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The Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC) is inching closer towards achieving a consensus on the proposed unified definition of the Gulf national products, a move that ought to go long way in achieving Gulf ‘economic citizenship’ and advancing the region’s industrial sector.This was the crux of the fifth extraordinary meeting of the Undersecretaries of Ministry of Industry of the Gulf countries, which was held in Doha on Wednesday.Mohamed bin Hassan al-Malki, Undersecretary of Qatar’s Ministry of Commerce and Industry, emphasised the importance of strengthening the mechanism for applying the criteria of this definition as a key step towards achieving ‘GCC economic citizenship’.“This will enhance co-operation between GCC countries and help them to reach common goals and ambitions, thereby contributing to the advancement of various GCC economic sectors, especially the industrial sector,” he said in the presence of Khalid bin Ali al-Sunaidi, Assistant Secretary-General for Economic and Development Affairs at the GCC Secretariat General.He highlighted that reaching a consensus on the criteria for defining the Gulf national product and implementing its mechanisms will open up new opportunities to support collaborative Gulf efforts.This is in line with the GCC countries’ measures to strengthen the Gulf’s economic and industrial structures, aimed at economic integration and sustainable development.During the meeting, they discussed the report on applying the definition of the Gulf National Product Standards and adopted the recommendations to achieve common goals.The proposals presented earlier by the GCC countries included defining localisation percentages and the selection of suitable incentives to achieve balanced competitiveness of the Gulf national products and supporting the private sector, and reviewing the progress made by member states in this regard.Article (3) of the Economic Agreement 2001 contains the most important provision concerning the Economic nationality. The said Article provides for direct implementation of the concept of fully equal treatment for all GCC nationals through according the GCC nationals residing in any Member State the same treatment accorded to its nationals without differentiation or discrimination in all economic fields; that includes natural and legal nationals, according to the GCC secretary-general’s website.

Awaiting clues from the US Federal Reserve’s decision on the interest rate, the Qatar Stock Exchange on Tuesday lost more than 43 points amidst heightened trading volumes.The foreign funds were seen increasingly net profit takers as the 20-stock Qatar Index shed 0.42% to 10,405.45 points, although it touched an intraday high of 10,482 points.The transport and banking counters witnessed higher than average selling pressure in the main market, whose year-to-date losses widened further to 3.93%.As much as 51% of the traded constituents were in the red in the main bourse, whose capitalisation was down QR0.21bn or 0.03% to QR604.3bn on the back of microcap segments.The Gulf institutions turned net sellers in the main market, which saw 0.23mn exchange traded funds (sponsored by Masraf Al Rayan and Doha Bank) valued at QR0.53mn trade across 53 deals.The local retail investors’ weakened net buying had its influence in the main bourse, which saw no trading of treasury bills.The domestic funds’ lower net buying also had its say in the main market, which saw no trading of sovereign bonds.The Islamic index was seen declining slower than the main barometer in the main bourse, whose trade turnover and volumes were on the increase.The Total Return Index lost 0.42%, the All Share Index by 0.29% and the All Islamic Index by 0.31% in the main market.The transport sector index declined 0.71%, banks and financial services (0.42%), consumer goods and services (0.36%), industrials (0.24%) and insurance (0.24%); while telecom and real estate gained 1.22% and 0.16% respectively.Major losers in the main bourse included Doha Bank, Milaha, Masraf Al Rayan, QIIB and Qatar Islamic Bank.In the venture market, Al Mahhar Holding saw its shares depreciate in value.Nevertheless, Alijarah Holding, Ahlibank Qatar, Mazaya Qatar, Al Faleh Educational Holding, Salam International Investment, Qatar German Medical Devices, Estithmar Holding, Ezdan, Vodafone Qatar and Ooredoo were among the gainers in the main market.The foreign institutions’ net profit booking increased noticeably to QR9.37mn compared to QR8.41mn on September 16.The Gulf institutions turned net sellers to the tune of QR2.31mn against net buyers of QR5.65mn the previous day.The local individuals’ net buying weakened perceptibly to QR0.94mn compared to QR2.29mn on Monday.The domestic institutions’ net buying declined marginally to QR5.76mn against QR6.37mn on September 16.However, the Arab individuals were net buyers to the extent of QR3.76mn compared with net sellers of QR1.21mn the previous day.The foreign retail investors turned net buyers to the tune of QR1.53mn against net profit takers of QR1.67mn on Monday.The Gulf individual investors’ net selling weakened significantly to QR0.32mn compared to QR3.03mn on September 16.The Arab institutions had no major net exposure for the second straight session.Trade volumes in the main market soared 92% to 263.86mn shares, value by 30% to QR435.85mn and transactions by 18% to 14,917.In the venture market, trade volumes almost tripled to 0.5mn equities and value also almost tripled to QR1.17mn but on flat deals at 26.

Qatar on Monday hosted the 13th Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC)-European Union (EU) macroeconomic roundtable, as it pitched for efforts to explore opportunities to strengthen co-operation in vital areas such as trade, investment, sustainable energy and comprehensive development in order to enhance growth in both the regions.The meeting – chaired by Assistant Undersecretary for Economic Affairs at the Ministry of Finance Dr Saud bin Abdullah al-Attiyah, and the GCC Assistant Secretary-General for Political Affairs and Negotiations Dr Abdulaziz Aluwaisheg – discussed key economic challenges, policy priorities, and regional and international risks related to security and stability.The EU side was chaired by Director of International Economic and Financial Relations and Global Governance (ECFIN), Annika Eriksgard.Al-Attiyah hailed the dialogue as an important platform for enhancing co-operation and partnership between the two sides in facing common economic challenges and working to achieve joint growth and prosperity.Affirming Doha’s readiness to contribute to global efforts to resolve the Russian-Ukrainian crisis peacefully, he said Qatar provided significant financial and humanitarian assistance, including a pledge of $100mn to rehabilitate infrastructure and provide educational and health services, in addition to scholarships and support for grain export initiatives. “We (also) cannot ignore the ongoing war in Gaza because Palestine is a central cause for us in this region and the world,” al-Attiyah said, reiterating Qatar’s firm position in support of the Palestinian people and the resolution in accordance with international legitimate resolutions and within the framework of the Arab Peace Initiative.“The role of the Qatari diplomacy is working towards putting an end to the war immediately and exchanging prisoners and hostages and increasing humanitarian aid and opening new avenues for economic development and work opportunities, which is in line with the GCC’s vision and the EU and its long-term partnership with the GCC has for a long time exerted effort to achieve these goals,” according to him.Doha is one of the countries that has maintained its economic growth, despite the existing challenges, and also has a major role in seeking to reach a solution to the war in Gaza, and thus reduce its economic effects on the region, Aluwaisheg said, highlighting that the series of dialogues date back to 2003.Dr Cristian Tudor, ambassador of the EU to Qatar, said these dialogues promote strategic relations between the EU and the GCC states, and enhance co-operation.He said the first summit at the leaders’ level between Qatar and the EU due in October in Brussels under the presidency of Qatar, would lead to a new era, especially with the EU’s keenness to bolster bilateral relations.

