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A new mechanism adopted by OPEC+ to assess members' maximum output capacity will ultimately help to stabilise markets and reward those who invest in production, Saudi Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman has said.The OPEC+ group approved the mechanism to assess members' maximum production capacity to be used for setting baselines from 2027, against which their output targets are set, Opec said on Sunday.Prince Abdulaziz said the mechanism was "fair and transparent" for determining production levels."Now we have the most detailed, the most technical, transparent approach of how we can move forward in the future in managing the market and how to attend to production", he said."Sunday was probably one of the most successful days in my personal career and I am very grateful and thankful for the support of our friends in Russia," he said during the launch of a Saudi-Russian business forum in Riyadh.The meetings on Sunday of OPEC+, which groups the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and allies led by Russia, also agreed to leave oil output levels unchanged for the first quarter of 2026.The evaluation of members' maximum production capacity is scheduled to take place between January and September 2026, according to sources following the meetings, allowing for 2027 output quotas to be set."It will also be a mechanism that will reward those who invest and those who believe there is growth, and would put us in the lead amongst the other producers," Prince Abdulaziz said.OPEC+ has been discussing the production capacity and quotas issue for years in talks that had proved difficult because some members such as the United Arab Emirates have increased capacity and want higher quotas.Other members such as African countries have seen declines in production capacity but are resisting quota cuts. Angola quit the group in 2024 over a disagreement about its production quotas. 

Invest Qatar, the country's investment promotion agency, recently concluded the successful hosting of the FDI Leaders Network Autumn Meeting, held in Doha from 25 to 27 November. This prestigious, invitation-only forum brought together CEOs and heads of international and regional Investment Promotion Agencies (IPAs) from around the world to exchange insights, challenges, strategies, and best practices in foreign direct investment.The FDI Leaders Network convenes twice a year in major global cities. It is unique in being the only Network is for CEO's or Heads of Investment Agencies. Previous editions have taken place in London, Tokyo, Frankfurt, Calgary and Vienna, with Doha now joining this distinguished list. The event featured high-level, in-depth discussions on global FDI trends, comparative leadership challenges, and collaborative opportunities to drive sustainable economic growth.CEO of Invest Qatar, Sheikh Ali Alwaleed Al-Thani said: "Hosting the FDI Leaders Network in Doha underscores Qatar's commitment to fostering international partnerships and advancing our vision for economic diversification. This platform enabled meaningful dialogue and collaboration among global investment leaders."For her part, Founder of the FDI Leaders Network, Cathy Dawson said: "CEOs of Investment Promotion Agencies from Australia, Bermuda, Canada, Egypt, France, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Kazakhstan, the UK and the USA have converged in Doha to discuss new challenges which continue to re-shape global investment.These leaders need networks like the FDI Leaders Network more than ever, to remain adaptable, retain effectiveness and channel investment towards sustainable and impactful outcomes. With thanks to Sheikh Ali Alwaleed Al-Thani, our gracious host, and to Invest Qatar who have made this happen.The programme combined strategic discussions with cultural and networking experiences, reinforcing Qatar's role as a global investment hub. Participants explored emerging trends in foreign direct investment, shared best practices and identified opportunities for collaboration across sectors such as technology, sustainability and infrastructure. The event also showcased Qatar's world-class facilities and its commitment to creating an investor-friendly environment through progressive policies and incentives.The Investment Promotion Agency Qatar (Invest Qatar) is responsible for overseeing investment promotion activities, aimed at attracting foreign direct investment to Qatar. Established in 2019, Invest Qatar's mission is to strengthen Qatar's position as an ideal investment destination, while facilitating investments that foster economic diversification and development.The FDI Leaders Network is a high-level membership group of CEO's and Heads of Economic Development and Investment Promotion Agencies, from selected countries, who stand at the forefront of investment promotion. The network meets bi-annually for frank and open discussion in a confidential and closed environment.The next meeting will be held in Budapest, Hungary, 12-14 May 2026. 

Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund is in advanced talks to invest in Leonardo SpA’s aerostructures unit following months of negotiations, according to people familiar with the matter.  Under the deal being discussed, the two parties would create a global unit for aerostructure works, said the people, asking not to be identified discussing a private matter. The talks between the Italian defence contractor and the kingdom’s Public Investment Fund, reported earlier this year by Bloomberg, are largely complete, they said.  A planned meeting between Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman at a Gulf summit in Bahrain could be pivotal in securing final government approvals, the people said.  Representatives for Leonardo and the Italian government, which owns 30% of the company, declined to comment, while officials at the Saudi fund didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment outside of regular business hours in the country. Working with Leonardo would give the Gulf kingdom greater exposure to a key global manufacturing industry as Prince Mohammed seeks to diversify Saudi Arabia’s economy from oil.  For Leonardo, a deal would bring financial support for a division that’s been losing money. It supplies major structural parts for Boeing Co’s 787 Dreamliner, but suffered losses partly tied to a production slowdown in the US.  That has affected activity at Leonardo’s plants, though Boeing is now ramping up output again of the widebody jet. Leonardo’s aerostructures division employs about 4,000 people in four Italian plants. It had 2024 revenue of €746mn ($784mn).  One possible outcome is for the Italian aerospace firm to build a civil aviation manufacturing plant in Saudi Arabia, Bloomberg reported in February. The kingdom is also keen to participate in a next-generation fighter jet, a costly project on which the Italian company is working with partners in the UK and Japan.  Italy and Saudi Arabia have recently deepened economic ties. A meeting between the two leaders in January paved the way for deals valued at about $10bn.  

Invest Qatar, the country's investment promotion agency, recently concluded the successful hosting of the FDI Leaders Network Autumn Meeting, held in Doha on November 25-27. The prestigious, invitation-only forum brought together CEOs and heads of international and regional Investment Promotion Agencies (IPAs) from around the world to exchange insights, challenges, strategies, and best practices in foreign direct investment.The FDI Leaders Network convenes twice a year in major global cities. It is unique in being the only network is for CEO's or heads of investment agencies. Previous editions have taken place in London, Tokyo, Frankfurt, Calgary and Vienna, with Doha now joining this distinguished list.The event featured high-level, in-depth discussions on global FDI trends, comparative leadership challenges, and collaborative opportunities to drive sustainable economic growth.CEO of Invest Qatar, Sheikh Ali Alwaleed al-Thani said: "Hosting the FDI Leaders Network in Doha underscores Qatar's commitment to fostering international partnerships and advancing our vision for economic diversification. This platform enabled meaningful dialogue and collaboration among global investment leaders."Founder of the FDI Leaders Network, Cathy Dawson said: "CEOs of Investment Promotion Agencies from Australia, Bermuda, Canada, Egypt, France, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Kazakhstan, the UK and the USA have converged in Doha to discuss new challenges which continue to re-shape global investment."These leaders need networks like the FDI Leaders Network more than ever, to remain adaptable, retain effectiveness and channel investment towards sustainable and impactful outcomes. With thanks to Sheikh Ali Alwaleed al-Thani, our gracious host, and to Invest Qatar who have made this happen."The programme combined strategic discussions with cultural and networking experiences, reinforcing Qatar's role as a global investment hub. Participants explored emerging trends in foreign direct investment, shared best practices and identified opportunities for collaboration across sectors such as technology, sustainability and infrastructure. The event also showcased Qatar's world-class facilities and its commitment to creating an investor-friendly environment through progressive policies and incentives.The Investment Promotion Agency Qatar (Invest Qatar) is responsible for overseeing investment promotion activities, aimed at attracting foreign direct investment to Qatar. Established in 2019, Invest Qatar's mission is to strengthen Qatar's position as an ideal investment destination, while facilitating investments that foster economic diversification and development.The FDI Leaders Network is a high-level membership group of CEO's and Heads of Economic Development and Investment Promotion Agencies, from selected countries, who stand at the forefront of investment promotion. The network meets bi-annually for frank and open discussion in a confidential and closed environment. 

