Qatar

Qatar’s retail sector appears well-placed for solid growth over the next few years, with prospects looking even brighter in the medium term as the economy is expected to gain further momentum as a result of the government’s investment programme and the feel-good factor leading up to hosting the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

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.

Although the 2022 football World Cup is more than a decade away, analysts are already predicting increased loan activity and investment management in Qatar’s banking sector as the economy gears up to host football’s showcase event.

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.

New regulations for Islamic banking in Qatar released by the Central Bank in late August will change the way conventional banks offer sharia-compliant services and likely boost the performance of banks that focus solely on such services.