British Ambassador to Qatar, H E Neerav Patel with BCCQ Chairman, Emad Turkman MBE during the event.
Doha, Qatar: The British Chamber of Commerce Qatar (BCCQ) officially marked the start of its new chapter with a Welcome Event held yesterday in Doha, bringing together members, partners, sponsors and key stakeholders from across the UK–Qatar business community.
The event celebrated the successful transition from the Qatar British Business Forum (QBBF) to the British Chamber of Commerce Qatar, positioning BCCQ as part of the global British Chambers of Commerce network and reinforcing its role in supporting bilateral trade and investment between the United Kingdom and Qatar.
The Chairman of the British Chamber of Commerce Emad Turkman MBE welcomed H E Neerav Patel, British Ambassador to the State of Qatar.
The event featured a short video showcasing the Chamber’s journey and future vision, followed by an address from Ambassador Patel, who also serves as Honorary President of BCCQ, underlining the importance of the Chamber’s role in strengthening UK–Qatar economic ties.
Ambassador Neerav Patel welcomed the BCCQ’s first public event and congratulated the leadership on a seamless and successful transition from QBBF to BCCQ, marking a new era for UK–Qatar business engagement.
He highlighted that UK–Qatar bilateral trade reached £6.1bn (QR26.5bn) in the year to June 2025, with UK exports accounting for £4.6bn (QR20bn), underlining the strength of the economic relationship while stressing there is still significant untapped potential.
Ambassador Patel also noted that the anticipated UK–GCC Free Trade Agreement could play a transformative role in expanding trade volume and sector diversity across the region.
Addressing the gathering, BCCQ Vice-Chair, Rupert Bastick, said “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.”
Bastick paid tribute to the Chamber’s founding sponsors and early supporters, acknowledging their commitment to the new Chamber.
He said, “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 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.
