The World Bank Group has officially opened its first office in Doha, marking a new chapter in its partnership with Qatar and strengthening collaboration on development, private investment, and support for fragile economies in the region.
Inaugurated on Sunday, the Doha office is set to serve as a hub for cooperation between the World Bank Group and Qatari institutions, focusing on development financing, mobilising private-sector investment, and assisting countries affected by conflict and economic fragility. The office is hosted at the Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD) headquarters, in partnership with the Ministry of Finance.
At the ceremony, World Bank Group President Ajay Banga emphasized that the move reflects a deepening partnership built on shared priorities. He noted Qatar’s role in supporting regional growth while encouraging private enterprises and capital to flow into neighbouring emerging markets, generating jobs and prosperity.
A Hub for Regional Collaboration
The Doha office is designed to facilitate closer cooperation between the World Bank Group and its Qatari partners, including government entities, financial institutions, and development organizations. Banga highlighted that discussions during his visit focused on expanding collaboration beyond government agencies to engage a wider network of development stakeholders across Qatar.
By establishing a permanent presence in Doha, the World Bank Group aims to enhance coordination on regional initiatives and strengthen its engagement across the Middle East.
Advancing Qatar’s National Vision
For Qatar, the office represents both a symbolic and practical milestone. Minister of Finance H.E. Ali bin Ahmed Al-Kuwari described the opening as a testament to the long-standing partnership between Qatar and the World Bank Group. He emphasized that the office will support Qatar’s economy and development goals, from capacity building within the World Bank to training opportunities for young Qataris aligned with the Qatar National Vision.
The office brings together multiple arms of the World Bank Group, including the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA), enabling more coordinated efforts on development projects, risk management, and private investment.
Driving Private Investment in Fragile Economies
Alongside the office opening, QFFD and the World Bank Group signed a memorandum of understanding to enhance advisory services and explore innovative financing mechanisms, especially for fragile and conflict-affected countries.
Rwodah Ibrahim Al Naimi, Director of Investments at QFFD, said the partnership aims to unlock private sector participation where capital is hardest to mobilize. By combining public funding from QFFD with World Bank tools such as guarantees, the collaboration seeks to create sustainable investments, support small and medium enterprises, and generate employment in challenging markets.
