History of Qatar in Timeline
Qatar, a country situated on the Qatar Peninsula in West Asia, shares its only land border with Saudi Arabia to the south. The remaining portion of Qatar is encircled by the Persian Gulf, with the Gulf of Bahrain separating it from Bahrain. Doha, the capital city, houses over 80% of Qatar's population. Characterized by a predominantly flat, low-lying desert landscape, Qatar is located on the northeastern coast of the Arabian Peninsula in the Middle East.
1913: Anglo-Ottoman Convention
The Anglo-Ottoman Convention of 1913 saw the Ottomans agree to relinquish their claim to Qatar and withdraw their military presence from Doha.
1915: British Influence
In 1915, under the influence of pro-British Abdullah bin Jassim Al Thani, the remaining Ottoman garrison in Doha was persuaded to leave, solidifying British control.
November 1916: Formalization of the Protectorate
On November 1916, a formal treaty was signed between the United Kingdom and Sheikh Abdullah bin Jassim Al Thani, officially making Qatar a British protectorate under the Trucial System of Administration.
1916: British Protectorate
In 1916, Qatar became a British protectorate after signing a treaty with the United Kingdom.
May 1935: Treaty for Protection and Oil Concession
In May 1935, Qatar signed a new treaty with Britain granting protection against internal and external threats while also agreeing to an oil concession with the Anglo-Persian Oil Company.
1939: Discovery of Oil Reserves
Oil reserves were discovered in Qatar in 1939, although their exploitation was delayed due to the outbreak of World War II.
1940: Discovery of Oil
Oil was discovered in Qatar in 1940 at the Dukhan Field, marking a turning point for the nation's economy.
1940: Economic Reliance on Oil and Gas
Qatar's economic growth has been primarily driven by its petroleum and natural gas industries since their inception in 1940.
1949: Strengthening Anglo-Qatari Relations and Oil Production
The year 1949 marked a significant strengthening of Anglo-Qatari relations with the appointment of the first British political officer in Doha. It also saw the beginning of oil exports, which quickly became Qatar's primary source of revenue.
1961: Joining OPEC
Qatar joined the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) in 1961.
1968: British Withdrawal and Federation Talks
When Britain announced its intention to withdraw from the Persian Gulf, Qatar joined discussions with neighboring states to form a federation. However, due to regional disputes, Qatar and Bahrain opted out and pursued independence as separate nations.
1970: First Short Story Anthology
In 1970, Qatar witnessed the introduction of its first short story anthology, marking a significant milestone in the country's literary history.
1970: Start of TV Broadcasting
Television broadcasting in Qatar began in 1970, laying the groundwork for future media development in the country.
1970: First Census in Qatar Records Population
The first official census conducted in Qatar in 1970 recorded a population of 111,133.
September 1971: Termination of Special Treaty Arrangements
On September 1971, Qatar terminated the "special treaty arrangements" with the United Kingdom, marking a formal step towards its full international responsibility as a sovereign and independent state.
1971: Independence
Qatar gained independence from Britain in 1971, ending the protectorate status.
1973: Qatar University Established
Qatar University, the nation's first and largest higher education institution, was founded in 1973.
1982: Economic Downturn
Qatar's economy experienced a downturn from 1982 to 1989 due to OPEC quotas on crude oil production, declining oil prices, and an unfavorable global market outlook, leading to reduced oil revenues.
1988: First AFC Asian Cup in Qatar
Qatar hosted its first AFC Asian Cup in 1988, marking the ninth edition of the tournament and showcasing the country's capability to host major sports events.
1989: Economic Downturn and Recovery
The economic downturn, lasting from 1982 to 1989, forced the Qatari government to reduce spending, resulting in a recession that prompted many companies to lay off expatriate workers. However, as the economy rebounded in the 1990s, expatriate populations, especially from Egypt and South Asia, began to increase again.
1991: Qatar's Role in the Gulf War
Qatar played an active role in the 1991 Gulf War, particularly during the Battle of Khafji where Qatari forces provided crucial support to Saudi Arabian troops. The nation also allowed coalition forces, including those from Canada, the United States, and France, to utilize its airbases.
1991: North Field Gas Development Boosts Economy
The completion of Phase I of the $1.5 billion North Field gas development project in 1991 provided a significant boost to Qatar's economy.
