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The emergence of generative AI “is an exciting opportunity” for industries, companies, and a wide range of sectors “to reimagine what is possible,” said Adaire Fox-Martin, president, Google Cloud Go-to-Market.Fox-Martin, who spoke at a press conference held on the sidelines of Google Cloud’s opening ceremony for its new Doha cloud region, said AI has been part of Google’s corporate product portfolio “for many years.”Replying to a question from Gulf Times on the impact of AI across different sectors in Qatar, she said generative AI could be categorised into three areas when applied to business outcomes.“I think the three main use cases that we’re seeing emerge right across all industries are changing the customer experience, looking for opportunities to be cost-efficient and effective, and then finally looking at where you can remove some of the drudgery from very content-rich tasks and add the creativity that generative AI allows for that,” Fox-Martin said.HE the Minister of State and Chairman of Qatar Free Zones Authority (QFZ) Ahmad al-Sayed, who also spoke at the press conference, said the Qatari government will utilise disruptive technology and make it advantageous to businesses.Al-Sayed emphasised that QFZ will also continue to work with its partners, such as Google, along with other authorities in the government and the private sector, to maximise the use of disruptive technologies to push for innovation and transform Qatar’s economy.Google Cloud Qatar general manager Ghassan Kosta also emphasised that the new Doha region that is now part of Google global network, “which covers 37 regions and 112 zones, and also bringing Google Cloud services to over 200 countries and territories worldwide.”“Google Cloud brings its advanced infrastructure to address customers’ needs. And as part Qatar National Vision 2030, we have witnessed the efforts of the Qatari government to diversify and transform its economy by deploying tech for the benefit of its citizens. And that’s why we are here. And that’s why we are enabling cloud in Qatar,” Kosta said.According to an earlier statement, the new cloud region will meet the growing demand for cloud services in Qatar and the Middle East region and support Qatar National Vision 2030, which aims to transform the country into a digital economy through innovation and digital transformation.Research commissioned by Google Cloud and conducted by Access Partnership stated that the new Doha cloud region is expected to drive increased economic activity and is estimated to contribute a cumulative $18.9bn in higher gross economic output to Qatar’s economy between 2023 and 2030 and support the creation of 25,000 jobs in 2030 alone.This new cloud region is the latest significant investment made by Google Cloud in Qatar, following the recent opening of a country office and virtual Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Msheireb.The series of investments in infrastructure and resources demonstrates Google Cloud’s continued commitment to playing a pivotal role in advancing Qatar’s digital future and technological capabilities.The Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT) and the Qatari government have helped enable the growth of the cloud across the government through the adoption of cloud policies, which facilitated Google Cloud's market entry.

Collaboration between Qatari and US companies can provide significant opportunities for growth in areas, such as information technology (IT), cybersecurity, fintech, artificial intelligence (AI), and digital transformation, an official of US-Qatar Business Council (USQBC) Doha Office has said.Sheikha Mayes bint Hamad al-Thani, USQBC Doha managing director, said the recently-held Qatar Economic Forum, Powered by Bloomberg has helped influence the exchange of ideas and fostering cooperation between Qatar and the US.“Qatar has made investments in technology and innovation to diversify its economy and increase its competitiveness...during the forum, technological advancements were showcased, knowledge exchange was facilitated, and partnerships in the technology and innovation sectors were fostered,” Sheikha Mayes told Gulf Times in an exclusive interview.Following USQBC’s participation in the forum, Sheikha Mayes highlighted several ways in which the council can support Qatari businesses in expanding their reach and establishing a presence in the US market.She said USQBC can provide valuable intelligence and research on the US market to Qatari businesses. This includes information on industry trends, consumer preferences, regulatory requirements, and market entry strategies.“By leveraging insights gained from the Qatar Economic Forum discussions and presentations, USQBC can help Qatari businesses identify opportunities and make informed decisions when entering the US market,” she said.According to Sheikha Mayes, USQBC actively promotes Qatari businesses in the US market to potential investors, trade partners, and customers. By utilising the outcomes and recommendations of the forum, USQBC showcases Qatar’s investment potential and business opportunities by organising targeted investment seminars, trade missions, or roadshows, which generate exposure and attract the interest of American counterparts.Sheikha Mayes also emphasised that USQBC plays a crucial role in providing market intelligence, facilitating networking opportunities, promoting investment and trade, and granting access to resources and partnerships for Qatari businesses expanding into the US market.“We have been engaged in various partnerships and memorandums of understanding with several government agencies. We work together on developing programmes to further enhance the attraction of business and investment to both countries. Following the forum, several outcomes and discussions will be added to these agreements,” she said.Sheikha Mayes underscored the importance of QEF, saying that it contributes significantly to shaping the business landscape by promoting dialogue and collaboration, showcasing investment opportunities, encouraging economic diversification, innovation and entrepreneurship, enhancing global visibility, and influencing policy formulation, among other things.She said the field of energy and renewable resources, defence and security, technology and innovation, and education and research are among the specific sectors or industries that have significant potential for growth and collaboration between Qatar and the US.“Qatar Economic Forum contributed to the development of these sectors by providing stakeholders with a platform for sharing insights, exchanging ideas, and exploring collaborative opportunities. A forum such as this facilitates networking and matchmaking sessions, showcases success stories and best practices, and fosters dialogue between industry leaders, policymakers, and potential investors.“As the forum highlights opportunities, discusses challenges, and promotes collaboration, it can play an important role in driving growth and fostering partnerships between Qatar and the US in these industries,” she explained.On plans for joint initiatives or programmes to enhance educational and professional development opportunities between Qatar and the US, Sheikha Mayes said USQBC is committed to continuing to support education and professional development.“Since we began working with Georgetown University in Qatar on the accredited internship programme, we have hired and trained several students. This is something we will continue to do. In fact, we may even expand our partnerships to other educational institutions.“It is USQBC’s intention to contribute to economic diversification and job creation by supporting the growth and development of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Providing SMEs with resources, networking opportunities, and mentorship programmes can help them gain access to markets, build capacity, and scale their businesses,” she said.

