Qatar will hand out significant salary, pension and benefits increases for its state and military employees, the state news agency said, in a move that will cost the state at least an additional 30 billion riyals ($8.24 billion). The decree by deputy Emir and heir to the Qatari throne Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani will boost basic salaries and social benefits for state civilian employees by 60 percent. Military staff of officer rank will receive a 120 percent increase in basic salaries and benefits, according to the statement which was released late Tuesday. Military persons of other ranks will see a 50 percent jump in basic salaries and benefits. Qatar, the world's richest nation per-capita - more than $88,500 according to the IMF - and host of the 2022 soccer World Cup, has along with the United Arab Emirates escaped unrest sweeping through the Arab world. Its copious natural gas reserves have quickly elevated it to the list of the world's richest nations. The total salary increases will amount to 10 billion riyals ($2.75 billion) per year, the statement said. The decision also ordered a 60 percent pension increase for civilian retirees. Military personnel retirees of officer rank will see a 120 percent hike, with military individuals of other ranks eligible for 50 percent.
