Governor Talk: Qatar - Turning Shock into Strategy: Fiscal Policy and Long‑Term Growth in Qatar

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Governor Talk: Qatar - Turning Shock into Strategy: Fiscal Policy and Long‑Term Growth in Qatar

Wednesday, Apr 15, 2026 | 10:00 AM - 10:30 AM

Location: Cedar Hall HQ1-1-660

OVERVIEW

The war in the Middle East has been a major shock, with significant implications for trade, energy markets, and macro financial stability for many countries in the region and beyond. Qatar is confronting this pivotal economic moment with damage to critical energy infrastructure, disruptions to energy exports and production, and interruption to air and maritime transportation routes as well as increased uncertainty.

This Governor’s Talk provides an opportunity to hear from H.E. Minister Al Kuwari how Qatar has been impacted by the conflict, and how its fiscal and structural policies and institutions are adapting to manage the changed conjuncture to preserve policy credibility, intergenerational equity, and macroeconomic stability. He will also discuss the role played by Qatar’s underlying strengths—including its credible macroeconomic framework, sizable sovereign buffers, and ongoing reforms under the Third National Development Strategy (NDS3)—in managing the impact of the conflict.

Finally, the talk will reflect on how continued structural reforms—particularly to diversify the economy and revenues, strengthen the private sector, and enhance productivity—remain essential to rebuilding resilience and supporting sustainable growth as Qatar transitions from crisis response to recovery.

SPEAKER

Ali bin Ahmed Al Kuwari

Finance Minister of Qatar

Qatar’s Finance Minister since October 2021. Previously, Minister of Commerce and Industry (2018–21), and CEO of Qatar National Bank (2013–18). A member of the Supreme Council for Economic Affairs and Investment, and a Board Member for Qatar Investment Authority and Qatar Energy. He serves as the Chairman of Qatar National Bank, Qatar Development Bank (2013–18). Master of science in Management Information System from Seattle Pacific University. Bachelor in Math and Computer Science from Eastern Washington University.

MODERATOR

Jihad Azour

Director of the Middle East and Central Asia Department, IMF

Mr. Jihad Azour is the Director of the Middle East and Central Asia Department at the International Monetary Fund where he oversees the Fund’s work in the Middle East, North Africa, Central Asia and Caucasus.

Mr. Azour served as Lebanon’s Finance Minister in 2005-08, during which time he coordinated the implementation of important reforms, including modernizing the country’s tax and customs systems. Before and since his time as finance minister, he held a wide range of positions in the private sector, including McKinsey and Booz and Co. where he was a Vice-President and Senior Executive Advisor. Prior to joining the IMF in March 2017, he was a Managing Partner at investment firm Inventis Partners.

Mr. Azour holds a PhD in International Finance and a post-graduate degree in International Economics and Finance, both from the Institut d'Etudes Politiques de Paris. He also did research on emerging economies and their integration into the global economy as a post-doctoral fellow at Harvard. Mr. Azour has published several books and articles on economic and financial issues and taught extensively.

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