The Qatar Financial Centre (QFC), one of the world's leading and fastest growing onshore business and financial centres, held its annual employee gathering to celebrate Qatar National Day 2018 under the theme of "Qatar Will Remain Free"

The event brought together all members of the QFC community who engaged in a variety of activities that celebrated Qatar's rich heritage, history and culture and included Qatari entrepreneurs, artists, and restaurateurs. The QFC also helped raise funds for the Education Above All Foundation, as part of its commitment to charitable causes and the wider community.

Speakers during the event included Yousuf Mohamed Al-Jaida, Chief Executive Officer, QFC Authority; Faisal Rashid Al-Sahouti, Chief Executive Officer, Qatar International Court and Dispute Resolution Centre (QICDRC); Dr. Khalid Mohammed Al-Horr, Chief Executive Officer, Qatar Finance and Business Academy (QFBA) and Michael Ryan, Chief Executive Officer, Qatar Financial Centre Regulatory Authority (QFCRA).

Yousuf Mohamed Al-Jaida, Chief Executive Officer, QFC Authority said:
"Qatar National Day is an opportunity to reflect on the values that form the basis of our rich cultural identity – freedom, strength, and resilience. 2018 has been a momentous year for Qatar as it has once again persevered and prospered despite continued challenges. The resilience of our beloved nation comes as no surprise. Thanks to wise and forward-thinking leadership and fiscal policies, Qatar's economy is stronger and more independent than ever before."

Al-Jaida added: 
"We are also very proud to have the opportunity to support Education Above All Foundation as part of our Qatar National Day celebrations – this stems from our belief in the importance of education and community development as a national priority."

Faisal Rashid Al-Sahouti, Chief Executive Officer, QICDRC, said:
"On the occasion of Qatar National Day, we reflect on the immense strength of our nation and its hard-working community to maintain a strong economy and safe environment for citizens, investors and visitors. Considering the exceptional circumstances faced by Qatar, we have continued to develop our bilateral relationships with judiciaries across Europe, Asia and the Middle East as we recognise the importance of working together to achieve the goals set out in the Qatar National Vision 2030."

Dr. Khalid Mohammed Al-Horr, Chief Executive Officer, QFBA, said:
"The 18th of December marks an auspicious occasion for Qatar, a day where pride and patriotism resonates throughout the nation. It is a call for all of us to come together – citizens and residents alike – to celebrate our beloved country, Qatar. The National Day is a celebration of the growth and success it has achieved in such a short period. We, at QFBA owe our success to the visionary leadership of Qatar over the years, and are grateful to HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, who is successfully continuing to guide Qatar towards further progress and innovation."

Michael Ryan, Chief Executive Officer, QFC Regulatory Authority, said:
"Qatar National Day is about pride and patriotism of the people of Qatar. This year's theme, "Qatar will remain free," pays tribute to the past, present and future of Qatar and its tradition of wise leadership, loyal and patriotic citizens, and committed residents from all over the world."

The QFC's Qatar National Day celebrations come following a successful year that saw over 590 firms register on the QFC platform – well past the 50% mark of the goal set in the QFC's 5-year 2022 roadmap.