The National Planning Council announced the results of the Global Competitiveness Book 2026 issued by the International Institute for Management Development, which highlighted the outstanding performance of the State of Qatar across various economic, commercial, institutional and social indicators. These results place the State of Qatar at the forefront of regional and global performance in many indicators, which reflects its continued progress towards achieving the goals of the Third National Development Strategy and the Qatar National Vision 2030.
Commenting on these results, His Excellency Dr. Abdulaziz bin Nasser bin Mubarak Al Khalifa, Secretary-General of the National Planning Council, said: “Achieving these results in light of the unprecedented regional challenges witnessed by the region confirms the strength of the basic pillars of the State of Qatar and the effectiveness of its approach to the path of development. This achievement is also evidence of years of investment and strategic planning that have enabled the state to withstand external crises and fluctuations, continue to achieve the goals of the Qatar National Vision 2030, and enhance the opportunities available to companies.” and citizens, and consolidate its position as a global partner and a leading and competitive destination for investment.”
The results reflect the strength of the economy based on solid foundations and a high ability to provide opportunities, as the State of Qatar ranked first regionally and globally in the trade balance index, and recorded the lowest unemployment rates in the world, including youth unemployment and long-term unemployment, while maintaining one of the highest national savings rates in the world. These pillars contribute to building an economy that ranks first regionally and among the five most resilient economies in the world.
The report also highlighted the position of the State of Qatar as one of the most competitive environments for individuals and companies in the world, as it ranked first regionally and globally in indicators of the absence of personal income tax, consumption and capital tax, real estate taxes, and social security contributions. It also ranked first regionally and fourth globally in the field of entrepreneurship. Moreover, the State of Qatar leads regionally in labor productivity, disposable income, banking sector assets, the country’s credit rating, and the strength of small and medium enterprises.
This strong performance of the State of Qatar reflects the cumulative impact of long-term investment in infrastructure, public services and institutions, which continues to enhance the country’s competitiveness and improve the quality of life, as the State of Qatar ranked first regionally and second globally in energy infrastructure, first regionally and third globally in health infrastructure, and first regionally and sixth globally in quality of life. These components are complemented by the presence of a safe and stable society, as the State of Qatar ranked first regionally and fifth globally in the efficiency of the judicial system, and recorded the second lowest rate of premeditated murder crimes in the world.
These results confirm the continued progress made by the State of Qatar in implementing the Qatar National Vision 2030 and the Third National Development Strategy, which enhances its position as a global destination for business, investment and quality of life, and contributes to supporting sustainable economic growth in the long term.
It is worth noting that the Global Competitiveness Book is issued annually by the International Institute for Administrative Development, and evaluates the economy based on four main axes: economic performance, government efficiency, business sector efficiency, and infrastructure.