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Over the past decade, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has become one of the most attractive destinations for entrepreneurs and investors from around the world. Thanks to its thriving economy, investor-friendly policies, and unmatched access to global markets, the UAE offers the perfect environment for ambitious business owners seeking to grow internationally. Whether you’re a startup founder, SME owner, or established enterprise, expanding to the UAE can open doors to limitless opportunities. For many entrepreneurs exploring business setup in Dubai, the country’s progressive reforms, tax incentives, and world-class infrastructure make it an obvious next step for scaling up operations and entering new markets. In this article, we’ll explore the main reasons why entrepreneurs are expanding their business to the UAE — from economic advantages and access to global trade routes to lifestyle benefits and government support. A strategic global location One of the most compelling reasons to expand to the UAE is its prime geographical position. Located between Europe, Asia, and Africa, the country acts as a natural bridge connecting global markets. Entrepreneurs benefit from: Access to 2 billion consumers within a four-hour flight radiusWorld-class logistics hubs, including Dubai International Airport and Jebel Ali Port—two of the busiest in the worldTime zone advantage, allowing businesses to operate efficiently across both eastern and western markets For e-commerce companies, manufacturers, and service providers, this strategic positioning enables faster trade, lower transportation costs, and smoother global coordination. The UAE’s connectivity through air, sea, and digital infrastructure makes it the ultimate gateway for international expansion. Investor-friendly business environment The UAE government continues to implement reforms that make doing business simpler, faster, and more transparent. Over the years, the country has built a reputation as one of the most business-friendly destinations in the world — reflected in its consistently high ranking on global ease-of-doing-business indexes. Some of the standout features include: 100% foreign ownership in most business sectorsNo personal income tax and highly competitive corporate tax ratesEase of company formation through digital and paperless systemsStable and reliable legal framework based on international standards Free zones across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah further simplify the process by offering entrepreneurs attractive benefits such as zero customs duties, full profit repatriation, and streamlined licensing procedures. These factors combine to create a stable, transparent, and investor-friendly environment that nurtures business growth. Access to a diversified and resilient economy While the UAE’s economy was once largely dependent on oil, today it is one of the most diversified in the region. Non-oil sectors such as tourism, logistics, finance, technology, healthcare, and renewable energy now contribute significantly to the country’s GDP. This diversification offers entrepreneurs a range of opportunities to invest and expand: Technology and innovation: Dubai and Abu Dhabi are developing into regional innovation hubs, home to incubators, accelerators, and fintech companies.Tourism and hospitality: Millions of visitors travel to the UAE every year, creating demand for unique experiences, services, and products.Green energy and sustainability: The UAE’s Vision 2031 and Net Zero 2050 strategies open the door to investors in clean technology and sustainability. By operating in a diversified economy, entrepreneurs reduce risk exposure to single-sector fluctuations and position themselves within an ecosystem built for long-term growth. Advanced infrastructure and digital transformation Another reason why global entrepreneurs are drawn to the UAE is its state-of-the-art infrastructure and commitment to digital innovation. The country consistently ranks among the top globally in infrastructure quality, telecommunications, and smart city initiatives. Key infrastructure advantages: High-speed connectivity and widespread 5G coverageWorld-leading ports and logistics facilities for seamless imports and exportsFree zone and business parks designed specifically for startups and international companiesSmart government services that allow entrepreneurs to handle business registration, licensing, and visa applications online Dubai’s and Abu Dhabi’s ongoing push toward becoming fully digital economies means that entrepreneurs can easily manage operations remotely, leverage e-government platforms, and integrate new technologies such as artificial intelligence and blockchain into their business models. This focus on innovation creates a competitive edge for businesses that rely on automation, data analytics, and digital tools to scale efficiently. Quality of life and talent attraction Beyond its business advantages, the UAE offers one of the highest standards of living in the world, making it an appealing destination for entrepreneurs and employees alike. Safe cities, modern healthcare, world-class education, and a vibrant multicultural community attract top talent from across the globe. Lifestyle and workforce benefits include:A cosmopolitan environment with residents from over 200 nationalitiesTax-free personal income, allowing professionals to maximize earningsAccess to skilled labor, particularly in finance, technology, and creative industriesResidency and long-term visa options for investors, business owners, and highly skilled workers Entrepreneurs who establish their companies in the UAE can also benefit from programs such as the Golden Visa and the Green Visa, which offer long-term residency and stability for business owners and their families. This combination of professional opportunity and exceptional lifestyle makes the UAE not only a place to do business but also a place to build a future. **media[372572]** The UAE continues to attract entrepreneurs and investors from every corner of the world — and for good reason. Its strategic location, pro-business policies, diverse economy, world-class infrastructure, and exceptional quality of life make it one of the best places globally to expand operations and achieve long-term growth. For entrepreneurs exploring business setup in Dubai, the country provides everything needed for success: stability, innovation, access to global markets, and an environment designed for entrepreneurship. Expanding your business to the UAE isn’t just a smart move — it’s a step toward building a brand that thrives on the global stage.

