Business

The German-Qatar partnership is set to deepen, with potential growth in shared areas such as energy security, investment, research and innovation, talent development and logistics, according to a joint report of Invest Qatar and the German association for small and medium sized businesses (BVMW).“As Germany continues to seek secure and sustainable energy supplies, Qatar’s role as a key provider of LNG (liquefied natural gas) is set to expand,” the report said, adding the signing of a declaration of intent on an energy partnership in 2022 and the launch of a strategic dialogue in 2023 reflect the growing importance of this bilateral relationship.As Qatar ramps up its LNG production capacity to 142mn tonnes per annum by 2030, it offers Germany a “stable and reliable” energy source, aiding in its efforts to diversify away from traditional energy supplies, it said.Beyond LNG, the two nations share a commitment to renewable energy and sustainability goals.Qatar’s investments in solar power and hydrogen production, as well as its ambitious targets for carbon capture and storage (CCS), align with Germany’s long-term Energiewende (energy transition) strategy to achieve a climate-neutral energy system by 2045.Qatar is a significant investor in Germany, with total investments of about $27bn across various sectors, including automotive, energy, finance and real estate. Qatar Investment Authority (QIA) has strategically acquired substantial stakes in key German companies In 2023, Qatar’s exports to Germany totalled $726.2mn.

An official of the Philippine Overseas Construction Board (POCB) has said that the Philippines is eager to support Qatar in its efforts to acquire talent in the construction sector.POCB executive director Doris U Gacho said: “The Philippines has a wealth of talent; we have the technical capabilities. Our global workforce is known for their care and technical acumen, especially in architecture and engineering services.”“We are very much interested in finding out about the requirements of the Qatar market and hopefully with this participation, we can establish connections and take advantage of these opportunities,” noted Gacho, who led a delegation from the Philippines that participated in the recently held Big 5 Exhibition in Doha.Gacho explained that the POCB has assembled a delegation of Philippine construction services exporters and firms specialising in architectural and engineering services to explore opportunities in Qatar’s market. A key focus is leveraging the Philippines’ extensive talent pool in the construction sector, she further pointed out.According to Gacho, the POCB is taking significant steps to strengthen construction and engineering partnerships with Qatar, following the groundbreaking visit of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani to the Philippines in April.“This is our first time to explore the Qatari market and our presence here aims to build on the historic visit of His Highness the Amir’s state visit. We are hoping to build on the positive relationships established between our two nations and hopefully get to participate in the Qatar construction market,” Gacho told Gulf Times.By leveraging global Filipinos, Gacho emphasised that the POCB’s strategy centres on promoting construction and outsourcing services, particularly in architecture and engineering, by capitalising on the existing Filipino workforce in Qatar.Gacho said: “One of the members of our delegation is the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC).They are here not only to promote their services but also to engage with our Qatari counterparts during our meetings.“We aim to explore ways to better align our licensing standards, ensuring that when we collaborate, our professionals and skilled workers meet the required skills and competencies expected by the Qatari market.”Gacho also lauded the support provided by the Philippine embassy in Qatar. During the Philippine Forum titled ‘Building Beyond Borders: The Philippine Advantage’ hosted by the POCB on the sidelines of the exhibition, Philippine ambassador Lillibeth V Pono stated in a speech that “Filipinos have played and continue to play an outsized role in spurring the development and progress, not only of Qatar but of the broader GCC region.”Pono also said: “As construction and infrastructure continue to drive the global economy, both the Philippines and Qatar are well-positioned to benefit from each other’s strengths with Filipino companies and professionals offering expertise in project management, architectural design, and engineering solutions, while Qatar provides a thriving and vibrant market with immense potential for growth and innovation.”The POCB is an implementing arm of the Construction Industry Authority of the Philippines (CIAP), which is one of the attached agencies of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).POCB is mandated by Presidential Decree No 1167 to promote “the interest of the Philippine construction industry in overseas markets to increase and sustain the export of Philippine-made construction materials and equipment, and technical, managerial, and highly professional construction services.”

A delegation from the Ministry of Finance participated in the reception of the US-Qatar Business Council (USQBC), on the sidelines of the 2024 Annual Meetings of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank Group (WBG), taking place between Oct. 21-26 in Washington, DC.HE Minister of Finance Ali bin Ahmed Al Kuwari headed the Ministry's delegation to attend the reception.In his speech, HE Minister of Finance emphasized the strength of Qatari-American relations, saying "it is clear that the relationship between Qatar and the US is more vital than ever. I am confident that with collaboration in economic development, we can continue to develop private sector engagement and build on a successful future together."A number of CEOs and directors of leading banks and financial institutions attended the reception.The reception organized by the Council provides an opportunity for exchanging views and engaging in multilateral economic discussions between senior bank officials and decision-makers.

HE Governor of Qatar Central Bank (QCB) Sheikh Bandar bin Mohammed bin Saoud Al-Thani met today with Managing Director of the Monetary Authority Chia Der Jiun and his accompanying delegation, on the sidelines of the 2024 annual meeting of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank Group (WBG) held in Washington in the US from Oct. 21-26.The meeting dealt with discussing the most prominent global banking and financial developments.

