Introduction
Qatar, one of the fastest-growing countries in the region, is a top global business destination. It aligns with the Qatar National Vision 2030, offering diverse opportunities for international companies to thrive in the Middle East. The state fosters a favourable investment climate and supports key economic sectors with business-friendly policies and legislation.
Sectors
Agriculture
The country has undergone a rapid transition in the last years from depending on imports for many types of fruits, vegetables, grains and other agricultural products to a higher level of local production. It offers one-hundred percent selfsufficiency in fresh poultry and dairy and is the first to host horticulture expo in the MENA region.
Education
Qatar has a well-developed education sector with national and international kindergartens, primary and secondary schools as well as nine world leading universities in education city. Qatar offers a wide range of opportunities for investment research and development, vocational training centers, and educational technology.
Health
Qatar’s healthcare system ranks high regionally and internationally with significant investments over the last years and state-of-the-art infrastructure for treatments of patients as well as research, development and innovation. The country is committed to providing high-quality healthcare services to its population.
Energy
Qatar's extensive natural resources, particularly natural gas gas, make it a leading player in the global energy market. The energy sector presents opportunities for investment in oil and gas exploration, production, refining, petrochemicals, and renewable energy projects (particularly in light of the North Field Expansion project).
Manufacturing
Qatar is emerging as a manufacturing hub. It is the world’s largest exporter of liquefied natural gas, second biggest GCC fertilizer producer, and third largest exporter of aluminum in the region with the potential to widen the range of industrial products and the use of advanced manufacturing technologies.
Logistics
Qatar is home to world-class infrastructure with Hamad International Airport (the ‘Best Airport in the World’) and Hamad Port (the region’s fifth largest port) as well as top operators such as Qatar Airways Cargo, Qatar Airways (the ‘World’s Best Airline’), Mwani, Milaha and QTerminals.
Professional Services
The professional services sector is a key contributor to Qatar's economy due to its role in facilitating business growth, innovation, and efficiency across industries. They are essential for supporting Qatar's economic diversification efforts and its transition to a knowledge-based economy.
Financial Services
Qatar is emerging as one of the top financial hubs in the Middle East with the some of the largest Islamic finance assets globally and a robust financial system. The financial services sector is one of the major contributors to Qatar’s economy, ranked second after the oil and gas sector.
Information Technology
Qatar's extensive natural resources, particularly natural gas gas, make it a leading player in the global energy market. The energy sector presents opportunities for investment in oil and gas exploration, production, refining, petrochemicals, and renewable energy projects (particularly in light of the North Field Expansion project).
Other Sectors
Other sectors include without limitation or restriction tourism following the 2022 FIFA World Cup, hospitality attracting leisure and business travelers, retail with some of the largest shopping malls, sports with major regional and international events as well as media, construction, and real estate.
Stakeholders
Invest Qatar
Promotes the country as an investment destination while connecting international investors to opportunities that support their long-term success and contributing to the country’s economic development and diversification objectives across sectors.
Ministry of Commerce & Industry
Qatar Financial Centre Authority
It is a leading onshore business and financial centre located in Doha, welcoming international and national companies to join the platform. The QFC aims to promote Qatar as a major business and commercial hub at the crossroads between East and West.
Qatar Free Zones Authority
Qatar Science & Technology Park
Media City Qatar
Qatar Development Bank
Major Strategies & Important Policies
Qatar National Vision 2030
(QNV 2030) is a strategic roadmap aimed at transforming Qatar into an advanced, sustainable, and diversified economy, capable of providing a high standard of living for its people and making it highly relevant for businesses. It focuses on four pillars: economic, social, human, and environmental development.
Third Qatar National Development Strategy 2024-2030
(NDS3) aims to further the objectives of Qatar National Vision 2030 by promoting economic diversification, innovation, and sustainable development. The key areas include developing a knowledge-based economy, enhancing private sector participation, and investing in human capital.
Qatar FinTech Strategy 2023
It was launched to establish Qatar as a regional hub for financial technology. The strategy focuses on digital payments, regulatory technology (RegTech), wealth and asset management technology, and InsurTech, supported by a conducive regulatory environment and strong government incentives.
Qatar Freight Master Plan
It is a strategic initiative to optimize logistics and transportation infrastructure, improving connectivity between ports, airports, and industrial zones. This plan aims to enhance supply chain efficiency, decrease costs, and promote sustainable logistics solutions making Qatar an attractive alternative to other regional markets.
Qatar Artificial Intelligence Strategy
It is overseen by the MCIT’s Artificial Intelligence Committee and aims to integrate AI across various sectors, including healthcare, education, transportation, and finance. It focuses on developing a skilled AI workforce, investing in research and development, and creating a supportive regulatory environment.
National Food Security Strategy 2018-2023
It is aimed at achieving self-sufficiency in food production and ensuring food security especially in the context of the geopolitical issues in 2017. The strategy includes measures to enhance local agricultural production, develop advanced farming technologies, and ensure sustainable water and energy use.
