Invest Qatar Wins 2026 UN Investment Promotion Award

Invest Qatar has been recognized with the 2026 United Nations Investment Promotion Award for its role in attracting and supporting high-potential startups and technology companies through its Startup Qatar initiative, Qatar News Agency (QNA) said in a statement.

The award was given for Invest Qatar's innovative approaches to investment promotion and facilitation, its effectiveness in mobilizing sustainable foreign direct investment, and its contributions to digital transformation and sustainable development.

Invest Qatar's Chief Strategy Officer, Dr. Hamad Rashid Al Naimi, said: “Receiving the 2026 United Nations Investment Promotion Award reflects Qatar’s collective efforts to build a connected, accessible and globally competitive startup ecosystem.”

Startup Qatar, launched in February 2024, provides an integrated ecosystem for startups, including access to funding, incubation programs, strategic partnerships, and support services.

The initiative has facilitated the establishment of over 850 startups in Qatar and attracted over 10,000 applications, enabling more than 50 startups to secure over $100 million in funding.

Background

Qatar has been investing heavily in its digital economy and startup ecosystem in recent years, aiming to diversify its economy and reduce its dependence on oil and gas revenues.

The country's efforts to create a favorable business environment have been driven by its vision to become a leading global destination for innovation, entrepreneurship, and investment in the digital economy.