Qatar, UN Flags Raised Ahead of World Investment Forum 2026 in Doha

A ceremony marking the raising of Qatar’s flag alongside the United Nations flag was held in Doha on Saturday ahead of the official opening of the ninth edition of the World Investment Forum 2026, which will bring together global policymakers, investors and business leaders to discuss the future of investment and development.

Hosted by Qatar in partnership with UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD), the three-day forum will officially open on Sunday and run until October 27 under the theme “Investing in the Future”.

The ceremony was attended by Minister of State for Foreign Trade HE Dr Ahmad bin Mohammed Al Sayed, UNCTAD Acting Secretary-General Pedro Manuel Moreno and a number of senior dignitaries and officials.

The raising of the two flags symbolises the significance of Doha hosting the international gathering and reflects Qatar’s role in promoting international dialogue and cooperation on trade, investment and sustainable development.

The occasion also recalls a milestone in Doha’s history in 2012, when the United Nations flag was raised alongside Qatar’s flag ahead of the 13th session of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD XIII). Held in an Arab country for the first time, the conference strengthened Qatar’s position as a platform for international discussions on trade, development andinvestment.

The World Investment Forum 2026 will address major developments and challenges shaping global investment, with a programme featuring 108 high-level sessions and discussions and 406 speakers across eight thematic tracks.

Key areas of focus include investment in artificial intelligence, entrepreneurship and small and medium-sized enterprises, investment policy, sustainable finance and business, tourism and culture, climate and the environment, investment promotion, and special economic zones.

The discussions are expected to explore practical approaches to strengthening investment flows, encouraging cross-border partnerships and translating emerging opportunities into tangible projects.

The forum comes amid rapid changes in the global economy, with countries and businesses seeking new investment opportunities, resilient partnerships and innovative approaches to sustainable growth.

By bringing together government representatives, international organisations, investors and industry experts, the event aims to facilitate dialogue and cooperation on policies and initiatives that can support future investment and development.

Qatar’s hosting of the forum further underscores its commitment to international economic cooperation and its ambition to facilitate partnerships that connect global capital with emerginginvestment opportunities.