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The number of hotel rooms in Qatar stood at 41,240 in the first half of the year, with an average occupancy of 71% during H1-2025, indicating that the demand for rooms totalled 5.23mn occupied nights over the same period, marking a 7% year-on-year increase.Qatar Chamber board member Nasser bin Sulaiman al-Haider announced this during a meeting in Doha Sunday with an Austrian business delegation headed by Anni Lichtenegger, the director of the Travel Trade and Marketing Department at the Austrian National Tourism Authority.Speaking at the meeting, al-Haider highlighted the significant growth of Qatar’s tourism and hospitality sector, noting that the accommodation and food services sector recorded a 13.8% increase, reflecting the rise in tourism activity across the country.He added that preliminary data for H1-2025 indicated that Qatar welcomed about 2.6mn visitors, a 3% increase compared to the same period last year, with European countries accounting for 26% of the total visitors.Al-Haider also highlighted the strong relations between Qatar and Austria, stating that trade exchange between the two countries amounted to about QR524mn in 2024, up from QR503mn last year, representing a 4% growth.He emphasised the pivotal role of business owners in developing and boosting trade exchange through enhanced co-operation, partnerships, and the establishment of trade alliances.Also present at the meeting were Austrian ambassador Erika Bernhard, along with a number of Qatari business owners and company representatives. The meeting discussed economic and trade relations between Qatar and Austria and explored ways to enhance them.It also reviewed the investment climate and opportunities in the tourism and hospitality sector, as well as the key incentives and facilities offered by both sides to attract foreign investment.Lichtenegger stated that the visit aims to promote various tourist destinations in Austria and to establish partnership agreements with Qatari business owners, as well as tourism and travel companies.She added that Austrian companies are keen to develop co-operation with their Qatari counterparts and to attract Qatari tourists to new destinations in Austria, noting that the number of Qatari visitors to Austria has increased by 5% compared to previous years.Bernhard emphasised the depth of relations between Austria and Qatar, noting that their ties have spanned 50 years and encompass all levels, particularly the commercial sector. She highlighted the remarkable development in trade exchange and the shared desire to expand co-operation further.The ambassador said more than 60 Austrian companies are actively operating in the Qatari market, and that Austrian products enjoy the trust of the Qatari business community. She also commended the Qatar Chamber for its role in enhancing trade and economic co-operation and for bringing businessmen and the private sectors of the two countries closer together.

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 Chamber held a meeting Monday with a business delegation from India to discuss trade and economic relations and ways to enhance them, as well as opportunities for private sector collaboration and partnerships and promising sectors for Qatari investment in India.The delegation was led by Sanjay Beswal, co-chair of the International Affairs Committee at PHDCCI India, while Qatar Chamber board member Mohamed bin Mahdi al-Ahbabi headed the Qatari side.Addressing the meeting, al-Ahbabi highlighted the strong co-operation between Qatar and India at all levels, particularly in trade and economic relations. He noted that India is one of Qatar’s most important trading partners, with bilateral trade reaching QR48bn last year. He added that the Indian business community plays an active role in supporting Qatar’s economic development through the presence of numerous Indian companies operating across various sectors in the Qatari market.Al-Ahbabi also emphasised Qatar Chamber’s commitment to strengthening partnerships and co-operation between Qatari and Indian companies through joint investments and projects across diverse sectors, including energy, infrastructure, technology, healthcare, and food security.He invited Indian companies to explore the investment opportunities available in Qatar, highlighting the country’s advanced infrastructure and progressive legislation, which pave the way for deeper collaboration between the Qatari and Indian business communities.For his part, Beswal noted that PHDCCI is one of India’s oldest chambers, established over 128 years ago, and includes a wide range of leading companies, including SMEs across all sectors.He expressed his keenness to enhance co-operation with Qatar Chamber to develop stronger partnerships between the business sectors of both countries, especially given the shared desire to expand trade and economic co-operation. He highlighted the strong economic and commercial ties between the two countries, noting that India is one of Qatar’s leading exporters.Beswal said many Indian companies are keen to invest in Qatar and collaborate with Qatari counterparts across all sectors, inviting Qatari investors to explore India’s promising investment opportunities in infrastructure, education, healthcare, services, renewable energy, technology, and innovation, supported by legislative reforms, incentives, and a pro-business environment.He also invited Qatari businessmen and investors to visit India to explore available opportunities and meet their Indian counterparts to discuss co-operation and joint ventures.The meeting also included a presentation highlighting investment opportunities in India across sectors, such as energy, infrastructure, transport, smart cities, technology and innovation, food security, agriculture, healthcare and pharmaceuticals, renewable energy, and fintech.Also present at the meeting were Deepak Pundir, commercial attaché at the Indian Embassy in Qatar, along with a number of Qatari businessmen and their Indian counterparts.

