Qatar’s economy has weathered the impact of a months-long blockade by neighbouring countries, although its tourism and real estate sectors have taken a hit, an economic report said on Wednesday. The economy of the gas-rich state grew by 1.9 percent in the third quarter of last year, up from 0.3 percent in the previous quarter, it said. But it added that the tourism sector has been hit hard, with visitor arrivals down 20 percent in November compared to the previous year. Flights into Qatar were down 25 percent and flights by Qatar Airways were cut 20 percent in the same period. The Saudi-led bloc of countries accuses Qatar of supporting extremist groups and of being too close to Iran, charges Doha denies.

Source: Hindustan Times January 24, 2018 17:15 UTC