Credit Guarantee Program

The Credit Guarantee Program “formerly Al-Dhameen” is a financial initiative by QDB that enables partner financial institutions to offer financing backed by QDB guarantee, minimizing risk while maximizing growth. The program supports Qatar-based companies that require supplemental collateral, enabling them to access more attractive financing offers and improving their overall access to capital.

How the Program Works

The Credit Guarantee Program is not a direct financing scheme. It allows partner financial institutions (PFIs) to extend financing to

Eligible Qatar-based businesses, with QDB providing partial guarantee coverage.

  • This mechanism reduces the financial risk for PFIs and encourages them to extend financing to a broader range of businesses.
  • Each financing request is assessed individually, and the guarantee is issued in favor of the partner financial institution once all criteria are met.

  • Product Components

    The program covers both opex (e.g. working capital, bid/performance bonds, credit cards, and more) and capex (e.g. assets financing, project financing, and more) related project components.

  • Guarantee Coverage

    Typically, up to 50% of the financed amount, and up to 70% for low-ticket financing. The percentage coverage will be calculated based on sector classification, probability of default, loan or financing size, and other factors such as equity contribution.

  • Pricing (Rates)

    Determined on a case-by-case basis, depending on the partner financial institution’s assessment. For guarantee coverage above 50%, the maximum rate is capped at 1% above the rate defined by the QMR, though institutions may offer lower rates based on their internal pricing policies.

  • Collateral Required

    Collateral requirements will be determined by the partner financial institution's internal policy. The QDB guarantee acts as supplementary collateral.

Who is Eligible for Credit Guarantee Program?

HOW TO APPLY

Partner financial institutions will consider the application in accordance with their financing policies.

QDB guarantees the financing to the partner financial institution upon request and based on eligibility assessment.


Apply now through the National Funding Gate "TAMKEEN"

Required Criteria

The application must be submitted under a Qatari-registered or Qatar-based company. 

  • Project Sponsors

    The owner or expat must have a degree of experience or know-how in the technicality and nature of the project execution.

  • Market Factors

    There is a market attractiveness and relevant need or gap in which the business is addressing and can qualify levels of demand.

  • Management Factors

    The owners outline a clear plan to assign a team to execute the project at various stages.

  • Credit worthiness

    The owners, sponsors and company have maintained their credit integrity.

  • Financial Projections

    The company is able to justify a commercially viable project based on existing audited financial performance or a feasibility study.

In collaboration with

Frequently Asked Questions

The Credit Guarantee Program is a financial initiative by Qatar Development Bank (QDB) that supports eligible private sector companies by offering guarantees to partner financial institutions. These guarantees reduce the risk of default for lenders, enabling them to provide financing to businesses that may lack sufficient collateral.
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The program was designed to improve access to finance for SMEs, support economic diversification, and align with Qatar National Vision 2030 by fostering a competitive and knowledge-based economy.
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All Qatar-based private sector companies, whether micro, small, medium, or large, with a valid commercial license can apply. Joint stock and public holding companies are not eligible.
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Yes. Startups can benefit from the program provided they meet the eligibility requirements and their projects are financially and technically viable.
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Priority is given to sectors that drive national growth and diversification, including manufacturing, logistics, tourism, IT, education, food and agriculture, healthcare, and emerging industries such as green technology.
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The program supports various types of financing, including project finance, working capital, bid and performance bonds, credit cards, machinery or asset financing, and bills discounting. Islamic financing products are also eligible under equivalent terms.
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Typically, QDB guarantees up to 50% of the financed amount. For smaller “low-ticket” financing, coverage can reach up to 70%. The exact percentage is determined based on factors such as the sector, probability of default, financing size, and equity contribution.
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The program allows financing with a tenor of up to 15 years, including a grace period of up to 3 years depending on the project and agreement with the financial institution.
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Yes. Collateral requirements are set by the partner financial institution according to its internal credit policy. The QDB guarantee acts as supplementary collateral, not a replacement for normal security requirements.
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Applications are first reviewed and approved by the partner financial institution according to its credit policies. Once approved, the financial institution submits a guarantee request to QDB for eligibility assessment. If the request meets the program’s criteria, QDB issues a guarantee covering an agreed portion of the financing.
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QDB along with Partner Financial Institutions monitor guaranteed facilities through periodic reviews, including site visits, credit reports, and financial statement analysis, to ensure sound performance and compliance with program guidelines.
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If the borrower experiences payment delays or restructuring needs, the partner financial institution may reschedule the loan in accordance with its internal policy, provided that QDB is notified and a new authorization agreement is issued. In case of default, QDB processes valid claims within 30 days after the financial institution submits them.
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Companies can benefit from more competitive offers provided by financial institutions, such as attractive pricing. This, in turn, fosters stronger relationships between companies and financial institutions, supporting long-term growth and sustainability.
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By sharing part of the risk with QDB, financial institutions can safely expand their lending portfolios, improve their risk-adjusted return on capital (RAROC), and support a larger base of private sector clients, contributing to economic diversification and sustainable lending practices.
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Companies can apply through the National Funding Gate and select their preferred partner financial institution(s) in Qatar. Once eligibility is confirmed, the partner financial institution may request QDB to issue the guarantee.

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