20 hours ago
QCB foreign reserves surge 3.6% to over QR258 bn in May
QNA & TNN
Doha
Qatar Central Bank's (QCB) international reserves and foreign currency liquidity rose by 3.6 percent in May 2025, surpassing QR258.1 billion, compared to QR249.2 billion in May 2024, official figures released by the bank revealed.
The boost in reserves reflects continued economic stability and prudent fiscal management, despite fluctuations in global markets. QCB's official reserves alone jumped by QR8.7 billion — a 4.57 percent increase year-on-year — reaching QR198.7 billion by theend of May.
These official reserves encompass several key components: foreign bonds and treasury bills, balances with overseas banks, holdings in gold, Special Drawing Rights (SDRs), and Qatar's allocated share in the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
Notably, the increase in total reserves came despite a decline of around QR6 billion in foreign bonds and treasury bills, which stood at QR132.9 billion in May 2025. The fall was offset by substantial gains in other areas, most significantly in gold holdings.
QCB's gold reserves posted a strong year-on-year rise, surging by QR16 billion — an impressive 56.5 percent increase — to QR44.3 billion in May 2025 from QR28.3 billion a year earlier. This sharp uptick underscores the central bank's strategy to diversify and strengthen its assets amidst global economic uncertainties.
The SDR holdings, part of Qatar's IMF quota, also edged up slightly by QR67 million year-on-year, totaling QR5.25 billion. Conversely, QCB's balances with foreign banks dipped by QR1.3 billion to QR16.4 billion compared to the previous year.
In addition to official reserves, the total foreign reserves figure includes other liquid foreign currency assets, primarily deposits, which further enhance Qatar's financial resilience.
The data points to a robust and diversified reserve portfolio, bolstering Qatar's capacity to manage external shocks, support monetary policy, and maintain exchange ratestability.
