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The Qatar Stock Exchange listed Aamal Company's joint venture, Frijns Steel Construction Middle East, has been awarded a QR113mn contract by Consolidated Contractors Group (CCG).Under this contract, which extends until July 2027, Frijns, a leading fabricator of high-quality for the petrochemical and process industries, will undertake the supply, fabrication, and painting of pipe support works for Qatar Energy’s North Field South LNG (liquefied natural gas) facilities in Ras Laffan Industrial City, strengthening Frijns’ position as a leading provider of structural steel solutions in Qatar's energy sector.Rashid bin Ali al-Mansoori, chief executive officer of Aamal Company, said this significant contract win for Frijns Steel Construction ME underscores the strength and diversity of Aamal's portfolio of companies."We are proud to support Frijns in their contribution to Qatar's vital energy sector and are confident in their ability to deliver exceptional results on this project. Aamal is committed to supporting Qatar's National Vision 2030, and this project aligns with our strategic focus on contributing to the country's infrastructure development," he said.Rob Frijns, managing director and partner of Frijns Steel Construction Middle East, said it brings decades of experience and a dedication to excellence to this North Field South LNG project."We value this partnership with CCG and are confident that our expertise will ensure the successful and timely completion of this critical infrastructure," he said.

Market Eye The failed US-Russia talks and uncertainties around rate cut decision by the US Federal Reserve had their overarching influence on the Gulf bourses, including the Qatar Stock Exchange (QSE), which saw its key index plummet 306 points and capitalisation erode in excess of QR17bn this week. The foreign funds were seen squaring off their position as the 20-stock Qatar Index plunged 2.63% this week which saw the listed companies in the main market earn total net profit of QR26.68bn in the first half (H1) of 2025. The foreign individuals were seen net sellers this week which saw Al Faleh Educational Holding contemplate increasing the foreign ownership limit to 100% as part of efforts to attract additional investment, enhance market liquidity, and broaden the shareholder base. More than 77% of the traded constituents were in the red in the main market this week which saw Qatar register a total of 51.7mn transactions valued at QR16.13bn through the country's payment system in July 2025. The Gulf institutions’ weakened net buying had its influence on the main bourse this week which saw a QNB Financial Services (QNBFS) study that said total assets of commercial banks in Qatar expanded by 2.8% month-on-month to QR2.125tn in June. The domestic institutions continued to be net sellers but with lesser intensity in the main market this week which saw Beema enter into a strategic partnership with PayLater; Qatar’s first Qatar Central Bank-licensed, Shariah-compliant ‘Buy Now, Pay Later provider’. However, the local retail investors were seen net buyers in the main bourse this week which saw a total of 0.07mn AlRayan Bank-sponsored exchange traded fund QATR worth QR0.02mn trade across 15 deals. The Arab individuals turned bullish in the main market this week which saw 0.05mn Doha Bank-sponsored exchange-traded fund QETF valued at QR0.06mn change hands across 14 transactions. The Islamic index was seen declining faster than the other indices of the main market this week, which saw no trading of sovereign bonds. Market capitalisation eroded QR17.12bn or 2.47% to QR675.72bn on the back of large and midcap segments this week which saw no trading of treasury bills. Trade turnover and volumes were on the decline in the main market; whereas the junior bourse saw substantially increased volumes and turnover this week which saw the consumer goods, realty and industrials sectors together constitute more than 76% of the total trade volumes. The Total Return Index tanked 2.31%, the All Islamic Index by 2.55% and the All Share Index by 2.23% this week. The telecom sector index plummeted 3.32%, banks and financial services (2.39%), real estate (2.39%), transport (2.06%), consumer goods (1.92%), industrials (1.8%) and insurance (0.82%) this week. The market was skewed towards shakers with as many 41 constituents declining, while 11 made gains and one was unchanged this week. Major losers in the main market included Mannai Corporation, Qatar Cinema and Film Distribution, Ooredoo, Qatar Electricity and Water, Qamco, QNB, Commercial Bank, Doha Bank, QIIB, AlRayan Bank, Dukhan Bank, Alijarah Holding, Qatar Oman Investment, Woqod, Baladna, Al Faleh Educational Holding, Industries Qatar, Gulf International Services, Qatari Investors Group, Mesaieed Petrochemical Holding, Mazaya Qatar, Barwa and Milaha this week. Nevertheless, QLM, Qatar German Medical Devices, Medicare Group, Widam Food, Vodafone Qatar, Beema and Ezdan were among the movers in the main bourse. In the venture market, Techno Q saw its shares appreciate in value this week. The foreign institutions turned net sellers to the tune of QR87.73mn compared with net buyers of QR130.78mn the previous week. The foreign individual investors were net profit takers to the extent of QR1.84mn against net buyers of QR1.02mn a week ago. The Gulf institutions’ net buying weakened perceptibly to QR33.52mn compared to QR36.34mn the week ended August 14. However, the local individuals turned net buyers to the tune of QR86.1mn against net sellers of QR70.65mn the previous week. The Arab retail investors were net buyers to the extent of QR6.95mn compared with net sellers of QR8.57mn a week ago. The Gulf individuals turned net buyers to the tune of QR4.54mn against net buyers of QR0.25mn the week ended August 14. The domestic funds’ net profit booking declined substantially to QR41.37mn compared to QR88.49mn the previous week. The Arab institutions’ net selling eased marginally to QR0.18mn against QR0.68mn a week ago. The main market saw 47% contraction in trade volumes to 771.17mn shares, 35% in value to QR1.8bn and 13% in deals to 101,437 this week. In the venture market, trade volumes more than tripled to 1.65mn equities and value also more than tripled to QR4.53mn on more than quadrupled transactions to 367.

