Spent the day on Doha... The last place in the world with lots of money, lots of confidence and lots of activity...quite refreshing really!
Doha is widely being tipped as the new Dubai - except it isn't. It's Doha. Qatar does it differently and it's fast learning to do it better and smarter. (Although no-one denies Dubai's role in pioneering and innovating in this region nor the importance of that)
Qatar may well become the capital of the Middle East in the coming years - not the biggest, not the richest (although it may well win that title too as it is the world's richest country by GDP / Capita - just ahead of Luxembourg), but the place with the most influence. Already a global player in energy and finance it is emerging as the region's hub and possibly saviour in terms of education and human development.
Qatar also has quite some taste and balance. Anyone who questions that need only look at the stunning I.M.Pei designed Museum of Islamic Art. This is not a regional point of interest - it is a global point of interest. The Tribeca film festival that has come to Doha - another subtle and high quality approach to the arts which differentiates Qatar from some of its neighbours.
And in sport too Qatar not only hosts world class Golf and Tennis competitions but is home to World Superbikes and the Motorcycle Grand Prix. It also hosted the Asian Games in 2006 - another remarkable achievement for a young and small country.
Politically Qatar has been more engaged than its neighbours who prefer to abstain from politics in favour of religion or commerce. And it has also made international impact with Al Jazeera - the Arabic version of which represents the only real free media in the region which covers and comments on tough and controversial issues. The English language Al Jazeera International is also a highly professional news organisation with a very refreshing and different approach and perspective.
While it is often dismissed as "trying to catch up with Dubai" - since the global recession bit, fewer are making that kind of statement - and are instead rushing to Doha to ride the wave or progress afoot in Qatar.
As one of my clients (a former senior Western diplomat) once told me, the Qatari people, and certainly their leadership, tend not to make a big noise about things, but instead study, plan and execute with quiet confidence focusing on deliverables rather than promises or grandiose predictions.
(Of course I did once meet a Qatari Sheikh who spent US$1 million on a single flower arrangement at his daughter's wedding...)
And it's not to say that Qatar isn't in a hurry or focused on the goals and possibilities of the future. It is and it should be. In a region where so many fall prey to apathy and to trying to curb their neighbours success rather than emulate it or exceed it, Qatar is a refreshingly positive and optimistic place to be.
Viva Doha - a even brighter future awaits!
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