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United Development Company (UDC) is placing digital transformation and sustainability at the heart of its development strategy, reinforcing its commitment to innovation and operational excellence.“Technology is not a support function at UDC – it is at the core of how we deliver value,” UDC president and CEO Yasser Salah al-Jaidah told Gulf Times in an exclusive interview on the occasion of the ‘Qatar Real Estate Forum’, which will run until October 14 at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre (DECC).He said, “From planning and construction to sales and community management, every stage of our operations is digitally enabled.” As the forum’s ‘Platinum Sponsor’, al-Jaidah stated that UDC is expected to highlight its smart infrastructure systems that optimise energy, water, and waste management, alongside advanced project management platforms that provide real-time oversight of delivery schedules and budgets.According to al-Jaidah, UDC has invested in digital platforms that make the investor and resident journey seamless. Virtual property tours and customer service apps already allow investors and residents to access information, complete transactions, and receive support from anywhere in the world, he noted.“At the same time, our customer relationship management systems capture preferences and interactions, enabling us to provide a more tailored and responsive experience. Looking ahead, we are moving towards a comprehensive digital listing platform that will feature full property availability on our mobile app and portal. It will be enriched with 3D maps, VR/AR-enabled walkthroughs, street views, and even live reservation capabilities,” al-Jaidah explained.Al-Jaidah further pointed out that these enhancements will empower both local and international buyers to explore and reserve properties without an onsite visit, reinforcing UDC’s commitment to accessibility, innovation, and customer-centric service.“Behind the scenes, our customer relationship management systems capture preferences and behaviours, enabling us to offer highly tailored solutions rather than one-size-fits-all interactions.“The result is a more empowered investor, faster decision-making, and enhanced customer experience that reflects the premium standard of our destinations. In essence, technology is helping us bridge geography, simplify choices, and strengthen trust,” he said.Asked about sustainable development and smart cities, al-Jaidah stated that UDC is integrating smart and sustainable city concepts into its current and future projects: “Sustainability and smart-city thinking are built into every stage of our projects. We are embedding efficient transport networks, renewable energy adoption, smart metering, and automated waste systems to reduce emissions and optimise resources.”He said, “On Gewan Island, energy-efficient building designs and smart infrastructure are reducing consumption, while The Pearl Island incorporates district-cooling networks, comprehensive recycling programmes, and pedestrian-friendly planning that promote greener, healthier lifestyles.“Our goal is clear: to deliver destinations that combine world-class luxury with environmental responsibility, ensuring residents and visitors experience communities that are sustainable, liveable, and inspiring.”Citing challenges that developers face when balancing luxury real estate with environmental responsibility, and how UDC is addressing this, al-Jaidah said: “The real challenge is the perception that luxury and sustainability are at odds. At UDC, we see them as complementary.”He added: “Our unique strength lies in delivering and operating luxury and exclusivity as cost-competitively as possible without ever compromising on quality. We achieve this by applying the classic framework of cost, quality, and delivery, ensuring that each project strikes the right balance that investors and residents can trust. This balance is what allows UDC to deliver destinations that are both aspirational and sustainable.”

The Abdullah bin Hamad Al-Attiyah International Energy Awards for Lifetime Achievement will recognise six exceptional individuals at its 2025 edition at a high-profile ceremony in Doha on October 22.The awards honour global leaders for their outstanding lifetime contributions to the advancement of energy and sustainable development.Each honouree is carefully selected by an independent international committee of experts, ensuring that the Awards remain one of the most respected accolades in the industry.Previous winners of the award include His Excellency the Minister of State for Energy Affairs, Saad Sherida al-Kaabi; the 69th United States Secretary of State Rex W. Tillerson; the creator of the Dated Brent benchmark (now the world’s most important crude oil marker) John Kingston, and Professor Michael Grätzel, a pioneer of molecular photovoltaics who first demonstrated that mesoscopic photosystems based on molecular light harvesters can efficiently convert light into electricity.Speaking ahead of the event, His Excellency Abdullah bin Hamad al-Attiyah, Chairman of Al-Attiyah Foundation said:“As with all previous winners, the 2025 honourees — who will be revealed on the night — represent the highest standards of leadership and innovation in energy. Their lifetime achievements are not only remarkable in scale but also in their lasting influence on the global energy community. I look forward to initiating them to our alumni in the coming weeks.”The awards ceremony will take place at the Sheraton Grand Hotel Resort and Convention Centre, gathering over 300 of the most influential figures in the energy industry.The evening is sponsored by ExxonMobil, underlining the strong support of leading energy companies.Al-Attiyah Foundation’s member organisations include some of the world’s most prestigious and significant companies. Members of the Foundation are: QatarEnergy, QatarEnergy LNG, Woqod, Shell, QNB, Qatar Electricity & Water Co., Q-Chem, QAPCO (Qatar Petrochemical Company), Dolphin Energy, QAFCO (Qatar Fertiliser Company), ConocoPhillips, Qatar Cool, Gulf Helicopters, Marubeni, Sasol and JTA Holding.