1993: First Locally Authored Novels
The year 1993 saw the publication of the first locally authored novels in Qatar, furthering the nation's literary achievements.
1995: Change of Leadership
Emir Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani assumed control of Qatar in 1995, succeeding his father Khalifa bin Hamad Al Thani, with backing from the armed forces, the cabinet, and support from neighboring countries and France.
1996: Launch of Al Jazeera
In 1996, Al Jazeera was launched as an Arabic news and current affairs satellite TV channel headquartered in Doha, eventually expanding into a global network.
1996: Joining the Rio Convention on Biological Diversity
Qatar became a signatory to the Rio Convention on Biological Diversity in 1996.
1996: Start of LNG Exports to Japan
The Qatargas project commenced exports of liquefied natural gas (LNG) to Japan in 1996.
March 1999: Women's Enfranchisement and First Elections
On March 8, 1999, coinciding with International Women's Day, Qatar held its first-ever elections for a Central Municipal Council, granting women the right to vote and participate in the electoral process alongside men.
1999: Women's Suffrage Endorsement
Qatar endorsed women's suffrage in municipal elections in 1999, reflecting a move towards greater liberalization.
1999: Qatar Cricket Association Joins ICC
The Qatar Cricket Association gained recognition from the International Cricket Council (ICC) in 1999, marking a significant step for cricket in the country. This membership allowed Qatar's men's and women's national teams to compete in ICC tournaments.
2001: Start of Rapid Economic Growth
The early 2000s, beginning in 2001, saw a dramatic surge in Qatar's economy, fueled by the exploitation of natural gas reserves in the North Field during the previous decade.
November 2002: Supreme Education Council Established in Qatar
In November 2002, Emir Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani took a significant step towards educational reform by establishing the Supreme Education Council. This entity was entrusted with overseeing and regulating education from pre-school to university levels, with a focus on positioning Qatar as a leader in education.
2002: First Asian Country to Host FIFA World Cup
Japan and South Korea jointly hosted the FIFA World Cup in 2002, marking the first time the tournament was held in Asia.
2002: Doha Cultural Festival
The Doha Cultural Festival, an annual event organized by the Qatari Ministry of Culture, Arts and Heritage, began in 2002 to promote Qatari culture both domestically and internationally.
2002: Tour of Qatar Cycling Race Launched
The inaugural edition of the Tour of Qatar, a multi-stage cycling race, took place in 2002. Held annually in February, the race features six stages covering over 100km each, with the exception of the time trial.
2003: US Central Command Headquarters
During the 2003 invasion of Iraq, Qatar served as the headquarters for the United States Central Command and was one of the primary launch sites for the operation.
2003: Adoption of the Constitution
Qatar adopted a new constitution in 2003, which, among other things, provided for the direct election of 30 out of 45 members of the legislature. The constitution received overwhelming approval in a referendum with nearly 98% voting in favor.
March 2005: First Terrorist Attack
In a shocking turn of events, Qatar experienced its first terrorist attack in March 2005 when a suicide bombing at the Doha Players Theatre killed a British teacher. The incident was attributed to Omar Ahmed Abdullah Ali, an Egyptian resident with suspected ties to Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula.
2005: Qatar Hosts FIBA Asia Championship
Demonstrating its growing presence in the basketball world, Qatar hosted the prestigious FIBA Asia Championship in 2005.
2005: National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan
Qatar developed and implemented its National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan in 2005.
2005: First Written Constitution
Qatar drafted and implemented its first written constitution in 2005.
2005: Establishment of Qatar Investment Authority
The Qatar Investment Authority (QIA), the country's sovereign wealth fund focusing on foreign investments, was founded in 2005.
March 2006: Qatar's Transportation Master Plan
The Urban Planning and Development Authority in Qatar instituted a transportation master plan in March 2006, set to run until 2025.
2006: Healthcare Workforce Statistics
In 2006, Qatar had 23.12 physicians and 61.81 nurses per 10,000 inhabitants, reflecting the country's robust healthcare workforce.
2006: Healthcare Infrastructure
In 2006, Qatar had 25 hospital beds per 10,000 people and 27.6 doctors and 73.8 nurses per 10,000 people, indicating a well-staffed healthcare system.
