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The Qatar Stock Exchange (QSE) on Sunday opened the week on a bullish note, albeit at lower levels, with its key index gaining more than 15 points on buying interests especially in the telecom and banking sectors.The foreign institutions were seen net buyers as the 20-stock Qatar Index rose 0.14% to 10,409.59 points, but recovering from an intraday low of 10,441 points.The Gulf institutions’ weakened net profit booking had its influence in the main bourse, whose capitalisation was up QR0.68bn or 0.11% to QR618bn primarily on the back of microcap segments.The domestic funds continued to be net buyers but with lesser intensity in the main market, which saw as many as 5,600 exchange traded funds (sponsored by Doha Bank) valued at QR0.06mn change hands across four deals.The Islamic index was seen declining vis-à-vis gains in the other indices of the main bourse, whose trade turnover and volumes were on the decline.The foreign retail investors continued to be bullish but with lesser vigour in the main market, which saw no trading of treasury bills.The Gulf individuals were seen increasingly net sellers in the main bourse, which saw no trading of sovereign bonds.The Total Return Index was up 0.14% and the All Share Index by 0.15%, while the All Islamic Index was down 0.01% in the main market.The telecom sector index gained 0.96%, banks and financial services (0.26%), insurance (0.15%) and industrials (0.07%); while real estate declined 0.48%, consumer goods and services (0.37%) and transport (0.15%).Major gainers in the main bourse included Qatari Investors Group, Doha Insurance, Ooredoo, Beema and Ahlibank Qatar. In the venture market, Al Mahhar Holding saw its shares appreciate in value.Nevertheless, about 57% of the traded constituents were in the red in the main market with major losers being Dlala, Ezdan, Meeza, QIIB and Milaha. In the junior bourse, Techno Q saw its shares depreciate in value.The foreign institutions turned net buyers to the tune of QR6.04mn compared with net sellers of QR32.19mn on November 21.The Gulf institutions’ net profit booking decreased noticeably to QR6.86mn against QR8.59mn the previous trading day.However, the Gulf individual investors’ net selling grew markedly to QR4.87mn compared to QR0.95mn last Thursday.The Qatari individuals were net sellers to the extent of QR1.26mn against net buyers of QR11.04mn on November 21.The Arab individuals turned net sellers to the tune of QR0.94mn compared with net buyers of QR2.63mn the previous trading day.The domestic institutions’ net buying declined substantially to QR6.85mn against QR25.81mn last Thursday.The foreign retail investors’ net buying weakened perceptibly to QR1.05mn compared to QR2.23mn on November 21.The Arab institutions had not major net exposure for the fifth straight session.Trade volumes in the main market shrank 23% to 99.8mn shares, value by 40% to QR224.47mn and transactions by 45% to 8,501.The venture market saw 78% shrinkage in trade volumes to 0.12mn equities, 76% in value to QR0.34mn and 59% in deals to 32.

QatarEnergy has entered into an agreement with TotalEnergies to acquire an additional 5.25% interest in block 2913B (PEL 56) and an additional 4.695% interest in block 2912 (PEL 91), both located in the Orange Basin, offshore Namibia.Subject to customary approvals, QatarEnergy’s participating interests in both licences will increase to 35.25% in block 2913B and 33.025% in block 2912. TotalEnergies (the operator) will hold 45.25% in block 2913B and 42.475% in block 2912.The other partners in the two licences are Impact Oil & Gas, holding 9.5% in each of the two licences and the National Petroleum Corporation of Namibia “NAMCOR”, holding 10% in block 2913B and 15% in block 2912.Commenting on this occasion, HE the Minister of State for Energy Affairs Saad bin Sherida al-Kaabi, also the President and CEO of QatarEnergy, said: “We are pleased to expand QatarEnergy’s footprint in Namibia’s upstream sector. This agreement marks another important step in working collaboratively with our partners towards the development of the Venus discovery located on block 2913B.”HE al-Kaabi added: "I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Namibian authorities and our partners for their support and we look forward to delivering on our exploration and potential development programme.”Blocks 2913B and 2912 are located about 300 kilometres offshore Namibia, in water depths ranging from 2600 to 3800 meters.

