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In an increasingly complex global economic landscape, agility, strategic positioning, and cross-border partnerships have become the defining factors of successful investment groups. Among the emerging players shaping this new paradigm is Licorne Gulf Holding — a dynamic investment and strategic advisory firm headquartered in Qatar, with a growing international footprint. Founded and led by entrepreneur and investor Irina Duisimbekova, Licorne Gulf has rapidly positioned itself as a bridge between global innovation ecosystems and the Gulf region, particularly Qatar — a country that continues to demonstrate resilience and attractiveness for international business despite geopolitical tensions. A Vision Rooted in Cross-Border GrowthLicorne Gulf operates as a hybrid between a family office and an investment platform, with activities spanning private equity, venture capital, strategic advisory, and cross-border partnerships. Its core mission is clear: identify high-potential international companies and facilitate their successful market entry and expansion in the Gulf. Over the past few years, the group has focused on sectors aligned with future economic transformation — including cybersecurity, biotechnology, and startup acceleration.Recent joint ventures highlight this strategic direction: A partnership with Erium to strengthen cybersecurity capabilities in QatarCollaboration with Nudra to expand biotech innovation into the regionA newly signed partnership with Peachscore, a San Francisco-based accelerator, aimed at supporting and scaling startups in QatarThese partnerships reflect Licorne Gulf’s broader ambition: not only to invest, but to actively build ecosystems. Qatar: A Market of Stability and OpportunityDespite recent global uncertainties and regional tensions, Qatar continues to stand out as a resilient and forward-looking economy.“Periods of instability often create unique opportunities,” says Duisimbekova.“What we see in Qatar is a strong commitment to economic diversification, innovation, and international collaboration. The fundamentals remain extremely solid.”Government-backed initiatives, access to capital, and a clear national vision have made Qatar a magnet for companies seeking regional expansion. Licorne Gulf leverages this environment by acting as a local strategic partner — navigating regulations, building networks, and structuring market entry through joint ventures. Interview with Irina DuisimbekovaQ: What differentiates Licorne Gulf from traditional investment firms?Irina Duisimbekova:We are not just investors — we are builders. Our role goes beyond capital. We structure partnerships, open doors, and actively participate in execution. Especially in markets like Qatar, local presence and trust are critical. That’s where we bring real value. Q: Your recent partnership with Peachscore came during a tense geopolitical moment. Why now?Irina Duisimbekova:Because innovation doesn’t stop during crises — it accelerates. Partnering with Peachscore allows us to connect Qatar with Silicon Valley’s startup ecosystem. We want to empower local entrepreneurs while attracting global startups to consider Qatar as a base. Q: What sectors are you most focused on moving forward?Irina Duisimbekova:Technology, health, and sustainability. Cybersecurity and biotech are just the beginning. We are also looking closely at AI-driven platforms, digital health, and investment in human capital — which is essential for long-term growth. Q: How do you see Qatar’s position in the global business landscape?Irina Duisimbekova:Qatar is becoming a strategic hub. It combines political stability, financial strength, and a clear vision for the future. For international companies, it’s not just a market — it’s a gateway to the region. Looking AheadAs Licorne Gulf Holding continues to expand its portfolio and partnerships, its strategy remains firmly anchored in collaboration and long-term value creation. By connecting global innovation with regional opportunity, the company is not only contributing to Qatar’s economic evolution but also redefining what it means to be a modern investment platform in the Gulf. In a world where uncertainty is the only constant, Licorne Gulf is betting on one thing: that the future belongs to those who build bridges, not barriers.

The Diplomatic Institute at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Internal Security Force (Lekhwiya) signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on joint co-operation and the exchange of expertise.This agreement aims to strengthen institutional partnerships and develop training and capacity-building opportunities between the sides.The MoU was signed by Director of the Diplomatic Institute, Dr Abdulaziz Mohammed al-Horr and Commander of Lekhwiya Training Institute, Colonel Nawaf Abdullah Bakheet al-Maadadi.The MoU aims to broaden co-operation in training, development, and the exchange of expertise and knowledge, as well as to organise joint programmes and workshops. This will contribute to developing national competencies and enhancing institutional integration among entities involved in capacity building in the diplomatic and security fields. It will also support national efforts to prepare qualified personnel and facilitate the exchange of best practices and experiences. 