Qatar is expected to see new office developments in prime areas within next two years, as the country’s first liquefied natural gas (LNG) output from North Field East slated to come online, according to Cushman and Wakefield Qatar (CWQ)."New office development in prime areas may emerge within two years, but only if rental growth supports project viability," CWQ said in its latest report.Despite elevated vacancies in some secondary locations, the tightening availability of high quality office accommodation suggests that upward pressure on prime rents is "likely in the near term."As of second quarter of 2025, the prime Category A offices typically command QR100-140 per sq m per month, while shell-and-core space is usually available below QR100 per sq m per month, the report said.CWQ said office demand continues to be driven primarily by the government and the oil and gas sectors.In support of the strong macroeconomic fundamentals, the report highlighted that in the energy sector, Qatar's LNG expansion is moving ahead, with production capacity set to reach 142mn tonnes per annum by 2030 and the first output from North Field East project expected in mid-2026.Over the past two years, large government requirements - often for entire buildings - have dominated activity, accounting for more than 170,000sqm of leasing in West Bay and Msheireb, it said.Although leasing activity in Qatar's office market remained quiet in Q2-2025, CWQ said this followed an 18-month of strong government demand that had absorbed significant Grade A supply, pushing "vacancy rates to their lowest level since 2016."In West Bay, total office stock (gross leasable area or GLA) is around 1.9mn sq m with less than 150,000sq m currently available for lease.In Lusail Marina district, there is about 700,000sq m of Grade A space, of which just more than 100,000sq m is vacant, the report said, adding Msheireb Downtown, which comprises approximately 230,000sq m, is now fully occupied.Across the main business districts - Lusail, The Pearl, West Bay and Msheireb Downtown - Grade A vacancy is estimated at 12%, equivalent to about 375,000sqm, it said."The pipeline of new office supply remains limited," it said, adding outside of Lusail Towers, where three of the four landmark buildings have already been sold or pre-leased.In the Marina district, Marina 31 is fast approaching completion and will deliver more than 20,000sq m of GLA, the report said.

Market EyeThe domestic institutions' buying interests Thursday helped the Qatar Stock Exchange to snap four consecutive days of bearish run as its key index gained as much as 36 points and capitalisation added in excess of QR1bn.The transport, insurance and telecom sectors saw higher than average demand as the 20-stock Qatar Index rose 0.32% to 11,342.57 points, recovering from an intraday low of 11,267 points.The foreign institutions’ weakened net profit booking had its influence on the main market, whose year-to-date gains improved to 7.3%.The Arab individuals continued to be net buyers but with lesser intensity in the main bourse, whose capitalisation added QR1.48bn or 0.22% to QR675.72bn mainly on microcap segments.The Gulf funds also continued to be bullish but with lesser vigour in the main market, which saw as many as 1,445 exchange traded funds (sponsored by AlRayan Bank and Doha Bank) valued at QR0.02mn trade across six deals.The foreign retail investors continued to be net buyers but with lesser intensity in the main bourse, whose trade turnover and volumes were on the decrease.The Islamic index was seen gaining slower than the other indices of the main market, which saw no trading of treasury bills.However, the local retail investors were seen net sellers in the main bourse, which saw no trading of sovereign bonds.The Total Return Index gained 0.36%, the All Share Index by 0.28% and the All Islamic Index by 0.13% in the main market.The transport sector index rose 0.87%, insurance (0.81%), telecom (0.8%), banks and financial services (0.2%), industrials (0.19%) and consumer goods and services (0.1%); while real estate fell 0.25%.Major gainers in the main market included Qatar Islamic Bank, Medicare Group, Qatar Insurance, Nakilat, Ezdan, Commercial Bank, Doha Bank, Meeza, Qamco and Ooredoo.Nevertheless, Widam Food, Mannai Corporation, Inma Holding, Mesaieed Petrochemical Holding, Barwa and Industries Qatar were among the shakers in the main bourse.In the venture market, Techno Q saw its shares depreciate in value.The domestic institutions turned net buyers to the tune of QR5.94mn compared with net sellers of QR22.24mn the previous day.The foreign institutions’ net profit booking decreased substantially to QR9.1mn against QR38.87mn on August 20.However, the local individuals were sellers to the extent of QR2.18mn compared with net buyers of QR33.03mn on Wednesday.The Arab institutions turned net profit takers to the tune of QR0.16mn against no major net exposure the previous day.The Arab retail investors’ net buying declined perceptibly to QR2.32mn compared to QR12.63mn on August 20.The Gulf institutions’ net buying weakened noticeably to QR1.45mn against QR7.95mn on Wednesday.The foreign individuals’ net buying shrank markedly to QR1.34mn compared to QR4.12mn the previous day.The Gulf individual investors’ net buying decreased notably to QR0.4mn against QR3.36mn on August 20.The main market saw a 7% contraction in trade volumes to 126.15mn shares, 6% in value to QR346.36mn and 6% in deals to 22,324.In the venture market, a total of 0.36mn equities valued at QR1.01mn changed hands across 124 transactions.

Al Faleh Educational Holding is contemplating increasing the foreign ownership limit to 100% as part of efforts to attract additional investment, enhance market liquidity, and broaden the shareholder base.In this regard, Al Faleh Educational Holding will convene the extraordinary general assembly to obtain shareholders’ nod, following which the company will proceed to complete the necessary approvals from the relevant regulatory authorities and the Council of Ministers."The board of directors has resolved to recommend to the extraordinary general Alassembly an amendment to Article (21) of the company’s Articles of Association," it said in a regulatory filing with the Qatar Stock Exchange.The proposed amendment seeks to raise the maximum permitted foreign ownership limit from 49% to 100% of the company’s share capital.The company's issued and paid-up capital is QR240mn, divided into 240mn ordinary shares, the nominal value of each share being QR1.Qatar's legal framework enables 100% foreign ownership across multiple sectors, reflecting Doha's ’s commitment to fostering a welcoming and competitive business environment.

