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Hundreds of prisoners, including a former government minister and a model, walked free in Myanmar Sunday after the junta announced annual independence day pardons, a week after the start of an election that watchdogs have denounced as sham. The military grabbed power in a 2021 coup that triggered civil war, pitting pro-democracy rebels against junta forces, with thousands of activists since arrested. A dozen buses full of released prisoners exited Yangon’s Insein prison Sunday morning, with some waving to crowds of well-wishers. Family members outside Insein - notorious for alleged brutal rights abuses - held up signs with the names of their jailed loved ones, unsure if they would be among those freed. One man, who declined to be named due to security concerns, said he was hoping to see his father, who was jailed for “doing politics”. Ex-information minister Ye Htut was among those freed, after serving more than two years of a 10-year sentence for sedition and incitement against the military. “I was informed about my release early Sunday morning. I didn’t expect that,” Ye Htut said adding that he had been held in isolation and was not allowed family visits while detained. He was the presidential spokesman under the military government of Thein Sein, which ceded power to democratic figurehead Aung San Suu Kyi following landmark elections in 2015. Ye Htut was sentenced in late 2023, weeks after he was arrested for spreading “wrong information” on social media. In total, junta chief Min Aung Hlaing pardoned 6,134 imprisoned Myanmar nationals, the National Defence and Security Council said, adding that 52 foreign prisoners would also be released and deported. The yearly prisoner amnesty was announced as the country marks 78 years of independence from British colonial rule. Several freed men and women embraced relatives in tears outside Insein. Some who spoke said they had been arrested for drugs, theft and other non-political crimes. “I am very happy to reunite with my family,” said 35-year-old Yazar Tun, as he held one of his three children outside the prison. He said he served around eight months of a year-long sentence for loitering. Prominent model and former doctor Nang Mwe San was also among those released. She was arrested in 2022 on a charge of “harming culture and dignity” for posting allegedly explicit videos online. Myanmar’s junta opened voting in a phased month-long election a week ago, with its leaders pledging the poll would bring democracy and national reconciliation. However, rights advocates and Western diplomats have condemned it as a sham and an effort to rebrand martial rule. The pro-military Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) has a decisive lead in the first phase, winning 90% of the lower house seats announced so far, according to official results published in state media on Saturday and Sunday. Many analysts describe the USDP as a civilian proxy of the military. Two more phases of voting are scheduled for January 11 and 25. The massively popular but dissolved National League for Democracy (NLD) of Suu Kyi did not appear on ballots, and she has been jailed since the coup. The military overturned the results of the last poll in 2020 after the NLD defeated the USDP by a landslide. The military and USDP then alleged massive voter fraud, claims that international monitors say were unfounded. The junta has said turnout in the first phase last week exceeded 50% of eligible voters, below the 2020 participation rate of around 70%. Myanmar frequently grants amnesty to thousands of prisoners to commemorate holidays or Buddhist festivals. A key aide to Suu Kyi was among hundreds of prisoners freed in a pre-election amnesty in November. The junta said that month it was dropping sentences for more than 3,000 prisoners, after they were prosecuted under post-coup legislation restricting free speech. 

