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Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Qatar are well-positioned for growth opportunities in high-potential industries backed by the government’s massive investments in artificial intelligence (AI), Qatar Development Bank (QDB) stated in a report. Titled ‘Qatar’s Artificial Intelligence Sector SME Industry Series 2024’, the report identified healthcare and financial services as the two sectors with the highest “transformative potential” for AI-driven disruption. Similarly, the report identified manufacturing, e-commerce, and the technology, media and telecommunications industries as having “promising potential.” Meanwhile, the report noted “emerging potential” in energy, transport and logistics, and the automotive sector, where AI integration is expected to enhance operational efficiency and competitiveness. “The Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT) has spearheaded the development of the AI sector, promoting governmental support for both existing SMEs to enhance their capabilities and for new SMEs looking to establish themselves in the country. “To conduct a thorough analysis on the disruption potential of AI across sectors in Qatar, several key factors were considered: AI strategic relevance, innovation adoption readiness, regulatory compliance and guidelines, automation impact on workforce, sectoral efficiency enhancement, and AI investment allocation,” the report explained. According to the report, SMEs “are investing in AI capabilities to develop new solutions and achieve operational gains in innovative medical services,” citing companies like Ablelyf, Avey, MedivAI, and eyeTech. Placing second after the oil and gas sector, Qatar’s financial services sector “is a key contributor to the country’s GDP,” the report noted. “Efforts to further develop this sector, led by key entities like the Qatar Financial Centre (QFC) and Qatar FinTech Hub (QFTH), align with Qatar’s goal of creating a robust and competitive ecosystem,” the report stated. It also reported: “The manufacturing sector presents promising opportunities for progress through the adoption of AI, especially with the rise of smart manufacturing enabled by Industry 4.0. AI can enhance efficiency, stabilise supply chains, forecast demand, reduce operational costs, and minimise waste via predictive maintenance. “Qatar's consumer habits are shifting due to the growing trend of digitalisation, compelling traditional businesses to transition online to stay relevant and competitive in the evolving market. AI holds a promising potential to transform Qatar’s e-commerce sector.” In the technology, media and telecommunications industries, “AI applications in content personalisation, advertising optimisation, and creative production tools are forecast to open new revenue streams and enhance audience engagement,” the report stated. In the energy sector, SMEs could develop niche AI tools for predictive maintenance in renewable energy and oil and gas operations, the report stated, while the transport and logistics can adopt AI for route optimisation, demand forecasting, and autonomous delivery solutions. The report added that the automotive industry, though still nascent in Qatar, may see a gradual AI-driven transformation in quality control and production efficiency.

A Qatari innovation firm is proposing a multi-layered Public Innovation Lab (PIL) ecosystem that could help transform Qatar’s public sector by enhancing service delivery, improving efficiency, and strengthening citizen engagement, all of which align with the country’s National Vision 2030.Engineer Nayef al-Ibrahim, CEO and co-founder of Ibtechar, said the company’s white paper titled, ‘Imagining a Public Innovation Lab for Qatar’, positions the PIL as a strategic mechanism for driving government reform, drawing from international best practices and Ibtechar’s own experience working across sectors in Qatar and the GCC.“At Ibtechar, our core commitment lies in supporting capacity building within government,” al-Ibrahim stated in the document, which noted that the proposed model reflects the company’s long-standing commitment to capacity building within government.“We know that empowering public sector agencies, departments, and teams with the right training, tools, and methodologies is essential for delivering impactful change,” he further pointed out.Al-Ibrahim explained that the white paper “focuses on a powerful mechanism for driving public sector transformation: the Public Innovation Lab (PIL).”“We propose that a well-designed PIL can be instrumental in enhancing public service delivery, improving government efficiency, and strengthening citizen engagement,” he also said.The white paper defines a PIL as a specialist unit within government that uses design thinking, data analysis, and experimentation to develop novel solutions to complex challenges. These labs typically produce service prototypes, policy recommendations, digital tools and platforms, training and capacity-building programmes, and partnerships and networks.The document explained that Ibtechar’s proposal recommends a two-tiered ecosystem: a Central PIL (CPIL) housed within the Central Government Agency, and a network of hybrid PILs embedded within individual ministries. The CPIL would focus on national-level projects aligned with the Third National Development Strategy (NDS3) 2024-2030, while hybrid ministry-level PILs would address sector-specific challenges.“This combined approach leverages the strengths of both centralised (high-level) and decentralised (sector-specific) models — creating a dynamic and interconnected innovation ecosystem,” the white paper elaborated.The model encourages a two-way flow of knowledge and expertise that “maximises the impact of innovation across the public sector — and fosters a culture of innovation within individual ministries, empowering staff and building long-term capacity for change.”The document stated: “We believe that by carefully considering these recommendations and adapting them to the specific context of Qatar, public sector leaders can establish a thriving PIL ecosystem to effectively drive innovation and improve public services for the benefit of all citizens.”“Success will require a fundamental shift — from short-term, project-based thinking to a long-term, holistic approach. Ibtechar stands ready to work with the government in exploring the possibilities and potential of this multi-layered PIL approach, utilising our Innovation Framework,” it also stated, adding that the company is inviting public sector entities to engage in dialogue and explore the potential of a PIL ecosystem tailored to Qatar’s development goals.

India and Qatar are making “steady, structured progress” on the commitments agreed upon during the landmark state visit of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani to India last February, as both countries seek to double bilateral trade by 2030.Speaking on the sidelines of the recent launch of ‘India Utsav 2025’ at LuLu Hypermarket Al Gharafa, Indian ambassador Vipul emphasised that His Highness the Amir’s visit created a positive trajectory of cooperation and partnership with India as the two nations seek to enhance economic, cultural, and political ties.Vipul noted that current bilateral trade has held steady, dominated by Qatari exports of liquefied natural gas (LNG) and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), as well as crude oil, petrochemicals, and urea.“The trade between India and Qatar is, of course, dominated by the energy exports... and the overall figure has been about $14bn for the last two years between India and Qatar. India would be the second largest trading partner of Qatar... and I think India would be the third largest exporter to Qatar,” Vipul explained.Emphasising both countries’ trade and economic goals to achieve wider trade and investment links, he said: “We decided at the time of the visit that we should double our bilateral trade by 2030. So we have to keep making efforts in that regard.”According to Vipul, both governments are committed to expanding their trade baskets, capitalising on “complementarities” between the two economies, and fostering stronger business-to-business links to give further momentum to growing cooperative relations.The ambassador also outlined ongoing talks across a broad range of sectors, including food processing, ports, shipping, civil aviation, infrastructure, Information Technology (IT), banking, financial services, and emerging fields like startups and technology partnerships. High-level Qatari delegations to India and joint commission meetings are planned in the coming months to maintain momentum, Vipul also pointed out.Aside from key targets, such as doubling bilateral trade by 2030 and further enhancing Qatari investments in India, India and Qatar are also creating more opportunities for Indian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) operating in Qatar, according to Vipul.He said: “It was decided that there should be further enhancement of Qatar investments in India...I also see a good opportunity for enhancing our partnership in startups and technology companies as well.”The ambassador added: “We have to take advantage of those complementarities... I’m sure that both our sides will keep working, both at the government level and also at fostering more business networks between our two countries.”

