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German ambassador Lothar Freischlader has lauded Qatar for positioning itself as an “attractive production hub,” citing the key roles played by German companies like Siemens, Kemroc, and DHL Express.All three firms are members of the German Business Council Qatar (GBCQ), Freischlader noted in his speech during the GBCQ’s recently held Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Doha.“Another strategic investment is the Qatar Investment Authority’s stake in Sauber Holding AG, which will become Audi’s factory team in Formula 1 by 2026 – an investment that reflects Qatar’s confidence in German automotive innovation,” the ambassador pointed out.Citing the Blue Ammonia Project and the new service centre of Siemens Energy, Freischlader emphasised that German companies “continue to play a pivotal role” in Qatar’s industrial expansion.“The Blue Ammonia Project, where Thyssenkrupp Uhde has partnered with QatarEnergy on a $1.2bn facility, marking a milestone in sustainable energy. Siemens Energy’s newly inaugurated service centre in the Qatar Free Zones reinforces its long-term commitment to the region,” he said.Freischlader said, “As climate change emerges as a critical global challenge and with climate foreign policy at the centre stage in Germany's international efforts, we are also poised to play a pivotal role in fostering climate collaboration between Germany and Qatar.“As a new Core Climate Embassy, we are proud that we were able to conduct our first high-level Doha Climate Talk last October – embedded in the Qatar National Dialogue on Climate Change (QNDCC) with Germany as a partner country.”He further said, “This dialogue was hosted by the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change. The German embassy, together with AHK, were official partners. We look forward to more Doha Climate Talks in 2025 and to further deepen our bilateral climate co-operation with more partners here in Qatar.”According to Freischlader, the GBCQ has been instrumental in fostering Qatari-German business relations, which the ambassador described as “a partnership built on mutual respect, shared values, and a vision for a prosperous future.”Since its inception in 2002, Freischlader said the GBCQ has provided a platform for German and Qatari companies to connect, collaborate, and thrive. Through events, dialogues, and advocacy, the GBCQ has strengthened Germany-Qatar economic ties, noted the ambassador, who is also an honorary board member of the GBCQ.The German embassy, in co-operation with the AHK and the GBCQ, regularly engages with German companies in Qatar to address their concerns and support their success, Freischlader said.He added: “For decades, Germany and Qatar have enjoyed a robust economic partnership, spanning key sectors such as energy, infrastructure, technology, and healthcare. This collaboration has not only bolstered trade and investment but has also fostered cultural and intellectual exchanges.“High-level visits further underscore our commitment to deepening ties. His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani’s regular visits to Berlin last October and most recently, the visit of our Federal Minister of Finance to Doha, highlight our shared ambitions and pave the way for future co-operation.”

The Department of Trade and Industry in the Philippines concluded yesterday the Qatar leg of its three-day Outbound Business Matching Mission (OBMM), which saw the participation of a dozen exporting companies seeking to access the Gulf and Middle East markets.Vince Lorenzo Liwanag, the Commercial Attaché of the Philippine Trade Investment Centre (PTIC) – Riyadh, Department of Trade and Industry, told Gulf Times that the next OBMMs will be held in Amman, Jordan from February 9-11; Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (February 11-13); and concludes in Dubai (February 13-21) during ‘Gulfood 2025’.Liwanag said: “The OBMM is an annual initiative held in various countries in the Middle East. With the support of the Philippine embassy in Doha and the Qatar Chamber, we successfully organised the latest OBMM business-to-business event, featuring a range of companies based in Doha.“This initiative is organised by the Department of Trade and Industry to support our exporters. The Philippines has numerous innovative brands and products, and we are taking these offerings to international markets.”The companies represented a wide range of sectors, including fresh/frozen produce, processed foods, and personal care and pharmaceuticals, said Liwanag, who added that the Philippine delegation was able to visit different hypermarkets in Doha and hold B2B meetings with their counterparts in Qatar.Citing the Philippines’ long-term vision, the ‘AmBisyon Natin 2040’, Philippine ambassador Mardomel Celo D Melicor addressed the OBMM event, saying efficient manufacturing and exporting infrastructure are essential to achieving economic development by 2040.Melicor also underscored the value of staying open to global markets to better understand their demands and produce goods that would benefit the Philippine economy.“This openness will also help attract investments to our country, particularly from Qatar... I believe there are always niche opportunities for collaboration between the Philippines and Qatar,” noted the ambassador, who also enjoined Philippine exporters to consider what Qatar can offer in terms of food security.In his remarks, Qatar Chamber Board Member Abdulla bin Mohamed al-Emadi lauded the OBMM event, saying the initiative is a platform to explore new avenues for economic cooperation and investment between Qatar and the Philippines. Al-Emadi emphasised the significance of the visit by the Filipino business delegation in strengthening economic and commercial ties between both nations. He highlighted the close and rapidly expanding relations between the two countries, particularly in trade and investment, as reflected in high-level visits and numerous agreements signed across various sectors.He said the visit of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani to the Philippines last year led to the signing of multiple agreements and memorandums of understanding (MoUs). He also noted that Qatar-Philippines bilateral trade stood at QR636mn in 2024, reflecting the growing partnership between the two nations.Al-Emadi further stressed the vital role of the private sector in fostering economic relations, encouraging businesses from both sides to explore joint ventures, trade partnerships, and investment opportunities. He reaffirmed Qatar Chamber’s commitment to facilitating partnerships and supporting Qatari businesses in identifying investment prospects in the Philippines.