His Excellency CEO of the Qatar Free Zones (QFZ) Authority Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Faisal al-Thani said that Qatar National Day is a cherished national occasion to recall the values upon which the State of Qatar was founded, the values of faith, responsibility, and hard work, adding that these are the same principles that today guide the country towards achieving comprehensive development and enhancing its position on the global arena.Speaking to Qatar News Agency (QNA) on the occasion of the country's National Day, Sheikh Mohammed extended his warm congratulations to His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, the leader and patron of Qatar's advancement, and to His Highness the Father Amir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani, whose foresighted vision laid the foundations for the country's development and put it on path towards a bright future.He added that recalling the role of the Founder Sheikh Jassim bin Mohammed bin Thani is not merely a remembrance of the founding history, but a reminder of today's responsibility towards the future, adding that loyalty and belonging in the context of institutions and the economy mean converting the national vision into tangible outcomes, which include quality investments, sustainable job opportunities, a diversified economy, and international leadership supported by trust and achievement.He noted that the authority continues to perform its role as a catalyst for the growth of value-added sectors, in line with the objectives of the Qatar National Vision 2030 (QNV 2030) and the Third National Development Strategy, particularly with regard to attracting foreign direct investment, developing human capital, and achieving environmental and economic sustainability.On a personal level, he said that Qatar National Day is a moment to reflect on and assess institutional responsibility in achieving real economic impact, and evaluating the extent of actual contribution to supporting the stability of the state and its sustainable growth, adding that it is also an occasion to renew the collective commitment to diligent, results-driven work that befits the aspirations of the nation and its leadership.Regarding the QFZ's most prominent achievements in 2025, he said that the authority continued its role in supporting the transition towards a diversified, knowledge-based economy, thanks to an investment base of more than 800 companies licensed in the free zones, providing over 12,000 jobs, with cumulative investments approaching $5bn by the end of 2025.He pointed out that this year marked a shift from attracting investments to operating advanced industrial and technological facilities.In the aviation sector, the Safran Group opened its regional office in the free zones in cooperation with Qatar Airways, enhancing the country's capabilities in aircraft engine maintenance and data analytics.In the logistics sector, FedEx Logistics opened a new facility at the Ras Bufontas Free Zone, thus, strengthening Qatar's position as a key hub for international trade and supply chains.For its part, Alfardan Automotive inaugurated an advanced logistics centre in Umm Alhoul Free Zone.In the maritime sector, the MARSA port project in Umm Alhoul Free Zone was advanced through the signing of two memorandums of understanding (MoUs), with Feadship, and with Marina Port Vell, enhancing Qatar's position as a regional hub for maritime services, marine industries, and luxury yachts.The QFZ also signed strategic agreements with global partners, most notably a strategic MoU with WuXi Biologics, the leading Chinese international company in biologics research, development, and manufacturing, an important step aimed at strengthening Qatar's pharmaceutical ecosystem, driving research, development, and innovation in this field, and cooperating in the local manufacturing of biologic products.QFZ's co-operation in 2025 also included signing an agreement with Samsung C&T Corporation to implement innovative projects in renewable energy and low-carbon digital infrastructure, as well as an MoU with Russia's BIOCAD to develop biologics research, development, and manufacturing facilities.At the local level, the Authority signed an agreement with Jusour to support training national talents to meet the needs of advanced sectors in the free zones.Regarding new projects supporting digital transformation and contributing to the growth of the emerging technology sector, he said that the QFZ continues to enable the state's digital transformation by developing advanced technological infrastructure that enhances the local economy's readiness for next-generation applications.The year 2025 has been pivotal in this regard, with the free zones witnessing an expansion in the presence of global and local digital companies, in addition to the growth of cloud infrastructure and data centres, he noted.The Google Cloud Center of Excellence emerged as one of the key pillars in building digital capabilities, offering specialised training programs this year in artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and data analytics, contributing to the development of national talent and support for the private sector.The free zones also saw digital companies such as Kingdee, Quantiphi, and Qcloud expand data centre capabilities in Ras Bufontas Free Zone, as part of building an integrated digital ecosystem that supports artificial intelligence and Internet of Things (IoT) solutions, forming a foundation for emerging technologies.Digital transformation also strengthens joint projects with Samsung C&T Corporation, which combine digital innovation and sustainability through the development of smart energy solutions and low-carbon infrastructure.Technological advancement has extended to the maritime sector, where the MARSA port project introduced advanced digital systems for marina management and marine maintenance, an initiative showcased during the QFZ's participation in the Monaco Yacht Show 2025.These initiatives contribute to supporting the implementation of Qatar's Digital Agenda 2030 and consolidating the position of the free zones as a leading platform for innovation and advanced technologies in the region.Regarding QFZ's key strategic priorities for the coming year, His Excellency said that the authority will focus on developing a more flexible and competitive investment ecosystem that supports achieving the targets of the Third National Development Strategy to reach $100bn in foreign direct investment over the coming years.The QFZ's priorities include enhancing the regulatory environment through the development of a dual licensing model, which allows companies to operate in the free zones and the local market through an integrated operational mechanism, enabling greater flexibility in expansion, production, and export.The Authority is also working to enhance its investment services by simplifying procedures, expanding digital services, and improving investor experience from establishment through to operation.As part of strengthening national competitiveness, QFZ is focusing on reinforcing economic and logistical integration between the free zones and national infrastructure at ports and the airport, creating a coherent operational network that facilitates the movement of goods and supports companies' expansion into regional and global markets.The authority also seeks to develop a regulatory and operational framework that enables investors to establish centres of excellence and research and development facilities in the free zones, in co-operation with universities and national institutions. This aims to enhance innovation, link future industries with applied research, and create high-quality job opportunities for Qatari talent.Sustainability remains a central pillar in the coming year's plans, adopting low-carbon energy solutions, enhancing environmental, social, and governance (ESG) standards, and ensuring that new projects align with the state's goals of improving energy efficiency and reducing carbon emissions.He concluded his statement to QNA by saying that these priorities aim to enhance the ability of the free zones to attract high-value investments, expand their contribution to driving economic growth, and consolidate the position of the State of Qatar as a leading global destination for investment and innovation.