His Excellency the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defence Affairs Sheikh Saud bin Abdulrahman bin Hassan al-Thani met separately with Iraqi Minister of Defence Thabet Muhammad Saeed al-Abbasi and Somalia’s Defence Minister Ahmed Moallim Fiqi on the sidelines of the first day of the Doha International Maritime Defence Exhibition and Conference (Dimdex 2026). During the meetings, HE Sheikh Saud signed a co-operation agreements with al-Abbasi and Fiqi, aimed at strengthening areas of joint co-operation in a manner that serves mutual interests and reinforces defence partnerships. The meetings and the signing ceremonies were attended by a number of senior officers and officials. 

Her Excellency the Minister of State for International Cooperation Maryam bint Ali bin Nasser al-Misnad met Thursday with Assistant Minister and Director-General of the Middle Eastern and African Affairs Bureau at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, Keiichi Iwamoto, who is visiting Qatar.  Discussions during the meeting focused on the two countries' bilateral relations and ways to bolster them, especially in the area of international co-operation. The two sides also discussed prospects of expanding humanitarian and developmental partnerships, in addition to a host of topics of mutual interest. 

His Excellency the Attorney General of Qatar, Dr Issa Saad al-Jafali al-Nuaimi, held separate meetings in Doha with senior legal officials from Iran and Kyrgyzstan. HE Dr al-Nuaimi met Tuesday with Iran’s Minister of Justice Dr Amin Hossein Rahimi, and with the Prosecutor General of the Kyrgyz Republic, Maksat Asanaliev.**media[394480]**The discussions focused on a range of issues of mutual interest, including ways to strengthen co-operation in the field of public prosecution and legal affairs. The meetings come as Qatar continues to expand judicial and legal co-operation with regional and international partners. 

The Qatar Press Centre (QPC) and the Sheikh Hamad Award for Translation and International Understanding have signed a co-operation agreement to launch strategic partnerships in organising academic and knowledge-based events.Part of the agreement covers the hosting specialised seminars and workshops in the fields of translation and international understanding.It aims to draw on the expertise of both parties in preparing training programmes, and cultural and media publications that enhance the value of translation in developing journalistic and media content.The agreement, signed at the Abdulla bin Hussein Al-Nuaimi Hall, seeks to make the QPC a key platform for hosting the Award’s activities, which promote dialogue between cultures and open avenues for co-operation with related institutions.The agreement was signed by QPC director-general Sadiq Mohammed al-Amari and the Award’s media director Abdulrahman al-Marri.Al-Marri lauded the QPC’s leading role in developing journalistic talent and enhancing professional media work in the country, adding that the QPC has become a model of institutional and media excellence at both the local and regional levels.“Co-operation between national institutions is a national duty aimed at unifying efforts and achieving institutional integration across different sectors in a way that serves the public interest and strengthens the role of media and culture in Qatar,” he said.He emphasised the need to create a shared vision between the Award and the QPC that helps utilise translation to serve the media and journalism fields.Al-Marri noted that translation is not merely the transfer of language, but a bridge of communication between cultures and nations.He explained that benefiting from translators’ expertise contributes to improving journalistic content and enhancing the quality of media outputs, especially amid rapid developments in artificial intelligence and the challenges it poses to the accuracy and integrity of translation.Al-Amari meanwhile noted that the Award represents a national and humanistic value in spreading a culture of understanding and dialogue between different peoples.He lauded the Award’s vision and objectives in improving the image of Arabs and Muslims in other cultures, noting that this noble purpose aligns with the QPC’s mission of promoting responsible media and conveying a positive portrayal of Qatari and Arab society.“This agreement opens a new chapter of cultural and media cooperation that supports the principles of openness and dialogue, strengthens Qatar’s stature as a beacon of understanding and communication between nations, and reinforces the country’s pioneering role in supporting culture and knowledge as two essential pillars of human development,” al-Amari said.He said the translation and media are complementary wings of one mission: disseminating knowledge and building bridges between nations.Established in Qatar in 2015, the Sheikh Hamad Award is one of the world’s most prominent prizes dedicated to translation as a bridge between cultures and a tool for strengthening human dialogue.It aims to honour creative translators who contribute to transferring knowledge, literature and human thought between different languages and cultures, and to reinforce the values of mutual understanding and respect among peoples. 

