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The Qatar Central Bank (QCB) has announced the activation of Qatari Riyal and foreign-currency transfer services through the Real-Time Gross Settlement System (QA-RTGS) between local banks.This, the QCB said, is in line with the Third Financial Sector Strategy, and as part of its efforts to enhance national payment systems.In a release, the QCB said the “activation enables both Qatari riyal and foreign-currency transactions to be processed and settled locally with greater efficiency and flexibility.”“It also improves transaction speed, enhances security, and supports a more advanced digital banking environment aligned with international best practices,” the central bank noted.The QCB added that the move strengthens the country's financial infrastructure and supports digital transformation of the financial sector, in line with Qatar National Vision 2030. 

Al Jazeera Media Network (AJMN) and Es’hailSat have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) aimed at strengthening co-operation in satellite communication services, ground station infrastructure, and crisis and disaster management systems, to ensure the continuity of services and the enhancement of operations. AJMN deputy director-general Ibrahim Abdulla al-Obaidli described the MoU as an important stage in the network’s ongoing efforts to remain up to date with new innovations and emerging technologies in the sector. It is, he said, an additional step towards expanding Al Jazeera’s broadcast reach and reinforcing its global presence, with the MoU contributing to strengthening existing co-operation between the AJMN and Es’hailSat in the field of satellite and terrestrial communications, ensuring continuity and reliability of services. “We fully understand Al Jazeera’s need for strategic infrastructure in ground stations, crisis management solutions, and business continuity systems,” said Es’hailSat president and chief executive Ali bin Ahmed al-Kuwari. “Our aim is to collaborate and support this initiative, not only to improve operational management, but also to enhance efficiency and resilience.” The agreement reflects the desire of both parties to collaborate, exchange expertise, and assess future projects, exploring and opening new horizons in television and radio broadcasting, news gathering, and other supporting services. 

Media City Qatar and AlRayan Bank have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to enhance financial accessibility for Media City Qatar’s licensed companies.The agreement aims to provide comprehensive banking support to the companies and professionals operating within Media City Qatar, ensuring efficient and tailored financial services that enable growth and collaboration.Under the agreement, AlRayan Bank will explore opportunities to establish banking services for more than 300 licensed companies operating within Media City Qatar. A dedicated point of contact will support companies and employees with onboarding and account-related matters.Beyond banking, both parties will collaborate on innovation and ESG initiatives, leveraging their industry expertise to contribute to knowledge and thought leadership within Qatar’s media and technology ecosystem.Engineer Jassim Mohamed al-Khori, CEO of Media City Qatar, said: “Our collaboration with AlRayan Bank reinforces Media City Qatar’s commitment to building the right infrastructure and enabling environment for our licensed companies and professionals to succeed.“Strengthening access to financial services is a vital step in empowering businesses to grow and innovate, while contributing to Qatar’s position as a regional hub for media, technology, and creative excellence.”Fahad bin Abdulla al-Khalifa, Group CEO at AlRayan Bank, added: “This agreement reflects our ongoing commitment to supporting Qatar’s economic development and fostering innovation across key sectors.“Through our partnership with Media City Qatar, we aim to enhance access to efficient and secure banking solutions, strengthen collaboration within the business community, and contribute to the country’s broader growth and diversification goals.”The partnership builds on Media City Qatar’s ongoing efforts to strengthen the financial and operational foundations of its growing ecosystem. By working with a range of financial institutions, Media City Qatar is ensuring that its licensed companies have access to banking solutions that address their diverse business needs.Media City Qatar continues to foster innovation, collaboration, and excellence across the media industry, contributing to the goals of Qatar National Vision 2030 and advancing the country’s position as a regional hub. 

