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Sunday, May 10, 2026 | Daily Newspaper published by GPPC Doha, Qatar.

Tag Results for "IT services" (61 articles)

Gulf Times
Business

QSE Index opens higher

The Qatar Stock Exchange (QSE) general index opened higher on Wednesday, gaining 36.34 points, or 0.34%, to reach 10,782 points at the start of trading, compared to the previous session's close. The rise was driven by gains across most sectors. Telecommunications led the advance with an increase of 1.0%, followed by Banks and Financial Services (+0.39%), Transportation (+0.17%), Consumer Goods and Services (+0.14%), Industrials (+0.12%), and Insurance (+0.02%). The Real Estate sector was the only decliner, edging down 0.01%. By 10:00 am, QSE reported a turnover of QR 43.17 million from 19.66 million shares traded across 3,224 transactions.

Gulf Times
Business

QSE Index starts week lower

The Qatar Stock Exchange (QSE) general index began the week on a negative note Sunday, falling 109.11 points, or 0.97%, to 10,827 points at the opening of trading. Losses were recorded across all sectors, with declines led by Insurance (-1.52%), Real Estate (-1.08%), Banks and Financial Services (-1.05%), Transportation (-1.03%), Industrials (-0.87%), Telecommunications (-0.71%), and Consumer Goods and Services (-0.45%). As of 10:00 am, total trading volume reached 84.718 million shares, with a turnover of QR 647.854 million across 3,228 transactions.

Gulf Times
Business

QSE Index opens higher

The Qatar Stock Exchange (QSE) index rose to 10,902 points at the beginning of Thursday's trading, up 0.04%, or 4.84 points, compared to the previous session's close, supported by gains in five sectors.According to figures released by the QSE, Real Estate led the gains, up by 0.43%, followed by Industrials and Telecoms, each rising by (+0.26%), Consumer Goods and Services (+0.18%), and Insurance (+0.01%). In contrast, Banks and Financial Services slipped 0.03%, and Transportation (-0.12%).As of 10:00 am, trading volume totaled 20.663 million shares, with a turnover of QR 42.454 million across 2,767 transactions.

Gulf Times
Business

QSE Index holds steady above 11,000 points at start of Tuesday's trading

The Qatar Stock Exchange (QSE) index held steady above 11,000 points at the start of Tuesday's trading, rising by 0.27% and adding 29.16 points to reach 11,031 points compared to the previous session's close, backed by six sectors. QSE figures showed positive performance for the Transport sector at 1.26%, the Consumer Goods and Services sector at 0.65%, the Insurance sector at 0.65%, the Real Estate sector at 0.33%, the Industrial sector at 0.29%, and the Banks and Financial Services sector at 0.07%. In contrast, the Telecommunications sector recorded a negative performance of 0.05%. At 10:00 am, QSE recorded 2,854 transactions worth QR 55.3 million, and distributed over 16.551 million shares.

Gulf Times
Region

UNICEF says Gaza's children urgently need life-saving nutrition and health services

The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) confirmed that children in the Gaza Strip need more life-saving nutrition and health services in light of the ongoing Israeli occupation aggression on the Strip. UNICEF explained in a statement that one in five children in the Gaza Strip is born prematurely or has a low birth weight. UNICEF also noted that it provided essential hygiene supplies to hospitals and health centers in Gaza City this week, but emphasized that Palestinian children in the Gaza Strip need access to more life-saving nutrition and health services. The UN renewed its call for immediate, large-scale aid to reach children, infants, and families in the Gaza Strip. It also renewed its call for a ceasefire in the territory, which Israel has imposed a systematic starvation on for months and a stifling blockade for nearly two years.

Gulf Times
Qatar

Qatar and Solomon Islands sign air services agreement

The State of Qatar signed an Open Skies Air Services Agreement with the Solomon Islands on the sidelines of the 42nd Session of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Assembly. ‏The agreement was signed by Mohamed bin Faleh Al Hajri, In Charge of Managing Qatar Civil Aviation Authority, and HE Frederick Kologeto, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Communication and Aviation of the Solomon Islands. ‏Under the agreement, designated carriers from both countries may operate unlimited passenger and cargo flights with full traffic rights, further enhancing bilateral cooperation, especially in air transport.