Qatar and the United States of America have sent an open letter to the Heads of State of European Union (EU) Member States expressing deep concern at the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD), and its unintended consequences for LNG export competitiveness and the availability of reliable, affordable energy for EU consumers.The letter signed by HE the Minister of State for Energy Affairs, Saad Sherida al-Kaabi, and US Secretary of Energy, Chris Wright, stressed that the CSDDD, as it is worded today, “poses a significant risk to the affordability and reliability of critical energy supplies for households and businesses across Europe and an existential threat to the future growth, competitiveness, and resilience of the EU’s industrial economy.”Secretary Wright and Minister al-Kaabi noted that CSDDD provisions “pose significant challenges and seriously undermine the ability of the American, Qatari, and broader international energy community to maintain and expand their partnerships and operations within the EU.”“It is our genuine belief, as allies and friends of the EU, that the CSDDD will cause considerable harm to the EU and its citizens, as it will lead to higher energy and other commodity prices, and have a chilling effect on investment and trade,” the letter added.Minister al-Kaabi and Secretary Wright called on the EU and its Member States to act swiftly to address these legitimate concerns, either by repealing the CSDDD in its entirety or removing its most economically damaging provisions.Following is the full text of the letter signed and issued by HE the Minister of State for Energy Affairs, Saad Sherida al-Kaabi, and US Secretary of Energy, Chris WrightAn open letter to the Heads of State of European Union (EU) Member StatesDear Leaders of European Union Member States,We write to you today at a pivotal moment for the EU’s energy security and economic competitiveness. As two of its most trusted partners and the world’s leading LNG producers, we reaffirm our deep commitment to supporting the EU’s prosperity and stability.We write in this spirit, united in our views, to express our deep concern over the continued lack of action to address the universally acknowledged, serious, and legitimate concerns raised by the global business community regarding the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD). Particularly its unintended consequences for LNG export competitiveness and the availability of reliable, affordable energy for EU consumers.Over the past year, our two countries have engaged in constructive dialogue with representatives from numerous EU governments regarding the contents of the CSDDD, offering specific recommendations to avoid the unintended consequences we have previously raised. While we appreciate the efforts of those Member States that have welcomed dialogue, the broader lack of substantive engagement on these critical issues is deeply concerning, especially given the far-reaching implications of the legislation.We have consistently and transparently communicated how the CSDDD, as it is worded today, poses a significant risk to the affordability and reliability of critical energy supplies for households and businesses across Europe and an existential threat to the future growth, competitiveness, and resilience of the EU’s industrial economy. It is our genuine belief, as allies and friends of the EU, that the CSDDD will cause considerable harm to the EU and its citizens, as it will lead to higher energy and other commodity prices, and have a chilling effect on investment and trade.It is of great concern that none of these issues have been properly addressed in the alternative texts that have been formally adopted to date by the European Council and the European Parliament, in response to the Omnibus package proposed in February 2025 by the European Commission. The Omnibus, whose stated purpose was to simplify the requirements of the CSDDD to make it workable for both EU and non-EU companies wishing to invest and continue to conduct business in the EU, falls grossly short of its aspirations.The EU and its Member States must now act swiftly to address these legitimate concerns, either by repealing the CSDDD in its entirety or removing its most economically damaging provisions. In particular, we urge reconsideration of:Article 2, on the Directive’s extraterritorial application;Article 22, on transition plans for climate change mitigation;Article 27, on penalties;Article 29, on civil liability of companies.Together, these provisions pose significant challenges and seriously undermine the ability of the American, Qatari, and broader international energy community to maintain and expand their partnerships and operations within the EU. This comes at a critical moment when our countries and companies are striving not only to sustain but to significantly increase the reliable supply of LNG to the EU in line with European Strategic aspirations. There is little debate that natural gas and LNG