Qatar’s Economy Expands 2.9% in Third Quarter, Led by Non-Hydrocarbon Sectors

Qatar’s real gross domestic product grew by 2.9 percent year on year in the third quarter of 2025, driven largely by strong performance in the non-hydrocarbon sector, according to data released by the National Planning Council (NPC).

The estimated GDP at constant prices reached 186.1 billion Qatari riyals ($51 billion) in Q3 2025, up from 180.9 billion riyals in the same period last year, the Qatar News Agency reported. Non-hydrocarbon activities accounted for 65.5 percent of real GDP, with value added rising to 121.9 billion riyals, an increase of 4.4 percent compared with Q3 2024.

Within the non-hydrocarbon economy, construction, wholesale and retail trade, repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles, and accommodation and food services were the fastest-growing sectors. Construction expanded by 9.1 percent, wholesale and retail trade by 8.9 percent, and accommodation and food services by 6.4 percent. Officials said growth reflects stronger domestic demand, increased visitor activity, and ongoing infrastructure and public sector projects, producing positive effects across services and trade-related industries.

Abdulaziz bin Nasser bin Mubarak Al-Khalifa, Secretary-General of the NPC, said the results highlight the strength of the Qatari economy and the progress of economic diversification. “Real growth driven by non-hydrocarbon activities confirms the effectiveness of economic and development policies,” he said. Al-Khalifa added that these policies are boosting the role of productive and service sectors and supporting sustainable and balanced growth in line with the Third National Development Strategy and Qatar National Vision 2030.

The data show that 15 out of 17 economic activities recorded positive real growth during the third quarter, underlining the breadth and resilience of Qatar’s economic base.

The figures align with the International Monetary Fund’s recent analysis, which noted that Gulf Cooperation Council economies are expected to maintain growth momentum despite global uncertainties. The IMF highlighted robust non-oil activity, firm domestic demand, and ongoing structural reforms as key factors sustaining growth. GCC output is projected to accelerate to an average of 3.3 percent in 2025, up from 1.7 percent in 2024, as member states gradually unwind oil production cuts under the OPEC+ framework.

The NPC also confirmed that GDP measurement methodologies continue to improve, with revisions applied to the third quarter estimates. A comprehensive review of Qatar’s national accounts is underway and is expected to conclude by the first quarter of 2026, aligning the country’s statistics with international best practices.

Qatar’s third-quarter growth demonstrates the resilience of its economy and underscores the government’s ongoing efforts to strengthen non-hydrocarbon sectors while supporting sustainable development.