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Invest Qatar and Startup Portugal have sealed a partnership to foster collaboration and create new opportunities within the startup ecosystems of both countries.This partnership aims to enhance cross-border opportunities, knowledge exchange and business growth for startups in Qatar and Portugal.The agreement was signed by Sheikh Ali Alwaleed al-Thani, chief executive officer of Invest Qatar and António Dias Martins, executive director of Startup Portugal, during Web Summit Qatar 2025.As part of the agreement, both entities will facilitate mutual referrals of startup companies interested in expanding into each other’s markets, offering tailored support for startups establishing a presence in the respective markets.The collaboration is designed to streamline the process for startups seeking international expansion, enabling them to pursue an efficient business journey within their respective regions.Invest Qatar and Startup Portugal will join efforts to provide comprehensive guidance on business setup, regulatory frameworks and operational logistics, empowering startups to scale globally."By facilitating opportunities for Portuguese startups to establish in Qatar and fostering new prospects for co-operation, we are unlocking potential that will bring mutual benefits. We look forward to working together to further strengthen the economic ties between our two nations," said Sheikh Ali.Martins said this partnership with Invest Qatar marks a significant step towards strengthening the ties between the entrepreneurial ecosystems."By fostering collaboration, knowledge exchange, and market access, we are creating new opportunities for Portuguese and Qatari startups to scale and thrive internationally. We are excited to work alongside Invest Qatar to support startups in their expansion journeys, enabling innovation and business growth across both regions,” he said.Over the years, Portugal has made significant investments in Qatar across key sectors like renewable energy, food and beverages and real estate, contributing to economic growth, sustainability and stronger bilateral ties.The partnership between Invest Qatar and Startup Portugal further reinforces these ties by fostering business development, innovation and new opportunities for entrepreneurs in both countries.

The Qatar Stock Exchange (QSE) on Sunday opened the week weak with its key index losing more than 13 points on selling pressure especially in the insurance, consumer goods, realty and transport counters.The domestic institutions’ weakened buying was visible as the 20-stock Qatar Index shed 0.12% to 10,641.09 points, although it touched an intraday high of 10,661 points. The market has yielded 0.66% returns year-to-date.The local retail investors continued to be net sellers but with lesser intensity in the main bourse, whose capitalisation was seem melting QR1.09bn or 0.16% to QR622.82bn on the back of small and microcap segments.The foreign individuals were also seen net sellers but with lesser vigour in the main market, which saw as many as 0.01mn exchange traded funds (sponsored by Masraf Al Rayan and Doha Bank) valued at QR0.03mn changed hands across five deals.The foreign institutions were seen bullish in the main bourse, whose trade turnover fell amidst higher volumes.The Islamic index was seen declining slower than the main barometer of of the main market, which saw no trading of treasury bills.The Gulf institutions’ bearish grip rather slackened in the main bourse, which saw no trading of sovereign bonds.The Total Return Index fell 0.12% and the All Share Index by 0.13%, while the All Islamic Index fell 0.1% in the main market.The insurance sector index declined 1.21%, consumer goods and services (0.48%), realty (0.35%), transport (0.25%) and banks and financial services (0.08%); while telecom gained 0.14% and industrials 0.03%.As much as 50% of the traded constituents in the main bourse were in the red with major losers being Ezdan, Aamal Company, Qatar Insurance, Inma Holding, Qatar Oman Investment, Lesha Bank, Al Faleh Educational Holding, Qatar Electricity and Water and Nakilat. In the venture market, Al Mahhar Holding and Techno Q saw their shares depreciate in value.Nevertheless, Estithmar Holding, Gulf International Services, Qatar Industrial Manufacturing, Doha Bank, Mekdam Holding, Mannai Corporation, Qamco and Gulf Warehousing were among the movers in the main bourse.The domestic institutions’ net buying decreased drastically to QR17.85mn compared to QR48.3mn on February 20.However, the foreign institutions turned net buyers to the tune of QR1mn against net sellers of QR6.55mn the previous trading day.The local retail investors’ net selling shrank significantly to QR7.4mn compared to QR25.62mn last Thursday.The foreign individual investors’ net selling declined noticeably to QR0.93mn against QR3.27mn on February 20.The Gulf institutions’ net profit booking eased marginally to QR6.84mn compared to QR6.94mn the previous trading day.The Arab individual investors’ net selling decreased perceptibly to QR2.55mn against QR4.24mn last Thursday.The Gulf individuals’ net profit booking was down marginally to QR1.13mn compared to QR1.93mn on February 20.The Arab institutions had no major net exposure against net buyers to the tune of QR0.25mn the previous day.Trade volumes in the main market rose 12% to 143.78mn shares, while value fell 11% to QR330.56mn and deals by 21% to 11,217.The venture market saw more than 225-fold jump in trade volumes to 4.49mn equities and more than 217-fold in value to QR13.01mn on more than quadrupled transactions to 33.

