Qatar Tourism Authority

Economic Diversification

Qatar’s economic performance, accompanied by vigorous efforts made by the State, saw it move gradually from an oil and gas economy to a knowledge-based economy, building national capacity and increasing knowledge, skills and technology for the production of goods and services to contribute to economic diversification. At the core of 'Qatar National Vision 2030’ is the need to develop capacity in ICT, science and technology in Qatar as central elements in its future.

One of the most prominent manifestations of this shift from carbon to human capital development was the creation of Qatar Science and Technology Park (QSTP) as a proactive partner to incubate 33 companies operating in the field of technology from around the world and help develop diversify the national economy even futher. Citing his vision for the future, His Highness the Emir spoke about the national economy, saying that "Social and economic success in the future will depend increasingly on the interaction with the new world order based on knowledge, and the State has begun the process of developing policies to build a knowledge-based economy relying heavily on research and development." Sound economic management and prudent responsible exploitation of oil and gas will aid economic diversification.

In addition, Qatar has the world’s highest per capita GDP with globally the lowest unemployment rates estimated by U.S. sources by half a percent in 2009, while the the rate of growth for 2011 was around 16 percent.

At the height of the global economic crisis, the State of Qatar was characterised by wisdom and prudence and as a tribute to specialists did not announce the bankruptcy of any organization. Such good judgment enabled the country to develop strategic plans for the exploitation of natural resources through an integrated investment program in its oil and gas industry, petrochemicals and in the transfer of gas to liquids (GTL). Qatar has also built one of the world’s largest fleet of ships to transport the gas to world markets thus diversifying its economic base.

In its oil and gas industries the country witnessed a significant acceleration in increased production of oil and gas, LNG and petrochemical products, which is expected to culminate in the fourth quarter of 2014. , According to some international reports, the State of Qatar currently occupies a central position in natural gas production internationally and finished fifth in the quality and gas exports, ranked first in exports of natural gas (LNG) and third in reserves of gas.

Financial Sector

Qatar established the Qatar Financial Centre (QFC) in 2005 in order to attract international financial institutions and multinational companies, with a specific vision is to become a financial center of choice in the Middle East. The QFC is the latest business center established by the Government and consists of the Qatar Financial Regulatory Agency which is an independent body with the authority of an independent judicial tribunal in commercial, civil and regulatory cases. The QFC is responsible for leading the expansion of the financial services sector in Qatar and develops relations with the financial community and global levels. In early 2011, the total number of companies licensed in the Qatar Financial Centre amounted to 128 companies.

Strategically located as an important platform for conducting business in the rapidly growing Middle East and North Africa region, the Qatar Financial Centre (QFC) has firmly established itself as a thriving location for global and regional financial services firm looking to capitalise on the opportunities offered by the region.

The QFC Authority is the commercial and strategic arm of the QFC. The QFC Authority also serves as a ‘think-tank’ for the State of Qatar on financial services, in addition to acting as an interface between participants who would like to use the QFC as a platform to expand within the region and the State of Qatar. Central to the commercial mandate is the development of three key hubs – Asset Management, Captive Insurance and (Re)insurance.

Construction and Real Estate

Qatar’s 2030 Vision and strategy emphasizes that the national construction sector will grow from 7% in 2009 to 8% in 2016, while it will also benefit from the manufacturing sector expansion in the manufacture of chemical fertilizers and petrochemicals. Policy initiatives that focus on entrepreneurship and the promotion of exports and innovations in science and technology will also add to Qatar’s expansion.

Qatar’s flagship new city, the massive Lusail City Development Project, commissioned by Qatari Diar Real Estate Investment Company, epitomises Qatar’s vision for the future, creating an iconic 21st century city that reflects the country’s cultural and geographical heritage. As a measure of its size, Lusail aims to attract 80,000 visitors, 200,000 residents and 170,000 workers. With 37 sq. km of waterfront land on the coast north of West Bay Lagoon area in Doha, that is master -planned into 19 integrated and diverse mixed-use districts, Lusail will provide comprehensive and diverse community facilities from shopping malls to schools and hospitals, as well as cultural and sports amenities. Lusail is designed as an ultra-modern yet traditional future city that is environmentally sustainable.