DAS Intellitech, a global leader in smart solutions, is making Doha its Middle East and North Africa (Mena) headquarters, marking a key milestone in its global expansion.In this regard, it signed a new partnership with the Investment Promotion Agency Qatar (Invest Qatar) at the Mobile World Congress, which concluded Wednesday. Sheikh Ali Alwaleed al-Thani, chief executive officer, Invest Qatar and Claire Liu, Head of Global Business, DAS Intellitech, signed the agreement.The new headquarters will function as a central hub for the company's operations and serve as a base for research and development of advanced solutions tailored to the market. It will also foster collaboration with local SMEs (small and medium enterprises), academic institutions and research centres to drive innovation, digitalisation and sustainable growth in Qatar."Our Qatar office will operate as a strategic base to serve the broader Middle East region, an important milestone in our global growth strategy. The country’s dynamic economy, world-class infrastructure and forward-looking investment policies present the perfect environment for innovation and expansion," said DAS Intellitech founder and chairman, Liu Bang.Qatar’s commitment to fostering technological advancement and sustainable development aligns seamlessly with its vision, making it the ideal location for it to drive smart solutions tailored to the region's needs, according to him.Sheikh Ali Alwaleed al-Thani, chief executive officer of Invest Qatar, said it was pleased to welcome DAS Intellitech to Qatar, whose presence will strengthen the country’s thriving knowledge economy and bolster its position as a centre for technological innovation in the Mena region."Their entry underscores how Qatar’s strategic location, digital infrastructure and business-friendly ecosystem make it an ideal gateway for companies looking to enter the thriving Mena market. We are committed to continue attracting investment within the digital technology sector, in line with the Third National Development Strategy (NDS3),” Sheikh Ali said.Recently, Invest Qatar visited the DAS Intellitech’s headquarters to explore its cutting-edge technologies and gained deeper insights into its comprehensive capabilities. During discussions, Invest Qatar and DAS Intellitech identified strategic opportunities for collaboration and reaffirmed their shared commitment to supporting Qatar National Vision 2030.DAS Intellitech has already established itself as a strategic partner in Qatar's development, with a proven track record of delivering critical projects for key entities such as the Public Works Authority (Ashghal), the Supreme Judiciary Council, and the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, all of which directly support the goals of Qatar National Vision 2030. These initiatives highlight the company’s long-standing alignment with the country’s priorities in innovation, sustainability, and economic diversification.DAS Intellitech offers a comprehensive suite of advanced capabilities, including DAS’ centralised AIoT Platform, energy-saving expertise especially applied in district cooling stations, the ability to build supercomputing centres at an accelerated pace, and a proven track record in delivering smart IoT systems for high-rise towers, hospitals, and subways. These integrated solutions significantly enhance operational efficiency, energy conservation, and property value across public infrastructures.Finding that DAS Intellitech’s most competitive edge lies in transforming the control of devices and machines into services for people, it said while sophisticated building systems were once managed only by a handful of dedicated operators, DAS Intellitech now enables every occupant inside the building to control facilities within their workspace via mobile application, creating a more convenient, comfortable, and low-carbon living and working environment for everyone. 

