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Qatar witnessed an almost eight-fold jump year-on-year in contracts in the oil sector, leading the total value of contracts awarded in the country reach about $19bn in 2024, according to Kamco Invest, a regional economic thinktank.The total value of contracts awarded in Qatar witnessed a moderate increase of 4.5% year-on-year, reaching $18.9bn in 2024, Kamco Invest said, quoting data from MEED Projects."This growth in contract awards was primarily attributed to a significant rise in the value of projects within Qatar’s oil sector, which recorded an almost eight-fold increase to reach $6.3bn in 2024, up from $809mn in 2023," Kamco Invest said.The oil sector accounted for 33.5% of the total contracts awarded in the country during the year. Conversely, Qatar’s gas sector, typically the largest in terms of project value, witnessed a 49.5% year-on-year decline, to $6bn in 2024.Meanwhile, the power sector saw a "substantial" surge, with the total value of contracts awarded increasing 7.5 times to $3.4bn, up from $448mn in 2023. This represented the second largest absolute growth in project value within the country.Qatar also witnessed several major project awards during the year, with two of the largest contracts making into the top 20 projects in the GCC or Gulf Co-operation Council region.These included the $4bn QatarEnergy LNG – North Field Production Sustainability: Phase 2 project and the $2.1bn NOC – Al Shaheen Oil Field Development: Ruya Development: EPC-11.The Ruya Development contract is a subcontract of the significant North Oil Company expansion project at the Al-Shaheen offshore oil field. In this context, Qatar's North Oil Company has awarded $6bn worth of EPC contracts for a project aimed at increasing oil production by approximately 100,000 barrels per day from the Al-Shaheen Oil Field.The total value of contracts awarded in the GCC reached a new record in 2024 at $273.2bn, a 9.6% increase on an annualised basis. Growth in GCC contract awards was broad-based in 2024, with three of the six GCC countries experiencing at least double-digit year-on-year growth in the total value of contracts awarded, while four out of the six countries saw increases in the value of projects awarded.Highlighting “strong” outlook for the GCC project market for 2025; it said following a record-breaking year for project market awards, the region is poised for another year of “significant” contract awards.The outlook for 2025 remains "bright" for the GCC projects market with more than $120bn worth of projects already in the bid evaluation stage, that would mostly translate into awards, according to MEED ProjectsFinding a lot of positive factors in the GCC to support the project market in 2025; Kamco said these include a thriving economic activity, government’s resolve to execute projects before the deadlines, a supportive and strong banking sector, expected fall in interest rates, stability in regional geopolitical scenario, elevated oil prices and supportive government policies for private sector participation.Overall, there are approximately $1.5tn worth of contracts in the pre-execution stage within the GCC, with Saudi Arabia holding the majority, it said, adding some of these contracts are expected to be awarded over the next 6-12 months, suggesting that 2025 could match or exceed the contract award figures of 2024, according to analysis by MEED Projects.The largest proportion of these projects, approximately 35.3%, is in the design stage, while around 8% are in the bid evaluation stage.In terms of country-specific project pipelines, Saudi Arabia has an estimated $770.5bn of projects in the pre-execution stage, followed by the UAE ($322.5bn), Oman ($165bn) and Kuwait ($121.1bn), respectively.

Ahead of the US Federal Reserve meeting, the Qatar Stock Exchange on Wednesday gained more than six points on buying interests especially in the real estate, industrials, banks and consumer goods sectors.The foreign institutions were seen net buyers as the 20-stock Qatar Index rose 0.06% to 10,680.78 points, recovering from an intraday low of 10,627 points.As much as 51% of the traded constituents extended gains to investors in the main bourse, whose capitalisation was up QR0.39bn or 0.06% to QR623.81bn on the back of microcap segments.The foreign individuals’ weakened net selling had its influence in the main bourse, which saw as many as 0.01mn exchange traded funds (sponsored by Masraf Al Rayan and Doha Bank) valued at mere QR0.03mn changed hands across eight deals.The domestic institutions continued to be bullish but with lesser vigour in the main bourse, whose trade turnover fell amidst higher volumes.The Islamic index was seen outperforming the other indices of the main market, which saw no trading of treasury bills.The Gulf institutions turned net profit takers in the main bourse, which saw no trading of sovereign bonds.The Total Return Index was up 0.06%, the All Share Index by 0.08% and the All Islamic Index by 0.16% in the main market.The realty sector index gained 0.54%, industrials (0.43%), banks and financial services (0.31%) and consumer goods and services (0.23%); while transport declined 2.02%, telecom (0.52%) and insurance (0.05%).Major gainers in the main bourse included Widam Food, Al Faleh Educational Holding, Doha Bank, Estithmar Holding, Inma Holding, Dukhan Bank, Salam International Investment, Qatar Industrial Manufacturing, Industries Qatar and Mazaya Qatar.Nevertheless, Nakilat, Milaha, Ezdan, Ooredoo and Doha Insurance were among the shakers in the main market. In the juniour bourse, Techno Q saw its shares depreciate in value.The foreign institutions were net buyers to the tune of QR26.51mn compared with net sellers of QR6.84mn on January 28.The foreign individual investors’ net profit booking fell noticeably to QR3.76mn against QR7.01mn the previous day.However, the Qatari individuals’ net selling increased substantially to QR13.52mn compared to QR6.07mn on Tuesday.The Gulf institutions turned net sellers to the extent of QR8.76mn against net buyers of QR2.93mn on January 28.The Arab individual investors’ net selling expanded markedly to QR7.08mn compared to QR4.41mn the previous day.The Gulf retail investors were net profit takers to the extent of QR0.11mn against net buyers of QR0.96mn on Tuesday.The domestic institutions’ net buying decreased significantly to QR6.73mn compared to QR20.44mn on January 28.The Arab institutions had no major net exposure for the second straight session.Trade volumes in the main market grew 3% to 171.32mn shares, while value shrank 13% to QR321.94mn and deals by 9% to 12,696.The venture market saw 67% plunge in trade volumes to 0.08mn equities, 67% in value to QR0.2mn and 52% in transactions to 16.(Ends)

