"Qatar's rate of growth that stood at 6 per cent in 2016 fell to 2.5 per cent in 2017 and further to 1.8 in 2018," noted Dr Hamad al Towaijri, associate professor of economics at the King Saud University said. Omar Bahlaiwa, chairman of Optimum Business Consulting Bureau, said: "At least 50 per cent of Qatar's tourists were from GCC. It has decreased by 70 per cent. Its cost for hosting the World Cup will increase as they are forced to buy at a higher cost from far away countries."
But Dr Huwaidin said Qatar was a robust economy. "The Turkish presence is giving it political and military impunity. I think the boycott will continue for many years, at least as long as the current emir is in power." The panelists reiterated its trust in the mediating role played by Kuwait, stating the country is in the best position to talk to both parties.
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