
History and objectives:
The Official Chamber of Commerce of Spain in Qatar, a non-profit association, was founded in Doha in 2009 as the Spanish Business Council and was officially recognized as a Chamber of Commerce in 2019 by the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Tourism of Spain. The Chamber is registered under the Qatar Financial Center with address in Regus Al Jaidah Business Centre.
The Chamber is part of the Federation of Spanish Chambers of Commerce in Europe-Africa-Asia-Oceania (FEDECOM) and maintains a permanent link with the Spanish Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Services and Navigation, which provides members the ability to benefit from the Official Chambers network around the world made of 42 Chambers abroad. Chambers abroad are also paramount for one of the main objectives of the Spanish Chamber of Commerce which is the internationalization of Spanish companies.
In this sense, with the aim of supporting the initiation and diversification of Spanish businesses in their internationalization processes, the Spanish Chamber of Commerce provides aid to companies through its company members.
Mission and objectives:
Its main objective is the development of trade and investment between Spain and Qatar and to promote the business of the Chamber’s members.
The Chamber offers its associated companies a range of commercial, promotional, information, advisory and logistical and administrative services. All this thanks to the members of your company to whom the services are directed. The Chamber can provide essential information on the Spanish and Qatari markets, as well as share professional contacts.
HONORARY MEMBERS
Susana Castro Acuña Baixauli
| Name | Susana Castro Acuña Baixauli |
| Position | Economic and Commercial Attaché of Spain in Qatar |
| Company | Embassy of Spain in Qatar |
Susana Castro Acuña Baixauli has a degree in economics and law, she studied at the Universidad Pontificia Comilla of Madrid. She is a civil servant of the Ministry of Economy and Trade. Currently she is the commercial attaché of the Economic and Commercial Office at the Spanish Embassy in Qatar. Previously she was the Commercial attaché Economic and Commercial Office of the Spanish Embassy in Cairo from 2013-2018.
While she performed her carrier in Madrid she held positions in the Ministry of Ecological Transition where she was working as a technical advisor in the Spanish Climate Change Office, she was also part of the Spanish delegation attending the Climate talks negotiations under the UNFCCC in Doha, Katowice, Madrid, Glasgow, Sharm el Sheikh and Dubai. She was a board member of the Adaptation Fund of the Kyoto Protocol
At the Secretary of State for Trade, she was at the research department where she carried out reports related to bilateral trade and at a European Level, and to the main sectors of the Spanish economy
Susana Castro Acuña Baixauli
Honorary Vicechairman
ORGANIZATION
José Antonio Vicente
| Name | José Antonio Vicente |
| Position | Chairman |
Mr. José Antonio Vicente is a dynamic executive with more than 20 years of leadership experience in the global trade fair and congress industry. Recognized for his strategic vision and operational expertise, he has successfully led high-profile projects, driving business expansion, operational efficiency, and sustainable growth. His ability to manage complex international teams and implement innovative strategies has positioned him as a key figure in the global events industry.
Since October 2024, he has served as CEO of Qatar Business Events Corporation (QBEC), a public company subsidiary of Qatar Tourism that operates the Doha Exhibition and Convention Center (DECC). In this role, he leads Qatar’s transformation into a global benchmark for business events through innovation, the strengthening of international partnerships, and the economic impact generated by world-class exhibitions and congresses.
Previously, he held prominent executive positions, including Managing Director of Aragón Exterior (2024), CEO of Shanghai Greenland Fira Barcelona Exhibition Co. Ltd. (2021–2023), and CEO of DECC (2015–2020). From 2003 to 2015, he served as CEO of Feria de Zaragoza. He has also chaired the Chamber of Commerce of Spain in Qatar and Spanish exhibition associations such as AFE and AFA, consolidating his standing as a leading figure in the sector.
José Antonio Vicente
Chairman
Santiago Bañales
| Name | Santiago Bañales |
| Position | Vicechairman |
| Company | Iberdrola |
Santiago Bañales is Managing Director of Iberdrola Innovation Middle East and CEO of East-West Digital, a global company headquartered in Qatar dedicated to developing artificial intelligence solutions for the energy sector. Since 2016, he has led one of Iberdrola’s most advanced innovation centers based in Qatar, driving AI-based technologies and projects that support the country’s Vision 2030.
With nearly 30 years of international experience, he has held executive positions in R&D, product development, strategic consulting, and general management, including his previous role as CEO of smart grid components manufacturer Ormazabal-Current.
Bañales has served on numerous advisory boards and is a frequent speaker at international forums related to AI and energy. He is a graduate of MIT, École Centrale Paris, and holds a degree in Industrial Engineering from UPM. Santiago is also certified in Corporate Governance through INSEAD’s International Directors Programme.
