QATAR - The OPEC Countries - Part 9.

The decision-making system in the emirate of Qatar has become streamlined since the Emir, Shaikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al Thani, who ousted his father in a peaceful coup on June 27, 1995. There is a much greater level of transparency in the way the government functions than there used to be under the former emir, Shaikh Khalifa Bin Hamad. Also in place is a new set of bolder, more dynamic and younger individuals in executive capacities making it easier to do business with Qatar. Finally, there is no longer an overlapping of authority among high-level decision makers or among institutions in the energy sector and other spheres of influence.

The decision chain in Qatar is regarded by some as being the best among the Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC) states. This does not mean, however, that there are fundamental changes in the basic superstructure of the regime. The emir still retains absolute authority. The only difference is that he wields it with a much better understanding of how the outside world works and what the changed environment brought about by globalisation will accept. But those who are close to Shaikh Hamad are powerful, and he controls all the reins of power. Shaikh Hamad has a keen interest in a rapid development of Qatar's hydrocarbon resources.

Before Shaikh Khalifa was deposed, a duality of power used to affect decision making in most sectors. No official or minister could be certain that he would retain his powers. Overlaps used to be quite obvious in the 1970s and 1980s between the state petroleum company, which then was called Qatar General Petroleum Corporation, and the Petroleum Department of the Finance and Petroleum Ministry, as one example. Now each of the institutions in Qatar has a clear mandate and the officials are secure in their positions. The NOC now is called Qatar Petroleum (QP). Foreign companies and businessmen, who were often confused by intrigues during the previous regime, now find it easier to operate in Qatar.