
Commercial Bank signs agreement with QDB to empower SMEs in Qatar
Doha
In a significant move aimed at strengthening Qatar's small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) sector, Commercial Bank has signed a strategic cooperation agreement with Qatar Development Bank (QDB) to deliver comprehensive support forlocal businesses.
Commercial Bank, known for its leadership in innovative digital banking solutions, will work closely with QDB to enhance the financial and advisory ecosystem available to SMEs across the country. The collaboration is designed to empower entrepreneurs by leveraging the combined resources, expertise, and networks ofboth institutions.
As part of this initiative, SMEs in Qatar will benefit from a wide array of value-added services, including advisory support in areas such as financial planning, marketing, succession planning, feasibility studies, restructuring, and risk management.
The partnership also includes a jointly developed calendar of workshops to be conducted throughout the year at either Commercial Bank or QDB premises, offering hands-on support and knowledge-sharing opportunities for business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs.
Commenting on the partnership, Commercial Bank EGM, Chief Wholesale and International Banking Officer Fahad Badar said, 'This collaboration with QDB reflects our shared vision to cultivate a thriving SME ecosystem in Qatar. Through comprehensive advisory services and knowledge-sharing sessions, we are not only investing in the future of businesses but contributing meaningfully to the development goals of Qatar's 2030 National Vision.'
Qatar Development Bank Executive Director of SME Development Dr Hamad Salem Mejegheer also highlighted the strategic importance of the agreement. 'Through this collaboration with our partners at Commercial Bank, we aim to harness our collective expertise to deliver greater impact in entrepreneurship, particularly in supporting SMEs, which form a cornerstone of Qatar's economicdevelopment.
This agreement represents a new step toward achieving our strategy to enhance and develop local enterprises, in alignment with the Third National Development Strategy of the State of Qatar (2024–2030),' he said.
The agreement underscores the critical role that SMEs play in Qatar's economic diversification efforts and national development priorities. By providing entrepreneurs with the right tools, knowledge, and financial guidance, the partnership is expected to create new opportunities for innovation, growth, and sustainable enterprise development in the country.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Qatar Tribune
4 days ago
- Qatar Tribune
Commercial Bank reports QR1.26 bn net profit for H1 amid strategic growth, global tax impact
Tribune News Network Doha The Commercial Bank, its subsidiaries and associates (Group), on Wednesday announced a net profit of QR1,261.4 million for the first half of 2025, reflecting its continued resilience and commitment to long-term value creation, despite new global tax regulations and marketvolatility. The Group reported a net profit before the application of the new BEPS Pillar Two tax at QR1,374.2 million for the six months ended 30 June 2025, down 12.5 percent from QR1,571 million during the same period in 2024. The decline was primarily attributed to increased losses from its Turkish subsidiary, Alternatif Bank, which widened by QR104.2 million, and changes related to long-term incentive schemes (LTIS), amounting to QR35.9 million. Adjusting for LTIS, the normalised net profit before tax stood at QR1,410.1 million. With the implementation of the 15 percent global minimum top-up tax under the OECD's Base Erosion and Profit Shifting (BEPS) Pillar Two framework, the Group incurred a tax charge of QR112.9 million. Consequently, the net profit after tax declined to QR1,261.4 million in H1 2025, compared to QR1,571 million in H1 2024. Commercial Bank Chairman Sheikh Abdulla bin Ali bin Jabor Al Thani said the bank had made significant progress on its five-year strategic plan (2022–2026), especially in digital innovation, client experience, and operational efficiency. 'As we approach the final stretch of our strategy, our focus remains on disciplined execution, delivering sustainable value, and aligning with Qatar National Vision 2030,' he said. Vice Chairman and Managing Director Omar Hussain Alfardan highlighted the reaffirmation of the bank's credit ratings and a share buyback plan as testaments to investor confidence and the bank's robust fundamentals. 'The Board approved a share buyback plan of up to 10 percent of issued shares in May 2025, subject to regulatory approval. This aligns with our strategic goal of enhancing shareholder value and capital efficiency,' he said. In June, the bank successfully issued a QR500 million senior unsecured bond under its EMTN programme, further diversifying its funding base. The period also saw the launch of a new corporate mobile banking app, which earned the 'Best Mobile Banking App – Qatar 2025' award from International Finance. Commercial Bank Group CEO Joseph Abraham said the bank's performance in H1 2025 was driven by a strategic focus on diversified income sources, with total assets growing 13.2 percent year-on-year to QR182.1 billion. 