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Qatar's non-energy sector rose for the seventh consecutive month, indicating the country's resilience amidst tariff uncertainties and elevated volatility in the global economy, particularly in the first half (H1) of 2025, according to the Qatar Financial Centre (QFC).Foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows will remain strong and is expected to pick up towards the tail-end of 2025, QFC said in its latest update."Qatar’s non-oil private sector PMI (purchasing managers’ index) averaged 51.1 for H1-2025 despite tariff uncertainty and geo-political risks. Qatar’s non-energy sector maintained its growth into second half of 2025," QFC said.Qatar’s economy continues to do well with the Standard & Poor Global PMI showing that the non-oil sector remains in expansion territory, while FDI inflows continue to increase and banking assets grow by 9% on an annualised basis. The real estate sector remains robust after a strong H1-2025.Inward FDI into Qatar has been comparatively strong in 2025, with the country having attracted $2.4bn (more than 86% of 2024 total FDI inflows) in FDI capex so far this year, the report said, adding FDI inflows into Qatar for 2025 have also contributed to the creation of 8,262 jobs so far."With four months left until the end of 2025, Qatar is well placed to attract FDI inflows in line with those witnessed in 2024 of $2.8bn," QFC said.Data from 2020-24 indicated that on average the last four months of the year see FDI inflows of $342.8mn on average, it said.Highlighting that the UAE, France and the US are the top three markets contributing to Qatar’s FDI inflows; the report said together these three contributed a total of $1.52bn or 62.9% of all FDI inflows into Qatar so far in 2025."The strong flow of inward FDI highlights the positive sentiment investors continue to have towards Qatar. We remain positive that FDI inflows will remain strong for the remainder of the year, as historically FDI inflows tend to pick up towards the tail-end of the year," the report said.Real estate transactions amounted to QR6bn in the second quarter of 2025, an 88.9% increase on an annualised basis. This growth builds on the momentum gained in the first quarter of 2025 where real estate activity totalled QR4.1bn, putting real estate deals for 2025 in excess of QR10.1bn, which is QR2.5bn more than in H1-2024.As of August 31, 2025, real estate activity equated to QR804mn with residential property accounting for 17% (QR137.1mn) of Qatar’s total real estate activity.The Qatar Stock Exchange was largely flat in August with the index rising from 11,187.76 on the first trading day 11,222.33 on the last trading day.

UAE Minister of State for International Cooperation Reem bint Ibrahim Al Hashimy summoned Deputy Ambassador of Israel to Abu Dhabi David Ahad Horsandi, and conveyed the UAE's strong condemnation and denunciation of the blatant and cowardly Israeli aggression that targeted the State of Qatar, as well as the aggressive statements made by the Israeli occupation Prime Minister.The UAE Minister of State for International Cooperation affirmed that this reckless attack constitutes a flagrant violation of the sovereignty of the State of Qatar, a grave breach of international law and the UN Charter, and an irresponsible escalation that threatens regional and international security and stability.She stressed that the security and stability of the State of Qatar is an integral part of the security and stability of the GCC states, and that any aggression against a Gulf state represents an aggression against the collective Gulf security system.She affirmed that the continuation of this aggressive and provocative approach undermines the chances of achieving stability, pushes the region towards extremely dangerous paths, and entrenches a reality that cannot be ignored or accepted.

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Friday expressed its strong condemnation and denunciation of the aggressive statements made by the Israeli Prime Minister against the State of Qatar.In a statement, the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs reiterated its solidarity with the State of Qatar in its measures, stressing that these aggressive statements and practices by the Israeli occupation authorities and their grave and serious violations of international laws and norms require the international community to continue taking effective measures to put an end to these destructive Israeli policies in the region.

The President of the Republic of Indonesia Prabowo Subianto left Doha on Friday evening, after a working visit to the country.Subianto and his accompanying delegation were seen off at Doha International Airport by HE the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defense Affairs Sheikh Saoud bin Abdulrahman bin Hassan Al-Thani, and the Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia to the State of Qatar Ridwan Hassan. His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani and the President of the Republic of Indonesia Prabowo Subianto held a meeting at his office in Lusail Palace on Friday. Discussions during the meeting dealt with bilateral relations between the two countries, and means to strengthen them in various fields.

