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His Excellency CEO of the Qatar Free Zones (QFZ) Authority Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Faisal al-Thani said that Qatar National Day is a cherished national occasion to recall the values upon which the State of Qatar was founded, the values of faith, responsibility, and hard work, adding that these are the same principles that today guide the country towards achieving comprehensive development and enhancing its position on the global arena.Speaking to Qatar News Agency (QNA) on the occasion of the country's National Day, Sheikh Mohammed extended his warm congratulations to His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, the leader and patron of Qatar's advancement, and to His Highness the Father Amir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani, whose foresighted vision laid the foundations for the country's development and put it on path towards a bright future.He added that recalling the role of the Founder Sheikh Jassim bin Mohammed bin Thani is not merely a remembrance of the founding history, but a reminder of today's responsibility towards the future, adding that loyalty and belonging in the context of institutions and the economy mean converting the national vision into tangible outcomes, which include quality investments, sustainable job opportunities, a diversified economy, and international leadership supported by trust and achievement.He noted that the authority continues to perform its role as a catalyst for the growth of value-added sectors, in line with the objectives of the Qatar National Vision 2030 (QNV 2030) and the Third National Development Strategy, particularly with regard to attracting foreign direct investment, developing human capital, and achieving environmental and economic sustainability.On a personal level, he said that Qatar National Day is a moment to reflect on and assess institutional responsibility in achieving real economic impact, and evaluating the extent of actual contribution to supporting the stability of the state and its sustainable growth, adding that it is also an occasion to renew the collective commitment to diligent, results-driven work that befits the aspirations of the nation and its leadership.Regarding the QFZ's most prominent achievements in 2025, he said that the authority continued its role in supporting the transition towards a diversified, knowledge-based economy, thanks to an investment base of more than 800 companies licensed in the free zones, providing over 12,000 jobs, with cumulative investments approaching $5bn by the end of 2025.He pointed out that this year marked a shift from attracting investments to operating advanced industrial and technological facilities.In the aviation sector, the Safran Group opened its regional office in the free zones in cooperation with Qatar Airways, enhancing the country's capabilities in aircraft engine maintenance and data analytics.In the logistics sector, FedEx Logistics opened a new facility at the Ras Bufontas Free Zone, thus, strengthening Qatar's position as a key hub for international trade and supply chains.For its part, Alfardan Automotive inaugurated an advanced logistics centre in Umm Alhoul Free Zone.In the maritime sector, the MARSA port project in Umm Alhoul Free Zone was advanced through the signing of two memorandums of understanding (MoUs), with Feadship, and with Marina Port Vell, enhancing Qatar's position as a regional hub for maritime services, marine industries, and luxury yachts.The QFZ also signed strategic agreements with global partners, most notably a strategic MoU with WuXi Biologics, the leading Chinese international company in biologics research, development, and manufacturing, an important step aimed at strengthening Qatar's pharmaceutical ecosystem, driving research, development, and innovation in this field, and cooperating in the local manufacturing of biologic products.QFZ's co-operation in 2025 also included signing an agreement with Samsung C&T Corporation to implement innovative projects in renewable energy and low-carbon digital infrastructure, as well as an MoU with Russia's BIOCAD to develop biologics research, development, and manufacturing facilities.At the local level, the Authority signed an agreement with Jusour to support training national talents to meet the needs of advanced sectors in the free zones.Regarding new projects supporting digital transformation and contributing to the growth of the emerging technology sector, he said that the QFZ continues to enable the state's digital transformation by developing advanced technological infrastructure that enhances the local economy's readiness for next-generation applications.The year 2025 has been pivotal in this regard, with the free zones witnessing an expansion in the presence of global and local digital companies, in addition to the growth of cloud infrastructure and data centres, he noted.The Google Cloud Center of Excellence emerged as one of the key pillars in building digital capabilities, offering specialised training programs this year in artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and data analytics, contributing to the development of national talent and support for the private sector.The free zones also saw digital companies such as Kingdee, Quantiphi, and Qcloud expand data centre capabilities in Ras Bufontas Free Zone, as part of building an integrated digital ecosystem that supports artificial intelligence and Internet of Things (IoT) solutions, forming a foundation for emerging technologies.Digital transformation also strengthens joint projects with Samsung C&T Corporation, which combine digital innovation and sustainability through the development of smart energy solutions and low-carbon infrastructure.Technological advancement has extended to the maritime