Foreign Direct Investment in Qatar Reaches QAR 172.2 Billion in Q1 2026

The National Planning Council (NPC) has released the results of Qatar’s Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) Survey for the first quarter of 2026, showing continued growth in both inward and outward investments between January and March.

The survey, conducted in cooperation with the Qatar Central Bank (QCB), highlights the continued expansion of Qatar’s investment activity and its growing engagement with international markets.

Inward FDI Rises to QAR 172.2 Billion

Qatar’s inward FDI increased by 3.3% at the end of the first quarter of 2026 compared with the fourth quarter of 2025.

The total value of inward foreign direct investment reached QAR 172.2 billion, reflecting continued investor interest in the Qatari economy.

Qatari Investments Abroad Reach QAR 221.7 Billion

The survey also recorded growth in Qatar’s outward FDI.

Qatari investments abroad increased by 3.5% compared with Q4 2025, reaching QAR 221.7 billion by the end of Q1 2026.

The NPC said the increase reflects the expanding international presence of Qatari investments, as well as the development of economic and investment partnerships aimed at diversifying assets and strengthening long-term returns.

NPC Highlights Quality of Investment

Secretary-General of the National Planning Council, Dr. Abdulaziz bin Nasser bin Mubarak Al Khalifa, described the rise in inward FDI as a positive indicator for Qatar’s investment outlook.

He said the council is focused not only on the volume of investment but also on its quality and its contribution to economic diversification, productivity, knowledge and technology transfer, and the development of high-value-added sectors.

The NPC’s priority for the coming period is to further strengthen Qatar’s attractiveness to quality investors and accelerate investment growth in non-hydrocarbon sectors.

Mining and Finance Lead Inward FDI

Five major economic activities accounted for more than 90% of Qatar’s inward FDI during the first quarter.

The largest sectors were:

Mining and quarrying: 45.3%
Financial and insurance activities: 31.9%
Manufacturing: 13%
Information and communication: 2.8%
Professional, scientific and technical activities: 2%
The figures highlight the continued importance of the energy sector while also showing significant foreign investment in financial and manufacturing activities.

Financial Services Lead Outward Investment

Five sectors also accounted for more than 90% of Qatar’s outward FDI.

These included:

• Financial and insurance activities: 33.5%

• Mining and quarrying: 29.8%

• Information and communication: 10.8%

• Accommodation and food services: 9.1%

• Transport and storage: 7%

The distribution reflects the increasingly diversified nature of Qatari investments across international markets.

Supporting Qatar National Development Goals

The NPC said the FDI results form part of its efforts to improve the quality and reliability of Qatar’s national economic statistics.

Regular and accurate investment data help policymakers monitor economic developments, support decision-making and measure progress towards national development objectives.

The latest investment trends also support the goals of the Third National Development Strategy and Qatar National Vision 2030, particularly in strengthening economic diversification and expanding high-value sectors.

Survey Covers Around 210 Establishments

The Q1 2026 survey provides preliminary estimates of inward and outward FDI.

It includes information from privately owned companies and selected government-owned companies, while excluding international financial transactions conducted by the state or individuals.

The results were combined with Qatar Central Bank data covering monetary financial institutions, including banks, insurance companies and other financial institutions.

The Q1 2026 figures were based on a sample of approximately 210 establishments operating in Qatar.