Qatari Discussion Thread [Archive] - Page 2

suzan

November 6th, 2006, 05:43 PM

NBK, Canadian firm in real estate joint venture
Published: Monday, 6 November, 2006, 09:27 AM Doha Time

IN a major development in the country’s booming real estate sector, Nasser Bin Khaled (NBK) Holding Company has signed an agreement to form a joint venture with Canada-based SNC-Lavalin ProFac Inc to develop business opportunities in the management of facilities, real estate projects and industrial and infrastructure operations in the Gulf region, especially Qatar.

Announcing the details of the agreement yesterday at a press briefing at the newly-built office of the NBK Group on Salwa Road, chairman and CEO of NBK Holding Company Sheikh Nawaf bin Nasser al-Thani expressed the hope that the new company would be able to deliver professional real estate management to markets in the Gulf.

Sheikh Nawaf said the new partnership would help boost the real estate market in Qatar. NBK group was proud to add this world class partnership to its diversified business interests, he added.

Michael Winter, president of SNC-Lavalin ProFac, said he was optimistic that his company’s world class process and procedures approach to facilities management would provide a competitive edge for the new joint venture. Winter said SNC -Lavalin ProFac looked forward to identifying further opportunities for operations and maintenance services in the Gulf states.

The new venture had signed its first contract to provide facility management services for a 10-year-period at Al-Waab City, a development complex currently under construction in Doha. The contract has gone into effect immediately with the search for potential tenants for the massive $1.7bn Al-Waab City’s residential and commercial areas.

The agreement to build Al-Waab City, incorporating state-of-the-art facilities, was announced by its promoters a few months ago. Besides residential and commercial projects, the city will have public buildings and public spaces.

Toronto-headquartered SNC-Lavalin ProFac is a wholly owned subsidiary of SNC-Lavalin (TSX: SNC), a leading group of engineering and construction companies. SNC-Lavalin is a global leader in the ownership of infrastructure, in operations and maintenance services. Besides Canada, the company has offices in 30 countries around the world and is working currently in about 100 countries.

Answering questions, Winter said the company’s main focus in Qatar would be to help develop infrastructure in the real estate sector.

Asked if the parent company has any plans to invest in the power sector as it had done in many other countries, he said it would explore such possibilities at a later stage.

Sheikha Hanadi bint Nasser al-Thani, CEO of Al-Waab City, and Zouheir Chebl, SNC-Lavalin ProFac vice president, Middle East, also spoke at the press meeting.

Barry Rose, SNC-Lavlin ProFac vice president, realty management, too was present.

Qatar Son 333

November 6th, 2006, 06:14 PM

i cant understand anything from this

suzan

November 8th, 2006, 08:22 AM

[11/04/2006 - 01:00]
Construction sector of Qatar follows the route of Dubai’s

In the last four years, Doha, the capital of the Arab country, has been the setting of many residential and commercial enterprises, hotels and shopping centres. As is the case with the Emirates, the city counts on modern and daring projects. The main powerhouse for the country’s economy is production of natural gas.
Marina Sarruf, special envoy*

http://img170.imageshack.us/img170/8900/dohamn2.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
According to a Lebanese businessman operating out of Qatar, five yeas ago Doha 'was just desert'

Doha – The new civil construction works of Doha, the capital of Qatar, are following in the steps of those of Dubai, in the United Arab Emirates. Tall buildings, luxury houses and hotels, modern architecture and various shopping centres. This is the opinion of the businessmen who are participating in the trade mission to the countries of the Gulf, organized by the Federation of Industries of the State of Santa Catarina (Fiesc) and the Arab Brazilian Chamber of Commerce. “Dubai gave the starting kick. And now the other countries are following the same route,” stated the owner of construction company Procave, Nivaldo Pinheiro.

This is the first time that a Brazilian delegation in the construction sector visits Doha. The delegation has already been in Kuwait and Dubai, in the United Arab Emirates. According to the president at the Chamber of the Construction Industry of the State of Santa Catarina, José Antonio Vieira, the countries of the Gulf are becoming a hub of tourist attractions and business development. “Civil construction in the region is the great generator of new business, as it attracts entrepreneurs in the sector from all around the world,” he said.

One example of success in the business in Qatar is Lebanese construction company Al Fadil Trading and Construction, which established a partnership with a company from Qatar for the excavation of plots. Today, 60% of our constructions have been put up on plots excavated by the Lebanese company. “We are currently working on 11 constructions in Doha,” stated the company’s general manager, Firas Al-Jawhari.

Al Fadil has 30 digging machines, 27 lorries for sand transport and employs around 100 Syrians, Egyptians, Lebanese and Nepalese. One of the sites that the company is currently excavating is a 20,000-square-metre plot, from where they have already removed 258,000 cubic metres of sand, with another 70,000 to go. “Five years ago the city was just desert,” stated Al-Jawhari.

The boom in the country’s construction sector is recent, but the capital already counts on various hotels under large international brands, like the Marriott and Sheraton. The latter is considered one of the most luxurious in the country. In the shape of a pyramid, the hotel includes five restaurants and 371 bedrooms distributed on 11 storeys. The Sheraton Doha became internationally known in 2001, when the hotel hosted the Fourth WTO Ministerial Conference, which originated the World Trade Organization (WTO) Doha Rounds.

According to Pinheiro, these daring constructions, which overshadow conventional constructions, are a marketing strategy to attract the eyes of the media and of tourists. “The Burj Al Arab (hotel in Dubai), for example, is of world renown and has become a tourist attraction in the emirate,” he said.

Currently, Doha is getting ready to host the 15th edition of the Asian Games, which are equivalent to the Pan American games, scheduled to take place in Rio de Janeiro in 2007. The city hopes to receive 45,000 people to watch the event that begins on December 01st and follows through to the 15th.

Economic Scenery

Located in the western coast of the Gulf, with an area of 11,437 square-kilometres and over 700 kilometres of Coast, Qatar has a population of 800,000 people, being most foreign. Gas and oil are responsible for over 60% of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), which totals US$ 35.4 billion. The country’s per capita income is among the highest in the world.

The oil reserves of Qatar correspond to 5% of the global reserves, but the country’s main export product is liquefied natural gas. Gas is boosting the economic development of the country and its construction sector.

suzan

November 8th, 2006, 08:35 AM

By 2010 the cities with the best infrastructure will be in the Middle East

Global travelers arriving in Doha and Dubai in 2010 are going to be impressed by the most modern physical infrastructure of any city in the world. Not far behind will be Abu Dhabi and the King Abdullah Economic City rising from amid a sea of tower cranes.

Today the most impressive cities for physical infrastructure are places like Hong Kong and Singapore. But these are the relics of booms now past, while Doha and Dubai are the boom cities of our time, creating infrastructure that will be a legacy for future generations.

For its own physical infrastructure is one of the best investments a society can ever make! Take the Victorians in England whose monuments still serve visitors to London, or the roaring 20s and depressed 30s architecture of New York.

By 2010 the crown for best infrastructure will pass to Doha and Dubai. There will be magnificent, world-leading airports with fleets of A380s to cross the globe, assuming Airbus has got its act together by then.

There will be elegant highways and newly completed Metro systems to convey travelers into the cities. The Dubai Festival City will greet visitors by The Creek, the first of the series of new Dubai mega malls.

Dazzling Dubai
Newly completed office complexes will abound. The Dubai International Financial Centre with its 35,000 car parking spaces and world-class skyscrapers. The neighboring Dubai Downtown with the world's tallest building, the Burj Dubai. And the adjacent Business Bay with its dazzling office towers.

Up the multi-lane Sheikh Zayed highway the lights of the Dubai Marina and Dubai Tecom free zone will beckon. Here a forest of two hundred towers will mark the epicentre of New Dubai with villa compounds disappearing back into the desert and the massive new Dubailand theme park.