The Qatar Financial Centre (QFC) has reported "exceptional" growth with combined assets under management of more than $33bn in 2024 as total number of registered firms stood at 2,489.The firms registered in 2024 represent 90 countries, with the largest number of firms coming from the UK, India, the US, Jordan, Turkiye, France, Lebanon, and Qatar. These firms span a wide range of activities and industries, including fintech, consulting services, media, IT, and wealth management."The exceptional growth witnessed by the QFC in 2024 reflects our commitment to provide a developed and attractive business environment for local and international companies," said QFC Authority chief executive officer Yousuf Mohamed al-Jaida.These achievements would not have been possible without the concerted efforts of all business units, along with close cooperation with clients, key stakeholders in Qatar and the strategic local and global partners, according to him."Over the past year, we have continued to enhance innovation and support economic growth and diversification in Qatar, and we aim to achieve more successes in the coming years," al-Jaida said.The active participation of QFC in the first edition of the Web Summit Qatar in February 2024 was instrumental in attracting a substantial number of technology firms to its platform, which accounted for the largest share of firms registered in 2024 at 26%.The QFC offered compelling incentives to companies that opted to register their business during the Web Summit, attracting foreign investments, contributing to economic diversification, and advancing the country's efforts in positioning Qatar as a leading technology hub in the region.The year also saw significant progress in one of QFC’s forward-thinking initiatives, the Digital Assets Lab, which commenced activities with 29 participants, developing unique digital solutions and services based on distributed ledger technology (DLT).To support the programme, QFC issued the Digital Assets Framework to regulate digital assets, which includes comprehensive and clear legal guidelines for digital assets creation and regulation, including processes related to tokenisation, legal recognition of ownership rights of encryptions and underlying assets, custody arrangements, and transfer and exchange transactions.These initiatives align with the Qatar Fintech Strategy and reinforce the country’s position as a regional leader in financial innovation.

His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani's visit to Oman appears to have lifted sentiments in the Qatar Stock Exchange (QSE) as one of its listed entities Qatar Oman Investment Company (QOIS) on Tuesday remained the highest gainer for the second straight session.The domestic and Gulf institutions’ buying interests led the 20-stock Qatar Index to gain more than seven points or 0.07% to 10,673.99 points, recovering from an intraday low of 10,662 points.The transport, telecom, industrials and consumer goods witnessed higher than average demand in the main bourse, whose capitalisation was down QR0.62bn or 0.1% to QR623.42bn on the back of microcap segments.The Gulf individuals were seen net buyers, albeit at lower levels, in the main bourse, which saw as many as 0.01mn exchange traded funds (sponsored by Masraf Al Rayan and Doha Bank) valued at mere QR0.04mn changed hands across 11 deals.The local retail investors’ weakened net selling had its influence on the main bourse, whose trade turnover and volumes were on the increase.The Islamic index was seen gaining faster than the other indices of the main market, which saw no trading of treasury bills.The foreign individuals’ lower net profit booking also had its say in the main bourse, which saw no trading of sovereign bonds.The Total Return Index was up 0.07%, the All Share Index by 0.03% and the All Islamic Index by 0.12% in the main market.The transport sector index gained 0.94%, telecom (0.57%), industrials (0.41%) and consumer goods and services (0.23%); while real estate declined 0.48%, banks and financial services (0.32%) and insurance (0.11%).Major gainers in the main bourse included Qatar Oman Investment, Widam Food, Qatar German Medical Devices, Qatar Islamic Insurance, Industries Qatar and Beema.In the venture market, Al Mahhar Holding saw its shares appreciate in value.Nevertheless, 58% of the traded constituents were in the red in the main market with major losers being Ezdan, Al Faleh Educational Holding, Mekdam Holding, Dukhan Bank, QLM, Mesaieed Petrochemical Holding and Nakilat.In the junior bourse, Techno Q saw its shares depreciate in value.The domestic institutions’ net buying increased noticeably to QR20.44mn compared to QR15.78mn on January 27.The Gulf institutions turned net buyers to the tune of QR2.93mn against net profit takers of QR4.89mn the previous day.The Gulf individual investors turned net buyers to the extent of QR0.96mn compared with net sellers of QR0.2mn on Monday.The Qatari retail investors’ net selling declined substantially to QR6.07mn against QR27.63mn on January 27.The foreign individuals’ net profit booking eased marginally to QR7.01mn compared to QR7.18mn the previous day.However, the foreign institutions were net sellers to the tune of QR6.84mn against net buyers of QR25.33mn on Monday.The Arab individual investors’ net selling expanded markedly to QR4.41mn compared to QR1.23mn on January 27The Arab institutions had no major net exposure against net buyers to the extent of QR0.05mn the previous day.Trade volumes in the main market grew 14% to 165.6mn shares and value by 5% to QR370.65mn, while deals fell 4% to 13,907.The venture market saw an 85% surge in trade volumes to 0.24mn equities, 85% in value to QR0.61mn and 32% in transactions to 33.

Notwithstanding the global concerns regarding the US’ tariff policy, the Qatar Stock Exchange on Monday gained more than 16 points on buying interests especially at the telecom and banking counters.The foreign funds turned bullish as the 20-stock Qatar Index rose 0.15% to 10,666.88 points, recovering from an intraday low of 10,618 points.As much as 51% of the traded constituents extended gains to investors in the main bourse, whose capitalisation was up QR0.4bn or 0.06% to QR624.04bn on the back of microcap segments.The Arab institutions were seen net buyers, albeit at lower levels, in the main market, which saw as many as 9,691 exchange traded funds (sponsored by Masraf Al Rayan and Doha Bank) valued at mere QR0.06mn changed hands across seven deals.The Gulf institutions’ weakened net selling had its influence on the main bourse, whose trade turnover and volumes were on the decline.The Islamic index was seen declining vis-à-vis gains in the other indices of the main market, which saw no trading of treasury bills.The domestic institutions continued to be net buyers but with lesser intensity in the main bourse, which saw no trading of sovereign bonds.The Total Return Index rose 0.15% and the All Share Index by 0.11%, while the All Islamic Index was down 0.02% in the main market.The telecom sector index gained 0.73%, banks and financial services (0.51%) and transport (0.09%); while industrials declined 0.73%, real estate (0.64%), insurance (0.32%) and consumer goods and services (0.12%).Major gainers in the main bourse included Qatar Oman Investment, Beema, Commercial Bank, Dukhan Bank, Doha Bank, Ooredoo, Vodafone Qatar and Nakilat.Nevertheless, Qatar National Cement, Industries Qatar, Estithmar Holding, Mazaya Qatar, Milaha, Qatar Islamic Insurance and Qatari Investors Group were among the losers in the main market. In the junior bourse, Al Mahhar Holding and Techno Q saw their shares depreciate in value.The foreign institutions turned net buyers to the tune of QR25.33mn compared with net sellers of QR15mn on January 24.The Arab institutions were net buyers to the extent of QR0.05mn against no major net exposure the previous day.The Gulf institutions’ net profit booking declined noticeably to QR4.89mn compared to QR6.92mn on Sunday.The Gulf individual investors’ net selling weakened markedly to QR0.2mn against QR7.14mn on January 24.However, the Qatari retail investors’ net selling expanded drastically to QR27.63mn compared to QR3.68mn the previous day.The foreign individual investors were net sellers to the extent of QR7.18mn against net buyers of QR0.58mn on Sunday.The Arab retail investors turned net sellers to the extent of QR1.23mn compared with net buyers of QR7.35mn on January 26.The domestic institutions’ net buying decreased perceptibly to QR15.78mn against QR24.8mn the previous day.Trade volumes in the main market shrank 2% to 145.21mn shares, value by 2% to QR353.88mn and deals by 22% to 14,496.The venture market saw a 63% contraction in trade volumes to 0.13mn equities, 64% in value to QR0.33mn and 60% in transactions to 25.

