The British Chamber of Commerce Qatar (BCCQ) officially launched at the start of 2026, marking a significant milestone for the UK–Qatar business relationship.
The launch represents the evolution of the Qatar British Business Forum into a fully recognised British Chamber, strengthening our role within the global British Chambers network and reinforcing its position as a key platform for business engagement in the region.
Supported by the British Chambers of Commerce and working closely with the British Embassy Doha, BCCQ is designed to provide a more structured, connected and impactful environment for businesses operating across both markets.
The Chamber brings together a diverse network of organisations, from established corporates to SMEs and entrepreneurs, all with a shared interest in developing trade, investment and collaboration between the UK and Qatar.
The official launch event, held in Doha, welcomed members, partners and senior stakeholders from across the business community. The evening served as both a celebration of the journey so far and a clear signal of intent for the future, with a focus on strengthening bilateral trade, creating new opportunities and supporting long-term economic growth.
BCCQ Chairman Emad Turkman MBE welcomed HE Neerav Patel, British Ambassador to the State of Qatar.
The event featured our official launch video (below) 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 (QR 26.5bn) in the year to June 2025, with UK exports accounting for £4.6bn (QR 20bn), 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, the new 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.”
He also highlighted the opportunities emerging across Qatar’s fast-growing sectors, including Al, 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.
Through a programme of events, industry engagement and strategic partnerships, BCCQ will continue to play an active role in connecting businesses, facilitating dialogue and supporting organisations looking to establish or expand their presence in Qatar.
This launch marks the beginning of a new chapter, one focused on building a more connected, collaborative and opportunity-driven business ecosystem between the UK and Qatar.
