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As many as 400 international business professionals and diplomatic representatives will gather in Doha Thursday (October 22) for a major networking event highlighting resilience and economic confidence across Qatar’s commercial sector.The upcoming edition of the biannual ‘Back 2 Business’ event will take place at the Pullman Hotel Doha West Bay, coinciding with Qatar Sustainability Week, according to Italian Chamber of Commerce in Qatar president Palma Libotte.Organised by the Italian Chamber of Commerce in Qatar, in collaboration with the American, German and French Chambers of Commerce, the Dutch Business Council, the German Business Council, LIFE and EO, the event reflects the strength of international cooperation and the shared commitment to supporting business growth in Qatar, Libotte said.Libotte emphasised the role of long-term community relationships in supporting regional business growth.“Back 2 Business stands strong because the community behind it stands strong. For 19 years, we have brought people together twice a year, building relationships that go beyond a single evening.“The response to this edition shows how much our business community values the opportunity to reconnect, exchange ideas and support one another. Nearly 400 participants coming together is a strong statement of confidence in Doha and in the power of international collaboration,” Libotte stated.The event will feature open networking alongside a dedicated executive speed networking session designed to connect senior decision-makers and identify cross-industry synergies.Diplomatic representatives expected to attend include the EU ambassador to Qatar alongside the ambassadors of Italy, Germany, and the Netherlands.Libotte added: “The strong response to the event demonstrates that, despite regional and global challenges, Doha’s international business community remains engaged, connected and determined to move forward. Face-to-face networking continues to play a vital role in building trust, exchanging ideas and creating opportunities across industries and borders.” 

A delegation from the Pakistan Business Council (PBC) Qatar has visited the Rawah Residence in Lusail, marking a significant milestone in cross-border real estate engagement.The visit, which included a tour of fully furnished model units, comes at a time when Qatar’s residential market is experiencing a sharp rebound, with transaction values surging by 28.5% year-on-year (y-o-y) in Q1 2026 to reach QR9.2bn.According to data from the Ministry of Justice and Aqarat, the real estate sector has seen a strong recovery, with the Qatar Central Bank's Real Estate Price Index showing an 8% y-o-y rise in March 2026. The Qatar Central Bank's Real Estate Price Index reached 243.12 points in July 2026, reflecting a 6.81% y-o-y increase, while market transaction data for August 2026 showed continued activity, with 114 residential unit transactions recorded during the month.For the Pakistani diaspora, which constitutes a significant portion of Qatar's expatriate community, the visit highlighted the tangible benefits of Qatar’s foreign ownership reforms. Under the current regulations, foreign nationals are now eligible for renewable residency permits for themselves and their families when purchasing property.The delegation’s visit focused on the Rawah Residence, a 17-storey tower located in the Al Kharayej district of Lusail, which is a strategic location—one of the 10 designated freehold zones for non-Qataris. The project, developed by Dar Al Asas Real Estate Developments, offers fully furnished apartments with smart home technology and flexible payment plans.PBC Qatar chairman Fawad Rana led the delegation of business leaders and community figures during the visit as the reviewed the construction progress, which remains on track for a Q4 2027 delivery.Rana said: “This visit reflects the growing confidence of the Pakistani business community in Qatar's real estate market. Lusail is not just a development, it is a statement of Qatar's ambition under Qatar National Vision 2030. The Rawah Residence offers our community a secure, high-quality investment avenue with clear legal protections and attractive returns.“I am particularly encouraged by the transparency of the foreign ownership framework and the professionalism of the developer. This is exactly the kind of partnership that deepens bilateral economic ties."Market analysts point to Lusail as the standout performer in Qatar's property landscape. Average apartment prices in Lusail have risen 1.5% y-o-y to approximately QR10,330 per square metre. A two-bedroom unit in the Rawah Residence, for instance, is currently listed at QR2.07mn, reflecting the premium for luxury, fully furnished assets in the city.PBC Qatar president Mohammed Israr Malazi emphasised the strategic alignment between the community's investment goals and Qatar's economic diversification agenda.He said, “For decades, the Pakistani diaspora has contributed to Qatar's growth. Today, we are moving from being contributors to being stakeholders. The reforms under Law No 16 of 2018 have opened a door that was previously closed, allowing families to own property, secure renewable residency, and plan for the long term.“The Rawah Residence is a flagship example of how this policy translates into real opportunity. I encourage our community members to explore this and similar projects in designated freehold zones, because this is not just about buying a home; it is about investing in a shared future.”For the Pakistani community in Qatar, the visit to Rawah Residence represents more than just a real estate opportunity – it signifies a deepening of economic ties and a commitment to long-term settlement in the country.As the market continues to mature, with developers aligning new supply to meet demand and rental yields holding steady at 5.17% nationally, Lusail remains a focal point for sustainable growth, reinforcing Qatar National Vision 2030's goal of building a diversified, knowledge-based economy supported by a dynamic and sustainable real estate sector. 

