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Qatar’s plan to reorient spending to support knowledge-based growth could boost growth effects of fiscal spending and there is scope to further improve efficiency in spending, according to an International Monetary Fund (IMF) research paper.Finding that Qatar already has top-notch infrastructure (and excess supply in some areas) to help elevate growth potential; it said therefore, public investment should focus on improving human capital, both for nationals and expatriates; providing a more conducive environment for businesses; enhancing climate sustainability; and continuing to adapt to the energy transition.Investment in human capital (education and health) is a welcome key pillar of NDS3 or third national development strategy and there is scope to improve spending efficiency in Qatar, said the research paper ‘Estimating Fiscal Multiplier for Qatar’.Further investment in climate adaptation would mitigate its vulnerabilities to climate stressors, it said, adding more investment to facilitate decarbonisation and promote renewables would help Qatar reach its emission reduction target and smooth the energy transition process.Crowding in private sector investment with efficient public spending would further economic diversification and accelerate the transition to private sector-driven growth, according to the research paper. Finding that econometric results suggest that Qatar’s strong capital spending multiplier became less impactful as the stock of capital rose to a high level, likely as the marginal impact declined; it said this supports Qatar’s strategy to shifts the state’s role to an enabler of private sector-led growth, focusing on expenditure to support build human capital and implementation of broader reform guided by NDS3.Spending by Qatar has helped built the nation’s LNG (liquefied natural gas) production/export capacity and broader infrastructure, driving economic growth and diversification.In the early 1990s, the country developed a multi-directional and fast-track strategy to accelerate the commercialisation of Qatar’s substantial natural gas reserves to diversify and ultimately modernise the economy.Qatar has made large-scale investments across the entire value chain of LNG trains, tankers, and storage and receiving facilities, becoming one of the leading LNG producing countries in the world.To prepare for the 2022 FIFA World Cup and develop Qatar’s infrastructure more broadly, public sector expenditure on major infrastructure projects increased – top-notch infrastructure has been built including the Lusail real estate development, Hamad International Airport, Hamad Port, the Doha Metro and other transportation and social infrastructure.Long-term contributions of such spending were significant – the large investment in general infrastructure ahead of the World Cup is estimated to have driven much of the non-hydrocarbon sector’s growth in the past decade. Qatar is in the process of reducing its footprint and enabling private sector development, the research paper said, adding the private sector historically played a limited role, according to the study. The country has undertaken regulatory reforms to support firm creation, competition, and FDI or foreign direct investment. The telecommunications sector was liberalised, and special economic zones were created. In recent years, the responsibility for certain projects in the real estate, education and healthcare sectors was outsourced to the private sector.QatarEnergy had launched a programme to increase localisation of the energy sector’s supply chain by creating local support services and industries, including SMEs or small and medium enterprises. New legislation on public-private partnerships facilitates the financing of new schools, medical centres and other infrastructure projects by the private sector.The NDS3 was released in January 2024 to intensify transition to private sector-driven growth. The state is set to become an enabler to facilitate this transition, using public spending to support NDS3 reforms.

Notwithstanding the extant US tariff concerns, the Qatar Stock Exchange (QSE) treaded a positive trajectory with its key index gaining as much as 68 points and capitalisation adding QR2.63bn this week. The domestic institutions continued to be net buyers but with lesser intensity as the 20-stock Qatar Index rose 0.66% this week which saw the QSE remove the minimum trading commission of QR30, replacing it with a fixed proportional commission rate of 0.00275 with no minimum threshold. The transport, telecom, real estate and consumer goods counters witnessed higher than average demand in the main bourse this week which saw the QSE launch Al-Nukhba programme, an educational and training initiative designed to enhance the capabilities of promising family-owned and private companies in Qatar. The foreign funds’ weakened net profit booking had its influence in the main market this week which saw total assets of commercial banks in Qatar register a 3.3% year-on-year growth to QR2.04tn in January 2025. The Gulf institutions were however seen increasingly into net selling in the main bourse this week which saw a total of 0.05mn AlRayan Bank-sponsored exchange-traded fund QATR worth QR0.12mn trade across 22 deals. The Arab individuals were bearish in the main market this week which saw as many as 0.01mn Doha Bank-sponsored exchange-traded fund QETF valued at QR0.08mn change hands across seven transactions. The foreign retail investors turned net sellers in the main bourse this week which saw as many as 1,000 sovereign bonds worth QR10mn change hands across one deal. The Islamic index was seen outperforming the other indices of the main market this week, which saw Doha Bank’s $500mn global bond, which was recently oversubscribed almost five-fold, saw as much as 55% of the investors from Europe and Asia; while the remaining from the Middle East. Market capitalisation added 0.43% to QR616.07bn on the back of small and microcap segments this week which saw Doha Insurance and Bupa Global enter into a strategic partnership agreement. Trade turnover and volumes were on the decrease in the main market this week which saw no trading of treasury bills. The Total Return Index rose 0.75%, the All Islamic Index by 0.79% and the All Share Index by 0.63% this week which saw the industrials and banking sectors together constitute more than 54% of the total trade volumes. The transport sector index shot up 3.07%, telecom (1.78%), real estate (1.73%), consumer goods and services (0.9%), banks and financial services (0.28%) and industrials (0.1%); while insurance was unchanged this week which saw Qatar’s maritime sector report higher vessels call and brisk growth in movement of containers, RORO and livestock through Mesaieed, Doha and Al Ruwais ports this February on an annualised basis. About 57% of the traded constituents extended gains with major movers being Qatar General Insurance and Reinsurance, Qatar Cinema and Film Distribution, Nakilat, United Development Company, Vodafone Qatar, Doha Bank, Commercial Bank, Woqod, Al Mahhar Holding, Qatar Electricity and Water, Barwa, Ooredoo and Milaha this week. Nevertheless, Gulf International Services, Baladna, Lesha Bank, Qatar German Medical Devices. Dlala, Widam Food, Al Faleh Educational Holding and Mesaieed Petrochemical Holding were among the losers in the main bourse. In the venture market, Techno Q saw its shares depreciate in value this week. The foreign institutions’ net selling decreased significantly to QR136.98mn compared to QR463.31mn the week ended February 27. However, the Gulf institutions’ net profit booking increased drastically to QR23.77mn against QR11.96mn the previous week. The foreign individuals were net profit takers to the tune of QR12.52mn compared with net buyers of QR5.63mn a week ago. The Arab retail investors turned net sellers to the extent of QR9.18mn against net buyers of QR15.99mn the week ended February 27. The Qatari individuals were net profit takers to the tune of QR4.8mn compared with net buyers of QR56.39mn the previous week. The Gulf retail investors turned net sellers to the extent of QR4.64mn against net buyers of QR4.2mn a week ago. The domestic institutions’ net buying weakened substantially to QR191.89mn compared to QR392.64mn the week ended February 27. The Arab funds had no major net exposure against net buyers to the tune of QR0.38mn the previous week. The main market witnessed a 46% plunge in trade volumes to 510.42mn shares, 43% in value to QR1.54bn and 26% in deals to 63,524 this week.

