Analysis

Qatar's Islamic finance sector embraces digital growth
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The development of digital finance is a pillar of Qatar’s medium-term development programme, the Third Financial Sector Strategic Strategy (FSS-3). Running from 2024-30, this roadmap seeks to boost financial technology (fintech) in general, while its cross-cutting emphasis on developing Islamic finance means the FSS-3 offers support for Islamic financial technology in particular. This governmental…

Analysis

Qatar's banking regulations shape traditional and digital finance
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Qatar’s conventional financial service providers are driving the adoption of digital banking services and mobile banking applications, underpinned by increasing customer demand for contactless payments and digital wallets amid high internet penetration and smartphone use. A regulatory framework for digital banks, introduced by the Qatar Central Bank (QCB) in December 2024, establishes guidelines…

Analysis

Qatar's economic reforms strengthen investment climate
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Since the 2000s, Qatar’s investor proposition has evolved considerably as authorities have aligned foreign direct investment (FDI) policy, venture capital (VC) incentives and labour mobility to bolster private-sector confidence and accelerate growth. Efforts have ramped up in recent years and in early 2025 Qatar’s prime minister unveiled the target of attracting cumulative inward investment of…

Analysis

GCC-UK agreement to boost trade and supply chains
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The UK and GCC reached a landmark agreement in May 2026 with the conclusion of negotiations on a comprehensive free trade agreement (FTA), bringing to a close four years of discussions that began in 2022. The accord, the first concluded between the GCC and a G7 economy, reflects the growing strategic importance of the relationship within both the UK’s post-Brexit trade agenda and the Gulf’s economic…