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Beyond the TarmacSustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) is still costlier than conventional jet fuel due to technological, economic, and supply chain factors.SAF is still in its early stages, produced in relatively small volumes around the world. Clearly, economies of scale haven't kicked in yet — lower volumes mean higher costs per unit of sustainable aviation fuel.SAF production is expected to grow to 2mn tonnes (Mt) in 2025, accounting for just 0.7% of airline fuel use, according to Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General.SAF production will double from the 1Mt produced in 2024 (all of which was purchased by airlines), but production needs an exponential expansion to meet the demands of the industry’s commitment to net zero carbon emissions by 2050, Walsh said at the recent International Air Transport Association (IATA) Annual General Meeting in New Delhi.IATA estimates that the average cost of SAF in 2024 was 3.1 times that of jet fuel, for a total additional cost of $1.6bn. In 2025, the global average cost for SAF is expected to be 4.2 times that of jet fuel.This extra cost is largely the result of SAF 'compliance fees’ being levied by European fuel suppliers to hedge their potential costs as a result of European SAF mandates to include 2% SAF in the jet fuel supply.“The behaviour of fuel suppliers in fulfilling the SAF mandates is an outrage. The cost of achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050 is estimated to be an enormous $4.7tn. Fuel suppliers must stop profiteering on the limited SAF supplies available and ramp up production to meet the legitimate needs of their customers,” Walsh noted.The cost of the Carbon Offsetting Reduction Scheme for International Airlines (CORSIA) to airlines is expected to reach $1bn in 2025.The market for CORSIA credits will grow, but Guyana is the only country to have issued certificates for the high-quality credits that the scheme requires.Since SAF is one of the key enablers for air transport’s net zero commitments, its production must be accelerated, IATA says.Net zero in every industry requires replacing the energy source – not the activity that relies on it.With the world relying on fossil fuels for over 80% of its energy consumption, IATA insists that this is a whole-economy issue, and that no single industry can achieve this on their own.All governments must maximise renewable energy, and renewable fuel production, for all.This, in turn, will maximise also air transportation’s contribution to the global economy, and its ability to accelerate growth in most other industries, to achieve better economic and environmental outcomes for all.The top priority is to increase renewable energy and fuel production. In doing so, governments must be mindful of unintended consequences that often afflict new and immature markets, and take action to eliminate oligopolistic pricing behaviour.Governments must eliminate legacy policies as well, that were warranted maybe 100 years ago, but that today stand in the way of the energy transition.“Looking at oil company profits, it is wholly unjustified to support their bottom lines with tax credits and handouts, and inexplicable why such support is not provided to renewable energy companies.“If redirected, the $1tn annually of favours to big oil could fund the energy transition in air transportation in less than five years. Air transportation is a uniquely global network and each uncoordinated action taken by an individual government will cause damage to it.” Global standards have made air transportation what it is today: the safest, most secure, and the by far the fastest mode of transportation in the world, providing unparalleled connectivity to more people and businesses than ever before, at an increasingly accessible price.IATA says it is providing essential market infrastructure to help create a global SAF market that is necessarily global, transparent, liquid, and accessible to all.It has launched a new international mechanism, the Civil Aviation Decarbonisation Organisation (CADO) to ensure immutable tracking of the environmental benefits of SAF purchases and their orderly claiming against regulatory obligations.Despite its environmental benefits, sustainable aviation fuel remains more expensive than conventional jet fuel mainly due to the scale of production and demand – supply imbalance.Traditional jet fuel is produced in massive volumes using decades-old infrastructure. SAF, by contrast, is still in its early stages, produced in limited quantities without the benefit of economies of scale.The demand for SAF is growing rapidly, but global supply is still very limited. That imbalance keeps prices elevated.Industry analysts, however, expect costs to fall — driven by innovation, scale, and policy support.But for now, SAF’s higher cost reflects the true environmental and technological investments required to decarbonise aviation.

Qatar’s 18.8% share of global LNG exports brings the joint LNG exports of the three largest exporters in 2024 to 60%, says the International Gas Union (IGU) in its latest report.Qatar’s exports slipped by 0.99mn tonnes to a total of 77.23mn tonnes in 2024, largely on par with the market’s nameplate capacity of 77.1mn tonnes, IGU noted in its ‘World LNG Report 2025’.Currently, Qatar is the third largest global LNG exporter. Ahead of Qatar are the US and Australia.Despite delays in new projects, the US defended its position as the world’s largest LNG exporter in 2024, exporting a total of 88.42mn tonnes, equal to 21.5% of global LNG output and up 3.89mn tonnes from 2023.Australia maintained its position as the second-largest exporter with export volumes of 81.04mn tonnes in 2024, up 1.48mn tonnes from the previous year, comprising 19.7% of global exports.Global LNG liquefaction capacity grew by 6.5mn tonnes per year (MTPY) in 2024 to a total of 494.4 MTPY by year-end.Despite capacity growth, the global average utilisation rate decreased slightly to 86.7% from 88.7% in 2023, due to maintenance, power disruptions, and a series of mechanical outages across various facilities.In terms of liquefaction capacity, as of the end of 2024, there were 22 markets operating LNG export facilities. The US remained the market with the largest operational liquefaction capacity, at approximately 97.5mn tonnes per year, with an increase of 4.5MTPY compared to 2023.Australia and Qatar ranked second and third with 87.6MTPY and 77.1MTPY, respectively, maintaining the same capacity as the previous year.“The top three LNG export markets currently represent more than half of global liquefaction capacity,” IGU noted.As of the end of 2024, there is 1,121.9MTPY of potential liquefaction capacity in the pre-FID stage, an increase of 75.3MTPY compared to 2023.With the Russia-Ukraine conflict still ongoing and a huge decline in Russian piped gas volumes in the market, a wave of proposed liquefaction projects has emerged to offset the loss of Russian supply.Some projects have also been fast-tracked to help meet demand. However, only a portion of pre-FID projects are going to proceed.According to IGU, global LNG demand is projected to stay on a long-term growth trajectory on the back of a strong increase in demand from markets in Asia and Asia Pacific.Although LNG contributes to global decarbonisation efforts by serving as a substitute for coal in power generation or for fuel oil in shipping, the LNG industry also needs to address emissions from its own supply chain.Cost inflation notwithstanding, these ongoing decarbonisation efforts continue to manifest themselves in an ever more efficient LNG fleet and innovative emission reduction measures undertaken by LNG projects worldwide, the report noted.