Qatar Insurance Group and Ooredoo Group have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) at the Ooredoo Group Digital Ecosystem Conference held recently.The MoU, signed by Salem al-Mannai, CEO of Qatar Insurance Group, and Aziz Aluthman Fakhroo, CEO of Ooredoo Group, underscores the importance of the strategic collaboration aimed at harnessing the combined strengths of both companies to develop and offer innovative, customer-centric insurance solutions, revolutionising the way insurance and telecommunications services are delivered.The partnership between Qatar Insurance Group and Ooredoo Group will facilitate transformative changes within the insurance and telecommunications sectors, further solidifying their positions as leaders in their respective fields.The collaboration will integrate QIC’s expertise in risk management with Ooredoo’s advanced telecommunications infrastructure to create seamless insurance solutions that will set a new standard in service delivery.By combining real-time data, mobile connectivity, and personalised insurance products, the partnership will offer cyber insurance products (SME and personal), microinsurance products, SME products, smartphone and gadget protect products, mandatory visitor insurance in combination with Ooredoo SIM cards, and commercial insurance products for their respective group entities.“We are excited to embark on this strategic partnership with Ooredoo, which reflects our commitment to delivering cutting-edge insurance solutions that meet the evolving needs of our customers.“By leveraging Ooredoo’s digital capabilities, we can offer our clients a more seamless and efficient experience, whether it’s through faster claims processing, personalised coverage options, or enhanced customer service. This collaboration represents a new era of innovation; a significant step toward transforming how we serve our customers in a rapidly changing world,” said al-Mannai.Fakhroo said: “Our collaboration with QIC represents the convergence of two industries - insurance and telecommunications - working together to offer innovative solutions that are deeply aligned with the needs of today’s digital world.“By combining our expertise, we aim to set a new benchmark for service delivery, offering customers more comprehensive, connected, and personalised experiences as we navigate this exciting era of transformation together.”The partnership is a testament to the power of collaboration between industries that are essential to the modern economy. By harnessing QIC’s deep expertise in insurance and Ooredoo’s telecommunications infrastructure, the two companies are committed to creating a more connected, efficient world. Together, they will help businesses and individuals navigate the complexities of the digital age while enhancing the overall customer experience.As part of the strategic collaboration, the two companies will roll out a comprehensive cyber insurance offering. The product will protect individuals and businesses from a variety of online threats, including cyber-attacks, cyber extortion threats, identity theft, credit card fraud, phishing & theft of funds, smart devices & wearables, and online shopping fraud.Fakhroo said: “This collaboration addresses the growing digital risks our customers face daily. By introducing robust cyber insurance products, we’re empowering individuals and businesses to confidently manage the challenges of the digital age. We aim to not only provide a safety net but also to lead the way in creating smarter, more secure digital ecosystems for everyone.”Al-Mannai said: “With the rapid advancements in technology and the increasing reliance on digital platforms, businesses are becoming more susceptible to cyberattacks, which can result in substantial financial losses, reputational harm, and operational disturbances.“To mitigate these risks, there is a growing demand for cyber insurance, a specialised product designed to shield businesses from the financial repercussions of cyber incidents. Cyber insurance is crucial, especially as cyber threats become more sophisticated and frequent, forming an essential part of a comprehensive risk management strategy that ensures businesses can respond to and recover from cyber incidents effectively.”He also said: “As individuals increasingly engage in online banking, shopping, and social networking, the risk of personal data breaches and identity theft escalates. Cyber insurance for individuals can offer coverage for expenses related to identity restoration, legal consultations, and potential losses from fraudulent transactions.“Having this form of insurance provides not only financial protection but also peace of mind, knowing there is a structured response plan to manage the aftermath of a cyber incident. As cyber threats grow more pervasive, individuals must consider cyber insurance an essential aspect of their digital security strategy to protect their digital identities and personal assets effectively.”In addition to enhancing the customer experience, the collaboration is designed to drive growth for both companies. By combining their expertise, QIC and Ooredoo can tap into new markets, explore additional revenue streams, and develop further solutions that respond to the needs of the digital economy.While the initial focus will be on the Qatari market, both companies have ambitious plans for regional expansion, with a view of extending their offering to other markets they operate in such as Oman, Kuwait, and beyond.Al-Mannai added: “The partnership is poised to make a significant impact on the insurance and telecommunications sectors, setting the stage for continued innovation and growth across the region.”

