Ministry of Economy & Commerce

Investment Promotion Department

2 MINISTER’S MESSAGE
PART ONE - ABOUT QATAR
4 Qatar - A State of Transformation
6 A Great State of Living
8 The State of Creative Energy
16 The State of Attractions
20 Social and Cultural Information
24 The State of Government Reforms
PART TWO - STATE OF ECONOMY
28 The Booming State
PART THREE - INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES
36 The Investor Friendly State
46 The State of Wealth and Well-being
APPENDICES
1. Frequently Asked Questions
2. Procedures for Setting up Business
3. Reasons for Investing in Qatar

Part One About Qatar | 1

MINISTER’S MESSAGE
 Ministry of Economy & Commerce
Investment Promotion Department

Yousef Hussain Kamal Promotion Department to facilitate the

Minister of Finance and Acting Minister process of setting up business in Qatar.
of Economy and Commerce
All potential investors are welcome to
The State of Qatar is going through an participate in the on-going development
unprecedented phase of comprehensive process.
economic and social development under the
guidance of His Highness the Emir Sheikh I thank you for taking an interest in the State
Hamad Bin Khalifa Al-Thani, and his trusted of Qatar and would also like to extend my
Heir Apparent, Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad sincere thanks and appreciation to all those
Al-Thani. responsible for promoting investment in
Qatar.
The Government of Qatar has adopted major
reform initiatives, which have successfully
transformed Qatar into a modern state
capable of playing a vital pioneering role in
both the regional and international arenas.
The on-going economic expansion is based
on proper utilisation of our natural resources
and the potentials of our human resources
to sustain diversified and balanced economic
structures.

These objectives have been pursued in

conjunction with political and legislative
forms. We have also adopted a policy of
economic liberalisation to ensure effective
participation of the private sectors which play
an increasingly important role in the process
of economic development. These efforts
resulted in a significant rate of economic
growth and have doubled Qatar’s GDP during
the last five years.

The Ministry of Economy and Commerce is

committed to continue its role in improving
the investment climate in Qatar and making
the country an ideal oasis for investors
and investment activities. In 2005, the
Government introduced an Investment

Minister’s Message | 3
Part One
About Qatar

QATAR – A STATE OF TRANSFORMATION


“For centuries the Indian Ocean,
the Arabian Sea, the Gulf and the
Mediterranean were considered
lakes of peace and cooperation
and open areas for trade and
cultural exchange... In the history
of this area, exchange was not a
mere profession but an integrated
culture which recognised the
other, reflected self confidence
and the desire of coexistence
and acceptance of diversity and
differences, which are fundamental
human values in democratic
societies.”
- The Emir, His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin
Khalifa Al-Thani
History Lessons
Qatar is reclaiming a history of enterprise and
cooperation for which the region was once
deservedly renowned. In the 5th Century
BCE (Before Common Era), the Greek
historian Herodotus referred to the seafaring
Canaanites as the original people of Qatar.
The Greek geographer Ptolemy, in his map of
the Arab world, illustrated ‘gatara’, a likely
reference to the Qatari town of Zubara, then
one of the most important trading ports in
the gulf region.
From the 8th century to the 12th century
CE (Common Era) the Middle East region
Ministry of Economy & Commerce
Investment Promotion Department
was one of the world’s most developed and impressive internal remodeling. Qatar’s recent
dominant economies – being at the forefront Government policies have been creating
of innovation and knowledge - particularly in a strong internal infrastructure. Qatar’s
mathematics, medicine and architecture. diversification strategy is paying dividends as
it grows a global niche market for investors.
Before its fine cities of knowledge and
development were demolished by invading Qatar has applied lessons from the
mobs from the West, the Middle East had development successes and failures of other
made invaluable contributions to the world of countries that have experienced economic
health and science. fast-tracking. The Qatar leadership has been
analysing and assessing this knowledge
Today Qatar is creating opportunities for to develop a sustainable economy in an
investors in the fields of finance, science, innovative society.
research, construction, real estate and other
enterprises. Investors can move forward with
business innovations that may include, but
can also have a focus beyond, energy.
A Model State
Qatar is now the most open Arab
economy and the “best regional
model for its neighbors to emulate”.
- The World Economic Forum
Nestled on a long peninsula halfway along
the Arabian Gulf, Qatar is surrounded on
three sides by water. It has a coastline of
about 550 km and a general land mass
covering 11,525 sq km including islands.
Geographically, Qatar is in the middle of the
Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) surrounded
by Bahrain, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, the United
Arab Emirates, and Oman.
Qatar’s recent and impressive growth in
constructing world-class lifestyle business and
residential facilities is mirrored by the State’s
Part One About Qatar | 5
A GREAT STATE OF LIVING

“The Winds That Build The Dunes,
Blow Dreams Into The Minds of
Men.”
- Toni Briegel, Soul of Sand
Qatar’s capital city and centre of Government,
Doha, springs from the desert and borders
the sea. Blue windows sparkle in tall
buildings. The long Corniche edges a serene
palm-lined harbor containing ships, luxury
cruisers and the Arabian fishing boats known
as dhows. The landscape is generally flat
with dust flying up around construction sites
where development abounds. Swimming
pools glint in the sunlight. Buildings are
circled by public parks and gardens, wide
and green. The land sweeps around the sea
into a sprinkling of towns and villages and
beyond, into the mysteries of ancient dunes
and old forts.
A flourishing and evolving cultural and
commercial centre, Doha offers living
accommodation ranging from average to
luxury within various gated communities
known as compounds. Perfect for family life,
these complexes may contain a clubhouse
gymnasium, parks, shop and pools. Other
accommodation includes apartment buildings
and large stand-alone villas ranging from
basic to palatial. Expatriates can also gain
membership to hotels and sports clubs
including a world-class golf course.
State-of-Architecture
Qatar reflects a desire by its leaders to be the
most progressive country in the region. The
Ministry of Economy & Commerce
Investment Promotion Department
State is already demonstrably at the forefront
of regional social and financial enterprise with
many projects drawing international acclaim.
State of Comfort for Families and
Individuals
One of the most common sounds in
expatriate communities is the sound of
splashing in swimming pools where parents
play with children at the end of the day or
working week. Most couples comment that
they get more family time than they would
have in their home countries. It is common
for housemaids to be hired to help with
domestic chores and childcare.
Because the country is small people easily
form social groups and visit each other
frequently. For those who value leisure time,
Qatar offers one of the most attractive deck-
chair and lounge-bar lifestyles in the world.
For those who prefer activity it offers a world-
class golf course, world-class sports centre
and a variety of sports clubs.
Shopping
Qatar’s shopping malls include up-market
boutiques and areas for family activities such
as bowling, ice skating and amusement parks
with video arcades and adventure rides.
The latest films are screened at multi-cine
complexes. Nights are spent enjoying musical
and theatre entertainments or dining under a
moonlit, star-filled sky.
One of the latest malls to open is Villaggio
with a design exterior reminiscent of an
Italian hill town and a relaxing interior which
uses boutique ‘streets’ to connect shopping
and entertainment through to a meandering
waterway with a Venetian gondola. One
of the largest retail malls in the Gulf is the
City Centre-Doha which features four levels
including a family entertainment centre,
Winter Wonderland and Cineplex. Royal
Plaza is an up-market boutique mall with 105
outlets. Landmark, the Mall, the Al-Asmakh
Mall, Lulu and Hyatt Plaza are some of the
other fine malls in Doha.
The popular supermarkets Carrefour and
Giant have large branches in malls and
MegaMart is another supermarket with
a fine range of produce. Other smaller
food cooperatives operate in most
neighbourhoods.
Safety
Qatar is comparatively free of petty and
serious crime. While it is advisable to be
cautious in any country, parents often
comment that Qatar is a safer place to bring
up children that many other countries. Young
children play in malls and parks without the
level of associated risks that are prevalent in
other countries. The country’s zero tolerance
for drugs and the restrictions on purchase
of alcohol have created a safer society for
growing adults. The drug-induced social and
psychological malaise impacting on teens
in many Western countries is not evident in
Qatar.
Part One About Qatar | 7
THE STATE OF CREATIVE ENERGY

“Thought and creativity prosper
only in an environment that secures
freedom of expression and does not
restrict thinking.”
- The Emir, His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin
Khalifa Al-Thani
World-Class Education, Health, Sports
and Enterprise
High standards of low cost health care
and world-class independent international
schools make Qatar a highly popular
residential destination for expatriates.
Education
Pre-School, Elementary and Secondary
Schools
Qatar hosts some of the most highly
regarded international schools in the
world. Expatriates are attracted to the high
standard of private international schools
providing pre-school, elementary and
secondary schools. The main international
schools are based on the English or
American School systems.
It is important to note that due to their
popularity, applications to private schools
should be made as early as possible so as
to gain a place, particularly in international
schools, which usually have waiting lists
Ministry of Economy & Commerce
Investment Promotion Department
and entry requirements. In some cases the
fees are paid by employers as part of an
employment contract.
Most expatriate children attend one of
the many international schools, the most
popular include the American School
– which is expanding and is expected
to soon become one of the world’s five
top international schools for learning
facilities; the Doha English Speaking
School which is focused on providing
high standard education availability for
children of residents on a British passport;
Doha College; the Qatar Academy which
offers a baccalaureate programme; Qatar
International School, Japanese School,
Middle East International School and Ideal
Indian School. Some of the schools are
listed on this website:
www.qatarembassy.net/educenters.asp
There are also a wide range of nurseries
in Qatar such as Tot’s Corner and Starfish
Lane with the latter proving popular for
its eco-friendly creative and structured
educational environment for children.
Qatar’s State Education
Qatar also has a progressive state school
system which has been undergoing a
massive transformation from state-driven
to independent education. This direction
is in-keeping with the guiding principle of
developing a knowledge-based economy.
A RAND study released on April 17th 2007
states that: “In only a few years, The State
of Qatar has successfully implemented
a bold redesign of its K-12 education
system, incorporating school autonomy,
variety in curriculum, parental choice and
accountability measures.” (RAND is a
non-profit global-think tank working with
governments and private, international
and commercial organisations. It is
known for rigorous, often-quantitative,
and non-partisan analysis and policy
recommendations).
Higher Education
Qatar has its own University, Qatar
University, providing an intellectual and
scholarly community characterized by open
discussion, the free exchange of ideas,
respectful debate, and a commitment
to rigorous inquiry. All members of the
University - faculty, staff, and students - are
expected to advance the scholarly and
social values embodied by the university.
The mission of the University is to promote
the cultural and scientific development
of the Qatari society while preserving its
Arabic characteristics and maintaining its
Islamic cultural heritage.
Part One About Qatar | 9

