Qatar - Franchising Qatar - Franchising
There are many franchises in Qatar besides fast food or casual dining. Franchises such as fitness centers, car rentals, and computer learning centers, apparel shops, real estate brokerage, and language learning centers exist. The potential of growth in non-food franchises is significant. Some Qatari entities have a strong interest in investing in this business, given the ease of readymade business plans offered by franchises.
- One of the keys to success in franchise operations in Qatar is to use a local franchisee versus a regional master franchisee expanding to Qatar. Qataris are sensitive to businesses owned or operated in Qatar by neighboring countries’ companies or nationals.
- U.S. fast food and casual dining restaurants are popular in Qatar, particularly with the younger generation.
- Many major U.S. fast food franchises are already established in Qatar, with new ones opening regularly.
- High per capita income, a rather young population, a high number of unaccompanied expatriate workers, and the lack of alternative entertainment venues encourage out-of-home dining.
There is no specific franchising legislation enacted in Qatar. Franchise structuring options and any actual franchise operations are dictated by, and need to comply with, a loose collection of laws and regulations which structure general issues of commercial law and trade, commercial relationships, foreign investment, shareholder rights, and obligations.
Prepared by our U.S. Embassies abroad. With its network of 108 offices across the United States and in more than 75 countries, the U.S. Commercial Service of the U.S. Department of Commerce utilizes its global presence and international marketing expertise to help U.S. companies sell their products and services worldwide. Locate the U.S. Commercial Service trade specialist in the U.S. nearest you by visiting http://export.gov/usoffices.