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,…
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
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…
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…
Interview:Khaled Sam Hosn How much of a concern is oversupply in the retail sector, and who benefits in this situation? KHALED SAM HOSN: Increased supply will always mean more competition for retailers, but this is good news for customers, who stand to benefit from greater choice and more competitive prices. In the case of Mall of Qatar, our greatest focus is on the consumer experience and…
Home to some of the most elaborate shopping centres in the world, it is unsurprising that Qatar and the wider Gulf region has traditionally lagged behind the rest of the world in terms of embracing e-commerce. However, in recent years the country has sought to change this by introducing a series of measures to encourage the growth of online retail. In October 2019 the government launched Theqa,…
Wide-reaching economic reforms and a strong investment promotion drive are helping to bolster Qatar’s retail sector. 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,…
Qatar has one of the highest GDP per capita in the world. The retail sector has, therefore, benefitted considerably from high levels of disposable income, coupled with a large expat population. Furthermore, retail centres have established themselves as the primary choice for not only shopping but also leisure and entertainment. The country has subsequently seen a significant expansion in retail space…
While the country has primarily been known for its vast gas reserves, Qatar’s global profile received a major boost in 2010 when it won the bid to host the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Since the announcement, the country has witnessed extensive international investment and substantial infrastructure projects, allowing the population to grow by an estimated 40% since 2010 due to an influx of foreign work