“We need to look inward to
rediscover excellence and outward
to realize it.”
- H.H. Sheikha Mozah Bint Nasser
Al-Missned
The Qatar Foundation
Education is a major driver in Qatar’s
economic success and the Qatar education
success story is underpinned by the Qatar
Foundation. This Education, Science and
Community Development is a unique private,
chartered, non-profit organization, founded
in 1995 by His Highness Sheikh Hamad Bin
Khalifa Al-Thani, the Emir of Qatar. Guided
by the principle that a nation’s greatest
resource is the potential of its people,
the Qatar Foundation is developing that
potential through a network of centres
devoted to progressive education, research
and community welfare. It is a development
that is fuelling knowledge and deservedly
attracting international interest and
investment.
The fact that the creation of the Qatar
Foundation was among the Emir’s early
initiatives bears testament to its importance
to the Emir and the Foundation’s Chair, Her
Highness Sheikha Mozah Bint Nasser
Al-Missned.
Education City
The Qatar Foundation’s headquarters are
in the unique Education City, a 2,500-acre
campus on the outskirts of Doha which hosts
Investment Promotion Department
branch campuses of some of the world’s
leading universities, as well as numerous
other educational and research institutions.
Supported by abundant residential and
recreational facilities, the Qatar Foundation’s
flagship, Education City, is developing as
a community of institutions that serve the
whole citizen, from early childhood education
to post-graduate study.
Education City has attracted one Ivy League
and other top-of-their-field, world-rated,
universities to open their doors in Qatar such
as Carnegie Mellon, Weil Cornell Medical
College – Qatar, Georgetown, Texas A&M,
the College of North Atlantic and Virginia
Commonwealth which are housed in
Education City. A major vocational training
institute has been established with the
Canadian College of North Atlantic-Qatar,
(CAN-Q).
Most of the students are citizens or residents
of Qatar, but many come from other
countries in the Gulf and throughout the
Middle East. Some come from as far afield as
the United States, New Zealand, South Africa
and Bosnia. The faculty and staff are equally
diverse. Education City is a place where
bridges are being built, between cultures and
to a better future.
A community of institutions, Education City
serves as the hub for the generation of new
knowledge. Researchers have the opportunity
to work with a pool of well-trained graduates
in world-class facilities, collaborating and
transferring ideas into practical applications.
The master plan, created by renowned
Ministry of Economy & Commerce
Japanese architect Arata Isozaki, is emerging
as construction on several major facilities
evolves.
A 7000-seat convention centre is also being
developed in Education City and all-digital
Specialty Teaching Hospital are other
developing projects.
For more information see www.qf.edu.qa
For information on the technology investment
potential at the Qatar Science and Technology
Park (QSTP) at Education City see the section
on QSTP in the section: ‘Where To Invest’ in
Part Three: ‘The Investor Friendly State’.
Health
The State of Qatar is in an excellent state of
health and it is planning to stay that way.
Health Services, including dental treatment,
are available at a nominal charge to all
residents and visitors through the public
Hamad Hospital and many other health
centres in Qatar. There are also private health
practitioners in Doha. The private Al-Ahli
hospital was established in 2005.
Hamad Medical City
The Hamad Medical City project is estimated
to cost QR 1.5 billion and will include a
300-bed unit, a dialysis unit, medical staff
accommodation and laboratories. The
project is part of the QR 12.5 billion budget
of the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and
Agriculture. Two other new hospital projects
worth QR 220 million and QR 100 million
respectively are also planned.
Part One About Qatar | 11

A State of Sports
Qatar is a major regional and international
sports destination. The Doha Golf Club
has two grass golf courses, an 18-hole
championship course and a 9-hole executive
course, available to both members and
the general public. The Doha Golf Club
is undergoing extensive renovations and
expansions including a play area for children
and swimming pool with a Jacuzzi, new
academy building and television building.
For more information see
www.dohagolfclub.com
Qatar also has a number of soccer stadiums
and clubs which hold international and local
tournaments; a Doha Rugby Football Club
which has international tours and tennis and
squash at various complexes and clubs
Diving clubs are popular with people wishing
to discover the marine world in the Persian
Gulf. Other water sports include sailing,
boating, jet-skiing and windsurfing. Horse
racing is held every Thursday at the Race &
Equestrian Club in Al Rayyan from October
to May. Qatar also holds camel races, an
unusual and exciting spectacle for residents
and visitors.
The City Centre Doha has a bowling and ice
skating rink where skates can be rented by
the hour. Another bowling and ice skating
complex on the third floor is for women and
children only. The Qatar Bowling Centre has a
ten-pin bowling in a 32-lane facility.
Ministry of Economy & Commerce
Investment Promotion Department
Sports City - Aspire Zone Other Stadiums
‘A Place for All to Enjoy’ Qatar also has a range of other sports
stadiums, many of which were renovated to
Qatar’s Aspire Zone is a world-class sporting a high standard in preparation for the 15th
complex containing several sporting venues. Asian Games held in December 2006. Sports
These include the Khalifa International venues in Doha and its suburbs include: Al
Stadium – site of the 15th Asian Games, Ahli Stadium, Al Gharrafah Stadium, Al Itihad
the Hamad Aquatic Center and the ASPIRE Sports Club, Jasem bin Hamad Stadiums (Al
Academy. The Aspire Zone also contains Sadd Stadium), the Khalifa Tennis Stadium,
Doha’s tallest structure, the Aspire Tower. the Markhiya Sports Club and the Qatar
Sports Club Stadium.
The Academy for Sports Excellence, situated
in the Aspire Zone, is an elite facility aimed at
identifying, educating and training talented
athletes to compete in professional sports at
the highest levels.
The Academy’s philosophy is aimed at
developing the student fully in all aspects
of life both academically and in sports, so
that they have the widest possible range of
opportunities in adult life.
Aspire provides an outstanding learning
environment, including full educational and
recreational facilities, advanced dormitories,
an amphitheater, lecture halls, seven outdoor
football training fields, and state-of-the-art
weight rooms and physiotherapy. Villagio
Mall is also part of the Aspire Zone complex.
As well as hosting the 15h Asian Games in
2006, Doha also hosted the 3rd West Asian
Games in December 2005. The Aspire Zone is
also expected to host the 2011 Asian Indoor
Games and to make a bid for the 2016
Olympics.
For more information on Aspire Zone and its
vast range of facilities see www.aspirezone.qa
Part One About Qatar | 13

State of Communications
Transparency and Democracy
As a means of ensuring democracy and
greater transparency the State has engaged
in various public consultations, meetings
and symposiums where discussions can take
place about the process of change. Other
symposiums, conferences and public forums
take place through private businesses and
the Qatar Foundation and Education City
Universities.
Under the Qatar Foundation, the Doha
Debates presented by the BBC’s Tim
Sebastian and aired by the BBC have helped
foster an exchange of ideas about issues of
importance to the Middle East and global
affairs.
Six daily newspapers are published in Qatar
with three presenting the news in English:
The Gulf Times www.gulf-times.com; The
Peninsula www.thepeninsulaqatar.com. The
Qatar Tribune website is currently under
construction. Many international newspapers
are also available a day or two after
publication.
Several magazines are produced in Qatar.
English television and US stations may be
viewed on the cable TV network. Western
programs, including movies, are subject to
censorship. There is one English-speaking
radio station in Doha, QBS (97.5 FM),
catering to a range of musical tastes.
Other English speaking stations from the
United Arab Emirates are also available.
Ministry of Economy & Commerce
Investment Promotion Department
There are two local television channels – one
in Arabic and the other in English. There is
also a local English radio station.
The Virgin bookstore stocking a wide range
of literature and tapes has recently opened
at the Villaggio Mall in Doha. The Jarir
Bookstore on Salwa Road is another outlet
selling newspapers, magazines, books and art
supplies.
Al Jazeera Channel Network
Located in Qatar, and financed by the State
of Qatar, Al Jazeera (which means “the
peninsula”) has been broadcasting since
1996, and is uniquely positioned to broadcast
the Arab world’s point of view to the
Western public. In 2004 Al Jazeera became
the fourth best recognized brand name in
the world. It is considered to be the Arab
world’s only independent, professional news
and information television channel and has
a number of specialty channels including Al
Jazeera Sports, Al Jazeera Documentary, Al
Jazeera children’s channel and most recently,
Al Jazeera English which transmits news
worldwide.
In 2007, the Arabic Al Jazeera channel has
been rivaling the BBC in worldwide audiences
with an estimated 40 to 50 million viewers.
Al Jazeera English channel has an estimated
reach of around 80 million households.
Part One About Qatar | 15
THE STATE OF ATTRACTIONS

A Unique Tourist Niche
Doha Cultural Village
The Cultural Village will offer a superb
chance for visitors to experience traditional
connections converging day and night
routines. It will be a place to wander, listen,
learn and dream while sampling local food.
The visitor can for a short time at least,
become a villager.
The Cultural Village is located in the West
Bay area of Doha with a total area of 99
hectares. The project will reflect the heritage
of Qatar through traditional architecture that
accommodates a large number of cultural
activities. In addition to the libraries, art
galleries and museums the Cultural Village
includes an amphitheater, heritage centres,
and other academic facilities. It is due to be
completed by the end of 2007.
Museum of Islamic Arts
The Museum of Islamic Arts, which is
expected to be completed by end of 2007,
will become one of the interesting and
appealing landmarks in Doha. As well as
displaying items of considerable cultural
and artistic value in an impressive location,
the museum will serve as an educational
institution offering support to local schools
and providing facilities for research scholars
from Qatar and overseas. It will display the
Qatar National Collection of Islamic Art
– ceramics, metalwork, jewelry, woodwork,
glass and other items collected from countries
in the Islamic World from medieval Spain to
Central Asia and India. For more information
Ministry of Economy & Commerce
Investment Promotion Department
see www.cnc.com.qa/english.asp
Qatar National Museum Expansion
The expansion of the Qatar National Museum
has been designed by the renowned French
architect Jean Nouvel. The museum will adopt
the most modern concepts in museology
providing a lively experience, and will house
six main themes - the land, the origins,
historic settlements, sea, Nomadic life, and
the wonders of nature. For more information
see www.cnc.com.qa/english.asp
Oryx Farm and Equestrian Club
The national animal of Qatar, the Oryx, can
be viewed in its natural surroundings at the
Oryx Farm located in Shahaniya. Arabian
horses are famed around the world for their
mystique and beauty. The pure-bred Arab
show and race horses at Al Shaqab Stud Farm
create an opportunity for visitors to view
the horses from close-range. Other facilities
include the Qatar Race and Equestrian Club,
where visitors may view the stables and the
Rayyan Racing and Equestrian Club which
holds races and show-jumping events.
Contact local tour operators to arrange visits.
Calm Cruises and Sea Adventures
Scuba divers are able to experience the balmy
wonderland of Qatar’s underwater world
of marine life around two artificially formed
reefs. Sailing is also a popular pastime and
several private companies offer dinghies and
windsurfers for rent, as well as sailing lessons
for novice and experienced sailors.
A sunset cruise on a traditional dhow in
Doha Bay is a unique and refreshing way to
view the city at night or day, dhow trips to
outer islands are also popular. Luxury yachts
and boats can be rented for half and full
day fishing trips. Jet-skiing and water-skiing,
pedal boats, water cycle, and kayak rentals
are also popular. Other adventurous pursuits
include parasailing, surfing, or wind-surfing.
The main hotels and local tour operators can
assist in arranging such activities.
Sand and Seafaring
Safari trips to the inland sea or ‘dune-
bashing’ in 4x4 vehicles in the middle of
the desert create exhilarating memories
for families and outdoor trekkers. Tour
operators provide safe and dramatic tours of
the desert topped off by a lunch and siesta
or an overnight stay. Longer tours are also
available.
Souks (Traditional Markets)
The traditional souks offer a rich and
enchanting world of tiny shops, malls, open
and walled markets frequented by locals and
tourists. Souk Waqif was recently restored
and expanded. The beamed ceilings and
old walls provide a cool tranquil place to
wander through alleyways scented by food
and perfume spices. The oldest of Doha’s
traditional markets, the Souk was originally
used by Bedouin traders as a trading centre
to stock up on meat, wool and milk. The fine
silks and cottons in the fabric souks usually
sell for far less than their value in Europe or
the US.
Part One About Qatar | 17
 Ministry of Economy & Commerce
Investment Promotion Department

