Contrast View
Increase Text
Decrease Text
Reset Text
CEO Foreword
QFC has consistently evolved to meet the dynamic changes in both local and global business and economic landscapes. As a thought leader, we remain committed to providing our stakeholders with valuable insights on emerging trends and key developments across industries, particularly in financial services.
To better serve this purpose, we have redesigned our newsletter, enhancing its ability to inform, educate, and share updates on our latest initiatives and achievements. Our aim is to keep you well-informed and engaged as we continue driving economic growth and innovation. We invite you to stay connected to both Qatar’s dynamic marketplace and the broader international business landscape.
Yousuf Mohamed Al-Jaida
Chief Executive Officer, Qatar Financial Centre
Firms Registered with QFC in March and April
Total Number of Firms
Latest News
QFC Signs MOU with Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry to Enhance Cross-Border Business Collaboration
QFC and the Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to enhance bilateral trade and foster cross-border cooperation between Qatar and Cyprus. Through joint initiatives, the two parties will strengthen business ties in the financial and professional services sectors
Qatar Financial Centre Authority signs medical agreement with “The View” hospital
QFC has signed a Medical Services Agreement with The View Hospital to provide immigration-related medical services for eligible employees of QFC Authority, QFC licensed firms, and their dependents, on behalf of the Qatar Medical Commission. This new service streamlines the onboarding process on the QFC platform.
QICDRC partners with LexisNexis to launch legal guide on QFC Court
The Qatar International Court and Dispute Resolution Centre (QICDRC), in collaboration with LexisNexis, has launched Azmeh and Nicolon: The Law and Practice of the QFC Civil and Commercial Court and Regulatory Tribunal. This authoritative publication offers a comprehensive analysis of the laws governing the QFC Court and Tribunal, serving as an essential reference for legal practitioners, businesses, and academics.
Qatar is set to introduce new laws to strengthen its appeal to foreign investors. Upcoming laws on bankruptcy, public-private partnerships (PPP), and commercial registration will affect over 500 business activities, according to the Minister of Commerce and Economy, Sheikh Faisal bin Thani Al Thani. Economists have welcomed the announcement, noting its potential to drive growth in non-energy sectors.
Earlier this year, key institutions implemented reforms to further streamline business operations. The Qatar Financial Centre (QFC) cut its licensing application fee by 90%, from USD 5,000 to USD 500. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoCI), in collaboration with Manateq, reduced leasing rates by up to 50% for five years across industrial, logistics, and commercial zones.
Within the financial services sector, Qatar's banks continue to demonstrate resilience, reporting the lowest cost-to-income ratio in the GCC at 25.6% and the highest coverage for Stage 3 loans at 85.1%. EY says Qatar banks maintains sufficient profitability and robust capital strength, with both Tier 1 and capital adequacy ratio (CAR) surpassing the mandated regulatory thresholds. In the meantime, Qatari insurers have outperformed their regional peers in profitability metrics, according to S&P Global Ratings.
Qatar was recently classified as a developed market by JP Morgan Chase & Co., signalling financial maturity and reinforcing investor confidence. The designation is expected to boost capital inflows, elevate Qatar’s global visibility, and improve access to international markets.
Adding to these achievements, Qatar rose to second place in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region in the 2025 Global Economic Freedom Index by The Heritage Foundation. With a score of 70.2, Qatar ranks 27th among 184 indexed countries, surpassing the 2025 regional and global averages of 58.6 and 59.7, respectively
Qatar’s Rising Role in Regional Venture Capital
As Qatar drives forward with its National Vision 2030, the country is positioning itself as a dynamic hub for financial and capital markets. The Third Financial Sector Strategy, coupled with the broader national vision, has laid the foundation for building a robust market focused on innovation, investor protection, and sustained growth. Central to this ambition is establishing Qatar as a premier destination for venture capital investment, a critical engine for economic diversification and long-term prosperity.
The notable progress seen in Qatar's venture capital market in recent years reflects the success of the strategy. Despite a dip in 2023, where funding stood at QAR 49 million, the market rebounded strongly in 2024 with capital deployment reaching QAR 115 million, a 135% year-on-year increase. The number of transactions also rose by 24%, placing Qatar fourth in the MENA region by deal count and sixth for total funding.
Private sector participation is also accelerating, with investors and funds accounting for 57% of VC activity in 2024. Qatar aims to raise this share to 70% by 2030, supported by national programmes such as Startup Qatar and the Arab Entrepreneurs Investment Program, which are driving deal flow and expanding the startup pipeline. Major developments also include the Qatar Investment Authority’s USD1 billion VC Fund of Funds, attracting global players, and Rasmal Ventures’ launch of the first homegrown VC fund have further boosted market momentum.
Qatar’s VC market recovery, along with its five-year CAGR of 32% from 2020 to 2024, signals renewed investor confidence and reflects the market’s growing maturity.
With improving market conditions and a supportive institutional framework, Qatar is quietly but firmly establishing itself as a competitive player in the regional venture capital ecosystem. The QFC plays a key role in this transformation. Its business platform offers a robust legal and regulatory framework, tax advantages, and streamlined setup processes that attract global VC firms and support local startups, making it a cornerstone of Qatar’s growing venture capital ecosystem.
Kamal NajiChief Economist & Special Projects Officer, QFC
QFC Metaverse: A Digital Frontier for Business Innovation and Web3
The Qatar Financial Centre (QFC) has recently unveiled the QFC Metaverse, an interactive virtual space designed to transform business engagement and innovation. Representing a new frontier for the QFC to connect with and serve clients, this latest initiative under the QFC Innovation Dome seeks to establish a collaborative and dynamic digital financial district without borders.
The space facilitates networking, enabling financial institutions, corporates, fintech firms, and startups to explore new opportunities and work together on innovative projects, and features dedicated areas where businesses can present their latest fintech and digital asset solutions.
A key element of the Metaverse is its educational component, offering virtual workshops, training sessions, and expert-led discussions to help businesses stay competitive in the rapidly evolving digital economy.
Designed with user experience in mind, the platform features exhibition halls, meeting rooms, auditoriums, and Robo Assistance to guide users through various processes. Participants can personalise their experience with custom avatars and virtual workspaces, creating a fully immersive digital environment.
As part of Qatar’s broader digital transformation strategy, the QFC Metaverse aligns with the Qatar National Vision 2030 by driving digital adoption and fostering innovation across industries. With plans to evolve into a fully-fledged financial hub, the Metaverse promises to be a key driver in Qatar’s economic growth and a powerful tool for global business connectivity.
Click on the button below to explore the QFC Metaverse
Doha Tech Angels (DTA)
Doha Tech Angels (DTA) is on a mission to empower the next generation of tech disruptors, offering not just capital but also strategic insights, mentorship, and global connections to help early-stage startups thrive.
Founded by 15 visionary partners, DTA unites seasoned investors, entrepreneurs, and executives across technology, finance, telecommunications, real estate, banking, education, and healthcare, providing the expertise to shape tomorrow’s industry leaders
