Qatar has vast oil reserves, expected to last for the next 23 years. Having so much financial security has meant that Qatar has not needed to develop its domestic state as much as other countries. Qatar has a strong economy by having one of the highest GDP of any country in the world of approximately $102,000 per capita. Until recently there has not been a need for Qatar to develop other industries greatly and the revenue generated from oil was giving the country more than enough wealth. More recently Qatar is playing host to the 2022 football world cup as inward investment can offer sustainability and wealth for the future. This is an uncommon feature of rentier states suggesting Qatar maybe trying to break out of its rentier mentality and become more attractive to foreign investment.
Qatar has very low unemployment of 3.9% because most living permits for expatriates are linked to employment making it very difficult for people to stay for longer than their visa period. In Qatar most wealth is created by a few in society but consumed by the masses of the population. In 2007, the richest 10% of the population owned 35.9% of the wealth and the poorest 10% of the population owned 1.3% of the wealth. It suggests that the percentage of the population who own the wealth is the same as the size of the population who control the wealth meaning that money can be spent where the rich want it to be spent.
Most companies in Qatar have to have a share owned by the government. An example is Qatar airways where the government hold a 50% stake, having government support for an industry helps reduce red tape and ensures support for further lucrative contracts or for negotiating routes. Being partially state owned can also benefit Qatar airways by getting the more desirable landing slots and discounted rates for landing at airports.