In a dramatic leap in the 2024 fDi Intelligence Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) Performance Index, Qatar has surged up 21 places, securing the 12th spot globally, an unprecedented move that spotlights the country’s rising appeal as an investment powerhouse.
FDI Projects Nearly Doubled
Backing up its improved index ranking, Qatar saw its FDI projects nearly double in 2024, soaring from 115 projects in 2023 to 241 in 2024, marking an impressive 109.6% year-on-year increase.
CapEx, Job Creation, and Greenfield Focus
These new projects brought in approximately $2.74 billion in capital expenditure and generated 9,348 new jobs, representing a 122.7% increase over 2023 figures. Notably, greenfield investments(ventures bringing fresh activity rather than expanding existing operations) accounted for around 74–95% of total projects, underlining Qatar’s appeal to investors seeking long-term, foundational growth.
Sector Highlights & Reform Gains
Key sectors driving this surge include retail and wholesale trade, administrative and support services, data processing and hosting, and scientific R&D. The business services and technology sectors also remained dominant, with burgeoning investment activity in consumer products and textiles.
This robust performance stems from comprehensive reforms under the Third National Development Strategy (NDS3), including streamlined licensing processes, digital services upgrades, enhanced data transparency via the National Statistics Centre, and investor-focused tools such as AI.
Rising Global Competitiveness
Qatar’s economic advances are further reflected in its improved standings across key international indices:
- 11th place in the IMD World Competitiveness Index (2024)
- 14th in Logistics Competence and 19th in Logistics Infrastructure per the World Bank’s Logistics Performance Index
- Leading global rankings in tax policy, basic infrastructure, ICT development, entrepreneurial activity, and infrastructure quality
Strategic Vision Paying Dividends
Sheikh Ali bin Waleed Al-Thani, CEO of Invest Qatar, emphasized that these results affirm Qatar’s strategy to attract high-value, strategic investments that underpin economic diversification and sustainable growth. The Investment Promotion Agency remains committed to nurturing partnerships that deliver innovation, knowledge transfer, and long-term value.
