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Tracking strong momentum in the global markets, the Qatar Stock Exchange Thursday saw its key index gain as much as 120 points and capitalisation add in excess of QR7bn.A higher than average demand at the telecom, banking and insurance counters lifted the 20-stock Qatar Index by 1.07% to 11,336.59 points, although it touched an intraday low of 11,204 points. The foreign institutions’ increased net buying had its influence on the main market, whose year-to-date gains improved to 5.33%. About 54% of the traded constituents extended gains to investors in the main bourse, whose capitalisation, added QR7.2bn or 1.07% to QR680.12bn mainly on large and midcap segments. The Gulf institutions were seen increasingly bullish in the main bourse, whose trade turnover and volumes were seen strengthening. The Islamic index was seen gaining slower than the other indices of the main market, which saw as many as 0.03mn exchange traded funds (sponsored by AlRayan Bank and Doha Bank) valued at QR0.15mn trade across two deals. However, the local retail investors were increasingly net profit takers in the main bourse, which saw no trading of sovereign bonds. The domestic funds were also increasingly bearish in the main market, which saw no trading of treasury bills. The Total Return Index gained 1.07%, the All Share Index by 1.1% and the All Islamic Index by 0.97% in the main bourse. The telecom sector index shot up 1.8%, banks and financial services (1.57%), insurance (1.14%), industrials (0.71%), real estate (0.7%) and consumer goods and services (0.03%); while transport declined 1.04%. As many as 29 gained, while 17 declined and eight were unchanged. Major movers in the main market included Qatar Islamic Bank, Qatar National Cement, QIIB, Qatar Insurance, Qatari Investors Group, QNB, Lesha Bank, Industries Qatar, Mesaieed Petrochemical Holding, Ooredoo and Vodafone Qatar. In the junior bourse, Techno Q saw its shares appreciate in value. Nevertheless, Qatar General Insurance and Reinsurance, Qatar Cinema and Film Distribution, Milaha, Nakilat and Qamco were among the shakers in the main market. The foreign institutions’ net buying increased substantially to QR155.21mn compared to QR15.2mn on January 21. The Gulf institutions’ net buying expanded considerably to QR33.32mn against QR18.41mn the previous day. However, the Qatari retail investors’ net selling expanded drastically to QR132.64mn compared to QR3.51mn on Wednesday. The domestic institutions’ net selling strengthened significantly to QR49.06mn against QR30.31mn on January 21. The Arab retail investors turned net sellers to the tune of QR3.77mn compared with net buyers of QR0.08mn the previous day. The foreign individuals’ net profit booking expanded perceptibly to QR2.22mn against QR0.69mn on Wednesday. The Gulf retail investors were net sellers to the extent of QR0.86mn compared with net buyers of QR0.9mn on January 21. The Arab funds had no major net exposure against net profit takers to the tune of QR0.09mn the previous day. The main market saw a 7% jump in trade volumes to 135.44mn shares, 61% in value to QR627.67mn and 39% in deals to 32,118. In the venture market, a total of 0.01mn equities valued at QR0.03mn changed hands across seven transactions. 

Qatar Chamber and Qatar Development Bank (QDB) have pledged closer co-operation to tackle challenges facing exporting manufacturers, underscoring the private sector’s role in driving industrial growth and expanding Qatari products into global markets.The joint meeting, held at the Chamber’s headquarters in the presence of Qatar Chamber Chairman Sheikh Khalifa bin Jassim al-Thani, brought together senior officials, board members, and leading industrialists.The chamber's side was chaired by first vice-chairman Mohamed bin Towar al-Kuwari, while QDB was represented by CEO Abdulrahman Hashem al-Suwaidi.Also attending were second vice-chairman Rashid bin Hamad al-Athba, Industry Committee chairman Abdulrahman Abdullah al-Ansari, and board members Ali bin Abdul Latif al‑Misnad and Mohamed bin Ahmed al-Obaidli, as well as Qatari businessman Saad bin Abdullah al-Tawah al-Hajri, alongside several other board members and representatives of Qatari industrial companies.Al-Kuwari stressed the importance of collaboration between the two institutions to enhance industrial and economic development. “This cooperation contributes to enabling industrial investors to grow their businesses and expand into foreign markets,” he said. He highlighted the rapid progress of Qatar’s industrial sector and its pivotal role in achieving Qatar National Vision 2030.Al-Kuwari praised QDB’s “vital role in supporting the industrial sector through innovative financing solutions and specialised incentive programmes that empower national factories, support entrepreneurs, encourage innovation, and enhance the competitiveness of Qatari products in local, regional, and global markets”. He affirmed that Qatar Chamber is keen to strengthen integration with QDB to address challenges, seize opportunities, and promote high-value-added industries.Al-Suwaidi welcomed the dialogue, describing QDB as “a key partner for manufacturers and exporters through the comprehensive advisory and financing services it provides to enable the private sector to fulfil its role in economic development”. He emphasised raising awareness of QDB’s support mechanisms, including export insurance policies, raw material financing, global expansion financing, and buyer credit products, which he said are “vital in enabling Qatari exports to access global markets”.Al-Ansari noted that QDB’s export guarantee services will directly benefit manufacturers. He called for greater private sector involvement in selecting target countries and markets, stressing the need to leverage business expertise in shaping export promotion strategies.Al‑Misnad underlined the importance of holding regular joint meetings between QDB and manufacturers to exchange ideas and implement a national strategy for industry, while al-Obaidli highlighted manufacturers’ strong interest in entering new markets and stressed the importance of protecting Qatari factories from challenges abroad, while recognising the significance of both financing and non‑financing services offered by QDB.Al-Hajri echoed these views, emphasising the importance of expanding exports and supporting Qatari products’ access to regional and global markets. He praised QDB’s efforts in promoting exports and Qatar Chamber’s continuous support for industrial development.The meeting also featured extensive discussions among exporters, who raised a number of challenges facing the sector. It was agreed that all issues and proposals would be studied further to strengthen the competitiveness of the Qatari industry and expand its global footprint. 

