Foreign direct investment in Qatar increased by 3.3% in the first quarter of 2026 compared to the end of the previous quarter and reached 47.3 billion USD, according to a study by the National Planning Council of Qatar, prepared jointly with the country's central bank.
The largest share of inbound foreign direct investment continues to be in mining and quarrying - 45.3%, followed by financial and insurance activities with 31.9% and manufacturing with 13%. Information and communication activities form 2.8%, and professional, scientific and technical services - 2%
Qatari authorities emphasize that the country evaluates inward investments not only by their size, but also by their ability to increase productivity, promote technology transfer and develop higher value-added sectors. This is part of Qatar's broader strategy to diversify the economy beyond energy.
In parallel with the growth of foreign investment in the country, Qatari investments abroad are also increasing. In the first quarter of 2026, they grew by 3.5% and reached 60.9 billion USD.
The largest part of these funds is directed to financial and insurance services – 33.5%, followed by the mining and energy sector with 29.8%, technology infrastructure with 10.8%, hospitality with 9.1% and transportation with 7%.
This is how Qatar is simultaneously strengthening its position as a recipient of foreign capital and as an active international investor. This two-way dynamic supports the country's ambition to develop financial services, technology, logistics and other industries outside the traditional hydrocarbon sector.