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The Qatar Financial Centre (QFC) has launched a pioneering proof of concept (POC), under its Digital Asset Lab, marking a significant step forward in the application of blockchain technology to Islamic finance.This development was enabled through the collaboration of a consortium of partners — AlRayan Bank, Blade Labs, and Hashgraph — each contributing unique expertise to a shared vision of financial innovation.The POC will demonstrate a blockchain-based digital receipt system (DRS) that can enhance transparency, efficiency, and regulatory compliance in Shariah-compliant asset-backed finance.The system will operate on HashSphere, a private permissioned distributed ledger technology (DLT) network built with Hedera technology, deployed on Google Cloud infrastructure provisioned through QFC’s lab.This initiative exemplifies a collaborative model where regulatory foresight, technical innovation, and domain expertise converge.The QFC serves as the orchestrator of the initiative, providing infrastructure support and subject matter expertise to guide the use case development.Hashgraph delivers and operates the underlying blockchain infrastructure, ensuring secure and scalable network performance, and Blade Labs leads the development of the DRS, including smart contracts and user interfaces tailored to Islamic finance use cases.AlRayan Bank plays a critical role in validating the system’s functionality, offering domain-specific insights and exploring commercialisation pathways, while Google Cloud enterprise-grade infrastructure is utilised for the initiative."Through our Digital Assets Lab, we’re proud to facilitate this pilot as a step forward in exploring how blockchain can bring greater efficiency and scalability to Shariah-compliant financial products. This initiative reflects our continued support for tokenisation, financial innovation, and collaboration aligned with the Third Financial Sector Strategic Plan," said QFC Authority chief executive officer Yousuf Mohamed al-Jaida.Omar al-Emadi, acting Group chief executive officer of AlRayan Bank, said innnovation is a cornerstone of Islamic finance, and this initiative reflects its commitment to advancing Shariah-compliant financial solutions that meet the evolving needs of the market."Through our participation in this POC, we reaffirm our role in validating the system’s functionality and laying the groundwork for scalable, practical applications that can strengthen the future of Islamic finance while reinforcing Qatar’s position as a regional hub for financial innovation," he said.By participating in this POC, it is not only validating the system, but also helping pave the way for practical and scalable applications of blockchain technology in the Islamic finance sector, according to Houssam Itani, Group chief transformation officer, AlRayan Bank.Sami Mian, chief executive officer, Blade Labs, said the DRS POC will showcase that blockchain, smart contracts, and global identity standards can address the operational bottlenecks that currently prevent Islamic finance institutions from scaling certain Shariah-compliant asset-backed products."By providing a controlled environment to measure actual business outcomes, institutions can evaluate whether this technology approach solves problems worth solving before making larger commitments," he said.Eric Piscini, chief executive officer, Hashgraph, said it is built to deliver the trust, performance, and regulatory confidence that today’s financial systems demand."Backed by the scalability and security of Hedera’s enterprise-grade technology, this collaboration highlights how the right infrastructure can unlock new possibilities in both Islamic finance and broader financial innovation," according to him.

India, which exported agarwood worth $4.25mn globally in 2024-25, has showcased before key stakeholders in Qatar, its premium quality domestic agarwood, particularly from the North-Eastern region.In this regard, the Embassy of India in Doha, in coordination with the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (MoDoNER), Government of India, and the Indian Business and Professionals Council (IBPC), organised a hybrid buyer–seller meet on agarwood and its derivatives.Around 150 participants from India and Qatar, including 46 exporters from India and nearly 35 perfume importers, hypermarkets, and supermarkets from Qatar, joined the event.Leading buyers from Qatar expressed "strong interest" in exploring opportunities for collaboration in perfumery, retail, and hospitality sectors, where agarwood and its derivatives enjoy deep cultural, and economic significance."There is a growing demand for agarwood products in Qatar and the wider GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) region," said an official of the organisers.The meet showcased the federal government's initiatives to enhance sustainable cultivation, streamline exports, and ensure global competitiveness.Angshuman Dey, Joint Secretary, MoDoNER, delivered a keynote address highlighting the significance of the Indian agarwood industry.He emphasised the unique heritage and premium quality of Indian agarwood, particularly from the North-Eastern region, as well as the Government of India’s initiatives to enhance sustainable cultivation.The meet saw participation from representatives of Assam, Tripura, Nagaland, Manipur, and Meghalaya — the key North-Eastern states where agarwood is traditionally cultivated and processed.India’s agarwood industry today offers a wide portfolio of products — from agarwood chips, oils, incense, and attars to perfumes, wellness items, and even innovative products like agarwood tea. Globally, India exported agarwood worth $4.25mn (86,173kg) in 2024–25. Recognizing the rising international demand, the federal government has substantially expanded export quotas.For 2024–27, export quotas for agarwood chips have been increased from 25,000 kg to more than 151,000 kg, and for agarwood oil from 1,500 kg to more than 7,000 kg.In parallel, digital licensing systems and national quality standards are being introduced to ensure sustainability, transparency, and compliance with CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora) regulations.The event showcased the power of collaboration by connecting India’s exporters with Qatar’s leading buyers, opening new avenues for trade, innovation, and partnerships in the fragrant world of Oud.

