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Qatari Diar Real Estate Investment Company signed an investment partnership agreement with Egypt's New Urban Communities Authority to implement an integrated urban tourism project according to the highest international standards, in the Alam El Roum area on the North Coast of Matrouh Governorate.The project extends over an area of ​​around 4,900 acres and along 7.2km of Mediterranean beaches, with total investments estimated at more than $29.7bn.The signing ceremony was attended on the Egyptian side by Prime Minister Dr Mostafa Madbouly, Minister of Finance Dr Ahmed Kouchouk, and Minister of Housing, Utilities, and Urban Communities Sherif El Sherbini.On the Qatari side, it was attended by His Excellency Minister of Municipality and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Qatari Diar Abdullah bin Hamad bin Abdullah al- Attiyah, CEO of Qatari Diar Ali Mohammed al-Ali, and Chief Development and Project Delivery Officer — Asia and Africa at Qatari Diar, Sheikh Hamad bin Talal al-Thani.The project aims to transform Alam al-Roum into a comprehensive tourism and investment destination, encompassing residential, tourist, commercial, and service areas. It will feature upscale residential complexes and neighbourhoods, tourism and entertainment projects, open artificial lakes, golf courses, and a marina for yachts, including one international and two inland local marinas. The project will also include a complete infrastructure, such as a service free zone, electricity distribution and water desalination and treatment plants, hospitals, schools, universities, and several government offices.Stretching along a 7.2 km waterfront, the project is expected to be one of the largest development projects in the region and is anticipated to attract investments, boost economic growth, and create both direct and indirect job opportunities.The agreement includes a cash price of $3.5bn and an in-kind consideration of 396,000 square meters of built-up area, the sale of which is expected to generate revenues of at least $1.8 bn. In addition, 15 % of the project's profits will be allocated to the New Urban Communities Authority after the company recovers its full investment costs. These profits include the output of the company and its subsidiaries.The land use within the project is distributed as follows: residential land constitutes approximately 60 % of the total area, 15 % is allocated to service areas, and 25 % to roads, squares, and open green spaces. The project land will be delivered free of any encumbrances in two main phases and several sub-phases.In this context, Dr Mostafa Madbouly emphasised that this agreement represents a major investment partnership reflecting the depth of the fraternal relations between Egypt and Qatar. He said that it is an important step in strengthening economic and investment cooperation between the two countries, given the distinguished relationship between President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi and His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani. He added that the partnership embodies the vision of both leaderships for integrated economic cooperation that contributes to supporting sustainable development and attracting high-quality investments to the Egyptian market.He noted the government's commitment to removing any obstacles facing investors and its keen interest in partnering with Qatar on this project, which is one of the largest Arab investments in the real estate and tourism development sector and reflects investor confidence in the Egyptian economy.For his part, HE Abdullah bin Hamad bin Abdullah al- Attiyah said that the project represents a strategic step toward enhancing the status of Egypt's North Coast as a comprehensive global destination, and embodies Qatar's commitment as a partner in supporting the Egyptian government's efforts to achieve sustainable development and year-round operation of coastal areas.The project represents one of the most prominent investment ventures in the region, with a total investment of approximately $29.7 bn, he said, noting that this is expected to provide more than 250,000 direct and indirect job opportunities.HE Minister of Municipality and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Qatari Diar added that the project also reflects Qatari Diar's confidence in the strength of the Egyptian economy and its belief in the value of investing in Egypt's unique geographical location.Speaking to Qatar News Agency following the signing of the deal, CEO of Qatari Diar Ali Mohammed al-Ali emphasized that the "Alam al-Roum" project represents a new step in developing luxury destinations in Egypt, as part of a series of strategic investments targeting high-value tourist destinations. He added that the project will be a landmark in the development of the North Coast and a global destination that will redefine tourism standards on the Mediterranean through development spanning more than 20mn square meters and boasting over 4,500 hotel rooms.He indicated that the project will be implemented by a special-purpose project company wholly owned by Qatari Diar, in coordination with the New Urban Communities Authority to ensure the design adheres to the highest international standards.

