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Source :By Alexandra Evangelista/ The Peninsula Online Ahead of the National Sports Day, "The Desert Roses" will attempt to make history as the first women to circumnavigate Qatar, on foot. Starting on Friday, the four female ultra-runners will begin camping by the roadside and take on the 500 kilometre distance by walking, jogging, and running around the periphery of the country in a period of five days (Feb 5-9). The Desert Roses, composed of Stephanie Innes-Smith and Isobel Bushell from the UK; Heather Lee from Canada; and Ross Ayuro from The Philippines, share a common passion for running. With a shared history on sporting activities and belonging to the same running community, the four women were able to establish a team that could try the record-breaking adventure in the country. The group’s goal does not simply end by completing the 500 kilometre distance. Much like the team's name, "The Desert Roses" also wants to highlight and encourage exploration in the country beyond Doha, its capital city. The challenge also serves a greater vision to inspire women and girls to engage in challenging, arduous outdoor activities. They also aim to raise the profile of female sporting competence in Qatar as well as to inspire amateur athletes to set ambitious and unconventional personal goals. In an interview with the Qabayan Radio, teacher and army reservist Stephanie Innes-Smith shared: "We certainly feel we're in a position where we're able to try and I think anyone can start small and build up and be committed to it." With two teachers in the same team, Isobel Bushell and Innes-Smith, their passion for sports and running also ties with their vision to lead the students they teach by setting as an example. Educational Psychologist Heather Lee and finance professional Ross Ayuro completes the team. "Our other message is to children, again you're never too young to start and you just get involved and get going. You never know, you might really like it," Innes-Smith added. Ahead of the journey, preparations and training are underway along with identifying inevitable challenges they might encounter such as food supply, weather conditions and the on-going pandemic. The quartet received overwhelming support from local sports communities, such as a Filipino cycling community and the Doha Bay Running Club (DBRC), who are willing to accompany the team and be of help along the journey. Bringing the community spirit ahead of the much-awaited Qatar National Sports Day on February 9, The Desert Roses have a few days to go to gear up and train for the historical record that could mark them as the first women to travel around Qatar, by foot. Also speaking to Qabayan Radio, Filipina expat Ayuro shared a short message to all amateur athletes and fellow runners ahead of the 500 kilometre challenge. "Do whatever you can with whatever you have and wherever we are, in line with Qatar's vision 2030, like spreading sporting awareness and get involved in physical activities," Ayuro concluded.ambitious and unconventional personal goals.

Several weddings are taking place on Saturday, the last day before new restrictions are scheduled to be enforced. Some 30 weddings are being held on Saturday, just one day before new COVID-19 restrictions are due to be imposed across the country, amid a concerning surge in infections. “Praise be to God, today’s list of weddings show more than 30 weddings. Congratulations,” Qatar Weddings, an account dedicated to announcing weddings in the country, said. This comes just days after a press conference concerning reimposition plans was held and confirmed new restrictions amid an increase in COVID-19 cases. Among the list of restrictions from the Supreme Committee for Crisis Management is one that targets weddings, stipulating no indoor or outdoor weddings are allowed to take place, with the exception of weddings held at home. These weddings will only allow a maximum of 10 people indoors and 20 people outdoors. Starting February 7, an application must be submitted in order to hold weddings. The Ministry of Interior’s (MoI) Public Relations Department Brigadier-General Abdullah Khalifa al-Muftah announced that the mobile app “Metrash 2” will soon provide feature a service that will allow the submission of these wedding applications. However, many are saying that the decision to not enforce these restrictions sooner is counterproductive. Head of Infectious Diseases at Hamad Medical Corporation Dr. Abdul Latif Al-Khal said that most infected cases were due to social gatherings, weddings, and events. One tweet said “unfortunately, all the decisions were implemented from 2/4, except for the weddings from 2/7, why is this when it is known that most cases were from weddings?” Another tweet read “everyone enjoy your last weekend before we plung [sic] into semi-lockdown after 30 weddings in one day.” As the virus mutates into different strains that may soon arrive, Qatar is now in a critical period where adherence to restrictions will determine whether it will battle the second wave or move into a partial lockdown. restrictions amid an increase in COVID-19 cases.