Europe’s embattled automakers are set to get a breather as they struggle with the transition to emission-free driving, a critical moment that will shape the future of the continent’s transport sector for better or worse.The European Union is preparing to soften ambitious rules that would have effectively banned new combustion-engine vehicles from 2035. While the situation is fluid, loopholes are under discussion that could lead to a five-year extension, but other scenarios are being considered, including taking a ban off the table, according to people familiar with the discussions.“We will only be able to do something for climate protection if we have a competitive manufacturing sector,” German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said at a press briefing in Heidelberg alongside Manfred Weber, who heads the conservative bloc in the European Parliament. “We need to correct the conditions in Europe as quickly as possible so that this industry in Europe has a future.”The stepback — set to be unveiled on Tuesday — is the result of intense lobbying from companies such as Stellantis NV and Mercedes-Benz Group AG, who sought to ease the risk of fines that could have exceeded €1bn ($1.2bn) in the coming years. Major auto-producing countries including Germany — home of Mercedes, Volkswagen AG and BMW AG — also pushed for changes to defuse political tensions and threats of job losses.While the breathing room might be welcome for an industry that accounts for about €1tn ($1.2tn) of economic output, it harbours risks. Too much flexibility threatens to slow development and increase the technology gap to Tesla Inc and Chinese rivals such as BYD Co. That could result in the EU becoming a bastion for yesterday’s technology and doing little to bolster the sector’s flagging competitiveness.“What’s happening now is a wake-up call for the industry,” said Jos Delbeke, professor at the European University Institute in Florence and a former senior EU climate official. “Some flexibility may be needed for all good reasons, but it should be temporary; otherwise we will risk missing the climate targets and losing the technology race.”Loosening the deadline could also be a chance for Europe’s leaders to regroup and make the transition more palatable for consumers. Up to now, the burden was on producers to make good on the EU’s EV ambitions, with many national governments doing little to implement policy to make the technology more appealing.Although there is now time for policymakers to change course, incentives for buying or operating electric vehicles cost money and fiscal headroom is unlikely to increase in the coming years.The EU already outlined plans earlier this year to support the industry. In an action plan unveiled in March, the bloc’s executive arm pledged measures to make local battery cells and components cost-competitive.The cost of the green transition is a highly sensitive issue for governments in the face of rising populism. Their concerns were on display earlier this month, when the EU clinched a preliminary deal on a new climate target for 2040, while simultaneously delaying the introduction of carbon prices at the pump by a year to 2028.While that would make driving combustion-engine vehicles more expensive and in the process make EVs more attractive, politicians fear the move could trigger another backlash from voters.“The EU’s climate ambition demands that every sector delivers, yet emissions reductions from road transport are lagging,” said Ingo Ramming, head of carbon markets at Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria SA in Madrid. The success of the new fuel pricing system “will depend on political and social concerns that are only heightened in today’s challenging environment.”For manufacturers, the delay offers a brief window to rework investment plans that have been knocked off course by rising costs and uncertain EV demand. Carmakers have already slowed or scaled back several battery-plant projects, while suppliers — which employ the bulk of the industry’s workforce — are under acute pressure as combustion-engine orders shrink faster than electric volumes ramp up.Industry groups warn that without a transition better aligned with market reality, thousands of smaller parts makers would face a cliff edge, raising the risk of deeper job losses and supply-chain disruptions across the bloc.“Europe’s industrial base is under pressure as electrification and global competition shift value to Asia,” said Archibald Poty, trade and market affairs manager at CLEPA, the European supplier association. “In a less favourable business environment, strategic policies are vital.”Under pressure from climate-sceptic populist parties, green policies have been cast as a threat to prosperity, and governments have leaned toward safeguarding legacy manufacturing sectors to avoid stoking political tensions.Despite the backsliding, environmental commitments are still in place and the coming months will test whether policymakers can strike a balance that keeps Europe’s car industry globally competitive without derailing efforts to eliminate net emissions of climate-warming gases in 25 years.For automakers, it’s far from clear the extra time will deliver the jobs boost they claim. Many executives argue that shifting the deadline won’t fix the industry’s deeper problems — ranging from high energy prices to sluggish permitting and a lack of local battery production.Without progress on those fronts, they warn, Europe risks merely postponing the pain rather than improving its chances in the global race for electric cars.Some fear the reprieve could even entrench hesitation. By easing the pressure, critics say the EU may inadvertently encourage companies to stick with profitable conventional technologies rather than accelerate the pivot to EVs — a move that could leave the region further behind as China presses ahead. The risk, they argue, is that Europe spends valuable years in a holding pattern.Weaker rules could also breathe life into interim solutions such as range extenders and hybrid systems. Like most current EV batteries, many of the key components are sourced from China, meaning any short-term uplift for Europe’s suppliers could be modest. 

