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Qatar is expected to run a budget surplus of QR14.1bn (1.7% of GDP) this year and see the surplus more than tripling in 2026, on LNG production boost, according to researcher Oxford Economics. In its latest ‘Qatar Economic Forecast’, Oxford Economics said its “energy price forecasts are little changed, with Brent oil at $70 per barrel for this year and $64 for 2026.” “We keep our 2025 GDP growth forecast at 2.7%. This comes on the back of a strong start to the year, with recently reported GDP data showing growth of 3.7% y/y in Q1. The non-energy sector's GDP registered growth of 5.3%, while the energy sector grew by 1%,” noted Oxford Economics in its report authored by Maya Senussi, Lead Economist. “We anticipate GDP growth will nearly double in 2026-2027, with the energy and non-energy sectors contributing positively this year and beyond. We anticipate no noticeable direct impact on Qatar from US tariffs as the US is the destination for less than 2% of Qatar's goods exports. That said, we think the trade-related uncertainty will continue to be a headwind against global demand,” Oxford Economics said. Last year, the authorities doubled down on the North Field gas expansion project, which will have a positive medium-term impact. Qatar raised its liquefied natural gas (LNG) capacity target to 142mn tonnes per year (mtpy) by end-2030. This is up nearly 85% from the current 77mtpy, and up 13% on the intermediate target of 126mtpy by 2027. The first production boost will come from the North Field East project by mid-2026, followed by the North Field South phase of the expansion. The North Field West phase is in its early stages, with construction likely to begin in 2027. The latest monthly report from the Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF) showed Qatar's LNG production trends supported an increase in exports in July. Qatar continues to make progress in selling its future gas output. The government has signed long-term supply contracts with India, China, France, Germany, Hungary, Kuwait, and Taiwan, and is negotiating a deal with Japan. According to Oxford Economics, Qatar isn't involved in the OPEC+ pact on production quotas and its oil output has been relatively flat in recent years, at around 600,000 barrels per day (bpd). “We think growth in the energy sector will pick up modestly this year (following a 0.6% expansion in 2024), before rising strongly in 2026-2027,” Oxford Economics noted.

HE the Minister of State for Energy Affairs, Saad Sherida Al-Kaabi met in Doha today Mohammed al-Bashir, Energy Minister of the Syrian Arab Republic. Discussions during the meeting dealt with energy relations and cooperation between Qatar and Syria and means to enhance them.

Qatar Airways and China Southern Airlines have announced a major expansion of their codeshare partnership and an increase in frequencies between Doha and Beijing ahead of the Golden Week holiday period in China.This growth builds on the Memorandum of Understanding signed last year, reinforcing the airlines’ shared commitment to delivering greater connectivity for global travellers from China.Starting October 16, Qatar Airways will share code on China Southern’s three weekly direct flights between Beijing Daxing and Doha.Similarly, China Southern will be expanding its “CZ” code on Qatar Airways-operated flights beyond Doha to some 15 destinations across Africa, Europe, and the Middle East, including Amman, Athens, Barcelona, Cairo, Dar es Salam, Madrid, and Munich.Qatar Airways Chief Commercial Officer, Thierry Antinori said: “Qatar Airways and China Southern have established a partnership that continues to set new benchmarks in the industry. This latest expansion ensures that every Qatar Airways route to China is now accessible to China Southern Airlines’ passengers, underlining our long-term commitment to a market that is integral to our growth and connectivity. Timed with this year’s Golden Week, it provides Chinese travellers with unrivalled access through Doha to over 170 destinations across our global network via Hamad International Airport.”Qatar Airways has already placed its code on China Southern-operated flights between Guangzhou and Doha since April 2024. Building on the existing codeshares from Guangzhou and Beijing Daxing, China Southern will extend its code to flights between Doha and four major Chinese cities of Chengdu Tianfu, Chongqing, Hangzhou, and Shanghai, subject to Chinese government approvals.Beijing Daxing marks the second Chinese gateway to be served with non-stop flights operated by China Southern Airlines. Beijing also connects with Doha through Qatar Airways’ daily flight along with Xiamen Airlines’ daily flight.China Southern Airlines President and CEO Han Wensheng said: “Beijing Daxing is a cornerstone of China Southern’s international development, and the launch of new Doha services further strengthens its role alongside our existing operations from Guangzhou. Together with Qatar Airways, we are expanding opportunities for Chinese passengers to reach destinations across Europe, the Middle East, Africa and the Americas through Doha’s Hamad International Airport. This partnership underscores our commitment to building broader global access and delivering world-class service to our customers.”With this frequency increase and codeshare expansion, Qatar Airways and its two strategic partners, China Southern Airlines and Xiamen Airlines, will now offer 64 weekly flights across eight gateways in Greater China.This is one of the most extensive networks established by Qatar Airways, operated on state-of-the-art aircraft equipped with Starlink’s free-for-all Wi-Fi connectivity in the skies.Qatar Airways and China Southern Airlines will continue to cement their partnership in other areas, including cargo operations and loyalty programmes, as part of their joint commitment to build robust and sustainable partnerships which benefit travellers around the world.