The 21st edition of the Doha Jewellery & Watches Exhibition (DJWE) was opened on Thursday by HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim al-Thani at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre (DECC), where it will run until February 5. As many as 500 brands from 32 countries are participating in the DJWE 2025, organised by Qatar Tourism and brought by Visit Qatar. Present at the inauguration were Qatar Tourism and Visit Qatar chairman HE Saad bin Ali al-Kharji, Visit Qatar chief executive (engineer) Abdulaziz Ali al-Mawlawi, as well as various ministers, ambassadors, and other dignitaries. HE al-Kharji said that the the DJWE is a “prime example” of Qatar’s ability to host world-class events that captivate global audiences, showcasing the country’s growing status as a leading MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions) destination in the region. “This year’s exhibition brings together the world’s most esteemed brands and designers, highlighting the artistry and innovation that define the industry,” he added. “We are proud to always be among the first financial institutions to support local brands and provide encouraging incentives to Qatari entrepreneurs in all sectors and be a part of their success story,” said QNB Group chief executive Abdulla Mubarak al-Khalifa. “Being the Platinum Sponsor of this prestigious event confirms the values of the QNB brand focused on bringing the culture of excellence and success to our business.” The week-long exhibition will feature exquisite collections, statement pieces, and innovative designs from over 500 brands, including Alfardan Jewellery, Al Majed Jewellery, Ali Bin Ali Luxury, Amiri Gems, Fifty-One East, Al Muftah Jewellery, Blue Salon, Bulgari, and Arts and Gems. In addition, the DJWE 2025 will host a diverse range of international brands and established Qatari designers, such as Ghand Jewellery, Kaltham's Pavilion, M Royal Collection, Al Ghla Jewellery, and emerging Qatari designers Alya Jewellery and the One & Only Jewellery, continuing its tradition of blending heritage with innovation. The exhibition will also see the return of the Qatari, Turkish, and Indian pavilions, each highlighting unique craftsmanship. Ali Hussain Alfardan, the vice-chairman of Alfardan Group and president of Alfardan Jewellery, said: “In a historic first, this year's exhibition marks a significant milestone as several prestigious brands, including Vacheron Constantin, Chopard, and other renowned jewellers, have chosen to showcase their collections at the Doha Jewellery & Watches Exhibition before their appearance at the Geneva International Gem and Jewellery Show.” “It is a privilege to have contributed to designing a limited edition watch for Vacheron Constantin to celebrate their 270th anniversary, adding a personal touch to this remarkable milestone,” he said. “Each year, the DJWE attracts a distinguished audience of collectors, connoisseurs, and clients from Qatar and around the world, reflecting the nation’s growing influence as a global hotspot for luxury,” said Fifty One East chairman and managing director Bader al-Darwish. “At Fifty-One East, we take pride in carefully selecting some of the rarest pieces and latest novelties from the brands we represent, ensuring they meet the grandeur and prestige of this remarkable event.” “We thank the organisers for their dedication to creating such a remarkable platform,” he said. “We invite all visitors to explore our pavilion and discover novelties from the world’s most esteemed brands, promising a journey of exquisite wonders.” “Almuftah Jewellery, established in 1984, is proud to unveil an exquisite selection of jewellery and watches from prestigious global brands at the DJWE 2025,” said Almuftah Jewellery deputy chairman Abdullah Almuftah. “This year’s showcase highlights the latest trends from international brands alongside classic designs,” he said. “From stunning bridal sets to versatile, everyday jewellery, we bring you collections that resonate with sophistication and individuality.” “This year, Bvlgari has the privilege of presenting the exclusive Monete necklace in Qatar for the very first time – a masterpiece that embodies our devotion to timeless craftsmanship and celebrates the profound connection between heritage and creativity,” said Bulgari Middle East, Africa & India managing director Stephane Larher. “This extraordinary creation continues to nourish the dialogue between Rome and the region, a bond that lies at the heart of Bvlgari Maison’s story.” One of the DJWE’s main collaborations is with Education Above All (EAA), an initiative founded by Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, chairperson of Qatar Foundation. This year, the EAA Foundation is partnering with Amrapali, a renowned jewellery house, launching an exclusive new jewellery collection entitled “Horizons of Heritage”. The collection draws inspiration from blending the architectural heritage of the jewelled horizons with the traditional Indian craftsmanship for which Amrapali is renowned. On behalf of the EAA, Fatima al-Nameh said: “At Education Above All Foundation, we are committed to transforming lives through quality education. Our efforts have supported more than 22mn children and youth globally, empowering them to overcome barriers and unlock their potential.” The DJWE timings are from 12 noon to 10pm (Saturday to Wednesday), 2pm-10pm on Thursdays, and 3pm-10pm on Fridays. Visitors can also enjoy food and beverage (F&B) options inside the exhibition and outside at the concourse area. For registration, visit https://app.micetribe.com/register/workspaces/qbec/events/djwe25/forms/vis?focus=false For more information on the DJWE 2025, visit www.djwe.com

Qatar Chamber chairman Sheikh Khalifa bin Jassim al-Thani has lauded the remarkable 20% growth in Oman-Qatar trade over the past two years, citing the state of visit of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani to the Sultanate as a crucial time as “the region is witnessing important developments at all levels.” Sheikh Khalifa described HH the Amir’s state visit and his meeting with Sultan Haitham bin Tariq of the Sultanate of Oman on Tuesday as an indication of both leaders’ commitment to bolstering “fraternal bonds.” According to Sheikh Khalifa, the state visit represents a significant step forward in promoting comprehensive opportunities for Qatar-Oman cooperation across multiple fields. He emphasised that by opening up avenues for collaboration, stakeholders from both countries can effectively work together to address shared challenges, making the most of emerging opportunities and fostering greater regional stability and progress. In an earlier interview with state-run Oman News Agency (ONA), Sheikh Khalifa detailed a robust landscape of cross-border investments, citing successful Qatari ventures in the Sultanate across multiple sectors, including trade, contracting, services, hospitality, energy, and maintenance. Sheikh Khalifa emphasised Qatar Chamber’s commitment to supporting Omani businesses entering the Qatari market and to facilitating partnerships through direct meetings with Qatari business owners. Similarly, Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry chairman Faisal Abdullah al-Rowas described Qatar as a “strategic partner” for Oman, highlighting how bilateral relations have fostered increased inter-trade and opened new investment opportunities in priority sectors. “This embodies the vision of the two wise leaderships to strengthen the bonds of joint cooperation in order to realise common aspirations of growth and prosperity...recent years have witnessed a remarkable development in the level of trade cooperation between Oman and Qatar,” al-Rowas told ONA. He said, “The State of Qatar has become a strategic partner for the Sultanate of Oman in many economic fields, and these distinguished relations have contributed to enhancing the movement of inter-trade and opening up new vistas for investment in priority sectors.” According to al-Rowas, the energy, industry, tourism, and logistics services sectors are vital collaboration areas for both countries, emphasising that Omani-Qatari ties serve as “a model to be emulated in fraternal and economic cooperation” and represent a fundamental pillar for achieving broader GCC economic integration.

The state visit of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani to the Sultanate of Oman Tuesday marks a significant milestone in solidifying the already strong bilateral relations between the two Gulf nations, Qatar’s ambassador to Oman, Sheikh Mubarak bin Fahad al-Thani has said.According to Sheikh Mubarak, the multiple agreements and memoranda of understanding signed during HH the Amir’s visit to the Sultanate plays a pivotal role in fostering strategic partnerships and enhancing mutual understanding.The high-profile visit is garnering “great attention at both official and popular levels,” according to Sheikh Mubarak, who emphasised its significance in fostering strategic partnerships and mutual understanding between the two countries.“The state visit of HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani to the Sultanate of Oman is receiving great attention at the official and popular levels. It would constitute an important chapter in the history of bilateral relations between the two countries and the exchange of common interests in all fields,” the Qatari ambassador told Oman News Agency (ONA).Sheikh Mubarak noted that “the visit would provide an opportunity to exchange views on global challenges and current issues. It would also contribute to opening new vistas of mutual understanding and strategic partnerships between Oman and Qatar, as well as pushing these partnerships towards higher levels by boosting constructive bilateral cooperation.”He said both countries’ bilateral relations have been witnessing “remarkable growth and development in all fields, especially in joint investments,” citing many Qatari investments in Oman, such as the Karwa Motors project and the Qatari Diar Ras Al Hadd project.Sayyid Ammar bin Abdullah al-Busaidi, Oman’s ambassador to Qatar, previously told ONA that Qatari investments in the Sultanate cover a wide range of industries like food and pharmaceutical security, as well as other sectors like banking, education, communications and technology, construction, wholesale trade, tourism, logistics, mining, real estate, communications, and insurance, among others.According to al-Busaidi, both countries are collaborating in the field of renewable energy, citing Qatar and Oman’s “unified vision” to encourage investment and setting up clean energy projects.Citing further Oman-Qatar cooperation initiatives, the ambassador noted that Oman is encouraging top-tier firms to establish projects in the fields of green hydrogen and generating clean electricity through solar and wind energy.Al-Busaidi said Qatar and Oman established the joint investment fund ‘Al Hosn Investment Company’ in 2007. “It is a closed joint stock company headquartered in Muscat, and a partnership between Qatar Holding Company, affiliated to Qatar Investment Authority, with a 50% share, and Oman Investment Authority with a 50% share,” he also told ONA.