Invest Qatar, the Investment Promotion Agency of Qatar, and the Polish Investment and Trade Agency (PAIH) Monday entered into a strategic partnership aimed at deepening economic and investment co-operation between Qatar and Poland.This collaboration, formalised during the Poland-Qatar Investment Forum hosted by the Embassy of Poland in Doha, reflects a shared commitment to promoting mutual interests and unlocking new opportunities for businesses in both countries.The strategic partnership establishes the framework for exchanging information and data between both parties to support and strengthen investment flows between Qatar and Poland.Under the agreement, Invest Qatar will provide Polish companies with comprehensive support, including insights into Qatar’s business and regulatory landscape, guidance on investment opportunities, assistance with business setup and introductions to key stakeholders. The agency will also offer aftercare services to Polish firms already operating in Qatar, ensuring a seamless experience for new and existing investors.PAIH will support Invest Qatar in promoting business opportunities in Qatar to Polish companies, as well as refer interested investors looking to enter the market. Additionally, PAIH and Invest Qatar will collaborate to participate in joint events, workshops and conferences aimed at strengthening business exchange and bilateral investment between Qatar and Poland."This partnership with PAIH marks a new chapter in the long-standing relationship between Qatar and Poland that has been built on mutual respect, shared values and a commitment to progress. Through this collaboration, we aim to open new avenues for economic growth, support Polish companies to explore the wealth of opportunities available in Qatar and foster meaningful partnerships that drive innovation and long-term growth,” said Sheikh Ali Alwaleed al-Thani, chief executive officer, Invest Qatar.Łukasz Gwiazdowski, deputy chairman of PAIH, said it is pleased to join forces with Invest Qatar to support Polish companies in expanding their global footprint."This collaboration will not only facilitate access to new markets but also foster significant connections between our business communities. We look forward to working together to drive investment and create lasting value for both economies,” he added.This collaboration aligns with Invest Qatar’s commitment to position Qatar as a reliable long-term strategic partner to nations and businesses around the world while supporting its national economic diversification objectives. It also reaffirms the close and historic ties between Qatar and Poland, with diplomatic relations being established over 35 years ago.This is exemplified by the significant trade and commercial ties between the two countries, with trade reaching approximately QR4.2bn in 2024, and the presence of over 35 Polish companies operating across a variety of sectors in Qatar, including professional services, logistics and technology.

Total value of contracts awarded in Qatar saw a 116% jump year-on-year this third quarter (Q3) as Doha's successful bid to host the 2030 Asian Games laid solid foundation for the projects market, Kamco Invest, a regional non-banking entity, has said.In contrast, total value of contracts awarded across the GCC (Gulf Co-operation Council) region fell after four of the six countries recorded year-on-year decreases in project awards during Q3-2025 as geopolitical conflict in the Middle East continue to persist and weigh on risk appetite, Kamco Invest said in its latest report, quoting MEED Projects.Total value of contracts awarded in Qatar surged by 115.9% year-on-year to $13.6bn in Q3-2025."This growth was partially driven by preparations relating to Qatar’s successful bid to host the 2030 Asian Games, which is expected to catalyse a vast array of industrial and infrastructure projects aimed at building, preparing, and upgrading facilities for the event," Kamco said.In the first nine months of 2025, the total value of projects awarded in Qatar improved 27.6% year-on-year to $20.5bn.In terms of sectoral performance, the oil and gas sectors led with the highest values of contracts awarded during Q3-2025 at $6bn and $5bn, respectively.Moreover, total value of projects awarded in the power sector reached $2.3bn in Q3-2025, up from zero awards in Q3-2024. Notable projects awarded during the quarter included about $4bn of contracts won by China Offshore Oil Engineering for the Bul Hanine offshore oil field, located 120 KM offshore in the Gulf waters.The scope entails maintenance and increased oil production at the Bul Hanine field, including installation of four wellhead platforms requiring 80,000 tonnes of fabrication work, expansion of existing offshore production stations, and construction of living quarters.The GCC region saw 27% year-on-year plunge in aggregate value of awards to $54.8bn in Q3-2025, the second-lowest figure in the last ten quarters. This downturn was primarily driven by a sharp contraction in project awards in Saudi Arabia, together with a similar weak performance in the UAE, both of which saw significant year-on-year declines in awards during the period.However, contract awards are expected to gain momentum in the fourth quarter of 2025, driven primarily by recoveries in Saudi Arabia and the UAE.“Despite a strong project pipeline, overall project awards in 2025 in the GCC are expected to decline and fall short of the 2024 record contract awards,” Kamco said.Overall, the GCC’s pipeline of pre-execution stage contracts totals $1.78tn. The construction sector holds the largest share of the contracts in the pipeline at 35%, equivalent to $624.2bn, followed by transport ($300bn) and power ($294.2bn).According to MEED, the GCC power sector has at least 29 independent power projects (IPPs) at the bidding or bid-evaluation stages, mainly led by Saudi Arabia and the UAE.One of the notable leading power projects under tender or in bid evaluation in the near term is the 3,000MW Al-Sadawi 2 solar IPP.