News

Covid-19 considered as catalyst for new digital businesses in Qatar

Doha Bank recently hosted a webinar to discuss the impact of Covid-19 on the acceleration of the digital transformation driven by the financial sector.

The event titled “Digital Transformation & Changing Business Models” noted that 85 percent of the financial transactions of Doha Bank`s clients are made by digital means and 95 percent of the money transfers of Doha Bank’s...

25/05/21

Qatar Free Zones Authority continues to grow despite the pandemic

The Qatar Free Zones Authority (QFZA) continues to grow and now boasts over 130 operational businesses including global giants like Google, DHL, GWC, China Harbour and Volkswagen.

The QFZA is an independent regulatory authority. It currently oversees two free zones. The Ras Bufontas Free Zone with 400 hectares next to Hamad International Airport near...

23/05/21

The International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) publishes new rules for arbitration

The International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) has published new rules for arbitration which reflect the modernisation, efficiency, integrity and enforceability.

The new rules apply to all cases registered with the ICC on or after January 1, 2021.

In Article 26 (1) it empowers a tribunal to decide whether a hearing should be conducted in person or remotely by the...

20/05/21

Qatar to be guest country at St. Petersburg International Economic Forum in Russia

Qatar is preparing for its role as a guest country at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF) 2021 in Russia from June 2nd – 5th.

Since Qatar will play a special role at the SPIEF 2021, the country’s business delegation will be among the largest in attendance. It will include representatives of more than 50 Qatari organizations (from high-ranking...

18/05/21

Qatar to become a vibrant hub for maritime transport in the region

Qatar’s plan to transform the country into a regional hub for maritime transport is in line with high volumes of shipments and trans-shipments. Whereas, the volume of trans-shipments increased by 73 percent in the month of April compared to the same time last year according to information released by Mwani Qatar.

The country currently...

16/05/21

QDB spearheads new initiatives for Qatari businesses in Russian market

Qatar Development Bank’s (QDB) investment arm has assisted nine Qatari enterprises to enter the Russian market most recently as part of the “soft landing” program in association with the Skolkovo Foundation.

The initiative is part of QDB’s strategy to create more opportunities and possibilities for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in line with the Qatar National Vision...

13/05/21

Family-owned businesses in Qatar to adapt for a more sustainable future

The latest Pricewaterhouse Coopers (PwC) Middle East’s family business survey reflects the resilience of these very well established businesses in the region despite the pandemic.

The pandemic has emphasized the importance of embracing technology to retain old clients and...

11/05/21

Scale 7 launches first wave of accelerator program for fashion and design industry

The first wave of the fashion and design accelerator program has been launched by Scale7, a collaboration of M7, the epicentre for design, innovation and entrepreneurship in Msheireb Downtown, and Qatar Development Bank (QDB).

It follows...

09/05/21

Qatar to play a leading role and to be an internal hub for sports law

Qatar is positioning itself to become a regional and international leader in sports law and governance.

The country has already made significant progress and hosts the newly established Qatar Sports Arbitration Tribunal (QSAT), an independent organisation which resolves sports-related disputes through arbitration and mediation.

Also, Qatar...

06/05/21

Approval for draft law to permit full foreign ownership of listed Qatari companies

The most recent announcement to permit full foreign ownership of Qatari companies listed on the Qatar Stock Exchange (QSE) is a push to attract more foreign direct investment and to underline Qatar’s strong position.

The move may translate into foreign direct investments of QAR 5.5 billion (USD 1.5 billion) into listed Qatari companies according to EFG-Hermes,...

04/05/21