Qatar News & Insights | Gulf Insider

2 months ago

QatarEnergy Declares Force Majeure For LNG Shipments Through May, Representing As Many As 90 Cargoes

The already dismal LNG supply situation just got worse. With up to 20% of global LNG flows shuttered due to the ongoing blockade of the Hormuz Strait and the extensive damage of Qatar LNG infrastructure, QatarEnergy has declared force majeure on some of ⁠its long-term liquefied natural gas (LNG) supply contracts, including ‌for customers ⁠in Italy, Belgium, South Korea ⁠and China, effectively canceling contractual obligations. That would represent as many as 90 cargoes according to Bloomberg. The move on Tuesday comes amid ongoing production and supply disruptions caused by the United States-Israeli war on Iran. Force majeure is a clause in contracts that allows a party to be excused from its obligations due to unforeseeable events. Petroleum companies in Kuwait and Bahrain have also recently invoked force majeure. Last week, QatarEnergy CEO Saad al-Kaabi said an Iranian attack on Qatar’s Ras Laffan gas facility wiped out about ⁠17 percent of the country’s LNG export capacity, causing an estimated $20bn in lost annual revenue and threatening supplies to Europe and ⁠Asia. Repairs are expected to take 3-5 years. Saad al-Kaabi told the Reuters news agency that two of Qatar’s 14 LNG trains, the equipment used to liquefy natural gas, and one of […]

2 months ago

Qatar: Thunderstorm Lashes Doha With Rain And Lightning

A powerful thunderstorm swept through the Qatari capital, Doha, bringing heavy rain, lightning and strong winds that lashed streets and reduced visibility. Dramatic scenes showed flashes of lightning lighting up the sky as rain poured across the city, affecting traffic and daily activities. Qatar’s meteorology department issued warnings of unstable weather conditions, urging residents to remain cautious and avoid unnecessary travel during the storm. Authorities advised motorists to drive carefully due to slippery roads and sudden downpours. The storm is part of a wider spell of unsettled weather affecting parts of the region, with changing conditions expected to continue. Residents were encouraged to follow official updates and safety guidelines as authorities monitored the situation and responded to weather-related incidents across Doha.

2 months ago

Back To Office: Qatar Lifts Remote Work Rules For Private Sector Employees

Qatar’s Ministries of Labour and Commerce and Industry have announced the end of the remote work mandate for all private sector institutions. The decision follows guidance from the Secretariat General of the Council of Ministers to resume regular on-site operations. Authorities said the move aims to ensure business continuity and smooth operations, with private sector activities returning to standard working arrangements. The statement also stressed the importance of maintaining a stable work environment while boosting productivity and supporting national development.

2 months ago

Etihad, Qatar Airways Enhance Loyalty Programmes as Iran War Impacts Flights

Etihad Airways has enhanced its Etihad Guest loyalty programme, introducing greater flexibility for members as travel patterns across the region adjust. From March 18, the Abu Dhabi-based carrier reportedly reduced its tier qualification thresholds by 25 per cent across all membership levels, allowing travellers to retain or upgrade their status with fewer miles. “The adjustment provides greater flexibility for members whose travel plans may have been affected in recent weeks,” Etihad Airways said in a statement. The airline added: “The change recognises that many members have experienced disruptions to their travel plans in recent weeks and provides greater flexibility for members working towards retaining or upgrading their tier status.” Etihad Guest members earn tier miles on flights, which can be redeemed for journeys, hotel stays and holidays. The reduced thresholds have been automatically applied to all members and will remain in place until March 31, 2027, giving travellers additional time to plan and maintain their status. Etihad is also offering free cancellation for bookings made for travel up to March 2027, reinforcing its focus on customer flexibility, according to a report by The Independent. Qatar Airways introduces similar support Across the region, airlines have been adjusting operations in response to changing […]

2 months ago

Qatar Launches Search Operation After Helicopter Crash At Sea

Qatar has launched a search and rescue operation after a helicopter crashed into its territorial waters following a technical malfunction. In a statement issued on Sunday, the Qatari Ministry of Defence said the aircraft experienced a mechanical fault while carrying out a routine mission, resulting in the crash at sea. Specialised teams in Qatar are currently conducting search and rescue operations within the country’s territorial waters, according to a statement from the Qatari Ministry of Interior. Coordination between high-readiness units remains ongoing as they navigate the designated search areas to ensure a comprehensive response. READ MORE: Qatar Expels Iranian Military Attachés After Ras Laffan Attack

Qatar expels Iranian military attaches after Ras Laffan attack

2 months ago

Qatar Expels Iranian Military Attachés After Ras Laffan Attack

Qatar on Wednesday declared the military and security attaches at the Iranian Embassy in Doha “persona non grata,” ordering them to leave the country within 24 hours. In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the decision was taken “in light of the repeated Iranian targeting and brutal aggression” against Qatar’s sovereignty and security, describing it as a flagrant violation of international law, UN Security Council Resolution 2817, and the principles of good neighborliness. The ministry warned that if Iran continues the hostile approach, Qatar will take further measures to safeguard its sovereignty, security, and national interests “Qatar reserves its right to take all necessary measures to protect its sovereignty and security, in accordance with international law,” the statement added. The decision, which also applies to staff working in the two attaches’ offices, came after an Iranian missile attack targeted the Ras Laffan gas production site. Also read: QatarEnergy Reports Missile Attacks on Several LNG Facilities in Ras Laffan Industrial City