On the opening day of the Second World Summit for Social Development (WSSD2), the Education Above All (EAA) Foundation, a global education and development organisation, convened two high-level sessions in partnership with global organisations to address some of the most pressing challenges facing youth and vulnerable communities around the world.EAA’s Silatech Programme, in collaboration with the International Labour Organisation (ILO) and the Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD), hosted a high-level session titled “An Introspective Look: From Challenges to Solutions for Advancing Youth Economic Empowerment Programming” The session will take stock of youth employability and employment programming and progress towards SDG #8 Decent Work and Economic Growth. As part of this examination, the high-level event aims to identify meaningful solutions to move the needle forward on tackling youth unemployment through encouraging innovative approaches to decent work and social inclusion. The aim of the session is to highlight the importance of prioritising relevant and responsive youth employability and employment programmes and policies that respond to the major global shifts and realities of today and the future.Speakers included His Excellency Fahad Al-Sulaiti, Director-General of QFFD, Her Excellency Sheikha Hanouf Abdulrahman Al Thani, Director of International Organizations Department, MOFA Qatar, , Ms. Laura Thompson, ILO Assistant Director General for External and Corporate Relations, Mr. Laurent Biddiscombe, Executive Director for Global Client Solution, AFD, Dr. Issa Faye, Director-General, Global Practice and Partnerships, IsDB, Ms. Susana Puerto-Gonzalez, Head, Youth Employment Unit, ILO, Ms. Hayfa Al-Abdullah, Innovation and Entrepreneurship Director, QSTP,Ms, Kristen Edgreen Kaufman,Senior Vice President, Global Impact Initiatives, USCIB (US Council for International Business), and Ms, Carolin Vollmann, Head of Division in the International Department of the German Trade Union Confederationr, EAA. The panel also featured the voices of two youth changemakers, Sharon Odongo and Khalid Al Kuwari. Participants discussed how rapid technological shifts, climate change, and demographic transitions are reshaping labour markets, and underscored the need for adaptable, inclusive strategies that empower youth to thrive in evolving economies.**media[377313]**In partnership with the World Food Programme (WFP) and the Government of Kenya, EAA’s Silatech Programme contributed to the high-level panel “Unlocking Skills, Employment, and Resilient Food Systems in Kenya.” The discussion explored how public–private partnerships and national programmes can promote economic inclusion, adaptive social protection, and green value chains.Moderated by Ms. Rania Dagash, WFP Assistant Executive Director for Partnerships and Resource Mobilization, the panel featured Joseph Motari, Principal Secretary, Ministry of Labour and Social Protection (Kenya); Mr. Mana Al-Ansari, Chief Economic Empowerment Officer, EAA; Sheikha Haya Al-Thani, Deputy Director General of Planning, QFFD, Dr. Ehud Gachugu, Deputy CEO of the Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA); and Ms. Betty Ka, WFP Kenya Country Director.**media[377315]**Speakers highlighted youth innovative Economic Inclusion Programmes and the power of collaboration between governments, international agencies, and the private sector to expand employment, strengthen climate-resilient livelihoods, and move from protection to long-term prosperityMr. Mana Al-Ansari, Chief Economic Empowerment Officer at the Education Above All Foundation, Said: “The sessions held today reflect Education Above All Foundation’s commitment to advancing practical solutions that link education, employment, and social inclusion. Through our programmes, we are addressing critical issues such as youth unemployment, economic empowerment, and the resilience of communities affected by conflict and climate change. By partnering with strategic organisations, EAA continues to champion education as the foundation for dignity, opportunity, and sustainable development.”Through these sessions, the Education Above All Foundation reaffirmed its global commitment to advancing inclusive education, youth empowerment, and social protection. By connecting education to employment, inclusion, and dignity, EAA continues to drive innovative partnerships that leave no one behind, ensuring that education remains the cornerstone of social and economic transformation.For more information about EAA Foundation, visit www.educationaboveall.org

