QDB’s 5-Year Strategy: Shaping the Future of Entrepreneurship in Qatar

Doha, Qatar – Qatar Development Bank (QDB) has launched its new strategy for 2025-2030, designed to align with the objectives of Qatar's Third National Development Strategy. The announcement was made by QDB CEO Abdulrahman bin Hesham Al Sowaidi, who highlighted the bank's mission to empower the private sector and promote economic sustainability.

QDB emphasized that the strategy aims to transition QDB’s approach from direct support to empowerment, promoting a robust entrepreneurial ecosystem. The bank will continue to offer its hallmark services in financing, guidance, and training, while enhancing incubation and acceleration for innovative projects and startups.

Empowering the Business Ecosystem

The new strategy focuses on diversifying support mechanisms, optimizing resources, and addressing goals related to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) standards. It also emphasizes digital transformation and innovation. By forming strategic partnerships, QDB seeks to facilitate access to these objectives while strengthening the role of private sector actors.

Abdulrahman noted that QDB has always prioritized innovation and will continue to do so through initiatives and programs designed to discover and nurture creative entrepreneurs. Under the new strategy, the bank will focus on sectors identified as priorities in Qatar’s Third National Development Strategy, including advanced manufacturing, logistics, tourism, education, financial technology, digital services, agri-tech, healthcare, and green technology.

Promoting Innovation and Startups

QDB’s innovation pillar will be supported by increased investment in early-stage startups. The bank plans to expand its reach to include international startups looking to establish a presence in Qatar. Management of specialized business incubators and accelerators will be handed over to private sector experts, ensuring expertise-driven growth while QDB retains oversight of priority sectors.

The CEO revealed plans to increase investments in startups by 24 percent annually and to raise public sector contributions to venture capital investments in Qatar to 30 percent by 2030. This effort aims to achieve QR 1 billion in venture investment, in line with the Third National Development Strategy.

To support this vision, QDB will diversify its offerings by expanding co-investment opportunities, supporting angel investment networks, and providing capital guarantees.

Tailored Support for SMEs and Indirect Financing

Abdulrahman announced an expansion of QDB’s client base to include all Qatar-based companies and entities registered with the Qatar Free Zones Authority. The bank will also enhance indirect financing services by collaborating with local financial institutions, focusing on companies with mature financial management practices. Indirect financing is expected to comprise 25 percent of QDB’s total financing in the coming years.

A comprehensive approach to serving SMEs will be implemented, involving detailed company analyses and customized service packages that combine financial and advisory support. The bank will introduce financing ceilings of QR 70 million per company and QR 200 million per group, with exceptions for export companies and the food security sector. Solutions for financing beyond these limits will be offered in collaboration with local commercial banks.

A Vision for Economic Growth

Abdulrahman concluded by reaffirming QDB’s commitment to driving economic growth and sustainability in Qatar through the empowerment of the private sector, innovation, and global expansion. The 2025-2030 strategy sets a transformative roadmap that aims to cement Qatar’s position as a hub for entrepreneurship and a key player in global markets.