Ministry of Interior (MoI) officials have intensified their efforts to take action against individuals violating Covid-19 precautionary measures in the country. The officials recorded 642 individuals and referred them to the Public Prosecution for violations of Covid-19 precautionary measures. 621 were booked for not wearing masks in public while 21 were found violating the limit allowed in a vehicle, which is specified as four persons, including the driver, except for members of the same family. All the violators were referred to the Public Prosecution for further action Till now 9,914 people have been referred to the Public Prosecution for not wearing masks and 353 people for not following the limit of people inside a vehicle, which is specified as 4 including the driver, except for members of the same family. "In the implementation of the cabinet decision and Law No. 17 of 1990 regarding infectious diseases, and the preventive and precautionary measures in place to limit the spread of the Coronavirus. The competent authorities referred 621 people to the Public Prosecution, as they did not comply with wearing masks in places where it is mandatory," Ministry said in a statement. It further stated that 21 people were found violating the maximum limit allowed in a vehicle which is set at four persons, including the driver, with the exemption of families. "The competent authorities call on the public to adhere to the precautionary and preventive decisions in force to protect them and others from the spread of the Coronavirus in society," the statement added MoI and health authorities have been continuously warning the public to follow precautionary measures like wearing masks, following social distancing, and restricting the number of people in vehicles to fight the Covid-19 pandemic from spreading.except for the members of the same family.

QNTC & DFI continue successful collaboration to boost domestic tourism Qatar National Tourism Council in cooperation with the Doha Film Institute (DFI), announced that the two FIFA Club World Cup 2021 semi-final games will be broadcast on February 7 and 8, 2021, at DFI’s drive-in Cinema in Lusail. The initiative provides fans with the opportunity to support their teams, and enjoy the excitement and enthusiasm of football without violating social distancing or other precautionary measures. Highlighting Qatar’s cultural diversity, this initiative is also reflective of the country’s passion for sports in general and football in particular. The drive-in cinema will broadcast the first semi-final between Brazilian Libertadores Cup champion Palmeiras and the Tigres UANL Concacaf’s Champions on February 7, 2021 at 9 pm. Europe’s champion Bayern Munich will play its first game against Africa’s Champions Al Ahly SC, on February 8, 2021 at 9 pm. The drive-in cinema can accommodate 159 cars, and ticket prices range from 120 to 150 Qatari riyals. Mr. Berthold Trenkel, Chief Operating Officer of Qatar National Tourism Council said: “We continue our successful partnership with the Doha Film Institute to develop entertainment experiences for citizens and residents that contribute to domestic tourism while focusing on adhering to safety measures due to current circumstances. Qatar continues to strengthen its position as a hub for major international events such as the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™. Successfully hosting tournaments such as the FIFA Club World Cup shows the world Qatar's readiness and capabilities in organising events in exceptional circumstances, further enhancing our position as a safe destination." Fatma Hassan Alremaihi, Chief Executive Officer of the Doha Film Institute, said: “Bringing audiences together at safe social distances, the open-air experience of drive-in cinemas are a perfect way to bring the excitement of the game to the community at a time when it's challenging for many to go to a game now. A retro favourite, the drive-in during the pandemic is being reimagined across the world, giving us new ways to experience films, music, sports, and live performances. We are proud to be collaborating with Qatar National Tourism Council to celebrate our great love of football and share our enthusiasm with the public as we prepare to host the world’s biggest sporting extravaganza next year.” To ensure a smooth entertainment experience at the drive-in cinema, every passenger above 18 must show their Ehteraz. Each ticket is valid for one car with a maximum capacity of 4 individuals, all of whom must be above 12 years of age. Each car is allowed two chairs within the designated parking area, The drive-in cinema opens one hour before the games start to ensure smooth and organised entry. Tickets to watch the two semi-finals on the drive-in screen in Lusail can be purchased at the following link: https://www.dohafilminstitute.com/nowplaying . QNTC continues to work with partners from the public and private sectors to promote sports tourism - a key focus area. The sports tourism sector is complemented by Qatar’s advanced sports facilities and capabilities along with its reputation as a host for major international tournaments such as the 2022 World Cup, the World Aquatics Championships 2023, the 2023 World Judo Championships, and the 2030 Asian Games.

Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) today reported 394 new cases of coronavirus (Covid-19) and 132 people recovered from the virus in the last 24 hours, bringing the total number of people recovered in Qatar to 146,759. There are 66 cases of hospital admissions in the last 24 hours taking the total number of patients in the hospital to 570. 11 were admitted to intensive care in the last 24 hours, and so 62 people continue to receive medical attention in ICU. “Over the past month in Qatar we have seen a gradual and consistent increase in the number of new daily infections. Additionally, and of great concern, is the recent increase in both the number of people admitted to hospital with COVID-19 and the number of people admitted to ICU with COVID-19. The data over the next few days and week will tell us more, but these increases appear to be the early signs of a potential second wave in Qatar,” MoPh said. “For this reason, it is more important than ever that people adhere to preventive measures to cut off second wave before it gains momentum. If numbers of positive cases and hospital admissions continue to increase over the coming week or two, additional restrictions may need to be implemented across the country and we will return to some of the early restriction phases,” they added. What you can do With the recent increase in the number of COVID-19 cases in Qatar, it is important for everyone to play their role in controlling the virus by following precautionary measures: o    Adherence to physical distancing. o    Avoid close contact with others, crowded places and confined closed spaces where other people congregate. o    Wearing a face mask o    Washing hands regularly. Anyone suffering from COVID-19 symptoms should contact 16000 helpline immediately. This is important as the earlier the disease is detected the easier it will be to receive the right treatment and recover from it. Out of the 394 new cases, 341 are community cases and 53 from travellers returning from abroad. Till now 250 people succumbed to the virus in Qatar. The total number of positive Covid-19 cases recorded in Qatar is 153,690 and there are 6,681 active cases under treatment. 2,846 people were tested for the first time in the last 24 hours (9,527 tests in total) taking the total tests done so far to 1,422,102 tests.

Qatar was named the world leader in mobile internet speeds by global speed test experts Ookla in their December 2020 rankings. The country’s position as leader sees it move up two places from an already impressive third place in the previous ranking, with an average download speed of 178.01 Mbps and an average upload speed of 29.74Mbps. Global averages were listed as 47.20Mbps for download and 12.67Mbps for upload. Qatar’s leading telecommunications operator is proud to have invested heavily in network expansion in recent years, pioneering the 5G revolution with the launch of its 5G network in 2018 and contributing to the country’s incredible connectivity. Director PR at Ooredoo Sabah Rabiah Al-Kuwari, said: “We were delighted to read of Qatar’s ranking as having the fastest mobile internet speed in the world. We’re honoured to have played a part in achieving this ranking, with our extensive investment into our networks and continued drive to improve network speed and efficiency. We’re excited to see what the future holds for connectivity in Qatar, and look forward to continuing our support for our great nation as we work towards achieving QNV 2030.”

There have been no changes to the country's entry restrictions as per the Qatari government's rules and regulations, Qatar Airways said on Wednesday. Stressing this in a 'Public Information Alert' on social media, the airline said: "Any news declaring that only Qatari nationals are allowed entry to Qatar are untrue and residents are encouraged to check the validity of all information through the correct sources. Discover Qatar is aware of false images of their website circulating that have been modified by external parties to spread untrue information." "For details about the process for returning to Qatar, details of the countries designated as low-risk and quarantine measures in place, visit the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) website or Qatar Portal website," the statement continued. "As the safety and security of our travellers and staff is important to us, all leisure sales for hotels, tours and excursions booking have been suspended up to and including May 31," it added. In a related development, the Cabinet on Wednesday said the current travel, return and quarantine policies would continue to apply, with the MoPH periodically updating the Covid-19 'Green List' countries, QNA reported.