Santiago Bañales
Vicechairman
MEMBER OF THE BOARD
Adrian García
| Name | Adrián García Bujaraloz |
| Position | Treasurer |
| Company | Tecnicas Reunidas Qatar Branch |
Adrián has served as Director of the Board for the Chamber of Commerce of Spain in Qatar since 2024. He brings over 13 years of international experience across Saudi Arabia, the Dominican Republic, Mexico, Azerbaijan, the UK, and, since 2021, Qatar— where he oversees HR strategy and operations for a workforce of more than 600 engineers. His global perspective, deep expertise in best practices, and solid background in Human Resources contribute significantly to the Chamber’s mission, with a particular focus on highlighting and promoting Spanish talent abroad.
Adrian García
Treasurer
Irene Vidal
| Name | Irene Vidal |
| Position | Member of the Board |
| Company | Facilities Management company |
As a member of the Board of Directors, Irene brings a forward-looking approach and seeks to enhance collaboration within the Spanish business community in Qatar.
She is particularly committed to promoting knowledge exchange, empowering women in business, and creating meaningful connections between entrepreneurs and key stakeholders in the region. Through her role, she aims to increase the Chamber’s visibility and impact across various sectors.
Irene Vidal
Strategy Director
Esteban Barrachina
| Name | Esteban Barrachina |
| Position | Stakeholder Relationship Director |
| Company | Integra Agricultura y Tecnología, S.L. |
Esteban Barrachina es Director de Relaciones Institucionales de la Cámara de Comercio de España en Qatar desde 2024. Su función se basa en una responsabilidad profesional de alto nivel para gestionar y optimizar las relaciones de la organización con sus grupos de interés externos, garantizando su satisfacción y alineando las expectativas externas con las operaciones internas.
Es propietario y dirige una empresa tecnológica con sede en España y sucursal en Doha, liderando proyectos de agricultura sostenible de alta tecnología. Con más de 20 años de experiencia en Europa y 15 en Oriente Medio, aporta una perspectiva global a los esfuerzos de la Cámara, apoyando la expansión de empresas españolas en la región y fomentando la conexión entre los sectores público y privado.
Esteban Barrachina
Director of Stakeholder Relations
Salvador Marín
| Name | Samar Abou-Farah |
| Position | Director of Communications |
| Company | La Différence PR |
Samar Abou-Farah is a Spanish-Lebanese entrepreneur and communications executive with over two decades of experience connecting European and Middle Eastern markets through PR strategies, luxury branding, and business development. She is the founder of La Différence PR and Events, a company established in Marbella and operating in Qatar since 2010, and Managing Director of Dooh Media, the first company to implement outdoor digital screens in Qatar.
Based in Doha, Samar has witnessed firsthand the country’s rapid evolution and has successfully adapted her work to this dynamic environment, developing high-level communication strategies, premium events, and high-impact market launches. Her portfolio spans luxury, mobility, art, and gastronomy, including her cultural platform Qatar Gourmet, which connects international brands and chefs with regional audiences.
Multilingual and with a strong multicultural vision, Samar excels at building international partnerships, opening new revenue streams, and transforming ideas into sustainable projects. Recognized for her hands-on leadership, strategic mindset, and creative precision, she combines solid business expertise with cultural intelligence.
Committed to strengthening economic and creative ties between Spain and Qatar, Samar brings a global perspective, entrepreneurial spirit, and collaborative approach to every initiative she leads.
Samar Abou-Farah
Director of Communications
Andrés Pinto
| Name | Andrés Pinto |
| Position | Director of Relations With Members |
| Company | Terra Tunel |
Andrés Pinto is a Civil Engineer with more than 23 years of international experience in the management, design, and construction of infrastructure projects across the Americas, Europe, and the Middle East. He has been based in Qatar since 2012, where he has played a key role in landmark projects contributing to the country’s development, including the Doha Metro with Qatar Rail, the FIFA World Cup 2022 stadiums with the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy, and multiple infrastructure projects with Ashghal and QatarEnergy.
Currently, Andrés serves as Technical Director of Terra Tunnel in Qatar, where he combines deep technical expertise in underground engineering with a strategic understanding of the local market. His career includes collaborations with leading entities in the region, highlighting his ability to manage multidisciplinary teams and highly complex technical and contractual projects.
His candidacy for the Board of Directors is grounded in his commitment to strengthening trade ties between Spain and Qatar, contributing his experience in the construction sector as a key driver of the economy, and fostering strategic partnerships that benefit the Spanish business community in the region.
Andrés Pinto
Director of Relations With Members
TEAM
Josefa Sandoval
| Name | Josefa Sandoval |
| Position | Secretary General |
Josefa Sandoval has been the Secretary General of the Spanish Chamber of Commerce in Qatar since May 2022. She leads the institutional management and coordinates the Chamber’s operations, driving strategic projects that strengthen the organization’s presence and value in the region. Her main responsibilities include overseeing relations with members and companies, organizing trade promotion initiatives, and representing the Chamber before public and private institutions. With solid professional experience in embassies, human resources, finance, and international trade, she brings a global and strategic vision that enhances the Chamber’s projection and fosters strong business connections between Spain and Qatar.
Josefa Sandoval
Secretary
General
Cristina Mejia Vieco
| Name | Cristina Mejia Vieco |
| Position | Marketing and Communication Officer |
Cristina Mejía Vieco
Marketing and Communication



