Data from greenfield investment monitor fDi Markets shows a strong recovery in outward FDI levels for Qatar during the first six months of 2013. Data shows a decrease of 29% in FDI projects originating from Qatar between 2011 and 2012, which coincided with a drop of more than $4bn in outward capital expenditure. Between January and June 2013, fDi Markets tracked 30 FDI projects from Qatar, which surpasses the number recorded in 2012, when 29 projects were recorded.

While average investment levels have decreased during 2013, compared with previous years, this is indicative of the increasing diversification of investments. The communications and healthcare sectors account for 57% of projects tracked during 2013, as opposed to the traditionally high capital expenditure sectors of real estate and energy, which had been prevalent during 2011 and 2012.

Qatar has also witnessed a shift in the destination of outward FDI during 2013, with 23% of projects having entered Gulf Co-operation Council states, as opposed to 42% and 51% during 2011 and 2012, respectively. During the first six months of 2013, the US has been the most popular destination for Qatari investment, accounting for 30% of total projects, an increase of 350% since 2011. During 2011 and 2012, Qatar-based companies engaged in international expansion were consistently based in Doha, with just 1% of companies headquartered outside of the capital. During 2013, this figure has risen to more than 30%, with the expectation that it will further increase during the remainder of this year.