Established in 1995, Qatar Stock Exchange (QSE) officially started its manual operations in 1997 with 17 listed companies, under the name of Doha Securities Market (DSM). Since then the exchange has grown to become one of the leading stock markets in the GCC region.

In 2001, QSE implemented its first automated trading system (Horizon).

In 2002, QSE’s first website has been launched.

An Amiri decree has been issued in 2005 allowing foreign investors to buy listed companies’ shares up to 25% of the free float.

In 2006, seven new issues (IPO & Rights Issue) with a total amount of QR 10.8 billion were offered. New Daily Price Change Limit: Effective from July 11, 2006, the daily share price limit has changed from 5% to 10% (up or down).

On June 7, 2006, QSE was accepted as an Affiliate member of the International Organization of Securities Commission (IOSCO).

In 2007, the World Federation of Exchanges accepted QSE as a Correspondent Member of the Federation during its annual Board of Directors’ meeting which was held in Shanghai, China on October 14, 2007.

In 2008 witnessed many important events. The market reacted positively to these events and at the same time, it implemented plans that focused on vertical development by investing in the development of manpower, technology and legislations, as well as on horizontal development by increasing the number of listed companies.

In 2009, Qatar Investment Authority (QIA), and NYSE Euronext, signed an agreement to form a world-class market. The DSM was renamed to Qatar Stock Exchange on the conclusion of the deal, marking the start of a new era in the history of the Exchange’s development.

In 2010, QSE has implemented its new state-of-the-art trading platform (UTP), which is currently in use by NYSE and Euronext exchanges.

In 2011 witnessed another major milestone in QSE’s strive to develop Doha as a world-class financial center, by launching the Debt-Market and listing of the first tranche of Treasury-Bills as well as launching the DVP settlement process.

In 2012, QSE announced the QSE Venture Market readiness to list SMEs, aims at providing a finance platform for the development of this sector in the Economy.

In 2013, QSE was on a date with a great achievement in its history by being upgraded by MSCI to the emerging market status, effective May 2014. Also, upgraded by S&P Dow Jones to EM status. Also 2013 witnessed another big successes for QSE such as, Bonds listing, full membership in the WFE, QSE’s CEO became member of the WFE’s board.

In 2015, QSE has been upgraded by FTSE to emerging market status.

Year 2016, QSE has joined the Sustainable Stock Exchanges Initiative of the United Nations (SSEI).

In 2018 witnessed huge accomplishments by QSE such as being ranked as the best performing exchange amongst emerging and developed markets in the world, QSE attracted net foreign inflows of 2.5 billion dollars. In addition, QSE has listed the first 2 ETFs in Qatar and the largest in the GCC.

QSE launched its Sustainability and ESG platform to be the first in the region and of pioneering exchanges globally to promote ESG standards.

QSE successfully executed the Regulator mandated stock split for all the securities listed on the market.

The shares of “Baladna” were admitted to trading in Qatar Stock Exchange (QSE), taking the number of the companies listed on the market to forty-seven Qatari public shareholding companies.

As part of efforts to enhance sustainability and financial literacy, QSE organized the first financial competition for university students, which aimed to promote investment awareness among the students, in line with the Human Development Pillar of the Qatar National Vision 2030.

QSE was recognized as the best financial institution locally in accomplishing social responsibility.

Successfully launched a new website which offers innovative features and analytical tools to meet the evolving needs and demands of its various stakeholders such as investors, analysts, media, regulators …etc. Additionally, the website was granted the digital accessibility certification by Mada centre for applying the web content accessibility standards for persons with disabilities.

Successfully launched the Q-Disclosure system based on XBRL to promote the highest disclosure and transparency standards in the market.

In a quick response to the lock-down due to the pandemic, and as part of its BCP, QSE managed to successfully launch its distance-learning program which included free online financial literacy courses to the public and reached a remarkable milestone of about 10,000 participants in those programs since 2016.