Investment opportunities in Qatar

Qatar is a small country, but it is incredibly prosperous in terms of both its GDP and rates of economic growth. The country is blessed with one of the highest per capita incomes in the world, and its family-friendly lifestyle and extremely safe living environment has made it one of the ultimate destinations to move to for a better life for individuals and families alike.

The diversified business portfolio offered within the Qatari economy is a fundamental strength, making the country a favourite for investors, business decision makers and speculators. The most obvious choice for major investment is the thriving oil and gas sector, but there are other business segments where investors can choose to profit from their investment decisions.

If you are looking for investment opportunities in Qatar, here are a few business ideas that could help you to find the perfect place for your funds!

Restaurants

Restaurants are in high demand in Qatar. Locals, as well as expats love to visit different restaurants in town, small or big, high end or simple, to discover the finest fare. Qatar offers the budding restaurateur the key ingredients to start up success.

Building materials

As Qatar is a rapidly growing country, an enormous expansion of infrastructure, office and housing projects has occurred over recent years. Given this, building material supplies have become a booming sector for investment.

Information technology

Whether you are an IT specialist or an investor in the IT sector, Qatar remains the best city in the GCC for digital and IT entrepreneurs thanks to its access to capital, vibrant entrepreneurial culture and a technologically skilled local and expat workforce.

Foods

Processed foods and snack businesses are in great demand in Qatar, particularly as an increased feature of a growing ‘urbanised’ lifestyle. Investment in these sectors could yield great profit, particularly in imports or, in the light of recent challenges to food supplies, in factory start-ups to source and process local foods, or for food producers/ ‘agropreneurs’.

Installation and Maintenance Services

Given the huge amount of construction projects associated with Qatar’s hosting of the FIFA World Cup in 2022, there are huge opportunities in Qatar for businesses that offer related services, including mechanical, electrical, plumbing, fire fighting, HVAC and related ancillary building sectors.

Beauty Parlors

The rise of beauty salons or beauty parlors in Qatar in recent years has been extremely rapid, and demand for personal services such as pedicures, manicures, makeup, eye-brow shaping, facials and hair styling are perfect opportunities for investors and practitioners in this sector. The rapid rise of demand for men’s beauty salons in Qatar, especially in the fields of personal grooming, massage, and fitness is worth noting.

Some other booming sectors for investors to consider are travel and tourism, agriculture and related products, manufacturing, healthcare education and consultancy services.

Facilities for Investing in Qatar 

The Qatari government is extremely keen to attract investors from all over the world and they offer a wide range of incentives for them to facilitate their business as well as their investments in Qatar. These include:

• Subsidised rates for oil, gas, and electricity

• Zero import duty on machinery and spare parts, etc, for the benefit of industrial projects

• Tax exemptions for different accounts

• Relaxed immigration and employment rules for foreign investors

• Superb telecommunication facilities

• No income tax on salaries

In short, Qatar is a great place to make your future prospects grow, and given the opportunities for future business and investment expansion in this small but vibrant nation, the time to do so is now!