The World Bank Group has officially launched its first office in Doha, marking a new phase in its partnership with Qatar and reinforcing the country’s growing role in global development and finance. The office, inaugurated on Sunday, will focus on development financing, mobilising private investment, and supporting countries affected by fragility and conflict. It is hosted at the Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD) headquarters, in collaboration with the Ministry of Finance.
At the ceremony, World Bank Group President Ajay Banga said the move reflects a deepening partnership. He highlighted Qatar’s potential to support neighbouring countries’ growth while attracting private capital to emerging markets, creating jobs and fostering prosperity.
Building a Regional Hub
The Doha office will serve as a regional hub for cooperation between the World Bank Group and Qatari institutions. Banga noted that discussions during his visit focused on expanding collaboration beyond government agencies to include financial and development partners across Qatar.
The office aims to strengthen coordination and enhance engagement in regional development projects, making Doha a central point for international cooperation.
Advancing Qatar’s Development Goals
For Qatar, the opening is both symbolic and practical. Minister of Finance H.E. Ali bin Ahmed Al-Kuwari described it as a milestone in a long-standing relationship, saying it will add value to Qatar’s economy and national development plans.
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 closer collaboration on development projects, risk management, and private investment—an approach aligned with Qatar’s development strategy.
Unlocking Private Investment in Fragile Economies
Alongside the office opening, QFFD and the World Bank Group signed a memorandum of understanding to expand advisory services and explore innovative financing solutions for fragile and conflict-affected contexts.
Rwodah Ibrahim Al Naimi, Director of Investments at QFFD, said the partnership focuses on increasing private sector participation where capital is scarce. By combining public funding with World Bank instruments such as guarantees, the collaboration aims to support small and medium enterprises, create jobs, and promote sustainable investment in regions that need it most.
