Emir of Qatar: Raising the Profile

Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani

Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani became Emir of Qatar in 1995 and his reign has coincided with a period of rapid economic growth at home and increasing political and social influence throughout the region. Qatar has seen a modernisation programme for the military and can boast of a very successful reform programme. This  is one of the smallest countries in the world (with just a quarter of a million nationals out of a total population of some 2 million) but Qatar is at the top of the GDP per capita league as the world’s top exporter of liquefied natural gas.

Billions have been spent on national infrastructure and his $400 million development package for Gaza saw Sheikh Hamad at regional centre stage. There has also been significant humanitarian funding of reconstruction efforts in Darfur. Qatar was first to support the Libyan rebels against Gaddafi and has been extremely active elsewhere indicating that Qatari influence is out of all proportion to its size.

“As you know, our Arab region stands on the verge of a quantum leap. The Arab Spring bloomed into a generation of young people who are determined to achieve their dreams and ambitions.”

Qatar funded the TV network Al-Jazira which is massively influential and has brought a breath of fresh air to regional reporting. The country’s international profile should rise as host of the 2022 World Cup.

CFI

Recent Posts

Sustainable Investment in the Dominican Republic: Driving Economic Development in the Caribbean

The Dominican Republic has emerged as a regional leader in attracting foreign direct investment (FDI)…

1 day ago

Lee Clow: The Enigma of Cool

He’s the laid-back surfer who redefined advertising, the enigmatic visionary behind Apple’s "1984" and "Think…

4 days ago

Rate Holds Dominate as Major Central Banks Navigate a Fragile Global Economy

Monetary policymakers from the world’s largest economies are opting to play a cautious hand. This…

1 week ago

“Mad Men”: A Retrospect – The Men, The Women, and the Martini-Soaked Magic of Madison Avenue

"Mad Men", the award-winning AMC drama, wasn't just television; it was a cultural phenomenon. More…

1 week ago

ASML and the Unrivalled Future of Semiconductor Lithography: Can Global Rivals Compete?

When contemplating the geopolitical chessboard of semiconductor manufacturing, the mind often drifts to the sprawling…

2 weeks ago

Welcome to the Correction: Wall Street Teeters Amid Trade Tensions

The S&P 500 officially entered correction territory this week, sliding over 10 percent from its…

2 weeks ago