Doha will next month host the seventh Gulf Businesswomen Forum, organised by the Federation of the Gulf Cooperation Council Chambers (FGCCC), in association with the Qatar Chamber and supported by the GCC General Secretariat.The forum, to be held under the theme “Entrepreneurship and Sustainable Investment”, will take place from November 12 to 13, 2025, at the Mandarin Oriental – Msheireb, Doha.It aims to promote entrepreneurship and sustainable investment among female business owners in GCC countries by showcasing mechanisms that support their participation in sustainable investment.The forum also seeks to explore ways of transitioning from traditional models to more innovative, digital-based approaches, in line with the Gulf region’s broader shift towards a knowledge economy.Ibtihaj al-Ahmadani, a board member of Qatar Chamber, said the forum aims to economically empower Gulf women and strengthen their contribution to economic development across the GCC countries.She underscored the chamber’s commitment to organising this important forum, given the vital role businesswomen play in driving the Gulf economy, improving the business environment, and broadening horizons for investment and entrepreneurship—aligned with Qatar National Vision 2030 and the sustainable development strategies of the GCC countries.The forum serves as a valuable platform for Gulf businesswomen to exchange experiences and expertise, explore new opportunities for cooperation and partnership, and address the key challenges and prospects within various economic sectors.It also highlights inspiring success stories of female entrepreneurs and the main obstacles they encounter.Saleh bin Hamad al-Sharqi, secretary-general of the FGCCC, said the forum is being held at a significant time, amid a growing regional focus on empowering women and enhancing their role in leading entrepreneurial and investment ventures across the GCC countries.He reaffirmed the federation’s commitment to enhancing the economic role of women, stressing its firm belief that investing in Gulf women is an investment in a sustainable future and a diversified, competitive economy.

Market EyeThe Qatar Stock Exchange (QSE) on Sunday opened the week on a stronger note with its key index gaining 32 points to cross the 11,100 levels on an across the board buying.The insurance, telecom, transport and consumer goods counters witnessed higher than average demand as the 20-stock Qatar Index rose 0.29% to 11,131.43 points, although it touched an intraday high of 11,153 points.The Gulf institutions were increasingly net buyers in the main market, whose year-to-date gains improved to 5.3%.The local retail investors’ higher net buying had its influence on the main bourse, whose capitalisation added QR1.63bn or 0.25% to QR664.29bn, mainly on microcap segments.The foreign funds turned net buyers in the main market, which saw as many as 0.01mn exchange traded funds (sponsored by AlRayan Bank and Doha Bank) valued at QR0.03mn trade across seven deals.The domestic funds continued to be net buyers but with lesser intensity in the main bourse, whose trade turnover and volumes were on the decline.The Islamic index was seen gaining faster than the other indices of the main market, which saw no trading of treasury bills.The foreign retail investors continued to bullish but with lesser vigour in the main bourse, which saw no trading of sovereign bonds.The Total Return Index rose 0.29%, the All Share Index by 0.21% and the All Islamic Index by 0.35% in the main market.The insurance sector index gained 0.88%, telecom (0.55%), transport (0.43%), consumer goods and services (0.34%), real estate (0.21%), industrials (0.19%) and banks and financial services (0.11%).About 60% of the traded constituents extended gains to investors in the main market with major movers being Estithmar Holding, Qatar General Insurance and Reinsurance, QLM, Baladna, Doha Bank, Ezdan, Mazaya Qatar, Ooredoo and Milaha.In the venture market, Techno Q saw its shares appreciate in value.Nevertheless, Qatar National Cement, Beema, Lesha Bank, Al Khaleej Takaful, Qatar Oman Investment, United Development Company and Vodafone Qatar were among the shakers in the main bourse.The Gulf institutions’ net buying increased noticeably to QR3.1mn compared to QR1.99mn the previous day.The local individual investors’ net buying expanded marginally to QR3.89mn against QR3.46mn on September 4.The foreign institutions turned net buyers to the tune of QR0.56mn compared with net sellers of QR26.72mn last Thursday.However, the Arab retail investors were net sellers to the extent of QR12mn against net buyers of QR5.24mn the previous day.The Gulf individuals turned net sellers to the tune of QR2.84mn compared with net buyers of QR2.92mn on September 4.The domestic institutions’ net buying weakened perceptibly to QR5.15mn against QR9.07mn last Thursday.The foreign retail investors’ net buying shrank markedly to QR2.13mn compared to QR4.04mn the previous day.The Arab institutions had no major net exposure for the fifth straight session.The main market saw a 16% contraction in trade volumes to 118.22mn shares, 36% in value to QR272.64mn and 37% in deals to 12,708.In the venture market, a total of 0.64mn equities valued at QR1.77mn changed hands across 137 transactions.

