Doha: Qatari newspapers addressed several key topics in their Thursday editorials, focusing on the State of Qatar’s general budget for the fiscal year 2026 and the World Summit AI-Qatar 2025. The budget was praised for its prudent financial approach that combines flexibility and discipline, reflecting the leadership’s vision to build a robust and sustainable economy capable of confronting global challenges.
According to Qatar News Agency, Al-Raya newspaper highlighted the conference held by HE Minister of Finance Ali bin Ahmed Al Kuwari, who unveiled the key features of Qatar’s 2026 budget. The budget is based on a strategic distribution of spending, investment incentives, and reinforcement of essential sectors impacting citizens’ lives, in alignment with the Third National Development Plan 2024-2030. Al-Raya emphasized the budget’s significant expansion in health and education, with allocations of QR 25.4 billion and QR 21.8 billion, respectively, demonstrating Qatar’s continued investment in human capital.
Al-Raya further described the budget as a milestone in Qatar’s economic journey, balancing development needs and financial sustainability, and providing a conducive environment for investment. The budget aims to enhance the national economy’s competitiveness and support citizens’ well-being, aligning with national policies.
Al-Arab newspaper echoed similar sentiments, noting the budget’s focus on strengthening public-private sector partnerships and advancing technology and innovation. The newspaper highlighted QR 69.5 billion allocated to salaries and wages, underscoring Qatar’s commitment to job stability amidst global labor market pressures. The increase in current expenditures to QR 81.5 billion reflects the government’s dedication to maintaining public service quality.
Al-Arab also pointed out the budget’s emphasis on healthcare expansion and quality improvement, with health insurance being a pivotal element of sector privatization. The phased implementation of health insurance will begin with comprehensive coverage for citizens, with subsequent stages to follow. The budget also prioritizes the private sector’s role in development, with over 4,464 tenders valued at QR 70 billion offered to private entities. Efforts are underway to mandate the purchase of national products by government agencies, aiming for a 10% annual growth in local content value in government procurement.
The World Summit AI-Qatar 2025, under the theme “Building the Future of AI Together,” was also highlighted as a significant step in Qatar’s digital transformation journey, which began with the 2003 e-Government project. The summit underscores Qatar’s commitment to digital advancement and secure governance of information technology, enhancing government efficiency and public access through digital means.