will remain a critical energy source and a key part of the EU’s energy mix for many decades to come.Beyond the direct energy security risks, the CSDDD also threatens to disrupt trade and investments across nearly all the EU’s partner economies. Its implementation could jeopardize existing and future investments, employment, and compliance with recent trade agreements.These concerns are widely shared among the global business community; they extend far beyond the energy sector and are not limited to the United States and Qatar. Prominent European companies and industry associations have likewise voiced serious reservations about the Directive’s implications for the EU’s economic resilience and energy security. Indeed, the CEOs of 46 major European companies recently called for the CSDDD’s repeal, emphasizing that such action would send a “clear and symbolic signal to European and international companies that governments and the Commission are truly committed to restoring competitiveness in Europe.”The EU now faces a defining choice to uphold its commitment to providing citizens, industries, and economies with affordable, reliable energy, preventing further de-industrialization and preserving the EU’s competitiveness and global relevance. As key allies and major suppliers of LNG and other energy products to the EU, both the United States and Qatar are deeply invested in the EU’s continued success and stability.We urge EU leaders to take immediate, decisive action by reopening substantive dialogue with your global partners, including the United States and Qatar, and the wider international business community, to address these critical provisions in the CSDDD. Such engagement is essential to ensuring a balanced, pragmatic, and workable approach that safeguards the EU’s energy security, long-term competitiveness, and the prosperity of its citizens.The United States and Qatar remain steadfast in our commitment to the EU’s continued success, and we stand together as willing and constructive partners in this endeavor. As we have consistently conveyed, we are ready to assist you in ensuring that regulations such as the CSDDD do not inadvertently hinder the ambitions of the EU’s people and industries.The citizens of your Member States rightly expect their leaders to confront these challenges with seriousness, responsibility, and resolve. We remain ready to engage in constructive dialogue on these and other matters at your convenience.

AFG College with the University of Aberdeen has entered into a partnership with Kingdom Konsult, a local consulting firm in sustainability and the circular economy.Both the entities signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) at the college’s new NBK1 campus, outlining a broad plan for professional, academic, and knowledge-based collaboration.This partnership has been developed to create meaningful opportunities for AFG College students to engage with real-life business environments and build professional competencies that will complement their academic experience."This agreement signed today demonstrates our ongoing commitment as an organisation to bridging the gap between academia and industry," said Sheikha Anwar bint Nawaf al- Thani, chief executive officer of Al Faleh Educational Holding.The scope of the MoU includes the offering of internships for students, giving them direct access to innovative projects that Kingdom Konsult are working on.Such opportunities allow students to apply the theoretical concepts taught in the classroom to a practical setting, thus gaining hands-on experience at a leading sustainability driven consultancy.Kingdom Konsult will participate at the college’s annual careers fair event, offering the opportunity for mentorships, as well as attending other career focused events.The partnership will allow Kingdom Konsult the opportunity to be actively involved in panel discussions, roundtable events, as well as guest lectures, which offers students insights from a leading provider of consultancy services. "This collaboration reflects our shared commitment to advancing Qatar’s sustainability and knowledge-based economy," said Katina Aghayan, founder and chief executive officer of Kingdom Konsult.Kingdom Konsult views education as the foundation of transformation, where young talents are empowered to think critically, innovate responsibly, and lead with purpose, according to her."Together, we are cultivating the next generation of sustainability leaders who will shape a greener, more resilient future for Qatar and the region," she said.AFG College will develop bespoke professional training for the staff of Kingdom Konsult, which will focus on developing their leadership and strategic decision-making abilities. These workshops will be developed in consultation with the firm and delivered by AFG faculty."As the nation moves forward with its drive towards being a knowledge-based economy, such partnerships will prove vital in shaping future generations," Sheikha Anwar said.

