Inward Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) into Qatar grew by 3.3% quarter-on-quarter in the first three months of 2026, reaching QAR 172.2 billion, according to data released by the National Planning Council. The official survey highlighted simultaneous expansion in cross-border capital flows during the period, with Qatar’s outward foreign direct investment rising by 3.5% over the fourth quarter of 2025 to hit QAR 221.7 billion. According to the council, this outward growth reflects the nation’s strategy to expand its international presence, diversify global assets, and build long-term economic partnerships.

Inward investment flows remained heavily concentrated within key industries, with five primary economic activities accounting for more than 90% of total inward FDI. Mining and quarrying led the inflow at 45.3%, followed by financial and insurance activities at 31.9%, manufacturing at 13%, information and communication activities at 2.8%, and professional, scientific, and technical activities at 2%.

Outward Qatari investments exhibited a similar sector focus, with five activities making up over 90% of the international portfolio. Financial and insurance activities claimed the largest share at 33.5%, followed by mining and quarrying at 29.8%, information and communication at 10.8%, accommodation and food services at 9.1%, and transport and storage activities at 7%.

Dr. Abdulaziz bin Nasser bin Mubarak Al Khalifa, Secretary-General of the National Planning Council, noted that the quarterly rise in inward FDI signals a positive trajectory for Qatar’s investment climate. He stated that upcoming priorities focus on enhancing the country’s appeal to quality investment and accelerating growth within non-hydrocarbon sectors to advance the Third National Development Strategy and Qatar National Vision 2030.

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