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Targeting Qatar’s energy infrastructure, particularly Ras Laffan Industrial City, signals a dangerous escalation against critical facilities, with consequences that extend far beyond national borders and threaten the stability of global energy markets, legal experts have warned. They stressed that Ras Laffan is not just an industrial zone but one of the world’s most vital hubs for liquefied natural gas (LNG) production and exports. Any attack on the site would reverberate immediately across international markets and supply chains. Experts note that such actions reflect a broader shift in modern conflict, where strategic economic assets are increasingly becoming primary targets. This trend raises serious concerns about global economic security. Repeated attacks, they caution, risk triggering uncontrolled escalation and weakening international efforts to protect civilian infrastructure, particularly facilities tied to essential public needs. Under international law, civilian objects enjoy special protection, and targeting them under any circumstances constitutes a violation requiring a firm international response. Lawyer Abdullah Al Nuaimi Al-Hajri described the targeting of Qatar’s energy sources and critical facilities as a grave breach of international law, warning that those responsible could face serious legal consequences. He noted that the UN Charter prohibits the use or threat of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state, adding that such acts amount to aggression against sovereignty and international peace. Even in times of armed conflict, he said, international humanitarian law imposes strict limits on targeting civilian objects, especially infrastructure essential to daily life, such as energy and gas facilities. Given Ras Laffan’s global significance, any attack would threaten not only Qatar but also the broader world economy and international energy security. Lawyer Ali Al-Khalifi said targeting Qatar’s energy facilities marks a dangerous turn in the conflict, placing vital infrastructure directly in harm’s way and endangering the arteries of the global economy. He pointed out that potential disruptions affecting around 17% of LNG export capacity, amounting to tens of billions of dollars in annual losses, highlight the scale of the risk and its impact on global economic stability. A recovery period that could stretch over several years, he added, underscores the urgent need for decisive international action to ensure accountability and prevent recurrence. Lawyer Zainab Mohamed said the attacks reflect a troubling shift in the threats facing critical infrastructure and signal a change in how strategically important civilian facilities are treated. Energy installations, she emphasised, are lifelines for both national and global economies and are afforded special protection under international law. Targeting them not only constitutes a direct violation but also sets a dangerous precedent for similar actions elsewhere, exposing the global economy to unprecedented risks. Lawyer Saad Al-Dossari described such attacks as a serious departure from established legal norms, underscoring how conflicts are increasingly moving beyond traditional battlefields to target the foundations of the global economy. Energy facilities, he said, are no longer merely economic assets but pillars of international stability due to their direct role in securing global supply. Ras Laffan’s position as one of the world’s leading LNG production and export centres gives it immense strategic importance, making any threat to it an immediate concern for international markets and one that demands a firm global response. 

His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani received a telephone call from the President of the friendly French Republic Emmanuel Macron.The call dealt with developments in the region, following the attack on Ras Laffan Industrial City, and the dangerous escalation it represents, which could threaten the security and stability of the region and undermine global energy supplies.In this regard, the French President stressed the importance of the immediate cessation of military escalation targeting civilian infrastructure, particularly energy and water facilities, emphasizing the need to protect civilians and their basic needs, and to safeguard energy supplies from the repercussions of this military aggression.HH the Amir said that the continued targeting of vital facilities posed a direct threat to regional and international stability. HH the Amir renewed the call to immediately end escalation, intensify international efforts to contain tensions, and work through diplomatic channels to ensure the crisis does not expand. 

