Qatar's economic and business landscapes have been significantly shaped by recent recognitions and innovations aimed at promoting growth and sustainability. Recently, Qatar Islamic Bank (QIB) was honored as the ‘Best SME Bank’ in Qatar by Global Finance, reflecting its pivotal role as a financial partner for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across the nation.
This prestigious acknowledgment, part of the 2025 GW Platt Foreign Exchange and SME Bank Awards, highlights QIB’s commitment to advancing economic diversification and financial inclusion for SMEs. The bank has implemented several digital solutions to empower these businesses, offering them access to personalized financial advice and sector-specific banking services as part of its alignment with the Qatar National Vision 2030.
Tarek Fawzi, General Manager of QIB’s Wholesale Banking Group, stated, “Our commitment to support SMEs is a fundamental part of our strategy to drive sustainable growth and economic development.” He emphasized the bank's focus on delivering innovative, Shariah-compliant financial solutions to help businesses thrive, ensuring they have the resources needed to compete successfully.
QIB’s recognition as the ‘Best SME Bank’ showcases the bank's success in offering customer-centric financial solutions attuned to the specific needs of Qatar’s SMEs, including streamlined online account opening and enhanced cash flow management tools. This reflects QIB’s relentless drive to create a more diverse business ecosystem within Qatar.
Meanwhile, the business and cultural fabric of Qatar took another leap forward with the inauguration of Gallery Five Home, the Middle East's premier interior solutions platform, at Giardino Mall, The Pearl. The grand opening included a remarkable attempt to set the Guinness World Record for the largest mammal sculpture, underlining the intersection of creativity and environmental awareness.
The opening event was attended by notable dignitaries, including His Excellency Sheikh Dr. Faleh bin Nasser bin Ahmed bin Ali Al-Thani, the Minister of Environment and Climate Change, alongside Sheikh Abdulaziz H. Al-Thani and other esteemed officials. The event's highlight was the installation of Qatar’s 12th Guinness World Record for the Largest Plastic Bag Sculpture of a Mammal, represented by an impressive Dugong sculpture measuring 8.00 meters long and 4.10 meters high.
Vivian Chen, Chairwoman of Gallery Five Group, expressed her excitement about the event, stating, “We are thrilled to celebrate this milestone alongside a Guinness World Record, harmonizing art, culture, and sustainability.” This reflects Gallery Five Home’s mission to position Qatar on the global stage through exceptional creative achievements.
The launch also featured artistic masterpieces by Qatari artists Ahmed Almaadheed and Muna Al Bader, alongside captivating performances inspired by rich cultural narratives and traditions. Aicha Abouhaj, a Moroccan artist, delivered a live painting inspired by her Hikayat Tales, interweaving themes of women’s stories with the heritage of Qatari Sadu Art and Moroccan Amazigh tattoos.
Gallery Five Home aims to redefine luxury and functionality within the GCC’s interior solutions market, with the event marking another significant step forward for Qatar’s arts and cultural scene. With the establishment of the first special care mock-up room adhering to the Hamad Standard, the platform showcases its innovative approach to design.
Mohammed Althaf, Group Director of Lulu Group International, highlighted the collaboration with Gallery Five Home, indicating, “Lulu Group is honored to collaborate with Gallery Five Home on this landmark occasion.” His remarks encapsulate the significance of partnerships between private entities and their broader role within the community.
Mbali Nkosi, adjudicator from Guinness World Records, praised this remarkable achievement, stating, “The achievement of this world record is a remarkable accomplishment... underscoring Qatar’s commitment to art, innovation, and environmental consciousness.”
Both QIB and Gallery Five Home exemplify Qatar’s vibrant and growing economic and business developments, illustrating the nation’s focus on fostering creativity, sustainability, and inclusivity within its thriving commercial and cultural sectors.