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His Excellency the Minister of Finance Ali bin Ahmed al-Kuwari participated in the meeting of Arab Finance Ministers, alongside Ajay Banga, President of the World Bank Group and several finance ministers.The meeting was held on the sidelines of the Annual Meetings of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank Group, now taking place in Washington, DC. The meeting comes as part of efforts to strengthen cooperation with international financial institutions, exchange views on global economic developments, and explore opportunities to support financial stability and promote sustainable growth in the region.It aims to highlight the achievements of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) in addressing global and regional priorities, and explore opportunities for cooperation across several actionable economic and financial sectors – contributing to the empowerment of both regional and global economic growth.The meeting also shed light on the attractiveness of the investment environment in GCC countries and the creation of high-quality opportunities across various sectors. In addition, it addressed the economic and development policies expected to be adopted as part of joint GCC efforts in the coming phase.

Several Palestinians were injured on Monday morning as Israeli occupation forces raided Al-Fawwar Camp, south of Hebron, in the occupied West Bank. According to the Palestinian News and Information Agency (WAFA), large units of the Israeli army stormed the camp and raided numerous homes, conducting extensive search operations. The forces detained a number of Palestinians for several hours, during which they were subjected to field interrogations and physical assault before being released, the agency added. Israeli forces also raided several villages and neighborhoods in Hebron City, searching homes and tampering with their contents. No arrests were reported.

Dukhan Bank announced the names of the most recent round of draw winners for Thara’a, its Shariah-compliant savings account.The draw was conducted under the supervision of a representative of the Qualitative License and Market Control Department at the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.In this month’s draw, Qassem al-Yafeai won the top prize of QR50,000, while the following winners each received QR5,000: Irfan Malik Fayyaz Malik, Badriya Hassan, Sara al-Hassan, Mohsin Bani Basheer, Mubarak al-Naimi, Adel Abuzaid, Hassan Falahi, Ahmed Momani, Fatima Almannai, Cristine Mascarenas, Fatima Shokri, Hussein Mahmoud, Salma al-Mesef, Mariam Elmasry, Fatima Ali, Aisha al-Boenain, Mihreteab Wube, Hend Mohammed, Estabrak Thabet, Saad al-Mana, Samya al-Kuwari, Nasser al-Thani, Omar al-Athba, Mohamed Elwidaa, Semai al-Tayeb, Abdulaziz Abdulla, Dominic Marshall Dsilva, Izzeldin Mohamed, Mohammed al-Naimi, Raafat Abdallah, Alanoud al-Hajri, Taleb al-Abdulla, Noor al-Romaihi, Jassim al-Ali, and Abdulla al-Kuwari.Dukhan Bank continues its customer-centric approach with its enhanced Tharaa savings account campaign, reaffirming its commitment to rewarding clients. The upgraded campaign now features a total prize pool of QR5,025,000, with 327 winners throughout the year.The initiative includes three grand prizes of QR1,000,000 each, awarded every four months, along with monthly draws featuring a QR50,000 prize and 35 additional prizes of QR5,000.Tharaa, a Sharia-compliant savings account, offers customers exclusive benefits, including access to Dukhan Bank’s innovative digital banking services.Customers interested in participating can open a Tharaa savings account via Dukhan Bank’s website, mobile app, or by visiting any branch.For more information, customers can call 800 8555 or reach out to Rashid, the bank’s virtual assistant, via WhatsApp at 44100888.

