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Qatar's fiscal breakeven oil price is expected to decline to $50 a barrel in 2027 from $64 this year, with the first phase of the North Field expansion to start supporting fiscal revenue fully from 2026 and the second phase in 2027, according to Fitch, a global credit rating agency."This reflects our expectation that new spending commitments will amount to a modest fraction of the new liquefied natural gas (LNG) revenue. Qatar's spending plans on economic diversification are more modest than regional peers," said Fitch after upgrading Doha's long-term foreign-currency issuer default rating (IDR) to 'AA' from 'AA-' with "stable" outlook.The upgrade reflects Fitch's greater confidence that debt-to-GDP (gross domestic product) will remain in line with or below the 'AA' peer median after falling sharply in recent years, while Qatar's external balance sheet will strengthen from an already strong level.Qatar's 'AA' ratings are supported by large sovereign net foreign assets (SNFA), one of the world's highest ratios of GDP per capita and a flexible public finance structure.The country is also likely to retain budget surpluses until the 2030s a result of the North Field expansion, it said, adding QatarEnergy plans to expand LNG production capacity from 77mn tonnes per year (Mtpa) to 110Mtpa by end-2025, 126 Mtpa by end-2027 and announced a further expansion to 142Mtpa by end-2030."We assume that QatarEnergy will cover $12.5bn of core project costs out of its 2021 bond issuance and a similar amount from its cash flow, spread until 2028, on top of contributions by partners," the rating agency said.Highlighting that funding plans for the 2030 phase will depend on hydrocarbon prices at that time; it said North Field projects will support both hydrocarbon and non-hydrocarbon growth over 2025-30.QatarEnergy will also cover a significant share of the costs of the ancillary projects associated with the expansion, including downstream plants that will brings its petrochemical capacity to over 15Mtpa.QatarEnergy owns 70% of the Golden Pass LNG project (16Mtpa) in Texas, which will start production in 2024, bringing new revenue to the budget via the dividends of hydrocarbons bellwether.Projecting debt/GDP to fall to about 47% of GDP in 2024 and 45% in 2025, from a peak of 85% in 2020, the rating agency said this reflects our expectation that the government will continue to repay maturing external debt in 2024 ($4.8bn) but is likely to refinance its $2bn 2025 maturity in 2024, and will gradually pay down some of its domestic debt."The subsequent debt path will depend on how the government chooses to deploy its fiscal surpluses," Fitch said.The persistence of a high global bond yield environment could encourage Qatar to continue to allocate a share of its surpluses to deleveraging beyond 2025, although baseline assumes that external debt is rolled over, it said."Our debt metrics include government overdrafts with local banks (QR48bn at end-2023), which the government does not include in its headline figure," it said.

The Qatar Stock Exchange on Thursday saw 60% of its traded constituents appreciate in value but overall it settled marginally higher, a day after the US Federal Reserve maintained.text-box { float:left; width:250px; padding:1px; border:1pt white; margin-top: 10px; margin-right: 15px; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 20px;}@media only screen and (max-width: 767px) {.text-box {width: 30%;}}**media[130236]**status quo on the interest rate.The local retail investors were seen increasingly into net buying as the 20-stock Qatar Index rose 0.08% to 10,211.22 points, recovering from an intraday low of 10,190 points.The telecom, insurance, industrials, banking and consumer goods saw higher than average demand in the main market, whose year-to-date losses narrowed to 5.72%.The foreign individuals were seen increasingly bullish in the main bourse, whose capitalisation was up QR0.39bn or 0.07% to QR589bn with microcap segments leading the pack of gainers.The Arab retail investors turned net buyers in the main market, which saw as many as 5,180 exchange traded funds (sponsored by Masraf Al Rayan and Doha Bank) valued at QR0.01mn trade across three deals.The Gulf institutions were seen net buyers, albeit at lower levels, in the main bourse, which saw no trading of sovereign bonds.The Islamic index was seen gaining slower than the other indices in the main market, which reported no trading of treasury bills.The Total Return Index rose 0.19%, the All Share Index by 0.19% and the All Islamic Index by 0.09% in the main bourse, whose trade turnover and volumes were on the increase.The telecom sector index shot up 1.2%, insurance (0.37%), industrials (0.34%), banks and financial services (0.27%) and consumer goods and services (0.2%); while transport and real estate declined 1.12% and 0.26% respectively.Major movers in the main market included Mannai Corporation, Doha Insurance, Ooredoo, Qatar Electricity and Water, Al Meera, Qamco and Mesaieed Petrochemical Holding.In the venture market, Al Mahhar Holding saw its shares appreciate in value.Nevertheless, QLM, Dukhan Bank, Medicare Group, Nakilat, Qatar Oman Investment, Mazaya Qatar, Ezdan and Milaha were among the losers in the main bourse.The local retail investors’ net buying increased considerably to QR17.5mn compared to QR2.11mn on March 20.The foreign individual investors’ net buying grew markedly to QR2.38mn against QR0.36mn the previous day.The Arab individuals turned net buyers to the tune of QR1.88mn compared with net sellers of QR0.94mn on Wednesday.The Gulf institutions were net buyers to the extent of QR0.6mn against net profit takers of QR2.02mn on March 20.However, the domestic institutions’ net selling expanded significantly to QR20.34mn compared to QR11.11mn the previous day.The foreign institutions turned net sellers to the tune of QR1.89mn against net buyers of QR9.2mn on Wednesday.The Arab institutions were net profit takers to the extent of QR0.11mn compared with no major net exposure on March 20.The Gulf individuals turned net sellers to the tune of QR0.02mn against net buyers of QR0.53mn the previous day.Trade volumes in the main market increased 17% to 136.03mn shares and value by 13% to QR386.85mn, while deals were down 2% to 13,592.The venture market’s trade volumes were rather flat at 0.03mn equities, but saw 25% surge in value to QR0.05mn despite 33% lower transactions at 6.