The Qatar National Bank (QNB) predicted that the US economy could grow an above consensus 2% this year, on the back of strong consumption and private investment. In its Economic Commentary, the QNB said: "At the beginning of the year, the outlook on the US economy pointed to a gentle slowdown in growth. But an agenda of disruptive policy change by the new administration began to take place, and the climate of optimism and positive market sentiment started to shift. Economic indicators have stabilized and, more surprisingly, some gauges even point to an acceleration in activity. The "GDP Now" is an informative real-time, model-based "nowcast" produced by the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta, which delivers a running estimate of real GDP growth in the current quarter for the US economy. It leverages a large set of high-frequency indicators from key economic sectors, and is therefore a representative summary of economic conditions. The latest available estimate points to an annualized growth rate of 3.8% in Q3-2025, a significant re-acceleration in activity relative to the 0.6% contraction in Q1-2025. In our view, the consensus growth forecast of 1.7% for this year is still lagging with respect to the latest information available and is therefore relatively pessimistic. In this article, we discuss the key components of GDP that are contributing to an acceleration of economic activity and support a relatively better outlook. First, household consumption is providing a strong boost to US real GDP growth, underpinned by the combination of resilient, even if deteriorating, employment, record household net wealth, and adequate access to credit. Consumption represents close to 70% of GDP and is therefore a major driver of economic growth. Retail sales adjusted for inflation, a useful gauge of consumption strength, accelerated to 1.7% year-over-year according to the latest prints, significantly above the average of -0.3% from last year. Even as job gains have slowed, the unemployment rate at 4.3% remains in the range of balanced employment, and earnings have steadily grown in real terms, outpacing inflation. This helps to keep aggregate household incomes strong. At the same time, a positive wealth effect from rising stock markets has bolstered spending capacity. Directly and indirectly held equity represents 35% of household net wealth, and 14% year-to-date growth in major indices has a significant impact on wealth, providing a positive effect that bolsters consumption sentiment. Borrowing channels also remain dynamic, with total household credit growing USD 352 Bn in the first two quarters and continuing to support expenditures this quarter. Together, these factors are contributing to maintaining household consumption as the key driver of real GDP momentum, accounting for 2/3 of real GDP growth expected for this quarter. Second, business investment is showing a strong performance, on the back of favourable financial conditions, fiscal incentives, and technology and AI-related capital expenditures. The latest data releases have shown accelerating growth in "core capital goods orders," a timely and representative signal of private-sector capital expenditures ("capex"). This measure tracks non-defence capital goods and excludes aircraft orders, which are typically sensitive to irregular procurements, and are therefore noisier. In recent months, this indicator has been growing at a rate of close to 4% in annual terms, a remarkable acceleration from the 0.9% average contraction last year. Several factors are contributing to investment growth. Demand for equipment and technology is surging, as firms continue to invest to support productivity and AI-related expansion. Policy incentives, such as the CHIPS Act, the Inflation Reduction Act, and infrastructure programs are spurring construction of semiconductor facilities, factories, and clean energy projects. Additionally, healthy corporate profits and high expected returns on invested capital give businesses the means and the incentives to move forward with long-term projects. Taken together, these investment trends are contributing to an acceleration of economic growth. All in all, a reacceleration of the US economy is taking place on the back of strong momentum in consumption and private investment. In our view, the US economy could grow an above consensus 2% this year, on the back of strong consumption and private investment."

His Excellency Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani chaired the Cabinet's regular meeting, held on Wednesday morning at the Amiri Diwan.Following the meeting, His Excellency Minister of Justice and Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs Ibrahim bin Ali Al Mohannadi stated the following:The Cabinet considered the topics on its agenda and approved the Minister of Finance's draft resolution amending the exemption limits graned to micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises, which aims to encourage entrepreneurs to participate in government tenders, thereby enhancing competitiveness, diversifying the contractor base, and reducing risks. This comes in line with the country's directives and strategic plans to empower the private sector and increase its contribution to the economy.The Cabinet decided to take the necessary measures to ratify an agreement on the promotion and protection of mutual investments between the government of the State of Qatar and the government of the Dominican Republic. The Cabinet also approved Qatar's membership in the WorldSkills Asia Organization, the draft Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on cooperation and exchange of expertise in the field of development planning between the government of the State of Qatar and the government of the State of Kuwait, the draft railway link agreement between the government of the State of Qatar and the government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and the draft MoU on political consultations on issues of mutual interest between the State of Qatar's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Bosnia and Herzegovina's Ministry of Foreign Affairs.The Cabinet also approved a draft agreement on the mutual exemption from entry visa requirements for holders of ordinary passports between the government of the State of Qatar and the government of the Republic of Paraguay, a draft agreement on the mutual promotion and protection of investments between the government of the State of Qatar and the government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China, and a draft MoU on joint cooperation in the field of museums between the State of Qatar's Qatar Museums Authority and the People's Republic of China's Cultural Heritage Administration of Sichuan Province.The Cabinet concluded its meeting by reviewing three reports and taking the appropriate decisions in their regard, including the annual report on the Cabinet's work for the period of August 2024–July 2025, a report on the outcomes of participation in the 113th session of the International Labour Conference (Geneva - June 2025), and a report on the outcomes of participation in the 78th session of the World Health Assembly (Geneva - May 2025).

