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Air travel has never been more global, yet some of the most obvious city pairs still have no non-stop flights. These gaps persist not because demand is weak, but because distance, aircraft performance, economics, and geopolitics still shape which routes airlines are willing to fly. Some of the world’s most heavily travelled long-haul flows remain entirely one-stop. Others, long ignored, have recently been connected for the first time — and often with immediate success.“Unserved” does not mean “unused”. Many of these city pairs move hundreds of passengers a day via Doha, Dubai, Istanbul, London, Singapore, or Los Angeles. What they lack is a nonstop operation that can be sustained year-round at a commercially acceptable margin. In some cases, the aircraft exist but the risk appetite does not. In others, geopolitical realities or bilateral restrictions make the route impossible. And in many cases, the demand exists but is too fragmented across seasons to support a single ultralong-haul aircraft tied up for 16-18 hours.One of the clearest examples is Cairo–Los Angeles. Egypt and the United States have strong tourism flows, a sizeable diaspora, and rising business links. Yet there is still no nonstop between Cairo and LAX. Passengers instead travel through Europe or the Gulf on itineraries that stretch to 18 hours or more. The issue is not the absence of passengers, but the absence of year-round premium demand that could support the cost of deploying an A350 or 777 on such a long mission.London–Canberra is another intriguing gap. The UK and Australia have never been closer in aviation terms; Qantas now flies nonstop from London to Perth. Yet the national capital, Canberra, still has no direct link to London. Canberra’s runway length, altitude, and relatively modest local catchment limit its viability for an ultralong-haul operation. Sydney is nearby, and passengers overwhelmingly connect through there instead, making point-to-point Canberra a difficult commercial proposition.Asia to South America is full of large unserved flows. Tokyo–Lima is a prime example. The Japanese-Peruvian community is substantial, and trade between the two countries has grown. But the route is too far for current aircraft to operate nonstop without severe payload penalties. Travellers route through the United States or Mexico, adding hours to the trip.India also has significant long-haul gaps. São Paulo–Delhi stands out as one of the most important missing connections between two major emerging-market economies. The traffic exists, but it is fragmented across Europe, the Gulf, and Africa. No airline has yet found the right combination of aircraft, schedule, and connecting feed to justify the nonstop. Mumbai–Los Angeles is another example. Despite the strong commercial and cultural ties between India and the West Coast of the United States, the route remains unserved. It is within the range of the 777-200LR or A350-900, but ultralong-haul flights require consistently strong premium demand, and Indian carriers have historically focused on more established long-haul markets.In Southeast Asia, Jakarta–Los Angeles remains one of the most obvious missing nonstops. Indonesia is the region’s largest economy, and Los Angeles is a major gateway for Pacific Rim travel. Yet carriers still route passengers through Tokyo, Seoul, Taipei, or the Gulf because no airline has the right long-haul fleet mix or network structure to support a dedicated service.While some major gaps remain, the last decade has seen formerly unserved routes become commercially viable for the first time. Technology, network sophistication, and changing demand patterns have created new possibilities.New York–Auckland is perhaps the clearest example. For years, the route was dismissed as too far and too thin. Today, both Air New Zealand and Qantas operate it with modern long-range aircraft, supported by a combination of premium leisure traffic and strong connecting markets at both ends.Perth–London went through a similar evolution. The idea of a nonstop “Kangaroo Route” was discussed for decades, but only became feasible when Qantas deployed the 787-9 in a low-density configuration and invested in connecting flows via Perth. The route has become one of the airline’s most successful long-haul launches.Doha–Auckland, one of the world’s longest commercial flights, redefined what a Gulf hub could support. Qatar Airways connected New Zealand directly to a vast network spanning Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia. By aggregating multiple mid-sized flows rather than relying solely on point-to-point traffic, the airline turned a theoretical route into a consistent performer.Africa has also seen long-ignored routes return. Lagos–Washington Dulles sat unserved for years, with travellers connecting through Europe or the Middle East. United Airlines has now launched a nonstop service, demonstrating how a strong hub on the US side can make West Africa more accessible without a stop. Meanwhile, São Paulo–Johannesburg, withdrawn when South African Airways restructured, has been relaunched by LATAM, restoring a direct link between South America and southern Africa.These examples show how quickly the map can change once aircraft technology improves and an airline with the right network sees an opportunity. The A350, 787, and 777-200LR have opened possibilities that were once beyond reach. The next generation — including the A350-900ULR variants and long-range narrowbodies — will push the limits further.But the world’s unserved routes persist for reasons that technology alone cannot solve. Geography matters. Ultralong-haul flights tie up expensive aircraft for long periods, magnifying the financial impact of any delay or operational disruption. Demand profiles matter too. Many of the world’s largest indirect markets have strong economy-class flows but weaker year-round premium yields, which makes nonstop service unviable. And geopolitics can be decisive; airspace restrictions in Russia or parts of the Middle East add hours of flying time and alter the economics of east–west long-hauls.Many of today’s major unserved routes will eventually launch as aircraft improve and markets mature. Others may remain one-stop indefinitely, not because of a lack of desire from travellers, but because even the most advanced aircraft cannot change the underlying economics of global aviation.The author is an aviation analyst. X handle: @AlexInAir. 