Reflecting the caution in the regional markets, and ahead of the US Federal Reserve’s meeting on rates, the Qatar Stock Exchange on Wednesday declined more than 24 points..text-box { float:left; width:250px; padding:1px; border:1pt white; margin-top: 10px; margin-right: 15px; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 20px;}@media only screen and (max-width: 767px) {.text-box {width: 30%;}}**media[130236]**The transport, insurance and telecom counters witnessed higher than average selling pressure as the 20-stock Qatar Index fell 0.24% to 10,203.46 points, although it touched an intraday high of 10,245 points.The Arab individuals were seen net profit takers in the main market, whose year-to-date losses widened to 5.79%.The foreign institutions’ weakened net buying had its influence on the main bourse, whose capitalisation melted QR0.87bn or 0.15% to QR588.61bn with microcap segments leading the pack of losers.The foreign individuals’ lower net buying also had its say on the main market, which saw as many as 0.01mn exchange traded funds (sponsored by Masraf Al Rayan and Doha Bank) valued at QR0.05mn trade across seven deals.The domestic institutions continued to be net sellers, but with lesser intensity in the main bourse, which saw no trading of sovereign bonds.The Islamic index was seen declining slower than the other indices in the main market, which reported no trading of treasury bills.The Total Return Index shed 0.2%, the All Share Index by 0.19% and the All Islamic Index by 0.12% in the main bourse, whose trade turnover and volumes were on the decline.The transport sector index tanked 1.58%, insurance (1.13%), telecom (1.03%) and consumer goods and services (0.58%); while real estate gained 0.2%, industrials (0.2%) and banks and financial services (0.05%).More than 59% of the traded constituents in the main market were in the red with major losers being Baladna, Al Faleh Educational Holding, Nakilat, Mazaya Qatar, Alijarah Holding, Doha Bank, Medicare Group, Woqod, Gulf International Services, Qatar Insurance, Ooredoo and Vodafone Qatar.Nevertheless, Meeza, Qatar Oman Investment, Qatar Industrial Manufacturing, Estithmar Holding, United Development Company, Industries Qatar and Qamco were among the gainers in the main bourse.In the venture market, Al Mahhar Holding saw its shares appreciate in value.The Arab individuals were net sellers to the tune of QR0.94mn compared with net buyers of QR5.95mn on March 19.The foreign institutions’ net buying declined noticeably to QR9.2mn against QR14.44mn the previous day.The local retail investors’ net buying weakened considerably to QR2.11mn compared to QR8.8mn on Tuesday.The foreign individual investors’ net buying eased marginally to QR0.36mn against QR0.63mn on March 19.However, the Gulf individuals’ net buying expanded marginally to QR0.53mn compared to QR0.26mn the previous day.The domestic institutions’ net profit booking shrank notably to QR11.11mn against QR22.66mn on Tuesday.The Gulf institutions’ net selling weakened markedly to QR2.02mn compared to QR7.42mn on March 19.The Arab institutions had no major net exposure for the seventh consecutive session.Trade volumes in the main market decreased 18% to 116.02mn shares and value by 21% to QR341486mn, while deals were up 1% to 13,817.The venture market saw a 57% contraction in trade volumes to 0.03mn equities, 64% in value to QR0.04mn and 40% in transactions to 9.

Mazaya Qatar is contemplating new projects this year as part of efforts to strengthen its real estate portfolio and enhance revenues.The company's two projects in Lusail - Voya and Vera Towers - are expected to be completed by 2026, its chairman Sheikh Salman bin Hassan al-Thani said in the board of directors’ report, which was presented before the shareholders at the annual general assembly meeting."During 2024, Mazaya will continue its activity in the real estate development sector with new projects that contribute to the development of its real estate portfolio and enhance the company's revenues," he said.The focus will also be on developing vacant lands and fully exploiting assets to generate returns, he said, adding in the coming years, it will continue its operations in developing its services, maintaining its partnerships, and contributing to national development in alignment with Qatar’s objectives in the third phase of the Qatar National Vision 2030.The meeting, presided over by Ibrahim Jeham al-Kuwari, vice-chairman, approved the financial results of 2023 and the 2.5% cash dividend.Regarding income-generating assets, Mazaya Qatar’s portfolio has been enhanced with new income-generating assets, the latest being "Gold Plaza Complex."As a result, the number of units owned by the company that are available for lease in both residential and commercial sectors has reached 1,694 units, with the occupancy rate across all units reaching approximately 98%.As for the plots owned by it, Mazaya Qatar's portfolio included five plots both within and outside Qatar. Mazaya Qatar has four plots in Dubai, of which it sold three in the Rawaiya area in a deal worth QR32.3mn, while it currently considering either to develop or sell its existing plot in Dubai Island.He said company is currently studying the development of a project on Al Meshaf plot and will announce it upon completion of the study.The Voya residential tower project includes 119 residential units, ranging from apartments and chalets, offered for sale.The residential units vary from one-bedroom units to four-bedroom units. The tower provides comprehensive amenities such as outdoor activities, swimming pools, gym and health club, as well as direct access to the beach for recreation and marine sports.The Vera Tower comprises 91 residential units spread across 14 floors, with an additional two penthouse floors.The residential units feature a contemporary and practical design; offer a variety of one and two-bedroom options, each with balconies providing private outdoor spaces for residents. The tower also provides comprehensive amenities, including outdoor activities, swimming pools, a fully equipped fitness club, in addition to a designated children’s play area.

Ahead of the US Federal Reserve’s meeting on a decision regarding interest rates, the Qatar Stock Exchange (QSE) on Tuesday fell more than 32 points..text-box { float:left; width:250px; padding:1px; border:1pt white; margin-top: 10px; margin-right: 15px; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 20px;}@media only screen and (max-width: 767px) {.text-box {width: 30%;}}**media[130236]**The telecom and transport counters witnessed higher than average selling pressure as the 20-stock Qatar Index shed 0.32% to 10,227.62 points, although it touched an intraday high of 10,302 points.The domestic institutions were seen increasingly net sellers in the main market, whose year-to-date losses widened to 5.57%.The Gulf institutions were increasingly net profit takers in the main bourse, whose capitalisation melted QR1.16bn or 0.2% to QR589.48bn with small and microcap segments leading the pack of losers.The foreign individuals’ lower net buying had its influence in the main market, which saw as many as 0.01mn exchange traded funds (sponsored by Masraf Al Rayan and Doha Bank) valued at QR0.06mn trade across 10 deals.The Gulf retail investors’ lower net buying had its say in the main bourse, which saw no trading of sovereign bonds.The Islamic index was seen declining slower than the main barometer in the main market, which reported no trading of treasury bills.The Total Return Index shed 0.32%, the All Share Index by 0.24% and the All Islamic Index by 0.25% in the main bourse, whose trade turnover and volumes were on the decline.The telecom sector index declined 0.89%, transport (0.33%), banks and financial services (0.24%), industrials (0.2%), real estate (0.12%) and consumer goods and services (0.06%); while insurance gained 0.19%.Major losers in the main market included Qatar General Insurance and Reinsurance, Doha Bank, Ooredoo, Mazaya Qatar, Zad Holding, Qamco, Barwa and Nakilat.Nevertheless, Meeza, Inma Holding, Qatar Insurance, Qatari Investors Group, Qatar National Cement, Ezdan, Vodafone Qatar and Gulf Warehousing were among the gainers in the main bourse. In the venture market, Al Mahhar Holding saw its shares appreciate in value.The domestic institutions’ net profit booking soared notably to QR22.66mn compared to QR12.33mn on March 18.The Gulf institutions’ net selling strengthened markedly to QR7.42mn against QR5.87mn the previous day.The foreign retail investors’ net buying declined noticeably to QR0.63mn compared to QR2.97mn on Monday.The Gulf individual investors’ net buying eased marginally to QR0.26mn against QR0.49mn on March 18.However, the foreign institutions’ net buying expanded perceptibly to QR14.44mn compared to QR13.96mn the previous day.The local retail investors’ net buying increased considerably to QR8.8mn against QR4.67mn on Monday.The Arab individuals were net buyers to the tune of QR5.95mn compared with net sellers of QR3.77mn on March 18.The Arab institutions had no major net exposure for the sixth consecutive session.Trade volumes in the main market decreased 19% to 142.33mn shares, value by 13% to QR429.96mn and deals by 11% to 13,703.The venture market saw 13% shrinkage in trade volumes to 0.07mn equities and 8% in value to QR0.11mn but on 15% jump in transactions to 15.

