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A United Nations Conference on Trade and Development press release identified Invest Qatar as one of five recipients of the 2026 United Nations Investment Promotion Awards for excellence in attracting investment to the digital economy. The awards were presented during the ninth World Investment Forum hosted by Qatar in Doha and selected from 48 entries submitted by agencies in 40 countries. UNCTAD evaluated candidates on their innovative promotion methods, success in mobilising sustainable foreign direct investment and support for digital transformation alongside sustainable development goals. Other winners included the Caribbean Export Development Agency, the Ethiopian Investment Commission, Invest KOREA and Tanger Med Zones from Morocco.
Invest Qatar earned recognition for its Startup Qatar programme, which the UNCTAD release described as a national initiative accelerating the country’s position as a hub for innovation, entrepreneurship and digital investment. Launched in February 2024, the programme has facilitated the establishment of more than 850 startups by offering free and expedited business registration, AI compute credits and tailored residency programmes. Its associated funding schemes have drawn more than 10,000 applications and enabled over 50 startups to secure more than $100 million, according to the UNCTAD material.
Invest Qatar said in a statement that the award reflects collective national efforts to develop a connected and competitive startup ecosystem. Chief Strategy Officer Dr. Hamad Rashid Al Naimi said, “Receiving the 2026 United Nations Investment Promotion Award is an important recognition of Qatar’s collective efforts to build a connected, accessible and globally competitive startup ecosystem.” He added that through Startup Qatar the agency helps high-potential companies obtain the information, funding, partnerships and support required to establish, grow and scale from Qatar while the honour underscores progress achieved through ecosystem collaboration.
Qatar attracted 373 foreign direct investment projects during 2025, an increase of more than 50 percent from the previous year that created over 15,000 new jobs, according to remarks delivered at the forum by the Prime Minister. The government has rolled out a $1 billion incentives programme directed at advanced industries, logistics, digital technology and financial services. Planned public infrastructure projects worth approximately $38.5 billion over the next five years are expected to draw an additional $22.5 billion in private investment for real estate and hospitality sectors.
The United Nations Investment Promotion Awards form an annual UNCTAD initiative that spotlights agencies demonstrating strong results in investment facilitation, according to the organisation’s dedicated awards page. Earlier editions have recognised work in sustainable agriculture, health care, the blue economy and energy transition projects. This year’s focus aligned with forum discussions on converting climate objectives into bankable investments and expanding clean energy infrastructure.
Invest Qatar functions as the primary agency guiding international businesses toward opportunities in the country in support of national economic diversification priorities, its public materials state. The agency works to position Qatar as a destination for long-term investment across multiple sectors. The award coincides with continued efforts to strengthen the nation’s role in global forums on investment trends and digital economy development.
