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Qatar’s micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) “will supercharge” the country’s economy in the coming decades as it leverages hosting the 2022 FIFA World Cup – “the biggest sporting event on the planet,” Ranjeev Menon, Group CEO of GWC, has said. “The World Cup is bringing new opportunities to Qatar and enabling businesses across a range of sectors to grow,” Menon stated in a brochure distributed to participants of the recently concluded GWC Forum 2022 titled ‘Ready for the Game’. The second edition of the annual GWC Forum aims to champion and empower MSMEs in Qatar by giving them a platform to showcase and grow beyond 2022, in line with Qatar National Vision 2030, stated Menon, adding that “empowering Qatar’s burgeoning MSMEs sector is one of our core goals.” The brochure also highlighted that MSMEs are benefiting significantly from Qatar’s position as a global sports hub. Also, the country’s MSMEs represent “97%” of private sector companies and contribute “16%” to Qatar’s non-energy GDP. It stated that hosting the World Cup has created numerous opportunities for domestic and regional enterprises in a range of sectors, including construction, events management, tourism, hospitality, and sports-related industries, and has also helped Qatar form strategic alliances and connect global value chains. Staging the World Cup has also presented the region with opportunities for innovation in areas, such as cooling technology, energy efficiency, waste management, health and safety, public transportation, and information technology. In terms of economic impact, the tournament’s economic sustainability can be measured by the impact on MSMEs and the long-term use of infrastructure, the brochure further stated. The post-legacy use of infrastructure built for the World Cup, including stadiums and training sites, must consider the impact both economically and socially. It is vital the facilities are utilised long after the tournament and benefit local communities, it noted. The brochure also quoted Hassan al-Thawadi, secretary-general, Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy (SC), saying: “The power of this tournament as a force for a transformative legacy has always been our guiding light. For Qatar, this tournament has always represented far more than a month of football. “We are committed to ensuring that this World Cup leaves a truly transformational social, human, economic, and developmental legacy, and is remembered as a landmark moment in the history of our region.” He added: “Across different sectors, the country is working tirelessly to develop a knowledge-based economy – reducing the reliance on hydrocarbons and supporting Qatar’s social, economic, and environmental journey – and the World Cup is a vital catalyst for accelerating that vision.”

GWC recently concluded a successful ‘GWC Forum 2022’ titled ‘Ready for the Game’, wherein industry experts highlighted how Qatar’s economy will continue to flourish after the World Cup. In a video address, FIFA secretary-general Fatma Samoura said: “Micro and small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) represent the backbone of a successful and diverse economy. They create jobs and foster innovation. Qatar has been a hive of innovation in recent years – developing cooling technologies for stadiums and state-of-the-art public transport infrastructure, including the Doha Metro and light rail tram systems. “GWC, its partners, and stakeholders are utilising the assets and experience of hosting the FIFA World Cup to deliver an economic legacy that is aligned with Qatar National Vision 2030. One of Qatar’s great strengths is its determination to leverage the power of hosting the FIFA World Cup like no other country in history. And it is heartening to see that legacy being delivered even before the big kick-off.” The forum was highlighted by a panel session on ‘Direct and Indirect Impact of Qatar 2022 on MSMEs’, which included inputs from Jose Dhooma, head of Event Logistics and Transport, FIFA; Fatma al-Nuaimi, Communications & Media executive director, Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy (SC); Nazli Berberoglu, general manager, The Coca-Cola Company; and Syed Maaz, chief business development officer, GWC. Dhooma said hosting the FIFA World Cup in Qatar had raised the bar for a vast number of businesses. “There is a better understanding of international requirements as a result of the World Cup,” he said. “Many businesses now have FIFA on their CV. This helps them to grow. When they work with FIFA, they’re working to an international standard. It is great for whatever Qatar does in the future – whether it is sporting events, conferences, or anything else. “You should also consider the people involved in the organising committee – they will be thinking about how they can create companies and take their services around the world. Working on a World Cup gives people confidence,” Dhooma said. Al-Nuaimi said the SC had worked closely with MSMEs in Qatar and the region on a large number of infrastructure projects, including stadium developments. “We have been engaging MSMEs from the start, whether it is building stadiums or training sites. A number of businesses will be involved in the entertainment and fan experience activations during the World Cup, including event companies and food and beverage businesses. Whenever we have opportunities, we make sure to involve MSMEs – many businesses have been developed here since Qatar won the rights to host the World Cup,” she said. Berberoglu commented on Coca-Cola’s commitment to working with MSMEs: “We support a large number of businesses and help them take advantage of opportunities. We always try to take a long-term approach and build a sustainable ecosystem. “One example came during Covid-19 when we helped small businesses create home delivery strategies and worked with them to digitise their businesses so they could better serve their customers.” Berberoglu also spoke about two main issues addressing the 21st century: women empowerment and recycling, as well as waste management. “Under the directives of Coca-Cola, we have been driving our market under these guidelines and empower women and also make sure we pay careful attention to the recycling industry of our bottling plants across the world,” she stressed. Maaz outlined GWC’s contribution to the MSME sector, including the development of 4mn sq m of logistics infrastructure and an ever-expanding ecosystem for small enterprises. “The MSME sector has grown a lot in the last 10 years and is now a major driver for the economy. GWC has created an infrastructure to make it easy for MSMEs to set up in business. We are now managing a huge amount of warehousing in the country, including Al Wukair Logistics Park, which was built specifically to support MSMEs,” said Maaz. The second panel session, titled ‘The Way Forward’, looked into the trends and challenges faced by MSMEs. Participants included Charles Nahas, regional general manager, Microsoft; Dr Manal al-Zaidan, director of Pharmacy, Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC); Dr Christos Anagnostopoulos, assistant professor, HBKU; and Dr Kamilla Swart, associate professor, HBKU. The panellists discussed the impact of the FIFA World Cup on their various sectors and outlined the trends they expected to see after the tournament. Nahas spoke on three points related to MSMEs namely startups, homegrown businesses, and commercial/small shop owners: “We go out of our way to assist all three levels of MSMEs with innovative ideas to equip them for the current and future build of their company.” Anagnostopoulos said HBKU has been doing research for the last 10 years and will continue to use this in the development not only for potential World Cup organisers, but also the MSMEs in their quest for market intelligence, which will equip them on the global stage. “They will also help MSMEs to leverage their geographical location of Qatar to the region and the Middle East,” he noted. Hamad al-Abdan, director of Business Development & Investment Promotion, Ministry of Commerce of Industry, gave a presentation about the 1,000 Opportunities initiative, which invites businesses in the private sector to partner with global brands. He also discussed the business ecosystem in Qatar, describing the FIFA World Cup as a golden opportunity for the country’s economy to prosper in the future. Aysha Khalifa al-Romaihi, manager of Special Programmes – Incubation, Qatar Development Bank (QDB), gave a presentation about Scale7 – the country’s first fashion and design incubator, set up to support creative entrepreneurs. The final workshop was led by Dr Adel Elomri, assistant professor, HBKU, and Dr Laoucine Kerbache, professor, HBKU. The workshop focused on the research undertaken to track the impact of Qatar’s FIFA World Cup and how the education sector can work with industry to support students and alumni. Following the event, Ranjeev Menon, Group CEO, GWC, said: “GWC is proud to be at the forefront of MSME development – helping the current and next generation of businesses in Qatar as the country aims to deliver the goals of Qatar National Vision 2030.  

