Japan, South Korea, India, Singapore, UAE and China.

In a world of faltering economies, Qatar has continued to prosper in recent years; in 2010 Qatar had the world's highest GDP per capita. While agriculture is limited by climate and water resources, the Qatari government has bolstered indigenous industries such as petrochemicals and refining, ammonia, fertilisers, steel, cement and commercial ship repair.

Still, it’s oil, and in particular gas reserves, which have transformed Qatar from an impoverished outcrop on the Arabian Peninsula into one of the richest countries in the world.  By 2007, it was the largest exporter of liquefied natural gas in the world. Economic growth has slowed down since the dizzy heights of 19% growth in 2010 (2012 saw it halve to 6.2%) but the country is still outstripping the US and the majority of Europe, stuck in the doldrums of the economic crisis. Qatar is a member of OPEC and the World Trade Organisation, with petroleum accounting for more than 70% of the government's revenue, 60% of GDP and the third largest proved natural gas reserves in the world.

Politeness and patience are key ingredients for successful business interaction. A first meeting may well focus more on polite, personal questions – family, travel arrangements etc, before moving on to business matters in a second meeting.

Sat-Thurs 0800-1200 and 1600-1900. Government office hours are Sat-Wed 0700-1400. Some are open on Thursday mornings too.