Ahead of the US Federal Reserve’s decision on interest rates later this week, the Qatar Stock Exchange lost more than 10 points despite gainers outnumbering losers.A higher than average selling pressure – especially at the transport, realty and insurance counters – led the 20-stock Qatar Index to shed 0.1% to 10,448.96 points, although it touched an intraday high of 10,473 points.The foreign institutions were seen net profit takers in the main market, whose year-to-date losses widened to 3.52%.The Gulf individuals were also seen bearish in the main bourse, whose capitalisation shed QR0.13bn or 0.02% to QR604.51bn on the back of microcap segments.The foreign individuals turned net sellers in the main market, which saw 0.01mn exchange traded funds (sponsored by Masraf Al Rayan and Doha Bank) valued at QR0.12mn trade across eight deals.The domestic institutions’ substantially weakened net buying had its influence on the main bourse, which saw no trading of treasury bills.The Arab individuals continued to be net sellers but with lesser intensity in the main market, which saw no trading of sovereign bonds.The Islamic index was seen gaining slower than the main barometer in the main bourse, whose trade turnover and volumes were on the decline.The Total Return Index was down 0.1%, the All Share Index by 0.05% and the All Islamic Index by 0.05% in the main market.The transport sector index fell 0.64%, realty (0.31%), insurance (0.27%) and banks and financial services (0.04%); while consumer goods and services gained 0.49% and telecom 0.3%. The industrials index was rather flat.Major losers in the main bourse included Dlala, Barwa, Milaha, Salam International Investment, Estithmar Holding, Gulf International Services and Nakilat.In the venture market, Techno Q saw its shares depreciate in value.Nevertheless, as much as 48% of the traded constituents extended gains to investors in the main market with major gainers being Medicare Group, Inma Holding, Al Faleh Educational Holding, Aamal Company, QLM and Vodafone Qatar.In the junior bourse, Al Mahhar Holding saw its shares appreciate in value.The foreign institutions turned net sellers to the tune of QR8.41mn compared with net buyers of QR15.48mn on September 15.The Gulf individual investors were net sellers to the extent of QR3.03mn against net buyers of QR2.6mn the previous day.The foreign retail investors turned net profit takers to the tune of QR1.67mn compared with net buyers of QR0.32mn on Sunday.The domestic institutions’ net buying declined considerably to QR6.37mn against QR19.1mn on September 15.However, the local individuals were net buyers to the tune of QR2.29mn compared with net sellers of QR36.62mn the previous day. The Gulf institutions’ net buying increased noticeably to QR5.65mn against QR0.81mn on Sunday.The Arab retail investors’ net profit booking eased marginally to QR1.21mn compared to QR1.54mn on September 15.The Arab institutions had no major net exposure against net sellers to the extent of QR0.16mn the previous day.Trade volumes in the main market shrank 5% to 137.38mn shares and value by 1% to QR336.4mn, while transactions rose 17% to 12,661.The venture market saw a 6% decline in trade volumes to 0.17mn equities and 5% in value to QR0.4mn but on 18% jump in deals to 26.

Qatar is likely to witness reduced pipeline of new hotels in future although occupancy levels and average daily rate (ADR) were seen robust, according to Cushman and Wakefield Qatar (CWQ).While overall occupancy rates and ADRs have performed relatively well this year to date, several hotels have struggled to gain traction in an increasingly competitive market, CWQ said in its recently released report."The prevailing market conditions have resulted in reluctance from investors to support new hotel development, which has reduced the pipeline of future supply in Doha," it said.By April, the overall supply of hotel key in Qatar reached 39,715, of which approximately 10,000 were hotel apartments, it said, adding about 90% of hotel rooms in Qatar are classed as four star of five-star, with the majority of apartments being classed as ‘deluxe’."While the pace of new supply has slowed over the past year, the total number of rooms reflects an increase of more than 45% in five years, putting pressure on hotel occupancies and the performance of hotel restaurants over a sustained period," according to the report.In June, the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs HE Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim al-Thani launched the Simaisma Project, led by Qatari Diar and represents the most significant tourism project in Qatar to date.It aims to establish an internationally recognised tourist destination and forms part of Qatar’s ambitious National Development Strategy 2024-30, which seeks to diversify economic growth. It will feature 16 resort hotels, a theme park, an international standard golf club, a yacht club and marina and significant retail and restaurants provisions.The National Tourism Council’s latest statistics report reflected a buoyant tourism and hotel sector in Q1-2024. Tourist arrivals to Qatar surpassed 1.6mn in the first three months of the year, a 40% increase on 2023. This created a demand for room nights in hotels of 2.6mn, up 37% on the previous year.Saudi Arabia is Qatar’s largest source market for visitors for Qatar with 28% of overall visitors coming from the neighbouring country. India represents the second biggest market at 7%, while the third highest number of visitors came from Germany (5%) in the review period.The increase in visitors has boosted the performance metrics for the hotel real estate sector with occupancy up from 54% in Q1- 2023 to 75% this year. Monthly occupancy peaked at 85% in February, coinciding with Qatar hosting the Asian Cup and Web Summit.The increase in demand also boosted hotel revenues in Q1-2024 with ADR’s up 10% year-on-year to QR481 and RevPARs (revenue per available room) up 53% to QR361. According to statistics released by the National Planning Council in April, overall occupancy was 63% while ADRs were QR463, up from 47% and QR442 in April 2023 respectively.