Gulf Times
Business

QSE index falls by 0.59 % at beginning of Thursday's trading

The Qatar Stock Exchange (QSE) index declined by 0.59% at the beginning of Thursday's trading, losing 65.76 points to reach the level of 11,012 points, compared to the previous session's close, pressured by five sectors.Figures from QSE showed positive performances for Telecoms by 0.26%, and Consumer Goods and Services by 0.11%, while performance was negative for Transportation by 1.12%, Industrials by 0.78%, Banks and Financial Services by 0.50%, Real Estate by 0.39% and Insurance by 0.02%.At 10:00 AM, QSE recorded 3,514 transactions worth QR 60.260 million, distributed over 24.931 million shares.

Gulf Times
Qatar

QSE Index gains 44.12 points at beginning of Wednesday's trading

The Qatar Stock Exchange (QSE) index rose by 0.40% at the beginning of trading Wednesday, increasing its balance by 44.12 points to reach 11,165 points, compared to the previous session's close, with support from most sectors.Figures from QSE showed a positive performance in most sectors, as the Banking and Financial Services sector rose by 0.58%, Industrial by 0.34%, Real Estate by 0.28%, Consumer Goods and Services by 0.19%, Telecoms by 0.11%, and Insurance by 0.01%, while Transportation recorded a negative performance of 0.12%.At 10:00 AM, QSE recorded 4,259 transactions worth QAR 92.856 million, and distributed over 40.217 million shares.

