Latest news with #Doha
Reuters
28 minutes ago
- Business
- Reuters
Exclusive: Qatar met with energy majors to discuss risks of Israel-Iran war, sources say
DOHA/LONDON June 20 (Reuters) - Qatar held this week crisis talks with energy majors after Israeli strikes on Iran's huge gas field, which it shares with Qatar, an industry source and a diplomat in the region told Reuters. Doha was asking firms to raise U.S., UK and European governments' awareness of increasing risks to global gas supply, they said. QatarEnergy did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Arabian Business
an hour ago
- Business
- Arabian Business
Revealed: Skytrax names world's best airlines for 2025
Skytrax has crowned Qatar Airways as the big winner of the 2025 World Airline Awards. The prestigious awards, dubbed the 'Oscars of the aviation industry', recognise airline excellence and Qatar Airways was named 'Airline of the Year' for a record ninth time. In addition to clinching the top global title, Qatar Airways also secured a number of key category wins: World's Best Business Class Best Airline in the Middle East World's Best Business Class Airline Lounge (Al Mourjan Lounge – The Garden at Hamad International Airport) Qatar Airways named 'Airline of the Year' 2025 Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Officer Badr Mohammed Al Meer, said: 'Being named the World's Best Airline by Skytrax for the ninth time is an extraordinary honour. This recognition is far more than an award, it is a celebration of the passion, precision and purpose that defines who we are as an airline. 'To retain this title in a highly competitive and ever-evolving global industry reflects the relentless efforts across every part of the business, from the frontline to behind-the-scenes, the passion and commitment of our people continue to set new standards in aviation. 'We are equally proud to have been named the Best Airline in the Middle East, to once again hold the title of the World's Best Business Class, and to be recognised for offering the Best Business Class Airline Lounge experience globally. 'These accolades reaffirm our ambition not only to lead, but to redefine what exceptional service means in aviation. Whether on the ground or in the air, we strive to deliver a seamless, elevated journey that anticipates the needs of our passengers and reflects the highest standards of quality, comfort, and innovation.' Regional airlines Emirates and Saudi Arabian Airlines also featured in the top 20, as Gulf carriers continue to impress. Skytrax Top 20 World Airlines in 2025 Qatar Airways Singapore Airlines Cathay Pacific Emirates ANA All Nippon Airways Turkish Airlines Korean Air Air France Japan Airlines Hainan Airlines Swiss Int'l Air Lines EVA Air British Airways Qantas Airways Lufthansa Virgin Atlantic Saudi Arabian Airlines STARLUX Airlines Air Canada Iberia Edward Plaisted of Skytrax said: 'It is a fabulous achievement for Qatar Airways to win the World's Best Airline title for 2025, the ninth time they have triumphed in the awards history. 'Qatar Airways achieved excellent results across many award categories, with their Business Class winning the World's Best Business Class, and their Al Mourjan Garden Lounge named the World's Best Business Class Airline Lounge. 'We congratulate Qatar Airways on these successes which should be a source of great pride and satisfaction for the airline management and staff.' Other notable results from the 2025 World Airline Awards include The World's Most Family Friendly Airlines 2025 Lufthansa British Airways Emirates The World's Best Inflight Entertainment 2025 Cathay Pacific Airways Emirates Qatar Airways The World's Best First Class 2025 Singapore Airlines Emirates Air France The World's Best Business Class 2025 Qatar Airways Singapore Airlines Cathay Pacific The World's Best Premium Economy Class 2025 Virgin Atlantic Japan Airlines Emirates The World's Best Economy Class 2025 Cathay Pacific Qatar Airways Singapore Airlines The independent and impartial World Airline Awards are based on the largest airline passenger satisfaction survey, with costs of the survey and awards paid by Skytrax. Airlines do not pay any entry or registration fee. The online survey operated from September 2024 to May 2025, and more than 100 customer nationalities participated. All survey entries were screened to identify IP and user information, with duplicate, suspect and ineligible entries deleted. Over 325 airlines feature in the survey results.
