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Friday, January 30, 2026 | Daily Newspaper published by GPPC Doha, Qatar.

Tag Results for "fund" (29 articles)

A Saudi man walks past the logo of Vision 2030 in Jeddah (file). The PIF is the key entity tasked with helming Saudi Arabia’s economic diversification program known as Vision 2030, which includes dozens of mega-construction projects like Neom and the historical heritage site of Diriyah.
Business

Saudi PIF exits nine US stocks to drag holdings to 2025 low

Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund exited positions in almost a dozen US-listed stocks in the third quarter, including Pinterest Inc and industrial gas firm Linde Plc, taking the value of its holdings in American equities to the lowest in almost a year.The $1tn Public Investment Fund also sold off all of its stakes in Prologis Inc and Air Products and Chemicals Inc, which is co-developing a green hydrogen plant in Saudi Arabia’s Neom, according to a Bloomberg News analysis of the fund’s latest 13F filing.The PIF pared its holding in Lucid Group Inc, while maintaining positions in Uber Technologies Inc and Electronic Arts Inc. The total value of the wealth fund’s US portfolio stood at $19.4bn, down about 18% from the prior period and the lowest level of 2025.The move follows a series of exits in the prior period, including from Meta Platforms Inc and FedEx Corp, and comes as the PIF sharpens its focus on domestic companies and prioritises local investment to help drive the kingdom’s economic diversification plans.The latest 13F disclosure also comes just days before Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is due to visit President Donald Trump at the White House, in what will be the Saudi leader’s first official visit to the US since 2018.Agreements on security, semiconductors and nuclear technology are expected to feature on the agenda. Trump will also be looking for Saudi Arabia to follow through on a pledge to invest hundreds of billions of dollars in the US after his visit to the kingdom in May.Chaired by the crown prince, the PIF is the key entity tasked with helming Saudi Arabia’s economic diversification program known as Vision 2030, which includes dozens of mega-construction projects like Neom and the historical heritage site of Diriyah.That job has become more challenging in recent years as subdued oil prices deepen the government budget deficit, heaping more pressure on the PIF to drive spending in the local economy. Still, the fund plans to continue deploying more capital in the years ahead.The PIF has said it aims to put $70bn to work after 2025, with the lion’s share of that going to Saudi investments. It deployed $57bn across priority sectors in 2024, according to its annual report.More insights on the fund’s 2026-2030 investment strategy is expected to be released early next year, Bloomberg has reported.

The Qatar Investment Authority (QIA), the country's sovereign wealth fund, has invested in d-Matrix, a pioneer in generative AI (artificial intelligence) inference for data centres
Business

QIA invests in d-Matrix; joins Series C $275mn funding round

The Qatar Investment Authority (QIA), the country's sovereign wealth fund, has invested in d-Matrix, a pioneer in generative AI (artificial intelligence) inference for data centres.Valued at $2bn and bringing the total raised to date to $450mn, d-Matrix will use the new capital to advance their roadmap, accelerate global expansion and support multiple large-scale deployments of the world’s highest performing, most efficient data centre inference platform for hyperscalers, enterprise, and sovereign customers.The oversubscribed round attracted leading investment firms across Europe, North America, Asia, and the Middle East. The funding was co-led by a global consortium including BullhoundCapital, Triatomic Capital, and Temasek, and welcomed new investors including QIA and EDBI, alongside follow-on participation from M12, Microsoft’s Venture Fund, as well as Mirae Asset, Industry Ventures, and Nautilus Venture Partners.d-Matrix's full-stack inference platform combines breakthrough compute-memory integration, high-speed networking, and inference-optimised software to deliver 10× faster performance, 3× lower cost, and 3–5× better energy efficiency than GPU-based systems.This step-change in performance and efficiency directly addresses growing AI sustainability challenges. By enabling one data centre to handle the workload of ten, d-Matrix offers a clear path to reducing global data centre energy consumption while enabling enterprises to deliver cost-efficient, profitable AI services without compromise.“From day one, d-Matrix has been uniquely focused on inference. When we started d-Matrix six years ago, training was seen as AI’s biggest challenge, but we knew that a new set of challenges would be coming soon,” said Sid Sheth, chief executive officer and co-founder of d-Matrix.“We predicted that when trained models needed to run continuously at scale, the infrastructure wouldn't be ready. We've spent the last six years building the solution: a fundamentally new architecture that enables AI to operate everywhere, all the time. This funding validates that vision as the industry enters the Age of AI Inference,” he added.Investor confidence reflects d-Matrix’s differentiated technology, rapid customer growth, and expanding network of global partners — including the recently announced d-Matrix SquadRack open standards-based reference architecture with Arista, Broadcom, and Supermicro.A strong product roadmap featuring 3D memory-stacking innovations and a customer-centric go-to-market strategy further establishes d-Matrix as a cornerstone of the new AI infrastructure stack.

