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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.”

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.

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.

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.”

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.

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.

Qatar Charity (QC) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Afghanistan's Ministry of Public Health to construct a modern 400-bed hospital for women and children in Kandahar, funded by the Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD). The MoU was signed during an official ceremony held at the Ministry's headquarters, in the presence of HE Minister of Public Health of Afghanistan, Mawlawi Noor Jalal Jalali, and Acting Charge d'Affaires at the Embassy of the State of Qatar in Kabul, Mirdef bin Ali Al Qashouti, in addition to distinguished representatives from the World Health Organisation (WHO). On the Qatari side, the MoU was signed by Director of QC's office in Afghanistan, Munim Shah, while Deputy Minister of Afghan Public Health, Dr. Muhammad Hassan Ghayasi signed the MoU on the Afghan side. Through this MoU, Qatar Charity aims to establish a fully equipped specialized hospital with a capacity of 400 beds, dedicated to providing healthcare services for mothers and children, as well as internal medicine.

The Social & Sport Contribution Fund (DAAM) has signed a funding agreement with the Katara Cultural Village Foundation to sponsor the ninth edition of the Katara International Hunting and Falconry Exhibition "S'hail 2025."This marks the eighth consecutive year of the partnership, underscoring the vital role of the fund and companies listed on the Qatar Stock Exchange in supporting cultural and community activities. This aligns with the broader goals of the Qatar National Vision 2030.The exhibition is scheduled to take place from September 10 to 14, with the participation of 260 companies from 21 countries. Exhibitors will showcase a diverse range of products, including the latest innovations in hunting vehicle outfitting, hunting weapons, safari gear, and specialized falconry equipment.DAAM's consistent support for the exhibition since its second edition has been a cornerstone of its success. The event has grown beyond its local scope to become one of the most prominent cultural and heritage events in the region, serving as a leading platform for preserving the heritage of falconry on the global stage.Since its establishment in 2010, the DAAM Fund has launched numerous vital projects and initiatives across cultural, social, sports, and charitable sectors. Contributions from public shareholding companies listed on the Qatar Stock Exchange are a primary source of the fund's financial resources, making them essential partners in achieving community development.

Qatar Charity (QC) signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Workers’ Support and Insurance Fund, aiming to co-operate and co-ordinate on providing many services to workers in Qatar, meeting their humanitarian needs, and improving their quality of life.The agreement was signed by Faisal Rashid al-Fahida, assistant CEO for Programmes and Community Development at QC, and Kholoud Saif al-Kubaisi, executive director of the Workers’ Support and Insurance Fund, in the presence of officials from both parties.The MoU stipulates co-operation between the two parties to help humanitarian cases involving workers, propose joint projects for their benefit, and exchange consultations and information related to these cases, projects, and initiatives. These initiatives will provide appropriate services and support to workers, with the aim of creating a stimulating environment for them.In a statement on the sidelines of the signing of the agreement, al-Fahida said: “This agreement is not merely a joint framework, but rather a practical embodiment of Qatar Charity’s deep and ongoing commitment to workers, who constitute an integral part of the fabric of our society and represent a fundamental pillar in the growth and development of Qatar.”He added that, through this partnership with the Fund, QC seeks to achieve a qualitative leap in the level of services provided to workers and to intensify co-ordination with relevant authorities to ensure appropriate support in various fields.Kholoud al-Kubaisi stated that the MoU embodies a distinctive model of effective partnership between national institutions and leading humanitarian organisations in Qatar.The MoU represents a framework for co-operation in providing humanitarian services and social support for workers. It includes helping deserving cases, implementing joint projects that address their needs, and exchanging expertise and information to enhance work efficiency and ensure the achievement of desired results, the Fund official said.She also thanked QC for its constructive co-operation, as well as to all those who contributed to the preparation of the MoU, hoping that it would mark the beginning of a new journey of joint achievements that serve both workers and society.

Norway's $2tn wealth fund, the world's largest, has divested from US construction equipment group Caterpillar and from five Israeli banking groups on ethics grounds. The five banks are Hapoalim, Bank Leumi, Mizrahi Tefahot Bank, First International Bank of Israel and FIBI Holdings, the fund said in a statement. The six groups were excluded "due to an unacceptable risk that the companies contribute to serious violations of the rights of individuals in situations of war and conflict," said the fund, which is operated by Norway's central bank. The companies did not immediately reply to requests for comment. The Israeli embassy in Oslo declined to comment. Prior to its divestment, the fund held a 1.17% stake in Caterpillar valued at $2.1bn as of June 30, its records showed. The stakes in the five Israeli banks were valued at a combined $661mn, also as of June 30, according to fund data. The news was announced when the Tel Aviv and New York stock exchanges were closed. Shares in Caterpillar were down 0.4% in pre-market trading at $430.61 per share Tuesday. FIBI Holdings shares were up 4%, putting them on course for their best day since early 2024. Hapoalim's stock was up 3.3% and Bank Leumi, Mizrahi Tefahot Bank, and First International Bank of Israel were between 1.8% and 2.8% better off. The fund's ethics watchdog, called the Council on Ethics, said that "in the council's assessment, there is no doubt that Caterpillar's products are being used to commit extensive and systematic violations of international humanitarian law". Bulldozers manufactured by Caterpillar "were being used by Israeli authorities in the widespread unlawful destruction of Palestinian property," it said. The violations were taking place both in Gaza and the West Bank, the council said, adding that "the company has also not implemented any measures to prevent such use". "As deliveries of the relevant machinery to Israel are now set to resume, the council considers there to be an unacceptable risk that Caterpillar is contributing to serious violations of individuals’ rights in war or conflict situations." The council, a public body set up by the Ministry of Finance, checks that firms in the portfolio of the fund meet ethical guidelines set by Norway's parliament. The fund is invested in some 8,400 companies worldwide. It makes recommendations to the board of the central bank, which has the final say. The board agreed with the council's recommendation. The Norwegian fund said on August 18 that it would divest from six companies as part of an ongoing ethics review over the war in Gaza and developments in the West Bank, but declined at the time to name any groups until the stakes were sold. On the banks, the ethics watchdog initially scrutinised the Israeli banks' practice of underwriting Israeli settlers' housebuilding commitments in the region. On Monday, the council said that all the banks excluded had, "by providing financial services that are a necessary prerequisite for construction activity in Israeli settlements in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem ... contributed to the maintenance of Israeli settlements". Around 700,000 Israeli settlers live among 2.7mn Palestinians in the West Bank and East Jerusalem. Many settlements are adjacent to Palestinian areas and some Israeli firms serve both Israelis and Palestinians. The United Nations' top court last year found that Israeli settlements built on territory seized in 1967 were illegal, a ruling that Israel called "fundamentally wrong", citing historical and biblical ties to the land.

Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD) signed a loan agreement worth QR182mn with the Ministry of Finance of Tajikistan to support the Rogun Hydropower Plant Project, aimed at strengthening the country's energy infrastructure and driving sustainable economic growth.In a statement Sunday, QFFD said the agreement was signed during an official visit by a delegation led by Director-General, Fahad bin Hamad al-Sulaiti, in the presence of senior Tajik officials.The delegation also undertook a tour of the Rogun Hydropower Plant site to assess the implementation stages, reflecting QFFD’s continued dedication to supporting the successful achievement of the project’s developmental goals.This initiative reflects QFFD's strategic focus on energy as a key driver of sustainable development, fostering economic resilience and supporting long-term growth and prosperity in Tajikistan.