Qatar banking sector total assets grew 0.6% month-on-month (MoM), down 0.7% so far in 2023, in April to reach QR1.891tn, QNB Financial Services (QNBFS) said in a report on Tuesday.Total loans provided by Qatari banks went down 0.4% MoM to QR1, 249.5bn, while deposits contracted by 0.3% to QR964.2bn in April.According to QNBFS, the country’s private sector pushed the overall credit lower.Loans have edged down by 0.5% in 2023, compared to a growth of 3.3% in 2022. Loans grew by an average 6.7% over the past five years (2018-2022).Loan provisions to gross loans was at 3.7% in both April and March of this year.The deposits slide in April was mainly due to a drop by 1.5% in the private sector. Deposits have gone down by 3.5% in 2023, compared to a growth of 2.6% in 2022. Deposits grew by an average 4% over the past five years (2018-2022), QNBFS said and noted that as deposits moved down by 0.3% in April, the loans to deposits ratio (LDR) declined to 129.6% compared with 129.7% in March.The overall loan book went down 0.4% in April. Domestic private sector loans moved down by 0.6% MoM (+0.2% in 2023) in April. The services segment was the main reason behind the private sector loan drop. Services (contributes nearly 30% to private sector loans) declined by 1.9% MoM (0.4% in 2023), while consumption and others (contributes nearly 20% to private sector loans) moved lower by 0.4% MoM (-1.2% in 2023).However, the real estate segment (contributes nearly 23% to private sector loans) edged up by 0.1% MoM (0.0% in 2023), while general trade (contributes nearly 21% to private sector loans) gained marginally by 0.1% MoM (+1.8% in 2023) in April.Total public sector loans remained flat MoM (-2.3% in 2023). The government segment (represents nearly 28% of public sector loans) declined 1.0% MoM (-11.1% in 2023).However, the government institutions’ segment (represents nearly 67% of public sector loans) loan book increased 0.4% MoM (+2% in 2023), while the semi-government institutions’ segment gained 0.4% MoM (-1.9% in 2023).Outside Qatar loans moved up by 0.4% MoM (0.4% in 2023) in April, QNBFS noted.Private sector deposits declined by 1.5% MoM (-2% in 2023) in April. On the private sector front, the companies and institutions’ segment fell by 3.6% MoM (-7.5% in 2023).However, the consumer segment increased by 0.5% MoM (+3.5% in 2023) in April.Public sector deposits increased by 0.8% MoM (-4.1% in 2023) in April.Looking at segment details, the government segment (represents nearly 30% of public sector deposits) was the main driver with a growth of 4.4% MoM (-4.4% in 2023), while the semi-government institutions’ segment rose by 2% MoM (-18.7% in 2023).However, the government institutions’ segment (represents nearly 58% of public sector deposits) moved lower by 1.1% MoM (-0.4% in 2023) in April.Non-resident deposits shifted from its general downward trend for the second consecutive month and moved up by 0.4% MoM (-5.9% in 2023) in April.Qatar banking sector loan provisions to gross loans was at 3.7% in both April and March.Qatar banking sector liquid assets to total assets was at a higher 31% in April 2023, compared to 30.4% in March.An analyst told Gulf Times, “Higher interest rates could have acted as a deterrent for credit to the private sector with overall loans to the private sector declining by 0.6% in April”.

Digitalisation will be a key driver of transformation across industries to reach net zero goals, Wael Badawy, head of Energy Performance Services at Siemens, told Gulf Times on the sidelines of a panel discussion at Project Qatar 2023 Tuesday.“Digitalisation and sustainability are very important topics; they go hand-in-hand. You cannot separate digitalisation from sustainability,” he explained.“Given the trends in the market and global challenges towards achieving sustainability, we need to accelerate the momentum to reach net zero. And how we can accelerate this or reduce carbon emissions? The only solution here is digitalisation because it enables sustainability, the Siemens official observed.”Badawy participated in the conference titled ‘New Trends in Qatar’s Construction Sector’ together with Luis Carlos Aranda, country manager, Copasa, and Paraskevoula Ntai, legal counsel, Essa Al Sulaiti Law Firm.Moderated by Craig Richardson, technical director, Parsons, the panel discussion was organised by the chambers of commerce of Italy, the US, France, and Spain, the Italian Trade Agency (ITA), German Business Council Qatar (GBCQ), Turkish Businessmen Association (TBA), and German Industry & Commerce Office Qatar (AHK), in collaboration with IFP Qatar.According to Badawy, Qatar “became a role model” for future FIFA World Cup tournaments when it hosted the World Cup last year, which was touted as “the world’s first carbon-neutral World Cup.”“Stadium 974 is an example, but it’s not about how to utilise sustainable or recyclable material, rather, it is about utilising digitalisation. Sustainability is not about the material. It’s about the preservation of the next generation; it's a mindset,” he explained.To successfully host the FIFA World Cup, Badawy said Qatar maximised digitalisation to manage and monitor the movement of people and transportation, including other logistics challenges to reduce carbon emissions.“Ultimately, the tournament in Qatar was one of the lowest carbon emission World Cups in the world. And this is something that Qatar and its people can be proud of; it is something that other countries could emulate.“This is the beauty of digitalisation and sustainability. Both can be replicated and there is scalability. Other countries could imitate what Qatar has accomplished during the World Cup and these achievements could be applied across different sectors and industries,” Badawy pointed out.GCC countries, including Qatar, “are on track” in terms of digitalisation, Badawy emphasised, citing the emergence of sustainable communities in GCC states, as well as smart cities like Lusail and Msheireb.“Building a sustainable community is a vision for the next 50 years; GCC countries are thinking ahead and they are building the right technologies for the next generation, so they are on the right track,” he stressed.

Plans are underway to invite a delegation of companies from Qatar to the 38th Trade Expo Indonesia (TEI), Indonesian ambassador Ridwan Hassan told Gulf Times Monday.Hassan was speaking on the sidelines of Project Qatar 2023, which was officially opened Monday by HE the Minister of Commerce and Industry Sheikh Mohamed bin Hamad bin Qassim al-Abdullah al-Thani.The ambassador stressed that TEI is Indonesia’s largest trade exhibition, which is backed by the government and the private sector. It will be held from October 18 to 22 at the Indonesia Convention Exhibition (ICE) – BSD City.“This year is very special for Indonesia and Qatar because we are celebrating the Qatar-Indonesia Year of Culture. Currently, the embassy is working hard on following the progress and developments in Qatar to support our bilateral relations,” Hassan pointed out.During Project Qatar, which will run until June 1 at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre, the embassy of Indonesia will be disseminating information related to the Southeast Asian nation’s economic development and other useful material to promote Indonesia and, at the same time, attract investments from Qatar, Hassan explained.“By sharing vital information about our country, we are hoping to share not only Indonesian products but also to share our experiences with the Qatari market,” the ambassador noted.According to Hassan, the Indonesian embassy has recorded an increase in its food and non-food products to Qatar in 2022.“While we import a lot of oil and gas from Qatar, our food and non-food exports to Qatar, including automobiles, paper and palm oil, among others, increased last year,” Hassan noted.The ambassador also said Indonesia is looking to export its ‘creative industries’ to contribute to the further development of Qatar’s tourism industry.

