Latest news with #5thQatarEconomicForum


CairoScene
28-05-2025
- Business
- CairoScene
Invest Qatar Lauches $1 Billion Incentives Programme
The programme supports regional business growth by funding up to 40% of eligible local investment costs over five years. May 28, 2025 Qatar has launched a $1 billion incentives programme to attract both foreign and local investment, unveiled during the 5th Qatar Economic Forum. The initiative offers financial support covering up to 40% of eligible costs over five years, including business setup, construction, office leases, equipment, and employee expenses. Rolled out in phases, the programme's first stage introduces four ready-made incentive packages targeting advanced industries, logistics, technology, and financial services in Lusail. These packages aim to stimulate new investment, expand and digitise existing operations, create high-skilled jobs, and encourage knowledge transfer. Eligibility is guided by clear criteria, including a minimum investment of QAR 25 million over five years, sector relevance, and job creation targets. Investors can apply through the Invest Qatar Gateway, the country's first digital platform for business registration and services. The programme builds on the National Incentives Framework, aligning with wider reforms aimed at improving the business environment. These include new digital services and simplified licensing processes across sectors. In 2024, Qatar attracted $2.74 billion in foreign direct investment through 241 projects, resulting in 9,348 new jobs.


News18
24-05-2025
- Entertainment
- News18
BTS Misses Qatar Concert Due To Jungkook's Military Service
Last Updated: Qatar Tourism Authority Chairman informed that the country had plans to invite the K-pop band to their country. On Friday, May 23, BTS' ARMY was met with disappointing news as it was revealed that the K-pop group was slated to perform in Qatar, but the concert was cancelled due to Jungkook's ongoing mandatory military service. BTS has been on hiatus since 2022, beginning with Jin's enlistment. Despite the break, the members have consistently remained in the spotlight, whether through solo music releases or teasing future tours, they continue to make headlines and keep fans engaged. The news of BTS's cancelled performance in Qatar disappointed fans worldwide. The revelation came during the 5th Qatar Economic Forum, where Saad bin Ali Al Kharji, Chairman of the country's Tourism Authority, shared that Qatar had planned to invite the K-pop group to perform. However, this was not possible due to Jungkook's ongoing mandatory military service. Kharji also revealed that they had attempted to invite BTS the previous year, but the members' military commitments prevented them from travelling to Qatar for the concert. Kharji's revelation quickly took social media by storm, sparking frustration among the fans. Some fans started calling it another lost opportunity after Jungkook had to turn down the invitation to perform with Usher at the 2024 Super Bowl again due to his ongoing military service. Others started stating that if things were different, this would have been Jungkook's second performance in Qatar after his performance at the 2022 FIFA World Cup opening ceremony. Overall, this revelation caused fans immense disappointment as they took to social media to pen down emotional posts and regretted not getting the chance to watch the K-pop band shine on a global stage. One fan commented, 'Another lost opportunity. Jungkook will come back stronger, no more restrictions." Someone wrote, 'Hopefully Qatar will reach out again," while another fan commented, 'FIFA Kook is returning from the military soon. Hope he also includes Qatar in his world tour." In accordance with South Korean law, all BTS members are required to complete mandatory military service, which lasts between 18 to 21 months. The eldest member, Jin, has already completed his service. Among the remaining members, RM and V are set to finish on June 10, 2025, Jungkook on June 11, and Suga is expected to be discharged on June 21, 2025. First Published:


