Qatar Foodservice Market SIZE & SHARE ANALYSIS - GROWTH TRENDS & FORECASTS UP TO 2030

Qatar Foodservice Market Analysis

The Qatar Foodservice Market size is estimated at 2 billion USD in 2025, and is expected to reach 3.09 billion USD by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 9.11% during the forecast period (2025-2030).

Qatar's foodservice industry is experiencing robust growth driven by increasing tourism and changing consumer preferences. The country witnessed a remarkable surge in visitor arrivals, with 730,000 tourists recorded in January and February 2023, representing a 347% increase compared to the previous year. This influx of international visitors has led to a diversification of culinary offerings across the country, with establishments incorporating various international cuisines while maintaining traditional Middle Eastern flavors. The tourism sector's contribution to the nation's economy has been substantial, with travel spending reaching approximately USD 12.3 billion in 2022, accounting for 75% of total travel and tourism expenditure.

The digital transformation of the foodservice industry has revolutionized how consumers interact with restaurants and food establishments. In 2022, over 42% of all food orders in Qatar were placed online, highlighting the growing preference for digital ordering platforms. This shift has led to the emergence of various food delivery apps in Qatar and digital payment solutions, with delivery fees typically ranging between 15% to 25% of the total order value. The integration of technology has also enabled restaurants to optimize their operations, enhance customer experience, and expand their reach beyond traditional dining locations.

The cafe culture in Qatar has witnessed significant expansion, with the country hosting more than 400 branded cafes as of 2023. This growth is particularly evident in urban areas, where cafes serve as social hubs for both locals and expatriates. The evolution of consumer preferences has led to increased demand for premium beverages and specialized offerings, with establishments introducing innovative menu items and unique dining experiences. The Qatar International Food Festival (QIFF) in 2022 attracted 224,356 visitors over 22 days, showcasing the country's diverse culinary landscape and its potential for gastronomic tourism.

The food industry in Qatar is adapting to changing consumer health consciousness and dietary preferences. In 2022, the country's per capita dairy consumption grew by 3.68% to reach 73.55 tons annually, reflecting the increasing demand for dairy-based products and beverages. This trend has prompted establishments to expand their menu offerings to include healthier alternatives, plant-based options, and specialized dietary choices. The industry has also witnessed a rise in premium and artisanal food offerings, with establishments focusing on quality ingredients, innovative preparation methods, and unique dining experiences to cater to increasingly sophisticated consumer preferences.

Qatar Foodservice Market Trends

Quick service restaurants in Qatar growing in popularity as tourism industry booms

• Quick service restaurants in Qatar accounted for a share of 41.42% of the total foodservice outlets in the country. Qatar received around 729,000 international arrivals in the first half of 2022, which was 19% higher than the full-year visitors in 2021, which amounted to about 611,000. Qatar has been investing heavily in the tourism industry, which has increased the number of visitors to the country. Tourists often seek convenient and fast dining options, making QSRs a popular choice.
• Cloud kitchen outlets are anticipated to register the fastest growth in the market, with a CAGR of 6.20% by value during the forecast period. With the rise of food delivery apps and online ordering, consumers are seeking more convenient and faster ways to access their favorite foods. Cloud kitchens provide this convenience by delivering restaurant-quality food directly to customers' homes or offices. Food delivery players such as Talabat and Carriage held around 75% of the market share in 2022. Several new players are entering the food delivery market. For instance, Deliveroo entered Qatar in 2022. The growth of online food delivery players is expected to boost the growth of cloud kitchen outlets in Qatar.
• The Qatari government has launched several initiatives to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), including cloud kitchens. The Ministry of Commerce and Industry offers financial incentives to SMEs that meet certain criteria, such as being innovative and contributing to the country's economic development. The government has also streamlined the process for obtaining licenses to open new restaurants, making it easier for entrepreneurs to enter the Qatari foodservice market.

FSR registers the highest order value, contributed by popular dishes like machboos, quzi, shawarma, saloona, and biryani

• The average order value of full service restaurants was around 42% higher compared to quick service restaurants in Qatar in 2022. Full-service restaurants usually offer a wider range of menu items, including higher-priced items such as appetizers, entrees, desserts, and alcoholic beverages. This allows customers to have a more extensive dining experience, which can increase the overall order value. Some popular full service dishes in Qatar include Machboos, priced around USD 16.5 per 300 g; Quzi, priced around USD 12.5 per 300 g; Shawarma, priced around USD 8.5 per 300 g; Saloona, priced around USD 9.4 per 300 g; and Biryani, priced around USD 9.1 per 500 gram.
• Cafes and bars were the most affordable foodservice type as of 2022. Cafes often have a more casual atmosphere and less formal service compared to fine dining establishments, which can help keep prices down. Cafes often serve a limited selection of food and beverage items, which helps streamline their operations and reduce costs. This also allows them to offer more affordable prices while still maintaining a reasonable profit margin. However, there has been a trend toward offering more upscale and premium menu items in cafes, such as specialty coffee drinks, artisanal pastries, and gourmet sandwiches. Such factors may increase the average order value in the cafes sub-segment.
• Consumers who order food online are more likely to add extra items to their orders, resulting in higher AOVs for restaurants. Online orders have a 20% higher average value compared to in-store orders. Around 43% of consumers added additional items to their orders while using online delivery platforms as of 2020. About 48% of consumers were also willing to pay extra for faster delivery, which can further increase the AOV for QSRs and other foodservice type segments.

