October Qatar Venture Capital News: Invest Qatar Holds Roundtable Meeting for Chinese-funded Enterprises; Over 5,000 new foreign-funded enterprises have been added in Qatar within three months.

China-Qatar Cooperation

Invest Qatar Hosts Chinese Enterprises Roundtable to Deepen China-Qatar Economic and Trade Cooperation

Recently, Invest Qatar and the Qatar Association of Chinese Enterprises jointly held a roundtable meeting for Chinese-funded enterprises, inviting representatives of Chinese enterprises operating in Qatar including ICBC, Bank of China, China Harbour Engineering, China Railway Construction, Yutong Bus, Xiamen Airlines, Kingdee International and Dahua Technology to exchange operational experience and discuss deepening bilateral economic and trade cooperation. The meeting focused on continuous post-landing services for enterprises, access to business information, and how to better meet the operational needs of Chinese-funded enterprises. Invest Qatar stated that it hopes to further improve support measures by directly listening to enterprise feedback, helping Chinese-funded enterprises expand their business in Qatar and explore new business opportunities.>>>Read the full article, click to view<<<

The People's Bank of China and Qatar Central Bank Renew Bilateral Local Currency Swap Agreement to Promote Bilateral Trade and Investment

Recently, Sheikh Bandar bin Mohammed bin Saoud Al-Thani, Governor of Qatar Central Bank, and Pan Gongsheng, Governor of the People's Bank of China, signed the document extending the bilateral local currency swap agreement during the Annual Meetings of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank held in Bangkok. This is the third time the two sides have extended the agreement. The extension aims to further promote bilateral trade and direct investment between China and Qatar, provide financial support for enterprises of the two countries to conduct cross-border transactions in their local currencies, and deepen bilateral monetary and financial cooperation.>>>Read the full article, click to view<<<

Qatar Financial Center Visits China and Signs Two Memoranda of Cooperation to Deepen Financial and Economic and Trade Cooperation with China

The delegation of Qatar Financial Center (QFC), led by CEO Mansoor al-Khater, visited China and signed memoranda of cooperation with the Beijing Financial Street Service Bureau and the Belt and Road General Chamber of Commerce respectively during the visit. The delegation also attended the 2026 Hong Kong Belt and Road Summit. Mansoor al-Khater said that future economic cooperation will expand to emerging fields such as green energy, artificial intelligence and digital infrastructure, and pointed out that attention should be paid to project feasibility, industrial ecology, capital sources and talent cultivation. QFC stated that the two agreements are important measures to deepen economic relations with China and expand cooperation and investment opportunities in Asia.>>>Read the full article, click to view<<<

Qatar's Aamal Cooperates with China Railway Tunnel Group to Expand Tunnel Engineering Supply Chain

Qatari listed enterprise Aamal announced that its subsidiary Advanced Pipes & Castings Company (APC) has signed a memorandum of understanding on cooperation with China Railway Tunnel Group, planning to jointly explore cooperation opportunities for tunnel engineering projects in Qatar and surrounding regions. The two sides will focus on studying the demand for prefabricated tunnel segments and related supply chains, combining the technical experience of Chinese enterprises in the field of tunnel engineering with the local manufacturing capacity of Qatari enterprises to expand cooperation in infrastructure projects.

Huawei and Vodafone Qatar Host Smart Education Summit to Promote AI into Teaching Scenarios

Huawei and Vodafone Qatar jointly held the 2026 Education Summit to discuss the application of artificial intelligence in teaching, scientific research and smart campus management. Huawei demonstrated AI solutions for basic education, higher education and scientific research; Vodafone introduced infrastructure such as campus networks, cloud computing and cybersecurity, and jointly demonstrated educational robotics applications with Chinese robotics enterprise Agibot. The two sides hope to cooperate with educational institutions through technology to promote the digital upgrading of Qatar's education system and cultivate talents that meet the needs of future industries.

Qatar and Hong Kong Strengthen Investment Cooperation to Connect the Gulf and Asian Markets

The Qatar Businessmen Association (QBA) held talks with Paul Chan Mo-po, Financial Secretary of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government, focusing on cooperation in financial services, asset management, healthcare, logistics, technology and innovation. The two sides hope to leverage Hong Kong's advantages in connecting China and Asian capital markets to help Qatari enterprises expand their Asian business; at the same time, give play to Qatar's geographical role radiating the Gulf and surrounding markets to provide a platform for Hong Kong and Asian enterprises to enter the Middle East.