2006: Mediation between Palestinian Factions
In 2006, Qatar played a mediating role between the Palestinian factions Fatah and Hamas.
2006: Introduction of Codified Family Law
Qatar introduced codified family law in 2006, which combines elements of civil law and Sharia law. Sharia law is applied in areas like family matters, inheritance, and certain criminal offenses.
2006: Qatar National Research Fund Created
The Qatar National Research Fund was established in 2006 under the auspices of the Qatar Foundation. This strategic move aimed to secure public funding for scientific research, supporting Qatar's economic diversification efforts beyond oil and gas.
2008: Qatar Launches National Vision 2030
In 2008, Qatar launched its National Vision 2030, a plan with the goal of developing sustainable energy alternatives to oil and attaining 20% of its energy from solar power by 2030.
2008: Inauguration of a Roman Catholic Church
In 2008, Qatar witnessed the inauguration of a Roman Catholic church, marking another step in its liberalization efforts.
2008: Military Spending at 2.3% of GDP
In 2008, Qatar's military expenditure amounted to US$2.3 billion, representing 2.3% of the country's GDP.
2008: Museum of Islamic Art Opening
In 2008, the Museum of Islamic Art, one of the best museums in the region, was opened in Qatar under the leadership of the Qatar Museums Authority.
2008: Mediation in the Lebanese Political Crisis
Qatar contributed to uniting Lebanese leaders to reach a political agreement during the 2008 crisis in Lebanon.
2008: Ashghal Reorganization
Qatar's public works authority, Ashghal, underwent a major reorganization in 2008 to prepare for infrastructure project expansions.
2008: Government Grants Land for Churches
Since 2008, the Qatari government has allowed Christians to build churches on land provided by the government.
2008: WTA Tour Championships Comes to Doha
The Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex in Doha became the venue for the prestigious WTA Tour Championships in women's tennis from 2008 to 2010.
March 2009: Qatar Science & Technology Park Established
In March 2009, the Qatar Science & Technology Park (QSTP) was established with a substantial seed capital of $800 million. As Qatar's first free-trade zone, QSTP aimed to accelerate the nation's transition towards a knowledge-based economy by hosting 21 organizations initially.
2009: Qatar Science & Technology Park Launched
In 2009, Qatar inaugurated the Qatar Science & Technology Park (QSTP) within Education City. This initiative aimed to foster collaboration between academia and industry, driving innovation and economic diversification.
2009: Qatar Holding's Investment Activities
Since 2009, Qatar Holding, the international investment branch of the Qatar Investment Authority, has been receiving $30-40 billion annually from the state.
December 2010: Winning Bid for 2022 FIFA World Cup
On 2 December 2010, Qatar won the bid to host the 2022 FIFA World Cup, making it the first Middle Eastern country to be selected for the tournament.
2010: Religious Demographics of Qatar
According to data from 2010, Qatar's population was 67.7% Muslim, 13.8% Christian, 13.8% Hindu, 3.1% Buddhist, with other religions and religiously unaffiliated individuals accounting for the remaining 1.6%.
2010: Al-Bairaq Program Launched
As part of its 10-year education reform strategy, Qatar introduced the Al-Bairaq program in 2010. This initiative aimed to provide high school students with hands-on research experience in STEM fields and languages at Qatar University's Center for Advanced Materials.
2010: Healthcare Spending Increase
By 2010, Qatar had significantly increased its healthcare spending, which laid the foundation for further investments, reaching $4.7 billion by 2014.
2010: Doha Hosts Final WTA Tour Championships
Doha hosted the WTA Tour Championships for the final time in 2010.
2010: Infrastructure Investment Boosts Tourism
Following Qatar's successful bid for the 2010 World Cup, the $220 billion investment in infrastructure contributed significantly to the growth of the tourism industry.
2010: Awarded Hosting Rights for 2022 FIFA World Cup
In 2010, Qatar secured the rights to host the 2022 FIFA World Cup, a first for a Middle Eastern country. This win spurred further investment and development in the nation throughout the 2010s.
2010: Healthcare GDP Contribution
In 2010, healthcare spending in Qatar accounted for 2.2% of the country's GDP, the highest in the Middle East.