The micro-small and medium-sized enterprise (MSME) sector in Qatar, which has been one of the country’s major economic drivers in the last 10 years, has “greatly benefited” from the hosting of the 2022 FIFA World Cup, an official of GWC has said. Syed Maaz, chief business development officer, made the statement at a panel discussion during the GWC Forum 2022 titled ‘Ready for the Game’ held in Doha yesterday. The panel session examined the direct and indirect impact of hosting the 2022 FIFA World Cup on MSMEs in various sectors of the Qatari economy. Maaz was joined by Jose Dhooma, FIFA head of Logistics; Nazli Berberoglu of The Coca-Cola Company; and Fatma al-Nuaimi, Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy (SC) Communications & Media executive director. Maaz stressed that there has been significant growth in terms of what MSMEs have been providing to the economy: “In the last four years, there has also been a significant growth in terms of what MSMEs have been providing to the economy, which ties in with Qatar National Vision 2030 of diversifying away from the dependence on fossil fuel, and creating a self-sustaining economy.” Dhooma pointed out that “in terms of logistics, we’re slightly ahead of where we need to be,” adding that the World Cup helped raise the bar for MSMEs to better understand international requirements. According to al-Nuaimi, the government of Qatar has invested heavily in different mega projects, such as sports infrastructure and even SMEs, emphasising the importance of the participation of different players in both the public and private sectors. With the investments and knowledge acquired from hosting the World Cup, al-Nuaimi noted that all companies that have worked with the SC could engage in knowledge transfer, build their profiles, and expand to markets beyond Qatar. Maaz also said GWC has created an infrastructure to make doing business easy for new entrepreneurs and MSMEs, citing the 1.5mn sq m Al Wukair Logistics Park, which was launched in March this year. Aside from funding or initial seeding, one of the major hurdles for MSMEs is logistics, said Maaz, stressing that GWC initiatives and facilities, such as the logistics park in Al Wukair, created a whole ecosystem for small enterprises. “If MSMEs are on their own, they face different challenges, such as bringing in raw materials and manufacturing the finished product. So, we created an ecosystem where the park serves as an integrated logistics facility offering workshops and storage space, among other benefits,” he said. Berberoglu said: “Supporting MSMEs means growing our business; worldwide, we have different programmes for supporting small enterprises to help them grow alongside the company. At the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, we supported small companies in their digitalisation journey to continue their businesses.” She added: “We have been collaborating with small businesses in Qatar to create more opportunities for them during and even beyond the FIFA World Cup, as well as how they can leverage this period and the investments for the tournament, and grow their businesses on a long-term basis.”

As Qatar is gradually increasing its investment in Carbon Capture, Usage and Storage (CCUS) and has a climate environment suitable for solar energy generation, the country has great potential for blue and green hydrogen production, the Korea Institute for International Economic Policy (KIEP) has said. During the 2022 Korea-Qatar Business Forum held in Doha recently, KIEP senior researcher Kwangho Ryou delivered an online presentation along the lines of the forum’s theme ‘Future Strategy for Diversifying Economic Co-operation Between South Korea and Qatar’. The business forum was organised by the South Korean embassy and the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, in cooperation with Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (Kotra), Qatar Chamber, and Invest Qatar. Ryou presented several topics, which include South Korea’s investments in Qatar and contracts awarded from the country, as well as possible co-operation sectors in various fields like petrochemicals, renewables and food security, food security rankings in Mena, and military equipment and hydrogen, among others. According to Ryou, hydrogen is one of the industries that have “a big potential for cooperation expansion.” He said Qatar signed MoUs for co-operation with advanced technological countries with South Korea and Germany, “but there is still no government-led development plan yet.” Ryou pointed out that co-operation opportunities in the field of logistics infrastructure building also could be created in the future. Similarly, there is huge potential for co-operation expansion between both countries in military equipment, Ryou stressed, noting that South Korean military equipment “is considered technologically advanced but not as expensive as other nations like the US.” “South Korea’s export of military equipment is increasing dramatically in recent years, and stable South Korea-Qatar diplomatic relations could be a good condition for co-operation in this field,” he stressed. Ryou also said trade, technology exchange, and infrastructure building in the petrochemicals sector may open “huge possibilities” for Qatar’s economy in the long term. “Qatar’s interest in the petrochemicals sector has been growing at a faster pace in recent years. Developing the petrochemicals sector is one of the clear trends of economic diversification in the GCC,” he explained. Ryou noted that renewables and food security, in which Qatar has placed high interest, are sectors that South Korea has global competitive advantages. “On environment development under Qatar National Vision 2030, it is possible to enhance generation efficiency thanks to the geographical features of Qatar. The winning of Samsung C&T for two solar power plants in August this year is an encouraging factor. Ryou said South Korea would be a reliable partner in Qatar’s national food security strategies like domestic self-sufficiency and the domestic market, as well as in infrastructure building and technology exchange in the field of smart farming, greenhouse, and water security. “A tripartite cooperation is also possible in Qatari-owned agricultural lands in other countries,” Ryou emphasised. During the forum, Shelldince Victor, senior manager – Business Development at Kotra, also delivered a presentation. He said Kotra is the centre of economic development in South Korea, stressing that the agency has been playing a key role in the further enhancement of South Korea-Qatar relations. Among its major businesses, Victor said Kotra specialises in global marketing and global partners, inbound investment promotion, outbound investment support, sustainable growth, and global market information. “Kotra delivers customised marketing services and opportunities to South Korean small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) for the global market and finds the ideal partner to strengthen one’s global value chain. “We play a vital role in positioning South Korea at the centre of global business. By creating an attractive investment environment and supporting domestic investments by foreign companies, Kotra raises the value of South Korea as a successful business partner,” Victor said. He added: “Based on overseas investment information gathered from Korea Business Centres (KBCs) in 84 countries, Kotra supports South Korean companies by making their advancement overseas easier and more convenient.”

