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Monday, January 19, 2026 | Daily Newspaper published by GPPC Doha, Qatar.

Tag Results for "investment" (80 articles)

Gulf Times
Business

Muscat Stock Exchange records OMR 2.4 billion in trading over nine months

The Muscat Stock Exchange (MSX) posted record-breaking figures in 2025, with trading value reaching OMR 2.4 billion in the first nine months of the year, the highest level in 15 years. This surge was driven by aggressive buying from local investment funds and institutions, which fostered positive market sentiment. Their activity encouraged individual investors, as well as Gulf and foreign institutions, to increase their participation, resulting in higher stock prices, trading volumes, and overall market value. The benchmark index also saw notable gains. Trading in the first two quarters remained relatively calm, echoing previous years. Q1 recorded OMR 434 million in trades, rising to OMR 483.1 million in Q2. Activity then doubled in Q3, surpassing OMR 1.5 billion, including OMR 467.8 million in July, OMR 524.8 million in August, and OMR 511 million in September. By the end of September, MSX's market capitalization climbed to OMR 30.534 billion, gaining OMR 2.9 billion. This was supported by rising stock prices, capital increases by public shareholding companies, and growth in the bonds, sukuk, and closed market segments. The exchange also saw a sharp rise in the total number of traded securities, reaching 13.2 billion compared to 4.7 billion in the same period last year and 2.2 billion in 2023. Executed transactions exceeded 327,000 in the first nine months, up from 159,000 last year and 109,000 in 2023. The MSX benchmark index closed September at 5,181 points, its highest in over seven years, gaining 605 points. Sectoral indices rose collectively, led by the industrial sector index, which jumped over 1,760 points to close at 7,031.

Gulf Times
Business

QNB expects reacceleration of the US economy in 2025

The Qatar National Bank (QNB) predicted that the US economy could grow an above consensus 2% this year, on the back of strong consumption and private investment. In its Economic Commentary, the QNB said: "At the beginning of the year, the outlook on the US economy pointed to a gentle slowdown in growth. But an agenda of disruptive policy change by the new administration began to take place, and the climate of optimism and positive market sentiment started to shift. Economic indicators have stabilized and, more surprisingly, some gauges even point to an acceleration in activity. The "GDP Now" is an informative real-time, model-based "nowcast" produced by the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta, which delivers a running estimate of real GDP growth in the current quarter for the US economy. It leverages a large set of high-frequency indicators from key economic sectors, and is therefore a representative summary of economic conditions. The latest available estimate points to an annualized growth rate of 3.8% in Q3-2025, a significant re-acceleration in activity relative to the 0.6% contraction in Q1-2025. In our view, the consensus growth forecast of 1.7% for this year is still lagging with respect to the latest information available and is therefore relatively pessimistic. In this article, we discuss the key components of GDP that are contributing to an acceleration of economic activity and support a relatively better outlook. First, household consumption is providing a strong boost to US real GDP growth, underpinned by the combination of resilient, even if deteriorating, employment, record household net wealth, and adequate access to credit. Consumption represents close to 70% of GDP and is therefore a major driver of economic growth. Retail sales adjusted for inflation, a useful gauge of consumption strength, accelerated to 1.7% year-over-year according to the latest prints, significantly above the average of -0.3% from last year. Even as job gains have slowed, the unemployment rate at 4.3% remains in the range of balanced employment, and earnings have steadily grown in real terms, outpacing inflation. This helps to keep aggregate household incomes strong. At the same time, a positive wealth effect from rising stock markets has bolstered spending capacity. Directly and indirectly held equity represents 35% of household net wealth, and 14% year-to-date growth in major indices has a significant impact on wealth, providing a positive effect that bolsters consumption sentiment. Borrowing channels also remain dynamic, with total household credit growing USD 352 Bn in the first two quarters and continuing to support expenditures this quarter. Together, these factors are contributing to maintaining household consumption as the key driver of real GDP momentum, accounting for 2/3 of real GDP growth expected for this quarter. Second, business investment is showing a strong performance, on the back of favourable financial conditions, fiscal incentives, and technology and AI-related capital expenditures. The latest data releases have shown accelerating growth in "core capital goods orders," a timely and representative signal of private-sector capital expenditures ("capex"). This measure tracks non-defence capital goods and excludes aircraft orders, which are typically sensitive to irregular procurements, and are therefore noisier. In recent months, this indicator has been growing at a rate of close to 4% in annual terms, a remarkable acceleration from the 0.9% average contraction last year. Several factors are contributing to investment growth. Demand for equipment and technology is surging, as firms continue to invest to support productivity and AI-related expansion. Policy incentives, such as the CHIPS Act, the Inflation Reduction Act, and infrastructure programs are spurring construction of semiconductor facilities, factories, and clean energy projects. Additionally, healthy corporate profits and high expected returns on invested capital give businesses the means and the incentives to move forward with long-term projects. Taken together, these investment trends are contributing to an acceleration of economic growth. All in all, a reacceleration of the US economy is taking place on the back of strong momentum in consumption and private investment. In our view, the US economy could grow an above consensus 2% this year, on the back of strong consumption and private investment."

