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Newsletter
September 2024
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Greetings AmCham Members and Friends,
Welcome to the latest edition of the American Chamber of Commerce in Qatar newsletter!
We have some great opportunities available in the "AmCham Partners" section. There you can read about member perks and discounts to participate in upcoming conventions and events, like Milipol Qatar and the 3rd MENA Fintech Festival, and take advantage of special flight deals. All of this aligns with our growing mission to increase the value and benefits to members by working closely with local businesses.
We are diligently working on preparing for several meetings and events to get us through 2024. You can see a short list below with more being planned.
In November will be hosting "An Evening of Giving Thanks". We already have some generous sponsors and partners on board to make this a night to remember. If you're interested to sponsor or donate, email karen@amchamqatar.org to receive detailed information. More details in the coming weeks!
UPCOMING EVENTS AND MEETINGS:
September 2024:
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HAPPENING TODAY, 2 September, at 3:00pm: Optimizing AI Governance webinar presented by a legal consultant of the IFC - International Finance Corporation - a member of the World Bank Group and visiting scholar at George Washington Law
- 17 September: Platinum and Chairman's Circle members exclusive breakfast roundtable with the U.S. Embassy Doha's incoming Deputy Chief of Mission
October 2024:
- Tomorrow's Workforce Today: Innovations and Insights
14 November 2024: An Evening of Giving Thanks
AmCham's annual Thanksgiving dinner
As always, we appreciate your continued support and engagement.
Warm Regards,
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Xiomara Henriquez, Executive Director
American Chamber of Commerce in Qatar
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An Evening of Giving Thanks Sponsors and Partners
We are still seeking support from 1 gold sponsors and 2 silver sponsors. If you're interested to sponsor or donate, email karen@amchamqatar.org to receive detailed information.
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Click the icons to follow us on social media and visit our website | |
The American Chamber of Commerce in Qatar would like to extend appreciation for the continued support of IBM Qatar LLC. They joined AmCham in 2019 as a Corporate Member and have recently increased their investment to the Chairman's Circle Membership. | |
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They bring together all the necessary technology and services to help our clients solve their business problems.
They can help you prioritize the most rewarding opportunities to streamline work, increase operational efficiency and improve customer experiences – and then put those opportunities into action and optimize for continuous improvement.
For leaders who prefer to reduce the number of vendors they buy from, you can take advantage of their complete, yet flexible, portfolio of essential integration, AI and automation technology plus their expert support for improving business and IT performance.
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At the core, they empower HR leaders to make a lasting impact on their organizations. From fostering corporate culture to driving innovation and enhancing engagement, they envision future HR leaders as architects of a future-ready workplace, equipped to navigate today’s challenges and seize tomorrow’s opportunities.
On the ground, they go beyond traditional consulting; they are innovators crafting tailored solutions across various industries in Qatar and globally, with an emphasis on the Middle East.
Moreover, they are disruptors, challenging norms with innovative HR solutions. Their approach is pragmatic, not just theoretical. Whether launching HR functions for startups or developing strategic HR frameworks for multinational conglomerates, they are catalysts for progress.
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Global Studies Institute offers exceptional educational opportunities and growth prospects in Qatar. With technological advancements, access to information and high-quality, education is no longer limited by geographical barriers. GSI, in collaboration with their esteemed partners like Arkansas State University, delivers world-class education to students in Qatar. They offer:
- Qualified & Native English-Speaking Instructors
- Face to Face Learning and Online Support
- Interactive, Inclusive, and Supportive Environment
- Individual Attention and Assessment
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Qatar’s AI market to amount over QR1.5bn in 2024: Report
"The market size of the artificial intelligence (AI) sector is estimated to reach $428.40m (QR1.55bn) in 2024, as per researchers at Statista. This leads to a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 28.66 percent by the end of the decade, resulting in a projected market volume of $1.9bn during the forecast period"
Click HERE to read more from The Peninsula
BAE Systems-built NEOWISE spacecraft ends mission after 14 years in space
"The satellite launched in 2009 as part of a NASA mission called WISE to map the sky using an infrared imager. After completing its survey in 2011, the satellite was placed into hibernation until 2013, when it was reactivated to take on a new mission called NEOWISE. Together, the WISE and NEOWISE missions have made a lasting impact, providing the scientific community with valuable data to track and study near-Earth objects throughout the solar system."
