What This Measures
Life expectancy at birth estimates the average number of years a newborn would live if current mortality rates remained unchanged throughout their lifetime. It is the single most widely used summary indicator of population health, capturing the cumulative effect of healthcare access, disease prevention, nutrition, public health infrastructure, and environmental conditions.
For Qatar, life expectancy reflects the returns on sustained investment in healthcare infrastructure, including the expansion of Hamad Medical Corporation, the establishment of Sidra Medicine, and the development of primary healthcare centres across the country.
Baseline
Approximately 78.2 years (2010) — At the baseline, Qatar’s life expectancy was already among the highest in the Middle East, reflecting early investments in healthcare infrastructure and a relatively young population demographic.
Current Value
Approximately 80.7 years (2024 estimate) — Life expectancy has continued to rise, supported by expanded tertiary care capacity, improved chronic disease management, and national screening programmes. The figure compares favourably with many high-income OECD nations.
2030 Target
81 to 82 years — Implied by NDS health sector targets and benchmarked against leading Gulf and OECD health systems. Reaching 82 years would place Qatar on par with countries such as the United Kingdom and Denmark.
Status Assessment
On Track — The trajectory from 78.2 to 80.7 years over fourteen years represents steady improvement. Reaching 81 to 82 years by 2030 is consistent with continued progress in chronic disease management, preventive care, and healthcare system modernisation.
Key Drivers
Hamad Medical Corporation’s network expansion, including new specialty centres and satellite hospitals. Sidra Medicine providing advanced paediatric and maternal care. Primary healthcare centre network expansion improving preventive care access. National screening programmes for diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cancer. Improved road safety infrastructure reducing trauma mortality.
What Needs to Happen
Further gains will come primarily from managing the non-communicable disease burden — diabetes, cardiovascular disease, obesity-related conditions, and mental health — which now constitutes the principal driver of morbidity and premature mortality. The healthcare system must evolve from hospital-centric acute care toward integrated chronic disease management, preventive medicine, digital health platforms, and population health strategies. Lifestyle-related risk factors, including physical inactivity and dietary patterns, require sustained public health intervention.