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The Qatar Financial Centre announced on Saturday that it has welcomed Shorooq Doha Advisory Services to its platform. The UAE-based investment firm received initial authorisation from the QFC Regulatory Authority to carry out regulated activities including arranging deals in investments, advising on investments and arranging credit facilities. This development adds further depth to the QFC’s growing financial services community and aids in building a more connected regional investment ecosystem. The new office represents the fourth regional base for Shorooq, which already operates from Riyadh, Bahrain and Cairo.
The authorisation comes months after Shorooq unveiled its $200 million Qatalyst late-stage growth fund at Web Summit Qatar in February, according to a press release distributed by the firm. Backed by the Qatar Investment Authority and additional sovereign and institutional partners from across the GCC and Asia, the fund seeks to fill a critical gap in late-stage financing for technology companies with clear IPO ambitions. It forms part of Shorooq’s evolution into a comprehensive investment platform that spans early-stage venture capital, credit and now growth equity. The initiative aims to make public market readiness a more systematic process for regional innovators.
Mansoor Rashid Al Khater, chief executive officer of the QFC, described the arrival of Shorooq as a positive development for the centre. “Shorooq’s establishment in Qatar is a welcome addition to QFC’s growing financial services community and reflects increasing regional confidence in Qatar’s investment proposition,” Al Khater said. He noted that such moves contribute to strengthening Qatar’s appeal as a hub for investment activities. The QFC continues to record robust growth, registering 1,135 new firms during the first six months of 2026, which represents a 37 percent increase over the same period in 2025, QFC data shows.
Founding partner Mahmoud Adi of Shorooq emphasised the strategic importance of Qatar for the firm’s activities. “Qatar is central to how we think about the next phase of growth capital in the region. Through our Qatalyst Series, and with the support of partners such as the Qatar Investment Authority, we are building the late-stage and pre-IPO capital that the region’s most promising technology companies need to scale and reach the public markets,” he said. Adi highlighted how the on-the-ground presence will allow closer work with founders as they expand their operations. This aligns with the firm’s broader approach of maintaining physical offices in major markets to deliver hands-on support.
The QFC Regulatory Authority issued the authorisation to Shorooq Doha Advisory Services LLC, with QFC number 05596, on September 17, a regulatory notice indicated. Permitted activities are restricted to certain investment products and exclude retail clients unless further approved. The establishment reflects broader interest in Qatar’s financial ecosystem, which offers benefits such as 100 percent foreign ownership and a legal framework based on English common law. Shorooq’s entry is expected to contribute to the development of technology and growth financing in the country.