Market EyeThe Qatar Stock Exchange (QSE), like other Gulf bourses, witnessed strong selling pressure Wednesday, leading its index to plunge 185 points and capitalisation to erode more than QR9bn.The transport and banking counters witnessed higher than average selling pressure as the 20-stock Qatar Index declined 1.61% to 11,306.78 points, although it touched an intraday high of 11,490 points.The foreign institutions were increasingly net profit takers in the main market, whose year-to-date gains truncated further to 6.96%.More than 71% of the traded constituents were in the red in the main bourse, whose capitalisation melted QR9.27bn or 1.36% to QR674.24bn mainly on large and midcap segments.The domestic funds were increasingly net sellers in the main market, which saw as many as 4,595 exchange traded funds (sponsored by AlRayan Bank and Doha Bank) valued at QR0.03mn trade across eight deals.The Gulf institutions’ weakened net buying had its influence on the main bourse, whose trade turnover and volumes were on the decrease.The Islamic index was seen declining slower than the other indices of the main market, which saw no trading of treasury bills.However, the local retail investors were seen increasingly net buyers in the main bourse, which saw no trading of sovereign bonds.The Total Return Index tanked 1.61%, the All Share Index by 1.44% and the All Islamic Index by 1.27% in the main market.The transport sector index plummeted 1.95%, banks and financial services (1.83%), real estate (1.43%), industrials (0.81%), telecom (0.8%) and consumer goods and services (0.5%); while insurance was up 0.11%.Major shakers in the main market included Qatar Islamic Bank, Doha Bank, Commercial Bank, Milaha, Qatar Electricity and Water, QNB, Qatar Oman Investment, Gulf International Services, Estithmar Holding, Barwa, Ezdan, Milaha and Nakilat.Nevertheless, Qatar German Medical Devices, QLM, Mannai Corporation, Dlala and Qatar Industrial Manufacturing were among the movers in the main bourse.In the venture market, Techno Q saw its shares appreciate in value.The foreign institutions’ net profit booking increased substantially to QR38.87mn compared to QR18.03mn on August 19.The domestic institutions’ net selling expanded significantly to QR22.24mn against QR12.7mn the previous day.The Gulf institutions’ net buying declined noticeably to QR7.95mn compared to QR11.25mn on Tuesday.However, the local individual investors’ net buying expanded markedly to QR33.03mn against QR23.75mn on August 19.The Arab retail investors were net buyers to the extent of QR12.63mn compared with net sellers of QR2.05mn the previous day.The foreign individuals turned net buyers to the tune of QR4.12mn against net profit takers of QR4.28mn on Tuesday.The Gulf retail investors’ net buying strengthened perceptibly to QR3.36mn compared to QR2.17mn on August 19.The Arab institutions had no major net exposure against net sellers to the tune of QR0.11mn the previous day.The main market saw a 10% contraction in trade volumes to 135.8mn shares and 8% in value to QR367.17mn but on 19% jump in deals to 23,870.In the venture market, a total of 0.68mn equities valued at QR1.86mn changed hands across 131 transactions.

Qatar recorded a total of 51.7mn transactions valued at QR16.13bn through the country's payment system in July 2025, according to the Qatar Central Bank (QCB) data.While the number of transactions witnessed 5.78% decline, total value was up 1.51% month-on-month in July 2025, the QCB said in its social media handle X.The point-of-sales constituted 51% of the payment system transaction, followed by e-commerce 27%, Fawran or instant payment system at 20% and Qatar Mobile Payment or QMP at 2% in the review period.There were 40.33mn card transactions through point-of-sales – which enables merchants to process payments and log transactions – valued at QR8.22bn in July 2025. The card transactions however saw 6.82% and 4.97% month-on-month decline in volume and value respectively.The e-commerce transaction saw as many as 9.18mn transactions valued at QR4.36bn in the review period. The number of transactions shrank 4.77% even as value was up 1.87% compared with June 2025.The point-of-sales and e-commerce together amounted to QR12.58bn in July 2025, which fell 2.71% on a monthly basis.Fawran, a real-time payment service in Qatar, allowing users to send and receive money instantly and securely within the country, registered as many as 1.87mn transactions valued at QR3.27bn in the review period, registering 7.47% and 18.91% growth respectively on a monthly basis. There have been a total of 3.24mn total registered Fawran accounts, growing by 1.57% month-on-month.Fawran was launched in 2024 and system members are QNB, Commercial Bank, Qatar Islamic Bank, Ahli Bank, Dukhan Bank, Doha Bank, QIIB and AlRayan Bank.QMP – which allows immediate transfer of funds between registered customers through any registered payment service providers – saw as many as 320,097 transactions valued at QR277.05mn in July 2025, accelerating 53.16% and 32.19% against June 2025 levels. There has been a total of 1.2mn registered wallets, a 12.41% contraction on a monthly basis.The QMP is a centralised payment system that was launched in 2020, to enable individuals and corporates to perform instant fund transfers between e-wallets within payment service providers in Qatar. The system members are QNB, Commercial Bank, Doha Bank, Qatar Islamic Bank, Ahli Bank, QIIB, Arab Bank, HSBC Qatar, AlRayan Bank, Dukhan Bank, i-pay and Ooredoo Money.Qatar Payment System (QPS) is designed on the concept of real-time gross settlement (RTGS) and electronic straight through processing (e-STP). QPS is based on the SWIFT network and messages standards and utilises the SWIFT messages to reconcile and settle the local payments and securities ownership transfers.QPS is linked to the QCB clearing system, book-entry government securities system, and currency issuing application. All applications are driven by swift messages such as (MT202, MT203).Qatar's retail payment system comprise electronic cheque clearing system; national network system for ATMS and Points of Sales (NAPS); QMP; direct deposit and debit (QATCH); electronic payment gateway (QPay); wage protection system (WPS); and Fawran.

