Latest news with #QDB
Qatar Tribune
4 days ago
- Business
- Qatar Tribune
New ESG manual to empower SMEs for sustainable future
Tribune News Network Doha Qatar Development Bank (QDB) and the Gulf Organisation for Research and Development (GORD) have officially launched the ESG Guidance Manual for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Qatar during a high-level event titled 'ESG for Qatar's Business Leaders' held at Marsa Malaz Kempinski, Doha. Organized by GORD in collaboration with QDB, the event convened senior executives, sustainability experts, and policymakers to explore the strategic importance of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) integration and to unveil QDB's newly developed manual. The event also welcomed senior representatives from Qatar's leading financial institutions, including the Qatar Central Bank (QCB) and the Qatar Stock Exchange (QSE). Jointly developed by QDB and GORD, the ESG Guidance Manual offers a practical and scalable roadmap tailored to help SMEs embed ESG principles into their core business operations. The manual aims to align SMEs with the Qatar National Vision 2030, enhance their sustainability performance, and help them navigate evolving global regulatory requirements. Drawing on GORD's technical expertise and leadership in sustainability, the manual serves as both a strategic enabler and a compliance toolkit, equipping businesses to transition toward a low-carbon, resilient economy. During the launch, Dr. Yousef Alhorr, Founding Chairman of GORD, stated, 'The ESG Guidance Manual reflects Qatar's proactive commitment to empowering its SME sector to adapt to the evolving global ESG landscape. This initiative not only enhances the global competitiveness of Qatari SMEs in carbon-conscious markets but also reinforces their contribution to the goals of Qatar National Vision 2030 and broader international climate objectives.' Dr. Hamad Salem Mejegheer, Executive Director of SME Development of QDB, added, 'At Qatar Development Bank, we remain committed to strengthening the SME ecosystem, recognizing its vital role as a driver of economic growth and diversification. In today's interconnected global economy, ESG principles are no longer optional — they are fundamental to building resilience and unlocking new opportunities. Through this manual, developed in collaboration with GORD, we are equipping our SMEs with the tools to adapt, grow, and shape a sustainable future for Qatar.' Following the official launch, the event featured a series of technical sessions that offered participants in-depth insights into ESG fundamentals and regulatory developments. Discussions covered upcoming QCB guidelines, the implications of QSE's adoption of the IFRS S1/S2 standards, and how ESG ratings influence investment and financing decisions. Experts also addressed the role of digital solutions in streamlining ESG reporting and management. The sessions further explored strategies for embedding ESG into corporate decision-making and managing associated risks. The day concluded with a high-level panel discussion featuring leading experts and business leaders, emphasizing ESG as a strategic imperative and showcasing real-world examples of ESG-led business transformation and long-term value creation.
Zawya
4 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
QDB and GORD have officially launched ESG Guidance Manual for SMEs in Qatar
DOHA, Qatar – Qatar Development Bank (QDB) and the Gulf Organisation for Research and Development (GORD) have officially launched the ESG Guidance Manual for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Qatar during a high-level event titled 'ESG for Qatar's Business Leaders' held at Marsa Malaz Kempinski, Doha. Organized by GORD in collaboration with QDB, the event convened senior executives, sustainability experts, and policymakers to explore the strategic importance of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) integration and to unveil QDB's newly developed manual. The event also welcomed senior representatives from Qatar's leading financial institutions, including the Qatar Central Bank (QCB) and the Qatar Stock Exchange (QSE). Jointly developed by QDB and GORD, the ESG Guidance Manual offers a practical and scalable roadmap tailored to help SMEs embed ESG principles into their core business operations. The manual aims to align SMEs with the Qatar National Vision 2030, enhance their sustainability performance, and help them navigate evolving global regulatory requirements. Drawing on GORD's technical expertise and leadership in sustainability, the manual serves as both a strategic enabler and a compliance toolkit, equipping businesses to transition toward a low-carbon, resilient economy. During the launch, Dr. Yousef Alhorr, Founding Chairman of GORD, stated, 'The ESG Guidance Manual reflects Qatar's proactive commitment to empowering its SME sector to adapt to the evolving global ESG landscape. This initiative not only enhances the global competitiveness of Qatari SMEs in carbon-conscious markets but also reinforces their contribution to the goals of Qatar National Vision 2030 and broader international climate objectives.' Dr. Hamad Salem Mejegheer, Executive Director of SME Development of QDB, added, 'At Qatar Development Bank, we remain committed to strengthening the SME ecosystem, recognizing its vital role as a driver of economic growth and diversification. In today's interconnected global economy, ESG principles are no longer optional — they are fundamental to building resilience and unlocking new opportunities. Through this manual, developed in collaboration with GORD, we are equipping our SMEs with the tools to adapt, grow, and shape a sustainable future for Qatar.' Following the official launch, the event featured a series of technical sessions that offered participants in-depth insights into ESG fundamentals and regulatory developments. Discussions covered upcoming QCB guidelines, the implications of QSE's adoption of the IFRS S1/S2 standards, and how ESG