tag

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.

United Development Company (UDC) is positioning its development philosophy as a cornerstone for engaging in critical discussions at the third edition of the Qatar Real Estate Forum, which will be held on October 14-16 at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre (DECC).UDC president and CEO Yasser Salah al-Jaidah said the company’s role in the forum goes beyond showcasing its developments. “Our priority is to contribute strategic insights and proven practices that demonstrate how real estate can deliver lasting economic and social value,” al-Jaidah told Gulf Times in an exclusive interview.He noted that UDC, a Platinum Sponsor of this year’s forum, will share lessons from the company’s experience in sustainable development, smart infrastructure, and integrated community living, demonstrating how these principles are being embedded into new projects that support Qatar’s growth.“Equally important, through high-level discussions and bilateral engagements, we aim to help shape the dialogue into concrete outcomes, whether that is in the form of creating tangible investment opportunities, forging innovative partnerships, or offering practical insights that can help inform future policy directions. In this way, UDC directly supports the forum’s ambition to move from vision to measurable impact,” he emphasised.Asked how does UDC’s vision align with the strategic goals of the forum’s third edition, al-Jaidah explained that the company’s vision “is to be the regional leader in real estate development and management,” which is guided by UDC’s ‘Value Promise and Strategic Choices’ of putting customers and communities first, driving cost competitiveness, pursuing operational excellence, and advancing growth through innovation.He continued: “This aligns closely with the third edition of the Qatar Real Estate Forum, which is focused on reinforcing investor confidence and showcasing the strength and efficiency of Qatar’s real estate system. The forum’s emphasis on transparency, streamlined policies, and the integration of digital platforms mirrors our own commitment to operational excellence and innovation. And its role as a hub for public–private dialogue reflects our belief in trust-based partnerships that create long-term value.“Through developments like The Pearl Island and Gewan Island, we demonstrate how this vision translates into secure investments, vibrant communities, and resilient growth, outcomes that are directly in line with both the forum’s objectives and the pillars of Qatar National Vision 2030.”Al-Jaidah also underscored how UDC supports the Third National Development Strategy 2024–2030 and the broader goals of Qatar National Vision 2030, saying the company’s developments “are not merely real estate projects.”“They are transformative platforms that bring Qatar National Vision 2030’s pillars to life with economic diversification, social development, environmental sustainability, and human capital advancement. Within the framework of the Third National Development Strategy, we see our role as crafting destinations that attract investment, embody innovation, and elevate quality of life,” al-Jaidah explained.He added: “At The Pearl Island, we have set a global benchmark with the Largest Pneumatic Waste Management Network, while on Gewan Island’s Crystal Walk is one of the region’s largest outdoor air-conditioned retail promenades, an innovation that enhances comfort, elevates community experiences, and adds distinctive value for investors and residents alike. These initiatives reflect our ‘Customer and Community First’ approach, while reinforcing Qatar’s position as a hub for world-class living and investment opportunities.”

Her Excellency Minister of State for International Cooperation Maryam bint Ali bin Nasser Al Misnad met on Sunday with Ambassador of the UK to the State of Qatar Neerav Patel. During the meeting, they discussed cooperation relations between the two countries, particularly partnerships in the development and humanitarian fields, in addition to developments in the region. Ambassador of UK to Qatar expressed his country's solidarilty with the State of Qatar, and its condenmation of the Israeli attack that targeted Doha, stressing that this attack is a flagrant violation of all international laws and norms and the sovereignty of the State of Qatar.

United Development Company (UDC), one of Qatar’s leading real estate development firms and the master developer of The Pearl Island and Gewan Island, has been awarded two accolades at the 2025–2026 Arabian Property Awards, one of the region’s most prestigious honours in the real estate sector.The awards include Best Mixed-Use Development in Qatar for Gewan Island, along with Best Retail Architecture in Qatar, further underscoring the island’s excellence as a world-class urban development that blends innovation, quality, comfort, and sustainability.The achievement adds to a series of successes for Gewan Island, reaffirming its status as one of Qatar’s and the region’s most forward-thinking lifestyle destinations. The island introduces a new paradigm in luxury urban living through its modern master plan, which seamlessly integrates upscale residential communities with commercial, leisure, and hospitality offerings.Among its standout features are the upcoming Corinthia Hotel; Crystal Walk, a climatised outdoor pedestrian retail walkway; and a state-of-the-art nine-hole golf course, all designed to deliver a unique sports and leisure and hospitality experience amid lush green surroundings.Together, these elements establish Gewan Island as a vibrant destination that enhances well-being, strengthens connectivity, and inspires community engagement for residents and visitors alike.Yasser al-Jaidah, President and CEO of UDC, stated: “We are honoured to receive this recognition from the Arabian Property Awards, which reflects our unwavering commitment to developing integrated projects that uphold the highest standards of quality, innovation, and sustainability.“Gewan Island’s success is not only a testament to its architectural and urban excellence but also to our broader vision of building vibrant communities that enrich lives and align with the goals of Qatar National Vision 2030. This achievement inspires us to continue pursuing innovation and excellence in all our future developments.”The Arabian Property Awards are part of the globally acclaimed International Property Awards programme, which celebrates excellence in real estate development and architecture. Winners are selected through a comprehensive judging process conducted by an independent panel of industry experts in urban planning, architecture, and design.The recognition further solidifies UDC’s role as a key contributor to shaping Qatar’s urban landscape and its ongoing efforts to deliver smart, sustainable, and future-ready developments that elevate the country's position as a regional hub for real estate excellence.

