Country Profile

2013 saw the transition of power from the former Emir, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, to Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, his fourth son and second son with Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, a move unprecedented elsewhere in the Gulf but not unexpected in Qatar. Qatari investments straddle the globe, and the world’s top financial, construction, energy, retail and real estate businesses are vying for a spot in this rapidly evolving marketplace. The country has set major goals along the path towards development, including making Qatar a leading sports capital, constructing a new city at Lusail and creating a knowledge-based economy, among others. This chapter contains a viewpoint from Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Emir of Qatar; and interviews from Khalid bin Mohammad Al Attiyah, Minister of Foreign Affairs; and Abdul Latif bin Rashed Al Zayani, Secretary-General, GCC.