Editors’ Note

Sheikh Faisal Bin Qassim Al Thani is one of Qatar’s leading entrepreneurs and Chairman of Qatari Business Association. Sheikh Faisal started his business in 1964 and has grown it into a diverse commercial and industrial network of more than 40 companies operating under Al Faisal Holding and Aamal Company Q.S.C.

Can you summarize how your business developed in Qatar?

It has been an exciting experience to witness the remarkable development of Qatar. We are fortunate to live in one of the fastest growing economies evidenced by our young nation’s diversifying markets and infrastructure development. We had modest beginnings in 1964, starting as one company dealing mainly in general trading, but as the country’s economy started to develop, new opportunities arose leading our group towards further expansion and more specialization.

We have grown due to the development of the country. On our part, we have contributed to different sectors in the economy of Qatar. Our vision is to bring the best to the country and all our investments have added value to the country. For example, we have the biggest shopping center in Qatar and one of the largest in the area – City Centre Doha. Also, by the end of 2008, we will have a portfolio of over 10 hotels comprising the best names in the hospitality and leisure sector. We are also running a school offering the best curriculum in international business and a university specializing in hotel management. And we are considered to be one of the main pharmaceutical distributors.

Aamal Q.S.C. recently went public on the Doha Securities Market. What are the best reasons to invest in Aamal Q.S.C.?

Aamal achieved a leading position by operating solid branches and subsidiaries specializing in different sectors. The diversity and stability of Aamal activities and its impressive performance over the years ensures shareholders a secure investment with low risk and increasing profitability.

How has City Centre Doha helped to transform downtown Doha?

City Centre is the biggest shopping center in Doha and one of the biggest in the region. It has succeeded in drawing key international retailers to Qatar to serve the growing population and to be part of its economic development. Prior to that, residents of Qatar had to travel outside the country to do their shopping. It has also created thousands of new employment opportunities and is considered the prime meeting place in Doha, welcoming more than 50,000 visitors daily and offers them a unique shopping experience.

In what ways do you see your companies evolving in coming years and why?

Our future plan is to reinforce our expansion goals in all of the company’s business activities with a special focus on the industrial division in compliance with the government’s vision to diversify the economy to develop our beloved country Qatar. Accordingly, we are currently developing three new industrial projects with international partnerships: Aamal Cement Industries, IMO Qatar Company, and Senyar Industries Qatar Holding. We are among the first private companies to direct its investment towards the industrial sector and we are confident of promising results. More industrial projects are still under study and will be announced once we have completed the feasibility studies.