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The US-Qatar Business Council Doha (USQBC Doha) and the AI Trust Foundation recently hosted a reception in Doha to welcome a 15-member US delegation comprising AI startup and tech CEOs, technology and AI governance attorneys, and civil society leaders.The delegation is in Doha as a planned initiative under the April 2025 Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between USQBC Doha and the AI Trust Foundation. The visit will also include the delegation’s participation in the two-day World Summit AI MENA, which opens today (December 9) at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre (DECC).The reception builds on joint programming developed under the April 2025 MoU between USQBC Doha and the AI Trust Foundation, which advances cross-border collaboration on AI, responsible innovation, and bilateral trade and investment. Through the partnership, both organisations have convened a series of engagements bringing together leaders from technology, policy, and civil society to strengthen US-Qatar co-operation in emerging technologies.“The delegation’s visit to Doha is emblematic of the ongoing commitment between USQBC Doha and the AI Trust Foundation to foster private-sector-to-private-sector exchanges in the areas of emerging technologies between Qatar and the US,” said USQBC Doha managing director Sheikha Mayes Hamad al-Thani in her opening remarks at the reception.Leah Perry, vice-chair of the AI Trust Foundation, added: “Our partnership with USQBC Doha is about building bridges across the global AI ecosystem – bridges that support research and development, workforce upskilling, and ethical standards that enable trade, innovation and investment. This reception follows multiple collaborative forums we’ve hosted together that have created momentum; now is the time to deliver concrete, meaningful outcomes.”Justin Floyd, co-founder and CEO of Nasdaq-listed RedCloud Technologies, as well as AI Trust Foundation board member, who supported the reception as a strategic sponsor, emphasised Qatar’s strategic appeal to US technology firms: “Qatar is future-ready. Its market clarity and long-term vision make it an ideal partner for American technology companies scaling responsibly. RedCloud’s regional growth, including our recently announced AI-driven FMCG platform joint venture in Saudi Arabia, reflects the commercial opportunities we see across the Gulf.”Michael Jordan, CEO of Gem Soft and reception strategic sponsor, emphasised its timeliness: “Qatar’s Vision 2030 creates a decisive environment for responsible AI leadership, and Gem Soft is proud to contribute technologies that reinforce the nation’s position as a regional hub for trusted digital infrastructure.”Supporting this vision, Gem Soft’s AI-powered enterprise platform, Gem Team, delivers secure and scalable intelligence that strengthens operational performance across various sectors.The reception brought together policymakers, investors, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders to deepen private-sector collaboration on responsible AI, explore pathways for bilateral investment, and showcase US technology leadership in the region ahead of World Summit AI MENA.The USQBC Doha is a strategic platform for advancing bilateral commercial engagement between the US and Qatar. Positioned at the intersection of business, policy, and investment, USQBC Doha enables cross-border collaboration by providing institutional access, market intelligence, and targeted facilitation to stakeholders operating across high-impact sectors.The AI Trust Foundation is a Washington, DC-based nonprofit that promotes and bridges tech innovation with responsible AI through cross-sector partnerships, standards development, and capacity building. It convenes industry, legal experts, and civil society to advance ethical, scalable AI solutions that support economic growth and public benefit. 

QatarEnergy LNG is preparing for the startup of major new facilities as 2026 ushers in, according to its top official.Looking at the future, 2026 will be a "landmark" year as QatarEnergy LNG prepares for the startup of major new facilities, it's chief executive officer Sheikh Khalid bin Khalifa al-Thani told the annual Town Hall events in Doha and Al Khor, bringing together employees from across its operations, projects, and support functions for an open dialogue with the management leadership team.The gathering highlighted a year of "exceptional" accomplishments and reaffirmed the company’s strategic direction as it prepares for a transformative phase in Qatar’s LNG (liquefied natural gas) industry.Sheikh Khalid stressed the importance of accelerating digital transformation, enhancing organisational agility, reinforcing reliability and asset integrity, and maintaining an unrelenting focus on safety as the company prepares for increased scale and complexity.The company will continue to invest in talent, safeguard critical expertise, and evolve its operating model to ensure readiness for the next phase of growth.Opening the events by welcoming employees and expressing deep appreciation for their dedication throughout 2025; he emphasised that the Town Hall is a valued annual tradition where achievements are recognised, priorities are aligned, and employees are thanked for their crucial role in shaping the company’s future.Describing the company's workforce as champions who consistently demonstrate resilience, professionalism, and a steadfast commitment to safe, reliable, and efficient operations; Sheikh Khalid honoured QatarEnergy LNG’s long service award recipients, acknowledging their loyalty, commitment, and enduring influence on the company’s culture and success.The corporate planning department presented a comprehensive review of the company’s 2025 performance, showcasing the achievements for each pillar in its direction statement and outlining key challenges ahead by emphasising key focus areas.The review demonstrated continued progress and commitment to QatarEnergy LNG’s vision as the world’s premier LNG company.Innovation and expansion were recurring topics, underscoring their importance in shaping QatarEnergy LNG’s operations and its competitive edge. 