Indonesia’s sovereign wealth fund Danantara is reducing its financial support for flag carrier PT Garuda Indonesia, putting in doubt the distressed airline’s ability to refresh its fleet.
Business

Garuda’s fleet growth at risk as Danantara trims funding

Indonesia’s sovereign wealth fund Danantara is reducing its financial support for flag carrier PT Garuda Indonesia, putting in doubt the distressed airline’s ability to refresh its fleet.Garuda will now receive 23.7tn rupiah ($1.4bn) from PT Danantara Asset Management, an arm of the wealth fund, through a private placement, which comprises a cash injection and a loan conversion, according to an exchange filing. The airline was supposed to obtain $1.8bn under a plan drawn up last month.In addition to covering finance expenses and providing working capital, Danantara Asset would have helped with fleet expansion. However, Danantara Asset notified Garuda that “there is also an adjustment to the planned use of funds, which no longer includes fleet expansion,” the airline said in a separate statement.The carrier has struggled financially since the Covid-19 pandemic and has grounded an increasing number of planes because of difficulties making maintenance payments. The number of idled jets operated by the company and subsidiary low-cost carrier PT Citilink Indonesia rose to 51 as of June, nearly 40% of the group’s total fleet, and up from 33 a year ago.Leasing new planes comes with high price tags amid a dearth of available aircraft and a global surge in travel. The carrier earlier this year paid twice as much to lease a Boeing Co 737 Max jet than it does for older 737 jets.Garuda should focus on getting some of its grounded planes flying again, said Gerry Soejatman, a Jakarta-based independent aviation analyst.“Ordering new planes for early delivery is going to be very expensive, and probably less prudent financially,” he said. “It is better to see the grounded jets being put back into service or returned to lessors before Garuda place big aircraft orders.”

Gulf Times
Qatar

QIA and ORIX partner to launch USD 2.5 billion Japan-targeted private Equity platform

Qatar Investment Authority (QIA) and Japan's ORIX Corporation (ORIX) announced Tuesday that they have entered into an agreement to launch a commitment-based private equity (PE) fund (OQCI Fund LP). The total fund size will be the yen equivalent of USD 2.5 billion, with QIA committed to contributing USD 1 billion of the fund's capitalThe fund will invest in Japanese companies, primarily targeting business succession, privatization of listed companies, and carve-outs (the transfer of business divisions or subsidiaries from large corporations), with an enterprise value investment size of at least 30 billion yen (approx. 200 million USD) per investment.This marks the first time that ORIX has launched a fund that welcomes capital from an international third-party investor for domestic private equity investment in Japan. It is also the first time QIA has invested in a domestic private equity fund focused solely on the Japanese market.Investment decisions for the fund will be made by OQCI GP Ltd. (the GP), which will act as the general partner of the fund. ORIX and QIA will be the only two investors (LPs) in the fund, committed to contributing 60% and 40% of the capital, respectively. ORIX will provide the GP with introductions to potential investment targets, post-investment monitoring, and advisory support for portfolio companies.CEO of QIA Mohammed Saif Al Sowaidi said: "Japan represents a core component of QIA's long-term private equity strategy. With disciplined valuations, a deep pipeline of governance-driven deals, and growing global investor interest, we see this as an exceptional opportunity to partner with best-in-class Japanese businesses to create value. We are pleased to be the first international partner in ORIX's inaugural private equity fund in Japan in its 60-year history. This partnership will enable both parties to capitalize on market opportunities and support ORIX's ambition to build a thriving asset management initiative.""We are honored to enter into this partnership with Qatar Investment Authority today. QIA is a significant and influential sovereign wealth fund, and we are pleased to be able to help it increase its investments in the Japanese economy. ORIX has built up considerable expertise in private equity investment in Japan," Representative Executive Officer, Chairman and CEO of ORIX Makoto Inoue said."This partnership is the next logical step on the path to improving the corporate value of companies with high-growth potential. Moreover, it will contribute to Japan's broader industrial development. Increasing the portion of third-party funds in ORIX's investment portfolio will enhance capital efficiency and help further grow our asset management business. This partnership is a key strategic move to help realize our long-term growth strategy," he added.Following the guidelines published by Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) and the request for management reforms by the Tokyo Stock Exchange, Japan's M&A market has been seeing a surge in listed companies going private, corporate reorganizations, and carve-outs. As deal sizes become larger, and against the backdrop of Japan's stable economy and society, an increasing amount of foreign capital has been flowing into the market.ORIX and QIA will together aim to enhance the corporate value of companies with high-growth potential and contribute to the advancement of Japanese industry. They will also explore opportunities for collaboration across other fields.

