter to preserve the level of air quality in the cabin by professional certified technicians. In addition, customers will get a discount voucher on genuine parts when conducting their cars’ AC system check-up. HE Sheikh Faleh Bin Nawaf Al Thani, Managing Director, Auto, NBK Holding said: “Nasser Bin Khaled Automobiles continues to present the best offers and after sales services to our valued customers in Qatar. We consider customers’ satisfaction is our top priority and we value each and every one of our vehicle owners. As summer is around the corner, we encourage Mercedes-Benz owners to check how efficient is their air conditioning system to have the perfect experience while driving”. NBK Automobiles offers an assortment of services in its customer service workshop in Industrial area & Express Service centers in Al Gharrafa & Al Mana petrol station. Customers can book an appointment by calling 4496 0000. Nasser Bin Khaled Automobiles has built its success by establishing solid, longstanding relationships with its customers, and by offering a wide range of quality products. As a brand name, Nasser Bin Khaled Automobiles is deeply associated with a history of premium quality service and market leadership. Established in 1957, Nasser Bin Khaled Automobiles is Qatar’s exclusive distributor of three of the world’s most respected, iconic brands: Mercedes-Maybach, Mercedes-Benz and Mercedes-AMG.

The Supervisory Committee of Beautification of Roads and Public Places in Qatar today announced the launch of the West Bay North Beach Project in Doha Downtown Providing 6 Beaches for hotels surrounding West Bay to enhance tourism. • Project includes restaurants, cafes, play areas and services • Pedestrian lanes and cycling tracks along 2 kilometres • 100 bicycle parking points provided • The first phase of the project to be delivered while the second phase will be announced later The project was announced through a web conference with the participation of all major stakeholders from the public and private sectors in Qatar. The West Bay North Beach project is located along the business district in Doha, 10 minutes away from West Bay Metro Station and adjacent to a number of leading shopping outlets, parks and hotels. As part of the first phase, 6 beaches will be delivered for hotels surrounding West Bay to enhance tourism, while the second phase will be announced at a later stage. The project will add a unique entertainment destination for families and tourists in Qatar to enjoy excellent services and to practice diverse activities in a single destination. The project is expected to become a prominent new tourist attraction in Qatar. Eng. Mohammad Arqoub Al Khaldi, Chairman of the Supervisory Committee of Beautification of Roads and Public Places in Qatar elaborated on the project, saying, “Through this project, the Committee aims to provide a unique tourist destination in Doha Downtown, creating a connected network of public and commercial activities in the area, while linking it with the surrounding areas through public transportation network, pedestrian paths and cycling lanes from Corniche down to Lusail.” Eng. Al Khaldi explained that the project is part of Qatar National Vision 2030, as it includes a beach dedicated to swimming, a park for sports activities, and a celebration area to be used as fan zone during hosting of FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022. Eng. Jasmine Al Sheikh, Project Design Manager at the Committee, explained that the beach is connected to two main streets that include many hotels, some of which do not have beach access. Thus, visitors of these hotels and people visiting the area will be able to enjoy beach services through West Bay North beach project, as it provides public transport service to and from the beach through 36 stations, where buses will shuffle every 12 minutes from 6 am to 9 pm every day. The beach project began in August 2020 and is scheduled to open for public in August 2022. One Public Beach and 12 Private Beaches West Bay North Beach project combines a public beach and 12 private beaches operated by a number of hotels in one location on an area of 60,200 square meters, along 1.5 kilometers. The total length of the sandy beach is 1.2 kilometres and it is divided into three main parts, including designated places for practicing beach and marine sports, and beach bath areas. All beaches also include direct entrances to many restaurants and service kiosks, including changing rooms and shower facilities. Cafes, Play Areas and Services West Bay North Beach project is characterised by the presence of three service buildings and nine open plazas. The project also provides cafes distributed on the beaches with a unique and modern design, with an outdoor space that overlooks the beach. Within each service building there are toilets, changing rooms, separate prayer rooms for men and women and showers to serve the restaurants and beach visitors. The project also includes children's play areas, and beach play areas such as volleyball and beach soccer. The distinctive design lighting network and quiet night lighting is supported by advanced technology including surveillance cameras and Wi-Fi transmitters to ensure safety among other features of the project. Parking for Cars and Bicycles Multiple parking spaces have been allocated to serve the beach area and the park, in addition to developing the internal surrounding streets. Thus, internal parking spaces are provided to serve the entire area with a capacity of 900 parking spaces, in addition to 305 parking spaces along the service road to serve the beach goers as well as residents of the area. There are 60 parking spots for bicycles, in addition to 35 parking spots for people with special needs. Tracks for Sports and Jogging West Bay North Beach project provides visitors with facilities to practice walking, jogging or cycling through pedestrian and cycling paths along 2km. 100 cycle parking racks will be provided along this route, in addition to shaded paths with natural plantation and green spaces. Additionally, the beach is provided with a walkway of 1.5 km length and 8 meters width, including rest areas to sit and enjoy the landscape, while connecting it directly with restaurants, shower facilities and changing rooms.

