Economy Industrial investments in Qatar reach $13.8m in Q1 By Sunil Singh April 30, 2025, 3:08 PM Unsplash/Radoslaw Prekurat Doha. Qatar's business measures contributed to an 87 percent annual increase in the number of new commercial licences Qatar attracted QAR50 million ($13.8 million) worth of new industrial investments in the first quarter of 2025, with eight new factories beginning operations, according to its ministry of commerce and industry. Commercial registrations in the three months to March rose 32 percent year on year, the ministry said in a statement on Tuesday, after a review meeting. The ministry’s proactive business measures, such as the decision to reduce service fees, contributed to an 87 percent annual increase in the number of new commercial licences during the quarter. Qatar’s non-oil industrial exports also increased to nearly around QAR30 billion in the quarter, while the contribution of the manufacturing sector to its real GDP rose to QAR52.4 billion in 2024, the ministry said, without specifying previous year’s figures. Saudi Arabia and Qatar to settle Syria’s World Bank debt Qatar and Russia set up $2bn investment fund Cruise passengers to Qatar on the rise The ministry has also launched the “national product” page on its website as part of its efforts to promote a fair competitive environment and improve the quality of domestic products. Qatar earlier this year launched three new laws to deal with bankruptcy, public-private partnerships and commercial registration, as part of a wider bid to attract more foreign investment into the Gulf state. Qatar has set an ambitious target of securing $100 billion in foreign direct investment by 2030, as detailed in the updated 2024 national development strategy. Register now: It’s easy and free AGBI registered members can access even more of our unique analysis and perspective on business and economics in the Middle East. Why sign uP Exclusive weekly email from our editor-in-chief Personalised weekly emails for your preferred industry sectors Read and download our insight packed white papers Access to our mobile app Prioritised access to live events Register for free Already registered? Sign in I’ll register later