HH the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani issued the following decrees yesterday:
1. Decree No 12 of 2016 ratifying an agreement between the governments of Qatar and Japan on Avoidance of Double Taxation and the Prevention of Fiscal Evasion with respect to taxes on income and the annexed protocol signed in Tokyo on 20 February 2015.  
2. Decree No 13 of 2016 ratifying a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for co-operation in the legal field between the Ministry of Justice of Qatar and the Ministry of Justice of Croatia signed in Doha on 14 April 2015.

Ratification documents issued
HH the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani issued the following ratification documents:
1. Endorsing the ratification of the agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights’ amendment protocol, which was endorsed in Geneva on December 6, 2005.
2. Endorsing a draft agreement in the field of legal co-operation between  Qatar’s Ministry of Justice and the Ministry of Justice in Romania, which was signed in Bucharest on October 21, 2015.
3. Endorsing a draft agreement on waiving the visa requirements for holders of diplomatic, special and service passports between the governments of Qatar and Cuba, which was signed in Havana on November 23, 2015.
4. Endorsing the ratification of the unified agreement on investment of Arab capital in Arab countries (amended).
5. Ratification document endorsing a draft agreement on co-operation in the field of combating crime between the governments of Qatar and Bulgaria, which was signed in Doha on May 17, 2015.
6. Endorsing an agreement between the governments of Qatar and Indonesia on waiving visa requirements for holders of diplomatic, service and special passports, which was signed in Doha on September 14, 2015.
7. Ratification document endorsing a memorandum of understanding on consumer protection, economic oversight, and combating commercial fraud between the governments of Qatar and Algeria, which was signed in Doha on November 23, 2014.

Celebrating National Sport Day

Milaha celebrated Qatar’s National Sport Day by hosting a variety of activities ranging from soccer, volleyball, cricket, and basketball to sumo wrestling, human foosball and the ‘first real-life Angry Bird Challenge’ in Qatar. Employees from across the Milaha group
participated in the activities along with their families. About 1,500 adults and children enjoyed the day out at Qatar Racing Club in Doha.  Taking part in the activities, Milaha’s president and chief executive officer Abdulrahman Essa al-Mannai said the annual
National Sport Day is a confirmation of Qatar’s promotion of a healthy lifestyle and its strong presence in the world sport arena.


Elan Group has celebrated Qatar’s National Sport Day by organising a series of activities for employees and their families in Doha. The “Sports bring us together” day witnessed a variety of sporting competitions between Elan employees. Jaber al-Ansari, CEO of Elan Group, said: “This year’s National Sport Day was filled with excitement as we planned various sports activities for our employees and their families. We consider physical activities and health procedures as priorities for Elan Group. Qatar National Sport Day seeks to emphasise the importance of physical activities in people’s lifestyle as well as raise a healthy and productive community, being all part of Qatar’s 2030 vision.”


Qatar First Bank staff and their families celebrated the National Sport Day through a series of recreational, competitions and sport activities including mini football tournament and rowing competition.

Gulf Drilling International (GDI) participated in National Sport Day at the main hall of Ali Bin Hamad Al-Attiyah Arena where many sporting activities took place. The event was attended by GDI chief executive officer and managing director Mubarak Awaida al-Hajri, managers and staff.

Strong winds expected today
Strong winds are expected in some parts of the country by this evening, the Qatar Met department has said.
Offshore areas, too, are likely to see strong winds along with high seas by midday.
The forecast for inshore areas says it will be misty to foggy at places at first, followed by slightly dusty conditions and moderate temperatures during the day. Scattered clouds are also expected, along with a cold night. The wind speed in these areas may go up to 22 knots by the evening.
Offshore areas will remain partly cloudy, with the wind speed reaching a high of 30 knots by midday. The sea level, meanwhile, may rise to 9ft.
The minimum and maximum temperatures in the country today are expected to be 12C and 23C, respectively, with the forecast for Doha being 13C and 23C.

Jeweller launches campaign
In keeping with the festive season, Sky Jewellery has launched under its brand ‘Belove’ 14 designs in diamonds starting from QR549.
A campaign titled ‘14 Days to Fall in Love with Diamonds’ has also been unveiled by the jeweller.
“Sky Jewellery once again leads the season with the perfect value for money designs for everyone who wants to give a gift to his or her loved one,” said managing director Babu John.