The participation of a large delegation of Italian firms in the 19th edition of Project Qatar underscores the significance of Doha as a global hub, Italian ambassador Paolo Toschi said Monday.“In this year’s edition of Project Qatar, the Italian pavilion has around 13-14 companies participating in the event. We give a solid signal that the construction sector and the home building sector in Italy see Doha as an opportunity,” Toschi told Gulf Times on the sidelines of the event at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre.The ambassador lauded the concerted efforts made by the Qatari government and other relevant authorities in fostering an environment conducive to growth, not just for Qatar but also on a global scale.Toschi said, “It’s an opportunity for a presence in the domestic market, but also for broader promotion abilities due to the nature of Doha as a global hub. So, I want to recognise the efforts that the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, as well as Qatari authorities, are making to create this opportunity as a growing one, not only for Qatar, but globally, and Italy will be there also in the future to be part of this.”According to Toschi, Italian companies are keen to explore new markets and are on the lookout for new customers and new opportunities.“Italy is also a global leader, for instance, when it comes to wood and wood furnishing, and the same applies in many of the sectors of housing. I would say that for these companies to be able to access Doha as a global hub, thanks to its network of connections, whether in transport, information, culture and many others, to access Doha is an opportunity.“We present it as such. It goes way beyond the size of the domestic market because from Doha you can access the world. And from Italy, you can access, I would say, some of the best quality in the world,” Toschi further stressed.On trade exchange with Qatar, the ambassador said both countries reached “a new record” in bilateral trade last year, which is valued at “around €8bn”.“This represents a growth on the previous record of over 140% in 2021. So these are already post-pandemic figures. They represent a variety of sectors. But overall, I think they’re the signal of a very healthy, very positive trade relationship, and we want to see it continuing to grow,” Toschi pointed out.He added: “But the growth of our relationship, I would say, has met the challenges of the pandemic and of other challenges that we face, including, for instance, climate change, and our trade relationship reflects that as well.“We are working more and more in exploring the opportunities in the renewable energy sector, as well as exploring opportunities in oil and gas, which remain the core of our relationship in the energy field with Qatar.”

HE the Minister of Commerce and Industry Sheikh Mohamed bin Hamad bin Qassim al-Abdullah al-Thani officially opened Monday the 19th edition of Project Qatar, which will run until June 1 at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre (DECC).The four-day event, which is being held under the patronage of HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohamed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim al-Thani, serves as a significant platform for industry professionals and enthusiasts.With the support of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry and in partnership with the Public Works Authority (Ashghal), Project Qatar 2023 promises to exceed expectations and foster innovative collaborations within the construction sector, the organisers said in a statement.The inauguration ceremony was graced by several distinguished guests and official delegations, including representatives from Ashghal, Qatar Chamber, Qatari Diar, Qatar Navigation and prominent private sector companies.Additionally, the ceremony garnered global attention with the presence of over 30 ambassadors from participating countries and numerous international trade delegations who visited the event.Embracing the principles of Qatar National Vision 2030, this year’s exhibition introduces a dedicated showcase area called ‘Qatar Industries’, aimed at presenting the Qatari industrial sector to an international audience. This initiative aims to expand the reach of local manufacturers and promote their products on a global scale.Haidar Mshaimesh, general manager of IFP Qatar, said: “The construction market in Qatar is gearing up to enter a new era with the aim to achieve the goals of Qatar National Vision 2030. This new chapter places emphasis on the development of industrial and social infrastructure projects, integrating cutting-edge technologies and elements of smart cities into construction endeavours."Over the past 19 years, Project Qatar has consistently kept pace with market trends and requirements, establishing a rich history and playing a pivotal role in this field, positioning itself at the forefront of Qatar's new market phase.“Project Qatar will continue to assume a leading role in facilitating commercial exchanges between Qatar and the global community, serving as a direct conduit for the sharing and exchange of products, services, and experiences. The presence of esteemed dignitaries at the inaugural ceremony is a testament to the exhibition's value and prominence.”The exhibition puts a spotlight on Qatar’s remarkable accomplishments in the expansion of the local industries sector over the past few years. With a strong focus on the future of the construction industry in Qatar, Project Qatar 2023 emphasises the pivotal role of technological innovations.The ‘Smart Cities’ pavilion takes centre stage, featuring a range of providers showcasing cutting-edge, multipurpose advanced technologies utilised in construction projects. This platform highlights the transformative potential of these innovations in shaping the future of the construction sector in Qatar.Qatar Industries is sponsoring Suhail Industrial Holding Group, the "largest industrial group in Qatar currently in terms of number of factories and value of investment", the statement noted. The group’s pavilion is the largest in the exhibition and showcases its exceptional capabilities.Qatari Diar, the real estate company established by Qatar Investment Authority, which oversees the implementation of more than 60 projects in 24 countries across five continents with investments valued at $35bn, is participating as an exclusive real estate developer, taking advantage of the occasion to introduce its projects and investment opportunities.On Monday, the event hosted its first conference session, which will be held for four days with each day focusing on a distinct subject. The first day, titled ‘Q Invest’, delved into the various investment prospects within the Qatari construction sector.Tuesday's theme, ‘Q Industry’, will explore topics pertaining to industrial growth and domestic production. Themed ‘Q Tech’, the third day will centre on the significance of smart technology in the construction industry, while the fourth day, titled ‘Q Green’, will tackle environmental concerns, sustainability, and eco-friendly construction practices.Yousef al-Emadi, projects affairs director of Ashgal, delivered an impactful speech during the opening ceremony of the conference. He lauded the exhibition's unwavering dedication to advancing the construction sector, especially in the face of ongoing global challenges.Providing a sneak peek into the construction projects that will be available in Qatar in 2023 and the following year, al-Emadi urged stakeholders, partners, and anyone interested in the industry to take advantage of the abundant opportunities presented by these projects in Qatar.The event has attracted some 325 exhibiting companies, including 120 international companies from 25 countries. Eight of these countries have national pavilions while 200 participating companies are local, representing government and semi-government agencies as well as the most prominent private sector entities.Ashghal is supporting and sponsoring Project Qatar as Strategic Partner while Qatar Tourism is sponsoring the visiting commercial delegations. The exhibition is also supported and sponsored by Qatar Chamber as the Business Community Partner, Qatari Diar (Real Estate Development Partner), Qatar Development Bank (Official Partner), Free Zones Authority (Free Zones Partner), Suhail Industrial Holding Group (Industrial Partner), Al Sraiya Holding Group (Platinum Sponsor), and Midea as (Diamond Sponsor).Notable participants in the exhibition also include Qatar Navigation (Milaha), QTerminals, HBK and Abdullah Abdulghani & Bros Co, who are Silver sponsors. Modern Home Company, the agent of the Hisense brand, is sponsoring ventilation and cooling for the exhibition.The Gulf Organisation for Industrial Consulting is sponsoring industrial consulting, while Vodafone Qatar is acting as the Exclusive Communications Sponsor. Gulf Crafts is Trademark Sponsor, while the exhibition has several media partners from the print and digital fields.

