Country Profile
From The Report: Qatar 2017
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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. With a relatively small local population and substantial revenues generated from having the third-largest proven natural gas reserves globally, Qatar has one of the world’s highest GDPs per capita: at current prices it stood at $64,400 in 2017. Prior to 2010 the country was mostly known internationally for its vast gas reserves and for being the home of the media network Al Jazeera. However, this changed when Qatar won the contest to host the 2022 FIFA World Cup in December of that year. Now, it has become well known in the international arena for many reasons, from its extensive international investments and ample spending on substantial infrastructure projects, to the diplomatic rift with the GCC, which began in June 2017.

This chapter contains a viewpoint from Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Emir of Qatar; and an interview with Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior.

Articles from this Chapter

Overview

Still prospering: A growing economy and an abundance of resources continue to provide a high standard of living
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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. With a relatively small local population and substantial revenues generated from having the third-largest proven natural gas reserves globally, Qatar has one of the world’s highest GDPs per capita: at current prices it stood at QR234,586 ($64,400) in 2017. Prior to 2010 the country was mostly known internationally…

Analysis

Stimulating sufficiency: Recent diplomatic difficulties encourage local industry expansion
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The blockade imposed on Qatar by Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain and Egypt in June 2017 has had many significant effects on the country and its economy, not to mention the wider region. Yet while much of this was initially disruptive, there is a sense among government officials and business leaders that the situation also presents opportunities that Qatar and businesses operating in the country can exploit. “The blockade made us stronger and we now have hope because of the government’s…

Overview

Commitment to values: Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Emir of Qatar, on achieving national development goals
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Viewpoint:Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani Economic affairs remain a matter of prime concern for us, especially in light of the circumstances created by the sharp decline in hydrocarbons prices; however, we are determined to achieve the goals that we have set for ourselves in the Qatar National Vision 2030 (QNV 2030). New realities are emerging in the global energy industry as a result of accelerating technological developments. This has led to an increase in oil and gas production to unprecedented…

Analysis

Making new friends: A recently enacted visa-free programme aims to mitigate fallout from the blockade
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On August 9, 2017 Qatar announced a programme that grants visa-free entry to citizens of 80 countries, allowing nationals of 33 of those nations to stay for 180 days and those from the remaining 47 countries to stay for up to 30 days. The list includes India, Turkey, most of Europe, China, the US, Canada, South Africa and Indonesia. In early September 2017 Morocco was added to the list, joining Lebanon as the only other Arab country included. The chief executive of state-owned Qatar Airways,…

Interview

Strong returns: Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, on the current business climate and measures to attract investment
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Interview:Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani Which sectors are providing the highest return on investment to potential shareholders? SHEIKH ABDULLAH BIN NASSER BIN KHALIFA AL THANI: Qatar’s public-sector investment expenditures are designed to support infrastructure development in the lead up to the 2022 FIFA World Cup, while also contributing to the wider objectives of Qatar National Vision 2030. In order to meet these infrastructure plans and objectives, alternative funding…