Qatar Petroleum (QP) has announced that it will not be renewing the Qatargas Liquefied Natural Gas Company Limited (QG1) joint venture upon the expiry of the relevant agreements on December 31, 2021. Consequently, QP will become the sole owner of 100 percent of the QG1 assets and facilities on January 1, 2022. Established in 1984, QG1 is a joint venture between QP and affiliates of Total, ExxonMobil, Marubeni and Mitsui. QG1 was the pioneering LNG project to be developed in Qatar, whose success has paved the way for the development of Qatar’s LNG industry, leading to where it stands today. Commenting on this announcement, His Excellency the Minister of State for Energy Affairs and the President and CEO of QP, Saad Sherida Al-Kaabi said, “The takeover by Qatar Petroleum will conclude more than 25 years of successful operations of QG1, from which the first-ever Qatari LNG cargo was exported.” “This is a momentous event that highlights Qatar Petroleum’s efforts to further enhance the utilization of our natural resources for the benefit of our country and its current and future generations as well as to continue serving the world’s need for cleaner energy,” he added. With a production capacity of approximately 10 million tons per annum of LNG, QG1 facilities will continue to be operated by Qatargas on behalf of QP and will play an important role in supplying LNG to the world’s markets in a safe and reliable manner.

Ministry of Public Health (MOPH) has lowered the age threshold for COVID-19 vaccine eligibility to 40 years of age. “The change comes as part of the phased roll-out of the National COVID-19 Vaccination Programme,” HMC tweeted. The age threshold till now was 50 years and above. Currently, the Pfizer vaccine can be given to people aged 16 years and older while Moderna’s is for use in those 18 and older. The availability of Moderna vaccines, along with the Pfizer and BioNTech vaccines, has enabled the expansion of the vaccination program in Qatar and, as both types of vaccine are suitable for all priority groups, those receiving vaccines are not offered a preference. You may register your interest in receiving the Covid-19 vaccine via the MOPH website, and you will then be contacted when it’s your turn to have the vaccine.

Hamad Medical Corporation will introduce a new parking system on its Hamad Bin Khalifa Medical City campus in Doha. The new policy means that from Thursday April 1, 2021 patients and visitors will have access to three hours of free parking at all hospitals and facilities within Hamad Bin Khalifa Medical City. After the first three hours, patients and visitors will be charged QR15 for one additional hour and then QR5 per hour thereafter. The maximum charge per day is QR70. Special exemptions will be given to patients undergoing chemotherapy and dialysis. HMC’s Chief of Healthcare Facilities and Acting Chief of Business Services Hamad Al Khalifa said as the facilities and services offered by the Corporation continue to grow, so does the need to ensure safe and convenient parking for patients and visitors. “Qatar’s population has grown significantly in recent years and this is putting pressure on car parking spaces due to the increasing number of patients being treated at HMC. Additionally, we have opened four new hospitals on our Doha campus since 2016 and this has led to an increase in demand on parking spaces due to more services being operated,” Al Khalifa said. “The introduction of a paid parking system at HMC will ensure that patients and visitors have access to adequate and convenient parking when and where they need it. Our research shows that most of hospital visits last less than three hours, so the vast majority of patients and visitors will not have to pay for parking – the first three hours are free of charge.” Al Khalifa said the new fees are set by the Ministry of Finance and are in line with other paid parking facilities in Qatar. When a patient or visitor enters a paid parking zone, they will collect a ticket from the machine at the entrance to the parking facility. When they leave, they must visit one of the conveniently located machines to validate and, where applicable, pay the fee. “One of our main focuses has been to increase capacity for both public and staff parking areas. Since 2016, we have added 35 percent more capacity to our public parking areas and by establishing clear separation between public and staff parking areas we are able to ensure sufficient parking capacity for patients and visitors,” added Al Khalifa.

