Economy
From The Report: Qatar 2026
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Qatar’s economic trajectory over the past two decades has been shaped by a centralised leadership model and a commitment to diversification. Under the leadership of the Amir, HH Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, economic policymaking is coordinated across a small number of institutions, allowing the government to align fiscal policy, investment strategy, monetary management and national planning behind a unified vision. This approach has been instrumental in translating hydrocarbon wealth into sustained development, while laying the foundations for a more diversified and competitive economy. Qatar’s medium-term outlook remains supported by strong hydrocarbon fundamentals, disciplined fiscal management and an increasingly robust non-hydrocarbon growth agenda. Although the phased expansion of the North Field remains central to Qatar’s long-term growth potential, disruption to LNG production in the near term will weigh on headline GDP figures in 2026. Non-hydrocarbons sectors are expected to continue sustaining economic growth, supported by structural reforms under the NDS-3.

This chapter contains interviews with Sheikh Khalifa bin Jassim bin Mohammed Al Thani, Chairman of the Board of Directors, Qatar Chamber; and Abdulaziz bin Nasser bin Mubarak Al Khalifa, Secretary General, National Planning Council (NPC).

Articles from this Chapter

Overview

Growing momentum: Non-hydrocarbons sectors continue to sustain growth, supported by structural reforms, investment initiatives and human capital development programmes
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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 national planning behind a unified vision. This approach has been instrumental in translating hydrocarbon…

Interview

Resilience routes: Sheikh Khalifa bin Jassim bin Mohammed Al Thani, Chairman of the Board of Directors, Qatar Chamber, on strengthening resilience strategies and accelerating diversification
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Interview: Sheikh Khalifa bin Jassim bin Mohammed Al Thani, Chairman of the Board of Directors, Qatar Chamber, on strengthening resilience strategies and accelerating diversification To what extent are businesses adapting their strategies in light of recent geopolitical volatility and the resulting shifts in trade patterns? SHEIKH KHALIFA: The latest regional developments have underscored the importance of resilience and agility in global trade. Qatar’s response has been to broaden supplier networks,…

Analysis

Competitive environment: New incentives and legislative changes to strengthen Qatar’s position as an attractive location for investors
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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 $100bn by 2030 as part of the country’s National Manufacturing Strategy 2024-30. Supporting this…

Interview

From strategy to resilience: Abdulaziz bin Nasser bin Mubarak Al Khalifa, Secretary General, National Planning Council (NPC), on translating Qatar National Vision 2030 into a resilient and adaptive development model
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Interview: Abdulaziz bin Nasser bin Mubarak Al Khalifa, Secretary General, National Planning Council (NPC), on translating Qatar National Vision 2030 into a resilient and adaptive development model In balancing Qatar’s long-term strategic objectives, by what means does the NPC ensure policymaking remains agile and responsive? AL KHALIFA: The NPC serves both as the architect of the Third National Development Strategy (NDS-3) and the orchestrator of its execution. Long-term national objectives…