Robust corporate earnings was seen masking uncertainties over the US tariff policies as the Qatar Stock Exchange saw its key index amass as much as 188 points and capitalisation add more than QR10bn this week.The foreign institutions were seen bullish as the 20-stock Qatar Index gained 1.8% this week which saw Commercial Bank and AlRayan Bank report net profit of QR3.03bn and QR1.51bn respectively in 2024.The telecom, real estate, insurance, industrials, transport and consumer goods sectors witnessed higher than average demand this week which saw Woqod post net profit of QR1.05bn in 2024.About 83% of the trade constituents extended gains to investors in the main market this week which saw Doha Bank’s 2024 net profit at QR851.46mn.The Gulf retail investors were seen net buyers, albeit at lower levels, in the main bourse this week which saw Gulf Warehousing report net profit of QR171.89mn in 2024.However, the Qatari individuals were increasingly net sellers in the main bourse this week which saw a total of 0.22mn AlRayan Bank-sponsored exchange-traded fund QATR worth QR0.49mn trade across 49 deals.The Arab retail investors were increasingly bearish in the main market this week which saw as many as 0.01mn Doha Bank-sponsored exchange-traded fund QETF valued at QR0.09mn change hands across nine transactions.The foreign individuals turned net profit takers in the main bourse this week which saw Al Mahhar Holding receive no-objection from the Qatar Financial Market Authority to shift to the main market from the juniour bourse.The Islamic index was seen outperforming the other indices of the main market this week, which saw Meeza disclose its intent to expand its data centre capacity by 4MW.Market capitalisation was seen adding QR10.37bn or 1.69% to QR623.44bn on the back of large and midcap segments this week which saw Estithmar Holding, through its subsidiary Elegancia Health Care L.I.B.Q. Services, sign pact with Libya’s Department of Support and Development Medical Services to assist in the operational mechanisms, training, and development of several public hospitals across that country.Trade turnover and volumes were on the increase in the main market as well as junior bourse this week which saw no trading of treasury bills.The Gulf institutions turned net sellers this week which saw as many as 0.11mn sovereign bonds valued at QR1.06bn change hands across three transactions. The Total Return Index rose 1.8%, the All Share Index by 1.53% and the All Islamic Index by 2.6% this week which saw industrials and realty sector together constitute more than 51% of the total trade volumes.The telecom sector index zoomed 5.93%, real estate (4.53%), insurance (3.43%), industrials (2.85%), transport (2.39%) and consumer goods and services (2.22%); while banks and financial services was down 0.02%.Major gainers in the main market included Industries Qatar, Ooredoo, Ezdan, Qamco, Al Faleh Educational Holding, Vodafone Qatar, Alijarah Holding, Nakilat, Al Faleh Educational Holding, Commercial Bank, Lesha Bank, Masraf Al Rayan, Baladna, Salam International Investment, Mesaieed Petrochemical Holding, Barwa and Mazaya Qatar.Nevertheless, Qatar Cinema and Film Distribution, Estithmar Holding, Gulf Warehousing, Beema, Dukhan Bank, Qatar Islamic Bank and QNB were among the losers in the main bourse.In the venture market, Techno Q saw its shares depreciate in value.The foreign funds were net buyers to the tune of QR147.41mn against net sellers of QR82.29mn the week ended January 16.The Gulf individuals were net buyers to the extent of QR0.01mn compared with net profit takers of QR3.69mn the previous week.However, the Qatari individuals’ net selling increased substantially to QR196.61mn against QR16.96mn a week ago.The Arab retail investors’ net selling expanded significantly to QR19.24mn compared to QR6.74mn the week ended January 16.The foreign individuals turned net sellers to the tune of QR7.41mn against net buyers of QR3.53mn the previous week.The Gulf institutions were net profit takers to the extent of QR5.2mn compared with net buyers of QR13.42mn a week ago.The domestic institutions’ net buying decreased noticeably to QR81.05mn against QR92.04mn the week ended January 16.The Arab funds had no major net exposure compared with net buyers to the extent of QR0.68mn the previous week.The main market saw 53% jump in trade volumes to 1.03bn shares, 30% in value to QR2.46bn and 16% in deals to 83,827 this week.In the venture market, trade volumes more than doubled to 4.95mn equities and value almost tripled to QR12.62mn on more than doubled transactions to 397.