The gold souks provide an array and display For more information on sightseeing and
of intricately crafted gold. Jewellers may tourism developments see
create or repair jewelry on request. Bartering www.qatartourism.gov.qa
for the ‘best best’ price is usual in these
shops. For information relating to hotel and real
estate investments see ‘The Where to Invest’
Corniche and Parks section in Part Three: The Investor-Friendly
State.
From early morning to late at night
promenading along the Corniche is a popular
past-time for locals and expatriate residents.
The seven-kilometre stretch of coastline
runs parallel to the warm waters of the
Arabian Gulf and is used by walkers, runners,
roller-bladers and children on cycles. The
park at the corniche also offers a relaxing
environment for a game of ball or family
picnics.

Many parks in Doha have play equipment

or provide space for family ball games, quiet
siestas can be enjoyed under shady trees.
Some parks are also used as venues for night-
time entertainment.

Children’s indoor activities and facilities

including food courts are also provided in
most large shopping malls.

Clubs and Interest Groups

From cultural and language groups to

gardening, natural history, dancing or formal
extra-mural education there is a wide range
of interest and leisure groups. Information
about these and upcoming events can be
obtained in frequently produced brochures
and guidebooks which are available at
most bookstores or the magazine section of
supermarkets.

Part One About Qatar | 19

SOCIAL AND CULTURAL INFORMATION

According to UN report of human
development resources, Qatar was
ranked NO. 1 in MENA (Middle East
and Northern Africa) region.
- UN Human Development
Facts and Tips for Businesspeople
and Families
Religion and Social Customs
Islam is the official religion of the State of
Qatar and mosques are found in abundance.
The Sharia (Islamic Law) is the principal source
of legislation in the country.
Protestant, Roman Catholic and some other
smaller faith communities offer weekly
services, in English and other languages, in
rented spaces in Doha.
Dress Code
Respectful dress code is generally required
in Qatar, particularly in business situations
and local markets and malls. Women should
wear clothing that covers the knees and
wear short or long sleeved shirts rather than
sleeveless tops. Men are advised to cover
their upper bodies and refrain from wearing
shorts in business or most public situations.
Dress is more relaxed in hotels, expatriate
clubs and accommodation complexes.
Languages
While Arabic is the official language in
Ministry of Economy & Commerce
Investment Promotion Department
Qatar, many transactions are conducted in
English. English is also now being taught at
state schools and is increasingly the favored
language for international communications
and business. Translators can be requested
for business situations where English is not
understood. Urdu, the language of Pakistan,
is also spoken frequently.
Greetings
Shaking hands - the common form of
greeting between Westerners - is not always
used by businesspeople in the Middle East
particularly between men and women. If a
Qatari person refrains from shaking hands
this doesn’t mean they are not being friendly.
When a Qatari person takes their hand
and places it against their heart they are
adopting a traditional expression of greeting
or farewell.
Literacy
The adult illiteracy rate has been declining
rapidly since 2000 due to endeavours by the
State including policies which guarantee and
promote education and community education
programs for those who missed out on an
education in earlier life.
The rate of University graduates out of
the total population is steadily rising in
keeping with the Government’s emphasis on
education. In 2000 28% of Qatari people
had a university degree compared to 34% in
2005. The figure is expected to continue to
rise significantly.
A Multi-Cultural Workforce
Based on labour force data from the
Government Planning Council, the
Government sector and Government
companies hire more than 90% of working
Qatari nationals. Non-Qataris constitute
approximately 90 % of the private sector
workforce.
A Warm Welcome
The weather in Qatar is one of the appealing
aspects of the lifestyle and contributes to the
relaxing carefree atmosphere. The climate
is generally pleasant most of the year with
a mild winter from November to January
and a hot summer from June to August.
Temperatures generally range from 14c to
27c in winter and from 27c to 45c in summer.
Some families choose to take their annual
holidays during the summer period. Air
conditioning is generally provided in homes
and buildings.
State Prohibitions
As mentioned in the section on the state
of living, Qatar prohibits the brewing and
trafficking of alcohol. Drunken behaviour
in public or driving under the influence of
alcohol is an offence punishable by a period
in prison, a fine or both and cancellation of
the offender’s driving license. It is also illegal
to transport liquor in a vehicle except from
the point of sale directly to home.
Alcohol should only be consumed at home
or in a private residence or at authorized
Part One About Qatar | 21
restaurants. Public displays of drunken
behaviour may lead to arrest. Alcohol must
never be consumed in public places such as
parks. The import of pork is prohibited.
Photography
Visitors and residents should exercise
sensitivity and caution when taking
photographs. It is necessary to seek
permission before taking photographs of
people. Qatar is a security conscious country
and photographs of certain government
and public areas are not permitted. Qatar
has a popular photography club and many
photographic competitions and exhibitions.
Time Zone
Qatar time is three hours ahead of Greenwich
Mean Time and 7/8 hours ahead of New York
EST/DST. There is no daylight savings time in
Qatar.
Currency
The Qatari Riyal (QR) is the currency of the
country and $1 U.S. purchases QR3.65 (fixed
rate). ATMs are widely available with NYCE
and CIRRUS cash access networks. Most
major establishments accept major credit
cards; some will accept US Dollars.
State of Growth - Population
The total number of people living in Qatar
was expected to be 910,000 at the beginning
of 2007, with most living in Doha. Other
people live mainly in Al Rayyan, Al Wakra,
Umm Slal, Messaid, Al Khor and Al Shamal.
The last formal census was in 2004.
About a quarter of the people are Qatari
nationals; other ethnic groupings are Indian,
Pakistani, Iranian, other Arabs, Asians and
Western expatriates (Arab 40%, Pakistani
18%, Iranian 10%, other 14%).
Work Permits
Expatriate-Friendly Visas
In February 2000, Qatar’s expatriate-friendly
approach was evidenced with new ‘work
visit visas’. Holders of these visas can bring
their families to Qatar, get an official ID card
from the Bureau of Immigration, obtain a
health card and driving license and enrol
their children in schools. The visa is valid
for one year after which it is renewable.
Two other new visas were also introduced
– ‘the personal visit visa’ which applies to
an expatriate’s spouse and children and the
‘commercial visit visa’.
More information on Visitors visas may be
obtained at the Visiting Qatar section of the
Ministry of Chamber and Commerce website:
www.qcci.org. Other information on visas
may be obtained on the website of the
Ministry of Interior: www.moi.gov.qa.
Business Hours
These hours are a guideline as the work hours
often vary between businesses.
Government offices: 7am to 2pm
Private Establishments: 8am to noon and
4pm-8pm. Shopping Centres: 10am to10pm.
Public Holidays
Independence Day: September 3rd.
Eid Al-Fitr: At the first Shawal month (a
month within the Islamic calendar) for four
days.
Eid Al-Adha: starts at the ninth of Zil-hijjha
month (arriving two months after Shawal it
has the Al-Adha Islamic feast) for five days.
Beyond Doha
Beyond the capital city of Doha, Qatar has
many old settlements and new developments.
From old pearling ports to the world’s most
significant and accessible industrial location,
Qatar offers history and modernity in cities
and townships. In one area a small fishing
fleet, sand-dusted playground and museum
full of relics, in another, towers of a different
sort to those in the city - pipelines and
workers in helmets.
Ras Laffan Industrial City
Ras Laffan is significant, being one of the
world’s most important and accessible
emergent industrial export locations. The
State’s ambitious vision to exploit its large
natural gas resource culminated in LNG
projects Qatargas and Rasgas. As a result of
rapid expansion the production capacity was
expected to reach 26.2 million by the end of
2006. Other natural gas utilization plans led
to the Dolphin project and various developing
Gas to Liquids projects (GTL).
 Ministry of Economy & Commerce
Investment Promotion Department

Al Rayyan
Lying 10 kilometres north of Doha Al Rayyan
is the largest residential area outside of the
capital. The Equestrian Federation is based
in Al Rayyan where it runs many events
including races and shows.
Messaid is also acclaimed for its beaches
and dunes which are popular with tourists.
Restaurant and accommodation is available
at the recently renovated Movenpick Sealine
Beach Resort.
Dukhan
and a rectangular tower. The fort is now a
museum. Like other former forts this isolated
outpost which quietly ushers in the wind, the
light and troughs of shade, is a place both for
dreamers and photographers.

Al Khor Qatar’s main land-based oil production

Further to the north – about 58 km from
Doha, Al Khor is a charming old port still
harboring small ships and fishing fleets. It has
wide white sandy beaches, an historic tower
and interesting mosques.
centre, Dukhan is halfway along the western
coastline of the Qatar Peninsula. This is the
site where the production of the country’s
oil reserves first began in 1949, as a result
Dukhan has been described as the ‘oil nerve
centre’ of Qatar.

