45 companies, 80 markets: Qatar launches Doha Investment platform

Qatar has launched a new investment platform to oversee more than 40 state-owned companies as the country seeks to accelerate its next phase of economic growth, with artificial intelligence, advanced technology, manufacturing and healthcare among its priority sectors.

The platform, Doha Investment, is wholly owned by the Qatar Investment Authority (QIA) and will be responsible for the sovereign wealth fund’s domestic investment portfolio. It will operate under its own mandate and board, focusing on strengthening existing national companies, supporting emerging businesses, and increasing private-sector participation.

Qatar’s Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani announced Doha Investment on Sunday at a special edition of the Qatar Economic Forum in New York.

“Through this platform, we aim to expand the role of the private sector in driving Qatar’s economic growth,” he said, adding that the platform would help strengthen the country’s most established companies, support the growth of emerging businesses, deepen capital markets and bring in new international capital and expertise.

Doha Investment will initially oversee 45 companies operating across more than 80 markets, including Qatar Airways, QNB, Ooredoo, Qatari Diar, Katara Hospitality and Hassad Food.

Its portfolio spans financial services, transport and logistics, telecommunications and technology, real estate, hospitality, food and agriculture. The platform will also target new national companies in advanced technology, manufacturing, supply chains and healthcare.

Artificial intelligence is among its priorities, with Qai, Qatar’s national AI platform, included in its portfolio. Qai was established to support the deployment of AI across businesses and wider society.

Sheikh Faisal bin Thani Al Thani, Qatar’s minister of commerce and industry, will serve as managing director and vice-chairman of Doha Investment. He described the division not as a new creation but a consolidation, adding that the step has been under consideration for more than a decade.

“Strong economies are built company by company. Doha Investment will be an active, long-term partner to the businesses in its portfolio, working alongside management teams to unlock new sources of value and support their growth and competitiveness in the region and internationally,” Sheikh Faisal said.

He added that the platform will also work with local and international investors to develop new Qatari companies, combining capital, expertise and technology in sectors where the country aims to build greater capacity.

Beyond its investment mandate, Doha Investment is expected to support the creation of high-skilled jobs, strengthen local supply chains and develop national talent. Its broader role will include supporting the growth of high-value companies and increasing opportunities for private investment.

The initiative forms part of Qatar’s Third National Development Strategy, which aims to make the private sector a primary driver of a more sustainable and diversified economy.

QIA was established in 2005 and has built a domestic portfolio that includes some of Qatar’s largest companies, alongside its investments overseas. Global SWF estimates that it manages about $580 billion in assets.