Qatar’s PMI climbing to 51.9 in August indicates accelerating non-oil private sector activity in the country, according to Oxford Economics.Last month, the PMI climbed to 51.9, which Oxford Economics noted is “fuelled by the fastest job creation and employment growth in the region”.Business activity in the GCC’s non-oil private sector continued to strengthen in August, Oxford Economics said.The UAE’s PMI rose to 53.3 from July’s four-year low of 52.9, driven by faster output growth. Saudi Arabia’s PMI edged up slightly to 56.4, supported by stronger client demand and infrastructure projects.“Overall, the GCC's non-oil private sector has seen sustained expansion this year, and we expect 4% growth in the region's non-oil output this year,” Oxford Economics said.In Saudi Arabia, credit growth slowed to 15.2% y/y in August but remained well above deposit growth of 8.4%. A sharper drop in mortgage lending suggests softer real estate activity, although consumer credit stayed strong.“We expect early interest rate cuts to support credit demand, likely pushing the average loan-to-deposit ratio to a new high. This could raise liquidity concerns in the coming months, especially if deposit growth continues to lag,” Oxford Economics noted.In a recent report the researcher noted Qatar's fiscal balance is estimated to scale up to 5.4% (of country’s GDP) in 2026 from 1.8% this year.A growing fiscal balance signals improved macroeconomic stability and a stronger ability to manage government debt in the country, an analyst noted.In an indication of the country’s level of international competitiveness, Qatar’s current account will improve further reaching 18.3% of the country’s GDP in 2026, from 17.5% this year.Qatar’s real GDP growth has been forecast at 2.7% year-on-year (y-o-y) this year, rising to 4.8% in 2026.Inflation has been forecast at 0.4% this year and 2.8% in 2026.In its last country report, Oxford Economics noted Qatar’s GDP growth “will more than double” in 2026-2027, with both the energy and non-energy sectors contributing positively this year and beyond, according to Oxford Economics.

Driven by the public sector, loans disbursed by the local banks in Qatar increased by 1.1% MoM to QR1,406.9bn in July, according to QNB Financial Services (QNBFS).Total public sector loans expanded by 4.5% MoM (+9.5% on FY2024) in July.The government segment (represents 35% of public sector loans) was the main driver for the public sector gains with an expansion of 7.2% MoM (+32.7% on FY2024), while the government institutions segment (represents 61% of total public sector loans) increased by 3.3% MoM (+0.4% on FY2024).Further, the semi-government institutions segment contributed immaterially, moving up by 1.1% MoM (-0.9% compared to FY2024) during July.Total private sector loans were flat MoM (+2.6% vs. FY2024) during July with negligible contribution across all segments.Outside Qatar loans were flat MoM (and compared to year-end 2024) in July, QNBFS said in its ‘Qatar Monthly Key Banking Indicators’.Loan provisions to gross loans moved up to 4.2% MoM in July, compared to 3.9% (as of year-end 2024).Loan provisions have increased 11.8% compared to year-end 2024 as banks have been provisioning for Stage 2 and Stage 3 loans mainly emanating from contracting and real estate sectors.On a positive note, Stage 3 loans have remained stable.Loans grew by an average 5.4% over the past five years (2020-2024), QNBFS noted.Banking sector total assets remained flat MoM (+3.4% vs. year-end 2024) in July 2025 at QR2.117tn.With loans growth outpacing deposits during July 2025, the loan-to-deposit ratio (LDR) came in at 134% compared to 132% in June.Public sector deposits climbed up by 0.6% MoM (+3.4% compared to FY2024) in July.Looking at segment details, the government segment (represents 34% of public sector deposits) moved up by 1.6% MoM (+4% compared to FY2024).On the other hand, the government institutions’ (represents 54% of public sector deposits) was flat MoM (+4.1% vs. FY2024), while the semi-government institutions’ segment (represents 12% of public sector deposits) increased by 1.9% MoM (-1.6% vs. FY2024) during July 2025.Non-resident deposits contracted by 3.2% MoM (-2.2% vs. FY2024) during July 2025. Non-resident deposits as a percentage of declined from 19.2% in June 2025 to 18.7% in July 2025 (FY2025: 19.5%).Private sector deposits remained flat MoM (+2.9% compared to FY2024) in July.On the private sector front, companies and institutions was flat MoM (Flat compared to FY2024). Moreover, the consumer segment also remained flat MoM (+5.2% compared to FY2024).The overall loan book increased by 1.1% MoM in July 2025, aided by public sector loans.Qatar banking sector liquid assets to total assets stood at 31% in July compared to 32% in June, which remains in a strong position, QNBFS said.

