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A delegation from Indonesia is seeking Qatari investments in a wide range of sectors, such as agriculture, education, and sports, as well as in energy, particularly in the country’s refinery sector, an official has said. Korina Refinery Aceh director Said Malawi, who was part of the delegation to Qatar, told Gulf Times that the Indonesian government is inviting investors from Qatar to explore its refinery sector and forge joint projects for different downstream products, such as jet fuel, diesel, and lube oil, among others. Aside from the refinery sector, Indonesia is also seeking Qatari capital for various projects related to the agriculture, meat production, and halal sectors, Malawi also pointed out. In terms of trade, Malawi emphasised that the regular arrival of business delegations to Qatar forms an integral part in the further development of both countries’ bilateral relations, most importantly, the growth in Qatar-Indonesia trade volume. According to Malawi, Indonesia has played a significant and pioneering role in Qatar’s LNG industry, which reflects both countries’ longstanding relations and robust bilateral ties. “Indonesia prides itself as a major partner in Qatar’s LNG journey. But aside from the hydrocarbon industry, we are supporting the State’s diversification strategy by continuing to export Indonesian products to the Qatari market,” Malawi stated. “Not only is Indonesia focused on Qatar’s retail industry, but we are also supporting the State’s food security efforts by exporting different types of agriculture and halal food products, as well as other similar items,” he also said. Malawi said the delegation is scheduled to visit the Indonesian Embassy in Qatar and meet with a variety of companies in Qatar to explore different ways to promote Indonesia to investors and encourage them to expand their footprint in Southeast Asia. “The Indonesian embassy has detailed information on the needs of the Qatari market and our ambassador could guide us to the right investors and businesses that we could work with going forward,” he emphasised. Malawi added that Indonesia could play a key role when Qatar hosts the FIFA World Cup, which is slated from November 21 to December 18, by exporting more food products and other exports during the event.

The transportation and logistics sectors stand to gain from the digitalisation efforts being implemented in the country, according to HE the Minister of State and Qatar Free Zones Authority chairman Ahmad al-Sayed. In an interview with Oxford Business Group’s (OBG) ‘The Report: Qatar 2022’, al-Sayed said the emergence of new technologies has generated more economic activity online and enabled a significant increase in the demand for logistics, e-commerce, and cloud data services. This result, according to al-Sayed, has redoubled QFZA’s efforts to boost the transport and logistics segments through an investment attraction approach. “In transportation, segments that have benefited from digitalisation are mainly related to innovative mobility solutions and autonomous vehicles. This segment is well established to facilitate the movement of goods and people within closed environments. “Digitalisation benefited logistics by improving tracking, tracing, and creating transparency for critical products like pharmaceuticals and food through the blockchain and telematics. This is supported by the ongoing investment in smart government and digital incubators, among other initiatives,” he explained. The minister also said Qatar is also investing in key emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, blockchain, cloud computing, and aerospace. “With the presence of tech giants, such as Google and Microsoft in Qatar’s free zones, and the creation of e-commerce and logistics regulations, we will be able to contribute significantly to the development of the startup ecosystem,” he further said. On supporting industrial growth and how Qatar intends to attract investments and capitalise on emerging opportunities, al-Sayed said: “The recent push by Qatar to diversify away from hydrocarbons will ensure long-term sustainable growth. At the same time, the government is leading various projects to localise some key industries. “The pandemic highlighted the necessity for digital transformation to drive industrial growth. We have therefore worked to increase opportunities in our digital ecosystem for local and international companies working in the industrial and emerging technology sectors.” Al-Sayed pointed out that the country also considers research institutions and incubators looking to attract local and global talent as “good drivers” for the growth of industries. “In this sense, to attract investment, Qatar has offered companies the necessary supporting laws, legislations and licensing, quality transport infrastructure, robust telecoms connectivity, and a developed education system that forms the basis for a skilled domestic workforce,” he stressed. On key developments and most promising projects taking place in Qatar’s free zones, al-Sayed said: “To date, we have attracted around 250 investors, including technology leaders like Google, Microsoft, and Thales; logistics players, including DHL, UPS, Gulf Agency Company, and Gulf Warehousing Company; and vehicle manufacturers, including Volkswagen, Gaussin, and Yutong. This has helped to create more than 3,100 new skilled jobs, leading to total employment of 6,400. Moreover, the leasing area in the free zones has reached approximately 700,000sq m and will reach more than 1mn sq m by the end of 2022.” The minister added that QFZA will establish a new diamond centre that will serve as a cornerstone for the growth and development of the high-potential gem and jewellery trading industry in the region after Qatar joined the Kimberley Process in 2021.

Bilateral trade between Qatar and South Africa in the first six months of 2022 stood at QR646mn, South African ambassador Ghulam Hoosein Asmal has told Gulf Times in a recent interview. According to figures provided by the South African embassy in Doha, South Africa exported goods worth QR502mn and imported products, mainly petrochemicals from Qatar, totalling QR144mn during H1 2022. In 2021, Qatar and South Africa recorded a total trade volume of QR1.25bn, comprising QR868mn worth of exports and QR387mn in imports. Qatar is South Africa’s 10th-largest trading partner in the Middle East in terms of exports and the 5th-largest in terms of imports, Asmal pointed out. He said South African exports vegetables, live animals, chemicals, vehicles, aircraft and vessels, textiles leather, precious metals, and medical equipment, among others, to Qatar. “Diplomatic relations between South Africa and Qatar were established in May 1994, just a few weeks after the new South Africa was established. The trade surplus is in favour of Qatar because of petrochemicals exports to South Africa. One of South Africa’s largest investments in the Middle East is a partnership between SASOL and QatarEnergy,” the ambassador explained. Asmal stressed that South Africa is an attractive investment destination and that the country is ready to forge stronger trade relations with Qatar. He said South Africa’s economy is estimated to be worth “$417.9bn” and is the 32nd largest in the world with GDP estimated to account for “12%” of Africa’s GDP. Exports of goods and services represent “31.2%” of the GDP in 2021, he further said. Citing several reasons why South Africa is an ideal destination for investments, Asmal said the country is a vibrant emerging market, it has the most developed economy on the African continent, and it has the largest presence of multinational corporations in Africa. Asmal also said South Africa has a progressive constitution and independent judiciary, possesses abundant natural resources, and boasts of world-class infrastructure and logistics, including a young and willing labour force, as well as an excellent quality of life. Aside from South Africa’s advanced financial services and banking sector, Asmal said the country also provides investors access to global markets. “South Africa has concluded several trade agreements that support export market growth prospects. The best example is the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (ACFTA), which was founded in 2018 with trade commencing in 2021. “It creates a single market for goods and services to deepen economic integration in Africa; 54 of the 55 African countries have signed the ACFTA and the combined GDP of its members is approximately $3.4tn and a population of about 1.5bn people,” Asmal added.