Discounting apprehensions over the US tariff policy and the cautious approach of the Federal Reserve on interest rates, the Qatar Stock Exchange (QSE) saw its key index gain as much as 35 points and capitalisation add QR3.54bn this week. The domestic funds were seen increasingly into net buying as the 20-stock Qatar Index gained 0.33% this week which saw Al Mahhar Holding announce its shifting to the main market from February 24. The Arab retail investors turned bullish, albeit at lower levels, in the main bourse this week which saw the Qatar Insurance Group make strategic investments in three insurtecs. The Gulf institutions’ substantially weakened net profit booking had its influence in the main market this week which saw Ooredoo and Iron Mountain enter into partnership to accelerate data centre across the Middle East and North Africa. The banks, transport and industrials counters witnessed higher than average demand in the main bourse this week which saw the QSE board being reconstituted by the Qatar Investment Authority. The Arab institutions continued to be net buyers but with lesser intensity in the main bourse this week which however saw a total of 0.06mn Masraf Al Rayan-sponsored exchange-traded fund QATR worth QR0.14mn trade across 26 deals. The foreign funds were seen net profit takers in the main market this week which saw as many as 0.01mn Doha Bank-sponsored exchange-traded fund QETF valued at QR0.07mn change hands across nine transactions. The Islamic index was seen declining vis-à-vis gains in the other indices of the main market this week which saw the realty and industrials together constitute more than 51% of the total trade volumes. Market capitalisation added 0.57% to QR623.84bn on the back of midcap segments this week, which saw no trading of sovereign bonds. Trade volumes and turnover were on the increase in both the main bourse and junior market this week which saw no trading of treasury bills. The Total Return Index rose 0.51% and the All Share Index by 0.54%, while the All Islamic Index was down 0.08% this week. The banks and financial services sector index gained 0.95%, transport (0.44%) and industrials (0.39%); while telecom declined 0.54%, real estate (0.33%), insurance (0.29%) and consumer goods and services (0.24%) this week. Major gainers in the main market included Estithmar Holding, Mannai Corporation, Salam International Investment, Ahlibank Qatar, Al Khaleej Takaful, QNB, Qatar Islamic Bank, Lesha Bank, Al Faleh Educational Holding and Ezdan this week. Nevertheless, more than 65% of the traded constituents were in the red with major shakers being Qatar National Cement, Beema, Meeza, Inma Holding, Zad Holding, Dlala, Woqod and United Development Company this week. The domestic institutions’ net buying increased perceptibly to QR142.89mn compared to QR138.49mn the week ended February 13. The Arab individual investors turned net buyers to the tune of QR0.9mn against net sellers of QR4.82mn the previous week. The Gulf institutions’ net selling decreased drastically to QR33.3mn compared to QR112.23mn a week ago. However, the foreign funds’ net selling strengthened significantly to QR59.73mn against QR15.02mn the week ended February 13. The Qatari individuals’ net profit booking expanded substantially to QR34.15mn compared to QR4.37mn the previous week. The Gulf individual investors’ net selling increased marginally to QR10.07mn against QR9.45mn a week ago. The foreign retail investors were net sellers to the tune of QR7.07mn compared with net buyers of QR6.58mn the week ended February 13. The Arab institutions’ net buying eased marginally to QR0.55mn against QR0.79mn the previous week. The main market witnessed a 62% surge in trade volumes to 782.89mn shares, 33% in value to QR1.97bn and 36% in deals to 68,906 this week. In the venture market, trade volumes soared 26% to 6.19mn equities, value by 22% to QR17.15mn and transactions by 73% to 235.

The domestic institutions’ buying support on Thursday lifted the Qatar Stock Exchange by more than eight points, apparently discounting apprehensions over the US tariffs policy.The telecom, transport and banking counters witnessed higher than average demand as the 20-stock Qatar Index rose 0.08% to 10,654.4 points, recovering from an intraday low of 10,597 points.The Arab institutions were seen net buyers in the main bourse, whose capitalisation was up QR0.08bn or 0.01% to QR623.84bn on the back of microcap segments.The foreign retail investors’ weakened net selling had its influence on the main market, which saw as many as 0.01mn exchange traded funds (sponsored by Masraf Al Rayan and Doha Bank) valued at QR0.04mn changed hands across eight deals.However, the Qatari individuals were increasingly net sellers in the main bourse, whose trade turnover and volumes were on the decline.The Islamic index was seen declining vis-à-vis gains in the other indices of the main market, which saw no trading of treasury bills.The Gulf institutions turned bearish in the main bourse, which saw no trading of sovereign bonds.The Total Return Index gained 0.25% and the All Share Index by 0.2%, while the All Islamic Index fell 0.13% in the main market.The telecom sector index rose 0.57%, transport (0.5%), banks and financial services (0.3%) and industrials (0.03%); while real estate fell 0.39%, insurance (0.34%) and consumer goods and services (0.07%).Major gainers in the main bourse included Lesha Bank, Salam International Investment, Nakilat, Ooredoo, Ahlibank Qatar and Industries Qatar.Nevertheless, about 59% of the traded constituents were in the red with major losers being Woqod, Inma Holding, Dukhan Bank, Qatar Islamic Insurance, Dlala, Medicare Group, Aamal Company and Ezdan.In the venture market, Al Mahhar Holding saw its shares depreciate in value.The domestic institutions’ net buying increased drastically to QR48.3mn compared to QR10.17mn on February 19.The Arab institutions turned net buyers to the tune of QR0.25mn against net major net exposure the previous day.The foreign retail investors’ net selling declined noticeably to QR3.27mn compared to QR8.17mn on Wednesday.The Gulf individuals’ net profit booking shrank perceptibly to QR1.93mn against QR5.54mn on February 19.However, the local retail investors’ net selling expanded significantly to QR25.62mn compared to QR5.3mn the previous day.The Gulf institutions were net sellers to the extent of QR6.94mn against net buyers of QR13.24mn on Wednesday.The foreign institutions’ net profit booking strengthened markedly to QR6.55mn compared to QR1.22mn on February 19.The Arab individual investors’ net selling increased marginally to QR4.24mn against QR3.17mn the previous day.Trade volumes in the main market fell 24% to 128.16mn shares, value by 17% to QR371.82mn and deals by 10% to 14,123.The venture market saw a 67% plunge in trade volumes to 0.02mn equities, 63% in value to QR0.06mn and 56% in transactions to 8.

