The Qatar Financial Centre (QFC) has welcomed the Lord Mayor of City of London, Alderman Peter Estlin, who visited Doha as part of an official delegation themed ‘Shaping Tomorrow’s City Today’, which focuses on digital innovation and smart cities.
Organised by the Department of International Trade (DIT) at the British embassy in Qatar, the Lord Mayor visited Doha as part of an official delegation themed ‘Shaping Tomorrow’s City Today’, which focuses on digital innovation and smart cities.
As part of the visit, which was organised by the Department of International Trade (DIT) at the British embassy in Qatar, the Lord Mayor took part in a tour of Msheireb Downtown Doha (MDD) alongside QFC Authority CEO Yousuf Mohamed al-Jaida.
Other senior UK officials included in the tour are Sir Douglas Flint, chairman Standard Life Aberdeen; Duncan Sparkes, senior programme manager, Mansion House; William Elliott, senior account manager, Economic Development Office; and Michelle St Clair, head of Investment, British Embassy Doha. 
The tour was also joined by Msheireb Properties officials Ali al-Kuwari, acting CEO; Clark Williams, director of Marketing; Fatima Mohamed Fawzy MA, Hassan, Design Management; Jim Williams, Sustainability & Commissioning manager; and James Elwes, HSBC Qatar chief operating officer.
The new financial city and future headquarters of the QFC is considered the world’s first sustainable downtown regeneration project and soon to be the highest concentration of LEED (Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design) buildings in the world, distinguished by its high-tech infrastructure. The project is fully equipped to offer organisations sophisticated infrastructure that will further support their business growth.
Estlin said, “Qatar presents a huge long-term opportunity for the City of London and the UK’s financial services industry. I anticipate that this month will be the start of great new chapter in the UK’s economic partnership with Qatar, a country whose considerable investments have brought significant job creation and prosperity across the UK. 
“I look forward to discussing how we can continue that progress, as well as looking at how the UK can help to develop Qatar’s financial services industry. The UK already has a strong trading relationship with Qatar, and it’s my ambition with this visit to contribute to the deepening and growth of our ties in the years to come.”
Al-Jaida said, “Qatar and the UK have enjoyed a history of strong bilateral, trade, and cultural relations, so it is indeed a great honour to welcome the Lord Mayor of London, Alderman Peter Estlin and his delegation to Qatar. I am confident that Qatar’s relationship with the UK will further flourish as we continue to explore different avenues for mutual collaboration.
“With over 600 firms registered on the QFC platform, I am delighted to say that 94 firms originate from the UK, and that the QFC continues to consider the UK a key strategic business 
partner.”
HSBC Qatar CEO Abdul Hakeem Mostafawi said, “The new district of Msheireb will be a showcase of the future of financial services and HSBC’s branch there will be a focal point for the delivery of innovative digital banking services as we begin a new phase of our development in Qatar.”