Qatar is stepping boldly toward 2025, with business leaders expressing optimism and proactive strategies to navigate the changing economic and social landscapes. According to KPMG's 2024 Qatar CEO Outlook, 96% of CEOs surveyed are confident about their companies' futures, and 88% feel similarly about Qatar's national economic prospects.
With these findings, the report highlights significant patterns shaping the business environment. Notably, industry-level confidence stands at 72%, but global factors have somewhat tempered this optimism, reflected by only 52% feeling positive about international conditions. This demonstrates the complex interplay between local ambitions and global realities.
A key focus area for these leaders is integrating Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles within business strategies. Over half of the CEOs (52%) expect to see measurable returns on ESG investments within three to five years, with 36% believing benefits will materialize within five to seven years. This commitment to sustainability signals a long-term vision aligned with both corporate responsibility and economic growth.
On the topic of workforce dynamics, the report highlights a total pivot back to traditional office setups. Remarkably, 100% of the CEOs expect their employees to work fully on-site within three years. This shift indicates not just a preference for classic business operations but also highlights how companies are positioning themselves against the backdrop of current workplace trends.
Technological advancements remain at the forefront, particularly as many business leaders (80%) indicate capital investments will prioritize new technologies over workforce training (20%). The embrace of technology is also seen as pivotal with the adoption of generative AI, which 48% view as key. Despite potential for innovation, concerns around ethical challenges and regulatory gaps (60% and 36% respectively) reveal apprehension about stepping fully onto this terrain.
Transitioning from reports to policies, on February 8, 2025, Qatar's Ministry of Interior launched a grace period for individuals violating Law No. 21 of 2015 concerning expatriate entry, exit, and residence. This initiative aims to assist those who have overstayed their visas or breached residency conditions by allowing them to leave without penalty within three months. It reinforces Qatar's commitment to legal compliance and the welfare of its expatriate community.
To facilitate this, violators can access Hamad International Airport or the Search and Follow-up Department during specified times, ensuring processes are as streamlined as possible for compliance. This marks a significant step for Qatar as it balances regulatory enforcement with compassion for expats.
Shifting focus back to business innovations, Vodafone Qatar recently held a pivotal event highlighting the importance of digitisation for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). Partnered with DHL, the event showcased how SMEs can leverage digital solutions to boost efficiency and growth.
Mohamed Mohsin Al Yafei, Head of Public Sector Sales at Vodafone Qatar, conveyed the company’s commitment to supporting SME growth as part of the Qatar National Vision 2030. "It is an honor to host this collaborative event to drive SME development and growth as we continue to support Qatar's digital transformation, in alignment with the Qatar National Vision 2030 and Qatar's Digital Agenda 2030," he stated. This shows how telecom sectors are cooperating to reinforce economic strategies.
Meanwhile, as Qatar boosts its international sporting profile, Ooredoo emerges as the Official Telecom Sponsor for the Qatar TotalEnergies Open 2025, part of the Women's Tennis Association (WTA) 1000 series, running until February 15. This significant event will showcase elite athletes, including the likes of World No 1 Aryna Sabalenka and World No 2 Iga Świątek.
Sabah Rabiah al-Kuwari, Ooredoo's Marketing Communications Director, expressed pride over the sponsorship, stating, "We’re delighted to be the Official Telecom Sponsor of the Qatar TotalEnergies Open 2025... This prestigious tournament not only celebrates excellence in tennis but also strengthens Qatar’s reputation as a global hub for sports." The tournament not only supports local sports but also contributes to the economic fabric of the nation.
The tournament serves to promote Qatar as not only a thriving economic center but also as a premier destination for high-profile sporting events, aimed at attracting global attention and tourism.
Gathering insights from various sectors reveals how Qatar is strategically positioning itself as it approaches 2025. The path forward includes strengthening economic ties with residents, investing heavily in digital solutions to support SMEs, and continuously enhancing its reputation through world-class sporting events. Through these concerted efforts, Qatar is not only preparing for the immediate future but laying down solid foundations for long-term growth, sustainability, and global presence.