Market EyeAwaiting rate clues from Washington, DC, investors, especially foreign institutions, squared off their position in the Qatar Stock Exchange (QSE), which on Tuesday fell for the third straight session as its key barometer retreated below 11,500 levels.The telecom, consumer goods, insurance, industrials and real estate counters witnessed higher than average selling pressure as the 20-stock Qatar Index shed 24 points or 0.21% to 11,491.59 points, even as it touched an intraday high of 11,524 points.The domestic institutions were increasingly net profit takers in the main market, whose year-to-date gains truncated further to 8.71%.More than 60% of the traded constituents were in the red in the main bourse, whose capitalisation melted QR1bn or 0.66% to QR683.51bn mainly on microcap segments.The foreign individuals were increasingly net sellers in the main market, which saw as many as 761 exchange traded funds (sponsored by AlRayan Bank and Doha Bank) valued at QR1,936 trade across four deals.The Arab retail investors were seen increasingly net profit takers in the main bourse, whose trade turnover and volumes were on the decrease.The Islamic index was seen declining faster than the other indices of the main market, which saw no trading of treasury bills.The Arab institutions were seen net sellers in the main bourse, which saw no trading of sovereign bonds.The Total Return Index shed 0.21%, the All Share Index by 0.1% and the All Islamic Index by 0.38% in the main market.The telecom sector index tanked 1.98%, consumer goods and services (0.91%), insurance (0.66%), industrials (0.35%) and real estate (0.32%); while transport gained 0.27% and banks and financial services 0.25%.Major shakers in the main market included Ooredoo, Baladna, Mannai Corporation, Commercial Bank, Qatar German Medical Devices, QIIB, Alijarah Holding, Dlala, Salam International Investment, Woqod, Qatar Electricity and Water, Gulf International Services, Qatar Insurance, Ezdan and Mazaya Qatar. In the junior bourse, Techno Q saw its shares depreciate in value.Nevertheless, Widam Food, Medicare Group, QNB, Beema, Vodafone Qatar, Meeza and Mekdam Holding were among the movers in the main market.The foreign institutions’ net profit booking increased noticeably to QR18.03mn compared to QR11.75mn on August 18.The domestic institutions’ net selling expanded perceptibly to QR12.7mn against QR9.54mn the previous day.The foreign retail investors’ net selling expanded markedly to QR4.28mn compared to QR3.74mn on Monday.The Arab individual investors’ net profit booking strengthened considerably to QR2.05mn against QR0.22mn on August 18.The Arab institutions turned net sellers to the tune of QR0.11mn compared with net buyers of QR0.09mn the previous day.The local individual investors’ net buying weakened notably to QR23.75mn against QR29.59mn on Monday.However, the Gulf institutions were net buyers to the extent of QR11.25mn compared with net sellers of QR3.67mnon August 18.The Gulf retail investors turned net buyers to the tune of QR2.17mn against net profit takers of QR0.78mn the previous day.The main market saw 16% contraction in trade volumes to 151.62mn shares, 3% in value to QR399.91mn and less than 1% in deals to 20,104.In the venture market, a total of 0.09mn equities valued at QR0.23mn changed hands across 24 transactions.

Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) is expected to make further inroads in Qatar’s financial landscape with more banks set to sign strategic pact with fintechs providing "growth enabling" services, according to experts."The lenders are seized of its (BNPL) opportunities in the banking space. Fintechs are enablers than competitors, there is a symbiotic relationship between the two," said a top official of a private sector bank, which is planning to enter in a strategic relationship with BNPL provider.This symbiotic relationship leverages the strengths of both entities, leading to a "win-win" situation, according to him.The streamlining and strengthening of operations at the Qatar Credit Bureau have also helped fintechs offering BNPL services to undertake quick due diligence regarding customers, the official said.Recently, Qatar Islamic Bank tied up with PayLater to deliver Shariah-compliant BNPL services to customers and merchants in Qatar, providing flexible financing solutions that promote financial inclusion and support the growth of the nation’s digital economy.BNPL, which is gaining momentum in the Middle East and North Africa region, is essentially a short term (no more than 12 months) interest free credit facility that allows a customer to split its transaction amount into instalment payments to allow repayment over a period of time.The maximum credit per customer at any point of time has been fixed at QR25,000, as per the Qatar Central Bank (QCB) regulations for the sector.The tech-savvy consumer base, the quest to explore the latest in online shopping and the alternative payment solutions with flexibility are giving the required thrust (for the BNPL segment), said the bank official.The QCB had approved five companies – Spendwisor; Qaiver FinTech; HSAB for Payment Solutions; Mihuru; and Pay Later Website Services – as a first cohort for the BNPL service; awarding entry into its exclusive sandbox programme.The banking regulator had in 2023 issued the BNPL regulations following the launch of its fintech strategy. The objectives of the BNPL regulations are to ensure that customers are provided with adequate protections without unduly impacting the availability and cost of BNPL products and services, to protect the rights of BNPL customers from unfair lending practices, and to encourage the development of the consumer credit industry.Terming that BNPL isn’t a trend — it’s a shift in mindset; Mohammed al-Delaimi, SkipCash’s founder and managing director, had said it introduces financial flexibility and responsible consumption, particularly in markets that have traditionally been underserved or cash-dependent.For small businesses, it means increased sales and better customer retention, while for consumers, it’s a lifeline to spread out essential purchases without falling into debt traps, he had said.The changing consumer preferences and the growing e-commerce market are paving the way for strong growth, the bank official said, adding the rise in e-commerce deals during the Covid-19 lockdowns led to a significant increase in the use of BNPL services.Snoonu had earlier this year joined forces with PayLater to enhance financial flexibility and reshape the digital shopping experience for consumers. Beema recently tied up with PayLater.LuLu AI, the investment arm of LuLu Financial Holdings, had announced a strategic investment in PayLater Qatar.

Market Eye Uncertainties encircling the US-Ukraine meet and Federal Reserve rate cuts played spoilsport in the Qatar Stock Exchange (QSE), which on Monday fell for the second straight session as its key barometer shed 72 points and capitalisation eroded in excess of QR4.5bn. The foreign funds were increasingly net profit takers as the 20-stock Qatar Index declined 0.62% to 11,515.66 points, although it touched an intraday high of 11,602 points. The telecom, transport and real estate counters witnessed higher than average selling pressure in the main market, whose year-to-date gains truncated further to 8.94%. More than 60% of the traded constituents were in the red in the main bourse, whose capitalisation melted QR4.54bn or 0.66% to QR684.51bn mainly on midcap segments. The domestic institutions were increasingly bearish in the main market, which saw as many as 1,883 exchange traded funds (sponsored by AlRayan Bank and Doha Bank) valued at QR4,588 trade across five deals. The foreign retail investors turned bearish in the main bourse, whose trade turnover and volumes were on the increase. The Islamic index was seen declining faster than the other indices of the main market, which saw no trading of treasury bills. The Gulf institutions were net profit takers in the main bourse, which saw no trading of sovereign bonds. The Total Return Index shed 0.38%, the All Share Index by 0.41% and the All Islamic Index by 0.65% in the main market. The telecom sector index tanked 1.21%, transport (0.74%), realty (0.68%), banks and financial services (0.48%), insurance (0.3%) and consumer goods and services (0.13%); while industrials were up 0.1%. Major shakers in the main market included Qatar Cinema and Film Distribution, Mannai Corporation, Ooredoo, Qatar Oman Investment, Al Faleh Educational Holding, Industries Qatar, Qamco, Qatari Investors Group, Qatar Insurance, Barwa and Milaha. In the juniour bourse, Techno Q saw its shares depreciate in value. Nevertheless, QLM, Gulf International Services, Medicare Group, Vodafone Qatar, Lesha Bank, Meeza and Estithmar Holding were among the movers in the main market. The foreign institutions’ net profit booking increased noticeably to QR11.75mn compared to QR9.99mn the previous day. The domestic institutions’ net selling expanded significantly to QR9.54mn against QR2.84mn on August 17. The foreign retail investors turned net sellers to the tune of QR3.74mn compared with net buyers of QR0.72mn on Sunday. The Gulf institutions were net sellers to the extent of QR3.67mn against net buyers of QR16.54mn the previous day. The Gulf individual investors’ net profit booking rose marginally to QR0.78mn compared to QR0.61mn on August 17. However, the local retail investors’ net buying strengthened substantially to QR29.59mn against QR1.91mn on Sunday. The Arab institutions turned net buyers to the tune of QR0.09mn compared with no major net exposure the previous day. The Arab retail investors’ net profit booking decreased markedly to QR0.22mn against QR5.73mn on August 17. The main market saw 2% jump in trade volumes to 180.88mn shares, 17% in value to QR413.76mn and 34% in deals to 20,126. In the venture market, a total of 0.5mn equities valued at QR1.34mn changed hands across 31 transactions.