When Paniz Faryoussefi mounts the podium and reaches for her baton, she represents more than just the hope of a thrilling orchestral performance. The eyes turned towards her in Tehran's renowned Vahdat Hall include those of many young women musicians inspired by her taking her place as Iran's first woman philharmonic conductor. Women's professional and cultural lives are still heavily restricted in the nation, particularly in terms of public performance before mixed-gender audiences. Women, for example are not allowed to sing solo in front of men. But, as exemplified by 42-year-old Faryoussefi, they can now conduct an orchestra. "When I stepped onto the stage, I noticed that all eyes were on a woman conducting the orchestra, and I felt an immense responsibility," she said after the performance. Widespread street protests shook Iran for several months following the death in custody in 2022 of a young woman arrested for violating the country's strict dress code for women. In the wake of the disturbances, the government has relaxed certain restrictions and young women have become more prominent in some areas of social and cultural life. And since a 12-day war with Israel earlier this year, Iranians have been pushing social boundaries further still. **media[381980]** Analysts say the authorities have shown greater tolerance, while keeping as close an eye as ever for any signals of political dissent. Several women in the audience at the concert did not wear their scarves. The conductor wore hers, covering her hair as the law demands, but her arrival at the podium was in itself a sign of greater openness. The crowd shared Faryoussefi's enthusiasm, particularly the young women, who seemed aware that they were witnessing a historic moment. In some Iranian cities, women musicians are not allowed to perform on stage, and even in the capital Tehran they cannot raise their voices in song in public. Faryoussefi was born into an artistic family and her mother dreamed of her becoming a cheffe d'orchestre -- but Iranian performing arts academies do not teach conducting. She briefly attended classes in Armenia before returning to build a trailblazing career. "Young women need to persevere and follow their dreams," she said. At the podium, she led the 50-strong orchestra through works by Austria's Franz Schubert, Finland's Jean Sibelius and the Soviet-Armenian composer Aram Khachaturian. "I hope this marks a new era for young Iranian women and that they will understand that... they should not be afraid," she said. "It is the only gateway to emancipation. "A friend saw a little girl in the audience mimicking my movements. He thought a dream was already taking root in her, that she was thinking she too could one day achieve the same thing." The concerts took place over two days and attracted large crowds. Said Shourabi, 53, works in metal fabrication and wasn't a big concertgoer until his daughter, who was out of town, bought him the tickets and insisted he go along. "In Iran," he said, "women have always been held back and haven't been able to fully express their talents, even if I'm sure they're just as capable as men." Hairdresser Fariba Aghai, 44, was delighted to see a woman take up the baton at the orchestra, lamenting that women singers still can't perform at concerts or publish their own songs.

The Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra (QPO) is poised to enchant audiences with a lively performance, titled “Pop's Greatest Hits” Thursday (Nov 13) at the U Venue theatre.This concert, taking place at 8pm, guarantees an exhilarating journey through the pop genre, featuring a selection of both classic and modern hits that have shaped the musical landscape over the years.Under the expert guidance of Grammy-nominated conductor Alastair Willis, vocalists such as Yosra Zekri, Wakasa, Samantha Echevarria Vigo, Lina, Yochabel Reynes, Ahmed El Helou, and Adrian McPherson Romero will collaborate with the orchestra to infuse their symphonic artistry into reinterpreting cherished songs.This will create a distinctive blend of orchestral depth and pop appeal, including Whitney Houston’s “I Wanna Dance with Somebody” and Michael Jackson’s “Heal the World,” alongside contemporary favourites like Amy Winehouse’s “Back to Black,” featuring new orchestral arrangements by members of QPO: Dr Nasser Sahim, Mohamed Oweida, Islam El Hefnawy, and Fakhriddin Urinboev.QPO noted that attendees can look forward to an evening brimming with dynamic arrangements that showcase the versatility and lasting charm of pop music.The event is set to draw in enthusiasts who value both the magnificence of orchestral performances and the widespread attraction of popular music,promising a memorable experience for everyone at U Venue Theatre, where innovation in programming harmonises with excellence in musicianship.

The second day of the Aspetar World Conference on Precision Athlete Health and Performance brought together leading international and regional experts to showcase the latest innovations and advancements in sports medicine and athlete care.The day’s sessions and discussions focused on strengthening injury prevention standards, evidence-based diagnostics, and comprehensive health approaches tailored to athletes.Keynote sessions delivered by world-renowned specialists drew strong engagement and interaction from attendees. Dr. Marco Cardinale presented strategies to safeguard young athletes from injury, while Roula Kotsifaki introduced new protocols to enhance anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury treatment. Dr. Marcelo Bordalo explored the integration of artificial intelligence and advanced medical imaging technologies in managing athlete injuries, and Dr. Khalid Al Khelafi together with Dr. Andrea Mosler shared the latest insights on cartilage injury management. Dr. Roald Bahr outlined the International Olympic Committee’s most recent strategies to protect the health of elite athletes.Specialised sessions provided participants with in-depth knowledge on topics including innovations in sensorimotor rehabilitation programs, mental health and sleep and their impact on sports performance, cardiac conditions in athletes, sports nutrition, national sports medicine programs, regenerative medicine techniques, nursing development in the sports sector, and emergency and first-aid protocols in athlete care.Accompanying discussions and recommendations emphasised adopting AI-driven diagnostics and data analytics to improve injury assessment and management, prioritizing early screening and tailored training oversight for young athletes to prevent chronic injuries, and integrating mental health and sleep management as essential components in sports medicine practice. Speakers also highlighted the vital leadership role of nurses and healthcare teams as the first line of defence in athlete care.A hallmark of Aspetar’s approach, reinforcing its unique position in the global sports medicine landscape, is its commitment to addressing all surrounding aspects of athlete health, including psychological and nursing care. Nutrition-related discussions covered evidence-based nutritional strategies for performance enhancement and recovery, as well as cutting-edge regenerative medical techniques.The conference will conclude Saturday, on its third and final day, while scientific workshops will continue Sunday and Monday. These events underscore Aspetar’s dedication to excellence and international collaboration in sports medicine and its drive to embed innovation into athlete care. The insights and recommendations emerging from Day Two promise to have a lasting impact on athlete health, safety, and performance worldwide.

