Latest news with #InvestQatar
Qatar Tribune
a day ago
- Business
- Qatar Tribune
Invest Qatar showcases startup ecosystem at Web Summit Vancouver
Tribune News Network Doha Invest Qatar, the Investment Promotion Agency of Qatar,marked its successful participation in the inaugural Web Summit Vancouver, held from 27 to 30 May. The event showcased Qatar's welcoming and dynamic startup ecosystem through the 'Startup Qatar' pavilion, which attracted significant attention from attendees and industry leaders. The 'Startup Qatar' pavilion, a collaborative effort between Invest Qatar and key ecosystem partners including Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT), Qatar Development Bank (QDB), Qatar Financial Centre (QFC), Qatar Investment Authority (QIA), and Qatar Research Development and Innovation Council (QRDI) highlighted the exclusive advantages and extensive opportunities available to startups and entrepreneurs looking to establish and expand their ventures in Qatar. Throughout the four-day summit, the pavilion facilitated connections between attendees and key stakeholders in Qatar's startup and entrepreneurial ecosystem. It emphasised the country's thriving business environment, multi-sectoral opportunities, and tailored benefits designed to empower ambitious startups and support their long-term growth. Senior representatives from the Qatar delegation actively engaged in panel discussions and networking sessions, highlighting the country's progress in driving innovation and technological advancement. Hamad Al-Naimi, Strategy Manager at Invest Qatar, participated in a panel discussiontitled 'From Seed to Scale: Catalysing Startup Growth in Emerging Tech Hubs' alongside António Dias Martins, CEO of Startup Portugal. During the discussion, Al-Naimi shared valuable insights into the policies and initiatives Qatar is pursuing to strengthen its position as a dynamic hub for innovation and startups. He also highlighted Qatar's recently launched $1 billion incentives programme, aimed at ensuring the long-term sustainability and global competitiveness of startups and fintech companies. The programme focuses on key sectors, including technology, with targeted support for artificial intelligence, cloud computing, cybersecurity and data-driven innovation, to foster a robust digital economy and attract high-impact investments. The participation at Web Summit Vancouver builds on the significant interest and record success of the 'Startup Qatar' initiative during previous international tech events. The initiative, launched ahead of the inaugural Web Summit Qatar, has recorded over 450 business registrations facilitated by QFC and received more than 4,000 applications for the 'Startup Qatar Investment Programme' by QDB. This programme offers funding of up to $500,000 for seed-stage and up to $5 million for growth-stage companies. To date, the programme has awarded $23.5M in funding to 19 startups from across the world, including Italy, Oman, Singapore, the U.K., the U.S. and Turkey. These startups benefit from funding, mentorship and other support services in Qatar's innovation-driven 'Startup Qatar' initiative is designed to support startups at every stage of their journey. It provides an innovative one-stop online platform ( catering to all business requirements and enabling them to access Qatar's extensive network of support services, opportunities, funding, incubation programmes, government grants, networking events and various other resources.
Qatar Tribune
6 days ago
- Business
- Qatar Tribune
QFC, Campden partner to boost family businesses
Tribune News Network Doha The Qatar Financial Centre (QFC), a leading onshore financial and business hub in the region, partnered with Campden Wealth, a global membership organisation for families of significant wealth, to host the Qatar Family Office Showcase at The Ned, Doha. This high-level event convened family offices, high-net-worth individuals, international investors, and prominent families to explore opportunities in wealth management, with a particular focus on family businesses in Qatar. QFC Chief Executive Officer Yousuf Mohamed Al Jaida emphasised the significance of the gathering, stating, 'We are witnessing an unprecedented generational wealth transfer, with over $84 trillion set to change hands in the coming decades. This shift is prompting families of significant wealth to re-evaluate how they manage, preserve, and grow their assets across generations. Family offices have emerged as a trusted and strategic model to navigate this complexity, and with global assets under management expected to exceed $5 trillion by 2030, their relevance is only accelerating. At QFC, we are proud to support this transformation and position Qatar as a leading hub for wealth stewardship in the region and beyond.' Campden Wealth CEO Dominic Samuelson said, 'The showcase brought together international family business owners and family office principals with regional and local families to share insights and experiences, lay the ground for generational relationships, and inform on the benefits and opportunities for establishing a family office structure in Doha, Qatar.' A cornerstone of the programme was the panel session titled 'From Vision to Reality: Qatar's Ecosystem for Families & Investors' moderated by Al-Jaida and featuring Invest Qatar CEO Sheikh Ali Al Waleed bin Khalifa Al Thani and Vice Chairman of Nasser Bin Khaled & Sons Group Sheikha Hanadi Al Thani. The discussion offered valuable insights into how Qatar's investment environment, cultural foundations, and public-private collaboration are creating a robust ecosystem for multigenerational family businesses and international investors alike. Throughout the day, participants took part in expert-led workshops focused on practical topics including Tax & Regulatory Regimes, Structuring for Wealth Preservation, Trusts and Foundations, and Succession Planning. Distinguished speakers from organisations such as Invest Qatar, Nasser Bin Khaled & Sons Group, PWC, Charles Russell Speechleys, FFF International, and JTC group provided insights on how families can effectively navigate global trends, anchoring their strategies within the framework of Qatar's robust regulatory and business ecosystem.
