DOHA: Social and economic optimism is high among Qataris, high-income and low-income expatriates, suggests a survey by Qatar University (QU).
It was disclosed in the first-quarter findings of the Qatar Quarterly Survey (QQS), an opinion-monitoring poll by QU’s Social and Economic Survey Research Institute (SESRI),
Data collection was done during March and April 2014.
A representative sample of 2,717 respondents (894 Qataris and 889 high-income and 934 low-income expats) were asked about their personal financial situation, quality of life and perceptions on the overall economy in Qatar.
Qataris presented the highest ratings (90.8) in consumer confidence, followed by high-income (85.9) and low-income expats (87.3).
The Qatar Consumer Confidence Index is an indicator of the degree of optimism or pessimism consumers express with respect to their personal financial situation and the overall state of the economy, affecting their expenditures.
A higher index is generally associated with more consumer purchases and economic expansion.
Asked to evaluate their current financial condition and share their future economic expectations, respondents’ answers revealed an upward trend, indicating relative financial security and optimistic prospects for the future.
On their current economic conditions, Qataris rated 86.8, high-income 77.3, and low-income expats 76.8.
The survey also revealed optimism for future economic conditions, with Qataris rating 92.1, high-income 88.7 and low-income expats 90.8.
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 of 0 to 100, with 0 representing the worst place to live and 100 the best place to live.
Ratings from a year ago showed 84 for Qataris, 73 for high-income and 69 for low-income expats.
Current-year ratings showed 92 for Qataris, 78 for high-income and 77 for low-income expats. Year-ahead ratings showed 95 for Qataris, 83 for high-income and 84 for low-income expats.
“Our survey results reveal high consumer confidence levels among Qatari residents, who remain optimistic about the economy. Findings from QQS serve as important markers for business owners and policymakers looking for indicators on consumer behaviour,” said Dr Darwish Alemadi, SESRI Director and Associate Vice-President for Research.
SESRI’s Head of Research and QQS Principal Investigator Dr Abdoulaye Diop said the findings, along with upcoming results, will provide important information about the social and economic trends in Qatar.
The Peninsula
