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Stakeholders in Qatar's startup ecosystem stand to gain from a programme aimed at supporting startup owners and entrepreneurs in addressing a wide variety of challenges. The "Open-Door VC programme", which will be launched soon by Rasmal Ventures, takes a page from the "office hour," where university professors and teaching assistants in the US schedule a meeting with their students outside class hours. Alexander Wiedmer, partner, Rasmal Ventures, made the announcement during Startup Grind Qatar's regular panel discussion, where he was joined by colleague Soumaya Ben Beya Dridje, junior partner. The event was moderated by Startup Grind Doha chapter director Indica Amarasinghe. Wiedmer explained that the 'Open-Door VC programme' is part of Rasmal Ventures' commitment to support the country's startup ecosystem. While Qatar has an abundance of workshops and fora that provide advice and other helpful resources to entrepreneurs, he noted that the programme adds to this by addressing a startup's concerns in detail. Each month, we will dedicate a morning or afternoon to having in-person meetings with startups. One of our partners at Rasmal Ventures will be available to welcome a startup to our office at Workinton Lusail, and to discuss a subject pre-defined by the entrepreneur. The goal of this initiative is to provide entrepreneurs in Qatar with the opportunity to meet with a venture capital professional to tackle a difficulty, brainstorm solutions, and gain valuable insights on a specific challenge they are facing- Wiedmer further explained. He added: "The ecosystem provides workshops that cover a range of startup topics. Rasmal Ventures is a proud contributor to them, and they are also important. With Open-Door VC, we aim to do something different; to contribute a new resource for entrepreneurs in Qatar: The ability to unlock a particular obstacle the startup is facing in a very direct and concrete one-on-one interview." During the panel discussion, Ben Beya Dridje also said: "We are here in Qatar, so we want to add value and contribute our part in elevating the startup ecosystem. This programme will foster growth and collaboration in the community. Helping startups and entrepreneurs prepare for their journey will make it easier for us to invest because they are VC-ready." She added: "Within the team, we have a strong shared value: "The more you give to the ecosystem, the more you receive". Not only will we share this mindset with the community, but most importantly, we will demonstrate it."

Qatar Chamber board member Abdulrahman bin Abdullah al-Ansari has lauded the issuance of Ministerial Resolution No (123) of 2024, which lowers the rental value of the ministry's industrial zone lands.Al-Ansari, who is also the chairman of the chamber’s Industry Committee, told Gulf Times in an interview that the Ministerial Resolution will create a positive impact in different sectors across the country.Earlier, HE the Minister of Municipality Abdullah bin Hamad bin Abdullah al-Attiyah issued the resolution to support the growth of the national economy, enhancing the role of the private sector in diversifying the economy, and contributing to supporting the development process witnessed by the country.Al-Ansari also expressed optimism that this development will propel growth in Qatar’s industrial sector, as well as drive the creation and exports of products bearing the ‘Made in Qatar’ trademark.“There is no doubt that this decision will help a lot and its impact will also be reflected positively in the cost of products and services, as well as in other sectors like logistics and manufacturing.“These are important decisions that will reflect on cost...it is a chain. If it costs me less, then I will able to provide better services at lower costs,” al-Ansari explained, noting that the Ministerial Resolution was issued at an appropriate time, citing economic headwinds being experienced worldwide.Al-Ansari emphasised that Qatar Chamber has been working with different government ministries and other authorities to ensure that the private sector can play its role in the development of the national economy.Highlighting its role as a private sector leader, al-Ansari said Qatar Chamber has a wide range of committees for each business sector, including real estate, insurance, banking, industry, commerce, and transportation, among others.“These committees discuss the challenges in their sectors. They also prepare reports that are raised to the relevant authorities in government. We hold regular consultations and meetings with various ministries and the government reconsiders the issues raised based on our input,” al-Ansari noted.He added: “There are many developments and initiatives in the pipeline that will further push the economic diversification initiatives of Qatar. We are working night and day to transform these developments into a reality.”

Indosat Ooredoo Hutchison (Indosat) has embarked on the next phase of its strategy to further the company’s growth, according to Indosat president director and CEO Vikram Sinha.Sinha told Gulf Times in an exclusive interview that Indosat is on a transformation journey from a traditional Telco focused on providing connectivity to a TechCo that leverages new technologies and global partnerships to offer digital services and experiences that ride on top of its connectivity.“Our shift to a TechCo model is not just about growth, it's about putting our customers at the heart of everything we do. We are transforming from a network-centric to a service-centric company, with a strong focus on enhancing the customer experience. This customer-centric approach is what will drive our success in the future.“As we transition to a TechCo, we recognise the importance of partnerships. We are diligently working to identify the right partners and operating models to roll out digital services at scale. This collaborative approach is not just about creating a digital ecosystem, but about building a community of success, where all our stakeholders, including our customers, can thrive,” Sinha explained.Sinha sand Indosat’s transition to a TechCo is based on five key pillars: ‘Empowering Indonesia’, ‘Marvelous experience’, ‘Innovation’, ‘Talent’, and ‘Mutual co-operation’ (or ‘Gotong royong’).“We are serving a vast and growing digital economy to empower Indonesia. We are also committed to delivering a marvellous experience for all stakeholders: partners, employees, society, and customers. The company is building an innovation engine that employs new technologies like data analytics and AI to drive operational and service improvement.“Indosat Ooredoo Hutchison is building the next generation of leaders with digital capabilities, and we are being enabled through partnerships with some of the world's leading technology giants,” Sinha emphasised.On the other hand, Indosat is also moving towards a more flexible asset-light model to free up capital to reinvest in technology and innovation that makes a real difference to its customers' experiences, he noted.“We believe it is the right strategy to work with partners who are experts in managing infrastructure. This is also a key part of our transformation from being a traditional Telco to a TechCo,” Sinha further explained.Speaking on Indosat’s utilisation of artificial intelligence (AI), including the company’s new partnership with Nvidia, Sinha said: “At Indosat, we have embarked on our journey from a traditional Telco to an AI-native TechCo. This means that we are changing from a company that only provides connectivity to one that leverages new technologies—cloud, AI, and cybersecurity—and partnerships with global technology companies to offer digital services and experiences on top of our connectivity and to drive the productivity of our operations.“Our focus on data analytics and AI is not just a strategic move, but a commitment to our more than 100mn customers. We believe that these technologies are foundational elements for enhancing their experience. With the appointment of a Chief Enterprise Data Analytics Officer, we are spearheading the democratisation of data access, a step that will significantly improve our service and customer experience.”Sinha added: “Another key focus is on AI-cloud services. In February 2024, we announced a groundbreaking partnership with Nvidia, through our subsidiary Lintasarta as the national preferred cloud provider, to establish Indonesia's sovereign AI cloud capabilities, positioning the nation at the forefront of the global AI cloud community. Through this collaboration, we will harness Nvidia's cutting-edge technology to offer AI Cloud services to Indonesian customers, utilising data centres operated by BDx Indonesia, a joint venture between Indosat, Lintasarta, and BDx Data Centres.“Our partnership with Nvidia is more than just business. It's about contributing to the development of a truly digital nation in Indonesia. By democratising access to AI cloud services, we are unlocking the potential of every Indonesian business, creating jobs, and fostering opportunities for all Indonesians. We are proud to be a part of this transformative journey.”

HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohamed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim al-Thani yesterday launched the multi-billion Qatari riyal Smaisma Project, which is expected to become Qatar’s new urban landmark, adding to the country’s growing list of unique tourist destinations along its coast.Smaisma is the Ministry of Municipality’s latest project, which will be managed by Qatari Diar Real Estate Investment Company. The launch was attended by HE the Minister of Municipality Abdullah bin Hamad bin Abdullah al-Attiyah and key figures from the government, investment, tourism, and real estate communities.In a speech, al-Attiyah stressed the importance of collaboration between partners in the public and private sector to continue and reinforce the growth trajectory that Qatar has been witnessing.Al-Attiyah said, “As we move steadily towards achieving Qatar National Vision 2030, we are building a future more prosperous and stable for future generations, economically, socially and environmentally. We look forward to enriching the tourism sector with more projects that meet the needs of this vital industry.”Engineer Ali bin Mohamed al-Ali, CEO of Qatari Diar Real Estate Investment Company, thanked the Ministry of Municipality for placing its trust in Qatari Diar to manage the project.Al-Ali said, “This latest project has been planned under the umbrella of the Ministry of Municipality and in line with the path of continued economic growth pursued by the State of Qatar. This project will set a new standard for tourism in the region and write a new and exciting chapter in Qatar’s ongoing success story.”He added: “The Qatari real estate market is valued at $485bn in 2024, and attracts the most foreign direct investments after the energy sector. This industry has witnessed notable growth in the past few years, driven by an increase in demand on residential and retail spaces, growth in visitor numbers, and Qatar’s hosting of mega events and development in the business and trade sector.”The Smaisma Project will span 8mn sq m, and extends along 7km of pristine beachfront on Qatar’s eastern coast, in an area known as Smaisma Beach, providing novel tourist and entertainment experiences to the people of Qatar and its visitors.It provides promising investment opportunities with 16 tourism zones available for development by the private sector, including resorts spread out over four zones each with a unique design and character. In addition, the project will feature a large-scale theme park, 18-hole golf course, residential villas, and a yacht marina, as well as luxury restaurants and retailers.Sustainability will be a fundamental pillar of the project, with reliance on smart construction systems, in addition to the use of local and recycled materials, as well as the latest in construction technology. To Page 12

A global software development company is set to play a key role in Qatar’s rapidly developing tech ecosystem by supporting local entrepreneurs and collaborations with key institutions in the country.Citing partnership with Qatar Investment Authority (QIA), Sachin Dev Duggal, CEO and co-founder of Builder.ai, said the company is working to revolutionise Qatar’s startup ecosystem by empowering local entrepreneurs and lowering engineering risks and costs, making it easy for them to develop products.“Doha is very important to us because of the strategic access we get through QIA. On a global perspective, QIA is now leading the charge in terms of sovereign funds, or even funds for that matter, that are helping companies crossover from early stages to later stages.“Having them as a partner is powerful given how wide that portfolio is. And similarly, they think of us as a good contributor into the portfolio because we can help so many of their non-technical investments or technology investments make that transformation jump,” Duggal told Gulf Times in an exclusive interview.According to Duggal, Builder.ai utilises the ‘Robin Hood model’ to provide startups access to advanced technology. “We charge enterprises a lot more. We use that excess or that additional amount, to drive price down at the lower end, so at the startup and the entrepreneur,” he explained.He further explained how Builder.ai’s unique business model is making advanced tech more accessible to startups: “We call it ‘composable software’, because what we’re saying is, it’s as good as how you talk about your idea. It’s as good as how you answer certain questions about your idea or the problem you’re trying to solve.“That suddenly makes it a very level playing field, where everybody can now be an entrepreneur. Everybody, because all they’ve got to do is think about a novel concept or a novel idea or a problem they’re solving.”Duggal also underscored Builder.ai’s ability to reduce engineering and product risk for startups “by 20x,” addressing major challenges, such as engineering issues, in the startup ecosystem where failure rates can reach “70% to 80%.”He noted that the company envisions to forge more partnerships and collaborations with Qatar’s leading academic institutions. Leveraging the country’s educational system will further attract talent back to Doha, Duggal also pointed out.“We’ve been having several conversations with various constituents of the Qatar ecosystem around how we could do research and development here. And what we’re hearing now is a lot of folks want to come back to Doha; maybe they’ve had their PhDs overseas and want to come back,” he revealed.To encourage Qatar’s aspiring entrepreneurs, Duggal emphasised the need for global collaboration and the importance of grit, perseverance, and pushing boundaries.Duggal said, “Collaborate internationally or globally, there’s no harm in that. Also, stay in Doha. It’s going to change quickly and fast, and you want to be at the precipice of that wave...a lot of times we say an entrepreneur is gifted, but I don’t think the gift is the talent. It’s not enough. Talent is grit, dedication, showing up, following through, and dealing with the 100 no’s before you get the 101st yes is the talent.”