Expectations built up, amidst next week's US Federal Reserve's decision to cut interest rates, led the Qatar Stock Exchange (QSE) gain as much as 75 points and capitalisation enhance by QR4.83bn this week.The domestic institutions were seen bullish as the 20-stock Qatar Index gained 0.73% this week which saw the US-based Institute of International Finance view that Doha will have the lowest fiscal breakeven oil price in the Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC) in 2024 and 2025.The banks and financial services sector witnessed higher than average demand this week which saw the Arab Monetary Fund heap praise on Qatar for the strong capital adequacy in its banking sector.The Gulf funds were seen net buyers in the main market this week which saw Doha Bank and Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group successfully close their first Green Repo scheme in the Middle East and North Africa region.The Arab individuals turned bullish in the main bourse this week which saw Qatar register an 8% year-on-year rise in building permits issued in August 2024, signalling a rosy picture of the construction sector.The foreign retail investors were seen net buyers in the main bourse this week, which saw Moody's, an international credit rating agency, say the profitability of Islamic banks in the Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC) will remain stronger over the next 12-18 months.The Qatari individuals’ substantially weakened net profit booking had its influence in the main market this week which saw a total of 0.12mn Masraf Al Rayan-sponsored exchange-traded fund QATR worth QR0.27mn trade across 32 deals.The Gulf retail investors’ lower net selling had its say in the main bourse this week which saw as many as 0.03mn Doha Bank-sponsored exchange-traded fund QETF valued at QR0.35mn change hands across 29 transactions.However, the foreign institutions were seen bearish in the main market this week which saw the banks and industrials sectors together constitute about 57% of the total trade volumes.The Islamic index was seen declining vis-à-vis gains in the other indices in the main bourse this week, which saw no trading of sovereign bonds.Market capitalisation added 0.81% to QR602bn on the back of midcap segments this week, which saw no trading of treasury bills.Trade turnover and volumes were on the increase in the main market this week, which saw QNB shareholders approve buying back a percentage of the bank’s shares for a value up to QR2.9bn.The Total Return Index rose 0.88% and the All Share Index by 1%, while the All Islamic Index was down 0.1% this week, which saw Qatar Islamic Bank successfully issue a $750mn sukuk with a profit rate of 4.485% and tenure of five years.The banks and financial services sector index shot up 2.36% and consumer goods and services 0.3%; whereas telecom index declined 1.39%, insurance (0.55%), transport (0.44%), industrials (0.41%) and real estate (0.23%) this week which saw Vodafone Qatar sign a five-year partnership agreement with Microsoft.Major gainers in the main market included Doha Bank, QNB, Vodafone Qatar, Commercial Bank, Aamal Company, Qatar Islamic Bank, Masraf Al Rayan, Lesha Bank, Qatar National Cement, Qatari Investors Group and Estithmar Holding this week which saw Nakilat approve a 7% interim cash dividend for shareholders.Nevertheless, QLM, Widam Food, Meeza, Dlala, Qatar Electricity and Water (QEWC), Dukhan Bank, Qatar Oman Investment, Qatar German Medical Devices, Salam International Investment, Medicare Group, Gulf International Services, Ooredoo and Milaha were among the losers in the main bourse. In the venture market, both Al Mahhar Holding and Techno Q saw their shares depreciate in value this week which saw QEWC approve 25% interim dividend.The domestic funds turned net buyers to the tune of QR51.69mn compared with net sellers of QR0.04mn the week ended September 5.The Gulf institutions were net buyers to the extent of QR50.75mn against net profit takers of QR8.36mn the previous week.The Arab individual investors turned net buyers to the tune of QR11.93mn compared with net sellers of QR7.2mn a week ago.The foreign retail investors were net buyers to the extent of QR9.79mn against net sellers of QR14.64mn the week ended September 5.The local individuals’ net selling decreased substantially to QR25.97mn compared to QR49.88mn the previous week.The Gulf individual investors’ net profit booking eased perceptibly to QR0.88mn against QR2.59mn a week ago.However, the foreign funds were net sellers to the tune of QR97.31mn compared with net buyers of QR82.72mn the week ended September 5.The Arab institutions had no major net exposure for the second consecutive week.The main market witnessed a 5% fall in trade volumes to 609.91mn shares but on 3% jump in value to QR1.63bn and 3% in deals to 63,118 this week.In the venture market, trade volumes tanked 69% to 1.62mn equities, value by 68% to QR3.83mn and transactions by 53% to 188.

Ahead of the US inflation data, which decides the extent of an expected interest rate cut by the Federal Reserve, the Qatar Stock Exchange on Monday fell more than 45 points and its capitalisation melted more than QR2bn.Selling pressure, especially at the real estate and banking counters, led the 20-stock Qatar Index to decline 0.44% to 10,215.55 points, although it touched an intraday high of 10,283 points.The local retail investors were seen increasingly net profit takers in the main market, whose year-to-date losses widened further to 5.68%.About 55% of the traded constituents were in the red in the main bourse, whose capitalisation eroded QR2.27bn or 0.38% to QR590.71bn on the back of small and microcap segments.The domestic institutions’ weakened net buying had its influence in the main market, which saw 0.01mn exchange traded funds (sponsored by Masraf Al Rayan) valued at QR0.03mn trade across seven deals.The Gulf individuals’ lower net buying also had its say in the main bourse, which saw no trading of treasury bills.The foreign institutions continued to be bearish but with lesser intensity in the main market, which saw no trading of sovereign bonds.The Islamic index was seen declining slower than the main barometer in the main bourse, whose trade turnover and volumes were on the incline.The Total Return Index shed 0.39%, the All Share Index by 0.37% and the All Islamic Index by 0.38% in the main market.The realty sector index declined 0.67%, banks and financial services (0.59%), industrials (0.43%), insurance (0.3%) and consumer goods and services (0.23%); while telecom and transport gained 0.56% and 0.47% respectively.Major losers in the main bourse included Qatar Islamic Insurance, Meeza, QLM, Commercial Bank, Qatar Electricity and Water, Al Faleh Educational Holding, Industries Qatar, Mesaieed Petrochemical Holding and Barwa.In the venture market, both Al Mahhar Holding saw its shares depreciate in value.Nevertheless, Doha Bank, Estithmar Holding, Inma Holding, Vodafone Qatar, Aamal Company, Nakilat and Milaha were among the gainers in the main bourse.The local retail investors’ net selling increased noticeably to QR3.09mn compared to QR2.52mn on September 8.The domestic institutions’ net buying decreased substantially to QR0.39mn against QR12.53mn the previous day.The Gulf institutions’ net buying weakened markedly to QR0.39mn compared to QR2.38mn on Sunday.The Gulf individual investors’ net buying eased perceptibly to QR0.33mn against QR1.99mn on September 8.However, the foreign individuals’ net buying strengthened significantly to QR2.62mn compared to QR0.4mn the previous day.The Arab individual investors’ net buying expanded markedly to QR1.17mn against QR0.84mn on Sunday.The foreign institutions’ net profit booking decreased drastically to QR1.81mn compared to QR15.62mn on September 8.The Arab institutions had no major net exposure for the seventh straight session.Trade volumes in the main market soared 20% to 107.52mn shares, value by 31% to QR255.52mn and transactions by 59% to 11,371.In the venture market, trade volumes jumped almost 15-fold to 0.59mn equities and value by almost 14-fold to QR1.36mn on more than seven-fold growth in deals to 87.

