Gulf state hopes economic independence because of blockade will help it withstand downturn.
Middle East
Latest articles from Qatar

Deep state pockets underpin Qatari banks resilience
June 5, 2020Despite rising non-performing loans risk, confidence in banking system remains high.

Speedy response should shore up economy, says Qatar's central bank
June 5, 2020Supportive measures will ease economic stress, says governor Abdulla Bin Saoud Al-Thani.

Qatar's banks rise above the blockade
June 3, 2019Qatar's economy has continued to perform well during an economic blockade, and its banks have followed suit.

Optimism abounds as Qatar enjoys splendid isolation
June 3, 2019Economically blockaded by many of its neighbours, Qatar has continued to enjoy stable economic growth thanks to a series of reforms and a renewed spirit of self-reliance.

Qatar’s central bank governor hails a resilient economy
June 3, 2019The governor of Qatar’s central bank talks to The Banker about how two years of economic blockade has affected the country’s economy.

Qatar’s central bank governor hails resilient economy
August 1, 2018Abdulla Bin Saoud Al-Thani, governor of the Qatar Central Bank, talks to Kit Gillet about enduring the economic blockade and the country’s growing Islamic finance industry.

In splendid isolation: how Qatar's banks are thriving amid a blockade
June 1, 2018Blockaded by several influential Arab countries since June 2017, Qatari banks have had to cope with ratings downgrades and an outflow of deposits. However, as Kit Gillet reports, they are still posting impressive profits and seem unfazed by such geopolitical unrest.

Qatar finds the silver lining to the trade blockade
June 1, 2018A year since four of its neighbours severed economic ties with Qatar, the country has unexpectedly found that the new economic circumstances have resulted in an accelerated programme of reforms. Kit Gillet reports.

Commercial Bank of Qatar weathers GCC spat and oil price storms
November 1, 2017Joseph Abraham joined Qatar’s Commercial Bank as group CEO in 2016, after eight years as CEO of ANZ Indonesia, arriving at a time of low oil prices and regional tension. He tells Kit Gillet about efforts to refocus the bank, as well as finding opportunities in adversity.