2 months ago

QatarEnergy Reports Missile Attacks on Several LNG Facilities in Ras Laffan Industrial City

QatarEnergy announced that several liquefied natural gas (LNG) facilities in Ras Laffan Industrial City were subjected to missile attacks early Thursday morning, causing fires and further extensive damage, in addition to the previous attack on Ras Laffan Industrial City on Wednesday which caused severe damage to a gas-to-liquids plant. QatarEnergy said in a statement that emergency response teams were immediately deployed to contain the damage, confirming that no injuries were reported as a result of the attacks. Also read: Qatar Expels Iranian Diplomats After Strike On LNG Hub; Israel Attacks Iran’s Navy In Caspian Sea

2 months ago

Qatar Expels Iranian Diplomats After Strike On LNG Hub; Israel Attacks Iran’s Navy In Caspian Sea

Summary * * * BUY OVALTINE (or this, which is actually elite-tier protein) Qatar Expels Iranian Diplomats In the wake of the major Iranian missile attack on Ras Iaffan Industrial City and Qatar’s main LNG export hub, Doha has declared Iranian military and security attaches in the country persona non grata, effectively expelling the diplomats. Oil is also ramping back up again on the late-day headlines of ongoing Iranian retaliation against Gulf energy: War Expands To Israeli Strikes in the Caspian Sea The war has once again expanded geographically, as Israeli media is reporting fighting in the Caspian Sea. Jerusalem Post reports that for the first time, the Israeli Air Force is currently striking the Iranian navy in the Caspian Sea. Axios is also reporting the Caspian action. 🇮🇱🇮🇷🇷🇺BREAKING | According to reports, the target of the strike carried out half an hour ago by Israeli Air Force fighter jets was an object in central Iran, in the Caspian Sea area, which Russia and Iran use for maritime transportation and arms supply. 🇺🇦 Since the start of the… pic.twitter.com/CqMwDDgI1j — Visioner (@visionergeo) March 18, 2026 WTI futures rebounded late in the day, inching back towards triple-digit territory. Also, Iran’s Fars News Agency claims IRGC missiles attacked gas […]

2 months ago

CBSE Cancels Class 12 Exams In Bahrain, UAE And Other Gulf Countries

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has cancelled the Class 12 board examinations scheduled to be held in several Gulf countries, including Bahrain, Iran, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, affecting thousands of Indian students studying in CBSE-affiliated schools across the region. The decision was taken after reviewing the current situation in the Middle East and considering the safety and well-being of students. Authorities noted that the prevailing uncertainties and disruptions in the region had made it difficult to conduct the examinations in a safe and orderly manner. The cancellation applies to the remaining Class 12 board exams that were previously postponed in these countries. Earlier, several examinations had already been deferred as tensions in the region led to disruptions in normal school operations and travel. Education authorities advised students and parents to stay in contact with their respective schools for further updates on assessment procedures and the declaration of results. CBSE is expected to announce alternative evaluation methods or further instructions regarding how the results will be determined. The move affects a large number of Indian expatriate students studying in CBSE schools across the Gulf region, where the Indian curriculum is widely followed.

2 months ago

Qatar Airways To Run Limited Flights To And From Doha Amid Ongoing Airspace Closure

Qatar Airways will operate a restricted schedule of special flights in the coming days after receiving temporary authorisation from the Qatar Civil Aviation Authority to open limited operating corridors. The move comes as Qatari airspace remains officially closed, a situation the Doha-based carrier described as ‘beyond our control.’ While the airline has not yet confirmed a full resumption of scheduled commercial operations, the new corridors are intended to support passengers stranded by the recent disruption. Point-to-point services According to a statement released by the airline on Sunday, the carrier is also organising specific ‘point-to-point’ flights to assist passengers in continuing their journeys. The airline confirmed that eligible travellers for these direct services will be contacted individually by staff, while others have been advised to monitor the official website and mobile app for availability. The Civil Aviation Authority continues to monitor the situation, with a spokesperson for the airline noting that full operations will only resume once the regulator confirms the safe and permanent reopening of the country’s skies. ‘The safety and wellbeing of our passengers and crew remain our highest priority,’ the carrier stated, urging passengers not to travel to airports unless they hold a valid, confirmed ticket for travel. […]

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QatarEnergy Declares Force Majeure For LNG Shipments Through May, Representing As Many As 90 Cargoes

Qatar: Thunderstorm Lashes Doha With Rain And Lightning

Back To Office: Qatar Lifts Remote Work Rules For Private Sector Employees

Etihad, Qatar Airways Enhance Loyalty Programmes as Iran War Impacts Flights

Qatar Launches Search Operation After Helicopter Crash At Sea

Qatar Expels Iranian Military Attachés After Ras Laffan Attack

QatarEnergy Reports Missile Attacks on Several LNG Facilities in Ras Laffan Industrial City

Qatar Expels Iranian Diplomats After Strike On LNG Hub; Israel Attacks Iran’s Navy In Caspian Sea

CBSE Cancels Class 12 Exams In Bahrain, UAE And Other Gulf Countries

Qatar Airways To Run Limited Flights To And From Doha Amid Ongoing Airspace Closure

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