Qatar Airways and Air Algérie announced a codeshare partnership that will increase access to seamless connectivity between Algeria and key markets in Asia and the Middle East through Doha’s Hamad International Airport. Starting today, travellers can book codeshare flights for travel starting on November 15.Building on an existing interline partnership between the two carriers, the codeshare provides Qatar Airways customers easier access to Algiers as well as six other key destinations in Air Algérie's domestic network, including Annaba, Constantine, Oran, Tamanrasset, Timimoun, and Tindouf. Qatar Airways’ Privilege Club members will also earn Avios on codeshare flights operated by Air Algérie.Similarly, through codeshare flights with Qatar Airways, the Algerian national flag carrier offers more travel options for its passengers traveling to Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur, and Muscat via Hamad International Airport. This codeshare agreement will soon be expanded to include additional destinations.Qatar Airways Chief Commercial Officer, Thierry Antinori said: “We are delighted to expand our partnership with Air Algérie through this new codeshare agreement, further strengthening our presence across key African markets. This collaboration will offer travellers greater choice and seamless connectivity to the Middle East, and Asia. It also reflects our ongoing commitment to deepening strategic partnerships, such as with Air Algérie, that enhance global connectivity from and to Africa through our hub, Hamad International Airport.”Air Algérie Head of Commercial Division, Samy El Karim Boutemadja said: “This codeshare agreement with Qatar Airways will certainly give Air Algérie the opportunity to enhance the company’s positioning in the Middle East and in Asia by offering its customers larger possibilities to reach new destinations, as well as promoting travelling to Algeria. This agreement contributes to Air Algérie’s global strategy to expand its network and connections through its Algiers hub. We are looking forward to a successful partnership with Qatar Airways.”Qatar Airways currently has 30 interline and six codeshare agreements with airlines across Africa, and operates some 213 weekly flights to 30 cities in 21 African countries.

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung and Singaporean Prime Minister Lawrence Wong agreed Sunday to establish a strategic partnership between their countries and expand cooperation across various sectors, including defense and trade.The two leaders announced the launch of the strategic partnership during a joint press conference at the presidential office following their summit talks, which took place as part of Prime Minister Wong’s official visit to South Korea.“Our two countries share many similarities. We have both achieved remarkable growth based on human capital and an open, free-trade order despite limited land, scarce resources, and a challenging geopolitical environment,” President Lee said.According to Yonhap News Agency, the two sides agreed to deepen cooperation in the areas of security, defense, artificial intelligence, advanced technology, people-to-people exchanges, and combating transnational crimes such as online scams.Under the new strategic partnership, South Korea and Singapore will also strengthen collaboration to address global challenges, including climate change and cross-border crimes, amid a shifting international order that has long underpinned global growth and prosperity, according to the presidential office.Prime Minister Wong highlighted significant potential for collaboration in the green economy, digital innovation, security, and defense, and expressed his full support for South Korea’s efforts to promote peace on the Korean Peninsula.

The National Cyber Security Agency announced Wednesday the launch of Cybersecurity Awareness Month 2025, observed every October, under the theme "Secure Your World, Protect Your Future." The campaign will be rolled out across the agency's social media platforms in partnership with the Government Communications Office, alongside outdoor advertisements in high-traffic public areas such as Msheireb, Doha Corniche, and major commercial malls including Place Vendome Mall, Doha Festival City, and others. Throughout the month, the National Cyber Security Agency aims to engage all segments of society: the elderly, young people, and children—by addressing key topics such as the importance of cybersecurity, phishing and electronic fraud, and others. A highlight of the campaign will be the agency's mobile pavilion, offering families and children interactive educational activities and awareness games every weekend at selected malls, including Place Vendome, Mall of Qatar, and Doha Festival City. In addition, the agency will organize a series of awareness workshops, as well as dedicated sessions targeting the Asian Village, with the aim of strengthening cybersecurity awareness among the workforce. This campaign underscores the agency's commitment to fostering a culture of digital safety by raising awareness of cyber threats, promoting best practices for prevention, and contributing to a safer cyber environment for all members of society.