Gulf Times
Business

Qatar Chamber discusses trade relations with Sierra Leone

Qatar Chamber's Acting General Manager, Ali Bu Sherbak Al Mansouri, met on Wednesday with Trade and Investment Attaché at the Embassy of the Republic of Sierra Leone to the State of Qatar Jonathan Kamara Bio. The meeting focused on bilateral cooperation between the two countries and ways to enhance collaboration in commercial and economic fields, highlighting the role of the Qatari private sector in promoting trade exchanges. It also discussed preparations for the upcoming Qatari-Sierra Leone Business Forum, scheduled to be held in Doha in January 2026, which will include a high-level delegation from Sierra Leone along with business owners and investors from both sides. Al Mansouri affirmed the Chamber's readiness to work with the Sierra Leonean side to strengthen trade and investment relations, particularly in the agriculture, industry, and engineering sectors.

Gulf Times
Business

Qatar Financial Markets Authority promotes Gulf Smart Investor Award

Qatar Financial Markets Authority (QFMA) announced the launch of an awareness campaign for the fourth season of the Gulf Smart Investor Award that was recently launched by the Gulf Investment Awareness Program (Mulim), which runs from September 2025 to the end of February 2026. The Investment Awareness Program "Mulim" is a Gulf awareness initiative that aims to raise awareness of financial and investment culture and produce content that enriches the culture of financial transactions in the GCC communities. The program was first launched in its first season, in 2020, by the capital markets regulators in the GCC. Since then, QFMA has been contributing to the success of the program in all its phases, with the aim of raising awareness among investors in Qatar and the GCC, spreading awareness of the basics of investing in the capital markets, fraud and risk methods, ensuring the need to adopt strategies that help mitigate such risks, and introducing the regulations and legislation that govern transactions in the financial markets, which eventually raise the standards of efficiency in these markets. The Gulf Smart Investor Award aims to enable competition among creative university students, school students, or talented individuals from citizens and residents of the GCC through four tracks, namely video, drawing, photography, and writing, to select 44 winners, 11 winners on each track, in order to spread investment culture, raise awareness of the importance of saving and investment, how to avoid financial fraud, and raise the level of financial awareness among community members to enhance their ability to plan and enabling them to have the elements to make the right financial decisions that achieve financial stability and enhance their ability to achieve their financial goals. The award also seeks to raise the level of financial literacy by acquiring the necessary skills that help in using financial resources in the most effective and efficient manner. The GCC Smart Investor Award allows participants to submit their entries under three main categories, including financial planning, savings, and investment. Following the end of the stage of receiving entries in the various tracks of the award, the work of the judging committees will start in March 2025, with the winners to be approved by April 2025, and then the final ceremony to honor the winners will be held in May 2026. The award targets citizens and residents of the GCC countries, with prizes exceeding QR 1.5 million. Head of Communication Section at Public Relations and Communication Department at QFMA Maryam Al Heidous said that the "Gulf Smart Investor Award", which is witnessing its fourth consecutive season, has gained great importance from all GCC capital markets authorities, explaining that QFMA actively participates every year in promoting the award in Qatar, and encouraging various segments of the local community, especially university and school students, to actively participate in all tracks and categories of the award. Al Heidous pointed out that the QFMA's interest in the success of the Gulf Smart Investor Award in all its seasons stems from its mission aimed at enhancing financial literacy among various segments of society, developing the level of financial skill and knowledge among investors, protecting them and enabling them to make the right investment decision at the right place and time, in a way that contributes to encouraging and developing investment in a safe financial market and an attractive investment environment, which plays a major role in supporting the growth and diversity of the national economy. Al Heidous explained that the topics covered by the award deal with saving, financial planning, sound financial habits, sound spending, saving, financial terms, expense, wastefulness and extravagance, money and currencies, investment, financial fraud, protecting funds and investments, and money box. Al Heidous called on talented citizens and residents of Qatar to actively participate in the award, in order to showcase their ideas and innovations, and make them available to those who wish to benefit, develop their capabilities, and enhance their financial knowledge. Al Heidous confirmed that there is a special judging committee, comprised of experts from various GCC countries with expertise in the award's tracks, which will supervise, evaluate and sort the entries and select the winners. Those wishing to participate in the award and to view its conditions and the participation mechanism, can visit the website (mulimgcc.org) program.

