Qatar unveils 2026 budget focused on sustainability and growth

Qatar’s Minister of Finance, HE Ali bin Ahmed Al Kuwari has outlined the main features of the State’s General Budget for 2026, confirming total expenditure at QAR220.8bn and projected revenues at QAR199bn.

Announced at a Press conference in Doha, the budget continues the balanced fiscal approach adopted by the state, aimed at maintaining financial sustainability, improving spending efficiency, and supporting steady economic growth in line with Qatar National Vision 2030.

The minister said the budget is designed to support macroeconomic stability while ensuring the continued implementation of strategic development programmes and infrastructure projects.

Of the QAR220.8bn in planned expenditure, QAR69.5bn is allocated for salaries and wages, QAR81.5bn for current expenditures, QAR7bn for minor capital expenses, and QAR62.8bn for major capital projects.

Sectoral allocations reflect strong emphasis on human development and public services. The education sector receives QAR21.8bn, while funding for the health sector increases to QAR25.4bn, up from QAR22bn in 2025, underscoring the state’s commitment to strengthening human capital and enhancing service quality.

Additional allocations include QAR22.2bn for the municipality and environment sector, QAR7.6b for sports, QAR4.1bn each for commercial affairs and transportation, QAR3.8bn for communications, and QAR2.8bn for social services.

Projected revenues for 2026 total QAR199bn, compared with QAR197bn in 2025. Oil and gas revenues are estimated at QAR155bn, while non-oil revenues are projected at QAR44bn. Al Kuwari noted that this reflects both an improvement in hydrocarbons income and continued growth in the non-oil sector. The state continues to apply a conservative reference oil price of $55 per barrel to ensure fiscal flexibility and stability amid global market fluctuations.

The minister also highlighted major components of the 2026 government contracting plan. The Public Works Authority (Ashghal) is set to issue tenders worth QAR49bn, the Ministry of Public Health QAR2.6bn, Qatar General Electricity and Water Corporation (Kahramaa) QAR7.2bn, and the Ministry of Education and Higher Education QAR2.3bn.

Across all sectors, approximately 4,464 tenders with a combined value exceeding QAR70bn will be directed to the private sector as part of the 2026 Government Procurement Plan Forum. This reflects the state’s ongoing efforts to expand public-private partnerships.

To further empower local businesses, the Ministry of Finance is reviewing infrastructure projects planned for the next five years to assess their suitability for private sector implementation.

Eligible projects will be transferred to the Ministry of Commerce and Industry’s specialised committee for evaluation. Simultaneously, work is progressing on a mandatory list of national products that government entities must prioritise. The first phase is expected to include more than 1,000 locally produced items.

The ministry aims for annual growth of at least 10% in local content within government procurement, a target already exceeded in 2025, resulting in a national economic impact estimated at QAR9bn.

The minister also reviewed funding for the Third National Development Strategy (2024–2030), confirming a total allocation of QAR32.7bn. The strategy focuses on seven national outcomes: sustainable economic growth (QAR10.8bn), outstanding government institutions (QAR3.1bn), environmental sustainability (QAR0.9bn), financial sustainability (QAR1.3bn), a future-ready workforce (QAR0.9bn), societal cohesion (QAR0.6bn), and high quality of life (QAR4bn).

Reviewing Qatar’s economic performance for 2025, Al Kuwari said GDP growth is expected to reach 2.9%, according to IMF estimates. Non-hydrocarbon GDP is projected to grow by 4.4%, driven by manufacturing, logistics, services, and tourism, while hydrocarbon GDP is expected to rise by 0.1%. Inflation through October is estimated at 0.7%, one of the lowest in the region, with expectations of continued stability. Qatar also received 4.4m tourists by the end of November.

He concluded by reaffirming that Qatar maintains one of the strongest sovereign credit ratings globally, supported by fiscal discipline, robust financial reserves, careful spending management, and long-term strategic planning.

The 2026 budget, he said, strengthens fiscal stability, sustains economic momentum and advances the state’s transition toward a diversified, private sector-driven economy.