Qatar Focus

Qatari lenders look to join the spending spree
A sizeable number of Gulf based banks have developed a keen appetite for international growth and acquisitions right now, thanks to the region’s ongoing economic boom and high liquidity.
Qatar: Thursday, August 09 - 2007 at 08:57 |

Hotel rating system launched in Qatar
The Qatar Tourism Authority (QTA) has recently completed the first phase of an innovative, new hotel classification system which will raise service standards in the industry and provide greater transparency for the country’s future visitors. The step comes with Qatar moving forward rapidly in its tourism development, with ever more hotel accommodation becoming available and Doha’s new international airport also taking shape.
Qatar: Wednesday, July 25 - 2007 at 15:18 |

IMEX sets it sights on innovation
June was a busy month for Qatar’s International Mercantile Exchange as it appointed its new Chief Executive Officer and it also gave a hint as to what sort of futures contracts it might look to trade in when it begins operating either later this year or early in 2008.
Qatar: Thursday, July 05 - 2007 at 15:04 |

Qatar teams up with the UAE
This month, the Qatar Investment Authority made the brief trip to the UAE to sign a deal in Dubai which will strengthen economic ties between the two countries. The agreement will see the establishment of a joint investment company which will have a paid-up capital of $1bn. With hydrocarbon prices still at very strong levels, both Gulf nations are keen to continue ploughing their excess liquidity into a range of diversified investments and acquisitions.
Qatar: Monday, June 25 - 2007 at 15:43 |

Barwa building up a sizeable portfolio
Late last month the Barwa Real Estate Company signed a $530 million Mudharaba contract with the Al Rayan Bank – the second such Islamic finance facility agreed between the two firms so far this year, with Al Rayan having drawn up a $200 million arrangement in January. It is little wonder that Barwa is looking to financial institutions for significant support as it has an impressive array of projects both at home and abroad which it needs to fund.
Qatar: Wednesday, June 06 - 2007 at 16:06 |

The QTA is keen to make Qatar an exclusive and unique destination
The Qatar Tourism Authority shares the same ambitious outlook and drive as the country’s government with regard to expansion and growth. AME Info spoke to the QTA’s Acting Director General Jan Poul de Boer at the Arabian Travel Market in Dubai earlier this month and heard of the organisation’s determination to see the number of visitors to the country increase dramatically and of its plan to create a unique niche for Qatar in the region’s growing tourism sector.
Qatar: Wednesday, May 23 - 2007 at 16:38 |

Qatar Airways looking to be big in America
When AME Info was confronted by both an Elvis Presley lookalike and a giant walking, talking Statue of Liberty at Qatar Airways’ stand at the Arabian Travel Market in Dubai last week, it was a fair bet to assume the Qatari flag carrier was just a little bit chuffed at launching its first US flights in a few weeks time. CEO Akbar Al Baker was also extremely upbeat about the new destinations when he faced up to the assembled press.
Qatar: Wednesday, May 09 - 2007 at 16:37 |

ictQatar quickly changing the face of Qatar’s telco sector
It is less than six months since Qatar’s previously monopolised telecommunications sector was opened up by the passing of new legislation. Since then ictQatar, the Supreme Council of Information and Communication Technology, has been quick to set the wheels in motion for new operators to enter the country and compete with Qatar Telecom in a liberalised environment.
Qatar: Wednesday, April 25 - 2007 at 08:54 |