Latest news with #QNADOHA
Qatar Tribune
16 hours ago
- Business
- Qatar Tribune
World Bank projects Qatar's growth to accelerate to 6.5%
QNA DOHA The World Bank projected that the economic growth in the State of Qatar is to remain stable at 2.4% in 2025, before accelerating to an average of 6.5% in 2026-2027 due to the expansion of LNG capacity. These improved prospects are supported by strong non-hydrocarbon growth, particularly in education, tourism, and services, the World Bank said in its report 'Gulf Economic Update.' The hydrocarbon sector is expected to growth timidly in 2025 (0.9%), before undergoing a significant boost in 2026 thanks to the North Field LNG expansion coming online, supporting a 40% rise in LNG output. Non-hydrocarbon growth is expected to remain robust thanks to infrastructure upgrades and international investments, the report said. 'Economic growth across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) is projected to increase in the medium-term to 3.2% in 2025 and 4.50% in 2026. This growth is likely to be driven by the expected rollback of OPEC+ oil production cuts and robust expansion of non-oil sectors,' according to the to the latest edition of the report, regional growth was 1.7% in 2024 – an improvement from 0.3% in 2023. The non-hydrocarbon sector remained resilient, expanding by 3.7% — largely fueled by private consumption, investment, and structural reforms across the GCC. At the same time, global trade uncertainty presents challenges, as a global economic slowdown remains a key downside risk for the region. To mitigate these risks, GCC countries need to accelerate economic diversification reforms and strengthen regional trade. 'The resilience of GCC countries in navigating global uncertainties while advancing economic diversification underscores their strong commitment to long-term prosperity,' Division Director for the GCC countries at the World Bank Safaa El Tayeb El-Kogali said. 'Strategic fiscal policies, targeted investments, and a strong focus on innovation, entrepreneurship, and job creation for youth are essential to sustaining growth and stability,' she added.
Qatar Tribune
04-06-2025
- Business
- Qatar Tribune
Value of weekly real estate transactions reach QR1.08 bn
QNA DOHA The total value of real estate transactions recorded in sale contracts with the Real Estate Registration Department at the Ministry of Justice during the period from May 25 to May 29 amounted to 948,988,281 Qatari riyals, while the total value of sale contracts for residential units, according to the real estate bulletin for the same period, reached 132,983,443 Qatari riyals. According to the weekly bulletin issued by the department, the list of properties traded included vacant plots of land, houses, residential buildings, commercial shops, a residential compound, a residential tower, a petrol station, and residential sales transactions were concentrated in the municipalities of Al Rayyan, Doha, Al Daayen, Al Wakrah, Umm Salal, Al Khor, and Al Thakhira, as well as in the areas of The Pearl Island, Lusail 69, Leqtaifiya, Umm Al Amad, and Ghar comparison, the total value of real estate transactions recorded during the period from May 18 to May 22 had exceeded one billion Qatari riyals.
Qatar Tribune
26-05-2025
- General
- Qatar Tribune
MoEHE set for General Secondary Certificate examinations in June
QNA DOHA The Ministry of Education and Higher Education (MoEHE) has announced the completion of all preparations for the General Secondary Certificate Examinations to begin in June, with the participation of more than 15,600 students from both genders, distributed across 83 examination centres throughout the country. In a statement, the MoEHE highlighted that this follows a holistic plan to ensure that examinations are held in a regularised and safe environment that observes individual differences, fairness, and equal opportunity for all students. The examination schedules have been prepared based on rigorous scientific principles to ensure a gradual distribution of subjects and a balance between academic and psychological dimensions, thereby alleviating pressure on students and affording them well-considered intervals, the statement read. It affirmed that the scheduling also considered the need to avoid consecutive testing in subjects that require heightened concentration and cognitive engagement, without appropriate spacing. In addition, MoEHE underlined that it adopts a fully integrated assessment framework, commencing with the development of specification tables and extending through the phases of question formulation, examination printing, and secure distribution in accordance with rigorously controlled procedures that preserve the confidentiality of the content and the integrity of its delivery. The test booklets are enclosed in sealed envelopes designated for each examination committee, transported under direct security oversight, and are not opened except in the presence of specialised committees within the schools, the statement stressed. The Ministry explained that the assessment procedures incorporate a pilot scoring phase that precedes the general scoring process. This phase is designed to evaluate the effectiveness and clarity of test items and assess the fairness of score distribution. It also ensures geographic representation of schools and academic tracks across the nation, thereby enhancing the credibility of the data analysis and the quality of the outcomes. The statement noted that the scoring process is conducted in two phases, namely automated scoring for multiple-choice items and manual scoring for constructed-response questions. The manual scoring is conducted by experienced teachers