Business

Reflecting the worries in the global markets on the US interest rates, the Qatar Stock Exchange (QSE) Wednesday lost as much as 96 points and capitalisation eroded.text-box { float:left; width:250px; padding:1px; border:1pt white; margin-top: 10px; margin-right: 15px; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 20px;}@media only screen and (max-width: 767px) {.text-box {width: 30%;}}**media[127743]**QR6bn. The industrials and banking counters witnessed higher than average selling as the 20-stock Qatar Index shed 0.92% to 10,401.92 points, as investors fear that the US Federal Reserve may not cut interest rates as soon as previously expected.The foreign and Gulf institutions were increasingly net profit takers in the main market, whose year-to-date losses widened to 3.96%.As much as 71% of the traded constituents were in the red in the main bourse, whose capitalisation tanked QR5.77bn or 0.95% to QR603.02bn with large and midcap segments losing the most.The foreign individuals were seen net sellers in the main market, which however, touched an intraday high of 10,526 points.The foreign institutions’ weakened net buying had its influence on the main bourse, which saw as many as 0.05mn exchange traded funds (sponsored by Masraf Al Rayan and Doha Bank) valued at QR0.12mn trade across six deals.The local retail investors turned bullish in the main market, which saw no trading of sovereign bonds.The Islamic index fell slower than the other indices in the main bourse, which witnessed no trading of treasury bills.The Total Return Index shed 0.92%, the All Islamic Index by 0.59% and the All Share Index by 0.91% in the main bourse, whose trade turnover grew amidst lower volumes.The industrials sector index plummeted 1.74%, banks and financial services (0.93%), consumer goods and services (0.73%), insurance (0.56%), transport (0.17%) and realty (0.12%); while telecom shot up 1%.Major shakers in the main market included Qatar General Insurance and Reinsurance, Beema, QLM, Industries Qatar, QNB, Commercial Bank, Masraf Al Rayan, Baladna, Mesaieed Petrochemical Holding and Mazaya Qatar.Nevertheless, Vodafone Qatar, Ooredoo, Qatar Insurance, Qatar Oman Investment and Milaha were among the gainers in the main bourse.In the venture market, Mahhar Holding saw its shares appreciate in value.The foreign institutions’ net selling increased noticeably to QR25.67mn compared to QR17.02mn on January 16.The Gulf institutions’ net profit booking grew markedly to QR10.32mn against QR7.55mn the previous day.The foreign individuals turned net sellers to the tune of QR1.62mn compared with net buyers of QR0.43mn on Tuesday.The domestic institutions’ net buying declined considerably to QR14.84mn against QR26.56mn on January 16.However, the local retail investors’ net buying rose significantly to QR13.72mn compared to QR2.5mn the previous day.The Arab individuals were net buyers to the extent of QR8.65mn against net sellers of QR4.97mn on Tuesday.The Gulf retail investors’ net buying expanded marginally to QR0.42mn compared to QR0.05mn on January 16.The Arab institutions had no major net exposure for the fifth straight session.Trade volumes in the main market shrank 12% to 117.31mn shares, whereas value increased by 6% to QR475.38mn and deals by 4% to 14,908.The venture market saw a 50% plunge in trade volumes to 0.09mn equities, 43% in value to QR0.12mn and 50% in transactions to 11.

The global aviation industry's efforts to reduce carbon emissions are significant primarily because it contributes to greenhouse gas emissions, primarily through the.text-box { float:left; width:250px; padding:1px; border:1pt white; margin-top: 10px; margin-right: 15px; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 20px;}@media only screen and (max-width: 767px) {.text-box {width: 30%;}}**media[128685]**combustion of fossil fuels in aircraft engines. A recent international conference has given a clarion call to achieve 5% carbon reduction by the aviation industry in another six years.The 3rd Conference on Aviation Alternative Fuels (CAAF/3) hosted by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) was an important step forward for the industry as it agreed a global framework to promote sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) production in all geographies.The agreement calls for fuels used in international aviation to be 5% less carbon intensive by 2030. At this point, at current rates, CO2 emissions for international aviation are expected to reach 682mn tonnes, meaning SAF and low carbon aviation fuel (LCAF) need to abate some 34mn tonnes of CO2.To achieve this requires about 17.5bn litres or 14mn tonnes of SAF to be produced. Airlines’ desire to buy SAF at this quantity is already there. Forty-three airlines have nearly $50bn of voluntary agreements in place that equate to approximately 13mn tonnes and that will doubtless increase. The demand for SAF is so strong that they added $756mn to a record high fuel bill in 2023, global body of airlines IATA said in a recent analysis.Supply is a different story, however. In 2023, airlines were able to put just 0.5mn tonnes of SAF into their aircraft. To get to the 14mn tonnes of SAF required by the CAAF/3 agreement, as well as other commitments, means that SAF need to account for about 25%-30% of the 63mn tonnes of renewable fuels that will be produced in 2030.“In 2023, though, it accounts for only 3%,” says Hemant Mistry, IATA’s director, Energy Transition.“We had hoped SAF would be about 0.5% of total aviation fuel by now but it is only 0.2%. SAF production is increasing though, and we hope additionally that SAF will be 6% of renewable fuels in 2024, which should get us to SAF representing 0.5% of total jet fuel.”There are new refineries pledged to SAF support coming online. A new $7.7bn bio-refinery is under construction in Panama, for example. Due to come online in 2027, the bio-refinery is reported to have earmarked SAF as a core product and Panama’s logistical excellence will add to the proposition. And Neste’s Singapore plant was expanded in early 2023.Furthermore, IATA reports that though only 10 facilities are producing SAF, over 150 projects in 35 countries are being explored that could be used for SAF production by 2029.Policy support: Even so, significant policy support will be essential. “Governments want aviation to be net zero by 2050,” says Mistry.“Having set an interim target in the CAAF process they now need to deliver policy measures that can achieve the needed exponential increase in SAF production.”Incentivising the scaling up of SAF production is a primary focus though mandates are coming into force in the European Union and elsewhere. In total, some 40 countries have either implemented or are known to be discussing SAF-related policies.Promoting the diversification of feedstocks will be an essential element of any good policy. Approximately 85% of SAF facilities coming online over the next five years will use the hydrotreatment (HEFA) pathway, which relies on inedible animal fats (tallow), used cooking oil, and industrial grease as feedstock. But these substances are limited in quantity and high in price.Other certified pathways include Alcohol-to-Jet (AtJ) and Fischer-Tropsch (FT), which use bio/agricultural wastes and residue. In fact, there are eight pathways certified for SAF production with an additional seven being assessed in the coming years.“We need to leverage all SAF technologies to provide diversification and regional options, including those with side-benefits, such as environmental restoration,” says Mistry. “Aggregating wastes or re-cultivating land adds socio-economic benefits, for example, and every region has an opportunity to create new value chains.”Passenger support: Mistry points to passenger support for aviation’s efforts to encourage SAF production. In a recent survey, 86% of travellers agreed that governments should provide production incentives for airlines to access SAF.In addition, 86% agreed that it should be a priority for oil companies to supply SAF to airlines.“As an industry, we are committed to reaching net-zero carbon emissions by 2050,” Mistry noted.“That means we need a cost-effective and environmentally efficient way to incentivise the scaling up of SAF production but avoid the physical matching of SAF supply and demand in any specific geographic location. There is a long road ahead and oil companies and governments must support our ambition. But we can get there and meet the CAAF/3 goal and other commitments on our way to the 2050 aspirational target,” Mistry said.Undoubtedly, the significance of carbon reduction by the global aviation industry lies in its contribution to environmental sustainability, climate change mitigation, regulatory compliance, technological innovation, economic considerations, and fostering global collaboration to address a shared environmental challenge.