Qatar’s artificial intelligence (AI) market is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 28.66% from QR1.56bn in 2024 to QR7.07bn in 2030, “highlighting potential investment opportunities,” Qatar Development Bank (QDB) stated in a report.This surge is driven by robust government support and SME innovation, stated the ‘Qatar’s AI Sector SME Industry Series 2024’ report, which cited the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT) as a key player in “[creating] a supportive environment for AI innovation.”“Key market indicators used to analyse and forecast the size of the AI market include GDP, telecommunications, exchange rates, and macroeconomic forecasts aligned to Qatar’s business cycle,” the report explained.The report highlights machine learning as the dominant technology in Qatar’s AI landscape, “offering SMEs tools for analytics, insights, and optimisation,” while generative AI (GenAI) is expected to capture 30% of the market share by the end of the decade.“GenAI is rapidly growing and is expected to become prominent after 2026, with major potential in content creation and personalised marketing. It impacts all AI verticals by enhancing machine learning, NLP, and automation, driving innovation across industries,” the report stated.QDB emphasised that SMEs are well-positioned to capitalise on high-opportunity segments such as AI-powered products and model development. “Qatar offers a multifaceted support system for AI SMEs, providing essential resources for their success,” the report noted.According to the report, SMEs benefit from a comprehensive support system that includes financial assistance, advisory and mentorship services, infrastructure and technological resources, as well as education, training, and networking.“In addition to retail banking institutions, QDB offers support through technology financing, including ‘Minha for Digital Transformation’ for emerging firms and ‘Technology and Digitalisation Solution Financing’ for mature set-ups. Furthermore, the Qatar Science and Technology Park (QSTP) provides funding for innovative digital projects, depending on their specific nature and development stage.“Additionally, QDB and its subsidiaries, such as Qatar Business and Incubation Centre (QBIC), offer comprehensive assistance to SMEs throughout their development journey in enabling sectors. QSTP and MCIT also support SMEs in the AI space, including prototype development and mentorship through QSTP’s XLR8 programme, as well as incubation via MCIT’s Digital Incubation Centre,” the report stated.The report added: “Qatar supports AI through initiatives, such as the Ooredoo-NVIDIA AI collaboration, QSTP’s advanced labs for AI development, Microsoft’s data centre region, and Google’s cloud region, in partnership with MCIT and the Qatar Free Zones Authority (QFZA).The report pointed out that local institutions play a key role in AI training and research, with Qatar Computing Research Institute (QCRI) at Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU) and Qatar University leading initiatives in AI research.“The Ministry of Education plans to integrate AI into the national education system, while the HBKU-Huawei AI ICT Hub supports growth and innovation among SMEs. Networking opportunities in the market are facilitated by events, such as the Qatar Web Summit, and the MCIT National Skilling Programme focuses on advancing digital upskilling initiatives.

The Department of Trade (DTI) in the Philippines is gearing up for a series of intensified trade missions and investment delegations to Qatar, aiming to significantly expand economic co-operation beyond 2025.Lawyer Maria Katrina D Rivera, assistant director at the DTI’s Export Marketing Bureau (EMB), emphasised that this strategy builds on successful past engagements between the Philippines and Qatar, and seeks to deepen the partnership across a range of key sectors.Highlighting the DTI-EMB’s immediate plans, Rivera said, “That is our main project for 2025 in terms of trade missions. In fact, based on the reported sales, most of the sales were in Qatar among the four countries that we visited for that outbound mission.”She was referring to the Outbound Business Matching Mission (OBMM) held in Qatar, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and Dubai last year, which saw the participation of a dozen exporting companies seeking to access the Gulf and Middle East markets. The OBMM is an annual initiative of the DTI held in various countries in the Middle East aimed at supporting Philippine export companies.Looking further ahead, Qatar is set to play a crucial role in the Philippines’ participation in ‘Gulfood 2026’, noted Rivera, citing the event as Dubai’s major food and beverage exhibition.“For 2026, we are looking forward to a bigger ‘Gulfood 2026’ in Dubai. And by taking advantage of Gulfood, Qatar will definitely still be part of the outbound mission because it is the most economical route for the companies that we’re bringing to the event. The DTI hopes to invite even more companies to join this mission, anticipating a larger event than in previous years,” Rivera told Gulf Times in an exclusive interview.Rivera also added that there’s growing interest in franchise brands and the furniture industry, given Qatar's continuous hotel expansion plans and its vision to become a major tourism hub.Beyond traditional food exports, the partnership is also expanding into other areas, according to Vince Lorenzo Liwanag, Commercial Attaché of the Philippine Trade Investment Centre (PTIC) – Riyadh.Liwanag mentioned efforts by the Philippine Overseas Construction Board (POCB) to collaborate with Qatari companies in the construction sector, highlighting the Philippines’ capabilities in “very robust BIM (Building Information Modelling) or software for construction” that could benefit Qatar.The POCB was in Doha last year for its inaugural participation in the Big 5 Construct Qatar. POCB Executive Director Doris U Gacho earlier stated that “by establishing ties with industry leaders in Qatar, the Philippines supports Qatar National Vision 2030 and aims to position itself as a preferred partner in addressing Qatar's growing infrastructure demands.”

