Country Profile
From The Report: Qatar 2025
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In the decades preceding 2025 Qatar’s leadership has focused on bolstering the country’s emergence as a robust economic force, both regionally and globally. Qatar derives much of its wealth from its vast natural gas reserves – the third-largest proven deposits in the world. The country records one of the highest GDP per capita figures globally, standing at an estimated $71,650, or $121,610 when adjusted for purchasing power parity, according to IMF projections for 2025. Looking ahead, Qatar’s strategic investment in soft power – from global education initiatives to high-profile events like the 2022 FIFA World Cup – offers diverse avenues for international engagement. These efforts not only enhance its global image but also support its broader energy and security strategies, positioning Qatar as a multifaceted player in the evolving geopolitical landscape.

This chapter contains a viewpoint with HH Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Amir of the State of Qatar.

Articles from this Chapter

Overview

On the rise: From gas wealth to global influence, the country’s transformation blends heritage, innovation and diplomacy
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In the decades preceding 2025 Qatar’s leadership has focused on bolstering the country’s emergence as a robust economic force, both regionally and globally. Qatar derives much of its wealth from its vast natural gas reserves – the third-largest proven deposits in the world. The country records one of the highest GDP per capita figures globally, standing at an estimated $71,650, or $121,610 when adjusted for purchasing power parity, according to IMF projections for 2025. Economic Evolution For much of its modern history, Qatar has been known for its vast natural gas reserves – a defining feature of its economy and global identity. That…

Analysis

Bilateral opportunity: Inaugural inter-regional summit signals closer collaboration between the GCC and South-east Asia in the years to come
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Trade between the GCC and the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) has grown considerably in recent years as economies in both regions seek to capitalise on mutually beneficial opportunities, and diversify their trade and investment partners. Indeed, trade between the GCC and Asian countries classified as emerging and developing by the IMF increased 34.7% year-on-year to reach $516bn in 2022, up from $383bn in 2021, according to data from UK-based think tank Asia House. Trade between the two regions is projected to reach $757bn by 2030, nearly double its 2021 value, according to a 2023 report by Asia House. The same analysis indicates…

Viewpoint

National unity: HH Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Amir of the State of Qatar, on the importance of citizen participation
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The economy continued to grow in 2023, with estimates indicating that GDP has grown at constant prices by 1.2%. This was supported by the growth of the hydrocarbons sector by 1.4% and the non-hydrocarbons sector by 1.1%. The IMF estimates that the local economy will grow by 2% at the end of the current year, with growth jumping to 4.1% annually during 2025-29 – propped up by gas production expansion projects, manufacturing projects and Third National Development Strategy initiatives. Inflation…