Doha Festival City Unveils Groundbreaking Retail Trends Report 2025

Doha Festival City has introduced the Festival Edits: Qatar’s Retail Trends Report 2025, a comprehensive analysis of the evolving landscape in fashion, beauty, and retail within the country. This pioneering study, developed in collaboration with industry experts, cultural institutions, and Ipsos data, offers valuable insights into consumer behavior and market trends, providing a data-driven perspective on the current retail environment.

The report reveals that shopping remains the foremost reason for visits to Doha Festival City, with 46% of visitors citing it as their main motivation. Dining follows closely at 40%, while leisure activities such as cinema, fitness, and events account for 30% of foot traffic. These statistics highlight the mall’s role as a vibrant social and cultural hub.

Among the younger demographic, particularly Gen Z Qatari females, beauty spending priorities are telling. 40% of them focus on makeup, 25% on fragrance, and 20% on skincare products. Fashion trends are equally diverse, with 34% of shoppers gravitating towards streetwear, and 22% favoring a modest-meets-contemporary style. Premium perfumery attracts 32% of consumers, while 28% choose modest fashion.

The report also highlights that 32% of Qatari males prioritize premium fragrances. Notably, 50% of shoppers value ambience, personalization, and events more than convenience when selecting a mall, indicating a shift toward experiential retail.

As the retail landscape evolves, technology plays a crucial role. The report anticipates that investment in artificial intelligence within the retail sector of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) will surge from $5 billion in 2023 to an astounding $31 billion by 2028. This growth reflects a significant commitment from 97% of retailers to enhance their technological capabilities.

The Festival Edits report is based on the findings of the Doha Festival City 2025 Consumer Survey, which garnered 2,010 online responses and 129 on-ground responses. These insights showcase a diverse shopper base and underline the importance of malls as spaces for social interaction and community engagement.

In a statement, Mohamed ElSharkawy, Associate Director of Malls Leasing at Doha Festival City, noted, “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.”

The report was officially launched at an exclusive gathering held at Raffles Doha. The event featured a fireside chat with Hayssam Hajjar, Executive Director of Malls at Al-Futtaim Real Estate, and included a panel discussion with industry leaders such as Joseph Ibrahim from Chalhoub Group, Bianca Brigitte Bonomi from Harper’s Bazaar Qatar, and AlFtoon Al Janahi, content creator and entrepreneur. The focus was on actionable insights and trends for retailers and marketers.

Perspectives from notable figures in Qatar’s fashion and beauty sectors have shaped the report. Voices include Sheikh Khalifa Al-Thani from Intajat, Ahmed Al Meghessib from the Qatar Esports Federation, and representatives from brands like MAC Cosmetics and Harvey Nichols Doha. Their insights address emerging trends such as quiet luxury, clean beauty, genderless design, and sustainable fashion, contextualizing global movements through the lens of Qatar’s rich cultural backdrop.

For those interested in exploring the full report and accessing the latest industry insights, further information is available on the Doha Festival City website, along with updates on Instagram, Facebook, and X.