The Visit of the Qatari Businessmen Association to Berlin, Germany
Fruitful meetings with German organizations and companies
Agreement to participate in the ITB Berlin Exhibition and the organization of the Qatari-German Joint Task force next meeting in Doha in 2025
The Qatari Businessmen Association organized a visit to Berlin, during which it was able, in cooperation with the German Industry and Commerce Office in Qatar (AHK), to hold many fruitful meetings with various government entities and giant German companies such as Siemens Group and the European software SAP. The visit also focused on a number of sectors such as technology, AI, healthcare, tourism and industry, QBA’s delegation also conducted many interviews with German officials such as the State Secretary at the Federal Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Action-BMWK, the Governing mayor of Berlin, and senior officials in the tourism sector. The German-Qatari Joint Task force for trade and investment also held its meeting at the headquarters of the Federation of German Chambers of Commerce and Industry during the visit.
From QBA Board members who participated in the visit: Sheikh Hamad bin Faisal Al Thani, Sheikh Nawaf bin Nasser Al Thani, Mr. Saud Omar Al Mana, and from QBA members: Mr. Omar Hussein Al Fardan, Mr. Salah Al Jaidah, Sheikh Turki bin Faisal bin Qassim Al Thani, Mr. Nabil Abu Issa, Sheikh Tamim bin Faisal bin Qasim Al Thani, Mr. Yousuf Ibrahim Yousuf Al Mahmoud, and Mr. Hakan Ozdemir, as well as Mrs. Sarah Abdullah, QBA Deputy GM, in addition to Mrs. Ilef Ajra, German Industry and Commerce Office in Qatar, also attended.
The delegation of the Qatari Businessmen Association started its meetings in the German capital, Berlin, with a visit to the headquarters of SAP, where they were briefed on the company’s modern technology in the field of software, which contributes to the development of commercial and service businesses. The delegation also met with German startups who pitched their projects in the fields of robots, Electric aircraft and drones for medical purposes.
German tourism Associations
During the first day of the visit, QBA delegation met with major German Associations specialized in the tourism sector, such as the Federal government coordinator for maritime economy and tourism at the Federal Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Action-BMWK, Visit Berlin, German Tourism Association (DTV) and German Medical Wellness Association (DMWV)
Mr. Omar Hussein Al-Fardan, QBA member and Vice Chairman of the Qatari Hotels Association (QHA), said during the meeting that the tourism sector in Qatar is one of the 5 priority sectors in the strategy of diversifying the Qatari economy, and it provides profitable opportunities for developers and investors, noting that the tourism strategy in Qatar 2030 aims to attract around 6 million global tourists annually by 2030.
For his part, Sheikh Turki bin Faisal Al Thani indicated that the Qatari Hotels Association includes representatives from the private sector and also Katara Hospitality, which is an organization that has local and international investments, and is considered one of the world's leading companies in tourism.
At the end of the meeting, the two sides agreed to prepare QHA participation in the ITB Berlin exhibition, the largest tourism exhibition specialized in tourism in the world, during March 2025.
QBA Business dinner in the presence of the Governing Mayor of Berlin
The Qatari Businessmen Association organized a business dinner in honor of distinguished businessmen in Germany, in the presence of the Governing Mayor of Berlin, Mrs. Franzisca Giffey, who is also a Senator for economy, energy, and public enterprises.
Mrs. Franzisca Giffey delivered a speech in which she welcomed the delegation of businessmen from both sides, stressing that Berlin is putting all its capabilities into supporting Qatari businessmen who wish to invest in it. She also noted the strength of the Qatari economy, especially as Doha continues its foreign investments with all capabilities, which is clearly evident in the cooperation between Qatar and Germany in various fields.
For his part, Sheikh Nawaf bin Nasser Al Thani, QBA Board member spoke about the economic transformations that Doha is currently experiencing and the various investment incentives, in addition to the new free and logistical zones, he also mentioned the financial services sector and establishing a global business environment by providing a supportive platform for local, regional and international growth.
The Visit of Siemens headquarters
The second day of the visit included the visit of QBA delegation to the headquarters of the Siemens in Berlin, where they were briefed on the Siemens City of the Future “Siemensstadt Square”, which is a smart, environmentally friendly city currently being established in Berlin.
Mr. Hakan Ozdemir, CEO of Siemens in Qatar and QBA member, said that Siemens is a strategic partner in the economic and social development of Qatar through its presence in the country since 1970, explaining that the company contributes to consolidating the foundations of the knowledge-based economy, achieving more economic diversification, and transforming its Industrial sector and adopting a strategy with a long-term future vision to achieve sustainable development.
The German Qatari Joint Task Force meeting
The German Qatari Joint Task Force which was established during the official visit of His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani to Germany in 2018, held its fourth meeting where a number of Qatari and German JTF members attending.
For his part, Dr. Volker Trier, chief Executive of Foreign Trade in the Federation of German Chambers and Head of the Qatari-German Joint Task force from the German side, thanked everyone for this meeting, and pointed out the strength of German-Qatari relations, expressing his happiness at exchanging ideas during the meeting which proves the development of the bilateral relations and its tendency to be more dynamic. He also added to his speech the importance of benefiting from this meeting to overcome any obstacles that investors from both sides may face.
For his part, Sheikh Nawaf Nasser bin Khalid Al Thani, head of the German Qatari Joint Task force from the Qatari side, expressed his happiness to participate in this meeting, stressing out that the Qatari investor is fully aware of the great potential that Germany enjoys, adding: “We expect from Germany “As a strategic partner, that bilateral cooperation will add value to the Qatari economy, and benefit from its experience in enhancing our capabilities and transferring knowledge to the Qatari market.”
Round table of German companies
QBA delegation reviewed a number of investment opportunities presented by about 12 German companies, including startups and family companies, in various medical, industrial, and technological fields, which rely on modern technology in their work.
His Excellency Sheikh Hamad bin Faisal Al Thani, QBA board member stated that there are important opportunities that will be studied and followed up in the near future, stressing that QBA’s visit to Germany achieved its goals by promoting the State of Qatar as a country that enjoys all the elements of successful and secure investment, in addition to exploring more about what is going on in the business community by adopting modern technology and artificial intelligence.
Meeting with the Federal Minister of State for Economy and Climate Action, His Excellency Mr. Udo Filipp
QBA delegation concluded their 3 days visit by a meeting with the State Secretary at the Federal Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Action-BMWK, His Excellency Mr. Udo Filipp, who welcomed the delegation, and talked about the successful visit of the German Vice Chancellor and Minister of Economy, Mr. Robert Habeck, to Doha recently, which led to a long-term contract in the field of energy.
He also reviewed Germany's economic relations with countries and
major economic organizations, explaining the German state's interest in attracting foreign investments in various economic sectors that achieve mutual profits for both parties. He also expressed his interest in the small and medium-sized companies and added that the German government is working to develop new tax laws that stimulate foreign investors.