2010: Takahashi Murakami Exhibition
In 2010, the Qatar Museums Authority sponsored a major exhibition by Takahashi Murakami in Versailles, reflecting Qatar's investment in promoting art globally.
2010: Surpassing Luxembourg in GDP per Capita
Qatar became the world's wealthiest nation by surpassing Luxembourg in terms of per capita income in 2010.
2010: Qatar's Population Reaches 1,699,435
The 2010 census in Qatar recorded a population of 1,699,435.
2010: Arms Imports Analysis
The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) found that between 2010 and 2014, Qatar was the 46th largest arms importer globally.
2010: Construction of Hamad Port Begins
The construction of Hamad Port, Qatar's main seaport, commenced in 2010.
2011: Population Triples
By 2011, Qatar's population had tripled from its size in 2001, mainly due to a significant influx of foreign workers.
2011: Healthcare Capacity Changes
By 2011, the number of hospital beds in Qatar had decreased to 12 per 10,000 people, while the number of doctors increased to 28 per 10,000 people.
2011: Expansion of Armed Forces
Following the Arab Spring uprisings in 2011, Qatar embarked on expanding its armed forces.
2011: Second AFC Asian Cup in Qatar
In 2011, Qatar hosted its second AFC Asian Cup, the fifteenth edition of the tournament, further cementing its reputation as a host for major sports events.
2011: Qatar Airways Wins Airline of the Year
Qatar Airways was awarded the Airline of the Year title in 2011.
2011: Tensions with Neighboring Countries
Qatar's growing influence and its active role in the Arab Spring, particularly during the 2011 Bahraini uprising, led to heightened tensions with Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Bahrain.
May 2012: Announcement of Independent Trade Union
Qatari officials expressed their intention to permit the formation of an independent trade union in May 2012.
2012: Oil and Gas Reserves
As of 2012, Qatar possessed proven oil reserves of 15 billion barrels and gas fields representing over 13% of global resources.
2012: Qatar Participates in PISA Test
Despite having the highest per capita income globally, Qatar's performance in the 2012 Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) test for mathematics, reading, and skills among 15- and 16-year-olds was concerning, ranking third from the bottom among 65 participating OECD countries.
2012: Highest GDP per Capita
For the third consecutive year, Qatar maintained its position as the wealthiest nation globally in terms of per capita income in 2012, having initially surpassed Luxembourg in this ranking in 2010.
2012: Qatar Achieves Lowest Illiteracy Rate in the Arab World
In 2012, Qatar boasted an impressive literacy rate, with only 3.1% of males and 4.2% of females classified as illiterate. This achievement positioned Qatar as a leader in education within the Arab-speaking world.
2012: Investment in the Energy Sector
In 2012, projections indicated that Qatar would invest over $120 billion in its energy sector over the following decade.
2012: Damien Hirst Exhibition
In 2012, the Qatar Museums Authority sponsored a significant exhibition by Damien Hirst in London, showcasing Qatar's dedication to the global art scene.
2012: Qatar Airways Wins Airline of the Year
Qatar Airways received the Airline of the Year award in 2012.
2012: QIA Ranked Among Richest Sovereign Wealth Funds
With assets reaching $115 billion, the Qatar Investment Authority (QIA) secured the 12th spot among the world's wealthiest sovereign wealth funds in 2012.
January 2013: Qatar's Population Estimated at 1,903,447
In January 2013, the Qatar Statistics Authority estimated the country's population to be 1,903,447.
June 2013: Low Unemployment Rate
Qatar recorded an unemployment rate of just 0.1% in June 2013.
June 2013: New Emir Takes Over
Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani ascended to the position of emir of Qatar in June 2013, succeeding his father. His focus has been on enhancing the domestic well-being of Qatari citizens, including improvements in healthcare, education, and infrastructure development in anticipation of the 2022 World Cup.
2013: Qatar Welcomes FIBA Asia 3x3 Championship
Continuing its support for basketball, Qatar hosted the FIBA Asia 3x3 Championship in 2013.
2013: Introduction of Conscription
Qatar became the first Gulf state in recent years to introduce mandatory military service in 2013.
2013: Network Readiness Index Ranking
Qatar maintained its 23rd position in the World Economic Forum's Network Readiness Index in 2013, reflecting its advanced telecommunication infrastructure.
