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India’s Minister of Commerce and Industry, Piyush Goyal, has called for a renewed push to strengthen economic ties between India and Qatar, describing the relationship as a “shining example of economic co-operation in the 21st century”.Speaking at the ‘Qatar-India Joint Business Council’ meeting in Doha, Goyal said both countries are aligned in their development goals and share a vision for transforming their economies into advanced, knowledge-based systems rooted in sustainability.“Our goal is to double bilateral trade by 2030,” Goyal said, emphasising the need for business leaders from both nations to collaborate and seize emerging opportunities.Goyal also proposed launching negotiations for a free trade agreement, which he said would “facilitate greater engagement, greater bilateral trade, and greater investment opportunities”.He highlighted India’s economic resilience and growth potential, pointing to sectors such as clean energy, infrastructure, healthcare, technology, and agriculture as attractive avenues for Qatari investors.“Indian investments by and large have given very good returns to investors across the world,” said Goyal, who welcomed the decision for the Qatar Investment Authority (QIA) to open an office in India, describing it as a step towards “substantially enhancing Qatari investments”.He also encouraged Indian businesses to explore opportunities in Qatar, praising the country’s resources and strategic position within the GCC.

Ibtechar is set to launch a new panel discussion series, ‘Ibtechar Majlis’, aimed at advancing innovation and capacity building across Qatar’s public sector, according to the company’s CEO and co-founder, Nayef al-Ibrahim.The initiative will debut on October 8 at the Sharq Village & Spa, Al-Dasha Ballroom, with the inaugural session titled ‘Imagining a Public Innovation Lab for Qatar’, noted al-Ibrahim, saying the panel discussion will focus on the transformative potential of Public Innovation Labs (PILs).The panel of experts comprises Eman al-Kuwari, director of Digital Innovation at the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT); Dr Georgios Dimitropoulos, professor and associate dean for Research at the College of Law, Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU); Hissa al-Tamimi, director of Government Innovation at the Civil Service and Government Development Bureau; and Nejoud M al-Jehani, executive director of Strategy & Programmes at the Qatar Research, Development and Innovation (QRDI) Council.The majlis series will convene leaders, experts, and policymakers from government, academia, and industry to exchange ideas, share best practices, and co-create solutions that support sustainable transformation, al-Ibrahim pointed out.“The launch of Ibtechar Majlis is aligned with the Qatar National Vision 2030. Over the years, our discussions with experts and key stakeholders have underscored the importance of establishing a dedicated platform for meaningful dialogue, knowledge exchange, and collaborative action,” al-Ibrahim told Gulf Times in a statement.He explained: “In Qatari culture, the majlis has long been a space where leaders, decision-makers, and members of the community come together to exchange ideas and make collective decisions. Ibtechar Majlis embodies this same spirit—bringing it into the realm of innovation as a forum to share insights and co-create solutions that deliver tangible and lasting impact.”He further said the inaugural session will highlight PILs, government-led spaces designed to test new ideas, foster community participation, and deliver smarter and more agile public services.“Through this platform, we look forward to engaging distinguished experts and partners to exchange perspectives, address challenges, and collaboratively develop solutions that contribute to Qatar’s ongoing journey of innovation and development.”

The Real Estate Regulatory Authority (Aqarat) signed a new round of sponsorship agreements with leading companies in a press conference yesterday, ahead of the upcoming ‘Qatar Real Estate Forum’, scheduled for October 12-14 at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre (DECC).At the same time, Engineer Khaled bin Ahmed al-Obaidli, chairman of Aqarat, also announced the full details and latest updates for the forum’s third edition, which will be held in conjunction with Cityscape Qatar.Al-Obaidli signed the sponsorship agreements with the following prominent companies: Ooredoo, ‘Official Communications Sponsor’; Qatar Finance and Business Academy, ‘Academic Partner’; Bin Al Sheikh Holding, ‘Gold Sponsor’; SK Properties, ‘Platinum Sponsor’; PwC, ‘Silver Sponsor’; Eye of Riyadh Platform, Mjhar Platform, ‘Media Partner’; and Pioneers For Volunteer Activity, ‘Social Partner’.In his remarks at the press conference, al-Obaidli stated that the forum, organised under the theme ‘Aqarat’s Future’, continues to build on the success of the two previous editions, solidifying its position as a strategic platform that brings together decision-makers, experts, and investors.Highlighting the strategic partnership with Saudi Arabia, the forum’s official ‘Guest of Honour’, al-Obaidli noted that the event reflects “the depth of the two nations’ brotherly ties.”Al-Obaidli announced that a memorandum of understanding (MoU) will be signed between Aqarat and Saudi Arabia’s Real Estate General Authority during the forum to enhance cooperation in legislative and technological fields and to coordinate national efforts to develop the real estate sector in the two brotherly countries.According to al-Obaidli, the forum will shed light on the five steps of the investor’s journey, from studying opportunities to successfully owning and managing a property. In this context, he noted that Aqarat will officially launch an integrated e-services platform during the forum. The