The political rift between Qatar and some of its Gulf neighbours has compounded an already lackluster economic performance, with GDP growing a mediocre 2.5 per cent in annual terms in the first quarter (Q1), a report said.

Qatar’s Public Works Authority (Ashghal) said it has opened the first phase of the New Orbital Highway and Truck Route, which will serve as a vital link between the southern and northern areas of the country.

Businessmen from Oman and Qatar are expected to launch three manufacturing projects, said a senior official from Zubair Corporation. The company has three projects under consideration based on partnerships between Qatari and Omani businessmen, C S Badrinath, CEO, Zubair Corporation, was quoted as saying in a Gulf Times report.

Qatar’s Special Economic Zones Company (Manateq) is set to announce huge business and investment opportunities for private companies, including for those keen to invest in the country’s booming hospitality and logistics industries, said a report.

Qatar will build a QR1.6 billion ($435.3 million) food storage and processing facility at Hamad Port capable of supplying a stockpile for three main commodities – rice, sugar, and edible oils – for 3 million people for two and a half years, said a report.