The Qatar Stock Exchange (QSE)'s listed companies in the main market have earned total net profit of QR26.68bn in the first half (H1) of 2025 as the real estate and transport sectors witnessed stronger earnings growth.The pace of net profitability, however, slowed down as it grew by 2.31% year-on-year in H1-2025 compared to 5.51% the previous year period, reflecting slippage in net earnings expansion in the banking, insurance and consumer goods as well as overall decline in the industrials sector.The banking and industrials sectors together constituted more than 74% of the total net profits of main market listed companies in the review period.The main market listed entities' total net profits translate into more than 3% of the country's gross domestic product or GDP for the whole of 2024 (as per the National Planning Council data).The banks and financial services sector - which has as many as 13 listed constituents -reported 1.48% increase in net profit to QR15.13bn against 7.61% in the comparable period in 2024. The sector contributed 56.71% in H1-2025 compared to 57.17% in H1-2024."There has been measured balance sheet growth, given a cautious and more selective approach to lending, with net profit for the sector rising by 1.3% from the prior period; reflecting tight margins and cost control coupled with efficiencies and proactive balance sheet management," said Omar Mahmood, Head of Financial Services, KPMG in the Middle East, South Asia, Caucasus and Central Asia; and Partner, KPMG in Qatar, in reference to commercial banks' H1-2025 performance.The consumer goods and services sector, which has as many as 14 listed constituents, registered 17.05% year-on-year in net earnings to QR1.11bn in January-June 2025 compared to 22.78% the same period of 2024. The sector contributed 4.16% to total net profits of the listed companies in the main market against 3.6% the review period of 2024.The insurance sector, which as many as seven listed firms, saw its net earnings grow 5.76% to QR763.38mn in the first six months of 2025 compared to 14.66% the comparable period of 2024. The sector constituted 2.85% of total profits of the listed companies against 2.76% in January-June 2024.The telecom sector, which has two entities, recorded net profit of QR2.28bn in H1, registering 5.18% growth on an annualised basis compared to 5.35% the previous-year period. The sector contributed 8.55% of the total net earnings in January-June 2025 against 2.76% in the same period of 2024.The industrials sector, which has as many as 10 listed companies, registered 6.64% year-on-year growth to QR4.64bn in January-June 2025 compared to a 0.14% rise in the year-ago period. The sector constituted 17.39% of the total net profit of the listed companies against 19.06% the comparable period of 2024.However, the real estate sector - which has as many as four entities - witnessed a 45.21% year-on-year surge in net profit to QR1.17bn in the first half of 2025 compared with 12.32% shrinkage the year-ago period. The sector contributed 4.39% of total net earnings of the listed firms in January-June 2025 against 3.07% in the comparable period of 2024.The transport sector with three constituents saw net profit of QR1.59bn in H1-2025, registering 2.11% growth on an annualised basis compared to 1.36% in H1-2024. The sector contributed 5.96% to overall net profit of the listed companies in January-June 2025 against 5.98% the year-ago period.

Market Eye The US-Russia talks’ failure to yield any tangible agreement to resolve the Ukraine conflict had its reflection on the Qatar Stock Exchange (QSE), which Sunday opened the week weak. The foreign funds turned net profit takers as the 20-stock Qatar Index shed 61 points or 0.52% to 11,588.02 points, after touching an intraday high of 11,655 points. The industrials, insurance and banking counters witnessed higher than average selling pressure in the main market, whose year-to-date gains truncated to 9.62%. About 68% of the traded constituents were in the red in the main bourse, whose capitalisation melted QR3.79bn or 0.55% to QR689.05bn mainly on small and microcap segments. The Arab individuals were increasingly net sellers in the main market, which saw as many as 4,105 exchange traded funds (sponsored by AlRayan Bank and Doha Bank) valued at QR0.02mn trade across six deals. The Gulf retail investors turned bearish in the main bourse, whose trade turnover and volumes were on the decline. The Islamic index was seen declining slower than the other indices of the main market, which saw no trading of treasury bills. The domestic institutions continued to be net sellers but with lesser vigour in the main bourse, which saw no trading of sovereign bonds. The Total Return Index shed 0.48%, the All Share Index by 0.4% and the All Islamic Index by 0.57% in the main market. The industrials sector index declined 0.93%, insurance (0.78%), banks and financial services (0.54%), transport (0.51%), consumer goods and services (0.48%) and telecom (0.15%); while real estate gained 0.28%. Major shakers in the main market included Qamco, Gulf International Services, Doha Bank, Al Faleh Educational Holding, Mannai Corporation, QNB, Mekdam Holding, Meeza, Industries Qatar, Estithmar Holding and Mazaya Qatar. In the junior bourse, Techno Q saw its shares depreciate in value. Nevertheless, Qatar German Medical Devices, Qatar Cinema and Film Distribution, Ezdan, Qatar Oman Investment, Qatar Islamic Bank and Al Mahhar Holding were among the gainers in the main market. The foreign institutions turned net profit takers to the tune of QR9.99mn compared with net buyers of QR6.2mn last Thursday. The Arab retail investors’ net selling increased noticeably to QR5.73mn against QR2.09mn the previous trading day. The Gulf retail investors were net sellers to the extent of QR0.61mn compared with net buyers of QR0.25mn on August 14. The local individual investors’ net buying declined substantially to QR1.91mn against QR15.26mn last Thursday. However, the Gulf institutions’ net buying strengthened perceptibly to QR16.54mn compared to QR15.07mn the previous trading day. The foreign retail investors turned net buyers to the tune of QR0.72mn against net sellers of QR3.38mn on August 14. The domestic funds’ net profit booking weakened drastically to QR2.84mn compared to QR31.05mn last Thursday. The Arab institutions had no major net exposure against net sellers to the extent of QR0.25mn the previous trading day. The main market saw 22% contraction in trade volumes to 176.73mn shares, 43% in value to QR352.91mn and 49% in deals to 15,013. In the venture market, a total of 0.03mn equities valued at QR0.08mn changed hands across seven transactions.