platform will provide investors with updated real estate data and precise indicators, allowing them to browse licensed projects via interactive maps and complete all procedures electronically.To enhance the integrated investment environment, al-Obaidli announced the allocation of a comprehensive government pavilion at the forum, which will bring together key government entities involved in the investor's journey, including the Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Ministry of Municipality, and Ministry of Labour, in addition to the Civil Service and Government Development Bureau, and the Investment Promotion Agency Qatar.The initiative aims to provide investors with an opportunity for direct engagement with officials to learn about all procedures and their implementation. In a move to recognise pioneering achievements in the sector, al-Obaidli announced the launch of the inaugural ‘Qatar Real Estate Award 2025’, inviting developers, consulting firms, and contractors to participate.Al-Obaidli also renewed his thanks to all partners, sponsors, and media representatives for their attendance and invited everyone to participate in the forum, “which we aspire to be a landmark milestone in the real estate sector's journey, translating our shared vision into a more sustainable and prosperous future.”It is noteworthy that the Qatar Real Estate Forum has become a leading annual platform that gathers an elite group of leaders, decision-makers, experts, investors, and developers in the real estate sector to foster dialogue, exchange expertise, and foresee the future.The forum also seeks to keep pace with the latest global trends in areas such as sustainability, property technology (PropTech), and smart city development, thereby enhancing the competitiveness of the Qatari market and affirming Qatar's position as a leading regional and international destination for real estate investment.Aqarat is inviting all investors, developers, experts, and stakeholders in the state’s real estate sector to visit the forum’s official website, where they can view the schedule of sessions and events, get to know the list of speakers, and obtain all information related to registration and participation via qreforum.aqarat.gov.qa

The Real Estate Regulatory Authority (Aqarat) is positioning the ‘Qatar Real Estate Award 2025’ as a strategic initiative to enhance regulatory impact and promote excellence across the country’s property sector.Aqarat recently announced the launch of the awards event, which will be held alongside the third edition of the ‘Qatar Real Estate Forum’, organised by the authority from October 12-14 at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre (DECC).In a statement, Aqarat described the ‘Qatar Real Estate Award 2025’ as “a dedicated platform to celebrate excellence and innovation” in Qatar’s real estate sector. “The award aims to honour pioneering projects and innovative ideas that enhance Qatar’s position as a leading global investment destination, in line with Qatar National Vision 2030,” Aqarat stated further.The award categories include ‘Best Residential Project’, which is evaluated on quality of life elements, building classification, green space ratio, community services and amenities, public utility integration, and resident satisfaction metrics.The ‘Best Sustainable Urban Development Project’ is assessed through architectural plans, construction materials, environmental certification (GSAS or LEED), efficiency reports, smart systems, EIA studies, and readiness for future technologies.The ‘Best Commercial/Office Real Estate Project’ is judged on work environment, digital infrastructure, proximity to business hubs, interior flexibility, and integration with public services.The ‘Best Rest Estate Investment’ award is based on feasibility studies, ROI indicators, occupancy/sales rates, market contribution, job creation, operations and maintenance (O&M) and expansion plans, and connectivity and integration with public utilities and community services.Aqarat is inviting all real estate developers, consulting firms, and contractors to nominate their outstanding projects to Deadline for submission is on October 7, 2025.In his official message on the forum’s website, Aqarat chairman Khaled bin Ahmed al-Obaidli emphasised the broader significance of the forum and its alignment with Qatar’s national development goals.“The third edition also places strong emphasis on the pivotal role of government in shaping the sector. It highlights recent legislation and policies designed to create a safe and stimulating real estate environment, strengthen investor confidence, and establish a robust regulatory framework that ensures sustainable and well-organised growth, aligning with the goals of Qatar’s Third National Development Strategy 2024–2030,” al-Obaidli stated.He noted that this year’s edition will be devoted to the investor journey by reviewing the stages of investment and the best practices “that help investors maximise the promising opportunities offered by Qatar’s real estate market.”“Forum sessions will further examine ways to streamline procedures and enhance the overall investor experience, reinforcing Qatar’s position as a leading real estate investment destination distinguished by transparency, efficiency, and ease of doing business,” he pointed out.Al-Obaidli added: “In light of global transformations, this forum will feature a dedicated section on the latest digital innovations revolutionising the sector, including smart platforms and advanced data analytics.“These technologies play a vital role in enhancing transparency, facilitating investment, and unlocking new horizons for growth in Qatar’s real estate landscape. Moreover, the forum will highlight the most prominent projects that are shaping the future of the sector and defining Qatar’s urban and economic development trajectory.”

