Qatar Establishes New Investment Division to Boost Local Economy
The Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Qatar, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, announced the creation of a new division within the Qatar Investment Authority (QIA) dedicated to nurturing local investments. This move, revealed on Sunday during a special session of the Qatar Economic Forum in New York, signifies a strategic shift in the sovereign wealth fund’s objectives to bolster the private sector’s role in driving Qatar’s economic growth.
According to Sheikh Mohammed, the newly formed “Doha Investment” division aims to support the strongest Qatari companies, assist emerging startups, enhance capital markets, and attract international investment and expertise to propel this initiative.
Management of Local Investments
Sheikh Faisal bin Thani Al Thani, Qatar’s Minister of Commerce and Industry, stated that the new division will manage the local investment portfolio of the QIA. In its initial phase, it will oversee 45 state-owned companies, representing approximately one-third of the sovereign fund’s total assets. Minister Faisal, who will serve as the managing director and vice-chairman of Doha Investment, emphasized that this division is a result of a merger rather than a brand-new entity, revealing that this plan had been in consideration for over a decade.
The QIA was established in 2005 to invest capital abroad, yet in recent years, it has increased its domestic footprint, contributing to the development of leading national enterprises such as Qatar Airways, Qatar National Bank, Ooredoo, Diar Qatar, and Katara Hospitality.
Building National Companies and Supporting Privatisation
According to Sheikh Faisal, the objectives of the new division also include enhancing and developing new national companies, promoting privatization, and expanding the participation of the private sector. He noted that Doha Investment will be an active, long-term partner for the companies in its portfolio and will work alongside management teams to unlock new avenues for value and support their growth and competitiveness on both regional and international levels.
Official statements indicate that Doha Investment has been established to build and grow leading national companies in Qatar through proactive investments and partnerships in priority non-hydrocarbon sectors while boosting private-sector participation across various fields in the Qatari economy.
Focus on Promising Sectors and Job Creation
The Doha Investment portfolio, upon its launch, will consist of over 40 companies that reach more than 80 markets worldwide, covering key economic sectors such as financial services, transportation and logistics, telecommunications and technology, real estate, hospitality, and food and agriculture. More than 20 of these companies reported revenues exceeding one billion Qatari riyals (around $274 million) in 2025.
The division aims to establish new leading companies in promising and prioritized sectors, including advanced technologies, manufacturing, supply chains, and healthcare. This includes the “Qai” platform, a national initiative to expand the application of trusted artificial intelligence within businesses and society.
Through its initiatives, Doha Investment seeks to create high-skilled jobs, develop more robust local supply chains, and enhance national capabilities. By increasing the number of high-value companies, it will help deepen Qatari financial markets and reinforce the nation’s position as a preferred destination for international investors and high-growth companies.
As Qatar continues to diversify its economy and support its burgeoning private sector, the launch of the Doha Investment division marks a significant step toward ensuring sustainable economic development. Stakeholders will be watching closely to see how this strategic initiative unfolds in the coming months and its potential impact on Qatar’s broader economic landscape.
