Doha, October 26, 2026 : Invest Qatar has received the 2026 United Nations Investment Promotion Award in recognition of its efforts to attract and support promising startups and technology companies through its flagship Startup Qatar initiative.
The initiative aims to strengthen Qatar’s position as a global destination for innovation, entrepreneurship and investment in the digital economy.
According to a statement issued on Monday, Invest Qatar was selected from 48 submissions representing 40 countries. The awards recognise innovative approaches to investment promotion and facilitation, the ability to attract sustainable foreign direct investment, and contributions to digital transformation and sustainable development.
Invest Qatar Chief Strategy Officer Dr. Hamad Rashid Al Naimi said the award reflects Qatar’s collective efforts to develop an accessible and internationally competitive startup ecosystem.
He noted that Startup Qatar helps promising businesses access funding, information, partnerships and support services needed to establish and expand their operations in the country. He also highlighted the collaboration among stakeholders across Qatar’s startup ecosystem.
Launched in February 2024, Startup Qatar offers an integrated support system that includes funding opportunities, incubation programmes, strategic partnerships and tailored services to help innovative businesses establish and grow in Qatar.
The initiative provides incentives such as free and expedited business registration, artificial intelligence computing credits and tailored residency programmes. These measures have supported the establishment of more than 850 startups in Qatar.
Its funding programmes have attracted more than 10,000 applications across various initiatives, helping over 50 startups secure more than $100 million in funding.
Startup Qatar also connects entrepreneurs with potential investors through the Invest Qatar Gateway. The platform provides access to 16 venture capital funds established in Qatar through the Qatar Investment Authority’s Fund of Funds programme. More than 500 startups have used the facility to engage with participating funds.
The initiative brings together key organisations across Qatar’s business and innovation landscape, including the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, the Government Communications Office, Qatar Investment Authority, Qatar Development Bank, Qatar Financial Centre, Qatar Free Zones Authority, Qatar Science & Technology Park, Media City Qatar, Qatar Manpower Solutions (Jusour), Visit Qatar and Hayya.
Through this coordinated approach, startups can connect with institutions, funding opportunities, infrastructure, market access and specialised support services to facilitate business development and expansion in Qatar.
Source: QNA