The domestic institutions’ stronger buying support on Thursday lifted the Qatar Stock Exchange by 22 points, notwithstanding the global concerns over US tariff policies. The transport, telecom and real estate counters witnessed higher than average demand as the 20-stock Qatar Index gained 0.21% to 10,514.11 points, recovering from an intraday low of 10,447 points. The local retail investors were seen bullish, albeit at lower levels in the main market, which has reported 0.54% losses year-to-date. The foreign individuals’ weakened net selling had its influence on the main bourse, whose capitalisation added QR1.08bn or 0.18% to QR616.07bn on the back of small and microcap segments. However, the foreign institutions were seen increasingly net profit takers in the main market, which saw as many as 0.02mn exchange traded funds (sponsored by Masraf Al Rayan and Doha Bank) valued at QR0.09mn changed hands across eight deals. The Gulf institutions’ strengthened net selling had its influence on the main bourse, whose trade turnover and volumes were on the increase. The Islamic index was seen gaining slower than the other indices of the main market, which saw no trading of treasury bills. The Arab retail investors tuned net sellers in the main bourse, which saw no trading of sovereign bonds. The Total Return Index rose 0.21%, the All Share Index by 0.19% and the All Islamic Index by 0.14% in the main market. The transport sector index shot up 1.39%, telecom (0.37%), realty (0.32%), consumer goods and services (0.16%), industrials (0.08%) and banks and financial services (0.05%); while insurance declined 0.23%. Major gainers in the main bourse included Qatar Cinema and Film Distribution, Milaha, Estithmar Holding, Qatar Electricity and Water, Dukhan Bank, Inma Holding and Nakilat. Nevertheless, Dlala, QLM, Masraf Al Rayan, Vodafone Qatar and Qatari Investors Group were among the shakers in the main market. In the junior bourse, Techno Q saw its shares depreciate in value. The domestic institutions’ net buying increased drastically to QR47.66mn compared to QR21.21mn on March 5. The local retail investors were net buyers to the tune of QR0.72mn against net sellers of QR4.2mn the previous day. The foreign individual investors’ net selling declined noticeably to QR0.08mn compared to QR6.29mn on Wednesday. However, the foreign institutions’ net selling strengthened substantially to QR33.96mn against QR6.38mn on March 5. The Gulf institutions’ net profit booking expanded perceptibly to QR11.01mn compared to QR6.02mn the previous day. The Arab individual investors turned net sellers to the extent of QR3.09mn against net buyers of QR1.64mn on Wednesday. The Gulf individuals were net profit takers to the tune of QR0.24mn compared with net buyers of QR0.04mn on March 5. The Arab institutions had no major net exposure for the third consecutive day. The main market witnessed a 26% surge in trade volumes to 150.89mn shares, 15% in value to QR417.98mn and 25% in deals to 17,591. In the venture market, trade volumes grew more than 18-fold to 55,000 equities and value also rose more than 18-fold to QR0.16mn on 18-fold growth in transactions to 18.

The Qatar Stock Exchange (QSE) has removed the minimum trading commission of QR30, replacing it with a fixed proportional commission rate of 0.00275 with no minimum threshold.The change – which will take effect on March 16 – seeks to empower investors, particularly retail investors, by reducing transaction costs and broadening market access.By lowering transaction costs and facilitating market access, this is expected to encourage more frequent trading, improve market transparency, and enhance the overall investment experience.The revised commission structure is expected to boost market liquidity, attract a more diverse investor base, and enhance the overall efficiency and competitiveness of Qatar’s financial market on both regional and global scale.This initiative aligns with Qatar’s Third National Development Strategy (2024-30) and Qatar’s Third Financial Sector Strategy (3FSS), which aims to foster sustainable economic growth by creating an inclusive and dynamic investment environment.The QSE's move comes as part of its ongoing efforts to enhance market liquidity, stimulate trading activity, and strengthen market competitiveness."This initiative is a key step in our strategy to enhance trading activity and increase market liquidity. By removing the minimum trading commission, we are providing investors with greater flexibility in executing their trades, fostering a more attractive and competitive investment environment, and supporting the sustainable growth of Qatar’s financial market," said Abdulaziz Nasser al-Emadi, acting chief executive Officer of QSE.The decision aligns with global best practices and represents a significant milestone in the development of Qatar’s financial sector.The removal of the minimum commission is anticipated to increase daily trading volumes, as investors will have the flexibility to execute smaller transactions without concerns over cost barriers.The change will also provide greater incentives for brokerage firms, supporting their ability to attract new investors and diversify their client base.The bourse reaffirms its commitment to market development through strategic initiatives and regulatory enhancements that drive liquidity, promote investment diversification, and elevate investor engagement, all in alignment with the QSE strategy (2024-30).

