Key news in Qatar's venture capital industry in January: XPeng Motors enters Qatar; Qatar Investment Promotion Agency's Davos event concludes successfully
China-Qatar Cooperation
XPeng Motors Enters Qatar, Accelerating Market Layout in the Middle East and Africa
XPeng Motors (Xpeng, NYSE: XPEV) held a brand launch event in Doha, announcing its official entry into the Qatari market. It launched two SUV models, the G9 and G6, and the P7+ will be introduced later. Wang Ke, General Manager of XPeng's Middle East and Africa Region in the International Division, said that Qatar is an important "anchor market" connecting global users, which helps showcase the company's technological advantages in software and ADAS. Previously, XPeng had entered Mauritius and accelerated the layout of experience centers, service facilities, and regional parts warehouses in the UAE and Egypt, marking the shift of its Middle East and Africa strategy from export-oriented to long-term local operation. >>>Click to Read the Full Article<<<
ZDPLUS Technology Collaborates with the Qatari Ministry of Transport to Accelerate the Global Layout of New Energy
ZDPLUS Technology, a Hong Kong-listed company, signed a cooperation memorandum with an agency under the Qatari Ministry of Transport to cooperate on integrated solutions for solar energy storage and charging and automatic charging robots, officially entering the core market of new energy and green transportation in the Middle East. Qatar is accelerating its green transformation, incorporating clean energy and green transportation into the key areas of national sustainable development. The local high-temperature environment and the operation of large electric vehicle fleets have put forward urgent requirements for efficient and automated charging. ZDPLUS Technology's integrated photovoltaic energy storage solutions and automatic charging robots precisely match the local application scenarios.
Delegation from the Qatar Investment Promotion Agency Visits Zhejiang ShengTang Interactive for Inspection and Exchange
On January 22, a delegation from the Qatar Investment Promotion Agency visited Zhejiang ShengTang Interactive for inspection and exchange. The two sides mainly discussed cooperation on entertainment technology projects such as ice-themed parks and VR amusement facilities in the Middle East market. ShengTang Interactive has established a wholly-owned subsidiary in Qatar and plans to invest $5 million to build the first ice-themed park in the Middle East. The project is planned to be located in a major local commercial complex. The two sides believe that the relevant cultural and tourism entertainment projects are in line with Qatar's national development plan and have good market prospects. >>>Click to Read the Full Article<<<
The First Qatar "China Film Festival" Opens in Doha, Featuring Films like "Detective Chinatown 1900" and "Full Throttle 2"
Recently, the Qatar "China Film Festival" came to an end in Doha, marking a symbolic step in cultural exchanges between the two countries. The three-day event, themed "Cultural Dialogue and Film Exchange", screened six Chinese films, including "Detective Chinatown 1900", "Full Throttle 2", and "Hero Boy 2". Representatives from both China and Qatar said that this is the first time for Chinese films to have a national-level centralized display in Qatar, which helps enhance mutual understanding through the universal language of film. The event is regarded as a new starting point for cultural cooperation between China and Qatar and also expands the space for future film exchanges and cooperation. >>>Click to Read the Full Article<<<
The List of Cornerstone Investors for Dongpeng Beverage's Hong Kong IPO is Finalized, with Qatar Investment Authority Making Its First Heavy Investment in Chinese Consumption
The list of cornerstone investors for Dongpeng Beverage's Hong Kong IPO has been determined, with the Qatar Investment Authority (QIA) leading the investment with $150 million, becoming the focus of market attention. This is the first time for the QIA to participate in the IPO of a Chinese consumer company as a cornerstone investor and also its first heavy investment in the Chinese consumer sector. A total of 15 cornerstone institutions have been introduced in this IPO, with a total subscription amount of over $600 million, setting a record in the Hong Kong consumer industry. The industry believes that the participation of the QIA reflects the high recognition of international sovereign capital for Dongpeng Beverage's business model, growth ability, and the long-term prospects of the Chinese functional beverage market.
Industry Opportunities
How Can China's Advanced Manufacturing Capabilities Be Integrated into Qatar's Industrial Upgrading?
