Exploring Qatar’s Summer Adventures

While many citizens and residents escape to cooler climates during the sweltering summer months, those who choose to stay behind have some exciting ways to beat the heat. The Qatar 365 team embarked on a thrilling aquatic journey, discovering some of the country’s most exhilarating water attractions.

First on the agenda was a visit to Meryal Waterpark, the newest and largest waterpark in Qatar. Aadel Haleem explored this vibrant destination, which is uniquely designed to pay homage to Qatar’s rich oil and gas industry. Meryal has generated considerable excitement in the region, offering a variety of exhilarating rides alongside its distinctive concept. The park features intentionally rusted structures that reflect industrial themes, whimsically named attractions, and its charming mascot, affectionately dubbed ‘Oily’, all of which symbolize a pivotal moment in Qatar’s economic evolution.

For a different kind of adventure, Laila Humairah ventured into the serene waters to uncover Qatar’s remarkable marine wildlife. Her journey led her to meet Jassim Lari, the head of the Marine Wildlife Department at the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change. Jassim, fueled by a profound passion for nature, dedicates his life to safeguarding Qatar’s biodiversity. He shared insights about various species, from majestic whale sharks to graceful turtles and vital mangroves, emphasizing the government’s multiple initiatives aimed at ensuring these creatures not only survive but flourish for generations to come.

Lastly, Laila had the privilege of meeting Ahmed Jassim Alsayegh, who provided an exclusive glimpse into the traditional art of dhow boat building. These wooden vessels hold a significant place in Qatar’s maritime history, having played a crucial role in the nation’s exploration of its rich pearl-diving heritage and extensive trade routes. With three decades of experience, Ahmed has skillfully blended modern tools with traditional techniques in his dhow designs. He is committed to preserving ancient shipbuilding methods, meticulously documenting them in manuscripts and blueprints, ensuring that the knowledge is passed down to the next generation of architects and craftsmen.

Pope Francis Embarks on a Historic Journey Across Southeast Asia and Oceania

Pope Francis commenced an ambitious 11-day tour on Tuesday, visiting four island nations in Southeast Asia and Oceania. This journey marks a significant undertaking, as the Pope aims to connect with various communities within the Roman Catholic world.

His inaugural destination was Indonesia, an archipelago comprising thousands of islands and home to the largest Muslim population globally, along with millions of adherents of other faiths. During his time in Indonesia, Pope Francis emphasized the importance of interfaith dialogue and the need for peaceful coexistence. He commended Indonesia for its ability to cultivate harmony among its diverse ethnicities, languages, and religions, drawing a parallel to the country’s rich ecological biodiversity.

Following his visit to Indonesia, the Pope is scheduled to travel to Papua New Guinea, a predominantly Christian nation, before continuing to East Timor and Singapore.

Highlights from Jakarta, Indonesia

• Crowds Gather: Enthusiastic crowds lined the streets, eagerly awaiting the Pope’s motorcade on Wednesday.
• Address at the Cathedral: Francis delivered a heartfelt message to the congregation at the Church of Our Lady of the Assumption, the Jakarta cathedral.
• Meeting with President Joko Widodo: The Pope engaged in discussions with Indonesia’s President, highlighting the importance of their partnership.
• Welcoming Nuns: Nuns at the Jakarta cathedral watched intently for the Pope’s arrival, displaying their devotion and excitement.
• Police Presence: A police officer was seen patrolling outside the Istiqlal Mosque, which stands in proximity to the cathedral, ensuring security during the visit.
• Welcome Ceremony: The Pope participated in a formal welcome ceremony alongside President Widodo, showcasing the significance of the occasion.
• Indonesian Ceremonial Attire: A colorful procession featuring Indonesians in traditional ceremonial attire was organized to welcome the Pope.
• Media Frenzy: Photographers and journalists jockeyed for the best vantage points to capture pictures of the event.
• Protest for Papua: A group of Papuans held up signs bearing Bible verses during a demonstration at the Vatican Embassy, urging the Pope to visit the Papua Province of Indonesia.
• Touching Moment: Audience members at the cathedral reached out to touch Pope Francis, eager to connect with the spiritual leader.

This extensive tour not only reflects Pope Francis’s dedication to fostering global unity but also serves as a test of endurance as he travels through diverse cultures and communities.

Major Judicial Overhaul Approved by Mexican Legislators

In a significant move, legislators in Mexico’s lower house of Congress have approved a comprehensive proposal aimed at restructuring the entire judiciary. This initiative marks a pivotal step towards transitioning the country to a system where nearly all judges would be elected to their positions. The vote represents one of the most ambitious judicial reforms in any major democracy in recent decades, raising pressing concerns about whether these changes will enhance the judiciary’s effectiveness or lead to a politicized system favoring the ruling Morena party and its allies.

Currently, judges in Mexico are appointed based on their specialized training and qualifications. The approved bill now requires the lower house to refine over 600 specific details before it is forwarded to the Senate. Interestingly, the ruling coalition in the Senate is just one seat short of achieving a supermajority, though the passage of this measure is anticipated.

On the day prior to the vote, discussions surrounding the initiative took a dramatic turn when eight out of the 11 Supreme Court justices voted to suspend sessions for the remainder of the week. This action was taken in solidarity with judicial employees at the high court, who initiated a walkout earlier that week. Their strike joined hundreds of judicial workers and federal judges across Mexico, who had already commenced an indefinite strike the previous month in protest against the proposed reforms.

In a bid to delay the vote, the striking workers formed a human chain, attempting to block access to Mexico’s lower house. However, in a surprising turn of events, legislators relocated their meeting to a sports complex and continued with the debate, which frequently devolved into tense exchanges of accusations.

After an extensive session that extended well into the early hours of Wednesday morning, a total of 359 lawmakers present cast their votes in favor of the judicial overhaul, while only 135 opposed it.