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“The White Tiger” Now Available to Al-Khor Girls followers

A new release is made available by Al-Khor Girls Center, affiliated with the Ministry of Culture and Sports, has made available to visitors of the digital platforms of the Center’s Library, who can download it. Through this step, the Center supports and encourages reading, as part of the efforts made to support the staying at homes, to prevent the Coronavirus epidemic, and reduce its spread.
Among the books that the Center’s library announced that it would make available to its visitors, is the novel “The White Tiger” written by “Aravind Adega”, a work that won the 2008 Booker Prize.
Characters of the novel of the Indian novelist “Aravind Adega” are inspired by the contradictory reality between the wealthy, and other poor people who are searching for a little to silence their hunger. The protagonist “Ram Ram Halwi” AKA “The White Tiger” is one of these poor people, the author described him as “Half-baked”. a metaphor for a half-learner aspiring to cross from the world of darkness to the world of light to achieve his humanity.
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Mental Health Awareness in the Face of the Coronavirus

Sheikha Al-Marri, member of the Consultative Committee of H. E. the Minister of Culture and Sports, held a meeting entitled “How to maintain your mental health during crises”. The meeting hosted Noura Al-Marri, social worker, via a live broadcast through the social networking platform “Instagram”. She called up the role of mental health awareness under the current conditions of the Corona crisis. The lecturer further emphasized that the individual’s ability to maintain his /her mental health derives from his / her awareness and understanding and ability to positively deal with the difficult circumstances so as to overcome this crisis by how they invest their time and take advantage of their potential, for their benefit and good. The mental health of the individual, as defined by the World Health Organization, depends on his / her physical, mental and social capabilities. Physical capabilities are represented in their physical wellness and lack of diseases, mental capabilities; mean lack of mental disorders, and social capabilities which is to be able to communicate with others easily. She outlined the importance of practices that enhance our mental health, first, to replace negative thoughts with positive thoughts and be sure that the crisis is temporary and it will pass eventually, because words impact our psyche without our even sensing it.
The member of the Consultative Committee said that her concerns about mental health stem from her passion for social work and her cooperation with the Youth Advisory Committee. Her motivation is reflected in the importance she pays to youth awareness of how to preserve their mental health and recognize the strength of external influences on their minds in the consciousness and subconscious, and the importance of mental health and its impact on the well-being of individuals.
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Qatari Forum for Authors in an online lecture .. Investing Times Effectively Promotes National Identity, said Al-Dosari:

Qatari Forum for Authors continues its activities remotely during the holy month of Ramadan. A lecture was held under the title “Promoting Qatari Identity by Paying Atttention Time and its Usage”, by Dr. Dera Al-Dossary. Writer, Dera Al-Dossary began his speech by differentiating between time management and time investment. He gave some tips to achieve this investment in a manner that promotes the national identity in the family and society, stressing how managing times effectively contributes to promoting the national identity.
He called for the importance of instilling the proverb “Time Is Life”. Taking advantage of time contributes to promoting the national identity. The first aspect of investing time lies in doing things that please Allah- Almighty- and His messenger (May Allah bless him and grant him peace) and everything benefiting the society.
Dr. Al-Dosari presented five tips for investing time. Specifically, to reject everything that can waste time, emphasizing the importance of flexibility in investing time, to avoid using phone applications to implement plans to avoid phone hacking or losing, and to avoid activeness on social media during implementing key things as well as the need to well plan tasks to be accomplished.
Al-Dossary said that taking all of this into account would contribute to investing time, either in writing books or volunteering; thus contributing to promoting the national identity.