May 2014: Accusations of Bribery
In May 2014, Qatari football official Mohammed bin Hammam was accused of making payments totaling £3 million to officials in exchange for their support for Qatar's 2022 World Cup bid.
May 2014: Reforms to the Kafala System
In May 2014, international law firm DLA Piper, commissioned by Qatar, issued a report with over 60 recommendations for reforming the kafala system. These included abolishing exit visas and implementing a minimum wage, to which Qatar pledged commitment. Additionally, Qatar revealed plans to dismantle its sponsor system for foreign labor, which required all foreign workers to have local employer sponsorship.
November 2014: FIFA Inquiry
A FIFA inquiry in November 2014 cleared Qatar of any wrongdoing in the bidding process for the 2022 World Cup, despite numerous allegations of bribery.
2014: The Guardian Investigation
A 2014 investigation by The Guardian revealed that migrant workers constructing facilities for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar were unpaid for over a year and lived in poor conditions. Nepalese workers died at a rate of one every two days.
2014: Cybercrime Prevention Law
A Cybercrime Prevention Law was enacted in 2014 in Qatar, imposing prison sentences and fines for actions such as jeopardising local peace or publishing false news. Critics argue it restricts press freedom.
2014: Global Investments by Qatar Holding
By 2014, Qatar Holding had made substantial investments globally, acquiring stakes in various entities including Valentino, Siemens, Printemps, Harrods, The Shard, Barclays Bank, Heathrow Airport, Paris Saint-Germain F.C., Volkswagen Group, Royal Dutch Shell, Bank of America, Tiffany, Agricultural Bank of China, Sainsbury's, BlackBerry, and Santander Brasil.
2014: Expansion of Armed Forces
Following the diplomatic tensions with Saudi Arabia and other Gulf countries in 2014, Qatar embarked on expanding its armed forces.
2014: Hamad International Airport Opens
Hamad International Airport replaced Doha International Airport as Qatar's main airport in 2014.
2014: FIBA Asia Under-18 Championship Held in Qatar
In 2014, Qatar hosted the FIBA Asia Under-18 Championship, highlighting its commitment to promoting basketball at various levels.
2014: Launch of Modesty Campaign
In 2014, Qatar initiated a modesty campaign to remind tourists about the country's conservative dress code.
2014: Life Expectancy
In 2014, Qatar recorded the highest life expectancy in the Middle East at 82.08 years. Male life expectancy was 83.27 years, while female life expectancy was 77.95 years.
2014: Network Readiness Index Ranking
In 2014, Qatar was ranked as the highest Middle Eastern country in the World Economic Forum's Network Readiness Index, holding the 23rd position globally.
2014: Freedom of the Press Report
In 2014, Qatar's media was classified as 'not free' by the Freedom of the Press report from Freedom House.
2014: Healthcare Spending
In 2014, the Qatari government invested $4.7 billion in healthcare, marking a $2.1 billion increase from 2010. This investment highlights Qatar's commitment to maintaining high healthcare standards.
2014: Qatar Triumphs in 3x3 Basketball
Qatar showcased its prowess in basketball by clinching the world championship title in men's 3x3 basketball in 2014.
2014: Arms Imports Analysis
The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) found that between 2010 and 2014, Qatar was the 46th largest arms importer globally, and that its plans to expand its military had accelerated.
September 2015: Military Support for Saudi Arabia in Yemen
By September 2015, Qatar had deployed 1,000 troops, 200 armored vehicles, and 30 Apache helicopters to support Saudi Arabia's military operations in Yemen.
2015: Hamad International Airport Passenger Traffic Increase
Hamad International Airport experienced a 20.2% increase in passenger traffic in 2016 compared to 2015.
2015: Arms Imports Ranking
In 2015, Qatar became the 16th largest arms importer worldwide, according to SIPRI.
2015: Qatar's Handball Team Makes History
In 2015, Qatar's national handball team achieved a significant milestone by securing second place in the World Men's Handball Championship held on home soil. However, the tournament was overshadowed by controversies surrounding the host nation and its team.
2015: Qatar National Parachute Team Performs at World Handball Championship
The Qatar National Parachute Team showcased their skills at the 2015 World Handball Championship, adding a thrilling dimension to the sporting event.
