London                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        20 Oct. 2018                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                (BBC News)

Journalist Jamal Khashoggi was killed in a fight in the Saudi consulate in Istanbul, the country's state TV reports, quoting an initial inquiry.

Deputy intelligence chief Ahmad al-Assiri and Saud al-Qahtani, senior aide to Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman, were sacked over the affair, it says.

US President Donald Trump said what had happened was "unacceptable" but added that Saudi Arabia was a "great ally".

This is the first time the kingdom has admitted Mr Khashoggi is dead.

The acknowledgement follows two weeks of denials that Saudi Arabia had any involvement in the disappearance of the prominent Saudi critic when he entered the consulate in Istanbul on 2 October to seek paperwork for his forthcoming marriage.

The Saudi kingdom had come under increased pressure to explain Mr Khashoggi's disappearance after Turkish officials said he had been deliberately killed inside the consulate, and his body dismembered.

On Friday, Turkish police widened their search from the consulate grounds to a nearby forest where unnamed officials believe his body may have been disposed of.

Observers are questioning whether Riyadh's Western allies will find the Saudis' account of a "botched rendition" convincing - and whether it will persuade them not to take punitive action against Saudi Arabia.

The UK Foreign Office said it was considering its next steps after hearing the report.

Berlin                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            20 Oct. 2018                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                (Anadolu News)

Chancellor Angela Merkel on Saturday spoke critical of Saudi Arabia’s official explanation on the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi and demanded “full facts” be revealed.

“Nothing has been cleared up yet [on Khashoggi’s killing], of course we demand that they be cleared up,” Merkel said on Saturday, during a party conference in Eastern Germany.

Khashoggi, a Saudi national and columnist for The Washington Post, was last seen on Oct. 2 when he entered the Saudi Consulate in Istanbul, with evidence mounting that he was killed.

After days of denying to know his whereabouts, Saudi Arabia on Saturday claimed Khashoggi died during a fight inside the consulate.

Separately, in a joint statement, Merkel and Foreign Minister Heiko Maas condemned the killing and said Riyadh’s explanation on circumstances of journalist Khashoggi’s death was not sufficient.

“We expect from Saudi Arabia to be transparent about the real circumstances for Khashoggi’s death and its background. Those responsible must be brought to justice,” they stressed.

Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday that 18 Saudi citizens have been arrested over possible role in the death of Khashoggi, and attempts to conceal and cover what happened.

Istanbul                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       20 Oct 2018                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 (Anadolu News)

The head of an association representing Turkish and Arab journalists on Saturday demanded justice for journalist Jamal Khashoggi, after Saudi Arabia claimed he died during a brawl inside its consulate in Istanbul.

Khashoggi, a Saudi journalist and columnist for The Washington Post, had gone missing since entering the Saudi Consulate in Istanbul on Oct. 2.

After days of denying to know his whereabouts, Saudi Arabia on Saturday claimed Khashoggi died during a fight inside the consulate.

“We want justice for Jamal. We want murderers of Jamal to pay for it,” said Turan Kislakci, head of the Turkish-Arab Media Association (TAM), in front of the Saudi Consulate in Istanbul.

He said 18 days ago, journalist Khashoggi was brutally killed by “blood-shedders.”

He reminded that the group had announced the killing of Khashoggi on the fourth day of his disappearance.

Kislakci also thanked Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan for managing the process with great devotion and diplomacy, as well as making them feel his support from the beginning.

“We demand a real justice for Jamal. We, the Muslims, do not doubt that King Salman [bin Abdulaziz] has the power to do so,” he said and called on Saudi people to give support to the cause.

Kislakci went on to say that the killing of Khashoggi was going to change the course of the world.

“The oppressive regimes of the Middle East will no longer easily interfere with their citizens and journalists,” he noted.

Meanwhile, the Reporters without Borders (RSF) also called for an international pressure to bring to light on all aspects of the incident.

“After the recognition of Khashoggi’s death, we expect a determined, constant and powerful pressure to be kept on Saudi Arabia in order to get the whole truth on the case and the release of Saudi Arabian journalists that have been condemned to crazy and horrible sentences,” wrote Christophe Deloire, secretary-general of RSF, on Twitter.

