The World Bank Group has officially opened its first office in Doha, marking a significant step in its partnership with Qatar and reinforcing the country’s growing influence in global development and finance. The office aims to strengthen cooperation on development projects, private-sector investment, and support for fragile economies across the region.
The Doha office is hosted at the Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD) headquarters in coordination with the Ministry of Finance. Speaking at the inauguration, World Bank Group President Ajay Banga highlighted the deepening partnership, noting that Qatar can play a key role in fostering regional growth while encouraging private capital to flow into emerging markets, creating jobs and prosperity.
Establishing a Regional Hub
The new office will act as a regional hub, facilitating closer collaboration between the World Bank Group and Qatari institutions. Banga emphasized that discussions during his visit focused on expanding cooperation not just with government bodies, but also with financial and development partners across Qatar. This presence is intended to enhance coordination and strengthen the impact of development initiatives throughout the region.
Supporting Qatar’s National Development Goals
For Qatar, the office is both symbolic and practical. Minister of Finance H.E. Ali bin Ahmed Al-Kuwari described it as a milestone in the longstanding relationship with the World Bank. He added that the office would contribute to Qatar’s economy and National Vision by building capacity within the World Bank and providing training opportunities for young Qataris.
The office brings together multiple arms of the World Bank Group, including the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA), allowing for more effective coordination on development projects, risk mitigation, and private investment.
Driving Investment in Fragile Economies
Alongside the opening, QFFD and the World Bank Group signed a memorandum of understanding to strengthen advisory services and explore new financing mechanisms, particularly for fragile and conflict-affected contexts.
Rwodah Ibrahim Al Naimi, Director of Investments at QFFD, explained that the collaboration is designed to unlock private sector participation in regions where capital is limited. By combining public funding from QFFD with World Bank instruments such as guarantees, the partnership aims to support small and medium enterprises, generate jobs, and promote more sustainable investment in challenging environments.