Qatar Islamic Bank (QIB), country's leading digital bank, has achieved a new milestone by winning 17 prestigious accolades at Global Finance’s 2025 Digital Bank, AI & Innovation Awards “reinforcing its leadership” in innovation and digitisation.The recognition spanned across corporate, consumer, AI, and innovation global, regional and local categories, highlighting QIB’s leadership and prominent position within the banking sector globally.At the ceremony held recently in London, QIB was honoured as the Best Personalised Financial Advice Consumer Banking in the World in the Global AI in Finance Awards category, recognising the bank’s position at the forefront of AI-driven banking innovation in the region and beyond.Additionally, QIB won four accolades; Best Consumer Bank in AI and Best Personalised Financial Advice, both in Qatar and in the Middle East, in acknowledgement of QIB’s advanced AI-driven capabilities that deliver secure, intelligent, and customer-focused financial services.With a clear focus on delivering smarter, more intuitive digital experience, QIB has been systematically embedding artificial intelligence across its operations to anticipate customer needs, elevate service quality, and drive sustainable growth. QIB’s AI strategy goes beyond personalisation.By integrating AI into areas such as fraud detection, process automation, and digital onboarding, the bank has significantly improved operational efficiency, enhanced security, and reduced its reliance on traditional, paper-based workflows.These advancements reflect QIB’s commitment to responsible AI innovation that aligns with the objectives of Qatar National Vision 2030.In the Consumer Banking category, QIB was celebrated as Most Innovative Digital Bank in Qatar and the Middle East, Best in lending and Best Online Product Offerings in Qatar, affirming the bank’s consistent efforts to boost customer engagement and satisfaction through exceptional service and pioneering digital solutions.In the Corporate Banking category, QIB was recognised with multiple prestigious accolades at both the regional and local levels, being named the Best Mobile Banking App, Most Innovative Digital Bank, and Best Online/User Experience (UX) Portal in Qatar and the Middle East.The bank was also honoured with the Best SME Banking Platform in Qatar, reaffirming its commitment to empowering businesses through innovative, user-centric digital solutions. These recognitions highlight QIB’s continuous efforts to enhance customer experiences and set new benchmarks in digital banking.Moreover, QIB was named among the Top Innovators in Qatar, which is telling about its continuous drive to push the boundaries of digital transformation in the financial sector.QIB’s Group CEO Bassel Gamal commented: “We are happy to be recognised by Global Finance. These accolades mirror our efforts and commitment to investing in technology and innovation to provide secure, convenient, and customer-centric digital solutions. They also underscore QIB’s leading role in shaping the future of digital banking in Qatar and beyond.“On this occasion, I would like to thank the Board of Directors for their continuous support, Qatar Central Bank for its ongoing encouragement of innovation and digital transformation, and each one of our team members for their exceptional performance and dedication.”Global Finance World’s Best Digital Awards are widely regarded as on the most prestigious in the global banking industry and are seen as an endorsement of excellence and best practices.They recognise institutions that demonstrate exceptional performance, innovation, and leadership across different consumer sub-categories including Best User Experience (UX) Design, Best Mobile Banking App and Best Innovation and Transformation.

An AFP photographer was injured in an attack by Israeli settlers on Friday while covering the olive harvest in a Palestinian village in the occupied West Bank."In my 30-year career, this is the first time I have faced violence of this kind," said Jaafar Ashtiyeh, a Palestinian photographer based in the city of Nablus."If I hadn't managed to escape, they would have killed me," he added.Israel has occupied the West Bank since 1967, and Israeli settlements there are expanding, and violence soaring.Ashtiyeh said he had been covering the olive harvest in the village of Beita, particularly looking at the work of Israeli and foreign peace activists who had come to support residents in the face of repeated settler attacks during the harvest season.Shortly after midday (0900 GMT), two groups of Israeli settlers armed with sticks and stones -- numbering around 70 people in total -- attacked the olive pickers and journalists at the scene.Hit by several stones in the back, arm and hand, Ashtiyeh was discharged from hospital in the afternoon and is suffering from bruising.His car, along with a handful of others parked at a safe distance from the field, was stoned and then set on fire by the assailants.Ashtiyeh said Israeli soldiers who were present before the attack did nothing to stop the attackers from advancing, but instead fired tear gas and rubber bullets at the olive pickers and activists to disperse them."We strongly condemn this outrageous attack which is another illustration of the increasingly dangerous working environment for our journalists in the West Bank," said Mehdi Lebouachera, AFP's Global Editor-In-Chief."We urge the Israeli military to not only ensure the protection of journalists going about their work but also to ensure that the perpetrators are brought to justice," he added.Contacted by AFP about the incident, the Israeli military did not immediately respond.The Palestinian health ministry said settler attacks injured 36 people on Friday in Beita and other nearby villages, with most of them suffering minor or moderate injuries, with the exception of two who were wounded by gunfire.