India’s top diplomat in Qatar has highlighted the South Asian nation’s robust startup ecosystem and potential for collaboration with Qatar, emphasising India’s impressive track record of over 100 unicorns in the past years.“The cultural connection between our two countries fosters this collaboration, allowing many Indians to work in Qatar,” Indian ambassador Vipul told Gulf Times on the sidelines of the recent launch of ‘India Utsav 2025’ at LuLu D-Ring Road.“As India continues to progress in the startup sector, and with Qatar’s focus on innovation and areas like sustainability, there is significant potential for Indian startups to thrive here,” Vipul pointed out.Asked what role India could play to help cultivate Qatar’s unicorns, the ambassador lauded Qatar for developing a strong ecosystem to encourage startups to establish and expand their footprint here. He said Qatar offers substantial financing and access to other global markets.“Startups that come to Qatar can effectively test their products and ideas, and once they achieve the necessary scale, they can expand into other markets. Thus, there are great possibilities and opportunities for startups here to grow into unicorns, and I am confident that many Indian companies will pursue these opportunities,” he explained.According to Vipul, there is significant activity in India’s startup sector, particularly in leveraging new technologies, such as artificial intelligence (AI).“Many of these companies participate in global events, and I believe Qatar is an important partner for collaboration. Last year’s Web Summit Qatar saw strong representation from Indian businesses and startups. Our Minister of Communications, IT, and Railways also attended the Web Summit here in 2024,” noted Vipul.The ambassador further said, “For 2025, we are co-ordinating with Web Summit to ensure a notable Indian presence there, as well. I am confident that several Indian startups will be represented in some capacity at Web Summit 2025.“Additionally, many Indians are connecting with Qatari entities, aiming to bring their innovative models and ideas to Qatar, where they can conduct pilot projects and launch their start-ups.”The ambassador also lauded the growing Qatar-India relations that both nations witnessed in the past years, citing the significance of LuLu Group’s launch of ‘India Utsav 2025’ to celebrate India’s 75th Republic Day.Vipul described 2024 as a “wonderful” year for India-Qatar ties, which witnessed several high-level visits to the country, including India’s prime minister and the national affairs minister.“We have historic and friendly relations between our two countries, on trade, on investment, on energy, on new technologies across the board...I think our relations are going forward. Businesses like LuLu are emblematic of this co-operation between India and Qatar on the trade and investment side,” Vipul said.He added: “I would say that centuries ago, the relationship was based more on trade and people ties. All that can be seen here in LuLu is the number of Indian products which are available. But more than that, an Indian business, which is also bringing products from elsewhere in Qatar, which is such an integral part now of the Qatari economy.”

Witnessing a transformative year in 2024 marked by significant developments and increased international visibility, Qatar’s startup ecosystem is poised for accelerated growth this year, according to industry experts.According to Dr Hanan el-Basha, managing director of The Founder Institute GCC Chapter, Qatar experienced several major milestones in 2024, including the country’s inaugural Web Summit Qatar. The internationally-renowned event helped set a positive tone for the startup ecosystem, el-Basha pointed out.One of the key highlights of the event was the Qatar Investment Authority’s (QIA) $1bn fund-to-funds programme – a sizeable investment in international and regional venture capital funds to support domestic and international entrepreneurs, which was announced by HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohamed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim al-Thani during Web Summit Qatar 2024’s opening night.“We started seeing Qatar as a landing pad for the GCC in the region,” el-Basha noted, emphasising the shift from viewing Qatar as a small test market to a strategic startup hub.Aside from enhanced support from governmental and private sector entities in 2024, el-Basha highlighted the emergence of local AI development, saying: “Qatar is moving beyond simply receiving technology from elsewhere to actively creating innovative solutions.”Similarly, strategic partnerships between the government sector and private entities also played a crucial role, el-Basha noted, citing the partnerships forged by the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology with tech giants like Microsoft, Google, and Huawei.“These partnerships, whether on the supplier side, in infrastructure, technology, events, or the overall ecosystem, have become much more outward-looking. We are now seeing startups getting showcased for what they are doing, and these developments are all very public,” el-Basha stressed.She also lauded the role of Qatar Development Bank (QDB), Qatar Science and Technology Park (QSTP), and other accelerators and incubators in the country for their contributions to the ecosystem’s growth.El-Basha said: “Looking ahead to 2025, I am optimistic of a tangible growth with a narrowing gap between planned initiatives and actual implementation. We’re going to see a lot more people doing rather than saying, with the anticipation of more technology being used rather than just developed.“Confirmed events like Web Summit Qatar and World Summit AI are expected to anchor the startup ecosystem’s continued expansion. I believe a lot is rising now, not just beneath the surface; it’s finally coming to light, so I’m excited about 2025.”Echoing el-Basha’s sentiments, MBK Holdings chairman Sheikh Mansoor bin Khalifa al-Thani, who is a mentor to many startups and entrepreneurs in Qatar, said 2024’s Web Summit Qatar marked a turning point for the country’s entrepreneurial and startup ecosystem and served as a catalyst for entrepreneurial growth.Describing 2024 as the “true start” of the entrepreneurship and innovation ecosystem in Qatar, Sheikh Mansoor emphasised the transformative impact of the first-ever Web Summit Qatar. He also characterised 2024 as “the launch of a new mindset,” highlighting the profound impacts of the event on the national mindset.He said: “While the previous year served as the launch or starting point, 2025 will bring significant momentum: It marks a fresh beginning for the entrepreneurship and innovation ecosystem in Qatar, driven by a new mindset.“The mindset has changed; there is a strong focus on entrepreneurship and innovation throughout the country. With this enthusiastic approach, I believe that 2025 will truly be the year of acceleration.”As the country anticipates the second edition of Web Summit Qatar next month, Sheikh Mansoor noted that the country is poised for continued growth and innovation in its startup ecosystem, promising a bright future for entrepreneurs both here and in the region.

