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The Report: Qatar 2025
Qatar is channeling its hydrocarbons wealth into long-term economic transformation, with diversification accelerating after the FIFA 2022 World Cup. In 2024 non-oil sectors accounted for over 60% of GDP, led by tourism, logistics and financial services. Strong fiscal buffers, a US dollar peg and prudent management of the $475bn Qatar Investment Authority support macroeconomic stability. Reforms in labour laws, green investment, and small and medium-sized enterprise development have boosted private sector participation and competitiveness. The trade and investment sector is a key area of the country’s growth due to the government’s ability to leverage associated international exposure to attract higher inflows of foreign direct investment (FDI), aligning with its broader economic diversification agenda. The energy sector continues to be a boon for the economy and FDI inflows due to Qatar’s abundant natural gas reserves and its liquefied natural gas exports. Qatar’s economy is strong and stable, coupled with a population of around 3.1m, endow Qatar with vast sovereign wealth and one of the highest GDP per capita figures in the world.
Qatar is channeling its hydrocarbons wealth into long-term economic transformation, with diversification accelerating after the FIFA 2022 World Cup. In 2024 non-oil sectors accounted for over 60% of GDP, led by tourism, logistics and financial services. Strong fiscal buffers, a US dollar peg and prudent management of the $475bn Qatar Investment Authority support macroeconomic stability. Reforms in labour laws, green investment, and small and medium-sized enterprise development have boosted private sector participation and competitiveness. The trade and investment sector is a key area of the country’s growth due to the government’s ability to leverage associated international exposure to attract higher inflows of foreign direct investment (FDI), aligning with its broader economic diversification agenda. The energy sector continues to be a boon for the economy and FDI inflows due to Qatar’s abundant natural gas reserves and its liquefied natural gas exports. Qatar’s economy is strong and stable, coupled with a population of around 3.1m, endow Qatar with vast sovereign wealth and one of the highest GDP per capita figures in the world.
The Report: Qatar 2025
Qatar is channeling its hydrocarbons wealth into long-term economic transformation, with diversification accelerating after the FIFA 2022 World Cup. In 2024 non-oil sectors accounted for over 60% of GDP, led by tourism, logistics and financial services. Strong fiscal buffers, a US dollar peg and prudent management of the $475bn Qatar Investment Authority support macroeconomic stability. Reforms in labour laws, green investment, and small and medium-sized enterprise development have boosted private sector participation and competitiveness. The trade and investment sector is a key area of the country’s growth due to the government’s ability to leverage associated international exposure to attract higher inflows of foreign direct investment (FDI), aligning with its broader economic diversification agenda. The energy sector continues to be a boon for the economy and FDI inflows due to Qatar’s abundant natural gas reserves and its liquefied natural gas exports. Qatar’s economy is strong and stable, coupled with a population of around 3.1m, endow Qatar with vast sovereign wealth and one of the highest GDP per capita figures in the world.
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Qatar is channeling its hydrocarbons wealth into long-term economic transformation, with diversification accelerating after the FIFA 2022 World Cup. In 2024 non-oil sectors accounted for over 60% of GDP, led by tourism, logistics and financial services. Strong fiscal buffers, a US dollar peg and prudent management of the $475bn Qatar Investment Authority support macroeconomic stability. Reforms in labour laws, green investment, and small and medium-sized enterprise development have boosted private sector participation and competitiveness. The trade and investment sector is a key area of the country’s growth due to the government’s ability to leverage associated international exposure to attract higher inflows of foreign direct investment (FDI), aligning with its broader economic diversification agenda. The energy sector continues to be a boon for the economy and FDI inflows due to Qatar’s abundant natural gas reserves and its liquefied natural gas exports. Qatar’s economy is strong and stable, coupled with a population of around 3.1m, endow Qatar with vast sovereign wealth and one of the highest GDP per capita figures in the world.
The Report: Oman 2025
Oman is actively diversifying its economy as part of its Oman Vision 2040 strategy, reducing its reliance on hydrocarbons by expanding sectors like agriculture, fisheries, manufacturing, and banking. The government’s focus on sustainable development is driving growth, particularly through strategic reforms, infrastructure projects and investment in renewable energy. Efforts to improve financial services, including banking, insurance and capital markets, have contributed to economic stability and attracted foreign investment. Oman’s advantageous geographic location enhances its role in regional trade, with a growing focus on ICT and digital transformation, positioning the country as a leader in innovation. The government has also invested heavily in education and health care, improving literacy rates and life expectancy while adopting modern technologies. The tourism sector is another key area of growth, with the government promoting sustainable practices and supporting local economies through community-based projects. Overall, Oman’s transformation is enhancing its competitiveness and positioning it for long-term economic growth.
