Interview

Dr. Hanan Mohamed Al Kuwari, Minister , Public Health & Managing Director, Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC)

The Ministry of Health focuses on collaborating with private hospitals and clinics on a range of initiatives to improve the quality, safety, and effectiveness of care services for patients.

Interview

Dr. Abdulla Al Kaabi , Executive Vice Chief Medical Officer, Sidra Medicine

Sidra Medicine has invested across the spectrum of maternity and gynecology-related care concerns in a bid to encourage women to be active participants in their health.

Focus

Growing Demand for High-end Medical Care

In line with a social conscious and progressive vision, Qatar is pushing forward with an all-encompassing healthcare improvement initiative using PPPs.

Interview

Dr. Mohammed bin Ghanim Al Ali Al Maadheed, Director General, Naufar

Naufar offers a comprehensive rehabilitation program that takes into account patients' physical, mental, social, and societal conditions.

B2B

Health

Healthcare stakeholders seek ways to operate more efficiently, lower their unit costs, raise quality levels, and identify ways to optimize the value of their limited resources.

Voices from the Sector

Voices from the Sector: Health and Education

Inside Perspective

HH Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani, Amir , the State of Qatar

Since the blockade, the number of factories has increased by 14%, the currency has remained stable, non-oil GDP has grown by 4%, and projects to boost desalination by 40% and electricity by 30% have gotten off the ground.

Spotlight Feature

Industrial Renaissance

Qatar is undergoing a minor industrial renaissance thanks to smart legislation, improvements to the service sector, and the resilience of leading economic actors, resulting in newfound self-sufficiency.

Guest Speaker

Kolinda Grabar-Kitarovic , President, Republic of Croatia

With a little investment help from Qatar, Croatian firms can use their expertise to help Qatar procure better food, arms, and energy diversification.

Guest Speaker

Lenín Boltaire Moreno Garcés , President, Ecuador

In addition to helping Qatar better serve its citizens with disabilities, Ecuador also sees huge opportunities to increase its agro-exports to Qatar.

Guest Speaker

George Hollingbery , , State for Trade Policy, Department for International Trade (DIT)

“It is an exciting time for both our nations as the UK sets up its independent trade policy for the first time in more the 40 years, and Qatar continues to drive forward its National Vision 2030."

Focus: Qatari-German relations

A Shared Vision

Relations between Doha and Berlin are a springboard to investments that will cement Qatar's status as a knowledge-based economy.

Guest Speaker

Peter Altmaier , Federal Minister for Economic Affairs and Energy, Germany

Germany's partnership with Qatar has become extremely important, both at a foreign and security policy level, as well as for the economies of both countries.

Interview

Mohammed Ali Al-Mannai , President, Communications Regulatory Authority (CRA)

Despite its small size, Qatar continues to be one of the most progressive telecoms markets in the region, with the sector identified as a key enabler of the country's economic diversification and sustainable growth outside of hydrocarbons.

Interview

Sheikh Hamad bin Abdulla Jassim Al-Thani , CEO, Vodafone Qatar

The company's vision is to connect today's ideas with the technologies of tomorrow, becoming people's first choice in telecom and digital services, and be a leading contributor to the Qatar National Vision 2030.

Focus

Time to Connect

Qatar has become the first country to officially deploy the game-changing 5G technology, connecting more people than ever.

Interview

Ghada Philip El Rassi , Chief Executive Officer Expansion, MEEZA

MEEZA Expansion understands the risks related to digitalization and bases its strategy on the analysis of certified advisors and consultants to position itself as one of the most secured public platforms.

Interview

Ahmed Salman Ali Al-Sulaiti , CEO, Qatar National Broadband Network (Qnbn)

Qnbn's investment in infrastructure will enable Qatar to leverage smart solutions and applications to diversify its economy.

Interview

Ali Ahmed Al-Kuwari, President & CEO, Es’hailSat

The blockade resulted in 95% of local broadcasters shifting to Es'hailSat, pushing the company to operate at full capacity and form new partnerships to launch more satellites.

Forum

Business Services

The Qatar National Vision 2030's objective is to transform Qatar into an advanced society, and tech companies, both local and international, are moving full speed ahead to empower local businesses.

