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Most countries have more overweight than under-nourished people, and the problem appears to be getting worse. What can be done? By Fahad Badar One of the success stories of economic development in recent years has been the reduction in absolute poverty.The proportion of those living on less than $1.90 a day, adjusted for inflation, has fallen from around 20% in 2000 to below 10% today. But there is a problem with increasing living standards: Rising obesity. An estimated 5mn deaths per year are linked with being overweight, 20 times the rate of deaths owing to under-nourishment.In richer countries, obesity is most significant in poorer neighbourhoods, while in emerging economies it is a middle-class phenomenon. Some countries feature the ‘double epidemic’ of underweight people in the poorest households and obesity among many on middle incomes.The global distribution is uneven. Polynesia and the Middle East feature some of the highest rates of obesity, while the leanest include France, China and some central African countries. But it’s growing. The global rate of obesity has doubled since 1990, and the rate among children has quadrupled, according to the medical journal The Lancet.The latest statistics published by the World Health Organisation show that the GCC countries account for the highest prevalence of obesity. Among children aged under five, the proportion of those who are overweight increased from 3.5% in 2000 to 7.6% in 2020. Among those aged 5–19, GCC countries had the highest prevalence of overweight children in 2016.Among adults, obesity rates are more than double the global average: 38% in Kuwait, 35% in Qatar, 35% in Saudi Arabia, and 32% in the United Arab Emirates. Health problems associated with obesity include elevated risks of heart disease, type-2 diabetes, cancers, mental health issues, and muscular and joint problems.In the UK, the Institute for Fiscal Studies estimated that the annual cost of obesity was around £32bn ($42bn), even after accounting for the shorter life expectancy of overweight people. The direct and indirect costs included health care, social care and inactivity at work.Much attention has been focused on the role of ultra-processed foods (UPFs), which make up more than half of the calorie intake in the US and the UK. UPFs such as crisps, snacks and frozen pizzas are low on nutrients, high in palatability, and often cheap. In one controlled study, people on UPFs consumed more than another group on a diet of foods with minimal processing; they also ate more quickly, and gained weight.There seems to be an additional health risk caused by the processing itself. In one study by University College London, there was more harm from ultra-processed foods compared with non-processed foods that had the same proportion of fat, sugar and salt.In October this year, the United Kingdom introduced strict curbs on advertising foods with high fat, sugar and salt content, and banned promotions to encourage consumption of them such as ‘buy one get one free’. One problem with health warnings, taxes, or advertising curbs on UPFs is the definition.Some processed foods with relatively high fat and sugar content, such as yoghurt, have more positive nutritional value than crisps or soda. Manufacturers may adjust ingredients to just below the threshold defined as ‘high’. There have been major developments in pharmaceutical products that reduce obesity.The science behind these treatments lies in the discovery of how the gut hormone glucagon-like peptide-1, or GLP-1, increases the production of insulin, and slows the production of glucagon – which increases blood sugar levels. It also slows the rate of gastric emptying.Synthetic versions of GLP-1 are used in the branded drugs Wegovy and Ozempic which have become blockbusters. They have helped many people lose weight, but there are side effects, such as nausea. Some users have lost lean muscle as well. They are expensive, although in November, President Donald Trump announced a plan that will reduce the cost of Wegovy and Ozempic from around $1,000 a month to $350 for US citizens. They may also hold the potential to treat other conditions.This year the US Food and Drug Administration approved prescribing semaglutide, the active ingredient in Wegovy and Ozempic, to prevent heart disease in patients with type-2 diabetes, and to treat scar tissue on the liver. It could be argued that obesity is a good problem to have, as an indication that absolute poverty has fallen.The alternative argument is that a diet high in processed foods is similar to cigarette smoking, and a priority for policy makers. Investing in preventive actions to combat obesity is essential to improve public health and reduce long-term healthcare costs.By implementing targeted interventions across different age groups, from promoting healthy eating and physical activity in schools to workplace wellness programmes and community-based lifestyle initiatives for adults, we can reduce the incidence of obesity and its related chronic diseases. In parallel, establishing and implementing comprehensive national policies on the consumption of healthy oils and fats, reduction of salt levels in foods, effective taxation on sugar-sweetened beverages, clear nutrition labelling, responsible food marketing (especially to children), and support for breastfeeding in line with WHO guidelines and GCC tax regulations, are critical steps to creating a healthier food environment.Moreover, strengthening human, logistic, and institutional capacities for healthy diet surveillance, monitoring, and evaluation, with WHO support, will ensure that these measures are effectively implemented, sustained, and adapted to national needs.Such proactive actions not only enhance the quality of life but also significantly decrease the national burden of healthcare expenditures associated with obesity-related conditions.The author is a Qatari banker, with many years of experience in the banking sector in senior positions.

