LuLu Group is progressing with a major retail expansion in Qatar, anchoring its next phase of growth around a substantial investment pipeline of QR500mn to boost its footprint across the country, according to chairman Yusufali MA.Yusufali made the announcement during the LuLu Hypermarket’s celebration of its 1mn members in the LuLu Happiness loyalty programme held Wednesday at its Al Gharaffa branch.“We will expand our footprint here. The group has a project in the pipeline with investments worth QR500mn in this great country of Qatar. Other developments include the opening of new stores located in Baraha Town, Al Waab, and Qetaifan Island,” Yusufali emphasised.Speaking to Gulf Times on the sidelines of the event, Yusufali revealed that the group is expected to complete the three upcoming projects “within the next eight to 10 months.” He also said there are “three other projects that are in advanced stages of negotiations.”“We are very thankful to His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani and His Highness the Deputy Amir Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad al-Thani, as well as the government of Qatar, for their wholehearted support for these commercial initiatives,” he said, adding that he called on HE the Minister of Commerce and Industry Sheikh Faisal bin Thani bin Faisal al-Thani earlier in the day.Last month, LuLu Hypermarket signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Baraha Town to open a new flagship store within its mixed-use project in the Abu Hamour area, according to a press statement.The statement also noted that the new store is set to feature a contemporary yet vibrant design and an enhanced shopping experience that meets the aspirations of the local community and visitors alike. The partnership comes as part of the ongoing preparations for the opening of Baraha Town in the first quarter of 2027, a project set to become Qatar’s largest fully air-conditioned destination offering retail, residential, and office spaces, the statement added.The newly achieved milestone for the loyalty programme reflects the growing consumer base of the group, which currently operates 24 hypermarkets and supermarkets across the country. Yusufali noted that reaching 1mn members is a highly significant step that reflects the trust and loyalty of their customers.Reflecting on past challenges, Yusufali lauded the resilience of the local operations since the beginning of the February 28 regional crisis, citing the key role of Dr Mohamed Althaf, LuLu Group Global director; Shanavas PM, regional director of LuLu Hypermarket Qatar; and Shaijan MO, director of LuLu Hypermarket Qatar, including their entire operational teams.Yusufali emphasised that the company worked around the clock to ensure there was no shortage of food products or any inflation in prices, even during the observance of the Holy Month of Ramadan.He credited the Qatari government and the country’s leadership for making this supply stability possible. According to Yusufali, “the wholehearted support of the authorities” ensured that products arrived on time and that essential services, including electricity, water, and food supplies, remained entirely unaffected throughout the period.

Qatar General Electricity and Water Corporation (Kahramaa) has signed a series of contracts worth more than QR2.2bn to develop and strengthen the electricity network in the western region, as it moves to connect the Dukhan Solar Power Project to the national grid. The deals were awarded to several qualified local and international companies, including Voltage Engineering LTD, the Best & Betas Consortium, Larsen & Toubro, and LS Cable. The contracts fall within Kahramaa’s strategic initiatives to link the Dukhan solar plant to the network in the country’s west. The scope of work covers engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) for building and upgrading substations, as well as installing underground cables and overhead lines. The projects support Kahramaa’s efforts to ensure secure and efficient integration of renewable energy into the grid, boost its capacity to absorb rising solar power generation, and improve overall network flexibility and performance. The total value of the contracts reflects the scale of investment dedicated to strengthening network readiness and ensuring long-term system stability. President of Qatar General Electricity and Water Corporation Engineer Abdulla bin Ali al-Theyab said the expansion of the network in the western region would have a positive impact on service reliability and quality for customers, meeting current and future electricity needs. “This step further strengthens Qatar’s regional position in adopting advanced clean energy solutions. At Kahramaa, we continue to advance a more resilient and efficient electricity network capable of integrating renewable energy sources and supporting supply security,” he said. Through these projects, Kahramaa reaffirmed its commitment to developing high-efficiency electrical infrastructure, continuing to implement strategic plans that enhance network reliability and service quality while keeping pace with rapidly rising demand and the development needs of all regions across the country.

Twelve days ago, Qatar were celebrating a historic milestone. A dramatic stoppage-time equaliser against Switzerland had secured the Asian champions their first-ever FIFA World Cup point and kept alive hopes of reaching the knockout rounds in what would have been one of the greatest achievements in the nation's football history. That optimism now feels a distant memory. Two defeats later, Qatar's World Cup campaign is over after a humiliating 6-0 loss to co-hosts Canada in Vancouver which was followed by a 3-1 defeat to Bosnia and Herzegovina in Seattle on Wednesday. **media[461020]** Needing not only a victory but a convincing one to stand any chance of progressing as one of the tournament's best third-placed teams, Julen Lopetegui's side instead found themselves chasing the game for long periods. The Spaniard made several changes following the Canada defeat, with veteran Hassan al-Haydos returning to captain the side in place of Yusuf Abdurisag. Issa Laidouni was deployed in defence, while Karim Boudiaf started in midfield. Pedro Miguel returned at right-back and Ahmed Fathy and Sultan al-Braik came into the starting line-up following the suspensions of Assim Madibo and Homam al-Amin. But the reshuffle did little to stem Bosnia's momentum. Bosnia flew out of the blocks and could have been ahead inside the opening minutes, forcing goalkeeper Mahmoud Abunada into a series of saves. Qatar struggled to contain the Europeans' intensity and fell behind in the 29th minute when 18-year-old Kerim Alajbegovic produced a moment of individual brilliance, weaving past several defenders before unleashing an unstoppable strike into the top corner. Things went from bad to worse 10 minutes later. A deep cross from Sead Kolasinac found captain Edin Dzeko at the far post and, on his 150th appearance for Bosnia, the veteran striker volleyed the ball back across goal, with a deflection off al-Braik resulting in an unfortunate own goal. **media[461018]** At 2-0 down and staring at elimination, Qatar finally showed signs of life. Al-Haydos – Qatar’s most-capped player – reduced the deficit just before the break with a close-range finish, after a pass from Edmilson Junior, to offer a glimmer of hope. Qatar nearly found an equaliser in stoppage time when Pedro Miguel struck the post, but it proved to be their best chance of a comeback. Bosnia remained in control throughout the second half. While Qatar pushed forward in search of a route back into the contest, the Bosnians looked the more threatening side. Qatar's hopes suffered another blow when al-Haydos was forced off injured in the 55th minute, bringing a disappointing end to what is almost certainly his final international appearance. **media[461019]** The contest effectively ended when Ermin Mahmic struck 10 minutes from time to make it 3-1, sparking wild celebrations among the Bosnian players and supporters. As the final whistle sounded, Qatar's players sank to the turf in disappointment while Lopetegui moved from one player to another, offering words of encouragement and consolation. The defeat not only ended Qatar's hopes of advancing from Group B but also extended an unwanted record. Despite arriving in North America as back-to-back Asian Cup champions, the 2022 World Cup hosts remain without a victory on football's biggest stage, having failed to win any of their six World Cup matches across two tournaments. For a team that briefly dared to dream after holding Switzerland – arguably the toughest side in the group – the campaign ultimately ended not with a charge towards history, but with a sobering reminder of the gap that remains at the highest level.