Qatar Economy

With the government and international agencies alike predicting GDP to expand by almost 20% this year, and a budget surplus in the double-digit billions, Qatar’s economy is set to outstrip nearly all others around the world in 2011. Just about the only cloud on the horizon is the return of demand-driven inflation, though even this concern seems likely to dissipate in the face of sustained growth.

2010 was a banner year for Qatar. The nation punched well above its weight over the course of the year and looks set to continue to make headlines in 2011 and beyond.

Qatar is ratcheting up its campaign to host the 2022 World Cup as the race nears an end. With a decision due on December 2, boosts have come in the shape of a successful staging of a friendly match between South American footballing giants, praise for the emirate’s green credentials and vocal support from none other than Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson.

Recent reports from the IMF and Qatari authorities confirm that Qatar is on track to be the fastest-growing economy in the Middle East, and may be among the fastest in the world.