New hotels along the Jumeirah Beach will be home to many tourists. And stretching out into the calm Persian Gulf will be the two Palm islands - huge manmade islands alive with apartments, villas and massive hotels.

Dynamic Doha
In Doha the impression will be very similar: An architecturally distinguished airport, numerous new office and residential towers, the beautiful Pearl-Qatar manmade island development and top-quality shopping and hotel facilities.

This is what will remain from the oil boom of the previous decade: the infrastructure for the next ten, twenty and more years. Indeed, these will be the most modern cities in the world with the latest physical infrastructure to service the needs of business and commerce.

If the cost equation is right and the tax advantages remain, then it is a no-brainer to predict where business and finance will choose to locate in the Middle East. Indeed, there will be many more multinationals that choose to base their regional operations in these cities and possibly some global operations too.

Perhaps that is why the current residents of Doha and Dubai bare with the traffic chaos and daily inconvenience of the construction process. For by 2010 the cities with the best infrastructure in the world will be in the Middle East.

suzan

November 8th, 2006, 08:49 AM

Published: 10/13/2006 12:00 AM (UAE)

Qatar's inflation heading towards double digits
By Jasim Ali, Special to Gulf News

Inflation is increasingly becoming a problem within the Gulf Cooperation Council. Worse yet, in some cases, double-digit inflation rates are looming. This is particularly the case in Qatar.

According to Qatar's Planning Council, inflation reached 8.2 per cent in the first half of 2006, up from 4.8 per cent in the same period in 2005. Still, Qatar central bank noted that the consumer price index stood at 128.89 in the first half of 2006. By comparison, CPI amounted to 119.13 in the corresponding period last year.

Inflation rate amounted to 8.8 per cent for entire 2005. Hence, there are fears that the rate could become double digits by year-end. In retrospect, inflation stood merely at 0.02 per cent in 2002.

Inflationary pressures are stemming from continued rise in housing rents besides increasing prices of commodities and services. According to the Planning Council, housing witnessed the largest increase last year, rising by a hefty 36 per cent on top of 20 per cent in 2004. By comparison, cost of medical care rose by 4.5 per cent while that of food, beverages and tobacco rose by 3.1 per cent in 2005.

To be sure, inflation in Qatar is becoming a source of concern for expatriate workers.

The sharp rise in rental rates led some expatriates to send their families to their home countries and sharing accommodation with fellow countrymen in order to cut expenses.

Aware of this growing problem, the authorities put in place legislation at the start of 2006 restricting rent increases to 10 per cent per year. However, press reports suggest that there are problems with enforcing the ruling partly due to numerous provisions in the law benefiting landlords.

Inflationary pressures are adding to private sector problems. Firms are finding it essential to raise salaries in order to retain some and attract other expatriate employees. According to Dubai-based recruitment agent, GulfTalent, salaries grew by 11.1 per cent in Qatar in the last 12 months to August 2006, the highest within the GCC. In 2005, private sector firms in Qatar increased base salary by 7.9 per cent, again the highest in GCC.

In both years, construction and banking sectors recorded the highest wage increases. The majority of foreign workers in Qatar come from Asia, with some finding more value going back and working at home than working and living in expensive Qatar.

Additionally, many companies opted to increase housing allowances in a bid to retain professional expatriates in particular.

More recently, Qatar started eyeing Bahrain to help fill shortage of skilled and semi-skilled workers. Plans are under way to allow Bahraini nationals to work in Qatar without restrictions. Real developments are due to take place in November with the opening of a recruitment office in Doha.

For Qatar, Bahraini nationals make an excellent alternative or addition, thanks in part to cultural similarities. Besides, many Bahraini nationals can communicate in English. For Bahrain, the development is meant to help solve the unemployment problem.

Thus, there are mutual benefits for both Qatar and Bahrain. As members of the regional grouping of GCC, Qatar and Bahrain are not yet required to grant unhindered access to factors of production related to both countries. This becomes necessary with the implementation of a common market in the GCC, due to go into effect by end-2007.

In addition, inflationary pressures in Qatar are partly the consequence of pegging the Qatari riyal to the US dollar. In effect, a sustained decline in the dollar translates into higher costs associated with imports priced in the euro and the yen.

Yet, similar to fellow GCC partners, Qatar intends to continue linking its currency to the dollar in the foreseeable future.

Clearly, inflationary pressures are likely to remain intact in Qatar for some time, a matter that particularly undermines the well-being of expatriate employees.

- The writer is head of the Economic Research Unit, University of Bahrain.

:bash:

suzan

November 8th, 2006, 09:04 AM

College in partnership with US university
Published: Wednesday, 8 November, 2006, 09:28 AM Doha Time

QATAR University (QU)’s College of Arts and Sciences will enter into a three-year, $3,000 partnership with the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, as a part of the 2006 US-Middle East University Partnership Initiative.

http://img132.imageshack.us/img132/1306/21164831248dx4.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
The officials at the meeting

The Mass Communication Departments of both universities are to co-operate, under the programme that begins in spring 2007, in enriching their faculty and students skills and experiences in various fields of mass media.

The partnership includes exchanges of students and professors, setting up a Digital Media Centre at QU and launching a new course in ‘Global Communication at Work,’ to be taught in both universities, and intended to help students to access and understand each other’s culture.

The partnership also includes a plan to send students from QU to University of Louisiana for classes in digital journalism, advanced reporting and online journalism. At the same time, students from University of Louisiana will come to QU to join the Arabic for non-native speakers’ programme to learn the language and culture.

The components of the partnership were discussed at a meeting chaired by QU’s College of Arts and Sciences Dean Dr Siham al-Qaradawi and attended by associate dean for programmes Dr Mahmoud Khedr, Communication Department head Dr Mahmoud Hammoud, Mass Communication professor Dr Sahar Khamis, and the partnership programme’s director Dr Ashraf Galal.

"This partnership will help build bridges and foster a healthy cultural dialogue among academic communities in the US and Qatar and between the US and Arab world," Dr al-Qaradawi said yesterday.

Also, it will strengthen the capacities of the Mass Communication Programme at QU and its mission of providing its students with cutting edge education and preparing them for journalism careers in a competitive world.

suzan

November 8th, 2006, 09:06 AM

Well, guys! what better than keeping you informed about things? hehehe it's article's day!

:lol:

suzan

November 8th, 2006, 09:07 AM

Project to change the face of Doha
Published: Wednesday, 8 November, 2006, 09:58 AM Doha Time

http://img170.imageshack.us/img170/2320/21165421248ye9.gif (http://imageshack.us)
Ali bin Abdullah al-Abdullah explaining the development plan with the help of a map of Doha at the press conference yesterday

THE Urban Planning and Development Authority (UPDA) has completed a study aimed at redrawing the map of Doha with many of the major roads in the capital city designated as exclusive commercial areas.

When implemented, the project will give a quantum leap for the development of Doha, UPDA Director General Ali bin Abdullah al-Abdullah told reporters yesterday.

The four-month long study was conducted under the direction of HH the Heir Apparent Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani.

"The UPDA is poised to put the finishing touches and set the regulations to carry out the plan which would change the face of most of the city’s arterial roads," he said.

The roads and streets which will be developed as commercial areas (shops) are: Al Muntazah Street (A and B Ring Roads), Al Mansoura Street up to Al Muntazah , Khalifa street (TV Roundabout to Al Markhiya Roundabout), Al Luqta street (Passport Roundabout to Al Mael Roundabout) and the southern part of the Central Market street.

The areas identified to house offices are: Al Markhiya Street (Landmark Roundabout to Al Dahl Park Roundabout), Al Markhiya Street (Al Dahl Park Roundabout to Senior Staff Roundabout, southern end only), Al Jazeera-Al Arabia Street, Joan street (Al Sudan Roundabout to Al Sadd signals), D Ring Road (Mall Roundabout to Al Soudan Roundabout), Ali Bin Abi Taleb Street (Al Mamoura intersection to C Ring Road), Al Muntazah street (Al Tadamun Roundabout to B Ring Road).