The Qatar Stock Exchange (QSE) index held steady above 11,000 points at the start of Tuesday's trading, rising by 0.27% and adding 29.16 points to reach 11,031 points compared to the previous session's close, backed by six sectors. QSE figures showed positive performance for the Transport sector at 1.26%, the Consumer Goods and Services sector at 0.65%, the Insurance sector at 0.65%, the Real Estate sector at 0.33%, the Industrial sector at 0.29%, and the Banks and Financial Services sector at 0.07%. In contrast, the Telecommunications sector recorded a negative performance of 0.05%. At 10:00 am, QSE recorded 2,854 transactions worth QR 55.3 million, and distributed over 16.551 million shares.

Tumbarumba (Oscar Performance), a tough 5-year-old gelding, rediscovered his best form with a determined victory in the Gr.3 Ack Ack Stakes over 1600m at Churchill Downs on Sunday, 28 September, early morning, Qatar time. This success marks the second Gr.3 win of his career and a fine response after finishing last on his previous outing at Belmont. Trained by Brian A. Lynch, ridden by Tyler Gaffalione, and owned by Wathnan Racing, Tumbarumba displayed grit and resilience to fend off the hot favourite. Pushed along early to secure a good position, Tumbarumba moved up to dispute the lead on the outside of Most Wanted (Candy Ride), the well-backed favourite. The pair set a strong pace in the back straight, quickly opening up a two-length advantage over the rest of the field. Entering the final bend, the two leaders went further clear, with the favourite travelling slightly the better of the pair. However, once in the straight, Tumbarumba rallied bravely. Inside the final 200m, he dug deep, finding extra under pressure to edge ahead and defeat Most Wanted by three-quarters of a length. Indispensable (Constitution) stayed on to finish third. Bred by Coteau Grove Farms LLC, Tumbarumba is out of Naive Enough (Street Sense), a dual winner over a mile on dirt at two and fourth in a Gr.2 over the same trip at that age. She is a daughter of Light From Above (A.P. Indy), a winner over a mile at three. Naive Enough is also a full sister to Light The City (Street Sense), runner-up in a Gr.1 over a mile on dirt and third in a Gr.3 over a mile at three.

Hamad Port has been ranked first in the Gulf region for the first time and 11th worldwide in the CPPI or Container Port Performance Index 2024.The CPPI, issued by the World Bank in collaboration with S&P Global Market Intelligence, serves as global recognition of Hamad Port’s exceptional operational efficiency and high performance, reinforcing Qatar's standing as a key regional hub for trade and logistics.It also highlights the port’s critical role in driving the nation’s economic growth, positioning it as a strategic link in global supply chains and a trusted transshipment hub in the region.The index bases its assessments on a wide range of data, with a primary focus on the time vessels require to complete loading and unloading operations-an essential measure of operational efficiency and a key factor in evaluating the resilience and reliability of global trade.Hamad Port's strong performance reflects the advanced infrastructure, modern technologies, and premium services it provides, said Mwani Qatar in its social media handle X.The 2024 edition of the index evaluated 403 container ports worldwide. It reported an overall decline in global port performance between 2020 and 2024 due to the Red Sea crisis, challenges at the Panama Canal, and pandemic-related shocks.The report highlighted the uneven efficiency gains across regions and income groups.