The Qatar Stock Exchange on Sunday opened the week weak with its key index losing 62 points on an across the board selling, especially in the telecom and banking counters.The foreign funds were seen increasingly net sellers as the 20-stock Qatar Index shed 0.6% to 10,261.02 points, although it touched an intraday high of 10,323 points.The domestic institutions’ weakened net buying had its influence on the main market, whose year-to-date losses widened to 5.26%.About 74% of the traded constituents were in the red in the main bourse, whose capitalisation eroded QR4.19bn or 0.7% to QR592.98bn on the back of mid and small cap segments.The local retail investors turned bearish in the main market, which saw 0.01mn exchange traded funds (sponsored by Masraf Al Rayan and Doha Bank) valued at QR0.03mn trade across five deals.However, the Gulf institutions were seen net buyers in the main bourse, which saw no trading of treasury bills.The Gulf individuals were increasingly bullish in the main market, which saw no trading of sovereign bonds.The Islamic index was seen declining slower than the other indices in the main bourse, whose trade turnover and volumes were on the decline.The Total Return Index shed 0.6%, the All Share Index by 0.63% and the All Islamic Index by 0.54% in the main market.The telecom sector index tanked 1.14%, banks and financial services (0.76%), real estate (0.58%), industrials (0.55%), transport (0.44%)m insurance (0.29%) and consumer goods and services (0.06%).Major losers in the main bourse included QLM, Dlala, Al Faleh Educational Holding, Inma Holding, QNB, Qatar German Medical Devices, Qatar Industrial Manufacturing, Mesaieed Petrochemical Holding, Qamco, Mazaya Qatar and Ooredoo. In the venture market, both Al Mahhar Holding and Techno Q saw their shares depreciate in value.Nevertheless, Lesha Bank, Aamal Company, Qatar Islamic Insurance, QIIB and Qatari Investors Group were among the gainers in the bourse.The foreign institutions’ net selling increased perceptibly to QR15.62mn compared to QR14.92mn on September 5.The local retail investors turned net sellers to the tune of QR2.52mn against net buyers of QR11.6mn last Thursday.The domestic funds’ net buying decreased markedly to QR12.53mn compared to QR16.02mn the previous trading day.However, the Gulf institutions were net buyers to the extent of QR2.38mn against net sellers of QR7.87mn on September 5.The Gulf individual investors’ net buying expanded noticeably to QR1.99mn compared to QR0.65mn last Thursday.The Arab retail investors turned net buyers to the tune of QR0.84mn against net profit takers of QR4.98mn the previous trading day.The foreign individual investors were net buyers to the extent of QR0.4mn compared with net sellers of QR0.5mn on September 5.The Arab institutions had no major net exposure for the sixth straight session.Trade volumes in the main market declined 25% to 89.52mn shares, value by 25% to QR194.62mn and transactions by 34% to 7,139.The venture market saw 94% plunge in trade volumes to 0.04mn equities, 94% in value to QR0.1mn and 85% in deals to 12.

An imminent rate cut expected from the US Federal Reserve had its positive effect on the global bourses, including the Qatar Stock Exchange (QSE), which saw its index gain as much as 120 points and capitalisation add about QR10bn this week.The foreign institutions were seen increasingly net buyers as the 20-stock Qatar Index gained 1.18% this week which saw the Qatar Financial Centre launch its digital assets framework.The banks and real estate counters witnessed higher than average demand this week which saw stronger new business inflows and surge in jobs signal improved business conditions in Doha's non-energy private sector economy.About 62% of the traded constituents extended gains to investors in the main market this week which saw the QSE introduce a revised liquidity provider scheme that could significantly lower liquidity costs and provide more depth in the order book.The Gulf institutions’ weakened net selling had its influence on the main bourse this week which saw Qatar’s hospitality sector saw improved (year-on-year) room yield in July 2024, particularly in the deluxe hotel apartments and four-star hotels; amidst jump in visitors.However, the local retail investors were increasingly bearish in the main bourse this week, which saw Qatar's maritime see a robust double-digit year-on-year growth in the handling of vehicles (RORO) and livestock this August.The foreign individuals were increasingly net sellers in the main market this week which saw a total of 0.02mn Masraf Al Rayan-sponsored exchange-traded fund QATR worth QR0.04mn trade across 15 deals.The Arab retail investors turned net profit takers in the main bourse this week which saw as many as 0.07mn Doha Bank-sponsored exchange-traded fund QETF valued at QR0.67mn change hands across 58 transactions.The Gulf individuals were seen bearish in the main market this week which saw the banks and industrials sectors together constitute about 54% of the total trade volumes.The Islamic index was seen gaining slower than the main barometer in the main bourse this week, which saw no trading of sovereign bonds.Market capitalisation added 1.66% to QR597.17bn on the back of large and midcap segments this week, which saw no trading of treasury bills.Trade turnover and volumes were on the decline in both the main market and junior bourse this week, which saw Meeza QSTP enter into QR100mn pact to deliver 1MW (megawatt) capacity in its M-VAULT4 data centre to global hyperscalers.The Total Return Index rose 1.18%, the All Share Index by 1.06% and the All Islamic Index by 1.12% this week, which saw a global credit rating agency Standard and Poor’s forecast that the Gulf banks could likely lose as much as 12% from their net earnings on an expected 150 basis points rate cut by the US Federal Reserve between now and end-2025.The banks and financial services sector index shot up 1.51%, real estate (1.2%), telecom (1.14%), industrials (0.94%), consumer goods and services (0.56%) and insurance (0.23%); while transport declined 0.55% this week which saw Aamal Readymix disclose its intent to acquire remaining shares in Advanced Pipe and Cast.Major gainers in the main bourse included Medicare Group, Commercial Bank, Qatar Oman Investment, Meeza, Dlala, Qatar Islamic Bank, Doha Bank, Masraf Al Rayan, Lesha Bank, Qatar Electricity and Water, Qatar Investors Group, Industries Qatar, Gulf International Services, Al Khaleej Takaful, Qatar Islamic Insurance, United Development Company, Barwa and Ezdan. In the venture market, both Al Mahhar Holding and Techno Q saw their shares appreciate in value this week.Nevertheless, Mekdam Holding, Qamco, Al Faleh Educational Holding, Nakilat and QLM were among the shakers in the market this week.The foreign funds’ net buying increased substantially to QR82.72mn compared to QR31.72mn the week ended August 29.The Gulf institutions’ net profit booking declined significantly to QR8.36mn against QR29.01mn the previous week.However, the local individual investors’ net selling strengthened considerably to QR49.88mn compared to QR25.12mn a week ago.The foreign retail investors’ net selling expanded drastically to QR14.64mn against QR3.2mn the week ended August 29.The Arab individuals turned net sellers to the tune of QR7.2mn compared with net buyers of QR9.13mn the previous week.The Gulf retail investors were net profit takers to the extent of QR2.59mn against net buyers of QR0.09mn the previous week.The domestic funds turned net sellers to the tune of QR0.04mn compared with net buyers of QR16.49mn the week ended August 29.The Arab institutions had no major net exposure against net profit takers to the tune of QR0.09mn the previous week.The main market witnessed 23% plunge in trade volumes to 639.57mn shares, 21% in value to QR1.58bn and 16% in deals to 61,040 this week.In the venture market, trade volumes tanked 22% to 5.15mn equities, value by 20% to QR12.07mn and transactions by 41% to 401.

