The World Bank Group has opened its first office in Doha, signaling a deeper partnership with Qatar and a stronger joint focus on development, investment and support for fragile economies across the region.
The office was officially inaugurated on Sunday and reflects Qatar’s rising role in global development and financial cooperation. Based at the headquarters of the Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD) and supported by the Ministry of Finance, the new presence is expected to strengthen coordination between the World Bank Group and Qatari institutions.
At the opening ceremony, World Bank Group President Ajay Banga said the move highlights a relationship shaped by shared priorities. He stressed the importance of working closely with Qatar to support economic growth in neighbouring countries while encouraging private capital to flow into emerging markets, helping create jobs and long-term prosperity.
A New Base for Regional Collaboration
The Doha office will function as a regional centre for cooperation, focusing on development finance, private-sector mobilisation and assistance to countries affected by fragility and conflict. Banga said talks during his visit also explored ways to expand collaboration beyond government bodies to include financial institutions and development partners across Qatar.
By establishing a permanent base in Doha, the World Bank Group aims to improve coordination and broaden its impact across the region.
Strengthening Qatar’s Development Ambitions
Qatari officials described the opening as both a symbolic and practical milestone. Minister of Finance H.E. Ali bin Ahmed Al-Kuwari said the office reflects the strength of the long-standing relationship between Qatar and the World Bank Group and is expected to add real value to the national economy.
He noted that the office would support capacity building, knowledge exchange and training opportunities for young Qataris, aligning with Qatar National Vision and the country’s long-term development goals.
Driving Investment in Fragile Markets
The new 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, investment support and risk mitigation.
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 investment to areas where capital is scarce by combining public funding with World Bank instruments such as guarantees.
The initiative aims to support small and medium-sized enterprises, create jobs and deliver more sustainable economic growth in some of the world’s most challenging environments.