Qatar Chamber is participating in the 28th Arab-African Investment and International Cooperation Conference and Exhibition, which opened Sunday in Cairo. Board member and Chairman of the Food Security and Environment Committee, Mohammed bin Ahmed Al Obaidly is representing the Chamber in the event, which addresses economic integration and opportunities for international partnerships. Held under the patronage of the League of Arab States, the conference serves as a strategic platform for fostering joint investments and forging international partnerships that support economic growth across Arab and African nations. The event brings together a high-level gathering of economic leaders, experts, policymakers, and investors from the Arab region, Africa, and the wider international community. Speaking on the sidelines of the event, Al Obaidly said the conference comes at a critical time of economic momentum in the Arab and African regions, calling for enhanced cooperation and the establishment of meaningful public-private partnerships. He stressed that industry and investment are key engines of modern economies and essential pillars for sustainable growth. He also noted their strategic importance in addressing global economic challenges, diversifying economies, and creating job opportunities. Al Obaidly highlighted Qatar's strong focus on both industry and investment under its National Vision 2030, which aims to build a sustainable, diversified economy less dependent on hydrocarbons. He pointed to the development of advanced industrial and free zones, world-class infrastructure, and a range of investor-friendly policies in Qatar, including full ownership incentives, streamlined procedures, and broad support for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Al Obaidly further noted the vital role Qatar's private sector plays in driving industrial and investment development, with Qatari companies successfully contributing to the country's production base and engaging in strategic projects both at home and abroad. He concluded by emphasizing the role of Qatar Chamber in supporting industrial investments, facilitating partnerships between Qatari and international business leaders, and promoting initiatives that enhance the business climate and attract investment.

The State of Qatar affirmed its commitment to strengthening its international partnerships within the framework of international cooperation and multilateral action, and to support the efforts of developing countries in implementing and achieving the 2030 Agenda of the Sustainable Development Goals. This is achieved by directing partnerships with UN agencies to provide development and humanitarian assistance to countries facing development challenges and disasters beyond their capabilities, in addition to partnerships with the UN to implement the outcomes of the Doha Programme of Action for the Least Developed Countries (2022-2031). This came in the State of Qatar's statement delivered by Second Secretary of Qatar's Permanent Mission to the UN Talal Abdulaziz Al Naama before the General Debate of the Second Committee during the 80th session of the UN General Assembly, at the UN headquarters in New York. The Second Secretary of Qatar's Permanent Mission to the UN explained that developing countries face many challenges that hinder the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, noting that the world is witnessing wars and armed conflicts that have caused humanitarian disasters, displacement, and the destruction of infrastructure and livelihoods, in addition to the multiple risks to the lives of the most vulnerable groups. He added that the world is also witnessing the devastating effects of climate change and the resulting shocks and disasters that threaten the lives of millions of people. There are also economic challenges represented by the debt burden, scarcity of development financing, difficulty with borrowing, and the digital divide. Al Naama added that the State of Qatar welcomed the adoption of General Assembly resolution 79/323, entitled the Sevilla Commitment, last August. This resolution affirmed the need to continue reforming international financing structures and improving their effectiveness and flexibility to address current and future challenges and crises, and to strengthen national efforts to achieve economic and social development by creating a favorable international economic environment and effective means of implementation that encourage comprehensive and sustainable economic growth, and to recognize the right to development so that no one is left behind. He stressed that Qatar is making rapid strides in implementing Qatar National Vision 2030, noting the launch of its third phase at the beginning of 2024, which aims to build a diversified and sustainable knowledge-based economy, utilizing digital technology, science and innovation applications, strengthening infrastructure, increasing productivity and stimulating the business environment, with a focus on human development, caring for the family as the basic building block of society, expanding healthcare and social protection services, protecting the environment and building capacity to confront the effects of climate change. Al Naama added that Qatar will host the Second World Summit for Social Development in November, providing an opportunity for high-level dialogue on accelerating the implementation of the 2030 Agenda. Qatar will also co-host with the Republic of Brazil the first meeting of the leaders of the Global Alliance against Hunger and Poverty as a key event on the sidelines of the summit. He affirmed the State of Qatar's support for the UN Secretary-General's initiative to reform the international organization, and renewed support for the UN Resident Coordinator System for the 2025-2026 period with a total of $1 million, to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of operational activities at the country level and assist countries in implementing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