The Prime Minister and Minister of Interior H E Sheikh Khalid bin Khalifa bin Abdulaziz Al Thani chaired the regular Cabinet meeting this afternoon at its headquarters in the Amiri Diwan. At the meeting, Cabinet decided to reimpose further measures due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The new decision will be effective from Friday, March 26, 2021, until further notice. The decisions include stopping of gyms, not allowing kids under 12 into malls, reducing capacity in cinemas, museums, indoor restaurants, prevent social gatherings and visits in closed places like homes and Majlis and no more than 5 people in open places and also continuing with most of the other measures in force. After reviewing the report of the Supreme Committee for Crisis Management regarding the plan to re-impose restrictions due to the Covid-19 In the interest of the health and safety of all members of society, cabinet decided the following: First: 1- Continuing with the Cabinet decision, which requires that, depending on the need for work, no more than 80 percent of the total number of employees in the government sector working at their workplace, while the remaining number of employees work remotely from their homes or upon request, depending on the circumstances. 2 - Continuing the Cabinet decision, which requires that, depending on the need for work, no more than 80 percent of the total number of employees in the private sector working at their workplace, while the remaining number of them work remotely from their homes. 3 - For employees and workers in the government and private sectors to allow meetings to be held with the attendance of no more than 5 persons, and to adhere to procedures and precautionary measures. 4- All citizens and residents to continue wearing masks when leaving the house for any reason , unless the person is alone while driving the vehicle. 5 - All citizens and residents continue to activate EHTERAZ application on smartphones when leaving the house for any reason. 6 - Continuing the opening of Mosques for daily prayers and Friday prayers, while toilets and ablution facilities remain closed. 7 – Prevent social gatherings and visits in closed places like homes and Majlis and no more than 5 people in open places. 8 - Presence of family members residing in the same house only in winter camps. 9 - Not to hold weddings in closed and open spaces until further notice. 10 - Closure of playgrounds and exercise equipment in public parks, beaches and the corniche, with gatherings being restricted to family members residing in the same house or two people maximum. 11 - Continue with the decision of no more than four people allowed in a vehicle, including the driver of the vehicle, with the exception of families when leaving and moving in vehicles. 12- Continuation of what was decided to reduce the number of people who are transported by buses to half the bus capacity, while taking precautions and precautionary measures. 13 - Continuing to operate metro services and public transport with a capacity not exceeding 30% and to reduce the capacity on these services to 20% on Fridays and Saturdays taking into account closure of places designated for smoking and not allowing food and drink to be consumed in other ways. 14- Driving schools closed until further notice. 15- Continuing the work of cinemas and theaters with a capacity not exceeding 20% and not allowing entry to persons under 18 years old and not organize theatrical performances except after obtaining the approval of the Ministry of Public Health. 16 - Allowing private educational centers and training centers to provide services online only. 17- Continuing the work of nurseries and childcare facilities with a capacity not exceeding 30%. 18- Reducing the capacity of public museums and libraries to 30%. 19- Continuing to allow individual educational sessions to be held in centers designated for people with special needs. 20- Not to allow the training of sports teams, whether in closed or open spaces, with the exception of preparatory training for local and international tournaments approved for teams within the bubble system. 21- Obtaining prior approval from the Ministry of Public Health to organize local and international sporting events. 22- Obtaining prior approval from the Ministry of Public Health to hold exhibitions, conferences and various events. 23- Reducing the capacity of commercial complexes to 30% and children under 12 years old are not allowed to enter. Closing all prayer areas in these complexes, with the closure of all food courts inside the commercial complexes and allowing these restaurants to make external orders or deliver them inside the restaurant only. 24 - Continuing to allow restaurants and cafes to serve food and drinks as per the following rules: A- Capacity not exceeding 15% for all indoor restaurants and cafes. B - A capacity that does not exceed 50% for restaurants and cafes that have a "Clean Qatar" program certificate and capacity that does not exceed 30% for the rest of the restaurants and cafes in open spaces. 25 - The continued suspension of rental services of boats, tourist yachts and pleasure boats, with the exception of rental services for family members residing in the same house, and owners of boats and personal yachts are obligated in the event that they are used only by family members residing in the same house. 26- Reducing the capacity of traditional markets to 30% and not allowing children under 12 years old to enter. 27- Continuing the functioning of wholesale markets with a capacity not exceeding 30% and children under 12 years are not allowed to enter. 28- Continuing the work of beauty and hair salons with a capacity not exceeding 30%. 29- Closure of amusement parks and all entertainment centers until further notice. 30- Closing gyms and physical training clubs, stopping massage services, saunas, steam rooms, Jacuzzi services, and Moroccan and Turkish baths until further notice, with the exception of using gyms in hotels for guests. 31- Close all swimming pools and water parks until further notice. 32- Reducing the capacity of private health care facilities to 70%. 33- Reducing the operational capacity of the services provided by cleaning and hospitality companies during the working hours of the establishments contracted with them to 30%, and allowing the provision of their services with a full capacity outside the working hours of those facilities, and allowing the provision of their services at home by one person only. Second: In this regard, adherence to health requirements, procedures, precautionary measures and controls determined by the Ministry of Public Health. Third: The Ministry of Interior, the Ministry of Public Health, the Ministry of Trade and Industry and other government agencies, each in its own jurisdiction, shall take the necessary measures in this regard, to ensure compliance with health requirements, procedures, and prescribed precautionary measures. Fourth: These decisions shall be effective as of Friday, 3/26/2021, until further notice.