Qatar’s economic rebalancing towards consumer-facing and productivity enhancing sectors has "reshaped" employment landscape, leading to its realty sector become demand-driven rather than project-led, according to Knight Frank, an international independent property consultancy.While construction remains an important component of GDP (gross domestic product), its share has gradually declined from 13.4% in 2021 to 11.3% in 2024, as other sectors have gained in prominence, it said in a latest report. Output in accommodation and food services, arts and recreation, logistics, and real estate has expanded sharply since 2022, reflecting "Qatar’s successful effort to rebalance economic activity towards consumer-facing and productivity enhancing sectors", it said.This reorientation is also reshaping the employment landscape, with a growing proportion of jobs emerging in tourism, logistics, and digital services, according to Knight Frank. "As a result, the underlying fundamentals supporting the real estate market, from retail and hospitality to residential and commercial space, are becoming increasingly demand-driven rather than project-led," the report said.Frank highlighted that Qatar’s economic outlook remains "positive", underpinned by strong macroeconomic fundamentals, an expanding population, and a clear policy agenda centred on diversification and sustainability.Population growth is reinforcing domestic demand, it said, adding the number of residents aged 15 years and older has grown at a CAGR (compound annual growth rate) of 3.1% between 2022 and 2024, against just 0.9% in the preceding six years. "This expansion, combined with new long-term residency schemes such as the Mustaqel five-year visa, is fostering greater residential stability and supporting housing demand, particularly among skilled expatriates and entrepreneurs," it said.The continued execution of third National Development Strategy (2024–30) is expected to accelerate private sector participation, unlock new growth clusters in logistics, tourism, and digital services, and sustain long-term investor confidence, it said. "For the real estate sector, these dynamics translate into a supportive operating environment, steady demand for residential and hospitality assets, growing interest in industrial and logistics space, and a pipeline of mixed use projects, aligned with Qatar’s urban and economic transformation agenda," it said. Finding that strong fiscal management remains a cornerstone of Qatar’s resilience story; it said despite lower hydrocarbon prices in 2025, the government’s fiscal position remains comfortably above breakeven levels, with the IMF (International Monetary Fund) estimating a fiscal breakeven oil-equivalent price of $44.7 per barrel.Public debt has fallen from 72.6% of GDP in 2020 to 40.8% in 2024, and is projected to decline further by the end of 2025, reflecting pragmatic budgetary control and effective debt servicing strategies.