South Korean ambassador Lee Joon-ho has called for the expansion of economic co-operation between his country and Qatar amid diverse social, financial, and even environmental challenges worldwide. Speaking at the 2022 South Korea-Qatar Business Forum held in Doha yesterday, Lee said: “We are facing new challenges like worldwide inflation, energy and climate crisis, and the digital divide. “Under these circumstances, South Korea and Qatar need to expand the co-operation into a new horizon and establish a close partnership in various fields like digital technology, healthcare, smart-farm, renewable energy, and finance.” On enhancing co-operation in digital technology, Lee said South Korea has a world-renowned competitive edge in digital innovation industries like semi-conductor, batteries, and electric vehicles. He said: “Last September, the South Korean government unveiled its ‘Digital Strategy’ to increase its investment in R&D for artificial intelligence, 6G networks, quantum, metaverse, and cybersecurity. “We are expecting this strategy will cement South Korea’s leadership in digital infrastructure. Today, South Korean digital innovation companies of South Korea like SAMJUNG Solution, ONPOOM, and HURA are attending this forum. I hope that today’s forum provides great opportunities for the business people of South Korea and Qatar to find new co-operation projects in the digital field.” The ambassador also stressed that South Korea and Qatar can enhance cooperation in new sectors like smart farm and healthcare. Lee said many South Korean companies are well-equipped with state-of-the-art technologies and achieved great success in their smart farm projects. He ensured that South Korean companies can be capable and effective partners for Qatar’s future development in the smart farming sector. “Public health is also an important sector. Qatar has been investing to enhance its public health system, which is also one of the major goals of the Qatar National Vision 2030. “In this sense, the Korea Medical Centre which is planned to be open next year can be an important stepping stone towards the two countries’ further collaboration on the joint medical projects,” Lee stressed. Lee also emphasised the need to advance both countries’ co-operation in energy sectors like LNG and solar power. Recently, South Korean companies are joining Qatar’s mega LNG project like NFE EPC2 and LNG shipbuilding projects, he noted. “I believe that enhancing co-operation in the whole value chain process of LNG will benefit both countries. I am sure renewable energy is another prominent field where the two countries can expand their co-operation. “Qatar is working on the plan to generate 5 gigawatts of solar power by 2035, reducing its carbon footprint and achieving carbon neutrality. And South Korea is joining Qatar’s efforts to fight climate change and invest in renewable energy. Last August, a South Korean company’s winning of the contract to build 875 megawatts solar power plants showcases the close co-operation between the two countries,” he emphasised. Lee added: “The South Korean government is trying to host the 2030 Busan World Expo. Busan is the second largest city in South Korea and boasts abundant experience in hosting many global events like Asian Games. I believe Busan is an ideal place for the 2030 World Expo and I would like to ask for your attention and support for Busan’s candidacy to host the 2030 World Expo.”

The 2022 South Korea-Qatar Business Forum held in Doha Wednesday marked the comprehensive strategic partnership between both nations, whose trade exchange in the first five months of 2022 stood at $5.98bn, an official has said. In his welcome address, Mohamed Hassen al-Malki, Deputy Undersecretary for Industrial Affairs at the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, called for joint efforts to expand Qatar-South Korea strategic co-operation and include new and diverse sectors, such as health and Information and Communications Technology (ICT). “In this context, we praise the advanced level of trade exchange between our two nations. Qatar-South Korea trade exchange has grown by 67.2% compared to 2020. It reached $11.57bn in 2021 and $5.98bn in the first five months of this year. “Moreover, the South Korean private sector is playing a significant role in supporting the Qatari economy. Qatar is home to 179 South Korean companies, including leading economic establishments that have contributed to implementing important infrastructure projects that form part of hosting the 2022 FIFA World Cup,” al-Malki stressed. Al-Malki also pointed out that the Ministry of Commerce and Industry has been diversifying Qatar’s foreign investment portfolio in South Korea. This, he said, reflects Qatar’s keenness to support the economies of its strategic partners and to mutually share expertise in areas that serve Qatar’s development trends. This sharing of expertise, especially at the levels of industry and technology are “two fundamental factors in the renaissance and progress of the Republic of South Korea,” al-Malki explained. He said the agreements and memoranda of understanding signed between the two sides have contributed to strengthening and consolidating joint trade and investment co-operation. “In this regard, we call for establishing the needed mechanisms to enact and enhance this co-operation in all areas. We cannot fail to appreciate here both sides’ initiative to sign a bilateral agreement last August to waive the entry visa requirement for nationals of both countries. “We express our full confidence in this step, which is bound to strengthen the bridges of communication and dialogue between our two friendly countries and peoples, and allow establishing more successful joint ventures,” al-Malki said. He stressed that under the guidance of the country’s wise leadership, Qatar maintains its efforts to enhance its economic openness and support co-operation with all its trading partners worldwide, “especially the friendly Republic of South Korea.” Al-Malki said: “To this end, we have implemented systematic development policies that have boosted investor confidence in the Qatari economy and instilled our nation’s leading position in the regional and global economic scenes. These policies, moreover, stressed the State of Qatar’s strategic role as a starting point toward the Mena region’s markets. “To accelerate the implementation of all measures aimed at supporting the investment sector, we introduced public-private partnership projects and we also put in place incentive programmes to attract foreign direct investments, such as passing the Law on the Regulation of Investment of Non-Qatari Capital in the Economic Activity and the Law on Investment Free Zones, which allows foreign investors ownership up to 100%. Additionally, non-Qatari individuals and commercial companies were allowed real estate ownership in several vital economic and tourist areas in Qatar.” He added: “Moreover, Qatar has been keen to provide an advanced network of free zones, logistics zones, and industrial units to accommodate all investor needs, as well as support investors’ expansion in the local, regional, and global markets.”

Following the successful working visit of Indonesian Trade Minister Zulkifli Hasan to Qatar recently, more business dialogues and B2B meetings are in the pipeline for the continued enhancement of both countries' economic ties. This was according to Qatar-Indonesia Business Council (QIBC) president Farhan al-Sayed, who recently hosted several delegations from Indonesia eyeing to increase exports from the southeast Asian country to Qatar and other countries in the Gulf region. Al-Sayed told Gulf Times that Dewi Astian, chief, International Relations at Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, visited Qatar to coordinate a possible high-level business dialogue and B2B meeting in Doha. He said Astian also proposed to create a mini pavilion during the event to showcase premium Indonesian products like jewellery, clothing, bags, shoes, scarfs, furniture, and coffee, and to promote tourism in more than 10 destinations in Indonesia, including Bali. “Indonesia is a strong and one of the most reliable trade partners of Qatar. The bilateral trade volume of both countries from January to July this year stood at $758mn and is expected to grow further in the coming months. “Qatar receives regular visitors from Indonesia’s public and private sectors, such as ministers, chambers of commerce, business council delegates, and general traders who are able to secure successful deals and partnerships in various fields with different companies in Doha,” al-Sayed explained. Another delegation, which was led by Radhi Darmansyah from the Indonesian province of Aceh, also visited Doha to offer investment opportunities, such as block of exploration in Andaman 1 and in the Strait of Malacca in Aceh. “Currently, Repsol, TotalEnergies, ExxonMobil, Shell, BP, and Premier Oil are involved in various projects. Aceh could be the strategic regional hub in southeast Asia for agro-related commodities, fisheries, tourism, halal products, and oil and gas,” al-Sayed said. Al-Sayed also lauded Indonesian Trade Minister Zulkifli Hasan’s successful trade mission to Qatar, which secured potential transactions worth QR5.5mn (23.2bn Indonesian rupiah). In an earlier statement, Hasan said business matching sessions held in Doha during the trade mission helped secure the potential transactions in the following areas: beauty and hospitality products, spices and seasonings, snacks and processed foods, frozen fish, garments, and handicrafts. The minister said 11 Indonesian companies and 42 Qatari businesses participated in the business matching event. Palm oil and its derivatives, paper products, automotive, batteries, food and beverages, home decorations, handicraft products, garments, and beauty products are among Indonesia’s major products, he said. “The trade mission to Qatar managed to record potential transactions worth IDR23.2bn from this business matching initiative. This value has the potential to further increase, considering that the participating businesses are still following up on requests from potential partners who were brought together during the event,” the minister said.