The US-Qatar Business Council (USQBC) will continue to play an important role in fostering collaboration and trade between Qatar and the US, an official of the USQBC Doha Office stated in the wake of the third edition of the Qatar Economic Forum (QEF), Powered by Bloomberg.Sheikha Mayes bint Hamad al-Thani, USQBC Doha managing director, lauded the recently-concluded QEF 2023, saying the forum can serve as a catalyst for further strengthening the council’s efforts to enhance Qatar-US economic ties.She said potential developments expected after the forum may include increased networking opportunities, organising more frequent trade missions and delegations with a focus on selected sectors or regions of interest, sharing of information, and collaborative initiatives.“The forum’s outcomes may facilitate an increase in networking opportunities provided by USQBC. Maintaining the momentum generated by the forum to organise more networking events, business matchmaking sessions, and targeted introductions between Qatari and American companies.“USQBC may expand the number of trade missions and delegations it organises. It is through these missions that companies can expand upon the discussions and connections made during the forum, allowing them to explore trade and investment opportunities in more structured and targeted ways,” Sheikha Mayes told Gulf Times in an exclusive interview.According to Sheikha Mayes, USQBC may increase its efforts to provide members with market insights, regulatory updates, and information specific to their industry. The forum’s discussions and expert inputs can contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of the business landscape in Qatar, which the council can share with its members. USQBC may collaborate with other organisations and industry associations to drive joint initiatives aimed at promoting collaboration and trade between Qatar and the US, she also said.Sheikha Mayes stressed that QEF would have a significant impact on the promotion of business and investment opportunities in Qatar at various levels by inviting global attention, building partnerships and facilitating networking, providing investors with a view of Qatar’s diverse investment opportunities, promoting economic diversification, sharing of knowledge and innovation, and increasing investor confidence.She emphasised that the forum would serve to attract international attention to Qatar by highlighting the country’s economic potential and its commitment to fostering a favourable business environment.By highlighting Qatar's strategic sectors, such as energy, finance, real estate, infrastructure, tourism, and technology, Sheikha Mayes said the forum attracts potential investors and encourages them to consider Qatar as an investment destination.“Qatar has actively pursued economic diversification, aiming to reduce its dependence on hydrocarbon revenues. The forum serves as a platform for communicating Qatar’s economic diversification initiatives, highlighting the government’s commitment to supporting non-oil sectors, and presenting emerging business opportunities. As a result, Qatar can attract investment in new sectors and contribute to its economic sustainability in the long run.“By hosting such an important international event, Qatar’s commitment to promoting a competitive business environment and developing transparency is evident. By increasing investor confidence in the country’s economy, regulations, and stability, more investments can be attracted and long-term partnerships can be fostered,” Sheikha Mayes stressed.On fostering business partnerships and joint ventures, Sheikha Mayes said QEF provides an opportunity for American businesses to explore possible partnerships and joint ventures with Qatari counterparts.“The Qatar Investment Authority (QIA) and Qatar’s robust financial sector and investment opportunities were highlighted at the forum. In addition, by highlighting the opportunities for American businesses to access capital and partners, as well as by investing in diverse portfolios, the forum may attract companies seeking financial assistance or investment opportunities,” she noted.Sheikha Mayes said USQBC will continue to work on matchmaking between Qatari and American businesses through targeted introductions and networking events, and to organise delegations and trade missions, including business events and forums, as well as facilitating information sharing and resources.

Trade between the UK and Qatar is back to pre-Covid-19 levels, which stood at around “$15bn” or about “£12bn” last year, British ambassador Jonathan Wilks told Gulf Times.Speaking on the sidelines of the recently concluded ‘British Food Week’, which was organised by LuLu Group, Wilks said the embassy is expecting trade figures to increase, adding that it is also “looking to the next stage of Qatar’s development.”According to Wilks, there has been a growing demand for British products in Qatar, wherein he lauded LuLu Group for promoting a wide range of food items from the UK in all its outlets across Qatar.This year’s edition of ‘British Food Week’ at LuLu witnessed the “biggest” participation of food suppliers from the UK, the ambassador noted.He said, “British Food Week is always a big boost to our exports and it gives the chance to everybody in Qatar to try some new products or to get to know some of the brands established in the market.“This is all very positive. Trade figures have returned to pre-Covid-19 levels and that’s in part, a sign of the new normal, but it’s also a sign that Qatar itself looks set for a decade of growth and LuLu hypermarkets in the Gulf are also very well-established and therefore, it’s a great platform to sell more and more British products.”Wilks explained that the ongoing discussions for a free trade agreement (FTA) between the UK and GCC states is expected to boost trade. “This matters to the UK because the six GCC states form one of our biggest export markets and there is a will on both sides to increase trade and investment, so we’re working hard,” he said.

The potential free trade agreement (FTA) between the UK and the GCC may open more opportunities to boost Qatar’s exports, a top official of LuLu Group has said.“We’re hoping that there would be an FTA between the UK and the GCC states very soon, which will be a huge game-changer,” Dr Mohamed Althaf, director, LuLu Group International, told Gulf Times during the recently-held ‘British Food Week’, which was launched at LuLu Mall, Giardino – The Pearl Island.Dr Althaf said: “Qatar has always been an open economy; more than British food coming here, I see a lot of potential for Qatari products going towards the UK. Qatar has a world-class port and the country is offering a lot of incentives for smart manufacturing.“I won’t be surprised if many companies from Asia would make Qatar their hub if there is an FTA with the UK. A lot of companies in the UK would definitely come here and set up their operations in Qatar, so I think that would give a huge boost to the trade between the two countries.”According to Dr Althaf, many companies from the UK are realising the potential of Qatar and the wide acceptance of their products in the country.During ‘British Food Week’, around British 24 companies participated directly with LuLu customers, said Dr Althaf, who noted that the majority of the UK food suppliers were first-time exporters to Qatar.“The participating companies from the UK during ‘British Food Week’ were mostly small and medium companies that are innovating their food products and other items,” Dr Althaf explained.LuLu used to buy products from the UK but since food suppliers there now understand the Qatari market, Dr Althaf noted that they want to be present on the ground and explore the market further to increase their exports to Qatar.“LuLu believes in food security and in self-reliance. No country in the world can produce all of its food requirements, so widening our food sources will always give a guarantee for food security in Qatar, so we will look for more opportunities to import what is required in the country,”At the same time, Dr Althaf emphasised that LuLu is also looking closely at localising its food sources. In the last five years, LuLu has increased the number of labels bearing the ‘Made in Qatar’ brand on its shelves, he stressed.On LuLu’s expansion plans in 2023, Dr Althaf said the hypermarket chain is consolidating its resources and “would still continue” opening new branches across Qatar, citing the “high growth potential for the region.”“Qatar has announced the expansion of its LNG production and there are many investments happening across different sectors in the country. All of the infrastructure investments made in Qatar is expected to result in a commercial outcome, which we believe will happen. The population in Qatar is increasing, so the country is continuing to grow, which is why LuLu has four more expansion projects in the pipeline this year,” Dr Althaf revealed.Asked about LuLu Group’s participation in the recently-concluded SelectUSA Investment Summit, Dr Althaf lauded organisers for giving small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) from Qatar access to the US market.“For this latest edition of SelectUSA, there were more than 30 from Qatar’s private sector, which is a very huge delegation from the country. I am sure that all the participants from Qatar benefitted from their interactions in the US.“This is the right time for any small company to venture into the US, especially if these SMEs want to expand or innovate. If they are not looking at the US market, I believe they are doing a huge mistake. The US remains the largest economy. SelectUSA will provide a much bigger boost to Qatar-US trade ties,” he stressed.Dr Altahf also said LuLu has been focusing on automation and maximising the use of robots with artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities in its facilities in the US.“I was very fascinated with what our current LuLu operations in the US have been working with a startup from MIT. Once that is successful, it would have a huge implication for Qatar.“Qatar is in a stage where digital transformation is very much talked about and a lot of automation is happening; the country is right for it. Qatar is a young country and it has a very high Internet penetration rate. There is a lot of support from tech giants like Google and Microsoft, so the country is right for automation,” Dr Althaf emphasised.