Banks will have a significant role to play in the development and growth of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Qatar, which represent 97% of the country’s private sector institutions, Qatar Chamber chairman Sheikh Khalifa bin Jassim al-Thani has said. In an interview in ‘The Report: Qatar 2022’ published recently by Oxford Business Group (OBG), Sheikh Khalifa stressed the need to encourage banks to offer solutions to entrepreneurs seeking to expand or launch new businesses. Sheikh Khalifa also emphasised the importance of enacting legislation that protects, promotes, and empowers SMEs, as well as offering services that facilitate the launch of businesses and providing training services, consultations, orientation, and incubation opportunities for entrepreneurs. According to Sheikh Khalifa, SMEs in Qatar account for “some 15% to 17%” of non-oil GDP, describing these businesses as the “backbone of any economy” and “important drivers” of economic diversification and GDP growth. The Qatar Chamber official noted that various initiatives have been launched in Qatar to support SMEs, such as funding programmes through governmental institutions and guarantee mechanisms like the Al Dhameen programme. “The country also has several incubation programmes targeting SMEs and startups,” he said. On its role in supporting SMEs, Sheikh Khalifa said Qatar Chamber has been keen on helping SMEs compete in the national economy. The chamber hosted three editions of the ‘SMEs Conference’ and shared best practices of its foreign partners, he further said. Qatar Chamber is also supporting entrepreneurs and owners of family businesses by promoting their products during exhibitions, primarily through its highly-successful ‘Made in Qatar’ exhibition, he noted. Similarly, the chamber forged a partnership with Qatar University and Qatar Development Bank (QDB) for the establishment of the ‘Ma’an’ (“together” in Arabic) initiative to support entrepreneurs, Sheikh Khalifa explained. Through this initiative, Sheikh Khalifa said four editions of the ‘Best Innovative Ideas of Entrepreneurs’ competition were held to support the most forward-thinking start-ups. The ‘SMEs Excellence List Award’ was another partnership with QDB in which 50 high-achieving enterprises from the local private sector were recognised, he said. On sectors that offer the best potential to accelerate economic diversification, Sheikh Khalifa said many sectors have seen significant growth during the pandemic, such as the industrial and food security sectors. "The industrial sector has witnessed great development and the number of factories in Qatar has reached 835 with investments amounting to QR293bn", he said. Sheikh Khalifa also underscored Qatar’s progress in the food security sector, affirming that this is a top priority for Qatar and one of the main pillars of sustainable development under Qatar National Vision 2030. “Apart from these two areas, other sectors most likely to accelerate the country’s economic diversification are construction, tourism and hospitality, ICT, retail, and real estate,” he explained. On the impact of developing environmental, social, and corporate governance (ESG) standards on the international business community, Sheikh Khalifa said strong ESG practices could help companies improve their reputation, increase competitiveness, and attract investments. “Other benefits include boosting revenue by raising productivity and reducing costs, protecting shareholder value, creating opportunities for growth and innovation, retaining talent, and setting the foundations for long-term success. Businesses with effective ESG policies can contribute to safeguarding the environment and improving society, all the while enhancing their own performance. “The growing focus on ESG standards is compatible with Qatar’s development and diversification strategies. Promoting ESG among investors, companies, and the wider business community will contribute to the realisation of the economic, human, and environmental goals laid out in Qatar National Vision 2030.” Sheikh Khalifa added.

Singapore-based global sports media platform Group ONE Holdings (ONE) is not only keen to support the diversification of Qatar’s economy and labour force but also to help chart the career paths of the country’s youth, an official has said. ONE is expanding its reach in the Middle East via Qatar with the goal of establishing a world-class media industry in the LNG-rich Gulf country, according to ONE chairman and CEO Chatri Sityodtong. Backed by a highly professional and creative team, Sityodtong said ONE is bringing martial arts, esports, and general entertainment to Qatar following the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Media City Qatar during the ‘Qatar Economic Forum, Powered by Bloomberg’ held recently in Doha. Sityodtong pointed out that ONE is working “very closely” with Media City Qatar, describing the relationship as “a very profound, deep, and long-term partnership.” This collaboration, however, also extends beyond building a world-class media industry in the country, he explained. ONE’s presence in the country could play role in helping Qatar’s youth chart their career paths, noted Sityodtong, who has been training in martial arts daily and teaching Jiu-Jitsu and Muay Thai. “I’ve been doing Muay Thai for the past 38 years and Jiu-Jitsu for the past 11 to 12 years,” he told Gulf Times in an exclusive interview. As a teacher who knows the value of passing on skills and knowledge, Sityodtong said: “Because of our martial arts and gaming properties, and because of our approach to media, I think there’s going to be a lot of opportunities for the youth to think of their career path – whether in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) or otherwise – it could be media-related or creative-related, but again it is a diversification of Qatar’s economy and labour force.” He said: “And hopefully, I think ONE is going to make a significant impact on the future of these industries and these job functions, so yes, we will create more career paths for the youth. We’ve done that in Singapore, so we’re going to do that in Qatar, as well.” Sityodtong also lauded the ICT infrastructure of Qatar, saying this would play a key role, especially in ONE’s esports and gaming content, which has a strong demand among the country’s next generation. He stressed that ONE’s formula of values, heroes, and stories is “perfect” for the Middle East. “Not only do we want to bring values of integrity, humility, honour, respect, courage, discipline, and compassion, but also heroes who will genuinely inspire the world, as well as stories of overcoming tragedy, adversity, or poverty, to unleash their potential,” he added.

Establishing a circular economy (CE) action plan with concrete policies and measures is crucial for realising its potentials in Qatar, according to the Invest Qatar Circular Economy Policy Paper published by Investment Promotion Agency Qatar (IPA Qatar). IPA Qatar stated that the policy paper aims to shed light on circular policies implemented around the globe and derive lessons for Qatar’s development and investment attraction strategies. “For a long time, a linear model of production and consumption has dominated the world economy. Raw materials are extracted to make products that are then thrown away at the end of their lifecycle…the circular economy offers an alternative path that can yield enormous economic, social, and environmental benefits,” the paper emphasised. While CE is gaining attention worldwide as a means for societies to increase prosperity while preserving the natural environment, the paper pointed out that Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC) countries have seen accelerated development in all aspects of life on the back of solid government finances accumulated through hydrocarbon revenues. The paper stressed that GCC countries are aiming for a transition from hydrocarbon-led economic growth to sustainable models.“CE overcomes the problems of the conventional linear model and could provide new opportunities for the GCC countries to tackle the challenges they face,” the paper stated. With CE and waste management being one of the four key pillars of Qatar’s national environment and climate strategy, the government has explored sustainability solutions in multiple sectors and factored CE thinking into its strategic outlook, the paper stressed. “This pillar stipulates that Qatar aims to enhance critical infrastructure for sustainable waste management and drive more circular use of materials by closing and rehabilitating 100% of unsanitary landfills and achieve a 15% material recycling rate of municipal waste, among other targets. “Despite these ambitious circular targets, Qatar is yet to adopt an all-encompassing, nationwide CE strategy, with a clear priority setting of sectors and measures covering the whole lifecycle of products. The linear model is coming to an end and Qatar can bolster its economy, improve competitiveness, preserve the environment and build a sustainable economy by moving towards circularity,” the paper further stated. According to IPA Qatar, establishing a CE action plan with concrete policies and measures covering the whole life cycle of products – from manufacturing and consumption to waste management and the market for recyclables – is crucial for realising its potentials. To accelerate the shift, the paper noted that employing circular practices in priority sectors, such as transportation and energy, “is critical.” Similarly, other key factors to scale CE practices include raising awareness, establishing partnerships, cooperating with platforms, calling for more research and development on the subject, and direct governmental support for circular business models. “A CE is set to bring enormous financial, social, and environmental benefits to Qatar, the region, and the world if implemented correctly. With a circular model, Qatar is set to generate an additional $17bn by 2030, corresponding to 10% of its GDP, create an estimated 9,000 to 19 000 jobs by 2030, increase disposable income, attract more greenfield FDI as the world gravitates towards sustainable investing, and most importantly, achieve a balance between economic growth and environmental stewardship,” the paper added.  

