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Qatar Economic Research Highlights

The Report: Qatar 2022

Qatar is leveraging its resources to become a knowledge-based, diversified economy fuelled by a dynamic private sector. As such, the country is investing in strategic areas such as agriculture, services, and...

Highlights from The Report: Qatar 2022

Oxford Business Group has now launched The Report: Qatar 2022. This 16th edition of our national macroeconomic analysis shines a spotlight on Qatar’s efforts to leverage its abundant natural gas resources...

Economic Analysis & Insights 2022-23: Qatar

Viewpoint

HH Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Amir of the State of Qatar: Viewpoint
OBG
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On the importance of international cooperation

Overview

How has diversification supported Qatar’s economic recovery?
OBG
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As with other countries around the world, Qatar’s economy was affected by the Covid-19 pandemic. The health crisis has had wide-ranging effects in global markets, including disruptions to supply chains...

Overview

Qatar moves to bolster gas production and sustainable energy
OBG
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Qatar is undertaking a major long-term expansion strategy in the North Field to increase the production of liquefied natural gas (LNG). The project, which involves tens of billions of dollars worth of...

Interview

Sheikh Ali Al Waleed Al Thani, CEO, Investment Promotion Agency Qatar (IPA Qatar): Interview
OBG
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On leveraging investment to support the country’s economic recovery

Overview

Qatar moves to allow more foreign ownership and diversify trade partners
OBG
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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...

Interview

Fahad Rashid Al Kaabi, CEO, Manateq: Interview
OBG
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On supporting small businesses and attracting foreign investment

Analysis

What has Qatar done to improve labour protections?
OBG
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Migrant labour has played a key role in the development and diversification of Gulf economies in recent decades, and Qatar is no exception. The population of the six GCC members in 1970 was...

HH Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Amir of the State of Qatar: Viewpoint
How has diversification supported Qatar’s economic recovery?
Qatar moves to bolster gas production and sustainable energy
Sheikh Ali Al Waleed Al Thani, CEO, Investment Promotion Agency Qatar (IPA Qatar): Interview
Qatar moves to allow more foreign ownership and diversify trade partners
Fahad Rashid Al Kaabi, CEO, Manateq: Interview
What has Qatar done to improve labour protections?
 

Qatar: Economic Research & Views

Economic View

Michael Michael, CEO, Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre (DECC) and Qatar Business Events Corporation

On catering to local and global audiences with new technologies and safety measures

Economic News

Gulf countries look to space to harness scientific and commercial opportunities
OBG
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In the push to embrace emerging technologies and harness their potential commercial opportunities, Gulf countries are launching new initiatives to bolster their domestic space industries...

Economic News

Emerging markets invest in film media to extend their global reach
OBG
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As audiences return to entertainment in physical venues following the Covid-19 pandemic, several emerging markets are looking to film and media to diversify economic revenue streams and extend...

Economic News

Gulf countries developing regulatory frameworks for decentralised finance
OBG
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As GCC countries look to harness new forms of financial technology (fintech) such as blockchain, deepen their financial services and expand financial inclusion, governments are embracing...

Economic News

How generative AI could transform education in the GCC
OBG
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As public and private entities across the world weigh how to utilise generative artificial intelligence (AI) technology, GCC countries are embracing the new tool as a way to transform their education sectors.

Economic News

Gulf countries explore e-sports as part of diversification plans
OBG
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As Gulf countries implement plans to diversify their economies and create jobs, they are increasingly investing in the growing industry around competitive video games known as electronic sports (e-sports).,,

Economic News

The GCC’s latest efforts to bolster cybersecurity
OBG
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With global geopolitical instability elevating the threat of cyberattacks against businesses and government agencies, the six countries of the GCC are rapidly building more robust and comprehensive...

CEO Survey Analysis

Global CEO Survey: What is on the horizon for emerging markets?

While the recovery period following the Covid-19 pandemic saw the unlocking of major capital in emerging markets, inflationary pressures, fluctuating commodity prices and geopolitical concerns...

