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.

THE Urban Planning and Development Authority (UPDA) yesterday announced “zoning changes” in two areas - Kulaib and Bin Omran - allowing construction of apartments in “villa only” areas.

THE Supreme Education Council (SEC)’s Evaluation Institute yesterday announced the results of the 2008 Qatar Senior School Certificate (QSSC) exit examinations.

Jana Alkhair Mohammed Ahmad of Al Bayan Independent School has emerged as the overall topper in the Qatar Senior School Certificate (QSSC) examination.

The Emir H H Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani yesterday issued a decree approving the comprehensive development vision ‘Qatar National Vision 2030’.

By the end of this year, Nepalese residents will become the largest foreign community in Qatar. This was mentioned by Nepal's Ambassador to Qatar, Surya Nath Mishra, during a speech at the first 'Nepal Tourism and Cultural Festival' at the Ramada Hotel yesterday evening.

Qatar Petroleum plans to construct an express way between the industrial cities in Qatar. The 150km road will connect Messaieed, Dukhan and Ras Laffan cities, Al Sharq reported yesterday.