On the day of Khashoggi’s disappearance, 15 other Saudis, including several officials, arrived in Istanbul on two planes and visited the consulate while he was still inside, according to Turkish police sources. All of the identified individuals have since left Turkey.

A joint Turkish-Saudi team completed an investigation into the case on Thursday after searching the residence of the consul general as well as the Saudi Consulate in Istanbul.

Doha                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             20 Oct 2018

Qatar Science & Technology Park (QSTP), part of Qatar Foundation Research, Development and Innovation, has opened registration for the second edition of its Arab Innovation Academy (AIA) – the largest entrepreneurship boot-camp of its kind in the region that will see participants establish a startup in just 10 days.

Undergraduate students and young entrepreneurs in Qatar are invited to apply to this hands-on and groundbreaking entrepreneurship program – a collaboration between QSTP and the European Innovation Academy (EIA) – which will introduce participants to an accelerated mode of experiential learning, including how to develop and launch new tech ventures in a real marketplace with genuine customer feedback.

Yosouf Saleh, Executive Director, QSTP, said: “The AIA provides an unprecedented opportunity for young and aspiring tech entrepreneurs to gain invaluable insights and guidance from some of the world’s leading experts who will help to accelerate their startup ideas.

“We encourage students and young entrepreneurs in Qatar with a passion for technology development to apply, as this exciting initiative will serve as a launch pad for their startup ambitions. The first edition was an incredible success, introducing several new startups to the local and regional markets. We look forward to assisting the second cohort and helping participants take their tech products to market,” Saleh added.

Throughout the two-week startup boot-camp, 200 entrepreneurs can expect to be put through their paces while working under the guidance of leading Silicon Valley mentors and leveraging an extensive global network comprising top experts in the field.

Alar Kolk, President, EIA, said:  “The Google founders were from Stanford and the Facebook founders from Harvard. The next game-changing companies will come from students’ dreams to make the world a better place. Our mantra for the Arab students is that the greatest danger for most of you is not that your aim is too high, but that it is too low and you reach it. Be the change you want to see in the world. Make the dream true: the next Snapchats, Fornites, and Spotifys will come from the Arab world.”

The EIA is the world’s largest extreme entrepreneurship program, offering aspiring techpreneurs from across the globe the necessary support and mentorship to launch a startup in just 15 days.

The first edition of the AIA saw the participation of more than 100 aspiring entrepreneurs from Algeria, Lebanon, Oman, Tunisia, Morocco, Jordan, and Qatar, who went on to launch startups that address challenges facing the region. The inaugural AIA instilled in participants a mindset of creative collaboration driven by diversity and open communication. Participants completed the program with a newfound confidence in their ability to pursue tech development and make a positive impact in the world through innovation.

The deadline to apply closes at the end of October 2018. The AIA will kick off on January 2, 2019, and will run until January 15, 2019. For more information about the program, and to apply, please visit: http://aia.inacademy.eu

Doha                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             20 Oct. 2018

Preparations of 2018 “Made in Qatar” exhibition in Oman from 5-9 November are in full swing as per schedule and participating companies have completed their registration, said the Organising Committee of the event.

Chaired by Qatar Chamber’s board member Rashid bin Nasser Al Kaabi in presence of Saleh bin Hamad Al Sharqi, Director General of Qatar Chamber of Commerce (QCC),  the committee reviewed the final preparations of the event and agenda of its accompanying forum “ Qatari-Omani Business Forum”.

The committee said that forum would offer a host of investment opportunities in many industrial sectors which will be reviewed by Qatari businessmen and their Omani counterparts with the aim of implementing joint ventures and new investments in both countries.

Rashis Al Kaabi, who is also director of the exhibition,  said that all preparations for the event are in the final stage, noting that it would be of a great success that befit Qatar’s and Oman’s position.

The expo will be held from 5-9 November 2018 in Oman, is organised by QC in cooperation with the Ministry of Energy and Industry and Qatar Development Bank as strategic partner on an area of 10,000 sqm. at the Oman Convention & Exhibition Centre.

With the participation of over 214 Qatari companies and, the five-day exhibition basically aims to promote the locally-manufactured products in the Omani market and exchange experience between Qatari and Omani firms.

The expo, which will be held for the second time outside the country,  also aims to open new horizons of cooperation between the private sector in both countries and inform the Omani business community on the Qatari products.