Barwa Real Estate, with a total asset capitalization of approximately QR 66 billion as of 31 December 2011 and over 40 subsidiaries, is developing Lusail’s Residential Golf Development, along with its other major projects and developments. In Qatar these include Barwa City, Barwa Commercial Avenue, Barwa Village, Masaken Barwa, Barwa Al Doha and Barwa Al Baraya. Barwa also has substantial overseas investments in MENA hotels and serviced appartments, in Istanbul hotel resort, Jeddah market , Astrakhan retail park, Mayfair property in London, Larnaca Bay resort in Cyprus and Russian real estate fund.

Qatar has also seen the development of The Pearl-Qatar, become one of the most glamorous addresses in the region. A huge architectural project that developed the island into a luxurious residential area of 985 acres worth $ 50 billion, 350 meters from the shores of West Bay Lagoon, The Pearl is able to accommodate some 40,000 residents, The Pearl offers top global designer brands in its luxury waterside fashion boutiques and some of the world’s finest dining in leading international gourmet restaurant brands. Work is also underway in many sustainable development projects to international standards across commercial, residential and industrial sectors by international consultants and major construction companies within and outside the capital.

Recreation and Tourism

Qatar Tourism Authority’s mission is to grow tourism in Qatar by 20% by 2015. In doing so, the QTA will focus on five main pillars - culture, sports, education, leisure and business. In addition, the QTA is charged with developing annual events and industry conferences and exhibitions, that attract international companies and visitors. Qatar is already host to major international sporting events, such as its successful hosting of the Asian Games in 2006 and its breakthrough win of the World Cup Bid of 2022, a first for Arab States and the Middle East.

The year 2011 saw a massive jump in the number of visitors to Qatar with a 50% increase in the number of tourists from the GCC region, up to 60,514 in 2012. As onne of the mian pillars of the tourism sector, business tourism in Qatar accounted for 72 per cent of the total number of tourists in 2011, due to the QTA’s strategy of targeting high-end tourism and focusing on the country’s booming economy.

As part of its five year plan, Qatar is investing $17 billion into tourism infrastructure including the construction of luxury hotels, resorts and meeting facilities. To meet forecasted demand, hotel capacity will increase by 400 per cent to over 29,000 luxury rooms and apartments by 2012. Qatar has also developed as a leading world-class events destination for the MICE sector guiding the development of sustainable events and supporting infrastructure.

The State has an ambitious plan to build some 130 hotels for the 2022 World Cup over the next 10 years. According to the projects registered with the QTA, the hospitality industry will see investment during the next 10 years of more than QR50 billion in the implementation of these hotel projects.

Qatar is the point of preparing to welcome the world thanks to the huge investment in infrastructure, as the country invests massively over the next five years to build the tourist infrastructure, which includes construction of hotels, resorts and other recreational luxury facilities. The major infrastructure projects include the New Doha International Airport which is due to open in 2013 and expected to receive 50 million passengers a year; two new high end exhibitions, conferences, and event centres providing 95,000 square meters of space; a new port with cruise passenger terminal; and a new railway network with metro, street trams and people carrier.

EDUCATION

The development of the city's prestigious educational and higher education and research institutions of the Qatar Foundation, in addition to Qatar’s Science and Technology Park (QSTP), provides an excellent infrastructure for the emerging country's knowledge-based economy. Not less than 12 universities in Qatar attract students to the country as well as offering Qataris degrees and studies from some of the world’s best academic institutions.

