Qatar

Industry News

ChinaAMC HK and Qatar’s Lesha Bank Partner on Shari’a China Equity Fund

China Asset Management (Hong Kong) Limited and Qatar-based Lesha Bank signed an MOU to launch a Shari'a-compliant All-China active equity fund. The fund provides GCC institutional and high-net-worth investors targeted access to Chinese A-shares, H-shares, and overseas-listed equities. Lesha Bank acts as investment manager, while ChinaAMC (HK) serves as sub-investment manager overseeing portfolio decisions.

Middle East Travel Alerts

Qatar Clarifies Visa Rules for GCC Residents Adding Spouses and Minor Dependents

Qatar has published updated guidance detailing entry rules for dependents under the GCC Resident Visa (A2) framework. Holders can include children under 18 if they hold GCC residency, while non-resident minors require separate tourist or ETA visas. Spouses holding GCC residence permits must apply independently and cannot be added to a partner's application.

Policy & Legal Updates

Five Gulf Nations Pursue Schengen Visa Waiver Ahead of Riyadh EU-GCC Summit

Five Gulf Cooperation Council states are seeking a Schengen visa exemption for their citizens ahead of an upcoming bilateral summit in Riyadh. The Economic Times reports that the discussions apply exclusively to national passport holders rather than foreign residents living in the Gulf. The United Arab Emirates currently remains the only GCC member country with established visa-free Schengen access.

China–UAE News

Mubadala Prioritises Asia and China Expansion Alongside UAE Tech and Logistics Projects

Abu Dhabi sovereign wealth fund Mubadala plans to maintain an annual investment scale of 39 billion US dollars, targeting expanded asset allocation in China, South Korea, India, and Japan. Simultaneously, the UAE and Qatar have launched major commercial and technology initiatives, including a 1.8 billion AED expansion at Dubai CommerCity and preparations for Doha to host the World Investment Forum.