Al Kaabi noted that all the expo-related logistics have been accomplished  with the Omani side. He expressed his sincere thanks to all entities supporting Qatar Chamber in Oman, foremost of which is Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

He also thanked all bodies and companies that provided support and sponsorship to the events, foremost of which is Qatar Development Bank the strategic partner, as well as Qatar Petroleum the energy sector partner, Qatar National Bank and Manateq as official sponsors, Qatar Manufacturing Industries Company  as diamond sponsor,, Qatar Primary Materials Company as golden sponsor and ASTAD Company and main sponsor for projects management.

Al Kaabi explained choosing Oman as a venue for the expo is due to the strong economic relations between the the private sectors in both countries.

He said the balance of trade between the two countries has made successive leaps in a short period, adding that Qatari business owners are also interested in exploring investment opportunities in the industrial sectors in Oman.

He said that a business forum would be held on the sidelines of the Expo to provide a platform for Qatari and Omani businessmen to discuss enhancing their cooperation ties and investments opportunities available in both sides.

With regard of Qatar’s industrial sector, the QC board member affirmed that it isn’t affected by the siege imposed on the country for more than one year, noting that the private sector manage to boost its investments, expand activities in industry, and boost its relations.

He praised all initiatives supporting industry sector in the country such as “Own A Factory Within 72hrs” which contributed to encouraging business to intensify their investments in industry.

Al Kaabi stressed the chamber’s efforts being exerted with all bodies to organise this expo to be of great success and achieve its objectives in increasing trade between both friendly countries.

In turn, Saleh Al Sharqi said that the exhibition aims to inform Omani consumers and companies on the Qatari products and enable Qatari firms to explore the Omani market.

He praised the Qatari businessmen’s response to the chamber’s invitation to attend the exhibition accompanying forum, noting that  a number of leading businessmen will visit Oman during the expo to participate in the forum.

Al Sharqi affirmed that the B2B meeting between both countries’ businessmen would held in establishing joint alliances, signing trade agencies contracts as well as participating in joint ventures in both sides.

He reviewed the final preparations for the expo which would be held in an area on 10000 sqm at the Oman Convention & Exhibitions Center, assuring that the great participation by Qatari firms stressed the expo’s importance in supporting national industry and promoting local products inside and outside the country.

The expo would feature many industries including petrochemicals, furniture, food and beverage, SMEs, services and various industries as well as home-produced items.

Al Sharqi explained the six industrial sectors of companies displaying their products in the event saying: “ There are 59 companies representing diversified industries, 12 companies in services, 21 companies in furniture sector, 19 companies in petrochemicals, 59 SMEs, 44 in food and beverage sector and 20 productive families.

It is worth mentioning that Qatar Chamber organised five local edition of the expo and one outside the country.

The chamber is keen on regularly holding the exhibition to promote national industry and products, encourage the use of Qatari products, decrease the dependence on imports, support the country’s efforts boosting the industry sector and urge businessmen to invest in industry.

It also aims to support the country’s strategy in public-private partnership, open new external markets for local products and promote SMEs.

Doha                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             20 Oct. 2018

Aspire Academy has kicked off another exciting Tri-Series football tournament for the 2018/2019 season. It will see the best young footballing talent from Asia, Africa, Europe and South America compete against Aspire Academy’s youth teams.

Last week’s competitions witnessed the participation of the U-13 and U-14 players from Buriram United (Thailand), Ventforet Kofu (Japan) and hosts Aspire Academy.

This season’s Tri-Series tournament will feature a number of talented Asian teams, allowing Qatar to pit themselves against future stars of the Asian Football Confederation, to which Qatar belongs.

Commenting at the end of the first round of matches, Aspire Academy Senior Goalkeeping Coach, Willy Stevaert, said: “It has been a pleasure to see how our Aspire Academy goalkeepers have been applying the style of goalkeeping we have been working on. The modern game’s goalkeeper is expected to use his feet more than in the past. In so doing he becomes the 11th field player as opposed to the old style of 10 field players plus a goalkeeper. The Aspire goalkeepers in this Tri-Series have already shown an improved understanding and application of the use of their feet, initiating some very positive moves from such play. “

Meanwhile Japanese club Ventforet Kofu were on their fourth visit to Aspire and their U-13 coach, Yosuke Nishikawa paid compliments to the cordial relationship between the Japanese side and Aspire: “We get a tremendous amount of value by playing in the Aspire Tri-Series tournament. Over the last four years we have been privileged to participate in this tournament, we have seen great progress in our young players.”