Startup Grind Doha Chapter recently hosted the ‘All Star Pitch Battle’, highlighting the strength and creativity of Qatar’s startup ecosystem, with over 150 people from the ecosystem attending the event held at Qatar Chamber’s headquarters in Lusail.The event, held in partnership with the Youth Entrepreneurship Club (YEC) and Qatar Chamber, and sponsored by Builders VC Mena, underscored Qatar’s growing position as a hub for entrepreneurship and innovation, aligning with the nation’s vision of cultivating a vibrant and globally competitive startup landscape.The journey began with 51 startups in Qatar applying, of which 21 were selected to pitch at the event. The pitch battle is part of a global Startup Grind programme, held across more than 150 chapters worldwide, uniting founders and innovators from diverse markets on one global stage.The following are the winners of the Doha edition: Be My Sense (first place), PitchPro.me (second place), paintit.ai (third place), and Meta Souq (Most Creative Pitch Award). Be My Sense received $1,500, a trophy, and advanced to represent Qatar in the regional semi-finals.Be My Sense stood out for its impactful solution, an AI-powered platform designed to empower the hearing-impaired community. Through real-time sign language translation, the platform breaks communication barriers in education, entertainment, and daily life, placing accessibility at the heart of digital innovation.Tarik Sultan of Builders VC Mena said: “The All Star Pitch Battle showcased the ambition and originality that’s defining Qatar’s emerging startup ecosystem. The entrepreneurs who took the stage were not simply presenting ideas; they were offering solutions with the potential to scale globally. At Builders VC Mena, we believe platforms like this are critical in giving founders the visibility, networks, and confidence to translate vision into lasting value.”YEC vice-president Abdulrahman Tariq al-Emadi said: “Our partnership with Startup Grind Doha in the All Star Pitch Battle reflects our commitment to empowering young entrepreneurs in Qatar.“By providing a platform for startups to showcase their talent, we are helping to inspire innovation, build confidence, and strengthen the foundations of a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem.”The competition was judged by Sultan, Alina Truhina of A-typical Ventures, Hayfa al-Abdulla (Qatar Science & Technology Park), Omair Alnaimi (Ministry of Communications and Information Technology), Marcel Dridje (EBAN GCC Ambassador), Firas Sleiman (Kaic), and Majed Lababidi (Alchemist Doha).Startup Grind Doha director Indica Amarasinghe said: “The All Star Pitch Battle was more than just a competition; it was a celebration of the incredible talent and creativity in Qatar’s startup ecosystem. We are proud to provide a platform for these entrepreneurs to showcase their ideas and connect with global opportunities.”

The Qatar Chamber has concluded a training program titled 'CSR Project Management Professional', with the participation of trainees from Qatar and several Arab countries. Organised in cooperation with the Regional Consulting Network, a member of the Regional CSR Network, the four-day program focused on enhancing participants' skills in managing CSR projects, drawing on the latest methodologies endorsed by the Project Management Institute (PMI). Held in Arabic for the first time in the Arab region, the program was delivered by Dr Ali Al Ibrahim, a prominent CSR expert, who highlighted global best practices and effective approaches for implementing community projects that generate sustainable impact for organisations and society. For her part, Head of the Training Department at Qatar Chamber, Fatima Al Kuwari, said the program reflects the Chamber's commitment to developing national and Arab human capital and supporting the adoption of international best practices in CSR. She also noted that the specialised programs organised by the Chamber contribute to developing qualified human capital capable of supporting sustainable development and advancing community initiatives in Qatar and across the region.