Gearing up for the Web Summit, the Qatar Financial Centre (QFC) has waived registration and annual fees for the first four years, along with a tax exemption, for those entities that register with QFC during the Summit."By offering attractive incentives and streamlined services, the QFC continues to position Qatar as a premier destination for global companies seeking to expand in the region," it said in a communique.As a key player in Qatar’s economic diversification, the QFC seeks to engage with global industry leaders, startups, and investors at the summit and showcase its platform not only as a conducive environment for establishing a business but also as a hub for technological advancement.Building on its success at the first Web Summit Qatar in 2024, where QFC registered over 300 firms in just four days, the QFC will once again offer "exceptional" incentives to companies looking to establish or expand their business ventures in Qatar."Companies that choose to register with the QFC during the Web Summit will benefit from waived registration and annual fees for the first four years, along with a tax exemption," it said.In addition, QFC is introducing instant banking services this year, in collaboration with QNB and Dukhan Bank, enabling potential clients to open corporate accounts seamlessly. This initiative further simplifies the business set-up process, resulting in a faster and more efficient entry into the Qatari market.The QFC’s participation in the Web Summit reinforces its commitment to supporting business growth and technological innovation in Qatar.

The Qatar Stock Exchange (QSE) yesterday went through a rollercoaster ride for most part of the session before winding up eight points higher.The real estate, industrials, banking and telecom counters witnessed higher than average demand as the 20-stock Qatar Index rose 0.08% to 10,646.13 points, recovering from an intraday low of 10,618 points.The Gulf institutions were seen net buyers in the main bourse, whose capitalisation added QR1.82bn or 0.29% to QR623.76bn on the back of small and midcap segments.The local retail investors’ weakened net selling had its influence in the main market, which saw as many as 1,624 exchange traded funds (sponsored by Masraf Al Rayan and Doha Bank) valued at QR0.01mn changed hands across three deals.The foreign funds’ lower net profit booking also had its say in the main bourse, whose trade turnover fell amidst higher volumes.The Islamic index was seen treading a flat path vis-à-vis gains in the other indices of the main market, which saw no trading of treasury bills.The domestic institutions continued to be net sellers but with lesser intensity in the main bourse, which saw no trading of sovereign bonds.The Total Return Index was up 0.08% and the All Share Index by 0.16%, while the All Islamic Index was unchanged in the main market.The realty sector index gained 0.55%, industrials (0.28%), banks and financial services (0.27%), telecom (0.13%), insurance (0.09%) and consumer goods and services (0.05%); while transport declined 0.92%.Major gainers in the main bourse included Mannai Corporation, Estithmar Holding, Qatar Cinema and Film Distribution, Al Khaleej Takaful, Qatar Islamic Insurance, Al Faleh Educational Holding, Industries Qatar and Qamco. In the venture market, both Al Mahhar Holding and Techno Q saw their shares appreciate in value.Nevertheless, Qatar National Cement, Widam Food, Medicare Group, Nakilat and Dukhan Bank were among the shakers in the main market.The Gulf institutions turned net buyers to the tune of QR13.24mn compared with net sellers of QR33.67mn on February 18.The Qatari individual investors’ net selling declined significantly to QR5.3mn against QR18.51mn the previous day.The foreign institutions’ net profit booking decreased perceptibly to QR1.22mn compared to QR3.81mn on Tuesday.However, the foreign retail investors were net sellers to the extent of QR8.17mn against net buyers of QR2.55mn on February 18.The Gulf individuals turned net sellers to the tune of QR5.54mn compared with net buyers of QR1.55mn the previous day.The Arab retail investors’ net profit booking strengthened noticeably to QR3.17mn against QR0.7mn on Tuesday.The domestic institutions’ net buying weakened drastically to QR10.17mn compared to QR52.29mn on February 18.The Arab institutions had no major net exposure against net buyers to the extent of QR0.3mn the previous day.Trade volumes in the main market rose 4% to 168.86mn shares, while value shrank 5% to QR449.14mn and deals by 6% to 15,714.The venture market saw an 96% plunge in trade volumes to 0.06mn equities, 96% in value to QR0.16mn and 89% in transactions to 18.

The domestic funds’ continued buying interests on Tuesday lifted the sentiments in the Qatar Stock Exchange (QSE) for the second straight session and its key index gained as much as 28 points.The transport and banking counters witnessed higher than average demand as the 20-stock Qatar Index rose 0.26% to 10,638.1 points, recovering from an intraday low of 10,555 points.The Gulf retail investors were seen bullish in the main bourse, whose capitalisation added QR0.87bn or 0.14% to QR621.94bn on the back of small and microcap segments.The foreign institutions’ weakened net selling had its influence on the main market, which saw as many as 2,002 exchange traded funds (sponsored by Masraf Al Rayan) valued at QR0.01mn changed hands across four deals.The Arab individuals’ lower net profit booking also had its say in the main bourse, whose trade turnover grew amidst lower volumes.The Islamic index was seen gaining slower than the other indices of the main market, which saw no trading of treasury bills.However, the Gulf funds were increasingly net sellers in the main bourse, which saw no trading of sovereign bonds.The Total Return Index was up 0.26%, the All Share Index by 0.23% and the All Islamic Index by 0.15% in the main market.The transport sector index gained 0.75% and banks and financial services 0.43%; while real estate declined 0.57%, consumer goods and services (0.26%), insurance (0.19%) and telecom (0.17%).Major gainers in the main bourse included Estithmar Holding, Milaha, Al Faleh Educational Holding, Dukhan Bank and Doha Insurance.In the venture market, Al Mahhar Holding and Techno Q saw their shares appreciate in value.Nevertheless, about 51% of the traded constituents in the main market were on the red with major shakers being Qatar National Cement, Beema, Qatar Cinema and Film Distribution, Zad Holding, Ezdan, Alijarah Holding, Gulf International Services, Mazaya Qatar, United Development Company and Vodafone Qatar.The domestic institutions’ net buying increased perceptibly to QR52.29mn compared to QR45.6mn on February 17.The Gulf retail investors turned net buyers to the tune of QR1.55mn against net sellers of QR1.47mn the previous day.The Arab institutions were net buyers to the extent of QR0.3mn against no major net exposure on Monday.The foreign institutions’ net selling decreased substantially to QR3.81mn compared to QR48.59mn on February 17.The Arab individual investors’ net profit booking eased marginally to QR0.7mn compared to QR1.09mn the previous day.However, the Gulf institutions’ net selling strengthened drastically to QR33.67mn against QR6.69mn on Monday.The Qatari individual investors turned net sellers to the tune of QR18.51mn compared with net buyers of QR8.84mn on February 17.The foreign retail investors’ net buying declined marginally to QR2.55mn against QR3.41mn the previous day.Trade volumes in the main market shrank 12% to 163.05mn shares, while value shot up 25% to QR470.8mn and deals by 25% to 16,653.In the venture market, trade volumes jumped more than six-fold to 1.6mn equities and value more than tripled to QR3.87mn on more than six-fold growth in transactions to 164.