United Development Company (UDC) is sharpening its strategic focus to bolster investor confidence and drive economic diversification in Qatar’s real estate sector, ahead of the third edition of the Qatar Real Estate Forum, scheduled on October 14-16 at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre (DECC).“We have refined our mission, vision, and value promise, not as a departure from our strengths, but as a necessary shift to align with the opportunities and challenges ahead. Investor confidence comes from knowing that a company is not only resilient today but also prepared for the future,” UDC President and CEO Yasser Salah al-Jaidah told Gulf Times in an exclusive interview.He said: “At UDC, we are applying our strategic choices to make that confidence tangible while delivering projects with consistency, diversifying our offerings to serve different market segments, and embedding sustainability and innovation into everything we do.”As the forum’s Platinum Sponsor, al-Jaidah emphasised that UDC is leveraging its strategic choices to deliver consistent project execution, diversify its offerings, and embed sustainability and innovation across its portfolio.“The message to investors is clear: UDC is future-ready,” al-Jaidah stressed, adding that the company is “building with long-term value in mind, and in doing so, reinforcing Qatar’s reputation as a stable and attractive real estate market, even in a shifting global economy.”Al-Jaidah emphasised Qatar’s political stability, sustained economic growth, and a clear legal framework that supports foreign ownership as key factors driving investment.“Within this landscape, The Pearl Island and Gewan Island have become more than real estate projects; they are destinations that embody Qatar’s ambition for world-class urban living,” he pointed out.He said, “What sets them apart is the combination of iconic architecture, premium lifestyle amenities, and state-of-the-art infrastructure, all anchored by an unrivalled waterfront setting. Investors are drawn not only to the strength of the assets, such as rental yields and long-term capital appreciation, but also to the quality of life these communities provide.“Ultimately, The Pearl and Gewan are proof of concept that in Qatar, investment in place-making can deliver both financial returns and vibrant, sustainable communities. That is the true appeal of investing with UDC.”Al-Jaidah underscored the importance of stakeholder collaboration in overcoming sector challenges: “Real estate is too complex to be solved in silos. At UDC, we work hand-in-hand with government agencies, financial institutions, contractors, and community representatives to ensure alignment from concept to completion.”He added that trust is built through transparent communication and consistent delivery. “We reinforce this with joint initiatives, regular engagement sessions, and shared performance metrics, so that stakeholders see themselves as partners in success, not just participants in a project,” he stressed.Speaking on market trends, al-Jaidah said Qatar’s luxury real estate segment remains “remarkably resilient,” where rents for premium apartments continue rising, particularly in prime districts like The Pearl and West Bay.Citing published data, al-Jaidah said residential sales are also seeing renewed momentum. “In Q1 2025, transaction volumes rose by 13.2% quarter-over-quarter, with sales values in areas such as The Pearl and Al Qassar jumping by over 50%,” he continued.He further said, “These trends reflect a growing appetite for mixed-use, sustainable, and tech-enabled living. In response, The Pearl Island and Gewan Island are positioned not just to keep pace with these shifts, but to lead them.”Asked about UDC’s strategic priorities for the next five years, and how the Qatar Real Estate Forum help advance those goals, al-Jaidah said: “At UDC, we are committed to creating inspiring destinations that provide lasting value and exceptional experiences. This is achieved through our focus on cost competitiveness, excellence and innovation, ensuring our projects meet and exceed stakeholder expectations.”He added: “The Qatar Real Estate Forum is an ideal platform to advance these goals. It allows us to engage directly with policymakers, investors, and peers, share our outlook for The Pearl Island and Gewan Island, and build partnerships that accelerate progress. For UDC, it’s about turning vision into action by creating destinations that not only inspire but also deliver lasting value for Qatar and beyond."

