Describes how widely e-Commerce is used, the primary sectors that sell through e-commerce, and how much product/service in each sector is sold through e-commerce versus brick-and-mortar retail.  Includes what a company needs to know to take advantage of e-commerce in the local market and , reputable, prominent B2B websites.
Last Published: 8/15/2019

Qatar boasts one of the highest Internet penetration rates in the world, exceeding 95%.  A 2018 study conducted by Northwestern University in Qatar found that social media penetration was among the highest in the world, with 93% of Qatari nationals using WhatsApp, 70% using Instagram, and 64% using Snapchat.  As of November 2018, approximately two-thirds of the population is within the 15-44 age group and has a great interest in online shopping.  It is believed that only about 14% of the population, however, actually makes online purchases.  The main reason appears to be that credit card penetration rates are still rather low at 14%, with debit cards being prevalent (and not always accepted on e-commerce platforms).  Many transactions are still conducted as cash-on-delivery.

The country’s Electronic Commerce and Transactions Law was enacted in 2010, providing legislation in areas such as e-signatures, e-documents, and authentication. Qatar Central Bank is primarily responsible for regulating electronic banking activities and electronic financial transactions.  The Government of Qatar is encouraging greater use of modern technology in government transactions and service delivery.  Since 2014, Qatar continues to implement its e-Government 2020 strategy which aims to provide enhance people’s everyday lives through technology.  This includes providing e-Government services to members of the public, as well as business and delivering administrative efficiency and increasing government openness.  Several government services and transactions are now possible through the Internet and the goal of putting 100% of key government services online is targeted to be completed by 2020.  The private sector however, has taken slow steps in developing its B2B and B2C portals. E-Commerce is expected to flourish given the government’s interest in enhancing this service throughout Qatar.

For the full strategy, please visit: https://portal.www.gov.qa/wps/wcm/connect/2a283be5-6199-4d9b-841a-c984536d0799/Qatar+e-Government+2020+Strategy+Executive+Summary+English.pdf?MOD=AJPERES

eCommerce guidelines can be found here: http://www.motc.gov.qa/en/documents/document/qatar-e-commerce-guidelines
 

Prepared by our U.S. Embassies abroad. With its network of 108 offices across the United States and in more than 75 countries, the U.S. Commercial Service of the U.S. Department of Commerce utilizes its global presence and international marketing expertise to help U.S. companies sell their products and services worldwide. Locate the U.S. Commercial Service trade specialist in the U.S. nearest you by visiting http://export.gov/usoffices.