IntroductionA 21st-century competitive environment has become a key factor contributing to the efficiency and dynamicity of the market economy. Technological changes driven by globalization make merchants invest in digital solutions to enhance their business productivity and remain in demand on the market. Thus, in the course of the overall transition to digitalized supplies, the size of the global supply chain management market is forecasted to grow from USD 25.74 billion as for 2022 to about USD 72.1 billion by 2023 based on the estimates.Transformation of traditional supply chains into more flexible systems promotes more efficient approaches to cost management and ensures enhanced end-user values. In this way, digitalization allows for automating and accordingly streamlining and simplifying all the supply chain processes.Hence, this article will highlight the essential components that contribute to the seamless operations of supply chains and their adaptability to the ever-evolving business landscape.Understanding the rolesGenerally, information technologies integrated into supply chains find their implementation in scheduling, sourcing, data analytics, and supplier relationship management (SRM). Still, their capacities are capable of enhancing far more processes than mentioned above. So, let’s consider their application and benefits in supply chain management (SCM).IT Infrastructure in SCMThe efficiency of collaboration and data sharing between stakeholders is driven by the implementation of cloud-based solutions, software, and advanced communication networks. Choosing the right IT solution to be integrated into the supply chain is crucial. When powered by a well-designed IT infrastructure, it becomes more streamlined and visible. For this reason, one should apply high technological solutions that will align with the chain goals.For example, these may be transportation management systems, warehouse management solutions, enterprise resource planning programs, fleet management systems, etc. Along with that, well-configured hardware serves as a foundation for the successful functioning of the supply chain powered by software.Needless to say, the Internet is an important asset in the supply chain infrastructure, too. The connectivity between stakeholders, immediate transfer of information across the chain, and activities like online procurements and auctions are heavily reliant on the quality of the internet.Tracking and VisibilityEffective management of supply chains is now associated with their real-time visibility. The seamless flow of information from one authorized staff member to another ensures better collaboration between them which consequently leads to an easier workflow. With relevant data available, managers can instantly respond to changing situations and make more informed decisions.On top of that, sensors, GPS, RFID, and other tracking solutions allow for real-time observation of goods movement. The transparency achieved through the implementation of the specified technologies guarantees improved control over inventory and ensures more accurate demand forecasting.Data Analytics for Informed Decision-MakingChoosing the right option among the range of available alternatives may be quite daunting. The traditional approach to making decisions is often associated with numerous factors like previous practices, personal values or emotions, intuition, analysis of possible risks, and uncertainties associated with the choice of action to be performed. But today, IT solutions allow stakeholders to apply a data-driven approach in decision-making. Advanced analytics tools are capable of giving insights into real evidence and up-to-date information that aid businesses in identifying trends and patterns, predicting and mitigating risks, and, therefore, making more nformed and rational decisions.Cost reductionAutomation of processes within a supply chain ensures more efficient leverage of resources and assets as all the parties involved are motivated to use them in a reasonable way. Apart from that, the manual work is delegated to IT tools that perform it in an accurate and seamless way. This allows business owners to reduce the staff number and exploit their resources to deal with more complex tasks.The rapid development of technology in the 21st century has resulted in the availability of all products. This greatly contributed to the emergence of trends for various offers and discounts, consequently causing the reduction of the goods cost.Cybersecurity Measures for Supply Chain ProtectionStatista reports that about 11 million customers in the world were affected by supply chain cyber-attacks in 2022. Among the most common incidents were counterfeiting, drive-by compromise, and malware infections. For this reason, enhancing the security of the supply chain should become a key priority for businesses.It’s important to protect any point of the supply chain that is indicated to be vulnerable to attacks. This may be achieved through the implementation of blockchain, maintenance, and regular audit of software utilized in SCM, minimizing any risks, educating the staff, and promoting cyber security awareness among them. Any enterprise should take all necessary measures to be able to respond to any kind of cybersecurity issues, minimizing the chances of data breaches.Final wordsOne can hardly deny that IT has played a paramount role in supply chain evolution. With transparency and data-driven decision-making, supply chains can operate more efficiently than ever before. In fact, the advanced solutions have opened up the doors to a new generation of SCM applications. The Internet and other networks are capable of learning from past performance and determining the amount of product needed offering cost-effective methods for warehousing or delivering it to a retailer. Undoubtedly, IT will continue to progress, transforming supply chains into more advanced and secure systems.

