Qatar has prospered in the last several years with continued high real GDP growth. GDP grew sharply in 2010 largely due to the increase in oil prices, and 2011’s growth was supported by Qatar’s investment in expanding its gas sector. GDP slowed to 6.6% in 2012 as Qatar’s gas sector expansion moved toward completion. Economic policy is focused on developing Qatar’s non-associated natural gas reserv
es and increasing private and foreign investment in non-energy sectors, but oil and gas still account for more than 50% of GDP, roughly 85% of export earnings, and 70% of government revenues. Oil and gas have made Qatar the world’s highest per-capita income country and the country with the lowest unemployment. Proved oil reserves in excess of 25 billion barrels should enable continued output at current levels for 57 years. Qatar’s proved reserves of natural gas exceed 25 trillion cubic meters, more than 13% of the world total and third largest in the world. EXPAT LIFE
Most expats relocating from Europe find that working in Qatar involves a surprisingly smooth transaction. Expats community in Qatar is fairly small and friendly, and very welcoming to newcomers. A minimal amount of searching for activities and new friends will usually be very fruitful. The corporate culture in Qatar is interestingly eclectic, with the colleagues and clients will come into contact with on a daily basis likely to be from all over the world. Qatar also tops all expats polls as 92% of expats working in Qatar say they save significantly more at the end of every month than they did back home. There is no shortage of entertainment in Doha, plenty of shops, restaurants, cinemas and bowling alleys to choose from. Expats can enjoy public or private beaches, yacht clubs over the weekend, or visit the Cultural Village for a family adventure.