Financial hubs like Qatar must remain agile and proactive amidst an evolving global legal and regulatory landscapes, according to a top official of the Qatar Financial Centre (QFC).This was highlighted by Yousuf Mohamed al-Jaida, chief executive officer, QFC, at an asset management workshop in collaboration with the international law firm K&L Gates.The event convened industry experts, financial professionals, and legal specialists to explore the complexities and opportunities arising from various market forces, providing attendees with valuable insights, practical updates, and forecasts to help them navigate the rapidly changing asset management sector.The workshop featured engaging discourse through panel discussions and fireside chats, covering key topics such as local and global asset management trends, regional market integration, evolving regulatory frameworks and establishing fund with the QFC."Facilitating these discussions reflects the QFC’s commitment to advancing Qatar’s financial ecosystem and reinforcing the country’s position as a hub for innovation, regulatory excellence, and sustainable investment strategies,” al-Jaida said, highlighting the critical role of regulatory foresight and strategic collaboration in shaping the future of asset management.The workshop discussed in detail the process of establishing a fund and regulated fund manager in the QFC, explaining which funds and strategies are permitted.A panel on global legal and regulatory trends, featuring experts from the QFC and K&L Gates, shed light on the impact of developments, such as the US' new administration, recent advancements in the EU, and emerging regional regulatory initiatives, including Qatar’s regulations on digital assets and tokenisation, on the domestic business landscape.The state of the asset management industry in the GCC or Gulf Co-operation Council was also explored, highlighting the benefits the GCC region could get from following a regional fund market like the ones that were adopted internationally."By sharing practical insights on fund establishment and regulatory trends, we aimed to support Qatar’s vision of becoming a global financial hub and foster meaningful conversations that drive growth," said Amjad Hussain, senior partner at K&L Gates.

The Qatar Stock Exchange on Monday closed five points higher despite strong buying interests from domestic funds. The insurance, consumer goods and telecom counters witnessed higher than average demand as the 20-stock Qatar Index rose 0.05% to 10,610.47 points, recovering from an intraday low of 10,579 points. More than 45% of the traded constituents extended gains in the main bourse, whose capitalisation was up QR0.53bn or 0.09% to QR621.07bn on the back of microcap segments. The local retail investors were increasingly net buyers in the main market, which saw as many as 5,389 exchange traded funds (sponsored by Masraf Al Rayan) valued at QR0.01mn changed hands across four deals. The foreign individuals turned bullish in the main bourse, whose trade turnover and volumes were on the increase. The Islamic index was seen gaining faster than the other indices of the main market, which saw no trading of treasury bills. The Gulf retail investors’ weakened net selling had its influence on the main bourse, which saw no trading of sovereign bonds. The Total Return Index was up 0.05%, the All Share Index by 0.04% and the All Islamic Index by 0.09% in the main market. The insurance sector index rose 0.5%, consumer goods and services (0.49%), telecom (0.39%) and industrials (0.06%); while transport declined 0.39%, real estate (0.17%) and banks and financial services (0.01%). Major gainers in the main market included Salam International Investment, Ahlibank Qatar, Zad Holding, Ezdan, QLM, Qatar Islamic Bank, Aamal Company, Estithmar Holding and Ooredoo. Nevertheless, Qamco, Dukhan Bank, Mekdam Holding, Baladna and United Development Company were among the shakers in the main bourse. In the venture market, both Al Mahhar Holding and Techno Q saw their shares depreciate in value. The domestic institutions turned net buyers to the tune of QR45.6mn compared with net sellers of QR13.46mn on February 16. The Qatari individual investors’ net buying increased perceptibly to QR8.84mn against QR6.44mn the previous day. The foreign individuals were net buyers to the extent of QR3.41mn compared with net sellers of QR1.59mn on Sunday. The Gulf retail investors’ net profit booking weakened marginally to QR1.47mn against QR2.69mn on February 16. However, the foreign funds turned net sellers to the tune of QR48.59mn compared with net buyers of QR0.43mn the previous day. The Gulf institutions were net profit takers to the extent of QR6.69mn against net buyers of QR0.78mn on Sunday. The Arab retail investors turned net sellers to the tune of QR1.09mn compared with net buyers of QR10.1mn on February 16. The Arab institutions had no major net exposure for the second straight session. Trade volumes in the main market soared 36% to 185.75mn shares, value by 25% to QR375.44mn and deals by 47% to 13,328. The venture market saw a 94% plunge in trade volumes to 0.26mn equities and 95% in value to QR0.64mn but on 14% jump in transactions to 24.

