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Despite some concerns for Qatar’s construction industry surrounding a narrowing pipeline for 2022 FIFA World Cup-related projects and a more general global economic slowdown, there is much reason for optimism within the sector in the years ahead. While Qatar’s economy continues to rely on hydrocarbons revenue, the construction sector is playing an important role in increasing diversification. Qatar’s 2020 budget demonstrates that there will be plenty of investment opportunities going forward, especially regarding infrastructure projects. Though the tournament’s flagship projects, such as stadiums, are nearing completion, Qatar still has a solid line-up of infrastructure and hospitality projects to prepare itself for the large influx of visitors in 2022. This chapter contains an interview with Saad bin Ahmad Al Muhannadi, President, Public Works Authority.

The transport sector has played a key strategic role in the growth of Qatar’s economy, and in the decade since the country won the bid to host the 2022 FIFA World Cup, tens of billions of dollars have been pumped into its infrastructure. With significant new investment in its seaports and airport, the transport sector’s international gateways are set to see a step change in the volumes of cargo and passengers they are able to handle. Within the country, a system of movement that originally evolved to suit drivers, cars and lorries is rapidly being transformed into a multi-modal urban transport network that is fit for future needs. This chapter contains interviews with Abdulla bin Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Subaie, Minister of Municipality and Environment and CEO and Managing Director, Qatar Rail; and Abdulrahman Essa Al Mannai, President & CEO, Milaha.

Qatar’s industrial sector has the potential to play a pivotal role in economic diversification, with both heavy and light manufacturing in a position to benefit from major milestones ahead. Industry, along with the domestic economy overall, has developed resilience and a level of self-sufficiency since the June 2017 blockade imposed by several Arab countries. An abundance of natural gas reserves has allowed the country to develop value-added and energy-intensive segments, especially as the country shifts towards cleaner and renewable sources of energy. This chapter contains an interview with Ramez Al Khayyat, Vice-Chairman and Group CEO, Power International Holding.

With GDP growth expected to stay around the 2% mark for 2020 and 2021, the utilities sector is likely to see sustained demand growth and a stable pace for planned infrastructure development. The Al Karshaah solar project should remain the most closely watched project in the power sector, and coupled with potential photovoltaic developments at the QEERI facility, Qatar may transform into a world leader in solar technology. Government bodies are working hard to ensure there is sufficient generation capacity and transmission infrastructure to support the smooth running of the 2022 FIFA World Cup, and the expansion and diversification of the country’s industrial sector. This chapter contains an interview with Essa bin Hilal Al Kuwari, President, Qatar General Electricity and Water Corporation.

As of early 2020 Qatar’s energy sector was on the threshold of major expansion plans that will allow it to benefit from growing global demand for cleaner sources of power generation. Although operations surrounding the North Field Expansion have been postponed until at least 2021, upon commencement of the project the country’s total output of liquified natural gas and polyethylene is predicted to increase by approximately 64% and 82%, respectively, over a period of around seven years. This is likely to provide a major boost for international oil companies, as well as engineering firms, shipbuilders and local Qatari businesses. This chapter contains an interview with Khalid bin Khalifa Al Thani, CEO, Qatargas.

It was the domestic oil boom that first gave impetus to the Qatari insurance sector in the 1950s, when protection against risk in such operations became essential. Foreign insurers dominated the landscape in the early years, but the arrival of the first domestic insurer in 1964 heralded a change in direction that saw local providers begin to take control of the market. The future of the sector seems bright, with Alpen Capital estimating that Qatar’s insurance market will expand by a compound annual gross rate (CAGR) of 2.4% from 2019 to 2024. Insurance density, meanwhile, is expected to grow at a CAGR of 2.2% to $1280. Economic advancement, population growth and infrastructure development are all set to drive this expansion.