Ooredoo is supplying seamless and reliable Internet connectivity to more than 350 FIFA World Cup transport buses, enabling officials, players, and media representatives to stay connected while on the move. This was announced Wednesday by Sheikh Nasser bin Hamad bin Nasser al-Thani, chief commercial officer at Ooredoo at press conference where he was joined by Colin Smith, FIFA chief operating officer World Cup and FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 managing director. Sheikh Nasser said Ooredoo will provide its managed Wi-Fi along with mobile broadband to ensure seamless, reliable Internet access, so players, FIFA officials, and media representatives can stay connected even while travelling to and from tournament venues. Ooredoo will provide connectivity for more than 350 buses via mobile broadband, while 300 of these buses will also offer transportation-grade managed Wi-Fi services. These Wi-Fi services will be monitored and managed in real-time utilising systems hosted in the Ooredoo Qatar Data Centre. Sheikh Nasser said, “Our strategic commitment to invest in innovation and to partnering with world-leading technology providers stands us in excellent stead as we step up to provide our state-of-the-art products and services to this phenomenal event. “Players and FIFA officials need to stay connected to ensure the smooth running of the tournament and associated events, and our media partners need to be able to share the event with the world, no matter where they are. We’re proud that our investment in innovation and technology, and our vast experience and expertise, will make sure they can.” Ooredoo, the Official Middle East & Africa Telecommunications Operator of FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, will use technology, such as Quick Response codes to ensure fast, easy, and efficient access to Wi-Fi onboard each bus. Powering the buses with mobile broadband and managed Wi-Fi will ensure connectivity for players and FIFA officials, while media representatives will be able to upload files and video content and share broadcasts even when travelling between venues. Ooredoo’s efforts enabled Qatar to become the first country in the world to operate a commercial 5G network in 2018, with the company testing 5G broadband in moving vehicles shortly after. Its ongoing transformation journey is a testament to its commitment to supporting the country as it works to achieve the goals of Qatar National Vision 2030, including digital transformation and development into a truly smart nation. Speaking to Gulf Times on the sidelines of the press conference, Sheikh Nasser said Ooredoo will continue to announce and roll out more services in the period leading to the World Cup and during the tournament to provide customers with a memorable fan experience. Meanwhile, Smith lauded Ooredoo’s partnership with FIFA and for providing world-class and innovative services during the World Cup, which is slated from November 20 to December 18.

  * Daily concerts at multiple venues make Qatar home for Black Eyed Peas, Maroon 5, Post Malone, Robbie Williams and many more * MATAR unveils plans for Passenger Overflow Area at DIA & HIA   Qatar Airways Group and Qatar Tourism unveiled Tuesday a series of major events to provide football fans with world-class entertainment, including Qatar Live, which will host more than 60 international artistes throughout the 2022 FIFA World Cup. The FIFA-related entertainment activities were announced by Qatar Tourism Chairman and Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive HE Akbar al-Baker during a press conference, where he was joined by Nasser al-Khater, CEO of FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, and Badr al-Meer, MATAR Chief Operations Officer. The press conference displayed synergy between travel and tourism as Qatar Airways revealed over 10 projects developed with partners, including Qatar Tourism, the Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy (SC), and Qatari Diar. HE al-Baker announced the development of beach clubs, fan zones and theme parks, in addition to hosting Qatar Live, Daydream Music Festival, the Lusail Boulevard brand activation, Qatar Airways Sky House, Winter Wonderland and the naming ceremony for the ;MSC World Europa; cruise ship. He said, “Today, we see the breadth of what can be accomplished when aviation and tourism work together. We are very proud to announce a wide range of world-class live entertainment coming to Qatar to celebrate the most exciting tournament that will take place in the Middle East. We look forward to our locals and tourists alike having the best of the entertainment industry readily available for their enjoyment.” Al-Khater noted, “Qatar is ready to welcome the world and host a unique edition of the FIFA World Cup – the first to take place in the Middle East and Arab world. Fans can expect top-class international football and a vast array of entertainment options. The live acts announced today by Qatar Airways and Qatar Tourism are sure to excite fans from everywhere as they prepare to descend on our country for an unforgettable festival of football, fun and entertainment.” Al-Meer added, “MATAR is ready for the much anticipated FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 and we look forward to welcoming fans for the mega event. We are introducing exciting activations at Hamad International Airport (HIA) and Doha International Airport (DIA), which will embody the spirit of football and make this truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience.” * FIFA Onboard Experience The Official Airline Partner for FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 sets the stage with a unique onboard cabin experience. Passengers will have much to look forward to when travelling with Qatar Airways during the football season, with a special range of FIFA World Cup-themed products and activations. The football-inspired cabin includes FIFA limited edition amenity kits, souvenir cushions, headphones, dining menus and football jersey-styled loungewear. Young traveller packs and plush toys have been especially curated for the younger fans. The Official Airline of the Journey Qatar Airways Oryx One In-flight Entertainment system will be home to more than 180 football-related titles, including an exclusive interview with FIFA president Gianni Infantino. During FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, passengers can enjoy complimentary livestreaming of World Cup matches and other major sporting events directly from passengers’ personal devices. * Beach Clubs Fans visiting the peninsula can spend time on newly developed beaches. Qatar Airways and Qatar Tourism recently inaugurated the family-friendly B12 Beach Club with Ayla Oasis Development, which offers a range of activities, exceptional dining options, premium services and live family entertainment. Doha Sands is one of Qatar’s newest beaches where live music, dancing and dining come together for an unforgettable experience. Locals and tourists can enjoy Doha’s classic food kiosks for a range of culinary options. Named after Doha’s prominent district, West Bay Beach is a public beach shoreline that is set to offer families a range of water sports activities, and accommodate up to 1,500 guests. Sports fans can also enjoy the first-of-its-kind Fuwairit Kite Beach, built on Qatar’s northern coast, the resort offers thrill seekers spaces to relax and unwind after a day’s activities. * Fuwairit Kite Beach Resort Situated on pristine coastline next to a natural lagoon, the resort offers kite surfers an ideal setting to practice their sport. With a total of 50 rooms, the resort offers 40 beach-front rooms, where guests can enjoy various facilities, including a pool, a yoga pavilion, padel courts, an outdoor cinema and a state-of-the-art gym. *Qatar Live Qatar Live, a series of concerts, will engage audiences with performances from Enrique Iglesias, Black Eyed Peas, Maroon 5, Post Malone, J Balvin and Robbie Williams. Alongside these world-renowned artistes, Qatar Live will bring back the Daydream festival with this year’s new stage, the Magic Lantern. Daydream Qatar 2022 will be headlining the biggest DJ lineup seen in the Middle East, with Alesso, Alok, Armin Van Buren, DVLM, John Newmam, Major Lazer, Tiesto and Tinny Trumpet, with many more global artistes to be announced ahead of the tournament. Additionally, the airline and its partners will schedule family theatre circus musical performances, including 'The Enchanted Prince' and 'Pinocchio'. The Qatar Live series has been organised by the international event management company, Alchemy Project. The Coca-Cola Company will be sponsoring Qatar Live allowing attendees to sip on their favourite beverage while enjoying the various shows. Nazli Berberoglu, general manager for the FIFA World Cup 2022 at The Coca-Cola Company, said: “We are extremely happy to partner with Qatar Airways as a sponsor of Qatar Live. Coca-Cola has a long legacy with both sports and music as it allows us to connect with consumers through their shared passions. As a long-standing partner of FIFA, this was a great opportunity for us to celebrate the real magic and shared passion for both music and football through supporting unforgettable local experiences.” Ooredoo executive director (Marketing) Sarah al-Dorani added, "At Ooredoo, our aim is to upgrade our customers’ experience by giving them more. We’re proud to be an Official Partner of Qatar Live 2022, where our customers will access exclusive discounts to exciting events during FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022. We look forward to continuing to provide amazing benefits to our customer base.” * MSC On November 13, Qatar Airways welcomes invited guests to attend the naming ceremony for MSC Cruises’ largest ship, the 'MSC World Europa'. The ship will be docked at the Grand Terminal, Doha Port, throughout the duration of the FIFA World Cup, acting as a floating hotel. The 'MSC World Europa' ship includes six stunning pools and 14 whirlpool baths with views of the ocean, a Balinese-style wellness centre and spa, a beauty salon, a fully equipped gym and 13 dining venues. With a capacity of 2,626 guest cabins, tourists and locals will experience unique accommodation and a multitude of entertainment possibilities. * Qatar Airways Sky House To welcome travellers to the beautiful country, the award-winning airline will soon introduce Qatar Sky House, a pavilion at Al Bidda Park, which will include interactive activities such as face painting, Qverse experience, Swing the World, foosball and the Neymar challenge. For those looking for a moment to sit back and relax, the pavilion will include two lounge areas, a Qatar Airways Privilege Club lounge and a space dedicated to relaxation. * Qatar Airways House At Qatar Airways House located in Hyatt Regency Oryx Hotel, the airline is extending its hospitality to its VIP clients and guests. The national carrier will be delivering live match streaming, conferences, events as well as an introduction to the country’s culture. * Qatar Airways Stadium Activation Football fans will also have the opportunity to visit the Qatar Airways Booth in each of the iconic stadiums and on the scenic Corniche, where they can take part in the events by visiting the fan zones before or after their respective matches or when sightseeing the promenade. Each booth will include virtual football games starring Neymar, face painting, giveaways and more. * Passenger Overflow Area MATAR, Qatar’s company for Airports Operation and Management, announced that it will be extending its hospitality to travellers in need of a resting area before their flights. Qatar Airways will be providing dedicated Passenger Overflow spaces outside of Hamad International Airport and Doha International Airport, at no cost, where football festivities and live entertainment can be enjoyed while also providing storage space for luggage and carry-ons. This space will give fans the opportunity to continue to enjoy the celebrations as they wait to enter the airport where they can experience HIA’s new tranquil and nature-inspired terminal. * Doha International Airport DIA recently reopened enabling 13 regional and international airlines to carry 4,000 additional passengers per hour to Qatar. The DIA terminal will offer passengers retail as well as food and beverage products and services. * Lusail Boulevard In partnership with Qatari Diar, Qatar Airways and Qatar Tourism will officially inaugurate the Darb Lusail Festival, which will be held from November 3 to 5, located in the Lusail Boulevard. The three-day festivities will represent the Middle East, Southern Asia and North Africa with headline talents, drone light shows and artistic performances. * Winter Wonderland Additionally, Qatar Airways has recently announced that it will be the Official Airline Partner and the Presenting Partner of Lusail Winter Wonderland, an original world-class entertainment and leisure destination in Qatar that will deliver unforgettable experiences to fun seekers. Lusail Winter Wonderland is a remarkable theme park located on Al Maha Island, in the heart of Qatar's entertainment district, which is set to open to the public in November. This unique theme park will feature more than 50 exhilarating rides and attractions, including the Qatar Airways Forest Train inside the Qatar Airways Festive Forest, the Flume ride Arctic Splash, a giant Ice Slide, The Galleon, the Ooredoo 5G Rollercoaster and the Ain QNB which is a 150ft Ferris Wheel.

