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Chile to highlight sustainability, diversity, tradition and progress at Expo 2020 The Republic of Chile is now intensifying preparations for its participation at Expo 2020, under the theme of sustainability, diversity, tradition, and progress which embrace the four pillars of Chile and the principles it values. On its 700 square metre country pavilion Chile will be showcasing sustainable and reliable food production; renewable energy; productive and sustainable mining; sustainable tourism; entrepreneurship and innovation; sustainable infrastructure; astronomy and solid institutions. “The priority for Chile at Expo 2020 will be to highlight the four pillars which embody our nation. We are a land of geographic extremes, with desert, mountains, glaciers and coastline. A country where contemporary co-exists with tradition, through the heart and soul of the Chilean people. “Chile is a country dedicated to progress and sustainable development, enhancing the quality of life for our citizens. A country with a solid reputation, a country that is considered a true and trusted partner,” said Alvaro Saieh, Commissioner General of Chile. Chilean exports to the MENA region in 2018, jumped 19% to over $425 million, compared with the same period in 2017. This growth is partly attributed to robust Chilean walnut exports, according to the latest research from the Trade Commission of Chile. As an agricultural-friendly country, Chile has around 20 products that are among the most exported globally, these include fresh grapes and blueberries, salmon fillets, dried plums and dried apples. “Chilean shipments of walnuts to the Middle East topped US$50 million alone, with the UAE accounting for US$26 million, followed by Kuwait and Saudi Arabia, a 73% increase over 2018,” according to Jorge Daccarett, Deputy Commissioner General of Chile. “Thanks to the yield and more importantly the quality of our produce, Chilean exporters meet the highest standards, and we are also developing the halal food and beverage sector. Naturally, with 25 million visitors expected, we are confident that Expo 2020 will deliver the steppingstone we need, to develop further trade opportunities throughout the region and further afield to South Asia.” Chile will also be showcasing its renewable energy capabilities, with 4,000 hours of sunshine in certain regions per year, Chile has the best conditions in the world for solar energy production. Chile’s coastline stretches 4,000km, offering significant potential for marine energy, while the Andes mountain range contains important geothermal energy reserves. “It is also these natural wonders that are making Chile an emerging adventure tourism destination,” added Daccarett. Chile is a world leader in mining and is attracting increasing amounts of foreign investment, especially considering its mineral wealth. Chile holds 29% of the world’s copper reserves, 16% of the molybdenum reserves, 15% of silver reserves, 7% gold, and 54% of the world’s lithium reserves. Ranked top in LATAM (Latin America) and 19th internationally on the Global Entrepreneurship Index, Chile has one of the world’s most successful and progressive business accelerator programmes with 1,300 start ups creating $1.4 billion in net assets. “We are a safe and stable democratic country with an innovative and open business attitude, which is illustrated by our 26 free trade agreements, covering 64 international markets. There are also good opportunities for overseas investors in out transport infrastructure, as well as other public works, such as reservoirs, hospitals and schools,” said Alvaro Saieh, Commissioner General of Chile. With more than 200 participants, including 192 countries, and 25 million expected visits, Expo 2020 Dubai will be the largest event ever held in the Arab region. Running for six months from 20 October 2020 to 10 April 2021, it will be the greatest show of human brilliance, ingenuity and innovation ever seen.

