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Analysis

How Qatar is testing autonomous vehicles and launching EVs
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There has been notable progress in the rollout of Qatar’s electric vehicle (EV) fleet and the development of autonomous public transport options, prompted by Qatar National Vision 2030 (QNV). Around 70% of the bus fleet was electric as of early 2024, according to the Ministry of Transport (MoT), putting it well on its way to reaching its 100% electric fleet target by 2030. There have also been steps…

Analysis

Qatar’s substantial gas reserves, global supplier
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Qatar’s Third National Development Strategy (NDS-3) outlines a targeted approach to industrial development between 2024 and 2030. It underscores the value of specialised, high-productivity clusters where Qatar either excels or could develop considerable advantages. More specifically, the NDS-3 advocates for the chemical industry to expand into conventional and blue gasbased petrochemicals. It also…

Analysis

Buy now/pay later competition in emerging markets
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Building on the momentum seen in the e-commerce space during the Covid-19 pandemic, the buy now/ pay later (BNPL) model is one of the fastest-growing segments in consumer finance, particularly in emerging markets. BNPL providers offer point-of-sale loans that consumers can repay in instalments over the course of weeks or even months. Charging little to no interest, these microcredit providers make…

Analysis

Qatar energy sector benefits from liquefied natural gas reserves discovery
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The global liquefied natural gas (LNG) market is projected to grow significantly, reaching 580m-600m tonnes per annum (tpa) by 2030, up from 400m tpa in February 2024. Forecasts suggest that global demand for LNG could rise by over 50% to hit 625m-685m tpa by 2040, continuing to grow throughout that decade. The switch from coal to gas in China and other developing Asian nations is a key factor driving…

Analysis

Insurance sector working to mitigate climate risks
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With the launch of a new joint initiative to support the countries most vulnerable to climate change, the global insurance industry is evolving in ways that could carry important implications for business in emerging markets. The initiative, the Global Shield against Climate Risks (GSCR), was announced by the ministers of finance of the Vulnerable Twenty (V20) Group – which comprises economies susceptible…

Analysis

Qatar Islamic financial services to leverage fintech
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Islamic finance has emerged globally as a dynamic sector, garnering increased investor attention and becoming a new frontier of digitalisation efforts. Given Qatar’s significant experience in the sector, authorities and financial institutions are increasingly paying attention to ways in which financial technology (fintech) could become a lever for the sector’s expansion. On the Rise “State…

Analysis

GCC IPO pipeline, performance optimism
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As governments in the region continue to push for privatisation, the GCC is set to see continued strong performance in initial public offerings (IPOs) in 2024. The total number of IPOs in the region decreased marginally from 48 in 2022 to 46 in 2023 – still well above the 20 recorded in 2021. Proceeds from GCC issuers totalled $10.8bn in 2023, compared to almost $23bn the year before. The growing…

Analysis

How Qatar is prioritising SME development
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Released in January 2024, Qatar’s Third National Development Strategy 2024-30 (NDS-3) aims to bolster the role of the private sector in driving economic growth, shifting away from unsustainable government-led expansion. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are identified as key players in this shift, with a projected compound annual growth rate of 36% in SME contributions to the non-hydrocarbons…

Analysis

Decentralised financing role in GCC economic diversification
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GCC countries are increasingly embracing decentralised finance (DeFi) and attracting cryptocurrency companies as they seek to harness new financial technology (fintech) innovations, expand services, and enhance financial inclusion. DeFi, characterised by peer-to-peer financial services without central authorities, is viewed as a means for economic diversification and adoption of Web3 technologies like…

Analysis

UK-GCC bilateral trade talks to boost renewable energy, food security
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As part of plans to expand and diversify its global trade partners and fulfil their respective national development strategies, the GCC has launched negotiations with the UK on a free trade agreement (FTA). This partnership is expected to bolster the bloc’s economy, help attract investment and provide greater opportunities for local businesses. On June 22, 2022 the two parties signed a joint statement…