Gulf Times
Business

Qatar Chamber discusses cooperation with Portuguese investment agency

The Qatar Chamber held two separate meetings in Lisbon to explore cooperation with the Arab Portuguese Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCIAP) and the Portuguese Trade and Investment Agency (AICEP). The meetings were held on the sidelines of Qatar Chamber's participation in the Second Session of the Qatari Portuguese Joint Commission on Economic, Commercial and Technical Cooperation, which took place in Lisbon. Second Vice-Chairman of Qatar Chamber Rashid bin Hamad Al Athba met separately with Interim President of the CCIAP Rui Gomes da Silva, and Director of External Relations and Foreign Markets at AICEP Francisca Lucena e Valle. During these meetings, both sides discussed trade and economic cooperation between Qatar and Portugal, as well as the private sector's role in developing and strengthening these relations. They also reviewed the investment climate in both countries and explored available opportunities, while encouraging the Qatari and Portuguese business communities to establish joint ventures and projects in both the State of Qatar and the Portuguese Republic. For his part, Rashid Al-Athba praised the bilateral relations between Qatar and Portugal across various fields, particularly trade and investment, noting that trade exchange between the two countries reached about QR 418 million in 2024. He stressed the mutual desire of both sides to raise the level of bilateral trade to even higher figures. Al Athba also called on Portuguese companies to invest in Qatar, which he described as a leading global hub for business and investment. He highlighted Qatar's world-class infrastructure, its attractive and supportive business environment, as well as a set of progressive economic legislation that encourage and protect investment.

Gulf Times
Business

Cultural Investment Conference 2025 concludes in Riyadh, positioning Saudi Arabia at the forefront of global cultural investment

