Qatar has announced a landmark 10-year Qatar residency programme designed to draw global entrepreneurs, technology leaders, investors and senior executives to the country as part of its long-term strategy to transform into a global innovation and business hub. The initiative was formally announced during the Web Summit Qatar 2026, where Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani unveiled the new residency track aimed at supporting high-growth industries and knowledge-driven economic expansion. The move is part of Qatar residency programme broader vision to diversify its economy under Qatar National Vision 2030, positioning the nation as a destination where world-class innovators, business founders, technology experts and high-skilled professionals can establish long-term roots. Government officials described the residency programme as a “transformational step that aligns Qatar residency programme with the world’s most competitive talent ecosystems,” signalling a shift toward global workforce integration, startup development and international investment flows. Shift Towards Global Talent Attraction Qatar’s new 10-year residency programme represents one of the most significant immigration reforms undertaken in the Gulf region this year. Officials clarified that the residency pathway will function as a long-term stability framework, enabling entrepreneurs and senior professionals to expand or establish enterprises without the shorter renewal cycles associated with traditional work visas. During the announcement at the Web Summit, Qatar’s leadership emphasised that the residency initiative aims to attract talents operating at the forefront of high-value sectors including artificial intelligence, fintech, health technology, sustainable engineering, digital transformation and advanced scientific research. Early estimates by …