Qatar ranks fourth globally in living standards

Qatar has ranked fourth globally and first in the Middle East and North Africa for living standards in the 2026 Legatum Prosperity Index. The country also placed eighth in the broader Development Index, which evaluates health, education, and living conditions.

According to the Qatar National Planning Council, these results align with the Third National Development Strategy 2024-2030 and the Qatar National Vision 2030, emphasizing social and human development. While the nation has successfully used hydrocarbon wealth to fund infrastructure, healthcare, and education, analysts suggest the next challenge is increasing private-sector competitiveness and economic productivity.

To support continued growth, QatarEnergy plans to expand LNG production capacity from 77 million tonnes per year to 142 million tonnes by the end of 2030. However, experts note that while increased output will boost GDP and fiscal capacity, true economic resilience will require diversification beyond the energy sector.