Beyond co-operative initiatives in Qatar’s financial sector, Rwanda is offering a new frontier for Qatari investments, particularly in the sports industry, according to a veteran fund manager.“Qatar and Rwanda have forged strong ties in the financial sector, and we want to extend this to sports, which is a very promising and growing sector in Africa,” stated Ntoudi Mouyelo, who was in Qatar to promote the ‘SportsBiz Africa Forum 2025’ (SBA2025), which is set to take place from September 9 to 10 in Rwanda’s capital Kigali.According to Mouyelo, SBA2025 is a strategic platform designed to bridge the investment gap in the African sports sector by connecting global investors, such as those from Qatar, with “investment-ready projects.” He said, “The forum is an opportunity for Qatari investors to directly access and evaluate promising ventures.”Mouyelo emphasised that the upcoming SBA2025 is a continuation of the strong ties that already exist between Qatar and Rwanda in the financial sector. In 2021, the Kigali International Financial Centre signed a memorandum of understanding with the Qatar Financial Centre (QFC) as part of several strategic objectives between the two entities, which renewed their agreement in 2023.Addressing industry challenges, such as the reluctance some investors may have toward the African market, Mouyelo explained that the best way to overcome “this resistance” is to showcase successful investments in Africa. Moreover, he invited potential investors to visit Kigali and explore the investment climate and success stories in Rwanda.“If you are hesitant, come, watch, and take your own decision then,” Mouyelo said, citing Kigali’s modern infrastructure, such as the BK Arena.He pointed out a major upcoming event that showcases Rwanda’s commitment to sports: the ‘UCI Road World Championships’, which will be held in Africa for the first time in Kigali next month.Mouyelo explained that SBA2025 is actively working to build investor confidence by creating an “investment label” that certifies sports entities that are ready for investment. This certification guarantees that a project has the right governance, a sustainable economic model, and a positive social impact on the country, he further said.“This programme will be the one feeding the pipeline project that you will find when you will be coming to the sport-based event in September,” said Mouyelo, adding that the forum will feature a “dealing room” where investors can meet project promoters, addressing a common issue of a lack of access to reliable information and direct contacts.Mouyelo emphasised that Rwanda “is a leader in this area,” citing one of its companies already investing in nearly 10 different sports competitions across Africa, including in Ghana, Tanzania, Uganda, and Nigeria.“This is a testament to the country’s vision and its strong ties with other African nations,” he stressed.“By offering a curated list of vetted projects and a direct way to connect with project owners, SBA2025 aims to make it easier for Qatari investors to tap into Africa’s sports economy. With Qatar’s own proven success as a global sports hub, the forum represents a clear pathway for the Gulf nation to extend its influence and expertise into Africa while also reaping the benefits of a rapidly growing market,” Mouyelo added.Earlier, the Embassy of Rwanda gathered Qatari investors and other stakeholders at a networking event organised in Doha by Rwanda Events, in partnership with the Rwanda Convention Bureau. It was aimed to foster partnerships, promote investment opportunities, and share insights on the latest advancements in these interrelated fields during (SBA2025).

The Indonesia-Qatar Business Council (IQBC) has lauded the robust relations forged by leaders of the Southeast Asian nation and Qatar, which are “evolving into a strategic bridge connecting both countries through capital, knowledge, and shared vision.”IQBC president Hendra Hartono Turman told Gulf Times in a statement that 2025 has ushered in “a new chapter” in bilateral relations, “transforming cordial ties into a high-impact strategic partnership.”According to Turman, both countries have forged a strategic alliance “for a new economic era,” following the launch of a multi-billion-dollar joint fund, property ventures, and a strategic dialogue – all achieved during Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto’s state visit to Doha in April this year.“These milestones mark a turning point in bilateral relations, linking Southeast Asia and the Gulf in 2025,” emphasised Turman. On the sidelines of Subianto’s state visit, both nations launched the Qatar–Indonesia Strategic Dialogue to co-ordinate political, security, and economic co-operation, he noted.The new strategic dialogue allows Jakarta and Doha “to co-ordinate not only on economic matters but also on political and security issues amid shifting geopolitical dynamics and growing investment flows toward Southeast Asia,” noted Turman, adding that “both countries share similar positions on major global and regional issues, including support for Palestinian rights.”At the same time, Turman said Indonesia and Qatar agreed to establish a $4bn joint investment fund to accelerate projects in the downstream industry, renewable energy, healthcare, technology, and property development.He said, “The fund is managed through Danantara Indonesia, a newly formed sovereign wealth entity, partnering with the Qatar Investment Authority (QIA) to channel long-term capital into strategic projects.”“Beyond manufacturing and energy, property investment is expected to play a major role, ranging from hospitality and tourism complexes to urban mixed-use developments that can strengthen Indonesia’s position as a regional hub,” Turman also said.Explaining Qatar’s interests in Indonesia, Turman emphasised that the country offers the largest economy in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) with a vast and growing consumer market, political stability, and a young workforce.“Infrastructure expansion, industrial processing, and the halal economy represent high-return opportunities. Qatar also sees Indonesian property as a gateway to the tourism and hospitality boom, especially in destinations like Bali, Lombok, and the new capital Nusantara,” Turman pointed out.Conversely, Turman further explained that Indonesia “seeks Qatar’s long-term capital to finance strategic infrastructure, green energy initiatives, health services, and large-scale property projects that integrate tourism, commerce, and housing.”According to Turman, the partnership between both countries also aims “to bring in technology transfer, workforce training, and greater access to Middle Eastern markets for exports, halal products, and tourism.”“The council has expressed strong support for this new era of co-operation. We are willing to actively contribute to ensuring the success of these joint programmes, particularly in promoting mutually beneficial trade, investment, and property ventures. Our role is seen as pivotal in bridging government agreements with real sector implementation, encouraging private sector participation, and fostering long-term business linkages between both nations,” Turman stressed.Turman added: “To ensure lasting impact, projects under the Danantara–Qatar partnership should include binding technology transfer clauses, clear local content targets, and transparent governance. Priority should be given to high-value sectors, such as petrochemical downstreaming, food processing, renewable energy, and premium tourism-linked property developments.”

