Qatar has maintained its high ranking in the Middle East and North Africa (Mena) region in the Global Talent Competitiveness Index (GTCI) 2015-16 released by the INSEAD business school.
Qatar ranked number 24 out of 109 countries, gaining one spot over its position on the index last year, GTCI said.
In comparison, the UAE was ranked 23 (against 22 in 2014), Saudi Arabia 42 (32) and Kuwait 51.
Qatar also has of one of the best standards of living as the quality of lifestyle ranking rose from 26 in 2014 to number two in 2015.
The sustainability ranking for retaining talent gained on the index, rising from 41 in 2014 to 26 in 2015. The regulatory, market and business landscape was also conducive to attracting talent, rising from a ranking of 12 in 2014 to five in 2015.
Qatar ranked number one in the world in labour market flexibility and in attracting international students. Its tax free business environment also contributed to its number one ranking in the taxation variable on the index.
“Qatar has shown tremendous leadership in growing its non-hydrocarbon wealth. A strong banking sector, high quality in ICT and telecom services, multiple infrastructure projects and the 2022 FIFA World Cup Qatar continue to attract talent to the nation,” according to Bruno Lanvin, executive director of global indices at INSEAD, and co-editor of the report.
World-class universities have set up base in Qatar, attracting students from the world over, many who choose to stay and continue to add to the wealth of human capital, he said.
“Temporary economic mobility of highly skilled people may initially be seen as a loss for their country of origin, countries have to understand that this translates into a net gain when they return home, he added.
Lanvin also said the GCC (Gulf Co-operation Council) countries have benefited from talent arriving from across the world and by building world-class universities to develop local human capital.
The skills that an expat gains working in these dynamic markets, mixing with different cultures, are invaluable assets when he moves onwards, he said, adding such an international experience is what top organisations are looking for today.