The World Bank Group has officially opened its first office in Qatar, marking a significant milestone in its relationship with the country.
In conjunction with the opening, the World Bank signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD), opening a new phase of collaboration to advance development efforts and foster deeper cooperation between the two institutions.
The new office, hosted at QFFD headquarters in cooperation with the Ministry of Finance, is intended to strengthen engagement with Qatar’s public and private sectors and support the country’s National Vision 2030. It will also serve as a platform to encourage Qatari investment in emerging markets.
Speaking on the sidelines of the event, Qatari Finance Minister HE Ali bin Ahmed Al Kuwari noted that the relations between Qatar and the World Bank had seen significant growth in recent years, describing the opening of the office as a qualitative step that would expand cooperation and reflect a clear alignment in strategic priorities.
Meanwhile, World Bank Group President Ajay Banga stated that the partnership with QFFD would help drive job creation and economic opportunity in regions where employment is critical to long-term stability.
For his part, QFFD Director General Fahad Hamad Al Sulaiti said this achievement reflects Qatar’s firm commitment to strengthening partnerships with leading international financial institutions and accelerating the implementation of sustainable development programs, in line with the objectives of Qatar National Vision 2030.
World Bank Group-QFFD MoU
Under the memorandum of understanding, World Bank Group and QFFD will explore future cooperation in areas such as education, health, energy, agriculture, digital development, and human capital, as well as support reconstruction and recovery efforts in fragile and conflict-affected regions.
The partnership also includes collaboration on global initiatives aimed at expanding electricity access in sub-Saharan Africa and enhancing the livelihoods of smallholder farmers worldwide.
Furthermore, the officials said that the agreement reinforces Qatar’s role as a global hub for international development cooperation and highlights the Qatar Fund for Development’s position as a key partner in delivering sustainable and inclusive growth.
