The Qatari Businessmen Association (QBA) hosted a high-level delegation from the Canadian Qatari Business Forum (CQBF) yesterday in Doha to explore potential collaborations in health technology, medical research, and early disease detection, including cancer. The delegation was led by Philippe Couillard, former Premier of Quebec and current CQBF chairman.
Attending the meeting on behalf of QBA were board member Sheikh Nawaf Nasser bin Khaled Al Thani, members Sheikh Turki bin Faisal Al Thani, Yousuf Al Mahmoud, Ihsan Alkhiyami, as well as QBA General Manager Sarah Abdallah. Representatives from healthcare, pharmaceutical, and medical service companies affiliated with QBA also participated in the discussions.
The visit reflects a growing strategic momentum in Qatar-Canada relations, with both countries showing a strong interest in deepening cooperation in innovation, scientific research, and advanced health technologies. Couillard described the engagement as a significant milestone in the CQBF’s agenda and highlighted ongoing preparations for an investment summit themed “Qatar Gateway 2026: Opportunities for Business, Innovation and Growth,” scheduled for September 16, 2026. This summit will be held concurrently with the Canadian Investment Summit in Toronto and aims to further promote bilateral economic ties.
Sheikh Nawaf welcomed the Canadian delegation on its first visit to Qatar, emphasizing the meeting as an excellent opportunity to present promising investment prospects to Canadian companies and institutions. He highlighted the potential to strengthen economic and commercial partnerships between public and private sectors of both nations. Furthermore, he expressed support for a proposed cooperation protocol between QBA and CQBF, which would enhance collaboration and facilitate information exchange.
Yasser Dhouib, executive director of CQBF, remarked on the meeting as evidence of both countries’ commitment to advancing scientific and medical collaboration. He noted that this aligns with Qatar’s vision of achieving leadership in scientific research and modern medical technologies. Dhouib also underscored the mutual goal of leveraging innovation to reduce chronic and serious diseases and improve healthcare quality.
The Canadian Qatari Business Forum aims to build stronger institutional cooperation, promote knowledge transfer, and develop strategic partnerships in sectors prioritized by both countries, further expanding the scope of their bilateral engagement.