Qatar’s retail industry “continues to operate smoothly” despite regional tensions following Iran’s coordinated missile attacks on Gulf countries, stated a top executive of LuLu, who ensured that food supplies and essential goods here “remain fully available.”
Dr Mohamed Althaf, LuLu Group Global director, underscored Qatar’s resilience, describing it as a “very resourceful country.” However, he cautioned that “the only real threats are panic and misinformation, which can undermine any national strategy.”
Dr Althaf acknowledged the seriousness of the situation, but at the same time, lauded Qatar’s preparedness: “I would not say that everything is normal.
“However, historically, Qatar has demonstrated strong preparedness and effective defence capabilities. Over the last couple of days, we have witnessed this without any major casualties.”
He also emphasised that this resilience has prevented disruptions in daily life and commercial activity. “Normally, in such situations, the movement of goods and personnel becomes difficult. But if you visit any commercial establishment now, you will see that operations remain normal and undisturbed.
“At present, I believe retail operations are continuing smoothly. Our supply chains are functioning, and anyone visiting a shop will find full access to essentials. Supplies have been fully maintained so far,” reassured Dr Althaf during an interview with Gulf Times Sunday.
Highlighting logistics as the primary risk in times of geopolitical tension, Dr Althaf explained: “In any geopolitical tension, especially of this nature, the primary risk lies in logistics — shipping routes, freight, and transit timelines. These are areas we are closely monitoring, and we are preparing contingency plans wherever possible.
“It is well known that some of the countries involved are critical sources for Qatar. But our strategy and infrastructure are already in place. By infrastructure, I mean robust storage capacity and related facilities, which help mitigate risks.”
While disruptions cannot be ruled out, Dr Althaf underscored the resilience of food supply chains, citing the Covid-19 pandemic, the Suez Canal crisis, or past tensions in the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea.
“These situations have shown that food supply chains are resilient. They recalibrate quickly. Unlike major shipments where security concerns can halt movement, food continues to flow. So, I am confident that, at least for now, we do not foresee any uncontrollable circumstances,” Dr Althaf pointed out.
Dr Althaf shared with this paper excerpts from a letter that he communicated to his office Sunday, where he called for calmness and vigilance, and reassured the group’s preparedness in addressing food supply and essential needs.
“At LuLu, we would like to reassure the community that our stores remain fully stocked, supply chains are operating normally, and we continue to operate 24 hours to ensure uninterrupted access to food and essential goods.
“We encourage everyone to remain calm and rely only on official sources of information. Qatar may be a small nation, but it has a big heart — and will take every measure to ensure that all residents and citizens are protected and cared for,” it stated.
Reflecting on past experience, Dr Althaf explained to Gulf Times that the challenge during the Covid-19 pandemic in Qatar was “last-mile delivery and staffing — a problem that does not exist now.”
He added: “Stores are full. Everyone here — residents and citizens alike — will be treated well without discrimination. We have historical examples to draw from. In Covid-19, everyone was cared for, and I am confident Qatar is capable of protecting all its people again.”