sector, where the MARSA port project introduced advanced digital systems for marina management and marine maintenance, an initiative showcased during the QFZ's participation in the Monaco Yacht Show 2025.These initiatives contribute to supporting the implementation of Qatar's Digital Agenda 2030 and consolidating the position of the free zones as a leading platform for innovation and advanced technologies in the region.Regarding QFZ's key strategic priorities for the coming year, His Excellency said that the authority will focus on developing a more flexible and competitive investment ecosystem that supports achieving the targets of the Third National Development Strategy to reach $100bn in foreign direct investment over the coming years.The QFZ's priorities include enhancing the regulatory environment through the development of a dual licensing model, which allows companies to operate in the free zones and the local market through an integrated operational mechanism, enabling greater flexibility in expansion, production, and export.The Authority is also working to enhance its investment services by simplifying procedures, expanding digital services, and improving investor experience from establishment through to operation.As part of strengthening national competitiveness, QFZ is focusing on reinforcing economic and logistical integration between the free zones and national infrastructure at ports and the airport, creating a coherent operational network that facilitates the movement of goods and supports companies' expansion into regional and global markets.The authority also seeks to develop a regulatory and operational framework that enables investors to establish centres of excellence and research and development facilities in the free zones, in co-operation with universities and national institutions. This aims to enhance innovation, link future industries with applied research, and create high-quality job opportunities for Qatari talent.Sustainability remains a central pillar in the coming year's plans, adopting low-carbon energy solutions, enhancing environmental, social, and governance (ESG) standards, and ensuring that new projects align with the state's goals of improving energy efficiency and reducing carbon emissions.He concluded his statement to QNA by saying that these priorities aim to enhance the ability of the free zones to attract high-value investments, expand their contribution to driving economic growth, and consolidate the position of the State of Qatar as a leading global destination for investment and innovation.

Qatar Free Zones Authority (QFZ) and DHL Global Forwarding have officially inaugurated the group’s new logistics facility at Ras Bufontas Free Zone.The inauguration marks an important expansion of DHL’s presence in Qatar and reinforces Qatar’s free zones status as a premier destination for global logistics operators.The inauguration ceremony was held in the presence of HE Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim al-Thani, chairman of both Al Faisal Holding and the Qatari Businessmen Association (QBA), and shareholder of DHL Global Forwarding Qatar; Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Faisal al-Thani, CEO of QFZ; and Samer Kaissi, CEO – Gulf Cluster, DHL Global Forwarding.The new DHL Global Forwarding facility spans more than 1,200sq m and will serve as a regional distribution warehouse specialising in air freight consolidation services, supporting both regional and global distribution networks. Strategically located within proximity to Hamad International Airport, the facility is ideally positioned to capitalise on Qatar’s world-class transport infrastructure and streamlined customs processing.The facility further strengthens Qatar’s appeal as a competitive base for high-value logistics operations. DHL Global Forwarding will offer a suite of services from the new facility, including air, sea and land logistics services, marine shipping agent operations, general warehousing, and customs brokerage.Sheikh Mohammed said: “The inauguration of DHL Global Forwarding in Ras Bufontas Free Zone reflects a strategic step to reinforce Qatar’s stature as a high-value logistics hub, reducing time to markets and enhancing the supply chain flexibility across the region.“As a global logistics leader, DHL will improve the operational capacity, enhance specialised warehousing capabilities, and reinforce multimodal connectivity, benefiting from the proximity to Hamad International Airport, and creating an attractive footprint for partners and suppliers across various economic sectors.”He added: “This investment will also drive our transition from a transit hub to an integrated solutions platform supported by a flexible regulatory framework and advanced digital infrastructure, ensuring new growth prospects and connecting the region to markets in Africa and Asia.”Kaissi said: “Qatar plays a key role in our regional logistics strategy, particularly as we expand our multimodal capabilities across the GCC. Hamad Port has long been a vital part of our network, supporting east-west trade flows. Thanks to our collaboration with the Qatar Free Zones Authority, we now also benefit from improved connectivity to the Hamad International Airport.“With our new facility in Ras Bufontas Free Zone, located close to the airport, we are enhancing our airfreight capabilities, which enable us to deliver even more resilient and scalable logistics solutions, especially for the growing GCC-Africa corridors. This provides us with enhanced flexibility and continuity across critical sectors such as life sciences, energy, and e-commerce.”QFZ remains committed to accelerating Qatar’s logistics growth and enabling strategic investment that aligns with Qatar National Vision 2030, positioning the state as a hub for sustainable, innovation-led industrial activity.

