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The Qatar Central Bank (QCB) has granted sandbox entry approval to Madad Financial Technologies.The approval was granted in line with the Third Financial Sector Strategy, the Fintech Strategy, and the QCB's efforts to develop and regulate the fintech ecosystem in the country.Madad Financial Technologies offers an innovative digital invoice discounting marketplace designed specifically for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).This step highlights QCB's commitment to fostering the financial sector and advancing the objectives of the third financial sector strategy.However, QCB said the entry into the regulatory sandbox does not equate to full-scale licensing approval; rather the applicant is considered an authorised fintech sandbox participant for regulatory activities by the fintech entity.

The US President-elect's gradual approach to raising tariffs and hopes of ceasefire in Gaza had their respective positive impact on the global and regional bourses, reflecting in a 165-point gain on the Qatar Stock Exchange (QSE).The domestic institutions were seen increasingly net buyers as the 20-stock Qatar Index on Tuesday shot up 1.62% to 10,384.89 points, recovering from an intraday low of 10,283 points.The transport and banking counters witnessed higher than average demand in the main bourse, whose capitalisation added QR8.23bn or 1.37% to QR608.65bn on the back of large and midcap segments.More than 65% of the traded constituents extended gains in the main market, which saw no trading of exchange traded funds (sponsored by AlRayan Bank and Doha Bank).The Gulf institutions were increasingly bullish in the main bourse, whose trade turnover grew amidst lower volumes.The Islamic index was seen gaining slower than then the other indices in the main bourse, which saw no trading of treasury bills.The foreign institutions’ weakened net profit booking had its influence in the main market, which saw no trading of sovereign bonds.The Total Return Index gained 1.62%, the All Share Index by 1.53% and the All Islamic Index by 0.95% in the main market.The transport sector shot up 5.03%, banks and financial services (1.77%), telecom (0.73%), consumer goods and services (0.72%), industrials (0.59%) and insurance (0.26%); while real estate declined 0.19%.Major gainers in the main market included Nakilat, Qatar Islamic Bank, QIIB, QNB, Industries Qatar, Aamal Company and Ooredoo.In the junior bourse, Al Mahhar Holding saw its shares appreciate in value.Nevertheless, Gulf Warehousing, Inma Holding, Qatar Oman Investment, Al Faleh Educational Holding and Dukhan Bank were among the losers in the main bourse.In the venture market, Techno Q saw its shares depreciate in value.The domestic institutions’ net buying increased substantially to QR42.47mn compared to QR13.4mn on January 13.The Gulf institutions’ net buying strengthened significantly to QR24.63mn against QR1.65mn the previous day.The foreign institutions’ net selling decreased considerably to QR38.29mn compared to QR71.34mn on Monday.However, the Qatari individuals turned net sellers to the tune of QR24.24mn against net buyers of QR40.47mn on January 13.The Arab retail investors were net sellers to the extent of QR3.24mn compared with net buyers of QR7.67mn the previous day.The foreign individuals turned net profit takers to the tune of QR1.37mn against net buyers of QR7.14mn on Monday.The Gulf retail investors’ net buying weakened marginally to QR0.04mn compared to QR0.43mn on January 13.The Arab institutions had no major net exposure against net buyers to the extent of QR0.58mn the previous day.Trade volumes in the main market fell 6% to 132.88mn shares, while value was up 5% to QR435.15mn but on 4% shrinkage in deals to 16,547.The venture market saw a 15% contraction in trade volumes to 0.46mn equities and 16% in value to QR1.13mn but on 3% jump in transactions to 34.

Aamal Company, one of the region’s leading diversified companies, is planning to establish a new subsidiary entity in Saudi Arabia.This "promising" addition to Aamal's investment portfolio will be part of the industrial manufacturing sector, one of the company's key operating sectors.The newly established company will specialise in a broad range of activities aimed at providing integrated solutions in the construction and infrastructure sector. These include project design and participation in tenders, technical and engineering supervision and consulting services, production of precast concrete elements such as pillars and walls, manufacturing high-quality concrete pipes for water and wastewater networks, transportation and installation services for concrete components, quality control and inspections, comprehensive project management solutions, engineering solution development, and custom-built construction components based on demand."The establishment of the new company is a part of Aamal's strategic plan to expand its operations and enhance its presence in new and promising markets, with Saudi Arabia being one of the most dynamic regional and global markets at present," said its chief executive officer Rashid bin Ali al-Mansoori.Through this company, he said Aamal aims to strengthen its regional expansion by establishing a solid business base in Saudi Arabia.It also opens new avenues for exploring opportunities in vital sectors such as technology and energy, while underpinning Aamal's position in the construction and infrastructure industry through sustainable strategic growth.