A delegation from the Qatar Chamber and the Qatari Businessmen Association (QBA) recently conducted a three-day business visit to Bordeaux in southwestern France.The visit, held at the invitation of Qatar’s ambassador to France, Sheikh Ali bin Jassim al-Thani, and organised in co-operation with the French Qatari Economic Association (CADRAN), aimed to further strengthen bilateral ties between both countries and promote economic cooperation with all French cities.As part of the programme, the delegation toured several industrial sites and leading companies, including the headquarters of Thales Group and Olikrom, a French company specialised in smart colour-changing materials. They also visited prominent research centres in Bordeaux to explore opportunities for cooperation and investment.The visit witnessed the signing of a cooperation agreement between the Qatar Chamber and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Bordeaux-Gironde. The agreement, signed by Qatar Chamber chairman Sheikh Khalifa bin Jassim al-Thani and Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Bordeaux-Gironde chairman Patrick Seguin, in the presence of Sheikh Ali, aims to strengthen economic relations and open new horizons for collaboration between the two sides.During the visit, a business roundtable was held to discuss cooperation opportunities between Qatari and French companies. The session also introduced the city of Bordeaux, its suburbs, and the Gironde region, highlighting their leading economic sectors. It also reviewed Qatar’s business environment, investment climate, and available opportunities in both countries, with a focus on enhancing bilateral cooperation in trade and investment.Sheikh Khalifa praised the close ties between Qatar and France, affirming that France is a trusted and strategic partner. He emphasised that their relationship goes beyond diplomacy, representing a dynamic partnership built on trust, shared vision, and proven success. He also emphasised that the Qatar Chamber is committed to establishing partnerships with the French private sector based on trust, value creation, and sustainability.“From real estate to sports, and hospitality to innovation, Qatari investments in France are significant and growing, while the interest from French companies in Qatar’s vibrant market is stronger than ever. Trade exchange between the two countries has reached substantial levels, exceeding €1.3bn last year, making France an important trading partner for the State of Qatar,” Sheikh Khalifa said.Sheikh Khalifa said Qatar has established a robust business environment aimed at attracting and empowering partners. He invited French business leaders to visit Qatar to experience firsthand the country’s development and investment opportunities.For his part, Seguin praised the strong ties between the two sides, noting that the meeting represents an important step towards enhancing cooperation between the business sectors of Qatar and France. He also highlighted the investment climate and advantages in Bordeaux, as well as opportunities in key sectors including aviation, artificial intelligence, and technology.Sheikh Ali highlighted the complementary strengths of Qatar and Bordeaux, noting that Bordeaux’s expertise in advanced technologies, environmentally friendly industries, and key sectors, such as health, security, and tourism, combined with Qatar’s strategic location, advanced infrastructure, and ambitious economic diversification programme, create numerous promising opportunities for cooperation.He added that the visit provides a valuable platform to explore these opportunities and marks the beginning of successful partnerships and business alliances between the two sides.Sheikh Nawaf bin Nasser al-Thani, QBA board member, praised the strong relations between Qatar and France and expressed the shared desire to further develop them. He noted the significant potential for growth within this partnership, particularly in light of France’s economic recovery plan, reduced inflation, and the shift towards an innovative and sustainable digital economy, where Qatari investments play an important role.Sheikh Nawaf also emphasised Qatar’s remarkable progress across legislative, logistical, and infrastructure fronts, which positions the country as an attractive destination for French investors, offering substantial incentives and proximity to major regional markets.He highlighted Bordeaux’s unique investment advantages, noting its prominence in air navigation and aviation, renewable energy, technology, smart cities, textiles, food industries, and artificial intelligence.Sheikh Nawaf said the QBA, through a network of investors, major companies, and committed businessmen, seeks to strengthen the private sector’s role and establish genuine partnerships with French counterparts in both Doha and France. He also affirmed the QBA’s readiness to explore all available investment opportunities in Qatar and France.The business delegation attended a gala dinner held at the Bordeaux-Gironde Chamber of Commerce and Industry, bringing together members of the delegation with economic officials from Bordeaux.In his remarks at the dinner, Sheikh Ali highlighted that the visit reflects a shared ambition to deepen economic relations between Qatar and France. He emphasised that the goal is to foster sustainable partnerships between companies and institutions, explore co-investment opportunities, and facilitate the exchange of expertise across a range of vital sectors.

The Qatar Chamber held a meeting on Thursday with the non-resident Ambassador of the Republic of Latvia to the State of Qatar Dana Goldfinca. The meeting discussed ways to enhance trade and economic relations between the two countries, explored potential areas of cooperation between the Qatari and Latvian private sectors, and highlighted key investment opportunities for Qatari business persons in Latvia.Speaking at the meeting, QC Board Member Abdulrahman bin Abduljalil Al Abdulghani stressed that the current volume of trade between Qatar and Latvia remains very modest, underlining the importance of strengthening cooperation between the private sectors of both countries to expand trade exchange and mutual investments.For her part, Ambassador Dana Goldfinca expressed Latvia's keenness to deepen economic and trade cooperation with Qatar, pointing to promising sectors for Qatari investments such as information and communications technology, food security, tourism, renewable energy, healthcare, and logistics.She further noted that Latvia offers attractive investment opportunities through its eight free zones, which provide various incentives and facilities for foreign investors. She also emphasised her country's openness to Qatari investments across all sectors.The Ambassador further highlighted the importance of enhancing cooperation between the Qatar Chamber and the Latvian Chamber of Commerce and Industry to facilitate communication and foster stronger ties between the business communities of both countries.