Mosanada Facility Management Services (MFMS) – specialised in managing complex, high-profile venues and infrastructure, particularly in preparation for large-scale events – will make debut on the Qatar Stock Exchange on December 15, taking the total number of listed companies to 55. Shares of MFMS will be admitted to trading on QSE’s main market after obtaining all required approvals from respective authorities, and after completing all necessary technical, regulatory, and administrative procedures. “This listing marks an important milestone for Mosanada as it transitions into a publicly listed company. Over more than a decade, the company has developed strong capabilities and a proven track record in managing large and complex facilities of national importance,” said Abdulaziz Abdulla al-Mahmoud, its chairman. MFMS, which has capital base of QR70mn, will make its entry into the QSE trading floor through direct listing without offering shares for public subscription. The reference price for the share was set at QR10 (including QR9 issuance premium) based on the documents submitted by the company. On the first day of listing, the company’s price will be floated, while starting from the second day; the price will be allowed to fluctuate by 10%, up or down, as is the case for other companies listed on the market. In order to comply with the minimum requirements to obtain listing approval, the founders (Aspire Zone Foundation, Qatar Olympic Committee and Cushman and Wakefield Qatar) had sold 25% of Mosanada’s pre-listing share capital to more than 100 new investors. As of the date of the listing, the founders maintain in total 75% of the total share capital of Mosanada and have committed to a one year lock-up period from the first day of trading, during which none of them is permitted to sell any additional shares. The company had reported net profit of QR54mn for the fiscal year 2024, reflecting its ability to generate strong earnings despite project completions. Leveraging the strengths of its founders, the company has become one of the market leaders in delivering strategic planning, oversight and comprehensive management of facility and venue services in Qatar.MFMS was established in Qatar in 2013 to manage large, complex, and high-profile assets. The company operates in a technical segment of the facilities management industry, focusing on the operation, maintenance and lifecycle management of nationally significant education, sports, healthcare including public-sector facilities. The company primarily operates under long-term contracts ranging from three to five years, generating revenue through performance-based fixed fee arrangements, along with any variations mutually agreed with clients. In addition, Mosanada provides FM advisory and consultancy services on a shorter-term, one-off and ad-hoc basis. Mosanada operates in line with Shariah principles and has obtained a Shariah compliance certificate. 

The Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoCI), in co-operation with Microsoft, launched the unified platform, which aims to unify and develop the ministry’s services, enhance operational excellence, empower the private sector, and provide more advanced digital services to consumers and investors.A statement by the MoCI on Tuesday emphasised that the launch of this platform comes within the framework of its efforts to accelerate the transition towards an integrated digital government, benefiting from Microsoft’s global expertise in the fields of cloud computing, artificial intelligence and digital transformation.The statement indicated that the platform was built using Microsoft Azure and Microsoft Dynamics 365 technologies, so that in its first phase, it integrates more than 140 electronic services within a unified digital environment, including licensing, permits and registration services, in preparation for adopting an integrated framework for interactive artificial intelligence that serves the economy and business sector in the country.The unified platform focuses on improving the efficiency of government performance and simplifying procedures, through automating daily operations and updating existing systems, which contributes to raising operational efficiency, reducing maintenance costs and enhancing institutional flexibility.The platform also provides advanced digital tools for ministry employees that support data-driven decision-making, along with continuous 24/7 support via virtual assistants, and customised services that meet the needs of businesses, while adhering to the highest standards of security and privacy.Director of the Information Technology Department at the MoCI Ahmed Ali al-Kuwari said that the launch of the unified platform in co-operation with Microsoft is a pivotal step in the ministry’s journey toward a more advanced and efficient digital government. Through this initiative, MoCI is working to improve the quality of services provided to the consumer and accelerate the pace of innovation, thereby consolidating Qatar’s position as a centre for digital innovation in the region, in line with Qatar National Vision 2030 and the National Development Strategy.For his part, General Manager of Microsoft Qatar Ahmed El Dandachi said that Microsoft is committed to the highest standards of privacy and security in supporting the digital transformation journey of the MoCI. The unified platform not only protects confidential data, but also provides a reliable digital environment that fosters business growth. By enhancing trust in digital services, this initiative contributes to opening new horizons for growth and innovation, which supports the Qatari economy and the business environment in general.The unified platform is a key pillar within the digital government strategy to achieve Qatar National Vision 2030, as it provides an integrated digital experience that focuses on the user, and supports efforts to diversify the national economy and promote innovation, thus consolidating the State of Qatar’s regional position in the field of government digital transformation.