Startup Grind Doha has announced that it will be hosting the local edition of the ‘All-Star Pitch Battle’ on September 15 in Qatar, providing a unique platform for innovative entrepreneurs to showcase their ideas and projects to a global audience.The high-energy competition is part of the ‘Global Startup Grind All-Star Pitch Battle’ initiative, which brings together the most promising startups from around the world to showcase innovation, attract investment, and scale their impact. The local edition of the Global Pitch Battle will be sponsored by Builder VC MENA, Startup Grind Doha noted in a statement to Gulf Times.Startup Grind Doha is part of the global Startup Grind community, which is dedicated to educating, inspiring, and connecting entrepreneurs. Through monthly events, workshops, and global programmes, Startup Grind Doha fosters a thriving local ecosystem while connecting founders to global opportunities.According to the statement, the Startup Grind All-Star Pitch Battle is an annual global competition that identifies and promotes the best early-stage startups from hundreds of Startup Grind chapters globally. Winners from each local edition move forward to compete in the global finals, gaining exposure to international investors, media, and industry leaders. The competition is looking for the ‘Startup of the Year’ in every city across the Startup Grind global community.The Doha event will see top local founders take the stage to pitch their startups to a panel of seasoned investors, entrepreneurs, and ecosystem leaders. Tarik Sultan, general partner, Builders VC, described the event as “an energetic platform spotlighting the next wave of founders shaping the region’s future.”Builders VC is an early-stage venture capital firm headquartered in Silicon Valley that backs visionary founders reinventing foundational industries such as healthcare, agriculture, industrials, and digital infrastructure, by pairing technology with transformative business models.Sultan said, “With offices from Silicon Valley to Doha, we back entrepreneurs solving meaningful, real-world problems because we believe transformative companies can be built anywhere. We look forward to seeing Qatar’s boldest startups take the stage on September 15 and compete for global exposure.”The chapter director of Startup Grind Doha added: “This is more than just a pitch battle – it’s a launchpad for Qatari startups to connect with global networks, secure visibility, and access potential funding. Our mission is to highlight the incredible talent and innovation emerging from Qatar’s startup ecosystem and give them the exposure they deserve.”The event will also feature networking sessions, keynote insights from ecosystem enablers, and opportunities for founders to connect with investors and mentors. It is expected to attract startup enthusiasts, corporate leaders, government representatives, and members of the global entrepreneurial community.

Food franchise brands from the Philippines are capitalising on the significant Filipino expatriate community in Qatar and the growing appeal of Filipino cuisine to a diverse Middle Eastern market, potentially opening avenues for expansion into the Gulf nation.Vince Lorenzo Liwanag, the Commercial Attaché of the Philippine Trade Investment Centre (PTIC) – Riyadh, stressed that this strategic move aims to both attract investments from overseas Filipinos back home and establish a stronger global presence for popular homegrown brands.“Similar to Saudi Arabia, Qatar has a large Filipino community, which includes many engineers. For example, Potato Corner is trying to tap those Filipino entrepreneurs to invest back in the Philippines, so while they’re working abroad, they can already start their franchise,” Liwanag told Gulf Times in an exclusive interview.Beyond tapping into the entrepreneurial spirit of overseas Filipinos, Liwanag emphasised that Philippine franchise brands are also finding broad acceptance among other nationalities in the Middle East.Liwanag said: “Filipino cuisine is very well taken by not just Filipinos but also citizens and other residents in Qatar, such as South Asians, because our food is very easy on the palate; it is easy to urge these nationalities to try it... for example, Potato Corner is universally accepted. It has different flavours and most foreign customers are very willing to try, so most of our franchise brands are very marketable.”Lawyer Maria Katrina D Rivera, assistant director at the Export Marketing Bureau (EMB) of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), added that the DTI-EMB recently participated in the ‘Franchising Expo 2025’ held in Sydney, Australia, citing a strong push from the participating Philippine companies to go mainstream aside from tapping Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) to invest in Filipino brands.In its Facebook page, the DTI-EMB stated that nine “iconic Filipino brands,” Jollibee, Max’s Group, Miguelitos Ice Cream, Bench, Oryspa, Grainsmart Cafe, The Shawarma Shack, Nails Dot Glow, and Canadian Tourism and Hospitality Institute, participated in the event.“The Promotion of Philippine franchise brands in Australia is a collaborative effort by the Department of Trade and Industry - Export Marketing Bureau (EMB) and the Philippine Trade and Investment Centre (PTIC) - Sydney, the Philippine Exporters Confederation, Incorporated (PHILEXPORT), and supported by the Philippine Franchise Association (PFA),” the post also stated.While franchise companies move on different schedules, leading to a “trickle of companies going to Qatar” at times, Liwanag explained that close coordination with the PFA is expected to result in a dedicated mission “sometime this year or next year, as there is clear interest from the PFA in the Qatari market.“Some franchise brands have already reached out to explore opportunities and conduct their due diligence,” Liwanag also pointed out.

