Qatar Development Bank has released its 2025 Annual Report, marking the first year of its updated 2025-2030 strategy. The institution has officially transitioned from a traditional financing model to a comprehensive enabler of private sector growth. This strategic shift focuses on innovation support, local enterprise development, and export ecosystem enablement to align with the Third Qatar National Development Strategy and Qatar National Vision 2030.
Catalyzing Innovation And Venture Capital Ecosystems
In 2025, the bank fundamentally transformed its startup support approach from sole capital provision to an ecosystem-driven model designed to mobilize private capital. The institution’s total investment portfolio reached over QAR 385 million, representing a 29% year-over-year growth. Direct investments deployed in 2025 amounted to QAR 156 million. A major milestone highlighted was the acquisition of Snoonu by Saudi Arabia’s Jahez Group, representing the largest startup acquisition in Qatar’s history and positioning Snoonu as the first Qatari company to join the billion-dollar club. Additionally, the Startup Qatar Investment Program saw over QAR 150 million invested across more than 35 local and international companies to anchor high-growth ventures in the country.
Empowering Local Enterprises Through Digital Financing
To bridge structural funding gaps, the bank expanded access for Qatar-based companies, culminating in a total outstanding direct financing portfolio of QAR 6.55 billion. Over QAR 2 billion was disbursed in direct financing throughout 2025 alone, reflecting a 30% annual growth. A pivotal milestone was the launch of the National Funding Gate “TAMKEEN”, an AI-powered unified digital platform that connects the private sector to major national banks for streamlined financing applications. Alongside this, an updated Credit Guarantee Program was introduced with an increased guarantee cap of QAR 200 million and an initial program allocation of QAR 3 billion to mitigate risks and support SME lending.
Expanding Global Footprint With Export Ecosystems
Activating the national export ecosystem remains a core pillar for the institution, which facilitated QAR 2.85 billion in supported exports across 138 global markets in 2025. Export support financing reached QAR 778 million, marking an 18% year-over-year growth. To accelerate regional integration, “Qatar Exports” launched its first regional office in Riyadh to support Qatari companies in accessing the Saudi market. The bank also secured a Letter of Intent with Saudi Arabia’s National Debt Management Center to arrange credit facilities of up to QAR 3.6 billion, aimed at financing purchases of Qatari-origin products and services for infrastructure and engineering projects.
About Qatar Development Bank
Established in 1997 as a government-affiliated development institution, Qatar Development Bank aims to strengthen the national business landscape and foster the economic diversification of the private sector in Qatar. The bank anchors its framework on promoting innovation, developing local businesses through financial and advisory support, and enabling the export ecosystem to raise the competitiveness of Qatari products globally. The institution’s mandate aligns strictly with Qatar National Vision 2030 to build a sustainable, diversified, and knowledge-based economy driven by ambitious entrepreneurs and resilient enterprises.
Source: Qatar Development Bank
