The licence, issued by the US Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), was announced on Thursday by Trinidad’s Attorney General John Jeremie. It represents a crucial opportunity for Port of Spain to secure new gas supplies at a time when domestic production has dropped by almost 30 per cent since 2015, threatening the future of the country’s petrochemical and liquefied natural gas (LNG) industries — key pillars of its economy.

Under the six-month authorisation, Trinidad and Shell are permitted to begin talks with Venezuela’s state company PDVSA, but under strict conditions . The US has made clear that the project must not provide any “significant benefit” to President Nicolás Maduro’s government. A second Treasury document extends the deal’s potential timeline into April 2026, outlining a phased process for development that includes participation from US companies.

The Dragon field holds an estimated 4.2 trillion cubic feet of gas, making it one of Venezuela’s largest reserves. Its exploitation was halted years ago due to sanctions and political instability in Caracas. For Trinidad and Tobago, access to that resource could act as a lifeline for the country’s energy-dependent economy , described by former energy minister Kevin Ramnarine as a “salvation table” — though he warned its success depends on both political will and US flexibility.

Beyond economics, Washington’s decision reflects a pragmatic recalibration of its Caribbean strategy: maintaining pressure on Maduro while supporting regional partners facing energy insecurity. For Trinidad and Tobago, the authorisation opens a narrow but vital window — six months to turn diplomatic approval into a concrete deal, in a Caribbean increasingly shaped by energy geopolitics and great-power rivalry.

Qatar may halt LNG exports to the EU over the new Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD), which mandates large firms to address environmental and human rights issues in their supply chains or face fines. The law, applying to EU and non-EU firms with over €450M turnover, phases in through 2029. Qatar, heavily reliant on fossil fuel exports and criticised for labour abuses, sees the rules as a threat. Al-Kaabi said without changes, Doha would seek other markets, questioning the directive’s climate goals and rejecting net-zero targets. As one of the world’s top LNG exporters, Qatar could pivot to markets like Pakistan and Syria, while the EU may need to increase U.S. LNG imports or reconsider nuclear power.

Why workplace safety matters

As Qatar advances its National Vision 2030, industries such as construction, oil & gas, logistics, healthcare, and manufacturing face growing pressure from regulators, employees, and global partners to improve workplace safety. ISO 45001, the international standard for Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems, provides a structured approach to identifying hazards, managing risks, and ensuring continuous improvement—offering not only compliance but also a competitive edge. Rapid development in areas like Lusail, The Pearl, and Ras Laffan has heightened occupational risks, making ISO 45001’s globally recognised framework critical. Released in 2018, the standard aligns with ISO 9001 and ISO 14001, enabling integration of quality, environmental, and safety management systems.

Qatar backs Syria’s economic revival

Qatar’s UCC Holding is spearheading a $4 billion foreign-investment deal with four international partners to transform Damascus International Airport into a regional hub. The project, under a Build–Operate–Transfer model, will expand capacity to 31 million passengers across five phases, introduce 32 modern gates, and add world-class facilities. Seen as a key step in Syria’s reconstruction, it aims to boost connectivity, trade, and tourism while meeting ICAO and IATA standards.

Storms, cancellations, and tourism slump disrupt air travel in Qatar, other countries

In 2025, the US, Canada, UK, Germany, Australia, and Qatar face a major travel shake-up as storms, airline cancellations, and declining tourism disrupt the global air industry. Violent weather is grounding flights in US hubs like Dallas and New York, while Canada battles wildfire smoke and delays in Ontario and British Columbia. In the UK and Germany, summer storms are driving delays and reduced bookings, straining airports and tour operators alike.

Qatar is steadily enhancing its legislative framework

Minister of Justice and Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs H E Ibrahim bin Ali bin Issa Al Hassan Al Mohannadi has said Qatar is strengthening its legislative framework to support sustainable development, uphold the rule of law, and promote transparency. Over the past year, Cabinet decisions have advanced legislative modernisation, ensured justice, and built strong institutions. According to the Council of Ministers Secretariat General, initiatives have focused on empowering national talent, accelerating digital transformation, engaging youth, and advancing food security and sustainable urban planning—all aimed at achieving sustainable development within a modern legislative and executive framework.