According to World Economic Forum rankings of 2010, Qatar has topped other Middle East and Arab countries; as it was ranked 17th on Global Competitiveness Report (GCR).

Topping 139 countries included in the GCR, Qatar hit a new record of 5.10 points which qualified it to move up from the 22nd rank in 2009 to the 17th rank for this year rankings.

As stated by the report, competitiveness in Qatar is based on strong fixed pillars demonstrated in highly-efficient and well-performing institutional platforms, stable economic environment and effective commodities market.

Since H.H. the Emir Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al Thani came into power on 27th of June 1995, Qatar has embarked into a new era of national work and strategy. Since then, Qatar has made huge strides towards building its economic and political structure. Objectives and vision of this new era in Qatar’s modern history has focused on widening public participation in national decision-making processes and emphasizing the role played by the Qatari people in running their country's affairs. This was realized through enrooting democracy, principle of liberty, and election instead of appointment in many governmental bodies and authorities. For the first time in Qatar, it went ahead to acknowledge and support Qatari women right to be nominated and elected in municipal elections. Furthermore, this new era was featured with increasing interest in Qatari young people through adopting educational and academic curricula that perfectly meet the community needs and satisfy the country requirements for qualified human resources and providing job opportunities for Qatari fresh graduates. It has also approved and implemented a new pragmatic approach in planning the national economy and exploiting and investing national natural resources. This approach was based on drawing new strategies and long term plans, encouraging private sector, as well as achieving the optimal use of national and expatriate expertise and cadres, and creating sound economic climate to attract investments.

In 2007, Qatar has hit records with unprecedented economic growth rate of over 14% per annum. It is expected that this rate is taking and upward trend over the next years. In addition, government spending is increasing; as the state budget has recorded a growth rate of 23.6% in 2007-2008. In 2008, for instance, the state budget has exceeded QAR 72,465.72 billion, compared to QAR 59,901.8 in 2007.

The state of Qatar is considered one of the highest living standard on earth, it has occupied the 33rd rank in 2009 Report of Human Development, issued by United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). The report stated that Qatar has achieved a major milestone when it jumped to the 33rd rank.

The new ranking reflects what Qatar has achieved in issues related to human development. The report added that human development index in the state has jumped from 0.875 to 0.910. This index reflects progress and improvement achieved in areas related to health, education and GDP. In education sector, for example, the index indicates illiteracy rate going down to 6.9%, while school admission rate goes up to 80.4%, compared to 77.7% in 2008. Furthermore, in health sector, life expectancy rate increased from 75 years last year to 75.5 this year. The state of Qatar has realized a big hike in income per capita which reached USD 74.882 in 2009.

By 2030, Qatar aims to be an advanced society capable of sustaining its development and providing a high standard of living for all of its people. Qatar’s National Vision defines the long-term outcomes for the country and provides a framework within which national strategies and implementation plans can be developed. The National Vision addresses 5 major challenges facing Qatar:

Qatar National Vision 2030 was approved by Emiri Decision (44) for the year 2008.