The QSTP welcomes and partners with major research and technology-based industries, while strengthening its commitment to the country in the sectors of science and technology. Located in Qatar Foundation's Education City campus next to many of the leading universities, QSTP occupies center stage in cooperation with universities, business and industry, and is the perfect home for companies working in the field of technology from all parts of the world. It is an incubator for emerging hi tech companies. The QSTP also provides the facilities for services and support programs that help organizations to develop their own technology and marketing. The aim of the QSTP is to attract leading companies from all over the world such as Exxon Mobil, Microsoft, Shell, Total and the European Air Defense and Space, General Electric Co., Qatar Petroleum and Chevron in order to contribute to the integration of research and work to advance the economy, science and knowledge in the State of Qatar.

Qatar University programs of study are commensurate with the needs of the country's future workforce, having aligned the curriculum with technology and the twenty first century innovations.

HEALTH

The health sector in Qatar has seen a revival in recent years and made quantum leaps to offer world class provision of integrated health care and services comparable to the best health systems in the world.

Qatar can boast many large medical institutions that can compete with their international counterparts round the world in the fields of therapeutic and nursing services. The same applies to the centers of education and research in the health field, such as Weill Cornell Medical College in Qatar, and the teaching hospital specialist, the newly built $7 billion Sidra Medical and Research Center. Sidra is equipped with the very latest technology and was established by Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser in order to provide the highest international standards in health care, education, medical research and clinical practice.

Among the other features of the renaissance of the health sector in Qatar are the achievements of medical excellence by the national health institutions at both the therapeutic and technical levels, such as the Hamad Medical City giant. As part of the Hamad Medical Corporation it supplies centers and medical institutions as well as educational-art laboratories, with medical equipment, as well as attracting the best expertise and medical staff in Family Medicine Clinics.

Qatar has expanded the network of health insurance and the scope of health services through the opening of several health centers and district hospitals that specialize in different health disciplines in the country. The Supreme National Health Authority was established under Emiri Decree No. (13) in 2005. The Authority aims to provide world class health services and integrated health care according to the vision and directives of His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani. Qatar aims to provide the very best opportunities for people to enjoy health, according to a quality health care system amongst the best in the world.

Economic Diversification

Qatar’s economic performance, accompanied by vigorous efforts made by the State, saw it move gradually from an oil and gas economy to a knowledge-based economy, building national capacity and increasing knowledge, skills and technology for the production of goods and services to contribute to economic diversification. At the core of 'Qatar National Vision 2030’ is the need to develop capacity in ICT, science and technology in Qatar as central elements in its future.

One of the most prominent manifestations of this shift from carbon to human capital development was the creation of Qatar Science and Technology Park (QSTP) as a proactive partner to incubate 33 companies operating in the field of technology from around the world and help develop diversify the national economy even futher. Citing his vision for the future, His Highness the Emir spoke about the national economy, saying that "Social and economic success in the future will depend increasingly on the interaction with the new world order based on knowledge, and the State has begun the process of developing policies to build a knowledge-based economy relying heavily on research and development." Sound economic management and prudent responsible exploitation of oil and gas will aid economic diversification.

In addition, Qatar has the world’s highest per capita GDP with globally the lowest unemployment rates estimated by U.S. sources by half a percent in 2009, while the the rate of growth for 2011 was around 16 percent.

At the height of the global economic crisis, the State of Qatar was characterised by wisdom and prudence and as a tribute to specialists did not announce the bankruptcy of any organization. Such good judgment enabled the country to develop strategic plans for the exploitation of natural resources through an integrated investment program in its oil and gas industry, petrochemicals and in the transfer of gas to liquids (GTL). Qatar has also built one of the world’s largest fleet of ships to transport the gas to world markets thus diversifying its economic base.

In its oil and gas industries the country witnessed a significant acceleration in increased production of oil and gas, LNG and petrochemical products, which is expected to culminate in the fourth quarter of 2014. , According to some international reports, the State of Qatar currently occupies a central position in natural gas production internationally and finished fifth in the quality and gas exports, ranked first in exports of natural gas (LNG) and third in reserves of gas.

