Marhaban!
Welcome to Qatar. With a population of around just two million, only a small percentage of these people are Qatari (less than a quarter). But its size doesn’t stop Qatar punching well above its weight on a world stage, with the highest per capita GDP in the world.
The Qatari economy relies heavily on its oil reserves. However, an incoming FIFA World Cup tournament in 2022 is opening up numerous opportunities for New Zealand companies at an infrastructure upgrade level.
Qatar is a market where the more local knowledge you have, the better. Make sure you’re ready for business by downloading our Qatar market guide on this page.
Quick facts
Here's a snapshot - you can find more detailed data in our guide.
Export market ranking | NZ's 76th largest export market (20161) |
Free trade agreements | None |
Ease of Doing Business ranking2 | 83 of 190 |
Corruption Perceptions Index ranking3 | 31 of 176 |
Getting to Qatar
You can fly direct from Auckland to Qatar with Qatar Airways, which takes 16 hours. Other airlines flying there (non-direct) include Malaysian Airlines, Cathay Pacific and Emirates.When to visit
Expect shorter working hours during Ramadan. It’s a good idea to familiarise yourself with Qatar’s national holidays, as some businesses may close during these times. Be warned that July and August may prove too hot to handle, with average temperatures upwards of 40 degrees Celsius.
Before you go, check Safe Travel for travel advisories on Qatar.
Cultural tips
As an Islamic country, Muslims will stop for prayer five times per day. And, if you visit during Ramadan, it’s not only polite to refrain from eating, drinking or smoking in public during daylight hours, it’s illegal.
We recommend making sure you have plenty of prior knowledge before you tackle this market. You’ll find plenty of information in our guide on this page.