December 2016: Hamad Port Becomes Operational
Hamad Port, Qatar's main seaport, began operations in December 2016.
2016: Hamad International Airport Passenger Traffic Ranking
In 2016, Hamad International Airport was ranked the 50th busiest airport globally, serving over 37 million passengers.
2016: Plans for New Taxes and Budget Deficit
In 2016, amidst falling oil prices and a budget deficit, Qatar announced plans to introduce taxes on unhealthy food and luxury goods to generate revenue and discourage consumption of items deemed harmful to health. This decision came alongside job cuts in the petroleum sector and other government areas.
2016: Labor Law Reforms
Qatar implemented reforms to its labor laws in 2016, mandating that companies failing to pay wages on time could face temporary restrictions on hiring. However, Human Rights Watch suggested that these changes might not fully address all labor rights concerns.
2016: Arms Imports Ranking
Qatar rose to become the 11th largest arms importer globally in 2016, as reported by SIPRI.
2016: High GDP per Capita
The International Monetary Fund ranked Qatar as having the fourth highest GDP per capita globally in 2016.
June 2017: Withdrawal of Forces from Yemen
As the diplomatic crisis with Saudi Arabia began, Qatar withdrew its military forces from Yemen in June 2017.
June 2017: Severing of Diplomatic Ties by Arab Nations
Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain, Egypt, and Yemen cut off diplomatic relations with Qatar in June 2017, citing Qatar's alleged support for terrorism as the reason.
2017: QSTec Commissions Polysilicon Plant
In 2017, Qatar Solar Technologies (QSTec) commissioned its polysillicon plant in Ras Laffan with a capacity of 1.1 MW of solar power.
2017: Qatar Tourism Growth
In 2017, Qatar saw a surge in tourism with over 2.3 million international tourists visiting the country.
2017: South Asian Community in Qatar
In 2017, South Asians constituted over 1.5 million people in Qatar, with Indians being the largest group at 650,000.
2017: Qatar's Population Reaches 2.6 Million
In early 2017, Qatar's population reached 2.6 million, with a significant majority being foreign migrants.
2017: Increased Arms Purchases
In response to heightened tensions with Saudi Arabia and the UAE since 2017, Qatar has significantly increased its procurement of military equipment from European nations and the United States.
2017: Qatar Airways Wins Airline of the Year
The Airline of the Year award was given to Qatar Airways in 2017.
2018: Extension of National Service Term
The national service term in Qatar was extended to one year in 2018.
January 2019: Withdrawal from OPEC
Qatar left the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) in January 2019 after having been a member since 1961.
December 2019: Qatar World Cup Officials Seek Solutions for Fan Accommodation
In December 2019, Qatari World Cup officials began exploring options to address the accommodation shortage for the expected 1.6 million fans, as existing hotel rooms were insufficient. They reached out to organizers of Glastonbury and Coachella festivals to discuss desert campsites with amenities like bars and restaurants. Additionally, two cruise ships were secured to house around 40,000 people during the tournament.
2019: Qatar Airways Wins Airline of the Year
In 2019, Qatar Airways was named Airline of the Year.
2019: Qatar Ranked 65th in Global Innovation Index
In 2019, Qatar held the 65th position in the Global Innovation Index, reflecting its standing in terms of innovation capabilities.
2019: First AFC Asian Cup Victory
In 2019, Qatar won the AFC Asian Cup for the first time, defeating Japan 3-1 in the final held in the United Arab Emirates. They won all seven matches, conceding only one goal.
2019: Qatar Ranked High in Tourism Market Climate
The Travel & Tourism Competitiveness Survey 2019 by the World Economic Forum ranked Qatar among the top eight countries in the Middle East for its tourism market climate.
October 2020: Strip-Searching of Australian Women at Hamad International Airport
An international incident occurred between Qatar and Australia in October 2020 after Qatari authorities conducted strip searches on 13 Australian women at Hamad International Airport.
2020: Projected Tourism Revenue
Gulf News, a research center in Qatar, projected that the country would earn $11.9 billion from tourism by 2020 due to increased hospitality and focus on Qatari culture.