Doha is preparing for a packed October schedule of world-class events, exhibitions, and conferences, highlighting its growing status as a vibrant regional hub for innovation, culture, and economic development. The events span key sectors including healthcare, sports performance, real estate, education, hospitality, and sustainability, offering opportunities for professionals, innovators, and entrepreneurs to exchange expertise and strengthen regional and global cooperation. October 4: QTRI Old Doha Port Aquathlon 2025 Athletes will take part in a thrilling multi-sport race of running and swimming, competing to complete the course in the fastest time possible. October 7–8: Qatar National Dialogue on Climate Change 2025 This dialogue will focus on fostering regional cooperation and shared expertise to tackle pressing climate challenges. The program will feature high-level panels, spotlight sessions, and workshops led by leading entities from across the GCC. October 9–11: Aspetar World Conference 2025 Aspetar will bring together global experts for a three-day multidisciplinary conference covering sports injuries, medical conditions in sports, sports science and performance, sports pharmacy, nursing, and dentistry. October 10: World Mental Health Day The Sports for All Federation will mark the occasion with a special event at the Museum of Islamic Art, raising awareness of mental health through community engagement. October 12-14: Cityscape Qatar and Qatar Real Estate Forum Two major platforms for real estate professionals, investors, and homebuyers will showcase opportunities for investment, property development, and homeownership in Qatar and beyond. October 13–15: 3rd Qatar Proteomics Conference This international scientific forum will gather leading researchers and academics to share the latest developments in proteomics and bioinformatics, with a program of seven sessions focused on cutting-edge technologies and key health challenges. October 14-16: INDEX Design Qatar 2025 and Big 5 Construct Qatar More than 250 local and international brands will showcase innovative products, solutions, and services from over 25 countries, making these exhibitions a leading destination for interior design, construction, and building technology. October 17–19: medical education conference: The Power of Connection: Leveraging Technology for Humanistic Medical Education Focused on technology and humanistic values in medical education, the conference will bring together educators, healthcare professionals, and innovators to explore how rapid technological advances can be integrated with ethics, compassion, and patient-centered care. October 17-24: FIP Asia Padel Cup 2025 The Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex will host Asia's top padel teams in a week-long competition, promising an exciting atmosphere for athletes and spectators alike. October 23-November 2: Qatar World Cup 10-Ball 2025 The Qatar Billiards and Snooker Federation will welcome the world's elite billiards players for this premier global tournament. October 25-26: Exploring the Nexus of Climate, Health, and Environment Experts, policymakers, and researchers will convene to examine the interconnectedness of climate change, environmental health, and sustainability through keynote lectures, panel discussions, and research debates. October 25: Al Wakrah Run Part of the Qatar Sports for All Federation's Running Series, this desert race in Al Wakrah will bring together runners of all levels in a community sporting event. October 28-30: Hospitality Qatar 2025 Now in its 10th year, the exhibition has established itself as a leading platform for the hospitality industry, bringing together thousands of global professionals and innovators to exchange experiences and shape the sector's future with a focus on innovation and sustainability. October 30-November 1: UIM-ABP Aquabike World Championship Qatar will once again make waves as it hosts a round of the UIM-ABP Aquabike Circuit Pro World Championship for the first time since 2015, marking the thrilling return of the event after a 10-year absence. With this diverse and high-profile lineup, Qatar reaffirms its role as a premier destination for global events, offering rich educational, professional, and entertainment experiences for participants and visitors from around the world.

