Local businesses across Qatar are demonstrating resilience as they continue operating amid ongoing regional tensions, although many report reduced customer traffic and are relying on cautious strategies to sustain operations.
A number of locally owned and operated establishments have remained open since the start of the situation, though in some cases operating at limited capacity. Many companies have also maintained flexible work arrangements, with a significant number of employees continuing to work remotely.
For food and beverage outlets, including eateries and coffee shops, this shift has translated into a greater reliance on walk-in customers in the evening and on online orders during the day, particularly as Ramadan shapes consumer habits.
Terry, an employee at a local coffee-and-dates chain with branches abroad, said the business has seen a noticeable decline in customers since tensions escalated.
“We’ve seen a significant decrease in customers since the start of the tension, but many of our shops at various locations have remained open,” he said, noting that online orders have driven daytime activity. Physical visits tend to increase after sunset when people break their fast. To Page 4
Despite the initial slowdown, he observed that weekends have begun to draw larger crowds again, indicating that residents may be gradually adjusting to the situation.
Weekends have seen a huge footfall in most of our branches. It’s business as usual, especially on Fridays, and people seem to have got used to the situation,” he said.
He also lauded the government’s efforts to ensure public safety and provide timely information to residents.
“We appreciate the authorities’ efforts to keep people safe and informed through alerts and safety guidelines that notify all of us about the security threat level,” he added.
Iqbal, a staff member at a tea and eatery shop along Airport Road, shared a similar experience, saying regular patrons have helped sustain the business despite the current environment.
According to him, online orders have been the primary source of sales during daytime hours, while customers who visit at night tend to do so carefully and in compliance with precautionary measures issued by authorities.
“We thank the authorities for keeping all of us safe and allowing us to live a normal life despite the tension,” he said. “I hope it ends soon because, at some point, if this continues, I think it will affect our sales, and we may need to start streamlining.”
It is learnt that businesses outside the food sector have also reported similar patterns.
Christine, an employee at a company that supplies household items and packaging materials, acknowledged that sales have dropped in the past week due to the situation. However, the company has continued receiving steady orders from partner businesses.
“Sales are low, but we remain open to supply the items needed by our partner companies,” he said, expressing optimism that regular customers will gradually return.
To cope with the slowdown, the company has been trying to control operational costs while maintaining its workforce.
“We try to lessen or cut our expenses, but we also try to retain our current number of employees as much as we can, hoping that the situation gets better,” he added.
In contrast, some sectors are seeing increased activity. A mechanic at a local car and vehicle garage in Doha said the shop has seen a surge in customers seeking repairs and maintenance in recent days.
He believes the rise in demand reflects public confidence in the government’s efforts to maintain security and stability during the tense period.
“The increase in customers shows that people have confidence in the government’s efforts to keep all of us safe and secure,” he said.
According to him, this demand and enthusiasm suggest that businesses can continue operating and even grow despite the challenges posed by the current regional climate.