Al-Abdullah pointed out that the study was aimed at meeting the huge demand for commercial buildings in Doha as well as beautifying the city by demolishing the old structures and developing the undeveloped parts of the capital.

The authority is to chalk out the regulations governing the features of the proposed commercial buildings, including their heights and the parking lots, he said.

On the fate of the current buildings in the above mentioned areas, the UPDA director general said the landlords of these areas would be allowed to develop them in such a way that they met the new standards and conditions.

Asked whether such changes would have an impact on land prices and rents, he said that the suggested changes would help stabilise the rents.

"I think that the main reason behind the soaring rents is the shortage of commercial property, considering the huge demand for them as a result of the country’s booming economy," he said, adding that these changes were normal and part of the new urban plan worked out by the Urban Planning and Development Authority.

He also announced that the authority would soon embark on a feasibility study for building special residential complexes that would be offered for reasonable rents and thereby addressing the current housing crisis and soaring rents.

Halawala

November 8th, 2006, 10:01 AM

Stupid plan! ^^ Waste of money. I swear they dont know what the hell to do with their money.

samiola

November 8th, 2006, 03:59 PM

hey there people,
i dont know where else to write this

im kinda new in qatar and i have a young baby... me and my wife r working and r looking for a day care centre for my little daughter during the morning time..... i dont want a normal day care centre.... something very fancy and respectable.... cuz u know its not easy leaving a baby with someone else at that age.....

second question... my wife wants to make 3abaya... do the girls here know a place we can go to for tafseel 3abaya.... something good..!!

Thats it... and thanks a bunch
my email is sammyelnidani@gmail.com if u dont want the answer to be here

Qatar Son 333

November 8th, 2006, 07:52 PM

samiola i dont know anything about a care center but you can always go to hayatt plaza to dary (داري) to make an abaya i dont ware one i just go with my mom.

Qatar Son 333

November 9th, 2006, 05:13 PM

Abu Dhabi likely to float monorail tenders in 2007
By Ahmad Ameen, Staff Reporter

Abu Dhabi: The tenders for the proposed Abu Dhabi monorail project are expected to be floated next year, an Abu Dhabi Municipality official told Gulf News yesterday.

"The length of the monorail track will be 30 kilometres. The traffic handling capacity of each monorail station will be about 1,000 commuters," said Ahmad Al Hosani on the sidelines of the 10th ministerial meeting of GCC municipalities which was held yesterday in the UAE capital.

Second system

Abu Dhabi's will be the second urban monorail system in the UAE and the first in the GCC.

Dubai has already started construction of its Dh14.5 billion light rail system that will stretch 70 kilometres and cover the entire emirate.

"The project has been fully approved by the authorities and is projected for completion by 2020. Fifteen two-coach trains have been proposed to be put to service.

"Interval between each service will be five minutes. The track will extend along the semi-diameter of Abu Dhabi," he said

"2006 is approaching its end and accordingly it will be difficult to expect any tenders issued this year," he added.

The UAE's railway network is expected to connect to a GCC-wide system that would boost cross-border travel and tourism as well as trading activities, as the region's six economies integrate into a single currency regime by 2010.

"This exhibition is the first of its kind and includes all the projects under way in the seven municipalities in the UAE.

"Besides the monorail project, we are also exhibiting the Dh1.5 billion Shaikh Zayed Bridge due for completion in two years. It is intended not only to serve as a traffic facilitator, but also become a landmark for the emirate," Al Hosani said.

"The mega project of Shaikh Zayed Mosque is also at very advanced stage and we expect the project to be open in 2007 during this Ramadan," he added.

Cargo and passenger railway network studied

The UAE government has also initiated studies for a cargo and passenger rail system that will connect all the emirates.

The project, still in the concept stage, will help the internal land transportation of cargo and freight while a passenger line would ease growing traffic between the major cities of the country.

we should get one of thous really dubai,abudabi,riyad,madina are all getting metros and monorails we want one !!!!

omarmakki

November 12th, 2006, 08:48 AM

I'm sure everyone will consider this as good news! :D

New telecom licences to be issued soon
DOHA • The Supreme Council of Information and Communications Technology (ictQatar) will soon finalise procedures for issuing licences to new service providers in the telecommunications sector, based on the new law issued by the Emir HH Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani last week, a senior ictQatar official said yesterday.

The Law No: 34 of 2006 has ended the monopoly of Qtel and introduced competition in the telecommunication sector. ictQatar, the regulatory body of information and communication technology (ICT) in Qatar has been vested with powers to oversee the liberalisation process, granting competitive licenses for the provision of network and telecom services.

Addressing a press conference at the Doha Sheraton yesterday, Dr Hessa Al Jaber, secretary general of ictQatar said, opening up of the telecommunication sector is aimed at ensuring better services and lower prices for customers.

William Fagan, executive director, Regulatory Authority, ictQatar was also present at the press conference, which was held to explain the implications of the new law.

“Opening the market will spearhead economic and social development in Qatar. We can look forward to investment from an array of new industries, brand new jobs across the economy and innovative ways of doing business to the public and private sectors," said Hessa Al Jaber.

She added that the move will result in improved customer service, better quality and lower prices. Citing an example, she said, Qtel recently introduced a cut in its international call rates anticipating the new law.

The official said, within few months, ictQatar will issue license procedures for service providers. Qtel will continue to provide its services and share equal rights and privileges with other service providers.

However, all regulatory powers, which were earlier vested with Qtel have now been transferred to ictQatar.

Besides setting up a licensing regime, ictQatar has also been authorised to oversee the frequencies and use resources like the radio spectrum. However, it will have no control over the contents of the programmes being aired, explained William.

The officials said, ictQatar will start issuing provider licenses once the procedures are ready, but stopped short of giving a specific time frame. In reply to a query from the media, Hessa Al Jaber said no company had so far approached ictQatar seeking a license.

"By the end of 2007, we will have more service providers operating in the field," William later told the press.

Qtel will have exclusive rights on the networks laid by it while the new market entrants will have to construct their own networks to provide the required services.

The liberalisation process will be carried out in a phased manner, to cover all areas including internet and mobile phone.

The officials, however, indicated that many details regarding implementation of the law are yet to be finalised.

omarmakki

November 12th, 2006, 08:49 AM

More good news (I guess!)

Traffic rules simplified
doha • Drivers involved in minor traffic accidents are now not required to go to the Traffic and Patrol Department offices to complete formalities, thanks to a new system being introduced by the department.

The preliminary procedures related to such accidents will be completed on the spot. The new system will come into effect today, said an official release issued yesterday.

There will be a form to be filled by the police investigating the incident and a report will be issued on the spot. This report can be used for insurance formalities and as a permit to repair the affected car in workshops within 15 days of the accident.

Halawala

November 12th, 2006, 10:35 AM

More good news (I guess!)

Traffic rules simplified

I was waiting for someone to implement this law. In Dubai this law is already in effect since I was a little kid!

Halawala

November 15th, 2006, 09:40 PM

wtf happened to the post count! It was over 10,500+!!

omarmakki

November 15th, 2006, 10:10 PM

Yup, I noticed that yesterday... We lost more than 1k posts!
This isn't fair!!

Please do something about it Mr. Mod...
:D

suzan

November 16th, 2006, 07:02 AM

of which thread? or in total?

Halawala

November 16th, 2006, 02:06 PM

^^^ In total!

suzan

November 16th, 2006, 02:52 PM

^^ :bash: whaaaaaat!!!
hehehe and all that time, us typing and feeling good that posts are increasing hahahaah

CrazY

November 16th, 2006, 03:00 PM

i still dont understand, what post ?? whats going on :S

LOOOOL,, halawala dont comment ;p

suzan

November 16th, 2006, 03:01 PM

Post is when you "post" a comment! :doh:

CrazY

November 16th, 2006, 03:03 PM

looool yeah i know that ,, but wha going in with the post your talking about :S you said they are missing and something about 10000 posts ! :S

suzan i know what posts mean, im that dumb ;p LOOOOL

suzan

November 16th, 2006, 03:07 PM

:lol: LOL
Well..!! don't know what to tell you!

