Qatar News & Insights | Gulf Insider

1 year ago

US President Donald Trump Plans Visits To Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar In First Foreign Trip

President Donald Trump said the first presidential trip of his second term would likely include visits to Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar as well as additional stops. “It could be next month, maybe a little bit later. And we’re going to Qatar, also, and also we’re going to possibly a couple of other countries. UAE is very important … so we’ll probably stop at UAE and Qatar,” the Republican Monday in the Oval Office. The president’s remarks came after Axios reported that White House officials were planning Trump’s first trip to Saudi Arabia in mid-May as a signal of appreciation for planned investment by the Gulf country in US industry. On Monday, Trump noted that he visited Saudi Arabia during his first term after a pledge of $450 billion in US investment – and that Riyadh had promised this time to more than double that amount with a $1 trillion promise. “I view it as jobs more than anything else, and now we’re close to a trillion dollars,” Trump said. “So it’s more than double the number that we did when I first came to office.” Trump notably did not mention the Saudi role in hosting negotiations […]

1 year ago

Qatar Announces Eid Al Fitr 2025 Holiday

Qatar has announced dates for the Eid AL Fitr 2025 holiday. The Amiri Diwan announced that the Eid holiday for ministries, government agencies and public institutions will begin on Sunday, March 30 and end on Monday April 7. Employees are to resume work on Tuesday, April 8, 2025. Qatar Eid Al Fitr 2025 With weekends typically being Friday-Saturday for many employees it means an extended 11-day break. As for the Central Bank (QCB), banks, and financial institutions working under the supervision of QCB and Financial Markets Authority (QFMA), state-run news agency QNA said the QCB Governor will specify the start and the end of the holiday. Also read: Oman announces Eid Al Fitr 2025 holiday

1 year ago

Qatar’s Economy Grows 2.4% To $195.6bn

Qatar’s economy recorded a real growth rate of 2.4 percent in 2024, reaching QR713bn ($195.6bn) in fixed-price terms, compared to QR697bn ($191.2bn) in 2023. According to data from the National Statistics Centre at the National Planning Council Qatar’s real GDP grew by 6.1 per cent year-on-year in the fourth quarter of 2024, reaching QR181bn ($49.7bn), up from QR170.1bn ($46.7bn) in the same period of 2023. Secretary-General of the National Planning Council (NPC) Dr. Abdulaziz bin Nasser Al Khalifa confirmed that the Qatari economy continues to experience remarkable growth rates, sustaining the country’s progress toward sustainable growth and economic diversification, in line with the National Development Strategy 2024–2030. Qatar economy He pointed out that the latest data reflects the rapid expansion and increasing diversification of the Qatari economy, which is progressively moving beyond its traditional dependence on hydrocarbons. Non-hydrocarbon activities collectively grew by 3.4 percent annually, while hydrocarbon activities remained stable. Despite the significant role of hydrocarbon activities in the GDP, non-hydrocarbon sectors are steadily gaining ground. In 2024, non-hydrocarbon activities accounted for nearly 64 per cent of total GDP, up from around 63 per cent in 2023. This highlights the resilience of the Qatari economy and its ability to withstand economic […]

1 year ago

Qatar Airways Expands Global Flight Network to 11 Destinations to Meet Growing Demand

Qatar Airways is increasing flight frequencies to multiple destinations across Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Middle East. The expansion is aimed at enhancing global connectivity and accommodating increased travel demand, the airline said in a statement. Qatar Airways boosts global network Thierry Antinori, Chief Commercial Officer, Qatar Airways said: “Qatar Airways’ vast network of global destinations is complemented with robust flight frequencies for the benefit of our passengers. The new additions further reflect our commitment to fostering worldwide connectivity and elevating passengers’ travel experience with our award-winning hub, Hamad International Airport (DOH) – voted World’s Best Airport and World’s Best Airport Shopping by Skytrax in 2024. “At Qatar Airways, we take pride in offering unparalleled services, and with the peak summer season approaching, we are pleased to fulfil the ever-increasing demand for air travel with accessible and convenient flight schedules.” The airline is increasing flights to the following destinations: Qatar Airways continues to expand its network to align with evolving travel demand. The airline operates flights to over 170 destinations and offers connections through its hub at Hamad International Airport. Passengers can book flights through the airline’s official website or via the airline’s mobile application. Also read: Qatar Airways’ Defence After Man […]