Qatar and other GCC countries, mainly the UAE and Saudi Arabia, have world-class hubs (airports) and fleets with strong government-backing, noted IATA regional vice-president Kamil Alawadhi.“Aviation in the Middle East is not developing evenly. The region contains some of the world’s richest and poorest countries, with stark gaps in aviation capacity and investment,” Alawadhi said referring to lower-income countries like Yemen, Lebanon, and Syria that face declining infrastructure, underfunded civil aviation authorities, and outdated fleets.“A coordinated regional approach is essential to narrow the gap,” Alawadhi said at a recent media event on the sidelines of IATA’s Annual General Meeting in New Delhi.Ongoing conflicts in Yemen, Syria, Iraq and Lebanon have resulted in prolonged airspace closures and significant disruption to flight operations.These conditions have weakened aviation infrastructure, eroded investor confidence, and limited access to critical markets, he said.Overflight restrictions, particularly around Iranian and Syrian airspace, have forced airlines to reroute — raising fuel consumption, increasing emissions, and extending flight times.Conflict zones also hinder intra-regional connectivity, slowing economic integration and impeding the mobility of people and goods; especially in countries that would benefit most from enhanced air access.Sanctions limit access to aircraft, parts, and finance, isolating some carriers from the global aviation system and hindering safety and growth.“While aviation has shown remarkable resilience amid political uncertainty, its full potential is unlocked in environments that are stable, peaceful, and open to international engagement,” Alawadhi said.Year-to-date (YTD) demand for Middle East, which compares January to April this year with January to April 2024, was up 6% in line with global average.Again, the YTD cargo performance for the Middle East region reflects some challenges and was down 5.3% during the period under review, he noted.According to Alawadhi, Middle East passenger numbers will double, reaching 530mn in 2043.Traffic will grow at an average annual rate of 3.9% over the 2023 – 2043 period, he said.Blocked funds remain a challenge in the region, Alawadhi said and noted the Africa and Middle East (AME) region accounted for 85% of blocked funds (globally).As of April, globally, there is a total $1.28bn in blocked funds.Of this, 85% is blocked in Africa and Middle East for a total of $1.1bn, and out of that, $919mn is tied up in African countries.“Significant improvements have been made in Nigeria, Egypt and Ethiopia over the last year, with Nigeria no longer on the list of blocked funds countries. However countries in AME continue to top the blocked funds list. Mozambique is currently withholding the largest amount of blocked funds globally, followed by the XAF Zone (Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Republic of the Congo (Congo-Brazzaville), Equatorial Guinea, Gabon) and Algeria and Lebanon,” he noted.Alawadhi emphasised cash flow is key for airlines’ business sustainability - when airlines are unable to repatriate their funds, it severely impedes their operations and limits the number of markets they can serve.Reduced air connectivity hampers countries’ competitiveness, diminishes investor confidence and labels countries as a high-risk place to do business.Strong connectivity is an economic enabler and generates considerable economic and social benefits.“We call on governments to prioritise aviation in the access to foreign exchange on the basis that air connectivity is a vital key economic catalyst for the country,” Alawadhi added.

Qatar’s public spending will rise this year despite hydrocarbon revenue headwinds, Oxford Economics has said in its latest country outlook.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, according to the report.The budget assumes an average oil price of $60 per barrel.Oxford Economics said its 2025 Brent oil price forecast remains at $68.10/b. This is higher than what is assumed in the Qatar budget, underpinning its view of another budget surplus this year.“We project a surplus of QR23bn (2.8% of GDP), larger than the surplus of QR5.6bn (0.7% of GDP) realised in 2024. We see the balance improving to 5.7% of GDP next year amid the LNG production boost,” Oxford Economics noted.According to the researcher, Qatar’s April PMI signalled softer activity momentum at the start of the second quarter (Q2), driven by a reduction in new business, likely linked to US tariff announcements.Heightened external uncertainty also weighed on sentiment, pushing the rate of hiring to the lowest since August, even as it stayed elevated.Oxford Economics’ 2025 average inflation estimate (for Qatar) remains at 1%, the lowest in the GCC region.“We think any upward pressure on imported inflation from recent US dollar weakness (via the currency peg) will likely be offset by the dampening effect of tariffs on global demand.Qatar's annual inflation rate was negative in Q1 for the first time since early 2021. Prices fell by 0.8% quarter-n-quarter (q-o-q) in seasonally adjusted terms, led by declines in food prices and the cost of recreation and culture.The 3.2% y-o-y fall in food prices in Q1 was among the largest in the current series. The drag from the housing and utilities category on annual inflation deepened, with prices falling by 4.5% y-o-y, the most since Q3, 2021.“We still expect inflation to settle at around 2% in the medium term,” Oxford Economics noted.The Qatar Central Bank (QCB) followed the US Federal Reserve in holding interest rates steady in May, continuing the pause from January.In 2024, the US Fed delivered a cumulative 100bps of cuts.Meanwhile, the QCB cut rates by a total of 115bps, with the lending rate at 5.1%.“In the coming months, we think the QCB's rate moves will echo those in the US, as we continue to expect the Fed to stay on pause until December. Our baseline anticipates a further 100bps of cuts next year,” Oxford Economics said.

The global airline industry is optimistic about long-term growth, which is based on various macroeconomic and demographic trends around the world. But a shortage of aircraft — driven by supply chain disruptions, production delays, and labour shortages — is limiting capacity expansion.Rising global population, higher incomes and affordability and pent-up demand post-Covid, are obviously driving the airline industry’s long-term optimism.More people certainly means more potential passengers, especially in major emerging markets such as China and India.Urbanisation and growing middle classes in other parts of Asia, and Africa and Latin America are expanding demand for both domestic and international air travel.Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is the traditional driver of airline economics. However, although global GDP growth is expected to fall from 3.3% in 2024 to 2.5% in 2025, airline profitability is expected to improve.This is largely on the back of falling oil prices, noted Willie Walsh, Director General of the International Air Transport Association (IATA). Walsh expects global airline industry’s net profit to exceed $36bn this year, improved from the $32.4bn earned in 2024.At the recent IATA Annual General Meeting in New Delhi, he projected total traveller numbers reaching a record high of 4.99bn in 2025. While demand for airline seats is rising, airlines around the world face a supply constraint: they can’t get new planes fast enough!This shortage stems from several intertwined issues such as woeful production delays at major manufacturers Boeing and Airbus, supply chain disruptions, post-pandemic, and labour shortages.Walsh noted that the aircraft backlog exceeds 17,000 (sharply up from the 10,000-11,000 pre-pandemic), with an implied wait time of 14 years. “Should states exit from a multilateral agreement exempting aircraft from tariffs, supply chain constraints and production limitations could be further aggravated,” Walsh said.Supply chain issues have had significant negative impacts on airlines: driving-up leasing costs, increasing the average fleet age to 15 years (from 13 in 2015), cutting the fleet replacement rate to half the 5-6% of 2020, and reducing the efficiency of fleet utilisation (using larger aircraft than needed on some routes, for example). In 2025, some 1,692 aircraft are expected to be delivered, he said. Although this would mark the highest level since 2018, it is almost 26% lower than year-ago estimates. Further downward revisions are likely, given that supply chain issues are expected to persist in 2025 and possibly to the end of the decade.Engine problems and a shortage of spare parts exacerbate the situation and have caused record-high groundings of certain aircraft types, he said.The number of aircraft younger than 10 years in storage is currently more than 1,100, constituting 3.8% of the total fleet compared with 1.3% between 2015 and 2018. Nearly 70% of these grounded aircraft are equipped with PW1000G engines.“Manufacturers continue to let their airline customers down. Every airline is frustrated that these problems have persisted so long. And indications that it could take until the end of the decade to fix them are off-the-chart unacceptable!” said Walsh.According to industry analysts, aircraft shortage limits the ability of airlines to expand their routes or increase frequencies.Older, less fuel-efficient aircraft may stay in service longer (hurting margins and sustainability goals). Another challenge for airlines is that lease prices and second-hand aircraft values are surging.For passengers, this situation results in reduced availability of seats, especially on popular routes and during peak seasons. The supply-demand imbalance obviously means higher airfares.Walsh sounded a note of caution in the wake of conflicts in some parts of the world and trade tensions, which affect every nation on earth.The resolution of conflicts such as the Russia-Ukraine war would have a benefit for airlines in reconnecting de-linked economies and reopening airspace. Conversely, any expansion of military activity could have a dampening effect.Tariffs and prolonged trade wars dampen demand for air cargo and potentially travel. Additionally, the uncertainty over how the US trade policies will evolve could hold back critical business decisions that drive economic activity, and with it the demand for air cargo and business travel.Successful tariff negotiations and strategic collaboration across the value chain, along with investments in sustainability and operational efficiency, will therefore be essential to navigate various constraints and support long-term industry growth.

