1. Business Optimism Index Qatar – Q1 2009 usiness Optimism Index Qatar Q1 2009 Business Optimism Index Qatar Q1 2009 Presented by Dun & Bradstreet Qatar Financial Centre (QFC) Authority Al Khalij Commercial Bank (al khaliji)

2. Business Optimism Index Qatar – Q1 2009 The D&B Business Optimism Index is recognized world over as a measures of the pulse of the business community Expectation survey among 500 business owners and senior executives between 9 th Nov and 23 rd Nov for the quarter starting Jan 2009 Respondents questioned on their expectations for relevant business parameters Also surveyed respondents regarding current business conditions vis-à-vis: impact of global financial crisis, investment plans, primary concerns etc. Hydrocarbon sector survey conducted separately Provides insights into the short-term outlook of the business community on investment, sales, profit growth etc Analysis of major trends, outlook and issues concerning the business community Business Optimism Index

3. Business Optimism Index Qatar – Q1 2009 Business sentiments still healthy Drop from last quarter; Outlook still positive Robust Sales and New Orders expectations Sharp drop in Selling Price Index

4. Business Optimism Index Qatar – Q1 2009 Growth momentum intact Demand levels expected to remain firm Trading and Manufacturing units expect a strong quarter ahead Sentiments in Finance and Real Estate sector hit by liquidity concerns Volume of Sales New Orders

5. Business Optimism Index Qatar – Q1 2009 Profitability expectations modest % Trade, Transport & Hotels sector most upbeat Positive sentiments in the Manufacturing and Real Estate sector Financial enterprises treading cautiously

6. Business Optimism Index Qatar – Q1 2009 Cautious about costs New EmployeesLevel of stock New employment creation expected to pace down Most new jobs in Trade, Transport and Hotels sector Inventories expected to stay at last quarter levels

7. Business Optimism Index Qatar – Q1 2009 Downward pressure on prices Significant drop in Selling Price Index across sectors Majority keep their selling prices at last quarter levels

8. Business Optimism Index Qatar – Q1 2009 Oil and Gas Sector Energy Sector sentiments nosedive Bleak Selling Price and Profits outlook No new employment generation in the sector

9. Business Optimism Index Qatar – Q1 2009 Will global financial crisis Affect business? Global spread of the financial crisis hits confidence Energy sector impacted most One third of the non hydrocarbon economy feels pinched too Non Hydrocarbon Sector Oil and Gas Sector

10. Business Optimism Index Qatar – Q1 2009 Holding back new Investments Cost of CapitalInvestment Plans Divided outlook for the cost of capital 49% units plan no Investments in the next quarter Trade, Transport and Hotels sector continues to expand operations

11. Business Optimism Index Qatar – Q1 2009 Business Concerns Non Hydrocarbon Sector Oil and Gas Sector Escalation in costs considered a major roadblock Drop in global oil prices poses a serious concern for the oil and gas sector Market volatility and competition cited as other business concerns

12. Business Optimism Index Qatar – Q1 2009 Outlook for Q1 2009 Global Recession poses challenges to the Economy Businesses expect to withstand the crisis with govt. support Moderate growth in demand and profitability levels Business units cautious regarding new commitment in light of market uncertainties Inflationary pressures to ease

13. Business Optimism Index Qatar – Q1 2009 THANK YOU