One of the successful highlights of the recently-held ‘Qatar Economic Forum, Powered by Bloomberg’ was the forging of a strategic long-term partnership between Media City Qatar and Group ONE Holdings (ONE). The memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed by Media City Qatar and ONE will open avenues of collaboration in the production and development of a wide range of global content in Qatar across multiple media sectors, including original programming, studio shows, and esports, which will strengthen Qatar’s growing media ecosystem. The partnership will commence by showcasing Qatar in the filming of Season 2 of the popular Netflix series and highly-acclaimed business reality show The Apprentice: ONE Championship Edition. ONE chairman and CEO Chatri Sityodtong recently sat down with Gulf Times to provide more details on this and about ONE’s plans for Qatar going forward. Gulf Times: Provide our readers with a brief background on ONE’s MoU with Media City Qatar and the factors leading to this agreement. Sityodtong: ONE, which is ranked by Nielsen as amongst the world’s top 10 biggest sports media properties for viewership and engagement, has signed a partnership with Media City Qatar, whose main objective is to build a world-class media industry in the country. ONE has been in Singapore for a little over 10 years and we helped build a world-class sports media industry there. We now have a very strong ecosystem of talent, executive producers, producers, video editors, cameramen, and storytellers, and we want to bring this IP to Qatar and Media City Qatar. We are working very closely with Media City Qatar as partners in bringing our brand and IP, as well as our three contents: martial arts, esports, and general entertainment, so this is a very profound, deep, and long-term partnership. I’m grateful for Media City Qatar’s belief in trusting ONE and I will do everything within my power to see this partnership succeed and see the company fulfil its vision of creating a world-class media industry. Kindly provide a few specifics as to why you have chosen Qatar to mark ONE’s foray into the Middle East market. What is it about Qatar that had attracted you to this part of the world? I’m full of gratitude and appreciation to Qatar for its belief and investment into ONE. Qatar Investment Authority (QIA) invested in ONE back in December of last year and this is just the beginning. What makes the Qatari government different from other investors is that they have a real partnership mindset and philosophy, which I've seen first-hand. The various leaders at QIA have extended help, made phone calls on our behalf, and introduced us to different parts of the Qatari government ecosystem and business leadership. And they’ve really done that for the benefit of ONE. At ONE, we also have a very strong partnership mindset: We want to make sure that everything we do is ‘win-win’. We want to provide a very strong financial return for QIA. We also want to fulfil various objectives, whether it’s the Qatar Tourism Board, Media City Qatar, Qatar Airways, or any of our partners in this country. We want to see them successful and we want to make sure that we do our part to achieve this. This marks our full launch into the Middle East region and we believe that we have the right recipes of heroes, stories, and values that every family can celebrate with their kids and grand kids. Not only do we want to bring values of integrity, humility, honour, respect, courage, discipline, and compassion, but also heroes who will genuinely inspire the world, as well as stories of overcoming tragedy, adversity, or poverty, to unleash their potential. We want to inspire the world with these stories, so we believe our formula of values, heroes, and stories is perfect for the Middle East. On a personal level, I have found Qataris to be such kind, humble, and really genuine people. I love the Qatari culture. I believe in the visionary leadership under His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani of creating the future of Qatar beyond the hydrocarbon industry. I think His Highness the Amir has a remarkable plan of scaling and investing in businesses and in industries that scale globally without the need for huge labour or huge lands or huge capital, so if you look at finance, media, sports, or tech, these are all industries that His Highness the Amir sees as huge potentials for the future of Qatar in terms of its push towards economic diversification. But of course, these industries take time to build, so I have no doubt that Qatar will be one of the global business epicentres for these different industries that I’ve mentioned. His Highness the Amir has an incredible vision, as well as an incredible team around him. I've met many business and government leaders in Qatar and I was so impressed, which is why I feel it is right that ONE and Qatar had partnered together much in the same way the Singapore government has partnered with ONE for mutual success. We are also in discussions with other Middle Eastern countries, who have expressed a lot of strong interest to work with ONE and so I think the Middle East is perfect for our values, heroes, and stories formula. As you know, Qatar is also trying to position itself as a sports hub in the region, so do you also see yourself contributing to this objective? Yes, most definitely. We want to help Qatar fulfil its vision in the sports and media industry. I truly believe that Qatar has all the right ingredients – from leadership and culture to people – to create a world-class global business hub along with these different industries of sports, media, and finance, among others. As one of the world’s largest media properties, I believe that ONE will hopefully play a significant part in Qatar’s economy in the future. Qatar has invested heavily in its ICT infrastructure. Could you comment on how you would fuse your expertise with Qatar’s infrastructure and how you see this going forward? We have gaming and sports property. I think there’s a strong interest in demand from the government of Qatar but also the next generation in terms of gaming and we bring this, as well, and that will have to rely on the infrastructure and technology that Qatar has built. On the filming of Season 2 of The Apprentice: ONE Championship Edition, have you already set a timeframe for this? Will the latest season be filmed entirely in Qatar? Kindly provide more details. Half of the episodes will be filmed in Singapore and the rest will be filmed in Qatar. The production schedule technically looks like it's going to be from around September to October of this year, so we'll be living in Qatar while we shoot. The plan is to release it on Netflix globally in December of this year. These are all tentative plans right now and they could move one or two months here and there but that’s the current plan. The 2022 FIFA World Cup will no doubt attract millions of fans to Qatar in the latter part of the year. Many of our readers have been asking what would be of Qatar, across different sectors, post-FIFA. Do you see your partnership with Media City Qatar helping the government sustain and maintain the influx of tourists and other visitors to the country? This is exactly the plan. Again, Qatar's main objective is to build a world-class media industry and we are going to be one of the ‘magnet tenants’ or ‘anchor tenants’ by throwing studio shows on a regular basis, throwing stadium events, by coming with other new content stacks, and also by bringing esports. This is a multi-year, multi-pronged partnership that will see Qatar and ONE succeed together mutually. That's the plan. Do you see ONE’s presence in Qatar as a significant factor in attracting FDI inflow? Yes, definitely. I mean that’s the power of sports. And what we’re bringing to the table is that we can encourage tourism from around the world to Qatar. We are also bringing business leaders and foreign direct investments through our events and by showcasing Qatar on the global stage on a regular basis. ONE’s partnership with Media City Qatar would be a significant contributor to Qatar’s efforts to position itself not only as a tourist hub in the region but also as a prime business and investment destination. The World Cup, which happens once every four years, is going to showcase Qatar on a global scale for the months of November and December, but ONE can also showcase Qatar on a regular basis for many years, so I think this is a big difference. Of course, the World Cup is an incredible event and it's considered by many as the ‘greatest show on earth’, so to speak, but I think ONE will also be very helpful in His Highness the Amir’s vision for Qatar’s future in terms of sports. ONE’s collaboration with Media City Qatar aims to produce and develop a wide range of global content in Qatar across multiple media sectors, including original programming, studio shows, and esports. Do you also see the company partnering with other organisations in Qatar? ONE is in partnership discussions with many organisations both in the government and the private sector in Qatar and I look forward to more conversations in the future, but yes, we are talking to all the major players in Qatar and, again, the idea is to bring a long-term, win-win partnership that helps Qatar as a country meet its objectives. We want to play a part in His Highness the Amir’s vision.