Qatar Chamber recently hosted a workshop on the ‘Mechanisms to Increase Production, Improve the Efficiency of Agricultural Activities, and Maximise Profitability in the Sector.’The event witnessed the announcement of findings from a ‘Scientific Research on Food Security in Qatar,’ conducted in collaboration between Qatar University and a research team from the University of Western Sydney in Australia.The workshop was attended by Qatar Chamber acting general manager Ali Bu Sherbak al-Mansouri, Administrative and Financial Affairs Department director Hussain Yousef al-Abdulghani, the chamber’s Food Security Committee member Dr Hamad al-Saad, and the research team.Speaking at the event, al-Mansouri praised the efforts made by the research team, stressing its significance in developing the agricultural sector in Qatar. He underscored the importance of the research findings in improving productivity in Qatar’s agriculture sector and commended the collaboration between Qatar University and the University of Western Sydney.For his part, al-Saad emphasised the crucial role of scientific research in developing production methods and increasing the efficiency of Qatari farm production, affirming that this aligns with Qatar's efforts to achieve food security and self-sufficiency in line with Qatar National Vision 2030.He added that the results of this study will benefit the agricultural business community, contribute to maximising productivity, serve farm owners, and help achieve self-sufficiency in vegetable production.During the workshop, Dr Talaat Abdulfatah Ahmed from Qatar University provided a brief overview of the research, stating that its goal is to enhance the productivity of vegetable crops in both greenhouses and open fields while reducing the use of irrigation water and nitrogen fertilisers.Dr Talaat explained that several entities from Qatar University, including the Environmental Science Center, the Agricultural Research Station, and the College of Economics and Entrepreneurship, collaborated on the research with four researchers from the University of Western Sydney.He highlighted that the research focused on cucumber, tomato, capsicum, and eggplant crops, noting that it spanned four years."The study also aimed to improve the quality of these crops, increase their shelf life, and reduce the amount of water and fertilisers by 50% to 75%, thereby reducing pollution, managing resources, and promoting sustainable agricultural practices," he added.The research concluded by utilising the AquaCrop model for precise crop yield and resource predictions, determining optimal planting times to align with favourable climate conditions, maximising water and nitrogen use efficiency to enhance sustainable crop productivity, and providing targeted support to smallholder farmers to improve resource management techniques.On the sidelines of the workshop, the chamber honoured the research team for their efforts in exploring techniques to advance the agricultural sector in Qatar.