Qatar Airways has withdrawn flights from 18 destinations, allowing Hamad International Airport (HIA) to accommodate other airlines flying 2022 FIFA World Cup fans to Qatar, Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive HE Akbar al-Baker said Tuesday. HE al-Baker made the statement during a press conference where he was joined by Nasser al-Khater, CEO of FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, and Badr al-Meer, MATAR Chief Operations Officer. HE al-Baker emphasised that the national carrier’s priority is to give access to all countries participating and bringing in large numbers of passengers for the World Cup, which is slated from November 20 to December 18. “Actually, no. We don’t have any new destinations. But on the contrary, we have reduced and withdrawn from 18 destinations in order to make space at Hamad International Airport for new airlines that will bring fans,” al-Baker said in response to a query. According to al-Meer, about 500 shuttle flights per day are expected to land at Doha International Airport, including charter flights and private jets. “We have two types of flights at Doha International Airport: the shuttle and charter. We have around 500 shuttle flights a day, while for charter, we continue to receive requests for charter flights. The list will be announced after it is finalised,” al-Meer said. On post-World Cup Qatar, HE al-Baker said he is optimistic that the country’s tourism industry will flourish after the tournament. “Qatar is now becoming the favourite of people who want new adventures in the tourism industry,” he said, adding that Qatar “is investing hundreds of millions” in its tourism industry and to promote the country’s various tourist destinations.

