Qatar’s international reserves and foreign currency liquidity rose to 262.06 billion Qatari riyals ($72 billion) in May 2026, marking a 1.52 percent increase compared with the same period last year, according to official data.
Figures published by Qatar Central Bank and reported by the Qatar News Agency showed that official reserves increased by 1.86 percent year on year, reaching 202.60 billion riyals, supported in part by a rise in gold holdings.
The data highlights the continued strengthening of Qatar’s external financial position at a time when Gulf economies are maintaining elevated reserve levels amid steady energy revenues and cautious fiscal management.
Across the region, central banks have also reported solid reserve positions. Saudi Arabia’s foreign reserves reached a six-year high earlier this year, while the United Arab Emirates recorded record levels, reflecting broader financial resilience across Gulf states.
According to official definitions, Qatar’s reserves include foreign bonds and treasury bills, cash deposits with international banks, gold assets, Special Drawing Rights holdings and Qatar’s IMF position, along with other liquid foreign currency assets.
The latest figures suggest that Qatar has sustained robust reserve levels throughout 2026, reinforcing its financial buffers despite fluctuations in global markets.
Within the breakdown, gold holdings and foreign bank balances remained key components of the overall reserves, while some fluctuations were recorded in bonds, treasury bills and SDR-related assets over the reporting period.