The Qatar Stock Exchange (QSE) on Thursday edged up marginally higher amidst strong buying interests, particularly in the insurance, telecom and real estate counters.The domestic funds were seen increasingly net buyers as the 20-stock Qatar Index rose mere 0.02% to 10,323.32 points, recovering from an intraday low of 10,282 points.The local retail investors were also increasingly bullish in the main market, whose year-to-date losses truncated to 4.68%.About 57% of the traded constituents extended gains to investors in the main bourse, whose capitalisation added QR1.09bn or 0.18% to QR597.17bn on the back of small and microcap segments.The Gulf individuals were net buyers, albeit at lower levels, in the main market, which saw 8,480 exchange traded funds (sponsored by Masraf Al Rayan and Doha Bank) valued at QR0.05mn trade across four deals.However, the foreign funds were increasingly net sellers in the main bourse, which saw no trading of treasury bills.The Gulf institutions were also increasingly net profit takers in the main market, which saw no trading of sovereign bonds.The Islamic index was seen outperforming the other indices in the main bourse, whose trade turnover and volumes were on the decline.The Total Return Index was up 0.02%, the All Share Index by 0.1% and the All Islamic Index by 0.19% in the main market.The insurance sector index shot up 1.52%, telecom (1.35%), realty (0.53%), banks and financial services (0.09%) and industrials (0.02%); while transport declined 0.96% and consumer goods and services (0.02%).Major gainers in the main bourse included Qatar General Insurance and Reinsurance, Dlala, Ooredoo, Medicare Group, Ezdan, Lesha Bank and Barwa. In the venture market, both Al Mahhar Holding and Techno Q saw their shares appreciate in value.Nevertheless, Nakilat, Mekdam Holding, Al Faleh Educational Holding, QIIB and Gulf Warehousing were among the losers in the main market.The domestic institutions’ net buying increased substantially to QR16.02mn compared to QR9.58mn on September 4.The local retail investors’ net buying strengthened noticeably to QR11.6mn against QR8.29mn the previous day.The Gulf individuals turned net buyers to the tune of QR0.65mn compared with net sellers of QR0.32mn on Wednesday.However, the foreign institutions’ net selling expanded perceptibly to QR14.92mn against QR11.57mn on September 4.The Gulf institutions’ net profit booking grew markedly to QR7.87mn compared to QR3.67mn the previous day.The Arab individual investors’ net selling soared notably to QR4.98mn against QR2.29mn on Wednesday.The foreign retail investors’ net profit booking rose marginally to QR0.5mn compared to QR0.02mn on September 4.The Arab institutions had no major net exposure for the fifth straight session.Trade volumes in the main market declined 3% to 118.89mn shares, value by 10% to QR259.82mn and transactions by 14% to 10,836.The venture market saw 60% plunge in trade volumes to 0.63mn equities, 58% in value to QR1.55mn and 16% in deals to 79.

Reflecting the regional concerns over weak oil prices, the Qatar Stock Exchange (QSE) on Wednesday lost more than 62 points and capitalisation melted QR3.19bn.An across the board selling, particularly in the industrials, dragged the 20-stock Qatar Index 0.65% to 10,321.09 points, although it touched an intraday high of 10,352 points.The foreign funds were seen net profit takers in the main market, whose year-to-date losses widened to 4.7%.About 80% of the traded constituents were in the red in the main bourse, whose capitalisation melted 0.53% to QR596.08bn on the back of midcap segments.The Gulf institutions were seen bearish in the main market, which saw 5,058 exchange traded funds (sponsored by Masraf Al Rayan) valued at QR0.01mn trade across four deals.The foreign individuals continued to be net sellers but with lesser intensity in the main bourse, which saw no trading of treasury bills.The domestic institutions turned net buyers in the main market, which saw no trading of sovereign bonds.The Islamic index was seen declining slower than the main barometer in the main bourse, whose trade turnover and volumes were on the decline.The Total Return Index shed 0.6%, the All Share Index by 0.54% and the All Islamic Index by 0.57% in the main market.The industrials sector index lost 0.86%, banks and financial services (0.57%), telecom (0.27%), real estate (0.25%), insurance (0.25%), consumer goods and services (0.24%) and transport (0.18%).Major shakers in the main market included Commercial Bank, Qamco, Gulf International Services, Mesaieed Petrochemical Holding, Qatar German Medical Devices, Qatar Industrial Manufacturing, Industries Qatar, Aamal Company and Ezdan.Nevertheless, QLM, Lesha Bank, Medicare Group, Meeza and Milaha were among the gainers in the main bourse. In the venture market, Al Mahhar Holding saw its shares appreciate in value.The foreign institutions turned net sellers to the tune of QR11.57mn compared with net buyers of QR46.37mn on September 3.The Gulf institutions were net profit takers to the extent of QR3.67mn against net buyers of QR6.8mn the previous day.However, the domestic institutions turned net buyers to the tune of QR9.58mn compared with net sellers of QR21.27mn on Tuesday.The local retail investors were net buyers to the extent of QR8.29mn against net sellers of QR15.65mn on September 3.The foreign individual investors’ net selling declined noticeably to QR0.02mn compared to QR12.19mn the previous day.The Gulf retail investors’ net profit booking weakened perceptibly to QR0.32mn against QR1.53mn on Tuesday.The Arab individual investors’ net selling eased marginally to QR2.29mn compared to QR2.51mn on September 3.The Arab institutions had no major net exposure for the fourth straight session.Trade volumes in the main market declined 21% to 122.28mn shares, value by 28% and transactions by 14% to 12,565.The venture market saw 53% surge in trade volumes to 1.58mn equities, 56% in value to QR3.73mn and 9% in deals to 94.