Doha, whose energy sector remains a global benchmark, is rapidly expanding into high growth areas, making it the most attractive investment destinations in the region, according to the top official of Invest Qatar."While our energy sector remains a global benchmark, we are rapidly expanding into high growth areas such as technology and digital services, healthcare and life sciences, logistics and supply chain innovation, financial services and fintech," Invest Qatar chief executive officer Sheikh Ali Alwaleed al-Thani told Poland Qatar Investment Forum, organised by Polish Embassy and Polish Investment and Trade Agency, in partnership with LuLu and Comarch.To support the development of these sectors, Invest Qatar recently announced a $1bn incentive programme to make Qatar one of the most attractive destinations for strategic investments in the region. It is designed to support new investment, digitise existing operations and create high-skilled jobs, fostering robust growth in the R&D (research and development) ecosystem.Highlighting that Qatar today is home to around 35 Polish companies, which play a vital role in supporting the country's economic diversification and development; he said "the opportunities for Polish businesses in Qatar are not only growing, but they are also evolving in exciting and impactful ways."Polish companies operate across a wide variety of sectors in Qatar, including professional services, logistics and technology, reaffirming the breadth of opportunities available in Qatar, he said at the forum, which also witnessed signing of memorandum of understanding between Invest Qatar and Polish Trade and Investment Agency as well as between Qatari Businessmen Association (QBA) and Employers of Qatar."At Invest Qatar, we are committed to supporting Polish businesses at every step of the investment journey, whether you are exploring the market or seeking partnerships or expanding existing operations," Sheikh Ali said.Polish ambassador to Qatar Tomasz Sadziński said more than 30 Polish businesses are represented at the forum from sectors such as energy, IT, automation, infrastructure, food, fashion, consulting, and legal.Highlighting that investing in Poland is even more important today, Łukasz Gwiazdowski, deputy chairman of Polish Investment and Trade Agency, said investing in Poland means investing in a secure, confident, strong European economy, the fastest growing European economy, the sixth European economy and the 20th worldwide economy."Today, investing in Poland is a huge investment for the future. Today is the right moment to invest in Poland, thinking about the European market, thinking about the gateway of the East," according to him.Sheikh Mansoor bin Jassim al-Thani, member, QBA, said over the last five years, the trade exchange between Qatar and Poland has witnessed notable growth of 23%, reaching approximately QR4.8bn in 2023 against QR3.9bn in 2018.**media[385552]**Finding "excellent opportunity" for Qatari and Polish companies to explore collaboration in key sectors such as energy, infrastructure, logistics, trade, transport, technology, healthcare, agriculture and advanced manufacturing; he said through joint ventures, knowledge exchange and strategic partnership, the companies can leverage each other's strength to create long-term value, drive innovation and expand into new regional and global markets."Together, we can build partnerships that go beyond traditional trade to include technology, transport, capacity building and sustainable investment models that benefit all nations and elevate our economy, co-operation to new levels," he said.Joanna Makowiecka-Gatza, president, Employers of Poland, said the agreement signed with QBA signifies an active way for Qatar to support Polish businesses and, conversely, to support Qatari partners and the Polish market."Our bilateral relations have enormous potential for further development. We want to be present in Qatar, not mainly to get to know each other, but actually to create trust," she said.

Market EyeThe Qatar Stock Exchange was back in the negative terrain with its key index plummeting more than 143 points on an across the board selling pressure. The Gulf institutions were seen increasingly net profit takers as the 20-stock Qatar Index tanked 1.33% to 10,607.96 points, although it touched an intraday high of 10,750 points.The telecom and industrials counters witnessed higher than average selling pressure in the main market, whose year-to-date gains truncated to 0.35%. About 83% of the traded constituents were in the red in the main bourse, whose capitalisation eroded QR9.03bn or 1.4% to QR633.74bn, mainly on large and midcap segments.However, the foreign institutions were increasingly bullish in the main market, which saw as many as 0.02mn exchange traded funds (sponsored by AlRayan Bank and Doha Bank) valued at QR0.07mn trade across 23 deals. Both local retail investors and domestic funds were also increasingly net buyers in the main bourse, whose trade turnover and volumes were on the rise.The Islamic index was seen declining faster than the other indices of the main market, which saw no trading of treasury bills. The Arab individuals were increasingly net buyers in the main bourse, which saw no trading of sovereign bonds. The Total Return Index shed 1.33%, the All Share Index by 1.25% and the All Islamic Index by 1.49% in the main market.The telecom sector index plunged 4.66%, industrials (1.77%), banks and financial services (0.97%), consumer goods and services (0.77%), transport (0.59%), insurance (0.42%) and real estate (0.3%). As many as eight stocks gained, while 43 declined and one was unchanged.Major shakers in the main market include Ooredoo, Gulf Warehousing, QLM, Inma Holding, Widam Food, Doha Bank, Qatar Islamic Bank, QNB, Qatar Oman Investment, Mannai Corporation, Baladna, Industries Qatar, Gulf International Services, Mesaieed Petrochemical Holding, Estithmar Holding, Qamco and Vodafone Qatar. In the juniour bourse, Techno Q saw its shares depreciate in value. Nevertheless, Qatar General Insurance and Reinsurance, Dukhan Bank, Dlala, Beema and Nakilat were among the movers in the main market.The Gulf institutions’ net profit booking expanded significantly to QR1.75bn compared to QR7.86mn the previous day. However, the foreign funds turned net buyers to the tune of QR1.45bn against net sellers of QR17.68mn on Wednesday. The local retail investors’ net buying increased considerably to QR143.08mn compared to QR12.31mn on November 19.The domestic institutions’ net buying strengthened substantially to QR142.35mn against QR14.02mn the previous day. The Arab individual investors’ net buying grew noticeably to QR9.5mn compared to QR4.93mn on Wednesday. The foreign retail investors were net buyers to the extent of QR1.86mn against net sellers of QR5.28mn on November 19.The Gulf individuals turned net buyers to the tune of QR1.39mn compared with net profit takers of QR0.43mn the previous day. The Arab funds had no major net exposure for the fourth straight session. The main market saw trade volumes more than double to 298.99mn shares and value jump more than five-fold to QR2.53bn on 17% growth in deals to 33,003. In the venture market, a total of 0.09mn equities valued at QR0.19mn changed hands across 13 transactions.