Beyond the TarmacAn improvement in both passenger and cargo volumes in the global air transport industry during July suggests renewed economic momentum, stronger global trade, and growing travel demand clear signs of resilience and confidence in the global air transport sector.Data released by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) revealed global passenger demand measured in revenue passenger kilometres (RPKs), was up 4% in July compared to the same period in 2024.Similarly, total demand in global air cargo, measured in cargo tonne-kilometres (CTKs), rose by 5.5% in July compared to July 2024 levels.Industry analysts see increased passenger and cargo activity in July reflecting restored international mobility, expansion of route networks, and better global connectivity between markets.In the passenger segment, the July load factor was 85.5% (-0.4 ppt compared to July 2024).International demand rose 5.3% in July compared to July, 2024. Capacity was up 5.8% year-on-year, and the load factor was 85.6% (-0.4 ppt compared to July 2024).Domestic demand increased 1.8% in July compared to the same month in 2024. Capacity was up 2.3% year-on-year. The load factor was 85.2% (-0.4 ppt compared to July 2024).In the global air cargo segment, capacity, measured in available cargo tonne-kilometres (ACTK), increased by 3.9% compared to July 2024 (+4.5% for international operations).IATA Director General Willie Walsh noted, “Air cargo demand grew 5.5% in July, a strong result. Most major trade lanes reported growth, with one significant exception: Asia–North America, where demand was down 1.0% year-on-year.“A sharp decline in e-commerce, as the US 'de minimis' exemptions on small shipments expired, was likely offset by shippers frontloading goods in advance of rising tariffs for imports to the US. August will likely reveal more clearly the impact of shifting US trade policies.“While much attention is rightly being focused on developments in markets connected to the US, it is important to keep a broad perspective on the global network. A fifth of air cargo travels on the Europe–Asia trade lane, which marked 29 months of consecutive expansion with 13.5% year-on-year growth in July.”According to IATA, several factors in the operating environment should be noted.First, the global goods trade grew by 3.1% year-on-year in June.The July jet fuel price was 9.1% lower year-on-year and has remained below 2024 levels so far this year, easing airlines’ operating costs. However, it was 4.3% higher than in June.Global manufacturing contracted in July with the PMI falling to 49.66, the second dip below the 50-mark growth threshold since January.Also, new export orders also remained negative at 48.2 for the fourth month, reflecting waning confidence amid US trade policy uncertainty.“It has been a good northern summer season for airlines. Momentum has grown over the peak season with July demand reaching 4% growth. That trend appears across all regions and is particularly evident for international travel, which strengthened from 3.9% growth in June to 5.3% in July. Moreover, with flight volumes showing a 2% year-on-year increase for September after five months of decelerating growth, airlines are positioned to take advantage of this market momentum into the coming months,” Walsh noted.Rising cargo volumes typically reflect growth in international trade, manufacturing, and supply chain demand. Passenger growth points to higher consumer confidence, business travel recovery, and robust tourism.July is usually a peak travel season in the Northern Hemisphere, but stronger-than-usual growth suggests that the industry may be moving beyond past slowdowns triggered by pandemic aftereffects, geopolitical disruptions, or supply chain constraints.Sustained improvements in both segments signal that stakeholders (governments, investors, airports, and logistics firms) see the industry on a stable growth trajectory, supporting investment and fleet expansion.Clearly, the improvement in passenger and cargo volumes in July highlights a rebound in the global air transport industry. Higher passenger traffic reflects strong travel demand, while increased cargo volumes point to healthy global trade flows.The dual rise in passengers and cargo confirms that the industry is on a path of resilience and long-term growth, supported by both consumer demand and global economic activity.Together, they indicate renewed economic momentum, rising consumer and business confidence, and a continued recovery in international connectivity.

The total assets of commercial banks in Qatar scaled up 6.5% to QR2.12tn in July this year compared to the same period in 2024, according to latest data issued by the Qatar Central Bank (QCB).Total domestic deposits with local banks rose 2.3% to QR852.3bn in July compared to the same period last year. Total credit disbursed by the local banks totalled QR1.34tn in July, up 5.5% on the same period in 2024. Broad money supply (M2) increased by 1.7% to QR739.5bn in July, compared to the same period in 2024, the QCB noted. M2 is an estimate of liquid assets, including cash on hand, money deposited in checking accounts, savings accounts, and other short-term saving vehicles such as money market funds and certificates of deposit.An increase in the country's bank assets, deposits, and credit indicates a growing banking sector, which clearly suggests an expansion of the money supply and increased economic activity. A healthy banking sector with growing assets and credit improve access to capital for businesses and households, facilitating their growth and development.