Stage shows for children, Disney show with Qatar Philharmonic, music concerts by renowned Pakistani and Indian singers and much more in the festival’s packed schedule of family-friendly entertainment. The fourth edition of Shop Qatar kicked off on 7 January ushering in over three weeks of family friendly entertainment besides shopping deals and fashion forward events. Qatar National Tourism Council and its partners have announced over 30 events and activations taking place across the country till 31 January, terminating in weeklong Chinese New Year festivities. Young and old alike can enjoy a host of family friendly activities on offer, with shows, concerts and crafts to educate and delight audiences. Jawaher Al-khuzaei from QNTC commented: “As we start the new year with Shop Qatar, a staple in our winter calendar of events, we are pleased to see the efforts of our partners, who collaborate to bring diverse urban and family entertainment options to visitors and residents alike. Qatar’s varied retail offerings, including its shopping malls and open-air venues including The Pearl-Qatar and Al Hazm, offer amazing opportunities for families to enjoy the festivities as well as Qatar’s beautiful winter weather to the fullest.” In addition to shopping discounts, a host of fashion shows by renowned regional and local designers and makeup masterclasses by beauty experts, there’s a packed calendar of family friendly entertainment scheduled to run across the country throughout the festival. Mall Activations Twelve retail partners including the malls are hosting tons of activities for families, with roaming characters every weekend and children’s shows. These include Shaun the Sheep (16-22 January), a Justice League Parade and solo musicians at various malls throughout the festival. Mirqab Mall will host an animal show from 16-18 January and an activation from PAWS rescue where people can pet and/ or adopt animals. There will also be a Bein Family Game Show & Jeem Jawab at Mirqab Mall from 23-24 January and 30-31 January, as well as a children’s fashion show on 24 January. AlKhor Mall will have a special activation in the Kids Zone at the 1st floor food court from 16-18 January while the famed childrens’ Siwar Choir will also perform at The Pearl-Qatar on 17 January. Live Musical Performances An exclusive show, Disney in Concert with Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra will be staged from 17-21 January at QNCC (tickets available at Virgin Megastore). Top Bollywood singer Sonu Nigam will return to charm fans with his hit songs on 23 January at the Asia Town Amphitheatre while the PK Music Festival returns for its 2nd year, featuring Pakistani music legends Junoon on 24 January at QNCC (tickets available at Q-tickets). A New Year Concert will take place on 25 January at Katara Opera House. Chinese New Year Celebrations A unique highlight of this year’s Shop Qatar is the special Chinese New Year themed celebrations taking place in the final week, with an authentic Dragon Parade and a Drum Show at various malls from 25-31 January while special Chinese arts & crafts activities will take place at participating malls from 25-30 January. Running until 31st January, the festival provides shopping discounts of up to 70% across 12 retail partners : Al Mirqab Mall, AlKhor Mall, City Centre, Doha Festival City, Gulf Mall, Hyatt Plaza, Lagoona Mall, Landmark Mall, Mall of Qatar, Villaggio, & The Pearl-Qatar and Galeries Lafayette, with three raffle draws offering cash and car prizes worth over 2 million QAR.

The World Confederation of Businesses (WORLDCOB) has chosen Doha, Qatar, as the venue for THE BIZZ AMEA Awards, to be held at the Marsa Malaz Kempinski Hotel—The Pearl—from November 24 - 27 in 2020. The awards gather and recognize leading businesses from different regions that contribute to the daily growth of their local communities as well as the world economy. THE BIZZ was established by WORLDCOB in 2005 to offer to the global business community a range of benefits that further their development. The awards recognize standouts in their respective regions, with the overarching aim being networking and learning among association members through various activities. Qatar was selected from over 14 destinations, winning out over Kazakhstan and Singapore for the rights to host THE BIZZ AMEA 2020 awards. With the celebration of THE BIZZ Awards in Qatar, it is estimated that the city will receive executives representing around 100 companies from more than 50 countries. HE Akbar Al Baker, Secretary General of QNTC and GCEO of Qatar Airways, commented, "We are very pleased to host THE BIZ AMEA Awards in Qatar, adding to the growing portfolio of global business events that are choosing Qatar as their venue. Hosting over 500 global business events – including conferences, congresses, and symposia, Qatar combines cutting edge services with traditional hospitality, ensuring attendees at these events have an unparalleled experience." WORLDCOB is an international organization founded in 2004 in the city of Houston, Texas, whose primary mission is to dedicated to promoting business development worldwide by using specialized tools initiatives such as THE BIZZ AWARDS, WORLDCOB- CSR, a certificate in Corporate Social Responsibility, and the WORLDCOB TRUST SEAL (WTS)—which provides a seal of business confidence. Jesus Moran, Founder and President of WORLDCOB commented: "Celebrating THE BIZZ AMEA 2020 in Doha excites us deeply. The support of Qatar National Tourism Council (QNTC) elevates this experience for our members, allowing them to experience cultural entertainment and city tours. THE BIZZ AMEA Awards will host activities encouraging business integration, networking, and tourism, all in an exciting new destination." THE BIZZ Awards have previously been held in Paris, New York, Hong Kong, Rome, Hawaii, Monte Carlo, San Francisco, Amsterdam, and Las Vegas among others; offering members the opportunity to live the BIZZ experience in a different location each year. In the past, Qatari companies Doha Bank, West Bay Petroleum, and Qatar Airways have been recognized for business excellence at these awards. WORLDCOB invites all companies that are interested in applying for THE BIZZ AWARDS to submit their application at www.thebizzawards.com