Nest, Qatar’s unique hub for professionals and entrepreneurs to work, meet, and collaborate, opened on Monday at the Mezzanine floor of Alfardan Tower in West Bay. The event was attended by the top management and key officials from Alfardan Group of Companies, including Hussain Ibrahim Alfardan, chairman Alfardan Group, and Omar Hussain Alfardan, president & CEO of Alfardan Group, as well as other members of the Alfardan family. Nest offers a conducive environment for entrepreneurs to express and develop their ideas, Sara Fahad Alfardan, head of Communications and PR at Alfardan Group, told Gulf Times on the sidelines of the event. Nest is a new concept in workspace, introduced for the first time in Qatar, according to Alfardan. It offers meeting spaces, an event venue, and a café-restaurant under one roof. In addition, it provides networking and learning opportunities through events, she said. With its tagline, ‘A Space Where Productive Rest and Ideas Merge’, Nest is a safe, comfortable, and welcoming space for professionals, freelancers, students, and creative people, and has the perfect environment to stimulate minds and nourish ideas, Sara Alfardan explained. Sara Fahad Alfardan (extreme right), moderating the panel discussion She noted that Nest’s objective is to become a getaway for individuals looking for a place to rejuvenate and create. It is perfect for business meetings without disturbance, or to work while also enjoying lunch or afternoon coffee, she noted. In her welcome speech at Nest’s launch event, Sara Alfardan said: “Nest started off as an idea three years ago. A passion project, so to speak, put forth by the third generation of the family working in the company. We have all collaborated to make this idea a reality.” “We have various spaces that can be reserved depending on your needs. We have created an ideal place to start something new or to share your passion with an audience. It is also a great space if you simply need to get some work done, unwind, or celebrate a special event. Our selection of healthy and nutritious meals is available to complement a wholesome experience as we believe that a healthy body leads to a healthy soul and mind,” she said. Sara Fahad Alfardan delivering the welcome remarks Sara Alfardan also announced that Nest will be hosting weekly panel discussions and workshops aimed at expanding perspectives via the country’s young minds and thought leaders who inspire growth and spark new ideas on topics ranging from entrepreneurship to self-growth and arts and culture. Among the highlights of the launch event was Nest’s inaugural panel discussion featuring seven young entrepreneurs in Qatar. The discussion, which carried the theme ‘Nestamer: the entrepreneurial journey’, was moderated by Zohour Omar Alfardan, Business Development manager at Alfardan Hospitality. The panelists included Harriet Gyamfuah, founder & PR director at Creative Amplified; Abdullah al-Khenji, co-founder and chief strategy officer of Flare; Joud Ghalayini, research and marketing executive at Karty; Muzammil Khan, founder of Crusoe; Al Jaze al-Suwaidi, founder of Oh Matcha; Valeria Mazzei, founder & creative director of Venus Karma; and Abed Khatab, head of Growth GCC for HeliumDoc (formerly Meddy). Asked about her outlook on Qatar’s entrepreneurship sector, Sara Alfardan said: “Qatar’s entrepreneurial ecosystem is flourishing. It’s encouraging to see more and more startups from young people who also like to share their experiences with others to follow, and we’re happy to provide a well-equipped space to facilitate this interaction.” Sara Alfardan noted that Nest could also be an ideal space for owners of home-based businesses across the country. “That’s why our rates at Nest are very affordable. We want to cater to as many people as possible, such as these home-based businesses, or entrepreneurs who have limited capital,” she added. Nest’s F&B offerings range from coffees and smoothies to breakfast and lunch items, a display counter full of healthy grab-and-go options, and a pizza/manakish section. The menu is specially curated to complement productivity. For bookings, check out Nest on Instagram and Facebook, or through WhatsApp 33494447.

Indonesian Trade Minister Zulkifli Hasan has secured potential transactions worth QR5.5mn (23.2bn Indonesian rupiah) during a recently held trade mission to Qatar. Hasan, who led a high-level business delegation here, was accompanied by the secretary-general of the Ministry of Trade, Suhanto, and the director general of the National Export Development of the Ministry of Trade, Didi Sumedi, as well as several Indonesian companies.   Indonesian ambassador Ridwan Hassan The potential transactions were procured during a business matching session held on Monday in Doha. The transactions were from beauty and hospitality products, spices and seasonings, snacks and processed foods, frozen fish, garments, and handicrafts. Participating in the business matching event were 11 Indonesian companies and 42 Qatari businesses. Indonesia’s major products include palm oil and its derivatives, paper products, automotive, batteries, food and beverages, home decorations, handicraft products, garments, and beauty products. “The trade mission to Qatar managed to record potential transactions worth IDR23.2bn from this business matching initiative. This value has the potential to increase further, considering that the participating businesses are still following up on requests from potential partners who were brought together during the event,” Hasan explained. Furthermore, Hasan emphasised that the recorded value “still has the potential to continue to grow” after participating Indonesian and Qatari companies would make the necessary business follow-ups in the coming period. Prior to the business matching event, the trade minister and his accompanying delegation participated in the Indonesia-Qatar Business Forum, which carried the theme ‘Strengthening Trade, Investment & Economic Partnership between Indonesia & Qatar’. The event was held in the presence of Qatar Chamber first vice chairman Mohamed bin Towar al-Kuwari; Saleh bin Majed al-Khulaifi, assistant undersecretary for Commerce at the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, and Indonesian ambassador Ridwan Hassan, as well as other guests. Speaking to Gulf Times on the sidelines of the event, the ambassador pointed out that the business forum is part of a series of initiatives aimed at strengthening economic and bilateral relations between Qatar and Indonesia. He noted that the embassy is working with relevant authorities to organise business delegations for both Qatari and Indonesian investors for future partnerships and joint projects that would benefit the economy of both countries.

Ooredoo launched Monday its Hayya SIM, which will allow FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 fans and visitors to stay connected during the tournament free of charge. From November 1, the Hayya SIM cards will give visitors to Qatar 2,022 local minutes, 2,022 local SMS and 2,022MB data with the line valid for three days. Visiting fans with a Hayya Card will be able to get a Hayya SIM from one of several dispensing machines that will be available at airports, ports and land borders, as well as in taxis, Metro stations, hotels, official FIFA fan accommodations, fan zones, Ooredoo shops, franchises and dealers, among others. Visitors will also be able to get a Hayya SIM online at the Ooredoo eShop. Dignitaries at the launch event. Supplied picture The Hayya SIM will be available in two formats: a physical SIM card and an eSIM. Visitors subscribing to their Hayya SIM at the Ooredoo eShop can have the SIM delivered to any location of their choice in Qatar, while those opting to use an eSIM will receive it via e-mail. Activation of the Hayya SIM will be quick and efficient. eSIMs will be activated as soon as the customer connects to the Ooredoo network, while physical SIM cards can be activated via the Ooredoo app or at the Ooredoo eShop. At the same time, Ooredoo also announced that all of its prepaid and postpaid customers residing in Qatar will enjoy 2,022 benefits via a deal called the ‘2022 Gift’, which could be activated via the Ooredoo app. Sheikh Nasser bin Hamad bin Nasser al-Thani, chief commercial officer at Ooredoo, said: “We have promised an unrivalled fan experience during the FIFA World Cup and we are delivering on this promise with the biggest offer in history from any telco ever at a major event. Whether you are residing in or visiting Qatar, as an Ooredoo customer, you will encounter first-hand how we prioritise customer experience.” Sarah al-Dorani, executive director of Marketing at Ooredoo, added: “We are proud as Ooredoo to demonstrate our capabilities as a smart operator and innovative player. As we connect the world to the biggest sporting event, we will also be connecting fans in Qatar to a seamless digital experience with our eSIM and AI technology. “In line with our brand, we continue to ‘Upgrade your World’ by delivering excellence in user journey and offering incredible 2,022 rewards to our existing customer base in Qatar.” Ooredoo is utilising sophisticated Artificial Intelligence technology as part of its digital onboarding process, both to speed up authentication and ensure security. The AI technology enables quick validation of identification details, while Face Capture with Liveness and 3D Face Map enables comparison of selfies with ID photos for quick and easy identification. In his speech, Qatar Tourism COO Berthold Trenkel lauded Ooredoo’s efforts, highlighting his appreciation that Qatar’s leading telco is warmly welcoming visitors to Qatar with a seamless connectivity journey from the moment they land. Speaking to Gulf Timeson the sidelines of the event, Sheikh Nasser said that aside from the eSIMs, Ooredoo is expected to be distributing “around 1.5mn to 2mn” physical Hayya SIMs for the promotion. The eSIMs, he also noted, would make it convenient for fans arriving from European and South American countries, while the physical Hayya SIMs would be for those coming from Asia, the Middle East, and Gulf countries. Sheikh Nasser also expressed optimism about the reliability and robustness of Ooredoo’s infrastructure, saying that for the past 12 years the telecommunications company has been preparing for the World Cup and working closely with the Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy (SC) to ensure optimum fan experience and provide 5G services for a seamless journey of visitors during the tournament. Also attending the launch event were senior representatives of a number of organisations involved in 2022 FIFA World Cup, including Ooredoo CEO Sheikh Mohamed bin Abdulla al-Thani and high-level representatives and ambassadors from the SC, as well as Ooredoo brand ambassador Mutaz Barshim and popular regional influencers.

