Qatar has approved its 2026 budget, projecting higher revenues and spending while prioritising strategic development and sustainable growth.
As the Amiri Diwan announced on Tuesday that Qatar’s Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani has approved the nation’s fiscal budget for 2026, the Ministry of Finance held a press conference, under the patronage of Minister of Finance Ali bin Ahmed Al Kuwari, to outline the details of the new financial plan that comes into effect on 1 January.
The budget, issued under Law No. (26) of 2025, reflects Qatar’s commitment to financial discipline, economic stability, and long-term strategic planning.
During the press conference, Minister Al Kuwari said the public budget serves the local economy, the private sector, and the state’s various sectors, as well as the national strategy. He added that what matters most is understanding what lies behind the spending figures and what they represent.
The minister confirmed that total revenues for 2026 are projected at QAR 199.0 billion, a 1 percent increase from the previous year. Revenue estimates are based on an oil price assumption of USD 55 per barrel, continuing the state’s conservative approach to safeguarding fiscal sustainability amid global market fluctuations.
Total expenditures for 2026 are expected to reach QAR 220.8 billion, marking a five percent rise driven by growing developmental needs and sectoral priorities.
The projected deficit of QAR 21.8 billion will be financed through a mix of domestic and international debt instruments, selected according to funding requirements and debt-market conditions. The minister stressed that Qatar remains focused on maintaining sustainable debt levels and preserving its strong credit rating.
Al Kuwari also presented key economic indicators for 2025, noting real GDP growth of 2.9 percent and non-hydrocarbon growth of 4.4 percent. Tourism performance remained robust, with 4.4 million visitors recorded up to November 2025. Inflation stood at 0.7 percent in the third quarter, while the balance of payments recorded a surplus of 1.4 percent of GDP. Public debt amounted to 40.6 percent of GDP. Looking ahead, inflation in 2026 is expected to stabilise at around 2.2 percent.
The preparation of the 2026 budget is guided by conservative oil price assumptions, the efficient allocation of resources, and a strong focus on spending efficiency.
The budget also aligns with Qatar National Vision 2030 and supports the strategic goals of the Third National Development Strategy (2024 to 2030).
The government aims to ensure resources are directed towards national priorities, institutional development, and sustainable growth.
A key component of the 2026 budget is the allocation of approximately QAR 32.7 billion to implement initiatives and projects under the Third National Development Strategy, centred on seven national strategic outcomes.
These investments aim to support economic diversification, strengthen human capital, and enhance the overall resilience of Qatar’s economy.
Sectoral allocations highlight continued investment in public services, with QAR 25.4 billion dedicated to health, QAR 21.8 billion to education, and QAR 22.2 billion to municipalities and environmental programmes.
Additional allocations include QAR 3.8 billion for communications and QAR 2.8 billion for social services, reaffirming the state’s commitment to improving quality of life and advancing national development.
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