By the end of 2024, Qatar’s population was estimated at approximately 3.2mn, a young and highly literate population, with an average age of 32 years supported by a healthy annual growth rate and strong economic fundamentals.Qatar is widely recognised for posting consistently strong economic performance. The country is witnessing rapid developments across the infrastructure, logistics, tourism, and sports sectors, positioning it as a leading regional hub among the Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC) states for major events and investments.Qatar offers visa free entry to GCC passport holders, in addition to nationals of 101 countries getting visa-free entry and 95 countries obtaining visa on arrival.Qatar offers world-leading aviation connectivity, positioning the country and the region as a significant global transit hub.Qatar Airways operates from the Hamad International Airport in Doha, repeatedly ranked among the world’s best. The national carrier flies to over 182 destinations across the world, significantly increasing global visibility and accessibility to the country as well as the region to support tourism, trade, logistics and sports events.Qatar positive factors include:High human development: Qatar consistently ranks in the “very high” category of the Human Development Index (HDI), placing it among the top global performers in education, healthcare, and overall quality of life.Strategic energy leadership: Qatar holds one of the world’s largest natural gas reserves and is a leading exporter of liquefied natural gas (LNG), giving it significant influence in the global energy markets and ensuring long-term economic stability.Flourishing tourism: Qatar has consistently demonstrated unmatched capability to organise mega events such as the FIFA World Cup 2022, World Aquatics competitions, ATP tennis tournaments, Formula 1, World Athletics Championships, World Gymnastics Championships, and the Asian Games 2006. It strengthens Qatar’s global soft power and boosts tourism.Strong social stability and safety: Qatar is consistently ranked as one of the safest countries in the world. Qatar’s stability, secure environment, and modern infrastructure attract families, investors, multinational companies, and international organisations to visit or move to Qatar.Qatar is located in the GCC region. The GCC – consisting of Saudi Arabia, Qatar, United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Oman and Bahrain – is a regional political and economic alliance established in 1981 to foster collaboration, stability, and shared development.At the last GCC Heads of States Summit held in Bahrain on December 3, the leaders confirmed their support for Qatar’s bid for the 2036 Olympic Games. 

