Overview

Countries worldwide preparing for the next industrial revolution
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The global economy is entering the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR), or Industry 4.0, based on the application of new digital and automated technologies in production processes and service delivery. These changes are presenting emerging markets with opportunities such as improved productivity, as well as risks, namely reshoring and the displacement of human labour by automation. Wealthier…

Overview

Qatar looks to investment to strengthen transport infrastructure
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Guided by plans laid out in Qatar National Vision 2030 (QNV 2030), Qatar is on track to take significant steps to upgrade and connect its land, air and sea networks in 2019. The first trains will run on the new Doha Metro network, while dozens of expressway bridges, underpasses and intersections will be completed. In the short term, organisation efforts for the 2022 FIFA World Cup have added…

Overview

Industrial diversification insulates Qatar's economy from effects of blockade
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The potential for the industrial sector to play a major role in Qatar’s economic growth was officially recognised in 2008 with the publication of the country’s plan for long-term development, Qatar National Vision 2030 (QNV 2030). Since then Qatar has taken a number of steps to increase the incentives available to foreign investors interested in supporting the country’s industry. Boosted…

Overview

Rapid expansion of global aviation industry propels investment
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The aviation sector is experiencing rapid growth worldwide, propelled by booming tourism industries, lower air fares and the push for greater connectivity in an increasingly globalised economy. Middle-class expansion has also spurred growth in air travel, as more people are able to afford flights for holidays or business-related travel. According to Boeing, commercial airlines experienced annual…

Overview

Qatar's construction sector buoyed by energy prices, defence spending, World Cup
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Driven by government infrastructure spending related to Qatar National Vision 2030 and the upcoming 2022 FIFA World Cup, Qatar’s construction industry has flourished over the past five years to become a key engine of the economy. The laying of new rail and metro lines, a growing airport and port, and a rapidly expanding road network have generated double-digit growth rates and made the Gulf…

Overview

Amid urban population growth, planners strive to create efficient spaces
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In 2008, for the first time in history, more than half of humanity was living in urban areas. Perhaps the most remarkable observation about this trend is the speed at which it has happened: as recently as 1900 urban areas accounted for 13% of the global population. Towns and cities are seen as the crucibles of opportunity for many rural dwellers. The UN estimates that by 2030 urban areas will…

Overview

Fundamentals of Qatar's real estate sector strong despite oversupply
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As a key driver of efforts to diversify Qatar away from reliance on the energy industry, the real estate sector has been an important contributor to economic growth in recent years. According to a 2018 report from the Planning and Statistics Authority (PSA), non-mining and quarrying sectors registered a combined compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.8% between 2013 and 2017, which was largely…

Overview

Blockchain technology has applications that could revolutionise trade
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Blockchain – the distributed-ledger technology that underpins cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin – appears set to transform a wide variety of industries and perhaps fundamentally change the way business is conducted across the global economy. While the technology is still taking off, and not everyone is convinced about its potential, many emerging markets are hoping that it will allow them…

Overview

5G technology and Qatar's ICT sector
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Qatar’s ICT market is well established, and characterised by high levels of mobile and internet penetration rates. Internet services are both affordable and quick, with fibre-based connections available. The country’s two main telecommunications operators are also working to roll out 5G services in all heavily populated areas by the end of 2020. On the IT side, officials are working to…

Overview

New schools, collaboration with international organisations strengthen education sector in Qatar
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Education is an important pillar of Qatar National Vision 2030 (QNV 2030), the country’s development plan to diversify the economy and reduce its dependence on hydrocarbons. To that end, Qatar has prioritised developing and reforming the education sector, with a substantial portion of its energy revenue dedicated to education. Although the decline in international oil prices in recent years…