Click HERE to read more from BAE Systems
CIA gives head of Qatari intelligence top award
"CIA director Bill Burns, [in August], awarded the head of the Qatari State Security Agency, Abdullah bin Mohammed Al-Khulaifi, the "George Tenet" medal for his work on strengthening intelligence cooperation between the U.S. and Qatar."
Click HERE to read more from Axios
QNB joins PCAF to promote carbon accountability in financial sector
"This membership reflects QNB Group’s commitment to combating climate change as part of its strategic focus on sustainability. The partnership with PCAF further enables the Bank’s support of the State of Qatar’s ratification of the Paris Agreement and its Nationally Determined Contributions."
Click HERE to read more from The Peninsula
Qatar’s travel and tourism sector is set to contribute $25 billion to the country’s economy this year
"The travel and tourism sector’s contribution to the GDP surged by 31 percent in 2023, hitting a record QAR81.2 billion ($22.25 billion) or 10.3 percent of Qatar’s overall economic output.
Qatar aims to attract six million visitors annually and raise tourism’s contribution to the GDP to 12 percent by 2030."
Click HERE to read more from Economy Middle East
Infrastructure development to drive Qatar’s FM sector
"With diverse projects, Qatar is leading the race toward stronger infrastructures in the region as the country’s public works authority, Ashghal implemented over 20 new projects worth QR4.1bn last year."
Click HERE to read more from The Peninsula
Excelerate Energy Reports Second Quarter 2024 Results and Raises Full-Year Guidance
RECENT HIGHLIGHTS
- Reported Net Income of $33.3 million for the second quarter
- Reported Adjusted EBITDA of $89.0 million for the second quarter
- Signed a term sheet with ITECO Joint Stock Company to co-develop a greenfield LNG import terminal in northern Vietnam
- Declared a quarterly dividend of $0.025 per share, payable on September 5, 2024
Click HERE to read more from Excelerate Energy
Qatar investing in youth, upskilling national workforce
"Aimed at providing high school students with the opportunity to explore a multitude of industries and work environments across Qatar, the [My Career - My Future] stimulates creativity and nurtures self-reliance among students by giving them the chance to experience a real work environment at a participating organization of their choice."
Click HERE to read more from The Peninsula
U.S. Embassy Doha Welcomes New Deputy Chief of Mission
"Stefanie Altman-Winans is the Deputy Chief of Mission at U.S. Embassy Doha and a career member of the Senior Foreign Service. She was most recently the Counselor for Public Affairs at the U.S. Embassy in Amman, Jordan from 2021-24."
Click HERE to read more from the U.S. Embassy Doha
The Ministry of Commerce and Industry Announces the Addition of 48 New Home-Based Business License Activities
"The ministry outlined the requirements for issuing home licenses, which include a service application form and both the property owner and license holder's ID cards, (the address must match the license holder's address data), as well as the “My Address” sign on the home.
The ministry clarified that the license application can be made online through the Single Window portal. If the application is submitted electronically, there is no need to fill out the license services application form."
Click HERE to read more from MOCI
MCIT Establishes New Sections to Promote Digital Agenda 2030 Initiatives
"...Decision No.17 of 2024 establishing sections within the administrative units affiliated to the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT) and defining their competencies. This step comes within the commitment of MCIT to implementing effective mechanisms to realize the objectives and initiatives outlined in the Digital Agenda (DA) 2030."
Click HERE to read more from MCIT
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EXCLUSIVE OFFER!