The Qatar Stock Exchange (QSE) has removed the minimum trading commission of QR30, replacing it with a fixed proportional commission rate of 0.00275 with no minimum threshold.This change -- which will take effect on March 16, 2025 -- seeks to empower investors, particularly retail investors, by reducing transaction costs and broadening market access.By lowering transaction costs and facilitating market access, the initiative is expected to encourage more frequent trading, improve market transparency, and enhance the overall investment experience.The revised commission structure is expected to boost market liquidity, attract a more diverse investor base, and enhance the overall efficiency and competitiveness of Qatar’s financial market on both a regional and global scale.This initiative aligns with Qatar’s Third National Development Strategy (2024-30) and Qatar’s Third Financial Sector Strategy (3FSS), which aims to foster sustainable economic growth by creating an inclusive and dynamic investment environment.The QSE's moves comes as part of its ongoing efforts to enhance market liquidity, stimulate trading activity, and strengthen market competitiveness."This initiative is a key step in our strategy to enhance trading activity and increase market liquidity. By removing the minimum trading commission, we are providing investors with greater flexibility in executing their trades, fostering a more attractive and competitive investment environment, and supporting the sustainable growth of Qatar’s financial market," said Abdulaziz Nasser al-Emadi, Acting chief executive Officer of QSE.The decision aligns with global best practices and represents a significant milestone in the development of Qatar’s financial sector.The removal of the minimum commission is anticipated to increase daily trading volumes, as investors will have the flexibility to execute smaller transactions without concerns over cost barriers.The change will also provide greater incentives for brokerage firms, supporting their ability to attract new investors and diversify their client base.The bourse reaffirms its commitment to market development through strategic initiatives and regulatory enhancements that drive liquidity, promote investment diversification, and elevate investor engagement, all in alignment with QSE’s strategy (2024-30).

Qatar is well-positioned to benefit from AI (artificial intelligence)-boosted productivity gains in its labour market and the private sector plays a critical role in advancing the AI adoption, according to the International Monetary Fund (IMF)."The country's proactive approach in enhancing digitalisation and embracing AI have bolstered its digital access and AI readiness, facilitating a rapid increase in AI exposure and labour force AI preparedness," the IMF said in its latest Article IV consultation report.Highlighting that the country’s increased AI exposure is expected to bring more AI-driven productivity gains than risks; the Bretton Woods institution said its expatriate-dominated labour structure also allows the country more flexibility in adjusting its labour force for swifter AI adoption.Asserting that the private sector plays a critical role in advancing AI adoption, creating job opportunities that align with AI's transformative potential; it said private sector's dynamism is pivotal in generating high-skilled employment that could better leverage AI, thereby contributing to future productivity gains.Estimates suggest that further AI adoption in Qatar could significantly boost productivity, with potential gains varying based on factors such as speed of adoption and labour force exposure."However, it is important to recognise that despite the overall advantageous position of Qatari workers, those who are employed in the public sector with clerical positions are more susceptible to job displacement risks associated with AI," it said.Highlighting that efforts to deepen digitalisation and AI adoption should strengthen with policies in place to address potential job displacement risks; IMF said the government could enhance digital skills of the labour force through targeted upskilling and reskilling programmes and digital talent attraction schemes for expatriate workers, facilitate job transition including from the public to the private sector to mitigate job displacement risks, and develop adequate and well-targeted social safety nets to support vulnerable groups.The report found that successful AI adoption could generate considerable gains in labour productivity. With the focus on private sector growth, continued investment in human capital and efforts to attract high-skilled expatriates, Qatar’s labour force may enjoy more opportunities than risks.Several NDS3 (Third National Development Strategy) “enabling clusters” are well positioned to harness AI-driven productivity gains, it said, adding NDS3 identifies IT and digital, financial services, and education as the ‘enabling clusters’ that support diversification efforts.By matching the occupational composition of each economic sector in Qatar with the AI exposure-complementarity matrix, the IMF analysis found that the ‘enabling’ sectors concentrate in the high AI exposure and complementarity quadrant indicating that they are better positioned, compared to other sectors, to benefit from productivity gains from AI adoption.In contrast, key ‘growth clusters’ identified in NDS3, such as manufacturing, logistics, and tourism have limited exposure to AI and hence remain largely shielded from both risks and opportunities related to the technology.

