Qatar would 'welcome' Israel in 2022



DOHA // Qatar would let Israel take part in a World Cup on their territory despite not recognising the Jewish state, the head of the Gulf nation's bid to stage the 2022 event said yesterday. Such an invitation would be unprecedented in the Arab world, in which most countries shun Israel. Hassan Abdulla al Thawadi, chief executive of the Qatar 2022 World Cup bid, said the Muslim state would also permit alcohol consumption during the world's most watched sporting event.

Qatar, like its Gulf Arab neighbours, does not recognise Israel. "All nations participating in the Fifa World Cup are welcome," al Thawadi said, when asked about whether Israel would be allowed to participate if they qualified. If Qatar were to win the right to host the World Cup in 2022 it would be the first time football's greatest showpiece has been held in the region. "We've got a bid that allows history to be made in different aspects like opening up the gates between the East and the West to sit and communicate," said al Thawadi. "There have been previous World Cups where the weather was quite hot and they were able to host a successful event.

"We are looking to develop technologies to address the heat issue, in such a way that utilises renewable energy. "In 12 years' time that technology will be much more developed and the source of energy such as solar energy will be utilised on a commercial basis." The next deadline in the 2022 bidding process is December 11, when bidders must submit a signed hosting agreement. The authorities in Qatar have tightened regulations on alcohol consumption over the last two months in an attempt to stop Qatari citizens, especially young people, from drinking. Qataris are not allowed in bars while foreigners are asked to present their passports or a membership card to gain entry to venues that sell alcohol.

"We are looking at 2022 to be an event mainly for families to attend - on the other hand alcohol will be available in a flexible approach," added al Thawadi. "It will be available to all fans that come to Qatar, at fan zones." * Reuters

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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
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Started: August 2020
Founder: Areej Selmi
Based: Gaza
Sectors: Internet, e-commerce
Investments: Grants/private funding
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Starring: Joaquin Phoenix, Lady Gaga, Brendan Gleeson

Director: Todd Phillips 

Rating: 2/5

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Director: Vasan Bala
Starring: Alia Bhatt, Vedang Raina, Manoj Pahwa, Harsh Singh
Rated: 3.5/5
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Started: 2020
 
Founders: Alexander Heller, Rama Allen and Desi Gonzalez
 
Based: Dubai, UAE
 
Sector: Entertainment 
 
Number of staff: 210 
 
Investment raised: $75 million from investors including Galaxy Interactive, Riyadh Season, Sega Ventures and Apis Venture Partners
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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How to protect yourself when air quality drops

Install an air filter in your home.

Close your windows and turn on the AC.

Shower or bath after being outside.

Wear a face mask.

Stay indoors when conditions are particularly poor.

If driving, turn your engine off when stationary.

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