Doha: The State of Qatar has significantly advanced its public-private partnership (PPP) model to align with its National Vision 2030, fostering economic diversification and sustainable development.
According to Qatar News Agency, Qatar has established a robust institutional framework that promotes investment and enhances the delivery of public services. Central to this initiative is Law No. 12 of 2020, which governs the collaboration between public institutions and private sector entities. The Ministry of Commerce and Industry has launched a dedicated PPP Unit responsible for evaluating projects, conducting feasibility studies, modeling contracts, and ensuring fair competition.
To further enhance transparency and accessibility for investors, the Ministry has introduced an electronic platform showcasing available state projects. Contributions from entities like the Qatar Financial Centre and the Qatar International Court have helped create a secure legal and investment environment, streamlining processes and offering a specialized judicial framework for commercial disputes.
Qatar’s PPP strategy has increased private sector involvement in long-term projects related to financing, operations, and maintenance. Most agreements are performance-based, with project assets reverting to the state upon contract completion. This approach has cultivated an attractive business environment, increased investor confidence, and accelerated diversification beyond the oil and gas sectors. PPPs are now key tools for infrastructure development, financial gap bridging, technology transfer, skills development, and knowledge localization.
Second Vice-Chairman of the Qatar Chamber, Rashid bin Hamad Al Athba, speaking to QNA, described Qatar’s PPP model as highly successful. He emphasized the vital role of the private sector in delivering strategic national projects and achieving Vision 2030 objectives. Al Athba noted the private sector’s progress in fields such as education, healthcare, infrastructure, food security, renewable energy, and tourism, stating its readiness for future government-led initiatives.
Financial expert Dr. Hashim Al Sayed also highlighted the supportive legislative environment created by Law No. 12 of 2020, which regulates PPPs and attracts both foreign and local investments for innovative projects. He underscored the benefits of PPPs in leveraging private sector expertise, enhancing market competition, and improving service quality, thereby boosting Qatar’s performance in international economic indicators.
Qatar’s PPP model has resulted in tangible achievements across various sectors. Key infrastructure projects include the Mesaieed Waste-to-Energy Facility and government buildings, reflecting a gradual increase in private sector participation according to sector needs. In healthcare, PPPs have supported projects like integrated worker care and dialysis centers to ensure financial and operational sustainability. In education, partnerships in building and operating schools have ensured quality and sustainability while developing national capabilities.
In renewable energy, the operational 800 MW Kharasaah Solar Power Plant, along with planned projects like the Dukhan plant, aim to bring Qatar’s total solar capacity to approximately 4,000 MW by 2030, significantly reducing emissions. The Ministry of Finance supports economic diversification through the Localization program, promoting local manufacturing and linking development to the real economy.
These efforts are bolstered by a favorable market environment, with government procurement in health, public works, and energy sectors totaling around QAR 70 billion, and non-oil private sector exports reaching QAR 4 billion over five years. The 2025 general budget of QAR 210 billion is expected to drive further development spending and economic diversification.