With the expected growth of the country’s advertising industry by 2025, Qatar is a uniquely positioned market with substantial potential in both the advertising and technology sectors, a top official of Omnicom Advertising Group (OAG) told Gulf Times in an exclusive interview.OAG President and Global CEO Troy Ruhanen, who visited Omnicom Qatar’s rebranded office in West Bay, lauded the country’s strong brand identity, innovative spirit, and projected market growth to exceed $1bn in 2025, citing recently published data from market research and data group Statista.Following the establishment of Omnicom Qatar last year, which successfully merged the company’s diverse advertising, creative, events, and public relations agencies, Ruhanen emphasised the value of developing a robust local talent pool, as well as its commitment to local talent development, which he described as a key strategy for driving long-term success and innovation in the rapidly evolving market.He said: “Our goal is to cultivate a consistent and skilled workforce within the region. By doing so, we aim not only to enhance our local operations but also to tap into the best global practices and methodologies that we have access to, ensuring that we can deliver exceptional results for our clients.”Ruhanen noted that he was particularly impressed by Qatar’s rapid adoption of new technologies and its ability to operate free from bureaucratic constraints. He observed that without “established behaviours,” the region can embrace new practices more quickly than others.He also lauded Qatar’s unique “we can” mindset, highlighting that the country’s lack of bureaucratic constraints allows it to leapfrog ahead of others, enabling swift adoption and effective use of new tools.On the role of emerging technologies like augmented reality in driving growth in Qatar’s advertising market, Ruhanen said the country’s advertising landscape is poised for significant digital transformation, with projections indicating that by 2030, between 75% and 80% of advertising expenditures in the region will be allocated to digital platforms.“This transition is extraordinary considering that digital transformation will extend beyond just social media and performance marketing, encompassing a wide range of digital strategies,” Ruhanen pointed out.He noted that the country has strengthened its position as a regional tech hub, particularly highlighted by last year’s Web Summit Qatar, which attracted more than 15,000 attendees.Qatar’s welcoming attitude toward major tech companies, such as Google, Microsoft, and Huawei fosters opportunities for collaboration and innovation, said Ruhanen, who advocates for a more dynamic strategy in the market, suggesting that the country could take the lead by shifting from merely “capturing demand” to actively “creating demand.”In a statement, Omnicom recently announced the formation of Omnicom Qatar to bring together the power of the company’s advertising, creative, events and public relations agencies to meet the needs of current and prospective clients in Qatar and worldwide.Mazen Abd Rabbo was named as Senior Vice President of the newly formed Omnicom Qatar last year and oversees Omnicom’s agencies in the country, focusing on talent, cross-agency collaboration, and innovation to drive growth in Qatar and across the Middle East.With more than 15 years in the event planning business and having resided in Qatar since 2008, Abd Rabbo has been integral to the execution of many of the country’s highest-profile events. Most recently, he held leadership positions at Omnicom’s event marketing agency Auditoire, serving as Vice-President for the Middle East and Managing Director of the Qatar office.Omnicom Qatar is currently home to media communications agency OMD, events specialist Auditoire and PR group, Portland Communications with more agencies due to be added to the Omnicom Qatar stable in 2025.Following Ruhanen’s visit to Qatar, Omnicom Chairman and CEO John Wren – who recently sealed the acquisition of Interpublic Group – will visit Doha to attend Web Summit Qatar.

The Qatar Investment & Innovation Conference, held recently at Barahat Msheireb in Msheireb Downtown Doha (MDD), provided an in-depth exploration of the future of economic zones within the Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC) countries. The conference, hosted by Msheireb Properties, in partnership with The Business Year (TBY), brought together industry experts, government officials, and thought leaders to discuss regional economic growth, innovation, and sustainable development.One of the event’s highlights was a pre-conference workshop at HEC Paris in Qatar, focusing on sustainable innovation and leadership challenges in a rapidly evolving world. During the opening session, Dr Hafiz Ali Abdullah, senior director of Corporate Communication at Msheireb Properties, emphasised the importance of cultivating proactive, challenge-seeking cultures within organisations to drive sustainable innovation.“Msheireb Downtown Doha stands as a testament to our nation’s visionary leadership and commitment to advancing Qatar National Vision 2030,” stated Ali al-Kuwari, CEO of Msheireb Properties, who highlighted the significance of sustainable urban development and innovation in shaping the region’s future.Al-Kuwari said: “This conference exemplifies our dedication to promoting regional co-operation and innovation, creating a platform where policymakers, thought leaders, and innovators can collaborate to unlock immense potential for growth.”Hamad al-Nasr, director of Trade Development and Investment Promotion at the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, shared insights on Qatar’s economic diversification efforts and investment opportunities. For his part, Dr Khalid bin Klefeekh al-Hajri, Qatar Chamber board member, emphasised the private sector’s role in driving innovation and sustainable development across the region.“There is no doubt that this conference reflects Qatar’s commitment to enhancing the innovation environment as an effective means of achieving economic diversification and building a knowledge-based economy, in line with the Qatar National Vision 2030,” al-Hajri said.The conference showcased two panel discussions on ‘The Future of Economic Zones - Innovation and Opportunities’ and ‘The Role of Technology in Infrastructure and Private Investment’s Impact on Regional Connectivity in the GCC’.The first panel, which highlighted the evolution of free zones in the GCC region, featured Mohamed Juma al-Musharrkh, CEO, Sharjah FDI Office (Invest in Sharjah); Hamed Ahli, head of Meydan Free Zone; Ali Shehab, global director of Special Projects and Services, DNV; and Bader al-Madhadi, senior associate, Qatar Free Zones Authority (QFZA). The discussion was moderated by Silvia Lambiase, senior country editor, TBY.Al-Musharrkh said: “It’s not about real estate anymore, it’s about the ecosystem. The whole region is booming.”The sentiment was echoed by al-Madhadhi, who emphasised that free zones are aligned with the region’s vision for economic diversification, digital transformation, and sustainability.The discussions highlighted the GCC’s strategic advantages, with Shehab emphasising the region’s unique position connecting East and West. Ahli, on the other hand, shared statistics about Meydan Free Zone’s operations, noting that “more than 95% of investors are FDI, with over 180 nationalities represented.”The second panel discussion, moderated by Alex Krunic, senior adviser to the chairman, Commercial Bank of Kuwait, featured the following industry experts: Sami Zaitoon, managing partner, Moore Qatar; Fahad al-Sharekh, vice-chairman, Kamco Invest Saudi; Irene Vidal, CEO, FMM; and Julien Hawari, CEO, Million and Sirius Lab.The discussions resonated strongly with MDD’s position as the world’s first sustainable downtown regeneration project, which has become a vibrant hub for innovation and sustainable urban living. The district’s recent attraction of major institutions, including Media City Qatar and Qatar Airways’ global headquarters, demonstrates its success in creating an ecosystem that supports the type of innovation and economic diversification highlighted throughout the conference.Both panels were complemented by special sessions, including an innovation speech by Aysha al-Mudahka, programme director of Innovation Programme at QRDI Council, and a special report launch by Doha Bank, providing attendees with comprehensive insights into Qatar’s evolving innovation and investment landscape. The conference’s discussions about technology-driven infrastructure and sustainable development.The conference concluded with a strong emphasis on regional co-operation, with speakers highlighting how collaboration and knowledge transfer can strengthen the region’s ability to attract major institutions and drive innovation.