The world approved a bitterly negotiated climate deal Sunday but poorer nations most at the mercy of worsening disasters dismissed a $300bn a year pledge from wealthy historic polluters as insultingly low.After two exhausting weeks of chaotic bargaining and sleepless nights, nearly 200 nations pushed through the contentious finance pact in the early hours in a sports stadium in Azerbaijan.But the applause had barely subsided when India delivered a full-throated rejection of the "abysmally poor" deal, kicking off a firestorm of criticism from across the developing world."It's a paltry sum," thundered India's delegate Chandni Raina."This document is little more than an optical illusion. This, in our opinion, will not address the enormity of the challenge we all face."Sierra Leone's climate minister Jiwoh Abdulai said it showed a "lack of goodwill" from rich countries to stand by the world's poorest as they confront rising seas and harsher droughts.Nigeria's envoy Nkiruka Maduekwe put it even more bluntly: "This is an insult."But at protests throughout COP29, developed nations -- major economies like the European Union, the United States and Japan -- were accused of negotiating in bad faith, making a fair deal impossible.Developing nations arrived in the Caspian Sea city of Baku hoping to secure a massive financial boost from rich countries many times above their existing pledge of $100bn a year.Tina Stege, climate envoy for the Marshall Islands, said she would return home with only a "small portion" of what she fought for, but not empty-handed."It isn't nearly enough, but it's a start," said Stege, whose atoll nation homeland faces an existential threat from creeping sea levels.Nations had struggled at COP29 to reconcile long-standing divisions over how much developed nations most accountable for historic greenhouse gas pollution should provide to poorer countries least responsible but most impacted by Earth's rapid warming.The meeting also saw stalling on the promise to "transition away" from fossil fuels, the main driver of global heating.That pledge, a key achievement of COP28 in Dubai, was scrubbed from the final Baku deal.The Least Developed Countries bloc of 45 nations slammed the COP29 outcome as a "travesty", adding that it failed to make progress on curbing warming, or deliver enough cash to protect the most vulnerable."This is not just a failure; it is a betrayal," the group said in a statement.Nations have agreed to try to limit temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius above preindustrial times. Currently the world is on track for devastating warming of between 2.6C and 3.1C this century, according to the UN.UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said he had "hoped for a more ambitious outcome" and appealed to governments to see it as a starting point.Developed countries only put the $300 bn figure on the table on Saturday after COP29 went into extra time and diplomats worked through the night to improve an earlier spurned offer.Bleary-eyed diplomats, huddled anxiously in groups, were still polishing the final phrasing on the plenary floor in the dying hours before the deal passed.UK Energy Secretary Ed Miliband hailed "a critical eleventh-hour deal at the eleventh hour for the climate".At points, the talks appeared on the brink of collapse.Delegates stormed out of meetings, fired shots across the bow, and threatened to walk away from the negotiating table should rich nations not cough up more cash.In the end -- despite repeating that "no deal is better than a bad deal" -- developing nations did not stand in the way of an agreement.US President Joe Biden cast the agreement reached in Baku as a "historic outcome".EU climate envoy Wopke Hoekstra said it would be remembered as "the start of a new era for climate finance".The agreement commits developed nations to pay at least $300bn a year by 2035 to help developing countries cut emissions and prepare for worsening disasters.It falls short of the $390bn that economists commissioned by the United Nations had deemed a fair share contribution by developed nations.The US and EU pushed to have newly wealthy emerging economies like China -- the world's largest emitter -- chip in.Wealthy nations said it was politically unrealistic to expect more in direct government funding at a time of geopolitical uncertainty and economic belt-tightening.Donald Trump, a sceptic of both climate change and foreign assistance, was elected just days before COP29 began and his victory cast a pall over the UN talks.Other countries, particularly in the EU -- the largest contributor of climate finance -- saw right-wing backlashes against the green agenda, not fertile conditions for raising big sums of public money.The final deal "encourages" developing countries to make contributions on a voluntary basis, reflecting no change for China, which already provides climate finance on its own terms.The deal also posits a larger overall target of $1.3 trillion per year to cope with rising temperatures and disasters, but most would come from private sources.