Boeing Co expects to generate cash again in 2026, a significant reversal in the planemaker’s finances as it prepares to boost monthly production rates of its passenger aircraft.The US company expects positive free cash flow to reach the “low-single digits” billions of dollars next year, reversing the $2bn cash burn seen for 2025, said Boeing Chief Financial Officer Jay Malave, in his first solo presentation at an investor conference since taking over the post in August.The assurances propelled Boeing’s shares, with the stock advancing as much as 9.2%, the most since April. Malave’s comments provided the first detailed look at the planemaker’s cash projections for 2026, a year when Boeing’s comeback should gain momentum if jet deliveries keep rising while factories and the supply chain stabilise.Longer term, the company still expects to eventually reach the $10bn cash-generation target outlined by the previous management team, Malave said. That goal, initially set for 2025, had been pushed back repeatedly as Boeing battled through a series of crises.“There’s just no reason why we can’t get to that once we get to these higher rates on the aircraft,” Malave told a UBS conference. “I’m very comfortable saying that we can absolutely deliver $10 billion.”Malave’s comments shored up confidence in Boeing, particularly among investors nervous about the planemaker’s comeback after it reported a $4.9bn charge for the latest delay to its 777X jetliner in October, said George Ferguson, analyst with Bloomberg Intelligence.While Boeing had previously predicted its cash generation would vastly improve next year, Malave’s comments carried some weight as an outsider who joined Boeing from defence rival Lockheed Martin Corp, Ferguson said.“Fleshing out for next year is a nice confirmation” that Boeing’s operations remain on-track, he said. “And Airbus’s issues this week are a reminder that it’s not a one-horse race.”The CFO cited a steadily improving production cadence in Boeing’s factories, especially for its 737 Max and 787 Dreamliner jets, and the reduction of its inventory of undelivered aircraft as reasons for optimism, alongside improving profitability at its defence division and steady growth for its services operations.Analysts expect Boeing to generate $2.46bn in free cash flow next year, according to estimates compiled by Bloomberg. They’ve pared their free cash flow predictions by more than half since mid-July on the slower-than-expected certification of the 777X, pushing its largest in-production jet more than seven years behind schedule. Malave said the delay would bring about $2 billion of “pressure” to next year’s cash generation.The company also expects to make a large payment to the US Justice Department next year to resolve a case stemming from two fatal crashes of its 737 Max. Malave also cautioned that the largest 737 model, the Max 10, likely won’t be certified for commercial service until later in 2026, pushing some deliveries into 2027.Boeing’s free cash flow hasn’t been positive on an annual basis since 2023. After years of turmoil, the planemaker is working to whittle down its debt load and invest in projects that will secure its future.Adding urgency to the turnaround is the fact that the company faces $8bn in debt payments next year, and plans to quickly pay down another $3bn in Spirit AeroSystems Holdings Inc obligations once the acquisition of the supplier closes. Approval of the complex deal reuniting Boeing with its former subsidiary is in the latter stages, Malave said.Boeing lost a cumulative $39bn during the first half of this decade, including $13.1bn last year as it faced a crippling strike and a near-catastrophe that sparked federal investigations and a leadership shake-up. 

Abdullah al-Qahtani won the opening round of the Qatar Free-Style Drifting Championship for the 2025-2026 season held on Friday. After nearly three hours of thrilling action, Al-Qahtani with a total of 44 points edged out Saud al-Marri by just three points, while Ahmad al-Musnad secured the third place, surpassing Ahmad al-Banna by a single point. Rashid al-Banna claimed fifth place. The round was held under the patronage of HE Sheikh Khalid bin Hamad al-Thani, chairman of Qatar Racing Club (QRC) and in the presence of a large crowd that filled the stands. Registration and technical inspection took place on Thursday to check the cars and ensure their readiness for competition. The organizing committee set a number of standards and requirements that all participants had to meet in order to compete in this round — some related to the vehicles, such as the necessity of installing a roll cage, properly securing the car battery, and having a functional seat belt, among other points; and others related to the drivers, focusing on safety elements such as wearing a racing suit, helmet, and using a proper seatbelt, among similar conditions. Before the start of Friday’s competition, a briefing session was held between the drivers and the judging panel, during which several important technical and procedural points were clarified. According to the competition’s structure, each driver was given one chance to enter the track and perform a set of required maneuvers — including drifting, reverse driving, figure-eight spins, and reverse maneuvers — within a total time limit of four minutes. There was also a specific score allocated for the overall style in which each driver performed their routine. At the conclusion of the event, Sheikh Jabor bin Khalid al-Thani, Director General of QRC, crowned the winners. The second round is scheduled to take place on December 26.