Gulf Times
Qatar

Digital Qatar: How coupon platforms are fueling the country’s E-Commerce growth

The last decade has seen Qatar evolve into one of the fastest-growing digital economies in the Middle East. From online banking to food delivery, digital services are transforming the way people live, shop, and interact. At the heart of this transformation lies e-commerce—a sector that has seen exponential growth, powered by tech-savvy consumers, expanding retailer networks, and the surge of mobile-first shopping. Yet one often overlooked driver of this growth is the rise of coupon platforms, which are quietly reshaping how shoppers save, how retailers attract new customers, and how the digital economy in Qatar builds resilience for the future.A Nation Going DigitalQatar’s ambitious National Vision 2030 emphasizes diversification, innovation, and sustainability. The country’s young population, coupled with one of the world’s highest smartphone penetration rates, has made it an ideal market for e-commerce adoption. Global retailers like IKEA, H&M, adidas, and Bloomingdale’s now cater directly to Qatari shoppers online, while homegrown players such as Snoonu and Talabat are redefining last-mile delivery.E-commerce revenues in Qatar are projected to grow consistently, with fashion, electronics, groceries, and lifestyle goods leading the charge. The convenience of shopping online has become second nature, and platforms that provide added value, such as verified coupon websites, are playing a pivotal role in shaping consumer behavior.The Power of Coupons in the Digital EraCoupons are no longer pieces of paper tucked into newspapers. In today’s digital world, they have become a core part of the online shopping experience. In Qatar, shoppers increasingly search for deals before completing their purchases, looking for platforms that guarantee genuine and verified codes. This is where GC Coupons, Qatar’s leading coupon website, stands out.Founded to make savings accessible to all, GC Coupons has grown into the most trusted destination for shoppers across the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the wider Gulf. It partners with over 2,000 leading online retailers, ensuring that customers never pay full price when they don’t have to. Millions of shoppers rely on the platform every year to save money—at no cost to them.Retailers That Define Qatar’s Shopping CultureGC Coupons’ influence is seen in the breadth of retailers it works with. For Qatar’s digitally savvy population, this includes everything from everyday essentials to luxury indulgences. Shoppers can find discounts for Noon, Carrefour, IKEA, Samsung, Bloomingdale's, H&M, adidas, Max Fashion, Dyson, Talabat, Snoonu, Calo, Mumzworld, Crocs, ALDO, MARGABi, SHEIN, Temu, Puma, Damas Jewellery, Crate & Barrel, Jeeny, Eyewa, THAT Concept Store, Level Shoes, Izil Beauty, Reef Perfumes, CAFU, Namshi, Centrepoint, Whites, West Elm, Splash, Bath & Body Works, Baytonia, and American Eagle—among many others.Each of these brands plays a role in the country’s consumer landscape, and GC Coupons helps bring them closer to shoppers by lowering the cost barrier. Whether it’s a family shopping for groceries on Carrefour, a student looking for a fashion deal on SHEIN, or a professional ordering lunch from Snoonu, coupons drive more transactions while building loyalty for retailers.Exclusive Codes That Build TrustIn a crowded e-commerce environment, trust is a premium currency. Shoppers in Qatar are wary of unreliable codes that waste time or don’t apply at checkout. GC Coupons has differentiated itself by ensuring that every code is verified and updated. This reliability has not only built consumer trust but also strengthened retailer partnerships.By offering exclusive coupon codes for leading retailers, GC Coupons also provides brands with a direct channel to attract price-conscious yet quality-driven customers. For example, Noon deals and Namshi offers through GC Coupons have become go-to options for shoppers during major sale events like White Friday, Ramadan, and back-to-school seasons.Driving the Future of Local PlatformsLocal players such as Snoonu, Talabat, and Calo have redefined convenience in Qatar’s e-commerce ecosystem. By integrating with coupon platforms, they benefit from enhanced visibility and a broader customer base. For consumers, the value is twofold: they enjoy savings on platforms they already use daily, while supporting local innovation that drives Qatar’s digital economy. For instance, GC Coupons’ Snoonu vouchers highlight how discounts extend beyond global retailers to local businesses, empowering them to compete with international giants.Fashion, Lifestyle, and Luxury—For LessFashion remains one of the largest online spending categories in Qatar. From fast-fashion brands like Max Fashion and H&M to luxury retailers like Bloomingdale’s and Level Shoes, GC Coupons ensures that style does not come with a prohibitive price tag. Through codes like Max Fashion discounts, shoppers can stay trendy without overspending. Luxury-focused Qatari consumers also turn to GC Coupons for savings on items that were once thought of as non-discountable—from high-end perfumes at Reef and Damas Jewellery to furniture at Crate & Barrel and West Elm.Everyday Savings That Add UpFor many households in Qatar, online shopping has moved from occasional indulgence to daily necessity. Groceries from Carrefour, home essentials from Baytonia, and deliveries from Talabat or Snoonu now form part of weekly routines. Even fuel delivery through CAFU can be optimized with discounts. By providing verified coupons, GC Coupons turns everyday transactions into opportunities for meaningful savings.The Broader Economic ImpactThe benefits of coupon platforms extend beyond consumers. For retailers, working with GC Coupons means increased conversions, reduced cart abandonment, and measurable ROI from marketing campaigns. For Qatar’s digital economy, coupon usage encourages more online transactions, greater trust in digital platforms, and a stronger overall ecosystem.In fact, platforms like GC Coupons play a role in bridging international and local players. Global retailers expand into the Gulf region with confidence when they see a strong coupon culture fostering consumer engagement. Local businesses, meanwhile, get an opportunity to compete on equal footing, using coupon partnerships as a growth lever.Looking Ahead: The Next Chapter of Savings TechAs Qatar continues to invest in digital infrastructure, the role of coupon platforms will only grow. Mobile-first experiences, exclusive coupon codes, and partnerships across sectors will remain critical. Already, GC Coupons is leading this evolution with an app that provides shoppers with instant access to verified codes across multiple categories, including electronics and food delivery.Innovations such as personalized coupon recommendations, AI-driven shopping insights, and deeper integrations with local loyalty programs are also on the horizon. In many ways, coupon technology is evolving into a new branch of fintech—what some industry observers are calling “savings tech.”ConclusionQatar’s digital economy is thriving, and coupon platforms are one of its unsung heroes. By bridging consumers and retailers, platforms like GC Coupons—Qatar’s leading coupon website—not only save shoppers money but also fuel the growth of e-commerce across the Gulf. With over 2,000 retailer partnerships and millions of satisfied customers, GC Coupons has established itself as the region’s most trusted coupon platform.Whether it’s a family shopping for groceries, a student buying fashion, or a professional booking travel, the message is clear: in Digital Qatar, every riyal saved counts—and GC Coupons is making sure those savings are always within reach.For those looking to explore deals today, GC Coupons offers an unmatched variety—from Noon promotions to 6th Street bargains—all just a click away.