The Investment Promotion Agency Qatar (IPA Qatar) is making a concerted effort through a range of approaches to attract and capture environmental, social, and corporate governance (ESG) benefits from foreign direct investments (FDI), according to its latest report. The report, ‘Road to ESG Investing – Financing Sustainable Growth in Qatar’, underscored that despite the ongoing global impact of Covid-19, the pandemic “has raised a critical awareness of the sustainability dimension of economic development.” “The crisis symbolised the moment environmental, social, and corporate governance (ESG) financing went mainstream and acted as a catalyst to speed up the trend toward sustainability in investment. “A growing number of countries are developing ESG frameworks to promote sustainability and facilitate greenfield investment, particularly in sustainable development sectors,” the report stated. IPA Qatar noted that it recognises the key role of ESG in attracting FDI and in shaping the future of the investment landscape, thus pursuing its crucial role of promoting and facilitating investment across sustainable development sectors in Qatar, in line with the Qatar National Vision 2030. “In this vein, attracting sustainability-conscious investors, providing them with investment solutions, and connecting them with relevant stakeholders to channel their investments to lucrative opportunities remain at the core of IPA Qatar’s objectives. “This is exactly what the report discusses. It provides a thorough overview of the integral role of FDI in advancing sustainability initiatives and underlines the array of sustainable finance opportunities in Qatar. It also sets out further analysis and recommendations on the transition toward ESG-based investments,” stated the report. On sustainable opportunities in Qatar, the report noted that the UN estimates that the financing gap for achieving the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) targets in Arab countries is estimated to be at least $230bn annually. “The ongoing efforts by Qatar present a lucrative opportunity for both – sustainable financial investors looking for investment opportunities, as well as businesses keen on expanding their international operations. “International project finance has been a key source of investment in productive capacity, especially for large-scale projects in energy, transport infrastructure, and natural capital, and Qatar is an emerging hotspot of such ESG-aligned projects,” the report said. As part of its goal to attract and capture ESG benefits from FDI, some of IPA Qatar’s efforts include providing a platform to access the available mix of financial, fiscal, and regulatory incentives for business set-up; targeting investment in particular sectors and activities through the right partner connections and introduction facilitation; and reducing information asymmetries and other barriers to investment. “As a single and complete source for investment solutions, IPA Qatar helps connect investors to the right people, resources, and platforms throughout the investment process. “IPA Qatar acts as a gateway for investors to get access to key stakeholders – regulators, lawmakers, supervisors, financial institutions, large corporations, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), non-government organisations (NGOs), and universities that have been playing an inalienable role in sustainable development,” the report said. It added: “Sustainable investment is a key opportunity and Qatar is looking to attract both issuers and investors to its capital markets to boost its financial sector. The journey to becoming a preferred landing place for such investments is still ongoing, and dedicated efforts are underway by all the major stakeholders involved.”

On the back of world-class infrastructure, legal reforms, and sound economic policies, Qatar stands to become a launch pad for global unicorns, according to a Qatari entrepreneur. Khalid Aboujassoum, founder and CEO of Else Labs Inc, made the statement during a webinar organised recently by Qatar Research, Development and Innovation (QRDI) Council under the title ‘Global Competition for Innovation Talent’. Aboujassoum was joined by other prominent entrepreneurs, including Dr Khalid M al-Ali, co-founder and CEO of Senseta; Fayez Mohamood, co-founder and CEO of Bluecore; and Melis Abacioglu, founder and CEO of Wellbees. The webinar is part of QRDI’s ‘The Spotlight On’ series, which aims to shed light on the successes, opportunities, and transformations of the innovation system both inside and outside of Qatar, according to the council’s earlier statement. During the webinar, Aboujassoum said: “Qatar has a huge advantage to become a piloting hub. The size and diversity of the middle class in Qatar’s population is fantastic and very unique. And I think there is still a lot of untapped opportunities and potential that we can capitalise on, which I think is a shared responsibility. “It is not a bad idea to start in Qatar and make it a jump-off point. It is actually realising your advantages and doubling down on that. Let Qatar be a piloting hub for global unicorns and I think we have that potential.” Speaking on Qatar’s other strengths and advantages, al-Ali, on the other hand, said the country has built an “amazing ecosystem that is ripe for attracting the right talent,” citing Doha as a “unique” host of leading and “cutting-edge” academic institutions. Qatar has eight Qatari educational institutions and is also home to as many as 18 foreign university campuses. Al-Ali said American universities in Qatar are offering “the same programmes of the graduating classes of their home campuses.” “It’s the identical programme. They get the same degree and the same certificate that doesn’t say ‘Qatar’ on it, so as an employer in Qatar, I don’t have to compete with Facebook and Google to employ them because they are here. “They’re not in the US but they are the same talent. Having worked in Silicon Valley and had recruited hundreds of people there, I can say that some of the smartest people I’ve met, I found them in Qatar – this is a validation that Qatar is onto something,” al-Ali explained. Melis also noted that there is currently a “huge emigration” to countries in the Middle East and North Africa (Mena), such as the UAE and Qatar. “These two countries that we are targeting right now are trying to make themselves a home to people who want to emigrate and had emigrated there,” Melis pointed out. She added: “They want to keep these talents, which is why I believe these countries are investing into different well-being opportunities to make employees feel that they’re not just a worker but they are also at home and are welcome to live there.”

The plan to establish an innovation centre in the country by Iberdrola Group, in partnership with the Investment Promotion Agency Qatar (IPA Qatar), will contribute to the advancement and growth of Qatar’s research and development (R&D) sector, an official has said. Iberdrola Innovation Middle East managing director Santiago Bañales Lopez made the statement in a Q&A published in IPA Qatar’s newsletter for the second quarter of 2022, which was released recently. The innovation centre is part of a new partnership between IPA Qatar and Iberdrola Group to advance digital utility in Qatar. In May 2022, IPA Qatar CEO Sheikh Ali Alwaleed al-Thani and Lopez signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) in the presence of HE the Minister of Commerce and Industry Sheikh Mohamed bin Hamad bin Qassim al-Thani, who is also chairman of IPA Qatar, and Jose Ignacio S Galan, chairman and CEO of Iberdrola Group. The partnership will expand the Spanish group’s research, development, and innovation (RDI) activities through Iberdrola Innovation Middle East. The new collaboration aims to advance the digital utility industry by unlocking the growth potential of the RDI ecosystem in Qatar, IPA Qatar announced earlier in a statement. In the newsletter's Q&A, Lopez explained the advantages of the innovation centre and its future growth: “There are three main benefits: the hiring and development of local engineering talent; the engagement of the Qatar innovation ecosystem of universities, technology centres, and startups in the most pressing challenges of the global energy sector; and the application in the country of the best made-in-Qatar digital technologies to increase overall productivity. We aim to increase our innovation impact by a factor of three in the next five years.” According to Lopez, the recent MoU signing with IPA Qatar is a new milestone in Iberdrola Group’s “already rich co-operation with the State of Qatar,” which spans over 20 years. “We incorporated Iberdrola Innovation Middle East, our global digital energy innovation centre, at the Qatar Science and Technology Park back in 2016 and the agreement with IPA Qatar entails a very significant expansion of our innovation activities in the country,” Lopez emphasised. On the challenges of ESG investment and adopting sustainable investment strategies, as well as the opportunities for Qatar in this field, Lopez said: “Starting with our clear bet on renewable energy since 2000, Iberdrola has consistently been considered one of the most sustainable electric utilities in the world, having for instance been included for the past 22 years in the Dow Jones Sustainability Indices. “Iberdrola has continued to move forward with its commitment to the Paris Agreement to become a carbon-neutral company in Europe by 2030 – 20 years in advance of the EU’s goal. Qatar has undertaken large efforts in that direction organising a carbon-free World Cup and I see this as a great opportunity to continue with a sustainability agenda in line with Qatar National Vision 2030.” On Iberdrola’s plans on energy security and sustainable energy investments, Lopez added: “Iberdrola is currently delivering our strategic plan 2020-2025 that includes an investment of €75bn in renewable energy, digitalised electricity networks, and smart solutions for our customers. “From our Qatar operations, we contribute to making the best out of these investments by developing digital technology products and services that improve substantially the effectiveness and productivity of these investments.”

