Global events platforms have become more valuable, not less, as geopolitical uncertainty intensifies, and few partnerships illustrate that dynamic better than the one underpinning the Qatar Economic Forum (QEF). Karen Saltser, Bloomberg Media CEO, said: “This year has reinforced the importance of being flexible and thoughtful when operating global convenings in a fast-moving geopolitical environment. Our priority was making sure the forum continues to deliver the level of participation, access and conversation that people around the world now expect.” In an exclusive interview with Gulf Times, Saltser said the collaboration between Bloomberg Media and the Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoCI) has grown considerably in recent years, driven by the Middle East’s expanding role in the global economy. “QEF’s combination of both regional relevance and international reach has been especially important. Bloomberg Media brings a worldwide audience, editorial authority, and cross-platform amplification, while Qatar has continued positioning itself as a major hub for international business and diplomacy,” she emphasised. Together, she noted, that dynamic has allowed QEF to become “a meaningful forum for conversations that extend far beyond the region itself across business, policy, technology and investment.” Saltser said, “Looking ahead, I think the opportunity is to deepen that role. In periods of geopolitical uncertainty, there’s actually greater demand for trusted convening and direct dialogue. Business leaders and policymakers want spaces where they can engage seriously on the forces reshaping markets, trade, technology and geopolitics.” According to Saltser, this is also reflected in Bloomberg Media’s broader regional commitment. She pointed out that the company has invested in the Middle East for more than 15 years across journalism, television, live events, and partnerships, describing the Gulf as “one of the world’s most dynamic and influential economic regions.” “That conviction has not changed,” she pointed out. The QEF has grown into what Saltser described as “one of the most important global business gatherings in the region,” bringing together influential leaders at a moment when the world is seeking clarity, context and dialogue. She further stated that in uncertain periods, the demand for trusted information and high-quality convening becomes stronger, with leaders seeking credible journalism, meaningful conversations and direct engagement with those shaping markets and policy, areas where Bloomberg Media is differentiated “both editorially and through Bloomberg Live.” Asked how resilient events revenue amid the current global geopolitical and macroeconomic environment is, Saltser said: “We operate in a world where volatility is increasingly part of the operating environment, whether that’s geopolitical uncertainty, economic shifts or changes in how audiences engage with media. So flexibility and diversification are already built into how we run the business. “What gives us confidence is that demand for trusted, high-quality convening remains very strong. In many ways, it becomes even more valuable during uncertain periods because leaders are looking for credible information, meaningful dialogue and direct access to decision-makers. That’s one reason Bloomberg Live continues to grow.” She emphasised that Bloomberg Media’s events strategy is diversified across regions, industries and formats, from QEF and the New Economy Forum to Bloomberg Media Invest, Tech and Screentime, describing it as “a global portfolio for our audience and partners, rather than one focused on one specific market.” Bloomberg Media’s long-term strategy in the region, Saltser said, remains unchanged: continue investing in the Middle East, build platforms that connect regional and global audiences, and bring together Bloomberg Media’s journalism, data and convening power “in ways that help leaders make better decisions.”

On the occasion of Eid al-Adha, the Amiri Diwan Sunday announced that the Eid holidays will be as follows: First, ministries, other government entities and public institutions: the Eid holiday starts Tuesday, Dhu Al-Hijjah 9, 1447, corresponding to May 26, 2026, and ends Saturday, Dhu Al-Hijjah 13, 1447, corresponding to May 30, 2026. Employees will resume work Sunday, Dhu Al-Hijjah 14, 1447, corresponding to May 31, 2026. Second, Qatar Central Bank (QCB), banks, and financial institutions working under the supervision of QCB and Qatar Financial Markets Authority (QFMA): HE the Governor of Qatar Central Bank determines the start and end date of the holiday.

France announced yesterday it has banned Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir from entry for mocking bound activists seized by Israeli soldiers on a Gaza-bound aid flotilla.“From today, Itamar Ben Gvir is banned from entering French territory” after “his reprehensible actions towards French and European citizens” who were part of the humanitarian flotilla, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot said on X. He added that, with Italy, he was also calling for European Union-level sanctions against the far-right Israeli minister. The ban follows a global outcry after Ben Gvir published a video on Wednesday showing the heavy-handed treatment in Israeli custody of foreign activists from the flotilla.They were detained by Israel after its soldiers seized them in international waters. In the video, dozens of activists are seen forced to kneel with their foreheads to the ground and their hands tied.The clip, which was captioned “Welcome to Israel”, showed Ben Gvir heckling the activists while waving an Israeli flag. After the outcry, Israel said it was deporting the activists. Thirty-six French nationals were on board the flotilla, the latest attempt by activists to breach Israel’s blockade of Gaza after Israeli forces intercepted a previous convoy last month. While Barrot said France disapproved of the flotilla’s actions, arguing they served “no useful purpose”, he added that “we cannot tolerate French nationals being threatened, intimidated or brutalised in this way, especially by a public official.” Spain has also urged the EU to sanction Ben Gvir while the United Kingdom summoned Israel’s most senior diplomat in Britain following “the inflammatory video”.Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Ben Gvir’s treatment of the activists was “not in line with Israel’s values and norms”, but he kept the security minister in his post. Netanyahu had earlier denounced the humanitarian aid mission as a “malicious scheme” intended to support Hamas.The activists had departed from Turkey last week on around 50 vessels under the Global Sumud Flotilla. Israel controls all entry points into Gaza, which has been under an Israeli blockade since 2007.