Doha hosted the ninth World Investment Forum (WIF) on October 25–26, 2026, drawing government officials, investors, and business leaders from around the world to discuss strategies for more inclusive and sustainable foreign direct investment (FDI). The event, organized by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) in partnership with Qatar, focused on addressing the persistent concentration of global investment and the decline of funding in critical development sectors within emerging markets.
UNCTAD’s recent Global Investment Trends Monitor revealed that global FDI increased by 6% to $1.6 trillion in 2025. However, 80% of this capital was concentrated in just 20 economies, underscoring a significant challenge in channeling investment into developing countries. Despite overall growth, the report also highlighted a continued decline in new investment projects and cross-border transactions worldwide. Investment in crucial sectors such as infrastructure, energy, health, and food systems in developing nations fell by more than 25%, raising concerns about the uneven distribution and impact of FDI.
A UNCTAD representative emphasized the central development issues at the heart of these trends, noting that the key questions revolve around the destinations of investments, the types of projects financed, and the extent to which local populations benefit. The forum aims to explore how countries can better attract and leverage investment to enhance their productive capacities, generate employment, and promote sustainable economic outcomes.
Qatar’s Ministry of Commerce and Industry plays a significant role in hosting the forum, with Hammad Mohamed al-Nasser, director of the Trade and Development and Investment Promotion Department, highlighting the country’s efforts to position investment as a cornerstone of its economic diversification strategy. This aligns with Qatar National Vision 2030 and the Third National Development Strategy. Al-Nasser pointed to Qatar’s investment framework, which permits 100% foreign ownership in most sectors, complemented by incentive programs valued at $100 million to support both local and foreign investors.
Al-Nasser encouraged international participants to pursue investment opportunities in Qatar, expressing hope that the forum would foster practical outcomes such as new proposals, agreements, and memoranda of understanding to advance sustainable growth.
The forum attracted over 5,000 participants and 400 speakers, featuring more than 80 sessions covering key themes like investment policy, finance, technology, entrepreneurship, and emerging markets. A high-level panel specifically examined the future of investment in the Gulf Cooperation Council region, reflecting regional priorities amid a shifting global economic environment.