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Wednesday, April 08, 2026 | Daily Newspaper published by GPPC Doha, Qatar.

Tag Results for "Qatar Chamber" (83 articles)

Gulf Times
Business

Qatar Chamber forms sub-committee for travel, tourism agencies

Qatar Chamber (QC) announced the formation of a Sub-committee for Travel and Tourism Agencies, operating under its main Tourism and Exhibitions Committee.This came during a meeting of QC's Tourism and Exhibitions Committee headed by HE Member of the Board of Directors and Chairman of the Committee, Sheikh Hamad bin Ahmed bin Abdulla Al-Thani, with the attendance of other committee members.The sub-committee is tasked with addressing the most important challenges facing the travel and tourism agencies, coordinating closely with the main Tourism and Exhibitions Committee to solve the obstacles, and to identify the most important views of travel and tourism agencies owners on ways to develop the tourism sector.During the meeting, HE Sheikh Hamad bin Ahmed bin Abdulla Al-Thani said that the formation of the sub-committee aims to overcome the difficulties facing travel and tourism agencies and to coordinate, via QC, with the concerned authorities in the country to resolve these obstacles.He noted that the sub-committee will be a unified platform for coordination and cooperation among travel and tourism agencies, which will significantly streamline the main committee's work in identifying proposals in order to raise it to the relevant authorities, stressing QC's keenness to support the private tourism sector and enhance its contribution to developing the tourism sector and raising the efficiency of tourism services in Qatar.

Qatar Chamber chairman Sheikh Khalifa bin Jassim al-Thani and Katharina Reiche, the Federal Minister for Economic Affairs and Energy of Germany, during a meeting in Doha Wednesday.
Business

Qatar Chamber receives German Minister of Economy and Energy, to enhance trade alliances

Qatar Chamber hosted a high-level German trade delegation Wednesday, headed by Katharina Reiche, Federal Minister for Economic Affairs and Energy. The delegation was received by Qatar Chamber chairman Sheikh Khalifa bin Jassim al-Thani, in the presence of several board members, a group of Qatari businessmen, and German ambassador Oliver Owcza.During the meeting, the German delegation and Qatari business leaders discussed co-operation relations, the investment climate in both Qatar and Germany, available investment opportunities, and the role of the private sector in promoting bilateral trade.They also discussed ways to enhance co-operation in key economic sectors such as energy, industry, and information technology. Sheikh Khalifa highlighted the strong and friendly relations between both countries, as well as the economic co-operation, which reflects the keenness of both leaderships to advance this partnership to broader horizons. He noted that Germany has long represented a model of excellence in advanced manufacturing and innovation and is one of the fundamental pillars of the global economy.He emphasised that the Qatar Chamber is proud of the presence of many German companies — known for their high technical expertise and global standards — whether as major partners or as independent entities in numerous large-scale projects in the country. Sheikh Khalifa also pointed out that Qatar has emerged as a leading commercial and industrial hub thanks to its strategic location, advanced infrastructure, and modern logistical facilities.He said the volume of trade exchange between the two countries reached QR6.6bn in 2024, noting that the meeting with the German delegation represents a practical step toward a stronger economic future for both nations. He expected that the ongoing dialogue, the exchange of expertise, and the activation of investment partnerships would open new horizons for co-operation. Sheikh Khalifa noted that Qatari investments in Germany, which span multiple sectors, are clear evidence of Qatar’s confidence in the German economy. At the same time, the Qatari side values the role of German companies operating in Qatar and their contribution to the development of many productive sectors.He called on companies from both sides to take advantage of the promising opportunities available in fields such as manufacturing, advanced technology, including artificial intelligence, clean energy, healthcare, sports, education, and many other sectors.Katharina affirmed that Qatar is a major and highly important partner for Germany, noting that 110 German companies had expressed a desire to join the delegation to Qatar, as all of them are interested in establishing partnerships and alliances with Qatari companies. She said 20 leading companies representing various sectors accompanied her on this visit and are eager to develop strategic alliances with their Qatari counterparts. She highlighted that the volume of trade between the two countries, particularly Qatar’s exports of raw materials and petrochemicals to Germany, reflects the strength of the bilateral partnership.She added that the growth of Germany’s GDP, along with the strong performance of the Qatari economy, which is expected to achieve 5% growth in the coming years, presents significant opportunities for expanding cooperation between the two nations.The German Minister also noted that around 100 German companies are currently exploring opportunities related to digital transformation in Qatar and are ready to participate actively in this sector. During the meeting, both parties reaffirmed their strong desire to expand co-operation and establish commercial partnerships across various sectors, especially in energy, artificial intelligence, digital transformation, carbon emissions reduction, satellites, space technology, and aviation.

