News

An expert has called for all the construction contracts in the country to include provision for a ‘dispute board’ if contractors want ‘happy endings’ to their projects.

The Ras Abu Aboud Road was opened yesterday by the New Doha International Airport (NDIA) authorities. The 12km road, from Corniche to Air Force Roundabout on Wakrah road, has four lanes, including one reserved for emergency purposes. As of now, some stretches are cordoned off to complete markings. The new road, which runs between the present airport and NDIA, is the main link to the latter. A new flyover linking Old Salata Road and Ras Abu Aboud Road will open by the end of this month. Motorists

The introduction of online registration for expatriates opting for this year’s Haj has triggered a “clash of cultures and languages” for contractors as the process did not consider the language and cultural differences among applicants.

United Development Company (UDC) has been awarded the ‘Qatar Today Green Organisation Award’ for its work on protection and preservation of the environment in Qatar.

Former students of Portland State University in Oregon were welcomed to US Ambassador Joseph LeBaron’s residence yesterday evening.

Safety conditions at petrol and automobile service stations across the country might be reviewed by the authorities.

At least 17 accredited American Universities will take part in the US University Fair to be held at Marriott Hotel here today.

Who gets the credit behind the creation of a virtual actor? This and issues behind the emergence of the virtual actor (vactor) or the synthetic thespian (synthespian), among others, were tackled during a discussion organised by the Northwestern University-Qatar.

The US ambassador to Qatar said yesterday he was optimistic a branch of the Washington-based American Chamber of Commerce will open in Doha soon. “It will start a new chapter in the trade relationship between Qatar and the US,” the envoy said in remarks to this newspaper.

NEW YORK: The price of oil struck a one year-high above $78 thanks to the weak US dollar and signs of a pick-up in energy demand, traders said. New York’s main contract, light sweet crude for November delivery, hit $78.17 a barrel on Friday — the highest level since October 14, 2008. “Markets could well test 80 dollars but in our opinion a correction next week is the likely scenario to back below $75 and even to the low $70s,” said Sucden Financial Research analyst Nimit Khamar. AFP