    Seven Qataris from different industries in the country have made it to Forbes 2022 list of top 100 chief executive officers (CEOs) in the Middle East, which was published recently. The Qataris recognised in Forbes Middle East ‘Top 100 CEOs in the Middle East 2022’ represented a variety of sectors, including energy, aviation, banking, telecommunications, logistics, and insurance. HE the Minister of State for Energy Affairs Saad bin Sherida al-Kaabi, who is also president and CEO of QatarEnergy, ranked fifth in the list and was followed by Qatar Airways Group chief executive HE Akbar al-Baker (6th rank), concurrently the chairman of Qatar Tourism. Next on the list at rank 11 is Abdulla Mubarak al-Khalifa, CEO of QNB Group, followed by Aziz Aluthman Fakhroo (40th), who is managing director and CEO of Ooredoo Group. The following Qataris were also recognised in the Forbes Middle East list of top 100 CEOs in the region: Abdullah al-Sulaiti of Nakilat (72nd), Khalid al-Subeai (Dukhan Bank, 75th), and Salem Khalaf aI-Mannai (QIC Group, 77th). Aside from the seven distinguished Qatari CEOs, Forbes Middle East also feted Bassel Gamal, Group CEO of Qatar Islamic Bank, who ranked 50th on the list. Explaining the methodology used for the list, Forbes Middle East stated: “To create this ranking, we sent out questionnaires and collected information from stock market disclosures, industry reports, annual reports and financial statements, and other primary sources. “We ranked the CEOs based on the impact that they have had on the region, their country, and the markets that they serve; the CEO’s overall experience and time in their current role; the size of the company in terms of revenues, assets, and market cap; the achievements and performance of the CEO in the last year; and the innovations and initiatives that the CEO has implemented.” Forbes also stated: “When we released our first Top CEOs ranking in 2021, the mood among the Middle East’s CEOs was focused on safety and the protection of business. This year has seen a reversal in fortunes, with record profits, new investments, large IPOs, and mega deals taking centre stage. It added: “This year’s list of the Top 100 CEOs in the region consists of leaders from 26 nationalities. Emiratis dominated with 19 entries, followed by Egyptians with 16, and Saudis with 15. “Banking and financial services is the most represented sector on the list with 27 CEOs, followed by eight telecom CEOs, and seven that each head energy and logistics companies. Combined they managed revenues of over $1tn last year. Their companies are collectively worth more than $5tn.”

LuLu Group’s various sustainability initiatives in Qatar in the last two decades have been recognised during Sunday’s 10th anniversary celebration of the National Programme for Conservation and Energy Efficiency (Tarsheed). The Tarsheed awards feted exceptional companies and institutions in Qatar that achieved the targeted water and electricity consumption goals in an effort to preserve the environment and the country’s natural resources. Dr Althaf with LuLu Hypermarket Qatar regional director Shaijan M O and regional manager Shanavas P M. LuLu Group International director Dr Mohamed Althaf received the “Tarsheed Award for Sustainability and Energy Efficiency in the Commercial Sector” from HE the Prime Minister and Interior Minister Sheikh Khalid bin Khalifa bin Abdulaziz al-Thani during the event. In a statement to Gulf Times, Dr Althaf noted that the LuLu Group was recognised in the “Tarsheed Conserving Building Competition” category for its excellence in the field of energy conservation and other related programmes during the event, which was organised by the Qatar General Electricity & Water Corporation (Kahramaa) under the theme *Towards Sustainability and Energy Efficiency. “LuLu Group is proud to be the only private sector business in Qatar to achieve the targeted reduction of resource consumption,” the official said. “LuLu Group is very proud of winning this prestigious award, which shows our commitment and dedication to reducing electricity and water consumption throughout our business operation chain.” “It was very impressive and a special moment for me to receive the award from HE the Prime Minister,” said Dr Althaf, who noted that the LuLu Group adopted a slew of smart technologies throughout its facilities, greatly reducing electricity and water consumption. He explained that LuLu’s efforts in reducing electricity and water consumption were made possible by a combination of smart technologies, introduction of best scientific practices and training, rigorous monitoring, and auditing by third party organisations like the Gulf Organisation for Research & Development (GORD). “The award is a recognition of our commitment to the circular economy,” Dr Althaf said. “It is also a culmination of LuLu Group’s accelerated efforts to reduce carbon emission to 50% by 2030, and to achieve zero carbon footprint by 2045.” “LuLu Group has framed its own strategy on sustainability, which is put into practice in all its retail units and supply chains worldwide,” he continued. “LuLu is deeply committed to reducing its impact on the environment and taking real and lasting steps to ensure this.” “As part of our commitment to Qatar National Vision 2030, we have been actively working to reduce carbon emissions, reduce food waste, and promote healthy eating,” Dr Althaf said. Aside from the Tarsheed award, the LuLu Group has also received the Sustainability Award 2019 at the Qatar Sustainability Summit. Dr Althaf said that the group is active in promoting environment-friendly practices in its operations and at its 18 stores in Qatar, as well as in the community. “LuLu Hypermarket in Qatar has become one of the first retailers in Mena (Middle East and North Africa) to achieve sustainable operations certification under the Global Sustainability Assessment System (GSAS) from GORD,” he pointed out. Alongside its “GSAS-Op Certification”, LuLu Hypermarket in Qatar installed a Building Management System to efficiently manage assets associated with the building’s ventilation and lighting. The hypermarket has also installed the cloud-based Honeywell Forge Energy Optimisation system to efficiently manage and optimise the energy used during the operations. The use of LED (light emitting diode) is being encouraged for LuLu’s upcoming projects and existing projects, which are being gradually shifted to LED from conventional lights. Light control systems assisted with motion sensors are being considered to optimise the use of energy, especially in warehouse operations. LuLu also introduced energy-efficient chillers in its operations to optimise the use of energy and increase cooling efficiency. New projects are being encouraged to use the double flush system to reduce water usage. Outlets are being encouraged to segregate operational waste for easy disposal and collection. Three-compartment bins are placed in all general areas to encourage customers on waste segregation. Food waste digesters are also being used to efficiently manage food waste generated in the operation. An innovative food waste solution called “ORCA” recycles food waste by breaking it down into water (mainly) and some carbs, fats, and proteins, which are then captured or repurposed. This is currently being trialled at LuLu’s Bin Mahmoud store.