Zawya
26-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Qatar's $2.74bln FDI boost reflects diversified growth
Doha, Qatar: Qatar is poised for a transformative leap in 2025, continuing a decade-long trajectory of economic evolution and global integration. In its annual report published this week, Invest Qatar highlighted that 2024 was marked by robust investment growth, expanded international partnerships, and sustained progress in establishing Qatar as a premier destination for global business. The Peninsula spoke to numerous investors who expressed that the country is experiencing 'remarkable progress,' marked by surging investments, new business ventures, and the arrival of influential international players. Irina Duisimbekova, investor and co-founder of Licorne Gulf Holding, said, 'Qatar offers a unique blend of demand, activity, dynamism, tradition, and culture, whilst integrating modernity through the continuous implementation of new laws and regulations that promote trade.' These reforms are not only modernising the country's commercial landscape but also aligning its legal protections with global standards, rivaling those of Europe and the United States. This legal framework builds a foundation of trust between Qatar and its financial and industrial partners, encouraging long-term investment. Strategically positioned and supported by state-of-the-art port and airport infrastructure, Qatar has become a logistical hub for global trade. The country's largely bilingual population and engaged business community add to its attractiveness for foreign investors. Duisimbekova pointed out that within the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), the economic powerhouses are Saudi Arabia, the Emirates, and Qatar. Though geographically smaller, Qatar's influence is amplified by strategic investments initiated more than fifteen years ago. These investments have established the country as a diplomatic and economic force. The opening of new international businesses in Qatar strengthens its active diplomacy. It promotes its products and services on a global scale through a balance of political, industrial, and diplomatic efforts,' she said. In its report, Invest Qatar noted that Qatar drew $2.74bn in foreign direct investment (FDI) across 241 projects, generating 9,348 new jobs with 95 percent of total FDI capex channeled into greenfield projects, underscoring Qatar's strategic push toward economic diversification and long-term sustainable growth. Alexandre Katrangi, Co-founder of Licorne Gulf Holding, said that 'Any country that goes through these three phases—trade, services, then industry—experiences remarkable success.' However, Qatar's economic momentum is underpinned by a diversified strategy that combines banking, industry, and diplomacy. Katrangi emphasised that this 'Positions Qatar as a country capable of offering a comprehensive range of actions and developments for all kinds of businesses.' The country's stable and investor-friendly legal environment has drawn attention from Fortune 500 companies that now see Qatar as a dependable global partner. On the other hand, this growth is already translating into real economic outcomes. Neil Wilson, Managing Director at Sovereign PPG, highlighted the creation of over 9,000 new jobs as evidence of Qatar's expanding economy. 'It opens up new opportunities for people in Qatar, especially young professionals and graduates,' Wilson said. These developments are fostering the growth of new skills in cutting-edge sectors such as energy, technology, and research. Wilson also stressed the importance of workforce development by adding, 'By working closely with investors, Qatar can create programs that prepare locals for the roles being offered." He further added "Encouraging innovation, entrepreneurship, and support for SMEs will help create a robust, diverse economy for years to come.' © Dar Al Sharq Press, Printing and Distribution. All Rights Reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Zawya
23-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Invest Qatar, Schneider Electric partner to accelerate smart infrastructure development