The general index of Qatar Stock Exchange (QSE) dropped 16.87 points, or 0.16 percent, at the beginning of trading on Wednesday to reach the level of 10,481 points, compared to yesterday's closing.The performance of QSE general index was weighed down by a decline in five sectors: Insurance by 0.94 percent, Communications by 0.50 percent, Industrials by 0.49 percent, Banking and Financial Services by 0.22 percent, and Transportation by 0.10 percent. In contrast, the performance was positive for Real Estate by 0.33 percent and Consumer Goods and Services by 0.18 percent.At 10:00 am, Qatar Stock Exchange recorded 2,042 transactions worth QR 52.265 million, distributed to 18.030 million shares.

Uganda and other countries in East Africa could be the next destinations for investments from both the Qatar Investment Authority (QIA) and the Qatari private sector, Qatar Chamber first vice-chairman Mohamed bin Towar al-Kuwari has said.Al-Kuwari is representing the chamber at the ‘East Africa Investment Forum and Trade Exhibition’, which is being held on the sidelines of the ‘19th Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) Summit’ and the ‘G77+ China Summit’ in Kampala, Uganda.Held under the theme ‘Deeper Cooperation in Trade, Tourism, and Investment for Shared Global Affluence’, the forum, which will run until January 18, aims to create opportunities in trade, tourism, investment, and technology transfer.It seeks to promote investment opportunities in key sectors, such as tourism, agri-value addition, mineral beneficiation, oil and gas, information and communication technology (ICT), infrastructure development, real estate, and services. The forum also endeavours to facilitate joint venture partnerships, affordable financing, technology transfer, and market opportunities.Addressing the forum’s inaugural session, al-Kuwari stated that Qatar, Uganda, and the East African region “enjoy close relations that have deepened over time,” noting that this is evident through frequent mutual visits at the leadership level and the number of agreements signed to enhance bilateral relations.Al-Kuwari emphasised that Qatar and Uganda share strong and close relations as members of several organisations, including the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), the UN, and the Afro-Arab Summit.“This shows Qatar’s interest in forging investments in Uganda and exploring opportunities available across various sectors,” al-Kuwari noted, adding that Qatar’s private sector is eager to invest in Uganda.He emphasised that Qatar topped the world’s liquefied natural gas (LNG) production and marketing, supplying gas to numerous countries, adding that QatarEnergy has concluded exploration and production agreements with several countries on various continents, awarding contracts worth tens of billions of dollars to implement the North East Field and North South Field expansion projects.“These projects are expected to increase Qatar’s LNG production capacity from 77mn tonnes per year (MTPY) to 126 MTPY, with production expected to begin in 2026 and 2027 for the two fields, respectively,” al-Kuwari explained.He said, “In 2022, Qatar’s GDP reached $190bn. These factors facilitated cooperation between Qatar, Uganda, and the region, which abounds with investment opportunities, serving as sources of commodities, food, raw materials, and attractive tourist destinations.”Elaborating on Qatar’s investment activities, he highlighted that the country is a significant global investor, strategically deploying its funds through the QIA. He said the QIA currently manages an estimated $475bn in assets, noting that Qatari firms have investments in many countries with primary destinations in the EU, the Gulf Cooperation Council, and other Arab countries.He said: “This could be Africa’s opportune moment to secure its place on Qatar’s investment stage. Uganda’s economy has been ranked among the fastest developing economies, with a stable macro-economic environment and conducive trade and investment policies.”Al-Kuwari said Qatari businessmen and investors are keen on exploring opportunities available in Uganda across various sectors, including mining, energy, roads, railways, oil and gas, agriculture, and real estate.

The Qatar Investment Authority (QIA) has announced the establishment of the Active Asset Management Initiative with Ashmore Group as the first partner.The QIA initiative will establish partnerships both with leading global asset managers with GCC expertise and local asset managers that meet all the considerations for a QIA investment.QIA will seed funds managed by these partners by re-allocating shares in companies listed on the Qatar Stock Exchange.The first partnership has been announced with Ashmore, the specialist emerging markets asset manager, to establish the Ashmore Qatar Equity Fund.The daily-dealing public equity mutual fund, available to international and local institutions, will give foreign investment capital a route to obtain exposure to Qatar's fast developing economy and provide Qatari investors with access to Ashmore's leading equity investment expertise.The Ashmore Qatar Equity Fund has launched with approximately $200mn under management and has the QIA as an anchor investor.The collaboration with leading asset managers such as Ashmore is expected to catalyse investments in key economic projects, foster wealth creation, enhance the overall economic landscape, and improve liquidity on the QSE.The QIA is committed to supporting and developing Qatar's local economy and is engaged in a number of initiatives to enhance liquidity in the market, improve price discovery, and diversify Qatar's capital markets.

