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Analysis

How public investment facilitated the shift to e-learning in Qatar
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As the Covid-19 pandemic proved highly disruptive to education worldwide, Qatar followed the trend of many countries by moving classes online and leveraging available funds. Two years on, the lessons learned from this period could have positive, permanent implications for the provision of education in the country. Institution Closures In early March 2020 the Ministry of Education and Higher Education…

Analysis

Urban rail to enhance intra- and inter-city connections in Qatar
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Since its inception in 2011, government-owned railway company Qatar Rail has operated with a mandate to develop an efficient countrywide public transport system. This goal is guided by the diversification, sustainable development and social progress goals of Qatar National Vision 2030. The creation of a modern public rail network is intended to improve commute times, alleviate motorway traffic, reduce…

Analysis

How GCC Railway could revolutions transport in the Gulf
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Following delays, the long-awaited GCC Railway looks likely to be revitalised – a move that could transform trade and connectivity across the Gulf. The initiative was given a significant boost in December 2021 when leaders of the six GCC countries approved the establishment of the GCC Railways Authority, the body that will oversee the coordination of the project. The decision marks a potentially…

Analysis

Qatar implements new universal health coverage mandate
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Qatar launched a mandatory health insurance plan as a replacement for the previous public health insurance scheme, commonly known as SEHA, introduced in 2013. As in other GCC countries, Qatar’s reforms come in response to rising demand from an ageing population and the growing burden of non-communicable diseases, alongside the desire to rationalise public expenditure and increase private sector dynamism…

Analysis

Use of digital platforms and services fuelled by the pandemic
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The onset of the pandemic in 2020 gave rise to global acceleration in the uptake of digital platforms and services. This surge was consolidated in 2021, as it became clear – in emerging and developed economies alike – that digital is the new normal. While in some ways 2020 was reactive, with governments and businesses scrambling to implement digital approaches, 2021 was proactive, as those approaches…

Analysis

Qatar’s use of digital solutions for the World Cup to drive future investment
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Qatar hosting the 2022 FIFA World Cup has been the catalyst for expanding the country’s digital economy and broadening its ICT ecosystem. One of Qatar’s aspirations was to use the tournament to attract investment in emerging industries and drive innovation in 5G, internet of things (IoT), virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality. These recently developed technological innovations will be deployed…

Analysis

Qatari retail sector adopts multi-channel future
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Qatari retailers that have weathered the Covid-19 pandemic are shifting to a blended, multichannel distribution strategy. Such a strategy involves expanding a company’s digital offerings, while at the same time maintaining a brick-and-mortar presence at an attractive location. The pandemic gave rise to a significant uptick in online shopping, a trend especially apparent when physical retail branches…

Overview

Tips and information for travellers to Qatar
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Language Arabic is the official language of Qatar. English is widely spoken and understood, although some official documents will be in Arabic. Road signs and menus are typically in both Arabic and English. Business Hours Working hours for ministries and governmental institutions are 7.00am-2.00pm, Sunday through Thursday. Most international companies and the private sector operate 8.00am-5.00pm those…

Overview

Qatar moves to allow more foreign ownership and diversify trade partners
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After weathering a succession of external shocks in recent years, Qatar’s trade and investment outlook is promising in the short and medium term. Years of low global oil and gas prices, the 2017-21 economic blockade, and the Covid-19 pandemic have all affected the flow of cross-border commerce and finance in recent years. However, Qatar is gearing up to host the 2022 FIFA World Cup, which it aims…

Overview

Qatar’s industry growth strategy focuses on innovation
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The beginning of the 21st century heralded a period of rapid industrial growth for Qatar, fuelled by its abundant oil and gas wealth. The country possesses the world’s third-largest natural gas reserves and is vying with the US for the position of the world’s largest producer and exporter of liquefied natural gas (LNG). Those resources have been harnessed to develop strong downstream industries…