Gulf Times
Qatar

QICCA, QU's Community Service & Continuing Education Center sign agreement to enhance collaboration

The Qatar International Center for Conciliation and Arbitration (QICCA) at Qatar Chamber and the Community Service and Continuing Education Center at Qatar University (QU) have signed a cooperation agreement aimed at establishing a framework for institutional collaboration between the two parties in implementing specialised training programs in arbitration, conciliation, and mediation.This partnership seeks to enhance the efficiency of arbitrators and promote professional awareness of alternative dispute resolution mechanisms.The agreement was signed at the QICCA headquarters by QICCA Vice Chairman, HE Sheikh Dr. Thani bin Ali Al-Thani and Head of Strategy and Development at QU, Dr. Muna Al Marzouqi.On this occasion, HE Sheikh Dr. Thani bin Ali Al-Thani affirmed that the signing of this agreement marks an important milestone in QICCA's journey, emphasizing that it aims to promote and strengthen the culture of arbitration and alternative dispute resolution in Qatar.He also noted that this partnership aligns with QICCA's strategy to enhance academic cooperation with leading educational institutions, both locally and internationally, based on the belief that such collaboration is a key pillar in developing and advancing the arbitration environment in the State of Qatar.For her part, Dr. Muna Al Marzouqi said that the agreement with QICCA aims to enhance the legal capabilities of companies and institutions, enabling them to manage their contractual relationships effectively and safeguard their rights in line with best legal practices.Al Marzouqi noted that, under this agreement, a series of joint training courses will be implemented in coordination between the two parties, covering areas such as commercial law, local and international arbitration, conciliation and mediation, and dispute management.She added that the agreement also includes a programme for the preparation and qualification of arbitrators.The 'Qualification and Preparation of Arbitrators Programme' is a comprehensive professional training designed to prepare national and Arab professionals to serve as certified arbitrators. It enables participants to gain an in-depth understanding of the legislative and institutional frameworks governing arbitration, as well as the procedures for forming arbitration panels and issuing and enforcing arbitration awards.The programme comprises five sequential training stages, combining theoretical and practical components in various aspects of commercial arbitration.These include drafting arbitration agreements, managing arbitration hearings, and preparing rulings and legal memoranda.Since its launch in 2016, in partnership with QU, the programme has graduated more than 320 participants, most of whom are Qatari professionals working in the field of arbitration, who have significantly contributed to enriching the arbitration landscape in the State of Qatar.

Qatar Chamber first vice-chairman Mohammed bin Towar al-Kuwari, speaking at the opening of the third session of the Living Independently Initiative.
Business

Qatar Chamber hosts ‘High-Level Arab Event on Persons with Disabilities, Entrepreneurship and Innovation’

The Qatar Chamber hosted the ‘High-Level Arab Event on Persons with Disabilities, Entrepreneurship, and Innovation’, which concluded Saturday in Doha.The event featured the ‘Third Session of the Living Independently Initiative for Persons with Disabilities’ and the ‘Arab Exhibition for Productive Families’ held on the sidelines of the recently held ‘Second World Summit for Social Development’.The event was held by the Union of Arab Chambers and the General Secretariat of the Arab League – Social Affairs Sector (Department of Social Development and Policies, Technical Secretariat of the Council of Arab Ministers of Social Affairs), in coordination with the UN Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) – Bahrain Office, and in collaboration with the Arab Academy for Science, Technology and Maritime Transport and the Arab Labour Organisation.The event was attended by Qatar Chamber first vice chairman Mohammed bin Towar al-Kuwari; Dr Maya Morsy, Minister of Social Solidarity and Chairperson of the Executive Bureau of the Council of Arab Ministers of Social Affairs; Mohammed bin Saleh al-Alawi, Minister of Social Development of Bahrain and chair of the 44th Session of the Council of Arab Ministers of Social Affairs; Dr Khaled Hanafy, secretary general of the Union of Arab Chambers; Ambassador Hossam Zaki, assistant secretary general and head of the Office of the secretary general of the League of Arab States;Wafaa Bani Mustafa, Minister of Social Development of Jordan; Mohammed Hassan al-Obaidli, director general of the Executive Bureau of the Council of Ministers of Labour and Social Affairs in the Gulf States; and Minister Plenipotentiary Tarek al-Nabulsi, director of the Department of Development and Social Policies at the League of Arab States.Attendees toured the exhibition, which showcased a variety of products made by people with disabilities, including accessories, handicrafts, silverware, wickerwork, traditional clothing, ceramics, and other handmade goods. The exhibition featured the participation of 25 exhibitors representing Qatar, Egypt, Jordan, Bahrain, Oman, Sudan, Palestine, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Mauritania, Morocco, Tunisia, Algeria, and Iraq.Speaking at the opening of the third session of the Living Independently Initiative, al-Kuwari emphasised that the initiative presents a valuable opportunity to enhance the integration of persons with disabilities into the labour market and to highlight the importance of supporting productive families while contributing to the growth, development, and sustainability of their enterprises.He added that Qatar pays great attention to persons with disabilities and seeks to enhance their effective participation in various areas of social, economic, and educational life, in line with the Qatar National Vision 2030. He emphasised that Qatar has adopted an integrated system of national legislation and policies that guarantee the rights of persons with disabilities, support their integration into society, and enable them to work and contribute to development.Al-Kuwari also underscored Qatar Chamber’s commitment to empowering productive families, promoting small entrepreneurship, and supporting initiatives that enhance the productive capabilities of families and home-based businesses. He noted that the Chamber strives to provide platforms that allow these families to showcase and market their products both locally and internationally.He further emphasised the chamber’s encouragement of integrating persons with disabilities into suitable jobs within the private sector, noting that this aligns with the efforts of other national entities working to promote inclusion and equal opportunity in the country.

