New business registrations at the Qatar Financial Centre (QFC) rose 37% year on year in the first half of 2026, with technology and innovation accounting for nearly half of all new companies.
The QFC onboarded 1,135 companies between January and June, taking its total to more than 4,700, according to the Qatar News Agency. Technology and innovation led with 544 registrations, followed by media and entertainment with 173, consulting and professional services with 166, wealth with 84, and fintech with 65.
Growth was supported by Web Summit Qatar 2026, which generated about 2,300 business licensing applications, an increase of roughly 44% from 2025.
The period also saw the registration of Qatar’s first real estate investment trust collective investment fund.
The QFC provides its own legal, regulatory, tax and business framework. Its offering allows up to 100% foreign ownership and full repatriation of profits, while locally sourced profits are subject to a 10% corporate tax.
The rise follows expansion at other regional financial centres. Dubai International Financial Centre reported more than 10,000 registered companies by the end of June, while Abu Dhabi Global Market said active licences had surpassed 13,300.
Source: AGBI