Qatar and Indonesia trade volume witnessed a 29% year-on-year (y-o-y) growth to reach $758mn in the first seven months of 2022 from $587.6mn, according to Indonesian Minister of Trade Zulkifli Hasan. Hasan made the statement during the Indonesia-Qatar Business Forum held in Doha yesterday in the presence of Qatar Chamber first vice chairman Mohamed bin Towar al-Kuwari; Saleh bin Majed al-Khulaifi, assistant undersecretary for Commerce at the Ministry of Commerce and Industry; and Indonesian ambassador Ridwan Hasan, as well as other guests. The Indonesian minister emphasised the growth of Qatari investments in the Southeast Asian nation, citing QNB, Indosat Ooredoo Hutchinson, and Nebras Power. He underscored the need to maximise the “good opportunity” to increase trade as Qatar is hosting the FIFA World Cup 2022, while Indonesia, which holds G20 Presidency for the first time, will host the G20 Summit this November. According to Hasan, Indonesia’s top export commodities to Qatar include steel, medical equipment, paper and toilet paper, tableware, food and beverages, plywood, and automotive. Hasan also invited Qatari investors and the business community in Qatar to participate in the Trade Expo Indonesia (TEI), which will be held in Jakarta from October 19-23 (offline) and until December 19 (online). During his speech, al-Kuwari lauded the longstanding relations of both countries and encouraged members of the Qatari-Indonesian business sector to forge joint investments in light of the investment incentives being offered by the two nations. Al-Kuwari stressed that Qatar’s business community is keen to strengthen relations with Indonesia and to explore the country’s business climate and the available opportunities there. He described Indonesia as an important gateway to the Southeast Asian region and “a promising market” for many opportunities that would attract Qatari investors. Aside from its rich natural resources, al-Kuwari said Indonesia also hosts many investment opportunities in sectors, such as tourism, real estate development, mining, food security, services, and halal trade. Citing Qatar Chamber figures, al-Kuwari said bilateral trade between Qatar and Indonesia increased by 78% from QR1.8bn in 2016 to QR3.22bn in 2021. He said Qatar has invested in Indonesia’s communications, banking, and trading sectors, while Indonesian companies and their Qatari partners share investments in different sectors in Qatar. Speaking to Gulf Timeson the sidelines of the event, al-Kuwari emphasised the timeliness of the business forum, saying “now is the right time” to increase and explore the investment opportunities of both countries. Similarly, Indonesian ambassador Ridwan Hasan told this paper that the embassy will be working to bring and host business delegations from both countries. He said the success of Qatar’s investments in Indonesia will encourage more Qatari investors to explore the country’s investment climate. “We believe the Qatar Investment Authority is already looking into different sectors in Indonesia, including tourism. This business forum is only one of the first steps that we are taking to enhance Indonesia-Qatar economic relations and increase bilateral trade going forward,” he stressed. Al-Khulaifi, in his speech, also encouraged investors from Qatar and Indonesia to build investment partnerships even as both countries witnessed “a remarkable development” over the past years. Citing World Bank data, al-Khulaifi said Qatar’s economy is expected to grow by about 4.9% in 2022, while the International Monetary Fund, on the other hand, estimated Qatar’s non-oil sector is expected to witness growth by about 4.1% compared to the oil and gas sector. The forum was also highlighted by an exhibition by select Indonesian companies specialising in handicrafts, foodstuffs, and other products.

Major work is underway to empower women in Qatar as part of the country’s 2030 national vision, an official of the Qatari Businesswomen Association (QBWA) has said. The Qatar National Vision 2030 prioritises women’s right to study, work, and enhance their social status, according to QBWA board member Awatef Mohamed al-Dafa, who noted that one of the goals of the 2030 national vision is to enhance women’s capacities and help them fully participate in the political and economic spheres, mainly in decision-making. “Our country’s legislation prevents discrimination against women when it comes to employment, whether in the public or private sector,” al-Dafa stated in ‘The Business Year: Qatar 2022, World Cup Special Edition’, which was released recently. “I would like to see more women assuming better positions to play a role in the socio-economic growth of our country and achieve the objectives of Qatar National Vision 2030,” she emphasised. On raising awareness on the role of women in Qatar, al-Dafa said in the mid-2000s, she helped support underprivileged women and children in the US and the Arab world through fundraising and social work while working with the spouses of Arab ambassadors in the US-based Mosaic Foundation. Similarly, she said QBWA has been assisting women for over a decade through vocational training and professional development to help them contribute to Qatar’s economic growth. “Through QBWA, we have launched many initiatives for female entrepreneurs to develop their skills and advance their businesses,” al-Dafa explained, citing the importance of education. She noted that Qatari women have focused on education to play a bigger role in society over the past two decades. At the postgraduate level, “female students have outnumbered males,” she also said. “Almost 75% of Qatari students registered at Qatar Foundation universities have been women, according to the organisation’s official figures. Thanks to Qatar’s wise leadership, young Qatari women were given an alternative to scholarships abroad by attending international universities right here in Doha. “These efforts have empowered women and given them greater opportunities to join the workforce. We have seen female decision-makers playing a pivotal role in the government sector, female doctors who worked day and night at the frontline during the Covid-19 pandemic, and brilliant female engineers in the oil and gas sector, just to name a few,” al-Dafa pointed out. She added: “My message to Qatari women is to stand up for their rights and inspire the new generation of young girls to be future leaders. Thanks to the great leadership of Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, women have gained equal opportunities with men and assumed the leadership positions of ministers, ambassadors, directors in both public and private institutions, and entrepreneurs among other roles. Qatari women have also become the region’s first female judges and prosecutors. “I encourage women to never stop learning, educating themselves, and developing their skills. I call upon women’s organisations to support the building of self-confidence in women and to promote the self-development of young girls. I also call upon women to speak up if they face any kind of discrimination whether in the workplace or in society.”    