Qatar’s hospitality sector, the present supply of which stands at 41,463 rooms, is on track to reach a total of more than 44,500 keys by 2027 as the country’s tourism remains “buoyant”, according to Knight Frank, a London-based global property consultant.Qatar’s hospitality sector added 718 hotel rooms in the first half (H1) of 2025, taking total supply to 41,463 rooms. Approximately 60% of this supply consists of international branded hotels, Knight Frank said in its latest report.“Now recognised as a leading regional lifestyle and leisure destination, Qatar is on track to reach 44,562 hotel rooms by the end of 2027, in line with the government’s national tourism strategy,” it added.In terms of performance metrics, the hotel sector has remained broadly “stable” over the past 12 months, it said, adding occupancy rates edged up to 70.7%, a modest 0.3% year-on-year increase, indicating steady demand.The ADR (average daily rate), however, softened slightly by 0.2%, to QR454. Nevertheless, RevPAR (revenue per available room) increased by 2.9%, reaching QR321, “signalling moderate but sustained profitability” within the sector, according to Knight Frank.Finding that the supply of rooms continues to expand, though at a more measured pace than the pre-2022 FIFA World Cup years; it said after adding 718 rooms in the first half of 2025, following the 1,020 keys added in 2024, the total supply has now reached 41,463 rooms.Occupancy has continued to grow across all segments, despite a slight increase in supply, driven by demand from regional tourists and business travellers, said Oussama El Kadiri, Partner – Head of Hospitality, Tourism and Leisure Advisory, Knight Frank. The report said the midscale and upscale segments of the hotel market remain the most active, driven by solid demand from regional tourists and business travellers.Meanwhile, upcoming mega events and enhanced air connectivity - courtesy of Qatar Airways - continue to boost international tourism sentiment.Additionally, the country’s commitment to diversifying tourism experiences through luxury shopping destinations, cultural hubs like Msheireb and Katara, and the active promotion of MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions) is further solidifying its position as a competitive hospitality hub in the region, it said.The strong regional and international footfall underpins Qatar’s strategic goal to diversify its economy and expand its non-oil sectors, the report said.The hospitality sector continued to demonstrate resilience, although there has been a marginal 0.2% dip in international arrivals year-on-year as of June 2025.Total visitor numbers reached about 2.63mn, down slightly from 2.64mn the same period in 2024. Nevertheless, the broader tourism landscape “remains healthy”, following a significant 24.6% surge in visitors in 2024, reaching 5.05mn, up from 4mn in 2023, according to the report.“This surge can be attributed to Qatar’s expanding global air connectivity through Qatar Airways, increased regional promotional campaigns, and the continued development of cultural, retail, and sports tourism offerings,” Knight Frank said.

