But by 2050, sea levels could rise by at least 0.5 metre, according to the minister, citing the United Nations' Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. Some experts view the estimate as conservative. Rising seas aggravate flooding, threaten coastlines and could pollute Bahrain's already scarce groundwater reserves with salty seawater.
Israel confirms talks on temporary Qatar office for World Cup
Israel has not qualified for the tournament which begins in November, but has announced a deal that will allow its citizens, like other foreigners, to obtain a Qatari entry visa with proof of ticket purchase. "There was contact between Israeli and Qatari officials," an Israeli diplomatic official said, confirming the...
Qatar to invest $3bn in beleaguered Pakistan economy
The United Arab Emirates this month said it would invest $1 billion in Pakistan and, according to reports, Saudi Arabia is considering extending an emergency $2 billion loan made last year. The latest boost came in talks between Qatar's emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and Pakistan's Prime Minister...
Only football fans with match tickets to enter Qatar
Qatar will only let football fans with match tickets enter the Gulf state during the World Cup tournament, officials said Thursday as they announced that scores of shuttle flights would bring in thousands of fans each day from neighbouring countries. Qatar Airways chief executive Akbar Al Baker said the national...UAE seeks to diversify economy beyond oil
With little oil but the most diversified economy in the Gulf, Dubai has gone from a fishing village to a major financial, transport and media hub in the space of a few decades. Known for its glitzy shopping centres and its forest of skyscrapers, it has become a major tourist...