In this regard, Dr. Dera Al-Dossary warned of the risk of wasting time using social media. He pointed to statistics that he conducted personally on some users of these sites the and number of hours they used such sites. It was shown that these sites are used for a period ranging between 4 to 5 hours a day. “It is a time that can be invested in writing books or community volunteering.”
He said that the problem is not at the time itself as much as it is in investing it. Good planning to perform the required tasks lies in investing time and focusing on the most important priorities, and avoiding from obstacles and distractions.
Furthermore, he touched on methods of time management . Time Management lies in organizing time and reorganizing things within the same household. This is in addition to performing tasks, organizing individuals and determining the tasks assigned to each one.
Dr. Al-Dosari specified time management methods as follows, to organize oneself, things, tasks and individuals. This is in addition to following the warrior’s approach to protect time from being wasted until focus and production are achieved. If you are overwhelmed by a set of requests, you need to take a very firm stance, either by isolating yourself by your secretary, closed doors or assigning tasks to others.
He concluded his speech by tackling things that waste time, on the top of which is procrastination. It has to be eliminated and confronted with performing the work quickly, while arranging the work place in a manner that encourages performance. This shall prevent distorsion. Dr. Al-Dosari stressed that it is necessary to avoid messy  ambience and habituation.

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Qatari Forum for Authors Reads out “The Greatness Guide”

As part of its activities during the blessed month of Ramadan, Qatari Forum for Authors streams the third episode of “Picks from My Library”, an initiative presented by media figure and writer Hessa Al Suwaidi every Wednesday on the Forum’s YouTube channel.
In this episode, Hessa Al Suwaidi chose “The Greatness Guide” by Robin Sharma. She started by raising a group of questions such as: How shall we spend all this time of home quarantine? And how to benefit from it? Will all this time, if it lasts longer, be wasted or used in useful things?
Answering to these questions, Hessa Al-Suwaidi mentioned Robin Sharma’s idea confirming that “your days define your life”.  She called for the necessity of awareness that our days are our life in miniature.. What we do today is actually creating our future and depicting it through the words we speak, the thoughts we think and the food we eat. In this regard, Sharma says that each one of us is qualified for greatness and honor. Within each of us, lays an exquisite power and an enormous energy, through which we can influence ourselves and those around us amazingly.
The speaker stated that people take a lot of time in performing procedural aspect of things and spend the best hours of their days busy at work …. In this context, one of the author’s clients told him recently: Sometimes I’m so busy that I don’t even know with what I was busy, but (the question is) what if he’s busy with things that are worthy of his time?
Then, author, Robin Sharma, concludes that in-depth and strategic thinking is your first step on the way to superiority. In one of the pages of the book, he says that “clarity is a prerequisite for success”, as being thoughtful would reduce your vulnerability to events and your response to stimuli. Therefore, you will be able to make choices with more wisdom and prudence.
In another page, Sharma talked about the idea that reference points pull us into a new way of seeing things and would introduce you to a new set of possibilities and open doors you never even knew existed. For example, Sharma regards Lance Armstrong, the American cyclist and a record holder for the number of wins, a great reference point on persistence and perseverance, especially after he got cancer and retired, but, he returned and continued to run races.
On another topic, the author tells his story with his mother who listened carefully to him and appreciated whatever he said. He told a story about when you sit next to a person on the plane for a 3-hour flight and this person starts talking and continues speaking until the plane lands. However, this person does not ask you even about your name, home or business. Sharma says that this behavior of such persons tells me that they suffered in their childhood that no one listened to them carefuly. Here, Robin Sharma tackled a real fact about listening that most people spend the time when the other party speaks in preparing their answers only. He mentioned a quote that he likes “Never speak when you can nod”. Sharma concluded this topic saying that your success as a businessman, as a member in your family and as a person in general will be promoted if you apply this advice correctly; “Listen twice as much as you speak”. Be a first-class listener who shows great interest in what others want to say to you and watch the way they communicate with you and  you will leave a good impressioneasily.
Al-Suwaidi presented the author’s key question: What shall we do to help create a new and better world?? Then, Sharma goes on to say never blame politicians, people around you or your parents. Because when you do that, you play the victim’s role – the world is full of those who play this role while they are able to be unique and outstanding and make a huge difference. He mentioned Mother Teresa’s saying about this idea: “If each of us would only sweep our own doorstep, the whole world will be clean.”

