Revealed: Top 10 companies in Qatar in 2016

Qatar’s stock exchange earnings fell by 11 per cent in the first half of 2016, affected by an almost 50 per cent fall in real estate sector earnings.

However, the telecommunications sector and the financial services industry posted growth of 6 per cent and 2.1 per cent respectively in H1.

Despite poor earnings, Qatari markets were positive in August 2016 as FTSE relaxed its liquidity rules allowing Qatari blue chips to be included in the index. Blue chips in Qatar surged in August. However, the overall stock exchange has remained flat in 2016 (as of October 9).

According to Marmore’s report, Qatar’s $9bn bond issuance was one of the major steps taken by the country to bridge its budgetary deficit and ease liquidity pressure in the banking system.

Qatar’s economy is expected to grow by 3.9 per cent during 2016 and 2018, supported by strong non-hydrocarbon sector growth in the country.

TOP 10 COMPANIES IN QATAR

(By market capitalisation as of October 9, 2016. Source: Reuters Eikon, Markaz Research)

1. Qatar National Bank (QNB)

Market capitalisation: $35.56bn
Sector: Banking & Investment Services

2. Industries Qatar

Market capitalisation: $17.66bn
Sector: Industrial Conglomerates

3. Ezdan Holding Group

Market capitalisation: $12.38bn
Sector: Real Estate

4. Ooredoo

Market capitalisation: $8.29bn
Sector: Telecommunications Services

5. Masraf Al Rayan

Market capitalisation: $7.23bn
Sector: Banking & Investment Services

6. Qatar Islamic Bank

Market capitalisation: $6.68bn
Sector: Banking & Investment Services

7. Qatar Electricity and Water Co

Market capitalisation: $6.5bn
Sector: Utilities

8. Mesaieed Petrochemical Holding Co

Market capitalisation: $5.91bn
Sector: Chemicals

9. Qatar Insurance Co

Market capitalisation: $5.75bn
Sector: Insurance

10. Qatar Fuel

Market capitalisation: $3.71bn
Sector: Energy – Fossil Fuels

Also read: Revealed: Top 10 companies in the UAE in 2016

Revealed: Top 10 companies in Saudi Arabia in 2016