A recap of this week’s big stories in Qatar, brought to you in conjunction with Marhaba, the most comprehensive and up to date guide to Qatar.
Starting off with last Saturday when it was announced that Qatar is seeing a huge jump in the number of visitors. The Gulf Times said that Qatar has seen a stupendous year on year jump in visitors, especially from the Gulf Cooperation Council and other Arab countries. The total number of visitors was 38,289 in July 2021 compared to 1,836 for the same period the previous year. Of the 38,289 visitors 75% arrived by air, 22% by the road and 3% by sea.
Sunday and the Hamad Injury Prevention Programme of the Hamad Trauma Centre has issued a list of best practises to keep residents, and especially their children, in Qatar safer while in cars during hot weather. They say it’s unsafe to leave children in vehicles in hot weather.
Onto Monday and action has been taken against 2,047 people for flouting COVID protocols. 1,289 for not wearing masks, 736 for not maintaining social distancing, and 22 for not installing the Ehteraz app on their phone.
Tuesday and customs foil an attempt to smuggle hashish. Al Ruwais customs has foiled yet another attempt to smuggle hashish into the country. 76 kilograms was hidden inside a diesel tank. Why haven’t smugglers realised yet, that customs have X-ray machines capable of scanning an entire truck.
Wednesday now and the Qatar Tribune’s front page carries the story that Shop Qatar, Qatar’s biggest retail festival is to kick off on September the 10th. Ooooo that’s today. The monthlong extravaganza will be the first major festival in Qatar since the onset of the pandemic. There will be up to 90% discount available in 15 participating venues. And over 60 leading hotels nationwide will run promotions, offering discounts and fun filled activities for the whole family.
Yesterday and the Cabinet confirms the continuation of COVID-19 measures.
And Ashghal uses 3D radar technology to detect road defects. They could also use my Kia Picanto, its tiny wheels seem to be capable of detecting every defect there is in roads.
Now for today and the Amir honours Paralympic medal winner Abdulqadir.
Qatar’s Covid figures continue to drop as they have done for the last 10 day’s straight. In the last seven days there were 419 cases arriving into the country, and 730 local cases reported. Brining last week’s new Covid cases to 1,149. There were also 2 Covid related deaths. But the good news is that there were 1,574 recoveries. Which means that this week’s active cases have dropped by a further 427, giving us a new reduced figure of 2,094 active cases.
From the moment you enter the Torch Hotel, the sheer magnitude of this breath-taking building tells you that you are somewhere very special indeed.
Unique by being both spacious and intimate, you can relax right in the heart of Qatar’s Aspire Zone. Quite literally surrounded by sport and right next to one of the FIFA World Cup venues, Khalifa Stadium.
You’re in the tallest building in Qatar, a beacon of style, cuisine and sheer luxury.
Rise above the rest, and enjoy a room full of pure brilliance.
Stylish, comfortable and full of all the very latest technology.
The Torch Hotel Qatar, the height of luxury.