Beyond the TarmacAir passenger connectivity offered by airports in the Middle East, Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC) region in particular, posted an impressive 28% increase year-on-year in 2024, surpassing all post-Covid recovery forecasts.This, according to Airports Council International Asia-Pacific & Middle East (ACI APAC & MID), has been driven by strong international demand, robust network recovery, and the return of major travel corridors.Analysts say improved air connectivity is a reflection of the Middle East region’s strategic importance, economic vitality, and appeal to airlines and passengers. Since improved air connectivity facilitates trade, tourism, business travel, and global integration — these are integral to regional economic growth.The ACI Asia-Pacific & Middle East Air Connectivity Ranking is a comprehensive, passenger-centric analytical tool developed in collaboration with PwC in 2023 and refined for its third edition in 2025. The ranking evaluates the overall level of air passenger connectivity offered by airports across the Asia-Pacific and Middle East regions.It assesses performance through three fundamental building blocks: network scale and frequency, economic weight of destinations, and connection quality and efficiency.According to Airports Council International Asia-Pacific & Middle East, the Asia-Pacific region witnessed a remarkable 13% jump in overall connectivity compared to 2023, while the Middle East posted an impressive 28% increase, surpassing all post-pandemic recovery forecasts.On average, connectivity across all airports rose in both Asia-Pacific and the Middle East by +14%, a strong testament to the resilience and dynamism of the aviation sector.In Asia-Pacific, intra-regional connections are nearly back to pre-pandemic levels, trailing by just 0.2%. At the same time, intercontinental connectivity is on the rise, showing a solid 4% increase.The Middle East, however, isn't just recovering – it's setting a new pace. Both intra-regional and inter-continent connectivity have not only bounced back but have exceeded pre-pandemic levels by a significant margin of 18% and 16%, respectively.Commenting on the report, Stefano Baronci, Director General, ACI Asia-Pacific and Middle East, said: “Air connectivity is not only relevant for passengers seeking more travel options and convenience; it is equally crucial for supporting global trade and economic resilience, particularly through belly hold cargo capacity.”“While we celebrate this growth, we must remain forward-looking to ensure the momentum is sustained. Investment in airport infrastructure and technological upgrades is a prerequisite for enhancing connectivity, and airports across the region are undertaking significant investments to make this possible. In the face of growing geopolitical and trade tensions, we urge governments to prioritise air service liberalisation, streamlined visa policies, and transparent slot allocation frameworks. Lastly, we must not lose sight of the needs of small island and remote communities-- air connectivity remains their lifeline,” Baronci added.Rise of Airport City Clusters: The 2025 edition introduces a fresh dimension: An analysis of airport city clusters. Larger urban agglomerations like Shenzhen–Hong Kong–Macau, Tokyo, Shanghai, and Beijing dominate the new City Connectivity Index, demonstrating that the presence of multiple large airports enables higher flight frequencies and diversified routing options.Clusters such as Beijing and Shenzhen–Hong Kong-Macau have seen a substantial enhancement of connectivity through effective use of secondary airports. Seoul, Bangkok, and Taipei lead in per capita accessibility, offering exceptional connectivity relative to population size.Analysts see improved air connectivity in the GCC region reflecting a deliberate strategy by Gulf countries to position themselves as global aviation and economic hubs.Doha’s Hamad International Airport, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Riyadh, and Jeddah have all undergone massive expansions.These GCC airports now serve as mega-hubs for international travel, offering seamless connections between the East and the West.Airports in the GCC now act as a midpoint hub for connecting passengers between continents. Improved transit facilities and airline alliances enhance the region’s attractiveness to global travellers.In the last two decades or so, GCC countries have either opened or increased frequencies on high-demand long-haul routes (e.g., to Europe, Asia, and North America). Enhanced intra-GCC connectivity also improves movement between Gulf States for business and tourism.Enhanced connectivity supports not just passenger travel but also air freight and cargo, making the GCC a logistics powerhouse. Doha and Dubai are cases in point.Improved air connectivity in the GCC denotes the transformation of the region into a critical global aviation and economic hub, driving diversification beyond oil and increasing regional and international influence. It clearly reflects a broader strategic vision that combines infrastructure development, airline growth, and geopolitical positioning.

Qatar’s payment system transactions totalled QR13.9bn through 50.5mn transactions in April, according to the Qatar Central Bank. Majority (58%) of these were through points of sale (PoS), while e-commerce accounted for 26%, QCB data reveal. Instant payment system (Fawran) had a 15% share of the payment system transactions last month while Qatar Mobile Payment represented 1% of the total. PoS transactions totalled QR8.05bn through 40.11mn transactions while e-commerce transactions valued QR3.54bn through 8.95mn transactions in April. Fawran registered 1.3mn transactions totalling QR2.11bn in April. The total number of Fawran registered accounts is 3.03mn. The QCB introduced the National Network System for ATMs and Points of Sale (NAPS), which is the central payment system, in 1996 to facilitate the acceptance of cards transactions (debit cards and prepaid) on ATM, PoS and e-commerce terminals throughout the GCC region and Egypt. Additionally, the system accepts cards issued by the QCB, GCC and Egypt regulated banks. According to the QCB, NAPS is one of the first switches in the region to achieve full (EMV) compliance both as an acquirer and issuer. The system was upgraded in 2023 in line with the latest global standards in cards industry. It is a round-the-clock service, which supports card tokenisation and card-less payments. All banks in Qatar are members of the National Network System for ATMs and Points of Sale. Fawran is considered one of the innovative and advanced services, in line with the third strategy for the financial sector in the country and in continuation of the QCB's efforts to develop the infrastructure of payment systems and keep pace with the latest developments in payment systems and electronic transfer of funds. It is designed in accordance with a system based on the latest technologies and security standards, to maintain the security and confidentiality of the information created by the QCB to enable financial institutions to provide the service to their customers with complete reliability. One of the most prominent advantages provided by the instant payment service is enabling bank customers to send and receive money in the country immediately, and within moments. It will also be available round-the-clock without interruption. Earlier, the QCB noted that the launch of the Fawran is part of the projects it has undertaken to enhance the country's payment system. This initiative plays a significant role in strengthening the financial sector, providing diverse payment options for all segments of society, facilitating payment processes, and reducing reliance on cash, thereby lowering associated costs.