CrazY

November 16th, 2006, 03:12 PM

LOOL ok :sleepy:

halawala its my name is on that Jag so move off your bags let me call you a cab ;p LOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOL

omarmakki

November 16th, 2006, 04:38 PM

We are talking about the post count...
This one!
http://img99.imageshack.us/img99/2082/snap1yc6.jpg

Qatar Son 333

November 16th, 2006, 04:59 PM

so your sayin it was more than that

Qatar Son 333

November 16th, 2006, 05:00 PM

58000 israili posts !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

omarmakki

November 16th, 2006, 05:01 PM

Yes, it was about 10.2k posts!

CrazY

November 16th, 2006, 05:04 PM

ahaaaa now i get it :)

Koweitien

November 16th, 2006, 05:33 PM

Yes, it was about 10.2k posts!

The post count increased by like a thousand to 10k+ in like one day so that might have been an error which was rectified :?

omarmakki

November 16th, 2006, 05:36 PM

I'm sure it wasn't an error... And it didn't jump by a thousand...
I usually check the post count so I know what I'm saying.

suzan

November 16th, 2006, 06:00 PM

unbelievable!

omarmakki

November 16th, 2006, 07:16 PM

Restoration of Q-Post building urged
DOHA • The restoration of Q-Post's landmark building off the Corniche, emerged as a point of discussion at the Central Municipal Council meeting, on Tuesday.

Raising the issue, Jassim bin Abdullah Al Malik, said the building is one of the oldest structures in the area and the symbol of Qatar's traditional architecture.

"The building is one of the oldest buildings in the area. And it was constructed under the direct supervision of the Emiri Diwan. The structure has to be restored at any cost", Al Malik said.

For want of proper maintenance, Al Malik said, the building is in bad shape.

“It is posing safety threats. Instead of demolishing it, urgent steps should be taken to restore the building,” he said. He wanted the Council to take up the issue at its next meeting.

Al Malik also suggested Public Works Authority (Ashghal) and Q-Post to jointly take up the restoration work.

I really think it's one of the worst looking buildings in Doha! It really ruins the look of the corniche!
I wish they would just demolish it...

Halawala

November 16th, 2006, 08:27 PM

I bet they dont know how to restore things--just demolish them! THe POst office building is a beautiful building. It shouldn't be demolished!

Qatar Son 333

November 16th, 2006, 09:46 PM

it should its one of the worst thing around the cornesh its in bad shape

omarmakki

November 16th, 2006, 11:11 PM

Sorry Halawala, but I disagree with you this time...
It really does look horrible. Or at least it is really in the wrong place... It just doesn't fit to be on the corniche very close to the West Bay towers...

CrazY

November 16th, 2006, 11:39 PM

can someone post a pic of the post office building :) i want to judge ;p

Halawala

November 17th, 2006, 12:26 AM

can someone post a pic of the post office building :) i want to judge ;p

OK sure;)

http://www.qatarembassy.net/Qatar%20Gallery/doha%20city/Qatar%20Post%20office.JPG

I think its a monment, doesnt have to look good but it does.

suzan

November 17th, 2006, 01:25 AM

Qatar hires cruise ships for Asian Games

The gulf state of Qatar has hired three luxury cruise ships to ensure that there are enough beds for officials at next month's Asian Games, the Peninsula has reported.

Japan recently cast doubt on whether there would be enough room to house the estimated 13,500 athletes and functionaries which will flock to Qatar for the games.

Qatar has built a $500 million (£260 million) athletes village in the capital of Doha, designed to hold 10,000 people.

Ahmed Abdullah Al Khulaifi, an organiser of the games, told the online newspaper: "There is no fear that there will not be enough beds.

"Right now there is no shortage of accommodation. It is a wrong assumption that we lack beds in Doha. There is no such problem."

No athletes will stay on the cruise ships booked by the Qatar Tourism Authority as they are required to stay in the athletes village.

Hotel rooms in the capital have already been heavily booked up by spectators and VIPs.

I saw the ships! They are huge! I will take pics of them soon.

CrazY

November 17th, 2006, 01:46 AM

emmm, its not that bad !! will im sure it looks old, doesn't have to be demolished.. a little rennovating and a touch of glass will do the trick.

old building doesn't have to be demolished, kuwait demolished old and even historic building and now its building, rennovating and even building replicas of historic building... some must be demolished cuz they are pure UGLY with a capital L :S LOOL but this one is ok... speak of an era that qatar went through in my opinion :)

salman515

November 17th, 2006, 01:47 AM

I like this building, sure its not a tower but Its nice. ^^ agree

Qatar Son 333

November 17th, 2006, 06:34 AM

nop not with me build it someware else

CrazY

November 18th, 2006, 01:34 AM

halawala shakoo mo nayem lel7een ??? haa. you've got classes in the morning :mad:

Halawala

November 18th, 2006, 07:21 AM

^^ Yom el sabt mafee dawam! :P I just came from James bond 007 which was 2.5 hours long! BUT STILL NICE! ;P

gulfexpress

November 18th, 2006, 07:36 AM

what would you give that movie out of ten?

omarmakki

November 18th, 2006, 10:07 AM

2 and a half hours long! Damn, thats really long!
Although I wouldn't care less whether it's good or bad, I'll watch it just for the Aston Martin DBS! :D
But... Knowing your opinion about it won't hurt. :D

CrazY

November 18th, 2006, 11:36 AM

ahaaa ee, your weekend is different :S weird ;p LOOOOL
im going to buy james bond dvd... i dont wanna go to the cinema !!

omarmakki

November 18th, 2006, 11:40 AM

^^The DVD's release date is 27 March '07. Which is... A long way to go!! :D

CrazY

November 18th, 2006, 11:57 AM

REALLY !! your joking right ?? :S

man everybody i know went to the movie !! damn it ill wait :cry:

omarmakki

November 18th, 2006, 12:00 PM

Hell no I ain't! :D
http://www.amazon.co.uk/James-Bond-Casino-Royale-Daniel/dp/B000FIGHNQ

Check the DVD release date...

CrazY

November 18th, 2006, 12:14 PM

Okay :(

Qatar Son 333

November 18th, 2006, 01:57 PM

yuck i hate jamesbond hes one of the worst catastrophes ever hit holywood bolywood and even timbuktu

omarmakki

November 19th, 2006, 09:10 AM

Al Sharq mega draw winner awarded Zigzag Tower flat
DOHA • Ahmed Majid Mubarak Ali Al Suwaidi was the lucky winner of a luxury flat in the world’s highest Zigzag Tower in the mega draw conducted on Wednesday by Dar Al Sharq, publishers of The Peninsula and Al Sharq, as part of the company’s promotion campaign.

The flat is worth QR 500,000.

The draw was attended by Abdul Latif Al Mahmoud, General Manager and Editor in Chief of Al Sharq Arabic daily, Ibrahim Al Said, Assistant of General Manager, Abdullah Atatra, Executive Manager of Dar Investing Company among other officials from both companies.

Following the draw, Abdul Latif thanked Dar Investing Company for participating in Dar Al Sharq's promotion campaign by providing the mega prize, largest promotion campaign in the history of media organisations in the country.

He also thanked readers of The Peninsula and Al Sharq for their participation in the campaign and promised Dar Al Sharq will continue to provide distinguished media services. He also said there will be more such promotional campaigns with attractive prizes.

Abdullah Attatra thanked all who took part in the joint mega draw sponsored by Dar Al Sharq and Dar Investing Company and promised that there would be further cooperation.