Qatar Diamond Exchange Joins Hands with Hong Kong to Expand Asian Market Layout

The Qatar Diamond Exchange and the Diamond Federation of Hong Kong, China signed a memorandum of cooperation to establish a strategic cooperative relationship and further expand the Asian market. The two sides will strengthen member docking, build new business channels for diamond trade, and create transaction opportunities through industry activities, tenders, auctions and mutual visits between Doha and Hong Kong, while jointly maintaining consumer confidence in natural diamonds and industry norms. Since the beginning of this year, the exchange has successively signed cooperation agreements with diamond trading institutions in Singapore, Shanghai, Tokyo and Italy, gradually building an international network covering major diamond trading centers in Asia and extending to Europe.

Industry Opportunities

Qatar's Non-Oil and Gas Industries Contribute Approximately 80% of Real GDP

The Emir of Qatar stated at the opening ceremony of the 55th Annual Session of the Advisory Council that Qatar's non-oil and gas industries continue to grow, and their contribution to real GDP has reached approximately 80%, reflecting the resilience of the national economy in a complex environment. He pointed out that Qatar supplies about one-fifth of the global trade volume of liquefied natural gas, and any supply disruption may quickly spread to the global market. The Emir emphasized that the government currently takes protecting people's safety, ensuring people's livelihood needs and boosting economic activities as its top priority. All departments work closely with the private sector to reduce the impact of external shocks by broadening supply channels, ensuring the supply of necessities and strategic reserves.>>>Read the full article, click to view<<<

Qatar Adds More Than 5,000 Foreign-Funded Enterprises in Three Months, Economic Resilience Supports Investment Confidence

H E Sheikh Faisal bin Thani bin Faisal Al Thani, Qatari Minister of Commerce and Industry, stated at the Bloomberg New Economy Forum that despite regional situations impacting the energy industry and supply chains, Qatar still maintains strong investment attractiveness, with more than 5,000 foreign-funded enterprises registered in Doha in the past three months. The government stabilizes market confidence through prudent fiscal policies, continuous infrastructure investment and improved business environment, and is studying further relaxation of foreign equity ownership restrictions and simplifying enterprise approval procedures.

Qatar's Auto Trading Accelerates Digitalization, Online Platform Integrates Valuation and Insurance Services

Qatar's automotive market is accelerating the transformation to digital transactions, and consumers are increasingly using online platforms to complete vehicle model selection, price comparison and pre-purchase preparations. Platforms represented by QIC Market have covered more than 60 automotive brands, and integrated vehicle valuation, holding cost analysis and insurance services to help consumers improve the efficiency of car purchase decision-making. The digital trend not only involves used cars, but also gradually affects new car sales models.

Number of Catering Venues in Qatar Exceeds 6,000, Tourism Drives Service Quality Upgrading

Qatar Tourism stated that the number of catering venues across the country has exceeded 6,000, showing the continuous expansion of the catering and hotel service industry. Through the "Taste of Qatar" program launched in 2025, Qatar Tourism implements star rating for restaurants and cafes, and provides a communication and display platform for local catering entrepreneurs. Qatar hopes to enhance tourism attractiveness and cultivate more small and medium-sized enterprises through catering culture, service standards and local brand building.

Qatar Ranks 5th in MENA in AI Talent Readiness, Skill Training Grows Rapidly

The 2026 Global Skills Report released by Coursera shows that Qatar ranks 5th in the Middle East and North Africa region and 46th globally in the newly established "AI and Human Skills Synergy Index". This index focuses on measuring the degree of integration of AI technical capabilities with human skills such as critical thinking, communication and collaboration. The number of registrations for AI courses in Qatar increased by 70% year-on-year, reflecting the continuous rising demand of enterprises and individuals for relevant skills. The government is accelerating the cultivation of digital talents through AI training programs and cooperation with international technology enterprises, promoting the transformation of artificial intelligence investment into actual productivity.

Qatar Increases Investment in Recycling Industry, Promotes Waste-to-Energy and Circular Economy Construction

Qatar is accelerating the development of circular economy by expanding investment in recycling facilities, introducing private capital and building waste-to-energy projects. At the 6th Conference on Recycling and Sustainable Development, the Ministry of Municipality stated that 9 investors have been selected to build new recycling facilities, 4 of which have signed land lease agreements. The government also plans to build centralized sorting and recycling facilities, modern waste-to-energy plants, and upgrade the national smart waste management system. Relevant measures aim to reduce landfill, improve resource utilization efficiency, and turn waste treatment into new industrial investment opportunities.

