Doha: Social and economic optimism is high among Qataris, high- and low-income expats, according to Qatar Quarterly Survey, an opinion-monitoring poll by Qatar University’s Social and Economic Survey Research Institute (SESRI).
The survey is part of the first round of telephone surveys by QQS, the institute’s new initiative to collect feedback from nationals and high- and low-income expats to gauge attitudes and views on matters of public importance. It covered 1,600 respondents.
Citizens presented the highest ratings (90.4) in consumer confidence (Qatar Consumer Confidence Index, which is computed from answers given by the survey’s respondents), followed by high-income (86.7) and low-income expats (84.5).
The index is an indicator of the degree of optimism or pessimism people express with respect to their financial situation and the overall state of the economy, affecting their expenditures. A higher consumer confidence index is generally associated with more purchases and economic expansion.
Asked to evaluate their financial condition and share their economic expectations, respondents’ answers revealed an upward trend, indicating relative financial security and optimistic prospects for the future.
On their economic conditions, citizens rated 85.5, high-income expats 78.0, and low-income expats 73.6.
The survey also revealed optimism for future economic conditions, with citizens giving a rating of 92.0, high-income expats 89.5 and low-income expat 88.2.
Respondents indicated a positive outlook when rating Qatar as a place to live now, one year ago, and one year from now. Ratings were based on a scale from 0 to 100, with 0 representing the worst place to live, and 100 the best place to live.
One-year-ago ratings showed 84 for citizens, 75 for high-income expats and 69 for low-income expats. Current-year ratings showed 92 for citizens, 79 for high-income expats and 77 for low-income expats. Year-ahead ratings showed 94 for citizens, 85 for high-income expats and 84 for low-income expats.
Dr Darwish Alemadi, Director and Associate Vice-President for Research, SESRI, said: “The survey seeks to quantify anecdotal sentiments among people. Its findings will benefit key business figures and policymakers.”
Dr Abdoulaye Diop, Head of Research and QQS Principal Investigator, SESRI, said the findings “mark the beginning of a series of surveys to monitor and compare economic and social perceptions over time. The indices will serve as a benchmark for upcoming surveys”. Information on QQS can be accessed at http://sesri.qu.edu.qa/qqs The Peninsula
