Nationals constitute a minority in Qatar when it comes to smartphone ownership. Again, this is due to the ethnic composition of the country which is constituted of a majority of expats. Generally, Arabs in Qatar (Nationals and Expatriates) are less likely to own a smartphone than Asian and Western expatriates.
Figure 32: Qataris’ Access to Social Media Platforms
With the exception of Facebook, all other social media platforms witnessed an increase in Qataris using them.
WhatsApp is the most used platform in the country which aligns with what most nationals in the region use. Despite the drop in Twitter use in the region, more Qataris have used it since 2021-2022 considering that the platform is primarily used in the region to get and share news. Qataris come second in nationals using Twitter the most after Saudis.
The least used platform used in Qatar is Facebook messenger.
Figure 33: Languages used in Access Different Entertainment Media
Like most nationals in the region, Qataris consume all types of media predominantly in Arabic. More Qataris watch films, use the internet, and consume content from streaming services in English than any other type of media. With the exception of podcasts, almost all nationals access all other forms of media in Arabic, while only 85% consume podcasts in Arabic.
Figure 34: Media Qataris Used to Access Entertainment Content
While the primary medium to access music and films in Qatar is television, Qataris watch tv programs primarily on television. As for games, Qataris play them mostly on phone. In fact, Qataris are the most to play video games on phone in the region. Qatar is the only country in the region where an equal percentage of nationals listen to podcasts online and the phones. Computers remain the lowest medium used to access any form of media among Qataris.
Figure 35: Geographical Regions Qataris Consume Entertainment Media From
Qataris consume media mostly from the Arab world outside their country. The content accessed from US by most Qataris are films and Music. The accessed from their own country by most is content from social media influencers. The accessed from the Arab world outside of Qatar by most Qataris is films.
Figure 36: Qataris’ Concerns Over Digital Privacy
The percentages of Qataris who express any of the mentioned concerns about their digital privacy has increased between 2019 and 2021-2022. In fact, Qataris are the most of all nationals to express any of the mentioned concerns.
Figure 37: Qataris’ Trust in Mass Media
More Qataris have reported a fair or great amount of trust and confidence in the mass media when it comes to reporting the news fully, accurately and fairly in 2021-2022 than in 2019 (59% in 2019 vs. 77% in 2021-2022). They are, in fact, the most in the region to report such levels of trust in the media.
Figure 38: Qataris’ Perception of Media Independence
While most Qataris (42%) have agreed that the media in their country can report the news independently without interference from officials in 2019, not many Qataris perceiving media independence in 2021-2022 (31%). However, the percentages of those doubting media’s independence. In Qatar has increased since 2019 (16% in 2019 vs. 31% in 2021-2022).