The National Development Forum, held under the patronage of Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs H E Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani underscored the country’s commitment to economic diversification and private sector empowerment. The forum brought together key stakeholders, including ministers, CEOs, business leaders and representatives from local and international corporations with an established presence in Qatar to discuss strategies aligned with Qatar National Vision 2030 and the Third National Development Strategy. A major focus was on restructuring the government’s role to act primarily as a regulator, allowing private enterprises to take the lead in driving economic growth. One of the key outcomes of the forum was the implementation of business-friendly reforms to facilitate investment and entrepreneurship. These included reducing administrative fees by up to 90% and simplifying commercial licensing procedures, making it easier for businesses to establish and expand their operations. The forum also emphasised innovation and technology, particularly through a new national AI strategy backed by the Qatar Investment Authority. This initiative aims to support tech startups and promote the adoption of artificial intelligence across various sectors, ensuring Qatar remains competitive in the global digital economy. Healthcare was another priority, with the government launching a pilot programme in collaboration with private companies to reduce waiting time for medical appointments. Qatar’s tourism sector has seen remarkable growth, with a 100% increase since 2022, now contributing 10% to GDP. This success was attributed to diversification efforts and strategic investments in the hospitality and events industries. Another major highlight was the expansion of QatarEnergy’s In-Country Value (ICV) programme, which aims to increase local manufacturing and boost investor participation in the energy sector. This initiative aligns with Qatar’s goal of strengthening self-sufficiency and industrial competitiveness. The forum reaffirmed Qatar’s strategy of fostering a resilient, diversified economy driven by the private sector. With new policies supporting growth and innovation, Qatar is positioning itself for long-term economic sustainability and global competitiveness.
