Pratap John

Doha

Business Editor at Gulf Times

Business Editor at Gulf Times.

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Articles

GCC’s improved air connectivity reflects region’s strategic importance, economic vitality

1 week ago | gulf-times.com | Pratap John

Air passenger connectivity offered by airports in the Middle East, Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC) region in particular, posted an impressive 28% increase year-on-year in 2024, surpassing all post-Covid recovery forecasts. This, according to Airports Council International Asia-Pacific & Middle East (ACI APAC & MID), has been driven by strong international demand, robust network recovery, and the return of major travel corridors.
Qatar’s payment system transactions total QR13.9bn in April: QCB

1 week ago | gulf-times.com | Pratap John

Qatar’s payment system transactions totalled QR13.9bn through 50.5mn transactions in April, according to the Qatar Central Bank. Majority (58%) of these were through points of sale (PoS), while e-commerce accounted for 26%, QCB data reveal. Instant payment system (Fawran) had a 15% share of the payment system transactions last month while Qatar Mobile Payment represented 1% of the total.
Qatar CHE expected to grow at CAGR of 8.3% until 2029: Alpen Capital

1 week ago | gulf-times.com | Pratap John

Current healthcare expenditure (CHE) of Qatar is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate CAGR of 8.3% until 2029, according to investment banking advisory firm, Alpen Capital. CHE in the GCC is expected to grow from an estimated $109.1bn in 2024 to $159bn in 2029, at a CAGR of 7.8%.
Airline industry sets eyes on reducing baggage loss and mishandling

2 weeks ago | gulf-times.com | Pratap John

Modernising baggage operations in airports globally have significant benefits across multiple dimensions — operational efficiency, passenger experience, security, and sustainability. According to a recent IATA poll, some 81% of travellers want better tracking, 74% expect real-time updates on their mobile phones and 67% are willing to switch to electronic bag tags.
Qatar, GCC infrastructure 'most ready' to utilise AI: Al-Attiyah

2 weeks ago | gulf-times.com | Pratap John

Qatar and the GCC countries have the infrastructure most ready to utilise artificial intelligence (AI), noted HE the Minister of Municipality, Abdullah bin Hamad bin Abdullah al-Attiyah. Speaking at a panel session at the Qatar Economic Forum Wednesday, Attiyah said: "the GCC as a whole has the unique opportunity to lead in smart cities and actual use of AI in urban planning."“I always believe that the biggest place that can invest in AI is the Middle East, because we are already prepared.
Qatar’s new Boeing order to cover national airline’s strategy until 2045: Al-Meer

2 weeks ago | gulf-times.com | Pratap John

Qatar’s new Boeing order will cover the national airline’s strategy until 2045, Group Chief Executive Officer Badr Mohammed al-Meer has said. Last week Qatar Airways placed the largest aircraft order in its history with manufacturing partner Boeing.
Qatar plans to 'significantly boost' LNG trading: Al-Kaabi

2 weeks ago | gulf-times.com | Pratap John

Qatar plans to significantly boost its liquefied natural gas trading business to complement its expanding domestic production of LNG, according to HE the Minister of State for Energy Affairs, Saad bin Sherida al-Kaabi. QatarEnergy set up a trading unit a few years ago, which is already handling 10mn tonnes of physical LNG annually, more than 50% of which is non-Qatari volumes, al-Kaabi said at the Qatar Economic Forum Tuesday.
Invest Qatar partners Quantinuum to strengthen Qatar’s quantum computing ecosystem

2 weeks ago | gulf-times.com | Pratap John

Invest Qatar, the Investment Promotion Agency of Qatar, has inked a strategic agreement with Quantinuum, the world leader in quantum computing and developer of the world’s highest-performing quantum computer. The partnership aims to strengthen Qatar’s quantum computing ecosystem by supporting Quantinuum’s recently announced expansion into the region, which was highlighted last week by the President of the United States, Donald J.Trump during his historic state visit to Qatar.
Qatar Airways Group profit jumps 28% to ‘record’ QR7.85bn in 2024/2025

2 weeks ago | gulf-times.com | Pratap John

Qatar Airways Group has registered a 28% growth in its profit for the financial year 2024/2025 to more than QR7.85bn, which is the “strongest set” of financial results in its history. The profit shows an increase of more than QR1.7bn on the year before, Qatar Airways said yesterday.
Qatar Airways signs historic deal with Boeing for up to 210 aircraft

3 weeks ago | gulf-times.com | Pratap John

Qatar Airways announced that the national carrier has placed the largest aircraft order in its history with manufacturing partner Boeing. As part of its strategic fleet growth plan, the landmark order includes up to 210 Boeing wide-body jets – 160 firm and 50 option, which is the largest wide-body order and the largest 787 Dreamliner order in the American aerospace company’s history.