The year 2024 marks the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations establishment between Algeria and Qatar. The dynamic and high-level communication between the leaders of the two brotherly countries in both political and economic spheres is remarkable. His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani was among the first world leaders to congratulate Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune on his second term victory, immediately after the announcement of the presidential election results in Algeria.Since President Tebboune assumed power in 2019, the positions of the two countries have shown a qualitative convergence, as evidenced by the signing of agreements in various fields and the exchange of visits on several political and sporting occasions. Statistics indicate that the volume of Qatari investments in Algeria has exceeded $7bn, representing about 74% of the total foreign investments in Algeria. These investments are distributed across various sectors such as telecommunications, industry, health, agriculture, and tourism.Ooredoo Algeria: A successful modelIn 2013, the Qatari mobile operator Ooredoo entered the Algerian market. According to a report by the Algerian Postal and Electronic Communications Regulatory Authority for 2024, the number of Ooredoo subscribers reached 13.2mn in the first quarter of the current year. The company also recorded sales of $659.2mn in 2023. These figures reflect a successful model for Qatari investments in Algeria. Economic expert Murad Kuwachi believes that improving the business environment in Algeria through the issuance of new investment laws and ongoing reforms in the banking system, have enhanced transparency. In the same context, Dr Muhammad Labib Masikh, economics professor at the Higher Institute of Science and Technology in Algiers, believes that Qatar has focused its policies on the knowledge economy, as well as its services specializations, and its leading international experience in various fields of international company management, such as Ooredoo.Bellara Iron and Steel Complex: A mark of strong relations between the two countriesThe Algerian-Qatari Bellara Iron and Steel Complex is a pioneering joint venture between Qatar Steel International (49%), the Algerian Emital Group (46%), and the Algerian National Investment Fund (NIF 5%), with an investment cost exceeding $2bn. It is considered one of the largest industrial complexes in Algeria and Africa, and is expected to compete globally when it reaches a production rate of 5mn tonnes per year.In this regard, Hamza Bougadi, director of the Economic Studies Institution in Algeria, believes that Qatari investments are known for their high quality and returns. He notes that Qatari companies operating around the world have a very modern business model and management approach, and they employ experts from all over the world to add value and high quality to their products and expertise. The same applies to Algeria, where Qatari investments enjoy a good reputation, especially in the iron and steel industry, which is considered one of the most successful investments in Algeria and Africa. This industry has yielded rapid results, with iron exports to 33 countries exceeding $400mn in 2023, with production capacities exceeding 2mn tonnes and expectations of reaching 4mn tonnes.The Algerian-Qatari German Hospital: A quantum leap in public healthThe Algerian-Qatari German Hospital in Sidi Abdullah, located west of Algiers, is one of the promising projects in the healthcare sector which meets international standards. All technical studies have been completed, and work began in August, in presence of Algerian government members, as well as the Qatari ambassador Abdulaziz Ali al-Naama, and “Istithmar” company representative, engineer Mohammed bin Badr al-Sadah, who declared during the project opening ceremonies that the hospital, which has 300 beds with 6 floors, spanning 100,000sq m, is expected to open in 2026. Algerian Finance Minister Abdelaziz Fayed considered the project to be the fruit of a strong partnership between Qatar and Algeria, adding that the project will provide a quantum leap in the Algerian health sector and relieve Algerian citizens of the burden of travelling abroad for treatment.Baladna: The largest investment to achieve food securityIn April of this year, the Qatari company Baladna signed an agreement with the Algerian Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development to establish the largest integrated agricultural and industrial project for the production of milk and milk powder in the world, with an investment value of $3.5bn and a herd of 270,000 cows to produce 1.7bn liters of milk annually, representing 50% of Algeria's milk needs. According to the Algerian News Agency, Algerian Agriculture Minister Youssef Cherfa, during a press conference held alongside Baladna Managing Director Ramez al-Khayyat on the sidelines of the signing ceremony of a framework agreement between his ministry and the Qatari company to establish the project, stated that "production will be carried out in four phases, the first of which will be in 2026." As for financing, Cherfa mentioned that it will be co-founded with 51% from the mixed company that will be established and 49% from Algerian banks loans.He also explained that the project will start with the production of milk powder, and in subsequent phases, 250 products will be produced, including baby milk, according to a memorandum of understanding between Baladna and the Algerian Ministry of Industry signed in September.In the same context, economic expert Kuwachi affirmed that Algeria relies heavily on the project to ensure its food security, especially in the dairy field. As Algeria imports about $10bn worth of food annually. The value of this project, estimated at $3.5bn, reflects Qatar's confidence in its Algerian partner. Meanwhile, economic expert Bashir Kalhout believes that Qatar has witnessed rapid growth in its liquefied natural gas exports in recent years, resulting in a large surplus year after year. Given that Algeria is one of Qatar's friendly Arab countries with strong relation ties, it is natural for Qatar to strengthen its investments in Algeria year after year, which will benefit both countries.Aligned positions and promising prospectsAlgerian researcher Labib Messikh believes that Qatar and Algeria are positioned within a harmonious pattern of international economic and even political interests, primarily the global natural gas market and the Palestinian cause. Amidst the fluctuations of the international system and the emergence of new patterns of interaction, which distinguished the Algerian-Qatari proximity. Representing a realistic and conscious vision of the importance of Arab-Arab convergence in the current international context.Meanwhile, economic expert Murad Kuwachi has noted a serious intention on the part of Qataris to invest in Algeria, coupled with a confidence in Algeria’s investment climate. This is evident through investments in non-traditional sectors. While foreign investments from Europe or China in Algeria typically focus on energy, mining, minerals, and infrastructures. Meanwhile agriculture and health ones have ventured just by Qatari investments, signifying a genuine commitment from Qatari counterparts to strengthen economic ties between the two countries and contribute to economic diversification. That Algeria aims to, through creating job opportunities for Algerian youth and achieve the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.The success of Qatari investments in Algeria is a testament to the will and farsighted vision of the leaders of both countries, His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani and President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, in consolidating and strengthening relations between the two countries. This, in turn, contributes to achieving security and prosperity for the Qatari and Algerian peoples, as well as for the peoples of the Arab region.Bilsl Djefer is Algerian journalist

Qatar Chamber, in collaboration with the Algerian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, held the Qatar-Algeria Business Meeting on Wednesday.The meeting was attended by Tayeb Zitouni, Minister of Trade and Export Promotion of the Republic of Algeria, and Mohamed bin Hassan al-Malki, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.The chamber’s delegation was led by Rashid bin Hamad al-Athba, second vice-chairman, and included board members Dr Mohamed bin Jawhar al-Mohamed and Shaheen al-Mohannadi.The meeting addressed ways to enhance economic and commercial relations between the two fraternal countries, as well as the investment climate and opportunities available on both sides.Speaking at the meeting, al-Athba said Qatar and Algeria enjoy well-established and distinguished fraternal relations, noting that these relations have seen remarkable development in recent years across various fields, especially in the economy, trade, industry, energy, and technology.He said the two countries have made great strides in developing their co-operation through mutual visits and the signing of memoranda of understanding and co-operation agreements. He added that their trade exchange has doubled in three years, reaching QR297mn last year over QR132mn in 2020, emphasising the private sector’s key role in enhancing trade and economic co-operation between the two countries.Al-Athba called on the Qatari and Algerian private sectors to establish new alliances and partnerships across various economic sectors, affirming that Qatar Chamber encourages Qatari investors to explore opportunities in Algeria and form partnerships with their Algerian counterparts.For his part, Zitouni said the meeting reflects the qualitative development in Qatari-Algerian relations under the guidance of the leadership of the two brotherly countries. He pointed out that Algeria looks forward to a solid and fruitful partnership with Qatar, which will lead to an increase in trade.He affirmed that the holding of the first Algerian Products Exhibition in Doha, with the participation of 150 Algerian companies, would enhance co-operation between Qatari and Algerian companies. The Algerian minister called on Qatari investors to explore Algeria's evolving investment environment, noting that about 11 major Qatari companies have significant investments in Algeria.In turn, Kamal Mouly, president of the Algerian Economic Renewal Council, stated that Qatar and Algeria have historical relations that have been significantly strengthened in recent years. Mouly noted that the exhibition highlights that Algerian companies offer products of high quality that comply with international standards.Charaf Eddine Amara, president of the National Union of Public Contractors, said the Algerian economy is witnessing a qualitative transformation in line with the policy of diversification of trade exchanges. He assured that this is reflected in the government’s encouragement to companies to promote Algerian products, pointing out that Algeria has become an attractive destination for foreign investments.During the meeting, the Investment Promotion Agency (IPA) delivered a presentation on the investment climate in Qatar, while the Algerian Investment Promotion Agency (AIPA) presented the business climate in Algeria and its export and transportation capacities.

