On enabling investment and financing reconstruction How would you assess the current effectiveness of the capital market framework? ISSA CHAMI: The framework is constrained by outdated regulations, weak legal infrastructure and institutional practices that do not align with the functioning of capital markets in open economies. The regulations date back to a period before major global advances…
Oman's economic transformation is one of the Gulf's most compelling – and least reported – investment stories. In just five years, the sultanate has cut public debt from 68% of GDP to approximately 36%, restored investment-grade credit ratings across all three major agencies, and grown its non-hydrocarbon economy to nearly three-quarters of GDP. Anchored by Vision 2040 and the Estidamah programme,…
On the investment climate and mobilising financing for local companies How would you characterise the current macroeconomic transition and the investment climate? ANTOUN HABIB BETINJANEH: Syria is moving from a wartime economy defined by scarcity into a transition phase where availability is improving, but demand and purchasing power remain uneven. Many goods that were difficult to source –…
Qatar’s economic diversification goals under its long-term economic blueprint – Qatar National Vision (QNV) 2030 – positions its banking sector and its dynamic Islamic finance segment as an important pillar for sustainable development and non-fossil fuel growth. Financial and insurance services continue to be an important driver of Qatar’s economic growth, with sector contribution to GDP gradually…
Qatar’s Islamic finance sector has become an increasingly important component of the country’s broader financial system, supported by the expansion of sharia-compliant banking, takaful (Islamic insurance) and sukuk (Islamic bonds) issuance. The sector benefits from a well-established regulatory framework and strong institutional participation, helping position Qatar as a key player in regional…
After showing strong growth in the period leading up to 2026, Qatar’s capital markets have since demonstrated both resilience and flexibility in the face of the recent Iran conflict. Investment in manufacturing, digital transformation, logistics and tourism, along with a doubling in liquefied natural gas (LNG) production, continue to be medium- and long-term growth drivers for the country. In the…
Qatar’s insurance market is experiencing robust growth, particularly in health insurance – driven by mandatory health care coverage for 2.9m expatriates – as well as increased demand for travel health insurance amid rising tourism. The sector benefits from one of the world’s highest GDP per capita, which supports sustained customer demand in insurance products. Ongoing real estate developments…
The Iran conflict and its consequences for maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz have laid bare structural weaknesses in global insurance markets that were present long before the first strikes. Within days of the outbreak of conflict in February 2026, war risk premium surged 500%, making transit economically unviable for most commercial operators. The world’s 12 major protection and indemnity…
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…
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…