The Qatar Stock Exchange (QSE) on Monday rather treaded a flat course despite strong buying interests in the transport, industrials and telecom sectors..text-box { float:left; width:250px; padding:1px; border:1pt white; margin-top: 10px; margin-right: 15px; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 20px;}@media only screen and (max-width: 767px) {.text-box {width: 30%;}}**media[130236]**The foreign individuals were seen increasingly net buyers as the 20-stock Qatar Index settled at 10,259.95 points although it touched an intraday high of 10,203 points.The local retail investors were increasingly bullish in the main market, whose year-to-date losses were at 5.27%.The Gulf institutions’ weakened net selling had its influence in the main bourse, whose capitalisation was up QR0.9bn or 0.15% to QR590.64bn with small cap segments leading the pack of gainers.The Arab individuals’ lower net profit booking had its say in the main market, which saw as many as 0.01mn exchange traded funds (sponsored by Masraf Al Rayan and Doha Bank) valued at QR0.13mn trade across 15 deals.The foreign funds continued to be net buyers but with lesser intensity in the main bourse, which saw no trading of sovereign bonds.The Islamic index was seen declining vis-à-vis gains in the other indices in the main market, which reported no trading of treasury bills.The Total Return Index was up 0.09% and the All Share Index by 0.06%, while the All Islamic Index eased 0.09% in the main bourse, whose trade turnover and volumes were on the increase.The transport sector index gained 1.23%, industrials (0.63%), telecom (0.56%), consumer goods and services (0.2%) and real estate (0.2%); while insurance declined 1.45% and banks and financial services 0.33%.Major gainers in the main market included Zad Holding, Meeza, Ahlibank Qatar, Nakilat, Gulf Warehousing, Industries Qatar, Aamal Company, Mazaya Qatar and Ooredoo.Nevertheless, Qatar General Insurance and Reinsurance, Doha Bank, Masraf Al Rayan, Dukhan Bank, Al Khaleej Takaful, Qamco, Qatar Insurance and Vodafone Qatar were3 among the losers in the main bourse. In the venture market, Al Mahhar Holding saw its shares depreciate in value.The local individual investors’ net buying increased perceptibly to QR4.67mn compared to of QR4.37mn on March 17.The foreign retail investors’ net buying strengthened noticeably to QR2.97mn against QR0.4mn the previous day.The Gulf institutions’ net profit booking declined markedly to QR5.87mn compared to QR9.42mn on Sunday.The Arab individual investors’ net selling shrank marginally to QR3.77mn against QR4.21mn on March 17.However, the domestic funds’ net profit booking soared notably to QR12.33mn compared to QR10.62mn the previous day.The foreign institutions’ net buying decreased drastically to QR13.96mn against QR18mn on Sunday.The Gulf individuals’ net buying eased perceptibly to QR0.49mn compared to QR1.48mn on March 17.The Arab institutions had no major net exposure for the fifth consecutive session.Trade volumes in the main market increased 49% to 175.38mn shares, value by 49% to QR495.45mn and deals by 47% to 15,470.The venture market saw a 60% surge in trade volumes to 0.08mn equities, 50% in value to QR0.12mn and 8% in transactions to 13.

The Qatar Stock Exchange on Sunday opened the week on a flat note despite strong buying interests, notably in the transport and insurance counters..text-box { float:left; width:250px; padding:1px; border:1pt white; margin-top: 10px; margin-right: 15px; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 20px;}@media only screen and (max-width: 767px) {.text-box {width: 30%;}}**media[130236]**The local retail investors were seen net buyers as the 20-stock Qatar Index edged up mere 0.02% to 10,257.98 points, although it touched an intraday high of 10,288 points.The Gulf individual investors turned bullish in the main market, whose year-to-date losses were at 5.29%.The foreign retail investors were net buyers, albeit at lower levels, in the main bourse, whose capitalisation was down QR0.46bn or 0.08% to QR589.74bn with microcap segments leading the pack of gainers.The foreign institutions continued to be net buyers but with lesser intensity in the main market, which saw as many as 0.03mn exchange traded funds (sponsored by Masraf Al Rayan and Doha Bank) valued at QR0.07mn trade across eight deals.The Arab individuals were increasingly bearish in the main bourse, which saw no trading of sovereign bonds.The Islamic index fell faster than the other indices in the main market, which reported no trading of treasury bills.The Total Return Index was up 0.02%, the All Share Index by 0.04% and the All Islamic Index by 0.08% in the main bourse, whose trade turnover and volumes were on the decline.The transport sector index gained 2.11%, insurance (1.66%), industrials (0.18%) and real estate (0.18%); while consumer goods and services declined 0.81%, telecom (0.66%) and banks and financial services (0.31%).Major gainers in the main market included Qatar General Insurance and Reinsurance, Milaha, Qatar Insurance, Gulf Warehousing, Industries Qatar, Vodafone Qatar and Qatar Electricity and Water.In the venture market, Al Mahhar Holding saw its shares appreciate in value.Nevertheless, Doha Insurance, Woqod, Ooredoo, Qatar Industrial Manufacturing and QNB were among the losers in the main bourse.The local individual investors turned net buyers to the tune of QR4.37mn against net sellers of QR55.04mn on March 14.The Gulf individuals were net buyers to the extent of QR1.48mn compared with net profit takers of QR2.44mn last Thursday.The foreign retail investors turned net buyers to the tune of QR0.4mn against net sellers of QR0.7mn the previous trading day.The domestic institutions’ net selling weakened substantially to QR10.62mn compared to QR29.81mn on March 14.The Gulf institutions’ net profit booking declined noticeably to QR9.42mn against QR14.95mn last Thursday.However, the Arab individuals’ net selling grew marginally to QR4.21mn compared to QR4.13mn the previous trading day.The foreign institutions’ net buying decreased drastically to QR18mn against QR107.08mn on March 14.The Arab institutions had no major net exposure for the fourth consecutive session.Trade volumes in the main market plummeted 66% to 117.74mn shares, value by 73% to QR332.19mn and deals by 50% to 10,545.The venture market saw an 86% plunge in trade volumes to 0.05mn equities, 86% in value to QR0.08mn and 79% in transactions to 12.

