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FEATURED STORY Catalysing Qatar’s mid-size manufacturing sector

As someone who has steered the Qatar Industrial Manufacturing Company (QIMC) to encourage and expand the role of the private sector within a primarily energy-driven economy, the challenge before Abdul Rahman A. Al Ansari, CEO, set out to create a stable manufacturing base in Qatar. Today, 24 years later, QIMC has a presence in as diverse industries as gypsum, plastics, pipes, metal coating, sand treatment, paving stones, among others. Talking exclusively to The Edge’s Aparajita Mukherjee, Al Ansari offers his opinions on the way the manufacturing industry is evolving in Qatar, the future of the sector and the challenges it faces.read more ›

Abdul Rahman A. Al Ansari, CEO of QIMC, says QIMC’s investment strategy is fundamentally driven by the principle of looking at economically-viable industrial projects that utilise regionally or locally available natural resources and intermediate products.

Catalysing Qatar’s mid-size manufacturing sector

by  — 26 July 2014

As someone who has steered the Qatar Industrial Manufacturing Company (QIMC) to encourage and expand the role of the private sector within a primarily energy-driven economy, the challenge before Abdul Rahman A. Al Ansari, CEO, set out to create a stable manufacturing base in Qatar. Today, 24 years later, QIMC has a presence in as diverse industries as gypsum, plastics, pipes, metal coating, sand treatment, paving stones, among others. Talking exclusively to The Edge’s Aparajita Mukherjee, Al Ansari offers his opinions on the way the manufacturing industry is evolving in Qatar, the future of the sector and the challenges it faces. read more ›

CEO of Qatar Airways, Akbar Al Baker announcing the largest single aircraft order in the airline's history, alongside Ray Conner, Boeing Commercial Airplanes President and CEO.

Qatar Airways finalises deal for 50 Boeing 777-9Xs, its single largest order ever

by  — 19 July 2014

Qatar Airways and Boeing recently finalised an order for 50 777-9Xs. The 777X order was first announced as a commitment at the 2013 Dubai Airshow and was part of the largest product launch in commercial jetliner history.  read more ›

The much awaited announcement of reforms to Qatar's labour law was revealed, however no mention of a timeline on implementation of the proposed laws were made.

Qatar announces long anticipated labour reforms but much remains unclear

by  — 14 May 2014

The much anticipated changes to Qatar's labour laws to were announced in the form of proposed changes at a press conference. Qatari authorities calling the changes to the labour law as a “project” that will govern the entry, residency and exit of expatriates into and from the country, announced that the Council of Ministers of the State of Qatar had "in principle" accepted the proposal for reforms. Though no fixed timelines have been given as to when the reforms would be enacted, it has been indicated that the proposals have been referred to the Shura Council and Qatar Chamber. Details will be announced once they come back to the Council of Ministers with their views.  read more ›

The Ikea store in Qatar has over 7500 products, 59 room settings, three homes, a 550-seat restaurant and a play area sprawling across 32,000 square metres.

The Ikea effect: How has it impacted furniture retail in Qatar?

by  — 14 March 2014

Did Ikea’s entry into the Qatari furniture retail market disrupt the status quo? The widespread hype surrounding its arrival in Qatar is not a new phenomenon, as the furniture store received a similar response in many other countries. And as the brand marks its first year in Doha this month, The Edge’s Farwa Zahra explores how the giant retailer has impacted Qatar’s furniture retail sector.  read more ›

CEO Al Baker is confident that Qatar Airways’ new Saudi venture will be a success. (Image Reuters)

Qatar Airways to launch Saudi subsidiary

by  — 4 February 2014

Qatar Airways will launch a domestic Saudi airline by the third quarter of 2014, chief executive Akbar Al Baker confirmed at the Bahrain International Airshow in January. read more ›

Milaha secures QAR1.55 billion in ship refinancing

by  — 3 February 2014

Qatar Shipping, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Milaha, has secured a 12-year USD425 million (QAR1.55 billion) fixed-term ship financing facility with a consortium of eight banks. read more ›

Steve Bainbridge of Al Tamimi says the law firm is attempting to bring in greater speciality to the market. He explains that there is greater deal flow in and coming from the region and that clients realise specialists are able to spot certain issues that the corporate commercial counsel might not. (Image Reuters/Arabian Eye)

