The Emergence And Development Of The Oil Industry In Qatar 1946-1952

Abstract

Qatar's location is distinguished by being in the heart of the Arabian Gulf, which is considered one of the most important centers and vital and strategic areas in the region and the world, which led to its exposure to several risks as a result of this importance stemming from its distinguished geographical location, in addition to its famous diving sites, which became the focus of attention of the greedy. In addition, Qatar was distinguished by being one of the emirates of the Arabian Gulf in which oil was discovered, which added another importance to it, making it a focus of conflict and competition between major countries in order to exploit and dominate this wealth. However, Qatar benefited from this main source of energy and wealth, and the importance of this material from an economic point of view, which was able to transform it from a diving and trading society to a civilized industrial society. However, the presence of oil in the lands of (a country) does not mean its transformation into an industrial country, because the presence of oil without investing it does not provide the desired benefit from it. Therefore, the oil industry is one of the industries that require large capital for surveying, exploration, and drilling operations until reaching the stage of extraction and then export. Therefore, the oil countries, including Qatar, resorted to foreign companies because they lacked the money and experience in the early stages of oil discovery and the development of the oil industry. Its economic and social impacts, which demonstrated the role of profit sharing or income tax with the oil company, increased the emirate's financial returns and contributed to the development of Qatar and the establishment of an economic structure for agriculture, industry, trade, investments, finance, and industrial projects. The oil industry also played a role in developing the social aspect. The petroleum industry played a role in the development of social conditions, including health, which developed effectively through the Qatari government allocating a portion of the state budget to improve the health sector. The Qatari government also developed the education sector.