AI Penetration Rate in Qatar Rises to 43.5%, Ranking Among Top 10 Globally

The latest Global AI Penetration Index from Microsoft shows that in the second quarter of 2026, Qatar ranked 10th globally, with approximately 43.5% of the working-age population using generative artificial intelligence, higher than 41.8% in the first quarter. Qatar's AI usage rate has continued to rise in recent years, reflecting that generative AI is accelerating into the daily applications of residents and enterprises. As the government continues to promote digital transformation and artificial intelligence strategies, AI applications are gradually becoming an important support for Qatar to improve production efficiency and develop the digital industry.

Qatar's Digital Startup Ecosystem Expands Rapidly, Startup Revenue Reaches 178 Million Riyals

The Ministry of Communications and Information Technology of Qatar (MCIT) stated that through projects such as the TASMU Accelerator, Digital Incubation Center, Scale Now and SME GO DIGITAL, Qatar has formed an entrepreneurship support system covering enterprise incubation, financing, expansion and digital transformation. At present, relevant programs have promoted the registration and settlement of 130 startups, achieving a total revenue of more than 178 million Qatari Riyals (about 49.4 million U.S. dollars), and creating 1,485 local jobs.

Qatar Expands Active Asset Management Program to 500 Million Riyals

The newly established Qatari investment platform "Doha Investment" announced that it will expand the scale of the "Qatar Active Asset Management Program" from 260 million Riyals to 500 million Riyals. The new funds will be invested in cash and open to qualified local and international asset management institutions in Qatar. This move aims to improve market liquidity, expand the participation of institutional investors, and promote the development of Qatar's capital market and asset management industry. In the future, new local and international asset management institutions will continue to be introduced to further enhance market activity and diversification.

Market Policies

Qatar Launches Digital Business Map Platform to Help Enterprises with Site Selection and Investment Decision-Making

The Qatari Ministry of Commerce and Industry has launched a business map platform to provide digital market information services for local and international entrepreneurs and investors. The platform provides six main services: AI map analysis, finding the best location, monitoring business closures, discovering newly established enterprises, exploring business types, and attracting foreign investment, covering functions such as market dynamics tracking, business type query and foreign investment layout analysis. The platform aims to provide a unified digital information channel for entrepreneurs, investors and researchers, help them carry out preliminary market research and investment assessment more conveniently, and further optimize Qatar's business environment.>>>Read the full article, click to view<<<

Qatar Launches E-Commerce License to Lower the Threshold for Digital Entrepreneurship

The Qatari Ministry of Commerce and Industry has launched a new "E-Commerce License", allowing qualified business activities to operate online. According to Ministerial Decision No. 25 of 2026, enterprises can operate from residences, offices or other appropriate places according to the nature of their business, without having to rely entirely on traditional physical business premises. The license applies to approved businesses such as online sales and digital services, aiming to simplify the process of establishing and operating digital enterprises and provide entrepreneurs with a more flexible business model. According to official data, the license covers 194 types of approved business activities, applications can be processed online, and the license issuance fee is 500 Qatari Riyals.

Qatar Approves the Establishment of the National Artificial Intelligence Center

The Emir of Qatar approved Cabinet Decision No. 34 of 2026 to adjust some administrative agencies of the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, and officially established the "National Artificial Intelligence Center" and the "Digital Competence Development and Training Department". The National Artificial Intelligence Center has three departments, which will be responsible for coordinating the national artificial intelligence work, including formulating and implementing the national artificial intelligence strategy, improving relevant regulatory policies, supporting the government and other institutions to adopt artificial intelligence, and promoting data application in various industries. The newly established training department will focus on cultivating local digital talents, establishing a professional certification system, and strengthening cooperation with universities and scientific and technological institutions.

Upcoming Events

Cityscape Qatar 2026

Cityscape Qatar 2026 will bring together more than 70 leading real estate developers, as well as investors, industry leaders, experts and decision-makers, to showcase ongoing projects, market dynamics and investment opportunities in the real estate sector. The exhibition aims to provide participants with a platform to fully understand Qatar's real estate market, promote industry exchanges and viewpoint sharing, and explore new business cooperation and investment opportunities. It is one of the most credible real estate industry exchange platforms in Qatar.

Event Details

• Date: October 27-29, 2026
• Venue: Qatar
• Organizer: Informa Tharawat
• Official Website: www.cityscapeqatar.com

Qatar Boat Show 2026

Qatar Boat Show 2026 will bring together world-renowned yacht brands, luxury superyacht manufacturers, industry experts and investors to showcase world-class superyachts, cutting-edge maritime technologies and industry innovations, aiming to promote exchanges and business cooperation in the global yacht industry and further consolidate Qatar's