Author

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.

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.