Qatar is set to count its heavy losses after the Kingdom, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Egypt decided to sever diplomatic relations with Doha for its support to terror elements, including Iran. The decision has caused severe economic damage to Doha. Travel, tourism, inter-trade, energy, and industry in Qatar will be the most affected by the decision, the second diplomatic setback in recent years. Saudi Arabia had recalled its ambassador to Qatar in 2014, when the late King Abdullah ordered the move for the same reasons. At that time, Doha failed to adhere to what was agreed on, which included noninterference in the internal affairs of neighboring countries and cessation of all support to hostile groups seeking to undermine the stability of the Gulf region. Saudi Arabia attributed its decision to the serious and systematic violations committed by the authorities in Doha over the past years with the aim of creating a rift within Saudi ranks, instigating revolt against the state, undermining the Kingdom's sovereignty, and embracing various terrorist and sectarian groups that seek to destabilize the region, such as the Muslim Brotherhood, Daesh and Al-Qaida. Moreover, Doha constantly propagates the ideologies and ideas of these groups via its media, supports the Iranian-backed terrorist groups in Qatif and Bahrain, finances and harbors extremists who seek to undermine the stability and unity of the Kingdom inside and abroad, and exploits the media to fuel internal strife. It also became clear to the Kingdom that Doha was supporting the Houthi militias in Yemen even after it joined the Arab coalition to restore legitimacy in Yemen. The four countries had given good thought to their decision against Qatar, which is already on the road to complete economic isolation. Analysts agree that this isolation will be a painful economic blow to Qatar, which it will not be able to hold on for long. They say there is no option for Qatari leaders, but to review their obstinate position, and return quickly to the Arab and Gulf folds. At the other end are severe repercussions from the closure of all its land, sea and air entry points that would be nothing short of fatal to the country. Its preparations to host the World Cup 2022 will also be severely affected as they require constant inputs of goods, particularly construction material, and manpower from overseas. Saudi Arabia and the UAE are among the most important trading partners to Qatar. According to data for 2015, the two countries ranked first and second respectively in terms of food exporting countries to Qatar with a total of US$ 310 million. Saudi Arabia ranks first in the list of exporters and UAE fifth with a total of US$ 416 million. All this healthy trade exchange is only expected to change with trade and business taking a severe beating. Qatar Airways, which is considered a star in the country's economy, is also expected to be devastated. For example, its routes to Africa will be a circuitous spin with all traditional air routes blocked. And Qatar's only outlet to fly to Europe will be via Iran and Turkey, a roundabout route which will increase operating costs and flying time. Qatar Airways will also have to suspend nearly 50 flights every day to the Kingdom. It has already announced on its website that all flights to Saudi Arabia stand suspended. Saudi Arabian Airlines has also suspended all flights to Qatar.