The Prime Minister and Minister of Interior H E Sheikh Khalid bin Khalifa bin Abdulaziz Al Thani chaired the regular meeting held by the Cabinet this afternoon at its headquarters at Amiri Diwan. After listening to the explanation provided by the Minister of Public Health on the latest developments to limit the spread COVID-19 and after reviewing the report of the Crisis Management Committee regarding the plan to re-impose restrictions due to the pandemic and in the interest of health and the safety of all members of society, the State Cabinet announced 32 point plan, which will come into effect from tomorrow, February 4, 2021. Restriction on weddings will come into force from Sunday February 7, 2021. 1- According to the need, no more than 80% of the total number of employees in the government sector work at their place of work, while the remaining employees work remotely from their homes or on request, depending on circumstances. 2- No more than 80% of the total number of workers in the private sector work at their place of work, and the rest of them work remotely from their homes. 3- In the government and private sectors no more than 15 people to attend meetings, while taking precautions and precautionary measures. 4- All citizens and residents on leaving their house for any reason to wear masks, unless the person is alone while driving the vehicle. 5- All citizens and residents to activate EHTERAZ application on smartphones when leaving the house for any reason. 6- Continuing to open mosques to perform daily duties and Friday prayers, while continuing to close toilets and ablution facilities. 7 - No more than 5 people in closed places and no more than 15 people in open places, during visits, in condolences and in gatherings. 8- No more than 15 people in winter camps. 9- Not to hold weddings in closed and open spaces until further notice, with the exception of weddings held at home or in the majlis, and in the presence of no more than 10 people in enclosed spaces and 20 people in open spaces from the relatives of the spouses, notifying the Ministry of Interior of the date and place of the wedding ceremony and pledge to abide by the controls, procedures and precautionary measures, in accordance with the mechanism specified by the Ministry. 10- Closure of playgrounds and sports equipment in public parks, beaches and the corniche, with gatherings being limited to 15 people. 11- 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%. 14- Reducing the capacity of driving schools to not exceeding 25% . 15- Continuing the work of cinemas and theaters with a capacity not exceeding 30% and not allowing entry to persons under 18 years old. 16- Reducing the capacity of educational centers and private training centers to 30%. 17- Reducing the capacity of nurseries and childcare to 30%. 18- Reducing the capacity of public museums and libraries to 50%. 19- Only allow individual educational sessions to be held in centers designated for people with special needs. 20- Training for professional sports teams is limited to no more than 40 people in open spaces and 20 people in closed places, with the presence of the audience prohibited. 21- Obtaining prior approval from the Ministry of Public Health to organize local and international sporting events, while prohibiting public attendance in closed spaces and allowing their presence in open spaces with a capacity not exceeding 20%. 22- Obtaining prior approval from the Ministry of Public Health to hold exhibitions, conferences and various events. 23- Continuing the work of commercial complexes with a capacity that does not exceed 50%, with the closure of all common restaurant yards inside the commercial complexes, and allowing these restaurants to make external orders or deliver them inside the restaurant only. 24- Allowing restaurants and cafes to provide food and beverages indoors with a capacity that does not exceed 15%, and restaurants with a "Clean Qatar" programme with a capacity not exceeding 30%, and allowing all restaurants and cafes to provide food and drinks in their open spaces with capacity not exceeding 50%. 25- Stopping the services of renting boats, tourist yachts and pleasure boats. Owners of boats and personal yachts are obligated, if they are used, that no more than 15 people are on board. 26- Reducing the capacity of popular markets to 50%. 27- Reducing the capacity of wholesale markets to 30%. 28- Reducing the capacity of hairdressing and beauty salons to 30%. 29- Closing down amusement parks and all entertainment centers in commercial complexes inside closed places, and allowing them to work in open spaces only, with a capacity not exceeding 30%. 