The Emiri Diwan announced yesterday that the Eid Al Fitr vacation for ministries and other government departments, authorities and public institutions will start on September 7 and end on September 16. The employees are to resume work on September 19.

As part of efforts to raise the standards of healthcare services in the country, the Supreme Council of Health (SCH) is planning to make it mandatory for all private healthcare facilities to obtain accreditation from a recognised international agency or the local authorities concerned.

This summer has been one of the hottest on record in Qatar, according to a meteorological expert from the Civil Aviation Authority, who explained that this year’s temperatures have seen an increase of around 4-5°C compared to two years ago.

The Ministry of Interior has obtained the international Certificate of Compliance to Standards of ID Card from Gemalto, a global company specialised in printing and issuing smart cards.

People learning driving in schools will be required to successfully complete theory classes to be eligible to attend practical lessons.

Qatar’s sole wheat importer Zad Holdings yesterday said it has more than six months’ buffer to mitigate the effect of the globally rising prices in view of Russia’s stoppage of exports.