The World Bank Group has launched its first office in Doha, marking a new chapter 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, private-sector engagement, and support for countries facing fragility and conflict. It is hosted at the Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD) headquarters, in collaboration with the Ministry of Finance.
At the opening ceremony, World Bank Group President Ajay Banga said the new office reflects a deepening partnership built on shared priorities. He highlighted Qatar’s potential to support regional growth while attracting private capital to emerging markets, generating jobs and driving prosperity.
A Regional Hub for Collaboration
The Doha office will act as a central hub for coordination between the World Bank Group and Qatari institutions. Banga noted that discussions during his visit focused on expanding cooperation not only with government agencies, but also with financial institutions and development partners across Qatar.
This permanent presence in Doha is expected to improve regional coordination and strengthen engagement on key development projects.
Supporting Qatar’s National Development Goals
For Qatar, the office carries both practical and symbolic significance. Minister of Finance H.E. Ali bin Ahmed Al-Kuwari described the opening as a milestone in a long-standing partnership. He emphasized that the office would contribute to the Qatari economy, advance the Qatar National Vision, and provide capacity-building and training opportunities for young Qataris.
The office brings together multiple branches of the World Bank Group, including the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA), enabling closer coordination on development initiatives, risk mitigation, and private investment—a multi-pillar approach central to Qatar’s strategy.
Mobilising Investment in Fragile Economies
Alongside the office launch, QFFD and the World Bank Group signed a memorandum of understanding to enhance advisory services and explore innovative financing solutions, especially for fragile and conflict-affected countries.
Rwodah Ibrahim Al Naimi, Director of Investments at QFFD, explained that the collaboration aims to increase private sector involvement where capital is scarce. By combining public funding with World Bank instruments such as guarantees, the partnership seeks to generate sustainable investment, support small and medium enterprises, and create jobs in some of the region’s most challenging contexts.
