Analysis

Qatar’s ICT sector explores e-sports to diversify its economy
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As Gulf countries continue to pursue plans to diversify their economies and unlock job creation for their relatively young populations, they are investing in the growing industry around competitive video games known as e-sports. The region’s gaming market was estimated at $5.1bn in 2026, up from $4.6bn in 2025 and with 2031 projections anticipated at $9.3bn, expanding at a 12.7% compound annual growth…

Analysis

Qatar's construction and real estate go digital
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Across the GCC, construction and real estate are undergoing a quiet but consequential shift as digital technologies move from pilot-stage experimentation to system-wide adoption. Long characterised by large-scale projects, fragmented supply chains and labour-intensive delivery models, the region’s urban environment is increasingly shaped by data-driven design, automated construction techniques and…

Analysis

Qatar’s transport strengthens its position as regional logistics hub
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Qatar has prioritised investment in its transport networks in recent years to enhance connectivity and competitiveness, support growth in non-hydrocarbons sectors, and bolster its position a leading global logistics and trade centre. Leveraging its strategic location at the crossroads of Asia, Europe and Africa, government funding has focused on upgrading the country’s ports, airports and road network,…

Analysis

Qatar explores new logistics routes beyond Hormuz
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Supply chain disruptions have historically accelerated infrastructure investment and regional economic integration that might otherwise have taken decades to materialise. The reduction in maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz as a result of the Iran conflict proved no exception. Roughly 20% of global oil trade passes through the Strait each day, alongside a significant share of non-oil commodities,…

Analysis

Qatar advances hybrid defence industry partnerships
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Qatar is continuing to reorient its defence posture from a procurement-led model towards one that emphasises building sovereign industrial capabilities through partnerships with global firms. Recent regional security developments and the disruption associated with the 2026 conflict have highlighted the importance of resilient supply chains, operational readiness and access to advanced defence technologies,…

Analysis

Qatar expands solar, wind and waste power for energy goals
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The Qatar Renewable Energy Strategy (QNRES), launched in 2024, signals the government’s intention to increase its investment in electricity generation from renewable sources. Goals for QNRES include seeing renewables contribute 4 GW of power to the energy mix to account for 18% of total generation, reducing power generation costs by 15% and cutting CO₂ emissions by 27% by 2030. Qatar’s CO₂…

Analysis

Specialty insurance sector adapts to regional tensions
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The Iran conflict and its consequences for maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz have laid bare structural weaknesses in global insurance markets that were present long before the first strikes. Within days of the outbreak of conflict in February 2026, war risk premium surged 500%, making transit economically unviable for most commercial operators. The world’s 12 major protection and indemnity…

Analysis

Qatar's Islamic finance sector embraces digital growth
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The development of digital finance is a pillar of Qatar’s medium-term development programme, the Third Financial Sector Strategic Strategy (FSS-3). Running from 2024-30, this roadmap seeks to boost financial technology (fintech) in general, while its cross-cutting emphasis on developing Islamic finance means the FSS-3 offers support for Islamic financial technology in particular. This governmental…

Analysis

Qatar's banking regulations shape traditional and digital finance
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Qatar’s conventional financial service providers are driving the adoption of digital banking services and mobile banking applications, underpinned by increasing customer demand for contactless payments and digital wallets amid high internet penetration and smartphone use. A regulatory framework for digital banks, introduced by the Qatar Central Bank (QCB) in December 2024, establishes guidelines…

Analysis

Qatar's economic reforms strengthen investment climate
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Since the 2000s, Qatar’s investor proposition has evolved considerably as authorities have aligned foreign direct investment (FDI) policy, venture capital (VC) incentives and labour mobility to bolster private-sector confidence and accelerate growth. Efforts have ramped up in recent years and in early 2025 Qatar’s prime minister unveiled the target of attracting cumulative inward investment of…