QNB Group, the largest financial institution in the Middle East and Africa, announced the license approval has been received for a digital-first banking entity, ezbank, from the Central Bank of Egypt.This milestone reflects the Group’s commitment to supporting the Central Bank of Egypt’s vision for financial inclusion and digital transformation, as well as the government’s broader economic development strategy. The license approval for ezbank is an important step in Egypt’s ongoing efforts to transform the banking sector. By securing the approval, ezbank positions itself at the forefront of this transformation, reflecting Egypt’s growing role as a hub for innovation and financial inclusion.ezbank will combine advanced digital technology with international best practices to offer seamless financial services to a broad customer base. The bank will use mobile-first platforms, AI-driven tools, and smart risk management to make transactions easier, increase access, and support Egypt’s digital economy.

Edaa (Qatar Central Securities Depository) announced on Monday that it has raised the foreign ownership limit in Ahli Bank Q.P.S.C. to 100% of the bank's total capital. Ahli Bank reported a net profit of QR 402.4 million for the first half of 2025, compared with QR 383.01 million in the same period last year, representing an increase of 5.06%. Earnings per share (EPS) rose to QR 0.149 in the first half of 2025, up from QR 0.142 during the corresponding period in 2024.

Alfardan Automotive, a division of Alfardan Group, has announced a landmark collaboration with First Finance Company, a subsidiary of Dukhan Bank Group, introducing a permanent financing programme that sets new standards for accessibility and flexibility in premium vehicle ownership.The long-term initiative reflects the group’s commitment to delivering customer-focused solutions that enhance every stage of the automotive journey. The official signing ceremony recently took place at the Jaguar Land Rover Special Vehicle (SV) showroom at Burj Alfardan in Lusail City, in the presence of representatives from both parties, marking the beginning of this permanent initiative that will benefit both existing and prospective customers.The programme, which is now available across Alfardan Automotive showrooms, offers customers a suite of benefits designed to make ownership more attainable and convenient. Through the partnership, Alfardan Automotive and First Finance are setting a new benchmark for convenience and peace of mind in premium automotive retail.Samer Bou Dargham, chief sales officer at Alfardan Automotive, said: “The collaboration with First Finance Company reflects our ongoing dedication to customer satisfaction and our leadership in the automotive market. By embedding flexible, innovative financing solutions into the ownership experience, we are not only meeting today’s customer needs but also building the foundation for lasting trust and loyalty.”Eslah Assem, First Finance CEO, said: “We are proud of this strategic partnership, which will represent a qualitative leap in the world of car financing in Qatar, providing customers with multiple financing options that suit their needs. Signing this agreement is part of our successive steps to strengthen First Finance's position as a leading company in the Qatari market and the region.“This is in line with our approach, which is primarily based on enabling our customers to transform their aspirations into reality by providing seamless services and processes, and innovative solutions that comply with the provisions of Islamic Shariah. We are pleased with this cooperation and hope to build upon it in the future.”First Finance offers financing services to all bank customers, regardless of whether they work in the public or private sector. This makes it a strategic financing partner relied upon by all Alfardan Automobiles customers, including both Qataris and residents.First Finance also allows its customers to obtain advance credit approvals for financing through the company's mobile application, the FFC Mobile App, before the customer even visits its headquarters.By embedding financing into the heart of its customer experience, Alfardan Automotive is reaffirming its role as a forward-thinking industry leader, one that goes beyond sales to create holistic ownership experiences. More than a milestone, this collaboration is an additional step that sets the tone for how automotive retail in Qatar will evolve in the years ahead.