The Cultural Investment Conference 2025 concluded in Riyadh. Held over two days, 29–30 September, the event reinforced culture as an asset and a driver of sustainable growth. Organized by the Saudi Ministry of Culture under the patronage of His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, the Conference gathered more than 100 speakers and 1,500 participants, cementing Saudi Arabia’s role as a global hub for cultural investment.Day One began with an opening keynote delivered by His Highness Prince Bader bin Abdullah bin Farhan Al Saud, Saudi Minister of Culture, His remarks emphasized the Saudi Arabia’s commitment to building a dynamic cultural economy that empowers talent, supports innovation, and strengthens the country’s standing on the global stage.Another major opening day highlight was the ministerial plenary, “From Policy to Prosperity – Culture as a Strategic Investment,” featuring, His Excellency Faisal F. Alibrahim, Minister of Economy and Planning, and His Excellency Khalid Al-Falih, Minister of Investment. The session outlined a national framework that integrates cultural priorities into economic forecasts, supports infrastructure and heritage investments, and expands creative skills through education and talent development.Throughout the day, international perspectives and local expertise converged on themes ranging from building sustainable creative economies to embedding culture within global growth strategies. Discussions emphasized finance and investment as essential to transforming cultural ventures into structured, credible markets, while also spotlighting cinema and entertainment as expanding drivers of cultural and economic influence. The Conference also delivered tangible outcomes with the signing of 89 agreements , valued at SAR 4.3 B, including the launch of an investment fund by the Cultural Development Fund and the Cultural Assets Group, an investment fund in the film sector in partnership with BSF Capital, and an investment fund in the fashion sector in partnership with Merak Capital and other significant agreements across the public, private, and non-profit sectors. In addition, new initiatives highlighted the Conference’s role in shaping Saudi Arabia’s cultural economy. Audi Capital launched the Kingdom and MENA region’s first CMA-regulated art investment fund, creating a new platform for cultural financing. Colnaghi, one of the world’s oldest art galleries, partnered with Sarat Investment Holding to open its first Middle East gallery in Riyadh. A strategic agreement with the Royal Commission for AlUla will also drive cultural and heritage development in AlUla, positioning it as a global destination. Together, these initiatives highlight Saudi Arabia’s growing role as a hub for cultural investment and innovation.Breakout discussions in the Culture Studio explored leadership, entrepreneurship, and cultural innovation, alongside dialogues on philanthropy, heritage, and storytelling that highlighted the role of capital, partnerships, and technology in safeguarding authenticity and amplifying voices. The day closed with a focus on investor priorities, demonstrating how culture can attract global capital through ventures spanning immersive experiences, heritage preservation, and next-generation performance spaces.Day Two continued with a keynote address by Her Royal Highness Princess Reema bint Bandar Al-Saud, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to the United States of America, under the theme “From the Kingdom to the World – Investing in Culture and Identity,” which reflected on how culture can shape national identity, strengthen global partnerships, and advance sustainable growth.A milestone announcement followed with Google Arts & Culture’s partnership with Jeddah Historic District, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The collaboration aims to digitize the district using Street View technology, making its heritage accessible worldwide for the first time. This initiative reflects the Kingdom’s commitment to harnessing technology to showcase its culture globally while safeguarding its historic treasures.The closing day also focused on culture’s role as a catalyst for growth and competitiveness, as national leaders discussed how policy, talent development, and investment frameworks are embedding creativity within the Kingdom’s diversification plans. Saudi Arabia’s giga-projects and creative industries were presented as global showcases of culture, with developments such as Qiddiya, New Murabba, and NEOM anchored in cultural expression, while music, fashion, design, and hospitality were highlighted as expanding sectors of economic and cultural opportunity.The Cultural Investment Conference 2025 reinforced Saudi Arabia’s leadership in making culture a driver of global growth. It laid the foundation for enduring partnerships and innovative models that will shape the creative economy of the future.

Gulf Times
Business

Iraqi Prime Minister announces $450 billion investment opportunities

Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al Sudani on Saturday announced investment opportunities valued at $450 billion across different sectors. His announcement came as he addressed the opening of the two-day Iraq Investment Forum in Baghdad. The Iraqi Prime Minister said that Iraq has recorded higher indicators of integration into the global economy, with the expansion of electronic payment systems and financial sector governance, adding that a dedicated conference will be held to present investment opportunities within the Development Road Project, the largest of its kind in the region. Total investments have surpassed $100 billion, confirming the soundness of the decisions to diversify Iraq's investment environment, Al Sudani said, pointing out that they launched the "Riyada" initiative, engaging over 500,000 young men and women, training 92,000 of them, which has resulted in 12,000 new projects funded through loans and 20,000 job opportunities. Partnerships with international companies have advanced investment in fertilizers, sulfur, phosphate, steel, construction, and food industries, he said, adding that Iraq has achieved unprecedented success in pharmaceutical manufacturing, marking a historic milestone in the country's industrial development. Today, 54 Iraqi factories have already begun exporting their products to regional and global markets, Al Sudani noted, while saying that the government has launched the largest housing projects in the region, attracting both direct and indirect investments and creating hundreds of thousands of jobs.

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.