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Oman is actively diversifying its economy as part of its Oman Vision 2040 strategy, reducing its reliance on hydrocarbons by expanding sectors like agriculture, fisheries, manufacturing, and banking. The government’s focus on sustainable development is driving growth, particularly through strategic reforms, infrastructure projects and investment in renewable energy. Efforts to improve financial services, including banking, insurance and capital markets, have contributed to economic stability and attracted foreign investment. Oman’s advantageous geographic location enhances its role in regional trade, with a growing focus on ICT and digital transformation, positioning the country as a leader in innovation. The government has also invested heavily in education and health care, improving literacy rates and life expectancy while adopting modern technologies. The tourism sector is another key area of growth, with the government promoting sustainable practices and supporting local economies through community-based projects. Overall, Oman’s transformation is enhancing its competitiveness and positioning it for long-term economic growth.
The Report: Ajman 2025
Ajman has emerged as a strategic centre for non-oil economic growth, leveraging its free zones, infrastructure investments and cultural heritage. The emirate’s GDP reached Dh36bn ($9.8bn) in 2023, with key contributions from manufacturing, construction and trade. Ajman Vision 2030 outlines a roadmap for sustainable, inclusive development, prioritising smart governance, environmental protection, education and innovation. Tourism, transport upgrades and real estate development are also central to long-term plans, with initiatives such as the Al Zorah Seaport and Corniche revitalisation reinforcing the emirate’s appeal. Public-private partnerships, digitalisation and a growing start-up ecosystem further position Ajman as a dynamic investment destination aligned with national and global sustainability goals.
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Ajman has emerged as a strategic centre for non-oil economic growth, leveraging its free zones, infrastructure investments and cultural heritage. The emirate’s GDP reached Dh36bn ($9.8bn) in 2023, with key contributions from manufacturing, construction and trade. Ajman Vision 2030 outlines a roadmap for sustainable, inclusive development, prioritising smart governance, environmental protection, education and innovation. Tourism, transport upgrades and real estate development are also central to long-term plans, with initiatives such as the Al Zorah Seaport and Corniche revitalisation reinforcing the emirate’s appeal. Public-private partnerships, digitalisation and a growing start-up ecosystem further position Ajman as a dynamic investment destination aligned with national and global sustainability goals.
The Report: Bahrain 2024
Bahrain has seen its economy expand through diversification efforts, with a focus on finance, industry and technology. Projects in infrastructure, digital transformation and tourism aim to drive growth and attract foreign investment. The kingdom is committed to sustainability, targeting a 30% reduction in carbon emissions by 2035. The financial sector is a key contributor with innovation in financial technology, and the insurance market is expected to benefit from the rollout of a mandatory health insurance scheme in early 2025. The government is also investing in renewable energy, aiming for 5% of energy to be sourced by renewables by 2025. Bahrain is also enhancing its transport sector with a $30bn expansion plan. With additional developments in the industrial sector, ICT, and education Bahrain continues to evolve as an attractive investment destination.
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Bahrain has seen its economy expand through diversification efforts, with a focus on finance, industry and technology. Projects in infrastructure, digital transformation and tourism aim to drive growth and attract foreign investment. The kingdom is committed to sustainability, targeting a 30% reduction in carbon emissions by 2035. The financial sector is a key contributor with innovation in financial technology, and the insurance market is expected to benefit from the rollout of a mandatory health insurance scheme in early 2025. The government is also investing in renewable energy, aiming for 5% of energy to be sourced by renewables by 2025. Bahrain is also enhancing its transport sector with a $30bn expansion plan. With additional developments in the industrial sector, ICT, and education Bahrain continues to evolve as an attractive investment destination.
The Report: Saudi Arabia 2024
Saudi Arabia, the region’s largest economy, is progressing towards diversification under Vision 2030. The digital economy is a standout performer, contributing 14% of GDP, while government-led giga-projects open long-term opportunities across various sectors. Despite a dip in oil activities that reduced the current account surplus to 3.2% in 2023, tourism income surged by 38%, boosting the service trade surplus to a record high. The Kingdom’s economy is forecast to grow by 4.6% in 2025. Saudi Arabia offers a dynamic business environment, attracting both large corporations working with government entities and smaller companies leveraging private sector activity. Key sectors like banking, energy and construction are thriving, driven by strategic investment and reforms.
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Saudi Arabia, the region’s largest economy, is progressing towards diversification under Vision 2030. The digital economy is a standout performer, contributing 14% of GDP, while government-led giga-projects open long-term opportunities across various sectors. Despite a dip in oil activities that reduced the current account surplus to 3.2% in 2023, tourism income surged by 38%, boosting the service trade surplus to a record high. The Kingdom’s economy is forecast to grow by 4.6% in 2025. Saudi Arabia offers a dynamic business environment, attracting both large corporations working with government entities and smaller companies leveraging private sector activity. Key sectors like banking, energy and construction are thriving, driven by strategic investment and reforms.
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