SOURCE: EURONEWS
The World Bank Group officially opened its new office in Doha on Sunday, marking a significant step in its growing partnership with Qatar and reinforcing the country’s expanding role in global development and finance.
The Doha office will serve as a regional hub for collaboration between the World Bank Group and Qatari institutions, with a focus on development financing, private-sector mobilisation and support for countries facing fragility and conflict. The office is hosted at the Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD) headquarters, in cooperation with the Ministry of Finance.
Speaking at the official ceremony, President of the World Bank Group Ajay Banga said the move reflects a deepening relationship built on shared priorities. “We have to build a stronger partnership between the World Bank Group and the Government of Qatar,” Banga said.
“Both for the purposes of the contributions that Qatar can make to neighbouring countries in growth, but also by encouraging private enterprises and private capital to increase the flow into the emerging markets in the neighbourhood and thereby drive prosperity, growth and jobs for people.”
Banga noted that discussions during his visit focused on expanding cooperation not only with government institutions, but also with financial and development partners across Qatar.
A platform for regional impact
For Qatar, the opening of the office is both symbolic and practical. H.E. Ali bin Ahmed Al-Kuwari, Minister of Finance, described it as a milestone in a long-standing relationship. “The opening of this office today is a testament to this relationship and where we are today,” he said. “I believe this office is going to add huge value to the Qatar economy and Qatar National Vision, ranging from capacity building of the World Bank as well as training the young Qataris here.”
The office brings together multiple arms of the World Bank Group, including the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA), enabling closer coordination on development projects, risk mitigation and private investment.
That multi-pillar approach is central to Qatar’s development strategy, according to Rwodah Ibrahim Al Naimi, Director of Investments at QFFD. “This is the first World Bank Group office opening in Doha, and it’s not limited to just one group,” she said. “IFC, MIGA and other collaborators are all represented, which allows for deeper cooperation both internationally and nationally.”
Focus on private capital and fragile economies
Alongside the office opening, QFFD and the World Bank Group signed a memorandum of understanding to strengthen advisory services and explore new financing mechanisms, particularly for fragile and conflict-affected contexts.
Al Naimi said the collaboration is designed to unlock private sector participation where capital is hardest to mobilise. “We are focusing on enhancing private sector involvement in the most fragile contexts, where capital is limited,” she said. “By combining public funding from QFFD with World Bank instruments such as guarantees, we can create more sustainable investment, support small and medium enterprises and generate jobs.”