  Qatar Railways Company (Qatar Rail) is “on track” in terms of its readiness and preparations for the 2022 FIFA World Cup, according to HE the Minister of Municipality Abdullah bin Abdulaziz bin Turki al-Subaie. Al-Subaie, who is also Qatar Rail's managing director and CEO, made the statement during the company’s second town hall and stakeholders meeting held Tuesday under the theme ‘Safe and Effective Crowd Management at Metro Stations’. HE the Minister of Municipality Abdullah bin Abdulaziz bin Turki al-Subaie speaking during the panel discussion. “This meeting comes less than two months away from the start of the World Cup 2022. Qatar Rail is on track with its readiness and preparations for this event as the Doha Metro is a key component in the integrated transport plan for this global event hosted by the State of Qatar,” al-Subaie said during his speech. Since starting operations in 2019, al-Subaie said the Doha Metro’s state-of-the-art driverless system was specifically designed and built to handle large numbers of passengers and to handle major events, adding that the Doha Metro was tested during several large events held previously. “We have incorporated the lessons learnt from these events in a systematic and controlled way to enhance performance. Also, under our preparations for the tournament, we have developed a ‘station plan’ for each station under our networks. “Hosting any major event requires co-ordination across a broad and complex landscape of stakeholders. Crowd management is the key success for a safe and smooth travel experience and this cannot be achieved without the close co-ordination, joint efforts, and the support of our stakeholders,” he said. Speaking to Gulf Times on the sidelines of the event, al-Subaie said: “Our focus now is mainly on crowd and event management. It is important for people to feel safe and secure, and we are ready to provide a very distinguished service to them, so we are working closely with international industry leaders and sharing best practices and experiences. We are trying to break all barriers of communication and ensuring that we have visibility for our strategic direction." During the World Cup, al-Subaie also said there would be 110 trains operating 21 hours per day and more than 10,000 staff manning the Doha Metro. He also noted that from three cars, the Red Line is now running with six cars. Aside from al-Subaie, the town hall was also attended by Engineer Yasir Jamal, director-general of the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy (SC) and chairman of the 2022 FIFA World Cup Executive Committee; Hamad Isa Abdulla, acting assistant undersecretary of Land Transport Affairs at the Ministry of Transport (MoT); and Lieutenant-Colonel Salem al-Naimi, director of Transportation Security Department at the Ministry of Interior (MoI). They were also joined by RKH, the operator of Doha Metro, and key shareholders, including Jean Pierre Farandou, SNCF chairman and CEO; Bernard Tabary, CEO of Keolis Group International; Jean Yves Leclercq, RATP Group CEO; and Hiba Fares, RATP Dev CEO; as well as other senior officials from the MoT, SC, MoI, and Qatar Rail management team and staff. The meeting is one of a series of staff and management town halls and workshops held under Qatar Rail’s readiness programme for the World Cup. It was highlighted by several activities, including a panel discussion on crowd management, management of key risks, emergency preparedness, and crowd control, followed by a presentation on the Role of Operation of Metro Command and Control Centre. RKH is responsible for operating and maintaining Doha Metro and Lusail Tram networks. The company works hand-in-hand with Qatar Rail to ensure safe and effective crowd management at the stations and ensure the delivery of a seamless and safe travel experience during the 2022 FIFA World Cup. In July 2022, Qatar Rail organised its first town hall for staff, stakeholders, and consultants meeting under the theme ‘Transport Management for Mega Events’, which included several sessions on the readiness of Doha Metro services for major events, and the main challenges of hosting the upcoming World Cup.

Qatar’s hosting of the 2022 FIFA World Cup brings a host of benefits, such as drawing more international attention and consolidating the country’s efforts to emerge as a centre for business and investments, as well as for tourism, culture, and peace, according to Qatar Chamber chairman Sheikh Khalifa bin Jassim al-Thani. He said 2022 will not only be an exceptional year but an unforgettable one for both Qatar and the entire region as it is the first World Cup to be held in an Arab country and in the Middle East. “Long before the official launch of the tournament, Qatar was 100% ready to host the world’s largest sports event. Preparations have lasted for more than a decade,” Sheikh Khalifa stated in the latest edition of Al Moltaqa, the chamber’s economic magazine. After Qatar won the bid to host the 2022 FIFA World Cup, the State “has prepared itself well for the world’s largest football show,” said Sheikh Khalifa, citing the building of a series of mega-infrastructure projects, such as world-class roads, bridges, and other infrastructure; the establishment of state-of-the-art sports stadiums and giant sports facilities. Other massive projects include the expansion of the Hamad International Airport and the establishment of hotels and tourism-related facilities, as well as other developments in the field of maritime transport, subways, and electric buses, among others. “We are firmly certain that hosting this mega event will have a positive effect on Qatar’s long-term growth prospects at various levels. The World Cup will not only generate an economic boom for Qatar but it will place the state on the international map and as a global centre for investments and business, especially in light of the attractive legislative, regulatory, and institutional environment, and advanced infrastructure. “It constitutes a huge boost for Qatar’s national economy and will this further benefit several sectors, including hospitality, tourism, and infrastructure before and beyond the tournament,” Sheikh Khalifa explained. He added: “Furthermore, the World Cup will enhance the country’s position on the world sports map as a destination for major sporting events. In this context, we see that the Qatari private sector is well-prepared to make the event a grand success. It certainly will play its role and meet the expectations of the government during and beyond the event. “Qatar Chamber, in turn, will promote Qatar’s economy and its investment climate among visitors to Qatar during the World Cup championship. In conclusion, we are confident that the event will be the most successful edition of the tournament throughout its history in all aspects.”

South Africa’s transport minister, Fikile Mbalula, has invited Qatari investors to explore the country’s investment climate, saying many sectors there are rife with opportunities for business and trade. In a statement to Gulf Times, Mbalula said South Africa is eyeing to invite Qatari delegations to accompany HE the Minister of Transport Jassim Seif Ahmed al-Sulaiti, whom he met during a working visit to Qatar recently. “Indeed, we have vast opportunities for Qatari businesses to invest in and would like them to visit our country and explore partnerships with local businesses. We are looking for investments in the areas of aviation, maritime, rail, and broader transport infrastructure,” Mbalula pointed out. Asked what other areas in the transport sector are viable for Qatari investments into South Africa, Mbalula said these sectors include aircraft maintenance; repair and overhaul; aerospace manufacturing and other civil aviation operations; and transport infrastructure, including rail, road, maritime, and aviation. On potential projects or joint ventures that Qatar and South Africa could enter into or explore in the field of transportation, as well as in other sectors, Mbalula said: “We are looking at projects in the areas of improving competitiveness and efficiency at our ports; growing the aviation sector in the southern Africa region through collaboration and skills development programmes; human resource development; and innovation and technology.” According to Mbalula, he has invited al-Sulaiti to visit South Africa in the coming period. “I have extended an invitation to His Excellency the Minister of Transport, Jassim Seif Ahmed al-Sulaiti, to visit South Africa – an invitation that he has graciously accepted. We anticipate that this visit will take place before year-end,” Mbalula said. During Mbalula’s working visit here, the South African transport minister held meetings with al-Sulaiti and other ministries, as well as other key organisations and officials in Qatar. “There were no agreements signed during this visit. However, we have three agreements that are under consideration and should be signed as soon as relevant processes are finalised. “These are the memorandum of understanding on transport-related matters and an agreement on co-operation in the field of maritime transport, as well as a memorandum of understanding on mutual recognition of certificates of competence for seafarers,” he explained. He added: “My visit to Qatar is at the invitation of HE the Minister of Transport Jassim Seif Ahmed al-Sulaiti. The objective of the visit is to discuss matters of mutual co-operation and deepen our bilateral relations. “These relations between our respective countries date back to the dawn of democracy in South Africa in 1994. The growing bond between our respective nations was strengthened by the visits to Qatar by successive South African presidents from president Nelson Mandela, president Thabo Mbeki, to President Jacob Zuma.”