Ahead of the Web Summit, the Qatar Financial Centre (QFC) has substantially reduced the application fee for licensing to $500 from as high as $5,000.The 90% cut in fee applies to all applicants seeking a license to conduct non-regulated activities in the QFC, except for the activities of single family offices.The decision to reduce the application fee aligns with QFC’s broader strategy to create an optimal environment for businesses of all sizes and reflects a commitment to simplifying business set-up to drive economic growth.By offering a more competitive fee, the QFC is making market entry easier for startups, SMEs or small and medium enterprises, and global companies seeking to expand into Qatar’s dynamic market."This significant reduction in our application fee is one of many steps we are taking to make the QFC an even more attractive platform for businesses looking to establish operations in Qatar and the region. We expect this initiative to further enhance Qatar’s position as a leading business destination and encourage more entrepreneurs to take the first step towards launching their ventures," said Yousuf Mohamed al-Jaida, chief executive officer, QFC Authority.This pivotal initiative follows the previously implemented company-incorporation process that enables applicants to instantly establish an entity and obtain a licence to conduct non-regulated activities in the QFC, provided they meet the necessary requirements.By lowering financial barriers to entry, QFC is enabling more businesses to establish and operate with ease and confidence in a world-class jurisdiction.As a gateway for businesses to Qatar and the region, QFC continues to invest in strengthening its regulatory framework and support services.The platform offers a wide range of competitive benefits, including an onshore jurisdiction, legal and judicial frameworks based on common law, up to 100% foreign ownership, a competitive and transparent tax system, double taxation agreements with over 80 jurisdictions, a 10% corporate tax on locally sourced profits, 100% repatriation of profits, the freedom to trade in any currency, and a streamlined licensing process.

Portugal is eyeing funding from Qatar for its lithium refinery and also looking at Doha as a strategic partner for its green hydrogen, liquefied natural gas (LNG) infrastructure, solar and wind, chemicals and petrochemicals and pharmaceutical sectors. In this regard, a delegation comprising nine companies will meet with potential investors, including the Qatar Investment Authority, starting today until February 18 at Sheraton Hotel. "The knowledge and confidence acquired on the Qatari market from lasting years, the amazing achievements and legacy from the Qatar 2022, and new projects, support our trust and confidence on dynamic and positive outlook on collaboration between the two countries," Nuno Anahory, executive board member and director (International Relations) of Arab Portuguese Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCIAP) told Gulf Times. On lithium refinery, he said the objective is to raise funding for pre-construction and construction. With some 60,000 tonnes of known reserves, Portugal is already Europe's biggest producer of lithium, traditionally mined for ceramics. "I think Qatar can look to Portugal, and be a strategic partner in the extraction and processing of these raw materials," he said, adding besides lithium, there are opportunities in tin, niobium, tantalum, gold, silver, feldspar and quartz. Highlighting that Portugal and Qatar share complementary strengths in energy, petrochemicals, chemicals, and technology sectors, presenting significant investment opportunities for collaboration; he said, "There is strong potential for Qatari investment in green hydrogen production as Portugal aims to become a major European hub, and Doha's expertise in energy infrastructure could accelerate this." With its deep-water port and direct pipeline to Central Europe, Portugal offers a strategic entry point for Qatari LNG into the European market through its Port of Sines, which has a regasification terminal in Setubal District, and accounts for more than 55% of gas entering Portugal. It lies about 150km to the south of Lisbon. Qatar had delivered its first LNG cargo to Portugal in 2010. The cargo, sold on the spot market, was delivered to Galp Energia SGPS at the Sines LNG terminal. On the prospects in petrochemicals, Anahory said it include joint ventures in refining and petrochemical plants as Qatar’s expertise in hydrocarbons can strengthen Portugal’s industrial base and Qatar Inc. can invest in high-value petrochemicals, such as polymers and synthetic materials, for the European markets. Highlighting the plenty of opportunities to be explored between both countries; he said Portugal has ongoing projects open for investment in infrastructure, renewable energy, technology, real estate, hospitality, football, sports, tourism, information technology, artificial intelligence and entertainment. Stressing that Portugal developers are actively seeking investments in the real estate sector; Anahory said partnerships with investors are welcomed because the European Central Bank rules limit the capacity of the local banks to finance the existing opportunities. The country has become a hotspot for international property investors due to its attractive combination of affordability, high quality of life, safety, and strong returns on investment, according to him. "The Portuguese real estate market has shown resilience and consistent growth, making it an appealing destination for foreign investors," he said, adding foreigners can hold equity in the Portuguese real estate sector under the same conditions as domestic buyers. Through CCIAP, he said, it is actively working to connect Qatari investors with Portugal’s AI and technology innovation ecosystem, ensuring both nations stay at the forefront of the global digital revolution.