Segment Analysis: Foodservice Type

Full Service Restaurants Segment in Qatar Foodservice Market

Full Service Restaurants (FSR) dominate the Qatar foodservice market, commanding approximately 46% market share in 2024. The segment's strong performance is driven by Qatar's affluent population's increasing interest in dining out and experiencing diverse cuisines. The segment benefits from the country's high disposable income levels, with more than 52% of the Qatari population being wealthy and showing a strong preference for dining out. FSR outlets in Qatar offer a wide range of cuisines, including Middle Eastern, Asian, European, and Latin American options, catering to both locals and the large expatriate population. The average cost of a three-course meal for two people at a mid-range restaurant in Doha is around 55 USD, reflecting the premium positioning of this segment.

Cloud Kitchen Segment in Qatar Foodservice Market

The cloud kitchen Qatar segment is experiencing remarkable growth in Qatar's foodservice market, projected to expand at approximately 18% CAGR from 2024 to 2029. This rapid growth is primarily driven by the increasing adoption of food delivery in Qatar services, with about 42% of overall food orders being placed online. Cloud kitchens are gaining traction due to their cost-effective business model and ability to serve multiple brands from a single location. The segment's growth is further supported by the rise of delivery platforms like Talabat and Carriage, which held around 75% of the market share. The Qatari government's initiatives to support small and medium-sized enterprises, including cloud kitchens, through financial incentives and streamlined licensing processes, are also contributing to the segment's expansion.

Remaining Segments in Foodservice Type

The Qatar foodservice market's landscape is further shaped by Quick Service Restaurants (QSR) and Cafes & Bars segments. QSRs serve as popular dining options for daily meals, offering convenience and affordability while increasingly incorporating healthier menu options to meet evolving consumer preferences. The Cafes & Bars segment has established itself as a significant social and business meeting point, particularly in urban areas, with a strong presence of both international chains and local establishments. These segments contribute to the market's diversity by catering to different consumer needs, from quick meals and casual dining to specialized beverage experiences.

Segment Analysis: Outlet

Independent Outlets Segment in Qatar Foodservice Market

Independent outlets dominate the Qatar foodservice market, commanding approximately 70% market share in 2024. These outlets mainly comprise home-grown concept restaurants such as Al Shami Palace and Turkey Central that source their produce from local suppliers. The most popular FSR outlets specialize in Arabian cuisine, followed by Indian and Italian cuisines. Popular locations for independent outlets include Dafna, West Bay, The Pearl, Al Muntazah, Al Salata, and Fereej Bin Mahmoud, with a high concentration of five-star hotels giving foodservice outlets access to upscale locations, tourists, and hotel guests. In these establishments, the price of a meal for two people starts from approximately USD 82.41. The success of independent outlets can be attributed to their ability to offer unique, individualized dining experiences that cannot be replicated by larger chains, along with their strong connection to the local community.

Chained Outlets Segment in Qatar Foodservice Market

Chained outlets are projected to experience robust growth in the Qatar foodservice market, with an expected growth rate of approximately 9% during 2024-2029. International chains see enormous growth potential due to the country's increasing cultural variety and the increased affinity for and recognition of branded goods. These chains continue collaborating with regional players to comprehend local economic situations and consumer trends, which enables local partners to provide services that are aligned with the company's global standard services. For example, franchised restaurants like Chili's, Applebee's, and Nando's import their products from the source to maintain a certain level of consistency in flavor across all their outlets. The expansion of chained outlets is further supported by the growing preference among consumers for standardized quality and familiar dining experiences.

Segment Analysis: Location

Standalone Segment in Qatar Foodservice Market

The standalone segment dominates the Qatar foodservice market, accounting for approximately 79% of the total market value in 2024. This significant market share can be attributed to the segment's strategic positioning near highways and high-traffic areas, benefiting from increased visibility and accessibility to traveling customers. The Qatari government's substantial infrastructure investments, particularly in road and highway development under the National Vision Plan 2030, have further strengthened the standalone segment's market position. Franchised cafes and prominent local cafes predominantly prefer standalone outlets, despite relatively high rental costs in popular areas such as Al Doha Al Jadeeda and Mall of Qatar. Full-service restaurants particularly thrive in this segment, with setup costs ranging from USD 0.41 million to USD 0.82 million for non-franchised restaurants and USD 0.30 million to USD 0.60 million for franchised establishments.

Lodging Segment in Qatar Foodservice Market

The lodging segment is projected to exhibit the strongest growth in the Qatar foodservice market, with an expected growth rate of approximately 11% during 2024-2029. This robust growth trajectory is supported by Qatar's expanding hotel industry, which has recently added numerous new establishments, including prestigious brands like Fairmont, The Ned, The Chedi Katara, Raffles, Wyndham the Beach, and The Waldorf Astoria in Lusail. The segment's growth is further driven by the increasing number of international visitors and the government's active promotion of the country's culinary scene through events such as the Qatar International Food Festival. Hotels and lodging establishments are continuously expanding their culinary offerings to cater to diverse international tastes, ranging from Arabic and Indian to European and Asian cuisines, while maintaining high-quality standards in their food service operations.

Remaining Segments in Location

The Qatar foodservice market's location segmentation also includes retail, travel, and leisure segments, each contributing uniquely to the market's dynamics. The retail segment benefits from the growing number of shopping malls and commercial complexes, offering diverse dining options to shoppers. The travel segment capitalizes on the country's expanding transportation infrastructure, including airports and metro stations, providing convenient dining solutions to travelers. The leisure segment focuses on food service outlets in entertainment venues, theme parks, and tourist attractions, enhancing the overall visitor experience. These segments collectively create a comprehensive foodservice ecosystem that caters to various consumer needs and preferences across different locations in Qatar.

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