BBC asks: Has wealth made Qatar happy?
Oil and gas have made Qatar the richest country in the world - rich enough to be ready, apparently, to spend $200bn (£120bn) on stadiums and infrastructure for the 2022 World Cup.
But has virtually limitless wealth brought the country happiness?
It's still cool enough to sit outside in Qatar's capital, Doha. In another few weeks it will be too hot and most people - those who don't have to work outside - will be retreating indoors to the comfort of air-conditioning.
For now, though, families relax in the afternoon sun on the waterfront Corniche. The view has changed beyond recognition in the last few years. Glass and steel towers rise like an artificial forest from what was once a shoreline of flat sand.
"We have become urban," says Dr Kaltham Al Ghanim, a sociology professor at Qatar University. "Our social and economic life has changed - families have become separated, consumption culture has taken over."
Qatar's government puts a positive spin on the pace of change.
From desperate poverty less than a century ago, this, after all, has become the richest nation in the world, with an average per-capita income topping $100,000 (£60,000).
What's less well understood is the impact of such rapid change on Qatari society itself.
You can feel the pressure in Doha. The city is a building site, with whole districts either under construction or being demolished for redevelopment.
Constantly snarled traffic adds hours to the working week, fuelling stress and impatience. Read more here: bbc.com
How do you feel? Is Qatar happy? Are you happy in Qatar?
Nops & Never Ever :))
Basically locals are happy because of what the goverment provide to them but still, a lot of improvements need to be done esp. now more workers( professional, skilled and labors) are flocking to qatar coz of major construction booms...Qatar needs to build more accomodations in one particular place for all workers who doesn't have their family here...You see, just go one of the residential place in Doha, esp at nigth and during friday afternoon and you will see a lot of nationalities standing, talking to each other and it's a nuisance to other esp. to those who are residing near to supermarket. coffee shop and all shops (tire shop, electrical/mechanical should be bring in one particular place as well not on the residential places....build more parking areas because cars/trucks and trailers are everywhere esp. on vacant lot which is an eyesore....I do hope the goverment can think of something for the benefits of everyone....
whoever says "money can't buy happiness" - don't know where to shop... :)
happiness for the locals only...yes i agree (atleast it is not like saudi locals)...the government cares for the locals only here...but when it comes to expat i think that is where sadness is faced...do not forget the theme one nation one love...is it implemented
happiness for the locals only...yes i agree (atleast it is not like saudi locals)...the government cares for the locals only here...but when it comes to expat i think that is where sadness is faced...do not forget the theme one nation one love...is it implemented
happiness for the locals only...yes i agree (atleast it is not like saudi locals)...the government cares for the locals only here...but when it comes to expat i think that is where sadness is faced...do not forget the theme one nation one love...is it implemented
wealth never gives u happy, instead it provides what u are getting.
Not Happy ....., lotsa ....shitty rules.....
Not Happy ....., lotsa ....shitty rules.....
@Ash, What you can afford to buy is the best in your life, Al humdulilah.
Yes M Very Happy here :)
Money can't buy happiness
Every thing agreed, we are extremely happy, what about senaiya roads with out street lights ?
roads with huge pot holes ? who will pay my car repair charges ? what about labor camps ? OMG. Yet I am happy here what about those less blessed labors ?
Qatar2022?! Hhh after brazil 2014 the truth gonna be seen...