Qatar has placed logistics at the centre of its economic diversification drive, aiming to become a stronger regional base for e-commerce and distribution, according to a sector executive. In an exclusive interview with Gulf Times, Sheikh Khalifa bin Salman al-Thani, co-founder and CEO of WareOne, stated that Qatar “decided years ago” that logistics would be a pillar of the economy rather than background infrastructure.
“Our own ambition sits inside that — to help Qatar become a stronger regional base for e-commerce and distribution, and to bring foreign brands here to invest and grow into the region from Doha rather than only shipping into it,” he explained.Sheikh Khalifa said foreign corporates may often misjudge Qatar’s logistics environment, assuming that a small market is simple to navigate. He stressed that customers in the country expect high standards and retailers are strict about delivery requirements. “Customers expect a great deal, retailers are strict about how goods arrive, and delivery here needs real local knowledge. Small does not mean simple,” he pointed out.Sheikh Khalifa noted that another misconception is the need to build infrastructure before entering the market. In reality, he emphasised that the business-establishment environment has improved significantly, with government agencies streamlining requirements. “The Ministry of Commerce and Industry and the Qatar Financial Centre have made setting up considerably easier, though the exact requirements depend on the activity. And I encourage any serious company to establish itself here,” Sheikh Khalifa stressed.He also cautioned against treating Qatar as a market served from abroad. He said companies that fail to take the country seriously often struggle, while those that commit are surprised by the results. “Companies that treat Qatar as an afterthought do badly here. Companies that take it seriously are usually surprised by the results,” he noted.On how international corporates can connect to Qatar’s regulations and infrastructure, Sheikh Khalifa explained that local operators provide a single partner to manage compliance, infrastructure, and systems integration. He noted that this reduces barriers to entry and makes expansion an operational decision rather than a major investment. “We give the company one operating partner to manage that complexity, so Qatar behaves like any other part of their network rather than a special case...The result is that coming to Qatar becomes an operating decision rather than a large investment. That changes who is willing to try and how quickly they commit once they see the numbers,” he said.He emphasised Qatar’s advantages compared with other GCC markets, citing high incomes, nationwide same-day delivery, and strong connectivity through Hamad International Airport and the Hamad Port. “Qatar continues to invest in infrastructure, growth and economic diversification, with major projects that will support demand for years to come,” he said.Sheikh Khalifa added that Qatar’s ambition to elevate logistics as a national priority is reshaping the sector and opening opportunities for foreign brands to invest and expand from Doha into the wider region.