30- Continuing the work of health clubs and physical training clubs with a capacity not exceeding 30%, and the continued provision of massage services in five-star hotels only with a capacity not exceeding 30%, and the closure of saunas and steam rooms, Jacuzzi services and Moroccan and Turkish baths. 31- Closing all indoor swimming pools and indoor water parks, and continuing to operate outdoor swimming pools and outdoor water parks with a capacity not exceeding 30%. 32- The work of private health care facilities continues to provide all their services. The cabinet called on citizens and residents to adhere to the precautionary measures and procedures to limit the spread of this epidemic so that none of them are subjected to the penalties stipulated in Decree-Law No. (17) of 1990 regarding the prevention of infectious diseases, amended by Law No. (9) of 2020, and the Council also called on citizens and residents to complete their transactions through. electronic systems and applications in government and private agencies

One of the best things that happened last year in Qatar was definitely the opening of the Doha Metro. Previously, residents without their own vehicles relied on buses, taxis, limousines, and ride-sharing vehicles to get around the country. The mostly underground state-of-the-art automated rail network has three lines - Red, Gold, and Green. The Red Line runs from north to south (Lusail to Al Wakra) and connects with the Lusail Tram via Legraifiya station. It connects with the Gold Line through Msheireb Interchange while Al Bidda Station connects it with Green Line. Red Line has a total of 18 stops, with 13 stops currently open. The stations on the Doha Metro Red Line are Lusail, Qatar University, Legtaifiya, Katara, Al Qassar, DECC, West Bay, Corniche, Al Bidda, Msheireb, Al Doha Al Jadeda, Umm Ghuwaillina, Al Matar Al Qadeem, Oqba Ibn Nafie, Free Zone, Ras Bu Fontas and Al Wakrah. Gold Line extends from east to west (Ras Bu Abboud to Al Aziziyah). Stretching in a distance of around 14 km, this line has 11 stations and was inaugurated on 21st November 2019 as a part of Qatar Integrated Rail Project. Al Aziziyah, Sport City, Al Waab, Al Sudan, Al Sadd, Joaan, Bin Mahmoud, Msheireb, Souq Waqif, National Museum and Ras Bu Abboud. Doha metro map has been installed at various metro stations in Qatar to guide the passengers on different routes and stations. The Green Line also runs from east to west (Al Mansoura to Al Riffa). There are a total of 11 stations on this line and it stretches 22 km in length. Al Riffa, Education City, Qatar National Library, Al Shaqab, Al Rayyen Al Qadeem, Al Messila, Hamad Hospital, The White Palace, Al Bidda, Msheireb and Al Mansoura, out of these Al Bidda and Msheireb are inter-changeable stations. Hamad Hospital, Qatar National Library and Education City are the most remarkable stations on this line. How to use metro in Qatar? If you want to know about how to get to right destination, first download Qatar Rail, or Doha Metro guide ( it's an offline application). By the way each metro station has own internet, so you shouldn't worry about wi-fi too. After you enter metro station you will get a message from Qrail WiFi (Your complimentary 30 min free WiFi service is activated successfully. For Premium Plans please visit: bit.ly/33rbxiv) You also need to have a travel pass. Who needs a Travel Pass?  Everyone aged 5 and above needs a valid Travel Pass when travelling on the Doha Metro – the “Network”.  Children under 5 years of age may travel free of charge without a Travel Pass provided they are accompanied by someone holding a valid Travel Pass who is aged 16 or older.  A Travel Pass does not automatically entitle you to a seat and at busy times you may have to stand. You will not be entitled to any refund in these instances.  Doha Metro Travel Passes are not valid for travel on Mowasalat (Karwa) buses. Types of Travel Pass A Travel Pass is a smartcard that a travel product – either travel credit (Top Up), a single journey or a day pass - is loaded onto that a customer purchases to enable them to travel on Doha Metro. There are three types of Travel Pass:  Limited Use – paper, not reusable, cannot be Topped Up with travel credit, contain either a single journey or a day pass for standard or goldclub travel, either adult or child. Cannot be registered.  Standard – plastic & reusable, valid for 5 years from issue date, Top Up with travel credit, minimum Top Up QR 5 and a maximum 500 QR can be held on one card, travel credit is deducted as you tap in and out of the ticketing system, Daily capping (see below) applies, QR 10 is the one- time cost for a Standard Travel Pass only, registration is optional but recommended, allows travel in standard & family class.  