Results for: Qatar

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.

Qatar, renowned for its luxury and cultural heritage, has emerged as a thrilling destination for adventure enthusiasts. From dune bashing in the Arabian desert to diving in the Persian Gulf, the country offers a captivating array of activities that cater to every thrill level. With its unique landscapes and unparalleled experiences, Qatar is poised to become a leading hub for adventure tourism.

Qatar Tourism and the Republic of Djibouti have met to discuss strengthening their collaboration in the tourism industry. During the meeting, Qatar Tourism presented a proposal to provide training opportunities and resources to support Djibouti’s tourism sector.

The World Travel & Tourism Council’s (WTTC) 2024 Economic Impact Research (EIR) has revealed a remarkable upsurge in Qatar’s Travel & Tourism sector. Last year witnessed unprecedented highs in GDP contribution, job creation, and domestic traveler expenditure, surpassing previous records. In 2023, the sector’s GDP contribution soared by 31%, reaching a historic QAR 81.2BN, constituting 10.3% of Qatar’s total economic output. Employment in the sector burgeoned with over 20,300 new positions, totaling nearly 286,000 jobs nationwide, accounting for one in every eight jobs across the country. Domestic visitor spending surged to QAR 1.4BN. Despite hosting the FIFA World Cup the preceding year and experiencing a 40% surge in spending by foreign visitors to QAR 60.4BN, it still trailed the previous peak by QAR 1.2BN.

Research from the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) in 2024 reveals that Qatar’s Travel & Tourism sector achieved record-breaking success last year. The sector’s contribution to GDP, employment, and domestic spending surged significantly. The GDP contribution reached QAR 81.2BN, accounting for 10.3% of Qatar’s total economic output. Over 20,300 new jobs were created in the sector, bringing the total to nearly 286,000 jobs nationwide. Despite a decline in international visitor spending, the sector is projected to make a record contribution to Qatar’s economy in 2024, with an expected GDP contribution of QAR 90.8BN and over 334,500 jobs supported.

Amidst ongoing tensions, the Israeli government, led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, has decided to close down the local branch of Qatar-based global news channel Al Jazeera. Netanyahu has publicly labeled the channel as an ‘incitement channel.’ This action underscores the long-standing rift between Israel and the international news organization.

The announcement follows Israel’s rejection of Hamas’ demand to end the ongoing war in Gaza in exchange for the release of Israeli hostages. Netanyahu has maintained that such a move would perpetuate Hamas’ control over Palestine, posing a threat to Israel’s security. He has vowed to continue the military campaign until Israel’s objectives are achieved.

The Israel-Gaza conflict has resulted in the deaths of thousands of civilians, including women and children. The United Nations has called for an immediate ceasefire amid concerns about a humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip. The United States has also condemned Hamas for obstructing efforts towards a ceasefire.

Essa Al-Nassr, a member of Qatar’s Shura Council, made antisemitic remarks and incited violence and terrorism at an Arab League session. He accused Jews of being ‘killers of prophets’ and praised the Hamas massacre on October 7th, 2021, calling it a ‘prelude’ to the annihilation of Israel. Al-Nassr’s comments reflect a broader trend of religious-nationalistic antisemitism in Islamist circles and come amid Qatar’s role as a patron of Hamas and mediator with Israel.

Qatar has stated that the political leadership of Hamas will remain in Doha as long as their presence is beneficial to mediation efforts aimed at ending the war in Gaza. The announcement comes after Qatar reassessed its role in the conflict following the failure of mediators, including the U.S. and Egypt, to secure a pause in fighting during the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan. Qatar, which has been engaged in weeks of behind-the-scenes talks on a possible truce in Gaza, has been criticized by Israeli officials for its mediation efforts.

Qatar has declared that Hamas’ political leadership will continue to reside in Doha as long as their presence contributes to mediation efforts for resolving the Gaza conflict. The decision comes despite rumors of Hamas’ potential expulsion from the gas-rich Gulf state. Qatar’s foreign ministry spokesperson, Majed al-Ansari, emphasized that Hamas’ presence will be reevaluated upon the completion of their reassessment of mediation efforts.

The Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, arrived in Nepal on Tuesday for his first-ever visit to the country. During his two-day visit, the Emir is expected to discuss the working conditions of Nepalese migrant workers in Qatar, as well as the ongoing hostage crisis involving a Nepalese student held by Hamas. Around 400,000 Nepali workers, mostly employed in construction and manual labor, are currently in Qatar. Concerns have been raised regarding extreme heat, inadequate living facilities, and abuse faced by these workers. The Qatar-based Human Rights Watch has urged Qatar, Nepal, and Bangladesh to prioritize labor protection for migrant workers. Additionally, Nepali officials are likely to seek the Emir’s assistance in securing the release of Bipin Joshi, a local held hostage by Hamas since October. The militant group had captured Joshi along with other Nepalese students studying near the Gaza Strip. The Emir’s visit comes amid Qatar’s ongoing role as a mediator in the Gaza conflict. The country has played a key role in negotiating a brief halt to the fighting in November, leading to the release of hostages.