January 2021: Resolution of the Diplomatic Crisis
The diplomatic crisis involving Qatar and several Arab nations came to an end in January 2021 with the signing of the AlUla declaration.
February 2021: The Guardian Report on Migrant Worker Deaths
A February 2021 article in The Guardian reported that some 6,500 migrant construction workers had died since the start of preparations for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
October 2021: First Elections of the Consultative Assembly
In October 2021, the Consultative Assembly of Qatar held its first elections after several postponements. The assembly consists of 30 publicly elected members and 15 appointed by the emir.
2021: Minimum Wage Implementation
A minimum wage was introduced in Qatar in 2021.
2021: Tourism Recovery Comparison Year
The year 2021 serves as a comparison point for the strong tourism recovery witnessed in Qatar in the first half of 2022.
2022: Increase in Military Spending
By 2022, Qatar's military spending had risen to US$7.49 billion.
2022: Ban on Alcohol Sales in FIFA World Cup Stadiums
Despite prior indications of allowing alcohol sales in "fan zones" at the 2022 FIFA World Cup, Qatari officials announced a ban on alcohol sales within the stadiums just two days before the tournament began in 2022.
2022: FIFA World Cup in Qatar
Qatar hosted the 2022 FIFA World Cup, a major driver for athletic and corporate tourism.
2022: Hosting the 2022 FIFA World Cup
Qatar hosted the 2022 FIFA World Cup, an event that involved the construction of seven new stadiums and the expansion of one existing stadium. Despite controversies, it was a historic moment for the Middle East.
2022: Qatar Hosts FIBA Under-16 Asian Championship
Qatar once again demonstrated its dedication to basketball by hosting the FIBA Under-16 Asian Championship in 2022.
2022: Designation as a Major Non-NATO Ally
Qatar was designated as a major non-NATO ally of the United States in 2022.
2022: Most Expensive World Cup
The 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar became the most expensive in the competition's history, featuring many modern technologies and receiving positive feedback for the country's handling of the event.
2022: Tourism Recovery and Growth
The tourism sector in Qatar experienced a strong recovery in the first half of 2022 with over 729,000 international visitors, a 19% increase from the previous year.
September 2023: Mediation of US-Iran Prisoner Swap Deal
Qatar successfully mediated a prisoner swap deal between the US and Iran in September 2023, resulting in the release of five Americans in exchange for five Iranians.
October 2023: Urgent Talks for Release of Hostages
On October 9, 2023, in response to the escalating conflict between Hamas and Israel, Qatar's PM and FM Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani initiated urgent discussions to secure the release of Palestinian women and children held in Israeli prisons. The proposed exchange involved the release of Israeli women and children held hostage by Hamas in Gaza.
2023: Low Ranking in Electoral Democracy
According to the V-Dem Democracy indices, Qatar ranked as the second least electorally democratic country in the Middle East in 2023.
2023: Qatar Improves in Global Innovation Index
Qatar demonstrated progress in its innovation capabilities, moving up to the 50th position in the 2023 Global Innovation Index from its previous ranking of 65th in 2019.
2023: Third AFC Asian Cup in Qatar
Qatar hosted its third AFC Asian Cup in 2023, the eighteenth edition of the tournament, and successfully retained their title by defeating Jordan in the final.
January 2024: Continuation of Ceasefire Negotiations in Washington, D.C.
Sheikh Mohammed engaged in discussions with US officials in Washington, D.C. in late January 2024, aiming to advance ceasefire negotiations.
February 2024: Meeting with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken
Sheikh Mohammed welcomed US Secretary of State Antony Blinken in Doha on February 6, 2024.
2025: Transportation Master Plan End Date
The transportation master plan instituted in March 2006 is set to run until 2025.
2027: Qatar to Host FIBA Basketball World Cup
Qatar made history by being selected to host the 2027 FIBA Basketball World Cup, becoming the first Arab nation to do so.
2030: Qatar Aims for 20% Solar Energy
By 2030, Qatar aims to achieve 20% of its energy from solar power as part of its National Vision 2030 plan.
2030: Tourism's Contribution to GDP
Qatar aims to increase tourism's contribution to its GDP to 12% by 2030.
2030: Asian Games in Qatar
Qatar is set to host the 2030 Asian Games, further boosting its athletic and corporate tourism.