QFFD, EAA and KTI officials at the partnership signing ceremony
Qatar

Qatar, UK unite to tackle youth unemployment

Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD), Education Above All (EAA), and King's Trust International (KTI) have signed an agreement to tackle global youth unemployment and empower young people worldwide, with the aim of reaching over 51,000 youth.In a statement, QFFD said that the signing ceremony, held on the sidelines of King's Trust International's 10th anniversary celebrations in London, and was signed by Fahad Hamad al-Sulaiti, Director General of QFFD, Mohammed Saad al-Kubaisi, Chief Executive Officer of Education Above All Foundation and Will Straw, Chief Executive Officer of King's Trust International.This partnership, with QFFD as a principal benefactor, will advance KTI's Generation Potential campaign and expand the reach of programmes across Pakistan, Jordan, Nigeria, Ghana and the Caribbean, focusing on promoting youth empowerment, economic inclusion, and gender equality.These efforts aim to equip the next generation with the skills, confidence, and opportunities they need to thrive in an increasingly complex job market, while placing a particular emphasis on youth in fragile and underserved communities, especially young women and marginalised groups, empowering them to play an active role in driving sustainable development and building resilient, inclusive societies.Fahad Hamad al-Sulaiti, Director General of QFFD, stated: "At the heart of our mission at QFFD lies a deep belief in the potential of young people to shape a better and more sustainable future for all. Through this partnership, we are investing in youth as catalysts of development, equipping them with the tools and opportunities to lead positive change within their communities. Empowering youth is an investment in peace, prosperity, and shared humanity, and together we are reaffirming our collective commitment to ensure that no young person is left behind."Mohammed al-Kubaisi, CEO of EAA Foundation, said: "At Education Above All Foundation, we believe that empowering youth with the skills and knowledge to navigate the green economy is fundamental to achieving sustainable development. With the support of our strategic partner, Qatar Fund for Development, and through our collaboration with The King's Trust International, we are creating opportunities that not only transform individual lives but also drive collective action toward a more equitable and resilient world."Will Straw, Chief Executive of King's Trust International, added: "We are deeply grateful to Qatar Fund for Development for their visionary support. This partnership enables us to reach more young people than ever before, equipping them with the skills, confidence, and support they need to shape their own futures. Young people today face enormous challenges, from economic instability to the climate crisis. But they also represent our greatest hope. Through this partnership with QFFD, we are not only investing in their potential but are amplifying their voices, unlocking their talents, and standing alongside them as they build a better future for us all."This partnership reflects the enduring bilateral relations and shared vision between Qatar and the United Kingdom, united in their commitment to advancing human development, fostering social inclusion, and expanding economic opportunity, thereby contributing to a more equitable and sustainable global future.

Gulf Times
Qatar

QFFD-QRCS medical convoy in Guyana concluded

Qatar Red Crescent Society (QRCS) has completed a multi-specialisation medical convoy in Guyana, funded by Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD).During the seven-day mission, the volunteering medical team from Hamad Medical Corporation and Sidra Medicine examined a total of 140 patients and performed 48 major surgeries, in light of the needs specified by the Ministry of Health, as follows: 16 cardiac catheterisations, 13 cancer surgeries, four paediatric gastrointestinal surgeries, and 15 urology surgeries.Apart from the medical team, there was a delegation from QFFD and QRCS, headed by Mohamed Ahmed al-Beshri, assistant secretary-general, Communication and Resource Development at QRCS. Members of the delegation included Dr Izzadeen Gaffar, coordinator, Medical Convoys Project at QRCS and Yousef al-Mulla, acting director of Humanitarian Aid Department at QFFD. They were received by Mohamed Ibrahim al-Rumaihi, Chargé d’Affaires at the Embassy of Qatar in Guyana, who helped facilitate the delegation’s mission and coordinate with local authorities.Two training workshops were delivered by the gynaecology and urology consultants for 38 local doctors. In addition, 30 medical professionals received on-the-job training during the procedures,Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation was supported with the medical supplies and equipment needed for cardiac catheterisation and specialised surgeries, helping upgrade the hospital’s resources and ensure continued services following the end of mission.Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali, President of Guyana, held a special reception for the Qatari delegation, in the presence of al-Rumaihi. He praised Qatar’s support for his country during the Covid-19 pandemic, through the deployment of a fully equipped field hospital and the provision of ventilators and vaccines.