Alfardan Automotive has proudly announced the opening of its state-of-the-art automotive and spare parts logistics hub at Umm Alhoul Free Zone. This milestone marks a major step forward in Alfardan Automotive’s strategic vision to enhance operational excellence, expand its logistics capabilities, and reinforce Qatar’s growing position as a regional leader in mobility and supply chain innovation. Located near Hamad Port, the new Alfardan Automotive Trading facility spans over 67,000 square-metre and has been developed as part of Alfardan Automotive’s long-term investment to deliver world-class automotive operations and customer service capabilities. **media[376116]** The facility includes a 12,860 square-metre built-up area and a 24 work bays Pre-Delivery Inspection (PDI) centre. It specialises in automotive and spare parts logistics, servicing passenger vehicles, motorcycles, heavy equipment, and related components. The hub is designed to handle a wide range of logistics functions, including indoor and outdoor vehicle storage with a total capacity of approximately 1,500 units, as well as temperature-controlled bays tailored for luxury vehicles. In addition, the 5,800 square-metre Alfardan Commercial warehouse accommodates premium tires, batteries, lubricants, and paints, ensuring seamless supply chain operations that meet the highest standards of quality and efficiency. The hub incorporates advanced logistics and inventory management systems to optimise import, and storage operations. The new hub underscores Alfardan Automotive’s enduring commitment to providing its partners and customers with exceptional service while driving innovation across the automotive value chain. **media[376117]** Omar Hussain Alfardan, Managing Director of Alfardan Corporation, commented: “Alfardan Automotive has built a long-standing legacy in Qatar’s luxury automotive market, delivering cutting-edge products while maintaining exceptional customer care and industry best practices. The opening of our regional logistics hub represents an extension of this commitment, offering a qualitatively elevated level of logistical services that enhances our operational capabilities, supports our dealership networks, and complements Qatar’s broader trading and economic activities. This hub reinforces the country’s growth as a regional centre for logistics and mobility, reflecting our shared vision for economic growth and sustainable development.” Developed in partnership with the Qatar Free Zones Authority (QFZ), the project reflects a shared vision to position Qatar as a premier destination for automotive logistics and advanced mobility services. QFZ has provided a world-class environment and infrastructure framework that enables strategic investments, such as Alfardan Automotive Trading’s new hub to thrive and contribute to Qatar’s national development objectives. This landmark facility will serve as a cornerstone for Alfardan Automotive’s future growth, empowering its brands and partners to deliver even greater efficiency, customer satisfaction, and sustainable progress within the mobility sector.

Qatar Free Zones Authority (QFZ) and DHL Global Forwarding have officially inaugurated the group’s new logistics facility at Ras Bufontas Free Zone.The inauguration marks an important expansion of DHL’s presence in Qatar and reinforces Qatar’s free zones status as a premier destination for global logistics operators.The inauguration ceremony was held in the presence of HE Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim al-Thani, chairman of both Al Faisal Holding and the Qatari Businessmen Association (QBA), and shareholder of DHL Global Forwarding Qatar; Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Faisal al-Thani, CEO of QFZ; and Samer Kaissi, CEO – Gulf Cluster, DHL Global Forwarding.The new DHL Global Forwarding facility spans more than 1,200sq m and will serve as a regional distribution warehouse specialising in air freight consolidation services, supporting both regional and global distribution networks. Strategically located within proximity to Hamad International Airport, the facility is ideally positioned to capitalise on Qatar’s world-class transport infrastructure and streamlined customs processing.The facility further strengthens Qatar’s appeal as a competitive base for high-value logistics operations. DHL Global Forwarding will offer a suite of services from the new facility, including air, sea and land logistics services, marine shipping agent operations, general warehousing, and customs brokerage.Sheikh Mohammed said: “The inauguration of DHL Global Forwarding in Ras Bufontas Free Zone reflects a strategic step to reinforce Qatar’s stature as a high-value logistics hub, reducing time to markets and enhancing the supply chain flexibility across the region.“As a global logistics leader, DHL will improve the operational capacity, enhance specialised warehousing capabilities, and reinforce multimodal connectivity, benefiting from the proximity to Hamad International Airport, and creating an attractive footprint for partners and suppliers across various economic sectors.”He added: “This investment will also drive our transition from a transit hub to an integrated solutions platform supported by a flexible regulatory framework and advanced digital infrastructure, ensuring new growth prospects and connecting the region to markets in Africa and Asia.”Kaissi said: “Qatar plays a key role in our regional logistics strategy, particularly as we expand our multimodal capabilities across the GCC. Hamad Port has long been a vital part of our network, supporting east-west trade flows. Thanks to our collaboration with the Qatar Free Zones Authority, we now also benefit from improved connectivity to the Hamad International Airport.“With our new facility in Ras Bufontas Free Zone, located close to the airport, we are enhancing our airfreight capabilities, which enable us to deliver even more resilient and scalable logistics solutions, especially for the growing GCC-Africa corridors. This provides us with enhanced flexibility and continuity across critical sectors such as life sciences, energy, and e-commerce.”QFZ remains committed to accelerating Qatar’s logistics growth and enabling strategic investment that aligns with Qatar National Vision 2030, positioning the state as a hub for sustainable, innovation-led industrial activity.

