In a surprising move, driving schools in the country have dropped a recent change in the application procedures, once again making it mandatory for the applicants to produce a no objection letter from the sponsor.

THE Qatar General Electricity and Water Corporation (Kahramaa) has completed the expansion of the water network to Barwa Real Estate’s newly-built housing complex in the Mesaimeer area.

Qatar is the only country in the Gulf and among the four states in the Middle East to have a national human rights committee with legal powers, says a senior official of the Asia Pacific Forum of National Human Rights Institutions (APF).

A Qatari shareholding company with a capital of QR100m is to be set up for investing in and promoting educational schemes, Abdul Basit A Al Shaibei, Qatar International Islamic bank (QIIB) CEO, said yesterday.

Qatar and NYSE Euronext yesterday announced a blockbuster deal which will see the latter pick up a 25 percent stake in the Doha Securities Market (DSM) for $250m in cash. The government will retain a 75 percent holding in the DSM through its investment arm, the Qatar Investment Authority (QIA).

The real estate market in the country is witnessing a lull with several new apartments lying vacant as there are no takers due to the high rents.

Qatar Electricity and Water Corporation (QEWC) is all set to launch a number of multi-billion dollar projects, including joint ventures, to meet the country’s burgeoning power and water demands.

Qatar’s open seawater temperature touched a high 37 degrees Celsius yesterday as mercury shot up to a record high of the season. The country recorded the maximum temperature of the season yesterday – 48 degrees Celsius.

THE Crowne Plaza hotel in Doha by the Intercontinental Group (IHG) will be located close to the airport.

Balou the bear, a recent arrival to Doha Zoo, is still awaiting a final decision regarding his long-term future, according to the director of wildlife protection and development at the Supreme Council for the Environment and Natural Reserves.