Gulf Times Business
Chamber takes part in Arab-German Chamber board meeting, general assembly in Berlin
Qatar Chamber chairman Sheikh Khalifa bin Jassim al-Thani has led a delegation to the joint meeting of the executive office and the board of directors, as well as the General Assembly Meeting of the ArabGerman Chamber of Commerce and Industry...
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Hormuz reopening seen unleashing pent-up Gulf grain demand
An interim US-Iran deal to end their months-long war and potentially fully reopen the Strait of Hormuz is likely to trigger a rush of grain imports to nations in the Arabian Gulf after months of reliance on longer, less efficient routes. A vital...
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Fertiliser ships face long backlog even after Hormuz reopens
An interim US-Iran deal to end their months-long war and potentially fully reopen the Strait of Hormuz is unlikely to immediately ease fertiliser flows as shipowners wait for more details to assess the safety of transits. A vital conduit for global...
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Dandy begins book-building for QSE entry
Dandy Ltd Company has kicked off a book-building process for a 40% stake sale and a planned listing on the Main Market of the Qatar Stock Exchange (QSE), after obtaining approval from the Qatar Financial Markets Authority (QFMA). The company, which...
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Hormuz disruption tops 100 days but GCC sovereigns hold ratings: S&P
GCC sovereign credit ratings have held firm despite the Strait of Hormuz disruption surpassing 100 days, with S&P Global Ratings citing elevated oil prices, alternative export routes and significant accumulated liquid assets as the factors keeping...
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World Bank lowers global growth forecast on Iran war impacts
The World Bank on Thursday lowered its global growth forecast to its lowest level since the pandemic, warning of the expanding economic impacts of the war in the Middle East on countries around the globe. Worldwide growth is now forecast to drop to...
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Invest Qatar showcases opportunities in Qatar
enhancing academic cooperation in the fields of science, culture and entrepreneurship, and supporting innovation ecosystems in both Qatar and Turkiye, by encouraging partnerships between startups and facilitating knowledge exchange, in addition to...
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Gulf Air sees travel demand recovering in summer
Bahrain’s national carrier has predicted travel demand through its hub will recover in coming weeks after the Iran war disrupted passenger flows across the region and forced the airline to halt operations. For July, “we’re seeing higher forward...
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Qatari Diar celebrates opening of SEVEN, completion of £1bn Southbank Place development in London
Qatari Diar has celebrated the opening of SEVEN, the final building at Southbank Place in central London, marking the completion of the landmark £1bn mixed-use development delivered in partnership with Canary Wharf Group. The milestone concludes a...
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QSE seen awaiting FTSE Russell index review
Qatar Stock Exchange (QSE) index closed this week down 2.41%, losing 255.7 points to settle at 10,335 points, compared to last the week. The decline was driven by pressure across most sectors, with the banking and financial services sector experiencing...
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ICAI Doha Chapter hosts ‘Embracing Challenge’ event with industry leaders and experts
The ICAI Doha Chapter recently conducted its flagship knowledge and networking event titled ‘Embracing Challenge’, engaging more than 120 members, professionals, and business leaders in thought leadership, industry insights, and professional...
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IMF flags central bank independence gaps across Middle East, Central Asia
Central banks in the Middle East, Central Asia and the Caucasus need stronger protection from political pressure and government financing demands to keep inflation in check, an International Monetary Fund paper said on Tuesday, as the Middle East war...
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QNB expects Asean-6 economies to sustain growth momentum despite global headwinds
QNB expects the economies of the Asean-6 group to continue expanding at rates well above the global average, supported by favourable demographics, resilient domestic consumption, deeper regional integration, and an accelerating investment cycle in...
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Russia fails again to sell stake in UGC
Russia has failed for a second time to auction the stake in gold producer Uzhuralzoloto (UGC) that it seized last year, the federal property management agency said on Tuesday, dealing a blow to the government as it seeks to ease budget pressures. A...