Gulf Times
Qatar

Qatar Chamber hosts "High-level Arab event on persons with disabilities, entrepreneurship, innovation"

The Qatar Chamber hosted "The high-level Arab Event on Persons with Disabilities, Entrepreneurship, and Innovation," from Nov. 6 to 8, 2025.The event featured the "Third Session of the Living Independently Initiative for Persons with Disabilities" and the "Arab Exhibition for Productive Families" held on the sidelines of the "Second World Summit for Social Development."The event was held by the Union of Arab Chambers and the General Secretariat of the Arab League - Social Affairs Sector (Department of Social Development and Policies, Technical Secretariat of the Council of Arab Ministers of Social Affairs), in coordination with the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), and in collaboration with the Arab Academy for Science, Technology and Maritime Transport and the Arab Labour Organisation.Speaking at the opening of the third session of the Living Independently Initiative, First Vice Chairman of the Qatar Chamber, Mohammed bin Twar Al Kuwari, stressed that the initiative represents a valuable opportunity to enhance the integration of persons with disabilities into the labour market, and to highlight the importance of supporting productive families while contributing to the growth, development, and sustainability of their enterprises.He added that Qatar pays great attention to persons with disabilities and seeks to enhance their effective participation in various areas of social, economic, and educational life, in line with the Qatar National Vision 2030. He emphasized that Qatar has adopted an integrated system of national legislation and policies that guarantee the rights of persons with disabilities, support their integration into society, and enable them to work and contribute to development.Al Kuwari also underscored the Qatar Chamber's commitment to empowering productive families, promoting small entrepreneurship, and supporting initiatives that enhance the productive capabilities of families and home-based businesses. He noted that the Chamber strives to provide platforms that allow these families to showcase and market their products both locally and internationally.He further emphasised the Chamber's encouragement of integrating persons with disabilities into suitable jobs within the private sector, noting that this aligns with the efforts of other national entities working to promote inclusion and equal opportunity in the country.Attendees toured the exhibition, which showcased various products made by people with disabilities, including accessories, handicrafts, silverware, wickerwork, traditional clothing, ceramics, and other handmade goods. The exhibition featured the participation of 25 exhibitors from several Arab countries.

The agreement was signed by Qatar Chamber acting general manager Ali Bu Sherbak al-Mansouri and QNB Group executive vice-president of SME Banking Ismail Mohamed al-Emadi, in the presence of Federation of GCC Chambers (FGCCC) secretary-general Saleh bin Hamad al-Sharqi and Qatar Chamber board member Ibtihaj al-Ahmadani, who is also chairperson of the Qatari Businesswomen Forum.
Business