Al Mahhar Holding Company, one of the leading service and specialised products providers to the energy and infrastructure sectors in Qatar, has held its annual general meeting and approved all items listed on agenda. The meeting (AGM) was chaired by Al Mahhar’s chairman, Fahad Hussain Alfardan, with the attendance of Al Mahhar’s board members, shareholders, and senior management team.“2023 was a landmark year for Al Mahhar, showcasing our resilience and strategic positioning as a pivotal contributor to Qatar's energy and infrastructure sectors. Our focus on operational excellence and growth has paid off, reflecting in our strong financial performance in 2023 and our ability to seize opportunities in the energy sector. Looking forward, we remain committed to innovation, expanding our market presence and are confident in our capacity to face future challenges and enhance value for our shareholders and communities," Alfardan said.The AGM endorsed the board of directors’ report on the company’s operations and financial performance for the financial year ended 2023. The AGM discussed the auditors’ report and approved Al Mahhar’s financial statements for the financial year 2023.Based on the strong financial results for the financial year 2023, the AGM approved the board’s suggestion to distribute an annual dividend to shareholders equivalent to 10% of Al Mahhar’s issued and paid-up share capital, amounting to QR20.7mn or QR0.1 per share.The AGM concluded with the reappointment of EY (Ernst and Young) as external auditors for the upcoming financial year and the approval of their respective service fees.The company achieved robust revenue growth of 19.7% year-on-year, reaching QR683.2mn in 2023. Al Mahhar’s net profit to equity holders increased by 38.5% annually to QR28.2mn (QR0.14 earnings per share) for the financial year 2023, from a net profit to equity holders of QR20.3mn in 2022, continuing the company’s trend of growth and shareholder value creation.During 2023, Al Mahhar maintained its deleveraging initiative, further reducing its bank debt by 34.8% on an annualised basis. This strategic debt reduction, along with a strong generation of operating cash flows – demonstrating a strong increase of 47.5% from QR21.5mn in 2022 to QR31.7mn in 2023 – firmly positions the company on a path to sustainable growth.

Qatar's automobiles sector began 2024 on a stronger footing with sales of new vehicles shifting to overdrive this January, as driving licences issued also saw substantial rise, according to the Planning and Statistics Authority (PSA).The country witnessed 8,512 new vehicles registered in January 2024, which surged 33.2% and 151.1% year-on-year and month-on-month respectively.The registration of new private vehicles stood at 6,074; which shot up 21.8% and 162.3% on yearly and monthly basis respectively in January 2024. Such vehicles constituted 71% of the total new vehicles registered in the country in the review period.The registration of new private transport vehicles stood at 1,124, which reported 22.4% and 138.6% year-on-year and month-on-month respectively in January 2024. Such vehicles constituted 13% of the total new vehicles in the review period.The new registration of other non-specified vehicles stood at 779 units, which zoomed 1670.5% and 192.2% on an annualised and monthly basis respectively in January 2024. These constituted 9% of the total new vehicles registered in the country in the review period.The registration of new private motorcycles stood at 360 units, which soared 69% and 63.6% year-on-year and month-on-month in November 2023. These constituted 4% of the total new vehicles in the review period.The registration of new heavy equipment stood at 124, which constituted 2% of the total registrations in January 2024. Their registrations had however seen a 23.5% decline on an annualised basis although it grew 24% month-on-month in the review period.As many as 51 trailers were registered in January 2024, which plummeted 20.3% year-on-year even as it surged 200% month-on-month. These constituted less than 1% of the total new vehicles in the review period.The clearing of vehicle-related processes stood at 138,014 units, which fell 2.2% on yearly basis but increased 156.8% on a monthly basis in the review period.The renewal of registration was reported in 81,752 units, which was down 1.3% year-on-year but expanded 181.7% month-on-month in January 2024. It constituted 59% of the clearing of vehicle-related processes in the review period.The transfer of ownership was seen in 33,441 vehicles in January 2024, which was up 0.9% on an annualised basis but shot up 130.5% month-on-month. It constituted 24% of the clearing of vehicle-related processes in the review period against 24% in October 2023.The number of driving licenses saw an overall 8.9% year-on-year jump to 10,968 in January 2024 with those issued to Qatari males increasing by 11.5%, Qatari females by 5.6%, non-Qatari females by 25.4% and non-Qatari males by 6.3%.The number of driving licenses saw a 23.6% month-on-month surge with those issued to Qatari males and females increasing by 24.4% and 4.1%; and those to non-Qatari males and females by 23.9% and 25.3% respectively.The modified vehicles’ registration stood at 4,879; which declined 20.3% on an annualised basis but grew 148% month-on-month in January 2024. They constituted 4% of the clearing of vehicle-related processes in the review period.The number of lost/damaged vehicles stood at 4,986 units, which tanked 37.3% year-on-year, even as it shot up 53.1% on a monthly basis in January 2024. They constituted 4% of the clearing of vehicle-related processes in the review period.The number of cancelled vehicles was 1,942; declining 36.1% year-on-year but grew 153.9% month-on-month in January 2024. They constituted 2% of the clearing of vehicle-related processes in the review period.The number of vehicles meant for exports stood at 2,374 units, which increased 57.7% and 197.9% on a yearly and monthly basis respectively in January 2024. It constituted 1% of the clearing of vehicle-related processes in the review period.The re-registration was done in 179 vehicles, which soared 79% and 306.8% year-on-year and month-on-month respectively in January 2024.