Some 15-20 Canadian companies are expected to participate in the World Summit AI Qatar slated in Doha by the end the year, an official of the Canadian-Qatari Business Forum (CQBF) has said.Yasser Dhouib, executive director of the Canadian-Qatari Business Forum (CQBF), said the participating companies accompanying the CQBF delegation to the summit represent a variety of sectors, including manufacturing, robotics, healthcare, cleantech, transportation and logistics, education, energy, finance, agri-food, and retail.“The presence of the Canadian-Qatari Business Forum at the World Summit AI Qatar from December 10-11 at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre and the Web Summit Qatar 2025 reflects CQBF’s firm commitment to foster strategic initiatives, business opportunities, and partnerships with companies in Qatar and fruitful return of investments for their Canadian counterparts,” Dhouib told Gulf Times.Dhouib’s statement follows CQBF’s “successful participation” in the recently concluded Collision 2024 held in Toronto. He noted that Collision is dubbed as “North America’s fastest-growing tech conference, bringing together Fortune 500 companies, groundbreaking startups, and world-class speakers.”“The CQBF’s attendance at Collision demonstrates our efforts to draw Canadian high-tech companies and AI technology into Qatar’s vision for becoming a regional hub for high-tech investment,” Dhouib explained.According to Dhouib, the CQBF reported a “significant presence” at Collision, fostering partnerships with key Qatari entities, such as Invest Qatar and its initiative, Startup Qatar, “a one-stop online platform catering to all business requirements and serving as the single comprehensive national resource for information, support and opportunities offered to startups.”The involvement of Qatari government agencies like Qatar Research, Development and Innovation (QRDI) Council confirms a strong commitment to collaborative initiatives between both countries, said Dhouib, who highlighted Canada’s “strategic importance” in Qatar’s plans, thus positioning the CQBF “as a pivotal partner in this initiative.”Dhouib emphasised that CQBF is keen to work with other strategic public and private sector partners from Qatar and Canada in the realm of tech and IT, among other sectors, ahead of the upcoming World Summit AI Qatar.The CQBF plans to engage with private and government authorities, such as Qatar Chamber, the Qatari Businessmen Association (QBA), and the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT) to achieve the goals of Qatar National Vision 2030, Dhouib said.Similarly, CQBF also collaborates with Canadian federal and provincial organisations to advance the development and deployment of AI technologies, Dhouib said, adding that this aims to leverage Canada’s strengths in AI for international partnerships and economic growth.“The CQBF works with the governments of Ontario, Quebec, and New Brunswick to promote Canadian AI innovations on a global stage. We have jointly supported trade missions that highlight Canadian AI capabilities and facilitate partnerships in Qatar.“Through the Global Affairs Canada, the CQBF has co-ordinated efforts to connect Canadian AI firms with Qatari counterparts, supporting the exchange of technology and expertise between the two nations,” he explained.Dhouib noted that the CQBF collaborates with Montreal startups and the Investissement Quebec to support Quebec-based AI startups in exploring opportunities in Qatar. This includes organising workshops and networking events tailored to bridging Quebec’s tech ecosystem with Qatari markets, he also said.Dhouib further explained that the CQBF is encouraging Canadian companies across the country to explore collaborative opportunities and solidify partnerships. “Meetings and roundtable discussions are being scheduled to address mutual interests in technology and innovation sectors, aligning with Qatar’s strategic vision for AI and digital transformation,” he emphasised.Dhouib said the CQBF is embarking on long-term prospective partnerships with Toronto Global, an umbrella group of hi-tech and IA Canadian companies, as well as MaRS, the world's largest urban innovation hub in Toronto that supports startups in the health, clean tech, fintech, and enterprise sectors.“The CQBF is crafting partnerships with Startup Montreal as the main hub for high-tech investment companies. This is certainly an important asset that the CQBF is gearing up to present for prospective Qatari companies and business partners.“Thanks to its pan-Canadian outreach, the CQBF, in collaboration with provincial and territorial governments, is interested to create a Canadian-Qatari business partnership and the opportunity for interchangeable approaches of know-how transfer and expertise,” Dhouib added.

Joint ventures (JVs) and collaborative initiatives with international partners, such as Sweden-based agritech firm, Moving Floors, could help propel Qatar to the forefront of sustainable farming, creating a positive impact on the economy.Moving Floor CEO and co-founder Peg Söderberg expressed optimism about potential collaborations with the Gulf state, saying a collaboration can position Qatar as a leader in sustainable, high-quality agricultural equipment, attracting further investment and driving economic growth.In an exclusive interview with Gulf Times following a recent visit to Qatar to explore investment opportunities, Peg Söderberg, further explained: “A partnership between Moving Floor and Qatar can have several positive economic impacts. It can create employment opportunities in the agricultural sector, from technology installation and maintenance to farm operations. Knowledge-sharing initiatives can enhance the skills of the local workforce, fostering innovation and expertise in sustainable farming.”Söderberg pointed out that Moving Floor manufactures prefabricated modules that are installed at farms. Citing Qatar’s “excellent logistics” and free zones, she said the country could, in the long term, serve as a strategic export hub for Moving Floor, as well as a gateway to surrounding regions.“Most countries strive for self-sufficiency in food production, at least to some extent, as it is the backbone of society. This means Moving Floor has a big global market potential as we can renovate or build new barns, whether they are small or mega-farms,” she emphasised.Aside from JVs, Söderberg noted that Moving Floor is also anticipating potential opportunities for technology transfers and playing a role in Qatar’s existing agriculture investment projects to implement the company’s sustainable farming systems in the region and hot, arid Gulf climates.“Our technology is adaptable to various climates, including the hot and arid conditions of the Gulf region. Collaborating with Qatari agricultural projects can help implement sustainable farming systems that are efficient and resilient.“We can bring our expertise in automated cleaning solutions, which can be tailored to meet the unique environmental and agricultural needs of Qatar, ensuring enhanced productivity and sustainability. Localising sales and assembly is part of the Moving Floor go-to-market plan,” Söderberg stressed.She also said: “In a joint venture, Sweden and Qatar can leverage their respective strengths to create a powerful synergy. With more than 100 commercial dairy farms and 10 university collaborations running, Sweden’s expertise in sustainable farming and advanced agricultural technologies can provide innovative solutions and best practices.“Meanwhile, Qatar’s financial resources can support large-scale implementation and infrastructure development. This partnership can drive advancements in agricultural productivity and sustainability, combining Swedish innovation with Qatari investment to achieve shared goals in food security and economic growth.”Söderberg noted that other forms of collaboration between Moving Floor and Qatari partners that could drive innovation and impact foreign direct investment (FDI) flows in this sector include pilot farms, research and development (R&D) partnerships, training programmes, and knowledge exchange initiatives.She said: “Establishing research centres in Qatar focused on sustainable agriculture could drive innovation and adaptation of technologies to local conditions. Training programmes for local farmers and agricultural workers on the use of automated systems and sustainable practices can enhance skills and productivity. These collaborations can attract further FDI by showcasing Qatar as a hub for advanced, sustainable farming practices.”Söderberg added: “Automated cleaning systems maintain high sanitation standards, reducing the risk of contamination and disease. Additionally, our technology can improve traceability in supply chains by providing accurate records of cleaning and animal health, supporting transparency and trust in food production.”