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in the Philippines is refining its strategy to attract investments from Qatar, moving away from broad-based sectoral promotions to a more precise, project-specific approach, according to Undersecretary Ceferino S Rodolfo of the DTI’s Industry Development and Investment Promotions Group.“This refined strategy signals a more targeted and pragmatic approach by the DTI to capitalise on Qatar's investment potential, focusing on tangible projects that meet the specific requirements of Qatari businesses and funds,” Rodolfo told Gulf Times in an exclusive interview.“This means the DTI's role is evolving,” noted Rodolfo, who stressed that among the primary functions of the DTI would be to match the investor interest with ready projects in the Philippines.Rodolfo emphasised: “These projects can be either greenfield ventures that are ready to progress from concept development to actual project implementation or existing brownfield projects in the Philippines that require financial partners. The focus is on projects that are bankable and market-ready.”While selling products or services is welcome, Rodolfo highlighted the DTI’s preference for deeper engagement and attracting investments that add significant value, citing the Philippine visit by a delegation from Qatar District Cooling Company (Qatar Cool) last year.The delegation met with representatives from the Clark International Aviation Corporation (CIAC), Luzon International Premier Airport Development (LIPAD) Corporation, Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA), and the Vista Group to explore district cooling opportunities in flagship development projects in the Philippines.Rodolfo emphasised that the Philippine government’s engagement with Qatar Cool may serve as a blueprint for value-added partnerships and a model for attracting future Qatari investments.“What we’ve learned from our dealings with Qatar Cool is that there are opportunities for securing value-added partnerships that bring not just capital, but also specialised technology and operational expertise. This is a prime example of the kind of investment the Philippines seeks,” Rodolfo pointed out."For certain technologies, such as district cooling, Qatar may really have an advantage given their experience. The DTI aims to leverage such examples to attract more investors,” noted Rodolfo, who reiterated the DTI’s shift towards securing partners who can bring both financial muscle and proven, efficient technological solutions to Philippine-based ventures.Similarly, Rodolfo said the DTI is also exploring ways to tap powerful sovereign wealth funds in the Middle East, such as the Qatar Investment Authority (QIA), for projects in the Philippines’ ambitious ‘Build Better More’ infrastructure programme.“The DTI sees significant opportunities for Qatar and other sovereign wealth funds in the Middle East to participate in key projects spanning transportation, digital infrastructure, and agriculture under this programme,” Rodolfo stated.He suggested two main avenues for Qatari participation. One involves “industrial projects where Qatar has the capability to operate and invest,” similar to Qatar Cool’s district cooling system, Rodolfo said. The other, Rodolfo continued, is “more of financial investments in these infrastructure projects.”He explained that this could mean directly connecting Qatari investors with major Philippine conglomerates like the MVP Group, which operates the Metro Pacific Tollways Corp. (MPTC), or with ACEN, the listed energy platform of the Ayala Group, when it comes to renewable energy. He also mentioned the San Miguel Corporation, whose subsidiary, the San Miguel Aerocity Incorporated (SMAI), is developing the New Manila International Airport (NMIA) in the province of Bulacan.Flagship initiatives like the Central Luzon Economic Corridor and other connectivity projects are prime targets for Qatari capital, added Rodolfo, who emphasised that the DTI aims to leverage these large-scale programmes to provide tangible investment opportunities that align with Qatar's financial interests.

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in the Philippines is eyeing Qatari investments in supporting the Department of Tourism (DoT) to implement its roadmaps and programmes in the hotel industry, including halal and Muslim-friendly tourism, to increase the competitiveness of the Southeast Asian nation as a destination by investing in more facilities in the country.Undersecretary Ceferino S Rodolfo of the DTI’s Industry Development and Investment Promotions Group told Gulf Times in an exclusive interview that the aim is to cater not only to the growing halal tourism market but also to the mainstream traveller, addressing a notable lack of facilities.Rodolfo emphasised the need for Qatar’s assistance to build up this infrastructure, especially given that such hotels and other facilities in the country’s hospitality industry would need to be halal-certified.He also underscored the significant, untapped potential, acknowledging a “pain point” for Muslim tourists visiting the Philippines, saying, “In previous years, Muslim tourists faced limited choices in halal-certified hotels and restaurants.” But Rodolfo said the country’s improving global standing shows momentum that new investments from Qatar can further accelerate.“While the Philippines has recently climbed to the eighth spot in the Global Muslim Travel Index 2025, DTI officials emphasised that there remains significant room for investment in halal-certified facilities, especially in key tourism hotspots,” he stressed.Rodolfo pointed out another compelling reason for investments: the low level of supply of accommodation in the country when compared with the Philippines’ regional neighbours. This contributes to the higher cost of travel, he emphasised.Meanwhile, the DTI is supporting the DoT and the Philippine Hotel Owners Association, which collaborated in launching the Hotel Industry Roadmap in 2023 to generate investments and increase the capacities of Philippine tourism, he said.Rodolfo further said the Board of Investments (BoI) in the Philippines is promoting investments in energy together with the Department of Energy (DoE) to help bring down energy costs and make investments in destinations more competitive.According to Rodolfo, the BoI is supporting the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA), an Investment Promotion Agency attached to the DoT, in generating tourism-related investments.Rodolfo noted that the DoT named all 13 properties of Megaworld Hotels & Resorts (MHR) “100% Muslim-friendly” after awarding the Muslim-Friendly Accommodation Establishments (MFAE) certificate to MHR last year. The awarding of halal certifications for a couple of hotels is on the anvil this year, he also said.The state-owned Philippine News Agency (PNA) reported that the country now has a total of 17 DoT-certified Muslim-friendly accommodation establishments. “The DoT is developing the country’s Muslim travel market, with special emphasis on attracting Muslim travellers from Southeast Asia and the Middle East,” the PNA reported.At the same time, Rodolfo also suggested specific, high-value industrial facilities as prime “ready for takeover” opportunities for Qatari investors. He explained that this targeted approach aims to attract strategic international partners who can inject capital and operational expertise into existing, but currently non-operating, Philippine assets.Some of these assets include the JG Summit Olefins Corporation (JGSOC), the petrochemical business of JG Summit Holdings Incorporated of the Gokongwei Group. Another is the Philippine Associated Smelting and Refining (PASAR) Corporation, a major copper smelter and refinery located in Leyte province.Rodolfo explained that the Philippines lacks a refinery that produces the specific naphtha specifications required by JG Summit. Despite this challenge, JG Summit’s facility is “highly efficient operationally,” Rodolfo emphasised, noting that Qatar, with its expertise in the hydrocarbon industry, would be an ideal investment partner.Another opportunity lies with PASAR Corporation, which has also temporarily stopped operations. Rodolfo explicitly pointed out that “these facilities are ready for takeover.”“The DTI sees these as live cases and good opportunities for a main Middle Eastern Fund or anyone interested in entering or expanding in the petroleum refining or petrochemical sector. The emphasis is on finding partners who can resolve the operational hurdles and bring these valuable assets back into full production,” Rodolfo said.