Reflecting the rising geopolitical tension, the Qatar Stock Exchange (QSE) on Wednesday plummeted 158 points and capitalisation eroding about QR11bn with the banks and real estate counters witnessing higher than average selling pressure.The foreign institutions were seen increasingly into net profit booking as the 20-stock Qatar Index tanked 1.49% to 10,415.28 points, although it touched an intraday high of 10,619 points.The Gulf institutions were also increasingly net sellers in the main market, whose year-to-date losses widened further to 3.83%.More than 78% of the traded constituents were in the red in the main bourse, whose capitalisation eroded QR10.78bn or 1.73% to QR611.48bn on the back of large and midcap segments.The Arab individuals turned bearish in the main market, which saw as many as 0.1mn exchange traded funds (sponsored by Masraf Al Rayan and Doha Bank) valued at QR0.25mn trade across 19 deals.The Islamic index was seen declining slower the other indices in the main bourse, whose trade turnover and volumes were on the increase.The foreign retail investors’ lower net buying had its marginal influence on the main market, which saw no trading of treasury bills.However, the domestic institutions were increasingly bullish in the main bourse, which saw no trading of sovereign bonds.The Total Return Index lost 1.49%, the All Islamic Index by 1.28% and the All Share Index by 1.61% in the main market.The banks and financial services sector index plummeted 2.49%, realty (1.62%), telecom (0.84%). transport (0.79%), industrials (0.64%) and insurance (0.62%); while consumer goods and services was up 0.01%.Major losers in the main market included Qatar General Insurance, Ezdan, Widam Food, Salam International Investment, Qatar German Medical Devices, QNB, Qatar Islamic Bank, Commercial Bank, QIIB, Lesha Bank, Medicare Group, Mannai Corporation, Aamal Company, Al Faleh Educational Holding, Mesaieed Petrochemical Holding, Estithmar Holding, Mazaya Qatar, Ooredoo and Gulf Warehousing.In the junior bourse, Techno Q saw its shares depreciate in value.Nevertheless, QLM, Woqod, Qatar Islamic Insurance, Meeza and Ahlibank Qatar were among the gainers in the main bourse.In the venture market, Al Mahhar Holding saw its shares appreciate in value.The foreign institutions’ net selling increased substantially to QR64.33mn compared to QR11.07mn on October 22.The Gulf institutions’ net profit booking strengthened significantly to QR18.9mn against QR5.17mn the previous day.The Arab retail investors turned net sellers to the tune of QR5.66mn compared with net buyers of QR4.97mn on Tuesday.The foreign individual investors’ net buying weakened marginally to QR6.63mnn against QR7.64mn on October 22.However, the domestic institutions’ net buying expanded drastically to QR53.34mn compared to QR11.36mn the previous day.The Qatari individuals were net buyers to the extent of QR29.01mn against net profit takers of QR5.78mn on Tuesday.The Gulf retail investors’ net profit booking eased perceptibly to QR0.1mn compared to QR1.87mn on October 22.The Arab institutions had no major net exposure against net sellers to the tune of QR0.07mn the previous day.Trade volumes in the main market soared 64% to 178.69mn shares, value by 34% to QR435.18mn and transactions by 35% to 14,578.The venture market saw 212-fold jump in volumes to 6.36mn equities and more than 189-fold in value to QR15.14mn on more than 49-fold growth in deals to 295.

Qatar Chamber hosted on Wednesday a delegation from the Zambia Development Agency (ZDA) led by its director general, Albert Halwampa.Qatar Chamber second vice-chairman Rashid bin Hamad al-Athba presided over the Qatari side of the meeting, which several Qatari businessmen and members of the Zambian delegation attended.The meeting addressed ways to enhance economic and commercial co-operation between Qatar and Zambia, the investment opportunities available in Zambia, and the incentives provided for foreign investors.At the meeting, al-Athba said both countries are bound by close relations, noting that trade exchange is still below expectations. He affirmed that co-operation between the private sectors would enhance their trade volume.Al-Athba emphasised the interest of Qatari businessmen in exploring the available opportunities in Zambia as part of Qatar’s broader strategy to invest in Africa, which offers promising prospects across all sectors and aligns with Qatar’s economic diversification goals.He reiterated that Qatar Chamber encourages Qatari businessmen to invest in Zambia, stressing that it is an attractive destination with numerous opportunities in infrastructure, agriculture, mining, and other sectors.In turn, Halwampa said Zambia is focusing on promoting trade and investment. He referred to the visit of Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema to Qatar more than two years ago, which he described as a starting point for increased co-operation between both countries.He pointed out that Zambia is progressing rapidly and is eager to enhance the private sector's role in the Zambian economy. Halwampa underlined that the investment climate is at its best, particularly due to leading legislation that attracts international and Qatari investments.Halwampa emphasised the commitment to removing all obstacles facing Qatari investments in Zambia and providing incentives and facilities in the mining, agriculture, energy, industry, and infrastructure sectors, among others.Further, he expressed his aspiration to strengthen co-operation with Qatar Chamber to develop mutual investments and co-operative relations between the private sectors of Zambia and Qatar. During the meeting, the Zambian delegation gave a presentation about features of the Zambian economy, investment climate and opportunities, as well as incentives offered for foreign investors.

