Qatar ‘rethinks investment in London’ over advertising ban on subways and buses

Qatar reportedly reconsidering investments in London in retaliation for a ban by the capital’s transportation authority on advertising in the Gulf countries over anti-homosexuality laws.

Transport for London (TfL) has tightened its ban on buses, taxis and taxis. tube Amid protests against LGBTQ rights and treatment of migrant workers ahead of the World Cup.

The move has prompted Doha to reconsider its “current and future investments” in London, the paper said. Financial Times.

London Mayor Sadiq Khan told TfL in 2019 to “review how we treat advertising and sponsorships from countries with anti-LGBT+ laws”.

The review blocked ads in 11 countries, including Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Qatar, where homosexuality is illegal.

But “some” Qatari ads slipped through the net and anger ahead of a controversial World Cup prompted TfL to repeat the rules.

But when TfL, chaired by Khan, contacted the Q22 body that oversees the World Cup to discuss the ban, Doha was reportedly angry.

of financial times Qatar is “considering current and future investments” in London and is “considering investment opportunities in other cities in the UK and in its own country,” citing an individual involved in the review.

A source said Doha sees the TfL ban as “a blatant example of double standards and virtue to score cheap political scores at the Qatar World Cup”.

Qatar has not commented on the report and it is unclear what impact the review will have.

The US$445 billion Qatar Investment Authority owns the luxury Harrods, the Shard skyscraper and co-owns Canary Wharf.

A Khan spokesperson said: TfL issued further guidance to advertising partners ahead of the World Cup.

“There have been numerous instances where advertising has been deemed unacceptable, and as a vocal advocate for the rights of LGBTQ+ Londoners, in 2019 the Mayor asked TfL to revise its policy on all advertising that refers to countries that criminalize same-sex relationships. requested to be reviewed.

“They now face intense scrutiny by TfL before appearing on the network.”

A TfL spokesperson said: I declined the opportunity to support the team.

“Each advertising campaign will continue to be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.”