Robin Sharma tackled seven forms of wealth. He believes that wealth is not limited to collecting money … there are seven elements that you must raise to the level of excellence. These elements are:

– Spiritual wealth – Physical wealth (health is wealth) – Family and social wealth – Career wealth – Economic wealth – Adventure wealth- Impact wealth and making a good impact in life.
Al-Suwaidi stated that only few people devote time to design their lives in this way. She wonders if you do not know your destination, so how will you know that you have arrived there?? And how can you hit a target that you cannot see?
She added that the author reminds us of the effect of reversion. He means that the thing that you would like to have more of in your life is the same thing that you should give to others.
She addressed the individual: Would you like to be more appreciated for everything you do and for what you are personally? So, be the person who appreciates others and gives credit to them.  You have to spread the appreciation with a big heart. Give others what you want them to give you more than anything else. This would open the minds and hearts of everyone around you to give more appreciation. So, give more love. Do not be an enemy of yourself and apply what the author called the backsliding effect.
In this context, in the first part of “The Greatness Guide”, Sharma says, “Plant a stake in the ground to mark your place under the sun. Stop being a prisoner of your past andbecome the architect of your future. Remember that it is never too late to become the person you have always dreamed of being.
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“How to Get Benefit of Crises and Turn Them into Entrepreneurial Projects”.. New Book born by the Crisis

In an initiative by the writer, Muhammad Al-Jufairi, Leadership Innovation Expert and Member of Qatar Forum for Authors, “Coronavirus Crisis” initiative was published to anticipate the coming phase through an electronic book entitled “How to Get Benefit of Crises and Turn Them into Entrepreneurial Projects” (Kayf ‘Astafid Min Al’azamat Wa’ahulaha ‘Iilaa Masharie Riadia) in PDF version. This book targets entrepreneurs who are willing to start their projects and seize opportunities available during Coronavirus crisis.
The book highlighted business activities and available opportunities, specifically in the State of Qatar . This book can also be useful for those who are outside Qatar if they apply the same tips mentioned in the book.
In the first topic of the book, Al-Jufairi presented 4 different scenarios predicting the coming period and what the situation under Coronavirus crisis. First scenario is a decrease in infections as a result of social distancing measures and life returning back to normal during the months of summer. Second scenario is a decrease in the infections curve and life will gradually get back to normal with the beginning of the summer months, but the virus will return in winter. Third scenario is that virus’s activity will disappear with the beginning of the summer months and it will not return again. Fourth and last scenario, which is the most pessimistic scenario, is that full lockdown will continue until the end of the year. Then, Al-Jufairi began to present a set of assumptions that are consistent with all the possible scenarios and results.
The Qatari inventor also presented a detailed study on the affected sectors as well as opportunities available for investment in each sector. This makes it easier for entrepreneurs to take advantage of the current situation in important projects.

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Winners of “Infographic Video” Competition Announced

MCS Youth Hobbies Center announced winners of the “Infographic Video” contest launched by the Center with the aim of enhancing the role of youth in promoting awareness of the risks of Coronavirus. Contestant, Muhammad Samir Muhammad won the first place. Peter Reda Abdul Malik came at the second place and Mahdi Saidi won the third place.
The contest aims to achieve several goals, the most important of which are: to encourage youth to show off their hobbies during the period of home quarantine and use their time to participate in the cntests. Additionally, videos have become the modern-day language in the media at the current time and it reaches the largest possible segment of people. A group of outstanding talents that show off their hobbies in educating people about the risks of Coronavirus shined through the contest, with a range of works that provide guidance tips to fight against this pandemic.  The Center will post the winning works on its accounts on social media platforms.
Furthermore, the Center organizes today the third and final part of its 21st Ramadan Auction for Stamps and Coins. The session is scheduled at 09:00 p.m. via Zoom. It will be presented by Issa Al-Fakhro and Ahmed Gad under the supervision of Hussein Rajab Al-Ismail. Today’s session will witness the sale of 150 items, half of them are stamps and the other half are coins. Thus, the Center would sell 400 items over three rounds with the participation of a group of those interested in this hobby from different countries, who own rare pieces and are keen to participate.

