A boycott of Qatar is helping it quickly make new friends

Six months ago Serkan Ucar arrived in Doha to scope out business opportunities - away from his usual patch. The mission looks set to pay off handsomely, as the Turkish entrepreneur expects to win a first contract to help build an iconic 2022 World Cup stadium.
Since several Arab countries launched an economic boycott of Qatar a year ago, the tiny Gulf state has had to find alternative partners for trade and investment. Aided by its massive natural gas wealth, it has rapidly made new friends.
A year ago Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Egypt cut transport and trade links with Doha, accusing it of backing terrorism - a charge it strongly denies.?
The boycott disrupted Qatar's shipping routes through the Gulf and blocked imports across its only land border with Saudi Arabia, previously the route for its perishable food supplies and construction materials.
In the bitter diplomatic and economic chill, Ankara sided with Qatar. Ucar, 28, saw openings.
"They've been extremely welcoming for Turkish companies after the blockade," Ucar told Reuters at a hotel where he was about to interview engineers for jobs at his new office in Doha.
His family business Referans...

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