Working in Qatar

Finding a job in Qatar is the primary reason why many expats are attracted to relocate to this country. This oil-rich giant is not just a magnet to foreign assignees but also to some of the largest multinational companies in the world that helped increase the number of job opportunities.

Qatar remains to be the richest country in the world boasting a Gross Domestic Product per capita of USD 129,726. Its successful economy has always been heavily reliant on the petroleum and gas industry which are the two leading job providers in the country. Many first time expats have the notion that the transition in Qatar will not be easy considering that it is a Muslim dominated nation. However, one will be surprised that a majority of its population of nearly 2.3 million people is comprised of foreigners. Expatriates are sure to feel that they are in the right hands when it comes to employment as Qatar's job market continues to flourish not only in the oil and gas industry but every sector including finance.

Prominent Industries

Qatar used to be a HubSpot only for jobs in the petrochemical industry only. However, as time goes by and the prominence it is getting from all over the country, Qatar is already shifting to a better-than-ever economy. In preparation for the 2022 FIFA World Cup, the country is inviting more expat employees to work on their real estate and construction sectors. Some of the companies in these sectors are Ramco Trading and Contracting Co. WLL, Mazaya Qatar Real Estate Development, Qatar Diar and Almuftah Contracting Company.

How to Find a Job

Foreigners eyeing a job in Qatar must focus on finding a job at the gas, construction and real estate industries. However, the norm in Qatar is that expats already secure their job positions in the country prior going there. Making sure that a Qatari working visa is being offered by the company which offers employment is also very important as the country is very strict with it.

Those who went to Qatar without a sure work yet would normally find it difficult to find a company that is willing to host their sponsorship in the country. Local recruitment is also very scarce in the country which is why it is better to look for a job personally and polish resumes in the best way that an expat can.

"Getting the visa was hard. My dad got the Resident Permit within six months. But we, as a family was on Visit Visa for almost 1 and a half year. We had to go to the border which connects KSA with Qatar to have our visit visa re-issued."- Sumaica Asad, Expat in Doha, Qatar

Average Salary

Salaries in this sovereign state are higher compared or quite similar to what is being offered in western countries. One of the best things about working in Qatar is that this country has no personal taxation which means that employees’ net income is bigger. Before, remuneration packages are consist of several elements such as the base salary, medical coverage, education of the employees’ children as well as car and housing allowance. However, employers in Qatar nowadays only offer salaries that would cover those expenses.

Salaries in Qatar are around 11.70% higher than in the United Arab Emirates whereas employees in this state earn an average salary of USD 11,475 per month. Qatar is also the second top paying member of the Gulf Cooperation Council next to Saudi Arabia. The average monthly wage of those working in the private sector is QAR 10,760 or USD 2,955 while employee under the public sector earns around QAR 22,780 or USD 6,255 a month. However, expats should be aware that there is a gap on salaries in Qatar based on one’s gender. Women in this country are earning 15% less than their male counterparts.

Work Hours and Leaves

Working hours in Qatar are from 7:30 am to 12nn or from 3:30 pm until 7 pm from Sundays to Thursdays while the standard work week varies between 40 and 48 hours. Fridays in Qatar are a Muslim rest day where most companies and establishments are closed. Rest days are often split and are either taken on a Thursday or Saturday whereas the latter is the most common choice of international companies.

After one year of continuous employment, expats in Qatar will be eligible for at least three weeks of annual paid leave. Employees are also eligible for paid sick leave which can be availed after three months of service in the company. Sick leaves that don’t exceed two days will be paid in full wage. On top of those, female employees in Qatar are entitled to 50 days of maternity leave after 12 months of employment.