The total assets of commercial banks in Qatar scale up 6.5% to QR2.12 trillion in July this year compared to the same period in 2024, latest data issued by Qatar Central Bank (QCB) reveal.Total domestic deposits with local banks rose 2.3% to QR852.3 billion in July compared to to the same period last year.Total credit disbursed by the local banks totalled QR1.34 trillion in July, up 5.5% on the same period in 2024.Broad money supply (M2) increased by 1.7% to QR739.5 billion in July, compared to the same period in 2024, QCB noted.M2 is an estimate of liquid assets, including cash on hand, money deposited in checking accounts, savings accounts, and other short-term saving vehicles such as money market funds and certificates of deposit.

QatarEnergy continues to grow its LNG portfolio by expanding production capacity while reducing carbon intensity.Putting sustainability into practice, QatarEnergy continues to invest in advanced LNG vessels. The energy major has already ordered a fleet of 128 new LNG vessels, designed with the latest technologies, QatarEnergy noted in its 2024 Sustainability Report.“We aim to achieve a capacity of 160 MTPY post-2030, solidifying our role as a major provider of cleaner energy solutions globally. This capacity target includes the North Field West Expansion Project announced by QatarEnergy in 2024,” QatarEnergy noted.Advanced energy-efficient technologies and carbon capture systems are being integrated into new LNG facilities, alongside ongoing improvements in existing operations to reduce emissions and flaring.As part of QatarEnergy’s ongoing commitment to sustainability and reducing the environmental impact of its operations, it has taken a significant step forward by ordering a fleet of 128 new LNG vessels, designed with the latest technologies that will enhance operational efficiency while minimising environmental impacts.The new fleet will be equipped with highly efficient dual-fuel engines, advanced hull designs, and underwater coatings to reduce resistance, optimise fuel consumption, and significantly decrease emissions.The new LNG vessels will feature dual-fuel engines, enabling them to operate on both LNG and conventional marine fuels. This flexibility allows for a significant reduction in GHG emissions compared to traditional fuel sources. LNG, being a cleaner alternative, helps lower CO2 emissions, while the vessels’ efficient engine systems minimise NOx and SOx emissions.Additionally, the advanced hull design and underwater coatings will reduce drag and resistance, enabling smoother voyages with less fuel consumption and, consequently, fewer emissions.Another standout feature of these vessels is the air lubrication system. This technology creates a thin layer of bubbles beneath the hull, effectively reducing friction between the vessel and the water, which in turn lowers fuel consumption and further reduces emissions.“By optimising fuel efficiency through this cutting-edge technology, the new LNG vessels will not only help to reduce the operational carbon footprint but also enhance fuel savings,” QatarEnergy noted.

QatarEnergy continues to grow its LNG portfolio by expanding production capacity while reducing carbon intensity.Putting sustainability into practice, QatarEnergy continues to invest in advanced LNG vessels. The energy major has already ordered a fleet of 128 new LNG vessels, designed with the latest technologies, QatarEnergy noted in its 2024 Sustainability Report.“We aim to achieve a capacity of 160 MTPY post-2030, solidifying our role as a major provider of cleaner energy solutions globally. This capacity target includes the North Field West Expansion Project announced by QatarEnergy in 2024,” QatarEnergy noted.Advanced energy-efficient technologies and carbon capture systems are being integrated into new LNG facilities, alongside ongoing improvements in existing operations to reduce emissions and flaring.As part of QatarEnergy’s ongoing commitment to sustainability and reducing the environmental impact of its operations, it has taken a significant step forward by ordering a fleet of 128 new LNG vessels, designed with the latest technologies that will enhance operational efficiency while minimising environmental impacts.The new fleet will be equipped with highly efficient dual-fuel engines, advanced hull designs, and underwater coatings to reduce resistance, optimise fuel consumption, and significantly decrease emissions.The new LNG vessels will feature dual-fuel engines, enabling them to operate on both LNG and conventional marine fuels. This flexibility allows for a significant reduction in GHG emissions compared to traditional fuel sources. LNG, being a cleaner alternative, helps lower CO2 emissions, while the vessels’ efficient engine systems minimise NOx and SOx emissions.Additionally, the advanced hull design and underwater coatings will reduce drag and resistance, enabling smoother voyages with less fuel consumption and, consequently, fewer emissions.Another standout feature of these vessels is the air lubrication system. This technology creates a thin layer of bubbles beneath the hull, effectively reducing friction between the vessel and the water, which in turn lowers fuel consumption and further reduces emissions.“By optimising fuel efficiency through this cutting-edge technology, the new LNG vessels will not only help to reduce the operational carbon footprint but also enhance fuel savings,” QatarEnergy noted.

