Invest Qatar has officially launched a $1 billion incentives program aimed at enhancing Qatar’s reputation as a major global business hub. The announcement was made during the 5th edition of the Qatar Economic Forum.

This new initiative offers a comprehensive suite of incentive packages tailored for both local and international investors. According to QNA, these incentives can provide financial support covering up to 40 percent of eligible local investment expenses over a five-year period. This assistance includes costs related to business setup, construction, office leases, equipment, and employee-related expenses.

The program targets key growth sectors identified in the Third National Development Strategy (NDS3), which includes advanced industries, logistics, IT, and digital and financial services. It will be implemented in phases, starting with four off-the-shelf incentive packages. These packages are designed to support new investments, facilitate the expansion and digitization of existing facilities, create high-skilled job opportunities, promote knowledge transfer, and foster an innovative, tech-driven ecosystem.

The Advanced Industries Package focuses on high-value, technology-intensive sectors such as pharmaceuticals, chemicals, automotive, and electronics, promoting innovation and value-added production. The Logistics Package aims to establish Qatar as a leading global hub for logistics, re-export, and distribution by encouraging investments in infrastructure, automation, and advanced logistics services. The Technology Package seeks to cultivate a dynamic digital economy by attracting investments in cybersecurity, cloud computing, artificial intelligence (AI), and data-driven innovation. Additionally, the Lusail Financial Services Package is designed to enhance Qatar’s financial ecosystem, advancing areas such as asset management, insurance, wealth management, and financial technology (fintech) innovation while promoting the establishment of offices in Lusail, Qatar’s premier financial and business district.

The incentives program has specific eligibility criteria, which include a minimum investment size of QAR25 million over five years, job creation targets, and a proven track record in relevant sectors. These criteria ensure a transparent evaluation process that allows for expedited application reviews and approvals. Investors can learn more and apply for the incentive packages via the Invest Qatar Gateway, the country’s first digital investor platform, which facilitates a smooth application submission experience.

H.E. Minister of Commerce and Industry and Chairman of the Advisory Council Sheikh Faisal bin Thani bin Faisal Al-Thani expressed that this initiative reflects Qatar’s commitment to creating a world-class investment environment that fosters sustainable economic growth and long-term value for its partners. He highlighted that aligning incentives with the Third National Development Strategy aims to attract and support investments that drive the development and growth of Qatar’s strategic economic clusters.

H.E. CEO of Invest Qatar Sheikh Ali Alwaleed Al-Thani added that the program represents a strategic advancement in achieving the goals of NDS3. He emphasized that it reinforces the commitment to support high-potential businesses that align with Qatar’s national vision for innovation, diversification, and sustainable growth. By addressing investors’ evolving needs, these incentive packages are designed to unlock growth across today’s dynamic sectors while empowering the private sector, fostering a more resilient, competitive, and business-friendly landscape in Qatar.

The incentives program builds on Qatar’s National Incentives Framework, which complements ongoing efforts to improve the business environment through strategic policy reforms, new digital services, and streamlined licensing procedures across various sectors.

In 2024, Qatar attracted $2.74 billion in foreign direct investment (FDI) through 241 projects, creating a total of 9,348 jobs. The country also demonstrated an increase in international competitiveness, climbing to 11th place in the IMD World Competitiveness Index 2024, moving up to 28th in the Global Economic Freedom Index, and advancing to 24th in the DHL Connectedness Index.

Notable improvements in logistics and infrastructure were also recorded, with Qatar ranking 14th in the Logistics Competence sub-index and 19th in the Logistics Infrastructure sub-index of the World Bank’s Logistics Performance Index.