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Government tenders reach QR8.6bn in Q1
The Ministry of Finance (MoF) announced yesterday that government tenders and bids achieved a total value of QR8.6bn during the first quarter of 2026, reports QNA. In a post on its X platform, the MoF said that QR6.3bn of these tenders was awarded to...
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QFC, Ahli Bank sign MoU to advance fintech innovation
The Qatar Financial Centre (QFC) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Ahli Bank to collaborate on initiatives that support fintech innovation, digital transformation, and the continued development of Qatar’s financial services sector....
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Qatar real estate trading exceeds QR466mn in one week
The volume of real estate trading through sale contracts registered with the Real Estate Registration Department at the Ministry of Justice between May 10 and 14 reached QR405,748,934, while the total value of sale contracts recorded in the real estate...
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Ooredoo launches Qatar’s first operator-led zero trust security solution for IoT devices
Ooredoo announced the launch of IoT SecureConnect, an operator-led Zero Trust security solution designed specifically for connected Internet of Things (IoT) devices, marking a first-ofits-kind innovation in Qatar. As IoT adoption accelerates across a...
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Workshop shows Qatar entrepreneurs how AI can fast-track software, startup creation
Artificial intelligence-assisted tools have been instrumental in narrowing the gap between a startup idea and a working product, allowing founders and developers to build apps, websites, data tools, and business products without writing a single line...
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QICCA highlights Qatar’s commitment to developing ADR
A delegation from the Qatar International Centre for Conciliation and Arbitration (QICCA), led by its vice chairman, Sheikh Dr Thani bin Ali al-Thani, has attended the closing ceremony of the ‘Accelerated Track Qualifying for Membership’ programme,...
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Euro Area faces deteriorating growth outlook, says QNB
At the beginning of the year, key indicators signalled an improvement in economic growth for the Euro Area. This expected trajectory was suddenly disrupted following the US-Israeli military campaign against Iran, launched on February 28. Tehran...
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QSE recasts index committee; supports market confidence
The Qatar Stock Exchange (QSE) has reconstituted the index committee, reflecting the continued commitment to strengthening the governance, transparency and institutional oversight of its market indices. The reconstituted index committee will be...
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GCC banks may largely resort to private placements and syndicated loans if Iran war persists: Fitch
The GCC (Gulf Co-operation Council) banks are likely to make greater use of private placements and syndicated loans if the Iran conflict persists, according to Fitch, a global credit rating agency. “Even if conditions stabilise and public markets...
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Qatar Chamber discusses enhancing trade ties with Turkish delegation
Qatar Chamber hosted yesterday a trade delegation headed by Abdullah Altunkum, chairperson of the Türkiye-Qatar Business Council of the Foreign Economic Relations of Türkiye (DEIK). Qatar Chamber first vice chairman Mohamed bin Towar al-Kuwari...
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Qatar Insurance retains position in top 10 strongest Qatari brands ranking by Brand Finance
Qatar Insurance has retained its position among Qatar’s strongest brands, once again securing a place in Brand Finance’s 2026 ranking of the Top 10 Most Valuable and Strongest Qatari Brands. QIC also remains the only insurer included in the ranking,...
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Sombre outlook as inflation edges up
We may be entering the largest energy crisis of modern times, the IMF has warned in its April 2026 World Economic Outlook. Downside risks dominate following the US-Israel-Iran conflict and the near-halting of trade through the globally critical Strait...
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Prediction markets are gambling and that’s a good thing
The debate over calls to regulate prediction markets cuts to the heart of how we differentiate among gambling, speculation, and investment, raising the question of why the prejudice against making market “bets” persists. Operators of prediction-market...
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QCB governor meets founding partner of Global Infrastructure Partners
HE the Governor of Qatar Central Bank (QCB) and Chairman of Qatar Investment Authority, Sheikh Bandar bin Mohammed bin Saoud al-Thani, met yesterday with founding partner, chairman and chief executive officer of Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP),...
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CEO of Qatar Free Zones Authority meets ambassador of Panama
Signs of Iran war coming to an end had its reflection on the Qatar Stock Exchange (QSE), which yesterday saw its key index surge as much as 145 points and capitalisation add in excess of QR9bn. A higher than average demand in the banking counter led...