The Qatar Free Zones Authority (QFZ) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Marina Port Vell Barcelona, one of the world's leading superyacht destinations and a luxury maritime leader, to jointly develop the Marsa Maritime ecosystem into a premier hub for high-end yachting operations.The partnership aims to attract top-tier vessels, leading service providers, and international maritime expertise, bolstering Qatar's position in the global superyacht industry, QFZ said in a statement Saturday.The MoU was signed by CEO of QFZ, Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Faisal al-Thani and CEO of Marina Port Vell Barcelona, Ignacio Erroz on the sidelines of the 34th Monaco Yacht Show.Under the MoU, Marina Port Vell Barcelona will provide advisory and consultancy support, leveraging its extensive knowledge of superyacht port requirements and experience managing dedicated infrastructure for high-end vessels. The partnership will also explore opportunities to position Qatar and Marsa Maritime as a regional hub for custom yacht operations by fostering connections between yacht owners, industry professionals, and Qatar's world-class facilities.Sheikh Mohammed stated: "This strategic partnership with Marina Port Vell Barcelona represents an important step in QFZ's journey to redefine the luxury maritime landscape. With world-class facilities and advanced technologies, we are positioning Marsa as the Gulf's newest hub for superyachts, service providers, and global investors, driving innovation and setting new standards in alignment with the Qatar National Vision 2030."As per the MoU, Marina Port Vell Barcelona directors may engage in select high-level events in Qatar, reinforcing their commitment to the development of a robust maritime ecosystem and promoting Marsa Maritime as a premier destination for the global yachting community.Ignacio Erroz said: "We are proud to collaborate with QFZ in shaping the future of Marsa Maritime, a project with exceptional potential in Qatar's growing market. By sharing our expertise and engaging with yacht owners and professionals worldwide, we aim to support Marsa's emergence as a premier hub for luxury yachting in the region." Anchored in the heart of Umm Alhoul Free Zone and just 20 minutes from Doha's city centre, Marsa Maritime is uniquely positioned beside Hamad Port, one of the largest greenfield seaports, enabling it to serve as a base for diverse marine activities. From vessel maintenance and repair to interior design, provisions supply, safety training, brokerage, and maritime research, Marsa offers unparalleled opportunities for international companies seeking to access Qatar's thriving market and the wider region.

The Qatar Free Zones Authority (QFZ) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Feadship, the world-renowned Dutch builder of custom superyachts, to explore collaboration in marine infrastructure, design, and sector engagement.The MoU, signed during the 34th Monaco Yacht Show, reflects a shared vision to develop Marsa Port at Umm Alhoul Free Zone into a premier superyacht destination in the Gulf, fostering excellence across maintenance, refit, provisioning, and owner experiences.The MoU, seen as a strategic move that underscores Qatar’s growing role in the global superyacht industry, was formalised by QFZ CEO Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Faisal al-Thani and Feadship chief commercial officer Bas Nederpelt.Under the MoU, Feadship will provide advisory support to QFZ’s leadership on the development of world-class maintenance, repair, and refit (MRR) facilities, while also contributing to broader initiatives to enhance Qatar’s role in custom yacht design and luxury maritime innovation.Sheikh Mohammed said, “Qatar is becoming a global hub for the superyacht community, driven by world-class infrastructure and a market forecast to grow 7.4% annually through 2030. With the highest ownership per capita in the region, our partnership with Feadship advances our ambition to make Marsa the Gulf’s leading superyacht destination - creating lasting value for investors, owners, and the maritime sector.”Beyond port infrastructure, the collaboration opens new avenues for global engagement through high-level events, knowledge sharing, and owner experiences that will draw international attention to Qatar’s evolving marine sector.Nederpelt said, “Feadship welcomes the opportunity to explore this collaboration with QFZ. We recognise Qatar’s ambition to develop Marsa Port as a destination for the superyacht community and are pleased to contribute in an advisory capacity as part of this exploratory partnership. This MoU reflects our shared commitment to knowledge exchange and dialogue, ensuring that any future steps are aligned with the highest standards of our industry.”The partnership is part of QFZ’s broader strategy to create a future-focused, sustainable marine cluster that attracts leading global players, enhances the Gulf region’s luxury offerings, and places Qatar firmly on the global superyacht map.