goldclub – same as Standard above, except: QR 100 onetime cost for a goldclub Travel Pass only, registration is optional but recommended , allows travel in goldclub. Fares Doha Metro fares are affordable and easy to understand. Adult and child fares are the same. The same fares apply no matter what time of day you travel or what distance you travel. The current fares are: - limited use (paper ticket) for single journey 3 QAR, goldclub 15 QAR. Day pass fare for standard 9 QAR, gold club 45 QAR, - standard (plastic card) for single journey fare 2 QAR, day pass 6 QAR, -gold club (plastic card) for single fare 10 QAR, for day pass 30 QAR. Classes of Travel: Standard, family and goldclub are the three classes of travel on Doha Metro. *Family class travel is only for lone females and males or females travelling with children aged 11 or younger. Adult males aged 12 or older travelling alone are not permitted to travel in family class. The fare for travelling in standard and family is the same, the fare for travelling in goldclub is more expensive. Single journey is one journey from one station to another station on the Doha Metro. A journey is started when you tap-in at a Travel Pass validator to enter the network and finished when you tap-out. Day Pass allows unlimited journeys on the Doha Metro in one day and is valid from the time of purchase until 02:59. Daily Capping applies to reusable Travel Pass when paying using travel credit and limits how much you pay for the journeys you make in one day. Once you have made 3 journeys in a day you’ll pay no more for the rest of the journeys you make – your fare is “capped” at the equivalent day pass fare. Remember to always tap-in and tap-out at the start and end of your journeys, even when your fare has been capped. Where to buy a Travel Pass  Standard and Limited Use: Self-service Travel Pass Vending Machines at all Doha Metro stations sell standard and Limited Use Travel Passes.  goldclub: goldclub Travel Pass can only be purchased at goldclub Information Centres at all Doha Metro stations.  Licensed Retailers,Carrefour, Jumbo, Al-Meera, Lulu & Family Food Centre outlets in Qatar sell standard Travel Passes for 30 QR 10 QR for the Travel Pass and 20 QR of ready to use travel credit. Where to Top-Up with Travel Credit  Travel credit can be purchased and added to Standard and goldclub Travel Passes at self-service Travel Pass Vending Machines at all Doha Metro stations.  There is a minimum Top-Up amount of 5 QR.  Standard and goldclub Travel Passes can each hold a maximum of 500 QR Travel Credit.  There is no fee to Top Up your Travel Pass.  You can check the balance of travel credit on your Travel Pass at: 1. Travel Pass Vending Machines at any Doha Metro station. 2. The Qatar Rail website www.qr.com.qa or mobile app, only if your Travel Pass is registered. Using your Travel Pass  Everyone aged 5 or above needs their own Travel Pass to use the Doha Metro. Two or more people aged 5 and above cannot travel using one Travel Pass.  The minimum Travel Credit amount on a Travel Pass required to travel is the price of a single journey, either 2 QR for standard or 10 QR for goldclub.  You should always tap-in at the start of your journey and tap-out at the end of your journey on the Travel Pass validators. Validators for Doha Metro are on the access gates.  When you exit a Doha Metro station using a single journey Travel Pass you cannot re-enter using the same Travel Pass, the product will expire and you will need to purchase another Travel Pass.  You must continue to tap in and tap out even when the daily cap has been reached on your Travel Pass.  Maximum journey time: You should complete any single journey within 90 minutes – the “maximum journey time.” This maximum journey time is the maximum time allowed between a tap-in and a tap-out on a validator and helps ensure customers pay the appropriate fare for their travel. If you exceed the maximum journey time, you will be charged an additional single journey fare, either deducted from your Travel Create an Account and Register your Travel Pass If you create an account with Qatar Rail you can register your standard Travel Pass (note: for goldclub travel cards registration is mandatory and will be done when purchased). The benefits of registering a Travel Pass are: - The Travel Credit on your Travel Pass is protected against loss or theft; - You can view your recent journey history and payment transactions on our website or app; - You will receive email updates on promotions and service information. To register your card visit: www.qr.com.qa or download the free Qatar Rail app from Google Play or App Store. Doha Metro Timing Here are the Qatar Metro timings during which the rail network is set to operate. Saturday to Wednesday: 6 am to 11 pm Thursday: 6 am to 12 midnight Friday: 2 pm to 12 midnight Currently, a lot of residents and beyond using the Metro and its other services.

