Qatar Financial Centre registrations rise 37% as tech sector expands

The Qatar Financial Centre (QFC) recorded a 37 per cent increase in firm registrations during the first half of 2026 compared to the same period last year, according to a report released on Monday, 24 August. The growth brings the total number of registered entities on the platform to more than 4,700 as of late June. Data carried by the Qatar News Agency (QNA) shows that QFC onboarded 1,135 new firms during the first six months of the year. The surge was led by the Technology and Innovation sector, which accounted for 544 new registrations. Other high-performing sectors included Media and Entertainment with 173 firms, Consulting and Professional Services with 166, Wealth management at 84, and Fintech at 65. Web Summit applications drive growth A significant portion of the growth followed QFC’s participation at Web Summit Qatar 2026. The centre received approximately 2,300 business licensing applications during the event, representing a 44 per cent increase in applications compared to the 2025 edition. The QFC attributed the rise to its streamlined onboarding process and a package of financial incentives designed to attract foreign investment. Under the current incentive scheme, new firms benefit from a "one-stop-shop" registration model and a waiver of both registration and annual fees for the first three years of operation. These measures are intended to lower entry barriers for entrepreneurs and established firms entering the Qatari market. Regional business implications…