QNB Group has launched ‘Staff Rewards’, a fully cloud based application, leveraging the cutting-edge capabilities of Microsoft Azure cloud platform.QNB’s Cloud Transformation journey aims to fully embrace the transformative potential of cloud computing and modernise traditional banking practices.Together with AI and Data Analytics, QNB will revolutionise banking for its customers with data driven, customer-centric, innovative and smarter solutions in the future.The Staff Rewards application not only rewards its dedicated staff, but also streamlines the process for enhanced efficiency and transparency.The application provides several pivotal features, offering global benefits to the employees across all regions where QNB operates. These include accommodations, dining, educational advantages, and much more.Commenting on the application launch, Maryam Mohamed al- Kuwari, senior executive vice-president (IT), QNB Group, said: “Embarking on a new era of recognition and appreciation, we're thrilled to unveil our staff rewards portal. Harnessing the cutting-edge capabilities of Microsoft Azure, we are setting the gold standard for employee engagement and empowerment. We will continue to explore innovative solutions, leveraging Microsoft Azure cloud and AI services, to stay at the forefront of the banking industry.Microsoft Azure, known for its robustness and security, emerged as the platform of choice for QNB. Its advanced cloud infrastructure ensures seamless access, data protection, and real-time analytics, which are key components vital for banking applications.Considering the multiple benefits that cloud computing offers – increased efficiency, improved capacity, scalability, resiliency – QNB will further continue with its Cloud Transformation Roadmap using the ‘Lift and Shift’ approach.By leveraging cloud capabilities, the bank will bring an unparalleled experience to its customers in the digital banking and AI space.

The GCC Commercial Arbitration Centre is has ensured its unwavering dedication to aligning with cutting-edge technological advancements and global trends in all its international commercial arbitration endeavours.This was according to Dr Kamal bin Abdullah al-Hamad, the centre’s secretary general, who underscored the importance of integrating state-of-the-art technologies, such as AI and data analysis, to elevate the efficiency and effectiveness of arbitration procedures.Al-Hamad made the statement during a high-profile meeting with Dr Mohamed al-Tamimi, the governor and vice chairman of the Communications, Space and Technology Commission in Saudi Arabia.The meeting explored avenues for robust collaboration, aiming to digitally empower the commercial arbitration industry by providing it with the latest digital tools and technologies. The objective is to ensure the industry stays at the forefront of technological progress and strategically employs modern approaches in arbitration practices, thereby optimising the resolution and management of commercial disputes.Al-Hamad commended the pivotal role played by the Communications, Space, and Technology Commission in Saudi Arabia, lauding its effective regulation of the telecommunications, space, and technology sectors.He acknowledged the commission’s instrumental role in facilitating digital transformation across diverse industries, delivering innovative digital services and technologies, and fostering investment in Saudi Arabia’s digital infrastructure to align with various sectors and national needs.Emphasising the importance of bolstering collaboration between the centre and the commission, al-Hamad highlighted the need for joint efforts in research and development, as well as the exchange of experiences and knowledge.The goal is to cultivate new digital tools and solutions that enhance the efficiency of commercial arbitration, promote justice and transparency in its operations, empower the business and investment environment, and raise awareness about the significance of alternative dispute resolution methods within the legal and commercial communities in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, he said.During the meeting, al-Hamad revealed that the GCC Commercial Arbitration Centre is actively exploring the formulation of a strategy to embrace digital technologies. This includes adopting modern approaches such as software and electronic systems to streamline arbitration procedures.The aim is to facilitate the submission of electronic documents and certificates by parties and arbitrators, conduct arbitration sessions online through video calls and voice chats, and leverage applications, data analysis, and Artificial Intelligence to generate precise and evidence-based reports. This, in turn, facilitates more informed and accurate decision-making processes.Al-Hamad further stressed the centre’s commitment to enhancing data protection and cybersecurity in the field of commercial arbitration. Acknowledging the ongoing digital transformation, the centre is actively developing comprehensive plans, procedures, and policies to address potential cyber threats. The primary focus is to ensure the security of sensitive information related to arbitration cases and disputing parties, thereby safeguarding the integrity of the arbitration process.

The Qatar Stock Exchange (QSE) Tuesday snapped four consecutive days of bullish run with its key index losing as much as 35 points and capitalisation melted about QR2bn,.text-box { float:left; width:250px; padding:1px; border:1pt white; margin-top: 10px; margin-right: 15px; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 20px;}@media only screen and (max-width: 767px) {.text-box {width: 30%;}}**media[127743]**reflecting the concerns in the global markets on the interest rates.The transport, insurance, telecom and industrials counters witnessed higher than average selling pressure as the 20-stock Qatar Index declined 0.34% to 10,498.31 points.The foreign institutions and Arab individuals were seen net profit takers in the main market, whose year-to-date losses widened to 3.07%.The Gulf funds were increasingly net sellers in the main bourse, whose capitalisation melted QR1.71bn or 0.28% to QR608.79bn with small cap segments losing the most.As much as 68% of the traded constituents were on the red in the main market, which however, touched an intraday high of 10,546 points.The local retail investors turned bullish in the main bourse, which saw as many as 0.01mn exchange traded funds (sponsored by Masraf Al Rayan and Doha Bank) valued at QR0.05mn trade across five deals.The foreign individuals were net buyers in the main market, which saw no trading of sovereign bonds.The Islamic index fell faster than the other indices in the main bourse, which witnessed no trading of treasury bills.The Total Return Index shed 0.34%, the All Islamic Index by 0.68% and the All Share Index by 0.24% in the main bourse, whose trade turnover and volumes were on the decline.The transport sector index tanked 1.87%, insurance (1.17%), telecom (0.92%), industrials (0.65%) and consumer goods and services (0.44%); while banks and financial services gained 0.28% and real estate 0.14%.Major shakers in the main market included Qatar General Insurance and Reinsurance, Milaha, Ezdan, Mesaieed Petrochemical Holding, Meeza, Mannai Corporation, Qatar Insurance and Ooredoo. In the venture market, Mahhar Holding saw its shares depreciate in value.Nevertheless, QLM, Doha Insurance, Commercial Bank, Barwa and Gulf Warehousing were among the gainers in the main market.The foreign institutions turned net sellers to the tune of QR17.02mn compared with net buyers of QR7.41mn on January 15.The Gulf institutions’ net profit booking increased markedly to QR7.55mn against QR3.65mn the previous day.The Arab individuals were net sellers to the extent of QR4.97mn compared with net buyers of QR0.83mn on Monday.However, the domestic institutions’ net buying strengthened considerably to QR26.56mn against QR8.03mn on January 15.The local retail investors turned net buyers to the tune of QR2.5mn compared with net sellers of QR10.74mn the previous day.The foreign individuals were net buyers to the extent of QR0.43mn against net profit takers of QR0.01mn on Monday.The Gulf retail investors turned net buyers to the tune of QR0.05mn compared with net sellers of QR1.78mn on January 15.The Arab institutions had no major net exposure for the fourth straight session.Trade volumes in the main market were down 12% to 132.71mn shares, value by 6% to QR448.91mn and deals by 14% to 14,375.The venture market saw doubled trade volumes to 0.18mn equities and value almost doubled to QR0.21mn on 47% surge in transactions to 22.