Redefining the pace of setting up of businesses, the Qatar Financial Centre (QFC) has introduced a platinum onboarding service, aimed at fast-tracking incorporation of companies within the QFC in as little as one hour upon final application submission.Designed for entities seeking speed, precision, and premium experience, the platinum onboarding service represents the highest tier of QFC’s “elite services”. “The platinum onboarding service marks a major milestone in our commitment to making Qatar one of the easiest and most efficient places to do business.By offering a one-hour incorporation process, we’re setting a new regional benchmark for speed and service excellence," said Yousuf Mohamed al-Jaida, chief executive officer, QFC Authority. The newly enhanced onboarding framework also includes premium and executive service options.Each tier offers tailored support, ensuring every client receives personalised guidance throughout their setup journey. The platinum tier presents a new standard in ultra-accelerated business establishment: Highly efficient and meticulously coordinated.This paid service enables one-hour incorporation, activated upon submission of the final online application, with the computer card and tax card issued within the same hour for Qatar residents.Beyond fast-track establishment, it delivers a bespoke concierge experience that extends into life in Doha, offering meet-and-greet airport transfers, relocation coordination, school placement support, personalised settling-in guidance, and family integration services.Clients also benefit from medical coordination for residence permits and introductions to the QFC-aligned banking partners, ensuring an arrival and transition that are effortless and fully supported. With this launch, the QFC continues to strengthen its role as a preferred platform for international and local businesses looking to establish and expand in Qatar and the wider region.

The Qatar Stock Exchange (QSE) general index declined 33.99 points, or 0.31%, at the beginning of Wednesday's trading session, falling to 10,787 points compared to the previous session's close. The decline was mainly driven by losses across four sectors. Leading the downturn was the transportation sector, which fell 0.93%, followed by Banks and Financial Services (-0.53%), Telecoms (-0.37%), and Real Estate (-0.16%). In contrast, gains were recorded in the Consumer Goods and Services sector (+0.48%), Industrials (+0.11%), and Insurance (+0.02%). By 10:00 am, QSE reported a turnover of QR 46.826 million, with 23.107 million shares traded across 2,914 transactions.

The Qatar Stock Exchange (QSE) general index rose 0.11% at the start of trading on Monday, gaining 11.55 points to reach 10,848, compared to the previous session's close. Market data showed gains in Consumer Goods and Services (+0.49%), Transportation (+0.17%), and Banks and Financial Services (+0.13%), while declines were recorded in Insurance (-0.34%), Real Estate (-0.26%), Telecoms (-0.06%), and Industrials (-0.05%). By 10:00 am, QSE reported a turnover of QR 34.360 million from 14.811 million shares traded across 2,659 transactions.

The Qatar Stock Exchange (QSE) general index started the week higher on Sunday, gaining 35.61 points, or 0.33%, to reach 10,886 points at the opening of trading.The increase was driven by gains across five sectors. Transportation led the advance with a rise of 0.97%, followed by Industrials (+0.69%), Real Estate (+0.56%), Consumer Goods and Services (+0.35%), and Banks and Financial Services (+0.13%). In contrast, Insurance edged down 0.01%, while Telecoms slipped 0.43%. By 10:00 am, QSE reported a turnover of QR 63.086 million from 30.289 million shares traded across 2,948 transactions.

The Qatar Stock Exchange (QSE) index rose at the beginning of Thursday's trading by 0.18%, gaining 19.29 points to reach 10,712 points, compared to the previous session's close, backed by four sectors. Market data showed gains in Banks and Financial Services (+0.20%), Industrials (+0.17%), Transportation (+0.09%), and Insurance (+0.08%). Meanwhile, the performance was negative for Consumer Goods and Services (-0.13%), Real Estate (-0.17%), and Telecoms (-0.27%). By 10:00 am, QSE reported a turnover of QR 45.349 million from 16.695 million shares traded across 3,124 transactions.