Qatar Vehicle Market in 2025 is accelerating. Q1 figures rose by 55.2% while EVs gained 646.2%, though the segment’s share on the total is still small. Jetour was the standout performer while Greatwall, though still not a top 10 brand, climbed several spots into 12th.
Economic Environment
Qatar’s economy is projected to grow by 2.4% in 2025, supported by a 3.3% expansion in the non-hydrocarbon sector and modest 0.9% growth in hydrocarbons. This resilience is anchored in continued diversification efforts under the Third National Development Strategy, with strong momentum in tourism, education, manufacturing, and AI-led infrastructure projects. Major events such as the Formula 1 Grand Prix and cruise industry expansion are expected to further boost services and hospitality sectors. Inflation is forecast to remain low at 1.5%, aided by food and fuel subsidies, although potential VAT implementation and global trade uncertainty pose upside risks.
Fiscal and external balances are set to stay in surplus, with the fiscal surplus rising to 1.5% of GDP and the current account surplus narrowing to 13.1% due to softer energy prices and higher import costs. While hydrocarbon revenues declined in 2024, QatarEnergy has secured new long-term LNG contracts, supporting revenue stability ahead of the 2026 production surge. Investment in education and renewable energy is ongoing, with growing attention to smart city development in Lusail and employment stability amid global uncertainties. Risks include delays in reform implementation, oversupply in the real estate sector, and external pressures from volatile energy markets and slowing Chinese demand.
Automotive Industry Trend and Outlook
The Qatari vehicle market grew 55.2% year-over-year in Q1 of 2025, continuing on the trend of steady growth that defined recent years. Gains amounted to 70% in January, 53% in February and 44% in March.
Looking at Q1 figures for 2025 brand-wise, the leader was Toyota, up +45.1% while Jetour climbed 8 spots inot 2nd, growing 482.1% and threatening to take the leader’s spot.
Nissan -down 1 spot- ranked in 3rd place, surging 89.1%, ahead of Kia -down 1 spot- in 4th up +20.1%. MG closed the top 5 gaining 40.6%.
Looking at specific models the Toyota Land Cruiser was still best seller, gaining 34.2% from the previous year. The Jetour J2 climbed 4 spots and overperformed all other Top 10 models, up 422.8%.
EV Market Trend and Outlook
EV brands are competing for market share, with Tesla rising 8 spots to claim the top, overtaking Hyundai which fell to 3rd. Meanwhile, Lexus and Genesis also posted impressive performances.
Medium-Term Market Trend
Following rapid development in the early 2000s, Qatar’s light vehicle market peaked in 2014 with 97,501 units sold. However, the subsequent decline in international oil prices, coupled with restrictive economic policies and the introduction of new taxes, including VAT, led to a significant downturn. Between 2015 and 2019, the market halved, reaching 52,676 units in 2017 and continuing to contract in the following years. The COVID-19 pandemic further impacted sales, which fell to a 15-year low of 39,850 units in 2020.
A swift recovery began in 2021, driven by demand associated with the FIFA World Cup preparations. Growth continued in 2022, with sales reaching 61,069 units, a 34.7% increase. By 2024, the market expanded by 20.4% to 76,314 units, approaching pre-downturn levels, bolstered by sustained economic growth and a steady rise in the population.
Despite this recovery, electric vehicle adoption in Qatar remains limited. Although there was significant growth in 2024, EVs still represent a negligible share of total vehicle sales. This lag is attributed to factors such as high upfront costs, limited charging infrastructure, and consumer concerns about battery performance in extreme temperatures .
Tables with sales figures
In the tables below we report sales for Top 10 Models.