Qatar Central Bank Issues Treasury Bills Valued at $163.3 Mln for Sept.

The Qatar Central Bank (QCB) issued treasury bills for September for three, six and nine months, with a value of QR 600 million ($163.6 million). (Asharq Al-Awsat)
The Qatar Central Bank (QCB) issued treasury bills for September for three, six and nine months, with a value of QR 600 million ($163.6 million). (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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Qatar Central Bank Issues Treasury Bills Valued at $163.3 Mln for Sept.

The Qatar Central Bank (QCB) issued treasury bills for September for three, six and nine months, with a value of QR 600 million ($163.6 million). (Asharq Al-Awsat)
The Qatar Central Bank (QCB) issued treasury bills for September for three, six and nine months, with a value of QR 600 million ($163.6 million). (Asharq Al-Awsat)

The Qatar Central Bank (QCB) issued treasury bills for September for three, six and nine months, with a value of QR 600 million ($163.6 million).

In a statement, QCB said the treasury bills were distributed as follows: QR 300 million for three months at an interest rate of 1.09 percent, QR 200 million (54.4 million) for six months at an interest rate of 1.99 percent, and QR 100 million ($27.2 million) for nine months at an interest rate of 2.22 percent.

The issuance is part of the Central Bank's monetary policy initiatives and its efforts to strengthen the financial system and activate the tools available for open market operations.

It is part of a series of issues executed by the Central Bank on behalf of the government and in accordance with the schedule prepared by both the QCB and the Ministry of Finance.

Meanwhile, the Arab Monetary Fund (AMF) expected Qatar’s economy to grow by 4.4 percent this year and 3.6 percent in 2023, supported by the boom in activities related to the country’s hosting of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, and the growth of non-hydrocarbon activities, in addition to its vital role in the global gas market.

The fund said in a report that it expected inflation in Qatar to reach about 4.3 percent during the current year, and it will decline to 3.5 percent in 2023.

The AMF expected the Gulf Cooperation Council countries to achieve a relatively higher growth rate this year, at about 6.3 percent, compared to 3.1 percent last year, due to a host of factors supporting growth in both the oil and non-oil sectors, and the positive impact of economic reforms, in addition to the continued adoption of stimulus packages supportive of recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic.

It is likely that the growth rate of the group of countries will decline to 3.7 percent in 2023, the AMF said.



Egypt’s Tourism Minister: We’ve Agreed on Future Initiatives with Saudi Arabia


A glimpse of the visit by the Egyptian Minister of Tourism and Antiquities and his accompanying delegation to the UNWTO office in Saudi Arabia (Asharq Al-Awsat)
A glimpse of the visit by the Egyptian Minister of Tourism and Antiquities and his accompanying delegation to the UNWTO office in Saudi Arabia (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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Egypt’s Tourism Minister: We’ve Agreed on Future Initiatives with Saudi Arabia


A glimpse of the visit by the Egyptian Minister of Tourism and Antiquities and his accompanying delegation to the UNWTO office in Saudi Arabia (Asharq Al-Awsat)
A glimpse of the visit by the Egyptian Minister of Tourism and Antiquities and his accompanying delegation to the UNWTO office in Saudi Arabia (Asharq Al-Awsat)

Egyptian Tourism Minister Sherif Fathy told Asharq Al-Awsat that he and Saudi Tourism Minister Ahmed Al-Khateeb have agreed to collaborate on several tourism initiatives.

These include joint marketing efforts, shared tourism programs, environmental protection measures, and promoting specific types of tourism in the Red Sea.

Fathy recently visited Riyadh, where he met with Al-Khateeb and engaged with Saudi business leaders. They discussed ways to promote tourism between their countries and increase visitor exchanges.

During his visit to the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) regional office in Riyadh, Fathy stated that the office’s presence in Saudi Arabia enhances the organization’s work in the region and improves communication with other countries.

He confirmed that they plan to develop and implement the agreed initiatives in the near future.

Fathy highlighted that the Middle East is a key player in global tourism and deserves a dedicated office to support all countries in the region. This effort aims to boost collaboration and promote the Middle East as a top destination for travelers.

Tourism, National Economy: A Path to Sustainable Growth

Samer Al-Kharashi, Director of the UNWTO regional office for the Middle East, stated that the office supports 13 countries in the region, with Egypt being a key member.

He highlighted that the recent visit by Egypt’s Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, who serves as Vice President of the regional committee, creates opportunities for collaboration.

This partnership aims to boost tourism’s role in the national economy, create jobs, and promote sustainable practices that protect the environment.

Speaking to Asharq Al-Awsat, Al-Kharashi emphasized the potential for cooperation with Egypt, which has a rich tourism history and many ancient sites. He noted that the regional office has the expertise to assist member countries.

Al-Kharashi expressed optimism about the discussions, which covered various opportunities for joint projects that would benefit both Egypt and the wider region.

Strengthening Bilateral Relations

Fathy’s visit to the UNWTO regional office aims to enhance bilateral relations, as Cairo actively seeks to develop its tourism sector through international collaboration.

During their meeting, Fathy and Al-Kharashi addressed key issues facing Egypt’s tourism sector, including challenges and growth opportunities. They explored future cooperation, particularly in tourism training, improving services, and increasing investments.

Egypt ranks first in Africa, fifth in the Middle East, and 63rd globally on the Travel and Tourism Development Index.

The UNWTO regional office in Riyadh is the first of its kind outside the organization’s headquarters, dedicated to supporting member states in the Middle East.

The office focuses on promoting tourism education, improving infrastructure, and fostering sustainable tourism while preserving the region’s cultural and environmental heritage.