HE the Governor of the Qatar Central Bank and Chairman of the Qatar Investment Authority, Sheikh Bandar bin Mohammed bin Saoud al-Thani met Steven Mnuchin, Founder of Liberty Capital in Washington, DC. During the meeting, they reviewed key global financial and investment developments, the QCB said in a statement.

HE the Governor of the Qatar Central Bank and Chairman of the Qatar Investment Authority, Sheikh Bandar bin Mohammed bin Saoud al-Thani met during his visit to Washington, DC, Jamie Dimon, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of JPMorgan Chase. During the meeting, they reviewed key global financial and investment developments.

Mannai Corporation Board of Directors has announced the appointment of Alekh Grewal as Group Chief Executive Officer from November 1.Grewal has been an executive in Mannai for 20 years, and has “deep experience” of the company’s operations and growth prospects.His recent role was Managing Director International and previously he held the positions of CFO, COO, and CEO of Mannai Corporation.

CEO of Qatar Free Zones Authority (QFZ) Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Faisal al-Thani met with an Algerian delegation headed by the Minister of Trade and Exports Promotion Tayeb Zitouni, currently visiting the country. A statement issued on Wednesday by QFZ said that the delegation visited Ras Bufontas Free Zone.The visit, which coincides with the inauguration of the Algerian Products Exhibition, aims to enhance trade and economic co-operation between the two countries.

While the aviation industry has made strides in providing WiFi to passengers, the service has often been plagued by slow speeds, limited coverage, and high costs. Enter Starlink—the satellite-based internet service from SpaceX that is, from the very first flight, revolutionising how passengers stay connected at cruising altitude.This week, Qatar Airways became the first major international airline to commence the roll-out of Starlink WiFi across its fleet. It’s a significant milestone not only for the airline but for the future of inflight connectivity globally. In Qatar, the integration of Starlink WiFi represents a key component of Qatar Airways' "2.0 Vision," spearheaded by Group CEO Engr Badr al-Meer, which prioritises innovation and digitisation. This move puts Qatar Airways ahead of the competition in the region, which is one of the most fiercely competitive markets in the world.The first aircraft to be equipped with Starlink Wi-Fi, a Boeing 777-300ER, is the first of around fourteen Qatar Airways 777s that’ll be equipped with the new technology by the end of the year. The airline is intending to roll out Starlink across all of its modern fleet by the end of next year.Qatar Airways’ Starlink WiFi will be free to all passengers, regardless of their class of travel. This is a significant departure from the traditional model, where in-flight Wi-Fi is often a premium service, especially on international long-haul flights. Historically, airlines around the world have charged passengers varying rates depending on the class of service, flight duration, and data usage, with costs sometimes exceeding $30 for just a few hours of patchy, unstable Internet access.This week, I joined the Qatar flag carrier airline on a ‘Starlink test flight’ to put the new WiFi connectivity to the test. Streaming a live tennis game, exchanging iMessage’s/WhatsApp’s back and forth, and having my laptop stream a live news channel, the Wi-Fi speed test application data revealed my Starlink connection onboard the Boeing 777-300ER was around six times faster than my Wi-Fi connection at home (which is supposedly my home network’s premium connection package). The experience was exceptional.But how does it work? Well, traditional in-flight Wi-Fi systems typically rely on two types of technologies: Air-to-ground and satellite-based connectivity. Air-to-ground networks operate by connecting to cell towers on the ground, with airplanes switching from tower to tower as they fly. However, this type of system is often limited to certain regions and becomes less effective over oceans and remote areas. Satellite-based systems, which have been more commonly used on long-haul international flights, offer wider coverage but have historically been constrained by the capacity and speed of traditional geostationary satellites, resulting in frustratingly slow speeds.This is where Starlink comes in. Unlike traditional satellites, Starlink utilises a constellation of Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites that are positioned much closer to the Earth's surface. This allows for faster data transfer, lower latency, and a more stable connection. The key advantages of LEO satellites lie in their ability to provide a broader and more consistent coverage compared to the geostationary satellites typically used for inflight WiFi. Because they orbit closer to Earth, they can relay data more quickly, reducing the time it takes for information to travel back and forth. For passengers, this means less buffering, faster page loads, and the ability to engage in bandwidth-heavy activities such as the streaming of live sports, or even video calls while in the air.Starlink's technology also enables airlines to offer a higher capacity network, which is particularly important for modern travellers who often board flights with multiple connected devices. Whether it's watching Netflix, or gaming, passengers can expect the onboard internet experience to mirror what they would get on the ground, in some cases, even better—an achievement that has, until now, remained elusive.Starlink is installed directly at the airline’s technical facility here in Doha, and does not require the aircraft to be out of service for more than a couple of days, speeding up the rollout.Qatar Airways may be the first major international airline to begin rolling out Starlink, but they are by no means alone in recognising the potential of this SpaceX technology. Several airlines around the world have already placed orders or announced plans to implement Starlink WiFi in their fleets.In North America, Hawaiian Airlines has made headlines by becoming one of the first US carriers to announce a partnership with Starlink. The airline also offers the service for free to passengers on both its inter-island and transpacific routes. Hawaiian Airlines has stated that Starlink WiFi will allow it to offer a seamless experience for passengers, from streaming video to conducting business while in the air.Another notable adopter is JSX, the semi-private jet service based in the US, which has already started offering Starlink WiFi on select routes. The airline, which operates small jets primarily on shorter routes, was one of the first to showcase Starlink’s capabilities. JSX has highlighted the fact that the low-latency, high-speed Internet from Starlink offers a competitive edge, allowing them to appeal to business travellers looking for a more connected, premium experience.From 2025 onwards, Air France will progressively roll out Starlink Wi-Fi connectivity service for a “ground-like” experience.Elsewhere, Delta Air Lines has been exploring the potential of integrating Starlink WiFi into its fleet. While no formal roll-out plan has been announced yet, the airline has been testing the system to evaluate its feasibility for wider deployment. If successful, Delta would join the growing list of global carriers eager to enhance their onboard experience through SpaceX’s revolutionary satellite technology.Airlines are now recognising that offering a robust internet experience is no longer an optional luxury but a core component of the passenger experience. With its global network of LEO satellites, Starlink is positioned to become the go-to provider for airlines that want to offer this premium service.The author is an aviation analyst. X handle: @AlexInAir