Global insurance rating agency A M Best has assigned a financial strength rating of A- (Excellent) and a long-term issuer credit rating of “a-” (Excellent) to Al Khaleej Takaful Insurance Company with “stable” outlook.The ratings reflect the insurer’s balance sheet strength, which AM Best assesses as “very strong”, as well as its strong operating performance, limited business profile and appropriate enterprise risk management.Al Khaleej is a takaful insurer and operates through a hybrid model, whereby the shareholders’ fund (SHF) charges the policyholders’ fund (PHF) a ‘Wakala’ fee based on gross written contributions (GWC) and a ‘Mudaraba’ fee based on investment income.The insurance company’s balance sheet strength is underpinned by its risk-adjusted capitalisation comfortably above the threshold for a strongest assessment, as measured by Best’s capital adequacy ratio (BCAR).The rating agency considers the company’s risk-adjusted capitalisation on a combined basis, including its policyholders’ and shareholders’ funds, due to the strength of domestic regulation and requirement that the shareholders’ fund would have to support the PHF if it were to fall into deficit.Despite its meaningful exposure to Qatari real estate, overall, the company has a conservative and liquid investment portfolio, with cash and sukuk holdings covering net technical reserves by 264.6% at the end of the third quarter of 2024. An offsetting factor to the balance sheet strength assessment is the company’s moderately high reliance on reinsurance, which is mitigated partially by a reinsurance panel of excellent credit quality.The rating agency assesses the insurer’s operating performance as strong. The company has reported robust underwriting performance consistently, with a five-year (2019-23) weighted average combined ratio (including short-term life results) of 83.6%.The company is expected to report similarly strong underwriting results in 2024. Earnings are balanced between SHF and PHF, with both funds achieving growth over recent years.Overall operating performance has been volatile in the past, driven by fluctuations in investment returns. Since 2020, it has taken actions to de-risk its investment portfolio, which has translated into progressive improvements in return on equity (ROE), with the company achieving double-digit ROEs since 2022.Al Khaleej holds a niche position within its domestic insurance market and has achieved a compounded annual growth rate of 4.5% over the five-year period between 2019 and 2023.The company is expected to announce material growth in GWC during 2024, in part as a result of a fronting arrangement signed with a leading international medical provider during the fourth quarter of 2023.Despite good growth, it has a relatively low product diversification, with its business mix mainly dominated by motor and medical lines on a net basis.

Uncertainties over the US’ tariff policy had its reflection in the Qatar Stock Exchange (QSE), which closed almost flat this week despite foreign institutions’ strong buying interests.The banks and consumer goods counters witnessed higher than average demand as the 20-stock Qatar Index settled mere three points or 0.03% higher this week which saw the International Monetary Fund (IMF) project 4.75% medium-term growth for Qatar.The foreign retail investors were increasingly net buyers in the bourse this week which saw the IMF find Qatar’s banks as highly capitalised and profitable.The foreign funds’ weakened net selling had its influence in the main market this week which saw Ooredoo report net profit of QR3.44bn in 2024.The Arab institutions’ marginally higher net buying was seen in the main bourse this week which saw Barwa report net profit of QR1.24bn in 2024.However, the Gulf funds were increasingly net sellers in the main bourse this week which saw a total of 0.1mn AlRayan Bank-sponsored exchange-traded fund QATR worth QR0.23mn trade across 26 deals.The Arab individuals were net profit takers in the main market this week which saw as many as 0.01mn Doha Bank-sponsored exchange-traded fund QETF valued at QR0.12mn change hands across 12 transactions.The local individuals were seen net sellers in the main bourse this week which saw as many as 0.11mn sovereign bonds worth QR1.06bn change hands across three deals.The Islamic index was seen gaining faster than the main barometer of the main market this week, which saw QNB’s shogun bond issuance for QR500mn.Market capitalisation melted QR0.97bn or 0.16% to QR620.3bn on the back of small and microcap segments this week which saw Estithmar Holding and United Development Company report net profit of QR404mn and QR426mn respectively in 2024.Trade turnover and volumes were on the decline in the main market; while it surged in junior bourse this week which saw no trading of treasury bills.The Total Return Index was up 0.03% and the All Islamic Index by 0.06%; while the All Share Index was down 0.04% this week which saw the industrials, banking and consumer goods sectors together constitute more than 68% of the total trade volumes.The banks and financial services sector index rose 0.24% and consumer goods and services 0.21%; while transport declined 0.98%, real estate (0.67%), telecom (0.46%), industrials (0.24%) and insurance (0.08%) this week which saw Al Faleh Educational Holding ink pact with Qatari Diar for a prime plot in Lusail.Major gainers in the main bourse included Qatar Cinema and Film Distribution, Doha Bank, Gulf International Services, Qatar Islamic Bank, QLM, Qatar National Cement, Estithmar Holding and Vodafone Qatar. In the venture market, both Al Mahhar Holding and Techno Q saw their shares appreciate in value this week which saw Capital Intelligence assign ratings to Al Khaleej Takaful.Nevertheless, Widam Food, Gulf Warehousing, Qatar Oman Investment, Baladna, UDC, Dlala, Al Faleh Educational Holding, Qatar Electricity and Water, Industries Qatar, Qamco, Mazaya Qatar, Ooredoo, Nakilat and Milaha were among the shakers in the main bourse this week.The domestic funds’ net buying increased substantially to QR138.49mn against QR56.41mn the week ended February 6.The foreign individual investors’ net buying expanded markedly to QR6.58mn compared to QR0.9mn the previous week.The Arab institutions’ net buying strengthened marginally to QR0.79mn against QR0.42mn a week ago.The foreign funds’ net selling declined significantly to QR15.02mn compared to QR56.24mn the week ended February 6.However, the Gulf funds’ net profit booking grew drastically to QR112.23mn against QR23.02nmn the previous week.The Gulf individual investors’ net selling shot up noticeably to QR9.45mn compared to QR4.79mn a week ago.The Arab individuals were net sellers to the tune of QR4.82mn against net buyers of QR3.67mn the week ended February 6.The local retail investors turned net profit takers to the extent of QR4.37mn compared with net buyers of QR22.82mn the previous week.The main market witnessed a 45% plunge in trade volumes to 0.48bn shares, 35% in value to QR1.48bn and 36% in deals to 50,618 this week.In the venture market, trade volumes jumped more than five-fold to 4.9mn equities and value by more than six-fold to QR14.03mn but on 19% contraction in transactions to 136.

