Looking out for Guptas as wedding bells ring
THE HEADLINE in the daily The Peninsula newspaper startled me: “Over 1 000 guests to fly in for Indian wedding.” Was it possible the Guptas had fled SA for Doha – not to escape the Hawks, but to host another lavish wedding?
I read further. “Visa-free entry for Indians into Qatar has opened doors for some unique opportunities in the tourism sector as an Indian couple has chosen Doha as the venue for their destination wedding.
To be held at The Ritz-Carlton Doha, the wedding will see more than 1 000 guests flown in from all over the world. The wedding party has booked the entire hotel, all 374 rooms, for the event and the celebration will continue for three days including a musical evening by renowned Indian pop band Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy.”
While it’s unlikely the Emiri terminal reserved for the ruling royal family and VIPs will be as accommodating as Waterkloof Air Base, the article did say that the hotel had arranged for a special team to take care of the guests.
With Home Affairs Minister Malusi Gigaba telling journalists this week that Ajay and Atul Gupta were not South African citizens but permanent residents (apparently mistakenly in the case of Atul), the brothers could enter Qatar visa free on their Indian passport.
I scour the newspaper for mention of any familiar names, but the Ritz-Carlton proves a stickler for hotel-guest confidentiality, meaning I’m unable to confirm whether the Guptas are headed for Qatar, perhaps with Jacob Zuma…
South Africa is among the 80 countries added to the list of nationalities welcome to travel to Qatar visa-free. Previously, many countries could obtain visas only at great effort and cost. However, in light of the blockade Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Egypt imposed on Qatar, the government relaxed visa restrictions to encourage tourism.
It has also made it easier for South African expatriates, who number about 6 000 of Qatar’s population of about two million, to see loved ones from back home. Further good news emanated from London a few days ago, with The Guardian newspaper reporting that Britain would engage in talks with Saudi Arabia regarding the diplomatic stand-off, in an effort to ease travel restrictions between Qatar and its Arab neighbours.
If the breakthrough does occur, it could positively affect flight costs and airline options for South Africans and others looking to visit Doha. Added to the visafree waiver, it means I could probably expect a few enquires from family and friends about the chances of free accommodation, especially from those in Cape Town looking to enjoy a longer shower.
I’m sure the Guptas, or Zuma, won’t be calling me if they need a place to stay. But, not having cracked the nod for the Sun City wedding spectacular, I’m open to an invitation to attend the big bash in Doha.