- Qatar ranked 11th in the World Competitiveness Yearbook 2024, up from 12th last year.
- Qatar excelled in economic performance, ranking first globally in unemployment and youth unemployment rates, and terms of trade index.
- Government efficiency was high, with Qatar ranking first for low consumption and personal income tax rates, and second in public finance management.
- Business efficiency was strong, with top global rankings in corporate board effectiveness, migrant stock, and workforce productivity.
- Qatar ranked 33rd in infrastructure overall but led globally in energy infrastructure and internet accessibility.
- Consistent participation in the Yearbook highlights Qatar’s commitment to sustainable development, aligned with its National Vision 2030.
The World Competitiveness Yearbook 2024, published by the International Institute for Management Development (IMD) in Switzerland, has positioned Qatar at the 11th rank among 67 countries, showing an improvement from last year’s 12th rank. This annual report evaluates countries based on their competitiveness across four main factors: economic performance, government efficiency, business efficiency, and infrastructure.
High Rankings in Key Factors
Qatar achieved impressive rankings in these factors, with standout performances in several subfactors. The country ranked 4th in economic performance, 7th in government efficiency, 11th in business efficiency, and 33rd in infrastructure. These rankings are based on comprehensive data and indicators collected at the local level, coupled with an opinion poll involving company managers and businessmen about the business environment and the competitiveness of the Qatari economy. This data is then compared with that of other countries reviewed in the report.
Economic Performance
Under economic performance, Qatar excelled in several critical indicators. The country topped the global rankings for the unemployment rate, youth unemployment rate, and terms of trade index. These achievements underscore Qatar’s robust economic health and its effective strategies in managing employment and trade.
Government Efficiency
In terms of government efficiency, Qatar also performed remarkably well. The country ranked first globally for both the consumption tax rate and the personal income tax rate, reflecting its favorable tax environment. Additionally, Qatar secured the second position in the public finance index, highlighting its strong fiscal management.
Business Efficiency
Qatar’s business efficiency was bolstered by top global rankings in the effectiveness of corporate boards and the migrant stock. These factors indicate a conducive business environment that attracts and retains talent from around the world. Qatar also ranked second globally in the working hours index, reflecting its productive workforce.
Infrastructure
While Qatar ranked 33rd in infrastructure overall, it achieved notable successes in specific subfactors. The country ranked first globally for energy infrastructure and the number of internet users per 1,000 people. These indicators point to Qatar’s advanced technological infrastructure and widespread internet accessibility.
Long-Term Commitment to Competitiveness
This year marks the 16th consecutive edition in which Qatar has participated in the World Competitiveness Yearbook. This ongoing participation is a result of continuous collaboration between the International Institute for Management Development and Qatar’s National Planning Council.
Abdulaziz bin Nasser bin Mubarak Al Khalifa, the Secretary General of the National Planning Council, praised Qatar’s achievements, attributing them to the insightful and wise vision of Qatar’s leadership. He emphasized that these results confirm Qatar is on the right path to realizing the ambitions of the Qatar National Vision 2030 through the implementation of the Third National Development Strategy 2024-2030.
Altogether, Qatar’s improved ranking in the World Competitiveness Yearbook 2024 reflects the country’s strategic efforts in enhancing its economic performance, government and business efficiency, and infrastructure, demonstrating its commitment to sustainable development and global competitiveness.