Alongside all the triumphant AI talk, surging retail spirits and whiplash trades in crypto, a quieter trend was unfolding across global markets in 2025: Diversified strategies posted some of their strongest returns in years.It’s an achievement that has largely flown under the radar.Simple portfolios split between stocks and bonds delivered double-digit advances, the best year since 2019. Multi-asset “quant cocktails” — blending commodities, bonds and global equities — outperformed the S&P 500. A Cambria Investments exchange-traded fund holding 29 ETFs spanning across global markets posted its best year on record, bolstered by hefty gains overseas.This week’s inflation report was a lesson in their wisdom. Softer-than-expected US inflation data on Thursday sparked a rare in-tandem rally in both stocks and bonds. So-called risk parity funds posted gains on the week, a reminder that market conditions still reward balance, even in a world where artificial intelligence continues to obsess investors.But while 2025 may have marked a comeback for old-school Wall Street prudence, it will also go down as another year when investors kept walking away from those very strategies. Capital has continued to migrate toward concentrated Big Tech exposure, thematic trades from nuclear power to quant computing, and blunt hedges such as gold.“Despite all the focus on the AI story, 2025 was not a stocks story,” said Marko Papic, chief strategist at BCA Research. “It was all about global diversification.”As market valuations stretch and concentration deepens — particularly in tech-heavy US benchmarks — some strategists warn that abandoning diversification now could leave portfolios exposed at precisely the wrong moment.Retail investors, in particular, have been backing away from balanced and multi-asset funds for years. The category — including public risk parity funds and 60/40 portfolios, which traditionally allocate 60% to equities and 40% to bonds — has posted outflows for 13 straight quarters, before a modest rebound this autumn, according to JPMorgan Chase & Co. While money has continued to flow into dedicated bond and equity funds, the middle — traditional blended strategies — remains out of favour.Nikolaos Panigirtzoglou, a strategist at JPMorgan, points to a multi-year stretch of underwhelming performance, compounded by unusual cross-asset correlations that dulled returns. The 2022 bond market rout — triggered by aggressive central bank tightening — further damaged confidence in fixed income as a buffer within cross-asset portfolios.“That just destroyed the psyche of retail investors about the bond market,” said Jim Bianco of Bianco Research. “And that’s the big thing — that’s why investors keep jumping around from asset to asset.”April offered a fresh scare. When President Donald Trump announced new trade tariffs during a televised “Liberation Day,” markets sank. The S&P 500 fell 9% in a week; a benchmark 60/40 portfolio dropped more than 5%. Treasury bonds rallied while gold fell. Bitcoin dropped sharply, then snapped back.Yet under the surface, a broadening has been underway for most of the year. Value-oriented equity ETFs, many of which eschew the top-heavy tech complex, pulled in more than $56bn this year, the second-largest annual inflow since at least 2000. Cambria’s Global Value ETF jumped roughly 50%, its best since launch. International stocks rebounded on fiscal reform tailwinds and a weaker dollar. Small caps outperformed in the fourth quarter.Some strategists believe the shift will extend into 2026. Greg Calnon, global co-head of public investing at Goldman Sachs Asset Management, expects US earnings growth to broaden, with small caps and international stocks outperforming. He sees continued strength in municipal bonds, supported by attractive tax-adjusted yields relative to Treasuries and robust investor demand.JPMorgan Asset Management’s David Lebovitz is tilting toward emerging-market debt and UK gilts while maintaining selective US and AI equity exposure.Still, others see signs of froth. Bank of America Corp notes that 2025 showed the second-strongest dip-buying impulse in nearly a century. Emily Roland, co-chief investment strategist at Manulife John Hancock Investments, said markets have become increasingly disconnected from fundamentals.“This year has been a short-term investor’s dream,” she said. “We would be careful with the dash for trash as of late. It has been a momentum-driven year where fundamentals and earnings growth have been seemingly irrelevant.”Yet even as investors abandon classic 60/40 bets, many have not given up on multi-asset approaches. Capital has flowed into alternative assets — from private credit and infrastructure to hedge funds and digital assets — as investors seek exposure beyond public markets. In some cases, the search has become less about portfolio balance and more about access to alternative assets, yield or insulation from public-market volatility.“They aren’t losing faith, but the 60/40 is evolving, and it’s important to recognise that what has worked for the past 25 years may not work as well over the next 25 years,” said JPMorgan’s Lebovitz. “The core concept of diversification still holds, but investors today have many more levers that they can pull.” 