Gulf Air is offering an exclusive discount for the American Chamber of Commerce in Qatar. The offer details are as follows:
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Purchase Period: 1st to 30th September 2024
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Travel Period: Until 10th December 2024
- Applicable Routes: From Doha to Amman, Athens, Bahrain, Bangkok, Cairo, Frankfurt, Guangzhou, Larnaca, London, Malé, Milan, Munich, Paris, Shanghai, Singapore
- Trip Type: One-way, Return & Multicity
- Discount: 20% on Business Class, 15% on Economy Class (including promotional and already discounted fares)
- CLICK HERE for booking --> Booking Channel
- Promo/Discount Codes:
- Economy Class: GF24YAMCHAM
- Business Class: GF24JAMCHAM
In addition to the above, they are offering an exclusive Frequent Flyer Tier Matching program. Passengers traveling in Business Class to any Gulf Air destination will be eligible for an immediate upgrade of their FFP card, matching any other airline’s valid card they hold. You can contact Doha.Reservations@gulfair.com for any further quires.
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U.S. Chamber Hosts Deputy Assistant Secretary for the Middle East and Africa, Thomas Bruns.
U.S Chamber of Commerce hosted Thomas Bruns, Deputy Assistant Secretary for the Middle East and Africa at the U.S. Department of Commerce, for a hybrid roundtable with to discuss opportunities and challenges across the Middle East. DAS Bruns’ leadership and focus are valuable to growing commercial ties throughout the region -- he and his team in DC and at embassies and consulates in the Middle East are amazing partners to the Chamber and our members and top-notch advocates for U.S. business.
The U.S. Chamber is planning at least three Commerce Certified Trade Missions -- GreenTech 3.0 to the UAE in September, a Space Business Delegation to the UAE in December, and a Space Business Delegation to Saudi Arabia in 2025.
They are also working closely on a number of critical issues, policies, and regulations which have major implications for U.S. businesses, entrepreneurs, and investors across the Middle East.
Thank you, Thomas, for your leadership and all you do!
Photo and caption courtesy of Steve Lutes, U.S. Chamber of Commerce
Side note: If you're a Qatar based company interested in exporting from Qatar into the United States, preparation for the May 2025 delegation is underway. Please email info@amchamqatar.org with subject line "SelectUSA 2025".
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AmCham is an official Community Partner for MENA Fintech Festival 2024!
If you're interested to join companies like Mastercard, Hyperpay, Spendwisor, and Fintech Consult as a sponsor, AmCham members get a discount on Sponsorship and Exhibitor Packages for the MENA Fintech Festival.
AmCham members can email info@amchamqatar.org to inquire about special member discount rates on sponsorship, exhibitor booths, and FULL PASS tickets to attend the event.
The upcoming 3rd edition of the MENA FINTECH FESTIVAL aims to combine valuable content, a high-quality audience, and engaging and entertaining elements. From startups to investors, corporate entities to regulators, and incubators to accelerators, the new MENA FINTECH FESTIVAL format caters to a wide range of participants, all within the specialized fields of Fintech and Financial Inclusion.
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AmCham has an MOU with Qatar Living!
This strategic partnership promises to create new opportunities for their users and our members, enhance connections with companies and expand access to the job market. It will also increase the network and outreach available to AmCham members, help build awareness about AmCham’s activities in the business community and grow our relationships with Qatari businesses.
Stay tuned for more exciting developments!
Click HERE to read news, view properties and classified, and more from Qatar Living.
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OAO Media is the Official Media Partner for AmCham Qatar!
We are excited to announce our partnership with OAO Media, a leading provider of high-quality videography, photography, PR, and marketing services. OAO Media has already captured some of our most memorable events, including the prestigious inter-council Suhoor during Ramadan at AmCham Corporate member Mandarin Oriental Hotel along with other meetings and events.
As an AmCham member, you can now benefit from exclusive rates and up to 20% discounts on all OAO Media services. Whether you're looking to enhance your brand with professional videos, stunning photos, or strategic marketing campaigns, OAO Media has the expertise to meet your needs.
Click HERE to check out their website or HERE to browse their portfolio of incredible work to learn more about OAO Media's offerings and take advantage of these exclusive benefits.
Upgrade your media presence with OAO Media and experience the difference.
