In another context, Al-Raya newspaper said that the State of Qatar prioritizes the tourism sector as one of the five primary sectors to build a more diversified economy and enhance the private sectors contribution to it by providing a stable investment environment and facilitating procedures through the Qatar Tourism's Tourism Investment Promotion Department in addition to a new electronic licensing system that ensures the acceleration of tourism transactions, and provide new investment incentives and special facilities for foreign investments.
The newspaper indicated that the total number of visitors arriving in the State of Qatar increased by 91.4 percent last July, on an annual basis, to reach about 288 thousand visitors in comparison to July 2022. It also increased by 2.1 percent compared to June 2023, according to the newest issue of the Qatar Monthly Statistics Bulletin.
The State of Qatar allows its visitors to have many experiences that blend the past, present, and future. Thanks to its vital strategic location, being at the crossroads between East and West, the number of flight hours separating it from many of the world's major capitals ranges between 6 to 7 hours, and 80 percent of the world's population can reach the State of Qatar after a short flight lasting less than 6 hours, and more than two-thirds of the worlds population can enter Qatari territory without a visa.
Al-Raya concluded in its editorial that the State of Qatar is working to simplify and facilitate visa policies to send a message that the State of Qatar welcomes the world. The country is also interested in providing various coastal, desert, marine, cultural and sports, family entertainment tourism, exhibitions, and conferences, achieving a balance between supply and demand in the hospitality sector, diversifying tourist accommodation options, and ensuring that the tourism sector is provided with sufficient and necessary competencies and personnel.
In local affairs, Al-Watan newspaper highlighted in its editorial the Ministry of Interiors (MOI) activation of a unified radar system of automated monitoring for seat belt and mobile phone use violations while driving as a part of its efforts aimed at bolstering safety on roads and prevent traffic accidents.
This step came after conducting an extensive awareness media campaign over the last week through all media platforms and MoI's accounts on social media to raise the level of traffic awareness among all community segments on the importance of drivers' compliance with seat belt rules to buckle up on every ride and ensure keeping phones out of reach while driving.
The newspaper warned that using a mobile phone whilst driving is a major cause of car accidents, as it distracts drivers from the road and slows their reaction time, leading them not to notice traffic signals, pedestrians, and other vehicles, which increases the possibility of car accidents.
Global statistics show that using the phone whilst driving increases the probability of accidents occurring by four times. In a study conducted at the Harvard Institute, it was proven that phone usage is responsible for 6 percent of traffic accidents, which results in large numbers of injuries and deaths.
At the conclusion of its editorial, Al-Watan stressed that the primary goal of the Traffic Law is to develop systems to meet and enhance traffic safety requirements to preserve the safety of community members, lives, and property, and reduce accidents, which are, of course, a shared responsibility between official bodies and members of society that require the cooperation and commitment of drivers to ensure their safety and the safety of others.
On another topic, The Peninsula newspaper said in its editorial today that the Lusail International Circuit is preparing to host block-buster Qatar Airways Qatar Grand Prix 2023 as Formula 1 is set to return at the iconic venue next month after a one-year gap.
Under the title "Gearing up to stage F1 blockbuster", the newspaper said that, Apart from other preparations to host an exceptional event, the LIC has planned a series of activations across the country as well as in Saudi Arabia to help fans learn more about the sport. LIC yesterday announced to hold a series of activations in popular shopping malls which will attract both adults and children.
The Formula 1 Qatar Airways Qatar Grand Prix will be held from Oct. 6 to 8 at the redesigned Lusail International Circuit. The current remodeling of the venue is also set to increase the capacity of the grandstands and car parking lots. The renovated venue is expected to be extraordinary with the Qatar Motor and Motorcycle Federation (QMMF) promising a unique experience for all those involved including drivers and spectators, the paper explained.
After a years break due to the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, the spectacle will resume next month and will take place for the next 10 years until 2032, the paper added.
In conclusion, The Peninsula said that The state-of-the-art circuit will also be home to the 2023 MotoGP Qatar Airways Grand Prix of Qatar to be held from November 17 to 19. The venue will also make its FIA World Endurance Championship debut in March 2024 with Qatar set to host the popular race until 2029 making the Lusail International Circuit a global hub for motorsports activities.
Source: Qatar News Agency