Volume sales slumped across all categories of alcoholic drinks during 2024 as sales normalised following the huge spike in demand seen in late 2022, when Qatar hosted the FIFA World Cup. Nonetheless, wider distribution in both the on-trade and the off-trade, rising inbound tourism flows and more affluent Western expatriates among the local population all point towards a more favourable scenario for alcohol sales, with positive volume growth slated for the forecast period.
The significant volume sales declines recorded in both off-trade and, in particular, on-trade sales of alcohol drinks in Qatar during 2023 occurred as the situation normalised. This followed on from the significant uplift in sales that was seen across the industry during 2022 as a result of the country’s hosting of the FIFA World Cup tournament, rather than being any sign of slumping demand among the population of Qatar.
Qatar is a conservative Islamic country and only allows access to alcoholic drinks to non-Muslims. Access is heavily restricted and alcohol is widely regarded as haram (forbidden by Islamic law).
Alcohol is relatively expensive in Qatar and strictly regulated, which tends to limit anything above moderate alcohol consumption by affluent expatriates and foreign tourists. However, with widespread affluence most people with alcoholic drinks permits have excellent standards of living and high purchasing power, which supports a preference for high-quality and premium brands.
The off-trade distribution of alcohol drinks in Qatar has traditionally been limited to store-based operations of the Qatar Distribution Center (QDC), the sole retailer license to sell alcoholic drinks in Qatar. Until recently, the company had only one store, located at Abu Hamour, on the outskirts of Doha.
Drinking alcohol is forbidden for the Muslim majority but permitted for non-Muslim expatriates and tourists. Non-Muslim expatriates residing in the country must acquire a licence in order to buy alcoholic drinks in the off-trade, with off-trade sales occurring only through Qatar Distribution Company’s two stores.
There were no changes to Qatar’s tax regime during 2023 that had any serious impact on alcoholic drinks. However, the anticipated introduction of VAT is likely to have an impact on prices and cost of purchasing alcohol for individuals.
The forecast period is set to see positive growth in volume sales of alcoholic drinks, with all categories expected to see growth. Sales will benefit as increasing numbers of foreign tourists visit the country, while the numbers of Western expatriates residing in Qatar are also expected to increase.
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Alcoholic Drinks
Alcoholic drinks is the aggregation of beer, wine, spirits, cider/perry and RTDs.
See All of Our DefinitionsThis report originates from Passport, our Alcoholic Drinks research and analysis database.
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