The Minister of Trade and Industry of the Republic of Rwanda Prudence Sebahizi affirmed that the visit of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani to the Rwandan capital Kigali reflects the depth of relations between the two countries and represents an important milestone in enhancing co-operation across various fields, especially economic and investment sectors.Speaking to Qatar News Agency (QNA), Sebahizi stated that bilateral relations have grown so fast and "built on mutual trust and co-operation, in Rwanda and Qatar, we have been trading to each other, but we also have other development co-operation, especially on the side of investment. Currently, Qatar Airways is investing in RWANDAIR, and jointly they are investing in the new airport in Rwanda, which is a good opportunity for Rwanda to position itself as a logistic hub, given our geographic location and also our relations with the rest of African countries". He added: "Our trade has grown more than 30%, which is a good indication that we have a lot of potential to trade to each other.Rwanda has been exporting coffee to Qatar. But at the same time we do import petroleum products and fertilisers and we think there is much more aspects of cooperation, especially in logistics and also innovation and ICT". The Minister pointed out: "Recently, we have signed a number of MoUs covering different areas of collaboration like ICT, education, agriculture, innovation, and so many others.This gives us assurance that there will be growing investment, even if today we don't have the size of investment on record, the most expected investment is the current project of expanding Kigali International Airport, and also investment in RWANDAIR". Sebahizi explained that Rwanda is a promising investment and tourism destination due to its stability and business-friendly environment, having ranked highly in World Bank reports on ease of doing business, making it one of the leading regional destinations for investment in tourism, hospitality, and technology sectors. In terms of ICT, he said, " Rwanda has been leading in ICT over the last 25 years in the region and the continent.We are among the best countries in the world in terms of policy framework to promote ICT. Again, I see Rwanda as a hub for investing in ICT". He added that Rwanda's membership in the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) enhances its position as a key economic and trade centre connecting regional and international markets, stressing that co-operation with the State of Qatar could contribute to expanding economic development prospects at both bilateral and regional levels.Regarding his vision for strengthening co-operation between the two countries, Sebahizi said: " We also see it as a very good opportunity in terms of cooperation, because there is a lot we can learn from each other, the two countries that have the same vision, that have visionary leaders.There is a lot we can learn from that high-level leadership and also that friendship the two countries are enjoying". Concluding his remarks, Sebahizi addressed Qatari investors, inviting them to explore the promising opportunities Rwanda offers, affirming that his country enjoys political and economic stability and adopts transparent legal and regulatory frameworks that ensure investor protection.

Members of Congress hosted Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman at the US Capitol Wednesday, on the second day of a visit to Washington that has aimed to tout stronger-than-ever economic and security ties.President Donald Trump gave bin Salman a lavish welcome at the White House on Tuesday. A handful of Republican members of Congress, including House of Representatives Speaker Mike Johnson, Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Jim Risch, and House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Brian Mast, attended a black-tie gala dinner at the White House for bin Salman on Tuesday.Secretary of State Marco Rubio, sat near him during Tuesday's Oval Office meeting. Trump repeatedly said it was "an honour" to be friends with the Saudi leader, and the two men held hands. The crown prince arrived at Congress for a reception hosted by Johnson and attended by some Democrats as well as some of Trump's fellow Republicans.The meeting was not announced and the speaker's office did not respond to a request for comment. No similar meeting was held in the Senate. Neither Johnson nor Republican Senate Leader John Thune had the type of press opportunity, with photos and remarks, that is often held when world leaders visit the Capitol. Leaving the hour-long session with bin Salman, Mast said it had been a "fantastic" meeting that covered topics from Saudi Arabia's future internally, to Israel and Gaza, technology transfers, and efforts to thwart Chinese espionage."We covered just a lot of ground and covered a lot of ground with his royal highness at the White House last night as well," Mast told Reuters. Bin Salman, who agreed in the meeting with Trump to increase the kingdom's planned investments in the US to $1tn from $600bn, also attended an investment conference in Washington Wednesday that included CEOs from major US companies.The two sides also announced new agreements on arms sales, civil nuclear cooperation and artificial intelligence. Representative Gregory Meeks of New York, the top Democrat on the Foreign Affairs Committee, attended the House reception. Afterward, he called on the Trump administration to brief Congress on the agreements and questioned whether Trump's family businesses would benefit.Trump on Tuesday vehemently denied any conflict of interest with his family's Saudi investment interests.