Inflation worries and expected higher interest regime in the US on account of latest job data had their reflection on the Qatar Stock Exchange (QSE), which Monday saw its key index plummet as much as 185 points and capitalisation erode more than QR10bn.The foreign institutions were seen increasingly net profit takers as the 20-stock Qatar Index rose 1.78% to 10,219.69 points, although it touched an intraday high of 10,408 points.An across the board selling – notably in the banking and telecom counters -- was visible in the main bourse, whose capitalisation eroded QR10.18bn or 1.68% to QR600.42bn on the back of large and midcap segments.As much as 96% of the traded constituents were in the red in the main market, which saw a total of 0.01mn exchange traded funds (sponsored by AlRayan Bank and Doha Bank) valued at QR0.06mn change hands across seven transactions.The Gulf institutions’ weakened net buying had its effect on the main bourse, whose trade turnover and volumes were on the rise.The Islamic index was seen declining slower than then the other indices in the main bourse, which saw no trading of treasury bills.However, the local retail investors were seen bullish in the main market, which saw no trading of sovereign bonds.The Total Return Index shed 1.78%, the All Share Index by 1.67% and the All Islamic Index by 1.64% in the main market.The telecom sector index tanked 2.54%, banks and financial services (1.95%), transport (1.55%), industrials (1.37%), consumer goods and services (1.36%), real estate (0.47%) and insurance (0.16%).Major losers in the main market included Industries Qatar, Ooredoo, Qatar Islamic Bank, QIIB, Ezdan, Qatari Investors Group, Widam Food, Alijarah Holding, Mesaieed Petrochemical Holding, Gulf Warehousing, Nakilat, Milaha and Salam International Investment. In the junior bourse, both Al Mahhar Holding and Techno Q saw their shares depreciate in value.Nevertheless, Doha Insurance and Vodafone Qatar were the two gainers in the main market.The foreign institutions’ net selling increased significantly to QR71.34mn compared to QR8.82mn on January 12.The Gulf institutions’ net buying weakened noticeably to QR1.65mn against QR11.72mn the previous day.However, the Qatari individuals turned net buyers to the tune of QR40.47mn compared with net sellers of QR0.83mn on Sunday.The domestic institutions were net buyers to the extent of QR13.4mn against net sellers of QR0.53mn on January 12.The Arab individuals turned net buyers to the tune of QR7.67mn compared with net profit takers of QR0.09mn the previous day.The foreign retail investors were net buyers to the extent of QR7.14mn against net sellers of QR0.19mn on Sunday.The Arab institutions turned net buyers to the tune of QR0.58mn compared with no major net exposure on January 12.The Gulf individual investors were net buyers to the extent of QR0.43mn against net sellers of QR1.27mn the previous day.Trade volumes in the main market soared 60% to 141.17mn shares and value by 91% to QR415.24mn on more than doubled transactions to 17,257.The venture market saw trade volumes grow six-fold to 0.54mn equities and value by more than five-fold to QR1.34mn on more than doubled deals to 33.

Higher Islamic debt issuances by Qatar and Saudi Arabia supported the growth in aggregate sukuk in the GCC or Gulf Co-operation Council in 2024, according to Kamco Invest, a regional economic think-tank.Total sukuk issuances in the GCC stood at a record high of $82.1bn in 2024 against $56.1bn in 2023 whereas non-GCC global sukuk issuances stood at $50.4bn in 2024 compared to $65.1bn in 2023, Kamco said in its latest report.Within the Middle East and North Africa region, the GCC was the key driver of higher bond issuances in 2024, accounting for more than 73% of the total issuances.Total bond issuances by GCC countries reached a record high at $103.4bn in 2024, an increase of 71% or $42.9bn.The UAE witnessed the biggest growth in issuances during the year reaching $49.7bn compared to $31.2bn in 2023, followed by Qatar that recorded a growth of $13.4bn.The UAE was also the biggest bond issuer in the region followed by Saudi Arabia and Qatar with aggregate issuances of $30.8bn and $16.8bn, respectively.In terms of type of issuers in the GCC, both government and corporates in the region registered higher year-on-year issuances in 2024.Total sovereign bond issuances in the GCC stood at $33.3bn in 2024 against $20.2bn in 2023; while the GCC corporates saw issuances of $70.1bn in 2024 compared to $40.3bn in 2023, Kamco said.Highlighting that the outlook for 2025 remains clouded by a number of factors, most important one being the expected policies of the new incoming government in the US; it said the likely change in policies in the US is forecasted to be inflationary, further adding to US Fed’s worries about fighting sticky inflation.In terms of GCC fixed income issuances, maturities are elevated in 2025 at $89.8bn and the refinancing of these instruments are expected to account for the bulk of the issuances by corporates and governments in the region this year, it said."We are seeing a fund raising spree in the US as treasury yields are trending upwards," the report said.The recent issuance of $12bn bonds by Saudi Arabia and the $1bn sukuk issuance by Kuwait’s KFH are seen as following similar strategies.Issuances in 2025 would be further supported by a strong pipeline of projects across the GCC related to the respective diversification goals, according to Kamco."We expect fresh issuances to come during the second half of 2025 as more clarity emerges in terms of interest rates and inflation," it said.A fear that some of the rate cuts may be reversed in 2026 could also trigger higher issuances to lock in lower rates, it said, adding fiscal deficits by some sovereigns in the region, including Saudi Arabia’s forecasted $27bn, is another factor supporting issuances by GCC sovereigns."The outlook for sukuk issuances is also positive with GCC expected to dominate the market once again, in line with the last few years," it said.A rising demand for sukuks as well as sustainable financing is expected to drive growth in global issuances of sukuks and ESG or environmental, social and governance-compliant sukuk instruments, according to Kamco.