Qatar Tourism Strategy 2030
Focuses on transforming Qatar into a world-class tourism destination. The strategy includes expanding tourist attractions, enhancing the hospitality sector, and promoting Qatar’s cultural and natural heritage to boost tourism’s contribution to the economy.
Qatar National Environment & Climate Change Strategy
It was launched to address environmental challenges and promote sustainable development. This strategy focuses on reducing greenhouse gas emissions, enhancing air quality, protecting biodiversity, and promoting the sustainable use of natural resources.
Qatar Sports Strategy 2022-2030
It is aimed at developing Qatar as a global sports hub with a focus on hosting major international sports events, investing in sports infrastructure, and promoting sports participation at all levels. It emphasizes the role of sports in promoting and supporting community engagement, health, and wellness.
Qatar Digital Government Strategy 2026
It seeks to transform public services through digital innovation, making them more efficient, accessible, and user friendly. It focuses on enhancing cybersecurity, expanding digital infrastructure, and promoting the adoption of emerging technologies such as blockchain, artificial intelligence, and big data analytics.
Benefits of a Business Setup in Qatar
- Prime infrastructure and strategic location
- Stability factor in the region
- Strong, stable economy with a robust currency
- Abundant natural resources and investment-friendly laws
- Cost-effective labor and utilities
- Top international exhibition and conference centers
- Tax advantages, neutral politics, and a business-friendly environment
- Unmatched market access and a long-term vision
Steps to Establish a Business in Qatar
Setting up a business in Qatar involves three key stages:
Pre-Licensing
Assessing possibilities and evaluating options for business licensing in Qatar.
Licensing
Applying for the relevant licenses, permits and approvals
Post-Licensing
Completing all steps to commence operations, including visas, office setup, insurance, and banking
We look forward to understanding your objectives and business plans, enabling us to determine the best course of action for your business in Qatar.
Licensing Platforms in Qatar
Ministry of Commerce & Industry in Qatar
Most Qatari businesses, primarily with local majority ownership, operate under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry. This ministry actively supports Start-Ups and Small & Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs) to align with Qatar National Vision 2030, focusing on key sectors including Energy, Industrial, Logistics, IT, Natural Resources, Mining, Agriculture, Healthcare, Education, Sports & Culture, and Tourism for SMEs, while nurturing Start-Ups in AgriTech, HealthTech, EdTech, FinTech, SportsTech, ICT, and Mobility & Transport.
Qatar Financial Centre Authority (QFC)
QFC is a prominent and rapidly growing global onshore business and financial center, aiming to make Qatar a prime business destination at the intersection of East and West. It hosts over 2,800 recognized businesses, encompassing financial and non-financial service providers, including advisors, lawyers, accountants, auditors, banks, financial institutions, and insurance brokers.
QFC plays a key role in facilitating foreign investment in Qatar, offering compelling incentives, such as 100% foreign ownership, an English Law-based legal system, one-stop-shop services, a vast network of 2,800+ businesses, and a competitive 10% corporate income tax on local source profits.
Qatar Free Zones Authority (QFZA)
Established in 2018, QFZA’s mission is to create and regulate world-class free zones in Qatar, serving as platforms for local and international business expansion. QFZA collaborates with corporations of all sizes, particularly those in sectors where Qatar excels, such as logistics, chemicals, and emerging technologies.
These free zones foster logistics clusters with advantages like market access, infrastructure, and connectivity. The Umm Al Houl Free Zone, a part of QFZA, is dedicated to a competitive chemicals cluster due to natural gas reserves, strategic location, and incentives.
In 2018, Qatar ranked among the top ten countries for innovative company growth and fifteenth globally for embracing disruptive ideas. QFZA focuses on emerging technologies, encompassing AI, robotics, cybersecurity, blockchain, and more, aiming to attract and develop clusters in these high-tech sectors.
Qatar Science & Technology Park (QSTP)
QSTP, under Qatar Foundation, is a technology-focused research and development hub. It hosts global corporations that play a key role in developing and implementing cuttingedge technologies worldwide.
QSTP offers advantages like swift company formation, customs duty exemptions, 100% foreign ownership, tax exemptions, and capital repatriation. It stands at the heart of Qatar Foundation’s research, development, and innovation ecosystem.
Media City Qatar (MCQ)
MCQ is an innovative hub established to support and develop the media and technology sector in Qatar. Strategically located in the heart of Doha, MCQ offers excellent connectivity and a stable business climate, making it an ideal place for media companies to thrive.
MCQ attracts media-related businesses, focusing on sectors such as digital media, film and television production, news organizations, sports broadcasting, advertising, eSports, gaming, and publishing. It aims to promote Qatar’s position as a leading place for media technology and innovation.
MCQ provides significant benefits, including 20-year corporate tax exemptions, low-cost office spaces with state-of-the-art technology, and comprehensive administrative support. Its advanced infrastructure and supportive regulatory framework make MCQ an ideal destination for companies with media related activities looking to expand and succeed in the region.