Over the past decade, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has become one of the most attractive destinations for entrepreneurs and investors from around the world. Thanks to its thriving economy, investor-friendly policies, and unmatched access to global markets, the UAE offers the perfect environment for ambitious business owners seeking to grow internationally. Whether you’re a startup founder, SME owner, or established enterprise, expanding to the UAE can open doors to limitless opportunities. For many entrepreneurs exploring business setup in Dubai, the country’s progressive reforms, tax incentives, and world-class infrastructure make it an obvious next step for scaling up operations and entering new markets. In this article, we’ll explore the main reasons why entrepreneurs are expanding their business to the UAE — from economic advantages and access to global trade routes to lifestyle benefits and government support. A strategic global location One of the most compelling reasons to expand to the UAE is its prime geographical position. Located between Europe, Asia, and Africa, the country acts as a natural bridge connecting global markets. Entrepreneurs benefit from: Access to 2 billion consumers within a four-hour flight radiusWorld-class logistics hubs, including Dubai International Airport and Jebel Ali Port—two of the busiest in the worldTime zone advantage, allowing businesses to operate efficiently across both eastern and western markets For e-commerce companies, manufacturers, and service providers, this strategic positioning enables faster trade, lower transportation costs, and smoother global coordination. The UAE’s connectivity through air, sea, and digital infrastructure makes it the ultimate gateway for international expansion. Investor-friendly business environment The UAE government continues to implement reforms that make doing business simpler, faster, and more transparent. Over the years, the country has built a reputation as one of the most business-friendly destinations in the world — reflected in its consistently high ranking on global ease-of-doing-business indexes. Some of the standout features include: 100% foreign ownership in most business sectorsNo personal income tax and highly competitive corporate tax ratesEase of company formation through digital and paperless systemsStable and reliable legal framework based on international standards Free zones across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah further simplify the process by offering entrepreneurs attractive benefits such as zero customs duties, full profit repatriation, and streamlined licensing procedures. These factors combine to create a stable, transparent, and investor-friendly environment that nurtures business growth. Access to a diversified and resilient economy While the UAE’s economy was once largely dependent on oil, today it is one of the most diversified in the region. Non-oil sectors such as tourism, logistics, finance, technology, healthcare, and renewable energy now contribute significantly to the country’s GDP. This diversification offers entrepreneurs a range of opportunities to invest and expand: Technology and innovation: Dubai and Abu Dhabi are developing into regional innovation hubs, home to incubators, accelerators, and fintech companies.Tourism and hospitality: Millions of visitors travel to the UAE every year, creating demand for unique experiences, services, and products.Green energy and sustainability: The UAE’s Vision 2031 and Net Zero 2050 strategies open the door to investors in clean technology and sustainability. By operating in a diversified economy, entrepreneurs reduce risk exposure to single-sector fluctuations and position themselves within an ecosystem built for long-term growth. Advanced infrastructure and digital transformation Another reason why global entrepreneurs are drawn to the UAE is its state-of-the-art infrastructure and commitment to digital innovation. The country consistently ranks among the top globally in infrastructure quality, telecommunications, and smart city initiatives. Key infrastructure advantages: High-speed connectivity and widespread 5G coverageWorld-leading ports and logistics facilities for seamless imports and exportsFree zone and business parks designed specifically for startups and international companiesSmart government services that allow entrepreneurs to handle business registration, licensing, and visa applications online Dubai’s and Abu Dhabi’s ongoing push toward becoming fully digital economies means that entrepreneurs can easily manage operations remotely, leverage e-government platforms, and integrate new technologies such as artificial intelligence and blockchain into their business models. This focus on innovation creates a competitive edge for businesses that rely on automation, data analytics, and digital tools to scale efficiently. Quality of life and talent attraction Beyond its business advantages, the UAE offers one of the highest standards of living in the world, making it an appealing destination for entrepreneurs and employees alike. Safe cities, modern healthcare, world-class education, and a vibrant multicultural community attract top talent from across the globe. Lifestyle and workforce benefits include:A cosmopolitan environment with residents from over 200 nationalitiesTax-free personal income, allowing professionals to maximize earningsAccess to skilled labor, particularly in finance, technology, and creative industriesResidency and long-term visa options for investors, business owners, and highly skilled workers Entrepreneurs who establish their companies in the UAE can also benefit from programs such as the Golden Visa and the Green Visa, which offer long-term residency and stability for business owners and their families. This combination of professional opportunity and exceptional lifestyle makes the UAE not only a place to do business but also a place to build a future. **media[372572]** The UAE continues to attract entrepreneurs and investors from every corner of the world — and for good reason. Its strategic location, pro-business policies, diverse economy, world-class infrastructure, and exceptional quality of life make it one of the best places globally to expand operations and achieve long-term growth. For entrepreneurs exploring business setup in Dubai, the country provides everything needed for success: stability, innovation, access to global markets, and an environment designed for entrepreneurship. Expanding your business to the UAE isn’t just a smart move — it’s a step toward building a brand that thrives on the global stage.