The Qatari-Saudi Joint Business Council convened Sunday, co-chaired by Qatar Chamber chairman Sheikh Khalifa bin Jassim al-Thani and Hamad bin Ali al-Shuwaier, chairman of the Saudi side.Discussions focused on key economic and commercial issues aimed at accelerating economic integration between the two countries. Key areas included increasing bilateral trade, facilitating cross-border business establishment, promoting mutual investments, and reinforcing the private sector’s pivotal role in advancing economic integration.The meeting was also attended by Qatar Chamber first vice-chairman Mohamed bin Towar al-Kuwari, second vice-chairman Rashid bin Hamad al-Athba, who is also vice-chairman of the Joint Business Council’s Qatari side, along with council members from both sides.The council also discussed local government investment initiatives under public-private partnerships (PPP) offered by both governments to the private sector, identifying priority sectors for investment, exploring frameworks for cooperation on international projects, and establishing a fast-track mechanism to address challenges facing Qatari and Saudi investors.Both sides affirmed their commitment to developing mechanisms for trade and investment cooperation in a manner that contributes to advancing development and prosperity in the two brotherly countries.Sheikh Khalifa emphasised that the shared heritage and deep-rooted ties between Qatar and Saudi Arabia provide a strong foundation for strategic and sustainable partnerships that serve the interests of both countries.He noted that both countries share close historical, geographical and social ties, as well as common aspirations for a secure, stable, and prosperous future. He noted that Qatar National Vision 2030 and Saudi Vision 2030 offer broad opportunities to expand cooperation in economic diversification and investment.Sheikh Khalifa said the meeting comes at a critical time marked by rapid regional and global developments, highlighting the need for closer coordination, economic readiness and resilience to ensure business continuity, safeguard supply chains, and address emerging challenges.He said the meeting builds on a series of previous meetings held in Qatar and Saudi Arabia aimed at advancing partnerships between companies, exchanging expertise, addressing challenges facing trade and investment, and facilitating the movement of goods and services.Furthermore, Sheikh Khalifa highlighted opportunities for Qatari and Saudi companies arising from Saudi Arabia’s major projects, including Expo 2030 Riyadh and the 2034 FIFA World Cup, particularly in construction, supply chains, services, tourism, transport, and technology.He also underscored the private sector’s key role in advancing development and economic integration, stressing the importance of greater cooperation and shared responsibility. Sheikh Khalifa expressed hope that the discussions would lead to practical initiatives that strengthen business partnerships and contribute to a more secure, stable and prosperous future for both countries.Al-Shuwaier said since its establishment, the Joint Business Council has developed a strategy aligned with the directives of the leaderships of the two countries, implementing innovative initiatives that have yielded tangible economic results.Highlighting the council’s major achievements, he pointed out that bilateral trade has tripled compared to its 2022 level. Qatari investments in Saudi Arabia have reached around SAR12bn, while Saudi investments in Qatar have reached SAR6bn. He also noted the signing of more than 10 joint agreements and efforts that helped resolve 80% of the identified challenges affecting trade and investment growth.He stressed the important role of business leaders in the next phase, particularly as both governments seek to empower the private sector to lead sustainable economic development, calling for a new strategy in which business leaders and their institutions play a greater role in shaping and implementing joint initiatives.At the conclusion of the meeting, Sheikh Khalifa and al-Shuwaier witnessed the signing of five business agreements between Qatari and Saudi companies spanning diverse economic sectors, including furniture, medical supplies, real estate brokerage, advertising and promotion, exhibitions, and international investment.