In 2025, WuXi Biologics will layout its first integrated CRDMO center in the Middle East in the Qatar Free Zone, Yutong's new energy commercial vehicle factory will start construction, and EHang Intelligent will complete the demonstration flight of its unmanned eVTOL in Doha. Chinese enterprises are rapidly entering the Qatari market in the fields of advanced manufacturing and technology-intensive industries, benefiting from a $1 billion investment incentive plan launched by the Qatar Investment Promotion Agency (Invest Qatar), which gives priority support to advanced manufacturing. The plan covers new construction and upgrading projects, requiring the creation of high-skilled jobs, the application of advanced technologies, and export potential. The financial subsidy can cover up to 40% of local investment expenditures, providing clear policy dividends for the establishment and long-term operation of Chinese enterprises. >>>Click to Read the Full Article<<<
From Qatar to the Gulf: How Does Ooredoo Provide Digital Support for Chinese Enterprises Going Global?
Against the backdrop of the rapid development of the global digital economy, network connectivity has become the core of national competitiveness. The Internet speed index in 2025 shows that Qatar ranks second in the world in network speed, supporting economic development. Ooredoo, a telecommunications operator headquartered in Doha, has continuously invested in advanced communication infrastructure, covering submarine cables, terrestrial transmission, and global service nodes, to build a stable and efficient digital connection system. Since the launch of the world's first commercial 5G network in 2018, Ooredoo has provided comprehensive support for smart cities, cloud services, and enterprise digitization. For enterprise customers, its cloud computing, network security, and managed IT services have been implemented in industries such as logistics, healthcare, and education in cooperation with Google Cloud, Microsoft, etc. With high-quality digital infrastructure, Chinese enterprises can efficiently enter the Qatari market and participate in the regional digital transformation. >>>Click to Read the Full Article<<<
The Qatari 3D Printing Market is Expected to Exceed 182 Million Riyals by 2028
The Qatari 3D printing market is expanding rapidly. A report from the Qatar Development Bank (QDB) shows that the market size will increase from 78 million riyals in 2023 to 182 million riyals in 2028, with a compound annual growth rate of 18.4%. Abdulrahman Hesham al-Sowaidi, CEO of the QDB, said that 3D printing is reshaping the manufacturing industry, improving efficiency and reducing costs for industries such as construction and healthcare, and creating innovation opportunities for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The increasing attention to advanced manufacturing technologies in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region has made 3D printing an important driving force for supply chain modernization and industrial transformation, and the global market and venture capital also show a continuous growth trend.
The Rise of Qatar's Startup Ecosystem Drives the Rapid Growth of the Private Sector
The startup ecosystem in Qatar is developing rapidly, with about 1,000 high-potential startups, especially in information and communication technology (ICT), sustainable development, and infrastructure innovation. Qatar ranks first in the world in "innovation infrastructure". A report from the Qatar Investment Promotion Agency (Invest Qatar) shows that the government has been continuously increasing its investment in artificial intelligence (AI) and technological innovation, providing $2.5 billion in incentives in 2024 to promote the cooperation between the free zone and the German ZE-KI AI Research Center. With the improvement of talent cultivation and research institutions and sufficient financial support from the private sector, Qatar ranks fourth in the world in SME financing. Multiple programs such as NUMU, Itmar, and ROWAD provide financial support. The strong economy, tax incentives, and innovative projects guarantee the development of startups and consolidate Qatar's leading position in the global innovation ecosystem.
The Qatar Investment Authority's $580 Billion Sovereign Fund is Planning a Major Restructuring
According to Wall Street News, the Qatar Investment Authority (QIA), which manages about $580 billion in assets, is discussing splitting its tens of billions of dollars of domestic assets into a new entity. This move aims to make the QIA more focused on its global investment layout. By divesting its local assets, the fund can concentrate its resources on key overseas industries and cutting-edge fields, improving the efficiency of capital allocation. Analysts believe that splitting the local assets will help clarify the QIA's dual roles as a global financial investor and the holder of national strategic assets, and its model echoes the recent adjustment directions of Abu Dhabi's ADQ and Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund.
