Qatar and Belgium have taken significant steps to bolster their economic ties, as highlighted during the Qatar-Belgium Business Meeting in Doha. The event, spearheaded by Qatar Chamber and 'hub.brussels', brought together key figures from both nations to discuss investment opportunities across various sectors. With a trade volume reaching QAR 4.6 billion last year, the meeting underscored the potential for further growth in bilateral relations, particularly in healthcare, education, and technology.

Meanwhile, Qatar is set to make a splash at the Arabian Travel Market 2025 in Dubai, showcasing its rich tourism offerings. Visit Qatar's pavilion, spanning 600 square meters, will feature interactive experiences highlighting the country's cultural heritage and modern attractions. This participation aligns with Qatar's National Tourism Strategy, aiming to foster sector collaboration and attract global investment.

The enduring partnership between Qatar and the United Kingdom serves as a testament to Qatar's role as a reliable ally on the global stage. Over the past decade, the relationship has deepened, with Qatar's investments in the UK spanning retail, hospitality, and construction, contributing significantly to the UK economy. This partnership exemplifies the mutual benefits of international cooperation and the importance of nurturing such alliances.

As Qatar continues to expand its global footprint, its efforts in strengthening economic, tourism, and diplomatic ties reflect its commitment to fostering international collaboration. Whether through business meetings, tourism exhibitions, or strategic partnerships, Qatar is positioning itself as a key player in the global arena, offering opportunities for growth and mutual prosperity.

The Central Bank of Ireland has concluded a long-running inquiry into the Irish Nationwide Building Society (INBS), resulting in significant penalties for former executives. John Stanley Purcell, a former board member, has been fined €130,000 and banned from the financial sector for four years due to his role in the society's governance and risk management failures. The inquiry highlighted a period between 2004 and 2008 where INBS's commercial lending practices were found to be lacking in oversight and adherence to financial regulations.

During the years under scrutiny, INBS's commercial loan book expanded dramatically from €3.59bn to €8.18bn, with commercial loans making up 78% of its total loan book by the end of 2008. The Central Bank's report detailed a culture of high-risk lending, where large sums were disbursed without proper documentation, adequate security, or necessary approvals. This reckless approach to lending was a significant factor in the society's eventual collapse during the financial crisis.

The inquiry also shed light on the broader systemic failures within INBS, including a lack of adherence to its own credit risk management policies and the absence of annual credit risk stress tests for commercial lending. Louise Gallagher, the Central Bank's head of enforcement investigations, emphasized the discovery of a pervasive culture that prioritized high-risk lending over sound financial practices. The findings underscore the importance of robust governance and risk management frameworks in financial institutions.

In addition to the penalties imposed on Purcell, the Central Bank's inquiry has led to settlements with other former INBS executives, including disqualifications and fines. The total cost of the investigation and inquiry into INBS's regulatory breaches amounted to over €24m, spanning 15 years from 2010 to 2025. This case serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of failing to uphold financial regulations and the critical need for accountability in the banking sector.