Market Eye The Qatar Stock Exchange Thursday witnessed more than 62% of its traded constituents end in the red, leading its key barometer to lose as much as 43 points and capitalisation melt in excess of QR2bn. The industrials and real estate counters witnessed higher than average selling pressure as the 20-stock Qatar Index shed 0.39% to 11,099.21 points, although it touched an intraday high of 11,181 points. The local retail investors’ weakened net buying had its influence on the main market, whose year-to-date gains truncated further to 5%. The Gulf funds’ lower net buying also had its effect on the main bourse, whose capitalisation melted QR2.19bn or 0.33% to QR662.66bn, mainly on microcap segments. The Arab individuals’ weakened bullish grip made its impact on the main market, which saw as many as 1,760 exchange traded funds (sponsored by AlRayan Bank and Doha Bank) valued at QR5,028 trade across seven deals. The foreign institutions continued to be net sellers but with lesser intensity in the main bourse, whose trade turnover and volumes were on the rise. The Islamic index was seen declining faster than the other indices of the main market, which saw no trading of treasury bills. The foreign retail investors were seen bullish in the main bourse, which saw no trading of sovereign bonds. The Total Return Index shed 0.39%, the All Share Index by 0.28% and the All Islamic Index by 0.52% in the main market. The industrials sector index declined 0.51%, realty (0.5%), consumer goods and services (0.36%), banks and financial services (0.28%) and transport (0.24%); while insurance and telecom gained 0.64% and 0.17% respectively. Major shakers in the main market included Estithmar Holding, Baladna, Meeza, Inma Holding, Doha Bank, Qatar Islamic Bank, QIIB, Widam Food, Ezdan and Nakilat. In the junior bourse, Techno Q saw its shares depreciate in value. Nevertheless, Al Khaleej Takaful, Mannai Corporation, Al Mahhar Holding, Beema and Qatar Insurance were among the gainers in the main market. The Gulf institutions’ net buying declined substantially to QR1.99mn compared to QR11.81mn the previous day. The local individual investors’ net buying weakened significantly to QR3.46mn against QR11.65mn on September 3. The Arab retail investors’ net buying shrank noticeably to QR5.24mn compared to QR10.86mn on Wednesday. However, the domestic funds’ net buying strengthened marginally to QR9.07mn against QR8.63mn the previous day. The foreign retail investors turned net buyers to the tune of QR4.04mn compared with net sellers of QR0.66mn on September 3. The Gulf individual investors’ net buying increased perceptibly to QR2.92mn against QR0.77mn on Wednesday. The foreign institutions’ net profit booking shrank markedly to QR26.72mn compared to QR43.06mn the previous day. The Arab institutions had no major net exposure for the fourth straight session. The main market saw a 5% jump in trade volumes to 140.8mn shares and 6% in value to QR426.98mn but on 34% shrinkage in deals to 20,093. In the venture market, a total of 0.08mn equities valued at QR0.22mn changed hands across 22 transactions.

Qatar's economy recorded strong growth in 2024, with gross domestic product (GDP) reaching $196bn, supported by the expansion of non-hydrocarbon sectors and an increase in foreign direct investment, which exceeded $2.7bn.This was disclosed by HE the Minister of Finance Ali bin Ahmed al-Kuwari, at a dedicated session on Qatar National Vision 2030, held as part of the Asia Leaders Conference organised by Goldman Sachs in Hong Kong.In his opening remarks, HE al-Kuwari reviewed the progress Qatar has made in implementing the National Vision 2030, emphasising that the vision serves as an ambitious national roadmap for building a diversified and sustainable economy based on knowledge and innovation.The event brought together an elite group of decision-makers, business leaders, and investors from across Asia and around the world. Affirming that Asia remains a key strategic partner for Qatar, accounting for the largest share of the country's trade, which exceeded $80bn annually; he indicated that this figure is expected to grow further in light of the ongoing North Field Expansion and the anticipated rise in liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports, as well as long-term partnerships secured with several Asian countries.He also highlighted that the next phase of co-operation with Asia will focus on expanding trade opportunities, strengthening public-private partnerships particularly in healthcare and tourism and boosting investment in clean energy, digital technologies, and advanced industries.

The Qatar International Centre for Conciliation and Arbitration (QICCA) and the US-based International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID) have explored the possibility of exchanging expertise to improve arbitration practices.As part of this, a delegation of QICCA met with Martina Polasek, Secretary-General of ICSID in Washington on the sidelines of the Singapore Convention (SC) Week on Mediation 2025. The move by QICCA and ICSID comes as part strategies to enhance co+operation and develop relations.The QICCA delegation was led by Sheikh Dr Thani bin Ali al-Thani, its vice-chairman, and also included Ibrahim Shahbeek, QICCA’s secretary-general. The delegation visited the Singapore International Arbitration Centre (SIAC), where they held talks with the management team on future co-operation and experience exchange.The visit included a presentation of SIAC’s leading practices in managing arbitration cases and resolving commercial disputes through alternative means, which stand as a pioneering international model in this sector.QICCA’s participation comes within the framework of its strategy to strengthen international partnerships and benefit from global best practices in arbitration and mediation, thereby enhancing its capabilities and consolidating its position as a leading institution in dispute resolution in the region.The SC Week on Mediation has been a signature event in Singapore since 2019, focusing on dispute resolution, arbitration, mediation, and litigation. It serves as a key platform for thought leaders, experts, practitioners, and policy makers, to discuss emerging trends, address common issues, and deliberate on new innovations.