The Gulf central banks are likely to cut rates from December, which ought to support lending, consumer spending, and private investment, thus feeding into non-energy growth, according to Oxford Economics.Highlighting that the Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC) banks kept the interest rates on hold this week, in line with the US Federal Reserve; Oxford Economics said it still sees rates being cut this year, likely from December and through 2026."In the GCC, these cuts should support lending, consumer spending, and private investment, feeding into our constructive outlook for regional non-energy growth, which we see remaining above 4% next year," it said in a latest report.Ernst and Young had said in a report that interest rate cuts, together with further investment and structural reform initiatives, would translate as non-oil growth of more than 3.4% in the (Gulf) region’s two largest economies – Saudi Arabia and the UAE.The Qatar Central Bank had last week decided to maintain the current interest rates for deposits, lending, and repo rates, following an assessment of the current monetary policy of the country.The deposit rate has been maintained at 4.60%, lending rate at 5.10% and repo rate at 4.85%.S&P Global Ratings analysts said in an outlook report had said loan growth is slated to remain strong for the remainder of the year in Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the UAE as the countries are expected to reduce their interest rates in step with the US Fed, which is expected to cut rates in the second half.According to Oxford Economics projection, the GCC inflation is expected to be 0.4% in 2025 compared to the GCC average of 2.1%.Kamco Invest, a regional non-banking finance entity, had in its report said despite the heightened geopolitical instability in Q2-2025, driven by the geopolitical tensions in Middle East and the ongoing war on Gaza, the inflation rate across the GCC region "remained stable" throughout the period.

Market EyeStrengthened oil prices and brighter prospects of rate cut in the US were seen lifting the sentiments in the Qatar Stock Exchange (QSE), resulting in key index gain as much as 285 points to touch the highest level since December 2022.The banks, transport and telecom counters witnessed higher than average demand as the 20-stock Qatar Index zoomed 2.51% this week which saw the QSE index committee undertake review in its quarterly exercise and decide to maintain status quo in the components.The foreign individuals were seen net buyers this week which saw Gulf International Services generate a net profit of QR408m in the first half of 2025.As much as 65% of the traded constituents extended gains to investors in the main market this week which saw AlRayan Bank go live with Finastra corporate channels, enhancing and streamlining its corporate digital banking services.The Gulf retail investors turned bearish, albeit at lower levels, in the main bourse this week which saw Apex Health, a subsidiary of Estithmar Holding, obtain an investment license to develop a comprehensive private hospital with 400 beds in Baghdad, the Iraqi capital.The local retail investors’ weakened net selling had its influence on the main market this week which saw Gulf Warehousing Company (GWC) disclose that it is in the process of acquiring a 16.15% equity stake in Germany's ANCLA Logistik for a total consideration of 8.2mn euro, funded entirely from the group’s internal resources.The foreign funds continued to be net buyers but with lesser intensity in the main bourse this week which saw Mannai Corporation report net profit of QR69.91mn in H1-2025.The Gulf institutions also continued to be net profit takers but with lesser vigour in the main market this week which saw Mesaieed Petrochemical Holding's (MPHC) Q1-2025 net profit at QR378.71mn.The domestic funds were seen increasingly bearish in the main bourse this week which saw a total of 0.05mn AlRayan Bank-sponsored exchange traded fund QATR worth QR0.11mn trade across 33 deals.The Arab individuals were increasingly net sellers in the main market this week which saw 0.02mn Doha Bank-sponsored exchange-traded fund QETF valued at QR0.31mn change hands across 34 transactions.The Islamic index was seen gaining slower than the other indices of the main market this week, which saw no trading of sovereign bonds.Market capitalisation added QR16.56bn or 2.45% to QR692.84bn on the back of large and midcap segments this week which saw no trading of treasury bills.Trade turnover and volumes were on the increase in the main and venture markets this week which saw the consumer goods and realty sectors together constitute about 64% of the total trade volumes.The Total Return Index shot up 2.56%, the All Islamic Index by 1.96% and the All Share Index by 2.53% this week which saw Qatar Insurance earn net profit of QR374.78mn in January-June 2025.The banks and financial services sector index soared 3.54%, transport (2.87%), telecom (2.81%), consumer goods and services (2.08%), real estate (0.92%), insurance (0.43%) and industrials (0.26%) this week which saw QLM's H1-2025 net profit at QR42.6mn.The market was skewed towards movers with 35 constituents extending gains, while 18 declined this week which saw Commercial Bank participate in the recent rights issue of United Arab Bank, subscribing to 409.73mn new shares at 1AED per share.Major gainers in the main market included Baladna, Estithmar Holding, Salam International Investment, Al Faleh Educational Holding, Milaha, QNB, Qatar Islamic Bank, Commercial Bank, Doha Bank, AlRayan Bank, Ezdan, Mazaya Qatar and Ooredoo. In the juniour bourse, Techno Q saw its shares appreciate in value this week.Nevertheless, Mannai Corporation, Doha Insurance, Qatar Cinema and Film Distribution, Al Mahhar Holding, MPHC, Widam Food, Vodafone Qatar and GWC were among the shakers in the main market this week.The foreign retail investors turned net buyers to the tune of QR1.02mn compared with net sellers of QR5.26mn the previous week.The Gulf individuals were net buyers to the extent of QR0.25mn against net profit takers of QR0.25mn the week ended August 7.The local individual investors’ net selling weakened drastically to QR70.65mn compared to QR214.55mn a week ago.However, the domestic funds’ net profit booking expanded considerably to QR88.49mn against QR27.97mn the previous week.The Arab retail investors’ net selling strengthened perceptibly to QR8.57mn compared to QR8.03mn the week ended August 7.The Arab institutions’ net profit booking increased marginally to QR0.68mn against QR0.28mn a week ago.The foreign institutions’ net buying decreased substantially to QR130.78mn compared to QR204.91mn the previous week.The Gulf institutions’ net buying shrank significantly to QR36.34mn against QR51.45mn the week ended August 7.The main market saw 38% surge in trade volumes to 1.44bn shares, 30% in value to QR2.91bn and 2% in deals to 116,920 this week.In the venture market, trade volumes grew more than five-fold to 0.58mn equities and value also rose more than five-fold to QR1.58mn on more than doubled transactions to 89.