Bank of Japan (BoJ) Governor Kazuo Ueda kept his policy options open by reiterating the bank’s long-held stance on interest rates, avoiding sending any clear signals about the prospects for a rate hike when the board meets later this month.“If the baseline scenario for economic activity and prices outlined so far is realised, the bank, in accordance with improvement in economic activity and prices, will continue to raise the policy interest rate,” Ueda said Friday in a speech to local business leaders in Osaka.Ueda refrained from telegraphing any policy changes after market speculation over an impending rate hike gained momentum in recent weeks. Two board members dissented from the decision to hold settings steady last month, and a member considered dovish cited the heightened need for policy change in a speech earlier this week.Instead, Ueda took a more neutral tack by highlighting the factors officials are monitoring as they mull the timing for a rate shift.“To determine whether economic activity and prices are improving, the bank will, for the time being, monitor factors such as the points I mentioned,” Ueda said, citing the global economy — especially the US economy — and the impact of US tariffs on Japan’s corporate profits as factors to watch. He added that wage and price trends including food inflation required attention.The yen weakened as much as 0.4% to 147.82 against the dollar after Ueda spoke.“Some dovish comments from Ueda have prompted selling of the yen,” said Akira Moroga, chief market strategist at Aozora Bank. “While the market had expected Ueda to sound more hawkish, the governor refrained from taking an aggressive posture toward rate hikes.”Still, the mere reiteration of the existing policy stance will likely keep alive market speculation over a rate hike when authorities next set policy on October 30, as the governor refrained from backing or opposing such notions.Pricing in the overnight swaps market shows that traders see about a 56% chance for a move at that meeting, up sharply from around 22% early last month, though down from levels seen earlier in the week.The annual Osaka conference tends to be where BoJ governors deliver one of their most important speeches of the year. Friday’s event comes days after the central bank released its latest Tankan survey — the first time since 2013 that the key speech followed the quarterly survey. The timing fuelled market speculation that the bank might wish to lay the groundwork for a hike after examining the closely watched dataset. It showed business sentiment at a solid level.“Given the corporate sentiment until now, we can say that the likelihood is rising for our economic outlook to be realised,” Ueda told reporters later Friday. “But, looking ahead, it doesn’t give us strong information over the future impact of US tariffs.”Japan’s inflation has stayed at or above the BoJ’s 2% target for more than three years. Ueda has justified a gradual approach to rate hikes by explaining that the underlying trend remains shy of the target.At the September meeting, board members Naoki Tamura and Hajime Takata called for hiking rates. It was the first time in Governor Ueda’s tenure that more than one member had dissented from a vote to hold steady.Ueda didn’t cite political uncertainty among the factors he’s monitoring, but it’s likely he’ll be closely watching when the ruling Liberal Democratic Party selects a new leader on Saturday.Sanae Takaichi, a top contender for the party race and an advocate of monetary easing, said borrowing costs shouldn’t be raised while the other four candidates said monetary policy should be left to the central bank, Kyodo News reported Thursday, citing a survey.Another emerging uncertainty comes from a US government shutdown that began Wednesday. Economic data releases from the US are expected to be delayed as a result, including the unemployment report scheduled for Friday.“It’s a severe problem,” Ueda said. “We just have to gather information by various ways and make a decision” if the absence of data lasts until the October meeting, he said.

Lesha Bank LLC (Public) announced its investment in an energy platform in partnership with a leading energy and infrastructure manager. Lesha Bank has invested approximately QAR 540 million through an entity managed by the Bank, the bank said in a statement published on the Qatar Exchange website. The Bank achieved a net profit of QAR 82.436 million for the first half of 2025, marking a 52.3% increase compared to a net profit of QAR 54.131 for the same period in the previous year.

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office of the United Kingdom (FCDO) has called on the Israeli occupation authorities to halt settlement construction in the West Bank, including the E1 expansion plan. "Israeli annexation of the West Bank cannot be allowed to happen. We also repeat our calls on Israel to halt the expansion of illegal settlements, including the E1 plans, and act decisively against extremist settler violence," FCDO said in a statement. The statement stressed that the two-state solution remains the only viable path to peace.

Palestinian civilians in several areas of the occupied West Bank were subjected to injuries, arrests, and assaults carried out by Israeli occupation forces and colonists, in a continuation of systematic measures that deepen the suffering of Palestinians through severe restrictions and relentless control over their daily life. In a statement, the Palestine Red Crescent Society (PRCS) reported that a 12-year-old child was injured after being run over by an Israeli military vehicle in the city of Jericho and was transferred to hospital for treatment. In Beitunia, west of Ramallah, Israeli occupation forces detained three Palestinians during a raid, according to Palestinian security sources. The same sources added that colonists brutally assaulted another child in the Ein Jariot area near Beitunia, causing him to lose consciousness before he was taken to hospital. Meanwhile, in occupied Jerusalem, Israeli occupation forces stormed the town of Kafr Aqab, north of the city, firing tear gas canisters. No injuries were reported, according to local sources. The West Bank continues to witness heightened tensions due to Israeli settlement expansion and military violations. The situation has escalated sharply since the occupation launched its assault on the Gaza Strip in October 2023.