Qatar Free Zones Authority (QFZ) and Bin Yousef Cargo have announced the official opening of a new warehouse facility at Ras Bufontas Free Zone.The facility underscores the shared commitment of both entities to strengthening Qatar’s position as a pivotal hub for regional and global supply chain and logistics.Marking a significant milestone in Bin Yousef Cargo’s expansion strategy, the facility has already completed its first shipment. Strategically located near the award-winning Hamad International Airport and Hamad Port, it offers seamless connectivity to major transportation routes, enabling Bin Yousef Cargo to deliver efficient, integrated logistics and distribution solutions to its clients.In addition to its prime location, the facility provides a comprehensive suite of value-added services, including custom packaging, inventory management, and order fulfilment, tailored to meet the needs of businesses across diverse industries in Qatar and the wider region.Equipped with state-of-the-art amenities, the facility ensures optimal operational efficiency and top-tier service standards, reinforcing Bin Yousef Cargo’s position as a trusted logistics partner committed to excellence and innovation.Operating within Qatar’s free zones enables Bin Yousef Cargo to deliver cost-efficient solutions through competitive pricing and flexible terms, supporting clients in optimising their logistics costs.Customers also stand to benefit from streamlined customs procedures and duty exemptions on transshipments, simplifying trade operations and providing regulatory advantages that enhance ease of doing business in the region.Abdulla Hamad al-Binali, acting chief operating officer at QFZ, said: “The opening of Bin Yousef Cargo’s state-of-the-art facility in Qatar’s free zones is a strategic step that reflects QFZ’s commitment to enhancing the competitiveness of the logistics sector and expanding our network of partnerships with top logistics solutions providers.“We are committed to empowering businesses with competitive advantages, world-class infrastructure, and integrated logistical connectivity that provides an ideal environment for growth and expansion. The addition of Bin Yousef Cargo’s advanced facility to our ecosystem reinforces our role as a catalyst for trade excellence in the region.”Jiju Haneef, director, Cargo Operations at Bin Yousef Cargo, said: “The launch of our Qatar’s free zones warehouse and the successful execution of our maiden shipment represent a strategic leap forward in our mission to provide world-class logistics solutions.“This facility strengthens our ability to offer enhanced services, cost efficiencies, and regulatory benefits to our clients. We are proud to contribute to Qatar’s vision of becoming a global logistics hub and look forward to supporting businesses with unmatched agility and reliability.”QFZ remains committed to accelerating Qatar’s logistics growth and enabling strategic investments that align with Qatar National Vision 2030 and the Third National Development Strategy (NDS3), positioning the country as a hub for sustainable, innovation-led industrial activity.

Qatar Free Zones Authority (QFZ) and FedEx Logistics, a subsidiary of FedEx Corporation, have officially opened a new regional logistics facility at Ras Bufontas Free Zone, marking a significant step in Qatar’s emergence as a leading hub for global trade and supply chain operations.The inauguration was attended by Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Faisal al-Thani, CEO, QFZ, and Patrick Moebel, President of FedEx Logistics, alongside senior executives from both parties. The opening of the centre comes within the framework of the existing partnership between QFZ and FedEx Logistics and based on the agreement signed between them in 2024.Operated by FedEx Logistics Qatar QFZ LLC, the 1,249sq m facility features integrated warehousing, storage, and office spaces. Plugged into the FedEx global network, it will serve as a key gateway for freight forwarding and scheduling, facilitating the movement of goods between major markets in Asia, Europe, and North America.Situated next to Hamad International Airport and close to Hamad Port, the facility offers seamless access to air transportation and freight, as well as access to knowledgeable guidance on customs brokerage processes.It will provide end-to-end supply chain solutions for industries, including retail, automotive, and technology.The facility supports Qatar’s rapidly expanding logistics sector valued at $10.14bn and projected to reach $13.49bn by 2030, with the country ranked seventh globally for logistics competence in the Agility Emerging Markets Logistics Index 2024.Sheikh Mohammed said: “We are proud to welcome FedEx Logistics to our thriving logistics ecosystem, home to four of the world’s top ten logistics providers.“The investment by FedEx underscores QFZ’s competitive advantages, world-class infrastructure, seamless logistics connectivity network, strategic geographical location close to the most prominent global markets, enhancing the ability of investing companies to reach large segments of consumers globally.“We are confident that this milestone will contribute to strengthening Qatar’s leadership as a global hub for innovation, logistics and international trade.”Moebel commented: “Establishing this facility in Qatar enables us to connect our Qatari and regional customers to major markets in Asia, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and North America with greater speed and efficiency.“By integrating this location into the FedEx global network, we can deliver smarter, more reliable logistics solutions that help businesses grow and compete in today’s fast-moving global economy.”By boosting freight connectivity and enabling more efficient global supply chains, the FedEx Logistics facility will contribute to sustainable growth, private sector expansion, and enhanced global competitiveness.This aligns with the goals of Qatar National Vision 2030 and advances the Third National Development Strategy (NDS3), which identifies logistics as a key pillar of economic diversification.