The participation of Qatar and several of its Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC) neighbours in the recently-concluded Malaysia International Halal Showcase (MIHAS) 2025 in Kuala Lumpur can be positioned as part of the Southeast Asian nation’s broader GCC engagement strategy, a senior official of the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) has said.Frame Malaysia’s halal diplomacy as a strategic move to deepen ties with Middle Eastern economies, using MIHAS 2025 as a launchpad. Highlight how Malaysia is not only exporting products but also exporting its halal governance model, offering technical expertise, certification frameworks, and collaborative platforms. Qatar’s participation can be positioned as part of a broader GCC engagement strategy.“The Middle East is undeniably a key priority for us, especially given the current geopolitical landscape and ongoing trade tensions. To address these challenges, we recognise the urgent need to diversify our export markets.“While we continue to engage with traditional partners in developed regions like Europe, we are also directing our focus towards emerging and rapidly growing markets, including the US. Notably, we have seen significant participation from various Middle Eastern nations,” MATRADE deputy CEO Abu Bakar Yusof told a press conference held on the sidelines of MIHAS 2025, which was formally opened by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.Aside from Qatar, other participating GCC countries include the UAE, Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia, noted Yusof, underscoring Malaysia’s keenness to deepen economic ties with Gulf nations through halal industry engagement.In January this year, Yusof stated that Malaysia has “successfully finalised” its Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) with the UAE, which he described as “an important mechanism for balancing our trade.”“Our collaboration is reciprocal, fostering two-way economic and trade relations between our countries. Additionally, we have been actively engaging with Kuwait, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia,” he pointed out.He added: “As we move forward, we are strengthening our partnerships with these nations. In May of this year, under our Prime Minister’s leadership, Asean initiated an economic framework with the GCC countries.“Next steps include conducting a feasibility study aimed at further liberalising trade between Asean and the GCC. This initiative represents a promising avenue to enhance economic exchanges between our regions.”Dr Sirajuddin Sujaimee, director general of JAKIM (Department of Islamic Development Malaysia), emphasised that Malaysia’s halal standards “are largely recognised as global benchmarks and are being adopted by many countries, including those in the GCC.”“Most of the international standards are derived from Malaysian standards. Thus, to date, almost all of our global standards are primarily based on Malaysian standards,” he pointed out.Earlier, participating companies from Qatar lauded MIHAS as a platform to enrich the Qatari market with a wide range of halal-certified products, especially amongst Fast-moving consumer goods (FMCGs).Companies such as Lari Group, Al Majid Jawad, and Qatar National Import & Export (QNIE) participated in the ‘Premium Buyers’ segment of the International Sourcing Programme (INSP), one of the key components of the four-day MIHAS 2025.Lari Group chairman Abdulrazaq Lari expressed full confidence in Malaysian halal standards, adding that Lari Group actively shares feedback with Malaysian suppliers to meet Qatari consumer preferences.Reji Sam, Group Brand manager of Al Majid Jawad, emphasised Malaysia’s reputation for stringent and consistent halal certification, contrasting it with the fluctuating standards in other countries. He added that MIHAS serves as a gateway to discovering new, unique F&B products that can meet rising demands.QNIE category supervisor Waqqas Jaffar lauded the organisation and energy of MIHAS 2025, noting the enthusiasm of Malaysian companies eager to export to Qatar. With a limited number of halal brands currently available, Jaffar views MIHAS as a strategic platform for exploring new offerings, especially in health-conscious categories.

Companies from Qatar that participated in the recently concluded Malaysia International Halal Showcase (MIHAS) 2025 in Kuala Lumpur have lauded the event for its role in helping enrich the Qatari market with a wide range of innovative halal products.Companies such as Lari Group, Al Majid Jawad, and Qatar National Import & Export (QNIE) participated in the ‘Premium Buyers’ segment of the International Sourcing Programme (INSP), one of the key components of the four-day event held at Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC).Describing MIHAS 2025 as “busy, fruitful, and promising,” Lari Group chairman Abdulrazaq Lari noted that “Malaysian products are well-received in Qatar,” and explained that while the country has sufficient halal facilities, product variety remains a challenge, especially niche categories like confectionery.Moreover, Lari has expressed full confidence in Malaysian halal standards, adding that Lari Group actively shares feedback with Malaysian suppliers to meet Qatari consumer preferences. He lauded Malaysian companies for supplier responsiveness, particularly in tailoring product flavours to suit Qatari tastes. This ongoing exchange of feedback and adaptation exemplifies a productive and culturally sensitive business relationship, Lari said.Drawn by MIHAS 2025’s focus on halal products and rising demand in Qatar, Reji Sam, Group Brand manager of Al Majid Jawad, noted that participation in the exhibition marks the company’s first appearance at the event, despite longstanding relationships with Malaysian suppliers.He emphasised Malaysia’s reputation for stringent and consistent halal certification, contrasting it with the fluctuating standards in other countries. According to him, MIHAS serves as a gateway to discovering new, unique F&B products that can meet rising demands.Waqqas Jaffar, Category supervisor at Qatar National Import & Export (QNIE), praised the organisation and energy of MIHAS 2025, noting the enthusiasm of Malaysian companies eager to export to Qatar. With a limited number of halal brands currently available, Jaffar sees MIHAS as a strategic platform to explore new offerings, particularly in health-conscious categories.MATRADE announced earlier that the results from its flagship INSP are set to help MIHAS achieve its RM4.5bn sales targets. The INSP, a central pillar of the event, saw more than 4,000 physical business meetings arranged between 600 Malaysian sellers and 300 international buyers, including top-tier retailers and hypermarkets with combined annual revenues exceeding RM1.5tn.The programme, which also features a virtual component running until November 5, 2025, has already generated significant sales and is expected to surpass last year’s RM2.52bn achievement, thereby strengthening Malaysia’s trade ties across Asean, the GCC, Europe, Africa, and the Americas.MATRADE chairman Reezal Merican Naina Merican emphasised MIHAS’ role as a catalyst for Malaysia’s halal leadership: “The strong performance of the INSP this year underscores the global demand for Malaysia’s halal offerings. Through MIHAS and our digital platforms, we are enabling Malaysian exporters to connect with high-value global buyers and unlock new opportunities.”MATRADE CEO Mustafa Abdul Aziz emphasised that INSP is about building long-term business linkages: “The meetings conducted at the INSP are not just transactions, but opportunities for Malaysian exporters to forge lasting partnerships in high-value markets. This is how we position Malaysian halal products and services as trusted global brands.“One of the key strengths of the INSP is MATRADE’s ability to leverage our network of 48 overseas trade offices to curate carefully and pre-qualify buyers, which ensures that the business meetings are highly targeted, connecting Malaysian companies with buyers who have genuine demand. This, in turn, leads to successful business deals and long-lasting partnerships.”

