Qatar has seen rapid and fast development of e-commerce with many online businesses and consumers doing online shopping for their needs and preferences. Ecommerce in Qatar is prompted by a technologically savvy population, growing internet access, and an increased desire for digital shopping experiences. From groceries to fashion, almost every category is available online which created the ease of shopping for residents of Qatar. In fact, mobile shopping is also on the increase due to growing user-friendly apps and secured payment options.
So, in this blog, we are going to talk about some newest “E-Commerce in Qatar - Statistics and Trends”. We will also discus how e-commerce industry is upgrading Qatar’s retail andsacpe by providing you with current status and future potential.
Infographic by GO-Globe Ecommerce Web Design Qatar
Popular E-Commerce Categories in Qatar
In Qatar’s ecommerce market certain categories have emerged as leaders.
Fashion and Apparel: Online fashion retail is booming in Qatar with consumers opting for buying clothing and accessories
Electronics and Gadgets: Tech savvy individuals are driving the sales of electronics and gadgets in Qatari e commerce.
Food and Groceries: The demand for grocery shopping has seen a significant rise, during the COVID 19 pandemic as consumers value the convenience of doorstep delivery.
Beauty and Personal Care: Beauty and personal care items are quite popular among shoppers in Qatar with many choosing the convenience of shopping online.
E-Commerce in Qatar: Payment Options
Qatar provides a range of payment methods to suit the preferences of its consumers and enhancing e-commerce growth trends..
Credit and Debit Cards: Credit and debit cards continue to be the top choice for making online payments in Qatar.
Mobile Payment Solutions: Mobile payment options such as Apple Pay and Google Pay are gaining popularity among younger shoppers.
Cash on Delivery: Despite the growth of payments cash on delivery remains a preferred choice for many consumers due to the sense of security it offers.
Digital Wallets: Digital wallets are gradually becoming more popular as they offer an secure way to make online payments.
eCommerce in Qatar Statistics
- In between 2023-2028, ecommerce market size of Qatar is going to hit USD 3.5 billion with a CAGR of 14.1%.
- By the relaince on overseas parters and super high GDP per capita, Qatar has become the hub of ecommerce with growth opportunities and amazing trends.
- By organizing 2022 FIFA World Cup, Qatar has created the way for businesses to grow The first FIFA store at Hamaz International Airport has the Duty-Free launching, which has gained the attracting of tourists.
- FIFA has created an online tool for event organizers to host public streaming events during the 2022 World Cup, which has boomed the ecommerce in Qatar market.
- Qatar has made it self a growing business spot by organizing many events. Some of them ae The Formula One Grand Pix, Expo 2023, and AFC Asian Cup.
- The population of male e-commerce consumers in Qatar is approximately 83.3%.
- In during May 2024, Apple got the 28.57% of Qatar’s mobile market share. At second, there is Samsung with 23.7% and Xiaomi ranks at third with 18.14%. This shows growth and trends through mobile platforms.
- Smartphones are widely used in Qatar, providing easy internet access and enabling seamless online shopping experiences.
- More than 95% of Qatar’s population has internet access, making ecommerce highly accessible to the general public.
- Social media penetration is strong, with 93% of Qataris using WhatsApp, 70% using Instagram, and 64% using Snapchat.
- Since COVID-19, the ecommerce market in Qatar has grown significantly, though exact statistics are not available.
- 87% of small and medium enterprises in Qatar accept credit cards, which are a popular payment method in the region.
Industries of Online Stores in Qatar
The ecommerce in Qatar landscape features a variety of industries, with some leading the way in the number of online stores. Apparel tops the list, with 591 stores, representing 18.16% of all online stores. Home & Garden comes next, offering 445 stores and making up 13.68% of the total. Beauty & Fitness also holds a strong position, with 326 stores, accounting for 10.02% of the overall market. Other key industries include Food & Drink, Business & Industrial, and Consumer Electronics. This breakdown shows the diversity of online shopping options available in Qatar.
| Categories | Stores | Percentage |
| Apparel | 591 | 18.16% |
| Home & Garden | 445 | 13.68% |
| Beauty & Fitness | 326 | 10.02% |
| Food & Drink | 291 | 8.94% |
| Business & Industrial | 234 | 7.19% |
| Computers | 144 | 4.43% |
| Health | 134 | 4.12% |
| Consumer Electronics | 115 | 3.53% |
| Jobs & Education | 104 | 3.20% |
| People & Society | 101 | 3.10% |
| Others | 769 | 23.63% |
E-commerce Platforms in Qatar
The ecommerce in Qatar landscape shows a clear preference for certain online store platforms. WooCommerce leads the market with 1.52K stores, making up 36.01% of the total. Shopify follows closely with 1.49K stores, accounting for 35.26%. Custom Cart is also a popular choice, hosting 467 stores, which is 11.03% of the market. These numbers illustrate the range of platforms store owners in Qatar use for their businesses, offering insight into the ecommerce growth trends in the region.