Current healthcare expenditure (CHE) of Qatar is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate CAGR of 8.3% until 2029, according to investment banking advisory firm, Alpen Capital.CHE in the GCC is expected to grow from an estimated $109.1bn in 2024 to $159bn in 2029, at a CAGR of 7.8%.The region’s expanding population base, high incidence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), rising cost of treatment and medical inflation, coupled with increasing penetration of health insurance are expected to drive growth.CHE as a proportion of GDP in the GCC is anticipated to grow from 5% in 2024 to 5.7% in 2029.“The growth varies widely among the GCC nations largely owing to country-specific population projections, economic conditions and cost of healthcare among other factors. Saudi Arabia is likely to witness the highest growth rate at 8.8%, whereas the UAE’s healthcare industry is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.7% during the forecast period,” Alpen Capital noted.The report forecasts that the region is likely to require 12,317 new hospital beds between 2024 and 2029. This translates into an estimated annual average growth of 1.9% since 2024 to reach a collective bed capacity of 140,572.Majority of the new additions are expected to be driven by the private sector as the GCC governments have started focusing on privatisation to reduce cost burden and increase standard of care. Saudi Arabia is likely to witness the highest demand for beds in the GCC at over 8,500 new beds, accounting for 69% of the region’s total additions during the forecast period, Alpen Capital said.The report highlights that economic growth, coupled with the governments’ focus on economic diversification, is expected to drive healthcare investments in infrastructure and human capital development.Key demographic trends – such as population growth, increasing life expectancy at birth, and improvements in infant mortality rate – are shaping the regions’ healthcare demand.Notably, the proportion of population over 50 years is projected to increase from 12.7% in 2024 to 13.8% in 2029, further intensifying the demand for specialised healthcare services.Additionally, the expansion of health insurance coverage and the rise in medical tourism are expected to boost the utilisation of private hospitals and healthcare services.Despite these strong growth drivers, the GCC’s healthcare sector faces several challenges, Alpen Capital noted.The industry remains highly reliant on foreign healthcare professionals across specialties. There also remains a gap in supply of specialised care units in the tertiary care segment, contributing to rising outbound medical tourism.Moreover, the cost of healthcare services continues to rise due to high prevalence of non-communicable diseases, increasing demand for advanced treatments, dependence on imported medical supplies, and a shortage of specialised treatment centres.In response, the GCC governments are actively promoting privatisation through public-private partnership (PPP) models to increase quality and efficiency of care. Significant investments in digital transformation aim to integrate innovative technologies for better healthcare outcomes.Another key trend, precision medicine and genomics are gaining traction with a goal of developing targeted treatments and therapies. Additionally, the rising demand for specialised and complex treatments is accelerating the establishment of Centres of Excellence (CoEs), long-term post-acute care (LTPAC) facilities and home healthcare services.As the sector continues to mature, PPPs are expected to bring about a shift in care delivery that will be pivotal in shaping the industry's landscape. With the GCC healthcare ecosystem becoming more digital and patient-centric, health-tech innovations present significant prospects for growth.Going forward, industry players are likely to focus on value-driven investments, with larger operators targeting smaller providers and tech-enabled healthcare firms to expand their service offerings."The GCC healthcare industry is poised for strong growth driven by macro-economic factors, a growing and ageing population, and the expansion of mandatory health insurance. Government-led diversification strategies and national development plans of the GCC will continue to enhance the healthcare infrastructure and facilities, bringing them at par with international standards. Further growth of the healthcare industry will be fuelled by privatisation initiatives, substantial investments in digital transformation and rising demand for specialised healthcare services, says Sameena Ahmad, Managing Director, Alpen Capital (ME) Limited.“The GCC healthcare industry is experiencing significant transformation, driven by a growing demand for specialised medical centres and increasing medical tourism. In response, private sector players are investing heavily to expand healthcare services and meet the needs of a diverse population. Key trends shaping the industry include the rapid adoption of artificial intelligence and digitalisation, which are enhancing diagnostics, patient care, and operational efficiency, says Olivier Tricou, Managing Director, Alpen Capital (ME) Limited.

Qatar and the GCC countries have the infrastructure most ready to utilise artificial intelligence (AI), noted HE the Minister of Municipality, Abdullah bin Hamad bin Abdullah al-Attiyah.Speaking at a panel session at the Qatar Economic Forum Wednesday, Attiyah said: "the GCC as a whole has the unique opportunity to lead in smart cities and actual use of AI in urban planning."“I always believe that the biggest place that can invest in AI is the Middle East, because we are already prepared. We have a very modern infrastructure... we have the cheapest energy in the world... and we have all the infrastructure ready for data centres. But yes, being smart, I totally agree, you need to be flexible, and you can diversify your real estate from offices to apartments, or from databases to energy transition, or to health centres.Al-Attiyah said: “And it seems that every time we have a global talk, real estate investors’ talk about it... like back in Covid, people were talking about health services and how it is very good to invest in health services.“And that was just two years ago. Now we are talking about databases because of AI. Honestly, I think in real estate (globally), there are very good opportunities, but it is really picking up from where it was last year. Interest rates are coming down, and I believe they will continue to come down.”“Obviously, there are some uncertainties. Geopolitical tensions and trade policies will put pressure on it. However, if you don't invest now, when will you then?Asked whether the neighbouring countries are posing competition to Qatar in developing infrastructure or real estate, al-Attiyah said: “I believe the whole Gulf is one country. We build on each other. Whatever good stuff happening in Saudi Arabia...the big boom and the big investments... we are benefiting from that. One of our biggest batch of tourists come from Saudi Arabia.“We are working very closely with Dubai as well. We are actually building on each other.”On Qatar, the minister said: “We are the safest country in the world. In Qatar, we have the best schools. We want to build on that.“We want a place where your lifestyle will be different, where you can see your children going to schools without the need to go through security. You have been to Qatar... you have been through our new cities...our smart cities... and you know what we have to deliver.”The minister noted that Qatar National Vision 2030 was built on learning from others.“We started late, when it comes to the infrastructure game. And that is why I am saying, we have the best infrastructure in the world, because we learned from everyone else. Who do you think were the consultants who built or designed our infrastructure? They are from the US...we had people from Singapore... from the UK. So, everything was put into that.“That is why I am saying, our infrastructure is the most ready to utilise AI, because we have all the data. AI cannot work without having the data to actually access.”Al-Attiyah also said the appetite for real estate will always be there.“While investing in real estate, it is important to note that quality does matter, location does matter. Real estate does go with the economy, but it will always have something that will pays one back. Now that people are getting back to offices, post-Covid, we need good quality new offices... they are in demand globally.“Real estate is a good place to invest in. There is a saying in Arabic... real estate can get ill, but it will never die!”

