Qatari Newspapers Editorials

Doha, October 24 (QNA) - In their editorials on Monday, Qatari newspapers highlighted QatarEnergy's selection of Shell as its second partner in the North Field South (NFS) expansion project, and said that the new LNG volumes, which Qatar will bring to the global market, come at a time when natural gas assumes greater importance in light of recent geopolitical turmoil, and amidst the dire need for cleaner energy to meet global environmental objectives. The newspapers also highlighted the continuation of preparations at various levels, as the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 approaches, stressing that Qatar fulfills its promise to the world to organize an amazing sports and tourism experience for its visitors during the World Cup. The papers pointed out that the tourism experience will represent a key axis for the success of the tournament, as the country set its sights on achieving excellence in services and tourist resorts. Al-Watan daily said that QatarEnergy has selected Shell as its second international partner in the North Field South (NFS) expansion project, which comprises 2 LNG mega trains that will have a combined capacity of 16 million tons per annum (MTPA) and which will raise Qatar's total LNG production capacity to 126 MTPA. Pursuant to the agreement, Shell will have an effective net participating interest of 9.375% in the NFS project, out of a 25% interest available for international partners. QatarEnergy will hold the remaining 75% interest. The North Field Expansion Project, comprising NFS and the North Field East (NFE) expansion projects, is the industry's largest ever LNG project, the paper said, adding that it will start production in 2026 and will add more than 48 MTPA to the world's LNG supplies by 2027. This project is characterized by the highest health, safety, and environmental standards, including carbon capture and sequestration, to reduce the project’s overall carbon footprint to the lowest levels possible. In conclusion, Al-Watan said that the new LNG volumes comes at a time when natural gas assumes greater importance in light of recent geopolitical turmoil, and amidst the dire need for cleaner energy to meet global environmental objectives, which Qatar is very keen on. For its part, Al-Sharq newspaper said that QatarEnergy's selection of Shell as its second partner in the North Field South (NFS) expansion project is a new step on the path of Qatar's leadership in the gas industry, as the project comprises 2 LNG mega trains that will have a combined capacity of 16 million tons per annum (MTPA) and which will raise Qatar's total LNG production capacity to 126 MTPA. The project also reaffirmed QatarEnergy's determination to continue dedicating efforts to provide cleaner energy in every corner of the world for greater growth and a better tomorrow for all. The new LNG volumes, which Qatar will bring to the global market, come at a time when natural gas assumes greater importance in light of recent geopolitical turmoil, and amidst the dire need for cleaner energy to meet global environmental objectives, the paper said, adding that these volumes are a welcome addition given the increasing global concern not just over energy security, but also over a pragmatic energy transition as well as fair and equitable access to cleaner energy. The paper added that this deal and other similar deals constitute continuous success in the process of implementing North Field Expansion Project, which comprises NFS and the North Field East (NFE) expansion projects. The project is the industry's largest ever LNG project, and it will start production in 2026 and will add more than 48 MTPA to the world's LNG supplies by 2027, the paper added. Al-Sharq concluded its editorial by saying that the North Field South (NFS) expansion project constitutes a great breakthrough for global energy supplies, ensuring its security from a reliable source, in addition to its economic value and benefit to the State of Qatar. In turn, Al-Raya newspaper said that Qatar's preparations continue at various levels to fulfill its promise to the world to provide an amazing sports and tourism experience for its visitors during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, where tourism is a major component of the success of the tournament. The newspaper noted Qatar Tourism's announcement of opening more than 20 hotels, resorts, and new tourist destinations in the country before the start of the World Cup. These projects and tourist attractions will be ready to receive fans in the tournament, which begins on Nov. 20 and it will continue until Dec. 18. Qatar looks forward to welcoming all its visitors and guests who can now experience a new range of hotels, resorts and high-level tourist attractions that suit all visitors and budgets, the paper stressed. Qatar was able to achieve remarkable growth in the tourism sector in line with Qatar National Vision 2030, which aims to diversify sources of income, reducing its dependence on oil and gas, through pioneering initiatives that stimulate the tourism sector. Qatar has great potential for developing the tourism sector, which makes it a preferred destination for visitors from all over the world, the paper said. The hospitality and hotel sector is preparing for a major boom in the coming period with the completion of a number of tourism and entertainment projects that include hotel facilities with the organization of the World Cup. Qatar is on a date with the launch of new and exceptional tourist projects and resorts before the World Cup. These projects will add more diversity to the current tourist facilities and activities available to suit all travelers and provide them with a distinct tourism and entertainment experience. Al-Raya concluded its editorial by saying that the tourism sector in Qatar is experiencing a remarkable recovery. Qatar is preparing to unveil new tourist attractions, which include entertainment, beaches and beach clubs, arts and culture houses, shopping stores, and new hotels and resorts in 2022, stressing that visitors will live a unique tourism experience thanks to the ease and sophistication of transportation, the diversity of cultural, tourist and entertainment events, the diversity of the Qatari environment, the land and sea, and qualified tourist facilities. For its part, under the headline "Qatar all set to receive fans," The Peninsula newspaper noted the State of Qatar's elaborate transportation arrangements for fans and teams participating in the tournament and the accompanying events during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022. The Public Works Authority (Ashghal) has completed a network of highways and streets that facilitate access to all World Cup stadiums, training and accommodation venues for the tournament, fans’ gathering areas, and metro stations, it said. Ashghal has also readied 2,131 kilometers of pedestrian and bicycle paths on the highways and connected them to the hosting stadiums. The Qatar Railways Company has also completed preparations to receive fans as the Doha Metro will transport fans to five World Cup stadiums, while the other three stadiums will be allocated buses to transport fans, the paper added. The State of Qatar aims to capitalize on the influx of about 1.2 million visitors expected for Qatar 2022 and show the world its potential as a holiday destination, with tourism being an important pillar in the Qatar National Vision 2030. In conclusion, The Peninsula emphasized that Qatar will continue hosting global sporting events after the FIFA World Cup such as the Asian Football Cup 2023, Asian Games 2030, and will bid for the 2032 Olympics Games. Other major events being hosted by Qatar next year include Horticultural Doha Expo and Geneva International Motor Show. All these events will give a major boost to the travel and tourism industry and make Qatar a favored tourism destination. (QNA)