The Gallery at Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts in Qatar (VCUarts Qatar) in Education City will be hosting an exhibition that combines augmented reality, art, and the music of Johann Sebastian Bach from an album by acclaimed cellist Yo-Yo Ma, to give visitors a unique and immersive audio-visual gallery experience. The opening reception for the exhibition, titled, “Into the Light” will take place at 6pm on January 15, and will start with a panel discussion titled, “Art + Technology: How do artists use it to shape their craft and the way their audiences experience it?” All are welcome to attend. At the exhibition, visitors will be provided with augmented reality handsets and headphones that will immerse them in a world of 3D art and classical music that responds to their movements. Artist Sougwen Chung created six original 3D drawings and sculptures to blend virtual and physical spaces. Visitors to the exhibition can point the provided handsets at her artwork which is accompanied by the recordings of Yo-Yo Ma that matches the user’s movement in relation to the given artwork. The six pieces of art will be on display in the Gallery and surroundings, allowing the visitors to move freely around the area using the augmented reality handsets, while listening to the music. Yo-Yo Ma’s rendition of Johann Sebastian Bach’s “Unaccompanied Cello Suite No. 2 in D Minor” will be played through the provided headphones. This work is from Ma’s 2018 recording, Six Evolutions. The panel discussion will be moderated by Dr. Bahaaeldin Abudaya, Senior Curator of Contemporary Art, Fire Station Artists in Residence; with Jessica Brillhart, the Director of the Mixed Reality Lab at the University of Southern California’s Institute for Creative Technologies, and the founder of the independent XR studio, Vrai Pictures; and Myriam Achard, Chief, New Media Partnerships and PR at Centre Phi.

Doha to host the Asia/Middle East debut of Messi 10 Show to be performed in Ali bin Hamad Al Attiyah Arena from 27 Feb to 7 March, 2020 Whether they are fans of football talent or captivating acrobatics, audiences are in for a spectacular treat this spring as Qatar National Tourism Council partners with Cirque du Soleil to bring their latest production ‘Messi 10’ to Qatar. Messi 10 is an immersive experience which combines classical circus acts such as trampoline, trapeze and tightrope artists with never-before seen disciplines, audiovisual material and videos highlighting Messi’s best plays, as well as exclusive images especially produced for the show. It tells the story of a young man with boundless ambition who overcomes all obstacles to become one of the greatest football players of his time. Akbar Al Baker, Secretary General of QNTC and GCEO of Qatar Airways, commented, “We are excited to host the Asia and Middle East debut of this show which brings together unique entertainment and football, two things dear to audiences in Qatar. The Ali bin Hamad Al Attiyah Arena offers the ideal multi-purpose venue for a show that will inspire, entertain and provide a unique attraction for visitors from around the region.” Organised in collaboration with Alchemy Project Entertainment, the show will be performed from 27 February to 7 March, 2020 in Ali bin Hamad Al Attiyah Arena. Tickets will go on sale on Tixbox starting from 15 January. Messi 10 comes to Doha as part of a limited tour through Barcelona, Buenos Aires, and other Argentinian cities. “When I was first approached, it seemed both crazy and incredible that Cirque du Soleil would create a show based on my passion for football. Cirque du Soleil is a family favourite of ours and we have enjoyed many of its productions”, said Leo Messi. “I loved the show and I was deeply touched. It truthfully reflects what I feel every time I set foot on the football field.” 47 Artists from 19 different countries lead the audience on a euphoric 90 minute thrill ride that brings together the electric atmosphere of stadiums and the intimacy of theatre. “Interpreting the greatness of Lionel Messi in a live show was a thrilling challenge for Cirque du Soleil, and we couldn’t be more proud of this premiere”, explained Jonathan Tétrault, President of Cirque du Soleil. “Together with PopArt Music and Sony Music Latin America, we have created a stunning show that will raise the audience from their seats and inspire them to reach the impossible.” Originally composed of 20 street performers in 1984, Cirque du Soleil has completely reinvented circus arts to create a new form of entertainment centred on human performance, without animals. Its shows take traditional circus arts to a whole new level, mixing state-of-the art costumes, captivating music and astonishing staging, creating a powerful theatrical experience. With 42 unique productions, Cirque du Soleil has brought wonder and delight to over 190 million spectators in 60 countries.

