Author: Tameema al-Salek

Qatar’s economic activity could remain modest on expectedly steady hydrocarbon output, National Bank of Kuwait said in its report released Monday. NBK’s 2023 growth forecast for Qatar remains unchanged from the May estimate, at 2%. In its report, NBK noted Qatar’s economy expanded by 2.7% year-on-year (y-o-y) in first quarter (Q1, 2023), down from the “exceptional” World Cup-driven growth of 6.2% in Q4, 2022, and below the consensus forecast of 4.2%. The “slower” expansion was mostly on a marked deceleration in non-oil growth, which plunged to 1.9% y-o-y from 7% in the previous quarter, with the manufacturing (11%), motor vehicle…

The head of the Kazakhstan Boxing Federation, Kenes Rakishev, promises to pay substantial prize money to the medalists of the Asian Games, which will be held from September 23 to October 8 in the Chinese city of Hangzhou. Bizmedia.kz reports this. Boxers who become medalists of the Asian Games will receive generous cash bonuses from the head of the Kazakh Boxing Federation Kenes Rakishev.The Kazakhstan women’s boxing team, coordinated by head coach Shamil Safiulin, is one of the first to travel to China. Before the start of the Summer Asian Games in Hangzhou, the athletes will conduct final training with…

Qatar Travel Mart (QTM) 2023, organised by NeXTfairs for Exhibitions and Conference, is proud to announce its esteemed patronage under the guidance of HE Sheikh Mohammed Bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, the Prime Minister, and Minister of Foreign Affairs. Qatar Tourism has been revealed as the strategic partner for the second edition of QTM, inviting visitors to embark on a journey of discovery, exploring “Places, People, and Cultures” from 20-22 November 2023 at the prestigious Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre (DECC). Positioned as the exclusive platform for Qatar’s travel and tourism industry, QTM 2023 anticipates the participation of up…

DOHA: Qatar Tourism has unveiled the latest edition of its tourism guide, Qatar Calendar, showcasing a fun-filled lineup of events, offers, and activities taking place over the summer months in Qatar. From enriching cultural experiences to adrenaline-pumping adventures and activities to keep the little ones busy, the Qatar Calendar Summer Edition caters to all interests and ages, guaranteeing a memorable summer season for residents and visitors in Qatar. The Acting Head of Tourism Events & Festivals Organizing Section at Qatar Tourism Noor Abdulla Al Thani, said: “Qatar has it all; whether you are seeking adventure, cultural experiences, or family fun,…

Türkiye and Qatar agreed to further boost bilateral ties in various fields, according to a joint statement issued after President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s visit to the Gulf country on Tuesday. “On the basis of our strategic relations and bilateral cooperation in the political, diplomatic, economic and commercial fields, and in line with the directives of the wise leaders of the two countries, we are determined to continue our joint efforts to coordinate in various fields to ensure the continuity of the strengthening of bilateral relations for the benefit of the two brotherly countries and peoples.” The Turkish and Qatari foreign ministers signed the declaration during…

Doha: Qatar’s enhanced renewable energy sector is aiming towards fortifying its economy the years ahead, a report by Energy Industries Council (EIC) stated. Although a reduction was witnessed in hydrocarbon revenues during the coronavirus-peak period, the oil and gas industry stood solid by playing a vital part in the country’s economy. The report said: “Qatar maintains a robust emphasis on its oil and gas activities, which play a pivotal role in supporting the energy transition. This is primarily attributed to its substantial reserves of natural gas, widely acknowledged as an acceptable fuel for transitioning to cleaner energy sources.” EIC mentions…

Canada requested use of the European Union’s compound in Kabul to help with tasks such as fingerprinting for those fleeing Afghanistan, according to documents obtained by The Canadian Press. Foreign Affairs Minister Melanie Joly made the request on Jan. 20, 2022, according to documents obtained through an access-to-information request. “Minister Joly asked EU High Representative (Josep) Borrell about the possibility for Canada to co-locate with the EU in Kabul, in order to conduct biometric screening from their premises,” reads a July 2022 briefing note. The document says the EU replied in early April 2022, offering space for two Canadian officials in the compound “on the condition…

ASTANA – Astana International Forum (AIF)’s panel session Mapping Central Asian Connectivity, on June 8 addressed key achievements and obstacles in regional cooperation in energy, security, economic integration, and private sector development. Experts held insightful discussions exploring new ways to improve regional engagement in resolving common challenges.  The participants noted that demographic shifts motivate countries to map broader connectivity mechanisms. Yerkin Tukumov, director of the Kazakhstan Institute for Strategic Studies (KazISS), provided statistics demonstrating positive dynamics in mobility, migration, human capital, and urbanization. He pointed out that three decades ago, the Central Asian region had a population of 50 million,…

Storm alert was issued for 15 regions of Kazakhstan for February 18, Kazinform quotes Kazhydromet. Ground blizzard will sweep through Abai, Akmola, East Kazakhstan regions. Fog and ice-slick are forecast for Konayev city, Almaty region. Heavy rain and snow as well as fog, ice-slick are in store for the city of Almaty. High wind will roll through Astana tomorrow. Zhambyl region is to brace for ground blizzard, high wind of 15-20 m/s. It will snow in Kostanay, North Kazakhstan regions tomorrow. Ground blizzard, fog and high wind are predicted for the region. Ice-slick and fog are expected on Saturday in…

Malaysia’s trade surplus narrowed in January, with trade, exports and imports all falling from the previous month. 　　Data released by Malaysia’s Ministry of International Trade and Industry on Monday showed a trade surplus of 18.16 billion ringgit ($4.1 billion) in January, a sharp narrowing from 27.76 billion ringgit in December last year and a drop of 2.1 percent from a year earlier. . 　　”Compared to December 2022, trade, exports, imports and trade surplus decreased by 11.8 percent, 14.4 percent, 8.6 percent and 35.5 percent, respectively, due to shorter working days and longer holidays,” Malaysia’s Ministry of International Trade and Industry…