QNB Group has once again been honoured as a ‘Sustainability Leader in the Middle East’ by Forbes.This award recognises QNB’s Group CEO Abdulla Mubarak al-Khalifa, as one of the region’s sustainability leaders, through the bank’s continued sustainability achievements and initiatives.This marks the second consecutive year that QNB Group and its GCEO have been recognised in the banking and financial services category, a testament to their commitment to sustainable financing and leadership in the industry.QNB is the only Qatari bank included in this prestigious ranking, showcasing its unwavering dedication to embedding environmental, social, and governance (ESG) standards into its business and operations.QNB Group’s sustainable finance portfolio of over $9bn includes green, social, and sustainability-linked transactions, delivering positive impact for both environment and society.The group has issued $1.1bn in sustainable bonds to date, and earlier this year, QNB was proud to be a key co-ordinator in Qatar’s first sovereign $2.5bn green bond issuance. In its own operations, the Bank has achieved a 48% decrease in greenhouse gas emissions since 2017.“We are honoured to be acknowledged once again by Forbes as sustainability leaders in the Middle East,” said Abdulla Mubarak al- Khalifa, CEO, QNB Group.“This recognition is a testament to our long-standing commitment to sustainability and our responsibility towards fostering a greener and more inclusive future. We remain committed to driving sustainable financing and embedding environmentally friendly practices, as we believe they are crucial to the long-term success of both QNB and the communities we serve.”QNB Group stands as the leading financial institution in the Middle East and Africa, recognised as one of the most valuable banking brands in the region. With a robust presence in some 28 countries across three continents, Asia, Europe, and Africa; QNB offers comprehensive financial services and solutions.QNB’s global network, backed by a commitment to innovation and excellence, serves a diverse clientele, spanning corporate, institutional, and retail sectors.QNB’s team of over 31,000 professionals is dedicated to driving growth and providing advanced, tailored products and services that meet the evolving needs of customers worldwide.

Airline passengers will soon benefit from increased compensation limits for international flights, following an announcement by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO).The liability limits under the Montreal Convention for cases involving death, injury, delays, baggage, and cargo issues will rise from December this year.Recently, ICAO notified the 140 ‘States Parties’ that the compensation limits would be adjusted in accordance with the Montreal Convention’s built-in review mechanism, which updates limits every five years to account for inflation.This adjustment ensures that compensation for passengers and cargo remains fair and appropriate over time. The forthcoming increase marks the fourth review since the Convention came into effect in 2003.Formally titled the Convention for the Unification of Certain Rules for International Carriage by Air, the Montreal Convention of 1999 (MC99) established a comprehensive framework for the international carriage of passengers, baggage, and cargo by air. The Convention introduced essential provisions to balance the interests of passengers, shippers, and the aviation industry.According to ICAO, the Montreal Convention sets liability limits for airlines, ensuring passengers receive fair compensation in cases of injury, death, delays, and issues with baggage or cargo. Additionally, MC99 has modernised air travel by permitting the use of electronic tickets and air waybills, reducing paperwork and operational costs for airlines, thereby streamlining processes and enhancing risk management."ICAO continues to advocate for the universal ratification of MC99," said ICAO Secretary General Juan Carlos Salazar."This Convention is fundamental in ensuring the protection of consumer interests in international air travel. By promoting harmonisation and codification of rules governing international carriage by air, MC99 benefits passengers and the shippers of cargo while enabling the unified and equitable development of air services."The liability limits are expressed in Special Drawing Rights (SDRs), a unit of account defined by the International Monetary Fund (IMF). As of October 18, 1 SDR was valued at approximately $1.33318. The revised limits are as follows:The limit for death or bodily injury will increase from 128,821 SDRs to 151,880 SDRs (about $202,500), up from the original 100,000 SDRs in 2003.The limit for delays in passenger transport will rise from 5,346 SDRs to 6,303 SDRs (about $8,400), compared to 4,150 SDRs in 2003.Compensation for destruction, loss, damage, or delay of baggage will increase from 1,288 SDRs to 1,519 SDRs (about $2,000), up from the original 1,000 SDRs in 2003.The limit for destruction, loss, damage, or delay of cargo will rise from 22 SDRs to 26 SDRs per kilogram (about $35), an increase from 17 SDRs in 2003.ICAO has urged States Parties to the Montreal Convention to take the necessary legal steps to implement the revised limits by December 28, 2024, in accordance with their domestic legal requirements.Industry analysts emphasise the importance of compensation mechanisms in promoting fairness. Whether it’s time lost due to delays or compensation for lost or damaged baggage, passengers are provided a means of redress, encouraging airlines to handle personal belongings with greater care.Furthermore, compensation for death or injury reassures passengers that their safety and rights are prioritised, fostering confidence in air travel.This also strengthens airlines' commitment to passenger safety, incentivising adherence to rigorous safety standards. Overall, the significance of compensation lies in the protection it affords passengers and the accountability it imposes on airlines.It upholds fairness, aligns with international legal standards, and fosters trust while improving service in the aviation industry. Without such frameworks, passengers may face financial and emotional burdens from unforeseen incidents during air travel.Pratap John is Business Editor at Gulf Times. X handle: @PratapJohn