Gulf Times
Qatar

Qatar Investment and Innovation Conference welcomes MCIT as strategic partner

Qatar Investment and Innovation Conference has announced that the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT) has joined the upcoming edition 'Driving GCC Entrepreneurial Growth' as strategic partner. This high-level forum, organised by The Business Year and Msheireb Properties aims to foster dialogue between policymakers, investors, entrepreneurs, and innovators from across the Gulf region.The partnership underscores MCIT's commitment to advancing Qatar's digital transformation, fostering innovation, and building a dynamic entrepreneurial ecosystem in line with the Third National Development Strategy, Qatar National Vision 2030, and Digital Agenda 2030. By focusing on emerging technologies, digital inclusion, and innovation-led growth, MCIT's participation emphasises the vital role of public-private collaboration in shaping the region's future as a knowledge-based economy.Faraj Jassim Abdulla, director of the Digital Economy Department at MCIT, stated: "Through the Qatar Investment and Innovation Conference, MCIT aims to empower entrepreneurs and innovators across the GCC by providing a platform to connect, share ideas, and explore growth opportunities. This conference is an excellent example of how public-private partnerships can strengthen the digital economy, accelerate innovation, and position Qatar as a leader in innovation and sustainable economic transformation."The conference, scheduled for November 3 at Barahat Msheireb, will convene senior leaders from government, investment, and the private sector to explore opportunities in entrepreneurship, innovation, and digital transformation across the GCC. Msheireb Downtown Doha will provide a fitting venue for these regional stakeholders to engage in meaningful discussions on the role of entrepreneurship in driving economic growth, strategies for scaling start-ups, the evolving investment landscape, and the importance of public-private partnerships in strengthening global competitiveness.New to this year's edition is the “AI for Good Innovation Challenge”, hosted in collaboration with the AI for Good initiative YAILs and its Doha chapter. This dynamic segment will provide a global platform for showcasing emerging AI-driven solutions aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), featuring emerging companies from across the GCC alongside main panel discussions with industry leaders and policymakers.As a Strategic Partner, MCIT will play a central role in shaping the programme, ensuring alignment with Qatar's national priorities and reinforcing the country's position as a regional hub for innovation and entrepreneurship.

From left: Sheikh Ali Hamad al-Thani, Associate Partner, McKinsey Qatar; Mohammed al-Emadi, executive director of Incubation and Venture Capital Investment, QDB; SILQ founder and group chief executive officer Afeef Zaman; Roo Rogers, founding partner, Utopia Capital Management; and Dr Shaikah al-Jabir, co-managing partner and director of Rasmal Ventures. PICTURE: Shaji Kayamkulam
Business

First cohort from QIA-backed venture studio by 2025-end: QDB CEO

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.

QDB chief executive officer Abdulrahman bin Hesham al-Sowaidi addresses the seventh edition of Investment Forum 2025.
Business

Qatar's family offices on course to shift from conservative wealth managers to bold venture investors: Al-Sowaidi

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.

Gulf Times
Business

Doha Bank, Seviora Holdings forge strategic alliance; MoU inked to access new markets

Doha Bank has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Seviora Holdings, a Singapore-based asset management group wholly owned by Temasek Holdings.The memorandum lays the foundation for forming a strategic alliance and enables both parties to access new investment and market opportunities, expand their networks and leverage greater expertise.Commenting on the MoU, Doha Bank Group CEO Sheikh Abdulrahman bin Fahad bin Faisal al-Thani said: “Doha Bank continues to explore new opportunities with global partners to achieve the Bank’s strategic objectives. Our MoU with Seviora aligns with this vision, paving the way for mutual benefits by building on our combined expertise —particularly in Asian markets— and offering diverse investment products.”Gabriel Lim, CEO, Seviora Holdings, said: “This MoU reflects Seviora’s commitment to deepening strategic partnerships in key growth markets across the Middle East. Doha Bank’s established presence in Qatar, combined with Seviora’s asset management expertise, provides a strong platform to identify and deliver innovative solutions that meet the evolving needs of investors.“We are thrilled to partner with Doha Bank as we expand our footprint in the Middle East and beyond, and we look forward to leveraging our combined strengths to drive long-term value and sustainable growth.”Sadiq Hussain, SEO, of Seviora (Middle East) said: "We are excited to partner with one of Qatar's leading financial institutions, one which is at the forefront of technology and innovation, ESG banking and diversified product offerings. The MoU reflects Seviora’s Middle East ambition to provide investors in the region with best-in-class access to Asia and beyond."This alliance represents a significant milestone in the growing relationship between Doha Bank and Seviora Holdings and creates a platform for both organizations to explore mutually beneficial opportunities, facilitating knowledge sharing, enhancing risk mitigation, and strengthening each party’s competitive position.