Gulf Times
Business

Global economic outlook remains resilient against trade turbulence: QNB

Despite the challenges posed by higher US tariff rates, the global economy will remain largely resilient against the uncertainty and the disruptions in global trade flows, according to QNB.At the beginning of the year, the global outlook pointed to steady economic growth, against a backdrop of cautious optimism. Tailwinds included the policy rate cutting cycles by major central banks, resilient growth of the US economy, cyclical recoveries in China and the Euro Area, and constructive overall investor sentiment, QNB noted in an economic commentary.Growth in both Advanced Economies (AE) and Developing Economies (DE) was initially expected to remain unchanged compared to last year, adding up to a world economic expansion rate of 3.3%.But the optimistic tone began to shift as the new US administration embarked on an aggressive agenda of policy change, with sweeping implications for the global macroeconomic landscape.On April 2, a day that came to be known as “Liberation Day,” President Trump announced sweeping tariffs, including a 10% baseline levy on all imports, and higher rates on selected countries.Financial markets reacted sharply to the announcements, with global stocks tumbling on fears of broader and deeper trade wars, as well as tainted policy credibility.The outlook narrative then debated the odds of a world recession. At its worst moment, growth expectations for the global economy dropped from the recent peak by 0.5 percentage point (p.p.) to 2.8%, a significant downgrade in a very short period of time.Since then, asset prices have recovered, with key indices reaching new highs, as the more negative trade-war scenarios were ruled out, AI-driven growth tailwinds regained the spotlight, and corporate profits remained robust.According to QNB, growth expectations have stabilised and even slightly recovered. The group of AE, which represents 40% of the world economy, is now expected to grow 1.5% this year, from a low of 1.4%.More significantly, after falling 0.5 p.p. to 3.7%, expectations for growth in the Developing Economies (DE) climbed to 4.1%, re-gaining most of the previous losses.Thus, recovering growth projections across the AE and DE groups are contributing to improving the outlook for global economic growth, which is expected to reach 3%.In QNB’s view, despite the challenges posed by higher US tariff rates, the global economy will remain largely resilient against the uncertainty and the disruptions in global trade flows.QNB has discussed two key factors that support its view of an improving global economic outlook.First, the US administration has concluded a first set of negotiations, which helped moderate uncertainty and discard the most extreme negative scenarios. The initially unyielding position of President Trump shifted towards pragmatism as deals were reached with the UK, Japan, Indonesia, Vietnam, the Philippines, and the EU, among others, narrowing the range of potential tariff rates for the rest of the world. Furthermore, even as the US has become more protectionist, the rest of the world is largely continuing to move in the opposite direction.From the European Union (EU) to Asia and Latin America, most major economies continue to view trade as essential to their growth models, and are actively pursuing deeper integration via new or deeper trade agreements. Even as the world adjusts to a more protectionist US, the outlook on global trade has improved, contributing to a less pessimistic growth scenario.Second, monetary policy easing cycles by major central banks will contribute to improve overall financial conditions and the stability of the global economy. Bringing inflation under control has allowed the US Federal Reserve and the European Central Bank (ECB), the two most important central banks in the AE, to start their interest rate cutting cycles.In the US, the Federal Reserve is set to cut its policy interest rate by 125 basis points over the next year, while the ECB could implement one more cut, bringing its benchmark rate to 1.75%. Stock markets have staged a notable recovery backed by resilient corporate earnings, while corporate credit spreads are narrowing, signalling improved market sentiment and easier credit for firms.The Financial Conditions Index (FCI) provides an informative summary of the overall state of markets, and is signalling that improving conditions are reducing borrowing costs for households and business, adding support to consumption and investment.“All in all, the global outlook initially deteriorated sharply after the US tariff announcements, but pessimism has gradually subsided on the back of improving prospects for international trade and better financial conditions supporting consumption and investment, leading to a broad based upgrade of performance expected across the AE and the DE,” QNB added.

