Happy Monday everyone!

Qatar Airways is planning to slow its growth after its next major aircraft order, signaling a shift in strategy amid industry challenges. Meanwhile, the UAE is doubling down on high-quality trade, leveraging Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements (CEPAs) to enhance global market access. In Dubai, the expansion of Maktoum International Airport is set to supercharge tourism and hospitality, with Dubai Parks and Resorts among the key beneficiaries.

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Qatar Airways to Slow Growth After Next Major Aircraft Order, CEO tells Financial Times

📰 What is it about?

• Qatar Airways CEO Badr Mohammed Al-Meer says the airline will slow expansion after its upcoming aircraft order.

• Talks are ongoing with Airbus and Boeing to increase annual passenger numbers from 50 million to 80 million over the next five to six years.

• Once Doha’s Hamad International Airport reaches full capacity, further growth will be limited.

💡 Why it matters?

• The move contrasts with rivals like Emirates, Etihad, and Saudi carriers, which are aggressively expanding.

• Meer suggests competitors have sacrificed service quality for rapid expansion, positioning Qatar Airways as a premium alternative.

• Doha is ramping up its tourism strategy with better marketing and a stopover program.

• Dubai International handled 92 million passengers in 2024, with plans to increase capacity to 150 million via a new mega airport.

• Meer downplayed Dubai’s expansion: “Would you rather have dinner at McDonald's or go to a Michelin-star restaurant?”

• Qatar Airways will focus on partnerships and expand its minority stakes in airlines like Virgin Australia, British Airways’ parent IAG, and potentially RwandAir.

• European airlines struggle to compete with Gulf carriers due to environmental taxes and restrictions from Russian airspace.

• Air France-KLM’s CEO claims there’s an unfair playing field, but Meer argues service quality is the real issue:

  • “It has nothing to do with sustainability or flying over Russia.”

🔜 What’s next?

• Qatar Airways is exploring M&A opportunities to expand its network via partner carriers.

• The long-delayed RwandAir stake deal may be finalized within a month.

• Gulf airline rivalry intensifies as Etihad gears up for an IPO and Saudi Arabia expands its aviation sector.

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Markets

UAE Prioritizes High-Quality Products, says Federal Minister Dr Thani

📰 What is it about?

• The UAE is committed to maintaining high product quality in its local market, preventing the influx of low-quality goods.

• Dr. Thani Al Zeyoudi, Minister of State for Foreign Trade, emphasized that while ensuring high-quality local products, the UAE also supports manufacturers in accessing global markets.

• The UAE has signed Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements (CEPAs) with several countries, including India, Indonesia, Israel, Turkey, and Georgia, to reduce tariffs and trade barriers.

• The government has established mechanisms to resolve trade disputes efficiently, eliminating lengthy legal processes in partner markets.

• The ‘Make it in the Emirates’ initiative ensures that locally produced goods remain competitive in international markets.

💡 Why it matters?

• CEPAs provide UAE businesses with a competitive edge by reducing tariffs and opening up alternative trade routes.

• The agreements help local companies diversify their exports, mitigating risks associated with geopolitical uncertainties.

• The UAE's approach ensures a stable regulatory environment, supporting manufacturers with raw materials, power, and infrastructure.

• As global markets shift, traditional trade routes may no longer be as profitable, making new agreements essential for sustainable economic growth.

• The ‘Make it in the Emirates’ initiative strengthens local industries and promotes economic self-sufficiency.

🔜 What’s next?

• The UAE will continue expanding its network of CEPAs, securing more favorable trade deals with additional countries.

• The upcoming ‘Make it in the Emirates’ exhibition in May 2025 in Abu Dhabi will showcase local manufacturing capabilities.

• Businesses are encouraged to tap into new markets beyond traditional trading partners, ensuring long-term resilience.

• The UAE's economic strategy will focus on boosting exports, enhancing foreign trade, and fostering innovation in domestic industries.

Dubai’s New Airport to Fuel Growth for Hospitality and Dubai Parks & Resorts

What is happening?

• Dubai’s hospitality sector, especially Dubai Parks and Resorts, is expected to see significant growth with the expansion of Maktoum International Airport (Dubai World Central).

• The airport's first phase will handle 150 million passengers, eventually expanding to 260 million, boosting tourism and hotel occupancy.

• Lapita, Dubai Parks and Resorts, Autograph Collection, is focusing on strategic initiatives to increase visitor numbers until the airport is fully operational.

• Dubai Parks and Resorts is attracting visitors from CIS countries, the UK, Germany, and new markets like Africa, Finland, and France.

Why it matters:

• The new airport’s expansion will create stronger connectivity and drive higher footfall to Dubai’s leisure and hospitality destinations.

• Hotel industry investments (Dh10-20 million for upgrades) will enhance Dubai’s position as a luxury and family-friendly travel hub.

• Lapita’s five-star upgrade reflects shifting market demand and the need to compete with top-tier resorts like Palm Jumeirah.

• Dubai’s hotel rating system remains a topic of debate, with some questioning its relevance while others see it as key to maintaining global tourism standards.

What’s next?

• Dubai Parks and Resorts will continue investing in upgrades rather than expanding with a second Lapita resort.

• Hotel occupancy rates are expected to rise further in 2025, with projections reaching 65% annually and 81% for Q1 2025.

• As Dubai World Central’s passenger capacity grows, hoteliers expect a long-term surge in visitor numbers.

• The impact of a potential GCC hotel rating system remains uncertain, with concerns about global recognition and standardization.

🔍In other news…

• Aramco Ventures leads $30m US climate tech startup Spiritus investment.

• Female representation in tech leadership remains low in the UAE, Coursera report.

• Dubai’s RTA is shifting to self-service models.

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