Al Wakra Madinat Al-Shamal

The town of Al Wakra lies halfway between
Doha and Umm Said. Once a small pearling
and fishing village, it now has a population
of about 30,000 people. A museum in the
old fort displays local marine life, art and
architectural exhibits and natural history.
Messaid
A major industrial city 45 km south of Doha,
Messaid is home to basic industries and
operates as a large sea port as well as the
main terminal for oil exports. Major industrial
projects such as QAFCO, QAPCO, QAFAC,
QVC, QPR, Q-CHEM and others are located
in the city along with developing projects
including Q-Chem 11, Qatofin and LAB.
Situated 37km south of Doha on the east
coast it has refineries and other industrial
sites producing steel, natural gas liquids,
fertilizers and petrochemicals.
A relatively new town on the northern tip
of the peninsula about 107km north of
Doha, Madinat Al-Shamal operates as the
administrative centre for various coastal
villages.
Al Ruwais
This is a town well worth a visit for those
interested in modern influences on the
Bedouin lifestyle. About 110 km from Doha,
on the northern tip of the peninsula, the
town of Al Ruwais is a place where tents and
camels, hand woven materials and slow-
paced life are converging into the modern
world of cars, buildings and communications.
Al Zubara
An important archeological site, Al Zubara,
113 km north-west of Doha, is famous for
its old fort which has three circular towers

Part One About Qatar | 23

 THE STATE OF GOVERNMENT REFORMS
“Our determination to increase
popular participation in decision-
making and bear its consequences is
firm and irrevocable.”
- The Emir, His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin
Khalifa Al-Thani
A State of Opportunity
A country engaging in a process of
modernisation and transformation, Qatar is
reaching beyond its borders to attract the
imaginative initiatives of entrepreneurs. This is
demonstrated by the fact that Qatari officials
are expecting at least USD$65 billion to be
invested in expansion projects in the next few
years.
Under the influence and driving desire of
H.H the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Hamad Bin
Khalifa Al-Thani to establish a democracy, the
State and its people have shown courage,
demonstrating a willingness to turn old laws
into new laws that grasp enterprise and
encourage change. As a result, Qatar has
been undergoing critical transformations
within recent years making it one of the most
genuinely modern states in the Middle East.
Through the vision of the Emir, Qatar has
been creating reforms that address the
need for diversity in order to sustain a stable
economy well beyond the 200 years of gas
reserves.
Qatar’s policies are directed at the
development of a creative economy where
knowledge, innovation, and culture-based
activities play a central role in the activities of
all businesses.
This is a state where oil and natural gas
reserves have brought the sweet smell of
riches; where the Government’s diversification
policies offer a highly attractive investment
location. Qatar offers financial incentives to
investors as well as a superb location close to
Europe and Asia. The State has an affordable
and hard-working skilled and unskilled labour
force and has a national education policy
of targeting skills towards energy and other
fields where innovation and technological
skills are paramount.
Since the 19th Century Qatar has been
governed by the Al-Thani family. In 1916,
following a treaty ratified with Britain, Qatar
became a British Protectorate. In April 1970
Qatar moved to invoke full independent
statehood by enacting a provisional
constitution. The State became fully
independent on September 3rd 1971.
In 1993 HH Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al
Thani acceded as Head of State, Emir to the
Country. Ten years later H.H. Sheikh Tamim
Bin Hamad Bin Khalifa Al Thani was declared
the Heir Apparent. H.H. Sheikh Abdullah
Bin Khalifa Al Thani held the post of Prime
Minister until resigning in early 2007 when
he was replaced by Qatar’s Foreign Minister
Sheikh Hamad bin Jasem who still retains the
foreign ministry portfolio.
The Council of Ministers is responsible
for proposing draft laws and decrees; it
implements these laws and supervises the
financial and administrative affairs of the
Government. The Advisory Council has 35
members who are chosen from all sectors of
Qatari society. It reviews draft laws proposed
by the Council of Ministers prior to their
ratification by H.H. the Emir. This council also
has five permanent committees.
The first step towards democracy was taken
in March 1999 with Qatar’s first civic polls,
the elections for a Central Municipal Council
(CMC). The second CMC elections were held
in 2003 during which the first woman was
elected to the council. The council acts as an
advisory body for the Ministry of Municipal
Affairs and Agriculture.
The State’s National Constitution
The creation of the National Constitution
Committee marked a major step forward in
the political reform programme of H.H. the
Emir, Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al-Thani.
This committee presented a draft of the
permanent constitution in July 2002 calling
for the creation of a 45-member national
parliament with two-thirds of the members
being directly by the people. It also calls for
the national parliament to have legislative
powers while the powers of the executive
and judiciary would be defined for the first
time. The draft also ensures equality and the
right to vote and run for office for all citizens
including women.
The draft constitution provides for the
freedom of press, expression, of association
and of religion. It was met with an
overwhelming positive response from the

public in the referendum held in April of the
following year which resulted in it the draft
constitution becoming effective in June 2005.
The State Legal System
The judicial system was dramatically
overhauled in October 2004 following the
establishment of the new Judiciary Law issued
in 2003. This allowed the previous two-court
system to merge into one.
A Higher Court called the Court of Cassation
(The Supreme Court) was established and is
considered to be the highest Court of Appeal
in the country.
State of Foreign Relations and Global
Organisations
Qatar is a member of the Gulf Cooperation
Council (GCC) which includes Bahrain,
Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia and the United
Arab Emirates; the Organisation of Petroleum
Exporting Countries (OPEC) and other
international and multilateral organisations
such as the United Nations, the International
Monetary Fund, the International Bank for
Reconstruction and Development and the
World Trade Organisation.
During the GCC summit in December 2001,
the GCC Supreme Council approved the
establishment of a GCC customs unit which is
now in place. This sets unified customs tariffs
at 5 % for all imported goods into the region.
The GCC summit also approved proposals for
a monetary union and the introduction of a
single GCC currency by 2010.
Ministry of Economy & Commerce
Investment Promotion Department
State Privatisation Program
The first stage of the privatisation program,
prepared in collaboration with The World
Bank, occurred with the transformation
of the Qatar Public Telecommunication
company into a joint stock company called
Qatar Telecom (Q-Tel). Forty-five per cent
of the shares of Q-Tel were offered for sale
for all investors without exception. The shift
towards privatisation reflects the strong
resolve of the Government to involve the
private sector in development processes.
The privatisation policy is an important aspect
of the Government’s strategy of realising
economic development, upgrading the
performance of companies and improving the
standard of services.
It is a means of achieving a number of other
goals: contributing to remedy the budget
deficit; reducing administrative and financial
burdens; increasing economic growth rates
and reducing the prices of commodities and
services while enlarging the ownership base
in the country.
Part One About Qatar | 25

State of New Technology
Microsoft
Microsoft, is one of the world’s biggest
investors in research, technology
development and training, will invest around
$4 million in six pioneering technology-
related projects at the science park over the
next year The world’s largest IT Company will
work closely with university and government
partners in Qatar to deliver many of the
programs, which will bolster computing skills
and capabilities in the country.
ICTQatar
ICTQatar is the policy making and regulatory
body for Information and Communication
Technology (ICT) in Qatar. It promotes the
development of an advanced ICT society
through infrastructure and human capital
development, the delivery of e-services
and the establishment of a regulatory
environment that is conducive to sustainable
growth and offers benefits all users.
ICTQatar also facilitates an environment in
which e-health, e-government, e-finance
and e-tourism services prosper with the
protections of world-class cyber-security.
For more information see www.ict.gov.qa
A State of New Developments
The New Doha International Airport
(NDIA)
When the New Doha International Airport
Investment Promotion Department
opens in 2009 it sill be a world- class facility
merging in terms of design and operational
efficiency.
At its ultimate development in 2015, the new
airport will handle 50 million passengers, 2
million tonnes of cargo, and 320,000 aircraft
landings and takeoffs each year. It will be
three times the size of the existing airport in
Doha, and have six times the capacity.
Its opening day capacity in 2009 will be 24
million passengers. It will also be able to
handle 750,000 tonnes of cargo every year.
By opening day, as many as 8,700 passengers
will be able to go through the terminal
complex in a single hour.
At opening day, the 350,000+ square
meter passenger terminal facility will be the
largest building in Doha, covering an area
equivalent to 50 full size football pitches. It
will be bigger than Doha’s City Centre Plaza
which has an internal area of 290,000 square
meters. Flights and passenger processing
facilities will be organized in a way to
minimize walking distances for travellers.
Many of the new airport buildings have a
water theme. The passenger terminal roof
is shaped like a wave. Water is also featured
along the way for arriving passengers. The
Emiri terminal is externally shaped like sail
boats. The 80 meter high control tower is
shaped like a crescent providing a key night
feature shining on the NDIA facilities.
More than 100 hectares alongside the new
airport have been reserved for commercial
Ministry of Economy & Commerce
development. Private development
opportunities include free trade zone, office
and business park, hotels and retail mall
For more infomation: www.ndiaproject.com
Friendship Bridge - New Causeway
A proposed bridge, referred to as the
‘Friendship Bridge’ will link Qatar and Bahrain
via a 45-kilometre causeway - the world’s
longest fixed link. A Danish consortium
headed by renowned engineering consultants
Cowi, has recently completed a feasibility
study.
Qatar and Bahrain signed a Memorandum of
Understanding (MOU) in February 2005 for
the setting up of a causeway between the
two countries. In June 2006, an agreement
was signed to start the work on the
construction of the $3 billion 40 kilometre
causeway between the two countries.
The project is expected to take four years
to complete. In its September 2006 Qatar
Economic Review, the Qatar National Bank
estimated that the causeway would have a
major impact in further enhancing bilateral
ties between the two countries.
Part One About Qatar | 27
Part Two
State of Economy