Nishikawa continued: “We’ve even seen one of the players we brought here a few years ago go on to play in our first team and be selected for the Japanese national team for his age group. I find Aspire teams similar to us in their pattern of play. Aspire play a passing game that utilizes space and the show support for the player with the ball. They have good quick players who have always provided a worthy challenge to us. Buriram United on the other hand play a differently, with the mainstay of their play being good individuals whose ability we struggled to deal effectively with.”

Buriram’s U-14 Team Manager, Talengkit Bunchasutikul said coming to play in the Aspire Tri-Series tournament was the highlight of his players year: “We appreciate being invited back to play in the Tri-Series tournament here at Aspire Academy. The boys love playing in this competition on these beautiful pitches and using the lovely facilities. We played against good teams from Ventforet Kofu and Aspire Academy and we are happy to have emerged victorious in both age groups.”

The Tri-Series exposes Aspire Academy’s teams on a regular basis to international opponents and allows them to test themselves against different playing styles, philosophies and models from all over the world.

It is one piece of the puzzle that helps young athletes develop a deeper understanding of the sport, providing them with the flexibility to face various challenges, think outside the box and be able to adapt themselves to overcome any obstacles.

The football programme of Aspire Academy is recognised as one of the strongest in the world in terms of detection and selection of talent, as well as training, competition and evaluation of each player. The nurturing of players starts years before they reach the age to join the Academy as high school student-athletes.

The training philosophy of the Academy is tailored to the capabilities, talents and goals of Qatar as a footballing nation and follows a strategy that is geared towards the development of the individual player, who should be able to know what the game demands in any given situation.

Last year’s competitions saw the participation of more than 1,200 players from local, regional and international clubs from African, European, Asian and South American countries.

Doha                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             20 Oct. 2018

Qatar Airways A350-1000, the world’s most technologically advanced passenger aircraft, will land in New York on 28 October, marking the airline’s first U.S. route to operate commercial flights on the ultra-modern aircraft. It was announced by Akbar Al Baker, Group Chief Executive of Qatar Airways at media roundtable luncheon hosted in this regard. The airline is excited to integrate the aircraft into its operations with the oneworld alliance, Qatar Airways’ state-of-the-art fleet, as well as other partnerships and sponsorships offered by the airline. The A350-1000 will travel to a variety of destinations that will shared in the following months.

Akbar Al Baker said “The American market is pivotal for Qatar Airways, that is why we are delighted not only to be serving the largest aviation market, but also to be looking into investing opportunities in the United States and the broader Americas Market. We view the launch of the A350-1000 as a foundation step to continue solidifying Qatar Airways status as an important member of this hemisphere’s airline community and look forward to future expansions in this region.”

Al Baker stressed on the importance of the airline’s position in the oneworld alliance, one of the most important tools for collective action in serving the needs of the customer. The GCEO further emphasized how the beneficial exchange of culture and commerce made possible by the U.S.Qatar Open Skies Agreement must not be blocked merely because of Qatar Airways’ decision to serve markets that others have ignored.

A350-1000 also features the airline’s groundbreaking Qsuite Business Class seat, which offers the industry’s first-ever double bed in Business Class, as well as privacy panels that stow away, allowing passengers in adjoining seats to create their own private space, offering an unmatched, customizable experience.

Earlier this month, Qatar Airways became the Official Global Airline Partner of the NBA’s Brooklyn Nets and the team’s home, Barclays Center, the Brooklyn, New York venue that hosts many of the world’s most exciting entertainment and sporting events. This marks the first major partnership between the airline and an NBA team or venue.

Qatar Airways serves 10 cities across the U.S., including Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, Philadelphia and Washington, D.C. The award-winning airline provides double-daily flights from New York’s JFK airport.

Qatar Airways currently operates a modern fleet of more than 200 aircraft via its state-of-the-art hub, Hamad International Airport (HIA) to more than 150 destinations worldwide. As part of its continued expansion plans, Qatar Airways plans to launch an array of exciting new destinations in the coming months, including Gothenburg, Sweden; Mombasa, Kenya and Da Nang, Vietnam.