Qatar’s new Boeing order will cover the national airline’s strategy until 2045, Group Chief Executive Officer Badr Mohammed al-Meer has said.Last week Qatar Airways placed the largest aircraft order in its history with manufacturing partner Boeing.As part of its strategic fleet growth plan, the landmark Qatar Airways order includes up to 210 Boeing wide-body jets – 160 firm and 50 option, which is the largest wide-body order and the largest 787 Dreamliner order in the American aerospace company’s history.Qatar Airways has also signed an agreement with GE Aerospace for more than 400 engines, including 60 GE9X and 260 GEnx engines, with additional options and spares, to power its next-generation Boeing 777-9 and Boeing 787 aircraft – the largest wide-body engine purchase in the history of GE Aerospace. Participating in a panel session at the Qatar Economic Forum Tuesday, al-Meer said, “Qatar Airways will start receiving new aircraft from May 2029. Our airline still sees huge passenger demand; our load factor is highest in the industry at an average 85.6%. In certain sectors, we are talking about 95 to 96%, and we see this case continuing.”Asked why Qatar Airways made “such a big order’ and whether it “needs that many jets”, al-Meer noted, “For the last few years, and from what we see in the industry (now), the demand is still there. We have demand that today we cannot cater to. Our load factors are the highest in the industry and the highest in the history of Qatar Airways.”“Our financial year starts in April. Again, we have recorded the best April (2025) in the history of Qatar Airways. We are also going to record the best May in the history of Qatar Airways. From the advance booking that we see for June and July, and from the numbers that we see, I think we will be comfortable to say that first quarter (of this financial year) will be better by a big margin compared to the first quarter of last financial year.”On fleet expansion, al-Meer said, “We have started this process in March /April 2024. We have decided to create some sort of a competition between Boeing and Airbus and both engine manufacturers, Rolls-Royce and GE. This is to make sure that we get the best proposal or the best offer from both the engine manufacturers and aircraft manufacturers. It was a very close call between all of them.“At a certain stage, it was leaning towards Airbus, then it went to Boeing. At the end, it was a very close call, and we decided to go to Boeing, who provided us with a better commercial and technical proposal.”Asked whether another aircraft order from Qatar Airways can be seen in the next few years, he said, “For the time being, this is the order we have placed until we see how the market evolves.”Recently, Qatar Airways Group announced that it has registered a 28% growth in its profit for the financial year 2024/2025 to more than QR7.85bn, which is the “strongest set” of financial results in its history.The national airline’s profit shows an increase of more than QR1.7bn on the year before.Key achievements of Qatar Airways Group over the last financial year include 25% minority stake in Virgin Australia.Al-Meer said, “The investment in Virgin Australia was basically a strategic one. As you are aware, for so many years, Qatar Airways struggled to get more traffic rights to fly into Australia. Australia is a very important market for us.“We were limited to 21 flights on a weekly basis. So, we have decided to go into this sort of partnership with Virgin Australia and have a wet lease agreement with them to increase...to add 28 more flights on a weekly basis. At the end of the day, this is a win-win situation for all of us...Qatar Airways, Virgin Australia, and most importantly, the Australian consumers.“We want to create competition, which will drop the prices...give Australian consumers more options to choose from. And at the end of the day, passengers will choose what is best for them.”He said Qatar Airways partnership with Virgin Australia, Malaysian Airlines and JAL will help the national carrier “balance between the East and the West”.“There is a very high demand in the Far East, but we are restricted by bilaterals...by a certain number of flights. On the other hand, we have Open Sky agreements in Europe and in the US.”

Qatar plans to significantly boost its liquefied natural gas trading business to complement its expanding domestic production of LNG, according to HE the Minister of State for Energy Affairs, Saad bin Sherida al-Kaabi.QatarEnergy set up a trading unit a few years ago, which is already handling 10mn tonnes of physical LNG annually, more than 50% of which is non-Qatari volumes, al-Kaabi said at the Qatar Economic Forum Tuesday.“The ambition is to reach somewhere in the range (of) 30mn-40mn tonnes of non-Qatari LNG traded by our trading group by 2030,” al-Kaabi, who is also the President and CEO of QatarEnergy, noted.Al-Kaabi recognised the tremendous growth of QatarEnergy Trading and its future growth.He said: “Trading was something we started just a few years back. We are now trading around 10mn tonnes of LNG in physical trading. We will be producing 160mn tonnes of LNG, if you include the US. And we have 70 LNG ships in our fleet today and we will be adding 128 ships in a few years. So, all that will help our trading to thrive.”The expansion plan includes LNG exports from the North Field East project, by the middle of 2026, he said.In the US, QatarEnergy has a majority stake in the Golden Pass project, which is nearing the start of operations.Al-Kaabi said there is room for growing supply from the US, the world’s top-LNG producer, as well as Qatar. US volumes typically go to Europe and South America and Qatari LNG will predominately serve Asia.The minister affirmed that he was not worried about a glut in the market.“Qatar is bullish on global demand for the fuel. The need for the fuel and electricity is rising globally with population growth and the expansion of artificial intelligence.“You're going to have 1.5-2bn people on this earth in the next 20 to 30 years. And you have 1bn people around the world that don't have basic electricity. So the need for electricity and power is huge,” al-Kaabi said. “We need all that volume. The need for electricity and power is huge. So we are not worried at all about having a supply glut or anything like that.”He said QatarEnergy is discussing sales of additional volumes with buyers in China and India, as well as counterparts in other countries, he said. Still, the talks can be long-drawn.“You always have sticking points with all negotiations. Everybody wants a better price deal from both sides,” he said.

