Doing Business in Qatar

Country overview

Qatar is a small independent sovereign state in the Middle East and is one of the six members of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). It is a relatively small country, but one of the richest in the world with a very high gross domestic product (GDP) per head. This affluent market with its growing population offers opportunities for UK businesses across a wide range of sectors.

It has significant oil and gas reserves, and energy production per head dwarfs the other Gulf countries. As oil prices can and do fluctuate, the government is using the revenue generated to diversify its economy.

Qatar has transformed itself over the past two decades from a relatively unknown Gulf State to a prominent player on the world stage. Exploiting its significant oil and gas reserves, it has embarked on one of the largest and most ambitious infrastructure programmes in the world with projected spend of around £140 billion to deliver its 2030 Qatar National Vision (focused on economic, social, human and environmental development) and the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

The government is implementing reforms to tackle public spending and diversify the economy away from oil and gas, including through promoting the role of the private sector and SMEs.

About this guide

This guide aims to provide a route map of the way ahead, together with signposts to other sources of help.

The main objective of this Doing Business in Qatar Guide is to provide you with basic knowledge about Qatar; an overview of its economy, business culture, potential opportunities and to identify the main issues associated with initial research, market entry, risk management and cultural and language issues.

We do not pretend to provide all the answers in the guide, but novice exporters in particular will find it a useful starting point. Further assistance is available from the Department for International Trade (DIT) team in Qatar. Full contact details are available in this guide.

To help your business succeed in Qatar we have carefully selected a variety of essential service providers as ‘Market Experts’ Click Here.

The guide is available in 4 formats:

• this website

• a ‘free’ downloadable 'mobile device-friendly’ app – available from the iTunes App Store and Google Play store

• a full colour hard-copy brochure (to order your copy please Click Here)

• PDF download/e-flipbook (available to download below)

About IOE&IT

An introduction to the Institute of Export & International Trade

Established in 1935, the Institute of Export & International Trade is the professional membership body representing and supporting the interests of everyone involved in importing, exporting and international trade. Offering a unique range of individual and business membership benefits and a world renowned suite of qualifications and training, the Institute is the leading authority in best practice and competence for businesses trading globally.

To view other videos, please visit the IOE&IT YouTube Channel.

For more information visit: www.export.org.uk