Overcoming the initial selling pressure, the Qatar Stock Exchange on Monday settled 18 points higher, after the US hinted at toning down the proposed 25% tariffs on all goods from Mexico and non-energy imports from Canada.The consumer goods, real estate and industrials sectors witnessed higher than average demand as the 20-stock Qatar Index rose 0.18% to 10,464.09 points, recovering from an intraday low of 10,364 points.The market has reported 1.01% decline year-to-date.The foreign institutions’ weakened net profit booking had its influence on the main bourse, whose capitalisation was seen adding QR0.69bn or 0.11% to QR614.13bn on the back of microcap segments.The domestic institutions 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 Masraf Al Rayan and Doha Bank) valued at QR0.06mn changed hands across 11 deals.The Gulf institutions were seen bearish in the main bourse, whose trade turnover and volumes were on the decline.The Islamic index was seen gaining faster than the other indices of the main market, which saw no trading of treasury bills.The local retail investors tuned net sellers in the main bourse, which saw as many as 1,000 sovereign bonds valued at QR10mn change hands across one deal.The Total Return Index rose 0.27%, the All Share Index by 0.2% and the All Islamic Index by 0.48% in the main market.The consumer goods and services sector index gained 0.86%, real estate (0.83%), industrials (0.31%), banks and financial services (0.13%) and telecom (0.1%); while insurance and transport declined 0.7% and 0.04% respectively.Major gainers in the main bourse included Qatar General Insurance and Reinsurance, Vodafone Qatar, United Development Company, Qatar Cinema and Film Distribution, Estithmar Holding and Woqod.Nevertheless, as much as 52% of the traded constituents in the main market were in the red with major losers being Gulf International Services, Widam Food, Qatar German Medical Devices, Qatar Insurance, QLM and Aamal Company.In the junior bourse, Techno Q saw its shares depreciate in value.The foreign institutions’ net selling weakened substantially to QR34.58mn compared to QR201.89mn on February 27.However, the Gulf institutions turned net sellers to the tune of QR7.43mn against net buyers of QR2.59mn the previous trading day.The local retail investors were net sellers to the extent of QR6.95mn compared with net buyers of QR24.17mn last Thursday.The Arab individual investors’ net selling strengthened noticeably to QR5.13mn against QR0.01mn on February 27.The Gulf individuals were net profit takers to the tune of QR3.91mn compared with net buyers of QR2.87mn the previous trading day.The foreign individual investors turned net sellers to the extent of QR0.93mn against net buyers of QR4.67mn last Thursday.The domestic institutions’ net buying decreased drastically to QR58.91mn compared to QR167.33mn on February 27.The Arab institutions had no major net exposure against net buyers to the tune of QR0.28mn the previous trading day.The main market witnessed a 51% plunge in trade volumes to 113.02mn shares, 53% in value to QR380.34mn and 16% in deals to 17,840.

Doha Bank's $500mn global bond, which was recently oversubscribed almost five-fold, saw as much as 55% of the investors from Europe and Asia; while the remaining from the Middle East; highest international investor participation for any Gulf bank issuance in 2025."International investor participation in the bond was the highest for any GCC bank issuance in 2025. More specifically, 37% went to European investors, 18% to Asia and 45% to the Middle East," said Doha Bank, which returned to the international bond market with a $500mn Reg S only issuance with a tenor of five years and coupon rate of 5.25% per annum."The bond was a great success attracting significant investor demand as demonstrated by an order-book that closed at $2.5bn," the lender said in a statement.In terms of investor type, as much as 44% went to fund managers, 44% to banks and private banks, and 12% to insurance companies, pension funds and agencies, it said, adding the investor distribution and diversity reflect the positive reception for Doha Bank in the international market.Doha Bank announced its intention to access the bond market early on February 25, and held marketing calls with several investors including some of the worlds’ largest and most reputable fund managers.On the subsequent day, the bank opened the order-book and raised $500mn at a competitive credit spread of 120 basis points (bps) over the five-year US Treasury rate, reflecting 35 bps of tightening from initial price thoughts of 155 basis points. Such competitive levels drove the investors’ demand to record high oversubscription rate.Investor demand exceeded expectations and international accounts from Europe and Asia were the largest in the transaction, allowing the bank to diversify its investor base at an attractive cost of funds, it said.“The credit spread, and overall pricing achieved on this bond is aligned with our strategy to raise funding at competitive levels while diversifying our investor base,” said Sheikh Abdulrahman bin Fahad bin Faisal al-Thani, the bank's group chief executive officer.Dr Fawad Ishaq, chief treasury and investment officer said this transaction achieved the key objectives of maximum distribution outside the region at the tightest levels while helping in extending maturity profile of liabilities for the bank.Doha Bank was last in the market in March 2024 with a similar $500mn bond. The bond was issued under Doha Bank’s $3bn Euro Medium Term Note programme that is listed on the London Stock Exchange.The issue was arranged and offered through a syndicate of joint lead managers that included ANZ, Deutsche Bank, Emirates NBD Capital, HSBC, Kamco Invest, Mashreq, MUFG, QNB Capital and Standard Chartered Bank, as well as, co-managers, Industrial Commercial Bank of China (Qatar Financial Centre Branch) and the Commercial Bank of Qatar.(Ends)