Mwani Qatar reported handling over 1.11 million containers in the first nine months of 2025, marking a year-on-year growth of approximately 2 percent compared to the same period last year. This strong performance highlights the company's pivotal role in supporting the national economy. Mwani Qatar shared on X today that it received 2,276 vessels during the first nine months of 2025. This included the handling of over 1.34 million tons of general and bulk cargo, 91,266 vehicles and equipment units, 403,868 heads of livestock, and 488,069 tons of building materials.

QNB confirmed that the beginning of 2025 was accompanied by cautiously positive expectations for global trade growth, supported by relative stability in the world economy. However, new shifts in US trade policy have significantly affected the global economic landscape. The bank's weekly report noted that the decision of the United States on Apr. 2 to impose broad tariffs including duties of no less than 10 percent on imports and higher rates on selected countries has led to rising concerns about supply chain disruptions, increased uncertainty, and the potential escalation of trade disputes. The report stated that, as a result, the World Trade Organization (WTO) has forecast a contraction in global trade volumes for the current year, an occurrence that is rare and typically seen only in exceptional circumstances such as the 2009 global financial crisis and the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic. The report explained that economic indicators since April 2025 have shown notable resilience in the global economy despite existing challenges. It projected that global trade growth in 2025 will be modest compared to previous periods, but will remain far beyond the most pessimistic scenarios. This outlook is supported by three main factors. The first factor highlighted in the report is that leading indicators, particularly from highly integrated Asian economies such as Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Taiwan, and Vietnam, reflect strong export activity, signaling a recovery in global trade. These markets recorded an average annual growth rate of 6 percent in 2024, with the rate accelerating to 12 percent in the last four months of the year despite trade tensions. The report also pointed to Chinese export growth of 6 percent during the same period, reflecting sustained global demand. In this context, the report stated that investor expectations regarding the earnings of transportation-sector companies serve as an important indicator of future global trade trends. The Dow Jones Transportation Average in the United States, which includes companies involved in air, land, and sea transport as well as rail and delivery services, reached its lowest annual growth level in mid-2024 before rebounding into positive territory, signaling a possible expansion of trade.This improvement reflects a decline in pessimism even amid continued trade shocks. The gap between strong Asian export growth and the more cautious profit expectations of transport companies was attributed to the increase in early shipments to the US market in anticipation of further tariff threats. The second factor concerns a significant decrease in the likelihood of large-scale global trade wars despite the rise of US protectionist policies. The report explained that the conclusion of US negotiations with key trading partners, including the United Kingdom, Japan, and the European Union, has clearly reduced uncertainty and lowered the probability of expanding tariff measures. At the same time, most global economies are moving toward greater trade integration through multilateral agreements, which reduces the negative impact of protectionist policies and strengthens the stability of the global trading system. The third factor relates to monetary policy. The report considered that waves of monetary easing adopted by major central banks are expected to provide additional support for global trade growth in the coming period. It noted that the US Federal Reserve is expected to cut its benchmark interest rate by 125 basis points next year, bringing it down to 3.25 percent by the end of 2026, in an effort to reduce borrowing costs and stimulate economic activity. Similarly, the European Central Bank has lowered its key rate by 200 basis points since mid-2024 to settle at 2 percent.The report emphasized that interest rates are a decisive factor in supporting investment and boosting consumer spending, which are two key pillars of global trade, particularly given that the United States and the euro area together account for about 40 percent of global GDP. The bank concluded its report by affirming that the outlook for 2025 indicates a tangible improvement in the prospects for global trade compared to the more pessimistic scenarios that followed Washington's announcement of broad tariffs. It pointed out that a combination of positive economic indicators, accommodative monetary policies, and the signing of new trade agreements is helping to limit the repercussions of geopolitical and economic tensions and to support the stability of the global trading system in the upcoming period.