Late design and early construction take a big toll on AV design consultation and acoustic requirements, where audio visual is focusing on the impact of the volume and acoustics consultants in emphasize on controlling through acoustic testing and the impact of higher volume. Aligning both teams in an early collaboration leads to efficiency and better user experience. Bringing both disciplines together from the get-go ensures fine designs, optimized performance, and spaces that deliver clarity and comfort.Key Reasons Why Coordination MattersCoordination of Acoustics and AV from the early design phases ensures that systems such as speakers, subwoofers microphones, and projectors work at their best within space with effective noise mitigation strategy. Refer below key points why coordination matters:• The design intended noise levels within the subject space to be clearly communicated by the Acoustic team in order to develop the adequate acoustic design for noise containment within the subject space and the key acoustic elements such as wall/floor/ceiling/ doors acoustic measures are coordinated during the early design stages with the architect team.• Early involvement of consultants helps avoid costly retrofits by addressing noise control measures, layouts, and system evaluations in advance.• Strong communication between AV, Acoustics, Architecture, and engineering teams prevent design conflicts and ensures project remain within the budget.• When AV and acoustics are well aligned, users enjoy clear, reliable sound that enhances entertainment, presentations, and collaboration without issues like echo or feedback.• This integrated approach saves both time and money by reducing delays, avoiding rework, and streamlining installation and long-term support through consistent collaboration among all stakeholders.**media[360728]**Figure below illustrates the importance of coordination between Acoustic and AV in early design phase of the project:**media[360730]**Example/ Illustration:Let’s take an example to reiterate the importance of coordination between Acoustics and AV:We are designing an entertainment space as per the details below.Space TypeNight Club on Level 1 including outdoor seating/ diningIntended Music Levels110-115 dB(A)Adjancies (Above and Below)Hotel Guestrooms aboveHotel Entrance Lobby BelowAdjancies (Left and Right)RetailF&B SpaceLet’s try to understand the criticality of the subject space by using a simplified diagram below.**media[360731,360729]**As you can see the Nightclub is surrounded by the noise sensitive space all around. Therefore, the containment of noise within the space is at utmost importance. If the AV team has coordinated with Acoustic team, than acoustic team can propose the following few noise mitigation solutions for effective noise containment• Base built noise testing: The acoustic consultant undertakes the acoustic testing of base built (in case the subject space is shell and core space), to understand the shell & core sound insulation performance of the subject space.• Wall Sound Insulation Performance: A decoupled resilient wall will be required, for adequate wall sound insulation performance.• Floor Sound Insulation Performance: A resilient floor or floating floor will be required, for adequate sound insulation performance.• Ceiling Sound Insulation Performance: A resilient ceiling will be required, for adequate sound insulation performance.• Acoustic Absorptive finishes: Acoustic absorptive finishes in the form of acoustic ceiling and wall absorptive panel, to maintain adequate sound quality and reverberation control within the space.• Acoustic consultants will also review speaker/ subwoofer technical datasheets and speaker/ subwoofer arrangements within the subject space and advise on improvements.• Acoustic consultants will also advise on adequate zoning for AV design and layouts.Now Imagine: Due to lack of coordination during the early design stages and everyone only figures it out way later, during the final design phase or, worse, during construction, it’s basically the project equivalent of realizing you forgot the main ingredient after the cake’s already in the oven. Total chaos, total nightmare, and absolutely nobody goes home happy.When AV and Acoustics don’t talk, it’s like watching a movie with the sound two seconds late awkward for everyone! Lucky for you, at DSP Consultants we’ve got both teams living under one roof, chatting daily (sometimes louder than the speakers) to make sure every project hits the right note and looks sharp.

Qatar Stock Exchange (QSE) index rose at the beginning of Thursday's trading by 0.28%, gaining 31.86 points to reach 11,257 points, compared to the previous session's close, supported by most sectors.Figures from QSE showed positive performances across most sectors. The banking and Financial Services sector rose by 0.47%, Industrial by 0.31%, Telecoms by 0.12%, Consumer Goods and Services by 0.07%, and Real Estate by 0.03%. Meanwhile, Transportation recorded a negative performance of 0.03%, and Insurance remained unchanged.At 10:00 a.m, QSE recorded 2,808 transactions worth QR 72.660 million, and distributed over 31.998 million shares.

Qatar Stock Exchange (QSE) index slipped marginally at the beginning of Monday's trading, down 0.02%, losing 2.05 points to reach 11,129 points, compared to the previous session's close.QSE figures showed positive performance for the Consumer Goods and Services sector, by 0.26%, the Real Estate sector, by 0.16%, the Banking and Financial Services sector, by 0.07%, and the Transportation sector, by 0.04%. Meanwhile, the Telecommunications sector saw negative performance by 0.47%, the Insurance sector by 0.42 % and the Industrial sector by 0.09 %.As of 10:00 a.m, QSE recorded 2,893 transactions worth QR 765.187 million, and distributed over 35.451 million shares.