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“Music Affairs” Releases Ramadan Songs

 As part of the awareness campaign provided by Qatar Music Affairs Center to stress the importance of staying at home during the quarantine period and to celebrate Ramadan and all the blessings it has, Qatar Music Affairs Center- Ministry of Culture and Sports, in cooperation with Qatar Poetry Center, released a video titled “May Allah Bless Us in the Month of Fasting” (allah yubarakiluna fi shahr alsiyam) via social media and “Doha 360” platforms.
The song, presented by a choir of singers and written by poet Miteb Al-Saaq, urges the audience to abide by the recommended preventive measures. The Center is preparing to release a new song about the blessed month of Ramadan, which will be posted on social media platforms soon. Through such videos, the Center seeks to promote awareness with a view to reduce the outbreak of Coronavirus and to activate communication by new means that keep pace with the changes imposed by the preventive measures and the necessity of staying at home. Qatar Music Affairs Center’s plan is based on working in two parallel lines, namely media awareness campaigns and purposeful interactive initiatives. This is in addition to the competitions that the Center strives to hold on an ongoing basis. In this regard, Qatar Music Affairs Center announced that the extention of the participation period in “Nagham” competition, which was scheduled to close on March 14. Up to this date, the Center continues to accept works of those wishing to participate.
For his part, Music affairs supervisor at the Center, Abdullah Al-Sayegh, expressed his happiness that the song produced and recently streamed by the Center to welcome the advent of the month of Ramadan attracted great admiration, which was evident by the number of hits. “We are preparing to launch a new lyrical video to farewell Ramadan. As part of the Council’s commitment to support the State’s efforts to raise awareness of Corona pandemic, the Center continues to provide activities that are appropriate for the current situation,” added he.
On another note, Al-Sayegh stated that the Center is still receiving requests for participation in “Nagham” competition. Announcement of finals has been postponed until the end of the crisis as it is necessary to hold an event where the five winners must get together; which is inconsistent with the current crisis,. Therefore, the Center decided to continue receiving requests until a date that has not been determined so far. This will allow for receiving the most entries from those who wish to participate. The contest remains open for participation in all music forms and genres . He pointed out that a participant can upload his / her music video of a maximum period of two minutes and enter their details. It must be noted that the competition includes the following categories: composition, singing, playing lute, piano, violin or any other instrument. Al-Sayegh noted that the Center is launching this competition for talented amateurs who practice music for fun. He indicated that music professionals are not allowed to participate. About the age group targeted by the competition, he said that all amateur competitors of any age will be accepted.

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Awareness Poems on Diwan Al-Arab Platforms

In order to limit the outbreak of Coronavirus and to respond to home quarantine, Qatar Poetry Center “Diwan Al-Arab” continues to present a number of poems via its digital platforms. These poems include a range of creative educational messages, with the aim of raising awareness and contributing to spending time at home.
Some important values that society must uphold during this period were embedded in the messages delivered by “Diwan Al-Arab” to its audience through poetry . Poets advise their audience of the necessity of social responsibility and adherence to the various preventive and precautionary measures to reduce the outbreak of the epidemic.
Among poets whose beautiful words added a lovely vibe to “Diwan Al-Arab” pages on social media are: Abdel Hamid Al-Youssef, Hamad bin Saleh, Fahd bin Hamad Asloum, Ali Al-Kuwari, Miteb Al-Saaq, Bader Al-Otaibi, Abdullah Nasser Al-Nuaimi, Mubarak Bin Hamad Al-Qamra, Radhi Al-Hajri, Jaber Al-Dahabeeb, May Al-Hababi, Salem bin Luqman , Mutaib Ali Al-Marri, Saeed Al-Dahabeeb, Nasser Al-Wabeer, Abdul Rahman bin Saud Al-Hajri, Muhammad Yaqoub Al-Yousef and Adel Abdullah.
Some works are accompanied with videos to express the educational content presented, while other works took the form of a written message decorating “Diwan Al-Arab” social media pages. This is in addition to a series of posts published by Qatar Poetry Center. Through these posts, the Center stressed that it is necessary to preserve public health and the safety of others. Those series addressed individuals of the society by saying, “Your relative’s health is your health … your friend’s health is your health … you and I live in one society and shall preserve the safety of others.”
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22 Players in Rapid Chess Qualifiers