Qatar's maritime sector saw higher vessels call and brisk growth in movement of containers, RORO and livestock through Mesaieed, Doha and Al Ruwais ports this February on an annualised basis, according to the official estimates. As many as 227 ships arrived in the three ports, which reported 14.65% year-on-year growth. However, it fell 9.92% month-on-month in February 2025, according to figures released by Mwani Qatar. Hamad Port - Qatar's main seaport, located south of Doha in the Umm Al-Houl area and whose strategic geographical location offers opportunities to create cargo movement towards the upper Gulf - saw as many as 132 vessels call (excluding military) on the port in the review period. As many as 479 vessels calls were reported through the three ports in the first two months of this year. The container movement through three ports amounted to 113,186 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs), shooting up 1.66% on a yearly basis but amid a 0.89% decline on monthly basis in the review period. Hamad Port, the largest eco-friendly project in the region and internationally recognised as one of the largest green ports in the world, alone handled more than 113,000 TEUs of containers handled in February. The three ports together handled as many as 237,479 TEUs in January-February 2025. The container terminals have been designed to address the increasing trade volume, enhancing ease of doing business as well as supporting the achievement of economic diversification, which is one of the most important goals of the Qatar National Vision 2030. The three ports handled 7,599 RORO in February 2025, which registered 6.09% growth year-on-year but tanked 40.82% on monthly basis. Hamad Port alone handled 7,568 units in February this year. The three ports handled as many as 20,440 RORO in the first two months of this year. Qatar's automobile sector has been witnessing stronger sales, notably in heavy equipment, private motorcycles and private vehicles, according to the data of the National Planning Council. The three ports were seen handling 74,202 livestock this February, which showed 4.19% and 26.2% surge year-on-year and month-on-month respectively. Hamad Port handled as many as 5,570 livestock heads in the review period. The three ports together handled as many as 133,000 livestock heads during January-February 2025. The building materials traffic through the three ports stood at 40,408 tonnes in February 2025, which was down 1.2% on an annualised basis even as it surged 29.6% month-on-month. The three ports had reported a total of 71,587 tonnes of building materials handled in the first two months of this year. The general and bulk cargo handled through the three ports amounted to 109,394 freight tonnes in February 2025, which plummeted 35.35% and 23.19% on yearly and monthly basis respectively. Hamad Port – whose multi-use terminal is designed to serve the supply chains for the RORO, grains and livestock – handled as much as 51,685 freight tonnes of breakbulk and 37,269 freight tonnes of bulk in February this year. The container and cargo trends through the ports reflect the positive outlook for the country's non-oil private sector. In line with the objectives of the Qatar National Vision 2030, Mwani Qatar continues to implement its ambitious strategy to enhance the maritime sector's contribution to diversifying the national economy and strengthening the county's position as a vibrant regional trade hub.

Snap Inc, an American technology company, will launch in Qatar its first augmented reality (AR) academy in the Middle East and North Africa (Mena) region.In this regard, Snap Inc signed a landmark memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Government Communications Office (GCO) at the Web Summit 2025.The partnership with GCO for the first AR academy will unlock new opportunities and empower the next generation of AR creators and developers.This move also underscores Snap’s long-term commitment to investing in Mena's digital ecosystem, by building AR capabilities for partners both old and new, which is critical to digital transformation agendas."This initiative aligns with Qatar’s National Vision 2030 in building a knowledge-based economy and nurturing the next generation of creators by equipping them with the essential tools and skills to navigate global digital transformations. Through our investment in such pioneering programmes, we continue to strengthen Qatar's position as a regional centre for digital excellence and technological innovation," said Sheikh Jassim bin Mansour bin Jabor al-Thani, director of the GCO and chairman of the Permanent Web Summit Organising Committee.Hussein Freijeh, General Manager of Snap Inc in the Middle East said the long-term success of the technology requires a vibrant developer and creator ecosystem, which is critical to the digital transformation taking place in the region."Once again we are honoured to work hand in hand with GCO to drive the growth and digital upskilling of the thriving talent pool and we cannot wait to see the groundbreaking work they produce," he added.AR has played a pivotal role in visual communication for more than a decade, pioneered by Snapchat and widely loved by online communities and brands all over the world for its ability to elevate creativity, connection and self-expression. From retail try-ons, and now Gen AI, Snapchat has evolved AR into a tool for human connection and spatial computing. Today, more than 300mn people use AR on Snapchat and more than 85% of Mena daily users interact with Lenses every day.In the fourth quarter of 2024 alone, more than 400mn Snapchatters engaged with Gen AI-powered Lenses over 4bn times.At present, more than 375,000 AR creators, developers, and teams from nearly every country in the world have built over 4mn Lenses.Many of these are created using fifth generation Snap Spectacles, which have capabilities to better build and experiment with AR, allowing users to interact with the world and each other in entirely new ways.

Qatar offers "unique" foreign direct investment (FDI) avenues as part of its strategy to be a competitive and growing economy, the heart of which is the private sector, according to a top official of the National Planning Council (NPC)."Within our plans, startups and entrepreneurs are at the heart of it. One of the main seven outcomes is creating a competitive growing economy. At the heart of that is the private sector, and at the heart of the private sector creation is creating the right ecosystem to support startups and SMEs or small and medium enterprises," NPC secretary-general Dr Abdulaziz bin Nasser bin Mubarak al-Khalifa told the Web Summit 2025, which concluded on Wednesday.Highlighting that the country witnessed development in stages; he said the first phase saw the creation of national champions like QNB, Ooredoo and Qatar Airways; and then it focused more on creating the right infrastructure, gearing towards the World Cup, which in itself was a major milestone within a bigger plans of Qatar National Vision 2030."Qatar is the first Gulf country to come out with national vision and now, we are reaping the benefits, investing more, and creating the right atmosphere," said al-Khalifa, who was earlier the chief executive officer of Qatar Development Bank (QDB).Stressing the need for a dynamic approach to development strategies, he said the world is changing by the minute and "we do understand these changes and we are agile. We adopt and change. But we ensure that we deliver on our promises."Highlighting that Qatar is set on a glorious path; he said the country's national development strategies bring the team together to ensure that it is not a bureaucratic state, rather help companies to set up and grow in Doha and reach global potential."It is part of our DNA to unlock potential for entrepreneurs and startup," he said, adding Qatar has its own unique offering when it comes to foreign direct investment because of its competitive advantages, robust infrastructure, hassle-free environment that ensures ease-of-doing business, and right talent.He said the multi-stakeholders such as Qatar Research Development and Innovation Council (QRDI), QDB, Qatar Financial Centre (QFC), Qatar Free Zones and Invest Qatar join hands together under Government Communications Office (GCO) to help companies exist and flourish from Qatar.A recent report from QDB had said Qatar’s VC (venture capital) funding reported a remarkable 135% year-on-year rise to an all-time high of QR115mn in 2024, defying 19% and 29% decline globally and % in the Middle East and North Africa region respectively.Fintech retained dominance as most transacted industry, securing 29% of Qatar’s deals in 2024, up from 12% in 2023, it said, the share of fintech to total funding in Qatar improved from 14% in 2023 to 41% in 2024.