The price of a barrel of Kuwaiti oil fell by USD 1.25, reaching USD 62.52 per barrel in trading on Friday, compared to USD 63.77 on Thursday, according to the Kuwait Petroleum Corporation.In global markets, the settlement price of Brent crude futures rose 23 cents to USD 61.29 a barrel, while US West Texas Intermediate crude futures also increased 8 cents to USD 57.54.

The price of a barrel of Kuwaiti oil fell by USD 1.38, reaching USD 64.73 per barrel in trading Monday, compared to USD 66.11 last Friday, according to the price announced by the Kuwait Petroleum Corporation today. In global markets, the settlement price of Brent Crude futures fell 59 cents to USD 63.32 a barrel, while US West Texas Intermediate crude futures also fell 59 cents to USD 59.49.

A top LuLu Group executive has called on Indian companies to shift from “transactional trade” to strategic investment and view Qatar as a launchpad for global markets.Speaking to Gulf Times on the sidelines of the Qatar-India Joint Business Council meeting organised in Doha by Qatar Chamber, Dr Mohamed Althaf, Global Director of LuLu Group International, underscored Qatar’s world-class infrastructure, favourable tax regime, and access to major international trade corridors. He said: “Indian companies should look to Qatar as a springboard for global markets... they should think that this country also offers enormous infrastructure in terms of business, trade, and investments.”Dr Althaf noted that Qatar “has crossed beyond outdated models on commodity exchange” and “the buy and sell type of transaction,” and emphasised that the LNG-rich Gulf state has positioned itself as an investment destination with world-class infrastructure.He pointed to the recent visit of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani to India, emphasising the reciprocal engagement of major investment houses “as signs of a maturing partnership”. “What we are looking at now is inward investment into Qatar, joint ventures, collaborations, and co-creative businesses,” Dr Althaf stressed.Dr Althaf emphasised that Qatar’s economic platform is well-positioned to support Indian firms in the smart manufacturing and digital transformation sectors, saying: “They have access to global markets and investment houses. India also has tremendous potential in terms of a lot of good startups and technology firms. That will be a very good synergy.”

QatarEnergy has signed a long-term sales and purchase agreement (SPA) with Messer for the supply of 100mn cubic feet per annum of high-purity helium from Qatar’s world-class facilities in Ras Laffan to global markets.This marks QatarEnergy’s first direct long-term SPA with Messer, the largest privately held industrial gases company, headquartered in Germany. The SPA signing was hosted by His Excellency Saad Sherida al-Kaabi, the Minister of State for Energy Affairs, the president and chief executive officer of QatarEnergy, and attended by Bernd Eulitz, Global chief executive officer of Messer SE & Co., during a special ceremony held at QatarEnergy’s headquarters in Doha. The event was attended by senior executives from both companies."Messer is a leading global supplier of helium with a strong reputation and diverse assets. We are delighted to enter into our first direct agreement with Messer and to continue providing high-quality helium to the world through reliable partners," al-Kaabi said.This pact, according to him, underscores QatarEnergy’s commitment to delivering reliable resources from one of the world’s largest helium producers to support fast-growing industries worldwide.Helium plays a critical role in advanced technologies, including MRI scanners, semiconductor manufacturing, quantum computing, fiber optics, and space exploration.