German companies operating in Qatar are reporting a notably optimistic outlook, according to the AHK World Business Outlook, Qatar, Fall 2025.
While global sentiment remains cautious, the report noted, Qatar’s business landscape remains “largely optimistic.”
The survey shows that “62%” of participating firms assess their current business situation as positive, up from “58%” in spring. Looking ahead, the survey reported that “60%” expect conditions to improve further over the next 12 months, “38%” anticipate that conditions will remain about the same, and only “3%” anticipate otherwise.
Economic forecasts also reflect stability and growth. “Thirty-five percent” of respondents anticipate expansion, while “55%” expect conditions to remain steady. “
The local economic development within Qatar is mostly expected to improve or stay similar. 35% of the companies see an improvement and 55% expect the situation to remain about equal,” the survey reported.
The survey stated that investment plans remain consistent, with nearly one in four companies preparing for higher spending. “In terms of future investments, the percentage of companies projecting higher investments has been stable at 38% and about every third of the participants expect the investment to remain the same. The number of companies that plan lower or no investments slightly increased to 31%” the survey stated.
According to the survey, employment prospects also mirror this cautious optimism. “In the coming year, the prospects for local employment still appear positive, with about 60% of companies anticipating stability in their workforce number. While only 14% of businesses expect a decline in the team strength (down by 2%), the intention to increase the headcount declined from 42% to 27%,” the survey stated.
In terms of risks, half of the surveyed firms identify demand as their “greatest” challenge. The survey reported, “Trade barriers/preference to local companies remain a significant issue, cited by 36% of respondents. Financing and economic policy conditions, as well as supply chain disruptions, are each considered a risk by about every third company.”
The survey also reported on the expected impact of the new US trade policy on the company’s local business. It further stated, “While uncertainty surrounding US trade policy remains a factor influencing the outlook of local businesses, its expected impact has eased over the past six months.
Only 38% of the companies anticipate negative impacts on their business, whether major or minor, coming from 58% in spring. Now, 62% foresee no consequences.”
The survey, conducted between September 29 and October 17, 2025, reflects responses from more than 3,500 German companies worldwide, including those with operations in Qatar.
