On the heels of the historic visit of US President Donald J Trump to the Gulf, a top official of retail giant LuLu Group has called on American companies to pour investments in the Gulf region, particularly Qatar, saying “the time is now.”Speaking to Gulf Times on the sidelines of the launching of ‘British Food Week’, which will run at all LuLu hypermarkets in Qatar, Dr Mohamed Althaf, Director, LuLu Group International, underlined the country’s investment potential for businesses seeking access to the Qatari market.“Now is the best time for US businesses to invest in Qatar. Despite the country’s geography, the country’s enormous potential and reach are impressive. Qatar’s investments in logistics and global trade make this an opportune moment,” Althaf pointed out, citing Qatar’s growing investments in logistics and global trade as key drivers.Althaf, who participated in the recently held ‘SelectUSA Investment Summit 2025’ in Maryland, also pointed to the strong private sector presence in both countries, saying Qatar and the US “have a very vibrant private sector with deep pockets.”He said, “Historically, businesses trust countries where governments invest. So we think there will be a lot of private sector opportunities coming up with these partnerships, both ways.”According to Althaf, private sector engagement will significantly benefit businesses in both regions: “This is going to be huge for the private sector. Wherever government investments occur, auxiliary industries and businesses thrive.”Aside from private sector participation, Althaf also highlighted Qatar’s openness to trade, citing tariffs and market access: “This region, and particularly Qatar, imposes no tariffs; Qatar is already a tariff-free country and a leader in free trade.”Amid the uncertainties facing global trade, Althaf expressed optimism and confidence in Qatar-US relations, saying, “This corridor is going to thrive. There is absolutely no doubt about it.”Looking forward, Althaf underscored the potential of a Qatar-US free trade agreement. “We already have substantial trade, but formalising a free trade agreement would reinforce what is already happening. A pan-GCC-US free trade agreement would also be beneficial,” he emphasised.Althaf further said, “Large corporations are tired of navigating bureaucratic hurdles. A free trade agreement would be a tremendous opportunity for growth. Furthermore, Qatar’s investments never come with policy conditions or restrictions. Qatar invests in sectors requiring substantial capital, making it a highly attractive investor.”Althaf also addressed Qatar’s approach to investments, noting that the country is investing in sectors that require significant capital. “Qatar is one of the best investors a country can get,” he said.

His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani has approved the Cabinet's decision on official holidays for Qatar.As per the decision published on the Official Gazette, the official holidays for ministries, other government agencies, public bodies and institutions will be as follows:For Eid al-Fitr, the holiday will be from the 28th day of Ramadan to the end of the 4th day of Shawwal.For Eid al-Adha, the official holidays will be from the 9th day of Dhu al-Hijjah to the end of the 13th day of Dhu al-Hijjah.The third national holiday for the country will the Qatar National Day which falls on December 18.Sports Day will be the second Tuesday of February of every year.If there is a single working day in between two official holidays, then it would also be included in the holidays the notification said. If the weekend falls between any of these celebrations, then it will also be included in the official holiday, the announcement added.

The fifth edition of ‘Qatar Economic Forum, powered by Bloomberg' will be held in Doha from May 20 to 22 under the patronage of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani.At a press briefing Sunday , the Organizing Committee reflected on five years of the ‘Qatar Economic Forum, powered by Bloomberg’ and its impact on Qatar and the region, while also sharing what to expect from this year’s edition.Speakers included Jassim Mohamed al-Khori, CEO of Media City Qatar and Member of the Organizing Committee; HE Mubarak bin Ajlan al-Kuwari, Representative of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Member of Organizing Committee; and HE Saleh bin Majid al-Khulaifi, Representative of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry and Member of Organizing Committee.They emphasized the Forum’s growing role in advancing Qatar National Vision 2030 and positioning Doha as a hub for global dialogue. The Forum this year is held under the theme, “The Road to 2030: Transforming the Global Economy.” Underscoring its impact, the officials noted that the Forum has directly contributed over QR 177.5mn to Qatar’s GDP and created more than 900 full-time jobs between 2022 and 2024.Beyond Qatar, it has also delivered measurable results for the nation’s international visibility. In 2024 alone, the Forum reached over 300mn homes, delivered QR 67.6 mn in marketing value, and contributed to an 18 % increase in global positive perception of Qatar.“Since 2021, Media City Qatar has partnered with Bloomberg Media to build the Forum into a global platform for dialogue and cooperation," Jassim Mohamed al-Khori said."In just five years, the ‘Qatar Economic Forum, powered by Bloomberg’ has positioned Qatar as a trusted convening power, uniting influential voices at a time of global division and uncertainty.”“Qatar has always believed in the power of dialogue to shape progress,” HE Mubarak bin Ajlan al-Kuwari, said. “The Forum reflects that belief by bringing together global voices at a time when common understanding is urgently needed. Each edition builds new bridges, and as organisers, we remain focused on creating a space where real cooperation can take root.”HE Saleh bin Majid al-Khulaifi said: “The Qatar Economic Forum is where policy, business, and innovation come together to tackle the big questions facing the global economy.”This year’s Forum will bring together over 2,500 global leaders across five key pillars: geopolitics, globalization and trade; energy supplies and security; technology hype and reality; business and investment outlook; and sports and entertainment. The speaker lineup includes prominent figures such as heads of state, ministers, and CEOs.Some confirmed speakers include HE Saad Sherida al-Kaabi, Minister of State for Energy Affairs, HE Ali bin Ahmed al-Kuwari, Minister of Finance; HE Sheikh Bandar bin Mohammed bin Saoud al-Thani, Governor, Qatar Central Bank, Chairman, Qatar Investment Authority; HE Abdullah bin Hamad bin Abdullah al-Attiya, Minister of Municipality; HE Saad bin Ali al- Kharji, Chairman, Qatar Tourism; HE Khalid al- Obaidli, President, Real Estate Regulatory Authority – Aqarat, and HE Hassan al-Thawadi, Managing Director, Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy; Ryan M. Lance, Chairman & CEO of Conoco Phillips; Donald Trump Jr., Executive Vice President at The Trump Organization; and Mary Callahan Erdoes, CEO, Asset & Wealth Management, J.P. Morgan; with Elon Musk joining virtually.