Substantial public investment in logistics infrastructure over the past decade has helped establish a robust business environment that facilitates access for foreign companies. The government has prioritised spending in the sector to stimulate increased financing from private firms in the coming years. The development of high-tech logistics centres – including Hamad International Airport (HIA), Hamad Port and two free zones – is expected to strengthen Qatar’s position as a strategically significant logistics and trading centre in the MENA region and globally.
Innovative Partnership
An openness to modernisation, through the adoption of advanced technologies and partnerships with international stakeholders that promote skill-sharing, has enhanced the country’s reputation as a regional logistics hub. Qatar’s location between Africa, Asia and Europe places it in an ideal position for intercontinental trade. Over 2bn people live within 3000 km of Qatar, underscoring the country’s accessibility.
Years of consistent public investment, coupled with an increase in foreign financing, have contributed to Qatar’s emergence as a globally relevant logistics player. In the 2025 edition Agility Emerging Markets Logistics Index, compiled by Agility Logistics, Qatar was ranked eighth out of 50 countries. Looking ahead, the government aims to encourage greater private sector involvement, having laid the groundwork with comprehensive trade and logistics infrastructure designed to attract international entrants and support their operations. A new public-private partnership (PPP) law, introduced in 2020, aims to facilitate foreign investment.
In 2024 Qatar attracted $2.7bn in foreign direct investment (FDI) across 241 projects, creating 9348 jobs. The country’s performance reflects growing international confidence, underpinned by ongoing reforms and investment in infrastructure. Qatar ranked 11th out of 67 countries in the IMD World Competitiveness Index 2024 and 24th out of 181 countries and territories in the DHL Global Connectedness Index. It placed 14th and 19th out of 139 countries in the logistics competence and logistics infrastructure sub-indices on the World Bank’s Logistics Performance Index, also in 2024.
To build on this momentum, the government has set a cumulative target of $100bn in FDI by 2030. In January 2025, Sheikh Faisal bin Thani bin Faisal Al Thani, the newly appointed minister of commerce and industry, announced that the government plans to introduce or revise three major laws – a bankruptcy law, a refreshed PPP law and a new commercial registration law – aimed at improving the investment climate. These reforms are a part of a wider review examining 27 different laws and regulations across 17 government ministries and affecting more than some 500 commercial activities.
Port Expansions
Significant investment in Qatar’s maritime infrastructure has elevated Hamad Port and Al Ruwais Port into the country’s primary trade gateways. Approved in 2007 with a projected cost of QR27bn ($7.4bn), the Hamad Port project included the construction of a major port, a naval base for the Qatar Emiri Naval Forces and a new economic free zone of 26.5 sq km. The project was designed to address former bottlenecks and further expand upon Qatar’s trading capacity.
Hamad Port began operations in December 2016 and was officially inaugurated in September 2017. The subsequent development of road and rail networks linking the port to Doha and beyond has strengthened domestic connectivity. In 2022, Hamad Port ranked eighth globally and third in the Arab world out of 348 container ports in the Container Port Performance Index, published by the World Bank and S&P Global Market Intelligence.
The port’s development aligns with the sustainability goals of Qatar National Vision (QNV) 2030. The government-owned Qatar Ports Management Company (Mwani), which oversees the country’s seaports and terminals, implemented environmental protection measures during the port’s construction. These included efforts to monitor air and water quality and minimise harm to marine ecosystems – actions that support the broader push for sustainable operations and appeal to foreign companies committed to environmental, social and governance goals.
In October 2024 Mwani signed a memorandum of understanding with the Qatar Free Zones Authority (QFZ) to enhance the country’s profile as an investment destination. The agreement aims to both improve coordination between the ports and free zones, and streamline commercial activity to foster greater trade and investment. Under the agreement, Mwani will offer port and logistics support to investors and companies operating in Qatar’s free zones.
The Freight Industry
QNV 2030 identifies logistics as a driver of economic diversification, and public investment in the freight segment reflects this strategic importance. Valued at $10bn in 2025, the freight and logistics market is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 5.9% to reach $13.5bn by 2030. As part of its wider logistics vision, the MoT finalised the Qatar Freight Master Plan in February 2024. This blueprint aims to upgrade freight infrastructure – both ground and maritime – through a series of projects extending to 2050. It includes policy reforms, regulatory frameworks and industry standards, aligning with Qatar’s Third National Development Strategy 2024-30. These plans are particularly focused on efficiency and intermodality, promoting transitions between maritime, rail, air and road transport. The government’s ambition is to reduce friction points along the supply chain while increasing throughput and storage capacity, boosting the competitiveness of domestic industries and supporting regional re-export growth.
Emerging technologies are also a priority, with increasing attention given to automation, data-driven logistics management and smart freight systems. These technologies are set to play a transformative role in scaling operations and supporting green logistics goals. Investment in digital infrastructure complements physical development, ensuring the sector remains agile and resilient.
Free Zones
To further promote foreign investment, the government has established two free zones – Ras Bufontas and Umm Alhoul – offering tax exemptions and other incentives. The companies operating in these zones benefit from a 20-year tax holiday, which includes zero corporate tax, no Customs duties and no personal income tax. The QFZ, an independent authority created in 2018, is responsible for overseeing operations, establishing policies and facilitating growth in line with national economic goals. It plays a key role in connecting investors with the industrial and commercial priorities laid out in QNV 2030, while also serving as a one-stop shop for businesses entering the market. Ras Bufontas is located approximately 6 km from HIA, while Umm Alhoul is situated adjacent to Hamad Port. Their proximity to key transport centres has improved accessibility and helped streamline Customs clearance procedures.
The logistics and export operations in free zones encompass warehousing, third-party logistics (3PL), e-commerce solutions, secure storage for high-value goods, fulfilment centres, an automotive zone, and facilities for export processing and re-export. In 2020 Qatar’s first private owned 3PL distribution facility opened, covering 25,000 sq metres. Operated by the Qatari logistics and supply chain provider Gulf Warehousing Company, the facility includes temperature-controlled, refrigerated and frozen storage chambers. These zones are emerging as regional models for integrating sustainable design with high-performance logistics operations. Enhanced power and water efficiency measures, as well as integrated waste management systems, are helping attract companies that are increasingly aligning with global sustainability benchmarks.
Partnerships & Digitalisation
The QFZ has signed a number of strategic agreements with key domestic institutions to foster local partnerships, alongside working with international and regional companies looking to expand. In May 2024 the Qatar Financial Centre and FedEx Logistics signed a memorandum of understanding to develop a regional logistics facility at Ras Bufontas. The new site will include a logistics office and is expected to enhance the company’s trade routes between Europe and Asia.
Together, these advancements reflect a coordinated strategy to position the Gulf country as a leading logistics and investment destination. With modern infrastructure, investor-friendly regulation and a focus on sustainable, tech-enabled growth, it has laid the foundation for private sector expansion and long-term competitiveness on the global stage.
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