São Paulo – Doha is not only the capital of Qatar, but also the commercial and cultural centre in the country. Of the 1.5 million inhabitants, 83% reside in the capital. With one of the highest per capita incomes in the world, the population may enjoy large shopping centres, restaurants, parks, international shops, luxury hotels and over 500 kilometres of beaches.
Large oil and gas companies, like Qatar Petroleum, Qatargas and RasGas, are housed in the largest city in the country. With an economy based on these activities, the government has been trying to diversify them to reduce the dependence on oil. The country reserves represent 5% of the global stock.
Private and state company investment may be seen throughout the capital. Towers and modern buildings are already part of the Doha landscape. In the same lines as Dubai, Doha has also been investing in the construction of artificial islands, luxury housing enterprises, skyscrapers and educational and sports centres, like the Education City, which covers 14 square kilometres of schools and research centres.
Eyeing the growth in the number of tourists, the Qatar Tourism Authority estimates investment of US$ 15 billion over the last ten years. Among the projects that are being executed is the construction of the Qatar National Library, the Islamic Art Museum, inaugurated in 2008, in Doha, and a luxury resort, the North Beach.
As disclosed by ANBA, the Islamic Art Museum is the centrepiece for a strategy of the government of Qatar, which plans to transform the country into the cultural hub of the Middle East. It is also worth recalling that this year, Doha was chosen as the Capital of Arab Culture by the League of Arab States.
Apart from Culture, Doha also wants to be seen as a city prepared to house great sports events. In 2006, the country hosted the Asian Games and is getting ready to compete to host the 2022 World Cup. To house tourists, the capital has large hotel chains, like the Four Seasons, Grand Hayatt, Marriot, Sheraton and Ritz Carlton.
With the expectation of receiving over one million tourists a year, the capital is also expanding its international airport, with investment of US$ 7.5 billion and completion forecasted for 2020.
*Translated by Mark Ament