Interview

Abdulla Mubarak Al Khalifa, Group CEO, Qatar National Bank (QNB): Interview
OBG
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On driving sustainable economy-wide growth

Michael Michael, CEO, Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre (DECC) and Qatar Business Events Corporation
Gulf countries look to space to harness scientific and commercial opportunities
Emerging markets invest in film media to extend their global reach
Gulf countries developing regulatory frameworks for decentralised finance
How generative AI could transform education in the GCC
Gulf countries explore e-sports as part of diversification plans
The GCC’s latest efforts to bolster cybersecurity
Global CEO Survey: What is on the horizon for emerging markets?
Abdulla Mubarak Al Khalifa, Group CEO, Qatar National Bank (QNB): Interview
 

Report: How Qatar is confronting environmental and social challenges

With the publication of its National Environment and Climate Change Strategy in 2021, Qatar has recognised that a proactive and holistic approach is needed to meet the challenge of global warming...

ESG in Qatar & the GCC

Economic View

Ahmed Al Shamsi, Managing Director and CEO, Abu Dhabi Sustainable Water Solutions Company (SWS)

On innovative approaches in water conservation and reuse


Economic News

How emerging markets are navigating the rising cost of solar power

With high energy prices and supply chain disruptions creating shortages of key renewable energy components and materials, emerging markets are reassessing how to build out utility-scale solar power to accelerate their energy transitions. After more than a decade of decline, the cost of solar photovoltaic (PV) panels has risen around the world, due primarily to the increasing cost of solar-grade polysilicon in China. A key component in PV panels, polysilicon spot market prices rose from less than $7 per kg in July 2020 to $39 in August...


Analysis

Islamic finance in Qatar adopting sustainability criteria

Qatar’s Islamic financial services sector is engaged in a shift towards sustainability to take advantage of robust global growth in demand for sharia-compliant investments and rising interest in green finance. Globally, Islamic financial services continue to exhibit strong momentum, with loans expanding at an average compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.5% in 2020 and 2021, according to a 2022 report from credit ratings agency Moody’s. This compares favourably with conventional financing’s CAGR of 3.4% over the same...


Economic News

What impact will the rise in oil prices have on the energy transition?

Amid an increase in global demand and concerns over key supplies, global oil prices are approaching $100 per barrel for the first time since 2014. But, with prices rising, what does this mean for the renewable energy transition, especially in Gulf countries? After opening the year at around $78 per barrel, Brent crude prices rose sharply over the first six weeks of 2022 to surpass $94 as of February 14, the highest price in more than seven years. Driven primarily by a lack of supply and a recent post-lockdown spike in global demand...


ESG Intelligence Report

Report: The road to a zero-emission automotive industry in the Middle East and Africa

Automotive stakeholders are increasingly aware that the business-as-usual scenario that has sustained the industry for more than 100 years is no longer tenable. Regulatory changes and emissions-reduction targets at the national and global level are spurring a pivot to low-carbon and zero-emissions vehicles. This transition requires a period of intense innovation to develop new technologies that make electric vehicles (EVs) appealing, safe, reliable and affordable...


Economic News

Urban areas experiment with cooling technologies to combat climate change

With temperatures in cities set to rise in the coming decades, many public and private players in emerging markets are looking to tackle the challenge of extreme heat through technology, sustainable building techniques and the expansion of urban green spaces. Cities cover just 3% of the Earth’s surface but currently house over half of the world’s population – a figure set to reach 70% by 2050. Urban population growth is predicted to be highest in emerging markets, with 90% of the shift to cities occurring in Asia and...


ESG Intelligence Report

Report: The future of sustainable finance in Kuwait’s banking sector

The regulatory landscape for Gulf financial service providers is changing, with growing awareness of the need for banking institutions to adopt sustainable finance frameworks and responsible lending and operational practices in order to manage risk and attract international investment. By establishing sustainable finance frameworks, banking institutions are able to structure their sustainable lending practices and strengthen systemic safeguards against social and environmental risks, while also diversifying their funding sources...


Economic News

Why are global food prices rising, and what does it mean for emerging markets?

Despite an increase in crop production and international trade following a pandemic-disrupted 2020, global food prices have risen to 10-year highs, increasing pressure on many emerging markets. Following a two-month respite from month-on-month (m-o-m) declines, the UN’s World Food Price Index averaged 130 points in September, representing a rise of 1.2% m-o-m and 32.8% year-on-year. The index is now sitting at highs not seen since 2011. While food prices are high across the board, cereal prices are seeing a notable spike...


Report: What are the post-pandemic prospects for Qatar’s start-ups and SMEs?

