20% GDP Growth Forecast

As most of the world struggles to reach a single digit growth figure in GDP (the UK announcing a stagnant figure of 0.5%) Qatar is expected to register an impressive 20% growth, making it the largest growth figure in the world. (For a graphic representation of Qatar's growth since 2003 see here )

Living and working in Qatar as we do, we cannot fail to see evidence of growth all around us.  The new business centres going up, hotels, new towns like Lusail, The Pearl and the Musherib developments, not to mention improvements in infrastructure with new roads, a rail network and metro, all speak of a country which is confident of it's future and intent on leaving a lasting legacy to future generations.

We live in a culturally diverse community - some companies speak of having over 54 different nationalities represented in their workforce!  Each week we read of new trade delegations to Qatar from Europe, Asia, America and Qatar is shaping up to be the key location in the Middle East for Trade Fairs and Conferences, especially when the new National Convention Centre opens later this year.

Targeted Sectors for growth include:

• Construction
• Energy & Environment
• Transport Infrastructure
• Education & Training
• Financial & Professional Services

There are also opportunities in other sectors including Security, ICT, Healthcare, Creative & Media and Sport and Leisure.

If you are a company thinking of exploring opportunities in Qatar, contact us by email: info@3438mail.com and we will be happy to talk about our experiences and give you further information.

Doing Business in the Middle East

The Middle East is predominantly a Muslim region, with different countries operating to varying degrees of strictness. Dubai is very westernised, and Qatar moderately so.
In Qatar, women hold a number of very senior positions and Her Highness Sheika Mozah is a positive role model for women and a visionary in terms of leading the country forward. Many Western women are surprised at the welcome they received and the number of Arabic women in business - so put aside your preconceptions on the role of women!

Some basic Do's and Don'ts:

Do:

use greetings and formalities. It is considered impolite to start any conversation or request without at least 'Good morning'
Dress modestly
Watch out for separate counters and lifts for women
Expect that meetings will not start on time or have any agreed timeframe
Expect that meetings will be held at short notice and also cancelled at short notice
To have a lot of meetings in the evenings - there is a culture of 'siesta' in the afternoon and starting again until late in the evening

Don't:

Be offended if your handshake is refused by someone of the opposite sex. It is not impolite, but many religious Muslims would feel uncomfortable shaking hands with non-Muslims. Best to wait to see if they hold out a hand to you
Take photos without seeking permission
Get annoyed with lateness of contacts, meetings….it just is the way business is done - Chill out, and relax, just remember that difference is just that, difference - no one way is either right or wrong.

Working Hours

Government offices tend to work a single shift - 7 am - 2 pm; private companies tend to have a morning and afternoon shift

The working week is from Sunday to Thursday, Friday is the main day of prayer and very little is open until after 4pm