1 year ago

Vietnam’s EV Maker VinFast Could Raise About $1b From JTA Investment Qatar

A Qatari investment firm could commit ‘at least’ $1 billion in the Vietnamese electric vehicle maker VinFast. This comes weeks after VinFast tapped UAE’s Emirates Driving Co. and other investors for a similar funding. In a new deal, the JTA Investment Qatar will explore a ‘potential equity investment’ the Nasdaq-listed pure-play EV manufacturer, as well as enter a ‘strategic partnership’ to support VinFast’s global expansion and technological development. Not just that, JTA Investment Qatar also sees ‘significant value’ another Vingroup entity – Vinpearl’s portfolio of hotels and resorts, amusement parks and entertainment clusters. Founded in 2010 and with a presence in Qatar and the UK, JTA Investment Qatar offers financing solutions in sectors such as energy, technology, infrastructure and tourism. Currently, two model variants are available in the UAE bearing the VinFast badge – the VF8 Plus (with a range of 476 kilometers) and the VF8 Eco (493 kilometers). Prices start at Dh174,500. In 2024, overall sales of VinFast models totaled around 97,000. VinFast, which is listed on Nasdaq, had been on the lookout to bolster its financial position and break through to new markets. This is where any support from JTA Investment Qatar will come in handy. Any ‘collaboration […]

1 year ago

Qatar Airways’ Defence After Man Forced To Sit Next To Dead Passenger

Qatar Airways has defended the decision to leave a couple sitting next to a dead passenger on a 14-hour flight, saying that its crew “acted quickly, appropriately and professionally”. In a statement to the BBC, the airline said that an internal review found that the crew’s handling of the woman’s death was “in line with the training and industry standard practice.” It also stated that they have offered support and compensation to the family of the deceased and other passengers who were “directly affected” by the incident. “Passengers were accommodated to other seats, and a crew member was sitting at all times with the deceased passenger for the duration of the flight until landing in Doha,” Qatar Airways told the outlet. “It is an unfortunate reality that unexpected deaths do sometimes occur on board aircraft across the aviation industry and our crew are highly trained to deal with these situations with as much respect and dignity as possible,” the statement added. The airline issued the statement after the couple told Australia’s Channel Nine that they were traumatised by the experience on the Melbourne to Doha flight. Mitchell Ring and Jennifer Colin said that the cabin crew had placed the dead woman, covered in blankets, […]

1 year ago

Qatar Launches 100% Tax Penalty Exemption Initiative

Qatar’s General Tax Authority has announced a six-month financial penalty exemption initiative, offering businesses a 100 per cent waiver on tax-related fines as part of its commitment to fostering economic growth and strengthening the country’s investment environment. Effective March 1, the initiative is open to companies that meet compliance requirements, including registration on the Dhareeba Tax Portal, updating taxpayer data, and ensuring the timely submission of all tax returns and financial statements. Participating businesses must also pledge to maintain full tax compliance for the next three years—2026, 2027, and 2028—by adhering to reporting deadlines and paying taxes on time. Throughout the initiative, eligible businesses may apply for penalty exemptions through the Dhareeba Tax Portal. Applications will be reviewed case-by-case, with decisions communicated directly through the portal. The initiative aims to ease financial burdens, promote transparency, and enhance tax system efficiency. Commenting on the program, Khalifa bin Jassim Al Jaham Al Kuwari, President of the General Tax Authority, said, “The launch of this initiative is part of the General Tax Authority’s ongoing commitment to enhancing Qatar’s business landscape and strengthening the national economy’s competitive edge. From alleviating financial strain on companies to improving tax system efficiency and fostering sustainable growth, this […]