Malaysia is intensifying efforts to expand halal trade with economies in the Middle East, positioning its halal industry as a global economic model that emphasises trust, quality, and shared cultural values, Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry Tengku Abdul Aziz has said.The minister made the statement during the recent launch of the Global Halal Summit (GHAS) 2025, where Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim spoke on the importance of the Southeast Asian nation’s role in promoting the halal industry through events like the Malaysia International Halal Showcase (MIHAS) 2025, which concluded Saturday in Kuala Lumpur.Speaking at the launch event, held in conjunction with MIHAS 2025, Aziz stated: “...by catalysing Asean’s FTA negotiations with Australia, China, India, the GCC, and many others, Malaysia is effectively starting to build interoperable halal value chains across Asean, the Middle East, and even Africa. “Underscoring Malaysia’s leadership in forging a South-South trade ecosystem, Aziz said the ministry has pushed for the internationalisation of MIHAS, which made its debut in the Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC) via ‘[email protected] pointed out that MIHAS@Dubai helped in providing access for Malaysian businesses and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMES) to markets across the Middle East and North Africa (Mena) region.Aziz announced that the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) will be organising the next international edition of MIHAS in Shanghai, China, under the MIHAS@Shanghai initiative this coming November.“MIHAS@Shanghai will bridge gaps, open access to multi-billion-ringgit markets, as well as enhance multilateral trade and investment. It will also elevate Malaysia and Asean’s position as the preferred halal trading partner and production hub in the Asian region,” he explained.Aziz also said: “By expanding halal trade, Malaysia is not only capturing value from a fast-growing global sector, but also hedging against volatility in traditional commodities, while reinforcing our role as a bridge between the Muslim world and global markets.“...at a time when geoeconomic competition is driving nations to secure resilient and diversified supply chains, halal offers Malaysia a strong edge that can anchor our SMEs and exporters in new growth markets across Asean, the Middle East and Africa.”In a keynote speech at the launch of GHAS 2025, the prime minister announced that Malaysia is leveraging its leadership in the halal economy as a strategic tool of economic diplomacy, underscoring the country’s 11-year reign atop the Global Islamic Economy Indicator (GIEI).“Malaysia’s excellence is particularly evident in Islamic finance, halal food, as well as media and recreation. This is a result of the government’s concerted effort to position the halal industry as one of the central pillars of the nation’s strategic growth,” Ibrahim said, citing the Halal Industry Master Plan (HIMP) 2030 and the New Industrial Master Plan (NIMP) 2030 as clear pathways “to position Malaysia as the world’s leading halal hub.”He added: “Under the Thirteenth Malaysia Plan (13MP), significant funds are allocated to further boost the growth of the halal sector. In return, the sector is projected to contribute RM231bn or 10.8% to the national GDP by 2030, driven by strong demand in food, finance and tourism. By way of comparison, the global halal market is valued at over RM16.02tn and is expected to reach RM22.88tn by 2030.

Qatar has “great potential” as a key investor in the Philippines’ burgeoning halal sector, a participant of the Malaysia International Halal Showcase (MIHAS) 2025 has said.Speaking to Gulf Times on the sidelines of MIHAS 2025, The Expo Hut CEO Nasser Deeb cited Qatar’s robust appetite for pouring investments abroad and the Philippines’ favourable investment climate, outlining a vision for Qatari FDI that moves beyond simple trade and into high-value ventures.“Qatar is well-positioned to invest in two specific areas: halal retirement and manufacturing,” explained Deeb, who proposed the development of “halal retirement homes” and “halal resorts” in the Philippines. This concept has been gaining traction in Canada and elsewhere, he pointed out.“These facilities would cater to Muslim retirees seeking an environment free from alcohol and pork, and they could combine the benefits of a retirement community with the amenities of a resort, offering a high quality of life at a fraction of the cost found in other countries like Spain,” Deeb further explained.On the manufacturing front, Deeb suggested that Qatari entities could establish factories in the Philippines to produce and package goods like rice and coffee beans, allowing Qatar to create its own brands or private labels by leveraging the Philippines’ resources and its free zone facilities, such as those offered by the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA).On several occasions, Deeb said he actively encouraged Qatari officials, including Qatar’s ambassador to the Philippines, to explore investment opportunities in various sectors of the country and to participate in Philippine trade shows to educate the public about Qatar.“Creating more awareness and promoting the investment climate of both the Philippines and Qatar during trade shows would be a strategic step toward building a strong economic partnership between both nations,” emphasised Deeb, who organises the ‘Halal Expo Canada’ and the ‘Halal Expo Philippines’.The 21st edition of MIHAS, which will run until September 20 at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC), has placed special emphasis on the agenda of helping local and international players look to innovation and sustainable initiatives to spearhead steady growth for the halal economy.MIHAS 2025 is also serving as a robust marketplace for both international and local players to seize opportunities beyond halal food, including halal pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, modest fashion, personal care and cosmetics, green technologies, and even Muslim-friendly tourism.Similarly, the Philippines is also expanding beyond halal food to venture into sectors such as Islamic finance. In 2023, an economic team of experts from the Philippines visited Qatar for the ‘PH Dialogue: Economic Outlook and Opportunities’, where lawyer Arifa A Ala, the Senior Assistant Governor, Financial Supervision Sub-Sector III of the Banko Sentral ng Pilipinas, stated that the Philippine government is eyeing the Gulf region as a new market for the country’s Islamic banking sector.During a presentation at the PH Dialogue, she stated that significant developments in the Philippines’ Islamic banking and finance sector have “set the stage” to welcome new players, including banks from Qatar.

