News

Prices of fish and vegetables have fallen significantly in the local market with the onset of winter. Prices of fish that had shot up to a record high due to a severe shortage in supply have dropped by about 50 per cent over the past four days, traders at the Central Fish Market said yesterday.

Sustainability lessons of the past can help put Qatar in the forefront of environmental designing according to an expert at the second Qatar Today Green Awards (QTGA), held recently.

Funds raised through the intensified donation campaign by the Filipino community for the flood victims in the Philippines has reached about QR40,000. The community has sent hundreds of boxes of relief goods.

The used car market continues to suffer enormously with market players blaming the malaise on local banks which they say are yet to relax vehicle lending rules.

Finance ministers and central bank governors from all six GCC states also urged those who have yet to ratify an agreement on monetary union to do so by year end.

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.