Qatar Unveils $60 Billion Investment Strategy, AI Ambitions, and Energy Outlook at New York Forum

Qatar has revealed major domestic economic plans and a new sovereign investment platform while reassuring global energy markets during the Qatar Economic Forum in New York.

Top officials mapped out the next phase of the country's economic development, underscoring domestic resilience, artificial intelligence expansion, and reliable global energy supplies during the Qatar Economic Forum (QEF): UNGA Special Edition 2026. Held on the sidelines of the 81st UN General Assembly, the forum focused on navigating recent geopolitical turbulence.

Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani described the regional escalation as an earthquake that sent shockwaves through global security, maritime routes, and energy supply chains. Despite these disruptions, he emphasized that Qatar consistently emerges stronger from crises, pointing to its rapid rise as a leading liquefied natural gas (LNG) exporter and its successful hosting of the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

Over the next five years, Qatar expects to award approximately $38.5 billion in new infrastructure projects through public-private partnerships. A separate real estate and hospitality pipeline is projected to attract $22.5 billion in private investment. As part of this drive, the prime minister officially launched "Doha Investment", a dedicated platform to oversee the Qatar Investment Authority's (QIA) domestic portfolio. The platform comprises more than 40 companies operating across over 80 global markets, including national entities such as Qatar Airways Group, QNB Group, Ooredoo Group, Qatari Diar, Katara Hospitality, and Hassad Food. More than 20 of these entities recorded revenues exceeding QAR 1 billion in 2025.

Sheikh Faisal bin Thani Al Thani, Minister of Commerce and Industry and Vice Chairman of Doha Investment, stated that the platform would partner with local and international investors to build new national companies in priority sectors like advanced technologies, manufacturing, supply chains, and healthcare. Minister of Finance Ali bin Ahmed Al Kuwari noted that the focus on domestic growth enables QIA to maintain its core international investment mandate. He highlighted a V-shaped economic recovery, supported by fiscal buffers that allowed the government to repay $5.5 billion in debt and reduce second-quarter spending by 25%.

Al Kuwari also outlined a strategic shift toward artificial intelligence, with Qatar seeking to export computational power rather than relying solely on hydrocarbons. This includes launching "Qai", a national AI platform to scale trusted AI across enterprises. QIA CEO Mohammed Saif Al-Sowaidi added that AI offers significant potential in healthcare and scientific research.

Addressing energy markets following disruptions affecting 17% of Qatar's LNG production capacity, Minister of State for Energy Affairs and QatarEnergy CEO Saad Sherida Al Kaabi stated that exports could return to normal within weeks if the Strait of Hormuz reopens. He reiterated Qatar's 30-year record of deliveries without a single default, while warning that European gas prices could rise further if transit bottlenecks persist before winter.

Qatar Central Bank Governor and QIA Chairman Sheikh Bandar bin Mohammed bin Saoud Al Thani confirmed that the North Field LNG expansion remains on track to double capacity to 145 million tonnes annually by 2030, with the first phase starting in 2027. Qatar Airways Group CEO Hamad Al-Khater noted that the airline's cargo network provided vital operational flexibility, keeping passenger fares steady despite a 90% rise in jet fuel prices since late February through capacity adjustments and fuel optimization. Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Majed Al Ansari highlighted Qatar's institutional stability and ability to absorb external shocks.