Latvia, which offers attractive opportunities through eight free zones, is seeking investments from Qatar, especially in information and communications technology, food security, tourism, renewable energy, healthcare, and logistics.This was discussed at a Qatar Chamber meeting with Dana Goldfinča, non-resident Ambassador of Latvia to Qatar.She was received at the chamber’s headquarters by board member Abdulrahman bin Abduljalil bin al-Abdulghani, in the presence of other members Abdullah al-Emadi and Dr Mohammed bin Johar al-Mohammed.The meeting discussed ways to enhance trade and economic relations between the two countries, explored potential areas of cooperation between the Qatari and Latvian private sectors, and highlighted key investment opportunities for Qatari businessmen in Latvia.Abdulrahman al-Abdulghani said the current volume of trade between Qatar and Latvia remains very modest, underlining the importance of strengthening cooperation between the private sectors of both countries to expand trade exchange and mutual investments.Inviting Qatar Inc to Latvia, Goldfinča emphasised her country’s openness to Qatari investments across all sectors.The envoy further highlighted the importance of enhancing cooperation between the Qatar Chamber and the Latvian Chamber of Commerce and Industry to facilitate communication and foster stronger ties between the business communities of both countries.

Second Vice-Chairman of the Qatar Chamber Rashid bin Hamad al-Athba and ambassador of the Republic of Peru to the State of Qatar Gonzalo Voto Bernales discussed trade and economic co-operation between the two countries and explored ways to further strengthen these ties, reports QNA.Discussions also highlighted the role of the private sector in stimulating trade and enhancing bilateral trade exchange. In a statement, Qatar Chamber indicated that it was agreed to organise a business meeting between Qatari businessmen and their Peruvian counterparts.The meeting, scheduled for later this month, will focus on identifying opportunities to enhance trade and investment cooperation, with the aim of boosting bilateral trade. The Qatar Chamber and the Lima Chamber of Commerce will coordinate the session via videoconference. Both sides expressed a strong desire to increase trade exchange between the two countries, which reached QR41mn in 2024.

Qatar Chamber hosted Monday a trade delegation from Saudi Arabia, representing the Export Development Authority and headed by its vice-president for Services Exports, Saud al-Qablan.Qatar Chamber board member Ali bin Abdullatif al-Misnad received the delegation, in the presence of several other board members, Qatari businessmen, and members of the Saudi delegation.Al-Misnad emphasised the shared commitment to strengthening trade and investment co-operation between the two countries, as well as exploring partnerships and alliances between Qatari businessmen and their Saudi counterparts.He highlighted the strong fraternal relations between Qatar and Saudi Arabia, which, “under the wise leadership of both countries,” are witnessing remarkable development across various fields, particularly in the commercial and economic spheres. He noted that trade exchange between the two countries recorded significant growth over the past year, rising from QR2.97bn in 2023 to approximately QR4.88bn in 2024, a 65% increase.Al-Misnad affirmed Qatar Chamber’s keenness to support investors and businessmen by providing all facilities that contribute to developing fruitful partnerships, achieving mutual interests, and enhancing both countries’ positions on the regional and global economic map.He also called on investors and companies in both countries to explore available investment opportunities, with a focus on non-oil sectors that support sustainable development in line with the National Vision 2030 of both Qatar and Saudi Arabia.Al-Qablan affirmed that Saudi-Qatari relations are longstanding and continue to expand and grow. He noted that the delegation comprises representatives of 26 Saudi companies operating across six sectors: construction, transportation, logistics, information and communications technology, health, education, and consulting services.He said these companies are eager to invest in the Qatari market, achieve greater integration with the Qatari private sector, exchange expertise, and enhance trade between the two countries.Qatar Chamber board member Dr Mohamed bin Jawhar al-Mohamed emphasised the importance of strengthening economic integration and cooperation among the Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC) countries, stressing that the private sector can play a pivotal role in this regard.Board member Abdulrahman al-Ansari stated that numerous opportunities exist for co-operation and partnership between Qatari and Saudi companies across key sectors.He highlighted that the companies represented in the delegation possess extensive experience and operate in areas aligned with the needs of the Qatari market, paving the way for successful partnerships and strategic alliances.

