The fifth Qatar Economic Forum launches in Doha with a bold agenda to transform the global economy by 2030, highlighting the Gulf’s rise as a global investment powerhouse and a driver of innovation and capital flow.
Under the ambitious theme “The Road to 2030: Transforming the Global Economy,” the fifth edition of the Qatar Economic Forum, powered by Bloomberg, opened in Doha on Tuesday in collaboration with Media City Qatar. Set to run from May 20 to 22, the event has drawn global leaders, high-profile CEOs, and strategic thinkers to examine the shifting currents of global economics and capital.
This year’s forum arrives at a crucial juncture, as the Gulf region emerges not only as a dominant energy supplier but also as a central force in global finance. Sovereign wealth funds across the Gulf now command considerable influence on the world stage, while sweeping economic reforms have attracted a surge in foreign direct investment (FDI) into the region.
With 2025 marking the final stretch toward Qatar National Vision 2030—as well as similar initiatives in Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and the UAE—the forum seeks to dissect and shape the Gulf’s role in the global economy’s next chapter. Strategic decisions made during this period are expected to leave long-lasting impressions on international markets and economic policies.
In light of this momentum, the forum’s agenda is focused on five key themes: geopolitics, globalization and trade, energy security, innovation and technological transformation, and the evolving business and investment landscape. In addition, the increasingly vital role of sports and entertainment as economic drivers will also be explored.
Among the panel discussions and sessions on offer are topics such as Global Energy Supplies & Security, The World Adapts to Radical Change, Fueling the Future: Private Capital in the Middle East, and Crypto & Digital Assets: Investing in the New Era. These conversations reflect the urgency and complexity of the challenges and opportunities facing the global economy today.
Now in its fifth year, the forum has grown beyond its original mandate. Since its debut in 2021, it has evolved into a cornerstone of Qatar’s economic and diplomatic strategy. Previous editions addressed major themes including “Equalizing Global Economic Recovery” (2022), “A New Global Growth Story” (2023), and “A World Remade” (2024), demonstrating a consistent commitment to responding to evolving global realities.
The 2024 edition of the forum witnessed significant expansion, hosting more than 1,500 global figures from 124 countries and facilitating over 300 bilateral meetings. It also saw the signing of 21 major memorandums of understanding, 18 of which had international scope, reinforcing Qatar’s appeal as a global center for economic cooperation.
Organizers project that this year’s event will generate a GDP contribution of approximately QR75 million, while creating hundreds of new jobs. The forum stands as a beacon for economic innovation and collaboration, drawing attention to Qatar’s growing status as a global business hub.
Its strategic location, advanced infrastructure, and pro-business environment have all contributed to positioning Qatar as a crossroads for trade between East and West. With world-class airports, ports, and logistics networks, the nation is well-equipped to support the ambitions laid out during this influential three-day summit.
As Vision 2030 approaches, the Qatar Economic Forum remains a pivotal platform for rethinking development models, aligning investment strategies, and fostering cross-border innovation.