The Rise of Qatar

The Rise of Qatar

EA Sports released the first version of its immensely popular FIFA video game series in 1993, featuring a lineup of international teams including, somewhat surprisingly, Qatar. At the time, Qatar was the lowest ranked team in the game, and it is safe to assume that most players around the world would have struggled to identify the tiny desert peninsula on a map, let alone name any of its footballers.

Fast forward to 2025, and unless you have been living in a cave, Qatar is everywhere. From sports to diplomacy, real estate to energy, the country has become a major player on the global stage. This PRESC article explores how this small Gulf state has developed one of the most influential soft power strategies in the Arab world and far beyond.

First, a bit of history. Qatar became an independent state in 1971, following the end of British protection under a treaty arrangement with Britain Under this system, Qatar allowed Britain military and strategic access to the Gulf and the Indian Ocean in exchange for defence guarantees. The ruling Al Thani family had already consolidated their power in the late 19th century through a treaty with the British in 1868, and by defeating Ottoman forces at the Battle of Al Wajba in 1893.

Oil was first discovered in Qatar on the west coast, in the township of Dukhan, in 1937. However, World War II delayed full production until 1949. Prior to this, Qatar’s economy was modest and largely dependent on fishing and pearl diving, centred around the capital, Doha.

Whilst a member of OPEC from 1961 until its withdrawal in 2019, Qatar was never one of the world’s major players in oil production. At its peak, Qatar produced around 1.5 million barrels per day. Compare this with Saudi Arabia, which consistently produces 9 to 11 million barrels per day, and Russia, another global energy heavyweight, which averages 9 to 10 million barrels per day. Even Iraq and Iran have historically produced significantly more than Qatar. As a result, Qatar’s decision to withdraw from OPEC in 2019 made strategic sense; it signalled a shift in focus from oil to natural gas, where Qatar is a genuine global leader.

Qatar’s rise as a global player began with the development of the massive North Field gas reserve in the Persian Gulf, part of the world’s largest natural gas field (shared with Iran, where it is called South Pars). This transformed Qatar from a quiet desert peninsula into a major energy power. Let’s look at the figures. Qatar’s natural gas revenues earn the government around 115 million dollars a day, adding up to approximately 42 billion dollars a year. The country provides about 3 percent of the world’s daily energy needs and supplies roughly 25 percent of the UK’s natural gas. This wealth has enabled Qatar to build a highly successful real estate empire and sovereign wealth fund, the Qatar Investment Authority. Some jaw-dropping stats: Qatar owns around 26 percent of London’s Mayfair, which alone generates about 1 billion dollars a year. Iconic London landmarks such as The Shard, Harrods, and the Olympic Village are also part of its portfolio. Qatar’s real estate assets generate close to 98 million dollars per day, almost rivalling the income from oil and gas. This strategy of economic diversification has cemented its global influence well beyond energy.

In politics, soft power is a country’s ability to influence others through culture, values, and ideas shaping opinions without using force, threats, or money. Qatar’s soft power comes from its global media, culture, and diplomacy. The country owns Al Jazeera, a major international news network that shapes opinion across the Arab world and beyond. Qatar also uses sports diplomacy, most notably by hosting the 2022 FIFA World Cup, to raise its global profile. It invests heavily in education through institutions like Education City and promotes art and culture via museums and events. Qatar’s foreign aid, humanitarian work, and balanced diplomacy maintaining ties with the West, Iran, and various Islamic movements further boost its influence. These tools help Qatar punch above its weight on the global stage.

Furthermore, Qatar hosts both the Taliban and Hamas as part of its foreign policy strategy centred on soft power, diplomacy, and mediation. By hosting groups like the Taliban and Hamas, it positions itself as a channel for dialogue between these groups and the West especially the United States, often helping in negotiations such as the U.S.-Taliban Doha talks leading to the 2020 agreement. Supporting or engaging with influential Islamist movements like Hamas and the Taliban gives Qatar a unique diplomatic niche, especially when larger regional powers like Saudi Arabia or Egypt reject these groups. This allows Qatar to carve out independent regional influence.

Any conversation on Qatar must include its national airline. A behemoth of the aviation world, Qatar Airways reported a record-breaking revenue of 23.4 billion dollars and a net profit of 2.15 billion dollars for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2025. The airline operates a fleet of over 230 aircraft, serving more than 170 destinations worldwide. Renowned for its exceptional service, Qatar Airways has been recognized as the World’s Best Airline multiple times, solidifying its status as a prestigious global airline. Its success significantly contributes to Qatar’s economic growth and international stature.

2017 was a significant year for Qatar. In June, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, and Egypt abruptly imposed a diplomatic and economic blockade on Qatar, cutting land, sea, and air links. The reasons cited included Qatar’s support for Islamist groups such as the Muslim Brotherhood, its close relationship with Iran, and criticism of its media outlet Al Jazeera, which these countries accused of spreading destabilizing propaganda. Additionally, Qatar was seen as “acting above itself” by pursuing an independent foreign policy that diverged from its neighbours’ agendas.

Despite the immediate economic and political challenges, the blockade forced Qatar to accelerate its drive for self-sufficiency and resilience. One widely reported symbolic step was Qatar importing a herd of dairy cows from Australia to reduce reliance on imports and boost domestic production. The blockade also pushed Qatar to diversify its trade partners and strengthen its food security, energy exports, and diplomatic ties beyond the Gulf region. In many ways, the crisis catalysed Qatar’s modernization and reinforced its strategic independence, ultimately enhancing its national identity and global standing.

So, as Qatar celebrates its 54th year as an independent state, it is fair to say the growth it has achieved has been unprecedented and it shows no signs of abating.