Qatar Petrochemical Company (Qapco) CEO Dr Mohammed Yousef al-Mulla was honoured with the ‘Lifetime Achievement for the Advancement of Qatar’s Energy Industry’ at the 2024 Abdullah Bin Hamad Al-Attiyah International Energy Awards, which was held at the Sheraton Grand Doha Resort & Convention Hotel last night.Over 300 dignitaries attended the prestigious event, where six remarkable individuals were honoured for their illustrious careers and outstanding contributions to the energy industry.This year’s winners included Kevin Gallagher, Managing Director and CEO of Santos, who collected the ‘Lifetime Achievement for the Advancement of Natural Gas’ prize; Professor Xudong Zhao, Founding Director of the Centre for Sustainable Energy Technologies (CSET), who was awarded the ‘Lifetime Achievement for the Advancement of Education for Future Energy Leaders’; Professor Jenny Nelson, Royal Society Research Professor at Imperial College London, who won the ‘Lifetime Achievement for the Advancement of Renewables’ award; and Neil Fleming, Senior Vice-President and Global Head of Editorial at Argus Media, who was recognised with the ‘Lifetime Achievement for the Advancement of Energy Journalism’ accolade.Claudio Descalzi, the pioneering CEO of Eni, was recognised with the ‘Lifetime Achievement for International Energy Policy and Diplomacy’.

Chairman of the Group Board of Management of Volkswagen Group Dr Oliver Blume said that the visit of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani to Germany proves the depth of relations between the two countries, noting that it provides a chance to discuss new partnerships.In an interview with Qatar News Agency (QNA), Dr Oliver Blume said that Qatar is of strategic importance to the Volkswagen Group, which gives the Group a great marketing and investment power. "We are every happy about this partnership and are looking forward for many more years of successful collaboration," he said.He added that, "The visit of His Highness the Amir shows the interest of Qatar to further strengthen the relationships with German authorities and companies. It also provides the chance to discuss how German companies and Qatar can further collaborate, most notably Volkswagen, which has enjoyed very strong relations for many years." On discussing the establishment of new partnerships during the visit of His Highness the Amir, Dr Blume indicated that collaboration with Qatar is of strategic importance to the Volkswagen Group, especially at a time where the automotive industry is facing many challenges, which is why the Group is keen to enhance collaboration by concluding new partnerships with a strong investment partner like Qatar to achieve further success.Regarding ways through which the Volkswagen Group can benefit from investment opportunities in Qatar to expand business in the Gulf region, Dr Blume said Qatar is more than ever playing a central role in this region, that is why we have an ambitious plan to expand investments in Qatar to be a launching point for enhancing and increasing investments in the region, adding, "Qatar and most of the countries in the Middle East region are growing at a fast pace.He added: "Qatar is a very important, strategic partner for the Volkswagen Group, which gives the Group a great marketing and investment power. We are very happy with this partnership and we look forward to many years of collaboration." On Volkswagen's aspiration to co-operate with Qatar to support environmental initiatives, Chairman of Volkswagen said, "our global electrification has already started to be implemented in Qatar. From the product side, we focus on offering our latest products in Qatar." "We have already successfully launched several fully electric vehicles, like our Audi Q8 e-tron, Audi e-tron GT and the Porsche Taycan. Customers' response to the cars has been very positive," he added.He also revealed that, "the new Audi Q6 e-tron will follow early in 2025," noting, "we believe in making future mobility as efficient and as clean as possible." "We have also decided to expand our footprint in the Middle East by introducing one more brand of our portfolio in the region. In addition to Volkswagen, Audi, Porsche, Lamborghini and Bentley, we are now in the launch phase of Skoda in the Middle East," he said, indicating that, "the first market response is very promising." Chairman of Volkswagen commended the State of Qatar's efforts in adopting environmentally friendly modern technology in the field of transport, saying, "Qatar is very proactive in looking at new technologies around mobility." "Volkswagen Group Middle East is in frequent contact with Qatar authorities and business regarding this," he continued.On supporting infrastructure projects, Dr Blume said, "on the infrastructure side, our sales company Volkswagen Group Middle East, together with our local partner Q-Auto and Siemens Middle East, have started to deploy high speech charging stations in Doha." "The most recent chargers have been inaugurated on The Pearl, allowing our customer to easily charge their vehicles," he added.In regard to cooperation in research and development, Dr Blume said, "our presence in Qatar allows us to discuss and exchange about this long-term vision and potentially identify collaboration fields," noting that, "discussions about road infrastructure and of the available technologies in the cars, for example, help to better anticipate the required regulations before autonomous cars hit the road." "We keep the discussion open and help to identify further opportunities for co-operation in the future," he continued.On cooperation opportunities in the field of training and education, he pointed out, "We are also further exploring cooperation in the education field, not only for technicians and workers, but also to develop management skills in our dealerships." Chairman of Volkswagen Group concluded his interview with QNA by saying, "the Volkswagen Group is strongly believing in the co-operation with Qatar, and we are looking forward to many more years of collaboration."