Market EyeTracking weaker oil prices, the Qatar Stock Exchange Wednesday fell more than 41 points and its key barometer retreated below 11,200 levels as foreign funds hurriedly squared off their position.The telecom, industrials and real estate counters witnessed higher than average selling pressure as the 20-stock Qatar Index shed 0.37% to 11,142.37 points, although it touched an intraday high of 11,212 points.The foreign individuals were seen increasingly net sellers in the main market, whose year-to-date gains truncated to 5.4%.About 61% of the traded constituents were in the red in the main bourse, whose capitalisation eroded QR3.49bn or 0.52% to QR664.85bn, mainly on small and microcap segments.However, the Gulf institutions were seen net buyers in the main market, which saw as many as 3,122 exchange traded funds (sponsored by AlRayan Bank and Doha Bank) valued at QR7,490 trade across seven deals.The local retail investors were increasingly bullish in the main bourse, whose trade turnover and volumes were on the rise.The Islamic index was seen declining slower than the other indices of the main market, which saw no trading of treasury bills.The Arab individuals were increasingly net buyers in the main bourse, which saw no trading of sovereign bonds.The Total Return Index shed 0.37%, the All Share Index by 0.4% and the All Islamic Index by 0.27% in the main market.The telecom sector declined 0.71%, industrials (0.64%), realty (0.48%), banks and financial services (0.37%), insurance (0.36%) and transport (0.26%); while consumer goods and services was up 0.05%.Major shakers in the main market included Estithmar Holding, Commercial Bank, Al Mahhar Holding, Meeza, Mazaya Qatar, QNB, Baladna, Industries Qatar, Ezdan, Ooredoo, Vodafone Qatar and Milaha.In the junior bourse, Techno Q saw its shares depreciate in value.Nevertheless, Mannai Corporation, Qatar Islamic Bank, QIIB, Inma Holding and Widam Food were among the gainers in the main market.The foreign institutions turned net sellers to the tune of QR43.06mn compared with net buyers of QR10.76mn the previous day.The foreign retail investors’ net profit booking increased marginally to QR0.66mn against QR0.41mn on September 2.However, the Gulf institutions were net buyers to the extent of QR11.81mn compared with net sellers of QR6.07mn on Tuesday.The local retail investors’ net buying strengthened significantly to QR11.65mn against QR2.15mn the previous day.The Arab individual investors’ net buying expanded substantially to QR10.86mn compared to QR3.91mn on September 2.The domestic funds turned net buyers to the tune of QR8.63mn against net profit takers of QR10.75mn on Tuesday.The Gulf individual investors’ net buying increased marginally to QR0.77mn compared to QR0.4mn the previous day.The Arab institutions had no major net exposure for the third straight session.The main market saw a 57% jump in trade volumes to 134.27mn shares and 54% in value to QR401.92mn on more than doubled deals to 30,365.In the venture market, a total of 0.69mn equities valued at QR1.87mn changed hands across 107 transactions.

Qatar saw a robust 114% year-on-year increase in residential transactions in the second quarter (Q2), indicating growing confidence among investors on resilient performance across the country’s real estate sector, according to Knight Frank, a global property consultancy.In its latest Qatar real estate market review, Knight Frank said both transaction volumes and values in the residential sector posted strong year-on-year growth.There were 1,844 residential sales in Q2-2025, totalling QR9.23bn, representing a 114% increase compared with the same period last year."Momentum in Qatar’s residential market is building again following a period of subdued activity after the 2022 FIFA World Cup," said Faisal Durrani, Partner – Head of Research, Middle East and North Africa, Knight Frank.Doha, Al Daayen and Al Wakra were among the best-performing municipalities: Doha alone recorded QR3.85bn of transactions, up 126% year-on-year, while Al Daayen and Al Wakra posted increases of 164% and 127%, respectively.In terms of property values, the apartment sector led the way, with average sales prices increasing by 3.5% year-on-year to QR13,270 per sq m, the report said.The most expensive apartments were located in Lusail’s Waterfront district (QR15,131 per sq m) and Viva Bahriya on The Pearl Island (QR14,987 per sq m).At the other end of the market, Porto Arabia registered the lowest average apartment price at QR11,696 per sq m, offering relatively accessible options in a prime waterfront setting.Villas saw a slight dip in values, with average prices down 4% year-on-year to QR6,745 per sq m. Among the key districts, Abu Hamour recorded the highest average villa price at QR8,434 per sq m, while Al Wukair remained the most affordable option at QR5,667 per sq m.The residential land segment also experienced robust growth during Q2-2015, Knight Frank said.Renewed investor interest in land plots, driven by good long-term development prospects and relative affordability in emerging areas, delivered sales totalling QR2.16bn across 598 deals, up 85% year-on-year.Significant gains were observed in Umm Salal, where volumes increased by 218%, followed by Doha (134%) and Al Wakra (102%)."The increase in transaction volumes, rising apartment values, and strong land sales activity suggest growing confidence among investors and end-users," it said.While challenges such as high interest rates and legacy oversupply remain, it said Q2 has seen a positive shift in Qatar’s residential market dynamics.As the flow of new stock slows and infrastructure investments continue, particularly in Lusail and surrounding zones, "we anticipate a gradual recovery in the medium term, notwithstanding any potential impact from the regional tensions in late June, which may yet materialise in the data over the summer months," it said.Longer term, with plans underway by the authorities to submit a bid for the 2036 Summer Olympic Games, there may yet be further national infrastructure investment, which will sustain economic growth over the medium to long term and inject additional positive momentum into the economy.