QNB has signed an agreement with MetLife to further strengthen their long-standing partnership.The partnership reflects the shared commitment of both institutions to deliver innovative financial and insurance solutions that meet the growing needs of their customers.The collaboration reinforces QNB’s position as a leader in bancassurance through offering customers with a wide range of tailored solutions, including savings and investment plans, home and motor insurance, travel protection, and life coverage. These solutions are designed to provide comprehensive financial security while ensuring accessibility, flexibility, and competitive value.By combining QNB’s market leadership with MetLife’s global expertise, various solutions will be delivered to the customers’ long-term financial wellbeing and offer security to their life’s most valuable assets.QNB Group is one of the leading financial institutions in the Middle East and Africa and is ranked as the most valuable banking brand in the MEA region. Present in some 28 countries across Asia, Europe, and Africa, it offers tailored products and services supported by innovation and backed by a team of over 31,000 professionals dedicated to driving banking excellence, worldwide.

Her Excellency Chairperson of the National Human Rights Committee (NHRC), Maryam Bint Abdullah Al Attiyah stressed that the Committee succeeded in building extensive partnerships with various United Nations bodies and mechanisms, which enhances its roles in protecting human rights, strengthens its international presence, and contributes to building more just and peaceful societies.In an interview with Qatar News Agency (QNA) on the occasion of the commencement of the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly, Her Excellency said that over the past years, the NHRC has been keen to interlink its national, regional, and international relations to reach partnerships that assist in achieving its goals in protecting and promoting human rights.She added that the Committee has expanded its partnerships with various United Nations bodies and mechanisms, including the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, the International Labour Organization, the International Organization for Migration, the United Nations Development Programme, and other UN bodies. It also maintains significant cooperation with the United Nations House in Doha, which has given the committee international weight and led to its assumption of high global positions in the field of human rights, she said.Her Excellency affirmed that these partnerships contribute positively to the rapid communication of human rights-related messages to the relevant authorities, ensuring that individuals' rights are upheld. She also noted that they enhance the participation of national institutions in various international human rights concerns.Her Excellency emphasized that these partnerships contribute to building more sustainable, just, and peaceful societies, facilitate the exchange of expertise, knowledge, and best practices, unify efforts to address common challenges, raise public awareness about human rights, and establish effective mechanisms to combat violations.HE Maryam bint Abdullah Al Attiyah noted that the human rights journey in the State of Qatar is progressing steadily in line with the global human rights movement, with Qatar having ratified so far nine international treaties, including seven core human rights conventions, in addition to two optional protocols, alongside other international and regional treaties.In this context, she pointed out that all of Qatar's international commitments are consistent with the values, customs, and its civilizational and religious identity. At the same time, she pointed out that the state interacts positively with treaty bodies and Human Rights Council mechanisms, including engagement with the Universal Periodic Review and special procedures. Under the open invitation system declared by Qatar, several special rapporteurs and independent experts in this field were hosted.The NHRC in Qatar has maintained an "A" accreditation status among national institutions worldwide continuously from 2010 until 2025 (for three consecutive times), and it will undergo its fourth re-accreditation next year.

Eng. Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Al-Meer, President of the Public Works Authority, received a delegation from the Saudi Exports Development Authority of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, headed by Eng. Saud Al Qablan, Vice President of Export Services. This is within the framework of enhancing cooperation and exchanging experiences between the two sides and supporting opportunities for future partnerships between the two countries.The delegation included a number of officials from the Exports Development Authority, in addition to representatives of leading Saudi companies, including: Tatweer Education Holding, Al Rawaf Contracting, Rawaf and Huashi, Saudi Meters Company (SMC) and Holystar. The delegation showcased the most prominent fields of work of the companies and their specialised services in the contracting, infrastructure sectors and related services.During the meeting, Ashghal’s officials reviewed the Authority's most prominent directions and future plans, in addition to the projects scheduled to be presented during the coming period, stressing the Authority's keenness to enhance cooperation with various regional and international bodies in a way that supports the comprehensive development process in Qatar.

Her Excellency Minister of State for International Cooperation Maryam bint Ali bin Nasser Al Misnad met on Sunday with Ambassador of the UK to the State of Qatar Neerav Patel. During the meeting, they discussed cooperation relations between the two countries, particularly partnerships in the development and humanitarian fields, in addition to developments in the region. Ambassador of UK to Qatar expressed his country's solidarilty with the State of Qatar, and its condenmation of the Israeli attack that targeted Doha, stressing that this attack is a flagrant violation of all international laws and norms and the sovereignty of the State of Qatar.