Episode Notes
With a renewed global spotlight on Qatar following the 2022 World Cup, business executives from around the world continue to see this strategically-located Gulf nation as a prime location for business growth. Founded to support United States-based companies, the US-Qatar Business Council has supported and advised U.S.-based businesses on trading goods and services in Qatar for decades.
Opportunities for growth in Qatar continue in legacy industries, namely oil and gas, and have only recently emerged in e-sports, fintech, media, communications, entertainment, and tourism. If you’re a U.S. business in these sectors or you’re seeking guidance on expanding to the Middle East, Qatar is thriving and must not be overlooked.
In this interview, hear more from the Managing Director of the US-Qatar Business Council and learn about the value of a Council membership. The Council helps in facilitating introductions to key Qatari partners, navigating legal and regulatory intricacies, extending connections with local government officials, and providing detailed market research intelligence.
But is your business ready to receive the Council’s support? Schedule a meeting today to become pre-qualified and begin exploring new trading channels with partners in Qatar immediately.
Guest: Mohammed Barakat, Managing Director & Treasurer of the Board of Directors, US-Qatar Business Council.
Resume highlights:
- Was recognized and awarded 40 Under 40 by the US Middle East Policy Council in 2021 for his 18+ years of work in the advancement of relations between the U.S. and Middle Eastern countries; and for his outstanding contributions to the U.S.-Middle East relations.
- Joined the Council in 2013, responsible for directing US-Qatar Business Council Congressional, Federal, and State programs to advance the business, investment, and trade in the U.S.
- Previously worked for a major Qatari holding group helping expand international partnerships and its business portfolio, and as marketing manager for a major construction and engineering group in the UAE.
- Holds a Master of Legal Studies degree from the American University Washington College of Law, an advanced Business Strategy degree from the Cornell Johnson Graduate School of Management, and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science and Public Administration from Yarmouk University (Jordan).
Here’s more on how the U.S.-Qatar Business Council supports U.S. businesses as they seek to forge new partnerships and identify business opportunities in Qatar, one of the United States’ longest partners in the Gulf:
Background reading:
- Read our Market Spotlight on Qatar and gain market intelligence. (Factum Global)
- Interested in conducting business in Qatar? Here’s an overview. (U.S. Embassy, Qatar)
- World Cup: The most recent games were hosted by Qatar. Here’s a lesson on culture. (Factum Global)
- Considerations for how U.S. Associations should navigate expansion into the Middle East. (Factum Global)
- For more information about the US-Qatar Business Council and for information on becoming a member, visit www.usqbc.org.
