Iraq to Establish Fixed Platform for Imported Gas at Grand Faw Port

Sudani chairs the meeting held to follow up on the implementation of the Ministry of Oil projects. (INA)
Sudani chairs the meeting held to follow up on the implementation of the Ministry of Oil projects. (INA)
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Iraq to Establish Fixed Platform for Imported Gas at Grand Faw Port

Sudani chairs the meeting held to follow up on the implementation of the Ministry of Oil projects. (INA)
Sudani chairs the meeting held to follow up on the implementation of the Ministry of Oil projects. (INA)

Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammad Shia Al-Sudani approved Wednesday the establishment of a fixed platform for imported gas at the Grand Faw Port.
This gas platform marks a significant milestone in the country's oil and gas sector, representing the first of its kind.
The Prime Minister's Office (PMO) issued a statement confirming the approval of the specialized committee's recommendations during a meeting chaired by Al-Sudani.
The meeting focused on outlining the forthcoming steps to operationalize the fixed platform.
Al-Sudani underscored that the successful initiation of this vital project was made possible by the substantial progress achieved in the Grand Faw Port project.
This strategic endeavor aligns with the government's commitment to address challenges related to gas supplies, eliminate hurdles in gas imports, and transition towards reliance on gas sourced from Iraqi fields.
According to the statement, the endorsed recommendations put forth by the committee include the engagement of a reputable international consulting firm to oversee both the technical and commercial aspects of the project.
Furthermore, it intends to issue invitations for the establishment of a fixed platform dedicated to importing liquefied gas within the expansive Al-Faw port along with the infrastructure, and integrating it into the existing pipeline network.
This move is aimed at ensuring a consistent gas supply from diverse sources and bridging the gap in electricity station operations.



Qatar Achieves Record Tourism Revenues, Welcomes 5 Million Visitors in 2024

Qatar’s tourist destinations experienced a 38% increase in total expenditure compared to the previous year. (QNA)
Qatar’s tourist destinations experienced a 38% increase in total expenditure compared to the previous year. (QNA)
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Qatar Achieves Record Tourism Revenues, Welcomes 5 Million Visitors in 2024

Qatar’s tourist destinations experienced a 38% increase in total expenditure compared to the previous year. (QNA)
Qatar’s tourist destinations experienced a 38% increase in total expenditure compared to the previous year. (QNA)

Recent data from Qatar Tourism reveals that the country achieved record-breaking figures in its tourism sector in 2024, with total tourism revenues reaching QAR 40 billion ($10.7 billion). Visitor numbers soared to nearly 5 million, reflecting a 25% increase compared to 2023.

The data shows that Qatar’s tourism industry experienced a 38% rise in total spending compared to the previous year. Meanwhile, the hospitality sector marked a historic achievement by recording 10 million hotel nights for the first time ever, with projections of an additional 35,000 nights by year-end.

Qatar Tourism also noted its organization of over 100 business events, 120 entertainment activities, and 80 sports events in 2024. Key highlights included hosting the AFC Asian Cup, the Qatar Grand Prix for Formula 1, and a thriving 2024–2025 cruise season, all of which drew substantial visitor interest.

GCC nationals accounted for 41% of the total visitors, with the remaining visitors coming from a variety of international markets. Saudi Arabia topped the list of source countries, followed by India, the United Kingdom, Germany, and the United States.

Regarding modes of entry, 56% of visitors arrived by air, 37% by land, and 7% by sea, highlighting ongoing enhancements in access and connectivity.

Saad Al-Kharji, Chairman of Qatar Tourism and Visit Qatar, stated that exceeding the milestone of 5 million visitors underscores the success of the country’s tourism strategy.

“This 25% annual growth reflects our dedication to advancing the tourism sector and achieving our ambitious targets of doubling visitor numbers and increasing tourism’s contribution to GDP by 2030,” he said.

Eng. Abdulaziz Ali Al-Mawlawi, CEO of Visit Qatar, attributed these achievements to the collaborative efforts of all stakeholders.

“We have cemented Qatar’s position as a global leader through hosting major international events and launching innovative initiatives. We look forward to a promising future for our tourism sector,” he said.