The aims of ‘The MultaQa Qatar Conference' are to highlight the burgeoning needs of the Qatar and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries' insurance and reinsurance market; stimulate a lively exchange of ideas with existing, new and potential players in the market and to explore the business benefits.

At the inaugural conference last year, over 80 delegates had the chance to share the experiences and knowledge of their peers of doing business specifically in Qatar. The scope the programme this year will broaden from focusing purely on Qatar to examining the reinsurance and insurance needs of GCC countries - Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates. With some business experts predicting that growth in the Middle East reinsurance and insurance market will be substantially above international norms, the conference is an ideal opportunity to find out how to capitalise on this new source of business. A distinguished list of speakers will be in attendance, giving you a chance to update your thinking and be inspired.

Delegates will be drawn from the local insurance market, the wider international community and potential customers from the region - discussion will focus on the growing need in the region for specialised insurance and reinsurance - and the event will take place in the relaxed atmosphere of The Al Sharq Village & Spa a superb six-star venue.

We actively seek contributions from the audience with a view to publishing the key topics of discussion and conclusions reached in Global Reinsurance. If you are considering ‘setting up shop' in Qatar or another GCC country, or want to find out more about how to seize the business opportunities in this dynamic market, and learn of what life is like how the economy is being managed, this timely conference - scheduled conveniently just prior to the World Insurance Forum in Dubai - is a ‘must attend' event.

Stuart Pearce
Chief Executive Officer and Director General
Qatar Financial Centre Authority

The Qatar Financial Centre
The Qatar Financial Centre (QFC) is a financial and business centre established by the Government of Qatar and located in Doha. It has been designed to attract international financial services institutions and major multi-national corporations and to encourage participation in the growing market for financial services in Qatar and elsewhere in the region. The QFC will operate to international standards and provide a first class legal and business infrastructure for those operating within the QFC. The QFC was created by Qatar Law No(7) and has been open for business since 1 May 2005.

QFC Authority
The principal objectives of the QFC Authority are to develop and promote the Qatar Financial Centre as a leading location for international finance and business, and to promote and act in accordance with international best practice and eliminate bureaucracy to the maximum extent. It is also tasked with ensuring the financial stability of the QFC, and (in consultation with the QFC Regulatory Authority and the QFC Appeals Body) with the establishment and maintenance of the QFC legal and regulatory environment. One of the QFC Authority’s most important roles is to approve and issue licenses to individuals, businesses and other entities that wish to incorporate or establish in the Centre. Businesses wishing to undertake financial services will also require authorisation from the QFC Regulatory Authority

QFC Regulatory Authority
The QFC Regulatory Authority is an independent regulatory body established by Article 8 of the QFC Law. It regulates firms that conduct financial services in or from the QFC. It has a broad range of regulatory powers to authorize, supervise and, when necessary, discipline firms and individuals. The QFC Regulatory Authority regulates firms using principle-based legislation of international standard, modeled closely on that used in London and other major financial centers. The Regulatory Authority is currently receiving applications and granting authorisations.

The Application Process
A streamlined application process has been adopted for those seeking to establish in the QFC. Applicants need to register with the QFC Companies Registration Office (CRO), obtain a licence from the QFC Authority and (in the case of financial services businesses) authorisation from the Regulatory Authority.

Web Links
More information is available at www.qfc.com.qa and www.qfcra.com

QFCA Contacts

Establishing an Insurance/ Reinsurance Institution, Captive or other Insurance business
Fetooh Al Zayani
Managing Director Business Development Insurance & Re-Insurance
Tel: + 974 496 7757
Fax: + 974 496 7756
Email: f_zayani@qfc.com.qa

Media Contacts
Steve Martin
Head of Corporate Communications and Marketing
Tel: +974 496 7755
Fax: +974 496 7752
E-mail: s.martin@qfc.com.qa