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Tuesday, February 10, 2026 | Daily Newspaper published by GPPC Doha, Qatar.

Tag Results for "USQBC Doha" (5 articles)

Khush Choksy, Senior Vice-President of the Chamber for Middle East, Central Asia and Türkiye.
Qatar

US Chamber bullish on Qatar business growth

The US Chamber of Commerce is bullish on US-Qatar commercial relationship reaching new heights.Khush Choksy, Senior Vice-President of the Chamber for Middle East, Central Asia and Türkiye, was in Qatar recently and held several meetings with key stakeholders in the public and private sectors, including the Minister of Finance, the Minister of ICT, Deputy Governor of the Central Bank, the CEO of the Qatar Financial Center, and leadership of the Qatar Chamber of Commerce and the USQBC Doha. He said that in the energy, tech, financial, health care, transport, and tourism sectors significant growth will take place with US businesses actively engaged.The US Chamber continues to highlight Qatar’s role as a hub for American investment in energy and technology. He emphasised that LNG expansion remains a major draw, with US firms closely watching opportunities in the North Field.“They’re all very interested in the expansion of the North Field. That’s going to be very big,” Choksy pointed out.On the technology side, the US Chamber’s affiliates in the region (AmCham MENA) participated in the recently concluded Web Summit Qatar to connect American companies with Qatari counterparts. Choksy said the event showcased the scale of US participation, with many American company booths drawing large crowds.Choksy praised Qatar’s low-cost energy, fibre connectivity, and policy frameworks, saying these have created a strong platform for US tech firms. Choksy pointed to the technology framework introduced several years ago as a turning point: “You have the energy, low-cost energy. You have the nodes and the fiber coming in. But most importantly...the whole ICT framework that Qatar put in place.”He also hailed Qatar’s ability to leverage sports infrastructure for broader economic growth. “Following the 2022 FIFA World Cup, visitor numbers surged from 2.7mn in 2022 to 6mn in 2025. They’ve really leveraged upon the World Cup and the presence and the infrastructure to grow,” Choksy stressed.Beyond energy and technology, Choksy emphasised that critical minerals are becoming a new area of cooperation, citing Qatar as the eighth Pax Silica signatory. He also said the US Chamber is strengthening institutional linkages in Doha, citing the US-Qatar Business Council Doha (USQBC Doha) as its formal partner.“Additionally we are really looking at third-country co-operation with the US, Qatar, and Syria, and we hope to organise a dedicated session on this during the upcoming Qatar Economic Forum,” Choksy told *Gulf Times.Choksy noted that partnerships are already emerging, adding: “We think that there’s a perfect match between American companies, large Qatari private sector enterprises, and Syrian businesses.” 

Sheikha Mayes Hamad al-Thani, managing director of USQBC Doha and Khush Choksy, senior vice-president for Middle East, Central Asia, and Turkiye, and senior vice-president for International Member Relations at the USCC, during a welcome reception held recently in Doha.
Business

USQBC Doha hosts welcome reception for US Chamber of Commerce delegation

The US-Qatar Business Council – Doha (USQBC Doha) hosted a welcome reception for the visiting US Chamber of Commerce (USCC) delegation, bringing together senior representatives from the public and private sectors to mark the continued strength of US–Qatar commercial ties.The reception provided an opportunity for key stakeholders from the public and private sectors to connect and reaffirm the importance of sustained engagement across the US-Qatar economic corridor. The gathering reflected the shared commitment of USQBC Doha and the USCC to fostering constructive dialogue, strengthening institutional relationships, and supporting a favourable environment for bilateral trade and investment.Held against the backdrop of Qatar’s recent accession to Pax Silica, the event highlighted the evolving scope of US–Qatar economic co-operation across both established and emerging industries.USQBC Doha continues to serve as a platform for economic diplomacy, private sector engagement, and investment facilitation, supporting initiatives that align commercial opportunity with national development priorities in both countries.“USQBC Doha is pleased to welcome the US Chamber delegation to Qatar at a time of strong momentum in our bilateral economic relationship,” said Sheikha Mayes Hamad al-Thani, managing director of USQBC Doha.“The US Chamber of Commerce is a valued strategic partner in advancing private-sector collaboration between our two countries. Through our close co-operation, we aim to strengthen institutional linkages, support business-to-business engagement, and help translate the depth of the US-Qatar relationship into tangible, long-term commercial partnerships across priority sectors,” she said.The event drew participation from a broad cross-section of stakeholders, underscoring the importance of co-ordinated engagement between the public and private sectors in advancing shared economic objectives.“The US-Qatar commercial relationship continues to thrive, driven by shared values, mutual interests, and a commitment to fostering innovation and growth,” said Khush Choksy, senior vice-president for Middle East, Central Asia, and Turkiye, and senior vice-president for International Member Relations at the USCC.“This event underscores the importance of sustained collaboration between our public and private sectors, and we are proud to work alongside USQBC Doha to deepen ties, unlock new opportunities, and support the long-term prosperity of both our nations,” he added.The reception forms part of USQBC Doha’s broader mission to advance economic diplomacy, facilitate market access, support high-impact partnerships, and lead strategic engagement that translates US–Qatar economic co-operation into sustainable commercial outcomes and long-term growth for both economies.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 council engages stakeholders through strategic dialogue, institutional partnerships, and sector-specific initiatives that align with national development goals and evolving market needs.USQBC Doha contributes to the advancement of the US-Qatar economic relationship by facilitating impactful collaboration, promoting sustainable private sector growth, and enabling innovation across key industries.The USCC is the world’s largest business organisation. Its members range from the small businesses and chambers of commerce across the country that support their communities, to the leading industry associations and global corporations that innovate and solve for the world’s challenges, to the emerging and fast-growing industries that are shaping the future. The US Chamber’s International Division is the cornerstone of its global advocacy efforts, representing the interests of American businesses in markets worldwide. With a team of over 70 regional and policy experts, the division leads initiatives across more than 25 country- and region-specific business councils and programmes, including Qatar, to promote global trade and investment. 