THE BOOMING STATE


Doha is a boom-town and Qatar is a booming
country with a leadership that is both
insightful and far-sighted. Demonstrating
their learning from other rich and less richly-
resourced countries, Qatar’s leaders are
constructing a strong platform from which to
sustain and grow wealth in the long term.
In recent years Qatar has witnessed massive
economic improvement manifested by
surplus in current account of expenditure
scale, reduction of deficit in general budget
and stability of inflation and exchange rates.
According to the Qatar Economic Review
compiled by the Qatar National Bank in
September 2006, the contribution of LNG
has increased significantly during the last
few years. The QNB has estimated that the
oil and gas sector would continue to hold
a prominent share in the overall GDP and is
expected to stay at 60% in 2007.
The State of a Growing GDP
Now one of the wealthiest countries in the
world, Qatar’s GDP more than trebled from
1999, when it was at a level of QR45.1
billion, to QR 154.6 billion in 2005.
Qatar’s nominal GDP growth has averaged
25% for the five years from 2002 to 2006
with the oil and gas sector accounting for the
main component.
In relation to 2006, Planning Council
preliminary estimates show Qatar’s nominal
GDP rising by 24.2% to reach QR 191.9
billon. (US 52.6 billion). In 2006, the oil and
gas sector showed a significant growth of
28.9%. The non-oil and gas sector grew by
Ministry of Economy & Commerce
Investment Promotion Department
17.1% in 2006 and has in the past five years
- from 2002 to 2006 - witnissed a substansial
growth of 22.8%.
State of a Healthy Budget
In April 2007 Qatar’s 2007 to 2008 State
Budget was released. The largest and one of
the most revealing budgets in Qatar’s history,
it forecasts a surplus of QR 6.7 billion (US 1.8
billion), reflecting the massive strength in the
oil, gas and petrochemical sectors.
Total revenues are forecast to increase by
27.3% reaching QR 72.5 billion (US 19.9
billion), with total expenditures expected to
increase by 20.4% reaching QR 65.7 billion
(US 18 billion). The oil price assumption for
the budget period is US $40 p/b compared
to US $36 p/b in the 2006 to 2007 budget
estimates.
Allocations for major projects have been
increased by 14.4% in the 2007 to 2008
budget to reach QR 22.9 billion (US 6.2
billion) compared to QR 20.0 billion (US 5.5
billion) in the previous annual budget. This
is in-keeping with the State’s commitment
to maintain substantial allocations for major
public projects. The State has also established
a stabilisation fund to this purpose.
State of Foreign Trade -
A Diversification Success Story
The reason for the rapid increase in Qatar’s
exports and imports during the last five years
from 2002 to 2006 is due to the increased
and increasing development in the oil,
gas, industrial sectors and infrastructure,
educational and tourism-related projects.
Qatar’s diversification policy is contributing to
the telling results.
State of Exports
Figures released by the Qatar Planning
Council show that exports have grown
exponentially. Exports averaged a growth rate
of 22.3% during the last five years from 2002
to 2006, reaching QR 104.1 billion (US $28.6
billion) in 2006.
State of Imports
Qatar’s imports have been averaging a
growth rate during the last five years from
2002 to 2006 of 35.6%. Qatar’s imports
have increased by 59.3 % in 2006 to reach
QR 52.6 billion (US 14.43 billion) from QR
33.0 billion (US 9 billion) in 2005. Preliminary
information from the Qatar Planning Council
reveal that the main imports in 2006 were
machinery and mechanical appliances, base
metals, vehicles and transport equipment,
and food products. The import emphasis on
machinery and mechanical appliances reflects
consistent development in the various energy
sector, infrastructure and industrial projects.
Qatar consistently imports base metals such
as iron and steel to meet the related demand
in the construction field.
Economic Sectors
Oil and Gas Sector
Qatar is ensuring that growth is sustained.
With proven oil reserves of 15 billion
barrels and natural gas deposits in excess
Part Two State of Economy | 29
of 900 trillion cubic feet Qatar has a clear
competitive advantage in hydrocarbon
activities. The Government’s heavy investment
in LNG over the last decade has been the
main conductor for the country’s present
meteoric growth. The development of Gas-
To-Liquid (GTL) technologies is also a good
indicator for the future.
Qatar recently unveiled several large projects
in other energy intensive industries. These
include a USD 3 billion joint venture with
Norsk Hydro for an aluminum plant and a
further USD 3billion investment into the
petrochemical industry. These developments
highlight the Government view that
competition is healthy and its strategy for
obtaining the greatest possible revenue from
its natural resources.
In recent years the State has stepped up
its efforts to provide the best possible use
of its hydrocarbon wealth, taking different
approaches to maximise this objective.
Government exploration projects in the oil
and gas fields have been expanded and
the Government has offered incentives
to attract foreign investors to carry out
similar projects. Laws aimed at simplifying
investment procedures are having a positive
impact. The economy is being liberated and
new techniques of marketing gas from giant
plants have been developed.
As a parallel measure, the Government
implemented an economic policy in public
expenditure and diversified sources of
national income to include non-oil sources.
Energy Developments
The Qatar Shell Research and Technology
Centre at the Qatar Science and Technology
Park will be a hub for developing such
environmental solutions. On a wider scale
the company is working with SCENR and
UNESCO on the concept of establishing a
biosphere in Qatar.
Qatar Petroleum
Qatar conducts its principal oil operations
through State-owned Qatar Petroleum (QP)
which manages Qatar’s oil, gas, fertilizer,
petrochemicals and refining enterprises in
Qatar and abroad.
The Government’s two-pronged oil policy has
the aim of replenishing proven reserves within
currently producing fields and identifying
additional new reserves.
In July 2006 Shell and Qatar Petroleum
launched the Pearl GTL project which is the
largest integrated GTL complex in the world
and also the largest energy project ever
launched with in the borders of Qatar. Shell
is also a partner in the large-scale Qatargas 4
LNG project. In regards to environmentally-
friendly enterprise, Shell designed the
offshore plant using the most modern
technology so that it will not discharge any
process effluent water to the sea, all process
water will be recovered, cleaned and re-used
- the largest industrial full process water
recovery and zero-liquid discharge system in
the world.
By 2010 Qatar is likely to be the world’s
single largest producer of liquefied natural
gas (LNG), with a projected production
capacity of 77 million tons per year, some 3
times current production.
The output of associated condensates
- light oil extracted during gas production
- is growing and other gas-based industrial
projects, such as the Oryx Gas to Liquid
facility, are reaching completion, further
increasing Qatar’s capacity in the energy
sector.
In the oilfields, intensified development
programmes are increasing and oil production
will exceed 1 million barrels per day (bpd)
by 2011, which combined with LNG and
GTL output will total some 6 million bpd
equivalent.
Two gas super-trains are planned, each
capable of producing 7.8m tonnes per year.
These super-trains are expected to supply
15.6m tonnes per year to the US market
from 2008. A similar amount is planned for
the UK, also from 2008, and the world’s
largest liquefied natural gas import facility
is currently being built at Milford Haven, a
project which will bring 16 million tonnes
of gas annually from Qatar into the UK gas
transmission network.
In September 2005 RasGas II signed a 25-year
sale-and-purchase agreement with Chinese
Petroleum Corporation of Taiwan to supply 3
million tones a year of liquefied natural gas.
Qatar’s energy sector is flourishing and is
set to enjoy long-term stability with Japan,
South Korea, India and Taiwan already being

long term buyers and Italy and Belgium
committing to buy gas from Qatar.
To enable it to supply gas to its global
customer base, Qatar will expand its fleet
of 20 vessels by around another 60 vessels,
at a cost of some $15 billion, by 2009. On
November 28, 2005, HE Yousef Kamal,
Minister of Finance, announced a $3 billion
deal with Samsung, Daewoo and Hyundai
for 12 of the largest LNG carriers, as part of
Qatar’s strategy to optimise the total LNG
value chain to its energy sector customers
around the world.
Qatar launched the world’s largest liquefied
natural gas refinery project in November
2005, with most production being exported
to the U.S. In the $14-billion strategic alliance
between the two countries, Qatar Petroleum
has a 70% stake and ExxonMobil Ras Laffan
III Limited, a subsidiary of the US oil major
ExxonMobil, the remaining 30%.
On the manufacturing front, Qatar’s first
helium plant came on stream in August 2005.
Around the same time Qatar Vinyl Company
announced a plan to triple its ethylene
dichloride production capacity. Qatar aims to
be a major producer of condensate, naphtha
and lube oil by the end of the decade.
Qatar Steel Company has embarked on a
programme to increase its iron and molten
steel capacity by a half and Qatar Petroleum
has developed a joint venture with Norsk
Hydro to set up an aluminum smelter plant.
A State of Natural Gas
Qatar’s Natural Gas Sector was discovered
Ministry of Economy & Commerce
Investment Promotion Department
in 1971 and is the largest non-associated
gas field in the world with proven reserves
currently estimated at more than 910 trillion
cubic feet which is the equivalent of about
164 billion barrels of oil. These reserves
translate into 14.4% of the world’s total
and will be sufficient to support planned
production of the natural gas for more than
200 years.
Qatar Petroleum has initiated and developed
two major LNG projects with foreign
shareholders for the purpose of utilising
the North Field gas for exports in the form
of LNG. These projects are Qatargas and
RasGas. Expansion of LNG facilities through
Rasgas 2, Qatar Gas 2, Rasgas 3, Qatargas
3 and Qatargas 4 is being pursued to meet
additional export opportunities.
Qatar Liquefied Natural Gas Company
(Qatargas)
Established in 1984, the main activities of
Qatargas are divided into two main projects
with separate shareholder groups: the
upstream joint venture (offshore production
and the onshore receiving facilities) and the
downstream joint venture (onshore LNG
Plant).
In 2005 Qatargas exported a total 9.9 metric
tonnes of LNG, with contracted exports
expected to reach 41.5 metric tonnes by
2011.
Non-Oil and Gas Sector
The Non-Oil and Gas sector contributed
38.1% of total GDP in 2006, recording
a growth of 17.1% over 2005. The main
components of this sector are the following:
Other Services
In 2006, the Other Services sector, which
includes government services, social services,
household services, imputed bank service
charges and import tariffs, made the largest
contribution to GDP of the non-oil and
gas sectors. This sector grew by 49.1% in
2006, contributing USD 4,710 million which
represented 8.9% of total GDP.
Finance, Insurance and Real Estate
The Finance, Insurance and Real Estate sector
is comprised of five sub-sectors: banking,
insurance, financial intermediation services,
real estate and business services. In terms
of relative contribution to GDP, this sector
contributed USD 4,323 million, the second
highest among the non-oil and gas sectors
and grew by 6.6% at current prices in 2006.
This sector represented 8.2% of Qatar’s GDP
in 2006.
Manufacturing Industry
In 2006, the Manufacturing sector made the
third largest contribution to GDP among non-
oil and gas sectors. This sector grew by 8.1%
at current prices, contributing USD 3,867
million which represented 7.3% of total
GDP. This sector is strongly supported by the
Government as a part of a general policy to
diversify income sources and to maximise the
utilisation of Qatar’s natural resources.
The major sub-sectors of the Manufacturing
Part Two State of Economy | 31

