The World Bank Group has launched its first office in Doha, signaling a new chapter in its partnership with Qatar and reinforcing the country’s growing role in international development and finance. The office, inaugurated on Sunday, will focus on development financing, private-sector mobilisation, and support for countries facing fragility and conflict. It is hosted at the Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD) headquarters, in coordination with the Ministry of Finance.
At the opening ceremony, World Bank Group President Ajay Banga said the move reflects a strengthening partnership built on shared goals. He emphasized Qatar’s potential to drive regional growth and attract private capital into emerging markets, creating jobs and prosperity.
A Regional Hub for Cooperation
The Doha office will serve as a central platform for collaboration between the World Bank Group and Qatari institutions. Banga highlighted that discussions during his visit aimed to expand cooperation not just with government agencies, but also with financial and development partners across Qatar.
By establishing a permanent presence in Doha, the World Bank Group aims to improve regional coordination and reinforce its engagement in development projects throughout the area.
Supporting Qatar’s Development Vision
For Qatar, the new office is both symbolic and practical. Minister of Finance H.E. Ali bin Ahmed Al-Kuwari described the opening as a milestone in a long-standing partnership. He said the office would contribute to Qatar’s economy and national development goals, including training young Qataris and building capacity within the World Bank.
The office unites multiple arms of the World Bank Group, including the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA), allowing closer coordination on projects, risk mitigation, and private investment—an approach central to Qatar’s development strategy.
Unlocking Private Investment in Fragile Economies
Alongside the office launch, QFFD and the World Bank Group signed a memorandum of understanding to strengthen advisory services and explore new financing tools, particularly for fragile and conflict-affected contexts.
Rwodah Ibrahim Al Naimi, Director of Investments at QFFD, said the partnership aims to boost private sector involvement where capital is scarce. By combining public funding with World Bank instruments like guarantees, the collaboration seeks to generate sustainable investments, support small and medium enterprises, and create jobs in regions that need them most.
