World Cup plays pivotal part in Qatar's diversification journey: ICAEW

The travel and tourism sector will spur 7.6% growth in Qatar’s non-oil economy this year, the fastest pace since 2015, according to a report commissioned by the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW).Overall, Qatar’s economy is expected to expand 5.2% this year, after which it is slated for a slowdown to 2.7% in 2023, said the study, which was compiled by Oxford Economics.Highlighting that the World Cup has played a "pivotal” part in Qatar's diversification, it said he share of the non-oil sectors in GDP (gross domestic product) is expected to enhance substantially.According to the fourth quarter (Q4) report, Qatar’s robust outlook is underpinned by a pick-up led by non-oil sectors, which expanded by 9.7% year-on-year in the second quarter or Q2, supported by preparations for the FIFA World Cup, particularly in construction, transportation, wholesale and retail trade, and real estate.Qatar’s mining output also posted a 1.2% yearly rise. Overall, GDP grew by 6.3% in Q2, up from 2.3% in Q1.The FIFA World Cup is expected to attract over 1mn visitors, which ICAEW estimates will lift the 2022 total visitors above 2019 levels.These tourism statistics point to a 19% increase in visitor numbers in Qatar in the first half or H1 compared to 2021 overall, thanks to a surge in arrivals from other GCC countries, but also India, the US, and the UK.Although there is clearly going to be slowdown in inbound travel to Qatar next year, the numbers should recover thereafter, supported by a rise in regional arrivals.The FIFA World Cup has played a pivotal part in Qatar's journey to diversify its economy away from the energy sector. By the end of this year, the share of the non-oil sectors in GDP looks poised to reach close to 63%, up from 50% a decade ago, it said."The World Cup provides an opportunity for Qatari authorities to showcase the upgraded infrastructure and build connections, elevating Qatar's investment appeal and laying the foundations for further diversification. But the event should not be seen in isolation. Qatar has balanced World Cup-related work with important structural reforms to boost its attractiveness to foreign workers and investment. These reforms and new regulations will help fulfil the diversification goals charted in its National Vision 2030,” said Mark Billington, ICAEW Managing Director (International).The report also said the recent liquefied natural gas (LNG) deals awarded for the North Field gas expansion projects will "positively" impact the oil and gas sector in the medium term, facilitating an increase in LNG capacity by almost 65% to 126mtpa by 2027, up from 77mtpa now."This will leave Qatar well-placed to strengthen its position in the Asian and European gas markets," it said.Scott Livermore, ICAEW Economic Advisor, and Chief Economist and Managing Director, Oxford Economics Middle East, said Qatar’s diversification that is complementing the World Cup is expected to drive annual non-oil growth of about 3% in the years ahead.The Qatari authorities have also eased rules regulating employment, ending the sponsorship system and introducing a minimum wage in the private sector, as well as allowing 100% foreign ownership of companies listed on the local stock exchange."These ongoing reforms, as well as the comparatively strong outlook for public finances, including budget surpluses, projected to average 9% of GDP this year and next, place Qatar in an extremely strong position in the coming years,” he added.