Doha takes centre stage in the global investment landscape as the 9th World Investment Forum 2026

Qatar's Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MOCI) has detailed the key themes and priorities for the upcoming ninth World Investment Forum, set to take place in Doha from October 25 to 27. The forum, themed "Investing in the Future," will convene representatives from governments, investors, and business leaders to discuss global investment and sustainable development.

Hosted by Qatar in collaboration with the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), the forum aims to channel investment towards economies and sectors in need, fostering meaningful development. MOCI Director of Trade Development and Investment Promotion, HE Hamad Al Nasr, emphasized Qatar's commitment to advancing international cooperation and investment as a means for economic diversification and sustainable growth, in alignment with Qatar National Vision 2030 and the Third National Development Strategy.

The forum's return to Qatar, marking its second hosting after the 2012 edition, reinforces the nation's role in shaping international investment dialogue and its contribution to development. Al Nasr highlighted the forum's relevance amid global economic shifts, characterized by challenges to international investment, trade, and supply chains, as well as technological advancements and changes in energy markets.

According to UNCTAD's World Investment Report 2026, global foreign direct investment (FDI) flows grew by 6% to approximately $1.6 trillion in 2025. However, more than 80% of these flows were directed towards the world's 20 largest economies, underscoring the necessity for stronger multilateral cooperation and investment policies that allocate more capital to developing countries, promoting economic resilience and sustainability.

The forum will feature over 80 sessions and high-level dialogues across seven thematic tracks, attracting more than 5,000 participants and 400 speakers. A dedicated session will address investment trends in the Gulf region. MOCI's participation underscores Qatar's commitment to economic diversification, strengthening the business climate, empowering the private sector, and attracting high-value investment to bolster Qatar's position as a regional and global business and investment hub.

Qatar continues to improve its investor-friendly environment, allowing foreign investors to own up to 100% of businesses in most economic sectors. A $1 billion incentive program also supports domestic and foreign investment. Al Nasr urged forum participants to explore Qatar's investment opportunities, expressing hope that the forum's discussions would yield practical proposals, strategic partnerships, and tangible agreements.

He emphasized that such outcomes would advance productive and sustainable investment, enhance confidence in the global business environment, and foster broader cooperation among governments, the private sector, and relevant institutions. Al Nasr commended the media's role in disseminating the forum's key messages and expressed optimism about the forum's impact on investment and sustainable development across the region and globally.