Kuala Lumpur: Malaysia’s chairmanship of Asean in 2025 is poised to catalyse a new era of cross-regional halal collaboration, particularly between Southeast Asia and Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC) countries, the top official of the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) has said.Asked about Qatar’s growing role in halal innovation and its strategic investment across Organisation of Islamic Countries (OIC) markets, and how Malaysia’s Asean chairmanship and MATRADE’s leadership open new pathways for cross-regional halal collaboration between Southeast Asia and the Gulf, MATRADE chairman Reezal Merican Naina Merican told Gulf Times that the two regions are seen as the “main beacon” and “main catalyst” in promoting halal globally.Merican noted that the GCC pavilion "includes participation from Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Bahrain, among others," while the Asean pavilion reflects robust regional engagement, with “300” buyers and “600” exhibitors from Asean countries participating in the International Sourcing Programme (INSP), a main component of the 21st Malaysia International Halal Showcase (MIHAS), which will run until September 20 at the Malaysia International Trade & Exhibition Centre (MITEC).“Altogether, out of about 900 [buyers], 300 are coming from Asean. Out of 2,400 exhibitors, 600 are from ASEAN countries,” said Merican, who also highlighted the presence of "first-time participants from Africa and Latin America, including Ghana, Mali, Congo, Senegal, Nigeria, Panama, and Costa Rica, as well as Central Asian nations, such as Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan."“We are seeing a very productive, fruitful, and more importantly, long and lasting partnership between Malaysian exporters and overseas buyers,” the MATRADE chairman also pointed out.Merican also revealed that Asean has elevated halal as a priority economic deliverable under Malaysia’s presidency, with Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi proposing the establishment of an Asean Halal Council.“Not just to look at Malaysia as one of the main and premier promoters of halal, but to see Asean as a region being one of the major players in promoting and also in providing the support of a global halal chain globally,” he said.Merican also highlighted the scale of MIHAS 2025’s INSP, which is expected to generate 2.5bn Malaysian ringgit in sales through more than 4,000 business meetings. Asean countries account for 300 buyers and 600 exhibitors, while GCC participation is described as “significant,” with Qatar among the key contributors.

