Middle East Ecommerce Insights: A Closer Look at Kuwait and Qatar

Middle East Ecommerce

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.