Qatar Ranked 24 on Foreign Direct Investment Confidence Index

The state of Qatar was ranked 24th in the world in the Foreign Investment Confidence Index for 2022 released by "Kearney" international consulting, marking the state's first presence in the world ranking, while available data show a jump in foreign direct investment inflows to 8.2 million dollars in the fourth quarter of 2021 (the three months ended 31 December 2021).

Investment in innovations and technology, as well as efforts by Qatar Financial Center, Free Zones - Qatar, and Investment Promotion Agency to attract foreign investors, the ongoing development of economic legislation to make it more flexible and appealing, and the continued improvement of the business environment and investment climate, all contribute to this.

Qatar attracts foreign investments under the law regulating the investment of non-Qatari capital in economic activity, which allows the foreign investor to own 100% in the various economic and commercial activities and sectors in the State of Qatar, while it is prohibited for them to invest in the field of commercial agencies, banks, and insurance companies except for those excluded from them, except for what is excluded through a decree by the Council of Ministers, and any other fields for which a decree by the Council of Ministers is issued.
Qatar also allows foreigners to own real estate in accordance with the regulations following the issuance of Cabinet Resolution No. 28 of 2020, specifying the areas in which non-Qataris may own and use real estate, and the conditions, controls, benefits, and procedures for their ownership and use of the real estate, in implementation of the law regulating non-Qatari ownership and use of the real estate.

The total area that has been awarded to the ownership and use of real estate for non-Qatari 25 areas is 9, whereas the total area that has been allocated to the ownership and use of real estate for non-Qatari 25 areas is 16.

According to the most recent planning and urban standards, the areas that have been assigned to ownership and use are typical. Their planning and design processes have taken into account the most recent worldwide real estate criteria, allowing them to suit the needs and desires of investors from all over the world.

The Ease of Doing Business Committee is currently completing its work aimed at developing and improving the business environment in Qatar by studying the investment climate, which will make it easier for the private sector, traders, local companies, and investors to conduct financial and commercial transactions, as well as facilitate the establishment of local companies and the process of partnership between Qatari investors and foreign investors. As a result, a number of modifications and reforms have been implemented by various government agencies in order to increase the efficiency of a variety of official procedures and processes.

The Ministry of Commerce and Industry's single window has improved its services aimed at making it easier to start a business in Qatar and directing investment flows to priority sectors identified in the National Development Strategy 2018-2022, in order to realize the national vision of making Qatar a developed country capable of achieving sustainable development and ensuring the continuation of a decent standard of living for its citizens by 2030.

The 2022 Foreign Direct Investment Confidence Index reflects growing concerns about the global economy's ability to recover quickly from the consequences of the corona pandemic, while most of the top 25 countries' overall scores have decreased compared to previous years' indications. Only 57% of investors are positive about the global economy's prospects for the next three years, down from 72% last year (before and in the early stages of the pandemic)

With investors becoming more cautious this year, advanced economies account for the majority of the top 25 in FDI Confidence for two reasons: first, established markets provide greater safety and stability for business leaders whose strategies and bottom-line profits have been shattered by the pandemic; and second, established markets provide greater safety and stability for business leaders whose strategies and bottom-line profits have been shattered by the pandemic. Second, investors continue to place a premium on destinations with well-developed infrastructure, sound governance, and a commitment to technology and innovation, as well as macroeconomic stability.