The Qatar Free Zones Authority (QFZ) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Marina Port Vell Barcelona, one of the world's leading superyacht destinations and a luxury maritime leader, to jointly develop the Marsa Maritime ecosystem into a premier hub for high-end yachting operations.The partnership aims to attract top-tier vessels, leading service providers, and international maritime expertise, bolstering Qatar's position in the global superyacht industry, QFZ said in a statement Saturday.The MoU was signed by CEO of QFZ, Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Faisal al-Thani and CEO of Marina Port Vell Barcelona, Ignacio Erroz on the sidelines of the 34th Monaco Yacht Show.Under the MoU, Marina Port Vell Barcelona will provide advisory and consultancy support, leveraging its extensive knowledge of superyacht port requirements and experience managing dedicated infrastructure for high-end vessels. The partnership will also explore opportunities to position Qatar and Marsa Maritime as a regional hub for custom yacht operations by fostering connections between yacht owners, industry professionals, and Qatar's world-class facilities.Sheikh Mohammed stated: "This strategic partnership with Marina Port Vell Barcelona represents an important step in QFZ's journey to redefine the luxury maritime landscape. With world-class facilities and advanced technologies, we are positioning Marsa as the Gulf's newest hub for superyachts, service providers, and global investors, driving innovation and setting new standards in alignment with the Qatar National Vision 2030."As per the MoU, Marina Port Vell Barcelona directors may engage in select high-level events in Qatar, reinforcing their commitment to the development of a robust maritime ecosystem and promoting Marsa Maritime as a premier destination for the global yachting community.Ignacio Erroz said: "We are proud to collaborate with QFZ in shaping the future of Marsa Maritime, a project with exceptional potential in Qatar's growing market. By sharing our expertise and engaging with yacht owners and professionals worldwide, we aim to support Marsa's emergence as a premier hub for luxury yachting in the region." Anchored in the heart of Umm Alhoul Free Zone and just 20 minutes from Doha's city centre, Marsa Maritime is uniquely positioned beside Hamad Port, one of the largest greenfield seaports, enabling it to serve as a base for diverse marine activities. From vessel maintenance and repair to interior design, provisions supply, safety training, brokerage, and maritime research, Marsa offers unparalleled opportunities for international companies seeking to access Qatar's thriving market and the wider region.

The Qatar Free Zones Authority (QFZ) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Feadship, the world-renowned Dutch builder of custom superyachts, to explore collaboration in marine infrastructure, design, and sector engagement.The MoU, signed during the 34th Monaco Yacht Show, reflects a shared vision to develop Marsa Port at Umm Alhoul Free Zone into a premier superyacht destination in the Gulf, fostering excellence across maintenance, refit, provisioning, and owner experiences.The MoU, seen as a strategic move that underscores Qatar’s growing role in the global superyacht industry, was formalised by QFZ CEO Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Faisal al-Thani and Feadship chief commercial officer Bas Nederpelt.Under the MoU, Feadship will provide advisory support to QFZ’s leadership on the development of world-class maintenance, repair, and refit (MRR) facilities, while also contributing to broader initiatives to enhance Qatar’s role in custom yacht design and luxury maritime innovation.Sheikh Mohammed said, “Qatar is becoming a global hub for the superyacht community, driven by world-class infrastructure and a market forecast to grow 7.4% annually through 2030. With the highest ownership per capita in the region, our partnership with Feadship advances our ambition to make Marsa the Gulf’s leading superyacht destination - creating lasting value for investors, owners, and the maritime sector.”Beyond port infrastructure, the collaboration opens new avenues for global engagement through high-level events, knowledge sharing, and owner experiences that will draw international attention to Qatar’s evolving marine sector.Nederpelt said, “Feadship welcomes the opportunity to explore this collaboration with QFZ. We recognise Qatar’s ambition to develop Marsa Port as a destination for the superyacht community and are pleased to contribute in an advisory capacity as part of this exploratory partnership. This MoU reflects our shared commitment to knowledge exchange and dialogue, ensuring that any future steps are aligned with the highest standards of our industry.”The partnership is part of QFZ’s broader strategy to create a future-focused, sustainable marine cluster that attracts leading global players, enhances the Gulf region’s luxury offerings, and places Qatar firmly on the global superyacht map.