Stronger inflows in new business and a surge in jobs signalled a stronger improvement in business conditions in Doha’s non-energy private sector economy, according to Qatar Financial Centre (QFC).The QFC purchasing managers’ index (PMI) – compiled from survey responses from a panel of around 450 private sector companies – compiled by Standard and Poor’s Global said demand for goods and services strengthened, driving a near-record increase in employment and another solid output expansion.Firms also continued to deplete outstanding business, and average wages rose at the fastest rate on record, said PMI, whose panel covers the manufacturing, construction, wholesale, retail, and services sectors, reflecting the structure of the non-energy economy according to official national accounts data.The headline PMI – a composite single-figure indicator of non-energy private sector performance and derived from new orders, output, employment, suppliers’ delivery times and stocks of purchases – found that overall cost pressures were the highest in four years, while charges for goods and services fell slightly and the 12-month outlook improved notably.The PMI rose to 53.1 in August, from 51.3 in July, which was above the long-run trend level of 52.3 (since April 2017).Highlighting that the employment component provided the largest boost to August’s headline figure, it said private sector jobs in Qatar rose strongly in August, reversing July’s slight fall and the workforce growth was the second-fastest on record, a tad below the peak in January 2019.“The PMI resumed its recent upward trajectory in August, mainly reflecting a surge in employment and stronger inflows in new business... Financial services continued to lead the way with the sharpest rise in new business in two years,” said QFC Authority chief executive officer Yousuf Mohamed al-Jaida. The job boost was accompanied by record wage pressures in August, as the seasonally adjusted staff costs index rose to a new high of 55.7. Non-staff cost pressures intensified with purchase price inflation at a 15-month high. Overall input price inflation hit a four-year high. In contrast, prices charged for goods and services fell in the latest period.Recruitment was influenced by a strengthening demand for Qatari non-energy goods and services. The level of incoming new orders expanded for the 18th time in 19 months, and at a strong rate that outperformed the long-run survey trend.The faster increase in new business in August supported another robust expansion in total activity. Output has risen continuously for over four years except for two brief pauses in January and December last year. While accepting new contracts, companies continued to reduce the volume of outstanding orders, albeit at slowest rate in the current seven-month sequence of backlog depletion.Confidence regarding the next 12 months strengthened notably in August, to the highest since March 2023, it said, adding positive sales forecasts were linked to government economic development policies, tourism, a rising expatriate population, construction and real estate projects, and Qatar’s attractiveness to international investors.The starting of new project implies higher demand for inputs in August, as purchasing activity increased for the sixth successive month, even as suppliers’ lead times improved to the greatest extent since December 2022. Input stocks declined for the sixth time in 2024 so far and at the fastest rate since November 2022.Qatari financial firms recorded booming demand for their services in August. The seasonally adjusted financial services new business index rose from 57.2 in July to 62.9, the fastest growth since August 2022. Companies were also increasingly optimistic regarding the 12-month outlook, with sentiment at the highest level since May 2023. There was also a notable boost to employment growth, which was the strongest in five years (56.4).

Expectations of the US rate cut continued to lift sentiments in the Qatar Stock Exchange (QSE), which Tuesday saw its key index gain 39 points to inch towards 10,400 points.The industrials counter witnessed higher than average demand as the 20-stock Qatar Index rose 0.38% to 10,383.42 points, recovering from an intraday low of 10,322 points.The Gulf institutions were seen net buyers in the main market, whose year-to-date losses truncated to 4.13%.As much as 56% of the traded constituents extended gains to investors in the main bourse, whose capitalisation added QR0.9bn or 0.15% to QR599.27bn on the back of microcap segments.The local retail investors’ weakened net profit booking had its influence in the main market, which saw 0.01mn exchange traded funds (sponsored by Masraf Al Rayan and Doha Bank) valued at QR0.11mn trade across 12 deals.The foreign funds continued to be net buyers but with lesser intensity in the main bourse, which saw no trading of treasury bills.The domestic institutions were increasingly net profit takers in the main market, which saw no trading of sovereign bonds.The Islamic index was seen gaining slower than the other indices in the main bourse, whose trade turnover grew amidst lower volumes.The Total Return Index rose 0.38%, the All Share Index by 0.25% and the All Islamic Index by 0.31% in the main market.The industrials sector index gained 0.42%, banks and financial services (0.35%), real estate (0.35%), consumer goods and services (0.1%) and telecom (0.1%); while insurance and transport declined 0.54% and 0.27% respectively. Major gainers in the main market included Commercial Bank, Meeza, Gulf International Services, Qatar Industrial Manufacturing, Qatar Islamic Insurance, QIIB and Industries Qatar. In the venture market, both Al Mahhar Holding and Techno Q saw their shares appreciate in value.Nevertheless, Qatar General Insurance and Reinsurance, QLM, Inma Holding, Lesha Bank, Milaha, Zad Holding and Qamco were among the shakers in the main bourse.The Gulf institutions turned net buyers to the tune of QR6.8mn compared with net sellers of QR3.02mn on September 2.The Qatari individual investors’ net selling declined significantly to QR15.65mn against QR43.79mn the previous day.However, the domestic institutions’ net profit booking grew substantially to QR21.27mn compared to QR8.92mn on Monday.The foreign retail investors were net sellers to the extent of QR12.19mn against net buyers of QR4.84mn on September 2.The Arab individuals’ net selling strengthened markedly to QR2.51mn compared to QR0.83mn the previous day. The Gulf individual investors’ net profit booking rose marginally to QR1.53mn against QR1.33mn on Monday. The foreign institutions’ net buying declined markedly to QR46.37mn compared to QR53.04mn on September 2.The Arab institutions had no major net exposure for the third straight session. Trade volumes in the main market was down less than 1% to 155.58mn shares, while value grew 1% to QR401.3mn and transactions by 3% to 14,575.The venture market saw 45% surge in trade volumes to 1.03mn equities, 46% in value to QR2.33mn and 28% in deals to 86.