Invest Qatar, the Investment Promotion Agency of Qatar, has inked a strategic agreement with Quantinuum, the world leader in quantum computing and developer of the world’s highest-performing quantum computer.The partnership aims to strengthen Qatar’s quantum computing ecosystem by supporting Quantinuum’s recently announced expansion into the region, which was highlighted last week by the President of the United States, Donald J.Trump during his historic state visit to Qatar.Through this partnership, Invest Qatar will provide tailored support services to Quantinuum, including access to key stakeholders, sector-specific insights, and opportunities for collaboration with local innovation and research institutions.Invest Qatar will also promote initiatives that drive quantum computing adoption and raise awareness of Quantinuum’s contributions to Qatar’s tech landscape. Through this partnership, Invest Qatar will support Quantinuum’s expansion into the country to apply quantum technologies for the benefit of key sectors in Qatar, while enhancing local research and development (R&D) capabilities, to create high-skilled jobs and train the next generation quantum workforce in Qatar.This includes facilitating connections with key stakeholders, enabling collaboration in R&D and aligning with national initiatives aimed at advancing quantum technologies.As part of the agreement, Quantinuum will play a central role in advancing Qatar’s quantum capabilities by launching a range of targeted initiatives, including knowledge-sharing platforms, educational seminars and technical workshops delivered by Quantinuum’s global experts.The partnership also envisions launching joint research projects with Qatari academic and research institutions, exploring opportunities for local integration of quantum technologies and facilitating access to Quantinuum’s cutting-edge quantum computing infrastructure. Additionally, internship opportunities will be offered to students from Qatar-based universities, providing direct experience in real-world quantum computing applications.Commenting on the partnership, Sheikh Ali Alwaleed al-Thani, CEO, Invest Qatar, said: “This partnership with Quantinuum reflects our continued commitment to positioning Qatar at the forefront of next-generation technologies. By combining global expertise with local ambition, we aim to cultivate a thriving quantum ecosystem that drives innovation, supports economic diversification and empowers future talent. We are pleased to work with Quantinuum to unlock the transformative potential of quantum computing for Qatar and the wider region.”Dr. Rajeeb Hazra, President & CEO, Quantinuum, said: “Launching our presence in Qatar opens an exciting new chapter in a region ready to lead in quantum computing. Building on our recently announced expansion into the country through our joint venture with Al Rabban Capital, and our ongoing partnership with Hamad Bin Khalifa University, this collaboration with Invest Qatar reinforces our commitment to the growth of Qatar’s quantum computing ecosystem.“As part of the deepening strategic ties between the US and Qatar, we are enabling direct access to our world-leading quantum hardware and software, creating value for academia and industry in Qatar while training the next generation of quantum developers and researchers to strengthen the region’s position as a global hub for advanced technologies.”

Qatar Airways Group has registered a 28% growth in its profit for the financial year 2024/2025 to more than QR7.85bn, which is the “strongest set” of financial results in its history.The profit shows an increase of more than QR1.7bn on the year before, Qatar Airways said yesterday.Announcing the financial results in Doha, the national airline said its cargo arm - Qatar Airways Cargo, which is the world’s leading cargo carrier, has delivered a remarkable financial performance, recording a 17% growth in revenue and achieving the best financial results since Covid-19.“This is attributed to its agility in adapting to shifting market conditions, a focus on investing in digitalisation, deeper data-driven analyses, and its best-in-class reliability,” Qatar Airways said.Qatar Airways Group Chairman HE Saad Sherida al-Kaabi, who is also the Minister of State for Energy Affairs, said: “These financial results show yet again Qatar Airways Group’s leadership position not just in global aviation, but in driving the global economy. The achievements across the 2024/2025 financial year continue to position the airline and Group as a global economic force.“This is not just a product of our employees’ hard work, but of thoughtful, deliberate and strategic planning, which has allowed the business to thrive in a stable and sustainable way.“Record-breaking profitability, underpinned by sound business decisions, is a hallmark of our success and I have every confidence that we’ll see it continue.”Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Officer Badr Mohammed al-Meer said: “These record-breaking results are a testament to the hard work, skill and dedication of teams across all of Qatar Airways Group. I know that none of the outstanding results we are announcing today would be possible without our people – more than 55,000 of them across the globe - and it is our focus on fostering that talent, which has been a core focus of our Qatar Airways 2.0 strategy.“We have also successfully implemented strategic partnerships throughout the industry, in order for the Group to remain agile in the face of ever-shifting world events, whether political, economic or environmental.“All of this means we continue to offer and develop exceptional service in the skies, whether it’s the award-winning Qsuite, fine dining, or super-fast complimentary Starlink internet connectivity for all passengers.”Key achievements of Qatar Airways Group over the last financial year include:- Record-breaking 28% increase in profit in 2024/2025 financial year.- Expansion of Hamad International Airport, enabling it to cater for 65mn passengers annually.- First global airline, and first in MENA region, to install Starlink super-fast WiFi on its Boeing 777 fleet.- 25% minority stake in Virgin Australia.- 25% acquisition of South African premier regional airline, Airlink.- Introduction of conversational AI into its world-first digital cabin crew, Sama.- A range of technical MoUs future-proofing and diversifying the business across the sector, as well as working to fulfil the ambitions of the Qatar National Vision 2030.Qatar Airways recently made historic aircraft and engine orders, ensuring that its already modern and technologically-advanced fleet remains at the forefront of commercial aviation, providing world-leading service to passengers across the globe.

Qatar Airways announced that the national carrier has placed the largest aircraft order in its history with manufacturing partner Boeing.As part of its strategic fleet growth plan, the landmark order includes up to 210 Boeing wide-body jets – 160 firm and 50 option, which is the largest wide-body order and the largest 787 Dreamliner order in the American aerospace company’s history.Qatar Airways has also signed an agreement with GE Aerospace for more than 400 engines, including 60 GE9X and 260 GEnx engines, with additional options and spares, to power its next-generation Boeing 777-9 and Boeing 787 aircraft – the largest wide-body engine purchase in the history of GE Aerospace. An industry leader, Qatar Airways has been named ‘World’s Best Airline’ by Skytrax for an unprecedented eight times, and is further investing in its fleet as part of its long-term growth strategy.Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Officer Badr Mohammed al-Meer said: “We are happy to announce our agreement with Boeing and our partnership in the largest wide-body aircraft order in Boeing’s history and the biggest aircraft order in our history. This is a critical next step for Qatar Airways on our path as we invest in the cleanest, youngest and most efficient fleet in global aviation. This is so we can meet the strong demand in the airline as we seamlessly connect passengers to the world better than anyone.”He noted, “After two consecutive years of record-breaking commercial performance and with this historic Boeing aircraft order – we’re not simply chasing scale; we are building strength that will allow us to continue to deliver our unmatched products and customer experiences. We thank our partners at Boeing for answering the call and look forward to a future of continued smart growth together.”The order includes 130 787 Dreamliners, the long-range, ultra-efficient wide-body airplane family that has delivered a 25% fuel-use improvement and superior comfort for passengers.It also includes 30 777-9s, the world’s largest twin-engine airplane that is designed to set new standards in efficiency by reducing fuel use and emissions by 25% compared to the airplanes it replaces, while elevating the passenger flight experience.The deal also includes options for an additional 50 787 and 777X airplanes.Boeing Commercial Airplanes President and CEO, Stephanie Pope, said: “We are deeply honoured that Qatar Airways has placed this record-breaking order with Boeing, one that solidifies their future fleet with our market-leading wide-body airplane family at its centre.“Our team is looking forward to building 787s and 777s for Qatar Airways into the next decade as they connect more people and businesses around the world with unmatched efficiency and comfort.”Qatar Airways currently operates more than 150 Boeing airplanes, including 777 and 787 passenger jets and 777 Freighters. With this new purchase, Qatar Airways will become the largest Dreamliner operator in the Middle East.Qatar Airways’ largest wide-body engine deal in GE Aerospace history: The new GE Aerospace agreements solidify the company’s commitment to Qatar’s thriving aviation industry and build on the previous order for 188 GE9X engines, bringing the total to 248 engines.The addition of GEnx engines for the Boeing 787 fleet supplements their existing 124 engine order, further strengthening the national carrier’s commitment to efficiency and performance.  The two deals also include service agreements to cover the maintenance, repair, and overhaul of the GEnx and GE9X engines.Al-Meer, said: “Our latest agreement with GE Aerospace reflects our confidence in the performance of the GE9X and GEnx engines to power our fleet of Boeing 777-9 and 787 aircraft.These next-generation engines are critical components in our strategy to ensure our fleet remains modern and efficient. Qatar Airways has ambitious plans for the future, and we value our continued partnership with GE Aerospace and their commitment to supporting our operational needs.” GE Aerospace Chairman and CEO, H. Lawrence Culp, Jr., said: “We are extremely honoured to deepen our relationship with Qatar Airways and grateful to them for placing their trust in us with our largest ever wide-body engine deal.“Our wide-body engines – the GE9X and GEnx – are marvels of modern engineering, with the durability and reliability to power flight across the longest distances. We appreciate President Trump’s support for this historic agreement.”Qatar Airways has one of the most modern fleets in the industry and these historic orders with Boeing and GE Aerospace will solidify that leadership for years to come.