QNB Group supports Gulf Businesswomen Forum as strategic partner

QNB Group and the Qatar Chamber have signed a sponsorship agreement for the Seventh Gulf Businesswomen Forum, under which QNB will sponsor the event as a Strategic Partner.The agreement was signed by Qatar Chamber acting general manager Ali Bu Sherbak al-Mansouri and QNB Group executive vice-president of SME Banking Ismail Mohamed al-Emadi, in the presence of Federation of GCC Chambers (FGCCC) secretary-general Saleh bin Hamad al-Sharqi and Qatar Chamber board member Ibtihaj al-Ahmadani, who is also chairperson of the Qatari Businesswomen Forum.Organised by the FGCCC, in co-operation with the Qatar Chamber and with the support of the General Secretariat of the Gulf Co-operation Council, the forum will be held under the slogan ‘Entrepreneurship and Investment Sustainability’ on November 12-13 at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel in Msheireb, Doha.The forum aims to strengthen entrepreneurship and promote sustainable investment among businesswomen in GCC countries. It will highlight mechanisms for supporting women’s participation in sustainable investment and explore ways to transition from traditional business models to more innovative, digital, and knowledge-driven approaches, in line with the GCC’s collective vision for a knowledge-based economy.Al-Mansouri said, “We highly value QNB Group’ s sponsorship of the forum, which reflects the bank’s steadfast commitment to supporting Qatari and Gulf women, enhancing their participation in driving economic transformation, and representing the private sector in regional and international arenas.”He emphasised that the partnership with QNB represents a significant contribution to the success of the forum, reinforcing its position as a leading Gulf platform for dialogue and networking among businesswomen, as well as a venue for exchanging expertise, exploring investment opportunities, and fostering co-operation on future projects.QNB Group’s sponsorship represents a strategic platform for the economic empowerment of female business owners in GCC countries, reflecting its commitment to supporting their role in accelerating the transition towards a knowledge economy in the region.The sponsorship also supports the ongoing partnership with Qatar Chamber, reflecting joint efforts to promote women’s business entrepreneurship to more innovative and digital-based approaches, in line with Qatar National Vision 2030 and the sustainable development strategies of GCC countries.

Qatar Chamber hosted Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, who was in Doha recently with his accompanying delegation.
Qatar

Qatar Chamber discusses trade relations with Kerala’s chief minister

Qatar Chamber hosted Pinarayi Vijayan, the Chief Minister of the Indian state of Kerala, who was in Doha recently with his accompanying delegation. Vijayan and his team were received by Qatar Chamber first vice-chairman Mohamed bin Towar al-Kuwari, in the presence of Sheikh Hassan bin Khalid al-Thani and LuLu Group International chairman M A Yusuff Ali. Also present at the meeting were Qatar Chamber board members Abdul Rahman al-Ansari and Shaheen al-Mohannadi, along with Indian ambassador Vipul. During the meeting, both sides discussed bilateral cooperation in trade and economic fields, exploring ways to enhance it. They also reviewed the role of the private sector in promoting mutual investments and increasing trade exchange between the two countries. Al-Kuwari highlighted the strong relations between Qatar and India, particularly in economic and trade fields, noting that these relations have witnessed remarkable growth in recent years. He said India is a strategic trading partner for Qatar, with bilateral trade reaching QR48bn in 2024. He also affirmed Qatar’s keenness to strengthen and expand such relations, stressing the chamber’s support for fostering partnerships and alliances between Qatari and Indian business communities.

The month-long programme aims to qualify customs clearance operators and enhance their knowledge of regulations related to customs procedures.
Business

Qatar Chamber concludes 33rd session of training programme for customs brokers

Qatar Chamber recently concluded the 33rd session of its training programme for customs brokers and representatives. Organised in collaboration with the General Authority of Customs (QAC), the month-long programme aimed to qualify customs clearance operators and enhance their knowledge of regulations related to customs procedures. It further sought to advance the customs clearance profession, improve the performance of workers in this sector, provide high-quality customs services to the public, and reduce congestion at customs ports. The training covered a wide range of topics, including preferential international agreements, customs procedures, customs tariffs in accordance with the harmonised system, provisions and rules of origin, customs law, and the Al-Nadeeb Programme. Since its inception in 2015, the programme has played a pivotal role in preparing many customs brokers and representatives. Upon completion, trainees receive attested certificates from Qatar Chamber that qualify them to take the final test administered at the premises of QAC. The chamber regularly organises this programme as part of its efforts to equip the Qatari business community with skilled customs brokers, thereby facilitating and expediting clearance procedures at the country's ports.

Qatar Chamber officials discussing tourism-related matters with a delegation from the Travel Trade and Marketing Department at the Austrian National Tourism Authority during a meeting held in Doha Sunday.
Business

Local hotel room occupancy reaches 71% in H1, says Qatar Chamber official

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 delegation joining several participating dignitaries during the event.
Business

Qatar Chamber joins Islamic Chamber meeting and Digital Economy Forum in Amman

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 Indian 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.
Business

Qatar-India trade exceeds QR48bn, says chamber official

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.

Be My Sense received $1,500, a trophy, and advanced to represent Qatar in the regional semi-finals.
Business

Startup Grind Doha Chapter hosts ‘All Star Pitch Battle’

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.”