The Qatar Financial Centre (QFC) and QNB on Wednesday entered into a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to drive innovation in the banking and financial sector. Through this MoU - signed between Yousuf Mohamed al-Jaida, chief executive officer of the QFC Authority (QFCA) and Abdulla Mubarak al-Khalifa, QNB Group chief executive officer - QNB will act as an incubator for emerging opportunities in digital assets, tokenisation, and embedded finance; while the QFC serves as a referral mechanism, connecting new fintech firms with the bank. "This MoU marks a significant milestone for QFC and QNB, reinforcing our shared commitment toward positioning Qatar as a regional financial hub," al-Jaida said after signing the pact on the final day of the Web Summit 2025. Through this partnership, both the entities aim to drive innovation in banking services and financial solutions while accelerating the growth of fintech and alternative financing models in the country. In addition, the agreement would see the introduction of relevant VC (venture capital) funds and their respective portfolio companies to the local market, expanding funding options for local startups and fintech companies. "Through this dynamic, we can advance the development in these sectors, in line with the third financial services sector strategy. I am looking forward to adding lasting value to our stakeholders and Qatar's financial sector through this partnership," al-Jaida said. The QFC's pact with QNB comes in the wake of digital assets framework, which was last year launched by the QFCA and the QFC Regulatory Authority in line with the Third Financial Sector Strategy issued by the Qatar Central Bank (QCB). The framework – a comprehensive and innovative regime for the creation and regulation of digital assets in the QFC, paving the way for companies to offer token services – sets high standards for the process of asset tokenisation and puts in place a trusted technology infrastructure that will ensure trust and confidence among consumers, service providers, and industry stakeholders. The development of the framework, which is one of the important goals established by the Third Financial Sector Strategic Plan, provides not only legal recognition of smart contracts but also establishes legal and regulatory foundation for tokenisation, a key tool to protect sensitive data.

South Korea's EnergyX, a global leader in AI-driven energy self-sufficiency solutions for zero-energy buildings (ZEBs), is opening a research and development (R&D) centre in Qatar as it plans a major expansion into the Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC) region where it plans to invest more than $100mn in the next five years."We believe that Qatar is a perfect place for being the centre of R&D," Sean Sunghyun Park, founder and chief executive officer of EnergyX told Gulf Times on the sidelines of the Web Summit Qatar 2025, which concluded on Wednesday.Renowned for its advanced R&D and innovation ecosystem, Qatar provides an "exceptional" platform for EnergyX to strengthen its research capabilities and unveil cutting-edge technologies for the energy self-sufficient buildings, he said, adding talks are in the advanced stages with the Qatar Financial Centre (QFC) regarding the registration and licensing.EnergyX, a 'sustainable architecture technology company, not only manufactures and installs Building Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPVs) but also offers AI (artificial intelligence)-driven simulation, software, optimisation, and management of the entire process all the way from architectural design to architectural operations once the building is finished.BIPV systems seamlessly integrate solar energy generation with functional and aesthetic building components such as façades and rooftops. These systems offer insulation, waterproofing, drainage, fireproofing, and sound absorption capabilities.AI-powered solutions enabling advanced simulation, analysis, optimisation, and management for ZEB design, construction, and operations. These solutions align with ESG or environment, social and governance initiatives; RE100 goals, a global initiative bringing together the world's most influential businesses committed to using 100% renewable electricity in their operations; and international energy efficiency standards, he said.“Expanding into the GCC marks a significant milestone for EnergyX as we partner with the world’s most forward-thinking regions to advance energy self-sufficiency for buildings,” he said, adding by focusing on Qatar, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia, it is building partnerships that bring the most advanced building technologies to the world’s most ambitious projects.The company is scouting for strategic partners and such partnership involves strategic growth for both EnergyX and the countries, he said, adding it seeks to make meaningful contribution to the ICVs (in-country value).“Each GCC market offers unique opportunities for EnergyX to deliver impactful solutions, from advancing research in Qatar to scaling operations solutions in the UAE and contributing to iconic mega-projects in Saudi Arabia,” according to Jean Jacques Dandrieux, chief executive officer of EnergyX Qatar.The company, which has manufacturing plants for BIPVs in South Korea, is exploring options on establishing manufacturing base in the GCC and it is yet to decide on the site (whether Qatar, the UAE or Saudi Arabia), according to him."Our product, the BIPVs, is not like you manufacture in one place and then export it. That doesn't work. In construction, time is money and we need to have the just-in-time production and deliver it on time. So, there is a need to have a manufacturing facility headquarter here in the GCC region," Park said, adding, "We are looking to invest more than $100mn (in the GCC) in the next five years."