HE President of the Administrative Control and Transparency Authority (ACTA) Hamad bin Nasser Al Misnad met Sunday with the Chairman of the Anti-Corruption Agency of Kazakhstan Zhumagali Askhat and his accompanying delegation.The meeting discussed a number of topics of common interest. It also discussed ways to enhance co-operation between the two sides in areas of combating corruption and consolidating the values of integrity and transparency, within the framework of the distinguished relations between Qatar and Kazakhstan.The two sides also stressed the importance of building strategic partnerships aimed at exchanging experiences and successful practices in combating corruption and developing effective oversight mechanisms. Future plans for co-operation between the two sides were also discussed, in a way that enhances the capabilities of the agencies concerned with combating corruption in both countries.In this context, HE Al Misnad noted the importance of enhancing co-operation and exchanging views between the two countries on issues related to combating corruption.HE the ACTA president praised the leading role played by the Anti-Corruption Agency of the Republic of Kazakhstan, stressing the commitment of the ACTA to continue working to achieve common goals.In turn, Askhat expressed his gratitude for the warm welcome in Qatar, praising the efforts made by the ACTA to enhance integrity and combat corruption, not only at the local level but also through cooperation with international partners.The meetings come within the framework of the ACTA's keenness to expand the scope of its international co-operation and enhance the position of Qatar as a leading country in combating corruption and promoting transparency.

Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) has urged tobacco users to take the first step towards a healthier life by accessing the services of its innovative Tobacco Control Centre (TCC), a WHO Collaborating Centre.According to Dr Ahmad al-Mulla, director, TCC, access to timely and effective tobacco cessation services can significantly improve a person's quality of life, both in the short and long term.“The HMC TCC offers a range of services to help you quit tobacco in all its forms, including cigarettes, e-cigarettes, vapes, and nicotine pouches,” according to Dr al-Mulla. “Our expert team is dedicated to supporting your journey to a healthier you, utilising a range of state-of-the-art techniques to help you quit."Tobacco use is not just cigarettes and we are seeing an increase in use of vapes and nicotine pouches among other devices," he said.“While traditional cigarettes and shisha use remain a major health concern, it's crucial to recognise the growing threat posed by newer tobacco products like e-cigarettes, vapes, and nicotine pouches.“These products often contain harmful chemicals and addictive substances that can lead to serious health issues, including lung disease, heart problems, and cancer. It is essential to dispel the misconception that these alternatives are safer. The science is clear: any form of tobacco use carries significant risks," Dr al-Mulla added.HMC’s tobacco cessation services are free to access for citizens and residents. The TCC’s treatment programmes primarily rely on a combination of counselling, behavioural therapy and medication as parts of a comprehensive treatment plan for each patient.Quitting tobacco can lead to almost immediate and noticeable health benefits such as improved body function; reduced risk of heart disease; enhanced sense of taste and smell and elevated energy Levels.In addition to TCC at Hamad bin Khalifa Medical City, there are quit smoking clinics located at Hamad General Hospital’s outpatients Department, Al Wakra Hospital, Al Khor Hospital and Hazm Mebeireek General Hospital.

