i think transition over to solar and wind power would be as good for the economy of Qatar as when they started doing the natural gas as well as oil. AND they are sustainable resources! A lot of other countries say they can't dive into such projects because of the inital cost etc etc, bt that shouldn't be a problem for one of the wealthiest countries on the planet. Qatar is trying to set itself up as a leader: I personally think they could really make a splash by throwing themselves into solar or wind projects, showing that they ARE progressive, they ARE able to accomplish something really special,a dn they do care about the rest of the world.

I think doing something like that would maybe do more to raise the countries international profile than, say, yet another olympic bid :P