India’s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met with Qatar’s Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, in Doha, reviewing bilateral relations with a focus on trade, investment, energy, and people-to-people ties. The meeting also included discussions on regional and global issues, including the situation in Gaza.
Qatar’s Prime Minister, Sheikh Mohamed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, launched the Smaisma Project, a new development by the Ministry of Municipality that will be overseen by Qatari Diar Real Estate Investment Company. The project is expected to become a prominent tourist attraction, adding to Qatar’s growing list of luxurious destinations along its coastline. The launch signifies the country’s continued commitment to economic growth and its vision for a sustainable future.
The Taliban will meet with international envoys in Qatar, raising concerns about the lack of human rights on the agenda. The exclusion of women’s rights groups has sparked criticism, while the UN insists this is not a step towards recognition.
Qatar has launched the Smaisma Project, an ambitious tourism development spanning eight million square meters along the country’s eastern coast. Overseen by Qatari Diar, the project promises to attract significant foreign investment, boost Qatar’s real estate and tourism sectors, and offer diverse entertainment experiences for residents and international visitors.
Qatar has emerged as a state-of-the-art Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibition (MICE) destination, with 128 venues offering a combined exhibition capacity of 70,000. The Global Exhibitions Day (GED) was celebrated in the Middle East for the first time, with Qatar Tourism (QT) as a Diamond Sponsor. The event highlighted Qatar’s commitment to the MICE industry, which is a key driver of tourism growth in the country.
The White House is still awaiting a response from Palestinian Islamist group Hamas regarding Israel’s ceasefire proposal, which was presented by President Biden and relayed by Qatar. CIA Director Bill Burns is scheduled to meet with Qatari mediators to discuss the proposal further. Hamas has stated that it will not accept any agreement unless Israel agrees to a permanent truce and complete withdrawal from Gaza. Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu maintains that permanent peace is impossible without the eradication of Hamas. The ongoing conflict in Gaza has resulted in thousands of deaths and widespread destruction.
Qatar has been selected to host the 51st UN Tourism Regional Commission Conference for the Middle East, solidifying its position as a regional and global hub for cultural, economic, and political exchange. The conference will showcase Qatar’s expertise in tourism development, including the Hayya platform and the Qatar Tourism Awards. Collaboration opportunities in innovative digital and AI technologies will also be explored.
Qatar Airways’ Discover Qatar division unveils an exclusive air tour offering travelers a unique perspective of Doha’s stunning landscapes and iconic landmarks from the comfort of a Cessna 208 Caravan aircraft. Designed for adventure-seekers, the ‘Discover Doha by Air’ tour provides a blend of exploration, adventure, and thrill, with each tour meticulously planned for the comfort of up to eight passengers in an air-conditioned cabin with large windows for optimal sightseeing. Departing from Doha International Airport Premium Terminal, the 45-minute flight offers breathtaking views of Al Thumama Stadium, Aspire Zone, Lusail Stadium, Al Bayt Stadium, Thakira Mangrove Forest, The Pearl Island, Katara Cultural Village, West Bay, the Corniche, National Museum of Qatar, Museum of Islamic Art, and Stadium 974. Bookings are now open at discoverqatar.qa/air, with prices set at QAR 710 for adults and children over two years, while infants under two fly free. Morning and afternoon tours are available from Thursday to Monday, with optional Discover Qatar return airport transfers and private transfers for passengers with layovers at Hamad International Airport.
India is planning to export 14,000 tonnes of non-basmati rice to Mauritius and 7,500 tonnes of onions to Qatar through the National Cooperative Exports Ltd (NCEL). This move comes after the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) requested relaxation in the export ban. Despite the export ban on non-basmati white rice since last July and onions since last December, the government is lifting the ban for key strategic countries to keep domestic prices in check. The government has also imposed a minimum export price (MEP) of $550 per tonne and a 40% export duty on onions to control domestic prices.
Jury selection is ongoing in the trial of Democratic Senator Bob Menendez, who is facing federal corruption charges. Several prominent individuals, including current and former lawmakers, White House officials, and political strategists, may be called to testify. Menendez and two New Jersey businessmen are accused of a bribery scheme involving Egypt and Qatar. Co-defendant Jose Uribe has pleaded guilty and will testify against the other defendants. This is the second time Menendez has faced corruption charges in a decade.
