Qatar to continue ‘high spending’ on projects supporting local economy

Qatar will continue high spending on projects supporting the local economy, HE the Minister of Finance Ali bin Ahmed al-Kuwari said and noted some 22 new projects will be implemented in 2023, at a total cost of QR9.8bn.
Addressing editors of various Qatari media outlets in Doha yesterday, al-Kuwari said the continued high spending on public projects is in line with the State’s plans to complete and finalise infrastructure projects, especially those related to existing and new lands of citizens as well as projects supporting the local economy.
The allocations for major projects (for 2023) are to decrease by 13.6%, compared to 2022, to reach QR63.9bn with the completion of several infrastructure and strategic projects, the latest of which is the expansion of Hamad International Airport, prior to the start of FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.
“As part of efforts to ensure a dignified life and advanced standard of living for Qatari citizens, an increase in salaries by QR4bn (compared to 2022) to QR62.6bn has been set in 2023 budget. This comes after His Highness the Amir’s decision to raise pension for retirees,” al-Kuwari noted.
This increase, the minister noted, is caused by higher rates of public sector employment for 2023, prompted by the new government structure approved by His Highness the Amir towards the end of 2021. Spending will also cover grants, allowances and retirement based on the recent pension plan, which sets a minimum age and period of service.
Qatar, he said, will continue to focus on the health and education sectors, with QR21.1bn allocated to the health sector, about 11% of the total expenditures, and QR18.1bn for the education sector, nearly 9% of the total expenditures.
While spending on the sports and culture sector will drop to QR9.3bn in fiscal 2023, al-Kuwari noted “it is because of the completion of all projects related to FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022. The assets already developed will still give Qatar an advantage when presented with an opportunity to host other sporting events and contribute to realising the state’s goal of becoming a global sports hub.”