Interview

Sheikh Abdulla Bin Saoud Al-Thani , Governor, Qatar Central Bank

The Central Bank is taking the lead not only in funding exciting new green economy initiatives, but in introducing far more transparency, accountability, and efficiency to general lending practices.

Interview

Abdulla M. Al Khalifa , Acting CEO, Qatar National Bank (QNB)

The nation's largest bank has taken a leadership role in funding the most dynamic firms to emerge since the blockade.

Interview

Khalid Al-Subeai , Group CEO, Barwa Bank

Barwa Bank is leading sector consolidation through a merger with ibq while creating seamless banking solutions for corporates and individuals alike.

B2B

Islamic Banking

Leading Islamic banks are ramping up their assets, minimizing their exposure to non-performing loans, and competing with the best of secular financial institutions.

Interview

Joseph Abraham, CEO, The Commercial Bank of Qatar

Making remittances more efficient and working with multinationals preparing for the World Cup and a bevy of SMEs, the Commercial Bank is widening access to financing at every level.

Focus: Digital banking

How Commercial Bank Became a Leader in Digital Banking in 2018

Commercial Bank is using new technology, methods, and regulations to keep the bank at the forefront of the sector.

Interview

Raghavan Seetharaman , Group CEO, Doha Bank

TBY talks to Raghavan Seetharaman, Group CEO of Doha Bank, on the Finance sector.

Interview

Abdul Hakeem Mostafawi , CEO, HSBC Qatar

TBY talks to Abdul Hakeem Mostafawi, CEO of HSBC Qatar, on the Finance sector.

Interview

Fahad Al Khalifa , Group Chief Executive Officer, Al khalij Commercial Bank “al khaliji”

By employing a Qatar-centric strategy, supporting SMEs, and integrating new technologies in a secure way, Al Khaliji continues to play an invaluable role in uplifting the country's economy.

Interview

Ehab Mackeen , Country Manager, Arab Bank

TBY talks to Ehab Mackeen, Country Manager of Arab Bank, on the Finance sector.

Interview

Rashid Bin Ali Al Mansoori , CEO, Qatar Stock Exchange (QSE)

As the second-largest stock exchange and the largest emerging market stock exchange in the Middle East, QSE is highly representative of Qatar's economy.

Interview

Sheikha Maryam Bint Khalifa Al-Thani, CEO, Qatar Credit Bureau (CB)

TBY talks to, Sheikha Maryam Bint Khalifa Al-Thani, CEO of Qatar Credit Bureau (CB)on the Financesector.

Interview

Nasser Bin Rashid Al Misnad , CEO, Damaan Islamic Insurance Company (Beema)

Beema is the leading takaful insurance company in Qatar and it continues to maintain that position by introducing new products, catering to SMES, and focusing on customer satisfaction.

Interview

Elias R. Chedid , COO & Deputy CEO, Seib Insurance & Reinsurance

Seib leverages its team's diversity and focuses on superior customer service to maintain its position as one of the largest insurance providers in Qatar.

Interview

Jassim Ali A. Al-Moftah , CEO, Doha Insurance Group

Rebranding as a group and shifting all branches and subsidiaries under one roof has provided Doha Insurance Group a platform to expand and evolve as a regional and global player.

Interview

Abdullah bin Abdulaziz bin Turki Al-Subaie , Minister, Municipality and EnvironmenT (MME)

MME strives to support the Qatar National Vision 2030 and the implementation of all state sectorial plans in accordance with a comprehensive framework that guarantees the integration of all sectors.

Interview

Abdullah bin Hamad Al Attiyah , CEO, Qatari Diar

Active in 22 countries with a working capital of USD40 billion, Qatari Diar is working closely with the Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy to ensure the success of the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

Interview

Morteza Dalir, Vice President, Hassanesco

Established in 1967, Hassanesco has expanded into a group of companies that has undertaken successful projects for both the public and private sectors.

Interview

Salim Jarrar , CEO, UrbaCon Trading & Contracting (UCC)

UCC has secured a name for itself by accomplishing superior results in delivering critical projects time after time.

Interview

Chakib Nayfe , General Manager, Medgulf Construction

Despite the difficulties presented by the embargo and market, Medgulf Construction is predicting better times ahead.