Doha, Qatar, January 11, 2020: The Mercedes-Benz V-Class is available now with an impressive new look of the passenger family car, with a revised front-end design, exterior colours, updated interior and a range of cutting-edge driver assistance features. The vehicle is available now at Nasser Bin Khaled Automobiles, the authorized general distributor of Mercedes-Benz in Qatar. With a redesigned front bumper, the V-Class appears wider by incorporating a broad intake into the lower fascia – an optional AMG Line Package is now available with a new, chrome-accented, diamond radiator grille offering a sportier appearance. The interior of the new V-Class focuses on passenger comfort with a simpler, elegant design with new upholstery and trim options. Building on its position as a class leader in safety, new Active Brake Assist and Highbeam Assist Plus features are now available. Updated exterior design features with a range of new colours The new V-Class has a broader appearance and an even stronger visual presence thanks to its new front end. This comes courtesy of a new bumper design with striking cooling air inlets and an AMG Line with a new diamond structure in the radiator grille. The Mercedes star is positioned centrally in the radiator grille and framed by two silver slats. The personalisation concept with the attractive AVANTGARDE and EXCLUSIVE lines continues to exist, while the AMG line is available as a complement to any of the V-Class lines and features a new diamond radiator grille with chrome pins. New paint colours are now available for the V-Class, including graphite grey metallic and selenite grey metallic - expanding the spectrum of the well-received black and white tones. Equally new are the steel blue and hyacinth red metallic paint colours, allowing owners of the new V-Class to make an especially emotive statement. At the same time, the four new light-alloy wheel designs ensure a powerful and avantgarde appearance. They include 5-twin-spoke 17-inch light-alloy wheels painted in black with a high-sheen finish, as well as 18-inch light-alloy wheels in tremolite grey with a high-sheen finish and 5-twin-spoke design or in black with a high-sheen finish and 5-spoke design. At the upper end of the new wheel portfolio are black-painted 19-inch 10-spoke light-alloy wheels with a high-sheen finish. Interior updates that focus on passenger comfort In the interior, too, the designers have ensured the design philosophy of the current Mercedes-Benz passenger car models is transposed in to the new V-Class. The interior of the new V-Class follows the trend of modernity and clarity, with new air vents in a more-sporty turbine look as well as new dials in the instrument cluster. Thanks to the simplified design, drivers can orientate themselves much more easily. The new upholstery and equipment colour tartufo (brown) nappa leather makes a modern and elegant statement. With Lugano leather and nappa leather, each available in black and silk beige, not to mention Santos black fabric, a total of six different upholsteries in light and dark colours are now available. The new trim element in twin-stripe delivers a modern and elegant look to the instrument panel and the side paneling. The trim elements in the piano lacquer, ebony wood, carbon fibre and brushed aluminium remain. As part of the facelift, rear passengers can enjoy an especially comfortable space. The optionally available luxury seats for the first rear row are a real treat and, just like in the S-Class, they offer a fully reclining function, back massage and climatization. A journey in the new V-Class, for example as a VIP shuttle, turns into a spa-like treatment after a stressful flight or business meeting. Safety features that give you added peace of mind New safety features can be ordered optionally and continue to build on the Mercedes-Benz V-Class position as a leader for safety standards in its segment. The new (optional) Active Brake Assist can recognise when there is a risk of collision with a vehicle ahead and gives an initial visual and acoustic signal. In addition, the Active Brake Assist can break autonomously up to standstill, if the driver does not react independently and adequately. In urban traffic, the Active Brake Assist can also react to stationary obstacles or pedestrians crossing. Another new (optional) safety feature is the Highbeam Assist Plus. It supports the driver in the high beam mode through a continuous illumination of the lane. If there are vehicles in front of the V-Class or if there is oncoming traffic, the LEDs of the main-beam module are partially deactivated to create a U-shaped cut-out in the cone of light. The remaining areas of the roadway continue to be illuminated with the main-beam headlamps (partial main beam). The already successful safety features continue to remain - Crosswind Assist, which supports the driver in keeping the vehicle on track even in the case of heavy crosswinds, and ATTENTION ASSIST, which can detect when drivers start to become drowsy and prompt them to take a break when needed.

