cover story | qatar: a new era
Milestones Since 1995, HH the Father Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani has transformed Qatar. Here are some of the nation’s most memorable highlights during his reign. Qatar Foundation
Founded in 1995 by an Emiri Decree, the Qatar Foundation is a non-profit organisation developed to provide Qatari citizens with greater opportunities in education and aiding the growth of research and community development.
World Cup 2022
In December 2010, Qatar became the first country in the Arab world to win the chance to host the world’s largest sporting event, the FIFA World Cup 2022. The win has put Qatar’s already underway development plans into overdrive in order to have the country ready within the next nine years.
Al Jazeera
Established in 1996 by HH the Father Emir, the Al Jazeera Network has grown with more than 65 bureaus across the globe, winning numerous awards and critical acclaim.
Qatar Exchange
Originally called the Doha Securities Market, which began operating in 1997, in 2009 it was transformed into the Qatar Exchange (QE). Today QE has a market cap of USD141 billion (QAR513 billion), larger than every other Gulf Cooperation Council country besides far larger Saudi Arabia.
National Vision 2030
Ordered to conception in 2006 by Emiri Decree, and released in 2008, the Qatar National Vision 2030 has become the definitive document in charting the nation’s developmental plans.
COP 18
The COP 18 conference held in Qatar was a landmark event addressing climate change issues around the world. It is believed to be the largest conference held in Qatar with more than 17,000 visitors.
People in Qatar celebrate after the nation wins the bid to host the FIFA World Cup 2022. (Image Corbis)
Qatar Investment Authority
Also established by an Emiri Decree in 2005, the Qatar Investment Authority has grabbed headlines worldwide, with acquisitions funded by its oil wealth. Today it holds assets worth approximately USD115 billion (QAR419 billion).
Qatar largest GDP per capita
In 2010, Qatar’s GDP per capita surpassed that of Luxembourg to become the highest in the world.
Qatar Financial Centre
The Qatar Financial Centre was founded in 2005 to attract international financial firms to the country with the aim of making Qatar a financial hub. It also has an independent regulatory and judiciary body.
77 million tonnes of gas Formed under the guidance of the Father Emir, the Qatar Foundation for education, science and community development today hosts numerous top international universities and research institutes with a focus of enriching the local populace. (Image Corbis)
54 | The Edge
In 2010, Qatar became the world’s leading liquid natural gas producer by capacity by achieving a target set by the HH the Father Emir of producing 77 million tonnes per annum.