The Qatar foodservice market is valued at USD 2 billion in 2025 and is projected to reach USD 3.09 billion by 2030, expanding at a strong CAGR of 9.11% during the forecast period. This market size growth is fuelled by increasing tourism, changing consumer preferences, and rapid digital transformation within the sector. The market share of quick service and full-service restaurants remains dominant, while emerging segments such as cloud kitchens and premium cafes are gaining ground in Qatar’s foodservice landscape.

Get More Insights: https://www.mordorintelligence.com/industry-reports/qatar-foodservice-market

Qatar Foodservice Market Key Trends
Boom in Quick Service Restaurants (QSR) Due to Tourism Expansion
Quick service restaurants accounted for 41.42% of total foodservice outlets in Qatar as of 2024. The surge in tourism, with 730,000 visitors recorded in January and February 2023 alone, has driven demand for fast, convenient dining options. Tourists prefer accessible formats like QSRs to accommodate busy travel schedules, supporting steady growth in the share of market held by these outlets.

Rapid Growth in Cloud Kitchens Supported by Digital Ordering
Cloud kitchens are projected to expand at a CAGR of 6.20% in value terms over the forecast period. Approximately 42% of food orders in Qatar were placed online in 2022, highlighting a clear consumer shift toward food delivery platforms such as Talabat and Carriage, which held a combined 75% market share. The government is further encouraging this segment with financial incentives and streamlined licensing for small and medium-sized enterprises entering cloud kitchen operations.

Rise in Premium Cafe Culture
Qatar’s cafe culture is growing rapidly, with over 400 branded cafes operating as of 2023. Urban cafes are evolving into social hubs for both locals and expatriates, offering premium beverages and specialized menu items. Events like the Qatar International Food Festival, which attracted over 224,000 visitors in 2022, are enhancing consumer exposure to diverse culinary experiences and driving market value growth in the cafe segment.

Health-Conscious Dining and Diversification of Menu Offerings
The market is witnessing a shift toward healthier menu choices, plant-based options, and premium artisanal food offerings. For example, per capita dairy consumption grew by 3.68% in 2022, indicating rising demand for dairy-based beverages and healthier ingredients. This trend is prompting restaurants to diversify their menus to align with evolving consumer dietary preferences.

Qatar Foodservice Market Segmentation
By Foodservice Type
Full Service Restaurants (FSR) dominate the Qatar foodservice market, holding approximately 46% market share in 2024. The popularity of dishes like Machboos, Quzi, Shawarma, Saloona, and Biryani attracts both locals and tourists, with FSR outlets offering diverse international cuisines alongside traditional Middle Eastern options. The average cost of a three-course meal for two people at a mid-range Doha restaurant is around USD 55, reflecting premium dining trends.
Quick Service Restaurants continue to gain market share, driven by tourism growth and consumer preference for convenient meals.
Cloud Kitchens are experiencing the fastest growth in market size, driven by increasing online orders and efficient cost structures enabling multiple brand operations under one roof.
Cafes and Bars remain popular for their casual atmosphere, affordability, and recent introduction of premium menu items such as specialty coffees and artisanal pastries, enhancing their market value.
By Outlet
Independent Outlets command approximately 70% market share in 2024, driven by home-grown restaurants offering unique dining experiences rooted in local cuisine. Locations such as West Bay, The Pearl, and Al Muntazah host a high concentration of upscale independent restaurants, attracting both residents and tourists.
Chained Outlets are projected to grow at approximately 9% CAGR during 2024-2029. International franchises like Chili’s, Nando’s, and Applebee’s maintain consistency in quality and flavour through global supply chains while adapting menus to local tastes. This balance is increasing their share of the foodservice market size in Qatar.
By Location
Standalone Locations hold approximately 79% market share in 2024, benefiting from strategic placements near highways and high-traffic areas. The National Vision Plan 2030 investments in infrastructure support this segment’s dominance. Full-service restaurants thrive here, with setup costs ranging from USD 0.41 million to USD 0.82 million for non-franchised establishments.
Lodging Segment is forecast to grow at an impressive rate of around 11% during 2024-2029, driven by Qatar’s expanding hotel sector and culinary offerings designed to meet diverse international tastes. Major brands like Fairmont, The Ned, and The Chedi Katara continue to attract premium dining clientele.
Retail, Travel, and Leisure Segments further contribute to the market’s diversity. Retail outlets benefit from Qatar’s growing malls, while travel hubs such as airports and metro stations provide foodservice access to commuters and tourists. Leisure venues including entertainment parks and tourist attractions are enhancing the overall dining ecosystem.
Qatar Foodservice Market Drivers Impacting Growth
Growing tourism, increasing the size of market opportunities for all foodservice segments.
Digital transformation, enabling online ordering and cloud kitchen expansion.
Changing consumer preferences, with rising demand for healthier and premium options.
Government support for SMEs and cloud kitchens, simplifying market entry for new players.
Qatar Foodservice Market Restraints Impacting Growth
Price sensitivity among some consumer segments despite growth in premium offerings.
Competition from international chains posing challenges for smaller independent outlets.
Operational cost pressures in standalone locations due to high rental rates.
Qatar Foodservice Market Geography Analysis
The urban areas of Doha, West Bay, and The Pearl continue to lead market value growth due to high disposable incomes and a sophisticated consumer base seeking premium dining experiences. Meanwhile, cloud kitchens and QSRs are expanding rapidly in both urban and suburban areas due to their affordability and convenience. Government infrastructure initiatives are further supporting location accessibility for foodservice outlets across Qatar.

Get More Insights: https://www.mordorintelligence.com/ja/industry-reports/qatar-foodservice-market

Qatar Foodservice Market Key Players and Recent Developments
The Qatar foodservice market remains fragmented with regional players like LuLu Group International, Americana Restaurants Qatar, Almuftah Group, M.H. Alshaya Co. WLL, and Teatime holding significant market shares alongside global franchises. Companies are leveraging:

Strategic partnerships with global brands.
Digital transformation initiatives including mobile ordering and loyalty programs.
Innovative menu offerings that incorporate traditional Qatari flavours with international cuisines.
Qatar Foodservice Market Recent Highlights

February 2024: Tea Time opened its 57th outlet at Hyatt Plaza.
November 2022: LuLu Group launched its 20th hypermarket in Giardino, Pearl Island, featuring fresh bakery, seafood, and meat counters to complement its foodservice offerings.
Conclusion
The Qatar foodservice market is set to reach USD 3.09 billion by 2030, driven by tourism growth, digital integration, and changing consumer lifestyles. While quick service restaurants and full-service restaurants maintain a large market share, the rapid growth of cloud kitchens, premium cafes, and diversified lodging foodservice offerings is reshaping the market landscape. Companies focusing on innovation, digital capabilities, and authentic local dining experiences will be best positioned to capture future market opportunities in this evolving sector.