Musical celebrations for Qatar National Day at Expo 2020 Dubai


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Traditional performances showcased Qatar’s musical heritage for the country’s National Day at Expo 2020 Dubai on Sunday.

The Jubilee Stage at Expo was the setting for lively performances by Qatari singers and choral groups.

The songs rejoiced in and celebrated the country’s unification on December 18, also known as Founder’s Day.

Fahed Al Kubaisi, an established singer with several albums, Mansoor Al Muhanadi and the Siwar youth choir were among the headline acts on Sunday.

The choir is a popular cultural initiative that aims to revive the Arabic music heritage, coach children in the Arab world’s singing traditions and nurture talent at a young age.

Sultan Al Khater, the undersecretary of Qatar’s Ministry of Commerce and Industry, said taking part in the Expo was in keeping with his country’s goals for the future.

It “reflects our deep belief in innovation’s vital role in building a better future for all of humanity,” he said.

“Through our participation, we look forward to transferring our experiences in many essential fields, such as energy, environment, education, culture and others.”

Najeeb Al Ali, executive director of Expo 2020 Dubai, said Qatar’s participation was “a clear expression of the nation’s ambitions, and a gateway to a deep-rooted culture that takes pride in its past and looks to the future with hope”.

He said visitors to Qatar’s pavilion would learn about its preparations for the FIFA World Cup next year and the country’s hosting of the International Horticultural Expo 2023, which would expand co-operation with international partners.

A flag ceremony early on Sunday at the Expo’s Al Wasl Plaza also marked the country’s unification in 1878.

The UAE’s leaders sent messages of congratulation to Qatar and buildings across Abu Dhabi lit up in the colours of the Qatari flag to observe the special day on Saturday.

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Southern Transitional Council: Faction in Yemeni government that seeks autonomy for the south

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Key developments

All times UTC 4

'The worst thing you can eat'

Trans fat is typically found in fried and baked goods, but you may be consuming more than you think.

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German intelligence warnings
  • 2002: "Hezbollah supporters feared becoming a target of security services because of the effects of [9/11] ... discussions on Hezbollah policy moved from mosques into smaller circles in private homes." Supporters in Germany: 800
  • 2013: "Financial and logistical support from Germany for Hezbollah in Lebanon supports the armed struggle against Israel ... Hezbollah supporters in Germany hold back from actions that would gain publicity." Supporters in Germany: 950
  • 2023: "It must be reckoned with that Hezbollah will continue to plan terrorist actions outside the Middle East against Israel or Israeli interests." Supporters in Germany: 1,250 

Source: Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution

MATCH INFO

Day 2 at the Gabba

Australia 312-1 

Warner 151 not out, Burns 97,  Labuschagne 55 not out

Pakistan 240 

Shafiq 76, Starc 4-52

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Most countries now actively want a weak currency to make their exports more competitive. “China seems happy to let the renminbi drift lower, the Swiss are still running quantitative easing at full tilt and central bankers everywhere are actively talking down their currencies or offering only limited support," says Mr Mould.

This is a race to the bottom, and everybody wants to be a winner.

Updated: December 19, 2021, 5:48 PM