KEY ISSUES Context. As the world’s largest exporter of liquefied natural gas (LNG), Qatar has turned into an important global financial investor, donor, and labor importer. Growth averaged 14 percent over the past decade and GDP per capita has reached $100,000, the highest in the world. Qatar...

This 2015 Article IV Consultation highlights that Qatar is implementing an ambitious diversification strategy, while retaining its systemic role in the global natural gas market. Qatar accounts for one-third of global liquefied natural gas trade and has emerged as an important global financial...

This Selected Issues paper discusses strengthening of fiscal policy and fiscal frameworks in Qatar. It proposes ways to ensure that sustainable fiscal policy is maintained in the medium to long term in Qatar. Fiscal policy remains sustainable, but given the large drop in oil prices,...

Qatar's economy is driven by high oil and natural gas prices and production, and remains strong with robust nonhydrocarbon growth. Its government has now shifted its focus to economic diversification and growth in nonhydrocarbon sectors through targeted infrastructure investments. The Executive...

Qatar has recently taken steps toward introducing a medium-term budget framework (MTBF) to enhance the predictability of spending decisions in the country. However, implementing medium-term fiscal planning requires formal procedural fiscal rules and parallel efforts to enhance the credibility of...

Growth normalization after the 2022 FIFA World Cup continued with signs of activities strengthening more recently. Fiscal and external surpluses softened mainly due to lower hydrocarbon prices. Banks are healthy but pockets of vulnerabilities remain. Reform momentum has strengthened, guided by...

After very strong economic performance in 2022, boosted by the successful hosting of the 2022 FIFA World Cup, output growth has been normalizing. High hydrocarbon prices further strengthened fiscal and external positions. Banks are strong, although non-performing loans continued to edge up....

Swift and decisive policy response to the Covid-19 pandemic has helped to mitigate the health and economic impact of the crisis. Fast vaccination rollout has also strengthened the economy's resilience to new pandemic waves, paving the way for a speedy recovery. As the economy rebounds, a gradual...