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QSE sees domestic funds extend strong buying support
The Qatar Stock Exchange (QSE) yesterday saw strong buying interests of domestic institutions but overall it closed in the negative, snapping two consecutive days of bullish spell. Opening the market strong, reaching an intraday high of 10,564 points,...
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Qatar takes part in Arab financial institutions’ annual meetings
The State of Qatar participated at the joint annual meetings of Arab financial institutions for 2026, held virtually on Monday, reports QNA. Ministry of Finance’s Deputy Undersecretary for Economic Affairs Dr Saud bin Abdullah al-Attiyah, led the...
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ICAI Doha Chapter hosts session on ‘Transforming Profession in Digital Era’
The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) Doha Chapter conducted an online session on ‘Transforming Profession in Digital Era’ with the participation of around 100 members. Chairperson Arun Somanath opened the session and highlighted the...
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QCB issues Ijara sukuk on behalf of Ministry Finance
The Qatar Central Bank (QCB) issued on Thursday government Ijara Sukuk on behalf of the Ministry of Finance, with a total value of QR2.5bn, reports QNA. The QCB explained that the sukuk maturities vary as QR1.25bn (tap issuance) with a maturity date of...
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Mannai Corporation revenues jump 29% to QR1.3bn in Q1
Mannai Corporation has reported revenues ofQR1.3bn in the first quarter (Q1) of 2026, representing a year-on-year 29% increase. Gross profit rose by 8.1% to QR188mn in the review period. The group earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and...
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Al Mahhar Holding Q1 net profit jumps 17.7% to QR15.1mn
Al Mahhar Holding Company, one of the leading services and specialised products providers to the energy and infrastructure sectors in Qatar, has reported net profit of QR15.1mn in the first quarter (Q1) of 2026, a 17.7% increase on an annualised...
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Milaha reports Q1 net profit of QR297mn
Qatar Navigation (Milaha) has announced a net profit of QR297mn for the first three months of 2026. In the same period last year, Milaha’s net profit stood at QR374mn. The company also reported earnings per share of QR0.26 in Q1 2026, compared to...
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Estithmar subsidiary to pick 49% stake in Syria’s Shahba Bank
The Qatar Stock Exchange-listed Estithmar Holding has signed an agreement to invest in Shahba Bank through its subsidiary Estithmar Capital. Under the deal concluded in Damascus, Masaref Holding, a subsidiary of Estithmar Capital, will take a 49%...
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Meta to cut 10% of jobs in push for efficiency
President Donald Trump unveiled a sweeping program of tariffs early last year. “We see a broader trend toward diversification rather than outright de-dollarization, and the data fail to demonstrate broadbased de-dollarization,” JPMorgan’s Chang and...
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QAMCO posts Q1 profit of QR209mn
Qatar Aluminium Manufacturing Company (QAMCO), a 50% joint venture (JV) partner in Qatar Aluminium Company (Qatalum), reported a net profit of QR209mn for the first three months of 2026, with earnings per share (EPS) of QR0.037. QAMCO’s Q1 net profit...
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Nakilat records Q1 net profit of QR439mn
Nakilat achieved a net profit of QR439mn in the first quarter (Q1) compared to QR433mn the previous year. “Despite the geopolitical challenges faced by Nakilat during Q1 2026, the company was able to maintain its operational performance and take...
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Doha could see revival of IPOs, listings in energy sector, post war: KPMG in Qatar
Doha, which has been relatively “more resilient and stable”, could see the revival of initial public offerings or IPOs/listing in the energy sectors in the medium-tolong term in the post Iran-war scenario, according to KPMG in Qatar. The country could...
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Qatar industry leaders invited to global halal expo in Malaysia
Driven by a shared commitment to economic prosperity and sustainable development, bilateral trade between Malaysia and Qatar continues to demonstrate enduring resilience and dynamic growth, Badrul Hisham Hilal, Trade commissioner, Malaysia External...