Doha: Invest Qatar, the Investment Promotion Agency of Qatar, has entered into a strategic partnership with Schneider Electric, a global leader in the digital transformation of energy management and automation. The collaboration aims to support the company's expansion in Qatar and accelerate the development of smart infrastructure and artificial intelligence (AI) solutions within the country's rapidly growing business ecosystem. Signed during the Qatar Economic Forum, the agreement outlines a collaborative framework to advance Schneider Electric's operations in the country. This includes contributing to the development and expansion of Qatar's AI innovation and smart infrastructure landscape, while nurturing a future-ready workforce. As part of its expansion, Schneider Electric plans to grow its local team, contributing to job creation and talent development in the country. The company will also collaborate with Invest Qatar on a range of learning and development initiatives aligned with Qatar's Third National Development Strategy (NDS3). These efforts will be supported by Schneider Electric's Services Training Centre, located in its newly inaugurated office in Msheireb, Qatar's most sustainable and digitally enabled district. Schneider Electric will offer comprehensive upskilling programmes for Qatari talent and tailored training for customers on automation and smart city technologies. By integrating global technological expertise with local market insights, the partnership aims to further boost Qatar's transition toward a technology-driven economy. Invest Qatar will provide Schneider Electric with tailored support services, facilitate access to key stakeholders and promote initiatives that drive AI adoption, smart infrastructure development across strategic sectors. The partnership will also help raise awareness of Schneider Electric's strategic contributions to Qatar's innovation and sustainability agenda. Commenting on the partnership, Sheikh Ali Alwaleed Al-Thani, CEO, Invest Qatar, said: 'We are pleased to partner with Schneider Electric and support its successful business growth journey in Qatar. The company's decision to deepen its presence underscores Qatar's position as an ideal hub for tech innovation and sustainable development. Together, we look forward to driving progress across key sectors and supporting Qatar's transition to a knowledge-based economy.' Louie Jarouche, Country Manager for Qatar & Kuwait, Schneider Electric, commented: 'We are proud to strengthen our presence in Qatar, a country whose bold vision for sustainable development and digital transformation mirrors our own. Through our partnership with Invest Qatar, we are harnessing our global expertise in digitalization and electrification solutions to help accelerate the country's smart infrastructure and AI ambitions. This collaboration reinforces our shared commitment to advancing a future-ready, low-carbon economy by empowering local talent and enabling innovation across key sectors in line with Qatar's Third National Development Strategy.' © Dar Al Sharq Press, Printing and Distribution. All Rights Reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Qatar Tribune
23-05-2025
- Business
- Qatar Tribune
Investment in tourism a key pillar of economic diversification: Minister
Minister of Commerce and Industry HE Sheikh Faisal bin Thani bin Faisal Al Thani affirmed that investment in tourism projects is a key pillar of economic diversification, and a vital driver of public-private partnerships aimed at advancing development. Such projects serve as a key catalyst for attracting high-quality investments that contribute to sustainable development and achieve the goals of Qatar National Vision 2030. The West Bay Waterfront and Safliya Island development project, the minister said, reflects Qatar's commitment to enhancing the investment environment and supporting vital economic sectors, including tourism, hospitality, and entertainment. For his part, Eng Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Al Meer, president of the Public Works Authority, confirmed that the waterfront development project in the West Bay area and Al Safliya Island embodies a distinguished model of constructive cooperation between various government entities, and an effective partnership with the private sector, within the framework of Public-Private Partnership initiative adopted by the state. He called on all national entities working in the building and construction sector to seize this important strategic opportunity and contribute effectively to the implementation of this ambitious project. He affirmed that Ashghal plays a pivotal role in implementing tourism projects by providing integrated infrastructure that is in line with the objectives of tourism projects, while adhering to the highest standards of quality and sustainability, ensuring a balance between urban aesthetics, preserving the environment and natural resources of the country. Sheikh Ali Alwaleed Al Thani, CEO of Invest Qatar, said: 'Invest Qatar is pleased to support the West Bay Waterfront and Al Safliya Island project, a transformative initiative that will attract significant investment and elevate Qatar's tourism infrastructure. This project is a testament to Qatar's commitment to creating a dynamic and diversified economy by fostering strategic partnerships with world-class developers to contribute to Qatar's growth. We believe this development will not only enhance the visitor experience but also create new opportunities for innovation and sustainable development in the hospitality and leisure sectors.'