President Donald Trump’s upcoming visit to Doha – the first by a sitting American president in the last two decades – reflects the growing strategic depth of Qatar-US relations and underscores its significance for regional peace, stability, and investment, according to US ambassador Timmy Davis.“The last time a US President visited Qatar was some 23 years ago. It was President George W. Bush. I don’t know the outlines of that trip. I had not quite joined the Foreign Service yet,” Ambassador Davis told a media roundtable in Doha Sunday.“This visit feels like a crescendo...feels like the moment of great sort of celebration of the relationship between Qatar and the US. We have over the last few years, I think, done a couple of things.“First, we have done a good job of highlighting and telling the story of the importance of Qatar as a partner...as a friend to the US...as a fellow traveller with regard to the effort of peace and stability around the region and around the world.“But we have also, I think, importantly, built upon that relationship. Qatar’s efforts at mediation around the region have only grown. You have seen Qatar’s work in Lebanon, Afghanistan and North Africa. All of these things that Qatar does with the US will only become more powerful and of greater use to the world.“So President Trump’s visit is a desire to be here to meet with His Highness the Amir to celebrate the US business and the way in which we see the world as friends and partners. I think it is a fantastic opportunity. We are extremely excited about this. And my hope is that it starts a greater understanding in the US of the role Qatar plays in our foreign policy.”He described the US President’s visit as an opportunity to showcase the multilateral co-operation between Qatar and the US, extending from economic partnerships to critical security initiatives.“I think the President’s trip punctuates the importance of all of our shared bilateral issues, peace and stability in the region, and investment in commerce in both directions,” Davis said.Asked whether agreements would be signed between the US and Qatar during President Trump’s visit to Doha, he said, “In all the sectors that I have spoken about in the past...education, defence and security, technology, trade and investment and sports. I think you will see announcements about agreements across all of these sectors.“This is really going to be an opportunity to highlight ways in which we have come together and promoted progress and our economies. But also opportunities to talk about what it looks like going forward.” Ambassador Davis noted, “Qatar’s interest in defence, security, technology, AI, data centres, health care – those things are important to the US as well. US has invested in those sectors in Qatar.”He highlighted the US hosting the FIFA World Cup 2026 and Olympics in 2028 (Los Angeles) and Qatar hosting the FIBA Basket Ball World Cup in 2027.“You will see the celebration of that as well.” He noted, "Qatar's role as a mediator on what's happening in the region, will absolutely be a part of this visit. It is not just a visit that is predicated on the idea of business deals or deals in education or economics. There are important things that the US and Qatar do together."What's happening in Gaza is important as well. And so there will absolutely be a foreign policy bent to this trip. And so it will come up." He said President Trump’s trip in itself is a demonstration that the US relationship with Qatar has become even stronger.“In the last few years it has been strong. But I also think that President Trump and the US business leaders are alert and awake to the opportunity that Qatar presents not just for American companies but also an opportunity for Qatar’s investment and Qatar’s companies to have a viable existence in the US.“Qatar will see President Trump not just on one day...but on two days. I think it is the clearest signal to folks around the world that not only is the relationship (with Qatar) strong, but also vital and important to the US.”Ambassador Davis emphasised that “there will be announcements across every sector of this relationship”.The US envoy said, “I will confirm for you that when the US thinks about ways to solve a problem — regionally and globally, Qatar is absolutely on top of our list for partners.“Not just because of Qatar’s unique ability to mediate, but also Qatar’s experience and commitments to these issues. Qatar’s mediation on the issues between Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Rwanda is a great example of that."In the last one and a half years or so, the US has been working every day to bring about peace in Gaza. That’s something that we are continuing to work on and are dedicated to.“You have not seen a single lapse between the US and Qatar in the conversation, in mediation, and in negotiation. This is because we are of one mind about what’s the most important here- that’s bringing peace and stability."I also think that there are opportunities here to find new pathways and new sectors where the US and Qatar can work together. The world is changing really, really quickly. I know that His Highness and the country of Qatar are deeply interested in making sure that the future for this country, but also for the world, has many voices involved in the conversation."

Total debt issuances in GCC would be $149bn in 2025, about $50bn above 2024, according to Fitch Ratings.In comparison roughly $110bn (of debt) was issued in the region 2019 and 2020.Issuances would be split broadly equally between domestic and foreign debt on aggregate in the GCC but with significant differences between countries, Fitch Ratings said.Historically fiscal policy in the GCC has been pro-cyclical. High oil prices have stimulated spending, often leading to permanent commitments, while lower oil prices have been accompanied by cuts in spending that have exacerbated their economic impact.Trends in non-oil economic activity in the GCC are typically correlated with trends in government or wider public-sector spending, which in turn tends to be connected to hydrocarbon revenue. It is also harder to manage public expectations when oil prices are high. What deepens the dilemma is the aim of economic diversification, which will require public investment. Improvements made to public financial management in the past decade and the experience of several oil price shocks provide more flexibility to respond to periods of lower oil prices.New tax tools have been introduced in the past decade and reductions to subsidies and improved management of capital spending has brought more expenditure flexibility.Already there has been a response to the current fall in oil prices, with Saudi Arabia extending VAT to e-commerce platforms from 2026 and increasing the fee on undeveloped land. Fitch anticipates a further recalibration of capital spending plans in sovereigns that are facing fiscal pressure. The impact of any fiscal adjustment will test the resilience of the non-oil economic growth drivers that have been unleashed across the region by recent reforms.Enhancements to business environments, sectoral reforms and, in Saudi Arabia, significant social reforms, have strengthened non-oil economic activity and diversified the economic base of most GCC sovereigns.However, government spending has been an important factor behind economic diversification. A significant component of government development agendas is underpinned by government related entities (GRE) domestic investment.While budget balances may appear less volatile, overall public spending is rising.GCC countries are rerouting significant parts of their surpluses or their balance sheet to large economic-diversification programmes, it said.