He described the mega prize as an prestigious property for it is located in the largest Zigzag Tower of the Lagoon Plaza project. He said there is a plan to include other GCC countries in the campaign.

Ibrahim Said that the initiative was part of an aggressive campaign plan by Dar Al Sharq to increase the circulation of the Arabic and English dailies.

That lucky bastard!

Halawala

November 19th, 2006, 09:15 AM

^^ Yup one lucky bastard!

Qatar Son 333

November 19th, 2006, 05:33 PM

lucky hucky sucky that is

Qatar Son 333

November 22nd, 2006, 04:36 PM

any info in qatars world records i need to know them plz

omarmakki

November 22nd, 2006, 05:55 PM

Biggest shopping cart... I think :D.

Massilia

November 22nd, 2006, 07:39 PM

LOL :lol:

Qatar Son 333

November 23rd, 2006, 04:00 PM

come on any more ?

omarmakki

November 23rd, 2006, 05:59 PM

Tallest zig-zag building...

suzan

November 25th, 2006, 01:48 AM

Could someone please tell me if there is a thread for Texas A&M University in Qatar?.

omarmakki

November 25th, 2006, 02:09 AM

Advanced search isn't working!! errr! But I don't think there's a thread for it...

suzan

November 25th, 2006, 02:18 AM

Ok! thanks!
I should create one.. it's almost finished!

Mu9ai3ibun

November 26th, 2006, 08:55 AM

^^ Yom el sabt mafee dawam! :P I just came from James bond 007 which was 2.5 hours long! BUT STILL NICE! ;P

I loved that movie. It was soooooooo goooooood :banana: :)

Mu9ai3ibun

November 26th, 2006, 08:56 AM

yuck i hate jamesbond hes one of the worst catastrophes ever hit holywood bolywood and even timbuktu

Are you kidding me. :bash: :bash: :bash: :bash:

I don't know whether you're joking or not. It's a bad joke if you are. :ohno:

suzan

November 26th, 2006, 09:11 AM

The movie rocks! how can you say that!

omarmakki

November 26th, 2006, 09:36 AM

It rocks as an action movie... But I didn't like it as a Bond movie. I mean Bond never gets involved in lots of fighting and never gets hurt. He was always way more civilized! I also didn't like the fact that Bond's theme wasn't played at all during the movie...

But... I like all the Bentleys, Maseratis, Porsches, Ferraris and of course Aston Martins in the movie! :D

Halawala

November 26th, 2006, 01:12 PM

gulfexpress

November 26th, 2006, 01:27 PM

I agree about the cast, and they should have had a bit more aston martin action too, but overall it was an ok movie, not bad for a prequel.

suzan

November 26th, 2006, 02:09 PM

EVenthough Pierce Brosman is hotter than the new Bond, in my opinion, the new James Bond is better for the character! he is more serious and more mysterious!

Pierce is great! But we should give the new guy a chance!

omarmakki

November 26th, 2006, 03:03 PM

Daniel Craig isn't bad, but of course Brosnan was better...
And of course I agree with gulfexpress... I mean they made the DBS specifically for the movie. Then they just show it in only two scenes!!!

Qatar Son 333

November 26th, 2006, 06:44 PM

any way he days in one movie and hes alive in another one its not that much good.

omarmakki

November 26th, 2006, 07:06 PM

any way he days in one movie and hes alive in another one its not that much good.
What are you saying? James Bond never dies!

Halawala

November 26th, 2006, 07:10 PM

Guys, how do i download Google earth. Everytime I download it, it says Server not found!!!!!!!!

omarmakki

November 26th, 2006, 07:15 PM

Try this link...
http://dl.google.com/earth/GE4/GoogleEarthWin.exe

It works for me.

Qatar Son 333

November 26th, 2006, 07:35 PM

me to

Halawala

November 26th, 2006, 09:04 PM

Thanks Omar, it worked.

omarmakki

November 26th, 2006, 09:18 PM

np ;)

Qatarifreak

November 28th, 2006, 08:39 PM

I have to disagree. I really like Daniel Craig. Much more realistic.

salman515

November 29th, 2006, 07:30 AM

^^ after seeing the movie, I kind of agree on this.

suzan

November 29th, 2006, 08:37 AM

I have to disagree. I really like Daniel Craig. Much more realistic.

Agree!^^

gulfexpress

November 29th, 2006, 09:29 AM

slightly off topic question, but what is the average rent apartment/villa in doha?

Halawala

November 29th, 2006, 12:29 PM

slightly off topic question, but what is the average rent apartment/villa in doha?

Maybe a typical apartment: 7 grand/month, and villa 15, 20 grand

Qatar Son 333

November 29th, 2006, 07:20 PM

Maybe a typical apartment: 7 grand/month, and villa 15, 20 grand

wat do you mean

Emirati_Girl

November 30th, 2006, 11:43 PM

Awesome banner !! Goodluck in the asian games ^_^

Qatar Son 333

December 1st, 2006, 03:13 PM

thanks

suzan

December 3rd, 2006, 11:49 AM

Does anyone know if we have a thread for Al Waab City?

Qatar Son 333

December 3rd, 2006, 12:06 PM

yes we do !

Qatar Son 333

December 3rd, 2006, 12:06 PM

why do you ask ? you have anyupdates

Qatar Son 333

December 4th, 2006, 08:17 PM

guys i thout a thread for ARABIC disscusion would be nice escpeccaly for ARABIC talking only :);)

Qatar Son 333

December 7th, 2006, 06:02 PM

you know those litte dots in paint some of them i know to move and some of them i cant i dosent move any idea why

Qatar Son 333

December 7th, 2006, 06:10 PM

just learned how to do it thanks anyway

suzan

December 8th, 2006, 09:14 AM

which dots?

Qatar Son 333

December 8th, 2006, 10:32 AM

nothing its something in paint

Halawala

December 12th, 2006, 09:01 AM

Anyone got an extra 1.8 million?
http://img243.imageshack.us/img243/4622/numberij7.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

suzan

December 12th, 2006, 10:08 AM

I do! :D
That's insane!

Qatar Son 333

December 12th, 2006, 10:47 AM

wat the heck

salman515

December 12th, 2006, 05:25 PM

hmmm, let me check my wallet... ohh sorry dude I have 1.5 only :P

omarmakki

December 12th, 2006, 05:42 PM

lol! Wasn't there something like that about a year ago...
Some bid by Qtel for the highest prices. It was for a number of that kind...
I remember it was sold for even much more than that!

Qatar Son 333

December 12th, 2006, 06:02 PM

really thats useless !!!!!!!

salman515

December 12th, 2006, 11:06 PM

It was 6666666 "sabe3 setaat :D "and the price was 10 or 15 million, and some rumors that he sold it for 20

omarmakki

December 12th, 2006, 11:08 PM

^^Yup! That's it! :D

suzan

December 13th, 2006, 08:12 AM

That's insane AGAIN!
What if that person sells the number again?
For how much would he/she sell it?
It's just a number!

Qatar Son 333

December 13th, 2006, 09:46 AM

just a number suzan 123456789 are just numbers my cosin collects money that has cool numbers on it i always tell him why not buy watever you wat with it he says no its valuble and i am like wat the heck. i dont know how but most of us in the house have nice phone numbers like 5616618 or 519199 and the home number was 4699002

gulfexpress

December 13th, 2006, 09:52 AM

well what I heard was Qtel itself does the bidding for the numbers and the money they collect goes to charity and non-profit organisations, so at least there is something good coming out of it.

suzan

December 13th, 2006, 01:29 PM

Anyone heard of the Doha Central Market project?

