Retail
Recent years have been tough going for the global retail sector, and the Gulf region is no exception to this trend. As unemployment has risen, bank credit has dried up and consumer confidence has withered. In Qatar, however, things look somewhat brighter. Although growth in the sector has slowed, the state has recently seen expansion of both retail brands and shopping outlets. In addition to the food, hypermarket and general trading sectors seeing growth, several large international brands such as Ikea, Marks & Spencer and Intersport are entering the market. Overall, retail space expanded by 18.4% to 509,000 sq metres in 2010 and is expected to grow by 34.4% in 2012, an indication of robust demand.
This chapter includes an interview with Bader Abdullah Al Darwish, Chairman and Managing Director, Darwish Holding.
