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LoginQFC Sustains Growth Momentum in H1 2026 with 37 Percent Increase in Firm Registrations
Doha, August 24 (QNA) - The Qatar Financial Centre (QFC) closed the first half (H1) of 2026 with a 37 percent rise in firm registrations from the same period in 2025, underscoring the strength of its strategy and the appeal of Qatar's business environment to investors and entrepreneurs alike.
QFC onboarded 1,135 firms during the period, bringing its total registered firms to over 4,700 as at the end of June. Growth was recorded across QFC's key focus sectors, with Technology and Innovation leading the way at 544 new firms, followed by Media and Entertainment at 173, Consulting and Professional Services at 166, Wealth at 84, and Fintech at 65.
The strong uptake across these sectors reflects the breadth and growing relevance of the QFC platform to firms operating at the intersection of finance, innovation, and advisory services.
QFC's H1 growth was boosted by its performance at Web Summit Qatar 2026, where it received approximately 2,300 business licensing applications, an increase of approximately 44 per cent from 2025. The strong showing reflects the impact of QFC's incentives and streamlined onboarding process to ease market entry, with waived registration and annual fees for the first three years combined with an integrated, one-stop-shop business setup model simplifying the registration journey.
The first half of 2026 also saw QFC broaden the scope of Qatar's financial services sector, with the registration of Qatar's first-ever Real Estate Investment Trust collective investment fund. The launch of Salwa REIT will offer an economical and efficient way to own income-generating real estate assets in Qatar, marking a significant milestone in the depth of products available on the QFC platform.
Regionally, QFC strengthened its regulatory cooperation with the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) and the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) through reciprocal data protection adequacy recognition. The mutual recognition reflects the close regulatory cooperation between the three centres in establishing a robust data protection regime, streamlining cross-border operations for companies doing business across the region.
The first half of 2026 marked a defining chapter for the organization as the Centre relocated to its new headquarters in Lusail. The relocation positioned QFC at the heart of a smart, sustainable, and rapidly emerging district. The period also coincided with a celebration marking QFC's 20 years of impact and the unveiling of a new brand identity carrying the renewed commitment to help firms "Grow with Confidence."
Chief Executive Officer, QFC Mansoor Rashid Al Khater said: "Over the years, QFC has built a platform businesses trust to support their growth. As we look ahead, our focus is on deepening that trust, expanding our value proposition, and backing our firms' progress as QFC continues to evolve into a dynamic, future-ready hub for innovation and long-term partnerships."
Alongside these achievements, QFC continued to build on its role as an active contributor to Qatar's economic development through sustained stakeholder engagement and strategic partnerships. QFC hosted 12 events that drew about 1,500 participants combined. These events fostered meaningful dialogue, knowledge exchange, and opportunities for networking and collaboration. QFC also took part in 15 local and international events, strengthening its visibility among global audiences and reinforcing its standing as a competitive destination for business and investment.
In addition, QFC signed 10 memoranda of understanding with relevant entities in Qatar and other countries, broadening strategic partnerships to advance its focus sectors, facilitate cross-border investment, and support Qatar's broader economic development agenda.
QFC is an onshore business and financial centre located in Doha, providing an excellent platform for firms to do business in Qatar and the region. The QFC offers its own legal, regulatory, tax and business environment, which allows up to 100 percent foreign ownership, 100 percent repatriation of profits, and charges a competitive rate of 10 percent corporate tax on locally sourced profits. (QNA)
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