Expenditure is set at QR 206.7bn, up by 1.7% compared to the QR 203.2bn budgeted in 2018. Accordingly, the budget is expected to achieve a surplus of QR 4.3bn.
Based on directives from H.H. the Amir, the 2019 budget is designed to achieve efficiency in current expenditure while maintaining the necessary allocations for the completion of major approved projects that contribute to the sustainable development targets of Qatar 2030 Vision. These span economic, social, human and environmental development. The budget also focuses on providing the necessary funds for the development of new housing areas for nationals, enhancing food security projects, and the establishment of infrastructure and facilities in free zones, special economic zones, and industrial and logistics zones.
Allocations to Chapter I (Salaries and Wages) have increased by 9.4% to QR 57.1bn, compared with QR 52.2bn in 2018. This rise is the result of increasing hiring to secure required staff to operate several newly completed projects, especially in the education and health sectors. Hiring also increased in the defence, security and public safety sectors.
2018 expenditure details
Expenditure allocated to Chapter IV (Major Projects) declined by 3.6% to QR 89.6bn, compared with QR 92.9bn in 2018. This decline is the result of the completion of some major infrastructure projects. Chapter IV allocations are projected to continue declining gradually during the coming few years, as more projects are completed. Despite the drop in allocations, Chapter IV continued to represent the largest share of expenditure, at 43.3%. The focus continues to be on completing projects in leading sectors including healthcare, education and transportation, along with those related to the hosting of World Cup in 2022.
In 2019, new projects with a total cost of QR 48bn are expected to be awarded out of a portfolio of committed projects worth QR 421bn. These new projects will boost economic growth in the country, especially in non-oil sectors.
- Healthcare sector
- Education sector
- Infrastructure projects
- Housing areas
- Transportation and communications sector
- QR 12bn is allocated over 5 years to develop new housing for nationals.
- Funds are allocated for the expansion of Hamad International Airport, with a total cost of QR 10bn.