Higher income levels, together with greater choice for consumers and changes in shopping patterns, are set to drive growth in Qatar’s retail sector, despite mall operators finding themselves in an increasingly competitive marketplace. Qatar is set to lead when it comes to retail sales growth in the near term, according to a report released at the end of January by Alpen Capital. Qatar’s fast-growing…
It has been something of a tumultuous year for Qatar’s capital markets. The 12 months saw two major country upgrades, moves to change the rules on foreign ownership, a very successful IPO, a move towards dual listing, ETFs, margin trading and short selling – all underscored by some strong growth in securities, coupled with a bolstering of bonds. Maintaining that momentum may well be the challenge…
Despite falling oil prices, the economy in Qatar maintained a steady rate of expansion throughout 2014, with targets of even more robust growth this year, fuelled by the non-hydrocarbon sector. Qatar, the world’s largest exporter of liquefied natural gas (LNG) and one of the smaller oil producing countries, estimates the non-hydrocarbons share of GDP will overtake that of oil and gas in 2015. According…
Cyber security is high on the list of challenges that could prove a hurdle to Qatar’s economic development, although it is also being seen as an opportunity for potential growth in the information, communication and technology (ICT) industry. Demand for stronger internet security is rising in Qatar, fuelled by greater awareness of its importance, following several high-profile cyber crimes. Qatar…
While diversification strategies aimed at moving economies away from hydrocarbon dependency have become commonplace around the Gulf in recent years, the practical implementation of these strategies has often proved challenging. In Qatar, the move towards solidifying diversification has been underway for some time, and from an early stage, the government has recognised that the creation of a vibrant…
Recent news of the imminent opening of Hamad Medical City – a three-hospital complex re-purposing the 2006 Asian Games’ Athlete’s Village in Doha – was welcomed by many in Qatar’s public and private health services. Indeed, extra, capacity is something health planners and professionals have been after for some time, with the country’s hospitals and clinics facing growing demand – both…
Asia remains a key driver of growth for Qatar’s petrochemicals sector, with demand from the region fuelling investment and expansion projects. However, the long-term outlook is less certain after the cancellation of the $6bn Al Sejeel petrochemicals plant, one of the megaprojects targeted to come on line by the end of the decade. Qatar, the world's largest liquefied natural gas producer,…
Future Drainage Networks Qatar, Powered by Project Qatar, is a specialized conference for drainage and sewerage networks. Taking place on 3 - 4 December 2014, the program for “Future Drainage Networks Qatar” has been designed in collaboration with expert Conference Advisory Board: Dr. Neil Kirkpatrick, Sustainability Manager, Qatar Local Roads & Drainage Program, Parsons Brinckerhoff Keith…
Momentum is building across Qatar’s rail, aviation and port projects, on the back of rising investment, paving the way for a broadening of the state’s economic base. Higher investment in Qatar’s transport network will support efforts to diversify the economy, according to a report produced by the Centre for Economics and Business Research (CEBR) on behalf of the Institute of Chartered Accountants…
As one of the principle pillars of Qatar’s non-oil and gas economy – and a leading light in the country’s private sector – the financial services industry has recently been a particular focal point in moves to strengthen the drive to Qatarisation. Indeed, the replacement of a number of expat banking CEOs with Qatari nationals in recent months has been one of the more visible signs of this…