Filipino entrepreneurs in Qatar, particularly those in the Gulf nation’s bustling restaurant scene, gained significant insights and opportunities from the recently held ‘Kapihan sa Embahada’, a regular forum organised by the Philippine embassy in Qatar.Titled ‘Filipino Entrepreneurs Forum: Enhancing Branding for Filipino Restaurateurs in Qatar’, the event, held at the embassy premises, aims to equip local Filipino business owners with crucial branding and marketing strategies to thrive in a competitive market.The forum was an offshoot of the successful launch of the embassy’s ‘Kapihan with Entrepreneurs’ series last year, and in celebration of ‘International Micro, Small, and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSME) Day’, which is observed annually on June 27, the embassy told Gulf Times in a statement.The embassy’s Economic Section and Assistance-to-Nationals Section proposed the second segment of ‘Kapihan sa Embahada’ after last year’s ‘kapihan’ garnered positive feedback from Doha-based Filipino food entrepreneurs, the statement continued.According to the statement, the event “focused on branding and marketing, driven by the entrepreneurs’ experiences with competitive pressures, such as price wars. Effective branding is essential for distinguishing businesses and promoting Filipino cuisine through its unique qualities, ingredients, and cultural heritage.”It also said: “Our goal is to foster a vibrant community for Filipino business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs to connect, learn, and grow. We will provide essential insights into navigating the local business landscape and developing key skills in branding and marketing, ultimately enhancing their business success.”Speaking at the event, Philippine ambassador Mardomel Celo D Melicor welcomed the participants, including the panel of experts, Jairius Esquevel, founder and managing partner of Broaster Food Qatar, and Fritsche Bautista-Ibatuan, Operations and HR manager of Yee Hwa and Qokio.Highlighting its role as a platform for development, Melicor emphasised the forum’s importance, saying, “This is not just a gathering; it’s an opportunity for growth, learning, and collaboration among our esteemed Filipino business community.”The ambassador added: “As we know, the food and beverage sector is a dynamic and competitive market in Qatar. Our goal today is to empower you, our entrepreneurs, by providing valuable insights into branding and marketing strategies tailored specifically for this sector.“Following the success of last year’s launch, we are excited to gather again in celebration of International Micro, Small, and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSME) Day on June 27. This forum is a space for collaboration... let us seize this opportunity to strengthen our community, enhance our brands, and elevate the Filipino culinary presence in Qatar.”During the panel discussion moderated by Leonardo Tabilog Jr, managing partner of Address Gateway and founding director of the IBD Summit, Esquevel discussed food innovation, visual identity, and the importance of understanding customer behaviour.Bautista-Ibatuan, on the other hand, emphasised the value of brand consistency across multiple businesses and how to adapt to multicultural markets. At the same time, Tabilog spoke about entrepreneurship, leadership, and positioning in the local business ecosystem.

Qatar, with its massive digitalisation initiatives across various sectors of its economy, is strongly positioning itself as a major player in the realm of Artificial Intelligence (AI), according to a recent report by Qatar Development Bank (QDB).The country is actively integrating AI into several key areas like finance and manufacturing, as well as everyday services, QDB stated in its ‘Qatar’s Artificial Intelligence Sector’ report.The report also stated that the Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC) region is seeing a big jump in the utilisation of AI. The market for AI in the GCC is expected to grow from about “QR12.4bn” in 2024 to “QR56.3bn” by 2030, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of nearly “28.6%,” it further stated.“This surge is driven by increasing AI adoption across sectors like financial services, healthcare, and smart cities, fuelled by strong government initiatives and a focus on digital transformation. The region is positioning itself as a key hub for AI innovation, with countries like Qatar playing a pivotal role in this development,” the report stated.The report emphasised that Qatar is at the forefront of this regional movement, playing a key role in developing AI innovation. Qatar, along with Saudi Arabia and the UAE, had already launched its national AI plan even before ChatGPT was released in 2022, the report emphasised.“These national strategies outline strategic objectives designed to cultivate robust data ecosystems and foster a thriving AI landscape within each country,” stated the report.Citing the Oxford Insights 2023 Global AI Readiness Index, the report pointed out that the GCC member states are progressing in their AI readiness. The UAE tops the list with a 70.42 score, followed by Saudi Arabia (67.04), Qatar (63.59), Oman (58.94), Bahrain (56.13), and Kuwait (49.86).Backed by six pillars: education, data access, employment, business, research, and ethics, Qatar’s AI strategy seeks to develop AI applications and a supportive business environment while promoting responsible AI use through education, ethical guidelines, and sound laws, according to the report. To Page 2“As the sector continues to grow, Qatar’s AI strategy is anticipated to be updated to address the increasing demand for AI adoption and ensure alignment with emerging trends and needs.“Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia aims to create 300 AI-driven startups and attract $20bn in investment by 2030. And, the UAE’s comprehensive AI strategy focuses on eight objectives, including deploying AI in priority sectors, fostering talent, advancing research, strengthening governance, and building a robust AI ecosystem,” the report stated.It also stated, “The GCC region stands to gain significant economic value from AI, with conservative estimates suggesting it could generate up to QR546bn, or approximately 7% of the region’s combined Gross Domestic Product (GDP).”Citing a Ministry of Communication and Information Technology (MCIT) statement, the report also emphasised that “Qatar aspires to lead the Middle East & North Africa (MENA) region in the Global AI Readiness Index.”

A Qatari startup has lauded the support and financial backing provided by key national institutions, enabling the company’s product development and driving its growth into an internationally recognised cybersecurity firm.According to Cytomate co-founder Hamad Saleh Hadeed, the support by the Qatar Science and Technology Park (QSTP), the Qatar Development Bank (QDB), and the Qatar Research, Development and Innovation (QRDI) Council has been instrumental in advancing the company’s product development initiatives. Through access to essential resources, funding opportunities, and strategic guidance, these organisations not only helped Cytomate establish itself as a leading industry player but also facilitated the creation of innovative cybersecurity solutions, fuelling growth and recognition on the international stage, said Hadeed. He noted that the early-stage funding support from QSTP and QDB, as well as the assistance from QRDI Council’s Technology Development Fund, “were critical in moving from concept to product launch.”“Without that support, we likely would not be where we are today. It came at a time when there were not many funding options for deep-tech startups in the region,” he pointed out.Cytomate now operates from within QSTP, which Hadeed and co-founder, chief technology officer Dr Muhammad Masoom Alam, credit with helping to attract technical talent and increase confidence among clients. The company has grown to a team of more than 35 and holds several US patent applications, with two having passed technical screening. On the value of QSTP as a base, Hadeed said: “Being at QSTP helped change perceptions. Clients see that we are not just another startup: They see we are part of an innovation ecosystem that believes in us.”This support has not only facilitated the creation of innovative cybersecurity solutions but has also played a pivotal role in the company’s growth and recognition on the international stage, Hadeed emphasised. He said Cytomate was accredited by Qatar’s National Cyber Security Agency (NCSA) and earned Common Criteria certification for its Breach+ platform, a standard recognised by more than 30 countries, including the US, Germany, Japan, and the UK.The company is also pursuing ISO 27001 and CREST certification and has entered into partnerships with global firms, including Microsoft, according to Hadeed, who noted that “Microsoft now relies on Cytomate to independently evaluate its technologies for certain clients in the region.” Hadeed said: “While most deployments are within Qatar, Cytomate has also signed clients in Turkey, South America, and Southeast Asia, even in the absence of a dedicated outbound sales team. Cytomate is becoming international without a single outbound sales representative. The work is generating its own traction.”Hadeed said Cytomate has identified over 2mn vulnerabilities across client systems and eliminated more than 10,000 distinct attack types. In addition to identifying technical risks, the company advises clients on how to improve procurement, vendor oversight, and operational practices. “We are helping clients spend more wisely. We show them what is really working, what is not, and where their investments can deliver better security outcomes,” Hadeed further explained.The company has developed four interlinked products: Breach+, which runs in-depth simulations against existing security tools; Racid, which monitors an organisation’s public-facing systems for exposed vulnerabilities; Sarab, which uses digital deception to detect intrusions; and Battle Twin, a platform in development that tests the resilience of operational technology (OT) and Internet of Things (IoT) environments such as those used in oil, gas, or aviation.

