Qatar Roundup: Iran-bound flights, e-commerce, vision-picking technology
Flights to Iran resume
Qatar Airways has resumed 20 weekly flights to Iran, including key destinations such as Tehran and Mashhad. Despite regional tensions, the airline is prioritising passenger safety while restoring connectivity. The recent decision was made amidst escalating tensions after an assault on the Israeli consulate in Damascus led to 13 fatalities, Akhbrna.co reports. The attack is believed to be a response to the death of an Iranian military leader in Damascus, which is thought to have been caused by an Israeli operation. The situation intensified when Iran initiated a considerable offensive against Israel, marked by a continuous onslaught of missiles and drones lasting five hours, with reports of explosions in both Tel Aviv and Jerusalem.
E-commerce successes
In March 2024, Qatar's e-commerce transactions reached $1 billion, with a 43.5% increase from the previous year. Qatar Central Bank announced via its social media platform that e-commerce transactions hit 6.44 million in March 2024, totalling QR3.66bn. According to Zawya, this represents a substantial year-on-year increase in transaction value, with a surge of 43.5 percent compared to March 2023 and 18.4 percent compared to March 2022. In March 2023, e-commerce transactions in Qatar amounted to 4.90 million, while in March 2022, they totalled 4.34 million.
Nigerian stealing the hearts of Qataris through food
Omowumi Monehin went from being an attorney to founding Wumi’s Bakery and Bistro in Qatar. During an interview with Guardian Life, she stated that she started baking healthy, preservative-free bread for her family during a food crisis in 2017 when 4 nations - Egypt, The United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Bahrain severed diplomatic ties with Qatar. A quest to provide healthy food for her first child turned into a successful business when neighbours who felt 'guilty' for taking the bread for free started offering money for it. Despite challenges, she has built a thriving bakery that celebrates Nigerian cuisine and has over 400 locations in Qatar. Her journey is a testament to the power of passion and love.
Qatar's Amir calls for calm in Iran-Israel tensions
On April 15, Qatar's Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani engaged in a telephone discussion with Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, emphasising the importance of de-escalating any potential regional conflict, reports Doha News. This follows Iran's retaliation against Israel and a recent surge in tensions in the region. The conversation also touched on Iran's notification to regional countries about a planned attack, which the US denied. The region has experienced heightened conflict, including Israeli attacks on Gaza and cross-border attacks between Hezbollah and Israel in Lebanon.
Vision-picking technology introduced
Gulf Warehousing Company (GWC) in Qatar is introducing vision-picking technology to improve logistics operations. This cutting-edge technology uses computer vision systems and augmented reality to increase accuracy, efficiency, and safety in warehouse operations. The integration of vision picking has led to faster-picking speed, reduced human effort, and a safer working environment for GWC employees. Zawya explains that this initiative demonstrates GWC's commitment to driving warehouse operations efficiency, accuracy, and safety. GWC is Qatar's No. 1 logistics and supply chain solutions provider and offers various logistics services.