The airline has received a number of accolades this year, including ‘World’s Best Business Class’ by the 2018 World Airline Awards, managed by international air transport rating organization Skytrax. It was also named ‘Best Business Class Seat’, ‘Best Airline in the Middle East’, and ‘World’s Best First Class Airline Lounge’.

 

London                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         14 Oct. 2018                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 (Anadolu News Agency)

The British, French, and German governments directly appealed on Sunday to Saudi Arabia “to provide a complete and detailed response” to the disappearance of journalist Jamal Khashoggi.

“Defending freedom of expression and a free press and ensuring the protection of journalists are key priorities for Germany, the United Kingdom and France,” said a joint statement by the countries’ foreign ministers.

“In this spirit, light must be shed on the disappearance of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi, whose family has lost contact with him since October 2nd,” said Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt, French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian, and German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas.

The joint statement came a day before the EU Foreign Affairs Council meeting in Luxembourg.

Underlining a shared “grave concern” also expressed by others, including EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini and UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, the statement said they “are treating this incident with the utmost seriousness.”

“There needs to be a credible investigation to establish the truth about what happened, and – if relevant – to identify those bearing responsibility for the disappearance of Jamal Khashoggi, and ensure that they are held to account,” it said.

“We encourage joint Saudi-Turkish efforts in that regard, and expect the Saudi Government to provide a complete and detailed response,” the statement said.

“We have conveyed this message directly to the Saudi authorities,” it added.

Khashoggi, a prominent journalist, has gone missing since he entered the Saudi Consulate in Istanbul on Oct. 2.

On the same day Khashoggi arrived at the consulate, 15 other Saudis, including several officials, arrived in Istanbul on two planes and visited the building while the journalist was also inside, Turkish police sources said. All of the identified individuals have since left Turkey.

Saudi authorities have yet to give a clear explanation of Khashoggi’s fate, while several countries – particularly Turkey, the U.S., and the U.K. – are pressing for the case to be cleared up as soon as possible.

Speaking on Saturday in London, Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said “Saudi Arabia should be cooperating” by giving Turkish prosecutors and experts access to the consulate.

Adding that the cooperation so far had fallen short of what it should be, he added: "For everything to be cleared up, we would like to see this.”

Dubai                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             Bloomberg / Washington Post                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               14 Oct 2018

Saudi Arabia will retaliate against any punitive measures with an even "stronger" response, the official news agency reported, in an apparent reaction to                  United States President Donald Trump's threats to take action over the disappearance of a prominent government critic.

"The kingdom rejects any threats," the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported, citing an official it did not identify.

In an excerpt from an interview with CBS' 60 Minutes, Mr Trump added pressure on the kingdom, vowing "severe punishment" should the kingdom's                      leaders be linked to the disappearance of Washington Post columnist Jamal Khashoggi.

Washington Post reported today that Saudi Arabia warned Sunday it will respond to any “threats” against it as its stock market plunged following President          Donald Trump’s warning of “severe punishment” over the disappearance of Washington Post contributor Jamal Khashoggi.

Trump made a point of visiting the kingdom on his first overseas trip as president and has touted arms sales to Saudi Arabia. But both the White House and          the kingdom are under mounting pressure as concern grows over the fate of the veteran journalist, who hasn’t been seen since he entered the Saudi                          Consulate in Istanbul on Oct. 2.

Already, international business leaders are pulling out of the kingdom’s upcoming investment forum, a high-profile event known as “Davos in the Desert.”

"The kingdom affirms its total rejection of any threats and attempts to undermine it, whether by threatening to impose economic sanctions, using political             pressures or repeating false accusations,” the statement published by the state-run Saudi Press Agency read. “The kingdom also affirms that if it receives                  any action, it will respond with greater action, and that the kingdom’s economy has an influential and vital role in the global economy.”

  The statement from the world’s top oil exporter came after the Tadawul exchange in Riyadh dropped by 7 percent at one point during the week’s first day of           trading, with 182 of its 186 listed stocks showing losses by the early afternoon. The market clawed back some of the losses, closing down 3.5 percent for the             day.

  Turkish officials say they fear Saudi agents killed and dismembered Khashoggi after he entered the consulate, saying they have audio and video recordings of          it that they have not released. The kingdom has called the allegations “baseless,” but has offered no evidence the writer ever left the consulate.