Qatar Meteorology Department (QMD) stated that misty to foggy weather conditions is likely during night and early morning starting from tonight (Feb 3) until Friday morning (Feb 5). Due to this weather condition, poor visibility below 2 kilometres, may reach to zero at times, is expected. QMD urged all citizens and residents in the country to take extra precaution at the event of this weather condition.

The Ministry of Interior (MoI) reiterated on Monday that unauthorised photography in public places with cameras or mobile phones, violating the sanctity of private life will draw a penalty not exceeding QR10,000 and imprisonment for a period not exceeding two years as stipulated by Law No.4 of 2017. Speaking at a virtual awareness programme, First Lieutenant Engineer Abdulaziz Mohamed al-Kaabi from the Economic and Cyber Crimes Combating Department at the General Directorate of Criminal Investigation explained that the law was issued in 2017 after amending Article 333 of the Qatar Penal Code. The seminar on ‘Prevention of Financial and Cyber Crimes’ was organised by the MoI's Public Relations Department as part of a series of awareness programmes for communities in Qatar. Representatives from various companies and communities attended. Al-Kaabi noted that blackmailing is a punishable offence by Qatar Law No.14 of 2014 and it draws imprisonment of not more than three years and a fine of not more than QR100,000 or either of these. Any person who uses information technology or network to threaten or blackmail will face action. Al-Kaabi said the increasing dependency on information technology has led to the emergence of new opportunities for cultural, social, economic, political and legal development and there has been an increase in digital risks because of the irresponsible use of technology. “We see that most of the traditional crimes have moved to the digital environment,” he said while pointing out that the five main types of cyber crimes are hacking, fraud, threat and blackmail, sexual exploitation of children and spreading rumours. The department collects inferences, investigates, probes, searches and tracks offenders while combating cyber crimes. The department, is also responsible for monitoring all activities that violate the law of security and cyberspace and receives complaints from the public and companies and proceeds to find the violators, the official said. While explaining the mechanism to combat cyber crimes, al-Kaabi described that prevention and awareness are the basic lines to address them. The department is carrying awareness campaigns targeting all types of people. The official urged everyone to be careful against phishing and while doing transactions by using ATM and credit cards. Links from untrusted sources should not be opened in email. “Don’t respond to messages from unknown sources saying you won a prize or asking you to share your personal or financial information, and ignore fraudulent messages,” he added. Public can contact the department through Metrash 2 or hotline 66815757 or telephone 2347444 or email cccc@moi.gov.qa.

The Planning and Statistics Authority issued the preliminary monthly figures for the population until January 31, 2021. According to the agency’s website, the population within the State of Qatar at the end of January reached about 2,669,000 people (two million and 669 thousand), a monthly decrease of 0.6% compared to December The past, and an annual decrease of 3.8% compared to January 2020. The agency said that these data represent the number of individuals of all ages (Qataris - non-Qataris) within the borders of the State of Qatar until January 31, 2021. It added: These data do not include Qataris outside the borders of the country at the moment of monitoring the statement on January 31, 2021, nor do they include non-Qataris. And those who have residency and were outside the borders of the state Source: Al Sharooq Newspapers