The Qatar Stock Exchange (QSE) saw strong profit booking from foreign funds, leading to 130 points plunge in key index this week, which otherwise saw the Ministry of Commerce and Industry unveil the 2024-30 strategy, targeting 3.4% growth in non-hydrocarbon gross domestic product (GDP) and $100bn foreign direct investment. The real estate and banking counters experienced higher than average selling pressure as the 20-stock Qatar Index shed 1.23% this week which saw the global credit rating agency Standard and Poor’s view Qatar banks as profitable and seen benefitting from strong capitalisation and adequate liquidity. The local retail investors were seen bearish this week which saw the World Travel & Tourism Council forecasts that travel and tourism share to Qatar GDP may account for 13% in 2034. The domestic institutions’ substantially weakened net buying had its influence in the main market this week which saw the Qatar Central Bank’s stress results indicate that all Qatari banks have “sufficient cushion” available to withstand liquidity risks. The Arab institutions turned net sellers, albeit at lower levels, in the main bourse this week which saw a total of 0.09mn AlRayan Bank-sponsored exchange-traded fund QATR worth QR0.19mn trade across 28 deals. However, the Gulf institutions were seen bullish in the main market this week which saw as many as 0.01mn Doha Bank-sponsored exchange-traded fund QETF valued at QR0.05mn change hands across six transactions The Arab retail investors turned net buyers in the main bourse this week which saw container, RORO and livestock movements through Qatar’s ports saw brisk growth in 2024. The Islamic index was seen declining slower than the other indices in the main market this week, which saw market capitalisation decline QR7.05bn or 1.14% to QR613.81bn on the back of large and midcap segments. Trade turnover and volumes were on the increase in the main market, while the junior bourse saw lower turnover and volumes this week which saw no trading of treasury bills and sovereign bonds. The Total Return Index shed 1.23%, the All Share Index by 1.17% and the All Islamic Index by 0.85% this week. The realty sector index tanked 2.44%, banks and financial services (2.04%), transport (1.06%), industrials (0.84%) and insurance (0.53%); while telecom gained 4.37% and consumer goods and services (0.65%) this week. As much as 69% of the traded constituents were in the red with major losers being Ezdan, Meeza, United Development Company, Qatar Islamic Bank, Milaha, QNB, Commercial Bank, QIIB, Qatar Oman Investment, Lesha Bank, Baladna, Al Faleh Educational Holding, Gulf International Services, Mesaieed Petrochemical Holding and Estithmar Holding. In the venture market, Techno Q saw its shares depreciate in value this week. Nevertheless, Zad Holding, Qatar Cinema and Film Distribution, Ooredoo, Qatar National Cement, Qatari Investors Group, Doha Bank, Aamal Company, Qatari Investors Group and Vodafone Qatar were among the gainers in the main market. In the junior bourse, Al Mahhar Holding saw its shares appreciate in value this week. The foreign institutions’ net selling increased drastically to QR99.17mn against QR18.44mn the week ended January 2. The Qatari individual investors were net sellers to the tune of QR4.66mn against net buyers of QR1.98mn the previous week. The Arab funds turned net sellers to the extent of QR0.1mn compared with net buyers of QR0.01mn a week ago. The domestic institutions’ net buying declined substantially to QR22.53mn against QR66.02mn the week ended January 2. However, the Gulf funds were net buyers to the tune of QR50.5mn compared with net sellers of QR7.85mn the previous week. The Arab retail investors turned net buyers to the extent of QR16.57mn against net profit takers of QR18.58mn a week ago. The foreign individuals were net buyers to the tune of QR12.09mn compared with net sellers of QR15.97mn the week ended January 2. The Gulf retail investors turned net buyers to the extent of QR2.25mn against net sellers of QR7.17mn the previous week. The main market saw trade volumes more than double to 642.35mn shares and value more than double to QR1.85bn on more than doubled deals to 69,685 this week. The venture market saw 49% contraction in trade volumes to 1.8mn equities, 47% in value to QR4.54mn and 4% in transactions to 208.

The Qatar Stock Exchange (QSE) on Thursday lost more than 14 points, dragged mainly by the real estate, transport and banking counters.The foreign funds were seen increasingly net sellers as the 20-stock Qatar Index lost 0.14% to 10,441.53 points, but recovering from an intraday low of 10,404 points.The Gulf retail investors turned net profit takers in the main bourse, whose capitalisation was melting QR1.08bn or 0.18% to QR613.81bn on the back of small and microcap segments.The Gulf institutions’ weakened net buying had its influence in the main market, which saw as many as 3,999 exchange traded funds (sponsored by AlRayan Bank and Doha Bank) valued at QR0.04mn change hands across five transactions.As much as 52% of the traded constituents were in the red in the main bourse, whose trade turnover and volumes were on the decline.The Islamic index was seen gaining vis-à-vis declines in the other indices of the main bourse, which saw no trading of treasury bills.The domestic funds were seen increasingly net buyers in the main market, which saw no trading of sovereign bonds.The Total Return Index fell 0.14% and the All Share Index by 0.18%, while the All Islamic Index was up 0.07% in the main market.The realty sector index shrank 0.73%, transport (0.49%), banks and financial services (0.4%), industrials (0.08%) and consumer goods and services (0.05%); whereas telecom and insurance gained 1.61% and 0.71% respectively.Major losers in the main market included Meeza, Zad Holding, United Development Company, Commercial Bank, Ezdan and QNB.Nevertheless, Widam Food, Qatar General Insurance and Reinsurance, Ooredoo, Mannai Corporation, Aamal Company, Doha Bank, Qatar German Medical Devices and Estithmar Holding were among the movers in the main bourse.In the venture market, Al Mahhar Holding saw its shares appreciate in value.The foreign institutions’ net selling increased noticeably to QR49.72mn compared to QR42.02mn on January 8.The Gulf retail investors turned net sellers to the tune of QR0.46mn against net buyers of QR0.68mn on Wednesday.The Gulf institutions’ net buying weakened substantially to QR9.91mn compared to QR19.27mn the previous day.The foreign individual investors’ net buying declined perceptibly to QR5.55mn against QR8.88mn on January 8.However, the domestic institutions’ net buying strengthened markedly to QR25.66mn compared to QR22.06mn on Wednesday.The Qatari individuals were net buyers to the extent of QR5.92mn against net sellers of QR10.74mn the previous day.The Arab individual investors’ net buying expanded noticeably to QR3.14mn compared to QR1.97mn on January 8.The Arab institutions had no major net exposure against net profit takers to the tune of QR0.1mn on Wednesday.Trade volumes in the main market shrank 22% to 123.52mn shares, value by 23% to QR391.12mn and transactions by 27% to 14,581.The venture market saw doubling of trade volumes to 0.04mn equities and 67% surge in value to QR0.1mn but on 36% contraction in deals to nine.