Gulf Times
Business

USQBC Doha, AI Trust Foundation lead high-level US delegation to advance trusted AI and cross-border innovation

The US-Qatar Business Council–Doha (USQBC Doha) and the AI Trust Foundation (AITF) jointly led a high-level US delegation to Doha during World Summit AI (WSAI) MENA 2025, reinforcing a shared commitment to responsible artificial intelligence and cross-border innovation between the US and Qatar. The mission reflects and advances the commitments established under the April 2025 Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between USQBC Doha and AITF, led by USQBC Doha managing director Sheikha Mayes al-Thani.  The 15-member delegation comprised founders and executives from small and medium-sized companies working across AI applications, infrastructure, governance, and cybersecurity. The delegation was co-led by Sheikha Mayes, AITF vice-chair Leah Perry, and AITF board member Justin Floyd, who is also CEO and co-founder of RedCloud Technologies. In addition to attending WSAI MENA 2025, the delegation participated in strategic engagements across Qatar to explore collaboration opportunities in policy, investment, business development, and talent — reflecting strong interest in deploying trustworthy AI solutions in the region.  The visit opened with a welcome reception hosted by USQBC Doha and AITF, with RedCloud Technologies and GemSoft serving as strategic sponsors. The reception convened leaders from the US and Qatari AI ecosystems and focused on responsible AI adoption, data integrity, and emerging investment pathways. The mission aligned with Qatar’s national innovation agenda under the Third National Development Strategy (NDS3) and reinforced the US vision for global leadership in AI. **media[394655]**Sheikha Mayes said, “This delegation reflects the growing depth and maturity of the US-Qatar relationship in advanced technologies. Through USQBC Doha, we are enabling responsible AI collaboration that is commercially viable, policy-informed, and aligned with national priorities.  Qatar’s readiness across infrastructure, strategy, and investment makes it a compelling partner for US innovators seeking to scale trusted solutions globally.” Michael Jordan, CEO at Gem Soft, added: “Gem Soft is proud to have co-sponsored this important delegation, which showcased Qatar’s readiness to lead in secure, trusted AI and digital innovation aligned with Qatar National Vision 2030.  This visit laid the groundwork for concrete partnerships that will translate emerging technologies into real economic impact for both countries.” During the visit, the delegation engaged senior stakeholders shaping Qatar’s innovation landscape. These included a private luncheon with the Minister of State for Foreign Trade Affairs His Excellency Dr Ahmad bin Mohammed al-Sayed at the Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoCI), and an exclusive US-Qatar AI Exchange hosted by YPO Qatar, in collaboration with USQBC Doha and AITF.  Additional engagements included discussions with Eman al-Kuwari, director of Innovation Strategy and head of Emerging Technologies at the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT); and Ahmad el-Dandachi, general manager of Microsoft Qatar; as well as other public- and private-sector leaders.  Discussions focused on policy alignment, capacity-building, investment pathways, and scalable AI deployment. Perry said, “This delegation moved the April 2025 MoU from intent to action. By convening government leaders, global technology stakeholders, and founders building real-world AI solutions, we’re establishing practical pathways for trusted AI—grounded in strong governance, privacy, and measurable outcomes.” Delegation members also contributed as speakers and panellists at WSAI MENA 2025, including Perry; Lisa Rice, CEO of the National Fair Housing Alliance; Rami Darawsheh, CEO of Olea Health; and Floyd.  The delegation’s initiatives culminated with RedCloud signing a major joint venture to deploy its RedAI platform in Turkiye’s fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) market—an agreement valued at a minimum of $5mn annually over 10 years. The JV aims to address FMCG supply chain inefficiencies using AI-enabled intelligence and automation, with operations targeted to begin in Q1 2026. “After an impactful week in Qatar, it was exciting to take action by signing RedCloud's second joint venture.  Turkiye’s $166bn FMCG sector faces a $22bn inventory gap that AI can solve. We’re creating smart infrastructure to transform trade across the country and the Mena region, demonstrating how ethical AI can be deployed to address major industry and societal challenges for the good of all,” said Floyd. The mission was organised under the 2025 MoU between USQBC Doha and AITF, which advances collaboration on responsible AI governance, investment, and talent between the US and Qatar.  USQBC Doha and AITF noted that the Doha delegation precedes a broader set of planned initiatives, with additional programming and cross-border engagements to follow.

