Gulf state hopes economic independence because of blockade will help it withstand downturn.

Despite rising non-performing loans risk, confidence in banking system remains high. 

Supportive measures will ease economic stress, says governor Abdulla Bin Saoud Al-Thani.

Qatar's economy has continued to perform well during an economic blockade, and its banks have followed suit.

Economically 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. 

The governor of Qatar’s central bank talks to The Banker about how two years of economic blockade has affected the country’s economy.

Abdulla 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.

Blockaded 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.

A 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.

Joseph 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.