As one of the world’s richest countries per capita, Qatar entered the Covid-19 pandemic from a position of relative strength. Backed by deep and accessible gas deposits, a positive fiscal balance and a high credit rating, Qatar had invested heavily in boosting its health care system and upgrading its digital and transport infrastructure in the years leading up to the pandemic. This generated significant growth in the construction industry, which enjoyed double-digit expansion during much of the last 20 years, sustained through the 2014-16 oil price slump and 2017 regional blockade by big-ticket projects related to hosting the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
As the pandemic temporarily slows construction activity and places pressure on margins, this Covid-19 Response Report explores how Qatar’s contractors are mitigating the challenges, and looks at the prospects for strengthening health, safety and environmental standards as new opportunities emerge in energy projects during the recovery phase.