Gulf legal firm sets up region’s first dedicated sports practice in Doha

by  — 20 January 2014

With the Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) sports business market recently valued at more than USD40 billion (QAR120 billion), there is massive potential for such a specialty legal entity in the Arab world, Steve Bainbridge, regional head of sports law practice, Al Tamimi and head of its Doha office, tells The Edge’s Miles Masterson. read more ›

One way to avoid construction cases is to ensure that contracts have been properly written and that a proper clause is built in to address the eventuality of dispute. In addition is a proper escalation procedure which could be through experts talking to disputing parties. (Image Corbis)

Is mediation a viable alternative to litigation in Qatar?

by  — 25 December 2013

Legal experts in Qatar are unanimous that the number of business-related cases coming before Qatar’s courts is only going to increase if concerned parties do not ensure they are entering into clear and binding contracts. However, they also feel that businesses should adopt mediation to settle disputes, rather than arbitration or litigation. read more ›

Investment in football is a means for Qatar to project a positive profile of the Gulf state in the world. But it is to be seen if managed correctly, it can be a sound addition to the country’s vast and diverse business portfolio. (Image Getty Images)

Will Qatar’s stake in PSG set a new standard in football investment?

by  — 18 November 2013

For the last few years, Qatar has been hosting major sporting events. According to some analysts, the country’s growing interest in sports, particularly football, represents its strategic move to build a sports sector – an approach, which is considered to be far more comprehensive compared to those adopted by some other GCC countries. Barry Mansfield looks at whether Qatar’s substantial investments in world football, particularly with its prize acquisition, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), are based on sound business principles. read more ›

Turkish Airlines CEO Temel Kotil has pursued aggressive expansion for his company, one that emulates the business model of Middle Eastern airlines such as Etihad, Emirates and Qatar Airways, and which is ironically proving an increasing threat by his airline to their regional hegemony. (Image Courtesy Turkish Airlines)

The battle to dominate Middle East aviation

by  — 17 October 2013

The Middle East aviation sector is one of the fastest growing in the world. But how secure is the regional hegemony and dominance of the Gulf’s ‘big three’ carriers, Qatar Airways, Etihad and Emirates? Is there room for Turkish Airlines as a fourth large regional player, and what of the growing ‘low-cost’ market – and the increasing challenge more and more aeroplanes in the sky presents to airline safety in the skies above Qatar? The Edge investigates. read more ›

Qatar-food-secuirty-at-a-glance-2

Infographic: Qatar’s food security at a glance

by  — 19 August 2013

Qatar much like the rest of the GCC suffers from a scarce supply of potable water, and a hot and harsh climate which makes it, and the region, some of the most dependent food importers in the world. read more ›

Feeding-Doha

Avoiding a future food crisis in Qatar

by  — 19 August 2013

Qatar and the wider GCC region have very little arable land. Adding to this, a scarce supply of potable water, and a hot and harsh climate make the region one of the most dependent food importers in the world. In 2007 and early 2008, the prices of food commodities rose significantly. While wealthy nations such as Qatar were able to absorb price fluctuations to their nation’s food supply at a great cost, others were unable to do so. For states such as Egypt, the increasing food prices meant the eroding of purchasing power, which some commentators have pointed to being among the triggers for the Arab Spring. So what has Qatar been doing to guard against future food crises? Could Qatar ever run out of food?  read more ›

Women-in-the-workplace

Is the talent of women in Qatar being wasted?

by  — 14 July 2013

Though Doha is home to many talented and highly qualified women, both Qatari and expatriate, they are not being fully utilised in the workforce, writes Victoria Scott.  read more ›

HE Hamad bin Jassim Al Thani stepped down soon after the leadership change in Qatar. (Image by Euromoney)

Qatar’s PM steps down as country sees leadership change

by  — 27 June 2013

Qatari Prime and Foreign Minister HE Hamad bin Jassim Al Thani steps down and Qatari cabinet reshuffled following Emiri leadership change. read more ›

Exploring the aesthetics of Qatar’s shopping spaces

The Golden Rules of Retail

by  — 17 June 2013

The masterplan architect of Doha’s Msheireb regeneration project, eminent British architect Tim Makower is always thinking about city spaces. In this special feature, Makower offers The Edge what he calls his ‘Golden Rules of Retail’ on how retailers and developers of the Qatari capital could and should adopt a more holistic approach to planning the city’s shopping spaces. read more ›

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