Market EyeStrengthened oil prices had its reflection on the Qatar Stock Exchange, which Thursday gained more than 14 points as local retail investors turned bullish.The transport, industrials and consumer goods counters witnessed higher than average demand as the 20-stock Qatar Index rose 0.12% to 11,643.31 points, although it touched an intraday high of 11,742 points.The Gulf institutions were increasingly net buyers in the main market, whose year-to-date gains improved further to 10.19%.More than 46% of the traded constituents extended gains to investors in the main bourse, whose capitalisation added QR0.76bn or 0.11% to QR692.84bn mainly on microcap segments.The foreign funds continued to be net buyers but with lesser intensity in the main market, which saw as many as 0.02mn exchange traded funds (sponsored by AlRayan Bank and Doha Bank) valued at QR0.12mn trade across 22 deals.The domestic institutions were seen net profit takers in the main bourse, whose trade turnover and volumes were on the decline.The Islamic index was seen gaining slower than the other indices of the main market, which saw no trading of treasury bills.The foreign retail investors turned bearish in the main bourse, which saw no trading of sovereign bonds.The Total Return Index gained 0.12%, the All Share Index by 0.11% and the All Islamic Index by 0.01% in the main market.The transport sector index shot up 1.45%, industrials (0.34%), consumer goods and services (0.31%) and telecom (0.04%); while real estate declined 0.42%, insurance (0.15%) and banks and financial services (0.12%).Major movers in the main market included Doha Bank, Baladna, Milaha, Estithmar Holding, Salam International Investment, Meeza, Industries Qatar, and Nakilat.In the junior bourse, Techno Q saw its shares appreciate in value.Nevertheless, Al Faleh Educational Holding, Mannai Corporation, QIIB, Inma Holding, Qatar Islamic Bank, Qamco and Mazaya Qatar were among the shakers in the main market.The local individuals turned net buyers to the tune of QR15.26mn compared with net sellers of QR63.9mn on August 13.The Gulf institutions’ net buying increased perceptibly to QR15.07mn against QR13.59mn the previous day.The Arab retail investors’ net selling decreased noticeably to QR2.09mn compared to QR3.92mn on Wednesday.The Arab institutions’ net profit booking weakened marginally to QR0.25mn against QR0.26mn on August 13.However, the domestic funds were net sellers to the extent of QR31.05mn compared with net buyers of QR0.91mn the previous day.The foreign individual investors turned net sellers to the tune of QR3.38mn against net buyers of QR1.01mn on Wednesday.The foreign institutions’ net buying decreased substantially to QR6.2mn compared to QR52.08mn on August 13.The Gulf retail investors’ net buying eased marginally to QR0.25mn against QR0.48mn the previous day.The main market saw a 25% contraction in trade volumes to 227.57mn shares and 7% jump in value to QR621.38mn but on 13% jump in deals to 29,636.In the venture market, a total of 0.09mn equities valued at QR0.26mn changed hands across 24 transactions.

Qatar is updating its sovereign green assets register as it strengthens sustainable transformation by pioneering innovative financing solutions and championing investment in green projects, according to the Ministry of Finance."The Ministry of Finance is driving Qatar's sustainable transformation by pioneering innovative financing solutions and championing investment in green projects. These strategic initiatives underscore Qatar's unwavering commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Qatar National Vision 2030," the Government Communication Office said in its social medial handle X.Outlining its sustainability initiatives to drive development; the ministry said it issued Qatar's first sovereign green bonds in the second quarter of 2024. Qatar had set a regional benchmark by issuing $2.5bn in green bonds to fund environmentally friendly projects, marking a new era for sustainable finance.The bonds were divided into two tranches: a $1bn tranche with a five-year maturity priced at a 30 basis point spread over the US treasuries and a $1.5bn tranche with a 10-year maturity priced at a 40 basis point spread over the US treasuries. The country achieved the lowest spread ever recorded by any bond-issuing country in the Middle East, Central and Eastern Europe, and Africa.The Ministry of Finance had revealed that the coverage ratio exceeded 5.6 times the total issuance size, with peak subscription demand reaching more than $14bn, confirming that the issuance enjoyed broad and diversified geographic and institutional investor interest from around the world.Qatar was awarded “Deal of the Year” as part of the Global Banking and Markets: Middle East Awards 2025, in recognition of its landmark inaugural sovereign green bond issuance.The ministry is "currently updating the sovereign green assets register", it said, adding the ministry had also published its first sovereign green bond allocation report.The green assets register - which lists and tracks assets that are considered environmentally friendly or contribute to a sustainable environment - is a crucial tool for transparency and accountability in the growing field of green finance and sustainable investing.The ministry also highlighted that it participated in the development of the National Adaptation Plan (NAP), a strategic framework designed to address vulnerabilities and strengthen resilience against the impacts of climate change.The development of NAP enables the country to identify and address its medium- and long-term priorities for adapting to climate change as part of Qatar’s broader development strategy and green economy transition.By focusing on the most vulnerable sectors, the project aims to safeguard the nation’s economy, population, and coastal regions, while contributing significantly to global climate resilience and sustainability efforts.The ministry’s drive was further reinforced by the Qatar Central Bank's sustainable finance framework guidelines, which are strategically developed to regulate sustainable finance and sustainability-linked finance, unlock new opportunities for growth and innovation and provide market guidance on how these instruments can be channelled and adopted within the country.