QatarEnergy’s existing facilities have already captured and successfully stored around 7.5mn tonnes of CO2 since 2019, according to HE the Minister of State for Energy Affairs, Saad bin Sherida al-Kaabi.“All our LNG expansion projects will deploy carbon capture and storage (CCS) technologies, aiming to capture over 11MTPY of CO2 by 2035,” noted HE al-Kaabi, also the President and CEO, QatarEnergy.“LNG remains at the core of our strategy, with ongoing projects to increase our LNG production from the current 77mn tonnes per year (MTPY) to 160 MTPY. This reinforces our position as a reliable provider of affordable lower-carbon energy,” HE al-Kaabi said in a message in the latest edition of QatarEnergy Sustainability Report.The minister noted, “Our investments span the entire LNG value chain, including a historic shipbuilding programme encompassing 128 ultra-modern, environmentally advanced ships. The fleet will enhance QatarEnergy’s capacity to meet the growing global LNG demand while reinforcing its dedication to operational excellence and sustainability.“Sustainability is central to our business strategy. We take a holistic approach that seeks to integrate environmental management, safety, social responsibility, and governance excellence across our local and global operations.”In 2024, QatarEnergy continued to advance clean energy and emission reduction projects. In November, QatarEnergy celebrated the ground breaking of the first world-scale blue ammonia project, which will produce 1.2mn tons of lower-carbon ammonia annually.Furthermore, he said, QatarEnergy aims to more than double Qatar’s urea production to over 12 MTPY, positioning the country as a leading global exporter and contributing to global food security.QatarEnergy is prioritising solar energy aiming to reach 4,000 megawatts (MW) of solar power capacity by 2030.In 2024, QatarEnergy announced the Dukhan solar power project with 2,000MW of capacity and joined a 1,250MW solar project in Iraq.In 2025, the Ras Laffan and Mesaieed solar power plants will add a combined 875MW to Qatar’s solar power generation capacity, joining Al-Kharsaah’s 800MW.As part of its ongoing commitment to reduce its environmental impact, QatarEnergy is setting new sector-specific targets to reduce GHG emissions intensity of our downstream assets – petrochemicals, metals, and fertiliser facilities – by 10 to 15% by 2035.These targets build on QatarEnergy’s sustainability strategy and complement its previously announced upstream and LNG facilities intensity targets.QatarEnergy emphasises collaboration for progress through the Tawteen program, aiming to strengthen the local supply chain and foster sustainability-driven innovation and economic development.Since its creation in 2018, this unique programme has generated more than 100 investment opportunities.In 2024 alone, 29 opportunities were awarded, including four related to sustainability.Safety remains a foundational top priority for QatarEnergy, the minister emphasised. In 2024, QatarEnergy maintained zero fatalities for the third consecutive year and continued to focus on empowering its workforce.Creating lasting value through corporate social responsibility programmes, QatarEnergy continues to address social and environmental challenges, reducing its environmental footprint, and fostering inclusive growth.“These achievements were made possible by the dedication of our employees, the trust of our stakeholders, and the support of our partners, for which we are grateful. I look forward to working together to build a more sustainable future for all.“I would like to express our deepest gratitude to His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, the Amir of the State of Qatar, for his vision, guidance, and unlimited support,” the minister noted.

Qatar is one of the largest investors in Germany, with investments exceeding €25bn across key sectors such as the automotive industry, telecommunications, hospitality, and banking, noted Qatar Chamber Chairman Sheikh Khalifa bin Jassim al-Thani.Bilateral trade between the two countries, he said, exceeded QR6bn last year, compared to QR 7.1bn in 2023, Sheikh Khalifa said while addressing the Qatar-German Business Meet yesterday.“Germany is not only a global economic powerhouse but also a highly valued partner of Qatar,” he said.Sheikh Khalifa emphasised the pivotal role of German companies operating in Qatar in supporting the country’s path toward industrial development and technological advancement.The Qatar-German Business Meet, which was held at the Chamber’s headquarters was attended among others by Silvio Conrad, CEO, TUV NORD Group, Hans-Udo Muzel, German Ambassador.Sheikh Khalifa stressed that Qatar continues to move forward in building a diversified and sustainable economy rooted in knowledge and innovation, thereby reinforcing its position as a global investment destination in line with Qatar National Vision 2030.He also underscored the private sector’s role as a key driver of this transformation and a vital partner in achieving comprehensive development.The QC Chairman pointed out that Qatar has become a preferred global investment destination thanks to the directives of HH the Amir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani and the government’s clear vision to expand the industrial base.This is supported by an enabling legislative framework, advanced infrastructure, designated industrial zones, and a sophisticated transport network.He further highlighted the promising prospects for cooperation in numerous sectors, including energy and renewable resources, sustainable infrastructure, logistics, education, smart technologies, pharmaceuticals, and others.Conrad said Germany and Qatar are bound by strong and long-term relations. He noted that the German Near and Middle East Association (NUMOV) has many partners across the Middle East, including in Qatar, which opens the door for further cooperation, particularly in the technology sector.The delegation included a number of leading German companies in IT, AI, telecommunications, energy, and resources.He affirmed that German companies are eager to explore new areas to expand their relations in the region and to strengthen economic ties with the Qatari private sector.Muzel underscored the depth of German-Qatari relations and noted that Qatar is one of the largest investors in Germany, a fact that opens wider horizons for cooperation and partnerships between the business communities of both countries.The German Near and Middle East Association (NUMOV) is Germany’s oldest and leading organization dedicated to fostering economic relations between Germany and the countries of the Near and Middle East.Since its foundation more than 90 years ago, NUMOV works to strengthen trade and investment ties by organizing business forums, conferences, and delegations, while providing valuable economic insights and market information.The association brings together a wide network of German companies across diverse sectors, including energy, technology, infrastructure, finance, and transport, thereby serving as a vital platform for enhancing German-Middle Eastern economic cooperation.