AmCham members OAO POC: Bianca Apps - Managing Partner - Mobile: 5598 5735
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AmCham has partnered with Premier Fintech LLC to offer exclusive services designed to revolutionize our business operations. From cutting-edge payment solutions to digital transformation and future loyalty points systems, we’re working together to revolutionize electronic payments and bring more value to our members, while simultaneously making it easy to do business.
Click HERE to learn more about Premier Fintech LLC's services and offerings.
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AmCham is collaborating with Kallman Worldwide to present exhibitor opportunities to members at Milipol Qatar 2024.
Be an exhibitor at Milipol 29-31 October 2024 - Global Event for Homeland Security and Safety
Should you be interested to exhibit or participate please reach out directly to Jack Newman at JackN@kallman.com and he can provide you with an updated floor plan and a space application.
Click HERE to read more from Kallman Worldwide, Inc.
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We would like to congratulate the Microsoft Qatar team on being awarded the Microsoft Global Opal Top Team Award.
The Microsoft Global Opal Top Team Award is a prestigious recognition given to teams within Microsoft for their outstanding performance and contributions. This award highlights teams that have demonstrated exceptional collaboration, innovation, and impact in their respective fields and countries. It celebrates the achievements of teams that go above and beyond to drive success and deliver value and impact to customers, their country and the company. In Qatar, the team has been supporting continued economic growth that benefits all organizations through its global cloud data centers and digital skilling through Digital Center of Excellence leading the digital transformation era. In support of Qatar’s Vision 2030, Microsoft’s trusted cloud is empowering organizations of all sizes and across all sectors to innovate, better serve their customers and achieve their business goals.
Congratulations!
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Dun & Bradstreet has been a global leader in business decisioning data and analytics for nearly 200 years, facilitating companies in making informed business decisions, streamlining operations, and mitigating risk. With a comprehensive database of +560 million business records, D&B supports 90% of the Fortune 500 companies and has emerged as a cornerstone for businesses worldwide, providing critical insights that drive growth and sustainability.
In line with its tradition of innovation, Dun & Bradstreet Qatar recently launched two groundbreaking AI-backed solutions: D&B Finance Analytics™ and D&B Risk Analytics™. These platforms harness the power of advanced analytics to revolutionize credit-to-cash processes and streamline risk management, providing businesses with the tools they need to navigate smoothly in today’s complex economic landscape.
The Dun & Bradstreet Finance Analytics is a complete credit-to-cash portal that assists businesses in improving financial decisions, reducing credit risk, and minimizing bad receivables. This state-of-the-art product reduces company costs and enhances customer experience through credit automation and smooth cash management.
The second platform, Dun & Bradstreet Risk Analytics, helps companies manage regulatory and reputational risks emerging from their dealings with other companies.
D&B's excellence has been recognized through numerous prestigious awards. Global Finance has honored D&B as the "World’s Best Supply Chain Finance Provider" and has been awarded "Best Analytics for Credit Scoring and Risk Assessment." Additionally, Forrester has named D&B a Leader in B2B Marketing Data Providers, a title also awarded in 2021.
To learn more, contact the Dun & Bradstreet Qatar Office:
General Manager. George Hajji
hajjig@dnbsame.com
+974 4005 7260
www.dnbsame.com
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New Digital Initiatives Introduced to Facilitate the Retention of Talent in Qatar
A closer look
Two new digital initiatives have been introduced by the Ministry of Labor (MOL) in Qatar to facilitate the recruitment of foreign and local graduates from universities in Qatar, and Qatari nationals seeking opportunities in the private sector.
First, the ‘Ouqoul’ platform – is an AI-powered tool aimed primarily at linking Qatar’s university graduates with private sector employers.
Second, the ‘Basher’ service – is a new service designed to streamline the employment process for Qatari nationals in the private sector by allowing them to authenticate their employment contracts electronically through the MOL portal. The service costs QAR 60 (approximately USD 16).
Impact
The new ‘Ouqoul’ initiative aims to improve talent retention in Qatar by speeding up the hiring process and better aligning educational programs with job market needs. This will help universities tailor curricula to match industry demands and provide detailed insights into market trends. Additionally, the ‘Basher’ service enhances Qatari employment in the private sector by increasing job market transparency and helping identify and address employment gaps.