Qatar's banking sector is profitable and benefit from strong capitalisation and adequate liquidity, as "significant" jump in liquefied natural gas (LNG) production and its spillover effect on non-hydrocarbons will support credit growth in the next two to three years, according to Standard and Poor's (S&P).In its latest report, S&P said Qatari banks are well capitalised with the total capital ratio and Tier 1 ratio, including capital conservation buffer for the whole banking system, remain well above the central bank’s minimum requirements of 12.5% and 10.5%, respectively.Supportive shareholders, dividend payouts that tend to be below 50% and strong profitability are slated to contribute to stable capitalisation levels, it said.The (profitability) trend is expected to continue with an only modest drop in net interest margins owing to interest rate cuts, it said."We expect banks profitability to decline slightly due to the lower interest rates and the replacement of external funding by more expensive local funding sources," it said, expecting cost of risk to trend down, thanks to the supportive economic environment and lower rates, which will give some breathing space to struggling realty exposures.The rating agency said non-performing loans or NPLs will remain modestly elevated at about 4% in 2025 before dropping in 2026, when GDP (gross domestic product) and lending opportunities are expected to pick up amid the LNG expansion, but oversupply in the real estate and hospitality sectors would weigh on banks’ asset quality.Asset quality should stabilise, thanks to interest rate cuts, precautionary provisions booked over the past few years, and the government's tourism and non-oil diversification push, it however noted."The contribution of Turkiye and Egypt to exposed Qatari banks’ lending books is likely to shrink further due to the depreciation of local currencies and lending growth in Qatar," S&P said.Although geopolitical tensions in the Middle East are high, it however does not expect a full-scale regional conflict, and so anticipate macroeconomic conditions in Qatar to remain broadly “stable”.Qatar's North Field Expansion project will increase LNG production (by about 35% by 2027 in its forecast), it said, expecting growth to temporarily average 5.8% in 2026-27 compared with an average 2% growth in 2024-25A return to normal non-hydrocarbon economic activity, relatively flat LNG production until 2025, and completion of many capital projects imply lower requirements for credit, S&P said, forecasting slower domestic credit growth in Qatar of around 5% in 2025-26 against 11% average in 2019-20.Finding that most of the major infrastructure projects have been completed, softening the need for external funding; S&P said "we expect local funding sources will fund credit expansion in 2025-26."In the first nine months of 2024, domestic deposits increased by about 5% compared with less than 1% growth in 2023, it noted.

Container, RORO (vehicle) and livestock movements through Qatar's ports saw brisk growth during 2024 as Hamad Port emerged as a key transshipment hub in the region, according to official data.The positive yearly trajectory in vital parameters of maritime sector comes amidst the country's growing international trade to support its strong economic growth, especially in the non-energy private sector.As many as 2,803 ships had called on Qatar's three ports during 2024, which showed rose 1.28% over the previous year. The maximum number of ships berthed was in December and the lowest of 192 in April.The three ports were seen handling 130,684 vehicles (RORO) during 2024, which registered a 62.18% increase year-on-year. The RORO movement through three ports reached the maximum of 27,795 units in November 2024 and the lowest of 19,573 units in April 2024.RORO ships – which are designed to transport vehicles like cars, trucks, and motorcycles -- feature ramps that allow vehicles to drive directly on and off, eliminating the need for cranes and making it an efficient way to move cargo across the seas.The National Planning Council data reveals robust year-on-year growth in the registration of new vehicles for private use and private motorcycles, trailers and heavy equipment during majority of the months in 2024.The container handling through the three ports stood at 1.46mn TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units) during 2024, which was up 9.55% on an annualised basis. The container movement recorded the maximum of 144,884 TEUs in June 2024 and the lowest of 87,005 in April 2024.The container terminals have been designed to address the increasing trade volume, enhance ease of doing business and support economic diversification, which is one of the most vital goals of the Qatar National Vision 2030.With a stacking area of 176,000 sqm, the container terminal 2 or CT2 is equipped with the latest advanced technology, including remote-operated ship-to-shore cranes, hybrid rubber-tyred gantries, and electric tractors.Hamad Port, which celebrated a huge milestone of exceeding 10mn TEUs since beginning operations in 2016, has rapidly evolved into a critical hub for international shipping, catering to the needs of all major global shipping lines.In 2024, Mwani Qatar achieved a 23% jump in transshipment cargo against the previous year, underscoring the growing prominence and trust that Hamad Port enjoys among global shipping lines as a key transshipment hub in the region, it said in its social medial handle X.The three ports were seen handling 543,713 livestock heads during 2024, which zoomed 22.46% on a yearly basis. The livestock movement through three ports saw the highest at 118,569 heads in March 2024 and the lowest of 19,573 heads in April 2024.The general cargo handled through three ports stood at 1.66mn freight tonnes during 2024, which however registered a 63.26% plunge year-on-year. The general and bulk cargo through the three ports was the highest in April 2024 when it was 235,432 freight tonnes and the lowest in June 2024 when it was 56,934 freight tonnes.The building materials handled amounted to 247,543 tonnes during 2024, showing a 53.15% slump on an annualised basis. This comes amidst the rebound of business activities, especially in the construction and real estate sectors.The building materials traffic witnessed the maximum of 52,242 tonnes in March 2024 and two months (September and October) had seen no movements.

The Qatar Stock Exchange (QSE) on Wednesday seen closing in the positive trajectory despite net profit booking pressure in four of the seven sectors.The domestic and Gulf institutions were seen net buyers as the 20-stock Qatar Index rose 0.04% or about five points to 10,455.97, recovering from an intraday low of 10,366 points.The transport and telecom counters witnessed higher than average demand in the main bourse, whose capitalisation was down QR0.38bn or 0.06% to QR614.89bn on the back of microcap segments.The foreign individuals were also seen net buyers in the main market, which saw no trading of exchange traded funds (sponsored by AlRayan Bank and Doha Bank).More than 59% of the traded constituents extended gains to investors in the main bourse, whose trade turnover and volumes were on the increase.The Islamic index was seen gaining slower than the key index in the main bourse, which saw no trading of treasury bills.The Gulf retail investors were seen net buyers in the main market, which saw no trading of sovereign bonds.The Total Return Index rose 0.04% and the All Islamic Index by 0.03%, while the All Share Index was down 0.07% in the main market.The transport sector index rose 1.15%, telecom (0.77%) and industrials (0.14%); while consumer goods and services declined 1.21%, real estate (0.93%), insurance (0.64%) and banks and financial services (0.16%).Major movers in the main market included Qatar Cinema and Film Distribution, Nakilat, Mekdam Holding, Ooredoo and Gulf Warehousing.Nevertheless, Zad Holding, Doha Bank, Gulf International Services, Estithmar Holding, Qatar German Medical Devices, Commercial Bank, Lesha Bank, Qatar Oman Investment, Widam Food, Baladna, Al Faleh Educational Holding, Ezdan and United Development Company were among the loses in the main bourse.In the venture market, Al Mahhar Holding saw its shares depreciate in value.The domestic institutions’ net buying strengthened markedly to QR22.06mn against QR10.38mn on January 7.The Gulf institutions turned net buyers to the tune of QR19.27mn compared with net sellers of QR0.22mn on Tuesday.The foreign individuals were net buyers to the extent of QR8.88mn against net profit takers of QR3.43mn the previous day.The Gulf retail investors turned net buyers to the tune of QR0.68mn compared with net sellers of QR2.22mn on January 7.The Qatari individual investors’ net selling declined significantly to QR10.74mn against QR33.88mn on Tuesday.However, the foreign funds were net sellers to the extent of QR42.02mn compared with net buyers of QR25.04mn the previous day.The Arab institutions turned net profit takers to the tune of QR0.1mn against no major net exposure on January 7.The Arab retail investors’ net buying weakened perceptibly to QR1.97mn compared to QR4.42mn on Tuesday.Trade volumes in the main market soared 24% to 158.25mn shares, value by 36% to QR509.47mn and transactions by 47% to 19,928.The venture market saw an 80% contraction in trade volumes to 0.02mn equities, 75% in value to QR0.06mn and 46% in deals to 14.

