QFMA Affirms Keenness to Constantly Review Legislation to Keep Up with Local Variables, International Standards


Doha: Qatar Financial Markets Authority (QFMA) emphasized that is continuously working whenever necessary to review its legal legislation for the purpose of ongoing development and update in order to keep pace with local variables and the best international laws, standards and practices in force in this field, noting the important role played by capital markets regulators in regulating the work in such markets by providing the appropriate legislative environment for their optimal activities and performance.

Acting Director of Complaints Department at QFMA Noora Abdulaziz Al Emadi said since its establishment under Law No. (33) of 2005, QFMA has paid great attention to issue legal legislation that contributes to perform its functions and competencies and complete its work with the least effort and the fastest possible time, aiming to maintain confidence in the dealing system in the local market and enhance the integrity and transparency to ensure the continuity of its stability and reduce the risks may face,
so that such markets will be attractive for investments, and for investors’ funds and savings to be utilized in investment opportunities that achieve meaningful profits.

Al Emadi affirmed that QFMA is working to speed up the process of handling complaints, and on the need to inform all parties dealing in the Qatari capital market of the legal legislation in force, regulating the work of the market issued by QFMA, in particular the legal provisions stating the tasks of the QFMA’s licensed entities and the rights and duties of each party dealing in the market, including the investors.

She added that this would help identify the mechanisms, the proper methods and the correct way used to carry out the various operations in the market, and to review and be aware of the Rules and Procedures of Complaints issued by QFMA and published in the Official Gazette, which clarifies who has the right to lodge a complaint as well the mechanism and subject matter, which is often related to the failure of one of the concerned
parties to carry out its prescribed duties, or its failure to carry out an action directed to be done in accordance with the legal procedures established in this regard, or with regard to any abuses or breaches of the legal legislation in force that may have caused damage to another party or parties, and to indicate the methods of handling such complaints and taking appropriate action in this regard, with the aim of maintain the rights of market participants, recover the stolen rights and return them to their owners and hold violators accountable.

Al Emadi talked about ways to lodge a complaint via the QFMA’s website, or an e-mail to the Complaints Department’s e-mail, or by the recorded phone calls, or attend in person at the QFMA’s headquarters.

Al Emadi continued by saying that the Complaints Department receives positively complaints from investors and all concerned parties, and upon received, it immediately deals with, researches, and considers such complaints as per the prescribed procedures, then the
necessary recommendations are submitted in this regard. Thereafter, the required legal measures are taken within QFMA according to the approved judicial cycle, which may start with the complaint through the necessary investigations by an investigation committee formed for this purpose, following that take the necessary disciplinary actions against violators by the Disciplinary Committee. It may be appealed against the Disciplinary Committee’s decisions before the QFMA’s Appeals Committee, which is formed in its membership of three judges from the Court of Appeals, one of whom is a president of a court who heads this Committee, in addition to two experts, explaining that the Committee’s decisions may be challenged before the Court of Appeal, where its decisions are considered as a ruling of first degree, until the procedures are completed by a ruling issued by the Court of Cassation, if necessary.

Source: Qatar News Agency

QSE Index Rises 0.40% at Start of Trading


Doha: Qatar Stock Exchange index started Sunday’s trading session up by 0.40%, adding 38.52 points to reach the level of 9741 points, compared to last closing.

The index was supported by a rise in five sectors: Transportation by 0.93%; Real Estate by 0.58%, Banks and Financial Services by 0.39%; Telecoms by 0.37%; and Industrials by 0.14%. On the other hand, the index saw a decline in Insurance by 0.47%; and Consumer Goods and Services by 0.26%.

At 10:00 am, 31.154 million shares were traded in 2,535 transactions valued QR 69.323 million.

Source: Qatar News Agency

Sharjah Chamber highlights real estate investment opportunities at ACRES Dubai 2024


DUBAI: The Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) took part in the first edition of ACRES Real Estate Exhibition Dubai, held from May 16 to May 19, 2024.

The event featured over 40 leading real estate companies, developers, and investors from Dubai, the region, and globally. Throughout the exhibition, the Sharjah Chamber effectively enhanced its relationships with several participating companies, fostering new business opportunities and collaborations.

On the sidelines of the well-attended exhibition, which drew thousands of visitors, theChamber engaged in a series of meetings with top-tier officials and property investors and developers. The SCCI highlighted its crucial role in bolstering the real estate sector in Sharjah, highlighting its efforts in creating a favorable investment environment and streamlining processes for investors and property firms.

