Genesis--I agree that Qatar is easily the least corrupt country in the Gulf region and significantly less corrupt than the vast majority of countries worldwide. In comparison to other petro-nations, Qatar is fabulously ahead of the curve.
Having said that . . . corruption comes in many different forms other than open bribery. Many HR departments retain the services of a prominent Qatari in order to 'facilitate' visas, driving licenses, customs and imports, etc. This routinely means using his connections to push matters to the front of the line or having normal restrictions and requirements waived. To some observers the arbitrary enforcement of such rules can appear as corruption. I know I should not complain, as I have personally benefited from this system due to the well-connected and efficient Qatari's in our HR department. In many countries this is the norm of doing business, but in others it would be seen as corruption.
Genesis--I agree that Qatar is easily the least corrupt country in the Gulf region and significantly less corrupt than the vast majority of countries worldwide. In comparison to other petro-nations, Qatar is fabulously ahead of the curve.
Having said that . . . corruption comes in many different forms other than open bribery. Many HR departments retain the services of a prominent Qatari in order to 'facilitate' visas, driving licenses, customs and imports, etc. This routinely means using his connections to push matters to the front of the line or having normal restrictions and requirements waived. To some observers the arbitrary enforcement of such rules can appear as corruption. I know I should not complain, as I have personally benefited from this system due to the well-connected and efficient Qatari's in our HR department. In many countries this is the norm of doing business, but in others it would be seen as corruption.