Qatar Chamber recently held a meeting to review its bilateral cooperation with the Investment Promotion Agency of the Republic of Uzbekistan.Ali Saeed Bu Sherbak al-Mansouri, the chamber’s assistant general manager for Governmental Relations & Committees Affairs, and Murat Mirzaev, director of the Investment Promotion Agency of Uzbekistan, reviewed economic and commercial cooperation and investment climate and opportunities between both countries during the meeting.Both officials also discussed attractive investment sectors and the possibility of enhancing mutual investments and establishing commercial partnerships between the private sectors in both countries.Speaking at the meeting, al-Mansouri praised the close relations between both countries, stressing the importance of developing trade exchange through increased cooperation between the Qatari private sector and its counterpart from Uzbekistan, as well as expanding mutual investments.He noted the possibility of organising a joint business forum to review opportunities of cooperation and partnerships, and the most important sectors available for investment, stressing the interest of Qatari businessmen to explore opportunities galore in Uzbekistan.For his part, Mirzaev assured that Uzbekistan welcomes Qatari investments in all sectors, especially in agriculture, industry, tourism, mining, energy, textiles, and food processing. He noted that the agency has developed a single window to facilitate doing business and to help investors find local partners, as well as to promote the investment and business climate in the country.

The staging of the Qatar Economic Forum (QEF), Powered by Bloomberg, as well as similar other international events, add value to the country’s economic development, an official of Qatar Chamber has said.Speaking to Gulf Times on the sidelines of the forum, Qatar Chamber board member Mohamed bin Ahmed al-Obaidli emphasised that the recently-held QEF, which was on its third edition, gathered a large number of participants, including high-level speakers and global leaders.“This is what Qatar needs to expand further and develop its economy,” al-Obaidli stressed, adding that hosting events like QEF 2023 opens up more opportunities for Qatar to network and exchange best practices for doing business with key players in the global economy.Al-Obaidli also underscored the importance of collaborating and bringing “the right partners” to the country, which will play a key role in Qatar’s efforts to develop and promote public-private partnerships (PPPs).“Bloomberg is such an ideal partner to host events like Qatar Economic Forum because, during these events, decision-makers in government and the private sector will learn from each other through discussions on the latest trends and solutions, thus creating opportunities for PPPs,” al-Obaidli explained.According to al-Obaidli, hosting QEF 2023 and other global conferences and events is also an opportunity for Qatar to showcase its economic development, world-class infrastructure, and incentives for foreign investors.“We should capitalise on the success of the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Qatar was able to deliver ‘the best World Cup ever’ and many visitors during the tournament can attest to this milestone. Many tourists were impressed not only with the stadiums, facilities, and the country’s infrastructure, but most importantly, with Qatar’s people and culture.“By continuing to host large-scale events like the World Cup and QEF 2023, this will also help add value to other sectors in the country, such as tourism and hospitality, as well as other industries. Hosting events will attract more international companies into the country,” al-Obaidli explained.He noted that Qatar Chamber has proposed the staging of a wide range of events to promote international networking between the public and private sectors, including conferences and forums on food security, cybersecurity, entertainment, air shows, and governance, among others.“Hosting different large-scale events will provide direct and indirect returns to the country,” al-Obaili added.QEF 2023 was held from May 23-25 at the Katara Towers in the Lusail Marina District. The forum highlighted and discussed some of the major economic issues facing international CEOs, heads of state, and money markets.

The Ned Doha has redefined the country’s hospitality scene not only with the preservation of brutalist architecture from Qatar’s rich, historic past but by becoming a symbol of opulence and sophistication.Gulf Times had the opportunity to sit down with key players from the hotel: General Manager Niels Kristensen, Head of Membership Gabriela Manrique , and Executive Chef Mussa Fatti.In this interview, Kristensen provided valuable insights about The Ned brand and its history, while Manrique shared the unique features of the Membership Club. Fatti, on the other hand, presented the exceptional culinary offerings available in the hotel’s different restaurants.Gulf Times: Can you tell us more about The Ned brand and how it was founded?Kristensen: Soho House founder Nick Jones was asked whether he would be interested in recreating the old Midland Bank in London into a Soho House, which is a typical membership club with members mostly from the creative industry.So, Nick liked the building a lot. It was a unique 240,000sq ft building, which he described as his “blockbuster movie.”He then created a new brand within Soho House; it was called “The Ned” as the building’s architect was Sir Edwin “Ned” Lutyens.Can you talk more about The Ned Doha and how its presence in Qatar is so unique?The branding and the colour of The Ned came from the verdite marble that was on the 92 pillars inside the old London building. So, that’s why you’ll see a lot of green around this building, as well.Tell us more about the location of The Ned Doha? How has the former Ministry of Interior building’s architecture influenced the design of the hotel?In terms of expansion, the company wanted to ensure that all The Ned buildings have the same DNA.The Ned Doha’s building used to be the former Ministry of Interior, with Qatar Museums Chairperson HE Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani keen to repurpose the building; it fitted the pillars that you would normally have in a Ned, and this is how The Ned Doha came about. You will find a lot of similarities between this building and the one in London.What can members expect from The Ned Doha’s membership club?Manrique: Ned’s Club is a membership club that offers a wonderful community, which is a key component of The Ned properties. The club is a community where members can network, both professionally and socially, as well as relax and enjoy the space as their home-away-from-home.Our members include entrepreneurs, creative people, and like-minded professionals that you would love to meet, work, and develop valuable relationships with.How does The Ned Club differentiate itself from other private members’ clubs in the country?I think the big difference is that aside from getting access to a community, we put in a lot of effort in giving our members access to a vibrant events calendar, which is well-curated and exclusively tailor-made for our members. Members can participate in our masterclasses, NedTalks, as well as fitness classes and offsite events. This allows our members to meet like-minded individuals on various occasions and in different settings, all catered to their interests and needs.What are the benefits of being a member of The Ned Club in Doha and abroad?Being part of this community also gives you access to the Global Ned community, which means you can access the exclusive members facilities at The Ned in London and The Ned Nomad in New York, such as the lounge, pool, spa, and gym, among others.Can you give an overview of the benefits that members receive?We are continually adding perks and benefits to our members and recently included complimentary spa treatments, personal training sessions and dedicated parking for our members at The Ned Doha.In all The Ned hotels globally, members get a 20% discount on the best available rooms, as well as a 20% discount on public restaurants and special rates for special events, including brunch. What is most important is the events calendar, which has a variety of events – from food and beverage to music, fashion, fitness classes, and offsite entertainment.We also have a global mobile where members can book rooms, spa treatments, and members’ events. The app also has a tool that allows companies to offer a 20% discount on their services. In Doha, we are working on creating partnerships with local businesses.Can you give an overview of the monthly events and activities that members can participate in at The Ned Club?Overall, we have more than 70 events this month at Ned’s Club, including fitness classes, around four to five classes per week, and for those looking to unleash their inner artist, painting and mirror painting workshops are available to explore. We are also planning to host a cigar station, as well as to organise many different panel discussions on various topics, such as the economy or cybersecurity, among others, which our members can enjoy the most.How does The Ned Doha ensure that members receive personalised attention and service?We ensure that members get the best attention and personalised service from The Ned. To ensure that our services are tailored to our members’ individual needs, we request that they provide us with various details about themselves, their profession, and their hobbies. We make sure that all members feel welcome and that they are part of a community. When new member joins the Membership Club, they will be given a tour of the hotel and its facilities. Additionally, they will receive a welcome box, which includes a platinum membership card, Ned Notes, which outlines the rules and regulations of the club, and a special gift from The Ned.Tell us more about the culinary offerings at The Ned Doha. What makes The Ned Doha restaurants special?Fatti: Some of the restaurants in The Ned Doha are similar to what we have in London, so the concepts moved from London to Qatar. The Ned Doha offers an inviting atmosphere with customised furniture, decor, and layout that create a comfortable and personalised experience. The diverse range of restaurants provides a variety of cuisines from Italian to Japanese, American, European and Levantine.What makes us special is the culinary diversity, the people, the quality of ingredients, and our attention to detail. We provide a personalised experience for all our guests and members, going above and beyond to ensure that no request is ever denied and that anything is possible. This commitment to personalisation is what sets us apart.At Ned’s Club, you can start your day with breakfast, enjoy afternoon tea, or have dinner in our restaurant, or private dining room. We also offer a great space for members to socialise after work.