Global spare capacity of liquefied natural gas (LNG) is "insufficient" to replace Qatar’s volumes on “technical constraints” of LNG importers and “structural vulnerability” of gas exporters, even as closure of Ras Laffan and Mesaieed Industrial City will impact the country's export revenues, according to the Qatar Financial Centre (QFC)."There is not enough spare capacity to fully replace Qatar’s LNG volumes," the QFC said in its analysis on the implications from Iranian drone strikes triggered force majeure declaration (by QatarEnergy).Stressing that pre-crisis market conditions were already tight; it said the global LNG imports amounted to 578bcm, while available export capacity was 593bcm; leaving spare capacity of about 15bcm."The 15bcm spare capacity is nowhere near the 110bcm at risk from Qatar," it said after QatarEnergy, the state-owned company handling all of Qatar’s LNG exports, suspended operations citing security concerns with Iranian drone strikes hitting Ras Laffan Industrial City and Mesaieed Industrial City – two primary LNG production and export hubs for Qatar.Qatar's hydrocarbons bellwether announced a halt in production, pending damage assessment and security evaluation, implying 20% of the world's LNG export capacity going offline.With the stoppage of production and export of LNG, the importers of Qatar’s LNG would have to pivot towards the spot LNG market, it said, adding LNG prices spiked due to production halts and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, through which 100% of Qatar’s LNG exports flow.In the spot market, LNG importers started paying a premium price against what they would be paying under their contracts with Qatar, it said, pointing out the 39% increase in Asian LNG benchmark and more than 50% in European gas futures, largest move since 2022 crisis.Highlighting the storage buffers of Qatar’s key import partners; China has 7.6mn tonnes, which provided about two to four weeks coverage; Japan 4.4mn tonnes (2-4 weeks coverage); and South Korea 3.5mn tonnes (2-4 weeks coverage), the QFC said, quoting CNBC data.In 2025, Asia received most of Qatar’s LNG exports with shipments to China amounting to 20mn tonnes, India (12mn), Taiwan (8mn), Pakistan (7mn), South Korea (7mn) and others (29mn). After Asia, followed Europe, it said, adding 100% of Qatar’s LNG exports flow through Strait of Hormuz, which is currently all but shut.Terming that not all LNG is the same; the QFC said LNG varies in gross heating value (GVH) and Qatar’s LNG has specific characteristics that may not match the US or Australian suppliers.It said Ship-to-Ship Compatibility Study (SSCS) requirements suggest that vessels that may be suitable for Ras Laffan may not automatically work with alternative suppliers' terminals.Stressing that terminals are designed differently for specific LNG compositions; it said a rapid switch from Qatar LNG to US LNG (different methane content) requires operational adjustments or infrastructure modifications."These technical challenges make it difficult for countries to pivot. For importers of Qatar’s LNG, long-term infrastructure adaption will be required to pivot," the QFC said.Also pointing out the structural vulnerability of the global LNG market, the QFC said the US LNG capacity is already running at maximum; Australian supply is geographically too far to rescue Europe efficiently; and European inventories are currently at low levels in view of the winter season.Depending on how long the conflict lasts, importers of Qatar’s LNG may seek to diversify away from Qatar but it would be difficult to achieve due to midstream integration (pipelines, compression, reserve flows); and climate policy (the EU's target of gas demand lowering by 2030), the QFC said. 

Stricter rules for cupping therapy services should be introduced to ensure the safety and quality of services provided, the Central Municipal Council (CMC) has stressed.CMC recently held the 48th meeting of its seventh term, chaired by His Excellency Mohamed bin Ali al-Athba, CMC Chairman, during which a proposal to make the Industrial Area and an independent municipality into a full administrative unit was presented.The meeting discussed several items on its agenda, as part of the council’s keenness to follow up on service-related and regulatory issues directly linked to the lives of residents and the quality of services provided.The council started its proceedings by approving the minutes of the previous meeting and reviewing incoming correspondence, reflecting the continuity of institutional work and the council’s follow-up on proposals and observations submitted within the scope of its mandate.Accordingly, the council discussed the recommendations and report of its Services and Public Utilities Committee regarding stricter oversight of cupping therapy practitioners.This discussion stemmed from the importance of regulating this activity and ensuring it is practised in accordance with approved health regulations to safeguard public safety and curb irregular practices that may pose a risk to public health.The council issued its recommendations to both the Ministry of Municipality and the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.The meeting also addressed the recommendations and report of the Services and Public Utilities Committee regarding a review of procedures for issuing licences for rest houses within residential neighbourhoods.The views of the competent committee were reviewed regarding regulating this activity in a manner that balances residents’ needs with maintaining the residential qualities of neighbourhoods, while taking into account associated regulatory and environmental aspects. The council approved submitting the appropriate recommendations to both the Ministry of Municipality and Qatar Tourism.Meanwhile, the council reviewed the briefing by the Services and Public Utilities Committee on responses to the regulation of kiosks within shopping malls, placing greater emphasis on the importance of a clear regulatory framework that ensures optimal use of commercial spaces and preserves the general appearance and internal organisation of such malls.In addition, the meeting discussed several proposals to establish an independent municipality in the Industrial Area, aimed at regulating industrial activities, bringing them under unified management, and improving municipal services for industrial workshops and garages. 