An economy that prioritises a “people’s community”, where collaboration and mutual support are essential, promotes not only venues for value creation but also implies that thriving communities have the potential to generate widespread prosperity, a veteran Qatari entrepreneur has said.Speaking as the guest of honour of the inaugural ‘Tech Startup Community Awards’ hosted by Startup Grind Qatar, Sheikh Mansoor bin Khalifa al-Thani, chairman of MBK Holdings, underscored the value of building a robust community within the country’s tech startup community.Sheikh Mansoor said: “In the term ‘startup community’, the most important word is community because it centres on people. The people element is essential; everything we do aims to enable and support one another.”He also said: “Technology serves to help people and make things easier. A startup is fundamentally a problem solver, dedicated to creating innovative solutions. Therefore, community is a critical element.“I envision a future where the community drives the economy and focuses on the people's economy. This perspective means that community is not just a source of value; it can also generate prosperity for humanity.”The ‘Tech Startup Community Awards’ was designed by Startup Grind Qatar to honour the remarkable achievements of individuals and startups that drive innovation and growth in Qatar’s tech ecosystem.Focused on celebrating community success, the initiative aimed at bringing visibility to the efforts of those who contribute to building a thriving entrepreneurial landscape, a statement from Startup Grind Qatar emphasised.The following entrepreneurs and startups received awards in diverse categories: Innovation Café founder Ramzan al-Naimi, ‘Community Builder of the Year’; EBAN GCC ambassador and board member Marcel Dridje, ‘Mentor of the Year’; innovation and entrepreneurship trainer Emad Saif, ‘Startup Trainer of the Year’; Tenn.Ai, ‘Tech Disruptor of the Year’; Tatami, ‘Idea Stage Startup of the Year’; SkipCash, ‘Growth Stage Startup of the Year’; Qatar Development Bank, ‘Most Value-added Investor’; Adeer Solutions founder & CEO Reema al-Kuwari, ‘Female Founder of the Year’; and Wqtah, ‘Breakthrough Startup of the Year’.Sheikh Mansoor added: “I am a strong believer in building communities, and I want to thank everyone who contributes to fostering this community. I look forward to collaborating more and working together to enhance our community.“When people ask what differentiates Silicon Valley from others, I say it’s not about the system or the location—it’s about the community. It's about the kind of people who drive the system and make everything happen.”

The Ministry of Commerce and Industry’s (MoCI) newly unveiled Qatar National Manufacturing Strategy 2024–2030 is seeking to adopt circular economy practices and drive the nation forward through smart industries.This was highlighted by HE the Minister of Commerce and Industry Sheikh Faisal bin Thani bin Faisal al-Thani’s speech during the strategy’s recent launching ceremony led by HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim al-Thani, where he also launched the Ministry of Commerce and Industry Strategy.According to a primer distributed by MoCI during the launch ceremony, the Qatar National Manufacturing Strategy’s focus on green manufacturing aims to raise the percentage of Qatari factories that use circular economy practices to 35% by 2030.Similarly, this strategy aims to raise the readiness of Qatari factories for smart industry to enable them to reach the second level of the Smart Industry Readiness Index (SIRI) by 2030.Another key component of this strategy is Qatarisation in manufacturing, which aims to increase the percentage of the Qatari workforce from 2.2% in 2021 to 3.0% by 2030. In terms of labour productivity, the strategic goal is to increase the value-added rate per worker from 1.7% in 2021 to 1.9% by 2030.To create a competitive and resilient manufacturing environment that contributes positively to the nation’s overall development, the strategy will also focus on knowledge-based industries to increase the proportion of Qatar’s highly skilled manpower from 23.2% in 2021 to 26.5% by 2030.Speaking at the launch ceremony, Sheikh Faisal also emphasised that the Qatar National Manufacturing Strategy aims to strengthen the manufacturing sector’s capabilities, increase its gross output as a driver of development and innovation, and raise the sector’s value-added contribution to QR70.5bn. Additionally, it seeks to boost non-hydrocarbon exports to QR49bn and attract annual industrial investments of QR2.75bn by 2030.The strategy encompasses 15 initiatives and 60 projects, focusing on diversifying industries by 50%, increasing the private sector’s value-added contribution to QR36bn, and positioning Qatar among the top 40 countries in the Industrial Competitiveness Index.Sheikh Faisal also underscored the role of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry Strategy stating that it aims to diversify Qatar’s economic sectors and achieve a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.4% for non-hydrocarbon GDP, with a target of attracting $100bn in FDI by 2030. These goals support the strategy’s objectives of fostering innovation and entrepreneurship while improving the business environment to attract more international investments.He noted that the ministry's strategy represents an ambitious roadmap that supports Qatar’s sustainable development goals to achieve balanced and inclusive economic growth, aligned with Qatar National Vision 2030 and the Third National Development Strategy (NDS3).“The ministry’s strategy focuses on enhancing and developing the commercial, investment, and industrial sectors, which will embolden Qatar's global competitiveness, encourage innovation and sustainability, and improve the quality and delivery of services. This is underpinned by our ongoing mandate to prioritise the protection of consumer rights according to the highest global standards,” Sheikh Faisal said in his speech.He added: “Our strategy emphasises and encourages active contribution to implement a comprehensive economic programme that builds on achievements and contributes directly to developing the national economy.“This strategy is not merely a plan but a commitment by the ministry to the continuous pursuit of excellence and progress, enhancing Qatar’s position as a leading commercial and industrial hub on the global stage.”

Two key strategies launched on Thursday aim to enhance Qatar National Vision 2030 by promoting sustainable economic growth, diversifying important economic sectors, and increasing the private sector’s contribution to GDP.HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim al-Thani officially inaugurated the Ministry of Commerce and Industry Strategy and the Qatar National Manufacturing Strategy 2024–2030, which carry the theme ‘Achieving Sustainable Economic Growth’.Speaking at the event, HE the Minister of Commerce and Industry Sheikh Faisal bin Thani bin Faisal al-Thani emphasised that the Ministry of Commerce and Industry Strategy aims to diversify economic sectors and achieve a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.4% for non-hydrocarbon GDP, with a target of attracting $100bn in foreign direct investments by 2030.These goals support the strategy’s objectives of fostering innovation and entrepreneurship while improving the business environment to attract more international investments, he pointed out.He noted that the strategy underscores the importance of supporting the role of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) as key drivers of economic diversification. It also prioritises strategic partnerships and collaboration to expand Qatar’s global trade relations, accelerate digital transformation and smart technologies in industries, and ensure the integration of sustainable development practices across various sectors.The new strategy comprises four main pillars: institutional excellence, improving the business and investment environment, developing local industries and trade exchange, and consumer protection and competition promotion.It also focuses on enhancing direct economic contributions, improving the competitiveness and productivity of priority sectors, empowering public-private partnerships, supporting SMEs, strengthening intellectual property protection, and contributing to national self-sufficiency.Sheikh Faisal noted that the ministry has outlined ambitious development plans comprising 216 projects and initiatives, backed by key performance indicators (KPIs), to ensure successful implementation and continuous evaluation.Similarly, the minister explained that the Qatar National Manufacturing Strategy 2024–2030 aims to strengthen the manufacturing sector’s capabilities, increase its gross output as a driver of development and innovation, and raise the sector’s value-added contribution to QR70.5bn. Additionally, it seeks to boost non-hydrocarbon exports to QR49bn and attract annual industrial investments of QR2.75bn by 2030.The strategy encompasses 15 initiatives and 60 projects, focusing on diversifying industries by 50%, increasing the private sector’s value-added contribution to QR36bn, and positioning Qatar among the top 40 countries in the Industrial Competitiveness Index. It also prioritises a transition toward smart and green industries and aims to foster research and development to boost productivity, align education outcomes with labour market needs, and increase the participation of Qatar’s workforce in this vital sector.Sheikh Faisal stressed that the ministry’s new strategy builds on the achievements of its previous 2018–2022 strategy, which laid the groundwork for economic growth, local industry development, self-sufficiency, and non-hydrocarbon sector expansion. He noted that “significant progress had been made” and expressed confidence in overcoming any challenges that may arise to achieve Qatar’s ambitious goals.The minister reiterated that both strategies focus on enhancing the manufacturing sector and strengthening Qatar’s regional and global economic competitiveness. He also emphasised that the ministry’s strategy aligns with the Third National Development Strategy, which seeks to achieve sustainable economic growth within the framework of Qatar National Vision 2030.

