Qatar Media Corporation (QMC) Tuesday officially launched the Qatar Business Channel (QBC), the country’s first specialised economic television channel broadcasting in 4K, as a significant addition to Qatar’s evolving media landscape.
Accordingly, QBC started its live broadcast Tuesday morning in the presence of senior media figures and executives, marking a new chapter in the nation’s efforts to strengthen its economic storytelling and global media footprint.
Broadcasting in Arabic, QBC is designed to deliver comprehensive economic coverage from Qatar to international audiences. The channel has also been integrated into the Tabie QMC app, QMC’s official digital streaming platform, allowing viewers to access live broadcasts online.
This move reflects a growing emphasis on digital accessibility and aims to extend the channel’s reach to broader, more diverse audiences seeking reliable, timely economic content. According to QMC, the launch of QBC aligns closely with its long-term strategy to develop specialised media platforms that reflect Qatar’s national priorities. It also forms part of a broader initiative to expand niche broadcasting channels and support the promotion of Qatar’s rapidly growing economy at both regional and global levels. With the country continuing to position itself as a key economic hub, officials see targeted media as an essential tool for amplifying its achievements and opportunities.
Currently, QBC broadcasts for 15 hours daily, from 9am until midnight, with nine of those hours dedicated to live programming. Plans are already in place to expand operations into a full 24-hour broadcasting cycle in the near future, signalling the channel’s ambition to become a constant and authoritative source of economic news.
The channel’s programming lineup is built around a mix of specialised news bulletins, in-depth analysis, and real-time reporting across key economic sectors. In addition to core financial and business coverage, QBC will feature a range of thematic programmes exploring topics such as the film industry, the role of women in business, legal frameworks in Qatar and the wider Gulf region, and major economic developments shaping markets locally and internationally.
Marwan Aboushanab, general supervisor of news and programme content at QBC, emphasised the channel’s unique position in the global media landscape. He noted that its 4K broadcasting capability sets it apart technologically, while its editorial identity distinguishes it as one of the first economic channels originating from an Arab country rather than operating under a global media brand. Aboushanab also revealed that QBC is supported by a network of more than 30 correspondents stationed across major regional and international capitals.
In addition, the channel has secured agreements with four global agencies to provide up-to-date market data and economic insights, ensuring the accuracy and depth of its reporting. QBC officials further highlighted the strong presence of Qatari talent across editorial, production, and technical roles. This emphasis on national expertise reflects a broader commitment to nurturing local media professionals in tandem with the country’s expanding economic influence.
Besides, plans are underway to recruit additional Qatari specialists, reinforcing the channel’s identity as a homegrown platform with global ambitions. In the meantime, Dr Sara al-Derham, acting director of news and digital media at QBC, described the launch as a milestone moment for Qatari media. She underscored the growing importance of economic journalism as a dynamic and integrated field, particularly in an era of rapid global change. Dr al-Derham also revealed that the dedicated QBC team had spent nearly nine months preparing for the channel’s launch, working intensively to ensure it would stand out in both content and presentation.