USQBC Doha managing director Sheikha Mayes Hamad al-Thani (centre) joins (from left) Justin Floyd, co-founder and CEO of Nasdaq-listed company, RedCloud Technologies, and AI Trust Foundation board member; Leah Perry, vice-chair, AI Trust Foundation; Elizabeth Vella Moeller, co-founder, AI Trust Foundation; and Michael Jordan, CEO of Gem Soft, during a reception held recently in Doha.
Business

USQBC Doha, AI Trust Foundation host US AI-startup delegation

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. 

The US-Qatar Business Council – Doha (USQBC Doha) in partnership with the Qatar Research, Development and Innovation (QRDI) Council, hosted a virtual session to connect US firms with Qatar’s dynamic innovation ecosystem.
Business

USQBC Doha and QRDI Council advance US-Qatar R&D collaboration

The US-Qatar Business Council–Doha (USQBC Doha) in partnership with the Qatar Research, Development and Innovation (QRDI) Council, hosted a virtual session to connect US firms with Qatar’s dynamic innovation ecosystem.The webinar highlighted Qatar’s R&D and innovation landscape, and introduced QRDI Council’s strategic programmes, funding opportunities, and pathways for cross-border collaboration with US startups, researchers, and corporate innovation teams in advanced and emerging technologies.The session supported the Third Qatar National Development Strategy (NDS3), which prioritises economic diversification through science, technology, and innovation.By facilitating direct access to Qatar’s innovation platforms and fostering structured exchange between the US and Qatari markets, the event advances USQBC Doha’s mission to deepen bilateral ties and promote innovation-driven growth.QRDI Council’s expertise and strategic initiatives underscore the alignment between institutional offerings and Qatar’s long-term development vision.“Qatar is rapidly emerging as a global hub for innovation, and USQBC Doha is committed to advancing partnerships that position US and Qatari firms at the forefront of this transformation. By linking cutting edge American capabilities with Qatar’s national innovation priorities, we are creating pathways for longterm growth, shared prosperity, and meaningful collaboration across both ecosystems," said Sheikha Mayes H al-Thani, Managing Director of USQBC Doha.“Through our partnership with QRDI Council, we are accelerating cross-border collaboration, unlocking growth pathways, and supporting national innovation priorities.”Hind Zaki, Senior Program Director, Global Innovation Alliances & Partnerships at QRDI Council, said:“By connecting global innovators with our strategic programmes, we create high-value opportunities that benefit both Qatar and international markets. These collaborations reinforce Qatar’s role as the region’s gateway for piloting and innovation, while actively supporting companies in their ability to scale regionally.”This webinar is part of an ongoing collaboration between USQBC Doha and the QRDI Council to create channels for US companies to engage with Qatar’s innovation ecosystem to expand technology and knowledge exchange, strengthen economic ties, and open new opportunities across both economies.USQBC Doha is a strategic platform advancing commercial engagement within and between the US and Qatar. At the intersection of business, policy, and investment, it provides institutional access, market intelligence, and targeted facilitation across high-impact sectors. Through dialogue, partnerships, and sector initiatives, USQBC Doha strengthens bilateral economic ties, supports private sector growth, and fosters innovation aligned with national development goals.QRDI Council is a government entity with the mission to support research, development and innovation (RDI) activities as well as to develop RDI talent in Qatar. The Council strives to make Qatar a top destination for global talent and a pioneering research, innovation, and development hub with its motto“locally empowered, globally connected.”Playing a pivotal role within the Qatar National Development Strategy, the QRDI Council is actively shaping the Innovation component of the Economic Diversification goal. The Council’s commitment underlines its unwavering dedication to the Qatar National Vision 2030.QRDI Council aims to make Qatar a global innovation hub and a top choice for R&D centres worldwide, seeing RDI as vital for Qatar's growth and prosperity.