Qatar’s medium-term prospects look "favourable" and its growth will be driven by stronger liquefied natural gas (LNG) production and associated downstream sector, according to the Institute of International Finance (IIF)."Overall, Qatar’s medium-term prospects look favourable," the US-based economic thinktank said in a research note after its economists' online investor trip to the Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC) last month.The increased LNG production, along with a strong fiscal and external position, would allow for strong capital accumulation and investment by its SWF or sovereign wealth fund (Qatar Investment Authority or QIA,) it noted.Non-hydrocarbon growth would also benefit from increasing LNG production, particularly downstream sectors such as petrochemical and fertiliser plants, according to the IIF."Qatar is seeking to cement its position as the world’s second-largest gas exporter and the largest exporter of LNG given its massive reserves and surging global demand," it said.Finding that massive investment in the natural gas sector is underway to expand LNG production; the report said the attendees (in the online meeting) were of the view that Qatar has a global competitive advantage on LNG production and it should be utilised.Qatar is currently the third largest exporter of LNG (behind the US and Australia), but it is the country with the lowest cost of production, with a cost of production that is nearly 70% cheaper than the closest competitor (the US), the IIF note said."This global competitive cost advantage not only allows flexibility and resilience to Qatar amidst geopolitical uncertainty; it also allows it to heavily benefit from the energy transition," it said.Highlighting that natural gas is the cleanest fossil fuel in terms of carbon dioxide emissions, and is considered a “transition” fuel; it said Qatar’s low cost of production will enable the country to supply an increase in demand from Asia as it transitions to cleaner sources of energy."It will also mean that Qatari LNG will be the last to be impacted once greener sources of energy become more scalable and affordable," it said, adding Qatar’s strategic location allows it to supply LNG to two large markets: Europe and Asia.Finding that Qatar could achieve consistently strong growth until at least 2030; the report said growth will come from both the hydrocarbon and non-hydrocarbon sectors.In the lead-up to the 2022 World Cup (from around 2012-22) GDP growth was primarily led by non-hydrocarbon sector, as the country invested heavily on infrastructure.At the same time, hydrocarbon production, while strong, remained relatively flat during this period. In 2017, Qatar lifted a moratorium on further development of the North Field, a massive offshore natural-gas field that holds the majority of the country’s natural gas reserves.The North Field Expansion project is split into three phases and aims to increase total LNG production by 85% by 2030, from 77mn metric tonnes per annum (Mtpa) in 2023 to 142Mtpa by 2030.

The Qatar Stock Exchange on Thursday rose about 41 points on the back of buying interests especially at the insurance, telecom and real estate counters.The domestic funds turned bullish as the 20-stock Qatar Index gained 0.38% to 10,660.12 points, although it touched an intraday high of 10,711 points.About 65% of the traded constituents saw its shares appreciate in value in the main bourse, whose capitalisation added QR2.91bn or 0.47% to QR623.44bn on the back of midcap segments.The Gulf institutions were seen net buyers in the main market, which saw as many as 1,464 exchange traded funds (sponsored by Masraf Al Rayan and Doha Bank) valued at mere QR0.01mn changed hands across three deals.The local retail investors’ weakened net selling had its influence on the main bourse, whose trade turnover and volumes were on the decline.The Islamic index was seen outperforming the other indices of the main market, which saw no trading of treasury bills.The foreign funds continued to be net buyers but with lesser intensity in the main bourse, which saw as many as 0.11mn sovereign bonds valued at QR1.06bn trade across three transactions.The Total Return Index rose 0.38%, the All Share Index by 0.45% and the All Islamic Index by 0.53% in the main market.The insurance sector index shot up 1.41%, telecom (1.29%), real estate (0.94%), banks and financial services (0.43%), industrials (0.35%), consumer goods and services (0.28%) and transport (0.2%).Major gainers in the main market included Qatar General Insurance and Reinsurance, Vodafone Qatar, Baladna, Mesaieed Petrochemical Holding, Al Khaleej Takaful, Commercial Bank, Alijarah Holding, Al Faleh Educational Holding, Qatar National Cement, Qatar Industrial Manufacturing, Qatar Islamic Insurance, Mazaya Qatar and Barwa.In the junior bourse, Al Mahhar Holding and Techno Q saw their shares depreciate in value.Nevertheless, Inma Holding, Milaha, Doha Insurance, Ezdan and Industries Qatar were among the shakers in the main market.The domestic funds turned net buyers to the tune of QR25.44mn compared with net profit takers of QR1.11mn on January 22.The Gulf institutions were net buyers to the extent of QR3.65mn against net sellers of QR6.92mn the previous day.The Qatari individual investors’ net selling declined drastically to QR33.27mn compared to QR84.43mn on Wednesday.However, the Arab individuals’ net profit booking grew substantially to QR18.27mn against of QR5.27mn on January 22.The foreign individuals were net sellers to the tune of QR7.71mn compared with net buyers of QR0.07mn the previous day.The Gulf retail investors turned net profit takers to the extent of QR1.11mn against net buyers of QR0.84mn on Wednesday.The foreign institutions’ net buying weakened substantially to QR31.27mn compared to QR96.81mn on January 22.The Arab institutions had no major net exposure for the fifth straight session.Trade volumes in the main market shrank 12% to 205.8mn shares, value by 16% to QR579.65mn and deals by 24% to 18,501.The venture market saw an 8% jump in trade volumes to 0.41mn equities and 5% in value to QR1.05mn but on 33% decline in transactions to 32.

Hacken, a blockchain security auditor, has joined the Qatar Financial Center (QFC) Digital Assets Lab.“Thrilled to welcome Hacken to the QFC Digital Assets Lab. Their expertise in smart contract security and regulated cybersecurity frameworks brings great value to the digital asset space,” the QFC said in its social media handle X.The Ukraine-based entity said on X: “Proud to join forces with QFC Authority as a participant in the QFC Digital Assets Lab”.“This forward-thinking initiative is shaping the future of digital assets and DLT (distributed ledger technology) by fostering innovation and collaboration,” it added.Hacken offers comprehensive security services, including smart contract audits, penetration testing, bug bounty programs, and post-deployment monitoring, combining expertise and battle-tested methodologies to protect Web3 projects globally.Founded in 2017, Hacken has completed more than 2,000 audits, protecting over 1,500 clients. It has more than 180 partners, according to its website.In its 2024 Web3 Security Report, Hacken said the year was pivotal for Web3 security, with losses exceeding $2.9bn across DeFi (decentralised finance), CeFi (centralised finance), gaming, and metaverse platforms. Access control vulnerabilities surged, accounting for 75% of all crypto hacks, while phishing scams led to $600mn in damages.Hacken is contributing with its expertise in smart contract and protocol security, post-deployment monitoring and bug bounties, and cybersecurity solutions tailored for regulated virtual assets frameworks.“Together, we’re driving safer, more innovative solutions for the digital asset space,” the company said.The Digital Assets Lab aims to foster innovation, research, and development within the digital assets and DLT space.It provides a collaborative environment for start-ups, businesses, and researchers to explore and create innovative solutions, products, and services related to digital assets and distributed ledger technologies.The lab seeks to position Qatar as a hub for digital innovation, contribute to the growth of the digital economy and drive the adoption of emerging technologies across various sectors.Entry to the digital assets lab is one of the pathways towards securing a full licence to operate in Qatar.The lab, powered by the Qatar Central Bank, aims to put Qatar at the forefront of innovation and on an accelerated path to integrating disruptive technologies into the market.The benefits of joining QFC digital assets lab include access to Qatar’s ecosystem (exposure to QFC register and fintech), digital assets products, and work with experts across the globe; leverage QFC’s digital assets lab infrastructure and co-working space; regulatory insights and support to commercial establishment; and no specific fees and charges.