Snoonu, Qatar’s homegrown super-app and technology leader, has announced an expanded research and development (R&D) growth programme anchored by sustained in-country investment and the highlight of its Innovation District.This initiative reinforces the company’s mission to develop world-class technology in Qatar, for Qatar and the wider region, while contributing directly to the goals of Qatar National Vision 2030.Over the years, Snoonu has established a strong record in R&D through pioneering projects in artificial intelligence (AI), logistics, and customer experience.These investments have delivered award-winning outcomes and strengthened Snoonu’s role as a national innovation leader.Over the years, Snoonu has built a strong R&D track record across artificial intelligence, logistics, and customer experience. These investments have delivered award-winning results and reinforced Snoonu’s role as a national innovation leader. With an ambitious ongoing investment program, Snoonu continues to deploy technologies that streamline operations, reduce delivery times, and ultimately save customers valuable time in their daily routines.The new R&D programme is centred on a major milestone in Snoonu’s growth: the Snoonu Innovation District.As a dedicated hub for cutting-edge technologies and talent development, the centre embodies Snoonu’s champion vision to push the boundaries of innovation while creating opportunities for knowledge-sharing and collaboration across industries.“Snoonu was built on the belief that Qatar can create technology at global standards while reflecting our local values,” said Snoonu founder and chief executive Hamad al-Hajri. “By deepening our R&D investment and launching the Snoonu Innovation District, we’re putting that belief to work, cultivating talent, accelerating innovation, and delivering impact for our customers, partners, and community.”Looking ahead, Snoonu’s R&D efforts will concentrate on scalable solutions that reinforce Qatar’s position as a global leader in technology.Central to this strategy is the company’s plan to have 1,000 engineers by 2030, creating pathways for local talent to become future technology leaders while enriching the ecosystem with expertise from more than 90 nationalities.This commitment is reflected in Snoonu’s collaboration with Qatar Foundation universities, where graduates are empowered and integrated into the team.“Our five-year R&D strategy focuses on advancing AI, automation, and sustainable green logistics,” said Jose Juan, director of R&D – Logistics Product/Engineering at Snoonu. “We are also strengthening our super-app ecosystem for GCC markets to deliver smarter, more personalised customer experiences while keeping human connection at the core.”Snoonu’s R&D agenda is designed to align with Qatar’s priorities for economic diversification, human capital development, and sustainability.By investing in talent and technology, the company is reinforcing the nation’s innovation ecosystem and contributing to its long-term strategy of becoming a global hub for technology and entrepreneurship.Beyond business growth, Snoonu’s R&D innovations are shaping Qatar’s wider innovation ecosystem.The company has supported global events such as Formula 1, MotoGP, and the Doha Book Fair with advanced technology, while also advancing education through research collaborations and empowering small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and home businesses with digital platforms and reliable infrastructure.These achievements are reinforced by QR800mn in strategic investment from Jahez Group, valuing the company at over QR1bn and making it the first Qatari tech startup to cross this milestone.This landmark positions Snoonu on the path to becoming Qatar’s first “unicorn” and one of the most dynamic technology powerhouses in the GCC.