Qatar Airways is set to unveil its first class cabin with new aircraft by embracing latest technology and digitalisation, according to its top official, setting a new benchmark for the global airline industry. "I will only give you an idea about a project that we have been working on lately for the last 4-5 months on our first class cabin,” Qatar Airways Group chief executive officer Badr Mohammed al-Meer told the penultimate day of the Web Summit Qatar 2025. “And you will see what we're talking about when it comes to technology and digitalisation of our new cabin." Highlighting the many areas that the national carrier is trying to improve when it comes to technology and digitalisation of the passenger journey, he said that it will be “something different and it will change, it will create a new benchmark for the industry”. Asked when the customers can expect this new development, al-Meer said that "it will be with the new aircraft, may be end of 2026 or beginning of 2027". The national airline has developed a roadmap for several major new developments to help raise the bar in the global aviation landscape. Asserting that it is not talking about “two or three or five areas” of working on the passenger experience, al-Meer said that "we are talking about multiple projects on multiple areas, on multiple platforms”. Qatar Airways is implementing multiple projects with regards to artificial intelligence (AI), when it comes to catering, duty-free and booking online. "We are trying to use AI, to utilise AI, to give a better experience for our passengers," al-Meer said, adding that with AI, it can gauge and study sector-by-sector and season-by-season regarding the meal on board. Citing the London Heathrow flight, the official said that during the summer, the majority of the passengers are from the Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC) countries, and they order a specific type of meal. "AI will help us to provide the expected service that our passengers require,” al-Meer said. “Whether it is summer vacation, New Year or Chinese New Year, AI will make sure that we are not running out of the preferred meal on board." This, he said, would not only give a better customer experience but also reduce the number of wasted meals on board, thus saving cost for the airline. Al-Meer added that it is also part of the airline’s sustainability focus. Shedding light on one of his top priorities, “Qatar Airways 2.0”, which is about innovation, connectivity and people, he said: "We need to deliver multiple projects to enhance the experience of our passengers on multiple areas and do it in a very short time."

Qatar Airways on Tuesday said all its wide-body aircraft will have Starlink’s high-speed internet on board by end of this year, according to its top official.“By the end of this year, Starlink will be installed on all our wide bodies,” Qatar Airways Group chief executive officer Badr Mohammed al-Meer said on the penultimate day of the Web Summit Qatar 2025.As of today, Qatar’s national carrier has implemented on 50% of its 777 fleet, which is 30 aircraft, he said at a dedicated session: Redefining aviation: How Qatar Airways sets the benchmark.This achievement comes four months after the airline launched the world’s first Boeing 777 Starlink-enabled flight and two months after surpassing its initial 2024 target of 12 installations by upgrading 15 aircraft with Starlink connectivity.Starlink is a satellite internet constellation operated by Starlink Services, an international telecommunications provider that is a wholly owned subsidiary of American aerospace company SpaceX.Qatar Airways, according to him, has accelerated Starlink rollout, cutting installation time per aircraft from two-and-half to three days to mere 9.5 hours, reducing the retrofit by nearly three-quarters of the initial timeline. The national carrier is simplifying a complex process by replacing existing systems and installing new ones at record speed while maintaining the highest safety standards—achieving efficiency beyond the standard installation process.“Our plan was to have 50 aircraft by May of this year. I’m sure we will exceed this number,” he said, adding it is working very closely with Boeing and Airbus and Starlink teams.Citing that there was no certification to install Starlink on Airbus 350 or Boeing 787; al-Meer said the discussions were ongoing for months and for almost two or three years among the stakeholders such as SpaceX, Boeing and Airbus.“However, once we got involved, we managed to get everybody on the table. We agreed on a solution. And we will be the first airline to install a Starlink on our Dreamliner 787 and our Airbus 350 fleet,” he said.“We are delivering on our commitment to provide our passengers the best in-flight connectivity at an unprecedented pace. In just four months since launching the world’s first Boeing 777 Starlink-equipped flight, we have already installed this ground-breaking service on 30 aircraft—far exceeding our initial targets.This reflects the commendable efficiency and dedication of our team. Starlink Wi-Fi is a game-changer for our passengers who will soon enjoy uninterrupted connectivity on even more routes,” he said.With one of the fastest and most ambitious Starlink rollouts in the industry, Qatar Airways is setting new standards for in-flight connectivity by keeping passengers connected wherever they fly.

Qatar Airways is all set to unveil its first class cabin with new aircraft by embracing latest technology and digitalisation, thus setting a new benchmark for the global airline industry, according to its top official."I will only give you an idea about a project that we have been working on lately for the last four or five months on our first class cabin. And you will see what we're talking about when it comes to technology and digitalisation of our new cabin," Qatar Airways Group chief executive officer Badr Mohammed al-Meer told the penultimate day of the Web Summit Qatar 2025, without divulging further details.Highlighting the many areas that the national carrier is trying to improve when it comes to technology and digitalisation of the passenger journey; he said it will be something different and it will change, it will create a new benchmark for the industry.Asked by when the customers can expect; al-Meer said "it will be with the new aircraft, may be end of 2026 or beginning of 2027."The national airline has developed a roadmap for several major new developments to help raise the bar in the global aviation landscape.Asserting that it is not talking about two or three or five areas of working on the passenger experience; he said "we are talking about multiple projects on multiple areas, on multiple platforms."Qatar Airways is implementing multiple projects with regards to AI or artificial intelligence, when it comes to catering, duty-free and booking online."We are trying to use AI, to utilise AI, to give a better experience for our passengers," he said, adding with AI, it can gauge and study sector-by-sector and season-by-season regarding the meal on board.Citing London Heathrow flight; he said during summer, majority of the passengers are from the Gulf Cooperation Council countries and they order a specific type of meal."AI will help us to provide the expected service that our passengers require. Whether it is summer vacation, New Year or Chinese New Year, AI will make sure that we are not running out of the preferred meal on board," al-Meer said.This would not only give a better customer experience but also reduce the number of wasted meals on board, thus saving cost for the airline, he said, adding it is also part of its sustainability focus.Shedding light on one of his top priorities, Qatar Airways 2.0, which is about innovation, connectivity and people; he said "we need to deliver multiple projects to enhance the experience of our passengers on multiple areas and do it in a very short time."

Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) on Tuesday launched PSG Labs, a pioneering global initiative designed to accelerate cutting-edge technology in sports, fan experience, and performance.The launch in Doha marks the first step in the club’s global innovation expansion. The regional lab will serve as a gateway to emerging technology in the Middle East, allowing PSG to partner with top local and international startups, explore new advancements in sports tech and digital engagement and develop solutions that can be scaled globally.PSG Labs will serve as the club’s dedicated innovation engine, identifying and supporting high potential startups, entrepreneurs, and tech partners to create transformative solutions that will redefine the industry.As part of its commitment to driving innovation, PSG is expanding its global footprint with the launch of its first international PSG Lab in Doha, reinforcing its role as a leader in sports technology and fostering new collaborations in one of the world’s fastest-growing tech ecosystems and a strategic gateway to cutting-edge research and technology in the Middle East."PSG has always been at the forefront of innovation — both on and off the pitch," said Nasser al-Khelaïfi, its president.Highlighting that the PSG Labs is a natural extension of its ambition to shape the future of sports; he said by collaborating with the brightest innovators from around the world, it can accelerate game-changing ideas and further solidify its position as a global leader in innovation."With our first international PSG Lab in Doha, our goal is to drive innovation on a global scale and set new benchmarks for the entire sports industry," he added.PSG Labs will work closely with select partners in key technology ecosystems to accelerate the development of breakthrough innovations across focus areas such as fan experience, stadium and training ground, health and performance.“This is a major step in PSG’s innovation journey”, Jerry Newman, chief digital and innovation officer of PSG, said, adding by launching this innovation lab in Doha, PSG is demonstrating the impact that visionary leadership and global collaboration can have in shaping the future of sports.Founded in 1970, PSG is France's most successful sports club and a leading force on the European stage. Under Qatar Sports Investments (QSI) ownership since 2011, PSG has grown into a multi-sport institution, excelling in men’s and women’s football, handball, judo, and Esports.

Backed by Qatar Investment Authority (QIA) and Qatar Development Bank (QDB), Utopia Capital Management, a pioneer in emerging and frontier market investments, on Monday launched A-typical Ventures, a new driving force for early-stage venture innovation across the Middle East’s startup ecosystem.Unveiled at the Web Summit 2025, A-typical Ventures will launch a venture studio, and it is actively seeking the region’s entrepreneurs looking to scale innovations and drive economic diversification across sectors such as fintech, healthtech, e-Commerce, logistics and mobility, and climatetech.The Qatar Financial Centre (QFC)-domiciled A-typical Ventures will enable Pre-seed, Seed and Pre-series A founders across the GCC (Gulf Co-operation Council), Levant, Pakistan and Turkiye to refine their business models, optimise their go-to-market strategies, and unlock powerful growth opportunities.The QDB will be supporting A-typical Ventures through the creation of a venture studio, providing hands-on strategic and operational support to startups within the latter's ecosystem.The QIA’s investment marks one of the first deployments of capital from its 'Fund of Funds' programme, which aims to develop a strong start-up and venture capital ecosystem in Qatar and attract leading venture capital funds and entrepreneurs to the region."A-typical Ventures represents a next-generation approach to early-stage venture investing and building. This is an incredibly exciting time for the region, and we are eager to contribute to the growth of a thriving, innovation-driven venture economy," said Alina Truhina, managing partner of Southeast Asia and the Middle East at Utopia.Fatma Ali al-Khater, who is joining A-typical Ventures as a partner said the Middle East is at a "pivotal" moment in building a thriving startup ecosystem.Finding the unique opportunity to shape startup ecosystem's future, she said "with my deep-rooted experience in the region’s economic and investment landscape, I am committed to supporting A-typical Ventures to lay the foundations for a robust ecosystem that enables startups to scale faster, build stronger and make a lasting impact on the regional economy.”“Qatar is once again proving itself as an unparalleled hub for startups and innovation,” said Mohammed al-Emadi, QDB executive director of Investment and Incubation.Asserting that QDB is co-building the next generation of game-changing ventures; he said its collaboration with Utopia and the Qatari partners marks a bold step toward reshaping the startup landscape.By merging strategic investment with hands-on venture-building expertise, QDB aims to empower high-potential startups in Qatar and across the Middle East, helping them scale faster, break into new markets, and drive real economic impact."This is yet another leap to position Qatar and the region as a global powerhouse for disruptive innovation and high-growth ventures," he said.As Qatar’s leading enabler of entrepreneurship and private sector development, QDB brings a wealth of expertise and experience to this venture, leveraging its deep understanding of fostering a dynamic, innovation-driven startup ecosystem.