Commercial Bank has participated in the 2025 annual meetings of the International Monetary Fund and the Institute of International Finance in Washington, DC.
Business

Commercial Bank joins key 2025 Annual Meetings of IMF and IIF in Washington, DC

Aiming to acquire global insights, play a role in policy discussions, and strengthen its international credibility, Commercial Bank has participated in the 2025 annual meetings of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the Institute of International Finance (IIF) in Washington, DC.The reception, hosted by the Qatari Banks on October 15 was attended by HE the Minister of Finance, Ali bin Ahmed al-Kuwari; HE the Governor of Qatar Central Bank, Sheikh Bandar bin Mohammed bin Saoud al-Thani; as well as Board members, CEOs and senior executives of Qatari banks.Commercial Bank was represented at these meetings by Board Member, Mohamad Ismail Mandani al-Emadi; Group CEO, Stephen Moss; Executive General Manager and Chief Marketing Officer, Eiman al-Naemi; Executive General Manager, Chief Wholesale and International Banking Officer, Fahad Badar; Executive General Manager, Treasury and Investments, Parvez Khan; and Senior AGM and Head of ALM, Omran al-Sherawi.Throughout these meetings, Commercial Bank explored new business opportunities and strengthened relationships with leading banks across the region and globally, showcasing its leadership in digital innovation.Moss noted: “The innovative solutions we introduce and steps we take to support the growth of Qatar’s financial sector are further strengthened by the knowledge and connections we gain at the annual IMF and IIF meetings. These gatherings give us access to best practices and insights that we bring back home to Qatar and implement in the best way possible.”

Gulf Times
Business

Qatar takes part in Arab Finance Ministers meet in cooperation with World Bank

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.

Gulf Times
Qatar

QFFD, SFD launch initiative for public services in Syria

On the sidelines of the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly, Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD) and the Saudi Fund for Development (SFD), in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), have announced a joint initiative to support Syria.Together QFFD and SFD are providing $89mn funding through UNDP to ensure the continuity of essential public services across Syria over a three-month period.The joint funding will provide vital budgetary support enabling the payment of a portion of salaries for government employees responsible for core government functions related to the delivery of essential basic services. By maintaining these critical services, the effort aims to strengthen social protection, foster stability, and promote inclusive socio-economic recovery throughout the country.SFD CEO Sultan bin Abdulrahman al-Marshad, stated that the grant provided comes as part of Saudi Arabia’s wise leadership efforts to enhance development support for brotherly Syria. He emphasised that the Fund works hand in hand with its partners to foster growth and advance the development journey in Syria.QFFD director-general Fahad Hamad al-Sulaiti stated: “This initiative reflects our shared vision to promote stability and build resilience for the brotherly Syrian people. We firmly believe that investing in essential public services is not only an urgent humanitarian necessity, but also a strategic long-term investment in achieving sustainable development, preserving human dignity, and laying the foundations for peace and prosperity.”Through this support, Saudi Arabia and Qatar reaffirm their dedication to advancing development and promoting strategic partnerships with the international community. These recovery efforts are designed to contribute to resilient governance, inclusive economic growth, and sustainable development throughout Syria.“The Government of Syria extends its sincere appreciation to both the Qatar Fund for Development and the Saudi Fund for Development for this joint initiative, contributing to financing a portion of the salaries of civil servants. This contribution conveys a message of support from the esteemed governments of Saudi Arabia and Qatar,” said Mohamad Yisr Barnieh, Minister of Finance of Syria, “This initiative aligns with the Syrian Government’s efforts to advance financial and economic reforms, reinforcing the foundations of stability and economic and social recovery in the service of the Syrian people.”Implementation of this initiative will closely align with Syria’s national priorities, laying the foundation for long-term recovery and sustainable development. “We are grateful for the generous contributions of the Qatari and Saudi funds for development, which address the immediate needs of the Syrian population while laying the groundwork for long-term recovery and development,” added, Haoliang Xu, UNDP acting administrator.