Qatar’s environmental permits system simplified to foster business ecosystem while complying with regulationsQatar has simplified environmental permits for industrial facilities, exempting 86% of the industrial activities from the need of environmental permits.The Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoCI) and the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MECC) jointly launched the new initiative, as part of efforts to foster the business ecosystem and facilitate industrial activities, while complying with environmental regulations.Through this initiative, as many as 861 industrial activities are exempted from environmental permits, and grants operating permits upon the completion of factory construction, benefiting investors in 66% of all industrial activities.As many as 257 industrial activities will be exempt from environmental and operational permits, benefiting 20% of all industrial activities. Only 182 industrial activities, accounting for 14% of industrial activities, will need prior environmental permission.Saleh Majid al-Khulaifi, Assistant Undersecretary for Industry and Business Development at MoCI, stressed that the initiative reflects the ministry’s commitment to foster the business environment and facilitate the practice of industrial activities, by reducing administrative burdens, while ensuring compliance with environmental regulations.“The initiative will accelerate the issuance of permits, enhance the sector’s competitiveness, and contribute to national development goals,” he said.Abdul Hadi Nasser al-Marri, Assistant Undersecretary for Environmental Affairs at the MECC, said the procedure of granting environmental permits for industrial activities was reviewed and simplified to support responsible investments that observe environmental requirements while pursuing business development.“This initiative reflects our keenness to adopt international best practices to ensure shorter processes and less requirements for investors,” he said.This step enhances the ministry’s contribution to Qatar National Vision 2030, by creating an attractive investment climate that satisfies the principles of environmental sustainability and protection, according to him.The two ministries will continue co-ordination to improve procedures and lend necessary support to investors to ensure compatibility of business activities with environmental requirements.

Qatar is expected to see the lowest inflation among the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries and the wider Arab region this year with its consumer-price index (CPI) based inflation expected to average to 1.4% against 1.9% in the GCC and as high as 8.5% in the wider Arab world, according to Kamco Invest, a regional economic thinktank.Inflation in Bahrain is expected to average to 1.8% in 2025, Kuwait (2.4%), Oman (1.5%), Saudi Arabia (1.9%) and the UAE (2.1%), Kamco said in its latest report.In 2024 too, the same trend was seen with Qatar’s inflation projected at 1% compared to 1.4% in Bahrain, 3% in Kuwait, 1.3% in Oman, 1.7% in Saudi Arabia and 2.3% in the UAE. Overall, inflation was estimated to have risen by 1.8% in the GCC and a high of 11.9% in the Arab world.In the latest Article IV consultation report, the International Monetary Fund has forecasted Qatar’s inflation would converge to around 2% over the medium term compared to 1% in 2024.Inflation in the GCC countries continued to be subdued during 2024 against most other regions in the world where elevated prices and high inflation persisted despite a falling trajectory. Moreover, inflation in the wider Middle East and North Africa (Mena) region remained higher than that of the GCC region during 2024.According to the World Bank, inflation in the GCC region came in at 2.1% in 2024, kept down by subsidies, fuel price cap, and currency pegs. However, in certain sectors such as the housing sector, inflationary pressures remained in several of the six GCC nations.Qatar’s inflation was up 0.2% year-on-year (y-o-y) in December 2024, recording its second-lowest average yearly inflation rate growth in four years, according to Kamco report.Qatar’s moderate inflation rise came after four out of the eleven sub-indices recorded declines in December-2024, dragging down what could have been a greater inflation rate uptick in December2024.The food and beverages group, one of the largest weighted groups in Qatar’s CPI Index, witnessed a 2.2% y-o-y decline in December-2024, while the housing, water, electricity, and gas index, another majorly weighted sub-index of the general CPI, declined by 4.2% y-o-y in December 2024.The marginal yearly inflation uptick during the year was mainly driven by a moderate rise in prices in the communication group, which saw an increase of 4.4% y-o-y in December2024, followed by the recreation and culture and restaurants and hotels groups, with y-o-y increases of 2.5% and 1.7%, respectively.In terms of monthly performance, Qatar’s CPI increased by 0.87% in December-2024 over the previous month. The monthly inflation rate in Qatar averaged 0.09% during the period between 2009 and 2024, reaching an all-time high of 1.59% in December-2023 and a record low of -2.6% in January-2022.The moderate monthly inflation uptick was mainly due to the 8.8% month-on-month jump in the prices of the recreation and culture index, followed by the 1.5% m-o-m moderate gain in the restaurants and hotels index.