sector are petroleum refining, industrial,
chemicals, fertilisers and steel, which utilise
natural gas as feed-stock and/or fuel. Other
important activities include the production of
flour, cement, concrete, plastics, textiles and
footwear, household articles and paint.
Building and Construction
The rapid pace of developments in the
Building and Construction sector is quite
evident around Doha in recent years, and
as such this sector continues to be a major
contributor to the GDP and employment of
labour force. This sector witnessed a growth
of 17.7% in 2006, contributing USD 2,823
million to overall GDP.
Public expenditure is a very important factor
affecting the prospects for the building and
constructions sector, and the realisation
of budgetary surpluses in the last seven
fiscal years has increased the level of public
spending. Allocation for major public projects
in the 2007/08 Budget increased by 14.4%
to reach USD 6.28 billion, which covers the
areas of public services, infrastructure, social
and health services, and education and youth
welfare.
Trade, Restaurants and Hotels
The Trade, Restaurants and Hotels sector
contributed USD 2,089 million to Qatar’s
overall GDP in 2006, representing 4.0%
of total GDP. This sector grew by 10.9% in
2006 and will be one of the most promising
in the coming years, as business, cultural,
sports, education and tourism events aimed
at promoting Qatar, gathers even more
Investment Promotion Department
momentum. Qatar’s hotel room capacity in
the luxury sector is expected to increase by
an additional 8,468 rooms in the coming
years as result of up-coming projects such
as the Pearl -Qatar and hotels including the
Bavaria Suites, the Hilton Doha, the Shangri-
La, La Cigale, the Marriott Courtyard and the
Rotana. The Qatar Tourism Authority which
was established in the year 2000, is actively
promoting Qatar as a tourist destination.
Transport and Communication
This sector contributed USD 1,539 million
to the overall GDP in 2006, and witnessed
a growth of 9.7%. Qatar Airways is the
principal airline operating from Qatar,
designated as the “National Carrier”, and is
a joint public and private sector enterprise
(being 50% owned by the Government).
Qatar Airways currently flies to over 80
destinations in the Middle East, North Africa,
Europe, the Indian sub-continent and the Far
East. Qatar Airways operates an all-Airbus
fleet of 57 aircraft and will triple its fleet to
110 by 2015.
Qatar telecom (Q-Tel) under license has been
the sole owner and operator of all national
and international services. With the opening
up of the telecom sector in early 2007, a
new mobile operating license is currently
under bidding with a new operator to be
announced by the last quarter of 2007.
Electricity and Water
The Electricity and water sector witnessed a
growth of 9.7% in 2006, contributing USD
665 million to Qatar’s overall GDP. Most
Ministry of Economy & Commerce
of Qatar’s electricity generation capacity
comprises of gas turbines, which are fuelled
by natural gas. Water desalination is achieved
in tandem with electricity generation.
A number of industrial companies, such
as QAPCO and QAFCO, have their own
electricity generating facilities. Qatar’s first
independent water and power project (IWPP)
located at Ras Laffan has a capacity of 750
MW of power and 40 million gallons of water
a day. The Ras Laffan B IWPP was completed
in June 2006 and will start full commercial
operations in 2008.
Agriculture and Fisheries
The Agriculture and Fishing sector has
traditionally played only a minor role in
the modern Qatari economy because of
unsuitable weather and environmental
conditions. Cultivable land accounts for only
approximately 0.7% of Qatar’s total surface
area. This sector grew by 7.9% in 2006,
contributing USD 63 million to Qatar’s GDP.
Part Two State of Economy | 33
Finance - Surging Forward
Qatar’s banking and finance sectors are
among the best in the world in terms of
governance, products, service quality,
technology and regulatory framework.
Qatar’s rapidly accelerating economy - with a
GDP the International Monetary Fund expects
to grow by over 13 per cent next year (2008),
is luring top tier firms and attracting specialist
providers with the experience and skills to
strengthen Qatar’s investment strategy.
Qatar has made adjustments to become a
veritable powerhouse for financial investors
and many of the world’s leading financial
firms have set up bases in Qatar. The rules
and regulations covering for instance,
insurance or collective investment schemes
specially tailored for these firms are world-
class.
The world’s attention is now on the
financial opportunities being manifested in
Qatar. Equally the changing attitudes and
approaches of the regional regulators and
governments are arousing international
interest.
For information on the Qatar Financial Centre
(QFC) which helps financial service companies
and specialist support service providers gain
licenses to operate in Qatar see the section
on the QFC in ‘Where To Invest’ under Part
Three: Investor Friendly Services.
The State of Banking
Local, Regional and International
Qatar has a growing number of banks.
Presently nine are Qatari-owned institutions
including five commercial banks: Al Ahli
Bank; Commercial Bank; Doha Bank;
International Bank of Qatar and the Qatar
National Bank. Three of the Qatari-owned
banks are Islamic: Qatar Islamic Bank;
International Islamic Bank and Al-Rayyan
Bank. The specialised Qatar Industrial
Development Bank is also Qatari-owned. The
Al Khaliji Bank was founded in Doha, Qatar in
January 2007 with the support of nearly 200
major shareholders from Qatar, Oman, UAE,
Kuwait, and Bahrain.
The Qatar National Bank is the largest Qatari
bank and the first national bank. It has
an equity base split equally between the
Government and private shareholders.
Significantly in 2005 QNB was the first bank
in Qatar to establish mutual funds with a
mutual fund for locals and the Al Watani
Fund 11 mutual fund for expatriates.
The local branches of seven foreign banks
operate in Qatar including: Arab Bank; Bank
Saderat Iran; HSBC; Mashreq Bank; BNP
Paribas; Standard Chartered and United Bank.
Qatar Development Bank
Qatar Development Bank’s objective is to
play an active role in the economic and
industrial development of the State of Qatar
by helping to diversify its industrial base
through the promotion and financing of small
and medium-sized projects in key economic
sectors. The authorised captial of the bank is
QR 5 Billion.
Banking Results
The latest available results for the Qatari
banking sector - including Qatari and foreign
banks - showed that the figures keep
rising with net profits increasing by 101.8%
reaching QR 4,726 1 million. Total assets
increased by 38.1% to QR128.4 billion,
customer deposits rose by 34.2% to QR 91.2
billion, loans and balances rose by 37.0%
to QR 72.7 billion. Shareholder’s Equity also
rose, growing by 50.9% to QR 23.7 billion.
The State of Qatar’s Monetary Policy
The monetary management in Qatar is
called the Qatar Monetary Agency (QMA).
Established by Law no. 15 in 1993, it is
implemented by Qatar Central Bank (QCB).
The Qatar Central Bank (QCB) regulates
the monetary, credit and banking policies
in accordance with the general plans of
the State in order to support the national
economy and the stability of the currency.
The QCB has full powers over the monetary
policies of the State, and supervises and
controls banks and financial institutions.
Interest Rate Policy – Free of Policy
Restrictions
Qatar removed its ceiling on interest rates
for local currency deposits in 2001, freeing
the banking system from all interest rate policy
restrictions.
 Ministry of Economy & Commerce
Investment Promotion Department

The State’s short-term interest rates closely
follow those prevailing in the United States,
with a slight positive differential.
Public Finance
Being oil and gas related, the Government’s
primary source of budget revenues, are
mainly generated by Qatar Petroleum’s
activities. In addition to such export receipts,
the Government obtains revenues mainly
from the dividend income of other industrial
enterprises. Other sources of Government
revenues are tax, custom duties and charges.
Qatar has joined the international
conventions dealing with international
commercial arbitration. In 1996 the
Chamber also inaugurated the symposium
titled ‘Methods of Stimulating Foreign Private
Investments in the GCC Countries.’
More information may be obtained at:
www.qcci.org
The State of Business Entities
These are various types of business entities in
Qatar:
year 2002 articles (61)-(205).
Limited Share Partnership Company:
This type of company has at least one or
more joint partners and at least four trustee
shareholding partners. The minimum share
capital of the company is 1,000,000 QR.
(Read Law (5) of the year 2002 articles (206)-
(224).
Limited Liability Company: Is the most
commonly used business entity in Qatar.
(Read Law (5) of the year 2002 articles (225)-
(260).

Balance of Payments
The balance of payments have shown a
trend as impressive as the exports and
imports. (The rapid rise in exports/imports
is outlined in the State of Foreign Trade – A
Diversification success story in Part Two State
of Economy). Surpluses in the Balance of
Payments have been consecutively recorded
since 1999.
The State of Qatar’s Chamber of
Commerce and Industry
The Chamber of Commerce has been
performing efficiently since it was founded
in 1990. It has been effective at encouraging
national industries and introducing national
products to the world markets. Significantly,
it also works to support the private sector,
advocate its causes and procure modern
technology as a means of assisting Qatar
businesses to participate in joint ventures.
Partnership Company: This is the most Holding Companies: A holding company
basic form of commercial arrangement for must be a shareholding company or limited
two or more individuals to combine together liability company which has financial and
for the purpose of commercial activity in management control on the companies by
Qatar. The partners have unlimited liability owning at least 51% of that company. The
and the trade name of the partnership minimum capital should be 10 million QR.
company will reflect the names of the (Law (5) of the year 2002 articles (261)-(266).
partners. (Read Law (5) of the year 2002 For more information please view:
articles (19)-(43). www.qcb.gov.qa
Joint Venture Company: An entity
comprised of two or more persons that
combine to carry out a project. The joint
venture company provided for in the law
is an unincorporated entity without legal
personality. (Read Law (5) of the year 2002
articles (52)-(60).
Public Shareholding Company: Also
known as a joint stock company or Qatari
shareholding company. The law recognises
different variants of the public shareholding
company including: 1- Public shareholding
company-open. 2- Private or closed public
shareholding company. (Read Law (5) of the

Part Two State of Economy | 35

Part Three
Investment Opportuniities

THE INVESTOR-FRIENDLY STATE


“Qatar is the fastest growing
economy within the GCC and is
one of the desirable investment
destinations in the world.”
- The Director for Middle East Affairs at
the office of the US Trade Representative,
Mr. Edmund R. Saums.
Attractions for Investors
Investors to Qatar are attracted by factors
such as industrial land at a token rent,
electricity and natural gas at nominal rates,
waiver of duties or taxes for 10 years, stable
exchange rates, foreign ownership and the
freedom to repatriate the capital or profit.
• The aforementioned excellent Medical and
Educational facilities.
• Stability and clarity of laws and rules which
contain the required guarantees.
• Stability and flexibility of foreign exchange
and its rate.
• Aforementioned world class
telecommunications.
• Investor help and information
• Industrial land has a nominal and minimal
rent of US$0.27 per square metre per year
annually. (The Qatar Riyal is fixed to the US
dollar - US$1 = QR3.64).
• The cost of electricity is extremely low at
approximately US $0.0178 per KWH with
a lowered price of approximately US$0.016
for industrial plants and approximately US
$0.0274 cents for hotels.
Ministry of Economy & Commerce
Investment Promotion Department
• Another low cost item, natural gas, is
priced at approximately US$0.60-0.75 per
million BTU.
• Water is provided for industrial plants at
a lowered price of approximately US$0.12
cents per cubic metre.
• Petrol costs are extremely low.
• There is an absence of export duties and a
policy of no taxes being paid on corporate
profits for pre-determined periods. There
is also an exemption from taxes on
exported products of the enterprise.
• There are no custom duties on the import
of machinery, equipment and spare parts.
• There is an exemption from income tax for
companies for ten years.
• There are no export duties and no taxes on
corporate profits for pre-determined
periods.
The Government also offers an attractive
business climate to investors with the
following:
• 10-year tax holidays provided the
Government grants approval.
• No income tax on salaries of expatriates.
• No exchange control regulations.
• Excellent medical and educational facilities.
• Easy access to world market with first class
air and sea connections.
Important economic liberalisation policies
have resulted in increased inward investment
with the private sector playing a significant
part in the development of the economy.
According to the 2000 Foreign Investment
Law:
Subject to provisions of item “3” of this
article Foreign Investors may invest in all
sectors of national economy provided that
they shall have Qatari partner(s) whose share
in the capital shall not be less than 51%
and the company is legally established in
accordance with provisions of law.
Nevertheless, Foreign investors may, upon
Minister’s decision, increase their share in
project capital from 49% up to 100% in
the fields of agriculture, industry, health,
education, tourism, development and
exploitation of natural resources, energy or
mining provided that such projects match
with the Development plan of the State
(Qatar) and due preference shall be given
to projects that would achieve the optimal
utilization of domestic raw materials, export
industries, or project that would present a
new product or in which modern technology
is used, in addition to projects that seek to
locate worldwide leading industry or develop
a qualify national cadre.
It is prohibited for Foreign investment
mention in items (1) and (2) above, to invest
in banks and insurance companies as well as
commercial agency rights and trading in real
estate.
For more information see ‘Laws and
Regulations’ in www.investinqatar.com.qa
Part Three Investment Opportunities | 37

