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The Qatar Chamber reported that the Follow-Up Committee of the Joint Qatari-Saudi Business Council held its inaugural meeting in Riyadh on January 14, 2026. The session, chaired by Hamad bin Ali Al-Shuwair on the Saudi side and Engineer Ali bin Abdul Latif Al-Misnad representing Qatar, examined means to activate sectoral committees with particular attention to education and health. Committee members considered a proposal to prepare a study for establishing a joint investment company that would support greater economic integration between the two countries, alongside plans to intensify contacts with relevant entities and unify delegations for overseas visits.
Discussions also covered the strategic importance of Hamad Port to Saudi traders, applicable customs tariffs on Qatari goods and arrangements for the temporary entry of equipment and vehicles from Qatar into Saudi Arabia. A statement from the chamber outlined these items as part of a wider effort to pinpoint and resolve obstacles facing business communities in both nations. Such reviews form a core part of the committee’s responsibility to convert council recommendations into operational measures that expand bilateral cooperation.
Al-Misnad noted in the chamber’s statement that the formation of the committee reflects the mutual keenness of both sides to activate the outcomes of the Joint Business Council meetings and translate its recommendations into practical steps that contribute to strengthening economic and trade cooperation between the two countries. He added that the committee assumes a key role in detecting challenges confronting the business sector across Qatar and Saudi Arabia while suggesting initiatives that promote collaboration among entrepreneurs and create fresh avenues for joint investments. The statement further quoted Al-Misnad affirming the Qatar Chamber’s commitment to bolstering cooperation with its Saudi counterparts via the business council in keeping with the longstanding relations between the countries and the guidance of their leaderships.
Bilateral trade between Qatar and Saudi Arabia has expanded considerably in recent years. Qatar Chamber figures show the volume of trade exchange doubled from 2.5 billion riyals in 2021 to 5.5 billion riyals in 2024, with Qatari direct investments in the Saudi economy rising from 9.9 billion riyals to 11.5 billion riyals over the period. These advances provide context for the council’s ongoing work to deepen private sector ties and remove impediments to cross-border commerce.
The Joint Qatari-Saudi Business Council was formed to encourage partnerships and has since facilitated multiple agreements, forums and task forces targeting key industries in both economies. Previous gatherings have concentrated on simplifying procedures for establishing companies and increasing the flow of goods between the neighbors. The newly formed follow-up committee extends that agenda by concentrating on targeted sectors and practical trade issues that affect daily business operations.
Participants at the January meeting stressed the value of coordinated external visits that combine delegations from both sides to amplify their collective outreach. The emphasis on education and health committees signals an intent to explore specialized opportunities where joint ventures could deliver mutual gains. Officials from the chamber indicated that such focused efforts complement the broader GCC framework for enhanced regional economic coordination.
