The World Bank Group has inaugurated its first office in Doha, signaling a new chapter in its partnership with Qatar and underscoring the country’s growing influence in international development and finance.
Opened on Sunday, the Doha office reflects closer cooperation between the World Bank Group and Qatari institutions, with an emphasis on development finance, private-sector engagement and support for countries facing fragility and conflict. The office is based at the headquarters of the Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD), in coordination with the Ministry of Finance.
At the opening ceremony, World Bank Group President Ajay Banga described the move as a natural step in a relationship built around shared goals. He highlighted Qatar’s ability to contribute to regional growth while helping attract private capital into emerging markets to fuel jobs, prosperity and long-term development.
A Regional Hub for Collaboration
The new Doha office is designed to serve as a regional platform, bringing together Qatari partners and World Bank Group institutions to coordinate more closely on development initiatives. Discussions during Banga’s visit focused on expanding cooperation beyond government bodies to include financial institutions and development partners across Qatar.
By positioning the office in Doha, the World Bank Group aims to strengthen its engagement across the region while benefiting from Qatar’s experience in development financing and international partnerships.
Supporting Qatar’s National Vision
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, adding that it is expected to contribute to Qatar’s economy and national development goals.
He noted that the presence of the World Bank Group would support capacity building, skills development and training opportunities for young Qataris, aligning with the country’s long-term vision.
Mobilising Private Capital in Fragile Economies
The Doha 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 investment, risk mitigation and development projects.
Alongside the opening, QFFD and the World Bank Group signed a memorandum of understanding aimed at expanding advisory services and exploring innovative financing solutions, particularly for fragile and conflict-affected countries. QFFD officials said the partnership is focused on unlocking private investment where it is most difficult to attract, by blending public funding with World Bank instruments such as guarantees.
The goal, they said, is to support small and medium-sized enterprises, create jobs and deliver more sustainable development outcomes in some of the world’s most challenging environments.
