Is Qatar richer than Saudi Arabia?

When comparing Qatar and Saudi Arabia, the answer depends on how you define wealth in life. Qatar is technically richer based on GDP per capita. However there is more to it than what appears on the surface.

GDP per capita: Qatar leads

Due to its great natural gas reserves and limited population, Qatar consistently ranks among the top nations globally in GDP per capita, often exceeding $60,000. This means that, on average, Qataris enjoy higher personal incomes than people in most other countries including Saudi Arabia.

In contrast, the Saudi economy is generally bigger as the country is more populated and the oil deposits are huge, but its GDP per capita is usually between 20 and 30 thousand USD compared to Qatar which is much higher.

National wealth and global influence: Saudi Arabia dominates

GDP per capita is not however the only figure of prosperity or wealth of a country. Saudi Arabia surpasses Qatar in terms of economic scale, military strength, political influence, and global presence:

The biggest economy in the Arab world is Saudi Arabia.
It is a G20 state, an active participant in global economic policy.
It is a leading player in OPEC +, which drives the oil markets of the world itself.
It is of geopolitical relevance in the Middle East and thus commands a lot of bargaining power in the international arena.

Saudi Arabia offers generous social programs for its citizens, including education, healthcare, and housing support. However, expatriates may not access all these benefits. Among the chief benefits, there are:

Free education at kindergarten, university levels (and even overseas scholarships).
Free universal health care, including medicine and complicated treatment.
There is no income tax and a fairly low VAT of 15 percent.
Family allowances issued on a monthly basis to cover part of the costs of utilities.
Unemployed individuals receive government support for up to one year.
Working women childcare and transport that is subsidized by the government.
Qualified Saudi citizens may benefit from subsidized housing loans, wedding support programs, and small business financing, often interest-free or with low interest.

Good support networks in families and communities, lessening the need to take the elderly to senior institutions.

These programs help reduce poverty and improve quality of life for many citizens, though challenges such as youth unemployment and regional disparities persist.

Final verdict

So, is Qatar richer than Saudi Arabia?

Yes, in terms of GDP per capita, Qatar is richer.
But in terms of overall economic power, global influence, and social infrastructure, Saudi Arabia is ahead.

Both countries are wealthy, but their strengths lie in different areas. Qatar is rich per person, while Saudi Arabia is rich as a nation.

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