Market Policies
The Qatari Ministry of Justice Issues New Regulations for the Supervision of Off-Plan Property Sales
Ibrahim bin Ali Al Mohannadi, the Minister of Justice and Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs of Qatar, issued a decision to regulate the sales of off-plan properties and the operation of the Preliminary Real Estate Register, as an implementation measure of Law No. 6 of 2014 on Real Estate and its amendments. The decision clarifies the composition, data content, and procedures of the off-plan property register, covering project designs, engineering drawings, and ownership information, and allows electronic submission of registration applications. An official from the Ministry of Justice said that the new regulations are in line with international real estate practices, endowing off-plan properties with rights such as mortgage and transfer, enhancing market confidence, and improving the attractiveness of real estate investment in Qatar, which will contribute to the country's development strategy.
More than 14,600 Maritime Transactions Were Registered in 2025
The Ministry of Transport (MoT) of Qatar said that the country's maritime transport sector performed strongly in 2025, with a total of 14,685 transactions completed through the Maritime Transport Affairs, a year-on-year increase of 26.63% compared with 11,596 transactions in 2024. Among them, 2,966 transactions were completed in the fourth quarter. The relevant business covers the issuance and certification of crew certificates of competency (C.O.C), ship registration and ownership transfer, and the information update of foreign ships operating in Qatari waters. The highest number of transactions occurred in the second quarter, reaching 5,042. The department continues to cooperate with the International Maritime Organization to improve the regulatory system and uses the Darb mobile application to enhance the digital level of maritime services, contributing to Qatar's National Vision 2030.
The "Decision on Preliminary Real Estate Registration" Improves the Attractiveness of Real Estate Investment in Qatar
Khalid Ahmed Saleh Al Obaidli, Chairman of the Qatar Real Estate Regulatory Authority (Aqarat), said that the "Decision on Preliminary Real Estate Registration" issued by the Minister of Justice and Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs clarifies the registration data and operating procedures, which will improve the investment attractiveness and competitiveness of the market and protect the rights and interests of property owners. The decision implements the enforcement measures of the real estate development management law, regulating the sales of off-plan properties, map segmentation, and the management of escrow accounts. The register covers unit areas, property numbers, approval information, building drawings, and common areas, and records the identities, shares, and ownership changes of property owners. Al Obaidli emphasized that developers should comply with the regulations to enhance transparency and promote the standardized development of the market, which is in line with the goals of the "Qatar National Vision 2030".
The Qatar Free Zone Launches Maritime Service Facilities to Strengthen Local Maritime Capabilities
On January 12, the Qatar Free Zones Authority (QFZ) and the maritime solutions provider Marina Marine Services launched maritime service facilities in the Umm Alhoul Free Zone, covering an area of 26,700 square meters, providing comprehensive support for offshore vessel operations, maintenance, towing, anchoring, and offshore installations. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Hamad Bin Faisal Al-Thani, CEO of the QFZ, said that this move will promote the development of the maritime service industry, attract investment, strengthen local talent, and contribute to the country's economic diversification. Abdullah Hamad Al Mana, General Manager of Marina Marine Services, pointed out that the facilities have enhanced the company's offshore support capabilities, supported local and regional oil and gas projects, and promoted the construction of a maritime industry cluster in the Umm Alhoul Free Zone, creating a professional regional maritime hub.
Recent Events
Web Summit Qatar 2026
Web Summit Qatar is committed to connecting the new generation of entrepreneurs in the Middle East with global investors, the media, customers, and partners, providing opportunities for innovative enterprises to showcase, exchange, and cooperate. The conference brings together industry leaders and startup pioneers, promoting the in-depth integration of the Middle East and the global technology ecosystem and helping startups expand their international markets and influence.
Event Details
- Date: February 1 - 4, 2026
- Organizer: Web Summit Doha to Organize Exhibitions W.L.L.
- Contact: Web Summit
- Email: info@websummit.com
The Qatar Investment Promotion Agency Concludes Its Davos Event Successfully for the Second Consecutive Year
During the 2026 World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, the Qatar Investment Promotion Agency (Invest Qatar) set up an exhibition booth for the second consecutive year and concluded the event successfully. As an important platform connecting innovation and international cooperation, the Qatar Investment Promotion Agency demonstrated Qatar's leadership and strategic vision in promoting global economic growth during the forum and had in-depth interactions with global business communities. Sheikh Ali Alwaleed Al-Thani, CEO of the Qatar Investment Promotion Agency, said that the scale and participation of the exhibition booth this year have both increased compared with last year, further highlighting Qatar's position as a global innovation and business hub. >>>