who follow rigorous procedures to uphold fairness and accuracy. Furthermore, the test booklets are subjected to a multi-tiered review mechanism that begins with the scorer, proceeds through a table leader, and concludes with an independent central review, ensuring that every mark is documented in full alignment with student interest and the principles of equity. Director of the Student Assessment Department, Ibrahim Abdullah Al Muhannadi, said fairness and transparency represent the core pillars of work in all evaluation phases, adding that every single student will obtain an assessment that reflects his or her actual academic level, since scoring and review procedures are designed to ensure the highest standards of accuracy and objectivity. Al Muhannadi indicated that the Ministry has instituted dedicated procedures for students enrolled in inclusive education programs and those with disabilities, encompassing measures such as test accommodations, the allocation of specialized committees, or extended time allowances based on the classified level of educational support required for each student, thereby affirming the Ministry's commitment to ensuring equal opportunity. MoEHE has also developed an array student-focused support initiatives, including the grade enhancement system for twelfth-grade students, which permits re-sitting for the second session to improve academic averages, as well as online remote assessments for hospitalized students and their companions, ensuring continuity in assessment without compromising the integrity of the educational process, he said. Overall, MoEHE is currently working to update assessment tools to keep pace with global advancements, primarily leveraging artificial intelligence. Achieving equilibrium between written examinations and continuous assessment serves to reinforce students' authentic competencies while anchoring the evaluation process in their classroom attendance and active engagement on school campuses. Notably, all these efforts are part of MoEHE's commitment to providing a fair, regularized, and stimulating testing experience that honours students' interests, supports their psychological and educational stability, and reflects a holistic vision in pursuit of advancing assessment tools in alignment with Qatar's educational goals and the Qatar National Vision 2030.
Qatar Tribune
21-05-2025
- Business
- Qatar Tribune
Real estate future lies in adapting to AI, data centre sustainability
QNA DOHA Participants in the Qatar Economic Forum 2025, powered by Bloomberg, discussed the future of the real estate sector amid global economic shifts, technological advancements, and changing patterns of investment and residential demand. During a panel discussion titled 'Global Real Estate Horizons: Navigating Growth and Demand,' participants emphasized that real estate will remain a key pillar of global investment. However, its success will depend on investors' ability to adapt to transformations and shift flexibly toward emerging sectors such as healthcare, data centers, and sustainable energy. In this context, CEO of Related Companies Jeff T. Blau said that venture capital is still available but needs to be allocated more selectively. He noted that cross-border investments dropped by 57 percent in Q1 2025, reflecting global caution. However, he also pointed to signs of clear recovery in major markets. Blau added that in the US alone, real estate transactions reached USD 93 billion in Q1 2025, a 37 percent increase compared to the same period last year. In Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EMEA), the figure reached USD 55 billion, a 41 percent increase. In Asia, it stood at USD 36 billion, up by 20 percent. He said that investing in data centers and modern office spaces has become a priority driven by the rise of artificial intelligence, but warned that this opportunity is time-sensitive and must be seized wisely. For his part, CapitaLand Investment Group CEO Chee Koon Lee said that regional integration among Arabian Gulf countries is a key attraction, noting that tourists often travel between Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Dubai as a single destination. Lee also stressed that the real estate environment in the Gulf, especially in terms of safety, quality of education, and infrastructure, constitutes a long-term draw. He added that Gulf nations possess advanced digital infrastructure.
Qatar Tribune
20-05-2025
- Automotive
- Qatar Tribune
QEF 2025: Elon Musk shares his vision for AI, electric vehicles
QNA DOHA CEO of Tesla and SpaceX Elon Musk called for regulatory reforms in the automotive and artificial intelligence industries to align with advancements in these rapidly evolving fields. Speaking remotely at the Qatar Economic Forum (QEF), Musk reaffirmed his commitment to leading Tesla for the next five years, addressing concerns from investors who questioned his long-term dedication to the company. He clarified that his advisory role to US President Donald Trump through the Department of Government Efficiency, known as DOGE, does not constitute a conflict of interest, stating that his role is purely consultative and does not involve decision-making authority. He also praised the departmentâ€s recent successes and progress. Musk discussed the future of artificial intelligence and electric vehicles, emphasizing how modern technology is set to reshape the world. He also touched on the Starlink satellite internet service and its future outlook. Responding to questions about his future involvement in political campaign financing, Musk stated that he plans to spend less on campaigns in the future, but if he sees a need for political spending, he will do so.