The gains in global energy prices had its reflection in the regional bourses, including the Qatar Stock Exchange (QSE), which traversed through a positive trajectory this week..text-box { float:left; width:250px; padding:1px; border:1pt white; margin-top: 10px; margin-right: 15px; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 20px;}@media only screen and (max-width: 767px) {.text-box {width: 30%;}}**media[150577]**The foreign institutions were seen net buyers as the 20-stock Qatar Index rose 0.25% this week which saw the QSE to move to T+2 settlement cycle from the present T+3, effective from March 25.The real estate, transport, consumer goods, industrials and telecom counters witnessed higher than average demand this week which saw the QSE amends the covered short selling procedures for exchange traded fund units and the covered short selling procedures of the market maker, liquidity provider and qualified investor.The Gulf institutions’ weakened net selling pressure had its influence in the main market this week which saw QSE announce that United Development Company (UDC) and Vodafone Qatar to replace Baladna and Ezdan Holding in the index, effective from April 1.However, the local retail investors turned bearish in the main bourse this week which saw Gulf International Services’ strategic growth in Qatar and global markets as it builds new revenue streams by capitalising on opportunities associated with North Field expansion.The domestic funds were seen net sellers in the main market this week which saw Standard and Poor's, a global credit rating agency, view that Qatar's realty sector is undergoing a cyclical correction after the boost related to the World Cup in November-December 2022.The Arab individuals were increasingly net profit takers in the main bourse this week which saw a total of 0.34mn Masraf Al Rayan-sponsored exchange-traded fund QATR worth QR0.79mn trade across 54 deals.The foreign retail investors turned net sellers in the main market this week which saw as many as 0.01mn Doha Bank-sponsored exchange-traded fund QETF valued at QR0.03mn change hands across four transactions.The Islamic index was seen gaining faster than the other indices in the main market this week which saw the industrials and banks together constitute more than 59% of the total trade volumes.Market capitalisation added QR2.03bn or 0.35% to QR590.2bn on the back of midcap segments this week, which saw no trading of sovereign bonds and treasury bills.Trade volumes and turnover were on the increase in both the main bourse and junior market this week.The Total Return Index rose 0.55%, the All Share Index by 0.48% and the All Islamic Index by 0.74% this week.The realty sector index zoomed 3.68%, transport (3.1%), consumer goods and services (1.09%), industrials (0.76%) and telecom (0.46%); while banks and financial services was down 0.3% and insurance 0.13% this week.Major gainers in the main market included Meeza, Qatar General Insurance and Reinsurance, UDC, Nakilat, Mesaieed Petrochemical Holding, Qatar Islamic Bank, Masraf Al Rayan, Woqod, Industries Qatar, Qamco, Barwa, Vodafone Qatar and Milaha. In the venture market, Al Mahhar Holding saw its shares depreciate in value this week.Nevertheless, about 56% of the traded constituents were in the red with major losers being Qatar Electricity and Water, Dlala, Qatari German Company for Medical Devices, Qatar National Cement, Doha Insurance, Lesha Bank, Mannai Corporation and Gulf Warehousing this week.The foreign funds were net buyers to the tune of QR166.22mn compared with net sellers of QR21.35mn the week ended March 7.The Gulf institutions’ net profit booking declined substantially to QR3.69mn against QR28.53mn the previous week.However, Qatari individuals turned net sellers to the extent of QR119.91mn compared with net buyers of QR19.39mn a week ago.The domestic funds were net profit takers to the tune of QR27.01mn against net buyers of QR22.46mn the week ended March 7.The Arab individual investors’ net selling strengthened noticeably to QR8mn compared to QR2.63mn the previous week.The foreign retail investors turned net sellers to the extent of QR5.22mn against net buyers of QR9.19mn a week ago.The Gulf individuals were net profit takers to the tune of QR2.41mn compared with net buyers of QR1.68mn the week ended March 7.The Arab institutions had no major net exposure against net sellers to the tune of QR0.2mn the previous week.The main market witnessed a 39% jump in trade volumes to 891.95mn shares, 39% in value to QR2.8bn and 15% in deals to 76,283 this week.In the venture market, trade volumes shot up 58% to 1.93mn equities and value by 55% to QR3.13mn; whereas transactions were down 7% to 194.

As much as 61% of the chief executive officers (CEOs) in the Middle East expect market improvement, with optimism growing more than four times since 2023, according to Arthur D Little, an international management consulting firm.In the Middle East, the fintech sector will be of primary importance for the future 3-5 years, said the report, which reveals strong economic confidence among leaders in the Middle East.With the world’s economy showing ups and downs, 37% of these leaders (in the Middle East) still see a steady future, reflecting their trust in the region's economic strength. Only a small 2% expect a decline, which suggests a shared belief that the Middle East is on the rise after overcoming recent obstacles.The commitment to integrating AI (artificial intelligence) across business operations is seen as crucial to growth and echoes globally, with 54% of Middle East CEOs expressing a strategic vision towards a holistic, company-wide AI deployment, while 96% of global CEOS have already deployed AI in some form.While regionally 31% confirm the implementation of AI strategies across several departments, an ambitious 13% have already realised a compelling, enterprise-wide AI strategy."In the current times of business and geopolitical shifts, it is inspiring to witness the optimism among the Middle East's CEOs for what lies ahead," said Thomas Kuruvilla, managing partner at Arthur D Little Middle East.Despite acknowledging the continuing unpredictability, these leaders are confident that with resilient business models, strategic clarity, the embrace of AI, and a focus on upskilling their teams, their companies and markets are poised for enduring growth and will actively contribute to the region's prosperous future, according to him."AI is more than a buzzword in the Middle East; it's a strategic imperative that's receiving boardroom attention. Our CEOs are not just adopting AI but are strategically deploying it to unlock a new frontier of possibilities,” he said.Critical to this outlook is the approach towards external growth factors, it said, adding globally, technology innovation remains the key growth driver, with raw material prices becoming a surging concern.Yet, in the Middle East, the angst surrounding raw material prices and supply chain stability shows a notable decrease, likely attributed to the region's rich energy reserves, particularly oil and gas, the report said."Our region is uniquely positioned with technological growth and abundant energy resources, which our CEOs are leveraging to redefine growth models. The emphasis on fintech is not just about financial transactions but about catalysing a tech-savvy economic ecosystem,” Kuruvilla said.