The Gulf Organisation for Industrial Consulting (Goic), in co-operation with the Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoCI), is currently implementing a project that aims to develop a mechanism to connect factories with research and development centres and universities in Qatar.In this regard, the Qatar Chamber’s (QC) industry committee recently held a meeting with Goic and reviewed the progress of the system, which could go a long way in enhancing the competitiveness and productivity of Qatar’s manufacturing sector.Describing the project as one of the key initiatives of the National Strategy for Manufacturing Industries 2023–30; Abdul Kareem al-Rashid, Strategic Planning Advisor at Goic, said the linkage targets six priority industrial sectors in Qatar: plastics, petrochemicals, pharmaceuticals, food, basic metal, and building materials. "The mechanism will be piloted in one of the factories operating within these sectors, in collaboration with a research centre, to jointly address a specific challenge," he said, adding one of the most significant expected outcomes of the project is the establishment of a practical and proven mechanism for sustainable co-operation between industry and research centres in Qatar.He also said the project seeks to raise awareness among factories about the importance of collaborating with research and development centres, while strengthening the overall innovation ecosystem that supports industrial development in the country.Abdulrahman bin Abdullah al-Ansari, QC board member, who chaired the meeting, stressed the importance of the project for Qatari factories operating in several vital sectors. Despite Qatar’s remarkable progress in scientific research, development, and innovation, he said "there is still no clear mechanism to connect factories with research and development centres or universities." He affirmed the QC's preparedness to cooperate with Goic and all relevant entities in matters related to coordinating with Qatari factories, whether through direct communication with them or by identifying the obstacles they encounter.He further emphasised the chamber’s commitment to supporting Goic during the pilot testing phase of the proposed mechanism.

Qatar saw a robust 114% year-on-year increase in residential transactions in the second quarter (Q2), indicating growing confidence among investors on resilient performance across the country’s real estate sector, according to Knight Frank, a global property consultancy.In its latest Qatar real estate market review, Knight Frank said both transaction volumes and values in the residential sector registering strong year-on-year growth.There were 1,844 residential sales in Q2-2025, totalling QR9.23bn, representing an 114% increase compared with the same period last year."Momentum in Qatar’s residential market is building again following a period of subdued activity after the FIFA 2022 World Cup," said Faisal Durrani, Partner – Head of Research, Middle East and North Africa, Knight Frank

Market Eye The Qatar Stock Exchange (QSE) Tuesday gained eight points as the telecom, real estate and banking counters witnessed higher than average demand. The foreign funds were seen increasingly net buyers as the 20-stock Qatar Index was up 0.07% to 11,183.57 points, although it touched an intraday high of 11,204 points. The Arab individuals were seen bullish in the main market, whose year-to-date gains improved to 5.79%. The local retail investors turned net buyers in the main bourse, whose capitalisation added QR1bn or 0.15 to QR668.34bn, mainly on microcap segments. The Gulf individuals continued to be net buyers but with lesser intensity in the main market, which saw as many as 0.01mn exchange traded funds (sponsored by AlRayan Bank and Doha Bank) valued at QR0.05mn trade across 12 deals. The domestic institutions turned 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 were increasingly into net profit booking in the main bourse, which saw no trading of sovereign bonds. The Total Return Index was up 0.07% and the All Share Index by 0.09%; while the All Islamic Index fell 0.02% in the main market. The telecom sector index gained 0.26%, realty (0.24%), banks and financial services (0.2%) and insurance (0.05%); while consumer goods and services declined 0.63%, transport (0.02%) and industrials (0.01%). Major movers in the main bourse included Qatar Cinema and Film Distribution, Gulf International Services, Qamco, Ezdan, Qatar Insurance, Estithmar Holding and Nakilat. Nevertheless, Qatar General Insurance and Reinsurance, QLM, Ahlibank Qatar, Woqod, Doha Bank, Meeza and Industries Qatar were among the shakers in the main bourse. In the venture market, Techno Q saw its shares depreciate in value. The foreign institutions’ net buying increased noticeably to QR10.76mn compared to QR2.07mn the previous day. The Arab individual investors turned net buyers to the tune of QR3.91mn against net sellers of QR1.76mn on Monday. The local retail investors were net buyers to the extent of QR2.15mn compared with net sellers of QR3.2mn on September 1. However, the domestic funds turned net sellers to the tune of QR10.75mn against net buyers of QR1.21mn the previous day. The Gulf institutions’ net profit booking strengthened markedly to QR6.07mn compared to QR1.26mn on Monday. The foreign retail investors were net sellers to the extent of QR0.41mn against net buyers of QR5.64mn on September 1. The Gulf individual investors’ net buying weakened perceptibly to QR0.4mn compared QR1.45mn the previous day. The Arab institutions had no major net exposure for the second straight session. The main market saw a 19% slump in trade volumes to 85.68mn shares and 6% in value to QR260.95mn but on 1% jump in deals to 14,534. In the venture market, a total of 0.21mn equities valued at QR0.56mn changed hands across 41 transactions.

