Doha Festival City has released The Festival Edits: Qatar’s Retail Trends Report 2025, presenting data on how consumers in Qatar shop, spend, and use mall spaces. Compiled with research collaborators, cultural institutions, Ipsos data, and industry input, the report combines quantitative survey results with qualitative observations to detail developments in fashion, beauty, and retail behavior.
The findings draw on the Doha Festival City 2025 Consumer Survey, conducted online (2,010 responses) and on-ground (129 responses). Shoppers cited their main reasons for visiting the mall as shopping (46%), dining (40%), and leisure or entertainment activities including cinema, fitness, and events (30%). Millennials and Gen Z represent a significant portion of visitors, with younger shoppers frequenting the mall one to two times per week for an average of 2.7 hours. Qatari nationals reported higher engagement in leisure activities.
Beauty and fashion remain central spending categories. Ipsos data shows that among Gen Z Qatari females, 40% prioritize makeup, 25% prioritize fragrance, and 20% prioritize skincare. Fashion preferences identified in the report include modest-meets-contemporary styling (22% of Gen Z Qatari females), streetwear (34% of shoppers), premium perfumery (32%), and modest fashion (28%). Among Qatari males, 32% select premium fragrances as a primary category. Most shoppers report monthly fashion and beauty spending between QAR 500 and QAR 2,500. Half of respondents indicated that ambience, personalization, and events are more influential than convenience when selecting a mall.
The report also outlines expected developments in retail technology. AI investment in the GCC retail sector is projected to increase from $5 billion in 2023 to $31 billion by 2028, with 97% of retailers planning to expand adoption. According to the report, malls in Qatar are expected to incorporate more digital and experiential elements as part of this shift.
“Malls have become venues for connection and curation as much as commerce. Festival Edits captures the spirit of this transformation, offering a credible, data-backed perspective on what defines style, innovation, and community in Qatar today, from perfume and makeup lovers to streetwear enthusiasts and esports audiences,” said Mohamed ElSharkawy, Associate Director – Malls Leasing, Doha Festival City. “Doha Festival City continues to position itself at the heart of Qatar’s fashion and beauty landscape.”
The Festival Edits was launched during a gathering at Raffles Doha. The program included a fireside chat with Hayssam Hajjar, Executive Director – Malls, Al-Futtaim Real Estate, along with moderated discussions featuring panelists Joseph Ibrahim, Managing Director, Country Management of Chalhoub Group; Bianca Brigitte Bonomi, Director of Harper’s Bazaar Qatar and Esquire Qatar; and AlFtoon Al Janahi, Content Creator and Entrepreneur. The event outlined the report’s findings and their relevance to retailers, brands, and marketers.
The publication incorporates contributions from figures across Qatar’s fashion, beauty, and retail sectors, including Sheikh Khalifa Al-Thani (Intajat); Ahmed Al Meghessib (Qatar Esports Federation, Ukiyo); Bianca Brigitte Bonomi; Waad Ali (Waad Designs); Prakash Maroli (Ideas Unlimited); Stuart Henwood (New Balance); Michael Collins (Harvey Nichols Doha); Mariam Khairallah (MAC Cosmetics); Sara Al Rashid (Asteri Beauty); Atef Hassan (Jovoy Rare Perfumes); Erwin Creed (Creed); Michael Moles (Doha Festival City); AlFtoon Al Janahi; Shireen Obeidat (Earthna); Gills Manjulakshmi; Rumana Nazim (The Edit); Timothy Hufford (Elan Media); John P. Joseph (Blue Rhine Industries); and Dany Karam (Al-Futtaim Blue).
Their commentary addresses a range of emerging directions in the market, including quiet luxury, clean beauty, genderless design, and sustainability, with a focus on how these global movements are interpreted within Qatar’s cultural and creative context.