Bare, the leading provider of premium device protection solutions, A venture of AAMAAL Mobiles, the brand’s core offering redefines the category with an industry-first Lifetime Free Replacement promise has announced a strategic partnership with Redington, an Apple Value Added Distributor in Qatar, to bring a first-of-its-kind benefit to iPhone 17 customers in Qatar.Through this collaboration, iPhone 17 series devices sold via select authorized retail channels in Qatar will come with a unique QR code —unlocking complimentary Bare protection for every eligible customer.“Consumers today expect not just innovation in devices, but also peace of mind when it comes to protection. With this initiative, we are proud to deliver both,” said Al Harith Al Khalili, Executive Partner of AAMAAL Mobiles. “Our partnership with Redington ensures iPhone 17 customers in Qatar can experience a seamless start with their new device, backed by Bare’s LIFETIME FREE REPLACEMENTS”“Driving activation during New Product Introduction (NPI) is critical — and our partnership with Bare ensures that customers not only protect their devices but also enjoy true peace of mind after activating their prized possessions. As a Value-Added Distributor in Qatar, Redington continues to champion superior customer experiences by bringing best-in-class solutions closer to every user,” said Jeetendra Berry, President, GCC & Levant Region, Redington Group.“With this collaboration, we are enabling smoother adoption of the latest iPhone, accelerating activations, and reinforcing the ecosystem of trust that Apple customers expect. We believe technology is most powerful when it’s built on assurance and delivered with care. Together with Bare, we are setting a new benchmark for value, protection, and confidence across Qatar’s tech landscape”This exclusive offer will be available in limited quantities at selected retailers. Customers are encouraged to look out for iPhone 17 packaging featuring the special BARE QR code to redeem their complimentaryprotection.Terms & Conditions apply*

Qatar is drafting new legislations, including an updated public–private partnership law, a foreign investment law and a bankruptcy law, to strengthen the legal framework and also help the private sector, which otherwise has been saving QR100mn annually through various industrial incentives.This was disclosed by Mohammed bin Hassan al-Malki, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, at the first Public–Private Sector Dialogue Forum, which sought to tackle key challenges, develop practical solutions and initiatives, and strengthen cooperation between both sectors in support of Qatar’s economic development.Highlighting that business procedures have also been streamlined; he said investors now automatically receive a tax number upon issuance of a commercial registration, alongside approvals for labour recruitment.As much as 95% of services are available online via the single-window platform, and a new multilingual portal has been launched to serve both local and international investors, he said, adding foreign investors can now participate in more than 1,400 business activities.Further reforms include the removal of requirements to match commercial activities for imports and the adoption of a unified Gulf Cooperation Council or GCC customs tariff, reducing costs, broadening sourcing options, and eliminating shipment rejections due to licensing."Industrial incentives — such as reduced leasing rates for industrial, logistics, and commercial land —are saving the private sector more than QR100mn annually," according to him.In addition, environmental permit processes have been simplified for 90% of industrial activities, lowering costs, enhancing project feasibility, and supporting entrepreneurship in value-added sectors, he said, emphasising that the private sector is a key partner in Qatar’s development journey.The forum featured a panel discussion with al-Malki; Saeed bin Abdullah al-Suwaidi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Justice; and Sheikha Najwa bint Abdulrahman al-Thani, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Labour.Stressing the ministry’s commitment to implementing a series of initiatives aimed at simplifying business establishment and operations while creating a more attractive investment climate; al-Malki said these initiatives include comprehensive company incorporation upon issuance of the commercial registration, which now automatically generates the company card and tax number, provides approvals for labour recruitment, and offers a commercial name reservation service.These measures have helped reduce establishment times, minimise the number of government entities to be approached, ensure compliance with trade name requirements in advance, and allow companies to track their incorporation applications, he said.Saleh Majid al-Khulaifi, Assistant Undersecretary for Industry and Business Development, delivered a presentation outlining the ministry’s main initiatives to strengthen partnership with the private sector. These include the creation of sectoral committees covering industry, trade, logistics, health, and technology, tasked with monitoring sector-specific challenges and proposing practical solutions.

Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi met with Lebanese Foreign Minister Youssef Rajji on the sidelines of the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly. The two sides reviewed ways to strengthen the strategic partnership and enhance relations between the GCC and Lebanon across various fields serve common interests.Talks also addressed recent positive developments in Lebanon aimed at achieving greater prosperity and security for its people, as well as the latest regional and international developments.The GCC Secretary-General reaffirmed the GCC's firm positions on Lebanon, including its continued support for the country's sovereignty, security, and stability, and its backing for the reform process and state-building efforts.Albudaiwi further underscored the importance of implementing UN Security Council resolutions on Lebanon, particularly Resolution 1701, as well as the Taif Agreement. He stressed that these steps are essential to restoring lasting security and stability, safeguarding Lebanon's territorial integrity and political independence, and ensuring the extension of state authority over all Lebanese territories.

Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi and Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty discussed enhancing the strategic partnership between the GCC and Egypt and expanding cooperation across multiple fields to serve shared interests, during a meeting held on the sidelines of the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly on Monday.Discussions also covered the latest regional and international developments, particularly the situation in the Gaza Strip and the serious violations committed by Israeli occupation forces against the Palestinian people. Both sides stressed the importance of concerted efforts to achieve a ceasefire, facilitate urgent humanitarian aid delivery, and end the crisis in order to safeguard regional and international security and stability.

The Qatar-US cultural and educational cooperation has been the epitome of the core pillars of the strategic partnership between the two nations for decades. Throughout recent years, this partnership has increasingly thrived in multiple educational, academic, research, and cultural fields, the Cultural Attache at the Embassy of the State of Qatar to the United States, Nasser Mohammed Al Nuaimi, told Qatar News Agency (QNA). Al Nuaimi added that the US is one of the key global partners of the State of Qatar in the academic domain, with universities among the most advanced globally, including four among the world's top ten. This makes cooperation with them an imperative for realizing Qatar's aspirations to build a modern educational system that keeps up with global standards. The State of Qatar aspires to forge long-term partnerships with those institutions, which would benefit both Qatari students and American universities through sharing expertise, setting top-notch educational curricula, and launching training programs that hone the alumni' skills, he highlighted. Al Nuaimi further explained that the State of Qatar is working to boost these partnerships through its various institutions, foremost among them being the Qatar Leadership Centre, which positions itself as a quintessential model for collaboration with American academic institutions in the areas that advance leadership and build research capabilities. These efforts are diligently ongoing, in parallel with energized efforts to increase the number of Qatari scholarship students in US universities throughout the years ahead, through holding coordination meetings with US university administrations to explore their enrollment opportunities in a variety of disciplines, he outlined. He averred that bilateral cultural cooperation is embodied in outstanding initiatives under the superintendence of the Ministry of Culture and Qatar Museums, alongside US institutions, particularly Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU), noting the annual technical exhibition VCU organizes to showcase the artworks of artists and students from VCU's branch campus in Doha for a broader US audience, which literally positions itself as a cultural bridge between the two communities. Al Nuaimi delved into the foremost educational projects currently ongoing, noting the existing cooperation between Qatar University (QU) and several US universities to implement joint student projects. He emphasized that Qatari and US students are working together on research and academic tasks, which are assessed as part of their educational curricula. The Ministry of Education and Higher Education regularly participates in prestigious academic conferences such as the NAFSA Annual Conference and Expo and the Washington Higher Education Council, which promote Qatar's presence in the academic and global arenas, he highlighted. Al Nuaimi stressed that Qatari cultural diplomacy represents a significant contributor to promoting dialogue among peoples, given the state of play in the region and the world, noting that the domains of education and culture offer broader opportunities to forge acquaintances and make overtures. He added that they contribute to pitching the Qatari mores in a framework of shared appreciation. The Qatari educational missions in the US would project an honored image of the Qatari and Islamic identity if this identity were correctly and systematically pitched, he underlined.Al Nuaimi further outlined that the Attache performs a significant role and operates to provide all kinds of support for scholarship students, in terms of the academic, social, or psychological levels, by helping them focus on their studies and accomplish the excellence that projects an honored image of their homeland.The Attache annually convenes students to regularly check on their situation, either via relaying monthly messages or by reaching out to them and the academic supervisors in US universities directly, to ensure that a supportive and integrated educational environment is in place, assured Al Nuaimi.Al Nuaimi averred that there are steadfast endeavors to enhance academic cooperation between Qatari universities and US ones as part of future plans, through creating practical training opportunities for students while they are on campus, in addition to connecting US universities with Qatari institutions that teach the Arabic language, namely QU and Qatar Foundation.These endeavors, he said, would contribute to broadening the apertures of cultural and academic cooperation, noting the preparation to host an international conference for higher education in Doha in collaboration with key US universities, something that would ultimately open new prospects for academic and research exchange.Finally, Al Nuaimi stressed that the State of Qatar considers investment in education and culture as investment in human capital, laying the groundwork for the national development path. He emphasized that academic and cultural partnerships with the US will remain a core pillar in supporting the Qatar National Vision and promoting its stature on the global stage.

The State of Qatar participated in the Yemen Maritime Security Partnership Conference held in Riyadh under the auspices of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the United Kingdom. The State of Qatar's delegation was headed by Ambassador of the State of Qatar to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Bandar bin Mohammed Al Attiyah.