The Qatar Stock Exchange (QSE) on Tuesday gained as much as 75 points in key index and about QR3bn in capitalisation, tracking sentiments in the regional markets ahead of the US Federal Reserve’s upcoming interest rate decision.The transport and banking counters witnessed higher than average demand as the 20-stock Qatar Index rose 0.72% to 10,496.82 points, although it touched an intraday high of 10,510 points.The foreign funds were increasingly net buyers in the main bourse, whose capitalisation added QR2.96bn or 0.47% to QR618.88bn on the back of small cap segments.The domestic institutions were also increasingly bullish in the main market, which saw as many as 0.01mn ETFs or the exchange traded funds (sponsored by AlRayan Bank), valued at QR0.1mn change hands across nine deals.As much as 64% of the traded constituents extended gains to investors in the main bourse, whose trade turnover and volumes were on the increase.The Islamic index was seen gaining slower than the other indices of the main bourse, which saw no trading of treasury bills.The Arab retail investors were seen increasingly net buyers in the main market, which saw no trading of sovereign bonds.The Total Return Index rose 0.72%, the All Share Index by 0.65% and the All Islamic Index by 0.58% in the main market.The transport sector index shot up 1%, banks and financial services (0.95%), insurance (0.51%), industrials (0.42%), realty (0.08%) and consumer goods and services (0.05%); while telecom declined 0.63%.Major movers in the main market included Doha Bank, AlRayan Bank, Milaha, Commercial Bank, Qatar Islamic Bank, Inma Holding, Qatar Islamic Insurance, Barwa, Vodafone Qatar and Nakilat. In the junior bourse, Techno Q saw its shares appreciate in value.Nevertheless, Ooredoo, Mazaya Qatar, Ahlibank Qatar, Mekdam Holding and Ezdan were among the losers in the main bourse. In the venture market, Al Mahhar Holding saw its shares depreciate in value. The foreign institutions’ net buying increased substantially to QR25.04mn compared to QR0.04mn on December 9.The domestic institutions’ net buying strengthened markedly to QR10.38mn against QR8.93mn the previous day.The Arab retail investors’ net buying strengthened perceptibly to QR4.42mn compared to QR3.54mn on Monday.The Gulf institutions’ net profit booking declined noticeably to QR0.32mn against QR1.64mn on December 9.The Gulf retail investors’ net selling shrank remarkably to QR2.22mn compared to QR4.24mn the previous day. However, the Qatari individual investors’ net selling expanded significantly to QR33.88mn against QR7.73mn on Monday.The foreign individuals were net sellers to the tune of QR3.43mn compared with net buyers of QR1.06mn on December 9.The Arab institutions had no major net exposure for the fifth straight session.Trade volumes in the main market soared 31% to 138.32mn shares, value by 27% to QR404.36mn and transactions by 4% to 14,597.The venture market saw 50% contraction in trade volumes to 0.05mn equities, 54% in value to QR0.13mn and 32% in deals to 15.

Qatar reported an overall 0.8% year-on-year growth in real gross domestic product (GDP) during the second quarter (Q2) of 2024, powered by its non-oil sector, especially information and communication, transport and wholesale and retail trade, according to official estimates.Qatar's inflation-adjusted (real) economy is estimated to have grown despite contraction in the hydrocarbons sector, according to the National Planning Council (NPC) data.The real economy was up 1% on a quarterly basis during the review period with non-mining sector growth masking the decline in the mining sector.The mining and quarrying sector, under which hydrocarbons fall, is estimated to have fallen 2.6% year-on-year, but non-mining and quarrying sector jumped 2.8% to place the overall real GDP at QR177bn.The agriculture, forestry and fishing sectors were seen falling 5.2% and 4.8% on yearly and quarterly basis respectively during Q2-2024.On a quarterly basis, the real GDP (at constant prices) growth during Q2-2024 was mainly due to a 3.7% surge in the non-mining sector, even as mining and quarrying sector reported a 3.5% decrease.Within non-hydrocarbons, the information and communication segments is estimated to have expanded 8.8%, followed by transportation and storage (7.7%), real estate (6.9%), wholesale and retail trade (3.2%) and accommodation and food service (1.8%).Nevertheless, utilities saw a 6.9% decline, manufacturing (2.7%), construction (0.6%) and finance and insurance (0.1%) during the review period.On a quarterly basis, the accommodation and food services segment witnessed 9.1% surge, information and communication (8.4%), finance and insurance (7.2%), construction (7.2%), manufacturing (3.5%), realty (3%), wholesale and retail trade (1%), utilities (1%) and transportation and storage (0.2%) during Q2-2024.At constant prices, the construction sector contributed 11.1% to the GDP, followed by finance and insurance 8.5%, wholesale and retail trade 7.6%, manufacturing 7.4% and real estate 7.3% at the end of Q2-2024.On a nominal basis (at current prices), Qatar's GDP is estimated to have grown 0.7% and 0.9% year-on-year and quarter-on-quarter respectively at the end of Q2-2024.The non-mining and quarrying sectors shot up 1.8% and 3.7% on annualised and quarterly basis respectively during Q2-2024; whereas the mining sector reported 1% and 3.4% contraction year-on-year and quarter-on-quarter respectively.Within non-hydrocarbons (in nominal terms), there was an 8.2% year-on-year jump in transportation and storage, 7.9% in accommodation and food service, 7% in real estate and 4% in wholesale and retail trade during Q2-2024.Nevertheless, the construction sector saw a 3.8% decline, information and communication (3.6%), finance and insurance (1.6%), manufacturing (1.3%) and utilities (0.6%) during the review period.On a quarterly basis in nominal terms, the finance and insurance segment zoomed 9%, construction (7.5%), manufacturing (5.9%), real estate (3.9%) and wholesale and retail trade (0.6%) during Q2-2024.However, the information and communication segment saw a 3% shrinkage on a quarterly basis, transportation and storage (2.7%), utilities (0.5%) and accommodation and food services (0.3%) during Q2-2024.The import duties, on real terms, are estimated to have risen 10.7% year-on-year but shrank 12.1% quarter-on-quarter at the end of Q2-2024.On nominal terms, the import duties reported a 7.9% expansion year-on-year, whereas it plunged 8.9% on a quarterly basis during the review period.