Gulf Warehousing Company (GWC) posted a net profit of QR147mn during the nine-month period that ended on September 30.GWC, which is one of the fastest-growing businesses in the Mena region, reported total revenues of QR1.191bn and operating profits of QR253mn in the nine-month period.GWC chairman Sheikh Mohammad bin Hamad bin Jassim bin Jaber al-Thani said: “The strong performance over the past nine months is a testament to our robust operational capabilities and business agility. We remain committed to our ongoing diversification strategy, while capitalising on new investment opportunities to effectively mitigate risks and ensure steady growth.”He added: “We aim to solidify GWC’s position as a leading provider of logistics and supply chain solutions through expanding our service offerings, improving operational efficiency, and upholding the highest standards of excellence, while creating long-term value to our clients and shareholders.“Additionally, the company is reinforcing its presence in key markets, maintaining a strong commitment to sustainability by integrating best-in-class environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices across its operations.”GWC Managing Director Sheikh Abdulla bin Fahad bin Jassim bin Jaber al-Thani said: “We are dedicated to expanding into new sectors and markets, while consistently delivering outstanding logistics services to our clients. This approach has not only improved our brand power and expanded our geographic footprint, but also diversified our investments across various sectors and maintained our positive financial results.“Additionally, the numerous awards we have received stand as a testament to our excellence and motivate us to achieve even greater milestones."GWC Group CEO Ranjeev Menon said: "The first nine months of 2024 have been a period of remarkable achievements. As we move into the final quarter of the year, our focus remains on profitability, business growth, innovation, sustainability, digital transformation, diversifying revenue streams, and developing human capital. We are also committed to contributing to the Third National Development Strategy and Qatar National Vision 2030.”This year, GWC has taken significant strides in enhancing its position as a leader in the logistics sector by launching a variety of initiatives and earning numerous accolades that showcase its commitment to excellence.Notably, GWC ranked ninth regionally in the Transport and Logistics category on Forbes Middle East's 2024 Sustainability Leaders list, which recognises 105 companies leading impactful sustainability initiatives across the region.GWC remains at the forefront as the premier provider of warehousing and distribution solutions across diverse industries. The company’s comprehensive services cater to entrepreneurs, MSMEs, and MNCs, as it manages billions of customer documents throughout their lifecycle in advanced storage facilities, provides land, air, and sea freight services, along with customs clearance, project logistics, and international moving and relocations.Additionally, GWC manages Qatar’s largest fleet, boasting over 1,600 trucks, trailers, and specialised vehicles, while also providing marine services, facilitated through established subsidiaries, include shipping agency services, liner representation, port agency services, cruise ship hosting, and husbandry services.As the Authorised Service Contractor (ASC) for UPS in Qatar, GWC strategically expands the courier giant’s market share through the utilisation of its logistics infrastructure.

The official visit of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani to the Federal Republic of Germany marks a significant step in strengthening bilateral relations between Germany and Qatar and opening new prospects for co-operation in various fields, thus promoting the strong partnership between the two countries, said CEO of Deutsche Bank Christian Sewing.In a statement to Qatar News Agency (QNA), the CEO of Deutsche Bank stated: "Our partnership with Qatar is an excellent example of how international co-operation and the financial sector can lead to shared successes." Sewing added the Bank is committed to continuing its co-operation with Qatar to achieve these shared goals and create new investment opportunities for both nations, looking forward to many more years of successful collaboration and to shaping a prosperous future together.He noted that the financial sector plays a central role in the global economy. It enables investments, promotes trade and innovation and creates jobs. In an ever-changing world, it is crucial for financial institutions to act flexibly and with a forward-looking approach, he added.Deutsche Bank CEO Christian Sewing concluded his statement to QNA by saying that Deutsche Bank has a long tradition of working with Qatari institutions and companies, pointing out that bilateral collaboration has not only strengthened economic ties but also promoted innovation and sustainable growth in both countries.