His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani held a meeting at his office in Lusail Palace on Friday with the President of the Republic of Rwanda Paul Kagame, during which they discussed bilateral relations between the two countries and means to strengthen them in various fields. The meeting also discussed the latest regional developments and efforts to achieve peace and stability for the benefit of the peoples of the region.At the outset of the meeting, His Highness the Amir welcomed the Rwandan President and his accompanying delegation, expressing his pleasure with the visit, which reflects the friendly relations and cooperation between the two countries.For his part, President Kagame expressed his condemnation of the treacherous Israeli attack and affirmed his country's full solidarity with the State of Qatar and its people as well as its support for all measures taken by Qatar to preserve its sovereignty and territorial integrity.He stressed that this attack constitutes a violation of Qatar's sovereignty, violates international laws and norms, and undermines the security, stability, and prospects for peace in the region.President Kagame hailed the efforts of His Highness the Amir and the State of Qatar, and their endeavors to achieve peace and stability in the region and the world.In this regard, His Highness the Amir expressed his deep appreciation to the Rwandan President for his solidarity and sincere feelings, and his country's supportive stance toward the State of Qatar and its people.The meeting was attended by HE Chief of the Amiri Diwan Abdullah bin Mohammed Al Khulaifi, HE Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Al Khulaifi, and a number of Their Excellencies senior officials. From the Rwandan side, it was attended by a number of senior officials and members of the accompanying delegation.

His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani and the President of the Republic of Indonesia Prabowo Subianto held a meeting at his office in Lusail Palace on Friday. Discussions during the meeting dealt with bilateral relations between the two countries, and means to strengthen them in various fields.The meeting also discussed the latest regional developments and efforts to achieve peace and stability for the benefit of the peoples of the region.At the outset of the meeting, His Highness the Amir welcomed President Subianto and his accompanying delegation, expressing his pleasure with this visit, which reflects the strong relations between the two countries.For his part, the Indonesian President reiterated his country's full solidarity with the State of Qatar and its people, and its support for all measures taken to maintain its sovereignty and territorial integrity.He stressed that the treacherous Israeli attack constitutes a violation of Qatar's sovereignty, violates international laws and norms, and undermines the security, stability, and prospects for peace in the region.President Subianto hailed the efforts of His Highness the Amir and the State of Qatar, and their endeavors to achieve peace and stability in the region and the world.In this regard, His Highness the Amir expressed his deep appreciation to the Indonesian President for his solidarity and sincere feelings, and his country's supportive stance toward the State of Qatar and its people.The meeting was attended by HE Chief of the Amiri Diwan Abdullah bin Mohammed Al Khulaifi, HE Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulaziz bin Saleh Al Khulaifi, and a number of Their Excellencies senior officials.On the Indonesian side, it was attended by the Minister of Foreign Affairs Sugiono, the Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya, as well as a number of senior officials and members of the accompanying delegation.

The United Nations General Assembly on Friday overwhelmingly voted to endorse a declaration outlining "tangible, timebound, and irreversible steps" towards a two-state solution between Israel and the Palestinians ahead of a meeting of world leaders.The seven-page declaration is the result of an international conference at the UN in July - hosted by Saudi Arabia and France - on the decades-long conflict.The United States and Israel boycotted the event.A resolution endorsing the declaration received 142 votes in favor and 10 against, while 12 countries abstained.Qatar welcomes adoption of resolutionQatar welcomed the adoption by the UN General Assembly of the "New York Declaration" on the implementation of the two-state solution and the establishment of an independent State of Palestine.In a statement Friday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that that the adoption of the resolution reflects the broad international endorsement of the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people, foremost among them their right to establish an independent state. This outcome is also consistent with the recent announcements by several states of their intention to recognise the State of Palestine during the month of September. The ministry expressed Qatar's appreciation for the efforts of Saudi Arabia and France, which contributed to the issuance and adoption of the declaration.