ratings influence investment and financing decisions. Experts also addressed the role of digital solutions in streamlining ESG reporting and management. The sessions further explored strategies for embedding ESG into corporate decision-making and managing associated risks. The day concluded with a high-level panel discussion featuring leading experts and business leaders, emphasizing ESG as a strategic imperative and showcasing real-world examples of ESG-led business transformation and long-term value creation. About GORD The Gulf Organisation for Research & Development (GORD) is an RDI entity recognized among leading organizations in the global sustainability milieu. Headquartered in Qatar Science and Technology Park, GORD drives the transformation of societies, industries, and the built environment by influencing corporate ethos, fostering innovation, and developing capacity to enable low-carbon sustainable growth for present and future generations. The organization's key operations include R&D, standards setting, green buildings certification, accreditation services, voluntary carbon markets, performance testing, knowledge dissemination, 3D prototyping and advisory services on sustainability and climate change for governments, non-government, public and private sector organizations in line with Qatar National Vision 2030 and United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). ABOUT QDB: Qatar Development Bank (QDB) – established in 1997 as the Qatar Industrial Development Bank – is a 100% government-owned developmental organization. Its primary aim is to develop investments within local industries, thereby accelerating growth and economic diversification in Qatar through support for the private sector. QDB aims to promote entrepreneurship spirit within the private sector in Qatar through providing the necessary services that shall ease the growth, development, and diversification of this sector. In doing so, QDB offers access to information, incubation, and capabilities to SMEs, in addition to access to capital through direct and indirect financial services, investment and access to local markets, and access to international markets for Qatari exporters through export insurance and funding services.
Qatar Tribune
5 days 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.
Zawya
25-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Media City Qatar and Qatar Development Bank partner to boost media entrepreneurship and creative talent in Qatar
Doha, Qatar: Media City Qatar and Qatar Development Bank (QDB) have signed a Cooperation Agreement to strengthen Qatar's creative and cultural industries ecosystem by advancing innovation, nurturing global talent, and expanding opportunities for media startups. Signed during Day 3 of the 2025 'Qatar Economic Forum, Powered by Bloomberg', the agreement marks a joint effort to support media entrepreneurship in Qatar. The agreement outlines a comprehensive framework to support Qatar's media and creative economy through six strategic areas. These include joint efforts to identify and support large-scale media productions aligned with the nation's cultural and export priorities, as well as the launch of a co-branded acceleration program in partnership with QDB's Creative and Cultural Industries Hub (SCALE7). This program will provide hands-on support to startups through workshops, masterclasses, hackathons, and pitching events, aiming to spotlight high-potential ventures and connect them with top investors and industry leaders. The agreement names Media City Qatar as an official partner in QDB's Talent Community Program, supporting startups and helping attract creative talent. Together, they will share opportunities, explore co-investments, and help startups grow across the region and beyond. Media City Qatar and QDB will also promote the Startup Qatar Investment Program, invite each other to events, and work with key partners to strengthen these efforts. Eng. Jassim Mohamed Al Khori, CEO of Media City Qatar, said: 'Our commitment to startups is no coincidence: over 60% of our 200+ licensed companies are startups. That is why partnering with Qatar Development Bank is a natural next step in our mission to build a vibrant culture of media entrepreneurship in Qatar. This Cooperation Agreement is designed to accelerate the growth of both our current and future licensed companies. By combining our strategic platforms with QDB's startup expertise and investment channels, we are creating real pathways for media entrepreneurs to scale and innovate. This will enable them to produce content that contributes meaningfully to the country's creative GDP.' Abdulrahman Hesham Al Sowaidi, CEO of Qatar Development Bank, commented: 'This partnership reflects a shared vision for building the next generation of media entrepreneurs who contribute to shaping Qatar's creative economy. By bringing Media City Qatar on board as an official partner in our Talent Community Program, we are enriching the national startup ecosystem with creative talent ready to scale, directly contributing towards building the knowledge-based economy and Qatar's 2030 objectives. The agreement also sets the stage for establishing the first media sector accelerator under our Creative and Cultural Industries hub, Scale7, designed to empower innovation across the national media landscape. He added: 'Beyond talent development, this collaboration expands our capacity to back ambitious media ventures and accelerate their path to regional and global relevance. This partnership also enables us to promote the Startup Qatar Investment Program further and provide an investment platform for Media-sector startups.' Media City Qatar, as the official partner of the Forum, continues to forge high-impact partnerships that unlock new value for Qatar's media sector and contribute to the national knowledge-based economy goals of Qatar National Vision 2030. ABOUT MEDIA CITY QATAR Media City Qatar is an emerging, collaborative global hub for media companies, entrepreneurs, innovators, and