LuLu Hypermarket, D-Ring Road branch, hosted Sunday an awareness campaign organised by Doha Municipality to mark the International Plastic Bag Free Day campaign. The event was held within the initiatives of Doha Municipality under the Ministry of Municipality to educate people about the use of plastic bags. The ministry has recently issued a decision to ban single-use plastic bags in Qatar from November 15 onwards. The regulations on the use of plastic bags, which were approved by the Council of Ministers, prohibit institutions, companies, and shopping centres from using single-use plastic bags. Officials from LuLu and Doha Municipality celebrating ‘International Plastic Bag Free Day’ at the D-Ring Road branch The ministry encourages the use of environment-friendly alternatives, such as multi-use plastic bags, biodegradable bags, bags made of paper or woven cloth, and other biodegradable materials to achieve the strategic objectives of Qatar in conserving the environment and optimal investment in waste recycling. The event was attended by senior officials from the ministry, including Ali al-Qahtani, head of the Inspection Unit in the Food Control Section, and Dr Asmaa Abu-Baker Mansour and Dr Heba Abdul-Hakim from the Food Control Section. Many other dignitaries, including Dr Mohamed Althaf, director of LuLu Group International, also attended the campaign. Shoppers at LuLu Hypermarket along D-Ring Road receiving eco-friendly bags Speaking at the event, al-Qahtani, who is also head of the Health Inspection and Monitoring Unit at Doha Municipality, said the event was held following the decision of Doha Municipality to hold activities at shopping malls for two days (Sunday and Monday) to educate people about uses of plastic bags in line with Ministerial Decision No 143 of 2022. He said the decision bans single-use plastic bags at all food outlets from November 15, and replaces them with eco-friendly alternatives bearing the wine glass and a fork symbol, which is the international symbol for ‘food safe’ material. “Initially, the awareness activities are being held this week at two commercial outlets: LuLu Hypermarket and Carrefour,” said al-Qahtani. A young girl receiving an eco-friendly bag while learning about the importance of protecting the environment by reducing the use of plastics Aligned with the campaign, LuLu Group distributed free reusable bags to shoppers and set up a booth where eco-friendly products are on display. The store was decorated with the cutout of a tree with reusable bags on its branches. LuLu also organised a quiz programme for kids with attractive gifts to inculcate awareness on the risk that plastics cause to the environment. The efforts taken by LuLu Hypermarket and the Ministry of Municipality to impart awareness among the public were very well-accepted and greatly appreciated by the public. Various sustainability initiatives have been implemented by LuLu Group for the last two decades. As a leading retailer in the region, LuLu Group is deeply committed to exercising sustainable best practices to reduce environmental concerns by taking real and demonstrable measures to protect the environment and contribute to reducing carbon emissions and food waste aligned with the Qatar National Vision 2030. The recipient of the Sustainability Award 2019 at the Qatar Sustainability Summit, LuLu Group has highlighted its efforts to promote environment-friendly practices in its operations and 18 stores in Qatar and in the community. As part of its ongoing efforts to reduce energy, water, waste, and to incorporate sustainable practices, LuLu Group has achieved sustainable operations certification for various outlets in Qatar. LuLu introduced reusable bags and promoted them in all the outlets, encouraging customers to reuse their shopping bags by reducing the amount of fresh plastic in the system. Reverse Vending Machines have been procured and implemented in multiple outlets to encourage and educate customers on the segregation and recycling of plastic bottles and cans. Various other measures to reduce the amount of plastic in packaging were introduced, including the introduction of refilling stations, Kraft paper bags, and biodegradable packaging made with sugarcane pulp used for packing in-house kitchen products. With a view to eliminating waste in its operations, LuLu implemented various innovative methods, such as controlled production and controlled ordering of raw materials, among others. Sustainable suppliers and products are also given priority in the company’s operations. Food waste digesters are also being used to efficiently manage the food waste generated in the operation. An innovative food waste solution called ‘ORCA’ recycles food waste by breaking it down into water (mainly) and some carbs, fats, and proteins, which are then captured or repurposed. This is currently being trialed at LuLu’s Bin Mahmoud store. Outlets are being encouraged to segregate the operational waste for easy disposal and collection. Three compartment bins are placed in all general areas to encourage customers on waste segregation. LuLu Hypermarket in Qatar has become one of the first retailers in MENA to achieve sustainable operations certification under the Global Sustainability Assessment System (GSAS) from the Gulf Organisation for Research & Development (GORD). The hypermarket has installed a Building Management System to efficiently manage assets associated with the building’s ventilation and lighting. Also, the hypermarket has installed the cloud-based Honeywell Forge Energy Optimisation system to efficiently manage and optimise the energy used during the operations. The use of LED is being encouraged for LuLu’s upcoming projects and existing projects, which are being gradually shifted to LED from conventional lights. Light control systems assisted with motion sensors are being considered to optimise the use of energy, especially in warehouse operations. LuLu also introduced energy-efficient chillers in its operations to optimise the use of energy and increase cooling efficiency. Recycling of paper waste and oil waste is also being done and encouraged throughout with the help of recycling partners that efficiently divert these materials from landfills and recycle them back into the system. As a responsible retailer, LuLu Hypermarket always follows an all-inclusive approach in promoting ‘Made in Qatar’ products. LuLu provides dedicated retail space and point-of-sale terminals for locally-manufactured food products. The company has started sourcing its private label products locally, ensuring uninterrupted supplies and stock availability. LuLu engages closely with local farmers through a variety of support schemes and promotional initiatives to enhance supply and demand. The group is known as a trendsetter in the introduction of sustainable best practices in the retail industry in the region. LuLu’s operations cover business divisions in the retail segment for the popular hypermarket brand, shopping mall destinations, food-processing plants, wholesale distribution, hospitality properties, and real estate development.

