The British Chamber of Commerce Qatar posted the following statement on its website addressing the current situation in Qatar:

The latest market sentiment in Qatar suggests that rather than a negative downturn in business, the effect of the continuing GCC embargo could well herald the beginning of a new boom period for business in Qatar. The Qatar government is expected to announce shortly an injection of funding for a massive new investment programme along with several new flagship projects to boost Qatar’s economy over the short to medium term.

The government has determined that this economic investment is now imperative to ensure future self-sustainability and to pivot away from its previous reliance on its GCC neighbours. The local market has strongly endorsed and welcomed this move and echoed the prevailing sentiment that Qatar should forge a new economic path forward, in keeping with its 2030 vision.

Alongside such sentiment, we hear repeatedly from senior Qatar business sources that they will not forget their friends for showing solidarity with Qatar during this dispute. This presents UK companies with a golden opportunity to grow and strengthen business in Qatar. The next few months may well prove to be a critical window for British companies to explore the Qatar market. UK businesses new to Qatar should consider taking early steps to establish their brand and presence in the market to ensure they are well placed to benefit from the new stimulus being made by the Qatar government. UK businesses who are active and/or represented elsewhere in the GCC region should similarly contact the British Chamber for advice on how to protect existing business links with Qatar and how to pursue the surge in new business.

We strongly advise all UK businesses keen to trade with Qatar, or who wish to take advantage of the anticipated surge in projects and contracts, to make early contact with the British Chamber of Commerce in the market.

For more information, please visit our website: www.bccq.qa or contact us directly via email: info@bccq.qa

Following the severing of diplomatic ties with Qatar by many of its regional neighbours, most notably by Saudi Arabia, and the UAE, the Qatar government has reacted promptly to stabilise the economy and ensure commercial and trade relations remain undamaged.

The government has also stated that it intends to continue its current infrastructure and development program on the same timetable as before The general reaction from the market is that it remains business-as-usual.. Many British companies have reported that the trade embargo has not yet had any significant impact on their UK-Qatar business.

The primary impact has been the need to reroute cargo (both flights and shipping) via Oman and Kuwait. The Qatar authorities have moved swiftly to agree new measures to strengthen the trade and shipping links with the Omani ports of Sohar and Salalah and similarly to reinforce air links with Kuwait, Muscat and other hubs in the wider region. That net effect has inevitably meant small delays to cargo shipments and increased transportation costs. But overall, the impact has not been as dramatic as initially feared and shipments are now arriving on a regular basis.

The British Chamber of Commerce Qatar (BCCQ) remains confident that the long-term economic prospects for Qatar look exceedingly strong. While it is hard to say how quickly and amicably the dispute will be resolved, attractive business opportunities in all sectors remain for UK businesses to expand trade with Qatar. In the eyes of the business community in Qatar the breakdown in relations has not affected commercial and economic affairs unduly. For those UK companies with existing business in Qatar or immediate prospects, the British Chamber would encourage you to renew contact with your key customers and partners and make early plans to visit the market. For those UK businesses based in UAE, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia or who trade with Qatar through partners and agents based there we would urge you to contact the British Chamber to discuss how best to approach the market in the light of the current trade embargo.

The British Chamber of Commerce Qatar would like to encourage those who have enquiries about the current commercial market in Qatar to contact us. We are happy to provide further information and advice to UK businesses keen to trade in Qatar.

Qatar Airways is pleased to announce that it has again been named as Airline of the Year by the prestigious 2017 Skytrax World Airline Awards, held today at the Paris Air Show, the fourth time that Qatar Airways has been given this global recognition as the world’s best airline.

In addition to being voted Best Airline by travellers from around the world, Qatar’s national carrier also won a raft of other major awards at the ceremony, including Best Airline in the Middle East, World’s Best Business Class and World’s Best First Class Airline Lounge. Qatar Airways’ home and hub, Hamad International Airport, was this year also rated five-star by Skytrax, one of only five in the world to be given this recognition.

Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker, said: “For Qatar Airways to be named the World’s Best Airline particularly at this critical point in time, is a significant testimony of our passengers’ belief and trust in our unwavering commitment to deliver only the best. This award is also a reflection of the hard work and dedication of every employee at Qatar Airways. Our recognition at Skytrax this year is especially important as these awards are voted by travellers. To them I offer my sincere thanks, and I look forward to welcoming them on board soon.”

Commenting in regards to the current flight ban affecting the state of Qatar, H.E. Mr. Al Baker added: “At these difficult times of illegal bans on flights out of my country by big bullies, this is an award not to me, not to my airline, but to my country.”

The global airline, which was last year voted as having the World’s Best Business Class, Best Business Class Lounge and Best Airline Staff Service in the Middle East, continues to exceed expectations with its global expansion strategy and product development, including the recent launch of its new, innovative and award-winning Business Class experience, Qsuite. The first fully fitted aircraft is being showcased at Paris Air Show before going into service this weekend on the London-Doha route.

Qatar Airways’ patented new seat design has itself already gained industry notoriety after receiving the Best Airline Innovation of the Year award at the 2017 ULTRAS (Ultimate Luxury Travel Related Awards) for its launch of Qsuite. The prestigious award was presented at a ceremony at The Savoy hotel in London, attended by Sarah, Duchess of York and HRH Princess Eugenie of York, along with industry experts and VIPs. The win was significant in that the award was given before the seat has even commenced service, such is the anticipated impact of the design on the premium travel industry.

Qsuite, patented by Qatar Airways, features the industry’s first-ever double bed available in Business Class, with privacy panels that stow away, allowing passengers in adjoining seats to create their own private room. Adjustable panels and movable TV monitors on the centre four seats allows colleagues, friends or families travelling together to transform their space into a private suite, allowing them to work, dine and socialise together. These new features provide the ultimate customisable travel experience that enables passengers to create an environment that suits their own unique needs.

The prestigious awards received in Paris today mark yet another busy year for Qatar Airways as the airline looks ahead to no less than 24 new destinations to be launched, new aircraft deliveries, the roll-out of the revolutionary Qsuite across the fleet and continued celebrations of the 20th year anniversary. Qatar Airways previously won the title of the World’s Best Airline in 2011, 2012 and 2015.

One of the world’s fastest-growing airlines, Qatar Airways recently added Dublin, Republic of Ireland, to its global route network, soon to be followed by Nice, France; Skopje, Republic of Macedonia and Chang Mai, Thailand. The airline operates a modern fleet of 200 aircraft to a network of key business and leisure destinations across Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia Pacific, North America and South America.