Technology sits at the heart of the industry and is one of the key sectors to be used for achieving economic diversification of Qatar, which has already rolled out $2.5bn of incentives to encourage innovations and digitisation, HE the Finance Minister Ali bin Ahmed al-Kuwari on Saturday told the 22nd Doha Forum."Definitely this is the anchor...As part of our Third National Development Strategy toward Qatar Vision 2030, technology sits at the heart of our industry," al-Kuwari said at one of the panel sessions at the Doha Forum, which was moderated by Borge Brende, the World Economic Forum president and chief executive officer.Highlighting that the key growth is coming from technology, AI (artificial intelligence) and innovations; he said technology is no longer seen as a necessity only for improving processes but now it is viewed as a necessity to achieve economic growth."The role of technology is changing. And it's basically who has it today, they have the growth; who doesn't have it, they lost it," he said, referring to the critical importance of technology and innovations.In this context, the minister said Qatar has already pledged multi-billion dollar incentives to encourage innovations, digitisation and AI.At the Qatar Economic Forum 2024, HE the Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim al-Thani had announced $2.5bn in incentives to advance the country’s programmes in AI (artificial intelligence), technology and innovation.Al-Kuwari highlighted the $1bn fund-of-funds to attract funds from the region or overseas to establish the business in Doha.The Qatar Investment Authority’s (QIA) $1bn ‘fund-of-funds’, could catalyse venture capital (VC) activity in the country, experts said, adding the impact of the fund-of-funds extends beyond direct investments.Highlighting Ooredoo's $1bn investment in expanding data centre capacity and also its tie up with the US-chip maker Nvidia; Google Cloud Center of Excellence and Microsoft Azure establishing in free zones; the finance minister said, "We see Qatar already taking the position, and the opportunities are tremendous.""We are in a good position to leverage in that. Qatar has one of the fastest Internet speeds in the world, whether it's a mobile or fixed line. So this really gives us, a good opportunity," he said.Qatar has identified six critical factors – which include national innovation strategy, high research and development (R&D) levels and diverse funding options for SMEs (small and medium enterprises) – for establishing and maintaining a successful startup ecosystem, according to Invest Qatar.

Qatar on Saturday established The World Economic Forum's (WEF) Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution (C4IR), formed and hosted by the Ministry of Finance.The centre, an autonomous non-profit entity on policy and governance for emerging technologies, was launched at the 22nd Doha Forum, which got underway."This landmark initiative is a testament to Qatar's unwavering commitment to harnessing the transformative power of technology and innovation to shape prosperous, inclusive, and sustainable future," said HE the Minister of Finance Ali bin Ahmed al-Kuwari in the presence of WEF president and chief executive officer Borge Brende.C4IR is the third in the Arab world and it will become a hub of expertise to co-design and pilot future-focused policy frameworks that enable the development and deployment of technology regionally and globally. It will collaborate with other national stakeholders from the private and public sectors."Through this centre, Qatar is not only embracing the future, but leading it by leveraging our position as a global hub for innovations to foster solutions that transcend borders and resonate the global priorities," he said.C4IR Qatar will be a platform through which Doha will shape the development of local and national fourth industrial revolution strategies in line with its national development strategy.The WEF had in January signed a collaboration agreement with Qatar to establish C4IR in Qatar.Highlighting that technology such as AI (artificial intelligence), IoT or Internet of Things, and advanced robotics are not just disruptive industries but are redefining possibilities; al-Kuwari said in line with Qatar National Vision 2030, this centre will serve as a catalyst for accelerating sustainable economic growth and achieving the country's strategic priorities.As a member of the WEF’s global C4IR network, the centre connects Qatar to a dynamic ecosystem of expertise, collaboration, and innovation across 18 countries in five continents, he said, adding this partnership will allow Doha to draw on global best practices, while tailoring solutions to the unique opportunities in Qatar."We aim to generate actionable knowledge to help businesses use fourth industrial revolution technology, as well as providing advice to develop agile policies and piloting impactful projects. We expect these developments to benefit from all segments of society, while safeguarding ethical integrity and sustainable standards," according to al-Kuwari.The C4IR is a platform for multi-stakeholder collaboration, bringing together public and private sectors to maximise technological benefits to society while minimising the risks.The WEF launched the first C4IR in San Francisco in 2017, followed by centres in Japan and India. The network now includes centres in Austin (Centre for Trustworthy Technology), Azerbaijan, Brazil, Colombia, Detroit (the US Centre for Advanced Manufacturing), Germany (Global Government Technology Centre), Israel, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Norway (HUB Ocean), Rwanda, Saudi Arabia, Serbia, South Africa, Telangana (India), Turkiye and the UAE.