Startup Grind Doha Chapter announced yesterday a strategic partnership with Qatar Science & Technology Park (QSTP), a member of Qatar Foundation, aimed at strengthening the nation’s startup ecosystem. As part of the collaboration, QSTP will join as a ‘Strategic Partner’, supporting Startup Grind Doha’s activities and initiatives throughout the year.The partnership combines QSTP’s world-class support systems and expertise in deep tech and innovation with Startup Grind Doha’s strength in community-building, global networks, and founder-focused programmes. Together, the two organisations will co-organise initiatives designed to accelerate startup growth, foster knowledge exchange, and provide entrepreneurs in Qatar with the resources and connections they need to succeed locally and expand globally.Through the collaboration, Startup Grind Doha will serve as a platform to amplify QSTP’s innovation programmes and provide visibility for startups incubated or accelerated within QSTP. In turn, QSTP will provide valuable resources, mentorship opportunities, and access to its state-of-the-art facilities, enabling startups to scale and realise financial returns.The partnership also emphasises creating engaging events, fireside chats, panel discussions, and networking opportunities that bridge community-driven energy with structured innovation infrastructure. Hayfa al-Abdulla, QSTP Innovation and Entrepreneurship director, said: “At QSTP, our role is to connect ambitious founders with the programmes, funding, and expertise that can take their ideas from concepts to global scale. Partnering with Startup Grind Doha brings us closer to the vibrant energy of the startup community, allowing us to ignite opportunities that push the boundaries of technology and position Qatar as a launchpad for world-changing innovation.” Startup Grind Doha director Indica Amarasinghe said: “We are delighted to partner with QSTP as a Strategic Partner.This collaboration unites the community-driven reach of Startup Grind with the innovation infrastructure of QSTP. Together, we will amplify opportunities for founders, accelerate innovation, and contribute to the growth of Qatar’s vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem.” The partnership represents a significant step in uniting institutional support with grassroots community engagement, reflecting Qatar’s ambition to become a regional and global hub for innovation and entrepreneurship with real-world impact.

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.”

His Excellency Director of the Government Communications Office (GCO) and Chairman of the Permanent Web Summit Organising Committee, Sheikh Jassim bin Mansour bin Jabor Al-Thani convened a meeting with Liaison Director of German BVMW GCC Office Nizar Maarouf, and Managing Director Christian Schwippert, to discuss coordination and the roadmap for the second edition of the German Startup Pavilion at Web Summit Qatar 2026, taking place from 1st to 4th of February 2026.During the meeting, HE Sheikh Jassim bin Mansour bin Jabor Al-Thani reaffirmed his and his team's full support for the upcoming edition, ensuring strong collaboration and facilitation to make it an even greater success."Our work with the German startup community exemplifies our broader strategy to foster meaningful international collaboration in the technology and innovation spaces.""I personally look forward to seeing how the next wave of German startups tap into the opportunities that we continue to expand year over year," His Excellency added.Nizar Maarouf added: "We look forward to the active participation of the German Startup Pavilion at Web Summit Qatar 2026, following the great success of our first presence at the last edition of the event, which saw the participation of more than 100 German companies. We want to extend our sincere thanks to Sheikh Jassim and his team for their continuous support of our work and the hospitality shown to the German startup participants at Web Summit 2025."The meeting highlighted the shared commitment to further strengthen Qatari-German cooperation in innovation and entrepreneurship, and expanding opportunities for partnership and investment in a way that positions Qatar as a global hub for technology and innovation.