Keen on expanding the digital payment stack for businesses across the country, Qatar-based payment company Dibsy has enabled Himyan, the national payment card, on Apple Pay for e-commerce.Merchants using Dibsy can now accept Himyan payments through Apple Pay across their digital channels instantly and with no additional setup required, Ahmed Mohamed Isse, co-founder of Dibsy, announced.Himyan, launched by the Qatar Central Bank (QCB) in 2024, is a cornerstone of the country’s digital transformation strategy and a key initiative under the Third Financial Sector Strategy and the Third National Development Strategy (NDS3) 2024–2030.As Qatar’s national payment card, Himyan enhances local infrastructure, promotes financial inclusion, and reduces transaction costs across the ecosystem.Isse said: “E-commerce is a key driver of Qatar’s digital economy, and a robust payment stack is essential to that transformation. By enabling Himyan on Apple Pay specifically for online shopping, we’re strengthening the national payment infrastructure and supporting QCB’s vision for a secure, efficient, and digitally empowered economy. This directly supports the objectives of the Third Financial Sector Strategy, the NDS3, and Qatar National Vision 2030.”The announcement follows the QCB’s recent rollout of Apple Pay for Himyan cardholders, enabling secure, contactless, and online payments via iPhone and Apple Watch.“At Dibsy, Apple Pay is the most used payment method across our entire stack, chosen first by both merchants and consumers for its speed, security, and convenience. By combining that experience with Himyan, we’re making advanced digital payments more local, cost-efficient, and aligned with Qatar’s strategic priorities,” Isse pointed out.

Qatar is keen on transforming the country into a leader in key areas, particularly energy, digital connections, and transportation, placing it at the forefront of shaping future-ready infrastructure, the Investment Promotion Agency Qatar (Invest Qatar) stated in a report.“Qatar is powering the future with world-class energy infrastructure by building a hyper-connected digital ecosystem for AI and innovation, and strengthening global trade and mobility with cutting-edge transport networks, Invest Qatar stated in its ‘Qatar’s Future-Ready Infrastructure’ report.The report underscored that Qatar boasts “world-leading” liquefied natural gas (LNG) infrastructure, emphasising that the country is set to become the “world’s top LNG producer by 2030.” Backed by cutting-edge liquefaction and export facilities, Qatar is increasing production to 126Mmtpa by 2027, the report further stated.According to the report, Qatar has invested over $1bn in the “world’s largest” blue ammonia plant located in the Mesaieed Industrial City (MIC). The plant will produce 1.2mn tonnes of blue ammonia annually, “reinforcing Qatar’s leadership in sustainable energy solutions.”In addition, Qatar is building one of the world’s biggest solar power plants in Dukhan, aimed at producing 2,000 megawatts of power. This is part of a larger plan to generate a total of 4,000 megawatts from solar energy, Invest Qatar reported.Qatar is also leading the way in digital technology, Invest Qatar emphasised in its report, stating that the country was recognised in 2023 for being first in the Middle East and North Africa (Mena) region for its digital infrastructure and readiness for Artificial Intelligence (AI).The country was also the first to launch a commercial 5G network. According to the Invest Qatar report, Qatar’s advanced 5G infrastructure ensures the fastest Internet speeds globally. This fast Internet helps support smart cities and industries that maximise AI, the report stated.Tech giants like Microsoft and Google Cloud have also poured investments in Qatar, driving AI and cloud infrastructure growth, emphasised the report, adding that this has expanded fibre-optic networks, data centres, and cloud computing services in the country.Also, the Qatar Investment Authority (QIA) is strengthening submarine and terrestrial cable networks, enhancing global data traffic and AI-driven services, stated the report, adding that Ooredoo has spearheaded the “largest regional submarine cable network ever built in the GCC” and “the world’s largest subsea cable system.”On robust transportation infrastructure and port capacity, Invest Qatar reported that the Qatari government has built top-notch systems, citing Hamad Port, Hamad International Airport (HIA), and Qatar Rail.Hamad Port is one of the largest and most environmentally friendly ports in the Middle East. It can handle 7.5mn shipping containers, ensuring seamless international trade with state-of-the-art terminals.HIA, on the other hand, is recognised as a global aviation and cargo hub. In 2023, it connected to over 180 destinations, handled more than 1.7mn tonnes of cargo, and welcomed over 45mn passengers, Invest Qatar reported.Qatar Rail is also making travel easier within the country. The Doha Metro and Lusail Tram systems have 110 trains that transported 18.2mn passengers during the 2022 FIFA World Cup, stated the report.“Qatar offers a strong, collaborative and supportive ecosystem that is facilitating the development of infrastructure. Qatar is home to prominent key national champions and entities, multinational firms, fostering innovation, developing key sectors and driving infrastructure development,” the report also added, citing global, local, and regional partners.