Robust corporate earnings on Wednesday lifted sentiments in the Qatar Stock Exchange (QSE), which Wednesday gained more than 112 points and its key index surpassed 10,600 levels on an across the board buying interests.Amidst uncertainty over the US’ new tariff policy, the foreign funds were increasingly net buyers in the local bourse as the 20-stock Qatar Index shot up 1.07% to 10,619.4 points, recovering from an intraday low of 10,503 points.About 60% of the traded constituents saw its shares appreciate in value in the main bourse, whose capitalisation added QR4.71bn or 0.76% to QR620.53bn on the back of large and midcap segments.The Gulf individuals were seen increasingly net buyers in the main market, which saw as many as 200 exchange traded funds (sponsored by Doha Bank) valued at mere QR2,060 changed hands across one deal.The foreign retail investors turned bullish, albeit at lower levels, in the main bourse, whose trade turnover and volumes were on the increase.The Islamic index was seen gaining faster than the other indices of the main market, which saw no trading of treasury bills.However, the local retail investors were increasingly net profit takers in the main bourse, which saw no trading of sovereign bonds.The Total Return Index rose 1.07%, the All Share Index by 0.89% and the All Islamic Index by 1.08% in the main market.The telecom sector index soared 2.53%, consumer goods and services (0.99%), industrials (0.91%), banks and financial services (0.77%), transport (0.69%), real estate (0.68%) and insurance (0.62%).Major gainers in the main market included Commercial Bank, Qamco, Ooredoo, Mesaieed Petrochemical Holding, Doha Bank, Dlala, Masraf Al Rayan, Woqod, Al Faleh Educational Holding, Aamal Company and Qatar National Cement.Nevertheless, Qatar Cinema and Film Distribution, Gulf Warehousing, Ezdan, Dukhan Bank and Meeza were among the shakers in the main bourse.In the venture market, both Al Mahhar Holding and Techno Q saw their shares depreciate in value.The foreign institutions’ net buying increased substantially to QR96.81mn compared to QR2.91mn on January 21.The Gulf individual investors’ net buying strengthened marginally to QR0.84mn against QR0.42mn the previous day.The foreign individuals turned net buyers to the tune of QR0.07mn compared with net sellers of QR1.37mn on Tuesday.However, the Qatari individuals’ net selling expanded drastically to QR84.43mn against QR37.22mn on January 21.The Gulf institutions were net sellers to the extent of QR6.92mn compared with net buyers of QR0.76mn the previous day.The Arab individual investors were net sellers to the tune of QR5.27mn against net buyers of QR1.5mn on Tuesday.The domestic funds turned net profit takers to the extent of QR1.11mn compared with net buyers of QR32.99mn on January 21.The Arab institutions had no major net exposure for the fourth straight session.Trade volumes in the main market soared 10% to 234.12mn shares, value by 43% to QR689.13mn and deals by 63% to 24,204.The venture market saw a 76% plunge in trade volumes to 0.38mn equities, 76% in value to QR1mn and 68% in transactions to 48.

The Gaza ceasefire had its positive impact on the Gulf bourses, including the Qatar Stock Exchange (QSE), which on Monday gained about 40 points, on the back of buying interests especially in the real estate, industrials, telecom and consumer goods sectors.Ahead of the inauguration of the new US president, the 20-stock Qatar Index gained 0.38% to 10,507.56 points, although it touched an intraday high of 10,538 points.The foreign institutions were increasingly net buyers in the main bourse, whose capitalisation added QR4.59bn or 0.75% to QR616.91bn on the back of mid and small cap segments.About 62% of the traded constituents were seen extending gains to investors in the main market, which saw as many as 0.02 exchange traded funds (sponsored by AlRayan Bank and Doha Bank) valued at mere QR0.07mn changed hands across seven deals.The foreign retail investors turned bullish in the main bourse, whose trade turnover and volumes were on the increase.The Islamic index was seen outperforming the other indices in the main bourse, which saw no trading of treasury bills.The Arab retail investors were increasingly net buyers in the main market, which saw no trading of sovereign bonds.The Total Return Index rose 0.38%, the All Share Index by 0.35% and the All Islamic Index by 0.62% in the main market.The realty sector index shot up 2.32%, industrials (1.49%), telecom (1.14%), consumer goods and services (0.72%), transport (0.45%) and insurance (0.38%); while banks and financial services declined 0.42%.Major gainers in the main bourse included Ezdan, Industries Qatar, Alijarah Holding, Vodafone Qatar, Qamco, Gulf International Services, Lesha Bank, Woqod, Salam International Investment, Mekdam Holding, QLM, Barwa and United Development Company.In the venture market, both Al Mahhar Holding and Techno Q saw their shares appreciate in value.Nevertheless, Estithmar Holding, Doha Bank, Qatar Islamic Bank, Qatar German Medical Devices, Qatar National Cement and Al Faleh Educational Holding were among the shakers in the main market.The foreign institutions’ net buying increased substantially to QR16.39mn compared to QR0.04mn on January 17.The foreign individuals turned net buyers to the tune of QR2.99mn against net sellers of QR1.4mn the previous day.The Arab individual investors’ net buying expanded marginally to QR1.7mn compared to QR1.1mn on Sunday.The Qatari individuals’ net profit booking declined perceptibly to QR19.68mn against QR22.05mn on January 17.The Gulf institutions’ net profit booking weakened marginally to QR1.13mn compared to QR1.56mn the previous day.However, the Gulf retail investors were net sellers to the extent of QR0.37mn against net buyers of QR0.23mn on Sunday.The domestic institutions’ net buying shrank drastically to QR0.06mn compared to QR23.65mn on January 17.The Arab institutions had no major net exposure for the second straight session.Trade volumes in the main market surged 67% to 233.55mn shares, value by 67% to QR446.06mn and deals by 49% to 15,750.Trade volumes in the venture market jumped about 10-fold to 2.32mn equities and value by about nine-fold to QR5.81mn on more than doubled transactions to 116.