A panel of experts underscored the key role of technology in the finance and healthcare industries during a two-part breakout session held Tuesday on the sidelines of the Qatar Economic Forum, Powered by Bloomberg.Under the theme ‘Global Investment Opportunities in High-Growth Sectors’, the discussion explored how investors are raising the resilience of their portfolios and navigating complexity to take advantage of opportunities in different geographic markets, as well as investments in the healthcare space to understand the role investors play and their long-term impact of their capital.The first panel comprised Mohamed al-Sowaidi, CIO, Americas, Qatar Investment Authority (QIA); Christophe Bavière, co-CEO, Eurazeo; and Patrick Zhong, founding managing partner, M31 Capital; while the second panel included Christian Angermayer, founder, Apeiron Investment Group; Tasneem Dohadwala, founding partner, Excelestar Ventures; and Dr Mohamed Adel Ghanem, head of Healthcare, QIA.According to Bavière, the digitalisation of financial institutions is “a very strong trend,” noting that industries related to tech-enabled businesses with the digitalisation of mature businesses are among the important areas of investment in the international market today.Al-Sowaidi noted that QIA is working on short to medium-term goals, such as dealing with inflation and addressing supply chain issues like those related to the Covid-19 pandemic or monetary policies.For the long term, al-Sowaidi cited technology industries and other developments in the field of Artificial Intelligence (AI), the evolution of software and hardware, as well as consumer behaviour and winning business models.“A winning business model and an innovative management team are among the key factors to keep in mind when considering investments,” al-Sowaidi pointed out.Al-Sowaidi noted that investing in human capital by acquiring the best teams and proximity to markets are two factors that will help a company become a potential investor of choice.On the other hand, Zhong cited energy transition, demographics, AI, and the reorganisation of the supply chain as some of the most interesting global themes for China, adding that Bloomberg projected that China will add “22.6%” to global growth in the next five years, while the US will add about “11.3%” between 2023 and 2028.According to Zhong, China made 7mn electric vehicles (EVs) in 2022, representing 60% of the global share, citing BYD Auto, which, he said, has overtaken Tesla in the manufacture of EVs last year.“China led the transition to renewables; 82% of energy storage produced in the world last year was made by Chinese private companies...of the top five most downloaded apps in the US, four are from China,” he said.On healthcare, Dohadwala said the increasing degree of how startups are incorporating customer centricity into their early development cycle is among the key trends to look out for, as well as the personalisation of medical devices.According to Ghanem, other modern breakthroughs in healthcare include the significant drop in the cost of genome sequencing, the massive breakthrough in innovation to understand DNA and its role in addressing ageing and treating diseases, engineering breakthroughs that shorten the time for medical procedures,AI is also playing a vital role in curating massive amounts of data, enabling better decision-making, he also said.Angermayer, however, cautioned that despite the advancements in innovation, technology could also have a negative impact on mental health, especially for many young people, stressing the need to find solutions to address these issues, as well.

