By: Omar Alhaza'a - Founder & CEO, Franchise Arabia

Qatar’s franchise industry has experienced significant growth in recent years, driven by the country's strong economy, strategic location, and government initiatives to diversify beyond oil and gas.

The country’s hosting of major global events, such as the FIFA World Cup 2022, further accelerated the influx of renowned franchise brands, particularly in F&B, retail, and hospitality sectors.

The F&B industry dominates Qatar’s franchise landscape, accounting for over 40% of franchise businesses, driven by rising consumer spending and a culture of dining out. Retail follows closely, with global fashion and beauty brands capitalizing on Qatar’s luxury market.

Notably, education and health franchises are gaining traction, reflecting societal shifts toward premium services.

3 key factors shaping Qatar’s franchise industry:

1. High purchasing power & diverse consumer demand - Qatar boasts the world’s highest GDP per capita (over $80,000 in 2023), fueled by its energy wealth and government-driven economic diversification. Over 90% of Qatar’s population resides in urban centers like Doha, creating concentrated demand for international brands. The country’s unique demographics—a blend of a young Qatari population (median age 32) and a large expatriate community (85% of residents)—drives demand for diverse, globally recognized franchises. 

2. Business-friendly policies & visionary economic diversification - Qatar’s government has aggressively reformed its regulatory framework to attract foreign investment, including:

· 100% foreign ownership in most sectors.

· Tax incentives, including corporate tax exemptions for up to 20 years in free zones like the Qatar Free Zones Authority (QFZA) and Qatar Financial Centre (QFC).

· Streamlined licensing processes for franchises, reducing setup time and costs.

3. Strategic geographic position & world-class infrastructure - Qatar’s location at the heart of the Middle East, with direct access to over 1.5 billion consumers across the GCC, Asia, and Africa, makes it a regional gateway. The country’s investment in cutting-edge infrastructure including Hamad International Airport (ranked among the world’s best), massive port facilities, and state-of-the-art commercial hubs like Msheireb Downtown and Lusail City—ensures seamless logistics and visibility for brands.

Qatar’s franchising sector is still in a growth phase, with room for first-mover advantage in emerging niches like health tech, sustainable retail, education, and experiential dining.

Qatar’s commitment to long-term stability, coupled with rising regional competition like Saudi Arabia’s rapid franchising push, makes timely entry critical. Those who act swiftly will secure a foothold in one of the region’s most promising and dynamic franchise markets.