Eyes on the Prize
Investors turning from the West to the
East recognise that the State of Qatar is a
safe stable country, that it is governed well
and foresightedly by an investor-friendly
leadership. Investors realize that Qatar is both
financially and politically secure, providing
a safer environment than many cities and
countries. Such investors have been moving
rapidly to gain a position in what is proving
to be the strongest most creative and exciting
niche market in the Middle East. Investors
coming to Qatar are seeking a warm, secure,
dynamic place to flourish. They are staking
their claim in a success story that merges the
best of traditional life with the latest global
advancements in business and lifestyle.
For those with a vested interest in profit-
making Qatar represents an ideal base for
investment - from small entrepreneurs to
corporate giants wanting to branch into the
region, and for those in-between who wish
to take a medium-sized company and grow it
successfully.
Where to Invest - Investment Fields,
Locations and Opportunities
Ideas grow from the experience that comes
with competition and when competition
comes into a local market the experience and
innovations resulting from that competition
produce a domino effect on the rest of the
market.
Opportunities for Industrial Investment
After extensive study, Qatar opened the doors
Investment Promotion Department
of the gas sector for foreign investments and
sought the best possible partnership offers
in exploration and production. This has been
conducted in accordance with a large-scale
program aimed to develop and use gas
resources to the best advantage.
The State is exerting an outstanding effort
to create opportunities for industrial
development and prepare feasibility studies.
The North Gas Field development agreements
were in line with the State’s policy to develop
industry and diversify fields of investment.
Major Projects and Companies in the
Energy-Related Sector Facilitated by
Qatar:
• Liquefied Natural Gas Company (Qatargas)
• Ras Laffan Liquefied Natural Gas Company
(RasGas)
• The Dolphin Project
• Enhanced Gas Utilization (EGU) Project
• Natural Gas Liquids (NGL)
• Gas to Liquids Projects (GTL)
• Arab C Gas Recycling
• Qatar Fertilizer Company (QAFCO)
• Qatar Fuel Additives Company (QAFAC)
• Qatar Petrochemical Company (QAPCO)
• Qatar Vinyl Company (QVC)
• Qatar Chemical Company (Q-Chem)
• Qatofin
• Ras Laffan Ethylene Cracker (RLEC)
Encouraging Foreign Investment
Boosting the Private Sector
The way the gas sector has developed for
investment provides a clear example of the
way Qatar is creating new economic and
Ministry of Economy & Commerce
commercial liberalisation policies to stimulate,
expand and involve foreign investments and
develop the national private sector.
Investment Potential in Residential,
Tourism and Related Developments
The Qatar National Bank’s Economic Review
(September 2006) predicted that the trade,
restaurant and hotel sector would be one
of the most promising in coming years as
business, cultural, sports education and
tourism events gather increasing momentum.
The domino effect on the market is clearly
visible. Qatar has a revolving profitability
cycle with strong activity and substantial
investments in energy leading to an influx
of workers increasing the demand for real
estate and other services. This in turn leads
to strong activity in real estate, construction
and servicing. The Government’s policy of
diversification is also contributing to the
emergence of new developments attracting
investment.
Qatar’s hotel capacity in the luxury sector is
expected to increase by an additional 9.318
rooms. For more information view the Qatar
Tourism Authority’s website:
www.qatartourism.gov.qa
The Pearl
A development that is already receiving
international acclaim, The Pearl-Qatar is a
US multi billion man-made island covering
985 acres (400 hectares) of reclaimed land
offshore the Arabian Peninsula state of
Qatar. The Pearl-Qatar is the country’s first
Part Three Investment Opportunities | 39
international real estate venture, its largest
real estate development and the first to offer
international investors freehold.
A four-phase mixed-use development, it
will comprise 10 distinct, themed districts
to be developed over five years with
beachfront villas, elegant town homes, luxury
apartments, exclusive penthouses, 5 star
hotels, marinas, schools as well as upscale
retail and restaurant offerings. A destination
in its own right, The Pearl-Qatar is a lavish,
secure and exclusive island retreat with a
Riviera-style community.
A secure, family-oriented environment
modeled on the best of the Mediterranean,
The Pearl-Qatar will be the Arabian Riviera,
offering a lifestyle reminiscent of France and
Italy in the heart of the Arabian Gulf. With
40 kilometres of reclaimed coastline it will
be a superb tourist and lifestyle destination
with world-class shops, community facilities,
schools and marinas.
Porto Arabia, the largest of the Pearl-Qatar’s
marinas will capture the vibrant sophistication
of the Riviera. Colorful, refined and conducive
to the highest standards of living, Porto
Arabia will be a continental marina with a
heart, which beats to the rhythm of Arabia.
Apartments, penthouses and elegant town
homes will embrace a promenade akin to
those found in the South of France.
Distinct districts within Porto Arabia will
offer investors a choice of locations - from a
lively piazza, a festive peninsula or a unique,
secluded ‘island-within-an-island’ getaway. A five-
star hotel will operate from the central island.
Specialised individual and corporate investors
will find prime investment opportunities
within the hotel and leisure facilities. More
information is available at the investor
information section of:
www.thepearlqatar.com
Visa relating to Property Ownership
Under Article 3 of Decree No: 17 issued
on June 6, 2004 by the Emir of Qatar, his
highness Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al-
Thani property owners are entitled to apply
for a residency visa upon the purchase of
a property. This visa includes dependent
children and is valid until the resale of the
property.
Al Waab City
Al Waab City, founded on the principle that
at the heart of every vibrant community is a
public gathering space, will be a community
that is integrated into the existing fabric of
the city. It is a development on an area of
more than 1.4 million square meters that
integrates a variety of housing types, small
and large scale retail, offices, health facilities,
a culture center and a world class hotel.
Al Waab City, located 10 km from the
Corniche, is composed of over 2,100
residential units, commercial space and a
world class 300 room hotel. Although Al
Waab will provide housing for over 10,000
people, it boasts the lowest density ratio in
any new major development in the country
with statistics proving it has half the density
ratio of other development areas.
The heart of Al Waab City is ‘Barahat Al
Waab’; an urban piazza hosting an array
of facilities. This will be Doha’s first urban
square or piazza, filled with shade structures,
water features, formal landscaping and
a spectacular sunken garden. ‘Barahat Al
Waab’ is accessible to all residents by foot
and without crossing any vehicular streets.
Animated with outdoor cafes, restaurants,
street vendors and a world class hotel,
‘Barahat Al Waab’ will be the center of
activity in Al Waab city, a place for public
events, concerts and exhibitions.
City of Lusail
The ‘city’ of Lusail which houses ECQ (the
Energy City Qatar) is a meticulously planned
extension of Qatar’s capital city.
A development on an unprecedented scale,
Lusail will be home to 200,000 people in
distinct residential areas. ECQ will be nestled
beside Lusail’s corporate, waterfront, marina
and entertainment districts.
The Lusail Real Estate Development is a 35
sq km mixed-use development along an 8.5
km shoreline. This is the second major resort
project planned in the West Bay area, after
The Pearl-Qatar project. The development of
this progressive world-class city is expected
to attract up to 200,000 people who will
live, work, raise their families and enjoys
their lives. During the next 10 to 15 years,
Lusail will be released in a series of controlled
developments.
Lusail will have 10 districts including:
the Lusail Marina, Fox Hills, Energy City,

Entertainment District and the Marina
District. Each district will have its own
distinctive features that celebrate traditional
Qatari and Islamic architecture in a striking,
contemporary way.
Strict developments and architectural
guidelines are laid down to ensure the quality
and design standards, intent and aesthetic
principles of the overall design. It will also
include approximately 10 hotels, 3,000
houses, 12,000 apartments and over 300,000
square metres of real estate space.
Entertainment City
There has been strong investor interest in
the Entertainment City being set up at Lusail.
Abu Dhabi Investment House (ADIH) is setting
up a $ 500 million ‘Entertainment City’.
Entertainment City will cover 1 million
square metres of land, running alongside a 1
kilometre stretch of beachfront at Lusail. It is
set to become the “anchor development” for
the entire Lusail project with the Doha Golf
Course and Energy City Qatar located nearby.
Designed to be a mix of hospitality, leisure
and recreational facilities with complementary
commercial and residential components,
there is already strong interest in this
development.
The destination will offer spectacular themed
parks and hotels, specialty shopping, fine
dining restaurants, cinemas, a theatre and
alternative entertainment components
offering a fusion of traditional Arabic
hospitality and contemporary leisure lifestyles.
Sub-themes will revive legends surrounding
Ministry of Economy & Commerce
Investment Promotion Department
the area’s famous traders and seafarers, form the necessary IT infrastructure.
ancient Arabic castles, forts, cities and
forgotten kingdoms. Catering to commercial, technical and
human resource needs, the ECQ will have
Various attractions within the Entertainment cutting-edge facilities and services. ECQ is
City ‘communities’ will include a family intended to be an innovative, intelligent,
entertainment centre, water theme park, vibrant energy centre filled with customers,
family natural attractions, Cineplex, theatre suppliers and related service providers freely
and bowling alley. interacting, co-operating and competing for
the advancement of energy business.
All segments of Entertainment City are
open to investors. In accordance with local It will also be the base for a dedicated energy
legislation, GCC citizens can own property trading platform the International Mercantile
outright, with 99-year leases available for Exchange (IMEX) which will be regulated
foreigners. by the Qatar Financial Centre Regulatory
Authority. For more information see
Energy City www.energycity.com
The Middle East’s first Energy Business
Centre is intent on becoming the ‘Houston’
or ‘Calgary’ of the Middle East. Officially
launched at the end of March, 2006
and located within the impressive Lusail
development in Doha, Energy City Qatar
(ECQ) is the region’s first integrated energy
business centre. Consolidating a range of
industry and marketing services under one
roof, it has been successful in attracting
industry leaders in oil and gas production,
international and national oil companies,
support services, infrastructure and
downstream activities, shipping and trading,
market and resource data, intellectual
property and energy trading.
Gulf Energy - the consortium of international
energy experts behind ECQ – has signed
a MOU with Microsoft providing the
development and implementation of the next
generation of enterprise-level solutions to
Part Three Investment Opportunities | 41
Investment in Financial Services and
Financial Support Services
Facilitation Services at the Qatar Financial
Centre (QFC):

The QFC is at the heart of Qatar’s dynamic

growth and investment strategy and
Investment in Financial Services and
Financial Support Services