The Qatar Stock Exchange on Sunday witnessed a rollercoaster ride for most part of the session before settling marginally lower despite buying interests in five of the seven sectors.The local retail investors were seen increasingly net sellers as the 20-stock Qatar Index shed about four points or 0.04% to 10,467.97 points, but recovering from an intraday low of 10,459 points.The foreign institutions’ weakened net buying interests had its influence on the main bourse, whose capitalisation melted QR0.75bn or 0.12% to QR612.32bn on the back of microcap and small cap segments.However, about 56% of the traded constituents were seen extending gains to investors in the main market, which saw as many as 0.02 exchange traded funds (sponsored by AlRayan Bank and Doha Bank) valued at mere QR0.04mn changed hands across six deals.The foreign retail investors turned bearish in the main bourse, whose trade turnover and volumes were on the decline.The Islamic index was seen making gains vis-à-vis declines in the other indices in the main bourse, which saw no trading of treasury bills.The Gulf institutions continued to be net profit takers but with lesser intensity in the main market, which saw no trading of sovereign bonds.The Total Return Index was down 0.04% and the All Share Index by 0.1%, while the All Islamic Index rose 0.41% in the main market.The banks and financial services sector index shed 0.59% and industrials 0.06%; whereas telecom declined 1.26%, real estate (1.06%), transport (0.86%), insurance (0.44%) and consumer goods and services (0.39%).Major losers in the main market included Beema, Aamal Company, Doha Insurance, Gulf International Services, Nakilat and Industries Qatar.In the junior bourse, both Al Mahhar Holding and Techno Q saw their shares depreciate in value.Nevertheless, Al Faleh Educational Holding, Qatar German Medical Devices, Milaha, Inma Holding, Qamco, Lesha Bank, Meeza, Qatari Investors Group, Ooredoo and United Development Company were among the movers in the main market.The Qatari individual investors’ net selling increased noticeably to QR22.05mn compared to QR15.37mn on January 16.The foreign individuals were net sellers to the extent of QR1.4mn against net buyers of QR1.58mn last Thursday.The foreign funds’ net buying decreased substantially to QR0.04mn compared to QR44.49mn the previous trading day.However, the domestic institutions turned net buyers to the tune of QR23.65mn against net sellers of QR4.28mn on January 16.The Arab individuals were net buyers to the extent of QR1.1mn compared with net profit takers of QR0.9mn last Thursday.The Gulf retail investors turned net buyers to the tune of QR0.23mn against net sellers of QR0.29mn the previous trading day.The Gulf institutions’ net profit booking weakened significantly to QR1.56mn compared to QR25.3mn on January 16.The Arab institutions had no major net exposure against net buyers to the tune of QR0.1mn last Thursday.Trade volumes in the main market shrank 13% to 139.96mn shares, value by 32% to QR267.48mn and deals by 29% to 10,539.The venture market saw a 65% contraction in trade volumes to 0.24mn equities, 63% in value to QR0.66mn and 20% in transactions to 49.

International credit rating agency Capital Intelligence (CI) has affirmed the long-term foreign and local currency rating (LT FCR and LT LCR) of Qatar at ‘AA’.The sovereign’s short-term (ST) FCR and ST LCR have also been affirmed at ‘A1+’. The outlook for the ratings remains "stable."The ratings reflect Qatar’s very strong external balances and budgetary performance, supported by still favourable liquefied natural gas (LNG) prices.The ratings also take into account the country’s capacity to absorb external or financial shocks given the large portfolio of foreign assets held by the Qatar Investment Authority (QIA) and consequent comfortable net external creditor position when including these assets.The ratings continue to be supported by substantial hydrocarbon reserves, expanding LNG production and export capacity, and very high GDP (gross domestic product) per capita, as well as high and increasing official foreign reserves.Highlighting that the public finances remain strong; CI said the government budget recorded a surplus of 0.6% of GDP in the first half (H1) 2024, but is expected to have posted a larger overall surplus of 2.9% for the full year (down from 5.6% in 2023).Moving forward, the budget surplus is expected to average 3% of GDP in 2025-26, supported by an expected increase in LNG or liquefied natural gas production capacity from the North Field and, consequently, a lower fiscal breakeven hydrocarbon price.While the reliance on hydrocarbon revenues remains a rating constraint, the government has ample leeway to respond to severe fluctuations in hydrocarbon prices given the size of fiscal buffers and the degree of expenditure flexibility.The sovereign’s financial buffers remain large, and are considered a major supporting factor for the ratings.Very large current account surpluses have contributed to a very strong net external creditor position, when the external assets of QIA are included, it said, adding QIA’s total assets are estimated at around 230% of GDP in 2024.The government deposits increased to 15.3% of GDP in November 2024, while total government and government institution deposits in the domestic banking system were around 45.8% of GDP.Finding that economic activity remains positive, supported by the resilience of the non-hydrocarbon sectors; the report said real GDP is slated to have increased by 1.3% in 2024 against 1.2% in 2023."The short- to medium-term growth outlook remains relatively favourable", with real GDP expected to grow by an average of 3.8% in 2025-26, supported by infrastructure investment and higher expected production from Qatar’s largest gas field, as well as robust performance in the service sector, CI said.Nevertheless, risks to the growth outlook remain relatively large due to geopolitical risk factors following the war in Gaza, as well as tepid growth in major global economies, especially China, Qatar’s main LNG importer. Other risks include a faster than projected decline in the global reliance on hydrocarbons as a source of energy.At present, Qatar’s ratings continue to be underpinned by sizeable hydrocarbon reserves (around 12.9% of global gas reserves) and associated export capacity, which in turn provide the government with substantial financial means.Given the large hydrocarbon exports and rather small population, GDP per capita is expected to exceed $72,000 this year (higher than similarly rated peers)," CI said.

