After spending two weeks in Doha, Qatar, engaging with aspiring entrepreneurs, and participating in multiple company visits, I have gained a significantly deeper understanding of how business operates in Qatar. The oil and gas industry, particularly the North Gas Field, has played a significant economic role, for the country in recent years. Companies such as Halliburton Qatar and Schlumberger Limited (SLB) provided valuable insights into their operations within the oil and gas industry. Additionally, visits to locally owned and operated businesses, such as Doha Cables and Calo, offered a comprehensive perspective on Qatar’s business landscape.
Upon arriving in Qatar, my initial impressions regarding business and startups were centered on how could someone like myself, with limited prior knowledge of the region, contribute local business environment. After engaging with these companies and absorbing the insights they shared, I now believe that starting or running a business in Qatar is feasible to a certain extent.
Until recently, businesses required a Qatari partner holding 51% ownership; however, recent reforms have allowed individuals and groups to establish businesses independently. However, significant challenges still remain, particularly due to the various restrictions associated with launching a new venture in a relatively young and developing country.
As a master’s student pursuing my degree in entrepreneurial leadership through the management department, I believe that I now have a better understanding of global opportunities within various markets. The program itself provided me not only with once-in-a-lifetime experiences but also a new perspective on the business world around me. I hope that future undergrad and graduate students take the opportunity to participate and join a study abroad program. A structured program like this will create lifelong benefits and connections moving forward.