Qatar’s hospitality sector saw improved (year-on-year) room yield in July 2024, particularly in the deluxe hotel apartments and four-star hotels; amidst jump in visitors, especially from Europe, the Americas and the Gulf region, according to the official data.The country’s hospitality sector saw a 7.35% year-on-year surge in room yield to QR219 in July 2024 as occupancy by 6% to 58%; but average room rate fell 4.09% to QR375, according to the figures released by National Planning Council (NPC).The four-star hotels room yield improved by 7.21% on a yearly basis to QR119 as the occupancy increased by 10% to 60%, even as the average room rate shrank 10.81% to QR198 in July 2024.However, the five-star hotels' room yield tanked 3.25% year-on-year to QR277 as average room rate were lower by 6.51% to QR546, even as occupancy grew 5% to 51% in the review period.The three-star hotels' room yield fell 2.52% on an annualised basis to QR116 this July as average room rate decreased by 7.78% to QR154 amidst 4% jump in occupancy to 75%.The two-star and one-star hotels reported 12.4% year-on-year contraction in room yield to QR113 as the average room rate shrank 4.2% to QR137 and the occupancy by 7% to 83% in July this year.The deluxe hotel apartments registered a 23.78% year-on-year surge in room yield to QR229 as occupancy improved 12% to 69% and average room rate by 2.45% to QR334 in July 2024.In the case of standard hotel apartments, room yield plummeted 33.33% on an annualised basis to QR108 in July 2024 with occupancy plunging 28% to 49% even as average room rate shot up 4.27% to QR220.Doha saw as many as 317,459 visitor arrivals in July 2024, growing 10.2% and 0.4% on yearly and monthly basis respectively in the review period. Visitors are those non-residents travelling to Qatar on a short-term basis for all purposes, including arrivals at borders under 15 different visit visa classes and also include business and leisure visa types while excluding work visas.The visitor arrivals from the Gulf Co-operation Council or GCC were 146,600 or 46% of the total; followed by other Asia (including Oceania) 66,340 (21%), Europe 54,417 (17%), the Americas 22,884 (7%), other Arab countries 20,383 (6%) and other African countries 6,835 (2%) in July 2024.On an annualised basis, the visitor arrivals from European countries were seen soaring 28.6%, the Americas by 18.1%, the GCC by 8.7%, other Asia (including Oceania) by 3.2% and other Arab countries by 1.6%; while those from other African countries were down 2.5% and other Arab countries by 1.6% in July 2024.On a month-on-month basis, the visitor arrivals from Europe shot up 18% and the Americas by 8.4%; even as those from other Asia (including Oceania) declined 7.1%, other African countries by 6%, other Arab countries by 5.2% and the GCC by 1.6% in the review period.

Rising investors’ confidence on an imminent expected rate cut by the US Federal Reserve had its reflection on the Qatar Stock Exchange (QSE), which on Monday saw its key index surge 114 points and capitalisation add QR5.31bn.An across the board buying, especially in the banks and telecom counters, lifted the 20-stock Qatar Index 1.11% to 10,344.42 points, recovering from an intraday low of 10,232 points.More than 65% of the traded constituents extended gains to investors in the main market, whose year-to-date losses truncated to 4.49%.The foreign funds were seen increasingly net buyers in the main bourse, whose capitalisation added 0.9% to QR598.37bn on the back of mid and small cap segments.The foreign individuals turned bullish in the main market, which saw 0.01mn exchange traded funds (sponsored by Masraf Al Rayan and Doha Bank) valued at QR0.12mn trade across 10 deals.However, the local retail investors were seen increasingly net sellers in the main bourse, which saw no trading of treasury bills.The domestic institutions were net profit takers in the main market, which saw no trading of sovereign bonds.The Islamic index was seen gaining slower than the main barometer in the main bourse, whose trade turnover and volumes were on the increase.The Total Return Index rose 1.11%, the All Share Index by 1% and the All Islamic Index by 1.02% in the main market.The banks and financial services sector index shot up 1.32%, telecom (1.16%), industrials (1.01%), real estate (0.76%), transport (0.24%), insurance (0.06%) and consumer goods and services (0.05%).Major gainers in the main market included Qatar Oman Investment, Qatar Islamic Bank, Gulf International Services, Qatar Electricity and Water, Commercial Bank, QIIB, Widam Food, Mesaieed Petrochemical Holding, Barwa and Ooredoo. In the juniour bourse, Al Mahhar Holding saw its shares appreciate in value.Nevertheless, Ahlibank Qatar, Doha Insurance, Qatar Islamic Insurance, Qatar German Medical Devices and Mazaya Qatar were among the shakers in the main market.The foreign institutions’ net buying increased substantially to QR53.04mn compared to QR9.8mn on August 29.The foreign retail investors were net buyers to the tune of QR4.84mn against net sellers of QR6.76mn the previous day.However, the Qatari individuals’ net selling strengthened significantly to QR43.79mn compared to QR10.33mn on Sunday.The domestic institutions turned net sellers to the extent of QR8.92mn against net buyers of QR4.55mn on August 29.The Gulf institutions’ net selling expanded noticeably to QR3.02mn compared to QR0.61mn the previous day.The Gulf individual investors’ net profit booking grew perceptibly to QR1.33mn against QR0.06mn on Sunday.The Arab individuals turned net sellers to the tune of QR0.83mn compared with net buyers of QR3.4mn on August 29.The Arab institutions had no major net exposure for the second straight session.Trade volumes in the main market soared 78% to 155.74mn shares, value by 69% to QR395.84mn and transactions by 89% to 15,073.The venture market however saw 40% shrinkage in trade volumes to 0.71mn equities, 40% in value to QR1.64mn and 11% in deals to 67.