Italy’s ambassador to Qatar, Paolo Toschi, has emphasised that Italy and Qatar are firmly united in their commitment to fostering diplomacy and stability across a volatile Middle East and beyond. “And in a volatile time for the region and beyond, our two countries are definitely united in saying that the voice of diplomacy must prevail,” stated Toschi, who underscored the deep alignment between Rome and Doha on critical geopolitical issues during an exclusive interview with Gulf Times. A cornerstone of this partnership is Qatar’s significant mediation efforts, which Italy “supports very strongly,” noted Toschi, who underscored Doha’s central role in “efforts of dialogue and peaceful resolution of disputes” in addressing stability and prosperity regionally and globally. Both countries’ close collaboration is reflected in high-level discussions, including recent contacts between Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, as well as between HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim al-Thani and Italian Minister for Foreign Affairs Antonio Tajani, Toschi pointed out. The ambassador stressed that the humanitarian crisis in Gaza is a central theme that calls for much-needed aid and global intervention. “Civilians in Gaza have suffered way too much; they continue to suffer every day. And the ceasefire and an agreement on delivering aid, freeing all prisoners, must happen immediately,” Toschi said. He also confirmed Italy’s full support for the ongoing negotiations in Doha: “Italy applauds the efforts made with the negotiations. We want them to be successful. The mediators have our full endorsement, and we want to see diplomacy prevail.” Italy has also been a significant contributor to humanitarian efforts in Gaza, explained Toschi, who revealed that “Italy is the country that has welcomed the most Palestinians coming from Gaza after Qatar and Egypt.” He said, “We have over 150 children who were wounded in Gaza that are being cured in Italian hospitals. Their families and relatives, around a thousand people in total, are now in our country.” In terms of food aid, Toschi said Italy has specifically implemented an initiative called ‘Food for Gaza’, a programme by the Italian government, in collaboration with UN agencies that are responsible for food. While acknowledging the immense challenges, Toschi noted its remarkable success in delivering immediate assistance. “Clearly, this is just a drop in the ocean in the face of a vast humanitarian crisis,” he stated, “but Italy has been and continues to be very committed to doing its part as a humanitarian player, and so is Qatar.” Toschi also spoke about Italy’s role in broader regional and international cooperation. Beyond Gaza, the ambassador outlined shared stances on several other critical regional issues. He stated that “Italy and Qatar also work on the same line of support for Lebanon.” Furthermore, he explained that both nations “see eye to eye on the need to rebuild Syria and to give Syria relief from sanctions.” “Italy also supports discussions on the Iranian nuclear programme. And in the context of the Ukraine-Russia conflict, Italy supports the mediation between Ukraine and Russia,” Toschi pointed out, adding that Rome is set to host the fourth Ukraine Recovery Conference (URC 2025) on July 10 to 11, “with Qatar’s participation valued very much.” Toschi also underscored the importance of multilateral engagements, citing the upcoming UN Food Systems Summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, co-hosted by Ethiopia and Italy, where “we also count on important Qatari participation.” Addressing the role of non-state actors, Toschi highlighted Italy’s non-governmental sector, describing it as “a very vibrant part of our community, active both domestically and internationally.” He stressed their importance, particularly in humanitarian efforts, noting that “non-governmental organisations are very well equipped to be close to the citizen, to the individual, and to operate even in difficult circumstances internationally.”

A Qatari startup supported by the Qatar Science and Technology Park (QSTP) is keen on addressing evolving cybersecurity threats in the country, as well as the gaps in existing defence tools.Cytomate co-founder Hamad Saleh Hadeed pointed out that the company focuses on proactively testing and exposing vulnerabilities, marking a shift from traditional defensive cybersecurity approaches.“In early 2021, during a meeting at QSTP, the park’s incubation programme manager, Mohammed Zebian, handed me a napkin with a diagram sketch that mapped out the challenges of building a deep-tech product company in Qatar, including navigating funding cycles, limited investor familiarity with R&D-heavy startups, and a market still cautious about trusting local technologies,” Hadeed explained.Later that year, Hadeed and co-founder, Dr Muhammad Masoom Alam, the company’s chief technology officer, launched Cytomate, which operates in offensive cybersecurity, simulating cyberattacks to find vulnerabilities before real ones occur.Tasked to lead the firm’s research and development (R&D) efforts, Alam has been central to all that both co-founders have built, stated Hadeed, citing Alam’s technical leadership, which “turned bold ideas into working solutions.”“The idea had taken shape during my time at a government entity, where I worked closely on digital security and gained a clear understanding of the evolving cybersecurity threats facing the country and the gaps in the tools being used to defend against them.“Cytomate was designed to address that gap: a locally built cybersecurity platform focused not only on defence, but on proactively testing and exposing vulnerabilities before they could be exploited,” Hadeed revealed.He also said, “A key factor behind Cytomate’s success is our strong team. We’re very happy to have such a great team. They are one of the major cornerstones of our success. Their dedication and expertise play a crucial role in driving Cytomate forward and delivering on our mission.”Hadeed said Cytomate distinguishes itself by operating in offensive cybersecurity, “a space where companies simulate cyberattacks to identify vulnerabilities before real ones occur.” While most firms in the field focus on defence systems, such as firewalls and monitoring tools, he clarified that Cytomate takes the opposite approach.Explaining Cytomate’s unique approach, Hadeed said, “We are not in the business of building firewalls or selling protection. We simulate attacks in a controlled environment, expose weaknesses, and show you exactly how to strengthen your defences.”The company has developed four interlinked products: Breach+, which runs in-depth simulations against existing security tools; Racid, which monitors an organisation’s public-facing systems for exposed vulnerabilities; Sarab, which uses digital deception to detect intrusions; and Battle Twin, a platform in development that tests the resilience of operational technology (OT) and Internet of Things (IOT) environments such as those used in oil, gas, or aviation.He noted that all four products have been designed to work together, allowing clients to move from assessment to monitoring, detection, and finally, simulation and training in a controlled environment.“We knew we would not get multiple chances, so we built a complete solution from the start. If I had gone to market with just one product, we never would have stood a chance,” said Hadeed, elaborating on the company’s strategic product development.Hadeed emphasised that early funding for Cytomate came from QSTP and Qatar Development Bank (QDB). The Qatar Research, Development and Innovation Council (QRDI) also provided co-funding for Battle Twin through its Technology Development Fund.Hadeed stated that this support was crucial for the company's move from concept to product launch, especially since deep-tech startup funding options in the region were limited at the time. Cytomate now operates from QSTP, a location Hadeed credits with attracting talent and increasing client confidence.