Qatar

Includes historical data for Qatar’s Gross Domestic Product growth, debt-to-GDP ratio and more, as well as information on trade, banking and financial sector leadership.

Economy Continues Growth Trajectory

One of the world’s wealthiest nations thanks to its vast deposits of natural gas and oil, Qatar boasts one of the highest per capita incomes globally. In line with the National Vision 2030’s initiative of broadening the economic base, the government has successfully encouraged private investment across sectors ranging from tourism and infrastructure, to financial services and information and communications technology. Up to 100% foreign ownership of businesses in most sectors is allowed. However, reservations among foreign investors persist. Qatar ranks low on gender equality and female participation in the labor force, rigid cultural norms are broadly implemented, and employment rules are strictly regulated.

Already one of the world’s biggest liquified natural gas exporters, Qatar is expected to more than double its LNG output to over 140 million tonnes per annum by 2030 thanks to the North Field expansion project.  Qatar has cemented its status as a cornerstone of stability and a champion of diplomacy in a volatile region.

Browse additional economic indicators and data sets below to learn more about Qatar’s economic outlook, finance sector and international trade performance. Each year, Global Finance editors identify Qatar’s safest bank, and recognise the best banks in a range of categories, including Best Foreign Exchange, Best Trade & Supply Chain Finance, Best Private Banking and more.

Macroeconomy & Sovereign Data

Type of Government Constitutional Monarchy
Capital Doha
Sovereign Ratings S&P: AA
Moody’s: Aa2
Fitch: AA
Total Population 3.1 Million
Median Age 33.5
Adult Per Capita Income (PPP) USD 121,803
Total GDP (2025) USD 222 billion

Qatar GDP & Economic Overview

Most Recent Content

Banking & Finance

Overview

Central Bank Central Bank of Qatar
Currency Qatari Riyal (QAR)
International Reserves USD 66.7 billion
Stock Exchange Qatar Stock Exchange (QSE)

Trade & Investment

Total Exports USD 95 billion (2024)
Leading Exports Natural Gas
Crude Petroleum
Refined Petroleum
Fertilizers
Ethylene Polymers
Total Imports USD 35 billion (2024)

Leading Imports Gas Turbines
Jewelry
Cars
Garments
Aircraft
Sources: CIA Factbook, International Monetary Fund
Bandar bin Mohammed bin Saoud Al-Thani, Governor, Qatar Central Bank

Bandar bin Mohammed bin Saoud Al-Thani has led Qatar’s central bank since November 2021.

Qatar Leading Companies

Qatar National Bank Banking & Financial Services
Qatar Islamic Bank Financials
Commercial Bank of Qatar Financials
Industries Qatar Materials, Chemicals
Ooredoo Telecommunication Services
Qatar Petroleum Oil & Gas Exploration & Production
Al Jazeera Media Network Media, Broadcasting

Major Trade Partners – Import

China 16%
United States 15%
India 6%
Italy 6%
Germany 5%

Source: World Integrated Trade Solution

Major Trade Partners – Export

China 16%
India 12%
South Korea 11%
Japan 10%
United Kingdom 7%

Source: World Integrated Trade Solution


Data Sources:

IMF World Economic Outlook

UN World Population Prospects

World Inequality Report

S&P Global Ratings

Moody’s

Fitch Ratings

IMF Direction of Trade Statistics (DOTS)

UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD)

CIA The World Factbook

World Bank’s World Integrated Trade Solution

Forbes Global 2000

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