Commercial Bank Financial Services (CBFS), in collaboration with Qatar University, hosted a two-day workshop at the university premises. The workshop was dedicated to sharing and promoting financial literacy amongst students.Led by industry experts, the workshop equipped students with practical tools and knowledge to support their investment journey, foster entrepreneurship, and contribute to Qatar’s growing economy. The first day covered Qatar’s local market, index selection methodology, and approaches to relative valuation and sector analysis. The second day introduced students to a typical career path in investment while exploring best practices in technical analysis.Through the workshop, students developed a deeper understanding of financial literacy and were encouraged to envision careers in business and investment.Hamad al-Shehri, General Manager of CBFS, commented: “At CBFS, we believe in the importance of a financially aware community, well-prepared for future economic challenges. “Through this workshop, we helped empower the next generation with the tools and confidence to lead Qatar’s future investment and financial future.”

Qatar Chamber recently participated in the 39th meeting of the board of directors of the Islamic Chamber of Commerce and Development (ICCD) and the ‘Invest in the Digital Economy Forum’, held in Amman, Jordan.The events came as part of the Islamic Chamber’s ongoing efforts to strengthen economic integration and advance the Islamic business sector globally.Qatar Chamber’s delegation included board members Dr Mohammed bin Jawhar al-Mohammad, Abdul Rahman bin Abdul Jalil al-Abdul Ghani, and Abdullah bin Mohammed al-Emadi.The meeting discussed mechanisms to foster economic co-operation among Islamic countries, facilitate the exchange of expertise, and support joint development projects.During the meeting, heads and representatives of chambers and unions from 16 Islamic countries, together with leading economic experts and decision-makers, reviewed the progress of the Islamic Chamber’s projects and initiatives, which aim to empower private sector organisations and support Muslim businesses in non-Islamic countries.It also reviewed the action plan prepared by the general secretariat, based on a study submitted by Qatar Chamber at the previous meeting. The study included three comparative analytical reports assessing the organisation’s performance against similar institutional models, alongside a set of proposals outlining the organisation’s future role and potential directions in the coming phase.Speaking at the meeting, al-Mohammad condemned the brutal attack on Qatar by the Zionist entity, emphasising that it occurred at a time when Qatar was actively seeking to promote peace and explore all avenues for a peaceful resolution in Gaza.He added that this attack on Qatar, as well as on other Arab and Islamic countries, calls for a reassessment of strategies and a reformulation of approaches within the framework of the Islamic Chamber, which represents the Islamic economy across 57 countries and advocates on behalf of the economic interests of the Muslim world.Al-Mohammad underscored the ICCD’s pivotal role in enhancing co-ordination among its member chambers and ensuring their active participation in international forums. He also highlighted the importance of encouraging chambers to collaborate, support initiatives launched by individual members, and motivate others to join these efforts.In this context, he pointed to the Jordan Chamber’s initiative in the digital field, emphasising that it should be supported as a successful model. Al-Mohammad also stressed the importance of establishing joint economic entities that serve the private sector and Islamic countries and societies, establishing Islamic banks with contributions from member chambers, and launching insurance companies, educational, health, and technical companies, as well as contracting and construction projects.During the meeting, Abdullah Saleh Kamel was re-elected by acclamation as president of the Islamic Chamber for a new term (2026-2030). The meeting further reviewed an update of the Palestine Initiative, launched by the Islamic Chamber during the 39th General Assembly in Qatar.The initiative aims to support SMEs in Palestine, empower youth to work remotely, and provide job opportunities with various companies and organisations worldwide through digital economy tools. It also seeks to enhance skills across multiple fields through targeted training, thereby contributing to Palestine’s integration into the global market and the development of a strong and resilient national economy despite existing challenges.