The disruption to daily life created by the pandemic has precipitated an acceleration of the digital transformation process already under way in the corporate sector in Qatar, with private firms waking up to the...

Covid-19 Response & Recovery - Qatar

Covid-19 Response Report

Report: What role will the sharia banking segment play in Qatar’s recovery?

Amid the global economic downturn linked to the pandemic, Qatar was able to draw on its strong track record of fiscal surpluses and its robust sovereign credit rating to fund an integrated and effective...

Covid-19 Response Report

Report: Covid-19's long-term implications for Qatar’s external trade and maritime logistics

Backed by a high credit rating, advanced oil and gas production and storage capacity, and a deep sovereign wealth fund, Qatar was able to tap international debt markets to fund an effective economic response...

Covid-19 Response Report

Report: How has the Covid-19 pandemic impacted Qatar’s food security?

The trade dispute between Qatar and some of its neighbours in 2017-20 served to strengthen the country’s food security, spurring it to ramp up domestic production capacity and diversify...

Covid-19 Response Report

Report: What does the post-pandemic future hold for Qatar’s construction industry?

As one of the world’s richest countries per capita, Qatar entered the Covid-19 pandemic from a position of relative strength. Backed by deep and accessible gas deposits, a positive fiscal balance and a high...

Covid-19 Response Report

Report: What impact has the Covid-19 pandemic had on Qatar’s start-up ecosystem?

Qatar acted swiftly to contain the spread of Covid-19 in the early stages of the pandemic, harnessing the power of digital technology to implement effective test, trace and treatment strategies...

Covid-19 Recovery Roadmap

Report: What is the post-Covid-19 outlook for GCC chemicals and petrochemicals?

The GCC chemicals and petrochemicals industry demonstrated considerable resilience in the face of Covid-19 and oil price fluctuations. With economic diversification a leading concern for GCC...

Covid-19 Response Report

Report: Can agri-tech offer sustainable solutions to GCC food security challenges?

Food production in the GCC has long faced obstacles ranging from water scarcity to a lack of arable soil – factors that are being exacerbated by climate change. Prior to Covid-19, imports accounted for 85%...

Report: What role will the sharia banking segment play in Qatar’s recovery?
Report: Covid-19's long-term implications for Qatar’s external trade and maritime logistics
Report: How has the Covid-19 pandemic impacted Qatar’s food security?
Report: What does the post-pandemic future hold for Qatar’s construction industry?
Report: What impact has the Covid-19 pandemic had on Qatar’s start-up ecosystem?
Report: What is the post-Covid-19 outlook for GCC chemicals and petrochemicals?
Report: Can agri-tech offer sustainable solutions to GCC food security challenges?
 

Strategic legislation to benefit Qatar in the new decade

Since gaining independence in 1971 Qatar has quickly risen to prominence both regionally and internationally to become an economic, political and cultural powerhouse in the Middle East...

Education: Shaping Qatar's Future

Overview

How Qatar’s education sector is equipping students for the future

Decades of concerted investment in education have helped Qatar create a qualified workforce equipped with the skills needed to succeed in growing professions. The country’s literacy rate in 2019 was 99.2% of individuals 15 years old and above, while the gross enrolment rates for primary, preparatory and secondary education are all around 100% – a reflection of the mission to provide education for all. Education, research and training are key components of Qatar National Vision 2030, the country’s long-term framework to...


Economic View

Ahmad Hasnah, President, Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU)

On the post-pandemic environment for higher education


Analysis

How institutions of higher learning are embracing the metaverse

In a bid to expand access and widen their reach, educational institutions are increasingly exploring the possibilities of the metaverse and associated extended-reality (XR) approaches. The metaverse comprises a range of technologies which immerse users in a virtual environment. It denotes a 3D medium that combines virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) into a new digital realm, sometimes known as XR. These environments are accessed through VR headsets and are typically immersive, interactive...


Economic News

How has the pandemic changed university course offerings in the Gulf?

With the current semester winding up, many higher education institutions in the Gulf are already planning an expanded offering of courses for the next academic year – with a focus on supporting the needs of the region’s post-pandemic economy. As OBG detailed earlier this year, the economic fallout of Covid-19 has encouraged higher education institutions in the Gulf to adapt their course offerings to help drive their respective countries’ economic recoveries. The coronavirus pandemic both highlighted and heightened the importance...