Focus: Stadium maintenance post World Cup

Going for Goal

Qatar is one of the world's fastest-growing sports economies, fueled by international reach and the Qatari youth's interest in sports and disposable income to match.

Interview

Emad Turkman , CEO, Rumaillah Group & Chairman, Qatar British Business Forum

A group holding with seven companies specializing in trading and contracting, Rumaillah has been involved in most of Qatar's major and prestigious projects.

B2B

Cooling

Given the importance of energy efficiency, companies are keen to introduce efficient cooling solutions to Qatar and beyond.

Interview

Ghassan Oueijan, Managing Director, Nakheel Landscapes

Nakheel Landscapes seeks to diversify into new activities that complement its business and align with its goals.

Interview

Karim Yazbek , Vice President & Country Manager, Hill International

TBY talks to Karim Yazbek Vice President & Country Manager of Hill International, on the Real Estate sector.

Voices from the Sector

Voices from the Sector: Real Estate and Construction

Interview

Omar Bahgat , Regional Manager Qatar, ECG Engineering Consultants Group

TBY talks to Omar Bahgat, Regional Manager of ECG Engineering Consultants Group, on the Real Estate sector.

Interview

Saad Sherida al-Kaabi, Minister of Energy Affairs, President & CEO, Qatar Petroleum

Qatar Petroleum has the largest industrial base in Qatar and it is harnessing latest technologies to deliver enhanced performance and deliver on its ambitious growth strategy and vision to be one of the best oil and gas companies in the world.

Interview

Khalid Bin Khalifa Bin Jassim Al-Thani , CEO, Qatargas

With cleaner energy sources becoming a fundamental component of greenhouse gas mitigation strategies globally, Qatargas' role in the global energy sector has become more important than ever.

Interview

Alistair G. Routledge , President and General Manager, ExxonMobil Qatar

With a decades-old partnership, ExxonMobil Qatar is fully aware of its critical role in the global LNG sector and is investing USD1 billion annually in R&D to gauge future needs and trends.

Interview

Essa bin Hilal Al-Kuwari , President, Qatar General Electricity & Water Corporation (Kahramaa)

Kahramaa is completely aligned with the Qatar National Vision's sustainability targets and is working toward reducing the need for fossil fuels and increasing the country's renewables uptake.

Interview

Khalid Mohammed Jolo , CEO, Nebras Power

Nebras Power is one of many companies that have come out stronger in the face of the blockade, increasing investments in sustainable energies and devising global expansion plans.

Focus: North Gas Field

Leader in LNG

The world's largest natural gas field is set to undergo expansion at an opportune time in the global LNG market.

Interview

Phinda Vilakazi , President GTL Ventures,, Sasol

Sasol established the world's first commercial gas-to-liquids (GTL) facility and has since transferred knowledge to the local staff to forward its policy of helping local communities and promoting greener practices.

Voices from the Sector

Voices from the Sector: Energy

Interview

Essa Mohammed Ali Kaldari, CEO, Qatar Primary Materials Co (QPMC)

TBY talks to Essa Mohammed Ali Kaldari, CEO of Qatar Primary Materials Co (QPMC), on the Energy sector.

Interview

Abdul Aziz Ahmed Bashraheel , Group Manager, Qatar Plastic Products Company W.L.L. (QPPC) & Qatar Wooden Products Company W.L.L. (QWPC)

TBY talks to Abdul Aziz Ahmed Bashraheel, Group Manager of Qatar Plastic Products Company W.L.L. (QPPC) & Qatar Wooden Products Company W.L.L. (QWPC), on the Energy sector.

Focus: Qatar’s industrial renaissance

A Rebirth

In an unexpected turn of events, the blockade that was supposed to bring Qatar's economy and industry to a halt has resulted in an industrial rebirth, casting doubt on the effectiveness of such heavy-handed policies.

Interview

Nishad Azeem , CEO, Coastal Qatar

Coastal Qatar is a lean and agile organization, renowned for taking on projects that pose too big of a challenge to similar companies.

