byShabina S. Khatri
News
byShabina S. Khatri
News

Chantelle D'Mello / Doha News

Photo for illustrative purposes only.

During Ramadan, most traffic accidents in Qatar take place in the morning, not before iftar time as commonly thought.

That’s according to the Qatar Insurance Co. (QIC), which conducted an analysis of last year’s reported accidents and claims data during the fasting month.

It found that over the 30-day period, the most common timings of such incidents were between 9am and noon.

QIC

QIC Ramadan stats

This coincides with the morning weekday rush, as many people go to work later during Ramadan.

The most dangerous weekdays are Wednesdays and least dangerous are Sundays.

Older men

The analysis also found that men 40 years and older were more likely to get into traffic accidents.

They accounted for about a third of people who make claims.

Bark/Flickr

Photo for illustrative purposes only.

According to QIC:

“Fasting can result in dehydration and low blood sugar, which in turn can limit our attentiveness, concentration, vision and reaction while driving.

In addition to fasting, the unusual eating and sleeping patterns can also cause fatigue, exhaustion, impatience and distraction.”

Advice

Company officials offered these pieces of advice to stay safer on the roads this month:

  • Be aware of your own limitations;
  • Be on the lookout for motorists struggling with the same issues and expect the unexpected;
  • Leave early so that you won’t be stressed out and rushing/speeding to your destination; and
  • Always wear your seat belt.

We would add get off your phone, since most accidents in Qatar are caused by motorists who are Instagramming and Whatsapping each other.

Thoughts?

Doha
30°
clear
43% humidity
wind: 35km/h NW
H 43 • L 30
43°
Tue
40°
Wed
38°
Thu
37°
Fri
See More Weather
Weather from Yahoo!
byVictoria Scott
Culture
byVictoria Scott
Culture

Iconic Qatar

Marlon Wayans

American comedian and actor Marlon Wayans will perform in Qatar for the first time next month during the upcoming Qatar Summer Festival (QSF).

The star of Scary Movie and White Chicks will take to the stage during the Eid holiday on Tuesday, June 27​​ at the Qatar National Convention Center (QNCC).

The event is just one of several entertainment offerings during this year’s extended Summer Festival.

Reem Saad / Doha News

Summer Festival 2016

It will run from June 25 to Sept. 5, twice the length of previous iterations.

This is because both Eid Al Fitr and Eid Al Adha fall during the summer months this year, said Mashal Shahbik, Director of Festivals at the Qatar Tourism Authority (QTA).

This created “the perfect opportunity” to merge the Eid celebrations into one continuous festival, she added.

Stand up comedy

Marlon Wayans’ stand up comedy show at the QNCC in June is likely to be a highlight of the festival.

He is however an unusual choice for a country as conservative as Qatar, and it is unclear whether he will tone down his jokes to avoid offending the crowd here.

Wayans will perform his comedy routine at 8pm on June 27 after an opening act from local comedian Saad Khan, of Stand Up Comedy Qatar.

Iconic Qatar

Marlon Wayans

Tickets for the event range from QR199 up to QR999 and can be bought from Virgin Megastore (in person and online). They are also being sold by PlatinumList.net and QTickets.com.

Please note that only those aged 15 years old and older will be allowed to attend.

QTA said it is also finalizing a Doha Comedy Festival “showcase event” to be held sometime this summer.

‘Something for everyone’

Other offerings during the festival include a “Summer Entertainment City.”

It will be set up inside the Doha Exhibition and Convention Center (DECC) for the duration of the Summer Festival.

Reem Saad / Doha News

Qatar Summer Festival 2016

For many parents, the air-conditioned space is a convenient place to retreat during the hottest months of the year.

But last year, some visitors told Doha News they were disappointed that so many of the attractions were only aimed at young kids.

However, this summer, organizers are promising lots of activities for residents of all ages.

Chantelle D'mello

Qatar Summer Festival 2015

These include what the QTA is claiming to be “the world’s largest obstacle course,” a trampoline park, a food court, live entertainment and 30 amusement park rides.

Events company QSports will run the DECC venue.

In a statement, Ghanim Al Mohannadi, Deputy Chairman of QSports, said that Summer Entertainment City would have “something for everyone, including entertainment, sports, food, and fun on a level never seen in Qatar.”

Mindsports Championships

The DECC will also host the fourth Mindsports World Championships between Aug. 19 and 27.

QTA

Event flier

Around 1,500 enthusiasts from over 40 different countries are expected to compete in the event.

During it, they play each other at Scrabble, Chess, Go and e-sports for a share of a $200,000 prize.

If you want to take part, you need to register here.

Tourism slowdown

The Qatar Summer Festival is an important part of the QTA’s efforts to increase the numbers of tourists visiting Qatar each year.

This is particularly important right now, due to a current lull in room bookings. Additionally, the hot summer months are typically Qatar’s quietest in terms of visitors.

Thasleem MK/Flickr

Photo for illustrative purposes only.

Just last month, for example, managers from several leading hotels in the country said that urgent action should be taken to protect the future of tourism in Qatar.

To help draw visitors, many hotels and shops will be offering special discounts and deals during the QSF.

The QTA is promising  “attractive shopping discounts” of up to 50 percent during the festival, and entry into a raffle for cash prizes and luxury car if shoppers spend QR200 at any participating retail outlets.

Alluding to a pledge to provide free hotel stays for transit passengers this summer, QTA said that free breakfasts and free transfers from the airport are also planned.

Are you excited about the upcoming festival? Thoughts?

byShabina S. Khatri
Politics
byShabina S. Khatri
Politics

Mohammed Osama/Flickr

Photo for illustrative purposes only.

Qatar has “strongly condemned” a crime in Egypt yesterday in which gunmen killed 28 Christian pilgrims, including 10 children.

In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Qatar rejects “violence and terrorism regardless of its source and whatever its motives and reasons.”

The ministry also expressed its condolences to the families of the victims and “the brotherly Egyptian people.”

No one has claimed responsibility for the attacks yet, which also left at least dozen people injured.

But Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi ordered air strikes on camps in Libya, which are thought to be where the gunmen trained.

“Egypt will never hesitate to strike terror camps anywhere … if it plans attacking Egypt whether inside or outside the country,” Sisi said, according to Al Jazeera.

Qatar reactions

In Qatar, the Sheraton Doha lit up in solidarity with Egypt last night.

And many residents also expressed their condolences to the victims of the shooting, which comes just ahead of Ramadan.

This is not the first time Egypt’s Christians have come under attack in recent months. The minority group was also the target of two suicide bombings in April during Palm Sunday.

ISIL claimed responsibility for those attacks, as well as a December bombing of a cathedral in Cairo that killed at least 25 people.

Thoughts?

byOmar Chatriwala
Life
byOmar Chatriwala
Life
Ramadan Kareem

Photo by Ameer Abdul Razak

Ramadan Mubarak!

Doha News wishes all our fans, friends and readers a blessed and peaceful month of Ramadan.

Saturday, May 27 marks the first day of fasting during the holy month in Qatar, and most of the world.

As hours for everything in Qatar – from banks to hospitals, restaurants and more – shift during Ramadan, we put together a handy guide to help you navigate the changes:

READ: The Doha News Ramadan 2017 opening hours guide 

How will you be spending the month? Thoughts?