Qatar and the United Kingdom (UK) have further solidified their longstanding strategic alliance through the launch of a comprehensive joint report on advancing bilateral collaboration, trade, and investment. Developed by Invest Qatar in partnership with the British Chamber of Commerce Qatar (BCCQ), the report highlights a relationship that has transitioned into a multidimensional partnership spanning energy security, technological innovation, and sustainable development.
Strengthening Economic and Strategic Ties
The bilateral relationship reached a significant milestone in 2022 with the 50th anniversary of formal diplomatic relations. This legacy has been deepened through high-level frameworks:
- Qatar-UK Strategic Dialogue: Launched in London in February 2023, this annual platform institutionalizes cooperation across defense, energy, education, and investment.
- The Second Strategic Dialogue: Convened in Doha in April 2025 under the theme “Partners for the Future,” the dialogue reviewed progress and announced new initiatives in clean energy, health, and digital innovation.
- Future Framework: Formally unveiled during the State Visit of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani to the UK in December 2024, this roadmap outlines long-term strategic pillars for joint action.
Growing Trade and Investment Footprint
The UK remains one of Qatar’s most trusted strategic allies, with more than 600 British companies currently operating in the country.
- FDI Inflows: Inflows from the UK to Qatar reached $7.7 billion between 2017 and 2024.
- Bilateral Trade: Total trade in goods amounted to approximately $2.2 billion in 2024.
- Qatari Investment in the UK: Total Qatari investments exceed £40 billion (nearly $50 billion), including substantial stakes in iconic assets like Heathrow Airport, Harrods, and the London Stock Exchange Group.
Emerging Opportunities and Future Collaboration
Looking toward the next chapter of growth, the report identifies priority sectors for future UK investment in Qatar:
- Sustainability and Clean Energy: A landmark £1 billion climate technology partnership was agreed upon in 2024, involving Rolls-Royce as a key industrial partner to develop low-carbon solutions and green tech hubs in both nations.
- Technology and AI: Qatar and the UK have launched joint initiatives to enhance AI ecosystems, funded by the UK’s Gulf Strategy Fund.
- Strategic Alignment: Both nations’ long-term ambitions—Qatar’s Third National Development Strategy (NDS3) and the UK’s Invest 2035 modern industrial strategy—converge on growth corridors such as life sciences, digital transformation, and advanced manufacturing.
About Invest Qatar
The Investment Promotion Agency Qatar (Invest Qatar) is the central body responsible for attracting foreign direct investment (FDI) to the State of Qatar. Established in 2019, it serves as the gateway to Qatar’s business ecosystem, connecting international investors with tailored solutions, market intelligence, and licensing platforms to support their long-term growth and expansion.
Source: Invest Qatar