HE SheikhThani bin Hamad al-Thani with Amina J Mohammed
Qatar

QFFD commits over $130mn to global development at UNGA80

On the sidelines of the ongoing 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA80), held under the theme “Better Together: 80 years and more for peace, development, and human rights”, Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD) has announced signing of 13 new agreements with UN agencies, international financial institutions, and humanitarian organisations, representing contributions exceeding $133mn.QFFD has reaffirmed Qatar’s commitment to multilateralism and international cooperation as indispensable pillars for achieving sustainable development and shared global prosperity, a statement said Friday. These commitments are set to benefit more than 8.3mn people worldwide, advancing collective progress across health, education, youth empowerment, food security, climate resilience, and economic development.The agreements include partnerships with both long-standing and new partners, among them the UN Population Fund, the International Atomic Energy Agency, the Gates Foundation, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN, the World Food Programme, the International Fund for Agricultural Development, the UN Development Coordination Office, and the Saudi Fund for Development, the UN Development Programme, Office of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, Unicef in support of the Generation Unlimited initiative, the Office of the High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States, the International Rescue Committee, and the Inter-American Development Bank together with the Inter-American Investment Corporation.The signing ceremonies were witnessed by HE Sheikh Thani bin Hamad al-Thani, chairperson of the board of directors of QFFD, and HE Dr Maryam bint Ali bin Nasser al-Misnad, Minister of State for International Cooperation and vice-chairperson of board of directors of QFFD, alongside high-level representatives from partner organisations.Through these agreements, QFFD underscores its firm belief that international solidarity is the only effective path to addressing the most pressing global challenges. Through flexible core contributions, QFFD will strengthen the institutional capacities of leading UN agencies and expand their reach to the most vulnerable. At the same time, targeted programmes, supported by innovative financing mechanisms, will advance women’s health, support food stockholding systems, sustain essential public services in conflict-affected countries, rehabilitate critical infrastructure for displaced communities, and create new opportunities for young people through education, skills development, and entrepreneurship.Sheikh Thani also met with Amina J Mohammed, deputy secretary-general of the UN and chair of the UN Sustainable Development Group, reaffirming the enduring partnership between Qatar and the UN and their shared commitment to advancing a just, inclusive, and sustainable future. A series of high-level meetings with leaders from the development field were also convened to explore avenues for deeper cooperation addressing global development priorities.Fahad Hamad al-Sulaiti, director general of QFFD, emphasised: “QFFD believes that transformative change can only be achieved through collective action. These agreements reaffirm our commitment to work hand-in-hand with governments, the private sector, and international partners to build a just, inclusive, and sustainable future. They also underscore the importance of high-impact partnerships and innovative financing mechanisms in addressing persistent gaps and global challenges, ensuring solutions that are locally driven, scalable, and sustainable.”

Gulf Times
Qatar

Qatar aid planes arrive in Kabul

Five Qatari Amiri Air Force aircraft carrying humanitarian aid provided by the Qatar Fund for Development arrived in the Afghan capital, Kabul.The aid is part of the airlift being operated by the State of Qatar to help alleviate the suffering of the brotherly Afghan people following the earthquake that struck eastern Afghanistan.This brings the total number of aircraft to nine.The aid includes field hospitals fully equipped with medical and surgical equipment. It also includes tents and basic hygiene kits.The Internal Security Force's (Lekhwiya) Qatar International Search and Rescue Group sent specialized teams for the search and rescue operations, and removing rubble with their equipment, in addition to a field medical team ready to provide urgent care. The aid comes in light of Qatar's continued support for the Afghan people and reflects the country's firm commitment to humanitarian solidarity and support for those impacted by natural disasters.

Gulf Times
Qatar

Qatari airbridge delivers humanitarian aid to Afghanistan

In implementation of the directives of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, four Qatari Amiri Air Force aircraft arrived Wednesday in the Afghan capital, Kabul, carrying humanitarian aid, including two field hospitals, food and medical supplies, and shelter materials provided by the Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD) for approximately 11,000 beneficiaries. This aid is part of an air bridge operated by Qatar to help alleviate the suffering of the brotherly Afghan people following the earthquake that struck eastern Afghanistan, which resulted in hundreds of deaths and injuries. Qatar's delegation to Afghanistan was headed by HE the Minister of State for International Co-operation Dr Maryam bint Ali bin Nasser al-Misnad, with the participation of representatives from the Qatar Armed Forces, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Qatar International Search and Rescue Group of the Internal Security Force (Lekhwiya) and QFFD. This aid comes within the framework of Qatar's continued support for the Afghan people and reflects its unwavering commitment to humanitarian support for those affected by natural disasters.