Retail
From The Report: Qatar 2012
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Recent years have been tough going for the global retail sector, and the Gulf region is no exception to this trend. As unemployment has risen, bank credit has dried up and consumer confidence has withered. In Qatar, however, things look somewhat brighter. Although growth in the sector has slowed, the state has recently seen expansion of both retail brands and shopping outlets. In addition to the food, hypermarket and general trading sectors seeing growth, several large international brands such as Ikea, Marks & Spencer and Intersport are entering the market. Overall, retail space expanded by 18.4% to 509,000 sq metres in 2010 and is expected to grow by 34.4% in 2012, an indication of robust demand.

This chapter includes an interview with Bader Abdullah Al Darwish, Chairman and Managing Director, Darwish Holding.

Articles from this Chapter

Overview

Demand drivers: Rising levels of disposable income and a growing population bode well for big brands entering the market
OBG
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Recent years have been tough going for the global retail sector, and the Gulf region is no exception to this trend. As unemployment has risen, bank credit has dried up and consumer confidence has withered. As a result, retail sales have fallen precipitously. In Qatar, however, things look somewhat brighter. Although growth in the sector has slowed, the state has recently seen a significant expansion of both retail brands and shopping outlets. Indeed, the economy has been expanding on the back…

Interview

OBG talks to Bader Abdullah Al Darwish, Chairman and Managing Director, Darwish Holding
OBG
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Interview: Bader Abdullah Al Darwish How is the continued economic downturn in European and US markets affecting competition in growth markets such as the Gulf? BADER ABDULLAH AL DARWISH: The market here in Qatar and the Gulf as a whole has seen a revival in the past two years, which can be attributed to rising oil prices. In Qatar specifically, a number of sectors are experiencing growth, including retail and hospitality. Companies in European and US markets are noticing this trend and the…