Qatar’s strategic investments in digital transformation and partnerships with global tech giants are expected to significantly benefit stakeholders and key players in the country’s retail industry.According to LuLu Group Director of Global Operations Dr Mohamed Althaf, rapid technological advancements, the advent of artificial intelligence (AI), and the predictive maintenance of the Internet of Things (IoT) have been reshaping the global retail sector’s operational landscape.Dr Althaf highlighted that LuLu Group’s digital transformation reflects Qatar's broader vision for technological progress, merging traditional retail expertise with innovative digital solutions to address changing market demands and consumer expectations.Speaking to Gulf Times recently, Dr Althaf elaborated on the extensive integration of technology in modern retail operations, particularly in supermarket and hypermarket businesses, and how Qatar’s digital transformation strategy will offer huge gains for the industry.He explained that nothing may appear to have changed “in the past 25 years” when consumers enter a story, but little do people know that many retail establishments have been utilising different technologies that offer various solutions to their operations.“The store look and feel will remain the same because this is the nature of our business. But in our backend, what is happening is that we are heavy users of technology. I don’t know about the region, but if you take the US as an example, perhaps the second biggest data users after NASA are their retail supermarkets, so we are very knowledge-based; we are very much a data-driven business,” Dr Althaf emphasised.Aside from LuLu Hypermarket’s significant digital transformation in its backend operations, the implementation of cloud-based systems for cold chain management ensures food safety through comprehensive tracking and tracing capabilities. Similarly, the integration of IoT technology significantly helped optimise energy usage to meet the company’s sustainability goals, Dr Althaf noted.“AI and digital transformation are already transforming the processes that we are in. For example, our call chain management makes sure that the food is safe. All that is data-driven and stored on the cloud; we track and trace all our call chains for management. In terms of energy usage, most of our systems are benefitting from IoT – it is already helping us reduce energy bills and meet sustainability goals through digital transformation.“The other area where we are using it heavily is in terms of training our people on data.The company believes that we will be able to make our staff employed in much more productive and knowledge-demanding jobs. A lot of other tasks are already there, so in terms of our projections and predictive analytics, as well as forecasting of our order, all those are already digitalised,” Dr Althaf pointed out.On the storefront, particularly on the hardware side, Dr Althaf said LuLu boasts of autonomous stores and stores that are certified as carbon neutral. At the same time, the company has implemented different automation in its payment gateway, as well, he also noted.Looking ahead, Dr Althaf announced LuLu’s plans to launch an upgraded e-commerce platform featuring new AI tools. He also noted that his perspective on AI has changed from initial concern to viewing it as “an efficiency enhancer,” citing global CEOs who called for a pause in research and development of Large Language Models (LLMs) in 2024.“Looking back, we’re very pleased to say that nothing has changed much – human beings are still in command. It is still emerging, and I think AI is emerging as an efficiency enhancer, so I am looking at the positive outcome. I am looking forward to AI getting more mature.“There will be a lot of other business opportunities. For example, how do we use AI for agriculture and security? What do we do to increase the efficiency of new drug discovery processes?” Dr Althaf stressed.He also underscored the importance of keeping the people in Qatar well-informed and educated in innovation and advancements in AI. “Perhaps, AI can expand the reach of education to a lot of people around the world, and also at some point maybe it could start as a real-life problem solver. These are some of the things that I will be looking at very closely this coming year,” he added.

Qatar is strategically positioned to leverage its world-class infrastructure to drive sustained economic growth in 2025, according to a top executive of LuLu Group.Dr Mohamed Althaf, LuLu Group Director of Global Operations, said the country is poised to reap “huge benefits” from government foresight and the well-calculated infrastructure-related preparations for Qatar National Vision 2030 and the hosting of the 2022 FIFA World Cup in the coming period.He explained that some countries, despite being rich in resources, face a significant challenge due to inadequate infrastructure. In contrast, Qatar has established a strong foundation for development and is poised to utilise its world-class infrastructure as a “springboard” for future growth, he emphasised.Dr Althaf said his optimism is grounded in several key factors, including Qatar’s prudent fiscal policies and the country’s proven track record of successfully delivering the world’s “best-ever” FIFA World Cup in 2022, which not only placed the nation under the global spotlight but “left a very credible legacy.”Qatar is also keenly focused on becoming a centre for high-quality international events, he said.Looking at significant achievements in 2024, Dr Althaf highlighted that the government has ensured that the country remains “a safe, secure, and prosperous environment” for its residents, building upon the successful legacy of the 2022 FIFA World Cup.He also emphasised Qatar made significant strides in food security in 2024. Citing self-reliance, he said “80-85% of major essentials in the country are now secure” because of domestic policies focusing on increased agriculture and food production, and improved market access with lower entry barriers for quality food imports.He also said digital transformation remains a key focus area for Qatar, with significant investments in technology partnerships with global giants like Microsoft, Google, and Huawei, among others.“The impact of technological advancements is clearly visible in the retail sector, particularly through the innovative strategies employed by the LuLu Group,” Dr Althaf told Gulf Times.According to Dr Althaf, LuLu has integrated a range of digital solutions to streamline operations and enable a more convenient shopping experience for customers, noting that artificial intelligence (AI) is “emerging as an efficiency enhancer” rather than a threat.Additionally, LuLu Group has adopted data analytics to gain insights into consumer behaviour, as well as other initiatives that collectively demonstrate its commitment to embracing technology to stay competitive in the retail sector’s evolving landscape.“We are a very heavy user of technology...we are very knowledge-based and very much a data-driven business, noted Dr Althaf, who added that LuLu has integrated cloud-based systems for cold chain management and the Internet of Things (IoT) solutions for energy efficiency, while also developing autonomous stores and carbon-neutral facilities.Looking ahead to 2025, he identified three fundamental areas of focus for Qatar: continued enhancement of food security, acceleration of business digital transformation, and further progress toward a knowledge-based economy.On the diplomatic front, Dr Althaf stressed that Qatar is expected to expand its role as a global mediator in 2025. “Qatar is going to get even busier conducting its role as a chief peacemaker and negotiator for the world,” he added.

