Qatar’s budget for 2021, approved by His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, confirms the “resilience and durability” of the national economy amid the impact of Covid-19 on the global economy, Qatar Chamber chairman Sheikh Khalifa bin Jassim al-Thani has said.
Sheikh Khalifa noted that the new budget allows huge spending on major projects, as well as on education and health, which affirms that these sectors “are of special interest for His Highness the Amir.”
He also pointed out that the allocation of QR72.1bn for major projects, a 37% share of the total expenditures worth QR194.7bn, “indicates the state’s continued efforts to complete the projects related to the 2022 FIFA World Cup in a timely manner.”
Citing that the budget estimated average oil prices of $40 a barrel, Sheikh Khalifa assured that the budget supports Qatar’s plans to continue accomplishing sustainable development, and that it also reflects the sound financial plans adopted by the government in dealing with fluctuations in oil prices.
Qatar Chamber general manager Saleh bin Hamad al-Sharqi said the budget would enhance Qatar’s economic performance, which achieved “positive progress despite the current circumstances related to the spread of Covid-19.”
Al-Sharqi lauded the allocation of QR16.5bn for the health sector, an 8.5% share of the total budget, which affirms how the state demonstrates its interest in developing health facilities for the welfare of both the nationals and residents.
This also will ensure the establishment of more projects and expansion of medical and health facilities, he stressed.
Al-Sharqi also praised the allocation of QR17.4bn for the education sector, a 9% share of the budget, which, he said, reflects His Highness the Amir’s keenness on developing the education sector to match the standards of developed countries.
He emphasised that the budget also allocated funds to develop citizens' lands by providing an integrated infrastructure of water, electricity, sewage, roads, and all other facilities in different regions of the country. He added that the development of these lands will lead to the expansion of residential communities, which would enhance urban expansion.