Qatar Son 333

December 13th, 2006, 01:30 PM

ahhhhhhh no i dont think so never heard of it

amrja

December 13th, 2006, 02:45 PM

ummm qatarson it's usually not a very good idea to post your numbers on the internet.

suzan

December 14th, 2006, 09:25 AM

Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces to develop Qatar’s first five-star hotel
September 8, 2006

Qatar Sports Investment Company (QSI) has joined forces with the Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces, one of Asia’s largest and finest groups of hotels, in order to develop Qatar’s first five-star golf and spa hotel in Doha. Based at the Doha Golf Club, the only PGA standard 18-hole golf course in Qatar, the Taj Exotica Golf and Spa Resort will occupy a site at Doha Golf Club and represent an investment of approximately QR 220 million over 3 years.

Launching in early 2009, the Taj Exotica Golf and Spa resort will be the first Golf Resort and Spa of its kind in Doha, offering a unique mix of access to Doha’s world-class golf course and a Jiva Grande Club and Spa. The proposed design comprises a luxury, low-rise five-star boutique hotel complete with a host of world-class facilities, including 150 rooms and suites, restaurants and a bar, and meeting and conferencing facilities. It is the latest in a prestigious line of hotels managed by the Taj Group, whose other notable hotels include the Taj Mahal Palace and Tower in Mumbai, India, Taj Exotica Resort and Spa, Dubai.

QSI was established in March 2005 by H.H, Sheik Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani, Heir Apparent of the State of Qatar, President of the Qatar National Olympic Committee and has a clear objective to invest in and establish professional entities in the sports, leisure and entertainment industries in Qatar and abroad. It already holds investments in some of Doha’s leading leisure facilities such as the Al Dana Club and the Doha Golf Club.

Abdulla Khalid Al Qahtani, chairman, QSi commented: "Our mission is to develop the reputation and stature of Qatar as a sporting nation through investment in exciting and innovative developments in the world of sports, leisure and entertainment. This investment marks the beginning of a strategic process that will deliver our mission, both in Qatar and abroad. Taj is the ideal company to manage the first of our endeavors in this space, thanks to its history of expertise in hospitality management."

Raymond N Bickson, managing director and chief executive officer, The Indian Hotels Company Limited, said: "We are very excited with this new project, which marks our foray into the golf resort segment in this region. The Taj Exotica Resort and Spa brand is today recognised for its luxurious offerings including an elevated degree of service, outstanding food, and a unique spa concept and uber chic design. We are delighted to partner with Qatar Sports Investment Company for the Taj Exotica Golf Resort and Spa-Doha, Qatar. Today, Qatar, UAE, Bahrain and Oman all form part of a strategic group of countries in the Gulf region. Leisure and hospitality in this region is growing exponentially and it is important for the Taj Hotels to be present in these strategic countries of this region, which is rapidly morphing into a tourism hub of the future."

The golf course at the Doha Golf Club encompasses an area of 150 hectares and includes a renowned PGA-standard, 18-hole championship course and a 9-hole floodlight academy course. The Qatar Masters, which is now co-sanctioned by the European PGA tour and the Asia PGA tour, has been a regular feature on the Doha Golf Club calendar since 1998. The addition of the Taj Exotica Golf and Spa Resort-Doha will enhance the facilities available to local and visiting golfers in Qatar.

About Qatar Sports Investment Company (QSI)
Established in March 2005 by H H Sheik Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani, heir apparent of the State of Qatar and president of the Qatar National Olympic Committee, QSI’s vision is to be recognised as a leading sports, entertainment and leisure investment company in Qatar and beyond. This strategic vision will be developed through the investment in and establishment of a range of prestigious ventures in the field of sports, entertainment and leisure which create value for customers, the public and stakeholders. QSI is a fully-owned entity of the Government of Qatar and Qatar National Olympic Committee with over QAR 1.5 billion in assets.

suzan

December 14th, 2006, 09:29 AM

Anyone knows what happened with this project? The QNB Headquarters?

http://img185.imageshack.us/img185/875/weqweqweem8.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Qatar Son 333

December 14th, 2006, 09:46 AM

thanks for the information

heres the thread suzan http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=293587 i think i red somwhere in that thread that its cancelled now :(>(

suzan

December 14th, 2006, 10:09 AM

^^:(

Halawala

December 14th, 2006, 10:49 AM

suzan

December 14th, 2006, 10:50 AM

Great!!
Thanks Halawala! :D

superinfiniti

December 14th, 2006, 03:56 PM

Anyone knows what happened with this project? The QNB Headquarters?

http://img185.imageshack.us/img185/875/weqweqweem8.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

What I know about this is that .... They cancelled it long time ago ..

The cost was too much compared to the small offices area available ...
it was not cost efficient...

I think there is another design ... I'll try to find it ...

..

Qatar Son 333

December 14th, 2006, 04:03 PM

please and thankyou

dave550

December 15th, 2006, 12:02 PM

You guys. Is this for real?? I couldn't believe my eyes when I first loged in and saw the banner

salman515

December 15th, 2006, 03:56 PM

yep thanx to halawala :)

POWER OF QATAR

December 16th, 2006, 10:44 AM

suzan

December 16th, 2006, 10:55 AM

^^ Most of my Qataris friends say the same..

LittleLouChang

December 16th, 2006, 11:22 AM

I see Doha becoming like Dubai.... once all the new hotels are constructed clubs and bars will open, I already see it changing.

Allot of foreigners will be coming to Doha and they lead a different life style, eventually Qatari’s will be out numbers by far.

This is what happened to daub and this is what will happen to Doha.

I wish I am wrong, and I hope Qatar learns from Dubai’s mistakes.

It would be a real shame if that happens :ohno:
I went to Dubai once, and I am never going again. I hate that place!!
I dont want the same to happen to Doha, cos I love Doha... I hope they will be more wise, and build the city carefully. Honestly I do admit that I loved Qatar to be that hidden treasure in the Gulf that only few ppl knew about.
If it will end up like Dubai, the hospitality that Qatar is so famous for will disapear, and ppl will turn into grumpy arrogant bastards who doesnt care about anything else than themself and their money :bash:
And all the fu.... tourists! It makes me sad just to think of it :( :( :(
I always told my friends, that no, Qatar would never go in the same direction as Dubai, they wont make that mistake! but now I see that they probably will end up like that :cry: :cry: :cry: GOD, I HATE what money can do sometimes :ohno:

gulfexpress

December 16th, 2006, 12:27 PM

I hope that wont be the case, but at the same time I'm confident that the government will find a good mechanism of not making that happen. I guess it would either be done through a set of laws or something when it comes to expatriates. Not only that, but I think the best way to avoid such a thing would be to introduce and educate Qatar's culture to incoming expatriates, instead of leting them be the driving force behind Qatar's social change.

Change is bound to happen, its the direction at where you want it to go to that matters. I hope doha is still going to be "doha" and not a 21'st century culturless city.

Qatar Son 333

December 16th, 2006, 02:58 PM

now that sounds horrible in a way

dave550

December 17th, 2006, 08:46 AM

Different factors made Dubai what it is right now. I certainly don't think that Doha is going the same direction. Doha is all about modernizing and investing it's money to change the lifestyle of it's people to the better through education, healthcare and better housing. This will automatically attract more foreign investments into the country, which will make it something similar to Singapore

Halawala

December 17th, 2006, 08:52 AM

suzan

December 17th, 2006, 10:11 AM

2006 may be wettest year
Published: Sunday, 17 December, 2006, 10:49 AM Doha Time

http://img475.imageshack.us/img475/6591/21229901248cv2.gif (http://imageshack.us)
Raincoats are out as rain continued to lash Doha throughout the day yesterday

Staff Reporter

THE Qatar Meteorological Department may well be on the way to marking 2006 as the wettest year in the country’s history as rains continued to surprise Doha residents with yet another day of downpour, leaving many streets flooded yesterday.

"We are certain it has never rained like this since 1964, when Qatar recorded the highest ever rains - 155mm. But whether rains this season have surpassed that record can only be confirmed at the end of this year," a top official of the Met Department told Gulf Times.

"More rains are expected today and the unstable weather would continue until Monday early morning," he said.

