Fri, May 23 2025
Breaking News
Breaking News
1 month ago
Qatar Airways will showcase its customisable four-person Qsuite business class suite at Arabian Travel Market (ATM) in Dubai later this month. Visitors and exhibitors will have the opportunity to experience the latest from the Qatar Airways’ layout from April 28 to May 1. The airline is showing off its business class experiences with the design of Qsuite Next Gen that features fully customisable Quad Suites creating the largest social space in the sky for groups of four and window aisle Companion Suites. Qatar Airways Quad Suites All suites have 4K OLED manoeuvrable in-flight entertainment screens that can be moved to connect the spacious and private suites. From ambient lighting to privacy controls to the “Make My Bed” button for the five-star Qatar Airways turn-down service, ATM visitors are invited to interact with Qsuite Next Gen’s vast range of customisation options. Both the Quad and Companion Suites further boast increased dining space and taller digitally controlled privacy dividers, a testament to the airline’s consideration of passenger comfort in the skies. With this year’s ATM theme, “Global Travel: Developing Tomorrow’s Tourism Through Enhanced Connectivity”, Qatar Airways will spotlight its continued investment in technology, and customer experience, reinforcing its position as a global aviation leader.
1 month ago
Airports have evolved far beyond mere transit hubs. As passenger expectations shift, driven by heightened demands for convenience, unique experiences, and enhanced connectivity, leading airports are reimagining their land-side areas as strategic differentiators. Singapore’s Changi Airport – specifically its pioneering Jewel development – exemplifies the tremendous value airports can unlock by creatively utilizing land-side spaces. Opened in April 2019, Jewel Changi Airport has redefined global standards for airport land-side development. This ambitious $1.25 billion initiative encapsulates Singapore’s aspiration to position Changi as not just a travel gateway but a vibrant urban hub. Occupying a 135,700 square-meter footprint, Jewel seamlessly integrates retail, dining, entertainment, hospitality, and nature – housing approximately 280 retail and dining outlets alongside a 130-room YOTELAIR hotel. At its heart stands the Rain Vortex, the world’s tallest indoor waterfall at 40 meters, surrounded by the lush Shiseido Forest Valley, encompassing 2,000 trees and 100,000 shrubs from around the world. In 2019 alone, Jewel drew approximately 50 million visitors – a figure highlighting the profound appeal and strategic significance of thoughtfully planned airport land-side areas. Such innovative use of land enhances passenger experience, increases dwell time, and boosts non-aeronautical revenue streams significantly. Prior to the pandemic, commercial revenue at […]
2 months ago
The UAE, Saudi Arabia and Qatar are planning a joint bid to host the Rugby World Cup in 2035, according to a report in The Times newspaper. In an interview with the London-based newspaper president of Asia Rugby Qaid Al Dhalai said the Gulf nations are considering a joint bid to create “the most successful event in the history of rugby” in either 2035 or 2039. Although no official bid has been launched, The Times report said the sports governing bodies would consider a multi-country host offering as seen in the football World Cup. UAE, Saudi and Qatar mull joint Rugby World Cup bid Al Dhalai told The Times: “As our leaders in the Gulf believe, nothing is impossible. I foresee this as something that might happen in 2035. “I don’t want to underestimate other bids, and I believe South Africa and other European countries might be interested as well, but if World Rugby worked hard on this with a solid plan it might happen in 2035. “I’m in favour of a multi-city hosting model, not a single host. That’s proven to work in soccer. They have done it since 2002 when Japan and Korea hosted, and are doing it again in Mexico, USA and […]
2 months ago
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 […]
2 months ago
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
2 months ago
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 […]
2 months ago
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 […]
3 months ago
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 […]
3 months ago
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, […]
3 months ago
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 […]
5 hours ago
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