Google Cloud officially opened its new Doha cloud region in a ceremony held at the Qatar National Convention Centre (QNCC) on Monday.Google Cloud officials led the launch ceremony in the presence of HE the Minister of Communications and Information Technology Mohamed bin Ali al-Mannai and HE the Minister of State and Chairman of Qatar Free Zones Authority (QFZA) Ahmad al-Sayed.The new cloud region will meet the growing demand for cloud services in Qatar and the Middle East region and support Qatar National Vision 2030, which aims to transform the country into a digital economy through innovation and digital transformation.Research commissioned by Google Cloud and conducted by Access Partnership stated that the new Doha cloud region is expected to drive increased economic activity and is estimated to contribute a cumulative $18.9bn in higher gross economic output to Qatar’s economy between 2023 and 2030 and support the creation of 25,000 jobs in 2030 alone.This new cloud region is the latest significant investment made by Google Cloud in Qatar, following the recent opening of a country office and virtual Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Msheireb.The series of investments in infrastructure and resources demonstrates Google Cloud’s continued commitment to playing a pivotal role in advancing Qatar’s digital future and technological capabilities.The Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT) and the Qatari government have helped enable the growth of the cloud across the government through the adoption of cloud policies, which facilitated Google Cloud's market entry.Al-Mannai said: “The launch of the first Google Cloud region in Qatar fits into our comprehensive vision to achieve the desired goals of Qatar National Vision 2030, including the establishment of a strong digital infrastructure with internationally agreed standards and policies that will lead us all towards a more efficient economy based on digitalisation and technology to facilitate quality of life and provide convenient solutions for various sectors.“The new cloud region will contribute to giving impetus to economic and productivity growth, and will allow various government and private companies and institutions within Qatar the opportunity to achieve significant efficiency gains by adopting flexible features in dealing with digital technology.”For his part, al Sayed said: “The launch of the new Google Cloud region in Qatar marks a significant milestone in our growing partnership with Google Cloud that started in 2020 with an agreement to establish Google Cloud’s region in Doha.“We are proud to provide world-class cloud services from the free zones in Qatar, which is in addition to QFZ’s pivotal role in introducing disruptive technologies and advanced digital infrastructure, creating opportunities for businesses to enhance their capabilities, foster innovation, and advance the technology sector in the state.”Al-Sayed added: “This will further accelerate Qatar’s digital transformation and the realization of Qatar National Vision 2030 that aims to build a sustainable knowledge-based economy.”QFZ and Google Cloud’s strategic collaboration agreement to enable in-country Google Cloud presence was announced in early 2020. QFZ’s continued support of the launch of the CoE has helped the growth of the technology ecosystem in Qatar.Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive HE Akbar al-Baker said, “Qatar Airways is excited at the opportunity offered by Google setting up its cloud region in Qatar. This gives us the ability to innovate jointly with Google and leverage their rich cloud service offerings.“We are particularly keen to use AI/ML-driven data insights using Google Cloud as a platform for enhancing our world-acclaimed customer service whilst also improving our operational efficiencies. Areas like data-driven predictive maintenance will now be much easier with Google Cloud being in Qatar and our data residing here securely.”Nasser Ghanem al-Khelaifi, chairman of beIN Media Group, said: “We are delighted to enter this major new partnership with Google Cloud, which will help beIN embrace the latest technologies and innovations.“As a proud Qatari media group, we are always looking to innovate as a business and find ways to improve the experience of millions of our subscribers worldwide. In partnership with Google Cloud, beIN will help drive the continued digital transformation of the sports, entertainment and media industry, both in Qatar and globally.”Qatar Financial Centre CEO Yousuf Mohamed al-Jaida said, “Our partnership with Google Cloud affirms our shared desire to facilitate the growth of local businesses by providing opportunities and solutions that enable them to capitalise on the transformative benefits of technology and digitalisation.“Working with Google in this field builds up the support we provide our clients, particularly those in the financial services sector, and takes us steps forward in our mission to support the transformation of Qatar into a digital and fintech hub and the country's sustainable development in line with the national development plan.”Ahmed al-Fahad, executive director of Technology & Network Operations, Al Jazeera Media Network, stated: “We are delighted to be among the group of companies leveraging Google Cloud’s new cloud region in Qatar. The new region will help Al Jazeera positively impact and empower more customers and partners around the world. Our collaboration with Google Cloud has helped us deliver tremendous value-added services to news readers around the globe.“We are able to capture and analyse how people engage with news in real-time and translate these insights into actions that help us keep the world better informed. We believe that with the cloud region now in Qatar, we are going to be strongly positioned to deliver exceptional news coverage and drive deeper engagement to all the information.”Adaire Fox-Martin, president, Google Cloud Go-to-Market, said: “We are proud to be delivering on the commitment we made in 2020 to the government of Qatar and the business community to open a cloud region in the country. The economy of Qatar holds tremendous growth potential.“The Doha cloud region will be a catalyst for economic development and will create more employment opportunities in the Qatari market as more businesses grow and expand with the power of cloud technologies. We are also humbled by the presence of Qatari Cabinet ministers and leaders from Qatari businesses at the region launch event today, which reflects the endorsement of the new cloud regions' potential.”The new Doha region is part of Google Cloud’s global network of 37 regions and 112 zones that bring cloud services to over 200 countries and territories worldwide. The new region brings high-performance, low-latency services and products to customers of all sizes, from public sector organisations to large enterprises and to small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and startups in Qatar and the Middle East.Organisations in the region will benefit from key controls that allow them to maintain the highest security, data residency, and compliance standards, including specific data storage requirements.

*More than 1,000 global business leaders to attend three-day event * Growing participation of global economic and political decision-makers a testament to forum’s success: Media City Qatar CEOThe third edition of the Qatar Economic Forum (QEF), Powered by Bloomberg, with the theme ‘A New Global Growth Story’, will bring together more than 1,000 global business leaders at the Katara Towers in Lusail City for three days from tomorrow (Tuesday).QEF 2023, under the high patronage of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, will explore the latest trends in finance, energy, healthcare and technology, and examine their potential to drive future growth, through a series of keynote interviews, panel discussions and interactive workshops. In a statement, HE the Minister of Commerce and Industry Sheikh Mohamed bin Hamad bin Qassim al-Abdullah al-Thani said: “We recognise that the world is becoming more interconnected and that collaboration between nations and people is essential in driving economic growth.“It is an honour to welcome the international business community back to Doha for the third edition of the Qatar Economic Forum, Powered by Bloomberg, a growing platform for knowledge exchange and dialogue on key topics on the global agenda. “Our commitment to shaping the future of economic progress remains as strong as ever, and we look forward to welcoming entrepreneurs, thought leaders and decision-makers to the forum.”Shining a light on the rising south-to-south economy, QEF 2023 will highlight established viewpoints and emerging voices from around the world to identify the latest economic trends.More than 50 regional and international speakers made up of government leaders, CEOs, global investors and influential voices from the worlds of culture, sport and entertainment, will be present during the event.M Scott Havens, CEO of Bloomberg Media, said: “In only three short years, the Qatar Economic Forum has become a unique and powerful platform to discuss the most important issues in business, cover the Gulf’s far-reaching impact, and connect influential voices across global industries and communities. “This year’s forum remains committed to spotlighting the latest trends and technologies defining the next wave of economic development, as well as the major global challenges facing international leaders.”Addressing a media roundtable yesterday, HE Sheikh Ali bin Abdullah bin Khalifa al-Thani, Chairperson of the Supreme Committee Organising the Qatar Economic Forum, Powered by Bloomberg, and CEO of Media City Qatar, affirmed that the forum is attracting an increasing number of participants.HE Sheikh Ali considered the growing participation of global economic and political decision-makers as a testament to the forum’s success in establishing its agenda as a prominent event on the global economic stage.He emphasised the significance of Qatar’s role as the host of the forum, noting that the event solidifies Qatar’s position as a global platform for dialogue on various economic topics such as inflation, investment in emerging markets, energy transformation, trade and sports, among others.He said launching the Qatar Economic Forum aimed to establish a diverse media platform that brings together global business leaders to formulate actionable steps towards economic growth. He also noted that the forum has achieved this goal with each edition and has grown into a hub for dialogue and knowledge exchange, supported by a selection of distinguished speakers.Further, HE Sheikh Ali said the forum has witnessed significant interest from leading political and economic decision-makers at the international level and from different countries, with more than 2,000 participants, including 1,000 from outside Qatar.The CEO of Media City Qatar anticipates that the 2023 forum will witness the signing of multiple agreements involving both domestic and international entities, which will play a significant role in Qatar’s private and public sectors.The Executive Director to the Permanent Committee for Organising Conferences (PCOC) at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) and head of logistics for the Organising Committee of the Qatar Economic Forum, Mubarak Ajlan Mubarak al-Kuwari, said their aim is to ensure that all guests in Qatar receive access to excellent facilities and services. They draw upon their extensive experience gained over the years, including the successful organisation of major international events. Al-Kuwari also highlighted the progressive growth in the number of participants attending the QEF from year to year.He noted that the Organising Committee has provided participants with a platform that enables them to carry out various procedures smoothly and easily, in addition to providing all forms of logistical support to guests in Qatar.In turn, Nasser al-Taweel, Deputy Chairman of the Supreme Organising Committee for the Qatar Economic Forum, and Deputy CEO, Chief Legal Officer and Board Secretary, Qatar Financial Centre, confirmed that the forum will bring together global CEOs and business leaders. They include Shou Chew, CEO, TikTok; David Calhoun, President and CEO at The Boeing Company; Kristalina Georgieva, Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund; Steven T Mnuchin, former Secretary of the Treasury, US; as well as economics expert Nouriel Roubini; and General David H Petraeus (US Army, retired), Partner, KKR and Chairman, KKR Global Institute, among others.