Qatar’s GDP growth will more than double in 2026-2027, with both the energy and non-energy sectors contributing positively this year and beyond, according to Oxford Economics.The researcher’s 2025 GDP growth forecast is unchanged at 2.4%, similar to the pace of expansion last year. However, trade-related uncertainty will remain a headwind to global demand, it said in a country report.Oxford Economics thinks growth in Qatar’s energy sector will remain modest this year, following a 0.6% expansion in 2024, before picking up strongly in 2026-2027.According to Oxford Economics, Qatar isn't involved in the OPEC+ pact on production quotas and its oil output has been relatively flat in recent years, at around 600,000 barrels per day.Last year, the authorities doubled down on the North Field gas expansion project, which will have a positive medium-term impact. Qatar raised its liquefied natural gas capacity target to 142mn tonnes per year by end-2030.This is up nearly 85% from the current 77mtpy, and up 13% on the intermediate target of 126mtpy by 2027. The first production boost will come from the North Field East project by mid-2026, followed by the North Field South phase of the expansion.The North Field West phase is in its early stages, with construction likely to begin in 2027.Qatar is also making progress in contracting future gas output. The government has signed long-term supply contracts with India, China, France, Germany, Hungary, Kuwait, and Taiwan, and is negotiating a deal with Japan.Output data (reported in April this year) showed the non-energy economy expanded by 3.4% last year, and the researcher projects the same pace of growth in 2025.The 2025 budget targets a deficit of QR13.2bn (1.6% of projected GDP). The authorities plan to raise spending by 4.6% relative to last year's budget and 1.2% relative to realised expenditure, with a strong focus on development in education and healthcare. The bill assumes an average oil price of $60/barrel.It projects a surplus of QR23bn (2.8% of GDP), larger than the surplus of QAR5.6bn (0.7% of GDP) realised in 2024. The researcher sees the balance improving to 5.7% of GDP next year amid the LNG production boost.Oxford Economics also noted tourism has provided significant support to non- energy growth and will remain a driver of future activity and employment.Qatar welcomed 5.1mn overnight arrivals in 2024, a 25% increase on 2023 and 138% higher than 2019 levels. The launch of the pan-GCC visa will likely help extend the positive performance and we forecast arrivals to increase to 5.3mn this year, it said.

National Cyber Security Agency (NCSA) announced that QIIB has become the first bank in Qatar to be awarded the National Information Assurance (NIA) certificate.The bank successfully achieved the electronic compliance certificate for NIA certification number 10023.QIIB is now officially listed as a certified entity on the NCSA's website.QIIB Chief Executive Officer Dr Abdulbasit Ahmad al-Shaibei stated, “Receiving the first NIA certification in the banking sector in Qatar marks a pivotal milestone in the journey of our institution and reaffirms our position as a pioneer in adopting the highest standards of cybersecurity.“This achievement was made possible through the constructive collaboration with the National Cyber Security Agency (NCSA) and the supervisory authorities, most notably the Qatar Central Bank.”“This certification is a clear testament to our strict adherence to advanced information security practices and reflects our alignment with the national cybersecurity strategy of the State of Qatar. It further strengthens our clients’ confidence in the security and reliability of our digital banking services.”He further noted: “We extend our sincere gratitude and appreciation to the National Cyber Security Agency (NCSA) for its continuous support and valuable guidance throughout this certification process. Their role has been instrumental in helping us reach this remarkable milestone.”“With this certification, we reaffirm our commitment to investing in the latest cybersecurity solutions and technologies to ensure highly secure and resilient digital banking services. This reflects our dedication to meeting our clients’ expectations while contributing to the national efforts of building a safe and integrated digital ecosystem in Qatar,” al-Shaibei added.NCSA emphasised the importance of compliance with the National Information Assurance (NIA) Standard as it contributes to the protection of national information assets and strengthens the cybersecurity posture across sectors.NCSA said it looks forward to other banks and financial institutions, government entities and organisations within critical sectors obtaining the National Information Assurance (NIA) Certification, which will fundamentally enhance and contribute to raising the level of cyber resilience across the nation.

