Qatar’s Index of Economic Freedom IEF ranking remained stable in 2024, at 28th, supported by a low tax burden and an efficient banking system. Ongoing reforms, along with the country’s Third National Development Strategy, are set to enhance the business environment, while targeting stronger FDI inflows. Broad ICT integration across society and IoT-driven smart city projects underscore digital progress. Nevertheless, Qatar faces tighter labour regulations as the “Qatarization Law” enters into for

Solid public finances and a favourable tax regime are boosting economic freedom, but regional relations have deteriorated. Investing in gas is expected to lead to a strong economic recovery, whilst inflation is under control and foreign investment is a growing focus. Although Qatar is youthful, the health of the nation is worsening and it continues to face a gender imbalance. The state is concentrating on advanced technologies like AI and cybersecurity, but skills in these areas are lacking.

Qatar’s GDP grew 2.6% in 2024, with private spending rising 3.3% on the back of strong tourism, bolstered by a major sports event. Inflation is set to remain among the lowest regionally. From 2024-2029, GDP is projected to grow at a 5.3% CAGR, supported by diversification efforts and LNG expansion. Fiscal health remains strong but reliant on hydrocarbons, while limited exports to the US mean tariffs are expected to have little impact on the economy.

Retail value sales of consumer health are set to rise in current term in Qatar in 2025. Demand has remained robust, as consumers in the country have continued to become increasingly health-conscious, knowledgeable of available products and engaged in the proactive self-management of their health. Additionally, strong purchasing power and rising interest in leading healthy lifestyles have continued to drive demand.

In 2024, couples with children were the most common household type in Qatar, driven by traditional family values and urbanisation. Despite a decline in the birth rate and a shift towards smaller family units, the average household size remained large, at 5.5 individuals. Over 2024-2029, the number of households is forecast to grow by 11.4%, with couples with children expected to increase their share to 44.6%.

In 2024, Qatar ranked third in average gross income among Middle East and Africa countries, but per capita disposable income decreased by 2.5% due to falling labour productivity and a higher tax burden. Despite this, the government's Third National Development Strategy (NDS3) and budget surplus investments are expected to drive a 22.4% increase in disposable income by 2029. Furthermore, the cost of living for the highest income group grew faster, exacerbating economic disparities.

In 2025, value sales of dairy products and alternatives in Qatar are expected to register steady growth, supported by shifting consumer behaviour, population trends, and innovation across categories. Value sales rose modestly, reflecting a mix of volume gains in select categories and increased unit prices driven by global supply chain costs and local inflation.

Snacks sales in Qatar are set to register moderate growth in 2025, supported by evolving consumer preferences despite a generally stable but not strongly expanding economy. While overall disposable income remained relatively flat, urban lifestyles, a growing health-conscious population, and expanding tourism supported steady demand, particularly for convenient, health-orientated, and premium snack options.

Total volume sales of alcoholic drinks rose in Qatar in 2024, as the market finally normalised following dramatic fluctuations over the review period. The market witnessed a marked decline in 2020 because of the pandemic and revived in 2021 as signs of the pandemic started to fade. As Qatar hosted the FIFA World Cup in 2022, volume sales surged and subsequently fell away again in 2023 as the one-off impact from the tournament faded. Alcoholic drinks’ volume sales finally normalised with growth i

Tobacco in Qatar remained stable in 2024, with steady demand across cigarettes, cigars, and smoking tobacco products. The landscape was shaped by evolving consumer preferences, the enduring popularity of traditional formats such as Medwakh, and the continued expansion of distribution channels.

Beauty and personal care in Qatar continued to see healthy, if slower, retail volume and current value sales in 2024. Fragrances led retail value sales, while sun care posted the fastest retail value sales growth. Growth was driven by several factors, including increased consumer interest in personal wellness and premium and luxury products. Key trends like the growing demand for natural and organic products and a strong preference for local and culturally aligned fragrances have significantly s

The population of Qatar is predicted to Increase by 19.5%, due to changes in net migration and natural change, standing at a total of 3.8 million citizens by 2040. Middle Youth (aged 30-44) will represent the largest portion of the population by 2040. Generational cohorts will continue to influence consumer expenditure based on their specific purchasing habits and unique demands. Major cities across Qatar will continue to develop and expand while Doha will remain the largest city by 2040.

2024 was a largely positive year for sales of tissue and hygiene in Qatar with the market developing and showing promise due to a number of factors. These include rising disposable incomes, the positive impact of urbanisation, and increased consciousness of the importance of thorough hygiene routines.

Public investment, new infrastructure projects and growth in tourism all helped fuel economic growth in Qatar in 2024, with this boosting sales of home care. Sales also benefited from population growth, urbanisation and an increased focus on home hygiene. Qatar continues to support local manufacturers of home care as part of efforts to diversify its economy and achieve self-sufficiency. E-commerce continues to gain share in home care as more consumers embrace the convenience of shopping online.

The café culture in Qatar is vibrant and thriving, with numerous coffee shops and tea houses dotting the urban landscape. These establishments serve as popular destinations for socialising, working, and relaxing, offering a wide range of hot drinks. Public investment, new infrastructure projects and growth in tourism all helped fuel economic growth in 2024, with this boosting sales of hot drinks in total volume terms.

The expansion of Qatar’s soft drinks factories is steadily progressing as part of the country’s efforts to achieve self-sufficiency. This expansion is marked by a growing emphasis on product diversity and quality improvement, with it boosting competition within soft drinks and providing consumers with an extensive range of options. Public investment, new infrastructure projects and growth in tourism all helped fuel economic growth in 2024, with this boosting sales of soft drinks.

This report covers the retail sector in frontier markets in the Middle East and North Africa. Euromonitor International’s definition of the region includes the following countries

The economy of Qatar is among the fastest-growing in the world. The country's expanding population, rising income levels, free trade zones, and attractive investment climate have all contributed to the strong growth being seen in staple foods. Rising obesity levels have led to an increasing focus on healthier eating habits and this is having a growing influence on demand and new product development, while concerns around sustainability are also becoming a growing influence on staple foods.

Cooking ingredients and meals has seen strong growth in 2024, backed by stable economic growth and an increase in the population. Furthermore, Qatar is one of the richest countries in the world and thus demand for most products remains stable. In order to attract visitors and investment, Qatar continues to host competitions and entertainment events which has boosted the economy, as well as fuelling foodservice and retail demand for cooking ingredients and meals.

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