Al Furjan Markets in Qatar: Shops, Activities, and Renting

Al Furjan markets are neighborhood shopping centers built on government land in residential areas throughout Qatar. They are managed by Qatar Development Bank (QDB) and are one of the largest projects handled by its Engineering Projects Department.

Along with the Al Azzab markets, the program includes 65 markets and 874 shops. These markets are designed to bring daily services closer to residents and reduce the need to travel to the city center.

For entrepreneurs, these markets offer one of the easiest ways to start a retail business in Qatar. Shops are located in residential areas and have a clear list of allowed businesses. Here’s what you can expect from the markets, what types of shops you can open, and how the allocation process works.

What the markets are for

The project began with several government agencies working together on a simple goal: to provide shops that serve residential areas directly, offer reasonable rents, and cover the goods and services families need every day.

QDB’s current goals include supporting the national commercial sector, encouraging economic growth, and creating a stable economic environment for people living far from downtown. The markets also help reduce traffic in and out of the city center.

The markets have expanded over time. QDB began overseeing them in 2016 with 645 shops, added 70 more in 2019, and another 130 in 2020. There are now 62 Al Furjan markets, along with Al Azzab markets that serve livestock areas.

What you can open in an Al Furjan shop

The official list of allowed businesses is published on QDB’s project page. It covers the main types of shops you would expect to find in any neighborhood.

• Grocery
• Cafeteria and restaurant
• Laundry
• Barber shop
• Bakery
• Ladies salon
• Tailor, ladies
• Tailor, men
• Plumbing and sanitary ware
• Fruits and vegetables shop
• Stationery
• Coffee beans and tea trade
• Pharmacy
• Preparation of pies and pastries
• Household appliances and toys
• Electric, electronic, mobile and accessories
• Flowers and chocolates
• Fish shop
• Photo studio
• Household upholstering
• Sale and repair of bicycles
• Perfumes and accessories
• Butcher shop
• Printing and photocopy services
• Ice cream shop
• Shoes and fabrics
• Selling poultry and its products
• Event preparation shops
• General and home decor stores
• Cabinets and kitchens supply stores
• Doors, windows, and locks shops
• Ceramic, marble, and stone shops
• Specialty coffee shops
• Pet accessories and supplies stores
• Gold and jewelry stores
• Optical shops
• Sporting goods stores, equipment, and clothes
• Traditional food kitchen
• Abaya
• Travel agency
• Selling utensils and household items

How shops are allocated

There are several ways to get a shop. QDB has said that after using up its reserve list for commercial activities, it now accepts direct online applications for vacant shops through the QDB Digital Portal App, as long as you meet the terms and conditions.

The process is managed by Aswaq, the bank’s real estate asset management company. Tenants can choose any allowed activity, as long as it fits the market’s rules on repeating or changing businesses.

Today, the main way to apply is through the digital app. There, you can see which shops are available and what activities are allowed in each one. QDB’s terms at the time of your application will apply.