Qatar's economy-maintained growth in the second quarter of 2025 despite a challenging global context, with real GDP rising by 1.9% compared to the same period in 2024. This growth was driven primarily by non-hydrocarbon activities, which expanded by 3.4%.According to a statement issued by the National Planning Council (NPC) on Sunday, Qatar's economy registered real GDP growth of 1.9% year-on-year, reaching QR181.8bn at constant prices, compared to QR178.5bn in Q2 2024.Non-hydrocarbon activities accounted for 65.6% of real GDP, with value added reaching QR119.3bn in Q2 2025, compared to QR115.4bn in the same period of 2024. This reflects a year-on-year increase of 3.4%, underscoring the effectiveness of diversification policies outlined in the Third National Development Strategy (NDS3) and Qatar National Vision 2030.Within the non-hydrocarbon economy, the fastest-growing activities on a year-on-year basis were: agriculture, forestry and fishing (+15.8%); accommodation and food services (+13.4%); arts, entertainment and recreation (+8.9%); wholesale and retail trade (+8.8%), and Construction (+8.7%).These broad-based gains reflect ongoing investment in tourism, services, and specialised infrastructure, and strengthen the role of private sector activities in Qatar's economy.In total, 11 of 17 economic activities recorded positive real growth in Q2 2025, demonstrating the resilience of Qatar's economic base. Service-related activities such as accommodation, food services, and entertainment continued to expand strongly, reflecting sustained momentum in tourism and domestic demand.NPC noted that its National Statistics Center continues to refine its methods for measuring GDP, with recent revisions applied to Q1 2025 and Q2 2024 estimates. As part of ongoing efforts to align national accounts with international best practices (System of National Accounts 2008/2025), a comprehensive revision of Qatar's national accounts is underway and scheduled for completion by Q1 2026.NPC Secretary-General Dr Abdulaziz bin Nasser bin Mubarak al-Khalifa emphasised the strength and resilience of Qatar's economic performance, noting the sustained expansion of non-hydrocarbon activities."These indicators reflect the progress of Qatar's economy, with non-hydrocarbon sectors recording notable growth that demonstrates the increasing diversification and stability of our national economy," he said."The current growth rates also point to additional opportunities for advancement. There remains significant potential that we aim to unlock through the Third National Development Strategy, which will continue to drive sustainable economic growth and create distinctive investment and entrepreneurial opportunities for the private sector," al-Khalifa added.

The Middle East is racing to the front of the global hydrogen economy, with GCC countries leveraging ultra-low-cost renewables, world-class infrastructure, and decisive policy backing, according to Al-Attiyah Foundation.Qatar is advancing its landmark 1.2mn tonnes per year Blue Ammonia Project in Mesaieed Industrial City, scheduled to begin operations in 2026, alongside new green hydrogen initiatives that build on its global LNG leadership.Saudi Arabia has achieved record-breaking solar tariffs close to one US cent per kilowatt hour and Oman is targeting more than 8mn tonnes of renewables-based hydrogen by mid-century.In 2024, global hydrogen demand reached nearly 100mn tonnes, but less than one percent was supplied from low-carbon sources, and green hydrogen represented only a fraction of that. More than 60 countries have now published national hydrogen strategies, but most of them remain aspirational.The majority are aiming to position themselves as exporters, while only a small number in Asia and Europe have declared intentions to be importers. This imbalance exposes the risk of a growing gap between supply ambitions and credible demand, raising doubts about whether many of these strategies can be realised in practice.The new Al-Attiyah Foundation research paper, ‘Charting National Hydrogen Strategies for Future Trade’, examines how the Gulf states’ abundant solar and wind resources, competitive renewable energy prices, existing export infrastructure, and policy coherence are allowing the region to progress with projects that are already bankable and capable of scaling.The United Arab Emirates continues to expand its clean energy capacity through Masdar and other entities, tying renewable generation to hydrogen and ammonia projects for both domestic and export use.Qatar, through its Mesaieed development and wider portfolio of hydrogen-linked ventures, is cementing its position at the forefront of the sector.Hydrogen offers pathways to decarbonise hard-to-abate industries such as steel, aluminium, cement and fertilisers, and the Gulf states are already embedding hydrogen into these sectors.Doing so reduces the risks of overreliance on export markets, ensures that domestic demand anchors early projects, and positions the region to capture premium margins from low-carbon products. For Europe and Asia, where demand will outstrip domestic supply, partnerships with Middle Eastern producers are likely to become essential to achieving climate goals.The Al-Attiyah Foundation noted that the next five years will determine whether global hydrogen strategies succeed or stall.Many nations face uncertainty due to policy fragmentation, limited carbon pricing, and hesitant offtakers unwilling to pay a green premium.The GCC, by contrast, combines decisive leadership with structural advantages that give it a commanding position.

HE the Minister of Commerce and Industry, Sheikh Faisal bin Thani bin Faisal al-Thani, met on Saturday with Minister of Economy of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Mikayil Jabbarov, who is visiting the country, reports QNA. During the meeting, they discussed topics of mutual interest aimed at enhancing cooperation between the two countries in the commercial, investment, and industrial fields, as well as ways to support and develop this cooperation. They also explored the successful economic policies adopted by the State of Qatar to support the private sector, in addition to the incentives, legislation, and promising investment opportunities the country provides to encourage investors and business leaders to invest in the Qatari market.