Many Experts see finding a job in Qatar as a golden opportunity. Do it right and you could be in for an exciting international experience and a great salary with no tax. The helpful guide explains everything you need to know.
If you are thinking about finding work in Qatar, there are a few things you should know. This guide explains how to navigate the job hunt in Qatar and what you can expect from the process. It includes the following sections:

Working in Qatar

Finding a job in Qatar requires you to have a basic understanding of the country’s job market and Qatari work culture. Here are a few things you should know before you begin your search.

The job market in Qatar

The current unemployment rate in Qatar is 0.1%. This is because there are many jobs available and anyone looking for work in the country has a good chance of becoming employed. The economy is fast-growing and the country’s GDP was nearly US$9 billion in 2018.
Oil and gas is the largest industry in the country. As such, if you are looking for a job in Qatar, this is the best industry to be in. However, manufacturing is also a large industry, as are finance, insurance, and real estate. Similarly, building and construction are two of the biggest industries for employment in Qatar. This is especially true in the lead-up to the 2022 FIFA World Cup, which will be held there. However, it is expected that this particular industry will experience a slowdown after this landmark event.
Many large multinational companies have offices in Qatar. These include Shell, ExxonMobil, BNP Paribas, HSBC, and Standard Charted. However, there are many large local companies, too. These include Qatar Petroleum, Woqod, Qatar Steel, and Msheired.

Job vacancies in Qatar

Right now, Qatar’s construction industry is booming as the country prepares to host the 2022 World Cup. There are also many projects around Qatar’s 2030 vision deadlines. Because of this, there is a huge demand for laborers in the country.
Hospitality and tourism are also two industries that have huge growth potential. Therefore, if you are trying to find a job in Qatar, these are two great industries to be in. The government is trying to push these as an alternative income source so that the country is not so heavily reliant on oil. As such, it invested $17 billion in 2008 to create new infrastructure projects to support this. Hotels and restaurants are constantly recruiting, so look to these for jobs in Qatar.

Salaries in Qatar

Currently, the minimum wage in Qatar is QAR750/month. However, in late 2019, the government announced that it will shortly adopt new minimum wage laws.
Despite this, salaries are high in the country, which is the primary attraction for expats looking to work there. The average salary in Qatar is around QAR13,000/month. However, these can range hugely. Salaries can be as low as QAR1,200/month or as high as QAR90,000/month.

Work culture in Qatar

Because there are so many ex-pats in Qatar, the work culture brings together diverse styles and attitudes from all over the world. In some ways, this international environment can be very exciting and tolerant. However, Qatar is a Muslim country, therefore you can expect a more conservative working style. Another facet of this is that the work culture is very hierarchical and patriarchal, which is something to be aware of.
There are local idiosyncrasies that you should be aware of, too. For example, personal relationships are the key to business in Qatar. Because of this, you will need to build a rapport with your colleagues and business associates. In addition, while English is the main business language, knowing a little Arabic goes a long way. Something to note is that punctuality is not considered that important in Qatar, and you should expect a relaxed attitude toward timekeeping.