Qatar Charity (QC) signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Gambia’s Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Welfare to strengthen co-operation in social protection, economic empowerment, and improving the quality of life for vulnerable groups. **media[382657]** The signing ceremony was attended by Fatou Sanyang Kinteh, Minister of Gender, Children, and Social Welfare of Gambia; His Excellency Abdullah Jassim al-Kuwari, acting Charge d’Affaires at the Embassy of Qatar in Gambia; and Mustafa Essatte, director of QC’s office in Gambia, alongside senior officials and civil society representatives. The MoU was signed by Ilo Jallow, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry, and Mustafa Essatte, director of QC’s office in Gambia. **media[382658]** Speaking at the event, Kinteh stressed the importance of this partnership, saying, “This co-operation represents a pivotal step in achieving the ministry’s goals of strengthening social protection for vulnerable groups, empowering women economically and socially, improving care services for children and the elderly, and supporting social inclusion programmes to raise living standards in rural communities. **media[382659]** “We believe that working hand-in-hand with QC will deliver a tangible and sustainable impact on the ground,” the Minister said, thanking the Embassy of Qatar, QC, and the people of Qatar for their continued support. **media[382660]** Al-Kuwari lauded the initiative, noting its role in advancing social development and economic empowerment in Gambia. Essatte said the MoU reflects a shared commitment to supporting vulnerable groups, empowering women, and improving living standards. He stressed the importance of joint efforts for sustainable impact and thanked the Minister, the Qatari envoy, and the people of Qatar for their continued support. **media[382661]** The ceremony also marked the distribution of essential aid, including 200 kitchen sets, 320 solar-powered lamps, 69 blood pressure monitors, 19 sewing machines, 14 vegetable stalls, and four electric wheelchairs for persons with disabilities. Over the past three months, QC’s office in Gambia completed 28 solar-powered wells in 28 villages, benefiting about 8,400 people. The office also launched six sheep-farming projects and five poultry projects, distributed 62 sewing machines, set up 26 fruit and vegetable stalls, and provided three motorbikes, supporting 102 low-income families. Social and educational efforts included distributing 90 blood sugar monitors, 11 school bag and uniform provision projects, 15 bicycles for orphans, building a home for a mother of orphaned children, and constructing a mosque covering 80 sqm.

Ecuadorans went to the polls Sunday to vote on whether to allow the return of foreign military bases and on starting a constitutional overhaul that could give Trump-friendly President Daniel Noboa more power.Nearly 14mn Ecuadorans are eligible to cast ballots on four questions that will decide how the country tackles rampant drug violence and addresses economic reforms.The South American nation banned foreign military bases on its soil in 2008.But with a "Yes" vote Sunday, which pre-election polling showed as likely, the US military could potentially return to the Manta airbase on the Pacific coast — once a hub for Washington's anti-drug operations."It is the only way to toughen the laws a bit and put an end to the insecurity our country is experiencing," Teresa Jacome, 60, told AFP in the crime-ridden largest city of Guayaquil.Other questions posed to voters concern ending public funding for political parties, reducing the number of lawmakers, and creating an elected body that would draft a new constitution.Polls will close at 5pm.The vote is taking place amid unprecedented violence sparked by turf wars and side hustles of drug trafficking gangs, a scourge which Noboa has vowed to tackle with a firm hand.It also comes as the US military conducts a series of airstrikes against alleged drug smuggling boats, a divisive policy from President Donald Trump that Noboa has backed.In office since November 2023, Noboa has deployed soldiers on the streets and in prisons, launched dramatic raids on drug strongholds, and declared frequent states of emergency — criticized by human rights groups.The 37-year-old millionaire has also posted images of hundreds of inmates, their head shaves, in orange uniforms being moved to a new mega-prison, echoing moves by El Salvador's Nayib Bukele.Still, in the first half of this year, there were 4,619 murders — the "highest in recent history," according to Ecuador's Organised Crime Observatory.Just as voting began, Noboa announced that the leader of the country's most notorious gang, Los Lobos, had been captured.The most-wanted drug kingpin known as "Pipo" had "faked his death, changed his identity and hid in Europe," Noboa said on X.Interior Minister John Reimberg later said "Pipo" had been detained in Spain in a joint operation between Ecuadoran and Spanish police.Once much safer, Ecuador now has one of the highest homicide rates in Latin America, and many would like to give Noboa freer rein.The prospect of aiding Trump's deadly air campaign against alleged drug trafficking boats will be on some voters' minds.Many Latin American governments are opposed, but Ecuador has become one of Washington's top champions in the region.Noboa has asked for Trump's help in tackling cartels and floated the idea of US bases returning to Ecuadoran soil.Regarding the other questions on the ballot, Noboa says the current constitution, at 400-plus articles, is too long and has "many errors."But he has been coy about what parts of the constitution he would like to change, leading to allegations he wants to consolidate power and curb rights.The body to draft a new constitution would likely be dominated by Noboa's allies, given his approval rating of around 56%.Noboa, the Porsche-driving son of a banana tycoon, also aims to reshape the state and economic model to give more space to the private sector.