Qatar Chamber participated in the 14th World Chambers Congress in Australia's Melbourne.The biannual conference was held under the theme "Business, chambers, government: Partners for prosperity," with the attendance of 1,200 participants from a 100 countries. It featured 30 panel sessions with more than 80 speakers. Discussions centred on how fostering collaboration among businesses, chambers of commerce, and governments can effectively drive economic growth and prosperity.Qatar Chamber’s delegation, chaired by Chairman of Qatar Chamber and the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC Qatar) Sheikh Khalifa bin Jassim al-Thani, discussed ways to enhance co-operation with chambers of commerce worldwide, exchange experiences on best practices that support the private sector and promote inter-trade between countries.Sheikh Khalifa took part in the World Chambers Federation (WCF) Executive Committee meeting and the "Chamber Leadership Round Table: Strategic Dialogue on Global Trends." He also met with Governor of Victoria Professor Margaret Gardner AC where they discussed ways to enhance co-operation, particularly in economic and commercial fields.Additionally, Sheikh Khalifa held separate meetings with Philippe Varin, Chair of the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC); Rifat Hisarciklioglu, President of the Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkiye (TOBB); Gennadiy Chyzhykov, President of the Ukrainian Chamber of Commerce and Industry; Lyall Gorman, Deputy President of the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry; Danny Pearson MP, Minister for Economic Growth and Jobs, and Gonul Serbest, Commissioner for Victoria to Europe, the Middle East, Turkiye, and Africa.The Chamber’s delegation held a meeting with a delegation of the Serbian Chamber of Commerce and Industry.Discussions during these meetings focused on enhancing co-operation between the Qatari private sector and its counterparts in these countries, as well as reviewing the business climate and investment opportunities.For his part, QC Board Member Mohamed al-Obaidli participated in a panel session titled "Investing in Stability: Building Trust and Fostering Investment Readiness in the Face of Sweeping Changes." Sheikha Tamader al-Thani, ICC Qatar Secretary-General and Director of International Relations and Chambers Affairs at Qatar Chamber, participated in the WCF General Council Meeting, the WCF Women’s Council workshop on "Building Effective Women’s Entrepreneurship Programmes: Why Chambers The Case for Championing Women Entrepreneurs," as well as the Best Chamber Innovative Project Competition.In addition, Ahmed Abu Nahya moderated a panel session titled "World Chambers Competition: Best out-of-the-box project."Sheikh Khalifa emphasised that the Qatar Chamber was keen to participate in this global conference, noting that Chamber had previously hosted its eighth edition in 2013.He highlighted Qatar’s key in supporting the flow of global trade and pointed out that the conference serves as a leading global platform, bringing together chambers from around the world to discuss best practices, exchange experiences, and review key achievements in international trade.The World Chambers Congress, organised by the ICC and its World Chambers Federation, is the largest and only international forum that enables chamber leaders and professionals to share best practices, exchange insights, develop networks, address the latest business issues affecting their communities, and learn about new areas of innovation from chambers around the world.Qatar Chamber’s participation as a platinum sponsor of the congress reflects its commitment to strengthening its presence in global economic forums, showcasing investment opportunities in Qatar, and fostering new partnerships with counterparts from around the world to serve the aspirations of the Qatari private sector.Through its pavilion at the congress, the Chamber highlighted Qatar’s investment climate and promoted avenues for co-operation and partnership between the Qatari private sector and businesses from the participating countries.

Qatar Chamber has stressed strengthening the institutional relations between Doha and New Delhi in priority sectors for identifying strategic projects in infrastructure, technology and food industries as part of efforts to strengthen the relations between the two countries.This clarion call, made at the recently held joint investment meeting, comes in the wake of trade volume between the two countries reaching QR48bn in the past year.The chamber was represented by board member Mohamed bin Mahdi al-Ahbabi, at the event, where discussions focused on ways to enhance co-operation between the chambers of both the countries, particularly in supporting entrepreneurs, exchanging institutional expertise, and organising joint events."India is a key trading partner for Qatar and the Qatari private sector," he said as he highlighted the QR48bn trade volume between the two countries in the past year.He also reviewed Qatar's investment advantages, including its advanced infrastructure, logistics services, and supportive legislative framework, positioning it as an attractive and competitive business environment.Inviting Indian businessmen to invest in Qatar and explore its growing opportunities; al-Ahbabi underlined the need to enhance co-operation between the chambers of commerce of both countries, promote the regular exchange of trade delegations, and expand collaboration with investment promotion bodies.