  In an interview to be aired Sunday, Trump told CBS’ ”60 Minutes” that the consequences of Saudi Arabia being involved would be “severe.”

  “There’s something really terrible and disgusting about that, if that was the case, so we’re going to have to see,” Trump said. “We’re going to get to the                      bottom of it and there will be severe punishment.”

  However, Trump in the same interview said: “As of this moment, they deny it and they deny it vehemently. Could it be them? Yes.”

  Other stock exchanges in the Mideast saw far less volatility Sunday. U.S. markets have been rattled by rising interest rates, signs of a slowdown in the global           economy and the U.S.-China trade dispute.

  Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has aggressively pitched the kingdom as a destination for foreign investment. But Khashoggi’s disappearance,            and suspicions he may have been targeted over his criticism of the crown prince, have led several business leaders and media outlets to back out of an                      upcoming high-profile investment conference in Riyadh.

  Trump also said “we would be punishing ourselves” by canceling arms sales to Saudi Arabia, which his administration touted on his first overseas trip. The              sale is a “tremendous order for our companies,” and if the kingdom doesn’t buy its weaponry from the United States, they will buy it from others, he said.

  Trump said he would meet with Khashoggi’s family as reported by Washington Post dated Sunday 14th October 2018

Doha                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              14 Oct. 2018

Qatar Development Bank (QDB), in collaboration with Qatar Chamber, NAMA Center and the Ministry of Administrative Development Labor & Social Affairs flagged off the 2^nd edition of the “Made at Home” Exhibition this morning. The seven-day event is being hosted at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Center, and was inaugurated by Dr. Issa bin Saad Al Jafali Al Nuaimi, Minister of Administrative Development, Labor and Social Affairs.

This exhibition offers home-based businesses a unique opportunity to display and sell their products, create new marketing and distribution channels, exchange experiences with other home-based business owners who are involved in a range of specialized fields, and showcase their projects on a wide scale. The exhibition was attended by 185 exhibitors from 5 different sectors: crafts, fashion, food and perfumes. Service providers were also included in this year’s edition, such as printing, design and logistics.

QDB also launched the “Dirwaza”, a new marketing service for the home-based projects. This service was offered to 10 home-based businesses, which participated in the first edition of the “Made at Home” Exhibition, to help develop its visual identity, product packaging and to showcase it in the domestic market. These businesses have been selected due to the added value they offer to the local market, with the aim to diversify the national products. QDB is committed towards the continuous support its offers to home-based businesses that play a key role in accelerating the local economic growth and contribute effectively to the sustainable development of Qatar.

Commenting on the occasion, Saleh Majid Al Khulaifi, Executive Director of Intelligence and Localization at Qatar Development Bank (QDB), Said: “The 2^nd edition of Made at Home exhibition met with a huge success with good visitor turnout on its first day. Home-based businesses are recently finding greater impetus and this is our endeavor to help them grow by offering such a platform where they can showcase their capabilities to the prospective buyers. This exhibition aims at empowering the individuals by providing them the economic and social stability. These five days are expected to be filled with lot of business deals and immense opportunities for the participants.”

He added: “Due to the pivotal role the Home-based business play and the significant impact they have in contributing to the development of the national economy, QDB will continue to support and empower these businesses, enhance entrepreneurs’ skills, improve levels of production and provide them with market access opportunities to transform these businesses into larger enterprises in the near future.”

As part of the National program initiative for developing Home-based businesses, the “Made at Home” exhibition was launched by Qatar Development Bank in 2015 to support this sector, which will in return will contribute effectively to the local economy. The exhibition aims at encouraging and supporting Qatari home-based entrepreneurs to develop their abilities and capabilities by offering them a unique opportunity to display their products and services to the local market by creating new marketing windows, which will contribute to the diversification of the national economy. This approach will support the SME industry, encourage new entrepreneurial pursuits and empower micro businesses.

The “Made at Home” exhibition, in its 2^nd edition, is launched after the remarkable success of its 1^st edition, which witnessed the participation of 144 local home-based businesses. The event targeted a variety of sectors which were art crafts, technologies, food & beverage, jewelry with total sales reaching QAR 2.5 million. The exhibition was attended by more than 15,000 visitors across several nationalities.