Market EyeSofter US inflation data and the resultant expectations of cut in the interest rates brightened the prospects in the Qatar Stock Exchange, which Wednesday soared 213 points and its key index surpassed 11,600 points with ease.The banks and telecom counters witnessed higher than average demand as the 20-stock Qatar Index shot up 1.87% to 11,634.75 points, its highest level since December 2022. The market recovered from an intraday low of 11,439 points.The Gulf institutions were increasingly bullish in the main market, whose year-to-date gains improved to 10.06%.About 55% of the traded constituents extended gains to investors in the main bourse, whose capitalisation zoomed QR11.5bn or 1.69% to QR692.08bn mainly on large and midcap segments.The Gulf retail investors were increasingly net buyers in the main market, which saw as many as 0.02mn exchange traded funds (sponsored by AlRayan Bank and Doha Bank) valued at QR0.12mn trade across 17 deals.The foreign funds continued to bet net buyers but with lesser intensity in the main bourse, whose trade turnover grew amidst lower volumes.The Islamic index was seen gaining slower than the other indices of the main market, which saw no trading of treasury bills.The local retail investors were increasingly net profit takers in the main bourse, which saw no trading of sovereign bonds.The Total Return Index gained 1.87% and the All Share Index by 1.75% and the All Islamic Index by 1.34% in the main market.The banks and financial services sector index soared 2.72%, telecom (2.37%), transport (0.88%), industrials (0.53%) and real estate (0.08%); while insurance declined 0.98% and consumer goods and services 0.12%.Major movers in the main market included Qatar Islamic Bank, Ooredoo, QNB, Commercial Bank, Dukhan Bank, QIIB, Inma Holding, Estithmar Holding and Milaha.Nevertheless, Qatar Cinema and Film Distribution, Baladna, Qatar General Insurance and Reinsurance, Salam International Investment, Meeza, Qatar Oman Investment and Salam International Investment were among the gainers in the main bourse. In the venture market, Techno Q saw its shares depreciate in value.The Gulf institutions’ net buying increased significantly to QR13.59mn compared to QR7.48mn the previous day.The domestic institutions turned net buyers to the tune of QR0.91mn against net sellers of QR33.73mn on August 12.The Gulf retail investors’ net buying expanded perceptibly to QR0.48mn compared to QR0.03mn on Tuesday.However, the local individuals’ net selling strengthened substantially to QR63.9mn against QR30.63mn the previous day.The Arab retail investors’ net selling increased noticeably to QR3.92mn compared to QR3.18mn on August 12.The Arab institutions’ net profit booking grew marginally to QR0.26mn against QR0.09mn on Tuesday.The foreign funds’ net buying decreased markedly to QR52.08mn compared to QR56.14mn the previous day.The foreign individual investors’ net buying declined notably to QR1.01mn against QR3.97mn on August 12.The main market saw a 10% contraction in trade volumes to 303.36mn shares but on 15% jump in value to QR667.29mn and 19% in deals to 26,184.In the venture market, a total of 0.1mn equities valued at QR0.28mn changed hands across 16 transactions.

Market EyeThe foreign institutions’ increased net buying interests Tuesday lifted the Qatar Stock Exchange (QSE) by as much as 50 points and its key index surpassed the 11,400 levels.The telecom, transport, banking and insurance counters witnessed higher than average demand as the 20-stock Qatar Index rose 0.44% to 11,421.38 points, recovering from an intraday low of 11,350 points.The Gulf institutions were seen bullish in the main market, whose year-to-date gains improved to 8.04%.More than 67% of the traded constituents extended gains to investors in the main bourse, whose capitalisation added QR2.6bn or 0.38% to QR680.58bn mainly on mid and small cap segments.The foreign retail investors were net buyers in the main market, which saw as many as 2,295 exchange traded funds (sponsored by AlRayan Bank and Doha Bank) valued at QR0.02mn trade across four deals.The Gulf individuals turned net buyers, albeit at lower levels, in the main bourse, whose trade turnover fell amidst higher volumes.The Islamic index was seen outperforming the other indices of the main market, which saw no trading of treasury bills.However, the domestic institutions were increasingly net profit takers in the main bourse, which saw no trading of sovereign bonds.The Total Return Index gained 0.49% and the All Share Index by 0.5% and the All Islamic Index by 0.51% in the main market.The telecom sector index shot up 1.18%, transport (0.75%), banks and financial services (0.69%), insurance (0.47%), real estate (0.44%) and consumer goods and services (0.41%); while industrials declined 0.26%.Major movers in the main market included Qatar Oman Investment, Salam International Investment, Al Faleh Educational Holding, AlRayan Bank, Milaha, QIIB, Baladna, Meeza, Mazaya Qatar, Barwa and Ooredoo. In the junior bourse, Techno Q saw its shares appreciate in value.Nevertheless, Qatar Electricity and Water, QLM, Ezdan, Qamco, Zad Holding and Nakilat were among the shakers in the main market.The foreign institutions’ net buying increased substantially to QR56.14mn compared to QR3.71mn the previous day.The Gulf institutions turned net buyers to the tune of QR7.48mn against net sellers of QR0.51mn on August 11.The foreign individuals were net buyers to the extent of QR3.97mn compared with net sellers of QR2.01mn on Monday.The Gulf retail investors turned net buyers to the tune of QR0.03mn against net profit takers of QR0.42mn the previous day.However, the domestic institutions’ net selling expanded significantly to QR33.73mn compared to QR3.66mn on August 11.The local individuals turned net sellers to the tune of QR30.63mn against net buyers of QR3.31mn on Monday.The Arab retail investors’ net profit booking strengthened perceptibly to QR3.18mn compared to QR0.36mn the previous day.The Arab institutions’ net selling increased marginally to QR0.09mn against QR0.08mn on August 11.The main market saw 1% rise in trade volumes to 337.82mn shares but on 2% fall in value to QR580.32mn amidst 4% jump in deals to 21,915.In the venture market, a total of 0.01mn equities valued at QR0.04mn changed hands across five transactions.