The Qatar Research, Development and Innovation (QRDI) Council, in co-operation with the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO), the Intellectual Property Protection Department at the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Qatar Development Bank (QDB), and Qatar Science and Technology Park (QSTP), has "successfully concluded" the WIPO Intellectual Property Management Clinic: Leveraging IP for Business Growth and Globalisation.The two-day programme, held in Doha, brought together experts, business leaders, and entrepreneurs to strengthen the role of intellectual property (IP) in advancing innovation, competitiveness, and international expansion for Qatari enterprises.The opening session featured remarks from senior representatives of MoCI, QRDI Council, QSTP, QDB, and Guy Pessach, Director of the IP for Business Division at WIPO. The first day of the programme addressed the growing importance of intangible assets such as innovation, branding, and proprietary knowledge as key drivers of business growth.Participants gained insights into how patents, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets can be used strategically to capture value, while case studies from sectors including food and beverages and the creative industries demonstrated practical applications of IP for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).Panel discussions explored the challenges and opportunities facing Qatari SMEs in protecting and managing their intellectual property both locally and internationally. Experts provided guidance on avoiding common pitfalls, developing effective IP strategies, and safeguarding digital assets in an increasingly online economy.The agenda also included interactive roundtables where participants developed preliminary IP roadmaps tailored to their businesses, ensuring alignment between IP decisions and long-term growth objectives.The second day saw selected companies take part in one-on-one deep-dive diagnosis and strategy sessions with WIPO experts and representatives from QRDI Council, MoCI, QDB, and QSTP.These private consultations enabled enterprises to refine their IP portfolios, align protection strategies with business goals, and explore monetisation opportunities through licensing, franchising, and partnerships.The successful completion of the Intellectual Property Management Clinic highlights QRDI Council’s ongoing commitment to building a strong innovation ecosystem in Qatar.By equipping local businesses with the tools to harness and protect their intellectual property, QRDI Council continues to drive national efforts to position Qatar as a regional and global hub for research, development, and innovation.

Five Qatari Amiri Air Force aircraft carrying humanitarian aid provided by the Qatar Fund for Development arrived in the Afghan capital, Kabul.The aid is part of the airlift being operated by the State of Qatar to help alleviate the suffering of the brotherly Afghan people following the earthquake that struck eastern Afghanistan.This brings the total number of aircraft to nine.The aid includes field hospitals fully equipped with medical and surgical equipment. It also includes tents and basic hygiene kits.The Internal Security Force's (Lekhwiya) Qatar International Search and Rescue Group sent specialized teams for the search and rescue operations, and removing rubble with their equipment, in addition to a field medical team ready to provide urgent care. The aid comes in light of Qatar's continued support for the Afghan people and reflects the country's firm commitment to humanitarian solidarity and support for those impacted by natural disasters.

Qatar and the United Arab Emirates have signed a landmark agreement to strengthen co-operation in labour affairs and human resource development, marking a significant step in enhancing coordination and partnership between the two Gulf nations.The agreement was signed by Qatar’s Minister of Labour, Dr Ali bin Samikh al-Marri, and UAE Minister of Human Resources and Emiratisation, Dr Abdulrahman Abdulmannan al-Awar.The signing forms part of Qatar’s strategic co-operation with governments and international organisations in the labour sector. It aims to enhance collaboration, facilitate the exchange of expertise, and promote best international practices in workforce development.Under the agreement, both parties will implement joint initiatives covering labour legislation and the regulation of employment relations, including recruitment policies, working conditions, occupational safety and health, and dispute resolution. The co-operation also encompasses systems for registering and employing job seekers, as well as programmes for training, upskilling, and requalifying the national workforce.The agreement will facilitate field visits to study best practices and exchange expertise in human resource development. It will also support joint labour-sector initiatives and enable the sharing of labour market data, publications, and the latest legislative developments.

In implementation of the directives of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, four Qatari Amiri Air Force aircraft arrived Wednesday in the Afghan capital, Kabul, carrying humanitarian aid, including two field hospitals, food and medical supplies, and shelter materials provided by the Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD) for approximately 11,000 beneficiaries. This aid is part of an air bridge operated by Qatar to help alleviate the suffering of the brotherly Afghan people following the earthquake that struck eastern Afghanistan, which resulted in hundreds of deaths and injuries. Qatar's delegation to Afghanistan was headed by HE the Minister of State for International Co-operation Dr Maryam bint Ali bin Nasser al-Misnad, with the participation of representatives from the Qatar Armed Forces, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Qatar International Search and Rescue Group of the Internal Security Force (Lekhwiya) and QFFD. This aid comes within the framework of Qatar's continued support for the Afghan people and reflects its unwavering commitment to humanitarian support for those affected by natural disasters.