Zawya
5 hours ago
- Business
- Zawya
Qatar accelerates push for food production in bid for sustainability
Doha, Qatar: The government is rapidly escalating its efforts to boost local food production and ensure long-term sustainability as part of its ambitious National Food Security Strategy 2030. Recent data from the Ministry of Municipality and Environment signals clear progress, with targets centered on self-sufficiency in vital food categories. Under the 2030 plan, Qatar aims for 55 percent self-reliance in vegetables, 30 percent in red meat, and 80 percent in fish, while achieving 100 percent self-sufficiency in dairy and fresh poultry production. As of 2024, more than 950 productive farms operate nationwide, and the area dedicated to organic farming has doubled. Last year, over 26 million kilograms of local vegetables were marketed by Mahaseel Company—reflecting a 98 percent increase in fresh vegetable output over five years. The livestock sector showed notable gains, including fresh milk with 97 percent, while red meat climbed steadily, and poultry now meets full domestic demand. Qatar's agricultural market is highly dynamic, valued at around $180m in 2025 and projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 5.5 percent to $235m by 2030. This doubling in output is underpinned by greenhouses, hydroponics, vertical farming, and aquaponics methods championed in government programmes. 'These are outcomes of meticulous strategy, investment in technology, and strong policy frameworks,' said Ibrahim Al‑Marri, a food security expert. 'We have improved self-sufficiency across critical food categories—from greenhouse vegetables to fish and dairy—by integrating modern irrigation, sustainable inputs, and strategic marketing support.' Efforts are being made to reduce groundwater usage. The country plans to cut water use per ton of crops by 40 percent by 2030 and expand treated sewage effluent (TSE) irrigation to 100 percent of fodder lands, up from 27 percent in 2019. 'The adoption of hydroponics, automated irrigation, and soil-less techniques is fundamental.' Al‑Marri said. 'We saw a 20 percent rise in domestic vegetable output in 2023 alone, supplied by smart greenhouses and vertical farms—critical in Qatar's arid climate.' On the other hand, regional collaboration plays a key role. Qatar chaired the GCC Agricultural Cooperation and Food Security Committee, where stakeholders discussed standards for sustainable hydroponic systems and regional food resilience. 'Qatar has also built a resilient food ecosystem that is technologically advanced and environmentally aware,' Al‑Marri stated. © Dar Al Sharq Press, Printing and Distribution. All Rights Reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Zawya
5 hours ago
- Business
- Zawya
Qatar: Affordable housing demand surges amid rising expat influx
Doha: Qatar is experiencing a surge in demand for affordable housing, driven largely by a growing influx of expatriates attracted to the country's robust economy, infrastructure expansion, and evolving labor policies. This rising demand is putting pressure on the real estate market, particularly in mid-income segments, as prices climb and supply struggles to keep pace. According to data from Qatar's Ministry of Municipality and Urban Planning, the expatriate population has increased by over 9 percent in the past year, fueled by ongoing developments in the energy sector, World Cup legacy projects, and new foreign investment initiatives. While luxury residential properties remain abundant in Doha and its suburbs, affordable units are becoming increasingly scarce. 'Qatar has made substantial progress in upgrading its housing stock, but the current influx is creating a demand-supply mismatch in the affordable housing sector,' said Ali Mansoor, a market expert and regional urban economist in Qatar. 'The lower-middle-income expatriates, particularly in services and retail, are being priced out of centrally located housing.' The Al Wakra and Al Rayyan municipalities have seen the steepest rental increases, with average rents for one-bedroom apartments rising by 14 percent since mid-2024. Meanwhile, developers are still focused on luxury and high-end residential projects, leaving a widening gap in the mid-market range. 'There is strong demand from skilled expatriates who earn moderate wages and want clean, safe, and affordable housing within commuting distance to Doha,' he said. However, the current supply pipeline is not adequately aligned with the needs. In response, the government initiated plans to revise zoning regulations to incentivise the development of mixed-income housing communities. Researchers say long-term solutions must focus on urban planning strategies that integrate transport, employment zones, and housing development. 'Rising costs are already affecting workforce stability in critical sectors like hospitality, logistics, and healthcare,' said Mansoor. 'Affordable housing is directly tied to economic resilience and social equity.' With Qatar positioning itself as a regional business and innovation hub, analysts warn that affordable housing will become an even more urgent issue unless addressed through proactive policies. Stakeholders across real estate, governance, and industry agree that balancing growth with inclusivity is now imperative. 'Qatar's future lies in attracting talent from across the world. Affordable housing is the foundation of a truly competitive and sustainable economy,' Mansoor added. © Dar Al Sharq Press, Printing and Distribution. All Rights Reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Zawya
6 hours ago
- Business
- Zawya
Taaleem acquires GCC-focused KFG to expand network
Dubai – Taaleem Holdings has signed a sale and purchase agreement to acquire 95% shareholding in Kids First Group Limited (KFG), an early-learning premium education provider in the GCC. The acquisition is expected to boost Taaleem's expansion into the high-growth early-learning segment, offering accretion to both earnings and cash flow, according to a press release. KFG manages a diversified network of 34 nurseries in areas close to business districts and within residential districts in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Doha. It serves more than 5,000 students across multiple leading brands. Subject to regulatory approvals and other pre-completion conditions, the transaction will be fully self-funded through a mix of equity and debt. It is expected to be completed in the fourth quarter (Q4) of Taaleem's financial year (FY)2024/25. Khalid Al Tayer, Chairman of Taaleem, commented: 'This acquisition of Kids First Group represents an important next chapter in Taaleem's growth strategy. By expanding further into the early-learning education segment, we are creating a comprehensive educational pathway that supports children from their earliest stages of development through to K-12 education.' Kamil Najjar, Founder and CEO of KFG, said: 'Together, KFG and Taaleem are committed to setting a new benchmark in early childhood education - preparing children to thrive in an increasingly complex and fast-evolving world, and ensuring they benefit from holistic, world-class learning environments from their earliest years' All Rights Reserved - Mubasher Info © 2005 - 2022 Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
