Tiny in size but mighty in international stature, Qatar is one of the wealthiest nations on Earth
Doha is surprisingly busy at 6 AM. Leaving Hamad International Airport at sunrise, it’s hard to believe it’s so early. Traffic is already at its peak and the city is bustling. Driving past a stunning bay area lined with manicured landscape and perfect promenades, one sees people — mostly expatriates — jogging alongside the Persian Gulf. On the other side is a magnificent cityscape, with skyscrapers that are nothing short of architectural masterpieces.
Soon we arrive amidst the buildings we had admired from the opposite side, and the driver informs us that we have reached West Bay. The Aspire Tower known as The Torch Doha is one of the most iconic buildings in this area. This cylindrical building is the tallest skyscraper of the city. The Doha Tower, also known as Burj Doha, is another iconic high-rise of West Bay. It is evident that we are in the heart of business and commercial activities of Qatar’s capital.
After a brief rest, we head out to our first meeting. Traffic has already reduced and the city seems calmer now. With every meeting and interaction, we are slowly beginning to understand the pace of this fast developing city. Life is relatively unhurried here and working hours end rather early.
Assets & Investment
A population of over 2.4 million lives on just over 4,600 square miles of land, making Qatar the smallest member country of the prestigious Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries. It shares a border with oil-rich Saudi Arabia to its south; the Persian Gulf surrounds the rest of the country.
Don’t be fooled by its size. Despite showing a deceleration in economic growth in the last two years, Qatar remains a high-income economy. It owes much of its stunning success to oil and gas, which make up a majority (55 percent) of the country’s GDP.
As for petroleum alone, in 2015 OPEC valued exports of this product from Qatar at $28 billion.
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