Qatar is set to host the 9th World Investment Forum in Doha from October 25 to 27, 2026, according to a joint announcement made by the country and the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD). The forum will serve as a crucial platform for global discussions on attracting foreign direct investment and promoting sustainable development. This marks a significant opportunity for Qatar to further establish itself as a key player in the international economic landscape.
The announcement took place on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, with Minister of State for Foreign Trade Affairs, HE Ahmed bin Mohammed Al Sayed, and UNCTAD Secretary-General HE Rebeca Grynspan formally confirming the agreement. The event is expected to draw policymakers, investors, business leaders, and representatives from various international organizations, fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing.
Qatar to Host Major World Investment Forum in 2026
The selection of Doha as the host city underscores Qatar’s growing prominence as a destination for investment and its commitment to supporting global economic growth. The country has been actively diversifying its economy away from hydrocarbons, focusing on sectors like tourism, logistics, and finance. Hosting the World Investment Forum aligns with these strategic goals, potentially attracting significant capital and expertise.
Focus on Sustainable Development Goals
The 2026 forum will operate under the theme “Investing in the Future,” with a central focus on strengthening investment policies and flows to support the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These goals, adopted by the United Nations in 2015, address a wide range of global challenges, including poverty, inequality, climate change, and environmental degradation.
Sessions will explore methods for mobilizing productive, inclusive, and development-oriented investment, particularly in developing countries. This includes discussions on innovative financing mechanisms, risk mitigation strategies, and the role of public-private partnerships. The forum aims to bridge the gap between global capital and projects that contribute to sustainable development.
Additionally, the event is expected to address emerging trends in global investment, such as the increasing importance of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) factors. Investors are increasingly prioritizing companies and projects that demonstrate a commitment to sustainability, and the forum will provide a platform for discussing best practices in this area.
Meanwhile, Qatar’s own national vision, Qatar National Vision 2030, emphasizes sustainable development and economic diversification. Hosting the forum provides an opportunity to showcase the country’s progress in these areas and learn from international best practices. The country has made substantial investments in infrastructure, education, and healthcare, creating a favorable environment for foreign direct investment.
In contrast to previous forums, the 2026 event is anticipated to place a greater emphasis on the role of technology and innovation in attracting investment. Digitalization and the growth of the digital economy are transforming the global investment landscape, and the forum will explore how countries can leverage these trends to attract capital and promote economic growth.
The UNCTAD World Investment Report indicates that global foreign direct investment flows remained relatively weak in 2023, highlighting the need for increased efforts to mobilize capital for sustainable development. The upcoming forum in Doha is intended to contribute to reversing this trend and fostering a more robust and inclusive global investment environment.
Looking ahead, organizers will now focus on finalizing the forum’s agenda and securing participation from key stakeholders. Further details regarding registration and specific session topics are expected to be released in the coming months. The success of the event will depend on attracting high-level participation and fostering meaningful dialogue on the challenges and opportunities facing the global investment community.
The next key milestone will be the release of a preliminary program outline by the end of 2024, allowing potential attendees to begin planning their participation. Monitoring global economic conditions and geopolitical developments will be crucial, as these factors could influence investment flows and the overall focus of the forum.