HE the Minister of Commerce and Industry Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Qassim al-Abdullah al-Thani officially inaugurated Monday the ‘4th Build Your House Exhibition (BYH 2023), which will run until May 18 at the Qatar National Convention Centre (QNCC).The event is under the patronage of HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohamed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim al-Thani. The opening was attended by Qatar Chamber chairman Sheikh Khalifa bin Jassim al-Thani, event organiser NeXTfairs co-founder and general manager Rawad Sleem, and Al Hattab Holding vice chairman Abdul Aziz bin Hattab al-Kaabi.“This year’s event welcomes more exhibitors and showcases the highest standards from across the world. In addition, we have added another day, increasing the opportunities for attendees to get all the information they need to get their house-building project off the ground,” Sleem said.After the opening ceremony, the minister was accompanied by other dignitaries during a tour of the exhibition, meeting some of the 250 participating exhibitors, including the Ministry of Municipality, Public Works Authority (Ashghal), Qatar General Electricity and Water Corporation (Kahramaa), Doha Bank, Décor & More, Living Spirit, Al Hattab Holding, Nabina Group, Nabina Holding, Al Emadi Stones, Rankoussi Group, JA&P Group, Bottega Design, Euro Systems, and other key players from the housing, design, and construction fields.They also visited international companies from Canada, Iran, Italy, Oman, the UK, Sri Lanka, Saudi Arabia, Belgium, China, Algeria, India, Jordan, and Türkiye, which are showcasing advanced design and leading materials.Sheikh Mohamed and other dignitaries also visited the Education Above All (EAA) booth, which demonstrates the work that the EAA Foundation, the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy, and its human and social legacy programme, Generation Amazing Foundation, which provides schools for hundreds of displaced Pakistani and Syrian children.Major General Hamad Othman al-Duhaimi, director-general of the General Directorate of Civil Defence-Qatar, said: “The exhibition has rapidly become a collaborative forum for knowledge and practical insight, providing the best procedures for obtaining approvals from license applications, engineering plans, safety systems, and the latest equipment and equipment used in rescue, protection, and security operations.“It is imperative that we at the Ministry of Interior department, support and provide practical guidance to introduce security and safety measures in homes and private facilities. We highlight the effective role of the General Administration and Civil Defense and the efforts made to upgrade our services to the highest levels of excellence and efficiency.”John Robertson, president AIA (The American Institute of Architects), Middle East, said: “The exhibition will be a bigger and better event this year, bringing together local homebuilders, contractors, consultants, and suppliers to provide a forum for communication, networking, and education.”Event partners, Ashghal have supported BYH since its inception in 2020. The event's objectives align with Ashghal's 2018-2023 strategic vision, ‘Excellence in Delivering and Managing Efficient, Sustainable Infrastructure’, and its efforts to make a tangible step towards transforming the objectives of Qatar National Vision 2030.Jean Saade, chairman of Living Spirit Interior Design, said: “The people we met at Build Your House exhibition are invaluable. We have generated new potential clients and established business relationships with other exhibitors. We also received inspiring feedback from the visitors on the products and designs we showcased during the exhibit.”The EAA Foundation booth showcases the recent work conducted with the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy and its human and social legacy programme, Generation Amazing Foundation, in partnership with Zaha Hadid Architects (ZHA) to donate 27 tents to use as schools, clinics, and temporary shelters for or displaced communities in Pakistan, Syria, Turkey, and Yemen.To aid EAA’s work, Qatar's interior design company, Living Spirit, will host a live mural painting created by the internationally renowned painter Giovanni Bressana. Living Spirit’s stand will showcase the mural and auction this to donate 100% of the profits to EAA.This year's annual student design competition in collaboration with VCUarts University's interior design students allows three shortlisted winners to gain vital industry exposure as they showcase their designs at the exhibition. More than 20 students participated in the design challenge. The winning entries will be announced Tuesday at 3pm.The Ministry of Municipality's booth encourages visitors to test their knowledge with their daily Doha Municipal Competition. Attendees can participate in the competition each day, and a winner will be drawn at 8pm. The winner will receive a prize for a home agricultural area in his garden.Attendees can look forward to an enhanced array of services and products from consultants, contractors, suppliers, smart homes, and general service industry leaders. They can participate in the Knowledge Sharing Conference that offers practical workshops from government entities, live Q&As, and a free self-build course. The Knowledge Sharing Conference is open during the four-day event, with daily talks and sessions starting at 11am.Free event registration for attendees is now available. Visit www.buildyourhouseqatar.com to register.

Qatar Chamber chairman Sheikh Khalifa bin Jassim al-Thani lauded the latest edition of the Build Your House (BYH 2023) exhibition, which opened Monday and will run until May 18 at the Qatar National Convention Centre (QNCC).Sheikh Khalifa, who attended the opening ceremony led by HE the Minister of Commerce and Industry Sheikh Mohamed bin Hamad bin Qassim al-Thani, noted in a statement that BYH 2023 offers a good opportunity for Qatari citizens to communicate with specialised building companies that are showcasing their services in the field of construction and interior design.According to Sheikh Khalifa, the exhibition provides a platform for local companies to strengthen their development and growth in the local market and exchange experience and services with participating companies, especially since there are many exhibitors from other countries participating in the expo.He stressed that Qatar Chamber is serving as an Official Sponsor of the exhibition to support the country’s industry and the Qatari private sector, noting that the event also reflects its importance in showcasing the latest developments and innovations in housebuilding.Sheikh Khalifa said the exhibition helps in enhancing the construction sector in Qatar, which has achieved many milestones, especially before the 2022 FIFA World Cup. The construction sector is likely to witness steady growth in line with the efforts to accomplish the Qatar National Vision 2030 and its related mega projects, in addition to economic expansion in various sectors, he said.BYH 2023 also showcases a variety of services and products that are presented by a number of consultants, contractors, and suppliers in the construction sector and in housebuilding. He added that the event enhances communication and co-operation between local and foreign companies, as well as between suppliers and contractors.