His Excellency Dr Ahmed bin Mohammed al-Sayed, Minister of State for Foreign Trade Affairs, met with a number of senior US officials during his visit to Washington, DC, to discuss strengthening economic and trade ties between Qatar and the US.His Excellency al-Sayed met with David O Sacks, the White House ‘AI & Crypto Czar’ and co-chair of the President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology; Jacob Helberg, Undersecretary of State for Economic Growth, Energy and the Environment; Jeffrey I Kessler, Undersecretary of Commerce for Industry and Security; David L Fogel, Assistant Secretary of Commerce and Director General of the US & Foreign Commercial Service (Global Markets); and Ben Black, CEO of the US International Development Finance Corporation.**media[382148]**The programme also included a meeting with Jeffrey Goettman, candidate for the position of US Deputy Trade Representative. During the discussions, the Minister of State underscored that economic relations between Qatar and the US are defined by strong trade flows, mutual investment, and active private-sector collaboration.His Excellency al-Sayed emphasised the importance of the partnership across key areas, particularly trade and investment, and expressed confidence that mutual relations will continue to grow and deepen in the years ahead.

His Excellency the Minister of Finance Ali bin Ahmed al-Kuwari participated in a roundtable discussion between Qatar and the United Kingdom in London, attended by leading executives from the financial and professional services sectors.The roundtable took place during the Minister's official visit to the UK. It focused on strengthening economic relations and exploring investment opportunities between the two countries.Discussions highlighted ways to mobilise Qatari capital to support growth initiatives in the UK, as well as opportunities for British investment in projects aligned with Qatar National Vision 2030, promoting sustainable development and economic growth.Participants also emphasised the importance of long-term institutional partnerships designed to mitigate risks and maximise returns, enhancing economic integration between Qatar and the UK while supporting innovative projects in the financial and services sectors.

The Working Group of the Qatari-Saudi Committee on Economy, Trade and Industry, part of the Qatari-Saudi Co-ordination Council, held their meeting recently in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.The meeting was co-chaired by Mohammed bin Hassan al-Malki, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry of Qatar, and Rakan bin Waddah Tarabzoni, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Economy and Planning for International Economic Affairs of Saudi Arabia. Senior officials from both countries also participated.During the meeting, the two sides reviewed the strong relations between Qatar and Saudi Arabia and discussed ways to enhance economic, trade, and industrial co-operation to serve shared interests.Discussions focused on mechanisms to facilitate import and export procedures, promote bilateral trade, and strengthen co-operation in key sectors.The parties reviewed progress on joint initiatives, addressed existing challenges, and explored potential solutions.In addition, the committee examined its strategic objectives and pathways to deepen economic integration and bilateral co-ordination, in line with the national visions of both countries.

The Qatar International Court and Dispute Resolution Centre (QICDRC) has participated in the recent 6th full meeting of the Standing International Forum of Commercial Courts (SIFoCC), held in New Delhi, India.The gathering brought together high-level delegations representing about 68 commercial courts from around the world, including chief justices, presidents of judicial councils, and senior judges.This strong international presence reflects the increasingly important role of commercial courts in strengthening confidence in the rule of law and building stable, attractive legal and economic environments that support global investment.Faisal Rashid al-Sahouti, QICDRC chief executive officer highlighted the key role played by it in supporting international judicial co-operation and advancing commercial justice systems.SIFoCC serves as a leading platform for the exchange of expertise and best practices, and for strengthening collaboration among commercial courts worldwide — an effort that facilitates cross-border trade and enhances the efficiency and integrity of international judicial processes, according to him.The meeting’s sessions covered a wide range of pressing topics, including advancing international judicial convergence through the development of shared standards and practices to support the recognition and enforcement of commercial judgments across borders.Discussions also explored the implementation of arbitration and mediation awards, as well as practical mechanisms for document exchange and witness hearings between different judicial systems.Participants examined issues relating to corporate legal responsibility in light of global challenges such as climate change, digital transformation, and the expansion of private finance, and the implications of these developments for commercial law.In addition, the sessions addressed the use of artificial intelligence within judicial systems, underlining the importance of establishing clear ethical frameworks to safeguard judicial independence and uphold the principles of fair trial.QICDRC had hosted the 5th full meeting of SIFoCC in Doha in April 2024, continuing Qatar’s efforts to strengthen international judicial co-operation and promote professional dialogue among commercial courts.That meeting underscored Qatar’s position as a leading centre for commercial justice and a hub for the resolution of international business disputes.Established in 2017 as a global judicial initiative, SIFoCC provides a unique platform for collaboration between commercial courts from diverse legal systems.With 68 member courts worldwide, the forum works to promote professional cooperation, exchange judicial expertise, and develop practical mechanisms for resolving cross-border commercial disputes — contributing to greater stability in global commerce and enhancing confidence in the legal frameworks that underpin the world economy.