In an interview with Gulf Times in Doha, Benjamin Arif Dousa, Minister for International Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade of Sweden underlined the “clear prospects for even closer collaboration” between the two countries, particularly in implementing the memoranda of understanding (MoUs) signed during the visit of His Highness the Amir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani to Sweden last year.“We already have several MoUs in place—now the focus is on operationalising them,” Dousa said.“I would urge Qatari companies to invest in Sweden, as my country is among the world’s top-ranked in technology and innovation. We have a much diversified industrial profile and base compared to our neighbouring countries in the Nordic region. In Sweden, we have global leaders in fields such as artificial intelligence, financial technology, life sciences, quantum computing and manufacturing of course.”Dousa noted that the bilateral trade between Sweden and Qatar stood at $800mn in 2024. While, the bilateral trade has been increasing, the minister noted, “there are prospects to enhance it further”.“We see lots of opportunities on both sides,” Dousa said.Sweden mostly imports oil and oil-related products from Qatar. Swedish exports to Qatar include iron ore, telecommunications equipment and machinery.“It may be interesting to note that nearly 25% of the steel used in Qatar’s construction industry originates from Sweden’s northern iron ore deposits. We have been part of Qatar’s industrial journey for a long time,” Dousa observed.He said many Swedish companies are active in Qatar and have been in the country for many decades. They look to serve Qatar for many more decades to come.Qatar and Sweden have recently entered into an agreement to establish a joint business council (JBC), which aims to strengthen collaboration between the private sectors, open new channels for investment and partnership, and contribute to building a more sustainable future.Highlighting Sweden’s strength and expertise in green technology and sustainable practices, Dousa said, “We want to be very much part of Qatar’s transition to a greener future. From logistics to production and manufacturing, we are producing everything from electric buses to large gas turbines in Sweden.”He also highlighted the alignment between Sweden’s vision and Qatar National Vision 2030, which provides diverse opportunities for cooperation, trade development, and addressing shared challenges.Dousa also pointed to “untapped potential” in linking small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in both countries.“While large companies in Sweden and Qatar know each other well, the SME sector remains relatively unfamiliar in both directions,” he said.On Sweden’s capital markets, Dousa stressed that the country offers one of the most dynamic ecosystems in the European Union. Sweden probably has the European Union’s “most well-functioning capital structure and capital markets.”“After Silicon Valley, Stockholm, our capital, produces the highest number of ‘unicorns per capita’ than any other global city. If you look at IPOs for the last 10 years, we have had more initial public offerings in Sweden than in Germany, France, Spain and The Netherlands combined.“Although we are not the largest country in Europe, we have the most listed companies in all of Europe. Prospects for collaboration exist even more in this area,”Dousa, who led a large delegation of Swedish companies to Qatar, said firms in his country explored new avenues of trade and investment cooperation with their counterparts in Qatar.He noted Sweden “is a vibrant country” when it comes to entrepreneurship and growth.“We have quite a few Fintech companies – including the large ones like Klarna, who just had a high-profile IPO on NYSE, to smaller ones and in very specific technologies.”Dousa stressed the need for enhanced collaboration and cooperation between Sweden and Qatar, which are trade-dependent countries.“At a time when some countries are pivoting away from the WTO system, I think it is absolutely super important that we collaborate even more. We have to support the WTO. We have to trade more with each other. Actually, one of the reasons for my trip to Doha is to seek a free trade agreement with Qatar together with the EU.”Asked whether an FTA between Qatar and the EU would become a reality soon, he said, “I hope so. We have been in talks for many years now. When the United States is raising tariffs, we have to find new partners. We have to trade more with each other. An FTA will give a boost to overall trade. Especially, the SME sector in our countries will stand to benefit from a free trade agreement.”The Swedish Minister also supported more direct flights and enhanced connectivity between Sweden and Qatar.“Of course, it is people-to-people exchanges than can also lead to more business. Yes, we will love to see that.”Dousa said he will be leaving Doha “very satisfied”.“My visit to Qatar has been very successful. This is a country, which is open and frank...open to the world...trade dependent just like Sweden. Between Qatar and Sweden, we share many similarities, and I am confident our already excellent bilateral relationship will continue to grow,” Dousa added.