QatarEnergy has signed a long-term sales and purchase agreement (SPA) for up to 15 years with Buzwair Industrial Gases Factories WLL (Buzwair) for the supply of 20mn cubic feet per year of helium from Qatar’s world-class facilities in Ras Laffan, starting in September 2025.The SPA marks QatarEnergy’s first direct relationship with a local Qatari industrial gas company, reflecting the growing expertise and networks of regional suppliers in the global helium market. Welcoming the agreement, His Excellency the Minister of State for Energy Affairs, Saad Sherida al-Kaabi, who is also the President and CEO of QatarEnergy, said: “Buzwair has built a strong reputation in the helium industry. We are pleased to work with them and to expand our network of partners to include capable and trusted industrial gas companies from the State of Qatar.”Al-Kaabi added: “As one of the world’s leading suppliers of helium, QatarEnergy remains committed to supporting the exciting advancements of critical industries that depend on our high-purity and reliable helium supplies.”Helium plays a pivotal role in a wide range of advanced technologies and essential industrial applications, including magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanners, semiconductors, fiber optics, space exploration, deep sea diving, specialised welding, and other specialised applications.

Qatar Chamber and QNB Group recently signed a sponsorship agreement for the Commercial and Industrial Directory 2025, under which QNB will support the directory as ‘Strategic Partner’.The partnership is part of the bank’s firm commitment to supporting the small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) sector and economic diversification to achieve sustainable growth in line with Qatar National Vision 2030.It also reflects the successful partnership between both organisations to drive digitalisation and enhance transparency and efficiency in the markets, in accordance with best practices.The directory aims to support Qatar’s business community by enhancing communication between business owners and companies operating across various commercial and industrial sectors. It provides comprehensive contact information and includes updated data for companies registered with Qatar Chamber.The publication is expected to be released next month in both Arabic and English. It will be made available to the local and international business community through a printed edition, as well as the directory’s website.Qatar Chamber acting general manager Ali Bu Sherbak al-Mansouri thanked QNB for supporting the directory, noting that this reflects the bank’s vital role in promoting economic development and supporting the private sector.He said the co-operation highlights the commitment of both sides to improving the business environment and providing updated tools and reliable information that help identify investment opportunities and enable companies to reach new partners locally and internationally.Al-Mansouri added that the directory serves as an important reference for companies and investors, showcasing Qatar’s diverse economic sectors. He stressed that QNB’s support demonstrates its strong commitment to fostering investment, enhancing transparency, and facilitating access to information.The directory is one of the chamber’s most important publications supporting the private sector, as it provides updated data on the commercial and industrial companies registered with the Chamber, offering a comprehensive reference for all business owners and investors.QNB Group stands among the leading financial institutions in the Middle East and Africa region and is recognised as one of the most valuable banking brands in the market. The group operates in 28 countries across Asia, Europe, and Africa, offering tailored products and services powered by innovation. Supported by a dedicated team of over 31,000 professionals, QNB Group continues to drive banking excellence worldwide. 

The Ministry of Public Health carried out a wide-scale inspection campaign covering a number of restaurants, cafeterias, and sites designated by companies to provide food to workers at their residential locations in the Industrial Area. The objective was to ensure compliance with health standards and requirements during food handling, and to strengthen food safety and protect consumer health in the State of Qatar.During the campaign, inspections were carried out at 479 establishments, including restaurants and cafeterias, in addition to 191 sites designated by companies to prepare and serve food in worker accommodations for about 95,000 workers in the Industrial Area. Each food establishment and site underwent at least three inspection visits to monitor the implementation of corrective measures and to raise the level of compliance.A total of 1,813 food samples were collected (1,239 samples from restaurants and cafeterias and 573 samples from worker housing sites). They were analyzed at the Ministry of Public Health’s food safety laboratories. The results showed that all samples met health requirements.The total number of visits carried out by inspectors from the Food Safety Department of the Ministry of Public Health during the four-month campaign exceeded 1,650 inspection visits to cafeterias and restaurants. The regulatory efforts resulted in a notable improvement in performance, as more than 82 percent of these establishments advanced by at least one grade in the classification system compared to their initial inspection visit.Statistics from the electronic food safety system Wathiq also showed that 44 percent of the sites designated by companies to prepare and serve food to workers at their accommodations received an Excellent rating, within an overall ratio of 85 percent of sites rated Average and above, compared to the initial inspection visit for these sites.The Ministry of Public Health continues working to complete coverage of the remaining worker accommodations, restaurants, and cafeterias, increase inspection visits, and organize training workshops for food handlers to raise awareness of health requirements and general hygiene standards.The Food Safety Department of the Ministry of Public Health continues to implement the food establishment classification program as part of the ministry’s strategy to protect public health. This is achieved through continuous cooperation between the relevant authorities and food establishment owners, which is a fundamental pillar in establishing an advanced and sustainable food system that meets the highest standards of food safety.

His Excellency the Minister of Transport Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdullah bin Mohammed al-Thani met Saturday with Egypt's Deputy Prime Minister for Industrial Development and Minister of Industry and Transport, Lt Gen Kamel Wazir. Held on the sidelines of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) General Assembly meetings in London, the meeting discussed the two countries' bilateral co-operation relations in the fields of transport, shipping and ports.The two sides also reviewed ways to further enhance these relations, particularly with regard to maritime navigation.  