Interview

Saeed Salem Al-Mohannadi , Chairman, Seashore Group of Companies

Seashore Group of Companies is at the forefront of Qatar's pipeline development, and is set to benefit from government efforts to expand work at the North Field.

Voices from the Sector

Voices from the Sector: Energy & Industry

Interview

Dr. Saleh bin Mohammed Al-Nabit , President, Planning and Statistics Authority (PSA)

The government body tasked with drawing up a map of what development goals must be met by 2030 shares a huge responsibility for the country's future.

Interview

Yosouf Abdulrahman Saleh, Executive Director, Qatar Science & Technology Park (QSTP)

As a leading innovation hub and incubator, places like QSTP are reprogramming the country's DNA for the future.

Interview

Aysha Al Mudahka, CEO, Qatar Business Incubation Center (QBIC)

As one of the largest incubators in the region, QBIC is leading the charge to connect bright young aspiring entrepreneurs with the right mentors to guide them.

Interview

Jack Saba , General Manager of Public Affairs, Sasol

Keenly aware that their success is contingent upon the social health of the body politic, leading firms are designing innovative CSR programs to address society's greatest hurdles.

Interview

Reem Al-Suwaidi , General Manager, Bedaya

TBY talks Reem Al-Suwaidi, General Manager of Bedaya, on the Qatar Nationa Vision 2030 sector.

Interview

Meshal Al Shamari , Director, Qatar Green Building Council (QGBC)

Now a regional leader in green and sustainable building, Qatar is working hard to ensure the World Cup leaves an even greener legacy.

Focus: Smart metering

Some Bright Sparks

Today, new technologies are enabling the reduction of one's carbon footprint through the efficient domestic and commercial consumption of energy when required, rather than simply when available.

Focus: Cultural destination

Qatar’s robust tourism sector

Traditionally viewed as a business haven, Qatar is beginning to assert itself as a viable destination for all sorts of travelers.

Forum

Universities

As Qatar moves ever closer to becoming a knowledge-based economy, universities strive to equip students with relevant, up-to-date skills that are necessary to succeed.

Interview

Dr. Abdul Sattar Al-Taie , Executive Director, Qatar National Research Fund (QNRF)

QNRF is focused on contributing to creating a mature culture of research in Qatar of the highest standards.

Forum

Training

To compete at a global level, Qatar needs to excel in technical training to boost productivity and implement global best practices.

Interview

Buthaina Ali Al Nuaimi , President, Pre-University Education (PUE), Qatar Foundation

PUE wants its students not to simply be recipients or users of science and technology, but to be inspired to become innovators themselves.

Forum

Schools

Educational institutions in Qatar focus on making sure students and teachers are inspired, prepared, and fulfilled.

Interview

Abdulla Nasser Turki Al-Subaey , President, Qatar Civil Aviation Authority (QCAA)

QCAA has succeeded in concluding air service agreements with new countries and amending some existing ones, increasing the total number of signed agreements to 166.

Interview

Akbar Al Baker, Group CEO, Qatar Airways

Qatar Airways is the fastest growing airline in the world and with a host of plans lined up for 2019 and beyond, it will continue to surpass expectations and set new benchmarks.

Interview

Badr Mohammed Al-Meer , COO, Hamad International Airport (HIA)

TBY talks to Badr Mohammed Al-Meer, COO of Hamad International Airport (HIA) on the Transport sector.

B2B

Qatar Airways

Qatar Airways Cargo and Qatar Executive have developed into invaluable subsidiaries of Qatar Airways, assisting it to expand into new markets and reach new heights.

Interview

Sheikh Jabor Bin Hamad M. Al-Thani , , Qatar Aeronautical College (QAC)

QAC continues to excel in training modern pilots by introducing new structures and education tools and forming partnerships with prominent players in the aviation sector.

Interview

Mehmed Zingal , Country Manager, Turkish Airlines

Turkish Airlines strives to develop travel experience to an even higher level and considers customer satisfaction an essential value to ensuring that each guest leaves the aircraft with memorable experiences.

Focus: Hamad airport

Bigger and Better

Despite the ongoing blockade of June 2017, Qatar's leadership is racing forward with huge expansion plans that will boost Hamad International Airport's capacity to 65 million annual passengers and help its nascent Hamad Port reach a potential 400 million global customers a year.

