Sustainability is an increasingly important purchase consideration for consumers in Qatar, a new study by PwC has found, with 57% of Qatari shoppers seeking to buy more sustainable products.
In addition, more than two fifths (41%) state that they are making more ‘considered purchases’, while 52% support green policies.
Pay more for sustainable products
Notably, just under two thirds (31%) of Qatari consumers say that they would be willing to pay above average prices (11% to 20% more) for products with lower carbon footprints.
This compares to 21% of consumers in the Middle East region, and 16% globally, PwC noted in its ‘Middle East Voice of the Consumer 2024’ study.
‘Consumer preferences in Qatar also reflect a strong demand for brands that prioritise sustainability, with over 30% of consumers favouring brands that utilise renewable energy, eco-friendly packaging, and waste reduction and recycling, reflecting a growing awareness and appreciation for environmentally friendly practices in the region,’ the professional services firm said.
Sustainability is also influencing dietary choices, it noted, with 70% of consumers seeking information on whether the food products that they purchase are sustainably grown or manufactured.
Green investment
Qatar has recently upped its investment in sustainable practices, committing to the Middle East Green Initiative, as well as setting targets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 25% and plant 10 million trees by 2030.
Around one fifth (21%) of Qatari citizens currently own an electric vehicle, while 40% express a desire for purchasing an electric vehicle over the next three years. In addition, 67% of Qatari consumers would support ‘car-free’ city centres, and 66% would trust more sustainable delivery methods such as drones.
The survey drew insights from 303 respondents aged primarily between 18 and 44, and identified three key consumer profiles in Qatar – tech-savvy, empowered, and environmentally conscious – each of whom have distinct demands.
‘Trust, sustainability, and digital innovation emerge as core themes, with a strong consumer preference for digital tools like mobile payments and virtual reality,’ PwC noted. ‘Key concerns include data privacy, inflation, and health risks, while in-store shopping maintains popularity, underscoring the unique priorities of Qatar’s forward-looking consumer base.’ Read more here.
