OBG Paper Examines Qatar's Quest for Diversity Hosting the World Cup

In a recent report, the international research and consultancy firm Oxford Business Group outlined Qatar's efforts to use its plentiful natural gas resources and its prominence as the host of the 2022 FIFA World Cup to establish a diversified, knowledge-based economy (OBG).

The North Field Expansion project, which would raise liquefied natural gas (LNG) production to 126 million tonnes annually by 2027, is one of the country's ambitions to solidify its position as a leader in the global energy market, according to the research. Additionally, it offers thorough coverage of Qatar's main infrastructure initiatives, such as those built-in preparation for the 2022 FIFA World Cup, which will be held in November and December, as well as other initiatives outlined in the Vision 2030 roadmap.

A major focus is the environmentally friendly public transportation system that has been created as part of larger goals to make the 2022 FIFA World Cup the first tournament to be carbon neutral and accomplish sustainable development goals.

The report tracks the increase in Gulf visitor numbers as the pandemic and regional tensions subside, though the sporting event does promise an influx of tourists towards the end of the year. Qatar's tourism industry has also experienced other gains. It also looks at the cruise market's promising future, where a full docking schedule predicts high performance in 2022.

The Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani contributed to the publication "Qatar 2022" with a thorough sector-by-sector guide for investors.

It also includes interviews with a variety of well-known figures, such as H E Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Qassim Al Thani, Chairman of the Qatar Chamber Sheikh Khalifa bin Jassim bin Mohammed, H E Ahmad Al Sayed, Minister of State and Chairman of the Qatar Free Zones Authority, Sheikh Ali Al Waleed Al Thani, and Nasser Al Khater, CEO of Qatar's bid to host the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

The approaching 2022 FIFA World Cup is expected to further boost Qatar's standing on the international stage, according to Oliver Cornock, Editor-in-Chief of OBG, who made a statement following the launch. Qatar has worked to establish itself as a regional economic, political, and cultural powerhouse over the years.

In order to further its efforts to diversify the national economy, he said, Qatar has "built up a considerable portfolio of investments abroad, while also putting out a major pipeline of domestic infrastructure projects." Our analysis demonstrates that legacy plans are already taking shape for the tournament stadiums and other connected projects, which is consistent with Qatar's commitment to place sustainability, innovation, and cultural identity at the center of its overall economic development.

Strong fundamentals have paved the way for a solid recovery from the pandemic's disruption, according to Jana Treeck, Managing Director for the Middle East. She also supported Qatar's efforts to strengthen the role of the private sector in generating new growth.

Forecasts indicate a strong recovery in tourism and transportation in 2022, helped by the expected flood of visitors for the 2022 FIFA World Cup and cruise ship arrivals, according to Treeck. We anticipate that Qatar will gain from newly passed legislation intended to boost private sector involvement in the economy, and significant labor market changes should help the country become more competitive.