United Development Company (UDC) is sharpening its strategic focus to bolster investor confidence and drive economic diversification in Qatar’s real estate sector, ahead of the third edition of the Qatar Real Estate Forum, scheduled on October 14-16 at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre (DECC).“We have refined our mission, vision, and value promise, not as a departure from our strengths, but as a necessary shift to align with the opportunities and challenges ahead. Investor confidence comes from knowing that a company is not only resilient today but also prepared for the future,” UDC President and CEO Yasser Salah al-Jaidah told Gulf Times in an exclusive interview.He said: “At UDC, we are applying our strategic choices to make that confidence tangible while delivering projects with consistency, diversifying our offerings to serve different market segments, and embedding sustainability and innovation into everything we do.”As the forum’s Platinum Sponsor, al-Jaidah emphasised that UDC is leveraging its strategic choices to deliver consistent project execution, diversify its offerings, and embed sustainability and innovation across its portfolio.“The message to investors is clear: UDC is future-ready,” al-Jaidah stressed, adding that the company is “building with long-term value in mind, and in doing so, reinforcing Qatar’s reputation as a stable and attractive real estate market, even in a shifting global economy.”Al-Jaidah emphasised Qatar’s political stability, sustained economic growth, and a clear legal framework that supports foreign ownership as key factors driving investment.“Within this landscape, The Pearl Island and Gewan Island have become more than real estate projects; they are destinations that embody Qatar’s ambition for world-class urban living,” he pointed out.He said, “What sets them apart is the combination of iconic architecture, premium lifestyle amenities, and state-of-the-art infrastructure, all anchored by an unrivalled waterfront setting. Investors are drawn not only to the strength of the assets, such as rental yields and long-term capital appreciation, but also to the quality of life these communities provide.“Ultimately, The Pearl and Gewan are proof of concept that in Qatar, investment in place-making can deliver both financial returns and vibrant, sustainable communities. That is the true appeal of investing with UDC.”Al-Jaidah underscored the importance of stakeholder collaboration in overcoming sector challenges: “Real estate is too complex to be solved in silos. At UDC, we work hand-in-hand with government agencies, financial institutions, contractors, and community representatives to ensure alignment from concept to completion.”He added that trust is built through transparent communication and consistent delivery. “We reinforce this with joint initiatives, regular engagement sessions, and shared performance metrics, so that stakeholders see themselves as partners in success, not just participants in a project,” he stressed.Speaking on market trends, al-Jaidah said Qatar’s luxury real estate segment remains “remarkably resilient,” where rents for premium apartments continue rising, particularly in prime districts like The Pearl and West Bay.Citing published data, al-Jaidah said residential sales are also seeing renewed momentum. “In Q1 2025, transaction volumes rose by 13.2% quarter-over-quarter, with sales values in areas such as The Pearl and Al Qassar jumping by over 50%,” he continued.He further said, “These trends reflect a growing appetite for mixed-use, sustainable, and tech-enabled living. In response, The Pearl Island and Gewan Island are positioned not just to keep pace with these shifts, but to lead them.”Asked about UDC’s strategic priorities for the next five years, and how the Qatar Real Estate Forum help advance those goals, al-Jaidah said: “At UDC, we are committed to creating inspiring destinations that provide lasting value and exceptional experiences. This is achieved through our focus on cost competitiveness, excellence and innovation, ensuring our projects meet and exceed stakeholder expectations.”He added: “The Qatar Real Estate Forum is an ideal platform to advance these goals. It allows us to engage directly with policymakers, investors, and peers, share our outlook for The Pearl Island and Gewan Island, and build partnerships that accelerate progress. For UDC, it’s about turning vision into action by creating destinations that not only inspire but also deliver lasting value for Qatar and beyond."

Her Excellency Minister of State for International Cooperation Dr. Maryam bint Ali bin Nasser Al Misnad met with the Secretary of State for International Development of Canada Randeep Sarai on the sidelines of the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York. The meeting reviewed cooperation relations between the two countries and ways to support and develop them, in addition to a number of topics of common interest.

On the sidelines of the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly, Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD) and the Saudi Fund for Development (SFD), in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), have announced a joint initiative to support Syria.Together QFFD and SFD are providing $89mn funding through UNDP to ensure the continuity of essential public services across Syria over a three-month period.The joint funding will provide vital budgetary support enabling the payment of a portion of salaries for government employees responsible for core government functions related to the delivery of essential basic services. By maintaining these critical services, the effort aims to strengthen social protection, foster stability, and promote inclusive socio-economic recovery throughout the country.SFD CEO Sultan bin Abdulrahman al-Marshad, stated that the grant provided comes as part of Saudi Arabia’s wise leadership efforts to enhance development support for brotherly Syria. He emphasised that the Fund works hand in hand with its partners to foster growth and advance the development journey in Syria.QFFD director-general Fahad Hamad al-Sulaiti stated: “This initiative reflects our shared vision to promote stability and build resilience for the brotherly Syrian people. We firmly believe that investing in essential public services is not only an urgent humanitarian necessity, but also a strategic long-term investment in achieving sustainable development, preserving human dignity, and laying the foundations for peace and prosperity.”Through this support, Saudi Arabia and Qatar reaffirm their dedication to advancing development and promoting strategic partnerships with the international community. These recovery efforts are designed to contribute to resilient governance, inclusive economic growth, and sustainable development throughout Syria.“The Government of Syria extends its sincere appreciation to both the Qatar Fund for Development and the Saudi Fund for Development for this joint initiative, contributing to financing a portion of the salaries of civil servants. This contribution conveys a message of support from the esteemed governments of Saudi Arabia and Qatar,” said Mohamad Yisr Barnieh, Minister of Finance of Syria, “This initiative aligns with the Syrian Government’s efforts to advance financial and economic reforms, reinforcing the foundations of stability and economic and social recovery in the service of the Syrian people.”Implementation of this initiative will closely align with Syria’s national priorities, laying the foundation for long-term recovery and sustainable development. “We are grateful for the generous contributions of the Qatari and Saudi funds for development, which address the immediate needs of the Syrian population while laying the groundwork for long-term recovery and development,” added, Haoliang Xu, UNDP acting administrator.