As an integral element of their operations, 74% of small and medium businesses (SMBs) in the Middle East and North Africa (Mena) region have utilised digital tools to overcome the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic, an official of Meta has said. In a speech during the recent launching of the ‘Meta Boost’ programme in Qatar, Meta regional director for the Middle East and North Africa Fares Akkad said: “Since the start of the pandemic, we’ve been running the largest small business surveys in the world.” According to Akkad, Meta used the data to better understand the evolving needs of SMBs, especially as it relates to online tools and challenges brought on by the pandemic. “We released our latest State of Small Business report, which shows digital tools remain critical to SMB operations…81% of SMBs in this most recent global sample indicated that they had used digital tools in the last month, including 74% of SMBs in Mena. And 31% of global SMBs reported more than half of their sales took place online, including 26% of Mena respondents,” Akkad said. Akkad said helping SMBs thrive and grow is a top priority for Meta, which is especially focused on helping SMBs make the transition online. In partnership with the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT), Meta launched ‘Meta Boost’, a global programme designed to support and accelerate the digitisation of SMBs in Qatar. “For the first time in Qatar, we will be launching a Meta SMB hub dedicated to the community of businesses in Qatar. The hub will feature a series of training webinars and resources to learn about the essentials of digital marketing and sales. It will also showcase local case studies and success stories to drive inspiration. “Meta’s Blueprint Bootcamp will include a series of live trainer-led webinars for digitally inclined SMBs to advance their presence online and accelerate their business growth. This will be a great opportunity for SMBs in Qatar to spend time and connect with Meta experts,” Akkad emphasised. In an earlier statement, the ministry said MCIT and Meta entered into a partnership to support MCIT’s vision of transforming Qatar into a digitally-enabled knowledge economy. As part of this partnership, the ministry will explore opportunities for collaboration with Meta covering key areas like community upskilling, SME digitisation, and economic support. The ministry strives to foster a human-centric vision for the digital economy and society, making digital transformation a fully-inclusive and transformative process for all businesses – from the small to the enterprise. Akkad also said Meta’s work to support SMBs is focused on three areas: free tools, training, and cash and marketing support. “Meta has a number of tools across Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp to help businesses create an online presence and connect with customers for free,” he pointed out. He added: “Meta offers hundreds of free digital training and resources to help SMBs establish their presence and grow on our platforms…in the early days of the pandemic, Meta provided cash grants and ad credits to SMBs to help them keep the lights on. All of this and more is core to our company principle to promote economic opportunity and helps to illustrate our commitment to SMBs and their success.”

Tech giant Microsoft is keen on driving the transformation of Qatar’s business landscape into a global digital hub that would further fast-track foreign direct investment (FDI) inflow into the country, an official of Microsoft Qatar has said. For the past several years, the Qatari government has launched a slew of initiatives and economic and legal reforms, as well as local and international partnerships, among others, to attract foreign investments. Microsoft is among the major international players that have expanded its footprint in Qatar to become a leading partner in the country’s digital transformation and economic diversification strategy. “We believe we have created a diversified economy for Qatar to become a digital hub for the world,” Microsoft Qatar general manager Lana Khalaf told Gulf Times on the sidelines of a tour of the company’s latest and state-of-the-art office, which recently opened in Lusail city. The opening of Microsoft’s new office, which is located at Burj Alfardan, was celebrated in the presence of HE the Minister of Communications and Information Technology Mohamed bin Ali al-Mannai and high-ranking officials from the US embassy in Qatar. Asked about Microsoft Qatar’s plans for the country after the 2022 FIFA World Cup, Khalaf said: “Post-FIFA, we will be focusing on driving Qatar as a digital hub for the world where we will see global companies and global partners that want to come to this region investing in Qatar as a host of a digital economy and focused on diversifying to a knowledge-based economy, as well. This is definitely where we see the future of Qatar.” Khalaf emphasised that the opening of Microsoft’s fourth and largest office in the country builds on a number of significant investments that the company has already made in Qatar. She said in 2019 the company and the then Ministry of Transport and Communications announced plans to establish a new Microsoft Cloud Datacentre Region to deliver its intelligent, trusted cloud services. Khalaf said this will accelerate digital transformation, create jobs, enable skilling initiatives, empower partners, and drive economic impact across Qatar by empowering businesses and organisations of all sizes across all industries. During the tour of the office, Khalaf stated that Microsoft recently announced that its Cloud Datacentre Region in Qatar will be launched globally in a “few weeks” time. Aside from this, Khalaf said Microsoft also continues to innovate and initiate new programmes to help prepare Qatar’s workforce for the changing digital economy. In March this year, Microsoft, in partnership with the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT), launched the National Skilling Programme and the Digital Centre of Excellence located at Msheireb Downtown Doha. The National Skilling Programme aims to skill 50,000 people across all demographics by 2025. Since the launch of the programme, Microsoft has provided in-demand technology skilling to more than 14,000 individuals.

The Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT) and American multinational technology conglomerate Meta have entered into a partnership to support MCIT’s vision of transforming Qatar into a digitally-enabled knowledge economy. MCIT Assistant Undersecretary of Digital Society Development Reem al-Mansoori said, “The strategic partnership with Meta will complement and strengthen Qatar’s efforts in supporting our small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in their digital transformation journeys, which is extremely important for the economic and social development of the country.” Meta regional director for the Middle East and North Africa Fares Akkad said, “We are inspired by the ministry’s efforts in building an integrated digital society. This partnership signifies our commitment to support local SMEs by providing them with necessary digital skills to recover and deliver results online and help further boost a burgeoning start-up ecosystem to positively impact socio-economic growth in Qatar.” As part of this partnership, the ministry will explore opportunities for collaboration with Meta covering key areas like community upskilling, SME digitisation and economic support. The ministry strives to foster a human-centric vision for the digital economy and society, making digital transformation a fully-inclusive and transformative process for all businesses – from the small to the enterprise. As such, the ministry has identified cooperation at an international level as a critical constituent in achieving its vision. The partnership with Meta is one such example where MCIT will collaborate with Meta to leverage its expertise, resources, and best practices. During a launch event held Wednesday at the Sport Accelerator Qatar Business District, MCIT and Meta kicked off a national programme in support of SME digitisation and growth dubbed ‘Meta Boost Qatar’ programme. For the first time, Meta has launched a virtual SME hub in Qatar featuring a series of training webinars. The hub will also include a series of resources and will showcase local case studies and success stories to drive inspiration. Content will include training on how to ‘Creatively Engage your Audience with IG’, ‘Get Started with Meta Business Suite’, ‘Get Creative with Ads’, and ‘Reach your Audience with Personalised Ads’, amongst others. The programme is supported by local partners Aspire Zone Foundation, the Sport Accelerator, Qatar Science and Technology Park (QSTP), Qatar Financial Centre (QFC) and Qatar Development Bank (QDB). Hilal al-Kuwari, president of Aspire Zone Foundation, said: “Initiatives like ‘Meta Boost Qatar’ will promote SME digitisation to achieve a resilient, sustainable, and inclusive sports sector and unlock limitless opportunities for overall sector growth. Furthermore, this initiative identifies the much-needed training opportunities that best meet the sectors emerging needs and help SMEs acquire in-demand tech skills to become part of the thriving sports sector.” QDB acting CEO Abdulrahman Hesham al-Sowaidi said, “Our partnership with Meta is in line with the digital transformation endeavours taken by QDB, especially now that we have accelerated our digital solutions and e-commerce processes on a wider level due to the Covid-19 outbreak.” He added, “We are offering several initiatives on this front, including the NUMU digital platform and a new, specialised financing product that focuses on digitisation solutions and technological tools for SMEs, among others. We are pleased to collaborate on this initiative with national partners and we look forward to seeing its positive impact on Qatar’s entrepreneurial ecosystem while fulfilling the objectives of the national vision.” To mark the launch of this collaboration, Meta hosted an in-person event on the topics of SME Digitisation and Upskilling at Qatar Business District. The event included guest speaker sessions, experts, and followed by a ‘Meta Boost’ workshop for SMEs to learn about the essentials of digital marketing. Speaking to Gulf Times on the sidelines of the launch event, Akkad said: “Qatar is a very strategic market for us. We see a lot of innovation and eagerness to innovate. We also see a determined startup ecosystem. Meta ‘is in the business of small business’, so any thriving economy that is leaning towards digital is something interesting to us – it’s an initiative that we do across the region but we prioritise and Qatar is up there in our priority list.” On Meta’s presence in Qatar and its role in the development of the country’s SME ecosystem, Akkad said: “Similar to other economies, the SME ecosystem tends to form the majority of the workforce and the GDP for each country. We think that with Covid-19 what has become very apparent is the need to digitise – to have a digital presence whether you go fully digital or partially a mixture of brick and mortar and digital. It is essential for all SMEs to have a digital strategy.” He added: “Meta can help do this very seamlessly because we provide a lot of free products. Most of the users already engage and know how to use our tools, whether it’s Instagram, Facebook, WhatsApp or Messenger, so the transition to creating a digital storefront is very seamless. “And then we provide them with the training and the programmes to help them excel in this phase. We believe that we have the highest impact on the economy in the world because of this link between the traditional and digital way of doing business.”