| Platforms | Stores | Percentage |
| WooCommerce | 1.52K | 36.01% |
| Shopify | 1.49K | 35.26% |
| Custom Cart | 467 | 11.03% |
| Wix | 233 | 5.51% |
| Magento | 154 | 3.64% |
| Odoo | 123 | 2.91% |
| Ecwid | 49 | 1.16% |
| OpenCart | 47 | 1.11% |
| PrestaShop | 20 | 0.47% |
| Salesforce Commerce Cloud | 19 | 0.45% |
| Others | 104 | 2.46% |
Monthly Sales of e-Commerce Platforms in Qatar
In Qatar, ecommerce platforms have varying success when it comes to sales. Magento leads by a significant margin, with estimated monthly sales reaching $327.85B, representing 86.25% of total platform sales. Shopify follows with $48.22B in sales, contributing 12.69% to the market. Custom Cart also shows a solid presence, generating $2.78B in sales, making up 0.73% of total sales. These figures highlight the major platforms driving ecommerce market in Qatar, providing insights into market dynamics.
| Platforms | Estimated Sales | Percentage |
| Magento | $327.85B | 86.25% |
| Shopify | $48.22B | 12.69% |
| Custom Cart | $2.78B | 0.73% |
| Salesforce Commerce Cloud | $491.04M | 0.13% |
| WooCommerce | $475.98M | 0.13% |
| SAP Commerce Cloud | $132.80M | 0.03% |
| nopCommerce | $33.10M | <0.01% |
| NetSuite SuiteCommerce | $31.62M | <0.01% |
| Odoo | $22.08M | <0.01% |
| CommerceUp | $21.72M | <0.01% |
Top 20 E-commerce Platforms in Qatar
| E-commerce Platforms |
| Wix |
| Wallester |
| Salesforce |
| Omnisend |
| Wortal CRM |
| ZipERP |
| Agile CRM |
| Sender |
| Bolt |
| Dubb |
| FinoForce |
| TFAT ERP |
| Drupal Commerce |
| Kibo eCommerce |
| Shiprocket |
| Magento 2 Mobile App Builder |
| Simplio3D |
| Smart H2R |
| Personalization Engine |
| Foodmine |
Trends In E-commerce Industry in Qatar
Post-2022 FIFA World Cup Retail Boom
The ecommerce in Qatar has seen significant changes since the 2022 FIFA World Cup. The event not only boosted Qatar's economy but also led to a surge in retail activity. The influx of international tourists increased the demand for shopping, causing a 50-60% rise in anticipated sales in the first week of the World Cup. In the run-up to the event, new retail centers and department stores opened, expanding the shopping options available. These developments highlighted the growing importance of retail in Qatar's economy.
Fashion and Retail Innovations
In addition to retail growth, Qatar also showcased its fashion industry. Platforms like M7, which offer studios, co-working spaces, and support programs for emerging designers, have been pivotal. A major fashion show, held just before the World Cup finals, featured 21 Qatari brands and over 150 designers from around the world. This event not only highlighted the region's fashion capabilities but also solidified its role in shaping future trends.
Internet and Mobile Innovations
The ecommerce growth trends in Qatar are closely linked to advancements in internet and mobile technology. Qatar ranks eighth in the Middle East and North Africa for business-to-consumer transactions, with 2.68 million internet subscribers and 4.89 million mobile connections as of January 2023. These figures underscore the significant role that digital connectivity plays in driving the local e-commerce market.
Strategic Partnerships
Strategic alliances have also influenced the landscape of ecommerce in Qatar. For instance, Ooredoo's introduction of the Ooredoo Business WhatsApp service in January 2023 provides businesses with a digital platform for account management. This service improves accessibility and communication for business customers. Additionally, the partnership between Tamias and Snoonu in March 2022 introduced an integrated Point of Sale (POS) system that automates inventory control, reducing waste and improving operational efficiency. This collaboration marks a notable advancement in the efficiency and capability of Qatar's retail and restaurant sectors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q-What is the current size of market of e-commerce in Qatar?
The e-commerce market in Qatar is expanding swiftly with rising revenue and market size each year. While exact numbers may vary the market is projected to continue its trend.
Q-Which are the popular platforms of e-commerce in Qatar?
Well known e commerce platforms in Qatar include local sites such as Carrefour and Lulu Hypermarket along with global players like Amazon.
Q- How has COVID 19 impacted e commerce in Qatar?
The COVID 19 pandemic has notably bolstered e commerce activity in Qatar as more consumers shift towards shopping due to lockdowns and social distancing measures.
Q- What payment methods are commonly used for Qatari e commerce?
Common payment methods for Qatari e commerce transactions include credit/debit cards, mobile payments, cash on delivery (COD) and digital wallets.
Q- What challenges does the e commerce sector face, in Qatar?
Facing difficulties involves dealing with problems ensuring payment safety and understanding the regulatory landscape especially for companies operating globally.