On the sidelines of the ongoing 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA80), held under the theme “Better Together: 80 years and more for peace, development, and human rights”, Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD) has announced signing of 13 new agreements with UN agencies, international financial institutions, and humanitarian organisations, representing contributions exceeding $133mn.QFFD has reaffirmed Qatar’s commitment to multilateralism and international cooperation as indispensable pillars for achieving sustainable development and shared global prosperity, a statement said Friday. These commitments are set to benefit more than 8.3mn people worldwide, advancing collective progress across health, education, youth empowerment, food security, climate resilience, and economic development.The agreements include partnerships with both long-standing and new partners, among them the UN Population Fund, the International Atomic Energy Agency, the Gates Foundation, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN, the World Food Programme, the International Fund for Agricultural Development, the UN Development Coordination Office, and the Saudi Fund for Development, the UN Development Programme, Office of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, Unicef in support of the Generation Unlimited initiative, the Office of the High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States, the International Rescue Committee, and the Inter-American Development Bank together with the Inter-American Investment Corporation.The signing ceremonies were witnessed by HE Sheikh Thani bin Hamad al-Thani, chairperson of the board of directors of QFFD, and HE Dr Maryam bint Ali bin Nasser al-Misnad, Minister of State for International Cooperation and vice-chairperson of board of directors of QFFD, alongside high-level representatives from partner organisations.Through these agreements, QFFD underscores its firm belief that international solidarity is the only effective path to addressing the most pressing global challenges. Through flexible core contributions, QFFD will strengthen the institutional capacities of leading UN agencies and expand their reach to the most vulnerable. At the same time, targeted programmes, supported by innovative financing mechanisms, will advance women’s health, support food stockholding systems, sustain essential public services in conflict-affected countries, rehabilitate critical infrastructure for displaced communities, and create new opportunities for young people through education, skills development, and entrepreneurship.Sheikh Thani also met with Amina J Mohammed, deputy secretary-general of the UN and chair of the UN Sustainable Development Group, reaffirming the enduring partnership between Qatar and the UN and their shared commitment to advancing a just, inclusive, and sustainable future. A series of high-level meetings with leaders from the development field were also convened to explore avenues for deeper cooperation addressing global development priorities.Fahad Hamad al-Sulaiti, director general of QFFD, emphasised: “QFFD believes that transformative change can only be achieved through collective action. These agreements reaffirm our commitment to work hand-in-hand with governments, the private sector, and international partners to build a just, inclusive, and sustainable future. They also underscore the importance of high-impact partnerships and innovative financing mechanisms in addressing persistent gaps and global challenges, ensuring solutions that are locally driven, scalable, and sustainable.”

Her Excellency Minister of State for International Cooperation Dr. Maryam bint Ali bin Nasser Al Misnad met today with Dr. Rola Abdullah Hussein Dashti, Executive Secretary of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA), on the sidelines of the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.The meeting dealt with areas of cooperation between the State of Qatar and ESCWA in sustainable development, empowering the most vulnerable groups, and supporting humanitarian efforts in the region.During the meeting, Dr. Al Misnad reaffirmed the State of Qatar's interest in strengthening partnerships with regional and international organizations to achieve common goals in development and economic prosperity.For her part, Dr. Dashti praised Qatar's active role in supporting development and humanitarian work and emphasized ESCWA's commitment to expanding avenues of cooperation with Qatar.Both sides agreed to continue coordination and consultations on future programs and initiatives that serve economic and social development in the region.

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.

The first cohort from the venture studio - backed by the Qatar Investment Authority (QIA), Qatar Development Bank (QDB) and Utopia Capital Management - is expected before the end of this year, according to a top official of QDB."We look forward to welcoming the first cohort from Qatar before the end of this year," QDB chief executive officer Abdulrahman bin Hesham al-Sowaidi told the seventh edition of Investment Forum 2025, organised by QDB in association with Young Entrepreneurs Club.Developing Qatar's venture capital ecosystem, in partnership with a fund-of-fund programme launched by QIA, the QDB had collaborated with Utopia Capital Management to establish the first venture studio of Qatar, operated by A-typical Ventures.Unveiled at the Web Summit 2025, the venture studio is actively seeking the region's entrepreneurs looking to scale innovations and drive economic diversification across sectors such as fintech, healthtech, e-commerce, logistics and mobility, and climatetech.The studio will act as a magnet for entrepreneurs and investors across the region, while nurturing Qataris' startup with skills and capital, al-Sowaidi said."This long-term partnership is a testament to our commitment to advancing the VC (venture capital) ecosystem through private sector enablement. This partnership is already in action," he said, adding the region is witnessing an increasing maturity in the financial ecosystem that encourages startup investments, even amidst global headwinds.A-typical Ventures will enable pre-seed, seed and pre-series A founders across the GCC (Gulf Co-operation Council), Levant, Pakistan and Turkiye to refine their business models, optimise their go-to-market strategies, and unlock powerful growth opportunities.The QIA's investment marks one of the first deployments of capital from its 'fund-of-funds' programme, which aims to develop a strong start-up and venture capital ecosystem in Qatar and attract leading venture capital funds and entrepreneurs to the region.QDB is co-building the next generation of game-changing ventures as it collaborates with Utopia and the Qatari partners, marking a bold step toward reshaping the startup landscape.By merging strategic investment with hands-on venture-building expertise, QDB aims to empower high-potential startups in Qatar and across the Middle East, helping them scale faster, break into new markets, and drive real economic impact.Mohammed al-Emadi, QDB executive director of Incubation and VC Investment, said the venture studio would be catering to the entire Mena region."Our alignment and agreement with Utopia is that we don't want to have a centre that's only dedicated for single market. We want a Mena venture studio. And the reason is that we want to serve our 2030 vision by building a knowledge-based economy. We believe that we need to draw the talents from Qatar, but we also need to attract talents to the region and to Qatar specifically," he added.

Qatar's family offices are in the path of shifting to "bold" venture capital (VC) investments, which have emerged as a powerful driver of growth, according to a top official of the Qatar Development Bank (QDB).In the GCC (Gulf Co-operation Council), family offices are shifting from conservative wealth managers to bold venture investors, and "Qatar’s ecosystem is ready for this transformation," QDB chief executive officer Abdulrahman bin Hesham al-Sowaidi on Wednesday told the seventh edition of Investment Forum 2025, organised by QDB in association with Young Entrepreneurs Club."As Qatar moves with confidence towards 2030, opportunities have never been more exciting. Investment is yielding growth and the market is laden with potential," he said.Highlighting that QDB continues to be a key enabler for the nation's VC space, maintaining strong growth through 2025; he said QDB's direct and indirect investments (as of today) exceed QR350mn, resulting in more than 1,100 direct and indirect new jobs, thus contributing to a strong private sector capable of driving Qatar diversification."Our mandate has expanded beyond local boundaries in alignment with our new strategy, positioning Qatar as the centre of tomorrow's opportunities. We launched the Startup Qatar Investment Programme, opening Qatar's door to global founders, capital, and ideas," according to him.In two years, this programme has directed more than QR120mn into more than 30 companies, scaling their growth and projecting their reach beyond its borders, he said, adding "this is only the opening chapter."Following the success of the first phase, QDB expanded the programme's capacity further, attracting 177 applications from 27 countries."With more than 40 entrepreneurs already benefiting from this community, the programme is establishing itself as a true hub of global talent," according to al-Sowaidi.Stressing that a great economy is not built on capital alone, but on knowledge, on talent and on trust and it is why QDB continues to invest in people; he said through its VC training programme, more than 170 investors are now equipped to play a leading role in the VC landscape of tomorrow."By the end of 2024, private sector participation in the VC scene reached 57% of total investment, surpassing the 50% target set for the same year," according to him.The QDB official said VC funding in the Middle East nearly doubled in the first half of 2025, reaching about $1.35bn, despite a global VC slowdown."In Qatar and beyond, private capital from high-net-worth individuals, family offices, and venture funds has emerged as a powerful driver of growth," he said, adding globally, family offices are rethinking how to preserve and grow assets across generations, as assets under their management are projected to exceed $5tn by 2030, underscoring their rising influence in finance.Placing particular emphasis on the growing role of family offices both regionally and globally; al-Sowaidi said these institutions have become vital partners in shaping the future of the entrepreneurial ecosystem, leveraging accumulated expertise and directing investments toward the sectors of tomorrow.