The World Bank Group has opened its first office in Doha, marking a new chapter in its relationship with Qatar and underscoring the country’s growing role in global development and finance.
The office was officially inaugurated on Sunday and is expected to deepen cooperation between the World Bank Group and Qatari institutions, particularly in development finance, private investment and support for countries affected by fragility and conflict. It is based at the headquarters of the Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD) and operates in coordination with the Ministry of Finance.
At the opening ceremony, World Bank Group President Ajay Banga said the new office reflects a stronger partnership built around shared priorities. He highlighted Qatar’s ability to support economic growth in neighbouring countries while helping channel private capital into emerging markets to drive jobs and long-term prosperity.
A Hub for Regional Collaboration
The Doha office is intended to serve as a regional platform for closer collaboration between the World Bank Group and Qatari partners. It will focus on aligning efforts in development financing, mobilising the private sector and supporting countries facing economic and social challenges.
Banga said talks during his visit centred on expanding cooperation not only with government entities, but also with financial institutions and development partners across Qatar, helping to broaden the impact of joint initiatives.
Supporting Qatar’s National Vision
For Qatar, the opening of the office carries both symbolic and practical importance. Minister of Finance H.E. Ali bin Ahmed Al-Kuwari described it as a milestone in a long-standing partnership, noting that it reflects how far cooperation with the World Bank Group has progressed.
He said the new presence in Doha is expected to add value to Qatar’s economy and support Qatar National Vision, including through capacity building, knowledge exchange and training opportunities for young Qataris.
Driving Investment in Fragile Economies
The office brings together several arms of the World Bank Group, including the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA), allowing for closer coordination on development projects, risk management and private investment.
Alongside the opening, QFFD and the World Bank Group signed a memorandum of understanding aimed at strengthening advisory services and exploring new financing tools, particularly for fragile and conflict-affected countries. QFFD officials said the partnership is designed to attract private sector participation in difficult markets by blending public funding with World Bank instruments such as guarantees.
The goal, they said, is to create more sustainable investment, support small and medium-sized businesses and generate jobs in regions where access to capital remains limited.
