‘Positive vibe’ driving optimism in Qatar’s commercial sector, says business council official

Qatar’s commercial sector is witnessing a “positive vibe” after a rise in market activity due to the gradual easing of Covid-19 restrictions in the country, according to the president of the Qatar-Indonesia Business Council (QIBC).“The steady opening of the markets as a result of the gradual lifting of Covid-19 restrictions has created a positive vibe in many industries across the country, especially in the commercial sector, which was at the receiving end of the pandemic’s impact on world economies,” QIBC president Farhan al-Sayed told Gulf Times.Major players and stakeholders in the private sector, especially many residents in Qatar, welcomed Phase 3 of the easing of Covid-19 restrictions, which came into effect recently, al-Sayed pointed out.Al-Sayed noted that many commercial businesses, such as restaurants and mall tenants, as well as other retail stores across the country, “are benefiting well” from the influx of more customers “now that people are allowed to go places that were previously restricted under Covid-19 health and safety protocols.”“The government, particularly the health ministry, has effectively handled the repercussions of the health pandemic, which is why Qatar is now seen as a safe country to visit.“At the heels of a very successful Covid-19 vaccine rollout, Qatar recently opened one of the world’s largest vaccination centres. This gives the international community a glimpse of how the Government of Qatar is serious in looking after the welfare of the country’s citizens and residents,” al-Sayed stressed.He also said, “In Qatar, domestic tourism is picking up as many families are taking a ‘staycation’. A number of destinations, such as the beaches and other outdoor areas outside of Doha, are now being frequented by citizens and residents.According to al-Sayed, Hamad International Airport (HIA) “is also witnessing an uptick in passenger activity” as many citizens and residents have started travelling abroad to celebrate Eid al-Adha. Qatar residents also made the most of the Eid holidays to visit loved ones back in their home countries, he said.“Because a large majority of people in Qatar have received both doses of the Covid-19 vaccine, this has given them the assurance and the confidence to start travelling both domestically and internationally. “However, it is still important for fully-vaccinated people to continue taking the necessary precautions against the coronavirus by maintaining physical distancing, wearing masks, and practising good hygiene. We should not let our guard down,” al-Sayed adde