Celebration of Beatles’ 60th Hamburg anniversary, highlight of a packed calendar of exclusive events, attractions and waterfront festivals, plus new luxury hotels and Michelin-starred restaurants Germany’s second biggest city Hamburg is becoming one of the favourite European travel destinations for Gulf travelers, with an increasing number of new and exciting experiences and events for both the young and the old to enjoy in the Hanseatic city. In 2018, the Gulf states generated over 82,000 overnight stays with travelers preferring to stay in Hamburg’s established luxurious hotels such as the Fairmont Vier Jahreszeiten, the Hotel Atlantic Kempinski and the Hotel Grand Elysée Hamburg. Adding to this, around 40% of the total GCC arrivals and overnight stays are generated in the summer, between July and August. Since the opening of the Elbphilharmonie – Hamburg’s new iconic concert hall – the city has become more popular than ever. And with the upcoming Beatles’ 60th Hamburg anniversary, the opening of a new luxurious five-star hotel, a multitude of exquisite culinary Michelin-star restaurants and an extraordinarily diverse selection of must-see attractions and festivals, 2020 is the year to plan your first trip, or indeed, revisit Hamburg. Come Together – The Hamburg Beatles Experience 27-29 March 2020 It was in 1960, when five young musicians from Liverpool, UK, first performed at the Indra Club in Hamburg’s famous entertainment district St. Pauli. Residing in Hamburg for two years following this gig, it was here that The Beatles played more live music hours than anywhere else in the world during their career. Sixty years on, Hamburg is celebrating the world’s most recognized band, with a weekend of concerts at several locations across the city including the Indra and Kaiserkeller Clubs – both authentic venues where the band performed back in the early days of the Beatlesday. An interactive Beatles’ tour as well as various exhibitions and seminar talks with Beatles’ experts will also take place across the weekend.

In its fourth edition, Shop Qatar returns for a colourful celebration of the country’s retail and entertainment offerings. The 25-day festival invites residents and visitors to explore and enjoy Qatar’s diverse retail offering including everything from luxury malls and high-end boutique venues to themed, entertainment-rich shopping centres, as well as authentic souqs and bazaars. Fashion Shows Fashion-forward shoppers can catch a glimpse of the latest couture and ready-to-wear fashion at Shop Qatar’s Fashion Shows. 20 international, regional and local designers will be showcasing their Spring/ Summer collections 2020 from 23-27 January. · Fashion show at Shop Qatar Opening Ceremony on 7 January at Baraha Downtown Msheireb by Faith Connexion and Hind Al Rumaihi. (By invitation only) · International fashion show at Al Hazm on 23 January featuring: Ahmed Talfeet - Laith Maalof - Baris - Naja Saade - Amjad Al Adab -Toufic Al Hassan – Saeed Malas · Fashion show featuring international celebrity designer Nicholas Jebran at Al Hazm on 24 January · Kids fashion show at Mirqab Mall on 24 January showing Al Mana Group brands · Fashion show at Al Hazm on 25 January featuring local designers: Soleil Abayas - Al Dukan - Modish - Sarmad -Sheen Design -Shaden -Lady Aysha -Tamader Al Sultan - The Black Pearl, Tamader Al Sultan – Tamadr – Waad · Al Hazm collection fashion shows at Al Hazm from 26-27 January Chinese fashion show at Al Hazm on 29 January featuring celebrity designers Lan Yu and Grace Chen Make-up, Hair & Beauty Masterclasses & Workshops Style-savvy residents and visitors are invited to learn about the newest trends in the world of fashion and makeup through a series of masterclasses and workshops with celebrity makeup artists and influencers: · Masterclass with Mario Dedivanovic (3-8pm) on 31 January (QAR 2,500 entrance fee. Seats available: 300. Tickets available at Virgin) · Masterclass with Hanan Al Najada (4-9pm) on 14 January at Park Hyatt Hotel (QAR 1,000 entrance fee. Seat available: 150. Tickets available at Virgin) · Makeup activation by Hanan Al Najada on 13 January at DFC (No entrance fee- open to public) · Makeup workshop with Dalal Al Refai on 18 January at Lagoona Mall - 51 East (No entrance fee- open to public). In-mall Entertainment & Activations Throughout the festival, all participating malls will host free roaming shows and family-friendly entertainment as well as a colourful lights and confetti show every weekend. Shows & Activations: · Masha and The Bear at various malls from 9-15 January (3 shows a day) · Shaun the Sheep at various malls from 16-22 January (3 shows a day) · Justice League Parade at various malls from 21 to 31 January · Bein Family Game Show at Mirqab Mall from 23-24 January and 30-31 January at 3-pm · Solo musicians at various malls: 9-11 Jan, 16-18 Jan, 24 Jan and 31 Jan · Lights and confetti show at various malls throughout the festival · Siwar Choir on 17 January at The Pearl-Qatar after the first Raffle Draw at 9:30 pm · Disney in Concert with Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra from 17-21 January at QNCC. Ticketed Show Music Concerts The festival will see a host of live music concerts featuring Pakistani and Indian artists: · Sonu Nigam on Thursday, 23 January at Asian Town Amphitheatre · New Year Concert at 7:30-9:30pm Monday, 25 January at Katara Opera House · PK Music Festival at 7pm Friday, 30 January at QNCC · Video Games Live at 8-11pm Saturday, 31 January at QNCC Chinese New Year Celebrations · Dragon Parade at various malls from 25-31 January · Drums Show at various malls from 25-31 January · Chinese arts & crafts activities at various malls from 25-30 January · Fashion show at Al Hazm on 29 January featuring Chinese celebrity designers Lan Yu and Grace Chen.