Margins in Qatar’s banking industry are expected to decline "modestly" in view of (an expected) lower rate regime, even as asset quality would get boost, according to Standard and Poor's (S&P), a global credit rating agency.Stabilising external debt, a related increase in funding costs from typically more expensive domestic sources, and interest rate cuts will crimp the margins by about 10-20 basis points or bps by the end of 2025, S&P said in a latest report.At the same time, oversupply in the real estate sector because of the World Cup will likely ease with lower rates, it said, adding this, in turn, would reduce banks’ cost of risk.Lower rates will reduce the net interest income of banks in selected emerging markets in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EMEA), it said, adding yet higher lending growth, improving asset quality, a lower cost of risk, or higher reliance on local funding sources will protect banks' bottom lines.Despite lower rates, "we expect credit growth to decelerate to an average of 5% in 2025 compared with an average of 8% in 2019-22, as the completion of many infrastructure projects means lower funding needs," the rating agency said.Expecting monetary easing to continue, albeit only gradually; it said the risk of the US Federal Reserve's easing bias being disrupted has increased due to ongoing consumer resiliency, excess inflation in the system, and uncertainty about expectations."The incoming US administration’s likely introduction of trade tariffs and immigration curbs could increase inflation in the US," the report said.After the Fed decreased rates by 100 bps in 2024, it could afford to slow the pace of rate cuts in the months ahead."We now expect the Fed to reduce rates by 75 bps in 2025, which is less than we previously anticipated," S&P said.Anticipating that the European Central Bank (ECB) will cut rates more quickly than expected due to persistently weak confidence and better visibility on disinflation; it said "we now project that the main policy rate will reach 2.5% before the summer of 2025, before our previous expectation of September 2025."Lower rates are likely to have a differentiated effect on selected emerging markets in EMEA, depending on the structure of their banking systems’ balance sheets, the correlation between their monetary policies and those of developed markets, and their dependence on external debt.Banking systems that depend more on external funding - such as those in Turkiye, Qatar, and, to a much lesser but increasing extent, Saudi Arabia - will benefit from the lower rates and higher global liquidity as this will make funding cheaper, according to the rating agency.The key factors to watch are management reactions, balance-sheet repositioning, and shifting global narratives about monetary easing resulting in fewer interest rate cuts, S&P said.

Softer US core inflation data and Gaza ceasefire had their reflection on the Qatar Stock Exchange (QSE), which settled in the positive trajectory this week.The domestic institutions were increasingly net buyers as the 20-stock Qatar Index rose 0.29% this week which saw QNB report net profit of QR16.72bn in 2024.The transport, telecom and industrials counters witnessed higher than average demand this week which saw Qatar Islamic Bank report net profit of QR4.61bn in 2024.The foreign institutions’ weakened net profit booking had its influence in the main market this week which saw Aamal Company’s moves to establish a subsidiary in Saudi Arabia.The Arab institutions turned net buyers, albeit at lower levels, in the main bourse this week which saw a total of 0.19mn AlRayan Bank-sponsored exchange-traded fund QATR worth QR0.43mn trade across 51 deals.The Gulf institutions continued to be net buyers but with lesser intensity in the main market this week which saw as many as 0.01mn Doha Bank-sponsored exchange-traded fund QETF valued at QR0.11mn change hands across 12 transactions.The foreign retail investors also continued to be bullish but with lesser vigour in the main bourse this week which saw AlRayan Bank, in partnership with ProgressSoft, implement the Qatar Central Bank’s new real time gross settlement system.The Islamic index was seen declining vis-à-vis gains in the other indices in the main market this week, which saw market capitalisation decline QR0.74bn or 0.12% to QR613.07bn on the back of microcap segments.Trade turnover and volumes were on the increase in the main market as well as junior bourse this week which saw no trading of treasury bills.The local retail investors were increasingly net sellers this week which saw no trading of sovereign bonds.The Total Return Index rose 0.29% and the All Share Index by 0.07%; while the All Islamic Index was down 0.18% this week which saw the global credit rating agency Moody’s view that Qatar’s growth will be supported by petrochemicals industry and construction related to expansion of liquefied natural gas.The transport sector index shot up 3.37%, telecom (1.07%) and industrials (0.52%); while real estate declined 1.33%, consumer goods and services (0.78%), insurance (0.78%) and banks and financial services (0.46%) this week which saw industrials, banking and realty sector together constitute about 71% of total trade volumes.Major gainers in the main market included Nakilat, Al Faleh Educational Holding, Aamal Company, Doha Insurance, Estithmar Holding, Qamco, Mazaya Qatar and Ooredoo. In the junior bourse, both Al Mahhar Holding and Techno Q saw their shares appreciate in value this week.As much as 62% of the traded constituents were in the red with major losers being Qatar General Insurance and Reinsurance, Ezdan, Lesha Bank, Gulf Warehousing, Alijarah Holding, Dukhan Bank, Masraf Al Rayan, Widam Food and Meeza this week.The domestic institutions’ net buying increased substantially to QR92.04mn compared to QR22.53mn the week ended January 9.The Arab funds turned net buyers to the sellers to the extent of QR0.68mn against net sellers of QR0.1mn a week ago.The foreign institutions’ net selling decreased noticeably to QR82.29mn compared to QR99.17mn the previous week.However, the Qatari individuals’ net selling strengthened markedly to QR16.96mn against QR4.66mn the week ended January 9.The Arab retail investors were net sellers to the tune of QR6.74mn compared with net buyers of QR16.57mn a week ago.The Gulf individuals turned net profit takers to the extent of QR3.69mn against net buyers of QR2.25mn the previous week.The Gulf institutions’ net buying shrank drastically to QR13.42mn compared to QR50.5mn the week ended January 9.The foreign individual investors’ net buying eased notably to QR3.53mn against QR12.09mn a week ago.The main market saw 4% jump in trade volumes to 670.83mn shares, 2% in value to QR1.89bn and 4% in deals to 72,381 this week.In the venture market, trade volumes were up 2% to 1.83mn equities and value by 2% to QR4.64mn, whereas transactions tanked 25% to 155.