Qatar banking sector total assets grew by 0.6% during March to reach QR2.074tn, driven by a rise in domestic assets, according to QNB Financial Services.Total assets moved up by 1.3% in 2025, compared to a growth of 3.9% in 2024. Assets grew by an average 5.7% between 2020 and 2024.Liquid assets to total assets edged slightly lower to 30.2% in March, compared to 30.4% in February, QNBFS said in its latest ‘Qatar Monthly Key Banking Indicators’.According to QNBFS, Qatar banking sector loan book increased by 0.6% MoM (up 3.0% in 2025), while deposits went up by 0.2% MoM (up 3.2% in 2025) in March this year.With higher loans increase over deposits during March, the Loans to Deposits Ratio (LDR) moved up to 131.0%, compared to 130.5% in February.Overall loan book went up by 0.6% during March to reach QR1,387.7bn. Loans gain in March was mainly due to an increase by 1.0% in public sector loans and a rise by 0.3% in private sector loans.Private and public sectors were the main growth drivers YoY with the government taking QR21.1bn, real estate taking QR18.4bn, and government institutions taking QR16.5bn, QNBFS noted.Loans went up by 3.0% in 2025, compared to a growth of 4.6% in 2024. Loans grew by an average 5.4% over the 2020-2024 period.Outside Qatar loans increased by 0.9% MoM (+0.9% in 2025) in March 2025.Loan provisions to gross loans moved up to 3.9% in March, compared to 3.8% in February.Deposits edged up by 0.2% during March to reach QR1,059.5bn.Deposits uptick in March was mainly due to a gain by 0.7% in public sector deposits and a gain by 0.5% in non-resident deposits.Non-Resident, private sector and public sector deposits were the main growth drivers YoY with the government contributing QR20.9bn, non-residents providing QR12.5bn and personal (retail) adding QR16.8bn, the report noted.Deposits rose 3.2% in 2025, compared to an increase by 4.1% in 2024. Deposits grew by an average 3.9% over the 2020-2024 period.An analyst told Gulf Times, “Banking sector indicators continue to show good promise during March with the further gains in total assets during the month. Total assets increase was mainly driven higher by a QR7.4bn increase in domestic credit.“The overall banks’ credit facilities was pushed higher noticeably by the government (overdrafts and other loans) as it continues to utilise this flexibility in funding its spending needs. Private sector loan gains were also coming in from increasing private consumption, contractors and the pick-up in the services sector”.

Beyond the TarmacGlobal air travel is expected to grow at a rate of 3.3% annually over the next 20 years.During the period under review, the Middle East region has been projected to grow faster — at 4.8% a year. The GCC countries including Qatar is going to be at the heart of that.That said, the region is not developing evenly, which according to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), is a reality that’s difficult for some to accept.Geopolitical instability, regulatory fragmentation and economic disparity are the reasons cited by IATA for the region’s uneven development in commercial air transport.Geopolitical instability, is obvious, but it bears repeating, IATA says. Conflicts negatively impact aviation. Countries like Yemen, Syria, Iraq, and Lebanon have seen their air travel suffer because of instability and conflict. Sanctions only make things worse.Where aviation continues to demonstrate remarkable resilience in the face of political instability, it does far better in countries that are stable, peaceful and open. The countries that are stable, peaceful, and open have done far better.On regulatory fragmentation, IATA noted that unlike in Europe, the Middle East has no unified air transport market. Instead, a mosaic of bilateral air service agreements and divergent policies are seen.While some states have embraced liberalisation, others continue to impose restrictions on frequencies, routes, and non-national carriers. The lack of a harmonised air transport market impedes connectivity, especially for smaller markets dependent on regional access.If the region is to be meaningfully connected, it’s going to take much more cooperation and consistency.Economic disparity: Propensity to travel is shaped by income and opportunity. Wealthier nations — particularly those in the Gulf — have leveraged - and rightly so - their geographic location and high-income populations to establish global hubs.Smaller or lower-income countries, by contrast, often struggle with limited local demand, constrained resources, and business models that cannot match the economies of scale enjoyed by super-connector airlines.A more integrated approach — built on shared interests and mutual support — can unlock the full potential of aviation in the Middle East, points out Nick Careen, IATA's Senior Vice-President Operations, Safety and Security.The region’s airspace can be better managed, he emphasised at an event in Saudi Arabia recently.Governments in the region must collaborate and support a vision of seamless air traffic management, facilitating the smooth flow of traffic by sharing data, harmonising procedures, and easing military restrictions. This will enhance aviation safety and efficiency.The patchwork of regulations across the region makes life difficult for airlines and passengers. We need consistency. Fragmented and inconsistent rules create inefficiencies, increase delays, and pose safety challenges. By aligning regulatory frameworks, we can ensure smoother operations, lower costs, and enhance the overall safety and security of air travel.Sustainability is a challenge that can’t be tackled by one country alone. Regional collaboration on sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), low-carbon aviation fuels (LCAF), carbon tracking, and incentives for green investments will allow the Middle East to lead the way globally on climate action. SAF, in particular, is a key lever.The region is well-positioned to become a leader in producing and exporting SAF, thanks to its expertise in energy and access to capital.The region's aviation hubs can play a pivotal role in building capacity across neighbouring countries. By sharing expertise, offering training opportunities, and fostering collaborative initiatives, these hubs can strengthen the overall capabilities of the region.This support can enhance operational efficiency, improve safety standards, and contribute to the sustainable growth of the aviation sector throughout the region."These steps form the basis of a more connected and resilient aviation ecosystem across the entire Middle East region—one where every country, regardless of size or income, has a seat at the table and a route to global integration.The Middle East’s aviation story is one of ambition, transformation, and opportunity. Yet, the region must not overlook the disparities that persist.Industry experts say the region has already proven that bold vision and strategic investment can yield extraordinary results. Now is the time to extend that spirit of cooperation beyond borders — to create partnerships that deliver benefits not just to individual states, but to the entire region.A Middle East united by open skies, harmonised regulations, and shared innovation would be even more competitive, more resilient, and deliver even more economic and social benefits for people. And it would ensure that no country is left behind in aviation’s growth story.Careen added: “At IATA, we remain committed to facilitating this dialogue and supporting regional stakeholders with data, insight, and advocacy. We stand ready to help build the frameworks and partnerships that will shape the future.”