Qatar Chamber (QC) discussed on Sunday with Portuguese Industrial Association (AIP), bilateral trade and economic relations between Qatar and Portugal and ways to further develop them, to strengthen ties between the business communities of both countries and enhance the role of the Qatari and Portuguese private sectors.This came in a meeting between Acting Director-General of Qatar Chamber Ali Bu Sharbak Al Mansori, Director of AIP Pina Pires and AIP Project Partner Manul Campos, held at QC's headquarters.In his remarks, Al Mansori praised the strong relations between the two countries, particularly in the commercial and economic fields. He noted that bilateral trade between Qatar and Portugal reached QAR 441 million in 2024, stressing the Chamber's commitment to deepening trade relations with Portugal and expanding partnerships between Qatari companies and their Portuguese counterparts.For her part, Filomena affirmed the interest of Portuguese business owners in exploring available investment opportunities in Qatar and establishing partnerships with Qatari businesspersons and investors -whether in Qatar or Portugal- across various sectors including industry, trade, construction, agriculture, transport, and communications. She invited private sector companies in Qatar to visit Portugal and learn more about the opportunities available there.She added that the visit aims to enhance cooperation and coordination with the Qatar Chamber in organizing joint business events and meetings targeting Qatari and Portuguese companies, as well as hosting trade fairs to showcase the products and services of the private sectors in both countries, pointing out that AIP is the largest business association in Portugal, functioning also as a chamber of commerce and industry.

His Excellency Sheikh Faisal bin Thani bin Faisal al-Thani, Minister of Commerce and Industry, visited Japan to explore advanced automation and the lights-out manufacturing model. The visit is in line with the Third National Development Strategy’s objectives to enhance Qatar's industrial process efficiency, build high-tech domestic productive capacities, and reduce reliance on traditional labour in priority industrial sectors.The accompanying delegation included representatives from the Ministry of Commerce and Industry and the Qatar Free Zones Authority (QFZA). During the visit, His Excellency Sheikh Faisal held technical meetings with SoftBank Company where he was briefed on the company’s operations in robotics system integration, digital control systems, and factory management solutions within the semiconductor sector.Discussions also addressed Japan’s high-quality standards, advanced operational models, and the potential to leverage the South Asian country's industrial expertise to support the development of Qatar’s manufacturing sector.The programme also included field visits across Tokyo and several industrial zones, where the minister toured advanced production facilities and reviewed cutting-edge manufacturing technologies, including lights-out manufacturing systems.This visit reflects the ministry’s efforts to foster industrial innovation and strengthen the competitiveness of Qatar’s manufacturing sector by adopting the latest global technologies and practices across the production ecosystem.These efforts align with the ministry’s strategic objectives and Qatar National Manufacturing Strategy, contributing to the establishment of a sustainable, high-tech industrial base and advancing the nation’s transition towards a knowledge- and technology-driven economy.

