Doha, November 15 (QNA) - The National Planning Council has confirmed that Qatar's economy has begun a gradual path of improvement in real Gross Domestic Product (GDP), according to flash estimates for the third quarter of 2026, supported by an easing of the decline in the hydrocarbon sector alongside a gradual improvement in shipping and export conditions.

The Council noted in a statement today that the year-on-year contraction in Qatar's real GDP narrowed to 11.8% in the third quarter of this year, after recording 15.7% in the second quarter of 2026.

It indicated that it has released these flash GDP estimates for the third quarter of 2026, marking the first release of flash GDP estimates prepared in collaboration between the National Planning Council and relevant entities.

The Council added that as shipping and export conditions began to improve, the year-on-year contraction in hydrocarbon activities eased to 29.5% in Q3 2026, down from 50.7% in Q2 2026, reflecting a gradual recovery in these activities.

Regarding non-hydrocarbon activities, the Council reported that wholesale and retail trade as well as accommodation and food service activities recorded positive growth, supported by domestic demand and the international conferences and sporting events hosted by the State of Qatar.

Commenting on the figures, HE Secretary-General of the National Planning Council Dr. Abdulaziz bin Nasser bin Mubarak Al Khalifa, said: "The gradual improvement in the flash early Real GDP estimates for Q3 2026 reflects the Qatari economy's ability to adapt to change and meet challenges, underpinned by solid economic fundamentals and effective policies and measures that reinforce economic stability and sustainability. These figures also underscore the importance of continued efforts to diversify production and increase the contribution of non-hydrocarbon activities to the economy, in line with the targets of the Third National Development Strategy and Qatar National Vision 2030."

On the first release of flash GDP estimates, His Excellency said: "Publishing flash early Real GDP estimates in line with the latest international standards and best practices is an important step in developing Qatar's official statistical system and improving the timeliness and quality of its statistics. It allows us to provide preliminary economic indicators as quickly as possible, keeping pace with developments and serving decision-makers, researchers and data users of all kinds."

This release serves as a flash estimate of real GDP growth and is published within 45 days of the end of the reference quarter. It provides an early reading of the direction of growth in Qatar's economy across both the hydrocarbon and non-hydrocarbon sectors, and is based on early, incomplete data. Regular quarterly estimates are published within 90 days of the end of the reference quarter. (QNA)