Qatar

Higher income levels, together with greater choice for consumers and changes in shopping patterns, are set to drive growth in Qatar’s retail sector, despite mall operators finding themselves in an increasingly competitive marketplace.

It has been something of a tumultuous year for Qatar’s capital markets. The 12 months saw two major country upgrades, moves to change the rules on foreign ownership, a very successful IPO, a move towards dual listing, ETFs, margin trading and short selling – all underscored by some strong growth in securities, coupled with a bolstering of bonds.

Despite falling oil prices, the economy in Qatar maintained a steady rate of expansion throughout 2014, with targets of even more robust growth this year, fuelled by the non-hydrocarbon sector. 

Cyber security is high on the list of challenges that could prove a hurdle to Qatar’s economic development, although it is also being seen as an opportunity for potential growth in the information, communication and technology (ICT) industry.

While diversification strategies aimed at moving economies away from hydrocarbon dependency have become commonplace around the Gulf in recent years, the practical implementation of these strategies has often proved challenging.

Recent news of the imminent opening of Hamad Medical City – a three-hospital complex re-purposing the 2006 Asian Games’ Athlete’s Village in Doha – was welcomed by many in Qatar’s public and private health services.

Indeed, extra, capacity is something health planners and professionals have been after for some time, with the country’s hospitals and clinics facing growing demand ­–...