Qatar Development Bank (QDB) provided QAR 1.5 billion in direct financing to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in 2024, up 33% from 2023, bringing total outstanding direct financing facilities to QAR 6.4 billion. Indirect financing facilities stood at QAR 730 million, benefiting over 1,400 SMEs through both direct and indirect channels.
QDB’s investment portfolio in Qatari startups exceeded QAR 300 million, reflecting a 23.5% growth from 2023. More than 450 startups participated in QDB’s incubation and accelerator programs. In 2024, the bank provided advisory services to over 360 entrepreneurs and organised over 6,000 capacity-building initiatives, workshops, and training sessions for startups and SMEs.
The bank facilitated QAR 2.9 billion in export financing and insurance and supported QAR 2.7 billion in non-hydrocarbon exports, a 55% increase from 2023, reaching 108 international markets. QDB also hosted 18 export promotion events and organised over 180 workshops and training sessions for more than 630 exporters.
QDB further supported local market growth by assisting over 740 local companies in supply chain localisation efforts, a 45% increase in beneficiaries. These efforts led to contracts worth QAR 1.12 billion awarded to SMEs, up 135% from 2023.
QDB’s initiatives included partnerships with national institutions to localise procurement and expand export opportunities, reinforcing its position as a key driver of economic diversification in Qatar.
