Qatar has unveiled its General Budget for 2026, outlining QR220.8bn ($60.5bn) in total expenditure and a detailed programme of sectoral investments, government tenders and development initiatives.
The budget reinforces the state’s commitment to fiscal sustainability, economic diversification and private-sector empowerment under Qatar National Vision 2030.
It also sets out a comprehensive financing plan for the Third National Development Strategy.
Qatar budget 2026
Minister of Finance Ali bin Ahmed Al Kuwari presented the main features of the 2026 budget, together with expected economic indicators for 2025 and new initiatives to enhance private-sector engagement.
The Minister of Finance affirmed that the new budget continues the state’s balanced fiscal approach aimed at achieving financial sustainability, stimulating economic growth, improving spending efficiency and strengthening the investment climate.
He stated that total expenditure for 2026 amounts to QR220.8bn ($60.5bn), including:
- QR69.5bn ($19.0bn) for salaries and wages
- QR81.5bn ($22.3bn) for current expenditures
- QR7bn ($1.9bn) for minor capital expenditures
- QR62.8bn ($17.2bn) for major capital expenditures
Sector allocations
Ali bin Ahmed Al Kuwari noted that the education sector receives QR21.8bn ($6.0bn), while the health sector is allocated QR25.4bn ($7.0bn), up from QR22bn in 2025.
The municipality and environment sector receives QR22.2bn ($6.1bn); the sports sector QR7.6bn ($2.1bn); commercial affairs QR4.1bn ($1.1bn); transportation QR4.1bn ($1.1bn); communications QR3.8bn ($1.0bn); and social services QR2.8bn ($0.8bn).
Total expected revenues for 2026 amount to QR199bn ($54.5bn) — comprising QR155bn ($42.5bn) in oil and gas revenues and QR44bn ($12.1bn) in non-oil revenues. This compares with total revenues of QR197bn ($53.9bn) in 2025.
The revenue outlook reflects higher oil earnings and continued growth in non-oil sectors. The government continues to base its planning on a conservative oil price assumption of $55 per barrel to preserve flexibility and ensure stable spending.
Private-sector participation
For 2026, the Public Works Authority (Ashghal) plans to issue tenders worth QR49bn ($13.4bn), the Ministry of Public Health QR2.6bn ($0.7bn), Qatar General Electricity and Water Corporation (Kahramaa) QR7.2bn ($2.0bn), and the Ministry of Education and Higher Education QR2.3bn ($0.6bn).
The total number of tenders offered to the private sector amounts to approximately 4,464 tenders with an estimated value exceeding QR70bn ($19.2bn) as part of the 2026 Government Procurement Plan Forum, highlighting Qatar’s focus on strengthening public-private partnerships.
The Ministry of Finance is also reviewing state infrastructure projects for the next five years to assess their suitability for private-sector implementation, with qualifying projects to be transferred to the relevant committee at the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
Additional initiatives include issuing a mandatory list of national products that government entities must purchase. The first phase is expected to include more than 1,000 items.
The ministry aims for an annual growth rate of no less than 10 per cent in local content value, with actual growth in 2025 projected to generate QR9bn ($2.47bn) in national economic impact.
Third National Development Strategy (2024–2030)
The Minister revealed an allocation of QR32.7bn ($8.96bn) for implementing the Third National Development Strategy. Spending will support seven national strategic outcomes:
- Sustainable economic growth: QR10.8bn ($2.96bn)
- Outstanding government institutions: QR3.1bn ($0.85bn)
- Environmental sustainability: QR0.9bn ($0.25bn)
- Financial sustainability: QR1.3bn ($0.36bn)
- A future-ready workforce: QR0.9bn ($0.25bn)
- A cohesive society: QR0.6bn ($0.16bn)
- High quality of life: QR4bn ($1.10bn)
Ali bin Ahmed Al Kuwari confirmed that Qatar’s credit rating remains among the highest in the region and globally. He cited fiscal discipline, human resource efficiency, solid financial reserves, expenditure control and strategic planning as key drivers of this performance.
Economic indicators for 2025
The Minister said GDP growth will reach 2.9 per cent, with non-hydrocarbon GDP rising 4.4 per cent and hydrocarbon GDP increasing 0.1 per cent. He added that inflation for the year through last October will reach 0.7 per cent, one of the lowest rates in the region, with continued stability anticipated.
He also noted that Qatar received 4.4 million tourists by the end of November.
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