Qatar

Some of the heat seems to be going out of the Qatari economy, as the rate of expansion is expected to ease back to single figures over the next few years. However, the more modest growth forecast by analysts will still place the country among the global leaders.

With 79m tonnes of liquefied natural gas (LNG) produced per year, Qatar is continuing to secure long- and short-term supply deals in major markets, targeting both developed and emerging economies.

While the insurance sector continues to expand and post solid profits, Qatar’s policy writers are looking to improve profit margins by tapping into potential for further growth, particularly in construction and infrastructure insurance.

The successful launch of the world’s largest-ever, dollar-denominated Islamic bond is a notable milestone in the rise of Qatar’s sharia-compliant finance industry. An ambitious infrastructure investment programme and growing per capita wealth are supporting the growth of Islamic financial services, as the authorities look to continue regulatory reform.

Capital markets in Qatar should receive a boost from recently announced reforms that clarify oversight, broaden access and simplify transactions. Through such measures, the authorities and the private sector are hoping to increase liquidity and activity in a market considered to have significant potential.

While the overall direction of the real estate sector appears set for steady growth through the next 12 months, demand may be uneven across the various segments as the market moves towards striking a balance between supply and demand, particularly in office accommodation.