Financial Sector

Qatar established the Qatar Financial Centre (QFC) in 2005 in order to attract international financial institutions and multinational companies, with a specific vision is to become a financial center of choice in the Middle East. The QFC is the latest business center established by the Government and consists of the Qatar Financial Regulatory Agency which is an independent body with the authority of an independent judicial tribunal in commercial, civil and regulatory cases. The QFC is responsible for leading the expansion of the financial services sector in Qatar and develops relations with the financial community and global levels. In early 2011, the total number of companies licensed in the Qatar Financial Centre amounted to 128 companies.

Strategically located as an important platform for conducting business in the rapidly growing Middle East and North Africa region, the Qatar Financial Centre (QFC) has firmly established itself as a thriving location for global and regional financial services firm looking to capitalise on the opportunities offered by the region.

The QFC Authority is the commercial and strategic arm of the QFC. The QFC Authority also serves as a ‘think-tank’ for the State of Qatar on financial services, in addition to acting as an interface between participants who would like to use the QFC as a platform to expand within the region and the State of Qatar. Central to the commercial mandate is the development of three key hubs – Asset Management, Captive Insurance and (Re)insurance.

Construction and Real Estate

Qatar’s 2030 Vision and strategy emphasizes that the national construction sector will grow from 7% in 2009 to 8% in 2016, while it will also benefit from the manufacturing sector expansion in the manufacture of chemical fertilizers and petrochemicals. Policy initiatives that focus on entrepreneurship and the promotion of exports and innovations in science and technology will also add to Qatar’s expansion.

Qatar’s flagship new city, the massive Lusail City Development Project, commissioned by Qatari Diar Real Estate Investment Company, epitomises Qatar’s vision for the future, creating an iconic 21st century city that reflects the country’s cultural and geographical heritage. As a measure of its size, Lusail aims to attract 80,000 visitors, 200,000 residents and 170,000 workers. With 37 sq. km of waterfront land on the coast north of West Bay Lagoon area in Doha, that is master -planned into 19 integrated and diverse mixed-use districts, Lusail will provide comprehensive and diverse community facilities from shopping malls to schools and hospitals, as well as cultural and sports amenities. Lusail is designed as an ultra-modern yet traditional future city that is environmentally sustainable.

Barwa Real Estate, with a total asset capitalization of approximately QR 66 billion as of 31 December 2011 and over 40 subsidiaries, is developing Lusail’s Residential Golf Development, along with its other major projects and developments. In Qatar these include Barwa City, Barwa Commercial Avenue, Barwa Village, Masaken Barwa, Barwa Al Doha and Barwa Al Baraya. Barwa also has substantial overseas investments in MENA hotels and serviced appartments, in Istanbul hotel resort, Jeddah market , Astrakhan retail park, Mayfair property in London, Larnaca Bay resort in Cyprus and Russian real estate fund.

Qatar has also seen the development of The Pearl-Qatar, become one of the most glamorous addresses in the region. A huge architectural project that developed the island into a luxurious residential area of 985 acres worth $ 50 billion, 350 meters from the shores of West Bay Lagoon, The Pearl is able to accommodate some 40,000 residents, The Pearl offers top global designer brands in its luxury waterside fashion boutiques and some of the world’s finest dining in leading international gourmet restaurant brands. Work is also underway in many sustainable development projects to international standards across commercial, residential and industrial sectors by international consultants and major construction companies within and outside the capital.

Recreation and Tourism

Qatar Tourism Authority’s mission is to grow tourism in Qatar by 20% by 2015. In doing so, the QTA will focus on five main pillars - culture, sports, education, leisure and business. In addition, the QTA is charged with developing annual events and industry conferences and exhibitions, that attract international companies and visitors. Qatar is already host to major international sporting events, such as its successful hosting of the Asian Games in 2006 and its breakthrough win of the World Cup Bid of 2022, a first for Arab States and the Middle East.