According to the Met office, the unstable weather conditions will start to stabilise by tomorrow because of an extension of the Siberian high pressure over the area and the invasion of cold northwesterly surface wind.

"The wind will be fresh, but strong in speed with gusts especially in the sea, which will result in rough sea and a decrease in temperature," said a report issued by the Met Department yesterday.

The temperature in the coming days is likely to drop to 10C.

Since 1964, Qatar has recorded an average of only 13mm rain during December. This year, however, rainfall has already crossed the 30mm mark in the first half of this month, with more rains expected in the coming days.

suzan

December 17th, 2006, 10:12 AM

Actually, I never thought it would rain the same way it is now!
It is real winter.. Just cold as in Lebanon..

Qatar Son 333

December 17th, 2006, 10:52 AM

well it is true it did not rainlike this since 10 years

gulfexpress

December 17th, 2006, 11:30 AM

is it really flooded there??? I mean its already really bad at the moment here in saudi, I got soaking wet till I got to the office this morning, the streets are soooooo flooded you might as well get some white water rafting gear out! lol

superinfiniti

December 17th, 2006, 11:47 AM

...

I heard that Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar, and UAE have studied Cloud Seeding (Artificial Rain, الاستمطار الصناعي) to induce Clouds for rain by putting some substances on them ....

see this article:
http://www.gulf-times.com/site/topics/article.asp?cu_no=2&item_no=90582&version=1&template_id=36&parent_id=16

Have any body heard if this rain because of that ??

..

Qatar Son 333

December 17th, 2006, 11:54 AM

no but last year uae flooded becase of this thing

gulfexpress

December 17th, 2006, 11:56 AM

wow that should be something to look forward to. I also heard that the GCC is conducting studies to genetically modify plants, in order for them to grow on dry and arrid land/sand...I wonder if we will ever get to see a green and rainy GCC n the future, should be very nice!

superinfiniti

December 17th, 2006, 12:01 PM

^^ I hope so..

Qatar Son 333

December 17th, 2006, 12:01 PM

no thats not the way we live cold okay rainy ok but not a rainforest or somthing like that !!!!

gulfexpress

December 17th, 2006, 12:06 PM

no thats not the way we live cold okay rainy ok but not a rainforest or somthing like that !!!!

those who will be conducting the study are called scientists not miracle workers! shino rainforests?!!

superinfiniti

December 17th, 2006, 12:09 PM

no thats not the way we live cold okay rainy ok but not a rainforest or somthing like that !!!!

... Don't worry ... GCC will nether be like rainforest in the near future ...

To do Could seeding you need Clouds first of all... and Clouds here are only in winter ...

However GCC becoming a rainforest with rivers is from Judgment Day Signs (من علامات يوم القيامة)

gulfexpress

December 17th, 2006, 12:13 PM

^^ ^^ ^^
like seriously? or are you being sarcastic???

superinfiniti

December 17th, 2006, 12:18 PM

^^ yeah this is real ..

Arabian peninsula will be all green with rivers ... as Prophet Mohammad (صلى الله عليه وسلم) told us as Judgment Day Sign...

Qatar Son 333

December 17th, 2006, 12:25 PM

well i never heard that one before , gulf express rain forests is a place that has lots of sun and at night have lots of rain with lots of plants 10 meters long trees

gulfexpress

December 17th, 2006, 12:29 PM

well i never heard that one before , gulf express rain forests is a place that has lots of sun and at night have lots of rain with lots of plants 10 meters long trees

lol I know man, I was talking in slang.

Qatar Son 333

December 18th, 2006, 09:58 AM

halawala you can remove the announcment now

Halawala

December 18th, 2006, 10:09 AM

well it is true it did not rainlike this since 10 years

What you remember 10 years ago when you were 2?? LoL! Mashalla.

...

I heard that Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar, and UAE have studied Cloud Seeding (Artificial Rain, الاستمطار الصناعي) to induce Clouds for rain by putting some substances on them ....

see this article:
http://www.gulf-times.com/site/topics/article.asp?cu_no=2&item_no=90582&version=1&template_id=36&parent_id=16

Have any body heard if this rain because of that ??

..

I heard Iran is doing it. But, its a good idea; but maybe its costly.
halawala you can remove the announcment now

??

Qatar Son 333

December 18th, 2006, 10:19 AM

i ment the anoncment about the banner btw about the rain my family always says tha ten years ago was so rainy

omarmakki

December 18th, 2006, 04:07 PM

Well, I've read articles saying that this year's rain is a record! It hasn't rained like that in Qatar for 42 yrs!

Qatar Son 333

December 18th, 2006, 04:42 PM

i really dont think so yesterday it reached 9 c temprater ofcourse

Qatar Son 333

December 19th, 2006, 11:51 AM

where i the al khor project thread ?

omarmakki

December 21st, 2006, 10:49 AM

Filipina gets her best Christmas gift in Qatar Duty Free Dollar Millionaire draw
Doha • It often takes one stroke of good luck to change a person's life forever. No one realises this better than Otessa Carbonell Schiapparelli. She is the proud winner of Qatar Duty Free's first US Dollar millionaire raffle draw.

For Otessa this is one of the best Christmas present she will never forget.

“I am really shocked, happy and over the moon to hear this fantastic news,” said Otessa, who cried with joy when she received a phone call from Qatar Duty Free informing her of her win.

“I pray to God for this news and I would like to thank Qatar Duty Free for giving me the best news possible before Christmas.”

Otessa, who is married with an 11-year old daughter, works at a hotel in Palawan in the Philippines. She bought her winning ticket before boarding Qatar Airways flight QR644 from Doha to Manila.

Qatar Duty Free, Deputy General Manager, Krishna Kumari carried out the draw in the presence of passengers and media around the world.

The millionaire raffle was launched in May 2006 with chances of passengers winning extremely high as each draw is made after 5,000 tickets are sold. Departing and transiting passengers at the Doha International Airport are able to purchase raffle tickets each priced at QR950.

The $1m raffle was introduced as a replacement for the highly successful QR1m ($280,000) raffle draw which was launched three years ago.

Qatar Duty Free and Qatar Airways Chief Executive Officer Akbar Al Bakar said the $1m draw was the biggest ever cash prize in the history of the company and in the state of Qatar.

“We are extremely delighted to have launched this fantastic raffle draw and congratulations to Otessa for being our very first dollar millionaire,” said Al Baker.
Lucky lucky! What would you do if you won a mil. dollars??

Qatar Son 333

December 21st, 2006, 11:47 AM

WoW shes a lucky duck

QatPhils

December 21st, 2006, 01:50 PM

How lucky.

suzan

December 24th, 2006, 01:07 PM

Anyone heard of City Center II project?

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c102/mheiss01/CityCenterDoha1.jpg

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c102/mheiss01/DohaCityCenter2.jpg

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c102/mheiss01/DohaCityCenter3.jpg

QatPhils

December 24th, 2006, 01:12 PM

yes, but i think its cancelled

superinfiniti

December 24th, 2006, 01:13 PM

As far as I know .... This was cancelled and replaced with the five 50-floor towers ...

What is the date of this images?
..

Halawala

December 24th, 2006, 02:23 PM

Yup, they got booted in favor of the hotels. Emporis has them as completed wierdly! The date is sometime in the early 2000's

omarmakki

December 24th, 2006, 03:20 PM

5 50+ floor hotels are way better than that! Thank God it was cancelled! :)

Qatar Son 333

December 25th, 2006, 10:58 AM

yes it was cancelled but it was a good look but i prefer the 2 50+ and the 3 100+ towers

Hassoun

December 26th, 2006, 10:44 PM

I didn't know where to post this,,But,do u have a thread on platinum tower that's located on DOHA corniche?????

suzan

December 26th, 2006, 11:02 PM

^^ I heard of it but haven't seen any thread about it...
You can post it in the West Bay (Dafnah) Towers forum.