The President of the Republic of Indonesia Prabowo Subianto arrived in Doha Friday, on a working visit to the country.Subianto and the accompanying delegation were welcomed upon arrival at Doha International Airport by HE the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defense Affairs Sheikh Saoud bin Abdulrahman bin Hassan bin Ali Al-Thani, and the Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia to the State Ridwan Hassan.

The President of the Republic of Rwanda Paul Kagame arrived in Doha Friday, on a working visit to the country. Kagame and the accompanying delegation were welcomed upon arrival at Doha International Airport by HE the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Sultan bin Saad Al Muraikhi, and the Ambassador of the Republic of Rwanda to the State Igor Marara Kayinamura.

The Prime Minister of Hungary Viktor Orban arrived in Doha Friday, on a working visit to the country.Orban and the accompanying delegation were welcomed upon arrival at Doha International Airport by HE the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Sultan bin Saad Al Muraikhi, and the Ambassador of Hungary to the State Ferenc Korom.

The third session of the Joint Economic and Financial Committee between the Ministry of Finance of the State of Qatar and the Federal Department of Finance of the Swiss Confederation was held Wednesday in the city of Bern, Switzerland.The Qatari side was headed by HE the Minister of Finance Ali bin Ahmed al-Kuwari, while the Swiss side was chaired by President of the Swiss Confederation Karin Keller-Sutter.The meeting was also attended by a number of senior officials from both governmental and private sector entities on both sides.During this session, the Qatar-Switzerland Joint Committee discussed a range of proposals and ideas aimed at enhancing economic and investment co-operation between the two countries.Discussions covered topics such as digital finance, sustainable finance, and avenues of co-operation in the infrastructure sector, in addition to collaboration in sustainable investments and joint efforts in development projects.In his closing remarks at the conclusion of the third session of the Committee, HE al-Kuwari emphasised the importance of this partnership between the two countries, stating: "Qatar and Switzerland share many common values; both countries have open economies and are strongly committed to constructive international engagement. I am confident that the continued meetings of our Joint Committee will further strengthen our bilateral friendship and economic co-operation."Prior to the joint Committee's session, a technical committee meeting was held, chaired on the Qatari side by Deputy Undersecretary for Economic Affairs at the Ministry of Finance Dr Saud bin Abdullah al-Attiyah, and on the Swiss side by Head of the Planning and Strategy Department at the State Secretariat for International Financial Matters (SIF) Christoph Konig and Head of Bilateral Economic Relations at the Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (EMPA) Andrea Rauber Saxer.The technical meeting served to prepare for the Committee's work and discuss key areas of co-operation, contributing to the success of the current session.Holding the Qatar-Switzerland Committee follows the signing of a memorandum of understanding in March 2022 between the State of Qatar, represented by the Ministry of Finance, and the Swiss Federal Council, represented by the Federal Department of Finance.The MoU aims at establishing the Joint Committee on Financial and Economic Affairs to promote and strengthen bilateral relations. The meetings of the Joint Committee are held alternately in both countries.

The Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MOCI) has organised a workshop on E-commerce, highlighting the key opportunities and challenges facing the sector. The workshop “The Impact of E-Commerce on the Local Retail Sector” at the ministry’s headquarters in Lusail city, examined the effects of E-commerce on the dynamics of domestic retail market in Qatar. The event brought together a number of specialised entities active in the field of E-commerce in Qatar, including local and global companies, as well as representatives from the MOCI, Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, and the Strategy& team. Participants addressed a wide range of themes, discussed the preliminary findings of an ongoing study on E-commerce conducted in collaboration with local stakeholders; and tackled proposals for potential future policy measures. The workshop is part of the ministry’s efforts to strengthen Qatar’s digital business environment and develop policies that support the retail sector. Such efforts enable local companies to keep pace with global developments and enhance the role of E-commerce in achieving economic diversification under Qatar National Vision 2030. (Ends)