The year 2011 saw a massive jump in the number of visitors to Qatar with a 50% increase in the number of tourists from the GCC region, up to 60,514 in 2012. As onne of the mian pillars of the tourism sector, business tourism in Qatar accounted for 72 per cent of the total number of tourists in 2011, due to the QTA’s strategy of targeting high-end tourism and focusing on the country’s booming economy.

As part of its five year plan, Qatar is investing $17 billion into tourism infrastructure including the construction of luxury hotels, resorts and meeting facilities. To meet forecasted demand, hotel capacity will increase by 400 per cent to over 29,000 luxury rooms and apartments by 2012. Qatar has also developed as a leading world-class events destination for the MICE sector guiding the development of sustainable events and supporting infrastructure.

The State has an ambitious plan to build some 130 hotels for the 2022 World Cup over the next 10 years. According to the projects registered with the QTA, the hospitality industry will see investment during the next 10 years of more than QR50 billion in the implementation of these hotel projects.

Qatar is the point of preparing to welcome the world thanks to the huge investment in infrastructure, as the country invests massively over the next five years to build the tourist infrastructure, which includes construction of hotels, resorts and other recreational luxury facilities. The major infrastructure projects include the New Doha International Airport which is due to open in 2013 and expected to receive 50 million passengers a year; two new high end exhibitions, conferences, and event centres providing 95,000 square meters of space; a new port with cruise passenger terminal; and a new railway network with metro, street trams and people carrier.

EDUCATION

The development of the city's prestigious educational and higher education and research institutions of the Qatar Foundation, in addition to Qatar’s Science and Technology Park (QSTP), provides an excellent infrastructure for the emerging country's knowledge-based economy. Not less than 12 universities in Qatar attract students to the country as well as offering Qataris degrees and studies from some of the world’s best academic institutions.

The QSTP welcomes and partners with major research and technology-based industries, while strengthening its commitment to the country in the sectors of science and technology. Located in Qatar Foundation's Education City campus next to many of the leading universities, QSTP occupies center stage in cooperation with universities, business and industry, and is the perfect home for companies working in the field of technology from all parts of the world. It is an incubator for emerging hi tech companies. The QSTP also provides the facilities for services and support programs that help organizations to develop their own technology and marketing. The aim of the QSTP is to attract leading companies from all over the world such as Exxon Mobil, Microsoft, Shell, Total and the European Air Defense and Space, General Electric Co., Qatar Petroleum and Chevron in order to contribute to the integration of research and work to advance the economy, science and knowledge in the State of Qatar.

Qatar University programs of study are commensurate with the needs of the country's future workforce, having aligned the curriculum with technology and the twenty first century innovations.

HEALTH

The health sector in Qatar has seen a revival in recent years and made quantum leaps to offer world class provision of integrated health care and services comparable to the best health systems in the world.

Qatar can boast many large medical institutions that can compete with their international counterparts round the world in the fields of therapeutic and nursing services. The same applies to the centers of education and research in the health field, such as Weill Cornell Medical College in Qatar, and the teaching hospital specialist, the newly built $7 billion Sidra Medical and Research Center. Sidra is equipped with the very latest technology and was established by Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser in order to provide the highest international standards in health care, education, medical research and clinical practice.

Among the other features of the renaissance of the health sector in Qatar are the achievements of medical excellence by the national health institutions at both the therapeutic and technical levels, such as the Hamad Medical City giant. As part of the Hamad Medical Corporation it supplies centers and medical institutions as well as educational-art laboratories, with medical equipment, as well as attracting the best expertise and medical staff in Family Medicine Clinics.

Qatar has expanded the network of health insurance and the scope of health services through the opening of several health centers and district hospitals that specialize in different health disciplines in the country. The Supreme National Health Authority was established under Emiri Decree No. (13) in 2005. The Authority aims to provide world class health services and integrated health care according to the vision and directives of His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani. Qatar aims to provide the very best opportunities for people to enjoy health, according to a quality health care system amongst the best in the world.