DOHA // Qatar is considering introducing family-only days at major shopping malls in a move dubbed a “bachelor ban” that will likely restrict access for foreign labourers.
The country’s central municipal council (CMC) will be discussing the proposal on December 1.
If passed, it will restrict singles from entering Qatar’s eight biggest malls one day each weekend, either Friday or Saturday. Only families will be allowed to enter on that day.
Many blue-collared male workers who have moved to Qatar without their families would in effect be banned from entering the nation’s most popular malls, potentially on their only off day of the week.
The proposal is being championed by CMC member Nasser bin Ibrahim Al Mohannadi, who claims the presence of male labourers in the malls is intimidating for Qataris, especially women.
“Qatar is a family-based society, and it is the right of families to have a day especially for them,” he said.
“Malls are not just for shopping but also for entertainment and family gatherings.”
Mr Al Mohannadi represents the coastal city of Al Khor, around 50 kilometres north of Doha.
He said Qataris there had complained to him about the “large number” of labourers gathering in one of the city’s malls.
His solution was to revive the idea of a “family day” – a policy previously in place but which had fallen out of favour because it was not enforced.
Mr Al Mohannadi has the backing of one of the two women who sit on the 29-member council, Sheikha Al Jufairi, who described it as “an absolutely essential requirement”, but said that it was not aimed specifically at labourers.
“Families are complaining that they cannot enter the big malls on weekends because of the huge number of labourers,” she said.
“Families suffer and we want to allocate one day, either Friday or Saturday. Moreover, there are many other malls they can use on that family day.
“It is not a matter of labourers. It is a matter of singles and families from all nationalities, even single Qataris. We do not discriminate against anyone.”
The CMC does not have the power to enforce the ban, but has asked the economy and commerce ministry to intervene to ensure malls comply.
An official from that department will attend December’s meeting.
* Agence France-Presse
If you go...
Fly from Dubai or Abu Dhabi to Chiang Mai in Thailand, via Bangkok, before taking a five-hour bus ride across the Laos border to Huay Xai. The land border crossing at Huay Xai is a well-trodden route, meaning entry is swift, though travellers should be aware of visa requirements for both countries.
Flights from Dubai start at Dh4,000 return with Emirates, while Etihad flights from Abu Dhabi start at Dh2,000. Local buses can be booked in Chiang Mai from around Dh50
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BORDERLANDS
Starring: Cate Blanchett, Kevin Hart, Jamie Lee Curtis
Director: Eli Roth
Rating: 0/5
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In numbers: China in Dubai
The number of Chinese people living in Dubai: An estimated 200,000
Number of Chinese people in International City: Almost 50,000
Daily visitors to Dragon Mart in 2018/19: 120,000
Daily visitors to Dragon Mart in 2010: 20,000
Percentage increase in visitors in eight years: 500 per cent
The specs
Engine: Long-range single or dual motor with 200kW or 400kW battery
Transmission: Single-speed automatic
Max touring range: 620km / 590km
Price: From Dh250,000 (estimated)
Our legal consultants
Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais
Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.
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Abu Dhabi Grand Slam Jiu-Jitsu World Tour Calendar 2018/19
July 29: OTA Gymnasium in Tokyo, Japan
Sep 22-23: LA Convention Centre in Los Angeles, US
Nov 16-18: Carioca Arena Centre in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Feb 7-9: Mubadala Arena in Abu Dhabi, UAE
Mar 9-10: Copper Box Arena in London, UK
The specs: 2019 Mercedes-Benz C200 Coupe
Price, base: Dh201,153
Engine: 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder
Transmission: Nine-speed automatic
Power: 204hp @ 5,800rpm
Torque: 300Nm @ 1,600rpm
Fuel economy, combined: 6.7L / 100km
Tips to avoid getting scammed
1) Beware of cheques presented late on Thursday
2) Visit an RTA centre to change registration only after receiving payment
3) Be aware of people asking to test drive the car alone
4) Try not to close the sale at night
5) Don't be rushed into a sale
6) Call 901 if you see any suspicious behaviour
Other promotions
- Deliveroo will team up with Pineapple Express to offer customers near JLT a special treat: free banana caramel dessert with all orders on January 26
- Jones the Grocer will have their limited edition Australia Day menu available until the end of the month (January 31)
- Australian Vet in Abu Dhabi (with locations in Khalifa City A and Reem Island) will have a 15 per cent off all store items (excluding medications)
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11 cabbie-recommended restaurants and dishes to try in Abu Dhabi
Iqbal Restaurant behind Wendy’s on Hamdan Street for the chicken karahi (Dh14)
Pathemari in Navy Gate for prawn biryani (from Dh12 to Dh35)
Abu Al Nasar near Abu Dhabi Mall, for biryani (from Dh12 to Dh20)
Bonna Annee at Navy Gate for Ethiopian food (the Bonna Annee special costs Dh42 and comes with a mix of six house stews – key wet, minchet abesh, kekel, meser be sega, tibs fir fir and shiro).
Al Habasha in Tanker Mai for Ethiopian food (tibs, a hearty stew with meat, is a popular dish; here it costs Dh36.75 for lamb and beef versions)
Himalayan Restaurant in Mussaffa for Nepalese (the momos and chowmein noodles are best-selling items, and go for between Dh14 and Dh20)
Makalu in Mussaffa for Nepalese (get the chicken curry or chicken fry for Dh11)
Al Shaheen Cafeteria near Guardian Towers for a quick morning bite, especially the egg sandwich in paratha (Dh3.50)
Pinky Food Restaurant in Tanker Mai for tilapia
Tasty Zone for Nepalese-style noodles (Dh15)
Ibrahimi for Pakistani food (a quarter chicken tikka with roti costs Dh16)
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