The General Assembly of the Qatar Volleyball Association (QVA) re-elected Ali Ghanem Al Kuwari as President of the QVA by acclamation for the 2024-2028 term.This came during the QVA's General Assembly meeting, held Sunday at the headquarters of the Qatar Olympic Academy after the legal quorum was completed.The new formation of the QVA's Board of Directors included an elite group of Qatari talents, namely Youssef Ahmed Kanoo, Saeed Salem Al Jamani, Mohammed Salem Al Kuwari, Ibrahim Mohammed Al Naama, and Saeed Juma Al Hitmi.Amna Barakat Al Kuwari joined the Board of Directors to be one of the leaders who will contribute to advancing the development of Qatari women's sports, as she has a long record of efficiency and excellence, in a qualitative step that reflects the QVA's commitment to enabling female cadres to participate.QVA President Ali Ghanem Al Kuwari emphasized that the next phase will witness intensive work to raise the game's level, starting with developing local competitions, raising the efficiency of national teams, and strengthening the infrastructure, all the way to achieving more international accomplishments that befit Qatar's sporting status.The attendees praised the role of the QVA's General Assembly in the success of the electoral process, voicing their hope that the new formation of the Board of Directors would be the starting point for a new era full of successes for Qatari volleyball.

Sidra Medicine, a member of Qatar Foundation, has been awarded the ‘Samir Abbas Best Research Award’ for its study in reproductive medicine.The recognition, awarded to a Qatar led team and co-authored by a Qatari clinical embryologist, Dr Abdulla Almohammadi, was announced during the 31st Annual Scientific Meeting of the Middle East Fertility Society held recently in Doha.Titled “The reproductive potential of vitrified-warmed euploid embryos declines following repeated uterine transfers”, the study, a collaborative effort with Hamad Medical Corporation, was published earlier this year in ‘Reproductive Biology and Endocriology’.The research sheds light on the complexities of recurrent implantation failure (RIF) in fertility treatments – a condition that imposes significant psychological and financial challenges on patients undergoing multiple in-vitro fertilisation cycles.Dr Abdulla Almohammadi, clinical embryologist at Sidra Medicine and the study's co-author, said: “Our findings highlight the intricate nature of RIF, which can be a frustrating and challenging burden on couples – both emotionally and financially. While preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy addresses many cases, some remain unresolved. The research will also enable clinicians to tailor treatment strategies, including addressing underlying embryonic and uterine factors, that can improve outcomes and patient well-being.”Prof Johnny Awwad, executive chair of Women’s Services at Sidra Medicine, said: “ RIF being a stirring topic within the scientific community, the findings and perspective from Qatar contribute meaningful data to support clinical management and advance the understanding of this complex issue across the globe. It also underscores Qatar’s role as a leader in medical innovation and clinical research.”The multidisciplinary RIF research team also featured Dr Fadi Choucair, lead clinical embryologist and Dr Lina El Taha, clinical fellow at Sidra Medicine; as well as Dr Hasan Burjaq and Dr Moza Albader from Hamad Medical Corporation. International contributions were led by Dr Aurora Bueno Cavanillas, director of Preventive Medicine and Public Health at the University of Granada, Spain.

Al Abdulghani Motors, the authorised distributor of Toyota and Lexus in Qatar, has signed a new agreement with Qatar Airways to continue supplying innovative passenger and commercial vehicles.The agreement, announced at an official signing ceremony, marks a significant milestone in the 20-year relationship between Al Abdulghani Motors and Qatar Airways.With this new agreement, Al Abdulghani Motors will continue to provide vehicles that support Qatar Airways to meet its diverse transportation needs, from staff transportation to the movement of goods and services, a statement said Sunday.During the signing ceremony, Abdulghani Nasser al-Abdulghani, CEO of Al Abdulghani Motors, said: “Our journey began with a vision to provide the people of Qatar with enhanced mobility and comfort. Over time, this relationship has developed into something truly meaningful and impactful. As we renew this longstanding relationship, we reaffirm our dedication to delivering exceptional mobility solutions that align with Qatar Airways' mission of connecting Qatar to the world.”Abdulla Ali al-Malki, vice president of Financial Control, at Qatar Airways, said: "This agreement reflects our commitment to enhancing the efficiency of our operations and providing exceptional transportation solutions that meet the growing needs of the Qatar Airways Group. We appreciate the collaboration with Al Abdulghani Motors and look forward to further strengthening our relationship to achieve our shared goals."In line with Qatar's Transportation Master Plan 2025, Al Abdulghani Motors continues to offer innovative solutions that meet the evolving needs of different industries including the airline industry, while also contributing to Qatar's broader transportation goals, the statement added.