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WEEKLY REVIEW
Brighter prospects of another round of talks between the US and Iran to diffuse war had positively reflected on the Qatar Stock Exchange (QSE), which closed this week on a positive note. The telecom, industrials, banking and real estate counters...
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Real estate trading exceeds QR777mn in one week
has included vacant land, residences, residential buildings, commercial shops, administrative offices, a commercial building, and residential units. Sales were concentrated in the municipalities of Doha, Al Rayyan, Al Wakrah, Al Daayen, Umm Salal, Al...
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What to know about the US blockade of Strait of Hormuz
Frustrated by Iran’s unwillingness to give up its stranglehold over the Strait of Hormuz, US President Donald Trump is trying to force the issue. The US military announced that it had imposed a full blockage of Iran’s southern coastline, including...
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QSE sees 70% stocks extend gains as index edges up
Investors factored in “an openness to dialogue” in the Iran war as the Qatar Stock Exchange yesterday gained more than 66 points to settle near 10,700 levels and capitalisation add in excess of QR5bn. The transport, consumer goods, industrials, real...
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Opec lowers Q2 global oil demand forecast on Iran war
Opec on Monday lowered its forecast for world oil demand in the second quarter by 500,000 barrels per day, the producer group’s monthly oil report showed in its first public assessment of the Iran war’s impact on the market. Opec sees a smaller hit to...
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Oil-rich Latin America lures traders navigating war jitters
Latin American assets have emerged as a haven for emerging-market investors trying to navigate an increasingly volatile global backdrop, buoyed by a roster of oil exporters and greater insulation from tensions in the Middle East. Currencies across the...
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Russia seen to offer sanctioned LNG to energy-hungry Asia at a discount
Russia is seeking to leverage a global natural gas supply crunch to lure energy-starved South Asia into purchasing shipments from its US-sanctioned facilities, according to people familiar with the matter. The shipments were being offered at a 40%...
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Wars impose deep and prolonged economic costs on countries, says IMF research
Wars cause large and persistent economic losses in countries where fighting takes place, with output declining by roughly 7% over five years on average, and economic scars lasting for more than a decade, the International Monetary Fund said in research...
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EM assets climb as traders hunt for winners
Emerging market (EM) stocks climbed on Tuesday, cruising towards their third consecutive session of gains as investors weary of the relentless headlines from the Middle East picked winners selectively. Repeated false dawns and harsh rhetoric from both...
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QFCRA launches refreshed brand identity
combined ratios signals that insurers are likely to sustain underwriting profitability in the medium term,” the analyst said. Qatar Insurance reported 100% net combined ratio, QLM 99%, Doha Insurance 89%, Al Koot 86%, Al Khaleej Takaful 86%, Beema...
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QSE mirrors regional sentiments as index loses 67 points
The Qatar Stock Exchange (QSE) yesterday saw about 40% of the stocks extend gains but overall it settled in the negative. The market, which touched an intraday low of 10,148 points, managed to regain some lost grounds to finally settle at 10,160.38...
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FIATA seminar via Qatar Chamber initiative examines global shipping risks
The International Federation of Freight Forwarders Associations (FIATA), at the invitation of Qatar Chamber, recently organised a webinar on ‘Middle East Security Situation: Managing Legal, Insurance, and Operational Risks in Times of Disruption’. The...
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Al-Kaabi meets UK secretary of state for energy security
HE the Minister of State for Energy Affairs Saad bin Sherida al-Kaabi met yesterday with the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero of the United Kingdom, Ed Miliband, reports QNA. Discussions during the meeting, which was held virtually,...
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‘Qatar becoming a strategic tech hub’
Qatar is becoming a strategic hub as it combines political stability, financial strength with a clear vision for the future, says Licorne Gulf founder Irina Duisimbekova. Excerpts from the interview: How do you see Qatar’s position in the global...
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Premiums surge, runs cut as war disrupts naphtha supply to Asia
Cut off from Middle East naphtha due to the Iran war, Asian producers of plastics and packaging face surging premiums that are already hitting output at petrochemical plants. Benchmark prices for first-half May cargoes soared to around $1,300 a ton on...
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