Doha, Qatar, 31 December 2019: Nasser Bin Khaled Service Centers WLL, a subsidiary of NBK Holding and the authorized general distributor of Bosch in Qatar, hosted the Bosch annual event for the 5th year in row. Dedicated to Bosch partners and automotive corporate customers, the annual event was attended by NBK Service Centers management, Bosch experts, stakeholders and prominent clients who got the chance to know more about the Bosch services and products in Qatar. At the event, Bosch team provided the attendance with detailed information to get the best deals that perfectly fit their business needs. The team also received customers’ enquiries in an open discussion, listened to their suggestion and needs to offer them better experience. Besides, the NBK Service Centers team launched a new incentive scheme that assist companies and stakeholders to leverage from the wide range of offerings that Bosch have. Mr. Amr Al Kady, Division Manager of Bosch at NBK Service Centers said: “Nasser Bin Khaled Service Centers is the authorized dealer of Bosch in Qatar for more than 40 years. Our relationship with the customers is built on mutual trust, a long-term collaboration that goes back to decades, and continues to be enhanced year after another. Bosch is globally well-known for its high-quality trusted products, and prominent customer service that reflects the ethos of the brand, and we are proud to provide such quality products and premium services to our partners and customers alike”. The annual Bosch event is a global program designed for Bosch partners and stakeholders to present the latest development of Bosch products and services, and acts as an interactive platform to directly listen to the partners’ needs and requirements. This is part of Bosch philosophy to enhance the mutual relations with the its partners and emphasize the business values of the brand. Bosch provides customers with the best in automotive technology and after sales services. The partnership between NBK group and Bosch goes back more than 40 years and has ensured the provision of top-quality vehicles and customer service from the very beginning of their journey together. This is currently enhanced by the operation of three Bosch-certified car service centers in Doha.