In October 2023, Qatar launched ‘Istamer’, a digital platform that evaluates the profiles of retired Qatari nationals seeking private sector jobs and matches them with suitable employers based on their skills and expertise. Building on this and aligning with Qatar’s national agenda to have over 20% of the Qatari workforce in the private sector by 2030, the MOL launched a Qatarization program in July 2024. This program, currently in its trial phase with over 40 private sector companies, uses a point-based scheme to incentivize employers to hire Qatari nationals, with full implementation underway to further boost local employment.
Contact Fragomen Doha for assistance:
Fragomen Services LLC
Office 01-39th floor Burj Al Mana, West Bay, Doha
T+974 4019 1100
F+974 4482 0305
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WCM-Q and the University of São Paulo host global congress on precision health
Image caption:
Dr. Javaid Sheikh, dean of WCM-Q (front center, blue suit) with organizers and speakers at a global congress on precision health innovations and education coordinated by WCM-Q in São Paulo, Brazil.
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Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar (WCM-Q), in collaboration with the Center for the Development of Medical Education at the Faculty of Medicine, University of São Paulo (CEDEM-FMUSP), hosted a global congress (8-10 June 2024) on precision health innovations and education in São Paulo, Brazil.
Precision health represents a revolutionary approach in healthcare, integrating advanced technologies and personalized data to gain comprehensive insights into an individual’s unique biology, environment, and lifestyle factors. By leveraging evidence and data, precision health aims to enhance individual lifespans by addressing specific determinants of health. This paradigm shift offers both challenges and opportunities, setting new standards across the healthcare system.
Titled ‘Transforming Health Professional Education, Research and Care (PHIE-CIIPES),’ the international congress brought together leading local and international experts to explore how the latest innovations, approaches, and technologies are reshaping medical education, translational research, and precision care. Highlights included discussions on how extended reality is transforming classrooms and emergency rooms; how artificial intelligence is revolutionizing learning, disease diagnostics, and treatments; and how wearable technologies are uncovering the impact of climate change on health. Reflecting the innovation theme of the congress, Brazilian education-tech and health-tech startups also pitched their groundbreaking ideas.
The event was an important gathering of the global healthcare community, attracting approximately 700 attendees, including medical educators, students, health practitioners, researchers, policymakers, and innovators. This diverse range of participants underscored the global interest and commitment to precision health.
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Unlock your career with AI: Register in IBM SkillsBuild Project Based Learning cohort today!
IBM SkillsBuild in partnership with SkillUp Online, a training delivery vendor of IBM SkillsBuild, are announcing a new instructor-led Artificial Intelligence 4 weeks program.
Key Program Highlights:
• Registration: Closes on: Wednesday 04 September
• Course starting date: 10th September
• No prior knowledge/experience required
Benefits for you:
• Learn from AI industry experts.
• Develop in-demand skills
• Earn a valuable AI digital credential for free.
• Apply new skills through a real-world project.
You can find more information on the AI program here
https://skillup.online/ibmskillsbuildAI4week
CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW TO REGISTER/ENROLL NOW:
https://ibm.biz/QATAR-AMCHAM
Need help on enrolling/registering? Please click below:
https://ibm.biz/GuidetoRegister
By registering/enrolling in this learning experience, you acknowledge that SkillUp, a training delivery vendor of IBM SkillsBuild, will process your data and contact you regarding your participation in this learning plan and other IBM SkillsBuild educational activities.
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6 August 2024
Hotel, Travel, and Tourism Roundtable:
We had an engaging discussion to address challenges and opportunities in the Qatar market as it relates to travel, tourism, and hospitality. By listening to industry stakeholders, we can learn how to move Qatar closer to vision 2030. It will take collaboration and partnership between the private and public sectors to drive these initiatives forward.
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Chairman's Circle Members | |
Please Note: If AmCham Qatar Members would like to contribute or submit content (promotions, announcements, etc.), the deadline is the 25th of every month on a first come, first serve basis. | | | | |
