CHAIRMAN: DR. KHALID BIN THANI AL THANI
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: DR. KHALID MUBARAK AL-SHAFI

Views /Editorial

A global platform driving economic transformation

Published: 20 May 2025 - 08:20 am | Last Updated: 20 May 2025 - 08:21 am

Since its launch in June 2021, the Qatar Economic Forum, Powered by Bloomberg, has evolved into a cornerstone of Qatar’s economic and strategic outreach. Far more than a venue for dialogue, the Forum has become a catalyst for growth, innovation, and global collaboration. The most recent edition alone contributed an estimated QR75m to Qatar’s GDP and created hundreds of jobs across sectors, underscoring its tangible economic impact.

Over four editions, the Forum has grown significantly to influence global leaders to address emerging challenges and forecast economic trajectories. The 2024 edition welcomed over 1,500 participants from 124 countries, hosted 300+ bilateral meetings, and featured over 120 speakers, including nine heads of state and global CEOs. It also facilitated 21 MoUs, 18 of which were international — positioning Qatar as a hub for global investment and collaboration.

As a key component of Qatar’s vision to become a leading international business hub, the Forum promotes innovation, supports economic diversification, and amplifies Qatar’s competitive advantages. Its strategic location — bridging East and West — paired with world-class infrastructure, further enhances its appeal as a premier host of global events.

The fifth edition, taking place from May 20 to 22, 2025, under the theme, “The Road to 2030: Transforming the Global Economy,” comes at a pivotal moment. With Qatar and other Gulf states approaching major 2030 vision milestones, the Forum will spotlight the Gulf’s growing role as a financial powerhouse and investment magnet — driven by bold reforms and sovereign wealth fund influence.

The agenda will centre on five critical themes: geopolitics, trade and globalization, energy security, technology, and the future of business and entertainment. These discussions aim to provide actionable insights into the shifting global economy and position Qatar as a key voice in shaping its trajectory.

The Forum has facilitated over 450 bilateral meetings in just two years, spurring cross-border deals, tech transfers, and industry-scale collaborations. Already, 20 new MoUs are being finalised for 2025 across sectors including media, sports, and technology. This year’s Forum underscores Qatar’s commitment to proactive global engagement. It signals readiness to lead conversations on energy transition, digital infrastructure, AI innovation, and low-carbon growth.

An example of this is Media City Qatar’s upcoming launch of a new initiative during the Forum focused on AI-powered Arabic content creation, showcasing how emerging technologies can amplify human creativity. In an era of uncertainty and global transformation, the Qatar Economic Forum stands out as a powerful force for constructive dialogue, economic opportunity, and long-term impact—bringing together the world’s most influential voices to shape the future.