1 year ago

First Day Of Ramadan Announced In The GCC

Bahrain Bahrain has announced the start of Ramadan 2025. A statement from state-run Bahrain News Agency confirmed that Saturday, March 1 will be the first day of the Holy Month, BNA said: “The Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (SCIA) announced in a statement tonight that the Sharia Sighting Authority in the Kingdom of Bahrain has decided that tomorrow, Saturday, March 1, 2025, is the first day of the holy month of Ramadan for the year 1446 AH.” Saudi Arabia Saudi Arabia has announced the start of Ramadan 2025. The crescent moon was spotted by observers, meaning the Holy Month will begin on Saturday, March 1. Cloud cover had made moon-sighting difficult before observers announced an official start to the Holy Month. Qatar Qatar has announced the start of Ramadan 2025. State-run Qatar News Agency confirmed that Saturday, March 1 will be the first day of the Holy Month. It said: “The Crescent Sighting Committee Islamic Affairs announces that tomorrow, Saturday, March 1, 2025 AD, is the first day of Ramadan for the blessed year 1446 AH”. Oman Oman has announced the start of Ramadan 2025. A statement from the state-run Oman News Agency said the Holy Month will begin on […]

1 year ago

Qatar Announces Tax Fine Exemption

Qatar has announced a major tax fine exemption as it looks to boost business growth in the country. The General Tax Authority announced the launch of a 100 per cent financial penalty exemption initiative, in a demonstration of its ongoing commitment to fostering business growth and supporting national economic policies. Effective March 1, 2025, the initiative will run for six months, subject to the applicable rules and regulations, the Authority stated. Qatar tax fines The General Tax Authority said the initiative is designed to alleviate financial burdens on businesses while enabling them to rectify their tax compliance status. To qualify, companies must register on the “Dhareeba Tax Portal” and ensure that all taxpayer data is updated. They are also required to submit all necessary tax returns and financial statements in accordance with regulations and pledge to maintain full compliance over the next three years (2026, 2027, and 2028), by submitting returns and paying tax dues on time. Throughout the initiative’s duration, eligible businesses may apply for penalty exemptions through the Dhareeba Tax Portal. The General Tax Authority will assess applications on a case-by-case basis and communicate approval decisions directly through applicants’ portal accounts. By introducing this initiative, the General Tax Authority aims […]

1 year ago

Qatar Inks Five-Year AI Deal With Scale AI To Boost Government Services

The Qatar government signed a five-year deal with AI data company Scale AI to deploy AI-powered tools and training. The move is in line with the push to improve government services in the Gulf Arab state. “(This deal) can be a blueprint for other governments around the world, and it allows us to really commit in a way that I think could drive impact even faster,” Trevor Thompson, global head of growth at Scale AI, said, Reuters reported. The deal will allow Qatar’s government to adopt tools such as predictive analytics, automation and advanced data analysis in an effort to streamline operations, according to a statement by Qatar’s communications and information technology ministry. Scale AI will develop more than 50 possible uses of artificial intelligence (AI) for Qatar’s government over the next five years, the statement added. Reuters said Thompson declined to say how much the deal is worth. Qatar is in a race to become an AI leader amid rising competition from neighbouring Saudi Arabia and the UAE. Founded in 2016, Scale AI provides large amounts of accurately labelled data for use in training tools such as OpenAI’s ChatGPT. The company also helps its customers, which include tech giant Microsoft, Wall Street […]

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US President Donald Trump Plans Visits To Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar In First Foreign Trip

Qatar Announces Eid Al Fitr 2025 Holiday

Qatar’s Economy Grows 2.4% To $195.6bn

Qatar Airways Expands Global Flight Network to 11 Destinations to Meet Growing Demand

Vietnam’s EV Maker VinFast Could Raise About $1b From JTA Investment Qatar

Qatar Airways’ Defence After Man Forced To Sit Next To Dead Passenger

Qatar Launches 100% Tax Penalty Exemption Initiative

First Day Of Ramadan Announced In The GCC

Qatar Announces Tax Fine Exemption

Qatar Inks Five-Year AI Deal With Scale AI To Boost Government Services

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Now It Takes Just 48 Hours To Get UAE’s Single Entry Tourist Visa Valid Up To 60 Days

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