Qatar's maritime sector saw a robust double-digit year-on-year growth in the handling of vehicles (RORO) and livestock this August, according to the official estimates.The country's ports recorded container volume of 114,912 TEUs (twenty foot equivalent units) with Hamad Port alone handling as much 99% of it during the review period, according to the data of Mwani Qatar.The number of ships calling on Hamad, Doha and Al Ruwais ports stood at 238 in August 2024, which saw 4.42% decrease year-on-year but was up 1.28% on a monthly basis.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 115 vessels call (excluding military) in the review period. A total of 1,796 ships had called on the three ports during the first eight months of this year.The three ports handled as many as 10,805 RORO in August 2024, which registered 37.21% growth year-on-year while it declined 11.54% month-on-month. Hamad Port alone handled 10,788 units this August. A total of 78,963 RORO units were handled by three ports during January-August 2024.Qatar's automobile sector has been witnessing stronger sales, especially in heavy equipment, private motorcycles and private vehicles, according to the latest data of the National Planning Council.The three ports were seen handling 24,066 livestock in August 2024, which zoomed 39.67% and 18.54% on annualised and monthly basis respectively. As many as 402,569 livestock heads were handled by three ports during the first eight months of this year.The container handling through the three ports stood at 114,912 TEUs, which saw 4.19% and 21.7% year-on-year and month-on-month decline respectively in August this year.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 recently 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.Hamad Port, which is the largest eco-friendly project in the region and internationally recognised as one of the largest green ports in the world, saw 113,693 TEUs this August. The container volume at the three ports totalled 968,647 TEUs during January-August 2024.The general and bulk cargo handled amounted to 111,208 freight tonnes through the three ports, which shrank 30.55% and 15.74% year-on-year and month-on-month respectively in August 2024.Hamad Port – whose multi-use terminal is designed to serve the supply chains for the RORO, grains and livestock – handled 70,540 freight tonnes of breakbulk in August 2024. A total of 1.12mn freight tonnes of general and bulk cargoes were handled by the three ports during January-August 2024.The building materials traffic through the three ports stood at 13,100 tonnes this August, which tanked 71.57% and 41% year-on-year and month-on-month respectively. As much as 264,719 tonnes of building materials were handled by Hamad, Doha and Al Ruwais ports during January-August this year.

The Qatar Stock Exchange (QSE) has introduced a revised liquidity provider (LP) scheme, a move that significantly lowers liquidity costs and provides more depth in the order book.As part of revising the scheme, the QSE included the recent amendments and new criteria in the standardised and approved contracts for the LP activity, effective from September 1, 2024.These criteria will be reviewed on a semi-annual basis to ensure their alignment with international best practices and market needs, a bourse spokesman said.These amendments are part of a package of incentives offered by QSE to develop the LP activity in the Qatari market, contributing to increased liquidity and trading, attracting more investors, and enhancing the competitiveness of the Qatari market.This development is part of the ongoing efforts of the Qatar Financial Markets Authority (QFMA) and QSE to improve market efficiency and increase its appeal to both local and international investors, thereby contributing to the sustainable growth of the Qatari market.A LP is a licensed financial services company authorised to engage in liquidity provision activities, which enhance the liquidity of listed securities by continuously offering buy or sell prices for a specific security, in accordance with terms and conditions outlined in the agreement between the liquidity provider and the listed company."The introduction of the revised LP scheme is set to significantly lower liquidity costs and provide more depth in the order book, ensuring a more efficient, stable and transparent trading environment," the QSE spokesman said.As part of the incentive package, the QFMA recently introduced regulations for dividend distribution for listed joint-stock companies, allowing them to distribute interim dividends. In light of this step, some listed companies distributed semi-annual dividends in 2024."This important step enhances the attractiveness of the Qatari market by providing shareholders with more frequent returns on their investments, thereby increasing investor confidence and boosting trading activity in the market," the QSE spokesman said.Interim dividends provide a steady return on investment before the company’s final year-end dividend, offering investors regular income and a more predictable cash flow, he said, adding this approach not only boosts investor confidence but also encourages long-term commitment to the market, fostering greater market participation and liquidity.The QSE is continuously working on developing investment tools by launching various initiatives that align with market needs and international best practices.As part of its strategy, the exchange is committed to enhancing market efficiency, transparency, accessibility, and ensuring a better trading experience for all market participants.

The Qatar Financial Centre (QFC) has launched its digital assets framework, a comprehensive and innovative regime for the creation and regulation of digital assets in the QFC, paving way for companies to offer token services.The development of the framework, which is one of the important goals established by the Third Financial Sector Strategic Plan, provides not only legal recognition of smart contracts but also establishes legal and regulatory foundation for tokenisation, a key tool to protect sensitive data.The digital assets framework was launched by the Qatar Financial Centre Authority (QFCA) and Qatar Financial Centre Regulatory Authority (QFCRA) in line with the Third Financial Sector Strategy issued by the Qatar Central Bank (QCB)."This framework will create significant opportunities and support establishing a robust regulatory environment within the financial sector. This will support Qatar’s digital transformation goals, in line with the Third National Development Strategy, the final phase of the Qatar National Vision 2030," said Sheikh Bandar bin Mohamed bin Saoud al-Thani, QCB governor.The QFC digital assets framework 2024 establishes the legal and regulatory foundation for digital assets, including the process of tokenisation, legal recognition of property rights in tokens and their underlying assets, custody arrangements, transfer, and exchange.The framework will ensure a secure and transparent digital asset ecosystem in the QFC, in line with the highest international standards and best practices. It also sets high standards for the process of asset tokenisation and puts in place a trusted technology infrastructure that will ensure trust and confidence among consumers, service providers, and industry stakeholders."We are proud to set a blueprint for developing, applying, and operating digital assets that promotes market trust and confidence. We anticipate that this regulatory clarity will attract both domestic and international players, boosting Qatar’s financial services sector competitiveness,” according to Yousuf Mohamed al-Jaida, chief executive officer, QFC.The QFC digital assets framework is the result of a process of extensive consultation and collaboration with industry stakeholders, which was co-ordinated through an advisory group comprised of thirty-seven domestic and international organisations from the financial, technology, and legal sectors.“By introducing a comprehensive and robust framework for the regulation of digital assets, we are laying the groundwork for the development of a thriving and innovative financial services sector that can leverage the opportunities offered by new technologies and emerging market,” said Michael Ryan, chief executive officer, QFCRA.Since the launch of the QFC Digital Assets Lab in October 2023, more than 20 start-ups and fintech firms have been accepted into the lab to develop, test, and commercialise their digital asset products and services.The operation of the QFC digital assets lab took place in parallel with the QFC digital assets framework emphasising the important role that industry engagement and collaboration has played in the development of the framework.