Qatar's maritime sector saw higher vessels traffic through its Hamad, Doha and Al Ruwais ports in August 2025, translating into robust expansion across containers, cargoes and building materials on both yearly and monthly basis, according to the official statistics.The increased maritime activities is indicative of the strong performance, especially of the non-hydrocarbons private sector and is in line with the objectives of Qatar National Vision 2030, as Mwani Qatar continues to implement its ambitious strategy to enhance the sector's contribution to diversifying the economy and strengthening the county's position as a regional trade hub.As many as 290 ships had called on Qatar's three ports in August 2025, which was higher by 21.85% and 8.21% year-on-year and month-on-month respectively.Hamad Port, whose strategic geographical location offers opportunities to create cargo movement towards the upper Gulf, supporting countries such as Kuwait and Iraq and south towards Oman, saw as many as 165 vessels call (excluding military) on the port in the review period. The three ports had seen a total of 2,045 vessels in the first eight months of this year.The general and bulk cargo handled through the three ports amounted to 254,528 freight tonnes in August 2025, which zoomed 129.25% and 8.58% on yearly and monthly basis respectively.Hamad Port – whose multi-use terminal is designed to serve the supply chains for the RORO, grains and livestock – handled as much as 108,026 freight tonnes of bulk and 120,710 freight tonnes of breakbulk in August this year. The three ports together handled as much as 1.3mn cargoes in January-August 2025.The container movement through three ports amounted to 126,481 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs), which surged 10.07% and 8.13% year-on-year and month-on-month respectively in the review period.Hamad Port, the largest eco-friendly project in the region and internationally recognised as one of the largest green ports in the world, alone handled 124,757 TEUs of containers handled this August. The three ports together handled a total of 986,240 TEUs of containers during January-August 2025.The container terminals have been designed to address the increasing trade volume, enhancing ease of doing business as well as supporting the achievement of economic diversification, which is one of the most important goals of the Qatar National Vision 2030.The building materials traffic through the three ports stood at 72,535 tonnes in August 2025, which zoomed 453.7% and 37.7% on an annualised and monthly basis respectively. The three ports together handled as much as 451,190 tonnes of building materials during the first eight months of this year.The three ports were seen handling 20,002 livestock heads in August 2025, which however showed 16.68% and 29.2% plunge year-on-year and month-on-month respectively. The ports had handled as many as 399,987 livestock heads during January-August 2025.The three ports handled 9,254 RORO in August 2025, which registered 14.35% and 27.69% contraction year-on-year and month-on-month respectively. Hamad Port alone handled 9,224 units in the review period. The three ports together handled as many as 78,869 units in the first eight months of this year.Qatar's automobile sector has been witnessing stronger sales, notably in heavy equipment, private motorcycles and private vehicles, according to the data of the National Planning Council.

Qatar Chamber has stressed on strengthening institutional relations between Doha and New Delhi in priority sectors for identifying strategic projects in infrastructure, technology and food industries.This clarion call, made at the recently held joint investment meeting, comes in the wake of trade volume between the two countries reaches QR48bn in the past year.The chamber was represented by board member Mohamed bin Mahdi al-Ahbabi, at the event, where discussions focused on ways to enhance cooperation between the chambers of both countries, particularly in supporting entrepreneurs, exchanging institutional expertise, and organising joint events."India is a key trading partner for Qatar and the Qatari private sector," he said, highlighting the QR48bn trade volume between the two countries in the past year.He also reviewed Qatar's investment advantages, including its advanced infrastructure, logistics services, and supportive legislative framework, positioning it as an attractive and competitive business environment.Inviting Indian businessmen to invest in Qatar and explore its growing opportunities; al-Ahbabi underlined the need to enhance cooperation between the chambers of commerce of both countries, promote the regular exchange of trade delegations, and expand collaboration with investment promotion bodies.