Interview

Abdulla Al-Khanji , CEO, Mwani Qatar

Building robust relationships with international port authorities and major maritime players are key in Mwani Qatar ensuring the smooth flow of goods and access of Qatari goods to global markets.

Interview

Abdulrahman Essa Al-Mannai , President & CEO, Milaha

Milaha is the largest supply chain enabler in Qatar, helping to boost exports at a crucial time.

Interview

Neville Bissett , CEO, QTerminals

A joint venture between the public and private sectors, QTerminals has played a fundamental role in Qatar increasing its core business group from eight to over 25 countries.

Interview

Khalid Nasser Al Hail , Managing Director, Mowasalat

Mowasalat, Qatar's biggest transport provider, is gearing up to cater to the large influx of tourists for the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

Focus: Doha metro

Rapid Transit on Track

The administrators of Doha, a modern metropolis, are close to providing a system to end congestion and link key buildings and areas swiftly and with greater safety. To relieve life on the surface, Qatar Rail has gone underground.

Voices from the Sector

Voices from the Sector: Transport

Interview

Ali Al-Khalifa , CEO, ASTAD

With a portfolio of impressive projects in Qatar and overseas, ASTAD is eyeing projects overseas to strengthen its strategic partnerships.

Forum

Shopping

Given their huge and time-tested consumer appeal, companies are competing to provide the best retail and entertainment offerings.

Interview

Sean Kelly , Project Director, Place Vendôme

With 90% of the world's foremost luxury brands on board, the high street brands are the next target in sight for Qatar's most ambitious shopping center to date.

Interview

Ashraf A. R. Abu Issa , Chairman, Abu Issa Holding

Abu Issa Holding has plans to launch e-commerce for the Qatari consumer market in mid-2019 by employing its strong distribution network of consumer items.

B2B

Retail Holdings

Diversified retail holdings employ economies of scale to create a more streamlined business with better operating dynamics and stronger financial muscle.

B2B

F&B

With tourism expected to grow significantly in the coming years, Qatar's F&B establishments see exciting opportunities ahead.

Interview

Khalid Al Ibrahim, Chief Strategic Planning Officer, Qatar Museums

The National Museum will continue the cultural growth and development Qatar Museums has sparked in the country over the past decade.

Interview

Dr. Sohair Wastawy , Executive Director, Qatar National Library (QNL)

TBY talks to Dr. Sohair Wastawy, Executive Director of Qatar National Library (QNL) on the Tourism sector.

Focus

Qatar’s Robust Tourism Sector

Traditionally viewed as a business haven, Qatar is beginning to assert itself as a viable destination for all sorts of travelers.

Interview

Sanaa Ouahmane, General Manager, Almana Rent A Car Hertz-Qatar & Almana Used Cars

In addition to providing rental services, Almana Rent A Car-Hertz has established long-term lease options in response to market demand.

Interview

Mohamed Chebil , General Manager, The Curve Hotel

With the diversification of activities and new sources of tourism opening up, Qatar's hospitality sector has much to look forward to in the medium term.

Interview

Ross Milton , Owner & Managing Director, Bounce

TBY talks to Ross Milton, Owner & Managing Director of Bounce on Tourism sector.

Interview

Abdullah bin Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Subaie , Minister, Municipality and Environment

With a swathe of strategic agricultural projects in the pipeline, Qatar is exhibiting great success in securing greater food security.

Interview

Mohamed bin Badr Al-Sadah, CEO, Hassad Food

Hassad Food is looking at a few strategic investments overseas that are both profitable and support Qatar's food security program.

Focus

Teach a Man to Fish

A new state-of-the-art fishery in Al Dhakira could help Qatar produce as much seafood as it consumes. It is but one battle in the long war to become far more sustainable in food production.

Interview

Peter Weltevreden , CEO, Baladna Food Industries

The market leader in the fresh milk sector in Qatar in only a year, Baladna is committed to contributing to Qatar's self-sufficiency without compromising on quality.

Forum

Agriculture

Qatar's agriculture sector has risen above the challenges of the blockade, with an increasing number of companies utilizing cutting-edge technologies and new business models to bring the country closer to food security.