QNB Group has launched ‘Staff Rewards’, a fully cloud based application, leveraging the cutting-edge capabilities of Microsoft Azure Cloud platform.QNB’s Cloud Transformation journey aims to fully embrace the transformative potential of cloud computing and modernise traditional banking practices.Together with AI and Data Analytics, QNB will revolutionize banking for its customers with data driven, customer-centric, innovative and smarter solutions in the future.The QNB Staff Rewards application not only rewards its dedicated staff, but also streamlines the process for enhanced efficiency and transparency.The application provides several pivotal features, offering global benefits to the employees across all regions where QNB operates. These include accommodations, dining, educational advantages, and much more.Commenting on the application launch, Maryam Mohamed al- Kuwari, senior executive vice president (IT) QNB Group, said: “Embarking on a new era of recognition and appreciation, we're thrilled to unveil our staff rewards portal. Harnessing the cutting-edge capabilities of Microsoft Azure, we are setting the gold standard for employee engagement and empowerment. We will continue to explore innovative solutions, leveraging Microsoft Azure cloud and AI services, to stay at the forefront of the banking industry.Microsoft Azure, known for its robustness and security, emerged as the platform of choice for QNB. Its advanced cloud infrastructure ensures seamless access, data protection, and real-time analytics—key components vital for banking applications.Considering the multiple benefits that Cloud Computing offers – increased efficiency, improved capacity, scalability, resiliency – QNB will further continue with its Cloud Transformation Roadmap using the ‘Lift and Shift’ approach.By leveraging Cloud capabilities the bank will bring an unparalleled experience to its customers in the Digital Banking and AI space.

Qatar Islamic Bank (QIB) has reported a 7.5% year-on-year increase in net profit to QR4.31bn for the fiscal year 2023 and has declared a 72.5% dividend to shareholders.Basic earnings-per -share were QR1.73 compared to QR1.62 for the year ended December 31, 2022. The board has proposed a dividend of QR0.725 per share, subject to approval of the Qatar Central Bank (QCB) and QIB’s general assembly.Total assets grew 2.8% to QR189.2bn, primarily driven by financing and investing. Financing has reached QR122.4bn, having grown by 2.6% on a yearly basis and investment securities at QR48bn, up 4.9% against December 2022.Customer deposits were QR120.8bn at the end of December 31, 2023 with financing-to-deposit ratio at 96.5% compared to the QCB maximum requirement of 100%, reflecting the bank’s strong liquidity position.Total income expanded 24% to QR11.1bn. Income from financing and investing saw a robust growth of 27.2% to QR10.1bn.Income from financing grew 32% to QR8.6bn and net income from investing by 5.8% to QR1.5bn at the end of December 31, 2023.Net fee and commission income saw a healthy growth of 9.7% to QR889.2mn, reflecting positively on the bank’s core operating and banking services activities.Total general and administrative expenses were QR1.1bn for the year ended December 31, 2023 and were maintained almost at the same levels of last year.The bank’s drive to improve the efficiency supported by strict cost management measures helped in bringing down the cost-to-income ratio from 17.4% in 2022 to 17.1% for 2023, which is the lowest in the Qatari banking sector.QIB was able to manage the ratio of non-performing financing assets to total financing assets around 1.7%, as of December 31, 2023 one of the lowest in the industry, reflecting the quality of the bank’s financing assets portfolio and its effective risk management framework.QIB continued to create precautionary impairment charge on financing assets for QR1.1bn in 2023 and maintaining a healthy coverage ratio for non-performing financing assets at 87.5% as of December 31, 2023.Total shareholders’ equity reached QR25.4bn, an increase of 9.2% on a yearly basis. As of December 2023, the total capital adequacy, under Basel III guidelines is 20.4%, which is well above the regulatory minimum prescribed by the QCB and the Basel Committee."2023 was defined by our unwavering commitment to our customers, placing their needs at the forefront of our operations. Looking back at the 2023 fiscal year, despite the challenges posed by the operating and macroeconomic environment, QIB has delivered remarkable results,” said Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad bin Jassim bin Jaber al-Thani, QIB chairman.Stressing that the results were a testament to its financial strength and dedication to sustainable growth; he said this achievement was realised while it continued to invest in strengthening the core businesses and expanding revenue streams with innovative products and services.Highlighting that its strategic investments in technology have borne fruit, with an ongoing increase in digital adoption; Sheikh Jassim said notably, 99% of all transactions are now self-serve. Digital sales have contributed "significantly" to our total sales volume in 2023.He highlighted the introduction of more than 50 new digital features across all QIB channels, many of which are pioneering innovations in Qatar.“QIB’s focus on sustainability is evident in the introduction of numerous sustainability-linked products and services," he added.

