Kuwait – A Brief Overview
The third wealthiest country in the Middle East with a GDP of US$32,000 per capita, Kuwait has the highest internet penetration in the world. Home to a small, but wealthy and tech-savvy population, with over 60% of the population comprising expatriates. Kuwait is not subject to some of the eBusiness legislation prevalent in other Middle Eastern countries, its government takes a more liberal approach to general internet usage.
Key stats:
- As of 2020, Kuwait is 100% urbanized.
- Ecommerce forecast to reach US$1.5 billion by 2025. 97% of Kuwait’s four million inhabitants use credit/debit cards.
- Population of 4 million.
- Kuwait has 2.5 million ecommerce users.
- Online transactions are split: 70% male and 30% female.
- Online buyers in their thirties represent 65% of overall online transactions and make up a little over half the population.
Qatar – A Brief Overview
Qatar is a small market that is heavily urbanized, with a population of 2.8 million. The country has a GDP of US$175 billion in 2021.
Key stats:
- As of 2020, Qatar is 99% urbanized.
- Qatar has one of the highest gross domestic product per capita in the world at US$59,134 expected to reach US$69,951 by 2026.
- 93% internet penetration, expected to reach 94% by 2025.
- 80% of online transactions are still done through cash-on-delivery (COD).
- The median age of the population is 32.3 years old.
- The Riyal is the currency in this country.
- Almost 80% of the population is concentrated in the capital, Doha.