Doha, Qatar, 29 December 2019: Nasser Bin Khaled Automobiles, the authorized general distributor of Mercedes-Benz in Qatar, signed a deal to supply HBK Contracting company with Mercedes-Benz Actros heads. The agreement aims to upgrade the HBK Contracting company fleet of trucks and meet the increasing demands of its projects. HE Sheikh Faleh Bin Nawaf Al Thani, Operations Director, Auto, at Nasser Bin Khaled Holding said: “NBK Automobiles continues to supply Qatari companies with Mercedes-Benz trusted and quality trucks to meet the requirements of their business and operations in Qatar. This is part of our responsibility to contribute in the development of various projects and infrastructure, especially to those related to FIFA 2022. NBK Automobiles is a main supporter to all companies that endeavor to enhance their fleets with the best trucks ever”. Mr. Ihab El Feky, chief operations officer – Auto, at Nasser Bin Khaled Group said: “Mercedes-Benz Actros trucks are the best in the world, thanks to their high capabilities, sustainability and safety standards. We are glad to sign this agreement with HBK Contracting, one of the major national companies in Qatar, and are sure that Actors trucks will provide comprehensive solutions to their future projects in our country”. Boasting decades of experience, the Actros has become the most frequently sold truck in the region. High reliability and low total cost of ownership coupled with impressive durability – these are the characteristics that traditionally define Mercedes-Benz trucks. It's what they are known for, and the reason they are so highly regarded and coveted across the globe. The Actros impresses with their highly sophisticated powertrain, comfortable cabs and a vast range of models tailored to individual markets. Thanks to a broad product offering, it meets the needs of long-distance haulage as well as heavy-duty short-radius transport and distribution haulage. Highly efficient, reliable and durable, this truck boasts many benefits. Raid Hasan Zyoud, Operations manager at HBK Contracting commented on this agreement: “HBK Contracting is pleased to sign this agreement with one of the most prominent companies in Qatar to support our company’s fleet with the best trucks that are the best solution to our operations. Considering the increasing demands of our business, the Mercedes-Benz Actros is the ideal fit to continue our successful journey and regularly update our fleet with reliable vehicles and trucks”. HBK Contracting was founded in 1970 and is one of the major construction companies in Qatar. HBK contracting executes many giant projects in Qatar, contributing in the national economy progress. The company has executed giant projects for the public and private sectors, maintaining its position at the top of the construction companies at all times. Mohammed Arab Oghli, Commercial Vehicles Sales Manager at NBK Automobiles stated: “Signing this agreement with HBK Contracting is a source of proud to us. We are committed to supply the Qatari companies with the best trucks which assist them execute their projects with cost effective and less time-consuming way. The commercial vehicles at NBK Automobiles have wide range of options and products that effectively contributes in the comprehensive development plan in Qatar”. Nasser Bin Khaled Automobiles, the authorized general distributor of Mercedes-Benz in Qatar 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-Benz, Mercedes-AMG and Mercedes-Maybach.

Doha..Qatar - VCUarts Qatar hosted an entertaining and educational booth as part of Qatar Foundation’s partner university participation in this year’s Darb Al Saai festivities. The booth featured a pixel art project that both children and parents enjoyed in large numbers. The pixel art pieces were worked on cooperatively and when joined together on a larger board, eventually formed a beautiful supersized image of His Highness the Amir. “It was important to us for VCUarts Qatar to be there in the community to celebrate Qatar, and to meet and have fun with kids, students and parents by participating in a creative activity and creating something amazing together,” said Amir Berbic, Dean of VCUarts Qatar. As always, the Darb Al Saai activities took place in an environment full of patriotism and pride under a slogan of this year's celebration ‘Al Maali Kaydah’, which means the path of excellence is arduous, taken from the poetry of the Founder Sheikh Jassim bin Mohammed bin Thani. The activities are aimed at achieving the vision of Qatar National Day, by promoting loyalty, solidarity, unity and pride in the Qatari national identity. Find out more about VCUarts Qatar at qatar.vcu.edu. About Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts in Qatar Established in 1998 through a partnership with Qatar Foundation, VCUarts Qatar is the international branch campus of Virginia Commonwealth University’s School of the Arts, a top-ranked art and design program in the U.S. VCUarts Qatar is celebrating a fruitful commitment of each institution to excellence, inquiry, discovery and innovation in a global setting. VCUarts Qatar offers students the opportunity to earn a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in fashion design, graphic design, interior design and painting and printmaking, a Bachelor of Arts degree in art history, and a Master of Fine Arts degree in design. A vibrant community with global reach, VCUarts promises to instill in students a lifelong passion for education and the arts. VCUarts Qatar offers valuable opportunities for cross-cultural exchange and connects VCUarts to the influential art and design world of the Middle East and beyond. The campus attracts renowned contributors to contemporary visual culture for speaking and teaching engagements, and hosts two major international events: Tasmeem, a biennial art and design conference; and the Hamad bin Khalifa Islamic Art Symposium.

Doha Burger Festival, the city’s first and largest gastronomic festival dedicated to the juicy nature of burgers and all things burger related, makes its return this month to the Doha events and entertainment scene. After the success of two previous burger festivals, Cosette Solutions, the organizers and patron of Doha Burger Festival, has taking the festival now to bigger and greater heights. From the popularity of the past editions, this year’s Doha Burger Festival will run for a longer period of time and at a much larger location. From Thursday 19th December up till Saturday 28th December, 12midday to 12midnight each day, and with the grand opening of Doha Burger Festival being the day after Qatar National Day, the festival will indeed serve to be an extension of the country’s long holiday celebrations!