Business Sectors

Below is a list of the main business sectors within Qatar. Oil & Gas is the largest sector accounting for around half the country’s gross domestic product. The government has been pushing for the diversification of industry in order to reduce reliance on the Oil & Gas industry for revenues. The general economic outlook is good as Qatar strives to become a leading industrialized country in the world, punching above its weight.

Oil and Natural Gas

Qatar is the biggest exporters of liquefied natural gas (LPG) in the world and has one of the world’s largest natural gas reserves. The country is also one of the significant exporters of oil.

 

Qatar’s oil exploration began in 1935 at the Dukhan field. Commercial exportation from the field started in 1939. Liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports began in 1997 and are centered at Ras Laffan. Qatar is expected to export 10-11 Million   tonnes* per annum (MTPA) of LPG between 2014 and 2017.

State-owned Qatar Energy manages the country’s oil, gas, fertilizer, petrochemical and refining enterprises in Qatar and abroad. Qatar Energy has developed major LNG projects with foreign shareholders and is using advanced technology to convert LNG into globally marketable liquid products.

Qatar-based petroleum companies include:

Manufacturing

One of the largest contributors to Qatar’s economy outside the oil and gas sector is the manufacturing industry. This sector is supported by the government in a bid to diversify the economy and maximize the use of the country’s natural resources.

National manufacturing companies:

Finance, Insurance and Real Estate

This sector consists of banking, insurance, financial intermediation, real estate and business services. It is growing at a rapid pace, making it one of the most important sectors in the Qatari economy.

A complete list of banks is available on the Banks and Financial System page, or the Banks directory page.

A list of the insurance companies in Qatar is also available in the directory.

Building and Construction

Building and Construction is a major contributor to employment and the economy. Credit issued by banks to this sector has increased significantly in recent years. As the economy of Qatar continues to grow, the government is investing heavily in developing the country’s infrastructure, particularly in preparation for the Qatar 2022 World Cup.

Qatar-based real estate developers include:

Trade, Restaurants and Hotels

The hotels and hospitality sector is one of the most promising for Qatar’s future as the tourism industry gathers momentum in the lead up to the Qatar 2022 World Cup. Qatar aims to be a one-stop destination for all kinds of travel, including tourism, business trips, cultural events, conferences, education and sporting events.

A complete list of hotels is available on the Hotels topic page.

Transport

 

Qatar Airways, a joint public and private venture, is the designated national air carrier of Qatar. Since its relaunch in 1997, the airline has earned many awards and accolades, becoming one of an elite group of airlines worldwide to have been awarded a five-star rating. The airline’s large fleet of modern aircraft serves more than 150 destinations across six continents.

 Qatar Rail Company is the owner and manager of Qatar’s rail network, responsible for the design, construction, commissioning, operation and maintenance of the Metro, Light Rail Transit and Long Distance rail network and systems.

Mowsalat is the government-sponsored transportation company which operates taxis, limousines, passenger and school bus services, and manages carrier licenses within Qatar.

Qatar’s transportation providers are:

Telecommunications

There are two major companies providing communication services in Qatar, namely Ooredoo and Vodafone, and the communication sector is regulated by the Communications Regulatory Authority, affiliated to the Ministry of Transport and Communications (MoTC).

Telecom providers in Qatar are:

Electricity and Water

Most of Qatar’s electricity comes from gas turbines, fueled by natural gas. Water desalination is achieved in tandem with electricity, giving Qatar an impressive capacity. KAHRAMAA is the national utility provider.

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Agriculture and Fisheries

This sector traditionally plays a minor role in the Qatari economy due to generally unsuitable weather and environmental conditions. However, innovative technologies are being applied to help stimulate the sector.

Companies involved in the development of local farms: