Qatar’s economy is a unique one! Understanding the job market in Qatar can sometimes be challenging, but we are here to help you know what jobs are in demand in Qatar.
A small, wealthy nation with a population that is less than three million, the labor force of over two million people comprise 95%, migrant workers.
About one million workers are employed as construction workers, while another 100,000 are employed as domestic help.
Qatar’s economy is one of the best in the region and even worldwide. Their capital Doha is home to impressive skyscrapers, a magnificent skyline, and signs of wealth and development everywhere.
Their technological advancement and affluent economy make them a hot favorite for migrant workers looking at future opportunities out of their own countries.
Migrant workers are primarily governed by the Kafala, or sponsorship system used in the Gulf member states and neighboring countries.
This system requires all unskilled laborers or domestic workers to have a Qatar-based sponsor, usually the employer, that takes responsibility for all visa and legal statuses.
The Kafala system has been criticized in recent years for granting employers too much power over their migrant workers, leaving some vulnerable to exploitation and excessive control.
This led Qatar to implement several changes to their labor laws, including:
- New regulations in 2016 are making it easier for migrant workers to change jobs and leave the country.
- Abolishing the exit visa requirement in 2020, making it possible for migrants to leave Qatar without employer permission.
- Increasing the monthly minimum wage from 750 Riyals to 1,000 Riyals (US$275), with a minimum wage committee formed as enforcement.
- The No Objection Certificate was removed so employees can now change jobs without approval from the employer.
With an unemployment rate of 0.1% and a GDP of $9 billion in 2018, Qatar is poised to continue its dominant position as the leading economy in the region.
Table of Contents
Jobs In Demand In Qatar
Jobs in Demand: Construction
Construction in Qatar is playing a significant role in the country’s economic development and growth.
There are approximately a million migrant construction workers in Qatar, which has a population of less than three million.
As we approach World Cup 2022, Qatari cities are undergoing a significant facelift and change.
Jobs in construction are abundant as Qatar prepares for an onslaught of visitors and seeks to build quality sports facilities.
Qatar is investing heavily in infrastructure, which has made it world-class. This shows in its magnificent skyline in central Doha, filled with skyscrapers, luxury hotels, and top-quality residential projects.
While Qataris are rarely found in the construction sectors, most of the labor force comes from migrant workers.
Expatriates are still relied on, however, with the need to match them to the needs of specific sectors of the economy.
Investing in the construction sector has allowed it to become one of the most prominent job creators in the country.
Other sectors, notably real estate, hotels, wholesale and retail trade, and manufacturing, have all contributed to the number of new jobs.
The wholesale and retail trade sectors employ 12.6% of the workforce, and real estate, hotels, and other accommodation absorb 8.8% of the workforce.
A large part of the workforce is employed in the service sector of the economy. A small fraction is engaged in manufacturing. The average salary per month for a construction worker is around QAR 10,000 – 17,000.
Demand Jobs in Qatar: Media and PR
Press relations is the image that the public has of your company.
Press relations professionals use a lot of different mediums and media to inform and promote their clients by using press releases, newsletters, speaking engagements, and anything else that gets them in front of the public.
Marketing is a common need for all companies, not just those in Qatar.
It can help promote and sell the businesses’ products and services through advertising and research.
Marketing and Press Relations jobs in Qatar consist of a variety of professions.
Marketing and Communications Managers create marketing plans, coordinate marketing efforts, and provide customer service to improve the customer lifecycle.
The Press Relations team liaises with stakeholders such as investors, members of the media, customers, and top-level executives to promote a product or service to generate buzz about an event or company.
The average salary in the Marketing or PR sectors is approximately QAR 27,164 – QAR 36,547.
High demand Jobs: Domestic workers
Wealthy countries often employ a massive number of domestic workers to help citizens with everyday chores.
The demand for domestic workers in Qatar has been on the rise in recent years.
There has been a trend of migration to the Gulf countries, especially those who need domestic workers. Qatar is one such country where the demand for domestic workers is high.
In Qatar, a worker is able to keep the entirety of their monthly salary, which is excellent!
The minimum wage for domestic helpers in this country is QAR 1,460. And depending on individual situations, the employers will also pay for that person’s expenses.
So with all things considered, the salary of domestic helpers vastly exceeds the national average for local workers in other gulf countries.
Many Qatari employers are known to give their helpers a raise after their first year of service.
The demand for domestic workers in the Gulf countries is increasing due to the increasing population and because there are fewer chances of finding a job in these countries.
Parties hiring these workers have been found to be happy with their work as they are low-maintenance employees who do not cause any trouble at work.
Demand Jobs in Qatar: Engineering
Innovation will always come from scientists and engineers, who provide the minds to put the knowledge together and use analytical skills to take advantage of opportunities.
Engineers need to come up with and test new ideas and machines that can make work more efficient.
Engineers create different things, including building materials, gadgets, or structures.
For example, a civil engineer might be involved in crafting roads or bridges. Alternatively, an architectural engineer may work to ensure everything looks aesthetically pleasing while performing other engineering tasks.
Finally, mechanical engineers are responsible for creating products that will run efficiently and last for a long time without needing any repairs.
Qatar offers many opportunities for you to find a job. Not only will it be the chance to learn about a new culture, but also they need more native English speakers in their growing economy!
Jobs in Qatar: Tourism
Qatar is well on the way to being a prime tourist destination in the region.
It has many tourist attractions and luxury hotels that are in high demand. It should come as no surprise that there is great demand for hospitality and other tourism-related jobs here.
The hospitality industry is a fast-growing and demanding career. HSI provides a range of services in order to meet the needs of our clients around the world.
They are constantly brainstorming new ideas that will provide another luxury hotel or five-star resort.
Qatar’s hospitality and tourism jobs are incredibly varied, including positions such as tour guide, caterer, and teacher in the hospitality sector.
Doha Hotels announced that they are going to employ close to 1,500 people to serve their guests this year. This is a record number from any hotel in Qatar.
High Demand Jobs: Medical, Healthcare, and Nursing
The health crisis we’re in has put a spotlight on the importance of doctors and nurses. It’s really inspiring to see how they work so hard to give us treatment and help us get better.
Governments worldwide are realizing how important it is to invest heavily in healthcare.
Not only does the economy rely on healthy citizens, but also they would otherwise have to spend much of their workforce on dealing with the pandemic.
Qatar’s world-class healthcare system has many opportunities.
Nurses and specialists are in high demand, providing top-notch healthcare that’s one of the best in the region.
Demanded Jobs in Qatar: Maintenance and repair
Maintenance and repair professionals work to keep the facilities, equipment, and structures safe for everyday use.
Simple tasks may include checking that pipes or heating systems are still in working order and making sure that electrical systems are secure.
Once in a while, there might be emergencies in the facilities, making maintenance professionals crucial in solving problems and keeping the economy running.
Final Thoughts
There is a multitude of reasons to work in the affluent economy of Qatar.
Qatar has the best climate and scenery offered by the Arabian Gulf, and the Qatar economy is the best not only in the region but in the entire world.
In addition to being culturally diverse and open-minded, the local Qataris are welcoming and provide a plethora of opportunities for career advancement.
Not only is Qatar tax-free, but working in Qatar also means getting an opportunity to be involved in mega construction products that will be an excellent addition to the portfolio and resume.
Wherever you go in Doha, the formidable skyline boasts of wealth and development with hotels, skyscrapers, and shopping malls.
It will be interesting to see what happens in the coming years, especially after the World Cup 2022.
If the Asian Games in 2006 was anything to go by, World Cup 2022 would be a sight to behold for sure!
3 comments
Credible
I’m designer for wood work and I speak 4 languages
Thanks so much for information