The population growth (in terms of live births) among expatriates in Qatar was seen faster than those among the nationals and higher than the national average in September 2024 on an annualised basis, according to the official estimates. Among nationals, live births of boys grew faster year-on-year than those of girls; whereas in the case of non-Qataris, live births of girls grew faster than those of boys in the review period, according to the National Planning Council (NPC).The country witnessed 2,743 live births in September 2024, registering a 23.4% and 4.9% increase year-on-year and month-on-month respectively. Qatar saw 1,412 live births of boys in September 2024, reporting 20.4% and 2.2% jump on an annualised and yearly basis respectively. In the case of girls, live births were 1,331, reporting 26.9% and 7.9% increase year-on-year and month-on-month in the review period.Total live births of nationals were 678 in the review period, registering 20.9% and 11% growth year-on-year and month-on-month respectively. They constituted about 25% of the total live births in the country this September.Among nationals, as many as 371 live births of boys were reported in September 2024, which was up 24.5% and 14.9% on yearly and monthly basis respectively. As many as 307 live births of girls were seen in the review period, which reported 16.7% and 6.6% growth respectively in the review period.Total live births within expatriates were 2,065 in September 2024, registering 24.3% and 3% jump year-on-year and month-on-month respectively. They constituted 75% of the total live births in the country in the review period.Among the expatriates, as many as 1,041 live births of boys were recorded this September, which grew 19% on a yearly basis but declined 1.7% month-on-month. As many as 1,024 live births of girls were seen in the review period, which shot up 30.3% and 8.4% year-on-year and month-on-month respectively.Total population in the country otherwise stood at 3.14mn in September 2024, growing 2.7% and 2.8% year-on-year and month-on-month respectively. Total male population in the country stood at 2.21mn in September 2024, registering 0.3% and 2% growth on yearly and monthly basis respectively. Males constituted 70% of the total population in the country in the review period.Total female population in the country stood at 0.93mn this September, growing 8.8% and 4.6% respectively. They constituted 30% of the total population in the review period. On an annualised basis, population of those in the age group of 15-24 years witnessed the fastest growth of 8.5% against the national average of 2.7%; followed by less than 15 years (7.8%), more than 65 years (5.8%) and 25-64 years (0.8%).On a monthly basis, population of those in the age group of less than 15 years saw the maximum growth of 6.5% compared to national average of 2.8%; followed by more than 65 years (4.2%), 25-64 years (2.3%) and 15-24 years (1%).

The Qatar Stock Exchange (QSE) witnessed strong selling pressure from local retail investors, leading to 26 points decline in its key index this week, which otherwise saw regional sentiments strengthen ahead of an Opec+ meeting and a likely US interest rate cuts.Five of the seven sectors witnessed higher than average selling pressure as the 20-stock Qatar Index fell 0.25% this week which saw the Qatar Financial Centre’s purchasing managers’ index reveal that the sustained growth in new business led Doha report solid improvement in its non-energy private sector in November 2024.The industrials, real estate, telecom, consumer goods, transport and insurance were seen as the drag in the main bourse this week which saw Qatar’s ports see increased ship calls and higher volumes of cargoes and RORO in November 2024.The foreign retail investors were increasingly bearish this week which saw Estithmar Holding sign a 15-year contract for managing a hospital in Libya.The Arab individuals were seen increasingly net profit takers in the main market this week which saw Qatar’s automobile sector register double-digit year-on-year growth in new registrations this September.The Arab institutions turned net sellers, albeit at lower levels, in the main bourse this week which saw a total of 0.1mn AlRayan Bank-sponsored exchange-traded fund QATR worth QR0.24mn trade across 21 deals.The domestic funds’ substantially weakened net buying had its influence in the main market this week which saw as many as 0.03mn Doha Bank-sponsored exchange-traded fund QETF valued at QR0.24mn change hands across seven transactionsHowever, the Gulf retail investors were seen net buyers in the main bourse this week which saw the banks and industrials sectors together constitute about 56% of the total trade volumes.The Islamic index was seen declining faster than the other indices in the main market this week, which saw market capitalisation melt QR2.09bn or 0.34% to QR615.07bn on the back of small and microcap segments.Trade turnover and volumes were on the decline in the main and junior markets this week which saw not trading of treasury bills and sovereign bonds.The Total Return Index fell 0.25%, the All Share Index by 0.2% and the All Islamic Index by 0.6% this week.The industrials sector index tanked 1.08%, realty (0.61%), telecom (0.61%), consumer goods and services (0.6%), transport (0.54%) and insurance (0.46%); while banks and financial services gained 0.35% this week.Major losers in the main bourse included Qatar General Insurance and Reinsurance, Qatar Cinema and Film Distribution, Al Faleh Educational Holding, Medicare Group, Qatari Investors Group, Dukhan Bank, Industries Qatar, Gulf International Services, Mesaieed Petrochemical Holding, Qamco, Mazaya Qatar, Ezdan, Vodafone Qatar and Gulf Warehousing. In the venture market, both Al Mahhar Holding and Techno Q saw their shares depreciate in value this week.Nevertheless, Alijarah Holding, Commercial Bank, Dlala, Widam Food, Doha Bank and Lesha Bank were among the gainers in the main market this week.The Qatari individuals were net sellers to the tune of QR31.94mn against net buyers of QR32.88mn the week ended November 28.The foreign individual investors’ net selling grew significantly to QR7.47mn compared to QR0.13mn the previous week.The Arab retail investors’ net profit booking increased perceptibly to QR5.58mn against QR4.02mn a week ago.The Arab funds turned net sellers to the tune of QR0.02mn compared with no major net exposure the week ended November 28.The domestic institutions’ net buying fell substantially to QR71.61mn against QR185.63mn the previous week.However, the Gulf individuals were net buyers to the extent of QR1.84mn compared with net sellers of QR12.62mn a week ago.The foreign institutions’ net selling weakened drastically to QR10.06mn against QR134.58mn the week ended November 28.The Gulf institutions’ net profit booking shrank considerably to QR18.18mn compared to QR67.17mn the previous week.The main market witnessed a 15% decline in trade volumes to 506.06mn shares, 38% in value to QR1.26bn and 10% in deals to 55,147 this week.In the venture market, trade volumes plummeted 23% to 0.54mn equities, value by 24% to QR1.39mn and transactions by 46% to 71.

