Market Facts

Qatar

  • Population: Over 3 million (2024), with a significant expat population.
  • Urbanization: Over 90% urban population, concentrated in Doha and surrounding areas.
  • Gender Distribution: 75% male, 25% female, largely due to the male-dominated expat workforce.
  • Age Distribution: 70% of the population is between 25-45 years, with a median age of 32 years.
  • Expats vs Locals: Expats constitute around 85% of the population, with a large presence from South Asia and the Philippines. Qatari nationals make up about 15%.
  • Literacy Rate: Very high, at 97%. The country has invested heavily in education, particularly at the tertiary level.
  • Languages: Arabic (official), English widely spoken in business; Hindi and Urdu commonly spoken by expat communities.
  • Key Sectors: Telecom, Oil & Gas, Financial Services, Tourism, Construction, Retail.
  • Digital Penetration: High internet penetration (over 90%), with one of the highest mobile broadband adoption rates in the region. Strong emphasis on 5G services and smart city projects such as Lusail City.
  • Consumer Behavior: Tech-savvy population with high demand for mobile services, e-commerce, and luxury brands. There is a growing focus on mobile banking, digital payments, and online shopping.
  • Cultural Nuances: Qataris value luxury, convenience, and personalized services. The government’s focus on Qatar National Vision 2030 is promoting a knowledge-based economy and digital transformation across industries.