Consumer behaviour in Qatar has changed “completely and sustainably” due to the Covid-19 pandemic, suggests a new study by Roland Berger. In an ongoing effort to build a better understanding of this phenomenon and the extent to which it has affected doing business, Roland Berger in Qatar conducted a “first-ever” Qatar-focused consumer study. Over 300 interviews were conducted covering different segments, such as locals and expats, male and female consumers, and different age groups, among others, to analyse and better understand the lasting effect of Covid-19 on consumer behaviour. Analysis was performed across multiple areas like buying patterns, media consumption, payment solutions, and purchase determiners to determine how these changed during the pandemic and which of these changes will have a lasting impact. “This study has helped us unveil many important consumer behaviour trends that could help businesses in the country adopt effective ways that speak to consumers’ emerging requirements and needs. “For example, our study reveals that the use of social media platforms increased by almost 70% amongst total users. This increase is logical, but what it entails in terms of new trends and dynamics shaping the interaction between brands and consumers is something that businesses might not be fully ready for,” said Dr Fabian Engels, senior partner and managing director at Roland Berger in Qatar. Saumitra Sehgal, partner and head of Consumer Goods & Retail and Financial Services at Roland Berger in Qatar, stated: “In terms of spending trends, for example, and during the first half of 2022, about 15% of all consumers increased spending for food and another 20% have increased spending for hygiene products. Our study revealed that this development is not temporary – food and hygiene products are expected to grow in the future even further. “Another clearly observed change is related to digital payments. The switch to digital is inevitable – shops all over Qatar need to act with the speed at which consumers are changing. Digital payment channels have scaled up rapidly during the pandemic, with 60% of local consumers having increased cashless transactions and 75% of all consumers using the cashless mode. The launch of new modes, such as Apple Pay has positively contributed to this trend.” He added: “In terms of physical shopping, we see split consumer behaviour. A large part of all consumers (40% of total base) have stated that they will continue to decrease their visits to physical stores. This will completely change how and where we shop in Qatar. “Promotional offers, as a commercial tactic, was cited as a top reason to get consumers back in stores, but safety standards came across as the second most important reason for consumers to shop in-person.” On the other end, an equal percentage of consumers (40%) also expressed a desire to go back to visiting physical stores. This may show a form of hesitation that consumers are facing post-pandemic, where they are hesitant between revolting against past habits imposed by the pandemic and continuing with the relatively new but more meticulous practices, the study stated. Engels said, “Businesses will suffer if they don't adopt the new changes – Qatar needs to prove itself resilient and adaptable once more. The world will never again be the same as it was before Covid-19, so businesses must be ready to change and adapt to the new normal taking shape around them.”

In a bid to expand its operations in Qatar, Microsoft has opened its fourth and largest facility in the country at Lusail City as part of a significant investment here, which includes the soon-to-be-launched Microsoft Cloud Datacentre Region. The launch of the new offices reinforces Microsoft’s commitment to establish Qatar as a knowledge and innovation hub and will enable Microsoft to better serve its customers, collaborate with its technology partners, and attract and develop top talent. Microsoft was joined by HE the Minister of Communications and Information Technology Mohamed bin Ali al-Mannai and high-ranking officials from the US Embassy in Qatar to celebrate the official opening of its new state-of-the-art office in Burj Al Fardan, Lusail City. The inauguration ceremony was live-streamed on Microsoft Teams to allow the company’s employees in the wider Middle East and Africa region to be part of the celebrations. “Microsoft has been deeply rooted in Qatar and our commitment to helping grow Qatar’s innovation economy has never been stronger. With the launch of our new offices and our Customer Innovation Centre, customers and partners will have the opportunity to co-innovate, ideate, and envision groundbreaking solutions that will revolutionise their industries,” said Microsoft Qatar general manager Lana Khalaf. With one side of the office overlooking the Arabian Sea and the other facing the desert, the eye-catching space fuses Microsoft’s global corporate identity with local Qatari flavour to capture the forward-looking, agile, and resilient nature of Qatar. The new Microsoft facility includes a Customer Innovation Centre that will host innovation and ideation workshops aimed at inspiring groundbreaking solutions that spur transformation across industries in Qatar. The office will play a vital role as an innovation hub for leading technology startups, students, and community organisations from across Qatar. It will also serve as a regional hub for the company’s talent, servicing Qatar and the wider Microsoft Middle East Cluster region. Work done at the facility will support the company’s efforts to grow, retain, and recruit the most talented people to build the most cutting-edge solutions. The new office was designed with the evolution of work in mind, presenting an inclusive hybrid workplace that empowers employees to better serve customers and collaborate with partners, whether they are in person or remote. Leveraging the company’s latest future work technologies, the sustainable, smart space facilitates seamless hybrid work that offers employees the flexibility to divide their work time between the office and offsite locations, leading to increased productivity, higher employee satisfaction and enhanced team collaboration. << Microsoft Qatar general manager Lana Khalaf -------------------- The office incorporates a Team Based Space design that pairs the latest technology with modern and collaborative workplaces and is fitted with the latest Microsoft Teams-enabled hardware and software to facilitate seamless hybrid work. Khalaf said, “In designing the new office, we were guided by two main principles. The first was our determination to provide the best workplace for our employees, offering a highly engaging, inclusive, and flexible environment that leverages the latest modern work technologies to create future-proof smart workspaces. “The second was sustainability – to deliver the first office to be certified on the highest sustainability standards in the Middle East. I am extremely proud to say that we delivered on both of those objectives while prioritising the focus on customers with our Customer Innovation Centre.” She added: “I look forward to welcoming customers, partners, visitors, and Microsoft’s team members to our new office and I am confident that this expansion will drive further recruitment and retention of the brightest talent who will be inspired to build cutting-edge solutions for organisations and people in the country.” PICTURES:  Shaji Kayamkulam In 2020, Microsoft announced ambitious commitments to become carbon negative by 2030 and remove more carbon from the environment than it has emitted since its founding by 2050. In line with these sustainability goals, the new facility is fitted with the latest green technologies to drive energy and water efficiency and is the company’s first office in the Middle East to reach Level 1 on Microsoft’s Global Sustainability Standard. The premises have also achieved a C-Grade Global Microsoft Accessibility Standard for extending equal opportunities for all employees to access their workspaces with features such as easily accessible parking spaces, automatic doors, room signs with Braille, and audible and visible alarm systems.