The Qatar International Court and Dispute Resolution Centre (QICDRC) has participated in the recent 6th full meeting of the Standing International Forum of Commercial Courts (SIFoCC), held in New Delhi, India.The gathering brought together high-level delegations representing about 68 commercial courts from around the world, including chief justices, presidents of judicial councils, and senior judges.This strong international presence reflects the increasingly important role of commercial courts in strengthening confidence in the rule of law and building stable, attractive legal and economic environments that support global investment.Faisal Rashid al-Sahouti, QICDRC chief executive officer highlighted the key role played by it in supporting international judicial co-operation and advancing commercial justice systems.SIFoCC serves as a leading platform for the exchange of expertise and best practices, and for strengthening collaboration among commercial courts worldwide — an effort that facilitates cross-border trade and enhances the efficiency and integrity of international judicial processes, according to him.The meeting’s sessions covered a wide range of pressing topics, including advancing international judicial convergence through the development of shared standards and practices to support the recognition and enforcement of commercial judgments across borders.Discussions also explored the implementation of arbitration and mediation awards, as well as practical mechanisms for document exchange and witness hearings between different judicial systems.Participants examined issues relating to corporate legal responsibility in light of global challenges such as climate change, digital transformation, and the expansion of private finance, and the implications of these developments for commercial law.In addition, the sessions addressed the use of artificial intelligence within judicial systems, underlining the importance of establishing clear ethical frameworks to safeguard judicial independence and uphold the principles of fair trial.QICDRC had hosted the 5th full meeting of SIFoCC in Doha in April 2024, continuing Qatar’s efforts to strengthen international judicial co-operation and promote professional dialogue among commercial courts.That meeting underscored Qatar’s position as a leading centre for commercial justice and a hub for the resolution of international business disputes.Established in 2017 as a global judicial initiative, SIFoCC provides a unique platform for collaboration between commercial courts from diverse legal systems.With 68 member courts worldwide, the forum works to promote professional cooperation, exchange judicial expertise, and develop practical mechanisms for resolving cross-border commercial disputes — contributing to greater stability in global commerce and enhancing confidence in the legal frameworks that underpin the world economy.

Qatar Chamber acting director general Ali Bu Sherbak al-Mansouri held a meeting with Linda Sultan, director general of the Tripoli and North Lebanon Chamber of Commerce, Industry, and Agriculture, to review trade and economic co-operation relations and ways to enhance them.The meeting, held in the presence of Ali Hamad al-Marri, director of the Department of Committees and Business Councils Affairs at the chamber, also reviewed means to promote joint and mutual investments that contribute to increasing trade exchange between Qatar and Lebanon.Al-Mansouri emphasised the depth of fraternal relations between Qatar and Lebanon, saying Qatari businessmen are keen to expand their investments in Lebanon. He also cited the ongoing co-operation between the business sectors of both countries.He stressed the chamber’s commitment to encouraging Qatari businessmen to explore investment opportunities in Lebanon, noting the strong and long-standing relations between the Qatar Chamber and the chambers of commerce in Lebanon.Similarly, Sultan praised the distinguished relations between both countries, expressing her aspiration to strengthen co-operation between the Tripoli and North Lebanon Chamber and the Qatar Chamber in various fields that serve the business communities in both countries.