Qatar has abundant opportunities for Swedish companies to contribute to the Gulf nation’s ambitious goals to position itself as a regional hub for sports, tourism, and mega-events, Swedish ambassador Gautam Bhattacharyya has said.Citing the successful hosting of the 2022 FIFA World Cup, Bhattacharyya emphasised Swedish telecom giant Ericsson’s successful 5G rollout during the global sporting event. “This underscores how the company assured the technical backbone during the football matches. We also had a Swedish firm providing the state-of-the-art pool for the World Aquatics Championships that Doha recently hosted,” he pointed out.Beyond infrastructure, the ambassador emphasised that people-to-people ties are flourishing through the sports arena: “Sweden is a great sporting nation. And Swedish experts are working in Qatar across football, table tennis, horse riding, and more. Swedish teams visit here frequently for the country’s training camps, leveraging Qatar’s world-class facilities.”Similarly, Bhattacharyya lauded Aspetar, a world-leading specialised orthopaedic and sports medicine hospital headquartered in Doha and the first of its kind in the Middle East. Under Aspetar’s elite athlete healthcare services, the ambassador said Swedish national level athletes regularly receive world-class treatment and rehabilitation there. “Sweden is also well-known for sports therapy and there is further scope for collaboration in this field” Bhattacharyya noted.Asked how businesses from Sweden and Qatar could contribute to strengthening cultural ties and fostering mutual understanding, Bhattacharyya underscored commonalities between the two nations, describing them as smaller countries that have transitioned from subsistence level to export-led wealth.“Both peoples, Qataris and Swedes, were traditionally hardy, self-sufficient and very hardworking, affected by the often harsh climate and nature in both countries, so there is some kind of basic similarity in their inherited cultural substrata. Today, Sweden is a very hyper-modern, innovative European country with fairly individualistic values.“Qatar, on the other hand, has a more family-oriented, collectivistic value. But still, or precisely because of the differences, there is ample space for collaboration in culture, sports and other areas” the ambassador explained.According to Bhattacharyya, Qatar’s acquisition of a major Turkish 18th century art collection “The Biby Collection”, formerly owned by Sweden, reflects linkages in traditional arts. However, he noted that unconventional synergies are also underway, such as interconnecting the Qatari, Indian, and Swedish film industries through a multi-nation co-production initiative.“It pays to think out of the box. It’s not always just between Qatar and Sweden. Qatar is a great midway point between many geographies and with top-modern facilities here, allowing room for creative initiatives”.Moreover, the ambassador noted that Sweden’s large Arab diaspora provides a bridge, evidenced by the prominent Malmo Arab Film Festival, one of the biggest Arab language film festivals in Europe, where Qatari films have received various awards and prizes.Bhattacharyya also suggested opportunities for mutual learning with Sweden’s approach to inclusive economic growth, citing Swedish expertise in adapting workplaces for those with special needs like autism. “Qatar and Sweden can learn together, especially in implementing new pedagogic methods and technologies for elderly people and children with special needs, such as autism. These are areas where Sweden has a strong focus.“We have companies specialising in the needs of people who are visually or audibly impaired, or other functional impairments. We have adapted our workplaces to address the needs of these people. And I believe Qatar is taking the same direction, so, again that’s another great area for collaboration,” Bhattacharyya further emphasised.

Qatar and Sweden share a high potential in forging sustainability partnerships driven by innovation and knowledge exchange, according to the CEO of FAM, a Swedish private holding company founded by the Wallenberg family.Hakan Buskhe recently led a high-level business delegation to Qatar comprising Swedish CEOs, who explored the country’s investment opportunities and industrial landscape to foster partnerships between Swedish and Qatari companies.In an exclusive interview with Gulf Times, Buskhe highlighted both countries’ parallel development pursuits, including Qatar’s sustainable development goals outlined in its 2030 National Vision, and Sweden’s expertise in renewable energy, urban planning, and environmental technologies that could support Qatar’s efforts.Buskhe also emphasised the potential range for knowledge sharing and collaborative innovation between Qatar and Sweden across sectors like sustainable cities, waste management, circular economy, agriculture, and food security.“There is strong potential for joint sharing of knowledge. For example, Sweden has been carbon-neutral in supplying electricity due to various circumstances for many years. We have utilised that to develop our products for the global market.“Of course, Qatar has its unique requirements. Yet, from what I've gathered through our interactions with various institutions and companies in Qatar, there is a significant opportunity to evolve and enhance sustainability. This shared goal aligns us closely,” Buskhe explained.Citing another commonality between both nations, Buskhe lauded Qatar Foundation’s (QF) focus on sustainability through research and development (R&D), saying this reflects the mutual commitment to sustainability, innovation, and learning from each other’s experiences.“It is important to note that Sweden and Qatar have different development paths. Among Sweden’s natural resources is iron ore; we have forests and many rivers, as well as green steel and sustainable electricity.But I think the understanding and the willingness to go in that direction is also very strong in Qatar as it is in Sweden. It is a genuine direction for both countries. And I think we can compare notes and learn from each other,” Buskhe explained.On the back of knowledge sharing and innovative collaboration befitting Qatar and Sweden’s forward-looking visions, Buskhe also emphasised the potential breadth of a sustainability partnership spanning renewable energy, agri-tech, smart cities, and circular economy solutions, among others.Buskhe pointed out that Sweden boasts a longstanding tradition in waste management, citing waste as “a good resource.” He noted that only “1%” of Sweden’s waste is sent to landfills, while the remaining “99%” is recycled or repurposed. He stressed that waste disposal and management is not solely a government responsibility but a collective effort of society.“In Sweden today, people spend the weekends sorting or engaging in recycling-related activities. Growing up in the ‘60s, we didn’t have this type of waste management. However, each individual has an impact on society, so everyone, not just the government of the city or municipality, must be responsible for doing their part in the circular economy.“Not only can Qatar and Sweden exchange or compare notes in the area of industrial technology and machinery, but also in terms of mindset whether it is on recycling or other ways to protect the environment,” Buskhe further explained.