United Development Company (UDC) is positioning its development philosophy as a cornerstone for engaging in critical discussions at the third edition of the Qatar Real Estate Forum, which will be held on October 14-16 at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre (DECC).UDC president and CEO Yasser Salah al-Jaidah said the company’s role in the forum goes beyond showcasing its developments. “Our priority is to contribute strategic insights and proven practices that demonstrate how real estate can deliver lasting economic and social value,” al-Jaidah told Gulf Times in an exclusive interview.He noted that UDC, a Platinum Sponsor of this year’s forum, will share lessons from the company’s experience in sustainable development, smart infrastructure, and integrated community living, demonstrating how these principles are being embedded into new projects that support Qatar’s growth.“Equally important, through high-level discussions and bilateral engagements, we aim to help shape the dialogue into concrete outcomes, whether that is in the form of creating tangible investment opportunities, forging innovative partnerships, or offering practical insights that can help inform future policy directions. In this way, UDC directly supports the forum’s ambition to move from vision to measurable impact,” he emphasised.Asked how does UDC’s vision align with the strategic goals of the forum’s third edition, al-Jaidah explained that the company’s vision “is to be the regional leader in real estate development and management,” which is guided by UDC’s ‘Value Promise and Strategic Choices’ of putting customers and communities first, driving cost competitiveness, pursuing operational excellence, and advancing growth through innovation.He continued: “This aligns closely with the third edition of the Qatar Real Estate Forum, which is focused on reinforcing investor confidence and showcasing the strength and efficiency of Qatar’s real estate system. The forum’s emphasis on transparency, streamlined policies, and the integration of digital platforms mirrors our own commitment to operational excellence and innovation. And its role as a hub for public–private dialogue reflects our belief in trust-based partnerships that create long-term value.“Through developments like The Pearl Island and Gewan Island, we demonstrate how this vision translates into secure investments, vibrant communities, and resilient growth, outcomes that are directly in line with both the forum’s objectives and the pillars of Qatar National Vision 2030.”Al-Jaidah also underscored how UDC supports the Third National Development Strategy 2024–2030 and the broader goals of Qatar National Vision 2030, saying the company’s developments “are not merely real estate projects.”“They are transformative platforms that bring Qatar National Vision 2030’s pillars to life with economic diversification, social development, environmental sustainability, and human capital advancement. Within the framework of the Third National Development Strategy, we see our role as crafting destinations that attract investment, embody innovation, and elevate quality of life,” al-Jaidah explained.He added: “At The Pearl Island, we have set a global benchmark with the Largest Pneumatic Waste Management Network, while on Gewan Island’s Crystal Walk is one of the region’s largest outdoor air-conditioned retail promenades, an innovation that enhances comfort, elevates community experiences, and adds distinctive value for investors and residents alike. These initiatives reflect our ‘Customer and Community First’ approach, while reinforcing Qatar’s position as a hub for world-class living and investment opportunities.”

As many as seven companies from Qatar will participate in the upcoming Malaysia International Halal Showcase (MIHAS) 2025, scheduled from September 17 to 20 at the Malaysia International Trade & Exhibition Centre (MITEC) in Kuala Lumpur.The Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) office in Qatar disclosed to Gulf Times that the participating companies from Doha are Lari Group, Qatar National Import & Export (QNIE), Al Majid Jawad Distribution & Marketing, Magic Touch, Tanit Group, IBRIDGE Trading, and Morex Group.Following previous business meetings between Malaysian companies under MATRADE and their Qatari counterparts under the Qatar Chamber, “MATRADE has observed that all Qatari companies feel comfortable and secure when engaging with Malaysian companies certified as halal” by the Jabatan Kemajuan Islam Malaysia (JAKIM) or the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia.MATRADE also informed this paper that it is targeting Qatar “as one of the top prominent markets” in the region to increase awareness about JAKIM’s “vital role in promoting the importance of halal products in daily healthy life.”“MATRADE is also expanding a wide range of business opportunities to halal-concerned Malaysian corporations and organisations, especially to a highly respected entity like Qatar Chamber,” it stated.According to MATRADE, JAKIM, which is “recognised by the Food Safety Department” under the Ministry of Public Health, “stands as one of the world’s most influential and respected authorities in Islamic affairs, particularly in the domain of halal certification and standardisation.“Established under the Prime Minister’s Department, JAKIM plays a pivotal role in safeguarding the integrity of Islamic principles in Malaysia while shaping the global halal landscape with its internationally recognised standards.”Last week, MATRADE Qatar hosted a webinar titled ‘The Importance of Halal Products in our Lives’. The session aimed to provide Malaysian companies with insights into the Qatari market – recognised as a key target for halal products – highlighting the growing awareness and positive reception of halal-certified goods among the Qatari population.The webinar was organised by Rami el-Sayegh, senior marketing manager at MATRADE Qatar, and moderated by Shafiq Nasarudin, assistant trade commissioner at MATRADE Dubai. During the webinar, Jaffar Waqqas, category supervisor at QNIE, outlined the requirements and procedures for exporting food products to the Qatari market and emphasised the importance of halal certifications within the Qatari community.“The 21st edition of MIHAS will be a four-day trade showcase held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, alongside the MIHAS Virtual platform,” according to its website, which added that the event “is poised to attract one of the highest participations ever.”During a briefing session with foreign missions and industry players held last month in Kuala Lumpur, MATRADE emphasised that “MIHAS 2025 is gaining remarkable traction, with projections pointing to more than 2,300 booths from 45 countries, an impressive leap beyond the 2,028 booths featured in the last edition.”MIHAS 2025, under the theme ‘Pinnacle of Halal Excellence’, will highlight innovation, sustainability, and digitalisation as key drivers of growth.”“Its enhanced Knowledge Hub will advance knowledge exchange, halal investment, and policy alignment, whereas their targeted International Sourcing Programme (INSP) will empower Malaysian exporters with access to curated international buyers, powered by the MADANI Digital Trade (MDT) Platform for real-time matching and analytics, ensuring greater efficiency and resilience in business matching,” MATRADE added.Ends

