Qatar’s Green Building Push: Qatar’s GSAS has now certified 3.1bn sq ft of built-up area across 2,700 projects, spreading sustainability from stadiums and schools to hospitals, parks and free zones—showing green standards are becoming routine in the country’s construction pipeline. Digital Payments Growth: QIIB teamed up with Visa Consulting & Analytics to boost card usage and customer engagement through data-led portfolio management, targeted campaigns and spend migration—aimed at accelerating Qatar’s digital payments ecosystem. Banking Momentum: QNBFS reported public sector deposits in Qatar rose 1.7% month-on-month in May and 6.8% versus end-2025, with government institutions driving most of the increase, while lending growth leaned on outside-Qatar loans. Regional Energy Security: Qatar condemned Iranian missile and drone attacks on Gulf states, urging dialogue and diplomacy as the wider US-Iran conflict keeps raising risks for regional stability and energy flows. Gulf Shipping & Navigation: The EU and GCC jointly rejected any restrictions on navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, condemning attacks on shipping and Gulf countries and reaffirming freedom of transit under international law. Aviation & Premium Travel: Air France’s La Première highlights a new premium benchmark—two 32-inch 4K screens per suite—signaling airlines are competing with measurable in-cabin hardware, not just service. World Cup Business: FIFA’s final halftime show made history with a full-length entertainment segment featuring BTS, Madonna, Shakira and others, while crypto betting and sponsorship attention continues to grow around the tournament.