Reflecting the uncertainty over the US tariffs and the Federal Reserve's cautious path for rate cuts, the Qatar Stock Exchange on Wednesday lost 34 points to settle below 10,600 levels.The Gulf institutions were increasingly net profit takers as the 20-stock Qatar Index shed 0.32% to 10,595.24 points, although it touched an intraday high of 10,618 points.As much as 62% of the traded constituents were in the red in the main bourse, whose capitalisation melted QR2.1bn or 0.34% to QR619.3bn on the back of small and microcap segments.The Gulf retail investors were seen increasingly bearish in the main market, which saw as many as 1,810 exchange traded funds (sponsored by Masraf Al Rayan and Doha Bank) valued at QR0.02mn changed hands across four deals.The transport, consumer goods and industrials counters witnessed higher than average selling pressure in the main bourse, whose trade turnover and volumes were on the increase.The Islamic index was seen declining slower than the other indices of the main market, which saw no trading of treasury bills.The local retail investors continued to be net sellers but with lesser intensity in the main bourse, which saw no trading of sovereign bonds.The Total Return Index shed 0.32%, the All Share Index by 0.28% and the All Islamic Index by 0.22% in the main market.The transport sector index shrank 0.9%, consumer goods and services (0.67%), industrials (0.63%) and banks and financial services (0.1%); while telecom gained 0.34%, insurance (0.07%) and real estate (0.06%).Major shakers in the main bourse included Ezdan, Dlala, Zad Holding, QLM, Milaha, Mannai Corporation, Baladna, Qatar Electricity and Water and Nakilat.In the venture market, Al Mahhar Holding saw its shares depreciate in value.Nevertheless, Vodafone Qatar, Barwa, Qatar National Cement, Doha Insurance, Dukhan Bank, Aamal Company and Estithmar Holding were among the gainers in the main market.In the juniour bourse, Techno Q saw its shares appreciate in value.The Gulf institutions’ net profit booking increased substantially to QR68.16mn compared to QR17.56mn on February 10.The Gulf individual investors’ net selling expanded markedly to QR7.94mn against QR0.06mn the previous trading day.The foreign retail investors’ net buying weakened perceptibly to QR0.33mn compared to QR2.4mn on Monday.However, the domestic institutions’ net buying increased noticeably to QR50.58mn against QR47.66mn on February 10.The foreign funds were net buyers to the extent of QR32.6mn compared with net sellers of QR11.89mnthe previous trading day.The Qatari individual investors’ net profit booking shrank notably to QR6.45mn against QR14.29mn on Monday.The Arab retail investors’ net selling decreased markedly to QR1.45mn compared to QR6.26mn on February 10.The Arab institutions had no major net exposure for the third straight session.Trade volumes in the main market rose 7% to 125.43mn shares, value by 42% to QR503.94mn and deals by 26% to 16,038.The venture market saw a 97% plunge in trade volumes to 0.14mn equities and 97% in value to QR0.41mn but on 26% surge in transactions to 39.

Qatar banks are well-capitalised, liquid, and profitable, with the capital adequacy ratio of close to 20% and return on equity of 14.5%, respectively, in the third quarter of 2024, according to the International Monetary Fund (IMF).Since the implementation of the Qatar Central Bank (QCB) measures to reduce banks’ net short-term foreign liabilities, banks’ non-resident deposits declined "significantly", and banks have lengthened the average maturity and diversified further the sources of foreign funding, IMF said in its Article IV consultation report.The sector-wide NPL (non-performing loans) ratio remained broadly unchanged at slightly below 4% and the provisioning coverage ratio is relatively high at above 80%, it said.The report highlighted that credit growth to the private sector is expected to improve to 6.1% in 2025 compared to 5.5% in 2024 and 4.9% in 2023.The IMF directors supported Qatar's efforts to maintain financial stability and deepen domestic financial markets, while encouraging them to consider undertaking a financial sector assessment programme update.They welcomed the newly introduced risk-based supervision and recommended formalising the financial safety net and continuing to adjust macro-prudential policies to mitigate potential macro-financial risks. They encouraged Qatar to sustain the progress in fighting financial crimes.The IMF directors also agreed that the exchange rate peg continues to serve Qatar well. They concurred that, as conditions allow, strengthening the operational framework would further enhance monetary policy transmission.The QCB has broadly maintained the monetary policy in line with the US Federal Reserve, consistent with the currency peg to the dollar.The central bank's reserves stood at $25.4bn in 2024, equivalent to cover 7.9 months of next year's imports; against $24.5bn in 2023 (8 months) and $24.2bn in 2022 (8.1 months).

Qatar's medium-term growth is expected to strengthen to 4.75% on average, boosted by the significant LNG (liquefied natural gas) production expansion and initial gains from implementing reforms guided by the Third National Development Strategy (NDS3), according to the International Monetary Fund (IMF).Headline inflation will likely ease to 1% in 2024 and converge to around 2% over the medium term, the Bretton Woods institution said after its Article IV consultation with Qatar.Growth normalisation after the 2022 FIFA World Cup continued, with signs of strengthening activities more recently, it said, adding real GDP (gross domestic product) growth is projected to improve gradually to 2% in 2024–25 supported by public investment, spillovers from the ongoing LNG expansion project, and strong tourism.The IMF said with lower hydrocarbon prices, both the current account and fiscal surpluses narrowed in 2023, to 17% of GDP and 5.5% of GDP, respectively.Highlighting that the twin surpluses moderated further in 2024; it said "over the medium, as Qatar’s LNG production expands massively, both the current and fiscal accounts will likely remain in surpluses, albeit declining as a share of GDP, as hydrocarbon prices are projected to fall."Qatar has started to implement the ambitious NDS3 to build a more diversified, knowledge-based and private sector-driven economy.Guided by NDS3, reform momentum has strengthened significantly to attract and retain high-skilled expatriate workers, foster innovation, promote public-private partnerships, and further improve the business efficiency.Qatar is well positioned to leverage digitalisation and AI (artificial intelligence) for productivity gains, and the nation’s climate agenda is advancing, according to the report.Welcoming Qatar’s continued resilience to external shocks and its favourable medium-term outlook, driven by significant increases in LNG production and the reforms under NDS3; the IMF agreed that maintaining prudent macroeconomic policies and accelerating reform efforts would further solidify macroeconomic stability and resilience to shocks while boosting prosperity.In its executive board assessment, the IMF directors commended Qatar's continued fiscal prudence and called for accelerating fiscal reforms.They recommended adopting a medium-term fiscal anchor to help ensure intergenerational equity, and reiterated the need to accelerate revenue diversification, particularly by introducing the value-added tax. They highlighted the importance of improving spending efficiency and composition, particularly by enhancing public investment management.The IMF supported Qatar's strategy to build a more diversified, private sector-led and knowledge-based economy as it recommended fostering innovation and business efficiency and enhancing human capital by attracting and retaining more high-skilled expatriate workers, improving Qatari nationals’ employment in the private sector, and further increasing female labour force participation.