Reflecting on 2024 A Year of Collaboration and Growth

01 Jan 2025 Doha

QBA Members attended


Since 2005, the Qatari Businessmen Association (QBA) has been actively supporting Qatar's business community while striving to serve as a hub for fostering and promoting commercial and social initiatives. Our efforts have focused on creating a dynamic environment for collaboration and progress, enhancing Qatar’s global competitiveness, and contributing to the nation’s economic prosperity.

Every year, we take a moment to reflect on our work from the previous year to highlight important milestones, celebrate our progress, identify areas for improvement, and set a strong foundation for future opportunities.

Throughout 2024, we organized and participated in over 25 events, reinforcing our role as a bridge between the private sector and international stakeholders. We also welcomed over 35 delegations from around the globe, signed two Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) with strategic business partners, and participated in key governmental committees to amplify the private sector’s voice in shaping Qatar’s economic trajectory.

Before taking a closer look at some of our activities from last year, I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to our members, business partners, and stakeholders for their invaluable support, which continues to be a cornerstone of our success. I also extend my deepest appreciation to our team, whose dedication and hard work make it possible for us to consistently serve and support the business community.

 

Welcoming Distinguished Delegations

One of the hallmarks of 2024 has been our commitment to fostering international collaboration through high-level meetings. Throughout the year, QBA had the honor of hosting several notable delegations from Europe, Asia, and Africa. Some of these delegations included:

A delegation from Tajikistan, headed by President H.E. Mr. Emomali Rahmon. QBA had the pleasure of meeting the president with His Excellency Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Qassim Al Abdullah Al Thani, the Qatari Minister of Commerce and Industry in early January.

The UK has been one of the key investment destinations for Qatari businessmen. These strong relations resulted in many delegations visiting Qatar, the most recent being the UK Minister of State for Trade Policy, Rt Hon Greg Hands.

Additionally, we welcomed H.E. Mr. Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, Prime Minister of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan; H.E. Dr. Mostafa Kamal Madbouly, Prime Minister of Egypt; H.E. Mr. Ion-Marcel Ciolacu, Prime Minister of Romania; Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO), and her accompanying delegation, among many others.

These encounters have been instrumental in cementing Qatar’s position as a hub for global economic dialogue and partnership.

 

Milestone Events

The events organized by QBA in 2024 brought together business leaders, innovators, and policymakers to exchange ideas and drive forward shared economic goals. Some of the standout events we attended:

  • The Qatar-France Economic Forum.
  • The Best of Britain - UK Tech Pitching Event, which spotlighted innovation and fostered tech collaborations.
  • The Qatari-British Economic Forum, during H.H. the Emir’s visit to the UK in December.
  • The Qatar-Kazakhstan Business Roundtable, attended by H.E. Mr. Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, President of Kazakhstan.
  • The Qatar-Nigeria Business Investment Forum, held with H.E. Mr. Bola Ahmed Tinubu, President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Last year, QBA also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with The Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council (CWEIC) in the UK, aiming to enhance cooperation between the two parties in investment and economic sectors, facilitate exchange visits, and participate in conferences organized by both parties.

Additionally, we signed an MoU with the French International Business Federation (MEDEF International) and HEC Paris Business School. The signing took place on the sidelines of the Qatar-France Economic Forum, which coincided with the first official visit of His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Amir of Qatar, to the French Republic.

 

Looking Ahead to 2025

As we prepare for 2025, we look forward to QBA partnering with different organizations to plan events and programs that will further enhance Qatar’s global economic footprint. From hosting new forums to expanding our network of international partners, the year ahead promises opportunities for collaboration and growth. We encourage all stakeholders to stay tuned for updates.

Here’s to a successful and inspiring 2025!