During the event, the Sharjah Chamber showcased a range of investment opportunities available in the emirate’s real estate sector.

It emphasised
the importance of enhancing cooperation and exchanging expertise among key industry players. The Chamber’s efforts are directed towards promoting real estate development, establishing foundations for the sustained growth of this sector.

Mohammed Ahmed Amin Al-Awadi, Director-General of SCCI, affirmed that the Chamber’s engagement in ACRES Dubai 2024 aligns with its strategy to support and foster the growth of Sharjah’s ever-growing real estate sector, which is a key pillar of the UAE’s economy.

He noted that the exhibition provided an opportunity to showcase and promote major real estate projects, thereby boosting investor confidence and attracting more foreign and local investments. The event served as a robust platform to facilitate communication and interaction between property developers and investors.

It also served as an excellent venue to showcase the abundant investment advantages and incentives offered by Sharjah, including streamlined legal processes, supportive regulations, advanced infrastructu
re, and other facilitations catering to investors’ needs in the real estate sector and beyond.

Al-Awadi pointed out that the SCCI’s engagement in ACRES Exhibition and other important property events enhances Sharjah’s stature as a leading investment destination in the region, offering valuable opportunities for real estate investors and developers to exchange expertise and knowledge.

These events also provide valuable insights into the global real estate market, equipping participants with knowledge about the latest trends and advancements driving the industry forward.

Concluding his statements, Al-Awadi assured that the Sharjah Chamber will continue its efforts to support the real estate sector, whether through organising specialised exhibitions and shows or participating in similar events.

He added that the Chamber seeks to provide all necessary facilitation and services to promote sustainable growth and development in the UAE’s real estate market and other economic sectors.

Source: Emirates News Agen
cy

Sharjah Islamic Bank joins ‘haifin’ platform to combat fraud, support digital transformation in banking sector


DUBAI: In a move to enhance efforts to combat fraud and continue digital transformation plans in the banking sector, aligning with the digital goals of the United Arab Emirates, Sharjah Islamic Bank (SIB) announced its joining of the “haifin” platform alliance, becoming the fourteenth member, demonstrating its commitment to accelerating the collective banking sector efforts to improve risk management procedures and reinforce trust in lending practices.

By joining the “haifin” platform alliance, SIB emphasises the importance of mutual cooperation in combating challenges through the “haifin” digital trade platform, supported by blockchain technology and artificial intelligence from “eand Enterprise Fintech,” a subsidiary of eand, and is steadfastly expanding in adopting innovative practices and working to increase the level of security, transparency, and efficiency in its financial operations by verifying commercial financing deals in real-time and preventing potential fraud through duplicative transactions.

Hakam Abu Zarour, COO of Sharjah Islamic Bank, said: “Joining the haifin platform alliance aligns with our commitment to leverage technology to enhance risk management, as we strive to adopt the best technologies to deliver an unparalleled customer experience, considering it the optimal way to succeed in the bank’s growth plans and ensure their continuity.”

Abu Zarour, also noted that as part of our long and medium-term strategy, the SIB invests significantly in acquiring new technologies in banking services for its corporate clients, aiming to provide neutral and safe services, recognizing the escalating pace of fraud threats facing the banking industry. Therefore, the haifin platform offers innovative collaborative solutions that bridge the gap in commercial financing and enhance trust in lending for our customers.”

On his part, Zulqarnain Javaid, the CEO of “haifin,” said: “We are thrilled to welcome Sharjah Islamic Bank to the haifin Consortium. Together, we are poised to drive meaningful change and pro
pel digital innovation across the banking sector. They will make a meaningful contribution to the Consortium’s expansion while strengthening the security and transparency of the banking ecosystem by de-risking trade finance and driving digital solutions.

He added that through collaboration and technology, haifin continues to pave the way for a digital future, setting global standards for secure and transparent financial transactions.”

Source: Emirates News Agency

MoCI requests accurate shareholder data from business owners


The Ministry of Commerce and Industry said Saturday it communicated notifications to business owners via Sahel app requesting them to log accurate data on actual beneficiary stakeholders in a bid to improve business environment.

The move aims also to prevent suspicious transactions, including money laundering, improve the economic capacity of the state and help the auditing agencies do their mandate, according to a press release from the Ministry.

Business owners are requested to disclose the accurate data of the registered stakeholders whether the beneficiaries had previous registration at the Ministry or not.

They have one week, starting from receiving a Sahel notification, to complete the process of logging the data via the following link Ereg.moci.gov.kw, the statement added.

Source: Kuwait News Agency