Qatar Economic Snapshot 2026
Click here to read our Qatar Economic Report and Investment Analysis 2026 online …
The Middle East Economy Sector Research Highlights
The Middle East Economy Sector Research Highlights
Syria’s trade sector is rebuilding momentum
On rebuilding Syria’s trade and industrial base How would you characterise the current stage of economic recovery in Syria, particularly in trade and commodity markets? AMMAR BARDAN: Syria is clearly in a recovery phase, but it is in an early and uneven stage. We are seeing renewed commercial activity in trade and commodity markets, particularly in essential goods such as animal feed, agricultural…
Report: How targeted investment is empowering Oman’s private sector and innovation ecosystem
In English Oman is accelerating economic transformation by strengthening the private sector and expanding access to capital for small businesses and start-ups. In line with Oman Vision 2040, priority initiatives are helping to address funding gaps, encourage entrepreneurship and scale high-potential ventures across diverse industries. This report explores how strategic investment is…
Qatar’s resiliency in an evolving geopolitical landscapeOBGplus
Qatar’s economic outlook in 2026 is being shaped by a complex regional environment, with the Iran conflict serving as the most significant external shock of the year. The conflict has tested energy infrastructure, trade routes and crisis management capabilities across the Gulf, creating short-term pressures on liquefied natural gas (LNG) production and maritime logistics. At the same time, it has…
Qatar's economic reforms drive non-hydrocarbons growthOBGplus
Qatar’s economic trajectory over the past two decades has been shaped by a centralised leadership model and a clear strategic commitment to diversification. Under the leadership of the Amir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, economic policymaking is closely coordinated across a small number of institutions, allowing the government to align fiscal policy, investment strategy, monetary management and…
Qatar's free zone growth boosts trade and investmentOBGplus
Qatar occupies a strategic position in global trade as the world’s second-largest exporter of liquefied natural gas (LNG). While trade revenue has historically withstood hydrocarbons price volatility, 2026 has brought new challenges, including export disruptions, shipping constraints and damage to LNG infrastructure. At the same time, reforms introduced following a modest post-2022 World Cup decline…
A guide to some of Qatar's leading hotelsOBGplus
SOMERSET WEST BAY DOHA Address: Al Qassar Street, Aba Almsan-Blumsan St, Doha, Qatar Telephone: +974 4420 3333 Email: enquiry.doha@the-ascott.com Website: somersetwestbaydoha.com Rooms: 228 apartments, all equipped with fully fitted kitchens, and each unit has separate toilet facilities. Business Facilities: Dedicated business centre, free fast Wi-Fi, on-demand fax and photocopying…
A practical guide for visitors to QatarOBGplus
Visas Citizens of 102 countries are granted a multi-entrance waiver upon arrival which, depending on the nationality of the individual in question, is valid for 180 days and allows the holder to spend a total of 90 days in the country during that time frame. Other visitors are given an entrance waiver that is valid for 30 days, with the ability to apply for a 30-day extension. Etiquette Shaking…
Qatar's economic reforms strengthen investment climateOBGplus
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…
GCC-UK agreement to boost trade and supply chainsOBGplus
The UK and GCC reached a landmark agreement in May 2026 with the conclusion of negotiations on a comprehensive free trade agreement (FTA), bringing to a close four years of discussions that began in 2022. The accord, the first concluded between the GCC and a G7 economy, reflects the growing strategic importance of the relationship within both the UK’s post-Brexit trade agenda and the Gulf’s economic…