The Qatar–Pakistan Joint Business Council held its inaugural session yesterday via video conference, bringing together senior representatives from both countries to strengthen economic and commercial co-operation. The session was attended by Qatar Chamber board member Mohamed bin Ahmed al-Obaidli, who is also chairman of the council’s Qatari side; Zaki Aijaz, vice president of the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI); and Mehmood Arshad, chairman of the Pakistan Chapter of the Qatar–Pakistan Joint Business Council; as well as the Embassy of Pakistan’s commercial attaché. In his remarks, al-Obaidli highlighted the steadily growing relations between Qatar and Pakistan, supported by high-level visits and agreements across various sectors. He noted that bilateral trade reached QR11.8bn in 2025, reflecting strong economic ties. He emphasised that the council serves as a key platform for exploring new investment opportunities and strengthening private-sector partnerships, reaffirming Qatar Chamber’s commitment to supporting enhanced trade and investment co-operation. Al-Obaidli underscored Pakistan’s role as a strategic economic partner, with its dynamic market, skilled workforce, and diverse investment opportunities, while highlighting Qatar’s attractive investment environment aligned with Qatar National Vision 2030. He also stressed the importance of co-operation in several key economic sectors, such as technology, banking, and food security, which provide a qualitative addition to both parties. For his part, Aijaz said the Joint Business Council constitutes an important platform for enhancing co-operation between the Pakistani and Qatari business communities.He lauded the ongoing co-operation between the Federation of Pakistan Chambers and Qatar Chamber, which led to the council’s activation. He noted that Pakistan offers promising investment opportunities in sectors such as agriculture, food security, tourism, logistics, manufacturing, and infrastructure.He called on Qatari investors to explore these opportunities and invest in Pakistan, which welcomes Qatari investments. In turn, Arshad praised the strong economic ties between Pakistan and Qatar, stressing the important role of the private sector in expanding bilateral co-operation.He noted that the business council will enhance communication between businessmen from both sides and help explore investment and partnership opportunities that support greater trade exchange and mutual economic benefits. 

Qatar and Oman Wednesday called for efforts to activate the business council and develop a joint executive action plan to boost trade as Muscat outlines 78 investment opportunities for Qatari investors in variegated fields.Oman showcased investment opportunities in fisheries, food and pharmaceutical industries, manufacturing, technology, minerals, renewable energy, tourism, and agriculture at a meeting hosted by Qatar Chamber (QC) with Qais bin Mohammed al-Yousef, Minister of Commerce, Industry, and Investment Promotion of Oman, and his accompanying delegation.Sheikh Khalifa bin Jassim al-Thani, Qatar Chamber chairman, who received the delegation, said the bilteral economic relations have witnessed remarkable development in recent years, as the volume of trade exchange between Qatar and Oman reached about QR6.2bn in 2024, recording a growth of 17% on an annualised basis.Apart from exploring the possibility of organising an annual Qatari-Omani trade exhibition, the meeting "underlined the need to activate the Qatari-Omani business council and to develop a joint executive action plan aimed at boosting trade exchange and expanding areas of cooperation."Highlighting the promising and diverse opportunities in both countries, Sheikh Khalifa said they provide a solid foundation for enhancing cooperation and implementing joint projects of added value.He called on business owners in both countries to explore the investment opportunities available in both sides.The Omani minister said the Qatari-Omani business forum, held on the sidelines of the visit of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani to Oman, had a significant impact on strengthening relations between the business communities of the two countries and paved the way for further cooperation between companies on both sides.He said that the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries are in the process of entering into several free trade agreements with a number of countries, which will create greater opportunities for cooperation between Qatari and Omani investors to access foreign markets.The Omani delegation highlighted that the 22 free economic and industrial zones provide investment opportunities in logistics, food industries, tourism, mining, education, innovation, technology, health, and additional sectors.Rashid bin Hamad al-Athba, second vice-chairman of the Qatar Chamber, said Qatari businessmen enjoy strong ties with their Omani counterparts and highlighted the shared desire to further enhance this cooperation, with the aim of contributing to stimulating mutual and joint investments and strengthening trade exchange between the two countries.