A higher than average demand at the telecom, industrials and transport counters on Thursday led Qatar Stock Exchange to gain 54 points and capitalisation add about QR3bn.Ahead of an Opec+ meeting and a likely US interest rate cuts, the domestic institutions were seen increasingly net buyers as the 20-stock Qatar Index gain 0.52% to 10,391.75 points, recovering from an intraday low of 10,337 points.The foreign funds turned bullish, albeit at lower levels, in the main bourse, whose capitalisation added QR2.91bn or 0.48% to QR615.07bn on the back of large and small cap segments.The Gulf individuals were seen net buyers in the main market, which saw as many as 0.05mn ETFs or the exchange traded funds (sponsored by AlRayan Bank), valued at QR0.11mn change hands across two deals.The foreign individuals’ weakened net profit booking had its influence on the main bourse, whose trade turnover grew amidst lower volumes.The Islamic index was seen gaining slower than the other indices of the main bourse, which saw as much as 49% of the traded constituents in the red.However, the Qatari retail investors turned net sellers in the main market, which saw no trading of treasury bills.The Gulf institutions were increasingly net profit takers in the main bourse, which saw no trading of sovereign bonds.The Total Return Index rose 0.52%, the All Share Index by 0.47% and the All Islamic Index by 0.37% in the main market.The telecom sector index shot up 1.07%, industrials (0.72%), transport (0.61%), banks and financial services (0.5%) and insurance (0.04%); while consumer goods and services declined 0.5% and real estate (0.43%).Major movers in the main market included Ooredoo, Industries Qatar, Nakilat, Estithmar Holding and Qatar Electricity and Water.Nevertheless, Medicare Group, Doha Bank, Qatari Investors Group, Qatar Oman Investment, Gulf Warehousing and Dukhan Bank were among the losers in the main bourse.In the venture market, Al Mahhar Holding saw its shares appreciate in value.The domestic institutions’ net buying strengthened perceptibly to QR22.8mn compared to QR19.94mn on December 4.The Gulf retail investors turned net buyers to the tune of QR1.47mn against net sellers of QR0.01mn the previous day.The foreign institutions were net buyers to the extent of QR0.71mn compared with net sellers of QR13.86mn on Wednesday.The foreign individuals’ net profit booking declined noticeably to QR0.62mn against QR1.25mn on December 4.However, the Gulf institutions’ net selling expanded substantially to QR10.15mn compared to QR2.88mn the previous day.The Qatari individuals turned net sellers to the tune of QR9.53mn against net buyers of QR0.03mn on Wednesday.The Arab retail investors’ net selling strengthened markedly to QR4.7mn compared to QR1.98mn on December 4.The Arab institutions had no major net exposure for the third straight session.Trade volumes in the main market fell 8% to 96.35mn shares, whereas value rose 2% to QR264.37mn and transactions by 12% to 12,391.In the venture market, trade volumes more than doubled to 0.07mn equities and value also more than doubled to QR0.18mn on 10% jump in deals to 11.

The GCC or Gulf Co-operation Council economies will more than double their growth from 1.9% in 2024 to 4% in 2025, according to The Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW).This acceleration comes despite the extension of Opec+ oil production cuts and positions the GCC to significantly outperform global GDP growth, which is projected to increase modestly from 2.7% in 2024 to 2.8% in 2025, according to the latest ICAEW Economic Insight report prepared by Oxford Economics.“The business landscape across the GCC continues to evolve and mature, creating new opportunities for growth and innovation," said Hanadi Khalife, Head of Middle East, ICAEW.The report said the direct impact of US President-elect Donald Trump’s policies on the GCC growth is likely to be limited in the near term, but it is slightly more cautious on its GCC growth projections."We see a broadly steady performance of the non-energy sectors, with expansion of 4% this year and next. We expect Trump’s policies will take time to feed through, with the impact on growth performance occurring mostly in 2026-27," it said.Finding that oil prices have been volatile in recent months, buffeted by geopolitical tensions in the region on one hand and concerns over demand on the other; ICAEW said the Opec+ alliance has delayed a planned supply increase until January (from December previously) in the face of weak demand, reinforcing the group's commitment to supporting oil prices.Highlighting that Trump’s stated support for the domestic energy sector may limit the pace of unwinding of the Opec+ supply cuts, although he will likely be tougher on Iran, potentially removing some of its crude exports off the market; the report said "we now expect Opec+ to keep output steady until the second quarter of 2025, and we forecast oil prices to average $72.6 per barrel in 2025 (down from $77.5 we forecast three months ago) and $71.5 in 2026."The extension of oil output cuts by the Opec+ group prolongs the drag from the energy sectors on GCC growth, but it expects oil activities would rebound "strongly" in 2025, with growth of 4.2%.Stressing that the GCC's projected 4% growth in 2025 highlights the success of the region’s diversification efforts amid global challenges; Scott Livermore, ICAEW economic adviser, and chief economist and managing director, Oxford Economics Middle East, said as the region continues to expand its tourism, real estate and financial sectors; managing capacity constraints in these high-growth sectors, as well as navigating global uncertainties, will be key to sustaining momentum and long-term economic stability.”Regional PMIs (purchasing managers’ index) remain firmly in expansionary territory, supporting its positive outlook for the GCC non-energy sectors, which look on track for a 4% expansion this year and next, according to the report.Fiscal revenue performance has been impaired by ongoing oil production cuts and lower oil prices but should stabilise in 2025, it said, adding meanwhile, government spending will likely rise only modestly next year."Overall, this will result in the aggregate GCC budget position remaining in a small surplus, thanks to ongoing surpluses in Qatar and the UAE," it said.The ICAEW has raised the aggregate GCC inflation projection slightly to 1.8% this year (1.7% before) and 2.3% in 2025 (up 0.2pp on three months ago).Recent readings show inflation is below 1% in Bahrain, Oman and Qatar, while it slowed to a four-year low of 2.4% in Kuwait.The GCC central banks will follow the rate path of the US Federal Reserve given the exchange rate pegs against the US dollar, it said.Following 75bps (basis points) in cumulative rate cuts in September and November, its baseline forecast assumes a 25bps rate cut in December, but it has scaled back expectations for Fed easing next year and now forecast a total of 75bps (down from 100bps)."There is a risk that the (US) Fed could deliver even fewer rate cuts than what we assume in our updated baseline," it said.