Read the September 2025 MEED Business Review

Doha’s Olympic bid; Kuwait’s progress on crucial reforms reinforces sentiment; Downstream petrochemicals investments take centre stage

Doha announced in late July that it will bid to host the 2036 Olympic Games. For Qatar, the world’s biggest multi-sport event offers another chance to redefine its economy after the 2022 Fifa World Cup.

MEED’s September issue Agenda section takes an in-depth look at Doha’s Olympics bid – which, if successful, will make the Qatari capital the first city in the Middle East and North Africa to host the games, reinforcing its position as a global hub for major sporting events.

With its infrastructure largely in place and a proven track record of hosting international events, Qatar is well-positioned from a logistical standpoint. Time will tell if Doha will be able to extend the country’s World Cup experience into more lasting and sustainable tourism gains.

This month’s market focus covers Kuwait, where parliamentary suspension has delivered key reforms, but broader challenges for the country now loom.

MEED’s latest issue also includes a report on the Middle East and North Africa’s downstream industry, with state energy producers and private players poised to increase and diversify chemicals production.

This issue is bursting with analysis. The team examines Syria’s plans for post-war reconstruction; looks at how sports stadiums are now the main event for Saudi construction; and discovers why the Middle East is set to be a growth leader for global construction.

Also in the September issue, Abdulla Bin Damithan, CEO and managing director of DP World GCC, outlines how Dubai’s sea-air logistics model is helping to power resilient trade. Meanwhile, in this month’s legal column, we learn how a new law will reshape Dubai construction.

We hope our valued subscribers enjoy the September 2025 issue of MEED Business Review.