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 Qatar Development Bank (QDB) has launched an updated version of its Housing Loan App, enabling citizens benefiting from the housing loan programme to complete the procedures involved in building their homes digitally, without the need to visit the bank.  The upgraded application simplifies the homebuilding journey by bringing key housing loan services to a single digital platform, allowing beneficiaries to manage applications, complete documentation, sign contracts electronically, and track requests and payments on their mobile phones.  Under the updated system, eligible citizens can access the various stages of the housing loan process, from submitting an initial application to completing contractual formalities and following up on subsequent transactions. The initiative is considered a further step in QDB’s efforts to enhance digital service delivery and make housing finance procedures more accessible and efficient for beneficiaries.  A key feature of the updated application is electronic contract signing, which lets customers complete housing loan agreements digitally instead of travelling to a bank branch to finalise the paperwork. The app also supports electronic submission of required documents, streamlining administrative procedures and reducing the need for in-person interactions.  Meanwhile, users can create an account, submit housing loan applications, upload supporting documents, review application requirements and monitor the progress of their requests.Beneficiaries can also follow up on payments and access relevant updates through the application.  The digital process covers several stages of the housing journey, including application submission, document verification, contract signing and subsequent follow-up. By consolidating these services in one platform, the updated app aims to make it easier for customers to manage the administrative aspects of building a home.  The launch reflects the growing role of digital platforms in delivering public-facing financial services in Qatar, where institutions increasingly adopt technology to improve customer experience, simplify transactions, and reduce reliance on traditional branch-based procedures.  Accordingly, QDB has encouraged beneficiaries to download the Housing Loan App from the Apple App Store and Google Play to access updated services and begin managing their housing loan processes digitally. 

The Ministry of Commerce and Industry, in cooperation with Qatar Development Bank (QDB) have organized a workshop on governance, risk management, and compliance.The event was attended by private sector representatives, entrepreneurs, and small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) owners, the Ministry has said.It has added that the workshop is part of its joint efforts together with QDB to raise awareness of the importance of adopting best practices in governance, risk management and compliance, and fostering an investment environment conducive to business growth and investment attraction.This should contribute to diversifying the national economy and enhancing its competitiveness and sustainability, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry has said.The workshop has covered a number of specialized topics, enabling participants to gain a better understanding of the concepts of governance, risk management and compliance, and the importance of integrating them to support business sustainability.It has also introduced participants to the roles and responsibilities of relevant stakeholders, accountability mechanisms, and sound decision-making practices, while providing them with a practical approach to identifying and assessing risks.Participants have learned about the key requirements for ensuring that SMEs comply with applicable laws and regulations, as well as ways to translate the principles of governance, risk management and compliance into an integrated corporate framework, with the aim of enhancing institutional performance and building successful and sustainable investment partnerships.The workshop is part of the Ministry's series of ongoing workshops and initiatives seeking to enhance the performance of the private sector and SMEs and supporting higher levels of efficiency, transparency and sustainability, in line with the objectives of the Qatar National Vision 2030. 

