Qatar vows to retaliate after London transport bans advertising

Robert Besser
29 Nov 2022, 15:48 GMT+10

After London's transport authority banned Qatar's tourism advertisements this week on the UK capital's buses, taxis and Underground train system, the Gulf state will review its investments in London
The action by Transport for London was due to concerns over Qatar's stance on LGBT+ rights and its treatment of migrant workers amid its hosting of the 2022 World Cup
Chaired by London Mayor Sadiq Khan, the transport authority contacted Q22, the body overseeing the World Cup and Qatar's tourism authority, this week to inform them of the ban

LONDON, England: The Financial Times has reported that after London's transport authority banned Qatar's tourism advertisements this week on the UK capital's buses, taxis and Underground train system, the Gulf state will review its investments in London.

The action by Transport for London was due to concerns over Qatar's stance on LGBT+ rights and its treatment of migrant workers amid its hosting of the 2022 World Cup, the newspaper added.

Chaired by London Mayor Sadiq Khan, the transport authority contacted Q22, the body overseeing the World Cup and Qatar's tourism authority, this week to inform them of the ban.

Qatar, through its sovereign wealth fund, is one of the largest investors in London.

Ahead of the World Cup, London's transport authority provided its advertising partners and brands with "further guidance on the advertising which we are likely to consider acceptable to run during the tournament. Each advertising campaign continues to be reviewed on a case-by-case basis," it said.

The transport authority said advertising which promotes travel to Qatar, tourism in Qatar, or portrays Qatar as a desirable destination would not be considered acceptable.

Qatar has defended itself against criticism, saying that it does not discriminate against people and has denied accusations of abuse of workers.