Ooredoo and Qatar Airways have announced a strategic partnership to enhance Artificial Intelligence (AI), Cloud, and Cybersecurity capabilities in Qatar.The signing of the “landmark” Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) reaffirms a partnership that has spanned 15 years of co-innovation.The latest collaboration aims to leverage the combined expertise of the two industry leaders to drive innovation and accelerate digital transformation at national and regional levels.This partnership will facilitate the creation of a national AI hub, delivering state-of-the-art infrastructure, advanced tools, and robust data security frameworks.By aligning with Qatar’s long-term vision for technological leadership and economic diversification, Ooredoo and Qatar Airways are laying the foundation for an intelligent, AI-driven future.A key aspect of this collaboration is the investment in local talent. Through targeted training and upskilling programmes, the partnership will nurture the next generation of AI, Cloud, and Cybersecurity professionals, support sustainable development, and reinforce Qatar’s leadership in technological excellence.Further underscoring its commitment, Ooredoo’s investment in the NVIDIA GPU platform, a cutting-edge solution, was operationalised in July 2025. This platform will provide businesses, government entities, and developers with unprecedented high-performance processing capabilities, enabling them to innovate with greater speed and effectiveness.Sheikh Ali Bin Jabor al-Thani, Chief Executive Officer, at Ooredoo, said, “At Ooredoo, we are committed to unleashing AI's transformative power to enhance human potential and redefine what's achievable. This strategic alliance with Qatar Airways merges our respective expertise to position Qatar as a global leader in AI advancement and digital innovation.“We take pride in spearheading this visionary initiative toward a comprehensively digitally empowered future where advanced technology drives growth.”Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Officer Badr Mohammed al-Meer, said, “Leveraging technology to drive innovation has been a cornerstone of Qatar Airways digital strategy. We have already implemented a wide-range of AI applications across our operations, with additional opportunities in the pipeline to elevate the customer experience, empower our workforce and improve operational efficiencies.”“Through this partnership, we are proud to advance Qatar Airways role as a national AI champion by sharing our practical experience of such implementation at scale. This collaboration supports the wider national ambition to accelerate AI adoption across various sectors and together we are setting new benchmarks for excellence across multiple industries.”By integrating Ooredoo’s AI infrastructure with Qatar Airways’ operational and technology expertise, this partnership will enable the delivery of more innovative and connected experiences across telecommunications, aviation, and beyond.It reflects a shared commitment to building a knowledge-based, technology-driven economy and reaffirms Qatar’s position as a regional leader in digital innovation.

Africa’s projected 2050 population implies that the continent’s energy supply needs will have to increase more than fourfold from current levels to meet minimum development standards, according to GECF.In a recent report, the Doha-headquartered Gas Exporting Countries Forum said that despite a threefold increase in Africa’s primary energy demand since 1982, per capita energy consumption has remained essentially stagnant.This stagnation, it said, is largely a demographic result of population growth, which has seen the continent’s population expand by nearly one billion people over the same period.As demographic pressures intensified, energy supply struggled to keep pace, resulting in a widening structural imbalance between available energy and societal demand.Today, Africa’s average per capita energy consumption stands at just one-third of the global average, reinforcing the continent’s persistent energy access deficit and highlighting the growing divergence in global energy equity.This imbalance is mirrored in poverty trends. According to World Bank estimates using the international poverty line of $2.15 per day (2017 PPP), Africa’s poverty headcount ratio was around 41% in 1982 and remained stubbornly high at a similar level by 2019.In stark contrast, China provides a compelling illustration of how expanding energy access can catalyse poverty reduction: from 1982 to 2015, China’s poverty headcount fell dramatically from 88% to 0.7%, driven in part by a six fold increase in per capita energy consumption.Looking ahead, Africa is poised to experience one of the most profound demographic shifts globally, with its population projected to grow by nearly one billion people by 2050.Reputable forecasts from leading energy institutions anticipate a sharp rise in energy demand across the continent, GECF noted.However, given current trajectories and systemic constraints, energy supply growth is unlikely to keep pace with population expansion.As a result, per capita energy consumption is commonly used as a proxy for energy access. It is not predicted to experience any meaningful increase by mid-century, and the absolute number of people living in energy poverty may rise further under these scenarios, exacerbating socioeconomic vulnerabilities of the continent and beyond.These concerning scenarios raise a fundamental question as to the level of energy demand necessary to address energy poverty and support human development in Africa effectively.Two complementary approaches help frame this question. First, examining international best practices, such as China’s integration of energy expansion with rapid industrialisation, job creation and poverty eradication, offers important lessons.Second, from a human development needs and economic empowerment perspective, multiple studies converge around a minimum per capita energy threshold of 50 to 100 GJ/year, below which human development is severely constrained.A widely cited benchmark is 70 GJ/person/year, which is aligned with an HDI greater than 0.8, deemed sufficient to meet essential needs such as nutrition, housing, mobility, education, and health.Applying this threshold to Africa’s projected 2050 population implies that energy supply would need to increase more than fourfold from current levels to meet minimum development standards.While Africa possesses a diverse endowment of energy and mineral resources, including natural gas and renewable energy, achieving this scale of supply expansion constitutes a monumental undertaking, one that will require massive infrastructure investment, scaled-up access to innovative and affordable finance, adoption of context-specific technological solutions, and predictable, efficient and coherent policy and regulatory frameworks.GECF noted the continent has already embarked on significant initiatives to address persistent energy access challenges. The African Union’s Agenda 2063—Africa’s “blueprint and master plan for transforming the continent into a global powerhouse of the future”—sets out a vision of inclusive and sustainable development, fostering unity, self-determination, and collective prosperity.Similarly, Mission 300, spearheaded by the World Bank Group and the African Development Bank (AfDB), commits to providing electricity access to 300mn people in Sub-Saharan Africa by 2030, a transformative step towards achieving universal energy access.

