The College of Business & Economics at Qatar University hosted QINVEST, Qatar's leading private investment group and one of the region’s most prominent Islamic financial institutions, as part of its annual Finance and Economics Day, which was organized under the patronage of Dr. Khalid Shams, Dean of The College of Business & Economics. The annual event included pavilions organized by students highlighting the links between their different university courses and the Qatari economy. It also included onsite workshops, which featured lectures by specialists from different organisations such as Bait Al Mashura Finance Consultations, the Qatar Stock Exchange, and KAHRAMAA General Electricity and Water.
Mr. Tamim Hamad Al-Kawari, Chief Executive Officer of QINVEST, said:
“Qatar is currently experiencing an unprecedented economic transformation where diversification and expansion in new sectors both play a critical role. At QINVEST, we are confident that local talent has played, and will continue to play, a pivotal role in this evolution. Our participation today is testament to our commitment to supporting the different communities. Part of this commitment is to equip local Qatari talent with the necessary knowledge and expertise to achieve professional success and growth."
"QINVEST is fully supportive of Qatar University's efforts to prepare future leaders in the finance and business management sectors, and we are committed to taking part in paving the way towards sustainable growth of the country and driving economic diversification." added Mr. Al-Kawari.
Dr. Khalid Shams, Dean of the College of Business and Economics said:
"The job market in Qatar requires leading graduates in the fields of economics and finance across both public and private sectors. I am proud of the students' pioneering projects in all disciplines. The importance of this event is not limited to students of The College of Business & Economics, but it is an opportunity for all students enrolled at Qatar University to participate and engage in the various events and programs organized. The day has been designed to allow them to take advantage of a creative and dynamic environment which should provide a source of motivation and inspiration for young talent."
QINVEST seminars, over the two-day event, focused topics related to the nature and business activities of investment banks, their products and services delved into topics such as “Equipment Leasing in the USA” and “Murabaha Financing Investment in the UK”, and career opportunities at QINVEST.
With more than 200 students and faculty members in attendance, QINVEST’s sessions were led by Mr. Bassel Hanbali, Head of Marketing, Corporate Communications and Investor Relations at QINVEST. He discussed the current investment opportunities from a client perspective and opened the discussion floor to questions around real estate murabaha and asset management. Discussions emphasized QINVEST’s most recent Ijarah offering to individuals and institutions and the launch of the QINVEST SQN Income Fund III. Mr. Hanbali explained the different features of the fund, which is part of the “QINVEST SQN Income Fund” series. The first and second versions of the series were successfully launched and oversubscribed. The latest iteration of the fund offers a unique opportunity to access income generating assets in developed markets with an annual net pay out of 7% paid on monthly basis and targeted IRR between 8% and 9%, with a tenure of 5 years.
Additionally, Mr. Hanbali shed light on QINVEST’s preferred equity murabaha financing investment, which offers investors the opportunity to be fully repaid within five years. This opportunity comprises of a portfolio of commercial (two-thirds) and residential (one-third) real estate properties in London, UK. The product offers either a 8.0% IRR paid-in-kind and paid only from the proceeds of selling the properties, or 6.5% IRR, of which 5.0% is paid in cash annually, and the remainder being paid-in-kind at maturity/ selling the properties. Under both options, yearly repayments are expected due to partial disposals as the sponsor will exit each asset individually.
Commenting on QINVEST participation, Mr. Essa Saud Al-Kawari, Head of Government & Community Relations and Administration Affairs at QINVEST, said:
“QINVEST is proud to participate in the annual Finance and Economics Day event, which offers an opportunity to strengthen the relationship between QINVEST, Qatari institutions, Qatar University and students. The event highlights the growing importance of the investment banking sector within the Qatari economy.”
He added: “QINVEST is recognized as a leading investment group locally, regionally and in many European markets. Today, the group has gained a strong presence with international execution capabilities, reflecting our prestigious reputation as a gateway for investors looking to invest in the robust Qatari economy.”
Dr. Mohamed Gaied, Head Finance and Economics Department at Qatar University, emphasized the variety of the facility's programs, commending everyone who contributed to the successful outcome of the annual event. Gaied commended the creativity of the students for organizing pavilions, and the distinguished speakers from the public and private sector, highlighting their discussions over local and international investment and employment opportunities for the graduates of College of Business & Economics. He also highlighted the role local institutions play in supporting collaboration between the university and its stakeholders. This includes a specific focus on the opportunities for students to expand their understanding of relevant academic concepts and to gain awareness of the expectations and challenges awaiting them in the professional working environment.
Dr. Mohammed Elgammal, Head of Finance and Economics Promoting committee Qatar University, explained that this event represents an opportunity for students to review the most important concepts they have learned during their economics and finance programs in practical way and which clearly illustrates their relationship with the job market. The event also engenders interaction between students of Finance and Economics and practitioners, financial experts and economists.
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