HE the Minister of Finance Ali bin Ahmed al-Kuwari held a meeting with Ousmane Dionne, Vice-President of the World Bank for the Middle East and North Africa Region at the Ministry of Finance in Doha. During the meeting, aspects of joint co-operation were discussed, especially in the fields of economy, trade and investments and also ways to develop them.

HE the Minister of State for Energy Affairs Saad bin Sherida al-Kaabi met in Doha on Sunday Kgosientso Ramokgopa, Minister of Electricity and Energy of South Africa. Discussions during the meeting dealt with energy relations and co-operation between Qatar and South Africa and means to enhance them.

Commercial Bank has partnered with Qatar Post to issue the first special edition post stamps in celebration of its 50th (golden) anniversary.This collaboration symbolises Commercial Bank’s legacy and commitment to Qatar’s growth, marking five decades of innovation, dedication, and service excellence.The stamps were unveiled at a media event held at the Commercial Bank Plaza on Sunday.Throughout the years, Commercial Bank’s efforts have been centred around client convenience and community advancement. That, the bank said, has been evident in the instrumental role it has, and continues to, play in elevating the financial landscape across Qatar.Since its establishment, the bank has envisioned a banking experience poised not only to prosper but to revolutionise the landscape of financial services. Its catalysing vision has enabled it to gradually become a pioneer in the banking sector, introducing many first-of-its-kind services that have contributed to Qatar’s economic success story.Commercial Bank opened the first private bank in 1974, and introduced the first ATM in Qatar in 1994, the first ladies-only branch in Qatar, the first ladies branch manager, the first visa card, and many other notable achievements.With these milestones in place, Commercial Bank views its 50th anniversary celebration as a collective accomplishment, one that should be shared with its stakeholders and the wider community in Qatar, and for that, has chosen to launch the first special edition post stamps in Qatar to commemorate this timeless significance."Brand presence has consistently been a fundamental priority for Commercial Bank," stated HE Abdul Rahman bin Hamad al-Attiyah, Board Member of Commercial Bank."Over the years, our brand has gained increasing prominence across Qatar and the region, reflecting our dedication to advancing Qatar's economic leadership and fostering impactful progress. We are honoured to be the first bank to collaborate with Qatar Post in issuing exclusive post stamps to commemorate this significant milestone.“The celebration of Commercial Bank’s golden anniversary marks this moment in our history, illustrating the progression from our modest beginnings to becoming a leading force in innovation and excellence. Through our contributions to Qatar’s remarkable economic development, we have kept the nation’s legacy of perseverance, progress, and agility, which continue to define our aspirations for the future."Qatar Post Chairman and Managing Director Faleh bin Mohammed al-Naemi stated: "We are pleased to collaborate with Commercial Bank in launching the first special edition post stamp to commemorate the Bank's 50th anniversary. This initiative marks an important milestone in our partnership with the banking sector, as it represents the first time that joint post stamps have been created with this vital sector.“Furthermore, it reflects the strengthening of the partnership and the remarkable achievements between Qatar Post and Commercial Bank, particularly in the area of digitising payments for mailbox subscription fees. This new service enables Commercial Bank customers to renew their mailbox subscriptions easily online, providing them with a seamless and user-friendly digital experience.“Qatar Post continues to serve as a leading provider of postal services and a key player in logistics. Additionally, we are proud of our active role in supporting the goals of Qatar National Vision 2030 by offering innovative and reliable solutions that meet the needs of both individuals and businesses, as well as facilitating money transfer operations."As Commercial Bank embarks on a new chapter, it stands as a pioneer in a new age of banking; one that integrates cutting-edge technology with world-class financial services and always puts its customers at the heart of everything it does.