Strengthened world energy prices on Thursday cheered the regional bourses, including the Qatar Stock Exchange, which closed 64 points higher amid heightened trading volumes..text-box { float:left; width:250px; padding:1px; border:1pt white; margin-top: 10px; margin-right: 15px; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 20px;}@media only screen and (max-width: 767px) {.text-box {width: 30%;}}**media[130236]**The foreign funds were increasingly into net buying as the 20-stock Qatar Index gained 0.63% to 10,256.05 points, having recovered from an intraday low of 10,217 points.The telecom, consumer goods and transport counters witnessed higher than average demand in the main market, whose year-to-date losses truncated to 5.31%.The foreign retail investors’ weakened net profit booking had its influence on the main bourse, whose capitalisation added QR3.24bn or 0.55% to QR590.2bn with large and midcap segments leading the pack of gainers.However, more than 54% of the traded constituents were in the red in the main market, which saw as many as 0.22mn exchange traded funds (sponsored by Masraf Al Rayan and Doha Bank) valued at QR0.51mn trade across 15 deals.The local individuals were increasingly bearish in the main bourse, which saw no trading of sovereign bonds.The Islamic index grew slower than the main barometer in the main market, which reported no trading of treasury bills.The Total Return Index gained 0.63%, the All Share Index by 0.53% and the All Islamic Index by 0.58% in the main bourse, whose trade turnover and volumes were on the higher side.The telecom sector index shot up 1.81%, consumer goods and services (1.63%), transport (1.04%), realty (0.69%), industrials (0.63%) and banks and financial services (0.21%); while insurance declined 0.51%.Major gainers in the main market included Woqod, Nakilat, Ooredoo, Mesaieed Petrochemical Holding, United Development Company and Qamco.Nevertheless, Doha Insurance, Al Meera, Dukhan Bank, Qatar German Medical Devices, Dlala, Ezdan and Milaha were among the losers in the main bourse.In the venture market, Mahhar Holding saw its shares depreciate in value.The foreign institutions’ net buying increased drastically to QR107.08mn compared to QR11.01mn on March 13.The foreign individuals’ net selling declined perceptibly to QR0.7mn against QR1.35mn the previous day.However, the local individual investors’ net selling grew substantially to QR55.04mn compared to QR13.12mn on Wednesday.The domestic institutions turned net sellers to the tune of QR29.81mn against net buyers of QR4.83mn on March 13.The Gulf funds’ net profit booking strengthened noticeably to QR14.95mn compared to QR2.84mn the previous day.The Arab retail investors were net sellers to the extent of QR4.13mn against net buyers of QR1.53bn on Wednesday.The Gulf individual investors’ net profit booking rose perceptibly to QR2.44mn compared to QR0.08mn on March 13.The Arab institutions had no major net exposure for the third consecutive session.Trade volumes in the main market almost doubled to 342.59mn shares and value more than doubled to QR1.23bn on 30% growth in deals to 21,155The venture market saw a 5% contraction in trade volumes to 0.37mn equities and 8% in value to QR0.57mn but on 50% jump in transactions to 57.

The Qatar Stock Exchange (QSE) on Tuesday treaded a flat path despite stronger buying in four of the seven sectors..text-box { float:left; width:250px; padding:1px; border:1pt white; margin-top: 10px; margin-right: 15px; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 20px;}@media only screen and (max-width: 767px) {.text-box {width: 30%;}}**media[130236]**The Gulf institutions were seen net profit takers even as the 20-stock Qatar Index remained rather unchanged at 10,190.65 points, although it touched an intraday high of 10,232 points.More than 54% of the traded constituents were in the red in the main market, whose year-to-date losses were at 5.91%.The domestic institution turned bearish in the main bourse, whose capitalisation was down QR0.88bn or 0.15% to QR587.16bn with microcap segments leading the pack of shakers.The local individuals continued to be net profit takers but with lesser intensity in the main market, which saw as many as 0.03mn exchange traded funds (sponsored by Masraf Al Rayan) valued at QR0.03mn trade across 10 deals.The foreign funds were increasingly net buyers in the main bourse, which saw no trading of sovereign bonds.The Islamic index reported gains vis-à-vis flat main market, which reported no trading of treasury bills.The Total Return Index treaded a flat path, while the All Share Index shrank 0.15% even as the All Islamic Index grew 0.22% in the main bourse, whose trade turnover fell amidst higher volumes.The banks and financial services sector index shrank 0.61%, consumer goods and services (0.42%) and real estate (0.34%); while transport gained 1.06%, industrials (0.52%), telecom (0.23%) and insurance (0.07%).Major losers in the main market included Qatar Industrial Manufacturing, Qatar Oman Investment, Qatar National Cement, Dlala, QNB and Lesha Bank. In the venture market, Mahhar Holding saw its shares depreciate in value.Nevertheless, Meeza, Mesaieed Petrochemical Holding, Qamco, Milaha, Zad Holding and Nakilat were among the movers in the main bourse.The Gulf institutions turned net sellers to the tune of QR7.79mn compared with net buyers of QR12.07mn on March 11.The domestic funds were net sellers to the extent of QR1.06mn against net buyers of QR13.14mn on Monday.However, the foreign institutions’ net buying increased noticeably to QR18.4mn compared to QR13.73mn the previous day.The Arab retail investors turned net buyers to the tune of QR2.67mn against net sellers of QR5.01mn on March 11.The foreign individuals were net buyers to the extent of QR2.18mn compared with net sellers of QR4.05mn on Monday.The Gulf retail investors turned net buyers to the tune of QR0.02mn against net profit takers of QR1.77mn the previous day.The local individual investors’ net selling declined substantially to QR14.42mn compared to QR28.12mn on March 11.The Arab institutions had no major net exposure against net buyers to the extent of QR0.01mn on Monday.Trade volumes in the main market rose 15% to 135.05mn shares, while value was down about 1% to QR384.13mn amidst 6% higher deals at 14,495.The venture market saw a 3% jump in trade volumes to 0.37mn equities but on 5% fall in value to QR0.6mn and 54% in transactions to 19.