'Our non-interest income grew 1.9 percent year-on-year, led by higher fee and commission-based income across transaction banking, cards, wealth management, and investments,' Abraham said. Loans and advances to customers rose by 12.7 percent to QR103.8 billion, supported by growth in the corporate, government, and retail sectors. Investment securities increased by 26 percent to QR35.8 billion, with the bank locking in yields through high-quality investments. Customer deposits reached QR83.5 billion, with low-cost deposits growing 10.2 percent and now constituting 42.1 percent of the deposit mix. Debt securities increased to QR11.4 billion, underscoring efforts to diversify funding. Net provisions declined by 30.8 percent to QR244.1 million, reflecting recoveries and reversals. The ratio of non-performing loans to gross loans improved to 5.5 percent from 5.9 percent a year earlier, while the loan coverage ratio stood at a healthy 87.9 percent. Alternatif Bank, the Group's Turkish subsidiary, reported a loss of QR107.1 million, driven by hyperinflationary accounting and market volatility. Despite higher costs from digital innovation and operations in Turkey, the Group maintained a strong capital base. The Common Equity Tier 1 (CET1) ratio was 12.5 percent, while the Capital Adequacy Ratio (CAR) stood at 17.2 percent — both well above Qatar Central Bank and Basel III requirements. From January 1, 2025, the Group began accruing the BEPS Pillar Two tax as per the OECD's Global Anti-Base Erosion (GloBE) rules, which seek to ensure that multinational enterprises are taxed at a minimum effective rate of 15 percent across all jurisdictions. The tax led to an incremental cost of QR112.9 million in the first half of the year. In a move to enhance shareholder returns, the Group's board has approved a share buyback programme of up to 10 percent of fully paid-up issued shares. The programme awaits regulatory approval from Qatar Central Bank (QCB) and Qatar Financial Markets Authority (QFMA). Looking ahead, Abraham said the bank remains committed to executing its strategic priorities while continuing to support Qatar's sustainable development goals. 'We are well positioned to adapt, innovate, and grow in a dynamic environment. Our performance in H1 2025 reflects strong fundamentals, prudent capital management, and a clear roadmap for long-term value creation,' heconcluded.


Qatar Tribune
4 days ago
- Qatar Tribune
Qatar Tourism reveals judges for 3rd edition of Qatar Tourism Awards
Tribune News Network Doha Qatar Tourism has revealed a distinguished 10-member jury panel of local and international experts for its third edition of the Qatar Tourism Awards. These eagerly awaited awards honour organisations and individuals known for consistently delivering exceptional tourism experiences in Qatar. The Qatar Tourism Awards is an initiative by Qatar Tourism, developed in collaboration with the World Tourism Organization (UN Tourism), aimed at recognising individuals and businesses across the tourism and hospitality sector in Qatar for their remarkable contributions to service excellence. The panel is tasked with carefully evaluating tourism businesses that demonstrate excellence across seven primary categories: Service Excellence, Gastronomic Experiences, Iconic Attractions and Activities, World-Class Events, Digital Footprint, Smart and Sustainable Tourism, and Community Leadership. These categories, along with 37 sub-categories, reflect key dimensions of both the visitor and resident experience. The jury includes the following distinguished members: HE Hamad Al Mulla, vice-chairman of the Education, Culture, Sport and Information Committee of the Shura Council and chairman of the External Affairs, Political and National Security Committee of the Arab Parliament; Andrew Stokes, OBE – Visit England director; Aurélie Bouti, travel content creator; Dr Hamad Salem Mejegheer, executive director SME Development at Qatar Development Bank; Gregor Rankin,Food and Travel Magazine, publisher & CEO; Samer Al Kharashi, director- Regional Office for the Middle East UN Tourism; Marcel Leijzer, deputy director, Technical Cooperation and Silk Road Department - UN Tourism; Dr. Abdulla Al Mehshadi Ph.D. Eng., CEO of Al Wa'ab City; Ramzan Al Naimi, innovation expert; and Prof. Rana Al Sobh, dean of the College of Business and Economics at Qatar University. Meet the Judges HE Hamad Al Mulla is a seasoned tourism and hospitality executive with a distinguished career spanning leadership roles at Marriott, Doha Club, and Katara Hospitality. He currently serves in senior parliamentary positions, including vice-chairman of the Shura Council's Education, Culture, Sport and Information Committee, and chairman of the Arab Parliament's External Affairs Committee. Samer Al Kharashi, appointed UN Tourism Regional director for the Middle East in 2024, brings over two decades of diplomatic experience to the role. A seasoned Saudi diplomat, he now leads efforts to advance sustainable tourism and regional competitiveness across the Middle East. Marcel Leijzer joined UN Tourism in 2006, where he is deputy director, Technical Cooperation and Silk Road Department - UN Tourism. His main task is to coordinate the formulation and implementation of tourism projects related to strategy development, marketing, poverty reduction, biodiversity conservation, and capacity building. Dr Hamad Salem Mejegheer serves as executive director of SME Development at Qatar Development Bank, leading national strategies that empower local businesses in line with Qatar National Vision 2030. With advanced degrees from SBS and HEC Paris, he also contributes to multiple boards, championing sustainable economic growth. Dr Abdulla Hassa Al Mehshadi Ph.D., Eng is the CEO of Al Wa'ab City and has held several