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 significant volume sales declines recorded in both off-trade and, in particular, on-trade sales of alcohol drinks in Qatar during 2023 should be viewed as the natural reaction of the market to the significant uplift in sales that was seen across the industry during 2022 as a result of the country’s hosting of the finals tournament of the FIFA World Cup, rather than any sign of slumping demand among the population of Qatar. This anomalous and exceptional set of sales figures does not reliably reflect the situation among the country’s population or recent developments in the alcoholic drinks industry in 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).
The only off-trade distributor of alcoholic drinks in Qatar, QDC, stocks a relatively limited range of products in most categories of alcoholic drinks. In addition, all on-trade outlets rely on QDC for the supply of alcoholic drinks, applying huge markups to make the sale of alcoholic drinks profitable, given the limited consumer audience for these products.
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, QDC operated only one store QDC is the only importer and seller of alcoholic drinks in the country.
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 one store on the outskirts of Doha.
There were no notable changes to Qatar’s tax regime during 2023 that would have any serious impact on the country’s alcoholic drinks industry. 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 gain ground as increasing numbers of foreign tourists to visit the country, while the numbers of Western expatriates residing in Qatar are also expected to increase. This indicates a significant broadening of the potential consumer base for alcoholic drinks, with the attractiveness of Qatar as an international tourist destination expected to play key role.
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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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