Credited for its progressive
approach to business and the
economy, Qatar was recently named
the most competitive economy in
the Middle East and North Africa by
the World Economic Forum
- World Economic Forum
Investment in Financial Services and
Financial Support Facilitation Services
at the Qatar Financial Centre (QFC):
The QFC is at the heart of Qatar’s
dynamic growth and investment strategy
and exemplifies the Qatar leadership’s
commitment to the development of a
dynamic and sustainable economy.
Established in 2005, the QFC facilitates the
establishment of financial institutions in a
‘best-in-class’ international environment.
It provides support for such businesses to
create new revenue streams and participate
in a long-term and mutually beneficial
partnership with Qatar.
The QFC issues licenses to financial service
companies and to specialist support service
providers. Companies doing business
from the QFC include those engaged in
investment banking, project finance, private
equity, corporate finance, private banking,
asset management; Islamic finance and
fund management. Specialised support
firms include legal firms, accountants and
management consultancies.
Companies licensed by the QFC benefit from
its world-class business, legal and regulatory
Ministry of Economy & Commerce
Investment Promotion Department
environment. which provides them with
clarity, dependability and familiarity. The QFC
consists of the QFC Authority and the QFC
Regulatory Authority, which are independent
of each other. It also has its own judiciary in
the form of the QFC Civil and Commercial
Court, and the QFC Regulatory Tribunal, an
appeals body.
The QFC Authority is responsible for
commercial strategy and for developing
relationships with the global financial
community, financial institutions and other
key bodies and organisations both within
and outside Qatar. The Regulatory Authority
supervises, regulates and if necessary
disciplines financial services firms and
financial institutions which operate in or from
the Qatar Financial Centre.
Though firms licensed by the QFC are
permitted to operate from their own
premises - declared QFC sites – the majority
are choosing to set up in the impressive
landmark, the QFC tower, where they can
operate in close proximity to the services
offered by the QFC.
For more information contact the QFC or
view the QFC website: www.qfc.com.qa
Market Investments
The Doha Securities Market (DSM)
First opened in1997, the DSM now has thirty
six companies listed on the exchange. These
include banking and financial insurance, and
the service and industrial sectors.
The DSM aims to expand investments
in Qatari shareholding companies and
make them available to various people in
the community while advocating a range
of investment methods to promote the
economy. It is also aimed at developing a
healthy investment climate by providing a
highly remarkable monitoring institution to
supervise investors’ capitals and assets.
For more information please visit:
www.dsm.com.qa/dsmsite
Qatar Science & Technology Park
Qatar’s rapid growth is attracting technology-
based companies from around the world.
Qatar Science & Technology Park, a free-trade
zone within Education City - a campus of
universities and research institutes - has been
established to attract companies to develop
and commercialise their technology in Qatar.
(For more information on Education City see
page 11 of this brochure.)
QSTP forms part of the Qatar government’s
drive to build a knowledge economy. QSTP
aims to bring industry and academia together,
spurring innovation and technology-based
business.
QSTP has operated from temporary facilities
since July 2004 and its new $300 million
complex opens in late 2007. It comprises
a set of three research-friendly buildings in
which tenant companies can lease office
and laboratory space from three to 15
years. Spaces range from 45 square meters
for small star-ups to 6000 square meters
for large corporations. Companies may
also commission and lease-back their own
dedicated buildings.
Part Three Investment Opportunities | 43
QSTP also provides services and amenities
which cater for many business needs, and
support programs that accelerate technology
commercialisation such as venture-capital
funding and entrepreneur training.
in Qatar. This is because, by operating as
a “free zone”, it can allow our tenants to
independently own and operate a local entity.
That entity is not subject to tax, duty or
capital controls.
Zone 2: adjacent to Doha Industrial Area
Zone 3: situated south of Wakra and north to
Mesaieed Industrial City

Since its free-zone status was legislated in
September 2005, QSTP has been allowing the
registration of branches and incorporation of
companies that can be 100% foreign-owned.
Those businesses are free from tax and
duties and can trade without a local agent or
sponsor. Repatriation of capital and profits is
enshrined in QSTP’s free zone law.
In return for these benefits, and to achieve
its purpose, QSTP requires that tenants’ main
activities relate to technology development.
This can be applied research development
and testing of new products and services, or
technology-related training. QSTP especially
encourages collaboration between its tenants
and Qatar’s universities.
A unique environment is offered at the
QSTP’s location in Education City, impressive
buildings containing large-scale laboratory
space, and world-class offices for support
services, programs and Research and
Development (R&D). Technology-based
companies around the world and those
just starting-up will benefit from these
resources which stimulate development and
accelerate commercialisation. The location
at Education City also provides access to the
faculty, graduates and facilities of leading
international universities based in Qatar. For
more information visit: The next step is to select a strategic partner
www.qstp.org.qa among potential international investors to
develop the infrastructure plan, prior to
Developing Economic Zones inviting anchor investors to the Zones.

QSTP’s current tenants include EADS,
ExxonMobil, GE, Microsoft, Shell and
Total, as well as small-to-medium and local
companies. Some have existing operations in
Qatar to locate their technology activities at
QSTP, while others are coming to Qatar for
the first time to base their entire operations
at the science park.
QSTP is the Middle East’s premier location for
technology-based companies, especially those
seeking to develop technology for the local
marketplace.
QSTP provides an attractive and easy way
for foreign technology companies to set up
The State of Qatar issued Law (34) of the
year 2005 related to the establishment
of economic zones (QEZ) aimed at the
enhancement of the investment environment
and identifying the suitable industries that
will sustain the country’s current impressive
economic growth. This will be achieved
through local and foreign investments. The
Law provides for the creation of a regulatory
and facilitating body which sets the rules
and standards that the Economic Zones will
operate under.
The current plan consists of establishing three
economic zones:
Zone 1: adjacent to the contemplated new
port inside Doha city
Small Business Opportunities
Qatar has many small businesses formed
as the result of an expatriate forming a
partnership with a Qatari. These range
from child-care nurseries to schools, health
and dental clinics, veterinary clinics to travel
centres and shops.
For information relating to setting up
a business in Qatar or other aspects of
investment please refer to further information
on the back cover or visit the website:
www.investinqatar.com.qa
 Ministry of Economy & Commerce
Investment Promotion Department

Investment in a Global Creative Niche Significant progress is being made on all

By providing centres of excellence and
innovation as part of Qatar’s diversification
strategy the country is targeting trends that
benefit the increasingly globalised
economies.
Creative industries provide jobs that
appeal to younger Qataris while drawing
on global indigenous talent. The Doha
Asian Games for instance, showcased the
power of diversity and inclusion of over 40
nationalities.
Both the renowned television brand Al
Jazeera and the 15th Asian Games placed
Qatar on the global stage.
Qatar is developing a global creative niche
in the fields of entertainment, education,
communications and technology.
Knowledge-Based Economy (KBE)
fronts in its efforts to grow a Knowledge-
Based Economy. An example is the
announcement that the Government would
dedicate 2.8% of GDP annually to fostering
research and development projects.
The State has also offered incentives for
firms involved in research work, including tax
breaks and increased funding for schools and
universities to improve education in sciences.
The opening up of the financial sector is an
example of building institutional frameworks
which allow companies to take up business
opportunities quickly and effectively.
However, as Qatar grows its KBE, it is also
mindful of maintaining the cultural values
that makes Qatar unique. This is why the
Society pillar will be a critical component
of Qatar’s Knowedge-Based Economy
development.

Qatar is boosting efforts to position itself at

the heart of the Middle East’s technology,
research and information industries, both as
a means of attracting foreign investment and
to expand the base of its economy.

In its efforts to diversify the economy,

the Government is developing a National
Vision that will have the pillars of a
Knowledge-Based Economy at its heart.
Qatar’s KBE is being built on five pillars:
Education; Innovation Systems; Institutional
Frameworks; Information, Communications &
Technology; Society

Part Three Investment Opportunities | 45

THE STATE OF WEALTH AND WELL-BEING
 Ministry of Economy & Commerce
Investment Promotion Department

“It is not the strongest of the

species that survive, nor the most
intelligent, but the ones most
responsive to change.”

- Charles Darwin

Summary Statement

Well-placed on the world stage, Qatar is the

place for people who want to reap what they
sow in a field that is already strong and rich.
In today’s world as always, survival of the
fittest means that the people most adept at
finding favourable conditions where they can
adapt and re-generate don’t merely survive,
they flourish.

A country using wealth to build wealth, Qatar Investment Promotion Department

Qatar is creating a global niche that is
different to any other country in the Middle
East; converting the best of modernity
and traditions into a State of Wealth and
Well-Being. Qatar’s economy is booming
in wave after wave, producing a multitude
of opportunities. By joining this enduring
economy investors and their families can reap
the benefits in financial returns and lifestyle.
(IPD)
This brochure has been produced by the
Qatar Investment Promotion Department.
The IPD operates under the supervision of the
Ministry of Economy and Commerce.
IPD provides extensive information and
support to businesses, investors and
entrepreneurs setting-up business in Qatar.

Acknowlegements:

Grateful acknowledgement is made to the

following organisations for providing helpful
assistance towards producing this brochure:
The Qatar Financial Centre; The Qatar Science
and Technology Park and the Qatar Tourism
Authority.

Part Three Investment Opportunities | 47

 APPENDICES
Frequently Asked Questions
The Investment and Promotion
Department of the Ministry of
Economy and Commerce provides
answers some common questions
posed by businesses considering
investing in Qatar.
Q: What is the function of
Qatar Investment Promotion
Department?
A: Qatar Investment Promotion
Department (IPD) operates under the
supervision of the Ministry of Economy
and Commerce. IPD provides extensive
information and support to businesses,
investors, and entrepreneurs’ setting-
up businesses in Qatar.
Q: Can I register a business in Qatar
without a local partner?
A: In accordance to Qatar Investment
Law No. 13 of 2000, any natural
or juristic non-Qatari persons are
allowed to directly invest in the sectors
of agriculture, industry, healthcare,
education, tourism, exploitation and
development of natural resources,
energy or mining provided that these
projects are compatible with the
development scheme of the State.
In addition, foreign investors can have
up to a 49 % stake in all other sectors
of the national economy provided that
they have one or more Qatari partners
whose share is not less than 51 %,
and provided that company is properly
incorporated in agreement with the
provisions of the Law (except Real
Estate). (Read More: Business Policy)
Q: Who should I contact if I want
to set-up a business in Qatar?
A: The Investment Promotion
Department at the Ministry of
Economy and Commerce acts as
primary contact of information
to foreign investors. Proper
commissioning of business may
refer to the respective government
agencies.
Q: What is the size of the
economy?
A: Qatar GDP purchasing power
parity and per capita purchasing
power parity is one of the highest in
the world. The GDP growth rate is also
among the highest in the world.
Q: What is the business
environment in Qatar?
A: Its key business potential majority
relies on oil and gas sectors which
include production of natural gas
and crude oil, petroleum refinery,
petrochemicals, steel, cement
manufacturing and fertilizers making a
very high earning percentage on Qatar
GDP.
On the other hand the non-oil sectors
are building and construction, real-
estate, communications, agriculture,
fishing, water and electricity, business
tourism, and banking.