Driven by the public sector, loans disbursed by the local banks in Qatar increased by 1.1% MoM to QR1,406.9bn in July, according to QNB Financial Services. Total public sector loans expanded by 4.5% MoM ( 9.5% on FY2024) in July.
Business

Public sector drives Qatar banks credit disbursement to QR1.4tn in July: QNBFS

Driven by the public sector, loans disbursed by the local banks in Qatar increased by 1.1% MoM to QR1,406.9bn in July, according to QNB Financial Services (QNBFS).Total public sector loans expanded by 4.5% MoM (+9.5% on FY2024) in July.The government segment (represents 35% of public sector loans) was the main driver for the public sector gains with an expansion of 7.2% MoM (+32.7% on FY2024), while the government institutions segment (represents 61% of total public sector loans) increased by 3.3% MoM (+0.4% on FY2024).Further, the semi-government institutions segment contributed immaterially, moving up by 1.1% MoM (-0.9% compared to FY2024) during July.Total private sector loans were flat MoM (+2.6% vs. FY2024) during July with negligible contribution across all segments.Outside Qatar loans were flat MoM (and compared to year-end 2024) in July, QNBFS said in its ‘Qatar Monthly Key Banking Indicators’.Loan provisions to gross loans moved up to 4.2% MoM in July, compared to 3.9% (as of year-end 2024).Loan provisions have increased 11.8% compared to year-end 2024 as banks have been provisioning for Stage 2 and Stage 3 loans mainly emanating from contracting and real estate sectors.On a positive note, Stage 3 loans have remained stable.Loans grew by an average 5.4% over the past five years (2020-2024), QNBFS noted.Banking sector total assets remained flat MoM (+3.4% vs. year-end 2024) in July 2025 at QR2.117tn.With loans growth outpacing deposits during July 2025, the loan-to-deposit ratio (LDR) came in at 134% compared to 132% in June.Public sector deposits climbed up by 0.6% MoM (+3.4% compared to FY2024) in July.Looking at segment details, the government segment (represents 34% of public sector deposits) moved up by 1.6% MoM (+4% compared to FY2024).On the other hand, the government institutions’ (represents 54% of public sector deposits) was flat MoM (+4.1% vs. FY2024), while the semi-government institutions’ segment (represents 12% of public sector deposits) increased by 1.9% MoM (-1.6% vs. FY2024) during July 2025.Non-resident deposits contracted by 3.2% MoM (-2.2% vs. FY2024) during July 2025. Non-resident deposits as a percentage of declined from 19.2% in June 2025 to 18.7% in July 2025 (FY2025: 19.5%).Private sector deposits remained flat MoM (+2.9% compared to FY2024) in July.On the private sector front, companies and institutions was flat MoM (Flat compared to FY2024). Moreover, the consumer segment also remained flat MoM (+5.2% compared to FY2024).The overall loan book increased by 1.1% MoM in July 2025, aided by public sector loans.Qatar banking sector liquid assets to total assets stood at 31% in July compared to 32% in June, which remains in a strong position, QNBFS said.

Gulf Times
Qatar

Transport minister meets Saudi counterpart

HE Minister of Transport Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulla bin Mohammed al-Thani met with Minister of Transport and Logistic Services of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Eng Saleh bin Nasser al-Jasser Thursday.The two ministers discussed aspects of bilateral co-operation in transportation, and ways to propel them to new heights, particularly in logistic services that support that vital industry.They also discussed the common opportunities that can be utilized by the two countries thanks to their unique geographical locations, thereby enhancing their leading regional and international positions in sustainable transportation.The meeting was attended by HE the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Transport Mohammed Abdullah al-Maadeed, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to the State of Qatar Prince Mansour bin Khalid bin Farhan al-Saud, Vice-Minister of Transport and Logistic Services of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Dr Rumaih bin Mohammed al-Rumaih, and several other officials from both sides.