Perspectives of a Business Consultant Teaching Business Research, Marketing, and Entrepreneurship in Qatar

I’ve made about six trips between Calgary and Doha, Qatar with the most recent trip in April, 2024. One of the most interesting times was when I taught at what is now University of Doha for Science and Technology (UDST).

During my time at the university, I got to teach:

• College of the North Atlantic – Qatar, Doha, Qatar 2018 – 2020
  • 2018 – 2020 (Six Academic Semesters)
    • Marketing Services (MR2450)
      • A third-year marketing course, Four sections, 56 hours per section
    • Business Research (MR2300)
      • A second-year marketing course, Seven sections, 60 hours per section
    • Digital Marketing (MR2403)
      • A third-year marketing course, Three sections, 56 hours per section
    • Introduction to Marketing (MR1100)
      • A first-year marketing course, One section, 60 hours
    • Introduction to Business
      • A first-year business course, One section, 26 hours
    • Entrepreneurship (EP2150)
      • A second-year business course, Three sections, 60 hours per section

But it was other activities that initially brought me to the country. Below is an example (from recent news stories) of how important Qatar is to international business and investment in Canada. 

The Qatar Investment Authority (QIA)

The Qatar Investment Authority (QIA) is Qatar’s sovereign wealth fund, established in 2005 with the aim of diversifying the country’s economy by investing in various asset classes globally. It is estimated to have approximately $475 billion of assets under management as of October 2023.

The QIA predominantly invests in international markets, including the United States, Europe, and the Asia-Pacific region, and within Qatar outside the energy sector. The fund, which is wholly owned by the State of Qatar, is known for its long-term investment approach and flexibility, leveraging its patient capital to invest in less liquid private companies and assets, as well as making longer-term commitments and strategic investments.

QIA’s investments cover a wide range of sectors, including real estate, infrastructure, technology, media, telecoms, healthcare, financial institutions, retail, consumer goods, industrials, materials, funds, and liquid securities. It is also involved in strategic partnerships and co-investment opportunities with top investment managers globally. The QIA operates as a financial investor, emphasizing partnerships with portfolio companies and co-investors to generate long-term value.

The fund’s decision-making procedures and structure have been noted for their non-transparency. The QIA is recognized as a significant player in the global investment ecosystem and has been actively diversifying its investments, including in the health sector and biotechnology, as part of its overall strategy to move beyond a resource-based economy and into a knowledge-based, sustainable economy.

The QIA and Alberta

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith attended the COP28 conference in Dubai and then traveling to Doha, Qatar with a carbon capture incentive program that could attract up to $35 billion in investment. The program is seen as a lynchpin to unlocking billions of dollars in investment from key industrial sectors in Alberta, and it is expected to generate around $35 billion in capital investment and create up to 21,000 jobs in the province.

During her trip, Premier Smith is discussing agriculture, energy, and infrastructure investment opportunities with the Qatar Investment Authority, Qatar Energy, and Hassad Foods (invertor in Sunrise Foods, headquartered in Saskatchewan) , aiming to develop and secure relationships and emerging opportunities that can benefit the people of Alberta, the UAE, and Qatar.