Qatar and the United States of America have sent an open letter to the Heads of State of European Union (EU) Member States expressing deep concern at the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD), and its unintended consequences for LNG export competitiveness and the availability of reliable, affordable energy for EU consumers.The letter signed by HE the Minister of State for Energy Affairs, Saad Sherida al-Kaabi, and US Secretary of Energy, Chris Wright, stressed that the CSDDD, as it is worded today, “poses a significant risk to the affordability and reliability of critical energy supplies for households and businesses across Europe and an existential threat to the future growth, competitiveness, and resilience of the EU’s industrial economy.”Secretary Wright and Minister al-Kaabi noted that CSDDD provisions “pose significant challenges and seriously undermine the ability of the American, Qatari, and broader international energy community to maintain and expand their partnerships and operations within the EU.”“It is our genuine belief, as allies and friends of the EU, that the CSDDD will cause considerable harm to the EU and its citizens, as it will lead to higher energy and other commodity prices, and have a chilling effect on investment and trade,” the letter added.Minister al-Kaabi and Secretary Wright called on the EU and its Member States to act swiftly to address these legitimate concerns, either by repealing the CSDDD in its entirety or removing its most economically damaging provisions.Following is the full text of the letter signed and issued by HE the Minister of State for Energy Affairs, Saad Sherida al-Kaabi, and US Secretary of Energy, Chris WrightAn open letter to the Heads of State of European Union (EU) Member StatesDear Leaders of European Union Member States,We write to you today at a pivotal moment for the EU’s energy security and economic competitiveness. As two of its most trusted partners and the world’s leading LNG producers, we reaffirm our deep commitment to supporting the EU’s prosperity and stability.We write in this spirit, united in our views, to express our deep concern over the continued lack of action to address the universally acknowledged, serious, and legitimate concerns raised by the global business community regarding the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD). Particularly its unintended consequences for LNG export competitiveness and the availability of reliable, affordable energy for EU consumers.Over the past year, our two countries have engaged in constructive dialogue with representatives from numerous EU governments regarding the contents of the CSDDD, offering specific recommendations to avoid the unintended consequences we have previously raised. While we appreciate the efforts of those Member States that have welcomed dialogue, the broader lack of substantive engagement on these critical issues is deeply concerning, especially given the far-reaching implications of the legislation.We have consistently and transparently communicated how the CSDDD, as it is worded today, poses a significant risk to the affordability and reliability of critical energy supplies for households and businesses across Europe and an existential threat to the future growth, competitiveness, and resilience of the EU’s industrial economy. It is our genuine belief, as allies and friends of the EU, that the CSDDD will cause considerable harm to the EU and its citizens, as it will lead to higher energy and other commodity prices, and have a chilling effect on investment and trade.It is of great concern that none of these issues have been properly addressed in the alternative texts that have been formally adopted to date by the European Council and the European Parliament, in response to the Omnibus package proposed in February 2025 by the European Commission. The Omnibus, whose stated purpose was to simplify the requirements of the CSDDD to make it workable for both EU and non-EU companies wishing to invest and continue to conduct business in the EU, falls grossly short of its aspirations.The EU and its Member States must now act swiftly to address these legitimate concerns, either by repealing the CSDDD in its entirety or removing its most economically damaging provisions. In particular, we urge reconsideration of:Article 2, on the Directive’s extraterritorial application;Article 22, on transition plans for climate change mitigation;Article 27, on penalties;Article 29, on civil liability of companies.Together, these provisions pose significant challenges and seriously undermine the ability of the American, Qatari, and broader international energy community to maintain and expand their partnerships and operations within the EU. This comes at a critical moment when our countries and companies are striving not only to sustain but to significantly increase the reliable supply of LNG to the EU in line with European Strategic aspirations. There is little debate that natural gas and LNG will remain a critical energy source and a key part of the EU’s energy mix for many decades to come.Beyond the direct energy security risks, the CSDDD also threatens to disrupt trade and investments across nearly all the EU’s partner economies. Its implementation could jeopardize existing and future investments, employment, and compliance with recent trade agreements.These concerns are widely shared among the global business community; they extend far beyond the energy sector and are not limited to the United States and Qatar. Prominent European companies and industry associations have likewise voiced serious reservations about the Directive’s implications for the EU’s economic resilience and energy security. Indeed, the CEOs of 46 major European companies recently called for the CSDDD’s repeal, emphasizing that such action would send a “clear and symbolic signal to European and international companies that governments and the Commission are truly committed to restoring competitiveness in Europe.”The EU now faces a defining choice to uphold its commitment to providing citizens, industries, and economies with affordable, reliable energy, preventing further de-industrialization and preserving the EU’s competitiveness and global relevance. As key allies and major suppliers of LNG and other energy products to the EU, both the United States and Qatar are deeply invested in the EU’s continued success and stability.We urge EU leaders to take immediate, decisive action by reopening substantive dialogue with your global partners, including the United States and Qatar, and the wider international business community, to address these critical provisions in the CSDDD. Such engagement is essential to ensuring a balanced, pragmatic, and workable approach that safeguards the EU’s energy security, long-term competitiveness, and the prosperity of its citizens.The United States and Qatar remain steadfast in our commitment to the EU’s continued success, and we stand together as willing and constructive partners in this endeavor. As we have consistently conveyed, we are ready to assist you in ensuring that regulations such as the CSDDD do not inadvertently hinder the ambitions of the EU’s people and industries.The citizens of your Member States rightly expect their leaders to confront these challenges with seriousness, responsibility, and resolve. We remain ready to engage in constructive dialogue on these and other matters at your convenience.

China's value-added industrial output expanded 6.5% year-on-year in September, official data showed on Monday. The growth accelerated from a 5.2% rise in August, according to data released by the National Bureau of Statistics. In the first nine months of this year, China's industrial output increased by 6.2% compared to the same period last year. The industrial output is used to measure the activity of large enterprises, each with an annual main business turnover of at least 20 million yuan (about USD 2.82 million). A breakdown of the data showed that the manufacturing sector's value-added output increased by 7.3% year-on-year last month, while that of mining grew by 6.4%. The value-added output of the electricity, heat, gas, and water production and supply sector rose by 0.6%.