Pink Villa
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Pink Villa
Did you know BTS missed Qatar concert opportunity due to Jungkook's military service? ARMY says, 'Invite again'
BTS has been away for nearly three years due to mandatory military service, starting with Jin in 2022. As of 2025, their return is just weeks away, with Jin and J-Hope already discharged. Despite their hiatus, BTS stayed in the spotlight. On May 23, BTS ARMY was hit with a wave of disappointment this week after news surfaced that a potential BTS concert in Qatar was called off due to Jungkook's ongoing military service. The revelation came from Qatar Tourism Authority Chairman Saad bin Ali Al Kharji, who shared during the 5th Qatar Economic Forum that the country had plans to invite BTS for a major performance. Unfortunately, those plans never came to life because Jungkook, the group's main vocalist, was already enlisted in mandatory military service. "We tried to invite BTS last year as well, but it didn't happen because the main vocalist was serving in the military," Saad bin Ali Al Kharji commented. The comment quickly spread across social media, sparking frustration among fans. Many called it another lost opportunity, especially since it marks the second major global stage Jungkook had to pass up. Fans recalled how he also turned down an invitation to perform alongside Usher at the 2024 Super Bowl halftime show, once again due to his service commitments. Had things been different, this would've been Jungkook's second performance in Qatar. Back in November 2022, he stole the global spotlight by performing Dreamers at the FIFA World Cup opening ceremony. The announcement triggered a wave of emotional posts online, with fans expressing heartbreak over missed international moments that could have showcased BTS' global influence yet again. Some shared edited concert posters as 'what could have been,' while others wrote letters of support, promising to wait patiently for their return. Another shares 'Invite them again'. ARMYs expressed regret and bittersweet pride. While some mourned the missed moments, others supported the group's decision to enlist together, believing it would lead to a quicker and more powerful comeback. Thankfully, that comeback isn't far away. - RM and V will be discharged on June 10, 2025 - Jungkook and Jimin follow on June 11 - SUGA wraps up his service on June 21 With just weeks left, the countdown to BTS' full return has officially begun—and ARMY is more ready than ever.


Qatar Tribune
23-05-2025
- Business
- Qatar Tribune
QRDI council concludes third Innovation Day at the Fifth Qatar Economic Forum
Tribune News Network Doha Qatar Research, Development, and Innovation (QRDI) Council hosted its third consecutive Innovation Day, on the final day of the 5th Qatar Economic Forum. Innovation Day served as a dedicated platform featuring a dynamic lineup of expert panels, strategic discussions, and interactive sessions aimed at encouraging collaboration and advancing innovation. Omar Al Ansari, secretary general at QRDI Council, said: 'Innovation Day has become a staple of QRDI Council's efforts to encourage collaboration, spark dialogue, and drive forward Qatar's innovation agenda. This year's event highlighted the critical role of artificial intelligence and emerging technologies in shaping the future of industries and economies, not just in Qatar but globally. As we reflect on the outcomes of this year's Innovation Day, I am confident that the insights gained, and the partnerships made will play an important role in advancing our shared vision of a sustainable, innovation-driven future.' The Innovation Day began with an opening address by QRDI Council's Secretary General, Omar Al-Ansari, who reflected on last year's discussions surrounding the ethics of innovation, and how these questions remain highly relevant today; setting the tone for conversations that unfolded throughout the day. Throughout his address, he provided a broad perspective on the GCC region, emphasizing that innovation is not merely a concept but an active, operational reality. He highlighted Qatar's strong commitment to advancing innovation, driven by two key national frameworks: the Qatar National Vision 2030 and the Third National Development Strategy. Whilst also outlining the role of the QRDI Council, noting that while the Council does not position itself as the sole hub of innovation, it serves as a strategic enabler and bridge, facilitating progress across sectors. Following a morning filled with engaging discussions and activities, the event transitioned into two breakout sessions: 'AI IRL: From Innovation to Application' and 'The Venture Capital Outlook'. Both sessions saw participants actively engaging in meaningful dialogue, networking opportunities, and the day's initiatives. Key topics included the future of biotech, explored in a conversation with James Flynn, Managing Partner at Deerfield, as well as AI in action, focusing on practical applications of innovation within the GCC region to drive impactful outcomes. Additionally, the future of AI in the region was explored during the session 'Qatar – Realizing AI's Potential Today', highlighting how Qatar's technology leaders are driving growth and connectivity through innovative applications. Innovation Day is a strategic initiative that reflects QRDI Council's dedication to advancing Qatar's National Vision 2030 and its National Development Strategy. By fostering collaboration, promoting advanced research, and exploring transformative technologies like AI and biotech, the event shows Qatar's commitment to building a diversified, knowledge-based economy.


Qatar Tribune
20-05-2025
- Business
- Qatar Tribune
Amir meets founder of Bloomberg Media Group
DOHA: His Highness the Amir of the State of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani has met with Michael Bloomberg, the founder of Bloomberg Media Group and Bloomberg Philanthropies, on the sidelines of the 5th Qatar Economic Forum held at Katara Towers - Fairmont and Raffles Hotels. The meeting reviewed several topics on the forum's agenda, with a particular focus on economic issues, and also discussed a range of matters of mutual interest. The meeting was attended by Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs HE Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani and Chief of the Amiri Diwan HE Abdullah bin Mohammed Al Khulaifi.