Massilia

December 26th, 2006, 11:26 PM

Platinum Tower is the old name for Al Bidda Tower ;)

Hassoun

December 27th, 2006, 12:02 AM

Oh,thank you Massilia :)

suzan

January 9th, 2007, 11:14 AM

‘Qatar lacks leisure facilities’
Web posted at: 1/9/2007 3:28:34
Source ::: The Peninsula
One of the few recreational facilities in Qatar.
Residents say entertainment here ‘boring’ as compared to neighbouring states

DOHA • The recent Eid Al Adha celebrations exposed the dearth of entertainment facilities in the city and in other parts of the country.

People had to content themselves loitering in the shopping malls and places like the Corniche, movie theatres and the zoo. Unlike in neighbouring countries like the UAE, Kuwait and also Saudi Arabia, the population has no real place to go and let their hair down, as say one would do at the Dubai Shopping Festival or other glittering events held in other parts of the GCC.

People have been critical of what little entertainment outlets there are, calling them "boring" and "repetitive". Also, festivals and other people-friendly events are only held at certain times of the year leaving the rest of the calendar blank.

Executive Director of Qatar Media Services and the Diplomatic Club, Saad Hilal Al Mohannadi said: "Organising festivals and similar activities is left up to the authorities. Private firms can only cooperate with them. Festivals help attract a lot of overseas visitors as well. We hope to get an opportunity to organise more festivals."

Saad Hilal said his company had come forward and asked the competent authorities for permission to organise festivals but more often than not, have received a thumbs down.

"The authorities tell us that festivals just encourage consumption. Qatar so lacks entertainment facilities, it has created a negative image of the country which we should try to get rid of."

The official said he believed that if a company is encouraged to organise entertainment, given the proper financing and even land, a facility could be run like a business. "The entertainment industry is not a waste of time and can be beneficial for kids. It is an industry which requires professionals."

Stated Entertainment City Chairman Abdulla Al Kuwari: "If we look at our neighbouring countries, we will see a lot of competing companies involved in the entertainment sector. There is no such competition in Qatar. We also need permanent entertainment venues to be set up."

Should the country develop a thriving entertainment and leisure industry, there would be no need to jet over to places like Dubai and Bahrain for some rest and recreation. "Qatar needs recreation centres. Entertainment should be there throughout the year. If there is local involvement, costs would also come down by at least 50 per cent," said Abdulla.

He ruefully noted that he didn't expect any entertainment venture to be a success if the public sector was behind it.

Entertainment City General Manager Hassan bin Musbah Al Kuwari said there was a dire need for a permanent locations to set up. "Right now, contracts on use of land are given for just a one-year period which makes it difficult to pump money in and upgrade facilities regularly. There is a need for permanent locations," he said.

^^ I agree with this article!
Qatar lacks and a lot!

The only recreational and entertainment facilities are going to available when? 2010? In Lusail and The Pearl? I think that by now, there should be an avarage number of places everyone, specially families can visit and enjoy it instead of going to other countries to enjoy the small holidays!!!!!!!

Halawala

January 9th, 2007, 12:12 PM

^^^ I agree as well!!! It desparetly needs for leaisure oriented facilities!

Suzan, my mail thing doesnt work but I already have a reply since 2 days ago! What can I do!

suzan

January 9th, 2007, 12:40 PM

^^ mail thing? What are you talking about? (Sorry)

Halawala

January 9th, 2007, 12:45 PM

^^ i mean that I cant PM you. It always displays an empty page that says Page not found.

suzan

January 9th, 2007, 12:49 PM

I sent you a PM now! Let me know if you got it!

hazeem

January 9th, 2007, 01:17 PM

i guess they were tired after asian games...thats why corniche was not decorated with lights during eid.....

suzan

January 9th, 2007, 01:50 PM

^^ Tired? I don't consider that a reason!

hazeem

January 9th, 2007, 04:34 PM

den y din't celebrate both the eid's..that was bfore and after the games......

Halawala

January 10th, 2007, 08:04 AM

I sent you a PM now! Let me know if you got it!

Yup! Thanks Suzan I just read this post so sorry for the late reply. But, I couldnt send you a PM back nor could I send email on this stupid Mac. It probably has something to do with "sending" data. Offf!! I am frustrated!! Even my other email accounts do not work in this computer!

suzan

January 10th, 2007, 09:10 AM

^^ Sorry about that!

Halawala

January 10th, 2007, 09:17 AM

^^^ NP! BTW, I have more than 3000 posts!

omarmakki

January 10th, 2007, 09:35 AM

Congrats. Halawala ;)

suzan

January 10th, 2007, 11:39 AM

Congrats!!!!!! :D

Qatar Son 333

January 10th, 2007, 04:49 PM

mabrook halawala :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana:

Halawala

January 10th, 2007, 06:47 PM

Auu you guys! thanks.

QatPhils

January 11th, 2007, 01:01 PM

congrats, i'm poorly with just over 375 posts

omarmakki

January 12th, 2007, 01:20 AM

Come on Aaron... 375 posts are really good for only a month old member!

omarmakki

January 13th, 2007, 01:06 PM

This is really lame...
http://www.qatarsucks.com :ohno:

Halawala

January 13th, 2007, 02:51 PM

This is really lame...
http://www.qatarsucks.com :ohno:

What a stupid site!!!! All they talk about is Prince "Sani" and his sexual encounters as if it happens only in Doha!

suzan

January 13th, 2007, 05:44 PM

This is really lame...
http://www.qatarsucks.com :ohno:

OMG!
Whats that!!:ohno: :ohno:

suzan

January 13th, 2007, 05:45 PM

........

hazeem

January 13th, 2007, 07:02 PM

who made that site????????...all negatives of qatar......

CrazY

January 13th, 2007, 07:07 PM

hmmm i just saw the website !! like wtf these problems are present in every counrty in the world,, this dude seriously needs a life :ohno:

Qatar Son 333

January 13th, 2007, 08:07 PM

the education one in the second page is ok no negitve stuff

omarmakki

January 13th, 2007, 11:36 PM

hmmm i just saw the website !! like wtf these problems are present in every counrty in the world,, this dude seriously needs a life :ohno:
I totally agree... He/she should really get a life.
Some of the articles are really stupid! I mean I was reading one but I still don't get how thowbs cause social division??:dunno:

The only thing we can do is just read that stuff and laugh at how lame it is! :D

Or maybe we can spam that website lol!

QatPhils

January 14th, 2007, 01:26 PM

whoever did that should wear red and thrown somewhere where a million bulls will chase him

QatPhils

January 14th, 2007, 01:27 PM

Biased, Jealousy, hatred, annoyed and arrogant.

suzan

January 14th, 2007, 02:13 PM

One for the Qataris: a tale of arrogance and kindness
Submitted by richard123 on Sat, 13/01/2007 - 12:58pm. Qatar Living Lounge

Last week some colleagues and myself were driving back from a failed attempt to see Safwany's apartments. When we reached the intersection of Al Muntazah and C Ring we saw a van that had been involved in accident, stranded right in the middle of the intersection. No other vehicle appearad to be involved. The driver, who I think was an Arab (though could have been European) was standing on the cement divide between the main lanes and the turn lane presumably waiting for the police. A cleaner (Indian, I think)wearing his blue overalls and carrying a broom and pan rode by on his bike. The driver shouted at him to seep the glass and debris off the road. The cleaner reluctantly did this as cars swerved to avoid him and honked their horns aggressively at him. The cleaner was clearly terrified of being run down.

While this was going on, a Qatari drove up into the turn lane and observing this, started shouting to the driver of the van who was still standing on the divide and shouting at the cleaner. The Qatari then beckoned for the cleaner to come to his car. He spoke a few words to the cleaner and then handed him a role of Riyal notes.

This was probably just one of many incidents of Qatari kindness that happen everyday and are never reported.
Maybe Qatarsucks.com should take a look at some of these incidents as well.

source: www.qatarliving.com