Economy

Rising oil prices and effective policy-making have played a significant role in returning Qatar to a healthy trade surplus. A swift response by a range of government ministries has secured new routes to global markets. In March 2018 Hamad Port, which officially opened in 2017, celebrated the handling of 1m twenty-foot equivalent units ahead of schedule. Foreign investment also continues to...

Qatar’s relatively small population and status as the world’s biggest gas exporter have helped it to become the richest country globally in terms of GDP per capita. In recent years, however, it has faced strong economic headwinds. The oil price decline beginning in the second half of 2014 led to the country’s first budget deficit in 2016, prompting the government to cut costs and reinvigorate...

Since gaining independence in 1971 Qatar has quickly risen to prominence both regionally and internationally to become an economic, political and cultural powerhouse in the Middle East. With a relatively small local population and substantial revenues generated from having the third-largest proven natural gas reserves globally, Qatar boasts one of the world’s highest GDP per capita, according...

The guide contains listings of some of the leading hotels and resorts in Qatar and contacts for important government offices and services. It also contains useful tips and information for first-time or regular business and leisure visitors alike.

Sri Lanka’s economy has been making progress in recent years, which should stand it in good stead during the potentially difficult times ahead. Major efforts have been made to instil greater fiscal discipline, and modernise monetary and exchange rate policy, while steps have also been taken in the management of government expenditure and the maximising of public sector revenue. Meanwhile, trade...