Qatar’s foreign direct investment continued to grow during the first quarter of 2026, according to a survey released by the National Planning Council.

The stock of inward foreign direct investment reached about 172.2 billion Qatari riyals ($47.24 billion), up 3.3% from the previous quarter.

Outward foreign direct investment also increased 3.5% to approximately 221.7 billion riyals ($60.8 billion) during the same period.

National Planning Council Secretary-General Abdulaziz bin Nasser bin Mubarak Al Khalifa described the increase in inward investment as a positive sign for Qatar’s investment outlook.

He said the council is focusing not only on the volume of investment but also on its quality and its contribution to economic diversification, productivity, technology transfer and the growth of high-value sectors.

The council said its priorities include strengthening Qatar’s attractiveness to high-quality investors and accelerating investment in non-hydrocarbon sectors in line with the country’s Third National Development Strategy and Qatar National Vision 2030.

Key sectors

Five major economic activities accounted for more than 90% of Qatar’s inward foreign investment stock. Mining and quarrying ranked first, followed by financial and insurance activities, manufacturing, information and communications, and professional, scientific and technical activities.

The growth in Qatari investment abroad reflects the country’s expanding presence in international markets and its efforts to build economic and investment partnerships, diversify assets and increase long-term returns.

Financial and insurance activities, mining and quarrying, information and communications, accommodation and food services, and transportation and storage accounted for 90% of Qatar’s outward foreign investment stock.

The survey provides preliminary estimates of inward and outward foreign investment stocks. It covers privately owned companies and some government-owned firms, but excludes international financial transactions conducted by the state or individuals.

The first-quarter 2026 data were based on a sample of about 210 establishments operating in Qatar.