Major players and stakeholders in Qatar’s private sector have expressed keen interest in partnering with their counterparts in the Philippines, according to the southeast Asian nation’s top diplomat here. Ambassador Lillibeth V Pono told Gulf Times that the Philippine embassy in Qatar has been facilitating connections between both countries’ private sectors amid efforts by the administration of Philippine President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr to push for more foreign direct investment (FDI). According to Pono, one of the mandates of the embassy is to promote the Philippines’ economic interests through economic diplomacy and economic intelligence initiatives, as well as sharing opportunities and facilitating dialogues with businesses and other private sector stakeholders. The ambassador said the embassy is also assisting the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in the Philippines during the conduct of the Outbound Business Matching Mission (OBMM), which is organised by the DTI- Export Marketing Bureau (DTI-EMB), together with the Philippine Trade and Investment Centre (PTIC) – Dubai and Centre for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM). Pono also expressed optimism for potential collaboration between the private sectors of the Philippines and Qatar, citing business-to-business dialogue involving “big initiatives that could not be revealed at the moment.” However, Pono said the memorandum of understanding signed by Qatar Chamber with the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), as well as with the Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry, during the “historic” state visit of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani last April 2024 reflect the robust relations between both nations’ private sectors. In an interview with Qatar News Agency, PCCI president Enunina Mangio described His Highness the Amir’s state visit as “a significant event for the Philippine business sector” and “represents Qatar’s sincere interest in contributing to the Philippine’s development goals.” During her speech at the embassy’s recent commemoration of the 126th anniversary of the Declaration of Philippine Independence held in the presence of HE the Minister of Justice and Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs Ibrahim bin Ali al-Mohannadi in Doha, Pono lauded His Highness the Amir’s visit as "a demonstration of efforts to galvanise the action needed to elevate our bilateral relations to new heights.” Pono said: “During the visit, we witnessed the signing of several landmark agreements and the straightforward and sincere dialogue between the Amir and Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr on further expanding the scope of bilateral co-operation, notably in trade and investment, agriculture, energy, defence, culture, climate change, and labour, among many other areas.” The ambassador also said: “The Philippines and Qatar commit to working closely to foster stronger economic relations, and we will be glad to have more and more Qatar investors becoming part of the Philippines’ growth trajectory. “We are a reliable and stable partner with our sound micro-economic fundamentals, an agile, educated, and skilled workforce, and business-friendly climate. We are now considered as one of the fastest-growing economies in the Asian region, expected to hit 6% growth in 2024 from 5.5% in 2023.”

Italian ambassador Paolo Toschi has ensured Italy’s full support for Qatar’s initiatives and programmes to diversify its economy away from hydrocarbons into key sectors like technology and manufacturing.Toschi lauded the country’s economic transformation plans, citing recent announcements such as Third National Development Strategy (NDS3), which is the final phase of the Qatar National Vision 2030.“We are currently witnessing the Qatari economy diversifying further...at this moment on the economic front, Italy commends Qatar’s economic diversification, and will continue to support it and be part of it,” Toschi told Gulf Times.Toschi also noted that the strength of Italy’s delegation at the Qatar Economic Forum underlines the keen interest of Italian companies in participating in Qatar's diversification plans.“We had a record participation of Italian businesses at the recently concluded Qatar Economic Forum, which clearly indicates Italy’s commitment. By far, this was the highest number of Italian companies and this is a sign that we are here to continue partnering and supporting this diversification,” he remarked.Toschi also praised the directions laid out by His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani and HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohamed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim al-Thani, which focus on sustainability, energy diversification, high technology, and manufacturing.“This presents a very clear picture of what the government is laying out, which we will continue to support,” affirmed the ambassador, who added that Italy will also back Qatar’s investments in education, higher education, artificial intelligence (AI), and efforts to attract tech startups.On high technology, Toschi underscored the need for ensuring safety through proper governance when harnessing the power of AI, citing Italy’s “double approach,” which combines ethical guidelines and regulations with accelerating AI R&D.The ambassador also lauded the pioneering work of the Qatar Computing Research Institute (QCRI) in areas like large language models (LLMs), underscoring the keenness to expand Italy-Qatar collaboration on AI.“We want to expand our conversation with Qatar on artificial intelligence. Qatar has an important institution like Qatar Computer Research Institute that is leading the regional conversation on artificial intelligence, including large language models, which is something we’re extremely interested in,” he stressed.On Qatar-Italy trade, Toschi revealed Italy’s agri-food and food and beverage (F&B) exports to Qatar surged over 40% year-on-year in the first few months of this year versus the same period in 2023, citing “huge enthusiasm” for Italian F&B products.

