Interview:Shane Eldstrom To what extent are consumer trends fuelling growth in Qatar’s luxury retail market? SHANE ELDSTROM: Growth in the luxury retail market is reflecting the desire for personalised experiences and sustainable, high-quality products. Qatar’s evolving demographics, characterised by a young and affluent population and a large expatriate community, provide an ideal environment…
Building on the momentum seen in the e-commerce space during the Covid-19 pandemic, the buy now/ pay later (BNPL) model is one of the fastest-growing segments in consumer finance, particularly in emerging markets. BNPL providers offer point-of-sale loans that consumers can repay in instalments over the course of weeks or even months. Charging little to no interest, these microcredit providers make…
Through Qatar National Vision 2030, Qatar has looked to diversify its economy away from oil and gas and develop new income streams, particularly in the service sector. This diversification effort culminated in the hosting of the 2022 FIFA World Cup, which demonstrated Qatar’s advancements in infrastructure and its ability to organise global events. At the same time, it catalysed growth in the retail…
Qatar is looking to diversify its economy away from oil and gas, and develop new income streams – particularly in the service sector. The 2022 FIFA World Cup demonstrated the country’s advancements in infrastructure and its ability to organise global events. At the same time, the tournament catalysed growth in the retail sector by boosting tourism and consumer spending. The sector is expected to…
While known primarily for its vast gas reserves prior to 2010, Qatar’s global profile received a major boost that year when it was chosen to host the 2022 FIFA World Cup, leading to a significant increase in infrastructure development throughout the country. Qatar is now leveraging its natural resources to become a knowledge-based, diversified economy, and it is looking to attract greater foreig
Qatar’s performance during the Covid-19 pandemic built on the strength of its response to the economic blockade imposed in mid-2017. The economy has been supported by the North Field expansion project, which will increase liquefied natural gas (LNG) production from 77m tonnes per year in 2018 to 110m tonnes per year in 2027, when the project is set to be completed. The development will furthe
– The pandemic prompted a massive increase in online distribution – Brick-and-mortar retail stores remain popular despite capacity restrictions – Retail businesses have adopted a blended, omnichannel approach – Malls are increasing their emphasis on entertainment offerings In Qatar, retailers that have successfully weathered the Covid-19 pandemic are now committed to a blended,…
In response to the blockade imposed by some of its neighbours in June 2017 Qatar has expanded its trading relationships, particularly with Iran, Turkey and Russia. The country has also promoted its own domestic industries to help surmount limitations on imports. As a result, the retail sector has shifted towards locally produced goods, especially in food and luxury segments. The supply of retail space…
As Qatar moves into the new decade it is forging ahead with economic diversification plans in line with Qatar National Vision 2030 while also working to increase the output of liquefied natural gas (LNG) by roughly two-thirds. Indeed, Qatar withdrew from the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries at the beginning of 2019 to focus on its gas sector, which produces one-third of the worldâ
Interview:Bader Al-Darwish In what ways are developments such as Hamad Port and Hamad International Airport impacting growth in the retail and distribution sectors? BADER AL-DARWISH: These new developments coupled with the new free zones are key to facilitating growth in the retail and distribution sectors. New and modern infrastructure is a vital factor in the success of any sector to boost…