Qatar's stock market is moving to 'T+2' settlement cycle from 'T+3', effective from March 25; a move that will help investors receive their cash faster and.text-box { float:left; width:250px; padding:1px; border:1pt white; margin-top: 10px; margin-right: 15px; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 20px;}@media only screen and (max-width: 767px) {.text-box {width: 30%;}}**media[130236]**substantially reduce the operational and counterparty risks."With effect from Monday, 25/03/2024 as trade date, it will apply the reduction of settlement cycle from T+3 to T+2," said the Qatar Stock Exchange (QSE), quoting Edaa.This strategic move focuses on shortening the settlement period at the QSE and complements the Qatar financial market development initiatives. The endeavour is to follow the best international practices in the global financial markets to provide the best ways and functions to enhance the efficiency of Qatar’s securities market, it said.The settlement cycle has remained at trade date plus three business days (T+3) in Qatar, where the global fund managers have been eyeing the fastest growing economy due to its strong macro fundamentals and its hydrocarbons expansion strategy.Qatar's medium-term growth is expected to average around 5.5%, boosted by significant LNG production expansion and the initial reform gains from implementing the third National Development Strategy, according to the International Monetary Fund’s latest Article IV consultation with the country.The shortened settlement cycle also assumes significance especially after Doha unveiled its plans to enhance its liquefied natural gas production to 142mn tonnes per year before the end of 2030 from the current 77mn tonnes, which in turn offers direct and indirect benefits to the private sector as well.The ‘T+2’ settlement cycle ensures seamless international fund management, which helps in enhancing the competitive edge of the Qatari capital market, market sources said.A key industry demand has been to shorten the settlement cycle in view of Qatar having the necessary enablers such as the market ecosystem and technological infrastructure.A cost-benefit analysis of the shortened settlement cycle has found that major bourses across the world favour shortened settlement period as it helps reduce clearing and settlement risk as well as the overall costs for the securities' industry, thus making the market safer.The significant improvements in straight through processing and the underlying technology over the last few years call for a shortened settlement cycle, which at this point of time greatly improves volume and liquidity in the system, market experts said.Having ‘T+2’ settlement cycle, in line with global markets, ensures seamless international fund management, which in turn, helps in enhancing the competitive edge of the Qatari capital market, sources said.The shortened settlement cycle would help improve market efficiency as the reinvestment becomes faster, they said, adding the reduction in the initial margins and the shortened settlement cycle are ought to improve the liquidity.

The recently held AFC Asian Cup seems to have had profound impact on Qatar’s hospitality sector as rooms yield more than doubled on robust occupancy on an annualised basis in January 2024, according to the official estimates.The surge in the country’s hospitality sector comes in view of a robust arrival of visitors, especially from the Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC) and other Arab countries reporting higher than national average growth, said the figures released by the PSA.The substantially higher occupancy in January 2024 comes amidst 702,808 visitor arrivals, reporting 106.5% and 35.5% surge year-on-year and month-on-month respectively in the review period.The visitor arrivals from the GCC were 370,051 or 53% of the total; followed by Europe 137,202 or 20%; other Asia (including Oceania) 103,713 or 15%; other Arab countries 51,583 or 7%; the Americas 31,297 or 4%; and other African countries 8,962 or 1%.The visitor arrivals from other Arab countries zoomed 446.1% and 29.9% year-on-year and month-on-month respectively in January 2024 and those from the GCC grew 160.6% and 116.4% on yearly and monthly basis.The visitor arrivals from other Asia (including Oceania) shot up 79% year-on-year but declined 9.3% on a monthly basis and those from other African countries zoomed 49.1% on an annualised basis even as it shrank 36.9% on a monthly basis in the review period.The visitor arrivals from Europe were seen expanding 36.6% year-on-year but was down 5.1% month-on-month; while those from the Americas grew 27.5% on an annualised basis while it declined 10.5% on a monthly basis in January 2024.The country’s overall hospitality sector saw a 112.18% year-on-year surge in average revenue per available room to QR418 in January 2024 as the average room rate jumped 17.73% to QR498 and occupancy by 37% to 84% in the review period.In the case of five-star hotels, the average revenue per available room increased 101.13% on annualised basis to QR533 in January 2024 as the average room rate grew 13.44% to QR650 and the occupancy by 36% to 82%.The average revenue per available room in the four-star hotels zoomed 173.27% on a yearly basis to QR276 in January 2024 as the average room rate grew 34.75% to QR318 and the occupancy by 44% to 87%.The three-star hotels saw a 102.33 year-on-year surge in average revenue per available room to QR261 as average room rate shot up 45.5% to QR275 and the occupancy by 26% to 95% in the review period.The two-star and one-star hotels’ average revenue per available room increased 65.63% year-on-year to QR212 in January 2024 as the average room rate grew 24.55% to QR208 and the occupancy by 25% to 102%.The deluxe hotel apartments saw a 121.43% year-on-year lift in average revenue available per room to QR372 in January 2024 as the average room rate in the category was seen gaining 14.07% on an annualised basis to QR446 and the occupancy by 41% to 84% in the review period.In the case of standard hotel apartments, the room yield expanded 118.87% year-on-year to QR232 this January as the average room rate was up 26.99% to QR287 and the occupancy by 34% to 81%.

Weakened world oil prices and global investors' disenchanting response to China's economic reforms had their reflection in the regional bourses, including the Qatar.text-box { float:left; width:250px; padding:1px; border:1pt white; margin-top: 10px; margin-right: 15px; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 20px;}@media only screen and (max-width: 767px) {.text-box {width: 30%;}}**media[150577]**Stock Exchange, which closed this week weak as its key index lost 245 points and capitalisation eroded more than QR15bn. As much as three-fourth of the traded constituents were in the red as the 20-stock Qatar Index plummeted 2.34% this week which saw the market heavyweight Industries Qatar (IQ) outline capital expenditure of QR10.8bn for the next five years.The Gulf institutions were seen net profit takers this week which saw Mesaieed Petrochemical Holding (MPHC) outline capital expenditure of QR2.1bn for 2024-28.The foreign institutions turned bearish this week which saw Doha Bank’s $500mn bond issue oversubscribe four times.The Arab funds were seen net sellers this week which saw Qatar Financial Centre’s purchasing managers’ index suggest that the country’s non-energy private sector see a stronger improvement in business conditions in February.The Arab individuals continued to be net profit takers but with lesser intensity this week which saw Estithmar Holding ink pact with South Korea’s EHL Bio to promote stem cell therapy.The real estate, banking and industrials counters witnessed a lower than average selling pressure in the main market this week which saw a total of 0.09mn Masraf Al Rayan-sponsored exchange-traded fund QATR worth QR0.21mn trade across 24 deals.The foreign funds’ substantially weakened net buying had its influence in the main bourse this week which saw as many as 0.07mn Doha Bank-sponsored exchange-traded fund QETF valued at QR0.71mn change hands across 31 transactions.The Islamic index was seen declining faster than the other indices in the main market this week which saw the banks and industrials together constitute about 58% of the total trade volumes.Market capitalisation eroded QR15.59bn or 2.58% to QR588.17bn on the back of large and midcap segments this week, which saw no trading of sovereign bonds and treasury bills.Trade volumes and turnover were on the decline in both the main bourse and junior market this week, which saw the Qatar Central Bank launch Fawran, a fast and efficient domestic instant payment system, as part of its efforts to reduce reliance on cash and lower the associated costs.The Total Return Index shed 0.81%, the All Share Index by 0.78% and the All Islamic Index by 2.47% this week.The realty sector index tanked 1.94%, banks and financial services (1.52%) and industrials (0.59%); while insurance shot up 3.95%, transport (0.48%), telecom (0.16%) and consumer goods and services (0.09%) this week.Major losers in the main market included Qatari Investors Group, Barwa, IQ, Qatar Industrial Manufacturing, Ooredoo, QNB, Alijarah Holding, Inma Holding, Salam International Investment, MPHC, Estithmar Holding, Ezdan and Mazaya Qatar this week.Nevertheless, Qatar Cinema and Film Distribution, Gulf Warehousing, Mannai Corporation, Qatar Electricity and Water, Qatar Insurance and Gulf International Services were among the gainers in the main bourse. In the venture market, Mahhar Holding saw its shares appreciate in value this week.The Gulf institutions turned net sellers to the tune of QR28.53mn compared with net buyers of QR32.39mn the week ended February 29.The foreign funds were net profit takers to the extent of QR21.35mn against net buyers of QR127.13mn the previous week.The Arab institutions turned net sellers to the tune of QR0.2mn compared with no major net exposure a week ago.The domestic funds’ net selling declined drastically to QR22.46mn against QR139.58mn the week ended February 29.However, Qatari individuals turned net buyers to the extent of QR19.39mn compared with net sellers of QR256.86mn the previous week.The foreign retail investors were net buyers to the tune of QR9.19mn against net buyers of QR25.89mn a week ago.The Gulf individuals turned net buyers to the extent of QR1.68mn compared with net buyers of QR5.44mn the week ended February 29.The Arab retail investors’ net selling weakened noticeably to QR2.63mn against QR10.91mn the previous week.The main market witnessed a 54 contraction in trade volumes to 643.7mn shares, 52% in value to QR2.01bn and 38% in deals to 66,407 this week.In the venture market, trade volumes tanked 44% to 1.22mn equities, value by 42% to QR2.02mn and transactions by 40% to 208.

