The event featured a short video showcasing the Chamber’s journey and future vision, followed by an address from Neerav Patel, British Ambassador to Qatar.
The British Chamber of Commerce Qatar (BCCQ) officially marked the start of its new chapter with a Welcome Event held recently in Doha, bringing together members, partners, sponsors and key stakeholders from across the UK–Qatar business community.
The event marked the successful transition from the Qatar British Business Forum (QBBF) to the British Chamber of Commerce Qatar (BCCQ), integrating BCCQ into the global British Chambers of Commerce network and strengthening its role in promoting trade and investment between the United Kingdom and Qatar.
The Chairman of the British Chamber of Commerce Emad Turkman MBE welcomed Neerav Patel, British Ambassador to Qatar.
Guests attending were welcomed by Rupert Bastick, Vice-Chair of the British Chamber of Commerce Qatar, who opened the event by highlighting the Chamber’s heritage, evolution and ambitions:
“Welcome to what is the inaugural function of the British Chamber of Commerce Qatar, or BCCQ. Today marks not just a change of name, but a clear step forward in what we aim to deliver for the UK–Qatar business community.”
The event featured a short video showcasing the Chamber’s journey and future vision, followed by an address from Neerav Patel, British Ambassador to Qatar, who also serves as Honorary President of BCCQ, underlining the importance of the Chamber’s role in strengthening UK–Qatar economic ties.
During his remarks, Bastick paid tribute to the Chamber’s founding sponsors and early supporters, acknowledging their commitment to the new Chamber:
“I would like to extend my sincere thanks to our sponsors who have already committed to the new British Chamber – Commercial Bank as a Foundation Sponsor, the British International Dental Association as a Platinum Sponsor, and our Elite Sponsors including BSL, King’s College, Rumaillah Group and MENA Consultants. With this level of support, we are already investing in strengthening our team to better serve our members and act as a strong bridge between the Chamber and the British Embassy.”
He also highlighted the opportunities emerging across Qatar’s fast-growing sectors, including AI, technology, data centres, construction, energy and infrastructure, and the role BCCQ will play in helping members connect and grow:
“The British Chamber is fundamentally about the UK–Qatar bilateral business relationship. Through networking, forums and meaningful connections, we help our members find real opportunities in a market that is growing at pace.”
Emphasising the benefits of membership within the global Chamber network, Bastick added:
“The global network of British Chambers of Commerce is fully interconnected, and since joining we are already seeing increased interest from UK and GCC-based businesses looking to enter the Qatari market. To be part of this, membership is essential.”
The event concluded with networking among attendees, reflecting the Chamber’s commitment to fostering collaboration, engagement and long-term business relationships.
The British Chamber of Commerce Qatar looks forward to an active year ahead, supporting its members and contributing to the continued growth of UK–Qatar trade and investment.