On the back of robust Ethiopia-Qatar ties and its strategic location as a gateway to the African continent, the country is looking to attract FDI, particularly investments from Qatar in various sectors, Ethiopian ambassador Faisal Ali Ibrahim has said.“Ethiopia stands as a beacon of growth and resilience on the African continent. With a population exceeding 126mn, we are not only the second-most populous nation in Africa but also one of the fastest-growing economies in Africa. Our GDP has shown consistent growth, averaging 10% annually for the past decades, and our ambitious goal to achieve middle-income status by 2025 is well within reach.“This is a testament to the dedication and hard work of our people and the vision of our leadership,” the ambassador emphasised in his speech during the ‘3rd Ethiopian Investment Forum’, held recently in Doha, in collaboration with Doha-based consultancy firm KON Group.According to Ibrahim, Ethiopia is positioning itself as a welcoming and reliable destination for foreign investments in prioritised sectors like agriculture, manufacturing, tourism, ICT, mining and energy, health, and banking and insurance.“Ethiopia’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for investors extends beyond these sectors. We offer an array of incentives to investors, including tax holidays, customs duty exemptions, and affordable land leases.“Our infrastructure investments, such as the Great Ethiopian Renaissance Dam and the Addis-Djibouti railway, ensure reliable energy and efficient logistics, making Ethiopia an ideal investment destination. Additionally, our strategic location in Africa positions us as a gateway to the continent’s vast markets and beyond,” he said.He said around 30,600 Ethiopians are living in Qatar, contributing to its workforce and seeking opportunities to build better lives. Bilateral relations have been further solidified through the signing of numerous agreements and memoranda of understanding in various fields, including economic cooperation, labour exchange, investment, and the elimination of overlapping taxes.“Despite the significant potential, Qatari engagement in business and investment in Ethiopia remains limited – a gap we aim to bridge through forums like this,” the ambassador explained.He said high-level visits between both nations have further strengthened Ethiopia-Qatar ties. Additionally, mechanisms like the Joint Bilateral Committee on Cooperation, established in 2012, and Political Consultation meetings, first held in Doha in 2021, have proven instrumental in advancing a shared agenda, he noted.Ibrahim said, “Ethiopia looks forward to reinvigorating the Joint Ministerial Commission and holding the next round of Political Consultation to boost comprehensive cooperation. To date, Ethiopia and Qatar have signed 20 agreements focusing on economic, commercial, and investment cooperation.“Another eight draft agreements are currently under exchange, signalling our mutual commitment to expanding our collaborative efforts. These agreements are the foundation for unlocking the immense potential of our partnership, and we encourage Qatari businesses to seize these opportunities and join Ethiopia’s growth journey.”He added: “The growing trade relationship between Ethiopia and Qatar exemplifies our shared vision for mutual prosperity. Ethiopia’s exports to Qatar, including coffee, livestock, and flowers, have increased significantly, reflecting the potential for further trade expansion. These exports are more than commodities; they are symbols of the high-quality goods Ethiopia brings to the global market.”

The Qatari Businessmen Association (QBA) engaged in a series of significant economic and diplomatic initiatives this year, forging stronger ties with different heads of state, private and public sector leaders, and global captains of industry.The association, led by its chairman, HE Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim al-Thani, also led high-level QBA delegations to explore and foster new investment opportunities across different countries in Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.The QBA’s efforts and programmes in 2024 reflect its keen focus on expanding Qatar’s economic footprint on the global stage and promoting the country as a vibrant business hub in the Gulf region.Through its participation in a range of high-level forums and trade missions, the QBA has strengthened and identified new avenues for cooperation across various sectors aimed at achieving sustainable economic growth and the continued diversification of Qatar’s economy.Earlier this year, the QBA organised a business lunch in honour of UK Deputy Prime Minister Oliver Dowden and his accompanying delegation, where both parties discussed trade and investment relations between Qatar and Britain, as well as developments in the free trade agreement (FTA) negotiations between the GCC countries and the UK.In a media statement, the QBA noted that both expressed optimism that an FTA would contribute significantly to economic growth and enhance trade in goods and services, new sectors, and advanced technologies.The meeting also highlighted Qatar’s investments in Britain, such as those on the London Stock Exchange, Chelsea Barracks, Heathrow Airport, and Harrods, which have been viewed as an added value to the British economy, the QBA also noted.Alongside the Qatari Businesswomen Association (QBWA) and the Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoCI), the QBA held a meeting with World Trade Organisation (WTO) Director General Dr Ngozi Okonjo Iweala and her accompanying delegation.The meeting, which discussed ways to address pressing global trade challenges and ways to overcome them, was held as part of the policy followed by the WTO towards non-governmental organisations concerned with small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), investment, and pioneering businesswomen.Both the QBA and QBWA have expressed the support of Qatar’s business community for the WTO, which plays a significant role in enabling small enterprises to grow, develop, and further access international markets.The QBA’s comprehensive visit to Berlin this year was touted as a milestone in forging robust relations with Qatar’s key partners in Europe. The visit included meetings with corporate giants like Siemens Group and SAP, as well as different government entities in Germany.The association’s delegation also explored investment opportunities and partnerships in the following sectors: technology, artificial Intelligence (AI), healthcare, and tourism, among others.The German-Qatari Joint Task Force for Trade and Investment also held a meeting at the headquarters of the Federation of German Chambers of Commerce and Industry during the visit.During a business dinner with Berlin's former mayor and senator Franziska Giffey, the QBA highlighted Qatar’s economic transformation and investment incentives, including new free zones and logistical zones.The QBA’s meeting with Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources, Bandar bin Ibrahim al-Khorayef, was part of the association’s initiatives to strengthen regional ties. The meeting was held in Doha on the sidelines of the ‘Consultative Meeting between their Excellencies the GCC Ministers of Commerce and Industry and the Heads of the GCC Chambers of Commerce’.In an interview with Qatar News Agency (QNA), HE Sheikh Faisal underscored the importance of the official visit by His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani to Germany last October.He said His Highness the Amir’s visit it will open new avenues for partnership and co-operation in various fields to serve the mutual interests of both nations, while stressing Qatar's strategic relations with Germany.“This visit would support Qatar’s transition towards a knowledge-based and innovative economy through the establishment of strong partnerships in which the private sector of both countries will play a pivotal role,” Sheikh Faisal told QNA.Later this year, the QBA encouraged its members to explore investment opportunities in Uzbekistan as part of the association’s drive to expand its horizons in Central Asia. During a meeting with Laziz Kudratov, Minister of Investment, Industry and Trade of Uzbekistan, QBA discussed potential investments in agriculture, mining, and energy sectors.