other leadership positions. He previously served as CEO of Msheireb Properties, maintenance manager of Qatar Fertilizer Company (QAFCO), consultant to the Minster of Environment, Managing Director of Private Engineering Office. Andrew Stokes, OBE, is the director of Visit England and architect of the £40m Discover England Fund, driving tourism innovation and SME market access through platforms like TXGB. He has led national initiatives including DMO accreditation and business recovery programmes, earning an OBE in 2023 for services to tourism. Ramzan Rashid Al Naimi is an innovation expert and entrepreneur and a certified practitioner (Level 1) in Innovation Management. With more than 23 years of experience in the media, marketing and branding industry, he founded two companies specialised in the field of design, media production, and innovation. Prof. Rana Sobh is a professor of Marketing and dean of the College of Business and Economics at Qatar University. Throughout her career, she has contributed to several national and international projects and served on many local and international organisations' advisory boards. Aurélie Bouti is a globally recognised French travel content creator, known for her immersive storytelling and creative campaigns with top tourism boards. With over five million followers, she has been ranked France's number one travel influencer since 2023 and the world's best in 2025. Gregor Rankin is the award-winning publisher and CEO of Food and Travel magazine, globally recognised as the leading title in gastronomic travel. With a track record of successful media launches, he co-founded the magazine and its international editions, events, and acclaimed Reader Awards. The carefully selected panel of judges will evaluate submissions expected to surpass last year's total of over 800 entries from across the sector. Winners will receive extensive promotion locally, regionally, and internationally to enhance their visibility. The winners of the third edition of the Qatar Tourism Awards will be revealed during a formal ceremony taking place in November 2025. The Qatar Tourism Awards is open to all businesses and individuals in the tourism sector. The Awards is a benchmark for excellence, highlighting the nation's top tourism offerings, services and innovations and outstanding achievers. It is a chance to help set the standard for the tourism industry and recognise those who elevate Qatar's tourism reputation on the global stage. Winning the prestigious Qatar Tourism Awards is a demonstration of excellence that strengthens brand equity, shapes businesses or careers and to gain nationally and internationally recognition. Submissions are a simple process where the applicants need to answer five unique questions and attach supporting documents. The application portal launched on May 19, and the deadline for applications submission is August 7, 2025. For application guidelines and more information, visit or email

ILoveQatar.net
5 days ago
- ILoveQatar.net
Qatar Development Bank opens 2025 SME Excellence List applications to recognize top businesses
Qatar Development Bank (QDB) has officially launched the application process for the 2025 SME Excellence List, a national initiative celebrating the country's most successful and high-performing small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The deadline to apply is July 31, 2025, and participation is completely free. The SME Excellence List is designed to identify and honour companies that have demonstrated strong performance, rapid growth, and sustainable business models that positively contribute to Qatar's economic development. The initiative is in line with QDB's broader mission to build a robust and dynamic entrepreneurship ecosystem in the country. What is the SME Excellence List? The Excellence List serves as a platform to showcase the achievements of SMEs that have distinguished themselves in their respective industries. It aims to: Highlight the best-performing SMEs in Qatar based on specific eligibility and assessment criteria. Foster a culture of excellence and innovation among local businesses. Motivate entrepreneurs and create a vibrant, competitive business environment. Encourage the adoption of global best practices within the SME sector. Key benefits of participation SMEs that make it to the list gain national recognition, potential exposure to investors and partners, and credibility within the local and international business community. The list is also an effective tool for policymakers and stakeholders to identify and support promising businesses that can drive sustainable growth in the Qatari economy. How to apply Interested businesses must submit the following mandatory documents: Copy of Qatari ID Commercial Registration Establishment Registration Card Audited Financial Statements for the years 2022, 2023, and 2024 Optional documents that may support the application include: ID card of the authorised signatory Trade license Regulatory permit from the municipality Qatar Chamber of Commerce and Industry membership number Industrial registration Company presentation and any other supporting documents Proof of number of employees (issued by the General Directorate of Passports, Ministry of Interior) Applications will be reviewed based on set evaluation criteria, with emphasis on financial performance, business model sustainability, innovation, and impact on the local economy. For more details and to apply, visit the Qatar Development Bank website or contact their SME support team. Click here