Economic News

Covid-19 and Gulf higher education: are e-learning solutions here to stay?

After rising to the challenge of the pandemic early last year, educational institutions in the Gulf have continued to develop their digital strategies as part of broader plans for the future. Following the outbreak of the novel coronavirus, many universities, schools and technical colleges – who were midway through the academic year – quickly adapted to the new situation by adopting digital learning platforms and making learning materials available online. One of those leading the transition was the UAE’s Higher Colleges of...


Covid-19 Response Report

Report: Will digitalisation in UAE higher education spur longer-term economic growth?

The UAE’s robust current account balance cushioned the economy against the twin global challenges of Covid-19 and the oil price drop in 2020. Lockdowns were implemented to protect public health, and Emiratis migrated online. UAE residents were ranked as the best ICT users globally in an October 2020 study from the Portulans Institute, due in part to a number-one ranking for school internet access, underlining the agility of UAE education stakeholders...


2021-22 GCC Economic Reports beyond Qatar

Future Readiness Report

Report: Is the Gulf shipping and logistics sector future-ready?

In the wake of a period of severe disruption to global trade, Gulf shipping and logistics companies are adapting to government efforts to boost self-sufficiency in the region, while also investing in corporate digital solutions to improve communication with stakeholders, and predict and mitigate challenges along the supply chain. Looking ahead, shipping and logistics companies face growing sustainability challenges, as the transition to a net-zero economy increasingly focuses on Scope III greenhouse gas emissions in the supply...


Market Profile Video

Saudi Arabia’s economy is positioned for growth in the coming years

Oxford Business Group has launched The Report: Saudi Arabia 2022. This Market Profile video highlights how the Kingdom’s diversified approach to economic development is helping to position it as one of the fastest-growing G20 economies in 2022. The Report shines a spotlight on key developments in manufacturing, petrochemicals and mining, and the ways in which leaders are capitalising on the country’s natural resource wealth to generate downstream value-added businesses...


Covid-19 Response Report

Report: Was Oman's banking sector resilient enough to support economic stability during the pandemic?

Oman’s economy was heavily reliant on hydrocarbons when the pandemic began, creating fiscal pressures as demand and prices fell. However, the country was able to rely on a well-capitalised and regulated financial services system to maintain macroeconomic stability, and years of sustained investment in the public health system helped it cope with the sudden demands of a medical crisis. Looking ahead, Oman’s policymakers are considering bold measures to address twin deficits, alongside efforts to accelerate economic...


The Report

The Report: Sharjah 2021

Sharjah has one of the most diversified economies in the UAE, with a strong foundation in industry and manufacturing. Approximately 95.8% of its economic activity was derived from non-oil sectors in 2019, positioning the emirate to absorb much of the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.


Covid-19 Response Report

Report: How is the pandemic shaping the future of Abu Dhabi’s health care sector?

Sustained investment and foresighted policy initiatives meant that the UAE and Abu Dhabi had developed a modern and effective public health system prior to the pandemic, supported by a growing number of private operators offering complementary services. When Covid-19 reached the country, SEHA and other health stakeholders were able to scale up testing and treatment capacity rapidly, aided by data-led solutions such as a locally developed test-and-trace application, which warned residents about close contact...


Market Profile Video

Highlights from The Report: Bahrain 2022

Elevated oil prices are helping Bahrain rebound from the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic, and driving an economic expansion that is expected to continue through 2022 and into the coming years. With some $30bn in infrastructure projects in the pipeline, the country is seeking to strengthen its position as a regional logistics destination. The kingdom is also diversifying its economy away from a dependence on hydrocarbons and investing in high-potential areas such as tourism, financial technology, ICT and renewables...


Covid-19 Recovery Roadmap

Report: How can Dubai’s economy bounce back from Covid-19?

Dubai’s diversified and digitalised economy was able to absorb the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic relatively well. The emirate enjoys some of the fastest internet speeds and most advanced broadband infrastructure in the world, which facilitated the rapid shift to online work, education and commerce. Dubai and the broader UAE also benefit from one of the highest Covid-19 vaccination rates to date, with a public programme rolled out from December 2020 and the majority of the population fully inoculated by mid-2021...


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