Transiting through Doha is, on average, 8.1% cheaper than via Dubai, making it imperative for Qatar to accord top priority for a “competitive” stopover programme, according to a Georgetown University in Qatar study.A study of ‘Qatar’s Airfare Competitiveness’ by Dr Alexis Antoniade, Professor Director, and Chair of International Economics at Georgetown University in Qatar, found that on average, across all origin-destination pairs and time periods, travellers save 8.1% by choosing Doha over Dubai for transit.Flights connecting North America and Africa that transit through Doha were, on average, 11.2% cheaper than those transiting through Dubai, it said, analysing 100mn airfares across 157 destinations between February 2023 and October 2024 (both point-to-point and transit flights through Doha).Similarly, flights connecting the Middle East and Western Europe via Doha were 10.8% cheaper than those via Dubai, it said, adding across all regional pairs, Qatar provides cost savings for transit flights.Suggesting that a “competitive stopover programme should be Qatar’s top priority”; he said to boost tourism, the focus should not be on what to build or where to build, as this approach overlooks the main barrier to increasing tourist numbers identified.“Instead, the focus should be on how to encourage the millions of travellers passing through Doha airport to step out and visit Qatar for a few nights,” he added.A successful stopover programme would provide an immediate boost to the tourism sector, offering critical support to the hospitality, retail, and entertainment industries, according to him.Additionally, it would organically promote Qatar’s beauty and offerings as tourists share images and stories on their social media platforms, enhancing brand awareness, according to him.Such a programme would also improve economic sentiment, as busier streets, malls, and restaurants would create a sense of vibrancy, he said. This, in turn, would drive growth in the real estate sector and make Qatar more attractive to companies, foreign direct investment (FDI), and talent, he added.Results highlight a significant airfare premium for point-to-point travel to Qatar, which was 39% higher on average compared to Dubai, limiting Qatar’s attractiveness as a destination. A key factor that may explain these large cost premia, which make Qatar an uncompetitive travel destination, is the greater number of carriers operating at DXB (Dubai International Airport) - including low-cost carriers - and increased competition that is absent in Qatar.Highlighting that the average cost of economy airfare for round-trip travel to or from Qatar and the 157 airports included in the study, the author said the average airfare for economy round-trip flights to and from Qatar between February 2023 and October 2024 was $1,355 for non-stop flights and $1,541 for one-stop.When evaluating Qatar’s airfare competitiveness, the study found that Qatar is a “significantly” more expensive destination compared with Dubai across all regions, regardless of whether non-stop or one-stop flights are considered.Travellers flying to Qatar from South Asia and back (or travellers flying from Qatar to South Asia and back) have paid on average 82.2% more than those in Dubai for similar trips. Even within Middle East and North Africa or Mena travel, point-to-point travel to or from Doha was, on average, 45.5% more expensive than comparable travel to or from Dubai.

The Qatar Central Bank (QCB) has granted sandbox entry approval to Madad Financial Technologies.The approval was granted in line with the Third Financial Sector Strategy, the Fintech Strategy, and the QCB's efforts to develop and regulate the fintech ecosystem in the country.Madad Financial Technologies offers an innovative digital invoice discounting marketplace designed specifically for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).This step highlights QCB's commitment to fostering the financial sector and advancing the objectives of the third financial sector strategy.However, QCB said the entry into the regulatory sandbox does not equate to full-scale licensing approval; rather the applicant is considered an authorised fintech sandbox participant for regulatory activities by the fintech entity.

The US President-elect's gradual approach to raising tariffs and hopes of ceasefire in Gaza had their respective positive impact on the global and regional bourses, reflecting in a 165-point gain on the Qatar Stock Exchange (QSE).The domestic institutions were seen increasingly net buyers as the 20-stock Qatar Index on Tuesday shot up 1.62% to 10,384.89 points, recovering from an intraday low of 10,283 points.The transport and banking counters witnessed higher than average demand in the main bourse, whose capitalisation added QR8.23bn or 1.37% to QR608.65bn on the back of large and midcap segments.More than 65% of the traded constituents extended gains in the main market, which saw no trading of exchange traded funds (sponsored by AlRayan Bank and Doha Bank).The Gulf institutions were increasingly bullish in the main bourse, whose trade turnover grew amidst lower volumes.The Islamic index was seen gaining slower than then the other indices in the main bourse, which saw no trading of treasury bills.The foreign institutions’ weakened net profit booking had its influence in the main market, which saw no trading of sovereign bonds.The Total Return Index gained 1.62%, the All Share Index by 1.53% and the All Islamic Index by 0.95% in the main market.The transport sector shot up 5.03%, banks and financial services (1.77%), telecom (0.73%), consumer goods and services (0.72%), industrials (0.59%) and insurance (0.26%); while real estate declined 0.19%.Major gainers in the main market included Nakilat, Qatar Islamic Bank, QIIB, QNB, Industries Qatar, Aamal Company and Ooredoo.In the junior bourse, Al Mahhar Holding saw its shares appreciate in value.Nevertheless, Gulf Warehousing, Inma Holding, Qatar Oman Investment, Al Faleh Educational Holding and Dukhan Bank were among the losers in the main bourse.In the venture market, Techno Q saw its shares depreciate in value.The domestic institutions’ net buying increased substantially to QR42.47mn compared to QR13.4mn on January 13.The Gulf institutions’ net buying strengthened significantly to QR24.63mn against QR1.65mn the previous day.The foreign institutions’ net selling decreased considerably to QR38.29mn compared to QR71.34mn on Monday.However, the Qatari individuals turned net sellers to the tune of QR24.24mn against net buyers of QR40.47mn on January 13.The Arab retail investors were net sellers to the extent of QR3.24mn compared with net buyers of QR7.67mn the previous day.The foreign individuals turned net profit takers to the tune of QR1.37mn against net buyers of QR7.14mn on Monday.The Gulf retail investors’ net buying weakened marginally to QR0.04mn compared to QR0.43mn on January 13.The Arab institutions had no major net exposure against net buyers to the extent of QR0.58mn the previous day.Trade volumes in the main market fell 6% to 132.88mn shares, while value was up 5% to QR435.15mn but on 4% shrinkage in deals to 16,547.The venture market saw a 15% contraction in trade volumes to 0.46mn equities and 16% in value to QR1.13mn but on 3% jump in transactions to 34.