Doha: Qatar Stock Exchange index surged at the close of this week's trading, rising by 4.05 percent to gain 414.50 points and reach 10,641.68 points, supported by positive market sentiment following the announced two-week ceasefire agreement between the United States and Iran. The rally was driven by broad-based gains across all sectors, led by transport, which jumped 7.33 percent, followed by industry at 6.81 percent, banking and financial services at 2.98 percent, consumer goods and services at 2.87 percent, telecommunications at 2.65 percent, insurance at 2.56 percent, and real estate at 1.67 percent.
According to Qatar News Agency, the Qatar Media Corporation (QMC) held Thursday its semi-annual meeting, under the chairmanship of HE the Corporation's CEO, Sheikh Khalid bin Abdulaziz bin Jassim Al-Thani. In other developments, the CEO of Qatar Free Zones Authority (QFZ), HE Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Faisal Al-Thani, met Thursday with HE Ambassador of the Republic of Uzbekistan to the State of Qatar, Dr. Ashraf Khodjaev.
Meanwhile, HE Minister of Interior and Commander of Internal Security Force (Lekhwiya), Sheikh Khalifa bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani, exchanged messages with Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Kashyap Patel, reviewing key developments in the region. Additionally, the Qatar Football Association's (QFA) Referees Committee held its ninth meeting today to discuss several agenda items, as part of its ongoing efforts to monitor progress and develop the refereeing system.
Furthermore, HE Minister of State for International Cooperation Maryam bint Ali bin Nasser Al Misnad received Thursday a phone call from HE Minister Delegate to the Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs of the French Republic, Responsible for Francophonie, International Partnerships, and French Nationals Abroad, Eleanor Carois. Qatar's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has also hosted a panel discussion on transformations in regional security in the Gulf amid shifting international dynamics.
In diplomatic developments, HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani has discussed regional developments in a phone call with HE Prime Minister of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif. Lastly, HE Prime Minister of the United Kingdom Keir Starmer arrived in Doha on Thursday evening for an official working visit.