Co-Hosted with Qatar Central Bank, the Euromoney Qatar Conference opened with discussions around the future of Qatar’s economy.
Investment professionals, financiers and economists gathered for the Euromoney Qatar Conference today at the St. Regis hotel in Doha to discuss the ever-changing dynamics of the economy. This year’s Euromoney Qatar Conference is focusing on the future of Qatar’s economy and the major milestones expected in 2020.
H.E. Sheikh Abdulla Bin Saoud Al-Thani, Governor of Qatar Central Bank, opened the conference with a keynote address, providing an overview of the global financial sector that is “witnessing rapid development, supported by technology and innovation, as we witness the launch of digital banks, or what is known today as the new banks of the era, which provide banking services through mobile applications and other supported platforms.”
Euromoney Conferences, the world’s leading organiser of events for capital markets and investment professionals, offers companies and governments the chance to connect with financial institutions whilst examining the latest trends in financial markets. 
Following the conference, held under the theme Qatar and the Future, renowned economist, and founder and chairman of Capital Economics, Roger Bootle, delivered a highly anticipated presentation on The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on the Economy, Business and Society.
Day one of the conference continued with a series of panel discussions and key-note addresses given by Abdulla Mubarak Al-Khalifa, Acting Group Chief Executive Officer, QNB Group; and Joseph Abraham, Group Chief Executive Officer, Commercial Bank, on the topic of the Qatari banking industry.
Abdulla Mubarak Al-Khalifa, Acting Group Chief Executive Officer, QNB Group said: “We are proud of our Qatari heritage and of the contribution we make as a trusted financial partner to the geographies we serve. As a trusted, global brand, QNB offers valuable market insights and a range of quality products and services that benefit corporate, institutional and retail customers alike”.
Joseph Abraham, Group CEO of Commercial Bank said: “Our sponsorship reflects Commercial Bank’s commitment to Qatar’s strategy to be a global and regional hub for finance and thought leadership in this space and address the latest economic, financial and technological trends.”
Panel discussions on the topic of the global geopolitical outlook, and Qatar 2020, provided the audience with an understanding of both the country, regional and global outlook, as well as the major milestones anticipated for Qatar next year. Speakers included:  Eng Teck Tan, Senior Portfolio Manager, Nikko Asset Management; Kristian Coates Ulrichsen,  Research Fellow, Rice University’s Baker Institute for Public Policy; Mahjoob Zweiri, Director, Gulf Studies Center, Qatar University;  Alexis Antoniades, Director, Chair of International Economics, Georgetown University - Qatar; Koen Bosma, Managing Director, Rainmaking; Kathrin Lemke, Representative and Director, German Industry and Commerce Office Qatar (AHK); and Khaled Salhab, Assistant General Manager, Domestic Corporate, QNB.
Day two of the Euromoney Qatar Conference will feature a series of thematic panels discussing the future of banking, and the future of investment. The conference visitors can also expect an informative and interactive keynote presentation and Q&A session with Futurist and Author, Brett King.
Sponsors of this year’s Euromoney Conference include Senior Lead Sponsor, QNB; Lead Sponsors, The Commercial Bank of Qatar and Qatar Islamic Bank, Co- Sponsor Qatar Development Bank; and Exhibitor CFA Society Doha. The conference is also supported by the QFMA.
Victoria Behn, Director, Middle East and Africa, Euromoney Conferences says: “I am delighted with the attendance at our eighth annual Euromoney Qatar Conference. This year’s speakers tackled some fascinating topics relating to the future of Qatar’s economy, its digital transformation and Vision 2030. HE Sheikh Abdulla Bin Saoud Al-Thani will attend the second day of the event, which will focus on the future of finance and investment and how technology is transforming the financial landscape”. 
The Euromoney Qatar Conference 2019 concludes on Monday, 9 December at the St. Regis Doha.