Qatari firm to pump $1 billion into Cebu projects

CEBU, Philippines — Qatari investment firm JTA International Investment Holdings plans to infuse at least US$1 billion in Cebu as part of a broader US$3 billion Philippine investment program, marking one of the largest prospective capital inflows from the Gulf state into the country.

The Doha-based conglomerate will begin with two projects in the Visayas hub — a residential condominium development in partnership with a local developer and a tourism-oriented venture, potentially a water resort — according to Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Dr. Amor Ali Salemi.

“We are a multi-sector investor,” Salemi said on the sidelines of a signing ceremony appointing Cebuano Juan Vito Genson as JTA’s country representative in the Philippines.

“We are active in energy, real estate, theme parks, healthcare and tourism. In Cebu, we have identified two big projects to start — residential condominiums and a tourism destination,” said Salemi.

The initial Cebu investments form part of JTA’s planned $3 billion allocation for the Philippines, with at least $1 billion earmarked for the province alone, subject to regulatory clearances and final project structuring.

In an interview Salemi said the firm intends to work exclusively with Philippine partners, reflecting its preference for local collaboration. “We want to use 100 percent local companies and local developers. Our goal is not only investment, but job creation for the people here,” he said.

The agreement formalizing Genson’s appointment as country representative was signed in Cebu on Saturday, February 21, 2026 at Radisson Blu Cebu, in the presence of business leaders, including Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) president  Emeritus Consul Enunina V. Mangio and Philippine-Qatar Business Council Chair Eric Ng Mendoza, signaling private-sector backing for deeper bilateral ties.

JTA, which has investments in more than 50 countries, is assessing additional opportunities across infrastructure, renewable energy, transportation, healthcare, information technology, education, and food security.

The company maintains offices in Southeast Asia, including Indonesia and Singapore, but Salemi said the Philippines stands out for the scale and diversity of potential projects.

“In some countries, we invested in only one project after several years,” he said. “Here, we already see multiple large opportunities. The Philippines offers strong long-term growth potential.”

Salemi cited the country’s young workforce, expanding infrastructure base and improving investment climate as key drivers. He also pointed to Qatar’s sizable Filipino community — estimated at about 600,000 — as a bridge for stronger economic engagement.

JTA’s Philippine push comes as Cebu positions itself as a secondary gateway for foreign capital outside Metro Manila, buoyed by robust real estate demand and a tourism rebound.

The firm said further details on project timelines and capital deployment will be disclosed once due diligence and regulatory processes are completed.

“Our commitment is long-term,” Salemi said. “We see the Philippines not only as an investment destination, but as a strategic partner in growth.”