 In preparation for Qatar’s participation in Asia Junior Chess Championship to be held online on May 2 to June 3, Qatar Chess Association (QCA)organized qualifying tournament for Youth U-20 Online Rapid Chess Championship. The tournament lasted 3 days. 22 best players, who were qualified by Q.C.A- Boys& Girls Chess Training Center, participated in this tournament.
The tournament was held in A round-robin stylewith 9 rounds rapid play approved by the International Chess Federation, with 25 minutes per round and extra 3 seconds for each move.  Referee, Salman Ahmed Salman, Technical Expert- Q.C.A, captain Hisham Al Hamdoushi and captain Adina who are certified trainers in Q.C.A refereed the tournament.
The tournament resulted in the victory of player Rayan Irfan Muhammad with a score of 9 points in 9 rounds. Abdullah Al-Hamidi was the runner- up with 2 and half points. Player, Rawda Al-Qafibi finished in the third place with 5 points. Player Saleh Al-Hur is participating as a former qualifier for the tournament. Chairman of the Q.C.A, Mohammed Al-Mudahka, said that the championship is held by online system to support Qatari players’ efforts, benefit and help them develop their talents, especially at the current time, in response to the government’s directives and in line with the precautionary measures.

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A new awareness campaign across the platforms of Diwan al-Arab

The Qatar Poetry Centre “Diwan al-Arab”, affiliated with the Ministry of Culture and Sports, continued its awareness campaigns across digital platforms, against the dangers of the Coronavirus, to prevent it, and then limit its spread.
The campaign came within the framework presented by the Centre through its digital platforms, which varied between poetry and chanting, in which the participants called on everyone to need to keep to their homes, in preparation for a return to normal life, stressing that staying at home is necessary in compliance with the directives of the state in that regard.
The poet Hamad bin Saleh presented religious poetry on the occasion of the blessed month of Ramadan. Poets Fahd bin Hamad bin Aslum, Ali Al-Kuwari and Badr Al-Otaibi also presented educational poetry. The Centre’s Twitter page also contained a song by poet Miteb Al-Saqq, in cooperation with the Music Affairs Centre.
Among the video clips that were presented by the Centre’s platforms is an awareness video with a poetic comment by the poet Abdullah Nasser Al-Nuaimi, poet Mubarak bin Hamad Al-Qamra and the poet Rashid Al-Gharneej. They stressed the importance of everyone’s cooperation with the concerned authorities to protect society and achieve its safety. They emphasized in their poetry on the ability of all to achieve the goals of cooperation for the safety of individuals and society. The poet Hamad bin Fateis Al-Marri also presented his poetry which contained several advices.
It is worth noting that the Qatar Poetry Centre has prepared an awareness campaign since the beginning of the Corona pandemic. In this campaign it presented a number of messages and video clips through its digital platforms, as part of its efforts to raise awareness against dangers of the Coronavirus and limit its spread. Furthermore, the campaign touched on the most important methods of prevention, emphasizing that “Prevention is better than cure.” It further stressed that everyone should be on the level of social responsibility, to protect themselves, their families and society. The campaign also highlighted the need to adhere to various preventive measures to limit the spread of the epidemic. The Centre has also published brochures on its e-pages showing symptoms of the Coronavirus, how the infection is transmitted, and how to achieve prevention based on the fact that “Prevention is better than cure.”