The Wall Street Journal noted that although US Federal Reserve stopped raising interest rates last summer, it is quietly tightening monetary policy through reducing its $7.7 trillion holdings of bonds and other assets by around $80 billion a month.The newspaper said that Fed officials are to start deliberations on slowing, though not ending, that so-called quantitative tightening as soon as their policy meeting this month, which could have important implications for financial markets.It explained that the Fed can shrink its holdings by selling bonds or allowing bonds to mature and "run off" its balance sheet without buying new ones. Runoff increases the supply of bonds that investors must absorb, putting upward pressure on long-term interest rates. Slowing runoff reduces that upward pressure.Five years ago, balance-sheet runoff sparked upheaval in those markets, forcing a messy U-turn. As a result, officials are determined not to do that again, the newspaper said.The newspaper added that in 2017, when the Fed began shrinking its holdings, it also drained those reserve deposits. Officials had never managed something like this before and werent sure how long to let the process run.A bank uses reserves to manage transactions between itself, its customers, other banks, and the central bank, the newspaper explained, noting that the Fed and private-sector forecasters thought banks had far more than needed for this. However, in September 2019, a sharp, unexpected spike in a key overnight lending rate suggested reserves had dwindled to the point they were either too scarce or difficult to redistribute across the financial system.The Fed began buying Treasury bills to add reserves back to the system and avoid further instability, the Wall Street Journal said.Policymakers have several reasons to consider slowing runoff. First, the Fed is shrinking its Treasury holdings by $60 billion a month twice as fast as it did five years ago. Continuing to run at this rate raises the risk that the Fed drains reserves so quickly that money-market rates jump as banks struggle to redistribute a dwindling supply of reserves.The Fed began building up its huge stash of bonds during the 2008 financial crisis. At the time, it had already cut the short-term interest rate to near zero. Buying bonds, or "quantitative easing," was intended to deliver further stimulus by lowering long-term rates.The newspaper pointed out that several officials at the Feds policy meeting last month suggested beginning formal conversations soon, so as to communicate their plans to the public well before any changes take effect, according to minutes of the meeting, adding that officials have indicated that changes arent imminent and that they are focusing on slowing not ending the program. Whereas the Fed expects to cut short-term interest rates this year because inflation has fallen, its rationale for tapering bond runoff is different: to prevent disruption to an obscure yet critical corner of the financial markets, the newspaper stressed.

The general index of Qatar Stock Exchange (QSE) dropped 66.45 points, or 0.63%, at the beginning of trading on Tuesday to reach the level of 10,467 points, compared to yesterday's closing.The index was affected by the negative performance of different sectors: Transportation by 1.34%, Telecoms by 0.83%, Banks and Financial Services by 0.67%, Industrials by 0.41%, Consumer Goods and Services by 0.21%, Real Estate by 0.09%, and Insurance by 0.01%.At 10:00 am, QSE recorded 2,645 transactions worth QR 100,209 million distributed among 33,332 million shares.

Mohamed Jassim al-Sultan has been appointed to the role of head of Human Resources for HSBC in Qatar.Al-Sultan has more than 18 years’ experience in human resources in the media and retail/consumer goods industries."To energise for growth is a strategic priority for the bank and we believe that Mohammed’s experience and leadership will support our priorities as we foster the growth of our workforce and deliver on our commitment to Qatarisation within the bank," said Abdul Hakeem Mostafawi, chief executive, HSBC Qatar.Al-Sultan said: "I am honoured to join HSBC. It is a global brand with a deep heritage in Qatar, both of which have been developed by the people of HSBC and their local and international connectivity. I look forward to working with colleagues as we support clients and each other to make HSBC a better place to bank and a better place to work."

The US-Qatar Business Council (USQBC) in Doha recently hosted the second session of ‘Table Talks’, a networking platform for members, which was designed to foster engagement, connections, and knowledge sharing among USQBC’s members with a primary focus on enhancing networking opportunities within its vibrant business community.The exclusive event witnessed active participation from numerous member companies representing diverse sectors, showcasing the widespread interest and enthusiasm for the unique networking and knowledge-sharing experience that the ‘Table Talks’ provides.“The second session of ‘Table Talks’ was a resounding success, bringing together members from various sectors to engage in meaningful conversations, establish connections, and gain invaluable insights from industry peers.“This initiative underscores our organisation’s commitment to fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing within our diverse and thriving business community,” stated Sheikha Mayes al-Thani, managing director of the USQBC in Qatar.As a prominent advocate for fostering mutual economic growth, the USQBC is dedicated to developing and supporting business ties between the United States and Qatar. The ‘Table Talks’ initiative aligns with the council’s vision of creating a seamless and lasting partnership based on shared interests and robust connections in bilateral relations, including business and culture.Through initiatives, such as ‘Table Talks’, USQBC aims to foster collaboration, provide resources, and support businesses in both nations. The organisation is dedicated to building a strong foundation for a lasting and fruitful partnership between the US and Qatar.

