The Qatar Financial Centre (QFC) recorded a 37% year-on-year increase in new business registrations during the first half of 2026, with technology and innovation companies leading the growth.
The QFC onboarded 1,135 companies between January and June. As a result, its total number of registered companies rose to more than 4,700, according to Qatar News Agency.
Technology and innovation emerged as the largest segment. The sector added 544 new companies during the six-month period.
Media and entertainment followed with 173 registrations. Meanwhile, consulting and professional services added 166 companies. The wealth sector registered 84 companies, while fintech contributed 65 new registrations.
Web Summit Qatar boosts business licensing applications
Web Summit Qatar 2026 also supported the rise in registrations.
During the event, QFC received around 2,300 business licensing applications. This marked an increase of about 44% compared with the previous year.
The first half of 2026 also saw the registration of Qatar’s first real estate investment trust collective investment fund. The development added another milestone to the financial centre’s expanding investment ecosystem.
QFC provides companies with a separate legal, regulatory, tax and business environment. It allows up to 100% foreign ownership and full repatriation of profits. Companies also pay a 10% corporate tax on locally sourced profits.
Qatar joins wider Gulf financial centre growth
QFC’s expansion reflects broader growth across the Gulf’s financial and business hubs.
Dubai International Financial Centre reported that its number of registered companies exceeded 10,000 by the end of the first half of 2026. Registrations had increased 30% by the end of June.
Similarly, Abu Dhabi Global Market continued to expand its corporate base. Its number of active licences crossed 13,300 after 961 companies registered during the first quarter of 2026.
The figures highlight the growing competition among Gulf financial centres to attract international companies. However, Qatar’s latest numbers show that technology and innovation businesses are playing an increasingly important role in that growth.
What this means for the workforce
The increase in technology, fintech and professional services registrations could also strengthen demand for specialised talent in Qatar.
As more companies establish operations through the QFC, opportunities may grow across technology, financial services, consulting and related professional roles. The trend also reflects the wider push among Gulf economies to build knowledge-based industries and attract global businesses.
