Qatar
Survey shows strong confidence in Qatar’s economy, government
More than 3,800 nationals and residents across the Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC) took part in the survey, including 826 from Qatar
Confidence in Qatar’s economy and government remains high despite the ongoing regional tensions, a recent survey by a leading agency has highlighted.
The survey on Qatar, one of the first of its kind following the recent regional tensions, was conducted by strategy firm Consulum and analytics group HarrisX.
It was part of a regional survey that included 3,808 nationals and residents across the Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC).
One of the key findings from the survey about Qatar was that 89% of respondents believe Qatar is on the "right track”, while 91% said the economy was moving in the right direction.
Confidence in the country’s economic outlook also remained strong, with a majority saying that they are confident about the economy over the coming period.
Across the GCC, the survey points to acknowledgement of the potential impact of regional tensions on economies, trade and energy markets.
Commenting on the findings, Consulum chief executive James Davies said: "What stands out in the findings is that respondents appear to distinguish between short-term regional volatility and confidence in Qatar’s longer-term economic trajectory.”
"Respondents continue to view Qatar as stable, resilient and well-positioned to navigate external pressures,” he said.
Another major finding is that trust in government institutions was very high, with 88% saying they trusted authorities to manage regional conflicts and 91% expressing confidence in the government’s ability to protect Qatar from the consequences of instability.
The survey also showed continued backing for Qatar’s long-term development agenda despite regional uncertainty.
According to the majority of the respondents, major national programmes should continue, while nearly two-thirds said they had become even more important in the current environment.
Most respondents viewed the current disruption as a temporary phase.
Meanwhile, 59% of respondents said they expected the economy to return to normal within six months, while only 10% believed the disruption would last longer than a year.
Foreign investment was viewed as the area most vulnerable to prolonged disruption.
Oil and gas was identified as the sector most needing support to recover from the conflict, followed by tourism and small businesses.
While respondents viewed tourism as vulnerable to regional instability, most still expected the sector to recover within months.
"The findings suggest respondents continue to place high trust in Qatar’s institutions and the country’s economic resilience,” said head of Consulum Intelligence Ranulph Murray. "There is also clear support for maintaining momentum behind the country’s long-term development agenda.”
The sample size for Qatar was 826 respondents, and fieldwork was conducted online among nationals and residents.
Consulum is a strategy and communications firm in the Mena (Middle East and North Africa) region and powered by the Stagwell global network.
HarrisX is an award-winning research and analytics firm specialising in public opinion, consumer, and corporate research, serving leading brands, governments, and institutions worldwide.