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.

Absolute power inhibits progress in democracy, but the tax regime is very appealing and state finances are sustainable. Economic momentum is expected to accelerate and inflation is low, as is unemployment, but the economy is open and the external sector is reliant on a single source. High incomes are also accompanied by meaningful income disparity, but the consumer market will be supported by population growth. Internet and mobile use is solid, but the domestic private sector is not innovative.

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.

Consumer health continues to register strong growth in current value terms in 2024 thanks to the high level of purchasing power in Qatar. Growth is also being driven by an increase in self-diagnosis and self-medication, wide access to OTC products and high GDP per capita growth in Qatar. High obesity levels and an increased focus on health and wellness has also benefited sales of a wide range of products, including those focused on preventative health.

Qatar boasts a modern dairy industry characterised by technologically advanced dairy farms, state-of-the-art processing facilities, and a diverse range of locally produced dairy products. The country has made significant strides in achieving self-sufficiency in dairy production, albeit still reliant on imports for certain items. Qatar has seen a notable advancement both qualitatively and quantitatively in its dairy industry offering consumers a wide array of choice and driving consumption.

In 2023, Qatar ranked third in average gross income among Middle East and Africa countries. The 2022 FIFA World Cup made a major contribution to the economy, but that could not be duplicated in 2023 as per capita disposable income and consumer expenditure saw declines. Income disparities remain a challenge, especially in terms of the gender gap and as the concentration of wealth is restricted to a select few, evident in the share of ultra-high-net-worth individuals.

In 2023, Qatar's GDP growth slowed to 2.2%, with the hydrocarbon sector driving the economy despite production disruptions and oil price fluctuations. Qatar’s GDP per capita notably exceeded the regional average, supported by a rise in private spending. However, Qatar's economic growth is projected to decelerate further in 2024, with the tourism and manufacturing sectors expected to contribute notably to future development.

A growing population, a positive post-FIFA effect and increased tourism are facilitating growth in snacks sales in 2024. The resumption in snacking habits in the wake of the pandemic is also boosting the popularity of snacking on the go. However, rising health consciousness combined with the Qatari government’s healthy lifestyle initiatives have triggered demand for healthier options, such as reduced sugar and fat. More of such products are now available with this trend set for further growth.

Volume sales slumped across all categories of alcoholic drinks in Qatar during 2024 as sales returned to normal levels 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 commodities country overview provides comprehensive data on production, consumption and price trends on key commodities markets. The commodities overview in Qatar covers production and consumption trends in agricultural commodities, energy products, electricity, metal products as well as an overview of key economic and business environment trends.

Falling demand for cigarettes in 2023 meant a forgettable year for tobacco in Qatar. Government efforts to curb tobacco use and the spreading preference among young adults for e-vapour products, the sale of which remains banned, have put huge pressure on demand for cigarettes. Cigars remain popular only among a niche consumer group. The sale of heated tobacco remains heavily restricted, although these products are now sold in duty free stores, pointing towards possible future retail sales.

This report provides a global overview of commodity market trends from 2017 through to 2022, including price forecasts up to 2024 for the key commodities in the Agriculture, Energy and Metals sectors. Insights analyse long-term global trends that can help businesses adapt to changes in the production and supply network, and identify business opportunities.

The report examines key factors in supply chain risks in metals, energy and agricultural commodities. Production, market supply concentration and political risks analysis can help to better identify potential risks and prepare for potential disruptions. The briefing also identifies key industrial sectors and countries that are most vulnerable to commodity supply disruptions.