Today, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry reviewed the main themes, priorities and objectives of the ninth edition of the World Investment Forum 2026, which is hosted by the State of Qatar in partnership with the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), during the period from 25 to 27 October, under the slogan “Investing in the Future.”
This came during the forum’s opening press conference, which provided an overview of its agenda and expected results, and provided media representatives with the opportunity to interact with the issues shaping global investment and sustainable development.
In this context, Mr. Hamad Al-Nasr, Director of the Trade Exchange Development and Investment Promotion Department at the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, stressed that the State of Qatar’s hosting of the forum reflects its commitment to strengthening international cooperation and supporting investment as a basic pillar of economic diversification and achieving sustainable development, in line with the Qatar National Vision 2030 and the third national development strategy.
Al-Nasr pointed out that the return of the forum to Doha comes after it hosted its third edition in 2012, coinciding with the thirteenth session of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development, which reflects the role of the State of Qatar in the international dialogue on investment and development.
He explained that the forum is being held in light of the rapid transformations taking place in the global economy, and challenges affecting the movement of investment, international trade and supply chains, in addition to technological developments and changes in energy markets.
He pointed out that the World Investment Report 2026 issued by UNCTAD indicated that global foreign direct investment flows would rise by 6 percent, reaching about $1.6 trillion in 2025, but more than 80 percent of these flows were concentrated in the 20 largest economies, which highlights the need to enhance the effectiveness of multilateral cooperation and adopt investment policies that expand the reach of capital to developing economies and contribute to building more resilient and sustainable economies.
He added that the forum provides an international platform that brings together policy makers, investors and business leaders to discuss challenges, explore promising investment opportunities and exchange experiences on sectors that shape the future of investment, most notably artificial intelligence, energy, vital minerals, infrastructure, sustainable finance, tourism and culture.
He stated that the forum’s program includes more than 80 high-level sessions and dialogues within seven thematic tracks, with the participation of more than 5,000 participants and 400 speakers, in addition to a high-level session to discuss the future of investment in the Gulf region.
Regarding the participation of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Al-Nasr explained that it comes within the framework of the Ministry’s role in supporting the diversification of the economy, developing the business and investment environment, developing the private sector and attracting quality investments, which contributes to consolidating the position of the State of Qatar as a regional and international center for business and investment.
He pointed out that the State of Qatar continues to develop a competitive and open investment environment, explaining that the law regulating non-Qatari capital investment in economic activity allows non-Qatari investors to own up to 100 percent in most sectors, while an incentive program worth one billion dollars supports local and foreign investments.
He called on investors participating in the forum to learn about the investment opportunities available in the country, expressing his aspiration that the forum’s work will contribute to crystallizing practical visions and ideas and concluding concrete partnerships and agreements that support productive and sustainable investment, enhance confidence in the global business environment, and open broader horizons for cooperation between governments, the private sector and relevant institutions.
Mr. Hamad Al-Nasr, Director of the Trade Exchange Development and Investment Promotion Department at the Ministry of Trade and Industry, appreciated the role of media representatives in conveying the forum’s messages to public opinion, expressing his hope that its outputs would contribute to supporting investment and sustainable development at the regional and international levels.
