Qatar: A post FIFA world cup legacy

Qatar is in a unique position, with a small population of around 3 million, 90% of which are expats, and a very strong financial position largely supported by liquified natural gas (LNG). As a result, Qatar enjoys one of the strongest economies globally, ranking ninth in terms of GDP per capita.

Since being awarded the rights to host the FIFA World Cup, Qatar has gone through a complete decade-long transformation, finishing in 2022. Developments made and being pursued in Qatar fall under four main pillars as part of the National Vision 2030: Human, Social, Economic and Environmental.

Qatar was in the spotlight in 2022 as it hosted and successfully delivered the FIFA World Cup tournament. For Qatar, hosting this global event primarily served as a way of repositioning the country globally and as a platform for the legacy that it hopes to create based on the Qatar National Vision 2030. While global outcomes are more visible, it is important to understand the domestic changes that are taking place among the Qatari population and their long-term significance.

Overtime, people’s attitudes and values have been changing. Today three in four Qataris embrace change and welcome a more dynamic world, one in two see themselves as global citizens and don’t necessarily share the same values as their parents.

When it comes to gender equality, today Qatar enjoys one of the highest female labor force participation levels in the MENA region (60%) driven by very progressive attitudes towards women’s empowerment and a belief that that women’s role should extend beyond the household.

People’s attitudes are also evolving when it comes to key global issues such as sustainability, where most people living in Qatar have concerns about the environment in general and believe that balancing between a strong economy and the environment is important. They are prepared to make lifestyle compromises to benefit the environment.

In 2023, Qatar is reiterating its commitment to its National Vision 2030 by hosting the International Horticultural Expo with a focus on sustainability, in addition to other high-profile events such as the F1 Grand Prix and the Geneva Motor Show.

In summary, what we knew about Qatar a couple of years ago is largely obsolete, driven by major shifts in the Qatari’s evolving values and attitudes. Qatar is not a simple extension of its past, it’s a multi-year evolving story, progressing slowly but surely, driven by its very strong financial position and vision.

Bahaa Barakat

Country Manager, Ipsos in Qatar