The Organizing Committee of the Qatar International Medical Devices & Healthcare Exhibition & Conference (QMED 2026) announced that Qatar Development Bank (QDB) has joined the event as its Strategic Development Partner, reinforcing its commitment to supporting innovation, entrepreneurship, and the sustainable growth of Qatar's healthcare sector. QMED 2026 will take place from 14-16 October 2026 at the Qatar National Convention Centre (QNCC) under the official patronage of the Ministry of Public Health. As Qatar's leading international healthcare exhibition and conference, the event will bring together healthcare providers, medical device manufacturers, pharmaceutical companies, healthcare technology innovators, investors, policymakers, and industry leaders from Qatar and around the world.In a press statement today, QDB said that it's partnership in QMED 2026 aligns with national efforts to build an advanced and sustainable healthcare sector capable of keeping pace with growing local needs and adopting modern solutions and technologies. affirming resolve to continue playing a leading role in empowering Qatar-based companies operating in the medical and healthcare sectors, recognizing their key contribution to enhancing healthcare products and services, strengthening supply chain sustainability, building specialized national capabilities, and driving innovation and investment in this strategic sector.The exhibition is expected to attract more than 20,000 visitors, including industry experts, with the participation of around 150 local and international companies, alongside national pavilions from the United States, Italy, Turkiye, China, and several GCC countries. The event will also feature a scientific conference and specialized workshops exploring the latest developments in medical technology, digital transformation, artificial intelligence, and healthcare innovation.Commenting on QDB's participation in the event, Senior Manager of Marketing and Communications at QDB, Ahmad Hassan Al Mahasna stated: "QDB's participation in QMED 2026 as the event's Development Partner extends its national role in supporting Qatar-based companies operating in priority sectors, foremost among them the healthcare sector. This reflects the sector's strategic importance, as well as the promising opportunities it offers companies and entrepreneurs to develop innovative solutions and build competitive, scalable national capabilities." He added: "We are pleased to participate in this distinguished event, which serves as an interactive platform bringing together businesses, investors, decision-makers, and industry experts. QDB's pavilion will feature a number of Qatari manufacturers and healthcare companies showcasing their products and services, creating opportunities to explore new avenues for collaboration, exchange expertise, and stimulate investment in modern healthcare technologies. This directly aligns with the objectives of the Third Qatar National Development Strategy (2024-2030) to expand the role of the private sector in the national healthcare ecosystem and enhance the quality of services provided in Qatar."For his part, General Manager of the QMED 2026 Organizing Committee, Khalifa Salman Al Mohannadi said: "We are honored to welcome Qatar Development Bank as the Strategic Development Partner of QMED 2026. QDB has played a pivotal role in fostering entrepreneurship, innovation, and private sector development across Qatar, making it an ideal strategic partner for this landmark healthcare event." He went on saying: "This partnership will create valuable opportunities for Qatari companies, healthcare innovators, startups, and investors to connect with international industry leaders, explore new business opportunities, and accelerate innovation within Qatar's healthcare sector."He added that QMED 2026 will continue to strengthen its position as Qatar's premier healthcare exhibition by bringing together government entities, healthcare providers, medical technology companies, researchers, investors, and decision-makers to showcase the latest innovations and build long-term strategic partnerships. 

The Qatar-Kuwait Trade Mission held in Kuwait has concluded with the value of potential deals exceeding QR281mn, reflecting the Kuwaiti market’s interest in Qatari products and their competitiveness across industrial and consumer sectors.This was announced by Qatar Exports, powered by Qatar Development Bank (QDB), citing the participation of 35 Qatari companies representing a wide range of industrial and commercial sectors.The mission attracted strong interest from Kuwaiti companies and served as a strategic platform to strengthen trade ties between the two countries and explore new co-operation opportunities in an active market with growing demand for Qatari products and services.The business-to-business (B2B) meetings between Qatari companies and Kuwaiti importers, distributors, and wholesalers delivered promising initial outcomes. More than 360 B2B meetings were held, and over 400 visitors attended across the two-day event.Qatari participation reflected strong sector diversity, including building and construction materials, spare parts and vehicle services, paints and construction chemicals, electrical cables, chemical products, food, plastics and packaging, as well as oil and gas and paper products. The diversity enabled Kuwaiti companies to explore a broad selection of high-quality, competitive Qatari products.The mission comes amid steady growth in economic relations between Qatar and Kuwait. In 2024, bilateral trade reached approximately QR11.16bn, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 23% since 2019. Qatari exports to Kuwait also recorded significant growth, reaching QR8.2bn in 2024. This continued growth highlights strong opportunities to further expand cooperation in the future.Qatar Exports continues its efforts to help Qatari companies expand into regional markets. The mission marks another milestone in a series of successful trade missions aimed at opening priority markets for Qatar-based companies and supporting Qatari exporters through trade missions focused on networking and partnership building.The results achieved in Kuwait this year reaffirm Qatar Exports’ vital role in diversifying Qatar’s export base and strengthening the presence of national companies in GCC markets, in line with the Third National Development Strategy and Qatar National Vision 2030. 

The State of Qatar and the Sultanate of Oman signed an MoU aimed at strengthening partnership, trade and investment integration and encouraging exports between the two countries, on the sidelines of the 24th session of the Qatari-Omani Joint Committee, held during the period of Dec. 10-11 in Muscat, Sultanate of Oman.Representing the Qatari side, His Excellency Minister of Finance Ali bin Ahmed Al Kuwari signed the MoU, while the Minister of Finance of Oman represented the Omani side by signing.The MoU aims to enhance cooperation between the two sides in the areas of financing and credit facilities through Qatar Development Bank's (QDB) buyer credit program, which supports the implementation of projects included in the Omani Ministry of Finance's budget, and allows the utilization of Qatari capabilities in export and financing, thereby enhancing the competitiveness of Qatari exports and contributing to the diversification of the two countries' economies.HE Minister of Finance also witnessed the signing of another MoU between QDB and the Ministry of Commerce, Industry, and Investment Promotion of the Sultanate of Oman, which aims to trade and facilitate exports between the two countries.During this event, His Excellency emphasized the importance of this agreement and its effective role, noting that the cooperation between the State of Qatar and Oman is based on a share vision to enhance economic integration.The signing of the MoUs represents a new step in the path of bilateral partnership that supports the two countries' efforts towards a more diversified and sustainable economy.The Qatari-Omani Joint Committee held its first meeting in Doha in April 1995, and its meetings have continued since then, alternating between the two countries, in order to strengthen the path of cooperation and joint coordination.

Qatar Fintech Hub (QFTH), supported by Qatar Development Bank (QDB), has concluded the seventh wave of ‘Demo Day’ of fintech companies graduating from its pre-acceleration and acceleration programmes.The event was attended by representatives from regulators, business ecosystem partners, and a select group of investors, financial sector leaders, and entrepreneurs. QDB, represented by QFTH, made a strategic announcement regarding the ‘Fintech Development Grant’ provided by the Qatar Central Bank (QCB), and the launch of the new model of the ‘Pre-seed Investment Programme’.The event, held under the title ‘Fintech Transformed: From Vision to Impact’, reaffirmed the continued progress of Qatar’s financial ecosystem. This year’s edition, the largest in terms of participating companies, featured presentations from 20 startups enrolled in the ‘pre-acceleration and acceleration programmes.These startups had undergone weeks of thorough hands-on training and specialised mentorship, covering technical and organisational product development, navigating legal and regulatory procedures, preparing for investment, and entering and competing in the market.The seventh wave of companies demonstrated significant maturity and diverse expertise, spanning strategic areas that contribute to the future development of Qatar’s financial sector. These areas include Open Banking, Crowdfunding, InsurTech, and Emerging Tech, in alignment with the objectives of Qatar’s National FinTech Strategy and the Third Financial Sector Strategic Plan.The ‘Fintech Development Grant’, provided by the QCB through QFTH, will offer co-funding of up to QR1.5mn per company, linked to key milestones in each company’s growth journey. The grant aims to enhance technical and regulatory readiness, support product development, and facilitate market entry.QDB also presented the updated model of the ‘Pre-seed Investment Programme’ to finance early-stage companies and graduates of QFTH programmes, announcing an increase in direct investment funding to QR730,000 ($200,000) per company. This comes in addition to other high-quality support services and packages provided by the hub, most notably the opportunity to apply to the ‘Talent Community Programme’, which is designed to attract specialised talent to work in Qatar by offering premium residential spaces.The event also witnessed the announcement of the redesign of the QFTH’s operating methodology through the introduction of an applied model known as the ‘Lab Model’. This model provides a practical pathway for product development and regulatory readiness, enabling companies to transition to the testing environment (sandbox) and initiate the licensing process quickly and effectively. The hub will also hold discussion sessions with companies to better understand their needs and work to address them through an integrated support ecosystem.The success of the latest wave marks a continuation of QDB’s journey in supporting innovation in the fintech sector. Through QFTH, QDB has successfully graduated seven waves of fintech companies so far, in addition to the support it has provided through investments and financing exceeding QR73mn within the sector, whether through the QFTH or QDB’s investment arm.This reflects QDB’s pivotal role in strengthening Qatar’s position as a regional centre for fintech, based on strategic partnerships with regulators and financial and technical institutions. The momentum was further reinforced by recent achievements during QDB’s participation in the Singapore FinTech Festival, which resulted in the signing of a strategic agreement with the Global Finance & Technology Network (GFTN) to establish a fintech centre of excellence and support in Qatar, the first-of-its-kind in the region, as well as to host an international fintech forum in Qatar in the future. It represents a significant addition to the supportive ecosystem and advanced infrastructure provided by Qatar. 

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.

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.