Why the birthplace of Islam is hosting one of the world’s biggest raves | CNN

Why the birthplace of Islam is hosting one of the world’s biggest raves | CNN

Editor’s Note: A version of this story first appeared in CNN’s Meanwhile in the Middle East newsletter, a three-times-a-week look inside the region’s biggest stories. Sign up here. Abu Dhabi, UAE CNN  —  Electronic music, strobe lights, glittered faces and hundreds of thousands of people in mixed-gender gyrations are all part of a new kind … Read more

Qatar signs world’s ‘longest’ gas supply deal with China

Qatar signs world’s ‘longest’ gas supply deal with China

QatarEnergy announced a 27-year natural gas supply deal with China Monday, calling it the “longest” ever seen as it strengthened ties with Asia while Europe scrambles for alternative sources. The state energy company will send four million tonnes of liquefied natural gas annually from its new North Field East project to China Petroleum and Chemical … Read more

Qatar signs deal to supply gas to China for 27 years | CNN Business

Qatar signs deal to supply gas to China for 27 years | CNN Business

QatarEnergy chief Saad al-Kaabi told Reuters on Monday the firm signed a 27-year sales and purchase agreement with China’s Sinopec, the longest in the history of liquefied natural gas (LNG) deals. “Today is an important milestone for the first sales and purchase agreement for North Field East project, it is 4 million tonnes for 27 … Read more

Ecuador dampens Qatar’s party as controversial World Cup gets underway | CNN

Ecuador dampens Qatar’s party as controversial World Cup gets underway | CNN

Al Khor, Qatar CNN  —  For the past year, a giant clock in Doha has been counting down to the opening match of the World Cup. Qatar and the world need wait no more, after this controversial tournament got underway Sunday with the host losing 2-0 to Ecuador. After a spectacular opening ceremony, which starred … Read more

World Cup 2022: Workers in Gulf state are united in wanting tournament to happen, says Gareth Southgate | CNN

World Cup 2022: Workers in Gulf state are united in wanting tournament to happen, says Gareth Southgate | CNN

CNN  —  England manager Gareth Southgate has a lot on his plate as the World Cup in Qatar grows ever closer. He is trying to turn around an England football team enduring its worst run of form since 1992, while facing an ever-growing injury list. All this as he prepares for the first World Cup … Read more

Qatar says it ‘commends’ call for reform after Socceroos video criticizing its LGBTQ and labor rights | CNN

Qatar says it ‘commends’ call for reform after Socceroos video criticizing its LGBTQ and labor rights | CNN

CNN  —  World Cup host Qatar has praised the Australian men’s national team for their efforts to raise awareness on “important matters” and said that “no country is perfect,” a spokesperson for Qatar’s Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy said on Friday. In a video message produced by Professional Footballers Australia (PFA) and released Wednesday, … Read more

UK foreign secretary under fire for saying LGBT soccer fans should be “respectful” at Qatar World Cup | CNN

UK foreign secretary under fire for saying LGBT soccer fans should be “respectful” at Qatar World Cup | CNN

CNN  —  British Foreign Secretary James Cleverly is receiving backlash for suggesting gay soccer fans should be “respectful” in Qatar when attending the FIFA World Cup set to take place in the Gulf Arab state later this year. Speaking to LBC Radio on Wednesday, Cleverly said he had spoken with authorities in Qatar – where … Read more

Airbus and Qatar Airways face off again in court over A350

Airbus and Qatar Airways face off again in court over A350

Airbus and Qatar Airways return to court on Friday as a contractual and safety dispute over A350 passenger jets descends into a tug-of-war over confidential documents while the sums at stake in their unprecedented falling-out top $1.5 billion. Qatar Airways is suing Airbus over damage to the painted surface and anti-lightning system on A350 jets, … Read more

PFI’s alleged links in Turkey and Qatar being probed

PFI’s alleged links in Turkey and Qatar being probed

The outfit’s alleged links with extremist elements abroad being looked into, says an official The outfit’s alleged links with extremist elements abroad being looked into, says an official The enforcement agencies are probing the alleged links of the now-banned Popular Front of India (PFI) with the extremist elements in Turkey, and the others who extended … Read more

UAE holds talks with Taliban to run Kabul airport – foreign diplomats

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The United Arab Emirates has held talks with the Taliban to run Kabul airport, going up against Gulf rival Qatar in a diplomatic tussle for influence with Afghanistan‘s new rulers, according to four sources with knowledge of the matter. UAE officials have held a series of discussions with the group in recent weeks to discuss … Read more