creative talent, and a regional leader in the media industry, contributing to Qatar's economic diversification. It accelerates the evolution of regional media to create a powerful and innovative ecosystem where exceptional ideas and content thrive. Media City Qatar was established to streamline necessary regulations, develop businesses, and unlock investment opportunities to support the media ecosystem in Qatar under its regulatory, developmental, and investment mandates. Media City Qatar aims to foster a nurturing environment and a hub for traditional and digital media, technology, communications, research, and development. From broadcasting to traditional and digital newspapers, from gaming to user-generated content, and enabling AI and advanced technologies, Media City Qatar welcomes businesses across different media segments of various scales to join us in Doha. For more information, visit or follow us on ABOUT QATAR DEVELOPMENT BANK Founded in 1997 under Emiri Decree No. 14, Qatar Development Bank (QDB), formerly known as Qatar Industrial Development Bank, is a development institution that primarily focuses on boosting industrial development and supporting the economic diversification of the private sector in Qatar. Over the past two decades, QDB has played a pivotal role in becoming the primary support arm for the private sector in Qatar, acting as a strong catalyst for social and economic development through three main pillars: access to finance, access to markets, and access to capacity building. QDB offers a comprehensive support system, including various financing plans, advisory services, legal advisory, mentoring, and capacity-building platforms. This integrated approach has helped QDB become a vital partner in the growth journey of SMEs, from concept to export, enabling them to compete both nationally and internationally, contributing to Qatar's economic vision for 2030. Currently, QDB and its affiliated institutions are building on Qatar's rich legacy of social and economic achievements through bold future-focused initiatives, with an emphasis on digital transformation in SMEs and the business environment, making it easier for entrepreneurs and SMEs to enter the new economy, embrace renewed opportunities, and gradually transform QDB into a digital future-focused institution and beacon for financial and developmental institutions across the region and the world. For more information, visit QDB website.
Qatar Tribune
25-05-2025
- Business
- Qatar Tribune
MCQ, QDB partner to shore up media entrepreneurship, creative talent in Qatar
Tribune News Network Doha Media City Qatar (MCQ) and Qatar Development Bank (QDB) have signed a Cooperation Agreement to strengthen Qatar's creative and cultural industries ecosystem by advancing innovation, nurturing global talent, and expanding opportunities for media startups. Signed during Day 3 of the 2025 'Qatar Economic Forum, Powered by Bloomberg', the agreement marks a joint effort to support media entrepreneurship in Qatar. The agreement outlines a comprehensive framework to support Qatar's media and creative economy through six strategic areas. These include joint efforts to identify and support large-scale media productions aligned with the nation's cultural and export priorities, as well as the launch of a co-branded acceleration program in partnership with QDB's Creative and Cultural Industries Hub (Scale7). This program will provide hands-on support to startups through workshops, masterclasses, hackathons, and pitching events, aiming to spotlight high-potential ventures and connect them with top investors and industry leaders. The agreement names Media City Qatar as an official partner in QDB's Talent Community Program, supporting startups and helping attract creative talent. Together, they will share opportunities, explore co-investments, and help startups grow across the region and beyond. Media City Qatar and QDB will also promote the Startup Qatar Investment Program, invite each other to events, and work with key partners to strengthen these efforts. Eng. Jassim Mohamed Al Khori, CEO of Media City Qatar, said: 'Our commitment to startups is no coincidence: over 60% of our 200+ licensed companies are startups. That is why partnering with Qatar Development Bank is a natural next step in our mission to build a vibrant culture of media entrepreneurship in Qatar. This Cooperation Agreement is designed to accelerate the growth of both our current and future licensed companies. By combining our strategic platforms with QDB's startup expertise and investment channels, we are creating real pathways for media entrepreneurs to scale and innovate. This will enable them to produce content that contributes meaningfully to the country's creative GDP.' Abdulrahman Hesham Al Sowaidi, CEO of Qatar Development Bank, commented: 'This partnership reflects a shared vision for building the next generation of media entrepreneurs who contribute to shaping Qatar's creative economy. By bringing Media City Qatar on board as an official partner in our Talent Community Program, we are enriching the national startup ecosystem with creative talent ready to scale, directly contributing towards building the knowledge-based economy and Qatar's 2030 objectives. The agreement also sets the stage for establishing the first media sector accelerator under our Creative and Cultural Industries hub, Scale7, designed to empower innovation across the national media landscape. He added: 'Beyond talent development, this collaboration expands our capacity to back ambitious media ventures and accelerate their path to regional and global relevance. This partnership also enables us to promote the Startup Qatar Investment Program further and provide an investment platform for Media-sector startups.' Media City Qatar, as the official partner of the Forum, continues to forge high-impact partnerships that unlock new value for Qatar's media sector and contribute to the national knowledge-based economy goals of Qatar National Vision 2030.