The foreign institutions’ bullish outlook Monday lifted the Qatar Stock Exchange (QSE) for the fourth consecutive session and its key index gained 24 points, even as.text-box { float:left; width:250px; padding:1px; border:1pt white; margin-top: 10px; margin-right: 15px; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 20px;}@media only screen and (max-width: 767px) {.text-box {width: 30%;}}**media[127743]**capitalisation was on the decline.The telecom sector witnessed higher than average demand as the 20-stock Qatar Index rose 0.23% to 10,523.74 points. The Arab retail investors turned net buyers in the main market, whose year-to-date losses shrank to 2.74%.The foreign individuals’ lower net profit booking had its influence in the main bourse, whose capitalisation nevertheless melted QR0.7bn or 0.11% to QR610.5bn with microcap segments losing the most.The domestic institutions continued to be net buyers but with lesser intensity in the main market, which touched an intraday high of 10,543 points.The Gulf funds were seen bearish in the main bourse, which saw as many as 0.18mn exchange traded funds (sponsored by Masraf Al Rayan and Doha Bank) valued at QR0.44mn trade across 18 deals.The Gulf retail investors were increasingly net profit takers in the main market, which saw no trading of sovereign bonds.The Islamic index outperformed the other indices in the main bourse, which witnessed no trading of treasury bills.The Total Return Index rose 0.23%, the All Islamic Index by 0.48% and the All Share Index by 0.02% in the main bourse, whose trade turnover grew amidst lower volumes.The telecom sector index gained 0.65%, transport (0.13%), industrials (0.11%) and banks and financial services (0.04%); while insurance tanked 1.26%, real estate (0.22%) and consumer goods and services (0.1%).Major movers in the main market included Qatar General Insurance and Reinsurance, Masraf Al Rayan, Gulf International Services, Qatar Electricity and Water, Estithmar Holding, Qamco, Ooredoo, Gulf Warehousing and Nakilat.Nevertheless, QLM, Ezdan, Doha Insurance, Mesaieed Petrochemical Holding, Qatar Islamic Insurance, QNB, Doha Bank and Qatar Insurance were among the losers in the main market. In the venture market, Mahhar Holding saw its shares depreciate in value.The foreign institutions turned net buyers to the tune of QR7.41mn against net profit takers of QR5.75mn on January 14.The Arab individuals were net buyers to the extent of QR0.83mn compared with net sellers of QR5.06mn on Sunday.The foreign retail investors’ net profit booking eased perceptibly to QR0.01mn against QR0.95mn the previous day.However, the local retail investors’ net selling strengthened markedly to QR10.74mn compared to QR7.16mn on January 14.The Gulf institutions turned net profit takers to the tune of QR3.65mn against net buyers of QR1.96mn on Sunday.The Gulf retail investors’ net selling expanded noticeably to QR1.78mn compared to QR0.83mn the previous day.The domestic institutions’ net buying decreased considerably to QR8.03mn against QR17.78mn on January 14.The Arab institutions had no major net exposure for the third straight session.Trade volumes in the main market were down 2% to 150.26mn shares, while value shot up 28% to QR476.51mn and deals by 42% to 16,746.The venture market saw a 52% plunge jump in trade volumes to 0.08mn equities and 42% in value to QR0.11mn but on 87% surge in transactions to 15.

QIIB, rated A2 by Moody’s (stable) and A- by Fitch (positive), has appointed leading global banks to arrange meetings with potential fixed income investor meetings in London Tuesday besides global investor calls, prior to the Islamic bank’s proposed dollar-denominated sukuk.Qatar’s prominent Islamic bank has appointed Standard Chartered Bank as global coordinator, along with Al Rayan Investment (Masraf Al Rayan Group), Dukhan Bank, Emirates NBD Capital, KFH Capital and QNB Capital as joint lead managers and bookrunners to arrange a global investor call as well as virtual calls and physical fixed income investor meetings in London.QIIB said: “A dollar-denominated Regulation S only 5-year benchmark fixed rate senior unsecured Sustainable Certificates, expected to be rated A- by Fitch will follow under our $2bn Trust Certificate programme subject to market conditions. FCA/ICMA stabilisation applies.”Sustainable Fitch, which offers a comprehensive range of ESG ratings products at both an entity and instrument level for all asset classes globally, issued a second party opinion on QIIB’s Sustainable Finance Framework.Standard Chartered Bank acted as sole sustainability structurer.

In line with its ongoing expansion strategy, Hamad International Airport (HIA) welcomed the first DHL Boeing 767-300 flight, reinforcing the airport’s position as a regional logistics hub.The new flight, which landed at Hamad International Airport on January 12, highlights the collaborative efforts between DHL and the airport.Rooted in shared values of excellence, innovation, and customer satisfaction – this strategic partnership aligns seamlessly with the airport’s mission to facilitate global trade and connectivity.As Qatar’s ultimate gateway, Hamad International Airport has played a pivotal role in connecting nations and fostering trade relationships. DHL's flight further exemplifies the airport's dedication to supporting global trade and logistics – showcasing its world-class services, facilities, and efficient operations.Michael Mcmillan, senior vice president (Operations & Facilities Management) at Hamad International Airport, said: “This moment marks the initiation of a promising partnership between Hamad International Airport and DHL. As a central hub for logistics in the region, Hamad International Airport is committed to fostering collaborative efforts that amplify our role in facilitating global trade. We are delighted to welcome DHL's operations to our state-of-the-art facilities – as this partnership heralds a new chapter in our shared commitment to excellence, innovation, and seamless connectivity."Ahmed Elfangary, country manager, DHL Express Qatar, added: "We are thrilled to witness the landing of DHL’s first Boeing 767-300 flight at Hamad International Airport reinforcing Qatar's position as a pivotal logistics hub in the region. Qatar's strategic location and visionary approach have made it an ideal gateway for trade and commerce and as DHL, we are proud to play a significant role in connecting businesses globally through our extensive network and innovative solutions.”Hamad International Airport previously announced that it handled 2,340,711 tons of cargo in 2023, marking a 1% increase from the year prior, which demonstrates an upward trend in cargo operations. The airport is currently advancing into phase B of its expansion plans, which aims to welcome over 70mn travellers annually, embodying a multi-faceted strategy for an “exceptional” overall airport experience.