Qatar Free Zones Authority (QFZ) and Bin Yousef Cargo have announced the official opening of a new warehouse facility at Ras Bufontas Free Zone.The facility underscores the shared commitment of both entities to strengthening Qatar’s position as a pivotal hub for regional and global supply chain and logistics.Marking a significant milestone in Bin Yousef Cargo’s expansion strategy, the facility has already completed its first shipment. Strategically located near the award-winning Hamad International Airport and Hamad Port, it offers seamless connectivity to major transportation routes, enabling Bin Yousef Cargo to deliver efficient, integrated logistics and distribution solutions to its clients.In addition to its prime location, the facility provides a comprehensive suite of value-added services, including custom packaging, inventory management, and order fulfilment, tailored to meet the needs of businesses across diverse industries in Qatar and the wider region.Equipped with state-of-the-art amenities, the facility ensures optimal operational efficiency and top-tier service standards, reinforcing Bin Yousef Cargo’s position as a trusted logistics partner committed to excellence and innovation.Operating within Qatar’s free zones enables Bin Yousef Cargo to deliver cost-efficient solutions through competitive pricing and flexible terms, supporting clients in optimising their logistics costs.Customers also stand to benefit from streamlined customs procedures and duty exemptions on transshipments, simplifying trade operations and providing regulatory advantages that enhance ease of doing business in the region.Abdulla Hamad al-Binali, acting chief operating officer at QFZ, said: “The opening of Bin Yousef Cargo’s state-of-the-art facility in Qatar’s free zones is a strategic step that reflects QFZ’s commitment to enhancing the competitiveness of the logistics sector and expanding our network of partnerships with top logistics solutions providers.“We are committed to empowering businesses with competitive advantages, world-class infrastructure, and integrated logistical connectivity that provides an ideal environment for growth and expansion. The addition of Bin Yousef Cargo’s advanced facility to our ecosystem reinforces our role as a catalyst for trade excellence in the region.”Jiju Haneef, director, Cargo Operations at Bin Yousef Cargo, said: “The launch of our Qatar’s free zones warehouse and the successful execution of our maiden shipment represent a strategic leap forward in our mission to provide world-class logistics solutions.“This facility strengthens our ability to offer enhanced services, cost efficiencies, and regulatory benefits to our clients. We are proud to contribute to Qatar’s vision of becoming a global logistics hub and look forward to supporting businesses with unmatched agility and reliability.”QFZ remains committed to accelerating Qatar’s logistics growth and enabling strategic investments that align with Qatar National Vision 2030 and the Third National Development Strategy (NDS3), positioning the country as a hub for sustainable, innovation-led industrial activity.

Latvia, which offers attractive opportunities through eight free zones, is seeking investments from Qatar, especially in information and communications technology, food security, tourism, renewable energy, healthcare, and logistics.This was discussed at a Qatar Chamber meeting with Dana Goldfinča, non-resident Ambassador of Latvia to Qatar.She was received at the chamber’s headquarters by board member Abdulrahman bin Abduljalil bin al-Abdulghani, in the presence of other members Abdullah al-Emadi and Dr Mohammed bin Johar al-Mohammed.The meeting discussed ways to enhance trade and economic relations between the two countries, explored potential areas of cooperation between the Qatari and Latvian private sectors, and highlighted key investment opportunities for Qatari businessmen in Latvia.Abdulrahman al-Abdulghani said the current volume of trade between Qatar and Latvia remains very modest, underlining the importance of strengthening cooperation between the private sectors of both countries to expand trade exchange and mutual investments.Inviting Qatar Inc to Latvia, Goldfinča emphasised her country’s openness to Qatari investments across all sectors.The envoy further highlighted the importance of enhancing cooperation between the Qatar Chamber and the Latvian Chamber of Commerce and Industry to facilitate communication and foster stronger ties between the business communities of both countries.