Qafco CEO Abdulrahman al-Suwaidi will address the 15th edition of its Agri-Nutrients Conference in Abu Dhabi from September 29 to October 1.Hosted by Fertiglobe, the conference will convene global leaders and stakeholders to explore the future of agri-nutrients and chart a path toward sustainable growth.Held under the theme ‘Sustainable Growth: Turning Challenges into Opportunities’, the event will open with a welcome address by Abdulrahman al-Suwaidi, CEO, Qafco and Chairman of GPCA Agri-Nutrients Committee, who will outline the conference’s focus on innovation and sustainability in the agri-nutrient sector.Delivering the keynote address ‘Advancing agri-nutrients to meet tomorrow’s challenges’ will be Svein Tore Holsether, President and CEO, Yara International, whose remarks will highlight the critical role of agri-nutrients in ensuring global food security amid shifting landscapes.A high-level panel ‘Accelerating Growth: Harnessing Innovation, Sustainability, and Scalability’ will feature Naser Al-Omaira, Acting CEO, Fertil; Fahad al-Battar, CEO, SABIC Agri-Nutrients, N. Suresh Krishnan, Board of Directors, Fertiliser Association of India (FAI) and MD & CEO, Paradeep Phosphates; and Rakesh Kapur, Joint MD, IFFCO, to explore strategic priorities for driving sustainable growth in the agri-nutrient sector.An executive panel ‘How nutrients innovation drives sustainability and quality for food brands” will feature Dr. Rania Abou Samra, VP of Innovation and Research, Nestlé MENA, and Tom Harvey, GM, Commercial, Spinneys, to explore how innovation in agri-nutrients can enhance food quality, sustainability, and consumer trust.The opening address on the second day will be made by Fahad al-Battar, CEO, SABIC Agri-Nutrients, and Vice-Chair, GPCA Agri-Nutrients Committee.“We look forward to welcoming delegates to one of the region’s most influential industry gatherings,” said Dr. Abdulwahab al-Sadoun, Secretary General, GPCA.“This conference is a catalyst for networking and collaboration across the global and regional agri-nutrient value chain, and we anticipate strong participation and engagement.”A special workshop on ‘Operational excellence’ will take place on September 29, allowing delegates to immerse themselves in practical insights and case studies about driving operational efficiency.

Hamad International Airport has facilitated a “smooth and efficient journey” for returning travelers as the summer holiday season concludes and the new school year commences.Using the car park for pick-ups: For picking up arriving passengers at the airport, HIA said it is advisable to use the parking facilities to ensure smooth traffic flow, enhance safety and convenience, and avoid penalties for parking at the curbside.Flexible travel options to the city: Upon entering the Arrivals Hall, several reliable transportation options are available to reach Doha.Ride-hailing services: Uber and Badrgo are available at the designated pick-up zone in the parking facility opposite the Arrivals Hall.Doha Metro: A short indoor walk leads directly to the Metro station, connecting travellers to key destinations across the city.Taxis and buses: Authorized taxis and buses are available at the dedicated pavilions on each corner of the Arrivals Hall, ensuring service quality, safety, and reliable lost-and-found support.Other Options: Car rental, limousine, and valet services are available at both Departures and Arrivals.Baggage collection: Collecting bags at the airport has been designed to ensure a smooth and convenient experience. Oversized items such as strollers and wheelchairs are delivered on dedicated baggage belts A and B.It is recommended that fragile belongings be packed in hard-shell luggage to prevent damage. Passengers should verify their baggage tags before leaving the airport. For assistance, the Baggage Services Office is in the Arrivals Hall.Immigration processes: E-gates provide a convenient method for completing immigration procedures swiftly. Eligible travellers arriving in Doha, including families with children taller than 130cm, can utilise the service for a more efficient arrival experience.Hamad International Airport is dedicated to ensuring that the final step of the journey for returning travellers to Doha is simple, safe, and stress-free. This commitment allows passengers to focus on settling back in and preparing for the season ahead.