2 weeks Ago By Qatar Tribune
Qatar tribune Tribune News Network Doha The Social and Economic Survey Research Institute (SESRI) at Qatar University (QU) organised a workshop to discuss the findings of the 2024 Qatar Values and Consumption Behaviour Survey. The workshop aimed to present key survey findings, offering unprecedented data on household consumption patterns, behavioural values, and the adoption of sustainable consumption practices. The workshop also examined the impact of economic and social factors on consumer decision-making while highlighting SESRI’s crucial role in supporting public policy in Qatar through population surveys and policy research studies.
In his opening remarks, Prof. Aiman Erbad, Vice President for Research and Graduate Studies at QU, emphasised the increasing interest of various stakeholders in consumption practices due to their significant impact on the environment and society. He noted that SESRI’s study sought to understand the behaviour of a segment of the population, particularly white-collar professionals, and to explore awareness mechanisms addressing the risks of unregulated luxury consumption—a trend fueled by economic prosperity and Qatar’s multicultural demographic landscape.
The workshop began with a welcoming address by Prof. Kaltham Al-Ghanim, Director of SESRI, who highlighted the unique features of this study, which investigates the social, cultural, psychological, and economic factors influencing values and consumption behavior. She explained that traditional Household Consumption and Expenditure Surveys (HCES) often overlook fundamental questions about how individuals allocate their financial resources between essential and non-essential expenditures.
During his keynote speech, Hassan Al-Ghanim, Assistant Undersecretary for Consumer Affairs at the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, underscored the importance of promoting a culture of conscious consumption in alignment with Qatar National Vision 2030. He pointed to the rising reliance on online shopping and its impact on consumer behavior, reaffirming the Ministry’s efforts in consumer rights protection through strict regulations, digital transformation, and awareness campaigns aimed at fostering sustainable consumption practices. Key Themes Discussed in the Workshop: • Presentation of Key Survey Findings: Analysis of income and consumption patterns, economic disparities, and social inequalities among different population segments in Qatar.
• Readiness for Sustainable Consumption: Exploration of how social and cultural values intersect with economic behaviors in shaping consumption habits. • Impact of Social Protection Policies: Assessment of how these policies influence economic and financial gaps between Qatari nationals and expatriates. • Economic Optimism: Investigation into residents’ confidence in their financial future and their ability to navigate economic challenges while ensuring financial stability.
The first session presented a detailed analysis of the study’s findings by leading researchers. Prof. Arokiasamy Perianayagam, Lead Researcher at SESRI, provided an overview of the study and its main conclusions.
Dr. Rashid Maimon analyzed disparities in income and consumption, while Noor Khalid Al-Thani addressed sustainable consumption values and practices. Concluding the session, Fahad Al-Boinin examined aspects of economic well-being and financial resilience.
The second session featured an interactive panel discussion on the impact of public policies on consumption behavior and economic sustainability, moderated by Prof. Ahmed Khalifa from the College of Business and Economics at QU. The discussion included notable experts such as Prue Morris, Managing Director of Strategy and Risk at the Qatar Financial Centre Regulatory Authority; Prof.
Ahmed Khalifa and Prof. Hamdi Bennasr from the College of Business and Economics at QU; and Dr. Alanoud Al-Maadid, Head of the Finance and Economics Department at QU.
Findings from the survey highlighted several critical insights. The study revealed that social values continue to exert a strong influence on consumption decisions, as individuals seek to attain social status through spending despite an increasing awareness of sustainable practices. Economic disparities in income and consumption remain significant, underscoring the need for more inclusive social policies.
While there is notable economic optimism among residents, challenges persist in achieving long-term financial sustainability. The survey also emphasised the crucial role of financial institutions in raising awareness about effective budgeting and sustainable consumption strategies. The workshop underscored the importance of integrating sustainability principles into Qatar’s economic and social policies to support the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
It also highlighted the need to develop strategies that encourage households to adopt responsible and balanced consumption habits that contribute to economic well-being and social stability. As the first study of its kind in Qatar, this survey provides valuable, detailed data that can be utilized to formulate evidence-based policies, paving the way for a more sustainable and prosperous economic future. Copy 04/02/2025 10.
