The Middle East

Unveiled in October 2017, the Public Investment Fund (PIF) Programme 2018-20 is a development roadmap that aims to position the PIF as one of the world’s top sovereign wealth funds. Key objectives of the plan are to increase assets under management from $230bn to $400bn by 2020 and $2trn by 2030, and achieve average investment returns of 4-5%...

The foundations for a major overhaul of the economy were laid during 2017, with the Saudi government taking steps to privatise key state assets and stimulate investment, as part of plans to diversify the economy away from a reliance on hydrocarbons revenues.

For the nations of the GCC, the drop in oil prices highlighted something many already knew: there is a pressing need for economic diversification and to further engage with global partners across different markets. To this end, countries in the region have made efforts to expand their international role and reach in recent years, with trade...

DRESS: Qatari nationals often choose to wear the traditional clothing of the Gulf region. Foreign visitors and residents are expected to dress in a style that is sensitive to local culture, with conservative clothing recommended. Men generally wear long trousers and a shirt in public. Women’s public...

Under pressure from reduced corporate demand, softer oil prices and slow economic growth, the hospitality industry in Doha and the wider GCC struggled with lower occupancy rates in 2016 and 2017. However, growth in the industry is expected to be faster over the next four years than in any other market in the Gulf region, with the exception of...

Located 16 km from central Doha and within six hours flying time of 80% of the world’s population, Hamad International Airport (HIA) has emerged as a key regional transport hub since opening its doors to the public in April 2014.