Qatar is experiencing mounting pressure on its affordable housing market, driven by a 9% surge in its expatriate population over the past year. This influx—fueled by growth in the energy sector, World Cup legacy infrastructure, and new foreign investment—has intensified demand for mid-income housing, especially in municipalities like Al Wakra and Al Rayyan, where rents for one-bedroom apartments have jumped 14% since mid-2024.
While luxury housing remains abundant in Doha and its suburbs, affordable units are becoming increasingly scarce. “Lower-middle-income expatriates, particularly in services and retail, are being priced out of centrally located housing,” said Ali Mansoor, a regional urban economist. Developers continue to focus on high-end residential projects, widening the gap in the mid-market segment.
In response, the Qatari government is revising zoning regulations to encourage mixed-income housing developments. Experts warn that without proactive planning, rising housing costs could destabilize key sectors like hospitality, logistics, and healthcare. As Qatar positions itself as a regional innovation hub, stakeholders agree: inclusive housing is essential to long-term economic resilience and social equity.
