#Qatar

Qatar Airways’ Privilege Club (Image: Sourced from Qatar Airways Newsroom)

Qatar Airways’ Privilege Club can now be linked to select Visa and Mastercard credit cards

It will allow the airline’s loyalty programme members to collect and spend Avios on purchases at a range of partners in Qatar

Bahrain (Image: Supplied by Qatar Airways)

Qatar Airways resumes flights to Bahrain

It has commenced with a daily flight between the two destinations, and will increase it to thrice-daily services later this year

UK Business and Trade Secretary Kemi Badenoch

UK Business and Trade Secretary Kemi Badenoch on Gulf states tour

Badenoch’s trip comes as the total trade between the UK and GCC reached a record high of GBP61.3bn in 2022

Qatar sets up a $275m market-maker fund

Qatar allots $275m to a new market-making programme

The initiative will help enhance liquidity in the market, improve price discovery and diversify the capital markets

QATAR GettyImages-1232572487-800x533-1

Qatar stocks could attract up to $3.5bn on free float plan

The Gulf state is considering the plan on the hopes that more trading would raise investment returns, reduce costs and help with diversification

CBUAE - interest rate

Most GCC central banks raise interest rates tracking US Fed move

Central banks in the GCC usually track the Fed’s policy rate moves as their currencies are pegged to the US dollar

Oreo Cafe

Oreo Cafe opens at Doha’s Hamad International Airport

The cafe in the new North Node offers a wide selection of sweet inventions including Oreo milkshakes, muffins and cheesecakes

Hayya Platform

Qatar streamlines tourist visa applications with revamped Hayya platform

Taking place with immediate effect, the platform will become the single portal for all tourist and business visas to the country

UAE

Eid Al Fitr 2023 likely to start on April 22 in UAE

The Eid Al Fitr holiday begins at the end of Ramadan and UAE residents are looking forward to a four or five-day weekend this year

qatar airways cargo

Qatar Airways Cargo launches a direct freighter service from Bogota to Dallas Fort Worth

The once weekly Boeing 777 freighter will offer close to 100 tonnes of cargo capacity

Hamad International Airport

Hamad International Airport teams up with Dell Technologies to drive innovation

The airport chose Dell PowerEdge servers to enhance its infrastructure capabilities

QatarEnergyssigns two offshore explorations deals in Canada

QatarEnergy acquires stakes in two Exxon oil and gas projects in Canada

The company first entered offshore exploration in Canada in 2021 with a 40 per cent stake in ExxonMobil’s licence for EL 1165A

Smartphone market

Is the region’s smartphone market expected to grow in 2023?

The competition remains stiff in the coming years, especially for emerging brands

diplomat

Qatar’s ruler makes top diplomat his new premier

Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani has been appointed as the prime minister

Ooredoo Group

Ooredoo Group selects Nokia for 5G deployment in Algeria and Tunisia

The upgrade will lead to improved network performance and help the group to prepare for launch of 5G services

Ooredoo

Qatar’s Ooredoo plans to carve out telecom tower unit this year

The firm received interest from over 50 regional and international bidders and is currently in the final round of talks

Bank of America

Qatari bidder for Manchester United advised by Bank of America

Sheikh Jassim, chairman of Qatar Islamic Bank and a former board member of Credit Suisse Group AG, confirmed his bid

UAE and Qatar link traffic systems

UAE and Qatar link traffic systems

The announcement was made at a meeting held in Abu Dhabi between delegates of the two countries

Hayya Card holders can enter Qatar until January 2024

Hayya Card holders can enter Qatar until January 2024

Cardholders who wish to enter the country must have a passport validity of at least three months upon arrival

Qatar

Qatar launches first commercial charter flight to and from Kazakhstan

The nation has identified Kazakhstan as one of 15 target markets where tourists can relax, rejuvenate and enjoy Qatar’s vibrant culture

Hotels Courtesy Dubai Media Office

12 stunning new hotels in the Middle East that demand a visit

We look at some of the most interesting hotels scheduled to open in the Middle East in 2023

Uber app (Photo Illustration by David Ramos/Getty Images)

Uber transports 2.6 million riders across Qatar during FIFA World Cup

According to Uber, people from 95 countries used its app while visiting Qatar during the tournament

Qatar hosts more than 1.4 million visitors during FIFA World Cup

Qatar hosts more than 1.4 million visitors during FIFA World Cup

All eight of Qatar’s stadiums were located within an hour’s journey time of central Doha

Argentina crowned FIFA World Cup champions in thrilling final

Argentina crowned FIFA World Cup champions after thrilling final

Lionel Messi bagged the Golden Ball award, while France’s Kylian Mbappe won the Golden Boot accolade

FIFA World Cup final: Argentina versus France – what you need to know

The final will take place on Sunday, December 18, at the Lusail stadium

Central-Bank passes new AML guidelines for PEP

UAE Central Bank raises base rate by 50 basis points

The US Federal Reserve raised its key interest rate by 50 basis points

Non-ticketed fans not allowed in World Cup stadium precincts

Non-ticketed fans not allowed to enter FIFA World Cup stadium precincts

The second semi-final will take place tonight, while the tournament’s final will be held on December 18

Argentina upsets Croatia, books slot in World Cup final

The FIFA World Cup final will be held on December 18

Adidas unveils official match ball for semi-finals, final of FIFA World Cup

The Al Hilm match ball was made using only water-based inks and glues

Flydubai

Flydubai carried over 100,000 fans on shuttle flights since Nov 21

The shuttle flights will operate until December 19