Qatar is a red-hot economy. Last year it grew around 18% and this year it ought to grow another 16%. We saw the headlines in the Gulf Times in the lounge while waiting for our transfer to Dubai.

In Chicago, gas prices have now topped $4 a gallon. Americans all across the country are struggling to fill up the tank. Companies are even pitching in gas money to help their employees out.

The Chicago Sun Tribune has this gas price projection for weary commuters:

Drivers will likely need to become comfortable with gas at $4 a gallon, as oil experts say an era of historic pain at the pump will endure well beyond the Memorial Day weekend, when prices traditionally peak.

You might trade in that GMC Yukon for a Honda Civic, skip the highway for the bike lane and redefine that time-honored tradition of the road trip.

Qatar’s Central Bank Governor, Shaikh Abdullah bin Saud al Thani, has CONFIRMED plans for a single currency among the Gulf States. It’s on track for 2010.