Qatar is a peninsula of 11.437 sq. Km. located halfway down the west coast of the Arabian Gulf. The Emir, His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, is the ruler of Qatar and is the head of the constitutional authorities, holding both legislative and executive powers.
Qatar’s move towards modernisation began in earnest in 1995 when former ruler Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani came to power. Rapid social, economic, and political reforms have been undertaken during his rule including the widening of public participation in national, the introduction of voting for women, a lifting of censorship on media, and an emphasis on arts and education.
Oil and gas have given Qatar one of the highest per capita incomes in the world and made it one of the fastest-growing economies. Displaying an enlightened approach to prosperity, Qatar is channeling its wealth not into trophy assets but into funding the advancement of culture, science, and education. Its strategic path towards a post-hydrocarbon economy will be through a vibrant, knowledge-based society.
Energetic and ambitious, the State of Qatar has emerged from virtual anonymity to become one of the most forward-thinking nations in the Middle-East, with increasing regional and global influence. Latest estimates put Qatar’s population at more than 1.5 million.
By 2030, Qatar aims to be an advanced society capable of sustaining its development and providing a high standard of living for all of its people. Qatar’s National Vision defines the long-term outcomes for the country and provides a framework within which national strategies and implementation plans can be developed.