Greece’s economic resurgence with Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis at the helm is seen to open potential Qatari investments in a wide range of sectors, including energy, tourism, and high-tech industries.In an exclusive interview with Gulf Times, Energy and Environment Holding CEO Roudi Baroudi underscored the growing bilateral ties of both countries, saying Qatar is well-positioned to capitalise on Greece’s economic stability, which has been attracting foreign direct investments (FDI).“After the bond and fiscal crisis that Greece went through in 2012-2014, it took them a few years of solid reconsolidating their books with the assistance of the IMF, the World Bank, and especially the EU...the stupendous economic growth brought about by Prime Minister Mitsotakis has brought a lot of FDI back.“Qatar has always had certain private investments in the financial and energy sectors. Today, Greece is a hub for diverse investment opportunities and its economy is open to different markets other than just tourism, real estate, and industry, but they have direct access to Europe, as well, in terms of oil and gas,” Baroudi explained.Baoudi noted that the energy sector, particularly liquefied natural gas (LNG), is vital in enhancing further Qatar-Greece investment opportunities and economic ties. He also said Qatar’s decades-long expertise in the LNG industry could help catalyse Greece’s bid to become a major logistics centre.“Greece has probably the largest ships, crude tankers, and gas tankers in the world, making them one of the leaders in the global maritime business. Qatar’s LNG capabilities are already well-established with more than a dozen LNG ships working for QatarEnergy subsidiaries,” Baroudi noted.At the Qatar Economic Forum held in Doha last month, HE the Minister of Finance Ali bin Ahmed al-Kuwari emphasised that Qatar’s energy sector is performing “very well,” citing QatarEnergy’s plans for a new LNG expansion project that would further raise the country’s LNG production capacity to 142mn tonnes per annum.Al-Kuwari said, “We are going to increase Qatar’s (liquefied natural gas) production by 85% in a phased manner until 2030. We are going to be reaching 142mn tonnes per annum of LNG.”According to Baroudi, recent developments in Qatar’s energy industry could extend potential investment opportunities with Greece beyond shipping to LNG infrastructure. “Qatar’s expertise could be crucial as Greece expands its LNG port to supply gas to neighbouring countries following the Ukraine-Russian war. QatarEnergy is also making strategic investments in the Eastern Mediterranean, such as in Cyprus and Egypt as part of a larger regional strategy,” he said.Baroudi also pointed to knowledge exchange as another avenue for collaboration and investment in terms of port management. “There is no question that Hamad Port will benefit a lot from further co-operation with the Port of Piraeus, which is Greece’s largest port, and the second largest in the Mediterranean,” Baroudi stated.Asked about potential partnerships outside the energy sector and port management, Baroudi said both countries could also forge joint opportunities in digital connectivity, artificial intelligence (AI), and clean tech. Among other industries, Baroudi also noted that Qatar could expand its tourism and hospitality footprint amidst Greece’s favourable economic environment.

A Swedish company specialising in automated cleaning solutions for farms has highlighted how its innovative technology aligns with Qatar’s objectives towards sustainable practices and developing robust food production systems.Peg Söderberg, CEO and co-founder of Moving Floor, was in Qatar recently as part of a high-level delegation of leading Swedish companies that explored the Gulf nation’s investment climate and business opportunities.In an exclusive interview with Gulf Times, Söderberg emphasised that the company’s automated cleaning solutions can significantly enhance the efficiency and sustainability of farms.“By maintaining cleaner environments, the health and well-being of farm animals improve, leading to higher yields. Cleaner floors reduce the risk of diseases, lower the need for antibiotics, and promote faster growth rates in livestock.“Additionally, automated systems reduce labour costs and increase operational efficiency, allowing farmers to focus more on strategic aspects of farming, ultimately boosting productivity...furthermore, automating cleaning is labour-saving and has a quicker payback than traditional housing equipment,” she explained.According to a World Bank study, Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC) countries are “among the most water-scarce countries globally.” Söderberg said, “It is important to mention as water is scarce in Qatar, Moving Floor does not use any water in the daily cleaning of the floors as this is only done mechanically...in some farming systems, water is excessively used for daily cleaning. Moving Floor reduces all that cleaning water usage, which is essential considering Qatar’s water scarcity.”Söderberg also pointed out that Moving Floor’s technology directly supports Qatar’s sustainability and food security goals by creating healthier farming environments. She further said these benefits can attract investment by demonstrating Qatar’s dedication to modern, sustainable agriculture, appealing to investors interested in environmental stewardship and public health.Asked how reduced ammonia emissions and antibiotic use align with Qatar’s sustainability and food security goals and attract investment, Söderberg noted that Moving Floor’s technology can reduce up to 85% of ammonia emissions, which contributes to less smell, better air quality, and lower environmental impact.“We are seeing stringent legislation being implemented in the EU countries, limiting the ammonia emissions from farms by 50, 60, 70, and 85%, respectively for countries, such as Denmark, Belgium, Germany, and the Netherlands. As of now, Moving Floor is the only innovative barn cleaning solution that can decrease as much as 85% of the emissions, providing us with a unique market position,” Söderberg stressed.She also said, “Improving the hygiene of the environment where the animals live leads to improved health and less antibiotics use. This is important as the majority of antibiotics globally are used in farming, contributing to the increase of antimicrobial resistance, deemed by WHO as the top three threats to humankind.”Söderberg added: “By minimising ammonia from livestock farming, our technology contributes to lower greenhouse gas emissions. Furthermore, ensuring a high feed efficiency of the animals (amount of kcal per litre of milk for example) is key when it comes to sustainable animal husbandry. Especially important for a region that imports the majority of the feed.“The total reduction of CO2 is estimated at 10-20% depending on animal type. This aligns with Qatar’s broader environmental objectives and showcases the country’s commitment to sustainable development. Implementing our solutions can make Qatar’s agricultural sector more eco-friendly and resilient.”