Ibtechar and its strategic partner, Belgium-based digital skills assessment firm UQ, will lead the development and implementation of the ‘Common Digital Skills Framework’ in Qatar.The framework, which will be established under the sponsorship of the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT), will form an essential link between individuals, organisations, and training providers to evaluate, identify, and address upskilling and reskilling needs of Qatar’s labour market in line with the evolving demands of the digital age.A first-of-its-kind initiative in Qatar and the region, the framework will advance common digital skills across all levels of society by engaging schools, universities, businesses, and government entities. It will emphasise the critical value of common digital skills in enhancing the digital readiness and engagement of Qatar’s population, while significantly aiding the development of a digitally-empowered national workforce.Within the framework, common digital skills will be divided into two distinct categories: primary digital skills and digital enabling skills. Primary digital skills include those related to IT landscape, hardware, software, data, automation, security and safety, IT compliance, digital marketing, technology management and digital strategy. These will be complemented by broader competencies that enhance one’s ability to interact with digital technologies, such as creativity and innovation, digital communication, self-management, digital organisation, agility and project management.Nayef al-Ibrahim, CEO and co-founder of Ibtechar, said: “The project marks a significant step forward in our journey to facilitate Qatar’s transition into a knowledge-based society – as envisioned in Qatar National Vision 2030 and foster the nation’s growth as a leader in digital literacy.“We are thrilled to collaborate with our international partner, UQ, to achieve the long-term objectives of the framework in shaping a highly competitive and digitally-advanced workforce in Qatar, which will drive further innovation, efficiency, and productivity in both the public and private sectors.”Thierry Lescrauwaet, CEO of UQ, commented: “The framework holds tremendous value in today’s technology-driven world by providing a structured approach to adapt to technological advancements, empowering the workforce by enhancing digital skills, and increasing organisational competitiveness. It enables data-driven decision-making for individuals and organizations to enhance their efficiency in the dynamic digital environment.”Over the next three and a half years, Ibtechar will work together with its international partners, such as UQ to craft a comprehensive and culturally relevant framework aligned with local needs and global standards. During the training phase, Ibtechar will focus its efforts on training educators, professionals, and the general public through a combination of workshops, online courses, and interactive sessions to cater to diverse learning needs and skills requirements.To ensure digital skills are instilled in students from an early age, Ibtechar will collaborate with educational institutions and universities to integrate the Common Digital Skills Framework within their curriculum. A series of awareness and engagement campaigns will be held to raise awareness of the value of digital skills in an increasingly digital world.UQ will provide strategic support throughout the project focusing on designing standardised tests and validation processes, developing the accreditation and audit process for organisations adopting the framework, defining the online presence of the framework, and leading on strategic planning, logistical considerations, and ensuring a smooth transition from the framework development phase to full-scale implementation.Other focus areas of the initiative entail supporting organisations to embrace the framework as part of their digital transformation journeys, implementing a robust monitoring and evaluation system to assess the impact of the framework on digital literacy in Qatar, continually enhancing the framework to match new trends and technologies, and building a sustainable model for digital skills advancement in Qatar.

Alfardan Exchange, Qatar's premier financial exchange company, announces a significant partnership with the prestigious Royal Mint, the original maker of the Sovereign coin, solidifying its status as an official authorized agent for The Royal Mint in Qatar.With a storied legacy spanning over 1,100 years, dating back to its establishment in 886, The Royal Mint, is a limited company that is wholly owned by His Majesty's Treasury and is under an exclusive contract to supply the nation's coinage as well as currency for countries across the globe. It has steadfastly maintained its reputation as the world's premier manufacturer of coins, gold bullion, and sovereigns.The Royal Mint is renowned for its extensive portfolio, offering a diverse array of coins and jewellery for more than 60 countries worldwide, encompassing historical pieces as well as contemporary designs. Additionally, The Royal Mint produces gold, silver, and platinum bullion, with the Holy Kaaba-engraved gold bullion being one of its most prominent creations in 2023, designed in collaboration with the Islamic Council of Wales.This partnership exemplifies Alfardan Exchange's commitment, nurtured since its inception in the early 1970s, to collaborate with esteemed financial institutions and deliver the highest-quality products and services to its customers. Striving to provide a broad spectrum of financial services and competitive alternatives compared to traditional banks, Alfardan Exchange seeks to meet the evolving needs of its clientele.Mr. Fahad Hussain Alfardan, the President of Alfardan Exchange, stated, "We are delighted to partner with the prestigious Royal Mint and take pride in becoming an official authorized agent for The Royal Mint products in Qatar. Our objective is to establish a robust presence for The Royal Mint brand and its products in the region, befitting the venerable heritage of The Royal Mint. Our paramount focus has always been on our customers, as we remain committed to delivering excellence.”Furthermore, Mr. Alfardan emphasised, "This strategic step aligns with our vision to expand our operations and add valuable products to the Qatari market in accordance with the Qatar National Vision for economic diversification. We are keen to meet the growing demand for original coins and gold bullion in light of the ever-changing global economic landscape."Nick Bowkett, Head of Bullion Sales at The Royal Mint, said: “The Royal Mint continues to forge precious metals trade relationships across the world and we’re pleased to be working with Alfardan Exchange to provide our sovereign bullion coin range, and our Britannia bullion coins and bars to the market in Qatar.“The premium quality of our products and our renowned British craftsmanship will be showcased, enhancing awareness of our premium bullion coins among collectors and investors in the Middle East."Alfardan Exchange has positioned itself as a leading provider of meticulously crafted coins and high-purity gold bullion, catering to the needs of both individuals and institutions at competitive prices for over half a century.Notably, Alfardan Exchange has earned the distinction of being ranked first in Qatar and recognized among the top five exchange houses in the field of digital transformation in the GCC. It has also been classified among the top 20 exchange companies in the Middle East by Forbes Middle East, proudly representing the sole Qatari exchange house on these lists.In addition to its partnership with The Royal Mint, Alfardan Exchange has collaborated with major financial institutions and secured the exclusive role of Digital Master Agent for Western Union in Qatar, offering its services through mobile applications and an online web portal. Additionally, it has forged alliances with industry giants like MasterCard and the Commercial Bank.