Market Eye Oil price slippage had its reflection on the Qatar Stock Exchange, which Monday lost as much as 47 points as the Arab individual investors turned net profit takers. The insurance, industrials, transport and banking counters witnessed higher than average selling pressure as the 20-stock Qatar Index shed 0.42% to 11,175.48 points, although it touched an intraday high of 11,230 points. The Gulf institutions were seen bearish in the main market, whose year-to-date gains truncated further to 5.72%. The domestic funds’ weakened net buying had its influence on the main bourse, whose capitalisation melted QR2.51bn or 0.37 to QR667.34bn, mainly on small and microcap segments. The local retail investors continued to be net sellers but with lesser intensity in the main market, which saw as many as 2,438 exchange traded funds (sponsored by Doha Bank) valued at QR0.03mn trade across six deals. The foreign individuals turned net buyers in the main bourse, whose trade turnover and volumes were on the decline. The Islamic index was seen declining slower than the other indices of the main market, which saw no trading of treasury bills. The foreign institutions turned bullish in the main bourse, which saw no trading of sovereign bonds. The Total Return Index shed 0.42%, the All Share Index by 0.39% and the All Islamic Index by 0.32% in the main market. The insurance sector index declined 0.8%, industrials (0.58%), transport (0.51%), banks and financial services (0.44%) and telecom (0.33%): while consumer goods and services gained 0.68% and real estate 0.12%. About 53% of the traded constituents were in the red with major losers in the main market being Estithmar Holding, Milaha, Qatar Insurance, QIIB, Commercial Bank, Industries Qatar, Ooredoo and Qatar Electricity and Water. Nevertheless, Qatar German Medical Devices, Meeza, Woqod, AlRayan Bank, Baladna and Al Faleh Educational Holding were among the movers in the main bourse. In the venture market, Techno Q saw its shares appreciate in value. The Arab individual investors turned net sellers to the tune of QR1.76mn compared with net buyers of QR2.24mn on Sunday. The Gulf institutions were net sellers to the extent of QR1.26mn against net buyers of QR9.82mn the previous day. The domestic institutions’ net buying decreased noticeably to QR1.21mn compared to QR6.37mn on August 31. However, the foreign retail investors turned net buyers to the tune of QR5.64mn against net sellers of QR0.8mn on Sunday. The foreign institutions were net buyers to the extent of QR2.07mn compared with net sellers of QR12.01mn the previous day. The Gulf individual investors’ net buying expanded perceptibly to QR1.45mn against QR0.52mn on August 31. The local retail investors’ net profit booking weakened markedly to QR3.2mn compared to QR6.45mn on Sunday. The Arab institutions had no major net exposure against net buyers to the extent of QR0.32mn the previous day. The main market saw 2% slump in trade volumes to 105.81mn shares, less than 1% in value to QR278.54n and 17% in deals to 14,385. In the venture market, a total of 0.07mn equities valued at QR0.2mn changed hands across 16 transactions.

Qatar Chamber, in co-operation with the Young Entrepreneurs Club, has organised a training workshop on international partnerships. The workshop, which saw the participation of 75 attendees, focused on international partnership management skills, the challenges facing entrepreneurs, and strategies for ensuring partnership sustainability.It provided participants with the knowledge and skills to build and manage international partnerships, covering all stages from identifying suitable partners to negotiation, contract drafting, and long-term evaluation to ensure sustainability and shared success.Abdulaziz al-Qahtani, an expert in entrepreneurship and international project management and general manager of the S CITY Platform for new ventures, highlighted the most pressing challenges entrepreneurs and startups face in forming global partnerships.Drawing on his experience with international startups through the S CITY Platform, he shared practical solutions and strategies. He noted that international partnerships are key to business growth in today’s fast-changing economy and stressed the importance for entrepreneurs to sharpen negotiation skills and manage shared resources effectively to stay competitive and enter new markets.Fatima Issa al-Kuwari, Head of Training and Development at Qatar Chamber, underlined the chamber’s commitment to developing the capabilities of young people and entrepreneurs by organising high-quality programs that strengthen their competitiveness.She noted that managing international partnerships is a key pillar of business expansion and access to new markets. Through such workshops, the chamber seeks to provide an integrated platform for training and knowledge that helps participants turn their ideas and projects into viable opportunities supported by strategic partnerships, thereby contributing to economic development and reinforcing Qatar’s position as a regional business and investment hub, according to her.

The Qatar Financial Markets Authority (QFMA) has changed its official logo, 20 years after its establishment under Law No 33 of 2005.It joined the umbrella of the governmental visual identity of Qatar after adopting the official emblem of the state in its new corporate identity.This move reflects the well-established and close connection between it and the national identity and further enhances its institutional presence both locally and internationally.