The Swedish embassy here is working on bolstering contacts between Qatar and Sweden’s entrepreneurial and startup ecosystems to drive innovation, potential partnerships, and talent sourcing, according to top diplomat, Gautam Bhattacharyya.The Swedish ambassador lauded institutions like Qatar Foundation and Education City, as well as its technology parks and incubation centres, including the country’s infrastructure and transport systems, which provide a conducive ecosystem for startups and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to thrive.“Everything is set. The next step is to stimulate innovation and entrepreneurship in Qatar and attract talented individuals and companies. Sweden boasts an abundance of such resources. Hitherto, neither Sweden nor Qatar have perhaps engaged so much that both their respective innovative ecosystems know each other, in-depth.“Consequently, we are collaborating closely on initiatives that would establish more systematic connections between Swedish and Qatari institutions or organisations, such as incubators, software technology parks, and various innovation programmes and agencies,” Bhattacharyya told Gulf Times in an exclusive interview.While Sweden has had several delegations in this field, Bhattacharyya also called for more traffic and engagement between Qatar and Nordic countries like Denmark, Sweden, Finland, Norway, and the Baltics.“Our presence in the Gulf region, particularly in Qatar, is somewhat low-key. Given the advanced nature of the Swedish and Nordic economies, our engagement can be remedied by high-level visits in both directions, including deeper engagement on the political front, as well as in the business and academic spheres. That is precisely the dynamic we are trying to build. We see traction in that regard and are very optimistic for the future”, he emphasised.Bhattacharyya pointed out that Sweden’s expertise in the field of sustainable green technologies, as well as digitalisation, machine learning, cybersecurity, and deep technology, also offers more potential avenues for cooperation with Qatar’s private and public sectors.“Sweden is a leader in green technologies and we also have a large number of startups and unicorns in this field. We have a huge ecosystem of companies in Sweden pioneering new technologies powered by artificial intelligence (AI) and quantum computing, with a particular focus on sustainability applications,” the ambassador explained.Similarly, he said Sweden is also a leader in transport and the electrification of buses, cars, and trucks. In the field of aerospace, the ambassador said a Swedish company is on its way to producing electric hybrid aeroplanes. “After the summer, a regular ferry route of the Stockholm Public Transport Authority will be operated by an all-electric ferry for the first time,” he noted.Bhattacharyya also underscored Sweden’s longstanding and growing footprint in Qatar, citing the presence of major engineering companies and large corporate firms in the telecom, oil and gas sectors and downstream industrial sectors, amongst others.

British companies could play a vital role in helping Qatar succeed in its ‘Third National Development Strategy’ (NDS3), the final phase of the Qatar National Vision 2030, ambassador Neerav Patel has said.Speaking on the sidelines of the recently launched ‘British Food Week’, which is currently running across LuLu Hypermarket outlets in Qatar, Patel emphasised Qatar’s clear stance in building “a modern, knowledge-based, highly skilled economy,” following the announcement of NDS3 in January this year.“There are many British enterprises that are well-positioned to play a pivotal role in realising Qatar’s vision. The breadth of the trade in both directions ranges across defence, education, health, advanced manufacturing, technology and AI, science, culture, and sport. We are looking to expand our footprint across these fields, while simultaneously enhancing our existing partnerships,” the ambassador pointed out.Similarly, while addressing a panel discussion with Dr Mohamed Althaf, director, LuLu Group International, held during the event, Patel noted that Qatar is in the top 10 destinations for British small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), citing LuLu Group’s role in encouraging among British SMEs “a real appetite and desire to come to Qatar.”“There’s a real match between supply and demand; British brands and businesses are emerging in sustainable, organic, and vegan spaces. There are so many new suppliers coming on stream in the UK and they’re finding a real demand here,” Patel explained.On the broader Qatar-UK trade and economic ties, Patel said both nations share more than £7bn worth of trade in both directions.“There’s more than £40bn of country investments in the UK officially, covering several sectors, such as aerospace, manufacturing, health, and education, among others. We're also going into new areas, such as technology and AI and; of course, consumer and retail are at the heart of that.“Most importantly, there are so many British businesses that want to come and trade with the country counterparts on those areas that are prioritised in the Third National Development Strategy and the Qatar National Vision 2030, including areas like logistics, data, AI, tech, and tourism,” the ambassador pointed out.For his part, Althaf emphasised that the UK has emerged as a centre of culinary innovation, particularly in terms of plant-based proteins, functional food, healthy food, and dairy products, as well as sectors that cater to modern health and sustainability concerns.“There is a lot of innovation that has happened in the UK and our partnership with them continues to deepen and expand with various universities and other institutions, allowing opportunities for synergy between education, research, and industry,” Althaf stressed.Althaf also underscored LuLu’s world-class distribution centre in Birmingham, citing its forensic testing centre and halal certification facility, and how it ensures food and cultural needs are aligned.Since its establishment in the UK two years ago, Althaf said, LuLu’s Birmingham distribution centre has been recognised with the Queen’s Award for Best International Trade. “It is a remarkable achievement, so I believe this has contributed a lot to expanding cultural relationships,” Althaf added.

Emerging technologies, particularly in areas such as artificial intelligence (AI), large language models (LLMs), and digitalisation, present significant opportunities for joint innovation projects between Qatar and Sweden. These collaborations align with the vision of both nations to develop knowledge-based economies.Håkan Buskhe, the CEO of Swedish private holding company, FAM, emphasised how Sweden and Qatar, both being small export-driven economies, recognise the importance of continuous innovation to remain competitive globally."Because Sweden and Qatar are smaller nations, we must be innovative; we need to stay at the forefront of development and sustainability, particularly in AI and digitalisation, among many other specialised fields. Because when you cease to innovate, you risk being bypassed by others. The competitive landscape is significantly tougher now compared to just two years ago, or even a decade ago, for everyone.""What I learned during our visit to Qatar is the mindset: Innovation is at the forefront of change for the better and is essential to providing good living standards for the people of the country. I believe this is the way forward to remain competitive over time. Both Qatar and Sweden rely heavily on exports, so it's crucial that we ensure that we are innovative in a sustainable way,” Bushke told Gulf Times in an exclusive interview.Recently, Bushke led a high-level delegation of prominent Swedish companies to Qatar, including CEOs from IPCO Sweden, Munters Group, GreenIron, and Moving Floor, who engaged with high-level Qatari stakeholders.Bushke noted that both countries could reinforce complementary strengths, particularly Qatar’s resources and Sweden’s technical expertise, to foster productive innovation partnerships.Asked how Swedish companies could benefit from Qatar’s strategic location in the region and role in global trade, Bushke said: “Likely, we will see an increased presence of our companies in Qatar. Additionally, I believe this region is becoming more significant in terms of financial and economic development overall.“Similarly, with substantial investments in research, life sciences, and other specialised areas, countries like Qatar are gaining significant interest. This includes a focus on digitalisation and smart city initiatives. Companies such as Ericsson and Saab, among others, have devoted considerable effort towards developing sustainable and digital cities.”Bushke also highlighted the role that Swedish agriculture and food processing technologies could play in supporting Qatar's focus on food security and self-sufficiency. He noted that Swedish companies have developed a broad array of solutions to ensure that farm animals are well-cared for, which leads to "better products."He said: “For example, we utilise AI in chicken breeding. This technology can identify, from thousands of other chickens, which ones are healthy or not, and pinpoint any other issues that need to be addressed.”Bushke added: “At the same time, part of Qatar’s national security strategy is to be capable of producing its own food. Being overly dependent on external sources is something I would not recommend, given the current global climate and geopolitical tensions in various regions. Therefore, efficient and high-quality food production is crucial.”