The adjustment of fees for certain services provided by Qatar Chamber is considered one of this year’s key highlights in its role as one of the leaders in the country’s economic diversification and growth.Cabinet Decision No 19 for 2024 was ratified by His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, a move that aligns with the strategic objectives of Qatar’s Third National Development Strategy (NDS3) 2024-2030, stated Qatar Chamber chairman Sheikh Khalifa bin Hamad al-Thani.Sheikh Khalifa explained that the recent decision was intended to ease the financial pressures faced by Qatari companies. He noted that the initiative also seeks to provide relief and support to businesses, enabling them to navigate economic challenges more effectively. By alleviating these financial burdens, the decision aims to foster a more stable and prosperous environment for local enterprises to thrive, he pointed out.In a recent edition of Al Moltaqa, the chamber’s economic magazine, Sheikh Khalifa stated that Qatar Chamber, which was established to address the needs of the country’s economy and the private sector, “believes that the decision to ease the financial burden of Qatar’s SMEs and large companies coincides with the reduction in cost for certain services recently approved in some ministries and government institutions.”“This will also create a positive impact and constitutes a motivating factor for companies operating in Qatar and encourages investors,” the Qatar Chamber chairman further pointed out.Sheikh Khalifa emphasised that the decision aligns with the chamber’s mission to represent, support, and protect the interests of Qatari businesses. This includes highlighting opportunities across various industries, supporting economic development and productivity, and attracting foreign investments for the overall benefit of the country and the chamber's member companies.According to the Cabinet's decision, membership fees for shareholding companies, holding companies, and foreign companies involved in state contracts have been reduced by 50%.For other company types, such as limited liability companies, general partnerships, simple partnerships, joint ventures, and partnerships limited by shares, the annual membership fees are standardised, regardless of capital or business activity.The decision also includes a reduction in fees for issuing ATA Carnets and arbitration requests. The fees for other services, such as authentication and certification, will remain unchanged under Law No 11 of 1990, which established the Qatar Chamber.“This step will undoubtedly support economic growth and create a favourable environment for investment in Qatar,” stated Sheikh Khalifa, who further emphasised that the chamber is committed to empowering the private sector to fully participate in the comprehensive development journey.Sheikh Khalifa stated that 2024 was highlighted with significant activities, achievements, and initiatives within the chamber. These aligned with the state’s efforts to achieve comprehensive and sustainable development under the Qatar National Vision 2030. “This is particularly relevant following the launch of the NDS3, which emphasises sustainable economic growth,” he added.

Private sector leader Qatar Chamber has kept a keen focus on its role as a key driver of economic development in the country. Throughout 2024, the chamber has actively engaged in various activities and meetings with local and international business leaders, high-level delegations, and world leaders.Since the beginning of this year, the chamber organised and participated in over 270 events, and hosted some 75 foreign trade delegations to discuss enhancing mutual investments and cooperation between Qatar’s private sector and overseas counterparts.The chamber also took part in more than 40 international events, organised or participated in some 26 forums and conferences, and signed Memoranda of Understanding with 15 entities and other chambers.has hosted more than two dozen international trade delegations, including its counterparts in neighbouring Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC) nations.The meetings centred on enhancing investment and cooperation ties in various sectors, including food security, health, education, insurance, and tourism, as well as forging commercial alliances and partnerships and developing the halal industry, among others.The chamber also held meetings with the International Labour Organisation to prioritise and address the opportunities and challenges facing the country’s employment market, entrepreneurs, companies, and other private and public stakeholders.Meetings were also held with major players in both the local and international scene to meet the demands of the country’s small and medium sized enterprise (SME) sector to open opportunities for wider market access, trade relations, and investment opportunities.Various officials of the chamber’s panels and committees deliberated with key private and public sector officials to discuss pressing issues facing the business community. Among these meetings included talks on the establishment of a land transport company under the public-private partnership (PPP) system based on Law No 12 of 2020, which organises the partnership between the government and private sectors.A delegation comprising the chamber’s top officials and board members, as well as various businessmen and representatives of different Qatari companies, gathered to meet with leading executives of Qatar Free Zones Authority (QFZ) to examine ways to boost private sector investments in free zones.The meeting was also highlighted by a field tour of Ras Bufontas Free Zone, where the delegation explored the investment benefits and business opportunities inside the country’s free zones. Discussions revolved around strategies to enhance collaboration between the chamber and QFZ with a focus on supporting the national economy and fostering the establishment of projects by the Qatari private sector in the free zones.To engage the next generation in nation building, Qatar Chamber signed an agreement with the Young Entrepreneurs Club (YEC) to strengthen collaboration and facilitate participation in seminars, fairs, workshops, and other relevant events.A Qatar Chamber statement emphasised the agreement signing with the YEC stems from its keenness to support young entrepreneurs and increase their contribution to the national economy.In 2024, Qatar Chamber maintained its “pivotal role” in leading the private sector and in ensuring that local entrepreneurs and the SMEs sector will make a significant contribution to the country’s economic development.The chamber has ensured its “continues to play a pivotal role in empowering entrepreneurship in the state, based on its position as a representative of the Qatari private sector and recognising the vital role that SMEs play in the country’s economic growth.”Throughout the year, the chamber actively communicated with key entities and authorities in both the public and private sectors to support and cater to the needs of entrepreneurs in the country, citing initiatives that showcase local products like the ‘Made in Qatar’ exhibition.The chamber also committed its support for the country’s entrepreneurs and productive families during a high-level meeting on entrepreneurship organised by the Arab League on the sidelines of the Arab Leaders Summit in Manama, Bahrain.The event was an opportunity to emphasise Qatar’s significant role in providing a host of programmes to support entrepreneurs, productive families, and people with disabilities.The chamber also worked closely with the Regional Network Consultancy (RNC), a member of the Regional Network for Social Responsibility, to host a first-of-its-kind five-day workshop on ‘International Expert on Sustainable Development Goals 2030 (SDGs) Applications’.The workshop highlighted models and applications of sustainable societies and proposed methods for applying SDGs in institutions and companies. It further discussed the role of sustainable development globally and the concept of green society and its tools for implementing SDGs. Furthermore, it reviewed reports for professional documentation of the practices and activities of institutions with international standards.This was followed up with a virtual training on ‘ESG sustainability reports’ held in cooperation with the RNC to help companies and institutions from various countries prepare sustainability reports. The event covered several topics, including ESG practices, the objectives, and levels of ESG standards, and the methodology for implementing ESG standards.In light of the announcement of Qatar’s Third National Development Strategy (NDS3) 2024-2030, the chamber’s chairman, Sheikh Khalifa bin Jassim al-Thani has underscored the importance of strengthening public-private partnerships (PPPs) in key areas, such as petrochemicals, tourism, and education.Sheikh Khalifa stated that the launch of NDS3 reflects the country’s commitment to achieving Qatar National Vision 2030. The national vision was launched in 2008 with ambitious goals aimed at transforming Qatar into a developed nation capable of achieving sustainable development, he pointed out.Sheikh Khalifa said: “The Third National Development Strategy 2024-2030 represents the final stage in realising the objectives outlined in this ambitious vision, which focuses on four key pillars: human development, social development, economic development, and environmental sustainability.“The strategy assures the state’s interest in empowering the private sector and enhancing its role in driving economic growth. It underscores the development of the government’s role to enable the private sector to lead and drive economic growth.”According to Sheikh Khalifa, the NDS3 aims at creating highly productive, specialised, and competitive economic groupings, which includes adopting rapid reforms in the business environment.To drive GCC integrated industrial growth, Sheikh Khalifa underscored the value of increasing efforts to strengthen economic and industrial cooperation amongst GCC countries.This elevates the GCC as a vital economic bloc on a global scale considering that Gulf countries have the capacity and a “strong will” to realise this objective amid economic and geopolitical challenges in the international and regional arena, he pointed out.Sheikh Khalifa also highlighted that the results of the referendum on the 2024 draft constitutional amendments represent a significant nationwide effort by Qataris this year, emphasising that these amendments are in the best interests of both the citizens and the nation.He said: “The decision to revert to the system of appointing the Advisory Council serves the interests of the country and its citizens, as it focuses on selecting the most competent, reputable, and experienced individuals rather than merely those with the most votes. It also preserves social cohesion among Qatari families.”