Female participants have occupied an impressive “70%” of the training seats allocated to Qatari nationals last year by the Qatar Digital Academy (QDA), which has played a crucial role in advancing women’s leadership in the country’s digital sector.In its 2024 annual report, the QDA stated that Qatari women demonstrated strong dedication by filling “1,150” of the total training seats available to nationals. This, the report further stated, underlines the academy’s commitment to empowering women in technology, positioning the Middle East as a global leader in digital inclusion.According to the report, this significant female participation has contributed substantially to the region’s digital transformation efforts, reflecting the country’s progressive approach to building an inclusive digital workforce in alignment with Qatar National Vision 2030 and the Digital Agenda 2030.The report noted that the academy has implemented a comprehensive evaluation framework to ensure training effectiveness, measuring key areas, including instructor expertise, virtual training delivery, training materials quality, learning effectiveness, return on investment, and learning environment.The annual report also revealed that participant satisfaction ratings have been exceptionally high across all metrics, with instructor evaluation scoring “94.21%”, course organisation achieving “91.69%”, and achievement of course objectives reaching “91.14%”.Training materials and content scored “90.21%”, while training delivery methodology achieved “89.90%”, resulting in an overall satisfaction score of “91.43%”.Meanwhile, the report stated that the academy’s success aligns with the sixth pillar of the Digital Agenda 2030, which aims to empower society to drive digital transformation and promote sustainable development.“At the core of QDA’s mission is empowering individuals and organisations, focusing on developing digital skills and nurturing local talent to ensure a workforce that is future-ready for the digital economy’s demands.“In 2024, QDA expanded its training programmes to include all workforce segments, including non-ICT professionals, contributing to enhanced digital proficiency across various sectors,” the report stated.It further explained: “This expansion aligns with the Digital Agenda’s ambitious goal of creating 26,000 new job opportunities by 2030 and increasing the percentage of the workforce employed in ICT to 10%, focusing on developing advanced digital skills and increasing the proportion of highly skilled workers,” the report stated.In the report, Duha al-Buhendi, director of the Digital Society and Digital Competencies Department at the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT), stressed that the academy’s decision to include non-ICT government employees has resulted in remarkable growth, with training programmes increasing by “94%” and awarded certifications rising by “150%.”“The QDA’s strategy focuses on empowering non-ICT employees with essential skills, such as cybersecurity, privacy management, and modern digital applications like artificial intelligence (Al), and cloud computing, enhancing their efficiency and transforming them into a more capable and future-ready workforce,” the report also stated.During the Web Summit Qatar held in February this year, al-Buhendi and Alex Dai, executive vice president at Huawei Gulf North, signed a partnership initiative to provide government employees with educational opportunities in crucial digital fields, including cloud computing, information technology, IoT, and other emerging digital technologies.“Under the terms of the partnership initiative, Huawei will provide digital training courses to government employees, granting them access to the Huawei Talent Platform. Employees will be able to create their own accounts and enrol in a diverse range of training programs, offering a flexible learning experience tailored to their professional needs and schedules,” the MCIT website stated.

India’s top diplomat here has underlined the need to expand the South Asian nation’s export basket to Qatar and attract more investments from the LNG-rich Gulf state, as part of both countries’ ongoing efforts to forge robust trade and investment ties.According to Indian ambassador Vipul, while Qatar currently enjoys a trade surplus with India due to its liquefied natural gas (LNG) and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) exports, there is “further space for increasing Indian exports”, adding that “India is doing quite a lot on value-added products”.“There are exports of commodities, particularly food products, as well as an increasing focus on manufacturing. The government of India is very focused; I think world-class products are coming out of India, whether it be in electronics, smartphones, household products, or many other fields,” stated Vipul on the sidelines of the ‘India Utsav 2025’ launch at LuLu Hypermarket in Al Gharrafa.He also said: “So I think in the years to come, Indian exports should increase further to Qatar. And that is also the effort on the part of the government of India – that we remain engaged with both the businesses here, as well as with government entities, to see how we can further increase India’s exports to Qatar, as well.”The ambassador explained that the state visit of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani to India last February opened wider avenues for investments, including a target to enhance Qatar’s investments in India by $10bn and establish a Qatar Investment Authority (QIA) office in India.Vipul said: “We are talking with government entities here. And of course, whenever an investment decision is made, it’s made based on business decisions and the rate of return that an entity will get. But our job as government, I feel, is to provide those projects, provide the ground-level information, and promote the networks between the two countries. And that is what we are engaged in.”Speaking at the India Utsav 2025 launch ceremony, which commemorated India’s 79th Independence Day, Vipul lauded LuLu for its role in showcasing Indian products in Qatar. The ambassador reflected on India’s journey since 1947, highlighting the nation’s democratic values, rapid economic growth, advances in science and technology, and poverty reduction efforts in the past decade.He emphasised the historic roots of India–Qatar trade, saying LuLu now stands as the Gulf’s leading example of how the retail industry fosters people-to-people connections. Vipul also commended LuLu’s global sourcing and its role in introducing India and its products to diverse communities worldwide.

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.