On the back of partnerships with industry giants like Microsoft, Qatar is seeking to be a leader in the global artificial intelligence (AI) race, Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT) Assistant Undersecretary for Infrastructure and Operations Affairs Sami Mohamed al-Shammari has said.Al-Shammari made the statement in an opening speech during Microsoft’s ‘Lead the Era of AI’ event on Tuesday held in the presence of HE the Minister of Communications and Information Technology Mohamed bin Ali bin Mohamed al-Mannai. The event celebrated the second anniversary of the opening of Microsoft’s cloud data centre region in Doha.He said: “Since 2016, our partnership with Microsoft has been actively driving digital transformation across government entities, enhancing efficiency, and delivering superior public services. Together, we have implemented robust cloud solutions, boosted our cybersecurity, and used the power of AI to optimise public services.”Al-Shammari said the MCIT’s partnership with Microsoft resulted in the following achievements: 143 government entities utilising Azure cloud services; 43 entities leveraging data, AI, and analytics services on Azure; 10 entities adopted M365 Copilot since its launch in November 2023; 20 entities developing their custom copilot solutions; and 1,393 professionals trained in data and AI over the past three and a half years through joint MCIT-Microsoft efforts.“In addition, in partnership with Microsoft, we launched the Zero Trust Programme to support government entities in implementing a Zero Trust security model that adapts to the complexity of the modern environment, embraces the mobile workforce, and protects people, devices, applications, and data wherever they are located. This initiative leverages existing government investments in Microsoft technology and solutions,” al-Shammari emphasised.He also said: “With the latest advancements in AI at their fingertips, public and private sector enterprises in Qatar are well positioned to drive progress towards the ambitious Digital Agenda 2030 aiming to make Qatar a smart and technologically advanced country.”Al-Shammari also underscored the positive impact of cost optimisation from MCIT’s collaboration with Microsoft.“By partnering with Microsoft Azure to digitise government operations, we have achieved $7.3mn in cost savings, supporting the Qatar National Vision 2030. The strategic resource optimisation and Azure Hybrid Use Benefits have further reduced operational costs by 50%, projecting annual savings of $26.4mn,” he explained.Speaking at the event, Microsoft Qatar general manager Lana Khalaf underscored the “tremendous growth” in cloud applications and AI capabilities, saying these “require a robust and secure infrastructure to ensure their development and effective use.”“By further building the data centre region, we are unlocking unprecedented possibilities for AI-driven innovation across Qatar. Organisations will be able to harness the power of Microsoft’s trusted cloud to unlock the full potential of AI to enhance decision-making, transform industries, and drive sustainable economic growth,” Khalaf said.One of the highlights of the event included the ‘AI Innovation Awards’, which recognised institutions in Qatar that have demonstrated unparalleled excellence in driving digital transformation and creating a positive societal impact through the use of AI.Qatar Airways, Power International Holding (PIH), Real-Time Crowd and Transportation Management of the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology - Tasmu Programme, Ashghal, Kahramaa, Hayya, Invest Qatar, the Civil Service and Government Development Bureau, the Supreme Judiciary Council, Al Jazeera Media Group, and Qatar News Agency received their respective awards from HE the Minister of Communications and Information Technology Mohamed bin Ali bin Mohamed al-Mannai.

American companies specialising in digital technology have expressed a strong interest in expanding their footprint in Qatar, adding to the presence of US tech giants Microsoft and Google here.Qatar’s attractiveness as an investment destination for US businesses was at the forefront of meetings between various Qatari ministries and 20 US companies led by Khush Choksy, senior vice-president of the US Chamber of Commerce for Middle East, Central Asia and Turkiye.Choksy highlighted Qatar’s concentrated focus on developing its technology, biotech, and artificial intelligence (AI) sectors, where American companies have a strong competitive advantage.This keen interest of US businesses on Qatar’s digitalisation journey came at the heels of recent announcements made by the Qatari government.At the recently concluded QEF 2024, HE the Minister of Communications and Information Technology Mohamed bin Ali al-Mannai emphasised Qatar’s commitment to fortifying its regional digital leadership and driving digital transformation in the Arab world.HE al-Mannai lauded His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani’s allocation of a QR9bn incentive package to support comprehensive digital transformation, including a $1bn fund to support regional entrepreneurs and emerging companies in line with the goals of the country’s Third National Development Strategy.During Qatar Web Summit 2024, al-Mannai also announced that the government will support the private sector in driving Qatar’s digital economy, defining the key developments in the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector and the outlines for the digital innovation plan in Qatar for the next five years.The minister also underscored the significance of the Digital Agenda 2030 in promoting a knowledge-based digital economy and boosting digital transformation across industries and highlighted the role of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the success of Web Summit Qatar 2024 and the role of both SMEs and the private sector in bolstering the national digital economy.“US technology companies have made significant investments in Qatar, with Microsoft, Google, and others establishing data centres and operations in the country. American companies have a strong advantage on technology, biotechnology, and AI, which are areas that Qatar is trying to develop. We’ve seen major players in different niches focusing on Qatar,” Choksy told Gulf Times.Aside from technology, Choksy emphasised that the US Chamber of Commerce aims to foster ties and enable more American educational institutions to form partnerships and establish campuses in Qatar's Education City. These educational exchanges provide talent and resources for businesses, Choksy also pointed out.“Increased collaboration between American universities and Qatar’s educational institutions will benefit US businesses, particularly those that are already established in Qatar, as well as other companies in the States that are seeking to come here,” he said.Choksy also added that the US Chamber of Commerce is constantly working with Qatari authorities to provide conditions and frameworks that will foster greater investment by American companies, which includes discussions on laws related to the financial sector, insurance, data privacy, and other regulatory aspects.