The attraction or retention of talent in countries like India constitutes a challenge for Gulf countries including Qatar, a human resources expert was quoted as saying.

Questions are being asked on whether Qatar can continue to bring in people with leadership and management skills to achieve results in the long run. With many projects in the pipeline, Qatar, however, will not face problems bringing in labour.

According to the Peninsula newspaper, Ayman Haddad, managing partner for the Mena region of Heidrick & Struggles (H&S), one of the world's top five search firms, said: 'What Qatar should do is know how to sustain talent by nurturing local capabilities.'

H&S recently carried out a talent survey in coordination with the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) covering 30 countries worldwide. Representing the Mena region were Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Iran. Qatar and the UAE may be a part of the survey when it is carried out again next year, Haddad said.

Qatar faces the same situation as Saudi Arabia, as does the UAE.

'India was ranked 10th in the survey and is attracting talent back home which is a threat to countries like Qatar and the UAE.'

Saudi Arabia, representing the GCC, ranked in the bottom five.

Qatar, however, could stand to lose in terms of senior management types should 'if for some reason' Saudi Arabia opens up, a factor that would attract talent from here and the UAE. 'Saudi Arabia has an advantage in that the cost of living is relatively lower than Qatar and the UAE,' said Haddad.

Nevertheless, Qatar will remain an attractive destination for western expatriates, especially the Europeans. Haddad said: 'For non-Americans, Qatar would remain attractive because of the tax benefits, a significant improvement in disposable income and the very attractive quality of life.'

There will be no expatriate brain drain as such, but the challenges will lie in sustaining development and local talent, he said.