Doha's non-energy private sector witnessed a stronger improvement in business conditions in February, according to the Qatar Financial Centre's purchasing managers index (PMI).Output and employment both increased at faster rates, and new business growth was maintained. Companies were also able to make progress on volumes of outstanding work during the month, and the 12-month outlook improved, said the PMI survey data, compiled by S&P Global.A reduction in purchasing activity revealed a preference for destocking, with inventories falling slightly for the third month running as firms sought efficiency gains. Price pressures remained subdued, with average input costs rising only modestly and charges falling at the strongest rate in two years.The PMI registered 51 in February, up from 50.4 in January. The latest figure moved further above the no-change mark of 50; thereby signalling a faster improvement in business conditions in the non-energy private sector economy.The Qatar PMI indices are compiled from survey responses from a panel of around 450 private sector entities. The panel covers the manufacturing, construction, wholesale, retail, and services sectors, and reflects the structure of the non-energy economy according to official national accounts data."So far in 2024 the headline index is trending in line with the average for the fourth quarter of 2023, indicating sustained economic growth. Although new orders did not rise by as much as in January, the 12-month outlook brightened with firms at their most confident since last September," said Yousuf Mohamed al-Jaida, chief executive officer of the QFC Authority.Of the five components of the headline figure, output, new orders and employment all registered above 50 index readings in February, indicative of month-on-month expansions. These were partly offset by shorter suppliers' delivery times and a reduction in input stocks.Demand for goods and services in Qatar's non-energy economy continued to expand in February, it said, adding companies widely linked new orders to new customers and branch openings."The rate of growth eased since January, enabling a reduction in the volume of outstanding business," it said.Total activity increased at the fastest rate in three months in February, although growth remained below the strong average for 2023.Qatari firms continued to raise employment, extending the current sequence of growth to 12 months. Purchases of inputs fell further, however, as firms continued to trim inventories. This further alleviated pressure on supply chains, as lead times shortened for the twenty-second successive month.Average input prices rose in February, driven by both wages and purchase costs, but overall cost pressures were muted. Output prices fell for the fourth straight month, and the most since February 2022.Qatari financial services companies saw faster growth in volumes of total business activity and new contracts in February. The seasonally adjusted Financial Services Business Activity and New Business Indexes posted 51.3 and 51.4 respectively, in each case rising since January. Companies were also more optimistic regarding the 12-month outlook for activity."Companies are taking on staff at the fastest rate in five months, with financial services registering the strongest job creation. The sector also posted faster new business expansion in February, bucking the wider trend,” al-Jaida said.

Qatar on Tuesday suggested strengthening joint action by the Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC) countries to promote growth, sustainable development and financial stability and also called for developing technological infrastructure and payment systems. This was suggested by the Qatar Central Bank (QCB) Governor HE Sheikh Bandar bin Mohamed bin Saoud al-Thani, who chaired the 82nd meeting of the Committee of Central Banks Governors of the GCC. "More efforts are needed to strengthen joint action frameworks by promoting constructive dialogue and co-ordination efforts among the various GCC committees, namely the Committee of Central Banks Governors, in order to proactively address the challenges and ensure rapid developments in the financial and banking sector, thereby promoting growth opportunities," he said. He underlined the importance of strengthening joint action among the Arab Gulf states, especially in light of the economic and financial challenges the world is experiencing in relation to growth, sustainable development, financial stability, and interest rate policies, which would influence the growth in the countries of the region. Sheikh Bandar called for exchanging experiences and co-ordinating joint initiatives to unify concepts and strengthen the protection systems to ensure financial and economic stability, especially in light of the unprecedented developments in fintech and the resulting changes in banking and financial services in order to keep pace with this progress. This, according to him, may be achieved by developing a technological infrastructure and payment systems, along with appropriate rules and legislation to regulate the activities and maintain financial stability. He also highlighted some of the risks lurking in financial systems as a result of new technologies, including those associated with cryptocurrencies, money laundering and terrorist financing operations, and the challenges associated with fraudulent financial operations, which negatively affect financial stability and security and represent a threat to regulatory and financial systems, at both regional and global levels. He stressed the "the need to raise the levels of co-operation between the authorities responsible for nurturing the financial and banking systems in the region to focus on developing flexible and innovative plans and solutions to confront these challenges and reduce the associated risks." During the past several years, the GCC registered great achievements, which contributed to the advancement and prosperity of the region, helping them to achieve advanced rankings in various indicators and compete with developed countries in various fields, according to Sheikh Bandar. He also made a special note of the efforts undertaken by the Committee of Central Banks Governors of the GCC in supporting economic growth and maintaining financial stability in the Gulf countries, largely on account of the co-ordinated efforts in numerous financial and banking initiatives.