Country Profile
From The Report: Qatar 2015
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Qatar’s rapid economic growth over the past decade has thrust the country of 2.22m onto the world stage, and it is now one of the world’s richest on a per capita level. While Qatar’s huge natural gas resources represent the driving force behind its fast-growing economy, the country’s long-term development plan, Qatar National Vision 2030, envisions a diversification away from hydrocarbons in the future. Leading the way in this regard is the construction sector as the government pushes ahead with its vast infrastructure investment programme in the run up to the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

This chapter contains a viewpoint from Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Emir of Qatar; and interviews with Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior; Khalid bin Mohammed Al Attiyah, Minister of Foreign Affairs; and Sheikha Hind bint Hamad Al Thani, Vice-Chairperson, Qatar Foundation; and Vice-Chairperson, Supreme Education Council.

Articles from this Chapter

Overview

Qatar ranks among world leaders for its vast resources and growth
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Rapid economic growth over the past decade has thrust Qatar onto the world stage. In 2012 it became the world’s richest country per capita, with its huge natural gas resources the driving force behind one of the globe’s fastest-growing economies. As important as hydrocarbons are to the state, they are merely one aspect of the country’s ambitious long-term development plan. Projects under way include diversification through industrial investment, a huge programme of infrastructure development…

Analysis

Qatar on friendly terms with GCC and Asia
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Trade relations between the GCC and Asian economies have been growing steadily for some time now. In 2014 Qatar’s sovereign wealth fund, the Qatar Investment Authority (QIA), announced it would invest between $15bn and $20bn over the next five years in Asia. While there are risks associated with Asian markets, the GCC as a bloc is deepening its commitment to the region. This is signalled by a number of potential trade agreements, increased diplomatic engagement, and the possibility of new political…

Viewpoint

Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Emir of Qatar, on developmental and economic issues
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Viewpoint: Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani The government is currently leading efforts to implement the National Development Strategy 2011-16. This strategy has been subjected to an objective appraisal three years after being launched to monitor progress made in its implementation as well as amendments to its targets in light of changes in various economic, social and demographic factors. This appraisal has shown that a number of parties that are taking part in the development march have drawn up their…

Analysis

Trade with Asia grows as Qatar looks east
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Following a difficult period for the international shipping market, in 2012 the container route from Shanghai to the Gulf through Dubai saw the second-highest rate of freight growth in the entire Asian region. This was part of an emerging trend of the maturation of GCCAsia trade. A relationship that was once just based on energy demand is diversifying and the GCC is seen as a viable market for Asian goods and investment, a key transit point – given its developed infrastructure – for the fast-growing…

Interview

Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior: Interview
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Interview:Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani To what degree will Qatar’s agenda continue to focus on regional diplomacy and security? SHEIKH ABDULLAH BIN NASSER BIN KHALIFA AL THANI: Qatar’s relationships with its neighbours have traditionally been a priority and they continue to be under Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, emir of Qatar. While it is true that Qatar and various GCC members have not always seen eye-to-eye on every issue, disagreements have received disproportionate…

Analysis

Qatar among GCC countries investing in Africa
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The push amongst GCC states to invest in Africa came about in earnest following the 2007-08 global food price crisis, and in those days targeted agricultural land and strategic commodity production. Agribusiness, sovereign wealth funds and other agri-investment vehicles were the main players at the time. Primarily state-led, the investments at that time centred on framework agreements with the host market, guaranteeing purchases and providing subsidised credit. Fast forward to 2015, and Dubai’s…

Interview

Khalid bin Mohammed Al Attiyah, Minister of Foreign Affairs: Interview
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Interview:Khalid bin Mohammed Al Attiyah Given the state’s current economic agenda, where is Qatar looking to develop diplomatic ties and why? KHALID BIN MOHAMMED AL ATTIYAH: Our foreign policy, both at the regional and international level, is characterised by the utmost openness. Qatar is working to further promote and develop cooperation with all countries, as well as with international organisations, and to foster the development of bilateral and multilateral relations to serve the public…

Interview

Sheikha Hind bint Hamad Al Thani, Vice-Chairperson, Qatar Foundation, and Vice-Chairperson, Supreme Education Council: Interview
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Interview:Sheikha Hind bint Hamad Al Thani The education sector has undergone a major transformation. What do you hope it will achieve in line with Qatar National Vision 2030? SHEIKHA HIND BINT HAMAD AL THANI: Our country’s leadership has long recognised that education is the engine that will drive Qatar towards the knowledge-based economy outlined in Qatar National Vision 2030. Thus, we have invested heavily in all levels of education, and the results are apparent today. At the higher…